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 KRG Exploits Visit of Assyrians in PR Blitz Amid Land Grabs, Discrimination Accusations Four Assyrian-Americans from the Assyrians for Justice organization toured northern Iraq for several days in September. Led by Sam Darmo, a Phoenix real estate agent and co-founder of Assyrians for Trump, the group met with an impressive list of high-ranking officials from the Barzani-led KRG. The delegation was received by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, President Nechirvan Barzani, and former leader Masoud Barzani. They were also invited to a "special dinner" hosted by Bayan Rahman, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister, with Foreign Minister Safeen Dizayee and other KRG officials in attendance. The visit followed an event in the U.S. Congress on July 21, sponsored by Republican Congressman Abraham Hamadeh of Arizona, to honor Assyrian martyrs. That event was attended by Bayan Rahman and Safeen Dizayee and widely covered by Kurdish media. Afterward, Darmo and his associates visited the KRG office in Washington, issuing a press release thanking Kurdish officials for their "commitment to open dialogue." Exploiting the visit for political ends Darmo's visit to Northern Iraq was quickly turned into a public relations blitz by the KRG, which is seeking continued U.S. backing and support. During the tour, the Assyrian-Americans were brought on several Kurdish media outlets controlled by the Barzani family. Coverage consistently framed the visit as proof of KRG's support for Assyrians. Headlines included: "Assyrian Advocate Hails KRG Region's Role in Safeguarding Assyrians' Rights", "President Barzani Reiterates Erbil's Pledge to Safeguarding Ethnic, Religious Communities" (Rudaw English), "US Assyrian Delegation Commends KRG Coexistence" (Bas News), followed by another article by the same outlet declaring, "KRG Emerging as a Safe Haven for Assyrians: US Delegation." Research by The Post shows the Kurdish outlets published near-identical stories multiple times in a matter of days with slightly altered headlines and content -- a common SEO tactic known as duplicate content farming to maximize exposure. Meanwhile, the KRG's Washington office circulated links to these articles to several U.S. congressional offices and other contacts, The Post has learned. A long list of atrocities and systemic discrimination While the KRG promotes itself as a champion of peaceful coexistence, especially to Western audiences, Assyrian grievances remain deep. Beyond attempts to distort Assyrian history and identity, independent Assyrian and international organizations have documented decades of systemic discrimination, attacks, and land seizures against Assyrians since the KRG's creation in 1992. The undermining of Assyrians has also been carried out in areas outside Kurdish control as the KRG is seeking to annex the Nineveh Plain -- an Assyrian region with no Kurdish demographic presence -- through a mix of coercion and incentives, as documented by Human Rights Watch. One meeting granted, another denied Darmo, who gathers only a handful of American-Assyrians, was warmly welcomed by all three top Barzani leaders. Meanwhile, the head of the biggest Assyrian political party in the KRG, the Assyrian Democratic Movement, recently revealed in an open letter that Masoud Barzani has repeatedly ignored requests to meet and discuss ongoing land occupations and other unresolved issues affecting Assyrians. On social media, Darmo faced backlash from Assyrians who accused him of naivety and providing the KRG with propaganda material. One user commented on ANB Sat's Facebook page: "Alright then, ask the unemployed Assyrians, the villagers surrounded by checkpoints, and the landowners and farmers whose properties have been seized. Look at the objections that have been pending for years without resolution, and compare the services in Assyrian areas with those in Kurdish areas. Then you'll get the correct answer. The truth must always be told." Despite Darmos formal praise for the KRG, he was careful to dodge questions that could upset his hosts. When asked about the "historical bond" between Kurds and Assyrians in one interview, Darmo simply replied,"Exactly..," without addressing that this "bond" has been marked by repeated Kurdish atrocities against Assyrians. Historians studying the 1915 Assyrian genocide conclude that Kurds were not only eager participants but also key drivers. Kurds likewise played major roles in the Simele Massacre and many other assaults on Assyrians. The broader context President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his reluctance to entangle the U.S. in foreign conflicts and makes no secret of his broadly unfavorable views of the Muslim world. The KRG, as a Muslim-majority entity reliant on U.S. backing, has long sought to maintain strong influence in Washington. Its survival ultimately is dependent on continued American backing and strengthening its image as a protector of "Christians" has always been high on its agenda for this reason. Many Assyrians believe that by rolling out the red carpet for a few Assyrian individuals representing only themselves, Kurdish leaders secured valuable PR: projecting the KRG anew as a protector of Christians and producing a stream of media headlines to circulate abroad by simply flattering Darmo with high-level access. An Assyrian political analyst in Nohadra, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, told The Post: "There's no doubt Sam Darmo wants to do something good for Assyrians here, but if the KRG had sincere intentions, there would be no need for anyone to come from the U.S. Instead, he has made himself the latest example of Assyrian political naivety. He has given the Kurds exactly what they want in exchange for absolutely nothing." It is unclear if the delegation also met with Wendy Green, the new U.S. Consul General in Erbil. Dr. Adelola Ashaye's innovative Direct Primary Care practice celebrates five years of patient-focused, accessible healthcare in Sugar Land, highlighting why more patients are considering Direct Primary Care for their future healthcare needs. SUGAR LAND, Texas, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- InTouch Primary Care, founded by double board-certified Family and Lifestyle Medicine physician Dr. Adelola Ashaye, recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary with a vibrant community appreciation event on September 18th at the practice's Sugar Land location. The milestone gathering brought together patients, families, and community members to reflect on five years of delivering personalized, transparent, and relationship-based healthcare through the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. Dr. Adelola Ashaye The event featured wellness activities, light bites, complimentary massage services, raffles, and opportunities to connect with the InTouch Primary Care team. Attendees also learned about the growing advantages of Direct Primary Care, especially as many in the community begin planning their healthcare coverage and physician selections for 2026. "Celebrating five years with our patients and neighbors was both humbling and inspiring," said Dr. Ashaye. "The support we've received affirms that patients want a better way to access healthcare one that prioritizes time with their physician, transparent pricing, and a true focus on prevention and wellness. That is exactly what Direct Primary Care delivers." Unlike traditional insurance-based models, Direct Primary Care operates on a straightforward predictable membership. Patients enjoy unlimited visits, direct communication with their physician via phone, text, or email, and significantly reduced costs for labs, medications, and procedures. By removing insurance intermediaries, the DPC model allows for longer appointments, same-day or next-day access, and more collaborative care. This approach saves patients money while improving outcomes, making it an attractive option for individuals, families, and small businesses alike. Over the past five years, InTouch Primary Care has grown steadily by providing comprehensive care that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms. The practice emphasizes prevention, lifestyle medicine, treats both sudden and long-term health concerns, and offers specialized hormone replacement therapy and menopause care. Patients appreciate the accessibility and personalized attention, which reflect Dr. Ashaye's vision for transforming healthcare delivery. "Direct Primary Care allows us to practice medicine the way it was always meant to be practiced," added Dr. Ashaye. "Our five-year milestone is just the beginning and we're excited to help more families discover the freedom and peace of mind that comes with this model, especially as they look ahead to 2026." More About InTouch Primary Care InTouch Primary Care is a Direct Primary Care practice founded by Dr. Adelola Ashaye in 2020, dedicated to delivering personalized, transparent, and comprehensive healthcare services to individuals, families, and small businesses in the Greater Houston area. Dr. Ashaye is double board-certified in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with specialized training in menopause care and hormone replacement therapy. The practice empowers patients to take control of their health in a supportive environment by eliminating insurance barriers and offering direct access to their physician, longer appointment times, and transparent pricing. Media Contact Alma Sacay InTouch Primary Care (713) 280-9985 https://www.intouchprimarycare.com SOURCE InTouch Primary Care Since opening in 2015, the 5-star property has set new benchmarks for elegance and service. As the only Vietnamese member of 'The Leading Hotels of the World' a consortium of over 400 independent luxury hotels worldwide The Reverie Saigon has become a premier destination for travellers seeking a singular luxury experience in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. With its meticulous attention to detail, heartfelt service, and dazzling Italian interior design, the hotel has garnered widespread recognition from partners, guests, and media both domestically and internationally. Adding to our acclaim, The Reverie Saigon has also been honoured with numerous prestigious awards in high-end hospitality, travel, and lavish interior design, serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to curating experiences that transcend all expectations. Perfectly positioned at grand facades of two of the city's most distinguished thoroughfares, Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue, The Reverie Saigon offers a supreme sense of elevated living with all rooms and suites occupying the uppermost floors, from levels 27 through 39. This exceptional vantage point is an integral part of the luxurious experience, allowing guests to admire the splendid beauty of Ho Chi Minh City, from the serene river to the bustling urban landscape, while also savouring private, front-row views of spectacular fireworks displays during festive occasions. Proudly a sanctuary for one-of-a-kind masterpieces crafted exclusively for the hotel, The Reverie Saigon is reminiscent of an exquisite gallery - where perfection and artistry live in every detail. Each piece is the result of a sublime fusion of Italian craftsmanship and creative brilliance. At the heart of this collection is the monumental five-metre sofa from Colombostile's 'Esmeralda' collection, envisioned by Giovanni Malerba di Busca. This masterpiece is crafted from precious wood, gilded in 24-karat gold leaf, and upholstered in rare purple ostrich leather, with a magnificent amethyst gemstone inset on the back. Elevating the splendour further is a three-metre-tall Baldi timepiece, weighing a remarkable one tonne and intricately sculpted from emerald-green Malachite stone. The collection also includes a magnificent Bechstein 1895 grand piano, transformed by Baldi with lavish Malachite inlays and finely detailed 24-karat gold plating a masterpiece as magnificent in sound as in form. The collection is further distinguished by interior designs from acclaimed architect Philippe Starck, and exclusive pieces crafted with the finest leather from the House of Louis Vuitton by Cassina. Redefining the standards of luxury, The Reverie Saigon affirms its class from its standard guestrooms, where every guest enjoys a lavish space and amenities rivalling those of suites at many other leading hotels. For a truly bespoke journey, the hotel also presents its Designer Suites, each an exclusive showcase designed and furnished by a single, celebrated brand, including Giorgetti, Visionnaire, and Provasi, transforming every room into a masterpiece of quintessential Italian art. Artisanal works of art crafted from Swarovski crystal, mother-of-pearl and mosaic stone are hand-inlaid throughout the hotel, adding a layer of elegance to every corner. These exceptional creations affirm that The Reverie Saigon is far more than a luxurious destination, it is a curated gallery where guests may admire and experience refined artistry and sophistication. Beyond world-class accommodation, The Reverie Saigon also offers a diverse and refined culinary experience to make every guests stay more complete. Right inside the hotel, guests are invited to embark on a journey to discover the finest flavours of the world through the restaurants, each with a distinctive architectural style and culinary essence. From the elegant imperial charm of Long Trieu the hotel's two-time Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant celebrating the art of Cantonese cuisine, to the lively ambience of The Long @ Times Square, where Italian flair meets inventive cocktails, and the chic sophistication of Cafe Cardinal, serving international fare in a French colonial setting. More than just a hotel, The Reverie Saigon is a destination to explore and experience the cultural and culinary treasures of the world. An indulgence here more than just a retreat; it's a full awakening of all five senses. From the tactile luxury of high-end materials, the auditory pleasure of perfect acoustics and the gastronomic delight of exceptional cuisine, to the aromatic notes of fine fragrance, every sense is meticulously catered to. This creates a truly personalised and complete experience, exclusively for you. The 10-year journey of The Reverie Saigon stands as a testament to a luxurious, high-class lifestyle. Its value is reflected in bespoke interiors, extraordinary products, and the refined experiences and services curated in partnership with leading names across diverse fields. The delegation also included Ambassador Le Vu Thai Hoang, Ambassador of Vietnam to Austria, and head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the IAEA and international organisations, as well as representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Austria, and leaders and officials from units under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST). Vietnamese delegation at the 69th Session of the IAEA General Conference. Photo: MST The session was held at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) with the participation of over 2,000 senior officials and representatives from 179 IAEA member states. The event aimed to share and exchange information related to the development of science and technology, the promotion of nuclear applications, nuclear safety and security, and enhancing the effectiveness of nuclear inspections. At the opening ceremony on September 15, IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasised that this session was taking place at a highly challenging time. Terrorist actions, numerous military conflicts, and the erosion of nuclear norms are rising amid a growing gap between poverty and prosperity. The IAEA is on a mission to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation while promoting nuclear science to address issues of poverty, energy, and healthcare. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Le Vu Thai Hoang praised the IAEA's efforts and achievements in promoting nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The ambassador announced that in November 2024, the National Assembly of Vietnam approved the continuation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project. This is a landmark decision with profound national significance, aimed at ensuring long-term energy security, promoting the development of high-level human resources, and enhancing the country's scientific and technological capabilities. Le Vu Thai Hoang, Ambassador of Vietnam to Austria. Photo: MST The ambassador declared Vietnam's commitment to applying nuclear technology for sustainable development and addressing global challenges through IAEA initiatives such as the ZODIAC project (controlling zoonotic diseases), NUTEC Plastic (monitoring and reducing ocean microplastics), Atoms4Food (enhancing food production and safety), and Rays of Hope (cancer control and reduction). The IAEA's support for Vietnam in nuclear security is highly significant through the implementation of the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) for the 2024-2027 period. This includes support for Vietnam in ensuring nuclear security at major public events such as the recent 80th National Day of Vietnam (September 2). Vietnam appreciated the IAEA's support through technical cooperation projects to promote the safe reactor development programme and looks forward to closer cooperation with the IAEA in consulting, developing human resources, and other areas to ensure the success of the project. As part of the event, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh met with Karine Herviou, IAEA deputy director general and head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. He expressed gratitude to the IAEA in general and to Herviou for their active support to Vietnam in enhancing the nation's technical capacity to promote the safe and secure application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Through the Country Programme Framework (CPF), the IAEA has actively supported Vietnam through technical cooperation projects for the construction of a new research reactor and the promotion of nuclear energy applications in healthcare, agriculture, industry, environmental protection, water resource management, climate change response, and ensuring safety and security. Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh emphasised that Vietnam is currently gearing up preparations for the nuclear power project, including completing the legal framework, developing human resource development plans, and communications. In this process, Vietnam is eager for the IAEA's support in enhancing the capacity of the national radiation and nuclear safety authority in assessing nuclear safety throughout the entire lifecycle of the nuclear power plant. He also noted that the MST is actively implementing the Nuclear Science and Technology located Research Centre, with a 10MW research reactor in Dong Nai province. This is an important project expected to boost the development of the nuclear energy sector and radiation applications in Vietnam for many years to come. Vietnam hopes for the IAEA's cooperation in supporting the assessment of the basic design of the reactor and safety analysis reports related to the site and consideration study of the project. Additionally, small modular reactor (SMR) technology has been identified by Vietnam as a national strategic technology. Vietnam proposed the IAEA to share and support Vietnam in building legal and regulatory frameworks to manage the safety and security of this very new SMR technology. Herviou said that the IAEA is ready to support Vietnam in developing and applying nuclear energy, ensuring safety and security, especially for the key tasks that Vietnam is implementing. She also assigned relevant IAEA units to work directly with Vietnam to implement the planned tasks. On September 16, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh testified the signing of an MoU between the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) and the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS). Representatives of WINS and VARANS signed the MoU. Photo: MST At the signing ceremony, Nguyen Hoang Linh, director general of VARANS, stated that this MoU reflects the shared commitment of both parties to enhance nuclear security, build capacity, and promote international cooperation in this field. In recent years, VARANS staff and several related Vietnamese agencies have participated in nuclear security capacity-building activities organized by WINS for Southeast Asian countries. In the future, VARANS hopes to continue collaborating with and receiving support from WINS to enhance the safety and security of nuclear and radioactive materials in Vietnam. Lars van Dassen, executive director of WINS, expressed his readiness to cooperate with VARANS in organising activities within the framework of the MoU, contributing to strengthening regional and global nuclear security. During the working session, the Vietnamese delegation also participated in other activities and meetings, including an event organised by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to celebrate its 20th anniversary. VARANS and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) also organised bilateral and multilateral meetings to enhance connections and exchange cooperation directions. Vietnam highlights right to use nuclear energy, outer space for peaceful purposes Minister Counselor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has emphasized the need to support all the three pillars of the nuclear issue, namely disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The focus of the visit will be a meeting between Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) and Tang. The two sides will discuss global trends in intellectual property (IP) and innovation, the major orientations of the MST on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, as well as discuss a number of proposals to enhance IP and innovation in Vietnam. The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam and WIPO will sign an MoU on cooperation in IP, from building policies and laws to training human resources, supporting businesses, and improving capacity. Director general of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Daren Tang During the visit, the WIPO leader will attend the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 introduction workshop. The event will provide the latest information on the GII 2025 report and Vietnam's results, methodological adjustments, the significance of the index, innovation trends, and Vietnam's innovation prospects. At the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Tang will interact and discuss creating an IP ecosystem to promote innovation for the young generation in Vietnam. The leaders of WIPO and the MST will also witness the launch ceremony of the Intellectual Property and Innovation Cooperation Alliance. In addition, within the framework of the visit, the WIPO leader will have a meeting with government leaders; work with Viettel Group, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote bilateral cooperation on IP. Vietnam joined WIPO in 1976. A decade later, the visit of WIPO director general Arpad Bogsch (1986) opened a period of comprehensive cooperation. Since then, many generations of WIPO leaders have visited Vietnam, including Francis Gurry (2010, 2017) and the upcoming visit of Daren Tang. Conforming to treaty via Law on IP In the last few years, Vietnam has signed a certain number of international trade agreements which require Vietnam to accede to or approve the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) within a prescribed time period. Partner Nguyen Thi Hong Anh and junior associate Vu Hoang Ha Thu of Indochine Counsel take a look at amendments and supplements made in the Law on Intellectual Property in June. Vietnam attends WIPO's Copyright Committee 44th session Deputy head of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Department of Copyright Office of Vietnam Pham Thi Kim Oanh is attending the 44th session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR/44) that opened in Geneva on November 6. 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 SAN DIEGO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) common stock in or traceable to KinderCare's October 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"), have until Monday, October 13, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit. Captioned Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424 (D. Or.), the KinderCare class action lawsuit charges KinderCare as well as certain of KinderCare's executives and directors, KinderCare's controlling shareholder, and the underwriters of the IPO with violations of the Securities Act of 1933. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-kindercare-learning-companies-inc-class-action-lawsuit-klc.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected]. CASE ALLEGATIONS: KinderCare provides early education and child care services in the United States. In the IPO, KinderCare sold over 27 million shares of common stock to investors at $24 per share, raising $648 million in gross offering proceeds. The KinderCare class action lawsuit alleges that the registration statement for the IPO was false and/or misleading and/or failed to disclose that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) KinderCare did not provide the "highest quality care possible" at its facilities, and, indeed, in numerous instances had failed to provide even basic care, meet minimum standards in the child care industry, or comply with the laws and regulations governing the care of children; and (iii) as a result, KinderCare was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss. Since the IPO, the price of KinderCare stock fell to lows near $9 per share. The plaintiff is represented by Robbins Geller, which has extensive experience in prosecuting investor class actions including actions involving financial fraud. You can view a copy of the complaint by clicking here. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased KinderCare common stock in or traceable to the IPO to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the KinderCare class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the KinderCare class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the KinderCare class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the KinderCare class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 [email protected] SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP MNA bills would help preserve access to essential healthcare in response to more than 40 closures of hospitals and hospital services since 2009 despite the DPH deeming them necessary to protect community health BOSTON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The ongoing crisis of hospital corporations closing emergency departments, maternity units, behavioral health programs, and other essential health services will come under scrutiny during a State House hearing on Monday, September 29 at 9 a.m. Nurses, healthcare professionals, advocates, and experts will testify in support of two bills that would strengthen the Commonwealth's ability to protect access to healthcare services and keep hospital services open if the DPH deems them necessary. MNA Hospital Closure Map. MNA Hospital Maternity Closure Map. Since 2009, more than 40 hospitals or units have closed in Massachusetts. In nearly every case, the Department of Public Health (DPH) determined the services were essential to preserving access and health status in the community, and yet the closures went forward. Nurses and healthcare professionals have long said this process demonstrates the weakness of the state's current law when it comes to preserving access to necessary care. This became particularly clear during the Steward crisis when eight hospitals were threatened with closure, and the state said it was powerless to keep them open. Two of these hospitals were closed and the state has no process for when this happens again. "Massachusetts law has failed patients for too long by allowing corporations to close essential healthcare services even though public health officials deem them necessary," said MNA President and practicing ICU nurse Katie Murphy. "Access to essential services has declined across the Commonwealth because our healthcare system follows a corporate, profit-driven model and our state has limited powers to ensure patients can receive necessary care." "Our healthcare system and laws must reflect the needs of our communities," Murphy said. "We urge lawmakers to ensure that parents and babies, people suffering from mental health or substance use issues, and all our vulnerable residents are able to access the care they need." Legislative Hearing Details What: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing hearing on An Act Assessing Health Care Access (H.2469/S.1503), sponsored by Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Michael Kushmerek and Representative Christine Barber and An Act Preserving Access to Hospital Services (H.2534/S. 1574), sponsored by Senator Paul Mark and Representative Margaret Scarsdale When: Monday, September 29, 9 a.m. Where: Massachusetts State House, Boston Hearing Room A2 (see legislature website for remote watching details: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5390) Who: Nurses and healthcare professionals, advocates, and experts testifying on the urgent need to preserve essential services. Expert Testimony Alan Sager, Ph.D., Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Boston University School of Public Health, will testify during the hearing on Monday. Dr. Sager has studied hospital closings for more than five decades. "Today, when a hospital seeks to close essential services or to close entirely the process of notice, DPH hearings, and DPH findings is essentially meaningless," Sager says in his written testimony. "I saw this first-hand as a trustee of the former Waltham Hospital, where DPH determined all services were essential. But we still closed. This legislation will take a useful step toward ensuring that Massachusetts residents have real access to needed care." Strengthening Hospital Closure Law An Act Assessing Health Care Access would: Extend the official notice period before any proposed closure or discontinuation of essential services. Require hospitals to notify and allow for comment from affected municipalities. Authorize the Attorney General to seek an injunction to maintain essential services during the notice period. Prohibit hospitals from expanding or obtaining new licenses for three years if they discontinue essential services without approval. Bar closures of beds, units, or facilities during any declared health care state of emergency. An Act Preserving Access to Hospital Services would: Require DPH to establish a process for state receivership of a hospital or free-standing clinic that is pending closure. Maternity Unit Closures Devastate Communities According to a White Paper on maternal services in Massachusetts published by MNA's Congress on Nursing Practice, the decision by UMass to close its Leominster maternity service in 2023 follows a trend by other healthcare corporations in the state to close vital community-based programs and services as a means of funneling their patients to larger and more profitable major medical centers. Maternity services have been a specific target for these closures, creating what the March of Dimes has characterized as "maternity deserts," meaning regions where residents lack appropriate access to needed maternity care, particularly for those serving poorer communities and people of color. The Special Legislative Commission on Racial Inequalities in Maternal Health in Massachusetts issued a report showing how racial minorities are negatively impacted by inequitable policies and practices, including lack of access to appropriate maternal care. In the last decade, Massachusetts has seen the loss of at least 10 maternity units. Two years after the Leominster closure, patients in North-Central Massachusetts are struggling to access care, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Beacon that examines the Baystate's "precarious" maternal care situation. Additional MNA Essential Services Legislation An Act Assessing Healthcare Access (S. 1610) Sponsors: Senator Jacob Oliveira and Representative Ted Philips Our current healthcare system does not match the healthcare needs of our current population. To address this mismatch, we need to determine what we need and where. This bill calls for a study to examine the current state of our healthcare system and access to essential health services. The legislation would examine existing capacity, projected need and the effect of closures and service discontinuation over the past thirty years. A hearing was held in June on this legislation. MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/Massnurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on healthcare issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association NEWPORT, R.I., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 300 educators, workforce leaders, and community members gathered last week at Salve Regina University for the world premiere of Multiple Choice, a new documentary from award-winning producer Ted Dintersmith. Presented by newportFILM, the screening marked the debut of a powerful film that challenges the nation's education system to keep pace with the demands and opportunities of our ever-changing world. Multiple Choice presents a clear and urgent argument: Career-based learning should be the part of the high-school curriculum for all students, powerfully integrated with academic theory. The film follows students and educators at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center in Winchester, Virginia, where this integrated approach is already reshaping the futures of young adults, bringing their community together and fueling local economic development. Career-based learning should be the part of the high school curriculum for all students. Post this "Transforming our obsolete education system isn't optionalit's integral to the high school experience for all students," said Dintersmith. "At the Innovation Center, students experience a blend of deep academic inquiry and real-world application, from carpentry and welding to cybersecurity and AI. Those entering the workforce are ready to contribute immediately, while college-bound students stand out in admissions and arrive better prepared to succeed. Multiple Choice shows what's possible when schools reimagine learning to meet the demands of the future." Challenging Outdated Assumptions For decades, vocational education carried a stigma as a "lesser" path, often underfunded and associated with systemic inequities. Multiple Choice highlights how the Innovation Center breaks from this history, ensuring that every student has both the intellectual grounding of rigorous academic courses and the practical, career-aligned skills of CTE programs. "The purpose of school is not simply to be good at schoolit's to prepare students for life," said Jason van Heukelum, Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools. "We want students to experiment, to explore, and to see the full range of what their futures might hold." Katie Lockhart, Winchester's Coordinator of Career & Technical Education, underscored that the approach is universal: "It is for everybodythe college-bound and the workforce-bound. High school should be the time when students discover what excites them about the future, while it's still free and accessible to all." Director Charles Haine added, "Classical ideas cultivate deep thinking, while hands-on applications ensure those lessons stick. This story belongs on a world stage because it's a conversation educators, families, and employers everywhere are havingbut not enough are acting on." Labor Market Urgency The film arrives at a moment of heightened uncertainty in the U.S. labor market. Recent data from the Federal Reserve and Bureau of Labor Statistics show that under- and unemployment rates for recent college graduates now exceed 40 percent ( New York Fed ). As artificial intelligence advances in power, fresh college graduates will increasingly be adrift, lacking the skills needed for career and citizenship. Millions of young adults are at risk in our obsolete education system that channels students almost exclusively toward a four-year degree. Meanwhile, skilled trades and technical fields face persistent shortages, with wages and career opportunities rising in areas such as advanced manufacturing, health care, and IT ( Burning Glass Institute ). Students who combine academics with hands-on CTE experiences graduate with both intellectual grounding and market-ready skills, better prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. By showcasing this dual-path model, Multiple Choice makes the case that the surest way to expand opportunity for all students is to align education with the realities of the labor market. A Timely National Conversation Dintersmith's work has long spotlighted the disconnect between the outdated education model and real-world readiness. His acclaimed film Most Likely to Succeed and best-selling book What School Could Be helped ignite a national conversation about transforming schools for the modern age. His forthcoming book, Aftermath, critiques the gap between traditional math education and the real-world skills students actually need to succeed. Media outlets have already taken notice of Multiple Choice's timely message. In a feature with the Boston Globe 's Rhode Map , Dintersmith discussed the need for schools to provide both intellectual rigor and practical preparation. In a recent WPRI 12 interview, he emphasized how blending AP courses with CTE training ensures students have optionsand agencyin shaping their lives. For more information about the film, or to request a screening in your community, visit whatschoolcouldbe.org/multiplechoice . About Ted Dintersmith Ted Dintersmith is an author, speaker, film producer, and leading education innovator whose work explores the intersection of education, innovation, and democracy. As founder of the nonprofit What School Could Be, he champions preparing young people for purposeful lives in a world shaped by rapidly advancing technology. A former top-ranked U.S. venture capitalist, Dintersmith holds a PhD in Engineering from Stanford and has been recognized nationally for his contributions to education, including the NEA's Friend of Education Award. His latest film, Multiple Choice, is distributed by Roco Films, with impact support from What School Could Be. For more information, visit whatschoolcouldbe.org/multiplechoice . Media Contact Kerri Tallman, Half Street Group 401.658.6604 | [email protected] SOURCE Ted Dintersmith Council and NRW accused of failing to protect public from noxious landfill odours This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 24th, 2025 Campaigners have accused public bodies of failing to safeguard the public from noxious odours from a landfill site, warning of a glaring regulatory gap. Steve Gittins organised a petition signed by more than 1,100 people on the overpowering smell from the Enovert landfill site at the old Hafod quarry in Johnstown, Wrexham. In written evidence to a resulting Senedd inquiry, Mr Gittins accused Wrexham council and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) of failing to close a regulatory void. This is not just regulatory inertia but governance failure, he said on behalf of campaigners who have been fighting for change for the best part of two decades. He told the Senedds petitions committee that the council and NRW rely on vague technicalities to preserve a harmful status quo. Complaint fatigue Mr Gittins wrote: Does this not create the impression that the operator is being protected rather than the public, by running with the foxes and hunting with the hounds? He warned of complaint fatigue and criticised community engagement, with members of a liaison committee describing it as a waste of time. After 19 years of protests, they still prevaricate and kick the can down the road, Mr Gittins said. This is not engagement it is institutional evasion. He accused Wrexham council of compounding regulatory failure by applying industrial limits when assessing the health impact rather than World Health Organisation guidelines. Mr Gittins argued excessive emissions from the Hafod site pose a risk to residents rights to life and family life under the European Convention on Human Rights. For the avoidance of doubt Appearing before the petitions committee on September 22, James McClymount waste regulation team leader said NRW regulates Hafod landfill under environmental permits. Asked about conditions on air quality and public health, Mr McClymount pointed to an odour management plan which outlines how operator Enovert will keep smells to a minimum. Toby Zorn, environmental health team lead at the council, explained the local authority also has a regulatory role under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. And Charlie Pope, from the North Wales Minerals and Waste Planning Service, said her role is to check conditions attached to planning permission on behalf of the council. But she told Senedd members: For the avoidance of doubt, there arent any conditions on that planning permission that specifically relates to odour. Foul smells Pressed on whether the permit could be tightened up, Mr McClymount explained that conditions are standard across the UK and suggested they would not be changed. He said NRWs officers assess compliance by verifying the presence, type and intensity of odour near the site, and whether the operator is taking appropriate measures. Asked if foul smells are inevitable, Mr McClymount replied: Most landfills will have an odour, its trying to minimise the emissions that cause that odour that is the key to management. He said NRW issued an enforcement notice in December 2023 after a spike in complaints and the operator complied with a long list of required actions. NRW data showed odour incident reports peaked at 240 in January 2025, up from four reports in September 2023. If they hadnt undertaken those tasks, it would have led to a prosecution, he said, pointing to a fall in complaints from the peak with NRW undertaking 16 inspections. Were satisfied Mr McClymount told Senedd members: We actually went earlier this week to check the site and we found that we were satisfied with the mitigation thats in place at the moment, before adding: We recognise that theres still odours being experienced in the community. In its written evidence, the council said a five-week assessment was carried out and it concluded that no statutory odour nuisance currently exists. Asked about the relationship with the community, Mark Silvester, Enoverts chief executive, accepted the company must do more to build trust given recent complaints and headlines. Figures provided by Enovert show 54% of the waste deposited at Hafod came from England in 2024, with Merseyside being the largest single contributor at 28%, while Wrexham itself accounted for 25% of the total waste. In its written evidence, the waste management company stressed: Enovert takes all complaints seriously, investigating each one and reacting accordingly to control our operations and infrastructure to minimise the risk of odours arising. It is always our intention to be a good, responsible neighbour. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Plans unveiled to revive Penley Hospital as step-down and rehab unit This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 24th, 2025 No one wants to see the former Penley Hospital site derelict. That is the message from Caroline Tudor-James, CEO of the Rainbow Foundation, an organisation looking to safeguard the future of the currently disused building. The active ageing charity has put forward what it describes as a bold and compassionate vision for Penley Community Hospital, which was temporarily closed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on Christmas Eve 2024. The sudden closure was put down to low patient occupancy, with the health board claiming that just three of the hospitals eight beds were occupied. A consultation was later launched by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board seeking help from the public in shaping the future of the facility. Under Rainbows proposals, the site would be converted into a 12-bed step-down and rehabilitation unit, integrated with the nearby Rainbow Centre, which already houses a catering kitchen, physiotherapy space and award-winning community services. Under the proposed model, the community hospital would be used to: Support patients to regain independence after a hospital stay before returning home. Provide daily rehabilitation, nutritious meals, and vital social connection. Reduce re-admissions and pressure on acute beds at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and deliver better value for money than previous health board-led models. The proposal builds on Rainbows acclaimed Active Futures programme, which has already reduced hospital admissions caused by falls. Rebecca Griffiths, Polish Heritage Project Manager, said: Penley Hospital has a unique and proud history. Originally established to care for Polish ex-servicemen and their families after World War II, it stood as a symbol of international solidarity and community care. While that chapter has closed, the site deserves a new purpose, one that honours its past while meeting todays needs. Unlike larger community hospitals, Penley never offered on-site rehabilitation or broader clinical services, limiting its potential to support recovery and independence. Paul Whittaker CBE, Trustee of the Rainbow Foundation, said permanently closing the hospital when a viable alternative exists would deny a rural population with a much-needed resource. The original purpose behind the Polish Hospital can no longer be achieved, and it is currently too small to be viable as a stand-alone unit, said Paul. The current consultation presents a unique opportunity for the Rainbow Foundation to demonstrate how the former hospital could be revitalised and combined with existing Rainbow facilities to create a truly community-based centre. This is the most logical option for retaining the hospital as an operational unit, recognising its heritage and importance to the local community. To permanently close the hospital when such a viable alternative exists would reject its legacy and deny a rural, ageing population a much-needed resource. Rainbows proposal has also attracted cross-party political support from Senedd Members representing the Conservatives, Labour, and Plaid Cymru. The model has also been endorsed by MP Andrew Ranger, who has visited the site and expressed full support. Dr Bowdler of Overton Surgery added: The provision of a step-down and rehab facility in this area would be of great benefit for our frail elderly population. It would reduce their time spent on a busy medical ward and enable them to recover in a much more comfortable and peaceful setting. It would also be substantially easier for relatives to visit. The range of skills and services offered by the Rainbow Centre would be a perfect combination. Rainbows proposal has also attracted cross-party political support from Senedd Members representing the Conservatives, Labour, and Plaid Cymrureflecting a broad consensus on the importance of preserving and repurposing the hospital. The model has also been endorsed by MP Andrew Ranger, who has visited the site and expressed full support. The Rainbow Foundation is now urging residents to take part in the BCUHB consultation survey and share their views on the future of Penley Hospital. This is a chance to shape a service that reflects the values and needs of our community, says Caroline. Together, we can honour the hospitals heritage while building a future that works for everyone. A final decision on the future of the hospital will be made in December 12 months after its temporary closure. More information on how you can take part in the consultation can be found here. 2.75m boost for social care in Wrexham and Flintshire to speed up hospital discharges This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 24th, 2025 Social care teams in Flintshire and Wrexham will receive an additional 2.75 million to help support community care and speed up hospital discharge. The funding a recurring annual grant is part of a 30 million Pathway of Care Transformation Grant package announced by the Welsh Government earlier this summer to ease winter pressures on hospitals this year. Later this week Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will discuss the details of how local authorities will use the money to increase social care capacity in the community to speed up patient discharge from hospital. The funding is designed to strengthen community-based social care and speed up hospital discharges. Investment will also help fund preventative work, such as multi-disciplinary teams that reduce avoidable hospital admissions and support people to remain independent for longer. Flintshire will receive 1,473,745, with most money 554,061 being allocated to support for care home provision. A further 450,132 will be given over to improving patient assessment and 309,020 paid towards increasing workforce support. Domiciliary and reablement support to help people regain independence in their own home following a hospital stay will receive 160,532. Flintshires grant will fund 19 new roles five Social Workers, three Community Assessment Officers, three Occupational Therapists, three Discharge Coordinators plus a Financial Assessment Officer, Business Support Assistant, Care Broker and Planning and Development Officer. Wrexham will receive no funding for workforce support but will get 972,882 to support reablement and domiciliary care, 255,000 to improve patient assessment and 50,000 to support care home provision after the County Borough received 1,277,882 from the fund. Local authorities deliver the majority of social care services in Wales, working closely with health boards to ensure safe, timely hospital discharges. However, social care budgets remain under severe strain, with many councils already spending more than they receive to meet urgent needs. According to the Welsh Government: The grant should support timely assessment and provide packages of care to ensure people can leave hospital when they are medically fit to do so, helping to reduce the level of delayed hospital discharges. The fund can also be utilised to strengthen community-based care services to support people to stay well at home. Funding should be directed to where it will provide the best impact. By Alec Doyle BBC Local Democracy Reporter Expecting families in Reno are invited to a free Community Baby Shower happening today, hosted by Northern Nevada HOPES and United Healthcare Health Plan of Nevada, with a focus on maternal and pediatric health. The event is taking place from 9 a.m. to noon at the Stacie Mathewson Community Wellness Center, located on the third floor at 580 W. 5th Street in Reno. Organizers say the baby shower is designed to connect local families with vital resources and community support. Attendees can explore educational booths offering health information, enjoy games and prizes, and receive giveaways available for early arrivals. The first 50 people to arrive will receive free diapers, and the first 20 women will receive Mama Care Kits. Participants also have a chance to win a stroller and car seat combo. The event is free and open to the public, aiming to assist families, especially those in need, by providing access to health education and services in a welcoming environment. The advertising trucks feature messaging highlighting Australia's decade-long failure to compensate American investors following the 2014 expropriation of NuCoal's mining license by New South Wales Parliament. One billboard reads "Australia Paid the Chinese Communist Party But Stiffed American Investors," while another appeals directly to President Trump: "President Trump, Please Save Us." The campaign follows U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer raising the issue in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report. The case also represents the first formal consultation request an official diplomatic complaint mechanism under the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement since its 2005 implementation. NuCoal chairman Gordon Galt said: "As Prime Minister Albanese seeks favorable trade negotiations with the Trump administration, the mobile billboards serve as a highly visible reminder of Australia's unfulfilled treaty obligations to American investors under the AUSFTA investment protection provisions." American investor Noreen Harrington said: "Investors simply want fair compensation for an investment that was expropriated through no fault of our own the same treatment Australia gave Chinese investors when it paid them hundreds of millions in compensation." She continued: "President Trump is looking for concrete wins that demonstrate respect for American interests. This issue is easily solvable and doing so would send a powerful signal to the Trump administration that Australia is committed to a fair trade and investment relationship for both countries." About NuCoal In 2014, New South Wales Parliament cancelled NuCoal Resources Ltd's Doyles Creek mining license through rapid-fire legislation. The cancellation followed questions raised by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption regarding the original granting of the license by previous owners before NuCoal's purchase. The Commission explicitly acknowledged NuCoal's complete innocence and the innocence of all NuCoal investors in any wrongdoing, yet the company and its shareholders, including approximately 700,000 Americans through pension funds, have never received compensation despite the license being valued at AU$300-523 million. While American as well as Australian investors remain uncompensated, the NSW government paid Chinese state-owned mining company Shenhua AU$362 million in 2017 and 2021 for similar license cancellations. The campaign will continue throughout the UN General Assembly week. Contacts Gordon Galt - [email protected] (Australia) Noreen Harrington - [email protected] (US) Authorized by Gordon Galt, Sydney, NSW on behalf of NuCoal Investors SOURCE NuCoal Investors After more than half a century in the classroom, Thomas Kozel, Ph.D., a founding faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), has taught his final lecture. Kozel, a professor of microbiology and immunology, delivered his last class to medical students on September 19 in the Pennington Health Sciences building. Kozel began his tenure in 1971 and has since instructed every student to matriculate at UNR Med, a total of more than 2,900 medical students. In recognition of his 54-year career, Kozel received proclamations from the City of Reno, the State of Nevada, and Washoe County. The state and city both declared September 19, 2025, as Dr. Thomas Kozel Day, while the county named it University of Reno, Medical Education Day. He was also presented with a certificate from University President Brian Sandoval, J.D., Provost Jeff Thompson, Ph.D., and UNR Med Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., honoring his long-standing dedication to the university. In addition to his teaching, Kozel is widely known for his research in microbiology and immunology. His work led to the development of a rapid diagnostic test for patients with HIV, which is now recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential diagnostic and is estimated to save more than 50,000 lives each year. Kozel holds the longest continuously funded NIH research grant in Nevada, with 48 years of uninterrupted funding totaling over $40 million. His grant is also one of the longest-running in the nation. Throughout his career, Kozel has been recognized as a mentor, educator, and researcher whose contributions have shaped generations of students and impacted global health through both science and education. Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar says the State of Nevada will not comply with a request from the Department of Justice for all voter records. He says the State reached out for clarification on what the data will be used for and how it will be secured, but he has not received a clear response. On Tuesday morning, Aguilar met with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the States United Democracy Center. There, he said, the Justice Department's request is an abuse of federal power. More specifically, he called the request an attempt to intimidate state officials, something Nevada has seen before. "Intimidation is a powerful tool," Secretary Aguilar said. "We know this because we've seen it during our election cycles on our poll workers, our election workers, on elected officials." Aguilar says the State of Nevada simply cannot comply with a request for voters' personal data, including Social Security and driver's license numbers, without a clear reason, especially after a cyberattack took most of the state's systems offline in August. "We know that people are using this information to harm our citizens and harm our voters," Secretary Aguilar said. "We cannot just give it over for any reason whatsoever. It has to be justified." Secretary Benson agrees. She said her state will not provide private information, given recent precedent. "There's examples of the federal government under the current president misusing or allowing others to potentially misuse the personal data of our citizens," she said. At least 26 states have received requests from the Justice Department for all records relating to the past two presidential elections. Benson says most of those states are considering giving only publicly available information. But a recent lawsuit complicates this plan. The Department of Justice says it's suing Oregon and Maine for failure to provide electronic copies of registration lists and detailed voter list maintenance procedures. It accuses Oregon and its Secretary of State Tobias Reed of violating the Help America Vote Act, the National Voter Registration Act, and the Civil Rights Act of 1960. Maine and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows are also accused of violating the same laws. In a statement announcing the lawsuits, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said, "states simply cannot pick and choose which federal laws they will comply with, including our voting laws, which ensure that all American citizens have equal access to the ballot in federal elections." Dhillon added, "American citizens have a right to feel confident in the integrity of our electoral process, and the refusal of certain states to protect their citizens against vote dilution will result in legal consequences." The Department of Justice has yet to issue a statement in response to Aguilar's and Benson's comments. Celebrating 75 Years, Ocean State CU Marks its Anniversary with a Bold Downtown Expansion, the Only Credit Union in the Financial District, Signaling a New Era of Member-First Banking and Community Investment PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ocean State Credit Union is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the grand opening of its new flagship branch at 40 Westminster Street in downtown Providence, a milestone that unites a proud legacy with a bold vision for the future. Ocean State Credit Union is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the grand opening of its new flagship branch at 40 Westminster Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence's Financial District has long been where culture and commerce converge, shaping the city's prosperity and progress. This opening is more than a new location; it is a declaration of reinvention. As the only credit union in the district, Ocean State Credit Union is seizing this moment to lead with confidence, drive growth, and redefine what it means to serve Rhode Islanders in the modern era. With a mission to financially empower professionals, support students, and strengthen local businesses, the new branch establishes a transformative standard for member-first banking in the capital city. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 1, inviting local businesses, community leaders, and residents to celebrate alongside the Ocean State team. This landmark event honors the credit union's 75-year legacy while looking ahead to its exciting future. "Our 75th anniversary marks not just a reflection on where we've been, but a bold vision of where we're going," said Michael Garvey, chief executive officer of Ocean State Credit Union. "The opening of our Providence branch is one of the most important milestones in our history. It signals our commitment to members through meaningful innovation and expanded financial opportunities, in the very heart of our capital city, where business and culture converge. We are 75 years young, and as we look ahead to 2026, we are preparing for an exciting new era of modernization, digital innovation, and expanded financial solutions. This branch represents a new chapter for Ocean State Credit Union, and a future that is brighter than ever." At a time when large public banks dominate the downtown skyline, Ocean State Credit Union offers a fundamentally different approach. As a member-owned cooperative, its philosophy is rooted in people over profit. Members can expect higher deposit rates, lower loan costs, and service guided by genuine care and partnership, qualities that set the credit union apart in Rhode Island's competitive financial landscape. Looking forward, Ocean State Credit Union will become a full-service financial partner for members, going beyond traditional credit union banking to deliver insurance brokerage, wealth management, and a groundbreaking new brand and digital experience by mid-2026. From its founding in 1950 to this milestone 75th year, Ocean State Credit Union remains guided by its mission: to serve with integrity, innovate with purpose, and invest in the communities that define Rhode Island. About Ocean State Credit Union Founded in 1950, Ocean State Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative committed to putting people first. Serving Rhode Island communities with integrity, OSCU offers personal and business checking, savings, competitive loans, and convenient mobile and online banking. Recognized for higher deposit rates, lower loan costs, and exceptional member service, the credit union also supports first-time homebuyers. As OSCU celebrates 75 years and looks ahead to 2026, it remains dedicated to modernization, digital innovation, and community investment, helping members thrive today and into the future. WWW.OCEANSTATECU.ORG SOURCE Ocean State Credit Union Pumpkin spice is back with a vengeance, which can only mean one thing: Halloween is on the way. For the goth at heart, the spooky season is the happiest time of the year. If you're looking for a more entertaining way to celebrate your dark side than handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, you're in luck. There are festive food and drink happenings all October long. Pick a tour, make a dinner reservation, and get ready to creep it real. Boulevard goes all out around Halloween (Courtesy of Boulevard) An Over-The-Top Halloween at Boulevard Just south of Market, Boulevard goes all out for Halloween, transforming its Belle Epoque building into a fully immersive, eerie experience. Starting October 6th, the restaurant comes alive with spooky decor and fall-inspired elements. Expect a lively, whimsical atmosphere paired with specialty cocktails, seasonal bar bites, and playful surprises. The menu is designed to put you in the mood with dishes and drinks such as Witchs Brew (bay scallop aguachile, blue corn crisps), Dracula's Dog (boudin noir, brioche blanket, mustard), and Ox Blood (beet arancini, Humboldt Fog goat cheese). On Halloween night, they will feature a special menu and even a trick-or-treat surprise for guests who arrive in costume. // 1 Mission St. (SoMa), boulevardrestaurant.com A Murder Mystery at Carlotta's Carlottas Cocktail & Wine Bar , the chic hideaway inside the boutique Hotel Julian, transforms into a scene of suspense with unforgettable murder mystery night Midnight at the Masquerade on October 30th. Guests will become part of the plot as professional actors from The Murder Mystery Co. guide the evening through deception, drama, and discovery. Guests are encouraged to go all out with noir-inspired looks such as femme fatale dresses and trench coats. Tickets are $69 (plus taxes and fees) and include two non-alcoholic mystery cocktails and reception-style food offerings. A full dinner menu and the complete bar program will also be available for purchase. // 940 Sutter St. (Lower Nob Hill), carlottassf.com Camper English leads the Bar & Cocktail History Hop (Courtesy of the Bar & Cocktail History Hop) A Sinister Cocktail Tour For a look at the truly sinister side of San Francisco, join the Bar & Cocktail History Hop . Acclaimed local cocktail writer and historian Camper English leads you on a meandering path from the Financial District through the heart of the Barbary Coast, ending in a classic North Beach bar with a cocktail, of course. Along the way, you'll learn about some of the creepiest, most colorful, and most notorious characters and periods of SFs cocktail history, including drinks spiked with opium, infamous "shanghaiers," murderous gangs, and debauched dance halls with "pretty waiter girls" who took commissions on drinks, dances, and more. Be sure to ask about Cobweb Palace, a bar with a swearing parrot and a host of other live animals, cobwebs covering the "art" on the walls, and whaling bric-a-brac. Tickets are $55, include a drink, and are available Saturdays through the end of October. A Pumpkin Sundae at Humphry Slocombe For the sweet side of spooky, Humphry Slocombe is featuring a fa-boo-lous housemade cinnamon waffle bowl with a scoop of pumpkin galette ice cream (pumpkin spice ice cream with galette pieces swirled with ribbons of caramel), topped with torched, housemade cinnamon marshmallow fluff. The sundae is available at all their Bay Area scoop shops (except Redwood City) and will be offered throughout the month or while supplies last. // Multiple locations, humphryslocombe.com/ Saluhall is throwing a gothic feast to celebrate Halloween. (Courtesy of Saluhall) A Gothic Feast at Saluhall Saluhall will host A Gothic Feast: A Culinary Adventure in Darkness on October 18th. It's a class, a meal, and an experience designed to make you scream with delight. The moody and dark menu is composed of black sesame-crusted crackers paired with bloody-glazed beetroot, followed by midnight-black squid ink pasta tossed with spicy nduja sausage and sweet cherry tomatoes. Quench your vampire thirst with a mysterious herbal cooler infused with activated charcoal, then indulge in the brooding richness of a deep, dark chocolate cake gilded with ruby-red pomegranate seeds. Tickets are $145 per person. // 945 Market St. (Downtown), saluhallmarket.com An Immersive Halloween Pop-Up Bar The annual Halloween pop-up bar Black Lagoon promises an unforgettable experience with its metal goth-inspired atmosphere and a brand-new cocktail menu. Taking place at Sea Star from October 6th through November 2nd, this years lineup includes hauntingly delicious cocktails such as Griseldas Revenge, the Nocturna Colada, and the Corpse Flower, each crafted to convey the spirit of Halloween. Come dressed as your favorite nightmare. // 2289 3rd St. (Dogpatch), theseastarsf.com Tony's Beetlejuice-inspired pizza (Courtesy of Tony's Pizza Napoletana) A Beetlejuice-Inspired Pie at Tony's Pizza Napoletana On Halloween, head to North Beachs Tonys Pizza Napoletana and you won't have to say "Beetlejuice" three times to order a special themed New York-style pizza on Halloweenjust once will do. Their dastardly, dark, and hypnotic spider web piewhich comes topped with black garlic, agave pesto, purple potatoes, feta, Old Smokehouse bacon, and mozzarellais sure to keep the ghosts and vampires away. // 1570 Stockton St. (North Beach), tonyspizzanapoletana.com A Gourmet Ghost Tour in North Beach No matter how much time you've spent in the city, you likely haven't heard about all the ghosts and spirits haunting North Beach. Stretchy Pants North Beach Gourmet Ghost Tour takes you back to the "homicide epidemic" of the Gold Rush era, to meet the unfortunate murder victims who have since been sighted and even reported on in local newspapers. On a walking tour that takes you up Columbus Avenue and meanders through alleys and back streets, you'll dine on Italian classics at some of the neighborhood's favorite haunts. Tickets are $99 for a full tour, which includes stops for three courses and dessert. Tours take place Thursdays and Saturdays, with an extra tour on Halloween. An Evening to Die For at The Westin St. Francis The Westin St. Francis is offering Murder Mystery Dinner: An Evening to Die For on Friday, October 24th at 7pm. Guests will enjoy a decadent three-course meal and handcrafted cocktails in the opulent St. Francis Suite, which will be transformed into a one-night-only whodunit," complete with suspects, motives, and surprise twists. The luxurious Prohibition-era inspired dinner will include The Red Velvet Racket (roaring beet carpaccio with heirloom tomato, whipped goat cheese, candied figs, and champagne vinaigrette), The Oscar Hit (prime filet mignon over garlic potato puree with grilled asparagus, Dungeness crab, and golden hollandaise), and The Speakeasy Bombe (dark chocolate shell filled with bourbon mousse, salted caramel, and finished with gold leaf). Tickets are $150 per person and include dinner and two drinks. Costumes and vintage-inspired attire are encouraged, and guests are invited to extend their experience with 10 percent off an overnight stay. Ask about staying in the infamous and possibly haunted suite in which Al Jolson died during a late-night poker game and Fatty Arbuckle was (or wasn't) involved in the mysterious death of an actress // 2335 Powell St. (Union Square), westinstfrancis.com Christina Angel is the executive director of the Autism Society of New Mexico. After President Donald Trump spread misinformation about over the counter pain medicine and autism in a White House news conference Monday, a New Mexico-based autism advocacy group and an Albuquerque doctor are worried that pregnant patients could ignore their pain or be burdened with mom guilt. There have been decades of research that has shown no causal link between acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism in children, said Dr. Carla Martinez, an OBGYN at Perinatal Associates of New Mexico who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. And there have been many robust studies of recent data that have reinforced that acetaminophen used during pregnancy does not lead to an increased risk of autism. Acetaminophen sold under brand names like Tylenol is one of the few medications that pregnant patients can use to treat pain and fever, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. announced that acetaminophen will get new warning labels against long-term use during pregnancy, garnering pushback from professional medical organizations. The president claimed that Tylenol use during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of autism a claim that has not been proven. They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy, unless medically necessary, for instance in cases of extremely high fever that you feel that you cant tough it out, Trump said. The Food and Drug Administration took a more measured tone, recommending to doctors in a letter this week that they should consider minimizing the pain relievers use in pregnancy. The president also announced 13 new funding awards for research into understanding autism prevalence, treatment and services. Professional medical organizations have pushed back against HHS and the presidents claims. Todays announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children, Dr. Steven Fleishman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said in a statement. Fevers can be a sign of infection and pain can also be an important symptom that Martinez does not want pregnant patients to fear consulting their doctor about. She often sees patients who want to stop all medications to minimize exposures in their pregnancy. Ad But a pregnant patient is no different than any other patient, and the pain should be treated appropriately, and I think its really unfair and unjust to put that on pregnant patients, Martinez said. Christina Angel is a mother of two sons with autism, and the executive director of the Autism Society of New Mexico. The presidents news conference could have a negative effect on the autism community, according to Angel. Its very dangerous for the autism community as a whole, but especially to our mothers that might feel guilty for something they did during pregnancy that was deemed safe, Angel said. We do support the medical community in saying that Tylenol is safe, and we want mothers to know that they did nothing wrong, and they did what they needed to do for themselves and their child. Dozens of people gathered for a contentious meeting Monday to consider what should be done with the 236-acre tract of land that houses the annual New Mexico State Fair. The meeting, held by Stantec Consulting Services Inc., the company tasked with creating a master plan for the site thats been slotted for redevelopment, drew both support and criticism from local residents and advocates. Stantec representatives said the master plan would not include options of where the fair would be hosted if it is moved. I know that theres some controversy around the topic, we hear you, said Nancy Locke, the project lead for Stantec. Some residents saw the proposal as an opportunity to start fresh and uplift Albuquerques economically disadvantaged International District through new development. Others feared gentrification, wasted taxpayer dollars and a stalled project leaving residents in limbo. Ill probably be dead before the first shovel hits dirt, local resident Charlie Bennett said Monday. Bennett recalled the two previous attempts to redevelop the fairgrounds and clutched to his chest a white binder filled with the neighborhoods suggestions for Gov. Bill Richardson, who attempted the revitalization in 2008. He asked, What makes Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams attempt any different? The difference is dramatic, said Martin Chavez, former Albuquerque mayor and adviser to Lujan Grisham, wrote in a statement Tuesday. For the first time, there are real dollars and serious representation regarding the initiative. In December, Lujan Grisham announced plans to put mixed-use development and affordable housing on the state-owned land between San Pedro and Louisiana. In March, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 481 to raise funds, an estimated $12 million, to cover initial costs. In June, the state announced a $850,000 contract with Stantec to develop a master plan by February 2026 that will make suggestions for the lands use. Ad Mondays meeting was the first of three events held to allow the public to comment on the master plan, Stantec speakers said. The second meeting will be held sometime in late October to early November and is yet to be announced. Master planner Locke said food deserts, excessive heat and lack of green spaces are all problems in the surrounding neighborhoods. The new development could be a remedy, Locke said, bringing parks and commerce, as well as affordable housing. Stantec speakers presented a wide variety of development plans in addition to new housing, including a new multi-use arena for concerts and sports, medical facilities, offices, retail and public parks. Stantec planners also suggested that the State Fair might not have to move but may be able to continue operating on a smaller area within the plot of land. Stantec speakers, like Locke, were frequently interrupted by residents who voiced concerns about everything from crime to homelessness to nostalgia for the State Fairs historic home. During a question-and-answer period, community members passed around the microphone, primarily to criticize the project. You want to further take the economics from this part of the community, but not put anything back into the community its a failure, said former resident Willie Williamson. ... You want to address the optics of this neighborhood but not address the actual problems. To Williamson, the redevelopment would end major events held at Expo New Mexico, beyond just the annual fair, and plunge the neighborhood into greater economic disparity at a time when major retailers like Walmart and Walgreens have already fled. Williamson grew up in the International District, became entangled with drugs and gangs as a teen, he said, and years later made the decision to raise his kids elsewhere to save them from a similar fate. Williamson worries that without solving the surrounding areas issues with drug use and crime first, any affordable housing project will fail. Youre talking 10 to 15 years of adverse childhood experiences for these people that you are not addressing, Williamson said. Panelists chosen by Stantec a collection of local residents, nonprofit organizers and law enforcement tried to rally the crowd to think about the future, though even their opinions about the project were split. Natalie Vargas, from the Southside Neighborhood Association, said shed like to see the fairgrounds stay, though she recognized how development could improve the neighborhood she grew up in and where she now raises her kids. Its where rural and urban kids come together and learn from each other and dream big, she said. We need to protect spaces that educate, connect and inspire. The fair is one of them. Albuquerque Police Department Cmdr. Josh Richards, who runs the Southeast Area Command, raised questions about what jurisdiction the development would fall under, given that its within city boundaries but owned by the state. Adding more population density to an area command that is already overworked and understaffed could drain resources and make policing the area more difficult, he said. Adding 240-some acres of housing is a big pull for us, Richards said. Meanwhile, Ahdohny Routheni, a panelist and founder of numerous local nonprofits, implored the audience to be forward-thinking and not let nostalgia for the fairgrounds prevent positive change for future generations. I really would love if the community thought long and hard is it really for yall or is it for them? Routheni said. Are we going to be people that tear down trees, or are we going to plant a tree so that next generation can eat off that fruit? Internationally Recognized Thought Leader in Immuno-Oncology Drug Development Brings Nearly Three Decades of Clinical Oncology Experience Across Pharma, Biotech and Research Organizations OXFORD, England, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pathios Therapeutics Limited ("Pathios"), a biotech company advancing the first clinical GPR65 antagonist program in cancer, today announced that Jon Wigginton, M.D., has been appointed as a non-executive director to the company's board of directors. Dr. Wigginton, an internationally recognized expert in immunotherapy drug development, has more than 25 years of experience in clinical oncology spanning tenures at large global pharmaceutical companies, clinical-stage biotechs, and prestigious research organizations. Dr. Wigginton currently serves as President of Research and Development at Bright Peak Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company in the immuno-oncology (I-O) space. In this role, he is charged with leading the advancement of the company's "next-generation" multi-functional PD-1 inhibitors. Prior to joining Bright Peak Therapeutics, Dr. Wigginton held the position of Senior Advisor and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at Cullinan Oncology, Inc., having also previously served as the company's Chief Medical Officer. He was formerly the Chief Medical Officer at MacroGenics, where he led the company's evolution of a fully-integrated clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy organization. During his career Dr. Wigginton has also held leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), including Therapeutic Area Head and Executive Director, Immuno-Oncology Early Clinical Research. While at BMS, he led early clinical development of the company's immuno-oncology portfolio, including checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 (Opdivo) and anti-PD-L1 (BMS-936559), checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations including anti-CTLA-4 (Yervoy)/anti-PD-1 (Opdivo) among others, and a spectrum of other I-O agents. He also co-founded and co-led the BMS International Immuno-Oncology Network (IION). Dr. Wigginton also previously served as President of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC). Earlier in his career, Dr. Wigginton worked at the National Cancer Institute for 15 years and served as Head of the Investigational Biologics Section in the Center for Cancer Research (NCI intramural program). He is also currently a member of the board of directors of Sutro Biopharma. "Jon is a recognised leader in the field of immuno-oncology drug development and having the ability to access his vast expertise as a member of the Pathios board will serve the company well as we advance our first-in-class oral small molecule GPR65 antagonist programs," said Paul Higham, Chief Executive Officer of Pathios. "He joins the company at a particularly exciting time as we advance our lead development asset, PTT-4256, through an ongoing clinical trial in solid tumours. As we continue this clinical development momentum, we'll be keen to draw upon Jon's decades of drug development experience as a guide for optimizing our efforts." "The terrific team, and its first-in-class approach to attacking cancer, position Pathios Therapeutics as a very exciting new clinical-stage company in the immuno-oncology field. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the board and offer my support to the team," said Dr. Wigginton. "By pioneering the targeting of GPR65 as an anti-cancer mechanism, Pathios is advancing an innovative treatment strategy that seeks to override tumour micro-environment immunosuppression and drive immune-mediating cancer cell killing. I look forward to supporting Pathios as PTT-4256 is advanced in the RAISIC-1 clinical trial as a new approach for cancer immunotherapy." Pathios is pursuing a first-of-its-kind therapeutic approach that leverages the therapeutic potential of GPR65 antagonism. The company's lead program, PTT-4256, is a clinical-stage, first-in-class oral small molecule GPR65 antagonist that targets a fundamental biological mechanism that is co-opted by all solid tumours to foster immunosuppressive polarization of immune cells. GPR65, an acid-sensing G protein-coupled receptor, is exclusively expressed on immune cells and is associated with driving the immunosuppressive immune cell phenotype in the tumour microenvironment (TME) that prevents immune-mediated killing of cancer cells. Antagonism of GPR65 has been shown to rapidly upregulate anti-tumour natural killer and T cell genes while downregulating pro-tumour myeloid genes. Pathios' internal human genetic analysis provides insights that reductions in GPR65 function are associated with significantly improved survival across a range of solid tumour types, positioning it as a unique immuno-oncology target for therapeutic intervention. Preclinical data for PTT-4256 have demonstrated that the compound possesses excellent drug-like properties and impressive monotherapy anti-tumour activity. The company is currently evaluating PTT-4256 in the RAISIC-1 trial (Relief of Acidic Immune Suppression in Cancer), a modular multi-part, multi-arm open-label Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with a range of advanced solid tumours. About Pathios Therapeutics Pathios is a drug discovery and development company focused on translating innovative science into new medicines. Pathios was founded by a team of experienced biotech and pharmaceutical industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and clinicians. The company is focused on developing small molecule antagonists of the pH-sensing G protein-coupled receptor GPR65 to counteract the GPR65-mediated immunosuppressive polarization of immune cells. To date, Pathios has raised a total of US$58M including support from the leading venture capital firms, Canaan and Brandon Capital, as well as a strategic investment from Bristol Myers Squibb. Pathios is headquartered on Milton Park, a key science precinct south of Oxford, UK, where it is part of the unique Molecule to Medicine (MTM) drug discovery and development ecosystem. For more information, please visit www.pathios.com. Contacts: Pathios Therapeutics Paul Higham, CEO +44 1235 644 960 [email protected] Tom McCarthy, Executive Chair of Pathios Therapeutics and MTM +44 1235 644 960 [email protected] Vida Strategic Partners (on behalf of Pathios Therapeutics) Tim Brons +1 646 319 8981 [email protected] SOURCE Pathios Therapeutics Patrick Darnley Hudson When former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima announced medical malpractice reform as his No. 1 priority, some scoffed. Physicians across New Mexico did not. We heard the signal. The malpractice environment in this state isnt a nuisance. It is a crisis that is rapidly dismantling health care from the inside out, and this years governors race has become the litmus test for who supports real malpractice change. Lets speak plainly. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman promises to expand the physician workforce by signing onto interstate licensure compacts. Sounds good, but its a distraction a shiny object for the uninformed because without malpractice reform, those compact-eligible doctors wont come. Or, if they do, theyll leave after their first lawsuit. The bottleneck isnt licensing. It is liability. In Bregmans platform, theres nothing about protecting the doctors already here. Most are sick of the risks they take every day, and many are ready to pack up and leave. One thing is obvious: That omission is not an oversight. It is a signal. A 501(c)(4) group tied to Bregmans campaign leadership, New Mexico Safety Over Profit, spent heavily last session to block reform. Their strategy? Oppose limits on damages and attorney fees, and dress it up as patient protection. Yet most New Mexicans saw it for what it was trial lawyer politics in advocacy clothing. Also, what about former Congresswoman and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland? She has yet to say a single word about malpractice reform. No plan. No proposal. No acknowledgment that the physician shortage is, in large part, driven by legal exposure and unaffordable premiums. It is a strange silence from someone known for her commitment to health equity. However, equity starts with presence. There has to be someone there a doctor who stays. Without tort protection, even the most dedicated physicians are being forced out. Ad So far, only Ken Miyagishima has said aloud what others will not: Malpractice reform is essential to saving health care in this state. Lets be clear. No physician I know is asking to escape accountability. We are asking for proportion. For common sense. For a system that recognizes human variability and does not collapse under the weight of a single unpredictable outcome. Doctors are not perfect. Neither is the courtroom. Over a year ago, KRWG news in Las Cruces reported that 15 members of the New Mexico Legislature were attorneys, including the Speaker of the House and the Senate majority leader. By contrast, only two were medical doctors, and one of them was retired. That speaks volumes. Good evidence suggests that our malpractice environment is contributing to a loss of physicians, reduced access to care and, inevitably, worse health outcomes. Every candidate claims they care about access. Every candidate says they support health care professionals. However, until they speak the word malpractice, it is just political embroidery. We do not need slogans. We need action. To Haaland: Will you speak up? Will you name the malpractice crisis and offer a plan to address it? Or, will you let Bregmans silence become yours? To the voters: Look closely. The candidate who will not talk about malpractice reform is not avoiding controversy. They are avoiding reality. Two Birmingham men, one who is on Alabamas Death Row, have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to kill a state prison officer. A Jefferson County grand jury indicted Demarcus TyQuan Chandler, 27, and Justin Jamond Hendrix, 21, with conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. The indictments were issued Sept. 12 and made public Wednesday. Both were initially charged with the alleged crimes last year. Authorities contend Hendrix, at the direction of Chandler who was in state prison at the time, carried out the shooting. The gunfire happened at 2 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2024, at the eastern Birmingham home of a state prison lieutenant. Charging documents state shots were fired into a residence and an SUV. No one was home at the time. The lieutenant, at the direction of Birmingham homicide investigators, was the one who found a contraband phone in Chandlers prison cell that prosecutors say was used to orchestrate the Birmingham murder-for-hire of Raven Swain, for which Chandler was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to death. Chandler was convicted in April of capital murder in the slaying of the 24-year-old Swain, his girlfriend. The jury then took only 15 minutes to sentence him to death. The deadly shooting happened in Birminghams Underwood Park and was allegedly carried out by Solomon Minatee III at Chandlers direction. Minatees trial is set for February. Chandler, prosecutors said, orchestrated the murder from prison, because he believed Swain had ripped him off while he was in prison. Moments after Swain was killed, Chandler posted on Facebook, God forgive. Papa dont. Following Swains murder, the prison lieutenant, at the request of police, searched Chandlers cell and recovered the contraband cell phone. After obtaining search warrants for the phones and examining them, police said, they found multiple phone calls in the minutes before and after Swains death to one number that they later determined to be a cell phone used by Minatee. Hendrix is one of four people awaiting trial in the 2024 livestreamed shooting death of young Birmingham mother Asia Poole, which happened hours after the shooting at the prison lieutenants home. A trial date for Chandler and Hendrix on the conspiracy charge has not been set. A suspect has been charged in the April shooting death of another man at a northern Birmingham apartment building. Tavares Tre Von Nelson, 22, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of 27-year-old Letaris Demonds-Lapris Franklin. Nelson was described by authorities as a known member of Birminghams H2K gang when he pleaded guilty in 2023 to a federal Glock switch charge. Nelson was on supervised release from that conviction when police say he carried out the killing of Franklin. His supervised release was revoked in July and he was sent to the federal prison in Talladega. A motive in Franklins murder has not been disclosed. Franklin was found dead about 5 p.m. that Thursday at his apartment in the 2100 block of 29th Avenue North. When officers arrived, a family member of the victim told them Franklin had not been heard from the entire day. The family member became concerned, broke the door down and found Franklin dead inside. A man was found slain inside his north Birmingham apartment on Thursday, April 10. Police believe he was shot the night before. (Carol Robinson) According to the coroners office, Franklin was killed at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025. He was officially pronounced dead at 5:44 p.m. the following day when his body was discovered. Officer Truman Fitzgerald previously said police had been dispatched to the apartment complex Wednesday night on a report of shots fired. Multiple officers from North Precinct responded, got out of their patrol cars, walked this complex as well as the adjacent complex, Fitzgerald said. They spoke to community members to try to pinpoint where the shots came from. They walked the area where they believed the shots came from. Police on Wednesday, however, did not find any sign of someone injured. Fitzgerald said numerous shots were fired. The apartment, he said, was targeted. Anyone with additional information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A man shot by Birmingham police has been convicted on drug and gun charges. A federal jury in Birmingham convicted 29-year-old Jaylin Artez Patton after three days of testimony, according to Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. Patton, who was shot by officers in 2024, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, possession of fentanyl and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Patton, on the day he was shot by Birmingham police after a brief interstate chase and foot chase, was armed with a gun that was outfitted with a machine gun conversion device designed for firing more than one shot automatically, without reloading, with a single pull of the trigger, according to court records. He was previously charged in state court with trafficking fentanyl, possession of a controlled substance, attempting to elude, disorderly conduct and second-degree possession of marijuana. Those cases have been bound over to await grand jury action. The state warrants alleged Patton was in possession of more than 14 grams but less than 28 grams of fentanyl, as well as Oxycodone and marijuana. The disorderly conduct warrants states that Patton did engage in disorderly conduct with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm by engaging in violent tumultuous or threatening behavior. The incident began just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, when an officer was conducting a traffic stop on I-20/59 northbound between Tallapoosa Street and Airport Boulevard. Authorities said Patton didnt stop and instead drove his car down a small slope on the side of the interstate, coming to a stop at a chain link fence. He bailed from his vehicle and took off running. A foot chase ensued. Then-Police Chief Scott Thurmond initially said Patton fired a shot, but later clarified to say that Patton was shot after he refused multiple orders to drop his gun and picked it up a second time after tossing it over the fence. Police body-worn camera footage, and footage taken via cell phone from a passerby, showed Patton running from officers and then scale the fence. He continued to run once he got to the other side and was then shot. Patton was shot in the hip/buttocks area. Court records show Patton has been arrested on at least 16 criminal charges since 2018 including attempting to elude, drug distribution, drug trafficking, and receiving stolen property. He is a convicted felon and prohibited from carrying a gun. Pattons parents, Nicole Hillary and Anthony Patton, previously told AL.com they didnt believe he fired on officers and were distraught by cell phone video showing him being wounded while running from police. Everyone who knows Jaylin knows hes a good-hearted person, Hillary said. Jaylin is very afraid of the police. He will run from the police, but as far as him shooting at the police, he would never. ATF investigated the case, along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William R. McComb and Darius Greene are prosecuting the case. A sentencing date has not yet been announced. Attorneys for Patton are asking for a new trial. Suppression often makes things more noticeable, like the elephant in the room effect: The more it goes unmentioned, the stranger and more noticeable it becomes. At this early juncture of Libra season, we are choosing how deeply to look into things -- whether to accept interactions at face value, or to read into the hidden emotions and dynamics underneath. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Yes, you have lugged a responsibility about as far as you want to, but theres so much more trail ahead. You deserve a rest, some ease, a little luck. So when it comes, dont hesitate, defer or pretend you dont need this. Just take it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your body will give clear signals: tension, excitement, ease, discomfort. You dont need to make a story around this or create reasons for these responses. Let instinctive wisdom cut through the minds noise. Obey the body. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Even when you think the right thing is implied, the rules are obvious and the logic is prevalent, youll still see a more successful outcome if you make your boundaries clear and your expectations known. CANCER (June 22-July 22). The future scares you, but youre more equipped than you know. The proof is in your past victories. Give yourself the pep talk you need. Cultivate the ability to speak yourself into courage. Such an ability will continue to serve you well. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Youve given so much, and though the world still asks for more, you are not depleted. Every ask makes you more resourceful, imaginative and resilient. Youre headed toward an opportunity. It will show you there are easier ways forward. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Jugglers secret: Let the air do the work while the hands handle exactly what they can, which is always one thing at a time. No matter whats thrown into your rotation today, you have rhythm and grace on your side. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Every interaction leaves an impression. The way you listen gives others a feeling. Your laugh gives them something to work for. The most casual comment sticks. After you leave the room, your influence will linger in fondness. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The wish for time off is really your soul asking for space. You cant pause the world, but you can claim little islands of rest. Today, even five quiet minutes will restore more than you think. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Anything thats been hard for you, youve done more than survive. Youve turned it into your story, your style and the legacy you pay forward. Youll work through tasks and problems of the day, integrating all into your being. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Since people around you are distracted or not watching closely, you have some freedom to try things out without scrutiny. You can test new approaches, adjust your style or play with strategy -- a low-risk way to improve how you handle the situation. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You can feel the energetic essence of ideas. The good ones leap off for you. Your creativity will keep leveling up because youre willing to discard what doesnt have that zing-zap. Morning brings momentum; evening brings brilliance. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Gratitude doesnt erase sadness, but it gives it company. You can cry and still feel thankful. You can ache and still feel blessed. Youll recognize how all your emotions of the day seem to belong there -- proof of a life fully lived. TODAYS BIRTHDAY (Sept. 24). Welcome to your Year of The Builder. The resources are out there, and the more you believe you can do this, the more capable you become. Brick by brick, you raise an empire -- professional, domestic and social. The structure you design becomes the life you always wanted to live inside. More highlights: A gorgeous home improvement, a new stream of income, and a partnership worth its weight in gold. Capricorn and Taurus adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 21, 17, 36 and 2. CELEBRITY PROFILES: The creative legacy of Jim Henson continues to blossom across media. Most recently, to mark its 70th anniversary, The Jim Henson Company collaborated with General Mills to transform classic monster cereal mascots -- Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry -- into puppets. The imagination that brought us Sesame Street, The Muppets, Fraggle Rock and many more is remembered for the values resonating through the worlds he created. Like a Libra, he stood for art, harmony, relationships, community and fairness. Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com. Workers check over a copper column still on Tuesday before moving it by crane into Conecuh Ridge Distillery. (Conecuh Ridge via JJPR) Conecuh Ridge via JJPR The massive copper still installed Tuesday in Troy might have made an old-time Alabama moonshiner like Clyde May scratch his head in wonder. At 31 feet tall by 24 inches in diameter and weighing more than a ton and a half, with as many gleaming fittings as a pipe organ, there was no hiding this thing in the woods. Fortunately, there was no need to: Its a key part of a new Conecuh Ridge Distillery in Troy. When its up and running, Conecuh will use it to produce Clyde Mays Whiskey. Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey was designated as the official state spirit of Alabama in 2004, but its Clyde Mays whiskies have been distilled out-of-state since first becoming a legal product 2002. Several variants are produced today. A 31-foot-tall copper column still is moved into the new Conecuh Ridge Distillery in Troy. (Conecuh Ridge via JJPR) Conecuh Ridge via JJPR This is the moment we have been working toward, bringing Clydes process under one roof in Troy, said L.C. May, national brand ambassador for Conecuh Brands and grandson of Clyde May. Granddads rule was simple, never rush the process. Installing this still lets us honor that rule with modern precision while keeping the soul of the whiskey intact. The still was lowered into place by crane, through an opening with approximately six inches of clearance on each side. According to information provided by the distillery, the still will yield up to 9,000 barrels a year. Conecuh Ridge says the unit and its sophisticated computer-controlled supporting equipment gives it the capacity to produce bourbon, rye, single malt, wheat and corn whiskies as well as botanical-infused gins. A worker guides a 31-foot-tall copper column still as it is lowered into the new Conecuh Ridge Distillery in Troy. (Conecuh Ridge via JJPR) Conecuh Ridge via JJPR This milestone reflects a significant investment in production and innovation at our new distillery, said David Ballew, senior vice president of commercial strategy at Conecuh Brands. From day one our priority has been quality and reliability at scale. The still installation moves us decisively into that future. The distillery expects to open later this year. For more information, visit www.conecuhbrands.com. The mayor of a north Alabama city has retained her seat in a runoff election after tying with her opponent in the August general election. We are very excited about the victory, Guntersville mayor Leigh Dollar told AL.com after she netted 1,710 votes, or 58.3% of the total vote cast in the mayoral runoff election Tuesday. Opponent Jeff McLaughlin, an attorney, received 1,221 votes, or 41.7%. The 2,931 votes cast in the runoff amounts to about 800 more than in the August general mayoral election, which saw Dollar and McLaughlin tie at 1,065 each. Dollar raised $27,900, according to campaign finance filing with the Secretary of State, with $12,623 remaining at the end of the race. McLaughlin, however, took a principled stance not to accept contributions. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment for this story. I want to thank all my constituents and my supporters for coming out to vote today, Dollar said. It just shows how important every vote is and that it counts. So I just really want to thank them for showing up today. I want to thank all my friends and family who have worked so hard to make today possible, and my supporters. One vote separated the contestants on the night of the general election in August. Dollar received 1,062 votes to McLaughlins 1,061. The subsequent counting of seven provisional ballots resulted in no daylight between the two, leaving them in an even tie. Then there were the statutes, which do not provide a clear-cut resolution. City attorney Jim Beard said the Alabama law provides essentially no mechanism to declare a winner in such a situation, according to The Sand Mountain Reporter. The city council eventually opted for a runoff. But the win for Dollar did not come easily. Her campaign knocked on 2,000 doors, she said. For three months, we have worked and worked and knocked on doors, done advertising, done social media, done all kinds of ads, she said. Its just been kind of crazy. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Perle , an AI training data platform powered by Web3 that brings human wisdom to AI models, today announced a strategic expansion into the Solana ecosystem, marking a key milestone in the company's growth and mission to improve how AI systems are trained and evaluated. This move will enable Perle to leverage Solana's high-speed, scalable blockchain infrastructure, further strengthening its crypto-native platform for transparent, verifiable human input in AI model training. Through this initiative with Solana, Perle aims to broaden participation, improve data quality, and empower a global community to actively contribute to AI development. "Expanding into the Solana ecosystem represents a major step forward in our mission to improve how AI systems are trained and evaluated," said Ahmed Rashad, CEO of Perle. "Solana's high-speed architecture, near-instant finality, and scalable infrastructure make it an ideal platform for decentralizing human input at scale. By integrating with a blockchain like Solana, we can further decentralize human input, ensure verifiable data quality, and unlock global participation, making AI development more accurate, inclusive, and impactful." "Perle's approach to scaling human intelligence with a permissionless platform strongly aligns with our vision of how blockchain-based systems can be useful to advancing state-of-the-art AI," said Rishin Sharma, Head of AI at the Solana Foundation. "By bringing Perle's platform to our ecosystem, we're helping drive a more transparent, scalable model for data collection and curation used in building AI that will be competitive with centralized solutions that exist today." Perle's expansion into the Solana ecosystem underscores the company's commitment to advancing AI development through transparent, verifiable, and decentralized human input. As AI continues to evolve, this initiative positions both Perle and Solana at the forefront of innovation, enabling developers and contributors worldwide to collaborate in building smarter, more trustworthy AI systems. About Perle Perle transforms how AI teams access and use training data by combining human expertise with adaptive workflows. Specializing in data acquisition, expert annotation, and model evaluation, Perle delivers faster, more reliable results tailored for generative AI, LLMs, and RLHF. Our approach ensures data quality and context where it matters most-helping teams build smarter, more trustworthy AI. Learn more at Perle.ai . Media Contact: [email protected] About Solana The Solana Foundation is a non-profit foundation based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to the decentralization, adoption, and security of the Solana network. For more information, please visit https://solana.org/ Media contact: press@solana.org SOURCE Perle New mayor in Mobile Spiro Cheriogotis won Tuesdays runoff election to become the successor to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, reports AL.coms John Sharp and Lawrence Specker. It was a close one. Cheriogotis won 24,005 votes to state Rep. Barbara Drummonds 23,285. Cheriogotis carried 50.8% of Tuesdays voters. He is a former Mobile County district judge. His wife, Lucy, is from the Greer family of grocery-store fame. While Republican Cheriogotis raised more money and enjoyed the support of the current mayor, several Democrats from the national stage endorsed Drummond. Those included former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker. Tarrants change Also during Tuesdays municipal runoffs, the troubled city of Tarrant will have a new mayor come Nov. 3, reports AL.coms Joseph D. Bryant. Embattled one-term Mayor Waymon Newton lost to councilwoman Tracie Threadford 441 votes to 250. Newton and Threadford have often found themselves as odds, as the mayor and council have had a contentious relationship that has been political and personal. Guntersvilles tiebreaker Ill mention one more runoff because we carried the story about the Election Day tie in the Guntersville mayors race. AL.coms Kayode Crown reports that incumbent Leigh Dollar won Tuesdays runoff, and this time it wasnt nearly as close. Dollar carried 58.3% of the votes against lawyer Jeff McLaughlin. The runoff attracted 2,931 voters to the polls. Thats 800 more than voted in the general election in August. Top universities U.S. News & World Report released its annual Best Colleges list, and Auburn leads Alabamas major universities once again, reports AL.coms Williesha Morris. Auburn jumped three places this year to No. 102 nationally on the popular list. Also on the list of national universities: UAB at No. 132, University of Alabama at No. 169, Samford University at No. 179, UAH at No. 242 and the University of South Alabama at No. 363. On the U.S. News ranking of regional universities, which offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some masters programs but few doctoral programs, in the South Tuskegee made No. 10. And among regional colleges, which focus on undergraduate education but grant fewer than half their degrees in liberal arts disciplines, in the South Huntingdon College leads Alabama schools at No. 8. More data in Montgomery Meta, the company that controls Facebook, Instagram, Threads and more, has grown its plans for a data center in Montgomery, reports AL.coms William Thornton. Metas financial investment in the project is nearly doubling. Last year Meta announced an $800 million investment; now its at $1.5 billion. Plans call for a 1.3-million-square-foot campus to be completed by the end of next year. Quoting He had become a divisive person, it seems to me intentionally. And I hope there was pressure to just get him out. Michael Wilbon of ESPNs Pardon the Interruption, on Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearls retirement announcement. Pearl has expressed conservative political values. Alabama Hot Takes Dont forget you can leave us your short take on pretty much anything you want at (205) 304-1814 and we might use it in an upcoming Down in Alabama podcast episode. More Alabama News Born on This Date In 1994, reality-television star and former Miss Alabama USA Hannah Brown of Tuscaloosa. The podcast Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis celebrates with supporters gathered at the Crown Hall after winning the Mobile mayoral runoff on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. John Sharp Mobile Mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis will take office in 40 days, replacing retiring three-term Mayor Sandy Stimpson to lead Alabamas second largest city. Cheriogotis, 42, has not been in city government before, but he emerged victorious on Tuesday by defeating Alabama State Rep. Barbara Drummond in a close runoff. A former Mobile County District judge and prosecutor, his only public experience has been in the judicial branch. However, Cheriogotis will soon inherit a General Fund budget of over $380 million, approximately $80 million in annual capital improvements and over 2,000 city employees. Early on, we went to dinner with him and I said, your life is going to change should you win, Stimpson, who endorsed Cheriogotis during the campaign, said on Tuesday during the Cheriogotis Election Night rally. It will change significantly. For Cheriogotis, all eyes will be on how he prepares and approaches the new job he was elected to. Here are 5 takeaways on how Cheriogotis plans to approach the job based on comments made to the local media after the runoff. City administrative staff Cheriogotis claims he has not promised Stimpson that he will maintain certain key members of the current administration. Stimpson, himself, has denied any quid pro quo for his endorsement of Cheriogotis in May based on maintaining certain members of his administration. I want to meet with everyone who serves the city now, Cheriogotis said on Tuesday. I want to meet with those who serve to the best of their ability, and those who maybe not. I want to help them find a way forward, so they are the servants we need. If they cant do that, then well talk. Stimpson said that while Cheriogotis will be connected to him in the coming months while learning the ropes of being mayor, there will be no promises over job retention of specific members of the administration. Hes going to be the mayor, Stimpson said. Its his deal. Ill give him advice like you would a son or a brother. But he will have to work it out. That doesnt mean that Stimpson doesnt plan to pitch members of his team for the future Cheriogotis administration. Ill tell him what I think and the people who can really make things happen, Stimpson said. We have a lot of people engaged and doing a good job. You have four or five people who can really turn the dial and push things forward. Cheriogotis was criticized earlier in the campaign by former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine for having a strong campaign funding apparatus in order to maintain a status quo at Government Plaza. He amassed over $1.7 million in contributions during the mayoral campaign, which he began in January. Public transportation Cheriogotis said he plans to meet soon with representatives of New York-based Via Transit LLC, which recently received a multi-year bid to operate Mobiles public transit system. He said that part of that meeting will include a pitch on his plans to hype up the need for trolleys running in the city, at least in downtown Mobile. I want to make sure they understand my vision clearly, Cheriogotis said. I want to use data and be smart (about it), but I also really like trolleys. Public safety Cheriogotis didnt commit to a number of police officers he would like to see patrolling the city. During the campaign leading up to the Aug. 26 election, Prine suggested there was a need to add at least 100 more new officers. Cheriogotis said he was pleased to see strong incoming classes to the citys police academy, and believes the agency will have strong staffing levels. He also said that the National Guard is a military force and is not needed on Mobiles streets. He said he is confident in the citys police department to handle street crimes. The comments from Cheriogotis are similar to those he made during a debate hosted by AL.com and sponsored by AARP last week. President Donald Trump has openly suggested that he would send federal troops into cities run by Democratic leaders to combat what he says are high crime rates. New Orleans, St. Louis, Denver, Baltimore, and New York City are among the major cities Trump has eyed for National Guard deployment. Cheriogotis is a Republican. He said he would like to tackle the issue of youth violence, and hinted at establishing a city task force to tackle youth gun violence. Neighborhoods Cheriogotis also hinted at establishing a new department within city government aimed at celebrating and supporting the citys neighborhoods. He called it the Department of Neighborhood Engagement. One thing Ive learned on the campaign trail is Mobile is a tapestry of neighborhoods, Cheriogotis said. So many cities are but none more than Mobile. We need to find a way to celebrate that, and we need a way for our individual neighborhoods to be recognized and to be able to speak for themselves. What is right for Down the Bay may not be right for Spring Hill. Lets find a way to be ourselves but be the best self we can be from an individualized point of view. Affordable housing Cheriogotis said there needs to be an incentive to promote housing affordability in Mobile. Its unclear exactly what that might entail, though it would likely require approval by the Mobile City Council. I think Mobile is ripe for revitalization, he said. The jobs are coming. I think Mobile is ready to catch fire from a housing market standpoint. Im hoping with a little incentivizing we can see that happen. Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis celebrates with supporters gathered at the Crown Hall after winning the Mobile mayoral runoff on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. John Sharp Former Mobile County District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis won a four-year term as mayor of Alabamas second-largest city Tuesday, defeating state Rep. Barbara Drummond in a close runoff election to succeed retiring Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Cheriogotis got 24,005 votes -or 50.8% - to Drummonds 23,285, or 49.2 percent, according to unofficial results reported by Fox10 news. The margin, while close, appeared to be large enough to prevent an automatic recount. Cheriogotis, 42, a former prosecutor, celebrated the victory with family, supporters and Stimpson at a rally at The Crown on St. Louis Street. The race marked Mobiles first open mayoral contest in 20 years. Stimpson, who was with his wife Jean, presented a baton to Cheriogotis as a symbolic passing of the torch to the new mayor. From this point forward, we are not looking back, Cheriogotis said. We are looking forward to a city that works for everyone. His win was powered by key advantages: substantial fundraising, high-profile local endorsements, and deep local ties through his wife, Lucy, a member of the prominent Greer family, longtime owners of grocery store chains across Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. He credited his wife for her support throughout the campaign, and introduced his four young children on stage. Mobile Mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis celebrates on the stage at Crown Hall in Mobile with his family after learning he had won the Sept. 23, 2025, mayoral runoff. John Sharp Thank you for every Mobilian who put your trust in me and in this campaign, Cheriogotis said. From the very beginning, we said that this will be a campaign for Mobilians run by Mobilians. Tonight, the people of mobile have spoken. Drummond, who highlighted support from national Democratic leaders, was outpaced by fundraising from the Cheriogotis camp: He raised more than $1.7 million throughout the campaign, far outpacing his opponents. Drummond raised over $580,000 during the campaign. Drummond, a state lawmaker since 2014, addressed followers shortly before 9 p.m., and congratulated Cheriogotis on his win. I want to thank Mobile because we gave a hell of a run, she said. I want to thank each of you and I certainly extend my congratulations to our new mayor, Spiro Cheriogotis. It is time for Mobile to come together. We had a good run and it was very, very tight, but we didnt prevail, guys. This was never about Barbara, she said. This was about us, and Mobile. So I dont want anybody to look down because we did good and we thank God for that. It is time that we now unite Mobile because the future that we saw on Team Drummond for Mobile, it still exists. And its going to take all of us to change this trajectory. The runoff capped a campaign for a rare open mayors race in Mobile. Stimpson, who won his last two races handily, announced nearly a year ago that he would not seek a fourth term. Despite the fundraising edge, Cheriogotis entered the runoff trailing Drummond by six percentage points after the Aug. 26 general election. Drummond led with 33.7% of the vote, followed by Cheriogotis with 27.6%. Former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine finished third with 8,186 votes (19.9%), and Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson placed fourth with 7,722 votes (18.7%). The first election drew a 26.3% turnout. Mobile mayoral candidate Barbara Drummond thanked campaign volunteers in her concession speech, saying, "Don't hold your head down because guys, this was a fifty-fifty, almost, race, so it says that we still did good. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Drummond was seeking to make Alabama history. No Black woman has ever been elected mayor in Alabamas four largest cities Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville and now, Mobile. Mobile stands out among them as the most racially balanced, with a nearly even demographic split: 47.5% Black and 46.1% white. That balance shifted further in 2023 when the city annexed several majority-white neighborhoods in west Mobile, adding more than 19,700 residents and altering the political landscape. The annexation, supported by voters in those areas, significantly boosted the citys white population in an area that traditionally supports more conservative politicians. In Alabama as in much of the South racially polarized voting continues to influence local elections. Drummond was seeking to become the first woman elected as mayor of Mobile, and the citys second Black mayor behind Sam Jones, whom she worked under during his tenure in office from 2005-2013. Few women have been elected as mayor in Alabamas largest cities. Within the past 25 years, only Loretta Spencer of Huntsville was successful in winning a mayors race. She defeated 10 other opponents and easily won a runoff in 1996 to become Huntsvilles mayor, serving until 2008. Carole Smitherman became the first Black woman to serve as a mayor of one of Alabamas largest cities when she held the post in Birmingham in 2009. She was placed into the mayors seat for one month after Larry Langford was convicted of 60 counts of bribery. At the time, Smitherman served as the president of the Birmingham City Council. The campaign between Drummond and Cheriogotis became a battle of endorsements. Drummond touted her support from high-profile Democratic figures like former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Georgia U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop. On Monday, former Vice President Kamala Harris called Drummond a star during an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow. Drummond said that shout-out had come as a welcome surprise. We were sitting there on last night, and when the Vice President called our names, Drummond said early in the day while voting at Morningside Elementary School. Im sitting there somewhat stunned because, quite frankly, I didnt know that was going to happen. Cheriogotis countered with local endorsements from Stimpson, which he received in May, and former Mayor Mike Dow. He was also endorsed by the local law enforcement unions and the citys Realtors, both strong local support networks. The race, while generally positive, became embroiled in nationalized partisanship. A campaign flyer, paid for by a political action committee providing in-kind support to Drummond, linked Cheriogotis to MAGA Republicans and President Donald Trump. Cheriogotis is a Republican, while Drummond is a Democrat and the current Alabama Democratic Caucus chair of the Alabama House of Representatives where she has served since 2014. The Mobile mayoral race, like all municipal races in Alabama, is non-partisan. Cheriogotis and Drummond debated three times last week including last Tuesday hosted by AL.com and AARP. The two provided their platforms on public safety, the city budget, capital improvements, quality of life projects, homelessness, and whether the National Guard should be deployed to Mobile. In the AL.com debate, the two also defended their experience and background. Drummond leaned heavily on her long tenure in public service and her deep ties to Mobile city government. Cheriogotis countered that he brings real-world experience that included a background as a business owner. Cheriogotis and Drummond represented the first real open mayoral contest in Mobile since the 2005 election. That year, Jones -- who at the time, was a county commissioner -- became the citys first Black mayor after defeating John Peavy in a runoff. Jones replaced Dow, who left the mayors seat after serving four terms. The Mobile mayoral race was considered the most intriguing races during this years municipal contests in Alabama largely because it was an open-seat contest in one of the states largest cities. In Birmingham, Woodfin easily cruised to a re-election win with 75% of the vote during last months elections. Huntsvilles municipal elections took place last year. Montgomery held its municipal contests in 2023. In Tuscaloosa, the city elections took place in early March. An Amtrak train going to Mobile crashed into a vehicle Tuesday night, leaving two individuals dead. According to WLOX, the accident occurred in Pass Christian, Mississippi at about 7:08 p.m. when the train struck the vehicle obstructing the tracks. The Pass Christian Police Department confirmed that the two occupants inside the vehicle were killed. Douglas Craddock, 31, and Tavianna Ellegant, 24, were identified as the victims of the collision. A GoFundMe was started by Taviannas mother, Geneva Ellegant, to assist the family. According to the fundraising description Geneva also lost her son in 2021. Amtrak said that none of the 97 passengers or crew onboard the train reported being injured in the collisions, according to WLOX. The accident occurred on Amtraks new Mardi Gras Service train route that launched in August which operates twice daily to take passengers between New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile. The Sept. 23 runoff results are in for multiple Alabama cities. John Sharp After months of campaigning and heated elections, the runoff election results are in. While some municipalities tied up their election decisions in August, others are only just deciding on key leadership positions. Towns like Tarrant and Lipscomb, known for their political shenanigans, decided who would be mayor while cities like Hoover and Fairfield finished filling their council. The Birmingham runoff election will take place on Oct. 7. Scroll to read who won the runoff in your city. Calera Incumbent Mayor Jon Graham, who has held the seat since 2008, faced off against councilor Kenny Dale Cost, who was elected in 2020. The race wasnt even close. Dale won the citys top spot with 82% of the votes, according to WBRC. Mayor Center Point Incumbent Mayor Bobby Scott, who was elected in 2020, won the mayoral election against D.M. Collins, the current council president, with 150 more votes than his opponent, according to WBRC. Mayor Fairfield Fairfields new mayor is Herman Carnes, who won the seat against Michael Williams. Omar Young won the District 1 council seat against Frederic Scott. In 2012, both Young and Scott, who was council president pro-tem at the time, ran for mayor. District 2 Councilor Susan Joe Rembert-Parks has lost her position against Carlton Lewis, a deacon at Urban Hope Community Church. Courtney Turner takes home the District 5 spot. Mayor District 1 District 2 District 5 Graysville Two-term incumbent Graysville Mayor James Clark Julio Davis has won the runoff against current councilor Karen Lauderdale. Davis won with 49 votes, according to WBRC. Mayor Helena Jeff McDaniels won the Place 5 seat against Alex Miller with a 436-vote difference, according to the city of Helena. Place 5 Homewood While he trailed his opponent by 191 votes in the August election, Chris Lane has won the Ward 3 seat against John Manzelli, according to the city of Homewood. Lane previously ran for mayor in 2020, focusing his campaign on the need for increased transparency, public involvement and government reform. Lane said those issues are still unresolved five years later. Ward 3 Hoover Gene Smith won the Place 2 council seat and Ashley Lovell won Place 3, according to the city of Hoover. Smith and Lovell are a part of a coalition demanding a state audit of Hoovers finances after a previous audit uncovered thousands of missing and destroyed financial files, claims from the IRS that the city owes more than $200,000 and a $36 million fund balance overstatement. The audit was a controversial topic throughout the election. While Mayor Frank Brocato claimed the calls for an additional audit were hogwash, Mayor- elect Nick Derzis told AL.com that he believes an additional audit is necessary. Place 2 Place 3 Leeds Eddie W. Moore won the mayoral election against current District 1 Councilor Kenneth Washington, who has served on the city council for 30 years. Sabrina Rose will replace Washington for the District 1 seat. Mayor District 1 Lipscomb Robin Rob Sims, a former Lipscomb police officer, beat Councilwoman Lakendria Poellnitz after falling behind in the August polls, according to the city. Rob Sims told AL.com that the runoff showed that voters wanted a change. Current mayor Tanja Baldwin was defeated in the general election, leaving Sims and Poellnitz. I feel really humbled because all the voters had one thing in common no matter who they voted for; and that was to see Lipscomb move forward, Sims said. I just want to say thank you whether they voted for me or not. We all shared one common goal and their voices have been heard. Mayor Pelham Two open city council seats were filled after Chris Townes beat Cathy Cartagena for Place 3 and Markus Snowden beat Ron Griggs for Place 4, according to the city of Pelhams unofficial runoff results. Place 3 Place 4 Tarrant Councilwoman Tracie Threadford beat incumbent Wayman Newton, who was seeking a second term. Im so excited and thankful for the citizens for believing in me, and together we will all move Tarrant forward, Threadford told AL.com. Id also like to thank Mayor Newton for his service to Tarrant. Tarrants politics have been the subject of lawsuits and even led to a few arrests. This election was a referendum on which direction the city will take after several years of animosity between Newton and the council that has divided both city hall and the residents. The runoff also decided who will sit on the city council after multiple close races. The incumbent councilors from District 1, 3 and 4 are being replaced by their opponents, according to the city. Mayor District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Vestavia Hills Michael Vercher won the Place 3 seat against Brian Demarco with 420 votes, according to the city of Vestavia Hills. Place 3 A former Lipscomb police officer who alleged the mayor was corrupt tonight beat Councilwoman Lakendria Poellnitz to take the office himself. Rob Sims told AL.com that the runoff showed that voters wanted a change. Sims won with 118 votes to 105 votes for Poellnitz. Current mayor Tanja Baldwin was defeated in the general election, leaving Sims and Poellnitz. I feel really humbled because all the voters had one thing in common no matter who they voted for and that was to see Lipscomb move forward, Sims said. I just want to say thank you, whether they voted for me or not. We all shared one common goal and their voices have been heard. Sims had accused current mayor Baldwin and the acting chief of police of firing him in retaliation for him running for office. Officials then demanded he return his city badge and identification. Sims did not, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Lipscomb has seen tough times both economically and politically over the years as it struggles to attract businesses and a stable tax base to support the town. Adding to the burden is the longstanding feud between the mayor and council members over a variety of issues ranging from the citys handling of bingo permits and the status of city accounts, to who has authority over the police chief and who could hire the city attorney. The division has led to lawsuits, harsh words and a stalemate at city hall. Lipscomb is a town of about 2,000 just outside Bessemer. Sims, said he was inspired by God to seek public office and help his struggling community. He stirred me up to move for mayor in my spirt, Sims said. Im chosen for this. As mayor, Sims said he wants to begin uniting the town and healing political division. I want to talk with the people I want to talk with the city council so we can all get on one accord. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia, discusses Huntsville's role in the transition from the International Space Station to commercial space stations. Scott Turner/AL.com Huntsville will play a pivotal role in the transition to commercial space stations once the aging International Space Station is decommissioned in 2030 due to cost concerns. That is the opinion of industry experts whose companies have a presence in the Rocket City that will play important parts in that transition. I always tell companies, if you want to grow, if you want to work in space, you need to be in Huntsville, said Eric Stallmer, executive vice president for government relations at Voyager Technologies. This is really the epicenter in the U.S. for space companies in innovation, whether you are doing commercial or national security space work. Stallmer was among the participants on a panel at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber on Tuesday that included U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia. He said aerospace companies in Huntsville will likely see added work with U.S. Space Command headquarters moving here and with projects associated with Golden Dome - a Trump administration effort to create a national missile defense shield that his company is currently working on. But he said his companys No. 1 focus is on the transition from the ISS to Commercial Destination LEO (commercial low Earth orbit space stations). Stallmers company is currently working on one of those stations, Starlab. And Voyager isnt alone. In 10 years, I think well have multiple stations, said Taylor Armentrout, Axiom Spaces vice president of government relations. Its our plan at Axiom Space to run multiple stations to provide different needs. We might need a station for a hotel. We might need a station for specific kinds of classified research. We might need a station for university research. We dont know yet. But we know there is a demand for one or more. Aerospace company leaders discuss Huntsville's role with the commercial space industry. Scott Turner/AL.com Nick Case, manager of the partnerships and opportunity development office at Marshall Space Flight Center, said Blue Origin is also developing a space station in addition to its New Glenn rocket to ferry supplies to new destinations in low Earth orbit. The opening and identification of new access to LEO will only help us kick off, identify and establish new research, new industry and new types of tourism that maybe we havent seen before, adds Megan Green, director of government relations at Blue Origin. Case said the shift from the ISS to commercial space stations is not just a shift for NASA. Its a chance to grow a thriving economic base, he said. That means a new business model, new international collaborations and new opportunities right here in north Alabama. Our role in partnerships is to connect Marshalls world class expertise, capabilities and facilities and people with those like the companies represented on the stage. According to the centers strategy lead, Davey Jones, Marshall Space Flight Center currently has more than 400 commercial agreements with aerospace companies the most of any NASA center. He said Marshall is working to provide technical support and be a catalyst in the shift to the commercialization of lower earth orbit. Joining Marshall in playing a role in the shift is Huntsville International Airport. In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration approved Huntsville International Airport as a landing site for the Dream Chaser commercial space vehicle. It made the airport the first commercial airport in the U.S. to receive spaceport designation status. Strong reintroduced the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act last week. It would provide dedicated federal support to U.S. spaceports, ensuring the nation can meet growing civil, commercial and national security demands for space transportation, his office said. I would love to see deorbit vehicles like Dream Chaser land right here in Huntsville International Airport, he said. The landing of Dream Chaser at Huntsville International Airport is part of a vision for community growth that builds upon our history of space, science, and exploration, and this legislation will help us compete for future commercial space economic opportunities, Huntsville International Airport CEO Butch Roberts said. Strong said he is working on targeted actions to provide more technical expertise in government to speed up licensing and permits, better risk sharing framework for investors and adequate appropriations so we can stay on cost and on schedule. Competition from China Help from the federal government is needed, Armentrout said, saying four years is a tight window for companies. The industry leaders said they needed clarity if they are to meet a threat they say is coming from China. It is a concern that the Chinese have been able to go after our international partners, she said. They have seen our budget. They have seen that NASA is going to de-orbit ISS. They know that timeline. Armentrout said China is trying to overtake the market. Stallmer agrees. China is working at a much more aggressive schedule than we are, he said. Our delays on decision making and awards is only going to exacerbate that. There are 20 countries lined up to do work on the Tiangong station. China is not only an enormous threat onto LEO, but onto the moon and Mars as well. Strong said China is watching and copying everything that we do. Their space station is not only about science, the congressman said. Its about power. If the U.S. steps back, the CCP will step forward. It is not only about beating China. Its about proving the western led coalitions public, and private efforts can deliver safe, innovative and cost-effective access to space. Questions over a candidates eligibility to serve may have been the difference in a Decatur City Council race that turned negative in the weeks before the runoff. Pam Werstler overcame a more than 200-vote deficit to defeat Sarah French for the citys District 4 council seat Tuesday night, receiving 562 (62.86%) votes to Frenchs 332 (37.14%). The vote total is unofficial. During the Aug. 26 balloting, French received 665 to Werstlers 445 votes to cast them into a runoff. Three others were also in the race. The incumbent did not run in that district. But that was before residents raised questions on Decatur Facebook pages about Frenchs eligibility to serve after pleading guilty to a 2001 marijuana possession charge. They also brought up her arrest for blocking Hudson Memorial Bridge on Oct. 19, 2023, in protest of the citys handling of the fatal Decatur police shooting of Steve Perkins. Five were convicted of disorderly conduct, including Frenchs daughter. But that charge, a misdemeanor, did not disqualify her from office. District 4 residents received a mass mailer over the weekend from Clover PAC with a Montgomery listing reminding voters of Frenchs arrests. Werstler has been a member of the personnel board for the city of Decatur for 12 years, cu currently serving as vice chair. She owns Acorn to Oak Consulting, a human resource consulting company. In other runoff races in the Huntsville area: Samantha Ingram, a former Mobile County Public School administrator, speaks during a candidates forum on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Leinkauf Elementary School in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp The winner of Mobiles District 2 City Council race is challenging a four-decade-old local law that outlines residency requirements for elected officials. Samantha Ingram, who won the Aug. 26 election to represent the downtown and midtown-based district, is arguing in court that the states 90-day residency requirement for municipal candidates should override Mobiles 40-year-old one-year residency rule. Ingram filed a motion last week in Mobile County Circuit Court, asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by incumbent Councilman William Carroll. Carroll, who lost his re-election bid, claims Ingram does not meet the one-year residency requirement and is therefore ineligible to serve. This week, attorneys for both Ingram and Carroll did not respond to requests for comment. Mobile County Circuit Judge Brandy Hambright has scheduled a hearing on the motion for 10 a.m. on Oct. 15. Ingram is set to be sworn into office on Nov. 3 to begin a four-year term. She won the election with 52.7% of the vote, defeating Carroll, who received 43.2%. A third candidate, Reggie Hill, earned 4.1%. At the center of the legal challenge is whether the states 90-day residency requirement for municipal elections supersedes the one-year requirement found in the Zoghby Act, a 1985 law that established Mobiles current mayor-council form of government. Ingram is represented by Mobile attorney David Allen and former City Council attorney Wanda Cochran. The Zoghby Act, created specifically for Mobile, ended the citys three-member commission form of government and divided the city into seven council districts to ensure greater representation for minority communities. District 2 is a majority-minority district. Ingrams legal team argues that more recent Alabama laws passed in 2003 and 2012 include a 90-day residency requirement and make no reference to a longer period. The lawsuit contends that the newer laws conflict with and effectively override the Zoghby Act. The later acts have implicitly repealed the one-year residency language of the 1985 Zoghby Act, the lawsuit states. Mobile City Councilman William Carroll speaks during a candidates forum on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Leinkauf Elementary School in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp Carrolls lawsuit claims that Ingram has not publicly voted in Alabama since 2006 and was still an active voter in Georgia at the time of the August election. According to state records, she voted in Georgia in the November 2024 presidential election. The complaint also states that Ingram owns four properties, two of which are located within District 2 in Mobile. However, neither carries a homestead exemption, which is a tax benefit available only on an owners primary residence. Two additional properties, also without homestead exemptions, were purchased in Georgia in 2024. Mobiles District 2 encompasses downtown Mobile and its surrounding neighborhoods including some of the more historic neighborhoods in the citys midtown section. Carroll further alleges that Ingram has ties to several Georgia-based businesses related to her 2024 property purchases. The lawsuit was filed four days after the Mobile City Council certified the Aug. 26 election results. Carroll was the only council member who abstained from the vote. He declined to comment at the time on his decision. Signs for Carletta Davis (left) and Jimmie Gardner (right) in Prichard, Ala. Davis and Gardner faced each other in a runoff to be mayor of Prichard, a small suburb north of Mobile, on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photos by Margaret Kates) Margaret Kates Prichard, a small town north of Mobile struggling with a water and sewage crisis, ousted its mayor from office Tuesday night. Carletta Davis, a community activist, won the runoff for mayor of Prichard. Davis received 2,191 votes, and incumbent Mayor Jimmie Gardner received 714. Gardner conceded to Davis Tuesday night. Let us come together as one community, united in our love for this city, and work towards a brighter future, Gardner said in a message to AL.com. The challenges we face are great, but the spirit of Prichard--the spirit of champions--is greater. Davis is the first Black woman elected to the office, according to Prichard City Councilmember Stephani Johnson-Norwood. Prichard is 88.7% Black. After Tuesdays elections, four out of five members of Prichards city council are women, in an overhaul of the towns leadership. Davis leads We Matter Eight Mile, a community action group. She has been active in Prichards numerous water and sewer difficulties. The towns water and sewer utility has been under control of a receiver for the last two years after it defaulted on a $55 million loan from a bank. The utility loses 60% of the water it purchases, and millions of gallons of raw sewage spills in the town every year. Issues with water and sewage service, along with concerns about crime, dominated this years elections. Nine provisional ballots have not been counted, but they will not be a decisive factor in the race. The town came under fire for its handling of provisional ballots during the August 23 general election. Issues in last election Davis ran against incumbent Jimmie Gardner and Lorenzo Martin, a former city councilman, in the general election in August. Davis and Gardner advanced to the runoff, with Davis receiving the most votes. However, Gardner led Martin by just a few votes, 635 to 631 to get into the runoff, according to WKRG. Davis received 951 votes in the general election. However, between 13 and 23 provisional ballots cast in the August 23 race were not counted. Martin filed a challenge in Mobile County Circuit Court, asking for those ballots to be counted. A provisional ballot is one cast by a voter whose eligibility cannot be proven on election day. The provisional ballots in question were left behind at a senior center and delivered to the Mobile County Board of Registrars more than 24 hours after the election. The Mobile County Board of Registrars discounted 13 provisional ballots. Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Michael Youngpeter dismissed Martins claim, in part because of a failure to file security for the necessary costs. Martin paid a $10,000 bond as part of his challenge. A qualified elector must not be punished, if you will, with blatant misconduct enabled by a public official cognizant of all applicable laws related to fair elections, Martins motion to reconsider Youngpeters dismissal says. This surely is unconstitutional. The ACLU of Alabama issued a scathing report earlier this month, highlighting issues with elections around the state, including Prichard. In their report, the civil rights group said provisional ballots were not available at polling places, and poll workers wrote provisional on standard ballots. The Prichard City Clerks staff was not available throughout election day August 23, the ACLU said, despite concerns about ballot access. City Council races Prichard city councilmembers Annie Williams, in District One, and Johnson-Norwood, in District Two, were reelected without opposition. From new cocktails to flexible portions, P.F. Chang's menu brings variety, flexibility, and everyday value SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- P.F. Chang's is rolling out a new nationwide menu today, anchored by its $8.99 Cocktail Collection*handcrafted drinks that bring elevated flavor at an approachable price. The refreshed menu also features new hand-rolled sushi, the highly anticipated return of Garlic Noodles, flexible entree sizes, and half appetizers that make it easier than ever to mix, match, and share. To celebrate the launch, comedian Atsuko Okatsuka stars in a playful social media campaign showcasing the fun, approachable spirit of dining at P.F. Chang's. To celebrate the launch, comedian Atsuko Okatsuka stars in a playful social media campaign showcasing the fun, approachable spirit of dining at P.F. Changs P.F. Changs Expands Menu With New $8.99 Cocktail Collection, Sushi Rolls & Fan-Requested Garlic Noodles "With the launch of this new menu, we're putting guests' favorites front and center," said Sonika Patel, CMO of P.F. Chang's. "From $8.99 handcrafted cocktails to flexible portions and new shareable dishes, we're giving people more ways to enjoy P.F. Chang's any day of the week." At a time when cocktail prices are climbing, P.F. Chang's delivers premium drinks without the premium price tag. The $8.99 Cocktail Collection spans bright, floral pours to bold, citrus-forward flavors, ensuring something for every palate. Seasonal specials like the Blood Orange Margarita and The Peartini rotate quarterly to spotlight fresh ingredients and trending flavors. Guests can also enjoy house cocktails and select wines at equally approachable prices, making indulgence more accessible every day. Beyond the cocktails, the new menu leans into variety and flexibility. Fan-favorite Garlic Noodles return by popular demand after a frenzy of social media requests, joining bold new sushi rolls like Spicy Tuna, Kung Pao Dragon Roll, and Shrimp Tempura. The refreshed menu also includes a beloved classic Kung Pao Chicken. Guests can now choose medium or traditional entree sizes and explore half appetizers that are perfect for tasting and sharing more flavors in one sitting. The launch builds on the success of P.F. Chang's Lunch and Dinner Specials, introduced earlier this year. Lunch Specials start at just $13.99 and include a soup or salad, appetizer, base, and personalized size entree. Dinner Specials begin at $16.99, letting diners mix and match starters, bases, and entrees from 12 flavorful options. With more ways to customize, guests can enjoy exactly what they crave - without compromise. To learn more or find a location, visit www.pfchangs.com or follow P.F. Chang's on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok . About P.F. Chang's: Founded in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming, P.F. Chang's is the first internationally recognized, multi-unit Asian culinary brand to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. With roots in Chinese cuisine, today's menu at P.F. Chang's spans across all of Asia, honoring cultures and recipes from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond. Each item offers a unique exploration of flavor whether it's a handcrafted cocktail, a fan-favorite Lunch or Dinner Special, or a celebratory Chef's Feast 3-course dinner. Worldwide, P.F. Chang's operates 297 restaurants in 23 countries and U.S. airport locations. For more news, visit pfchangs.com and follow @pfchangs on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok . *Available to guests 21 and older with valid government-issued ID. Dine-in only. Tax and gratuity not included. Subject to change. Void where prohibited. Please drink responsibly. Only available at participating locations. SOURCE P.F. Chang's The Black Warrior waterdog is found in only a few streams in the Black Warrior River watershed. It needs clear, free-flowing water to survive, and advocates say planned new mining in west Alabama threatens the waterdog, and other endangered species. (Photo courtesy Alabama Natural Heritage Program) Alabama Natural Heritage Program The federal government is moving forward with leasing thousands of acres of land in west Alabama for coal mining, a move that will drastically increase coal exports from the state. The move could nearly double Warrior Met Coals projected output, create hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue, both for the mining company near Tuscaloosa and for the Port of Mobile. But the mining will take place in the Black Warrior River watershed, which advocates say could jeopardize endangered species, including a rare, elusive salamander found only in a few streams in northwest Alabama. Were just creating additional spaces that are much less inhabitable, said Nelson Brooke, who leads Black Warrior Riverkeeper, an environmental advocacy group. Its a cumulative effect where so much of the Black Warrior basin has been mined and cultivated. Warrior Met Coal is proposing the expansion of two of its mines in Tuscaloosa County, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Earlier this month, the federal government announced it would move forward with leasing the land, and next Tuesday bidding will be held for the leases. In total, the new mining leases encapsulate around 14,000 acres of land. Warrior Met Coal did not respond to AL.coms requests for comment. The federal government estimates that there is around 53.2 million tons of federally owned coal to be mined. In addition, there is an estimated 49.9 million tons of privately owned coal that could be mined through this expansion. The coal to be mined is metallurgical coal, or met coal, which is used in the production of steel. It is primarily exported to steel manufacturers in Europe and Asia. If Warrior Met Coal wins the leases for these two expansions, in particular the lease for Blue Creek No. 1, it could dramatically increase its volume: the companys nameplate capacity, or total projected output, is expected to increase by 75% from 2024 to 2027, according to a company report from February. The Blue Creek mine is expected to create $1.3 billion in incremental revenues, according to a report from Business Alabama. While the federal government just decided to move forward with the leases, locals say theyre already seeing impacts on Little Yellow Creek, according to Brooke. Black Warrior Riverkeeper submitted comments to the federal government opposing the expansion. The surface infrastructure for this mine expansion is already under construction, he said, and locals have reported to Brookes group that theyre seeing mud and cloudy water in the creek. These are tributaries to the Black Warrior River, Brooke said. A lot of people have homes there; theyre concerned about their drinking water and swimming water. Little Yellow Creek feeds into Big Yellow Creek, which feeds into the Black Warrior River. One of the many species that calls the Black Warrior watershed home is the Black Warrior waterdog, also known as the Alabama mudpuppy. The waterdog is a spotted salamander with feathery red gills and is found in only a few creeks in the Black Warrior River Basin. The waterdog was listed as an endangered species in 2018. Its critical habitat is the Sipsey Fork, Blackwater Creek, Locust Fork, and Yellow Creek in Tuscaloosa (different from Big Yellow Creek). With its external gills, the waterdog is especially vulnerable to poor water quality, and its health is an indicator of the health of the river system as a whole, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Runoff from mining and other development is believed to be the cause of the waterdogs decline. Brooke argues that the expansion of these mines threatens the waterdog, as well as other threatened species like the flattened musk turtle, which lives solely in the upper Black Warrior River Basin. These feeder streams are incredibly diverse, its incredible how much biodiversity is there, Brooke said. Every one of these critters is very important to the ecosystem. In its analysis, the bureau of land management said the mining may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the waterdog and the turtle. Of the 16 endangered or threatened species the federal government assessed, it ruled that the mine would have no effect or no likely adverse effect. Mining at Mine No. 4 and Blue Creek will be longwall mining, which largely takes place underground. Longwall mining is a practice where a machine cuts a large block of coal from the wall; the block is then pulled to the surface. Underground mining can have major effects on water, both underground and on the surface. Water containing sulfuric acid and heavy metals can leach into groundwater and surface waters, like rivers and lakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Water from mining can contaminate drinking water and degrade water quality, negatively affecting plants and animals. But Warrior Met Coal is not the only one who could benefit from the mining expansion. In an August 27 meeting, Rick Clark, deputy director of the Alabama State Port Authority, said it expects 3 million additional tons to move through McDuffie Coal Terminal at the port due to the new mine in Tuscaloosa. In comments to the federal government supporting the expansion, the port authority said Warrior Met Coal is its largest customer. In addition to supporting the exportation of clean and efficient met coal mining products, approval of this application will help support jobs and the economy, the port said in its comment. An economic impact study conducted during the 2021 calendar year showed that McDuffie Coal Terminal operations at the Port of Mobile created more than 2,000 jobs directly and a direct revenue impact of more than $350 million. Warrior Met will have to pay a royalty for the coal it mines. Those royalties will be received by whoever holds the mineral rights for the property: private landowners or the government. However, under the most recent congressional spending bill or One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal government reduced the royalty rate coal miners have to pay per ton of coal, from 12.5% to 7%. Bidding for the leases to expand Mine No. 4 and Blue Creek Mine No. 1 will be held next Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the federal Bureau of Land Managements Eastern States State Office in Falls Church, Va. Brooke argues that the short-term economic gain is far outweighed by the long-term environmental damage that could come from the mine expansion. The Black Warrior River watershed is incredibly diverse, with 130 species of fish alone. That biodiversity is at risk, he said. Its a steal for the company and a loss for the locals, Brooke said. Its short-term gain for long-term pain. The Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) has been receiving a large volume of phone calls regarding an alleged Ponzi scheme involving a prominent Georgia man, ASC Director Amanda Senn said Tuesday. We were inundated with phone calls about that scheme. We wanted to make sure the public knew that if we had investors that were harmed, we were monitoring and we would evolve or get engaged if necessary, Senn said to commissioners during a regular meeting. More from Alabama Reflector She told the commission the ASC was working with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to ensure the money was returned. Were in contact with authorities regularly, so were on top of that there and working with the Secretary of State for assistance we can provide there and vice versa, Senn said. Senn said in an interview Tuesday ASC is following the case for any updates that interest Alabama. Were still continuing to monitor the information that comes out of the investigation and if there is an Alabama interest that is not protected or addressed by the Georgia investigation, we will certainly enter the fold, she said. Edwin Brant Frost IV was accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in July of running a $140 million Ponzi scheme that made contributions to at least three Alabama Republicans. Allen called for all politicians and political action committees (PACs) to return any contributions that were involved with the alleged scheme. Then Rep. Andrew Sorrell, R-Muscle Shoals, who is now the Alabama State Auditor; Ben Harrison, R-Elkmont and Alabama State Board of Education Member Allen Long are among Republican officials who received contributions from Frost. The SEC alleged Frost misappropriated over $5 million of investor funds for himself and his family and used $570,000 of the misappropriated funds for political donations. According to campaign financial records, Frost, his family members or his businesses contributed at least $132,000 to Alabama politicians and political action committees (PACs) Sorrell and his PAC, Alabama Christian Citizens, received at least $71,000 in contributions from the Frost family. Sorrells PAC also made a loan of $29,000 to Frosts company First Liberty Building and Loan. Harrison received over $21,000 in donations from Brant Frost V in 2022 and State Board of Education member Allen Long received $40,000 from First National Investments, one of Frosts companies, in December 2023. Sorrell and Harrison have since returned the donations to the court-appointed receiver. Long, who is not up for re-election, has not filed a new campaign report this year. This is a guest opinion column When the United States was founded, political representation was one vote for one white male property owner, while enslaved persons were counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of apportionment. This early compromise gave slaveholding states disproportionate power without granting rights to those being counted. Over time, through constitutional amendments and federal laws, the principle of one person, one vote was reinforced. In many other Southern states, the struggle to translate demographic reality into political representation has been contentious. As of 2025, Alabamas population is predominantly white (66.8%), with the Black or African American population making up 26.5%. Smaller racial groups, including those of two or more races (3.11%) and Asians (1.4%), represent a growing but still small portion of the population according to World Population Review. Some argue that because Black Alabamians make up over one-quarter of the states population, two of the seven congressional seats should automatically be majority-minority districts. That assumption is too simplistic. Today, people choose where to live and work, and those patterns dont always produce neat racial majorities across congressional boundaries. Every citizen, regardless of race or gender, has the right to vote, to run for office, and to live wherever they choose. During the most recent reapportionment, I encouraged members of the legislature to review a map of all House and Senate districts, coloring each district red for Republican or blue for Democrat, to visualize the landscape and determine whether two Congressional majority-minority districts could be drawn without resorting to gerrymandering. That would be impossible since citizens of Alabama, at least outside of the Black Belt, do not live in areas focused on race. Over the years, Alabama has added many majority-minority districts. In 2011, while I was in the legislature, we created several majority-minority districts during the reapportionment process. We also shifted one seat away from Birmingham and allocated it to Huntsville. Today, Huntsville has two majority-minority districts as a result. Since 1970, Alabamas population has grown at a rate of approximately five to seven percent per year. Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee have surpassed Alabama in population growth percentages and people. Across the South, only Mississippi has failed to keep pace. Two of the largest states in the union are located in the South: Texas, now the second largest, and Florida, the third. California, of course, still holds the top spot. But the numbers alone arent what matters, especially when it comes to reapportionment. It is not how many people live in a state, but how many legal citizens are eligible to vote. That principle is too often ignored. California, for example, counts every residentcitizen or notwhen apportioning seats in Congress. By adding non-citizens to its count, California ends up with more representatives in Washington than it truly should have. While the Voting Rights Act rightly forbids the denial or abridgement of the voting right of any citizen of the United States on account of race or color or to give members of any racial group less opportunity than other members of the electorate, it does not guarantee outcomes. A majority-minority district does not automatically elect a minority candidate. Alabama has seen this firsthand. In 2006, Patricia Todd, a white woman, won House District 54 in Birmingham, a majority-minority district. Her successor, Neil Rafferty, is also white. Similarly, Billy Beasley, a white Democrat, represents State Senate District 28, another majority-minority district. Today in Alabama, we have more majority-minority districts than at any time in the history of our state. I do not believe that political boundary orientation should determine representation in the state senate or legislative districts. This trend began in the late 1980s and intensified in the 1990s. Professor Glen Browder of Jacksonville State University, a former legislator, Secretary of State, and member of Congress, warned of this outcome three decades ago in one of his books. In this book, he cautioned that if these trends continued, there would be a time, especially in southern politics, when we would devolve into a system where the only real contest was the primary election, with general elections rendered meaningless. He predicted that campaigns would become a racial and partisan divide: a white Republican Party and a Black Democratic Party. Basically, we find ourselves in this position now. What that means is that you dont have to try to build coalitions to get elected because once you secure the nomination in your district, you can hold that and win your seat. From the 1950s to the 1990s, you had to build coalitions between Republicans and Democrats, which created what they call swing districts. Congressman Browder warned that this trend was not a good thing because legislators who never had to form coalitions during a campaign will struggle to do so once they are in office. Building coalitions is an important part of lawmaking because laws affect not only Republicans or Democrats; they apply to everyone. Without the skill of building coalitions, our lawmakers find themselves unable to understand or respond to the reactions and needs of people outside their partisan base. Redistricting is not about ensuring one party wins or another loses. It is about whether the lines on our maps reflect the people who live here, ensuring one person one vote and fair and equal representation for all. John H. Merrill served as Alabama Secretary of State from 2015 to 2023. FILE - Rep.-elect George Santos, R-N.Y., right, talks with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., during the ninth vote in the House chamber as the House meets for the third day to elect a speaker and convene the 118th Congress in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos says hes facing torture because hes imprisoned in a tiny windowless cell in a New Jersey federal prison. The convicted fraudster, a New York Republican who concocted his life story and scammed donors, is complaining that hes been held in solitary confinement virtually 24 hours a day for his own protection in a 50-square-foot cell for nearly a month. He does not get any sunlight. Hes only allowed to buy stamps from the commissary and is drinking water from the sink, tweeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. This is torture. Greene, a far right-wing friend and ally of Santos, called on President Donald Trump to free Santos, who has served just a few weeks of a seven-year prison sentence. There are criminals as we speak serving in Congress and many other former government officials that are criminals walking free that did far more heinous things than George Santos, Greene added. Honestly, George should be pardoned. Greene was apparently responding to a public plea from Santos on Monday in which he also asked Trump to pardon him or commute his sentence. The White House has not responded. Help me escape this daily torment and let me return to my family, Santos tweeted, tagging Greene. Santos said he was placed into solitary confinement in August following an unspecific death threat at FCI Fairton, a medium security prison in new Jersey. Prison officials declined to address the disgraced politicians living conditions. Santos is serving a seven-year sentence, after being convicted of wire fraud and identity theft. The Brazilian immigrant shocked the political establishment by winning an upset victory in a Long Island congressional district as Republicans won a string of victories on the island. He became a massive embarrassment to most fellow Republicans as he was exposed for a string of humiliating lies about his life story and extravagant spending. Congress voted to expel him by an overwhelming bipartisan vote in December 2023, although Greene and some conservatives stood by him. He was later tried and convicted on the charges that focused on his misuse of campaign donations. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a moderate Democrat who had stepped town from New Yorks 3rd District to mount a failed run for governor, reclaimed the swing district held by Santos in a special election and won reelection last fall. _____ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah) AP The White House is calling for an investigation -- and possibly firings -- after an escalator at the United Nations abruptly stopped working Tuesday just as President Donald Trump was about to get on it. If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately, tweeted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitts tweet was accompanied by a Sunday story in the British newspaper The Times. To mark Trumps arrival, UN staff members have joked that they may turn off the escalators and elevators and simply tell him they ran out of money, so he has to walk up the stairs, The Times reported. But the UN said Trumps team may have inadvertently been behind the escalator incident. A UN spokesman told the Associated Press that a videographer with the presidents entourage ran ahead of Trump may have triggered a safety mechanism on the escalator. The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing, the spokesman said in a statement to the AP. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function. During Trumps shocking speech to the UN General Assembly in which the president warned world leaders that your countries are going to hell because of immigration policy, the teleprompter wasnt working. But that, too, was attributed to Trumps team, according to the UN. The White House was in charge of the teleprompter for Trumps speech, an unnamed official told the AP. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. A brand new episode of the popular reality series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta premieres on MTV Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 8/7c. During this weeks episode, the group travels to Puerto Rico, but drama stirring behind the scenes could disrupt the tropical paradise and leave the crew in shambles. How to watch Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta season 13 Cord cutters looking to catch this weeks brand new episode can stream the hit MTV series through a variety of streaming services, including cost-saving platforms like Philo. Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $28 a month after a 7-day free trial, subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more. Fubo is another popular live TV streaming service that appeals to cord cutters. Starting at $84.99 a month after its 5-day free trial, this popular streaming service offers users over 100 live TV channels through its base package and includes helpful features like unlimited DVR. Streaming Platform Promotion Price Philo 7-day free trial $28/month after free trial Fubo 5-day free trial $84.99/month after free trial DirecTV 5-day free trial $86.99/month after free trial Sling No active promotions $45.99/month DirecTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DirecTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features. Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99. What to expect from this weeks new episode This weeks episode is titled Hispanyolo and during the new episode, the group finally arrives for their highly anticipated group vacation in Puerto Rico. While most of the attendees are looking forward to some much-needed rest and relaxation, others are eager to have a cold shoulder. Meanwhile, Zane finds himself quiet as he contemplates telling 24HRS about Salmas cheating, and he comes to the realization that doing so could quickly turn their anniversary celebration into a dramatic divorce party. English News "Debut economy" creates new consumption trend in Chengdu Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 21 Septembre 2025 "Chengdu is positioning itself as a source of trendsetting culture, a leader in stylish living, a hub for cutting-edge technology incubation, and a front-runner in intelligent manufacturing. It is building a strong support system for the "debut economy," continuously unlocking consumer potential and energizing the market," said an official from the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Commerce. By Li Kaixuan, People's Daily More than 40 cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements, including large-scale industrial drones, fully implantable brain-computer interface, and aerial welding robots, were unveiled by high-growth companies at a debut event on Chunxi Road in the Jinjiang Economic Development Zone, Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province. The showcase drew crowds of locals and tourists to get a firsthand look at charm of science and technology. The "debut economy" has emerged as a key driver of urban growth. Since 2019, over 4,000 first stores from both domestic and international brands have opened in Chengdu, achieving six consecutive years of growth. In the city's major commercial districts, debut events continue to draw visitors exploring new stores, exhibitions, and performances, forming a new consumption trend. On an ultra-HD screen, giant sperm whales glide gracefully through the water, with fish swimming behind. This scene is part of a digital exhibition on polar wildlife, which is currently underway at the Arte Museum in Eastern Suburb Memory park in Chengdu. The exhibition also marks the Chengdu premiere of the nature documentary BBC Earth. "The animals on screen move with agility and I can even get a close-up view of plants growing," said a local visitor surnamed Wang. He described the digital art exhibition as refreshing and visually stunning. Novel experience is a major draw of the "debut economy." "In our 5,000-square-meter fully immersive digital exhibition hall, we transform documentary content using ultra-HD visuals, spatial audio, VR interactivity, and ambient scents," said Chen Yu, director of the Arte Museum. Eastern Suburb Memory park is built on the site of the former state-run Hongguang Electron Tube Factory, preserving its red-brick buildings and sprawling pipelines. Today, it blends industrial architecture with contemporary elements of fashion, art, and pop culture. The park has attracted more than 80 first stores, spanning music shows, digital cultural and creative industries, and brands inspired by "Guochao," a fashion trend blending traditional Chinese elements with modern fashion. It is a signature hub of Chengdu's "debut economy." With suspended bear toys, a flower-shaped spaceship, and a wide range of stylish products, the Wiggle Wiggle store in Chunxi Road decked out in vibrant dopamine-inspired colors is a popular spot for shoppers and social media enthusiasts alike. Opened in September last year, it marks the South Korean lifestyle brand's first store in western China. Chengdu is stepping up its efforts to become an international consumption center city. With annual retail sales of consumer goods exceeding 1 trillion yuan (around $139.3 billion) and a dynamic business ecosystem, the city offers broad market space for the growth of the "debut economy." Sustained strong policy support is also fueling its momentum. "The whole process, including inspecting the site, decorating the store and finally opening the store, took less than five months," said Liu Jianxue, store manager of Wiggle Wiggle Chengdu. Liu said that compared to standard outlets, this first store required immersive design to stand out and the decoration of its exterior was a complex process. The local government coordinated efforts to guarantee smooth construction. During business registration, the Bureau of Commerce of Jinjiang district launched a "green lane," issuing the business license in just two hours of application. Chengdu is ramping up support for projects making their debut in the city by streamlining approval processes through "green lanes" and tackling challenges brands encounter when launching their first stores or products. By enhancing the efficiency of hosting debut events, the city is driving faster openings of first stores. At Chengdu Frontier Brain AI Innovation Center Co., Ltd. in Jinjiang district, several brain-computer interface devices designed to aid in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of children with autism are being tested. A nearby screen showcases the brainwave activity of test subjects wearing smart testing devices. "We've developed an auxiliary autism diagnosis system based on electroencephalogram biomarkers, among other technologies. Two products were launched right here in Jinjiang," said Feng Rui, director of the center. Since their launch, over 30 medical institutions across China have expressed interest in adoption . In Chengdu, more than 30 percent of first-store launches and debut events take place in Jinjiang district. In the first half of this year, the "debut economy" fueled a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase in consumer spending across the district, marking a significant uptick. From brand debuts, opening of first stores, launch of new business forms and models, to the roll-out of new services and technologies, the "debut economy" is constantly evolving. The growth of industrial clusters in Chengdu, including electronic information and biomedicine, provides a strong foundation for nurturing new products and technologies. Chengdu aims to attract a total of 6,500 first stores, host over 1,000 high-profile debut events and exhibitions, establish 100 landmark venues for the "debut economy," and nurture 500 emerging consumer brands by the end of 2027. "Chengdu is positioning itself as a source of trendsetting culture, a leader in stylish living, a hub for cutting-edge technology incubation, and a front-runner in intelligent manufacturing. It is building a strong support system for the "debut economy," continuously unlocking consumer potential and energizing the market," said an official from the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Commerce. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Stronger patent protection boosts confidence of Chinese firms expanding abroad Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Septembre 2025 Looking ahead, with its innovation capacity and economic dynamism continuing to rise, China is poised to make even greater contributions to global innovation and development. Strengthened patent protection and growing international intellectual property engagement are not only fueling Chinese enterprises' confidence abroad but also reinforcing their role as key drivers of technological progress worldwide. By Lyu Zhongzheng, People's Daily Recently, the WIPO Global Awards 2025 were held in Geneva, Switzerland. Chinese tech firm Unitree Robotics stood out as one of the winners among more than 780 companies from 95 countries, showcasing the growing global presence of Chinese innovation. With around 200 granted patents worldwide and nearly 50 international applications filed via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Unitree has combined technological advances with intellectual property protection to expand its overseas footprint. Its strong technological capabilities in robotics have earned it broad recognition on the world stage. This success reflects a broader trend. Amid global economic transformation, Chinese enterprises are venturing abroad with robust intellectual property portfolios. In 2024, China ranked first globally in both PCT international patent applications and applications under the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, marking a historic shift from "world factory" to engine of global innovation. Why do Chinese enterprises pursue patents abroad? "Securing intellectual property overseas is essential for accessing international markets," said Li Wenyu, director of the Intellectual Property and Innovation Development Center, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. "Patents are territorial in nature. Exporting products requires forward planning in intellectual property to mitigate risks." For Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GMW), this planning is highly structured. "We need to complete the layout of core intellectual property 18 to 24 months before entering target overseas markets," said Rong Xuedong, deputy general manager of the company's technology center. GMW has filed nearly 3,000 overseas patent applications, establishing an intellectual property-driven global strategy that both prevents infringement risks and builds competitive advantages. IP protection also shields brand equity. "Chinese companies have suffered losses overseas, particularly from trademark squatting and brand imitation," noted Ma Yide, a professor at the School of Intellectual Property under the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Years ago, Hisense, a Chinese multinational major appliance and electronics manufacturer, found its trademarks squatted in Germany, with the registrant later demanding an exorbitant price for its return. Similarly, Chinese coffee giant Luckin Coffee faced a prolonged legal battle after its trademark was preemptively registered in Thailand. Such cases have hindered global expansion and tarnished brand image. "Amid the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, intellectual property work now carries the historical mission of fostering new quality productive forces and supporting high-level opening up," said Ma. Rising strength in intellectual property. The momentum is evident in recent data. In the first half of this year, PCT international patent applications and design filings through the Hague System filed by Chinese applicants grew by 12.7 percent and 23.2 percent year on year, respectively. Meanwhile, the combined value of Chinese brands among the world's top 5,000 brands reached $1.76 trillion, ranking second globally. China has also developed a significant base of high-value patents in emerging industries such as 5G, artificial intelligence, aerospace, new energy vehicles, biomedicine, and quantum information. Many Chinese multinationals increasingly leverage these patents to secure market share and consolidate their global competitiveness. This progression marks China's decisive shift from intellectual property importer to creator. "The export of intellectual property is primarily driven by technology-intensive enterprises," said Li Huiying, head of the Intellectual Property Institute under China's National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center. "These companies invest heavily in research and development, generate abundant innovation outcomes, and pursue broader overseas strategies in intellectual property." Chinese enterprises are also becoming more adept at handling disputes abroad. An industry insider said that since 2024, the success rate of Chinese companies in overseas intellectual property litigation has exceeded 70 percent. Building a global intellectual property framework. China is actively promoting the establishment of patent pools, which allow cross-licensing and one-stop licensing services. For example, Chinese tech giant Huawei has licensed its patents to hundreds of companies through bilateral agreements or patent pools. This approach integrates patent resources, reduces licensing transaction costs, accelerates industrial applications, and strengthens compliance and risk management. China's engagement in the global intellectual property system has deep roots. After joining the WIPO in June 1980, it has acceded to nearly all major international intellectual property conventions and consistently fulfilled its obligations, becoming a staunch defender, active participant, and important contributor to the development of global intellectual property rules. By September 2024, China had established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation, with over 200 ongoing intellectual property cooperation agreements. From 2020 to 2024, China's annual imports and exports of intellectual property royalties rose from 319.44 billion yuan ($44.57 billion) to 398.71 billion yuan, an average annual growth of 5.7 percent. Looking ahead, with its innovation capacity and economic dynamism continuing to rise, China is poised to make even greater contributions to global innovation and development. Strengthened patent protection and growing international intellectual property engagement are not only fueling Chinese enterprises' confidence abroad but also reinforcing their role as key drivers of technological progress worldwide. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Ulanqab, gateway to grassland Silk Road and cradle of Qahar culture Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Septembre 2025 At the manufacturing facility, components like central skylights and roof beams, adorned with auspicious Mongolian motifs, are precisely carved by the CNC machine. Tonrig now simply sketches the design on paper, and the machine faithfully replicates the intricate beauty of traditional craftsmanship. By Fan Wei, Jiang Bo After entering China through the Erenhot Port in Xilingol league, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, many Mongolian tourists make their way directly to Ulanqab. There, they find a welcoming stopover - a place to unwind and begin a journey of leisure and discovery. Centuries ago, Ulanqab thrived as a trading hub along the grasslands Silk Road and the "Tea Road of the North." Along the historic Zhangku Avenue - from Zhangjiakou on China's northern frontier to Kulun (present-day Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia) - a continuous stream of merchants once traveled, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges. Today, Ulanqab remains a vital gateway linking China with Mongolia, Russia, and beyond. With six railways, seven expressways, and eight national highways converging here, the city has evolved into a major transportation hub. It serves as a crucial non-provincial capital node for both the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Europe freight train routes. From the iconic Phoenix Tower, visitors are treated to panoramic views of verdant boulevards and meandering rivers. Hot spring resorts in the area offer a full suite of amenities - from therapeutic baths to wellness spas. "I came for the long history and incredible cuisine," said 80-year-old Mongolian tourist Dabuge Sumberel. "Many Mongolian travelers make Ulanqab their first destination in China," said local tour guide Husileng. "Thanks to its excellent connectivity and diverse attractions, the city has become an ideal gateway for cross-border tourism." Ulanqab's Jining district is home to the largest leather goods distribution center in northern China. The bustling scene of customers selecting fur and leather products evokes memories of the city's commercial prosperity in centuries past. "Jining's fur trade has a long and well-established history, attracting many Mongolian visitors," said Yang Jun, who manages tourism operations at the center. Seventeen-year-old Mongolian girl Hulan, visiting Ulanqab for the first time, was captivated by the city's offerings. After buying leather boots for herself and her parents, she continued browsing. "The craftsmanship is excellent, the designs are beautiful, and the prices are affordable. It's hard not to fall in love with the place." ` At the core of Ulanqab's cultural appeal lies Qahar culture, a distinct and vital strand of the grassland civilization that remains deeply embedded in local life and plays an important role in fostering people-to-people exchanges. "'Qahar' refers to a Mongolian tribe originally formed as a guard unit during the reign of Genghis Khan," explained Ou Jun, a professor with Jining Normal University. "Its cultural essence is defined by openness, inclusiveness, kindness, and integrity." As one of the earliest Mongolian tribal cultures to blend with agrarian traditions, Qahar heritage has flourished in Ulanqab, a major center of its development. "Ulanqab rapid development and tourism growth reflect the local character," observed 37-year-old Mongolian visitor Uyuntsetseg. "The people here embody hard work, sincerity, and warm hospitality." On the grasslands of Qahar Right Wing Rear Banner, rows of modern yurts rise gracefully above the prairie, resembling clouds suspended above the earth. "These yurts are slightly elevated from the ground, and from a distance, they look like floating clouds," said Tonrig, an inheritor of Mongolian yurt craftsmanship. "That's why I named them Ulunggeri, meaning 'cloud houses' in Mongolian." Traditional Mongolian yurts, though iconic, are typically small, lack privacy, and have no built-in sanitation facilities. To adapt the tradition to contemporary life, Tonrig has reimagined the structure, integrating modern design and digital technology with traditional techniques. While preserving the circular silhouette of the classic yurt, he reconstructed its framework using Russian Scotch pine and added modern polyurethane insulation to enhance thermal performance. Solar panels now crown the roofs, and each yurt is equipped with an integrated mobile biological wastewater treatment system, combining ecological preservation with modern convenience. Ulunggeri yurts are now crossing borders. In 2024, a 30-meter-diameter yurt covering nearly 1,000 square meters was completed at a resort in Ulaanbaatar. That same year, Tonrig shipped a computer numerical control (CNC) machine from Shandong, China, to Mongolia and sent a technician to facilitate local production of Ulunggeri yurts. At the manufacturing facility, components like central skylights and roof beams, adorned with auspicious Mongolian motifs, are precisely carved by the CNC machine. Tonrig now simply sketches the design on paper, and the machine faithfully replicates the intricate beauty of traditional craftsmanship. In Ulanqab, inclusiveness continues to weave a new tapestry of cultural exchanges and mutual learning - stitch by stitch, across time and space. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) XIAMEN, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qudian Inc. ("Qudian" or "the Company" or "We") (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, today announced that Mr. Yingming Li has tendered his resignation as a director of the Company's board of directors for personal reasons. Mr. Li's resignation was effective as of September 23, 2025. The Company would like to express its gratitude for services provided by Mr. Li. About Qudian Inc. Qudian is a consumer-oriented technology company. The Company historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers. Qudian is exploring innovative business opportunities to satisfy consumers' demand by leveraging its technology capabilities. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. Qudian may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qudian's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Qudian's goal and strategies; Qudian's expansion plans; Qudian's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Qudian's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; Qudian's expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Qudian's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Qudian does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Qudian Inc. Tel: +86-592-596-8208 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Qudian Inc. Five decades of electrification: China's railways at the forefront of the smart era 16:19, September 23, 2025 By Li Xinping ( People's Daily Workers carry out renovation work on the contact wire system along the Lanzhou-Lianyungang Railway at the Wolongsi Station in Baoji, northwest China's Shaanxi province, Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo/Liu Yijiang) In 1975, deep in the Qinling Mountains, China's first fully electrified railway, the Baoji-Chengdu Railway, marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward railway modernization. Half a century later, on the Chengdu Plain, engineers are developing a cutting-edge 400 km/h traction power supply system for the CR450 bullet train, which is expected to establish a new global benchmark in high-speed rail operations. From humble beginnings to a globally leading network, electrification has played a pivotal role in China's railway evolution, from conventional lines to high-speed rail, and from traditional operations to digital systems. By the end of 2024, China's operational railway network had reached 162,000 kilometers, with more than 120,000 kilometers, or 75.8 percent electrified. Electrified railways rely on electric traction power, with high-speed rail among their most advanced forms. The core components - power supply systems, traction, communications, and signaling - form the technical backbone of the electrified network. Technicians inspect a bullet train at a maintenance facility in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province. (Photo/Wang Wei) Compared to diesel-powered lines, electrified railways offer superior performance. In freight transport, China's heavy-haul electrified railways can handle 5,000 tons with a single locomotive, while the Datong-Qinhuangdao Railway has normalized operations with trains weighing up to 20,000 tons. In passenger services, a 16-car high-speed train carries approximately 900 tons. Speed is another transformative aspect. When the Baoji-Chengdu line was non-electrified, trains ran at only 20 to 25 km/h. Today, Fuxing CR400 bullet trains can reach a commercial speed of 350 km/h. Electrification also delivers significant environmental benefits: electric trains emit no exhaust, generate lower noise, and contribute substantially less air pollution than diesel alternatives. China now boasts the world's largest electrified railway network, operating across diverse and challenging environments - from frigid winters to scorching summers, and from humid lowlands to high-altitude plateaus. These experiences have positioned China as a global leader in railway electrification and high-speed rail technology. While some might reduce electrification to "poles and wires," the underlying engineering is highly complex. Overhead contact wires are often called the "lifeline" of high-speed trains. These wires must withstand extreme demands in terms of strength, conductivity, heat resistance, and durability. "In the early days, we used copper-magnesium and copper-tin wires," explained Zhang Jian, chief engineer at China Railway Self-creation Electric Co., Ltd. "But they couldn't fully support the requirements of 350 km/h or higher speeds, prompting urgent innovation." After three years of research and development, Chinese engineers became the first in the world to industrialize high-strength, high-conductivity copper-chromium-zirconium alloy wires. These new wires improve conductivity by 20 percent and support safe, stable, and cost-effective operations at 400 km/h, filling a crucial gap in global rail technology. A bullet train passes through Cailing township, Duchang county, east China's Jiangxi province. (Photo by Liu Xun) As the world's busiest high-speed rail network, China faces ongoing challenges such as overhead line wear. Traditionally, defect detection involved capturing millions of inspection images and manual review by experienced engineers. "The workload was immense," said Zhang Zhongyi, general manager of the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway maintenance company. "Our team had to manually analyze over 14 million images annually." To address this, China developed a visual intelligence system for high-speed railways in 2019, using AI to pre-screen and detect over 1,300 types of potential defects before human verification. The system has significantly enhanced detection accuracy and efficiency. Leveraging technologies such as big data, 5G, cloud computing, drones, image recognition, and intelligent equipment, China has built a smart maintenance platform that has cut traction power maintenance costs by 20 percent, extended overhaul intervals by 20 percent, and increased the service life of components by 20 percent. From the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, the highest electrified railway in the world, to the Datong-Qinhuangdao Railway, which has transported over 9 billion tons of freight, and to the newly opened Chongqing East-Qianjiang section of the Chongqing-Xiamen high-speed railway with a designed speed of 350 km/h, China's electrification journey exemplifies the nation's transition from "made in China" to "smartly manufactured in China." It continues to drive economic growth, social development, and the broader process of Chinese modernization. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) MADISON, Wis., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RoofMarketplace, the trusted platform transforming the roofing claims experience, today announced the appointment of Gwen Olson as Chief Strategy Officer. Olson brings more than two decades of insurance leadership experience, including deep expertise in claims digital transformation, to help drive the company's next phase of growth and innovation. Olson joins RoofMarketplace after serving in senior roles at American Family Insurance, where she led initiatives to streamline claims operations and enhance customer experience. Prior to that, she spent over a decade at Liberty Mutual Insurance with leadership positions in claims technology and process modernization. Her ability to deliver scalable, tech-enabled solutions underscores why she is the ideal addition to help drive RoofMarketplace's mission of modernizing property claims. RoofMarketplace announces appointment of Gwen Olson, formerly of American Family Insurance, as Chief Strategy Officer. Post this "RoofMarketplace was designed to make roof claims faster, fairer, and easier for everyone involved," said Scott Holewinski, CEO of RoofMarketplace. "Bringing Gwen on board builds on our recent investment and strengthens that commitment. Her experience driving claims innovation at scale will help us push the industry forward and deliver even greater value to carriers, contractors, and policyholders." Olson's decision to join RoofMarketplace reflects her confidence in the company's vision. "The claims industry has been waiting for solutions that deliver real results without adding complexity," said Gwen Olson. "RoofMarketplace is that solution for roof claims, and I'm excited to help scale its impact across the insurance ecosystem." The RoofMarketplace platform gathers up to three market-accurate bids for roof claims within 2448 hours, reducing cycle times and ensuring fair, accurate settlements. By connecting carriers, vetted contractors, and homeowners in a transparent workflow, the company streamlines claims fulfillment, provides contractors access to qualified opportunities, and homeowners gain confidence in the repair process. Moreover, the platform offers support to every party involved, ensuring no one is left navigating the claims process alone or stuck in the middle without clarity or guidance. Olson joins RoofMarketplace on the heels of a strategic growth investment and a wave of new leadership aimed at accelerating claims innovation. With fresh capital and a strengthened executive team, RoofMarketplace is positioned to scale its impact and continue transforming the roof claims process for carriers, contractors, and policyholders alike. About RoofMarketplace RoofMarketplace is a trusted marketplace reinventing the roofing claims experience. Homeowners, insurance carriers, adjusters, and local, vetted contractors connect through our platform to ensure top-quality, warrantied roofs are repaired or replaced at competitive priceswithout the hassle. For more information, visit www.roofmarketplace.com or contact [email protected]. SOURCE RoofMarketplace Inc. Council have been making more money from parking fees. (PA) (UrbanImages) The amount drivers are paying for parking has reached record highs as cash-strapped councils tighten up rules, increase permit prices and create more penalties to bring in income. Latest government figures show that councils made 1.2bn in profit from off-street and on-street parking up from 1bn last year and 900m just before COVID. When the administration costs of issues and processing these fines are added, drivers forked out 2.4bn last year to pay for parking. The money includes revenues from drivers paying for parking permits, parking tickets and fines. Councils now employ an army of officials to handle all the charges, and it's a billion-pound industry. London makes up 46% of the total income from parking in England, and it took home 56% of the profits. Earlier this year, London mayor Sadiq Khan increased the maximum parking fine from 130 to 160. By law, councils must spend profits made from parking on travel-related expenditure like subsidies for public transport, or pothole repairs. Parking signs can often be confusing. (PA) (Selwyn) The AA said the expansion of parking enforcement from across England now effectively made it a tax on drivers. AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens said: "For too many councils, particularly in cities, the cost of parking seems to have gone from a reasonable charge to a full-on local tax." He added: "They create new ways and reasons to plunder more money from people with cars, often on low incomes travelling in for work." The RAC's Rod Dennis was equally as critical, saying: "Its a sad state of affairs when some councils feel they have to increase parking revenue in order to plug their own finance gaps." With the cost of parking rising all the time, Yahoo News UK has compiled a list of things to do to make sure you don't pay anything more than you should. Make sure you aren't causing an obstruction When parking on a road, even if you're in a parking bay, if you've parked it in a way that limits access for other vehicles or pedestrians, you could face a fine. The Highway Code says: "You must not leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road." If a parking official finds a car parked in a way that causes an obstruction, you could be fined 110. Don't leave the engine running If you only plan on stopping for a few minutes and decide to keep the engine on while waiting, you could face a fine. Rule 123 of the Highway Code says: "You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road." Leaving a car idling can be bad for the environment and will spit out toxic fumes to the surrounding area. This can be particularly bad for one of the most common reasons for car idiling - the school drop off and pick up. The fine in most places if 40 but it can be as much as 80 in some London boroughs. Many areas have also been increased monitoring on idle cars, particularly around schools in recent years. Keep documentary evidence The RAC points out that you should make sure any pay and display ticket is clearly presented in your windscreen and you should keep hold of it for months after buying it. Then, if the parking is contested, you can use the ticket as documentary evidence to challenge it. Always keep hold of your parking ticket. (PA) (Wayne Farrell) The RAC also says you should do this for all parking situations, especially if something goes wrong. They say if a parking machine is broken, then take a picture of it to prove you attempted to follow the rules and you weren't at fault. When signing up for parking apps, get your receipts sent to your email too, just to have a timestamped document that proves you paid for parking. Park the right way Car parks have become notorious in recent years for having hard-to-understand rules, but it is important to show you have at least made an effort to conform to them. The AA pointed out that one in five of their members had been given parking tickets when they didn't know they'd broken any rules at the time. Almost all car parks have the same basic rules: make sure your car is completely in a bay, only park in a restricted bay if you have the right permission, and only park during the allotted hours for the allotted time period. Other car parks will have more specific rules. Know when to appeal If you think you've been unfairly issued a parking fine, then don't be afraid to appeal if you think you can win your case. The most common form of parking fine is a penalty charge notice (PCN), which gives people a discount on their fine if they pay in 14 days. Appealing a fine will take longer than this, so only do it if you're comfortable paying the full cost if you lose. There have been several high-profile cases of people winning parking fine cases in recent years. Zoe Bread became an online sensation when she documented her campaign to appeal a parking fine she received in Manchester in a series of TikTok posts. Hannah Robinson also had 11,000 worth of fines thrown out earlier this year when she challenged Excel Parking for fining her for taking longer than five minutes to pay for parking. To appeal a PCN, you can make an informal challenge within 28 days, where you contest the charge directly with the firm that issued the fine. They may cancel the charge there and then, but if not, you will need to make a formal representation to a local authority. In that case, you will need to be the owner of the vehicle and wait until you are issued the Notice to Owner, which will detail how you can appeal. Another Danish airport has been forced to close due to drone sightings two nights in a row - with a minister calling it a "professional" operation designed to cause fear. All flights from Aalborg - which also serves as a military base - were halted during the first incident, which began just before 10pm on Wednesday and lasted until about 1am. Police said more than one drone was seen and they were flying with lights on. The airspace above Aalborg was closed for a second time between 11.40pm local time (9.40pm UK time) on Thursday due to suspected drone activity, police said. The airspace was reopened about an hour later. It's not known who was responsible or if they were the same ones that affected Copenhagen airport earlier this week, officers added. Drones were also spotted overnight near airports in the Danish towns of Esbjerg, Sonderborg and Skrydstrup. Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Thursday morning the "systematic" flights appeared to be the work of a "professional actor". He added that he would define the nightly drone sorties as hybrid attacks, combining military and covert tactics. The flights were designed to sow fear and division, added justice minister Peter Hummelgaard. He said Denmark would get new capabilities to neutralise drones and put forward laws to allow airports to shoot them down. Officials said Denmark had not yet decided whether to invoke NATO's Article 4, which allows members to consult others over any security concerns. Aalborg runs commercial flights but also hosts the army's special operations command, its maritime special operations force and its naval dog sled patrol. Skrydstrup is also the base for Denmark's F-16 and F-35 fighter jets. On Monday night, Norwegian authorities also shut airspace at Oslo Airport for three hours after a drone sighting. Denmark's national police commissioner, Thorkild Fogde, said many people around the country had reported drones since the disruption in Copenhagen on Monday. "Of course, many of these reports do not cover activities that are of interest to the police or the military, but some of them do, and I think the one in Aalborg does," he said. Read more: What we know about airport drone sightings, why they are dangerous, and if they can be stopped The country's prime minister said earlier this week that Russia may be responsible for the Copenhagen incident. Mette Frederiksen called the incident at Copenhagen airport the most serious attack yet on its critical infrastructure. "I certainly cannot deny in any way that it is Russia," she told public broadcaster DR. Appearing to reference drone incursions in Poland and Romania, she said it was "clear that this fits in with the developments we have observed recently with other drone attacks, violations of airspace, and hacker attacks on European airports". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has rejected the allegations. The drone sightings come after NATO jets were scrambled last week when Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. 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. According to the lawsuit, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Quantum Corporation improperly recognized revenue during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025; (2) Quantum Corporation would therefore need to restate its previously filed financial statements for the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2024; and (3) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. On June 30, 2025, Quantum disclosed that it would be unable to timely file its annual financial report for the fiscal year 2025 as it is "reviewing its accounting related to certain revenue contracts as well as the application of standalone selling price under applicable accounting standards." On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $1.00, or 10.03%, to close at $8.97 per share on June 30, 2025, thereby injuring investors. Then, on August 8, 2025, Quantum announced that its third quarter 2024 financial statements "should no longer be relied upon" due to "deficiencies in the Company's internal control over financial reporting and the Company's disclosure controls and procedures that constituted material weaknesses." The Company further disclosed that the affected financial statements would be restated to show a new decrease of approximately $3.9 million in revenue. On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $0.14, or 1.79%, to close at $7.66 per share on August 11, 2025. Then, on August 18, 2025, Quantum disclosed that its CEO would be resigning from the role after only five months in the position. On this news, Quantum's stock price fell $0.61, or 8.2%, to close at $6.83 per share on August 19, 2025, thereby injuring investors further. 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 Quantum Corporation's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Quantum Corporation class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/QMCO 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. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Acoustic bass player, Danny Thompson, has died aged 86. The musician was a founding member of the British folk-rock band, Pentangle, and worked with the likes of Kate Bush, John Martyn and Roy Orbison over the course of his career. A statement from his management said the legendary acoustic bass player died peacefully on September 23 in his home in Rickmansworth. Danny Thompson (Peter Sanders/PA) The statement read: A musician who was both beloved and admired by everybody he worked with, his body of work is unparalleled in its quality and also in the incredibly varied number of musicians he worked with. Born in Teignmouth, Devon on April 4 1939, Thompson led a long career as a musician, playing his first professional gig at a club in Soho when he was 16. He spent two years in Penang, Malaysia, after being called for his national service, where he played trombone for the army band. Thompson returned to the UK in 1963 and went on to play the electric bass with Roy Orbison on a tour that was supported by The Beatles when they were just starting out. Thompson went on to form the folk-rock band, Pentangle, in 1967 with musicians John Renbourn, Jacqui McShee, Terry Cox and Bert Jansch. The group released Basket Of Light in 1969, which reached the top five in the UK albums charts, however, Thompson left the group a few years later, where he continued to play with various artists and featured on the theme tune for the British sci-fi series, Thunderbirds. He went on to collaborate with jazz musicians Tubby Hayes and Stan Tracey, as well as work with June Tabor, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, and The Blind Boys of Alabama. The statement continued: Danny was a force of nature. A player who served the song and who enriched the lives of every single person he met. He will be sorely missed. The musician is survived by his wife Sylvia and his son Dan Junior. Ahmed al-Sharaa and Marco Rubio at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in New York on 22 September 2025. Photograph: Bing Guan/AFP/Getty Images Not too long ago, Ahmed al-Sharaa better known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani would have been arrested on arrival in the US. The former head of Syrias al-Nusra Front had a $10m bounty on his head for organising multiple terrorist attacks throughout Syria, often targeting civilians. This week, however, after toppling the dictator Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive last December, he is being feted in New York as he meets with world leaders in the first visit to the United Nations general assembly by a Syrian head of state since 1967. For long years we suffered injustice and deprivation and oppression, said Sharaa, dressed in a grey tailored suit and burgundy tie, in his address. Then we rose in claiming our dignity. He faces a daunting task at this weeks United Nations general assembly: to cut the figure of a statesman who can assuage concerns about his past, quell fears over the sectarian violence, and navigate tricky regional diplomacy with the United States and Israel while also maintaining the hardline reputation at home that carried him to power. Related: Fact-check: Donald Trumps false and misleading claims during his UN address The former militants arrival has led to surreal scenes in Turtle Bay. On Tuesday evening, one of the hottest tickets in the city was at an ornate private members club in midtown Manhattan filled with businesspeople, diplomats and journalists, where Sharaa opined on his journey from jihadist to statesman in a fireside chat for the Middle East Institute. His responses to skepticism about his transformation are practised: critics should not judge his past, which included membership in al-Qaida, without the context he lived in. Anyone watching a child being killed in the streets will revolt, he said at one point according to a live translation of his remarks in Arabic. The pressure led people to seek solutions within the scope of the means available to them. A day earlier, he was sitting down with David Petraeus, the former CIA director and ex-US army general who headed multinational forces in Iraq while Sharaa was fighting and imprisoned there alongside other members of al-Qaida. It is good that at one time we were in combat, and now we are in dialogue, Sharaa said, smiling to his former enemy. Someone who went through war is one who knows best the importance of peace. Privately, Trump administration officials recognise that the US has no backup plan to Sharaas leadership in Syria, and that he is the best chance to prevent Syrias return to civil war. While pushing him to calibrate his remarks about Israel and to crack down on acts of sectarian and retributive violence at home, there are also concerns of estranging him from his base and local power circles. He is jumping through the hoops to show that he can be a world leader, not just a fighter, said one US official who has met with Sharaa. All of this is very carefully calibrated So far, he is pulling it off. At one point, Petraeus turned almost tenderly to the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was only delisted as a foreign terrorist organisation in July, and asked him a more personal question. How are you holding up under all this pressure? Are you getting time to do some thinking? Are you getting enough sleep at night? I have been there and it is so very, very hard, and your many fans and I am one of them we have worries. The room at the Concordia centre burst into applause. In his public appearances, Sharaa has said there is a chance for a peace deal with Israel, but he has also said that Syria is scared of Israels foreign policy in the region and balked at the idea that Syria would join the Abraham accords normalising relations with Israel, pointing to anger at home over Israeli airstrikes on Syria and over the war in Gaza. Another of Sharaas key goals while in New York this week is to lobby for the US to drop sanctions on Syria. While Donald Trump terminated some sanctions in June, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 would require congressional repeal, which might not be immediately forthcoming. Before walking into a meeting with Marco Rubio, Sharaa responded to a question about lifting the sanctions by shrugging toward the US secretary of state, as though to say: its not up to me, its up to him. The Syrian people should not be killed another time through the sanctions, Sharaa said this week. The Syrian people love work. Lift the sanctions, and dont worry about them. Disney has announced that the cost of some of its various streaming service bundles will be increasing, as controversy around the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, Live! continues. The company revealed that from October 21, the price of various packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be going up. According to the Disney+ website, the price of standalone Disney+ with ads service is rising from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the Disney+ Premium without ads is rising from $15.99 to $18.99 per month. The Hulu standalone plan with ads is increasing from $9.99 to $11.99/month as of the same date; the premium version of Hulu with no ads will remain at $18.99 per month. Disney has revealed that from October 21, various packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be going up (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A Disney+, Hulu Bundle, which includes both services with ads will go up from $10.99 to $12.99, while the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle, will soon be $19.99, up from $16.99. The premium versions of those two bundles all services without ads will be $19.99 and $29.99 respectively, as of October 21. Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle plans are also set to increase, with the regular package which includes all three services increasing to $19.99 per month, and the premium package up to $32.99. The Independent has reached out to Disney for comment about the price hikes. A spokesperson declined to comment when reached by Variety. The price increase to the U.S. streaming services is the third time in three years, following hikes in October 2024 and 2023, and comes amid the fallout from suspension of Jimmy Kimmels late night show by Disney and ABC. The price increase to the U.S. streaming services is the third time in three years, following hikes in October 2024 and 2023, and comes amid the fallout from suspension of Jimmy Kimmels late night show by Disney and ABC (AP) Kimmels brief suspension caused outrage, with many people threatening to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions over the furore. Protests also took place outside the studio where Kimmels show is filmed on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles (Getty Images) Kimmels show was pulled off air indefinitely following comments he made about the shooting death of MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk, which resulted in outrage from those on the right as well as the chair of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr. ABC announced Monday that Kimmel would return to air Tuesday night. His brief suspension caused outrage with many customers threatening to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions over the furore. Multiple celebrities spoke out in support of Kimmel including Ben Stiller, Jean Smart, and Marvel actress Tatiana Maslany, who urged people online to cancel their subscriptions. ABC announced Monday that Kimmel would return to air Tuesday night (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Fellow late-night talk show hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver have also expressed solidarity with Kimmel. On Sundays episode of Olivers Last Week Tonight, he encouraged viewers to exert pressure on Disney by canceling their subscriptions for the companys apparent refusal to protect freedom of speech. Protests against the suspension have also taken place outside the studio where Kimmels show is filmed on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. An unused round of bullets inscribed with anti-ICE was found at the scene A gunman scrawled anti-ICE messages on the bullets used to kill a migrant detainee in an attack on a Dallas immigration centre, officials said. The sniper struck three people, killing one and injuring two others, before killing themself at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday morning. Kash Patel, the FBI director, said the attack was ideological and shared an image of an unused round found at the scene with anti-ICE written on it. These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off, he said. Donald Trump, the US president, said the gunman was deranged. This violence is the result of the radical Left Democrats constantly demonising law enforcement, calling for ICE to be demolished, and comparing ICE officers to Nazis, he wrote on Truth Social, as he vowed to clamp down on radical Left terrorists. The victims were inside an ICE van when they were shot, according to Fox News. The gunman was identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn by US media. Noah Jahn, his brother, told NBC News that he had last seen Joshua two weeks ago and did not notice anything out of the ordinary. I didnt think he was politically interested, he said. He wasnt interested in politics on either side as far as I knew. Noah said he was not aware his brother had any strong feelings about ICE, adding that their parents owned a rifle, which Joshua knew how to use. But hes not a marksman, thats for sure, Noah told NBC. He would not be able to make any shots like that. Credit: X / @MarioNawfal The Department for Homeland Security said all the victims were detainees and that the gunman had fired indiscriminately at the building and at a van in the entryway. The targeted facility is used to process detainees before they are sent to a detention centre. The Dallas Police Department said: The preliminary investigation determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building. Police said two people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, while a third person died at the scene. One of the migrants in critical condition was a Mexican national, Mexicos foreign ministry said. Joe Rothrock, an FBI special agent, said: I can confirm at this time that the FBI is investigating this incident as an act of targeted violence. The shooting will heighten fears that the US is on the brink of a new wave of political violence, following the recent killing of Charlie Kirk, the conservative campaigner. Since Mr Trump launched his immigration clampdown, ICE agents have increasingly been accosted by Left-wing demonstrators. Emergency services at the scene of the attack - Reuters Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, accused the Left of dehumanising the real people who work for the agency. She said: This shooting must serve as a wake-up call to the far-Left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences. Comparing ICE day in and day out to the Nazi Gestapo, the Secret Police, and slave patrols has consequences. The men and women of ICE are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. JD Vance, the vice-president, said: The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. Im praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. Mr Vance cited evidence that had not yet been made public to describe the gunman as a violent Left-wing extremist. We know this person was politically motivated, he said at an event in North Carolina. They were politically motivated to go after law enforcement. They were politically motivated to go after people who are enforcing our border. And I think that is the most disgusting thing. The day before the shooting, Mr Trump touted the success of his border and deportation policy. Our message is very simple, he told an audience of diplomats and world leaders. If you come illegally into the United States, youre going to jail, or youre going back to where you came from, or perhaps even further than that. People who had appointments at the ICE office were turned away after the shooting - Julio Cortez/AP A woman who was waiting outside the ICE facility at the time of the attack said she heard 20 shots in a row. Speaking to NBC, Arianny Sierra said her husband was inside the Dallas centre for an appointment when the attack began. The shots began at around 6.10am. There were like 20 shots in a row, Ms Sierra told the reporter, speaking in Spanish. I sheltered myself under the car with my son. Mr Trump and his allies have accused liberal organisations of fomenting unrest and encouraging violence against the Right. In Texas, a police officer was shot in the neck on July 4 at an immigration detention center. Prosecutors said attackers dressed in black military-style clothing opened fire outside the Prairieland Detention Centre in Alvarado, southwest of Dallas, and at least 11 people have been charged. Days later, a man with an assault rifle fired at federal agents at a border patrol facility in McAllen. Eric Johnson, the mayor of Dallas, called for the city to come together. Im going to ask you all to join me also in praying for this city, that we can come together at a time like this, and that we can be there for one another the way we always have to support one another, help us all get through this very difficult time not just in our city, but in our country, he said. The Beauty Tech Groups range includes hair growth helmets (TheBeautyTechGroup/PA) The company behind hi tech beauty devices said to have been used by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams will be valued at between 280 million and 320 million when it floats on the London stock market. More details of a rare London listing were revealed today ahead of an initial public offering for Beauty Tech Group first announced on 15 September. The company, which also owns ZIIP Beauty and Tria Laser, sells products such as face masks, hair-growth stimulator helmets and hair-removal gadgets. They use LED, radio frequency, microcurrent and laser treatment. The Manchester-headquartered group is run by co-founder and chief executive Laurence Newman The price range has been set at 251 to 291 pence per share with up to 11,553,785 new shares issued to raise 29 million. This will be used to pay down borrowings to ensure a debt-free position at IPO with sufficient working capital. Up to 29.3 million existing shares will be sold by current shareholders raising as much as 85 million. The first day of trading is expected in October. The company said the listing will position it for the next stage of its development, including further enhancing the group's profile and brand awareness, assisting in retaining and incentivising senior management and key employees and providing it with a platform for continued growth. The companys directors and chief technology officer Andrew Showman have agreed to lock-up arrangements for12 months after the listing. It was first founded in 2009 as CurrentBody.com by Newman and Showman. Initially selling third-party at-home beauty devices, the group shifted in 2019 to exclusively selling its own-brand products under the three brands. The Beauty Tech Group made underlying earnings of 22.9 million on revenue of 101.1 million in 2024, while sales rose 27 per cent to 55.2 million in the first half of 2025. The US and Canada accounted for 37 per cent of sales last year, with the EU making up 23 per cent, the UK and Ireland 22 per cent, and Asia 14 per cent. The firms products are now available in more than 90 countries . Katie Howard, 29, said she has been forced to put her life on hold as she constantly checks her phone for the lifesaving and life-changing news (Katie Howard/NHS Blood and Transplant) A young woman who became increasingly tired as a teenager was diagnosed with a rare disease before later finding out she had liver failure - and is now facing an anxious wait for a vital transplant. With transplant waiting lists hitting record highs, Katie Howard, 29, said she has been forced to put her life on hold as she constantly checks her phone for the lifesaving and life-changing news. The 29-year-old said she is now living back with her family in Sturmer, Essex, and is currently too unwell to work, with only enough energy for occasional trips out. She said she was previously living in Oval, London, and working as a civil engineer when she was diagnosed with liver failure aged 28. At the time, she was enjoying travelling to different countries, a busy social life, and playing for a local and national dodgeball team. She described receiving her diagnosis in August 2024 as a shock after her initial symptoms were just that she was more tired than normal and my eyes went a bit yellow. Speaking to The Independent from hospital after a recent infection, she said of that moment: I just cried a lot and held onto my partner. The 29-year-old described receiving her diagnosis in August 2024 as a shock (Katie Howard/NHS Blood and Transplant) She said she was then told it could be several years before she receives a call for a transplant or it could come that day. Ive been waiting for a year constantly having my phone on me, waiting, [thinking] am I going to get a call right here and now, meaning am I going to have to go to hospital? she said. For me, a transplant would give me my life back. Earlier this year, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) revealed the transplant waiting list had reached its highest level ever recorded, with 8,000 people actively waiting for a lifesaving transplant, while there were 100 fewer deceased organ donors last year, resulting in a 2 per cent drop in life-saving transplants. In efforts to highlight the urgent need to increase organ donation registrations, figures released by NHSBT to mark Organ Donation Week this week show that 4,900 people died while actively waiting for a lifesaving transplant over the past 10 years, and a further 7,700 were removed from the active list after being deemed too sick to receive one, with many dying soon after. Ms Howard said she was first diagnosed with a rare liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, which is a disorder of the bile ducts, alongside Crohns disease in 2020. The diagnosis came after several years of worsening fatigue, before nausea, pain in the area she now knows is her liver, and bowel symptoms all developed. But she managed to lead a mostly normal life, with medical checks every three months and lifestyle changes. Ms Howard says a liver transplant would give me my life back (Katie Howard/NHS Blood and Transplant) However, four years later, she said she began to lose a bit of weight and was struggling with fatigue before she noticed a slight yellowing in her eyes. In August 2024, she said, I went to the shops with my partner but couldnt carry the basket and had to go home as I couldnt stand up. It was after this that she said she went to A&E, where she was admitted to hospital with an infection, then told her bile ducts had become so narrow that she had liver failure and her only option was a transplant. After a week and a half, I was told I needed to be added to the transplant list, that there was nothing to do to sort my liver out, it was in active failure, she said. That was quite a lot. Ms Howard said she spent several more months in and out of hospital, losing 10kg and even being diagnosed with sepsis. Her health has improved since then, but she is still struggling, often getting minor infections and is incredibly fatigued. If she managed to get a transplant, she said: I could go back to working, potentially go back into sport, get back into my social life and go travelling. I have so many plans for life, but I cant do anything about them. I also want to become a mentor for other liver transplant patients. She added: You dont know if something will go wrong until it goes wrong. It could happen to anyone. It just pops up that you have a problem, and then you are in organ failure. Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHSBT, said: Its really concerning to see the number of people waiting for a transplant slowly rising, and people are dying needlessly every day because of the shortage of organs for transplant. I would urge everyone who supports organ donation to register their decision and make it clear that its what you want should the worst happen. You can find out more about organ donation at www.organdonation.nhs.uk Andy Burnham has said Britain needs wholesale change in his biggest challenge yet to Sir Keir Starmer, warning the prime minister that he risks handing Nigel Farage the keys to No 10 without a major change of course. The Greater Manchester mayor and former cabinet minister approaches this weekends crucial Labour conference with supporters talking up his prospects as a leader and potential prime minister for the party. And his message, in an interview with The New Statesman, comes as Sir Keir continues to falter in the polls, with Labour MPs openly questioning whether he can continue if the party returns another poor set of elections in May. In a separate interview with The Telegraph, the mayor said his idea for a future Britain would include higher council tax on expensive homes in London and the South East, as well as 40bn of borrowing to build council houses, income tax cuts for lower earners and a 50p rate for the highest-paid. Andy Burnham is a potential leadership candidate if he can get back into parliament (PA) Suggesting he still harboured the ambition to be prime minister, he told the newspaper: I stood twice to be leader of the Labour Party. And I think that tells you, doesnt it? And with anger over attempts to cut benefits for the disabled and a push to end the two-child benefit cap, Mr Burnhams message looks set to resonate at the conference. In what appeared to be a thinly veiled challenge to the party leadership, he told The New Statesman: Im going to put the question back to people at Labour conference: are we up for that wholesale change? Because I think thats what the country needs. He also noted that a reshuffle was not enough, suggesting that it cant be just a changing of the guard: you have got to change the whole culture and are people up for that? He warned against opening the door to the prospect of a government of the like weve never seen before in the shape of Reform, with Mr Farages party consistently beating Labour in the polls. Mr Burnhams friend and ally Lucy Powell also appears to be on course to win the deputy leadership after she was sacked from the cabinet in Sir Keirs recent reshuffle. Ms Powell has become the focal point of the anti-Starmer vote, with education secretary Bridget Phillipson seen as the leaderships favoured candidate. Rebels have also made it clear that they are willing to work with Mr Burnham, including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who is currently suspended from the parliamentary party for rebelling against the government, to call for an end to the two-child benefit cap. And Mr Burnhams words appeared to fire up his supporters, including York Central MP Rachael Maskell, who was recently suspended from the parliamentary party after leading the welfare cuts rebellion. She told The Independent: I have long known Andy, and he is someone who really engages and is in step with the community. If you look at his record in government, and of course as mayor of Manchester, you can see the impact that his creative style of leadership has delivered, on really reforming services, bringing economic growth and embracing political and wider diversity. Burnham said change was needed within Labour if they were to successfully head off Nigel Farage (PA Archive) Having supported Andy in 2015, I think he would make an outstanding leader for our country. However, others warned against simple solutions. Bassetlaw MP Jo White, chair of the influential Red Wall Caucus group, said: Anyone who thinks there is a simple solution that just changing the leader to take on the rise of Reform is dangerously deluded. She also noted that there are no by-elections planned that would allow for Mr Burnham to make a return to parliament. MPs are looking for someone who can bring an authentic voice to socialism in taking on Mr Farage and Reform UK, who were eight points ahead of Labour in a YouGov poll this week. Sir Keir did have a boost on Wednesday when a More in Common poll suggested the gap had closed to 3 points, with Labour up 3 and Reform down. But new pressures were mounting on his Downing Street operation, with education secretary and deputy leadership candidate Bridget Phillipson claiming she had been the victim of misogynistic briefings. Meanwhile, the Tories were threatening to make new accusations about donations linked to the chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. Mr Burnham is set to take part in a major event at the conference on a panel with other rebels, including MPs Clive Lewis, Nadia Whittome, and Ms Maskell, under the title Winning a Decade of National Renewal. The policy issues on welfare are also set to rear their heads again, with one left-wing Labour MP, who may support Mr Burnham, announcing he is prepared to be suspended again if the government does not back down on ending the two-child benefit cap. Asked about it by Times Radio, Ian Byrne MP said: Absolutely. Yeah, its a pernicious piece of legislation which has caused so much harm, certainly in West Derby, Liverpool and across the country. So, you know, its something we should be looking to repeal. And hopefully, the mood music coming from the Labour Party at the moment, certainly the two deputy leaders is matching my aims. Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley told The Independent that Mr Burnham was right. He said: Hes not wrong. After the previous 14 years of running the country into the ground, we need to do things differently. We need to leverage our majority to make a real difference, but also to do it differently. We are in danger of just tinkering around the edges, like a new management team, because we seem incapable, or scared of the machinery of Whitehall. We need to undo the bad thinking (not civil servants fault) that has crept into Whitehall, due to the Tory mismanagement of the country. We are doing some great things, but if you ask anyone in the street to describe our vision, they cant. We need a vision to unite around, and in that Andy is right. Lets change the Bank of England remit, lets have a department solely focused on the cost of living and inflation. Lets make ending poverty as politically engaging as it needs to be. We can change, but we need to want to. Tens of thousands of passengers at Stansted airport have had a chaotic day after a fire in a lounge closed the security search operation. A fire broke out in the Escape Lounge, part of the main departures area, at 3.30am. No one was hurt, and the airport says the blaze was quickly extinguished by the Airport Fire Service. But the quantity of smoke led to the area near the Escape Lounge being evacuated, with no further passengers allowed through. Stansted airport said at the time: Passengers have now been moved to the terminal forecourt and security remains temporarily closed. Passengers were obliged to remain outside the terminal building for around two hours, during which time many thousands of travellers would normally have been cleared through security. Planes took off empty or only partially loaded, leaving passengers stranded. At 6.30am the airport posted: The departure lounge is now open and passengers are being processed through security, though waiting times may be longer than usual in the circumstances. Flights were not suspended and both departures and arrivals are operating. Some flights may be subject to delays and passengers are advised to check with their airlines. A spokesperson for Stansted airport said: We thank all passengers for their patience as we ensured the terminal was safe for them to re-enter. Essex hub: Stansted airport is the main base for Ryanair (Simon Calder) Tthousands of passengers were left behind. Jenny Bardsley and her party arrived at the airport at 4.15am for a 7.25am Ryanair flight to Sofia. After the evacuation they were eventually let back in, and reached the gate at 7.05am to be told it had been closed five minutes before. A spokesperson for the airline said: Passengers who may have missed their flight due to the security closure are being re-accommodated on the next available flight free of charge. Air passengers rights rules do not cover a case when airport issues cause travellers to miss their planes. Stansted is Ryanairs main base. Jet2, the second-largest operator at the airport after Ryanair, dispatched three flights to Greek islands to Heraklion, Santorini and Lesbos with no passengers on board. The airline told passengers: Due to the earlier fire within London Stansted Airport today, we have been left with no alternative but to cancel. Many flights were heavily delayed, by up to three hours in the case of a Jet2 departure to Palma de Mallorca with knock-on delays continuing through the day. The Essex hub is the UKs fourth-busiest airport, with 84,000 passengers booked to pass through the airport on Wednesday. Adding to the chaos on Wednesday morning, 10 Stansted Express trains to and from London were cancelled due to a signal failure between the airport at Bishops Stortford. The line closed for over two hours from 5.30am. CrossCountry trains serving Cambridge and Birmingham were also cancelled. Read more: My flight cancellation revealed how complicated claiming compensation can be Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, speaking at the Federal Reserve on 22 July, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty) Sam Altman, the chief executive of ChatGPT creator OpenAI, has claimed that the current trajectory of artificial intelligence development suggests that AI could be close to curing cancer. In a blog post on Tuesday, titled Abundant Intelligence, the tech billionaire predicted that with 10 gigawatts of computing power, AI could reach a level that would solve some of the worlds biggest problems. Mr Altman also said that his company is aiming to build a factory capable of producing a gigawatt of new AI infrastructure every week though it will likely take years to achieve this level of production. If AI stays on the trajectory that we think it will, then amazing things will be possible, he wrote. Maybe with 10 gigawatts of compute, AI can figure out how to cure cancer. Or with 10 gigawatts of compute, AI can figure out how to provide customised tutoring to every student on Earth. Researchers are already using AI to make real-world scientific discoveries, with Google DeepMinds AlphaFold tool used to speed up vaccine and drug research. AI has also helped improve cancer diagnostics, however it is yet to cure any disease outright. The difficulty with cancer is that it is not just one disease but hundreds, and even advanced AI capable of detecting correlations at a superhuman level would not necessarily be able to comprehend the underlying mechanisms required for curing even one type of cancer. Mr Altmans comments come just a day after OpenAI announced a landmark AI infrastructure deal with Nvidia, which will finance multi-gigawatt data centres to power next-generation artificial intelligence. This is the biggest AI infrastructure project in history, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said. This partnership is about building an AI infrastructure that enables AI to go from the labs into the world. The first OpenAI data centres built with Nvidia systems are expected to go online in the second half of next year. Were literally going to connect intelligence to every application, to every use case, to every device and were just at the beginning, Mr Huang said. This is the first 10 gigawatts, I assure you of that. Acclaimed Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, who starred in The Pink Panther and Once Upon A Time In The West, has died aged 87, according to French media reports. The actress, who starred in more than 100 films and made-for-TV productions, died in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, her agent told the AFP news agency. At the age of 17 she won a beauty contest in Tunisia, where she was born to Sicilian parents, and was rewarded with a trip to the Venice Film Festival, kick-starting her acting career. She had expected to become a schoolteacher before she entered the beauty contest. Cardinale gained international fame in 1963 when she starred in both Federico Fellini's 8-1/2 and The Leopard. She went on to star in the comedy The Pink Panther and Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In The West in 1968. She considered 1966's The Professionals as the best of her Hollywood films. Read more from Sky News: Boris Becker on life in UK's prisons Trump backs Ukraine to retake territory When she was awarded a lifetime achievement at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, she said acting had been a great career. "I've lived more than 150 lives, prostitute, saint, romantic, every kind of woman, and that is marvellous to have this opportunity to change yourself," she said. "I've worked with the most important directors. They gave me everything." Cardinale was named a goodwill ambassador for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for the defence of women's rights in 2000. She is survived by two children. GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SKF is redesigning parts of the Industrial business to further increase its competitiveness and accelerate profitable growth. The new set-up, which will be implemented with immediate effect, will drive business synergies across the full value chain globally and simplify structures to accelerate execution regionally. The functions Operations and Commercial excellence are combined into one which will enable a stronger alignment, governance and end-to-end execution across the full value chain. The business area Independent and Emerging Businesses will be discontinued. Its stand-alone entities will be organized in Specialized Industrial Solutions to further strengthen these strategic core businesses as they are tailored according to respective business and market needs. "As the separation of the Automotive business is progressing, we have the opportunity to adapt our set-up for the Industrial business. This is a natural next step in our strategic journey and with clearer and more efficient structures, we will strengthen both our strategic and commercial capabilities," says Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO. SKF is announcing the following changes in Group Management: Hans Landin, Senior Vice President, Group Commercial Excellence Bearings, is appointed to lead the new organization of stand-alone businesses and assume the role as President Specialized Industrial Solutions. Joakim Landholm, Senior Vice President Group Operations & Chief Sustainability Officer, will assume the role as Senior Vice President Commercial and Operations Development. Susanne Larsson, Senior Vice President Finance and CFO, will in addition to her current role assume the role as Chief Sustainability Officer. Thomas Frost, President, Independent and Emerging Businesses, will leave Group Management today but will remain in an advisory role during a transition period. "A sharpened industrial focus will evolve our strengths and with this new organizational set-up we aim to create even more progress for our customers and for us as a company. On behalf of SKF, I would also like to thank Thomas for his valuable contribution during many years of employment in building these core businesses, and I wish him all the best for the future," says Rickard Gustafson. Aktiebolaget SKF (publ) For further information, please contact: Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; [email protected] Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908072; [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-redesigns-industrial-organization-to-increase-competitiveness,c4238915 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/637/4238915/3685203.pdf 20250924 SKF redesigns Industrial organization to increase competitiveness https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-dji-0353,c3472265 SKF DJI 0353 https://news.cision.com/skf/i/rickard-gustafson-president-and-ceo,c3472263 Rickard Gustafson President and CEO https://news.cision.com/skf/i/hans-landin,c3472266 Hans Landin https://news.cision.com/skf/i/joakimlandholm,c3472267 JoakimLandholm https://news.cision.com/skf/i/susanne-larsson,c3472264 Susanne Larsson https://news.cision.com/skf/i/thomas-frost,c3472268 Thomas Frost SOURCE SKF Concern after review finds police in NI tried to identify journalists sources Police in Northern Ireland unlawfully used covert powers to attempt to uncover eight journalists sources, the author of a review has said. The McCullough Review into surveillance practices in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) found that attempts were made on 21 occasions to identify reporters sources prior to 2015. The review also raised significant concerns about the PSNI conducting trawls of its own communications systems records in an untargeted wholesale attempt to identify unauthorised contact between PSNI personnel and journalists. Amnesty International has said the report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists. However, the covert surveillance of journalists and lawyers by police was not widespread or systemic, the review concluded. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he welcomed the review and was committed to ensuring the force does better in the future. Angus McCullough KC was commissioned by the PSNI to examine the issue after a tribunal last year ruled an undercover police operation to try to unmask the journalistic sources of two award-winning documentary makers was unlawful. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher commissioned the review (Liam McBurney/PA) The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) quashed a decision made by former PSNI chief constable Sir George Hamilton to approve a directed surveillance authorisation (DSA) in an investigation into the leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a documentary on a Troubles massacre made by Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey. The review, published on Wednesday, investigated covert measures used by police between January 2011 and November 2024. The barrister said he had been given full access to PSNI records, systems and personnel. The review examined PSNI applications for the use of Communications Data (CD), which it said does not involve access to the content of communications, but instead shows which numbers were in contact with each other and for how long. Angus McCullough KC speaking during a press conference at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr McCullough said: The report identifies some specific cases in which I consider the covert measures are likely to have been authorised unlawfully. He said the applications appear to have been made with the purpose of identifying a journalists source. He said this included Mr McCaffrey and seven other journalists. He said all the journalists, apart from one who had died, had been informed. The report said in total 378 CD applications had been made relating to journalists in the time-frame, which included applications relating to bomb hoax or warning calls or situations were journalists had been the victim of crime. Turning to the legal profession, Mr McCullough said he had found a single application for CD involving more than one lawyer which he regarded inadequate to a degree that I doubt the legality of the authorisation in that case. The review also examined the practice of cross-checking journalists phone numbers against PSNI communication systems records, referred to as washing through. It said this included the use of a list of more than 380 journalists contact numbers. It said: The scale of this practice, the duration over which it was carried out, and the apparent lack of any questioning as to the necessity or proportionality of a technique that seems to have been almost entirely ineffective in its aim of identifying inappropriate contact between PSNI officers and staff and journalists is troubling. I am relieved to find that the practice has been discontinued, having not been used since March 2023, and formally ended in May 2024. Mr McCullough said: I have found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. He added: Whilst, there is scope for improvement in PSNIs practices in various identified respects, and some specific incidents where there has been what I consider to be a failure to comply with the relevant legal provisions, I can find no basis for any suggestion that the powers available to PSNI are being routinely abused in relation to journalists, lawyers or others of special status as identified in the terms of reference. The review also said that in the course of its investigations it had uncovered a significant number of digital files held by the PSNI which appeared to consist of data from devices seized from Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney in 2018, and that their detention seemed to be a breach of orders made by the IPT. The review found surveillance had been used against Donal MacIntyre (PA) It also said investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre, who is examining the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe in 2020, had been the subject of a DSA. However, it said this related to public posts on his X account and said there was no indication private communication between the journalist and Noahs mother had been accessed by police. Mr McCulllough said: I have considerable concerns about the processes adopted in that case. The report said it had found direct surveillance had been used in relation to one other journalist and twice against a lawyer. The review also dealt with reports that eight journalists in Northern Ireland had had their names run through a standalone intelligence system in 2017. Journalists Barry McCaffrey (left) and Trevor Birney outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London, last year (Jonathan Brady/PA) During the McCaffrey/Birney IPT hearings it was suggested by a lawyer that they had been targeted by the PSNI as troublemaker journalists. The report said it did not believe any of the eight individuals was a practising journalist at the time. The review makes 16 recommendations, including commissioning a supplementary report and the PSNI bringing together all the units responsible for the authorisation process for all forms of covert surveillance. Responding to the report, Mr Boutcher said: The report does not identify any issues of misconduct by individual officers. What it does identify is individual authorisations where we as a police service could have done better and I am committed to ensuring we do in the future. He added: I am pleased to learn that the review has found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. The review rightfully highlights that we have to improve our processes, and we will. I am aware of commentary calling for a public inquiry into these matters but this report shows that no such inquiry is necessary. Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International UK, said: This report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists, with the PSNI showing clear disregard for press freedom and the rule of law. The scale of the wrongdoing is alarming, from repeated attempts to identify reporters sources to covert operations concealed from oversight bodies. But questions remain. How far has MI5 gone in unlawfully monitoring journalists in Northern Ireland? A free press simply cannot function under the shadow of state surveillance. That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to set up a full public inquiry. Only full disclosure can restore trust and safeguard the rights of journalists in Northern Ireland. Issues around police surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland have attracted increasing scrutiny since the 2018 arrests of Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a police watchdog document that appeared in a documentary they made on the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in Loughinisland, Co Down. Sushi has long been a culinary discipline defined by the search for perfectionism. Photograph: Priscila Zambotto/Getty Images Good chefs are notoriously exacting about how a customer ought to experience a dish that may have taken months, years or even the arc of an entire career to perfect. Gordon Ramsay will not serve ketchup. Marco Pierre White, as the apocryphal tale goes, ejected dozens of diners who asked for more salt or pepper. Alice Waters never accepted requests for items that were out of season. And Philip Kim, a purveyor of sushi in northern British Columbia, has his own steadfast rule: no extra soy sauce. We never serve extra soy sauce, rude people, intoxicated people, says a sign outside his Kitimat shop with the first rule highlighted in bold red text. In a social media post earlier this month meant to be the last time we debate this, Kim wrote that his edict was firm: We never serve extra soy sauce even if [a customer] offered to pay $1,000 for it. For Kim, whose Sushi J restaurant has operated for seven years, the decision is not one of cost. Instead, he said it reflected a theory about customer palates, suggesting that not a single person who asked for extra soy sauce in the early years of his business ever became a regular. Why? Because they remembered the taste of my sushi as the taste of soy sauce, not the sushi itself, he wrote. Their personal food preferences deserve respect, but my responsibility is to serve my food the way it is meant to taste. Sushi has long been a culinary discipline defined by the search for perfectionism. That identity was buoyed up by the Oscar-winning documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, in which Sukiyabashi Jiro maintains fastidious control over his omakase meals including exactly how much wasabi or soy sauce is used with each plate. Kim told the Guardian that he had trained for years on rice alone, a key element of sushi that defines much of the texture and flavour. I love working with it. And I worked hard to get where I am. So much thought goes into the end result. And so to see someone take that work, and drown it in soy sauce it just hurts, he said. Kim said he does in fact give extra soy sauce when he serves dishes, but the amount is subtle enough that patrons dont notice. Online, some commentators responded to Kims post saying they couldnt imagine being arrogant enough to tell my PAYING customers how they can and cannot eat the food that THEY paid for. Another wrote this doesnt encourage me to try your restaurant. A smile would get more customers. A lot of people have opinions about this but for the most part, they just speak negatively on social media, said Kim. Related: Australian ban on fish-shaped plastic soy sauce dispensers a world first Others used the post as a chance to air their own culinary grievances, including a complaint about a sandwich chain whose owner refuses to buy Parmesan cheese which I love on the Meatball subs. Danny Nunes, a writer for Northern BC Buzz, penned a satirical article about Kims decision, warning the move could push desperate locals may resort to underground soy sauce speakeasies where patrons can slip into dimly lit back rooms, whisper a password, and finally drown their spicy tuna rolls in forbidden salt water like their grandparents did. Nunes included an image with the words No Soy Sauce For You alongside the stern soup Nazi from Seinfeld. Kim said that he was not the only chef who was frustrated by the scourge of over-sauced sushi. Everyone talks about it but the reality is, no one is willing to speak up because they know there will be consequences from customers. And so these chefs keep making sushi and seeing people ruining the flavour someone worked so hard on. Kim admitted he may lose customers who want more, but maintained that they were unlikely to become loyal patrons in the future. People say the customer is always right. And they are. But the people I think about and want to serve are my customers the ones who come to me because they like my sushi. Joshua Jahn has been identified as the suspected sniper in the shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement center that killed one ICE detainee and critically wounded two others. The suspect, 29, who died at the scene, has been named in media reports but has not been identified by officials. In an earlier statement, the Department of Homeland Security said two detainees were killed. Anti-ICE messaging was found on the shell casings at the scene after the suspect indiscriminately fired at the holding center and a van in northwest Dallas Wednesday morning, the FBI said. In total, four people were shot in the violence that unfolded Wednesday morning, including the suspect who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Dallas police said. No ICE agents were injured in the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said. The names of the victims have not been released. Heres everything we know about the shooting. The suspected sniper who killed one Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee and wounded two others in a shooting at a facility in Dallas was found with anti-ICE messaging, per the FBI (X/@FBIDirectorKash) The latest statement from the Department of Homeland Security said a deranged gunman launched an attack on the ICE facility and fired indiscriminately at the building and a van from a nearby rooftop (X/@TriciaOhio) Suspected sniper died from self-inflicted gunshot wound Joshua Jahn, 29, has been reported by several media outlets as the suspected shooter, though officials have not formally announced his identity. Jahns family has struggled to process the news, with his distraught mother, Sharon Jahn, telling The Independent, Im sorry, I cant talk to you right now. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the attack was motivated by hatred for ICE. She has ordered increased security at ICE facilities across the country following Wednesdays shooting. The suspects brother, Noah Jahn, told NBC News that Joshua Jahn didnt have strong feelings about ICE as far as [he] knew and said he wasnt interested in politics on either side. A motive for the shooting has yet to be made public. FBI agents inspect the roof of an apartment building near the scene of the shooting (AP) FBI agents on the roof of an immigration lawyer's office building across the street from the ICE field office (REUTERS) Noah Jahn added that his brother knew how to use a rifle but was not a marksman, thats for sure. He last saw the suspect at his parents house two weeks ago, the news outlet reported. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office. When reached by The Independent, Noah seemed as distressed as his mother. Im still trying to Noah Jahn said haltingly. I'm back and forth with the police, I'm just He then hung up. Deranged gunman fired indiscriminately at ICE building The Homeland Security Department said a deranged gunman launched an attack on the ICE facility and fired indiscriminately at the building and a van from a nearby rooftop. The victims were inside the van when they were hit, the department said. The department earlier said two ICE detainees were killed, but later revised the number to one ICE detainee. The shooter fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, as well as at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot, the statement said. The gunman was found with a self-inflicted gun wound. We can confirm, the shell casings were found with anti-ICE messages on them. This was an attack on ICE law enforcement. Mexicos foreign affairs ministry identified one of the injured victims as a Mexican national. Tricia McLaughlin, the departments spokeswoman, shared photos on social media of the bullet holes from inside the ICE facility (X/@TriciaOhio) Tricia McLaughlin, the departments spokeswoman, shared photos on social media of the bullet holes from inside the ICE facility. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women must stop, she said in a post on X, referring to ICE law enforcement officers. Local, state and federal officials gave a brief press conference Wednesday morning near the scene of the shooting. Acting director of the Dallas ICE office, Joshua Johnson, also called for an end to stop acts of violence against ICE employees. Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemned politically motivated violence. To every politician who is demonizing ICE, who is demonizing CBP: stop, he told the press conference. This has very real consequences. In total, four people were shot in the violence that unfolded Wednesday morning, including the suspect who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Dallas police said (AP) He referred to the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk two weeks ago. We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes, Cruz added. Officials only took a few questions before closing down the press conference, refusing to answer questions about the victims in the shooting being ICE detainees. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called for patience while authorities work to establish the facts. It's a scary time, Johnson said. I would ask all of you, all the city of Dallas residents who can hear me right now, let's be patient, let's be calm." Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemned politically motivated violence (Reuters) What the Trump administration has said about the shooting President Donald Trump called the shooting despicable. The Brave Men and Women of ICE are just trying to do their jobs, and remove the WORST of the WORST Criminals out of our Country, but they are facing an unprecedented increase in threats, violence, and attacks by Deranged Radical Leftists, Trump wrote on Truth Social late Wednesday afternoon. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the shooting was a definite attack on law enforcement, despite no officers being injured. The Trump administration has been quick to tie the shooting to critics of ICE and Trumps sweeping anti-immigration operation. Vice President JD Vance blamed violent left-wing extremism in remarks Wednesday afternoon from Concord, North Carolina, despite the live investigation being in the early stages. I said Charlie Kirks assassination was the most political and disgusting violence that weve had in this country in the last couple of weeks. And that was true maybe until this morning, the vice president said, referring to the Dallas shooting. The Dallas facility was opened fire upon by a violent left-wing extremist, a person who wrote anti-ICE messaging on their bullets, and theres some evidence that we have thats not yet public, but we know this person was politically motivated, Vance continued. Vice President JD Vance blamed violent left-wing extremism in remarks from Concord, North Carolina (Getty Images) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed the finger at the Democrats for demonizing ICE law enforcement officials. Democrats must stop demonizing the heroic men and women of ICE who are just doing their jobs to keep Americans safe, Leavitt said in a post on X. FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image of the casings in a post on X. While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical [sic] motive behind this attack (see photo below), Patel said. One of the unspent shell casings recovered was engraved with the phrase ANTI ICE. We are only miles from Prarieland, Texas where just two months ago an individual ambushed a separate ICE facility targeting their officers, Patel added. It has to end and the FBI and our partners will lead these investigative efforts to see to it that those who target our law enforcement are pursued and brought to the fullest extent of justice. Karoline Leavitt pointed the finger at the Democrats for demonizing ICE law enforcement officials (@PressSec/X) Noem said the incident must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences. When confronted by CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday evening about claims from the Trump administration that the left was to blame for the shooting, Noem seemed to beat around the bush. I can't speak to what the president and vice president were briefed on, but people don't write anti-ICE on ammunition and then fire into a building that support the work that our law enforcement are doing, she said. Democrats condemned the Trump administration for attributing blame to a political party. I reject the inclination that many people feel to attribute this to the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, Democratic Texas State Sen. Nathan Johnson told NBC. We dont know who this shooter was, who he thought he was affiliated with. Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin condemned the cowardly attack and called for unity in a statement. Let me be clear: It will take all of us not just one side of the aisle or the other to quell this epidemic of violence, which has no place in our democracy, Martin said. Democrats remain committed to resolving differences through debate and elections, not with weapons. We also remain committed to enacting commonsense solutions to curb gun violence all across our country. Kelly Rissman and Rachel Dobkin contributed reporting. Leon Neal/PA Wire Keir Starmer may come to regret appointing former foreign secretary David Lammy as his deputy. But that will depend on how the latter performs at the despatch box the next time the Prime Minister is out of the country. Lammy is one of those unusual politicians that few people can explain. When the comedian Bill Bailey described Ed Miliband, when he was Labour leader, as being like a plastic bag stuck in a tree No one knows how it got up there and no one can be bothered bringing it down he could have been describing Lammy a decade later. But bring him down Starmer did, demoting him from the Foreign Office to the Ministry of Justice during the last, chaotic, reshuffle. What I wouldnt give to have been able to listen in to that phone call and the conversation that ended with Sir Keir offering Lammy the consolation prize of Deputy Prime Minister, plus the continued use of a 25m grace-and-favour home. Unlike his predecessor, Angela Rayner, Lammy does not have his own mandate from the party membership. In fact, it will be interesting to see what happens to the DPM role once the new deputy Labour leader is announced next month. If Lammy stays in that job, it will create the unusual, arguably unprecedented, position in which a deputy party leader is not appointed as deputy prime minister while another minister fills that role. Starmer might have been better advised to hold off appointing a deputy PM until after the deputy race had been run. But what does political judgment matter these days? That Lammy survived as long as he did in one of the four great offices of state is something of a mystery even to his parliamentary colleagues. Ministers are frequently appointed when the Prime Minister calculates he will win approval from an appointees friends and colleagues for promoting him. But Lammy is not known as being particularly gregarious and has few Commons allies, so the benefits to Starmer from Lammys stint in the Foreign Office were never clear, just as the repercussions from firing him completely would be minimal. Moreover, Starmers true deputy in Government has already been announced. Darren Jones, who impressed many during his time as chief secretary to the Treasury, was announced at the same reshuffle as chief secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The latter title is well-established; the former is entirely new and suggests Starmer is trying to inject political purpose and direction into the very top of Government. Jones is sharp and capable and is one of the Governments best communicators. If allowed, he will make welcome improvements to how Number 10 operates. But his appointment also risks further dilution of the Government hierarchy. If you had to nominate the three best people to compose some kind of triumvirate advising Keir Starmer, would you really nominate Darren Jones alongside David Lammy and, assuming shes successful in her bid to be elected deputy Labour leader, Lucy Powell? Labour is in a fight for its very survival as a political force, not just as a party of Government. The threat posed by rival parties of the Right and Left could leave it a shadow of its former self unless big, radical and astute changes are made in how it governs and communicates. At times like these, the Government desperately needs its very best minds advising Starmer. Lammy, having been sacked as foreign secretary, and Powell, having been sacked as leader of the Commons at the same time, clearly do not enjoy the Prime Ministers full confidence whatever personal skills and experience they bring to their roles. So why are we in a situation where, on paper at least, they are seen (or in Powells case, about to be seen) as key figures in the Number 10 operation? Politics is brutal and there are occasions when personal friendships and even the party rulebook cannot be allowed to get in the way of governing efficiently. If Starmer is saddled with Powell as his deputy party leader, he needs to assign her a campaigning role perhaps party chair rather than another Government one. Lammy should have the Deputy Prime Minister title removed from him and given to Jones who is, for all intents and purposes, already deputy PM anyway. Starmer seems serious about reforming how Government is done; Joness appointment was a bold move and one that was generally welcomed among the Parliamentary Labour Party. Its important now that this opportunity is not wasted. Dua Lipa has hit back at what she called a deliberately inflammatory and completely false report that she fired one of her agents after he tried to stop the Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap from performing at Glastonbury. David Levy was allegedly among the music industry figures who signed a leaked letter urging Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis to drop the pro-Palestine group from the bill of this years festival. Mail Online claimed that Lipa parted ways with Levy after learning about the letter. However, the British-Albanian pop stars agency WME has called the story categorically false and clarified that Levy stopped working with Lipa in 2019. Mail Online claimed that Dua Lipa parted ways with Daniel Levy after learning about a letter he signed urging Glastonbury to drop Kneecap (Getty) In her own statement, shared on Instagram stories on Tuesday, Lipa wrote: I do not condone the actions of David Levy or other music executives toward an artist speaking their truth. I also cannot ignore how this has been handled in the press. Not only was the story completely false but the language used by the Daily Mail has been deliberately inflammatory, crafted purely for clickbait, clearly designed to fuel online division. She added: It is always Free Palestine but exploiting a global tragedy in order to sell newspapers is something I find deeply troubling. WME said in a statement: Reports suggesting that Dua Lipa or her management dismissed one of our agents because of his political views are categorically false. Dua Lipa shared a statement to her Instagram stories (Instagram/Dua Lipa) Acknowledging that Levy played a role in Lipas early career, the company said he had shifted to an advisory role in 2019 until earlier this year when he moved on to other projects. Kneecaps Glastonbury performance ultimately went ahead, with the group leading their audience in chants of F*** Keir Starmer after the prime minister stated that he did not think it was appropriate for them to play the festival. The letter to Eavis, which was originally brought to public attention by former BBC Radio DJ Toddla T who produced Kneecaps 2024 album Fine Art came after band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a 2024 gig. Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh speaks to supporters as he leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London (PA) He denies the charge and has said in interviews that the flag was thrown onstage and he picked it up without realising. He is due back in court on Friday 26 September to learn whether the charges will proceed to a trial. Mail Online has since updated its story to reflect the statements from Lipa and WME. Lipa has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the UK for selling arms to Israel. In May, she condemned Israeli airstrikes on displacement camps in southern Gaza: Burning children alive can never be justified, she wrote on Instagram. The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied that it is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. A UN commission of inquiry said last week that Israel had committed genocide. Kneecap were banned from entering Canada this week for allegedly glorifying terrorist organisations. The band announced in response that they will take legal action against the wholly untrue and deeply malicious accusations. Trump Europe, the continent that gave the world democracy, Pax Romana, the Renaissance, the Great Explorers, the libertarian ideals of the Scottish enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and the emancipation of slavery, is now the worlds laughing stock. Our leaders are non-player characters in the story of our spiral into oblivion, standing by as we rush towards civilisational seppuku. Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen: all are political pygmies, interchangeable in their incompetence, cowardice and lack of vision. Even Italys Giorgia Meloni, the only semi-decent major Western European leader, hasnt reversed her countrys own hara-kiri. Friedrich Merz, hardly Germanys Thatcher, wont save his country. Their once great nations are sliding ever faster into irrelevance and impotence, and failing on every count: economic, military, moral, demographic, technological and geopolitical. They have lost the worlds respect, except as a shopping destination, theme park or finishing school. Western Europes pathologies are many, and they are metastasising uncontrollably. We are unable to grow our economies meaningfully, partly because we choose to regulate and tax all that moves. Our obsession with net zero has pushed up prices, bankrupted industry and impoverished families. We can no longer compete against US or Chinese firms, or foster world-class entrepreneurship. Our jobs are about to be wiped out by AI, overwhelming semi-insolvent welfare states. We sometimes pay pensioners more than workers, while infantilising young adults by forcing them into brainwashing camps we call universities and robbing them of their economic independence through a broken housing market and monetary manipulation. Our birth rate has collapsed. Our health systems are unsustainable. We teach the public to prioritise security and comfort over risk, and then wonder why they vote against cuts. We have embraced a naive anti-militarism, refusing to acknowledge that Europes holiday from history is over. Despite a combined GDP that is more than 10 times larger and a population 3.7 times greater than that of Russia, we cannot help Kyiv defeat the Kremlin. We keep having to beg America for assistance in undignified fashion, having learnt the wrong lessons from the Cold War. We couldnt wait to surrender to the grotesque, Western-hating anti-Semitic butchers and rapists of Hamas, demonstrating to every rogue actor the hypocrisy of our human rights discourse. We have perverted the beautiful cosmopolitan ideal that is the oneness of the human soul, weaponising it to condemn borders as racist and to globalise the welfare state. Combined with socialist economic and educational policies, mass immigration has led to catastrophic failures of integration, fuelling sectarianism, Islamism, excessive crime and a crisis of democratic legitimacy. Our brains, addled by Marxist and post-modern ideologies, our hearts darkened by envy and atavistic hatred, our souls eaten away by post-Christian self-doubt, we wish to be neither Athens nor Sparta, neither Jerusalem nor Rome, neither liberal nor conservative. We have embraced a warped ideology that puts equality above merit, bureaucracy above democracy, extreme environmentalism above growth, emotion above reason and the universal above the national. Never one to leave weakness unpunished, Donald Trump mocked Britain and Europe mercilessly at the United Nations, our representatives forced to listen in sheepish silence. Many of Trumps barbs hit their targets. Western Europes failure to reinvent and retool itself its economy, military, society after Putins invasion epitomises our decadence. Last week, Russian MiG-31s violated Estonias airspace; previously, drones were shot down over Poland. Moscow is intensifying its cyber-warfare. How will we react if Putin flies more planes into Nato airspace, or worse? Trump wants us to shoot them down, but how could we? We are hardly ready for an escalation; its easier to distract the world with meaningless gestures, such as rewarding terrorists. We are no longer able to change gear, let alone work at warp speed. Our institutions are sclerotic, our politics dysfunctional. Yes, Germany is going to spend more, and military industrial capacity is improving, but it is too little, too late. Russia launched its despicable invasion in February 2022, and neither Britain nor any Western European power has yet to build an Iron Dome style-missile defence system (foolishly, we have betrayed the pioneering Israelis) or to expand their military properly. The UK still apparently employs more parking attendants than full-time soldiers. It has been estimated that Europe will import 4-5bn of Russian oil this year. The value of imports of Liquefied Natural Gas from Russia jumped 27 per cent year on year in the first half of 2025, hitting 4.4bn, mostly arriving via Belgiums Zeebrugge. Europe still cannot rise to the occasion, even though Putins unhinged plan is unravelling, which helps to explain why Trump again, pouncing on fragility finally turned on him. Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, his invasion of the Soviet Union, on June 22 1941; four years later, on May 2 1945, the Soviets hoisted the Hammer and Sickle on Berlins Reichstag. The clock is ticking for Putin, a pound-shop Stalin, to avoid humiliation in his deranged quest to rebuild Moscows sphere of influence. He has grabbed Mariupol and a few other smaller Ukrainian cities, but that doesnt amount to much in over three and half years of war crimes and destruction. He stands no hope of defeating Ukraine by January 2026, the equivalent time in which it took Stalin to seize Hitlers Reichshauptstadt. Trump was right to dismiss him as a paper tiger at the UN. He is a loser, backed by Iran and Belarus, reliant on trade with India and Turkey, his imperial pretensions a farce, his country little more than a Chinese protectorate. So why havent we swooped? By now, Europe, its economy strengthened, should be ready to provide Ukraine with a final, decisive boost. Instead, we have barely started to remilitarise, Britain and France are teetering on the brink of a fiscal crisis, and stand powerless as Moscow becomes increasingly provocative. This is how great civilisations finally die. You can sign up to receive Allister Heaths exclusive analysis of the week in politics here. When the EU entry-exit system takes effect on 12 October, passengers on Eurostar will be asked if they have pre-booked accommodation, a return ticket, enough money for their stay and medical insurance. The requirement for proof of insurance goes beyond the standard demands for travellers entering the Schengen area. It is likely to alarm passengers who have chosen not to take out medical insurance, relying instead on the reciprocal health cover provided by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Border formalities for travellers on Eurostar to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam are juxtaposed: outbound passengers go through the Schengen area border at the Eurostar hub, London St Pancras International. The European Commission in Brussels has made it clear to The Independent that medical insurance is not a requirement for travellers entering the Schengen area comprising most of the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Border check: Simon Calder at the Eurostar entry-exit system registration area at London St Pancras International (Elanor Forster) But the French Police aux Frontieres, who process travellers at the St Pancras terminal, are applying their nations controls. One of these is a requirement in addition to the standard Schengen rules. It reads: You must have an insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses for which you may be liable for the duration of your stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death. While this has officially been part of the formalities for third-country nationals for years, the question is rarely, if ever, asked by French border guards. But when the entry-exit system (EES) starts on 12 October, travellers will be asked while registering their biometrics at automatic kiosks if they have medical insurance. The kiosks are also programmed to ask about accommodation, available funds and holding a return ticket. Should the traveller answer no to any of these questions, a Police aux Frontieres officer will be alerted. A passenger who does not meet all the demands could be refused entry. The requirement came to light as Eurostar unveiled its plans for handling the EU entry-exit system. The rail firm has invested millions of pounds in installing kiosks in three separate areas of St Pancras station to collect biometrics from travellers. The questions will be posed at the kiosks used for registering passengers for the new digital border scheme. Eurostar says the questions are: Do you have somewhere to stay? Do you have a return ticket? Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (credit card, cash)? Do you have medical insurance? Alongside insurance, the French authorities also ask specifically about return tickets, even though the Schengen rule is for evidence of any transport booked out of the zone for example, an onward flight to Asia or a ferry booking to Morocco. Passengers who are tempted to answer Yes untruthfully to any of the questions are warned: Your answers are binding, you may be asked to provide proof. The rule applies equally to Eurostar passengers going to Brussels, Rotterdam or Amsterdam even though Belgium and the Netherlands have no such requirement for medical insurance. It raises the extraordinary prospect that British travellers who choose to travel without insurance to Brussels or Amsterdam will be admitted if they fly, but not if they go by rail, passing through French territory for about 20 minutes. The Independent understands that motorists going on Eurotunnels LeShuttle, through the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais, will not be asked any such questions, even though it is an equivalent juxtaposed frontier. Reports of a demand for medical insurance for trips to France first emerged in August. But the European Commission was quick to confirm that medical insurance would not be required once EES begins. A UK government spokesperson said: From 12 October, passengers who register for EES at a kiosk may need to answer a series of questions, including whether they have medical insurance. Medical insurance will not be a mandatory requirement for UK citizens travelling to the EU under EES. However, we strongly recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover, before travelling abroad. Read more: Simon Calder answers your questions on the EUs new entry-exit system British passengers travelling to the Continent on Eurostar trains will have to answer a series of key questions about their trip under the EUs new border controls. These include whether they have booked an overnight stay, a return ticket, have medical or travel insurance - and enough money to cover the cost of their trip abroad. Passengers answering no to any of the questions will not be able to use the e-ticket gates and will have to speak to a French border control officer, potentially delaying their journey. But it appears that travellers will be able to circumvent the restrictions by answering yes to each question, even if that is untrue - though they may be forced to explain their answers to a border guard if they are stopped. The new rules - under the EUs EES (entry exit system) will come into force on Sunday October 12. This is likely to add about 10 minutes to the Eurostar check-in process, meaning most passengers should arrive at St Pancras 75 minutes before their train is due to depart. One of the kiosks that UK passport holders will have to use at St Pancras station (Ross Lydall) Eurostar says only its business and premium class passengers will be asked to take part for the first three months. Standard class passengers will be required to use the EES system from January 12. The system should be fully operational by April 12 - but the launch period could be extended for an additional 90 days if there are teething problems. This means it should still come fully into effect before the school summer holidays start towards the end of July. The EES system requires passengers to provide biometric details such as a face scan and fingerprints. This is being done in a bid to improve cross-border security. Simon Lejeune, head of safety and stations for Eurostar, said: We are ready for the launch of EES. Its going to be a phased approach, with a modest launch on October 12 followed by a bigger launch on January 12. It will be in full flow by April next year. A total of 49 kiosks, at which UK passport holders undergo the face, fingerprint and passport scans, have been built at St Pancras. There are 35 in two areas on the ground floor of the station - one within the Eurostar area and another opposite the entrance to the Thameslink station - plus a third overflow area, with 14 kiosks, on the first floor. Passengers will be told 30 days in advance which kiosk area to use, with information provided via the Eurostar app and with their train ticket. The four questions are required under the Schengen area rules being imposed by the French border authorities. They are: Do you have somewhere to stay? Do you have a return ticket? Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (credit card, cash)? Do you have medical insurance? However, after a media demonstration of the new system on Wednesday, Eurostar said the final question had been wrongly translated and would be amended to ask about travel insurance, not medical insurance. UK citizens are able to benefit from free emergency medical care within the EU under a reciprocal deal that provides NHS care for foreign travellers. A Eurostar train alongside the champagne bar at St Pancras station (Ross Lydall) Eurostar and London St Pancras High Speed, which owns St Pancras station and the HS1 train line to the Channel Tunnel, have spent about 10m adapting the busy station ahead of the introduction of the EES system. Only citizens of countries outside the EU, such as the UK post-Brexit, will need to comply with EES. EU travellers, and those from affiliate countries such as Switzerland and Norway, will not be affected. Richard Thorp, chief operating officer at London St Pancras High Speed, said extra officials would be on hand to help passengers struggling to enter their data at the kiosks. The hope is that the questions do not spook passengers and leave them fearful of falling foul of border rules. The details held by Eurostar will not be cross-referenced against the answers provided by passengers at a kiosk. Passengers travelling via Le Shuttle at Folkestone will not be asked the same questions. This is thought to be because Folkestone has no e-gates, and all travellers still have their documents checked face-to-face by a border official. Eurostar will also have 17 kiosks at Gare du Nord station in Paris but none in Amsterdam, Brussels or Lille. In these stations, UK citizens will undergo the procedure at the same time as other border checks. Under the introductory system, fire breaks are permitted at any time, such as to ease overcrowding caused by other delays in the system. In the worst circumstances, we can take it off altogether, Mr Lejeune said. A family of three have become the first asylum seekers to arrive in the UK as part of the governments high-stakes new one in, one out deal with France. It comes after four migrants were deported to Paris under Sir Keir Starmers flagship agreement, which ministers claim will dissuade migrants from making the deadly Channel crossings by showing they could be immediately sent back. In return, a family which includes a small child have become the first to arrive in the UK through the new legal route. But the prime minister is under pressure to demonstrate the scheme is working after more than 1,000 migrants arrived by small boat last Friday, after returns to France began. Pressure is on Keir Starmer after more than 1,000 migrants arrived by small boat last Friday (AFP/Getty) A Home Office spokesperson said the move was a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated. We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. And we will work with France to operate a legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK, subject to security checks. The move comes just days after Donald Trump told the prime minister to call out the military to stop small boats, as the number of crossings hit a record high, and warned that illegal migration can destroy countries. Labour minister Peter Kyle later said that the Royal Navy could be called upon to tackle the crossings if needed. But former first sea lord Admiral Lord West said that Mr Trumps suggestion would make no difference at all because the UK cannot easily return boats to France. Donald Trump told Keir Starmer to call out the military to stop small boats during his visit to the UK last week (Getty) A pilot scheme, the one in, one out deal will see a small number of migrants initially it is understood planned to be 50 per week who have crossed the Channel in small boats sent immediately back to France. The Home Office has refused to confirm numbers but said it expects the number to grow as the scheme progresses. In return, Britain will take in the same number of migrants from France, selecting those with family in the UK or strong ties to the country. Initially, the scheme will only apply to adults because children who come to the UK illegally are not detained. The images of migrants arriving by their thousands via small boats have proved politically toxic, and the PM has said he is determined to succeed where his predecessors failed in getting the issue under control. Many of those who arrive are then housed in hotels while their asylum claims are processed, which costs the taxpayer billions. Ministers hope that by demonstrating to those considering the dangerous crossing that they may be immediately sent back to France, fewer will be willing to risk making the perilous journey. However, critics have attacked the agreement, saying it will deal with only a small number of migrants, meaning only around one in 20 who arrive in the UK will be sent back to France. More than 32,000 people have arrived in Britain by small boat so far in 2025. The pilot agreement runs initially until June next year. This is a breaking news story, more follows... Nigel Farage has been condemned for peddling false information and wild conspiracy theories after he falsely accused Romanians in Britain of eating swans in parks in his latest attack on migrants living in the UK. The Reform UK leader claimed swans are being eaten in royal parks and said carp were being taken out of ponds by people who come from different cultures. Asked who he believes are eating Britains swans, which are a protected species in the UK, Mr Farage said: People who come from countries where thats quite acceptable. Farages comments about Romanians eating swans are an echo of the US presidents warning that Haitian migrants were eating Americans pets (PA) Pressed by LBCs Nick Ferrari whether eastern Europeans, Romanians and people like that were responsible, Mr Farage said: So I believe. The Royal Parks charity quickly rejected Mr Farages claim, saying: Weve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in Londons eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks. Mr Farages comments echo US president Donald Trumps unfounded claims that Haitian migrants are eating Americans pets, with Labour MPs saying the Reform leaders latest remarks are another example of why he shouldnt be trusted. Labour MP Clive Lewis told The Independent: "When a public figure begins to peddle wild conspiracy and grotesque exaggeration, from migrants eating swans to hinting at unknown harms from paracetamol, it reveals a troubling approach: deliberately feeding fear, confusion, and distrust. "Some will fall for those lies, but others will see through the smokescreen. If this man cannot be trusted on the simplest matters of health or truth, then how can he be trusted to run a country? We must ask: if hell lie today, what will he lie about tomorrow? Meanwhile, Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said his comments are a direct lift from the Trump song book and a deliberate attempt to inflame tensions in our communities. He offers absolutely nothing about how to truly transform our economy for the benefit of the working class, but just scapegoats immigrants, votes down improved rights and protections of workers and the thousands of net zero jobs providing good secure employment, but vigorously defends extreme wealth and treats voters like idiots hoping hell get away with it once again, he added. Fizza Qureshi, chief executive of the Migrants Rights Network, hit out at Mr Farage for regurgitating debunked stories and said his comments were not only absurd but is utterly dangerous. She said: He is regurgitating debunked stories that have resurfaced again and again, including way back in 2007, where migrants were accused of stealing swans. What Nigel Farages comments do show is his willingness to peddle disinformation from unverified social media and far-right organisations to deliberately whip up more hatred against migrants. In a presidential debate last year, Mr Trump said: In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating they are eating the pets of the people that live there. City authorities stressed that there was no evidence for the claim, with the US National Security Council spokesperson at the time dubbing it a dangerous conspiracy theory. Farage also refused to condemn Donald Trumps remarks on drug safety (AP) Mr Farage launched into his own allegation about swans being eaten in royal parks after being challenged over whether any evidence had been forthcoming for Mr Trumps claims. After the exchange, interviewer Mr Ferrari said: So its a similar story? Theyre eating our carp, theyre eating our swans? Mr Farage said: Im not saying that, Im just putting it back as an argument. His comments came as the Reform leader also opened the door to a Donald Trump-style re-evaluation of the safety of paracetamol in the UK. Asked about the US president linking the drug to autism claims UK experts have refuted and condemned as fear mongering Mr Farage said that is an opinion he has its not one that I necessarily share. But Mr Farage added that the science is never settled. He said: When it comes to science, I dont side with anybody, because the science is never settled and we should remember that. Critics seized on Mr Farages answers during the interview on drug safety, with Wes Streeting saying he has no idea and no backbone. The health secretary said: This is a man whose health adviser claimed at Reforms conference that the Covid vaccine gave the royal family cancer. Anti-science, anti-reason, anti-NHS. Farage is the snake oil salesman of British politics and its time to stop buying his rubbish. And Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan said: Nigel Farage wants to impose Trumps dangerous anti-science agenda here in the UK. Peddling this kind of nonsense is irresponsible and wrong. The latest row comes just days after Mr Farage was accused of using dodgy maths to back up his plan to scrap the main route towards British citizenship and deport tens of thousands of people who have legally settled in Britain. The Reform leader said the current option of indefinite leave to remain open to those who have lived and worked in Britain for five years has betrayed democracy and vowed to abolish it. But doubt was soon cast over Mr Farages claim that savings from the policy would be considerably larger than the 230bn once suggested by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), despite the think tank having since said its figure should no longer be used. Meanwhile, Ben Brindle, a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, questioned Mr Farages statement that half of those who have migrated to the UK are not working. The Reform leader also claimed those from Hong Kong and Ukraine would not be exempt from the measures before rowing back on that statement on Wednesday, telling LBC a special exemption would be made for people who come from those countries. And last month Mr Farage said children would be deported as part of Reform UKs strategy to tackle illegal migration, only to insist the next day that he had been very, very clear that the party was focused on illegal males and not even discussing women and children at this stage. CHICAGO and MEXICO CITY and GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunon, a leading global office furniture brand, has launched its H5 chair, underlining its commitment to sustainable design. The chair's backrest, seat and front support bracket, which are the key structural components, are made from a material containing at least 66% ocean-bound recycled plastics, supplemented by 30% glass fiber and 4% modified additives. Importantly, the nylon in these parts is 100% recycled from ocean-bound plastic with no virgin material added. This gives waste a second life in office furniture while helping reduce marine pollution and reflects Sunon's tangible contribution to circular material use and responsible design. Sunon H5 Chair on Display at the New Chicago Showroom, Fulton Market Design District Sunon H5 Chair showcased at CIFF 2025, featured alongside the Mixcube flexible office series, highlighting innovative and adaptable workplace solutions Sunon H5 Chair unveiled at the Mexico launch event, marking its official entry into the Latin American market. In 2025, the chair was introduced at three major international events: CIFF Guangzhou, the Mexico launch event, and the opening of Sunon's Chicago showroom. At CIFF 2025 in Guangzhou, the H5 was unveiled to the global market. Its eco-conscious materials and user-focused design attracted attention, highlighting Sunon's effort to integrate sustainability into modern workplace solutions. Shortly after, Sunon hosted the official H5 launch event in Mexico, marking a key step in bringing the product to the Latin American market. Local production at Sunon's Mexico factory enhances delivery efficiency and supports the company's "Globalization through Localization" strategy. The launch emphasized the chair's versatility across diverse workplace cultures while maintaining its sustainable values. The H5 made its U.S. debut at Sunon's new Chicago showroom in the Fulton Market Design District. Displayed alongside Sunon's full office furniture portfolio, the chair demonstrates how the company integrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and international reach. "H5 is more than a chair; it represents Sunon's approach to sustainable design and responsible material use," said by Cindy, Managing Director of Sunon International Business Division. "Through products like H5, we aim to provide office solutions that meet both functional needs and environmental goals." With its global rollout, the H5 extends Sunon's international presence, offering office solutions that combine performance, design, and sustainability. Website: sunonglobal.com Instagram: @sunonfurniture LinkedIn: Sunon Group Co., Ltd. SOURCE Sunon Technology Co., Ltd. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage admitted he could not prove his claims - Jordan Pettitt/PA Nigel Farage has claimed that swans are being eaten in Royal Parks by migrants, echoing remarks made by Donald Trump. The Reform UK leader made the assertion when he was challenged over his defence of similar comments made by the US president this time last year. Mr Farages claim was almost immediately challenged by the Royal Parks charity, which said that no such incidents had been reported to it. Last year, Mr Farage said there was some truth in comments made by Mr Trump about Haitian immigrants eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio. At the time, the Reform leader told LBCs Nick Ferrari: Ill have a tenner with you that within the next month or so we find some evidence of it. But on Wednesday, when asked by Mr Ferrari whether he could now accept Mr Trumps statement was utterly nonsensical, Mr Farage said: If I said to you that swans were being eaten in Royal Parks in this country, that carp were being taken out of ponds and eaten in this country, by people who come from cultures that have a different [way of doing things]... Would you agree it is happening here? When the LBC presenter said he had not read newspaper reports alluding to swans being eaten, Mr Farage replied: Neither of us can prove or disprove. Unmarked mute swans in the UK are considered property of the Crown - Anadolu/Getty Challenged on who was taking the swans and carp from the parks, he said: People who come from countries where its quite acceptable to do so. Pressed on whether it was eastern Europeans, Mr Farage said: So I believe. Asked by Mr Ferrari if it was a similar kind of story theyre eating our carp, theyre eating our swans, the Reform leader replied: Im not saying that, Im just putting it back as an argument. A spokesman for the Royal Parks said: Weve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in Londons eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks. Elisa Allen, the vice president of programmes for PETA UK, said: PETA has received no credible reports that anyone in Britain is eating swans. Ms Allen encouraged Mr Farage to concentrate on whats on his own plate and leave the swans, pigeons, ducks, chickens, and immigrants in peace. Earlier this year, the campaign group Turning Point UK shared a video claiming to show an RSPCA worker supposedly catching migrants cooking an unknown bird. Another video shared by the pressure group was debunked after it emerged the swan in the clip was in fact being rescued by a volunteer with the Swan Sanctuary. In 2003, the Metropolitan Police began an investigation into claims that the Queens swans were being stolen and eaten by asylum seekers. But the force later said there was no evidence of asylum seekers or eastern Europeans being responsible for a reported decline in the swan population, with no arrests being made. Farage refuses to condemn Trump Mr Farage has formed a close friendship with Mr Trump in the past decade and met with him during a visit to Washington earlier this month. The Reform leader also refused to condemn comments made by the US president that linked paracetamol to autism. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, criticised Mr Trump for claiming the drug is no good and urging pregnant women to fight like hell to avoid taking it. But Mr Farage insisted it was for individual countries to set their own health policies and added that he had no idea whether there was a link between autism and paracetamol. We were told Thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasnt, he said. Who knows? I dont know, you dont know. He has a particular thing about autism I think because theres been some in his family, and he feels it very personally. I have no idea. On whether he was at least willing to side with medical experts who condemned Mr Trump, Mr Farage replied: When it comes to science, I dont side with anybody. Because science is never settled and we should remember that. Thats an opinion weve got. Its not necessarily one that I share, but honestly, I have no idea. During his appearance on LBCs Nick Ferrari show, Nigel Farage said: When it comes to science, I dont side with anybody. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA Related: Resisting Faragism offers the Lib Dems a rare clarity of purpose | Rafael Behr Nigel Farage has refused to criticise Donald Trumps claims that paracetamol, sold in the US as Tylenol, could cause autism, saying science is never settled and he would never side with medical experts. The Reform UK leader said he had no idea if the US president was right to tell pregnant women to avoid taking acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol and paracetamol, and suggesting that those who could not tough it out should limit their intake. Scientists and global health agencies including the World Health Organization have strongly dismissed Trumps false claims, calling them misguided and saying the evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism is inconsistent. The UKs health secretary, Wes Streeting, told the British public they should not pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine, adding: I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this. Related: Is Tylenol the same as paracetamol, and should you take it in pregnancy? Heres why experts say Trump should be ignored But in a wide-ranging interview with LBCs Nick Ferrari, Farage was asked directly if Trump was right to share the unproven claims. He said: I have no idea, Ive no idea. You know we were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasnt. Who knows Nick, I dont know. He [Trump] has a particular thing about autism. I think because theres been some in his family, he feels it very personally. Ive no idea. When Farage was asked if he would side with medical experts who say it is dangerous to make the link, he added: I wouldnt. I wouldnt. When it comes to science, I dont side with anybody, right? You know? I dont side with anybody, because science is never settled. We should remember that. Yet when challenged over whether it was irresponsible for Trump to make such an unproven claim, Farage said: Thats an opinion hes [Trumps] got. Its not one that I necessarily share. Farages refusal to condemn Trumps claims comes weeks after a controversial doctor, Aseem Malhotra, was given top billing at Reform UKs party conference and used his main-stage speech to claim that the Covid vaccine had caused cancer in the royal family. Malhotra is an adviser to Trumps health secretary, Robert F Kennedy. In the LBC interview, Farage said Trump was right to say that sharia law is an issue in London. Never take what he [Trump] says literally, ever on anything. But always take everything he says seriously, Farage said, adding that Trump has a point. So is he right to say that sharia is an issue in London? Yes. Is it an overwhelming issue at this stage? No. Has the mayor of London directly linked himself to it? No. Labour MPs have urged Keir Starmer to reprimand Trumps administration after the US president falsely claimed in a speech to the UN: I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and its been changed, its been so changed. Now they want to go to sharia law. But you are in a different country, you cant do that. Trump has been publicly attacking the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, since 2015 when the Labour politician criticised Trump, then a presidential candidate, for suggesting that Muslims should be banned from travelling to the US. A spokesperson for Khan said: We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities and were delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here. During the LBC phone-in, Farage also said Reforms plan to ban anyone who was not a UK citizen from claiming benefits would not apply to Ukrainians and Hongkongers. No, because they come for different reasons, Farage said, adding those who had lived in the UK on indefinite leave to remain and had not worked or paid into the system would be told their benefits would be cut. The Royal Parks later rejected Farages claims, also made in the interview, that eastern European migrants were taking swans and carp from ponds across the UK to eat. A spokesperson said: Weve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in Londons eight royal parks. Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks. Farage was asked about Trumps unfounded claim last year that Haitian immigrants in the US were eating cats and dogs, which he did not accept was unproven. Instead he steered the conversation to discuss swans and carp allegedly being taken from UK waters. The Reform leader said people who come from countries where its quite acceptable to do so were taking the carp and swans. Asked if it was eastern Europeans, he said: So I believe. The incident occurred at the Tesco in Pinner Green in October 2022 (Google Maps) A fire service worker accused of shoulder-barging a female shopper to the floor at a Tesco in London after he was alleged to have pushed to the front of the queue has won an unfair dismissal claim. Ryan Shearwood, a hydrant technician with the London Fire Brigade, had been purchasing his lunch at the Pinner Green branch when he entered a confrontation with the woman. She later complained to the LFB that she had been physically assaulted by one of their employees, and that she had been shoved to the ground. He denied the accusation, and claimed that he had extended his elbow to the side to defend himself after she barged past him. Mr Shearwood was subsequently fired for misconduct after and LFB investigation concluded that he had assaulted her. After suing the London Fire Commissioner for unfair dismissal, a judge concluded that his employers had been wrong to draw that conclusion, and is in line for compensation. Mr Shearwood had been working as a fire hydrant technician with the London Fire Brigade (stock) (PA) The tribunal heard that the incident occurred on 10 October 2022 after he objected to the woman jumping the self-checkout queue, which she denied doing. Despite not being in uniform, she was able to identify him as a LFB worker because he was driving a brigade vehicle. In her email she said: Earlier today in Tesco Pinner Green I was physically assaulted by a man who works for LFB (or was at least driving one of your vans). I had been waiting in the scan as you shop area and the scale not been working on, so I was instructed by a member of staff to wait and use one of the self-checkout machines to weigh an item. As I was standing there in a different part of where the self-checkout queue was, I saw an elderly man, so I let him go and then I walked through after him, and that's when this man (in the pictures attached) walked up to self-checkout till and said that I pushed in the queue. I told him that I didn't and tried to explain the situation to him (that a staff member told me to wait and then go ahead and weigh my item there), but he refused to listen and when I placed my purse and item on the scale, he shoved me to the ground. He is an extremely unreasonable person and even the staff were saying a simple apology or acknowledgement of the misunderstanding of the situation could've rectified it, but he refused to do so. Calling me names and escalating the situation further by loudly saying there was something wrong with me and I have "mental health issues" which I know was a predictable attempt to paint me as angry crazy black woman, which is not something that I take lightly at all. She added that she had been left shaking and crying by the incident, and was running on adrenaline. An investigation was opened by the LFB but the Tesco store informed them that they could only release CCTV if there was a police investigation due to data privacy reasons. It was subsequently destroyed after 30 days after the woman decided against pressing charges. The Tesco store manager described what was seen on the CCTV footage and said: One bearded male is seen on the overhead CCTV at the self-checkout and on the self-serve till camera, he shoulder barges a lady to the floor - there is no audio but it looks like the lady is upset and they are arguing, he then leaves the area. Another witness said that while she had not seen the push, she had heard the woman say: You pushed me on the floor, no one's ever pushed me in my life, why did you push me. The altercation then continued with the woman pushing Mr Shearwood, who was described as being really unbothered by it all, and accusing the woman of jumping the queue. In his witness statement, Mr Shearwood said: I have simply raised my arm in shock at being unexpectedly and aggressively pushed by a member of the public enraged at being asked not to push in the queue, this is a natural reflexive action to protect myself and prevent me losing my balance and is in no way assault. After LFB concluded he was guilty of assault, he was dismissed from his job, a role he had held since 2019. However, the judge found they were wrong to come to this conclusion. Judge Tueje said: I find it is more likely than not that Mr Shearwoods account of the altercation on 10th October 2022 is accurate for the reasons set out below. The complainants account is that during an altercation with Mr Shearwood he shoved her to the ground. Neither of the independent witnesses saw Mr Shearwood shove the complainant, and he denies doing so. The judge also found that the womans description of Mr Shearwood was inconsistent with witness reports that he appeared unbothered, and that the security guard confirmed he could leave. They added the LFB did not carry out a fair investigation on procedural grounds. The Home Secretary has defended cash cards containing up to 2,000 being handed to foreign criminals as they are deported from Britain. Shabana Mahmood admitted that it doesn't look good for serious offenders to be given taxpayer money when leaving the UK, but argued it was the cheaper option overall. Video footage taken on a deportation flight from Heathrow shows a group of 47 criminals, including people convicted of killings, theft and sexual abuse, being taken back to Romania part way through their jail terms. They had all come to the UK legally but forfeited their right to remain by committing serious offences. As part of the Government's Facilitated Return Scheme the migrants were given up to 2,000 to persuade them to volunteer to leave Britain. They were told to withdraw the cash once they arrive back in their home country. Asked about the cash cards Ms Mahmood said: "Out of context, it's not great, it doesn't look good." She told ITV: A voluntary removal is actually cheaper for the British taxpayer. It has long been the case that we do offer financial packages as an incentive to people to drop their claims and drop the attempts they make to stay in our country, and to board a flight and leave. Footage shows foreign criminals preparing for deportation at a centre near Heathrow. Some 5,000 foreign national offenders were removed from the country last year. More than 10,000 inmates from abroad are currently serving time in the UK's crowded prisons, with the Government insisting it is prioritising their removal. Ms Mahmood vowed to increase the number of deportations. "I will be ramping up the numbers and I hope to say more about that in the weeks to come," she said. "You start with a small first step and then you ramp up, which is exactly what we're going to be doing. "We have a clear agreement with the French, we will want to see those numbers increase...I'm not going to get ahead of operational decisions. "I want us to get to a point where the numbers that are being removed are acting as a deterrent and stop people getting on the boats in the first place. We have proved it can work, we've got flights off the ground, more are going this week, and we will be looking to ramp up the numbers." Fox News host Jesse Watters says the US should bomb the UN over Trumps broken escalator Fox News host Jesse Watters has said that the US should bomb the UN after Donald Trump and first lady Melania were forced to walk up a broken escalator. Speaking on Jesse Watters Primetime on Tuesday (23 September), the presenter said that the US president was sabotaged by the faulty escalator, which he said could have resulted in Melania getting hurt. He also claimed that the teleprompter was similarly incapacitated. Describing the mishaps as an insurrection, Mr Watters added: This is an insurrection. And what we need to do is either leave the UN or we need to bomb it. It is in New York though, right? During a fiery speech on Tuesday, Trump told the global body: All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle. The Great British Bake Off has come under fire from fans after judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith set what many described as its most ridiculous challenge yet. Tuesday nights episode introduced the first-ever Back to School Week, with contestants asked to whip up nostalgic sweet treats inspired by school dinners. The signature challenge saw the bakers prepare 12 identical flapjacks with their own choice of filling and topping, while the technical task appeared straightforward at first a traditional school cake. However, there was a catch. Instead of reaching for ready-made decorations, the bakers were told they must make their own sprinkles from scratch. The twist left contestants visibly stunned and sparked uproar online. One viewer wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Next week on #GBBO theyll be smelting iron ore to make their own baking trays. Making sprinkles, honestly. Another added: Im not saying Bake Off has gone too far but making them make sprinkles is the most ridiculous thing theyve ever made contestants do. Sprinkles from scratch, thats ridiculous! declared a third fan, while someone else said: Not being funny but I worked in school kitchens and we never made our own sprinkles!! Others branded it psycho and a punishment, with one comment reading: Homemade sprinkles is mad it didnt even occur to me you could make them at home. Inside the tent, Nadia came last in the technical after her effort was dismissed as rock solid, while Jasmine impressed enough to claim first place. The showstopper challenge tasked the group with creating a summer fete stall packed with childhood favourites. Even the judges admitted the technical had been a step too far, joking: No ones going to make their own sprinkles ever again. Drag queen Jessika struggled throughout the episode and ultimately became the latest baker to leave the competition. Praising the departing contestant, Leith said: The thing I have loved about Jessika all the way through is that she is very creative and she takes risks every single week. And I think she took the risk too far this week. Jasmine meanwhile cemented her frontrunner status, being crowned Star Baker for the second week running, while fellow contestant Iain narrowly escaped elimination. Reflecting on her exit, Jessika said: This was going to be my last year to apply and I feel chuffed that I made it to the tent. I have met some incredibly talented, inspiring bakers so its not all bad. EU subsidies were claimed for non-existent banana plantations on Mount Olympus, which is covered in snow for much of the year - iStockphoto Greek farmers claimed to be growing bananas on the slopes of snow-covered mountains as part of a massive fraud costing the European Union tens of millions of euros. The scandal, in which false claims secured huge farming subsidies, is rocking the conservative government of prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The most creative scams included claiming subsidies for phantom flocks of sheep and goats, as well as for non-existent banana plantations on 9,570ft-high Mount Olympus, which is covered in snow for much of the year. The countrys highest peak was revered as the home of the gods in ancient Greek mythology, but is now associated with the national scandal that has revealed shocking levels of corruption. Landowners claimed subsidies for olive groves in a high-security military airport and for pastureland that extended into the sea. Farmers misappropriated EU subsidies worth at least 22m (19m) between 2019 and 2024 by faking land ownership, a government minister said this month. Government officials were allegedly complicit in the massive fraud, which has claimed the scalps of four ministers. The motivation appeared to have been securing votes in return for turning a blind eye to, or colluding in, the theft of EU funds. The fraud allegedly took place with the complicity of officials from the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, pictured - Anadolu Making the scandal more awkward for the prime minister was the fact that most of the allegedly fraudulent claims were submitted from the island of Crete, where his family has held political influence for more than a century. Fraudulent documents suggested that Crete was home to half of all Greeces flocks of sheep, even though the island produced less than one tenth of the countrys sheep-milk output. The number of beehives on some islands also miraculously multiplied. In some cases, farmers claimed money for land and livestock that they did not own, while other cases involved people with no links to farming cashing in on the EU subsidies. The scandal is being investigated by the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO), based in Luxembourg. The EU funds were disbursed through a Greek government agency called OPEKEPE. Police raided the agencys offices in July and seized hundreds of thousands of farmers tax records. Police scrutinised more than 6,000 out of 800,000 applications and discovered that hundreds of farmers had misappropriated EU subsidies. Law-abiding farmers said their subsidies had been cut while phantom farmers received millions of euros. Fraudulent documents incorrectly stated that Crete, pictured, was home to half of all Greeces flocks of sheep - Freeartist/iStockphoto The scheme was well organised... it was a criminal organisation which naturally required political cover, Giorgos Drosos, 65, a wheat and cotton grower in Thessaly, told the AFP news agency. It is believed the fraud dates back to at least 2019, the year in which Mr Mitsotakis was elected prime minister. They set up a shop with European Union money. The politicians knew. It was a business, said Nikos Kakavas, the head of a federation of civil servants. If the European prosecutors office hadnt intervened, nothing would have happened. Weve been shouting about this for years, but no one listened. The scandal deepened when wiretapped phone conversations emerged in which MPs and senior officials appeared to be trying to block the investigation. The prime minister insisted that the authorities were now taking active measures to address the scandal. Two former agriculture ministers from his party are under investigation, although both deny any wrongdoing. Anyone found to have received EU funds to which they were not entitled would have to pay the money back, Mr Mitsotakis said. The EPPO filed a 3,000-page report alleging that corrupt officials within OPEKEPE had been in cahoots with 15 MPs, 13 of whom were from the ruling party. In June, the EU imposed a 392m (342m) fine on Greece for the mismanagement of agricultural subsidies between 2016 and 2023. The subsidy scandal had raised serious questions about government oversight and integrity, according to the political risk consultancy Teneo. Wiretapped conversations suggest a culture of political favouritism and systemic fraud within agricultural subsidies agency OPEKEPE, deepening public mistrust. The tone of the discussions often flippant or cynical has reinforced public outrage and concerns over entrenched cronyism. The Greek government has been mired in several crises, including a wiretap scandal and allegations of a cover-up concerning the 2023 Tempi railway disaster in which 57 people died. Italy and Spain have ordered their warships to defend Greta Thunbergs flotilla after the Gaza aid boats were targeted in a third suspected drone strike. Italys defence minister redirected the navy vessel towards the aid boats during the overnight attack near the coast of Greece. Spain later said it would send a navy ship to assist the flotilla as it made the rest of its journey to Gaza. The latest incident raises the prospect that a warship could shoot down drones, risking escalation with whoever was behind the attack. Israel has not taken responsibility, but Italys foreign minister has demanded that it guarantee the safety of those on the flotilla, ordering the Italian embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information. The Italian government is examining all options to avoid further offensive actions against the flotillas vessels, in the wake of the overnight drone attack, sources from the Italian foreign ministry said, according to Ansa, Italys national news agency. Meanwhile, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, said a ship with all necessary means would accompany the flotilla on the final stretch of its journey. The government of Spain demands that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected, Mr Sanchez said on Wednesday. Tomorrow, a maritime action vessel equipped with all necessary means will set sail from Cartagena in case it is necessary to assist the flotilla and carry out any rescue. Spain has been one of Israels most vocal critics over the war in Gaza, with Mr Sanchez frequently accusing the country of genocide. On Tuesday, King Felipe begged Israel to stop the massacre and end its abhorrent acts in Gaza but stopped short of accusing them of genocide. Ms Thunbergs Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) claimed on Tuesday that Israeli military drones had jammed its communications and were playing Abbas Lay All Your Love On Me through the ships speakers. A source on the flotilla told The Telegraph that 11 explosive devices were identified, as well as two chemical devices emitting irritating substances. Maria Elena Delia, the Italian spokesman for the flotilla, said the drones were an attack on three countries after boats from Italy, the UK and Poland were struck. She added: Our boats were repeatedly attacked by military drones. They struck us with unknown but irritating substances, with sound bombs, and even with drones that deliberately damaged the masts of several vessels. Ms Thunbergs flotilla, made up of 51 vessels, set sail from Barcelona in late August to break the illegal siege of Gaza. By Tuesday night, it was off the coast of Greece. Guido Crosetto, Italys defence minister, said one can only express the harshest condemnation at the attack. He will report to parliament on the attack on Thursday. In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must be protected when they take place in compliance with the norms of international law and without recourse to violence, Mr Crosetto said. Yasemin Acar, a German member of the flotilla, said the crews had seen 15 to 16 drones: Theyre jamming our radio. We dont know where this is coming from, the sound, but other vessels are experiencing the same thing. One video posted by the flotillas official Instagram page showed an explosion. Credit: Instagram/globalsumudflotilla In another video posted by the same page, Thiago Avilo, a Brazilian activist, said boats had been targeted with drones throwing devices just before another explosion was heard in the background. The projectiles were believed to be stun grenades, according to an activist on board the vessel Family Gaza City. On one of the boats is Annalisa Corrado, an Italian MEP from the centre-Left Democratic Party. It was a horrible night, we were attacked for more than three hours, she said in a video message. We began to hear sound bombs going off and one bomb in particular exploded very close to our boat while the sails of other boats were damaged. There was great anger because they attacked us in international waters, added Ms Corrado. One of the lead boats in the flotilla is said to be carrying three Britons, as well as aid workers from Ireland and two journalists. Activists on board identified a flash-bang device, designed to disorient and cause panic without inflicting serious injury. The flotilla is five days away from the so-called interception zone that is 200 miles off the coast of Gaza. An explosion that was seen near one of the vessels - Instagram Mr Avilo said: As far as Im aware there has never been an intervention [of this scale] with flotilla boats in international waters so far from Israel. We can only draw one sensible conclusion from the choice of Abba: that the state of Israel delights in making a mockery of international law. It also reveals the extent to which Israel has become accustomed to enacting rogue violence. Earlier this month, the GSF claimed it was attacked by drones across two days while stationed in Tunisia. None of the passengers or crew were harmed during those incidents, organisers said. Footage from the first attack showed a fireball streaking through the sky seconds before landing on one of the vessels. Witnesses said a drone had been hovering overhead before the strike. A day later, activists were filmed shouting fire as an object crashed on the deck before erupting into a ball of flames. Analysts told The Telegraph the devices were probably incendiary or smoke grenades, rather than lethal munitions. At the time, Tunisian authorities said the claims had no basis in truth. Those on board the flotilla were convinced that Israel was responsible for the attack. Israel said on Monday that it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza, after it had already blocked two previous attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea. In June, Israeli forces boarded a boat carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza and detained the 12 activists on board, including Ms Thunberg. Israeli authorities escorted the activists to the port of Ashdod before deporting them from the country. Israeli authorities have characterised the attempts to sail aid to Gaza as publicity stunts that offered no real humanitarian assistance. In a statement, Israels foreign ministry said: We have another proposal for the Hamas-Sumud flotilla: if this is not about provocation and serving Hamas, you are welcome to unload any aid you might have at any port in a nearby country outside Israel, from which it can be transferred peacefully to Gaza. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade. Is this about aid or about provocation? Sources from the Italian foreign ministry, according to Ansa, Italys national news agency, said: The Italian government is examining all options to avoid further offensive actions against the flotillas vessels. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Giorgia Meloni criticised those travelling in the flotilla. She said: All this is gratuitous, dangerous, irresponsible. Theres no need to risk your safety by entering a war zone to deliver aid to Gaza that the Italian government could have delivered in a matter of hours. I call everyone to responsibility, especially Italian parliamentarians. Ms Meloni proposed to mediate a deal that would see the aid delivered to Cyprus, where it would then be transferred to Gaza. Meanwhile, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, said a ship with all necessary means would accompany the flotilla on the final stretch of its journey. French president Emmanuel Macron in New York City on September 23, 2025 - Ludovic Marin/Getty Images It was one of those moments that encapsulate an entire relationship: Emmanuel Macron, having delivered a 20-minute speech to the UN General Assembly in which he announced France had recognised a nebulous State of Palestine, was standing on Manhattans First Avenue, barred from crossing it by an apologetic, smiling New York cop, because of an impending presidential motorcade. Told for a second time he couldnt be let through, the French president whipped out his iPhone and called Donald Trump to tell him he was waiting in the street because everything is closed for you. (Whatever El Donaldo said, Macron then answered I know, I will follow.) By that time aware he was being filmed, Macron brought the short conversation back to a more official level: But you know, I would love if we can have a short discussion with Qatar on the situation in Gaza All political careers end in failure said Ronald Reagan, whose own didnt. With a year and a half to go, without a parliamentary majority (or indeed more than a caretaker Cabinet) that means he can only constitutionally act on foreign and defence affairs, Emmanuel Macrons efforts to infuse the remainder of his two-term presidency with relevance led him to his latest diplomatic initiative. That, after considerable lobbying, he managed to bring Keir Starmer onside, as well as a number of liberal-led countries from Canada and Australia to Portugal or Malta, is comforting him in the delusion that he is snatching the mantle from Jacques Chirac and his FM Dominique de Villepin. Both similarly opposed the Iraq war at the UN in 2003: blanket anti-Americanism used to pay off in French politics. But the very nature of our countries has changed since. After a couple of years of increasingly violent pro-Gaza marches, 78 per cent of the French (roughly all of those who wont vote for Jean-Luc Melenchons hard-Left France Unbowed) oppose the recognition of Palestine and, unconvinced by Macrons argument that it is the only way to isolate Hamas, fear that it will comfort it instead and may cause more, not fewer terrorist attacks on our soil. France has pre-emptively declared that all Palestinian refugees are entitled to automatic asylum. (A recent initiative to invite some 300 Palestinian students to reputed French universities, all expenses paid, was hastily withdrawn after candidate after candidate was revealed to have posted anti-Semitic tracts on social media, glorifying Adolf Hitler rather than encouraging any kind of two-State solution.) As a legacy-burnishing move, this may not be as successful as Macron believes. It is, however, typical of a man who spent his presidency lecturing people from job-seekers to Yellow Vest marchers to farmers to Sorbonne academics to French Jews to professional diplomats on things he knows less about than they do. (It might help him secure his dream next job, succeeding Ursula von der Leyen or Antonio Guterres, although neither is a done deal). Meanwhile, his approval ratings have fallen to 17 per cent not quite the 14 per cent of his predecessor Francois Hollande, the Socialist president who gave him a leg up, only to be betrayed and calls for his resignation are coming from mainstream figures, not just Marine Le Pen and Melenchon. All Macrons six former PMs now criticise him publicly (most want to run in 2027 and hes poison; but thats even the case of the unambitious, such as the now RATP president, Jean Castex). France, the former colonial power, has been kicked out of Africa by the leaderless Wagner group. French debt is higher than ever. Public confidence is so low that after eight years of haranguing the French about modernity, they still clamour for the lowering of pension age at 60 and a tax on successful businesses assets. France and the EU have been unable to swing the kind of trade deal Starmer, with all his faults, managed to get from Trump. And the latest to voice his deep disappointment with the way the country is run is Louis Vuitton Dior Moet Hennessy chairman Bernard Arnault, the second richest man in the word, whose brands most visible model for the past eight and a half years has been none other than Brigitte Macron. At this stage her husband isnt even Louis XVI in 1788: the man with the iPhone on a New York sidewalk evokes the princesse de Lamballe, Marie-Antoinettes best friend, even more hated than her, and whose head was triumphantly carried on a pike under the windows of the queens prison in 1792. Huntingtons disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene (Alamy/PA) Scientists have slowed the progression of Huntingtons disease for the first time with a groundbreaking new treatment. Experts from University College London (UCL) said the finding could change everything for patients with the condition, which gets worse over time and has no cure. The disease affects movement, thinking and mood. The study tested a new gene therapy, AMT-130, which is delivered by brain surgery. Early-stage clinical trials involving 29 patients showed that those who were given a high dose of the treatment experienced 75 per cent less disease progression after 36 months, according to uniQure, a gene therapy company based in the Netherlands and the US. Researchers have reported positive results for the first disease-modifying treatment for Huntingtons disease (PA) A single dose is expected to last for a patients lifetime. This result changes everything, said principal investigator Professor Ed Wild, from UCLs Huntingtons Disease Centre. On the basis of these results, it seems likely that AMT-130 will be the first licensed treatment to slow Huntingtons disease, which is truly world-changing stuff. If that happens, we need to work hard to make it available to everyone who needs it, while working no less diligently to add more effective treatments to the list. Trial results come through in numbers and graphs, but behind each data point is an incredible patient who volunteered to undergo major neurosurgery to be treated with the first gene therapy weve ever tested in Huntingtons disease. That is an extraordinary act of bravery for the benefit of humanity. We announced positive topline data from the pivotal study of our #genetherapy AMT-130 for #huntingtonsdisease, which met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a 75 percent slowing of disease progression as measured by cUHDRS compared to an external control. https://t.co/h2ALjhjqTL pic.twitter.com/S3iFAJoihC uniQure (@uniQure_NV) September 24, 2025 My patients in the trial are stable over time in a way Im not used to seeing in Huntingtons disease and one of them is my only medically retired Huntingtons disease patient who has been able to go back to work. The lead scientific adviser on the trial, Professor Sarah Tabrizi, also of UCLs Huntingtons Disease Centre, said: I am thrilled that this study of AMT-130 showed statistically significant effects on disease progression at 36 months. These groundbreaking data are the most convincing evidence in the field to date, and underscore the disease-modifying effect in Huntingtons disease, where an urgent need persists. For patients, AMT-130 has the potential to preserve daily function, keep them in work longer, and meaningfully slow disease progression. The academic health system was recognized for integrating innovative strategies and technologies to enhance safety and quality of care. TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has been recognized with the 2025 Healthcare Innovation Award by The Joint Commission, an independent, evidence-based standards-setting organization that sets the benchmark for safe, high-quality patient care through health care accreditation and certification. As the inaugural recipient of the award, Tampa General was honored for fostering a culture of innovation and advancing patient safety and quality of care using innovative solutions. Scott Arnold, executive vice president and chief digital and innovation officer of Tampa General, accepted the award on behalf of the academic health system during a special session at UNIFY 2025: Convening for Quality. "We boldly set out with a vision of becoming one of the safest and most innovative health systems in America and have worked every day to build trust and a psychologically safe environment that lends itself to a spirit of innovation," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. "Our team recognizes that innovation is more than a buzzword and that true innovation is in solving real problems. To be successful, we need to be willing to embrace change, fail fast and learn from our missteps. This in turn will allow us to transform our approach to care coordination, patient experience, quality and safety." Recent examples of Tampa General's continued investment in innovative strategies, solutions and partnerships include: Partnership with Palantir: Using Palantir's AI software to connect care coordination, enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes has led to significant improvements, including an 83% reduction in patient placement time, a 28% decrease in PACU holds, and a 30% reduction in sepsis patient length of stay. Recently, Tampa General expanded upon this partnership by leveraging Palantir's AI platform to reimagine its centralized hub Care Coordination Center (C3) that uses real-time data to optimize patient flow, improve care transitions and enhance overall care coordination. It is also used to develop early warning systems to identify patients who are at high risk for critical conditions such as sepsis and congestive heart failure and accelerate clinical intervention. Using Palantir's AI software to connect care coordination, enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes has led to significant improvements, including an 83% reduction in patient placement time, a 28% decrease in PACU holds, and a 30% reduction in sepsis patient length of stay. Recently, Tampa General expanded upon this partnership by leveraging Palantir's AI platform to reimagine its centralized hub Care Coordination Center (C3) that uses real-time data to optimize patient flow, improve care transitions and enhance overall care coordination. It is also used to develop early warning systems to identify patients who are at high risk for critical conditions such as sepsis and congestive heart failure and accelerate clinical intervention. Ambient Listening Technology: Implementation of AI-powered ambient listening technology for both physicians and nursing teams to reduce administrative burden, improve documentation accuracy, and allow for more focused patient interaction. Implementation of AI-powered ambient listening technology for both physicians and nursing teams to reduce administrative burden, improve documentation accuracy, and allow for more focused patient interaction. Partnership with Apella: This partnership transforms operating room safety and efficiency with AI-powered insights. Apella's technology utilizes AI and computer vision to predict case durations, optimize staffing, and identify opportunities for improvement, enabling data-driven decisions that lead to better surgical outcomes and patient care. This partnership transforms operating room safety and efficiency with AI-powered insights. Apella's technology utilizes AI and computer vision to predict case durations, optimize staffing, and identify opportunities for improvement, enabling data-driven decisions that lead to better surgical outcomes and patient care. TGH at Home: Since 2022, this hospital-at-home program, which delivers acute-level care in the comfort of patients' homes, has saved 2,200 bed days and resulted in a 30% reduction in the average patient's total cost of care, as well as increased patient satisfaction and reduced readmission rates as compared to the brick-and-mortar facility. Since 2022, this hospital-at-home program, which delivers acute-level care in the comfort of patients' homes, has saved 2,200 bed days and resulted in a 30% reduction in the average patient's total cost of care, as well as increased patient satisfaction and reduced readmission rates as compared to the brick-and-mortar facility. TGH Ventures: Tampa General's venture capital arm invests in early-stage health care companies and fosters collaboration through entrepreneurial resources and programs like IdeaHQ (team member idea crowdsourcing), recognizing that multiple innovators drive better solutions. Tampa General's venture capital arm invests in early-stage health care companies and fosters collaboration through entrepreneurial resources and programs like IdeaHQ (team member idea crowdsourcing), recognizing that multiple innovators drive better solutions. TGH Innovation Week: Launched in 2024, this event was designed to inspire team members to accelerate innovation across the system and empower them to play an active role in bringing innovative ideas to life with tangible tools and takeaways. TGH Innovation Week demonstrated Tampa General's commitment to innovation through a week-long series of keynote and breakout sessions, including the TGH Ventures Summit, which showcased the innovative solutions of early-stage companies that TGH Ventures identified as having significant potential for streamlining access to comprehensive health care, lowering costs, optimizing care delivery methods and enhancing the overall patient experience, and has directly invested in to help develop and bring these solutions into the patient care environment at Tampa General. Tampa General has also achieved national recognition for several consecutive years for its innovative culture and initiatives, having recently been ranked as one of the "World's Best Smart Hospitals" for 2026 by Newsweek and honored among the "Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Innovation Programs" for 2025 by Becker's Hospital Review, Modern Healthcare's "Top Innovators" for 2025 and Tampa Bay Business Journal's "Inno Award" recipients for 2024. "Our 2025 award recipients shine a spotlight on how bold innovation and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care are transforming the landscape of health care quality and safety," said Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Joint Commission. "Congratulations to Tampa General Hospital, whose work inspires us all to challenge convention, embrace collaboration and harness data-driven insights to improve care for every patient." Scott Arnold, executive vice president and chief digital and innovation officer of Tampa General, accepted the award on behalf of the academic health system during a special session at UNIFY 2025: Convening for Quality, Joint Commission's inaugural health care leadership conference that brought together more than 850 health care leaders, clinicians, changemakers, and quality and safety experts to discuss the industry's most pressing challenges. "Health care innovation is moving faster than ever, and our focus is on rapidly pinpointing the partners and solutions that will drive the greatest impact for our providers, team members and patients, and meaningfully implementing them across our system to coordinate and deliver the best care possible," said Arnold. "We are honored to be recognized by Joint Commission, a steadfast partner in ensuring our patients receive safe, high-quality care, for this important work." The Healthcare Innovation Award honors an organization for its steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of health care. Honorees set innovation as a core pillar of their respective organizations, creating new standards of excellence and fostering an environment where new ideas are cultivated, and bold solutions are pursued. More information about the Healthcare Innovation Award, including the full list of honorees, is available here. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, the Tampa Bay region's only academic health system, is a 1,529-bed not-for-profit network of hospital and outpatient services spanning across Florida. As the only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care center serving 23 counties, Tampa General delivers world-class care. The system's hospitals include Tampa General Hospital, Tampa General Rehabilitation Hospital, Tampa General Behavioral Health Hospital, all in Tampa; Tampa General Brooksville, Tampa General Spring Hill and Tampa General Crystal River. Tampa General is the highest-ranked hospital in Tampa Bay in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Hospitals, with six medical specialties ranking among the top 50 in the nation and five additional medical specialties ranked among the top 10% best hospital programs in the United States. As the first hospital in Florida to open a clinical command center for real-time situational awareness, the academic health system has elevated its digital care coordination center to the next level by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and its analytics platform across inpatient and outpatient care to ensure patients receive leading-edge care as quickly and safely as possible. Tampa General's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by three prestigious Forbes magazine rankings in the 2025 America's Best Large Employers, the top 40 in Florida in the 2025 America's Best Employers by State and the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the area's safety-net hospital, caring for anyone regardless of ability to pay; in fiscal year 2023, Tampa General provided a net community benefit of approximately $301.8 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It was the nation's No. 1 adult solid organ transplant center in 2024 and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General transports critically injured or ill patients from surrounding counties to receive the advanced care their conditions require. Tampa General has a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General's footprint includes TGH North, which consists of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties; 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices; TGH Family Care Center Kennedy; two TGH outpatient centers; TGH Virtual Health; and 19 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care, powered by the Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Karen Barrera Sr Dir MarComm Media & Partnerships (813) 844-8725 [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital Nottingham Forests first European match in nearly 30 years ended in a 2-2 draw as Manchester United flop Antonys late strike extended boss Ange Postecoglous wait for his maiden victory in charge. The two-time European Cup winners are back in continental competition for the first time since the 1995/96 season and kicked off the league phase with their toughest-looking assignment. Forest showed spirit and skill in Seville, where Igor Jesus brace put them on course for a memorable victory as the visitors reacted impressively to Cedric Bakambus 15th-minute opener. Our first goal in Europe in 30 years. pic.twitter.com/I2sg6uawed Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 24, 2025 The Brazil striker turned in Morgan Gibbs-Whites low ball in the 18th minute and sparked further bedlam in the away end five minutes later when heading home a Douglas Luiz corner. Forest should have gone further ahead before the break and then held firm amid building Betis pressure until five minutes from time, when Antony followed up his earlier assist by levelling for last seasons Conference League runners-up. It was a late gut punch that denied Postecoglou a first victory since succeeding popular Nuno Espirito Santo, but the Australian will take heart from the opening game of a competition he won with Tottenham 18 weeks ago. The Forest boss made three changes for the Europa League opener and saw his nervy-looking side make some sloppy early decisions, with skipper Gibbs-White booked inside two minutes. Forest had a couple of half chances as they attempted to impose themselves, only to be rocked in the 15th minute. Antony left Morato scrambling as he cut in sharply from the right and slipped a delicate pass to Bakambu, who made himself space to thump the ball past Matz Sels. The green and white hordes erupted and would not be denied by a VAR check for offside, but their joy would be short-lived. Smart, intricate play saw the ball spread from left to right, culminating in Gibbs-White sending a low ball across for Jesus to turn in from four yards. Another offside check could not quell the Forest faithfuls celebrations and five minutes later the 3,385 fans housed high in the stands were in dreamland. Luiz sent over a corner to the edge of the six-yard box, where towering Jesus leapt highest and directed a header beyond Pau Lopez. Betis were rocked and now facing wave upon wave of Forest attacks. Jesus attempt to convert an Elliot Anderson cross was denied by a crucial block, with the striker seeing an effort saved shortly after Callum Hudson-Odoi prodded onto a post from a corner. Antony celebrates his late equaliser (Jose Breton/AP) Manuel Pellegrinis side held out until the break and returned for the second half with three fresh faces, while Postecoglou replaced Luiz with Dilane Bakwa. The substitute volleyed over after a prolonged period of Betis pressure devoid of clear-cut chances as Forest defended in a manner you would expect from a more seasoned European side. Natan and Cucho Hernandez had half chances as Betis tried to level, with Pablo Fornals going close from the edge of the box in the 78th minute via a touch missed by the referee. Betis increased the pressure and it told in the 85th minute. Substitute Marc Roca smartly took an extra touch to make space to send over a left-footed cross to the far post, where Antony scored with a first-time finish. Kamala Harriss book on the 2024 campaign, 107 Days, hit shelves on Tuesday but the blame game began long before that. The former vice president said on The View Tuesday that she and her former boss, Joe Biden, are still friends and hold a mutual respect for one another. In the press and on social media, however, the Democratic Party is trading vicious blows with itself. Excerpts from Harriss book drew a clear picture, which finally came into view this week. The vice president squarely blames Biden for her partys defeat in 2024, including her own: she likens the former president, whose confused, whispery performance at a June debate sparked panic among Democrats, to a dead weight or an insurmountable mountain her campaign simply couldnt overcome in a sprint to the finish line. In another interview on Tuesday with ABC News, Harris seemed to take some blame herself while simultaneously taking a sharp swipe at Biden: I do reflect on that and feel that it was a recklessness about not raising it with him. She added that she regretted not making the call and advising her running mate to drop out sooner. But in the book itself, Harris also abdicates responsibility here, explaining that it would have appeared self-serving, adding: I was in the worst position to make the case that he should drop out. Kamala Harris blames Joe Biden for a response to the suffering in Gaza she viewed as insufficient in her book, 107 Days (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Here, the former vice president is addressing what is near-universally agreed would be the main question shed face upon mounting a political comeback. The question of why others didnt speak out or raise concerns privately in a more timely fashion about the concerning demeanor of Biden onstage at Junes debate is not just an anchor around Harriss neck but also Pete Buttigiegs, and anyone tied too closely to the White House or Biden campaign after 2024. Whether Harris is open to that comeback is still her call. She declined a chance to run in Californias gubernatorial election earlier this year and told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow on Monday that she wasnt focused on running for president in 2028, but didnt rule the latter prospect out entirely. On another topic, the war in Gaza, Harris similarly breaks with her ex-boss in the book. Writing of Bidens response to the suffering of Palestinians that has now led to a record number of Democrats in her party calling for an arms embargo on Israel and more than ever calling the destruction of Gaza a genocide Harris says the former presidents response was insufficient. "I had pleaded with Joe, when he spoke publicly on this issue, to extend the same empathy he showed to the suffering of Ukrainians to the suffering of innocent Gazan civilians, Harris wrote. "But he couldn't do it: While he could passionately state, 'I am a Zionist,' his remarks about innocent Palestinians came off as inadequate and forced." While Harriss explanation for deference to Biden on the issue of running for re-election certainly falls within political norms (if not, by her own admission, good judgment), on the issue of Gaza, the former vice president is caught in a clear and awkward about-face. The former vice presidents handling of the Israeli siege of Gaza remains the biggest sore spot for progressives after the 2024 election. Many argue that it was one of many chances Harris turned down to meaningfully distinguish herself from Biden as a candidate, and view her avoidance of it as a key reason she was unable to turn out Democratic-leaning voters in the same numbers Biden had four years earlier. At the 2024 Democratic convention, her campaign infuriated many by refusing to allow a Palestinian-American speaker onstage, even to make a speech in support of Harriss bid. And in Harriss book, she reckons with the issue only as far as whether she can assign blame to angry and heartbroken college students and younger Americans who viewed the carnage in Gaza and what Harris called her former running mates perceived blank check penned to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, as horrifying stains on U.S. foreign policy. She leaves it up to the reader to decide, but barely hides her contempt for the Uncommitted movement: It felt reckless...Why weren't they protesting at Trump rallies? I wondered." Her refusal to seriously consider the issue and the respective criticism shes faced on it since November is the biggest reason why Harriss effort to shift blame to her onetime running mate falls flat here. Harriss argument was not accepted by the left, which did not take kindly to what many activists viewed as a dismissive attitude from her campaign during the election, or journalists, who quickly pointed out that the vice president repeatedly declined to break from Biden on the issue after becoming the candidate, even going as far to say there was nothing shed have done differently had she been president for the prior three years. And during the campaign, her comms team and Joe Bidens both denied that there was even any private disagreements between the two on the issue making the sudden existence of Harriss concerns about Bidens empathy sound awfully convenient to many progressives and centrists both. Where Harris goes from here isnt certain. But if its back into politics at the national level, Joe Bidens former running mate will have many more questions to answer from critics about her time in office and not just about what finally doomed his presidential bid, but what took down her own, too. As a new fundraising season for venture capital trusts (VCTs) gets underway, here's more detail on what you need to know about investing in these UK tax-efficient schemes. VCTs turned 30 years old this year and in their first tax year raised 160m from investors. That amount reached 895m in the 2024/25 tax year, which was the third highest figure on record, according to data from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC). However, Nicholas Hyett, investment manager at investment platform Wealth Club, said that this tax year "kicked off under the shadow of growing economic uncertainty". "Tariff announcements rocked markets early in the tax year, and the UK economy is increasingly coming under pressure from policy own goals, most notably the increase in employers national insurance," he said. "UK startups are not immune to those headwinds." Read more: Bank of Englands chief economist more comfortable with inflation outlook At the same time, Hyett said that "most VCT-qualifying businesses are service-led, highly agile, and focused on the UK market at least initially." "That makes them far less exposed to global trade than larger, multinational firms, while the ability to disrupt existing industries means they have the potential to grow, even if the overall economy is struggling," he said. "In many ways, their lean, tech-enabled business models and domestic focus means VCT backed companies are well positioned to capitalise on a shifting economic landscape." "The rising tax burden in the UK is also likely to make the tax saving features of VCTs increasingly appealing," Hyett added. "VCT investors not only benefit from 30% income tax relief upfront, but dividends are tax free. With income tax and dividend tax facing potential tax hikes, tax-free dividend potential is not to be sniffed at." Here's more on what you need to know about VCTs. What are VCTs? VCTs are similar to investment trusts, as companies that are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). They are overseen by fund managers and look to raise money from investors who receive shares in the trust, with the aim of investing in assets. However, the key focus of VCTs is to invest in smaller, earlier-stage companies. These can either be private companies, or ones listed on the UK's alternative investment market (AIM). Notable companies that have received VCT investment include property website Zoopla, meal kit delivery service Gousto, snack company Graze and clothing marketplace Depop. VCTs were first announced in the 1994 autumn budget and launched in the 1995 tax year. They were designed with tax-efficient incentives to encourage people to invest in these emerging companies. Stocks: Create your watchlist and portfolio The government confirmed last year that it was extending the VCT scheme for a further 10 years to 5 April 2035. To qualify for VCT investment, these UK companies typically have to employ fewer than 250 staff and have gross assets of no more than 15m before investment. These companies can normally raise up to 5m in any 12-month period from VCT investment, with a typical overall limit of 12m. There are three types of VCT. Generalist VCTs invest in a variety of companies in different sectors and at different stages of development. AIM VCTs invest mainly in companies listed, or about to list, on the AIM market. Finally, specialist VCTs focus on a specialist sectors, such as infrastructure or biotechnology, though the fact that they are less diverse can make them higher risk. The key focus of VCTs is to invest in smaller, earlier-stage companies. (FreshSplash via Getty Images) What are the benefits of VCTs? "VCTs are an exciting and dynamic area to invest in, with the potential opportunity to outperform the wider stock market," said Emma Wall, head of platform investments at Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.L). Investors buying new shares in a VCT are eligible for 30% income tax relief on their investment, providing they hold onto them for at least five years. That means if someone buys 10,000 of shares, when they file their tax return, they would be eligible to get 3,000 of tax back. There is also no tax on dividends from VCTs and no capital gains tax on your holding if held for at least five years. Risks to consider "VCTs are typically used by those investors who may have used their ISA and pension allowances and have larger portfolios, and the appetite for higher-risk investments," said Wall. "As the companies VCTs invest in are often new, very small companies which have a higher likelihood of failure, they are higher-risk investments," she said. "Theyre therefore aimed at more experienced investors with a detailed understanding of investments, who can afford to take a long-term view." Wall said that Hargreaves Lansdown recommends that VCTs are held as a smaller part under 10% of a large (over 100,000) diversified portfolio. Read more: Four in five FTSE leaders have considered foreign or dual listings Investors also need to be prepared to hold onto shares for at least five years, otherwise they will have to repay HMRC any upfront tax relief they have received. Jason Hollands, managing director at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, told Yahoo Finance UK that this is an "important consideration because if you suddenly need your money ... there'll be consequences of doing that so it would be unwise to and no one does it unless they're really desperate." How do I invest in a VCT? VCTs will issue shares at launch, or will periodically issue more new shares, to raise funds. Purchasing new shares allows investors to benefit from the 30% income tax relief. Wall said that investors should "read the prospectus for any new offer carefully as this will contain the specific risks for that VCT". "VCT managers may also from time to time provide buybacks, where they buy shares from existing investors," she added. "This is often at a small discount to the value of the shares." Given that shares are traded on the LSE, they can be bought like normal shares. "But as even the largest VCTs are quite small, they can be illiquid as there are not many buyers and sellers," said Wall. "This means its often difficult to buy and sell shares on the stock exchange and the price to buy and sell may be higher or lower than the value of the underlying investments. It may even be difficult to find a price at all in some cases." Investing this way in a secondary market, given the shares have already been owned, is not eligible for that 30% upfront income tax relief but investors will still benefit from tax-free dividends and growth. Read more: Stocks that are trending today The minimum amount needed to invest varies for different VCTs, though it normally around 5,000, while the maximum is 200,000 per tax year. VCTs tend to charge higher fees than typical investment trusts and funds. The initial charge can be as much as 5%, while annual management fees can be in the range of 2% to 3%. In addition, a performance fee may also be charged if the VCT performs well. When it comes to eventually selling VCT shares, Hollands said that it would be unwise to do this by simply "hitting a sell button" online. "Most VCTs these days are very good at managing their discounts by having regular buybacks so you really want to be selling your shares through a broker who can speak to the market maker and make sure that you're selling them as part of a regular buyback so that you're not selling at a big discount," he explained. How is performance measured? VCTs have a net asset value (NAV), which represents the value of the underlying investments and is provided by the trust's board of directors, typically twice a year. "As the investments are not always listed on a stock exchange, this means that the value may be estimated using set valuation methods," said Wall. "These are, however, estimates and the price you get for selling VCTs could be higher or lower than the net asset value." When trying to gauge their performance, one metric to refer to is the NAV total return, which is the NAV plus any dividends that have been paid over a period. Read more: The state pension is set to rise here's how much it could go up by next April The VCT's annual dividend yield is another measure of performance to consider, which comes from dividing the dividends paid each year by the NAV. "You might think that VCTs are actually all about building up capital gain and seeing the share price rise," said Hollands. "In fact that's not the case for ... nearly all VCTs... the way they will prioritise generating return for shareholders is actually to pay out tax-free dividends." "It's an important thing to understand because if you look at the share price returns of most VCTs, you'd think that they're very disappointing you have to look at the dividend payouts," he added. When is the best time to invest? Hollands pointed out that VCTs "tend to be very careful about making sure they only raise money that they think they've got a home for and so they come ... essentially periodically and will generally do a sort of new fundraising offer." He explained that this used to happen towards the end of the tax year but fundraising now starts in earnest around September because more of the main government budgets tend to be delivered in autumn. So VCTs are aiming to raise money ahead of the autumn budget, just in case any changes are announced, he said. As a result, the VCT season now tends to run from September to the end of the tax year. Another key factor to understand is that VCTs will announce a target amount when they come to fundraising and they might state that the share offer will close at a certain date. Hollands said that the in-demand VCT share offers can fill up quite quickly. "So it's really important to be aware of your choices depend on who's around raising money at the moment and do check as to how full they are before you pop a cheque in the post," he said. "The good news is, in recent years many more VCTs are now allowing an online process it all used to be paper based." Recent VCT fundraises A number of VCTs have launched fundraises in recent weeks. One example is Guinness VCT, which has a portfolio of 21 companies and is seeking to raise up to 10m, with a 5m overallotment facility. The VCT hopes to pay a dividend equal to 5% of NAV from 2026, according to Wealth Club. Blackfinch Spring VCT also recently launched a 40m fundraise, which included a 20m overallotment facility. The VCT, which is a portfolio of 35 companies, is a generalist investor that prefers to back companies with a focus on research and development or innovation and that are already showing some signs of traction in sales, according to Wealth Club. Over the five years to June 2025, the VCT has delivered a NAV total return of 12.6% and targets an annual dividend equal to 5% of NAV. Meanwhile, Pembroke VCT recently launched a 60m fundraise, including 20m for overallotment. The VCT, which is a portfolio of around 45 companies, invests across consumer business-to-business services and technology. Over the five years to June 2025, Pembroke VCT has delivered a NAV total return of 46.1% and targets a dividend per share of 5p per annum. Another example is Puma AIM VCT, which launched a 20m fundraise, 10m of which is an overallotment facility. The VCT mainly invests in companies raising money on AIM and the Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE), having invested 2.2m in four companies to date. Wealth Club said that the VCT "ultimately hopes to pay a dividend averaging 5p per share per annum, however this is likely some years away". Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Britains Prime Minister Keir Starmer waves a Union flag during a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025 - Chris Jackson/Getty Images How do you do, fellow patriots? If the Liberal Democrats awkwardly wrapping themselves in the Union flag this week hasnt already cringed you into a coma, get ready for Keir Starmers big speech at Labours party conference on Friday, where he intends to reclaim the flag from the far-Right. Whatever that means. Since he became Labour leader, Starmer has rarely been seen without a Union or England flag. I always sit in front of the Union Jack, he told the BBC a few weeks back. Ive been doing it for years. He even claimed to hang a Cross of Saint George in the Downing Street flat. (Yvette Cooper, not to be outdone, has insisted her house is permanently festooned in patriotic bunting.) Now Starmer is dialling up the patriotic dad-dancing in the wake of the 150,000-strong Unite the Kingdom demonstration earlier this month, led by former EDL leader Tommy Robinson, and the apparently irresistible rise of Nigel Farages Right-populist Reform UK, now streets ahead of Labour in the polls. The flag is for all of us, says a No10 source ahead of the PMs speech. It should be a symbol of unity rather than a symbol of division. A symbol of pride, a symbol of inclusion. Why they keep doing this is beyond me. Sure, Starmer has enough loaf to realise that a party that wishes to govern a nation would do well not to appear sickened by its national symbols. That his decision to appear in front of the flag at press conferences, and to emboss it on Labours membership cards, was ever deemed controversial reminds us how comically out of touch much of his party and its media outriders remain. But surely this should be a little more natural, a bit more show-dont-tell? This ostentatious flag-talk, meanwhile, smacks of inauthenticity, and desperation. Rightly or wrongly, the British public has come to view the Left-of-centre politician who insists he is a patriot with the same suspicion as a man who insists he is a feminist. You cant help but feel he has an ulterior motive. Labour has long struggled to escape the impression, devastatingly described by George Orwell, that many Left-wingers would sooner steal from a poor box than sing the national anthem. And no wonder. Even when the centre-Left does try to do patriotism, it is almost always defensive, negative, implicitly patronising. An attempt to show the plebs you can wave the flag and not hate immigrants, as if this is new information to them. I dont doubt Starmer loves his country. But it is telling that, when pushed on what makes him so proud, he is incapable of mentioning anything before Euro 96. He recently wrote a piece rhapsodising about being in the crowd in a sea of England flags at the ill-fated semi-final at Wembley; 90-minute patriotism is all he has. Patriotism neednt be all kings and queens and country houses. You might think a Labour leader would want to draw on Englands radical inheritance the Peasants Revolt, the Levellers, the Chartists. But maybe thats asking too much of a government so lacking in imagination and intellectual resources it appears permanently mentally stuck in Cool Britannia. In the end, I think Labours patriotism problem is at least as much about its fear and loathing of the working class as it is some deep sense of national self-loathing. (Although theres still a fair bit of that.) They arent so much repulsed by England flags as they are suspicious of the blokes in tracksuits hoisting them on lampposts, as part of Operation Raise the Colours naturally assuming they are doing it for all the worst reasons. When Emily Thornberry infamously, sneeringly, tweeted that photo of England flags draped on a terraced house with a white van parked outside, from the Rochester and Strood by-election in 2014, it was really about the van, not the flags. Similarly, Labourites enduring love for the EU a flag they were never shy of waving is fuelled by an implicit contempt for ordinary Britons, who they tend to see as, at best, ill-informed and, at worst, bigoted. All the flag-waving in the world cant bridge that chasm. Three leopard sharks have been captured on camera mating in a threesome for the first time. Dr Hugo Lassauce, a researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast, recorded the interaction whilst snorkeling off the coast of Noumea, New Caledonia. He said he spotted the female with two males grasping her fins and decided to record the endangered animals as he knew something was going to happen. The main event, in which each male took a turn to mate with the female, was over in just 110 seconds. Its rare to witness sharks mating in the wild, but to see it with an endangered species and film the event was so exciting, Lassauce said whilst explaining the encounter in Journal of Ethology. A Chinese student activist has been detained for almost two months by authorities in Beijing, charged with suspected separatism for allegedly supporting Tibetan rights, her friends have said. Zhang Yadi, 22, was due to begin a masters degree at SOAS University of London this month. She was visiting her parents in China over the summer when she went missing and has been reportedly held incommunicado. She is believed to be being held at a detention centre in her hometown of Changsha in the southern province of Hunan, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted under the charge of inciting others to split the country and undermine national unity. Her friends and activists say the charge is rarely used against members of the Han Chinese ethnic majority such as like Ms Zhang, but that it is now being used to target people who champion minority rights. The Communist government has long persecuted those who have acted to improve the situation of ethnic minorities in China. However, the crackdown has intensified under the leadership of president Xi Jinping. Ms Zhang, also known as Tara, wrote for the Chinese-language digital platform Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet (CYST), which promoted Tibetan rights and inter-ethnic dialogue between Han and Tibetan communities. The platform emerged in the wake of the White Paper Movement in China in 2022, when Chinese citizens held up blank sheets of paper to protest against the states censorship during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinese student Zhang Yadi was detained by Beijing authorities for alleged separatism (Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet) Ms Zhang had been studying in France but was awarded a scholarship to begin her masters degree at the SOAS University of London in September. We are aware of reports that a Chinese citizen who has been offered a place at SOAS is missing and detained, a SOAS University spokesperson told The Independent. We are following the case very closely and offering support to those impacted via the channels available to us." File: Tibetan monks living in exile in India hold Tibetan flags during a peace march on the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day against the Chinese occupation of Tibet, near Dharamsala on 10 March 2024 (AFP/Getty) Ms Zhang travelled back to Changsha on July 5 to visit family, and planned on staying in China for two months, said Ginger Duan, a US-based Chinese activist for Tibet and one of her closest friends. Ms Duan told The Independent that she had been in contact with Ms Zhang when she was in Hunan before her disappearance. I asked her how are you, and she asked me to find some other friends [to go with her] to Lhasa. I told her to take care, and nothing very special. Because she went back home, back to China, to see her parents. She basically returns to China for summer break every year. So I just treat that as usual, she said. Ms Duan, who founded CYST, added that her friends disappearance had come as a shock to her, because Ms Zhang had been a vocal Tibetan rights activist and had not previously been subject to warnings or threats from the Chinese authorities during her visits. Ms Zhang stopped communicating with her friends and family on 30 July, which prompted her France-based partner to inform Ms Duan. On 4 August, Ms Zhang responded to her partners messages on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, saying she was ok and dont worry, Ms Duan said. However, her partner received no response when they sent Ms Zhang a picture of their cat. Ms Duan noted that Ms Zhang and her partner communicated in the Tibetan language on the app; however, after her disappearance, her replies were only in English. Ms Zhangs defence lawyer, appointed by her family, has not been able to meet her, according to reports. A woman stands next to closed shops displaying the slogan Free Tibet on a rainy day in a suburb near Dharamsala, on 4 July 2025 (AFP/Getty) Her parents are under high pressure, and communications are monitored, and her lawyer cannot see her, Ms Duan added. Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong was briefly detained on 16 September when he travelled to Changsha to provide legal assistance to Ms Zhangs family, Human Rights Watch said. He was later released, but his phone was reportedly confiscated. Ms Zhang is a bridge-builder between the Han Chinese and Tibetan people, and so the Chinese government is afraid of such bridge-builders like her, said Yalkun Uluyol, China researcher at Human Rights Watch. He told The Independent that Beijing was subjecting Ms Zhang to transnational repression for exercising her basic rights in France. She is being forced to pay a price for her activism, and she would be forced to endure a long-term imprisonment rather than pursuing her studies at SOAS, which could have helped her to further enhance her understanding of Tibetan rights and culture, Mr Uluyol said. He added: I think that is also very alarming for many countries that are critical of the Chinese government, and [they] should ensure that they are protecting the basic rights of their citizens and they are developing tools to address Chinas transnational repression. Human Rights Watch called on the Hunan Changsha MSS [Ministry of State Security] to ensure access to counsel for Ms Zhang and to drop all charges against the activist. Ethnic minority communities in China, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, remain under intense state scrutiny, with authorities cracking down on any expression of dissent, including perceived separatist sentiment and displays of support for the exiled Dalai Lama, whom Beijing continues to brand a dangerous separatist. The charge of inciting separatism has been widely used to convict ethnic Uyghurs and Tibetans during prolonged security crackdowns in both regions in recent years, rights groups say, in some cases for travelling abroad or practising their religion. Beijing denies any wrongdoing and says the crackdown was essential to stamp out terrorism, religious extremism and separatist movements. Tibetan rights activists say that the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on Tibetan activists this year in the wake of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations, when he declared that no one else has any authority to interfere in his reincarnation. The Independent has reached out to the Chinese government for comment. Thamesmead was dubbed a town of tomorrow by the Greater London Council (Daniel Lynch) Earlier this month the Prime Minister promised to focus relentlessly on delivery, delivery, delivery. As we approach a pivotal party conference season for Labour just over a year after its election victory and as it attempts to get on the front foot after a series of mis-steps the Governments record of delivery is under scrutiny like never before. Accelerating housebuilding which both brings growth now through construction activity and, when the homes are built, through improved labour mobility and competitiveness was a key plank of the Governments election manifesto where it committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes across this Parliament, with London tasked with building 88,000 a year. Now the new Secretary of State for Housing, Steve Reed MP, has recommitted to this target telling housebuilders, in a call to arms, that he wants to build baby build. Steve Reed was appointed Housing Secretary earlier this month (PA Wire) This will require bold, radical action. In the first three months of the year, 23 out of Londons 33 boroughs recorded zero housing starts. The Governments efforts to reform the planning system to date are very welcome but more needs to be done. One of the most powerful ways of accelerating Londons housebuilding would be to designate new towns in the capital, following from the work of the Governments New Towns Taskforce. London may not be the first place that comes to mind for most people when asked to name a new town. Indeed, the 1946 New Towns Act actively sought to reduce housing shortages and congestion in the capital by moving people out beyond the green belt into places such as Stevenage and Milton Keynes. But the Thamesmead estate in South East London dubbed a town of tomorrow by the Greater London Council and built in the 1960s was effectively a new town. Its architects envisioned the area as being home to 60,000 people but, despite significant development, these plans were never fully realised and today Thamesmead is home to around 45,000 Londoners. It is rightly one of the contenders for inclusion in the next generation of new towns. Abbey Wood, where the Elizabeth line terminates (Daniel Lynch) Building new towns in London should be a no brainer given huge housing demand and chronic supply shortages in the capital. A recent BusinessLDN report highlighted how the city already has the political frameworks and range of sites needed to establish new settlements at speed, acting as a trailblazer for the rest of the country. However, critical to delivering this programme of housebuilding is good public transport connectivity so that residents can get to and from their jobs, and access the citys services. Thamesmead is in SE28, which has the distinction of being one of only a few London postcodes without a train or London Underground station, and it is this poor connectivity that held development back. Extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) across the Thames to connect Thamesmead to the Londons tube and rail network will unlock the sites potential and enable 25,000 new homes to be built. It would also support up to 10,000 new jobs and boost the economy regionally and nationally through the extensions supply chains. The challenge, however, when the public finances are so stretched, is how to pay for it. Despite warm words on the DLR extension in the Spending Review, there was no hard cash committed to make it happen. Fortunately, the capital has a proven track record of delivering infrastructure through innovative funding and financing models when it is given the powers to do so as the Elizabeth line, Northern line extension to Battersea and Silvertown Tunnel all demonstrate. Land value capture using the increase in land value that comes from better infrastructure to pay for the infrastructure itself is one key way of paying for new transport connections. In partnership with consulting firm WSP, we recently set out a proposal for how this model could raise billions to fund, not just the DLR, but also extending the Bakerloo line and creating the West London Orbital rail service. Delivery will be the acid test for the Governments second full year in power. For London that means tackling the housing crisis, improving transport connectivity and boosting growth. Backing new towns in the capital would help ministers to deliver, deliver, deliver on all three fronts. John Dickie is chief executive of BusinessLDN Sebastien Lecornu has barely uttered a word in public since he took over as French prime minister on Sept 9 - Ludovic Marin/AFP France has had a new prime minister for two weeks but many people would be forgiven for not realising it. Sebastien Lecornu has barely uttered a word in what commentators are saying is an unprecedented silence for a new head of government. Emmanuel Macron appointed the 39-year-old loyalist to the top government post on Sept 9, a day after Francois Bayrou, his predecessor, was ousted in a parliamentary confidence vote over his cost-cutting budget, and a day before protests against the cuts broke out. Frances trade unions have responded to proposed budget cuts with strikes and street demonstrations - Kiran Ridley/Getty Images Do you have any news of Sebastien Lecornu, Patrick Cohen, political analyst on Frances equivalent of BBC Radio 4s Today programme, was asked on Wednesday morning. After five seconds of silence, followed by guffaws, he responded: Well, that just about sums it up. Weve had a prime minister who for the past two weeks has remained invisible and mute, said Mr Cohen. Mr Lecornu faces what many are calling a nearly impossible task of mustering enough support for a 2026 budget from the centre, Right and Socialists in a hung parliament to avoid being jettisoned in another no-confidence vote when MPs return from the summer recess on Oct 14. When he took up his post, he promised a radical break in form and substance from his predecessor. Mr Lecornu promised a break in substance from Francois Bayrou, left, his predecessor as prime minister - Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg So while Mr Bayrou flooded the airwaves in the weeks before his fall, Mr Lecornu shunned the habitual introductory evening news slot, instead giving a single low-level interview to regional media 10 days ago an unprecedented move, said Mr Cohen. Since then its been a long interval. The curtain is down, there are tough talks behind the scenes but no-one on stage, he added. The silence has apparently not caused Mr Lecornus approval ratings any harm. Indeed, at a solid 42 per cent, they are far higher than his predecessor, according to Ifop, a polling firm, and light years ahead of Mr Macrons record low 17 per cent. By comparison, Mr Bayrou started out with a 27 per cent approval rating and left on 16 per cent, making him the least popular prime minister of the Macron presidency. 2509 French head of state approval rating But politicians and observers say he is unlikely to be able to stay silent for much longer, particularly as he will have to announce a new cabinet line-up from the current caretaker government. On Wednesday, he met the leaders of Frances main trade unions, who last week called a day of mass strikes and demonstrations over a range of demands, including freezing a reform to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. After meeting Mr Lecornu, they declared he had offered no clear answers and they would thus be calling another day of protests on Oct 2. Its a missed opportunity, Marylise Leon, the leader of the moderate CFDT union, said. It doesnt add up. Their anger is bad news for Mr Lecornu as the Socialists are unlikely to go against the unions. We wont go against the social movement, one unnamed MP told newspaper Le Parisien. Trade unions are not the only ones up in arms. In a move not seen since 1982, Frances biggest employers federation, Medef, has promised a massive gathering of bosses to protest against the prospect of a new wealth tax a key Socialist demand to which they fear Mr Lecornu may accede. They were due to meet the prime minister on Wednesday to gauge his stance. Meanwhile, President Macron who has kept out of domestic politics in recent months expressed his support from New York, where he has just recognised a Palestinian state at the UN. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is doing his job, and it is normal for him to take his time. He is right, he told BFMTV, a national TV news channel. A man in his forties has been arrested over an alleged cyber attack which caused disruption at Heathrow and other major airports over the weekend. The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) said the suspect was held in West Sussex on Tuesday on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences and released on conditional bail. The alleged cyber attack saw major European airports thrown into chaos over the weekend as thousands faced delays and cancellations. Passengers due to fly from Heathrows Terminal 4 said they were met with queues, delays and confusion (PA) Deputy director Paul Foster, head of the NCAs National Cyber Crime Unit, said: Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing. Cyber crime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK. Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat in order to protect the British public. The alleged attack affected Collins Aerospace a firm that works for several airlines at multiple airports across the world and saw check-in and boarding systems disrupted at London Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports. People at Heathrow Terminal 4 after flights were delayed and cancelled at airports (PA) Disruption began on Friday night and continued throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with flights cancelled or delayed as the impacted airlines had to carry out check-in and boarding operations manually. Passengers due to fly from Heathrows Terminal 4 said they were met with queues, delays and confusion as to whether they would be able to make their planned trips. Brussels Airport saw 50 outbound flights cancelled on Sunday, and nearly another 140 on Monday. Airlines were left furious, reported The Independents Simon Calder, as the attack left them responsible for rebooking travel and arranging food and accommodation for disrupted passengers. A man has been arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into the cyber attack that caused meltdown at Heathrow and other European airports over the weekend. Thousands faced delays and cancellations after the attack on IT systems used for check-in and boarding that forced airlines to have to check in manually. Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports all all faced disruption after the attack on Collins Aerospace, that provides boarding systems for airlines. National Crime Agency officers, supported by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU), arrested a man in his forties in West Sussex on Tuesday evening on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences. He has been released on conditional bail. Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCAs National Cyber Crime Unit, said: Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing. Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK. Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat in order to protect the British public. Disruption from the attack began on Friday night and continued throughout Saturday and into Sunday. Passengers due to fly from Heathrow's Terminal 4 said they were met with queues, delays and confusion as to whether they would be able to make their planned trips. Travellers queue to check-in at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, following the disruption to check-in and boarding systems caused by a cyber attack (REUTERS) Brussels Airport saw 50 outbound flights cancelled on Sunday, and nearly another 140 on Monday. Berlin airport said on Wednesday that it may still take several more days before it had functional and secure software again. Terror law watchdog Jonathan Hall KC said it was possible state-sponsored hackers could be behind the attack. Mr Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said attributing the attack would not be easy. Asked if a state like Russia could have been responsible for the attack, he told Times Radio "anything is possible". He said: "Yes, it's possible that this is carried out directly by a state, but it's equally possible to be carried out by a private entity that is, sort of, allowed to operate and does it for a combination of public and private reasons." That meant attacks were "deniable" for states, even if hackers were based there. He said: "There are some very capable private entities, let's say, in Russia or China, who won't necessarily be being directed by Russia or China. "So it's not as if a member of the GRU (the Russian military intelligence agency) is necessarily going into a company and saying that 'you've got the capability of knocking out some UK infrastructure, please go and do it now'. "It's also possible, in this ecosystem that exists in some of these countries, that a company, an entity, carries out a hack and simply does it for patriotic reasons, or does it because they want to curry favour, or maybe there's some sort of informal relationship with them. "So although we think, understandably, about states deciding to do things it is also possible for very, very powerful and sophisticated private entities to do things as well." The European Union's cybersecurity agency Enisa confirmed on Monday that the disruption was caused by a "third party" cyber attack, but gave no further details. An NCA spokesperson declined to provide further details on the arrest and if it was linked to a hacking group. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE: TMHC) ("Taylor Morrison"), a leading national developer and homebuilder, announced today that it will release its third quarter 2025 results before the market opens on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Taylor Morrison will hold a conference call to discuss its results the same day at 8:30 a.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on Taylor Morrison's website at www.taylormorrison.com on the Investor Relations portion of the site under the Events tab. At least 10 minutes prior to the call start time, call participants are asked to register for the event here to receive a unique passcode and dial-in information. The call will be recorded and available for replay on the Company's website. Taylor Morrison's filings will be available on the Company's website or with the SEC at sec.gov. About Taylor Morrison Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taylor Morrison is one of the nation's leading homebuilders and developers. We serve a wide array of consumers from coast to coast, including first-time, move-up and resort lifestyle homebuyers and renters under our family of brandsincluding Taylor Morrison, Esplanade and Yardly. From 2016-2025, Taylor Morrison has been recognized as America's Most Trusted Builder by Lifestory Research. For more information about Taylor Morrison, please visit www.taylormorrison.com. CONTACT: Mackenzie Aron, VP Investor Relations Taylor Morrison Home Corp. (407) 906-6262 [email protected] SOURCE Taylor Morrison Home Corp. Sadly, there are so many foster dogs out there that just dont get the love and care they need. They linger at shelters and animal rescues, with so little moments of joy and hope. Thats why people on the internet are cheering for one man, who knew he wanted to treat his foster Pittie to the best day of his life. The man tried to give the dog a full day of super fun activities and then invited the entire internet to watch. The Pit Bull has had a rough go of it in this life. But it seems like their luck has finally taken a turn for the better. Its impossible to imagine anything bad happening to the Pit Bull puppy, hes such a cutie! But alas thats exactly what happened and is exactly what foster dad Scott was trying to fix. Giving my abandoned and returned foster dog the best day ever the videos text overlay reads. Related: Sweet Fostered Pit Bull Stepping Inside a House for the First Time Is Melting Hearts The day started with a happy wake up call from Foster Dad. Then it was time for a trip on the subway and meeting up with a new friend. I rode the subway, conquered the Metra, and even made a new best friend whos about three times my size, the caption reads. We wrestled, we ran, and then I crashed. I was out cold on the train, snoring while strangers laughed. City adventures, big friends, bag naps. Foster life looks good on me, it continues. The comments section had two words for the man: FOSTER FAIL, FOSTER FAIL, FOSTER FAIL, one person joked. Yep, they really wanted the man to give the pup a forever home. My foster dog has been living with me for 7 years now, pointed out one person. I want to adopt him so bad!!!! But my partner would probably leave me if he came home to a dog, someone else chimed in. Please keep him, hes going to think hes getting returned again. His little heart cant take it, begged another commenter. Foster or Adopt From Chicago Canine Rescue Its clear that this little guy needs a loving home with somebody soon. If you or someone you know is interested in the Pit, head to the Chicago Canine Rescue website and fill out a form for adoption. Lets get this sweet guy a home! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. On an episode of her Netflix TV series, the Duchess of Sussex said how much she enjoyed listening to Magic Radio - Dominic Lipinski Ever since she left the Royal family five years ago, the Duchess of Sussex has been eagerly searching for a new role in life. And now it seems an incredible opportunity has presented itself. Because, believe it or not, the bosses at Magic Radio say theyve offered her a job as a DJ after she happened to mention on her Netflix TV series that listening to Magic is one of the things I miss most about the UK. Sadly for Magic, however, reports indicate that shes unlikely to accept the offer. But perhaps thats for the best. With all due respect to both parties, I rather doubt it would be a match made in heaven. In fact, I can hardly think of a less suitable choice of presenter. For one thing, Magic is a station that plays cheesy pop music and doesnt take itself too seriously. So Meghans style of presenting, I fear, might seem just a touch too earnest and worthy. Hey, guys! Youre listening to my new breakfast show on Magic, where Ill be sharing how to uplift our communities by unleashing systemic cultural change through impactful content that unlocks positive action, builds meaningful initiatives and drives woman-led empowerment. But first, heres the Cheeky Girls with Touch My Bum. Equally, its hard to imagine someone as grand as the Duchess performing such mundane DJ duties as reading out the latest traffic updates, or hosting a phone-in competition. Remember, guys our star prize today is a hamper of Flower Sprinkles from my exclusive As Ever lifestyle collection! This unique and vibrant blend of edible flower petals will elevate any dish by acting as confetti for your plate! To win, just call in with the answer to the following question: whats the best way to become the visionary of your own life? Is it A: meet the moment by showing up and taking action? B: utilise the power of storytelling to embrace our shared humanity? Or C: activate a holistic approach to self-care, one compassionate act at a time? Potentially the biggest problem, though, is that listeners would inevitably over-analyse every word Meghan said, hunting for subtle digs at the Royal family. In a moment its over to Gary for all the news headlines. But first, heres Taylor Swift with We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together! Its a diplomatic incident just waiting to happen. For all concerned, therefore, I think its probably best if Meghan declines Magics approach. In any case, executives at Radio 4 are currently looking for someone to succeed Melvyn Bragg on In Our Time. Im sure we all agree that Meghan has exactly the intellectual heft and gravitas they need A 16-year-old boy is in custody after the attack, police said (CBS News) Three students were stabbed at a Pittsburgh high school on Wednesday morning, prompting one boy to send a desperate text to his mother. [I dont know] if yall heard yet, like, two kids got stabbed, Tess Bocsia said, reading the text from her son off her phone, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Im fine, but Im scared. The attack happened around 8:30 a.m. at Carrick High School. A 16-year-old boy, described as a student actor, is in custody, after allegedly attacking the others with a knife, authorities said. Youre just sick to your stomach, Bocsia added. And youre so thankful that youre not the parents that this happened to yesterday or the parents that this happened to just the day before or the day before that because it happens every single day, and something needs to change. Two students suffered stab wounds to the abdomen. One was identified as an 18-year-old student, who was taken to UPMC Mercy in critical condition, authorities said. A second student, a teenage boy was taken to UPMC Childrens Hospital in stable condition. A third student suffered a minor cut and was treated at the scene and released, Pittsburgh Public Safety said in a statement. The suspect, who sustained a laceration to his hand, was also treated at the scene and it now in custody. Two students were transported to the hospital with stab wounds to the abdomen (CBS News) The stabbing stemmed from a fight between the suspect and the three other students, Dena Young, chief of Pittsburgh Public Schools police, said. She added that the boy is new to the school district and had some trouble last week with some kids, but not necessarily these three kids. Its not clear where the teen suspect got the knife or how he got it into the school. Chief Young said he arrived late to school this morning, and therefore used a different entrance, but still would have had to go through a metal detector. Police are still trying to work out how the student got the knife into school (Google Maps) A mother of one of the students at the school told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shed just dropped her son off at school when he texted her to come back. He said, Mom, come get me. Someone got stabbed, she said of the terrifying message. She also said she saw several students carried out on stretchers. I just want my son, she added. UPDATE #2: A third victim sustained a minor laceration. They were treated at the scene and released. The male actor sustained a laceration to his hand. He was treated at the scene by medics before being transported to Police HQ. https://t.co/uAwFbkhGps Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) September 24, 2025 Pittsburgh Public Schools officials said in a statement that the school was in secure status, and that emergency responders and police remained on site to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the building. We are grateful for the swift action of school staff, School Police, and the City of Pittsburghs first responders, according to the statement. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available. This is a developing story... Moment Alaa Abd el-Fattah is reunited with family after release from prison This is the moment British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah was reunited with his family after being released from prison in Egypt on Tuesday 23 September. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pardoned the British-Egyptian activist after he spent six years in prison. The 43-year-old writer and father had become one of Egypts most prominent political prisoners, having spent most of his adult life in jail on what human rights groups said were trumped-up charges. Mr Abd el-Fattah was initially sentenced in 2014 for protesting without permission and later re-arrested in 2019 on accusations of spreading fake news. Mr Abd el-Fattahs mother Laila Soueif has campaigned tirelessly for his release, including through a hunger strike that lasted for more than 280 days. Police respond to the scene in Dallas. Photograph: Julio Cortez/AP One detainee has been killed and two others injured in a shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) field office in Dallas, officials said. Authorities have also confirmed that the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. NBC News, citing multiple senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation, reported that the suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn. The Dallas police department said officers responded to a call at approximately 6.40am on Wednesday. The preliminary investigation determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building, the police said in a statement. Two people were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One victim died at the scene. The suspect is deceased. Department of Homeland Security officials previously said two detainees were killed, but later issued a corrected statement saying that the shooting killed only one detainee. It adds that two other detainees were shot and are in critical condition. The shooter fired indiscriminately at the Ice building, including at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot. Three detainees were shot, the department said. One of the detainees in critical condition is a Mexican national, Mexicos foreign ministry confirmed in a statement. The ministry said they had contacted the victims family to provide support and legal assistance. The consulate is in ongoing communication with the authorities in charge of the investigation and is waiting for authorization to visit the hospitalized Mexican citizen, it reads. At a news conference on Wednesday morning, Joe Rothrock, the head of the FBI field office in Dallas, said that rounds that were found near the suspected shooter contain messages that are anti-Ice in nature. One of the unspent shell casings recovered was engraved with the phrase ANTI ICE, according to a post from the FBI director, Kash Patel. Authorities said the FBI was investigating this incident as an act of targeted violence. They said they were not releasing the identities of any of the victims at this time, but confirmed that no members of law enforcement were injured during the attack. Trump wrote on social media that had been been briefed on the shooting, calling it despicable that the shell casings contained anti-Ice messaging. He immediately cast blame for the shooting on radical left Democrats, instructing them, in capital letters, to stop this rhetoric against Ice. The continuing violence from Radical Left Terrorists, in the aftermath of Charlie Kirks assassination, must be stopped, Trump wrote. ICE Officers, and other Brave Members of Law Enforcement, are under grave threat. We have already declared ANTIFA a Terrorist Organization, and I will be signing an Executive Order this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks. There was no indication the shooter had any connection to any organizations, including antifa. At the news conference, the Republican senator Ted Cruz, who represents Texas, said politically motivated violence is wrong, adding that this is the third shooting in Texas directed at Ice or Customs and Border Protection. Parkland hospital in Dallas confirmed to the Associated Press that it had received two patients from the shooting. The hospital spokesperson did not have any details about their conditions. Earlier on Wednesday, Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary, confirmed in a statement that the suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and said details about the incident were still emerging, but confirmed that there were multiple injuries and fatalities at the Ice field office. While we dont know motive yet, we know that our Ice law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them, Noem said. It must stop. Law enforcement officials told CNN that at least two of the victims were Ice detainees. Todd Lyons, the acting Ice director, told the network that the scene is secure and said three people were shot and taken to the hospital. An Ice spokesperson has also told NBC News that all three people shot were detainees. Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, said the agency was fully engaged, in conjunction with our state and federal law enforcement partners, at the crime scene in Dallas. JD Vance called the shooting an obsessive attack on law enforcement that must stop. Im praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families, the vice-president wrote on X. Vance alleged the suspect was a left-wing extremist, which has not been corroborated by law enforcement. A motive was still unknown as of Wednesday afternoon. Theres some evidence that we have thats not yet public, but we know this person was politically motivated, Vance said, without providing or describing the evidence. They were politically motivated to go after law enforcement. John Cornyn, another Republican senator who represents Texas, called the shooting horrific. While law enforcement investigates, I am keeping everyone impacted in my prayers, he said. My staff have been in touch with federal & local officials in Dallas, and we will make sure all resources are brought to bear in the investigation. Texass governor, Greg Abbott, said in a statement that Texas fully supports Ice. This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants, he said. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassins motive. During the news conference, Eric Johnson, the mayor of Dallas, urged residents to be patient, remain calm, and let our law enforcement partners, and our police department, do their job. SDI Productions/E+ Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been described in the press as a hospital of horrors following the conviction of former consultant Dr Amal Bose earlier this month. Bose, head of the cardiac department, sexually assaulted young, junior female colleagues at the unit. Although Bose claimed that his behaviour was merely banter, his crimes were serious, and his many victims felt unable to report him due to his seniority. But the scandal into the hospital goes far wider than one predatory staff member. Bose is the sixth member of staff at the hospital to be sent to prison since police began an investigation into allegations of neglect in 2018. These atrocities are more common than people can bear to admit. Sick women in particular have been horribly failed. Valerie Kneale died in November 2018, four days after suffering a stroke. When she was first admitted she had been alert and able to communicate. When she died, her family assumed that the post-mortem would conclude that she had died from the stroke. But the pathologist found that Kneale had sustained a serious violent injury that had led to her death, having been very likely sexually assaulted, which had led to fatal internal bleeding. The attack had happened whilst she was a patient at the hospital. A culture of abuse and neglect allowed to fester for years at the hospital while senior management turned a blind eye, the police still probing deaths and corporate failings: how could this happen in the UK, in an NHS hospital, for so long? In 2023, nurse Catherine Hudson and healthcare assistant Charlotte Willmott, also working at Victoria hospital, were jailed for neglect and abuse of vulnerable, elderly patients on the stroke unit. Hudson was convicted of three offences of ill treatment, was found to have needlessly drugged seriously ill, elderly patients, for convenience, amusement, or purely out of spite. Offending alongside assistant practitioner Charlotte Willmott, Hudson grossly abused her position, having been found to have sent messages to others, subsequently discovered by police, in which they mocked and laughed about the patients they drugged. The investigation had ensued when a student nurse raised concerns about the treatment of patients on the ward, alleging that Hudson suggested to the student that an elderly patient who had been awake overnight should be given the sedative, zopiclone, a powerful, controlled drug that can have dangerous side-effects. She was told by Hudson that she would not be caught out if the patient died because nobody would investigate. Another incident showed Willmott encouraging Hudson to sedate an 80 year-old woman, bragging about her actions in messages to others, saying that she needed putting to sleep. At this particular hospital, there has been one member of staff jailed after another: a consultant who molested juniors, nurses who drug patients for an easy shift, a doctor who punched a dementia sufferer, and a healthcare worker who sexually assaulted colleagues for years. Inquests remain outstanding into the deaths of eight other patients treated on the stroke unit in 2018, as the investigation into allegations of mistreatment and neglect continues. But this scandal is illustrative of a wider national problem: research published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2023 found that NHS trusts recorded more than 35,000 cases of rape, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and abusive remarks between 2017 and 2022. Most perpetrators in these instances were male, and the vast majority of victims, female. Shockingly, only one in 10 trusts has a dedicated policy to manage the problem. How was it allowed to happen? Let me hazard a guess: the victims are elderly women, and the crimes took place in the north of England, in one of the most deprived areas of the UK. Very little happens in deprived northern towns that warrants a national scandal. There has been very little reporting on Victoria hospital outside of the local press. Had the whistleblowers not reported on the abuse of patients, who knows what would be happening now. There needs to be an urgent government inquiry into sexual violence, abuse and neglect, of elderly women in particular, in national health service hospitals. Victoria hospital is an extreme example of serious NHS failures across the nation, but it is also an indication of the way in which the lives of elderly women appear to be worth less than others. New York Citys so-called rat czar has scurried away after a quiet-as-a-mouse tenure that was largely overtaken by trash. Kathleen Corradi, the citywide director of rodent mitigation, departed from her position last week, Mayor Eric Adams office confirmed to The Independent. In April 2023, Adams appointed Corradi to reduce the citys rat population. "Kathy has the knowledge, drive, experience, and energy to send rats packing and create a cleaner more welcoming city for all New Yorkers, Adams said at the time. New York Citys so-called rat czar Kathleen Corradi has scurried away after a quiet-as-a-mouse tenure that was largely overtaken by trash (NYC Mayor's Office) The City listed several initiatives Corradi completed during her time as rat czar, including the Rat Pack, a volunteer group deputized to educate, engage, and take action on all things rat mitigation. She was also featured in New York Magazine, patrolling Seward Park on the Lower East Side of Manhattan for rats. The magazine described exterminators with the citys Parks Department filling holes in low-lying greenery with carbon monoxide to kill the rats. But the real enemy of the rats appears to be trash containerization, an initiative by the citys Sanitation Department, which was separate from Corradis efforts. The real enemy of the rats appears to be trash containerization, an initiative by the citys Sanitation Department, which was separate from Corradis efforts (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images) The idea is businesses and residents would put their garbage in hard, plastic containers rather than just throwing trash bags onto the curb, which would attract rats to leftover pizza and other thrown-away food. In early May, the Sanitation Department announced a historic decline in rat sightings with April data that proves that containerization works. Rat sightings were down nearly 14 percent in the citys Rat Mitigation Zones in April, compared to the same time the year before. In early May, the Sanitation Department announced a historic decline in rat sightings with April data that proves that containerization works (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images) Adams said in a statement obtained by The Independent that Corradi handled her job as rat czar with confidence and creativity. The results are clear: rat sightings are down eight straight months, and year-to-date, theyre down more than 15 percent, the mayor said. Adams said the War on Rats will continue at full steam. Oklahomas Trump-loving top school official announced hes launching Turning Point USA Chapters in his states high schools after Charlie Kirks death. Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction and board chair, made the announcement Tuesday in a video posted to social media, nearly two weeks after Kirk, who founded the conservative organization, was assassinated in Utah. Walters made headlines last year for mandating Bibles in every Oklahoma classroom. For far too long, we have seen radical leftists with the teachers union dominate classrooms and push woke indoctrination on our kids, Walters said. They fight parents rights, they push parents out of the classroom, and they lie to our kids about American history. Walters continued: What were going to continue to do is make sure that our kids understand American greatness, engage in civic dialogue, and have that open discussion. The superintendent threatened repercussions for schools that dont comply. Oklahoma state superintendent Ryan Walters announces plans to launch Turning Point USA chapters in every high school in the state to honor Charlie Kirk (Ryan Walters / X) "I mean we would go after their accreditation, he told KOKH. They would be in danger of not being a school district if they decided to reject a club that is here to promote civic engagement. Absolutely, they would be violating the law. They would be violating the rules set forth to them by our agency. Some school leaders, however, have already pushed back on the sweeping plans. John Croisant, Tulsa Public Schools' 5th District Board Member who is running as a Democrat for a Congressional seat, slammed the proposal as a political stunt. "And he can't make us," Croisant told KGOU. "Because that's not a part of accreditation." President Donald Trump embraces Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, after speaking at the right-wing activists memorial service in Arizona (AFP via Getty Images) There are existing ways that allow students to create clubs, he added. We have Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we have [See You At the Pole], we've got all sorts of clubs at schools that students can create on their own, but we're not going to actively be pushing political organizations within our schools, Croisant told the outlet. Following Kirks death, Walters directed all public schools in the state to hold a moment of silence for Kirk. Last week, the Oklahoma State Department of Education said it was investigating a dozen districts that didnt participate. The right-wing political activist was shot dead September 10 during a speaking engagement for his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. Authorities have accused Tyler Robinson, 22, of killing Kirk. He has not yet made a plea. In the wake of Kirks death, his widow Erika was named CEO of Turning Point. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other prominent MAGA figures spoke at his memorial over the weekend. Vance called Kirk a hero to the United States of America and a martyr for the Christian faith. The U.S. attorneys office in the Eastern District of Virginia is preparing to issue a formal indictment against James Comey, the former FBI director who ran the agency when it investigated both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, a report Wednesday revealed. The formal charges were not known, MSNBC reported, but were likely to include a charge of lying under oath to Congress when he testified to the House Oversight Committee and denied authorizing leaks to the media in September of 2020. If the indictment goes forward, it would make Comey the first on a list of Donald Trumps enemies targeted by his administration to be formally charged, though the president has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi and his various other deputies to pursue prosecutions against other Democrats and political foes, including Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide with little federal court or prosecutorial experience, just took over the Eastern District office this week as acting U.S. attorney. A fervent Trump loyalist and yet another member of his legal defense team tapped for a key role at DOJ, shes taking over an operation which MSNBC reported had been in the works for several weeks. Halligans predecessor in the role, Erik Siebert, the U.S. Attorney confirmed by Congress for the Virginia district, submitted his resignation on Friday. Shortly beforehand, Trump told reporters he wanted Siebert out because he learned that Virginias Democratic senators had supported his nomination earlier this year. Former FBI director James Comey is seen on Capitol Hill (Getty Images) But Sieberts resignation reportedly came after he failed to make a case on mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. The Trump administration had pressured Siebert to bring charges against James, despite the fact that investigators failed to find evidence of wrongdoing, ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Halligan, meanwhile, has no prosecutorial experience or background in national security, two factors which put her at a disadvantage as she steps into the role of acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, which given its proximity to the Capital, often tries such cases. She previously served as a White House aide, and helped lead the effort to Trumpify the Smithsonian Institution. Trump infamously fired Comey during his first term when he grew impatient with the months-long investigation taken over by the Justice Departments special counsel, Robert Mueller, in 2017. The investigation was originally launched by Comey into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Comey clashed with Trump repeatedly before his firing over his refusal to confirm that Trump personally was not under investigation for criminal activity. CNN reported separately on Wednesday that the DOJ was nearing a decision on that case; the statute of limitations surrounding perjury expire next week as it relates to Comeys 2020 testimony. Lindsey Halligan, part of former US President Donald Trump's legal team, leaves the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building & Courthouse after a court hearing in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 1, 2022. (AFP via Getty Images) The Independent reported previously that the president was receiving frequent reports from two of his MAGA operatives stationed at the Justice Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency as he sought to engineer criminal prosecutions of his enemies. An emailed request for comment to the former FBI director did not receive an immediate response Wednesday afternoon. The Independent also reached out to the Justice Department. At the Justice Department, special prosecutor Ed Martin is reporting directly to the president outside of the typical DOJ chain of command as he participates in the scheme, which has frustrated some senior Justice leadership. Halligan is another one of those loyalists, and was just installed as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia where she represents one of the final missing links in the chain connecting Trumps ambitions of targeting his political enemies and reality. This latest development comes less than a week after the president demanded in a Truth Social posting addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi that the Justice Department take further strides to launch politically-driven prosecutions of his enemies, with little pretext other than revenge. Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done, Trump wrote Saturday evening. The post finished with Trump declaring, [w]e cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! The president also expressed confidence in Halligan in a separate post suggesting shed be working closely with Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the role. She is extremely intelligent, fearless and, working with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, has the strength and determination to be absolutely OUTSTANDING in this new and very important role, Trump wrote of Halligan. The appointment of Halligan is another gambit for Trump, whose own confidence in the malleability of the judicial system may clash with reality if Comeys case goes to trial. The president installed another novice litigator, Fox News star Jeanine Pirro, in as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia only for Pirro to struggle to bring successful cases against protesters and some residents swept up in Trumps crackdown on Washington D.C. A new poll from YouGov has found that 20 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds, commonly known as Generation Z, think that political violence is sometimes justified. Respondents were surveyed on September 11, a day after right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. A total of 2643 US adults were interviewed as part of the study. The findings mean that members of Gen Z are more in favor of political violence than any other group. Millennials were the second-largest group, with 14 percent of people aged 30-49 stating it could sometimes be justified. Meanwhile, just 8 percent of 45-64-year-olds and 3 percent of people aged over 65 said that political violence was sometimes acceptable. Twenty percent of Gen Z said that political violence is sometimes justifiable, a day after the assassination of Charlie Kirk (AP) Lucas Walsh, professor of youth politics at Monash University, told Newsweek that Generation Zs more aggressive view on politics has its roots in a darkening political climate. He says American teenagers and young adults have grown up in the shadow of the climate crisis, cost-of-living pressures, geopolitical conflict, and the divisive platforms of social media. In the wake of Charlie Kirks death, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also said that social media has played a direct role in fuelling violence in the US. I believe that social media has played a direct role in every single assassination and assassination attempt that we have seen over the last five, six years, he told NBC News Meet The Press. There has been a spike in political violence in America over the last year, including two assassination attempts against Donald Trump (AP) Over the last year, the U.S. has seen a spike in political violence, including two assassination attempts against Donald Trump during the 2024 Presidential Campaign. The first attempt, in Butler, Pennsylvania, saw the Republican being shot in the ear before he chanted fight, fight, fight. A picture of Trump being removed from the stage with his fist in the air quickly went viral on social media. Months later, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in December 2024. Luigi Mangione was arrested following the killing, with investigators finding him in possession of a manifesto which described insurers as parasites and that the problem needed brutal honesty. Mangione denies being involved in the shooting. Luigi Mangione became the center of online discourse around political violence after he was accused of killing an insurance CEO (New York Post) In the weeks following Charlie Kirks assassination, the Trump administration was quick to blame the radical left and left-wing rhetoric for the increase in political violence. His vice president, JD Vance, also blamed left-wing extremism. However, Democrats have pointed to the presidents own rhetoric, including Trumps claim that he feels hate for his enemies while speaking at Kirks memorial. Lets take a hard look at where this violence is really coming from. Seventy-six percent of extremist killings are committed by far-right extremists, and four percent by far-left extremists. I condemn that four percent, but as a country we must be honest about the true source of this violence, Seth Moulton, a Democratic Congressman, told CNN. Dr. Sepehr Lalezari of Lalezari Surgical has achieved significant milestones in robotic-assisted surgery, having performed hundreds of successful da Vinci robotic procedures since 2017. His extensive experience with cutting-edge robotic technology continues to set new standards for minimally invasive surgical care in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Sepehr Lalezari, founder of Lalezari Surgical and a leading bariatric and minimally invasive surgeon in Los Angeles, has reached remarkable milestones in robotic-assisted surgery, having successfully performed over 100 robotic procedures using the advanced da Vinci Surgical System since beginning his robotic surgery practice in 2017. His nearly decade-long commitment to robotic surgical excellence has positioned him as one of the region's most experienced robotic surgeons. Lalezari Surgical Dr. Lalezari's journey with robotic surgery began in 2017 when he completed specialized da Vinci System training as a Console Surgeon at the Intuitive Surgical Training Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, he has continuously expanded his robotic surgery capabilities, utilizing this advanced technology to perform complex bariatric procedures, general surgery operations, and other minimally invasive surgeries with exceptional precision and improved patient outcomes. "Robotic surgery has revolutionized how we approach complex procedures," said Dr. Lalezari. "Over the past eight years, I've witnessed firsthand how this technology enhances surgical precision, reduces patient recovery times, and improves overall outcomes. The experience I've gained performing hundreds of robotic cases allows me to offer my patients the most advanced surgical care available." The da Vinci Surgical System enables Dr. Lalezari to perform intricate procedures through small incisions with enhanced visualization, improved dexterity, and greater precision than traditional laparoscopic techniques. His robotic surgery expertise includes complex bariatric procedures such as robotic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery, as well as advanced general surgery operations including robotic hernia repairs and gallbladder removal. The robotic platform is particularly beneficial for challenging cases involving previous abdominal surgeries or complex anatomy, where the enhanced 3D visualization and precise instrument control of the da Vinci system provide significant advantages. This advanced approach typically results in less pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients. Dr. Lalezari's patients who undergo robotic sleeve gastrectomy, for example, often experience minimal post-operative discomfort and can return to normal activities more quickly compared to traditional open surgical approaches. Patients consistently praise Dr. Lalezari's robotic surgical expertise, often noting shorter recovery periods and excellent cosmetic results. His extensive experience with robotic technology, combined with his fellowship training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, provides patients with access to world-class surgical care utilizing the most advanced techniques available. Dr. Lalezari's commitment to staying at the forefront of surgical innovation extends beyond his initial certification. He regularly participates in continuing education and advanced training programs to ensure his patients benefit from the latest developments in robotic surgical techniques and technologies. About Lalezari Surgical Lalezari Surgical is a premier surgical practice with three convenient Los Angeles-area locations, specializing in bariatric and general surgery. The practice serves patients from offices in Los Angeles (1245 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 907), Long Beach (432 E 10th St), and San Pedro (1386 West 7th Street, Building B, Suite 100), ensuring accessible care throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Led by Dr. Sepehr Lalezari, the practice focuses on delivering minimally invasive and patient-centered solutions designed to improve health and quality of life. Dr. Lalezari holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UCLA and completed advanced fellowship training in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Media Contact: Dr. Sepehr Lalezari Lalezari Surgical 1245 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 907 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 545-1656 Website : www.lalezarisurgical.com SOURCE Lalezari Surgical New poll shows 76% of Americans believe Trump does not deserve a Nobel Peace Prize Despite Donald Trump and his allies' repeated claims that the president deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize, it seems the majority of Americans do not agree, a new poll has shown. Just over three-quarters of U.S. adults, 76 percent, say Trump does not deserve to win the coveted prize, compared to 22 percent who think he does, according to the survey conducted this month by the Washington Post and Ipsos. The lack of backing for the president is in keeping with public opinion on his handling of major foreign wars. Per the poll, 60 percent of Americans disapprove of Trumps approach to the war between Russia and Ukraine and 58 percent disapprove of the handling of the war between Israel and Hamas. The Post-Ipsos poll was conducted online from September 11 to 15 and surveyed 2,513 U.S. adults. Despite Donald Trump and his allies' repeated claims that the president deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize, it seems the majority of Americans do not agree, a new poll has shown. 76 percent say they do not think Trump deserves the coveted prize (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Even Republicans were not so sure that the president should be rewarded for his international diplomatic efforts, with 49 percent saying he should receive the peace prize, but 49 percent also saying he should not. Only 14 percent of independents and 3 percent of Democrats say Trump deserves the award. It comes after the president addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York Tuesday, during which he again claimed to have ended seven raging wars since returning to the Oval Office. This includes Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda a vicious, violent war that was Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, he told delegates. He added that everyone said he should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each one of these achievements. But a CNN fact-check has pointed out that Egypt and Ethiopia were not at war during Trumps time in the White House, so the president would have been unable to end one there. It comes after the president addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York Tuesday, during which he again claimed to have ended seven raging wars since returning to the Oval Office (AP) In his remarks Trump also stated that recognition of a Palestinian state would reward Hamas, called for the immediate release of the October 7 hostages from Gaza, and urged Europe to impose tariffs on Russia and cease buying its oil due to the Ukraine war. It came after nations including the UK, France and Canada all announced the recognition of the Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron later said that it was totally wrong that recognition was a gift to Hamas, during an interview with French channel BFMTV, and called on the president to pressure Israel if he wanted to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I see a U.S. president who is active, who wants peace who wants the Nobel Peace Prize. But the Nobel Peace Prize is possible only if you stop this war, Macron said on Tuesday. Trump may feel better about the Washington Post-Ipsos poll however, as the same survey found that 54 percent of respondents did not believe that former president Barack Obama deserved to win the Nobel Prize in 2009. A popular viewpoint will be closed to visitors this New Years Eve due to concerns over public safety and security, officials have said. Thousands of people gather every year to watch the Mayor of Londons New Years Eve fireworks display from the top of Primrose Hill, north of Regents Park. But following the disbandment of Met Polices Royal Parks Operational Command Unit in November, The Royal Parks has confirmed it can no longer provide the safety and crowd control measures required. As a result, the Hill will be closed on New Years Eve and Bonfire Night, with a perimeter fence in place from the evening of December 31 until the morning of January 1. The safety of all park visitors is our priority, a spokesperson for The Royal Parks said. With the potential for such a large number of attendees, and the absence of the dedicated Royal Parks Police, we are unable to support the necessary safety and crowd management arrangements. Closing Primrose Hill overnight is the only responsible course of action. The Met Police are strongly disputing that the scrapping of the dedicated Parks Police is to blame. Commander Nick John, who is leading the Mets policing operation on NYE, said: It is completely inaccurate to suggest that New Years Eve policing at Primrose Hill would be affected by the disbanding of the Royal Parks team. As a result of careful planning we are able to allocate officers to events wherever they are held - based on threat and risk. For example, on New Years Eve 2023/2024, more than 130 officers from Camden and Islington were sent to Primrose Hill. The Met will continue to respond to emergency calls, patrol hotspot areas, investigate crimes and support events in Royal Parks across London. Royal Parks Operational Command Unit provided 15 officers for the 2023/24 NYE police operation, while 130 officers from the Mets Central North BCU attended. Schoolboy Harry Pitman, 16, was in a crowd gathered to watch the fireworks over the River Thames when he was stabbed in the neck shortly before midnight on December 31, 2023. Harry Pitman, 16, was stabbed on Primrose Hill in London on New Years Eve (PA Wire) Police officers provided first aid before paramedics arrived but, despite the efforts of emergency services, Harry died at the scene. The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with Harrys murder six days after his death. In September last year the defendant faced a murder trial at the Old Bailey but the jury was discharged in October. A retrial will now take place in October this year. Visitors to Primrose Hill have been reminded that organising large gatherings without permission and setting off fireworks or lanterns is in breach of The Royal Parks regulations, which are enforced by the Metropolitan Police. Primrose Hill closes on bonfire night at 10pm each year to limit anti-social behaviour. This year, the closure will be extended to 10pm each night from October 31 to November 9, the Royal Parks spokesperson added. Last year, an estimated 30,000 people visited Primrose Hill to view the Mayor of Londons New Years Eve firework display. Visitors have been urged to make alternative arrangements to celebrate the New Year this year. Lisa Marie Presley had two engagement rings to Nicolas Cage after one of them was thrown into the ocean. In her new memoir, Softly As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, Lisa Maries mother, Priscilla Presley, writes about her late daughters relationship with Cage during the couples relationship in the early 2000s. The book claimed the Ghost Rider actor proposed with a $65,000, six-carat ring, but it didnt last long. One afternoon, they went sailing off the coast of Catalina Island on Nicks yacht, the Weston. Something set off another of their epic fights, and Lisa pulled off her engagement ring and threw it at Nick, she wrote. Furious, Nick threw the ring overboard. Cage had quickly expressed regret for what he had done and went on to hire divers to look for the ring in the ocean, but they were not successful. Cage hired divers to try and locate the ring he threw into the ocean (Getty Images) As far as I know, the ring is still there, Priscillas book read. So what did Nicolas do? she continued. Two days later, he bought Lisa an even bigger diamond (ten carats), and they got engaged all over again. Priscilla noted that despite the couples love for each other, their tempers often got the best of them and they would constantly argue, making the relationship difficult to keep up with. They screamed and yelled, they threw things and sometimes they broke things. They broke up. And the next day, or pretty close to it, they made up, she wrote. Lisa and Nic broke up and made up so many times, it was dizzying. When it was good, it was very, very good. And when it was bad, it was horrid, Priscillas memoir continued. In 2002, Lisa Marie and Cage tied the knot in Hawaii, but Priscilla admitted she had little hope for the longevity of the marriage. Three months later, Cage filed for divorce and he went on to marry actor Alice Kim from 2004 to 2016 before marrying his current wife, Riko Shibata, in 2021. Following her divorce from the Face/Off actor, Lisa Marie was married to guitarist Michael Lockwood from 2006 to 2021. She died in 2023 when she was 54 years old of natural causes, although a medical examiner determined a small bowel obstruction caused her cardiac arrest. Speaking to People last week ahead of her memoirs publication, Priscilla spoke about her daughters untimely death. It was the second saddest day of my life, other than losing Elvis, she told the publication. It took a long time to come to terms with the fact that Lisa was gone. Rasmus Hojgaard is the only fresh face in Europes Ryder Cup team but even that is proving confusing for his team-mates. Eleven of the 12 players from Europes demolition of the United States in Rome two years ago return to defend their title at Bethpage Black in New York. Hojgaard was an automatic qualifier for Luke Donalds team and he ended up replacing his twin brother Nicolai, who is the only absentee from 2023. And the sibling swap is proving too much for some of Europes team to comprehend, even though Rasmus was part of the group in Italy as he had a role driving a buggy. Its been pretty easy to get into the team, he said. Ive been called Nicolai pretty much half the time by everyone. It happens all the time. Even, like, for example, Shane (Lowry) sometimes just calls me Nicolai, and then hes like, Oh, Rasmus is here. Its alright. It is what it is. Im used to it. Ive been used to it for 20 years now. So it doesnt really bother me. Even if they do not remember his name, Hojgaards presence in Rome has made it easy to settle in with the unrivalled team spirit Donald has built. Obviously its pretty much the same thing. They only had to change one initial on the name, he said. I think the Rome experience made it easier for me to get to know the guys a little bit better. I think obviously Nicolai and I are very similar, so there wont be a lot of change in the team room. I think the experience of Rome, I was there. I think as important as it was for me to get to know the guys, I think it was important for them to learn more about me as well. I dont think its going to be a big change for them. You cant really trust any of the information coming out, says Derek Beres, an expert in conspiracies. A memorial for Charlie Kirk at the US embassy in Berlin, Germany. Photograph: Adam Berry/Getty Images Since Charlie Kirks killing, the rightwing podcast sphere has been in overdrive: eulogizing, grieving, praying, appointing blame and calling for retribution. Kirks podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, now No 1 on the podcast charts, has had a rotating cast of hosts including Tucker Carlson, Glenn Beck and JD Vance, who used his appearance to announce a crackdown on far-left groups, promising to dismantle them in Kirks name. Manosphere mainstay Joe Rogan was initially quiet on the Kirk shooting, releasing prerecorded episodes while he was away elk hunting. On Tuesday he began challenging the official narrative of the killing, but has been more focused on the practicalities of the weapon used and the getaway than exploring the motivations of the killer, perhaps because Kirk was too much of an explicit rightwing partisan to chime with Rogans libertarianism. Related: The students who debated with Charlie Kirk: His goal was to verbally defeat us With Rogan steering clear of Kirks politics, other rightwing figures in the podcast space are pushing their own narratives and conspiracy theories about Kirks death and shooting up the podcast charts as they do so chief among them Candace Owens, who is now No 2 on Spotifys trending podcast chart, just behind Kirks podcast. Owens has spent the past week using her podcast to cast doubt that Kirks killing was the action of a sole shooter. (Tyler Robinson, 22, is facing charges of aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm, among others, in the death of Kirk.) This week she published podcasts titled: Charlie Kirk Suspect Charged. Something Isnt Right, Who Ordered the Hit on Charlie Kirk? and They Are Lying About Charlie Kirk. But Owens is not convinced by the Donald Trump-led conspiracy that the organised left is to be blamed for Kirks killing. Instead, she is pushing an alternate theory that Kirks death is part of a large global conspiracy with Israel at the centre. She is not alone in believing there is an Israeli plot behind Kirks murder a number of far-right influencers including Ian Carroll and Jackson Hinkle have suggested that Israel may have played a role, so much so that Benjamin Netanyahu has issued two separate denials of his involvement. To understand her conspiracy, you have to be very acquainted with a network of rightwing groups and podcasts that all reference each other. Essentially Owens believes that Kirk was wavering on his support for Israel, and had invited Carlson and Dave Smith rightwingers who do not support the war in Gaza, to Turning Point USA events, where they took to the lectern to challenge the war and the influence of Israeli funding on US politics. She claimed Kirk told her that he was being threatened by the Israeli government and by Bill Ackman the pro-Israel, pro-Trump hedge fund manager. Owens provides no conclusive evidence about these threats, instead leveraging her close friendship with Kirk to suggest she understands a deeper truth about the threats he was facing. In 2017, Kirk hired Owens at Turning Point USA as a director of urban engagement, after claims the rightwing organization had issues with racism. Owens was forced to resign from the group in 2019 (after saying Adolf Hitler would have been fine if he had focused on domestic politics) but the pair remained close; this week she described him as a brother. Her podcasts on his killing feel pained and unrestrained as you might expect from someone who had just seen their friend assassinated. Owens is careful not say that Israel killed Kirk but she uses implication and association to keep alive the idea that Netanyahu may be involved: Im not trying to mutter darkly or imply anything but I think its important to say that out loud because its a fact, and there are many liars out there trying, Bibi Netanyahu No 1 among them, shamefully, who are trying to distort the truth, a truth that I know and can prove, she said. These allegations are being taken seriously enough to have warranted rebuttals from Ackman and Netanyahu. Ackman posted cordial text messages between himself and Kirk as evidence that he never threatened him, adding: at no time have I ever threatened Charlie Kirk, Turning Point or anyone associated with him. Netanyahu has made two separate statements denying the insane, false and outrageous rumors that Israel was involved in Kirks death. Much of Owens theorizing repeats a mix of anti-Zionist and antisemitic sentiment. In her podcasts, she talks about the Zionist-controlled publications, that Joseph Goebbels has nothing on the Zionists in America and the propaganda that they have pushed and that Sigmund Freud, not Goebbels, is the real father of modern propaganda. Others are going further, including Carroll, the podcaster who is telling his 1.3 million followers on X that he thinks Israel is responsible for the death of Kirk. Carroll has previously been a guest on Owens and Rogans shows. At Kirks funeral, Carlson more subtly invoked the idea of Jewish involvement. He compared Kirks death to the death of Jesus, which he blamed on a bunch of guys sitting around eating hummus, thinking about: What do we do about this guy telling the truth about us? We must make him stop talking. He was widely condemned by Jewish groups for doing so, including by a rabbi in Kirks home state of Arizona, who called it bigoted blood libel. Carlson is very polished in that sense, says Derek Beres, co-host of the Conspirituality podcast and expert in conspiracies and media literacy. Hell say the thing without saying the thing so he gets an out. That was straight up blood libel. What is notable about the way the right is responding to Kirks death is the opportunism initially Laura Loomer tried to blame a trans terror cell, then Steve Bannon suggested theres a vast conspiracy potentially involving the Chinese Communist party, while Trump and Vance went after the left. They kept floating targets hoping that one will stick. Everything Ive seen over the last two weeks has been disgusting the level of merch, the recruitment drives Derek Beres In a moment when Israels genocide in Gaza is leading to more open public criticism of Zionism Owens is capitalising. She continually refers to Zionists controlling the media and Kirks speech while he was alive. One thing about Candace is that shes an opportunist at every stage. She started off on the left, and since then shes figured out different ways of getting attention. I dont find any moral centre in her. Theres no consistency, its about whatever is going to get eyeballs on me, says Beres. He says most rightwing podcasters are vultures trying to have their piece of Kirks legacy. Everything Ive seen over the last two weeks has been disgusting the level of merch, the recruitment drives all of it is craven opportunism. Turning Point USA are continuing Kirks scheduled college tour with all these people Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Alex Clark and they are all trying to cosplay Kirk to keep it going. Every one of them is going to look for their own angle. The second Trump presidency has brought waves of constant disinformation and a new era of conspiracy, making it hard to trust any source including the government. Add in the history of political assassinations in the US and abroad, which is ripe with plots and government contract killings, and this is a particularly exploitable moment for conspiracy theorists. Many people on the left and right find the text messages sent between Robinson, the Kirk shooting suspect, and his roommate, and subsequently released by prosecutors in Utah, suspicious. Owens has claimed the messages are so federally written and that these are obnoxious messages that someone strung together, that there is a federal level of corruption and conspiracy involved in this murder. Even Beres says he is keeping his mind open. I dont know how the guy spoke or how he wrote, he says. That said, the idea that Id trust an agency run by Kash Patel and Dan Bongino is absurd. I dont trust any of that information, theres no reason to. Between Trumps ear and this kid coming out of nowhere, I cant say Im 100% certain there isnt something going on. When youre in an accelerationist, shock-doctrine environment, the whole point is you cant really trust any of the information coming out. Donald Trump and Sadiq Khans ongoing feud appears to have reached new heights, after the mayor of London called the US President racist and Islamaphobic. Sir Sadiq hit out at Trump over comments he made at the UN General Assembly. On Wednesday, Sir Sadiq said: "I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic. "When people say things, when people act in a certain way, when people behave in a certain way, you've got to believe them." This comes after Trump attacked the London mayor during his recent state visit to the UK, when he dubbed Sir Sadiq "among the worst mayors in the world," and claimed he asked for the him not to be invited to the state dinner. Its not the first time the pair have locked horns - their feud stretches back more than a decade. Heres the full timeline of their ongoing rows, and what the full picture looks like at present: 2015 Things initially kicked off between the pair as early as 2015 when the London mayor hopeful Sadiq Khan had something to say about a planned policy Trump had declared while on the campaign trail during his first stint as US President. Donald Trump upset an entire religion when he made sweeping statements about Muslims and said that he would make a presidential campaign pledge to ban Muslims from the US. Sir Sadiq, a Muslim himself, said it was an outrageous policy and spoke of his desire to see him lose. 2016 Sir Sadiq was elected to office and became Londons mayor, which meant that he would be coming into direct contact with Trump if elected to the White House. After Sir Sadiq was elected as the winner, Trump suggested the London mayor would be exempt from his proposed travel ban on Muslims, saying he would make an exception, adding that he believed his appointment was a good thing. But this did not go down well in London, with Sir Sadiq hitting back, accusing Trump of playing into the hands of extremist Muslims with his ignorant comments. Khan told the BBC: I think Donald Trump has ignorant views about Islam. It is not just about me. I dont want to be the exception to be allowed to go into America. Its not about me. Its about my friends, my family and others from all over the world. My concern is he is playing into the hands of extremists who say it's not compatible to be western and be mainstream Muslim. Donald Trump has been spotted golfing several times during his time in Scotland (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire) Trump hit back, warning Khan he had a long memory, saying: I will remember those statements. They are very nasty statements. 2017 Following terrorist attacks in Borough Market and around London Bridge, Trump hit out at Sir Sadiq again, and appeared to say he was not taking the atrocities seriously enough as the leader of the city. Eight people were killed and many more injured when three attackers ploughed a van into pedestrians on London Bridge before launching a knife attack in nearby Borough Market. The terrorists were shot dead by police, who arrived at the scene of the attack within eight minutes. Floral tributes were laid after the attack (PA) Trump hit out at Khans management of the situation on Twitter, saying it was ridiculous that he had told the public there was no reason to be alarmed, but this quote was incorrect. Sir Sadiq had actually said in a statement that the public should not be alarmed by the increased police presence on Londons streets, as the officers were there to provide support and a visible presence. The London mayor released another statement saying he had more important things to do than respond to Donald Trumps ill-informed tweet that deliberately takes out of context his remarks. Trump followed up with another tweet, saying this was a pathetic excuse that he had come up with. In June, Sir Sadiq made calls for the UK Government to cancel a planned visit by Trump and said he didnt understand what the issue was with him. He said in an interview with the Guardian: Were not schoolchildren. Hes the president of the United States, so Im unclear what his beef is with me. The UK Government did not cancel Trumps visit, but Sir Sadiqs officer permitted anti-Trump activists to fly a protest blimp of Trump as a crying baby in a nappy. 2018 Protests look place when Trump arrived in the UK during which the blimp, which Sir Sadiqs office had permitted, flew above Westminster. (PA) During his visit, Trump said Sir Sadiq was doing a terrible job due to the high crime statistics in the capital. 2019 Trump was accused of trying to influence the UK General Election by backing the then Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson. He defied diplomatic agreements to stay out of elections in other nations and, in The Sun, backed Johnson to succeed former leader Theresa May. In the same interview with The Sun, Trump also hit out at the Duchess of Sussex, calling Meghan Markle nasty. Sir Sadiq waded into the debate, calling the American leader a racist. He said: This is a man who also tried to exploit Londoners fears following a horrific terrorist attack on our city, amplified the tweets of a British far-right racist group, denounced as fake news the robust scientific evidence warning of the dangers of climate change, and is now trying to interfere shamelessly in the Conservative party leadership race by backing Boris Johnson because he believes it would enable him to gain an ally in Number 10 for his divisive agenda. President Donald Trump is just one of the most egregious examples of a growing global threat. The far right is on the rise around the world, threatening our hard-won rights and freedoms and the values that have defined our liberal, democratic societies for more than 70 years. Jeremy Corbyn also spoke on the events, adding: President Trumps attempt to decide who will be Britains next prime minister is an entirely unacceptable interference in our countrys democracy. The next prime minister should be chosen not by the US president, nor by 100,000 unrepresentative Conservative party members, but by the British people in a general election. Trump hit back, describing Sir Sadiq as a stone cold loser and very dumb. Remain supporter: Sadiq Khan criticised Ukips scaremongering (Nigel Howard) In retaliation, Sir Sadiqs office accused Trump of childish insults . 2021 The war of words went quiet as Trump left office in January 2021 after serving his first term as US President. 2023/24 When it became clear that Trump was running to serve a second term as US President, Khan was quick to issue warnings publicly. Sir Sadiq denounced Trump and urged people to vote for Kamala Harris as he sat down for an interview with POLITICO in New York. He warned that the world was watching and said electing Trump would have far reaching consequences for the globe. In November, when Trump won his second term, Sir Sadiq again spoke out and said many Londoners would be "fearful" about what it would "mean for democracy". The London mayor did however backtrack and said he "wanted to work closely with the American president" ahead of his inauguration in January. Sir Sadiq said as he is somebody "who believes in democracy, and voting and elections, we should recognise the fact that Donald Trump is the elected president of the United States". But he added: "Let's keep our fingers crossed that this president is different from the last time he was president." 2025 July In September Trump reignited the pairs row, calling Sir Sadiq a "nasty person" who has done "a terrible job" when he spent time with current prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, in Scotland. Asked if he would visit London during his official state visit in September, Trump said: "I will, I'm not a fan of your mayor, I think he's done a terrible job. "A nasty person, I think." Keir Starter did jump into the conversation to stop it escalating, claiming "he's a friend of mine." Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump shake hands at Turnberry (Chris Furlong/PA) (PA Wire) The president added: "I think he's done a terrible job but I will certainly visit London." Sir Sadiq responded in an official statement, which said: "Sadiq is delighted that President Trump wants to come to the greatest city in the world. "He'd see how our diversity makes us stronger not weaker; richer, not poorer. "Perhaps these are the reasons why a record number of Americans have applied for British citizenship under his presidency." September Sir Sadiq and Trump have continued to denounce one another throughout September, following the US presidents unprecedented second state visit. While preparing to return to America after the visit, Trump hit out at Khan, saying: "I think he's done a terrible job. Crime in London is through the roof." Regarding the official banquet during the visit, Trump said: "I asked that he not be there. He wanted to be there, as I understand, I didn't want him." Its been reported by the BBC that, contrary to his claims, Sir Sadiq didnt expect or seek an invitation to the state dinner. A source close to the mayor also told the outlet: Trump's politics is one of fear and division. This includes talking down our great capital city. Trump speaking at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday (REUTERS) On 24 September, Sir Sadiq hit out at Trump, branding him a racist and Islamophobic over comments he made during a speech at the UN General Assembly. During the speech on Tuesday 23 September, the US president claimed London wants to go to sharia law, Islams legal system. Labour MPs were quick to defend Sir Sadiq, Londons first Muslim mayor. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden recognised Trump and Sir Sadiq have had beef for some years. Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq called the comments poppycock and complete cobblers, adding that someone should have a word with the President over the unhinged speech. Health secretary Wes Streeting said: Sadiq Khan is not trying to impose Sharia Law on London. This is a mayor who marches with Pride, who stands up for difference of background and opinion, whos focused on improving our transport, our air, our streets, our safety, our choices and chances. Proud hes our mayor. A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said: We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and were delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here. Drone activity near four airports in Denmark overnight was the work of a professional actor, Denmarks defence minister has warned just two days after the countrys main hub was shut down in response to sightings that rattled European aviation. Aalborg airport, in north Denmark, was forced to shut down after the drone sightings, while three smaller airports in the region Esbjerg, Sonderborg and Skrydstrup remained open despite similar incidents. It is unclear how many drones were seen in the incident, which also affected the countrys armed forces due to the military base stationed at Aalborg airport. There can be no doubt that everything points to this being the work of a professional actor, defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. It certainly does not look like a coincidence. It looks systematic. This is what I would define as a hybrid attack. National police said the incident had followed a similar pattern to the one that halted flights at Copenhagen airport for four hours on Monday, with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen refusing to rule out Russian involvement. Police officers stand guard following reports of drone activity at the airport in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday (Ritzau Scanpix) Denmark is now considering whether to invoke Nato Article 4, which would formally request talks over the incident, a move taken by Poland and Estonia following repeated Russian incursions into their airspace in recent weeks. Four flights were affected on Wednesday nights incident, the police spokesperson said, including two SAS planes, one Norwegian and one KLM flight. Eurocontrol, which oversees European air traffic control, said arrivals and departures at Aalborg airport would be at a zero rate until 4am GMT on Thursday due to drone activity in the vicinity. Danish authorities said the incident that halted flights at Copenhagen airport on Monday was the most serious attack yet on the countrys critical infrastructure. Speaking in New York during the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said she could not rule out Russian involvement in the shutdown of Copenhagen airport. We have seen drones over Poland that should not have been there. We have seen activity in Romania. We have seen violations of Estonian airspace, Ms Frederiksen told reporters. This is a serious attack on critical Danish infrastructure. Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said she could not rule out Russian involvement in the shutdown of Copenhagen airport (Ritzau Scanpix) Authorities in Norway also shut the airspace at Oslo airport for three hours on Monday evening after a drone was seen. Norwegian and Danish authorities are in close contact over the Copenhagen and Oslo incidents, but they have not yet been linked, Norways foreign minister said on Wednesday. Authorities in Oslo announced later that two foreign nationals had been arrested for flying drones within the prohibited zone close to the airport. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky then appeared to blame Russia for the incident in a post on social media, though that claim was quickly taken down. It comes after hundreds of flights at Heathrow airport in the UK were delayed or cancelled over the weekend following a cyber attack. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the U.S. Secret Service is among the agencies investigating whether the escalator at the United Nations was deliberately turned off before President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump got on. Trump and the first lady suffered an embarrassing moment Tuesday when the escalator came to an abrupt stop as the couple stepped on ahead of the presidents address to the UN General Assembly in New York. Leavitt shared a snippet of an article from The Times of London on X earlier Tuesday in response, which reported UN staff members joked that they may turn off the escalators and tell him they ran out of money so he has to walk up the stairs. Appearing Tuesday on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, the host asked Leavitt whether it was an act of sabotage. Thats definitely what it appears to be to me, Leavitt replied on his show Tuesday. There was some concerning reporting over the weekend that UN globalist staffers were basically plotting to set up the President of the United States. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the U.S. Secret Service is among the agencies investigating whether the escalator at the United Nations was deliberately turned off before President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump got on (Fox News) First it was the escalator, then it was the teleprompter, Leavitt added. The press secretary said that conservative commentator Katie Pavlich claimed to notice that the audio inside of the room was much lower and different for Trump than the previous speaker. When you put all of this together, it doesnt look like a coincidence to me, Leavitt said. We have people, including the United States Secret Service, looking into this to get to the bottom of it. If we find that these were UN staffers who were purposefully trying to trip upliterally trip upthe president and the first lady of the United States. Well, there better be accountability for those people, and I will personally see to it, Leavitt threatened. Trump and the first lady suffered an embarrassing moment when the escalator came to an abrupt stop as the couple stepped on ahead of the presidents address to the UN General Assembly in New York (AP) However, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Trumps own videographer may have been responsible. The U.S. delegation videographer ran ahead of the president and could have triggered the stop mechanism at the top of the escalator, Dujarric said. The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing, Dujarric said in a statement. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function. Trumps appearance at the UN was blighted by technical difficulties, including the teleprompter which wasnt working as he began his address. The president joked that whoever was running the teleprompter is in big trouble. These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter, he grumbled during his near hour-long speech to world leaders. A UN official said that the White House was responsible for operating the teleprompter for the president, according to the Associated Press. A prolific shoplifter stole over 100,000 worth of Boots products during a three-month crime spree in stores across Kensington and Chelsea. Liam Hutchinson, 32, committed a total of 99 shoplifting offences between May and August 2025 before he was caught by the Metropolitan Police. CCTV footage shows him grabbing several items, including large quantities of electrical items and razors, and placing them in a bag or in his jacket. On one occasion, a shop worker can be seen attempting to stop him before he runs away. Hutchinson has now been jailed for 12 months and has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from every Boots store across the UK for 10 years. He has also been banned from entering the borough of Chelsea and Kensington for the next five years. Liam Hutchinson has been jailed for 12 months for stealing over 100k worth of products from Boots (Metropolitan Police) Sergeant Jack Vine, from the Mets Volume Crime Team in central London, who led the investigation, said: Hutchinson has been targeting Boots stores across Chelsea and Kensington, costing the business a total of 107,000 in lost revenue. We recognised the impact Hutchinsons actions were having on the retailer, and through working with staff, we built a strong case of evidence against him, which has been reflected in his sentencing. This result should act as a warning that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and that we will come down hard on those who show a complete disregard for the law, terrorise retail workers and cost businesses thousands of pounds. Nicky Harrop, Head of Security, Fraud and Contract Management at Boots, said: We have been investing significantly in measures that will deter and disrupt criminal activity, stop theft, protect our team members, and support the police with high-quality evidence. Tackling the growing levels of retail crime is a collaborative effort, so were pleased to work alongside the Metropolitan Police to ensure our stores remain a safe and respectful environment for our team members and customers. Police cars at the scene of the reported shooting A suspectd sniper killed one detainee and injured two more at a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas before shooting himself, police said. Officers were called to an ICE branch off North Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, where witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots. The suspect shot at the ICE office from a nearby building, the Dallas Police Department said. Police found the gunman dead on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office. The suspect was found near ammunition that had "messages that are anti-ICE in nature," FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock said. FBI Director Kash Patel shared a picture of the rounds, with one bullet simply saying "anti-ICE." This morning just before 7am local time, an individual fired multiple rounds at a Dallas, Texas ICE facility, killing one, wounding several others, before taking his own life. FBI, DHS, ATF are on the ground with Dallas PD and state authorities. While the investigation is pic.twitter.com/SMOyxiKLqA FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 24, 2025 Police said that no law enforcement officials were hurt in the shooting. The shootings took place at around 7am local time (1pm BST) on Wednesday. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on X, formerly known was Twitter, that the shooting resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities and confirmed a gunman turned a weapon on himself. Police are investigating the possibility of multiple suspects being involved in the shootings, according to local television station WFAA. Two migrants who were held in immigration custody have also been rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds. No law enforcement officers had been injured. The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. https://t.co/wEN3sqyGyQ JD Vance (@JDVance) September 24, 2025 While we dont know motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them. It must stop, Ms Noem said. US Vice-President JD Vance added: "I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families." Last month, Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, was arrested after making a bomb threat against ICE processing center. Madison Sheahan, ICEs deputy director, told Fox News: Weve seen a lot of violence at ICE facilities, and this is not the first time that weve seen an attack, even this year at an ICE facility, Founded under George W. Bush in 2003, ICE is the federal agency tasked with enforcing immigration laws in the US. The agency is involved in the arrests and deportation of undocumented migrants. There are estimated two million undocumented immigrants in Texas, the majority of whom are from boardering Mexico. "Wait too long to book and the only thing you'll be unwrapping is holiday stress, not savings," said Katy Nastro. Post this "Earlier this summer, travelers had their pick of affordable airfare. However, as we step into the next peak season, that same travel luck may have run its course," said Going travel expert Katy Nastro. "Prices are already higher than last year for the winter holidays, and with the economy top of mind for millions of Americans, it's no wonder we are seeing earlier search habits. Wait too long to book and the only thing you'll be unwrapping is holiday stress, not savings." Key Findings: Americans are searching earlier this year: For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, travelers are starting their searches earlier than they did in 2024 15 days earlier on average for each holiday. 1 For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, travelers are starting their searches earlier than they did in 2024 15 days earlier on average for each holiday. The best days to fly vary by region: While departing on the holiday itself can save 15 to 30 percent, certain destinations may find varying dates have better opportunities for cheaper prices. For example, if traveling to the Southeast during Christmas, travelers can save 27 percent on average by departing on Dec. 24 versus any other date. 2 While departing on the holiday itself can save 15 to 30 percent, certain destinations may find varying dates have better opportunities for cheaper prices. For example, if traveling to the Southeast during Christmas, travelers can save 27 percent on average by departing on versus any other date. Prices are trending up, with domestic travel hitting wallets the hardest: U.S. Thanksgiving and winter holiday airfare averages are up ten percent and seven percent, respectively, this year. Average fares for Thanksgiving run $751 for domestic flights, while winter holidays come in at $685 roundtrip. 2 U.S. Thanksgiving and winter holiday airfare averages are up ten percent and seven percent, respectively, this year. Average fares for Thanksgiving run for domestic flights, while winter holidays come in at roundtrip. International Thanksgiving remains the best bet: Fares are down slightly at 1 percent year-over-year, averaging $1,241 , with savings across select regions. In comparison, international fares over the winter holidays are up six percent year-over-year, averaging $1 ,740 roundtrip. When to Fly "Flying on the holiday itself continues to be the best bang for your buck when it comes to holiday travel. However, it's not the only option for savings. Depending on where flyers are heading this year, just shifting their dates by as little as one day before the holiday can help save up to 19 percent, which can add up for families. If travelers are heading further afield or want to squeeze a bit more time from the holiday, we suggest to target the second-best days which still can offer savings," said Nastro. The most expensive departure dates are the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, with average one-way fares of $756, and the Saturday before Christmas, Dec. 20, at $905. For return trips, travelers should avoid the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, and the Saturday after Christmas, Dec. 27, when fares both average $850. "What's better than a turkey dinner with all the trimmings? Not spending an arm and a turkey leg to get there," said Nastro. "For Thanksgiving, travelers should aim to book domestic trips ASAP, or latest by the end of the month. International flights have more leeway, so best to book by early October. For Christmas, the best fares are gone quickly, especially domestic flights this year with fewer low cost options. Travelers should get domestic trips booked by early October and international flights even sooner." The Secret Best Week for International Travel While most Americans focus on domestic trips, fares overseas quietly drop the week of Thanksgiving , making it one of the best times to travel abroad. Typically, international flights are among the most affordable during the end of November window, but this year we are seeing fares down 10 to 30 percent on average to destinations across Western Europe,Canada and Western Asia. To take advantage, Going members can set personalized in-app Flight Alerts to track routes and get notified of price drops. Recent Going roundtrip deals for the week of Thanksgiving include: New YorkLondon or Stockholm : $394 (51 percent off) : (51 percent off) Los AngelesLisbon: $494 (45 percent off) (45 percent off) Cleveland or HartfordDublin: $438 and $409 (50 to 53 percent off) or HartfordDublin: and (50 to 53 percent off) Daytona BeachParis: $522 (49 percent off) 1Year-over-year comparisons reflect Going sourced search activity during the same date range, July 1 through Sept. 16, in both 2024 and 2025 2Going average fares are based on Going sourced searches for roundtrip tickets from November 24 to December 1, 2025 and December 22, 2025 to January 1, 2026 on full-service carriers only. This data excludes fares on Low Cost Carriers and Southwest Airlines. About Going Going , the travel app for discovering flight deals, has helped members around the world make their travel dreams come true since 2015. We combine sophisticated software and human Flight Experts to discover flight deals and mistake fares up to 90% off and send them to our 2 million members. Unlike fully automated fare alerts services, every deal alert we send to members has passed a rigorous quality evaluation by our team to ensure it's worth members' hard-earned money and limited travel time. Downloadable assets: Here Read the full 2025 Holiday Guide: Here SOURCE Going Taika Waititi has said it was a dream to direct the music video for Rita Oras new single All Natural. The pop star returned with the sultry new track on Wednesday (24 September), describing it as being about learning to love every side of yourself the strong and the fragile, the light and the shadows. She added: This song is really about growth, healing and self-discovery. My hope is that when people hear it, they connect with their own journey and feel seen in it. Steered by Waititi, who married Ora in 2022, the video follows Ora as she dances beneath huge overhead lights around an industrial space resembling an abandoned club. Speaking to The Independent, the Oscar-winning filmmaker called working with Ora the easiest job in the world. Im not even sure I could call it work, he joked. Its literally pointing a camera at your best friend who happens to be criminally gorgeous and effortlessly talented. Rita Ora and Taika Waititi at the 2024 Met Gala (Getty) I mean, I wasnt even operating the camera, I just told the guy where to point it. And all the while we got to listen to this absolute gem of a song. Its actually a dream thing to do. The track was produced by Grammy-winning New Zealand producer, musician and songwriter Joel Little (Taylor Swift, Lorde, Gracie Abrams). Rita Ora in the Taika Waititi-directed music video for All Natural (Press) Ora has also been busy creating a micro-documentary series with British filmmaker Stella Scott, in which she reflects on her Kosovan heritage and growing up in west London. The first two episodes were released to her Instagram page last week. Meanwhile, her most recent album, You & I, was released in 2023 and debuted in the top 10 on the UK albums chart. All Natural opens a new chapter, according to a press release for the single: One that feels sharper, stronger, and truer to herself than ever before. As well as new music, Ora and Waititi are working on a musical based on the notorious Fyre Festival, a project Waititi described to The Hollywood Reporter as exciting, weird and potentially disastrous. Intended to be a luxury music festival held on a Caribbean island in 2017, Fyre Festival ended in disaster due to poor organisation from its co-founders. Guests who had paid tens of thousands for tickets and accommodation were stranded with damp mattresses and disaster relief tents to sleep in, and cheese sandwiches served in styrofoam containers. I cant wait to get started and snatch me some of that sweet American theatre money, Waititi said. All Natural, the new single from Rita Ora, is out now. A gunman who carried out a fatal shooting at an immigration facility in the US left a bullet engraved with the phrase "ANTI-ICE", the FBI has said. The deadly attack at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas, is being investigated as an act of "targeted violence". Donald Trump said he had been briefed, describing the attacker as "deranged" and the shooting as "despicable". Referencing what he called "continuing violence from Radical Left Terrorists", the US president said he would be signing an executive order this week to "dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks". The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said one detainee had died while two others were in a critical condition. The attacker also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials have named the suspect as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, Sky's US partner NBC News reported. Jahn's brother Noah told NBC his sibling "didn't have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew". "I didn't think he was politically interested," he added. "He wasn't interested in politics on either side as far as I knew." How did the attack unfold? The gunman opened fire on the office from an adjacent building at about 6.40am local time, officers said. He "fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, including at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot", according to the DHS. Dallas FBI Special Agent Joseph Rothrock said it was a "coordinated attack" and "just the most recent example we've seen of targeted violence". Early evidence suggested the incident was "anti-ICE in nature", he added. A recovered, unspent shell casing was engraved with the phrase "ANTI ICE", said FBI director Kash Patel. He said an initial review of evidence showed an "ideological motive behind this attack", describing the assault as "despicable". The victims were being led into the building to be processed and repatriated, Fox News reported, citing Dallas police Department sources. Arianny Sierra told NBC News she was in her car with her nine-year-old son when a series of shots rang out. "There were like 20 shots in a row," she said. "I sheltered myself under the car with my son." Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, said the shooting would "not slow our arrest, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants". He added: "We will work with ICE and the Dallas Police Department to get to the bottom of the assassin's motive." US Vice President JD Vance said: "The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. "I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families." No ICE agents were shot or hurt, NBC News reported. US Attorney General Ken Paxton said: "We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals." Five trans women are being held in the E Wing of HMP Downview in Surrey - Andrew Aitchison/Corbis via Getty Images Trans criminals are still being held in a womens prison despite the Supreme Court ruling that sexes must be segregated. Ministers have admitted that five trans women biological men are being held in the E Wing of HMP Downview in Surrey, despite concerns they could pose a risk to female prisoners. Labour activists have now urged David Lammy, the new Justice Secretary, to close the wing for trans prisoners, which they say is not effectively separated from the women in the rest of the building, and move them to the male estate. They also said the presence of trans prisoners violated Aprils Supreme Court ruling that segregation between men and women should be on the basis of biological sex rather than the gender they identify as. A spokesman for Labour Womens Declaration, which campaigns for sex-based rights, said: Vulnerable female prisoners must be prioritised. Housing male offenders, regardless of how they identify, in the female estate violates the rights and safety of women prisoners and breaches the Supreme Court ruling. It has now been five months since it was clarified that sex in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. If he chooses to act decisively, Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy has an important opportunity to both ensure the safety of women in custody and reaffirm Labours commitment to defending womens rights. We trust he will make the right choice. Activists say David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, must prioritise vulnerable female prisoners - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire The presence of biological men in womens jails will revive memories of the case of Adam Graham, who transitioned to live as a woman and began to go by Isla Bryson, after he had been charged with rape. He was later placed in a female prison in Scotland. A parliamentary question by Rebecca Paul, a Tory MP, earlier this month revealed there have been seven biologically male prisoners placed in E Wing since the middle of last year, with five there at present. But HMP Downviews independent monitoring board has reported serious safety and welfare concerns, including a shortage of staff to cover one-to-one supervision of the male prisoners when they are mixing with the women prisoners. The wing for trans women at HMP Downview was opened in 2019, but a number of trans women were moved away in the wake of the Isla Bryson case. Convicted rapist Isla Bryson was placed in a female prison in Scotland - Andrew Milligan/PA Two weeks ago, Alex Davies-Jones, the justice minister, said in response to Ms Pauls parliamentary question: As of Aug 1 2025, five biologically male prisoners were held at HMP/YOI Downview. All were accommodated on E Wing. Since July 4 2024, seven prisoners have been placed in the unit. No prisoners have moved from E Wing into the general womens estate under the current Government. E Wing is not part of the general womens estate. Prisoners on E Wing are held separately from other prisoners at HMP/YOI Downview and can only access the wider prisons regime where this is supervised by staff and has been risk-assessed to ensure safety. However, the prisons independent monitoring board has found that a shortage of staff meant it was not possible to ensure biologically male prisoners are supervised properly. Shabana Mahmood, the former justice secretary, vowed to review the future of the unit, but campaigners fear Mr Lammy will make this review less of a priority. In the past, Mr Lammy has accused feminists of being dinosaurs hoarding their rights, and on one occasion said: I understand that a cervix is something you can have after various procedures, hormone treatment, all the rest of it. Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, said: Its essential that womens prisons are kept single-sex for the dignity, safety and privacy of female prisoners, most of whom have also been victims of violent and sexual crimes at the hands of men. Instead, they are met with silence on the scandal of female prisoners being forced to share facilities with men. Lammy is the politician who infamously branded women fighting for sex-based rights as dinosaurs hoarding rights, a remark he has never withdrawn. Given the Governments refusal to act decisively in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, is it any wonder that women are worried? On prisons, and across the board, ministers must stop treating womens rights and safety as an afterthought. Pretending the issue will somehow disappear is not leadership. She said emails from Mr Lammys office to women asking about the Supreme Court judgment parrot trans activist talking points. A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice confirmed that although trans prisoners were separated, in some circumstances they may join supervised activities, but only after a rigorous local risk assessment. They are supervised by prison staff. This is a separate unit for transgender prisoners, isolated from the main female population and only has access to the wider prisons regime under exceptional circumstances following robust risk assessments and they are subject to constant direct supervision, he said. The vast majority of trans women in prison are in mens prisons and we are reviewing our transgender prisoner policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling. President Trump has reportedly settled on a plot of land in downtown Miami as the home for his presidential library. The library will be located next door to the Freedom Tower, an iconic building in the city that was once home to a processing center for hundreds of thousands of Cubans fleeing the island in the 1960s and 70s. The site is also near Trumps Doral golf course, expected to host the G20 Summit next year. The development will also reportedly feature an adjacent hotel project, a first in presidential history, NBC News reports. The final decision was made by the Trumps, a Trump adviser told the outlet. Without question, being near the Freedom Tower was important, but also being on the waterfront. The reported decision comes after Trump administration adviser Steve Witkoff and the presidents son Eric made multiple trips to the state. The Trump presidential library will reportedly be built in downtown Miami near the Freedom Tower (pictured) The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Florida officials welcomed the announcement on Tuesday, the same day the lands current owner, Miami-Dade College, voted to transfer the acreage to the state. I can think of no better location to tell the story of Donald Trump, Florida Attorney General James Uthemeier said in a video posted on X. A story of strength, one of redemption, one of victory, and one of sacrifice for the American people. The Florida Cabinet, a four-member body including Uthemeier and Trump ally Gov. Ron DeSantis, is set to vote on the plan next week. Trumps library will reportedly be located in his adopted home state of Florida, near one of his golf courses (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) President Trump has achieved results for the American people and made a lasting impact on our nations history, DeSantis said in a statement announcing the planned vote. The location reportedly beat out other candidates in Trumps adopted home state, including Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University. Florida officials have been working for months to attract the high-profile project to the state. In February, state lawmakers passed legislation to fast-track construction by pre-empting local officials who would normally be involved in such projects. Florida officials like Gov. Ron DeSantis have lobbied Trump to locate the library in the state (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The foundation building Trumps library already has tens of millions of dollars in the bank, thanks to settlements related to Trumps suits with Meta over deplatforming and ABC News over defamation. The controversial luxury 747 jet Qatar has gifted to the White House could also be turned over to the presidential library. The Obama presidential library remains under construction, almost a decade after the Democrat left office. Jimmy Kimmel became audibly choked up and emotional as he returned to air Tuesday night, assuring his audience that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. The late-night talk-show host, who was suspended indefinitely last week after making comments about the death of MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk, was greeted by two lengthy standing ovations as he kicked off his show, and thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle for their support. If you like me, you like me. If you dont, you dont. I have no illusions about changing anyones mind, he said, appearing to break down as he added: But I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. During an episode of his show on Monday, September 15, Kimmel accused Republicans of using Kirks death to score political points. He also joked that President Trump was grieving the conservative activists murder the way a four-year-old mourns a goldfish. The remarks sparked outrage from the right, with members of the Trump administration, including the president himself, calling for his firing and the cancellation of his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! Jimmy Kimmel thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle for their support (AP) In Tuesdays monologue, Kimmel clarified that he had sent love to Kirks family via social media and asked for compassion. I meant it. I still do, he said. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. He later hailed a beautiful moment that had taken place at Kirks funeral in Arizona, on Sunday. I dont know if you saw this on Sunday Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him, he said. Becoming slightly choked up again he added: That is an example we should follow in the teachings of Jesus, as I do. That selfless act of grace and forgiveness from a grieving widow touched me deeply. Ahead of the show airing on Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump threatened to test ABC after the broadcaster allowed Kimmel to return. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump fumed on Truth Social. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Contrary to the presidents claim, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was never officially cancelled by ABC or Disney executives. Jimmy Kimmel is embraced by Guillermo Rodriguez on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Los Angeles on Tuesday (AP) Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE, Trump wrote in his post. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think were going to test ABC out on this. In an extra threat, Trump added: Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings. ABC previously settled with the president in December, paying $15m towards Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit. The network also paid $1m in legal fees to the law firm of Trumps attorney, Alejandro Brito. The suit centered around anchor George Stephanopouloss inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. While Trump denied all wrongdoing in the case, a jury found that Trump had defamed Carroll and was liable for battery. As part of the settlement, ABC News posted an editors note to its website expressing regret over Stephanopouloss statements during a March 10 segment on his This Week program. Protesters rallied outside Jimmy Kimmels Hollywood studio after the late-night show was pulled off the air indefinitely following the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (Getty) Kimmel highlighted his appreciation for the freedom to speak by coming back to his show Tuesday, admitting it was something Im embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was axed by CBS earlier this year. If we dont have free speech, then we just dont have a free country. Its as simple as that, Kimmel said. If this most fundamental right is allowed to perish, then the rest of our rights and liberties will topple, just like dominoes, one by one, theyll go down. Last week, Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr said it appeared that Kimmel was trying to directly mislead the American public with his remarks about Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man charged with Kirks killing, and his motives. Those motives remain unclear. ABC confirmed the suspension after Kimmel said last week that the MAGA gang was trying to score political points from the deadly shooting of Kirk (Getty) We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said before ABC announced the suspension. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. In a skit starring Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, Kimmel poked fun at Carr Tuesday, accusing the FCC boss of using mob tactics to suppress free speech. Despite Kimmels return to air, the late-night talk show will remain unavailable on some local networks after Nexstar Media and Sinclair Inc. announced they would continue to boycott the show. Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming, the company shared on social media. Nexstar did the same. Kimmel prompted further laughs from his audience by apologizing to members of his family living in states that were unable to watch the show due to the boycott. Protesters in Ramallah call for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza - Anadolu Donald Trump privately assured Arab leaders he would not allow Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank, according to reports. The US president, in conversations with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations, said he would not permit Israel to take over the territory off the River Jordan, which is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Senior Israeli ministers, angered by Britain and other countries moving to recognise a Palestinian state, have called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank. On Tuesday, Mr Trump presented a white paper to the leaders of eight Arab and Muslim countries outlining his administrations plans to end the war in Gaza, sources told Politico. This is said to have included a pledge to block any annexation attempt of the West Bank, along with other details on its governance and post-war security. Arab leaders, angered by Mr Trumps continued support of Mr Netanyahu almost two years into Israels military operation in Gaza, warned him the Israeli prime minister was endangering one of the presidents signature diplomatic wins. Demonstrators holding Palestinian flags stage a protest to thank countries that recognise Palestine - Anadolu An Israeli incursion into the West Bank would likely lead to the collapse of the Abraham Accords, the agreement from Mr Trumps first term which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states. Those relations have been strained by claims of Israel committing genocide and sparking a famine in Gaza, which its leadership has consistently denied. Mr Trump told reporters that his meeting with the Arab and Muslim leaders was his most important of the day, but left without divulging details of the discussion to reporters. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, said he was pleased with the results of the sit-down, which he described as fruitful, and said a joint declaration would later be published on their agreements. In an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday, Mr Erdogan accused Mr Netanyahu of killing tens of thousands with this genocide. Israel is using this power without mercy, from age seven to 70, children, women, the elderly they have no mercy, he told American viewers, while insisting that Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation, was a resistance movement. The decision by Britain, Canada, Australia and other countries to recognise a Palestinian state has revived calls in Israel by nationalists to annex the West Bank. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, called for the territory to be immediately taken over, saying: The days when the UK and other countries determined our future are over. The British mandate [over Palestine] has ended. Itamar Ben-Gvir, another Right-wing politician, called for the complete dismantling of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Donald Trump delivers his speech to the 80th session of the UN general assembly at UN headquarters in New York on 23 September 2025. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Such is the gravitational pull cast by Donald Trump and the US economy that the politics of the other 192 countries that make up the United Nations are rapidly being reduced to one long discussion about how to relate to and challenge this ever darker and weirder presidency. Before Trumps extraordinary 58-minute speech on the supposed threats posed by open borders, sharia law, the UNs failings and the climate hoax, the supporters of the UNs values already knew they faced a challenge. Now they realise the degree to which the worlds superpower seems bent on the destruction of everything they believe. Immediately after the shocked, and even embarrassed, UN delegates had recovered from Trumps performance, the general assembly was addressed by leaders of two large Muslim states, the Indonesian president, Prabowo Subianto, and the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Subianto was strongly applauded when he asserted: Might cannot be right; right must be right. No one country can bully the whole of the human family. We may be weak individually, but the sense of oppression and injustice will unite us into a strong force that will overcome this injustice. Erdogan insisted that the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was completely out of control, and those that were silent in the face of his barbarity were complicit. Related: Brazils president says in UN speech that democracy can prevail over would-be autocrats And immediately prior to Trumps address, the Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, without mentioning the US, had given a sophisticated warning about the threat posed by the new authoritarians. Today the ideals that inspired the UNs founders in San Francisco are under threat as never before in their history. Multilateralism is at a new crossroads. This organisations authority is in check. We are witnessing the constellation of an international order marked by repeated concessions to power play. Attacks on sovereignty, arbitrary sanctions and unilateral interventions are becoming the rule. There is a clear parallel between multilateralisms crisis and the weakening of democracy. Authoritarianism is strengthened when we fail to act in the face of arbitrary acts when international society falters in defending peace and sovereignty. All around the world, anti-democratic forces are trying to subjugate institutions and suffocate freedoms. They worship violence, glorify ignorance, act as physical and digital militias, and restrict the press, Lula said. Others, such as South Koreas president, Lee Jae Myung, insisted that the climate crisis was far from being a hoax, and that it represents a threat to global humanity Yet the Trump speech also made even more stark and urgent the unavoidable question of how the world will operate in the absence of reliable American leadership. This is not just a question for the global south, but also for Europe as it confronts Russia, for Asia as it wrestles with Chinese power and for the Gulf as it grapples with Israels military dominance. One response is the alliance of autocrats on display in Beijing at the beginning of the month led by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. But another is the still forming anti-Trump alliance led by democratic leaders. This is operating apart from the UN, because the reality is that the UN institutions, gridlocked by the veto of competing power blocks, and abandoned financially by America, is being bypassed. The US presidents claim to have ended seven unendable wars, all without any help from the UN, is absurd, but it is true that the UN security council is no longer capable of bringing conflicts to an end. As Lula explained: The tyranny of the veto sabotages the very reason for the UNs existence. In his speech, the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, made a pitch for the UNs continued relevance, but he acknowledged the pillars of peace and prosperity were buckling, and multilateralism was suffering. Multipolarity without effective multilateral institutions courts chaos as Europe learned the hard way resulting in world war one, he said. By the end of his speech he was left to comfort himself by insisting we must never give up. But the efforts to develop a strong anti-Trumpian alliance bringing together the global south and Europe have been weakened by the issue of double standards the belief that Europes outrage with Russias invasion of Ukraine is not matched by similar outrage at Israels destruction of Gaza. Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, in a speech to 500 Columbia University students on Monday, repeatedly warned his fellow Europeans to realise how much damage the double standards charge had caused to their image. Indeed, Sanchez is rapidly becoming the European leader most willing to stand in Trumps way. At Columbia, he drew applause defending the positive virtues of migration and said: Open societies are the best antidote to fanaticism remarks that had a special relevance given Trumps attempts to silence the Columbia campus protests. He added: When the voice of a society is silenced, it ends up dying. Open societies thrive on words. Freedom of expression, of belief, the right to participate in public life empowers citizens. Losing the freedom to dissent is opening the door to tyranny. Related: Trump tariffs are reshaping old alliances as the global south plots its own path Sanchez is also one of the front-rank politicians trying to build alliances to stand up to Trump, convening on Wednesday with Lula and Chiles Gabriel Boric an alliance entitled In Defence of Democracy focusing on issues such as reinforcing multilateralism, the rule of law, and cooperation against extremism and the algorithms that weaken social cohesion. But these global alliances are still in their infancy and ill-coordinated. The greater danger is that each nation-state, driven by internal politics and assessments of their economic strength, will make their own decisions on how to combat, or bow, to American power. In making that decision, each country will know the strength of Trumps shakedown diplomacy. By mixing trade, security, or immigration into one negotiation, Trump maximises his leverage and however much he is reviled, it is a brave country that resists. Ryan Walters speaks to members of the state board of education in Oklahoma City on 24 August 2023. Photograph: Daniel Shular/Tulsa World via AP The state superintendent in Oklahoma announced plans to put Turning Point USA chapters in every high school in the state, saying it would counter radical leftist teachers unions and their woke indoctrination. After far-right activist Charlie Kirk was killed on a college campus earlier this month, requests to start chapters of his conservative youth group, Turning Point, at colleges and high schools have surged, the organization has said. Oklahoma is the first state where the government is getting involved to promote starting these chapters. In a press release on Tuesday, Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma superintendent, detailed how students could start a chapter of Club America, the organizations high school program, by gathering at least three students from the same school and completing a charter agreement. Then, Turning Point will help the club get a teacher sponsor and official recognition, and send materials such as an activism kit. Related: The US right claimed free speech was sacred until the Charlie Kirk killing We will be putting TPUSA on every high school campus in Oklahoma, Walter said in the press release. Charlie Kirk inspired a generation to love America, to speak boldly, and to never shy away from debate. Our kids must get involved and active. We will fight back against the liberal propaganda, pushed by the radical left, and the teachers unions. Our fight starts now. In a video posted on X, Walters railed further against the radical leftists who dominate classrooms and push woke indoctrination. They fight parents rights, they push parents out of the classroom and they lie to our kids about American history, he said. The Turning Point chapters would allow kids to participate in dialogue about American greatness, a dialogue around American values. When asked by a local reporter what would happen in a school that said it wouldnt open a chapter of the group, Walters said he would go after the schools accreditation. They would be in danger of not being a school district if they decided to reject a club that is here to promote civic engagement, he said. Everything would be on the table in that scenario. Nadine Gallagher, a teacher in Oklahoma, told local news station KOCO that if students wanted to start a club, shes all for it. But, she said, I dont like forced anything. Andrew Kolvet, the spokesman for Turning Point USA, said the group has received a massive surge of inquiries to start new chapters, particularly after Sundays memorial for Kirk. We are now at over 120,000 inquiries. Even accounting for attrition and duplicates, we are on the cusp of having a TPUSA or Club America chapter in every HS and College campus in America, Kolvet wrote on X. Turning Point chapters organize around conservative principles, and the organizations activism kits promote issues ranging from voter registration, free speech and gun access, to kits entitled Make America Healthy Again, according to USA Today. Other projects of Turning Point include a professor watchlist and school board watchlist that identifies people who have leftwing views. Turning Point chapters on college campuses also host conservative speakers. Kirk often went on college speaking tours to debate students and advanced views in person and on his podcast that were at times racist, sexist or otherwise derogatory, including that there was a great replacement strategy underway via immigration, that Islam is a a threat to America and that in urban America, prowling Blacks go around for fun to go target white people. Walters has come under fire for repeated instances of pushing religion and rightwing politics in Oklahoma schools. He has sought to require schools in the state to show a video of him praying. He pushed to create the countrys first Catholic public charter school, which the US supreme court ruled against in May. He bought Donald Trump-branded Bibles that he wants to put in classrooms. He has installed prominent rightwing figures such as the activist behind the anti-LGBTQ+ group Libs of TikTok and the leader of the Heritage Foundation on state education committees. He has also said that he wants to require teachers coming to teach in Oklahoma from liberal states to complete an America First certification. He pushed to include 2020 election fraud conspiracies in the states high school social studies curriculum. Walters also put out a press release on 17 September claiming that teachers who made derogatory comments about Kirk after his death would be fired. Walters said his office had received 224 reports of defamatory comments about Kirk by school staff, 30 reports of not observing a moment of silence and three reports of schools that refused to lower their flags for Kirk. The department identified 70 certified teachers who have made statements regarding Charlie Kirks murder. Any teacher posting defamatory and egregious comments will NOT be teaching in Oklahoma classrooms and any school that refused to participate in a moment of silence and/or lower their flags for Charlie Kirk is currently under investigation, the press release said. Oklahoma ranks among the lowest states in public education quality, with one recent survey putting the state at 50th place. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday he believes that US President Donald Trump could help change Chinese leader Xi Jinpings stance on Russias war in Ukraine. I think that President Trump can change the attitude of Xi Jinping to this war, because China, we dont feel that China wants to finish this war, Zelenskyy told Fox News Special Report after meeting Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The US has highlighted China and India as contributors to the Russia-Ukraine war due to their ongoing purchases of oil from Moscow. Zelenskyy told the UN security council that China could pressure Russia to end the war in his country. China is not a party to the conflict, but Kyiv has long complained that Beijing has supplied items to Moscow that can be used in its war against Ukraine, and continues to purchase Russian energy. If China truly wanted this war to stop, it could compel Moscow to end the invasion. Without China, Putins Russia is nothing. Donald Trump has said he believes Ukraine can regain all the land that it has lost since the 2022 Russian invasion in one of the strongest statements of support he has given Kyiv. The US president delivered his upbeat assessment by claiming Russia was in big economic trouble in a post on Truth Social after meeting the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in New York. Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia, Trump said on Truth Social, adding that Putin and Russia were in big economic trouble. Zelenskyy welcomed Trumps big shift on Russia. Russia is launching long-range drones into the airspace of Nato countries to probe the military alliances air defences and search for weak points, Zelenskyy said Tuesday. He will try to find weak places in Europe, in Nato countries, he will try to do it, Zelensky said at a press conference at the United Nations. Russian authorities have subjected civilian detainees in Ukrainian areas it occupies to widespread and systematic torture, including sexual violence, the United Nations said Tuesday. A UN rights office report concluded that Russia has subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees to consistent patterns of serious violations of international law since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Eleven new banking hubs have been recommended by cash access network Link after Lloyds Banking Group announced a further 49 bank branches will close. A banking hub is similar to a traditional bank branch, but the space is shared by multiple banks. Hubs have a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions. There are also private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. Banks work on a rotating basis, so staff from different providers are available on different days. Link has recommended 244 hubs so far. The Government has committed to delivering 350 banking hubs over the course of this Parliament. The hubs will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. To date, 186 banking hubs are up and running. Since 2022, Link has assessed 2,209 bank branch closures, and continues to receive community requests for better cash access. Retail banks have been shutting branches at a fast pace in recent years amid the shift towards online banking. John Howells, chief executive of Link, said: Banking hubs continue to provide a key service on the high street and were delighted to announce these new locations. Millions still rely on cash day in, day out, and were committed to keeping cash on the high street. The 11 new locations across the UK earmarked for a banking hub are: Buxton, Derbyshire Camborne, Cornwall Chepstow, Monmouthshire Deal, Kent Gorseinon, Swansea Grangemouth, Falkirk Harborne, West Midlands Hawick, Roxburghshire Ryde, Isle of Wight Stamford, Lincolnshire Totton, Hampshire U.S. Lumber Market's Severe Weakness Caused by Escalating Canadian Unfair Trade Practices WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. softwood lumber market continues to be deeply suppressed by Canada oversupplying the U.S. market through massive Canadian subsidies and the Canadian industry's egregious dumping practices. The Canadian government continues to prop up its industry's excess capacity and production by announcing more than one billion dollars in new subsidies. "President Trump is absolutely right that Canada must not be allowed to continue to abuse the U.S. market and harm our producers, workers, and communities. This is exactly why he ordered the Section 232 investigation of the wood products industry," stated Andrew Miller, Chair and Owner of Stimson Lumber Company. A carefully targeted Section 232 tariff designed to dismantle Canada's unneeded and disruptive softwood lumber capacity would foster more growth of the U.S. lumber industry and production to create a long-term stable domestic supply of lumber to build U.S. homes. "Until the United States takes aggressive steps to address Canada's excess lumber capacity and production that is being dumped into the U.S. market, we will continue to see damaging fluctuations in the U.S. lumber market," continued Miller. "We applaud President Trump's commitment to enforcing U.S. trade laws," said Miller, "but Canada's new multi-billion-dollar aid packages for its lumber industry are specifically aimed at undermining the President's trade law enforcement actions," added Miller. As a result of the government aid, the Canadian lumber industry is maintaining its massive lumber overcapacity and over-production and continues to use the U.S. market as its dumping ground at the direct expense of American workers, companies, and communities. "We strongly urge President Trump to put an end to Canada's abuse of our market through a strong and decisive Section 232 tariff aimed at dismantling Canada's disruptive and harmful excess lumber capacity," stated Miller. "Our industry needs to be able to continue to grow to supply our own market. But we cannot grow until Canada's industry is stopped from offloading its massive excess lumber capacity in the United States at dumped prices," stated Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the U.S. Lumber Coalition. "Strong antidumping and countervailing duty trade law enforcement, coupled with an effective Section 232 tariff measure will get the job done, and support U.S. industry growth to build U.S. homes with lumber milled by U.S. workers," concluded van Heyningen. About the U.S. Lumber Coalition The U.S. Lumber Coalition is an alliance of large and small softwood lumber producers from around the country, joined by their employees and woodland owners, working to address Canada's unfair lumber trade practices. Our goal is to serve as the voice of the American lumber community and effectively address Canada's unfair softwood lumber trade practices. The Coalition supports the full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws to allow the U.S. industry to invest and grow to its natural size without being impaired by unfairly traded imports. Continued full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws will strengthen domestic supply lines by maximizing long-term domestic production and lumber availability produced by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at www.uslumbercoalition.org. CONTACT: Zoltan van Heyningen [email protected] | 202-805-9133 SOURCE U.S. Lumber Coalition Weve spent years contributing to Britain but if Reforms plans come into place we will leave A couple who have made Britain their home have said that if Reform UKs new migrant plans came into place they would have no choice but to leave the country. Kushal Sureka, 35, and his wife Preety Jalan, 34, moved from India to the UK in January 2020 on skilled work visas to continue their careers as chartered accountants. They both received indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in January after five years of living, working and building a life in Farnborough, Hampshire, where their son was born earlier this year. However, the couple say Reform UKs latest pledges have left them feeling unwelcome and uncertain about their future in the country they call home. We are not claimants. We are givers investors in this countrys prosperity, its institutions, and its future, Mr Sureka said. We are not claimants. We are givers investors in this countrys prosperity, its institutions, and its future (Supplied) And yet, instead of being recognised as law-abiding, high-value contributors who respect British society, we now find ourselves facing fear and uncertainty because of the rhetoric Reform are spreading. Reforms divisive language does not address the UKs real challenges it merely sows resentment, creating a climate where families like mine feel unsafe when sending our children to school or simply walking through town. What exactly have we done to deserve this? We are working, contributing, raising the next generation of British citizens, and paying in far more than we will ever take out. On Monday, Reform UK unveiled a pledge which would see tens of thousands of people who have legally settled in Britain at risk of deportation. Nigel Farage said the current option of ILR open to those who have lived and worked in Britain for five years has betrayed democracy and vowed to abolish it (Getty) Nigel Farage said the current option of ILR open to those who have lived and worked in Britain for five years has betrayed democracy and vowed to abolish it. Mr Sureka and Ms Jalan are concerned that if the plan came into place, they would be facing a never-ending cycle of insecurity, relying on employers to sponsor costly work visas indefinitely. Together, they say they pay over 100,000 in taxes each year, have spent tens of thousands of pounds on visa costs with no help from public funds, volunteer alongside their jobs and channel their earnings back into the UK economy through investments. If they were deported, they are unsure what would happen to their investments in the UK, such as their home and pensions. Their four-month-old son is also a British citizen, so would need to apply for a visa elsewhere if they were to move. Sureka and Jalan are concerned that if the plan to force legal migrants to reapply for visas every five years came into place, they would be facing a never-ending cycle of insecurity (Supplied) If this plan was absolutely coming into place, we will move, Mr Sureka said. We feel like we dont belong, but as a family need stability. Other countries can give us that stability, but here it would be uncertain. Leave aside our emotional attachments in friends, neighbours and colleagues, we have made financial investments too, so what would happen to them? Mr Farages plans were condemned by migration charities and think tanks, as well as the care industry, which warned of crippling labour shortages. If the couple were deported, they are unsure what would happen to their investments in the UK such as their home and pensions (Supplied) Josephine Whitaker-Yilmaz, head of advocacy at charity Praxis, warned the proposals would tank our already-struggling economy, by disrupting the lives of millions of people whove been living and working legally in the UK for many years. Mr Sureka said: Instead of welcoming people who strengthen the economy and social fabric, Reform choose to weaponise immigration as a tool of division. This is not leadership. This is not patriotism. It is the politics of fearand it undermines the very values of fairness, decency, and community that Britain should stand for. Families like mine should not have to live under a shadow of suspicion or hostility. We deserve safety, dignity, and respect. Britain deserves solutions to its real problems, not scapegoating of the very people who are helping it thrive. School says plaintiffs are attempting to resuscitate allegations that have been thoroughly investigated. Photograph: Chon Kit Leong/Alamy A 2024 lawsuit filed by two former Los Angeles Film School executives against the prominent for-profit university has been unsealed, detailing allegations of student loan fraud, lies to the Department of Education and mass deception against students about post-graduation employment prospects. Originally reported by Variety, the lawsuit was filed by Ben Chaib, the former vice-president of admissions, and Dave Phillips, the former vice-president of career development. The school, founded in 1999, touts its ties with industry leaders and offers a spread of online and on-campus degrees including animation, audio production, film production and digital filmmaking. Tuition and fees for domestic students range from $46,260 for an associate of science in audio production degree to $87,275 for a bachelors in film production. According to Variety, the lawsuit includes allegations that the school ties financial rewards for employees to student recruitment, arranging for thousands of fake job placements for school graduates by paying a music company almost $1m to hire Los Angeles Film School graduates for two-day jobs. The lawsuit alleges fraud by the film school when it comes to a key accreditation metric at least 70% of their students being able to find a job in their field post-graduation and that the university estimated the actual rate to be closer to 20%. Related: Trump administration must restore $500m in funding to UCLA, judge rules Chaib and Phillips both received settlements from the school after their 12-plus-year stints concluded, Variety reported. The Los Angeles Film School has labeled the current lawsuit as a campaign to extract additional money and said that the plaintiffs were attempting to resuscitate allegations that had already been thoroughly investigated. The US justice department initially declined to be involved in the suit, which led to the documents unsealing. If successful, the lawsuit would claw back any financial aid fraudulently given to the university by the federal government. Phillips and Chaib could be eligible for 25%-30% of such an amount. The Los Angeles Film Schools five-year accreditation was most recently renewed by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges in 2023. Vladimir Putin is expanding his war into Europe and no country should feel safe from the Russian threat, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an impassioned speech to the UN General Assembly. The Ukrainian leader made a plea for countries worldwide to band together and called on the UN to help bring a halt to the most destructive arms race in human history, as he took to the stage one day after Donald Trumps hour-long speech on Tuesday. Putin will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper, Mr Zelensky said. We told you before: Ukraine is only the first. Now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it, and no one can feel safe right now. Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at UN General Assembly (AP) Nato countries have rallied together against repeated Russian incursions into European airspace recently. Earlier this month, around 20 drones entered Polish airspace; last week, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian territory, where they remained for 12 minutes; and there were several other smaller-scale incursions, including into Romania. An increasingly disillusioned US president said on Tuesday that Nato member countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace. He later made surprise social media comments in a dramatic shift in tone on the Ukraine war, stating that Kyiv could push Russian forces back to the original Borders from where this War started. But Mr Zelenskys speech on Wednesday cut a graver tone than Trumps Truth Social comments. The Ukrainian president sought to put the onus for stopping the spread of chaos on the international community. He warned that without supporting Ukraine militarily and cutting Russia off economically, Putins aggression could lead to a devastating arms race. We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history, Mr Zelensky told delegates, stating that AI-controlled drones will be the next major breakthrough to be used in real combat. Weapons move fast. Now companies are already working on drones that can shoot down other drones, and it's only a matter of time before drones are fighting drones, attacking critical infrastructure, and targeting people all by themselves, fully autonomous and with no human involved, except the few who control AI systems. The Ukrainian air defence shoots down a Russian drone above Kyiv during an overnight mass drone and missile strike (AFP/Getty) Mr Zelensky called for global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons, adding that this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Every year that this war goes on, weapons become even more deadly. And only Russia deserves to be blamed for this, he added. Ukraine has decided to begin exporting its weapons to allies, Mr Zelensky added, promising that they dont need to start this race from scratch. "We are ready to make our modern weapons become your modern security. We have decided to open up arms export. And these are powerful systems tested in a real war when every international institution failed," he said. The Kremlin, meanwhile, earlier lashed out at a deeply mistaken Trump following his scathing social media comments, in which he also described Russias war as aimless. The presidents of Ukraine and the US meet during the UN General Assembly in New York (AP) As far as we understand, President Trumps statements were made after communicating with Zelensky and, apparently, under the influence of a vision set out by Zelensky, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This vision contrasts sharply with our understanding of the current state of affairs. The fact that Ukraine is being encouraged in every possible way to continue hostilities and the argument that Ukraine can win something back is, in our view, a mistaken argument ... The dynamics on the front lines speak for themselves. Bristling at Mr Trumps description of the Russian military as a paper tiger, Peskov responded: Russia isnt a tiger, its more associated with a bear. There are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear. Peskov said Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio later on Wednesday, where he will provide real information about the state of the front line in Ukraine. Credit: ITV News Foreign criminals are being offered up to 2,000 to agree to be deported back to their home countries. Nearly 50 foreign national offenders were filmed by ITV News being taken from immigration removal centres on Tuesday to be flown back to Romania, where they were each given bank cards pre-loaded with up to 2,000. As many as six staff accompanied every passenger up the stairs to the plane to prevent them from attempting to flee, while other criminals had to be put in restraints to stop them from lashing out. It was the first time journalists had been allowed onboard a deportation flight for foreign criminals. The facilitated return scheme was designed to encourage offenders to agree to their early removal from the UK before completing their prison sentences, saving up to 54,000 a year that would otherwise be spent on housing them in jail. Foreign criminals can also be removed after serving as little as 30 per cent of the custodial part of their sentence, rather than 50 per cent, under changes to the law made by Shabana Mahmood that came into force on Tuesday. The Home Secretarys move could pave the way for a sex offender, who was being housed as an asylum seeker in Epping, to be returned to Ethiopia within weeks if ministers can overcome diplomatic hurdles. Nearly 50 foreign offenders were given up to 2,000 while on board a deportation flight to Romania - ITV New legislation currently before Parliament will also give ministers powers to deport many foreign offenders as soon as they are sentenced. There are nearly 11,000 foreign offenders in jails in England and Wales, more than one eight of the total and costing the taxpayer nearly 600m a year. Ms Mahmood, who introduced the changes on early prison removal during her time as the justice secretary, said of the payments that out of context, its not great, it doesnt look good. But she added: A voluntary removal is actually cheaper for the British taxpayer. It has long been the case that we do offer financial packages as an incentive to people to drop their claims and drop the attempts they make to stay in our country, and to board a flight and leave. The ITV film began in a deportation centre near Heathrow, where a journalist began questioning some of the migrants. He asked one: Do you want to go home? No, the migrant replied. Ive been living here 10 years. The journalist asked a second man what crime he had committed, but he refused to say. Several deportation flights leave Britain every week heading to a variety of countries, with 5,000 foreign offenders sent home last year. Each foreign criminal is entitled to up to 2,000 under the Facilitated Return Scheme, encouraging and aiding their resettlement in their home countries. They are told to withdraw the cash on landing. Under the scheme, foreign criminals are offered 1,500 if they apply to be deported while in jail. Qualifying family members would also be offered 1,500. Those who apply after completing their prison term or have non-custodial convictions can get 750. There is a discretionary extra 500 offered for those with vulnerabilities, which include mental disorders, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, age, destitution, homelessness or serious illness. Official guidance states: This list is not exhaustive, and the merits of each application will be judged on a case-by-case basis. The number of deportations will act as a deterrent to other illegal migrants, Shabana Mahmood has said - ITV Certain types of offenders can be excluded from the offers if it could undermine public confidence and bring the scheme into disrepute, says the Home Office guidance. These include offenders involved in a high-profile or notorious crime and those who have committed a crime of particular concern to the public such as murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual offences against children under 16, terrorism or human trafficking. The foreign criminals in the ITV News report had all initially arrived in the UK legally but then committed crimes and served custodial prison sentences meaning they breached their visa conditions and would be deported. Their crimes included theft, sexual offences and murder. Some 100 security escorts and seven buses were required to transport them from the removal centre to get them on the flight to Romania. For every two foreign criminals, there were three private contractor escorts. The more disruptive required half a dozen staff and were placed in individual vans for transport to the airport. While on board the flight, the foreign criminals were handed cash cards, containing up to 2,000. Passengers from the flight board a bus after landing in Romania. Those on board the plane were paid to leave Britain - ITV Referring to deportations under the one-in, one-out scheme, Ms Mahmood said: I will be ramping up the numbers and I hope to say more about that in the weeks to come. She continued: You start with a small first step and then you ramp up, which is exactly what were going to be doing. We have a clear agreement with the French, we will want to see those numbers increase ... Im not going to get ahead of operational decisions. I want us to get to a point where the numbers that are being removed are acting as a deterrent and stop people getting on the boats in the first place. We have proved it can work, weve got flights off the ground, more are going this week, and we will be looking to ramp up the numbers. She added secure borders would improve race relations in the UK. She said: If we have got control of our borders I think that creates the space for fundamental, decent, British people to be welcoming of those who come to our country and to contribute. I think that having a secure border is necessary for maintaining what is actually very positive race relations in our country. I am also worried about the rise of the far-Right, Im very worried about some of the rhetoric, I think it is getting out of control and I worry about where that may lead. As politicians we should hold the line on what is patriotism and what is nationalism, there is a line there I know where it is. Around 34,000 people were returned from the UK in 2024 the most since 2017, and 25 per cent more than in 2023. A Home Office spokesman said: We understand that the public does not want to see financial handouts to individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK. However, the reality is that offering incentives for voluntary departure is significantly more cost-effective than detaining individuals or them remaining in the UK while they pursue lengthy legal challenges against removal. This approach has been in place in the UK since 2006, and it is one adopted by governments around the world due to its practicality and efficiency. Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, was the first woman in space in 1963. Photograph: Sovfoto/UIG/Getty Images The role of women in history goes far beyond Elizabeth I or Anne Boleyn, according to a campaign that seeks to add more female lives and achievements to the curriculum taught in Englands schools. Research by the group End Sexism in Schools found that women were largely absent from history taught in key stage 3, the first three years of secondary education in England. Monarchs were among only a handful of women mentioned by name alongside the suffragettes Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Davison. Freedom of information requests on lesson content sent to secondary schools found that 59% of history lessons at key stage 3 did not mention women at all, while only 12% focused on women and 29% mentioned women within other topics. Related: Cambridge college unmasks alumnae who were Bletchley Park codebreakers Even when women were mentioned, the report found they were more often victims than protagonists, with the women murdered by Jack the Ripper more likely to be taught in lessons than the female code breakers at Bletchley Park during the second world war. The group argues that highlighting the overlooked or ignored women of history such as Johanna Ferrour, a leader of the 1381 Peasants revolt would help tackle misogyny in the classroom. Debbie Brazil, founder of End Sexism in Schools, said: It is crucial that students understand that women in history is not a separate topic womens lives are part of history. A representative curriculum is not optional enrichment but a matter of historical accuracy and a fair education. Without it, we are not just ignoring half of the population, we are teaching a false version of the past. As a result, girls cannot relate to what they are taught about the past, boys miss opportunities to develop empathy and positive role models and society inherits a distorted historical narrative that plays into the epidemic of misogyny that blights the lives of young people. Kate Mosse, a bestselling author and co-founder of the Womens prize for fiction, said: We need to put all the women and girls whose achievements have gone unrecorded back into the history books and into our classrooms. Women and men built the world together, and its essential that this is reflected in the history curriculum. We cant sideline the achievements of half the population. The group highlighted gaping holes within the curriculum, with mentions of women concentrated around the Tudor era and the 19th century leading up to female suffrage. Related: Books by female authors studied by just 2% of GCSE pupils, finds study The group wants the Department for Education to amend the national curriculum so that the role of women is taught as part of core topics and for it to work with examination boards to increase the number of named women across all historical periods. Elizabeth I and Mary I are the only women named in the national curriculum, while in 2023 women appeared in just 6% of GCSE and A-level history exam questions. The report concluded: Examination boards should increase the number of women who are the main focus of assessment questions and mark schemes. Questions should be written in inclusive language ruler rather than king and mark schemes should explicitly reward balanced discussion of mens and womens contributions. Primary sources by women and historical ideas developed by women should feature prominently. Women of influence Matilda of Flanders: the wife of William the Conqueror, Matilda was a formidable figure in her own right even before she defied a papal ban and married William. With royal bloodlines tracing back to Charlemagne, Matilda commissioned a flagship for William from her own funds before the invasion in 1066, and played a key role as duchess of Normandy during his long absence before being crowned queen of England in 1068. Valentina Tereshkova: the first woman to go into space, Tereshkova was a Soviet cosmonaut and pioneer in more ways than one. More than 60 years after her mission in 1963, she remains the only woman to have conducted a solo space flight. A textile worker, Tereshkova was a keen amateur skydiver, which led to her recruitment to the Soviet Unions Vostok space flight programme. After signing up for training in February 1962, Tereshkova was orbiting the Earth 18 months later at the age of 26. Johanna Ferrour: while Wat Tyler is the best known leader of the Peasants revolt of 1381, Ferrour was recognised as chief perpetrator and leader of rebellious evildoers from Kent. Ferrour was the head of a mob that plundered and destroyed the Duke of Lancasters Savoy palace. Ferrour and her gang also besieged the Tower of London and she was later accused of ordering the beheading of the archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury. After the revolt Ferrour was charged over Sudburys killing and other crimes but her fate is unknown. NEED TO KNOW Three people were shot at a field office in Dallas and one of them has died, Dallas police said Police say the shooter opened fire from an adjacent building The shooter is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound One person was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at an ICE field office in Dallas after a gunman opened fire from an adjacent building on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 24, law enforcement officials said. The suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said at a news conference about four hours after the shooting. The city's police chief, Daniel Comeaux, said that at about 6:40 a.m. local time, police received an assist the officer call. When they arrived at the scene, four people were shot and two of them were deceased, including the shooter, Comeaux said. Joseph Rothrock, the head of the FBI field office in Dallas, said rounds found near the shooter contained messages that "are anti-ICE in nature." He said the FBI was investigating the shooting as an act of targeted violence. "While we're not releasing identities of any victims at this time, what I can confirm for you is no members of law enforcement were hurt during this attack," Rothrock said. Authorities declined to answer questions about the victims. KABB FOX San Antonio/YouTube ICE facility shooting Earlier Wednesday, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of homeland security, told Fox News that detainees were among the victims. McLaughlin said that this particular building had received a "viable" bomb threat a month ago. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who attended the news conference was asked about the identities of the victims. "My understanding is the details of who the victims are are still being ascertained, so I don't want to go ahead of law enforcement releasing these details," Cruz said. "What they have said is that no law enforcement was injured, and so that's a natural inference, but I don't know the details." He went on to call for an end to rhetoric demonizing law enforcement, including those who conduct immigration operations. "This needs to stop. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong, Cruz said. We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen to commit evil crimes." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X that the shooter was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Read the original article on People Yuliana Andrea Agudelo, mother of miner Sebastian Agudelo, reacts upon hearing that her son was rescued from a gold mine that had collapsed trapping over 20 miners, in Segovia, Colombia, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga) BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Twenty-three workers were rescued Wednesday after spending 43 hours trapped in a collapsed underground gold mine in northern Colombia. The miners were met with applause as they emerged from the La Reliquia mine, located in the Antioquia department. Colombia's National Mining Agency reported that the main entrance to the mine had collapsed on Monday due to a geomechanical failure. A video released by the ANM shows the first rescued miners walking out under their own power, using a rope to climb the steep entrance to the shaft. Their health status was not immediately disclosed. The miners families had been waiting for hours and celebrated their rescue with tears and applause. The mine is on land belonging to Canada's Aris Mining Corp. but is operated by a local mining cooperative. Aris Mining said earlier that it had provided the trapped workers with food, water and ventilation during the rescue efforts. The mine has about 60 employees and accounts for a small portion of the companys total gold production in the area. Aris runs two mining concessions in Colombia, which last year produced about 6.6 tons of gold. Colombias gold production climbed to 67 tons per year in 2024, supported by high prices for the precious metal. A report published in 2023 by Colombias Human Rights Ombudsman said that more than 80% of Colombias gold is mined by informal operators with no licenses, including artisanal miners but also members of rebel groups. The precarious conditions at some gold mines in Colombia have led to fatal accidents. On Saturday the bodies of seven miners were found at an illegal mine in Cauca province. Rescue teams took nine days to reach the trapped workers. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america A suspect is in police custody after multiple students were stabbed during a fight at a Pittsburgh public high school on Wednesday morning, Sept. 24. About 8:30 a.m. local time, Pittsburgh police, fire and EMS responded to Carrick High School for an altercation that resulted in three students suffering stab wounds and one suspect taken into custody, the Pittsburgh Police Department told USA TODAY. The school is in a neighborhood about 5 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. According to police, one student was transported to the hospital in critical condition, one student was transported in stable condition, and a third student received a minor laceration and was not transported. Officials said the two students taken to a hospital were being treated for stab wounds to the abdomen. 4 babies found dead, hidden in home: Their mother is now charged with murder. Suspect in Pittsburgh school stabbing detained Additionally, a male was detained for questioning. According to police, that individual suffered a cut to his hand during the incident and was treated at the scene before being taken into custody. His age was not released, and police did not say whether he was a student. According to a Pittsburgh Public Schools statement obtained by USA TODAY, a student used a "small knife" to injure three other students. Pittsburgh Police, Fire, and EMS are in the vicinity of Carrick High School for a critical incident. The school is currently on lockdown. A PIO is en route and updates will be provided as available. pic.twitter.com/yc5IETKJZx Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) September 24, 2025 All four teens involved are between the ages of 15 and 18, police said. A motive in the stabbing was not immediately known. Infant dies at daycare: Police ask parents to 'closely monitor' children after baby's death Lockdown lifted, Carrick High School 'safe' The school was placed into lockdown Wednesday morning, police said. The lockdown was lifted before noon ET, the district confirmed. "Pittsburgh Police have confirmed the scene at Pittsburgh Carrick High School has been cleared, and the building is safe," the statement continued. "Out of an abundance of caution, Pittsburgh Carrick High School will remain in 'secure' status for the remainder of the day." As of early Wednesday afternoon, police said there was "no ongoing threat at the school" and Pittsburgh police Major Crimes detectives were investigating the attack. We are deeply concerned for the students who were injured today, and our thoughts are with them and their families, Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters said. I am grateful to Carrick staff, School Police, PPS Crisis Response team, City of Pittsburgh Police, and first responders for their immediate and coordinated response to keep our school community safe. I especially want to acknowledge the Carrick staff who worked tirelessly to keep students calm in a situation that was anything but calm, and to our students who showed resilience and cooperated with staff as the day continued under difficult circumstances. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Students stabbed at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh Alamy Stock Photo Australian Federal Police vehicle NEED TO KNOW A 71-year-old man was arrested upon landing in Melbourne, Australia, after he allegedly touched a woman "inappropriately" during a flight from Los Angeles The alleged incident occurred on Monday, Sept. 22 He has been charged with one count of act of indecency without consent by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) A 71-year-old man in Australia has been charged after allegedly touching a woman "inappropriately" as she tried to sleep on a long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, authorities have said. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the man's case went to Broadmeadows Magistrates Court in Victoria after the incident allegedly occurred two days prior, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a media release. "The woman reported to airline crew during the flight that a man had allegedly touched her inappropriately and reached inside her clothes while she tried to sleep during a flight on 22 September, 2025," the release stated. Police continued, "Crew members moved the woman to a different seat for the remainder of the flight and alerted the AFP, who met the flight when it landed and interviewed the man, 71, and witnesses." Katharina13/Getty Melbourne Airport in Australia According to multiple Australian outlets, including The Sydney Morning Herald and news.com.au, the man has been identified as Mounir Botros. He appeared remotely in court on Wednesday via video link and was not required to speak during the proceedings, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Police said in their release, "The AFP arrested the man and charged him with one count of act of indecency without consent, contrary to section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT)." "The maximum penalty for this [offense] is seven years imprisonment," the release noted. Google Maps Broadmeadows Magistrates Court in Victoria, Australia Botros' lawyer, Sarah Condon, had previously attempted to suppress media reporting of her client, stating that the police release and applications by the media to access court documents had had a catastrophic [psychological] impact on him, The Sydney Herald reported. However, Condon later told the court she would no longer persist with the application. AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook insisted police take any allegation of inappropriate or criminal behavior on land or in the air extremely seriously. Every [traveler] on an aircraft should be able to feel safe from harm and should be confident that the AFP always takes action when we receive reports of alleged crime, Cook said, per the police release. As passenger numbers rise for the busy school holiday period, Id also like to remind passengers that being in the air does not alleviate the consequences of alleged illegal [behavior], the officer added. 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 case has been adjourned until Nov. 20 to allow the prosecution more time to compile the brief of evidence, per The Sydney Morning Herald. Botros' bail has also been extended ahead of his next court date, according to news.com.au. The AFP, Botros' lawyer, Sarah Condon, and Broadmeadows Magistrates Court did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People ATF, Chuck Grassley and Joe Biden A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) whistleblower and Army veteran claims working conditions at the government agency under former President Joe Biden were comparable to his time serving in Iraq, after he blew the lid off allegations of rampant misconduct within the bureau. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) detailed the alleged sustained retaliation campaign against whistleblower Afolabi Siwajuola in a letter to ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll and Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday, demanding that all those who participated in or directed the retaliation against the current agency employee be held accountable. Grassley called on the ATF to hold those who retaliated against the whistleblower accountable. Ron Sachs CNP for NY Post In 2021, Siwajuolas protected whistleblower disclosures to Grassleys office revealed claims that Biden-era ATF officials engaged in an illegal scheme to misclassify human resources and other administrative positions as law enforcement ones effectively making pencil pushers eligible for greater pay and benefits. Siwajuolas allegations of misconduct were substantiated by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and ATFs internal affairs division, with OPM estimating that the scheme cost taxpayers at least $20 million over a five-year period. But rather than being celebrated within the agency, Siwajuola was shunned, admonished and even threatened with physical harm by ATF officials, according to Grassleys letter. In June 2022, the FBI investigated allegations that an ATF special agent made threats against Mr. Siwajuola and another ATF whistleblower for disclosing the misclassification scheme. The ATF witness was told by an ATF special agent that Mr. Siwajuola had a mark on his back, according to the letter, which notes the witness believed the agent was speaking on behalf of other people desiring to conduct harm to Siwajuola. The FBI referred the matter to ATFs internal affairs division, which never reached out to Siwajuola to investigate the alleged threats, the whistleblower informed Grassleys office. The FBI investigated a claim that an ATF agent had threatened the whistleblower with harm. Christopher Sadowski Siwajuola told the senator he was retroactively promoted in name only after reaching a settlement with ATF leadership to resolve retaliation allegations and assigned to report to one of the ATF officials whom he alleged was directly involved in the misclassification scheme. The whistleblower claims Biden ATF Director Steven Dettelbach personally gave orders to find a legal justification to fire him in mid-2022 over his disclosures. A baseless and biased retaliatory internal affairs investigation was then opened against Siwajuola in 2023, according to the whistleblower, who denied he engaged in any misconduct. Siwajuola was demoted that year and his new boss required him to perform menial duties, he claims. Negative performance reviews followed, as well as isolation by his colleagues and management all part of the persistent retaliation against Siwajuola, Grassley wrote. The retaliation continues to this day, and the retaliation increased in severity since the settlement agreement, the senator informed ATFs current acting director and the attorney general. Another internal affairs probe was recently opened against Siwajuola for creating a hostile work environment, poor judgment, general misconduct, behavior unbecoming of a federal employee, and other allegations that he denies. The whistleblower had raised concerns during the Biden administration that ATF officials were improperly providing bureaucrats with law enforcement pay and benefits. Matthew Symons for NY Post Siwajuola told Grassley he was asked inappropriate questions about his National Origin and to uncover his political beliefs, during an Aug. 27 interview related to the probe. Mr. Siwajuola informed my staff that the investigator asked him where he was from, in which Mr. Siwajuola responded North Carolina but the investigator continued asking Mr. Siwajuola where he was really from as if he wasnt truly from the U.S. due to his name, Grassley wrote. Mr. Siwajuola also alleged the ATF IAD investigator asked whether he supports abolishing the ATF or believes that the ATF should be dismantled. The retaliation has taken a significant toll on the whistleblower and his family, and is comparable to conditions he faced in warzones while serving in the US Army, Siwajuola told Grassley. Mr. Siwajuola told my office that as a U.S. Army veteran, his experience working at the ATF after becoming a whistleblower during the Biden administration is on the same level, and some days worse than his experience serving in Baghdad, Iraq, the senator wrote. Mr. Siwajuola told my staff that when serving in Iraq he could trust that his Army squadmates and leadership would have his back, but Biden ATF leadership had instead put a target on his, the Iowa Republican added. Siwajuola, who was awarded the Office of Special Counsels 2023 Public Servant Award for his bravery in disclosing ATF misconduct, refuses to quit his job because he believes in moving the ATFs mission forward, ensuring the agency follows the law, and in good conscience he cant abandon his team. Grassleys letter also includes previously unreported allegations that under a Biden-era hiring surge, the ATF lowered qualifying standards for special agents and investigators and pressured ATF employees to approve certain applicants who failed to meet minimum requirements. Biden ATF management put pressure on Mr. Siwajuola and others to approve certain applicants, especially applicants with relationships with past or current ATF employees, Grassley claimed, citing the whistleblowers disclosures. Grassley requested that Driscoll, ATFs acting director, immediately put a stop to all retaliation against Mr. Siwajuola, place him in the position he wouldve been absent the retaliation, and fully and fairly investigate all of his whistleblower retaliation allegations and misconduct claims, including the alleged threats of harm made against him by ATF special agents. If the allegations are proven to be true, you must hold all those who participated in or directed the retaliation against Mr. Siwajuola and other ATF whistleblowers accountable, the senator demanded. The ATF did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment. TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Intent Exchange, Inc. ("Intent Exchange"), NEC Corporation ("NEC"), and NTT DATA Japan Corporation ("NTT DATA") today announced the pilot deployment of Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management ("UTM") system at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan ("the Expo"). The System is designed to provide unified monitoring of drone and advanced air mobility ("AAM") operations within and around the Expo site. The pilot operation will be conducted from August 16 to October 13, 2025, with the aim of validating usability from an operator's perspective and defining functional requirements for future UTM. Figure 1. Excerpt from USP Interface; Note: In this verification, no drones were flown during or immediately before and after the operation of AAM; only Remote ID signals were received and displayed. Background Drones and AAM are gaining attention as next-generation air mobility solutions. However, low-altitude airspace is already used by conventional aircraft, making safe and efficient traffic management essential. To address this, international efforts are underway to establish and standardize regulatory frameworks for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management ("UTM"). In Japan, the "Policy on Institutional Development for UTM"[1] has been set forth, alongside the government-operated Drone/UAS Information Platform System ("DIPS2.0") [2], and discussions are progressing to establish a certification framework for private UTM Service Providers ("USPs"). Intent Exchange, NEC, and NTT DATA are participating in the Realization of Advanced Air Mobility Project ("ReAMo Project")[3] promoted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization ("NEDO"), contributing to UTM technology development, testing, and policy recommendations. As drones and AAM will be operated at the Expo site, the three companies will jointly conduct a pilot deployment of the System as part of the ReAMo Project to enhance safe air operations. Overview of the Pilot Deployment At the Expo site, the following functions have been provided on a trial basis for the Drone Traffic Management Team, EXPO Vertiport operator (ORIX Corporation), and AAM operators such as SkyDrive Inc., and their operational feasibility will be evaluated. The Drone Traffic Management Team is comprised of General Incorporated Association Japan UAS Industrial Development Association ("JUIDA") and Blue innovation Co., Ltd. ("Blue innovation") [4]: Geofence Setting by Vertiport Operator A geofence is a virtual boundary within which drone flights are prohibited. Using Intent Exchange's USP, EXPO Vertiport operator can set geofences for their designated airspace. This enables drone operators to clearly identify no-fly zones. By comparing drone position data with these virtual boundaries, it is also possible to determine whether a drone is entering a geofenced area. Geocage Setting Based on Flight Plans A geocage is a designated airspace within which a drone is scheduled to operate. Geocages are defined using flight plans that drone operators file with DIPS2.0 or submit via Intent Exchange's USP. By comparing actual drone position data with these geocages, it becomes possible to detect any deviations from the planned flight path. Real-Time Drone Positioning via Remote ID Remote ID is a function and regulatory framework that enables drones to broadcast their identification and position data. In principle, all drones operating in Japan are required to be equipped with this transmission capability. At the Expo site, NEC will install Remote ID receivers to capture drone position data and share it with other USPs. This allows the Drone Traffic Management Team, EXPO Vertiport operator, and AAM operators accessing USP platforms to monitor drone flight positions in real time. Real-Time Positioning of Manned Aircraft ADS-B (Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast) signals transmitted by conventional aircraft and AAM will be received by low-altitude receivers developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ("JAXA"). ADS-B is a system that broadcasts an aircraft's position data. The acquired data will be relayed to NTT DATA's surveillance SDSP (Supplemental Data Service Provider). A surveillance SDSP is a service provider that collects aircraft position data from multiple sources and distributes it to operators who require it. Intent Exchange's USP will use high-altitude position data provided by the SDSP to detect approaching manned aircraft and display this to the Drone Traffic Management Team and drone operators, thereby enhancing the safe operation of drones. Detection and Notification of Geofence Incursions and Geocage Deviations The USP manages information on geofences and geocages for each operation and uses real-time drone position data obtained via Remote ID to detect any deviations from geocages or incursions into geofenced areas. When such events are identified, notifications are sentvia email or other meansto relevant stakeholders, including the Drone Traffic Management Team, EXPO Vertiport operator, and AAM operators. Future Outlook Through this pilot, Intent Exchange, NEC, and NTT DATA will validate the operational feasibility of the drone traffic management system. The findings will be compiled into proposed service requirements for USPs and fed back to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ("MLIT") as input for discussions on the requirements of the certified USP framework. According to the policy on the institutional development of the certified USP framework, UTM based on DIPS2.0 is positioned as Step 1, while UTM involving USPs is positioned as Step 2. At the initial stage of Step 2, required functions include the provision of manned aircraft position data, while the mid-to-late stage of Step 2 requires monitoring drone position and ensuring compliance between flight plans and actual operations. This pilot deployment corresponds to Step 2 functionality. Furthermore, the knowledge gained from this initiative will be utilized in JAXA's work on developing an integrated architecture for traffic management systems, enabling new forms of air mobility such as drones and AAM vehicles to safely and freely share the skies. References: Policy on Institutional Development for UTM (https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/kogatamujinki/kanminkyougi_dai19/sankou.pdf) Drone/UAS Information Platform System/DIPS2.0https://www.ossportal.dips.mlit.go.jp/portal/top/?lang=en Realization of Advanced Air Mobility ProjectReAMo Project (https://www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP2_100181.html) JUIDA and Blue Innovation to Support Safe Operation Management of All Drones Flying at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai (https://uas-japan.org/information/37451/) Media Contact Intent Exchange, Inc. Email: [email protected] NEC Corporation Smart City Business Development Department, Infrastructure DX Business Division Email: [email protected] NTT DATA Japan Corporation Mobility and Resilience Division, First Public Sector Email: [email protected] SOURCE Intent Exchange, Inc. Dr. Neil Anand LinkedIn/Neil Anand @neil-anand-0b3126239 A physician forced patients into taking unwanted Goody Bags of drugs to get prescriptions, flooding them with oxycodone and defrauding health care plans out of millions, federal prosecutors said. Neil K. Anand, M.D., 48, most recently of Bensalem, PA, but originally from Albany, NY, was convicted in April 2025 of conspiring to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, and the unlawful distribution of controlled substances. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Evidence at trial showed Anand and his conspirators required patients to accept medically unnecessary Goody Bags to receive prescriptions for controlled substances. The in-house pharmacies Anand owned then billed Medicare, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Independence Blue Cross, and Anthem more than $2.3 million for the unwanted medications, prosecutors said. To further the scheme, unlicensed medical interns wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank slips pre-signed by Anand. In total, he prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets to just nine patients, officials said. When he learned of the investigation, Anand attempted to hide about $1.2 million by transferring the proceeds into an account under his fathers name for the benefit of his minor daughter. In addition to the prison term, Anand was ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution and more than $2 million in forfeiture. Background According to his public professional profile, Anand is originally from Albany, New York, and studied medicine at Albany Medical College after earning a bachelors degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He later became a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Medical Corps, specializing in anesthesia at Walter Reed Army Hospital before being honorably discharged. He went on to work as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist at hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, claiming to have performed more than 700 heart and lung surgeries. Anand also listed himself as Chief of Anesthesiology at Ambulatory Endoscopic Surgery Center of Bucks County and Chief of Pain Management at the Institute of Advanced Medicine Surgery, while pursuing an MBA in Health Care Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the FBIs Philadelphia Field Office. Like many of you, I love fall-its the best time of the year, and I know Im not the only one who thinks that. From fall festivals and apple picking to leaf-peeping on scenic hiking trails while breathing in the fresh fall air, there is so much to enjoy during these months between the hot summer days and the upcoming freezing temperatures of winter. I dont know about you, but I love spending as much time outside during the season, and if youre searching for the same and want to view colorful fall foliage, theres an underrated Oklahoma park that will surprise you this fall when you visit. Boiling Springs State Park in Woodward is one of Oklahomas original seven state parks and is considered a hidden gem. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built this 820-acre park in northwest Oklahoma. It gets its name from the boiling hot spring that flows through its acreage. While this is a wonderful natural attraction, there are many other attributes that make a visit to Boiling Springs State Park worthwhile, especially in the fall. Kit Leong stock.adobe.com Considered an oasis on the plains, Boiling Springs offers an array of amenities for nearly every outdoor adventurers enjoyment. First, theres an interpretive center where you can learn about the park and view the springs from a wooden shelter. This should be your first stop during your visit. If you have kids with you, they can expend some of their energy at the playground. For a quiet lunch spot, sit at one of the parks 150 picnic tables surrounded by trees while watching wildlife and the fall leaves rustling in the breeze. If you enjoy fishing, you can enjoy a few peaceful hours casting a line in the 7-acre Shaul Lake fed by a spring. Aside from hiking, there are many wonderful activities to indulge in while basking in the parks fall glory. But if youre here to hike or bike, the trails at Boiling Springs have several easy trails where you can immerse yourself in the fall foliage glory. Make your way through the golden yellow cottonwoods and the yellow and gold hackberry, walnut, and elm trees. Gazing up at the treetops this time of year is a glorious experience! Kit Leong stock.adobe.com To enhance your visit to Boiling Springs State Park this fall, there are tent sites and RV sites (with 30 and/or 50-amp electric and water hookups) for a camping adventure among the fall foliage. For those who prefer more of a glamping experience, like me, the park has four cozy cabins. Three of them have a queen-sized bed, while the fourth has two twin beds. The cabins also have kitchenettes, linens, heat, air, and a fireplace, perfect for a chilly fall evening. Kit Leong stock.adobe.com Make an autumn escape to Boiling Springs State Park, an underrated Oklahoma park that may surprise you with its beauty and amenities. Have you visited this hidden gem yet? Another state park to consider visiting this fall is Greenleaf State Park, located in the small town of Braggs, Oklahoma. Plan your own trip to Oklahomas parks this fall with Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner. Florence County Sheriff's Office Suspect Alexander Lewis NEED TO KNOW A teaching assistant at a South Carolina high school has been arrested for using a fart spray in the building, causing students to be "physically sick" 32-year-old Alexander Lewis used the spray at West Florence High School, which resulted in "respiratory issues" for some students and a $55,000 bill to fix the air conditioning system of the building after the incident The Florence County Sheriff's Office confirmed they had arrested Lewis on charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property on Saturday, Sept. 20 A South Carolina teaching assistant has been arrested for allegedly releasing fart spray in the school building. Alexander Lewis, 32, allegedly used the stink spray multiple times at West Florence High School in Florence between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, creating a foul odor and causing respiratory issues for some students, Florence County Sheriffs Office (FSCO) said in a news release on Facebook. Investigators have arrested a Florence man alleged to have been responsible for creating a foul odor at a Florence High School, FCSO said. Lewis is alleged to have sprayed an internet-acquired spray designed to imitate fecal odor at the school on multiple occasions and over time, resulting in a disruption of the school. Authorities reported that children required medical attention for respiratory issues. The school also had to pay $55,000 in inspection and damage fees for their air conditioning system, as a result of the incident, per the release. Lewis was arrested on charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property with a value of over $10,000 on Saturday, Sept. 20. Google Maps West Florence High School in Florence, S.C. According to ABC 15 News, students reported smelling a strong gas-like odor throughout the school, which left them feeling nauseous, dizzy and suffering form headaches. Parents also reported their kids staying at home as a result of the effects of the spray. Every time I go to my second block class, I walk up the stairwell and immediately, teachers are covering their noses and their mouths, coughing because of the smell," one student told the outlet. "I got physically sick the other day because of the smell. I feel like I'm going to pass out because I get so lightheaded and so dizzy. My son says its been about three days now and its causing him to have headaches, a parent told ABC 15 News. Its concerning, especially when its affecting my childs health. Getty A high school classroom Lewis is being held at the Florence County Detention Center on a bond of $1,090. He will appear in court on Oct. 15, per ABC 15 News. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, authorities said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. PEOPLE has reached out to West Florence High School for comment. but did not immediately receive a response. Read the original article on People Camp Mystic announced plans to reopen one site of its summer camp a year after flash flooding killed 27 campers and counselors on Texas' Guadalupe River on the Fourth of July earlier this year. The summer camp made the announcement on Tuesday, saying it will be designing and building a memorial dedicated to the lives of the campers and counselors lost on July 4th. MORE: Visitor dies after becoming unresponsive on roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe We hope this space will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance of these beautiful girls, the camp's statement read. We continue to pray for the grieving families and all those who lost loved ones. The summer program officials said that Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, a sister site that opened in 2020, will be open in summer 2026, while Camp Mystic Guadalupe River will not be able to reopen by then due to the devastating damage sustained earlier this year. MORE: 29-year-old man attacked by bear in Yellowstone National Park We are working to implement new safety protocols and other changes that comply with the requirements of the recently passed camp safety legislation, the Heavens 27 Camp Safety Act, Camp Mystic said in their letter announcing the reopening. We will share more details as they become available in the coming weeks. Twenty-seven children and staff of Camp Mystic, an all-girls sleepaway camp located on the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, were killed by the floods in the middle of the night on July 4. some state leaders and environmental experts told ABC News in July that a number of the cabins were in known flood zones and close proximity to the river, according to officials and FEMA's flood maps. MORE: DEA arrests over 600 people in massive operation against the Sinaloa drug cartel Eli Hartman/AP - PHOTO: Texas Floods Camp Mystic MORE: 'Partially decomposed' body identified after discovery by man mowing lawn Texas rules and regulations about housing and construction and summer camps immediately came under scrutiny by environmentalists and urban planners. Though, in the case of Camp Mystic, which opened in 1926 and expanded throughout the years, many structures were built long before FEMA flood zones and other regulations were created and are likely to have approvals grandfathered in, Republican Texas Rep. Gary Gates, who chairs the state House's Land & Resource Management Committee, told ABC this summer. We continue to evaluate plans to rebuild Camp Mystic Guadalupe River, camp officials said. Our planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them. And, as at Camp Mystic Cypress Lake, our plans will comply with the requirements of the new camp safety. MORE: 30-year-old man drowns near family picnic area while attempting to swim across river The heart of Camp Mystic has never stopped beating, because you are Mystic. We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish, officials continued. As we work to finalize plans, we will do so in a way that is mindful of those we have lost. You are all part of the mission and the ministry of Camp Mystic. You mean the world to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back inside the green gates. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Culture Watch is a new series spotlighting the intersection of fashion and art, bringing you the latest must-see exhibitions, pop-ups, installations, and more. September is here once again, and the fall festivities are already underway. The Venice Film Festival and New York Fashion Week have wrapped, officially kicking off the spring/summer 2026 runway season. And with Fashion Month comes a flurry of launches, exhibitions, premieres, and more. As the industry descends on Paris, Louis Vuitton opens a new Art Deco exhibition in the 1st arrondissement. Louis Vuitton Opens Art Deco Exhibition Staged in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, Louis Vuitton revisits the Art Deco movement with an all-new exhibition in Paris. Louis Vuitton Art Deco revisits the houses pivotal involvement in the transformative aesthetic through an eight-room experience, highlighting heritage, travel, and core tenets of the now-antique style. The exhibition will be on view and open to the public starting September 26 at 6 Quai de la Megisserie. Courtesy of Louis Vuitton The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren to Open London Location The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren is officially coming to London. Since its initial opening in New York a decade ago, the restaurant has become an iconic experience, channeling the best of both hospitality and the warm charm of the American heritage brand. The London outpost will be located at 1 Hanover Square and is set to open in 2028. Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Giorgio Armani Celebrates 50 Years With Exhibition at the Pinacoteca di Brera In honor of Giorgio Armanis 50th anniversary, the Pinacoteca di Brera, located in the late designers own neighborhood, is hosting a dedicated exhibition to his lasting legacy. Iconic displays, featuring everything from the labels signature suits to complex embroideries, are nestled among the museums historic works, which span from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The solo show is on view now through Jan. 11, 2026. Courtesy of Giorgio Armani Gucci Unveils Demnas First Collection Demnas first Gucci collection is officially hereand it landed in Milan with a special twist. Though the designer will make his solo runway debut during the fall/winter 2026 season, the house forewent a show in favor of a cinematic presentation. A star-studded lineup of guestsincluding Gwyneth Paltrow and Lila Mossarrived at the Milan premiere dressed in the new pieces. A short film titled The Tiger, directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn and starring Demi Moore, Alex Consani, Kendall Jenner, Keke Palmer, Edward Norton, Elliot Page, and more, puts Demnas full cast of Gucci characters on display, setting the tone for a new era. Courtesy of Gucci JW Anderson Relaunches Soho Store in London JW Anderson is ushering in a new era, one defined by slow design and intentionally selected fine objects. In keeping with that ethos, the designer just celebrated the reopening of his Soho boutique in London with a special collaboration: Wedgwood, JWA, and the estate of the beloved British potter Lucie Rie have teamed up to release a limited-edition collection of Ries previously unproduced designs. The partnership is the first of its kind for the fashion designer, although he intends to build upon his brands curated object offerings. Courtesy of JW Anderson Apple Opens Three-Part Photography Exhibition Opening on September 17 in New York, London, and Shanghai, Apples new exhibition, Joy in 3 Parts, showcases original iPhone photography by Inez and Vinoodh, Mickalene Thomas, and Trunk Xu. For the project, Apple gave each artist early access to the new iPhone 17, allowing them to explore and highlight the cameras artistic capabilities. The exhibition will be open to the public in New York and Shanghai, while the London showing is invite-only. Inez and Vinoodh, Inez van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matadin Chanel Is Now an Exceptional Patron of the Paris Opera Beginning in 2027, Chanel will undertake renovations on all four sites of the Paris Opera: Palais Garnier, Opera Bastille, the Dance School in Nanterre, and the Ateliers Berthier. The program is part of the houses longstanding commitment to the Parisian arts, which began with its founder Gabrielle Chanel. Courtesy of Chanel Balmain Celebrates 80th Anniversary at Printemps New York Happy 80th, Balmain! The French luxury brand celebrated its birthday with an exhibition at Printemps in New York City. The installation touches on all major aspects of the houses DNA, including Monsieur Pierre Balmains inaugural 1945 collection, the signature logo first introduced in 1970, and the brands long history of dressing pop culture icons. The event was commemorated on September 4 with a cocktail party inside the FiDi department store. Diana Zapata/BFA.com Saint Laurent Productions to Debut New Claire Denis Film From the critically acclaimed director of Beau Travail, Claire Denis, comes her newest project, The Fence. Co-produced with Anthony Vaccarello and Saint Laurent Productions, the film examines a single night following a death on the construction site of a public works project in West Africa. The Fence is selected for the main slate of the 2025 New York Film Festival, which takes place from September 26 to October 16. Courtesy of Saint Laurent Productions The Color of Copper by Kwangho Lee Arrives at Collectible NYC 2025 Initially teased at Milan Design Week earlier this year, The Color of Copper (TCOC) rug series by Kwangho Lee is on full display at Collectible NYC 2025 from September 4 to September 7. The handmade collection is on view as a part of cc-tapis, a Milan-based contemporary rug maker and showroom. Courtesy of cc-tapis You Might Also Like Democratic House candidate Adelita Grijalva speaks to the media at a primary election-night party in South Tucson, Ariz., on July 15. (Rebecca Noble / Getty Images) Democrat Adelita Grijalva won Tuesday's special election for the Arizona congressional seat held by her late father, NBC News projects. Grijalva, a former Pima County supervisor and Tucson school board member, captured Arizonas 7th Congressional District, which includes Tucson, over Republican Daniel Butierez. She will serve out the remaining 15 months of Rep. Raul Grijalva's term after he died in March of complications during cancer treatment. See live results here Grijalva will fill one of three vacancies in the House, narrowing Republicans' majority to 219-214 as Congress faces some key upcoming moments, including a partisan staring contest over government spending and an effort by House Democrats to force a vote on the disclosure of more files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Grijalva will join the Congressional Progressive Caucus, she and caucus co-chair Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., said Friday an endorsement video. Grijalvas father, who served 11 terms in Congress, was a co-chair of the caucus from 2009 to 2019 and chaired the House Natural Resources Committee for four years. My dad left huge shoes to fill, but I stand on my own two feet, the younger Grijalva said in an interview with NBC News in July. In a July primary, Grijalva beat 25-year-old activist Deja Foxx and former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez. She accumulated endorsements from both of Arizona's Democratic senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as national progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Frost called her a "progressive champion" who is "fighting for working people, fighting to end gun violence, fighting for our environment and just fighting for all the people of [her] district." The endorsement from Frost, the youngest and first Gen Z member of Congress, came after age became an issue in the special Democratic primary. Foxx said in an interview with NBC News in July that she hoped to leverage her hundreds of thousands of social media followers and that the Democratic Party had "lost ground with young people." "We need to give young people real leadership," she said. Respectfully, Im not old, Grijalva said in an interview, adding later: Its frustrating to me how experience is being seen as a negative. At 54, Grijalva will be younger than more than half of her congressional colleagues. Grijalva added that Foxx's remarks were "making it appear as if I'm part of some establishment, when the national Democratic Party has not helped me in this race." Grijalva's victory gives Democrats another vote in the tightly divided House. And her win comes amid an effort spearheaded by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., to force a vote that would compel the Justice Department to release more of its files on the investigation into Epstein. The discharge petition, as the move is formally known, is just one signature shy of the 218 needed to force a floor vote on the issue. All 213 House Democrats and four Republicans have signed on, and Grijalva's victory could push the petition over the threshold. The special election also leaves just two more vacancies in the 435-member House. Texas' 18th Congressional District, a blue stronghold including Houston, will be on the ballot Nov. 4 after Rep. Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, died this year. Tennessee's 7th District, where Mark Green, a Republican, won by more than 20 points before he resigned in June to take a job in the private sector, also has a special primary scheduled for later this year. Theo Von in Las Vegas in 2024. (Chris Unger / Zuffa LLC via Getty Images file) Podcaster and comedian Theo Von urged the Department of Homeland Security to take down a viral video clip of him saying, Heard you got deported, dude, bye! Von, 45, whose This Past Weekend podcast is influential within the "manosphere" and popular with young men, shared the DHS video to his more than 1.6 million X followers on Tuesday. The video includes what appears to be footage of immigration authorities making an arrest and portions of President Donald Trump's address to the United Nations this week. Von slammed DHS's use of his snippet on X, writing: Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. "I know you know my address so send a check, Von added. And please take this down and please keep me out of your banger deportation videos," he said. "When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are a lot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye!" Shortly after an original form of this story was published, DHS took down the video. Von has had a friendly history with leading figures in the Trump administration, including the president. Trump appeared on Vons podcast during the height of the presidential campaign in August 2024, which Trump said was at the encouragement of his youngest son, Barron. In May, the White House brought Von on the presidents first official foreign trip to speak at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, prior to Trump addressing the troops. And in June, Vice President JD Vance appeared on Vons podcast for nearly an hour and a half. Although immigration is one of a handful credited for Trump's election, support for the president's handling of the issue has declined in recent months. The Trump administration has also been criticized for sharing similar videos, including one generated by AI showing a vision of Gaza that featured a shirtless Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sunbathing. On Monday, the Department of Homeland security posted a video on X showing immigration raids dubbed with the Pokemon television series' theme song "Gotta Catch Em All." The Pokemon Company International said in a statement they were aware of the "video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand." "Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property," the company said. When asked if they be taking legal action regarding the video, the company said: "We dont have anything to share at this time." People arrive on the red carpet before comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart receives the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor at The Kennedy Center By Juby Babu (Reuters) -Several investors in Walt Disney on Wednesday asked the media giant to share documents about its decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show last week for inspection. Kimmel returned to the air Tuesday night, six days after his remarks about the accused killer of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk provoked social media outrage and pressure from the Trump administration. In a letter to the company, lawyers for the American Federation of Teachers, U.S. labor federation AFL-CIO, and Reporters Without Borders requested Disney to turn over records related to Kimmel's suspension. The demand seeks to probe potential wrongdoing, mismanagement and fiduciary breaches by the Disney board and its leadership, according to the letter. "There is a credible basis to suspect that the board and executives may have breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and good faith by placing improper political or affiliate considerations above" Disney and its shareholders' best interests, the letter said. The shareholders are pushing for documents, including materials that estimate the potential impact of the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Disney's revenue and agreements with affiliate networks Nexstar and Sinclair, which refused to air the show. The groups' lawyers said they would sue for the records if Disney does not share the requested information within five business days. Disney did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. ABC, the television network owned by Disney, said some 6.26 million viewers watched Kimmel as he used a mixture of humor and humility to address the remarks he made on September 15 that sparked controversy. It was Kimmel's highest-rated episode in more than a decade, even though it did not air in about 23% of television households in the U.S. Nexstar and Sinclair both opted to keep the show off their combined 70 owned and operated ABC stations. Semafor had earlier reported on the letter to Disney. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona) Visit by US lawmakers expands dialogue 08:10, September 24, 2025 By ZHAO JIA ( China Daily Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with a US congressional delegation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] A series of high-level engagements in the past three days between Chinese leaders and US lawmakers from the House of Representatives have widely been described by analysts as a "positive start" aimed at rebuilding trust and expanding institutional dialogue across politics, economics and defense. The trip, led by US Representative Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, is the first delegation of House lawmakers to visit China since 2019. It also came just two days after a phone call between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which was described as pragmatic, positive and constructive, and during which the two heads of state sought a course out of a period of strained ties. The delegation met separately with Premier Li Qiang, top legislator Zhao Leji, Vice-Premier He Lifeng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun during their stay in Beijing. During their meeting on Tuesday, Zhao, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said the NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with the US Congress. Zhao said the NPC is ready to facilitate more interactions and visits to play a constructive role in promoting the development of bilateral ties. He welcomed more US lawmakers to visit and see China for themselves. Speaking at a news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Smith said the delegation's goal was to "open up the lines of communication". He underscored the global importance of the relationship: "Our relationship is going to be the most consequential relationship in terms of what the world is going to be like for decades to come." Acknowledging differences, Smith said disagreements were natural but required mechanisms to manage them. "Everybody has disagreements. You have to set up mechanisms for being able to talk about those disagreements, and resolve them the most reasonable way possible," he said. Analysts said the delegation's trip demonstrates that direct contact and dialogue between the US Congress and China are not something unimaginable, and the visit represents significant progress in stabilizing ties with far-reaching global implications. The trip has also raised global expectations for China and the US to step up strategic communication and provide greater certainty to the world, they added. Lyu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the visit is a "positive start", noting that institutionalized dialogue between legislatures serves the interests of both nations. "Broader engagement with various Chinese senior officials can help US lawmakers gain a more objective and comprehensive understanding of China, bring back the country's real voice to Washington, and add positive factors to the relationship while reducing negative ones," he added. Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said the delegation's visit, part of the overall improvement in China-US communication and exchange, once again "underscores the irreplaceable strategic leadership "of the two heads of state in guiding the development of China-US relations. A stable China-US relationship not only serves the fundamental interests of both countries but also meets the expectations of the international community, Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When the "Wuliangye Day" event opened in Osaka, western Japan recently, Chinese baijiu maker Wuliangye caught much attention of visitors to its splashy booth at China Pavilion of 2025 World Exposition. From 1915 to 2025, the veteran Chinese participant of World Expo, the global economic, sci-tech and cultural "Olympic", has seized a foothold on the platform along with the outgoing journey of Chinese brands. Stepping into its thematic exhibition hall, visitors were easy to spot a wall full of awards that attach importance to premium quality, intangible culture heritage, time-honored brand and popularity in China. At the center stand, classical and representative products such as the first to the eighth generation of Wuliangye liquor were showcased and on the theme day on September 16, its memorial gift box for Expo 2025 Osaka was sent to the China Pavilion operator for perpetual collection. As a high-end consumption market, Japan is a pivotal node for Wuliangye's globalization strategy and by leveraging its theme day event, the Chinese baijiu maker delves deeper into local dining scenarios. On September 16, an Osaka-located restaurant became formally the second authorized overseas restaurant of Wuliangye, bringing premium Chinese baijiu and food to daily life of Japanese consumers. Since a Tokyo-situated restaurant won its first overseas authorization in April, Wuliangye has sped global layout with a strategic determination. During September 13 to 23, theme day-related marketing activities were held in the authorized Japanese restaurants. Japanese consumers flocked to savor the Wuliangye-themed dishes and liquors in these restaurants. A Japanese youth lauded the customized dishes and said such cuisines combined artfully essence of Chinese and Japanese food, delightful to people's eyes and stomachs with pretty designs. Currently, Wuliangye, one of the pacesetters in Chinese baijiu's going-global journey, has exported products to dozens of countries and established Wuliangye dining restaurants in China's Hong Kong, Japan's Tokyo, and Singapore to build deeper bonds with overseas consumers. By partnering with Michelin Guide, Wuliangye promotes "harmonious dining time" overseas, serving global consumers with trendy and localized products such as low-alcohol liquors and cocktails containing baijiu to adapt to their preferences. In the future, Wuliangye will continue to leverage global platforms to embrace the world with its unique liquor-making culture and fine products. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/347665.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road Loyola Medicine Loyola Medicine NEED TO KNOW A cafeteria employee leapt into action when she saw an ER doctor choking during her lunch break Californias Loyola University Medical Center held a ceremony where Dr. Joan Dimopoulos thanked Keztly Angel for her heroic action She had the courage to help me, the doctor said A California cashier is receiving flowers after quick thinking helped her save an emergency room physician from choking. On Monday, Sept. 22, Dr. Joan Dimopoulos presented Keztly Angel with flowers as a token of her appreciation during a special ceremony to recognize the Loyola University Medical Center cafeteria cashier who saved Dimopoulos during her lunch break, WGN-TV reported. Dimopoulos had been eating a chicken sandwich when a portion became lodged in her throat. Angel noticed the doctor was struggling and sprang into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver on Dimopoulos after the young employee learned the life-saving technique as a student at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Ill. It was her first time doing so. I really wanted to say thank you to Keztly. I had a very scary event in our cafeteria. I couldnt breathe, and she recognized that I gave the universal choking sign. She had the courage to help me, Dimopoulos said. She also embraced Angel, adding, Im just so grateful that you were there, and that you had the awareness and the knowledge and the courage to act. The hospital employee recalled her thoughts in the seconds surrounding the ordeal. "I made sure I got out of my seat and started doing something, because I seen everybody else was just looking at her," Angel said, per CBS News Chicago. "There were a lot of people around, but she's the one who jumped up and helped me right away, and I don't know what would of happened if she didn't," Dimopoulous, who studied at the Indiana University School of Medicine, said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The doctor continued, "Her knowledge of knowing what to do and then the courage to really do it for somebody that you don't know, and that she did that for me, and I just want to tell her thank you. Angels heroic moment came just as she was celebrating her first anniversary as an employee at the Loyola University Medical Center, according to WGN-TV. I love it here, she said. The team is amazing, and its a great environment to work in. Read the original article on People Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television six days after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was put on an indefinite hiatus following his remarks on Charlie Kirk's assassination. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Kimmel, 57, opened up his monologue to the audience chanting his name. He smiled before referencing his previous suspension. "As I was saying before I was interrupted," he said, while the crowd laughed. "If you're just joining us, we're preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report. I'm happy to be here tonight with you." He continued, "I'm not sure who had a weirder 48 hours: me or the CEO of Tylenol. It's been overwhelming. I've heard from a lot of people over the last six days. I've heard from all the people in the world over the last six days. Anyone I've ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times. Weird characters from my past, or the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle, not airing tonight by the way! Sorry Seattle, his name is Larry." He recalled Larry "trying to force" him to do a bit called "Jokes for Donuts" in 1989, which he mocked. Larry ultimately fired him, and Kimmel moved back in with his parents at the time, he quipped, noting that "even Larry" reached out to him following Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension. He then thanked everyone who checked on him, including his "fellow late-night talk show hosts, including Stephen Colbert, who "found himself in this predicament," and "my friend Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan O'Brien, James Corden, Arsenio [Hall], Kathy [Griffin], Wanda [Sykes], Chelsea [Handler], and even Jay [Leno] reached out." Disney/Randy Holmes Jimmy Kimmel on the Sept. 23 episode of his talk show Other late-night hosts, including one in Germany who offered him a job, and his "boyhood idols" Howard Stern and David Letterman, Kimmel said. "I feel honored to be a part of the group of people that knows what goes into doing a show like this. I also want to thank all of you," he told the cheering audience. "Who supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine will be heard. I will never forget it." "And maybe weirdly, maybe maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don't support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. People who I never would have imagined like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz, who believe it or not said something very beautiful on my behalf." The show then cut to a clip of Cruz stating that if the government attempts to ban media, it will "end up badly for conservatives." "I don't think I've ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right," Kimmel said on Tuesday's episode. "He's absolutely right. This affects all of us, including him. I mean, think about it. If Ted Cruz can't speak freely, then he can't cast spells on the Smurfs." "Even though I don't agree with many of those people on most subjects, some of the things they say even make me want to throw up," he went on. "It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration, and they did, and they deserve credit for it. And thanks for telling your followers that our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, and that we have to stand up to it." He continued, "I've been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight. And the truth is, I don't think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me. If you don't, you don't. I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind." "But I do want to make something clear because it's important to me as a human," said Kimmel as he became emotional. "And that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it." Referencing his response to Kirk's assassination, Kimmel said: "I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion and I meant it; I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way." Disney/Randy Holmes Jimmy Kimmel He went on to condemn Tyler Robinson, the "sick individual," who fatally shot Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. "I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don't agree on politics at all. I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn't, ever." Kimmel went on to note that he and his family have also been victims of "ugly and scary threats." "And also selfishly, I am a person who gets a lot of threats. I get many ugly and scary threats against my life, my wife, my kids, my co-workers because of what I choose to say," he said. "And I know those threats don't come from the kind of people on the right who I know and love. So that's what I wanted to say on that subject. But I don't want to make this about me because, and I know this is what people say when they make things about them, but I really don't." He then shared his thoughts on the importance of free speech, stating that while his show "is not important," what "is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this." ABC Jimmy Kimmel "I mean, I've had the opportunity to meet and spend time with comedians and talk show hosts from countries like Russia, countries in the Middle East who tell me they would get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power," said Kimmel. "And worse than being thrown in prison, they know how lucky we are here. Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country. And that's something I'm embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air. That's not legal. That's not American. That is un-American, and it is so dangerous." He asked the audience to consider if the government should "be allowed to regulate which podcasts the cell phone companies and Wi-Fi providers are allowed to let you download to make sure they serve the public interest? You think that sounds crazy? Ten years ago, this sounded crazy." He went on to call out FCC chairman Brendan Carr for previously stating that "these companies can do this the easy way or the hard way, and that these companies can find ways to change conduct and take action on Kimmel or there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." Kimmel called Carr's comments "a violation of the First Amendment," adding that it "is not a particularly intelligent threat to make in public." "Ted Cruz said he sounded like a mafioso. Although, I don't know. If you want to hear a mob boss make a threat like that, you have to hide a microphone in a deli and park outside in a van with a tape recorder all night long. This genius said it on a podcast. Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one. And that's saying something," Kimmel joked as a Trump-themed Cybertruck was shown on the screen. He continued: "The FCC has a tradition of meddling where they shouldn't under many administrations, but it wasn't always like this. There was an FCC commissioner back in 2022 who worked under Joe Biden who was spot on. He wrote, 'President Biden is right. Political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech. It challenges those in power while using humor to draw more people into the discussion. That's why people in influential positions have always targeted it for censorship.' You know who wrote that? FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who later was appointed chairman of the FCC by this former crusader for free speech." The moment then cut to a clip of Trump stating, "If we don't have free speech, then we just don't have a free country. It's as simple as that. If this most fundamental right is allowed to perish, then the rest of our rights and liberties will topple just like dominoes. One by one, they'll go down." "That was also in 2022," Kimmel said or Trump's previous comments. "And I wonder how did that guy turn into this guy?" A video of Trump stating that Kimmel was "fired," has "no talent" and is a "wack job" was then shown. "Well, I do tonight," Kimmel said of Trump's claim as the audience applauded. "Thank you. You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now." He then addressed questions of whether there were "conditions" he had to meet to get back on the air. "There is one," he quipped. "Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and I've agreed to do it. Here we go. 'To reactivate your Disney+ and Hulu account, open the Disney+ app on your smart TV or TV-connected device.' " While he expressed gratitude for his time at ABC, he also made it clear he didn't agree with his show being temporarily suspended. "I've been fortunate to work at a company that has allowed me to do the show the way we want to do it for almost 23 years. I've done almost 4,000 shows on ABC. And over that time, the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late-night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot. Every night, they've defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform. And I am very grateful for that." "With that said, I was not happy when they pulled me off the air. I did not agree with that decision and I told them that and we had many conversations. I shared my point of view, they shared theirs. We talked it through and at the end even though they didn't have to, they really didn't have to this is a giant company. We have short attention spans, and I am a tiny part of the Disney Corporation, and they welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that. Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk. The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs." "Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke. He was somehow able to squeeze Colbert out of CBS. Then he turned his sights on me, and now he's openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows who don't make millions of dollars. And I hope that if that happens or if there's even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week." "We have to speak out against this because he's not stopping," he added. "And it's not just comedy. He's gunning for our journalists, too. He's suing them. He's bullying them. Over the weekend, his Foxy friend Pete Hegseth announced a new policy that requires journalists with Pentagon press credentials to sign a pledge, promising not to report information that hasn't been explicitly authorized for release that includes unclassified information. They want to pick and choose what the news is. I know that's not a interesting as muzzling a comedian, but it's so important to have a free press, and it is nuts that we aren't paying more attention to it." Disney/Randy Holmes Jimmy Kimmel and Guillermo Kimmel added, "Walter Cronkite must be spinning in his grave right now. He's dead, right? Look, I never imagined I would be in a situation like this. I barely paid attention in school. But one thing I did learn from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin and Howard Stern is that a government threat to silence a comedian the President doesn't like is anti-American. That's anti-American. And I am so glad we have some solidarity on that from the right and left and from those in the middle, like Joe Rogan. Maybe the silver lining from this is that we found one thing we can agree on, and maybe we'll even find another one. Maybe we can get a little bit closer together." "We do agree on a lot of things," he continued. "We agree on keeping our children safe from guns, on reproductive rights for women, social security, affordable health care, pediatric cancer research. These are all things that most Americans support. Let's stop letting these politicians tell us what they want and tell them what we want." He then referenced Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, forgiving Robinson, during Kirk's memorial service. "That is an example we should follow," he said, as he began to tear up. "If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was. That's it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, and I hope it touches many, and if there's anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that and not this. So, thank you for listening and I'll have I'll have more to say when we come back." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The network's decision to pull Kimmel's show came after broadcast companies Nexstar and Sinclair said they would preempt airings of Jimmy Kimmel Live! from ABC affiliates across the country due to the host's remarks about Kirk's murder, which they condemned. Kirk, a conservative commentator, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 at the age of 31. A memorial was held for Kirk on Sunday, Sept. 21. Kimmel's comments that have come under fire pertained to Kirk and his accused killer, Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. Read the original article on People Family members of one of those killed on American Airlines Flight 5342 announced the first federal lawsuit filed Wednesday over the January midair collision between a regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington Reagan National Airport. The lawsuit filed in federal district court in Washington alleges "wrongful death and survival claims, jointly and severally" against American Airlines and PSA Airlines -- a regional carrier operating the flight for American -- as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army for what the suit calls their acts and omissions. "The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, it was preventable and caused the needless loss of 67 lives on that fateful evening," Bob Clifford, one of the attorneys representing the families, said at a news conference. MORE: NTSB chair blasts FAA over deadly DC crash: 'Are you kidding me? 67 people are dead' All 67 people on board Flight 5342 and the helicopter were killed when they collided as the jet approached Reagan National, marking the nation's first major commercial airline crash since 2009. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images - PHOTO: Wreckage from American Airlines flight 5342 is pulled from the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Feb. 3, 2025. The lawsuit states that the crash could have been prevented if the Army and FAA had done what they were supposed to and had the FAA not created an environment which allowed certain conditions to exist in the Reagan National airspace. "Knowing that there was massive congestion and these number of near-misses, we turned to the FAA and their responsibility to properly provide air traffic control that was not fully provided and properly provided on that evening," Clifford said. The lawsuit was also filed against American as the plaintiffs believe that despite having knowledge of the near-misses, the airline exposed its customers to the dangers and continued to seek more gates at the airport. "Operators of a motor vehicle can't run through a red light. Operators of a commercial aircraft cannot run through yellow lights, and they ran blatantly for years, many red lights here by allowing these planes to operate in the navigable space at DCA, knowing that there was massive congestion, that there was a massive intersection between military traffic regarding runways that were unique and required special training that they failed to provide to their pilots, the complaint against American is set out in a way that emphasizes their responsibility," Clifford said. Rachel Crafton, whose husband Casey was killed in the collision, said in a statement: "Because of systematic failures and reckless disregard for safety, his life, along with 66 others, was taken. Casey was betrayed by this system he trusted -- we all were. As his wife, I cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain." Crafton's lawsuit is requesting a trial by jury and monetary damages from the airline and the U.S. government, with the compensation will be determined by a judge. The average time of a lawsuit of this nature is between two and three years, according to the lawyers. MORE: NTSB questions flight training procedures during hearings over January plane crash Brian Alexander, a partner with the law firm of Kreindler and Kreindler which is also representing the families, said the lawsuit is also against the air traffic controllers who failed to issue a safety alert to the passenger jet, advising it to change course and avoid the collision. "The primary duty of an air traffic controller is to separate traffic and to avoid midair collisions. In this particular case, they completely failed to meet that responsibility," Alexander said. In response to the lawsuit, American told ABC that the airline "has a strong track record of putting the safety of our customers and team members above everything else. We continue to support the ongoing NTSB investigation and will defend American and PSA Airlines against any legal action claiming the airline caused or contributed to this accident." The FAA said in a statement "Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones on that tragic January evening. Since the accident, [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy and the FAA have acted decisively to make the skies over our nation's capital safer. We will continue to work closely with the NTSB to ensure no family has to suffer this pain again." Army spokesman Maj. Montrell Russell said in a statement, "Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate for the Army to comment on litigation. Our primary focus remains on supporting the families and ensuring the safety of our Soldiers and the public. Please direct all inquiries on this matter to the Department of Justice." Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department's Civil Division told ABC News in a statement, "While the Department of Justice does not typically comment on ongoing litigation, this lawsuit arises out of a local and national tragedy in which 67 people lost their lives right here in the Nation's capital. Our hearts continue to be with the families. The Department will pursue a just resolution of this matter that follows the facts, the law, and provides fair compensation to the victims of this tragedy." Abby Photos | @abbypphotos Abby Pratt's friend walking with her suitcase NEED TO KNOW What started as a dream trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, quickly took an unexpected turn when Abby Pratt booked an Airbnb in the wrong country The short ride from the airport ended with a driver refusing to cross the border Pratts next move had fellow travelers staring, and left her with an experience shell never forget A dream vacation in Croatia took a comical twist for Abby Pratt and her best friend ending not on a beach in Dubrovnik but at a border crossing, dragging suitcases toward Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their viral TikTok captured the mishap in real time, showing the pair walking down an empty road with luggage in tow after discovering their Airbnb was in the wrong country. I usually book everything last minute usually Airbnb has like deals going on, and I try to travel cheap as possible cause Im usually out exploring during the day, Pratt tells PEOPLE, describing herself as an explorer, not like a vacationer. That spontaneity, she says, is what led her to snap up a listing she thought was just 15 minutes from Dubrovnik, only to learn later it was across an international border. She explains that at the time, she didnt see it as an issue. I looked at the map and I saw it was in Bosnia, but I didnt realize that was like crossing the border, Pratt shares. Apparently, Bosnia is not a part of the European Union, which I did not know. Once they landed in Croatia, the trouble began immediately. We land at the Croatian airport, and we start trying to get an Uber. We use Bolt over there, which is like their version of Uber. All of them are canceling on us, and were wondering like, why are they all canceling on us? Pratt recalls. Frustrated, they switched to a taxi, hoping for a smoother ride. We get in the taxi, he starts driving, and he is like, okay, where are you guys going? And we show him the address, and he was like, oh, like he acts really surprised, Pratt remembers. Abby Photos | @abbypphotos Abby and her friend The driver delivered the shocking news that left them baffled. Hes like, this is not in Croatia. And were like, what? We were so confused, she says. Hes like, yeah, its 20 minutes away, but like its not in Croatia. Because the driver wasnt licensed to cross into Bosnia, the travelers made a bold decision. We were like, okay, thats fine. We will just walk to our Airbnb, Pratt recalls. From the border patrol to our Airbnb, it was like a 15, 20-minute walk. So we were like, okay, its fine, whatever. That walk became the heart of their viral TikTok. We pull up to the border patrol, we get out with all of our suitcases and luggage, we get in line, we go through the border patrol line. Theres cars lined up behind us, in front of us, Pratt shares. We just went through, and then we get to our Airbnb and we realize like we cant get a taxi out of Bosnia. Locals soon revealed how close theyd come to a bigger ordeal. Our taxi driver let us know that today youre really lucky because the border patrol line is really short, but usually on a weekday, it can get up to two hours long, Pratt recalls. He was saying that a lot of people in Bosnia go over to Croatia to work for the day and then come back. So the lines get really long. Faced with no transport and dwindling time, they made a snap decision. We ended up like checking into our Airbnb and then like within 30 minutes we were like, okay, were out, Pratt says. We didnt even unpack; we just walked straight back to the border patrol. The trek back was equal parts eerie and absurd. Thats like where the viral TikTok video came in us walking towards border patrol, and it was like a 15-minute walk. Its like in the middle of nowhere, Pratt shares. I dont even see a store in sight. We didnt even pass one car. Crossing again drew unwanted attention. I will say that we got a lot of faces from people in cars. Like they were just giving us rude faces, weird faces. No one was really nice, Pratt shares. The funniest part was us just standing in line with our luggage, and theres like a whole car line. Leaving Bosnia wasnt as simple as walking through, either. I didnt know that we had to go through the car line back over like when we were leaving Bosnia, she says. We tried to like walk around and they were like yelling at us no, no, you have to get back through. Once safely back in Croatia, the pair quickly secured a new place to stay. We just immediately booked another Airbnb in Dubrovnik and I learned my lesson like double-checking, Pratt says with a laugh. Definitely fitting the American stereotype right now. That stereotype didnt go unnoticed online. A lot of people were commenting that on TikTok like, you must be American, which is very true, Pratt jokes. But I mean a lot of people come to America and they dont know about all of the state boundaries, but we dont really have border patrol for that. Abby Photos | @abbypphotos Abby's friend walking with her suitcase Even their Bosnian host took the brief visit in stride. We checked in, it was all smooth, and then we left, Pratt explains. I just messaged him once we got into Croatia, and I was like, Hey, sorry, we checked out. And he was like, Okay, no worries. For Pratt, the humor outweighed the frustration. We were just laughing, like we were having a good attitude about it. But people were not laughing at us, she says. They were definitely very confused or upset. She says posting the video felt natural. I honestly, whenever I realized that I booked an Airbnb in the wrong country, I was in disbelief, Pratt admits. I just thought it was really funny... I didnt think it would blow up, but then it did. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The comments poured in with solidarity and stories of similar blunders. A lot of people were commenting, saying theyve made similar mistakes, Pratt notes. Some people were saying, at least you didnt book a flight to Austria when you wanted to go to Australia. For her, that support softened the sting of the mistake. It definitely made me feel better to know that people have been in similar situations, she says. Honestly, it was worth the story, and now I have a Bosnia stamp [in my passport]. Abby Photos | @abbypphotos Abby Pratt Pratt even found a silver lining in the detour. I looked up a few videos of Bosnia. Its a beautiful country, she says. I would love to explore it one day not when I was intended to go to Croatia, but maybe next time I go to Europe. With her viral TikTok cemented as a travel tale for the ages, Pratt carries the experience lightly. I admit, I definitely fit the stereotype, she says with a laugh. But its okay, I blame myself for it. I didnt grow up in Europe, I am American, and now I have a story Ill never forget. Read the original article on People The ship Omar al-Mukhtar, a part of Global Sumud Flotilla, prepares to leave Tripoli, Libya, this month. (Muhammed Semiz / Anadolu via Getty Images) Organizers of a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza have reported explosions near their boats and seeing multiple drones around the fleet, which is made up of more than 500 people, including prominent environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which was sailing near Greece early Wednesday, according its online tracker, also had its communications jammed, its organizers said in a statement. We are witnessing these psychological operations first-hand, right now, but we will not be intimidated, they added. Sumud in Arabic means steadfastness or steadfast perseverance. "The international waters felt like a battlefield," human rights activist Yasemin Acar, who is onboard the Alma vessel as part of the flotilla, told NBC News in a video call Wednesday, describing the overnight ordeal. "There were bombs after bombs ... and no one came to help." In an online video GSF shared overnight, a bright light can be seen piercing the darkness, before a loud blast rings out. Organizers said that the video was recorded from one of its boats, Spectre, and that it captured one of the explosions heard by crew members. In a separate video posted by Acar, music from the pop group ABBA, whose members, like Thunberg, hail from Sweden, can be heard ringing out. "They started jamming our comms by playing ABBA songs, you know, to interfere with our radio," Acar said, adding that the crew "couldn't even reach the Coast Guard" because of the apparent interference. It was horrific that this can happen in international waters, close to Greece. I mean, in Europe," she said. A Palestinian child evacuates southward along a road in the Nuseirat refugee camp area in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday. (Eyad Baba / AFP via Getty Images) Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the incident Wednesday, saying he had directed a navy ship to offer assistance, Reuters reported. Acar confirmed Italy had offered assistance and was expected to "safeguard" the flotilla during at least part of its journey. Israels military and a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the flotilla Monday. Without providing evidence, Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for the ministry, said on X it was organized by Hamas and intended to serve Hamas. He added that Israel would not allow the flotilla to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade. Marmorstein also called for the flotilla to dock at Israels Ashkelon Marina and unload aid there for it to be transferred to Gaza. But GSF has argued that Israel is violating international law in Gaza, rendering its blockade illegal. The flotilla, which is carrying more than 500 people from more than 40 countries, set sail from Barcelona late last month in a bid to break the illegal siege of Gaza. Gaza has been under an Israeli naval blockade since 2007, when Hamas took power. GSF said this month that two of its boats had been attacked by drones while it was stationed in Tunisia. The Tunisian Interior Ministry said at the time that reports that a drone hit a boat at its Sidi Bou Said port had no basis in truth and that a fire broke out on the vessel itself, according to Reuters. Israeli forces continue their devastating assault on Gaza City, where scores of people have been killed in recent days and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Deaths from starvation have also continued to rise, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks in 2023, when 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Since then, Palestinian health officials say, more than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children, while much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble. This week, Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, accused Israel of attacking everybody in an interview with The National, the state-owned English-language daily newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates. He named Syria and Lebanon among those attacked, as well as Tunisia, in an apparent reference to the alleged attack on the aid flotilla. Personally, I hate whats happened in Gaza on all sides, Barrack told the newspaper. For the Palestinians, for the Israelis, for the Jordanians, for the Lebanese, for the Syrians, for the Turks. You know ... its a mess. Israel is a valued ally, he said. We subsidize them" by $4 billion to $5 billion a year. "It has a special place in Americas heart, and were living with the confusion of whats happening in this transition. So its complicated, he added. The government could shut down in less than a week. Here's what you need to know Congress is out of town this week, but when lawmakers start returning on Monday, Sept. 29, they'll be facing an immediate government funding deadline. If Congress doesn't act before Wednesday, Oct. 1, there will be a government shutdown. Right now, congressional leaders are busy blaming one another for the looming shutdown, but no clear path is emerging for how funding might be approved. Heres what you need to know with less than a week until a possible government shutdown: Senate fails to advance bills to fund government as shutdown looms What needs to happen to avert a government shutdown? The government runs out of funding as the clock strikes midnight from Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Wednesday, Oct. 1. To avoid that shutdown, Congress must pass either a short-term funding bill, called a continuing resolution (or CR), or they must approve 12 separate full-year funding bills. Congress does not have time to finish work on the full-year funding bills before the deadline, so theyll need a stopgap bill. Daniel Becerril/Reuters - PHOTO: A general view shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, September 23, 2025. Unlike the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, funding bills need at least 60 votes to pass in the Senate. That means any government funding solution will require at least seven Senate Democrats to pass if every Republican supports the proposal. In a Washington under total Republican control, government funding is one of few must-pass pieces of legislation that requires Democratic votes. Current state of play Democrats and Republicans are currently locked in a staring contest. Its not clear what, if anything, will be done to stop a shutdown next week. Efforts to pass a short-term funding bill failed last week. On Friday, House Republicans (and one Democrat) passed a bill that would have kept the government funded until Nov. 20. But within hours of the House action, Senate Democrats blocked the measure from passing the Senate and instead offered their own funding bill that included a number of health care provisions Democrats say are essential. Republicans blocked that bill from advancing in the Senate. Since then, no new proposal has been offered. Congress is out of town this week with no plans to return early. Trump cancels meeting with Democrats Democrats have alleged that the White House and congressional Republicans have been unwilling to negotiate with them on a path forward on government funding. After President Donald Trump said he would meet with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries at their request, the president reversed course on Tuesday morning. Mariam Zuhaib/AP - PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer arrives for a news conference after a policy luncheon at the Capitol, Sept. 16, 2025, in Washington. After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive, Trump posted on his social media channel. Democrats have responded by saying that Trump is running away from the negotiation table and will own the shutdown as a result. Schumer blames Trump for possible shutdown after he backs out of meeting with Democrats What Republicans, Democrats want Republicans on Capitol Hill want Congress to pass a short-term funding bill without any additional add ons to keep the government funded at FY2024 levels through Nov. 20. Republicans say this will allow more time for Congress to work on the annual appropriations bills that they hope can be enacted before the next funding deadline. The White House has backed this approach. Passing a short-term funding bill that doesnt include any sort of major policy riders is pretty par for the course on Capitol Hill. Democrats advanced many of them while former President Joe Biden was in office. Republicans say Democrats are being disingenuous by not supporting this seven-week solution. Annabelle Gordon/Reuters - PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to the media during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, September 19, 2025 in Washington. "If [Democrats] want to shut down the government, they have the power to do so, but if they think they are going to gain political points from shutting down the government over a clean nonpartisan CR, something they voted for 13 times under the Biden administration, I would strongly urge them to think again," Majority Leader John Thune said on Friday ahead of the Senate vote to block this short-term funding bill. Republicans say that other policy priorities should be debated as part of the annual appropriations process, not as part of a short-term funding solution. Democrats, on the other hand, want to use the funding deadline as leverage to secure health care-related wins and to restore cuts to Medicaid made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Republicans passed in July. Theres a lot of health care provisions that Democrats outlined in their counter proposal that was rejected by the Senate last week including the expansion of expiring Obamacare tax credits for federally backed health insurance premiums and the reversal of the Medicaid cuts that were signed into law under Trumps megabil in July. Jose Luis Magana/AP - PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 19, 2025. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Democrats health care proposals would cost $1.4 trillion over 10 years. Democrats have said theyre willing to negotiate with Republicans, so this package should be viewed as an opening offer and not a set of red lines. Democrats have repeatedly insisted they must secure health care-related wins to approve a funding package, but they have not yet been explicit about what specific wins they must secure in order to keep the government funded. Whats different this time around? In March, 10 Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to pass a continuing resolution to hold funding levels constant through the end of the fiscal year on Oct. 1. But now, what were seeing is a role reversal for both parties. Democrats set fight over health care as possible government shutdown looms Many times in the past several years it has been Republicans pushing for policy concessions on short-term funding bills while Democrats have repeatedly beat the drum for a clean short-term funding extension. This time though, it's Democrats who are saying they must get policy concessions while Republicans challenge them to accept a stopgap funding solution with nothing attached. It bucks the historical trend. What happens if there is a government shutdown? If there is a government shutdown, millions of federal employees will go without a paycheck and many -- such as airport security officers, air traffic controllers and members of the military -- will be told to come to work anyway. ICE agents also go without pay. National parks will close and the Smithsonian museums also typically close within a few days. J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: The Capitol and Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, Sept. 23, 2025. Federal contractors are not required to work and are also not guaranteed backpay. Social Security continues to be distributed, though there can be slow downs. Republican gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski speaks in Broadview, Illinois, on Sept. 24, 2025. Photo: Jim Talamonti / The Center Square (The Center Square) Illinois gubernatorial candidate Ted Dabrowski says repealing the TRUST Act to end the states sanctuary status is his top legislative priority. Dabrowski held a press conference outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview Wednesday. He said Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have fanned the flames of extremists. Its easy to talk big when you have security 24-7, taxpayer-funded security, like the governor and Chicagos mayor, both partners in these sanctuary policies and hostility towards law enforcement, Dabrowski said. Dabrowski said Pritzker has characterized federal law enforcement officers as terrorists, while crime victims and their families have been largely forgotten. Joe Abrahams daughter Katie died in a crash involving a drunk driver who was in the country illegally. Abraham said the immigrant would be free in ten or fifteen years. This person will see the light of day again. Katie will not. Ill never see her. She got death. I have a life sentence. Thats my Illinois, and it makes me very sad for our state, Abraham said. Katie Abraham died last January at the age of 20. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Midway Blitz in Katie Abrahams honor. Dabrowski formerly served as president of Wirepoints, which calculated the direct costs of Illinois welcoming programs for the undocumented at $2.2 billion from 2022 to early 2024. The programs included housing, food, legal services, transportation, healthcare and K-12 education costs paid by state and municipal taxpayers. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, the net cost of illegal immigration for the United States, at the federal, state, and local levels, was at least $150.7 billion at the start of 2023. Wednesday afternoon, state Sens. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, and Graciela Guzman, D-Chicago, joined the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights for a press conference on Chicagos North Side. According to an ICIRR statement, ICE continued to adopt new tactics to abduct our neighbors and separate families. ICIRR said ICE detained and subsequently released two persons outside a North Side shelter on Tuesday. This represents a new tactic that ICE has deployed during their operation: targeting people at a shelter, ICIRR stated. Villivalam said he would not tolerate the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE is not welcome here. They are not. Their actions are despicable. They should be ashamed of themselves, Villivalam said. A Chicago City Council Democratic Socialist Caucus member, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, also participated in the ICIRR press conference. Dabrowski said leaders show you who they are during times of civil strife. Do they fan the flames to score political points with the extremists regardless of the dangers they create, as Pritzker has done? Or do they call for reason, the rule of law and peaceful coexistence to prevail, Dabrowski asked. Dabrowski was asked why repealing the TRUST Act and the states sanctuary status was his top legislative priority. If we cant get public safety right, how are we going to have a functioning state? Dabrowski said. Dabrowski noted that Chicago has led the U.S. in total number of murders 13 years in a row. The royals are some of the wealthiest people in England, but if all else fails, pretty sure they could stay rich from their casual fleet of tiaras. Turns out this family has more diamond encrusted crowns than they know what to do withto the point where some of these bejeweled headpieces have only been worn a few times. Most recently, the British royal family showed up in full force for Donald Trumps second State Banquet, where four of the familys prized tiaras got their chance to shine. Heres a comprehensive list of the most priceless tiaras in the familys vast collection, their origin stories, and who gets to wear them. The Lovers Knot Tiara This tiara is most closely associated with Princess Diana, but was made for Queen Mary (modeled on her grandmother's tiara) in 1914 by official royal jewelers, Garrard. The pearl-festooned headpiece was passed to Queen Elizabeth II, before Princess Diana started taking it out for the occasional spin. Tim Graham - Getty Images Of course, the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara is now a personal favorite of Kate Middletons, who wore it most recently for the U.S. State Banquet. WPA Pool - Getty Images The Sapphire Tiara Known as the Belgian Sapphire Tiara or the George VI Sapphire Tiara, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly commissioned this tiara to go with a suite of sapphires given to her by her father. Keystone - Getty Images The tiara was made in 1963 from a sapphire necklace the Queen purchased... Tim Graham - Getty Images ...and its since been worn by Queen Camilla (most recently at the American State Banquet). WPA Pool - Getty Images The Pineflower Tiara A favorite of Princess Annes (who wore it during both of Trumps State Banquets), the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara originally belonged to the Queen Motherwho got it as an anniversary gift from King George VI. Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images This tiara was reportedly gifted it to Anne on her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips. Anna Moneymaker - Getty Images The Halo Tiara Otherwise known as the glittery diamond tiara Kate Middleton chose to wear during her wedding to Prince William! Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images This piece was commissioned by King George VI for the Queen Mother in 1936, and was made by Cartier (ooookay, fancy). Cole Bennetts - Getty Images Per Tatler, The Queen Mother ended up giving the tiara to Queen Elizabeth II as an 18th birthday present in 1944 (I WILL be speaking with my parents), and while she never wore it publicly, her sister Princess Margaret stepped out in it at least once: PA Images - Getty Images The Lotus Flower Tiara This is another of Kate Middletons favorite tiaras, and was made from a necklace that the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth IIs mom) received in 1923 from her husband, George VI. Daily Herald Archive - Getty Images Princess Margaret was said to be a fan of the tiara, and lent it to her daughter-in-law Serena Stanhope for her wedding. Kypros - Getty Images Tim Graham - Getty Images It then went back into the royal collection, where Kate put it into her personal tiara rotation. Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images The Diamond Diadem Print Collector - Getty Images According to the Royal Collection Trust, this diadem was made for George IV to use at his coronation in 1820. Its been worn by subsequent queens regnant and consorts from Queen Adelaide onwards including Queen Elizabeth II who wore it literally all the time. Hulton Archive - Getty Images Meanwhile, Queen Camilla dusted it off to wear to her husband King Charles coronation: Leon Neal - Getty Images The Strathmore Rose Tiara This lovely tiara was given to The Queen Mother as a wedding gift from her father when she married future King George VI in 1923. She wore it low down on her forehead in true 1920s fashion, a style I think we can all agree should be brought back. Daily Herald Archive - Getty Images The tiara was passed through the royal family, and was most recently worn by Kate Middletonfirmly atop her head: YUI MOK - Getty Images The Diamond Bandeau This is the gorgeous and surprisingly modern tiara that Meghan Markle wore during her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. JONATHAN BRADY - Getty Images Per the Royal Collection Trust, Queen Mary s Diamond Bandeau Tiara was made in 1932 for Queen Mary and was designed around a detachable center brooch which dates to 1893a gift to Mary on her wedding day. The tiara was passed onto Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, who lent it to Duchess Meghan. The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara Princess Eugenie wore this unusual tiara on her wedding dayand it was lent to her by her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. WPA Pool - Getty Images Per the royal familys official website, the tiara was made for Dame Margaret Greville in 1919 by Boucheron and was given to The Queen Mother in 1942. The Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara Also known as the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara or the Greville Tiara, this is another notable piece from Dame Margarets collection, also made by Boucheron. Bettmann - Getty Images This tiara ended up being one of the Queen Mothers favorite and most-worn, and has since become a go-to for Queen Camilla. Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images The Burmese Ruby Tiara Due to simply not having enough tiaras, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly went ahead and commissioned the Burmese Ruby Tiara for herself in the 1970s. Anwar Hussein - Getty Images It was made from another dismantled tiara by royal jewelry Garrard, using rubies from Burma. The tiara was a favorite of Her Majesty, and has also been worn by Queen Camilla. WPA Pool - Getty Images The Fringe Tiara Garrard created this piece for Queen Mary over a century ago, and it was famously worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. Topical Press Agency - Getty Images The moment was so iconic that Princess Anne also opted to wear the tiara on her wedding day... Evening Standard - Getty Images ...as did Princess Beatrice: The Vladimir Tiara Per the Royal Collection Trust, this tiara was made for Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia, then sold by her daughter to Queen Mary back in 1921. It was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II (she liked to switch things up and wear it with pearls, emeralds, or just diamonds). Cant wait to see who wears this one next! Tim Graham - Getty Images The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara This tiara was created by Garrard in 1893 as a wedding gift to Queen Mary from the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland, and it was another favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. Tim Graham - Getty Images The tiara has also been worn by Queen Camilla! Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images The Kokoshnik Tiara Per Garrard, this tiara was given to Queen Alexandra back when she was Princess of Wales, and was a gift from the Ladies of Society for her 25th wedding anniversary in 1888. It was inspired by a tiara that was owned by Alexandras sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna. The piece was passed to Queen Mary, who wore it for her official birthday portrait... Universal History Archive - Getty Images ...and then to Queen Elizabeth II: Tim Graham - Getty Images The Meander Tiara Princess Anne inherited this tiara from Prince Phillips side of the family, per Tatler. Tim Graham - Getty Images It has a Greek inspired pattern, and belonged to Annes grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who got it as a wedding gift. This one was also worn by Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips, when she married Mike Tindall! Chris Jackson - Getty Images The Indian Circlet Tiara Also called the Oriental Circlet, Gerrard describes this as one of "the most important Victorian-era jewels in the Royal Collection," not to mention one of the oldest pieces made by the jewelry house. This tiara was created for Queen Victoria as a gift from Prince Albert in 1853, and set with 2,600 diamonds. It was then passed to Victorias daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra, who gave it to The Queen Mother: Underwood Archives - Getty Images It eventually went to Queen Elizabeth II who wore it just once in Malta: Mark Cuthbert - Getty Images The Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara This tiara was also commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II, and was made from a coronation necklace gifted to her in 1953 from Brazil. The tiara became bigger and bigger over time as the Queen got more and more aquamarines (relatable!), and it was one of her boldest pieces. Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library - Getty Images The Persian Turquoise Tiara The jewels for this tiara were reportedly bought by Queen Mary from Garrard, and eventually given to Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday. They also included a stunning necklace and earrings: Tim Graham - Getty Images No one has worn the set recently, but keep an eye out. The Teck Crescent Tiara This tiara was reportedly made for Princess Mary Adelaide, aka Queen Mary's mother. Hulton Archive - Getty Images It was then worn by the Queen Mother, and eventually passed to Queen Elizabeth. The Five Aquamarine Tiara The origin story of this tiara is a little murky, but we know Queen Elizabeth wore it to Canada in 1970. David Cairns - Getty Images The tiara seems to have been passed to the Countess of Wessex, who has worn in on at least two occasions! Vittorio Zunino Celotto - Getty Images The Diamond Festoon Tiara This is a relatively "new" tiara, in that it was reportedly given directly to Princess Anne by the World-Wide Shipping Group when she married her first husband Mark Phillips in 1973. Jeff Spicer - Getty Images She loaned the piece to her daughter in law, Autumn Phillips, on her wedding day in 2008. Anwar Hussein - Getty Images The Delhi Durbar Tiara According to the Royal Collection Trust, this tiara was made for Queen Mary to wear to the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Bethany Clarke - Getty Images Its not exactly subtle and appears to be a favorite of Queen Camillas. Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library - Getty Images The Poltimore Tiara Princess Margaret wore the Poltimore Tiara on her wedding day. Interestingly, she purchased the piece at auction herselfper Garrard, it was originally made for Lady Poltimore, the wife Queen Victorias treasurer. AFP - Getty Images You Might Also Like A complex weather dance is underway in the central Atlantic Ocean this week as a pair of developing tropical systems try to get their act together. There are two tropical waves moving through the Atlantic that may develop this week," said AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva in an email to USA TODAY. Neither is a named storm yet, so the two systems are dubbed "Invest 93L" and "Invest94L" by the National Hurricane Center. Wednesday forecast: Atlantic storm forecast warns of rare, chaotic Fujiwhara effect Although the peak of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season may have arrived later than the historical average, activity is clearly ramping up, forecasters warned Sept. 23. Storms of the 2025 hurricane season so far Satellite view of Tropical Storm Melissa 10:30 a.m. Oct. 22, 2025. The developing systems come against the backdrop of what's been a quiet season so far, with no hurricane landfalls in the U.S. this year. The season's second hurricane, Gabrielle, continues to roar far out to sea on its way to Europe. Atlantic systems on the move "The two waves we've been tracking are now tagged as Invest 93L (the eastern one, which looks a little more robust) and Invest 94L (western one). Still a lot of uncertainty as to how these systems will interact," Andrew Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami's Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, said on X Sept. 23. "93L seems fairly likely to become a recurving hurricane similar to Gabrielle. 94L will take a more westerly track and could pose a threat to the East Coast, but it's not clear how strong it will get due to interaction with the islands," Hazelton said. "And of course these waves are close enough that we could see direct and/or indirect interaction between them. Complicated forecast!" In addition to Hurricane Gabrielle, forecasters are watching two other tropical waves in the Atlantic. The red x is called "Invest93L," while the orange x is "Invest94L." Atlantic hurricane forecast contains an 'utter mess' The upper air pattern in the southwest Atlantic is "an utter mess," which means forecast uncertainty increases dramatically, said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza in his Substack "The Eyewall" on Sept. 23. "The whole pattern bears watching for the East Coast over the next week or so," he said. "But uncertainty is extremely high, with a lot happening over a small area and any one feature having impacts on the others." "Folks on the East Coast from Florida through New England should monitor the progress of these systems in the next few days to see if we can pull a signal out of this. Because right now, we can't." Hurricane Gabrielle exits the scene "Hurricane Gabrielle remains impressive as a Category 4 storm in the central North Atlantic," said Weather Trader meteorologist Ryan Maue in a Substack post Sept. 23. A hurricane watch was hoisted for the Azores by the Azores Meteorological Service, the hurricane center said. "A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous," the hurricane center said. "While Gabrielle could bring blustery conditions to the Azores by late Thursday and early Friday, its too soon to know whether it will pass over or just north of the Portuguese islands," noted WPLG-TV hurricane specialist Michael Lowry in a Substack post. "Models for now suggest a more direct threat to the less populated northern islands like Flores Island and Corvo Island for late week." Lanza said that "it's still a bit too soon to say how it will impact Europe, but it's possible a remnant low approaches Portugal by early next week." US impacts from Gabrielle United States impacts from Gabrielle include rough surf and dangerous swimming conditions for the East Coast. "Swells generated by Gabrielle will continue to affect Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and Atlantic Canada over the next few days," the National Hurricane Center said. "These swells are expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions." The National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, warned that "at the beaches, a high risk of life-threatening rip currents continues due to swell from distant Major Hurricane Gabrielle. Entering the surf is not advised." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: September Atlantic hurricane forecast looks like an 'utter mess' ZUG, Switzerland,, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Egorov, founder of Curve Finance , a decentralised protocol powering a premier DeFi venue for stablecoin exchange and an ecosystem of DeFi products, submitted a new proposal to the Curve DAO. This proposal is focused on utilizing crvUSD Curve's native stablecoin for Yield Basis protocol operations. Yield Basis Nears Mainnet Launch as Curve DAO Votes on crvUSD Proposal Yield Basis is Michael Egorov's new project, built on top of Curve's technology and aimed at greatly expanding its ecosystem by supporting volatile asset pools while mitigating Impermanent Loss (IL) one of the greatest long-standing problems of decentralized liquidity pools. For years, earning meaningful returns on Bitcoin in DeFi seemed nearly impossible, with most valuable opportunities capped at ~12% yield. Bitcoin itself doesn't have any option for generating yield, AMM pools are too risky from the IL perspective, and market rates on lending markets barely exceed 0.1%. Yield Basis aims to change that with a brand new AMM implementation, eliminating the Impermanent Loss problem by design and offering Bitcoin yield generation with a greatly improved risk/reward profile for DeFi users, institutional investors, and professional market participants. Egorov's proposal is focused on the utilization of Curve's native stablecoin system to power the operations of Yield Basis pools, with an initially approved 60 million crvUSD credit line. The decision ultimately rests on a vote of Curve's veCRV holders community. The credit line would support the operation of three Bitcoin-focused pools (WBTC, cbBTC, and tBTC) launched on top of Curve and using the Yield Basis technology for IL mitigation. Each pool would initially be capped at $10 million, laying the foundation for a new BTC yield primitive on the Ethereum mainnet. For the Curve community, the proposal from Yield Basis presents several significant benefits: It positively impacts the fee streams for veCRV holders due to increased crvUSD trading activity on Curve. It increases adoption for crvUSD, simultaneously creating a natural supply sink and driving organic issuance motivated by higher yields for liquidity providers in crvUSD pools. It attributes Curve DAO with 7.5% of the Yield Basis total token supply as a technology licensing fee, giving the DAO additional resources to use at its discretion. By participating in this vote, veCRV holders get to decide on Curve's ecosystem expansion, enriching veCRV fee flow, and increasing crvUSD adoption. One of the main points of the proposal is that the launch of Yield Basis positively impacts CRV value and Curve DAO's revenue in both short- and long-term perspectives. It is a synergetic process that benefits both projects and the broader DeFi community. Commenting on the initiative, Egorov emphasized that this is just the beginning for Yield Basis, but an important step for both long-awaited Bitcoin yield opportunities in Ethereum DeFi and Curve's ecosystem expansion. The full proposal is available on the Curve DAO governance forum , and the voting process is already open it will run until September 24th. The community is encouraged to dive in, review, discuss, and give their voices. About Yield Basis Yield Basis (YB) is a decentralized protocol designed to offer DeFi users, institutional investors, and professional market participants sustainable and transparent yield on Bitcoin, create a deep on-chain Bitcoin liquidity by eliminating one of DeFi's biggest challenges impermanent loss in automated market makers (AMMs). About Curve Finance Curve Finance is a decentralised protocol powering DeFi stablecoin and crypto markets by enabling high-yield on-chain savings, protected borrowing, and low-slippage swaps. Launched in 2020, it supports a rich DeFi ecosystem, from autocompounding votes to primary markets for asset issuers or yield trading. It is considered to be a key infrastructure layer for Ethereum and other EVM networks. Contact Curve Finance [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2781009/Curve_Finance.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2781008/Curve_Finance_Logo.jpg SOURCE Curve Finance Paracetamol on pharmacy shelves in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images) - Jane Barlow/PA/Getty Images Backlash has been swift and forceful as other parts of the world woke up to US President Donald Trumps comments blaming without solid evidence acetaminophen and certain vaccines for autism in children. Dont pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine. In fact, dont take even take my word for it, as a politician listen to British doctors, British scientists, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in a televised interview on Tuesday. I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this. It comes after Trump announced Monday the US Food and Drug Administration will notify doctors that the use of Tylenol the brand name for acetaminophen, known in most countries as paracetamol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism. Despite decades of evidence that it is safe, Trump suggested that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy if you cant tough it out. British charity the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which provides antenatal education for parents, said it had seen a huge increase in people searching for information about paracetamol and pregnancy since Monday. The medicine regulatory agencies of the European Union and the United Kingdom and Health Canada also quickly issued statements Tuesday confirming that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe. Paracetamol remains an important option to treat pain or fever in pregnant women, Steffen Thirstrup, chief medical officer of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), said in a statement. Our advice is based on a rigorous assessment of the available scientific data and we have found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Experts warn that an untreated fever can be dangerous for both the fetus and the pregnant person. Risks include miscarriage, birth defects and high blood pressure. Experts also say there are multiple causes of autism, and the science on a connection between autism and Tylenol is not settled. A peer-reviewed analysis published in BioMed Central in August looked at 46 studies on acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, the analysis concluded that there was strong evidence of an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, but the authors were careful to say that the research could not show that acetaminophen caused autism. The authors recommended judicious acetaminophen use, under medical guidance. Meanwhile, a 2024 peer-reviewed Swedish study published in the medical journal JAMA found no link between acetaminophen taken in pregnancy and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The EMA statement said that in 2019, the agency reviewed available studies that investigated the neurodevelopment of children exposed to paracetamol in utero and found that the results were inconclusive and that no link with neurodevelopmental disorders could be established. Speaking on Britains ITV News, Streeting said: Ive just got to be really clear about this: There is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None. He encouraged the British public to follow the science, especially at a time when youve got kids in this country now dying of measles, whooping cough, kids not taking the RSV vaccine, when those respiratory diseases can be life-threatening in our children. An MMR vaccine, which protects against contracting measles, is prepared at City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, on March 1, 2025, amid an outbreak of the disease. - Annie Rice/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) has long been a target of misinformation and alarm, including by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following discredited research linking it to autism by a British doctor who has since been barred from practicing medicine. Kennedy publicly urged people to get the measles vaccine amid this years outbreak that led to three deaths and nearly 200 hospitalizations across the US, but also touted unconventional therapies. Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is considered the only safe over-the-counter option for pain or fever during pregnancy. Other common pain relief options like ibuprofen or regular-dose aspirin can increase the risk of serious pregnancy complications, according to experts. The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said: Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS (National Health Service) guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Katherine Walker, the service development manager at Britains NCT, told CNN that parents were reaching out to the charity to get some clarity on paracetamol and pregnancy. There is a huge amount of concern from parents who are pregnant now, but also whove already had babies and children who are reflecting on their experiences in pregnancy, even though medicines agencies have rigorously tested paracetamol and found no evidence that it causes autism, Walker said. Were seeing a lot of misinformation, particularly on places like TikTok, so parents need to learn where the best place is to go to get that evidence-based information, Walker added, pointing parents toward the free resources on the NCT website, as well as the UKs National Health Service website and another government service called Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy. Im actually in clinic today, and Ive had a couple of patients whove already asked me about it, Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, told CNN on Wednesday. Were trying to reassure women acetaminophen in pregnancy should be used when indicated, based on science, based on studies. We have to base our decisions on science, and I think thats what were losing with the rhetoric thats coming from the United States, Murphy-Kaulbeck added. Vaccine misinformation On Monday, Trump also advocated for breaking up childhood vaccinations and even pushing back the hepatitis B shot for newborns to age 12. Its too much liquid, too many different things are going into that baby, Trump said, without citing scientific evidence. As a public health strategy, providing hepatitis B shot to infants brought the infection in children to the brink of elimination in the United States. And extensive research has shown that theres no link between vaccines and autism. Extensive safety monitoring in the UK and internationally continues to show that the benefits of these vaccinations outweigh any risks. Hepatitis B vaccines used in the UK have a well-established safety profile and play a vital role in protecting infants from serious illness, Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said in a statement. The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement that vaccination campaigns, which have saved more than 150 million lives in the past 50 years, are being threatened by misinformation. Misinformation is increasingly driven from the top, with prominent influencers pushing thoroughly debunked myths, such as the disproven and false claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism, said WHOs immunization director, Kate OBrien. Pseudoscience, false logic, and selective evidence are weaponized in ways that sow confusion and doubt among well-meaning parents. OBrien said the consequences of this misinformation were real and tragic, pointing to how the drop in coverage of the measles vaccine is driving a significant rise in measles cases and deaths, including in wealthy countries like the US, Canada, the UK and other European countries. The International Confederation of Midwives told CNN in a statement that the comments from US officials may understandably worry pregnant women and parents. But the confederation reiterated that routine infant vaccination programs globally have significantly improved health outcomes. Vaccines use only a very small proportion of a childs immune system, are well tolerated even when several are given together, and provide long-lasting immunity, the midwives organization added. Any decline in confidence caused by misinformation risks reduced vaccine uptake, which would leave mothers and babies vulnerable to preventable illness. CNNs Jen Christensen, Brenda Goodman, Meg Tirrell, Robert North and Charlotte Reck contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com U.S. President Donald Trump; Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (Getty Images file) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian lashed out at the U.S and Israel for their attacks in June during a speech at the United Nations on Wednesday, one day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the highest authority in the country, ruled out talks with President Donald Trump about Iran's nuclear program. The aerial assaults of [Israel] and the United States of America against Irans cities, homes and infrastructure, precisely at a time when we were treading the path of diplomatic negotiations, constituted a grave betrayal of diplomacy and a subversion of efforts towards the establishment of stability and peace, he said. At the podium, Pezeshkian held up a book with the words Killed By Israel printed on the front and leafed through pages with pictures of families and children. There have been calls among moderates in Iran for direct talks with Trump, but on Tuesday Khamenei rejected negotiations with the U.S. about the country's nuclear program and in many ways set the parameters of what Pezeshkian could discuss in New York. In my view, negotiating with America about the nuclear issue and maybe other issues is an absolute dead end, Khamenei said in an address, adding that Iran would not stop uranium enrichment because it would not be acceptable to the people of the country, according to his official website. He added, This negotiation will be beneficial for the current American president. He will hold his head high, say I threatened Iran and I brought them to the negotiating table. He will be proud of this in the world. But for us its an absolute loss and has no benefit. Khamenei also said on Tuesday that Iran does not intend to build a nuclear weapon, a point that Pezeshkian highlighted in his speech Wednesday, and that it will not negotiate on its ballistic missile program. But a White House official told NBC News on Wednesday that the U.S. is still open to talks with Iran. Iran continues to defy its nuclear commitments. The United States is fully coordinated with our E3 partners and stands firm in holding Iran accountable, the official said. The E3 is a reference to Britain, France and Germany. The official added, At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Wednesday that Iran is in a tough position and that the administration wants to negotiate with it, according to Reuters. "We're talking to them," Witkoff said when asked if there is a diplomatic path forward with Iran. But the hard line drawn by Khamenei against talks with Trump about the nuclear issue could significantly ramp up tensions with the U.S. and Israel. The value of the Iranian rial against the U.S. dollar hit a record low Wednesday after Khameneis remarks. Moderate voices in Iran pushing for direct talks with the U.S. were hoping to stave off more devastating attacks on the country by either the Israeli or U.S. military, which pummeled the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites in late June with airstrikes, including the first combat use of massive bunker buster bombs. Trump, addressing the United Nations on Tuesday, said the attacks had targeted Irans key nuclear facility, totally obliterating everything. But analysts have raised questions about the extent of the damage caused by the attacks and the whereabouts of the approximately 880 pounds of enriched uranium that Iran is thought to have produced. The Israeli attacks, which Israeli officials said were intended to stop the Islamic Republic from obtaining a nuclear weapon, also hammered nuclear targets but expanded to include energy infrastructure and even the country's notorious Evin prison, and killed more than 1,000 people, according to state media. Even if Iran does not talk to the U.S. directly, Pezeshkian and his foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, only have until Sep. 27 to negotiate a diplomatic solution with Britain, France and Germany before they face a snapback of sanctions. Negotiated under the 2015 nuclear deal, the snapback would lead to an arms embargo, freezing of assets outside the country and restrictions on enriching uranium, among other penalties. The sanctions could hit at a time when the country is reeling from an economic crisis, which critics blame on current sanctions as well as corruption and mismanagement. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the U.N. meeting in New York on Wednesday and posted on X that a diplomatic solution to avoid snapback could still be reached if Iran allows full access to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, is transparent about its stockpile of enriched materials and resumes negotiations. "An agreement remains possible. Only a few hours are left," Macron wrote. "It is up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have set." After meeting with Macron, Pezeshkian also said that an agreement is possible in a post on X. "If there is a commitment to fairness and what is right and ensuring the interests of both sides then a definite solution is within reach," he wrote. In recent months, Pezeshkian has been fighting for his political, and actual, life. He narrowly escaped an Israeli attack on a meeting of top officials in June, and his conservative critics have pressed him hard on the economy as well as restrictions on social freedoms. Security forces kicked off a massive crackdown during and after the war. The crackdown was ostensibly to ferret out spies, but in many cases the security forces used the war as a pretext to detain ethnic and religious minorities as well as Afghan migrants, according to Amnesty International. A police spokesman said in mid-August that 21,000 people had been arrested in the 12-day period of the war and observers say that more arrests have subsequently taken place and pending executions have been expedited. Theyre targeting already marginalized groups even further, and thats one way for them to exert and show the control that they have and try to retain their power while also instilling fear in the population, said Nassim Papayianni, an Iran campaigner at Amnesty International. Youre talking about scapegoating. So essentially they are trying to use the conflict as a way to ramp up the crackdown and the arrests. With Pezeshkians hands tied on the international stage by the supreme leader and his hard-line opponents pressing a crackdown on real and perceived enemies at home, the Iranian president appears more isolated than at any point since assuming his position last year. Charles DeLoye | Unsplash (The Center Square) In a new public ranking of American medical schools, two public Florida universities outscored the medical colleges at Harvard and the Mayo Clinic. The Medical School Excellence Index is the inaugural report of the new Center for Accountability in Medicine and ranks schools according to their commitment to academic excellence, transparency and rejection of diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Based on that rubric, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida both earned an A grade and landed in the top five medical schools in the country. So did the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigans medical school. Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine earned Bs, as did the medical schools at Columbia, Duke, Northwestern and Stanford. Academic excellence comprises 60% of the medical schools overall grade and is based on two factors: the average undergraduate GPA and the average Medical College Admission Test score of its students. Transparency refers to transparency around student performance and accounts for 15% of the schools grade. It is also composed of two components grading differentiation and presence of an Alpha Omega Alpha chapter. The center included transparency as part of its ranking methodology because theres been a growing movement in medical education to move away from grading scales to wholly pass-fail measures. In 2022, part one of the medical licensing exam became a pass-fail test. Most schools have done away with tiered grading in the preclinical phase (i.e. years 1 and 2 of medical school) and a small number including UCSF and Yale in the clinical phase (i.e. years 3 and 4) as well, according to the center. More competitive residencies, the center argues, are better for students as they encourage students to push themselves academically and allow for collaboration among bright minds. Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor society which has historically been an important indicator of academic distinction, according to the center, as it has traditionally accepted only the top 20% of students. But many medical schools have done away with their AOA chapters, and AOA itself has conferred to individual schools the authority to decide the qualifying criteria. Nonetheless, the center used affiliation with AOA as a standard for transparency. The center evaluated the influence of diversity, equity and inclusion principles by identifying whether schools had a dedicated office of DEI or used DEI terminology in their mission statements. By these standards, several institutions typically considered elite in the medical field did secure 'A' grades, such as the medical schools of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Southern California and Vanderbilt and Cornell universities. The medical colleges that performed the poorest and received F grades were those at the University of California Davis, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of New Mexico and Central Michigan University. The Center for Accountability in Medicine was founded by the nonprofit Do No Harm, an organization that advocates for policy which keeps identity politics, DEI and gender-affirming care for minors separate from medical education. Tommaso Boddi/Getty; OLIVIER TOURON/AFP via Getty Jimmy Kimmel; Charlie Kirk NEED TO KNOW Andrew Kolvet, an executive producer for The Charlie Kirk Show, criticized Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue addressing his comments about Charlie Kirk's Sept. 10 assassination Kolvet appeared on Fox News Channel's America's Newsroom, where he said that Kimmel did not give a proper apology Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Sept. 23 after the show was suspended nearly one week prior Jimmy Kimmel is being called out by a member of Charlie Kirks team one day after making his return to late-night television. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Jimmy Kimmel Live! aired its first episode since being suspended nearly one week prior over comments the host made about the right-wing commentators death. The following day, a producer for The Charlie Kirk Show, Andrew Kolvet, reacted to Kimmels first monologue back during an appearance on Fox News Channels Americas Newsroom. What was lacking, in your view? anchor Bill Hemmer asked, to which Kolvet replied: Well, an apology, for one. Where was the I'm sorry? Where was the contrition?, he continued. Yes, he was emotional, but I think he was emotional because, A, he's really good on camera, and, B well, I wouldn't say really good, maybe, but he's used to it and, B, because he's been under the gun for the last couple of days. That's what he's emotional about. All he had to do was say, simply: I'm sorry, I won't do it again, I will do better. Nordin Catic/Getty; Robin L Marshall/Getty; AP Photo/John Locher Charlie Kirk; Jimmy Kimmel; Andrew Kolvet Kimmels talk show was pulled indefinitely by Disneys ABC on Sept. 17 in the aftermath of a segment in which he spoke about Kirks Sept. 10 assassination, where he was fatally shot at the age of 31 during an event at Utah Valley University. "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said in part during the Sept. 15 episode of Live!. "In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving." Kimmel's show was reinstated on Sept. 23, and he addressed his comments in his opening monologue the next day. It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, he began as he teared up. I don't think theres anything funny about it, nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. For those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there was a good chance I'd have felt the same way. He further referenced the statement he put out shortly after Kirks death, where he said it was horrible and monstrous to shoot another human and sent his condolences to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence. Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Jimmy Kimmel "I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion and I meant it; I still do, Kimmel said on Sept. 23. Kolvet slammed Kimmels response for being defiant and claimed he parsed his words and tried to thread a needle and play both sides. He went on to say that Kimmel should have told his audience, This is not okay, I won't do it again, and for anybody else out there thinking about doing violence, political violence, stop, it's not okay. When somebody like Jimmy Kimmel says that the shooter was of Charlie was MAGA, what he's really saying is that it's okay to lie about conservatives, that their lives don't matter, that his agenda, his political agenda and cultural agenda is more important than the life of my friend who was just taken from us and robbed from us, Kolvet said earlier. In his Sept. 23 monologue, Kimmel recognized the importance of separating politics and violence. "I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don't agree on politics at all, he shared. I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn't, ever." Kolvet further said that Kimmel should have directly apologized to the Kirk family, including Charlies wife, Erika Kirk. Kimmel addressed Erika in his speech by saying, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow. While Kolvet acknowledged that I agree with Kimmel that Erikas model for the nation is the model that we must and have to follow, he maintained the comedian wasnt taking full responsibility for what he said. Yes, I can forgive Jimmy Kimmel for what he did, Kolvet stated. I still want him to own it and be accountable to the audience, to the country, because it matters. It matters, Bill, because what it says is, What I did was not okay, what happened was not okay and please forgive me. And that's what we need. If you're going to get restoration and reconciliation as a nation, healing as a nation, the people that do wrong need to own it. 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. Despite news of Live!s return, two of the largest broadcasting companies, Nexstar and Sinclair, announced that they will continue preempting the show on their affiliate stations. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. Read the original article on People JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon Noam Galai via Getty Images JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said he expects pushback on Trump's plan to charge for H-1B visas. On Friday, the president signed an order to charge $100,000 for new H-1B visa applications. JPMorgan is one of the finance industry's top users of the visa program, BI data shows. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon this week spoke out against Trump's plan to charge $100,000 for visa applications for skilled overseas workers. In an interview with CNBC in Mumbai, India, Dimon said he supports "merit-based immigration " and expects employers who rely on the program to object to the president's executive order, signed late Friday. "I would beg the president," he said. "He has accomplished border control, that's great, I mean, I think all nations want real border control, that helps make a nation, but after that, we should have good immigration," he said. Dimon said employers use H-1Bs "because they need the expertise." "And so, I'm sure a lot of people will be going to the American government explaining why we believe it," he said, adding, "I think there will be some pushback on the H-1Bs." An analysis by Business Insider earlier this year showed that JPMorgan is a top user of H-1B visas. It ranked No. 1 on our list of financial companies that use them. Friday's executive order resulted in companies like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and more advising employees with H-1B visas not to leave the country, or to return to the US if already abroad. The Trump administration later clarified that the fee would only apply to future H-1B visa applications. The rule change "caught everyone off guard," Dimon said, adding, "We had a lot of phone calls over the weekend." Read the original article on Business Insider Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Karen Read NEED TO KNOW Karen Read was back in court on Sept. 22 for a pretrial hearing in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against her by the family of her ex, John O'Keefe A jury acquitted Read of O'Keefe's murder earlier this year after her first criminal trial ended in a hung jury Read announced her own plans to sue the Massachusetts State Police and seven individuals she claims conspired against her and allegedly tried to frame her for murder "The days of Karen Read being on the defense are over." That is what Read's lawyer, Alan Jackson, said outside a Massachusetts courtroom on Monday, Sept. 22, as his client prepared for yet another trial, this time in civil court. Read, a former equity analyst and college professor at Bentley University, is preparing to once again defend herself against the allegation that she killed her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, in January 2022. A jury acquitted Read of O'Keefe's murder earlier this year, but she is currently facing a wrongful death lawsuit in Plymouth Superior Court. At the Sept. 22 hearing, attorneys for Read asked the court to dismiss part of the suit, per the Associated Press. In the courtroom, Read's legal team argued that the plaintiffs "dont have standing to pursue emotional distress damages because they didnt witness OKeefes death or see his body until after he had been declared dead at the hospital," per the AP. The lawsuit was filed on Aug. 26, 2024, on behalf of O'Keefe's estate by his brother, Paul O'Keefe, who is one of the four listed plaintiffs, alongside the deceased's parents, Margaret O'Keefe and John O'Keefe II, as well as the deceased's niece. At the time of his death, O'Keefe had been raising his niece and nephew for eight years. He gained custody of the two in 2014 after their mother and father both died in the span of just a few months from a brain tumor and a heart attack, respectively. Only the niece was home on the night O'Keefe died, while his nephew was away at a friend's home. Courtesy David Yannetti Karen Read and John O'Keefe. During her appearance, Read announced that she also plans to file multiple lawsuits in the wake of her two criminal trials, the first of which ended in a hung jury. Read's attorney, Damon Seligson, informed the judge that her legal team planned to file lawsuits against the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and three of the individuals involved in the investigation - Lt. Brian Tully, Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik and Trooper Michael Proctor. Seligson accused the MSP and those three employees of violating Read's civil rights and conspiracy. In the wake of the trial, the MSP terminated Proctor and transferred Tully and Bukhenik. Seligson also said that Read intends to file lawsuits against Brian Higgins, Brian and Nicole Albert and Jennifer and Matthew McCabe. In the criminal case, Read's attorneys had previously argued that she was being framed in court motions, one of which alleged that "the actual perpetrators of this crime are Jennifer McCabe and Brian Albert." Albert is the owner of the home where O'Keefe was found dead in the front yard. Jennifer McCabe was with Read when she discovered her boyfriend's body outside the home. Brian's wife Nicole initially told police that she first learned about O'Keefe when her sister Jennifer came into her bedroom shortly after they discovered the body and woke her up with the news, said the defense in their motion. Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty A Karen Read supporter outside her criminal trial in March However, cell phone records obtained by the defense show that McCabe "actually made two calls to her sister, Nicole Albert's cell phone at 6:07 a.m. and 6:08 a.m., both of which were answered by someone and were subsequently deleted," according to the motion. The defense also argued in that same motion that the deceased's injuries were not consistent with a person being backed into by a car, which is how prosecutors claimed Read had killed O'Keefe. "Contrary to the Commonwealth's theories, photographs of O'Keefe suggest that he was beaten severely and left for dead, having sustained blunt force injuries to both sides of his face as well as to the back of his head," said that motion. "In addition to suffering numerous defensive wounds on his hands consistent with a brutal fight, O'Keefe also suffered a cluster of deep scratches and puncture wounds to his right upper arm and forearm." The defense argued in the motion that Jennifer assisted in the alleged cover-up when she "inserted herself into the 'search,' making every effort to delay Ms. Read in returning to the Albert Residence to look for him and ensuring that she was in control of the narrative provided to police when O'Keefes body was discovered." 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. Jennifer then allegedly called 9-1-1 after Read discovered the body, at which time a trooper arrived on the scene, who is close friends with both the McCabe and Albert families, the defense alleged in its motion. "Thus, Brian and Nicole Albert were among the first individuals to be notified that O'Keefe was lying unresponsive mere feet away on their front lawn, and in spite of being in such close proximity, made no effort to go outside and assist or otherwise investigate the emergency that was unfolding on their doorstep," the defense wrote in its motion. "Either Nicole is lying, or Jennifer McCabe was on the phone with her husband, Brian Albert," the defense continued. "Either way, Brian and Nicole Albert chose to sequester themselves in their home distancing themselves from the investigationrather than check on O'Keefe, assist in life-saving efforts, speak with responding officers, or otherwise investigate the circumstances surrounding the fact that their family member had just discovered the body of a Boston Police Officer on their front lawn." This alleged conspiracy is acknowledged in the wrongful death suit. "Read chose to speak publicly. She knowingly and deliberately changed her story and fabricated a conspiracy knowing the same to be false. She publicly communicated this false narrative thereby frustrating justice for [O'Keefe]," the lawsuit reads. Read, who was convicted of operating under the influence of alcohol on the night of O'Keefe's death, is due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on Nov. 21. Read the original article on People Getty Prince William and Kate Middleton on September 23, 2025 The Gist Prince William and Kate Middleton made an unannounced visit to Southport, England on September 23, to honor the three lives lost in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024. The Prince and Princess of Wales previously visited Southport in October 2024, just three months after the attack. On Tuesday, the couple was given friendship braceletsa very Taylor Swift-themed accessoryby the mother of one of the victims, which they wore on their wrists for the rest of the visit. Prince William and Kate Middleton made a poignant visit to Southport, England on September 23 to honor the three victims lost in a July 2024 stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Before they departed Southport yesterday, the Prince and Princess of Wales left with a Taylor Swift-themed accessory on their wristsmatching friendship bracelets, given to them by the mother of Bebe King, one of the victims of the senseless violence. Getty Prince William's friendship bracelet After being given the bracelets, William and Kate wore them for the rest of their visit on Tuesday, People reported. This was the couples second visit to Southport, nearby Liverpool; they first visited in October 2024, three months after the attack, to honor the lives of not just King, 6, but also Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. During their visit yesterday, the Prince and Princess of Wales toured the girls schools and met privately with each of their families. Lauren King presented the couple with the bracelets, which spelled out Bebes Hive, a grief support charity for children founded in Kings name. Getty Kate Middleton's friendship bracelet It meant everything, Lauren told GB News of her time with William and Kate. It was really special. I think were really grateful anyway how Bebes been honored so much in this school, and seeing the prince and princess support that and be here has been just amazing, she continued. Getty Kate Middleton and Prince William Getty Prince William and Kate Middleton While making remarks on Tuesday, the future king encouraged the kids to Be brave, be joyful, and be kind, and, addressing the girls parents directly, added, You are parents united in grief. You have faced such horrorbut from that, you move forward with grace and fortitude, creating the most remarkable legacies for your girls. We will always be here to support you. Getty Prince William and Kate Middleton in Southport, England on September 23, 2025 In addition to her friendship bracelet, Kate wore a new coat from Jigsaw, where she once worked before marrying into the royal family. She wore underneath it a pink Burberry blouse featuring a pussybow, a look she previously wore while visiting Boston with William in December 2022 and, per the fashion site What Kate Wore, she wore Hugo Boss heels, carried a Smythson bag, and wore Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drop earrings. Read the original article on InStyle Michael Kovac/Getty Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves in November 2023 NEED TO KNOW Keanu Reeves' girlfriend Alexandra Grant is shutting down rumors that they got married Grant reacted to recent wedding speculation on Instagram Sept. 24, writing, "fake news" In a statement to PEOPLE Sept. 23, a rep for Reeves addressed the rumors, saying, "It is not true. They are not married" Alexandra Grant wants to make one thing clear she is not married to Keanu Reeves. The artist and longtime girlfriend of the movie star took to Instagram on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to shut down recent wedding rumors. Alongside a photo of the couple kissing on the steps of the East Portal at Roden Crater in Flagstaff, Arizona, Grant, 52, set the record straight about her relationship status in a lengthy caption. "This is a real photo. Not an engagement photo or an AI wedding announcement... simply a kiss! (Albeit maybe the moment right before or after it... given the slightly goofy expressions on our faces!)," Grant began her post. "We're at Roden Crater, and Keanu and Gard had just finished interviewing James Turrell for Visionaries." Charley Gallay/Getty Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves in April 2024 The visual artist then called out "fake news," and confirmed that she and Reeves, 61, never tied the knot despite some headlines claiming so. "I'm sharing it here to say thank you to everyone for the congratulations on our wedding," she wrote. "Except we didnt get married. Good news is much needed these days, but it's still fake news, so be careful out there! So, here's a bit of real happiness!" A representative for Reeves also addressed wedding speculation on Tuesday, Sept. 23. "It is not true, the rep said in a statement to PEOPLE. "They are not married." BACKGRID Alexandra Grant and Keanu Reeves in April 2025 Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Reeves and Grant made their public debut as a couple in November 2019, walking the red carpet together at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles, nearly a decade after they collaborated on the 2011 book Ode to Happiness. At the time, a source told PEOPLE, "Keanu wants to openly share his life with her. He is extremely happy and grateful to have Alex in his life." The insider added that Reeves and Grant "started dating earlier this year, but have wanted to keep it quiet." Grant has previously expressed her hesitation of sharing her romance with Reeves with the world. She told Vogue in March 2020, just four months after stepping out with Reeves, that she had mixed feelings about their public outing. "I think every single person I knew called me in the first week of November, and that's fascinating, but the question I've been asking in all of this is, 'What is the opportunity for good?' " she said to the magazine at the time. Since then, Grant has been open about her love for the John Wick star. The good news about falling in love as an adult is that I had built my own career by the time that my relationship had begun, she told PEOPLE in September 2023. I feel very confident in the relationship on the red carpet. I feel confident on it alone. It's interdependent and independent in the best ways." Read the original article on People LAS VEGAS The family of an actor filed a lawsuit alleging that workers at a Las Vegas mega-resort failed to act when he collapsed at a restaurant and later died in 2024, according to court filings provided to USA TODAY. Michael Heslins estate claimed in a Clark County District Court filing that employees at the Aria Resort & Casino stood by, and failed to perform CPR or start an emergency response protocol as the incident occurred at the upscale Mexican restaurant Javiers. The complaint, filed Sept. 18, states that Heslin had been showing obvious signs of medical distress while eating at Javier's on June 25, 2024. It alleges that a woman attempted to begin CPR, but an employee forcefully interfered and stopped her, and that an AED device was never retrieved. "These breaches were not isolated incidents of inaction but constituted a pattern of conductshowing disregard for the health and safety of a patron in peril," the complaint reads. Mike Heslin attends The Ninth House Vip Screening Of "A Christmas To Treasure" at Garry Marshall Theatre on December 06, 2022 in Burbank, California. The lawsuit states that Heslins friends attempted to record the incident, but alleges that employees demanded that any videos be deleted. "This was a systematic failure by the staff and management of ARIA, MGM International and Javiers," Orlando De Castroverde, one of the lawyers representing the estate, said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sept. 24. "Mike's death was a preventable tragedy." The estate is suing on five counts, including wrongful death and gross negligence and is seeking general, punitive and special damages and other financial relief. These claims are not aligned with the facts, and we will respond through the legal process, MGM Resorts International, the operator of Aria Resort & Casino, said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. The facade of the Javier's restaurant in Aria Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada as seen on Sept. 24, 2025. Who was Michael Heslin? Heslin was known for his roles in Lioness and The Holiday Proposal Plan, as reported by People at the time of the 30-year-olds death. IMDB lists credits for The Influencers and Boy*Friend on his profile. Nicholas Wilson, Heslins husband also known as Scotty Dynamo, announced in a July 5, 2024 Instagram post that Heslin had died on July 2, 2024, from an unexpected cardiac event after a week-long battle in the hospital. Michael was brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel, Wilson wrote. He was the first person everyone would call to share good news with, and he was the perfect person to call if they needed a shoulder to lean on or the best advice. This story has been updated to include new information and photos This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Heslin estate sues MGM Resorts over 2024 death, reports By Arunima Kumar and Purvi Agarwal (Reuters) -Shares of Lithium Americas closed at $8.32 after jumping nearly 90% on Wednesday after Reuters reported that the Trump administration is seeking up to a 10% stake in the miner, in the latest sign of Washington's intervention into industries it considers critical to national security. Late Tuesday, Reuters cited two people familiar with the talks who said the administration is considering the stake as part of negotiations over a $2.26 billion Department of Energy loan for the company's Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, the largest planned lithium mine in the Western Hemisphere. Canada-based Lithium Americas said on Wednesday it was in discussions with the U.S. energy department and General Motors over the Thacker Pass loan. The move underscores President Donald Trump's increasing use of direct government ownership to steer strategic sectors and curb reliance on China, which dominates refining of many critical minerals. China produces over 40,000 metric tons of lithium annually, ranking third after Australia and Chile, but dominates refining, processing more than 75% of the world's lithium into battery-grade material. TD Cowen analysts said a government stake would lend credence to the Thacker Pass project completion and expansion to multiple phases with perhaps enhanced economics. The project is seen as a linchpin in building a domestic supply chain part of Washington's long-standing drive to boost U.S. production of lithium, a metal used to make batteries for electric vehicles and other electronics. The Trump administration recently moved to take a stake in chipmaker Intel following a deal that would make the Department of Defense the largest shareholder in rare earths MP Materials. Jefferies said the administration's preference for equity stakes, viewed as lower political cost than tax increases, can support financing, corporate profits, and favorable returns on invested capital. Lithium Americas' Canadian and U.S.-listed shares were both up about 97% at C$8.37 and $6.03, respectively. The company had a market value of roughly $1.46 billion as of last close on the New York Stock Exchange. OFFTAKE AGREEMENTS KEY GM, which invested $625 million in the mine last year for a 38% stake, has the right to buy all of the project's lithium from its first phase and a portion from the second phase for 20 years, although Trump officials are now seeking a guarantee that GM will buy the metal, according to the sources. NBCFM Research analyst Mohamed Sidibe said the MP Materials-DoD model shows how government equity, long-term offtake, and price support can derisk strategic projects. He added for Lithium Americas, a similar approach could strengthen funding and project durability, though it may dilute existing shareholders. The Thacker Pass project is expected to begin production in 2028. Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein said an equity stake could include offtake price guarantees, potentially making Thacker Pass profitable even if lithium prices remain lower for longer. The news also lifted other lithium miners during the session. Albemarle gained 1.85%, while Sigma Lithium climbed 7.2%. U.S.-listed shares of SQM rose 1.1%. (Reporting by Vallari Srivastava, Arunima Kumar, Purvi Agarwal and Katha Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Veronica Brown, Sriraj Kalluvila) HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 16-18, the inaugural NRF Retail's Big Show Europe concluded successfully in Paris, bringing together nearly 500 retail technology companies. The event not only underscored NRF's global influence but also demonstrated how retail technology's impact is expanding from North America to Asia-Pacific, extending into Europe, and reaching the broader global market. ZKONG Arrow Series ESLs ZKONG showcased its full portfolio of smart display solutions at NRF Europe 2025, demonstrating how its localized teams and end-to-end product solutions are building stronger connections across the global smart retail landscape. Driving Smarter Shelf Communication Nowadays, Europe's retail sector is entering a new phase defined by digitalization and sustainability, where customer experience, operational efficiency, and green practices have become essential. Smart displays are now viewed as a critical tool to enhance both shopper engagement and brand presence. At the show, ZKONG showcased a full suite of smart retail solutions, featuring electronic shelf labels (ESLs) based on e-paper technology and dynamic LCD displays. From pricing and promotions to merchandising and brand storytelling, ZKONG's offerings reflect its vision of "Drive Better Connections through Smart Display Solutions." ESL: Available in sizes from 1.5 to 13.3 inches, offering flexible options to meet the diverse needs of price and information display. LCD Displays: Delivering rich, dynamic visuals that create more versatile in-store communication and impactful marketing campaigns. Together, these technologies enable European retailers to achieve more efficient and sustainable store operations. Arrow Series Debut: Redefining Shelf Communication Making its European debut, ZKONG's new bar-shaped ESLs Arrow Series, reimagine shelf labeling beyond the traditional "one SKU, one tag" model. Available in 30, 45, and 60 cm, the Arrow Series consolidates product information across full shelf rows, optimizing space and ensuring consistent visual presentation ideal for high-density retail environments. Featuring an ultra-slim all-in-one structure with modular expansion, Arrow simplifies installation and reduces maintenance costs. Its four-color e-paper display allows retailers to switch backgrounds and templates instantly, highlighting prices, promotions, and product features with greater impact. Through ZKONG's cloud platform, retailers can manage multi-SKUs with scan-to-bind, drag-and-drop editing, and real-time template updates, striking the perfect balance between operational efficiency and intuitive management. Global Reach, Local Expertise ZKONG's presence at NRF Europe 2025 highlights not only its innovation in smart hardware and display solutions but also its expanding global footprint. Since establishing its European subsidiary in Dusseldorf, Germany in 2024, ZKONG has built a robust service network across the EU, delivering fast, localized sales and technical support. Looking ahead, ZKONG will continue to collaborate with local partners to explore the full potential of smart retail in Europe. By driving cross-system integration of e-paper and other display technologies, the company aims to foster more efficient and sustainable retail operations, shaping a new digital future together with global retail partners. About ZKONG ZKONG is a global provider of smart retail and IoT solutions, specializing in Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), LCD smart displays, and cloud platform systems. For more information, visit: www.zkong.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780569/3_03.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757905/ZKONG_Logo.jpg China Eastern Airlines has launched what it calls the longest direct flight in the world that links Shanghai with Buenos Aires. The service holds a single flight number, so it counts as direct, even though there is a two-hour layover in Auckland, New Zealand. Passengers remain on board during the stop before continuing to Argentina. Southbound flights take around 25.5 hours, while the return can stretch to 29 hours because of headwinds. The route spans about 12,000 miles, or nearly 19,300 kilometers. Before this, travelers between China and Argentina usually passed through Europe or North America, which often meant more than 30 hours of travel with long waits between connections. By cutting out those extra stops, China Easterns new route offers a shorter overall trip, even if it means spending more than a full day on one plane. The flights are scheduled twice a week. The Price of Extreme Travel Image via Canva/ilonakozhevnikova Flying this far comes at a cost. Economy tickets for December were priced between $1,538 and $2,270. Business class started at $5,000, with some seats on the first flight selling for more than $6,400. The route is operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, a reliable choice for long-distance international travel. Each plane has 316 seats, 258 of which are economy. Business travelers get lie-flat seats, while economy passengers have standard long-haul accommodations. For passengers accustomed to complicated itineraries through Dallas, Madrid, or Paris, booking a single flight from Asia to South America without multiple layovers is a major convenience. This is particularly true for business trips or urgent travel when time matters more than comfort. Looking Back at the Record Holder While 29 hours in the air is daunting, it still does not top the longest flights in aviation history. That title belongs to Qantas Double Sunrise flights during World War II. Between 1943 and 1945, Qantas used Catalina flying boats to connect Australia with Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. These flights covered about 3,500 nautical miles and could last up to 33 hours. Passengers often saw two sunrises during the journey, which gave the flights their name. The Catalinas flew with only three passengers on board, along with mail and diplomatic documents. With no radios and limited navigation tools, crews relied on celestial navigation and compasses. The flights were operated under wartime conditions and required stripping the planes of unnecessary equipment to save weight. In total, 271 crossings were completed, carrying fewer than 900 passengers. Those who flew received a certificate naming them members of the Secret Order of the Double Sunrise. What It Means for Travelers Today Image via Wikimedia Commons/LERK Comparing a noisy wartime seaplane with a modern Boeing 777 highlights how far air travel has come. The Double Sunrise served as a lifeline between allies, whereas China Easterns route aims to make long-distance travel more efficient. Todays longest nonstop flight is still Singapore Airlines service from Singapore to New York, which covers 9,537 miles in just over 18 hours. Qantas has plans for a 20-hour Sydney to London nonstop service by 2027. For now, China Eastern holds the record for the longest direct commercial flight. Peoria Police Department NEED TO KNOW Jaquon Timothy was charged this month in connection with a July shooting Timothy's girlfriend told investigators he allegedly told her he would carry out the shooting, and messaged her afterwards to tell her he had done it The alleged victim is Timothy's ex-girlfriend, per police An Illinois man was charged last week in connection with the July shooting of his ex-girlfriend, which he is believed to have carried out in a bid to send a message to his current girlfriend. Jaquon L. Timothy, 23, has been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm two months after the July 19 shooting in Peoria, Ill., the Peoria County State's Attorney said in a statement. Officers responding to a report of a shooting around 1:30 a.m. on July 19 found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to her feet, per the state attorney's office. During their investigation, officers learned from Timothy's current girlfriend that he had allegedly told her before the shooting what he was about to do. Police claim Timothy allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend "as a way to prove his love to his new girlfriend," prosecutors said. Timothy's girlfriend told police that after the shooting, he allegedly told her he had "carried it out." A search warrant executed on Timothy's phone turned up a text message of him allegedly "claiming ownership of the shooting," the state's attorney's office said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The victim's present condition was not immediately clear. It wasn't immediately clear if Timothy has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is requested to contact investigators at the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521. Read the original article on People Getty Images Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay with their kids Jayne Marie, Miklos, and Zoltan in 1960. The Gist Jayne Mansfield gave birth to five children before her death at the age of 34 in 1967. The Old Hollywood icon welcomed Jayne Marie with her first husband Paul Mansfield. She shared Mickey Jr., Zoltan, and Mariska with her second husband Mickey Hargitay. She welcomed a fifth child, Tony, with her third husband Matt Cimber. Before Jayne Mansfield died in a tragic car accident in 1967, she gave birth to a total of five children: Jayne Marie Mansfield, Miklos "Mickey" Hargitay, Jr., Zoltan Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay, and Antonio Tony Cimber. The Old Hollywood icon was later memorialized by her daughter Mariska in the 2025 documentary My Mom Jayne. My mother was this amazing, beautiful, glamorous sex symbolbut people didnt know that she played the violin and had a 160 IQ and had five kids and loved dogs, the first-time director told People. She was just so ahead of her time. She was an inspiration, she had this appetite for life, and I think I share that with her. Getty Images Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay at the Makeup Artist Ball in 1956. Mariska was her late mother's second to youngest child. In 1950, Mansfield and her then-husband Paul became parents for the first time with the arrival her namesake, Jayne Marie Mansfield. They divorced in 1954. Four years later, Jayne married Miklos Mickey Hargitay and welcomed sons Miklos "Mickey" Hargitay, Jr. and Zoltan Hargitay in 1958 and 1960, respectively. The couple briefly split up circa 1963 before getting back together during Mansfield's pregnancy with Mariska, who was born in 1964. They divorced later that same year, at which point the actress married Italian movie director Matt Cimber. Mansfield and Cimber welcomed Antonio Tony Cimber in 1965; they were in the process of splitting up when she passed away in 1967. Getty Images Jayne Mansfield with Mickey Jr. and Jayne Marie circa 1959. The way Ive lived with loss is to lean into it, Mariska later told People. As the saying goes, the only way out is through. In my life, certainly Ive tried to avoid pain, loss, feeling things. But Ive learned instead to really lean into it, because sooner or later you have to pay the piper. She added, Im not saying its easy, and it certainly hasnt been for me. Theres been a lot of darkness. But on the other side things can be so bright. Ahead, here's everything you should know about Jayne Mansfield's brood, which includes Jayne Marie Mansfield, Miklos "Mickey" Hargitay, Jr., Zoltan Hargitay, Mariska Hargitay, and Antonio Tony Cimber. Their childhood home was called the "Pink Palace." Getty Images Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield with their children Jayne Marie and Mickey Jr. at home in 1959. Following Mansfield and Hargitay's 1958 nuptials, the couple relocated to a home Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that they quickly dubbed the "Pink Palace," per Architectural Digest. "Mansfield's favorite color had been pink ever since she was a little girl in Dallas," the publication explained. "Accordingly, the house, previously unexceptional in white stucco, was repainted in a pink mixed with a generous salting of quartz grains that sparkled in the southern California sun." Mansfield was with three of her kids when she died. On June 29, 1967, Mansfield left Biloxi, Mississippi for New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was scheduled to appear on television at noon, per the New York Times. Ronald Harrison was in the driver's seat; Mansfield's attorney Samuel Brody also sat up front. Mickey Jr., Zoltan, and Mariska Hargitay were asleep in the backseat. The tragic car crash occurred when the fivesome's vehicle collided with the back of a trailer truck. All three adults were killed instantly; the kids, meanwhile, suffered minor injuries. I dont remember the accident," Mariska told Vanity Fair in a 2025 interview. "I dont even remember being told that my mother had died. Many years later, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began requiring "Mansfield Bars" be installed on newly manufactured trailers and semi-trailers in order to prevent cars from sliding under large trucks. The 1998 mandate was named in honor of Mansfield. Her daughter Mariska followed in her footsteps. Getty Images Mariska Hargitay at the Golden Globe Awards in 2005. Of Mansfield's five children, Mariska Hargitay has had the most success in Hollywood. The veteran actress has starred on Law & Order: SVU since 1999, making her character Olivia the longest running in primetime drama history. I could have quit a million times, but my dad drilled into me that our family doesnt quit, she once told Parade. So if you dont get it, it means youre not ready and you have to get up and try again. Mariska and Mansfield also share two accolades in common: both women have a Golden Globe and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Its so incredible because my brother Mickey and my sister Jayne Marie were actually here, right here, when my mother got her star, so I cant imagine what theyre feeling, Mariska said at her 2013 ceremony. Probably enough with the stars already. Her eldest Jayne Marie graced the pages of 'Playboy.' Of course, Mariska wasn't the only member of Mansfield's brood to follow in her footsteps. The Promises! Promises! star frequently appeared in Playboy through the 1960s and '70s, and her eldest daughter soon followed suit. Jayne Marie posed for the magazine for the first time in 1976. She was the first daughter of a Playmate to do so. Zoltan also works in the film industry. Instagram/Mariska Hargitay Mickey Jr., Mariska, and Zoltan Hargitay. Like his sister Mariska, Zoltan has also pursued a career in Hollywood, albeit behind the scenes. He was a set designer on The Morning Show in 2021 and has worked on a variety of project since the mid-1990s. Mickey Jr. and Tony aren't interested in Hollywood. Unlike his little sister and brother, Mickey Jr. did not pursue career on the silver screen. Instead, the entrepreneur opened Mickey Hargitay's Plants in 1980. He later opened up about his decision to avoid the spotlight in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. [My family] made decisions to reach for the stars and Ive wanted to keep my feet on the ground," he told the publication. "Ive wanted to do something that seems more grounded and is more real. Tony, for his part, is a real estate agent in Las Vegas, according to his LinkedIn. All five kids appeared in 'My Mom Jayne.' Getty Images Mariska Hargitay at the screening of 'My Mom Jayne' at Cannes Film Festival in 2025. In 2025, Mariska directed and produced a documentary about her mother's life titled My Mom Jayne. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the doc prize L'il d'or. All five of Mansfield's children participated in the project. "Being in Cannes with the family was kind of like tectonic plates shifting," Hargitay told InStyle. "It was so beautiful and to see my children proud of me wasI don't have the word for it but [it was] deeply meaningful." Another central theme of the movie was Mariska's parentage. When she was 25, the actress learned that Nelson Sardelli was her biological fathernot Mickey Hargitay. Mariska recalled a conversation with a Jayne Mansfield memorabilia collector that set the record straight. I think my whole life, all the millions of moments little fragments of a memory of a moment of things I caught that went into my subconscious," Hariskay recalled on an episode of "Call Her Daddy." "Then I said, Whos Nelson? Thats when I knew. And I think he couldnt believe that I didnt know. I was 25. How could I not know? Read the original article on InStyle An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump riding an escalator, Image 2 shows White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing, Image 3 shows President Donald Trump speaks at a podium with the UN logo White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded that United Nations officials investigate whether an escalator at headquarters was deliberately sabotaged as President Trump and first lady Melania Trump stepped on it Tuesday morning. If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately, Leavitt wrote on X, citing a Times of London report that staffers had been overheard joking that they may switch off the escalator and make Trump walk to the hall to give his speech. The safety mechanism was inadvertently triggered by someone who was ahead of the president on the escalator, UN spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq told The Times Tuesday. An escalator at the United Nations ground to a halt as soon as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump set foot on it. REUTERS The escalator was immediately reset and is in operation. Follow The Posts live coverage of President Trump and national politics for the latest news and analysis Video captured the moment when the escalator in the entrance hall to the UN building in New York abruptly stalled as soon as the Trumps stepped on it. Melania, who was standing directly in front of the president and wearing high heels, jolted forward when it stopped moving. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt now has demanded that UN officials investigate whether this escalator at the United Nations was deliberately stopped this morning. AP While the escalator adjacent to theirs was still operational, the couple opted to walk up the motionless steps of the frozen one. UN staffers reportedly tossed around the idea of stalling escalators and elevators in the building as a way to highlight funding shortfalls the organization has faced under Trump, according to Times of London. One idea doing the rounds was to turn off the escalators and lifts and simply tell Trump they ran out of money, so he had to walk up the stairs, the outlet reported. U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for the 80th session of the UNs General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images Trump has scrapped about $1 billion in funding for the UN since taking office in January. In his speech to the UN General Assembly, Trump quipped that he has ended seven wars and all I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle. If the first lady wasnt in great shape, she wouldve fallen, he mused. U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS At least one former Secret Service official expressed concern for how agents reacted or didnt to the glitch. This is not hard. Dont just stand there, former agent Rich Staropoli told RealClearPolitics. Staropoli argued that Trumps security detail should have closed ranks right around there, as close as you can be. Somebodys got to make a call. Were going to stand here like a bunch of morons, like we did in Butler. Or are we going to scoop up the first lady and POTUS and either go down or go up? he said, referring to the 2024 rally in western Pennsylvania in which the then-candidate was nearly assassinated by a crazed gunman who was shot dead by a Secret Service sniper. The Secret Service did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday she had sent diplomatic notes to Washington over the deaths of two migrants in the U.S., a man shot by a federal immigration agent and a second one who died in hospital after being detained. Speaking in a morning press conference, Sheinbaum said a Mexican man had died in a U.S. hospital on Tuesday, adding this was "presumably the product of a detention." She did not share the man's name. "We sent a diplomatic note on this case asking all the investigations be carried out, and that if there is a responsibility of violation of human rights, that it be sanctioned," Sheinbaum said. She said had also sent another diplomatic note over the death of Silverio Villegas, a man from Michoacan state, who was fatally shot by an immigration enforcement agent in a Chicago suburb earlier this month. Villegas was pulled over and eventually shot by an unidentified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on September 12, just after dropping off his two children at a nearby elementary school and daycare center. (Reporting by Sarah Morland and Ana Isabel Martinez; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez) Millions of people who receive food stamps could soon see smaller benefits or even get kicked out of the program due to changes that are starting to roll out from the Republicans' "big, beautiful" tax and spending law, according to several analyses from the federal government and public policy think tanks. About 2.4 million people, or about 6% of enrollees, could lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in an average month, because of the new law's changes, which include stricter work requirements, the Congressional Budget Office estimated last month. Millions more will see their monthly benefit amounts shrink because of other changes mandated by the law, such as a new restrictions on how an individual's benefits are calculated, it added. The total pool of people who will either be cut off from SNAP or see smaller monthly benefits could reach 22.3 million U.S. families, according to a July analysis from the Urban Institute. About 42 million individuals in 22.3 million households received food stamps in 2023, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report on the program. While SNAP is funded by the USDA, every U.S. state is in charge of administering the program to its residents, with those administrative costs split between the federal and state governments. Some states are already beginning to implement some of the new law's food stamp restrictions, such as Pennsylvania, which is mandating the stricter work rules starting Nov. 1. The changes are arriving at a precarious time for many, with grocery costs continuing to rise and poverty rates inching higher for senior citizens and Black Americans, according to new Census data. Anti-hunger advocates warn that reduced SNAP benefits could worsen food insecurity, undermining one of the nation's most effective safety nets credited with lifting 3.6 million people out of poverty last year, according to U.S. Census data. "We are deeply concerned that the cuts to SNAP will lead to an increase in hunger," Carolyn Vega, associate director of policy analysis for Share Our Strength, an anti-hunger nonprofit, told CBS MoneyWatch. "You are looking at households that don't have a lot of extra wiggle room in their budget, so that makes every SNAP dollar very precious in extending that food budget." Estimated monthly loss of SNAP benefits, by state (Choropleth map) Tracking the impact of those SNAP cuts on food insecurity as the changes unfurl over the coming months and years may be difficult, given the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sept. 20 announcement that it is halting its annual Household Food Security Report, which measures whether American families have access to healthy food. The USDA said it is nixing the report because it is "redundant, costly, politicized and extraneous" and leads to "fear mongering." But anti-hunger advocates say scrapping the report could ultimately obscure the impact of the Republicans' cuts to the food stamp program. "I don't see how it's redundant the USDA puts out the only report on food insecurity," Vega said. "It just indicates to me that they don't want to see the results of the reconciliation bill," referring to the Republican's "big, beautiful" tax and spending law. The USDA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about that claim. New work requirements New work requirements for SNAP recipients are taking effect as the labor market stalls, raising the risk that more people could lose access to food stamps under the stricter rules mandated by the Republican law, advocates say. "It's a tough workforce right now, and the work requirements come without any support," Gina Plata-Nino, a food stamp expert at the anti-hunger advocacy group Food Research & Action Center, told CBS MoneyWatch. "Our most vulnerable will have even less access to resources." The new work rules expand what the federal government considers so-called "able-bodied adults without dependents," or ABAWDs, who are adults without young children who must prove they are either working, volunteering or engaged in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week to qualify for food stamps. Previously, the work requirements only applied to people between 18 to 54 years old, but the new law pushes that to age 64. Additionally, people who are former foster youth between 18 to 24 years old, veterans or homeless are no longer exempt from the work requirements, as they were previously. People who don't meet the work requirements will be limited to receiving food stamps for three months within a three-year period. "Just off the bat, those are veterans, youths aging out of foster care think about what it means to be unhoused, trying to get a job when you don't have a place to shower," Plata-Nino said. "Again, these populations are going to be worse off." Work requirements have been championed by Republican lawmakers because they say the rules encourage people to be gainfully employed or engaged in the community in exchange for food aid. But anti-hunger advocates argue the rules often bump people off the program because they may face difficulties in filing paperwork. Others point out that low-income workers may struggle to get enough hours from their employers to meet the new federal requirements, especially given the proliferation of "just in time" scheduling, which slots workers into short shifts to reduce costs for employers. Prior to the changes, most SNAP recipients who were required to work were doing so, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Stricter aid calculations Under the new GOP tax and spending law, there are other changes going into the SNAP program that could reduce benefits for millions. For instance, SNAP applicants can deduct their utility costs from their incomes when calculating their benefits, which can help to increase their food-stamp allotments. But the new law now prevents food-stamp recipients from counting internet expenses as part of their household costs when determining benefits. That change went into effect as soon as the law was signed on July 4 by President Trump. "Roughly 65% of participating households will see their benefit drop by an average of $10 a month" because of the exclusion in using internet costs to calculate benefits, Vega said. "It's a relatively small amount but for a household facing rising grocery cost and facing tough decisions, $10 can make a difference," she added. Longer-term, there are additional changes that could strain states' ability to provide food stamps, such as a shift in fiscal year 2027 requiring that states cover 75% of administrative costs, up from 50% now. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states with high error rates such as over- and underpayments of SNAP benefits will also need to provide more funding for the program, starting in 2028. One concern, according to Vega, is whether states will have the financial resources to cover those additional costs. "It's uncharted territory," she said. "We do worry some states might decide they can't take that level of liability and won't participate in SNAP." Trump blasts U.N. during General Assembly address Trump administration ending food insecurity report Where Zelenskyy and Trump stand after meeting at U.N. General Assembly A Pennsylvania mom was arrested and charged last week in the deaths of four newborns after her landlord found decomposed remains in the closet of her rented home, authorities said. The gruesome discovery was made Sept. 13 after the landlord went to the Cadogan Township home to clean it out, according to a criminal complaint against Jessica Marie Mauthe. Authorities allege that Mauthe, 39, gave birth to the babies over six years and killed them immediately after they were born. She is accused of hiding the remains in trash bags and totes throughout the home, the complaint says. She is charged with criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, abuse of a corpse and concealing the death of a child. Her attorney could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. The landlord told police that Mauthe had been evicted from the home in August and that while he was cleaning, he found a trash bag in the closet emitting a foul odor, a probable cause affidavit says. The landlord said that inside the trash bag were towels "wrapped around something decomposing." The coroner's office confirmed that it was the remains of a baby, according to the affidavit. Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police found two totes in an attic that contained the remains of three babies, the affidavit says. Mauthe told investigators that she gave birth about six years ago in the bathroom of her home, according to the affidavit. She said that she heard the baby whimpering and that she passed out on the floor, it alleges. When Mauthe woke up, according to the affidavit, the baby was underneath her and was not breathing. She is alleged to have told investigators that she wrapped the baby in towels and plastic bags and hid the baby in a tote that she placed in the attic. During the interview with investigators, she is alleged to have said she gave birth to another baby in the toilet. Authorities said she left the baby in the toilet for about 15 minutes before she removed the baby, placed the infant in plastic bags and put it in the same tote she had previously used, the affidavit alleges. About a year ago, she gave birth to another baby at her home. According to the affidavit, she left the baby in the toilet for several minutes. During that time, she heard the baby making noises, the affidavit says. Mauthe told investigators that she removed the baby from the toilet, wrapped it in a towel and held the baby "until it stopped making noises and stopped breathing," according to the affidavit. She then placed the baby in several plastic bags and hid it in a closet, it says. Authorities did not say how the fourth baby died. Police said Mauthe never sought medical treatment after the births and did not report any of the deaths. Mauthe is in custody and was denied bail, according to online records. She is due back in court next week. A U.S. Border Patrol agent peers across an expansive valley in the desert near Sunland Park, N.M. on July 17, 2024. Photo: Glenn Fawcett / U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) More than two million illegal foreign nationals have been removed or have self-deported since January 20, the Department of Homeland Security says. This includes an estimated 1.6 million foreign nationals who were released into the U.S. by the Biden administration who have responded to the Trump administration to voluntarily self-deport. They did so after DHS began offering stipends and taxpayer-funded flights to return to their country of origin, The Center Square reported. DHS also implemented a policy of enforcing federal immigration law by imposing up to $1,000 daily fines on those illegally living in the country, The Center Square reported. So far this year, ICE officers nationwide have deported more than 400,000 illegal border crossers, including convicted violent criminals, and are on track to deport roughly 600,000 by the end of the year, it says. DHS has made it clear: the era of open borders is over. For four straight months, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released zero illegal aliens into the country, it said, appearing to refer to Border Patrol agents and illegal entries between ports of entry. However, according to CBP data, more than 13,000 inadmissible noncitizens were released into the U.S. in the first four full months of the Trump administration who arrived at ports of entries nationwide. The data was published by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, The Center Square reported. It excludes gotaways, those who evaded capture and illegally entered the country, also deemed inadmissible. Trump administration policies have resulted in record low illegal border crossings. Last month, illegal entries remained at record lows, of slightly more than 26,000, up roughly 1,500 from the previous month, according to CBP data. Trump policies are also acting as a deterrent, resulting in would-be illegal border crossers returning home. Thios includes a notable increase in Latin American refugees and migrants who, having seen their plans to reach the U.S. disrupted, have initiated return movements towards Latin America, the Mixed Migration Centre explains. Potential U.S. illegal border crossers began their return journey primarily after they reached a Central American country or Mexico, MMC explains. Of the majority of foreign nationals MCC surveyed, 95% said they were returning to South American countries as their destination, mostly Colombia and Venezuela. The destinations chosen do not always correspond to the individuals country of nationality, MCC notes; 41% of those who responded to its survey said they were travelling to a country that wasnt their country of origin primarily because they had previously migrated there. A similar southbound migration movement was also highlighted in a new report published by a commission formed by the Ombudsmens offices of Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama, with support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In the first eight months of this year, more than 14,000 foreign nationals returned from Mexico and the United States to Colombia, the commission found. This contrasts with a 97% decrease in northbound migration flows compared to 2024, it said, Costa Rican-based Tico Times reported. Of the nearly 200 Venezuelans who were interviewed by the commission about why they were returning, the majority said changes to U.S. immigration policy and believing theyd be refused entry into the U.S. The impossibility of entering the U.S., the fear of detention, deportation, and the exhaustion of resources are forcing thousands of people to return, without the freedom or adequate information to make a decision, Colombia Ombudsman Iris Marin Ortiz said. The reversal comes after a record more than 14 million illegal border crossers were reported during the Biden administration, The Center Square reported. Donald Trumps handpicked U.S. attorney in Virginia is planning to ask a grand jury in the coming days to indict former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress, despite prosecutors and investigators determining there was insufficient evidence to charge him, sources with direct knowledge of the probe told ABC News. Earlier this week, prosecutors presented Lindsey Halligan -- Trumps former personal attorney whom he appointed to lead the United States Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia -- with a detailed memo recommending that she decline to bring perjury and obstruction charges against Comey, the sources familiar with the memo said. A monthslong investigation into Comey by DOJ prosecutors failed to establish probable cause of a crime -- meaning that not only would they be unable to secure a conviction of Comey by proving the claims beyond a reasonable doubt, but that they couldnt reach a significantly lower standard to secure an indictment, the sources said. Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this June 8, 2017 file photo, former FBI Director James Comey testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Washington D.C. US attorney resigns amid pressure from Trump after sources say he refused to charge NY AG Letitia James According to Justice Department guidelines , prosecutors are generally barred from bringing charges unless they can prove a defendant will "more likely than not be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by an unbiased trier of fact and that the conviction will be upheld on appeal." Despite their recommendations, Halligan -- who has never prosecuted a criminal case in her career as an insurance lawyer -- plans to present evidence to a grand jury before the statute of limitations for the alleged offense expires next week, the sources said. Comey's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Halligans apparent plan to seek charges against Comey follows a clear directive from Trump, who over the weekend directly called for prosecutions against Comey, Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. "Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam Shifty Schiff, and Leticia???" Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday evening, directly addressing Attorney General Pam Bondi. "We cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Jacquelyn Martin/AP, FILE - PHOTO: Lindsey Halligan, special assistant to the president, speaks with a reporter outside of the White House, Aug. 20, 2025. Trump says he is appointing Lindsey Halligan, one of his former attorneys, to lead key prosecutor's office According to sources, Halligans deputy -- a prosecutor who was briefly assigned to lead the office just a day before Trump appointed Halligan to the high-profile position -- has also expressed reservations about bringing the politically charged case. Halligan has been spotted at DOJ headquarters in Washington, D.C., at least twice this week for meetings which, in part, centered around the Comey matter, sources said. The United States Attorneys office in the Eastern District of Virginia -- which prosecutes the bulk of the countrys national security cases -- has been thrown into tumult amid Trumps campaign to push for prosecutions of his political adversaries. Trump officials pressuring federal prosecutors to bring criminal charges against NY AG Letitia James: Sources Erik Siebert, Trumps previous nominee to the position, resigned from the office after sources said he refused to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James over unfounded allegations of mortgage fraud. Trump later claimed he "fired" Siebert and quickly installed Halligan into the position, as he continued to make unprecedented calls for the speedy prosecution of his political foes. "I just want people to act, they have to act, and we want to act fast," Trump said on Saturday. "They were ruthless and vicious. I was impeached twice. I was indicted five times. It turned out to be a fake deal. And we have to act fast, one way or the other, one way or the other: they're guilty, they're not guilty. We have to act fast. If they're not guilty, that's fine. If they are guilty, or if they should be charged, they should be judged. And we have to do it now." The government could shut down in less than a week. Here's what you need to know Trump has long criticized Comey, who briefly served as the director of the FBI during Trumps first term but was fired over his handling of an investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. The Department of Justice launched an investigation into Comey earlier this year after FBI Director Kash Patel claimed to discover "burn bags" containing sensitive documents at the FBI headquarters related to the Russia probe. In July, CIA Director John Ratcliffe released a review that concluded the 2016 intelligence assessment over alleged collusion was conducted through an atypical & corrupt process under the politically charged environments of Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan. When asked about the probe in July, Trump told reporters he believes Brennan and Comey are "truly bad people and dishonest people." "I will tell you, I think they're very dishonest people. I think they're crooked as hell. And, maybe they have to pay a price for that," Trump said. Comey and Brennan have both stood by the integrity of the 2016 intelligence assessment, arguing its findings on Russia's interference in the election were bolstered by bipartisan congressional investigations as well as former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation on ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign. When winter drapes its frosty cloak over New York City, Bryant Park becomes something straight out of a storybook. Twinkling lights cascade from every corner, the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced cocoa mingles with the crisp city air, and the hum of holiday music creates a soundtrack that feels like pure joy in motion. Towering skyscrapers frame this urban winter wonderland, turning the park into a magical oasis where the holidays are larger than life and every passerby becomes part of the festive scene. Related: Cheapest days to fly this holiday season, according to Expedia The iconic Bryant Park Christmas Village is back, and its more than a market its a celebration of everything that makes the season sparkle. Ice skaters spin beneath glittering lights, cheerful vendors display handmade gifts, and food stalls overflow with indulgent treats that seem to have been pulled straight from Santas workshop. Wandering through the park feels like stepping into a living holiday card, where each corner holds a surprise, every sip of cocoa is a tiny celebration, and the magic of Christmas seems just a little closer, somehow, to everyone who enters. This season, the Winter Village will open on October 24th. The Christmas vendors will be around throughout the holiday season while the skating rink traditionally stays open until early March. Glide through a winter wonderland: skating at Bryant Park No trip to Bryant Park during the holidays is complete without lacing up your skates. The parks ice rink is a sparkling centerpiece surrounded by the glow of festive lights and the hum of cheerful chatter. Skaters of all ages can twirl under a canopy of holiday decorations. A few insider tips for a perfect skating experience: arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Rentals are available on-site so you can leave your boots at home, and dont forget your mittens and scarf. Whether youre a graceful glider or more of a wobbly first-timer, skating here feels like stepping into a Christmas card brought to life. Adventure starts with a clicksign up for our newsletter for travel tips and stories. Sip, savor, and snack: dining in the holiday village After spinning around the rink, warm up with treats from the parks festive food stalls. From hot chocolate that steams like winter magic to mulled wine that smells like Christmas itself, every sip is a hug in a cup. Indulge in roasted nuts, freshly baked pretzels, and gourmet holiday treats all designed to fuel your festive adventures. For travelers looking to truly immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, plan a leisurely stroll through the food stalls with a warm beverage in hand. Its the perfect way to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the village. Related: Beyond the tree: Unusual festive celebrations across the globe Shop for unique gifts and holiday treasures Bryant Parks Christmas Village isnt just a feast for the senses its also a treasure trove for holiday shopping. Dozens of charming vendors offer handmade ornaments, artisanal gifts, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes perfect for friends, family, or yourself. From cozy woolen scarves to handcrafted jewelry, each stall is an invitation to discover something special even if the artisanal nature of the crafts means that prices run high. Travelers can meander through the market, stopping to chat with local artisans who bring personal touches and stories to their crafts. Dont forget to save a little time to browse the parks twinkling light displays while holding your shopping bags its a full sensory celebration of the season. Get the latest travel inspiration and news delivered straight to your inbox. At Bryant Parks holiday market, cozy stalls overflow with handmade gifts, festive trinkets, and one-of-a-kind treasures.Shutterstock Tips for making the most of your Bryant Park holiday experience Timing is everything: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds, or embrace the bustling energy of the weekend for a true NYC holiday vibe. Dress for comfort and style: Layers, scarves, and festive hats keep you warm while blending perfectly into the holiday scene. Bring your camera: From the rink to the market stalls, every corner is picture-perfect. Savor slowly: Dont rush sip your cocoa, try a few snacks, and wander through the stalls to soak in the full magic. Plan for skating: Arrive early, check rental availability, and enjoy the rink during less crowded hours for a more magical glide. Bryant Parks Christmas Village is more than an event its a seasonal pilgrimage, a sparkling slice of holiday cheer in the heart of New York City. Whether youre skating, snacking, or shopping, every step feels like dancing through a snow globe filled with light, music, and the unmistakable joy of the holidays. For travelers and locals alike, theres simply no better place to embrace the spirit of Christmas in the city that never sleeps. Visit the Bryant Park website for more information! This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the New York section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Blog Archive: Dec 2025 (46) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Before he died, 15-year-old Zackery Nazario was captured on video riding on top of a New York City subway train a dangerous activity known around the country as "subway surfing." Nazario died in February 2023 while attempting the stunt with his girlfriend atop a train crossing the Williamsburg Bridge between Brooklyn and Manhattan. For his mother, Norma Nazario, the death was as much of a shock as her son's involvement in subway surfing. "When I saw him at the funeral, I just fell on my knees," she recalled. "I couldn't even get up." In the past three years, 16 people have died and 21 have been injured from subway surfing in New York City, according to data from the New York City Police Department. The problem also extends beyond New York, with fatal subway surfing incidents reported in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. In 2022, the NYPD Transit Bureau and Mayor Eric Adams' office started using drones to canvass moving trains for subway surfers. Once someone is spotted on top of a train, a field team will hold the train at the next station and remove the individual. "With this technology, we're making our transit systems safer, preventing injuries, and ensuring New Yorkers can travel with peace of mind," Adams said in a statement to CBS News. Since the program's inception, the NYPD says it has saved more than 200 people. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta says that his officers save teens and young adults every week, saying his department is "seeing children subway surfing in the hour before school and then right after school." The average subway surfer is just 14 years old, and the youngest child who died was 11, data shows. "So it became apparent to me that we had to do more," Gulatta said. "And the drones were the right answer." For Gulotta, if "we can change one child from getting on top of the train, this is well worth it." One of the drones deployed carries an image of Zackery, allowing him to be a part of the solution. Social media's role After Zackery's death, Nazario gained access to her son's phone. She discovered dozens of videos of Zackery riding atop trains, many of which were posted on social media by his friends. Nazario said she believes her son first discovered subway surfing through trending videos on social media. "Maybe he watched one video," she said. "Then he was bombarded with all that." Nazario is now suing ByteDance and Meta, the parent companies of TikTok and Instagram, for wrongful death and allowing the trend to go viral. The suit was filed a year after Zackery's death and claims that "as a result of the unreasonably dangerous design of Social Media Defendants' products," he "was targeted, goaded and encouraged to engage in Subway Surfing." Spokespeople for both ByteDance and Meta told CBS News that videos encouraging subway surfing violate the platforms' policies and are removed. A Meta spokesperson added the company "will vigorously defend ourselves against this suit." Nazario also brought a claim against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which was dismissed in June 2025 by Judge Paul Goetz, who ruled that the "risk and danger" of subway surfing "are obvious as a matter of common sense." Trump slams Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night TV on ABC Trump blasts U.N. during General Assembly address Acting ICE director says Dallas shooting will shift security protocols A row of lockers is seen in a school. Photo: Laura Rivera / Unsplash (The Center Square) - One of the major conclusions of Pennsylvanias 2024 Basic Education Funding Commission findings was that damaged and outdated school buildings pose huge health risks and learning obstacles to Pennsylvania schoolchildren in both rural and urban parts of the state. A year on, legislators are still struggling to find solutions. Meanwhile, facilities are falling further into disrepair. Our state has outdated and, in some cases, unsafe school buildings. We all know this, said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, who hosted the House Education committee to discuss the issue. Warped floors, leaky roofs, aging electrical systems, lead pipes, a lack of ADA rampsthe list goes on. The current state of school facilities presents both a crisis of education and a public health crisis for us. Fiedler noted that her childrens school closed when asbestos was found. Committee Chair Rep. Pete Schweyer, D-Allentown, noted that theres a school in his district that was built in 1874. Philadelphia has some of the highest asthma rates of students in the commonwealth, and it causes chronic absenteeism. So when we improve the conditions in terms of inhalation in our schools, we always increase attendance in those schools, said LeShawna Coleman, chief of staff at the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. There are other issues that are exacerbated when there are schools that don't have clean and fresh air, and these things take longer so theyre out of school. Many districts lack the funding necessary to make repairs. In Philadelphia, assessments are underway in a five year plan, but funding for repairs remains elusive. All districts lack a clear process for doing whats necessary per the legislature. Insurmountable structural problems sank Pennsylvanias old program, PlanCon, where districts spent a decade in line waiting for grants to fund new buildings or extensive renovations. There was also no focus on maintenance for HVAC repairs, roof replacement, and other smaller projects that could extend the lives of existing facilities. PlanCon 2.0 already exists in state law, but has never been funded. Today, there are a wide range of challenges facing schools in need of repair. The planning and permitting process can draw out the process. Schools run into increasing supply prices and increasing land costs. There was a mention of going back and looking at the PlanCon funding from 2016. 2020 to 25 construction costs in the public school sector have skyrocketed, said Rick Evans, president of SitelogIQ USA, a construction engineering company. I would suggest that the data from back then is not even relevant to the cost of construction today. One thing that has improved since the legislature last took up the issue? Technology that can help to compile and analyze the data needed to save the system. Private sector partners have already begun to implement the technology in facilities assessments, optimization, and planning. Our application called mySiteIQ currently has one fifth of all Pennsylvania school districts in that database, said SiteLogIQ Vice President Garrett Lewis. We've actually offered that data to the Senate Education committee in the past because I think we can use a lot of that data to extrapolate and answer the questions that you all have, which is: how big is the problem, and what is the problem? A baby died after a "medical incident" at a Minnesota daycare this week, prompting the business' suspension and police to warn parents to monitor their children for "concerning symptoms." The Savage Police Department, according to a press release from the agency posted on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are jointly investigating the infant's death at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare facility, a daycare in Savage, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. According to the police department, the infant's death took place "following a medical incident" that occurred on Monday, Sept. 22. USA TODAY has reached out to the daycare. A reporter's call to the business went unanswered on Wednesday morning, Sept. 24, and the business was listed as "temporarily closed" online. 4 newborns found killed in home: Their mother is charged with murder. Baby dies after medical episode at daycare Police did not release additional details about the medical episode or say where the child was pronounced dead. The child's identity will be released after a preliminary autopsy is completed and next of kin are notified, the police department wrote. "Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time," the agency wrote. The body of the child, whose age and sex were not released, was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. As of Wednesday, Sept. 24, it was not immediately known whether anyone had been arrested in connection to the case. Alert issued by police: Monitor children for 'concerning symptoms' "As a precautionary measure, families with children who attend this childcare facility should closely monitor their children and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit altered mental status, unusual behavioral changes, or other concerning symptoms," the department wrote. The investigation remained active and ongoing on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The agency was asking anyone with information about the incident call Detective Sergeant Andrew Dahmes at 952-882-2601. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parents asked to monitor children after baby's death at Savage daycare Voters fill out registration forms at a table decorated with an American flag and a VOTE sign inside a polling location.Photo: freepik / Freepik (The Center Square) A national pro-life advocacy group has announced plans to invest $4.5 million into Michigans open U.S. Senate seat ahead of the 2026 election season. The investment from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Women Speak Out PAC will fund a campaign field effort that hopes to reach 1 million voters by Election Day. Kelsey Pritchard, political communications director for SBA, spoke with The Center Square in an exclusive interview about why they believe this race is critical. The pro-life majority in the Senate is at stake in the midterms, Pritchard said. Michigan is a key battleground state where we have the opportunity to flip Sen. Gary Peters seat to ultimately retain and grow our majority in the Senate. This investment comes after Peters, a Democrat, announced earlier this year that he does not plan to run for a third term in 2026. Peters was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, narrowly winning re-election in 2020. After contentious elections in both 2020 and 2024, where Michigan solidified its position as a swing state, Peters said he will work with Democrats in 2026 to elect his successor. Although I will not be on the ballot next year, I will not just walk away, Peters said. I plan to actively campaign to ensure we elect a dynamic Democratic candidate to be the next U.S. Senator from Michigan. In 2020, Peters was challenged by Republican John James. Peters won that election by a margin of 1.7% or 90,000 votes. While still a significant divide, this was an improvement for Republicans from 2014, when Peters won by 13.3% or 414,000 votes. SBA hopes to flip that seat to Republicans this time around by targeting pro-life voters who do not consistently vote in midterm elections as well as voters they have deemed persuadable. Last election, our Michigan team reached 764,000 voters to help flip the state for Donald Trump who won Michigan by 1.4%. This time, well be reaching 1 million voters by election day to continue the pro-life momentum, Pritchard said. Our field program has a track record of producing a positive net shift in the percentage of votes pro-life candidates secure. In 2024, all eight battleground states where SBA had a field operation ended up being won by President Donald Trump. This is its first announced investment for the 2026 election cycle. We will continue our winning track record in Michigan this cycle to flip the states open senate seat, Pritchard said. Currently, both U.S. Senators from Michigan are Democrats. With no incumbent running, Republicans are hopeful to pick up Peters seat in 2026. So far, three Democrats and one Republican have entered the race. Abdul El-Sayed is a 2018 Democrat gubernatorial candidate who has received the backing of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens are both Democrats that were elected to their respective seat in 2018. On the Republican side, only U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers has declared. Rogers has become a pillar of the Michigan Republican party since he was first elected to the U.S. House in 2000. SBA expressed concern with all the Democrat candidates, though falling short in its announcement of endorsing Rogers. Rogers has not made abortion a key issue in his campaign, stating in 2024 that he will respect Michiganders decision on abortion. Both McMorrow and Stevens have called for the U.S. Senate to codify access to abortion into U.S. law. Pro-abortion advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood Action have not yet announced their 2026 campaign investments or priorities. Anchorage Police Department Ataja Banks NEED TO KNOW After being reported missing in October 2023, authorities confirmed that the remains of Ataja Banks had been discovered The Alaska State Troopers revealed that Banks' remains were found on Sept. 4; they believe that she was murdered An investigation into her death is ongoing as authorities search for information The remains of an Alaska teenager who went missing around two years ago were found, raising questions about her death. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Alaska State Troopers confirmed that human remains, identified as 18-year-old Anchorage resident Ataja Banks, had been discovered in the area of Moose Meadows Road in the city of Wasilla earlier this month, per a press release. "In November 2023, the Anchorage Police Department began investigating the disappearance of 18-year-old Anchorage resident Ataja Banks from the Anchorage area," the Troopers' release stated. "The Alaska State Troopers assumed case responsibility after it was determined that she was last known to be alive in the Mat-Su Valley," the release continued. Greg Hensel/Alamy Stock Photo Wasilla, Alaska The human remains were located on Sept. 4, and have since been "positively identified as Banks," Troopers said, adding that information learned during the investigation had led officers to believe that the teenager was murdered. The update comes after the Anchorage Police Department (APD) previously put out a Facebook post asking for the public's help in locating Banks, who was reported missing to police on Oct. 21, 2023. Police said at the time that Banks' family had last heard from her in mid-September of that year, and it wasn't known where she was staying. The APD released a photo of Banks, which had been taken in August 2023, noting that she was 5-feet-4 inches tall and 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. 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 Alaska State Troopers confirmed that "the Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation into Ataja's murder," per the release. The post added, "Her next of kin have been notified, and her body was sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office, which has completed an autopsy." The State Medical Examiner's Office in Alaska, the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the Anchorage Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People Halfpoint Images/ Getty Images Key Takeaways Teens are using the phrase performative male to call out boys who act a certain way to win approval from girls. These labels can make boys feel confused or ashamed about their identity and relation to masculinity. Parents can help by starting open conversations about peer pressure, identity, and the importance of being authentic. If toxic masculinity is defined as an Andrew Tate-loving, protein-guzzling, chest-thumping man who fantasizes about 1950s era family values, then what's its opposite? Perhaps it's the matcha-drinking, Labubu-wearing, book-reading performative male, a social media trend that has recently reached a new level of virality on TikTok. The term is used as both a joke and a critique of boys who perform a curated identity to win approval, especially from young women. The trend has inspired a number of humorous memes and encouraged analytical conversation about gender norms. But it also reveals the confusing and contradictory messages about masculinity that boys have to contend with during an already tenuous time in their lives. While society criticizes toxic masculinity, boys who lean the other way risk being mocked as performative. This pressure can have a serious impact on boys mental health, sense of self, and their social and emotional development. The point of this invalidation is to reinforce a particular flavor of masculinitywhat we typically shorthand as being a real man, says Andrew Smiler, PhD, a clinical psychologist, researcher, and author focused on masculinity. Here is what you need to know about the performative male trend, how it affects boys, and how to support support your son if hes struggling with pressure to conform to peer culture. What Does 'Performative Male' Mean? The phrase describes cisgender heterosexual boys who "perform" or intentionally adopt traits, hobbies, and aesthetics often associated with women or online soft boy culture. Think someone who drinks iced matcha lattes, has a Labubu dangling from a belt loop, wears wired headphones around his neck, listens to Lana Del Rey, carries tampons in his pocket, talks about his love for vinyl records, and ensures he is seen carrying around feminist literature. All of this is meant to signal that he is sensitive and emotionally aware. If a boy genuinely enjoys these things, it is not considered performative. The label is applied when a teen pretends or forces himself to present in this way just to win the romantic attention of the young women around him. On social media, the term is generally meant as a joke to poke fun at boys who are either so interested in attracting women they change their entire aesthetic or boys who struggle to form an identity outside of social media. In the last few months, there have even been performative male contests in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Jakarta, and Toronto where guys dress up and play along. Lewis Wedlock, a social psychologist specializing in masculinities, notes that the term is especially cutting when a man uses it to refer to another man, which can imply disdain for his authenticity and his submission in pandering to women. Where Did the Trend Come From? The phrase "performative male" isn't new. Judith Butler, a renowned American philosopher and gender studies scholar, has long promoted and expanded upon the idea that all gender is performative. In a 1988 essay, Butler famously explained that the ideas, beliefs, and behaviors associated with gender are not things we are born with. Instead, Butler argued that gender is reinforced by repeated behaviors including the way we dress, talk, and otherwise present ourselves. The origin of the social media trend, however, is much more recent. This shift has happened because of toxic masculinity. Theres been a shift from the alpha bro to a more chill, nice guy. This is a trend for men to be more soft and more fashion forward, one TikTok user explains. Part of the reason why this social media phenomenon has resonated with so many may have to do with the growing divide between young men and women. Forty-one percent of Gen Z adults reported having never dated as a teenager and less than 40% of American high schoolers reported having had sex. A recent study found that a possible cause could be that young women are becoming increasingly more liberal and vocal against patriarchal values. But only 43% of Gen Z men identify as feminists, and they have become more patriarchal in their overall views. Against this backdrop, the performative male aesthetic can read like a neon sign flashing: Im safe, Im different, Im the good guy. This gets to the core of what some see as problematic about this trend. Young men are being labeledand mockedfor taking on a persona that doesnt conform to the traditional masculine stereotype, even though the traditional masculine stereotype is equally performative. As a society, we agonized and panicked over school boys being exposed to red pill content. But now, when boys try to signal feminist alignment and emotional sensitivity through popular books and music, social media turned them into a meme and has called them out as untrustworthy. Why This Could Be Harmful for Boys Being caught between labels"toxic" on one end and "performative" on the other is confusing and frustrating for boys. Both ridicule traditional masculinity and mock attempts to move away from it. Dr. Smiler points out that a core expectation of being a man in our culture is that menincluding boysbe self-sufficient and not express emotions that are considered weak. Guys get fenced-in as teenagers, he says. So when a trend like the performative male comes along that leaves boys confused about how to present themselves, or even what is expected of them as they grow into men, they are less likely to be able to talk through and process their emotions. And for boys who are genuinely interested in popular trends that are labeled as "performative," it's equally confusing to be stereotyped as such. In severe cases, Dr. Smiler says this can contribute to anxiety, depression, or even suicidal ideation. Research shows that boys and men are increasingly struggling with their mental health and are far less likely to seek professional help. Only 16% of American men say they are extremely or very likely to turn to a mental health professional for support. Boys and men are four times more likely to die by suicide, and suicide is the second leading cause of death in boys and young men between the ages of 10 and 34. Though rates of depression (6%) and anxiety (12.3%) in boys appear low, experts believe this may be due in part to the stigma against emotional expression and seeking mental health support. But even in less extreme cases, the contradicting messages around masculinity can impair boys' social and emotional development, as well as their mental and physical health. The Link Between Performative Behavior and Peer Approval Social media connects us to the people we care about, and for teens this typically includes friends and influencers. But many teens fail to understand that online posts are highly edited and carefully selected to show the best versions of one's life. Kids who are frequently exposed to this idealized content often compare themselves to the filtered image of others on social media. And it doesn't help that teens can also see all the likes, comments, and overall attention influencers get online. For some kids, this leads them to falsely believe that they need to look and behave the same way to receive the same validation. How Are Young Girls Influenced? A female equivalent of this experience may be the pick-me girl trend. Where "performative males try to differentiate themselves from other guys who perform toxic masculinity, pick-me girls aim to differentiate themselves from other young women by rejecting feminist values that de-center men. Instead, "pick me girls" are characterized as constantly contorting to meet men's expectations of beauty, femininity, and submission. They are similar not just in being tied to external validation, but are also fed by traditional misogynistic views of femininity and softness. For impressionable kids, this can seem like a promising idea. Kids can go online, find an influencer who they believe everyone admires, and copy their aesthetic to replicate the same validation in their own social circles. Tweens tend to reward those who adopt performance-driven identities, which is why boys feel pressured to act like a "performative male." What's rewarded is often pursued, says Wedlock. The message boys are receiving loud and clear is to be validated and to be seen, I have to model what I am seeing online, he says. In the case of the performative male it may have looked like this: a teen starts noticing that other guys donning wired headphones and canvas tote bags are getting a lot of positive attention online, especially from girls. The teen feels motivated to try the aesthetic out for himself and earns positive attention for it. This validates his decision to adopt this identity and he leans more heavily into it. The cycle may then be broken when the identity becomes ridiculed, at which point he would likely begin the cycle again searching for a new identity to adopt. How Parents Can Support Their Kids Adolescence is defined as a time of immense growth cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially, and as a result, it is normal for teens to authentically experiment with different identities. This means there is a genuine desire or interest in adopting a certain identity. However, with social media, kids can choose from an array of behaviors they don't feel authentically connected to and imitate them to get peer approval. This performance can lead to mental health issues. Studies show that strong feelings of authenticity predict greater well-being and self-esteem, whereas low feelings of authenticity (someone who reports not being able to be their true selves) are associated with internet addiction, self-silencing, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depressionwhich is why it's so important to help kids build a strong sense of identity. Dr. Smiler says parents can help by establishing a clear sense of family values and codes of conduct can provide a strong anchor for children as they navigate adolescence. We can ask questions to help kids flesh out their thoughts and explore the potential implications of possible identities, he says. He also encourages parents to ask direct questions like, What kind of person do you want to be? as that gives parents a barometer on how to guide them. Wedlock, an expert in discussing masculinities, says one of his biggest takeaways is that boys feel talked at and talked down to by many well-intentioned adults in their lives. With this in mind, he provides some concrete ways parents can navigate these conversations with their sons: Guide analytical thinking. Lead boys to think analytically by asking questions that help them break the validation cycle. This can include, Ive noticed that you seem different when youre at home vs. with your friends. Why do you think that is? What do you get out of wearing certain clothes and drinking certain trendy drinks? and What motivates you to listen to this genre of music and read books about self-improvement? Provide positive messaging at home. Most social media content aimed at young men is specifically created to feed off their insecurities to maintain their attention and keep them coming back. Parents can counterbalance these messages at home by regularly communicating the idea, You are enough as you are, both through words and actions. Be a collaborative partner. Wedlock says conversations with teen boys need to be collaborative. This can sound like, I want to understand where you are at, I want to help you explore what you think and why you think it, or Take my questions not as me judging you, but as you helping me understand what you are thinking. Communicate your stance on shame and judgment clearly. Boys are less likely to seek help from adults or share their feelings if they think they are going to be judged or shamed. Make sure your teen knows that when he comes to you, he can expect a space clear of judgement and shame. He recommends saying, Im not here to judge. I am here to listen. You are fully seen and fully heard, though that doesnt mean Im always going to fully agree with you. If I do challenge you, I'm challenging the idea that you have, not the person that you are. Its OK for our ideas to be challenged. Prioritize connection. More than anything else, kids crave interpersonal connection. This is why so many of them develop parasocial relationships with social media influencersthey can make kids feel seen, heard, and related to. In order to have the same level of influence in your childs life, find ways to develop genuine connection with your kids. Discard perfectionism. Parents feel immense pressure to always get everything right. Wedlock encourages parents to do their best to release that pressure on themselves and focus instead on creating an environment of open dialogue in the family. Ask for guidance. Be direct when asking your son for feedback. Ask, What can I do better for you in this space? or "How can I improve our communication?" The Bottom Line Wedlock sees a silver lining in the performative male trend and other masculinity related trends like "looksmaxxing." "Masculinity is under a microscope in a way that it has never been before, he says. This opens up opportunities for parents to talk to their sons about their understanding of masculinity. Regardless of where they choose to identify on the gender spectrum, no child should be pressured to present themselves in a way that is inauthentic to who they really are or be labeled as performative for their genuine interests. If parents observe this behavior in their children, providing gentle guidance that helps them analyze the behavior and their own identity will be greatly beneficial to their overall development. Ultimately, this trend also gives all adults a moment to pause and reflect. If we dont want boys exhibiting traits associated with toxic masculinity but social media makes fun of them for overcorrecting too much in the opposite direction, then how exactly do we want to define manhood and masculinity for boys? Until society offers boys a clearer, healthier definition, theyll remain vulnerable to the whiplash of social medias shifting standards. Read the original article on Parents Paul Archuleta/Getty; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic From left: Robert Irwin and Steve Irwin NEED TO KNOW Robert Irwin admitted that he feels closer" to his late dad Steve Irwin every year I live on the Sept. 23 episode of Dancing with the Stars Robert revealed why his Dancing with the Stars song choice, Move Your Feet by Junior Senior, made him think of his late dad, who died in 2006 There isn't a day goes by where someone isn't sharing how dad inspired them, he added Robert Irwin has never felt closer to his late father, Steve Irwin. Before his tango to Move Your Feet by Junior Senior on the Sept. 23 episode of Dancing with the Stars, the wildlife conservationist, 21, admitted that while he was yet not born when the song was released in 2002, that his dads show was at its all time high, referring to The Crocodile Hunter, which ran from 1997 to 2004. There isn't a day goes by where someone isn't sharing how dad inspired them, he continued. It means everything to me, because every year I live, I actually feel closer to my dad. abc From left: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on 'Dancing With The Stars' Robert and his partner Witney Carson then impressed the judges with their Tango routine. Bruno Tonioli told Robert that he was leading man mode but advised him that he didnt need gimmicks to take home the mirrorball trophy. This level of competition is insane. Your charisma is off the charts, Carrie Ann Inaba added. Derek Hough used one word to describe the competition, Crikey, earning him a high-five from Robert. Robert previously shared during an interview with Access Hollywood that he thinks his late father who died in an underwater accident at age 44 in 2006 when he was just 2 years old would be "stoked" to see him on Dancing with the Stars. "He was the sort of person where he just never held back," Robert said. "He was passionate, enthusiastic about every single thing he did. And he loved life when he was just living on the edge and giving it 100. And that is what this experience is." "I have the honor of continuing his legacy and my family's legacy, and I never thought I'd get to do that by dancing, but here we are and I'm just so grateful for that," he added. Of course, Robert's older sister Bindi Irwin took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in season 21 with her partner Derek Hough. While its been nearly two decades since the late Crocodile Hunters death, Robert told PEOPLE earlier this month that he is still part of every day" for the nature photographer. "He's part of every conversation, he shared. He's part of my life. And I feel as though I get a little part of him back in some way, in every conversation I have about him, or any new story I hear about him, or in any new photo that I haven't seen before." Newspix/Getty Steve Irwin with his son, Bob Irwin, and a Koala at Australia Zoo in 2005. Robert admitted that he is fortunate that there's so much video footage of his dad, thanks to his show. "I'll often come across archive footage that I haven't seen before," Robert added. "And all of a sudden, his memory just starts flooding back. So it's weird that decades later, after losing someone when I was 2 years old, I almost have an even greater picture of the person he was." With age, Robert has felt a closer bond with his late father. "As I start to reach the same sort of milestones that he did as a young bloke growing up, I, yeah, I feel closer to him in a way," he said. "I really do. My dad is like a superhero figure. He's like this omnipresent, just a superhero to me. And I'm so grateful for that, because while I didn't have much time with my dad, I have a human being who exemplifies everything I want to be in life." 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. Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Read the original article on People Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met on Wednesday, one day after President Donald Trump called Moscow a "paper tiger" and said Ukraine could win back its seized land. Rubio and Lavrov sat with their delegations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz was also present. The meeting lasted roughly 50 minutes. Lavrov didn't respond to questions as he left, including whether he was concerned about the shift in tone from Trump or whether the U.S. president had turned his back on Russia. A spokesperson for Rubio released a short statement after the meeting, only saying that Rubio "reiterated President Trump's call for the killing to stop and the need for Moscow to take meaningful steps toward a durable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war." Russian Foreign Ministry via Reuters - PHOTO: Members of the delegations, led by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attend a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York CitySeptember 24, 2025. For months, Trump had said Kyiv would likely need to cede territory to Russia to end the war. But Trump abruptly reversed after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday. "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote. "With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not?" Russia, he suggested, was a "paper tiger" as he criticized its military. It wasn't clear what made Trump change his tune. Zelenskyy said he believed Trump was aware of "more details" and that U.S. intelligence is now more aligned with that of Ukraine's view. It also remains to be seen whether Trump's shift in rhetoric will come with any change in policy. Zelenskyy praises 'well-informed' Trump after president's Russia war pivot Russia pushed back quickly that it was a "bear" not a "paper tiger," and that Trump was mistaken. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump "heard Zelenskyy's version of events. Apparently, this version was the reason for the assessment we heard. We cannot agree with everything here." "We will have the opportunity to convey our assessment of recent events to the American side. In particular, [Russian Foreign Minister Sergei] Lavrov will have a meeting," Peskov added. Rubio, at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday, warned there would "come a moment in which we will have to conclude that perhaps there is no interest in a peaceful resolution" from Russia and that Trump's "patience is not infinite." Richard Drew/AP - PHOTO: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 24, 2025. Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, in which he warned members that Putin wants to expand his war and spoke about what he said was a breakdown of international order. "International law doesn't work fully unless you have powerful friends who are truly willing to stand up for it," Zelenskyy said. "And even that doesn't work without weapons. It's terrible but without it, things will be even worse. There are no security guarantees except friends and weapons." "If it takes pressure on Russia, it must be done and it must be done now otherwise Putin will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper," Zelenskyy added. "We told you before, Ukraine is only the first and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries ... No one can feel safe right now." Trump on Tuesday said NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday insisted that Trump's statement is "not a shift in position," saying that he is being "responsive to the reality on the ground." "And one of the things I'll say about the president is that he is responsive to the reality on the ground, and the reality on the ground is that number one, we have engaged in incredibly good faith negotiations with both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and I believe the president is growing incredibly impatient with the Russians right now because he doesn't feel like they're putting enough on the table to end the war. That's number one," Vance said. Vance echoed Trump's message that the economic and battlefield reality for Russia is grim amid the years-long conflict. William Taylor, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine under Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama, said on ABC News Live that he's cautious to call Trump's statement a complete change of heart, but rather "an acceleration of a trend" toward more support for Ukraine and frustration with Vladimir Putin. "Diplomacy likes consistency, of course. Everybody does. But rather than U-turns or flip-flops, I would say this is an acceleration of a trend. There is a trend over the past, say, two months, three months of Trump being irritated with, frustrated with, even pissed off with, Putin," he said. "And by the same token, that three-month period has been up and down a bit, but more cordial, more supportive, more interested in, more admiring of the Europeans, of the Ukrainians, including Zelenskyy. So, I think this is a trend, it's not a smooth trend, but it's in the direction of more support for Ukraine and frustration and anger with Putin," Taylor said. ABC News' Michelle Stoddart and Olivia Osteen contributed to this report. The son of a woman shot execution-style nearly 30 years ago is pleading with the state to spare her assailant. The son of a woman shot and killed execution-style during a gas station holdup nearly three decades ago is asking Alabama officials to spare the life of the death row inmate set to be executed in two days. Margaret Parrish Berry, a 33-year-old mother of two, was found dead face-down behind the checkout counter at a gas station in Alabamas Etowah County on March 28, 1997. She was working there as a solo store clerk, and there were no witnesses to the grisly murder. The thief holding up the gas station took $250 from a nearby cookie jar where the stores money was stashed. Geoffrey Todd West, who was 21-years-old at the time, was eventually arrested in connection with the robbery and convicted of capital murder. He was sentenced to death in 1999, though the presiding judge noted the difficulty in handing down the hefty sentence to such a young man. Will Berry is fighting to keep the man who killed his mother alive. AP West never denied that he killed Margaret and is still learning to live with the grief. He said that he and his girlfriend at the time were pressed for cash and went to the gas station, where he used to work, to rob it. Now 50 years old, West cant fathom what type of desperation would push his younger self to take someones life. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont regret it and wish that I could take that back, West said. I wish I had the opportunity just to swap places and let it be me and not her. Now, Will Berry, Margarets son, is fighting for the killers salvation. Geoffrey Todd West, 50, is set to be executed via nitrogen hypoxia on Thursday. AP I forgive this guy, and I dont want him to die. I dont want the state to take revenge in my name or my familys name for my mother, Will said. Will was just 11 years old when his mother was murdered, and said that the sudden loss derailed his life. He praised his wife, Courtney, and his church community for helping him through the unimaginable loss, and the trauma that came with it. He also carries with him the lessons imparted by his mother, including the importance of forgiveness even during the darkest hour. There shouldnt be any more death. There should be healing and moving forward, he said. Hes already pleaded with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to stop the execution, but she refused to budge. Will penned a letter to Ivey and explained how continuing the cycle of death would crush him and noted that it would not bring [his] mother back. West and Berry filed requests to meet in person, which were denied by the prison system. AP Ivey, who has previously commuted a death sentence in a case where the prisoners guilt came into question, asserted that it was her duty to carry out Alabama law, which imposes a death sentence for the most egregious form of murder. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall doubled down on the governors refusal. His office released a statement saying that West has been on death row for twenty-six years, and his death sentence is due. With West scheduled to die by nitrogen hypoxia on Thursday, he just wants other people who may be in the same situation he was as a young man to know that there is always an alternative. If you dont have nowhere else to go, go to church, find a priest, and just tell them everything. But just dont do what I did, man. Youve got an option, even if you dont feel like youve got an option, West said. The prison system denied Berry and Wests request to meet in person, citing security regulations. With Post wires People examine a statue featuring President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington D.C. Credit - Tom BrennerGetty Images A new statue of President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that appeared outside the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., earlier this week has been removed by the National Park Service. The statue was removed because it was not compliant with the permit issued, Interior Department spokesperson Elizabeth Peace told TIME in an emailed statement late Wednesday. The permit, which was approved on Sept. 16, had originally authorized the statue to remain on display at the National Mall until 8 p.m. ET on Sunday. TIME has contacted the National Park Service (NPS) and the White House for comment and further information about the removal. Carol Flaisher, a location manager who filed the permit application with the NPS on behalf of the anonymous artists behind the statue, is quoted as telling the Washington Post that she did not receive the customary 24-hour notice prior to the statue's removal. She also argued that the move was highly unorthodox and said the revocation of a permit is not something she has experienced before. Displayed by an unknown entity, the statue featured Trump and Epsteinwho famously socialized together decades agoholding hands. A plaque beneath the bronze figures read: In honor of friendship month, we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his closest friend Jeffrey Epstein, followed by a silhouette of two hands making a heart shape. Unearthed recordings of Epstein reportedly showcased how the disgraced financier considered himself to be Trumps closest friend. While Trump hosted Epstein at a soiree at his Mar-a-Lago estate in the 90s and spoke highly of him in a 2002 interview in New York magazine, he distanced himself in the later years. After Epsteins 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: I had a falling out with him [Epstein]. I havent spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you. The plaque below the statue of Trump and Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol. Tom BrennerGetty Images "Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fitbut its not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep," the White House told TIME on Wednesday morning, when approached about the statue. "Democrats, the media, and the organization thats wasting their money on this statue knew about Epstein and his victims for years and did nothing to help them while President Trump was calling for transparency, and is now delivering on it with thousands of pages of documents." Amid growing calls for Congress to release the full Epstein files, Trump's former relationship with the offender remains a point of contention, particularly among protesters across the world. Read More: Epstein Victims Call on Congress to Release Files Ahead of Trumps unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom last week, a giant banner showcasing an image of him and Epstein was unveiled on the lawn outside Windsor Castle, where the President was hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The banner was swiftly removed before Trump touched down in the U.K., but similar acts of protest followed. As Trumps plane landed in London, protesters projected images of him and Epstein onto the walls of Windsor Castle. The royal family was also targeted as images of Prince Andrew and Epstein formed part of the protest. An image projected onto a tower of the Windsor Castle bears a portrait of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump on Sept. 16, 2025. Lena VoelkGetty Images Earlier in the summer, before Trump visited Scotland, a photo of him and Epstein was installed at a bus stop near the U.S. Embassy in London. The image, placed by the activist group Everyone Hates Elon, was later updated to include a quote of Trump speaking about Epstein. Read More: Trump and Epstein Photos Projected Onto Windsor Castle as Protesters Rally Against Presidents U.K. State Visit Terrific guy. Hes a lot of fun. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side, read the sign, quoting the President from 2002. Trumps association with Epstein came to the forefront again recently upon the publication of several letters said to be written by high-profile figures for a book celebrating Epsteins 50th birthday in 2003. A birthday letter, alleged to have been signed by Trump and addressed to Epstein, was published and received a lot of attention. The note features a drawing of the outline of a womans body alongside the message: Happy Birthdayand may every day be another wonderful secret. The White House denied that Trump wrote Epstein the birthday note, but stopped short of calling the documents fake. When asked to comment on the note during an interview with NBC, Trump said: I dont comment on something thats a dead issue. Meanwhile, Trump has been the target of other artworks installed in D.C. by way of protest. A statue titled "Dictator Approved" appeared on the National Mall on June 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Kevin CarterGetty Images In June, a sculpture titled Dictator Approved appeared on the National Mall. It featured a golden hand, giving a thumbs up, crushing the top of the Statue of Liberty. The crown was cracked and one of the spikes had fallen off. Underneath the sculpture were various plaques featuring quotes from world leaders who support Trump. President Trump is a very bright and talented man, read one quote from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another, from North Koreas Kim Jong Un, read: The extraordinary courage of Donald Trump. Contact us at letters@time.com. Colbert: Amy Sussman. Cardi B: Chris Haston/WBTV. Getty Images. EatingWell design. Key Points Stephen Colberts bagel order: toasted everything bagel with cream cheese, lox, capers, onion and tomato. Cardi B shares a similar order, swapping onion for chive cream cheese and adding salt and lemon. Briny, savory and filling, this might just become my new go-to sandwich. With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on its last season, the audience knows to ask the most important questions during the off-air Q&A with the host. In a behind-the-scenes clip from a recent taping, an especially dire question is asked to Colbert: What is your bagel order? Colbert doesnt hesitate to call out his sandwich, which he pairs with coffee, of course: a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese, lox, capers, onion and tomato. Dont talk to me until Im done with the bagel, cause this is gonna be almost erotic, Colbert admits. Only bagel sandwich eaters can understand this sentiment, because theres no way to avoid the mess. New York native Cardi B confessed to a near-indentical go-to bagel order a couple of months back, but with a few modifications. Cardi personally loves adding a bit of salt and lemon to her sandwich, and instead of sliced onion, she opts for chive cream cheese for a similar savory flavor. When I saw this clip of Colbert endorsing the sandwich, I knew it was time to try it. While a classic combination of ingredients, I have oddly never had this sandwich before, even as a New Jersey native. Bagel with cream cheese? Of course. Bacon, egg and cheese? A staple. But Ive never gravitated towards the lox/capers/veggies combo... until now. I didnt get to taste-test in New Yorkthough I *might* argue New Jersey and Philly bagels are superiorbut I did stop by Up-Ryes Bagel & Deli in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania for the just-as-authentic flavor. Briny, fresh and delicious are all words to describe this beautiful bagel order. I swear, the clouds parted and a rainbow illuminated in the sky as I took my first bite. So its safe to say that I will be ordering this six-ingredient sandwich more often instead of my typical bagel with cream cheese. I love the added veggies for both brightness and nutrients, and the protein from the lox is bound to keep me satisfied for longer. Its a double thumbs up from me, Stephen and Cardi, which means this is your sign to get this comforting bite for breakfast or lunch tomorrow. If youre not in good bagel sandwich territory, try homemade recipes like our Chopped Lox & Veggie Bagel or Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel Bites. Read the original article on EatingWell Simply Recipes / Getty Images Key Takeaways Always buy a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggianopre-grated loses flavor and freshness faster. Store cheese wrapped in plastic wrap or in a container, refrigerated and away from strong smells. Older, well-aged Parmigiano lasts longer in fridge, while younger Parmesan spoils sooner. As the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, the importance of good parm was drilled into me from a young age. My grandparents were so dedicated to the real thing that they would overnight blocks of Parmigiano Reggiano to us from Brooklyn. The cheese usually arrived intact, but it would occasionally mold if not overnighted. Recently, I picked up a tub of grated parmesan and wondered why that stuff stays so fresh when the blocks of cheese from my childhood were much more perishable. So I consulted Chef Michele Casadei Massari, U.S. Brand Ambassador for Parmigiano Reggiano, to ask some storage questions. The Best Way To Store Parmigiano Reggiano Massari always recommends "buying Parmigiano in a wedge or whole piece as opposed to buying it pre-grated, as the cheese's flavor and texture diminish in pre-grated options. Store the cheese in a glass or plastic container or in cling wrap. Always store your Parmigiano in the refrigerator, far from other food, as the cheese tends to absorb other smells in your fridge, he advises. While Massari is referring to Parmigiano Reggiano, parmesan and other similar hard cheeses can be stored the same way and should always be refrigerated. How Long Will Parmigiano Reggiano Last? When vacuum-packed, the cheese can last in the fridge for several months. Like all food items, check the best by date on your package for guidance. Aside from that, when buying a freshly-cut piece of Parmigiano, how long it will keep will vary depending on its maturationa maturation of 12 to 18 months (so a higher moisture content) can be kept for about 15 days. Parmigiano Reggiano with a maturation of 24 months can be kept for about one month. In other words, the more mature or "aged" the Parmigiano, the longer it will keep. Simply Recipes / Getty Images What Are Telltale Signs That Parmigiano Reggiano Has Gone Bad? If your cheese has an acrid scent, toss it. Otherwise, a little mold developing on the cheese isnt necessarily a sign that it has gone bad or deteriorated in quality but rather a side effect of a little humidity. As long as you cut away any mold, you can continue enjoying the cheese. With pre-grated cheese, the presence of mold means you should discard the whole container. If your cheese is hard or dried out, you cant rescue it, but there are many ways to use the rinds. You can add them to soups and risotto to infuse them with flavor, discarding the rind before serving. Ultimately, if you take good care of your Parmigiano, says Massari, it should last according to the best before date. What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan? Massari reminded me there is a difference between parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano (just like Nonna said!) even if the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Parmigiano Reggiano bears the EU designation of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), he says, which indicates that it has distinctive characteristics tied to its area of origin. It must be produced in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua, or Bologna. This protected cheese is also distinguished by unique aging processes. Made with only three ingredients (rennet, salt, and unpasteurized milk), Parmigiano's production adheres to strict established artisanal and natural methods. This explains why that store-bought grated parmesan tends not to mold as readily as hunks of Parmigiano Reggiano: anti-molding agents are often added to extend its shelf life (you'll never find those in real Parmigiano Reggiano). Furthermore, says Massari, every single wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is inspected by a master from the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano, the products official governing body. Similar cheeses made in the United States, like parmesan, are not subject to the strict aging requirements, regulations, and quality standards of Parmigiano Reggiano, explains Massari. The flavor of the two products vastly varies. Read the original article on Simply Recipes In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower surprised reporters, neighbors, and local business leaders in Denver with a hearty meal served at Cherry Hills Country Club. Instead of a formal menu, the guests received bowls of beef stew made according to Eisenhowers own recipe. The president was genuinely interested in cooking, and the stew reflected that passion. Cooking For a Crowd at Cherry Hills Image via iStockphoto/Lorado The luncheon in Denver required planning because the president wanted his own beef stew served to nearly 85 guests. The original formula called for 60 servings, an amount designed for a logging camp rather than a White House table. Eisenhowers assistant press secretary, Murray Snyder, explained that the presidents instructions were adapted for such a large batch with the help of Jack Pierce, chef at the Cherry Hills Country Club. Reporters initially doubted that Eisenhowers home recipe could translate to this scale, but Snyder reassured them that it matched his intentions. Attendees at the luncheon included the press corps, local business figures, neighbors, and friends who had not been able to visit with him since his arrival in Denver. Linking a Recipe to a Larger Purpose The people present at the luncheon did not know that the recipe carried an unexpected promotional angle. Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson had told reporters that an important announcement would come during the event. In truth, the announcement turned out to be the sharing of Eisenhowers recipe, which fit neatly into a nationwide campaign encouraging the consumption of beef and vegetables. By presenting his personal take on the meal, the president placed himself directly in a public conversation about food and farming. At the time, beef producers were seeking more visibility, and a presidential endorsement provided exactly that. The recipe quickly became part of that effort, printed and circulated for home cooks who wanted to try their hand at the same dish served at the presidents table. Ingredients That Built a Presidential Stew Image via Wikimedia Commons/jeffreyw The original 60-serving recipe was practical in its design and used simple and recognizable ingredients. It required 20 pounds of stewing beef, eight pounds of small potatoes, six bunches of carrots, five pounds of onions, and 15 tomatoes. To season the dish, Eisenhower used a bouquet garniturethyme, bay leaves, and garlic tied in a cloth bagso that no single flavor would overpower the others. Three gallons of beef stock were used to create the base, while a thickener called beef rue was added toward the end. The rue consisted of fat skimmed from marrowbone stock combined with flour, which gave the stew its body and richness. The dish was simmered after the thickened stock was returned. The focus was nourishment, balance, and enough volume to feed a gathering without compromising the recipes straightforward approach. Rex Heuermann appears in court for a hearing in Suffolk County Court on April 3 in Riverhead, New York. He has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of seven women between 1993 and 2011. - James Carbone/Pool/Getty Images/File The man accused in Long Islands infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings has lost his bid to separate the sprawling case involving seven victims into multiple trials. Judge Timothy Mazzei ruled Tuesday that the trial against Rex Heuermann, a Manhattan architect who lived on Long Island, would move forward as a single trial. In his six-page ruling, he sided with prosecutors who argued that the killings were committed in a similar matter and that evidence in the cases overlaps. We wanted one and thats what we got, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said after the brief hearing in Riverhead court. Michael Brown, Heuermanns attorney, said he was disappointed but accepted the judges decision. Heuermann was arrested more than two years ago and has pleaded not guilty in the deaths of seven women dating back to 1993. Remains of most of the victims were found on an isolated stretch of a shoreline parkway not far from Heuermanns home, authorities say. Lawyers for Heuermann had argued in court filings that there was no unique and consistent modus operandi common to all the killings, as prosecutors claimed. They said the case should be broken up into as many as five trials because the killings involved different time frames, torture and mutilation techniques, and dump sites for the bodies. Heuermanns lawyers also contended that jurors would struggle with the volume and complexity of the evidence in the case if all seven killings were tried together. They argued the 62-year-old Massapequa resident risked being improperly convicted by the cumulative effect of the evidence against him. Prosecutors, in their own filings, dismissed variances in the alleged killing styles as minor inconsistencies that showed Heuermann was either refining and tinkering with his methods, or intentionally trying to confuse or mislead law enforcement an argument that the defense rejected as untenable. They noted the victims were all petite women in their 20s involved in the sex trade and that the remains of nearly all of them were found in the same location. Prosecutors also maintained that many of the victims are connected by overlapping evidence and witnesses, making a single trial a judicious and efficient use of time and taxpayer resources. On other matters, Mazzei on Tuesday turned down defense lawyers second attempt to toss out some of the DNA evidence that prosecutors say overwhelmingly implicates Heuermann. Heuermanns lawyers had argued that DNA evidence developed by Astrea Forensics violated state public health law because the California lab does not hold a required permit from New Yorks health department to handle lab specimens. But Mazzei sided with prosecutors, who said in their court filings that the state health law cited by defense lawyers applies only to certain clinical labs not ones used in criminal investigations. Tuesdays rulings were the latest decisions in the case, which still doesnt have a trial date. Mazzei ruled earlier this month that prosecutors could use Astrea Forensics findings in the forthcoming murder trial, marking the first time advanced DNA analysis has been allowed as evidence in a New York court. Heuermanns next court appearance is scheduled for January. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration intends to shift $1.8 billion in foreign aid funding toward "America First" initiatives such as pursuing investments in Greenland and countering "Marxist, anti-American regimes" in Latin America, according to a document sent to Congress. "The national security interests of the United States require that the United States utilize these foreign assistance funds to meet new challenges in ways that make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous," according to the Congressional Notification reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday. The administration's plan to shift the funding from programs previously authorized by Congress was first reported by The Washington Post. A State Department spokesperson said the department looked forward to working with Congress "on America First Foreign Assistance," saying foreign assistance programs must align with administration policies. "The United States will prioritize trade over aid, opportunity over dependency, and investment over assistance," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. President Donald Trump's administration has been pursuing a massive overhaul of foreign assistance since the Republican began his second term in January. The strategy is a departure from the long-held assumption that food, medical and economic assistance is an important "soft power" component of U.S. global influence. In the notification, dated September 12, the administration says the $1.8 billion would be obligated for programs to "strengthen U.S. global leadership," to focus on several areas central to Trump administration policy. These include diversifying critical mineral supply chains, promoting strategic infrastructure investment and development, countering China's influence and "addressing the immigration crisis." The document says $400 million would support efforts involving Europe, including energy and critical minerals programming in Ukraine and economic development and conservation work in Greenland. Trump has said he wants to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The strategically located island is rich in oil, natural gas and many minerals needed for high-tech industries. In the western hemisphere, the document says, $400 million would support activities to end illegal immigration to the U.S., counter China's dominance in critical minerals and artificial intelligence and "confront the Marxist, anti-American regimes of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua." USAID DISMANTLED Since January, the administration has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, frozen and then slashed billions of dollars of foreign aid, saying it wants to ensure U.S. taxpayer money goes only to programs aligned with Trump's "America First" policies. The cutbacks effectively shut down USAID, leading to the firing of thousands of its employees and contractors. That jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and has thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the plan outlined in the notification subverted Congress' power, outlined in the Constitution, to control how government money is spent. "Funding politically driven, unaccountable, pet projects in place like Greenland or using aid to pressure African governments on immigration is out of step with America's foreign policy interests and an abuse of Americans' tax dollars," she said in a statement. Aides to Senator Jim Risch, the committee's Republican chairman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In July, as he marked the formal transfer of USAID to the State Department as part of Trump's unprecedented push to shrink the federal government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. was abandoning what he called a charity-based model and would focus on empowering countries to grow sustainably. Foreign aid traditionally has accounted for only about 1% of the federal budget. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Richard Chang) (This story was updated to correct the months in a comparison of ratings.) American satisfaction with how things are going in the U.S. has slipped to its lowest point since President Donald Trump took office, according to a September poll from Gallup. The poll, conducted from Sept. 2-16, found 29% of Americans said they are satisified, and Republicans account for most of the decline from 31% in August, according to Gallup. The satisfaction rate is still higher than the 20% in January before Trump's inauguration. The murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk occurred as the poll was being taken, and Gallup found it weighed on Americans' opinions, especially for Republicans. When asked about the most important problem facing this country ... mentions of crime or violence have more than doubled over the past month, rising from 3% in August to 8% in September the highest level since August 2020, and before that, 2002," Gallup reported. The crime mentions increased most after Sept. 10, the day Kirk was shot in front of thousands at a Utah Valley University speaking event. "National unity" was also found by Gallup to be a growing concern, mentioned at the highest rate since January 2021 following the riots at the U.S. Capitol. While dissatisfaction with the country is up, Trumps approval rating stayed steady in September compared to August, Gallup found. What is it? More: What is Trumps approval rating? See how it compares across states Trump's approval rating is low compared to other presidents In a Gallup poll conducted from Sept. 2-16, 40% approved of Trump's job performance, unchanged from the previous month. A historical analysis by Gallup shows Trump's approval ratings in September of his first years in office both as the 45th and 47th presidents are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations. Here is how his September approval compares to other presidents in September of their first year of their term, according to Gallup: Joe Biden (September 2021) - 43% approve Trump (September 2017) - 37% approve Barack Obama (September 2009) - 52% approve George W. Bush (September 2001) - 76% approve Bill Clinton (September 1993) - 50% approve George H.W. Bush (September 1989) - 70% approve Ronald Reagan (September 1981) - 52% approve Gallup surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults with a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points. What is Trump's average approval overall? RealClearPolitics Poll Average shows the gap between those who disapprove of Trump and those who approve has been widening and becoming more negative for more than a week. A time graph by the New York Times show a similar trend. As of Jan. 27, Trump received a +6.2 percentage point approval rating, but as of March 13, it flipped to slightly negative, the RealClearPolitics graphics show. The approval rating reached its most negative on April 29 at -7.2 percentage points, which fell around Trump's 100-day mark. It came close to that low again on July 22 and July 23 at -7.1 percentage points, as the controversy over convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein carried into its third week. His average approval rating margin as of Sept. 23, according to RealClearPolitics, is -6.5 percentage points. The approval margin according to the New York Times aggregator on Sept. 23 is -11 percentage points. Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is Trump's approval rating? Poll finds Charlie Kirk murder salient By Mrinalika Roy (Reuters) -The Trump administration's plan to dramatically raise fees for H-1B visas is drawing concern from U.S. healthcare groups who say the move could worsen staffing shortages as more than half of healthcare workers consider changing jobs within the next year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reviewing policy changes that would increase the cost of applying for H-1B visas to as much as $100,000 from the current top of $4,500. The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty fields like technology, engineering, medicine, and academia. The visas are widely used by the U.S. healthcare sector to recruit international medical graduates or foreign-trained doctors and other professionals trained abroad. The American Academy of Family Physicians emphasized that international medical graduates account for more than one-fifth of practicing family doctors and are disproportionately likely to serve in rural areas. FEE INCREASE IMPACT ON DOCTOR NUMBERS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported that in fiscal year 2025 there were about 442,000 unique H-1B visa beneficiaries across all sectors, with 5,640 petitions approved in the healthcare and social assistance industry alone. The influential American Medical Association warned that fees as high as $100,000 could choke off the international physician pipeline. "With the U.S. already facing a shortage of doctors, making it harder for international medical graduates to train and practice here means patients will wait longer and drive farther to get care," said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala. Hospital and doctor groups warned that the fee increase could sharply reduce the number of foreign-trained doctors entering the U.S. system. For many hospitals already stretched thin, that could also mean fewer specialists and higher burdens on domestic medical staff. The American Hospital Association said hospitals rely on the program as a short-term measure to fill gaps in the workforce. "The H-1B visa program plays a critical role in allowing the hospital field to recruit highly skilled physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure access to care for communities and patients," an AHA spokesperson said, adding that the group is pushing for exemptions to the increase for healthcare personnel. "Nearly 21 million Americans live in areas of the U.S. where foreign-trained physicians account for at least half of all physicians," the AAFP said. Many hospital systems have been contending with staffing pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Several, including OhioHealth, Cleveland Clinic, Cedars-Sinai, and Mass General Brigham told Reuters they are assessing what the administration's changes will mean for their operations. The U.S. could be short 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036 as demand grows faster than supply, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in BengaluruEditing by Bill Berkrot) The dating app Tinder is shown on a mobile phone in this picture illustration (Reuters) -Two U.S. senators sent a letter to Tinder parent Match on Wednesday, pushing for action against dating scams on the company's platforms and asking for information about its efforts to detect frauds and protect its users. In a letter to Match CEO Spencer Rascoff, Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan and Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn asked the company to provide documents about its policies and procedures related to fraudulent activity on its platforms. Romance scams often involve fraudsters creating alluring but fake profiles on dating apps, stringing along victims for weeks or months before asking for gifts or money. "We are also concerned that Match, through its algorithmic design, creates trust that romance scammers can exploit," the senators wrote. Cybercrime of all stripes cost victims over $16 billion globally last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in an April report, including hundreds of millions of dollars in losses caused by romance scams. The senators have given Match, which also operates Hinge and OkCupid, until October 15 to provide evidence that it has made efforts to prevent romance scams and the factors that allow such fraud to occur on its platforms. Match said in an emailed statement to Reuters that it was looking forward to "constructive conversations" with the senators. "In recent years, we have made significant investments in advanced fraud detection, cutting-edge safety features, and expanded partnerships with law enforcement, industry, and civil society groups to better safeguard our communities," said Yoel Roth, Match's Trust & Safety head. Match has previously been caught in regulatory crosshairs, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission alleging in 2019 that the company knowingly sent automated advertisements via Match.com with expressions of interest from accounts that it knew were likely fake. The Department of Justice closed its investigation related to the FTC lawsuit in 2020. Match has rolled out new features such as "face check" to detect fake profiles and prevent impersonation. (Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru and Juby Babu in Mexico City and Steve Stecklow in San Francisco; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) The Ukrainian and U.S. national flags fly outside a building in Kyiv KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine will soon hash out the legal details of a joint arms production venture with the U.S., Kyiv's ambassador to Washington said on Wednesday, as part of a critical effort to bolster the Ukrainian defence industry. Officials are hoping to scale up domestic arms production with Western help as the military fends off bigger and better-armed Russian forces in the fourth year of war. Olha Stefanishyna said a Ukrainian delegation will visit the U.S. on September 30 after receiving a "positive signal" from President Donald Trump, who met Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy in New York on Tuesday. "There was a very lively reaction from the U.S. president. He spent several minutes admiring Ukrainian innovation (and) capabilities," she said on Ukrainian television. The two leaders had previously discussed the contours of a joint production deal involving drones, which Zelenskiy said has received political backing from Trump. Trump on Tuesday also voiced fresh support for Kyiv's war effort, suggesting it should continue fighting to take back more of its territory. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Warren County Jail Megan Staude, Rodney Staude NEED TO KNOW Megan Staude and her father Rodney were sentenced to 50 years in prison in connection with the death of her newborn baby Both pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Megan's newborn was discovered in a garbage bag in a roadside ditch An Iowa woman and her father were sentenced to 50 years in prison in connection with the death of her newborn baby, who was found in a roadside ditch stuffed in a garbage bag. Megan Staude and her father Rodney Staude were both sentenced on Monday, Sept. 22 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. According to prosecutors, Megan, who worked as a housekeeper, gave birth in February 2023 at the Norwalk home she shared with her father. Afterwards, she "put the baby in a box and let the baby sit there," not spending any time with the newborn," Warren County Attorney Douglas Eichholz tells PEOPLE. Eichholz says Megan and her father decided they can't have the baby. According to Eichholz, the father and daughter placed the baby in a trash bag and then put the boy in the bed of a truck and drove outside of town, where they tossed the infant in a ditch. 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. Didn't just go lay the baby down so that the baby could, you know, pass away," says Eichholz, who notes the baby was found in a thicket about 20 feet from the road. "They threw the baby. Megan, whose colleagues suspected she was pregnant, then went back to work, where she faced questions from coworkers and gave "varying stories about what happened to the baby," per Eichholz. She said the baby was buried at a cemetery next to her mother, but when colleagues went to the cemetery and found her mothers grave that found, nothing was disturbed there, Eichholz says, after which they went to the police. Rodney ultimately confessed what they had done to police , directing them to where they threw the baby. "They eventually had to bring in a cadaver dog to find the baby because it had snowed some more," said Eichholz. Megan and her father were charged with first-degree murder. She pleaded guilty in 2024, and her father pleaded guilty Monday, Sept. 22. At the sentencing on Monday, Sept. 22, Judge Charles Sinnard addressed the father and daughter. "There is no higher calling in life than that of a parent. That extends down the line to the rest of your family, to not only your child but your grandchildren," he told Rodney before his daughters sentencing, per the Des Moines Register. "Everyone has issues. But there are certain things in this life, regardless of the issues youve had to deal with, where you have to rise above those, and you have to do the right thing." If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Fonterra reports continued strong performance in FY25 Total Group revenue: NZ $26 billion, up 15% Total cash returns to shareholders: $16 billion, up 30.6% Operating profit: NZ $1,732 million, up 13% Profit after tax: NZ $1,079 million, down 4%, up 13% tax-adjusted Normalised earnings per share: 71 cents, no change, up 13 cents tax-adjusted FY25 full year dividend, fully imputed: 57 cents per share, up from 55 cents unimputed Return on Capital: 10.9%, down from 11.3%, up from 10.0% tax-adjusted 2024/25 final Farmgate Milk Price: NZ $10.16 per kgMS 2024/25 season milk collections: 1,509 million kgMS, up 2.6% 2025/26 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range: NZ $9.00 $11.00 per kgMS FY26 forecast earnings range: 45-65 cents per share 2025/26 season forecast milk collections: revised up to 1,525 million kgMS Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today released its FY25 annual results which show the Co-op generated $26 billion in revenue and delivered $16.2 billion in total cash returns to shareholders. The final Farmgate Milk Price for the 2024/25 season was $10.16 per kgMS, equating to $15.3 billion in milk payments to New Zealand farmers, up $3.8 billion on last year. The Co-op also announced a FY25 full year dividend of 57 cents fully imputed, and at the upper end of its dividend policy, equating to $916 million of cash to shareholders and unit holders. This is comprised of a 22 cent interim dividend and 35 cent final dividend. CEO Miles Hurrell says FY25 has been one of the Co-ops strongest years yet in terms of shareholder returns. We continue to see good demand from global customers for our high-quality products made from New Zealand farmers milk and this is driving returns through both the Farmgate Milk Price and dividends. Our vision is to be the source of the worlds most valued dairy. Our strategy is designed to grow end-to-end value for farmers by focusing on being a B2B dairy nutrition provider, working closely with customers through our high-performing Ingredients and Foodservice channels. During the year, weve taken important steps towards this goal, including running a robust divestment process for global Consumer and associated businesses. This resulted in an agreement to sell the businesses to Lactalis for $4.22 billion, subject to approvals. Were also positioning the Co-op to deliver further value through our Foodservice and Ingredients businesses, including continuing to invest in new manufacturing capability to meet growing customer demand for our high-value products. We have a pipeline of potential growth investments were assessing, with plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next three to four years in projects to generate further value and drive operational cost efficiencies, says Mr Hurrell. Projects include: Growing the value of our existing protein portfolio, in addition to the recently announced investment at Studholme, to support our Ingredients business. Adding value to milkfat through new butter and cream cheese investments to support both our Foodservice and Ingredients businesses. Investments in site operations including our Enterprise Resource Planning system replacement, data, AI and automation. Mr Hurrell says that through focused execution of strategy, the Co-op is targeting earnings to be back at current levels within three years, offsetting the earnings impact of divesting the Consumer and associated businesses. Our balance sheet strength gives us the confidence to return capital, invest in the future of the business and maintain our dividend policy, says Mr Hurrell. Performance Fonterra has delivered strong performance in FY25, with Total Group reported operating profit increasing to $1.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion the year prior. Reported profit after tax was $1.1 billion, equivalent to earnings per share of 65 cents. This was down slightly on the prior year, reflecting Fonterras higher tax expense in FY25 after the Co-op elected not to deduct distributions to farmer shareholders from taxable income and instead attach imputation credits to dividends. When excluding the costs associated with the Consumer divestment, Fonterras normalised earnings per share were 71 cents, in line with last years result. The Co-op delivered a Return on Capital of 10.9%, in line with the target range of 10-12%. This result was driven by higher operating profit in the Ingredients business, due to demand for our protein portfolio and our use of margin hedging tools and indexed-based pricing, says Mr Hurrell. Foodservice sales volumes continue to grow off the back of continued demand in Greater China for our high-value products including UHT cream, butter and mozzarella. The business proposed to be divested, Mainland Group, benefited from sales volume growth in the Consumer business and the Australia business having a stable milk price against higher global commodity prices. Operating costs largely increased due to investment in a once-in-a-generation Enterprise Resource Planning software replacement as well as costs associated with the Consumer divestment process. Fonterras balance sheet and leverage metrics are in line with the prior year, maintaining the Co-ops robust position and providing optionality for the future, says Mr Hurrell. Strategy During FY25, Fonterra took further steps to support value growth through its global Ingredients and Foodservice businesses. This included appointing Richard Allen as President, Global Ingredients and Teh-han Chow as President, Global Foodservice. Fonterra commenced construction on new manufacturing capacity at its Studholme and Edendale sites, with the first protein products from Studholme expected in early 2026, and UHT cream from Edendale expected late 2026, says Mr Hurrell. The Co-op is also investing in its foundations, with construction underway on a new coolstore at its Whareroa site, and new coal-free boilers at its Clandeboye and Edendale sites to support secure energy supply. In addition to the investments at Studholme and Edendale, were also planning new manufacturing capacity investment for both specialty protein and butter. This will support further improvement in the Co-ops product mix by allowing Fonterra to allocate more milk to Foodservice and non-reference Ingredients products, says Mr Hurrell. Divestment In line with its strategy to focus on its Ingredients and Foodservice businesses, during FY25 Fonterra undertook a dual-track divestment process for its global Consumer and associated businesses. This resulted in an announcement in August 2025 that the Co-op has agreed to sell the businesses to Lactalis for $4.22 billion, subject to approvals. As previously shared, Fonterra is targeting a capital return of $2.00 per share from the divestment proceeds if it progresses, which is equivalent to $3.2 billion. The Fonterra Board intends to make a final decision on the amount and timing of the capital return once the sale agreement is unconditional, cash proceeds are received in New Zealand and having regard to other relevant factors including Fonterra's debt and earnings outlook at the time. The sale is subject to approval from farmer shareholders, certain regulatory approvals, and separation of the businesses from Fonterra. The farmer shareholder vote is due to take place via a Special Meeting on 30 October 2025. Outlook The Co-op has today revised its forecast milk collections for the 2025/26 season from 1,490 million kgMS to 1,525 million kgMS. Favourable weather conditions experienced during the previous season are forecast to continue through spring, supporting pasture growth, says Mr Hurrell. The 2025/26 forecast Farmgate Milk Price is $10.00 per kgMS with a range of $9.00 - $11.00 per kgMS. Global Dairy Trade prices continue to be robust, as does demand from customers for our products sold off GDT. However, the risk of potential volatility in commodity prices and exchange rates from geopolitical dynamics remains. Fonterras FY26 forecast earnings from continuing operations, which excludes the businesses to be divested, is 45-65 cents per share. Our forecast earnings for the year ahead exclude earnings from the businesses to be divested and is in line with the strong performance weve delivered in FY25. Looking further ahead, as well as targeting earnings to return to current levels in three years, Fonterra has confirmed it is maintaining the strategic targets and policy settings announced in September 2024, if Mainland Group is divested. This includes a target average Return on Capital of 10-12% from FY26, which is above Fonterras 5-year average. We have amended our Debt to EBITDA target to less than 3 times and maintained our target gearing ratio of 30-40%, reflecting an appetite to maintain conservative balance sheet settings. While there are always risks that may impact future performance, Fonterra continues to target dividend payments within its policy range of 60%-80% of earnings in the medium term. Our ongoing balance sheet strength, combined with our focused strategic direction, means the Co-op is well prepared for the future and positioned to continue delivering positive returns to shareholders, says Mr Hurrell. 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Related News: Comvita reaches agreement with lending partners December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report Lithium Americas (LAC) stock soared on Wednesday, rising 95% after news reports that the Trump administration is looking to take a stake in the operator of what is set to be the largest lithium mine in the country. On Tuesday evening, Reuters reported that the administration is seeking a stake of up to 10% in Vancouver, British Columbia-based Lithium Americas as part of renegotiations for a $2.26 billion loan the company received from the Department of Energy for its Thacker Pass lithium mine. The report sent shares in Lithium Americas rocketing upward Wednesday morning. Shares in General Motors (GM), which owns a 38% stake in the project, gained a bit more than 2% on Wednesday. Under the terms of the prospective Lithium Americas deal, the mining company has offered the administration no-cost warrants on up to 10% of the company's common shares. The administration is also reported to be seeking purchase guarantees from General Motors, which has $625 million in the project. The original loan includes terms that allow the administration to seize control of the project if it is delayed or faces major cost overruns, according to Reuters. Read more about Lithium Americas' stock moves and today's market action The proposed mining project in Nevada would be the largest lithium mining project in the Western Hemisphere, producing more than 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate in its first phase, set to begin in 2028 enough of the metal byproduct to construct 800,000 electric vehicles, according to Reuters. Albemarle's (ALB) Silver Peak project in Nevada, the only operating lithium mine in the US right now, produces less than 5,000 metric tons of the metal per year. The administration has consistently considered lithium production as a key area in building out domestic supply chains for valuable metals and other commodities like copper and uranium. China produces more than 40,000 metric tons per year of the metal, making it the world's third-largest lithium producer, behind only Australia and Chile. Lithium must be refined after the raw metal is removed from the ground to build products like EV batteries. China currently refines 65% or more of the world's lithium, compared to the less than 3% share in the US. The Trump administration's interest in a stake in Lithium Americas mirrors similar moves for stakes in mining company MP Materials (MP) and chipmaking giant Intel (INTC), as the federal government looks to strengthen its position in both domestic production and global supply chains. Shares in MP Materials are up more than 50% since the company's July announcement of a multibillion-dollar deal with the Department of Defense that made the government the largest shareholder of the rare earths miner. Shares in Intel (INTC) are up more than 25% since talks between the chipmaker and the administration were publicly reported. Another business stake: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks as President Trump listens in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Sept. 22. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Lithium Americas' loan from the Department of Energy was originally approved under the first Trump administration. The mining company is set to make the first draw on the loan this month. The administration offered renegotiation talks on worries that the company would have trouble repaying the loan due to a depression in lithium prices driven by Chinese overproduction, according to Reuters. Lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate futures are down more than 4.5% and more than 12%, respectively, over the past year, according to FastMarkets pricing data. The Thacker Pass project has been under construction in Nevada for nearly a year. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Jake Conley is a breaking news reporter covering US equities for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @byjakeconley or email him at jake.conley@yahooinc.com. In Abilene, Texasin the heart of what locals call the Big Country, long defined by ranching, farming, shale oil exploration, and now dotted with wind turbinesOpenAI and Oracle staged a carefully crafted media showcase on Tuesday to talk about the latest boom underway. Throngs of journalists from across the country were escorted by police to a half-completed 800-acre data center complex, guided through halls packed with tens of thousands of state-of-the-art Nvidia GPUs, and greeted by the company CEOs and by policymakers including Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The event was a victory lap of sorts, as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracles new co-CEO Clay Magouryk pushed back against critics who have questioned the progress of their high-profile and ambitious Stargate AI infrastructure project. At Tuesdays event, the two companies, joined by Japans SoftBank, announced a big step forward for Stargate, touting an expansion of the Abilene site, as well as plans to build five massive, new data center complexes across the U.S. over the next several years. Altogether, the initiative calls for hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in a project of a mind-boggling scale. In Abilene alone, a crew of 6,400 workers have already moved massive amounts of soil to flatten the hills, and laid down enough fiber optic cable to wrap the Earth 16 times. We cannot fall behind in the need to put the infrastructure together to make this revolution happen, OpenAIs Altman said during a Q&A with reporters. What you saw today is just like a small fraction of what this site will eventually be, and this site is just a small fraction or building, and all of that will still not be enough to serve even the demand of ChatGPT, he said, referring to OpenAIs flagship AI product. The buildout attests to the towering expectations surrounding AI, as tech companies like OpenAI, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta race to put in place the infrastructure necessary to power their latest large language models. In July, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company would spend hundreds of billions of dollars building a network of data centers with names like Prometheus and Hyperion to create superintelligence. Abilene, as well as the newly-announced data centers, are all part of the Stargate project, a half-trillion-dollar joint initiative that OpenAI unveiled in January that aims to create a nationwide backbone for training its ever-larger AI models. Stargate has been touted as a publicprivate partnership with the Trump administrationpart of a bid to keep AI compute infrastructure in the U.S. and push projects past regulatory hurdles. Message number one: America will beat China in the race for AI, Texas Senator Ted Cruz proclaimed at the event. Other guests and speakers included Congressman Jodey Arrington, and local dignitaries including the mayor of Abilene and even a county judge. Each emphasized Texas appeal as a hub for AI infrastructure. Sam, Clay, welcome to Silicon Prairie, Arrington said on stage, referring to the CEOs of OpenAI and Oracle. The five new Stargate projectsin Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and in an undisclosed Midwest locationwill bring Stargates current pipeline to nearly 7 gigawatts and more than $400 billion in investment over the next three years. In the data center world, gigawatts are shorthand for how much electricity a facility can drawand therefore how much AI compute it can deliver. A 1-gigawatt facility, for instance, requires enough substations, cooling, and transmission to sustain the power demand of nearly a million homes. Until recently, the data center facilities owned and operated by the largest cloud computing companiesthe so-called hyperscalerstopped out at a few hundred megawatts. But Microsoft and Meta have recently unveiled multi-gigawatt projects in Wisconsin and Louisiana. And in a sign of the ever-increasing stakes in AI arms race, OpenAI and its partners promised Tuesday to reach a 10-gigawatt, $500 billion target by the end of 2025ahead of schedule. Oracle pointed out that the campus in Abilene, Texas is already up and running on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), continues to progress rapidly, and is on track to provide OpenAI with the worlds largest supercluster when fully built. A network of gigawatt data centers Tuesdays announcement included an expansion in Abilene on another site which will draw 600 megawattsenough to power roughly 450,000600,000 homes worth of electricity demand, which is about four times the actual population of Abilene. The new projectsin Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and in an undisclosed Midwest locationwill bring Stargates current pipeline to nearly 7 gigawatts and more than $400 billion in investment over the next three years. Three of the new sites will be built with Oracle, expanding a July deal to develop up to 4.5 gigawatts of capacity worth more than $300 billion over five years. Two others in Lordstown, Ohio, and Milam County, Texas will be developed with SoftBank, which has promised fast-build facilities that can scale quickly to multiple gigawatts. The five sites emerged from a January site-selection contest that drew more than 300 proposals from 30 states, underscoring how aggressively local governments courted the Stargate project. But Stargates expansion is certain to draw criticism on multiple fronts. In Abilene and other communities hosting mega AI data centers, residents and activists worry about the trade-offs: billions in tax abatements, the risk of gas-fired generation worsening local air quality, and the likelihood that permanent jobs will number far fewer than the headlines suggest. National energy analysts, meanwhile, warn that multi-gigawatt campuses could strain fragile power grids and lock in huge new demands for water and fossil fuels at a time when utilities are already struggling to keep up with AIs growth. For example, the planned Stargate site in Dona Ana County, New Mexico has garnered mixed reactions, with opponents raising concerns about water usage and pollution, arguing these issues outweigh the economic benefits. According to a county presentation, the project will bring 800 permanent jobs and 2,500 construction jobs over three years. The Stargate plans were unveiled amid ongoing debate about whether overheated expectations about AI were creating an industry bubble that will eventually burst. Asked about the risk, Altman said that he fully expects there will be booms and busts related to AI. But, he said, over the arc that we have to plan over, we are confident that this technology will drive a new way of unprecedented economic growth, and not just economic growth, but peoples lives much better. The day before the event, Nvidia, the leading AI chipmaker, pledged to invest up to $100 billion into OpenAIs infrastructure. Under the terms of letter of intent announced on Monday, Nvidia will contribute GPU-powered systems capable of drawing up to 10 gigawatts of electricity the equivalent demand of 7 to 10 million homes. Citing the Nvidia deal at Tuesdays event, Altman said the most significant piece of the announcement wasnt just the new sites but the financing model behind them. Rather than paying billions for chips up front, OpenAI will be able to spread those costs over time as revenue scales. We can kind of like pay as we go, like whats on cloud services, he said. The chips are a humongous percentage of the capex, and its harder for us to pay for that all up front, because our revenue comes in over the many months that customers run service among those chips. So that really helps projects like this. But when it came to OpenAIs energy demands, Senator Ted Cruz cast the stakes in both geopolitical and local terms. Texas is ground zero for AI, he added. What do you want when youre building AI data centers? Number one, you want abundant, low-cost energy. Welcome to the great state of Texas. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com US President Donald Trump speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images US President Donald Trump all but nominated himself for the Nobel Peace Prize on Tuesday, claiming in his address to the United Nations that he has ended seven un-endable wars, which were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. I ended seven wars, and in all cases, they were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. This includes Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda a vicious, violent war that was Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, Trump said in his remarks. The two conflicts that Trump has so far put the most efforts into ending Israels war in Gaza and Russias war on Ukraine continue to rage with no signs of easing, despite the myriads of deadlines, threats and promises he has made to get ceasefire agreements. But the failure to get a deal in the Middle East and Ukraine has not stopped Trump from boasting about the conflicts he said he ended. Trump has repeated this claim since earlier this summer, and the White House provided a list of the seven claimed bilateral agreements last month. While he certainly contributed to brokering a couple of agreements between long-standing foes, his role in securing ceasefires in some of the other conflicts he has boasted about ending has been disputed by some of the countries involved. And then of course there are the wars that were not happening when he claims to have ended them. Trump (C), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (L), and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (R) hold up an agreement signed at the White House on August 8, 2025. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Armenia and Azerbaijan Trump certainly deserves credit for hosting the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House in August, where they finalized a peace agreement, which they first announced some five months earlier. The two former Soviet republics had been locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for almost four decades. The breakaway region in the Caucasus Mountains was home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians and while it is internationally considered as part of Azerbaijan, it was controlled by Armenian separatists since the fall of the Soviet Union. That changed in 2023, when a lightning 24-hour assault saw Azerbaijan regain total control of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting the regions ethnic Armenian population to flee to Armenia within a week. Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev both praised Trump for his role in getting the deal signed even if he later, while talking about it, confused Armenia for Albania and called Azerbaijan Aberbaijan. While undoubtedly a step forward, the agreement has not been ratified by either country. Several issues remain to be resolved most notably, Azerbaijan is demanding that Armenia changes its constitution a move that would likely be rejected by Armenian voters in a referendum. Cambodian and Thai soldiers stand guard near a destroyed building during the ASEAN Interim Observer Team visit to the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani. - Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Cambodia and Thailand The 508-mile (817-kilometer) border between Thailand and Cambodia has been prone to flareups of violence for decades. Cambodia has previously sought a ruling from the UNs International Court of Justice over disputed areas, but Thailand said it does not recognize the courts jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated. The most recent round of violence erupted in July when at least 38 people, mostly civilians, were killed and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes. Trump held separate phone calls with the leaders of the two countries, threatening to stop trade negotiations if they didnt agree to a ceasefire. The two sides met in Malaysia within days and agreed to a ceasefire. However, the conflict over the contested border remains unresolved even though Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet said that he nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize. Emergency personnel work at a sire of an Iranian missile attack in Be'er Sheva, Israel, on June 24, 2025. - Yonatan Honig/Reuters Israel and Iran When the US president announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting in June, it looked a bit premature as both countries continued with their final attacks. However, the two countries did later endorse the ceasefire. The direct confrontation between the long-times foes started when Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities that killed prominent politicians, military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities and military sites. While Trump made it clear he was initially against Israel attacking Iran directly, the US joined and bombed Irans main nuclear facilities with its uniquely powerful bunker busting bombs. Like with many of the other conflicts he claims to have ended, Trumps role in bringing the violence to an end is unclear. No peace agreement or a firm deal on the future of Irans nuclear program has been reached and both Iran and Israel have threatened each other since then. An Indian Border Security Force personnel guard the Wagah border post, about 35kms from Amritsar on May 6, 2025. - Narinder Nanu/AFP/Getty Images India and Pakistan India and Pakistan got embroiled in their most intense conflict in decades in May, after India fired missiles across nine sites in Pakistan in response to a massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. The conflict was raging for several days when, out of the blue, Trump announced on social media that the US had brokered an end to the fighting. There are conflicting accounts of how the ceasefire was negotiated. Islamabad praised US involvement and nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for what it said was decisive diplomatic intervention. India downplayed Trumps involvement, saying instead the ceasefire was agreed directly between the two countries. India has fiercely resisted any foreign intervention on the issue of Kashmir, the disputed region over which India and Pakistan fought several wars, insisting its not up to other countries to get involved. A Rwandan border officer stands guard as displaced people wait at the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on May 19, 2025. - Jospin Mwisha/AFP/Getty Images Rwanda and the DRC When the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace agreement brokered by the US in June, it was hailed by Trump as a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World! However, there is little to suggest that the conflict one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in the world is easing in any way. Scores of militia groups that have fought for three decades are still engaging in deadly fighting, CNN visited the rebel-held city of Goma, home to more than 2 million people, earlier this month. Local people, aid workers and rebel leaders told CNN the fighting and the hardships caused by it continue. The same week, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) released a fact-finding report on the escalation of hostilities between January and July 2025 in North and South Kivu, the provinces in eastern DR Congos where two of its largest cities Goma and Bukavu are located. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed delivers his remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on September 9, 2025. - Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images Egypt and Ethiopia It is unclear how exactly Trump ended this conflict, since Egypt and Ethiopia were not, and are not, actually at war. However, the two are locked in a bitter dispute over a massive hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia officially opened earlier this month and there are worried that this rift could escalate. Sitting on a tributary of the Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, took some 15 years to built and the Ethiopians see it as a key to their future economic prosperity. Egypt and Sudan have long opposed the dam, arguing that it would negatively impact the availability of water downstream. Egypt has argued that under a colonial-era treaty signed with Britain, it has the rights to veto any projects on the Nile. Serbia and Kosovo Another puzzling item on Trumps list of conflicts he has solved. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO launched a bombing campaign against Serbian forces responsible for a brutal crackdown against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Serbia and Kosovo signed an economic normalization agreement during Trumps first term in 2020, but Serbia continues to view Kosovo as a breakaway state and does not recognize its independence. Tensions between the two continue to flare up every few months, with the European Union which both countries wish to join playing a key role in mediation. CNNs Rhea Mogul, Helen Regan, Sophia Saifi, Esha Mitra, Aditi Sangal, Nic Robertson, Alayne Treene, Sophia Saifi, Alex Stambaugh, Adam Cancryn, Alejandra Jaramillo, Caitlin Danaher, Gul Tuysuz, Nimi Princewill, Brad Lendon, Lauren Kent, Sarah Dean, Larry Madowo, Kocha Olarn and Kathleen Magramo contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VIETNAM-CHINA-DIPLOMACY-POLITICS (Photo by ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) China is aggressively expanding its Latin American influence operation by taking on major megaprojects aimed at circumventing the Panama Canal, a new report revealed Tuesday. China has been courting Brazil and Peru in order to build a series of massive infrastructure projects aimed at circumventing the Panama Canal amid the Trump administrations extensive mission against Chinese influence in the vital shipping lane, a report from China-focused geopolitical consulting firm Horizon Advisory revealed. Specifically, China has made inroads with Peru and Brazil to channel large investments in a vital port in Peru that would combine with a massive railroad through Brazil to open the door for China to the Atlantic Ocean. Were catching up to the threat, Nate Picarsic, senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and Horizon Advisory co-founder, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Were 20 some years behind China having its fingers into the Panama Canal, and as we belatedly get to catching up and competing there, theyre launching these massive new projects in Peru. Theyre going to allow them to circumvent the Panama Canal. (RELATED: Critically Important: Iran Allegedly Used China As Golden Ticket To Quietly Operate In Panama Canal) In this aerial view a cargo ship enters the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean side in Panama City on February 4, 2025. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images) The Chancay Port came online in November 2024 after China made massive investments with Peru in order to promote its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure initiative critics have described as a debt trap and key influence arm for Beijing. He Bo, a local leader of the state-owned COSCO Shipping Ports Peru Chancay, said in August 2025 that the growth in transportation demand is faster than we expected. The problem is that access to the Chinese market comes at the cost of both market and operational dependence on Beijing, the report reads. China frames the effort as a win-win opportunity, but Beijings real goal is to ensure that Perus economy, and the larger regional economy rely on China. The proposed Bi-Oceanic rail line, which would stretch 3,000 miles through Brazil, aims to connect the port with the Atlantic Ocean. The projects theoretical transit times for Brazilian goods could potentially outpace the Panama Canal, allowing China to further dominate the large South American nation. Picarsic stressed the importance of curtailing Chinas rapid Latin American expansion, while also commending the Trump administration for giving renewed attention to Americas southern backyard. I think its a very welcome development to focus on hemispheric security, Picarsic told the DCNF. and obviously the devils in the details and how we execute and follow through on many strategic directions what really matters, but I think [were] going in a direction where we want to solidify our foundation in our hemisphere, guarantee security and the chance for peace and prosperity of our neighborhood. The report ends by urging the U.S. to not simply compete with China on a business front, but to take on Chinas military-civil fusion apparatus that has enabled the projects. The Chinese Embassy and the State Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2024. The Gist Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet show off their matching red hair in a never-before-seen photo. The royal siblings were depicted at Disneyland in ABC new special The Happiest Story on Earth. Lilibet recently celebrated her 4th birthday at the theme park. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are basically twins in a new photo of the siblings at Disneyland. With their matching red hair, they closely resemble their dad, Prince Harry. A previously unseen snap of Archie and Lilibet was featured on ABC's The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland A Special Edition of 20/20, which aired Sunday. The royal tots admire Lilibet's Little Mermaid-themed 4th birthday cake, complete with two separate tiers. ABC Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in 2025. Earlier today, a representative for Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed whether Archie would be attending Eton College, the same school as his cousin, Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest son, Prince George. I can confirm that Prince Harry has not put Archies name down for Eton, and that the Duke has no plans to send his son to Eton," the spokesperson told E! on Monday. Both William and Harry went to the prestigious all-boys boarding school, which costs more than $84,000 annually in tuition. Instagram Prince Archie in 2025. After a court ruled earlier this spring that Harry and his family wouldn't be entitled to additional security protections in the United Kingdom, the Duke of Sussex shared that it was unlikely they'd ever return to his home country. "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point," he told BBC News at the time. Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2017. Read the original article on InStyle We may earn money from links on this page, but commission does not influence what we write or the products we recommend. AOL upholds a rigorous editorial process to ensure what we publish is fair, accurate and trustworthy. This is the best time of year to book a cruise, according to travel agents Booking a cruise is an intimidating process. You have to figure out when you want to go, where you prefer to travel, and how you're actually going to get to the launch location, all while trying to get the best price possible. If you know when you want to travel, it's fair to wonder when is the best time to book a cruise to get the most bang for your buck. While you can just book your ticket and hope for the best, travel agents say there are certain insider tips that can help you save hundreds and secure that cabin you really want in the process. With that in mind, we pumped two top travel agents for information on the best time of year to book a cruise, plus why it matters. Here's what they shared. The best time of year to book a cruise The slightly frustrating answer is, it depends. "Cruise lines release their itineraries for various seasons throughout the year," says Lauren Valencia, travel agent with Wondermakers Travel. "The best time to book is actually as soon as a cruise line opens bookings, which can vary based on the cruise line." Booking windows usually start opening more than a year in advance, according to Valencia, and you may be able to get in even earlier if you have an existing relationship with the cruise line. "If you have status with certain cruise lines Disney Cruise Line, for example you'll have an even earlier window depending on how many times you've sailed with them," she said. Scott Faust, travel agency owner and founder of Roaming with Scott, recommends checking out cruise lines a year to a year and a half before you plan to set sail. "You can get a better selection of cabins, and sometimes better prices and or perks," he says. You don't necessarily have to book that far out, though. "After the first of the year is a time till about March called 'Wave Season,'" Faust says. During that time, the cruise industry tends to offer more aggressive discounts to sell as many cabins as possible, he explains. So, if you're planning to travel in the near-future, consider booking your cruise between January and March to secure impressive deals. How far in advance should you book a cruise? If you can, Valencia recommends booking your ticket as soon as a cruise becomes available. "Cruise line stateroom pricing does not vary like flights do," she says. "Often the prices only go up, unless a deal or promotion is released for your particular cruise." Other tips to save on cruises Travel agents recommend keeping this advice in mind when planning your upcoming cruise: Book as soon as possible . This is both to get a good price and to secure a premium room. "Not all staterooms are created equally," Valencia says. "While staterooms may be the same size for certain types of rooms, location can matter. For guests concerned with motion sickness, a lower location toward the middle of the ship is often preferable." Cost can also vary by location, depending on the deck, she says. "Two identical staterooms on different decks can vary by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars," Valencia adds. Consider using a travel agent . Travel agents are paid commission from the cruise line, so it doesn't cost you anything extra to go this route, Valencia says. "Many travel agents are able to offer on-board credit, may have access to other promos and upgrades that aren't available to the general public and can provide personalized recommendations," she says. Agents can also apply deals to existing bookings. Buy into a group space . "Some travel agents will take out group space to get better-than-advertised prices and perks to offer their clients," Faust says. This doesn't mean you have to be with a group of people, he points out. "Go your separate ways and enjoy your trip," Faust says. Consider using gift cards . "If you're booking a Disney Cruise, you can use Disney gift cards to pay for the cruise," Valencia says. "Some retailers sell [these] at a discount." Look for deals: If you've got a flexible timeframe, look into sales before you start booking. Celebrity Cruises runs frequent deals on its cruises, including discounts on additional passengers and savings on specific rooms. MSC Cruises runs regular flash sales on last-minute cruises. Cruise Direct offers onboard credits, shore excursion savings, and discounts on additional passengers. If you have any questions about this piece or you just wanna chat about your favorite products you think we should check out send us an email at aol.shopping@yahooinc.com and we'll write you back! Curious about how we test and choose products at AOL? Heres a quick explanation, from our editors. Kiwi insurer Tower (NZX/ASX: TWR) has successfully renewed its reinsurance programme for the financial year ending 30 September 2026 (FY26), securing comprehensive cover at competitive rates across its home, motor, boat, and commercial portfolios across New Zealand and Pacific markets. Tower estimates its reinsurance premium expense will represent 10.7% of Gross Written Premium in FY26, down from 13.3% in FY25. The reduction in reinsurance premium expense will be partly offset by lower reinsurance recoveries on property risks that were previously ceded to a proportional treaty. Tower CEO Paul Johnston says the renewed programme reflects Towers commitment to maintaining strong financial resilience and flexibility to support sustainable growth. Towers risk-based pricing strategy and ability to dynamically adjust rates has once again enabled us to secure favourable terms for FY26, Johnston says. Weve deepened partnerships with global reinsurers, with several committing to new multi-year agreements. These arrangements offer greater certainty around future reinsurance costs and catastrophe excesses, supporting our resilience. FY26 reinsurance programme highlights: Catastrophe upper limit increased to $915 million, up from $800 million in FY25. Continued cover for a third catastrophe event of up to $85 million. A structural change in protection for large individual property risks, from proportional to excess of loss cover1, resulting in lower reinsurance premiums while maintaining protection for large claims. FY26 catastrophe reinsurance excess: $20m for the first two events (up from $18.75m in FY25, due to the expiry of multi-year arrangements). $20m for a third event (unchanged from FY25) Were pleased to have secured a comprehensive programme with stable excesses and lower pricing, says Johnston. This supports our ability to maintain competitive pricing for customers while protecting the business from volatility. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Comvita reaches agreement with lending partners December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report Macquarie Telecom has hired Mike King as its new national director of sales. This marks Kings third return to Macquarie, bringing with him more than 20 years experience managing sales in the Australian telecoms and cloud market. He was recently head of enterprise and government sales with TPG Telecom and previously worked for NTT Communications ICT Solutions and Optus. His previous two stints with Macquarie were as state sales manager for NSW from 2011 to 2015, and again from 2018 to 2021. King says larger telcos are continuing to fall short of customers expectations. Many large telcos continue to overcharge and underdeliver. This will only worsen as the big players favour their core offerings while abandoning the products and services customers have long relied on, he said. Macquarie is stepping up as a challenger to set the market straight and doubling down on SD-WAN, SASE, cyber security, and cloud to deliver real customer value. by Fady Noun Speaking at the General Assembly, the president defended the value of coexistence in the face of the malignant crises affecting it. The appeal for an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression and the protection of borders and territorial integrity. The issue of Hezbollah's disarmament and the danger of a new civil war. Beirut (AsiaNews) - It is his unique model of coexistence, even more than its climate, the variety of its landscapes, its cuisine or its hospitality, that President Joseph Aoun defended yesterday when he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. The Lebanese head of state then urged the international community to support the country of cedars in the face of malignant crises that aim to strike precisely at its unique model of coexistence. This appeal is, of course, in line with what Pope Saint John Paul II said about Lebanon at various times during the 15 years of civil war between 1975 and 1990. In fact, the Polish pontiff repeatedly presented it as a country-message, a model of tolerance and freedom whose disappearance would be one of the world's regrets. . Denouncing the global divisions between a West obsessed with Islamophobia and fear of the other and an East tormented by colonial memories, the president presented Lebanon as a unique model of religious coexistence between Muslims and Christians. There is a human duty to preserve the country, the head of state continued. Because if this model of coexistence between two communities - different in religion but essentially the same - collapses, no other place on earth will be able to reproduce this experience. In his view, many of the hidden wars against Lebanon have malicious objectives and aim precisely to strike at this model. Immediate cessation of aggression After all, in the Land of the Cedars, it is not uncommon to hear that the pluralistic Lebanese state is the antithesis of the State of Israel, which is founded on Judaism. What is needed to save it [Lebanon] is simply a clear position that concretely and on the ground supports the liberation of its territories and the imposition of the state's exclusive sovereignty over them, relying only on its own forces in accordance with the law and without other external interventions, Aoun added. The president then recalled that these principles have been the subject of consensus in Lebanon since the ceasefire of 27 November 2024, concluded with the support of the United States, France and this organisation [the UN], as a mechanism for implementing Security Council Resolution 1701. We continue to respect its objectives and hope, he continued, that the parties concerned will respect them at our borders. That is all Lebanon asks. The president then presented the reforms initiated by his government, including a transparent financial audit, fair banking restructuring, modernisation of the administration and the fight against corruption and organised crime. Added to this is a legislative update that strengthens the independence of regulatory authorities and the judiciary, combined with Lebanon's compliance with international standards against money laundering and terrorist financing. Joseph Aoun could have focused on recent successes in the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking, in particular the dismantling of factories producing captagon, a synthetic amphetamine. These clandestine laboratories proliferated during the heyday of Hezbollah, when Lebanon, along with Syria, had become a crossroads for drug trafficking, particularly to Saudi Arabia. Israeli withdrawal from the territory We demand an immediate end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of the occupation of all our territory and the release of our prisoners, said the Lebanese head of state, calling for the full and complete implementation of Resolution 1701. A resolution, he warns, that the Israeli army violates every day and which Hezbollah wants to limit as much as possible, as long as the Jewish state does not respect it. This resolution, we recall, provides in particular for the dismantling of all Lebanese fighting militias and therefore the disappearance of Hezbollah as an armed force, with reference to United Nations Resolution 1559. It also entails respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity, while Israel maintains several observation posts and remains vague about its long-term intentions. In this regard, in an interview with Sky News Arabia a few days ago, Tom Barrack, US regional envoy (and ambassador to Ankara), with the aim of putting pressure on Beirut, raised the threat of Israeli military action against Lebanon. The American diplomat stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not care about borders or red lines. These statements followed a summary judgement in which he stated that everything Lebanon is doing in terms of disarming Hezbollah boils down to words, without concrete action. The head of government and the speaker of the House rebelled against these statements, which do not take into account the delicate situation of an army in the process of being strengthened that still needs men and equipment to carry out its task. For his part, President Aoun discussed the issue with US Defence Secretary Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN session. He reminded him that, faced with the prospect of the immediate and forced disarmament of Hezbollah, the commander-in-chief of the army, General Rodolphe Haykal, had threatened to resign last August. At the same time, he was keen to stress that these considerations do not call into question the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah, even if it is delayed. This situation prompted columnist Michael Young of the Carnegie Malcolm Kerr Institute in Beirut to advise those responsible not to give Israel a new Lebanese civil war in the name of a supposed quest for regional stability. Returning to his speech before the United Nations General Assembly, the head of state also evoked Lebanon's heavy humanitarian burden, which faces the largest influx of refugees in its history, in proportion to its population. In this regard, the president called for enhanced cooperation with the UN and direct negotiations with Syria, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, to enable the return of Syrians and restore good neighbourly relations that overcome the ambiguities of the past. Finally, Joseph Aoun insisted on the need to rebuild the areas affected by Israeli aggression. Lebanon is not asking for any privileges, he concluded, but calls for fair and equitable international responsibility. A Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event scheduled at the University of Minnesota later this month is set to proceed as planned, even as the conservative student group reels from the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot last week at Utah Valley University. The event, part of TPUSA's "American Comeback Tour," is slated for Sept. 22 at Northrop Auditorium on the Minneapolis campus, according to the university's official events calendar. The program is billed as a conversation on conservative values featuring commentator Michael Knowles, followed by a live Q&A. University policy requires all attendees to be at least 18 years old and to present a government-issued photo ID. Strict bag checks and other security measures will also be in place. Kirk, who founded TPUSA in 2012 and built it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the U.S., was killed during a campus event in Utah on Sept. 9. His death shocked students, political leaders and supporters nationwide. Former President Donald Trump called him "loved and admired by ALL, especially me," while former President Barack Obama condemned the violence and expressed sympathy for Kirk's wife and children. The University of Minnesota has not issued a statement specifically addressing Kirk's death but confirmed the TPUSA program remains on its schedule. The event's timing has sparked unease among some students and faculty, who have raised questions about campus safety in light of recent political violence. Despite the tragedy, TPUSA has signaled it will continue with its fall tour, framing the events as part of Kirk's legacy of engaging young Americans in political debate. by Joseph Masilamany Datchinamurthy Kataiah, 39, will be hanged tomorrow in Changi Prison fourteen years after his arrest. His sister's appeal against a sentence that is too severe and extreme for a naive act committed by a young man. The appeal of 33 local NGOs for a moratorium after the Wong government promoted a case for commutation of the sentence for the first time. Currently, 40 people are on death row. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - The execution of a Malaysian citizen sentenced to death for drug trafficking is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday 25 September, in Singapore. The case is reigniting criticism of the city-state's use of the death penalty. His family has been notified that Datchinamurthy Kataiah, 39, will be hanged in Changi Prison. This was announced by Kokila Annamalai of the Transformative Justice Collective, a group campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty in Singapore. If carried out, Datchinamurthy's execution will be the eleventh hanging in Singapore in 2025 and the third involving a Malaysian citizen. Datchinamurthy was arrested in 2011 and subsequently convicted of trafficking approximately 45 grams of heroin in Singapore. Under Singapore's strict laws, possession of more than 15 grams of heroin or 500 grams of cannabis automatically carries the death penalty. The man was due to be executed in 2022, but obtained a stay of execution thanks to an appeal that was rejected by the courts in August, paving the way for the execution. Critics argue that Singapore's strict anti-drug laws disproportionately affect couriers and small-time traffickers, rather than dismantling the large cartels responsible for international trafficking. During a joint press conference with Amnesty International Malaysia and the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network, Kokila read a letter written by Rani, Datchinamurthy's sister, who had travelled to Singapore to spend his last days with him. According to reports, Datchinamurthy did not oppose punishment but believed that the death penalty was too severe and extreme for a naive act committed by a young man. Thirty-three civil society organisations, including the three mentioned above, signed a joint statement calling on Singapore to suspend all imminent executions. At least three Malaysian nationals and one Singaporean, all convicted of drug-related offences, are at risk of execution after exhausting their appeals. Human rights groups point to a recent case as proof that change is possible: last month, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam commuted a death sentence to life imprisonment on the advice of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's government - an unprecedented act of clemency since 1998. This shows that change is possible, they said, urging the government to extend the same compassion to other pending cases. The organisations also called on Malaysia which abolished mandatory death penalty in 2023 and currently chairs ASEAN to take a stronger stance in defending its citizens involved in drug cases abroad. According to Amnesty International's 2024 global report, Malaysia has already commuted more than 1,000 death sentences to prison terms since the reform. In contrast, Singapore has strengthened its position: Amnesty reports that the city-state carried out nine executions in 2024, compared to five the previous year, six of which took place in just two months. Currently, more than 40 people are on death row in Singapore. by Mathias Hariyadi Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made the announcement at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he reiterated his commitment to the two-state solution as the only way forward in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the same time, he condemned the violence in Gaza, and expressed openness to future recognition of Israel if it recognises Palestine. The world's most populous Muslim country has a long history of lowkey contacts with the Jewish state. Jakarta (AsiaNews) Indonesia is ready to deploy more than 20,000 troops in United Nations peacekeeping missions in various conflict zones, including the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. President Prabowo Subianto made the announcement yesterday in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue. Indonesia is ready to send 20,000 or more of our sons and daughters to help guarantee peace in Gaza or elsewhere such as in Ukraine, Sudan, or Libya. Wherever peace is needed and must be maintained, we are ready, Prabowo stated. The Indonesian president added that maintaining global peace cannot be achieved with words alone, but must be supported by concrete action. He rejected the doctrine that the strong can do what they want while the weak must suffer, noting that power is not truth. Truth must remain truth. In this regard, Indonesia is currently one of the largest contributors to the United Nations peacekeeping forces. In his speech, the former commander of the Kopassus special forces also reiterated Indonesias position on the Israeli-Palestinian issue with the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace. The Indonesian president condemned the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, where thousands of civilians, many of them women and children, have been killed, and called for an immediate end to the violence. Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to the two-state solution in the Palestinian question. Only this solution will bring peace, he said. He added that, once Israel recognises Palestinian independence, Indonesia will also recognise the State of Israel, supporting security guarantees for both peoples. We must also recognise, we must also respect, and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then we can have real peace, Prabowo Subianto said in his speech, which he ended with the word Shalom Hebrew for peace. Officially, Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, but lowkey contacts have existed for decades. During the Suharto era (19671998), for example, Indonesian Air Force pilots were secretly sent to Israel to train on flying F-5E Tigers. To avoid public scrutiny, the pilots did not fly directly from Jakarta to Israel. They first stopped in several Latin American and European countries before finally landing in Tel Aviv, noted a senior Indonesian journalist, whose brother was part of the mission. Religious pilgrimages have also been an indirect channel of contact for decades thousands of Indonesians have obtained visas through the Israeli embassy in Singapore to visit the Holy Land. Perhaps in the past three years the numbers have dropped significantly due to the Gaza war, said an Indonesian tour guide who has led numerous pilgrim groups. At the same time, Indonesia has collaborated with Israel to airlift aid to Gaza, and after the attacks on the Indonesian hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry issued harsh statements against the Jewish state for attacking, damaging, and occupying the health facility. This split reality unwavering public support for Palestine, yet indirect and discreet relations with Israel has always defined Indonesian diplomacy and explains the measured tone of Prabowo's speech, in contrast to the harsh condemnations issued by Arab leaders in the same forum. Over the years, individuals linked to the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest moderate Islamic organisation, have also played a significant role. Abdurrahman Wahid, known as Gus Dur and the fourth president of Indonesia, accepted Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's invitation in 1994 to attend the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan. His visit to Tel Aviv sparked controversy at home, but confirmed his belief in the need to build bridges of dialogue between peoples and religions. This tradition of openness toward Jews and Israel has continued to the present day. In July 2024, NU President Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) revealed that five members of the organisation met with President Isaac Herzog in Israel. Academics and young NU leaders Zainul Maarif, Munawar Aziz, Syukron Makmun, Nurul Bahrul Ulum, and Izza Annafisah Dania took part in the meeting, part of an interfaith communication programme. The news rekindled public debate in Indonesia, but the NU remains committed to keeping alive Gus Dur's legacy, promoting dialogue, tolerance, and building bridges of peace in a seemingly endless conflict. by Vladimir Rozanskij Despite announcements, Beijing continues to delay the construction of the gas pipeline that would represent a lifeline for Gazprom. Political and financial considerations are complicating the agreement on the terms of the contract to be concluded. Meanwhile, China is also looking to other suppliers to meet its needs, which are set to grow after 2030. Moscow (AsiaNews) - Russian gas is much needed by China, but Beijing continues to delay the construction of the Power of Siberia - 2 gas pipeline, which Vladimir Putin has been requesting for years and which would be a lifeline for Gazprom, the Russian gas and oil giant reduced to a minimum after four years of war and Western sanctions. Yet, the negotiations in Beijing on 2 September between Putin, Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh had given the Russians hope, especially in the splendour of the eastern front military parade on 3 September in Tiananmen Square. An analysis of the Chinese economy's needs shows that supplies from the new plant would be sorely needed by 2030, and the project would take just five years to complete. China must carefully select its foreign supplies in anticipation of various geopolitical crises, while Russia must somehow compensate for its ever-decreasing exports to Europe. Political and financial considerations, however, make it rather complicated to agree on the parameters of the contract to be concluded, as explained in an analysis by Carnegie Politika by Berlin-based specialist Sergei Vakulenko, reported in Meduza. Currently, China is the only buyer capable of absorbing the quantities of gas that Russia is able to produce, and the issue does not only concern the European market, as even Europe would not be able to dispose of all the reserves of Siberian Yamal and guarantee Russia the respective earnings. Even before the war in Ukraine, Gazprom was insisting on new projects to supply the Chinese market at very affordable prices, considering that the geology of the fields in Yamal allows production to be maintained at very low cost. This area had already been in intensive production since 2010, with the opening of the Bovanenkov extraction source, which had added billions of cubic metres at very affordable costs. The gas pipeline from Yamal to China, the Power of Siberia 2 project, immediately appeared very ambitious and also rather expensive: the distance from the Urengoy source to the Mongolian border is the same as that to the Ukrainian border, plus almost a thousand kilometres across Mongolian territory. However, on balance, deliveries would be cheaper than those to Europe via Ukraine, regardless of the war. China currently uses over 400 billion cubic metres of gas per year, 60% of which comes from its own extraction and 40% from imports, about half of which comes from pipelines from Russia and Turkmenistan, while the other half of exports consists of liquefied natural gas. At the same time, China is already one of the leaders in the field of renewable energy, which is set to grow significantly in the near future. The share of gas in the country's electricity supply is still rather low, while coal remains above 50%, and replacing coal with gas would be essential to reduce CO2 emissions by almost half, greatly improving air quality, especially in large cities, a priority task for China today. According to forecasts by specialists at Cnpc, China's leading oil company, demand for gas in China will rise to 600-670 billion cubic metres by 2040, and the domestic industry will be able to produce a maximum of 310 billion, meaning that in the second half of the 2030s, the Chinese will have an absolute need to import gas from abroad. Today, this also happens from Qatar, Australia, Russia and Malaysia, with 15% from smaller exporters; and China is looking for them in all latitudes, such as Tanzania and other countries. But the race is on, and the Russians must prove that they are cheaper and faster, without wasting too much time launching missiles at Ukraine. Today's headlines: new Israeli drone attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla headed for Gaza, while Trump meets with Arab and Muslim leaders in New York; South Korean President Lee launches initiative for peace on the Korean Peninsula at the UN; Xi Jinping in Urumqi for the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Tatiana Goriceva, Soviet philosopher and dissident of the 1970s, has died. TAIWAN At least 14 people have died in the collapse of an artificial lake dam in Taiwan, after super typhoon Ragasa hit the island with torrential rains. The lake dam, located in the eastern county of Hualien, collapsed, sweeping away a bridge and flooding a town. Dozens more people are missing. Meanwhile, Ragasa, believed to be the most violent typhoon recorded in the world this year, is moving towards Guandong province in southern China. GAZA-ISRAEL A flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists to Gaza was attacked by drones off the Greek coast, according to reports from those on board. Organisers said last night that they heard explosions and saw drones attempting to strike some of the boats. The attacks, most likely of Israeli origin, caused damage but no injuries. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump met with a group of Arab leaders and other heads of state from Muslim countries on Tuesday to present what has been called a comprehensive plan for Gaza. SOUTH KOREA-NORTH KOREA In his speech to the UN General Assembly, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented a dialogue initiative focused on exchange, normalisation and denuclearisation to usher in a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Lee outlined the initiative, called END (an acronym for Exchange, Normalisation, Denuclearisation), reiterating his administration's commitment to finding pragmatic and rational solutions to North Korea's long-standing nuclear problem, while acknowledging the harsh reality that Pyongyang's denuclearisation cannot be achieved in the short term. In a conciliatory gesture towards the North, Lee said his government clearly reaffirms that it respects the current North Korean system, does not pursue any form of unification by absorption, and has no intention of taking hostile actions. CHINA Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the region's founding. According to state media reports, Xi met with representatives of ethnic groups and expressed his hope that everyone would join forces and move forward together to build a splendid Xinjiang. The friendly picture stood in stark contrast to widespread allegations of abuses against ethnic Uighurs in Xinjiang by Beijing. TURKMENISTAN-IRAQ The United States has blocked the agreement between Turkmenistan and Iraq for Turkmen gas deliveries through Iranian territory, which could violate the sanctions regime against Tehran, while Baghdad is now forced to seek other resources to ensure the country's electricity supply, with Washington maintaining its maximum pressure policy. RUSSIA Tatiana Goriceva, Soviet philosopher and dissident of the 1970s, organiser of the Philosophical-Religious Seminars in Leningrad, the last wave of underground youth dissent in the Brezhnev era, and an activist for human rights, women's rights and animal rights. She was expelled from the USSR in 1980 and returned in 1988 after several years in Paris. She was the author of numerous books published in Russia, France and Germany. 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. Russian law-enforcement authorities said they believe Boris Avagian committed suicide after fleeing a courtroom during his trial and taking refuge in the diplomatic mission. Avagian worked as a deputy chief of Karabakhs emergencies service during and after the 2020 war with Azerbaijan. After being sacked in April 2021, he moved to Russia where he was subsequently arrested on tax evasion charges denied by him. He was reportedly released from custody before going on trial earlier this year. Avagian, who had also served as deputy mayor of the Armenian town of Artik, was found dead in the consulates locked toilet hours after recording a video message in which he complained about what he described as the Armenian authorities refusal to have him extradited to Armenia where he is facing separate criminal charges. As a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, I demand that the prosecutor-general of the Republic of Armenia make a decision and send Armenian police officers to carry out my extradition, the 43-year-old said in the video sent by him to the Yerevan-based based journalist Lia Sargsian. When he was talking to me, he said that he has been at the consulate for 13-14 hours and has information that he will be handed over to Russian law-enforcement, Sargsian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. The acting Armenian consul in Saint Petersburg, Aza Grigorian, refused to comment on Avagians death. There was also no immediate reaction from the authorities in Yerevan. Russian media cited Avagians Russian lawyer, Konstantin Tarasenko, as saying that his client could not have killed himself. But the Armenian ambassador to Russia, Gurgen Arsenian, ruled out the possibility of his murder. Arsenian told the Armenian newspaper Hraparak that Avagian cut his veins and bled to death. 24 September 2025 20:19 (UTC+04:00) By Shams Mammadova | AzerNEWS In todays fragile international environment, energy security and stability have become central to both economic growth and political stability. The regions most affected are those where energy resources and transit routes intersect with geopolitical rivalries, such as the Caspian and Black Sea basins, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Unfortunately, in our days, these areas are highly vulnerable to conflict, terrorism, and great-power competition, which in turn endangers the steady flow of oil, gas, and electricity on which modern economies depend. It is worth recalling that three decades ago, the South Caucasus was regarded as one of the worlds most fragile regions. Yet today, thanks to Azerbaijans steadfast determination and skilful diplomacy, it has transformed into a hub of strategic interest and growing global engagement. It is also a great fortune that Azerbaijan, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, has emerged as a pivotal actor in the global energy landscape. Its vast hydrocarbon resources, coupled with modern transport infrastructure, enable the country to play an indispensable role in ensuring energy security both regionally and internationally. At a time when Europe and other parts of the world seek to reduce their dependence on traditional suppliers such as Russia, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a credible, reliable, and forward-looking partner. Energy lies at the heart of Azerbaijans foreign and security policy. The country is home to some of the Caspian Seas most important oil and gas fields, including Shah Deniz and AzeriChiragGuneshli, which form the backbone of its hydrocarbon production. Yet Azerbaijans strategy goes beyond resource extraction. Its priority is to strengthen infrastructure that facilitates the delivery of oil and gas to diverse markets, particularly Europe. Projects such as the BakuTbilisiCeyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, the BakuTbilisiErzurum (BTE) gas pipeline, and the flagship Southern Gas Corridor demonstrate Azerbaijans determination to act as a guarantor of diversified and secure energy supplies. These projects not only serve Azerbaijans own interests but also contribute significantly to European energy stability. The geopolitical environment amplifies Azerbaijans importance. In the Caspian and Black Sea regions, Russias military presence and the broader uncertainty of global security have placed energy flows at the centre of international concern. For this reason, Azerbaijan has deepened its engagement with NATO, despite not being a full member of the Alliance. Through the Partnership for Peace programme, joint exercises, and regular security consultations, Azerbaijan has built strong ties with NATO in areas such as infrastructure protection and intelligence cooperation. NATO, in turn, regards Azerbaijan as a strategic partner for safeguarding vital energy corridors and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of pipelines that are essential for European markets. Equally critical are Azerbaijans ties with the European Union, the United States, and Turkiye. For Brussels, Baku represents a cornerstone in its energy diversification strategy. The Southern Gas Corridor, which connects Azerbaijan with Turkiye, Greece, and beyond, integrates Azerbaijani gas into Europes energy system, reducing reliance on Russian supplies and enhancing the EUs energy sovereignty. For Washington, Azerbaijan is both a strategic ally in counterbalancing Russian influence and a partner in building a stable, rules-based energy order. American supportfinancial, technical, and politicalhas underpinned Azerbaijans ability to realise large-scale projects that transform regional energy dynamics. Turkiyes role is equally central. As a trusted ally and cultural partner, Ankara serves as the essential bridge linking Azerbaijani hydrocarbons to European markets. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), a crucial component of the Southern Gas Corridor, epitomises this partnership. By facilitating the efficient and secure transfer of natural gas, TANAP strengthens not only Turkiyes and Europes energy security but also consolidates the strategic partnership between Ankara and Baku. Yet Azerbaijans long-term vision is not limited to hydrocarbons. Recognising that energy security today is closely tied to diversification, innovation, and clean technologies, Baku has opened its doors to broader forms of investment. In this context, China has emerged as a promising partner. As He Zenwei, President of the China Overseas Development Association, underlined at the International Investment Forum in Baku, Chinese companies are now shifting focus from oil and gas to non-oil sectorstransport and logistics, clean energy, and smart technologies. This aligns perfectly with Azerbaijans national strategy to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons while developing renewable energy, smart cities, and digital infrastructure. Such projects not only reinforce Azerbaijans economic resilience but also strengthen its role as a sustainable partner in global energy security. The combination of traditional energy exports, modern infrastructure projects, NATO-backed security cooperation, EU and US support for diversification, Turkiyes role as a transit ally, and Chinas expanding non-oil investments illustrates a new phase of Azerbaijans foreign policy. It is one in which energy security is understood not merely as the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas, but as a comprehensive system that combines security guarantees, international partnerships, and forward-looking investment. Ultimately, Azerbaijan has become far more than a supplier of hydrocarbons. It is a strategic actor shaping the regional and global energy architecture. By investing in its infrastructure, diversifying export routes, strengthening ties with NATO and Western partners, and attracting new Asian investment into green and digital projects, Baku is positioning itself as a long-term guarantor of stability. In a world where competition for resources is intensifying and security risks remain high, Azerbaijans role as a reliable and strategic partner will only continue to grow. 24 September 2025 13:56 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In todays fractured geopolitical landscape, where supply chains face constant disruption and global commerce is increasingly vulnerable to political shocks, geography has reasserted itself as destiny. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of the Middle Corridor, a strategic transit route stretching from China through Central Asia, across the Caspian Sea, through the South Caucasus, and onward to Europe. Once considered a secondary pathway, the Middle Corridor is rapidly becoming the essential artery of Eurasian trade. This development is not accidental. The route offers both efficiency and security, addressing the shortcomings of traditional pathways. The northern corridor through Russia has been burdened by sanctions and instability, while maritime routes via the Suez Canal have shown their fragility, whether through congestion, conflict, or piracy. In contrast, the Middle Corridor represents the shortest, most balanced, and increasingly reliable alternative. At the heart of this corridor lies Azerbaijan, a country that has transformed its geography into a strategic asset. Perched between Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan is uniquely positioned to connect continents and markets. The country has not only embraced this role but has invested heavily in ensuring that it becomes indispensable to global commerce. As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the 6th Caspian Business Forum: Connectivity, Finance, and Energy along the Middle Corridor: The Middle Corridor is a strategic project spanning a vast geography. It provides a reliable and secure route connecting Europe and Asia through the Caspian Sea, serving as the shortest and most efficient pathway for cargo transportation from Asia to Europe and back. These words are not simply rhetoric. They are matched by infrastructure on the ground: the BakuTbilisiKars railway, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and a growing Caspian cargo fleet. Each component strengthens the corridors functionality, ensuring goods move seamlessly from east to west. The story of the Middle Corridor is also one of deliberate modernisation. Azerbaijan has made massive investments in railways, ports, shipyards, and logistics hubs, modernising them to meet international demand. This modernisation is not static; digitisation and capacity expansion are ongoing priorities. As President Aliyev noted: The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Caspian cargo fleet all form essential transport infrastructure that ensures the smooth functioning of the Middle Corridor. In the Azerbaijani segment of the Middle Corridor, work is underway to upgrade, digitise, and modernise infrastructure, as well as to expand its transit capacity. These investments are bearing fruit. In just three years, shipments along the Azerbaijani segment of the Middle Corridor have surged by around 90 per cent, while transit times have shortened significantly. By 2030, projections suggest that the corridors freight capacity will triple compared to 2021, with transit times expected to be cut in half. Yet the importance of the Middle Corridor goes beyond simple cargo transport. It is an engine of regional integration and a catalyst for new economic and political realities. By bringing together Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe, the corridor creates new opportunities for cooperation and growth. As the Azerbaijani President explained: We see the Middle Corridor as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth and integration, recognising it as an important factor that stimulates the development of infrastructure, industry, and business, and contributes to stability and prosperity in the region. In an era when instability often dominates headlines, such projects create conditions for peace. When economies are tied together through trade, logistics, and mutual dependency, the incentives for confrontation diminish. Connectivity becomes the foundation of stability. Perhaps the most ambitious recent addition to this vision is the so-called Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), launched through a joint declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington this August. This corridor will connect the Azerbaijani mainland with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, providing a vital missing link in the Middle Corridor. Aliyev underscored its potential: I am sure that TRIPP, to become the next crucial segment of the Middle Corridor, will serve as a key transport link connecting Asia and Europe, expanding the transit capacity for international cargo shipments, and contributing to the prosperity of regional countries as well as their integration into global supply chains. The TRIPP project also highlights a new dimension of the corridor, its role in energy and digital communications. With the potential to transport electricity, renewable energy, and fibre-optic networks, TRIPP could transform the region into not only a logistics hub but also a centre for green energy and digital connectivity. The Middle Corridor is not a luxury; it is becoming a necessity for global trade. With shipping routes strained and the global economy demanding resilience, countries from Beijing to Berlin are taking notice. What once seemed like a regional project is now being understood as a pillar of the global economy. For Azerbaijan, this is both a triumph of vision and a challenge of responsibility. To remain credible, it must maintain the political stability and security that make the corridor attractive. For partner nations, the task is to invest and integrate into this emerging network, ensuring that it does not remain an underutilised alternative but becomes the main highway of Eurasia. The Middle Corridor is more than steel tracks and shipping ports. It is the skeleton of a future economy that prizes efficiency, connectivity, and cooperation over division and isolation. If nurtured wisely, it can transform not only the region but also the worlds approach to global commerce. Sixties screen siren Claudia Cardinale, who died on Tuesday aged 87, entranced audiences across the globe with the sultry gaze that made her the muse of Luchino Visconti and Federico Fellini. With her fierce beauty and husky voice, Cardinale not only captivated Italy's greatest filmmakers, she played opposite most of the leading men of the time, from Burt Lancaster to Alain Delon and Henry Fonda. She died at Nemours near Paris, in the presence of her children, her agent told AFP, adding that the date and place of her burial had not yet been fixed. "She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste," Laurent Savry said in a message. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called her "one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time" and said Cardinale embodied "Italian grace". Cardinale's fairytale career began as a nightmare. She was raped in her teens by a film producer and became pregnant. With few options open at the time, she made the tough decision to bring up her son Patrick and try "to earn a living and her independence" from cinema, even though she never wanted to be in films. "I did it for him, for Patrick, the child I wanted to keep despite the circumstances and the enormous scandal," she told French daily Le Monde in 2017. "I was very young, shy, prudish, almost wild. And without the slightest wish to expose myself on the film sets." Born in La Goulette, near Tunis, on 15 April 1938, to Sicilian parents, Cardinale's life had already been turned upside down at at the age of 16 when she was picked out of a crowd to win a beauty contest. Crowned "The most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis", the prize was a trip to the Venice film festival where she immediately turned heads and reluctantly, turned her back on her plans to become a teacher. "All the directors and producers wanted me to make films, and I said, 'No, I don't want to!' she said. It was her father who eventually convinced her to "give this cinema thing a go". As she started to land small film roles, she was raped. A mentor convinced her to secretly give birth in London and entrust the child to her family. Patrick would officially be her younger brother until she revealed the truth seven years later. "I was forced to accept this lie to avoid a scandal and protect my career," she said. From then there was no looking back, as she became swept up into the golden age of Italian cinema, even though she knew "not a word" of the language, speaking only French, Arabic and her parents' Sicilian dialect. At 20 "I became the heroine of a fairytale, the symbol of a country whose language I barely spoke," she wrote in her 2005 autobiography "My Stars." Her voice had to be dubbed in Italian until she starred in Fellini's Oscar-winning "8 1/2" in 1963, when the star director insisted she use her own voice. That year, aged 25, Cardinale filmed both Visconti's epic period drama "The Leopard" and Fellini's surrealist hit "8 1/2" at the same time. "Visconti wanted me brunette with long hair. Fellini wanted me blonde," she said. Critics called her the "embodiment of postwar European glamour", and she was was packaged as such, both on screen and off. "It's almost like she had sexiness thrust upon her," Britain's The Guardian wrote in 2013. Embraced by Hollywood, where she refused to settle, Cardinale had a huge hit with Blake Edwards' "The Pink Panther" with Peter Sellers, then Henry Hathaway's "Circus World" with Rita Hayworth and John Wayne. "The best compliment I ever got was from actor David Niven while filming 'The Pink Panther'," Cardinale recalled. He said: "Claudia, along with spaghetti, you're Italy's greatest invention." Refusing to have cosmetic surgery, she went on to perform into her 80s, including in "La Strana Coppia", a female version of Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" at the Teatro Augusteo in Naples. Although desired by many, she said her "only love" was the blue-eye Neapolitan director Pasquale Squitieri, father to her daughter Claudia with whom she worked on a series of films over four decades until his death in 2017. Her decades-long career has seen her star in 175 films and both the Venice and Berlin festivals awarded her honorary prizes. In 2017 she featured on the official poster of the Cannes film festival amid an outcry that her thighs had been airbrushed to make the seem thinner. A staunch defender of women's rights, she was named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2000 in recognition of her commitment to the cause of women and girls. "I've had a of luck. This job has given me a multitude of lives, and the possibility of putting my fame at the service of many causes," she said. 24 September 2025 15:35 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Farzana Sadeq, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited Tabriz and Julfa to review ongoing works on the Araz Corridor, Azernews reports via the Cabinet of Ministers. During the visit, Mustafayev met with Bahram Sarmats, governor of East Azerbaijan Province, where the provinces important role in Azerbaijani-Iranian relations was highlighted. The parties emphasized the need to further expand economic and trade cooperation between Azerbaijan and the region. The officials inspected the Agband-Kalala Bridge and the Julfa-Kalala Road, reviewing the status of construction and road expansion projects. Discussions also included the planned Ordubad-Siyahrud Bridge, with the location and implementation opportunities examined. The visit underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthen regional connectivity and joint infrastructure projects along the Araz Corridor. 24 September 2025 18:15 (UTC+04:00) Internship and employment opportunities offered to the 11 top-performing graduates at Azercell Azercells DataMinds Bootcamp, organized with the technological support of Amazon Web Services (AWS), has successfully concluded, marking another milestone in the companys contribution to digital talent development in Azerbaijan. Over the course of a seven-week intensive training program, 31 students gained essential knowledge and hands-on skills in data and artificial intelligence. The program focused on data collection and analysis, large-scale data management, and the application of artificial intelligence. Guided by Azercells data and AI experts, participants engaged in interactive sessions on DataOps, MLOps, and Generative AI, applying their skills to real-world projects. The final stage of the program, featuring professional development workshops, further strengthened participants teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills. Congratulating the graduates, Sabir Mardanov, director of Azercells Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Department and Orkhan Guliyev, director of the Digital Transformation Department at Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), highlighted the increasing importance of data in management and decision-making, emphasizing the programs contribution to advancing digital expertise and strengthening professional talent. Graduates were awarded official certificates in recognition of their achievements. Participants shared their impressions, noting that the programs combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application provides a solid foundation for their future career development. Eleven top-performing students were offered internships and employment opportunities at Azercell. Among them are promising talents from leading institutions such as Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Baku Engineering University, New York University, ADA University, the French-Azerbaijani University (UFAZ), and Baku Higher Oil School. Through initiatives like DataMinds Bootcamp, Azercell reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Azerbaijans education, innovation, and digital ecosystem. By empowering young talents with cutting-edge technological skills, the company contributes to the countrys digital transformation, fosters an innovative environment, and nurtures highly qualified specialists for the future. 24 September 2025 17:11 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan continues strengthening its cooperation with international partners in the energy sector. An exchange of views was held between Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and a delegation led by the World Banks Regional Director for the South Caucasus, Rolande Pryce, Azernews reports with reference to the Ministry of Energy. The meeting focused on the progress of projects carried out within the framework of AzerbaijanWorld Bank cooperation in the energy field, as well as future partnership opportunities. Discussions covered traditional and renewable energy, power infrastructure development, energy efficiency measures, and green energy corridors initiated by Azerbaijan. The sides also touched on prospects for co-financing projects with other international financial institutions, underlining both the experience gained so far and the potential for expanded collaboration. 24 September 2025 16:17 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The 3rd Nasimi Festival of Poetry, Spirituality and Art has continued its work with panel sessions within the framework of the international forum on the topic "In Search of Eternal Truth", Azernews reports. The festival is jointly organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry in partnership with ICESCO. In the panel session titled "The Nasimi Model in the Struggle for Freedom of Will and Universal Ideals," moderated by Professor Rafael Huseynov, Director of the Nizami Ganjavi National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature and Full Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), scholars, professors, and intellectuals from Pakistan, the UK, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Iraq, and Iran held extensive discussions around the Nasimi legacy. Participants addressed topics such as "Constant Challenges: Changing Eras and Figures Similar to Nasimi in Different Cultures," "Seyyid Imadeddin Nasimi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal's Philosophy of Love in Poetry," "Nasimi on the Ottoman-Safavid Border," "The Concept of the Perfect Human in Imadeddin Nasimi's Poetry," "The Spirit of Nasimi in the Ottoman Palace: The Dedications to Nasimi's Poems by Fateh and Sultan Suleiman," "Poet Imadeddin Nasimi: A Common Value for the Turkic World," and "Transcendence Through Humanity: A Comparative Study of Nasimi's and Sultan Bahoo's Philosophy of the Perfect Human." The participants highlighted Nasimi's influence across cultures, his presence in both the Ottoman and Safavid empires, and his significance as a unifying figure within the Turkic world. The panel also emphasized that Nasimi's poetry holds not only literary value but also plays a crucial role in advocating moral and ethical principles. The participants further pointed out that his verses advocate for inner freedom, humanistic ideals, and moral integrity, with his ideas continuing to inspire future generations. 24 September 2025 18:41 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center of Culture (MEMIM) has organized a series of lectures and concerts titled "Pearls of Art" as part of the 17th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, Azernews reports. The latest event, which took place at Baku State University, was attended by Baku State University (BSU) Rector Elchin Babayev, the faculty members, and students. At the opening, BSU Vice-Rector, Doctor of Philosophy in Philology, Associate Professor Alysh Aghamirzayev, and MEMIM Acting Director, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Associate Professor Vugar Humbatov, emphasized that the Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival has become a significant event in the cultural life of the country. It was noted that, in addition to the invaluable musical and theatrical works, Uzeyir Hajibayli made an unparalleled contribution to the field of transcribing samples of traditional oral folk art into musical notation and promoting Azerbaijani music both among the masses and on the international stage. The Chair of the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Composer Pika Akhundova, delivered a lecture on "The Role of Uzeyir Hajibayli in the Development of Azerbaijani Compositional School." The event, which was moderated by MEMIM staff member, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Honored Cultural Figure Saadat Takhmirazgizi, featured performances by the Jahangir Jahangirov Choir of the International Mugham Center (Artistic Director Honored Teacher Tarana Yusifova), the Dance Group of the Baku Choreography Academy (Artistic Director People's Artist Yusif Gasimov), students of the Baku Music Academy, Azerbaijan National Conservatory, and the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. The program included works by Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev, which were met with applause. The concluding lecture-concert of the series will take place on September 24 at the Azerbaijan Academy of Labor and Social Relations. This year, by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli is being celebrated with numerous events. This anniversary is also being marked within the framework of the 17th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, which is being held from September 18 to 28, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, in more than 10 cities and regions of Azerbaijan, as well as in Uzbekistan, Austria, Germany, Turkiye, and more. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. 24 September 2025 13:38 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more From September 29 to October 3, Baku will host the Climate Action Week (Baku Climate Action Week 2025) for the second time, Azernews reports. The event, organized by the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK) in partnership with London Climate Action Week, aims to strengthen cooperation in the fight against climate change, foster new partnerships, and support the implementation of global commitments. During the week, participants will engage in: High-level policy dialogues on energy, finance, climate adaptation, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and just transition; Sectoral roundtables with industry leaders, innovators, and green entrepreneurs; Youth-led sessions presenting new perspectives on climate governance and action; Announcements of new partnerships to support global and regional climate commitments, including initiatives for SMEs and sustainable fashion. The event will bring together local and international experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives to discuss solutions for a sustainable future. 24 September 2025 11:43 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Guinea-Bissau counterpart Carlos Pinto Pereira on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports. Sharing the update on his X account, Bayramov noted that the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding political dialogue, and enhancing ties in multilateral frameworks. During the meeting, the sides signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Exemption of Diplomatic, Service, and Special Passport Holders from Visa Requirements. It should be noted that Azerbaijan recently signed a similar visa exemption agreement with Djibouti for diplomatic and service passport holders. 24 September 2025 13:03 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more As a result of operational measures carried out by police officers on September 23, more than 17.4 kilograms of narcotics were discovered and seized, Azernews reports per the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry noted that decisive measures in the fight against drug-related crimes are being continued. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified operations to curb the illegal circulation of drugs, with particular focus on preventing cross-border trafficking and dismantling domestic distribution networks. Authorities stress that protecting public health and security remains a priority, and comprehensive actions against those involved in the illegal drug trade will be further strengthened. 24 September 2025 16:29 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On September 23, 2025, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Leyla Abdullayeva delivered a speech at the annual ambassadorial meeting of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Paris, Azernews reports. Representing Azerbaijans 20252026 presidency of the ITF, Abdullayeva highlighted the countrys priorities and vision for advancing global transport cooperation. She emphasized that Azerbaijan, as a key partner of the international transport community, is committed to improving regional and global transport conditions while addressing existing challenges in the sector. The ambassador underlined Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen connectivity through the integration of strategic transport corridors, with a special focus on the Middle Corridor as a reliable multi-modal route linking East and West. She noted that unlocking the full potential of this route would not only enhance transport but also facilitate global trade. In this context, the activity of the Zangezur Corridor, referred to as the Trump Road for International Peace and Progress, was highlighted as a driver of trade between China and Europe. Other priorities of Azerbaijans presidency include expanding the ITFs geographic scope, encouraging new members to join the forum, and advancing policies for smart, inclusive urban transport. In connection with this, Abdullayeva pointed to successful initiatives in Azerbaijans liberated Garabagh region. It was also announced that Azerbaijans presidency will culminate with a ministerial meeting in May 2026, expected to result in the adoption of key documents on the digitalization of international connectivity and the development of urban transport. At the meeting, participants were also presented with a letter titled The first 100 days of Azerbaijans ITF chairmanship, prepared by Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport. 24 September 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more A delegation led by the Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly, Ana Brnabic, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, honored the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honor on September 24, Azernews reports. The delegation laid a wreath and flowers at his grave, paying tribute to the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state. The grave of prominent ophthalmologist-scientist Zarifa Aliyeva was also visited, where flowers were laid in her memory. Following this, the delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs, honoring the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans freedom and sovereignty. Flowers were placed on the graves, and a wreath was laid at the "Eternal Torch" monument. Guests also viewed Baku from its highest point and were briefed on the history of the Alley of Martyrs, as well as the citys development and construction achievements. The delegation was accompanied during the visit by Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ziyafat Asgarov and other officials. by Steve Szilagyi Henry James once observed that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote with a kind of gallantry as if language were a pretty woman. C.P. Snow (19051980) did not write like that. Pretty did not seem to enter any area of his work. The author of the famous essay The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution (1959) and the eleven-book cycle of novels known as Strangers and Brothers was, in his physical person, emphatically not pretty. As he approached the end of his life, he came more and more to resemble a pink, pointy-headed Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePantsdecidedly dour, with National Health panto glasses somehow attached to his face. If Snow wrote with any kind of gallantry, it was the solemn courtesy you would show a group of serious men seated around a table in an oak-paneled boardroom. His prose was careful, deliberate, and capable of discovering fine distinctions in faces, morals, and motives. His essays and novels were best sellers in Great Britain and the United States, and he won awards and honors for his writing. The BBC even made Strangers and Brothers into a thirteen-part series that no one liked. In the 1960s, The New York Times referred to him as the most eminent living English author at a time when no less than Evelyn Waugh, Iris Murdoch, and Graham Greene were all busily writing away. Yet no author of similar stature in the 20th century has been more thoroughly and publicly excoriated for being slow, dull, and unreadable. Not even Gertrude Stein! The price of immortality. Of course, Snow is best known for his lecture and essay The Two Culturesto which his name has become permanently welded, like Oswald Spengler and The Decline of the West, or Francis Fukuyama and The End of History. The price for such immortality is that the world becomes blind to anything else youve done. The Two Cultures, just to refresh your memory, takes literary intellectuals to task for their lack of scientific knowledgeparticularly the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Snow scolds his literary peers for standing by while science tackles the problems of the Cold War and global poverty. The essay made him famous on both sides of the Atlantic and guaranteed him a lifetime of lecture engagements and think pieces. Though very much a product of its time, The Two Cultures continues to be citedmore than 8,000 times in recent years. Nobody reads it, but everybody knows about it, and its a convenient tag for any essay deploring the gap between humanistic types and techies (or wordcels and shape rotators, as theyre now known in internet slang). While The Two Cultures has ossified into a journalistic cliche, Snows real lifes workthe eleven novels of Strangers and Brothershas fallen off the literary map. None of his books appear on Time magazines or the Modern Librarys lists of the 100 best books of the 20th century. Or anybody elses, for that matter. Slow rise from the bottom. Born in Leicester in 1905, the son of a poor clerk, Snow won scholarships that took him to Leicester University and then to Cambridge, where he pursued physics and became a fellow of Christs College. During World War II he worked in senior government positions related to scientific research and recruitment, and after the war he held important posts in the civil service, including roles in science and technology policy. He did his novel writing outside day jobs, beginning with a mystery, Death Under Sail (1932), and finding his real subject in a bildungsroman, George Passant, later re-titled Strangers and Brothersalso the title of the full eleven-novel cycle. The Strangers and Brothers series is impossible to summarize in a few sentences. Set over the course of the 20th century, it is narrated by Lewis Eliot, Snows fictional stand-in, and follows his personal and professional life in and out of the worlds of science, academia, law, and government. He has a tragic first marriage to a mentally troubled wife, who dies young (suicide is implied); a brilliant, cynical, and burdensome brother; and close friends and colleagues who draw him into their worlds and dilemmas. Sadistic torture-murder. The range of the series can be seen in its later volumes. In the second-to-last book, The Sleep of Reason, the niece of one of Eliots oldest friends is accused of a heinous murder. The 20-year-old niece and her female lover are put on trial for the abduction and sadistic torture-murder of a randomly chosen young boy. Of course, Snow treats the gruesome subject quite a bit differently from, say, Thomas Harriss Silence of the Lambs. By contrast, The Masters, one of the most celebrated novels in the series, takes place almost entirely within the walls of a fictionalized Christ College, Cambridge. Seven fellows are called upon to elect one of themselves as the new mastereven as the current master lies dying of cancer. The college becomes a pressure-cooker, where characters clash, old failures are relived, and large emotions are expressed in majestically civilized dialogue. In short, not like the cheerful campus romps of David Lodge. Taken together, The Sleep of Reason and The Masters show both the expansiveness and the concentration of Snows storytelling. That balanceself-contained dramas feeding into a larger sequenceis precisely what defines a roman a fleuve, a form that includes Honore de Balzacs Comedie Humaine and James T. Farrells Studs Lonigan novels. Tradition! Tradition. If I were to recommend only one, it would be The Conscience of the Rich, which takes narrator Eliot inside the home and lives of a wealthy London Jewish family. Its a kind of Fiddler on the Roof story, where the Tevye character is Leonard March, a powerful financier and one of Snows most vividly drawn creations. A religious and social conservative, March stands in the way of his children having marriages and careers outside their constrained social and professional circle. Technically, he is the villain, since he blocks the young peoples happiness, but Snow makes him as so marvelously verbal, vital, and innocently self-revealing that you cant help but love him. As a roman a fleuve, Strangers and Brothers is most often compared to Anthony Powells twelve-book A Dance to the Music of Time, written and published almost simultaneously. As Snows reputation has declined, Powells continues to rise, and there is no question that A Dance to the Music of Time is the sexier of the two novel cycles not in any explicit sense, but because it is written with more flair and ventures more into bohemian and artistic circles. I encountered A Dance to the Music of Time in my early twenties and have lived long enough to have read through it twice. Most unfortunately, I only encountered Strangers and Brothers late in life and am unlikely to get to much more of it than I have. Lot of book for two bits. My personal experience with Strangers and Brothers began with picking up a tattered copy of The Conscience of the Rich at a used book sale for 25 cents. Just one of those random purchases. I was vaguely aware of Snows name since it was attached to the phrase The Two Cultures, but no more. The book sat on my shelf for months before I pulled it down in an idle moment and began reading with low expectations. I was only a few chapters in when I realized it was exactly the sort of thing I like. I read several others of Snows books with great pleasure and had no inkling that other readers were not as enthralled until I came across Confessions: A Life of Failed Promises, the 2022 autobiography of A. N. Wilson. There, Wilsonan author I admireoffhandedly dismisses Snows novels as extraordinarily boring. I reacted with something like shockas when my younger brother described Shakespeares plays as a lot of jabber. Well, yes, Shakespeare can be challenging, but you power through it for the reward. Wilsonand, as I soon found out, many othersdid not have the patience for Snows majestic pace, his careful observation of character, and his precise descriptions of faces, clothing, and interior furnishings. They did not care that Snow wrote as he did in the service of taking the full measure of his people and their actions in the context of their relationships and their world. I was shocked to learn that the American critic Edmund Wilson (Patriotic Gore) found Snows novels almost completely unreadable (Wilson committed a few dull novels himself). Another critic, Bernard Bergonzi, described Snows prose as being so arid as to be unreadable and frequently so inexpressive that the reader has difficulty in being convinced of the emotional reality of what is described. Embarrassing vulgarity. But the absolute worst came in 1962 from Cambridge scholar F. R. Leavisthe most distinguished literary critic of the day and passionate defender of what he called The Great Tradition of English literature. Leavis seems to have had a smoldering dislike of Snowpossibly because Snow was an establishment sort of figure. When The Two Cultures became a media sensation, Leavis went berserk. From a lecture platform in Cambridge, and later in The Spectator, Leavis attacked The Two Cultures and its author with a savagery that shocked the literary world. He began by calling out the preposterous and menacing absurdity of C. P. Snows consecrated public standing, and mocked his embarrassing vulgarity of style. As he built up steam, he sputtered: Snow is, of course, ano, I cant say that; he isnt: Snow thinks of himself as a novelist though his incapacity as a novelist is . . . totalas a novelist he doesnt exist; he doesnt begin to exist. He cant be said to know what a novel is. Snow, he went on, is utterly without a glimmer of what creative literature is, or why it matters. Appalled that some called Snow a genius, Leavis declared that he is intellectually as undistinguished as it is possible to be. The whole affair is brilliantly described by Roger Kimball in The Two Cultures Today, an article in the February 1994 issue of The New Criterion. There, Kimball finishes the job Leavis started, leaving not a shred of whatever reputation Snow had left intact. Naturally, I disagree. I think Snows novels are quite good and repay the attention they call forjust as the films of Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story), Rainer Werner Fassbinder (Berlin Alexanderplatz), or even Stanley Kubricks Barry Lyndon owe much of their impact to the time and patience we give them. I would recommend Snow to readers who enjoy Anthony Trollope, E. M. Forster, Anthony Powell, Iris Murdoch, Arnold Bennett, and others in the English social novel tradition. Readers who have the patience to derive the considerable pleasures to be found in the novels of Ivy Compton-Burnett will find Snow easy work. As for The Two Cultures, despite the best efforts of F. R. Leavis, it continues to be cited thousands of times across the fields of science, philosophy, and the humanities by people who never read it. But the battle between techies and literary types may soon become moot. The rise of large language model AIs has begun to break up those categories and reassemble them in ways we are all still trying to figure out. Identifying the real enemy. So much water has passed under the bridge since 1962 that the SnowLeavis clash now looks less like a battle of opposites than a family quarrel. Both men, however fiercely they sparred, shared an allegiance to a tradition of literature that was realistic, morally serious, and attentive to human character. Snow practiced it in his institutional panoramas, Leavis defended it in his Great Tradition, but both assumed that the true business of the novel was to grapple with lived experience. Today, the real enemy of literature is not science at all, but science fiction. Set against a cultural landscape dominated at both high and low ends by intergalactic battles, dystopian sequels, and multiverse spinoffs, Snow and Leavis appear not as antagonists but as allies, united in defending the hard-won territory of the realistic novel against the avalanche of fantasy, where nothing is real and nothing matters. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. 24 September 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00) On September 23, an official reception was held in New York on behalf of President of the United States Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in connection with the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event. Speaking at the reception, U.S. President Donald Trump said: Armenia and Azerbaijan. I want to thank you, my friend. Twenty-two years you said you were there, right? Twenty-two years. And for twenty-two years you were at war. President Ilham Aliyev: Even more. President Donald Trump: More than that? President Ilham Aliyev: Over 30 years. You did a miracle, Mr. President. Thank you. President Donald Trump: And I made some friends. Thank you. It was great. We had a great meeting today with the leaders of countries right in that area. They're Middle Eastern. They're great people. They're friends of mine. And we've got to get them back, and we've got to get that war over fast. We want to do it fast. And we've come with, I think, a really good plan. And I think it can be implemented fast. I don't know if we can implement it as fast as your plan. All those years, it took courage to achieve this. And it's really because of you and your new friend. Really good. How's it working out? Good? No shooting? No nothing? President Ilham Aliyev: No, no. Everything is finished on August 8. President Donald Trump: I'm very proud of you. Good. Great job. So I met some of you in the room and I know so many of you. You're amazing people. You're leaders at the highest level. What you're doing is amazing. Think of it all those millions of people in your countries, and you're leading your country and you're leading the world. That's why you're here. And I just want to let you know it's an honor to be with you. I look forward to shaking your hand. And we're going to have a lot of fun together. We're going to live in a peaceful world. First Lady Melania Trump: I had a great initiative that I just hosted this afternoon Fostering the Future Together. I hope all of the first ladies and spouses will join me next year in the White House, in the first quarter, and we will have success for the children around the world. Thank you. 24 September 2025 19:25 (UTC+04:00) On September 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, in New York, Azernews reports. During the conversation, they noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the United States have risen to the level of strategic partnership, and there are currently significant opportunities for expanding economic and trade relations. They had discussions on cooperation in energy, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and other fields, stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Strategic Working Group to prepare the Charter on Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States of America. They emphasized the importance of establishing direct contacts between the business communities of Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as organizing mutual visits by business delegations, noting that there is significant potential for developing cooperation in the tourism sector. Khush Choksy expressed his intention to visit Azerbaijan soon with a large delegation to explore business opportunities. 24 September 2025 19:31 (UTC+04:00) On September 24, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, in New York, Azernews reports. The President of Portugal first congratulated the head of state on the achievements in normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and advancing the peace agenda, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations. Noting the historic significance of the Summit held in Washington, the head of state stated that Azerbaijan is the initiator of the peace agenda in the region and emphasized that the country will continue its efforts to strengthen peace in the region. During the meeting, the parties highlighted the importance of developing relations between Azerbaijan and Portugal in various fields, continuing political consultations, and organizing mutual visits by delegations. They also discussed cooperation within international organizations. 24 September 2025 19:34 (UTC+04:00) On September 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Rossen Jeliazkov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, in New York, Azernews reports. Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov stated that political relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria are at an excellent level. In turn, President Ilham Aliyev noted that bilateral relations are characterized by traditional friendship and partnership. During the conversation, they hailed the current successful cooperation in the energy sector, noting that there are new prospects for the development of relations in this field. The parties exchanged their views on the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria in various fields. 24 September 2025 23:39 (UTC+04:00) On September 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of Franklin Templeton, one of the worlds largest and most prestigious global investment firms, in New York. The meeting included an exchange of views on the global investment environment, opportunities for emerging countries to access capital markets, and the role of international partnerships in economic transformation. The discussion focused on future directions of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Franklin Templeton. Jenny Johnson noted that economic projects and development initiatives implemented in Azerbaijan in recent years have created significant opportunities for international capital. She praised the stable and favorable environment established for investors in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it provides a strong foundation for long-term partnerships. The meeting highlighted that Franklin Templetons extensive and successful experience in capital markets, infrastructure, real estate, and renewable energy could contribute to Azerbaijans economic, financial, and green agendas. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the close cooperation between Franklin Templeton and the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noting that this partnership is of great importance for deepening Azerbaijans capital markets, strengthening the regions investment potential, and promoting sustainable development. The head of state also emphasized the significance of the companys expertise in alternative investments and its successful projects in regional countries, underscoring broad opportunities for mutual collaboration. Franklin Templeton, founded in 1947 in the United States, currently manages assets worth approximately $1.6 trillion. The company operates nearly 70 offices in more than 30 countries and manages over 1,000 mutual funds and a wide range of investment products in more than 170 countries. 24 September 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that his country would reopen border crossings with Belarus on Thursday, September 25, Azernews reports. "We have decided to reopen border crossings, rail, and road, those that were closed due to the Zapad [military] exercises and, understandably, the increased threat and political and de facto instability at our borders and in our region," Tusk stated at a press conference. Poland closed its border with Belarus earlier this month, amid heightened tensions with the latter country and Russia. The large-scale military drills had ended on September 16. 24 September 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia had nothing to do with the drone sightings at the Copenhagen Airport earlier today, and that accusations against Russia are "unfounded", Azernews reports. "Perhaps a side that takes a serious, responsible position shouldn't make such unfounded accusations time and again," Peskov said, noting that similar accusations "will no longer be taken into account." Copenhagen Airport was closed for several hours on Monday due to sightings of "unidentified" drones. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday that she "can not deny in any way" that Russia was responsible. 24 September 2025 21:55 (UTC+04:00) by Alimat Aliyeva Executives from leading tech companies OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank have announced the construction of five new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across the United States, built on the cutting-edge Stargate infrastructure platform, Azernews reports. These new centers, combined with the main campus in Abilene, Texas, and ongoing projects with CoreWeave, will bring Stargates planned capacity to approximately 7 gigawatts, with total investments expected to exceed $400 billion over the next three years. According to the statement, this expansion marks a critical milestone toward their ambitious goal of reaching 10 gigawatts of capacity by the end of 2025. In July, OpenAI and Oracle announced a joint agreement to develop up to 4.5 gigawatts of additional Stargate capacity. This partnership is projected to attract over $300 billion in investments within five years, underscoring the massive scale of the AI infrastructure build-out. The new data centers are strategically located in Shackelford County, Texas, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, and the Midwest region, with the exact Midwest site to be disclosed soon. Additionally, an extra 600 megawatts of capacity may be added near the Abilene campus. These developments are expected to create more than 25,000 new jobs nationwide, with the companies suggesting that this number could grow as projects expand. Two additional centers developed by SoftBank and OpenAI aim to achieve 1.5 gigawatts of capacity within the next 18 months. One is under construction in Lordstown, Ohio, featuring a state-of-the-art data center slated to open next year. The other will be built in Milam County, Texas by SB Energy, a SoftBank Group subsidiary specializing in infrastructure for rapid deployment. The establishment of these data centers is designed to accelerate AI innovation, enhance scalability, and significantly reduce operational costs. This expansion is only the first phase of a broader plan to extend the Stargate network across the U.S., ultimately supporting a $500 billion investment target. Furthermore, Oracles new Stargate networks will be integrated with the existing Abilene campus, which is already a central hub for the companys cloud infrastructure. Experts believe that such massive AI infrastructure investments could propel advancements in fields like personalized medicine, climate modeling, and autonomous systems, fundamentally reshaping how AI impacts everyday life. 24 September 2025 22:53 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The largest monthly drop was seen in energy prices, which fell by 1.5%. Prices for capital goods and intermediate goods also declined slightly, each by 0.1%, while consumer goods experienced a modest increase of 0.2%. 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! Xi urges concerted efforts to better build beautiful Xinjiang Xinhua) 08:14, September 24, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in Urumqi, the regional capital, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) URUMQI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged concerted efforts to better build a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of Chinese modernization, when he met with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, earlier in the day to attend activities marking the region's 70th founding anniversary. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended sincere greetings and heartfelt wishes to the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Xi also held separate meetings with local officials, leaders of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, cadres who come to work in Xinjiang from other parts of the country, judicial workers, police officers, and patriotic members of the religious circles, among others. Xi also met with military officers ranked colonel and above, along with grassroots role models and civilian personnel from troops stationed in Urumqi. He conveyed cordial greetings to all military personnel in Xinjiang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC. Senior officials, including Wang Huning and Cai Qi, attended these meetings. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in Urumqi, the regional capital, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in Urumqi, the regional capital, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of local officials at various levels and from various departments in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with leaders of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of cadres who come to work in Xinjiang from other parts of the country in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of cadres who come to work in Xinjiang from other parts of the country in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of judicial workers and police officers in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a group photo while meeting with representatives of patriotic members of the religious circles in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with representatives of military personnel stationed in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in Urumqi, the regional capital, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Gang) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Google, a company with a long history of ignoring user privacy and of censoring their political adversaries, has finally admitted to one element of its political censorship and apologized. After buying YouTube, Google deplatformed many of its existing content providers on the conservative side of the spectrum. Now, Google has admitted to that political censorship, apologized for it, and offered to reinstate the deplatformed conservatives. Of course, this is only one part of Google's censorship. They have been caught blocking conservative political emails on their Gmail platform while letting similar liberal emails through. Google's search engine has been shown to be one of the most politically biased in existance. https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/09/23/google-admits-political-censorship-on-youtube-promises-to-embrace-free-speech/ https://joehoft.com/googles-admission-of-censoring-americans-during-biden-regime-is-partly-true/ https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/24/google-admits-to-choking-conservative-speech-offers-zero-compensation-for-damages/ https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/09/24/turley_google_admitting_to_censorship_is_vindication_for_blacklisted_scientists.html Google's interference in the 2020 election was massive with bans and shadow bans of conservatives. Some of their executives ought to be indicted for that. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/09/25/pavlovski_google_massively_interfered_in_2020_election_with_explicit_bans_shadowbans.html Anyone who wants to avoid censorship and infringement on their own privacy should use Google's competitors. For searches, their biggest rival, Bing, is more objective and honest. For privacy protection as well as a more honest search engine, DuckDuckGo is even better. The ultimate in objectivity and privacy protection, however is BraveSearch. There are lots of rivals to Google's corrupted Gmail. Google's Android phones collect your data, but several companies have developed de-Googled Android phones that strip out all of the Google elements that collect your data and replace them with privacy-protecting alternatives. These can either be bought as programs that can change an existing phone, or one can buy new phones already de-Googled. Search for "de-Googled smart phone" on eBay to find lots of options. Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. McCullough Review identified 21 unlawful uses of covert powers which was more than double the figure previously disclosed. But the report found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists is widespread or systemic UTV journalist Sharon O'Neill has already commenced legal action against the PSNI after being notified of attempts by the PSNI to identify one of her sources in 2011 Investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre and (inset) the late Noah Donohoe. Inset top right: Journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London. PA A human rights watchdog has written to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland calling for a public inquiry into the surveillance of journalists by the PSNI despite the chief constable ruling one out. It comes after the McCullough Review revealed the force secretly built lists of journalists contact details and ran them through police communication records in a bid to identify sources. The report identified 21 unlawful uses of covert powers which was more than double the figure previously disclosed. The regional director of Amnesty International UK said the findings expose a disturbing pattern and clear disregard for press freedom and the rule of law. Patrick Corrigan also described the scale of the wrongdoing as alarming as he warned that questions remain. A free press simply cannot function under the shadow of state surveillance, he added. That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to set up a full public inquiry. Only full disclosure can restore trust and safeguard the rights of journalists in Northern Ireland. UTV journalist Sharon O'Neill has already commenced legal action against the PSNI after being notified of attempts by the PSNI to identify one of her sources in 2011. Ms O'Neill's solicitor Padraig O Muirigh warned surveillance of journalists "should not be acceptable or normalised". "These unlawful intrusions have caused my client significant upset and distress and represent an attack on the independence of her journalism," he added. "We are instructed to take all necessary steps to vindicate her position." Only full disclosure can restore public confidence and safeguard the rights of journalists in Northern Ireland. The independent review by Angus McCullough KC raised "significant concerns" about the PSNI conducting trawls of its own communications systems in "an untargeted wholesale attempt to identify unauthorised contact between personnel and journalists from early 2011 to late 2024. It was commissioned by chief constable Jon Boutcher. Following its publication on Wednesday he said a public inquiry is not required. Policing Board member Nuala McAllister also called on Hilary Benn to bring forward new oversight mechanisms and establish a full public inquiry on the surveillance of journalists. But Mr Boutcher said: I am aware of commentary calling for a public inquiry into these matters but this report shows that no such inquiry is necessary. The review was ordered in the wake of concerns raised by journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney who were arrested in 2018 as part of Operation Yurta before the case was thrown out of court. The report warns that the routine washing through of journalists phone numbers against PSNI records was carried out for years without legal advice by the PSNIs Professional Standards Department. It recommends that the practice be referred to the Information Commissioner after it concluded the approach did not appear to have been necessary or proportionate and was incompatible with the protections owed to journalists under data protection and human rights law. Journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London. PA Mr McCullough found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists is widespread or systemic. Across the 14-year review period, investigators uncovered 378 applications relating to journalists - significantly more than the 323 the PSNI had previously acknowledged. The discrepancy, the report said, was due to differences in search methods and the longer timespan examined. In addition, the review criticised inconsistent record-keeping, with some authorisation forms failing to note whether legally privileged or journalistic material was involved. It also recommended mandatory legal advice for any application involving journalists or lawyers, alongside urgent improvements to retention and deletion policies. Mr McCullough concluded that while the review did not find systemic misconduct, the repeated lapses in disclosure, record-keeping and safeguards represented a clear risk to press freedom and the confidentiality of sources. Another revelation from the McCullough Review is that between 2011 and 2024 the PSNI made 24 applications with the purpose of identifying a journalists source - 21 of which were authorised. The report said these applications directly raised issues of press freedom and the protection of confidential sources. Concerns were also raised about the retention of material seized from Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney in 2018, despite court directions that it be deleted. The review called for a full examination of retention and deletion practices to ensure that journalists data is not held unlawfully. It is five years since Noah Donohoe went missing Read more Noah Donohoe: Key questions yet to be answered five years on from death of Belfast schoolboy The review also highlighted specific cases where journalists and lawyers had been subject to directed surveillance authorisations, including investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre, who was placed under online monitoring in 2023. The report states Mr MacIntyres posts on his X, formerly Twitter, account were reviewed in relation to his reporting of the death of schoolboy Noah Donohoe, who died in June 2020 after going missing. However, it found no indication that Mr MacIntyres private communications with the mother of Noah Donohoe had been accessed, nor that PSNI had any involvement in a break-in of his car during a stay at Heathrow Airport. It found that although safeguards were sometimes applied, oversight processes within PSNI were inconsistent. Noah Donohoe: PSNI accused of spying on journalist investigating teens death Read more PSNI U-turn on Noah Donohoe spying allegations as it denies intrusive surveillance Other revelations from the report include the PSNI contacting Apple to preserve data from Mr Birneys email address with an information request made under Durham Constabulary as the requesting agency, however no data was acquired. The report makes a series of recommendations including mandatory legal advice before any surveillance linked to journalists or lawyers, stricter training for officers, and a comprehensive overhaul of PSNIs recording systems. Investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre and (inset) the late Noah Donohoe. Inset top right: Journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London. PA News Catch Up - Wednesday 24th September Mr Corrigan added: "The scale of the wrongdoing is alarming, from repeated attempts to identify reporters' sources to covert operations concealed from oversight bodies. "But questions remain. How far has MI5 gone in unlawfully monitoring journalists in Northern Ireland? "A free press simply cannot function under the shadow of state surveillance. Mr Boutcher said: The report does not identify any issues of misconduct by individual officers. What it does identify is individual authorisations where we as a police service could have done better and I am committed to ensuring we do in the future. He added: I am pleased to learn that the review has found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. The review rightfully highlights that we have to improve our processes, and we will. A school in Co Tyrone has said their hearts are heavy following the untimely passing of their former student, Aisha Petrikova. The 16-year-old had finished school at St Patricks College Dungannon in June 2025, ready to go out into the world and shape the next chapter of her journey. On Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for the secondary school said: She was fiercely independent, with a unique sense of style and a girl of beautiful talent. "Her art work took pride of place in our June Exhibition and she shared her love for guitar and music with her peers. Aisha had a keen sense of justice, she looked out for others and just today a Year 9 student spoke of how Aisha checked on her when she was a new Year 8 student and before she had found a friendship group. "Above all else Aisha loved her family, her daddy Lubos and siblings Jessica, Megan and Lubos and of course Toby her dog. She missed her dear mother Janette terribly (RIP). We extend our deepest sympathies to Aishas family and her friends. Aisha will be sorely missed. May Aishas gentle soul rest in eternal peace. 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 Police in Mid Ulster had issued an appeal for Aisha on Tuesday, as she had been declared a missing person. The PSNI issued an update later, to confirm that she had been located. The Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA), who had helped police in the search for Aisha, issued their condolences also. On Tuesday (September 23), a spokesperson for SARDA stated: At 09:53 our dog teams were tasked to the Dungannon area, by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Search Advisor, to assist in the search for a high-risk missing person, who had last been seen on Monday evening. Tragically, the search came to a very sad conclusion when the body of a person, believed to be that of the missing individual, was found. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, neighbours and the wider community at this unimaginable time of loss. We were working alongside our NISAR partners from Community Rescue Service (CRS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland and our thoughts are also with them. We know how deeply a loss of this nature affects all who respond and give of themselves in the hope of a positive outcome. Aisha Petrikova. (Image: File Photo.) News Catch Up - Wednesday 24th September As volunteer dog handlers, we do sadly face these situations, but it is never easy. Each one of us carries the impact of such tragic moments, as we are also parents, family members and part of our own communities. We extend our utmost respect, care and sympathy to all affected by this heartbreaking outcome. Funeral details are yet to be confirmed. A 59-year-old accused of a pipe bomb attack against a GAA club denied the charge, saying he was threatened by a group of men to phone in the threat to the PSNI. Giving evidence at his own trial, John Wilson told a jury at Belfast Crown Court that whilst he didn't plant the devices at the playing fields used by East Belfast GAA, he was threatened by a group of men who told him to phone the PSNI and tell them "there was a bomb in the bin, or something." One of Harry Brioche's paintings, featured in his Mourne Light exhibition Renowned landscape artist Harry Brioche is showcasing the majesty of the Mournes in his first Belfast exhibition, Mourne Light, which opens at Gormleys Gallery in Belfast on Saturday, September 27 A major art exhibition which aims to showcase the natural beauty of the Mourne Mountains will open in Belfast this weekend. Mourne Light the project of international landscape artist Harry Brioche features a series of works inspired by the Co Down mountains. The exhibition, which opens at Gormleys Gallery on Saturday and runs until October 16, represents the artists first major show in Belfast. The Seychelles-born artist described the Mournes as having an ethereal quality with a sense of myth. I truly believe we have some of the worlds most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes right here on our doorstep, he said. When I paint these landscapes, Im not just painting hills and valleys, Im trying to capture a fleeting moment in time. One of Harry Brioche's paintings, featured in his Mourne Light exhibition I simply hope to provide a brief moment of peace and happiness, to transport the viewer away from the fast pace and stress of our daily lives and the world around us to a place of natural beauty. If [those viewing the work] leave with the memory of a mood, the feeling of being out in the wild, then I will feel I have succeeded. This body of work is my tribute to the essence of the place, with its shifting skies, silent valleys and timeless grandeur. A valley that looks sombre in shadow can, in a single break of sunlight, become luminous, almost holy. Those fleeting moments are what I try to capture in paint. Mourne Light by Harry Brioche runs at Gormleys Gallery in Belfast from September 27 to October 16. Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson said she completely believes she has been on the receiving end of sexist briefings. The Education Secretary also said there is an irony to reports which suggest she is Downing Streets preferred candidate for the Labour deputy leader position. Reports claimed Ms Phillipson was one of those most at risk of being sacked earlier this year, in the lead-up to a Cabinet re-shuffle. At the time, Labour former minister Louise Haigh said she was fed-up of opening the papers and reading briefings against female former colleagues. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also called for negative briefings from within Government against senior women ministers to stop. Asked directly if she feels she was on the receiving end of sexist briefings, Ms Phillipson told BBC Radio 5 Live: Yes, completely. But you know, thats life. Ive been underestimated most of my life. Ill just continue getting on and doing what Im doing, not worrying too much about some of the nonsense that gets written in the papers. But I do slightly have to laugh, because theres this idea swirling around somehow, that Im No 10s preferred candidate for all of this. Well, Im not quite sure thats what you and many colleagues in the media have been saying in recent months, with all of this negativity and nonsense that I face. So theres a certain irony I would say, in some of the way that this is being approached. Ms Phillipson also said she had a fair bit of nonsense along the way myself, and lots of things written and said about the approach that Im taking, when speaking to the LabourList. I think that shows Im a pretty independent-minded and forceful person. Thats what members should expect from me, if they vote for me as their deputy, she added. Ms Phillipson, who also has ministerial responsibility for women and equalities, is running against former Commons leader Lucy Powell for the deputy position. She argued more should be done to support Labour MPs who were elected for the first time at the last general election. Ms Phillipson added: Weve got to get better at working together as a team in Parliament, but also uniting our party and our movement. Asked if Labour MPs are being neglected by the Prime Minister and his team, Ms Phillipson said: Being the Prime Minister is an incredibly tough job, and there is a lot going on internationally that the Prime Minister has to lead on behalf of our country. But I do think collectively, there needs to be much more done to work with colleagues to get into a better position. The Home Office said the move was part of critical first steps under the scheme (Alamy/PA) A family of three, including a small child, have become the first people to arrive in the UK under Sir Keir Starmers one in, one out immigration deal with France. They have been granted three-month visas with no right to work and no recourse to public funds, the PA news agency has been told. The Home Office said the move was part of critical first steps under the scheme after the removal of four people from Britain. The agreement, which came into force last month, is aimed at deporting migrants who have crossed the English Channel in exchange for those who apply in France and are approved to come to the UK. The Government has said the newly established legal route for those entering the country includes rigorous documentation as well as eligibility and security checks. They will then be able to claim asylum in Britain. A spokesperson for the Home Office said: This is a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated. We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. Imran Hussain, director of external affairs at the charity Refugee Council, said: This is a really welcome step. No family should ever have to risk their lives in a flimsy boat just to reach safety. By opening up safe and legal routes, we not only give children and parents the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity, but we take power away from the smugglers who profit from peoples desperation. Ministers hope the scheme will act as a deterrent to those considering making the dangerous journey across the Channel as the Government grapples with soaring numbers of arrivals. A total of 32,188 people have arrived in Britain by small boat so far in 2025, with more than 1,000 in a single day last Friday, after returns to Paris commenced under the deal. The Government intends to increase the number of people being sent back under the pilot agreement, which runs initially until June next year. Sir Sadiq Khan has called Donald Trump racist, sexist and Islamophobic after the US president renewed his feud with the London mayor during a speech to the United Nations. I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic and he is Islamophobic, Sir Sadiq told told Sky News. Asked about Mr Trumps comments that Sir Sadiq is a terrible mayor, he said he was thankful that record numbers of Americans are coming to London. Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson later declined to repeat Sir Sadiqs description of Mr Trump. Another minister had accused Mr Trump of misreading London after the US president claimed the city wants to go to sharia law. Green Party leader Zack Polanski praised Sir Sadiqs response as exactly what the leader of a diverse and vibrant city like London should say. These words only amplify the silence coming from those in Westminster who seem unable or unwilling to speak out, he posted on X. Sir Sadiq had earlier told ITV London when asked if he thought Mr Trump was Islamophobic: I think when somebody behaves a certain way, when somebody says certain things, when somebody shows you who they are believe it. He added: I think Ive got squatters rights for the amount of time Ive spent in Donald Trumps head. Im just hoping he doesnt send me an invoice for all the time Ive spent there. Education Secretary Ms Phillipson said she would not name call when asked if Sir Sadiq was right in his description of the US president. I understand why Sadiq would feel strongly about that, given the comments made by the president about Sadiq personally, but Im not going to get into that kind of name-calling, she told BBC Radio 5 Live. She backed Sir Sadiq as a brilliant mayor with a powerful story to tell about what he has achieved in the capital. But she argued that the UK needs a relationship with the US president that is about more than individuals. US President Donald Trump during a press conference in the UK during his state visit earlier this month (Leon Neal/PA) Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden had earlier dismissed the presidents attack, and said Mr Trump had had a beef with Sir Sadiq for years. He told BBC Breakfast: As regards the United Kingdom, on the comments on London, look, I just think its a misreading of our great capital city. This is a big asset to the United Kingdom. Its known all over the world, its a big engine of our economy, of creativity. Speaking to GB News from Crystal Palaces stadium in south London, he said: We have British law here at Selhurst Park this morning, no other kind of law, and thats what applies in our capital city and throughout our country. Referring to the presidents long-running dispute with Sir Sadiq, he told Times Radio: I think the two of them have had a beef for some years. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said Donald Trump was misreading the situation in London (James Manning/PA) Mr Trumps second state visit to the UK included no public-facing engagements in London, with events with the King in Windsor and the Prime Minister in Chequers rather than Downing Street. In his speech to the United Nations on Tuesday, Mr Trump said: I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and its been changed, its been so changed. Now they want to go to sharia law. But you are in a different country, you cant do that. He said that Europe is in serious trouble because it was being invaded by a force of illegal aliens. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Mr Trump was right to say that sharia law is an issue in London. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Donald Trump should be taken seriously but not literally (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Speaking during an LBC phone-in, he said: Never take what he says literally, ever on anything, but always take everything he says seriously. But he said Mr Trump has a point. He said: So is he right to say that sharia is an issue in London? Yes. Is it an overwhelming issue at this stage? No. Has the mayor of London directly linked himself to it? No. He added: I think what Trump was aiming at with his big pitch that the West (is) going to hell is its in danger of losing its culture, its heritage, its identity Look at Stockholm. Look at parts of Germany. Look at what the mass importation of people who come from very different cultures has done to those cities. The Italian fleet of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs from the port of Siracusa, Italy, on September 11 (Sebastiano Diamante/LaPresse via AP) Activists taking part in a flotilla seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza have said that some of their boats were attacked by drones overnight while sailing south of Greece. The Global Sumud Flotilla said it was attacked during the night by unidentified drones and communications jamming. It said that at least 13 explosions were heard on and around several flotilla boats, while drones or aircraft dropped unidentified objects on at least 10 boats. No casualties were reported but there was damage to the vessels and widespread obstruction in communications, it added. Activists posted a brief video on the flotillas social media account showing what appeared to be an explosion on or near one of the vessels. Greeces coast guard did not report any distress calls. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions regarding the attack. Italy condemned the attack and activated a navy frigate to be on hand for possible rescue operations, Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto said. Mr Crosetto said the Italian Navys frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete, was already heading towards the area for possible rescue operations. Italy has informed Israel about the decision. In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must also be protected when they are carried out in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence, Mr Crosetto said. A boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs from the Tunisian port of Bizerte on September 13 to Gaza to deliver aid amid Israels blockade on the Palestinian territory (Anis Mili/AP) Italys Foreign Ministry meanwhile said its computer systems had been overwhelmed by a mail bombing campaign in which thousands of what it said were fake emails flooded its servers after the attack on the flotilla. Earlier on Wednesday, the Global Sumud Flotilla had sent out an urgent appeal to its supporters asking them to email the ministry demanding it take a firm position to condemn the attack on the flotilla, protect the participants and put diplomatic pressure on those responsible. The emails had the effect of hindering the work of the ministrys crisis unit, which has been the main point of contact for Italian citizens aboard the flotilla, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Foreign minister Antonio Tajani told legislators earlier this month he had personally called Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar to urge Israel to respect the rights of Italian activists participating in the flotilla. Mr Tajani said at the time that 58 Italians were participating in the flotilla, including some legislators. The European Union also warned against any force being used against the flotilla. The freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld So no attacks, no drone strikes, no seizures. Any use of force against the flotilla is not acceptable, said Eva Hrncirova, a spokesperson for the European Commission. We respect the humanitarian commitment of the people who are on board of the flotilla. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan called for an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the reported attacks and harassment by drones and other objects against the flotilla. Attacks and threats against those trying to deliver aid to and support the hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza who are suffering famine and starvation defy belief, Mr Al-Kheetan added. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who is on board one of the flotilla boats, called the strikes a scare tactic and implored the flotillas supporters to stay focused on Gaza rather than on the activists sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. She said that damage to the fleet was being assessed. We were aware of the risks of these kind of attacks and thats not something thats going to stop us, Ms Thunberg said on a livestream on Wednesday morning. The most important thing isnt that we were hit by drones. Drones are something that Palestinians experience 24-7, she added. Simone Zambrin, an Italian activist with the flotilla, said that drones have been flying over our heads for days now and on Wednesday dropped devices at our boats, damaging both the sails and the hearing of some of our crew members. We expected it because it is a rhetoric that is part of what Israel is trying to do with regard to missions like ours, Zambrin said. It tries to instil fear because it is afraid of our arrival. Greg Stoker, an American activist on board one of the boats, said in a social media post that the vessels VHF radio communications also suffered interference, with the jammers playing an Abba song over the VHF channel the flotilla was using. The flotilla, comprised of dozens of boats from several countries, is carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused organisers of being linked to Hamas, and says it has proposed that the activists unload their aid in the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade, the ministry said on Monday. A boat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla departs to Gaza to deliver aid amid Israels blockade on the Palestinian territory (Anis Mili/AP) Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israels proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have. The flotilla has reported several attacks since it set sail from Spain on September 1, including two while some of its boats were in Tunisian waters. The convoy is claimed to be the largest attempt to date to break the Israeli maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has now lasted 18 years, long predating the current war in Gaza. The almost two-year war has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry does not say how many were civilians or combatants, but says more than half have been women and children. The worlds leading authority on hunger crises said last month that Israels blockade and ongoing offensive had already pushed Gaza City into famine. More than 300,000 people have fled the city in recent weeks as Israel has ordered the population to move south, but an estimated 700,000 remain, according to UN agencies and aid groups. The war began on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants carried out an attack inside Israel that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and saw about 250 people taken hostage. A tent camp for displaced Palestinians stretches along the Muwasi, an area that Israel has designated as a safe zone, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Israel says its operation in Gaza is aimed at pressuring Hamas to surrender and return the remaining 48 hostages. Israel believes around 20 of the captives are still alive. It is not the first time that activists trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza have come under attack. Another vessel said it was attacked by drones in May in international waters off Malta. An overland convoy travelling across North Africa also attempted to reach the border but was blocked by security forces aligned with Egypt in eastern Libya. In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, a boat participating in an aid flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza, killing 10 Turkish activists on board. Shooter took own life after gun attack in Texas, officials say File image: Masked officers outside an ICE facility. Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images. Two people have died - including the attacker - after a shooting by a suspected sniper at an immigration facility in Texas. The shooting took place earlier today at a field office in Dallas, Texas. Dallas police chief Daniel Comeaux provided an update this afternoon, amid conflicting reports about casualties. He said that at about 6.40am local time, police received a call about the shooting. They later learned that four people were shot - two were dead at the scene, including the attacker. FBI Special Agent Joe Rothrock said the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence. Rounds found near the attacker contained messages that are anti-ICE in nature, Mr Rothrock adds. US Vice President JD Vance wrote on X: "The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. Texas Senator Ted Cruz said "this needs to stop" and that "politically motivated violence" is wrong. Republican Governor of Texas Greg Abbott said on X the "assassination" will "not slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants". More to follow File image: Masked officers outside an ICE facility. Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images. News Catch Up - Wednesday 24th September Architect Yu Kongjian speaks during an interview at his firms office in Beijing in 2022 (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) A small aircraft has crashed in Brazil, killing four people including the distinguished Chinese architect and urbanist Yu Kongjian, Brazils vice president said. The crash occurred on Tuesday evening as the plane was attempting to land at a large farm approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the municipality of Aquidauana in Brazils Mato Grosso do Sul state, firefighters said. There was no immediate information on what caused the crash. Architect Yu Kongjian speaks during an interview at his firms office in Beijing in 2022 (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Mr Yu conceived the idea of sponge cities, which aim to mitigate the impact of climate change by using green infrastructure to create storm-resilient cities. He argued that by creating large spaces to hold water in city centres, such as parks and ponds, extreme rainfall can be absorbed, helping prevent floods. The idea is widely cited in Chinese urban planning, and in recent years Mr Yu worked on projects in other countries including Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The architect was known for his notable contributions to sustainable urbanism, the preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the planet, vice president Geraldo Alckmin said on X, adding that Mr Yus legacy will continue to inspire those dedicated to the ecological cause. Mr Yu founded the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, one of Chinas most prestigious universities. Filmmakers Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz and Rubens Crispim Jr, and pilot Marcelo Pereira de Barros, also died in the crash, Mr Alckmin said. The local military fire department was called at around 8.10pm local time on Tuesday to respond to a plane crash, firefighters said. A search and rescue operation lasted approximately nine hours. Mr Yu and the filmmakers were part of a team producing a documentary about the Pantanal wetlands, the worlds largest tropical wetlands. The Pantanal, fed by tributaries of the Paraguay River and mostly located in Brazil, is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for tourists to see jaguars, macaws, caimans, capybaras and migratory birds in the wild. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2022, Mr Yu criticised much of Asias modern infrastructure for being built on ideas imported from Europe, which he said are ill-fitted to the monsoon climate that prevails over much of the continent. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters (Yuki Iwamura/AP) Addressing the worlds leaders, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israeli attacks for dealing a grievous blow to peace negotiations as Tehran braces for the reinstatement of sanctions in the next week, barring a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough. Hours before his speech, Irans rial currency fell to a new all-time low. Mr Pezeshkians remarks before the UN General Assembly are the first in a global forum since the 12-day Israel-Iran war over the summer that saw the assassination of many of the Islamic Republics highest military and political leaders and broke down weeks of negotiations with the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, you all bore witness that this past June, my country was subjected to a savage aggression and flagrant contravention of the most elementary principles of international law, said the president, who within Irans political landscape is considered a moderate politician. Mr Pezeshkian is in New York as Tehran seeks to engage in last-minute talks with European nations to stop the coming reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. But before even landing in the US, any diplomatic efforts planned by Mr Pezeshkian and Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi were overshadowed when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected any direct nuclear talks with America in a speech on Tuesday. The US has announced the results of the talks in advance, he said. The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition. France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the so-called snapback mechanism to reinstate sanctions barring a last-minute accord over Irans failure to comply with conditions of a 2015 nuclear deal aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Snapback was designed to be veto-proof at the UN. It started a 30-day window for the resumption of sanctions, which ends on Sunday, unless the West and Iran reach a diplomatic agreement. European nations have said that they would be willing to extend the deadline if Iran resumes direct negotiations with the US over its nuclear programme, allows UN nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites and accounts for the more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium that the UN watchdog says it has. Iran is the only nation in the world that enriches uranium up to 60% a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels that does not have a weapons programme. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian holds up a book while speaking during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters (Yuki Iwamura/AP) But Mr Pezeshkian used his UN speech to criticise the E3 for having operated in bad faith for years to dictate Iranian compliance with a deal that the US abandoned in 2018. They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Irans sincere efforts as insufficient, he said. If no diplomatic deal is found this week, the sanctions will automatically snapback on Sunday. That would again freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran and penalise any development of Irans ballistic missile programme, among other measures, further squeezing the countrys reeling economy. Earlier this month, the UN nuclear watchdog and Iran signed an agreement mediated by Egypt to pave the way for resuming co-operation, including on ways of relaunching inspections of Irans nuclear facilities. However, that agreement has yet to fully take hold. In July, Mr Pezeshkian had signed a law adopted by his countrys parliament suspending all co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That followed Israels 12-day war with Iran in June, during which Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has long insisted its programme is peaceful, though Western nations and the Vienna-based IAEA assess that Tehran had an active nuclear weapons programme until 2003. Khamenei again said on Tuesday that Iran does not seek atomic bombs. However, he added: Science will not be demolished by threats and bombing. A Palestinian medical charity said yesterday that Israel destroyed its main centre in Gaza City after ordering its evacuation. The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said an Israeli strike reduced its six-storey building in the central Samer area to rubble. It said the centre was one of the main facilities in the city providing blood donation and testing services, trauma care, cancer medicine and chronic disease treatment. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has repeatedly bombed and raided hospitals in Gaza throughout the war. In a separate development, Israel announced yesterday the complete closure of the border crossing between the occupied West Bank and Jordan until further notice after an attack last week that killed two Israelis. The Allenby Bridge Crossing over the Jordan River, also known as King Hussein Bridge, is the only cargo and passenger crossing available to Palestinians in the West Bank that does not lead to Israel. It is also on a key route for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Multiple hospitals in famine-stricken Gaza City have been forced to shut down as Israeli forces advance. Israel accuses Hamas of using medical facilities for military purposes but the military has often provided little or no evidence of a significant militant presence. The head of the World Health Organisation, which has partnered with the charity, condemned the strike. Attacks on health facilities must end. The senseless violence must stop Attacks on health facilities must end. The senseless violence must stop. Ceasefire! Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X. The medical charity said another of its centres was damaged and surrounded by Israeli troops, and that a third centre was destroyed in a separate strike. Gazas health ministry said on Monday that the Al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital and the specialised eye hospital had been forced to shut down because of nearby Israeli military operations. Several Western countries on Monday called on Israel to restore a medical corridor for Palestinians in Gaza to be treated in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, and for Israel to lift restrictions on medical supplies entering Gaza. The spying that wasnt really spying: How PSNIs silence made its actions seem far worse than they were By saying nothing in the face of a credible source whose central claim has turned out to be right, the PSNI unnecessarily added to the sense of public concern Investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre has been investigating the death of Noah Donohoe (inset). Photo: Kevin Scott Sam McBride Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 21:42 Six months ago, the Belfast Telegraph reported allegations that the PSNI spied on the journalist Donal MacIntyre. September in Belfast sees thousands of young people arrive in the city many for the first time eager to experience student life. And every parent watching their teenager take those first steps into independence will want assurances that they are safe, supported and protected from harm. To speak of curing, ending, or preventing wonderfully diverse population of people with autism into not being is beyond unpalatable After watching the White House coverage last night, I could not sleep. What had I just witnessed? Was this really about autism? Was it about supporting autistic people and their families? Clearly not. President Trump admitted he could not understand the rise in autism, claiming he had been thinking about it for decades. He has endless resources at his disposal and, by his own design, surrounds himself only with agreeable voices. The question is whether this is about autism at all, or whether it is about closing off a personal curiosity in a way that suits his ideology. The infamous family picketed the DUP conference 2 days in a row, accusing Education Minister Paul Givan of promoting sodomyThe Christian family first rose to prominence in 2023 when son Enoch was jailed for repeatedly showing up to the school where he refused to use a transgender students pronounsThe Burkes have also approached Education Authority head Mervyn Storey and minister Roger Higginson. Members of the Burke family protest at the DUP annual conference on Saturday. Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye. Its back to school and back in the news for the Burkes the evangelical Christian family from Castlebar, County Mayo, known for strong views and strong protests. In their latest escapade, the PSNI were called to their protest at the DUPs annual conference. Two family members confronted the education minister Paul Givan accusing him promoting sodomy and deceiving the people of Northern Ireland, in reference to an EA document focusing on guidance for LGBT+ pupils. The Burkes have also confronted Edwin Poots, Mervyn Storey, and Free Presbyterian minister Roger Higginson recent weeks. So, who are the Burkes, what have they been up to in Northern Ireland, and why are they targeting the DUP? Ciaran Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid and by Shane Phelan, the legal affairs editor with the Irish Independent. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. BENNINGTON The Planning Commission has handed off its proposed new Town Plan to the Select Board, which will hold at least two public hearings before considering a final adoption vote. The commission had approved its final draft of the 124-page plan update on September 18 and presented the document to the board on Monday. Essentially, the Planning Commission is submitting this to you folks on the Select Board for review and adoption of new Town Plan and maps for the town of Bennington, said Acting Town Manager Dan Monks. The next steps in the adoption process, Monks said, include acknowledging receipt of the proposed plan update, then scheduling a minimum of two public hearings. Monks suggested hearings during the regular Select Board meetings of October 27 and November 10, which was approved. He said there could be additional meetings and/or a work session with the Planning Commission if Select Board members desire. Began in 2023 The commission has been working on a town plan update since 2023, during a process that involved a survey of residents, community roundtable discussions, public tabling events; the posting of public idea boards, focus group discussions and comments received online or during commission meetings. During an August 27 meeting, commissioners took questions from residents and said they would hold further work sessions before submitting their final draft version to the Select Board by late September. They said comments on the plan would continue to be accepted from the public during meetings or though an online portal on the town website throughout the process. A copy of the commissions draft of the new plan and information about the adoption process and on how to comment can be found on a town plan page on the website. Monks has said copies of the new plan also will be made available and can be examined at the Town Offices at 205 South Street. BCRC role The Bennington County Regional Commission was hired by the town to work with the commission on the Town Plan update. A slide deck and presentation to the commission by Callie Fishburn, regional planner and Energy Program manager with the BCRC, and planner Nick Zaiac is posted on the Town Plan Update webpage. They gave a presentation on the community engagement efforts and other steps in preparation of the draft plan. A Town Plan is intended to be a comprehensive, long-range plan for the community, stating objectives and policies to guide the growth and development of the town, according to a statement of purpose. The plan is intended as a framework upon which to base future actions and regulatory bylaws, such as in regulating land use and development through zoning. The document contains extensive detail, statistics, photos, maps and more, concerning topics like economic development, housing, recreation, natural areas, transportation, utilities, public services, climate hazards, and energy use. Information is included on the development of themes or visions of what residents said they believe Bennington should pursue in the future, and on how general topics in the plan are organized. The plan also includes an implementation matrix listing town priorities, suggested timelines, and which government entities would be responsible for moving the priority goals forward. PITTSFIELD City officials have conducted extra testing of water lines around Berkshire Medical Center and found more than enough residual chlorine the disinfectant used to kill the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease to prevent its spread. Mayor Peter Marchetti said he learned about positive tests for Legionella on Thursday among BMC patients and in the hospitals water system during a phone call with Berkshire Health Systems Chief Executive Officer Darlene Rodowicz. That call was followed by a meeting between the city, the hospital and the state Department of Public Health. Berkshire Health Systems on Thursday announced that seven patients had tested positive for Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease, a form of pneumonia. Officials also said levels of the bacteria detected in the hospitals water were within the limits of its in-house water management plan. In response, the hospital increased its internal chlorination and filtration on ice machines and showers. Officials said the Massachusetts Department of Public Health would require three separate samples showing zero levels of Legionella before the additional measures are scaled back. For Marchetti, there are two things he wants city residents to know: The data does not indicate that the city water supply is to blame, and the city is doing what it can to help the hospital rectify the situation as soon as possible. Hospital officials confirmed Thursday that at least one of the seven patients who tested positive had died, but they said because of the patient's existing comorbidities, it's not possible to know whether their death was the result of their infection. They did not name the patient, citing confidentiality concerns. According to his published obituary, Peter M. Sulock, 74, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully on July 14 at Berkshire Medical Center after a brief battle with Legionnaires disease. The letter from Berkshire Medical Center to staff and patients informing them of positive Legionella tests in patients and the hospital water supply was published on Sept. 18. That was 67 days after Sulock died. Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, rivers and reservoirs. You cant get sick by drinking it. But breathing in tiny droplets of water such as might be produced by hot water, or central air conditioning can make some people sick. But the state does not mandate testing for Legionella, either. Its a goal without a means of executing it because there's no requirement to test, said Ricardo Morales, Pittsfield's commissioner of public works. However, the understanding is that with the proper disinfection techniques that takes care of Legionella by having a residual level of chlorine in all parts of the distribution system. A study cited on the state Department of Environmental Protections website, authored by the American Water Works Association, found that water systems should maintain residual chlorine levels of at least 0.1 milligrams per liter in water service lines to prevent Legionella growth. According to Morales, the water samples averaged 0.77 milligrams per liter of chlorine last week. The area around the hospital was 1.15 milligrams per liter of chlorine, he added. The city also tested internal service lines at the hospital and found levels between 0.24 and 0.57 milligrams per liter of chlorine, Morales said. "We are in constant communication, since you know this was identified with the BMC facilities department, making sure that they're, you know, they have the information they need from us, and we can help them," he said. "They have some private water mains within their campus, some of which we have flushed in the past, and we continue to do so. So it's, you know, it's a partnership too." Berkshire Health System and Berkshire Medical Center, through its spokesman, Michael Leary, was asked about how the protocols are working so far; what the impact of the additional water protocols has been on patients and staff; and what thinking went into when and how to inform the community that Legionella had been detected at the hospital and that it had seen at least one fatality to which Legionella may have contributed. Leary said a response would be forthcoming Wednesday. Dr. Jeffrey K. Griffiths is a public health professor at the Tufts School of Public Health, which is housed within Tufts Medical School in Boston. Hes also the former chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Committee. Legionella, he said, poses several unique challenges. It is common in drinking water Theres no such thing as sterile drinking water, he said and lodges inside of single-cell amoebas, making it more difficult to eradicate. He noted that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as two-thirds of cases may be tied to environmental exposure, such as wind whipping lake or pond surface water into tiny droplets. If its in your drinking water and you drink it, nothing happens to you. You can only get [Legionnaires] if its an aerosol. And you have to breathe it in. Unless you aerosolize it a shower, something like that then you cant get it. However, hospital patients who cant swallow properly, or wind up with water in their breathing tube, are at greater risk, he said. Some of that water forms tiny droplets and goes the wrong way into the lungs, he said. There are two other complications with Legionnaires' disease, Griffiths said. The first is that it presents like any number of respiratory infections. If the symptoms respond to antibiotic treatment, doctors often dont circle back to determine the cause. And since Legionnaires' disease remains relatively rare, doctors lacking a reason to suspect Legionella dont have a reason to test for it. That requires an extra step and usually you dont take that extra step unless the usual thing is not working, the patient is sick and is admitted to intensive care," he said. "So a lot of people dont get tested and probably have it. Another complication is the time it takes Legionnaires disease to incubate from exposure to full-blown infection from a few days to two weeks. In cases when the disease claims a life, as was the case during the COVID pandemic, public health officials attempt to retrace the patients steps to discover if the source of infection may have sickened others as well. Hospitals, hotels and large buildings with air conditioning powered by rooftop cooling towers have been the source of many significant Legionnaires outbreaks. Stagnant water in a cooling tower was how the outbreak that gave the disease its name, an American Legion convention in Philadelphia, led to the deaths of 29 people and serious illness for another 182 in 1976. A new bill filed by state Rep. John Barrett and state Sen. Paul Mark would exempt small districts like Hancock which lack their own middle or high schools from paying costly tuition for school choice students who continue on to other districts, potentially allowing Hancock Elementary to reopen to out-of-district families. No one will ever know whether Grace Coolidge learned of Bert's effort to make amends, and it's anyone's guess as to how she would have responded. Jeff Robbins, a part-time resident of Stockbridge, is a former U.S. delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council and a former assistant U.S. attorney and chief counsel for the Democrats on the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Reach him at Jeffrey.Robbins@saul.com. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Diabetes non-profit Beyond Type 1 expands to India September 24, 2025 | Wednesday | News India ranks second globally in Type 1 Diabetes In response to the urgent need for greater awareness and support for people living with type 1 diabetes, US-based Beyond Type 1 announces its expansion to India. The global nonprofit works to change what it means to live with diabetes by raising awareness, building supportive communities, providing life-saving resources, and amplifying voices too often unheard. India has the highest number of children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes in the world, yet awareness remains alarmingly low. Too many diagnoses come late, too many young people face stigma and silence, and the toll is not only physicalstudies show youth with type 1 diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression or anxiety compared to their peers. Deborah Dugan, CEO of Beyond Type 1, shares, Beyond Type 1 was founded to challenge outdated narratives about diabetes and to show what it truly means to live beyond a diagnosis, but access to education, strong support systems, and good care are essential for both physical and mental health. As a part of our expansion to India, we are joining forces with local organisations who are building those systems every day, standing alongside a community that is already reshaping what it means to live with diabetes. Local partners include HRIDAY, which will implement programmes on the ground, and the NCD Alliance, providing support on the global level. The partnership will prioritize awareness campaigns, early detection, school- and community-based education, and peer supportinitiatives designed to meet people where they are and center the lived experiences of those most impacted. The recent UN Political Declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCD) spotlighted the urgent need for collective action, especially around mental health and chronic conditions. As Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance, notes, NCDs like type 1 diabetes have effects that reach further than physical health alone, and much more needs to be done to support the mental health of people living with NCDs. Beyond Type 1s expansion into India brings much-needed attention and energy to this issue, and we welcome their commitment to working alongside local partners and communities in driving change. As Beyond Type 1 celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, the organization is expanding its work with partners in India. Seven of ten Indian pharma digital projects fail to deliver: Vector Study September 24, 2025 | Wednesday | News Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in digital systems, but the core challenges they were meant to address remain unresolved image credit- shutterstock Seven out of ten digital projects in Indias pharmaceutical industry fail to deliver results, despite heavy investments in digital tools. A new study by Vector Consulting Group reveals that while the push for digitisation is growingdriven by companies chasing efficiency and innovationadoption and measurable business impact remain weak. The study, based on a survey of 28 CXOs from pharma firms with revenues above Rs 1,000 crore and interviews with 12 senior leaders, highlights a clear mismatch between investment and outcomes. Eighty-nine percent of companies reported that they still rely on spreadsheets for critical operations, despite digital tools being implemented in these areas. Some large firms spend as much as Rs 5075 crore annually on IT systems that remain largely underutilised. Nearly three-fourths admitted to scrapping at least one tool or module in the past three years due to poor adoption, redundancy, integration failures, or high cost relative to returns. Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in digital systems, but the core challenges they were meant to address remain unresolved. Stockouts of critical medicines persist at 93 percent of firms, despite the use of inventory dashboards. Forecasting errors continue for 84 percent even with advanced demand planning software. And 76 percent still report delays in batch releases, despite the use of lab management systems. To explain these pitfalls, Vectors white paper introduces the G.A.P. framework, arguing that the challenge lies not with the tools themselves but with a recurring gap in how companies approach digital transformation: G Getting a tool = solving the problem A Activation of the tool = the end of the project P Planting a tool wont ensure use These three steps need to be addressed together to close the GAP, and they build on one another, said Chandrachur Datta, Partner at Vector Consulting Group. A strong use case or well-defined problem is the necessary starting point. It guides the selection of the right digital project and keeps a dedicated implementation team with clear ownership and accountabilityfocused on solving the real issue, not just going live. This focus also ensures that critical aspects such as data quality and user adoption are addressed, making the transformation truly effective. Goa Institute of Management initiates national project to improve adult vaccination uptake in India September 24, 2025 | Wednesday | News The project aims to identify the barriers for adult vaccination in India Goa Institute of Management (GIM) has launched a national project to improve Adult Vaccination (AV) uptake in India. This initiative marks a significant step toward safeguarding the health of its ageing and high-risk populations. Led by Prof. Ajay Vamadevan and Prof. Praveen Pradeep from GIM, the project brings together government agencies, research institutions, state health departments, and medical professional bodies, to identify evidence and regulatory gaps, and other provider and beneficiary level barriers that hinder the uptake of AV. Medical Research evidence shows that adults with chronic comorbid conditions - such as Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as individuals who are immunocompromised or have received organ transplants, are at higher risk of severe illness from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) including Influenza, Pneumonia, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, B, Herpes Zoster). Furthermore, recognising variations in chronic disease burden and health system preparedness across states, the project prioritises vaccines for high-burden states such as Goa, Kerala, Punjab, and Delhi. This approach generates actionable insights on which vaccines and target groups should be prioritised first, thereby laying the foundation for a national roadmap. Highlighting the critical need for a coordinated national effort for AV, Professor Ajay Vamadevan of GIM, said, Coverage of essential adult vaccines (influenza, pneumococcal, typhoid, hepatitis B) remains below 2% nationally. There is an urgent need to develop state-specific strategies for AV in India, given the wide variation in the chronic disease burden and ageing population across Indian states. As a part of this AV initiative, GIM in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, Goa, hosted a National Consultation Workshop on Adult Vaccination Prioritization in India on 24th September 2025 at the International Centre, Panaji, Goa. National experts and representatives from Kerala, Punjab, Delhi and specialist doctors from Goa Medical College (GMC) and State Health Department have attended the workshop. Nethradhama partners with London Vision Clinic to strengthen ophthalmic education in India September 24, 2025 | Wednesday | News Course will provide ophthalmologists and trainees with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary refractive surgery image credit- shutterstock Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital collaborates with London Vision Clinic (LoVC), to conduct the Forefront Refractive Surgery Course (APAC Edition) in Bengaluru. The course is aimed at advancing ophthalmic education by enhancing the skills of practitioners in refractive surgery through structured training and international knowledge exchange. The six-day surgical fellowship programme scheduled from September 26 to October 1, 2025 will cover LASIK, PRESBYOND Laser Blended Vision, and SMILE, focusing on practical aspects such as patient selection, surgical technique, complication management, and long-term treatment planning. The course will provide ophthalmologists and trainees with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary refractive surgery, thereby enabling them to integrate these procedures into practice with greater precision and confidence. It will be led by renowned faculties, including Professor Dan Z Reinstein, Medical Director of London Vision Clinic; Prof Dr Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital; and Dr Supriya Samak Sriganesh, Executive Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital. The programme further extends beyond theoretical learning by incorporating video-based demonstrations and in-depth case discussions, enabling participants to engage directly with the finer aspects of surgical practice. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Harry Potter star Emma Watson has said her shame was everywhere after she received a driving ban for speeding. The actress, 35, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the film franchise, was banned from driving for six months in July and had to pay a total of 1,044 after driving her blue Audi at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford on July 31 2024. Watson, who has been studying at the University of Oxford, had nine points on her licence before the speeding incident occurred. Emma Watson was banned from driving in July. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA. Speaking on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty about the ban, which made headlines at the time, Watson said: I was getting phone calls, like its on the BBC. Its on international, worldwide news. I was like, my shame is everywhere. Watson revealed she received messages from people who sympathised with the actress and shared their own driving mishaps with the star. Advertisement She added: When you work on movies, I dont know if people know this, but they literally will not insure you to drive yourself to work. Ive asked so many times. You have to be driven, its not a choice. Especially because they need you there, down to the minute basically depending on what they have going on. So I went from basically only driving myself on weekends or during a holiday, to then, when I became a student, driving myself all the time and I did not have the experience, or skills clearly, which I now will and do. Emma Watson has been studying at the University of Oxford. Photo: Isabel Infantes/PA. Its been a discovery and a journey thats been humbling because on a movie set, Im able to do all of these like extremely complex things, stunt, sing, dance, like do this thing, do that, whatever. And Im like, Yep, dont worry about it, guys. And then I get home and Im like, OK Emma, you seem unable to remember your keys. You seem unable to keep yourself at 30mph in a 30mph speed limit. Like you dont seem able to do some pretty basic life things. Lifestyle Joanna Page: Ive always had a problem with being sexy Read more Its been humbling. The actress and activist, who was made a UN womens goodwill ambassador in 2014, has starred in a slew of films, including the 2017 Disney live-action remake of Beauty And The Beast, Sofia Coppola-directed movie The Bling Ring in 2014 and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower in 2012. She also starred in the Greta Gerwigs 2019 movie Little Women, in which she played Meg March. With The Traitors Ireland coming to an end on Tuesday night, Irish viewers might be looking for another show to watch as the cold weather starts to creep in. Look no further than the House of Guinness, set to release on Netflix this Thursday, September 25th. 19th-century Dublin and New York are the backdrop for this new drama series, and if you are wondering what it is about and who stars in it, here is all you need to know: What is the show about? House of Guinness will focus on the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the Guinness brewery. Set between 19th-century Dublin and New York, the series will look at the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the growing juggernaut that is Guinness. Advertisement In his new drama series, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will swap the mean streets of Birmingham for the back alleys and stately mansions of Dublin as well as its world-renowned brewery. It whisks us back to the 1860s, where the powerful and unhinged titular family is on the precipice of greatness. Its the extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world. Theyre young and are given the task of taking on this incredibly successful brand, Knight says. The first priority is: Dont screw it up. And the second priority is to make Guinness even bigger. He is excited for audiences to meet the naturally wild clan. Im just in awe of their zest for life their lust for life, often literally, he says. House of Guinness shot Who stars in the show? The show stars several Irish actors, including Belfast's Anthony Boyle (Arthur Guinness), Fionn O'Shea (Benjamin Guinness), Jack Gleeson (Byron Huhges), and Niamh Rose McCormack (Ellen Cochrane), to name a few. English actors Louis Partridge (Edward Guinness), Emily Fairn (Anne Guinness), and James Norton (Sean Raffertry) are also part of the cast. Speaking recently, James Norton said he worked hard to perfect his Dublin accent for his upcoming series. Norton, who plays the foreman of the Guinness brewery, said, I worked hard. I was aware that many actors have gotten it wrong, and the Irish are a proud bunch, so if you get it wrong, you hear about it." "I worked hard and had great guidance from my fellow cast members. Advertisement When can I watch the show? The eight-episode series will be available for Netflix users to watch on Thursday, September 25th. Entertainment Faithfuls win first edition of The Traitors Ireland Read more English director Tom Shankland will direct the first five episodes, with Lebanese director Mounia Akl at the helm for the final three. The show was mainly shot in Cheshire, Stockport in Greater Manchester, and Liverpool. House of Guinness is one of a selection of new shows with Irish links coming to the streaming platform over the next two years. An adaptation of Marian Keyes' novel Grown Ups is also set to hit the small screen, while Jamie Dornan will appear in a new crime series called The Undertow. Maria Steen has received a last-minute boost in her bid to contest the presidential election as she received nomination number 18. This morning Senator Aubrey McCarthy has confirmed he will sign her nomination papers, leaving her now just two signatures short of the 20 she needs from Oireachtas members to make it onto the ballot. The deadline to submit the paperwork is midday today, and Jim Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly are already registered. Aontu leader Peadar Toibin is appealing for two more TDs or senators to support Maria Steen. "You know, I do want to say that this particular process has been successful. Some people called it a stunt at the start, but in reality it is one of the few examples where disparate TDs and senators have actually worked together to achieve something. Advertisement "I think it should be a template for more cooperation in Leinster House." In a statement, Mr McCarthy confirmed he would nominate Ms Steen but said it was not an endorsement of her campaign. "I dont know Ms Steen and I have met her for the first time yesterday evening. This decision is not an endorsement of her or her campaign, but I believe that candidates deserve the opportunity to make their case to the voters, and the voters deserve the right to decide who is best suited to serve," Mr McCarthy said. Cork North-Central TD Kenneth O'Flynn, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins, Independent presidential candidate Maria Steen and Limerick County TD Richard O'Donoghue at Leinster House in Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Imags Ireland Sinn Fein backs Catherine Connolly: 'Game-changer' or missed opportunity? Read more Similarly, junior ministers Marian Harkin and Michael Healy-Rae nominated Ms Steen, but both said they would not vote for her. They are both supporting Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. Ms Steen received the backing of Independent Ireland's four TDs on Tuesday. She is now in a race against time to secure two more TDs or senators. Independent TD for Dublin Mid-West Paul Gogarty previously indicated he may add his nomination if Ms Steen is only a couple away from securing her place on the ballot. There has been an unprecedented surge in the number of US nationals applying for asylum in Ireland since the beginning of Donald Trumps second term in the Oval Office, new figures have revealed. A total of 76 Americans have sought international protection in Ireland since the start of this year, compared to 22 during the whole of 2024. Asylum applicants are required to demonstrate a well-founded fear of being persecuted on specific grounds, including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group. There was also a marked increase in the number of US citizens applying for Irish passports since the beginning of last year. A total of 31,825 applications were received in 2024 the highest number recorded since 2016, when Mr Trump won his first term in the White House. The trend has continued this year, with a further 26,111 applications for Irish passports submitted during the first eight months of 2025, which is more than was received in the whole of 2022. Advertisement New data published by Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan in response to a parliamentary question from Independent Ireland TD Ken OFlynn reveals a recent spike in the number of applications for international protection among US nationals. Some 13 applications for asylum in Ireland were made by Americans during 2022, followed by another 18 in 2023. This increased to 22 last year, when Donald Trump secured a second term in the White House. He re-entered the Oval Office on January 20th, 2025. Since the beginning of this year, the number of international protection applications from US nationals has soared to 76 as of September 9th. Mr OCallaghan said it would not be appropriate to disclose the reasons cited by individuals who had sought asylum in the country. He said it was a priority to ensure that international protection applications are processed efficiently and effectively, while ensuring the integrity of those processes is maintained at all times. The minister said it was not possible to provide detailed statistics on how many of the applications had been granted or refused. Applicants for international protection are required to show that their fear of being persecuted in their country of origin is based on a serious violation of human rights, which can include acts of violence. An American real estate agent who groped inside and outside a young mans shorts in the sauna at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin has avoided jail. Bryan McNeill, aged 55, of K Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, was handed a six-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay 10,000 to the 19-year-old college student. The businessman had been allowed to return to the United States in March, days after the incident in the luxury hotel. He pleaded guilty to a sexual assault charge when he came from the US for his hearing in Dublin District Court on Monday, and his case was adjourned until Wednesday for sentencing. In a mitigation plea, defence counsel Oisin Clarke, instructed by solicitor Brian Keenan, had urged the court to leave McNeill without a criminal conviction based on extenuating circumstances: the early plea, remorse, being a sole carer for his mother, a compensation offer to include paying for therapy for the complainant, his lack of prior convictions and previous good character. Advertisement However, Judge Murphy refused, stressing the gravity, culpability, invasiveness and sexualised nature of the touching, and the high level of gross misjudgement and recklessness given the marked age gap between McNeill and the complainant. Judge Murphy heard the businessman misread the situation" until the shocked victim stood up and told him to stop. McNeill did not address the court. His husband provided a letter confirming the accuseds health had declined due to stress, and he had suffered from vertigo since the incident. Judge Murphy recorded a conviction and suspended the sentence, on the condition that the defendant does not reoffend within the next year and pays the compensation within six months. The teenager did not attend the sentencing, but his mother was present to hear the outcome and the judges praise for his honest and measured statement. Judge Murphy also emphasised that the young man was extremely blameless. In evidence, Detective Garda Cathal Ryan said the injured party was staying at the five-star hotel in March with a family member and used the gym, and afterwards went to the sauna. He later reported to gardai that an older man sexually assaulted him in the sauna. In his statement, he outlined to the detective that McNeill was rubbing his shoulder and upper torso with his right hand, and slid his hands under his shorts to grope his buttocks from within his shorts and then with his left hand grabbed his penis outside the shorts. McNeill gave gardai an account claiming it was a consensual interaction, but the complainant stated it was not consensual. Advertisement Detective Garda Ryan said McNeill, who had been granted 30,000 bail, had no prior convictions in Ireland or any other jurisdiction. Judge Murphy ranked the offence as mid-range, if not higher, for the jurisdiction of the District Court. On Monday, the student had told the judge: I was just enjoying the luxury of being in the hotel and having a general conversation; I did not initiate what happened. He revealed that he was in shock afterwards, and it took weeks to process what happened. He could not talk about it when his parents asked how he was. He said that his family thought he was happier before and is more irritable now. He also stated that he was not ready to face what happened, but wanted it to disappear. I do wonder why this was done to me. I am friendly and social, but definitely more worried than I used to be," the young man had said. Ireland Man (40s) arrested on suspicion of helping man escape Garda custody Read more He became withdrawn and believed the assault was partly a reason for failing a college exam during the summer. The defence said McNeill came from humble beginnings, was the first in his family to achieve a third-level education and dragged himself up by his bootstraps from a young age, eventually becoming a real estate agent. Counsel submitted that a conviction could have catastrophic consequences" for McNeill in the United States in terms of his livelihood and other features of his life. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. A hotel becomes an incredible entry point to understand Afghanistan, and Richard Osman returns with the Thursday Murder Club Fiction The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman is published in hardback by Viking. Available September 25th The gang are all back together enigmatic Elizabeth, chatty Joyce, gruff Ron and thoughtful, measured Ibrahim for a fifth Thursday Murder Club novel. The Impossible Fortune sees Richard Osmans elderly and incredibly popular sleuths once again tackling a complex case after Elizabeth is accosted at a wedding by someone who claims their life is under threat. This time around, Osman delves into the paralysing impact of grief Elizabeths and what it takes to continue after loss, while Rons family life is knocked thoroughly off kilter. As with the wildly successful previous novels in the series, the warmth, wit and charm of the characters makes the whole thing canter along pleasantly especially the faintly ridiculous but loveable Joyce. Fans will be delighted with it. 8/10 Review by Ella Walker The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai is published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton. Available September 25th The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, which has taken Man Booker prize winner Kiran Desai two decades to complete, is a complex and incredibly layered novel. Sonia, a budding novelist, and Sunny, a journalist, were once badly matched by their grandparents, but then re-find each other on a train and embark on a complicated love story. Desais attention to detail brings you wonderfully close to the characters who are so richly developed you almost find yourself calling out to them when they make decisions. The humour used to bring their extended Indian families to life is also joyous. The novel is, however, over-long, bogged down by some of that detail at times. Yet, its beautiful use of language makes the 20 years Desai spent on it, more than worth it. 8/10 Josh Sparke Well, This is Awkward by Esther Walker is published in hardback by Bedford Square Publishers. Available now Well, This is Awkward is podcaster, journalist and wife of Times critic Giles Coren, Esther Walkers debut novel. Starting with a bad date, 40-year-old Mairead is forced to consider loneliness and the fact she hasnt got kids, again, against her will. Then her carefully constructed life begins to fray at the edges slightly, thanks to her sister having a supposed accident and asking Mairead to look after her daughter, 11-year-old Sunshine, aka Sonny. A multigenerational tale of what it means to be a parent (Maireads own mother is more interested in political activism than being present for her kids), the family of friends we build ourselves and what it means to live outside the realms of normal family life, its a deftly written, relatable and cosy autumn read. 7/10 Review by Ella Walker Non-fiction The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet is published in hardback by Hutchinson Heinemann. Available now The Finest Hotel in Kabul gives a unique, human insight into Afghanistans history, weaving together the stories and lives of those who worked at one particular hotel during the countrys turbulent history. The Inter-Continental in Kabul opened in 1969 an era of spectacular fashion shows and lavish parties before playing host to the powers on high, from the Soviets to the Taliban. Its walls and staff were not exempt from the devastation of war and violence, and as the BBCs Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet does well to present individual tales of resilience, ambition, hope and grief, giving a deeper account of the Afghanistan we mostly know from headlines. This is well worth a read for a compassionate understanding of modern Afghanistan and its people, through the lens of the daily interactions at a hotel still standing today. 9/10 Review by Anahita Hossein-Pour Childrens book of the week Tigers Last Roar by Harriet Howe, illustrated by Katie Cottle, is published in paperback by Templar Books. Available now The death of a pet can be devastating, no matter how old you are. But how you process the loss of a beloved furry friend in childhood can become a blueprint for how you handle grief later on. Which puts a lot of pressure on parents to get it right. Tigers Last Roar is a moving story of Mae and her best friend, Tiger the cat, who she goes on jungle adventures with, until one day Tiger doesnt leap up when teatime is called. The pages that tackle Maes anger and sadness are particularly powerful, without being cloying, although the constant font changes are a tad distracting. The book also comes with additional resources a page to help children save memories of their own pets, and a guidance section of dos and donts for parents when a family pet dies. Useful, touching and also beautiful to look at, Katie Cottles vibrant jungle scenes against the muted colours used for Mae in grief, are really striking. 7/10 Review by Ella Walker BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 20th Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HARDBACK (FICTION) 1. The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 2. Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood 3. Hekate by Nikita Gill 4. The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith 5. What We Can Know by Ian McEwan 6. Clown Town by Mick Herron 7. Katabasis by R.F. Kuang 8. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross 9. Among the Burning Flowers by Samanatha Shannon 10. The Summer War by Naomi Novik (Compiled by Waterstones) HARDBACK (NON-FICTION) 1. Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver 2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins 3. Heartbeats: A Memoir by Bjorn Borg 4. Fly, Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself and China by Jung Chang 5. Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey 6. Guinness World Records 2026 7. The Finest Hotel in Kabu by Lyse Doucet 8. Night People:How to Be a DJ in 90s New York City by Mark Ronson 9. The Cocktail Diaries by Sam Heughan 10. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy (Compiled by Waterstones) AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NONFICTION) 1. The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 2. The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith 3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 4. Dont Let Him In by Lisa Jewell 5. Clown Town by Mick Herron 6. The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer 7. The Names by Florence Knapp 8. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden 9. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 10. Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, Book 1 by J.K. Rowling (Compiled by Audible) China, the worlds largest carbon-polluting nation, has announced a new climate fighting goal to cut emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035. In a video address to the United Nations high-level climate summit on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his fellow leaders that the worlds second-largest economy, which has long seen its carbon pollution soar, will finally reduce the emissions of the gases that cause global warming and extreme weather. It came as more than 100 world leaders gathered to talk of increased urgency and the need for stronger efforts to curb the spewing of heat-trapping gases. With major international climate negotiations in Brazil six and a half weeks away, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres convened a special leaders summit on Wednesday during the General Assembly to focus on specific plans to curb emissions from coal, oil and natural gas. Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined Xi Jinping in thinly veiled swipes at US President Donald Trumps stance on climate change (Angelina Katsanis/AP) Mr Xi pledged that China would increase its wind and solar power sixfold from 2020 levels, make pollution-free vehicles mainstream and basically establish a climate adaptive society. Europe then followed with a less detailed and not quite official new climate change fighting plan. Advertisement Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said their infrastructure and investment in renewable energy and the price of carbon had all increased, and their emissions are down nearly 40% since 1940. Last week, member states agreed that their nationally determined contribution would range between 66% and 72%, and that they would formally submit their plan before the November negotiations, she said. Mr Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Wednesday afternoon, took thinly veiled swipes at US President Donald Trumps attacks on renewable energy and the concept of climate change a day earlier. The science demands action. The law commands it. The economics compel it. And people are calling for it United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Chinas leader said: While some countries are acting against it, the international community should stay focused on the right direction. Brazils Mr Lula, who is hosting the upcoming climate conference, said: No one is safe from the effect of climate change. Walls at borders will not stop droughts or storms. Nature does not bow down to bombs or warships. No country stands above another. All of us may lose because denialism may actually win, he concluded. Mr Guterres said: The science demands action. The law commands it. The economics compel it. And people are calling for it. Sarah Ferguson, the UK's Duchess of York, sent an apology email to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein after he threatened to destroy her family in a chilling call, it has been reported. Ferguson sent the message in April 2011, describing Epstein as a supreme friend, after publicly disowning him in the media. Several charities severed ties with her on Monday following the emergence of the correspondence. He said he would destroy the York family and he was quite clear on that James Henderson James Henderson, the Ferguson's spokesperson at the time, said the email was sent after a really menacing and nasty phone call from the sex offender who had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice, the Telegraph reported. According to the outlet, Mr Henderson said: People dont understand how terrible Epstein was. I can remember everything about that call. It was a chilling call and Im surprised anybody was ever friends with him given the way he talked to me. Advertisement He said he would destroy the York family and he was quite clear on that. He said he would destroy me. He wasnt shouting. He had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice. It was very cold and calm and really menacing and nasty. Several charities have cut ties with Ferguson in the wake of the reports (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He continued: The pressure she was put under to protect her family must have been huge. I am sure there were legal actions. And this was long before the dukes life had been ruined by his association with Epstein. It was 14 years ago and everyone will do what they have to do to protect their family. Her family and children will always come first for her. The phone call reportedly took place in the wake of the duchesss interview with the Evening Standard on March 7th, 2011, in which she apologised for accepting 15,000 from Epstein. You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family Sarah, Duchess of York During the interview, she told the newspaper: I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again. A little over a month later, the duchess sent a message to Epstein, reported by The Sun newspaper, in which she said: I know you feel hellaciously let down by me. And I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that. You have always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family. Advertisement It continued: I was advised in no uncertain terms, to have nothing to do with you and to not speak or email you. And if I did I would cause more problems to you, the duke and myself. I was broken and lost. So please understand. I didnt want to hurt Andrew one more time. I was in over-riding fear. I am sorry. Sarah, Duchess of York arriving for the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on September 16 (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Among the organisations to end their relationships with the duchess after the 2011 email came to light is the Teenage Cancer Trust, who dropped her as patron after 35 years. Similar announcements came from Wiltshire and Dorset-based childrens hospice Julias House, Prevent Breast Cancer, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, who all cut ties with the duchess on Monday. The British Heart Foundation also said she was no longer a serving ambassador for the charity. Julias House explained it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity citing her correspondence with Epstein as a deciding factor while founders of food allergy charity The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation said they were disturbed to read her correspondence with him. Other charities thanked Ferguson for her work. She was due to do a reading of her childrens book Flora & Fern: Kindness Along The Way at a Waterstones in Kensington, London, on October 9th, but the event has been cancelled due to the publication date being moved, the chain said. Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan, in the US, in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex-trafficking charges. The death was ruled a suicide. Nigel Farage has refused to say Donald Trump was irresponsible for claiming paracetamol could cause autism in babies, adding he had no idea whether the US president was right. The Reform UK leader was asked by Nick Ferrari on LBC whether Mr Trump was correct to make the link, and replied: I have no idea you know, we were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasnt. Who knows, Nick, I dont know, you dont know. He (Trump) has a particular thing about autism, I think because theres been some in his family, he feels it very personally. Asked if he would side with medical experts who say it is dangerous to make the link, Mr Farage said: I wouldnt, when it comes to science, I dont side with anybody. Advertisement I dont side with anybody because science is never settled, and we should remember that. Put to him that it was irresponsible to make that link as US president, and that a large study on 2.4 million children had found no link, Mr Farage said: Thats an opinion hes got. Its not one that I necessarily share. But I mean, honestly, Ive no idea. The US president said earlier this week there has been a meteoric rise in cases of autism and he suggested Tylenol which is called paracetamol in the UK is a potential cause. He said the painkillers should not be taken during pregnancy, suggesting pregnant women should tough it out, and also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines. The presidents comments have been criticised by autism campaigners and scientists in the UK and around the world. Writing on X on Wednesday, UK health secretary Wes Streeting referred to Dr Aseem Malholtra, who suggested at a Reform conference that Covid vaccines were linked to the King Charles and Kate Middleton's cancers. Mr Streeting wrote of Mr Farage: No idea and no backbone. This is a man whose health adviser claimed at Reforms conference that the covid vaccine gave the Royal Family cancer. Anti-science, anti-reason, anti-NHS. Farage is the snake oil salesman of British politics and its time to stop buying his rubbish. President Donald J. Trump announces FDA's new guidance alerting physicians to a potential link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism. pic.twitter.com/ZjVgEAR6MX The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2025 On Tuesday, Mr Streeting urged pregnant women not to pay any attention whatsoever to the US president. He said: Ive just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None. Advertisement In fact, a major study was done back in 2024 in Sweden, involving 2.4 million children, and it did not uphold those claims. So I would just say to people watching, dont pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine. In fact, dont even take my word for it as a politician listen to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, outgoing chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in the UK, also warned of the danger posed by Mr Trumps comments. There is no evidence that taking #paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Always follow NHS guidance and report any suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme https://t.co/Zb9paqdBIa Read the full announcement - https://t.co/4DqLEYuOFf pic.twitter.com/uzOz54lAEZ MHRAgovuk (@MHRAgovuk) September 23, 2025 I am really worried that this rise of misinformation from many different parties, including the government in the United States, does undermine confidence globally, he told BBC Radio 4s World at One on Tuesday. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a statement on Tuesday confirming there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman, Helen Morgan, said: Nigel Farage wants to impose Trumps dangerous anti-science agenda here in the UK. Peddling this kind of nonsense is irresponsible and wrong. It seems Farage would rather see pregnant women suffer in pain than stand up to his idol Donald Trump. Addressing the worlds leaders, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the US and Israeli attacks for dealing a grievous blow to peace negotiations as Tehran braces for the reinstatement of sanctions in the next week, barring a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough. Hours before his speech, Irans rial currency fell to a new all-time low. Mr Pezeshkians remarks before the UN General Assembly are the first in a global forum since the 12-day Israel-Iran war over the summer that saw the assassination of many of the Islamic Republics highest military and political leaders and broke down weeks of negotiations with the United States. They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Irans sincere efforts as insufficient Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the E3 Ladies and gentlemen, you all bore witness that this past June, my country was subjected to a savage aggression and flagrant contravention of the most elementary principles of international law, said the president, who within Irans political landscape is considered a moderate politician. Mr Pezeshkian is in New York as Tehran seeks to engage in last-minute talks with European nations to stop the coming reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Advertisement But before even landing in the US, any diplomatic efforts planned by Mr Pezeshkian and Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi were overshadowed when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected any direct nuclear talks with America in a speech on Tuesday. The US has announced the results of the talks in advance, he said. The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition. France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the so-called snapback mechanism to reinstate sanctions barring a last-minute accord over Irans failure to comply with conditions of a 2015 nuclear deal aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Snapback was designed to be veto-proof at the UN. It started a 30-day window for the resumption of sanctions, which ends on Sunday, unless the West and Iran reach a diplomatic agreement. European nations have said that they would be willing to extend the deadline if Iran resumes direct negotiations with the US over its nuclear programme, allows UN nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites and accounts for the more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium that the UN watchdog says it has. Iran is the only nation in the world that enriches uranium up to 60% a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels that does not have a weapons programme. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian holds up a book while speaking during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters (Yuki Iwamura/AP) But Mr Pezeshkian used his UN speech to criticise the E3 for having operated in bad faith for years to dictate Iranian compliance with a deal that the US abandoned in 2018. They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Irans sincere efforts as insufficient, he said. Advertisement If no diplomatic deal is found this week, the sanctions will automatically snapback on Sunday. That would again freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran and penalise any development of Irans ballistic missile programme, among other measures, further squeezing the countrys reeling economy. Earlier this month, the UN nuclear watchdog and Iran signed an agreement mediated by Egypt to pave the way for resuming co-operation, including on ways of relaunching inspections of Irans nuclear facilities. However, that agreement has yet to fully take hold. In July, Mr Pezeshkian had signed a law adopted by his countrys parliament suspending all co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). That followed Israels 12-day war with Iran in June, during which Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has long insisted its programme is peaceful, though Western nations and the Vienna-based IAEA assess that Tehran had an active nuclear weapons programme until 2003. Khamenei again said on Tuesday that Iran does not seek atomic bombs. However, he added: Science will not be demolished by threats and bombing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told global leaders that the world is in the most destructive arms race in human history and urged the international community to act against Russia now, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to expand his war in Europe. In a bleak view of todays world, he told the annual high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly that weak international institutions including the United Nations have not been able to stop wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere, and international law cannot help nations survive. Weapons decide who survives, the Ukrainian leader said. There are no security guarantees except friends and weapons. Mr Zelensky spoke from the podium of the vast assembly chamber a day after he met with US President Donald Trump, who expressed support for Ukraines efforts and criticised Russia. Advertisement Mr Trump said on Tuesday that he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from the US leaders repeated calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war sparked by Mr Putins February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. Mr Zelensky did not comment on the surprise US pivot, saying only that he had a good meeting with Mr Trump and with many other strong leaders. Together, we can change a lot, he said, expressing appreciation for support from the United States and Europe and urging all UN member nations to condemn Russia while it keeps dragging this war on. If Mr Putin is not stopped now, the Ukrainian president warned the assembly that he will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper. Ukraine is only the first, and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries, he said. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters (Yuki Iwamura/AP) Mr Zelensky said neighbouring Moldova is defending itself again from Russian interference and should not be allowed to move towards dependency on Russia as Georgia and Belarus are. Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova, too, he said, stressing that the country needs funding and energy support, not just political gestures. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said, weapons and especially drones are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves. While drones previously were used by major countries, he said, Now, there are tens of thousands of people who know how to professionally kill using drones. Advertisement Recently, European airports had to shut down because of drones, Mr Zelensky said, and last week North Korea announced the test of a tactical drone which means even countries with limited resources can build dangerous weapons. We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history, because this time it includes artificial intelligence, he said. Companies are already working on drones that can shoot down other drones, and its only a matter of time not much before drones are fighting drones, attacking critical infrastructure and attacking people all by themselves fully autonomous and no human involved except the few who control AI systems. Members of the Russian delegation listen as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters (Heather Khalifa/AP) Mr Zelensky echoed UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres in calling for global rules on how AI can be used in weapons, stressing that this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Stopping Mr Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect every port and airport and every ship from drone attacks, and having to build underground schools and health centres as Ukraine has been forced to do to protect its citizens, he said. Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead, Mr Zelensky added. So we must use everything we have together to force the aggressor to stop, and only then do we have a real chance that this arms race will not end in catastrophe for all of us, the Ukrainian leader said. The Ukrainian leader said his country does not have big fat missiles dictators love to show off in parades but it is producing drones that can fly 2,000 to 3,000 kilometres which have been used against Russia. Mr Zelensky said Ukraine is building a new security architecture, and more than 30 countries are part of its coalition, and we have decided to open up for arms exports and these are powerful systems tested in a real war when every international institution failed. Advertisement BusinessBanking & financeFuture Fund The pay packets at these Aussie companies made a major investor mad Clancy Yeates September 24, 2025 3:14pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 View all comments The Future Fund has revealed it lodged protest votes over executive pay at companies including ASX Ltd, Woodside, Nine Entertainment, Mineral Resources and Star Entertainment last year as it continues to keep a close eye on pay practices across corporate Australia. However, the $252 billion fund steered clear of a few high-profile investor backlashes over executive pay in the latest financial year. It did not vote against the remuneration reports of CSL and ANZ Bank, both of which copped a first strike in which more than 25 per cent of shareholders vote against the pay packet of a companys senior executives at their latest annual meetings. Australias sovereign wealth fund has a grim view on executive pay in the country. Joe Benke The Future Fund is a taxpayer-owned pot of money that is invested in markets around the world, including in the ASX, in which it holds stakes in companies across the index. Advertisement On Wednesday, it disclosed how it voted at all 224 Australian annual shareholder meetings that it participated in last financial year, providing some insight into its views on governance issues at some of the nations biggest companies. The report shows that last year the Future Fund was a part of investor protest votes that delivered a range of well-known companies a first strike. For example, the Future Fund voted against the remuneration report at the sharemarket operator ASX Ltd (which received a 26.1 per cent vote against from investors) amid concerns about bonuses and a run of regulatory problems. Related Article Opinion Sharemarket The $2.6 trillion monopoly failing Australian investors Colin Kruger Senior business reporter It also opposed the executive pay report at Nine, owner of this masthead, in an annual meeting held last November, when more than a third of investors opposed the remuneration report. The fund also voted against the re-election of chair Catherine West (opposed by 17 per cent of investors) and against the re-election of Andrew Lancaster (opposed by 8.2 per cent of investors). Mineral Resources, where almost three-quarters of investors opposed the remuneration report last year, was another company the Future Fund protested against. The Mineral Resources meeting was held amid fallout from a tax scandal that led to managing director Chris Ellison announcing he would step down by mid-2026. Advertisement The fund voted against the executive pay scheme of struggling casino operator Star Entertainment, as did more than 40 per cent of investors, and it also opposed an equity grant and potential termination benefits to chief executive Steve McCann. The Future Fund also voted against the remuneration report of oil and gas giant Woodside a company that avoided a first strike at its latest AGM, with 15 per cent protest vote on pay. In contrast, the fund voted in favour of the remuneration report at ANZ Banks annual meeting last December, in which almost 40 per cent of investors voted against the banking giants executive pay scheme amid concerns about poor management of non-financial risk. It also supported the remuneration report at pharmaceutical giant CSL, which received a 26.4 per cent vote against after a tough year. The disclosure on Wednesday did not provide reasons for the funds individual voting decisions, but the fund says the decisions are informed by its corporate governance principles. Advertisement Former Labor politician Greg Combet is the chair of the Future Fund. Jessica Hromas The Future Fund also voted against the remuneration reports of pathology business Healius, IDP Education, jewellery chain Lovisa, building services company Johns Lyng Group, fund manager Perpetual, technology business Nuix, ship builder Austal and wealth platform Netwealth. Related Article Opinion Government debt The US is headed for a government shutdown, and thats just fine by Trump Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist The Future Fund said that overall, more than 40 companies on the ASX received a first strike during the financial year as a result of issues such as disconnects between pay and performance, inadequate disclosure, and discretionary adjustments by remuneration committees. Commenting generally on its engagement with companies during the year, the fund said: We were concerned to see some Remuneration Committees displaying a tendency to prioritise retention of key individuals particularly where this appeared to be at the expense of rigorous accountability in the face of issues or underperformance. Advertisement The fund said it voted in favour of the remuneration report in 77.8 per cent of the meetings in which it was involved, while it opposed the remuneration report 22.2 per cent of the time. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Advance turns up blockbuster silver-gold grades at new Mexican zone Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd September 24, 2025 2:43pm Save 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 Advance Metals has uncovered a juicy new silver-gold zone at its emerging Yoquivo project in Mexico, returning samples grading up to a staggering 1594 grams per tonne (g/t) silver and 20.4g/t gold. The discovery stems from regional rock chip sampling southeast of its Dolar Vein system. The company is also wrapping up a major core sampling program to boost its maiden JORC-compliant resource estimate. A historic silver-gold mining adit at Advance Metals Yoquivo project in Mexicos world-class Sierra Madre volcanic belt. The Yoquivo project sits in the historic silver-gold producing Sierra Madre Volcanic Belt in Chihuahua, Mexico. Geologists collected 21 rock chip samples from the previously unmapped area. Outside of the peak results, several samples returned promising grades of 91g/t, 69g/t and 60g/t silver equivalent. The mineralisation spans quartz veins and stockwork zones up to 4 metres wide across a 1-hectare area. Advertisement Advance says numerous historic adits across the tenement hint at a rich mining past, but no drilling has occurred to test the prospective zone. The company is flat tack to finish off mapping and sampling across the project, as it aspires to lock in new drill targets for a further resource expansion campaign. Advance says it is also scouring other quiet corners of the project for new silver-gold hits. This follows Yoquivos recent 3111m diamond drill program, which turned up extensional intercepts, including 4.87m at 544g/t silver equivalent and a thicker 40.6m zone running 105g/t silver equivalent. The hits landed outside the current foreign resource estimate of 937,000 tonnes at 570g/t silver equivalent for 17.2 million ounces. The companys dig through old drilling data resulted in it identifying 6350m of untested core in the Pertenencia area that is potentially mineralised. Advance sent 3500m of prime, untested core to the lab and says the assays are due next month. Advertisement With gold and silver running to more than $5650 and $65 per ounce, respectively, Yoquivo is looking tastier by the day. And Advance says a new geological model is shaping up, as it pushes for a maiden JORC-compliant resource. Yoquivo joins Advances broader Guadalupe y Calvo and Gavilanes Mexican project line-up, which packs a substantial 100 million ounces of silver equivalent in foreign estimates. Guadalupe y Calvo sits midway between Yoquivo and Gavilanes in the Sierra Madre belt and has nearly 86,000m of drilling for a foreign estimate of 9.5 million tonnes at 198g/t silver equivalent for 60.6 million ounces. The company is working hard to get these historic resources JORC-ready, while hunting for fresh high-grade zones. With gold and silver prices flying high, Advances precious metals timing is spot-on. As it pushes for JORC resources and ramps up exploration, the companys Mexican assets mark it as a top contender in the booming precious metals game. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Advertisement CultureTV & radioPop culture Kimmel nearly breaks down, addresses Charlie Kirk remarks in TV return Michael Idato September 24, 2025 1:57pm Save 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 Key points Jimmy Kimmel has returned to late-night television following a week-long suspension. Kimmel was emotional in his opening remarks. The talk show hosts response to Disney, to Trump, his critics and his supporters dominated most of the show. American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, suspended a week ago for controversial remarks following the death of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, walked back into his television studio today, greeted by a standing ovation and chants of Jimmy! Jimmy! Despite fears that the three-way clash between President Donald Trumps White House, conservative owned-TV stations that had threatened to boycott Kimmels show and his employer, Disney, would take months to repair, Kimmels suspension was relatively brief at just under a week. I am happy to be here with you tonight, Kimmel told his audience. I am not sure who had a weirder 48 hours, me or the CEO of Tylenol, referring to news coverage of Trumps comments that paracetamol, an over-the-counter pain medication, is responsible for autism. Kimmels return to the studio floor was emotional at times and far more candid than many had anticipated. This was no brief statement and lets get on with the show. Kimmels response to Disney, to Trump, to his critics and to his supporters dominated three-quarters of the program. Advertisement He also teared up, acknowledging the powerful example of Kirks widow, Erika Kirk, forgiving her husbands killer. And those were not performative tears: regular viewers of Kimmels show know he frequently cries, either when reacting to affecting news headlines, or when he shares difficulties in his own life. Jimmy Kimmel is back. Disney via Getty Images In many ways, Kimmels ease with sharing his emotions is a huge part of the reason his show remains popular. Directly addressing the remarks that triggered his suspension, Kimmels voice broke. It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, he said. Advertisement I dont think theres anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it. And I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions, Kimmel continued. For those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance I would have felt the same way. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone; this was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isnt. Related Article Analysis US politics More MAGA rally than funeral, Kirk farewell was ultimate blur of church and state In his opening monologue, Kimmel acknowledged the support of his fellow TV talk shows hosts, name-checking many of them, as well as Arsenio [Hall], Kathy [Griffin], Chelsea [Handler], even Jay [Leno] called, and hosts from Ireland and Germany. Can you imagine? This country has become so authoritive that Germany is offering me a job? Kimmel also thanked even my old pal Ted Cruz, acknowledging comments by the Trump-supporting senator from Texas supporting free speech and which said the Trump-controlled Federal Communications Commission threatening the ABC network was dangerous. Advertisement Thats right out of a mafioso coming into a bar going nice bar you have here, itd be a shame if something happened to it, Cruz said. Cruz also said the government attempting to ban or regulate the media will end up bad for conservatives because future Democrat-led governments could use the precedent to do the same. I dont think Ive ever said before, but Ted Cruz is right, Kimmel said. Taking aim directly at the president, Kimmel replayed a video clip of Trump from 2002, in which he said: If we dont have free speech, we dont have a free country. Kimmel also criticised Trump for saying TV networks should cancel the talk shows that criticise him. Our president celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke, he noted. And he played another archival clip, in which Trump said: Ive always been thin-skinned. Ive been thin-skinned since day one. Advertisement Though much of the show focused on Kimmels suspension, and his return and reply, normal programming was resumed, albeit briefly. Actor Glen Powell appeared to promote his new film, Chad Powers. I am sorry to have pulled you into the middle of all this, Kimmel quipped to Powell, after they embraced. I am honoured, Powell replied. I am so happy youre back. Related Article Analysis Talk shows Jimmy Kimmel may have crossed a line, but America has crossed a bigger one The Disney-owned US network ABC suspended Kimmel after he commented on the assassination of Kirk, a conservative influencer. The suspension seemed contextually problematic from the beginning: Kimmels comments were relatively mild, while more offensive remarks from liberal and conservative commentators passed by without objection. Disneys CEO Bob Iger also took heat from the studios former CEO Michael Eisner, who posted a short but stinging statement on social media: Where has all the leadership gone? Eisner added a wry postscript: This ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny. Eisners comments reflected a dramatic elevation of internal criticism over Disneys decision to cave in almost immediately to conservative pressure. The ironic footnote? The ban on airing Kimmels show from conservative-owned TV station owners Nexstar and Sinclair is still in place. Advertisement Neither Kimmels suspension, nor his return after barely a week, has changed that outcome for Disney. Those station owners control about one-quarter of the local US stations that air an ABC network feed, including the Kimmel program. At this stage, neither has said when, or if, they will return Kimmel to their schedules. Following the talk-show hosts suspension, hundreds of high-profile American celebrities signed an open letter published by the American Civil Liberties Union supporting Kimmel and saying we the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech. The letters signatories included actors Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Pedro Pascal and Ben Stiller, playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda and Kimmels talk-show competitors, including Stephen Colbert, John Oliver and Seth Meyers. Seinfeld and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus posted a statement on social media warning that if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. Actor Jason Bateman spoke on the US Today program, saying you just cant stand by and let stuff like that go on. Advertisement LifestyleFashionFashion designers Pip Edwards is taking her extra style global: New York is calling Damien Woolnough September 24, 2025 1:06pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Its the middle of New York Fashion Week and while Naomi Watts, a legion of K-Pop stars and Oprah Winfrey have been warming the seats of the front row, Pip Edwards has made the citys party scene her own. On a Saturday afternoon, as the West Village crowd indulge in the art of the long brunch, stalwart Australian stylist Edwards rolls into Bleecker Street wearing dark sunglasses, the badge of honour of another late night. We decide for the sake of authenticity that the sunglasses will stay on for the photograph. Pip Edwards at the Bond-Eye Swim pop-up store in New York. Hunter Valiant Last night was a party for the homegrown denim brand Ksubi, where she has been creative director since departing her activewear label PE Nation last year. For Edwards, partying is work, with the Ksubi event celebrating a collaboration with LA streetwear brand Alice Hollywood, before rolling into the private members club The Twenty Two and drinks at the Bowery Hotel. We are meeting the morning after at the pop-up store for Bond-Eye swimwear, where her first capsule collection and a poster of her looking ocean fresh and wide awake, is in the store window. Advertisement Pip Edwards with Patty from the Scissor Sisters at the Ksubi (the Tsubi) store opening in New York in 2005. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Its such a vibe in New York, isnt it, Edwards says, in a voice even huskier than usual. Im clocking outfits. Little tribes. The pedestrian fashion is really cool. Obviously, its all hyped up for fashion week. Its extra. The crowd across the road are clocking Edwards extra look from behind their mimosas and Tommys margaritas. A black and white Bond-Eye one-piece swimsuit, worn beneath snug black Ksubi jeans and a sheer tunic is an example of a personal brand of cool that transcends borders. She certainly has a way of wearing things, says Bond-Eye founder, Steve Philpott. So many of the pieces sold out in our Bondi store because of who she is. Theyre selling in New York because people like them. Pip has that creative energy. She met with our design team, brought in half of her wardrobe and had a vision that works. Advertisement The Bond-Eye brand also works, having launched in the US before focusing on the Australian market. Philpott says that its US customer base is bigger than in Australia, with plans for a new pop-up a few blocks away on the same New York street. Editor's pick Fashion retail The fashion secret Cate Blanchett cant keep That US positivity is rubbing off on Edwards, who first visited New York when Ksubi opened a store on Mulberry Street in 2005, during its original incarnation under founders Dan Single and George Gorrow. When I first went into my job at Ksubi I was his PA (personal assistant) and my title was Legendary Sexytary, she said in a 2017 interview. Now visiting the US, Edwards is getting the respect and recognition she has been working for, at Ksubi, Bond-Eye and the numerous brands she promotes on her social media channels. Those US visits might get longer. New York is a mecca for me, she says. New York is calling. We have the Ksubi head office in New York. The universe is saying something. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday. Advertisement NationalCourts Judge reveals ABCs penalty in Antoinette Lattouf unlawful sacking case Michaela Whitbourn Updated September 24, 2025 12:08pm ,first published September 24, 2025 10:23am Save 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 The ABC has been ordered to pay a penalty of $150,000 to Antoinette Lattouf for unlawfully terminating her Sydney radio contract after a judge found it let down the Australian public badly by capitulating to pro-Israel campaigners. The sum is in addition to $70,000 in compensation that Federal Court Justice Darryl Rangiah ordered the national broadcaster to pay Lattouf after delivering his principal decision on June 25. Antoinette Lattouf and one of her barristers, Philip Boncardo, outside the Federal Court in Sydney earlier this month. Sam Mooy Rangiah said in his penalty decision, delivered in Brisbane on Wednesday, that the ABC had chosen to surrender to the lobbyists political campaign by sacrificing Lattouf. He ordered the ABC to make the payment to Lattouf within 28 days. The ABC is seen as an important public institution at a time when trustworthy sources of news and information are increasingly hard to find, Rangiah said. Advertisement In the course of this proceeding, the ABC made much of its boards statutory duty to ensure impartiality. Related Article Courts Lattouf seeks up to $350,000 as penalty from ABC after court win However, the ABCs conduct in surrendering to the demands of the pro-Israel lobbyists ignored the equally important statutory obligation of maintaining its independence and integrity. The ABC let down the Australian public badly when it abjectly surrendered the rights of its employee to appease a lobby group. In a statement ahead of the decision, Lattouf said the ABC had spent well over $2 million of taxpayer money fighting me. Whatever the penalty, for me this was never about money its always been about accountability and the integrity of the information our public broadcaster gives us. Advertisement ABC managing director Hugh Marks said the matter was not handled in line with our values and expectations, and Ms Lattouf, our staff and the public were let down. We take the matter seriously and have reflected on the lessons learnt and their implications. We must be better. I would like to reiterate the ABCs sincere apology to Ms Lattouf and wish her all the best in the future. Lattoufs legal team had argued for a penalty of up to $350,000. The ABC submitted a penalty of up to $56,340 would be just and appropriate, based on its view that the maximum penalty available was $187,800. Rangiah said in his decision on Wednesday that the ABC was exposed to a theoretical maximum of $375,600. Advertisement He said the ABC had demonstrated limited contrition for the broader effects of its unlawful actions on Ms Lattouf, and noted it had failed to investigate the source of a leak to The Australian about her removal from radio. The ABCs capitulation in the face of political pressure means that a penalty of sufficient weight must be imposed to deter the ABC when it is confronted with similar pressures in the future, the judge said. Lattouf was removed as a fill-in host of ABC Radio Sydneys Mornings program in December 2023 after sharing a post critical of Israel from non-governmental organisation Human Rights Watch on social media with the caption: HRW reporting starvation as a tool of war. In his decision in June, Rangiah found the ABC sacked Lattouf to appease pro-Israel lobbyists because she held political opinions opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. He made a declaration that the broadcaster breached the Fair Work Act by sacking Lattouf for reasons including her political opinion and by contravening its enterprise agreement in failing to give her an opportunity to respond to allegations against her. Advertisement Rangiah found Lattouf was merely provided with advice that it would be best not to post anything controversial about the war, rather than being directed not to post on social media. He said on Wednesday that the ABC was caught between the campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists, its statutory obligation of impartiality, including the appearance of impartiality, and Ms Lattouf pouring fuel on the fire by making a social media post that was obviously going to be controversial. The ABCs response was to surrender to the lobbyists political campaign by sacrificing Ms Lattouf, he said. It did so for spurious reasons and without giving Ms Lattouf the opportunity to defend herself. The broadcaster had received complaints about Lattoufs appointment before that social media post because of her views about the war, which were not expressed on radio. Lattouf was sacked about 48 hours after the complaints started, three days into a planned five-day hosting stint. Advertisement At 8.39pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the ABCs then-chair, Ita Buttrose, had emailed the then-managing director, David Anderson: Has Antoinette been replaced. I am over getting emails about her. Lattouf was removed from the air the next day by Chris Oliver-Taylor, the ABCs then-chief content officer. Rangiah said the pressure applied to Oliver-Taylor by Buttrose and Anderson contributed to his panicked decision to sack Lattouf. However, the judge said he did not think the pair could ultimately be held responsible for that decision. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Aldi has beaten out Coles and Woolworths in a comparison for having the cheapest home-brand staples, according to testing from consumer group Choice. As part of its ongoing quarterly surveys of nationwide supermarket prices, Choices latest comparison exercise tracked the cost of a basket comprising home-brand versions of cream cheese, thickened cream, puff pastry, frozen mixed berries, tomato paste, spaghetti, tomato sauce and soy milk. Aldi has beaten out Coles and Woolworths in a comparison for having the cheapest home-brand staples, according to testing from consumer group Choice. Oscar Colman, Louie Douvis The total cost of the basket was cheapest at Aldi stores, at $20.08, followed by Coles at $21.30, Woolworths at $21.40, and IGA at $23.89, according to the survey that was conducted across 104 individual supermarkets in 27 locations across Australia in June. Choice also studied the freshness of strawberries from the four supermarkets, with surveyors assessing the state of the berries on day one and again on day five while storing them in their original punnets in a fridges crisper drawer. Coles strawberries were deemed the freshest, with 100 per cent of punnets showing no signs of decay on day one and 58 per cent showing no signs of decay by day five. In contrast, 50 per cent of punnets purchased from IGA showed no signs of decay after one day, while just 25 per cent showed no signs of decay after five days. Advertisement NationalVictoriaEducation Non-binary teacher takes Catholic school group to court over refusal to use preferred pronouns Nicole Precel September 24, 2025 3:52pm Save 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 A non-binary teacher at a Melbourne Catholic school says they will take a fight to have their preferred pronouns used in the workplace all the way to the High Court. The teachers union, which represents 75,000 educators from Australian religious schools, says the case could open the floodgates to gender and sex discrimination disputes around the country. Myka Sanders is taking the Catholic schools authority to court over the refusal to use their preferred pronouns. James Alcock Myka Sanders, a teacher at Sacred Heart Girls College in Oakleigh, asked the school two years ago to remove the title Mr and use their preferred pronouns on timetables, emails and correspondence at the school. The Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) intervened and refused the request, the Independent Education Union (IEU) said. Advertisement Sanders has lodged a dispute at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal with the backing of the union. Related Article Good Weekend Talking trans: Adolescents, gender transition and the conversations we need to have But MACS, the largest Catholic employer in the state, deployed a jurisdictional argument, claiming the state legislation that was relied on in the application to VCAT was overridden by federal law, so it could not be heard by the Victorian tribunal. The states Equal Opportunity Act protects LGBTQ+ Victorians from discrimination in religious schools, except in limited circumstances considered proportionate. The federal Labor Party promised before the last election to limit exemptions in the Sex Discrimination Act for faith-based employers that discriminate against school staff. However, the Albanese government has yet to legislate that change and the broad exemptions for religious schools remain in place. Advertisement Sanders case will be heard in October in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where a decision will be made on whether the state or federal legislation applies. In a statement of claim, Sanders wants an order to stop MACS from any more alleged contraventions of the Equal Opportunity Act and wants compensation for the hurt, humiliation, distress and anxiety they experienced as a consequence. But the union is already preparing for a bigger fight, one which could open the floodgates not just for our members across two states, but across the country for anyone employed by a faith-based organisation, according to deputy general secretary Kylie Busk. We came out of that VCAT hearing essentially looking at potentially needing to run something through to the High Court because the constitutional element is really significant. She said uncertainty around the issue of discrimination had been lingering as the federal government had not passed previously proposed legislation. Advertisement The harm this causes both to staff and to students is undeniable. Related Article Education Catholic primary schools have seen huge jumps in NAPLAN maths results Sanders said it would be easier for them to work elsewhere, but they are fighting for those who dont have that choice. I dont know how many people are willing to fight like I am, but I know many who wont or cant. Its not easy, and its not cheap. Im fighting not just for myself, but for those around me and those who come after me. Thats the point of the union, they said. Students sometimes come out to me because they dont know who else is safe [to talk to]. Im one of the visibly safe teachers because I wear pride badges, have stickers, and use they/them pronouns. Advertisement Some [students] dont feel safe coming out at home. Some want to become teachers themselves but have already said they would hide their identities if they worked here because they fear being vilified. IEU federal secretary Brad Hayes said both employees and students would continue to face discrimination in faith-based schools until federal laws were updated to provide consistent national protections. A Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools spokesperson said the organisation sought to create a supportive environment for staff, students and parents, and treated all individuals with respect and dignity. Myka Sanders remains a valued and respected member of the teaching staff at Sacred Heart Girls College, she said. As legal proceedings are under way, MACS will not make further comment at this time. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalWACourts Australian TikToker arrested after allegedly livestreaming threat to decapitate mum Rebecca Peppiatt September 24, 2025 5:00am Save 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 A popular TikToker has faced court in Perth after he allegedly threatened to decapitate his mother during a livestream in July. Turan William Salis, otherwise known as Turan Spidey on the popular social media app, was arrested after fans who saw the video sent it to his mother, University of Western Australia medical researcher Amanda Salis, who then called police out of fears for her safety. Turan Salis, aka Turan Spidey, was arrested in July after livestreaming a video where he allegedly threatened to kill his mum. TikTok The 23-year-old rose to fame in 2021 for making sheep-shearing videos on TikTok, turning the hobby into a profitable business two years later after a video he shot in Japan went viral and attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. Since then, Salis has posted regular content of himself travelling the world and Australia, with some videos commanding more than 75 million views. Advertisement But his account, which boasts almost 400,000 followers, has been quiet since July, when Salis was arrested by WA Police and charged with making threats to kill in circumstances of aggravation after a livestream during which he allegedly threatened to decapitate his mother was screen-recorded and sent to her. During the stream, which took place while Salis was riding a ferry from Elizabeth Quay to South Perth on July 14, he allegedly told viewers he was so angry at his mother and wanted to go home and beat the f--- out of her. During a bail hearing on August 12, prosecutors told Perth Magistrates Court that Salis also said he wanted to stab her and just f---ing decapitate her. The court was told Amanda Salis felt threatened and believed the accused was capable of carrying out such threats and was granted a restraining order in a separate court hearing to protect her from him. Advertisement Prosecutors told the magistrate that Salis made full admissions to making the threats to kill his mother and then in explanation said, I did it for content because Im a content creator. Salis turbulent relationship with his mother has played out over social media after the academic launched her own TikTok account in May this year under the title Turan Spideys Mum. Amanda Salis told viewers she launched her own account to connect with her son, who she said lived with autism spectrum disorder and drug addiction, but has been accused of profiting from his success. Her account has more than 40,000 followers. She has used the platform in recent months to discuss her sons arrest, the legal process he is facing, and his time in Hakea Prison. Advertisement Amanda Salis. TikTok During the August 12 hearing, magistrate Ben Tyers asked why Salis wasnt entering a plea to the charge, commenting that he was done like a dinner, then asking: Its on TikTok, isnt it? Tyers told the court he was the magistrate who granted the restraining order for Salis mother, adding: Its abhorrent what he did; to post online, live, those things about decapitating his own mother. I mean, its extraordinary that shes standing by him. Hes not going to have a defence. Salis is yet to plead to the charge and was due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday but his lawyer, Lily Thackrah, told the court he was unable to attend as he was in hospital. His matter was adjourned for four weeks. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalComedy Opinion Why Jimmy Kimmel would have never been cancelled in Australia Catharine Lumby Professor of media, author September 24, 2025 3:45pm September 24, 2025 3:45pm Save 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 104 View all comments Does anyone else jump online, read about US politics and wonder if theyve been dropped into a George Orwell novel? If only the prose were as polished and witty. In a world where politics has become auto-satirising, it seems the real satirists have become the most astute and influential observers of politics. Stephen Colberts The Late Show has not been renewed by CBS. And Disney briefly cancelled fellow satirist Jimmy Kimmels show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Their crime? Having the temerity to criticise US President Donald Trump. Cancelled and then reinstated TV host Jimmy Kimmel (left) and US President Donald Trump. AP Given the long history of US comedians poking fun at their president and the fact that the US Constitution contains that pesky First Amendment, youd be forgiven for wondering if we are all the butt of an elaborate joke. But no. Trump has, as predicted, wrested control of the levers of power from trustworthy hands and installed his apparatchiks with a speed that would make Joe Stalin envious. Enter stage, far right, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission, eager to do the presidents bidding. In the age of social media, demands to cancel people whose views do not conform to the agreed political template are proliferating on both the left and the right. Comedy, it seems, is an increasingly risky business. Advertisement So how does Australia differ from the US when it comes to tolerance for satirising our leaders? And is there something fundamentally anti-authoritarian in the Aussie sense of humour that can help bind a multicultural nation founded on stolen land? Mungo MacCallum famously referred to the late Billy McMahon as looking like a VW with both its doors open. Cartoon by Les Tanner (1982) Tony Moore and Steve Vizard, both professors at Monash University, have just interviewed 80 Australian comedians for a major research project. Moore comments that: In Australia, humour and irony have been small weapons in the armoury of the oppressed, the outcast, or those simply fed up with cultural uniformity. This fightback begins with Aboriginal people, who have long used wry and ironic humour against authorities as a form of resistance to colonisation. Moore is also the co-author of an insightful new book, Fringe To Famous, which includes a chapter which looks at how the roots of comedy in Australia have a distinctly larrikin quality delivered in a working-class accent. Australian political commentators used to feel free to have an irreverent crack at our fearless leaders. My friend David Armstrong, a storied journalist and editor, reminded me recently that the famously acerbic political commentator Mungo MacCallum once described former prime minister Billy McMahon as looking like a VW with both its doors open. McMahon certainly had noteworthy ears. Advertisement Of course, Australia also has a notoriously puritan past when it comes to censorship. James Joyces Ulysses was banned until the 1950s in Australia. I wasted months of my early teenage years trying to find the naughty bits in the library. Related Article Pop culture Kimmel nearly breaks down, addresses Charlie Kirk remarks in TV return But comedy has largely escaped the censors wrath. Looking back on the extraordinary comedy acts of my generation: Mikey Robins, Wendy Harmer, the Doug Anthony All Stars and Los Trios Ringbarkus, to name but a few, I am eternally grateful for the way they jolted my earnest young left-wing self out of self-righteousness. Thankfully, the irreverence continues. Tim Minchins brilliant political satire always restores my sanity when I find myself in despair over social media polemics. In 1974, legendary left-wing PM Gough Whitlam appeared in the film Barry McKenzie Holds His Own in a cameo as himself. Today the film would struggle to get funding because of the woke minefield it drunkenly staggers across. (Indeed, Barry Humphries, who plays Barry McKenzies aunt in the movies, was later cancelled over perceived anti-trans comments and the Melbourne Comedy Festival removed his name from a key award.) Im a feminist and I love the Barry McKenzie movies. I think they send up sexism, not endorse it. And of course, they were of their era. We all live and learn. And I think we need to be very careful about how we separate true hate speech from satirical speech. Advertisement In an era where authoritarianism is once again on the march across the political spectrum, we need, more now than ever, to question our convictions and moral certainties. And God knows, we all need a good laugh. Catharine Lumby is a professor of media at Sydney University. Her most recent book is Frank Moorhouse: A Life Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Unions alarmed by social services productivity push Matt Dennien Updated September 24, 2025 6:21pm ,first published September 24, 2025 6:05pm Save 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 The news Queenslands peak union body has raised alarm about the slippery slope of a proposed Crisafulli government productivity drive for the public sector across frontline services. Treasurer David Janetzki has indicated the next task for the governments rebooted productivity commission would be examining public service delivery including in the departments of health, education and social housing to get the best bang for buck. Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki has declined to elaborate on his comments. Matt Dennien Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King said if Janetzki had concerns with service delivery outcomes he should be questioning the ministers and bureaucrats responsible. Advertisement Queenslanders elected the LNP to govern, and its cabinet must take responsibility for delivering results, King told this masthead, urging against outsourcing accountability to the commission. Why it matters In comments reported by News Corp on Wednesday, Janetzki said 82 per cent of his $91 billion budget went to departments delivering social services such as health, education, and social housing. This was where he suggested he would ask the commission to focus its work next. But his office declined to provide further detail, other than to say more would be revealed in coming months. Queenslands key public sector union warned before the election that the LNP would look to cut jobs as it did under the Newman government, amid repeat assurances from the party this was not so. Advertisement Together union secretary Alex Scott, who was contacted for comment, even suggested to members last year that a Crisafulli government would seek to do this under the cover of the productivity commission. What they said King said Janetzkis characterisation of the overwhelming majority of budget spending revealed a disturbing contempt for the essential public services Queenslanders rely on every day. Queenslanders should be deeply wary of the treasurers mooted review, she said. Advertisement History shows that so-called independent productivity commission inquiries often pave the way for cuts and privatisation a slippery slope that will only place vital public services at risk. Shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman said the move reeks of the Newman-era public service review and both Crisafulli and Janetzki needed to rule out cuts even if recommended by the commission. Another perspective Janetzki had told The Courier Mail the rebooted commission would investigate how to improve service delivery across the bureaucracy. For me, productivity was all about making sure that we get the best bang for buck for the services that Queenslanders rely on, he said. Advertisement Related Article Queensland budget Scare campaign ends today: Public service to grow 2.24 per cent We know we need it on work sites to get built what we need built, but we also need the services being delivered as best as we possibly can. Janetzki said the government would continue making additional investments into services, with the commission asked analyse why outcomes have not lifted with spending rather than find savings. He declined to answer questions seeking further detail about the commissions proposed work which Janetzki is yet to formally request. Instead, Janetzki said in a statement the former Labor government had collected $70 billion more revenue than forecast in its final three years but outcomes worsened across health, housing and crime. Advertisement Advertisement Updated TechnologyTelecommunications Optus CEO to keep job as human error blamed for Triple Zero failure David Swan Updated September 24, 2025 2:30pm ,first published September 24, 2025 5:00am Save 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 67 View all comments Optus chief executive Stephen Rue says human error by staff at home and abroad was responsible for the catastrophic Triple Zero failure that cost at least three lives. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Rue said emergency calls were not diverted away from the core part of the network in what he described as a process breakdown. He said the network engineers were based across Australia and Chennai, India. The first step in the process was not followed, Rue said. Optus CEO Stephen Rue updates media on the companys response to its emergency communications failures on Wednesday. Sitthixay Ditthavong We have successfully completed similar upgrades in the past, and it should be reiterated that the issue occurred because this time there was a deviation from established processes. Advertisement The independent review will investigate the series of events that took place here and determine why all Triple Zero calls could not divert correctly. To be very clear: Optus is accountable for the operations of its network. Rue added that Optus was appropriately staffed and that jobs cuts had no influence on the network outage. This is not about lack of staff. What has occurred here is a standard process thats not been followed, Rue said. He was also asked if he was considering stepping down as a result of the incident, after calls from the federal opposition and the Communications Workers Union for his resignation. Advertisement This is not about me lives have been lost, he replied. The comments came as Optus Singapore-based owner, Singtel, said it was backing Rue to stay on as chief executive of the telco and rejected claims that it was not investing enough in Optus, saying it had poured $9.3 billion into the telco over the past five years. Optus also said on Wednesday that it had appointed corporate veteran Kerry Schott to lead an independent inquiry. Schott was a director on NBN Cos board when Rue was the chief executive of the company, but Rue maintained the review would be truly independent. The company on Wednesday was also ordered by the Federal Court to pay a $100 million penalty an amount it had previously agreed with the consumer watchdog for unconscionable conduct including selling handsets to people with intellectual disabilities and suffering financial hardship. Optus is bracing for a wave of customer losses and long-lasting reputational damage after the Triple Zero failure, with industry insiders warning the telcos credibility has been shredded and its governance structures exposed. Advertisement Optus lost between 250,000 to 300,000 mobile customers in the aftermath of its nationwide outage in November 2023, according to analyst estimates, with Telstra and TPG gaining customer share in the immediate aftermath. Optus chief executive Stephen Rue holds a press conference about the Triple Zero call failures. Sydney Morning Herald The telcos churn rates the industry term for departing customers remained elevated for several months, and executives can probably expect a similar outcome this time round. The companys mobile market share stands at about 24 per cent, trailing well behind Telstras 57 per cent and ahead of TPGs 13 per cent. Veteran telecommunications analyst Mark Gregory said some Optus customers in the states and territories hardest hit by the latest outage South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory were already pledging to abandon the company as soon as their contracts expired. The negative media related to this will make people think twice about using Optus, Gregory said. Those areas have always been Telstra heartlands, and Optus and Vodafone had been working to build market share. This type of event will really reverse that trend for a period of time. Advertisement Social media sentiment around the latest scandal has been overwhelmingly negative, with some users even suggesting Optus name should be stripped from Optus Stadium in Perth. The pain will probably extend beyond direct Optus customers. Angus Kidman, a tech expert at Finder, warned that Optus must also reassure the smaller telcos which lease access to its network, including the likes of AGL, Coles Mobile and Dodo. Related Article Opinion Telecommunications Where is Gladys Berejiklian in the Optus drama? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Optus has more of these partnerships than any other network, but its woes provide an opening for Vodafone in particular to target some of those brands, Kidman said. That will be an interesting one to watch. Kidman added that switching carriers has never been easier. Mobile services are easy to switch, and Australians are increasingly happy to do so, he said. Our latest research shows 17 per cent of Australians have switched their mobile plan in the last six months I wouldnt be surprised if that trends further upwards. Advertisement It points to a grim outlook for Australias second-largest carrier, whose brand was only beginning to recover after the previous nationwide blackout, which itself came after Optus suffered Australias worst cyberattack. Those incidents not only triggered the resignation of former chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, but led to a mass customer exodus and long-lasting brand damage. Now her successor, Stephen Rue, is under siege after previously vowing such a failure would never happen again. Former Optus chief executive Kelly Bayer Rosmarin during a Senate hearing on November 17, 2023. She resigned three days later. Alex Ellinghausen Gregory believes Rues position is untenable given his public comments. Rue has faced growing calls to resign from the federal opposition and the Communication Workers Union, among others. He guaranteed this wouldnt happen, and by his own words, he shouldnt be there now, Gregory said. Advertisement But governance expert Helen Bird, from Swinburne University, argues that focusing solely on the chief executive risks letting Optus off too easily. Knocking off the CEO isnt going to do what people want it to do, Bird said. It just gives the impression something has been done when nothing has really changed. We should be calling Optus to account for its actions, which is a much harder thing to do but also more important. Bird said the deeper issue lies in Optus ownership and governance. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapores Singtel, key decisions around resourcing and risk management are often determined offshore. While Optus has added more independent directors and under Rues leadership, now has a local board she said there was still an absence of responsibility on the ground in Australia. Peter Roberts, a communications expert at UNSW, also cautions against seeing Rues removal as a fix. He argues Optus struggles stem as much from poor communication as technical failure. Advertisement Optus chief executive Stephen Rue has faced calls to resign. Flavio Brancaleone Rues removal may assuage some of the media frenzy, but ultimately the recent issues have been compounded by tardy communications, Roberts said. Related Article Opinion Optus There will be more outages like Optus as tech runs the world Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist This is probably down to the fact that the organisational paymasters are not here in Australia; they are in Singapore. And while theres not a huge time difference between us, you tend to be immune to the criticism when you are a little away from the fire. Optus now faces an arduous path in trying to hold on to as many of its customers as possible, and restoring trust with those who do remain. Bird said that will require true transparency about what went wrong, a clear timetable for fixes, and a commitment to exceeding minimum requirements. Advertisement Its not enough to be just a regular private company when youre running an essential service, she said. Telstra has had outages too, but it handled them better. This is about resources, disclosure, and proper governance. Optus hasnt shown Australians it can deliver that, and until it does, trust will remain broken. Loading The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaViolence Gunman wrote ANTI-ICE on bullet in deadly attack on US immigration office Jamie Stengle Updated September 25, 2025 6:37am ,first published September 25, 2025 4:45am Save 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 Dallas: A shooter with a rifle opened fire from a nearby roof onto a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement location in Dallas on Wednesday, killing a detainee and critically wounding two others before taking his own life, authorities said. The suspect has been identified by a law enforcement official as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn. The official could not publicly disclose details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Investigators on the roof of a building near the scene of a shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday. AP The exact motivation for the attack was not immediately known. The head of the FBI, Kash Patel, released a photo on social media that shows an unused bullet found at the scene containing the words ANTI-ICE written in what appears to be marker. After two deaths were initially reported, Homeland Security later revised the death toll, saying one detainee had been killed and two wounded. The detainees who survived are in critical condition at a hospital, DHS said. No ICE agents were injured. Advertisement The attack is the latest public targeted killing in the US and comes two weeks after conservative leader Charlie Kirk was killed by a rifle-wielding shooter on a roof. The shooter fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, including at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot, the Department of Homeland Security said in a release about the Dallas shooting. View post on X The FBI said during the news conference that it was investigating the shooting as an act of targeted violence. Little other information was given out at the news conference. Officers responded to a call to assist an officer on North Stemmons Freeway around 6.40am Wednesday, local time, and determined that someone opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building, Dallas police spokesperson Officer Jonathen E. Maner said in an email. Advertisement Edwin Cardona, an immigrant from Venezuela, said he was entering the ICE building with his son for an appointment about 6.20am when he heard gunshots. An agent gathered people who were inside the building, took them to a more secure area and explained that there was an active shooter in the area, Cardona said. I was afraid for my family because my family was outside. I felt terrible because I thought something could happen to them. Thank God no, Cardona said. Cardona said his family was brought into the building, and they were later reunited. Advertisement The ICE facility is along Interstate 35 East, just southwest of Dallas Love Field, a large commercial airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, and blocks from hotels catering to travellers. Law enforcement gather at a staging area close to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office after the shooting. AP Shortly after the shooting and before officials said at least one victim was a detainee, US Vice President JD Vance posted on X that the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. Republican Senator for Texas Ted Cruz continued in that direction, calling for an end to politically motivated violence. To every politician who is using rhetoric demonising ICE and demonising CPB: stop, Cruz told reporters, referencing Customs and Border Protection. Advertisement The Reverend Ashley Anne Sipe, who prays outside the Dallas ICE facility every Monday, called the shooting heartbreaking. The body of the shooting suspect is placed in the medical examiners van. AP Violence doesnt heal anything, Sipe, a pastor in Lewisville near Dallas, told AP. Sipe and other local faith leaders who have decried deportations hold weekly vigils and serve as moral witnesses. They pray and observe for about three hours, watching as immigrants enter the building to meet with advisers and to report for check-ins. Over the past couple of months, Sipe said she has noticed that people who walk into the building are shuttled away on buses. Advertisement Theyre taking them away, and we dont know where theyre taking them, Sipe said. Related Article Trump's America For Erika Kirk, a husbands life cut short by violence he seemed to foresee Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted a recent uptick in targeting of ICE agents. Attackers dressed in black military-style clothing opened fire on July 4 outside the Prairieland Detention Centre in Alvarado, south-west of Dallas, federal prosecutors said. One police officer was injured. At least 11 people have been charged in connection with the attack. Days later, a man with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents leaving a US Border Patrol facility in McAllen on July 7. The man, identified as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, injured a police officer who responded to the scene before authorities shot and killed him. Police later found other weaponry, ammunition and backpacks inside Mosquedas car. Advertisement In suburban Chicago, federal authorities erected a fence around an immigration processing centre after tensions recently flared with protesters. US President Donald Trumps administration has stepped up immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Ahead of the latest immigration operation, federal officials boarded up windows at the centre. Sixteen people have been arrested outside the centre, according to federal authorities who characterised the activists as rioters. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Violence USA UBs BioSCape project receives NASA award, will be subject of doc at Buffalo film festival A cameraman films two researchers in a green valley. Otto Whitehead, co-director of "The Spectrum of Life," films the BioSCape team conducting field work in South Africas Greater Cape Floristic Region. The documentary will premiere at the Buffalo International Film Festival Oct. 10. Photo: BioScape I look forward to the next few years as more results are published and we can start using that information to better understand and conserve our vital ecosystems around the world. Adam Wilson, associate professor of geography University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences BUFFALO, N.Y. BioSCape, a multinational research project co-led by the University at Buffalo that monitored Earths biodiversity from the air, has received a Group Achievement Award as part of the 2024-25 NASA Honor Awards. The honor is given to NASA-funded groups that contribute substantially to the agencys mission, with the BioSCape team credited for outstanding achievements in advancing the understanding of ecosystem structure, function, and composition and their change over time. BioSCape was NASAs first-ever biodiversity-focused campaign, using a combination of aircraft equipped with remote sensing technology and field work to collect data about South Africas Greater Cape Floristic Region, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The 283 people named on this award represent a wide range of contributions, including students who spent time in the field collecting data, engineers who built the instruments, pilots who spent weeks flying the research lines, professors who designed study components, postdocs who analyzed the observations, and data scientists who processed and archived everything, says BioSCapes co-principal investigator Adam Wilson, PhD, associate professor of geography in the UB College of Arts and Sciences. This award is a wonderful milestone that honors the dedication and persistence of everyone involved. Co-led by Erin Hestir of the University of California, Merced, and Jasper Slingsby of the University of Cape Town, the BioSCape team conducted their research throughout 2023. Two people stand together on the airstair of a plane on a runway. Adam Wilson (right), UB associate professor of geography, and the narrator of the documentary, Zolani Mahola, also known as the One Who Sings, stand by one of the aircrafts used in the project. Photo: BioScape Two NASA aircraft and one South African aircraft flew missions over the cape to collect ultraviolet, visual, thermal and other images, which can provide insights about everything from the surface temperatures of the sea to the amount of nitrogen in a forest canopy. Meanwhile, scientists gathered additional data on the ground, like recording bird and insect calls and extracting environmental DNA from water samples. The team is now synthesizing its data and using it to write studies. Since the beginning of the project, the team has published over 40 studies and scientific presentations in various journals. Their airborne data is publicly available online on the NASA website. I look forward to the next few years as more results are published and we can start using that information to better understand and conserve our vital ecosystems around the world, Wilson says. In addition, the hope is that BioSCape has laid the foundation for monitoring biodiversity from even higher up that is, from space. Some of the tools used in the project are being employed by NASA to study other planets and stars outside our solar system. By gathering this kind of data from a plane, we learn more about how we could do the same thing from satellites, Wilson says. A low angle looking up at a cameraman filming a scene in a green landscape. Co-director Jeremy Shelton films footage for "The Spectrum of Life" during BioScape field work. Photo: BioScape Documentary puts project into broader context BioSCape is also the subject of a new documentary, The Spectrum of Life, which will premiere at the 2025 Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) next month. The 36-minute film was directed by the founders of Fishwater Films, South African ecologists and filmmakers Otto Whitehead and Jeremy Shelton, who accompanied the BioSCape team on the ground and in the air as they conducted their research. Movie poster of Spectrum of Life. "The Spectrum of Life" is a documentary short film about the BioSCape team's research. Photo: BioScape Otto and Jeremy synthesized our complex science into a compelling narrative. They crafted a much larger and more captivating story about how this project resonates with the human experience and global efforts to understand our place in the universe, Wilson says. The film really puts BioSCape in the broader context of the human experience and our connection to the fabric of life. Wilson and Whitehead will be in attendance at the premiere, which will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, at Nork Park Theatre in Buffalo. It will be screened as part of BIFF Shorts: Climate Stories + Earth Works, which features films about how we value, measure, monitor and conserve ecosystems around the world; as well as what's at stake on a cultural and personal level. This is the perfect venue. It places our scientific work in a broader cultural context, alongside other powerful stories about conservation and ecological knowledge, Wilson said. Plus, having the premiere in Buffalo is especially meaningful. We are excited to engage with the local community and share the global importance of the BioSCape project right here at home. 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Supporting their efforts strengthens Canadas role as a global leader in clean technologies and fosters a sustainable and competitive economy. Strategic regional investments empower local innovators to turn bold ideas into real-world benefits for all Canadians. The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and Innovate BC are investing a combined total of $1.5 million in funding for 11 companies in B.C. that are piloting innovative clean technologies to support the development of a greener B.C. and foster growth in the provinces cleantech sector. This funding is provided through the BC Fast Pilot program, a joint initiative between NRC IRAP and Innovate BC. The BC Fast Pilot program helps SMEs design, build and operate their technology at pilot scale and in real-world conditions. The program allows B.C. technology companies to show the impact of their product, measure the value of their solution and encourage customer adoption. For customers, the program offers a way to minimize some of the risks that traditional industries encounter when adopting new technologies. China pledges 2,000 more livelihood projects in developing countries in 5 years -- Chinese premier Xinhua) 08:18, September 24, 2025 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Tuesday that China will launch another 2,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in developing countries over the next five years. Li made the remarks at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative held by China on the sidelines of the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) AN electrician who used his pass card to enter a business to steal copper wiring was last week convicted and fined in Carlow District Court. Keith McNabb pleaded guilty to the burglary of Central Engineering Ltd, OBrien Road, Carlow on 19 September last year. Sergeant James Kearney told the court that Mr McNabb (53) used a pass card to enter the premises on a number of occasions and that he stole 150 worth of copper wiring. Solicitor Alex Rafter said that his client had seen it as an opportunity to make a few bucks and that he was deeply ashamed of what hed done. He added that Mr McNabb of Castlelyon Green, Rathcoole, Dublin had no previous convictions, had never been in trouble before and that he did not want a blot on his copy book. Recognisances were fixed when Judge Geraldine Carthy convicted and fined Mr McNabb 650. FINE Gael will hold its fourth small business and enterprise conference at SETU in Carlow this coming Saturday, 27 September. Fine Gael ministers Peter Burke, Paschal Donohoe and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will attend to engage with business owners and employers to hear what they require to ensure continued growth and development. Fine Gael has always supported and recognised the valuable role that SMEs play in the Irish economy, said Catherine Callaghan TD. Throughout difficult periods, including Brexit, Covid and US tariffs, Fine Gael in government has worked closely with the sector to ensure their continued success both here at home and abroad. The Fine Gael Womens Network will also meet on Saturday at SETU. The network has a significant impact in shaping policy and the future of politics in Ireland, both at a local and national level, said deputy Callaghan. Members of the network are committed to achieving gender equality and to motivating and supporting young women to participate in politics and encourage those who wish to take leadership roles within the party. Among the events taking place at the conference is a panel on business supports which will include Mr Donohoe and local business owner Nicola Doyle, of Barrow Brew, based in Milford. Minister for health Ms Carroll MacNeill will participate in a discussion on innovation and healthcare. This is the fourth year Fine Gael has held a small business conference ahead of the budget, while it is a first for the womens network, with previous similar events proving extremely popular with the business community, members of the party and the public. Gardai in Kilkenny are continuing to investigate the escape of a male detainee from Kilkenny Garda Station, where he was being held as part of ongoing criminal investigations. The man, who was arrested on 18 September, escaped from custody on the evening of Monday 22 September 2025. He was last seen on Emmet Street, Kilkenny, shortly after 8pm. As part of the investigation, a number of searches have been carried out, including at several residential properties and lands in County Kilkenny. One adult male (aged in his 40s) was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting an unlawful escape from custody and was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in the eastern region. He has since been released pending a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Gardai are appealing to the public for their assistance while investigators are also liaising with other national and regional agencies to support efforts in locating and arresting the suspect. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the incident room at Kilkenny Garda Station on 056 777 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. By Jonathan McCambridge and David Young, PA Police in Northern Ireland unlawfully used covert powers to attempt to uncover eight journalists sources, the author of a review has said. The McCullough Review into surveillance practices in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) found that attempts were made on 21 occasions to identify reporters sources prior to 2015. The review also raised significant concerns about the PSNI conducting trawls of its own communications systems records in an untargeted wholesale attempt to identify unauthorised contact between PSNI personnel and journalists. Amnesty International has said the report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists. However, the covert surveillance of journalists and lawyers by police was not widespread or systemic, the review concluded. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he welcomed the review and was committed to ensuring the force does better in the future. Angus McCullough KC was commissioned by the PSNI to examine the issue after a tribunal last year ruled an undercover police operation to try to unmask the journalistic sources of two award-winning documentary makers was unlawful. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher commissioned the review (Liam McBurney/PA) The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) quashed a decision made by former PSNI chief constable Sir George Hamilton to approve a directed surveillance authorisation (DSA) in an investigation into the leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a documentary on a Troubles massacre made by Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey. The review, published on Wednesday, investigated covert measures used by police between January 2011 and November 2024. The barrister said he had been given full access to PSNI records, systems and personnel. The review examined PSNI applications for the use of Communications Data (CD), which it said does not involve access to the content of communications, but instead shows which numbers were in contact with each other and for how long. Angus McCullough KC speaking during a press conference at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Mr McCullough said: The report identifies some specific cases in which I consider the covert measures are likely to have been authorised unlawfully. He said the applications appear to have been made with the purpose of identifying a journalists source. He said this included Mr McCaffrey and seven other journalists. He said all the journalists, apart from one who had died, had been informed. The report said in total 378 CD applications had been made relating to journalists in the time-frame, which included applications relating to bomb hoax or warning calls or situations were journalists had been the victim of crime. Turning to the legal profession, Mr McCullough said he had found a single application for CD involving more than one lawyer which he regarded inadequate to a degree that I doubt the legality of the authorisation in that case. The review also examined the practice of cross-checking journalists phone numbers against PSNI communication systems records, referred to as washing through. I have found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic Angus McCullough KC It said this included the use of a list of more than 380 journalists contact numbers. It said: The scale of this practice, the duration over which it was carried out, and the apparent lack of any questioning as to the necessity or proportionality of a technique that seems to have been almost entirely ineffective in its aim of identifying inappropriate contact between PSNI officers and staff and journalists is troubling. I am relieved to find that the practice has been discontinued, having not been used since March 2023, and formally ended in May 2024. Mr McCullough said: I have found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. He added: Whilst, there is scope for improvement in PSNIs practices in various identified respects, and some specific incidents where there has been what I consider to be a failure to comply with the relevant legal provisions, I can find no basis for any suggestion that the powers available to PSNI are being routinely abused in relation to journalists, lawyers or others of special status as identified in the terms of reference. The review also said that in the course of its investigations it had uncovered a significant number of digital files held by the PSNI which appeared to consist of data from devices seized from Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney in 2018, and that their detention seemed to be a breach of orders made by the IPT. The review found surveillance had been used against Donal MacIntyre (PA) It also said investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre, who is examining the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe in 2020, had been the subject of a DSA. However, it said this related to public posts on his X account and said there was no indication private communication between the journalist and Noahs mother had been accessed by police. Mr McCulllough said: I have considerable concerns about the processes adopted in that case. The report said it had found direct surveillance had been used in relation to one other journalist and twice against a lawyer. The review also dealt with reports that eight journalists in Northern Ireland had had their names run through a standalone intelligence system in 2017. Journalists Barry McCaffrey (left) and Trevor Birney outside the Royal Courts of Justice, in London, last year. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA. During the McCaffrey/Birney IPT hearings it was suggested by a lawyer that they had been targeted by the PSNI as troublemaker journalists. The report said it did not believe any of the eight individuals was a practising journalist at the time. The review makes 16 recommendations, including commissioning a supplementary report and the PSNI bringing together all the units responsible for the authorisation process for all forms of covert surveillance. Responding to the report, Mr Boutcher said: The report does not identify any issues of misconduct by individual officers. What it does identify is individual authorisations where we as a police service could have done better and I am committed to ensuring we do in the future. The review rightfully highlights that we have to improve our processes, and we will Jon Boutcher, PSNI Chief Constable He added: I am pleased to learn that the review has found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. The review rightfully highlights that we have to improve our processes, and we will. I am aware of commentary calling for a public inquiry into these matters but this report shows that no such inquiry is necessary. Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International UK, said: This report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists, with the PSNI showing clear disregard for press freedom and the rule of law. The scale of the wrongdoing is alarming, from repeated attempts to identify reporters sources to covert operations concealed from oversight bodies. But questions remain. How far has MI5 gone in unlawfully monitoring journalists in Northern Ireland? A free press simply cannot function under the shadow of state surveillance. That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to set up a full public inquiry. Only full disclosure can restore trust and safeguard the rights of journalists in Northern Ireland. Issues around police surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland have attracted increasing scrutiny since the 2018 arrests of Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a police watchdog document that appeared in a documentary they made on the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in Loughinisland, Co Down. CREWS from two Laois fire stations rushed to the scene after a tractor plunged into a canal. The tractor rolled into the Grand Canal in the Vicarstown area, shortly before 7pm on Monday evening. Laois County Fire and Rescue Service reported today that a boat from Stradbally and an environmental protection unit from Portlaoise were used in the recovery operation. Fortunately, there were no injuries and the tractor was hauled out without causing toxic leaks in the canal water. It has not been confirmed whether a driver was in the tractor cab at the time of the incident. The fire service said on social media today: Our crews responded to an incident where a tractor had gone into the Grand Canal last night. Thankfully, there were no injuries. The boat from Stradbally Fire Station was used, along with the environmental protection unit from Portlaoise Fire Station, to place oil booms in case of any fuel or oil leaks. Fortunately, no leaks occurred. Crews also assisted getting the lifting lines onto the tractor for recovery. After a lengthy operation, the tractor was safely removed onto the grass verge beside the canal and crews from both stations were stood down. Advertisement Microsoft is investing in green cement manufacturer Fortera through its Climate Innovation Fund, aiming to accelerate the use of low-carbon building materials across its data centres. The deal gives Microsoft access to Forteras ReAct low-carbon cement and environmental attribute certificates (EACs). We are making long-term investments that will help us achieve our 2030 carbon negative goals, said Brandon Middaugh, general manager of sustainability markets and the Climate Innovation Fund at Microsoft. Corporate investment can help jumpstart and scale nascent markets like low-carbon cement. Forteras approach stood out for its potential to deliver deep emissions reductions, competitive costs, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Forteras ReCarb technology produces cement with up to 70 per cent fewer CO 2 emissions than ordinary portland cement (OPC) while maintaining performance and cost parity. Its process integrates with existing cement plants, enabling scalability without major infrastructure changes. Ryan Gilliam, CEO of Fortera, welcomed the collaboration: Microsoft has been a catalyst in overcoming market barriers to decarbonization across industries. Their investment underscores the impact of our full-scale ReCarb plant on the low-carbon building materials sector. The partnership also brings Erik Urosa, Microsofts group manager of impact investments, onto Forteras board as an observer. This move builds on Forteras recent milestones, including its flagship ReCarb Plant in Redding, California, partnerships with industry leaders like Graymont, and successful deployments in real-world construction projects. Richard McClure Rogers, 63, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Richard was smart, intelligent, funny and loved to debate politics. He loved to laugh, play video games (especially with his daughter and friends) and he loved making music. Richard could pick up just about any instrument and play it, he was also in a local band called Next Exit. He will be greatly missed. Left behind to cherish his memory are his parents, Myron and Mary Ernestine Rogers; daughter, Emmalea Rogers; siblings, Kim Baker and Debra Hill (Troy); nephews, Joshua Hill (Erica) and Jeremy Hill (Maycee); great niece and nephew, Roxie and Henry Hill; best friend, Al Pack and cat, Sophie. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation-Chattanooga at: www.kidneyfoundation.com Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343. The history of the Cumberland Plateau and particularly in the areas near Monteagle, Tn., have been filled with truths and rumors of infamous characters such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, John Wilkes Booth, as either residing or visiting the adjacent communities. However, publicity has also been given to the talents of authors such as Alan Tate, Andrew Lytle, and contemporary historian Jon Meacham. Another American novelist, journalist, poet, screenwriter, and film critic also had connections to the mountainous region between Chattanooga and Nashville. Although Hugh James Agee was born in Knoxville, Tn., on Nov. 27, 1909, in the Fort Sanders neighborhood he lived with his mother on the periphery of the University of the South (Sewanee) campus for eight years after his father was killed in an automobile accident when Agee was six years old. His mother, Laura Tyler Agee, owned a summer cottage two miles from Sewanee and Agee attended grammar school at St. Andrews School for Mountain Boys of the Episcopal Church in 1918. At St. Andrews Agee developed a lifelong friendship with Episcopal priest Father James Harold Flye who taught history at the school. For eight years and throughout his life Agee corresponded with Father Flye on literary matters as well as many other topics as Agee wrestled with alcoholism throughout his short life. Although it has not been well publicized Agee was also devoted to music and would travel on his bicycle to Sewanee to take piano lessons from the wife of French professor, John Nottingham Ware. Father Flye in 1971 related to Sewanee historian Arthur Ben Chitty that Agee would have become a composer as he enjoyed playing classical music during his lifetime. Agees mother would remarry St. Andrews School bursar, Father Earskine Wright in 1924. After attending Knoxville High School in 1924-1985 he would continue his education at Phillips Exeter Academy and would eventually get into Harvard University despite having barely passing grades as a member of the class of 1932. Agees life was complicated by an addiction to alcohol that contributed to his premature death. During his screenwriting career he was given credit for his work in The African Queen (1951), starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, and The Night of the Hunter (1955) featuring Robert Mitchum. It was not until his death that he gained substantial public recognition. A Death in A Family, (based on the facts surrounding his fathers death) was published post humorously in 1958 and was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. In spite of a modest initial career as a writer Agees reputation has grown over the years with his involvement with silent screen actors, Harold Floyd and Buster Keaton. He is given credit by many authorities for resurrecting their silent comedy careers when sound came to motion pictures. He also contributed significantly to the success of Charlie Chaplain as a comedian. In the 1940s Agee became one of the most influential film critics in America prior to his death in 1955 from a heart attack. ---- If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com) A Calhoun, Ga., man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Tuesday for attempting to kill his girlfriend. Terry Lee Chamlee, 68, of 135 Dawn Dr., Calhoun, was sentenced by Conasauga Superior Court Judge Bert Poston to the maximum sentence allowed under the law. Chamlee pled guilty to attempted murder after stabbing his girlfriend multiple times inside Roses department store in Dalton. Prosecutors said last Oct. 24, Chamlee drove to Lowes on Cleveland Highway, where he purchased a knife used in the assault. He was captured on video purchasing the knife and later crossing Cleveland Highway as he walked to Roses. Once inside, he went to the back of the store and repeatedly stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene. Numerous customers and coworkers rushed to assist the victim, who ran to the front of the store. Witnesses provided accounts to the Dalton Police Department, stating that Chamlee fled into the nearby Kroger on Cleveland Highway. There, surveillance footage showed him changing his appearance by removing clothing. In the parking lot, off-duty Dalton Police Officer Jesus Cruz confronted Chamlee at gunpoint and attempted to take him into custody. Additional officers responded, but before they could apprehend him, Chamlee stabbed himself. During sentencing, two witnesses from the victims family testified before Judge Poston, and the victim submitted a written letter that was read in court. District Attorney Benjamin Kenemer also presented Chamlees prior domestic violence conviction as an aggravating factor. Chamlee was previously convicted of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and other offenses from a 1985 shooting of a previous romantic partner, DA Kenemer said. His previous case was in Gordon County, where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. That prior victim had the courage to face him once again as she spoke to Judge Poston about what Chamlee did to her so many years ago. A family member of the prior victim also addressed the court. DA Kenemer did not have a recommendation in the case and only presented the evidence in aggravation to Judge Poston. Under Georgia law, because Chamlee had a prior felony conviction, he was required to receive the maximum sentence of 30 years. Judge Poston had to determine whether any portion of that sentence would be under probation. Judge Poston decided that the citizens of our state would be better served by knowing that Chamlee, a repeat domestic violence offender, will spend the rest of his life behind bars, DA Kenemer said. Lee University has once again been ranked among the best universities in the South by the 2026 U.S. News and World Reports Best Colleges Report. This year Lee was awarded #31 within the top 50 Best Regional Universities South category, which includes both public and private universities. This continued recognition from U.S. News is a reflection of the enduring mission and momentum of Lee University, said Dr. Phil Cook, president of Lee University. Our goal is not simply to achieve rankings, but to create an environment where students are equipped for lives of purpose and service. Its encouraging to see national acknowledgment of the work our campus community does every day to invest in the growth and potential of our students. In addition to the main ranking, Lee reappears in the Best Value Schools specialty ranking at #12 and earned #14 for Best Colleges for Veterans. The Best Value Schools were determined by the ratio of schools quality to price, the percentage of need-based students who received scholarships and grants, and the percentage of the school costs, such as room and board, fees, and books that were covered by the average need-based scholarship or grant. Best Colleges for Veterans highlights the top-ranked schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. This is determined by the enrollment of, and benefits for, veterans and active-duty service members at institutions certified for the GI Bill and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. I am proud to see Lee Universitys continued recognition in U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings, said Elizabeth Pace, director of undergraduate admissions. These achievements reflect our commitment to academic excellence and affordability. U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at Americas colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information of the institutions and data on factors such as outcome measures including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings. Founded in 1933, U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders, and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting communities and individual lives. A multifaceted digital media company, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice, and U.S. News Live events. For more information and a full list of the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges. Many years ago, a former Chattanoogan, Dr. Jack McConnell, helped develop the pain reliever Tylenol and gave his career in pharmaceutical research its own seamless boost. It is a story that has been widely celebrated among local achievements and came after he earlier had to fight his own health problems from another chronic ailment that was in search of treatment. Tylenol has been in the news this week after the Donald Trump administration suggested a link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism and ADHD in children and advised pregnant women to avoid the medication. It also announced plans to update its label for the drug. Many leading medical and prenatal organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, have pushed back. They have re-emphasized their findings that acetaminophen the key ingredient in Tylenol -- is the safest and most effective option for fever and pain relief during pregnancy. The Tylenol brand was introduced in the U.S. in 1955 by the family-owned McNeil Laboratories in Pennsylvania, first as a product to reduce fever in children. The name came from shortening the drugs chemical name, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol. It became available over the counter in 1960, one year after Johnson & Johnson bought McNeil. Dr. McConnells obituary after his death in the Hilton Head, S.C., area in 2018 said that while with McNeil Laboratories, he directed the development of Tylenol tablets. It was one of several noted achievements for this man whose early life began in Chattanooga as one of eight children born to the Rev. E. Luther and Martha Jane McConnell. His father was a Methodist minister, who served what is now Hixson United Methodist Church. Other local churches he served included Forrest Avenue in North Chattanooga and McFarland Memorial in Rossville. While in Chattanooga as a child in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Jack McConnell attended Normal Park Elementary for five years before the family moved to Virginia. Jacks brother was Dr. Sam McConnell, who became well known in Chattanooga as the Hamilton County schools superintendent. His obituary said that after he graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, Tn., he enlisted in the Navy, which sent him to the University of Virginia. He later attended medical school at the University of Mississippi before finishing his medical degree work at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis in 1949. He then went on to internship work and pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, but after later suffering two bouts with tuberculosis, he decided to go into research, his obituary said. He then worked at Lederle Laboratories in New York, where he met his wife, Mary Ellen Rhodes. Also while there, he co-invented the tine test used for the detection of tuberculosis and worked in the early stages of the development of the polio vaccine. Dr. McConnell then joined McNeil Laboratories and later moved to the headquarters of Johnson & Johnson as corporate director for advanced technology. His obituary said he traveled the world in this position searching for new healthcare products and technology. His prolific career also included directing the program for the first commercial MRI system in the U.S. while with Johnson & Johnson and helping U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici from New Mexico write a bill authorizing the Human Genome Project. He and his wife later moved from New Jersey to Hilton Head, S.C., where he started the Volunteers in Medicine program. One of the couples sons, Page McConnell, is a longtime keyboardist and vocalist for the well-known music group, Phish. The last surviving sibling in his family, he suffered Alzheimers Disease in his later years before his death at age 93, his obituary said. He had his own health problems, but, through praised research and following accepted testing protocols, he tried to help prevent others from suffering. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net Chattanooga attorney Lee Davis argued on Tuesday before a three-judge panel of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals that former EMT Justin Whaley should get a full new trial in the wrong-way traffic death of James Brumlow. Attorney Caroline Weldon, representing the state, said Whaley's nine-year prison sentence should stand. Whaley is currently serving the sentence as his appeals continue. Attorney Davis noted that Judge Boyd Patterson had allowed a new trial on vehicular homicide and DUI counts, but not on reckless homicide and other traffic offenses. The attorney said there should be a new trial on all counts. He said Whaley's defense team did not learn until after the trial that there had been an ongoing investigation of Officer Jeremy Wright, the arresting officer, for untruthfulness. Attorney Davis said two Soddy Daisy officers who testified against Wright were fired the same day. He said, "Soddy Daisy needs to understand that you can't try to hide the truth and then fire the officers when they are subpoenaed to testify." Attorney Davis said the state should not have been allowed to use a blood draw from Whaley because it was taken four hours after the wreck that occurred at the foot of Highway 111 on July 2, 2018. Attorney Davis said Whaley had missed his turn, then got on Highway 111 going the wrong way. He said that is a confusing intersection and a grassy area looks like a median. Ms. Weldon said Whaley had consumed six different bourbons with a friend on Bakewell Mountain from around 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with each pour about an inch high. She said there was "an horrific crash" after Whaley drove from his friend's house around 5 a.m., and she said there are usually not immediate blood draws in such situations. She said most of the officers at the scene knew Whaley from working with him. Whaley has been in jail since late October of 2023 when he was convicted by a jury. He is eligible for parole consideration after serving 30 percent of the term. The panel includes Judges Jill Ayers, Matthew Wilson and J. Ross Dyer. The link to the court hearing in Knoxville is here. In a surprise classroom visit, Tyroneshia Jordan, a Pre-K teacher at Childrens Academy for Education and Learning, was honored as one of only 10 statewide recipients of the annual Tennessee Early Educator Awards. The statewide awards program, launched by Tennesseans for Quality Education, honors outstanding early childhood educators for their impact on the lives of Tennessees youngest learners. The Chattanooga educator was surprised during class on Wednesday, celebrating the moment with their colleagues and students. Jordan and the other award winners will each receive a $1,000 cash prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to Nashville, and a shopping spree at Lakeshore Learning to celebrate their contributions to early education in the state. "These 10 honorees represent the excellence, commitment, and care that make early learning possible, said Blair Taylor, CEO of TQEE. Now in our second year, it is truly a privilege to present these awards and give well-deserved recognition to the extraordinary educators who help shape Tennessees future from the very beginning. The Tennessee Early Educator Awards highlight the importance of early childhood care and education professionals who work with children from birth through third grade. Of the 10 educators selected for the award, five are recognized for their work in birth through preschool programs, and five for teaching in kindergarten through third grade. Backed by a range of sponsors, including Lakeshore Learning, Ballad Health, Hyde Family Foundation, Niswonger Foundation, Nancy and Harold Dishner, the Boyd Foundation, and Crisp Communications, these awards provide well-deserved recognition to the early education profession and underscore the critical role of high-quality early learning to Tennessees education outcomes. With 12,800 participants and 400 exhibitors, ILMAC Basel 2025 came to an outstanding close after three days. The trade fair reaffirmed its role as Switzerlands leading platform for chemistry and life sciences, creating new momentum with innovation, knowledge transfer, and networking. The trade fair set new standards and impressively demonstrated how an established industry event can successfully evolve through fresh, innovative formats and position itself with a strong focus on the future. Strong Participation and High Interest This years Ilmac demonstrated strong participation and broad resonance. A total of 400 renowned exhibitors presented their latest products, services, and developments along the entire value chain. The strong interest from international trade visitors from Europe, Asia, U. S. A., and the Middle East in highlights such as the Startup Area, the new Future of Life Sciences Area, the inspiring Talks Corner, the Women in Life Sciences initiative, and the well-established Pharma Logistics Days impressively demonstrated how Ilmac brings key future topics into focus and makes them visible. Formats such as the Speakers Corner, the Coffee Talks Corner, and Job Connect further strengthened the fairs role as a unique meeting point for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and the promotion of young talent. International top speakers from academia, industry, and startups shared their expertise and provided fascinating insights into current developments and future trends. With over 150 high-quality presentations and pitches, Ilmac offered thematic diversity that delivered both inspiration and concrete solutions for the life sciences community. This years edition has impressively confirmed: Ilmac is far more than a trade fair it is the indispensable platform driving progress in the chemistry and life sciences sector. Looking ahead to future editions, it will continue to expand its role as a driver of innovation and a key initiator of dialogue, actively shaping the future of the industry. Women in Focus With the premiere of Women in Life Sciences, Ilmac sent a strong message in support of diversity and equal opportunities. Held on September 17, the format offered an exclusive program and a networking apero reception that was enthusiastically embraced by all participants. Women in Life Sciences at Ilmac was more than a networking eventit delivered an important signal for the future of the industry, helping to close the gender health gap and empower women for leadership positions. Especially now that diversity and equal opportunities are recognized as key drivers of innovation, the event demonstrated the power that emerges when women share their experiences, build networks, and generate new momentum together, said Karin Sartorius-Bruschweiler of Aleris Partners GmbH. Future of Life Sciences Draws Strong Interest With the launch of the new Future of Life Sciences Area, Ilmac Basel 2025 sent a strong message regarding the industrys future. The stage featured key topics such as digitalization in research, AI-supported diagnostics, innovative therapies, and sustainable production. The format attracted strong interest from visitors, speakers, and exhibitors alike and has the potential to become a permanent feature of the program. The debut of the Future of Life Sciences Area at Ilmac Basel 2025 clearly demonstrated the need for life sciences stakeholders to actively engage with emerging trends and technologies. This forward-looking mindset empowers the industry to anticipate disruptions, adapt with agility, and co-create solutions that address the complex challenges of our timewhile opening up new opportunities together, said Frank Kumli of The Futuring Alliance. Anniversary Party and Partner Network Another highlight of Ilmac Basel 2025 was the anniversary party at Bambusnest, where the fair celebrated its 66th anniversary. In a summery and relaxed atmosphere, industry experts and decision-makers came together to network, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The success of the fair was made possible largely thanks to the support of numerous partners. Special mention goes to Anton Paar (Ticketing Partner), Roche, Siemens, Waldner, Artidis, and SwissCCS (Highlight Partners), Bruker (Sustainability Partner), Apin (Networking Partner), as well as Mettler Toledo and IGZ (Official Partners). For Women in Life Sciences, special thanks go to Luminance and Women on Stage. The organizers also extend their gratitude to the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS) for co-organizing the Ilmac Conference. Outlook: Ilmac 2026 in Lausanne Ilmac Basel 2027 to Follow Following the successful conclusion of this years event, the organizers are looking ahead with confidence. In a time of constant change, Ilmac 2025 has impressively demonstrated how important genuine personal exchange is for orientation and innovation in the life sciences and chemistry industries. For 2026 in Lausanne, we aim to carry this spirit forward and make the fair an even stronger interactive space for future ideasright in the heart of Romandy, said Celine Futterknecht, Exhibition Director at Ilmac. (Second from the left) Dominican President Luis Abinader, who led a worship service at the National Palace for Bible Day, is holding a Bible and is accompanied by government officials and Christian leaders on September 18, 2025. | Screenshot: YouTube/ CDN 37 The Dominican Republic's National Palace hosted a special worship service in honor of the Bible, presided over by President Luis Abinader. Vice President Raquel Pena, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, and key leaders of the Christian community were among those who attended the event honoring National Bible Day. The commemoration, established by law for Sept. 27, was brought forward to September 18 due to the president's participation in the U.N. General Assembly. During the meeting, Milciades Franjul, liaison of the Executive Branch with the churches, highlighted the importance of the Scriptures for the leadership of the country. The challenges they face as a nation, whether economic, social or cultural, are real, but more real is the power of God's Word to guide us toward solutions of peace, prosperity and unity, the official said. The event, which included the reading of biblical passages and hymns, also served as a platform for a call for reflection. The meeting reaffirmed the link between the Dominican government and faith communities, recognizing their role in promoting values and national unity. The celebration concluded with an exhortation that the Bible inspire civic practices based on justice, mercy and solidarity. Dominican Pastor Victor Tiburcio, of the Breath of Life Church located in Queens, New York, emphasized that in a world of uncertainty, the Bible is the only source of certainty and the most powerful tool against the fears that afflict society. Tiburcio added, The three fears for which the Word of the Lord is the most effective weapon: fear of the past, which is depression; fear of the present, which is stress; and fear of the future, which is anxiety. Home News 2 dead, 2 wounded after shooting at Dallas ICE facility Shooter also killed by 'self-inflicted gunshot wound,' DHS secretary says Updated at 12:05 p.m. EDT, Sept 24, 2025 Two people are dead Wednesday after a shooter opened fire on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas. Officers responded to a call around 6:40 a.m. CDT in the 8100 block of North Stemmons Freeway, where investigators say a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building, according to a Dallas Police Department spokesperson. Two people were transported to the hospital in unknown condition with gunshot wounds, while one victim died at the scene, police said. The suspect is also dead, according to officials. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting occurred at a Dallas ICE field office. "There was a shooting this morning at the Dallas [ICE] Field Office," Noem said in a statement on X. "Details are still emerging but we can confirm there were multiple injuries and fatalities. The shooter is deceased by a self-inflicted gunshot wound." Authorities later identified the gunman as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, who investigators say had ammunition casing with messages that were anti-ICE in nature. Jahn is believed to have shot at the ICE office from the roof of an adjacent immigration attorneys office. He died by suicide before he was apprehended, according to officials. While a motive was not yet known, ICE officers, Noem said, are facing unprecedented violence against them. It must stop. Please pray for the victims and their families," she added. While authorities confirmed no law enforcement personnel were injured in the shooting, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott referred to the shooting as an assassination and offered investigators assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard. In an X post Wednesday morning, Abbott wrote: This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassins motive. Before Wednesdays media briefing, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called on the city and the nation to pray for the families of the victims. Let me just start off by saying that Im a person who believes very, very strongly in the power of prayer and that prayer changes things, said Johnson. So I will ask everyone, please join me in praying for the families of the folks who lost their lives today. Pray for the speedy recovery for those who are hurt or injured in what happened today. But maybe even more to the point, we are a country and a city that needs prayer. The shooting marks the second attack this year on an ICE facility in Texas. Six women were charged Tuesday in connection with a July 4 shooting at the ICE Prairieland Detention Center. Prosecutors say four of the defendants wore military-style clothing and body armor when they shot fireworks at the detention facility. Home News Catholic bishops oppose cardinal's plan to honor pro-abortion Democrat with Lifetime Achievement Award A Roman Catholic cardinal facing criticism over his intention to honor a pro-abortion lawmaker is defending his decision despite warnings that giving the senator a Lifetime Achievement Award would cause grave scandal. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is slated to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his support of immigrants at the upcoming Keep Hope Alive Benefit hosted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicagos Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity Immigration Ministry. The event, scheduled to take place on Nov. 3, will be hosted by Cardinal Blase Cupich. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, Durbins home diocese, condemned Cupichs decision to honor Durbin in light of the lawmakers pro-abortion voting record. In a statement to the Catholic publication The Pillar published Friday, Paprocki warned that Given Senator Durbins long and consistent record of supporting legal abortion including opposing legislation to protect children who survive failed abortions this decision risks causing grave scandal, confusing the faithful about the [Catholic] Churchs unequivocal teaching on the sanctity of human life. Honoring a public figure who has actively worked to expand and entrench the right to end innocent human life in the womb undermines the very concept of human dignity and solidarity that the award purports to uphold, Paprocki added. Paprocki also pointed to Durbins reception of the award as being at odds with the Archdiocese of Chicagos policy stating that Any Catholic entity subject to the authority of the Archbishop of Chicago, and any boards/fundraising committees affiliated with them shall not give awards or honors or host presentations, speaking opportunities or appearances by individuals or organizations whose public position is in opposition to the fundamental moral principles of the Catholic Church. I urge Cardinal Cupich to reconsider this action for the sake of clarity, unity and fidelity to the gospel of life, Paprocki said. Archbishop Salvadore Cordileone of the Archdiocese of San Francisco echoed Paprockis concerns in an X post Sunday: Bishop Paprocki is correct that both clarity and unity are at risk. I hope this will be a clarion call to all members of the Body of Christ to speak out to make clear the grave evil that is the taking of innocent human life. Cupich released a statement Monday in response to the backlash over the archdioceses plans to honor Durbin. Noting that Durbin has purchased property in Chicago and now considers the archdiocese his home diocese, Cupich contended that his actions are consistent with instructions laid out by the Catholic Churchs Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith urging bishops to reach out to and engage in dialogue with Catholic politicians within their jurisdictions as a means of understanding the nature of their positions and their comprehension of Catholic teaching. At the heart of the consistent ethic of life is the recognition that Catholic teaching and life and dignity cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion, Cupich asserted. The annual celebration of immigrants, Keep Hope Alive, will recognize all the critically important contributions Senator Durbin has taken to advance Catholic social teaching in the areas of immigration, the care of the poor, Laudato Si, and world peace. According to Cupich, The recognition of his defense of immigrants at this moment, when they are subjected to terror and harm, is not something to be regretted, but a reflection that the Lord stands profoundly with both immigrants who are in danger and those who work to protect them. Cupichs remarks indicate that he has no plans to reconsider giving Durbin the award. Durbin, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1997 and is retiring at the end of the 119th Congress next year, has a score of 0% on the National Right to Life Congressional Scorecard for the 118th Congress, which demonstrates a pro-abortion voting record. Durbin has been prohibited from receiving communion in the Diocese of Springfield since 2004. The Roman Catholic Churchs Code of Canon Law states that those persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion. In a 2004 letter to church leaders, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, wrote when a persons formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws,) his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Churchs teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist. When these precautionary measures have not had their effect , and the person in question, with obstinate persistence, still presents himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it, Ratzinger added. Home News Televangelist David Taylor allegedly urged followers to hurt themselves, police Televangelist David E. Taylor, who was arrested by federal authorities on multiple charges connected to a forced labor and money laundering conspiracy last month, allegedly encouraged his followers to hurt themselves and the police. The allegations were made by prosecutors in a new court filing in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division last Friday, according to a Local 4 report. Taylors ministry, Joshua Media Ministries International, which also runs the Kingdom of God Global Church, reportedly ran call centers that solicited donations every day in Michigan and other states, including Florida, Texas and Missouri. His followers were allegedly forced to work at the call centers as Taylors armor bearers. The new court filing alleges that Taylor brought up the Michigan Attorney Generals Office in conversation with his followers and warned them about how they should respond if federal authorities entered the ministrys operation. God will kill officials, Taylor reportedly told his call center workers. Like I told you the other day, they gonna be in here with their FBI jackets on. ... You dont scare me. Gods gonna ... get you. And I am going to make sure he do, too. I am going to make sure I speed it up, Taylor allegedly said. Im going to be looking at you in Hell and you are going to be having your little FBI jacket on, he continued. Who gonna save you then? The American government is not going to save you. They cannot save you. Not from this government I serve. You think they are protecting you, who is going to protect you after you leave here? They are not going to protect you. Not in my realm, not in the realm that I govern. I have been given power by the only one who counts. We will watch you burn and the flesh melt off of your bones. The new allegations against Taylor came in a request by prosecutors asking the court to keep his alleged accomplice, 56-year-old Michelle Brannon, detained until her trial. Brannon served as the executive director of the 53-year-old Taylors ministry prior to her arrest. The court granted the request to keep her detained until her trial. Prosecutors argued that there is a serious risk that Brannon would flee and try to intimidate the victims if given bail. They also noted that there is no condition or combination of conditions of release that will reasonably assure her appearance, the integrity of this proceeding, or the safety of any person or the community. They argued that Brannon is loyal to Taylor and his teachings in which he encouraged the call center workers to hurt themselves and anyone else, including police, when and if his organization is confronted by law enforcement. This [is] probably prophetic. God having [sic] me say this to you [name omitted of a member], but Im just telling you, Taylor told his workers. I think Im probably gonna hire some security or something too. But I am just telling you, you kill them on contact if they come in here with that foolishness, you understand? They need to die. They come in with an AKA or those guns, these n---- be carrying in Houston, and they come in trying to shoot up. Listen, do not hesitate! Home News Manhunt underway after Democratic lawmaker assassinated, another shot in act of targeted political violence' A Democratic state legislator and her husband were fatally shot in their Minnesota home early Saturday in what authorities called a politically motivated assassination. Another Democratic lawmaker and his wife were also shot and injured in a separate attack, prompting an intensive manhunt for the suspect. Authorities identified the gunman as Vance Boelter, 57, who is accused of killing former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park residence before attacking State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in Champlin, about 9 miles away. Boelter was impersonating a police officer and is believed to have fired at responding officers during his escape, according to The Associated Press. A photo released by authorities shows Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat, captured on surveillance footage in Minneapolis shortly after the shootings. Investigators said they recovered a ballistic vest and a rubber mask believed to have been used in the attacks. A federal law enforcement official said a search of the suspects car yielded a manifesto and a list of about 70 potential targets, including public officials, health care providers and Planned Parenthood clinics, some located outside Minnesota, The New York Times reported. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz called the shootings an act of targeted political violence. He said law enforcement was actively contacting those named on the target list. Boelter, who remains at large, served on a state workforce development board alongside Hoffman and is listed as director of security patrols at a private Minnesota-based company. The firms website notes that its vehicles resemble those used by police departments across the country. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelters arrest and conviction. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said video footage had been secured, though details about a possible motive were not disclosed. Officials said flyers bearing the phrase No Kings and writings referencing the victims were found in the suspects car. Melissa Hortman, 53, had served as speaker of the Minnesota House for six years before stepping down earlier this year. During her tenure, she played a key role in advancing legislation to protect abortion, as well as marijuana legalization and paid medical leave. Her husband, Mark, was not a public official. Senator Hoffman, a fourth-term legislator representing Champlin, chairs the Senates Human Services Committee. He and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times in their home. Both underwent surgery and remained hospitalized Saturday night. Hoffman was struck six times and his wife five times, their nephew, Mat Ollig, said in a Facebook post. Ollig also wrote that Yvette Hoffman had shielded her adult daughter during the attack by throwing herself on top of her. Yvette, a former radio host known professionally as Kelly Foxx in the 1980s and 90s, later became known for her advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities, particularly her daughter, who was born with spina bifida. Julie Blaha, Minnesotas state auditor and a former teacher, recalled how Yvette and her husband became strong supporters of LGBT ideology during a legal case involving the Anoka-Hennepin School District in 2011. At the time, the district faced federal scrutiny over its handling of discrimination complaints and was placed under a 2012 consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. The attacks on the Minnesota lawmakers occurred as protests against President Donald Trumps military deployments were taking place in cities across the country to stave off violent protests. Some demonstrations were canceled in Minnesota due to safety concerns after the shootings. The killings prompted bipartisan condemnation. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., called the shootings an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy. Trump, 79, attended a parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the Armys 250th anniversary and his own birthday. He said, Such horrific violence will not be tolerated, as reported by the NY Times. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., spoke at a Democratic gathering in Wisconsin where he urged Americans to resist the rhetoric of division. Home News Gloria Estefan on the power of prayer, play and the ageless spirit of 'Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie' (exclusive) When eight-time Grammy Award-winning songstress Gloria Estefan reflects on the power of prayer, she does so not as an abstract concept but as a lived reality. After the bus accident in 1990 that left her with a broken back and an uncertain future, she recalled feeling something she had never experienced before: the sensation of being carried by the prayers of others. I could feel peoples prayers like I was connected to an energy source, Estefan, now 68, told The Christian Post. I channeled those prayers into my body. It helped me heal. And it wasnt until I experienced that that I really understood how much power we have collectively to create the world were living in, to put positive things into the world. To this very day, I do pray a lot. My fans are very connected that way, and its about praying for good for someone else. Its all about putting love and positivity into the world, she added. Thats what keeps me young. Thats what keeps me grounded. That spiritual conviction continues to shape Estefans work, including her latest turn as Grandma Gigi in Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie, a family-friendly, feature-length expansion of the beloved preschool series. For Estefan, who grew up Catholic, taking part in a family film marked a way to contribute something empowering, uplifting and optimistic into the cultural landscape. Since its debut in 2021, Gabbys Dollhouse has become one of Netflixs most-watched childrens series, sparking a franchise of toys, books, live shows and even theme park attractions. Now, DreamWorks Animation is bringing the phenomenon to theaters with Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie, directed by Ryan Crego ("Arlo the Alligator Boy"). The live-action/animation hybrid follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her grandmother Gigi (Estefan) on a road trip to Cat Francisco, where they discover that Gabbys beloved dollhouse has fallen into the hands of Vera (Kristen Wiig), a quirky cat enthusiast. The story blends playful imagination with cinematic spectacle, scaling up the shows central themes of creativity, resilience and childlike wonder. For Kraner, who has voiced and embodied Gabby since the shows inception, the transition to the big screen felt natural. I wouldnt be the same person I am today without Gabby, she said. Her positivity, her resilience, her growth mindset, shes someone kids can look up to. What I loved about the movie is that we see Gabby in moments of uncertainty, and this time its her grandma who becomes that voice of reason. Its really special to see that generational relationship come to life. One of the films central messages is that childlike wonder should not fade with age, a theme both Estefan, a grandmother herself, and Kraner said they take to heart. I firmly believe that our spirits are ageless, Estefan said. Creativity has kept me connected to that magic; writing songs, working on a musical with my daughter, playing with my grandson. My grandmother was the same way; she kept the magic alive in the kitchen, making food that was like art. Theres no reason to let that sense of wonder go by the wayside. We have to hold onto the idea that all possibilities exist for our entire lives. Kraner echoed that sentiment, noting that her job as an actress is rooted in play. Thats my whole thing, to play pretend, but make it real, she said. Kids do that so naturally. I still do it all the time. I play mermaids with my sister at the beach, or hide-and-seek with my dogs. I dont think theres an age limit on having fun. Why would we ever give that up? Estefans participation in Gabbys Dollhouse coincided with major personal and professional milestones. This year, she marked 50 years since she first joined the Miami Sound Machine and celebrated the release of Raices, her first Spanish-language album in 18 years, which has already produced two No. 1 singles. Even in a landmark year, she said, she told CP she remains committed to balance, prioritizing her family life ahead of her career. My family has always been number one, Estefan said. Ive been lucky to bring them along with me in my work, but there comes a moment where you have to decide whats most important. The movie actually filmed during the only month I had free all year. I thought, do I really want to take this on? But the message was so important, and the chance to reach a new audience while celebrating the grandmothergrandchild relationship, that made it an easy yes. Those values, she added, are rooted in her faith. If Im going to contribute something to the world, I want it to uplift people, she said. The power of prayer and the power of music are what carried me through my hardest moments. Thats what I want to give back. Kraner, who began playing Gabby when she was still a teenager, also weighed in on the responsibility that comes with being a role model for young viewers, particularly girls navigating the pressures of comparison and social media. However hard it may seem, focus on what makes you feel confident and happy, she said. You never know what someone else is going through, so dont measure yourself against them. Spend time with people who make you feel like your best self, your family, your real friends. Thats when youll feel most secure in your identity. Estefan, who raised her own children before the era of smartphones, said social media and the constant influx of information present both a challenge and opportunity for todays families. I told my grandson, Baby, youre either living your life or reading about someone else living theirs. Theres no option, you have to live your life, she said. So many things online arent even real. Focus on doing things, not just scrolling about them. Beyond its playful songs and colorful characters, Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie emphasizes the importance of being fully present with children. Some of my favorite memories of my mom were when she would just get on the floor and play with us, Estefan said. In todays world, parents are working so hard, and sometimes both have to work. But whatever time you do spend with your child, be there 100 percent. One hour of quality time is worth more than seven hours in the same room doing separate things. Kraner said she hopes the film will remind audiences, children and adults alike, of the beauty of childlike wonder and that imagination is not a stage to grow out of. Kids dont have any problem creating whole worlds out of nothing, she said. We want this movie to remind people that you dont have to lose that just because youre older. The spark, the magic, the inner child, its always within you. Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie hits theaters on Sept. 26. Home News Joe Rogan compares enforcing Ten Commandments to Sharia law 'Taking the Lord's name in vain, people do that all the time' Rogan says, but admits the Decalogue is 'pretty legit' As a Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools faces an uncertain legal future, podcaster Joe Rogan says he has a problem with one of those commandments in particular. In a Sept. 16 episode of the "Joe Rogan Experience" with actor Matthew McConaughey, Rogan took aim at Texas' Senate Bill 10, which requires public school classrooms to display the Decalogue, but was blocked by a temporary injunction last month. Ranging in topics from adolescent confusion to nurturing personal integrity in a chaotic world, the conversation turned to the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 20. McConaughey said he couldnt think of a better moral target for children to aim for. "With all of that exterior stimulus and here we are with adult minds and even talking about it, man, imagine a child, he said. "Does anyone have a better suggestion than the Ten Commandments to get a child's mind going, 'Ooh, just those 10 things, if I look at that and aim that direction, I feel like I can't go wrong.'" The conversation then turned to SB 10, which drew criticism from Rogan, whose podcast is based in Austin, regarding displays of the Ten Commandments in public schools. "If I was going to put it in a school where there are non-religious people, theres a bunch of stuff in there like, 'not taking the Lord's name in vain,' 'not having any other gods before me,' where that would give people pause," he said, referring to the first and third commandments. They'd be like, Wait a minute, what are you telling me? I can't take the Lord's name in vain? Like saying g------it is like taking the Lord's name in vain, people do that all the time. McConaughey compared taking the Lords name in vain with the burning of the American flag, a practice many believe should be illegal and that President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order against. It's similar to, on a national level, the flag burning thing that would be like taking [the] Lord's name in vain, McConaughey said. Burning the flag would be like taking the flag's name in vain, right? Imagine that, replied Rogan. Imagine you get arrested for taking the Lord's name in vain, right? He compared the enforcement of what he called Christian law to the implementation of Sharia law, which is the body of religious law that forms the Islamic tradition. "And if you put something like that in, like now, what are you going to do? [Are] you going to enforce Christian law? What if someone enforces Sharia law? There's a lot of talk of that," he added. McConaughey, who was reportedly raised in a Baptist home, suggested an interfaith solution of allowing all faith traditions to bring your best 10 and decide which values to represent. What if we get with the Hindus and the Muslims and everybody, and you got to bring your best 10, he said. Christianity is bringing its Ten Commandments. Let's get together here and we'll put them all together. He continued, "Hell, we'll mix some of yours, my number eight will be number nine because yours is going to be number eight, and we're going to put them up there and it's going to be a creed, a little constitution to get our day started. After calling the proposal interesting, Rogan suggested such a plan would ultimately fail because, he said, most religions are ideologically opposed to conflicting religions, they don't want to accept that these other religions are correct about anything, and named Judaism and Christianity specifically. They share a bunch of things, but they disagree on Jesus and rising from the dead. In another part of the interview, however, Rogan appeared to acknowledge the enduring timelessness of the Ten Commandments, asking, Are there any in there that dont hold up today? No, I think theyre pretty legit." If you think about it, they're pretty legit and they're 2,000 years old, he added. They kind of nailed it. Despite previously identifying as an atheist, Rogan revealed in June that hes been going to a Christian church, describing it as a very nice place where people are trying to become better. Its actually very nice, Rogan said when asked about his experience at church. Theyre all just trying to be better people. Its a good vibe. Home News Minnesota shooting suspect went to homes of other lawmakers, kept notebook with officials' addresses Former pastor and Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Luther Boelter made it to the homes of other lawmakers on the night he murdered Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, in addition to injuring Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. The 57-year-old suspect will face federal charges, which include stalking an elected official and shooting at two officials. Authorities took Boelter into custody on Sunday following a manhunt that lasted 36 hours. During a Monday news conference, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said that Boelter "planned his attack carefully" by researching his intended victims and their families through the internet and by conducting surveillance of their homes. After wounding the Hoffmans, Boelter made his way to the home of another state representative in Maple Grove. The lawmaker, however, was on vacation and not home at the time, according to Thompson. Boelter reportedly went to the home of a state senator in New Hope, but he left after the police arrived. A police officer came to conduct a wellness check on the senator's house in New Hope following the shooting at the Hoffmans' residence, according to Thompson. "When the New Hope officer arrived at the scene, she saw Boelter's black SUV parked down the block with the lights on," the acting U.S. attorney said. "The New Hope police officer believed that Boelter was a police officer who had been dispatched to the scene to check on the status of the state senator." "The New Hope police officer pulled up next to Boelter in his car and rolled down her window and attempted to speak with him, but Boelter did not respond," Thompson said. "According to the officer, he just sat there and stared straight ahead, so the New Hope police officer who had been dispatched to the scene proceeded to the state senator's home, and she waited for other law enforcement." By the time other law enforcement officers arrived, Boelter had already fled the scene, according to Thompson. While the acting U.S. attorney and the FBI did not identify the other lawmakers Boelter allegedly targeted, Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, said in a Monday statement that she had learned the suspect had been parked near her home on Saturday morning. "I am so grateful for the heroic work of the New Hope Police Department and its officers. Their quick action saved my life," Rest stated. The Minnesota senator praised the authorities for apprehending the suspect, but she also expressed sadness over the deaths of Hortman and her husband, Mark, and she offered up a prayer on behalf of John and Yvette Hoffman. In a Monday U.S. Department of Justice statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said that Boelter had a list of potential victims he planned to target. "This type of violence is unacceptable, and the FBI stands united with our law enforcement partners to find and hold accountable anyone who commits such despicable acts," Patel said. "I commend all the law enforcement officers who worked throughout the weekend to find the defendant and take him into custody." Court documents show Boelter is accused of equipping himself with firearms and body armor and then driving to the Hoffmans' house, where he repeatedly knocked on the door and claimed to be a police officer. The Hoffmans attempted to close the door after seeing that Boelter was wearing a face mask, but the suspect reportedly shot the senator and his wife. After failing to make contact with other lawmakers he allegedly planned to target, Boelter moved on to the home of Rep. Hortman and her husband, where he fatally shot the pair. Boelter abandoned his SUV and initially fled the scene on foot, and law enforcement on the scene conducted a search of the suspect's vehicle, according to the DOJ. Law enforcement officers discovered five firearms, ammunition and notebooks containing the names of dozens of Minnesota state and federal elected officials. Several notebooks that the officers recovered from the SUV also contained the officials' addresses. "This was a horrific act of targeted violence," Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office said. "A gunman, impersonating a police officer, deliberately lured public servants to their own doorstep and opened fire. A Minnesota lawmaker and her spouse were murdered in cold blood, and others wounded, simply for serving as elected officials." "This is not only unacceptable it is an attack on the democratic values that define this nation. This marked the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history, and it would not have been possible without the extraordinary partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," the special agent added. "The tireless coordination and commitment ensured Boelter was located and taken into custody without further incident," Winston Sr. continued. "The FBI remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the communities they served." Home News Public school employee accused of stealing $10K from SC church A public school employee has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $10,000 from a South Carolina church. Jennifer Dixon-Hooks was arrested on Tuesday and charged with Breach of Trust Greater Than $10,000 for the alleged theft of funds from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Darlington County. According to a statement from the Darlington County Sheriffs Office, a local magistrate issued Dixon-Hooks a $25,000 bond and ordered her not to contact church trustees. In addition to the sheriffs office, the incident is being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole. More charges could follow. According to authorities, Dixon-Hooks committed the theft on or between the dates of Jan. 1, 2022, and July 19, with her allegedly taking church funds for personal gain valuing over $10,000 without the churchs authorization or consent. Dixon-Hooks had been an employee of the Darlington County School District and a longtime resident of the county, according to ABC News affiliate WPDE. Pleasant Grove Baptist Pastor Eugene Thomas spoke to the court, explaining that Dixon-Hooks and her family were still welcome to attend worship, noting that the congregation has a very forgiving heart. This has truly been a trying time for us, said Thomas, according to WPDE. We are divided over this. We tried to handle this in-house. But we could not. We could not on July 19. We voted then to turn it over to the authorities and let them handle it. In July, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church experienced a severe fire that required multiple fire trucks to respond and effectively destroyed the building, reported WBTV. While an unnamed source told WPDE earlier this month that the church fire was likely an arson, Darlington County Sheriff's Office stated that the investigation is still ongoing. We have not received any information to indicate this incident as being classified as arson. This incident is classified as undetermined, and the investigation is still open and ongoing, stated the sheriffs office. The sheriffs office statement about Dixon-Hooks arrest did not comment on whether the two incidents are linked. Home News Texas AG warns UNT after student allegedly harassed for her religious beliefs after Charlie Kirk assassination University announces 'thorough review' in response to viral video Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is looking into whether the University of North Texas (UNT) potentially violated state law after a student was allegedly harassed for her religious beliefs following her denouncement of the celebration of Charlie Kirk's assassination. In a Sept. 19 letter sent to University President Harrison Keller and Dean of Students Laura Smith on Friday, Paxton detailed allegations that on the day of Kirks killing, Mary-Catherine Hallmark faced hostility for expressing her faith-based stance against celebrating violence. Hallmark chronicled the incident on social media, including a viral TikTok video showing a classmate displaying a video of Kirks assassination while others cheered and expressed support for the act. In the Sept. 10 video, Hallmark challenged her classmates, who were seen celebrating Kirks death earlier that day. Why are we cheering for someone getting shot? No matter what political beliefs are, we should not be cheering that someone got shot, she is heard saying in the video. He has a family. The next day, UNT shared a statement on Kirks tragic death and condemned recent actions of a few of our community members, but did not specifically refer to Hallmarks video. Paxtons letter claims the professor failed to intervene and instead asked Hallmark to leave the classroom, effectively punishing her for her beliefs. Just one week later, on Sept. 18, Hallmark shared another video of an incident involving a student grabbing flyers from a TPUSA setup outside a UNT campus library. The video shows the unidentified student ripping up the TPUSA materials, which said, "Always love America," and throwing them on the ground before telling the group, Go f yourselves and burn in Hell. Following the incident, the TPUSA chapter filed a police report. In an audio recording of a meeting between Hallmark and UNT police posted Sept. 17, Hallmark told police she faced threats and harassment directed at her via the anonymous social media app Yik Yak, including posts targeting her by name, attacking her religious and political beliefs, and wishing harm upon her. Some of the messages Hallmark shared with police referred to Kirk as a white supremacist, while others used curse words to describe how they viewed Gods response to Hallmark, including one that said, I hope you know that God is ashamed of you. In light of the events, Paxtons letter which claims Kirk was assassinated for his courageous defense of truth, patriotism, and Christian beliefs warned UNT that the video shared by Hallmark demonstrates that there may be numerous violations of university policy, ranging from Student Conduct to Employee impartiality. Calling Hallmarks allegations concerning, Paxton added, For too long, schools across the country have ignored complaints of misconduct against left-wing students. This lack of disciplinary action has reinforced a principle that such conduct is appropriate and, in turn, has contributed to radicalizing individuals to engage in reprehensible actions." Texans must be reassured that their children are not being subjected to such indoctrination, he added. In a statement issued Sept. 20, Keller announced a thorough review of recent actions by a few of our community members, adding, We take these and all allegations of misconduct by students or faculty very seriously. We expect UNT students and community members to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values and policies of the university. A rally recognizing Hallmark and organized by the Denton County Republican Party was held Tuesday afternoon. Home News Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill banning trans-identified men from entering women's spaces Texas has become the latest state to ban trans-identified men from entering women's spaces amid concerns about safety and privacy for women and girls. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8 into law Monday. The measure, which was approved by the Republican-controlled Texas Senate in a 19-11 vote last month and passed the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives in an 86-45 vote, is also known as the Texas Womens Privacy Act. The votes in both chambers fell largely along party lines, with almost all support coming from Republicans and all opposition coming from Democrats. Two House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure. SB 8, which is scheduled to take effect on Dec. 4, requires the designation of each multiple-occupancy private space in a building to be designated for use by only one sex. It also requires the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to ensure inmates are housed in a correctional facility, including a dormitory or cellblock of a correctional facility, according to the inmates sex. The measure defines sex as an individuals biological sex, either male or female. An additional provision prohibits family violence shelters designed specifically to provide services to female victims of family violence from admitting men, unless the male is 17 years old or younger and is the child of a female victim. The bill subjects violators to a $25,000 fine for the first violation and a $125,000 fine for each subsequent violation. Sara Beth Nolan, an attorney for the legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, praised the legislations passage in a statement Monday. Women and girls should not be forced to sacrifice their privacy and safety in the name of promoting gender ideology, she said. Allowing men to invade girls most intimate spaces including locker rooms, sleeping areas, or restrooms compromises their dignity." "SB 8 ensures that girls private spaces in domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, public higher educational institutions, public schools, and government buildings are not open to men, but instead prioritizes the privacy of everyone in Texas. Following the enactment of SB 8, Texas has become the seventh state to ban trans-identified people from using sex-segregated spaces based on their self-declared gender identity at all government-owned buildings. The others are Arkansas, Florida, Montana, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Meanwhile, an additional eight states prohibit trans-identified people from using sex-segregated spaces based on their chosen gender identity at K-12 schools and at least some government-owned buildings: Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Five states have such bans in place that only apply at K-12 schools: Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In 2022, a group of female athletes on the womens swimming team at the University of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the school because they were forced to share a locker room with trans-identified male swimmer Lia (Will) Thomas. The female athletes maintained that Thomas presence in the womens locker room caused extreme discomfort because he still has male body parts and is attracted to women. In 2021, Loudoun County, Virginia, dominated national headlines after reports of sexual assaults that occurred in the school districts high school bathrooms at the hands of a gender-fluid male student. The school district faced allegations of a cover-up as the first incident occurred as the district was considering the adoption of a policy allowing trans-identified students to enter restrooms and locker rooms based on their stated gender identity. Amie Ichikawa, who runs the nonprofit Woman II Woman that ministers to incarcerated women, elaborated on the consequences of policies that allow trans-identified male prisoners to be housed in women's cells at an event hosted by The Christian Post last year. She noted that 44 male-born individuals have been successful in transferring to womens prisons, which has led to female inmates being repeatedly raped. There are babies being born in custody, she asserted. Ryan Wesley Routh Conviction, ABC Station Shooting, Christopher Yuan To Undergo Surgery link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:18 06:18 Top headlines for Wednesday, September 24, 2025 We explore the conviction of Ryan Wesley Routh, who was found guilty of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during his campaign last year. Then, we shift our focus to California, where a man was arrested for opening fire in the lobby of an ABC station after posting anti-Trump content on social media. Finally, we provide an update on Christopher Yuan, who faces a challenging recovery after a serious fall has left him paralyzed from the neck down. 00:11 Ryan Routh convicted of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump 00:49 Karoline Leavitt torches Democrats for not condemning Kirk murder 01:36 Man charged in ABC station shooting posted anti-Trump remarks 02:23 Judge sides with parents suing school over trans identity policy 03:05 Cuban pastor issues call for a thousand hours of prayer 03:55 Video of pastor being charged with sex act in SUV is released 04:38 Christopher Yuan undergoes surgery after fall leaves him paralyze The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed its thoughts on a pending overhaul of the current H-1B visa program with the release Tuesday of a Federal Register notice laying out a set of proposed new rules for the recruitment of foreign workers. The 105-page notice, which follows late last weeks executive order from President Donald Trump that imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, proposes to implement a weighted selection process that would generally favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid aliens, while maintaining the opportunity for employers to secure H-1B workers at all wage levels, to better serve the Congressional intent for the H-1B program. In his order, Trump wrote, information technology (IT) firms in particular have prominently manipulated the H-1B system, significantly harming American workers in computer-related fields. The share of IT workers in the H-1B program grew from 32% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 to an average of over 65% in the last five fiscal years. In addition, some of the most prolific H-1B employers are now consistently IT outsourcing companies. During the HUAWEI eKit Autumn Launch 2025 in Shanghai, Huaweis Executive Director of the Board, David Wang, released a suite of new HUAWEI eKit 4+10+N SME Intelligence Solutions. The event, themed Together for Growth, All Intelligence, focused on the launch of new one-stop scenario-based solutions designed to provide last-mile services for SMEs undergoing intelligent transformation. The need to get SMEs on board with AI AI is starting to be applied broadly within the business world. While current applications focus on intelligent assistants for employees, future use cases are projected to focus on deep integration with core production systems. This process will have a profound impact on product, service, business, and operations models, making AI as a key role in driving their growth. SMEs play a significant role in the economy. China alone has more than 58 million SMEs, which create over 80% of the countrys urban jobs and generate 60% of national GDP. Despite the increased application of AI being seen around the world, SMEs generally struggle to adopt these new technologies because of low AI awareness, technical capabilities, and AI applications. Most SMEs face high barriers to adopting AI technologies. During the launch event, Wang explained that intelligence should be easily accessible as water and electricity. I hope every person, home, and organization can benefit from AI. Huawei is ready to help SMEs tackle these challenges and go intelligent faster. No one will be left behind in the intelligent world. Many SMEs turn to externally developed intelligent solutions to overcome the technology and talent gaps that prevent them from applying AI on their own. These companies look for solutions that are easy to use, quick to deploy, and specifically designed to boost efficiency and drive growth. In the past, installers provided these solutions by using complicated by-product subcontracting models, which often resulted in inefficiencies. Understanding the 4+10+N intelligence solutions Huawei overhauled its distribution business to address this market pain point, shifting from selling standalone products to offering one-stop scenario-based solutions that are easier for installers to deliver. Under this new approach, Huawei designs its specific solutions around real-world business use cases. The HUAWEI eKit 4+10+N SME Intelligence Solutions have all been designed according to this approach. The 4 in the 4+10+N refers to four major scenarios that encompass most business operations: intelligent office, intelligent business, intelligent education, and intelligent healthcare. The 10 refers to the 10 one-stop, scenario-based solutions released, which include SME office, intelligent hotel, digital diagnosis platform, and intelligent interactive classroom solutions. The N finally refers to a series of star products tailored to these different scenarios. At the event, Huawei launched 26 products as part of this N series of solutions, including the HUAWEI eKitEngine AR180 series enterprise-grade routers. These ultra-high-speed routers integrate a number of functionalities, including routing, switching, Wi-Fi, and VPN functions. New IdeaHub products that combine AI conferencing, acoustic baffle, and AI applications were also launched today. All these offerings feature an all-in-one design, intelligent interactions, and comprehensive security. Wang stressed, We handle the complexity so customers and partners can focus on growing. Our one-stop scenario-based solutions will help SMEs go intelligent more easily and quickly. HUAWEI eKit one-stop scenario-based solutions are our newest examples of this. These solutions are an upgrade in terms of solution development, sales enablement, and delivery services. By using these solutions to power our partners, we bring the benefits of AI to SMEs. Democratizing AI rollout for both customers and partners All of the products come with significantly more advanced AI technologies than previous releases. These technologies come pre-integrated and pre-validated with the solutions, which makes delivery more flexible. This allows installers to easily bundle products to meet the specific needs of different scenarios. Huawei is also providing additional sales enablement for its distribution partners, including quicker access to related resources, solution demonstrations, and scenario-based configuration plans that significantly reduce product selection and solution design difficulty for both installers and customers. For delivery services, Huawei supports unified installation, centralized network management, and consolidated customer support for customers to rapidly adopt AI, aimed at streamlining delivery processes for installers. These solutions will power the last mile of the intelligent world for SMEs. We are more than welcome to stand strong with distribution partners and installers to pool resources and fully empower SMEs to go intelligent, concluded Wang. For more information, visit HUAWEI CONNECT 2025 online at www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect Charities around the world are struggling to recruit and retain staff, according to new research, while leaders in poorer countries are more likely to be optimistic despite facing greater challenges. The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) surveyed more than 3,000 charity leaders in 27 countries and found that most were finding it challenging to recruit the right employees. Some 69% of respondents from high-income countries such as the UK reported facing a recruitment challenge, with a greater proportion from lower-income nations reporting the same. Staff retention and managing employee wellbeing were both reported as a challenge by 40% of charity leaders from high-income countries, while over 60% of those from lower-income nations said the same. Meanwhile, more leaders of African charities said they found it easy to recruit (74%) and retain (66%) volunteers, compared to those working in other continents. A third of European charity leaders said they found volunteer recruitment easy while one in eight said securing and maintaining volunteer engagement was one of their top challenges. Global funding challenge CAFs charity insights from its World Giving Report , which follows the publication of its donor insights earlier this year, found that organisations in high-income countries enjoy around 50% more unrestricted funding than those in lower-income countries. On average, unrestricted funding makes up 28% of charities income in low-income countries, CAF found, compared to 40% for charities operating in high-income countries. Charities in high-income countries were more likely to have a broader funding base, with 4.1 sources of income on average, compared to those in lower-income countries (3.4 sources). Most lower-income charity leaders (59%) reported that demand for services had increased a lot over the past year, compared to 44% of those in high-income countries. However, charities in lower-income countries were more likely to say the sector in their country was healthy (81%) compared to 65% of those in higher-income countries. Optimism was highest among charities surveyed in lower-income countries, particularly in Africa, where 55% of charity leaders said they were very optimistic for the future of their organisation compared to 15% of those in Europe. Government influence was seen most positively by charity leaders in the Asia-Pacific region (32%) and Africa (28%), compared to low levels in South America (8%) and Europe (6%). CAF: We need to rethink charity support Reflecting on the findings, CAF chief executive Neil Heslop said: As in the UK, funding is the most pervasive challenge for charities around the world. And with ongoing and escalating social division, conflicts, climate change impacts and huge numbers of people displaced, charities that are relied on to offer relief are particularly affected by increasing demand for their services such as those working in health, poverty alleviation and humanitarian aid. While our research shows there is a thriving culture of giving in many places, we clearly need to think differently about how to support non-profits, particularly given the ongoing reductions in government aid and development spending. Encouraging collaboration between charities, and partnerships with government, businesses, and local networks is increasingly critical to build resilience in charities with better outcomes for communities. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Tearfunds head office building in London is under offer after the Christian development charity placed it on the market following a restructure and shift to remote working. The charity originally listed the building a warehouse conversion in Teddington, southwest London in March 2023 and has insured the site for 12.4m, according to its latest accounts. Tearfund has based its head office, most recently refurbished in 2016-17, at the building for the last 40 years but the site now appears to be under offer. According to Tearfunds most recently filed accounts for the year ending 31 March 2025, its board is considering what premises the charity may need in the future. This follows a restructure in 2023-24, which saw the charity spend 1.6m as it made 114 redundancies, around 10% of its workforce. A charity spokesperson said that the move was being facilitated by a shift towards remote working since the pandemic, and added that the charity is now seeking a smaller, more suitable office in the area, with staff having been involved throughout this process. Income decline The 2024-25 accounts show that Tearfunds most recently recorded annual income totalled 80.2m, a 2.4m decrease on the previous year. Its total expenditure was 77.7m (2023-24: 82.7m), with 179,000 spent on redundancy and severance costs, compared to 1.6m in 2023-24. Accordingly, the average number of staff employed by the charity in the UK and overseas was down by 185 to 893 in 2024-25. Of these, UK-based and contracted employees totalled 337, down from 420. The accounts described 2024-25 as a challenging year for our employees, with several change processes taking place across the organisation. Meanwhile, Tearfunds chief executive Nigel Harris left after 10 years at the charity in June this year. Silas Balraj, a former senior director at Christian charity Compassion International, has been appointed as his replacement. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. During his first term, Donald Trump cast journalists as unreliable (fake news) and treacherous (the enemy of the people). In his second, he has equated members of the media with terrorists. After Charlie Kirk, the right-wing activist and media star, was shot and killed, Trump condemned the rhetoric of the radical left and vowed to go after those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it. He didnt mention the press explicitlyand yet its clear the administration views some news organizations as part of that complex. This new rhetorical framing, which is spreading online, poses a heightened challenge for journalists and media outlets. The rhetorical escalation is happening amid a growing risk of targeted violence. In the days after Kirks death, there were two attacks on newsrooms: On September 12, an incendiary device was found under a news truck belonging to the local Fox affiliate in Salt Lake City. Two suspects are under arrest. On September 19, a day after a public rally in support of Jimmy Kimmel, at least three shots were fired into the offices of the ABC affiliate in Sacramento. A single suspect was arrested. The motives in these cases are not yet known. But security experts at several news organizations told me they are increasingly concerned about the risk of physical harm. Last week, at an event in New York, A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, declared, We spend nearly ten times more today than we did a decade ago to protect the safety, security, and legal rights of our journalists. Protests pose a particular area of concern, as they have become more difficult and dangerous to cover. The most recent example is from Los Angeles, where over the summer dozens of journalists were arrested, detained, or struck by law enforcement while covering demonstrations against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Because the Trump administration has now normalized the deployment of the National Guard, its likely that if large-scale demonstrations break out, military personnel, who are largely untrained for policing and crowd control, will be in the mix. It appears the media onslaught is upon us, especially when one takes into account the mounting legal and regulatory attacks. Individual reporters and news organizations in the United States need to take that seriously and to engage in the same kind of risk assessment that those in other backsliding democracies have managed to use effectively. Here are five suggestions for how to confront the likeliest, most imminent challenges based on conversations with media leaders and safety experts, and informed by my own experience. Carry out your own organization-wide risk assessment: There has been a clear shift in the general political environment, but any given outlets actual level of risk will depend in good measure on its specific identity and profile. The risk to a Fox News reporter covering an alt-right rally will be different from that of a Times reporter. The risk to a Latino journalist covering ICE will be different from that of someone who presents as white. A risk assessment should not be a box-ticking bureaucratic exercise. In its simplest form, a risk assessment can be a structured conversation between editors and reporters about how to adapt to changing circumstances. Create a basic safety infrastructure: The budget increase to which Sulzberger referred has gone toward doubling the number of staff dedicated to physical and digital security and establishing a team in the legal department on call to support journalists. Other funds have been set aside for training, mental health support, and, as a Times spokesperson told me, Weve hardened our physical offices to add layers of protection and strengthen our digital security. Of course, most news organizations, in particular local and nonprofit outlets, dont have those kinds of resources. There are, however, many safety strategies that can be employed at little or no cost. Start by appointing a safety lead within your organization. This could be an editor or a senior reporter who serves as a resource, helps less experienced reporters craft a safety plan, and stays on top of the shifting risk environment. This person can help smaller news organizations strengthen their networks and contacts in the media safety community. This is also a good moment to make sure your offices are appropriately secure. Often the most important safety measure to consider is to simply remove public signage or take down the street address from your website. Be prepared to cover dangerous protests: This is especially important for local and nonprofit news organizations with fewer resources. Protests can erupt suddenly. If the National Guard is deployed, they can escalate in dangerous ways. Now is a good time to develop check-in procedures, implement protocols (for example, work in pairs), and invest in personal protective equipment, such as helmets and respirators (they are not expensive). If you have the resources, consider a daylong training for your staff. Make sure your reporters know what to do if arrested and that your organization has access to lawyers. Sign up for CJRs daily email Prepare for online harassment: Online harassment cannot be prevented and has, unfortunately, become a normal part of life for many journalists. But the consequences can be reduced. Journalists and news organizations should consider carefully how they present themselves in the digital world, and remove or make private any information they dont want their adversaries to have. Removing personal details from the internet can make life more difficult for anyone trying to dox a journalist. Its important to keep in mind that online attacks are primarily intended to get inside a journalists head and cause them to self-censor. In the US, these threats rarely transfer into the real world. Even so, in case they do, its important that any journalist who is under attack enlist a manager or colleague to help monitor their social media feeds for serious threats. This strategy allows a journalist who does not want to see the stream of vitriol to log out while staying safe. The harassment usually dies down after a few days. Consider mental health: Its hard to overstate just how stressful it is for journalists to work in an environment of heightened risk, especially one in which the people they interact with on a regular basis are antagonistic or even hostile. There is no magic formula for managing stress in the newsroom, and every news organization will have to find its way. But that starts with a recognition that we are living in an extremely challenging momentfor America, for its civic institutions, and for journalists and news organizations across the country. Now is the time to double down on safety. A former staff adjuster for a large Florida insurance carrier has been found guilty of defrauding the insurer out of more than $580,000. A federal jury in Orlando last week said James Octavias Tobias Owens, 34, from the Orlando area, was guilty on 10 counts of wire fraud committed in 2021 and 2022. A sentencing date has been set for Dec. 9. Owens faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. Prosecutors said Owens would reopen claims that had been settled, add new, falsified estimates for additional work on the property, then cause checks to be issued to his own fake firm, known as Bradford Construction & Roofing LLC. He used the proceeds for clothing, jewelry, hotel rooms and other luxuries, prosecutors said. All told, the payouts amounted to more than half a million dollars, most of which Owens will likely be ordered to repay to the insurance company. The carrier was not named in Owens March indictment nor in a news release from the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. But exhibit lists in the court file show exhibits from Frontline Insurance, based in Lake Mary, Florida, and witnesses included Frontlines chief claims officer. Floridas Department of Financial Services records show a James O. Owens, of Casselberry, Florida, as an all-lines adjuster. His license was issued in August 2024, some two years after the fraud occurred. His license page shows no qualifying appointments but does show an inactive appointment with another insurance company. Frontline representatives could not immediately be reached for comment Monday evening. The Florida Secretary of State corporation records show that Bradford Construction and Roofing was registered in 2021 to Octavias Tobias, with the same address as Owens in Casselberry. Owens could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon. He was represented in court by a federal public defender. A filing by prosecutors also show that Owens created Atlas Weather Forensics LLC, and Owens 9-year-old son was listed as manager. That company billed Owens employer for weather services. In 2020, the insurer asked Owens to stop using Atlas for claims verification services. He agreed but did not disclose his ownership of the weather firm, the trial brief notes. Thats when he formed Bradford Construction. Owens set up fake email addresses for the construction firm, and emailed himself from his Frontline email address, the court document shows. After Bradford was established as a vendor in the Victim Companys system, the defendant used his access to specific claims from the Victim Companys customers to cause Bradford to prepare comparative estimates that were not neededand that were typically for claims that had already been paid out, the trial brief by assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey Bratt reads. The court file does not show how the fraud came to light, or why it was investigated by the FBI. But the prosecutors trial brief to the court indicates that Owens cashed or deposited the insurers checks at ATM machines in Florida, and the server for those machines was outside the state, likely making it a federal offense. Hong Kong has weathered the worst of Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is moving away from the financial hub and is set to cross Chinas southern coast later Wednesday, where its expected to dump torrential rain. Ragasa has killed at least 15 people in a rural area of southeastern Taiwan, with rescuers now trying to find 17 others who are still missing. The storm was packing top sustained winds of 175 kilometers (109 miles) per hour as of 3 p.m. local time, according to the weather bureau. The system has weakened slightly and is now a severe typhoon, but is still equivalent to an extremely dangerous Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Ragasa is the most powerful cyclone worldwide this year, lashing Hong Kong with heavy rain and fierce winds that toppled trees and damaged infrastructure across the city. The typhoon has led to thousands of flights being canceled, and school classes and train services suspended in southern Chinese cities. On its current track, Ragasa will make landfall near Yangjiang city in Chinas southern Guangdong province. The storm is then expected to skirt the countrys coast over the next day, bringing heavy rains to nearly a dozen provinces and threatening riverine flooding as it tracks west toward Vietnam. Given its size and intensity, comparisons were made between Ragasa and the destructive typhoon Mangkhut in September 2018, but several factors helped cushion the financial hub from the worst of the damage, according to Chi-ming Shum, a former director of the Hong Kong Observatory. The city was largely affected by Ragasas outer eye wall, which might have been less powerful than the storms inner wall that was further away, Shum said. By contrast, at Mangkhuts closest, the inner eye wall had become disorganized and the outer eye wall was particularly powerful. Howling winds started to rip through Hong Kong early Wednesday morning, along with pelting rains. Bankers and traders hunkered down for a day of work in living rooms and hotels after the city ended its decades-long practice of shutting markets during severe tropical storms last year. The regions five busiest airports Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau and Zhuhai have seen more than 5,000 flights canceled across Tuesday and Wednesday, according to data compiled by Webb-site.com and VariFlight. Shenzhen has also suspended citywide metro services. Hong Kongs weather bureau issued its highest storm warning overnight, known as signal No. 10, which indicates hurricane-force winds. The alert was downgraded to a signal No. 8 at 1:20 p.m. local time today. Since 1946, 19 typhoons including Ragasa have prompted a signal No. 10. Prior to the current warning, the last tropical storm to prompt a so-called T10 was Wipha in July. Its the first time in six decades that the weather agency has raised its highest cyclone alert twice in a calendar year. As a densely packed coastal city, Hong Kong faces the triple challenge of torrential downpours, sharp terrain, and storm surges that can cause widespread coastal flooding. Both the public and private sectors have improved their extreme weather response measures in recent years. Neighboring Macau issued its top storm warning signal at dawn on Wednesday, and the local weather bureau said the risk of flooding in low-lying areas will remain through at least the evening. The typhoon has already left a trail of destruction, killing at least 14 people in a rural area of southeastern Taiwan, with more than 100 still missing. In the Philippines, at least six people have died. Meanwhile, the warm waters of the tropical Pacific remain active. The Philippines is monitoring another storm, known locally as Opong, in the seas to its east. Its forecast to strengthen into a severe tropical storm and track over Manila by the weekend, according to the national weather bureau. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The U.S. lowered tariffs on auto imports from the European Union to 15% retroactive to Aug. 1, cementing the terms of the framework trade agreement the two sides struck this summer. The Department of Commerce and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published a document online on Wednesday detailing the changes, reducing duties on a range of goods. Shares of German carmakers Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG gained on the news. Porsche, which is among the hardest hit by the US tariffs as it sells only imports there, rose as much as 3.8% in Frankfurt. The changes include a list of exemptions for sectors including aircraft, aircraft parts and generic pharmaceutical drugs plus ingredients, as well as certain metals and ores, effective Sept. 1. Most of the new rates take effect for EU goods shipped starting Sept. 1, but the relief for automobiles and parts was contingent on the EU introducing legislation to lower tariffs on American goods. The bloc followed through with that action on Aug. 28, paving the way for the Trump administration to backdate the new auto charge. Previously, those vehicles faced a 25% US duty on top of existing levies. The U.S. said in its notice that the list of products may yet be amended. The move followed an executive order President Donald Trump signed earlier this month that smoothed the process for his administration to adjust tariff rates for imports from economies with which he struck trade pacts. Top photo: An employee fixes the name on a Porsche 911 ST automobile during fitting in the Porsche Exclusive Manufacture unit for special and limited edition vehicles at the Porsche AG Zuffenhausen plant in Stuttgart, Germany, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio Suspicious mail: Westminster Lane On Aug. 29, a Westminster Lane resident came to the police station with a suspicious letter that included an Ohio drivers license, which didnt belong to him. The officer observed that the license had similar colorings and markings as an official state ID, but was thinner and lacked the holographic marking in the lower right corner. It turned out that the name on the license didnt match anyone through an Ohio LEADS search. The Brecksville-Broadview Heights school resource officer was asked to view the photo, but a match wasnt made. There are no suspects. Police are investigating. Fraud: Royalton Road On Sept. 3, a Royalton Road resident came to the police station to report possible fraud. The man said he had discovered an overnight $247 charge to a beauty company that he didnt make. After calling his credit card company, the account, which had a different card number, was canceled. There are no suspects. Police are investigating. Get police blotters by email every weekday for free with our new Police Blotter newsletter. Sign up at cleveland.com/newsletters Read more from the Sun Star Courier. Mike DeWine began is term as governor promising to be all about children, but he has allowed 30,000 children to lose health insurance since 2022 because of funding, all the while providing billions of dollars to wealthy people through tax cuts. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com Since 2022, 30,000 Ohio children have lost health insurance because of cost concerns while the state has provided billions to the wealthy in tax cuts and billions to private schools. Hosts of Today in Ohio, the cleveland.com and Plain Dealer news podcast discussion, said Wednesday that connecting the two policy outcomes is key for people to understand how the state is being governed. They painted a devastating picture of misplaced priorities that betrays Gov. Mike DeWines promise to be a champion for children. 30,000 kids. 30,000 kids in our state have lost health coverage since 2022, up through 2024, said Courtney Astolfi, citing findings from Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families. This number pushes the states child uninsured rate up to 5.6%. And compare that to just 4.5% a couple years earlier. The timing of the coverage losses coincided with the end of pandemic-era protections that had kept people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. When federal protections expired in early 2023, Ohio undertook a massive eligibility review that resulted in approximately 600,000 people being disenrolledmany of them children. What makes this situation particularly galling to the podcast hosts is how it contrasts with other fiscal priorities pursued by the DeWine administration and Republican-controlled legislature. Mike DeWine and the Republicans in the Ohio Legislature, on multiple rounds of budgeting, now have given billions of dollars to rich people. Theyve cut their taxes over and over again to give wealthy people more money, Chris Quinn said. Thats the Mike DeWine legacy. Thats the Matt Huffman legacy. Let the kids go without health care so your wealthy friends get more money. This is such a stain on Ohio. The conversation placed these policy choices in the context of DeWines early months as governor. Mike DeWine came into office saying, Im going to be the childrens governor. Im going to make life better for children. And instead theyre given a billion dollars a year to charter and private schools with almost no accountability. Theyre giving billions to rich people, and those kids go without health benefits... Thats the Mike DeWine legacy. The hosts wondered what the coverage losses mean for Ohio families already struggling financially. Without insurance, parents face impossible choices about seeking medical care for their children, potentially postponing necessary treatments due to cost. Adding to their alarm is the specter of further cuts on the horizon. Astolfi noted that the federal one big beautiful bill act passed by the Trump administration and Congress slashes Medicaid by a trillion dollars over the next decade, suggesting the situation could worsen for Ohios vulnerable children. The podcast discussion paints a stark picture of a state government that hosts argue has abandoned its most vulnerable citizenschildrenwhile catering to wealthy interests through repeated tax cuts. Listen to the discussion here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan is celebrating a significant win in his battle against what he calls social media censorship, but the hosts of Today in Ohio arent popping champagne bottles. Instead, theyre sounding the alarm about a troubling development that strikes at the heart of American discourse. In Wednesdays episode of the news podcast from cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, hosts dive into YouTubes decision to reinstate creators previously banned for election and COVID-related content following pressure from Jordans House Judiciary Committee. Jordan is out there holding himself out as this free speech maven when members of his party are trying to get anybody who said anything negative about Charlie Kirk fired, pointed out Chris Quinn, highlighting the hypocrisy. You cant really have that double standard. The discussion expanded beyond Jordans victory lap to examine the corrosive effect social media platforms have on public discourse. While Jordan frames the issue as protecting Americans right to free expression, Today in Ohio hosts argue the real concern is the proliferation of misinformation and its devastating impact on our ability to communicate with each other. We have a problem in America in that a lot of the social media channels and YouTube are purveyors of flat out lies that seem believable, explains Quinn. AI has only exacerbated this because the AI produced content looks so legitimate. And if people see it on YouTube, they believe it. Its why we cant have a conversation in this country anymore. Were not all working off of the same fact set. Lisa Garvin focused on the dangers of false information and the need for fact checking and content moderation. If you take that away, its going to be the wild, wild west on these social media platforms Theres all kinds of stuff thats going to go out there. During the COVID pandemic, people were afraid they were getting misinformation. Hey, why dont we inject bleach or take ivermectin? YThese are things that are demonstrably wrong and probably dangerous. Should that content stay on social media? I dont think so. Alphabet, the owner of YouTube, told Jordan that the administration of Joe Biden pressured the video platform to remove content that did not violate YouTube standards. Alphabet told Jordan the Biden Administration was wrong to do that. Jordan has contended for years that YouTube and other social media channels have censored content from conservatives. Quinn said the debate goes beyond life versus right. Its become clear over time that probably the single most damaging institution that has arisen in the last 20 years to our democracy is social media. Its loaded with stuff thats wrong. It is a fountain of hate speech. This episode reveals the complex tensions between free speech principles, corporate responsibility, and government intervention. While the hosts acknowledge that private companies like YouTube have the right to establish their own content standards, they express concern about the implications of rolling back fact-checking efforts in an era of rampant misinformation. The podcast discussion offers a sobering counterpoint to the celebratory tone of Jordans announcement, suggesting that whats being framed as a victory for free speech may actually accelerate the degradation of shared truth in America. Listen to the discussion here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. A man who died in Brunswick police custody had been smashing wine bottles in a gas station and making threats when law enforcement arrived, authorities said. CLEVELAND, Ohio - A man who died in Brunswick police custody had been smashing bottles and making threats before his arrest, authorities said. At 6 p.m. Friday, police responded to a BP gas station at Pearl and Boston roads after a 911 caller reported a man smashing bottles of wine on the gas station floor after using the restroom. We keep telling him to stop, the caller said, according to 911 audio released by police. When officers arrived, they found the man, identified as Jacob Derkin, 41, of Wadsworth, who had suffered serious cuts and had been making threats, according to the police report. Authorities planned to charge him with aggravated menacing and criminal damaging, the police report noted. Police said Derkin resisted arrest, and officers used an unspecified amount of force to arrest him. Officers did not fire their service weapons. The report also notes that Brunswick police officers sent a K9 to the gas station. Derkins cause of death was cardiac arrest, which he suffered in police custody on his way to a hospital for cuts. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the incident, which occurs when a person dies following an altercation with police. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainians were cautious Wednesday in their response to a surprise pivot in U.S. President Donald Trumps views on their prospects for defeating Russias invasion, after he said they could win the three-year war and retake land captured by Moscow. Russian officials, meanwhile, said developments on the battlefield showed Ukraine is unable to reclaim the occupied territory and dismissed Trumps description of Russia as a paper tiger. Russia isnt a tiger, its more associated with a bear, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. There are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear. Wary Ukrainians hope for solid US support Some Ukrainians expressed hope that Trumps words would be backed up by concrete support for Ukraine in Washington, while others were wary about the American presidents unpredictability. We need such support from America, from Donald Trump, and we hope that this will continue in the future the same rhetoric, the same attitude toward us, toward Ukraine, and toward the war in Ukraine, Olha Voronina, a 66-year-old Kyiv resident, said. Volodymyr Cheslavskyi, a 48-year-old soldier recovering from a war wound, said he considered Trump to be more interested in making money than helping Ukraine, and kept people guessing about his true intentions with contradictory statements. He can say different things each time he supports Ukraine, or he does not support Ukraine, Cheslavskyi told The Associated Press in St. Michaels Square in the Ukrainian capital. Anna Khudimova, 43, said she believed her countrys armed forces could prevail on the battlefield against Russias bigger army. But we cannot do it without the help of NATO, without the support of Europe, she said. If Trump influences the situation, then perhaps this can be realistic. Russia has occupied around 20% of Ukraine since it annexed Crimea in 2014. The all-out invasion began in February 2022. US, Ukraine eye joint weapons production In comments Tuesday at the United Nations and on social media, Trump took a swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putins leadership, made cutting remarks about Russias military prowess and derided the Russian economys performance. He also said NATO countries should shoot down Russian warplanes entering their airspace, as happened recently in Estonia. Trumps comments were an unanticipated departure from his previous positions on the war, when he has been publicly cool, even at times hostile, toward Ukraine and apparently more amenable to Putin. After taking office in January, Trump reversed the three-year U.S. policy of isolating Russia when he called Putin. He has also ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, has said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to negotiate swapping land in return for a peace deal with Moscow, and on social media called Zelenskyy a dictator without elections. A senior Ukrainian lawmaker said Trumps latest remarks were unexpected but important. What remains important to us is not only Trumps words, but also whether he fulfills the earlier promises regarding decisive sanctions on Russia, Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliaments Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, told the AP. The United States and Ukraine signed earlier this year a deal granting Washington access to the countrys critical minerals and other natural resources. Another agreement is in the works, with a Ukrainian delegation due in Washington next week for talks on joint weapons production, Ukraines Ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna said Wednesday. The potential deal focuses on drone manufacturing, where Ukraine is at the cutting edge of new battle-tested technology, and was discussed in quite some detail between Trump and Zelenskyy on Tuesday, she said. Kremlin says it is protecting Russias security Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were due to address the U.N. General Assembly later Wednesday. Trump said on social media Tuesday that, With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Russias state television channels cast Trumps comments as part of his efforts to shift the burden of dealing with the conflict to Europe and encourage it to buy more American weapons. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, challenged Trumps comment that Russia has been fighting aimlessly. Moscow has been fighting to ensure our security and our interests and remove the root causes of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine linked to the refusal by the previous American administrations and the Europeans to take our concerns into account, Peskov said Wednesday. He also countered Trumps description of Russias economic woes, arguing that despite some problems the Russian economy has remained strong. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president who serves as deputy head of the Security Council chaired by Putin, scoffed at Trumps comments as an alternative reality. He predicted that Trump could change his mind again soon. ___ Associated Press writer Hanna Arhirova contributed to this report. Ohio's uninsured rate for children jumped from 4.5% to 5.6% between 2022 and 2024 as post-pandemic eligibility reviews disenrolled over 600,000 Ohioans. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) AP Rotunda Rumblings Uncovered: The number of uninsured children in Ohio increased by 30,000 between 2022 to 2024, leaving 5.6% of the states minors without coverage. This is largely due to children being disenrolled from Medicaid/CHIP, according to an analysis of U.S. Census data by Georgetown University. During the pandemic, states were not allowed to kick people off Medicaid until March 2023. Then Ohio removed over 600,000 adults and children, Laura Hancock reports. Rule reversal: Seneca Countys elections board voted Tuesday to rescind a short-lived rule that barred voting-machine critics from managing polling places. The reversal came after a packed meeting where Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy urged the board to change course. Anna Staver reports that while Ramaswamy called the policy a First Amendment violation, he declined to take a side in the larger debate over paper versus electronic ballots. Content restored: YouTube has agreed to reinstate creators previously banned for COVID-19 and election-related content, marking a significant shift in the platforms content moderation policies following intense pressure from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and ongoing Republican investigations into alleged government censorship, Sabrina Eaton reports. In a letter sent Tuesday, the video platform, owned by Alphabet, made several major concessions to the House Judiciary Committee including admitting the Biden administration pressured the company to remove content that did not violate YouTubes own policies. The letter written by Alphabets attorneys called the Biden administrations censorship pressure unacceptable and wrong. Rights under fire: The U.S. Justice Department is quietly considering a proposal that would strip transgender Americans of their constitutional right to bear arms a move historians say would be a dangerous escalation in the systematic targeting of marginalized groups, Eaton reports. The discussions surfaced after a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 21 injured was carried out by a transgender woman. But scholars of democratic erosion say the discussions themselves regardless of their current status merit serious attention. They warn that the issue transcends gun policy, echoing a troubling American tradition of systematically stripping rights from entire communities. Shes the one: Amy Acton, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has been endorsed by Dick Celeste, the last Ohio Democratic governor to win reelection (back in 1986). As Jeremy Pelzer reports, the 87-year-old Celestes backing isnt a surprise, as Acton has said he and then-U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown were the ones who initially approached her about running for governor. Filling in: Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy will join other prominent conservatives and GOP elected officials in finishing the remainder of slain activist Charlie Kirks college tour this fall. Ramaswamy is slated to attend a Turning Point USA event at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, on Oct. 7, as a featured guest alongside Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte. Guest speakers at other upcoming campus events originally scheduled by Kirk around the country include media figures Glenn Beck, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly, as well as U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. From crew to ICE: Madison Sheahan, 28, who just six years ago was captain of the rowing team at Ohio State University, is Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after having served as a body woman and policy aide to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when she was governor of South Dakota, New York Magazine reports. The native of Curtice, Ohio, knows that there are people who think that, without any law enforcement background, she isnt qualified for a job usually occupied by veteran ICE officials. I absolutely think Im qualified for the job, she told the publication. Because at the end of the day, what really makes anybody qualified for any job? The AI will see you: A pilot program is being launched in Ohio next year that will use artificial intelligence to determine whether certain healthcare treatments are a necessity for Medicare patients, Celia Hack of Signal Cleveland reports. The program focuses on traditional government-run Medicare, while many privatized Medicare Advantage programs and private insurance companies already utilize a similar process commonly known as prior authorization. Ohio is one of six states part of the pilot program. Lobbying Lineup Five organizations that are registered to lobby on state House Bill 246, that would require certain construction industry employers to use E-verify and to sanction specified hiring practices in the industry. Coalition of Ohio Regional Districts Ohio Chamber of Commerce Encino Energy Ohio Rural Water Association ACT Ohio On the Move Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Vivek Ramaswamy, both from the Columbus suburb of Upper Arlington, endorsed each other during an event in Columbus on Monday night. Ramaswamy has also been endorsed by 65 of Ohios 88 county sheriffs, according to his campaign. Of those, 21 previously endorsed him including one Democrat, Jeffrey Paden of Guernsey County. Another 21 sheriffs now supporting Ramaswamy had previously endorsed Attorney General Dave Yost before he backed out of the Republican governors race, including Jeffrey Balzer of Delaware County, Scott Anger of Greene County, Frank Leonbruno of Lake County, Rob Streck of Montgomery County, Bruce Zuchowski of Portage County, and Eric Weisburn of Stark County. Jay Edwards, an Athens County Republican running for state treasurer, has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Westlake Republican. Vice President JD Vance is visiting Concord, North Carolina, today to deliver remarks on the Trump administrations tax cuts for working families and its commitment to empowering state and local law enforcement. Vice President JD Vance is visiting Concord, North Carolina, today to deliver remarks on the Trump administrations tax cuts for working families and its commitment to empowering state and local law enforcement. Birthdays Joseph Staton, senior legislative aide to state Sen. George Lang State Rep. Jim Thomas Straight from the Source First of all, I dont think a horse would. Secretary of State Frank LaRose, in a video released by his office in which digital media manager Kate McLaughlin asks him and staff members, If a horse were to wear pants, how would they wear them. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. U.S. troops escort the Little Rock Nine, Black students desegregating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. (Advance Local file photo) Advance Local file photo WHEREAS certain persons in the state of Arkansas, individually and in unlawful assemblages, combinations, and conspiracies, have willfully obstructed the enforcement of orders of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas with respect to matters relating to enrollment and attendance at public schools, particularly at Central High School, located in Little Rock School District, Little Rock, Arkansas. This is the opening paragraph of Executive Order 10730, titled Providing Assistance for the Removal of an Obstruction of Justice within the State of Arkansas. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued this order 68 years ago this week, on Sept. 23, 1957. In the summer of 1957, Little Rocks school board voted to desegregate its high school to comply with the U.S. Supreme Courts consequential 1954 decision, Brown v. Board of Education. That year, nine Black students collectively known as the Little Rock Nine enrolled at Central High School. On Sept. 2, the night before the start of school, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus announced that he had called up the states National Guard to surround the high school and preserve order. He said he did so to protect citizens and property from potential violence by protesters. On Sept. 4, the Little Rock Nine attempted to enter the school. They were denied entry by the National Guard. That night, Gov. Faubus revealed that he had ordered the National Guard to deny the Black students entry. Initially, President Eisenhower tried to avoid federal intervention. He met with Gov. Faubus and suggested that Faubus instruct the National Guard to preserve order and allow the Black students entry. Faubus indicated that he would respect the desegregation order. However, once back in Little Rock, he withdrew the National Guard. A riot erupted when the Little Rock Nine entered the school a few days later. It was only then that President Eisenhower commandeered the National Guard to preserve order and prevent the obstruction of justice. Eisenhower was not the only president to federalize a states National Guard without the support of local officials during the civil rights movement. John F. Kennedy did so in Mississippi and Alabama to allow Black students to integrate state universities there. Lyndon B. Johnson did so in Alabama as well to protect marchers. This is the context that comes to my mind when I hear of presidents seizing control of state militias over the objections of local officials to enforce the law. I think of presidents taking this extraordinary measure only when necessary to push America towards the realization of its ideals. Ideals such as securing equal rights for all Americans. Federal intervention over local objection is required where Americans without political or practical power are unjustly prevented from exercising their own constitutional rights. It is through this lens that I view President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard. He has sent National Guard troops to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and now Memphis. At Charlie Kirks memorial service Sunday, he hinted at sending them to Chicago. He and his officials have said he is deploying troops to address high crime rates. Trumps use of the National Guard has flipped the historical practice on its head. During the civil rights movement, presidents commandeered state militias as a last resort to protect Black Americans from white violence. Now, 60 years later, this president gleefully commandeers state militias ostensibly to protect white Americans from Black violence. I know. That last sentence probably ruffled some feathers. But that is only because its true. Ask U.S. Rep. Max Miller of Ohio. Hes been an ally of Trumps since at least 2018. He understands Trumps mindset as well as anyone. Miller, who lives in the Cleveland suburb of Bay Village, recently wrote an op-ed asking Trump to send the National Guard to Cleveland. Consider the language he used in making his case. He noted that [his] constituents in the suburbs are afraid to go into the city. Eric Foster is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. You dont need to be a dog to hear that whistle. Millers constituency Ohios 7th Congressional District is overwhelmingly white. Nearly half of Cleveland is Black. Miller is asking President Trump to send the National Guard into Cleveland to protect his white constituents from the dangerous Black criminals in Cleveland. The crazy thing is, racism aside, I am sure local officials in each of these cities would welcome support from this administration to reduce crime. But the support has to be offered, not ordered. Surely someone who adamantly opposed COVID shutdowns and mandatory vaccinations can understand how a local government would want to make its own decisions regarding its own safety. Past presidents understood that National Guard deployment should only be a measure of last resort. A deployment today can cost as much as $1 million per day. Imagine what a cash infusion of even half that amount could do for a citys crime reduction efforts. Eric Foster, a community member of the editorial board, is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. He is a lawyer in private practice and writes from Atlanta. The views expressed are his own. To reach Eric Foster: ericfosterpd@gmail.com Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. More than 36,000 US youths visit China through exchange programs in 2 years 08:19, September 24, 2025 By Zou Shuo ( Chinadaily.com.cn Students from China and the United States pair up to play pickleball at a middle school in Shenzhen, April 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] China has received more than 36,000 young people from the United States through exchange programs in the past two years, inspired by President Xi Jinping's "50,000 in Five Years" initiative, a senior education official said on Tuesday. At a welcome dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the US in November 2023, President Xi proposed that China was ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years to increase interactions between the two peoples, especially between the youth. Xiong Sihao, vice-minister of education, said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office that more than 36,000 American young people have been inspired by the president's call and come to China for exchanges over the past two years. For example, a US youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Maryland had forged unforgettable friendships with Chinese youths during the trip to China in April, Xiong added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Locate a UPI-enabled merchant: Look for Qatar Duty Free outlets or other POS terminals powered by QNB and NETSTARS. Open your UPI app: Use your preferred app on your smartphone. Scan the QR code: Scan the merchants QR code displayed at the POS. Enter the amount and authorise payment: Complete the transaction securely in real time. Indian travellers can make digital payments across Qatar. Merchants benefit from higher transaction volumes and attract more customers. Cashless payments reduce dependency on currency exchange, enhancing convenience. Indian travellers visiting Qatar can now pay using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), thanks to a collaboration between NPCI International Payments (NIPL), Qatar National Bank (QNB), and NETSTARS.Qatar Duty Free became the first merchant in the country to go live with UPI payments through QR code-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminals.Indians are the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar, and this initiative allows them to carry out real-time transactions without carrying cash or dealing with currency exchange hassles. The rollout is expected to boost retail and tourism sectors in Qatar, increasing transaction volumes for QNB-acquired merchants.Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, said, This partnership with QNB enhances UPIs global acceptance, helping Indian travellers make seamless transactions and reducing reliance on cash.Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer, QNB, said, Introducing UPI in Qatar promotes cashless payments, benefits the tourism and retail sectors, and strengthens the payments ecosystem.Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, Qatar Airways Group, said, As the first entity in Qatar to enable UPI, Qatar Duty Free provides Indian travellers with a smooth, cashless retail experience at Hamad International Airport. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel from New York to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 25), as the two sides made a renewed push to reset their bilateral relations.Shehbaz is in New York to attend the UN General Assembly session. He will briefly travel from New York to Washington to meet President Trump, The Express Tribune newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing diplomatic sources.He will return to New York on the same day to continue his UNGA engagements, it added.It will be the first meeting between the US President and the Pakistani Prime Minister at the White House since July 2019, when then-prime minister Imran Khan travelled to Washington and met President Trump.Trumps successor, President Joe Biden, completely ignored Pakistan during his tenure and never even talked to any of the prime ministers on the phone, let alone inviting them to the White House.However, since President Trump took office in January, there has been a dramatic and unexpected shift in the Pakistan-US relationship.The upcoming Trump-Shehbaz meeting comes against the backdrop of a noticeable thaw in relations between Islamabad and Washington.In June, Trump held a rare one-on-one meeting with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir at the White House, a signal that the Biden administrations frosty approach had given way to Trumps more transactional but open style of engagement with Pakistan.Diplomatic observers see the Shehbaz-Trump huddle as a continuation of that reset.The optics of the army chiefs meeting in June were significant. This meeting institutionalises that opening, a senior Pakistani official familiar with the process told the paper.Officials in Islamabad believe the meeting will focus on bilateral ties, regional and international issues, including Afghanistan, counterterrorism cooperation, and trade opportunities.Analysts, however, said that while Trump appears keen to engage Islamabad, the reset remains tentative. State-level AI regulations are advancing faster than federal efforts, creating new compliance challenges for enterprises, and prompting Silicon Valley to increase political spending to influence the outcome. Meta is the latest to escalate its efforts, committing tens of millions of dollars to a new bipartisan super PAC that will support tech-friendly candidates across the country, Axios reported. The group, known as the American Technology Excellence Project, will be led by Republican strategist Brian Baker and the Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions. Its stated mission is to promote and defend US technology companies, advocate for AI progress, and give parents more control over how their children use online apps and AI tools. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert for Trader Joes Turkey Gobbler Wrap due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Although the affected wraps are no longer in stores, FSIS warns that some may still be in consumers refrigerators. No illnesses have been reported, but Listeria poses serious risks, especially to older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a public health alert for a ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey wrap product sold at Trader Joes due to concerns that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase. The RTE turkey wrap product was produced on September 10, 2025. The product is described as 10-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages containing TRADER JOES TURKEY GOBBLER WRAP with BEST BY SEP 16, 2025. The product bears the establishment number P-1644 inside the USDA mark of inspection. This item was shipped to Trader Joes retail locations nationwide. The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS that food contact surface samples associated with this product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected. What to do FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it. The product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have questions regarding the public health alert can contact Trader Joes Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, on Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific Time. Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/. Comedy legend Robin Williams obviously starred in quite a few notable dramas over the course of his career from Good Will Hunting, to Awakenings, to the soul-crushing tragedy that was Old Dogs with John Travolta. But just because Williams occasionally took on more serious projects didnt mean that he was any less of a laugh riot behind the scenes, as Ethan Hawke recently revealed. Don't Miss An 18-year-old Hawke co-starred with Williams in the acclaimed 1989 film Dead Poets Society, playing a prep school student inspired by the schools new, unorthodox teacher Mr. Keating (Williams) who urges his students to explore radical new ideas just as long as those new ideas came from old white guys. During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Hawke was asked about a rumor that he believed Williams didnt like him during the Dead Poets Society shoot. Hawke admitted that the story was true, but explained that it was all because he refused to laugh at Williams jokes in an effort to become a great actor. Advertisement Advertisement My character would not find any of Mr. Keatings antics funny, Hawke told Eisen. Hed be too nervous Robin, hes one of those people he could sense anybody in the room, if you werent laughing, all energy went to you until you were laughing. Hed make fun of you. The more he tried to make me laugh, it wasnt that I didnt find it hysterical, it was that I thought he was messing with me. Because I was just trying to do a good job, and so I would see (laughing) as a failure. And it made him insane, Hawke added. So he was just mocking me constantly. Advertisement One of Williams best comedic riffs was a pun involving Mr. Keatings beloved Latin motto. My favorite at the time was carpe per diem, Hawke said. Because we were all living in Delaware, and we were staying in some low-rent Marriott and Robin would make everybody laugh by (asking about) what they were doing with their per diem. And then, instead of carpe diem, hed say Carpe per diem. Can I have yours? Advertisement Despite not being a big laugher, Hawke still impressed Williams with his acting chops, so much so that the Mrs. Doubtfire star went out of his way to give the teen actors career a big boost. He helped me get an agent. And that felt really good, Hawke noted, recalling that he randomly got a call from one of Williams reps wanting to meet with the very talented young man that Williams had told them about. Sadly, they never got the chance to reunite for Dead Poets Society II: Keatings Revenge. When the Federal Communications Commission becomes an enemy of the First Amendment, its a transgression so egregious and powerful that it can turn Jimmy Kimmel and Ted Cruz into almost-friends. Over the last five days, Americans from across the fiercely divided political landscape protested the unconstitutional actions of FCC chair and Project 2025 co-author Brendan Carr, who briefly knocked Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air by publicly threatening to revoke the broadcasting licenses of local ABC affiliates that carried the show. While Jimmy Kimmel Live! still isnt airing on ABC channels owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting Group, who publicly condemned Kimmel and pledged to pre-empt his show following Carrs threats on a right-wing podcast last Wednesday, Kimmel is back on TV and streaming for millions of Americans to the begrudging satisfaction of his right-wing critics, who now just want to see him canceled for the right reasons. In his tearful opening monologue during tonights triumphant return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel thanked all of his fellow Americans who spoke out against Carr and the FCC following his unjust suspension, telling his countrymen, You made your voices heard so mine could be heard. Don't Miss Kimmel especially wanted to thank one particular patriot, whose nasally criticism of Carr legitimized the pushback against the FCC as a bipartisan issue. Ted Cruz, take a bow but dont stay down there too long, or youll just go back to kissing Trumps ass. Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who dont support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway, Kimmel said of the swell of outrage that hit the FCC following Carrs threats. Along with Cruz, conservative figures such as Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens and Mitch McConnell all expressed disapproval for how Carr used his office to publicly intimidate broadcasters into silencing a prominent critic of the President. Advertisement Kimmel played a clip of Cruz criticizing Carrs move to pressure ABC affiliates into censoring Kimmel on his podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz, in which the Republican Senator from Texas said that he despises Kimmels comments and would celebrate the late-night hosts dismissal, if it wasnt a brazen act of government censorship. Let me tell you, if the government gets in the business of saying, We dont like what you, the media, have said, were going to ban you from the airwaves if you dont say what we like, That will end up bad for conservatives, Cruz opined. I dont think Ive ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right, Kimmel said of the comments from Cruz. It affects all of us, including him! I mean, think about it: If Ted Cruz cant speak freely, then he cant cast spells on the Smurfs! Last Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr urged ABC affiliates to take action on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, threatened their broadcasting licenses and warned them, We can do this the easy way, or the hard way." Tonight, Jimmy Kimmel returned to television and reminded Carr that real mob bosses dont illegally intimidate their targets on podcasts. Despite Carrs best efforts to strong-arm the Walt Disney Company, ABC, the Nexstar Media Group and the Sinclair Broadcast Group into kicking one of President Donald Trumps most prominent critics off of television, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back on ABC, so long as your local channel isnt owned by the lattermost two of Carrs targets. During an appearance on a right-wing podcast, the FCC chair made an unprecedented and completely unconstitutional open call for ABC affiliates to remove Kimmel from the schedule, warning, Licensed broadcasters are running into the possibility of fines or license revocation from the FCC if (they) continue to run content that ends up being a pattern of news distortion before gloating on Twitter when Nexstar and Sinclair immediately caved to his pressure. Don't Miss In the following days, prominent politicians and media members from across the divided political landscape spoke out against Carr and his attempts to subvert the First Amendment, including Republican Senator Ted Cruz who compared Carr to a mafioso shaking down a small business. Well, tonight, Kimmel thumbed his nose at Carr and excoriated the FCC chairs egregious abuse of power while enlisting some A-list help to show Carr how a true don gets it done: In his powerful opening monologue, Kimmel called Carr out by name, quoting the exact comments from the FCC boss that led to the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! while pointing out Carrs complete hypocrisy as a past, self-professed champion of freedom of speech. In 2022, when a not-yet-owned-by-Elon-Musk Twitter temporarily suspended the right-wing satire publication Babylon Bee, Carr tweeted in protest, Political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech. It challenges those in power while using humor to draw more people in to the discussion. Thats why people in influential positions have always targeted it for censorship. Advertisement But as Kimmel pointed out, Carrs public threats to ABC affiliates as he called for Kimmel to be silenced werent just hypocritical and illegal they were also hilariously stupid. By publicly intimidating Nexstar and Sinclair into doing his bidding instead of issuing his threats privately, Carr was exposing his misdeeds for the world to see, when real mob bosses know not to leave a paper trail during a shakedown. At the same time, perhaps Kimmel was also unwise to have Robert De Niro show Carr how a real (fake) mafioso would run the FCC the whole pay by the word program is right up Trumps alley, and Kimmel, De Niro and Disney may pay dearly for joking that the President is so fat he needs two seats on the Epstein jet. Six days after his indefinite suspension from ABC, a last-minute temper tantrum and extortion attempt from Donald Trump, and thousands of Disney+ subscription cancellations, Jimmy Kimmel made his triumphant return to late night on Tuesday. The highly anticipated 28-minute monologue featured a tasteful mixture of tears, biting remarks and good-old fashioned Smurf jokes. Like Stephen Colbert at the Emmys, Kimmel was met by a standing ovation from his live studio audience before he could even really start talking. A heros welcome for someone who unwittingly became the face of the First Amendment when he addressed the murder of right-winger Charlie Kirk last Wednesday. But Kimmel didnt fall into the trap so easily laid out for him; one where he could bask in the stolen valor of being Trumps most vulnerable punching bag. Instead, the segment showed Kimmel at his sharpest and most emotional. It was a far-cry from earlier iterations of the Man Show comedian. Don't Miss If youre just joining us, we are preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report, Kimmel started. Im happy to be here tonight with you. He then went through a rapid fire round on Trumps ahistorical and anti-scientific turn on Tylenol and the outpouring of support he received from people all over the world, including the cabal of late-night show hosts, the likes of which included David Letterman, Jon Stewart and John Oliver, all of whom extended their platforms in service of advocating for Kimmel. Advertisement Trump and Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carrs overstep was so egregious that Kimmels defenders werent limited to the liberal class either; Kimmel dedicated a full bit to thanking Republican Senator Ted Cruz for the Trump servants selfishly motivated defense of Kimmels rights. He didnt let Cruz off the hook with a simple thank you, however. This affects all of us, including him, Kimmel noted. I mean, think about it: If Ted Cruz cant speak freely, then he cant cast spells on the Smurfs. Amid a lot of digs at Carr and Trump Kimmel also toed the line of apologizing. He didnt roll over for those (Sinclair, Nexstar, Trump supporters on Reddit) pressuring him to prostrate himself, but he wasnt flippant about the accusations that he made light of Kirks murder, either. It was a delicate balance, maybe an impossible one. Advertisement Ive been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight, Kimmel said. And the truth is I dont think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me. If you dont, you dont. I have no illusions about changing anyones mind. After he humbled the power of his own influence, he got tears in his eyes. Kimmel then went on to make a heartfelt plea. I do want to make something clear because its important to me as a human, Kimmel explained. And that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I dont think theres anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. Advertisement Will this emotional acknowledgement assuage Trump or his most rabid followers? Not likely. But to the millions of Americans who tuned in tonight, Kimmel struck the right cord. He managed to display real backbone against the authoritarian administration who at this moment is likely drafting another scammy lawsuit, while throwing elbows at the clowns who participated in the madness. Sinclair and Nexstar were mocked. There was an acknowledgement of the number of people who canceled their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions that doubled as the only criticism of Disney and ABC we got for the night. Advertisement A lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return to the air, and there is one, Kimmel said. Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and Ive agreed to do it. To reactivate your Disney+ and Hulu account, open the Disney+ app on your smart TV or TV connected device. He rounded out his monologue with a whole Robert De Niro gangster featurette mocking Carr, before he dove into a truly regular spate of late-night programming. Glenn Powell was the handsome guest. Sarah McLachlan sang a beautiful song. If any of the millions of Americans who tuned in to see Kimmel get even stuck around after the commercial break, they were treated to a normal night of Jimmy Kimmel Live! He signed off by saying wed see him tomorrow night maybe! The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel is all about Benghazi to me, comedian and pundit John Fugelsang tells me while we discuss his new book, Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds. How exactly did a late-night host become Benghazi? Benghazi was our Republican friends exploiting a murder to attack the people they already hated, Fugelsang explained. First with Benghazi, they tried to take out Susan Rice. Then they used it against Barack Obama for the 2012 election. Then they used it for four years against Hillary Clinton and dropped the issue completely the day Trump was sworn in and never mentioned Benghazi again. You ask your average Republican about that. They dont know the names of those four men. They dont need them anymore. They were no longer useful. Don't Miss The firestorm around Charlie Kirk and Jimmy Kimmel is tragically the same exact thing, Fugelsang explains, with the comics monologue providing an opening for chaos. Kimmels two comments leading into it were that MAGA was spending all weekend hoping this guy wasnt one of theirs. And thats true. And then MAGA was trying to blame everybody else. And thats true as well. He said nothing about Mr. Kirk. He didnt make fun of the death or the tragedy. But political interests saw Kimmels comments as an opportunity to fan the flames, including the FCC chairman, Fugelsang said. Brendan Carr's wanted this for a long time. Hes a Project 2025 guy. This has been their dream. However, at least for now, the plan to turn Kimmel into the latest Benghazi has backfired. The problem is theyre messy and theyre stupid and theyre sloppy, Fugelsang says about Carrs appearance on Benny Johnsons podcast. The FCC head was saying the quiet part out loud and essentially threatening Disney with blackmail on camera. Bad move, Fugelsang argues. The backlash, including streaming subscription cancellations and public outcry, forced Disneys hand, and Kimmel is back with record ratings. And instead of an inflection point, Carr turned Kimmel into a champion of free speech. Advertisement Kimmel will probably have a show that lasts much longer than it would have ordinarily, Fugelsang predicts. Hes guaranteed to be a free speech hero. Hes going in the Library of Congress. When hes 80, hell get the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The threats to silence comedians and other voices of dissent gave a lot of Republicans an excuse to start putting space between themselves and Donald Trump, Fugelsang says. Indeed, Kimmel took time in his monologue to thank Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz, for defending the right to free speech. All they achieved here, Fugelsang says, was Donald Trump saved Jimmy Kimmels show. He kindly asks that his own jokes about immigration not be used in government jokes If youve ever wondered what disaffected 24-year-olds are doing for money, at least a few of them are scouring through Theo Von's social media posts and clipping his videos into anti-immigrant propaganda for the U.S. government. In a now-deleted video posted to the official Department of Homeland Security X account, a video of Von saying Heard you got departed dude, bye, was spliced into a 30-second video celebrating the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts. Von wasnt happy that his video in which he genuinely did say Heard you got departed dude, bye was used by the government. Yooo DHS I didnt approve to be used in this, he wrote. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your banger deportation videos. When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are alot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye! Those nuanced opinions can be seen in a video he posted in June. I love Mexicans. I would like to be Mexican next time, Von said in a response to a listeners voicemail asking about his stance on ICE. Ive prayed for that. God knows that. So, if something ever happens to me, please look out for me. Don't Miss He continued by saying that he believed at least half of the videos coming out of the L.A. deportation sweeps were not real and staged to create conflict. Obviously, theres a lot of deportations going on, Von added. Its sick when you see children crying and people being taken from their parents. Its heartbreaking. Anybody thinks that thats heartbreaking. Now, theres also in the country theres, you know, you have rules, you have laws. And some people are here, theyre illegal. Theyre illegal by the letter of the law. Technically, theyre undocumented. Right now, 40 percent of people that are here illegally are Mexican, right? Sixty percent are not. Trump, Von said, is heavy-handed and when the hammer starts to come down, it will be uncomfortable. The video continues for a full 10 minutes, none of which is very ideologically coherent. Advertisement As some people on X pointed out, Vons video, which was reportedly filmed for a fan who requested the video for a friend who actually did get deported, was perfect fodder for the Trump administration partly because of Vons own track record. Hes been very friendly to the right, conducting podcast interviews with everyone from Trump and JD Vance to Candace Owens and Joe Rogan. Advertisement Advertisement Von would frame this to being open to all ideas. But that receptiveness has created a wide open door for bad actors to use his political vagueness and mass appeal for their own agendas. In this case, it was DHS objective to manufacture consent for the terror campaign theyre raining down on some of the most vulnerable communities in this country. Might want to pick a side, Theo. Otherwise, the Trump administration seems intent on doing it for you. Modified: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 10:15 BST David Woodsmith STORY LINK Pound-to-Euro Forecast: GBP Slides to 8-Week Lows on UK PMI Weakness GBP/EUR Forecasts: Slide to 8-Week Lows Save on Your GBP/EUR Transfer Get better rates and lower fees on your next international money transfer. Compare TorFX with top UK banks in seconds and see how much you could save. Compare the Best GBP/EUR Rates Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The British Pound moved lower against the Euro on Tuesday as weak UK PMI business confidence data dragged GBP/EUR exchange rate to fresh eight-week lows near 1.1440.The latest figures showed a broad slowdown in manufacturing and services, fuelling speculation of a near-term Bank of England rate cut.By contrast, Eurozone data painted a more mixed picture, with stronger German services offsetting French weakness.The Pound Sterling attempted to recover in early Europe on Tuesday before sliding again as the latest business confidence data triggered renewed concerns over the economy and is liable to trigger fresh talk of a near-term Bank of England rate cut.The Pound to Euro exchange rate (GBP/EUR) dipped to 8-week lows below 1.1440 and close to July lows just below 1.1420.The UK PMI manufacturing index retreated further to a 5-month low of 46.2 for September from 47.0 previously and below consensus forecasts of 47.1.The services-sector index also retreated to a 2-month low of 51.9 from 54.2 for August and well below expectations of 53.5.Employment continued to decline while business confidence dipped to a 3-month low.There was further strong upward pressure on costs, although services charges increased at a slower rate.According to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence; Septembers flash UK PMI survey brought a litany of worrying news including weakening growth, slumping overseas trade, worsening business confidence and further steep job losses.He added; alarm bells should be ringing that the economy is faltering, which could help shift the policy debate at the Bank of England back towards a more dovish stance.Weak growth would increase upward pressure on budget deficits and further erode the governments fiscal headroom.Rabobank commented; In short, tax hikes are pretty much unavoidable. That will be a tough message to sell, as Labour is already trailing Reform in the polls. But investors require something more tangible than just rhetoric: they demand to see credible and substantial fiscal adjustments.The Euro-Zone PMI manufacturing index retreated to a 3-month low of 49.5 for September from 50.7 previously and below consensus forecasts of no change.The services-sector, however, strengthened to a 9-month high of 51.4 from 50.5 and above expectations of 50.6.There was notable divergence between Germany and France with both French indices in contraction territory while there was a strong rebound in the German services sector.Dr. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank commented; The eurozone is still on a growth path. That said, were still a long way from seeing any real momentum.Output prices increased at the slowest rate of the year.He added; Selling prices have cooled more noticeably, which might just prompt the ECB to consider whether a rate cut before years end could be back on the table.Danske Bank does not back further cuts; In our view, the likelihood of further rate cuts from the ECB has declined further over the past month. We thus expect the key policy rate to remain at 2% until the end of 2026. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts 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. It seemed like any other morning for five Welsh builders as they set to work laying pipes in a house in Cardiff's Fitzhamon Embankment in 1989. But it wasn't long before they made the grim discovery of 15-year-old Karen Price, a teenager who had been murdered, wrapped in a carpet, and buried in a shallow grave near the door to a basement flat at number 29. With little to no way of determining the identity of the remains during a time before DNA testing, police had to rely on a combination of old-school techniques and new technology to solve Karen's murder. This week, a new Channel 5 documentary has told the story of how detectives found out the remains belonged to Karen, and who was behind her gruesome death. Karen was found on December 7, 1989, eight years after she was last seen. Tragically, in this time, no one had come looking for the young teenager, who had been in care since the age of 10 and had been dubbed 'Little Miss Nobody'. Appearing in the documentary, Paul Fenton, a retired detective sergeant from South Wales police, who was one of the first on the scene, recalled jumping into action when they realised her death was 'foul play'. After discovering the body, it was essential that police gather every possible trace of evidence to find out who it was, he said. But it wasn't long before they made the grim discovery of 15-year-old Karen Price, a teenager who had been murdered, wrapped in a carpet, and buried in a shallow grave near the door to a basement flat at number 29 (Karen, pictured) No one was living in the house at the time she was found, buried at the rear of the property. Footage shown in the documentary showed the eerie moment the builders first discovered her body, and joked light-heartedly that it could be a corpse - never expecting it to be the truth. One said: 'Jokingly, we said oh, there might be a body in there, we'd better unwrap that.' With just skeletal remains and the clothes left on their back, police had to begin from scratch when starting their investigations. Karen had been bound at the wrists and had a bag placed over her head at the time she was buried. Police were able to identify her age by studying the remains of her teeth. Professor David Whittaker, a forensic dentist, was able to determine that she was female and aged around 15 and a half when she died. Hints of pink on her teeth also led him to determine that her death had likely been a violent one, since blunt force trauma led to the bursting of the capillaries, which then spread to the teeth. However, police were initially stumped by the name of the young girl, as missing person reports revealed nothing. 'We trawled the entire country. It seemed remarkable to us that we brought up absolutely nothing,' said a detective who had worked on the case. Police visited local dentists to see if they could identify the teeth, but they continued to struggle to identify the person associated with the teeth. They then turned to facial reconstruction forensic artist, Richard Neave, to create an image of her face before she died. Pictured: Alan Charlton, a local bouncer with a reputation for pimping out young local girls. He was living in the basement of the property where Karen's body was found at the time of her murder Idris Ali, pictured, who served three years and 10 months in prison after he was convicted of the manslaughter of Karen Price Using a cast of her skull, he worked to recreate a model of what Karen's face may have looked like using clay, an image that police then showed on TV, desperately hoping someone might recognise her. Investigating insect activity also gave police an indication of the time of her death. They found blowfly larvae in the carpet, which showed she must have been killed between April and October, when the eggs are laid. They were able to pinpoint that her death happened between 1982 and 1984. From this, they were able to trace the former residents of the flat, which gave them a list of potential killers. After a clay reconstruction of Karen was made public alongside a timeline for when she likely went missing, police received phone calls from two social workers, both of whom gave the name Karen Price. From there, detectives learned of Karen's 'sad' background. After her parents divorced when she was just ten years old, they had custody issues that eventually landed the youngster living in a care home. But soon after she was sent into care, she began to abscond from the home, eventually running away and not coming back. Uncovering details about her past, detectives then discovered she had started mixing 'with undesirable people' in Cardiff city centre. Another detective who had worked on the case said: 'Life was difficult for runaways like Karen because of all the temptations and because of all the undesirables in which they lived and operated in that area'. Eventually, forensic dentist, David, tracked down a surgery in north Cardiff that possessed her dental records. This confirmed the identity of Karen. Later, police appealed to Crimewatch callers to come forward with any information they might have about Karen's disappearance. One caller, Idris Ali rang to say that he was once a friend of Karen's. Idris, who was also 15 or 16 at the time, had met her at a bus station and introduced her to Alan Charlton, a local bouncer with a reputation for pimping out young local girls. They later discovered that Alan had been living in the basement flat at the time of the murder. After interviewing Idris, they then learned that Idris had brought Karen to the flat to attend Alan's party, along with another young girl, who became known as witness D. Karen and the other girl, who was just 13, were both asked to strip naked and get into bed so Alan could photograph them. When witness D refused, he struck her. Karen then attempted to intervene but was throttled, receiving a fatal blow to the head. Alan and Idris were later jailed in 1991 for Karen's murder, both later attempting to appeal their sentences. At the time they were accused of the murders, both pleaded not guilty. Alan received a life sentence for the murder, while Idris was freed after just three years and 10 months in prison, his conviction quashed after he admitted manslaughter. Alan was released on parole in 2017. Reflecting on how police were able to identify Karen's identity and eventually jail her murderers, detective Paul Fenton said, 'Right from the word go, all we had were skeletal remains; we didn't have social media. We didn't have all the things that you have now, like CCTV. We had nothing other than basic good police work.' Tobias Houlton, facial identification specialist at the University of Dundee, said Price's case was essential in 'helping to legitimise the use of social reconstruction'. Buried Secrets: The Body in the Carpet will be on Channel 5 at 10pm on Tuesday. It once graced the tables of royalty, presidents and popes- for generations, Wedgwood was a symbol of refinement, tradition and impeccable taste. But fast forward to today, and once-prized porcelain pieces that were lovingly gifted at weddings, and saved for anniversaries and Christmas dinners are gathering dust, or worse, going for pennies on online marketplaces. The sparkle has well and truly faded for the formal dining crockery, pieces that once fetched hundreds of pounds are now struggling to sell at car boot sales, with some saying they can't even 'give the sets away'. Founded in 1759 by the pioneering Josiah Wedgwood, the brand quickly rose to prominence, earning fans in high places. Its elegant, often hand-painted china was used in Buckingham Palace, the White House, the Vatican, and even the Kremlin. However what was once considered a status symbol, doesn't hold the same value in today's society and in recent years Wedgwood has been in serious decline due to low demand and rising energy costs. Last week, after seeing lower demand in key markets, Fiskars, the makers of Wedgwood, revealed plans to halt production at its Barlaston factory for up to 90 days starting September 29, with production expected to resume in early January 2026. Expert and prolific author on ceramics and glass, John Sandon, who makes regular appearances on the BBC Antiques Roadshow, revealed the decline in demand for traditional porcelain is less about quality and more about shifting cultural attitudes. He told the Daily Mail: 'Most people consider their best china and family inherited crockery is 'old fashioned', whatever that means. Once Britain's most prestigious porcelain crockery that was once saved for special occasions is now worthless 'Most old sets are regarded as impractical for everyday use, and very, very few people want to use them.' Reflecting on changing attitudes toward inherited tableware, John noted the growing disconnect between sustainability messages and modern family preferences. He added: 'The much quoted 'Antiques are Green' message has tried to emphasise that old china sets are the ultimate recyclables. And Granny's china sets should be used. But most modern families don't want to.' Highlighting the gap between appreciation and practicality, John pointed out that admiration for antique ceramics doesnt always translate into everyday use. 'Not using your old china tea services and fruit sets is nothing to do with the reason people choose plain white from Ikea and The Range instead of very expensive Wedgwood from John Lewis. 'And thankfully collectable antique Wedgwood is just as wonderful as it's always been. It mostly costs a lot less than it used to, which means great opportunity for those who still want to collect antiques. We love our antique ceramics- but we don't use them.' Meanwhile Pauline Kent, who's father, Roy, was one of seven potters from Stoke-On-Trent, working for Wedgwood, revealed the British people have 'fallen out of love with formality.' Roy worked in the mould-making department and later retired to Norfolk at 65, passing away at 95. Meanwhile his brother Kenneth remained in the potteries until the age of 80. Roy, who started working in Wedgwood at 14-years-old, also met Pauline's mother Irene at the company, and they were married for almost 70 years. The once-prized porcelain Wedgwood pieces that were lovingly gifted at weddings, and saved for anniversaries and Christmas dinners are now been discounted in shops What was once considered a status symbol, doesn't hold the same value in today's society and in recent years Wedgwood has been in serious decline due to low demand and rising energy costs Founded in 1759 by the pioneering Josiah Wedgwood, the brand quickly rose to prominence, earning fans in high places. Its elegant, often hand-painted china was used in Buckingham Palace , the White House , the Vatican, and even the Kremlin Pauline said: 'Apparently she spotted my dad in the mould making department and it was love at first sight.' She shared that her late father, who passed away two years ago, had observed the decline in porcelain appeal over the years. She said: 'He started his working life at 14 working for Wedgwood. He died two years ago and left my brother and I lot of beautiful pottery, including Wedgwood, some I cant even give away let alone sell. 'We spoke many times about the demise of British pottery and changing taste.' Pauline recalled her father explaining that 'people no longer eat together, they eat in front of the TV and they eat a lot of takeaways so the occasion for beautiful China isnt there.' She added: 'He also made the point that the British have embraced everything thats casual - casual clothes, casual relationships, casual dining, casual ways of working. 'We have fallen out of love with formality. Add to this our love affair with all things Scandinavian and French too and British pottery is undesirable. 'I find it very sad but it wont stop me from bringing out the Spode Christmas Tree collection at Christmas.' A historic picture of the Wedgwood potteries in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Meanwhile Pauline Kent, who's father, Roy, (right) was one of seven potters from Stoke-On-Trent, working for Wedgwood, revealed the British people have 'fallen out of love with formality' Roy (right) worked in the mould-making department and later retired to Norfolk at 65, passing away at 95. Meanwhile his brother Kenneth (left) remained in the potteries until the age of 80 Roy, who started working in Wedgwood at 14-years-old, also met Pauline's mother Irene (centre back row) at the company, and they were married for almost 70 years In 2009, the collapse of the Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton group brought the company to the brink of closure, however Finnish firm Fiskars bought it in 2015, saving the brand. It continued to produce its high-end, hand-painted and limited-edition pieces at its factory in Barlaston, Staffordshire, but after the company plunged into the red in 2023 with a 1.4 million loss. Tom Hammersley, marketing manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said he was concerned about the drop in demand, which came against a backdrop of increasing costs. Speaking to BBC he said: 'Wedgwood has huge global demand in areas including China and Japan. If that demand is slowing, and married with the increasing costs, it is a huge concern.' Meanwhile Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, described it as 'incredibly worrying' and said it further highlighted the need for support for the ceramics industry. 'The support cannot be in some distant future or the promise of help tomorrow but real help today,' he told the BBC. However Wedgwoods woes are not in isolation. Britains once-booming ceramics industry has been hit hard in recent years by soaring energy costs and changing tastes. In February, Royal Stafford, a company with nearly 200 years of history, collapsed and eventually closed. Despite the shift toward minimalist interiors and mass-produced tableware, theres hope that the tide might one day turn Crockery is pictured at the Waterford Wedgwood factory shop in Stoke-on-Trent, northwest England in 2009 In April, Moorcroft Pottery also went under, though it has since reopened, saved by the founders grandson. For Pauline, whose family has deep roots in Stoke-on-Trents pottery industry, the decline of British ceramics is more than just economic, its deeply personal. She explained: 'Its definitely sad that there isnt the demand and distressing to know that Stoke-On-Trent will no longer be known as the Potteries where whole families worked together and developed the most incredible skills. 'I will always be the person who turns a dish upside down to see where its been made and value a beautiful plate or candlestick or vase because I can appreciate the craftsmanship. Its in my DNA.' While many are downsizing or giving away their heirloom china, Pauline is holding on to it and passing it down. She said: 'Fortunately we have enough space to store most of my parents best pottery including soup tureens, huge serving plates and some Wedgwood cigarette lighters which they use for lighting candles. 'I will definitely hold onto things although I have already started giving pieces to my children. Its funny that they like the Mid-Century pieces which Im not crazy about.' Despite the shift toward minimalist interiors and mass-produced tableware, theres hope that the tide might one day turn. In 2009, the collapse of the Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton group brought the company to the brink of closure, however Finnish firm Fiskars bought it in 2015, saving the brand Wedgwood continued to produce its high-end, hand-painted and limited-edition pieces at its factory in Barlaston, Staffordshire, but after the company plunged into the red in 2023 with a 1.4 million loss Pauline added: 'I hope we will fall in love with formality again. Life would be boring if we lived in leggings and only used white dishes. 'As a family we love an excuse to dress up and this applies to having dinner together where we use a mixture of my parents Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater and some Spode. Every piece comes from Stokeof course it would.' A spokesperson for Wedgwood told the Daily Mail Online: 'On 29 September 2025, Fiskars Group will temporarily pause production at the Wedgwood factory in Barlaston, UK, for up to 90 days. 'This shortterm measure is being taken to address elevated inventory levels caused by lower consumer demand in some of our key markets. A total of 70 employees will be placed on temporary leave. 'The factory tours, part of the acclaimed World of Wedgwood tourist destination, will be suspended during this period, with plans to resume in early January 2026. 'Barlaston and its community are of key importance to Fiskars Group and Wedgwood. 'The site serves as a hub for our high-end and bespoke product, including handcrafted pieces in fine bone china and our signature Jasperware. 'These pieces are brought to life by skilled artisans using techniques pioneered by Josiah Wedgwood many still in use today. 'This living tradition reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, the value of Made in England, and Barlastons enduring role in our heritage and operations.' It seems logical: pick a man who's a little bit less attractive, less successful, less socially magnetic than you and you'll be less likely to get hurt. If you marry a man who's lucky to have you, he'll never risk losing you, right? It feels like a clever insurance policy against heartbreak - except it rarely works that way. He feels patronised, you feel unfulfilled, and the imbalance makes cheating MORE likely, not less. Here's one woman's cautionary tale of why settling for less almost never ends in a happy marriage. 'NEXT TIME, I'M AIMING HIGH. IF I'M GOING TO BE CHEATED ON, IT SHOULD BE WITH SOMEONE WHO'S WORTH THE PAIN' Elena, 39, married Matt because he was 'safe'. They were married three years before she discovered he was anything but... 'I have big abandonment issues because my father cheated constantly on my mother. She was devastated by his affairs. 'He was smart, successful and charismatic. I figured if I don't go out with men like him, I'd avoid getting hurt like she did. Elena, 39, married Matt because he was 'safe'. They were married three years before she discovered he was anything but... (stock image) 'I look good, I'm likeable, successful and socially gregarious. 'I should be dating an alpha male. What I don't have, though thanks to my father - is confidence in men. 'I tried dating very attractive men in my 20s, but I was so insanely jealous, it was miserable. 'I decided to go safe. I dated a guy who was short (really short) and there was no jealousy that time. 'There was no way this guy was going to cheat when he'd hit the jackpot. We went out for a year, and it was blissfully uneventful, if not built to last. 'The boyfriends that followed were similar. 'When I met Matt, I was open to getting serious with someone like him. Matt was your classic 'nice guy'. He seemed kind and gentle and had lots of female friends. Decent job, decent wage. 'OK looking but you'd never look twice. Never going to set the world alight but that was fine by me. 'Far less chance of him turning into my father. I liked him and I wanted to have children. So, we got married and planned to have children quite soon. 'I didn't count on this. 'But here's where the best laid plan unravels. Nice is nice but long-term relationships are hard. They get boring very quickly. You need excitement on some level to stay interested. British relationship expert Tracey Cox speaks to one woman who says she regrets marrying down and why 'I remember one morning, looking at Matt and thinking, 'My God, there is nothing at all about you that's exceptional'. He was average on all counts: intelligence, looks, social skills, employability. He wasn't bad in bed, but he wasn't good in bed. 'Not having a husband that other women want to steal has its good and bad sides. You don't have to keep your eye on them at parties. But instead, you see other people looking at us and thinking, 'I don't get it. Why is she with him?'. He wasn't my equal in any way. 'It didn't help that my friends' husbands all started out quite ordinary but ended up achieving great things. 'I was also rising steadily up the career ladder, Matt stayed the same. The gulf between us widened. HERE'S WHY MARRYING DOWN WON'T WORK Ignore Elena's advice at your peril. There are many reasons why marrying 'beneath you' often backfires. Resentment builds fast on both sides. You start focusing on what you could have had: you made concessions, your friends didn't and look at where they are now! You feel less respected for your choice, which lowers your attraction for your partner even further and increases friction. Meanwhile, they're noticing the looks they get when introduced, see the whispers behind hands, and feel ostracised and looked down on. Unequal relationships rarely feel comfortable. Power dynamics are important and extreme mismatches in anything feel uneasy on either side. You feel like you're doing all the heavy lifting and that you didn't get a 'good deal', they feel vulnerable and second best. Attractiveness isn't the only or main driver of cheating. First up, attraction is in the eye of the beholder: you might not think they look great but someone else will. Secondly, people don't just cheat or leave because they're tempted by others who want them. Most of all they cheat when they don't feel loved and valued. What you're secretly thinking you're not good enough for me - is usually written all over your face. You need to make peace with your demons. If you're constantly compromising or pretending, you lose parts of yourself. The result is a hollow marriage (and life) filled with 'what if's'. Advertisement 'What I didn't realise was that Matt was also acutely aware of all this. But of course he knew and felt the judgement of everyone. 'We went on holiday with friends, and he stood out like a sore thumb. That was about two and a half years into the marriage and when I started really putting him down. My respect for him went and with it, went the marriage. 'I wasn't happy but he wasn't allowed to be. 'It wasn't working my end, but I still assumed I had the upper hand. The marriage probably wouldn't last the distance, but it would be totally up to me to call it. I might not love him, but he had to love me still because, well, I was the catch! 'I did notice he started working late, but I also knew he was angling for a promotion. He was indeed buttering up his boss, just not in the way I thought. 'He'd started having an affair with her about 10 months into our marriage. I had no idea. I thought we were good at that point. Clearly, he read me better than I could read myself. 'When I found out, we'd been married three years, and his affair had lasted more than two of those. Even more humiliating, everyone knew about it. 'Matt and his girlfriend made no secret of it at work or when they went out. I'm amazed they weren't caught earlier. As it turned out, a close friend of mine was a regular at a restaurant they also frequented. 'She watched, shocked, as they walked in, hand in hand, and sat down together. She asked the waiter if he'd seen them before and he said they'd been coming there together for years. 'His reaction was the most hurtful of all. 'There was no remorse when I confronted him. No embarrassment. No apology. He smirked like he'd been looking forward to this moment. All he said was, 'Guess we'd better start divorce proceedings then'. And walked out the door before taking me to the cleaners. 'His lawyer painted me as a demon. I demeaned him, took advantage of his natural kindness and treated him like a 'slave'. He said my bitterness at not having 'married well' had damaged his self-esteem to the extent that he was on medication and in therapy. 'He was driven to having an affair because he was so unloved and unhappy. Matt was bitter, angry and out for revenge. My lawyer said not to risk going to court, so I settled for three times what he deserved. 'To any women out there who think choosing Mr Average is going to guarantee he won't cheat or hurt you, think again. The reality is it makes it more likely. It's human nature to find love and validation elsewhere if you're not getting it at home and he wasn't getting either. 'I also deserve to be with someone I respect and want, not someone I tolerate just because they (supposedly) won't cause me pain. I headed straight to therapy after the split and next time I'm aiming high. If I'm going to be cheated on, it might as well be with someone who is worth the pain' Check out Tracey's books, podcast, products and blog at traceycox.com. Who doesnt dream of a better life in the Spanish sunshine? While British evenings are getting darker earlier and electricity bills are going up, Majorca still enjoys sunny days and balmy evenings. Little wonder, then, that Mandy Green and her then husband Mark fell in love with the island and one day made the impulsive decision to move there from their home in chilly Dunfermline, Fife. They ended up spending 17 years in Majorca and, in many ways, Mandy, 61, feels nostalgic about their life in the sun. I miss so much about living there, from the fresh fruit still on sale at this time of the year to being able to walk barefoot on the beach, she says. But the now-divorced mother of two, who returned to Scotland six years ago and lives alone, definitely doesnt miss the downsides of being an innocent abroad from getting fleeced by locals to being hit by unexpected tax demands. The restaurant business Mandy and Mark took on proudly calling it M&Ms proved to be a bottomless financial black hole and the stress of running it eventually took its toll on their marriage. Mark has since set up home with a local Spanish woman. Yet, it all seemed so full of promise back in 2001, when they made the decision to move. They had been married for 12 years and were not unhappy in Fife. Professionally, the couple were on the up. Mark worked as a chef and Mandy was a hotel manager when they decided to make the move to Spain. They were confident they could transfer their hospitality skills to a Mediterranean culture and climate. Wed only been on holiday in Majorca twice, but we were smitten with the Spanish way of life, says Mandy. We bought a restaurant-bar in the beachside resort of Santa Ponsa. We did all the right things, using a well-known estate agent and a reputable accountant, but no one sat us down and told us about the taxes and bills you had to pay. Wed get hit with out-of-the-blue tax bills. Wed only been on holiday in Majorca twice, but we were smitten with the Spanish way of life, says Mandy Green The now-divorced mother of two, who returned to Scotland six years ago and lives alone, definitely doesnt miss the downsides of being an innocent abroad Their first task was to find somewhere to live which was much harder than expected in a tourist town where so many apartments are holiday lets. Estate agents seemed to assume that, as they were British, they had plenty of money. Mandy lived in three different properties during her time on the island. When we first moved over, wed look at properties for rent on the Spanish rental websites and arrange an appointment to view them, but as soon as the landlord knew we were British, theyd increase the prices, she says. One three-bedroom flat we saw was advertised at 400 (350) a month, but it shot up to 600 (520) a month as soon as the landlord heard us say Hola. Spain is the number one destination in Europe for Brits who want to move abroad to start a new life. Most are attracted to the slower pace of life, Mediterranean climate and mild winters. Everything from property prices to daily living costs are generally much cheaper. Official Spanish government statistics suggest that last year there were 275,000 UK nationals living legally in Spain, but the real figures are thought to be much higher, with expat newspaper The Local estimating that at least 403,925 are based there. Mandy had enjoyed living in Scotland, but was concerned for her childrens welfare. Our son and daughter, then 16 and 15, got in with the wrong crowd. We didnt want that for them and they loved the idea of living in another country. It was always going to be Majorca wed fallen in love with the island and knew it was where we could start a dream life together as a family. We arrived with just our suitcases. They sold the family home (although Mandy kept a property in Scotland which shed bought with an inheritance) and rented a four-bedroom apartment in Santa Ponsa, on the west coast of the island. The apartment had all mod-cons, access to a pool and air con, she says. They then bought a restaurant in the beachside town which could seat up to 40 guests. I didnt speak any Spanish beforehand. What we couldnt get our head around was the amount of money we had to fork out each month. We had an accountant whose job seemed to be serving us bill after bill, she says. Wed been in our restaurant for a month when our accountant presented us with a tax bill for 300 (260). It totally took us by surprise as we had no idea what it was for and it wasnt something wed been told to budget for. While the restaurant did well, our customers were mainly holidaying Brits. There were so many things we didnt expect. Food supply prices went up and down all the time. There were constant tax surprises. I wish Id spoken to other business owners first so Id known about all of the extra charges. Being open seven days a week was exhausting and working in the heat was horrendous. Yet guests were envious of my life in Spain and would routinely ask me how easy it was to make the move. While Mandy made friends and learnt to get by in Spanish, her daughter returned to Scotland after seven years. Her son, who was by now a chef, left the island, too, and moved to Ireland where he stayed for eight years. Three years after their children left, the couple admitted they were exhausted and sold their restaurant. I got a job in a hotel working days, while my ex worked evenings as a chef, but it meant we barely saw one another. By now wed moved a third time to an inland village, purely to get away from the tourists. In the evenings wed relax together, but by then we had grown apart. We split in 2016. No one else was involved, I dont think. Ten months later my ex started seeing a Majorcan woman he is still with today. When we first moved over, wed look at properties for rent on the Spanish rental websites and arrange an appointment to view them, but as soon as the landlord knew we were British, theyd increase the prices, Mandy says In 2019 Mandy got a call from her daughter now a mother of two to say her relationship had broken down. Mandy could tell she needed her mother, so returned home. Mandy has lived in Scotland ever since. Helen Morris, 45, a married mum of one from Shropshire, fell for Spain while on holiday in Murcia, south of Alicante, in 2019. As she explains: We were sitting in an English pub and commented on how lovely it was. We were told it was for sale. It was one of lifes sliding doors moments. There and then we decided to buy it. Helen and her husband Mike, who had two decades of experience when it came to running pubs, found themselves, six weeks later, the owners of Finnegans bar for which theyd paid 160,000 (140,000). We werent novices when we took it over and it was busy from the off. It wasnt a Spanish bar but a themed pub thats what holidaymakers wanted. As a teenager, Helen had spent a decade in Majorca with her mum so was able to speak Spanish. Yet Mike had never lived in Spain before. Even so, not only did the couple invest in the bar, they also ploughed 280,000 (245,000) into a little finca a farmhouse with a pool. Initially it was a brilliant life. In the mornings, Id get out of bed and have a swim. After a few lengths, Id enjoy breakfast by the pool. We only worked in the evenings so it was an easy life with no worries. There were no 600-a-month electricity bills, either. While the first 12 months were perfect, with the expat community making the couple feel welcome, what frustrated Helen was the attitude of the locals. In Murcia they were very racist towards the English. Places like Marbella embrace expats, but the small fishing village where we were based just didnt welcome change. Every time I tried to do something it was no comprendo. I knew a fair bit of Spanish but theyd pretend they couldnt understand what I was saying. The local dialect means they lisp and cut the end off the words. It was hopeless trying to communicate. Spanish bureaucracy also proved a nightmare. We definitely paid over the odds regarding taxes. Id pay the staffs social contributions but get a letter telling me I hadnt. The official authorities werent interested in proof of payment, theyd threaten me with an embargo on my car which meant Id be prohibited from driving it. She was soon regretting their impulsive move. When did I recognise Id made a mistake? If Im honest, pretty much straight away. We couldnt get any help from locals at all and it was only afterwards that all of the English people we spoke to were frank about the Murcians being utterly unaccommodating. It was frustrating because we loved our home and our bar. Helen Morris says: In Murcia they were very racist towards the English' Official Spanish government statistics suggest that last year there were 275,000 UK nationals living legally in Spain, but the real figures are thought to be much higher Away from work, Helen also found it difficult to relax. Our first neighbour left his dogs outside, chained up in the heat without any water. You could see the ribs of his horses, they were all neglected. I complained to local animal charities, but they werent interested. When he moved on, a young lad moved in and turned the property into an illegal club. Our walls would vibrate when he played his music. I constantly complained and yet no one came out to assess what was going on. He was even selling drugs out of his living room window and, despite providing evidence to the police, no one checked. I eventually contacted the chief of police and accused him of having someone on his staff taking a backhander from my neighbour because of the lack of interest. In 2023, Helen gave birth to her daughter Molly. We wanted to get her into a decent nursery and put her name down for a school, but the local one was full of Moroccan children. That wasnt what we wanted for her. I looked into private schools and was told there was a two-year waiting list. We couldnt go out to our local park because the greenery around it was routinely sprayed with a pesticide known to cause cancer in children and dogs. So, last year, the couple made the decision to return to the UK and now run a pub in Shropshire. We still own the bar and the Spanish finca, but rent them out, says Helen. Looking back on it, my biggest lesson from all of this is to do more research. Dont just Google you need to spend a good six months in the area before buying. I loved everything about the Spanish way of life. I much prefer tapas and paella to English food. Even my daughter will only eat chorizo and serrano ham. The overseas property programmes [like A Place In The Sun] sell a fantasy and seduce people with a way of life that just doesnt exist. Whenever friends imagine what life could be like for them in Spain, I tell them theyre living in cloud cuckoo land. Yes, I miss the sunshine and relaxed vibe, but there really is no place like home. In 2019, retired nurse Sandy Mansfield persuaded her husband Roger, who ran his own printing company, to move to the Andalusia area in southern Spain. As a child, my parents took my sister and I to the coastal town of Nerja and we loved it there. Even today, if I close my eyes, I can still smell the sangria my parents used to drink at cocktail hour. Every single autumn, when the nights would draw in where we lived in Dorset, wed barely see any sunshine. Id feel as though the skies were closing in on me. I definitely suffered with seasonal affective disorder during the winter. For decades I went on at Roger about returning to Spain, and when we got access to our lump sum pension at 55, we decided to give it a go. The children had flown the nest. What did we have to lose? So the couple bought a one-way ticket to Malaga with one proviso. Roger persuaded Sandy not to get rid of all of their possessions and property in Dorset. A reluctant Sandy agreed to renting for a year; only after 12 months if they were both in agreement would they sell up in the UK and make the move permanent. Today Sandy describes with relief how wise her husband was to insist they kept a foothold in the UK. Everyone goes on about the cost of living being cheaper, but we didnt experience that. We paid almost 1,500 (1,310) a month for a crushingly ordinary apartment in Nerja. The air-con units leaked and the walls were thin, too. As for my memories as a child, the town had expanded a fair bit since then. There was noise all the time and it was a lot less authentic than I remembered. I appreciate I sound like a hypocrite, but all we ever heard were English voices. From the moment we arrived in the autumn, things started to go wrong, says Sandy. The pool was a communal one for residents, yet local children and teenagers used it, too. It sounds silly to say we were forever having problems with our satellite connection but we were. The couple returned to the UK nine months after they had left. For a month before we made the decision to leave, Id been having nightmares: I was locked in our apartment and couldnt get out. I was being suffocated. Thankfully Roger put two and two together. I cried with relief when he suggested that perhaps we could go home. I told my friends that my mum, who had been diagnosed with dementia, needed me back home. And while that was true, the reality is wed have come home regardless. Back in Scotland, Mandy has lived alone since she returned in 2019 and works six days a week as a carer. Did we do the right thing in moving to Spain? I do wonder. My daughter never settled and Im divorced. On miserable days she says she wishes she could click her heels and be transported back to Spain but then remembers the reality. That place in the sun is not always so sunny after all. Helen and Mikes names have been changed to protect their identities. The family of the man who died on a Universal rollercoaster has broken their silence on the devastating incident, while issuing a chilling message to the theme park. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after suffering 'blunt force trauma' after riding the Stardust Racers at Universal Studios' brand new park Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, which opened in May. Rodriguez Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to an unspecified past spinal injury, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Local media reported that he did not fall from the ride, but sustained injuries while on board. The exact cause is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. One of Rodriguez Zavala's family members has now spoken exclusively to the Daily Mail about the horrifying ordeal. Karina Zavala, the victim's cousin, recalled riding rollercoasters with Rodriguez Zavala all the time as kids, and said his spinal injury never stopped him from enjoying rides. 'Kevin was someone who never let his limitations stop him from living life to the fullest,' she said. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala (seen), 32, was killed after riding a Universal rollercoaster Zavala suffered 'blunt force trauma' while on board the Stardust Racers (seen on a different date) at Epic Universe in Orlando, which opened in May 'All of us cousins grew up riding roller coasters together. They were a big part of our childhood joy. 'Its devastating that something he loved so much is now tied to his passing.' Karina, who did not comment on the investigation directly, said she hoped that Epic Universe will take the tragedy 'seriously' and 'make sure rides are safe for everyone moving forward.' 'We just want his loss to mean something and hope changes are made so no other family has to go through this,' said Karina. She praised her cousin's 'wonderful, caring, and resilient' personality,' adding that 'he didn't deserve to die the way he did.' 'He is and will always be deeply missed. His favorite drink was chocolate milk, and now every time I have a cup, I clink it to the sky and say "cheers" to him,' she said. 'If anyone would like to honor him, they can donate to the GoFundMe.' Karina Zavala, the victim's cousin, recalled riding rollercoasters with Rodriguez Zavala (seen) all the time as kids, and said that his spinal injury never stopped him from enjoying rides Karina (seen top row second from left) said of Rodriguez Zavala (seen bottom row third from left): 'All of us cousins grew up riding roller coasters together' Karina, who did not comment on the investigation directly, said she hoped that Epic Universe (seen on a different date) will 'make sure rides are safe for everyone moving forward' Stardust Racers hurtles along at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and reaches heights of 133 feet along a 5,000-foot track. It features two rollercoasters that race and cross paths during the ride, and creators said it was designed to mimic the feeling of a comet racing through space. An onlooker named Tommy Italiano, 38, who was waiting to board the ride when the cart carrying Rodriguez Zavala returned to the station, described the 'chaotic' scene after staff members found the man unresponsive. He claimed the ride attendants started screaming at people to get out of the station, which caused widespread panic amongst the other guests. 'The cast members aggressively started screaming to get off the platform and they did an evacuation of the train that was currently sitting in the station,' he said. 'My friend and I initially thought it was an active shooter situation given the response of the ride operators. 'This turned into pandemonium as guest started to panic and scream, and try to get off of the platform.' He alleged that Universal staff would not give out any information as to what was going on. With some riders held on the ride without access to their cellphones, he said many people were 'terrified' something had happened to their family members. Rodriguez Zavala (seen), who used a wheelchair due to an unspecified past spinal injury, was found unresponsive after riding the popular ride, and was later pronounced dead Stardust Racers hurtles along at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and reaches heights of 133 feet along a 5,000-foot track. The coaster is seen on a different date 'People were terrified and I witnessed one mother screaming and crying hysterically because her son didnt come off the platform,' he said. 'Universal employees would not give her any information, let alone tell her that her son was safe.' Tommy said he walked passed Rodriguez Zavala as he was exiting and saw him 'slouched over the restraint.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Universal for comment. Epic Universe's website warns that the ride includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, inversion, and dropping. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and can choose between two coaster tracks. 'You should be able to independently: maintain an upright position, support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity,' reads a warning on Universal's website. 'When seated, both natural legs must, at minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs. 'You must be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from your companion.' Stardust Racers is listed under the rides that 'have been designed to accommodate those transferring from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle.' An onlooker named Tommy Italiano (seen), 38, who was waiting to board the ride when the cart carrying Rodriguez Zavala returned to the station, described the 'chaotic' scene He claimed the ride attendants started screaming at people to get out of the station, which caused widespread panic amongst the other guests. The ride is seen on a different date The ride launched on May 22, 2025, and was one of the most highly-anticipated attractions at the theme park. It closed following Rodriguez Zavala's death, and the park has not said whether it will reopen. 'Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff's Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,' a spokesperson for the theme park said following the tragedy. 'We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones. 'We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.' In a letter to staff, Universal President and COO Karen Irwin stated that the ride functioned as intended during the incident. 'Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the rides start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicles return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,' she wrote. 'The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.' A man has decided to lift his spirits by setting up his Christmas tree now - three months early - prompting a major discussion about the best time to start decorating the home ahead of the festive season. Matt Hey, a comedian from Sydney, said he was ready to celebrate Christmas in September after feeling fed up with 2025. 'I'm not even kidding, I know it's September but I am putting the Christmas tree up... and none of you can stop me,' he said in his amusing video. 'Honestly I'm sick of this year, I'm done with it. Let's just put the Christmas tree up and call it a year. 'I would like to actually enjoy Christmas for as long as possible.' Before anyone could comment on the next holiday event, Matt quickly shut it down. 'To all of you, I don't wanna hear, 'What about Halloween?' I f***ing Halloween. Stuff Halloween,' he ranted. 'There I said it. Always have always will - hate Halloween. Boring, next.' Matt Hey said he was ready to celebrate Christmas in September after feeling fed up with 2025 He added: 'So I'm putting the Christmas tree up this weekend. If you'd like to join me, you can and if you don't want to join me, bah humbug.' His video has been viewed more than 70,000 times - with many standing by Matt's decision to set up a Christmas tree three months early. 'You know what? I approve, Merry Christmas to you and your family,' one said. 'I'm not mad about this,' another shared. 'I agree, it's a shame to only have a Christmas tree up for three weeks when it really does brighten your spirits and home,' one suggested. 'I wish every day was Christmas Day. I love the decorations and food. So I wholeheartedly approve of this,' another added. However, not everyone agreed, with one saying: 'Matt, it is September' to which Matt quickly responded: 'Not loving your energy here.' Many said they're joining Matt to set up their own trees inside their home. 'I'll be joining you! My nan's favourite time of the year was Christmas and this Christmas she won't be here for the first time. Everyone's agreed to have a huge Christmas this year to honour her love for it,' one said. In a follow-up video, Matt was seen dancing around his spectacular Christmas tree that he had set up in his living room 'This is all I needed to hear, mine will also be making an appearance this week,' another revealed. 'I set my tree up last week because I just purchased it and was so excited,' one said. 'Hun I put our tree up in September every year. Go for it,' another shared. 'This is my type of energy,' one suggested. In a follow-up video, Matt was seen gracefully dancing around his spectacular Christmas tree that he had set up in his living room. 'To anyone who thought I was joking,' he said, as he showed 'proof' that he had indeed put his Christmas tree up in September. The clip was viewed more than 200,000 times, with one saying: 'OMG here's me wondering if October is too early - I'm feeling INSPIRED.' 'A GREAT LIFE DECISION,' another shared. Matt was later seen gracefully dancing around his spectacular Christmas tree that he had set up in his living room 'I'm ready to put mine up now I need a little magic to feel alive,' one said. 'You're inspiring me! Uhhh I'm seconds away from putting up my tree too,' another added. 'This is the greatest example of free will,' one suggested. While Halloween isn't a tradition in Australia, many parents said they still put up decorations for their children or even themselves. 'I put my tree up November 1 every year only because the kids love Halloween so we do Halloween for October,' one shared. 'Love it! I go hard for Halloween so I do September 1 to October 31 for Halloween. Then November 1 to January 1 for Christmas,' another said. 'I love Halloween so I've already decorated for that, but I fully support this energy,' one added. Meghan Markle has left royal fans baffled after revealing the question her son Prince Archie asked during their recent family trip to Disneyland. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, and her husband Prince Harry, 41, took their two children to the popular destination in June for their daughter Lilibet's fourth birthday, ahead of appearing in an ABC News special about the famed resort. Titled The Happiest Story On Earth: 70 Years Of Disneyland, the documentary, which aired on Sunday, featured the Duke and his wife discussing their most recent visit as well as sharing family photos from the fun-filled holiday. The Sussexes clearly had a fantastic time at the park, with Archie and Lili getting to meet Princess Elsa from Frozen and going on rides together, while Lili received a Little Mermaid-themed cake with her name written in pink icing. Speaking in the programme, Meghan explained that they'd had such a brilliant time that her son Archie asked her 'when's my birthday?' after their whirlwind trip. The Duchess said: 'For us to be able to have our own childhood memories and then watch that play out through our daughter's birthday, and Archie said, "When's my birthday?"' Her comments have since led to confusion online, as many were surprised by the revelation that Archie, who is six, still does not know his own birthday date. People pointed out that the youngster, who lives with his parents in Montecito in California, had celebrated his own birthday just the month prior - with Meghan posting an atmospheric sunset photo at an exclusive Mexican resort for the occasion back in May. Meghan Markle has left royal fans baffled after revealing the question her son Prince Archie asked her at Disneyland during her appearance on ABC's The Happiest Story On Earth: 70 Years Of Disneyland (pictured) However, some pointed out that Archie may have merely been asking how long it was to his next birthday after having such a joyful time at Lili's party. 'I think he was asking how far away his birthday was, not the date,' commented one X user. One royal fan wrote on social media: 'A 6-year-old who doesn't know his own birthday... our 3-year-old knows hers!' Another asked: 'Is it normal for a six-year-old to not know when his birthday is? Especially if it was the previous month?' Others said: 'Considering his is May and Lilibets is June, his would have been just a few weeks before this pic was taken! What an odd question to ask, just after he had actually had his birthday'; 'A 6-year-old should know when their birthday is. They should know that earlier than 6, along with their address, last name, parents' name, etc'; 'Kids, by the age of 6, are typically very proud to tell you when their birthday is and know exactly how many months before it is their birthday.' Others shared stories from their own family, again questioning Meghan's comments. One person said: 'My 3-year-old granddaughter knows the date of hers. She can also say the month of her family members, parents, sibling, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She can also tell you which month we are in.' This week, Meghan shared a sweet unseen photograph of Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie (pictured together) enjoying their trip to Disneyland Her comments have since led to confusion online, as many were surprised by the revelation that Archie, who is six, still does not know his own birthday date Elsewhere during the documentary, Prince Harry said: 'To see the kids throw themselves into these experiences when they have no idea what they're walking into, it was amazing. It brings out the kid in you again.' Following the release of the show, Meghan shared a sweet unseen photograph of Archie and Lili enjoying their trip. One snap showed Lilibet and Archie admiring a The Little Mermaid-themed cake, featuring the writing 'Happy Birthday Lili' to mark the Princess' fourth birthday, alongside two tiers of characters, including Ariel and the crab, Sebastian. Wanting to guard their children's privacy, the image shared by Harry and Meghan on the documentary showed only the backs of the young siblings. Archie and Lili were captured leaning against one another in the adorable photo, with the Princess reaching towards her impressive cake. The sweet treat was surrounded by an array of tasty-looking food and vibrant flowers, as well as a balloon that read Disneyland. Back in June, Meghan uploaded an Instagram post that included special moments from their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. She shared a video montage from the two-day Disneyland vacation as the family had a blast on numerous rides and indulged in delicious treats. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, and her husband Prince Harry, 41, took their two children (pictured together) to the popular destination in June, ahead of appearing in a 20/20 special about the famed resort One snap showed Lilibet and Archie admiring a The Little Mermaid-themed cake (pictured), featuring the writing 'Happy Birthday Lili' to mark the Princess' fourth birthday, alongside two tiers of characters, including Ariel and the crab, Sebastian One snippet showed both Lilibet and Archie having the chance to meet Disney princess Elsa from Frozen. Meghan and Harry's children also had fun on some rides at the amusement park such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Cars ride. The couple were spotted having a blast of their own as they sat at the front while on Space Mountain together. One short reel included in the post was taken as the family-of-four excitedly explored Disneyland and also visited the Star Wars troopers. Harry flashed a cheerful smile as he turned towards the camera while sitting next to Lilibet on another ride. In the caption, Meghan had penned to her followers: 'Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!' Appearing on Sunday's documentary, Harry discussed their recent trip, saying: 'To see the kids throw themselves into these experiences when they have no idea what they're walking into - it was amazing. And it brings out the kid in you again.' 'They're like, "This is amazing!" the father-of-two recalled of his children's response before entering the main park. 'Like, "Guys, this isn't even the front of it. Prepare yourself. You're about to be blown away".' Elsewhere on the special, the Duke recalled 'losing it' over his excitement while visiting Disney World with his late mother Princess Diana and older brother Prince William as a child. Harry flashed a cheerful smile as he turned towards the camera while sitting next to Lilibet on another ride When he was eight years old, Harry joined his two family members on a trip to the Florida destination in 1993. 'I remember it very, very well. I remember losing it as a kid with all the characters. Like, losing it,' he shared. Meghan chimed in to share that the amusement park was 'more accessible' to her due to being born and raised in the Southern California area, but it was 'still the biggest treat in the world'. The Suits alum also remembered visiting Disneyland for grad night when she was in high school. 'I don't even know why they let us do that,' she said, with her husband jokingly adding, 'That sounds like a lot of fun. Can you do that in your forties?' Harry and Meghan's appearance on the 20/20 special came just one day after the pair made a surprise joint appearance at Kevin Costner's star-studded charity event in Santa Barbara on Saturday. The former actress joined her husband at the One805LIVE! concert which took place at the Yellowstone actor's oceanside estate - with other celebrities in attendance such as Oprah Winfrey. A sandwich shop in Leeds has been crowned the best takeaway in the UK and Ireland as the Uber Eats Awards announced its 2025 winner. Silver's Deli from Leeds was crowned the winner at the restaurant awards in London on Tuesday evening. The eatery in Headingly, which offers a range of sandwiches and wraps, scooped 100,000 in prize money to 'help accelerate its in-store and delivery growth, while maximising the diner experience'. Founded in 2023 by Chris Riley, who set out to create 'something timeless and not just a passing trend', Silver's Deli - named after his daughter - has become a cult favourite among locals. Now, according to Uber Eats, its stacked salt beef sandwiches, inventive specials, and community-driven spirit helped the deli win over a panel of judges. The panel included Uber Eats General Manager Matthew Price, food entrepreneur Levi Roots, Irish celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, 2024 winner Natty Crutchfield, foodie creator Eating with Todd, and Lorraine Copes, CEO and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality. More than 130 restaurants were nominated for the award, before being whittled down to 12 regional finalists, with Silver's Deli being crowned the UK's best. Each of the 12 finalists will receive 5,000 and tailored support from Uber Eats. According to Uber Eats, the Leeds-based business stood out for its 'big flavours and compelling story of entrepreneurship, impressing both the judges and the public in a competition designed to spotlight the very best of small, independent restaurants'. Silver's Deli in Leeds was crowned restaurant of the year at the Uber Eats awards on Tuesday (pictured: one of the eatery's sandwiches) Matthew Price, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, said: 'Independent restaurants are the beating heart of our food scene. Silver's Deli embodies everything these awards are about: creativity, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. 'We're proud to support their journey and can't wait to see how they use this prize to grow their business.' Levi Roots, entrepreneur, musician and Uber Eats judge, added: 'Food is all about heart and soul, and Silver's had both in spades. They brought real fire to the table creativity, community spirit, and a story that will inspire so many other small businesses. I can't wait to see where they go next with this prize.' Meanwhile, Chris Riley-Smith, founder of Silver's Deli, described winning the prize as a 'dream come true'. He added: 'This award isn't just recognition for our food, but for the hard work of our whole team and the incredible support of our community. When I first set out, I was literally watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to build the restaurant myself, so to now be recognised on this stage feels surreal. 'The 100,000 prize will allow us to refurbish our current site, refine our in-store operations, and grow sales. We can't wait to take the next step in our journey. Thanks to the judges, the team, and of course, my wonderful daughter, Silver - this is for you!' The other 11 finalists included London-based Japanese eatery Sanjugo; Sushi Me Rollin' in Newcastle; Burg N Ice in Northwich; Taqi's Grill in Birmingham; Low & Slow in Bristol; and Umami Street Food in Portsmouth. YAYAS in Glasgow; Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran; Wok & Grill in Leicester; Seed in Belfast; and Urban Health in Dublin also made the shortlist. Silver's Deli owner Chris Riley-Smith is pictured being awarded 100,000, as the winner of the Uber Eats Restaurant Of The Year Awards 2025 In addition to the grand prize, Uber Eats also honoured several restaurants for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Judged by food industry experts including Chefs Table star Asma Khan; TikTok creator and bestselling author Seema Pankhania; Mathilde Carraro and Rachel Moriarty of Prince Williams Earthshot Prize; and Mary Parsons, Head of Food at City Harvest, the Trailblazer Award recognised restaurants driving positive change in the sector across four crucial impact areas. Each Trailblazer winner received 7,000 to fuel their business growth, along with a bespoke marketing campaign and in-app support package from Uber Eats. The Women in Food Award was awarded to Lauras Pizzas in Bristol, the Climate Impact Award was scooped by The Hogless Roast in London, and the Healthy Eats Award went to Eat Clean in Whitley Bay. Meanwhile, the Social Impact Award was won by Piatto in Glasgow, and the Next Gen Award by Aros Kitchen in Warrington. According to Uber Eats, which works with more than 70,000 merchants in the UK 0 the majority being small or medium-sized businesses - past winners have seen 'transformative growth'. Last year's victor, Natty's Jerk from Portsmouth, has since launched a new site in Bournemouth and built a national profile. This year saw the fourth instalment of the awards, which were created in 2022 to 'celebrate and support the small businesses that make the UK and Ireland's food scene so diverse and exciting'. 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 Are you back in your boots yet? I am, but actually, I packed my summer shoes away in mid-August. Why? Ive been on a polish break since returning from holiday, so anything open-toed has been off the menu. Not that I dont love a nude nail but, having ignored my pedicurists advice for months, my bare toes were not fit to be seen. Id scorned suggestions to remove the colour and let my nails breathe, and refused to ditch the pointy kitten heels Id worn on repeat since May. Result? Parched nails and cracks on the toes where the shoes pinched. Im now on a strict routine of flats and round-toed shoes plus an intensive foot-moisturising plan. I was surprised my therapist could tell I was still wearing The Shoes against her instructions, but it turns out the person who looks after your nails knows a lot more about you than you might like to think. From hormone levels to thyroid function, I asked Britains top nail experts what they can spot as they paint. Here are their tips to make your nails look healthy and youthful. From hormone levels to thyroid function, your nails can tell your pedicurist a lot about your health Rebecca Crawforth is the founder of Navy Professional, which is stocked in Space NK and used in thousands of spas and salons. She says: 'Brittle or peeling nails can suggest vitamin deficiencies or thyroid imbalances, while slow nail growth, bluish nail beds or clients with cold hands can sometimes point to circulation problems or, in rare cases, early signs of diabetes. 'If anything unusual like this crops up, I would always advise seeking medical advice. 'More common problems include yellow discolouration, often from wearing dark reds or strong polishes without a base coat, and nails lifting from the bed (onycholysis), which can be caused by acetone overuse, allergies to gel products or poor removal technique. 'How to get youthful-looking nails on older hands? Well-nourished cuticles and skin instantly make nails look fresher. 'I always recommend massaging our Hand & Cuticle Serum (16.95, navyprofessional.com) daily, and a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week with LOccitane One Minute Hand Scrub (10, uk.loccitane.com), keeps hands smooth and bright.' Award-winning brand founder, Leighton Denny MBE, says: 'Vertical nail ridges furrows in the nail that run from tip to cuticle are like wrinkles, part of the natural ageing process that deepen with age due to slower cell turnover and lack of oil. 'They become more prominent in menopause due to a drop in oestrogen which can weaken the nail keratin. 'Its rare to see spoon-shaped nails, which curve upwards and inwards, but when I do, I always recommend clients see a health professional it can be a sign of iron deficiency and anaemia. 'Having beautiful nails is not about length, its about health. Nourish nails back to health with my Nail Rebirth Intensive Nail Repair Capsules (17.50 for 20 capsules, leightondenny.com and marksandspencer.com).' Leading luxury beauty expert, Margaret Dabbs, says: 'Changes in the colour, shape, thickness, or texture of toenails can be signs of underlying health conditions. 'The most common is a fungal nail. This can present as yellow, thick, crumbly nails with possible odour or debris underneath and is common in people with sweaty feet, poor foot hygiene, diabetes, or a weak immune system. 'Weve just launched the Nail Fungus Laser Device (95, margaretdabbs.co.uk) and the results have been positive in patients following treatments prescribed by podiatrists (which may include antifungal medication) along with the 3-In-1 Shoe Freshener (55) and Foot Hygiene Cream (22). 'Watch out for dark or black streaks which are usually from knocks, but, if persistent, could indicate melanoma. Blue or purple nails can be a sign of poor circulation, Raynauds disease or low oxygen levels, while pitting (small dents in the nail) can indicate psoriasis or eczema.' Claire Aggarwal, the CEO of Bio Sculpture UK, says: 'Dark lines on nails may suggest low Vitamin D, but not every nail change signals something serious. White marks are often mistaken for calcium deficiency but are mostly caused by trauma to the nail plate from small knocks, improper gel removal, picking at cuticles or splitting edges from over-filing. 'As we age, nails can lose strength and natural shine, but the right treatments make a difference. Our Lavender Base (15.50, biosculpture.co.uk) helps restore weak or damaged nails and encourages healthy growth. Pair with a glossy pinky-nude such as Sheer Admiration (15.50) for that effortless your-nails-but-better finish.' Wedding bells could be ringing in just a matter of days for Selena Gomez, 33, and Benny Blanco, 37 - and now, a celebrity astrologer is weighing in on the future of their 'emotional' relationship. After just over a year of dating, the A-list couple got engaged last December, and rumors are swirling that their nuptials could now be just days away. The two have fallen madly in love with each other, and gush about their relationship at almost every chance. But now, celebrity astrologer Aliza Kelly, who has worked with stars like Drew Barrymore, Bella Hadid, and Keke Palmer, has revealed exclusively to Daily Mail just how compatible the two really are. Kelly explained that Selena's sign is Cancer, as she was born on July 22, while Blanco is a Pisces, born on March 8. 'They're both water signs,' Kelly, who is the host of popular podcast Horoscope Weekly on OpenMind, part of PAVE Studios, revealed to Daily Mail. 'Same sign compatibility is some of the best you can get, because there's just this natural understanding,' Kelly shared. The astrologer explained that this leads to the two of them really being able to know each other on a deep level. Celebrity astrologer Aliza Kelly, who has worked with stars like Drew Barrymore , Bella Hadid , and Keke Palmer, has revealed exclusively to Daily Mail just how compatible Selena and Benny really are After just over a year of dating, the A-list couple got engaged last December, and rumors are swirling that their nuptials could be just weeks away Kelly explained that Selena's sign is Cancer , as she was born on July 22, while Blanco is a Pisces, born on March 8 'They get each other, they're on the same page,' Kelly shared. 'In this case, they're like swimming in the same ocean.' And since they're both water signs, they have a lot of traits in common, like their sensitivity, Kelly explained. 'They're emotional. There are tears, there is crying, there is hugging,' Kelly told Daily Mail about the couple. Astrologer Aliza Kelly explained how their signs lead the two of them to be able to know each other on a deep level 'There's a lot of empathy. There's a lot of compassion. There's a lot of support. There's a lot of reading each other's minds,' she continued. 'So yeah, Cancer and Pisces is gorgeous.' Indeed, it seems like Kelly's assessment of the celebrity couple is quite accurate, as both Selena and Blanco have spoken in various interviews about just how much they support one another. 'I worship the ground she walks on and I feel like she's the same way to me,' Blanco told Interview Magazine in a joint February Q+A. 'There's no ego between us. She's praying for me to win and I'm praying for her to win,' he continued. And since they're both water signs, they have a lot of traits in common, like their sensitivity, Kelly explained 'They're emotional. There's tears, there's crying, there's hugging,' Kelly told Daily Mail about the couple 'I worship the ground she walks on and I feel like she's the same way to me,' Blanco told Interview Magazine in a joint February Q+A 'And I wake up in the morning I know she does the same thing and I'm like, "How can I make her life better?" Holding her isn't close enough. I want to be inside of her whole body. I just feel a thing for her that I can't even explain. I'm so sappy.' Selena said equally as nice things about her fiance. During their interview, she gushed about her favorite thing when it came to working with Blanco - as the two of them worked together on the studio album, I Said I Love You First, last year. Selena said that she loves just how much Blanco 'listened' to her during the creative process. 'Sometimes it's difficult for me to speak up. Most of my anxiety right now is wanting him to speak because I feel like he's more talented than I am in this field,' she explained to the outlet at the time. 'It's like working with a great filmmaker. Whether we were together or not, I think he still would've listened to everything that I had to say, and he was able to almost transcribe it into music, into what the feeling of what I was talking about should be,' she continued. 'And I really found that to be helpful because this album definitely feels just as much mine as I'm sure it does his.' And, while the two have not announced an official wedding date, it's said to be coming up quite soon. During their interview, she gushed about her favorite thing when it comes to working with Blanco - as the two of them worked together on the studio album, I Said I Love You First, last year And, while the two have not announced an official wedding date, it's said to be coming up quite soon The two are rumored to be getting married this weekend in Montecito, California, a star-studded town where both Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow own homes. Located on the Central Coast of California, Montecito sits between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It was also claimed that the dynamic duo will not be getting hitched inside a hotel like the Rosewood Miramar Beach or San Ysidro Ranch, but rather have rented a private residence for security reasons. It is understood that the ceremony will be attended by close friends and family only. The Norwegian Prince, 52, said talks were underway between the Palace Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has spoken out for the first time since the release of his sister's controversial Netflix documentary. Earlier this month, Martha Louise, 54, and her husband, American 'shaman' Durek Verrett, 50, fronted their much-anticipated expose Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, which follows the run-up to their wedding in the idyllic fjords of Geiranger last summer. The couple - known for their alternative beliefs, such as claiming they met in a past life in Egypt - have since been accused of 'breaching' the agreement made with the royal house. The agreement stated that neither the princess nor Durek Verrett would use her former title or their connection to the royal family in commercial activities, including media productions. But footage in the film featured a conversation between Crown Prince Haakon and the Shaman, despite royals requesting not to be filmed during the wedding, Hello! reported. The clip has since been removed at the palace's request. In light of the dispute, Prince Haakon, 52, has now broken his silence, telling the Norwegian publication, Se og Hr, that there wasn't a 'good enough distinction' made between the Royal House and the Netflix project. Asked his thoughts on the series on Tuesday, he said: 'I think I should refrain from judging it, but unfortunately I do not think that there is a good enough distinction between the activities of the Royal House and the project and the commercial side of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett's activities.' Speaking of the agreement made in 2022, he also said that there would be 'something to build on' - a sentiment that was echoed by the Norwegian palace last week. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has spoken out for the first time since the release of his sister's controversial Netflix documentary (seen with Crown Princess Mette-Marit in October last year) The Norwegian Family's communications manager Guri Varpe told NRK: 'All people should have the right to tell their story. This also applies to Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett. At the same time, the Royal House wants a clearer distinction between the activities of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett and the Royal House. This will be the topic of the conversations we will have in the future. Varpe added: 'When we were made aware that a clip of the Crown Prince from the wedding celebration had been used, we contacted the director and requested that the clip be removed. 'As is known, the Royal House has reserved its right not to be filmed for this production in situations where other press did not have access. The clip has now been removed.' Prince Haakon said that despite there being 'a bit of a challenge', both parties would have 'to try to figure it out', confirming that talks were underway to resolve the dispute. It comes after the news that Haakon's stepson, the son of his wife, Princess Mette-Marit, was charged with 32 offences, including four counts of rape against different women. Following news of Martha Louise's dispute with the palace, on Monday night, Durek appeared to backtrack on several of his comments in a lengthy Instagram statement, insisting his words had been 'twisted by the media'. Durek had also appeared to make several heated claims against his in-laws, Norway's King Harald V and Queen Sonja, saying they did 'nothing to help me' against offensive coverage in the Press, including when a publication used a racial slur against him. He said members of the Norwegian Royal family would 'look at me like I was crazy when I said there was racism', and only began to listen after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did their interview with Oprah in 2021. In light of the dispute, Prince Haakon, 52, (pictured left with his sister, Princess Victoria) has now broken his silence, telling the Norwegian publication, Se og Hr, that there wasn't a 'good enough distinction' made between the Royal House and the Netflix project But in a lengthy statement, the Shaman appeared to retract his comments and said he'd never intended to imply allegations of racism. He said: 'What I said in the Netflix documentary about my father-in-law [the King] not knowing racism has been twisted by the media. Let me be clear about what I meant. 'In American culture when we say someone does not know racism it often means they have not experienced it in the same way we have or they do not understand the depth of its impact. It does not mean they are ignorant or unkind. It means their lived experience is different. Cultural language does not always translate the same way. 'I love my father-in-law and my mother-in-law deeply. We have a strong and respectful relationship. They have supported me and my wife through everything and we share great love and understanding. 'I am not a victim and I am not interested in playing one. I am an educator and my focus is always on love and lifting humanity higher. The media may twist words to create a story but the truth is simple. My family and I stand together in respect and love and that is what matters most.' Speaking to the camera, he added that he had only meant his in-laws didn't understand the 'impact that racism plays on my life in years of coming back and forth to Norway'. He insisted that 'I love my in-laws and I appreciate them', referencing an official statement against racism the royal house had made on his behalf - calling it 'huge' and a 'sign of progressiveness in this family'. The Shaman was referencing a statement made by the King condemning the 'racist attitudes' he had endured in 2022. Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her husband, controversial American 'shaman' Durek Verrett, have found themselves in hot water following the release of their Netflix documentary Rebel Royals (pictured) King Harald said at the time: 'We are also concerned about being able to live well together, despite inequality. The racist attitudes Durek Verrett has been subjected to, especially on social media, we strongly oppose. It is a strength that the Royal Family reflects the ethnic diversity that exists in Norway.' Since the release of Rebel Royals, the couple have also been accused of 'breaching' the official agreement made with the royal family when Princess Martha stepped down from senior duties in 2022. One clause in the agreement stated: 'They will not employ the title of Princess or refer to members of the Royal House in their social media channels, in media productions or in connection with other commercial activities.' In a statement following the backlash, Princess Martha and Durek said: 'We recognise the seriousness of this situation and the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the agreement going forward. In retrospect, there are undoubtedly things we wish we had handled differently. 'Our focus now is to take responsibility and ensure that we move forward in a constructive manner.' They added that they would not be taking 'questions' from the press in case it would be considered a 'breach' of the agreement. Speaking at the Nordic Archive Days conference just hours after the release of the documentary, Princess Mette-Marit said she 'certainly' thought it would be discussed by those at the Palace, though admitted she 'hadn't decided' whether to watch it herself. The couple have previously been accused of using their titles for commercial gain. He insisted that he 'loves' his in-laws, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway Shaman Durek released a statement last night, insisting his words had been 'twisted' by the media Prior to the wedding last year, Martha Louise used her 'princess' name commercially - despite agreeing not to - to sell gins and promote her clothing brand. During the docuseries, the Hollywood shaman took a jab at royal protocol, claimed he was often bored at royal events because conversation was 'flat', and fundamentally disagreed with the Norwegian way of life. He found Martha's parents 'hated my clothes' after he showed up to their first meeting wearing a 'kimono and cowboy boots'. 'I mean, pretty much everything I did was wrong,' he said 'And they would always let Martha know that I was wrong.' Durek did not feel accepted by his future in-laws, as he said: 'It wasn't like, "Oh, welcome to our family. We love you. We get you." 'It was like, "Why are you with this guy?" Durek continued. He said his in-laws 'would do nothing to help me' against offensive coverage, including when a publication used a racial slur in a story about Durek. 'And it was only when Harry and Meghan went into the press with Oprah did I get a message from the King saying, "Do you feel that we treated you the same way?" When Martha's engagement to the Los Angeles-based spiritual healer was announced in June 2022, the princess faced mounting pressure to renounce her title after Durek's 'controversial' beliefs were revealed The indulgent documentary follows the couple, who got married in the picturesque Norwegian village Geiranger last August, as they 'navigate a swirl of controversy' while preparing for their nuptials 'When I said yes, they were like, "Okay we need to have a family discussion." 'And, of course, my family was like "They don't want to have a discussion because they don't want to treat you that way. They want to have a family discussion 'cause they're afraid you might be the next one on Oprah."' Meghan Markle accused the Royal Family of racism during the tell-all after she and husband Prince Harry quit The Firm and relocated to Montecito, California. After their meeting with Durek, King Harald released a statement condemning the 'racist attitudes' he had endured - as Prince Harry praised the monarch for 'leading by example'. The documentary follows the couple, who got married in the picturesque Norwegian village Geiranger last August, as they 'navigate a swirl of controversy' while preparing for their nuptials. The documentary included footage of Durek looking bored at a Belgian equestrian event attended by Princess Astrid, as he admitted it was 'awkward' adjusting to Martha's life. Durek rolled his eyes while revealing he could never tell whether to call someone as 'Your Royal Highness' or 'Your Majesty' - and was even corrected by Belgium's princess when he addressed her incorrectly. 'I quite admire your fashion sense, Your Majesty,' he told Astrid, before she curtly replied: 'Your Royal Highness.' Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story takes an 'intimate look' at the love story between and Martha, 53, and the 'half-reptilian and bisexual' shaman in a production that makes Harry and Meghan seem tame He criticised the 'controlled' atmosphere at royal gatherings where attendees are expected to have certain 'mannerisms' as Durek said: 'There's no slouching, you can't slouch in your chair.' In seemingly disparaging remarks, he added: 'The conversations are not nuanced at all, it's very flat.' In comments that appeared to echo Meghan's sentiments about becoming a royal, Durek continued: 'And so how do I be myself but also blend in with her life as a princess?' Meghan, who married Prince Harry in 2018, has similarly spoken about being baffled by royal protocol in her interview with Oprah in March 2020. The former Suits actress admitted she didn't know she had to curtsy to the late Queen Elizabeth II after being introduced for the first time. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, also revealed she was informally dressed in 'ripped jeans' when she met the Prince and Princess of Wales for the first time. In Netflix's Harry & Meghan, she said: 'They came over for dinner, I remember I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot. I was a hugger, I've always been a hugger, I didn't realise that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.' Meghan explained that she quickly discovered that the royals' 'forward-facing way of being' in public 'carries over on both sides'. Durek added members of the Norwegian Royal family would 'look at me like I was crazy when I said there was racism' in the new show that was released today Elsewhere in Rebel Royals, Durek revealed he was adamant he wanted a royal wedding 'because I'm going to be a royal'. The Shaman also asked his bride-to-be if he would have his own make-up artist for the wedding, explaining that he wanted his pictures to be 'popping'. When Martha's engagement to the Los Angeles-based spiritual healer was announced in June 2022, the princess faced mounting pressure to renounce her title after Durek's 'controversial' beliefs were revealed. Months later, King Harald announced his daughter would not represent the Royal household in any form, after the mother-of-three initially stepped down as a working royal in 2019. Although the monarch allowed Princess Martha Louise to retain her royal title, he father reiterated that she will not be allowed to use it in any future commercial partnerships with Durek. Durek faced swift backlash after he claimed cancer is a choice and promoted several unfounded medical practices, including selling a $222 Spirit Optimizer medallion that he claimed helped him overcome Covid-19. Last year, Durek made headlines after he was accused of assaulting Swedish father-of-two Joachim Bostrom in one of his 'spiritual sessions. Durek has strenuously denied the claims, which he says were later dropped. This was after he admitted he 'made a mistake' in sessions with five of his clients in audio recordings obtained by Norwegian newspaper Se og Hr. In the three voice messages, Verrett reveals he performed oral sex on one of his male clients after their session and helped a woman 'clean' her vagina after she had 'violent' sex with her partner. Martha-Louise and Durek were introduced by friends in 2019 and have claimed to have known each other in a past life, specifically from the days of ancient Egypt. Eyebrows were raised when the Princess first began dating Durek, who holds some controversial and pseudoscientific views, including that cancer in children can be caused by 'being unhappy'. In an interview with the BBC last year, Martha-Louise praised her parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, for keeping the dialogue open while she made her decision and they worked out the details about how the arrangements would work. When asked about her decision in comparison with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who also stepped down as senior royals, she spoke about her 'amazing' family, including King Harald and Queen Sonja, and how the dialogue between them has always remained open. The Princess said she decided she wanted to 'earn my own money' which she could only do by giving up her 'money from the state' and paying taxes for the first time in her life. After giving up her position in the royal family, the Princess revealed she has had to deal with 'lots of scrutiny' - particularly when she takes on new roles. 'Everything you do that's a first, that goes out of the box that you're put in,' she said, adding that press scrutiny has 'continued'. She added that, in Norway, spiritual beliefs like the ones she holds are 'taboo'. Her comments echoed an interview she gave on Swedish TV in March, in which she claimed she had 'received the most criticism of anyone in Norway' for her beliefs. As she sat down with Anna Hedenmo on Min Sanning - which translates to My Truth - the royal said she felt she needed to step back because of public image. She said: 'I am probably the one in Norway who has received the most criticism of all, I think.' Hilaria Baldwin is trying out new moves on Dancing With The Stars... but it seems that some old habits die hard. The 41-year-old was blasted by viewers following an interview with Good Morning America, where she opened up about her DWTS journey and moving her children to LA to film. The star, who was famously accused of faking a Spanish accent in 2020, appeared to have reverted back to speaking in a slight accent during the interview - which viewers immediately noticed. 'Why the accent is my only question,' someone commented on the video, which was shared on social media. 'The accent. Please stop. She is from Massachusetts,' slammed another. 'Why is she talking like a toddler?' one viewer questioned. 'Still trying to sound hispanic! Stop it already,' said another. 'That fake accent is like nails in a chalkboard,' declared someone else. Hilaria Baldwin was blasted by viewers following an interview with Good Morning America where she opened up about her Dancing With The Stars journey and moving her children to LA to film Despite being an enthusiastic participant, Hilaria found herself in the bottom three on Tuesday night during One-Hit Wonders Night, but luckily ended up making it to the next round Earlier in May, the reality star opened up about her baffling accent in her memoir: Manual Not Included, explaining her fluctuating Spanish accent is due to ADHD and dyslexia, saying that her 'brain just works differently.' 'And these [diagnoses] greatly impact my speech, my reading, my listening, my focus, my memory and my self-confidence,' she wrote. Hilaria was with her dance partner Gleb Savchenko for the interview, where she spoke about her journey to being on the show. 'This was just an insane thing that I did,' she told GMA. 'At the beginning I was like "am I crazy?"' 'I signed the paperwork between landing and getting my bags - that's how fast this whole thing was,' she continued. 'It was interesting because fans started to write in to the show, saying "you should be on Dancing With The Stars," and I was kind of like "really?"' The yoga instructor said that she and Dancing With The Stars quickly connected, and it's been a 'very interesting experience.' The mom-of-seven said she wouldn't have taken the opportunity if she had not been able to take her kids with her to LA. 'They were set to go to school, we had all their backpacks, we had all their extracurricular activities, and then we just transferred them here,' she explained. Hilaria was with her dance partner Gleb Savchenko for the interview, explaining the journey of getting on the show The mom-of-seven said she wouldn't have taken the opportunity if she had not been able to take her kids with her to LA Earlier in May, the reality star opened up about her baffling accent in her memoir: Manual Not Included, explaining her often fluctuating Spanish accent is due to ADHD and dyslexia, saying that her 'brain just works differently' Luckily, the doting mom said the kids are 'so happy' with their new lifestyle. 'Because it's an adventure and I was worried it was gonna be not fair to them. But actually, it's been one of the best things that's ever happened to them.' Despite being an enthusiastic participant, Hilaria found herself in the bottom three on Tuesday night during One-Hit Wonders Night, but luckily ended up making it to the next round. Earlier in September, Hilaria and her husband Alec Baldwin, 67, gave fans got a closer look at their home in Amagansett, New York, in a New York Times feature late last month. However, a controversial painting the couple keep in their living room left users fuming on social media. The couple prominently display a lifelike trio of artwork showing Hilaria bagging up some fruit in a grocery store while wearing sunglasses and standing in front of shelves filled with seemingly endless boxes of Rice-A-Roni. While speaking to the time, Hilaria said, 'I have to admit that I'm extraordinarily embarrassed that there is a gigantic painting of me in this room. It's like, "Welcome to my living room. Here is a painting of me."' Commenters on Alec's post didn't hold back from savaging the painting, which was made by the artist Brendan OConnell and was said to be inspired by a paparazzi photo of the yoga instructor shopping in a West Village bodega near her and Alec's main home in New York City. Jessica Chastain has announced she is not in agreement with Apple TV over the delay of her upcoming series The Savant. It was revealed on Tuesday that the streamer had quietly postponed the domestic terrorism thriller in which she plays the lead role - in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination just days before it was due to be released. Apple TV said in a statement that a future air date has not yet been established. Hollywood actress Chastain, 48, voiced her frustration over the postponement in a statement shared on social media, in which she pointed to a multitude of political violence over the past five years. She also noted that the show is 'relevant' and honors those who stop violence before it happens. Her statement began: 'I want to say how much I value my partnership with Apple. They've been incredible collaborators and I deeply respect their team. 'That said, I wanted to reach out and let you know that we're not aligned on the decision to pause the release of The Savant.' She said: 'In the last five years since we've been making the show, we've seen an unfortunate amount of violence in the United States: the kidnapping attempt on Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; the January 6th attack on the Capitol; the assassination attempts on President Trump; the political assassinations of Democratic representatives in Minnesota; the attack on Speaker Pelosi's husband; the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk; the recent shooting at an ABC affiliate station in California; and over 300 school shootings across this country. Jessica Chastain has broken her silence after Apple TV postponed her series The Savant The Savant was due to premiere on Friday, September 26, but has been pulled by the streamer 'These incidents, though far from encompassing the full range of violence witnessed in the United States, illustrate a broader mindset that crosses the political spectrum and must be confronted. 'I've never shied away from difficult subjects, and while I wish this show wasn't so relevant, unfortunately it is.' She continued: 'The Savant is about the heroes who work every day to stop violence before it happens, and honoring their courage feels more urgent than ever. 'While I respect Apple's decision to pause the release for now, I remain hopeful the show will reach audiences soon. 'Until then, I'm wishing safety and strength for everyone, and I'll let you know if and when The Savant is released.' Chastain takes on the lead role in the limited series The Savant, which was due to premiere on Friday. In the thriller, she plays Jodi Godwin, who is described in a logline as an undercover agent adept at the infiltration of 'online hate groups in an effort to stop domestic extremists before they act.' 'I track people who are planning attacks,' Chastain's character Jodi said in a sneak preview. Chastain said she was 'not aligned' with Apple TV's decision to pause its release She plays undercover agent Jodi Godwin, who is adept at the infiltration of 'online hate groups in an effort to stop domestic extremists before they act' 'My job is pretending to think like them to stop those people from doing really bad things.' The Savant also stars Pablo Schreiber, Nnamdi Asomugha, Cole Doman, Jordana Spiro, Trinity Lee Shirley and Toussaint Francois Battiste. The Oscar-winning star of The Eyes of Tammy Faye is also an executive producer on the streaming series. Apple TV previously said that it had postponed the show after 'careful consideration.' The best burgers in the world have been revealed - with London restaurants taking four of the top 10 spots. The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurant awards announced the globe's 25 finest contenders at a ceremony last week - and while many may associate the US with being the king of all things grilled and fried, it failed to reach the top ten. Meanwhile, across the pond, the UK made its meaty mark on judges, snapping up eight spots in total, including seven in London, despite its comparatively smaller geographical size. Awarded the highest accolade went to Hundred Burgers, a Valencia-based restaurant that combines fresh, delicious Spanish ingredients with the owner's culinary experiences, having travelled through New York and countless other sandwich spots worldwide. The European eatery boasts a selection of the signature dish in its name, made by 'grinding their dry-aged beef daily and shaping it by hand'. They also bake their own brioche bun recipe every morning on site - promising 'no additives' - with online reviews advising diners can expect to spend some 25 (22) per person there. Coming in at second place was closer to home however, with Bleecker Burger, a no-frills venue in London, Bloomsbury, that focuses on using simple ingredients to spotlight its premium quality beef patty. The menu features options from 9.75 to 14.95, and was set up by Zan Kaufman, a former corporate lawyer from New York. Awarded the highest accolade was Hundred Burgers, a Valencia-based restaurant that combines fresh, delicious Spanish ingredients with owner's culinary journey travels though New York and countless other sarnie spots worldwide (No1, pictured) 'In 2010 I tried the best burger I had ever eaten at Zaitzeff, an East Village burger joint,' she wrote on the brand's website. 'Soon, I started moonlighting there in my free time. I wanted to know everything about this burger: how it was made, where the ingredients came from and how it tasted so damn good. 'When I moved to London in 2012, I decided to leave my previous career behind for good. 'I bought an old van, converted it into a food truck and then this loud-mouthed American broad started grilling up burgers for hungry Londoners. This was the beginning of Bleecker St. Burger.' It promises dry aged beef which guarantees 'an intense, beefy flavour', a sesame seed bun, 'scratch burger sauce and good old American cheese'. Delivering their verdict on the burger, judges praised its 'excellence' as coming 'from restraint'. 'By focusing on the fundamentals premium beef, precise cooking, and a straightforward presentation Bleecker Burger delivers Londons best burger experience, earning its place as No. 2 on the Worlds 25 Best Burgers 2025,' they added. It currently has eight locations across London, including Victoria, Soho, Seven Dials, and Spitalfields, as well as delivery kitchens in Battersea and Canary Wharf. Coming in at second place was Bleecker Burger, a no-frills venue in London, Bloomsbury, that focuses on using simple ingredients to spotlight it's premium quality beef patty. (No2, pictured) It was even voted the nation's best burger by David Carter, the chef and founder of London-based Smokestak, earlier this year. In third place, continuing the English capital's reign, was Black Bear Burger - which had won the National Burger of the Year award at the 11th annual competition. It's a winning selection - which can be sampled at venues including Exmouth Market, Brixton, Victoria, Canary Wharf, Shoreditch, and Camden - which features two 45-day aged beef patties, cheese, smoked bacon, miso butter mayo, and onion, sandwiched between a bespoke sesame seed bun. Fans online have previously called it a 'freaking beautiful burger', which 'looks sensational'. Princes range from 11.50 for a 'Classic' while more special variants like the 'Brisket' will set you back 14.50, and the 'Hot Honey', 13. Copenhagen's Popl Burger won fourth place for its deliberately simple cheeseburgers, featuring a straightforward composition of organic, free-range cattle raised on Denmarks west coast, American-style cheese, and a plush bun. For 295 Danish Krone - around 35 - those dining at the venue can enjoy a starter, burger and 'seasonal side' as part of a lunch special, or spend some 150 Krone (18) on just the one simple cheeseburger at dinner. A 'Deer Burger' with cep mushroom, pine emulsion, lingonberries and sorrel is also on the menu, as is a 'Lion's Mane Sandwich' with 'smoked and fried Lion's mane mushroom, sorrel leaves, forest pesto, mushroom glaze and pumpkin bushi'. Both are 250 Krone - 29. This was then followed by Black Bear Burger in third place, another London restaurant that earlier this year won the National Burger of the Year award at the 11th annual competition (No3, pictured) Sweden won over judges for fifth place, the Funky Chicken Foodtruck whetting appetites with its deliciously gooey sandwiches, packed with a generous cross-section of cheese, sauce, and pickles (No5, pictured) Back on home soil, the famous Hawksmoor 'Big Matt' burger has won eighth place (No8, pictured) The UK bagged yet another place in the top 10, with London's Burger & Beyond, based in Shoreditch, handed ninth spot (No9, pictured) The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurant burger awards 1. Hundred Burgers, Valencia 2. Bleecker Burger, London 3. Black Bear Burger, London 4. Popl Burger, Copenhgaen 5. Funky Chicken, Stockholm 6. Gasoline Grill, Copenhagen 7. La Birra Bar, Buenos Aires 8. Hawksmoor, London 9. Burger & Beyond, London 10. Next Door, Sydney 11. Dove, London 12. Gidley, Sydney 13. Sip & Guzzle, New York 14. Charrd, Melbourne 15. Nowon, New York 16. All or Nothing Burger, Alicante 17. Gui's Burger, Ashiya 18. 11. Woodfire, Dubai 19. The Loyalist, Chicago 20. Salt Shed, Brighton 21. Red Hook Tavern, New York 22. Reburger, Florence 23. 4 Chalres, New York 24. Amboy, Los Angeles 25. Heard, London Advertisement Meanwhile, Sweden won over judges for fifth place, with the Funky Chicken Foodtruck whetting appetites with its deliciously gooey sandwiches, packed with a generous cross-section of cheese, sauce, and pickles. Originating in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, the food truck embraces nostalgic and traditional burger dining experiences with messy bites, quick delivery, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. 'The creations are indulgent yet playful, with a street-food character that captures the joy of eating a burger with both hands,' judges said. 'Every bite is juicy, messy, and full of character exactly how a great burger should be.' Sixth place took the competition back to Denmark, where Gasoline Grill, which won the judges' taste buds with its signature potato bun and 'semi-smashed' organic beef patty. 'We grind the meat for our patties in-house at each location every morning. That way we make sure that we get the selected cuts of meat that we want and we are able to serve a completely fresh burger. We hand form each patty with care,' the website boasted. 'We carefully plan our production each day to make sure that we do not prepare too much food that we would have to waste. 'We are SOLD OUT every day - That is your guarantee for eating a fresh and juicy burger at Gasoline Grill!' Seventh place, meanwhile, was awarded to La Birra Bar in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires. Packed full of indulgent flavours, textures, and rich ingredients, the decadent burgers are known for their outrageously indulgent sarnies that have punters queuing around the block. There, foodies can feast on a selection of succulent options, including a '5.3.2 Burger' with five whole patties - worth 28,000 Argentine pesos (16). More humble options also go from about 12,000 pesos (7). Back on home soil, Hawksmoor's 19.50 'Big Matt' burger won eighth place. The menu item amassed hundreds of adoring fans when it was added to the restaurant's menus in 2017, and it was even ranked as the world's best burger in 2023 by World's Best Steak Restaurants. It returned to the UK after a nearly decade-long hiatus earlier this year, to the delight of fans who were devastated when it was removed from the chain's menus. '"The Big Matt" achieves something rare: it reimagines a fast-food classic with soul, refinement, and unmistakable Hawksmoor quality,' the judges said. 'Its bold yet familiar flavours, paired with at least most of the time perfect execution, make it a true highlight, even within the context of the outstanding steak restaurant excellence Hawksmoor offers.' The UK secured yet another place in the top 10, with London's Burger & Beyond, based in Shoreditch, earning the ninth spot. The venue packs a punch with premium cuts of dry-aged beef, house-baked buns, signature bone marrow mayonnaise, and crispy pancetta. It's known for its experimental flavours infused into the classic sandwich, such as 'French Dip' and 'Hot Honey'. Burgers there can set you back a whopping 18, but there are also options for 12 (a simple cheeseburger with a dry aged beef patty, double American cheese, smokey mayo, onion and a 'demi-brioche' bun. Finally, in tenth place was the Sydney-based fine-dining restaurant, Next Door. The eatery has crafted a standout sandwich that combines the delicious comfort of a cheesy burger with the culinary expertise of professional chefs. For 25 Australian dollars, or 12.27, diners can enjoy a 160g Copper Tree American Cheeseburger with Rose Mayo, Onion and Pickles. 'It proves that even a seemingly simple dish like a burger can become unforgettable when prepared with care and expertise,' the judges said. 'A bold, flavourful tribute to tradition and a compelling reason to step into Double Bays culinary scene. A must for anyone seeking familiar flavours elevated through precision and premium sourcing.' The remainder of the list was filled with delicious burgers from all over the world, including additional venues in the UK. Among the British venues mentioned was also Dove, known for its trendy rep with foodies in the capital, which has a burger available 'off menu'. Salt Shed in Brighton also took 20th place, while London's Heard - which offers everything from a 'Truffle Shuffle' to a 'Smoke Stack' with a 'smoked bacon jam' - was number 25. The US however finally received a pat on the back, too, with a handful of wins in New York, as well as one in Chicago and another in LA. No amount of alcohol is 'safe', experts have warned. Research has long suggested that the occasional tipple could benefit brain health. But British and US scientists have discovered that drinking any level of alcohol could raise the risk of developing dementia. This was worst among heavy drinkers who has an increased risk of over 40 per cent. Yet, they also found those who went on to develop the condition typically drank less over time in the years preceding their diagnosis. Experts today said their findings suggest that slashing alcohol intake could 'play a significant role in dementia prevention'. However, further research was vital to explain exactly why this may be the case and the impact of alcohol use on brain health. Dr Anya Topiwala, a consultant psychiatrist and senior clinical researcher at the University of Oxford, said: 'Our findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. British and US scientists have discovered that drinking any level of alcohol could raise the risk of developing dementia Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect, in fact, it suggests the opposite. 'Even light or moderate drinking may increase the risk of dementia, indicating that reducing alcohol consumption across the population could play a significant role in dementia prevention.' Dr Joel Gelernter, a professor at Yale University and senior author of the study, also said the study, published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, had 'clinical implications'. He added: 'There was a time when medical knowledge seemed to support that light drinking would be beneficial to brain health, and this work adds to the evidence that this is not correct.' The research, led by experts at the University of Oxford, Yale University, and the University of Cambridge, assessed the health records of 559,559 British and American adults. Over a follow-up of four years, 14,540 developed dementia. They found heavy drinkers, who consumed 40 or more drinks a week, had a 41 per cent higher risk of developing dementia compared to light drinkers, who had fewer than seven alcoholic drinks a week. This rose to a 51 per cent risk among those who were alcohol-dependent. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. But non-drinkers were also at risk, they discovered. The scientists also performed genetic analysis using data from genome-wide association studies of dementia, involving 2.4 million people. Three measures related to alcohol consumption were used to explore the impact on dementia risk. These were self-reported weekly drinks, problematic 'risky' drinking, and alcohol dependency. They found those with double the genetic risk of alcohol dependency, had a 16 per cent increase in dementia risk. No protective effects of low levels of alcohol intake were also observed. Instead, dementia risk steadily increased with more genetically predicted drinking. Whats more, those who went on to develop dementia typically drank less over time in the years preceding their diagnosis. The scientists suggested that early cognitive decline could lead to reduced alcohol consumption. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Stephen Burgess, a statistician at the University of Cambridge and study co-author, said: 'Our findings do not only hold for those who have a particular genetic predisposition, but for anyone who chooses to drink. 'Our study suggests that greater alcohol consumption leads to higher risk of dementia.' Experts, however, who weren't involved in the research, cautioned the study had 'several' limitations and further research must be done to prove any link. Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'The authors rightly acknowledge several important limitations of the study. 'Self-reported alcohol use may not be accurate, particularly if people have memory problems in early stages of dementia, and the genetic markers used as predictors of both alcohol intake and dementia are not perfect. 'Neither part of the study can conclusively prove that alcohol use directly causes dementia. 'But this adds to a large amount of similar data showing associations between alcohol intake and increased dementia risk, and fundamental neuroscience work has shown that alcohol is directly toxic to neurons in the brain.' Dr Leah Mursaleen, head of clinical research at Alzheimer's Research UK, also said: 'Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the impact of alcohol use on brain health, and how intervention strategies may reduce dementia risk. Your browser does not support iframes. 'With no treatments currently available on the NHS that can stop or slow the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need for practices to support good brain health.' Recent polls suggest that the average Briton drinks roughly 18 units of alcohol a week, equivalent to around six pints of 5.2 per cent beer every week, or six large glasses of wine. Leading experts have also rowed about the harms of drinking for decades. Scientists across the board, however, agree that excessive alcohol consumption can permanently damage the liver and cause an array of cancers and drive up blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimate it kills three million people around the world each year. The NHS recommends people drink no more than 14 'units' of alcoholaround six glasses of wine, or pints of beerper week. Meanwhile, the US says women should drink no more than seven standard drinks a week and men can have 14. It comes as a landmark study last year suggested almost half of all Alzheimer's casesthe most common form of dementiacould be prevented by tackling 14 lifestyle factors from childhood. World-leading experts found two new risk factorshigh cholesterol and suffering vision losswere, combined, behind almost one in ten dementia cases globally. They join 12 existing factors, ranging from genetics to smoking status, that experts have identified as increasing the risk a person would suffer dementia. Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of the condition, which then worsen over time. According to Alzheimer's Society, about 982,000 people in the UK have dementia. By 2040, about 1.4 million people in the UK could be living with the condition. Nigel Farage has compared paracetamol to thalidomideone of the worst drug scandals in modern historyafter refusing to call Donald Trump irresponsible for suggesting the painkiller may cause autism. Speaking to presenter Nick Ferrari on LBC this morning, the Reform UK leader said he had 'no idea' if the claim was correct, adding: 'We were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasn't.' Thalidomide was sold in the late 1950s as a safe, non-addictive remedy for morning sickness and other ailments, and was widely prescribed to pregnant women without proper testing. Within a few years it caused one of the worst drug disasters in history, killing and injuring up to 100,000 babies worldwide and leaving thousands more with severe birth defects, before it was withdrawn in 1961. But his remarks today sparked cross-party criticism with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch branding them 'irresponsible conspiracy-theory nonsense', while Health Secretary Wes Streeting labelled Mr Farage a 'snake oil salesman'. It comes as Mr Trump earlier this week caused shockwaves when he claimed government health warnings would soon be printed on paracetamol packetsoften sold under the brand name Tylenol in the USadvising pregnant women to avoid the drug because of a supposed link to autism. His comments sparked outrage among medical experts, who dismissed them as fear-mongering with 'no robust evidence' to support the claim. Britain's regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), also stressed there is 'no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage today insisted he had 'no idea' if President Trump's claim linking paracetamol and autism was correct Thalidomide was sold in the late 1950s as a safe, non-addictive remedy for morning sickness and other ailments, and was widely prescribed to pregnant women without proper testing Mr Farrage was asked whether President Trump was correct to make the claim. He responded: 'I have no idea, I have no idea. 'We were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasn't. Who knows. I don't know and you don't know. 'He [Mr Trump] has a particular thing about autism, I think because there has been some in his family and he feels it very personally. I have no idea.' Asked if he would side with medical experts who say it is dangerous to make the link, Mr Farage added: 'I wouldn't, when it comes to science, I don't side with anybody. 'I don't side with anybody because science is never settled, and we should remember that. 'That's an opinion [Mr Trump has] got. It's not one that I necessarily share. But I mean, honestly, I've no idea.' Paracetamol is widely used by pregnant women to treat pain, headaches and fever, and remains the NHS's recommended 'first choice' painkiller during pregnancy, but only for short periods and at the lowest effective dose. In an announcement on Monday, Mr Trump told reporters that taking paracetamol was simply 'not good', declaring: 'All pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant.' His remarks today sparked cross-party criticism with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch branding them 'irresponsible conspiracy-theory nonsense', while Health Secretary Wes Streeting labelled Mr Farage a 'snake oil salesman' Your browser does not support iframes. He later doubled down: 'Fight like hell not to take it.' A handful of well-publicised studies have suggested a possible link between maternal use of paracetamol and higher rates of autism or ADHD. But the findings are inconsistent, and experts stress that any association remains based on very limited and conflicting evidence. The most recent, published last month by researchers at Mount Sinai in New York and Harvard's School of Public Health, urged women to take paracetamol in pregnancy only on the advice of a doctorthough the authors acknowledged the evidence was not conclusive. They urged mothers-to-be to use paracetamol sparingly, taking only the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. But they stressed their results did not prove the drug directly causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Instead, they said the association was consistent enough to warrant further investigation. Scientists on both sides of the Atlantic reacted with scepticisma some criticised the claims as stigmatising parents of children with autism. Health Secretary Wes Streeting also dismissed the remarks. 'Don't pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine,' he said. 'In fact, don't even take my word for it as a politicianlisten to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS. It's really important, at a time when there is scepticism, to follow medical science.' Responding to Mr Farage's interview today, he also labelled his comments 'dangerous and irresponsible'. In a post on X, he wrote: 'Dangerous and irresponsible. This man is a snake oil salesman and it's time people stopped buying.' Referring to the comments in a post on X, Mrs Badenoch said: 'This is irresponsible conspiracy-theory nonsense. 'It will create fear and anxiety among parents and pregnant women will suffer unnecessary pain by believing it. 'But Farage doesn't care about that.' Cabinet minister Pat McFadden also said: 'I think it's important as politicians that we're responsible about this in our comments, and there's no evidence to link Paracetamol with any harm for expectant mothers. 'And that is the medical advice, and people should trust the NHS, trust the medical advice, and trust that a lot more than they should trust Nigel Farage.' Thalidomide was hailed as a 'wonder drug' for morning sickness when it was created by German pharmaceutical giant Gruenenthal Group in the 1950s. But it was soon pulled after a doctor in Australia reported a link between the drug and birth defects, such as malformed hands, facial disfigurement and brain damage. Charities blame the drug for the deaths of up to 100,000 babies worldwide, and say it left 10,000 severely disabledsuch as with missing or deformed limbs. Experiments later revealed that it triggered birth defects by stopping blood vessels forming in babies. Yet, despite being pulled for morning sickness in 1961, thalidomide is still used to this day. There are, however, strict rules on women of child-bearing age using the drug. It is given to patients with myeloma, a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow, and for the treatment of Hansen's diseasealso known as leprosywhich is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria. The refusal by two of America's largest TV operators to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! when it returned to the air on Tuesday night has put the spotlight on the multimillionaire media barons behind the broadcast conglomerates. Both Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar, who together own nearly a quarter of ABC's local affiliate stations across the US, did not broadcast Kimmel's late-night show, despite the host returning from suspension over comments regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk. During Kimmel's lengthy monologue on Tuesday, he said the Trump administration 'tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air.' The top executives at both Sinclair and Nexstar have previously sided with President Donald Trump over his criticism of what he considers a left-wing media bias. One of the men, Sinclair executive chairman David D. Smith, is a staunch conservative who told Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign: 'We are here to deliver your message. Period.' Smith, who records show donated $250,000 to Kirk's Turning Point USA just last year, produced bootleg porn movies early in his career and was once caught having sex with a prostitute in a company Mercedes. The 75-year-old has been Baltimore-based Sinclair's executive chairman since 1990, after taking over the company from his father. Today, it is the second-largest television station operator in the country, with nearly 300 stations and 38 ABC affiliates. David D. Smith, 75, has been Baltimore-based Sinclair's executive chairman since 1990, after inheriting the company from his father During Jimmy Kimmel's lengthy monologue on Tuesday, he said the Trump administration 'tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air' After the 9/11 attacks, the company instructed its anchors to repeat editorials in support of President George W. Bush's 'war on terror,' according to Nieman Reports. It also aired claims from group opposing 2004 Democratic presidential nominee anti-John Kerry that the media company's own Washington bureau chief called 'biased political propaganda.' In 2018, Sinclair stations ran attack ads against Barack Obama that other networks including Fox News refused to air. Smith is an active contributor to conservative causes and organizations, donating six-figure sums to Project Veritas and Moms for Liberty, according to Nieman Reports. He has personally donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the political campaigns of Baltimore Republicans, as well as giving to both Democratic and Republican US senators. In 2024, he purchased the Baltimore Sun, spawning a series of complaints from the paper's union and staff exits as the publication took a more conservative tack in its coverage. In 1996, Smith was arrested for receiving oral sex from a prostitute in Baltimore while driving a brand-new Mercedes-Benz registered to Sinclair, the Baltimore Sun reported at the time. He was busted during an undercover sting operation after the sex worker spotted Smith and informed police that 'she had just seen her regular date driving in the area.' In 1996, David D. Smith was arrested for receiving oral sex from a prostitute in Baltimore while driving a brand-new Mercedes-Benz registered to Sinclair (pictured: Smith in 1998) The woman then got into Smith's car, which police followed onto the highway before witnessing her performing the sex act as Smith drove. He was convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense, taking a plea deal that stipulated Smith admit to his crime during a broadcast on his flagship TV station, Salon reported. Instead, he had an anchor read the confession during a broadcast. Decades earlier, in the 1970s, Smith worked as a partner in a business that produced copies of pornographic films in a building owned by one of his father's companies, Rolling Stone reported. His partner at the time said the business folded after police raided the operation and confiscated films, the Los Angeles Times reported. Smith did not respond to a request for comment made by the Daily Mail through a company representative. Nexstar CEO Perry Sook founded his company in 1996 after buying a single station in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and growing it over the years into the biggest TV station operator in the country Nexstar CEO Perry Sook founded his company in 1996 after buying a single station in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and growing it over the years into the biggest TV station operator in the country. In addition to having stations in major markets like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, Nexstar owns the cable network NewsNation, a controlling stake in The CW network, and online publication The Hill. Sook has been known to donate to political campaigns from both sides of the aisle, including those of Schumer, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. When Trump was reelected, Sook expressed hope that the new administration would help Nexstar expand, promising to help eliminate 'the level of activist journalism out there.' In August, the company announced a planned $6.2billion acquisition of broadcaster Tegna that would give Nexstar dozens more stations across the country. The deal requires approval by the Federal Communications Commission, whose commissioner, Brendan Carr, condemned Kimmel's comments before Nexstar and Sinclair decided to remove his show. The merger would give Nexstar market coverage across about 80 percent of the US, while current FCC rules limit a single company's share to just 39 percent. In 2017, a female editor at one of Sook's Michigan stations filed a lawsuit alleging that he ignored complaints of sexual harassment she made against two male staffers. Kimmel's show was pulled after the host made controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned on Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension The CEO traveled to the station in Lansing after the editor complained and she claimed Sook told employees to email him any concerns, Lansing State Journal reported. His lawyers denied that he extended the invitation. Attorneys for the editor claimed that Sook 'injected himself into the ineffective investigation' and that management at the station began an 'adversarial relationship' with her following her complaints, which led to her firing. The editor claimed Sook was 'simply too busy to be bothered by the trivial matter of caring about a career television woman who exposed sexual harassment at Nexstar.' A judge ruled in Nexstar's favor in 2020. Sook also did not respond to a request for comment made by the Daily Mail through a company representative. Robert De Niro rolled out his weather-beaten jokes about Donald Trump as he made a surprise cameo on Jimmy Kimmel's comeback show Tuesday night. The Academy Award winning actor, 82, pretended to be Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr and doled out mafioso type threats during a skit with Kimmel, 57. Taking on a similar intimidating type role he has already portrayed in the likes of Goodfellas and The Irishman, the two went back and forth over free speech. 'You tell Whoopi over there she better show a bit of respect, or the only view she'll be getting is from under the George Washington, the bridge, not the guy', De Niro joked. The first gag was a clear jab at presenter of The View Whoopi Goldberg who was a vocal critic of Kimmel's week-long suspension. Kimmel played along. 'You were appointed FCC Chairman by Donald Trump?', he asks, to which De Niro replies: 'Sir Trump, yes I used to do some work for the man here and in Atlantic City.' 'It seems like the FCC is using mob tactics to suppress free speech?', to which De Niro responded: 'What the f*** did you just say to me?' Kimmel rolled out De Niro as he returned to screens on Tuesday, with the two engaging in a four-minute gag poking fun at Trump and the FCC De Niro took on a similar intimidating type role he has already portrayed in the likes of Goodfellas and The Irishman as the enforcer like head of the FCC 'You can't curse, or we will get fined by the FCC', Kimmel replied. De Niro continued: 'I am the f****** FCC. I can f****** say whatever the f*** I want.' Kimmel continued: 'Well this does sound a little like threats and intimidation to me chairman.' Still maintaining the charade, De Niro added: 'Stop that, it's just me Jimmy. The chairman of the FCC gently suggesting that you gently shut the f*** up.' Kimmel shot back: 'But you can't say that, it's a violation of free speech', before De Niro informed him that free speech is no longer free. He added: 'We're charging by the word now, depends on what you want to say like you want to say something nice about how the president has beautiful thick yellow hair. 'Or how he can do his makeup better than any broad, that's free', prompting a round of applause from the audience. He continued: 'But if you want to do a joke like he's so fat he needs two seats on the Epstein jet, that's gonna cost ya.' Epstein and Trump were friendly in the late 1990s and early 2000s when they ran in the same circles of New York and Palm Beach society. Trump denies any knowledge of Epstein's wrongdoing prior to the financier's conviction for pedophilia. De Niro has long been an outspoken critic of President Trump, seen here at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23 Epstein and Trmp are seen here posing together at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1997 Kimmel continued: 'For clarity because it is a pretty good joke, how much would that one cost me?' 'Couple fingers maybe a tooth, depends on how constipated he is', De Niro added before revealing the new FCC motto as 'stick and stones may break your bones.' Kimmel added: 'Well the rest of that is but words can never harm you?', De Niro shoots back telling him 'they can harm him now.' The phone in De Niro's fake office then rings, prompting another stiff joke as he answered it and said: 'Hi handsome, oh I'm sorry Mr. President'. The sketch ends with De Niro revealing he has been called to take care of a couple of cases of Tylenol having fallen off a truck, saying he has to put 'autism into them'. That was a reference to Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's Monday afternoon press conference claiming taking the painkiller during pregnancy could cause autism in unborn children. As the two rounded off the four minute segment, De Niro warned Kimmel: 'I'll be watching you Kimmel, maybe not on ABC - but that's up to you.' De Niro has for years been a thorn in the side of Trump, frequently being an outspoken critic of the president. The actor squared off with MAGA supporters outside Trump's hush money trial in New York City last May, deeming Trump a 'clown who wants to destroy the world.' De Niro attends the 2025 opening Dinner during of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at on May 13, 2025 in Cannes, France De Niro said that Trump voters 'bought into his bulls***.' 'Trump bought their votes with outrageous lies and empty promises,' he added. His beef with Trump goes further, with De Niro issuing a particularly brutal statement during the 2016 election when he hit the campaign trail for Hillary Clinton. In one video he said: 'He's so blatantly stupid. He's a punk, he's a dog, he's a pig He's an idiot. 'Colin Powell said it best: He's a national disaster. He's an embarrassment to this country.' 'It makes me so angry that this country has gotten to this point that this fool, this bozo, has wound up where he has. 'He talks how he wants to punch people in the face? Well, I'd like to punch him in the face.' Trump had previously said that De Niro has a case of 'trump derangement syndrome', a term used by his administration to describe his critics. Kimmel was pulled off the air last Wednesday after claiming MAGA were trying to distance themselves from Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson, 22. Prosecutors say Robinson actually held leftist beliefs. Disney boss Bob Iger reportedly reinstated Jimmy Kimmel after the controversy started to impact his and his wife's social life and standing. Iger, 74, is said to have been alarmed by Hollywood's reaction to the Kimmel suspension last week, and how it affected Willow Bay, the dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. According to Puck, Iger was particularly concerned after the host committee of a women in media fundraiser planned at their home in Los Angeles considered pulling out of the event over the controversy. Before ABC made the announcement of Kimmel's return, various A-list celebrities including Pedro Pascal and Lin-Manuel Miranda spoke out against the suspension. Iger, described as 'thin-skinned' by Puck, would have found the 'global criticism crushing,' the outlet reported. But the executive was 'stung the most' by public criticism from former Disney boss Michael Eisner, who blasted Kimmel's suspension on X, writing: 'Where has all the leadership gone?' Disney boss Bob Iger was reportedly worried about the impact of the saga on wife Willow Bay Kimmel's suspension was the latest storm for Iger, who returned to Disney as boss in late 2022 ABCs parent company made the decision to suspend the show after Kimmel falsely implied that Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter was a Trump supporter Asserting that the move was an attack on free speech, Eisner added: 'If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment?' Iger reportedly 'loathes' 83-year-old Eisner, who 'humiliated' him during the succession process 20 years ago. Insiders told Puck that Eisner would have handled the situation differently, issuing a threat to affiliate owners Sinclair and Nexstar, who said they will still not air Kimmel's show. Kimmel's suspension was the latest storm for Iger, who returned to Disney as chief executive in late 2022. The ABC late night show returned on Tuesday after it was suspended last week after the host said 'the MAGA gang' was attempting to portray the suspect in Kirk's assassination 'as anything other than one of them.' The late-night host gave a tearful 20-minute monologue in which he claimed he 'never intended to make light of' the MAGA icon's death - and then proceeded to lash out at Donald Trump over censorship. Kimmel received a standing ovation as he told his audience: 'A government threat to silence a comedian the government doesn't like is anti-American.' The comedian acknowledged his employer of more than 20 years was taking an enormous risk in placing him back on the air. Michael Eisner, the former Disney chief executive who blasted the current media company's leadership over Jimmy Kimmel's indefinite suspension Eisner published the post in response to the late-night host's cancellation on Wednesday Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene, Iger and Bay are seen in 2012 'Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk,' he said. 'The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from their job. 'Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke.' Kimmel broke down when discussing what he said about the assassination of Kirk - but he never once said he was sorry. 'I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it's important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,' Kimmel said, his voice breaking. Kimmel singled out FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, saying his conduct was 'not legal' and 'un-American' after the chairman threatened to go after late night comics. He then branded Carr's threat against Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as not only 'a direct violation of the first amendment' but also 'not a particularly intelligent threat.' 'Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one,' Kimmel cracked, before showing a photo of a Trump-branded Tesla. Bay, seen with Harrison Ford and Iger, is the dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Iger, said to be 'thin-skinned,' would have found the 'global criticism crushing' Kimmel's tearful address, however, wasn't enough to silence conservative critics who vented their fury that he was allowed to return at all. 'Not good enough,' Kirk's former co-host, Andrew Kolvet, wrote on X. 'Jimmy, it's simple. Here's what you need to say: "I'm sorry for saying the shooter was MAGA. He was not. He was of the left. I apologize to the Kirk family for lying. Please accept my sincere apology. I will do better. I was wrong."' The Daily Mail has reached out to Disney for comment on this story. Joe Rogan has rushed to the defense of Jimmy Kimmel over the 'joke' that got him pulled from the air, while calling the Trump administration 'crazy' for going after the late-night host. On his podcast Tuesday, Rogan slammed Kimmel's suspension over his comments about Charlie Kirk as an affront to free speech, warning that those who hailed the decision could face similar consequences. Roagn, who had been silent on the subject since Kimmel's suspension, blamed his absence on an elk-hunting trip in the mountains. The episode appeared to be recorded before Kimmel's show was reinstated. 'First of all, I definitely don't think that the government should be involved - ever - in dictating what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue, that's f**king crazy,' Rogan told guest Andrew Santino. 'Now, the problem is the companies, if they're being pressured by the government - so if that's real - and if people on the right are like, "Yeah, go get them," oh my God, you're crazy for supporting this. Because this will be used on you.' Rogan also defended the comments Kimmel made that him suspended. 'Unfortunately, I think what he was trying to do was just set up a joke. He was trying to knock on the MAGA people but also set up a joke, which was good. It was very funny,' Rogan said. Last week, Kimmel had said during his monologue that the 'MAGA gang' was 'desperately' trying to distance itself from Kirk's suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. On his podcast Tuesday, Joe Rogan slammed Kimmel's suspension over his comments about Charlie Kirk as an affront to free speech, warning that those who relished in the decision could face similar consequences. 'First of all, I definitely don't think that the government should be involved - ever - in dictating what a comedian can or cannot say in a monologue, that's f**king crazy,' Rogan said of Kimmel The host also poked fun at Trump's reaction to the shooting. 'This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend,' he said. 'This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.' Rogan correctly predicted Kimmel's suspension would be brief, and that the host would be praised when he made his return. 'Look, I certainly think that for Jimmy Kimmel, all this does is help him. It makes his show bigger. There's much more support,' the podcaster said. 'I'm sure he's there's a lot of hate as well, which is not fun. 'But at the end of the day, if the show comes back, which this is my suspicion, my suspicion is they suspend it for a short amount of time and then they bring it back. 'He comes back to a standing ovation. Donald Trump tweets mean s**t about him and then the world moves on.' Rogan also called it 'f*****g insane' that Trump took the time out of his day to post on social media attacking Kimmel and other late-night hosts. Joe Rogan endorsed Trump on the eve of the 2024 election. The two are pictured at a UFC event around that time 'How do you have time while you're running the world to be tweeting that you don't like talk show hosts?' Rogan said. 'That is so crazy.' Rogan - a well-known free speech advocate - endorsed Trump late last year but has broken with the president in recent months. He has slammed the administration's tariffs on Canada as 'ridiculous' and called its deportation policies 'horrific.' The clashes started in March, when Rogan used his podcast to rant about Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and his desire to make Canada the 51st state. 'I can't believe there is anti-American, anti-Canadian sentiment going on. It's the dumbest f***ing feud,' Rogan said during the March 14 episode. 'I just want America and Canada to get along, I think it's ridiculous. And I don't think they should be our 51st state.' A week later, Rogan took things a step further, slamming Trump's approach to the mass deportation of immigrants, after reports emerged that innocent people had been mistakenly rounded up and thrown into maximum security prisons in El Salvador alongside gang members and criminals. 'You got to get scared that people who are not criminals are getting, like, lassoed up and deported and sent to, like, El Salvador prisons,' Rogan said. 'This is kind of crazy that that could be possible. That's horrific. And that's, again, that's bad for the cause.' The recent clashes are a sharp contrast to the two men's cozy alliance in the days leading up to the election, when Rogan welcomed both Trump and his former 'First Buddy' Elon Musk onto his podcast. Hillary Clinton hit out at white Christian men just two weeks after Charlie Kirk's assassination. The former first lady found fault with Christian conservatism during an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe Wednesday, saying she disapproved of the ideology because it promotes division. The movement has picked up momentum thanks to people like Kirk, whose evangelical faith shaped his politics. He was killed earlier this month while speaking at a college campus in southern Utah. Clinton began by telling hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski: 'You know, I love my country, and I love it, you know - warts and all. 'And I'm proud of the fact that we have always been a work in progress. You know, we haven't gotten to the more perfect union,' she continued, adding that freedom of speech and the ability to protest is what 'makes us so special as a country.' 'And the idea that you could turn the clock back and try to recreate a world that never was dominated by - you know, let's say it - white men of a certain persuasion, a certain religion, a certain point of view, a certain ideology - it's just doing such damage to what we should be aiming for. 'And we were on the path toward that - I mean, imperfectly, lots of bumps along the way.' The comments came in response to remarks from Scarborough about the history of the country and how it has persisted through slavery and the Civil War. Former first lady Hillary Clinton found fault with Christian conservatism during an appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe Wednesday The movement has picked up steam thanks to people like Kirk, seen here at a Trump rally in Arizona last year. He was killed on September 10 at an event in southern Utah The rest of the conversation revolved heavily around the current administration and messaging for Democrats. Clinton accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of leading the American public back to a time 'when we arent vaccinating, we're drinking raw milk, yeah, and people didn't live.' Clinton did offer rare praise for President Donald Trump after he appeared to shift his stance on the war in Ukraine Tuesday. 'I welcomed what the president said yesterday,' Clinton said of a Truth Social post in which Trump wrote the war-torn country 'is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.' Revolut has outlined plans to invest 3billion in the UK and create 1,000 jobs as its bid to win a British banking licence rumbles on. At the opening of its global HQ in Canary Wharf in London, co-founder Nik Storonsky pledged it would be the cornerstone of a 10billion global investment drive. This, he said, would create 10,000 jobs worldwide as it seeks to lift customer numbers from 65m including 12m in the UK to 100m by mid-2027. The firm also said it was exploring buying a US bank. Our new global HQ in London is the launchpad for our future, said Storonsky, adding his vision was for Revolut to become the worlds first truly global bank. Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted the investment shows the UK is well and truly open for business. Licence fight: Revolut co-founder Nik Storonsky (pictured) said the firm's 3bn investment in the UK would create some 1,000 jobs Revolut was set up in 2015 and employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, including 1,300 in London. It is now thought to be worth 55billion. But it is still awaiting a full UK banking licence, having first applied for one in 2021. Two-and-a-half years ago it said approval was imminent. Yesterday, Storonsky said that it was his top priority, adding: We are committed to the UK as our home country. Troubled wind farm developer Orsted has been given the all-clear to resume work on an almost completed US project which was halted by Donald Trump. The US President last month issued an order to stop work on the project off Rhode Island in his war against renewable energy. But a federal judge has ruled Orsted can press on with developing the wind farm, sending its shares up 4 per cent yesterday. However, analysts warned the victory may be short-lived if the White House appeals or takes further regulatory action against other projects. The project is 80 per cent complete, with 45 out of 65 wind turbines already installed. It is expected to produce enough electricity to power 350,000 homes in the US. The Revolution Wind project is located 15 miles off the coast. Orsted said it would resume work as soon as possible. Ministers are under mounting pressure to bail out suppliers of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) after a crippling cyber-attack meant production shutdowns have extended into next month. Britains largest carmaker yesterday said its factories will remain closed until at least October 1 as it reels from the havoc wreaked by hackers who broke into its computer systems at the end of August. While the crisis is estimated to have cost JLR 2billion in lost sales, it is feared it could also lead to the collapse of the supply chain as businesses lay off staff and halt production. As Business Secretary Peter Kyle visited the West Midlands for talks with JLR and suppliers yesterday, the Government faced renewed calls to act. Local Labour MP Antonia Bance said the production freeze threatened the disintegration of the supply chain. JLR is a jewel in the crown of British manufacturing, she said. Jobs threat: Business secretary Peter Kyle MP talks to employees during a visit to Jaguar Land Rover supplier, Webasto, in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands But whilst 34,000 are employed at JLR, there are over 200,000 in the supply chain experiencing really profound knock-on effects. Were seeing production lines closed across the West Midlands and further afield, and suppliers having a real cash crunch. What this risks is a disintegration of the entire supply chain. When JLR stands back up and is ready to go, it may be that some of the supply chain isnt ready if theyve lost skilled labour they rely on or some businesses have gone under. JLR is the latest major UK company to be targeted by hackers, after attacks on the likes of Marks & Spencer and the Co-op. Trade union Unite urged the Government to set up a furlough scheme to subsidise the wages of workers in the supply chain, to protect jobs and industries that are a vital part of the economy. The Government has refused to sanction such support. Saqib Bhatti, a Tory MP in the West Midlands, said this failure to act could have really significant economic consequences. Labours Liam Byrne, another local MP and chairman of the business and trade select committee, said: JLR is not just a carmaker. It is the heart of our advanced manufacturing, the anchor of a vast supply chain, and a cornerstone of both our regional and national economy. This is a test for Government. We will keep pressing ministers to track both the immediate and the wider economic fallout and to be ready to act. Kyle said: I know this is a deeply worrying time for all affected. 'Getting JLR back on-line as soon as possible is my top priority. This Government is on the side of our world-leading automotive sector. We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this incident. JLR said: Our focus remains on supporting customers, suppliers, colleagues, and our retailers who remain open. 'We fully recognise this is a difficult time for all connected with JLR and we thank everyone for their continued support and patience. Labour must 'act now' to save Britain's oil and gas sector and avert the 'death of the UK's energy transition ambitions', North Sea oil firm EnQuest has warned. EnQuest and some of its rivals have been increasingly diverting investment away from the UK in response to the Energy Profits Levy. The windfall tax was introduced in 2022 following a surge in oil and gas prices largely driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Labour's 2024 Autumn Budget hiked the tax by three percentage points to 38 per cent, and axed the 29 per cent investment allowance for new North Sea oil and gas extraction. The measures mean UK oil and gas producers pay a headline tax rate of 78 per cent, among the world's highest. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicted last year that capital expenditure in offshore energy would decline by 26 per cent over the coming years, resulting in reductions of 6.3 and 9.2 per cent in oil and gas production, respectively. And the OBR has accepted that no 'windfall' currently exists for oil firms, with Brent Crude prices down more than 40 per cent from their June 2022 peak at $67.06 per barrel. UK oil and gas firms face among the highest rates of headline tax in the world EnQuest on Wednesday said it faced a reported statutory net loss of $173.5million for the six months to 24 September, when including a $123.9million non-cash adjustment due to the extension of the Energy Profits Levy by two years. This compares to a reported statutory net profit of $30.3million last year. Chief executive Amjad Bseisu said: 'We are committed to continued investment in our UK business, targeting material, value-enhancing growth. 'Our near-term pivot to investment outside of the UK underlines, however, how successive UK Governments have made the UK North Sea globally uncompetitive through fiscal policy. 'The UK remains the only country worldwide levying a windfall tax on energy profits, in an environment where even the Office for Budget Responsibility acknowledges that prices are at, or below, historic norms and therefore no windfall exists.' Earlier this year, the Government consulted on a new, permanent 'Oil and Gas Price Mechanism' to replace the EPL when it is due to end in 2030. It wants to create a predictable system taxing 'unusually high' oil and gas prices to ensure a 'fair return for the nation' during price shocks, while still protecting investment in the North Sea. Bseisu said: 'The UK Government now has a tool with which to revitalise this sector; materially increasing investment and tax revenues to Treasury, improving the UK's energy security in a volatile macro environment, and protecting jobs across the country, which are currently being lost at a rate of 1,000 per month. 'We implore the Government to act now to avoid the accelerated decline of this industry and the resulting death of the UK's energy transition ambitions.' EnQuest shares were down 3.1 per cent to 11.38p in early trading, bringing 2025 losses to 11.4 per cent. Research analyst at Shore Capital James Hosie said: 'EnQuest's H1 financial results are fundamentally in line with our estimates, while the operational performance has been very strong across the portfolio. 'With full year guidance unchanged we expect the results presentation to focus on management's growth ambitions in both the UK and SE Asia. 'In particular, the release highlights the path to quadrupling net production in SE Asia to c.35 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboe/d) by FY30F. We reiterate our Buy rating with a fair value estimate of 28p/share.' Saga has been given a lift by older holidaymakers booking cruises months in advance while rivals are hit by younger travellers taking longer to commit. In separate updates yesterday, over-50s specialist Saga and On The Beach, which typically caters for a younger crowd, both reported healthy bookings for the winter. But while Saga has enjoyed strong demand for next year, On The Beach warned bookings for summer 2026 remain slow as customers wait until closer to the date of departure. Industry experts said workers in the early stages of their careers and young families are tending to delay bookings amid concerns over jobs and finances particularly with a painful Budget looming. One source said: We are hearing a lot about people booking later. But the Saga customer tends to be more affluent, has more time on their hands and wants the certainty that comes with booking well in advance. Saga said 51 per cent of berths are already booked on its ocean cruises for next year with the Caribbean, Norwegian fjords and Europe proving popular. Fair winds: Over 50s-speciliast Saga said 51% of its berths are already booked on its ocean cruises for next year with the Caribbean, Norwegian fjords and Europe proving popular Customers are paying on average an all-inclusive rate of 437 a day for these trips. Interest is also growing in its holidays, which focus on hotels rather than cruises, with specialist trips such as food and wine, archaeology or bird watching. Our customers book very early. So weve already got a significant amount of next years holidays booked, said Saga chief executive Mike Hazell. They have more disposable income and theyre more resilient to short-term economic volatility. Saga returned to the black, posting first-half profits of 3.7million for the six months to the end of July, having lost 116.9million in the same period last year. Revenues at the firm, which also has an insurance arm, rose 9 per cent to 328.2million while it cut debts to 515.1million from 617.2million. Saga shares rose 6.7 per cent, or 14.5p, to 231.5p, taking gains in the past year to 117 per cent. By contrast, shares in On The Beach tumbled 20.4 per cent, or 52.5p, to 205p after it warned profits for the year to the end of September would be lower than expected, at between 34.5million and 35.5million. The City was expecting 38.4million. Bookings over the summer were 12 per cent higher than last year while winter bookings are up 12 per cent. But, turning to summer 2026, it warned of a later booking trend with bookings being made increasingly closer to the date of departure. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said: With the Budget around the corner, it is probable that customers are waiting and seeing before committing to next years holiday. On The Beach chief executive Shaun Morton put on a brave face, saying: It remains clear that customers are still prioritising their holidays with our winter bookings up 12 per cent and we are confident that Summer 2026 will continue to build. The comments echoed those of Jet2 boss Steve Heapy who this month said the booking closer to departure trend has become more pronounced. Keith Bowman, an analyst at Interactive Investor, said: Sagas focus on the over-50s may be assisting forward booking trends. Easing mortgage rates, in contrast to rising rents, are likely to be assisting the older demographic. A bizarre bell-shaped bollard on a narrow bridge in the Yorkshire Dales has become a car killer. The bell was installed on Widdale Bridge, near Hawes, in November. It was put in place to prevent drivers from hitting the stone walls at either side of the bridge. But the bell, on the B6255, appears to have caused more problems than it has solved, with regular reports of drivers hitting the installation as they cross the bridge. The bollard is painted jet black with no reflective signing and is unlikely to be seen by drivers, particularly at night. The bridge itself has not even been saved by the bell, as pictures of a recent collision showed that the brick wall which the bollard is there to protect was also damaged by a vehicle. Barry Purcell owns a B&B in the nearby village of Askrigg and said the bell was a 'stupid idea' and a 'liability'. He said a couple who recently stayed at his business were taken to hospital after a crash on the bridge. 'They was a Norwegian couple staying with us for a few days and of course they are tourists so not familiar with the roads,' Barry said. The tyre bell was installed on the B6255 near Hawes, North Yorkshire, to stop cars hitting the bridge The small bell has become a hazard of its own, as cars have started to hit the bell while crossing the bridge 'When they approached the bridge they did not see it. They clipped it and the car ended up on its roof.' Barry said the couple were taken to Lancaster Hospital, where the passenger had to undergo surgery on her arm. He added: 'She had to spent two days in the hospital before she could even get the surgery because her arm was full of glass. 'The man had to come and bring the keys back and they had to curtail their stay by two days. 'They then flew back home and we lost business because of it. 'He told us that when the police arrived they told him "you are not the first" so clearly it is quite common.' At least seven vehicles have reportedly hit the bell in the past three months. The road crosses the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is popular among tourists visiting the villages of Hawes, Ingleton and Ribblehead. Drivers are struggling to spot the dark-coloured bell - particularly at night A car pictured in a ditch after it collided with the Widdale Bridge Bell in the Yorkshire Dales Created to protect the bridge, Barry said it is 'the most stupid thing they could have done'. He added: 'They need to install some reflective signage somewhere on the bridge. 'You come off a left-hander onto a right-hander and straight onto the narrow bridge. 'The bells can work, there is one in the village of Hawes but it is in a really sensible position, protecting a house from very large vehicles. 'There is plenty of reflective signage that can be installed, there is a warning for narrow bridge. You come off a left-hander onto a right-hander and you are on it. 'When I talk to people about it, they all seem to think it is unnecessary. The road is narrow enough as it is.' Despite the danger to drivers, some locals believe the bell has been a worthwhile addition and that the amount of cars that have hit it has proved its worth. One wrote: 'Seems to me it's doing its job, preventing damage to the bridge and worse outcomes for the vehicles. Perhaps drivers ought to slow down a tad and use their brains to determine when to give way to oncoming traffic.' Another said: 'I think it's a great idea to have the bell there ought to be one on every bridge round here judging by the amount of times folks keep knocking into them.' North Yorkshire Council's assistant director for highways and infrastructure, Barrie Mason said: 'The bollard was installed on the Widdale Bridge in October last year to help prevent damage to the bridge parapet which had been struck on a number of occasions. 'The road on the approach to the bridge has signs and markings alerting motorists to the fact the road narrows and that they should slow down. 'There are also white lines clearly marking the edge of the carriageway. The bollard, which is located away from the road edge, is painted to remain in keeping with the historic nature of the bridge. 'We would ask motorists to take heed of both the warnings and the road conditions in an effort to prevent any further incidents.' One user on social media described the bell as a 'cousin' of the so-called 'killer kerb' in Salisbury. The 'killer kerb' sits around 328 feet from Salisbury train station in Wiltshire at a mini roundabout at the junction of two major roads. A car struggles to drive around the new foot-high kerb in Salisbury, Wiltshire Pictured: A driver attempts the tight corner where Salisbury's 'killer kerb' has caused damage to many cars The notorious foot-high installation was designed to create a 'more welcoming environment for pedestrians' but has instead become so notorious that it has been listed as a tourist attraction on Google Maps. Since opening 10 months ago eight compensation claims relating to it have been made compared to zero in the three previous years. It has also caused so much damage that a Facebook page has been dedicated to the carnage it has created. The Lib Dem-led Wiltshire Council raised the kerb in October 2024 as part of a 3.2million project. It was 'renewed' last year under a scheme the county council said would 'create a more welcoming environment for pedestrians' when they walk towards the city centre from the railway station. One video of a car bumping over the kerb had been viewed more than one million times on social media. Since it was installed the council has faced a slew of compensation claims from motorists who have damaged their vehicles on the kerb. Newly qualified nurses are being forced to consider working in hospitality due to a chronic shortage of available jobs - despite an ongoing shortfall of nurses nationwide. Earlier this month the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned there are not enough nurses to meet patients' needs. Around 81 per cent of nurses agree, latest analysis by the nursing body shows, while there are around 34,000 vacancies with 'shortages in every setting'. 'We've all experienced working with short staffing. It's almost become ubiquitous in working with the NHS,' one nurse said. Despite understaffing, many freshly qualified nurses are struggling to find jobs, with some turning to pub or bar jobs. Rachel White, 21, a newly qualified nurse, told the Daily Mail she has applied for positions in at least four different cities. She has had to consider temporary hospitality work despite working 48-hour weeks at hospitals, alongside studying, throughout her training. 'I am really trying my hardest to get a nursing job but I can't really afford rent so if it comes down to it I'll have to get a job in hospitality in the meantime,' she said. Health Secretary Wes Streeting last month admitted 'it is absurd that we are training thousands of nurses and midwives every year, only to leave them without a job before their career has started' Last week the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) warned there are not enough nurses to meet patients needs 'I know a lot of people who are doing the same, who will have to work in a bar or something while they struggle to get a job and interviews.' As of last month there were 4,000 more nursing and midwife graduates than vacancies, in what has been termed a 'newly registered nurse jobs crisis'. Some university lecturers have even warned their students they could face more than a year of job hunting after qualifying, while the Government admitted there are up to three times as many graduates as there are vacancies in some areas. Ms White said: 'On my very last day at university my seminar leader said "best of luck" and then said "by next year 50 per cent of you still won't have a job". 'I started to look in March and there weren't many jobs going and most said you needed at least six months experience. 'At the end of May I saw maybe three posts and I was constantly checking every other day and that's been the case until now. It's disheartening 'I've looked in Manchester, Liverpool, Durham and Birmingham. 'I am very frustrated because I have just finished and it seems there's no job for me. Around 81 per cent of nurses agree there are not enough nurses to meet patients needs while there are around 34,000 vacancies with 'shortages in every setting' 'I know of six people in Manchester who are in the exact same situation as me. I know people in Belfast and Edinburgh too.' Nursing students must work a minimum of 2,300 unpaid placement hours on wards and pay around 30,000 to complete their three-year training. 'I broke my arm during one of my placements so I had to catch up,' Ms White said. 'I ended up working 48-hour weeks and I was doing four days or nights in a row and all that effort makes me question will I even get a job after this?' Another newly qualified nurse told the Daily Mail she was looking for nannying jobs or work at a pub. She said: 'It's really frustrating because you see wards understaffed but you ask for jobs and there are none going. 'The ward I was on was so understaffed and we were running around and being used as just a pair of hands. 'You end up doing tasks that you shouldn't or just being sent to collect things rather than learning. 'When I applied for nursing school I was told there's a 99 per cent chance of getting a job and you go in with that comfort that you are doing a vocation and you are going to settle straight into a position. 'It makes people want to go abroad or to Australia where there are a lot more options.' Patricia Marquis, Executive Director of the RCN, told the Daily Mail: 'Patients cannot afford for newly qualified nursing staff, after years of hard work and dedication, to be struggling to find jobs. Patricia Marquis, Executive Director of the RCN, told the Daily Mail: 'Patients cannot afford for newly qualified nursing staff, after years of hard work and dedication, to be struggling to find jobs' 'All graduate nursing staff want is to care for patients and those opportunities must be delivered for them.' A shortage of positions has been blamed on red tape and underfunding, while many available jobs need previous experience. The Government has also pointed to a record number of people studying nursing, while fewer are leaving the profession. Health Secretary Wes Streeting last month admitted 'it is absurd that we are training thousands of nurses and midwives every year, only to leave them without a job before their career has started, as he announced a 'job boost' to 'tackle graduates concerns about job availability'. He added: 'No one who dedicates themselves to a nursing or midwifery career should be left in limbo, when their skills are so urgently needed in the effort to rebuild our NHS.' The Department of Health said it has introduced a Graduate Guarantee which will 'ensure thousands of new posts are easier to access by removing barriers for trusts, creating a wealth of opportunities for graduates and ensuring a seamless transition from training to employment'. They also said: 'NHS providers will begin recruiting newly qualified nurses before vacancies formally arise, with trusts supported to employ staff based on projected need rather than headcount, ensuring the NHS has the right number of staff to provide the best possible care to patients everywhere.' Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year, has made landfall in China today after blazing a trail of destruction across Asian countries with more than 20 dead in Taiwan and the Philippines. Ragasa struck Hailing Island, which is in the city of Yangjiang in Guangdong province, at around 5pm local time (10am GMT) after storms battered Hong Kong and Shenzhen earlier today. So far, hurricane-force winds have caused the deaths of 15 people in Taiwan when a lake barrier overflowed and 10 in the Philippines. Authorities in multiple Chinese cities closed schools and businesses today ahead of the storm's arrival. This live page has closed but for a full recap see below A Republican teenager who was hurled into a cauldron of online hate in 2019 has revealed how Charlie Kirk helped him through it. Nick Sandmann was 16 when a video went viral of his encounter with a Native American man on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The teenager was attending a pro-life March for Life when he was filmed standing close to another protestor, who was part of a separate Indigenous Peoples March. When Sandmann smiled at the man while wearing a MAGA hat, liberals accused him of harassment and racism. The video was viewed by millions and as an ugly left-wing online mob formed, Sandmann was forced to stay out of school and his family had to live with friends for their safety. The youngster explained he had been smiling respectfully to defuse a potentially tense situation, and later settled lawsuits with a series of major media outlets over their reporting of the incident. One former CNN anchor had suggested he had a 'punchable face.' But amid the storm, one of the first people to reach out was Kirk, the conservative activist who was assassinated earlier this month. Nick Sandmann, 16, (left) and Nathan Phillips (right) in Washington on January 18, 2019 Charlie Kirk (pictured) was one of the first people to reach out to Nick Sandmann in 2019 Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, sought out Sandmann's phone number and called him on FaceTime for around 20 minutes. Sandmann, now 23, told the Daily Mail: 'At the time, I wasn't even staying in my own house because we had security issues and stuff, and so I just kind of remember being pretty stressed out, not having anywhere to go. 'He was one of the first people to get my contact info and reach out to me and be supportive. 'He definitely urged me to continue fighting, and let me know that people cared about me in that situation and what was going on. 'I think in those early moments I was completely kind of shut off from the rest of the world and my friends and a lot of people. And so I would say him reaching out was very reassuring for me, to know that there were people out there that cared and knew the truth of the situation.' At the time of the incident, Sandmann had been in Washington with fellow students from Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, for the March for Life. After the demonstration, he purchased and donned a red MAGA cap. While on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with other students he was seen smiling without saying anything. Omaha Native American political activist, Nathan Phillips, was participating in a separate Indigenous Peoples March, playing a drum and singing. Nick Sandmann, now 23, works in Washington for the Republican Party After the video of the interaction between went viral, both Sandmann and Phillips said they had been trying to defuse tensions among groups holding competing demonstrations. Six years later, Sandmann, now 23, said the call from Kirk had helped strengthen his political convictions. Since then, he has moved to Washington and now works for the Republican Party in Congress. Some people still recognize him, but Sandmann said he hasn't had any negative interactions. 'I think everybody up here has been professional. I enjoy where I'm at, and I enjoy helping be a small cog in our majority and what we do up here, and learning more about how the federal government operates, and what we're trying to deliver,' he said. A drone view shows people arriving to attend a memorial service for slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona A woman cries during the opening ceremony of the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 21, 2025 On September 10, Kirk, 31, was assassinated while holding an event on a university campus in Utah. 'I was devastated,' Sandmann said. 'I probably found out within the first 10 minutes of there being reports online. 'There was a lot of shock and I was just kind of glued to social media while he was hospitalized. It was so out of the blue and shocking. 'I think that he was definitely an embodiment of American values.' Sandmann described how he had been part of a speech and debate club at school, which he believed was trying to accomplish similar goals as Kirk. 'The whole idea was to bring together liberals and conservatives and people with different viewpoints to talk about these issues in the same way that he would. 'I just kind of see him as the embodiment of the values we're supposed to have.' Writing on X, Sandmann thanked Kirk for offering him 'friendship and comfort' in 2019. President Donald Trump stands with Erika Kirk, during a memorial service for her husband Attendees hold up a wooden cross ahead of the public memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, on September, 21, 2025 Over the weekend, President Donald Trump praised Kirk as a 'great American hero' as 200,000 people gathered in Arizona to mourn the conservative activist. 'He's a martyr now for America's freedom,' Trump said in his tribute. 'I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.' Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, said in her own address: 'My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life.' Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with killing Kirk and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. 'I forgive him,' Erika said. The boss of a rehabilitation centre says he will quit the job because he is being muzzled from speaking out against mass immigration, having said he does not want to see migrants 'chop up a goat's head in the middle of the street' in Australia. In his letter of resignation to the board of Perth's Shalom House, the former drug addict-turned-preacher Peter Lyndon-James said he could no work as chief executive because he was 'silenced' from speaking about important issues such as migration levels. 'I fully understand that as the founder and CEO of Shalom that my words spoken and posts publicly (sic) can have an effect on Shalom and on those who support Shalom, which I do not want to happen,' he said. 'Therefore I can no longer work in the role with a muzzle on me when the passion to speak out is so strong within me.' Although he apologised to the public and some supporters for recent social media posts, now deleted, he defended his stance during a Monday address to his 160 residents. During the speech, Mr Lyndon-James blamed mass migration for the soaring demand for residential property which cause record house prices and rents, which prevent many battlers like Shalom's clients from making a fresh start. He cited a recent experience at a home open in Beechboro which he attended with his house-hunting son. 'There were 200 people lined up for one house for sale,' he said. A ward of the State from age nine, Peter Lyndon-James (pictured) claims he spent most of his childhood being locked up or living on the streets Mr Lyndon-James (pictured) addressing residents of his tough love rehab program on Monday where he defended his comments on mass migration in Australia 'The place was up for $720,000 and the property sold for $960,000 for an old three-by-one.' He added the soaring cost of rentals has made it almost impossible for a one income family to live and put food on their plates. 'Nothing wrong with immigration but Australia is Australia. We wanna put a snag on the barbie, we don't want to chop up a goat's head in the middle of the street,' he said. 'If you want to come over to Australia and move here and assimilate, let's keep the Aussie way alive. 'But if you do mass immigration, we're talking 470,000 people last year, there is a lot of people coming in unchecked who aren't wanting to assimilate in with Australian culture. 'If our culture disappears, like England's has disappeared, like Paris' has disappeared, like everywhere else has disappeared, then we're screwed. 'I just want them to put a hold on mass immigration, not just keep bringing them in and then it's too late we end up by other countries.' Mr Lyndon-James said his Facebook posts had resulted in former supporters labelling him a racist, fascist and Neo Nazi. Long lines have been reported at home opens across Australia as the nation faces an unprecedented housing crisis that is bumping up the price of homes 'I am not against immigration, but I do hold personal concerns about mass migration,' he said. 'When I looked at that last March for Australia rally there was over 15,000 people in that city, there was probably 40 neo-Nazis. 'A majority of Australians are concerned about mass immigration.' However, he extended an apology to those who were offended by the clips he had reposted. Mr Lyndon-James is no stranger to controversy since opening the doors to his tough love rehab in 2012. He has no formal qualifications, but developed a five-stage rehab program based on his personal experience as a meth addict and drug dealer. Residents are required to convert to Christianity, agree not to swear or smoke, and are expected to work full-time while detoxing. On entry, male residents have their head shaved and piercings removed. March for Australia protesters clash during the anti-immigration demonstration on August 31 They must also sign an enduring power of attorney, handing control of their finances to Shalom House. Lyndon-James has previously claimed that residents who do not follow the rules are driven 'miles away - out the back of Gnangara' and abandoned, with the option of walking back to Shalom House. Despite claims to be the most successful rehabilitation centre in Australia, many experts have publicly criticised the treatment model he uses and the lack of data on success rates. An investigation in 2019 by Community News Group found out of around 1,000 men that had entered the program, only 49 had completed it, giving a graduation rate of five per cent. In comparison, the average completion rate in publicly funded services is 35 per cent. Mr Lyndon-James' discussions with the board over his mass migration comments are ongoing. 'I am entitled to share my opinion and, more importantly, to teach those I lead how to respectfully share theirs,' he said. However WA Shalom Group board member Mike Price said in a statement at 'no time' did it try and silence or restrict the outspoken leader's personal opinions. 'You are entitled to share personal views on your own platform,' he wrote. 'While your position as founder gives your words influence, we respect your right to speak in a personal capacity, separate from your professional duties.' A graphic designer had to be handcuffed on a British Airways flight from LA to London after he flew into a rage when he was refused a drink, a court heard today. Simon Jones, 50, had been living in Los Angeles for 20 years and hoped to break into the movie business. He was flying from LA to London Heathrow on May 23 when he 'became louder and louder' to the annoyance of fellow passengers, including policeman Jeremy Brown. When Jones was refused a drink by cabin crew during the 10 hour BA flight he yelled: 'Can I have a f*****g glass? Get me a f*****g glass for me. Give me a f*****g drink.' Adeal Mahmood, prosecuting, told Uxbridge Magistrates' Court: 'During the pre-flight safety procedure, the defendant was clapping his hands and talking very loudly. 'Mr Brown assumed he might have been drunk and spoke to him about the language he was using, asking him to be more considerate to the crew and other passengers. 'The defendant was getting up to the toilet every few minutes, and he was getting irate - swearing at Mr Brown and spitting while he was speaking. 'He called Mr Brown a "f*****g c***". Mr Brown asked the defendant not to swear, but the defendant did not listen. 'Mr Brown's pillow then fell onto the floor and touched the defendant's foot. The defendant then shouted: "If you do that again, I will put a pillow in your f***ing face".' Simon Jones, 50, pictured today outside Uxbridge Magistrates' Court Mr Mahmood said the graphic designer became 'irate' when the captain ordered the crew not to serve him any more alcohol. 'He was gritting his teeth, clenching his fists, pacing up and down the cabin, trying to engage other passengers in unwanted conversation. 'He then sat by the emergency slide, and was told not to do this.' Jones then started arguing with another crew member. 'The defendant started to shout "f***" at the aircraft ceiling,' Mr Mahmood told the court. 'He got into a passenger's face, at which point the passenger put his hands up to protect himself.' Jones was then forcibly handcuffed in his seat by cabin crew. Mr Mahmood said: 'The defendant then shouted at all passengers, and at this time the captain ordered the defendant to be restrained into his seat using handcuffs. 'The defendant continued to shout and swear. He shouted: "Oi, blonde boy, loosen these cuffs, or I'll wrap them around your neck". "What the f*** are you looking at? What the f*** is your problem?" 'The crew were prevented from serving breakfast on the flight. Upon landing, police constable Luke Adams bordered the aircraft and arrested the defendant.' Wearing a dark navy suit with glasses, with his long hair slicked back, Jones appeared in court speaking only to confirm his personal details. He admitted two counts of using threatening, abusive, or insulting words towards crew while in an aircraft and one of 'behaving in threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew'. He also admitted intentionally interfering with the performance of an aircraft crew member's duty. Katie McFadden, defending Jones, said: 'He is somebody who suffers from mental health conditions. That flight was quite an emotional flight for him. 'He had been living in LA for the previous 20 year and been married and divorced. 'Everything came tumbling down and he had decided to move back to the UK to move to his family. 'He was saying goodbye to the life he had for 20 years, and some of the dreams he hoped to have there. He wanted to break into the movie business.' But District Judge Kathryn Verghis said: 'This was from start to finish dreadful behaviour. As a starting point I need a pre-sentence report. 'Given the weight of the evidence, I am wondering why it has taken Mr Jones to plead guilty after such a long time. 'It is very much in your interests to ensure probation has information about your circumstances. It is an all options report, and that includes potential committal for sentence.' Jones, of Bedford, was granted conditional bail ahead of sentence on October 20 back at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court. Greta Thunberg's flotilla bound for Gaza has descended into chaos after pro-Palestine activists quit the convoy when they learnt LGBTQ+ campaigners were on board, it has been claimed. The 22-year-old Swedish eco-protestor has also reportedly left her leadership role due to disagreements among organisers, but she will stay onboard as a participant volunteer. On September 1, around 20 vessels displaying Palestinian flags and carrying some 350 pro-Palestinian activists departed from Barcelona. Two weeks later, the convoy stopped off for a few days in Tunisia to pick up more activists and humanitarian supplies before it set sail again. The Global Sumud Flotilla's (GSF) stated mission is to 'break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza' and deliver aid supplies to Palestinians. But the convoy's journey to the enclave has been anything but smooth, with organisers claiming two vessels were targeted in a drone attack outside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said earlier in the month. Now, political differences have allegedly plagued the leadership of the GSF, with reports that Khaled Boujemaa, the Tunisian coordinator of the convoy, defected after learning about the presence of queer activists on board. In two video streams posted on social media, Khaled Boujemaa is understood to have complained about the addition of members of the Tunisian LGBTQ+ community to the convoy The cause of his frustration was allegedly the participation of activist Saif Ayadi on the flotilla, a 'communist queer militant' who boarded the convoy when it stopped off in Tunisia Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other Global Sumud Flotilla members wait on their boat to depart to Gaza from Barcelona, Spain September 1, 2025 In two video streams posted on social media, he is understood to have complained about the addition of members of the Tunisian LGBTQ+ community to the convoy - activists who joined the flotilla when it stopped at the northern port of Bizerte. 'We were lied to about the identity of some participants in the vanguard of the flotilla, I accuse the organisers of having hidden this aspect from us,' he said, according to a translation by Le Courrier de lAtlas. The cause of his frustration was allegedly the participation of activist Saif Ayadi on the flotilla, a 'communist queer militant' who boarded the convoy when it stopped off in Tunisia. Another prominent activist from the flotilla, Mariem Meftah, took to social media to voice her opposition to LGBTQ+ activists 'taking advantage' of the pro-Palestine cause, one that is 'sacred to us as Muslims'. 'Everyones sexual orientation is a private matter... But being a queer activist means touching on societys values and taking a path that risks placing my children and loved ones in a situation we reject,' she wrote, according to a translation. 'I refuse to have my son offered a sex change at school I call on everyone to save the situation and repair the mistake made against the people who gave their blood so that this flotilla can see the light of day.' On the same day, presenter Samir Elwafi expressed a similar sentiment. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg participates in a demonstration of support for the Global Sumud Flotilla 'Palestine is first and foremost the cause of Muslims, and it cannot be separated from its spiritual and religious dimension with Jerusalem at the heart of its symbols and destiny. 'So why involve in it dubious activists serving other agendas that do not concern us and have nothing to do with Gaza?' Thunberg reportedly stepped down from the GSF leadership in the midst of the drama, telling Il Manifesto that she believes that the committee was communicating too much about internal affairs and not enough on the 'genocide in Palestine'. Her name was apparently removed from the list of board members on the missions website, and she was allegedly spotted wheeling her suitcase along a Tunis dock to transfer from the Steering Committee Family boat to another vessel, the Alma. She will remain onboard the flotilla as an organiser and a participant volunteer, it is understood. 'I very much believe in the goal of this humanitarian mission, as well as the power and symbolism in the mobilisation we see worldwide for a free Palestine,' Thunberg told the newspaper. 'We all have a role to play in ensuring these movements remain decentralised, de-colonial and with a clear focus on the purpose of the mission, which is Gaza and Palestine. 'My role here will not be in the steering committee, but as an organiser and participant, as I think I will be able to contribute better,' she added. Earlier in September, GSF organisers said two of their vessels had been struck by drones at the Tunisian port, releasing video footage of the purported attacks. But the Tunisian interior ministry denied the claims, saying they 'have no basis in truth' and that a fire broke out on the vessel itself. Claims of a drone are 'completely unfounded', the national guard said in a statement on its official Facebook page, indicating that the fire may have been caused by a cigarette. The flotilla was forced to turn back within hours of its departure in Barcelona due to stormy weather which later subsided. The group said on Monday that its ships were 715 nautical miles from Gaza, adding that its Greek fleet is expected to join 'in the coming days'. The maritime convoy, with delegations from 44 countries, is claimed to be the largest attempt to date to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip by sea, which has now lasted 18 years. It is carrying food, water and medicine to the Strip, where the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system said that 514,000 people - close to a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza - are experiencing famine. Israel denies that Gaza is facing a starvation crisis and accused the flotilla of serving the Hamas terror group. The Daily Mail contacted the Global Sumud Flotilla and Greta Thunberg for comment. Britons should be given a digital ID 'superapp' that allows them to do everything from proving their age in a pub to claiming benefits and reporting potholes, Tony Blair's think-tank urges Sir Keir Starmer today. Just days before the Prime Minister is expected to announce plans for an identity scheme to tackle illegal immigration, a new report by his predecessor's influential organisation tells him to make it a 'flagship programme' used by everyone over 18 in the country. The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) says that rather than creating a 'papers, please' society, it would instead bring 'control and convenience' to people's interactions with the state. Its new report says the system should become the 'universal method for verifying identity' and lists a huge number of 'everyday tasks' it could perform via a smartphone app rather than just proving the right to live or work in the UK. These range from 'proving their age to buy a pint at a pub' to 'reporting potholes' and 'finding a child's school report' as well as receiving 'personalised health-prevention advice' and 'accessing benefits'. The think-tank gives the example of parents having their digital IDs updated with their newborn's name and NHS number as soon as their birth is registered. Their income would then be checked and if they are below the threshold, 'a message would pop up in the app to tell them they are pre-approved for child benefit'. 'A digital ID 'superapp' should become the government's flagship project a symbol of tangible change and the Reimagined State in action,' the report says. Your browser does not support iframes. The think-tank Labour Together, which helped Sir Keir Starmer become Prime Minister, has proposed a type of digital ID smartphone app called a 'BritCard' But Rebecca Vincent, interim director of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch said: 'The Tony Blair Institute's latest proposal is a clear attempt to pressure Downing Street into their version of a checkpoint Britain just days before Keir Starmer is expected to make an announcement on digital ID. 'They've said the quiet part out loud, that it's not only about tackling illegal immigration and that the Home Office is only the start, with pre-emptive plans for digital ID to creep into many aspects of our everyday lives.' She has joined forces with the leaders of six other rights groups including Liberty and Unlock Democracy to write to Sir Keir today, urging him to 'scrap any plans to introduce mandatory digital ID'. 'A database which joins up all of our government-held records and logs our interactions with the state would be a treasure trove for hackers and malign actors, leaving us vulnerable to catastrophic data security breaches,' they write. But the TBI report claims that digital ID would be 'more secure' and private than existing citizens. 'They put citizens in control of their data, bolstering transparency and making unauthorised access or significant privacy breaches like the Afghan data leak far less likely.' It cites new polling which has found that 62 per cent of Britons are in favour of the introduction of digital ID, up from 54 per cent last year, with only 19 per cent against. Alexander Iosad, Director of Government Innovation at TBI, said: 'The value is clear, the public's backing is clear; the government must now deliver it. 'Digital ID will dramatically simplify your experience of government. It will mean that reporting issues, applying for benefits, sorting your tax code, or booking appointments, are all done in a few taps, or even automatically, not in hours, days, or weeks. It is a crucial foundation for a new model of services that come to you, when you need them, based on fairness, control and convenience.' A UK Government spokesman said: 'We are committed to using tech to make it easier for people to interact with the state, learning from other countries on how best to deliver this for citizens. 'We will look at any serious proposals that would help people access public services, including digital ID.' The trial of the only soldier to face charges over Bloody Sunday will proceed after a judge ruled key evidence from his comrades implicating him in the shootings could be used against him. The veteran, known as Soldier F, is accused of the unnecessary and gratuitous shootings of James Wray, 22, and William McKinney, 26, who were killed. He is also accused of the attempted murders of Patrick O'Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn and an unknown person during a civil rights demonstration in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in January 1972. Sitting behind a curtain in a corner of Court 12 of Belfast Crown Court usually reserved for witnesses to protect his identity, Soldier F listened as Judge Patrick Lynch delivered a crucial ruling on which the entire trial was resting. Judge Lynch said statements made by two of Soldier Fs platoon mates in the immediate aftermath of the shootings to the Royal Military Police [RMP] and later to the Widgery Tribunal could be admitted in evidence. Soldier Fs legal team had argued that the statements were inadmissible because the soldiers were compelled to give them, they were not placed under caution and they had no opportunity to obtain legal representation. The statements claimed Soldier F fired shots in a courtyard called Glenfada Park North where the bodies of Mr Wray and Mr McKinney were found and the other four men were wounded. Prosecutor Louis Mably KC had already conceded that the statements provide the only evidence which is capable of proving that Soldier F was one of those who opened fire. British troops behind a barbed wire barricade at Bloody Sunday in 1972 Veterans showed support for the ex-paratrooper, now in his 70s and known only as Soldier F He added that if the statements were not admitted, the remainder of the evidence would not be sufficient to sustain a conviction. There were jubilant scenes among relatives of those killed on Bloody Sunday following Judge Lynchs ruling, with families hugging one another after spilling out from a packed public gallery. Paul Young of the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, expressed disappointment following the ruling in a brief statement. 'The decision today will be met with great disappointment by the veterans who served in Northern Ireland,' he said. Handing down his ruling, Judge Lynch said: The Crown case, by their own acknowledgment, is totally dependent upon hearsay statements attributed to two soldiers, designated G and H, from the same regiment and the same brick of four soldiers as the defendant on that day. The statements relied upon are those recorded by members of the Royal Military Police in January and February 1972, statements made for the Widgery Inquiry in 1972 and the evidence given by the two witnesses at the said inquiry. James Wray was 22 when he was killed during a demonstration in Londonderry in 1972 William McKinney, 26, was alleged to have been shot dead by Soldier F Family members of those killed on Bloody Sunday held photographs as they demanded justice Having carefully considered the arguments I have determined that the statements should be admitted into evidence in this case. Had Judge Lynch ruled the evidence inadmissible, the case against Soldier F would have been on the brink of collapse as the prosecution case was resting on them. Thirteen civil rights protesters were shot dead by soldiers in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday in what was one of the darkest days of what became known as the Troubles. The shootings became one of the defining moments of the 30-year conflict and resulted in an apology from then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2010 for the unjustified and unjustifiable deaths. The deaths were the subject of the Saville Inquiry, conducted by Lord Saville, also known as the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, which was set up in 1998 and lasted for 12 years. Costing around 200million, it was the longest and most expensive public inquiry in British legal history. A murder investigation was launched when the report concluded that those killed were innocent. Despite the inquirys findings, prosecutions relating to Troubles shootings have proven controversial, with veterans claiming they are unfairly targeted while many IRA terrorists escaped prosecution or walked free from prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. On the first day of the trial, which opened last week, prosecutor Louis Mably KC alleged Soldier F and three of his comrades followed men who were attempting to escape violence which had broken out at the civil rights march. They opened fire with self-loading rifles, shooting at civilians as they ran away, he said. The results were the casualties I have described. Two deaths and four men wounded. The prosecution case is that the shooting was unjustified. The civilians did not pose a threat, nor could the soldiers believe they did. They were unarmed and were shot as they were running away. Soldier F is being supported in court by a number of Army veterans. He denies the charges. The trial continues. About 120,000 Aussies have been frozen out of their investment funds over the watchdog's concerns the products may not have been offered to the right type of investors. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) last week placed interim stop orders on three of La Trobe Financial's seven fund offerings, preventing them from receiving new investments. The corporate regulator alleged deficiencies in the target market determinations of the company's flagship 12-month term account, its two-year account, and its US Private Credit Fund. ASIC also alleges the La Trobe Financial funds made high-risk investments in loans to property developers that were marketed to Australians as a safe product. Laws passed in 2021 require financial companies to make sure their products are a good fit for the people they are being offered to. The impacted accounts are worth a combined $11.5billion. The interim stop orders will remain in place for 21 days, or until ASIC's concerns are addressed. 'ASIC is taking this action to protect consumers and retail investors from acquiring products that may not be suitable for their financial objectives, situation or needs,' a statement read. Around 120,000 Aussies have been frozen out of their funds over concerns the products may not have been offered to the right type of investors (stock image) La Trobe Financial's 12-month term and two-year accounts are invested almost entirely in loans secured by registered first mortgages, with the exception of small cash and term deposit holdings kept to meet cash requirements. 'These products are not bank deposits,' ASIC added. 'The rates of return are not guaranteed and are determined by future revenue of the pool of assets that comprise the account, the investment may also not generate the expected income returns and there are conditions around withdrawals.' The interim orders could be lifted as early as Wednesday after the Melbourne-based company agreed to tighten its target market determination, The Australian reported. On its website, La Trobe promotes itself as one of Australias premier alternative asset managers with $20billion in assets under management and over 120,000 investors. The company announced this week that it is complying with the stop order and has paused on receiving new investments. 'The interim stop order does not relate to a view on the performance of our assets, portfolios, or product design,' its website states. 'Since the launch of our retail asset management offerings in 1989, none of our portfolio accounts have experienced any gating of liquidity or freezing of withdrawals.' La Trobe Financial chief investment officer Chris Paton addressed customers in a video message this week after interim stop orders were placed on three of its fund offerings La Trobe Financial chief investment officer Chris Paton reassured investors in a video message that their money was safe. He said the investment products were backed by small, carefully chosen loans spread out across different types of borrowers. 'We manage these investments cautiously to reduce risk,' Mr Paton said. 'These portfolios are designed to perform across the cycle and perform they have for investors for over 35 years. 'While we work through these matters with ASIC, we will continue to manage our portfolios conservatively. 'We will continue to pay monthly interest to investors as we always have, and we will continue to pay maturing investments on time and in full, and we have ample liquidity within our portfolios to meet these obligations.' China raises typhoon emergency response level as Ragasa nears Guangdong, Hainan Xinhua) 08:20, September 24, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Tuesday elevated the typhoon emergency response to Level III for Guangdong and Hainan provinces as Typhoon Ragasa, the 18th of the year, approaches landfall. According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, the powerful typhoon is expected to make landfall along Guangdong's coast between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang from midday to late Wednesday. The ministry said in an update later on Tuesday that the national commission for disaster prevention has dispatched a team to affected areas of Guangdong to assess the situation on the ground and aid local disaster relief efforts. The ministry said it has mobilized 143 rescue teams from centrally administered state-owned enterprises. These teams are capable of providing a rescue force of more than 7,400 personnel and over 2,500 pieces of rescue equipment to assist affected regions in road clearance and emergency flood drainage. Due to the typhoon's impact, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Tuesday activated a Level-IV emergency typhoon response in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which neighbors Guangdong. The Ministry of Water Resources, meanwhile, has urged local water resource departments in Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian provinces, as well as in Guangxi, to monitor the typhoon closely, issue early warnings promptly, and provide timely advice to local governments should the need to evacuate people from dangerous areas arise. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) For President Trump, this was a Daniel in the lions' den moment. He was addressing a world body that the US administration openly portrays as increasingly irrelevant, corrupt and in steep decline. There is no love lost between the White House and the United Nations, and the United States has recently withdrawn from several UN organisations, including its Human Rights Council; the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation; and the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Trump's administration has meanwhile faced a wave of attacks from UN officials over everything from deportation policies to its steadfast support for Israel. So it is hardly surprising his message to the UN was blunt and hardhitting. He had no time for calls from the UK, Australia, Canada and France for the recognition of a Palestinian state, keeping the pressure firmly on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. But his fullthroated blast on Europe to an audience containing the ruling elites of the EU stunned the watching world. We know Trump is a strong critic of the European Union, even if he has built a close working relationship with some key European leaders, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Poland's new president Karol Nawrocki. US President Donald Trump delivers his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York City yesterday Yet the scale of this public attack on Europe a continent he cherishes, incidentally was of a new order. What is more, it will have hit home, for it contained any number of home truths even if the likes of French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Friedrich Merz or British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer did not want to hear them. End open borders. Stop importing criminals. Defend your sovereignty. Fight Islamist extremism. Stand up for Christianity. End vastly expensive Net Zero climate policies. Because if you do not do so, he told Europe's leaders, 'your countries are going to Hell'. Melodramatic maybe. But also an extraordinary and timely wakeup call. For even if those leaders he was addressing are burying their heads in the sand on these vital issues, their voters are not. Trump's message will have resonated with tens of millions of ordinary people across Europe, including in the UK, who are angry and in despair over the impact of mass migration, both legal and illegal, into their countries. The US President's address tapped into the winds of change that are blowing across the continent, with a rise in support for national conservative or populist parties, from Britain to France and Germany, Spain, Austria and the Netherlands. Even Trump's harshest critics in Europe will surely acknowledge that what he is saying about the need to emphatically confront illegal migration is the biggest issue facing the West today. President Trump also took a verbal flamethrower to the Net Zerodriven climate change agenda, which he rightly argued is hugely expensive and has minimal impact, while costing European economies vast amounts of money. Trump is no fan of the EU's Green Deal, and has withdrawn the United States for a second time from the Paris Climate Accords, which the US rejoined under President Biden in 2021. And in a direct appeal to America's European Nato allies, he called upon Europe to end all energy purchases from Russia, in an effort to end the war in Ukraine. As Trump pointed out, Europe cannot fight the Russian war machine while at the same time funding it. Shamefully, European nations bought more than 6billion of liquefied natural gas from Moscow last year. The European Union remains the world's biggest purchaser of Russian gas, and continues to buy more than 50 per cent of it. President Trump's toughlove approach towards Europe has so far succeeded. Following intense pressure from the Trump presidency, Nato leaders committed to spending at least 5 per cent of GDP on defence at a recent summit in The Hague. I expect Trump's message at the UN on the need to defend Europe's sovereignty and follow America's example by securing borders will likewise be increasingly heeded by European governments who are facing growing unrest at home and rising competition from populist movements that are gaining ground politically. Love him, or loathe him, as many of his adversaries and critics do at the UN, President Trump is always guaranteed to deliver a powerful message that shakes up world bodies and international elites. His UN address is a gamechanger for Europe, and a rallying cry for the defence of Western civilisation. This is a president who cares deeply about Europe's future, and the security of the West. Nile Gardiner is a former aide to Margaret Thatcher, and is based in Washington DC. Noel Clarke must pay at least 3million of The Guardian publisher's legal costs after pursuing a 'far-fetched' and 'false case' against the newspaper's reporting of allegations of sexual misconduct, a High Court judge has ruled. The shamed star sued Guardian News and Media (GNM) over seven articles and a podcast, including one in April 2021 that said 20 women who knew him professionally had come forward with allegations of misconduct. Clarke, 49, denied the claims, and his lawyers previously said the newspaper had acted as the 'judge, jury and executioner' of his career. GNM defended its reporting as being both true and in the public interest and in a judgment last month, judge Mrs Justice Steyn agreed. At a High Court hearing yesterday, she said Clarke must pay 3million ahead of a detailed assessment into the total costs to be recovered, estimated to be above 6million. 'It seems to me that the sum of 3million sought by the defendant is appropriate and no more than what ought to be reasonably ordered in this case,' she said. 'It is substantially lower than the defendant's likely level of recovery on detailed assessment and so in my judgment, it does allow for a suitably wide margin of error.' 'The claimant maintained a far-fetched and indeed a false case that the articles were not substantially true, by pursuing allegations of dishonesty and bad faith against almost all of the defendant's truth witnesses.' Noel Clarke must pay at least 3million of The Guardian publisher's legal costs after pursuing a 'far-fetched' and 'false case' against the newspaper's reporting of allegations of sexual misconduct, a High Court judge has ruled. Pictured: Clarke arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London Clarke sued Guardian News and Media (GNM) over seven articles and a podcast, including one in April 2021 that said 20 women who knew him professionally had come forward with allegations of misconduct Gavin Millar KC, for GNM, said the publisher's total costs were more than 6million, but asked the court to order payment of half of that as an interim payment, which he said was 'significantly less' than the 'norm' of asking for 75%-80% of the costs. He said about 40,000 documents had to be reviewed, including audio recordings and transcripts, and pointed to a number of 'misconceived applications' Mr Clarke had made which 'required much work from the defendant's lawyers in response'. The barrister also said Mr Clarke had originally asked for damages of 10million, which then increased to 40million, then 70million, as the case progressed. In written submissions, he added: 'There is no good reason not to order a payment on account of GNM's costs in this case.' In her judgment, Mrs Justice Steyn found Mr Clarke was 'not a credible or reliable witness' during the trial earlier this year, and he showed a 'general pattern of only being prepared to admit that which was established by documentary evidence'. During the trial, Mr Clarke also accused GNM, along with a number of women who made accusations against him, of being part of a conspiracy that was set out to destroy his career. In written submissions, Mr Millar said: 'Although it is not necessary for GNM to show that Mr Clarke's unreasonable conduct increased its costs, in fact the conspiracy allegation inevitably massively increased the scale and costs of the litigation by giving rise to a whole new un-pleaded line of attack against witnesses and third parties.' Mr Clarke, who represented himself at the hearing, asked the court to 'consider both the law and the human reality of these proceedings' when ordering costs. Clarke - pictured in 2021 - previously claimed that the allegations cost him lucrative acting roles, a Bafta award and said that TV series he appeared in were dropped Clarke is known for his role in Doctor Who as Mickey. He is pictured here alongside actors Camille Coduri and David Tennant In written submissions, he said his legal team had resigned after he had been unable to provide funding for the hearing. He also asked the court to hold payment of costs pending an appeal. The actor, who told the court he used ChatGPT to help prepare his response to Mr Millar, described the proposed costs order as 'excessive', 'inflated' and 'caused by their own choices'. He said: 'I have not been vexatious and I have not tried to play games with the court. 'I have lost my work, my savings, my legal team, my ability to support my family and much of my health. 'My wife and children live every day under the shadow of uncertainty. We remortgaged our home just to survive. 'Any costs or interim payments must be proportionate to my means as a single household, not the unlimited resources of a major media conglomerate. 'A crushing order would not just punish me, it would punish my children and wife, and they do not deserve that.' Mr Clarke must pay the 3million within 28 days, Mrs Justice Steyn ruled. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clashed with an Australian reporter in New York over remarks he made about Donald Trump earlier this year. Albanese told The Nightly's Latika Bourke on Tuesday, 'don't verbal me,' after she pressed him on comments he made in April about whether he had Donald Trump's personal phone number. At the time, Albanese had said: 'No. I'm not sure that he has a mobile phone, the US President. Or Joe Biden. It's not the way it works with any global leader.' 'There's people taking notes from either side, it's not a casual relationship,' he explained. 'I don't have Donald Trump's number.' But while in New York this week, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly phoned Trump directly when he was stuck in traffic and asked the US President for help navigating the gridlock. When the reporter contrasted the French president's access to Trump with that of Albanese, citing his earlier claim Trump did not have a mobile, the Prime Minister cut her off. 'Don't verbal me, don't verbal me,' Albanese said. 'I didn't say that, but anyway, keep going. If I did [say it], it's called a joke humour.' Anthony Albanese clashed with an Aussies reporter about his relationship with Donald Trump Albanese told The Nightly's Latika Bourke 'don't verbal me' after she questioned him over a Donald Trump claim France's President Emmanuel Macron apparently has Trump's phone number, but Albanese does not 'Obviously he has a mobile phone. 'The point I was making was that between leaders of nations, you organise phone calls, you have note-takers, and you do it in rooms where mobiles aren't allowed. That's the point.' Albanese and Trump finally met in person at a UN General Assembly welcome reception hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Tuesday night. The reception, attended by more than 100 world leaders, marked the first time Albanese had met the US President since his re-election last year. It comes after the Prime Minister secured a formal face-to-face meeting with Trump following a series of delays and a perceived snub. Albanese confirmed a formal bilateral meeting with Trump will take place on October 20 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting is expected to be a substantial engagement, potentially including an Oval Office audience. Albanese will return to the US for the second time in a month for the stand-alone trip. The leaders are expected to discuss the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and the trade tariffs currently being imposed by the US. Albanese was in a combative mood in New York this week Trump's speech at the United Nations General Assembly was scathing Both leaders are currently in New York for the UN General Assembly, where Albanese once again failed to secure his first in-person meeting with Trump. The President instead met with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, France, the European Union, and several others. There had been speculation of a meeting last weekend, but Trump's schedule shifted so he could attend the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Arizona. Some analysts suggested the federal government's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood may also have contributed to this week's snub. Albanese insisted Trump had committed to the October meeting 'some time ago.' 'We had another chat about it on the phone, and we'll have a meeting in Washington DC, on October 20,' Albanese said. 'Australia and the US are great partners. I expect it to be very productive.' Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, had earlier told attendees at one of Albanese's speeches in New York that the meeting was locked in and that Australia was 'delighted.' Albanese had planned to meet Trump at the G7 Leaders Summit in Canada's Alberta province in June. But the plan was scuppered when the US Commander-in-Chief departed to handle an escalating crisis in Iran. She will leave the force at end of month Australia's biggest police force finally has a new commissioner after embattled top cop Karen Webb resigned 18 months early. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon has been promoted to the top job, ending a months-long search that generated much speculation in the force. His appointment was announced on Wednesday by NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Mr Lanyon was long considered a frontrunner to replace former commissioner Karen Webb, who was the force's first female leader. He beat other contenders like Acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson. He will officially take the reins on October 1. Mr Lanyon has been a deputy police commissioner since 2019 and in 2024 was seconded as chief executive to the NSW Reconstruction Authority after helping lead flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers in 2022. He came under-fire after he was involved in a fight with a paramedic and for taking his wife and two friends out on a police vessel on New Year's Eve in 2023. Australia's biggest police force finally has a new commissioner after embattled top cop Karen Webb (pictured) resigned 18 months early NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon (pictured) has been promoted to the top job, ending a months-long search that generated much speculation in the force He referenced the boat trip during a press conference on Wednesday, saying it was 'not something I should have done' and admitted he had 'made mistakes'. 'I have made mistakes in the past, and I've been open about them,' he said. 'I've always sought to learn from those experiences and to lead with honesty, accountability and integrity. Public confidence is earned not just by big results, but by consistency, transparency and treating people fairly.' Ms Webb will leave the position on September 30, after joining the force in 1987 and taking the top job in February 2022. Those who joined the NSW Police before April 1988 were recipients of a lucrative arrangement under which their pension was based on the pay they received at their highest rank in their career, not the lower ranks they held on their way up. For Ms Webb, that means a massive payday - insiders told the Daily Telegraph she's looking at around $380K a year or a lump sum close to $4.75million. In 2023, she earned $679,050 per year, but that amount has likely increased since then due to indexed pay rises. Ms Webb faced several crises during her short reign. Ms Webb (pictured) will leave the position on September 30, after joining the force in 1987 and taking the top job in February 2022 A debilitating shortage of officers blew out to several thousand unfilled positions before she announced new recruits would be paid to train from late 2023. Alongside Ms Catley, Ms Webb also penned a massive pay increase of up to 40 per cent in 2024, making rank-and-file officers among the best-paid cops in Australia. The deal also improved job-sharing arrangements, particularly benefiting parents. The outgoing commissioner was widely criticised for her initial response to the fatal tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in 2023 in Cooma in southern NSW. A media release from her office in the wake of the tragic incident did not mention that a Taser was used and simply said Mrs Nowland had 'sustained injuries during an interaction with police'. Ms Webb also raised eyebrows in 2024 when she quoted a Taylor Swift lyric, saying 'haters are gonna hate', in response to questions about the shooting deaths of two men, allegedly by serving police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon. The outgoing commissioner was widely criticised for her initial response to the fatal tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland (pictured) in 2023 in Cooma in southern NSW Former NSW constable Kristian White is seen at the Cooma retirement home on CCTV She was also accused of going into hiding in the days after the double shooting and for saying she was 'grateful' to Lamarre-Condon for cooperating with police. Ms Webb also drew scrutiny for going through four media advisors in two years, resulting in $700,000 in public funds being spent on termination payments. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission also found Ms Webb should have disclosed a friendship with the supplier of 50 bottles of custom-labelled gin she bought with public funds. The commissioner subsequently banned the practice of using taxpayers' money to purchase alcohol for gifts and hospitality. Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole said her departure added to a challenging period for the force. 'Frontline officers need certainty and leadership... they serve our communities with professionalism and deserve the same from those at the top,' he said. The husband of a human resources executive caught cozying up to her married boss at a Coldplay concert was actually at the same infamous concert - with his own date. Andrew Cabot, who had been married to ousted Astronomer executive Kristin Cabot, 52, for two years, earlier broke his silence to confirm he had separated from his wife at the time of the scandal. But now, new details have emerged to reveal he, too, had moved on from the relationship, and was in fact with his new love at the same Coldplay concert. 'Kristin was in the box with people from work, though it wasn't a company box, and Andrew was actually there too with a date, with a woman who is now his girlfriend,' a source told The Times of London. 'They had been separated and living apart for several weeks. It was amicable.... [Cabot] has felt like she can't speak out as people in the middle of a divorce can't say anything public.' The source went on to address Cabot's ill-fated decision to duck and hide when the camera panned to her and Astronomer CEO Andy Byron cuddling. The move caught the eye of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who said: 'Either they're having an affair or they're very shy.' Byron, seeing himself on the big screen, appeared to mutter, 'F****** hell, it's me.' The source went on to address Cabot's ill-fated decision to duck and hide when the camera panned to her and Astronomer CEO Andy Byron cuddling Andrew Cabot, who has been married to ousted Astronomer executive Kristin Cabot, 52, for two years, earlier broke his silence to confirm he had separated from his wife at the time of the scandal It was that moment which ultimately went viral and cost both Cabot and Byron their jobs. 'Kristin wasn't hiding, she doesn't know why she ducked. She knew it was inappropriate to behave that way with her boss as the head of HR,' the insider said. 'It was not that she was caught cheating, it was not some affair,' they said. 'She fully acknowledges [the hug] was inappropriate, but that was the only inappropriate thing she did.' According to the source, Cabot and Byron share nothing more than 'a great friendship.' Andrew was said to have been 'blindsided' when he found reporters outside the $2.2million waterfront home in Rye, New Hampshire that he shared with his wife and his two children. He felt compelled to confirm to People that he and Cabot were already 'privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert.' 'Their decision to divorce was already underway prior to that evening,' a spokesperson for Andrew, who is the CEO of Privateer Rum, told the outlet. 'Now that the divorce filing is public, Andrew hopes this provides respectful closure to speculation and allows his family the privacy they've always valued.' Footage shows Kiss Cam 'couple' CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot's antics before they were exposed on the big screen Byron's 50-year-old wife Megan Kerrigan, with whom he shares two children, quickly moved out of their marital home and returned her wedding ring in the days following the kiss-cam blunder. She even removed her married name 'Byron' from her Facebook page online - before she decided to just delete the account altogether. Meanwhile, Astronomer was forced to go on the offensive - quickly putting both Byron and Cabot on leave before they resigned. 'Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI,' the company said in a statement amid the scandal. 'While awareness of our company may have changed over night our product and our work for our customers have not.' Camp Mystic, the site of the devastating Texas flood that took 27 lives, will reopen next summer despite one camper still missing. As the summer camp opens for it's regular programming, the family of eight-year-old Cile Steward is still hoping to finally lay their daughter to rest. Cile's mother, CiCi Steward ridiculed the decision in a statement obtained by the New York Times. She said: 'The truth is, Camp Mystic failed our daughters.' 'Recovery teams are still out there, scouring the river, risking and sacrificing so much to find her so we can finally lay her to rest. 'For their efforts, we are eternally grateful. Camp Mystic, however, has only added to our grief. 'For my family, these months have felt like an eternity. For the camp, it seems like nothing more than a brief pause before business as usual. 'Camp Mystic is pressing ahead with reopening, even if it means inviting girls to swim in the same river that may potentially still hold my daughters body.' Camp Mystic will reopen despite one of the flood victims still missing Cile Steward was one of 27 girls swept away by the camp's floods on July 4 The Christian summer camp reportedly sent an email to families, announcing the return of their summer program. They wrote: 'We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish.' The message also included plans to create a memorial in honor of the lives lost in the July floods. Families of the young campers and counselors, who call themselves 'Heaven's 27' were angered by the announcement. Blake Bonner, who lost his daughter Lila in the flood, said that resources should instead be used to recover the remaining camper, noting that the families of 'Heaven's 27' were not consulted about the memorial. Family's of the 27 victims have condemned the camp's decision to reopen their gates However, the Eastland family, who has owned and operated the camp since the 1930s said they hadn't received any negativity from the families. The memorial will 'capture the beauty, kindness and grace they all shared, while focusing on the joy they carried and will always inspire in us all.' They promised to implement more safety protocols in response to the 'catastrophic 1,000-year weather event.' The camp was designated at a high risk zone for flooding in 2011. Texas passed new laws to ensure the safety of campers like Cile going forward. The legislature requires camps to build new cabins away from dangerous floodplains and move existing ones out of harms way. Camp Mystic's youngest campers stayed in the cabins just steps from the river that overflowed. Cile's mother, CiCi Steward condemned the camp for reopening their gates with so many families still heartbroken Camp Mystic promised to erect a memorial in honor of the 27 lives that were lost that day Families of the girls that were lost have continued to question the camp's safety protocols and what really happened the night their daughters were lost. The Steward family started a GoFundMe page to raise money that will be used 'to honor her life through support resources and memorial donations in Ciles name.' The family wrote a tribute to their lost daughter: 'Cile Steward was a courageous, funny, plucky force of nature. Equally at home in a pair of sparkly dress-up heels or a pair of fishing waders, this creative girl was full of adventure, brimming with joy and had absolutely killer style nobody has ever rocked an animal print like our beloved Cile Bug and no one ever will. 'Her bright light will be deeply missed by all who knew her and grieved by a tremendous network of family and friends, as well as many who have been moved by the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country.' The page has already raised more than $300,000 The camp intends to reopen in time for their 100th anniversary next year, announcing dates in October. In their century long history, the camp has endured several flash flooding events, but none as deadly as the one this summer. Daily Mail reached out to Camp Mystic and the Friends of the Steward and Williams Families. Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting is taking a council to court after plans for a $20million beachfront mansion were rejected over climate change concerns. BV Investments, an equity firm owned by the billionaire mining magnate, applied to the Noosa Council last October to develop two properties on the iconic headland. The double block at 4-6 Arakoon Crescent, just metres from Queensland's Sunshine Beach, is described as the 'ultimate beach house' with uninterrupted ocean views. 'Every day will be like standing on a winner's podium as you gaze out to glistening white sand and the Coral Sea stretching before you,' the listing reads. 'There's only one thing in Sunshine Beach rarer than a vacant beachfront block, and that's two. Once sold, the chances of repeating a double block are virtually nil, and forever is a long time to regret missing this one.' Ms Rinehart's company bought the 1174sqm property for $21.5million in 2022, one of the top five most expensive suburbs in Queensland. The previous owners paid just $285,000 in 1984 and lived in the home for four decades. On August 27, two applications to redevelop the outdated property into a three-storey mansion were refused by the Noosa Council, which argued the plans did not take into account the impacts of climate change on the coastline. 'It has not been demonstrated that the proposed development will allow for natural fluctuations of the coast and foreshores to occur, including allowance for climate change,' the decision notice read. BV Investments, which is owned by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting, is taking Noosa Council to court after it rejected two property development proposals The plans refused by council were to develop a dual-property home worth $21.5million in the exclusive Queensland suburb of Sunshine Beach, with views of the Coral Sea The council said the proposed development extends up to five metres seaward of the coastal building line; a regulatory setback from the coast that defines how far developments can be built from the shoreline. BV Investments will take Noosa Council to the Planning and Environment Court, arguing that a coastal hazard expert hired by the firm last year had found the new home would be built 'outside of the erosion-prone area'. The firm also argued the property is set back from the seaward boundary and that neighbouring homes are built forward of the coastal building line, according to an appeal notice filed on Tuesday, seen by the Courier Mail. 'Construction of the proposed development, with appropriate foundation design, would not adversely impact coastal processes and would not affect the future coastal management options for this section of Sunshine Beach,' it said. 'The appeal should be allowed, and the decision of (Noosa Council) ought to be set aside and replaced with a decision approving the development application subject to reasonable and relevant conditions.' BV Investments disagreed that the Box Modern-style home would 'visually dominate' the quiet area, and would stand no more than eight metres from the ground. 'Therefore (it) will not impede natural processes, and allows for the natural fluctuations of the coast and foreshores to occur, including allowance for climate change,' the appeal notice states. At the same time as BV Investment's purchase, Karen Greer, wife of Wilson Asset Management founder Geoff Wilson, paid $28.5million for a home a few doors up. Noosa Council said the proposed plans did not allow for changes to the coastline, including climate change, according to its decision notice on August 27 (the property is circled) But BV Investments claimed in its appeal that the plans would not adversely impact coastal processes or coastal management, arguing the council decision should be set aside Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, TV host Karl Stefanovic, playwright David Williamson, and ex-F1 driver Mark Webber have all purchased homes in the area. The double block is only a few footsteps to the sand, and has stunning views from the headland of the Noosa National Park to Mooloolaba. Hancock Prospecting declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail. Noosa Council said it would be inappropriate to make a comment about the development prior to a hearing in the Planning and Environment Court. A date for the hearing is yet to be set. A 22-year-old man has been charged for allegedly threatening shoppers with a knife at a busy shopping centre near Brisbane on Sunday morning. Musika Claude Ilongo, allegedly wielded the knife at Logan Central at 10.40am and rammed trolleys at people while hurling chairs. Police alleged the incident began when the man dropped into a prayerful pose before trying to hold and kiss a woman he did not know. He later returned with a knife before allegedly assaulting a shopper. 'Everyone just went into panic mode,' a witness said. Butcher shop employees intervened and chased him from the centre, fearing the incident could have developed into a repeat of the Westfield Bondi Junction rampage in which Joel Cauchi stabbed and killed six people in April 2024. 'It could have gone bad really quick..you don't want to see something really bad happen and someone getting stabbed,' butcher Mousaab Houabchia said. 'If people get away with this sort of behaviour it will just keep going on.' Police caught up to him as he ran through nearby streets. A young man has been charged after allegedly threatening shoppers with a knife at a shopping centre near Brisbane on Sunday Musika Claude Ilongo, 22, was later charged with four counts of common assault in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, two counts of making threats, and one count of going armed to cause fear 'Tell us where the knife is, dude,' police were heard saying as they arrested him. He was later charged with four counts of common assault in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, two counts of making threats, and one count of going armed to cause fear. Ilongo was refused bail in Beenleigh Local Court on Monday after the court was told he may have had a psychotic episode. Ilongo's lawyer told the court his client intends to fight the charges and will argue he acted in self-defence, 7News reports. A young Australian man who died in 'suspicious' circumstances in Bali had been partying with two mystery women just hours before his lifeless body was discovered in a pool, the Daily Mail can reveal. Byron Haddow, 23, from the Sunshine Coast, was found unconscious inside his private villa on May 26 while holidaying in North Kuta with a friend. For the past four months, his devastated parents have been demanding answers from Indonesian authorities about their son's death and how it was handled, after his body was repatriated without his heart due to a bungled autopsy. The family have described the FIFO worker's death as 'highly suspicious' and, while his death certificate says he drowned, a Bali coroner found he had consumed a lethal combination of alcohol and an antidepressant. Now, new details have come to light about the initial police investigation and interviews conducted with witnesses. But the information - detailed in a police report obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail - has sparked more questions than answers. The report contains contradictory testimony, including regarding who discovered Mr Haddow's body. According to one witness, three friends were reportedly present when Mr Haddow was found dead. Irvan Awaludin, the manager of the local The Grove Bumbak Villa, told local police Mr Haddow and his villa mate, Bailey Woods, were visited by two women just hours before the tragedy. Byron Haddow, 23, from the Sunshine Coast, died in Bali in May this year Exclusive photos show authorities at the Bali villa after the tragic discovery in May Mr Awaludin was one of four witnesses - along with Mr Haddow's friend, Darren Cross, villa supervisor Wayan Agus Ariana, and forensic specialist Dr Nola Margaret Gunawan - who provided key details to authorities about the incident. According to Bali Police Spokesperson Senior Commander Ariasandy, Mr Awaludin rushed to the villa about 11.45am on Monday, May 26 after learning of Mr Haddow's death. Mr Awaludin said he arrived to find four medical personnel - a doctor, two nurses, and a driver - and Mr Haddow's body lying face-up on a table, shirtless, wearing only shorts. Mr Awaludin said he quickly called Mr Haddow's villa mate, Mr Woods, who was out at the time, and asked him to return to the holiday home as they needed Mr Haddow's passport. It is not suggested that Mr Woods was in any way involved in Mr Haddow's death. Commander Ariasandy said Mr Woods arrived back at the villa around 12.40pm and told Mr Awaludin two women had visited the villa the night before. 'Bailey told Irvan [that on the morning of Mr Haddow's death] two foreign women came downstairs from the upper floor of the villa. They screamed hysterically upon seeing the incident, causing a panic,' Commander Ariasandy said. Doctors were called to the villa after Mr Haddow was found unconscious in a pool Commander Ariasandy said CCTV footage showed Mr Woods and the two women leaving the villa at 10am that morning. 'Not long after, Bailey went to the Asia Pacific Medical Clinic to seek help,' he said. 'Based on the villas CCTV footage, medical team from the Asia Pacific Medical Clinic were seen entering the villa at 10.03 am, shortly after Bailey had entered [the clinic].' Mr Awaludin said he did not know the identities of the women, but Mr Woods said the pair were from Melbourne and they were friends of his and Mr Haddow. Shortly after learning about the fatality, Mr Awaludin called the villa's supervisor, Mr Ariana, and asked him to come into work. Mr Ariana said he arrived to find Mr Awaludin and medical staff surrounding Mr Haddow's body, which had no visible wounds. Mr Ariana told police he overheard Mr Awaludin and the medics talking about how they believed the Australian's cause of death was drowning. Mr Haddow's body was taken to the Darma Yadna Hospital's morgue, while Mr Awaludin accompanied Mr Woods to the BIMC Hospital to collect Mr Haddow's death certificate. Mr Awaludin told police Mr Woods, along with the housekeeping team, returned to the villa the following day to collect Mr Haddow's belongings, along with the women's clothing that was also found inside the room. In another interview, Darren Cross, 48, from Gympie in Queensland, told Bali Police he read a Facebook post by Mr Haddow's uncle on May 28, explaining that his nephew had passed away. Mr Haddow is pictured with his mother, Chantal, who has been calling for answers over her son's death Mr Haddow's body was taken to a hospital morgue before he underwent an autopsy four days later Mr Cross told authorities he immediately reached out to Mr Haddow's uncle to offer assistance because he was also in Bali. Mr Cross said he then got into contact with Mr Haddow's mother, Chantel, and father, Robert. However, according to Mr Cross' account, Mr Woods told Mr Haddow's family that the two women had left the villa before the 23-year-old was found dead. 'Cross explained that based on Baileys story to Chantel Haddow, that on the night before Byron was found dead in the morning, Bailey and Byron went out from the villa and with two women,' Snr. Cmr. Ariasandy said. 'Bailey told Chantel that when they back to the villa, all of them (four people) had been drinking alcohol in the villa near the pool. 'Bailey told Chantel that Bailey went to sleep earlier, and left Byron with the two woman there near the pool. 'And when Bailey woke up in the morning at 10am, he found out that Byron had been floating in the pool. And the two women who were with Byron has gone.' Forensic specialist Dr Nola Margaret Gunawan was interviewed as an expert witness after she carried out an autopsy on Mr Haddow. Mr Haddow was a FIFO worker from Queensland Dr Gunawan said Mr Haddow's body was taken to the mortuary department at Ngoerah Hospital at 8pm on May 30 - four days after his death. According to the autopsy, Mr Haddow showed signs of blunt force trauma, intoxication, and drowning. However, Dr Gunawan said she believes his 'high concentration of alcohol' combined with the consumption of antidepressant drug, Duloxetine, is what ultimately killed him. Dr Gunawan said Mr Haddow had 'bruising on the left forehead, right eyelid, and right knee' and 'abrasions on the right eyelid and the dorsum of the right foot' which were all consistent with blunt force trauma. 'The blunt force trauma to the individual's head was not fatal in nature,' she said, as detailed in the report. 'However, considering the level of alcohol in the body (along with the potential synergistic interaction with duloxetine), the head trauma could have further contributed to the individual's physical weakness.' Dr Gunawan said Mr Haddow had crystals and fungal elements in his lung, indicating that he was still breathing while in the water, but his high alcohol level could have rendered him incapable of getting out of the pool. Aside from alcohol and Duloxetine, Dr Gunawan said Heneicosane and Hentriacontane (a substance typically found in cosmestics or topical treatments) were also found in his body. Mr Haddow shared the above photo on Instagram in May during his fateful last trip to Indonesia 'Duloxetine is a type of psychotropic drug commonly used as an antidepressant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication), and for the treatment of chronic pain and severe muscle pain,' she said. 'If Duloxetine and ethanol are consumed together, simultaneously, or shortly before consuming alcohol, the effects of this combination are generally not recommended. 'I conclude that the most probable cause of death is ethanol intoxication. This is supported by the presence of a large amount of ethanol in all the samples taken, coupled with the presence of duloxetine (although its concentration could not be determined), which significantly increases the likelihood of central nervous system depression as well as impaired judgment and cognition.' As investigations continue, Bali police have sought the assistance of the Australian Federal Police and the Australian consulate to summon the two female friends so they can speak to authorities. On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Haddow family released a statement maintaining that Mr Haddow's death is 'highly suspicious' and warrants further investigation. 'The authorities only followed up on this incident on May 30, 2025, four days after the victims death, and even then, only after strong pressure from our Client,' Malekat Hukum Law Firm said. 'At present, the police have stated they require assistance from the Australian Consulate to secure statements from these three witnesses. However, it is deeply concerning that, to date, the Consulate has not provided any response.' News of Mr Haddow's death first hit headlines in May this year when his family launched a GoFundMe page to help raise money to bring him home. Chantal Haddow believes her son's death is 'highly suspicious' Earlier this month it was revealed that when his body returned to Australia four weeks after his death, a Queensland pathologist conducting a second autopsy discovered he was missing his heart. The initial forensic autopsy was performed at the request of Mr Haddow's family, who suspected foul play, as well as Bali police. Forensic autopsies seek to identify the cause and manner of death for legal proceedings in suspicious, violent or unexplained cases. During these kinds of autopsies, it is common for doctors to remove vital organs like the heart or brain for further study. Mr Haddow's heart was returned to Australia on August 11 after he had already had his funeral. His parents were required to pay an additional $700 to have it repatriated. The death is now the subject of an open coronial investigation, but The Coroners Court of Queensland has not yet released any information regarding its findings. Malekat Hukum Law Firm said the organ returned is undergoing DNA testing to confirm it is, indeed, the 23-year-old's heart. 'Our Clients have not only suffered the loss of their son but have also endured violations of their rights as next-of-kin' they said on Wednesday. 'They are entitled to know the truth, to receive honest explanations, and to have their son treated with dignity and respect. This incident raises serious questions regarding medical practices in Bali. 'What happened to Byron Haddow is a grave matter of law, ethics, and humanity. Our Clients will continue to pursue justice until the truth is fully uncovered.' A Fijian childcare worker accused of raping a four-year-old girl has been allowed to leave Australia before facing trial. Arvind Ajay Singh, 39, was charged by Queensland Police in 2022 with one count of raping a girl in his care at a Sunshine Coast childcare centre. He was remanded in custody before being granted bail in April 2023, when he surrendered his passport after being committed to stand trial at Maroochydore District Court. But repeated court delays stalled the case - and in May this year Singh was found by Australian Border Force and placed in immigration detention in a Brisbane apartment as an 'illegal non-citizen'. Despite bail conditions banning him from entering an airport or attempting to leave the country, Singh was somehow able to recover his passport and in July was permitted to voluntarily fly back to Fiji, A Current Affair revealed. Then in August, Singh failed to appear at Maroochydore District Court. His departure has left the trial in limbo, with prosecutors now needing to seek extradition orders. The little girl's devastated parents told A Current Affair they feel betrayed by the justice system. 'I don't understand how the whole system could fail a four-year-old little girl,' her father said. Arvind Ajay Singh enjoyed his stay in detention while awaiting trial Arvind Ajay Singh was charged with one count of rape of a girl he was caring for at a childcare centre in 2022 'Why aren't all these departments talking to each other? How does this even happen? It shouldn't happen at all.' The victim's mother has called for changes to ensure alleged criminals cannot leave the country ahead of a trial. 'No other family or child should be put through this,' she said. 'Organisations are not communicating with each other. It's fallen down at every step. 'How can immigration make a decision on somebody who is on a rape charge? How do they get to walk out of this country free?' A Home Affairs spokesperson said it couldn't comment on individual cases 'for privacy reasons.' Minister Tony Burke has also declined to comment on the case. One government source told Nine Newspapers that Home Affairs blamed Queensland Police for not applying for a criminal justice visa to keep Singh here, a claim police dispute. 'The Queensland Police Service remains committed to ensuring all persons criminally charged are held to account for their actions, and will explore all avenues available, including extradition if appropriate, to facilitate this,' Queensland Police said. Singh worked at AplleBerries daycare in Queensland which is where the alledged crime took place Arvind Ajay Singh was charged with one count of rape of a girl but has since fled the country ahead of his trial The case returns to Maroochydore District Court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said that if the defendant failed to return to Australia for the trial, it would seek a warrant for his extradition. Home Affairs has also come under fire after it was revealed how swanky the hotels for immigration detention were. Accused rapist Singh was put up in a Brisbane apartment while he was detained, with views of the city's CBD, all while he enjoyed the exercise equipment in the building. Daily Mail contacted the Department of Home Affairs for further comment on the matter. The house of horror where tragic Pheobe Bishop spent her last days alive surrounded by bags of dead puppies, dog faeces and piles of rotting trash has been quietly sold. The body of the missing teenager was found in Queensland's Good Night Scrub National Park on June 6, 22 days after she vanished on her way to Bundaberg Airport. Her housemates James Wood and Tanika Bromley are now in jail awaiting trial for the 17-year-old's alleged murder, after they gave her a lift to the airport on May 15. Police and neighbours were repulsed by the vile scenes detectives allegedly found at the home they shared at 27 Milden Street in Gin Gin, 50km west of Bundberg. Horrified investigators allegedly found black bin bags stuffed with the bodies of dead dogs, while inside there was rubbish and dog faeces throughout. The overpowering stench of decay hung over the property and neighbouring homes in the small town for weeks. The property's young owners, Jacob and Milena Otto, from Far North Queensland, only learned of the state of the home from media reports on Pheobe's disappearance. They had been renting it to Bromley for $550 per week, and said she had 'ticked all the boxes' as a prospective tenant at the time. Once police released it as a crime scene, the Ottos were finally allowed inside their trashed home and told media they wanted to clean it up and rent it out again. Gin Gin 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop vanished on her way to the airport in May She lived at 27 Milden Street with Tanika Bromley and James Wood They even launched a fundraising appeal on GoFundMe to help them cover the cost of the clean-up operation. 'Our old family house has been devastated by tenants [allegedly] involved with the disappearance of Pheobe Bishop,' they wrote in the fundraising appeal. 'My place was once a lovely home with fond memories, and now, NOT even recognisable. 'The time and care that was put into this house was destroyed within three months. 'We are facing large costs to clean up the property and make it liveable again. We would have never thought we would ask for help like this. 'But insurance excess, repairs, the unliveable state of the interior, and the large amount of rubbish items to clean and remove are overwhelming.' The GoFundMe was created on June 10, and raised $2275 before the appeal ended a few days later. Daily Mail can now reveal that, according to property records, it was sold on June 13 - just three days after the Ottos launched their plea for cash. The home's owners, Milena and Jacob Otto, were horrified by the mess Police declared the home, where Pheobe had been living for months, a crime scene Piles of rubbish could be seen, and there was dog faeces found throughout the house A private buyer purchased the three-bedroom, one-bathroom classic high-set Queenslander for $360,000. The price is well below Gin Gin's median house price of $460,000, but the Ottos still made a $200,000 profit, after buying the property for $160,000 in 2018. It is understood the buyer is local and intends to restore it to its former glory. Pheobe's aunt Carolea Johnson - who is estranged from Pheobe's mother Kylie - vented her frustration online over the sale. 'The house Pheobe last lived in was cleaned up and sold in June,' she revealed. 'People even gave him money to clean it and put it back up for rent as thats what he stated [he was going to do],' she said. 'They have kept it quiet... he is allowed to do what ever he liked because it was his house, but why cant people just be honest [about their intentions].' Daily Mail contacted the Ottos, but they did not respond. Pheobe was declared missing on May 16 after she did not check in for her 8.30am flight from Bundaberg to Brisbane - the first leg in her planned journey to visit her boyfriend Levi in Western Australia. Phoebe's body was found in the Good Night Scrub National Park, near Gin Gin The house where she lived has been quietly sold in a private deal The classic Queenslander was expected to be restored to its former glory It sparked a major search after police revealed she was last seen in a grey Hyundai ix35, which was also declared a crime scene, along with the Milden Street home she shared with Bromley, 33, and Wood, 34. Land and waterway searches of the region were conducted by police and SES, and later zeroed in on Good Night Scrub National Park where some items of interest were found. Pheobe's housemates were arrested on June 5 and were each charged with one count of murder and two counts of interfering with a corpse. The following day, police found the teenager's remains in an isolated, wild dog and pig-infested area of the park. Bromley and Wood are now before the courts, with police alleging Pheobe was murdered not long after the car was seen on a home's CCTV near Bundaberg Airport. Police allege her body was moved twice - first on the day she disappeared, and again on May 17. Bromley and Wood are remanded in custody and their cases were mentioned at Bundaberg Magistrates Court in August. James Wood (pictured) and Tanika Bromley have been charged with Pheobe's murder Bromley (pictured) and Wood will face Bundaberg Magistrates Court in November Police searched for Pheobe for weeks after her May 15 disappearance Their next court appearance is scheduled for 3 November. In July, a third person was charged in relation to Pheobe's death. Kieren Daniel Mittelheuser, 30, was charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to murder, alleging he used Ms Bishop's mobile phone to interfere with investigations. A former colleague of 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic was fatally mauled by a big cat while performing in front of a live audience that included his wife and daughter, it was revealed on Tuesday. Ryan Easley, 37, was in a cage with the tiger when it attacked him at his animal preserve in southeastern Oklahoma. Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park told ABC the handler was unexpectedly bit around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly. Easley was owner of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve. His wife Elaine and daughter Lily were among the audience who witnessed the kill. Sheriff Park told The Associated Press that Easley had the 'big tiger' for 'quite some time.' The attack happened toward the end of the show, his wife rushed into the cage and removed the animal. The tragedy was reported around 2pm on Saturday, and he was pronounced dead on the scene. Sheriff Park added they are waiting for autopsy results from the state medical examiner's office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ryan Easley, a handler at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo Oklahoma was killed by a tiger while it was under his care on Saturday September 20 Tiger handler Ryan Easley with his daughter Lily and wife Elaine, a GoFundMe page was created to help Easley's family during this tragic time Easley was unexpectedly bit around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly, according to Sheriff Terry Park The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed the animal preserve and is conducting an investigation, according to ABC. Joseph Maldonado, known as Joe Exotic from the mega-hit Netflix series 'Tiger King', acknowledged the caretaker's death in a since-removed social media post, according to The Oklahoman. 'Prayers go out to his family,' Maldonado wrote. 'Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants.' People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the animal rights group more commonly known as PETA, wrote in a statement that Easley 'acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and fellow Tiger King villain Bhagavan Doc Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers.' They bashed Easley, writing that he 'hauled [the tigers] around the country and forced them to perform in cruel circuses. '[He] kept them trapped in cages for hours when they werent performing.' The animal rights group also wrote that Easley was allegedly caught 'violently whipping tigers during a training session' and that he 'boarded his tigers in cramped cages' at Joe Exotic's roadside zoo. Peta called for 'the remaining roadside zoo exhibitors' to 'get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace.' Joseph Maldonado, known as Joe Exotic from the mega-hit Netflix series 'Tiger King', acknowledged the caretaker's death in a since-removed social media post Joe Exotic said: 'Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants' The Growler Pines Tiger Preserve remembered Easley as a passionate wildlife advocate who had a deep love for animals The preserves Facebook page wrote that Easley's dedication and sacrifice were unmatched, and that his love for his family 'shone above all else' Maldonado, who is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, clapped back to PETA's statement on Facebook, writing they 'always lie and drag him into everything.' 'Ryan built a huge compound to keep his tigers in on the backside of my zoo. PETA doesn't know crap,' according to The Oklahoman. Maldonado was convicted on 19 federal counts including wildlife crimes and the heavily publicized murder-for-hire case against his zoo rival, Carole Baskin. The preserve remembered Easley as a passionate wildlife advocate who had a deep love for animals. A GoFundMe page was created to help Easley's family during this tragic time, with over $15,000 raised out of a $20,000 goal. The page wrote that Easley's dedication and sacrifice were unmatched, and that his love for his family 'shone above all else.' Jimmy Kimmel should offer a sincere apology for his remarks about Charlie Kirks assassination and consider making his show less divisive if he is to win over conservative viewers, a broadcast insider has exclusively told the Mail. Kimmel, 57, was taken off air last week over his controversial comments about the killing of the Turning Point USA founder. The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! had said 'the MAGA gang' was attempting to portray the suspect in Kirk's killing 'as anything other than one of them.' ABC's parent company, Disney, announced it had pulled the show to 'avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotionally charged moment for the country.' But, after 'having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy,' Disney said the show will return to its platforms Tuesday night. However, Sinclair and Nexstar, which account for a third of ABC's affiliates, have said they will not be airing the show on their stations. A source with knowledge of the talks between one of the media firms and Disney, revealed executives remain in the dark about what Kimmel will say on tonights show. As a result, they decided it was too risky to air the show and alienate conservative viewers of their local stations, the source added. If you're only going to have one-sided guests, they don't want that in our markets, affiliates didnt sign up for that.' Jimmy Kimmel should offer a sincere apology for his remarks about Charlie Kirk s assassination and consider making his show less divisive if he is to win over conservative viewers, a broadcast insider has exclusively told the Mail Kimmel, 57, was taken off air last week over his controversial comments about the killing of the Turning Point USA founder The source said: We have no clue [what hes going to say]. They won't tell us. And as affiliates, we can't just go on their word. The team said Its just too risky for us. We need to see what he says. I dont think we were given enough assurances. The source slapped down claims by politicians and celebrities that the boycott of Kimmels show was the end of free speech. They said: We're not happy about anything. The one thing that no one tends to understand is that we're local businesses. They pointed out that Charlie Kirks funeral had driven huge ratings, having been watched by millions, and suggested some people dont appreciate the strength of feeling of viewers people in pretty conservative areas, like Salt Lake City, not far from where Kirk was assassinated in Orem. It's a stark contrast to largely liberal leaning late night which has been hemorrhaging viewers for year. And many viewers have responded positively to the firms move to uphold its boycott of Kimmels show, they added. Asked how long the broadcaster will refuse to air Kimmels show, the source said bosses will closely monitor the hosts comments on Tuesday night. Charlie Kirks funeral had driven huge ratings, having been watched by millions, and suggested some people dont appreciate the strength of feeling of people in pretty conservative areas, like Salt Lake City, where Kirk was assassinated KIMMEL IS BACK, declares a large sign displayed over the 101 freeway in Hollywood I think a lot of it depends on what he says tonight, how he handles it, if he handles it with grace. Maybe it's over tomorrow. If the audience will embrace him and he can come back, he needs to apologize. He needs to be sincere about it. But if Kimmel is to truly win back conservative viewers, he should consider his show being less divisive in our country, the figure added. He needs to say we need to be more balanced. When the affiliates signed up for that show years ago, it was funny. It's simple for us. We have a lot of viewers, and we need the show to be something that our viewers are willing to embrace without having the fear of being pushed an agenda. Kimmels late-night TV return is set to be a ratings disaster after 70 ABC affiliate stations said they would not be broadcasting Tuesday's show. Sinclair said on Monday evening it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! On its 38 ABC affiliates including in the liberal enclaves of Seattle and Portland. Nexstar said on Tuesday morning it will boycott Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its 32 ABC stations. That means close to a third of ABC's 230 local-level stations will not run the network's flagship late-night show, which was pulled off air last Wednesday. Sinclair and Nexstar want Kimmel to apologize for his comments about Kirks assassination, before they agree to air his show, a source reportedly told Fox News. Disney and other networks are said to be coordinating with Kirks organization, Turning Point USA, to settle the dispute. 'Everyone would accept a real apology,' a source reportedly told Fox. 'Will it subside the rage? Sinclair and Nexstar will be watching closely' they said, adding that Disney execs 'want peace.' ABC has not released transcripts of Kimmel's monologue ahead of Tuesday nights show airing, however, sources close to the negotiations believe a 'apology/non apology' is in the works. A teenage boy withdrew from his family while being allegedly groomed by a woman almost double his age who is now charged with abusing him, a court has heard. Jessica May Nakkan, now 30, from the Canberra suburb of Holt, faces a string of charges over an alleged relationship with a boy aged under 16 earlier this year. She has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person under special care, grooming and possessing child exploitation material, three counts of committing an act of indecency on a person under 16, and two counts of sexual intercourse with a person under 16. Court documents detail the changes the boy's mother claims to have noticed in her son's behaviour before she uncovered the alleged relationship, as well as the alarming discovery police made as they searched Nakkan's car when they arrested her on May 31. Nakkan, then 29, allegedly began messaging the teen on a daily basis after the pair met and exchanged numbers. The boy's mother became concerned about a 'considerable decline' in his mental health as he began spending less time with the family at home and more on his phone, allegedly with Nakkan. The boy also refused to go on a fishing trip with his father during school holidays - planned months in advance - so that he could spend time with Nakkan, court documents allege. It's alleged that Nakkan lavished the boy with gifts of clothing and video games, sent him sexualised messages about how much she loved him, and instructed the teen to use multiple social media platforms to keep their relationship a secret, reported the Canberra Times. Jessica Nakkan (pictured at a previous court appearance) faces a string of charges over an alleged relationship with a boy almost half her age Nakkan returned to ACT Magistrates Court to request a variation in her bail conditions, which was rejected by the magistrate It's alleged she kissed the boy numerous times, indecently touched his body, and orally raped him twice. The boy's mother eventually uncovered the alleged relationship in May when she found messages and videos of the pair on his laptop and reported it to police. When police executed a search warrant of Nakkan's home days later, they allegedly found child exploitation material on her mobile phone featuring the pair. Police also searched Nakkan's car, where they allegedly found the teen's birth certificate, wallet, identification documents and school uniform. It's alleged that Nakkan made a number of admissions during a police interview, including that she had told the boy she loved him, but claimed it was in more of a parental or guardianship way. She also allegedly admitted the pair kissed numerous times, exchanged explicit photos and videos, and that she orally raped him twice and knew he was under 16. 'She has always known that what was happening was not okay and was not legal,' police claim in the court documents. Nakkan returned to ACT Magistrates Court last week to seek variations to her ongoing bail conditions, which include a strict 24-7 curfew. Her lawyer Himangi Ticku, asked for the curfew to be removed as she may soon be moving house, The Region reported. The prosecutor opposed the proposed removal of the curfew, claiming there had been a clear power imbalance in the alleged relationship and that the pair tried to disguise it. Magistrate Glenn Theakston agreed to keep the curfew in place. It means Nakkan can only leave home alone for work or attend legal appointments and must be in the company of an approved person when leaving her home at any other time. Nakkan will return to court on October 13. If you or anyone you know needs confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT or Lifeline 13 11 14. Activists on board Greta Thunberg's Gaza flotilla, carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists, have claimed it has been the target of another drone attack. Members of the crew say they heard explosions and saw multiple drones that targeted some of their boats, currently situated off Greece. The flotilla organisers said late on Tuesday that they had heard explosions and that '15 to 16 drones' had been spotted. It comes as Israel said on Monday it would not allow the boats to reach Gaza. 'Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,' the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement. 'We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated,' the statement said, without adding whether anyone had been hurt. German human rights activist Yasemin Acar said in a video she posted on Instagram that five vessels had been attacked. 'We are carrying only humanitarian aid,' she said. Members of the crew say they heard explosions and saw multiple drones that targeted some of their boats, currently situated off Greece Yasemin Acar said the activists had 'sighted 15 to 16 drones', adding that their radios had been jammed as loud music could be heard Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats had been 'targeted with drones throwing devices' just before another explosion was heard in the background 'We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population.' In an earlier video, Yasemin said the activists had 'sighted 15 to 16 drones', adding that their radios had been jammed as loud music could be heard. One video posted by the flotilla's official Instagram page showed an explosion it said it recorded from the Spectre boat at '01:43 GMT +3'. In another video posted by the same page, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats had been 'targeted with drones throwing devices' just before another explosion was heard in the background. The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and delivering aid to the territory. It currently numbers 51 vessels, most of which are situated off the Greek island of Crete. The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and delivering aid to the territory, had previously been targeted in two suspected drone attacks in Tunisia. Among its high-profile participants is environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who addressed pro-Palestinian campaigners in Tunisia after the alleged attack. She said: 'We all know why we are here. Just across the water there's a genocide going on, a mass starvation by Israel's murder machine.' However, Tunisian authorities denied the claims, saying 'no drones' had been detected. Tunisian national guard spokesman Houcem Eddine said: 'According to preliminary findings, a fire broke out in the life jackets on board.' Great is part of the controversial convoy of around 350 activists and aid workers, sailing on what they describe as a 'peaceful mission' to deliver supplies to Palestinians in Gaza. She was deported by Israel in June when the ship she was travelling on with 11 other people, the Madleen, was stopped by the military. The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and delivering aid to the territory Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg walks with a crowd of pro-Palestinian activists that arrived to greet the Global Sumud Flottila at the port of the village of Sidi Bou Said on September 7, 2025 The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and delivering aid to the territory, had previously been targeted in two suspected drone attacks in Tunisia At the time, Israel was accused of using drones to spray an irritant substance on Greta's flotilla before boarding and detaining her and other activists. Images showed the deck splattered with an unidentified white liquid. Activist Yasemin Acar, among the 12 on board, said it had been deployed by Israel and was affecting her eyes. Despite Greta's deportation in June, the activist has shown no signs of backing down as she departed from Barcelona on the Global Sumud flotilla on September 7 to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. The maritime convoy of about 20 boats and delegations from 44 countries is claimed to be the largest attempt to date to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip by sea, which has now lasted 18 years. This comes as Israel has stepped up its offensive on Gaza city, limiting the deliveries of food and basic supplies in the north of the Palestinian territory. Food experts warned last month that the city was in famine and that half a million people across the strip were facing catastrophic levels of hunger. The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying food, water and medicine and is aiming to reach Gaza. Activists on board demanded safe passage to deliver the much-needed aid and the opening of a humanitarian sea corridor, according to a statement. Two earlier attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea had been blocked by Israel in June and July. The View co-host Ana Navarro jokingly invited people to attend her event with Kamala Harris in Miami 'if you haven't been deported yet.' The former vice president appeared on the morning talk show as Navarro prepares to moderate the last stop of her 107 Days book tour in Florida's largest city on November 20. 'November 20, I'm moderating the book tour in Miami so if you haven't been deported yet, come see us,' said Navarro, to laughs from the audience, the panel and Harris. The runner-up in the 2024 election appeared stunned at the joke, mouthing to Navarro: 'Oh, that's awful.' As the audience appeared both shocked and entertained, Harris appeared to suggest Navarro herself wasn't locked down to appear. 'Maybe or maybe not she'll be moderating,' Harris said amid her trademark cackle. During her appearance on The View, Harris reflected on how she felt realizing that she had lost the US Election 2024 to Trump. 'That night I grieved in a way that I have not since my mother died,' she said. Ana Navarro (pictured right) joked that people should attend her event in Miami with Kamala Harris (pictured left) 'If you haven't been deported yet' during the ex-vice president's appearance on The View Harris is holding the last stop of her 107 Days book tour in Florida's largest city on November 20, with Navarro moderating 'The pain was not at all about losing a race, I knew what it was going to mean for the country.' She also shared her rationale for why she believes she lost the election. 'There are many factors, I think that played into the outcome of that election, but I think probably one of the biggest in my mind is we just didn't have enough time,' she said. 'We didn't have enough time.' Harris last appeared on The View in the lead up to the election where she famously told viewers that she would not do anything differently to her predecessor, President Joe Biden. It was a moment that many argued cost her the presidency, but Harris does not believe it was the tipping point. 'I'm a loyal person, and I didn't fully appreciate how much people wanted to know there was a difference between me and President Biden,' she said. 'I thought it was obvious, and I didn't want to offer a difference in a way that would be received or suggested to be a criticism, and, you know, in the campaign full time I was pointing out the differences.' Fans were left raging after ABC interrupted Kamala Harris' hotly-anticipated appearance on the show to instead air Donald Trump's address to the UN General Assembly in New York City. As the audience appeared both shocked and entertained, Harris appeared to suggest Navarro herself wasn't locked down to appear. 'Maybe or maybe not she'll be moderating,' Harris said amid her trademark cackle During her appearance on The View, Harris reflected on how she felt realizing that she had lost the US Election 2024 to Trump The first 10 minutes of Tuesday's episode of the panel show was pulled off the air in favor of the president's speech, in which he tore into the organization for failing to end wars. Fans of The View, however, were unimpressed by the move and demanded the network return to Harris' interview with Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farrah Griffin, immediately. Luckily, when ABC resumed its programming at 11.10am, Harris had not yet been welcomed on. Harris' book, 107 Days, was released Tuesday. Anthony Albanese faces the most uncomfortable meeting of his prime ministership, and it hasn't even started yet. Sitting down with Donald Trump is no ordinary Washington photo-op. For Albo it will be an exercise in survival. The PM has already been forced to wait for a face-to-face meeting, enduring multiple delays, thinly veiled snubs, and the sense of being pushed down the queue, before briefly crossing paths at a banquet today, ahead of their official meeting in October. Trump revels in these power games. The waiting is part of the humiliation he likes to inflict on political opponents, and the President would certainly view Albo as an opponent. Trump and Albo are ideological opposites. Trump is brash, bombastic and utterly uninterested in nuance. Albanese has built a 30 year career in parliament, just the sort of political careerist Trump has little time for. That asymmetry alone makes this meeting combustible, before we even consider the different policy scripts both men opt for. The last Aussie PM to meet with Trump was Scott Morrison. Their first meeting included a state dinner at the White House, alongside their Oval Office photo-op. I remember it because I was there, having flown over with the media contingent on the PM's plane. Trump took impromptu questions in the Oval Office, and I asked him how he'd described Morrison, giving him the context that the last Aussie PM to be honoured with a state dinner was John Howard, who George W. Bush described at the time as a 'man of steel'. Trump quickly fired back: 'he's a man of titanium, tougher than steal'. It became the headline as you'd expect. I wonder how Trump will describe Albo? When asked how he'd cope with Trump as President while in opposition, Albo said that Trump 'scares the shit out of me'. Let's hope our PM has overcome his fears ahead of their first face to face meeting. Anthony Albanese faces the most uncomfortable meeting of his prime ministership, and it hasn't even started yet Sitting down with Donald Trump is no ordinary Washington photo-op. For Albo it will be an exercise in survival Flashpoint number one when they finally meet later next month is likely to be Palestine. Trump opposes recognition, Albo just held hands with the UK and Canada and announced Australia now recognises Palestine, which Hamas immediately claimed as vindication for its terrorism. Albo's stance risks not only disagreement with Trump but open scorn. Trump doesn't do subtle critiques, we certainly know that. If he wants to put the Australian PM in his place, Palestine is the perfect opening jibe. Albanese has wrapped himself in AUKUS as the centre piece of his alliance foreign policy going right back to before the 2022 election he won. The problem now is that Trump and his close supporters in Washington don't see nuclear subs for Australia as vital to their 'America First' policy. If Trump signals scepticism about AUKUS, Albo's big strategic play collapses. The opportunity for an awkward moment is real. Trump's instinct on trade is protectionism, which he's put into effect with his tariffs. Australia hasn't been immune, although we've done well compared to most other nations. When it looked like the PM wouldn't get a meeting with Trump the assistant minister for foreign affairs, Matt Thisthlewaite, in an attempt to spin the then-snub, declared that it was 'a good thing' that Albo wasn't meeting Trump because when it came to tariffs the US President was meeting leaders to screw them down on tariffs. Let's see if the spin has substance and Trump comes after Albo on that issue too. Then there are the optics on China, which are terrible for Albo in Trump's eyes. Trump built his first presidency around confronting Beijing, rhetorically if not always in practice. In his second term he's amplified the rhetoric and imposed tariffs. Albo, in contrast, has worked to smooth Australia's relationship with China in the wake of the combative Morrison era, prioritising stability and trade. Albo enjoyed a private dinner with the Chinese President, and was lauded by the communist party's daily newspaper. Australia's ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese In the 'with me or against me' world of Donald Trump relations with China risks becoming another flash point at his meeting with Albo. The core problem for the PM is that he doesn't really have any good options for his first meeting with Trump. He just has to get it out of the way so the media stops ruminating about why Trump won't bother to meet him. If Albo plays it nice with Trump, he looks like a supplicant. If he pushes back, he risks a public spray that will dominate the headlines back home. If the PM tries to walk a careful middle path, he'll likely get caught out anyway. All of which is why Albo should be a little nervous ahead of their meeting. Trump, by contrast, won't lose a moments sleep even thinking about it. This overdue catch-up isn't about building ties, it's about avoiding disaster. Every topic on the table, from Palestine to AUKUS to tariffs and China, is a potential trap. Every aspect of the theatre of their looming encounter: the delayed timing, the press conference and even the language Trump might use, tilts toward Albo walking away diminished. Let's see if one of the journalists in attendance has the good sense to ask Trump: having previously described Scott Morrison as a 'man of titanium' how do you described our current PM? The answer - whatever it is - will become the headline. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally met with US President Donald Trump. The leaders spoke in-person at a UN General Assembly welcome reception at the Lotte New York Palace hotel on Tuesday night being hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The reception, which was attended by over 100 world leaders, was the first time Albanese has met the US President since he was re-elected last year. Albanese was in attendance with his soon-to-be wife, Jodie Haydon. Sky News anchor Kieran Gilbert joked that he had a vision of Albanese 'channeling his inner Latrell Mitchell, side-stepping world leaders to get that handshake' with Trump. Political Editor Andrew Clennell conceded that Albanese had 'done well' to meet Trump briefly, especially given there were so many world leaders in attendance. 'As I understand it, quite a short conversation but it turned to be a good conversation and they both said that they really look forward to this Washington visit we now know about next month,' he said. It comes after the PM finally locked in a formal face-to-face meeting with Trump after a snub and a series of false starts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has finally met with US President Donald Trump at a welcome reception for world leaders in New York. Albanese was in attendance with his soon-to-be wife Jodie Haydon (both are pictured arriving in New York) The leaders spoke in-person at a UN General Assembly welcome reception at the Lotte New York Palace hotel on Tuesday night being hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (pictured) The bilateral meeting will take place on October 20, Albanese confirmed during a press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting is expected to be a substantial engagement, potentially including an Oval Office audience. Albanese will return to the US for the second time in a month for the stand-alone trip. Both leaders are currently in New York for the UN General Assembly, where Albanese once again failed to secure his first in-person meeting with Trump. The President instead met with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, France, the European Union and several others. There had been speculation of a meeting last weekend, but Trump's schedule shifted so he could attend conservative activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Arizona. Some analysts suggested the federal government's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood may also have contributed to this week's snub. Albanese insisted Trump had committed to the October meeting 'some time ago'. Anthony Albanese is currently in New York for the UN General-Assembly, where he again failed to lock in a sit-down meeting with Trump 'We had another chat about it on the phone, and we'll have a meeting in Washington DC, on October 20,' Albanese said. 'Australia and the US are great partners. I expect it to be very productive.' Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, had earlier told attendees at one of Albanese's speeches in New York that the meeting was locked in and that Australia was 'delighted'. Albanese had planned to meet Trump at the G7 Leaders summit in Canada's Alberta province in June. But the plan was scuppered when the US Commander-in-Chief departed to handle the escalating crisis in Iran. Disgraced property developer Salim Mehajer has made a fleeting return to social media after his release from prison, only to mysteriously delete his video hours later. The ex-Auburn deputy mayor, who has kept a low profile since his release after five years in jail, briefly posted on Instagram to pose a question to his 129,000 followers. Bankrupt Mehajer was seen at the wheel of a Tesla Model 3, which starts at $54,900 for the base model and goes up to more than $80,000 for the top-of-the-range Performance. 'So quick question guys,' the 39-year-old asked his 129,000 followers, glancing at the traffic as he drove down the street, sporting $855 Louis Vuitton sunglasses 'Should I be offended if someone said, 'You look like an Uber driver driving that Tesla'? 'Let me know.' Let's Get Down to Business by Dutch DJ Tiesto could be heard playing in the background. Mehajer also added on-screen text: 'I don't post videos often but when it's serious business (like this one) I must,' finishing it off with a crying emoji. The bizarre post disappeared shortly after with no further explanation. Mehajer looked tanned and relaxed as he cruised around The bizarre post disappeared shortly after with no further explanation. Above, Mehajer is seen after his release from prison with a new manbun Mehajer was walked out of prison on July 18 following a five year stint behind bars. He had been in prison since November 2020, when he was jailed for lying to a court, and has served back-to-back sentences for a string of other offences, including domestic violence against an ex-partner. Immediately after his release, Mehajer went straight to Westfield Parramatta shopping centre to get a new driver's licence at the local Service NSW. He then headed to a cosmetic dentist in Hornsby in Sydney's north, where he spent an hour getting his teeth fixed. The NSW State Parole Authority ruled that Mehajer had completed all available programs in prison and his rehabilitation would be better served in the community, under supervision. As part of his strict parole conditions, Mehajer must undergo drug and alcohol testing, participate in domestic violence programs if directed, and not communicate with any outlaw motorcycle gang bikies or associates. He is also banned from contacting his domestic violence victim and travelling to the NSW Central Coast. While in jail, Mehajer launched a desperate attempt to have his bankruptcy discharged amid a slew of legal fights but the Inspector-General in Bankruptcy rejected his appeal and he remains bankrupt until May 2026. Disgraced property developer Salim Mehajer has made a fleeting return to social media He posted a cryptic post hours after being released from jail in July Under the terms of his bankruptcy he is not allowed to own a car worth more than $9,600 after taking into consideration any loan owed against it, with strict restrictions on him being able to borrow money. It's not clear which model of Tesla 3 (there are several variations) that he is driving or if it is his own personal vehicle. The Daily Mail is not suggesting he has breached his bankruptcy requirements, just that he has posted footage of himself in a Tesla and admitted to driving one while bankrupt, in a clip which was later deleted. His last post to social media was in 2018 which was a selfie wearing a cap and matching backpack but had no caption. However he reappeared on Instagram stories within hours of his release from jail. 'I am forever grateful,' he shared in a post at the time, wearing the same designer sunglasses as in his deleted post from Tuesday. 'I am fully committed to fulfilling the expectations placed before me. 'Additionally, I express my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of my family and friends, as well as the dedication of my legal representative, who has consistently stood by me throughout this journey.' Mehajer (right) rose to prominence for his 2015 wedding reported to have cost $1million Bankrupt Salim Mehajer was seen at the wheel of a Tesla Model 3, which starts $54,900 for the base model and goes up to more than $80,000 for the top-of-the-range Performance. Mehajer rose to prominence following his elaborate western Sydney wedding, to Aysha Learmonth in 2015, which reportedly cost $1million. The ceremony began with the groom arriving via helicopter and featured a motorcade of luxury vehicles and doves. The wedding stirred controversy after the event closed a street in Lidcombe and Mehajer sent fake flyers to neighbours warning them their cars would be towed if they got in the way. But despite leaving the local council and police furious, Mehajer remained unapologetic about the chaos he caused, instead telling the media he wanted to be the next 'superstar.' The parent company of Kathmandu and Rip Curl has reported an $82.9million loss its worst result in at least a decade after facing a major consumer boycott last year over using a transgender athlete to promote women's surfing. The huge annual loss by KMD Brands included a $40.3million writedown in the value of its struggling Oboz hiking boot business and other items, but on an operational level it still made a $25million trading loss for the year to July 31. KMD said it was once again not paying shareholders a dividend, as it has not since 2023, and was taking steps to carefully manage capital. KMD announced earlier this month it was closing 21 stores, mostly outside Australia, out of its global portfolio of 328 company-owned Kathmandu and Rip Curl shops. KMD's financial woes come after Rip Curl faced a major consumer boycott in 2024 for using transgender surfer Sasha Lowerson in a promotion for women's surfing. Lowerson was used in the promotion after Rip Curl severed ties with pro-surfer and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, reportedly over her opposition to transgender competitors in women's sport. 'Go woke, go broke,' many Aussies said as they vowed to boycott the brand, with some customers even burning their Rip Curl board shorts as a result. While the latest results are unlikely to be directly caused by the boycott, they highlight how brand the once-iconic Aussie surfing brand has lost its appeal with core customers. The 2024/25 results are much worse than those of a year previous, when KMD Brands posted a relatively small operating loss of $970,000. Rip Curl came under fire last year after featuring a transgender boarder in a campaign to promote women's surfing - with many customers vowing to boycott the brand Rip Curl has been forced to close down stores An Aussie dad has set fire to his treasured board shirts in a furious protest against Rip Curl over their use of a transgender woman to promote the iconic brand Before that KMD Brands had been profitable since at least 2014/15, a review of its financials shows. Sales for 2024/25 were up one per cent to $875million, but operating expenses grew 3.9 per cent to $480million. As for its individual businesses, its Rip Curl surf lifestyle brand made $27.1million in underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBIDTA), down 27 per cent from last year, while its Kathmandu outdoor store chain posted a $1.15million EBITDA loss after a $13.28million profit in 2023/24. Oboz Footwear, KMD's US-based line of hiking boots, recorded a $2.92million EBITDA loss, from a $266,000 loss the year before. KMD said that in a challenging trading environment, net working capital efficiency - managing its cashflows, essentially - was a key focus for the group. As of July 31, KMD had $139.67million in net working capital, down $35.96million from a year ago. It had a net debt position of $46.76million, with funding headroom of around $208.1million. In a promising sign, KMD's August sales were up 10.5 per cent above last year, with Kathmandu's same store sales up 22 per cent year-on-year. The parent company of Kathmandu and Rip Curl has posted a shock $89.2million statutory loss - its worst in at least a decade. Profits for the Myer Group slumped by almost a third in the last financial year, citing tough economic conditions and declining consumer demand Following a profit of $43.5million last year, Myer also recorded a $211.2million statutory loss The news came after plunging profits, store closures and a share-market bloodbath grip another iconic Australian company - Myer. The 124-year-old chain revealed on Tuesday that its operating profit had collapsed by almost a third in the 12 months to July 26, blaming sluggish consumer spending and tough economic conditions. Investors dumped Myer stock after the results, sending shares down 15 per cent at the open of the day's trade, and the freefall accelerated to a 29 per cent loss by midday, trading at just $0.46. The retailer's operating profit after tax fell to $36.8million, down 30 per cent on the previous year, but its bottom line result was a $211.2million statutory loss as it booked a writedown in the value of the five fashion brands it bought from Premier Investments: Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti. As a result the company declared no final dividend to shareholders. Executive chairwoman Olivia Wirth tried to steady nerves, insisting 2024-25 was a 'transition year' as the group bedded down its new brands and slashed $30million in costs. 'Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions and tough retail markets in Australia and New Zealand, we achieved positive sales growth in our first period as a combined group,' she said. Despite company optimism that better times lay ahead, retail expert Dr Gary Mortimer warns the clock is ticking for Myer. He said that sales for Myer's newly acquired brands Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti were either flat or declined during the second half of 2024-25. 'It's only year one of the acquisition, so it will be interesting to see how the next 12-24 months play out,' Dr Mortimer told Daily Mail. Myer executive chairwoman Olivia Wirth (pictured with Premier Investments' Solomon Lew) described 2024-25 as a transition year for the retail giant 'It's been a challenging time for department stores, which have struggled in recent years. 'It's early days for Myer, so the next 12 months will be telling.' Dr Mortimer warned that Myer's fashion and homewares brands could continue to struggle due to continued inflation - particularly the burgeoning cost of housing - savaging consumer spending, pushing customers toward budget alternatives like Target and Kmart and online portals. 'Discretionary spending is down because people are more focused on paying their rent or mortgages and getting food on the table,' he said. 'Brands such as Dotti are highly exposed to international fast fashion retail killers such as Shein and Temu.' 'If they want people to spend in-store, it will require some cost-of-living relief. 'Myer also needs a clearer value proposition on their breadth of apparel brands.' It's not all not doom and gloom with Myer Retail recording a 22.9 per cent jump in online sales in the financial year. The retail giant also revealed that group sales for the first seven weeks of the 2025-26 year were 3.1 per cent up compared to the same period last year. 'We are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, with emerging pockets of improving consumer strength,' Ms Wirth said. 'We also expect to see a return on the enhancements and investments we have made to strengthen the group and offset ongoing cost of doing business headwinds.' Aussies have been losing their minds over fears an embattled fitness chain is at risk of collapse after collecting millions of dollars' worth of debt. Derrimut 24:7 Gym is facing liquidation with the Australian Taxation Office seeking to claw back $12.5million in debts, which include unpaid superannuation and penalties. Last week, a Federal Court hearing to wind up the company adjourned the matter until October 10. Founder and director Nikolaos Solomos has blamed the financial woes on former staff, assuring fitness instructors in a recent Zoom meeting the debt was 'under control' and they would soon be paid. Derrimut 24:7 has more than 25 gyms located across South Australia and Victoria, and about 200,000 members. Mr Solomos has repeatedly assured on social media the gym chain isn't shutting down, despite the recent closure of at least four locations across two states. Controversial billionaire Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli hinted that he could be stepping in to rescue the business after a cheeky video emerged on Wednesday. News of the financial woes at the gym has prompted members to take to TikTok to vent their concerns about whether or not the gym will remain open, with some worried whether or not they will be reimbursed the $299 membership fee if it closes. Derrimut 24:7 founder and director Nikolaos Solomos reassured members on Wednesday the gyms aren't going anywhere Members have demanded answers about the future of Derrimut 24:7 following the closure of at least four locations 'I signed up two weeks ago and paid for an entire year,' one woman said in a video. 'I'm trying to find out what's happening with my money. Will I get it back?' 'I can't go back to Anytime Fitness,' another said. 'I bought the membership last week,' a third added. A video shared to social media by the billionaire and Mr Solomos showed Mr Portelli arriving at a Derrimut gym in a black van. He was seen climbing out of the van holding a cardboard box scrawled with the words 'FIRST DAY AT WORK'. 'Side quest,' the caption read. Mr Solomos fuelled more speculation when he later posted a cryptic video message thanking everyone who has supported him in the last ten weeks. Billionaire Adrian 'Lambo Guy' Portelli (right) fuelled speculation that the fitness chain will be saved by sharing a cheeky video 'It's a proud moment. I did say at the start to watch this space, that I had this covered and that we're not going anywhere for the next 100 years,' he said. 'I want to thank my staff. My staff are my family, my suppliers are my family and members are my family. So, thank you to all of you.' Mr Portelli confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald that he's in negotiations to own part of the business. 'We haven't put pen to paper just as yet, however, work has begun in the background,' he said. 'Our teams are working together to make sure we're on the best possible foot going forward and bringing this iconic business back to life. 'My first task will be to ensure all suppliers and tax debts are paid.' Daily Mail has contacted Derrimut 24:7 for further comment. It's not the first time Mr Solomos has been associated with Mr Portelli. News of the financial woes at the gym has prompted members to take to TikTok to vent their concerns about whether or not the gym will remain open He previously appeared on Channel Nine next to the billionaire on the 2024 finale of The Block, where Mr Portelli made history by purchasing all five Phillip Island properties for a combined $15.03million. It's understood that Derrimut 24:7 instructors who were owed wages have since been paid, The Adelaide Advertiser reported. Mr Solomos said the fitness chain recently 'had a couple of wins'. Founded in 2010 in Melbourne by Mr Solomos, Derrimut 24:7 aims to provide a premium fitness experience with state-of-the-art facilities and personalised training plans. Membership involves a $9.95 weekly direct debit or $299 12-month upfront fee. ICE has blasted allegations that an autistic five-year-old girl was used to lure her father into surrendering outside of the Guatemalan family's home. Edwards Hip Mejia, was 'followed' by ICE agents who allegedly detained his daughter outside their Leominster home, NBC Boston 10 originally reported. DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin disputed the accusations of ICE using the girl as 'bait' and called it a 'disgusting smear' on 'brave law enforcement' officers. 'The facts are the criminal illegal alien target of the operationwith previous arrests for domestic abuse, strangulation, and vandalizing propertyabandoned his own child in a car,' McLaughlin wrote on X. McLaughlin added the father 'ignored law enforcement emergency lights to pull over and drove back to his house. 'He fled from the car, gave officers the double middle finger, and darted inside his house. 'He abandoned the 5-year-old daughter in the car. Officers helped rescue the child and called local police to report the abandonment.' ICE has blasted allegations that an autistic five-year-old girl was used to lure her father into surrendering outside of the Guatemalan family's home Edwards Hip Mejia, was 'followed' by ICE agents who allegedly detained his daughter outside their Leominster home, NBC Boston 10 originally reported DHS assistant secretary for public affairs Tricia McLaughlin disputed the accusations of ICE using the girl as 'bait' and called it a 'disgusting smear' on 'brave law enforcement' officers She condemned the claims and believes the supposed misinformation is leading to a '1000% increase in assaults against our brave law enforcement.' 'Two days later on September 18, ICE officers successfully arrested Edwards Hip Mejia,' she wrote in a statement obtained by the Daily Mail. 'This criminal illegal alien from Guatemala illegally entered the U.S. in 2000. This coward will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.' Hip Mejia's wife, Jeannette, said he was driving to the hospital because the five-year-old was 'severely ill.' He realized cars were following him and turned around, but the agents blocked his car, she told the Globe. Hip Mejia was arrested for two felonies and two misdemeanors back in January 2024, according to court records. The charges were strangulation, vandalization, assault and battery on a family or household member, and reckless endangerment of a child. Court records show that Jeannette was also arrested with similar charges but both were ultimately dismissed in April 2024. Jeannette told the Globe the charges 'stemmed from a domestic incident' did not elaborate. She requested to use her middle name for privacy. The familys immigration lawyer, Jacob Geller, reviewed the videos and testimony and said the agents were 'clearly using the 5-year-old' to bait the parents out of the home. 'It's absolutely inhumane,' he told the Globe. 'And that they would release a statement saying they would never do that is further dishonesty from ICE.' Democratic Boston governor Maura Healey was 'horrified' for the five-year-old girl, adding 'my heart breaks for her.' A video obtained by Telemundo showed the girl in pink pants, sipping from a water bottle while surrounded by immigration agents outside the Leominster home The mother told Telemundo that she reported the officers for 'alleged harassment' followed by the claim 'they would 'enter the house if the door was not open within 15 minutes' She spoke out against ICE's tactics. 'The video showing ICE using this 5-year-old girl as a bargaining chip: Thats horrifying. 'That doesnt make us safer. Thats not about public safety, and its got to stop. A video obtained by Telemundo showed the girl in pink pants, sipping from a water bottle while surrounded by immigration agents outside the Leominster home. The distressed mother pleaded in the video to 'give her daughter back' and that 'she's special, she has autism.' Later in the video, another ICE agent asked 'Is that your daughter? Come here so I can see those IDs.' The man in the video responded 'Hey, I can give it through the door.' 'You can do it right here,' the federal agent retorted, motioning him to come forward. The mother told Telemundo that she reported the officers for 'alleged harassment' followed by the claim 'they would 'enter the house if the door was not open within 15 minutes.' The Leominster police later arrived at the home to intervene, returning the five-year-old girl to her family. The girl is in 'good condition' and Hip Mejia was detained two days later. He has lived in the US for about 22 years. 'Officers came out behind my house, arrested him, took him away,' the mother said, adding 'we are not criminals.' He's currently being held in a Plymouth correctional facility, according to Jeannette. Donald Trump suggested he's going to sue ABC again after they decided to bring back Jimmy Kimmel. Trump accused ABC of deceit before promising to 'test' them out on the move ahead of Kimmel's first show back on Tuesday night. 'I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there,' Trump wrote. 'Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution,' he added. 'I think we're going to test ABC out on this. Let's see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.' In December, ABC News agreed to pay out millions to Trump to settle a lawsuit over assertions made by top anchor George Stephanopoulos that he was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. It stipulates that the network will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution towards Trump's presidential library. ABC also posted a note on its website expressing regret over the claim in a March 10 segment on 'This Week' made by Stephanopoulos. Donald Trump suggested he's going to sue ABC again after they decided to bring back Jimmy Kimmel Trump accused ABC of deceit before promising to 'test' them out on the move ahead of Kimmel's first show back on Tuesday night They will also pay his legal fees as part of the settlement, which have totaled $1 million. A statement from the network said: 'ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC's This Week on March 10, 2024.' Trump had sued Stephanopoulos and the network for defamation soon after the segment aired. His lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth. He has also launched lawsuits against other left leaning media giants since returning to the White House, most recently coming after The New York Times for $15billion over a supposed 'decades long method of lying about your Favorite President (ME!).' Last week, a Florida judge tossed out 85-page lawsuit and ordered him to file an amended complaint no more than 40-pages long. Trump has also sued CBS News' '60 Minutes,' which like the ABC matter settled out of court. Two months ago, Trump also sued The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story reporting on his ties to wealthy financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While none of Trump's media lawsuits have made it to court, in court papers, he claimed the settlements with ABC and CBS as part of his 'successful undertaking to restore integrity to journalism.' In spite of Trump's latest threat against the ABC, the network has forged ahead with Kimmel's return after announcing last week the show would be 'preempted indefinitely' in the wake of his controversial remarks about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel fought back tears as he tried to explain his comments about Kirk that almost cost him his job. 'It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,' he said, fighting back tears. 'I dont think there's anything funny about it.' According to Variety, ABC's decision to pull the show came after Nexstar Media, which operates dozens of affiliate stations across the country, threatened to drop Kimmel's show from its programming lineup. The dispute quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over free speech, political satire and the limits of late-night comedy. On Monday, the ACLU and stars like Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Ben Affleck, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep signed an impassioned, open letter 'in solidarity' with the host. The letter begins: 'We the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech. Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country. In December, ABC News agreed to pay out millions to Trump to settle a lawsuit over assertions made by top anchor George Stephanopoulos that he was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll 'Last week, Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air after the government threatened a private company with retaliation, marking a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation. 'In an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board. This runs counter to the values our nation was built upon, and our Constitution guarantees. 'We know this moment is bigger than us and our industry. Teachers, government employees, law firms, researchers, universities, students and so many more are also facing direct attacks on their freedom of expression.' 'Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. 'This is the moment to defend free speech across our nation. We encourage all Americans to join us, along with the ACLU, in the fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights.' In total, more than 430 movie, TV and stage stars as well as comedians, directors and writers added their names. Hours later, Disney announced that it was reversing the 'indefinite' hiatus ordered Monday amid backlash to Kimmel's suspension. During his September 15 monologue, Kimmel said: 'We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.' Jimmy Kimmel returned to airwaves on Tuesday night with a heartfelt monologue about the importance of free speech Kimmel was emotional as he clarified he never intended to mock Kirk's death, and voiced support for his wife, Erika He received standing ovations from the crowd as he addressed the saga He was reprimanded Wednesday by Carr, who told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson that he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and ABC over the comments. Executives at Sinclair and Nexstar responded by telling ABC and Disney they would not be airing Kimmel's show until the comments were addressed. Kimmel condemned Carr in particular on Tuesday night, accusing the FCC of being 'not legal, not American, that is un-American' for targeting him. He then asked: 'Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts you download?' He then said of Carr... 'in addition to being a direct violation of the first amendment, is not a particularly intelligent threat.' 'Brendan Carr is the most embarassing car Republicans have embraced since this one,' Kimmel cracked, before showing a photo of a Trump-branded Tesla. A spokesman for Kirk's non-profit organization, Turning Point USA, has called on both broadcasters to not 'cave.' Additionally, Sinclair called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and also make 'a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.' Carr, during his conversation with Johnson, called an apology 'a very reasonable, minimal step that can be taken.' Jimmy Kimmel failed to apologize for his jokes following the assassination of Charlie Kirk as he returned to TV for the first time on Tuesday night. The host gave a tearful 20-minute monologue in which he claimed he 'never intended to make light of' the MAGA icon's death - and then proceeded to lash out at Donald Trump over censorship. Kimmel's late-night ABC show was yanked off air by Disney last week after he stated that Kirk's killer was a Trump supporter. In reality, the assassin was a liberal who seethed with hatred at Kirk over his conservative, Christian ethics. The host received a standing ovation as he told his audience: 'A government threat to silence a comedian the government doesn't like is anti-American.' Kimmel acknowledged his employer of more than 20 years was taking an enormous risk in putting him back on TV. 'Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk,' he said. 'The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from their job. 'Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke.' Kimmel broke down when discussing what he said about the assassination of Kirk - but he never once said he was sorry. 'I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it's important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,' Kimmel said, his voice breaking. Jimmy Kimmel returned to late night television on Tuesday, acknowledging the hurt he caused with a strong message against censorship and a reminder of the right to free speech His sincere, tearful statement wasn't enough to silence conservative critics who vented their fury that he was allowed to return at all The late night talk show host's 20-minute monologue targeted Donald Trump with a dressing down about his administration's heavy-handed censorship tactics 'I don't think there's anything funny about it.' Kimmel singled out FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, saying his conduct was 'not legal' and 'un-American' after the chairman threatened to go after late night comics. He then branded Carr's threat against Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as not only 'a direct violation of the first amendment' but also 'not a particularly intelligent threat.' 'Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one,' Kimmel cracked, before showing a photo of a Trump-branded Tesla. Kimmel's tearful address, however, wasn't enough to silence conservative critics who vented their fury that he was allowed to return at all. 'Not good enough,' Kirk's former co-host, Andrew Kolvet, wrote on X. 'Jimmy, it's simple. Here's what you need to say: 'I'm sorry for saying the shooter was MAGA. He was not. He was of the left. I apologize to the Kirk family for lying. Please accept my sincere apology. I will do better. I was wrong.' Just a week after his Jimmy Kimmel Live! program was pulled off air over insensitive remarks about the fallout from Kirk's death, the TV host mounted a triumphant return. Just a week after his Jimmy Kimmel Live! program was pulled off air over insensitive remarks about the fallout from Kirk's death, the TV host mounted a triumphant return He thanked the people who supported him, and even people who don't like him who stood up for his right to speak, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz. 'It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration,' he said. 'They did and they deserve credit for it.' He mocked Trump for criticizing him for bad ratings. 'He tried his best to cancel me and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show,' Kimmel said. The president led the outrage before the show even began, threatening to sue the network for reinstating Kimmel on air and questioning why 'ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.' He wrote on Truth Social: 'The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his "talent" was never there. 'Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.' Trump's sentiment was echoed by other conservatives. 'Tonight, Jimmy Kimmel's return to the airwaves was nothing short of a masterclass in denial and deflection. His so-called apology was a carefully crafted tapestry of lies, where he conveniently forgot to mention the very group he smeared,' critic Kelly Holmes said. 'Instead of owning up to his blatant accusation, he played the victim card, whining about threats and feigning innocence. He pointed the finger at MAGA, and no amount of fake tears or scripted remorse can change that. Shame on you ABC!' Jack Posobiec added: 'In typical leftist fashion, Jimmy makes the victim himself.' Another critic noted: 'Jimmy Kimmel DID NOT apologize or tell the truth tonight in his first show back back from suspension.' A third added: 'ABC I have canceled all streaming services connected to you. I will no longer watch anything and I mean ANYTHING that is tainted by you. You condone the assassination of a man of God by putting Jimmy Kimmel back on you have proven you are against Christians and for murder.' But Hollywood in particular rallied behind Kimmel. Ben Stiller described his opening spiel as a 'brilliant monologue', while Pod Save America host Jon Favreau called it 'outstanding' and suggested viewers tune in 'especially if you don't like Kimmel.' 'This from Kimmel is the best apology I've ever seen,' added Keith Olbermann, who himself had to apologize for threatening CNN's Scott Jennings earlier today. Robert De Niro appeared on the show on Tuesday, impersonating Carr being interviewed by Kimmel. De Niro, as Carr, said the FCC had a new motto, 'sticks and stones can break your bones.' 'Isn't there more to the saying,' Kimmel asked, 'that words can never hurt you?' 'They can hurt you now,' De Niro responded, saying you have to make sure to say the right ones. During his monologue, Kimmel tried to explain what he said about the TPUSA founder but did not directly apologize. He said it was not 'my intention to blame any specific group for the actions what - it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual,' he said. 'That was really in the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way.' He referenced expecting sky high ratings for his segment after Trump suggested he had 'no ratings': 'Well, I do tonight!' '[Trump] tried his best to cancel me, instead he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now,' Kimmel added. Kimmel took the stage to a long standing ovation and chants of 'Jimmy, Jimmy.' One audience member, Walter Bates, said after the taping that Kimmel's discussion of Kirk's wife 'was a very moving moment. I got very emotional and so did my wife.' Meanwhile, local ABC stations operated by Sinclair and Nexstar - which had vowed not to air Kimmel's program - broadcast a wide array of different shows instead. Robert De Niro on the show on Tuesday, impersonating Carr being interviewed by Kimmel. De Niro, as Carr, said the FCC had a new motto, 'sticks and stones can break your bones' In Little Rock, Arkansas, a weatherman discussed local flash floods, while in Nashville a news anchor said the hour would be dedicated to 'all the people and places that make this community unique.' High profile conservative X account Nick Sortor shared a screenshot of his efforts to watch the show, writing: 'THIS is what people in major cities across the United States (including myself) see when they attempt to watch Jimmy Kimmel. I'm in Phoenix, but Kimmel is also blacked out at my home in Washington, DC.' One couple in the audience claimed Kimmel's parents were sitting in the crowd, and that his mother warned she would likely get emotional ahead of his appearance on stage. This risk did not spare ABC from Kimmel's ire, however. Kimmel acknowledged the widespread boycott liberals had undertaken since his suspension, joking at Disney had asked him to read off a script providing instructions for supporters looking to reactivate their subscription accounts. Disney faced immense pressure from Hollywood stars after suspending Kimmel. Singer Olivia Rodrigo was also among 400 stars to sign an ACLU open letter supporting free speech and condemning Disney's decision on Monday. Kimmel wrapped up his monologue with a message praising Kirk's wife, Erika. 'She forgave him,' Kimmel said, choking back tears. 'That is an example we should follow.' 'If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. That, that's it. A selfless act of grace. Forgiveness from a grieving widow. 'It touched me deeply, and I hope it touches many. And if there's anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that.' A 10-year-old Australian boy has vanished without a trace, sparking an urgent police search. He was last seen at Dandenong Railway Station, Melbourne on Tuesday, 23 September around 4.30pm. Brock is described as having dark-blonde hair. Police say he was last seen wearing a blue/grey jumper, black tracksuit pants, and black/red shoes. Police believe Brock may be travelling on public transport in the Cranbourne, Narre Warren, Doveton, Box Hill, Frankston and St Kilda areas. Police are concerned for Brocks welfare due to his age and a medical condition. Anyone with information on Brocks whereabouts is urged to contact Dandenong Police Station on (03) 9767 7444. British executives are hiring bodyguards to protect their families amid the number of violent threats towards them soaring in the last two years. Top brass in this country are beefing up their security more than anywhere else in Europe amid a rise in 'aggressive' activist groups threatening to smash windows and spray paint over office buildings. The worrying trend in bosses protecting themselves in a ring of steel is highlighted in a report from security firm G4S. The World Security Report found that more than a third (34 per cent) of UK-based security chiefs at large global companies believe the threat of violence towards company executives has increased since 2023. Tim Kendall, president of G4S Secure Solutions in the UK and Ireland, warned 'we have entered a new era'. 'The threats to both company executives and their businesses are changing at an unprecedented pace,' he said. 'The prevalence of activist groups in the UK is also a major concern and security leaders are seeking to stay ahead of threats before they escalate.' Chief security officers are providing chief executives and chief financial officers with close protection officers, protection for their family members, personal protective equipment, online threat monitoring and enhanced security procedures, the report shows. Brian Thompson, the US healthcare insurance chief executive of United Healthcare, was gunned down in Manhattan in December 2024. He had been receiving threats relating to medical coverage before his killing Accused killer Luigi Mangione (pictured here in December 2024 at Manhattan Supreme Court) faces one count of murder in the second degree in relation to the death of the healthcare executive It comes amid a rise in threats by activist groups across Britain, with 81 per cent of UK security chiefs saying they increasingly pose a risk to company sites and bosses - the highest level of concern of those surveyed in Europe. In the UK, the threat towards companies is largely from activist groups looking to damage or vandalise property in the first instance, Mr Kendall said. 'They want to spray paint and break windows more than they want to do anything else, but that escalates very quickly,' he said. 'Many more activist groups now operate in London than there were two years ago and they're more aggressive.' It also follows recent high-profile cases of violence towards executives in the US, such as the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel last year. In the US, nearly half (49 per cent) of security chiefs report rising threats towards bosses of listed companies, the report found. Mr Kendall said that in the US, in particular, there has been a spate of 'copycat' attacks. He said: 'Certainly incidents of disgruntled individuals choosing to take actions against company chief executives is more prevalent.' 'It's a bit of copycat and people feeling emboldened,' Mr Kendall added. The report shows that half of UK security heads believe threats from company insiders are down to financial stress or personal debt, which is the highest in Europe and the second highest in the world. Other motives include a toxic workplace or revenge against an employer or management, according to 40 per cent and 36 per cent of those polled respectively. The report also claims that misinformation and disinformation is now 'commonplace in the UK', suggesting that 69 per cent of companies have been targeted by such a campaign in the past year. And 45 per cent of security chiefs in the UK say this has been the motivation behind at least half of 'threat actors' targeting their businesses, which is above the global and European average. Pro-Palestinian activists target the UK offices of Allianz, covering the buildings in red paint in October 2024 Mr Kendall said: 'We have entered a new era where the rise of false information amid increasing polarisation is impacting corporate security and much more robust protection measures, monitoring and intelligence gathering is being done to protect senior executives. 'The threats to both company executives and their businesses are changing at an unprecedented pace. 'The prevalence of activist groups in the UK is also a major concern and security leaders are seeking to stay ahead of threats before they escalate.' He said that the water sector has seen an increase in requests for increased protection for executives, with the industry coming under heavy fire in recent years over rising bills and poor environmental performance. A high school in Sydney's southwest was put under lockdown while police respond to a 'threat'. Officers were called to Moorebank High School, on Bangalow Avenue in Chipping Norton, about 2.30pm on Wednesday. Students were slowly released from the premises, class-by-class, followed by teachers. Parents were warned some children may arrive home late due to the delay. The police operation has since concluded and no injuries were reported. It remains unclear what 'threats' were made to the school. An investigation into the incident is underway. Anyone with relevant information has been urged to contact police. Yvette Cooper has delivered a stark warning that Britain is 'ready to act' after Donald Trump urged Nato countries to shoot down intruding Russian planes. The Foreign Secretary said the military alliance 'stands firm' following a series of 'provocative' violations of airspace by Vladimir Putin's forces. The comments came as the US President appeared to change his tone on Ukraine - insisting Kyiv can win back all territory it has lost and mocking Russia's military capabilities. Asked during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in New York whether he thought Russian planes in Nato airspace should be shot down, Mr Trump said: 'Yes I do.' Ms Cooper told the UN Security Council meeting last night: 'Ukraine's security is our security, and all of us depend on upholding the UN Charter. Yvette Cooper said Nato 'stands firm' following a series of 'provocative' violations of airspace by Vladimir Putin's forces Asked during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in New York whether he thought Russian planes in Nato airspace should be shot down, Mr Trump said: 'Yes I do.' 'Russia's actions seek to undermine democracy, secure conflict and spread instability far beyond Europe's borders. 'In recent weeks, we've seen provocative and reckless violations of Nato air space in Estonia, Poland and Romania, against which Nato stands firm, and we will be ready to act.' Nato has said it will respond to Russian aerial incursions with 'military and non-military tools'. In a statement, the alliance condemned the incursion by three MiG-31 jets on Friday, describing it as 'part of a wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour'. Nato warned: 'Russia should be in no doubt: Nato and allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions.' Last night former prime minister Boris Johnson said the UK and its allies lack 'the will and the leadership and the sense of urgency' to do more to help Ukraine. He asked why frozen Russian assets are still not being used to fund the war effort, why the UK is still buying uranium from Russia, why it has not sanctioned Russian energy company Rosneft and why it has not imposed secondary sanctions on those still buying hydrocarbons from Russia. Mr Johnson said: 'I'll tell you why. It's because we're still apprehensive about the consequences, and because we still fundamentally lack the will and the leadership and the sense of urgency to get this done.' Anthony Albanese has shared a long-awaited selfie with Donald Trump after he finally secured an in-person meeting with the US President. The Prime Minister met Trump in New York at an evening reception for world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Australian time. 'Good to chat with President Donald Trump at US welcome reception for world leaders attending United Nations General Assembly,' the PM posted. The selfie garnered massive attention online. It led to a wave of mockery by left-wing figures who questioned why Albanese would share it to his social pages. 'The world is on fire and our Prime Minister is taking selfies with the guy who lit the match... The second-hand embarrassment I feel for everyone involved in this photo is off the charts,' journalist Jill Stark wrote. 'Imagine being this embarrassing,' author Clementine Ford wrote. 'Scary s***,' musicians Lime Cordiale wrote. Actor Chris Gun poked fun at Trump's appearance, writing: 'Loooove Madame Tussauds.' Anthony Albanese has shared a long-awaited selfie with Donald Trump after he finally secured an in-person meeting with the US President (pictured) Albanese attended a reception hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania alongside his partner Jodie Haydon (pictured, Albanese and Haydon arriving in New York on Saturday) Others applauded the meeting with popular real estate agent Gaby McEwan writing: 'Happy to see this.' The event at the Lotte New York Palace hotel was hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and attended by more than 100 world leaders. It marked the first time Albanese and Trump had successfully met after multiple snubs and failed attempts. The Australian leader attended the reception, held on Tuesday night US time, alongside his soon-to-be wife, Jodie Haydon. He and Trump will sit down for a formal meeting on October 20, Albanese confirmed during a press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting is expected to be a substantial engagement, potentially including an Oval Office audience. Albanese will return to the US for the second time in a month for the stand-alone trip. Albanese failed to secure an in-person meeting with Trump during UN General Assembly. The leaders spoke in-person at a UN General Assembly welcome reception at the Lotte New York Palace hotel on Tuesday night being hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (pictured) Albanese (pictured with Penny Wong at the UN) is currently in New York for the UN General-Assembly, where he again failed to lock in a sit-down meeting with Trump The President instead met with the leaders of Ukraine, Argentina, France, the European Union and several others. There was speculation of a meeting last weekend, but Trump had to cancel so he could attend conservative activist Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Arizona. Some analysts suggested the federal government's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood may also have contributed to this week's snub. Albanese insisted Trump had committed to the October meeting 'some time ago'. 'We had another chat about it on the phone, and we'll have a meeting in Washington DC, on October 20,' Albanese said. 'Australia and the US are great partners. I expect it to be very productive.' Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, had earlier told attendees at one of Albanese's speeches in New York that the meeting was locked in and that Australia was 'delighted'. Albanese had planned to meet Trump at the G7 Leaders summit in Canada's Alberta province in June. But the plan was scuppered when the US Commander-in-Chief departed to handle the escalating crisis in Iran. An elderly British man who spent years battling to evict squatters who took over his dream retirement home has sadly died before getting his property back. Kenneth Jobe, 84, passed away from cancer, his family confirmed to the Spanish Eye, just weeks before an eviction order was due to be carried out. Kenneth had been left exhausted after allegedly losing more than 50,000 (43,670) in rent for his three-bedroom property in Mijas. He had been desperate to reclaim the house, which he worked all his life to afford with hopes of retiring there. However, after being diagnosed with cancer over the summer, which spread to his liver, he passed away within weeks. The British family who allegedly owe Kenneth at least six years of rent, vacated the property just before the local authorities came to carry out their court-ordered eviction last Thursday. His son told the Spanish Eye: They got evicted, the court authorities went down there and the Guardia Civil was on the way, but once they entered they realised they had already gone. Weve got the property back, but after all this time and with no rent paid, its absolutely disgusting. Kenneth Jobe, 84, (pictured) passed away from cancer just weeks before an eviction order was due to be carried out Kenneth had been left exhausted after allegedly losing more than 50,000 (43,670) in rent for his three-bedroom property in Mijas He added that the squatters left the place filled with their discarded belongings, which they will now have to clean up. Were going to renovate the property then we are just going to get rid of it and sell it, we dont want the bad memories. The son previously told this newspaper how the squatters had delayed their eviction by claiming they were vulnerable, however, this was thrown out by the courts in September. Tragically, it was too late for Kenneth. Its disgusting, my dad got diagnosed with cancer and he cant even go to his own house in Spain, the fuming son said. Its breathtaking, it literally takes your breath away at how these people can do this, my dad just wants to live out there. He added: The system is broken, especially for expats, if youre spanish it moves along a lot quicker. Brits who plan to leave their home in Spain empty for any period of time are advised to install good quality security cameras and an alarm. If squatters are filmed on CCTV breaking into your home, and an alarm notifies police immediately, there will be a much stronger case for an immediate eviction. Ministers are attempting to circle the wagons around Keir Starmer's chief of staff today amid more questions over 'hidden' donations. The crisis engulfing Morgan McSweeney deepened after an email shed new light on a notorious episode in which his think-tank was fined in 2021 for 20 breaches of electoral law involving undeclared donations. The email from the lawyer advised Mr McSweeney to drop his unsubstantiated claim that he had been told donations totalling 739,492 to Labour Together did not have to be declared. It warned him that unless he could back up the claim with evidence, it risked antagonising the Electoral Commission, which was investigating the scandal. It told him instead to try to pass the episode off as a simple 'admin error'. The message, seen by the Daily Mail, was published in full last night by the Conservatives, who stepped up calls for the police to investigate the affair. They are also demanding answers from Keir Starmer over whether he failed to declare assistance from Labour Together for his leadership campaign. But touring broadcast studios this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden insisted he had 'confidence' in Mr McSweeney and he would not be quitting. Mr McFadden told Sky News: I think Morgan is a highly talented individual Im not surprised that his political opponents will use every weapon that they can to attack him. Asked if he believed Mr McSweeney would stay in his post, Mr McFadden said: Yes I do. He added: The Electoral Commission looked into these issues three or four years ago, they took action at the time. They issued a statement last night making clear that was the case. Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'The evidence is clear Morgan McSweeney has been caught red-handed hiding hundreds of thousands of pounds which helped install Keir Starmer as Labour leader. 'This latest scandal at the very heart of government is incredibly serious and potentially criminal yet Keir Starmer has expressed his full confidence in his chief of staff, once again demonstrating his poor judgment and raising serious questions about his integrity and honesty. The Prime Minister leaves Downing Street with Morgan McSweeney, who has been engulfed in crisis following the leaked email 'Nothing-to-see-here Keir may think he can ride this one out as he tried to over the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, or perhaps he is too weak to fire a chief of staff who tells him what to think, but the Conservatives will not stop fighting until we get to the truth. That is why we are calling on the Electoral Commission and the police to urgently investigate.' Mr McSweeney was the mastermind of Labour's election landslide and is Sir Keir's right-hand man, but he is facing growing unrest from Labour MPs over the party's dire poll ratings. And he has come under fire in recent weeks for his disastrous advice to Sir Keir to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, despite knowing he had stood by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein after his conviction for child sex offences. The new revelations threaten to reopen a controversy that Labour has tried to bury. In September 2021, the Electoral Commission found more than 20 donation law breaches by Labour Together, and fined the think-tank 14,250. The watchdog had explicitly told Mr McSweeney in 2017 that he must declare donations within a 30-day limit. However, dozens of donations made to Labour Together between 2018 and July 2020 were not declared until after Mr McSweeney left the organisation that year. The newly revealed legal advice appears to contradict Labour Together's public claim that the undeclared donations were the result of 'human error and administrative oversight' and its insistence that it had been as 'open and transparent' as possible. Mr McSweeney initially did declare donations to the group when he took over as director in 2017. However, early in 2018 he stopped apart from one disclosure of 12,500 from Trevor Chinn, a Jewish businessman and friend of Tony Blair. It was only after Mr McSweeney left to work for Sir Keir as the new Labour leader that his replacement, Hannah O'Rourke, found almost three years of donations worth 739,000 had not been declared and filed a series of 'late' declarations to the commission. The leaked email was sent to Mr McSweeney in February 2021 by lawyer Gerald Shamash, who describes himself as 'solicitor to the Labour Party'. Mr Shamash writes that the scale of the undeclared donations means there is 'no easy way to explain how Labour Together finds itself in this situation'. He says he is trying to 'steer' the Electoral Commission towards issuing an administrative penalty which would 'minimise publicity'. Mr McSweeney appears to have argued that he was advised by the commission in a phone call in early 2018 that his think-tank did not need to declare its donations. But Mr Shamash warns that neither the watchdog nor Labour Together had any record of the conversation taking place. He says that unless Mr McSweeney can provide evidence of the call and explain why he believed previous advice from the commission could now be ignored Labour Together may have to claim the law breaches were the result of an administrative error. Mr Shamash says the commission 'have a record of a number of calls with Labour Together but none with you'. He concludes: 'It may be better if Labour Together cannot deal substantively with questions I pose, then perhaps best to simply base our case as to the non-reporting down as admin error.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden insisted he had 'confidence' in Mr McSweeney and he would not be quitting The revelations pile new pressure on Mr McSweeney to explain exactly why he decided to conceal hundreds of thousands of pounds in donations at a time when the think-tank was throwing its weight behind Sir Keir. A biography of the PM revealed that Mr McSweeney began advising Sir Keir and offering him the use of hundreds of thousands of pounds of polling data, as early as the summer of 2019 before Labour had lost that year's election. Downing Street has refused to answer questions about Mr McSweeney's time at Labour Together. But the Prime Minister's official spokesman said Sir Keir had 'full confidence' in his chief of staff despite the growing controversy. Labour Together has been asked to respond to the revelations. The commission said it had 'thoroughly investigated' the late reporting in 2021, adding: 'Offences were determined and they were sanctioned accordingly.' Australian voters don't just support the government's social media crackdown they want it to go much further by extending it to pornography, according to an exclusive Resolve poll seen by the Daily Mail. The poll, commissioned by Hilma's Network, found that sixty-eight per cent of those surveyed backed the ban on under-16s using social media, with just 13 per cent opposed. However, when it comes to minors accessing online pornography, support hardens significantly, with 79 per cent in favour of enforced blocks and just seven per cent opposed. 'We knew the social media ban was popular with Australians, but we wanted to know whether they believed more reform was required, and overwhelmingly they do,' said Charlotte Mortlock, co-founder of Hilma's Network. The academic evidence is clear: early and unrestricted exposure to pornography distorts attitudes toward sex, consent and relationships at a stage when young people are still forming their sense of self. It can also normalise unrealistic expectations, reinforce harmful stereotypes and risk shaping behaviour in ways that undermine healthy development. When Resolve polling also asked voters about the machinery that supercharges outrage online algorithms some 67 per cent wanted the right to opt out, with only four per cent against such consumer-driven powers. Mortlock said: 'Australians are aware that they are being led down rabbit holes of extremism that are creating family estrangements, ruining friendships, polarising democracy and increasingly turning up the dial on what is now very dangerous rhetoric. Charlotte Mortlock, co-founder of Hilma's Network, said Australians want the world-first social media ban for under-16s to extend to online pornography Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's social media ban will be in effect from December 10 'If we want to return to having a sense of community, we cannot keep selling our attention and engagement for the profits of social media giants.' The under-16s social media ban already legislated by Anthony Albanese's government is due to start on December 10, with platforms (not just parents) on the hook to keep kids off. The eSafety Commissioner has published how it will work and is already warning companies that 'reasonable steps' won't include just box-ticking. Penalties will follow if they play it cute and don't invest in ways to ensure under-16s don't find workarounds to the ban. But the Resolve research highlights that there is a public desire for the government to go further than it currently is. You don't have to buy into every pearl-clutching claim about engagement juicing online to see the benefits in banning access to pornography for minors, alongside allowing people the right to opt out of social media algorithms that contribute to the self-reinforcing silo effect online. Mortlock calls it 'brain rot'. If the business model rewards rage and compulsion, we should not be surprised when rage and compulsion are what follows increased social media usage at the moment. Facebook has faced criticism about its algorithm feeding users extreme and divisive content to keep them glued to the platform and increase its profits (founder Mark Zuckerberg is pictured) The social media companies will be threatened with $50million fines should they not make a serious effort to enforce the ban (stock image) An opt-out from tracking-based feeds might help reduce online outrage. It's already happening elsewhere overseas. Under the EU's Digital Services Act, the biggest platforms must offer at least one recommended option 'not based on profiling'. That's an opt-out by law. So what might the right to 'opt out' mean here? Users would be presented with clean feeds; regulators would have audit rights over the ranking engines to test whether the promised non-profiling feed is real and not a fake. The eSafety guidance points the way: 'reasonable steps' by platforms are required, not just impossible policing by parents. Get that balance right, and the government can reduce harm without building a surveillance state. A portion of a busy road in Thailand's capital collapsed dramatically on Wednesday, leaving a 160ft-deep sinkhole in the ground. Terrifying footage showed the moment a road dramatically gave way in front of Vajira Hospital in central Bangkok, pulling down several electricity poles and leaving water pipes exposed. Vehicles were seen attempting to reverse as the floor opened up while pedestrians ran away from the site. Images of the aftermath of the incident showed how the hole was filled with water after pipes burst. Dozens of police and city officials cordoned off the site, while a pickup truck teetered precariously on the edge of the hole. No casualties were reported, but three vehicles sustained damage, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said. Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of Bangkok's disaster prevention department, told AFP at the scene that the collapse was likely linked to recent heavy rain and a leaky pipe. 'There was a leak in the water pipe - water from the pipe eroded (earth) under the road so this incident happened,' he said, adding that there were no known casualties. A portion of a busy road in Thailand 's capital collapsed dramatically on Wednesday, leaving a 160ft-deep sinkhole in the ground Terrifying footage showed the moment the ground dramatically gave way in front of Vajira Hospital in central Bangkok Vehicles were seen attempting to reverse as the floor opened up while pedestrians ran away from the site 'The water that eroded brought some soil that dropped down to an under-construction subway station, causing the collapse,' Suriyachai added. The tunnel is part of an underground service being built by the state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority, which said it would investigate the cause of the cave-in. Suriyachai said the local police station facing the collapsed road was evacuated. Senior police officer Sayam Boonsom also said he had ordered the evacuation of nearby apartment blocks. 'The location is at a station, and the soil was sucked into the site... it collapsed,' Governor Sittipunt told AFP at the scene. Vajira Hospital, a teaching facility for one of Thailand's top medical universities, said in a Facebook post it was suspending outpatient services, adding that they would 'resume as soon as possible'. Noppadech Pitpeng, a 27-year-old hospital staffer who lives in a nearby building, said he was frightened by a rumbling sound on Wednesday morning that woke him up. 'The sound was like an electricity pole collapsing and my whole flat shook,' he said, while carrying clothes in a large bucket out of his building. A vehicles stands near a massive sinkhole that opened on Samsen Road near Vajira Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, September 24, 2025 A man points towards a massive sinkhole that opened on Samsen Road near Vajira Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, September 24, 2025 A sinkhole is a depression in the ground caused by the collapse of underlying rock, often triggered by natural causes Image shows an exposed pipe filling up the sinkhole with water A sinkhole is a depression in the ground caused by the collapse of underlying rock, often triggered by natural causes. But they can also be formed by the collapse of man-made underground voids. In addition, issues like climate change, which have resulted in more frequent and heavier rainfall, as well as increasing urbanisation, can cause sinkholes. The terrifying incident comes several months after a South Korean motorcyclist plunged to his death after a massive sinkhole gave way in a Seoul street, swallowing him. The 34-year-old man, named only as Park, was found 164 ft underground, around 17 hours the ground opened up in the Meyongil-dong district of the South Korean capital back in March. Terrifying footage filmed from the dashboard of a vehicle shows the moment the road collapses into the ground as a white car narrowly passes over it and makes it to safety. But the video shows how the motorcyclist wasn't so lucky, as he is seen disappearing into the hole. 'He was found without a pulse and unconscious,' an official Gangdong-gu Fire Department said during a briefing today. Park was riding his motorcycle home when the ground caved in on Monday evening, local media reported. Emergency responders immediately launched a search, but were unable to locate the man until the next morning. Rare footage has revealed what happens onboard a deportation flight for foreign criminals - with some seen being handed bank cards pre-loaded with 2,000. Footage shows the group of serious offenders, including killers, thieves and sexual abusers, being returned to Romania having served part of their prison sentences. As many as six staff are seen accompanying every passenger up the stairs to the plane to avoid them attempting to flee - while others have to be put in restraints to stop them lashing out. The footage - filmed by ITV News - is the first time journalists have been allowed onboard a deportation flight for foreign national offenders (FNOs). A total of 47 people were deported, most of them men with half a dozen women, in an operation requiring almost a hundred staff that would have cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds. The FNOs onboard originally came to the UK legally, before forfeiting their right to remain by committing a serious crime. Those handed cards pre-loaded with cash as part of the Facilitated Return Scheme, which hands criminals up to 2,000 to encourage them to volunteer to be returned. They were told to withdraw the cash after landing and use it to aid their resettlement in Romania. Criminals were handed cards pre-loaded with cash part of the Facilitated Return Scheme, which hands criminals up to 2,000 to encourage them to volunteer to be returned One particularly aggressive deportee had to be fitted with arm restraints The ITV film began in a deportation centre near Heathrow, where a journalist began quizzing some of the migrants. 'Do you want to go home?' he asked one. 'No,' he replies. 'I've been living here ten years.' The journalist asked a second man what crime he had committed, but he refused to say. Several deportation flights leave Britain every week heading to a variety of different countries, with 5,000 FNOs sent home last year. More than 10,000 inmates in the country's seriously overcrowded jails are foreigners, and removing them is a government priority. The deportation flights take place in the dead of night to avoid being disrupted by protests, with every FNO accompanied by three staff, while the most violent require half a dozen and are driven to the airport in their own individual van. The Home Office did not disclose the airline that was used for the flight or the airport it was heading to. Three migrants who were meant to be onboard avoided the flight by mounting legal claims. Commenting on the footage, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted the sight of criminals being handed 2,000 in taxpayer cash 'doesn't look good'. But she said: 'A voluntary removal is actually cheaper for the British taxpayer. 'It has long been the case that we do offer financial packages as an incentive to people to drop their claims and drop the attempts they make to stay in our country, and to board a flight and leave.' Once they arrive in Romania, the criminals are free to go. One said he was 'very happy' and would 'never come back to London' after spending four months in an immigration centre. Since becoming Home Secretary earlier this month, Ms Mahmood has promised 'to do whatever it takes to secure our border' and fight legal challenges to prevent deportations 'at every step'. The criminals leaving the plane in Romania, where they were met by their loved ones Your browser does not support iframes. The MP for Birmingham Ladywood said: 'If we have got control of our borders I think that creates the space for fundamental, decent, British people to be welcoming of those who come to our country and to contribute. 'I think that having a secure border is necessary for maintaining what are actually very positive race relations in our country. 'I am also worried about the rise of the far right, I'm very worried about some of the rhetoric, I think it is getting out of control and I worry about where that may lead. 'As politicians we should hold the line on what is patriotism and what is nationalism, there is a line there - I know where it is.' Ms Mahmood also said she intended to 'ramp up' one-in, one-out deportations to France. Under the scheme, which came into force last month and seeks to remove those who crossed the English Channel back to the continent, in exchange for those who apply in France and are approved being able to come to Britain. Just three have been removed so far. 'I will be ramping up the numbers and I hope to say more about that in the weeks to come,' Ms Mahmood added. 'You start with a small first step and then you ramp up, which is exactly what we're going to be doing. 'We have a clear agreement with the French, we will want to see those numbers increase... I'm not going to get ahead of operational decisions.' She continued: 'I want us to get to a point where the numbers that are being removed are acting as a deterrent and stop people getting on the boats in the first place. 'We have proved it can work, we've got flights off the ground, more are going this week, and we will be looking to ramp up the numbers.' Your browser does not support iframes. It comes as new research suggested that deporting a backlog of foreign criminals will take decades at current rates for certain nationalities. A wide range of convicted criminals particularly those from African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean nations are being removed from Britain at a glacial pace. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who compiled the analysis of government data, said it was 'totally unacceptable' that some nationalities are not being deported. There are 145 Eritrean criminals in jail here, according to latest data, but in the 12 months to June only two were removed. It means the Government will take 73 years to deport the total number at current rates, according to the new research. Similarly, despite the Iranian jail population in England and Wales standing at 279 only six were deported in the last year meaning the total would take 47 years to remove. For the 338 Jamaican prisoners it would take 15 years to kick them all out, after just 23 were deported in the year to June, while for Somalis it would take 22 years. The true rates of removal will be even lower than those set out in the analysis, seen exclusively by the Daily Mail. A Thai tourist, believed to be an Australian, was filmed screaming at pedestrians and diners while naked on a busy street in a resort area. One disturbed witness videoed the man as he rampaged along the busy road in Patong, on the Thai island of Phuket, on Monday. He was seen approaching other tourists and motorists while naked, pointing in their faces and swearing at them. Some witnesses said he tried to steal a police officer's motorbike as he attempted to 'strangle' him. Other passersby said they tried to calm the man but he continued down the street. Four police officers at one point attempted to arrest the naked man, resulting in one of them being attacked, local media reported. One Thai motorist told officers: 'He approached me when I was in my car. Then, I saw him strangling a policeman, so I parked and came to the officer's aid.' A Thai woman was later heard shouting: 'Wait, what? He isn't wearing trousers. What's going on? Why?' Another image reportedly showed the naked man trying to get on a police officer's motorbike, after which he was arrested. A tourist (pictured) was seen swearing at diners and motorists while naked in Phuket The man had earlier tried to take a police officer's motorcycle, while he was still on it The man (pictured), believed to be Australian, was eventually arrested It's understood no fines were issued in connection to the incident and the man was taken to hospital for treatment. Several commenters under the video, which has since been deleted, blamed the misbehaviour on a lack of visa entry requirements for tourists. They said it led to an influx of visitors from many countries, including Australia, and that the quality of guests had fallen. 'Since the visa-free period, the quality of tourists has declined,' one person said. 'Many Arabs came but didn't spend money. They just bought one bottle of beer and walked around all night. 'Has the government asked how the tourism economy is really doing? How many businesses have already failed?' 'Phuket has everything, especially low-quality visa-free tourists,' another said. Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment. It took half a dozen police officers to restrain the man. He was taken to hospital and it's understood he hasn't been fined An Antarctic scientist has been found guilty of raping a female researcher as the pair rested in a rent during 'extreme' conditions on an expedition. The Chilean man, whose identity was withheld, was convicted of attacking the French researcher, whose identity was also withheld, while on a 2019 Antarctic expedition. He attacked her while 'resting in a tent' with her as they conducted a doctoral project on the Byers Peninsula. According to prosecutors in Magallanes, southern Chile, he took advantage of the 'extreme and inhospitable conditions of the place'. The Chilean man will be handed his sentence on October 3. Chile currently puts rapists behind bars for between three and 15 years. Sexual assault and harassment are deeply prevalent for those working in research stations in Antarctica, according to a 2022 poll. The study, conducted by the US' National Science Foundation, found that 72% of women cited sexual harassment as a problem, while 48% of men said the same. As for sexual assault, 47% of women said it was a problem, while 33% of men said the same. An Antarctic scientist has been found guilty of raping a female researcher as the pair rested in a rent during 'extreme' conditions on an expedition (File image of Antarctica) One respondent told the survey: 'Every woman I knew down there had an assault or harassment experience'. Helen Fricker of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, said of the 2022 study: 'The report is more shocking than I expected. 'I mean, literally, people talked about being raped'. Another report published that year by the Australian Antarctic Division detailed instances of sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, sharing of offensive or pornographic material, sexist jokes, and more. Russia is feared to have hit a Spanish Air Force plane with a GPS attack after a flight carrying Spain's defence minister suffered an electronic 'disturbance'. The suspected attack happened this morning after the Spanish Airbus A330 carrying Margarita Robles flew over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on its way to Lithuania. Robles was due to meet with her Lithuanian counterpart Dovile Sakaliene at the Siauliai airbase in the north of the country on Wednesday morning. Several relatives of Spanish airmen serving in the new NATO air defence mission on the border with Russia were onboard with Robles. The Spanish contingent, known as the Vilkas mission, from the Lithuanian word for wolf, last week intercepted eight Russian aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea. It comes amid heightened tension with Russia, which has been accused of aggressively testing NATO's responses to threats. Just a few weeks ago, Russia was suspected of jamming a jet carrying European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to Bulgaria. The plane carrying the EU chief was forced to land at Plovdiv, Bulgaria, using only paper maps, when a surprise interference attack suddenly disabled the GPS navigation system. It comes amid heightened tension with Russia, which has been accused of aggressively testing NATO's responses to threats (File image of Vladimir Putin) Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons alongside the fighter jets of several other nation Your browser does not support iframes. The incident was likely the result of a 'blatant' Russian sabotage operation, Bulgarian authorities told the European Commission. 'We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming, but the plane landed safely in Bulgaria,' European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta said. 'We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect that this was due to blatant interference by Russia.' 'The whole airport area GPS went dark,' an official brief on the incident told the Financial Times. Yesterday, Danish officials hinted that Russia may have been behind a swarm of drones that left Copenhagen airport incapacitated, disrupting around 100 flights and leaving 20,000 passengers stranded. Danish intelligence has now said the NATO member is facing a 'high threat of sabotage' after the incident. 'We are facing a high threat of sabotage in Denmark. Someone may not necessarily want to attack us, but rather stress us out and see how we react,' Flemming Drejer, Director of Operations at Denmark's intelligence service PET, told a press conference. Estonia and neighbouring Finland have also blamed Russia for jamming GPS navigation devices in the region's airspace. Russia has denied interfering with communication and satellite networks. Russia is feared to have hit a Spanish Air Force plane with a GPS attack, after a flight carrying Spain 's defence minister suffered an electronic 'disturbance' (File image of a Spanish Air Force A330) The attack is believed to have happened this morning after the Spanish Airbus A330 carrying top minister Margarita Robles (pictured) flew over the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad Finland's military has said Russia uses GPS jamming in the region to protect Russia's Baltic Sea oil ports, military sites and other strategic assets from Ukrainian drone attacks. GPS 'jamming' or 'spoofing', which disrupts access to the satellite-based navigation system, is a tactic Russia has previously used to wreak havoc with civilian life. The technique has historically been employed by military and intelligence services to protect sensitive locations, but Russia appears to have escalated its use of the tactic. Reports from Ukraine suggest that Russian systems can now interfere with GPS satellites up to 1,200 miles above the surface of the planet, putting a huge number of satellites in low-Earth orbit at risk of interference. European officials are starting to wake up to the effects of Russian GPS jamming, with European commissioner for defence and space Andrius Kubilius calling for increased coordination to counter hybrid Russian attacks, He said: 'Russias hybrid and total war strategy in Europe is clear from attacks on Ukraine to sabotage in Germany, disruption of Baltic communication lines, and ongoing interference in political processes across the region. These actions show that hybrid threats are happening now, and we must respond with higher investments and even stronger technology.' Earlier today, Lithuania's parliament granted its armed forced the power to shoot down any unmanned drone violating its airspace. Lithuania's army is currently able to target drones only if they are determined to be armed or pose an imminent danger to objects important to the state. This will change under a law that was passed with the backing of 117 of the 141 members of Lithuanian parliament under emergency procedures and will be valid in the NATO and European Union member state from October. 'Now we can quickly react in any way, including the destruction of drones', said Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene. Police officers seen at Copenhagen Airport after all flights were diverted due to drone sightings Police officers walk after all traffic has been closed at the Copenhagen Airport due to drone reports in Copenhagen, Denmark September 22, 2025 'Our laws and procedures were not adapted to current threats... we can now react at the speed of lightning'. The new law authorises Lithuania's chief of defence to close down parts of Lithuanian airspace and to shoot down any drone inside 'which violates rules set out by the chief of defence'. NATO said on Tuesday it would use 'all necessary military and non-military tools' to defend itself after what it said was 'a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour' by Moscow following recent violations of NATO member states' airspace. Lithuania asked NATO in August for more air defences after two military drones chrashed into its territory from Belarus, and Denmark said on Tuesday that drones that halted flights at its main airport on Monday were linked to a series of suspected Russian drone incursions and other disruptions across Europe. Estonia said on Friday that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets had violated its airspace for 12 minutes before being escorted out by NATO fighter jets. Poland said some 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace on the night of September 9-10, prompting NATO jets to shoot some of them down and the alliance to beef up the defence of Europe's eastern flank. Rail operators across the country have released new timetables with fewer trains that will stop much earlier - because of leaves falling on tracks. Passengers trying to travel by rail this winter have been warned to expect longer journeys and certain stops skipped altogether as part of the new schedules. Network Rail is yet to find a solution to stop the 500 billion leaves that fall onto the tracks each year, causing chaos for thousands of commuters. The fallen leaves create a slippery layer on the rails, which can reduce trains' grip and result in signallers being unable to detect when a train has entered a new section of track. Train companies are then forced to impose speed restrictions which can affect passengers' journeys - such as delays or suspended services. As a result, train companies across Britain are running reduced services which include fewer trains throughout the day, including early mornings and late evenings. The UK rail network stretches for 20,000 miles and has to cope with 500billion leaves a year Here is a guide to which rail operators are making leaf fall timetable changes: Chiltern Railways A new leaf fall timetable from September 29 will affects trains on the Aylesbury Vale Parkway - Amersham - Marylebone line, running southbound towards London. Trains between Aylesbury Vale Parkway and Rickmansworth heading towards London will leave up to three minutes earlier than before. East Midlands Railway A leaf fall timetable from October 27 to November 29 means trains on the Leicester - Nottingham - Lincoln - Grimsby Town route will not call at Swinderby. Trains running from Skegness towards Nottingham may depart from Skegness three minutes earlier than normal, but run at their normal time from Sleaford onwards. London Northwestern Railway From October 1 until December 15, journey times on the route between Bletchley and Bedford have been extended by up to two minutes. From Bletchley towards Bedford, trains from Aspley Guise, Ridgmont, Lidlington, Millbrook and Stewartby will depart a minute later than usual. Trains from Kempston Hardwick and Bedford St Johns will depart two minutes later than usual From Bedford towards Bletchley, trains from Stewartby, Lidlington, Ridgmont and Aspley Guise will depart a minute later than usual. Trains from Woburn Sands, Bow Brickhill and Fenny Stratford will depart two minutes later than usual. London Underground From September 29 until January 11, Transport for London said a revised timetable will be in place on the Piccadilly line. Fewer trains will run to/from the Uxbridge branch during the day, including early mornings and late evenings. Last train times will be 'much earlier than usual'. A 'slightly reduced' service will run across the rest of the line, and there will also be changes to last train times to other destinations. A leaf-busting train was named 'Crtl Alt Deleaf' by the public in a nationwide vote this year Merseyrail Extended journey times will be in place from October 6 to December 13 on Chester / Ellesmere Port services, and between Southport and Liverpool Central. Northern Leaf fall timetables will be in place from October 6 to December 13 on these routes: Newcastle Hartlepool Middlesbrough; Newcastle Carlisle; Middlesbrough Whitby; Blackpool Colne; Blackburn Manchester Victoria via Todmorden; Manchester Clitheroe; Manchester Hazel Grove Buxton; Manchester Hadfield and Glossop; Sheffield Huddersfield. ScotRail From September 29 to December 13, some services will see extended journey times by a couple of minutes on the Fife, Borders and Perth routes Some services will have altered calling patterns on the Fife, Ayrshire, Edinburgh - Helensburgh, Argyle line and Glasgow - Edinburgh routes Other services will have minor changes to times on the Aberdeen to Inverness route. And some services which run from Glasgow Queen Street Low Level and Glasgow Central Low Level will see a change to departure times from these stations. South Western Railway From September 21 to December 13, services will depart between one and five minutes earlier than usual, to give trains more time to accelerate and brake. All services between Dorking and London Waterloo will depart Dorking two minutes earlier than usual. Stops have been removed at Kempton Park and Upper Halliford in a bid to improve performance on the Shepperton branch line and in the Wimbledon area, and at West Byfleet to improve performance in the Surbiton area. SWR said it had 'chosen these stations due to their low customer numbers outside of peak hours, the high number of train services at these stations, and how close they are to alternative stations'. The operator said those who require services from Kempton Park or Upper Halliford at the relevant times can travel from Sunbury instead, which is a 13 minute walk from Kempton Park and a 20 minute walk from Upper Halliford. In addition, some off-peak stopping services from Woking to London Waterloo will not call at West Byfleet, between Monday and Friday. Speed restrictions are imposed to try to reduce accidents such as the crash between two trains outside a tunnel near Salisbury in Wiltshire in 2021 (pictured) which left 14 people in hospital Southeastern An autumn timetable from October 12 to December 13 means a few morning and evening metro trains have amended calling patterns on weekdays. West Dulwich, Sydenham Hill, Penge East and Kent House will have three trains per hour off-peak rather than four. At St Johns, a few morning and evening trains will not call. West Midlands Railway From October 1 until December 15, some trains from Birmingham towards Shrewsbury will depart from Wolverhampton a minute earlier than usual. Trains that call at all stations from Birmingham to Shrewsbury will depart a minute earlier than usual from Wolverhampton, Bilbrook, Codsall, Albrighton, Cosford, Shifnal and Telford. Trains from Shrewsbury towards Birmingham are unchanged. No leaf fall timetable changes are due to be made by the following operators: Avanti West Coast, c2c, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, Elizabeth line, Gatwick Express, Grand Central, Great Northern, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Heathrow Express, Hull Trains, Island Line, London North Eastern Railway, London Overground, Lumo, Southern, Stansted Express, Thameslink, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales. An elite university has been forced to drop a course about queer and trans geographies due to lack of demand. Edinburgh University, part of the Russell Group, was offering the module to those taking geography degrees in its School of Geosciences. However, students arriving for the first session were told it would be axed this term because too few people had signed up. The course, which is run by Edinburghs College of Science and Engineering, is titled Queer Geographies: Spatialising Sexuality and Gender. It is described as an opportunity for students to critically, and self-reflexively, consider how sexuality and gender inform and unfold in the everyday spaces we inhabit. In an online description, tutors say they would utilise queer, trans, and feminist approaches to studying human geography. Students would be encouraged to see how this intersects with race and colonialism and what this reveals about the everyday landscapes we inhabit. They would also learn how to critically analyse heteronormative and cisnormative spaces, it says. An elite university has been forced to drop a course about 'queer and trans geographies' due to lack of demand (pictured: Edinburgh University) Assessment was in the form of a 4,000-word journal, with no exams. It comes after the Supreme Court ruled that single sex spaces, such as changing rooms, could lawfully exclude people of the opposite biological sex even if they had changed gender. Susan Smith of the campaign group For Women Scotland, who won the case, told The Times: The market for diversity professionals who lie about the law is tanking and Edinburgh students are wise enough not to sign up to a course which appears high on word salad and low on legal content or an understanding of wider human rights which should inform human geography considerations as much as the gibberish and irrationality of queer theory. However, last night, LGBT+ advocates claimed the course had been axed for money reasons, as the university looks to save 140 million across all its operations. Martin Zebracki, chair of the Space, Sexualities and Queer Research Group at the Royal Geographical Society, said: This type of course would help students understand the processes of social marginalisation, including in relation to legislation, and encourage students to consider how social norms could be challenged not only in theory but also in everyday life. Courses like this really seek to develop critical thinkers of the future. He warned that losing the unit risked further marginalising minority topics and groups and said the popularity of a university programme should not determine whether it ran. Mr Zebracki said: Are other universities going to copy this? It sets a precedent. The principal Sir Peter Mathieson announced this year that the institution needed to close a 10 per cent gap in its annual turnover during the next 18 months, a sum in the region of 140 million. The University and College Union (UCU), which represents academics, told the online magazine The Edinburgh Dot that it had received reports from many areas of the university about courses being closed without notice despite student registrations. Other programmes were being merged or discontinued from next year, it said. In many cases, there has been no consultation with subject areas involved, and no business case for these closures has been presented, The UCU Edinburgh branch told the Dot, which first revealed the queer geographies class was being axed. It is unclear how these course and programme closures will save money in many cases, and indeed, the Joint Unions Finance Working Group has expressed concern that such measures may actually depress the Universitys income in future. A university spokesman said: The university regularly reviews and refreshes its degree programmes and courses to ensure that they meet the needs of our community. We have made the decision to pause Queer Geographies: Spatialising Sexuality and Gender for the 202526 academic year due to the level of demand not being sufficient to enable us to deliver the course and ensure an excellent student experience. Students who had enrolled on the course will be reallocated to another within their programme. The university did not disclose how many students had registered for the unit this academic year. Do YOU have a story to tell? P A fire service worker has won an unfair dismissal case after he was sacked for 'assaulting' a female shopper at Tesco who pushed to the front of the self-checkout queue. London Fire Brigade's Ryan Shearwood was getting his lunch from Tesco when he got into a bust-up with another customer, a tribunal heard. Mr Shearwood, a mechanic with the fire service, was waiting by the self-checkout tills when he called the woman out for skipping the queue. There was an altercation and the woman claimed she was 'shoved to the ground' by Mr Shearwood, it was heard. The woman later complained to the London Fire Brigade, claiming she was 'physically assaulted' by Mr Shearwood during the lunchtime row. Mr Shearwood argued he did not shove her and said all he did was simply extend his elbow to the side to 'defend' himself from being 'barged out of the way'. Mr Shearwood, a fire hydrant technician, was fired for misconduct after the fire service investigated the incident and concluded he had assaulted her. Now, however, he has successfully sued London Fire Commissioner for unfair dismissal and is in line for compensation. Employment Judge Patricia Tueje ruled the former fire service worker's account of the incident in October 2022 was accurate. London South Employment Tribunal heard Mr Shearwood was hired as a hydrant technician at the London Fire Brigade in 2019, where he worked until his dismissal four years later. A fire service worker has won an unfair dismissal case after he was sacked for 'assaulting' a female shopper at Tesco who pushed to the front of the self-checkout queue (file image) It was heard that following the incident, the fire service had a complaint from the customer. In her email she said: 'Earlier today in Tesco Pinner Green I was physically assaulted by a man who works for LFB (or was at least driving one of your vans). 'I had been waiting in the scan as you shop area and the scale not been working on, so I was instructed by a member of staff to wait and use one of the self-checkout machines to weigh an item. 'As I was standing there in a different part of where the self-checkout queue was, I saw an elderly man, so I let him go and then I walked through after him, and that's when this man (in the pictures attached) walked up to self-checkout till and said that I pushed in the queue. 'I told him that I didn't and tried to explain the situation to him (that a staff member told me to wait and then go ahead and weigh my item there), but he refused to listen and when I placed my purse and item on the scale, he shoved me to the ground. 'He is an extremely unreasonable person and even the staff were saying a simple apology or acknowledgement of the misunderstanding of the situation could've rectified it, but he refused to do so. 'Calling me names and escalating the situation further by loudly saying there was something wrong with me and I have "mental health issues" which I know was a predictable attempt to paint me as angry crazy black woman, which is not something that I take lightly at all.' Mr Shearwood denied her account. In his witness statement he said: 'I have simply raised my arm in shock at being unexpectedly and aggressively pushed by a member of the public enraged at being asked not to push in the queue, this is a natural reflexive action to protect myself and prevent me losing my balance and is in no way assault.' There was a lack of CCTV footage because Tesco would not release it unless there was a police investigation, and it was then destroyed after 30 days. The Tesco store manager described what was seen on the CCTV footage and said: 'One bearded male is seen on the overhead CCTV at the self-checkout and on the self-serve till camera, he shoulder barges a lady to the floor - there is no audio but it looks like the lady is upset and they are arguing, he then leaves the area.' The row between the fire service worker and the female customer took place at the Tesco store in Pinner Green, in north-west London The judge said the shoulder barge described by the store manager could be because the woman was leaning into Mr Shearwood, and he put up his arm. Fire bosses concluded Mr Shearwood was guilty of the assault and sacked him. However, Judge Tueje said they were wrong to make that conclusion. 'I find it is more likely than not that Mr Shearwood's account of the altercation on 10th October 2022 is accurate for the reasons set out below,' the judge added. 'The complainant's account is that during an altercation with Mr Shearwood, he "shoved her to the ground". 'Neither of the independent witnesses saw Mr Shearwood shove the complainant, and he denies doing so. 'The Tesco manager does not describe Mr Shearwood as shoving the complainant; he states Mr Shearwood shoulder barged the complainant. 'While that is also not entirely consistent with Mr Shearwood's account, Mr Moss' description is closer to Mr Shearwood's account than it is to the complainant's. 'Furthermore, without describing what, if anything, the complainant did before Mr Shearwood shoulder barged, the shoulder barge could be as a result of the complainant leaning into Mr Shearwood and him putting up his arm, as he describes. 'However, due to the deficiencies in the investigation, the opportunity to question the Tesco manager about events immediately prior to the account he has given, has been lost since the destruction of the CCTV. 'Furthermore, other evidence is inconsistent with Mr Shearwood having assaulted the complainant. 'The witnesses describe him as unbothered by the events, which is at odds with him being so annoyed by the complainant that he assaulted her. 'His indifferent demeanour is also captured in the close-up photographs taken of him at the time. In fact, it seems unlikely that the witnesses would have taken photographs of him while so close to him if his demeanour was aggressive. 'Yet further, before leaving the store his unchallenged evidence is that, after arranging for someone to view the CCTV footage, the security guard confirmed he could leave. 'These actions and the security guard's response do not seem consistent with Mr Shearwood just having assaulted the complainant.' The judge added the fire brigade did not carry out a fair investigation on procedural grounds. A decision on compensation will be made at a later date, with a hearing listed to take place next month. A group of schools has been forced to spend more than 50,000 on phone pouches to stop pupils flouting a ban on mobiles. Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, said he decided to act because of the 'dangers' posed by smartphones. The trust previously implemented a ban across its seven schools - but found that kids simply ignored it. They would either use devices out of sight of teachers or steal away to the toilet to scroll. Lockable pouches costing 9 each have now been bought for all of the trust's students - a total cost of 54,000. But Mr Elliott said it was a small price to pay for improved education. He said: 'We have decided to take action because of the dangers posed by mobile phone use in schools. 'We had banned the phones but students were sneaking off to the toilet to use them or using them out of eye shot of teachers. A group of schools has been forced to spend more than 50,000 on phone pouches to stop pupils flouting a ban on mobiles (pictured: Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust) 'If they were spotted they were confiscated but that didn't deter some students from using them. 'The pouches allow students to keep the phones in their possession but prevent them from being used during the school day. 'It is a lot of money but the impact of mobile phones on students mental health and ability to learn cannot be underestimated.' Recent research has revealed that the average teenager spends 11 hours a day on screens, while 55 percent of children aged eight to 11 own a smartphone. Studies suggest that a phone free school has a positive impact. Mr Elliott added: 'It is not an over reaction to say that young people are becoming completely and utterly addicted to these devices. 'They are not only affecting their grades but their wellbeing as well. 'Time on social media sites is linked to depression and anxiety among young people. 'Of course, they will still be able to access their phones after school and at weekends, so we also have to teach them how to use mobile phones responsibly.' Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, said he decided to act because of the 'dangers' posed by smartphones (pictured: Forest Gate Community School, which is under the Trust) The trust is working with provider Phone Locker to carry out the scheme. And, while other schools have asked parents to pay for the pouches, the schools in the Community Schools Trust are footing the bill. Managing director of Phone Locker, Adam Proops, said: 'Adults, let alone children, find it difficult enough to leave their phone alone. 'That's where Phone Locker comes in. 'As a hard barrier between phone and student, it makes that choice that little bit more difficult. 'Without it, the likelihood of just a quick look is too tempting. 'Over time, that reliance lessens and it becomes habit to take that break during the day. 'Yes, it does mean that some of the responsibility is put back on to parents to make sure their child understands the importance of adhering to school rules on phone use. 'However, given the benefits, they are often very supportive.' The Community Schools Trust run seven schools - six in east London and one in Norfolk - all of which have above average exam results. Lead school Forest Gate Community has consistently been ranked in the top 50 schools in the country. Another - the Excelsior Academy - saw A Level results soar after a mobile phone ban in sixth form last year. It comes after a school in Bristol banned smartphones when a pupil's phone was found with 9,000 messages sent in just one night on a year's WhatsApp group. In June, Blackhorse Primary School in Bristol said children will no longer be allowed to bring smartphones to school after a teacher was shocked how many messages were being sent by children. In recent years, pupils have been allowed to bring smartphones to school, but had to hand them in to the teacher during lesson time. However, one day a phone was accidentally left in a teacher's cupboard overnight - and was returned to the pupil the next day with 9,000 notifications of activity in a Year Six WhatsApp group. Shocked at the discovery, executive headteacher Simon Botten implemented a blanket ban. Earlier this year, the Tories campaigned for a change in the law to enforce a ban on smartphones in all schools. However, Labour has resisted, saying official guidance already exists to this effect, and most schools do place restrictions on phone use. Two prolific bag thieves who stole 2,450 worth of laptops and phones from pubgoers as they enjoyed after work drinks have been jailed. Daniel Ramzi, 26, and Abderrahim Mamma, 29, carried out a string of brazen thefts at pubs and restaurants across the City of London, making off with 1,950 of valuables in just one day. The pair were caught on CCTV during one sly stunt leaning over a barrier and grabbing a man's backpack at the Golden Goose in Leadenhall Market on January 15. They then pull out a 500 laptop and transfer it into their own bag, before placing the still unaware victim's rucksack back on the cobbled street and making a swift exit. That same day, Ramzi and Mamma also pinched a 650 mobile phone from one victim's coat pocket at a Five Guys in Bishopsgate and made off with a 800 laptop from a man's bag at the Cross Keys pub on Gracechurch street. But their crime spree didn't stop here, as less than a week later Ramzi and Mamma were again caught looting unaware pubgoers from right under their noses. On January 21, the pair went into the Lord Aberconway on Old Broad Street, where Ramzi slid a bag out from a pile and replaced it with a different bag. They approached a second group and carried out another bag swap before leaving with a 500 haul. Prolific bag thieves Daniel Ramzi, 26, and Abderrahim Mamma, 29, are seen on CCTV in the process of stealing a man's bag outside the Golden Goose in Leadenhall Market The pair pull out a 500 laptop from the stolen bag and transfer it into their own bag They swiftly places the victim's bag back on the cobbled street and make a swift exit. On the same day they also stole a a 650 mobile phone and a 800 laptop from other punters Ramzi (left) and Mamma (right), both of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft each Ramzi and Mamma, both of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft each. Mamma, who also pleaded guilty to an additional seven theft offences outside the City, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to 20 months in prison. He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from entering the City of London for five years. Ramzi was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to 14 months in prison. Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: 'This is another great result in seeing two prolific bag thieves behind bars. 'We hope that these sentences will give reassurance to businesses and members of the public that we take such offences very seriously. 'Our warning to criminals; don't come into the City to steal bags. We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all of our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.' Nigel Farage ruffled feathers today by claiming migrants are killing and eating swans in London's parks. The Reform UK leader suggested that people who have come from eastern Europe are taking swans from parks in the capital and carp from ponds across the UK to eat. But the Royal Parks charity, which looks after London's most famous green spaces, immediately rejected Mr Farage's claims. It said it did not know of any reported incidents of people killing or eating swans in London's eight Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park and Richmond Park. 'We've not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in London's eight Royal Parks,' a spokesperson said. 'Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks.' Mr Farage had made the swiftly-rejected claim during an appearance on LBC radio, in which he was challenged about past comments by Donald Trump. The US President last year spread unevidenced allegations that Haitian immigrants in America were eating cats and dogs. Nigel Farage ruffled feathers by claiming migrants are killing and eating swans in London's parks Swans are pictured in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The Royal Parks charity, which looks after London's most famous green spaces, immediately rejected Mr Farage's claims Mr Farage had previously insisted that evidence would emerge to back up Mr Trump's claims. But, challenged on Wednesday about the US President's past comments, the Reform leader dodged a question on whether he agreed that Mr Trump's remarks had turned out to be 'nonsensical'. Mr Farage instead spoke about swans and carp allegedly being taken from UK waters. He said: 'If I said to you that swans were being eaten in Royal Parks in this country, that carp were being taken out of ponds and eaten in this country by people who come from cultures that have a different would you agree it happened, is happening here?' The Reform leader said it was 'people who come from countries where it's quite acceptable to do so' who are taking the carp and swans. Asked if it was eastern Europeans, he said: 'So I believe.' This is the moment a heroic neighbor rang a family's doorbell in an attempt to save their lives in the middle of the night. Jonathan Pope's young family were fast asleep just before midnight on September 20 when they were suddenly jolted awake. Their neighbor Josh had sprinted to their house and frantically banged on the door and shouted after seeing flames rising from the property. The heroic moment in Toms River, New Jersey, was captured on a Ring doorbell camera. The video shows Josh at the front door ringing the doorbell and shouting at the family to get out of the house. A piece of debris falls on him before he backs away into the front yard and the video shifts from black and white to color - and shows a burning orange reflection. Pope and his wife can then be seen running out of the house bathed in orange light from the fire as ash and embers fall around them. 'I just hear, boom, boom, boom, pounding on the garage,' Pope told NBC New York. 'It sounded like a truck or a car was hitting my garage. I thought people were breaking in so I ran out, gave it a peek over, and I see somebody opening the front door, with lights all around him.' Neighbor Josh saw fire coming from a family home in New Jersey and ran over to warn them A Ring doorbell camera captures the moment the Pope family escape as the house burns The whole family escaped unharmed, but the fire severely damaged their home Josh can be heard shouting: 'Get out of the house! Get out of the house! There's a fire!' Pope went on to describe the scene: 'All around there was just lit up, debris was falling on him. I just screamed to my wife, "Hey, grab the baby." She ran out first. I made sure she was out and then I just came out.' Members of Pope's family said they were in the back bedroom and had no idea there was a fire until Josh came and made all that noise to warn them. Pope, his wife, their 17-year-old, nine-month-old and the family's dog all escaped unharmed. Pope said he was 'so thankful' towards his neighbors Josh and Lori, who were named by News12 New Jersey. 'They saved our family,' he said. After the fire, the surrounding community further helped the Pope family by bringing them water and giving them a place to change their baby. Matthew Janora, chief fire inspector for the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, said the blaze began outside the home when improperly discarded smoking materials ignited carboard boxes and a trash bin before spreading to the garage, porch, attic and second floor bedroom. Fire department officials determined the cause was accidental. Several fire companies responded to the scene and brought the blaze under control The family escaped with both of their children, a nine-month-old baby and a 17-year-old high school senior The family's dog also made it out of the fire unharmed Several fire companies responded and managed to bring the blaze under control. No one was injured. The fire significantly damaged the home and it was declared unsafe to live in by the townships building department. The Pope family escaped with nothing but their lives and the clothing on their backs. They have been receiving aid from the American Red Cross, and they set up an online fundraiser while waiting for their insurance company to assist them. 'Were devastated, but also deeply grateful to our neighbor, the first responders, and the Red Cross,' Pope told Jersey Shore Hurricane News. 'Without them, this could have been so much worse.' An 8-year-old boy seemed to be fine after a swing set collapsed on top of him, but later that day he became unresponsive and died. Cortez Williams Jr was playing on a backyard swing set in St Louis County, Missouri, on September 21. The swing set collapsed, trapping him beneath a crossbar, but his family was able to free him, according to a press release by the St Louis County Police Department. The child appeared to be fine, having only sustained minor injuries. At around 6pm the county police received a call from the family's home on Larime Road. When they arrived, the child was unresponsive. He was brought to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Cortez Williams Sr, the victim's father, launched a GoFundMe asking for support to have a proper burial. He added to the fundraiser's description: 'Lifesaving techniques were administered, but unfortunately, he passed.' Cortez Williams Jr, 8, was playing on a backyard swing set in St Louis County, Missouri, on September 21 The swing set collapsed, trapping him beneath a crossbar, but his family was able to free him The crowdfund has nearly reached its goal of $2,600. The police are investigating Williams Jr's incident as an accidental death. A Facebook post in tribute to the boy garnered many comments, sharing condolences and prayers for the family. One user wrote: 'Sending prayers with hugs. Lord, please give the whole family strength.' Another added: 'My heart goes out to you all. May God comfort and hold you.' A third said: 'Sending strength, prayers, and courage.' Derek Brown, who appears to know the family, said: 'Cortez Jr, who was a 3rd grader at Larimore Elementary School had so many dreams, with one of those dreams of becoming a cook.' The child appeared to be fine, having only sustained minor injuries but later became unresponsive. (Stock image) At around 6pm the police arrived and brought the child to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead Approximately 12,000 children and young adults from ages 0 to 19 die from unintentional injuries according to the CDC. More than 200,000 playground-related injuries are treated in the emergency department each year, according to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Accidents cause more child deaths in the US than cancer, congenital malformations and murders, CDC statistics show. In 2023 a 10-year-old boy died in the UK after falling from a rope swing while playing with his friends. Jeremy Corbyn finally launched his new hard left party to paying members today, more than a week after a major spat threatened to prevent from happening at all. The former Labour leader launched a portal for people to join Your Party this morning after he and Zarah Sultana cooled their blazing row over an 'unauthorised' membership email last week. She had accused Mr Corbyn and other male independent MPs involved in the project of being part of a 'sexist boys club' that was excluding her from decisions, before relenting earlier this week. It sparked criticism of the whole effort and questions about how viable it is as a party. In a video message, Mr Corbyn said he was 'sorry for the confusion in getting to this point' Weve had some fraught days in the last week, as you will no doubt be very aware,' he admitted. 'And to be honest, we havent covered ourselves in glory.' The website launched by Mr Corbyn offers a standard membership for 5 a month or 1.50 for concessions, with the leader saying: 'There is an alternative to austerity, poverty and war. We are that alternative. Let's build it, together.' But it also gives well-heeled socialists the option of voluntarily paying up to 100 per month to fund the fight for equality. However the standard fee may also raise eyebrows as it comes out at 60 for 12 months - more than any other major party apart from Labour and the Greens. In Ms Sultana's aborted launch last week there was an option to pay for a whole year and get a 5 discount, which is missing from the latest website. The former Labour leader launched a portal for people to join Your Party this morning after he and Zarah Sultana cooled their blazing row over an 'unauthorised' membership email last week. Ms Sultana (centre) accused Mr Corbyn and other male independent MPs involved in the project of being part of a 'sexist boys club' that was excluding her from decisions, before relenting earlier this week. However the standard fee may also raise eyebrows as it comes out at 60 for 12 months - more than any other major party apart from Labour. In Ms Sultana's aborted launch last week there was an option to pay for a whole year and get a 5 discount, which is missing from the latest website. Mr Corbyn lashed out at an 'unauthorised email' sent to supporters and urged anyone who had paid up to 55 for membership to cancel their direct debits. But Ms Sultana insisted it was a 'safe, secure, legitimate portal' as she continued to urge supporters to 'sign up now'. She issued an explosive statement hitting out at a 'sexist boys' club' within Your Party and claimed she had been 'frozen out'. But on Sunday the Coventry South MP, who quit Labour in order to help forge a new movement with Mr Corbyn, said she will call off legal action she threatened him with 'despite the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations against me'. She added: 'I am determined to reconcile and move forward. I am engaged in ongoing discussions with Jeremy, for whom, like all socialists of my generation, I have nothing but respect. 'We will find a way to continue in a unified way centring the grassroots of our movement. I am certain this is possible - indeed, it must be. 'Fascism is growling at the door. The stakes are too high for failure to be an option. Both Jeremy and I remain committed to making this project a success.' Ms Sultana also acknowledged that 'many people are feeling demoralised'. Your browser does not support iframes. In a statement on Sunday evening, Ms Sultana said she will no longer be pursuing legal proceedings 'despite the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations against me' She continued: 'We find ourselves in a regrettable situation, but my motivation has always been to ensure the collective strength of our movement, put members first and build the genuinely democratic conference and socialist party we so urgently need.' Another former Labour MP has partly blamed the 'embarrassing meltdown' within Your Party for her decision to join the Greens, rather than work towards a Labour and Green alliance. Thelma Walker, who was an MP from 2017 to 2019, told The London Economic: 'The embarrassing meltdown of Your Party has shown neither Zarah Sultana or Jeremy Corbyn are fit to lead a party following their very public spat.' A sniper killed two migrants and wounded several others in a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, then shot himself dead, police say. The bloodbath unfolded at the facility in the Texas city shortly after 7am CT Wednesday morning, when the gunman targeted migrants on an unmarked transport van. ICE said in a statement that three people were shot and two were killed, saying that the sniper 'fired indiscriminately' before later shooting himself. Early reports said that only one had died before officials raised the death toll to two. The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting. The sniper, who police sources described as a white man, shot himself dead as law enforcement agents closed in on him. Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that bullets found by the shooter's body were engraved with 'anti-ICE messages.' Officials said the gunman opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside the transport van. He is believed to have been found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office, WFAA reported. A sniper killed two migrants and wounded several others in a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, then shot himself dead, police say The bloodbath unfolded at the facility in the Texas city shortly after 7am CT, and a huge police presence descended on the scene The sniper, who police sources described as a white man, shot himself dead as law enforcement agents closed in on him Although the sniper appeared to target migrants in ICE custody, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on X that the shooting represented an attack on ICE and law enforcement. 'We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals,' Paxton wrote. Vice President JD Vance added: 'The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families.' ICE Director Todd Lyons said he was putting ICE facilities on a higher alert status in response to the shooting. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement that his state 'fully supports ICE', and vowed to step up deportations as a result of the shooting. 'This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassins motive,' Abbott wrote. Your browser does not support iframes. The ICE facility (seen in a stock image) has been frequently targeted by pro-immigration demonstrators in recent months Last month, a man identified as Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, was arrested after making a bomb threat against the immigration processing center The ICE facility has been frequently targeted by pro-immigration demonstrators in recent months. Last month, a man identified as Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, was arrested after making a bomb threat against the immigration processing center. Wilkinson allegedly arrived at the entrance on August 25 and claimed to have a bomb in his backpack, and showed a 'detonator' on his wrist. He is now facing charges of making terroristic threats. In a nearby ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, another attack took place on July 4 where 10 people were arrested for shooting at law enforcement officers. Armed assailants with tactical gear were charged with terrorism and aggravated assault for the attack, which officials said at the time was intended to disrupt the ICE facility's operations. This is a developing story and will be updated as information is confirmed. The public will 'quite rightly' question why asylum seekers are being sent on taxi journeys worth hundred of pounds at the taxpayer's expense, a Cabinet minister said. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the Home Office was correct to launch a review after it emerged would-be refugees were being given long-distance taxi rides to attend appointments, including NHS check-ups. Another senior minister described the spending as 'pretty extraordinary'. It emerged yesterday that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had ordered officials to investigate urgently the use of cabs to transport asylum seekers from taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation. The review was launched after one asylum seeker told the BBC he had been sent on a 250 mile journey - said to have cost 600 - in order to attend an NHS check-up for a knee problem. 'I'm not surprised that that was a feature that caught people's eye, and the Home Office are looking at that and I think they should look at it,' Mr McFadden told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think a lot of your listeners will quite rightly ask, why should people be taken around in taxis?' Later, asked about the spending on BBC Radio 5 Live, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'The costs that you've just outlined there, seem pretty extraordinary.' A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'The Home Secretary has asked the department to urgently look into the use of taxis to transfer asylum seekers.' The Mail on Sunday first revealed in 2020 that millions of pounds a year were being spent on taxi journeys to ferry asylum seekers around the country. Migrants housed at Epping's The Bell Hotel, pictured this month. Asylum seekers housed in hotels are having babies because they think it will boost their chances of gaining a British passport, a BBC documentary has revealed The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, became a focus for anti-migrant protests last month Other migrants in hotels visited by the BBC said they were working in Britain, despite being barred from taking employment. One Iraqi man, identified by the pseudonym 'Kadir' to protect his identity, said he would have preferred to have gone to his NHS appointment by train. But he 'had no choice' other than to accept the transportation laid on by the Home Office. The taxi journeys take place because when migrants move between hotels they sometimes keep the same NHS doctors, the broadcaster said. Kadir's journey was to see a consultant who had treated him at his old address, he said, and the driver told him the round-trip had cost 600. 'Should the Home Office give me the ticket for the train? This is the easy way, and they know they spend too much money,' said Kadir. 'We know as well, but we don't have any choice. It's crazy.' Migrants were not offered the option to travel by public transport, or to walk, to the appointments and taxis were booked by an 'automated system' at the hotel front desk, it was reported. A migrant accused of sex offences in Epping sparked protests about the use of the hotel last month. In a separate development, the migrant has been sentenced today. The BBC reported it had asked the Government how much it spends on taxi travel for asylum seekers through a Freedom of Information request, but was told the Home Office does not keep any data. It is understood the rate for taxi services are set in a contract and are calculated on a per person per mile rate, rather than on the taxi meter. Kadir and his wife had two children when they arrived in the UK from Iraq nine years ago and have had a third since being here. The family occupies two adjoining hotel rooms - one for the couple and their baby, and the other for 12-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son. Kadir said he worked as a translator in his home country and claimed he had been targeted by criminals. His asylum claim was rejected by the Home Office due to lack of proof. He has had two appeals rejected, and has a third appeal underway. He added that some migrants he knew had converted to Christianity in a bid to increase their chances of staying in the country. They claimed the religion change would lead to persecution if they went back home. A woman from Iraq also claimed she paid people smugglers to cross the Channel in order to get treatment for her stage four cancer. Mohammed, from Afghanistan, said he had arranged a job even before he arrived in the UK a few weeks ago. Your browser does not support iframes. After using contacts provided by his cousin, who was also working illegally in Britain, Mohammed said he was earning 20 a day for shifts that last up to 10 hours. He told the BBC he had no choice because his family owes money to people traffickers. One security guard at one of the hotels said: 'You've got nothing to occupy these guys. So of course they're going to go out there and work.' Journalists and the public are barred from Home Office migrant hotels but the BBC said it had 'gained access through migrant contacts who had made the journey across the English Channel from France'. At the end of June there were just over 32,000 in taxpayer-funded hotels, up eight per cent in a year. The Home Office has also said an all-time high of 111,084 asylum applications were lodged in the year to June, up 14 per cent on the previous 12 months. Despite increasing numbers, Labour has said it will close all migrant hotels by 2029. In August Epping Forest District Council won a temporary High Court injunction to stop migrants being placed at The Bell hotel, in Epping. But the Home Office successfully challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, and the hotel remains open pending any further legal action. The amount of taxpayer's money spent on asylum support fell to 4.76billion in 2024-25, down from 5.38billion the previous year. But costs are massively higher than a decade ago, when the figure stood at less than 475million a year. Erika Kirk is said to have asked for help after the liberal website Jezebel paid witches to curse her husband just two days before he was assassinated. The grieving widow, 36, was 'genuinely rattled' over the story, which claimed the author had paid witches on Etsy to curse Charlie, 31, according to Megyn Kelly. The Kirks were so concerned by the article that they summoned a Catholic priest to undo the curse the night before the conservative commentator was shot dead at Utah Valley University, Kelly revealed on her YouTube show on Tuesday. The media personality said 'Erika and Charlie Kirk heard about these curses, and that news genuinely rattled Erika in particular... She was scared. 'So much so that she and Charlie contacted a friend, who I believe she said was a Catholic priest, and asked him to come over and pray with them over Charlie the night before he was murdered.' Kelly added: 'Why torture a family like this? A Christian, believing family. Why do this vile thing to a young couple?' The Jezebel article, published on September 8, was titled 'We Paid Some Etsy Witches to Curse Charlie Kirk.' After Kirk was murdered two days later, the news website issued a statement clarifying the timing of the post and announcing it was removed. Erika Kirk was reportedly rattled by a Jezebel article that claimed the author had paid witches to put a curse on her husband Charlie days before his assassination 'Erika and Charlie Kirk heard about these curses, and that news genuinely rattled Erika in particular... She was scared,' Megyn Kelly said on her YouTube show Tthe author mused on the charms of being able to purchase a 'curse as easily as I can buy a phone charger' 'This story was published on September 8,' the website said in the statement following the death of Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters. The outlet continued: 'Jezebel condemned the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms. 'We do not endorse, encourage, or excuse political violence of any kind.' But Kelly was not swayed, and said: 'There actually are demons in this world, calling on the spirit world, in particular the devil's spirit world, can actually have real-world consequences. It's not something to mess with... It's not a game, it's literally evil.' The original article, written in a first-person narrative by an anonymous author, mentioned being able to purchase a 'curse as easily as I can buy a phone charger.' It explained in detail the different services provided on Etsy in terms of witchcraft. The author subsequently said Charlie was one of the 'downsides' of the internet, citing his politics. 'Maybe it's his obsession with telling women what to do or his aggressively large head, but the far-right podcaster's presence is more irritating than most,' the article said. The author posed the question: 'Are you interested in punishing Kirk for the years of regressive rhetoric he's shouted at America's youth and anyone within earshot? The Kirks summoned a Catholic priest to undo the curse the night before Charlie was shot dead at Utah Valley University After Charlie was murdered two days later, Jezebel issues a statement clarifying the timing of the post and announcing it was removed 'Here at Jezebel, we're about to find out if there's a spell for that.' Describing Charlie, the author said that he 'debates college kids for sport, pops up on Fox News, and founded the right-wing conspiracy theory factory Turning Point USA.' They conceded a moral 'gray area' in cursing someone they never met, adding: 'I want to make it clear, I'm not calling on dark forces to cause him harm.' The author cited a number of small inconveniences they hope Charlie would experience such as 'an inexplicable zit;' malfunctioning broadcasting equipment and ill-fitting apparel. The author said they hoped 'to ruin his day with the collective feminist power of the Etsy coven would be my life's greatest joy'. The Daily Mail has reached out to Jezebel for comment on this story. David Lammy has been accused of ignoring womens rights as he comes under pressure to remove transgender prisoners from a female jail. The newly appointed Justice Secretary - an outspoken supporter of trans rights whose recent comments to concerned voters can be revealed today - has been urged to shut down a special unit inside HMP Downview in light of the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. He has been told by the local MP that E Wing, which currently houses five biological males who have legally changed sex, represents a clear breach of the provisions for single-sex spaces in the Equality Act. It comes after inspectors found that there is no longer one-to-one supervision of the trans inmates when they mix with female prisoners for education, religious services or social visits in the Surrey prison. Rebecca Paul, Conservative MP for Reigate, told the Mail: I welcome David Lammy to his new role as Justice Secretary, and I implore him to do the lawful and responsible thing and remove all biological males from womens prisons. We are a heartbeat away from a terrible tragedy. These women are some of the most vulnerable in our country and they are being locked up with violent men. And if that wasn't already bad enough, we've now found out that these men are no longer properly supervised in HMP Downview. This is downright dangerous. Over 200 years ago the importance of sex-segregated prisons was recognised to ensure the safety of female prisoners, yet here we are hundreds of years later moving backwards. She highlighted Mr Lammys controversial claim in 2021 that women campaigners on both the left and right were dinosaurs who wanted to hoard rights. At the height of Labours rows over gender ideology, he also said it was not accurate to say only women can have a cervix and claimed that men can too following various procedures, hormones and all the rest of it. David Lammy, recently appointed Justice Secretary, on a visit to HMP Belmarsh in London HMP Downview, a women's jail in Surrey whose E Wing is home to five transgender inmates This newspaper can also reveal that when asked recently if he accepted the Supreme Court judgment on single-sex spaces - which ruled that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex - Mr Lammy replied instead: I strongly believe that trans peoples safety and wellbeing must be protected. Correspondence seen by this newspaper shows that he has told constituents concerned about womens rights: Ministers have stated that while single-sex spaces must be protected, it is important to emphasise that trans people must also be protected. They must retain clear protections in law and should be able to live their lives free of harassment and discrimination. One of his constituents vowed never to vote for him again as a result of his appalling and one-sided response, adding: He doesn't even use the word woman once. Helen Joyce of women's rights charity Sex Matters said: David Lammys response to his constituents on the Supreme Court ruling demonstrates a serious blind spot on womens sex-based rights. It is deeply concerning that the new Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, who is responsible for prisons, repeatedly emphasises support for trans-identifying people without any acknowledgement that the trans lobbys demand for gender self-identification means the destruction of womens rights. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said of E Wing: This is a separate unit for transgender prisoners, isolated from the main female population and only has access to the wider prison's regime under exceptional circumstances following robust risk assessments and they are subject to constant direct supervision. The vast majority of trans women in prison are in men's prisons and we are reviewing our transgender prisoner policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling. E Wing, which is fenced off from the rest of the population in Downview, was set up in 2019 to accommodate transgender women deemed too high-risk to be held in the womens estate but also in danger from male prisoner. Under reforms put in place by the Tory government in 2023, trans women who have male genitalia or who have committed sexual or violent offences can no longer be housed in female prisons. The Dallas ICE shooter, who was confirmed exclusively by the Daily Mail as Joshua Jahn, had a disturbing poster taped to the side of his car at the time of the field office attack. The poster showed a map of 'radioactive fallout' from 'nuclear detonations' across the United States, with most of the blasts depicted on the West Coast. Jahn's brother Noah told NBC news Joshua was unemployed at the time of the shooting and was planning to move into his parent's property in Oklahoma. Noah claimed that his brother 'didn't have strong feelings about ICE' and never thought he would've been involved in a politically motivated shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but an initial review of the evidence shows an 'ideological motive behind this attack.' A bullet casing recovered at the scene was engraved with the phrase 'anti-ICE.' On Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemned the attack, stressing that 'politically motivated violence is wrong' and adding, 'political opponents are not Nazis. We need to work together without demonizing and attacking each other.' At least four people were injured and two shot dead at the Texas ICE facility around 6.40am before a suspected sniper was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on a nearby rooftop. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan became the latest world leader to be humiliated by Donald Trump after he was stopped on the streets of New York to make way for the US President's motorcade. It comes a day after France's Emmanuel Macron was humbled by the city's cops after they stopped him and forced him to wait on the street so that Trump's police escort could get through. Erdogan appeared visibly annoyed as he left the UN headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday. In footage shared on social media, the Turkish leader can be seen waiting on the street and surrounded by his bodyguards as cops keep a large crowd of people from walking down the street. Erdogan's reaction was not as calm as his French counterpart's, who was seen in a video making a casual phone call to Trump after the mishap. 'Guess what, I'm waiting in the street right now because everything is frozen for you', Macron could be heard telling the US leader on the phone. The French president explained to the officers that he was trying to make his way on foot to France's diplomatic mission in New York, after he delivered a speech at the United Nations. 'I have 10 people with me,' Macron said, trying to negotiate passage across the street. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was stopped on the streets of New York to make way for the US President's motorcade It comes a day after France's Emmanuel Macron was forced to wait on the streets of New York while Trump's police escort made its way through the streets of Manhattan Erdogan appeared visibly annoyed as he left the UN headquarters in Manhattan on Tuesday 'I'm sorry President, I'm really sorry, it's just that everything's frozen right now,' one of the police officers told Macron. After several minutes of waiting around, Macron was then seen walking down the street with his body guards. Several have commented on how world leaders were forced to wait on the streets of New York, with many accusing Trump of trying to humiliate his counterparts in an apparent power play. 'That's not just a mix-up that's a power signal. When world leaders get parked so Trump can pass, it tells you everything about who commands respect in the room', one X user wrote. Another said: 'Macron learns who runs thing in America, even off duty'. 'Humiliating. The French president stuck on the curb while Trump's motorcade rolls like a king's parade', a third commented, while a fourth said: 'This is not an 'awkward moment'. This is a protocol breach and a serious insult. Commenting on the incident involving Erdogan, an X user said: '[Trump] did the same to the French. He's doing it on purpose'. The mishaps come as several world leaders gathered in the Big Apple this week for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, and the challenges they face are as dire as ever if not more so. New York cops were seen moving a crowd of people out of the way to allow for Trump's motorcade to pass through As a result, the Turkish president and his team were left waiting on the pavement Erdogan's bodyguards gathered round the president while they waited on the street Emmanuel Macron was forced to get out of his vehicle and wait on the streets of New York to make way for Donald Trump's motorcade The French president was then seen walking down the street with his bodyguards after roads reopened, but only for pedestrians The United Nations, which emerged from World War II's rubble on the premise that nations would work together to tackle political, social and financial issues, is in crisis itself. As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week: 'International cooperation is straining under pressures unseen in our lifetimes.' Yet the annual high-level gathering at the UN General Assembly will bring presidents, prime ministers and monarchs from about 150 of the 193 UN member nations to UN headquarters. The secretary-general says it is an opportunity that can't be missed even in the most challenging of moments. United Airlines grounded all flights out of the US and Canada for the second time in a month amid growing safety concerns. America's biggest airline asked the Federal Aviation Authority to issue a ground stop due to an unspecified technological issue. All flights were grounded for 36 minutes. United told the Daily Mail it 'experienced a brief connectivity issue just before midnight Central time on Tuesday'. The airline which operates 4,000 to 5,000 flights per day said it has 'since resumed normal operations'. It marks the second time in a month that the US operator has asked for a halt to departures over technical glitches. United flights were also brought to a stop in August at several busy US airports including Newark, Denver, Houston and Chicago. The airline told the Daily Mail that this week's incident was 'unrelated to a technology disruption in August' or 'any cybersecurity threat'. United Airlines has grounded all flights out of the US and Canada for a second time in a month amid growing safety concerns The ground stop caused chaos for passengers at airports across the United States 'Due to a technology issue, we are holding United mainline flights at their departure airports,' United said in a statement about the August incident issued at the time. 'We expect additional flight delays this evening as we work through this issue. Safety is our top priority, and well work with our customers to get them to their destinations.' According to data from FlightAware, 1071 United Airlines flights were delayed and 67 were canceled. The airline told Daily Mail that the technology issue was not a cyber attack on this occasion either, as it cited a problem with the 'weight and balance computer system.' That grounding did not appear to affect planes that had already set off, ABC's Sam Sweeney reported. Those aircraft continued to their destinations as planned. This is a breaking news story with updates to follow. Indian police have launched a murder investigation into the death of the elderly British mother of a Bollywood actor. Pauline Crowther Ann, 85, was found dead in her son's home in the upmarket New Delhi neighbourhood of Lutyens on July 30. Initially believed to have died from a fall, an autopsy carried out on her body suggests she may have been strangled. The report also indicated she may have died of brain injuries. A police officer told the Telegraph: 'The post-mortem report is inconclusive, but it reveals she had head injuries. We have asked for a second opinion.' She was the mother of Daljit Sean Singh, a Bollywood and model, and lived on the ground floor of his home while he and his family lived on the upper floors. A housemaid found her unconscious on the day of her death and alerted the family. Police found bloodstains, but believed it was from the fall she suffered. The family were said not to have suspected any foul play in Pauline's death. She was the mother of Daljit Sean Singh, a Bollywood and model, (pictured, left) and lived on the ground floor of his home while he and his family lived on the upper floors Neighbours told local media the family was close, but private, adding that Daljit took care of his mother. One local resident told the Times of India: 'She was very old and mostly in a wheelchair. 'Whenever we saw her out, it was because Daljit was taking her somewhere. You could see the love and attention he gave her'. Pauline was married to Mohinderjit Singh, a New Delhi-based real estate tycoon, though they separated in the 1980s. Following her husband's death, she was known to have visited India often. One neighbour said of Pauline's visits: 'She was only visiting her son. Sometimes she stayed for a couple of months, other times longer up to a year. Her visits were irregular'. She was last seen alive at around 9.30pm the night before her death. CCTV in the residence only covered the main gate area, and footage was only retained for 15 days. Police said the family told them there were no disputes in the lead-up to her death, nor were there any suspicious activities. Indian detectives are now looking to get into Pauline's phone, which was taken as a keepsake by her daughter to the US. Officers are also looking at the phones of family members for clues. The Daily Mail has contacted the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment. A Sudanese immigrant accused of raping a university student after a night out took her phone and messaged her friends to tell them she was with her boyfriend, a court heard today. Samir Muhammad is accused of forcing the young woman to strip before pinning her to a bed and raping her after dragging her out of the Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth, Dorset, on December 5 2021. The alleged victim later told police she had just one drink at the nightclub but soon afterwards felt 'really drunk' and 'out of it'. Jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court have been told the then 17-year-old kept the girl trapped in his Sandringham House flat, blocking her from answering calls from worried friends. She managed to share her location using Snapchat, alerting friends to where she was. But Muhammad is said to have taken her phone as her friends tried to find her after she disappeared on the night out. To put them off, he messaged them pretending to be the girl and said 'Yeah I'm sleep with my B ok,' it is alleged. Believing that the defendant had grabbed her phone as she would not use that language, they replied stating 'We're coming to get you'. Samir Muhammad, pictured, allegedly forced the young woman to strip before pinning her to a bed and raping her, while ignoring her repeated pleas for him to stop The girl persuaded Muhammad to let her leave his flat as her friends were on their way, the jury heard. When she was reunited with them she burst into tears and told them 'I was raped,' the court was told. Muhammad is accused of dragging the vulnerable girl out of Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth and taking her to his nearby flat to rape her on December 5 2021. Muhammad, now aged 21, is said to have kept the first year student there for over two hours before letting her leave. The court heard today that her friends, who had been at the nightclub with her, began to worry when they could not find her in the venue or at her halls of residence. Initially their calls to her went unanswered as she had run out of battery. They were able to get through when she charged her phone in Muhammad's flat. The court heard that he allegedly told her not to answer but she ignored him. Giving evidence, one of her friends, who is not being named to protect the complainant's identity, said: 'We thought something bad had happened to her. 'When she got her phone turned back on, my friend asked her to put her location on Snapchat so we could walk towards her.' Muhammad is alleged to have told her to tell her friends she was with her boyfriend and she started crying down the phone. Growing increasingly alarmed, the friends sent her a message at 5.38am which read: 'Turn location on right now on Snap, we're coming to get you.' Shortly afterwards they saw their friend walk towards them. The witness said: 'We saw her as she was walking down the hill towards and we were coming up it. 'She was very hysterical. She was crying. We ran over to give her a hug. Jurors were told the pair had met at the Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth on the night of the incident on December 5 2021 'I asked if she had been raped and she said yes. 'She said he dragged her out of the club and forced her to do things she didn't want to do. 'I got upset too hearing this. We saw a police car and went over so she could report what had happened.' Muhammad denies two counts of rape. The trial continues. Lord Mandelsons own firm rushed through his sacking just minutes after he was fired as Britains ambassador to Washington, documents reveal. Wealthy clients of his corporate strategy firm Global Counsel had expressed concern about being tarnished by association. Within one hour and nine minutes of Keir Starmer announcing his sacking at 10.30am on September 11, the directors of Global Counsel hurried through a deal to get rid of Mandelson, who founded the firm in 2010 to make his fortune. The disgraced Labour peers downfall came after a torrent of sickening emails showing how he helped his 'best pal' child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein as the FBI closed in. Now company documents reveal that Mandelsons own money-spinning firm had been worried about the threat of negative media coverage from their founder. Noting the strong commercial benefits to dealing with the situation, the companys directors signed off a four-page deal within an hour and a half of Mandelson being dumped as ambassador to the US. Peter Mandelson leaving Downing Street in 2010, the year he set up Global Counsel to make his fortune after Labour lost the general election and David Cameron became Prime Minister The creepy holiday snap that triggered his downfall: Lord Mandelson in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with 'best pal' Epstein Filings at Companies House by Global Counsel revealing how directors discussed the Mandelson 'situation'...before 'sacking' him 1hr 9mins after Starmer fired him as ambassador The bitter pill was sweetened by Lord Mandelson being likely to walk away with a cash bonanza from his stake in the influential advisory firm, estimated to be worth some 6million. Mandelson started Global Counsel in 2010 to make his fortune after Labour lost the general election and David Cameron became Prime Minister. It is a strategy and communications firm founded by him with his long-term associate Benjamin Wegg-Prosser. Among Global Counsel's many clients are Chinese-owned TikTok and US tech firm Palantir. It has six offices across the world, according to its website. Documents publicly available from Companies House show that, on the morning of Mandelsons sacking, directors noted that: A number of clients have already expressed concernas they may be tarnished by association. They went on: The company should be mindful of its clients' concerns. There is no imminent threat of clients leaving but the longer Peter retains any apparent economic interest in GC, the more challenging it will become. The Company certainly does not want to cause concern to its clients. It was also not optimal use of management time dealing with clients asking questions about Mandelson, they said. Lord Mandelson still has a 21 per cent stake worth around 6million ($8.1 million), but on the morning of September 11 his shares were converted by the directors into non-voting shares, stripping him of the ability to take any decisions in relation to the company. Global Counsel did not comment. 10.30am: Minister Stephen Doughty announcing Mandelson's sacking as ambassador to the United States 11.39am: Directors start signing document to 'sack' Mandelson from the firm he founded Happier times: Sir Keir Starmer with his ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson before he sacked him Lord Mandelson at a boutique in the Caribbean in 2005. Epstein apparently offered to pay for Mandelson's flights after the EU Commissioner complained he lacked enough BA airmiles Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell said Epstein was 'my best pal!' The Prime Minister finally acted to remove the disgraced peer as ambassador to the United States amid a growing Labour revolt over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was fired after refusing to resign, Whitehall insiders said, forcing Sir Keir to issue a summary sacking. At 10am on Thursday, the PM met with Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, and Jonathan Reynolds, the Chief Whip, in Downing Street. Mr Reynolds disclosed that he had received messages from nearly 50 Labour MPs calling for Mandelson to be sacked. Mandelson refused to resign, not wanting the ignominy of doing so for a third time in his long career over what he saw as a media campaign against him. There was no phone call or farewell between the two men, just the formal diplomatic process of withdrawing his status as ambassador with immediate effect. Such was the level of his resistance that plans were drawn up in Whitehall for a formal legal justification for his removal in the event that he failed to go quietly, it was reported. With that, a political career that has spanned four decades and three Labour prime ministers was over. Allies of the ousted ambassador claimed Mandelson had admitted in his vetting interview that he continued his relationship with Epstein for many years, yet was appointed anyway. Mandelson pictured in 2010, the year he set up Global Counsel, with his shares in the firm now worth an estimated 6million After losing the general election in 2010, Peter Mandelson left public office to set up as a private consultant - pictured here with a fresh-faced George Osborne who became Chancellor Sir Keir's decision to stand by Lord Mandelson triggered a Labour mutiny, with even ministers refusing to defend the appointment. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he was 'completely disgusted'. It meant Mr Trump, who had forged a good relationship with Lord Mandelson, did not learn of his removal until after it happened. A brave Texas mother planted herself in front of her car as a thief attempted to steal the vehicle with her five-year-old daughter in the backseat. Lisa Hummer had been dropping off her twins at a San Antonio daycare with her five-year-old daughter, Nova, when an unidentified carjacker hopped in the front seat of her SUV and attempted to take off. Hummer had left her daughter in the backseat her while taking Nova's one-year-old siblings into the daycare. She told KSAT it was routine for her to leave Nova in the car while dropping off the twins, but she normally locks her doors. 'It's hard with twins who can't walk yet to take them both out at the same time,' she told the outlet. Hummer said she was immediately panicked upon seeing the thief in her car and raced to stand in front of the vehicle. 'I just ran over there, no hesitation. I just wanted to stand in front of it,' she told the outlet. 'I was screaming at him: "My kid is in the car!" probably 10 times.' Lisa Hummer was dropping off her twins and five-year-old daughter, Nova, at a San Antonio daycare when an unidentified thief hopped in the front seat of her SUV and attempted to take off Her daughter (pictured) was still in the backseat, where the mother-of-two had left her while bringing in Nova's siblings into the daycare The mother-of-three said she was 'preparing' to be run over, 'but I didn't care.' 'I was going to do whatever it took to keep him from taking her,' she said. Surveillance footage showed the car backing out of the parking lot, but eventually stopping. After hearing Hummer's cries, the thief looked at her and then to the backseat before exiting the vehicle and running away. 'Thank you for getting out,' she told KSAT when asked whether she had a message for the suspect. 'I hope they catch you and that you won't do this again.' The San Antonio Police Department is investigating the incident. The Daily Mail has reached out to Hummer and the police for comment. Americans flying to Europe will need to be fingerprinted under new EU regulations being brought in next month. From October 12, US citizens will have to go through the EU's Entry and Exit System to enter 29 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Under the new system, passport control agents will take fingerprints, a facial image and passport details. It will be introduced gradually over six months, according to advice from the US Department of State website, which also includes the full list of countries impacted. The new digital border program is likely to prompt longer wait times at security on entry to the EU countries as travelers have to register upon their first entry to the impacted zone, known as the Schengen Area. American passengers will pass through e-gates and a computerized system which will automatically check passports on entry to the 29 countries within this zone. However, once a traveler is within the borders of the Schengen Area, they are free to travel between the 29 countries with minimal security checks. The zone includes 25 EU member states, and four non-EU member states - Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Americans flying to Europe will need to be fingerprinted under new EU regulations being brought in next month. From October 12, US citizens will have to go through the EU's new Entry and Exit System to enter 29 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain Under the new system, passport control agents will take fingerprints, a facial image and passport details, while storing each passenger's entry and exit dates Under the new rules, passports of American travelers will no longer be physically stamped, and the entry will be recorded digitally instead. The system has been put in place to ensure that the EU can track foreign visitors and ensure they don't outstay their trip time. American tourists are subject to a '90-day' rule which means they can only stay for 90 days within any 180-day period. 'This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance,' the EU said in a statement. 'You can do this by using the dedicated equipment ['self-service system'], if available at your border crossing point; and/or a mobile application if made available by the country of arrival or departure. 'In any of the instances above, you will meet a passport control officer.' American passengers will pass through e-gates and a computerized system which will automatically check passports on entry to the impacted countries American travelers will only be asked to submit their biodata once, as it will be stored in the system for any future travel to the EU countries. Those who travel to the Schengen Area for a second time after October 12 should be able to enter more quickly. 'The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time,' the EU said. 'In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again. 'If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system [if available at that border crossing point].' Two sisters accused of trashing a Charlie Kirk memorial in Arkansas said they have been harassed and fired from their jobs as they asked for cash for their legal defense. Kerri, 23, and Kaylee Rollo, 22, were arrested last week in Bentonville, near the border with Missouri, and charged with vandalizing a makeshift Kirk shrine. Video of the incident taken by a witness appears to show Kerri ripping signs and kicking candles placed on the memorial whilst saying Kirk 'lived as he died - promoting violence.' 'Record all you want,' Kerri, who uses they pronouns, added and put up two middle fingers to the camera. Police said CCTV also showed Kaylee taking part in the alleged vandalism outside the Benton County Courthouse. The sisters have now started a GoFundMe with a goal of $18,000, which they titled: 'FIGHT AGAINST F4CISM HELP PAY FOR OUR LEGAL FEES.' 'After the recent events Charlie Kirk's death, my sibling and I are being doxxed online and my sibling was fired from their job,' Kaylee wrote. 'This is direct violation of their first amendment rights and unconstitutional. This is unfortunate, but anything helps. Kerri, 23, and Kaylee Rollo, 22, were arrested last week in Bentonville, Arkansas The sisters have now started a GoFundMe, which they titled: 'FIGHT AGAINST F4CISM HELP PAY FOR OUR LEGAL FEES' Kirk, who was 31 when he was killed at Utah Valley University, is survived by his wife Erika, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months, seen here 'Please help my sibling while they look for another job and stand against the tyranny that is creeping into the country.' In an update, Kaylee wrote: 'WE HAVE BEEN THREATENED, DOXXED, HARASSED, AND FIRED.' Kerri worked at a restaurant called Bella's Table, which distanced itself from the employee after the arrest following complaints by locals. The restaurant said in a statement: 'We understand your outrage over this incident. 'The individual who defaced the Charlie Kirk's memorial does not represent or define our company, nor the hard-working team that serves our community every day. This person's actions are not a reflection of our standards, values, or culture. 'Please know that we are addressing this matter internally with the seriousness it deserves. We ask that the dedication and professionalism of our broader staff not be overshadowed by the poor choices of one individual. Our commitment remains to honor our values and provide a respectful and positive experience for all.' Meanwhile a woman named Lacy Christian claimed online that she kicked Kaylee out of her home following the arrests. Kaylee had been dating Christian's son but the two broke up after the incident, according to Christian. 'Kaylee has lived in my home now for over a year and I have never once cut her down or not allowed her to have the beliefs that she has... However, I will not allow someone living in my home to be OK or celebrate a murder... and I will never allow someone to live in my home who is OK with destroying a memorial for someone else.' The sisters, Kerri (left) and Kaylee Rollo, were charged with criminal mischief in the first degree, a misdemeanor, and were released from jail on bond on Friday Kerri, who goes by they/them pronouns, worked at a restaurant called Bella's Table, which distanced itself from the former-employee after the arrest following complaints by locals A woman named Lacy Christian claimed online that she kicked Kaylee, pictured, out of her home following the arrests Donors of to the sisters' GoFundMe, who have already given over $14,000, appeared to be both leftists trying to support them and conservatives paying a small amount to leave comments shaming them. A donor going by the name 'Antifa Supersoldier' wrote: 'You did a good thing.' Another supporter by the name Nicole W wrote: 'love all the people donating money just to say you "deserve it". Take those losers all the way to the bank girls!!! Keep fighting the good fight.' An anonymous donor, on the other side, wrote: 'You got what you deserved.' They added: 'Freedom of speech is what you are fighting for but destroy something based on someone else's.' The sisters were charged with criminal mischief in the first degree, a misdemeanor, and released from jail on bond on Friday. Kerri's bond was set at $15,000 and the individual requested a public defender. Kaylee's bond was set at $7,500 and she reported that she retained her own attorney. Donors of to the sisters' GoFundMe, who have already donated over $14,000, appeared to be both leftists trying to support them and conservatives paying to leave them a comment shaming them 'Sheriff [Shawn] Holloway takes acts of vandalism, particularly those directed toward community memorials, very seriously,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Rollo sisters for comment. The sisters are next due in court on October 22. Human remains found in a field after a self-confessed murderer's legal team gave information to police have been confirmed as the missing victim. Julie Buckley, 55, was last seen alive in January in CCTV footage taken at a convenience store near her Cambridgeshire home. Near neighbour Karl Hutchings, 48, last week admitted murdering her - despite her body never having been located. Detectives subsequently received new information from lawyers representing the killer - pictured exclusively by the Mail wearing a sinister Hannibal Lecter-style mask on the day he changed his plea - about a potential burial site. A team began the grim task of digging up a field in the village of Wimblington and announced on Friday they had discovered a body. Cambridgeshire Police said today: 'Remains discovered in a field in Wimblington last week have been confirmed as 55-year-old Julie Buckley following a post-mortem examination.' Detective Chief Inspector Richard Stott added: 'Julie's family have been made aware of the post-mortem results, which were inconclusive on the cause of death, and are being supported by specially trained officers. 'Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.' Karl Hutchings, 48 - pictured glaring from behind a Hannibal Lecter-style mask - admitted murdering Julie Buckley, 55. His legal team handed information to police that led to victim Julie Buckley's body being found A police investigation was launched in February this year amid fears for Ms Buckley's wellbeing. Officers found blood splattered around her bungalow home in Christchurch, near Wisbech, on February 13, and later forensically linked it to her. Investigations also revealed that she had last been seen alive on January 28 when she was captured on CCTV buying groceries at a Budgens supermarket in the nearby village of March. Hutchings was arrested on February 13 and Cambridgeshire Police announced they were treating her disappearance as murder, saying there was evidence she had come to 'serious harm'. Detectives believe he killed her on January 30 before using her bank cards and selling some of her possessions. Hutchings was charged on February 16 with murdering Ms Buckley between January 20 and January 31. DCI Stott appeared on BBCs Crimewatch Live programme on March 12 to appeal for further information about her disappearance as officers continued to search for her body. He said at the time: 'We strongly believe Julie may have come to harm and were carrying out thorough searches of the area.' Police searching a field in the Cambridgeshire village of Wimblington following a tip-off from Hutching's legal team announced today that the human remains they found were Ms Buckley's Ms Buckley had been missing since the end of January. Her family have been made aware of the results of the post-mortem examination of the remans Hutchings is believed to have used Ms Buckley's bank cards and sold her possessions after murdering her Police dive teams had been searching the water around the Bedlam Bridge and Boots Bridge areas over the Sixteen Foot Bank drainage channel near Christchurch, he added. A fisherman had also discovered what was believed to be human hair in the water, although it is understood that DNA tests suggested it had not come from Ms Buckley. Detectives also made repeated appeals for people to come forward if they had any information or dashcam footage from the March and Christchurch areas on January 29 and January 30. Hutchings pleaded not guilty when he appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on March 19 but is now due to be sentenced on October 24 following his change of plea on September 16. His Facebook page shows him in the macabre pose in March 2019, wearing a face mask like the one worn by cannibalistic serial killer Dr Hannibal Lecter, played by Sir Anthony Hopkins in the 1991 horror film The Silence of the Lambs. Friends reacted to the picture at the time with one saying: 'U do make laugh lol xx.' Another wrote: 'Ha ha, is this your world book day costume.' Speaking after the guilty plea, DCI Stott said: 'It quickly became apparent that something serious had happened to Julie, given the abrupt and complete halt in her communications from 28 January. Hutchings, seen in a custody photo released by Cambridgeshire Police after he admitted the horrific offence Ms Buckley was last seen alive at a Budgens store, where she bought items including what appeared to be kitchen roll She was seen striding away with a small shopping bag. Detectives believe she was killed on January 30 'I am pleased Hutchings has finally decided to take responsibility for what he has done and, while it wont help the pain Julies family are feeling, it will make the process easier for them. 'I hope he will now tell us where he has left her body, so she can be laid to rest with dignity.' A 49-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, both from Christchurch, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain under investigation and are on bail. Dr. Mehmet Oz has softened Donald Trump's warning about Tylenol, telling pregnant women that they can take it. The president's controversial announcement linking the drug, known as acetaminophen, to rising childhood autism rates has prompted members of his own health team to walk back his emphatic recommendations soon afterward. Dr. Oz told TMZ on Tuesday that pregnant women with high temperatures should take the fever-reducing drug. It comes a day after Trump instructed those expecting to 'tough it out' and avoid taking it when they're sick. On Tuesday, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Oz told this same demographic: 'Take [Tylenol] when it's appropriate.' 'If you have a high fever.the doctor's almost certainly going to prescribe you something, Tylenol might be one of the things they give,' the celebrity doctor told TMZ Live hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere. He insisted 'that's not the problem,' and clarified that low-grade fevers or minor aches and pains are not a good reason for pregnant women to turn to Tylenol. Still, Oz admitted that it 'might be true' taking acetaminophen for these reasons during pregnancy is actually safe but that the science is not conclusive. Dr. Mehmet Oz contradicted Donald Trump's instance that pregnant women should almost never take acetaminophen, saying: 'Take [Tylenol] when it's appropriate' Tylenol is the most popular brand of acetaminophen and is a common pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women 'We don't know,' he added. 'Acetaminophen's probably your best option, but take it when you really need it.' This goes directly against Trump's comments at Monday's announcement from the White House where he said pregnant women should almost never take Tylenol. 'With Tylenol, don't take it. Don't take it!' he shouted. HHS and CMS did not respond to the Daily Mail when reached for comment about Dr. Oz's comments. But the White House said that his comments were not out of line with Trump's pronouncement. Dr. Oz was at the press conference with the president along with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also appeared more hesitant than Trump to outright tell pregnant women not to take the pain relieving drug. When Trump turned over the microphone to Kennedy, he said: 'I hope I didn't ruin his day but that's the way I feel. I've been very strong on this subject for a long time.' 'This group has worked so hard on it, but I'd like to be a little bit more a little speedier in the process of a recommendation, because there's no harm going quickly,' the president insisted, suggesting that Kennedy and others were more hesitant to make the recommendation. RFK Jr., who has made it his mission to get to the bottom of surging autism rates in the US, was less vocal about advising women against taking Tylenol when pregnant. He did not definitively tell pregnant women not to take Tylenol. 'The FDA is responding to clinical and laboratory studies that suggest a potential association between acetaminophen during pregnancy and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including later diagnosis for ADHD and autism,' RFK Jr. said. 'Scientists have proposed biological mechanisms linking prenatal acetaminophen exposure to altered brain development,' the HHS secretary continued. 'We have also evaluated the contrary studies that show no association.' 'Today the FDA will issue a physician's notice about the risk of acetaminophen during pregnancy and begin the process to initiate a safety label change,' he announced. Trump claimed during a press conference on Monday that acetaminophen use is linked to rising cases of autism in the US A resurfaced tweet from Tylenol's official X account shows the company saying in March 2017 that it did not recommend pregnant women use any of their products, further muddying the waters of the controversial announcement At the press conference on Monday, Trump claimed that Cubans and Amish people have low to no instances of autism because he claimed, without providing proof, that they do not take or are unable to obtain Tylenol. Cuba's Ministry of Public Health estimates about 1 in 2,500 Cuban children suffer from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Experts have argued that there is not enough concrete data among the Amish community in the US to correctly predict its prevalence, but a study by the childhood behavioral, social, and communication challenges therapy group Double Care ABA estimates about 1 in 271 Amish kids have autism. The study says that Amish children often go undiagnosed because they are homeschooled and do not receive the same medical attention as other communities. Acetaminophen has been the most common pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women for decades. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, claims it's the only safe pain reliever for pregnant women. But a resurfaced tweet from Tylenol's official X account shows that the company said years ago that it did not recommend that pregnant women use any of their products, further muddying the waters of the controversial announcement that has left many women confused. 'We actually don't recommend using any of our products while pregnant. Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns today,' reads a post from Tylenol sent in March 2017 in response to a now-deleted comment from another user. A gunman opened fire outside of an Air Force base in Nevada linked to Area 51, according to police. The unknown suspect 'fired rounds' at the main gate of the site and was 'behaving erratically' around 12.30am Wednesday in Las Vegas, a Nellis AFB spokesperson told the Daily Mail. Security officers then 'challenged the suspect who pointed his firearm at them,' the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said. The alleged gunman was shot in the leg and taken to a hospital for non-life threatening injuries after a tourniquet was applied. Following the incident, Nellis Air Force Base took to Facebook saying its main gate will be temporarily closed 'until further notice'. In the meantime, another entrance has been opened to 'alleviate traffic flow'. The base will announce when the main gate is reopened. There is no threat to the public and the investigation is ongoing, officials said. Area 51 is a highly classified Air Force facility located within the Nevada Test and Training Range, which falls under the broader jurisdiction of Nellis Air Force Base. While both sites are used for testing classified aircraft and weapons, Area 51 is a remote, secretive part of the military complex, far from the main base gates in Las Vegas. An unidentified gunman opened fire at the Nevada Air Force base around 12.30am Wednesday The alleged shooter 'fired rounds' at the main gate of the base before security hit him in leg There is no threat to the public and the investigation is ongoing, officials said The Daily Mail contacted Nellis Air Force Base and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police for comment. The base hosts a series of air combat exercises, including Red Flag, close air support and Green Flag-West, among others. It opened up in April 1950 and was dedicated to the family of William Harrel Nellis, a United States fighter pilot who died in the line of duty. He flew 70 Second World War combat missions. The base was initially named the Las Vegas Air Force Base prior to his death. A sniper who killed a migrant and wounded two others in a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has been identified as Joshua Jahn, 29, the Daily Mail can reveal. The attack unfolded at the facility in the Texas city shortly after 7am CT Wednesday morning, when the gunman targeted migrants on an unmarked transport van before killing himself. Multiple law enforcement sources named Jahn as the gunman who opened fire from the rooftop of a building adjacent to the ICE detention center. The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting. Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that bullets found by the shooter's body were engraved with 'anti-ICE messages', and FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image of the bullets reading: 'Anti-ICE.' The gunman opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside the transport van. He is believed to have been found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office, WFAA reported. Patel said in an X post: 'While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack. 'These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off.' A sniper who killed two migrants and wounded several others in a shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has been identified The bloodbath unfolded at the facility in the Texas city shortly after 7am CT, and a huge police presence descended on the scene FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image of the bullets used in the shooting, reading: 'Anti-ICE' Witness Arianny Sierra told NBC that she was in her car waiting for her husband to return from an ICE appointment in the facility when she heard shots ring out. 'The shots began at around 6:10 a.m. There were like 20 shots in a row,' she said. Although the sniper appeared to target migrants in ICE custody, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on X that the shooting represented an attack on ICE and law enforcement. 'We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals,' Paxton wrote. Vice President JD Vance added: 'The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families.' At the press conference on Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz made an impassioned plea for the end of politically motivated violence that has swept the nation in recent times. 'We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes,' Cruz said. 'Stop it, please.' Cruz also cited the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, telling reporters: 'It was two weeks ago today that we saw a political assassination in Utah that tore the heart out of much of this country.' At the press conference on Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz made an impassioned plea for the end of politically motivated violence that has swept the nation in recent times Cruz continued: 'This is the third shooting in Texas directed at ICE or CBP. This must stop. 'To every politician who is using rhetoric, demonizing ICE, and demonizing CBP. Stop. To every politician demanding that ICE agents be doxed and calling for people to go after their families. Stop. This has very real consequences. 'Look, in America, we disagree. That's fine. That's the democratic process. But your political opponents are not Nazis. We need to learn to work together without demonizing each other, without attacking each other.' ICE Director Todd Lyons said he was putting ICE facilities on a higher alert status in response to the shooting. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement that his state 'fully supports ICE', and vowed to step up deportations as a result of the shooting. 'This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassins motive,' Abbott wrote. The sniper, who police sources described as a white man, shot himself dead as law enforcement agents closed in on him Last month, a man identified as Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, was arrested after making a bomb threat against the immigration processing center The ICE facility has been frequently targeted by pro-immigration demonstrators in recent months. Last month, a man identified as Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, was arrested after making a bomb threat against the immigration processing center. Wilkinson allegedly arrived at the entrance on August 25 and claimed to have a bomb in his backpack, and showed a 'detonator' on his wrist. He is now facing charges of making terroristic threats. In a nearby ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, another attack took place on July 4 where 10 people were arrested for shooting at law enforcement officers. Armed assailants with tactical gear were charged with terrorism and aggravated assault for the attack, which officials said at the time was intended to disrupt the ICE facility's operations. This is a developing story and will be updated as information is confirmed. A senior police officer in charge on the day of the Southport attack today said he feared Axel Rudakubana was not acting alone because he couldn't believe one person could inflict so many injuries. Chief Inspector Andrew Hughes was one of two force incident managers in the Merseyside Police control room when 999 calls reporting a 'boy with a knife' started to come in, just after 11.45am on July 29 last year. Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered and 10 others injured by 17-year-old Rudakubana when he went on the rampage at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class they were attending, in the seaside town. Mr Hughes told the public inquiry, investigating Rudakubana's crimes, that armed response vehicles were immediately deployed but, while they were en-route to the scene, he instructed unarmed officers to also go and help if it was safe to do so. Two officers - Sergeant Gregory Gillespie and Police Constable Luke Holden, who was armed with a Taser - bravely entered the building and quickly managed to detain Rudakubana. But Mr Hughes said that, as many more reports of casualties came in, his initial fear was that Rudakubana was not acting as a lone wolf and other perpetrators might be at the scene who could pose a risk to his officers. 'The amount of casualties... I found it difficult to understand how one person could inflict that many injuries to that many people, so a consideration for me was that there might be more offenders that we hadn't yet encountered,' he said. The inquiry heard that Rudakubana refused to give his name to police at the scene, so was not identified until taxi driver Gary Poland, 52, who had dropped him off at the Hart Space, where the class was being held, called them 50 minutes later. Axel Rudakubana, 18, was jailed for 52 years for the murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at Liverpool Crown Court in January Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were all murdered in the atrocity on July 29, 2024 Gary Poland, the taxi driver who took Rudakubana to the dance class, has apologised for failing to call police for almost an hour He told them that he had picked up the teenager from an address, in the nearby village of Banks, which immediately flagged Rudakubana as a resident and that there was a warning marker for carrying knives against his name. The log also noted: 'He has been logging onto school websites which involve school mass shootings and he talks about guns and beheadings.' Rudakubana had been referred three times to Prevent, the Government's counter-terror strategy, by a special school he attended for looking at images of violence on computers in lessons. Mr Hughes said this information prompted him to deploy more armed officers to search Rudakubana's home in Old School Close. 'There were a number of scenarios I was considering,' the officer said. 'There could be other offenders... this is part of some sort of planned operation to lure police in. There could be a threat to officers when they arrive. 'He could have injured family members, there could be injured people at that location (too).' The inquiry heard that, after the initial 999 call, at 11.46am, police and paramedics were initially directed to a rendezvous point a mile and a half away from the scene for their own safety. But Mr Hughes overruled that decision after five minutes because he felt police had an 'immediate duty to protect life.' Chairman Sir Adrian Fulford is overseeing the inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall By then a second 999 call had come in stating that an eight-year-old girl had been stabbed who was awake and breathing, but another child had been injured who was not. Mr Hughes accepted that 'perhaps' he could have declared a major incident earlier than 12.14pm, but he said he had been waiting for the number of casualties to be confirmed. He claimed declaring a major incident earlier would not have made a difference to the number of emergency resources available or the speed that they got there. John Goss, counsel for the inquiry, said there had been 'learning' from the Manchester Arena suicide bombing in May 2017 where ambulance crews were held back from the scene and fire fighters did not arrive for more than two hours. The barrister said in some situations it may be appropriate even, for example, where a perpetrator has a knife to deploy unarmed officers 'forward with caution.' Mr Hughes also said although the Southport attack was a 'very chaotic' incident he felt his training had prepared him well and he did not feel overwhelmed. 'It was a very chaotic, horrific incident which gets landed on you with no warning whatsoever but I felt able to discharge my duties effectively,' he said. Cab driver Mr Poland has apologised for failing to stop and help the injured girls and is due to give evidence in person tomorrow. The inquiry, at Liverpool Town Hall, continues. Hundreds of government employees who were purged by Elon Musk's DOGE are being begged to return to work, according to a new report. The General Services Administration, the federal entity that oversees the government's real estate and workspaces, sent out a memo asking employees to return to work. GSA's Public Buildings Service employees acquire and lease government workspaces and federal facilities across the country. Around 400 GSA Public Building Services employees who received reduction-in-force (RIF) notifications, or termination letters, have been asked to return. Former GSA staffers received notice that they have until the end of the week to accept or decline reinstatement to their previous posts, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press. Individuals who accept the offer, which was sent out last Friday, must start work on October 6. Those being asked to return to work after receiving a RIF notification will, in many cases, have received pay for months without having to work due to court cases and internal reviews delaying their termination. 'Ultimately, the outcome was the agency was left broken and understaffed,' Chad Becker, a former GSA real estate official, told the AP. Elon Musk flashes his T-shirt that reads 'DOGE' to the media as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, March 9, 2025 Hundreds of GSA workers who lost their jobs after receiving RIF notifications are now being asked to rejoin the agency 'They didn't have the people they needed to carry out basic functions,' he added. Becker shared that GSA has been in 'triage mode' while grappling with the number of people who left. The former GSA official noted how Musk's program went too far, too quickly. But a GSA spokesperson told the Daily Mail that most of those who left did so of their own accord. 'When we talk about the size and scope of this, it's important to understand that the majority of our separations have been voluntary - the employee's choice,' the spokesperson said in a statement. 'GSA's leadership team has comprehensively considered workforce actions and is making adjustments in the best interest of the customer agencies we serve and the American taxpayers.' Since March, thousands of GSA employees have left the agency after taking the deferred resignation offers or other programs that encouraged early retirement or buyouts. GSA had roughly 12,000 employees at the beginning of the year. Protests broke out across the country in response to DOGE's work to reduce the federal workforce After a leadership change at the agency and a subsequent review of staff, the decision was made to offer former employees their jobs back, a GSA employee told the Daily Mail. The decision to return to the GSA is voluntary, the memo sent to ex-staffers stated. It is just the latest government agency that has brought former employees back into the fold. The Internal Revenue Service, the Labor Department and the National Park Service have all reinstated former employees who opted for the deferred resignation or were cut by DOGE. An Egyptian asylum seeker who raped a woman in Hyde Park may be given more jail time after the Daily Mail revealed he was a convicted terrorist. Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, 42, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years last week after luring his victim to a secluded spot to carry out his depraved attack on November 4. Abouelela arrived in the UK illegally in April 2023, claiming asylum by saying he was held as a political prisoner and tortured in his native country. He was arrested in Egypt in 2015 after being accused of making bombs for the Muslim Brotherhood, a banned terrorist organisation in the country. Egyptian media had stated that he and six others were planning on bombing electricity towers and gas pipelines in the Tenth of Ramadan and Bilbeis cities. He was convicted in his absence after his escape from Egypt and given a seven-year jail sentence in May 2015, according to reports. The married father-of-one had been living in the four-star taxpayer-funded Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Ealing, west London, at the time of the Hyde Park assault. Judge Gregory Perrins jailed Abouelela for eight and a half years last week after the Egyptian's barrister said he was of previous good character. Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, 42, (pictured) an Egyptian asylum seeker who raped a woman in Hyde Park, may be given more jail time after a judge was told he was of good character when he was actually a convicted terrorist The Islamic terrorist was staying at the four star Hampton by Hilton hotel in west London at the British taxpayers' expense The judge told Southwark Crown Court today that he would now consider increasing the sentence after seeing media reports on Abouelela's terrorist conviction. He said: 'I have asked this case to be listed this morning because as you will both be aware, I sentenced this defendant last week for an offence of rape and I sentenced him to eight-and-a-half years in prison. 'His mitigation was put forward on the basis that the defendant was of good character and should therefore receive credit for that on the basis of that assertion. 'I gave the defendant appropriate discount from the sentence than would otherwise been passed to take account of that good character. 'As you will no doubt be aware it was then widely reported in the national press at the weekend that far from being a man of previous good character he has in fact served a seven-year prison sentence for an offence of bomb making in Egypt. 'That was not something I was told by the prosecution and not something the defendant said in interview with probation or the psychiatrist, so it seems the court was misled on the defendant's character. 'It seems important to me to correct that. I don't intend to do so simply on the basis of something in the national press but it seems to me if certain newspapers are able to find these details it's something the prosecution should be able to look into.' Prosecutor Martin Hooper said the police and Crown Prosecution Service are urgently making enquiries with Egyptian authorities. Defence barrister Kane Sharp said Abouelela had not told him about his convictions. He said: 'I first heard of this when it was reported in the papers and people were contacting me to ask my views and I had no idea what they were talking about. 'In terms of the court being misled I had absolutely no notion of any convictions. I understand at trial Mr Abouelela gave some evidence about being a political prisoner in Egypt.' He was arrested in Egypt in 2015 after being accused of making bombs for the Muslim Brotherhood, a banned terrorist organisation in the country The judge said he had reduced the sentence by six months from nine years to take account of good character. He said he would also need to reconsider passing an extended sentence as he had judged Abouelela not to meet the test of being a dangerous offender last week. The judge said the prosecution should find the information before a hearing to resentence Abouelela on October 24. Abouelela appeared in court today via video-link from HMP Wandsworth wearing a grey jumper. He repeatedly asked to speak during the hearing, saying he wanted to 'explain something' but the judge said he could not. He put his head in his hands and said 'I don't understand' as the judge left court. Abouelela denied but was convicted by a jury of rape after a trial at Southwark Crown Court in May. Judge Perrins told Abouelela last week he thought nothing of his victim who was under the influence of alcohol. 'You made the decision to take advantage of her vulnerability,' he said. 'You simply did not care that she could not consent. 'You were driven purely by your own sexual desires.' Abouelela faces deportation because his sentence exceeded 12 months. A man is to go on trial accused of conning six women he met on a dating site out of nearly 600,000 as part of an elaborate romance fraud. Marc Cole-Jones, 52, is accused of scamming the women, from different parts of the UK, and using their money to fund a lavish lifestyle. One woman handed over 20,000 to Cole-Jones, who also goes by the names Marc Cole, Marcus Cole-Jones and Marc Sands, after he allegedly 'emotionally blackmailed' her into thinking someone had been to his house and murdered his dog. He allegedly told another woman he was 'in difficulties' with an organised crime gang, while a third agreed to buy him a 75,000 canal boat, which he allegedly then sold for a profit without her knowledge. It is claimed that some of the women, who live in Cheshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Manchester and the West Midlands, handed over their life savings, while others took out bank loans for Cole-Jones. Today he appeared at Chester Crown Court for a short hearing, where he spoke only to confirm his name and address. He did not enter pleas to any of the 22 counts of fraud through misrepresentation, totalling 595,791, that have been brought following an investigation by Cheshire Police's economic crime unit. Prosecutor Denise Fitzpatrick and defence barrister Daffyd Roberts made a joint application for the case to be adjourned to a pre-trial plea and preparations hearing on February 5 next year, when a trial date will be fixed. Marc Cole-Jones, 52, is accused of conning six different women out of a total of almost 600,000 Cole-Jones is facing trial at Chester Crown Court Cole-Jones, of Telford, Shropshire, was granted bail on condition that he provide police with details of his bank accounts and mobile phones. He was also ordered not to contact any of the six complainants in the case and must report to a police station every week. An earlier hearing at Warrington Magistrates Court was told that Cole-Jones allegedly 'exploited' the women's trust 'for financial gain.' Neve Flynn, prosecuting, said: 'It is an abuse of trust over a significant period of time. 'There are a large number of victims.' A prolific shoplifter who stole 100,000 worth of Boots products in front of helpless workers has been jailed. Liam Hutchinson, 32, committed a total of 99 shoplifting offences, often swiping large quantities of electrical items and razors. Met Police officers worked closely with staff at the shops he targeted, mostly in Chelsea and Kensington, west London, and pored over hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to build a compelling case against the thief. He was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment at Westminster Magistrates' Court and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from every Boots in the UK for 10 years. Hutchinson has also been banned from entering the borough of Chelsea and Kensington for the next five years. Footage has now emerged of the brazen shoplifter plucking goods from the shelves in broad daylight. In one clip, Hutchinson, sporting a black hoodie, places products into a bag full of stock while he is apprehended by a member of staff. He ignores the employee, barging past him, and makes for the exit with the loot. Liam Hutchinson, pictured, a prolific shoplifter who stole 100,000 worth of Boots products in front of helpless workers, has been jailed In one clip, Hutchinson, sporting a black hoodie, places products into a bag full of stock while he is apprehended by a member of staff Another video shows the thief casually loading his bag up with whatever he wants while helpless bystanders watch on, while a further piece of footage sees him reaching up to high shelves and placing items into his coat pocket. The Met said its officers were continuing to investigate persistent shoplifters through intelligence and patrols, pointing out that the force had solved 163 per cent more cases across London compared with this time last year. Sergeant Jack Vine, from the Met's Volume Crime Team in central London, who led the investigation, said: 'Hutchinson has been targeting Boots stores across Chelsea and Kensington, costing the business a total of 107,000 in lost revenue. 'We recognised the impact Hutchinson's actions were having on the retailer, and through working with staff, we built a strong case of evidence against him, which has been reflected in his sentencing. 'This result should act as a warning that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and that we will come down hard on those who show a complete disregard for the law, terrorise retail workers and cost businesses thousands of pounds.' Nicky Harrop, Head of Security, Fraud and Contract Management at Boots, said: 'We have been investing significantly in measures that will deter and disrupt criminal activity, stop theft, protect our team members, and support the police with high-quality evidence. 'Tackling the growing levels of retail crime is a collaborative effort, so we're pleased to work alongside the Metropolitan Police to ensure our stores remain a safe and respectful environment for our team members and customers.' It comes after a Romanian shoplifter who swiped 299,000 of make-up and perfumes from Boots was jailed for 32 months. Another video shows the thief casually loading his bag up with whatever he wants while helpless bystanders watch on Bianca Mirica, 20, stole goods from some of the most expensive brands at the store as a member of a female organised crime gang. In a well-oiled routine, one of the group would distract security guards at the shop while the others 'cleared the shelves' or looked out for anyone who might report their theft. Southwark Crown Court heard Mirica pinched around 120,000 worth of items but police sources previously told the Daily Mail that Boots suspected the real figure was a shade under 300,000. The gang is part of a shoplifting epidemic which cost the retail industry 2.2billion in 2023 and 2024, an all-time record that equates to more than 55,000 incidents per day. The first migrants have arrived from France under Labour's 'one in, one out' deal, the Home Office has confirmed. A family of three, including a small child, has come to Britain after successfully completing the online application process, a spokesman said. Further details about the arrivals, including their nationality, have not been disclosed by the Government. Four migrants have so far been sent back to France under the deal - one Indian national, one Eritrean, one Iranian and one Afghan. Since the treaty came into force on August 6, 6,752 small boat migrants have crossed the Channel and reached Britain. Labour claims the scheme will undermine people traffickers' tactics and 'smash the gangs' by persuading would-be migrants that crossing the Channel will be fruitless. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The UK-France deal is a historic agreement, and these are critical first steps. Migrants disembarking from a Border Force vessel at Dover on September 19, a day which saw 1,072 arrivals across the Channel in total Your browser does not support iframes. 'This is a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated. 'We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. 'And we will work with France to operate a legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK subject to security checks.' When the deal was initially floated in July there were suggestions it would see around 50 migrants a week sent back to France. But the launch of the scheme was beset with difficulties, including multiple legal challenges. Last week the policy was plunged into chaos as the High Court blocked ministers from returning an Eritrean small boat migrant back to France. The 25-year-old only arrived in Britain five weeks earlier, claimed he would be destitute if the Home Office sent him back to France, breaching his human rights. However, it was the migrants modern slavery claim which proved crucial in persuading the court to block his removal. Mr Justice Sheldon granted an interim injunction barring the Home Office from deporting the man for 14 days while his claim to have been exploited - in Libya while on his way to the UK - was reconsidered. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. A Home Office attempt to overturn that ruling was thrown out by the Court of Appeal yesterday. The ruling - the first challenge of the policy to reach court - is thought to have triggered copycat claims. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who scrapped the Tories Rwanda asylum deal as one of his first acts in office previously claimed his agreement with French president Emmanuel Macron would see migrants returned to France in short order. To come to Britain under the 'one in, one out' deal, migrants must complete an application on a custom-made web page on the Home Office's website. Ministers have refused to discuss how individuals will be selected. But it is thought it will prioritise migrants who are of nationalities which currently see high rates of asylum applications granted by the Home Office, such as Syrians, Sudanese and Eritreans. Those who show they already have relatives here may also get priority. Applicants must be able to prove their identity, show they are currently in France and set out the basics of why they believe they should be eligible, such as war or turmoil in their home country. The Home Office says applicants will be barred if they have been 'previously been removed from the United Kingdom' or pose a 'national security or public order risk'. However, the treaty which set up the deal sets out how France is prevented from supplying any personal data about applicants to Britain. It opens the prospect of crucial information such as any criminal convictions being overlooked. Migrants selected for the scheme will be flown here at the UK taxpayers expense and given a three month visa. They will then apply to regularise their stay such as by lodging a full claim for asylum. Home Office secrecy over the selection process has been blasted by a former borders watchdog. John Vine, the ex-chief inspector of borders and immigration, told the Daily Mail last week: The Home Office has said it wants to keep details quiet so the scheme cannot be exploited by traffickers. But they will need to tell us the full facts because this is an important part of our democracy. Ministers cannot keep the criteria of the scheme ... secret forever because the public needs to know if it is working or not. So far this year 32,188 migrants have reached Britain by small boat, up 28 per cent on the same point last year. But this year's tally has for the first time dipped slightly below the record levels seen in 2022, which went on to see an all-time high annual figure of more than 45,000. Communities will be given new powers to transform boarded-up shops and block bookies and vape stores from their high street. Sir Keir Starmer will launch a new Pride in Place programme that will enable local people to buy beloved assets and regenerate them. Compulsory purchase powers will enable communities to buy derelict pubs and disused department stores and turn them into new businesses or housing. Councils will also be granted powers to block unwanted shops, including bookmakers, vape stores and fake barbers. Local people will also be given the right to buy assets to create new parks or regenerate treasured spaces. Funding will be given to projects which have consulted community groups, local organisations and social clubs. The unprecedented programme will tackle deep-rooted deprivation and regional inequality, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said. More than 330 of the UKs most deprived communities are set to benefit from the record funding, details of which Sir Keir will unveil on Thursday. The Pride in Place programme will enable local people to buy beloved assets and regenerate them Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the plan is 'what real patriotism looks like' Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the Pride in Place funding is what real patriotism looks like. He said: When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline. Yes, communities have been stretched but they havent given up. Theyre working hard to make things better, and were backing them. The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster. Thats what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister is expected to attempt to reclaim the flag from far-Right protesters in a speech about patriotism. Sir Keir is set to try to reclaim the St Georges and Union flags, saying they should be a symbol of unity rather than division. The Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, and corresponding funding will be provided to Northern Ireland. Cllr Arooj Shah, of the Local Government Association, said: 'Positive extra funding and powers will help councils in these areas in revitalising high streets and shaping their communities, particularly in regulating betting and vaping shops, while also breathing new life into empty premises. 'It is essential these funds are allocated in a fair, flexible manner based on what local places need, with necessary support from government to trust them to get on with the job.' A body feared to be that of a British tourist who disappeared from his Spanish hotel at the weekend has been found in woodland near the spot where he was last seen. Police say they have yet to formally establish the identity of the man found dead near the Costa Brava resort of Lloret de Mar on Tuesday. But local reports revealed investigators suspect he may be UK holidaymaker Josh Rogers, from Walsall, whose loved ones have launched social media appeals for information on his whereabouts after he vanished from his hotel in the town. Well-placed sources confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that they were still waiting for the results of tests to officially establish who the dead man was, but admitted it was 'highly likely' it was the British tourist. A relative of Josh's posted a desperate appeal in a local English language Facebook group on Tuesday, saying: 'Can everyone please share. 'This is Josh Rogers, he's gone on holiday to Lloret de Mar in Spain and hasn't been seen or heard from in three days. 'His phone is off and all his belongings are still in his hotel room but he hasn't been back there for three days.' Appearing to indicate West Midlands Police had been informed, the relative added: 'Spanish and British police are aware Josh is missing. Let's share, share and share this and get Josh found. A body feared to be that of missing British tourist Josh Rogers who disappeared from his Spanish hotel at the weekend has been found Local reports say that investigators suspect the body may be that of UK holidaymaker Josh Rogers 'Something's not right and his family and friends are worried sick.' Another appeal by a woman describing herself as a cousin was removed shortly after news a body had been found in the same resort Josh went missing in started emerging. Josh, from Bloxwich near Walsall in the West Midlands, had been posting online about his holiday to Lloret. He published a photo of a glass of Strongbow cider while he was at JD Wetherspoons at Birmingham Airport on Friday, the day he left the UK for Spain, and said: 'Get me on that plane.' He added in a second post alongside plane and beer emoticons: 'Get me away.' Appearing to show he was looking forward to the start of his holiday, by starting to pack more than a week before he was due to leave, he said in another post nine days before he got on his plane: 'There's my toiletries packed and a couple of bits. 'Roll on next Friday. Get me on that plane.' Days later he posted an RIP tribute to boxer Ricky Hatton who was found dead at his Hyde home on September 14. The grim discovery of a body was made yesterday at around 7pm by a man walking in woods near a residential estate just outside Lloret de Mar's town centre. Police, firefighters and emergency medical responders were sent to the scene. It is not yet clear what the cause of death was but police sources said on Wednesday afternoon there were no obvious signs of violence on the body. The grim discovery was made yesterday around 7pm by a man walking in woods near a residential estate just outside Lloret de Mar's town centre Police in the UK are understood to have been made aware of the discovery, and informed Josh's loved ones, in case it is confirmed the body found is his. On Saturday, Spanish police found the body of a British man who went missing on the Costa del Sol last month. Andrew Wade, 65, was last seen on August 15 with friends saying after he left his home near Marbella they were extremely worried something bad had happened to him. Around midday on Saturday National Police officers who had been participating in a search for him said they had found a body thought to be his in an area called Paraiso near Estepona. Drones were used in the hunt to find Mr Wade, who cops said had been preparing to move back to the UK when he vanished. Another Brit, 76-year-old Clifford Wildgoose, vanished in the early hours of Saturday morning from a bar in Puerto Banus near Marbella. The retired property developer, originally from Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside, Greater Manchester but now living in Whitby in North Yorkshire, was recognised late on Sunday by an American tourist who had seen social media appeals by the missing man's family. Mr Wildgoose has now flown back to the UK after being taken to hospital in Spain. A father was left baffled after police knocked on his parents' door and told them he had died in Spain. Nathan Blake, 35, was in the bath when he received a 'surreal' phone call on August 15 from his mother to say that two officers had delivered the horrific news he was dead. Passport in hand, Mr Blake had to rush to his parents' home down the road to prove to the police he was in fact still alive. After ringing up the British consulate the next day, he was told an imposter had been masquerading as him for three years. It emerged the man had given Mr Blake's name and passport number when he was arrested in Barcelona in 2022 - presumably with fake documents. It remains unclear how the conman got Mr Blake's details, but it is believed to be linked to him visiting Barcelona on a stag do just months earlier. The Spanish Guardia reportedly said the imposter was using two different aliases for three years and when he died they found Mr Blake's identification on his person. Mr Blake's partner Holly West, 31, shared a TikTok clip explaining the 'bizarre' situation, captioned 'police turned up and said my partner was unalive', which has since gone viral with more than 998,000 views. Nathan Blake, 35, (pictured with his partner Holly West) received a 'surreal' phone call on August 15 from his mother to say that two officers had delivered the horrific news he was dead Ms West West shared a TikTok clip explaining the 'bizarre' situation, captioned 'police turned up and said my partner was unalive', which has since gone viral with more than 998,000 views In the video you can hear the mother-of-two saying: 'I've never had a night like this in my life.' Unsure how the stranger got hold of his passport details, the father-of-two is now 'concerned' what implications this will have for the future. Ms West has set up a GoFundMe page to cover the legal costs to help clear her partner's name. Mr Blake, a quantity surveyor who lives in Aylesford, Kent, said: 'My body went into a state of shock. I was shaken up a bit. It was so surreal and I didn't believe what was going on. It felt like a prank or a hoax. 'I'd just got out of the bath and my mum called me. I thought 'why is my mum calling me at 10pm at night'. She said ''I have the police here'' and I said ''what have I done''? 'They'd come round to tell them that I'd died and that Spanish police had informed them that I was dead out there but obviously I wasn't. Ironically, I had just got out of the bath and I was completely fine. It's just so weird. 'I thought, are they real police or is it an elaborate hoax? I only live up the road so I got dressed, went in the car and got down there. 'The policewoman came over and she apologised for the situation and said ''we've never had this happen before''. 'I went and sat down with my parents and they were okay. My mum just didn't believe it. My dad was a bit taken back by it.' He added: 'The police had quite quickly said I was dead and that they'd been notified by the Spanish police in the same sentence so it was quickly identified that it wasn't me. It emerged a conman had given Mr Blake's name and passport number when he was arrested in Barcelona in 2022 - presumably with fake documents 'I had messaged [my parents] in the family group chat an hour before that so in the back of their minds they thought ''he can't be dead''.' Mr Blake rang the British consulate the next day who explained the 'crazy' situation. He hopes Spanish authorities are working to remove the record of him but the family have been advised to seek a Spanish lawyer to check his name for criminal records in a few months. Mr Blake said: 'I have no idea how he got hold of my details. The story [the British consulate] told me was that he got arrested in Barcelona and gave all my details. 'He must've had something to corroborate that. He'd been tracked for a couple of years and when he died he had two aliases on him and the one they went with was mine. I don't know enough about the situation and what crimes had been committed. 'It's just crazy the fact the bloke was found in Barcelona after I'd been there. The fact he was in Barcelona all added up. It was like I was living a double life. 'I thought, did something happen when I was out there? Or did one of my mates do it as a joke? It's just bizarre. 'My only concern is if I go abroad and my passport is blocked or I go somewhere else and get arrested. I don't want that to happen. 'I'm innocent in this so it's unfair. I have to stress about all this stuff. I just want to get it resolved.' Travel agent Ms West hopes to spread awareness about her partner's 'unbelievable' predicament to help prevent the same thing from happening to anyone else. She said: 'It's just a bit bizarre and a bit unbelievable. 'I was thinking he was walking into a potentially dodgy scenario. I thought, this could be a real easy target and if someone wanted him dead right now this would be the perfect way to do it. 'I phoned Kent Police and explained my concerns because I just wanted to confirm this was genuine. They said they'd had a call about this earlier, this is a genuine call-out. 'It's outrageous. It's so comical he was in the bath of all places. He was just running around in a towel. I've just got to laugh at it because hopefully it'll get sorted. It's just mental. 'Nathan's concerned about what implications this is going to have on his life. We have been to Spain since and travelled since and nothing's flagged up that he's a criminal. He's not dead and he's not a criminal but they can't guarantee that. It's crazy.' Two eco-zealots who were filmed pouring orange liquid latex over Elon Musk's Optimus robot at Westfield's Tesla showroom have denied criminal damage. Catherine Nash, 74, and Nigel Fleming, 63, climbed onto the podium display at Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush and unfurled a Just Stop Oil banner. They said: 'Shut down the fascists! The government is failing to protect our democracy from fossil fuel companies and power hungry billionaires. 'I will not stand by and let the climate crisis cause global food destruction, mass starvation and the collapse of civil society. Shut down the fascists.' 'While the rich dream of Nazi robots and swasti-cars, what the rest of us need is warm housing, clean affordable energy and cheap public transport,' they added. 'Don't let billionaires decide your future. Let's reclaim democracy.' Nash, of Castle Green Close, Westmorland and Furness, and Fleming, of Barnet, both denied criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Jonathan Bryan, prosecuting, earlier told how the pair produced a 'container of thick, opaque orange liquid which they tipped over a display robot'. Just Stop Oil eco-zealot Catherine Nash, 74, (pictured) was arrested after targeting Elon Musk's Optimus robot at Westfield's Tesla showroom earlier this year Nash and Nigel Fleming, 63, poured orange paint over the futuristic robot and declared they were fighting fascists Both Nash and Fleming denied criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday They then took off their jackets revealing JSO T-shirts and a banner. Magistrate Jessica Marshall bailed the pair ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on October 22. Optimus robots are designed to help people with household chores and have previously been described as 'dystopian'. The hearing comes after two other Just Stop Oil activists who planned to spray orange paint on Taylor Swift's private jet were found guilty of the criminal damage of two planes last week. Jennifer Kowalski, 29, and Cole Macdonald, 23, breached the perimeter fence at Stansted Airport in Essex with an angle grinder then took turns spraying two planes with paint and filming it. They then sat together, holding hands, while waiting for police to arrive. Their trial at Chelmsford Crown Court was told they had been targeting the pop star's jet but the aircraft they vandalised belonged to an insurance firm and an investment group. Kowalski, of Dumbarton in Scotland and Macdonald, of Brighton, East Sussex, argued they had not intended to damage the two aircraft on June 20 last year but both were found guilty of criminal damage. Jurors took less than two hours of deliberation to reach their unanimous verdicts. First Lady Melania Trump's 'Sphynx-like' smile stole the show during President Donald Trump's fiery speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that the first lady 'was unfairly accused of sporting a poker face of disdain' as the president ripped the UN on many issues. Instead, there were 'exactly the kind of moments that her more impassive, Sphynx-like facial expression was designed for,' James said. 'As her husband roasted, toasted and scorched his audience like s'mores on a campfire, Melania sat elegantly in her seat with just a small eye-dart suggesting she was in any way associated or involved with the man on stage,' the body language expert said. The president used a broken escalator and a teleprompter as evidence that there were broader problems at the UN, accusing the international body of giving him no assistance in ending wars. 'All I got from the United Nations was an escalator on the way up that stopped in the middle,' Trump said. 'If the first lady wasn't in great shape, she would've fallen.' The 79-year-old then complimented his own physical fitness as well. 'She did bother herself to produce a subtle wry smile of agreement though as Trump raged against the broken escalator that could have ditched both himself and his FLOTUS had they not been so admirably fit,' James observed. First Lady Melania Trump's 'Sphynx-like' expression stole the show during President Donald Trump's fiery speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail President Donald Trump addressed the UN General Assembly Tuesday morning criticizing the UN's broken escalator and teleprompter and also European leaders' immigration policy saying: 'Your countries are going to hell' The expert told the Daily Mail that the 'true, award-winning poker face' belonged to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 'a man whose static, sober facial expression would have seen him working as an official mourner at funerals in another life.' It stood in sharp contrast to U.N. Amb. Michael Waltz, who was finally confirmed by the Senate last week. Waltz 'decided to adopt a wild rictus smile of knowing and rather arch-looking approval while the rest of the group sat in studied silence,' James said. Trump didn't only criticize the UN but he went after world leaders who didn't have stronger immigration policies, including a number of European nations. 'I'm really good at this stuff,' Trump boasted before warning: 'Your countries are going to hell.' James noticed that several audience members 'had their fingers over their lips suggesting of mocking or hiding their feelings and words.' She said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's frown 'suggested intense, concerned listening.' Later Tuesday, Trump would hold a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader that was much friendlier than the Oval Office showdown the two men had in late February, cuing fears that the U.S. would no longer be supportive of the war effort. Body language expert Judi James said the real prize for a 'poker face' should have gone to Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left), while U.N. Amb. Mike Waltz 'decided to adopt a wild rictus smile of knowing' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky frown during President Donald Trump's address to the UN 'suggested intense, concerned listening,' Judi James said. The leaders later had a meeting that went better than their Oval Office showdown in late February Meanwhile a member of the Russian delegation was caught filming President Donald Trump's fiery speech on his phone during UNGA on Tuesday. Trump later said that he thought Ukraine could retake all the territory grabbed by Russia during the Ukraine war Trump even made the surprising comments Tuesday that he believed Ukraine should be able to regain all the territory taken by Russia with backing from NATO and the European Union. But before Trump met with Zelensky, some world leaders appeared on edge. President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen 'sat back in her seat with her lashes batting fast enough to cause a down-draught,' James also noticed. 'The Chinese delegation opted for superior, studious-looking frowns and clenched fists while the Russians sat filming Trump on their phones with an air of almost sinister-looking concentration,' she said. 'The UK opted for clenched hands and white knuckles with an elegantly raised chin, and the German delegate's face was covered in creases from an intense, dour-looking frown,' James made out. An autistic schoolgirl who was killed on the M5 after jumping from a moving police car was 'failed' by authorities, her mother has claimed. Tamzin Hall, 17, who had been arrested for assault and criminal damage, was being taken into custody by two officers in a police car on November 11 last year when the tragedy occurred. An inquest hearing at Wells Town Hall later that month was told that Tamzin, a student, had been able to remove her handcuffs and climb from the rear passenger side seat to the front passenger seat of the police car. The teenager, from Wellington in Somerset, then got out of the car, crossed the road and climbed the crash barrier. The police vehicle stopped on the northbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 25 at Taunton and 24 at Bridgwater shortly after 11pm. She was hit by a vehicle driven by a member of the public travelling on the southbound carriageway and was pronounced dead at 11.10pm after sustaining fatal head, neck and chest injuries. Now her mother Amy Hall has told the BBC: 'Tamzin was desperately failed. She never got the right help, she never got listened to.' She suggested that her daughter should have been transported in a police van instead of a car, in light of her high-risk behaviour. Tamzin Hall, pictured, an autistic schoolgirl who was killed on the M5 after jumping from a moving police car, was 'failed' by authorities, her mother has claimed Now her mother Amy Hall has told the BBC: 'Tamzin was desperately failed. She never got the right help, she never got listened to' 'My question is - how did she manage to get out of the handcuffs and out of the car with two police officers?' Ms Hall added. Avon and Somerset Police said it had passed the incident on to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and would not be speculating on the findings. Ms Hall added that her daughter had been diagnosed with autism and had serious mental health issues. But she had a great sense of humour and enjoyed happier times at points in her life. Tamzin's mother said she had a passion for cooking and also loved birds. Her father died from cancer when she was just eight, according to Ms Hall, which had a big impact on her school life, with her often being sent out of the classroom. She was then taken into a care home, which is where things went downhill, Ms Hall claimed, adding that it was completely the wrong environment for her. On her day her daughter died, Ms Hall reported that Tamzin had been behaving unusually and had been consuming alcohol. She was hit by a car and killed on the M5 between Bridgwater and Taunton (pictured: police at the scene after the accident) An inquest hearing at Wells Town Hall later that month was told that Tamzin had been able to remove her handcuffs before getting out of the car 'Did they always need to call the police?' she said. 'I wasn't there but sometimes I think the way they handled talking to her would make a situation worse.' She admitted that she is still coming to terms with Tamzin's death and that she does not think she will recover from it. Coroner's officer Ben Batley told the hearing at the time: 'Her injuries were not survivable and Tamzin was declared deceased where she was found on the motorway.' The IOPC is investigating her death, including the contact two Avon and Somerset Police officers had with Tamzin before she died. It is examining their 'actions, decision-making and risk assessments of the situation and whether these followed relevant training and policies'. An annual report published in July by the IOPC on deaths following police contact revealed more information on how Tamzin got out of the car. The report, which does not name Tamzin, says: 'A female child was arrested for assault and criminal damage. 'She was placed in the rear passenger side of a marked police car and handcuffed with her hands positioned in front. An officer was seated next to her during transport. Her mother suggested that her daughter should have been transported in a police van instead of a car, in light of her high-risk behaviour 'While on her way to custody, the child managed to remove her handcuffs, climb into the front passenger seat, access the front passenger door and get out of the moving car. 'The child ran across the road and was struck by a vehicle being driven by a member of the public, on the opposite carriageway. The child died at the scene.' The IOPC also said the car had pulled over for 'safety reasons'. In a tribute a couple of weeks after Tamzin's death, her mother said: 'Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever. She was the most honest person I've ever known; she was very special to me. 'She was my shadow from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she went to sleep at night. She was such an intelligent young girl and had such interesting perceptions on things in life.' She added: 'Tamzin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, so she was unique and saw the world in such a different way. 'Tamzin was my absolute everything and I can't believe she isn't here anymore. She was my world. 'She put her all into absolutely everything. She loved helping out as a young child, if you set her a task, she would put her all into it and want it just right. Ms Hall added that her daughter had been diagnosed with autism and had serious mental health issues 'She was always so thoughtful and would put others before herself. She loved the simple things in life, talking and her family. Plus, she absolutely loved chocolate she was chocolate mad! 'Tamzin was such a wonderful daughter. She was a beautiful person. 'My life will never be the same but I'm using my strength for my other children, Tamzin's siblings. 'She was only 17 but she has taught me a lot and I can use that memory and hold on to that. I will never ever get over it, she was taken far too young.' Scotland's beleaguered police force is losing public confidence and struggling to cope with rising crime and civil unrest, bosses have warned. In a bombshell report, police chiefs say social cohesion is at risk as the service struggles to prevent offending and investigate incidents. They are lobbying for an extra 113.4million to bail the force out of a looming cash crisis to enable it to recruit more staff and tackle the surge in crime. The warnings come ahead of the draft Scottish Budget, scheduled for January, when Finance Secretary Shona Robison will announce funding for policing and other public bodies. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: This damning submission from Police Scotlands top boss must be an urgent wake-up call for the SNP Justice Secretary, Angela Constance. The Chief Constable is effectively telling ministers that when it comes to cuts to the police budget, enough is enough. 'Frontline officers are being repeatedly asked to do more with less and police stations continue to be closed at an alarming rate. The SNP cannot continue to act oblivious to the perilous position Scotlands police force is in. Police Scotland, led by Chief Constable Jo Farrell, above, has said the force is facing a range of pressures and that urgent support is required Police chiefs have warned that social cohesion is at risk as the force struggles to prevent offending and investigate incidents In the pre-Budget scrutiny report to the Scottish parliaments criminal justice committee, Police Scotland, led by Chief Constable Jo Farrell, said it faced a range of pressures. It said: Poverty, inequality, new and changing criminality, as well as recent and developing geopolitical issues, are driving vulnerability and harm, including the exploitation of children by organised crime groups and individuals, as well as civil unrest which has been demonstrated by weekly protests. There are clear indications the rapidly intensifying operational environment is placing our reduced workforce under pressure and that policing performance is straining, including the publics confidence to report crime and in policings ability to reduce harm through prevention and proactivity. These factors have informed the Chief Constables professional view that urgent support is required to strengthen frontline services. It said policing continues to respond to increasing civil unrest, including anti-immigration protests focusing on hotels, and counter-demonstrations. These events are occurring within the context of ongoing public dialogue and protest in relation to Palestine and the proscription by the UK Government of Palestine Action Group. The report said the publics confidence in policings ability to prevent crime and investigate incidents is deeply connected to social cohesion so that communities feel able to come forward to report crime. And they admitted their own workforce feels under-resourced to carry out their duties, with only 48 per cent saying they had a manageable workload. The report is highly unusual for police chiefs because of its stark admission that policing is in such a weakened position that it is struggling to perform its core duties. David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), representing rank-and-file officers, said: This is a change of tone from senior executive members and a very honest appraisal of where we are now. Writing in The Herald, Calum Steele, former SPF general secretary, said: It is a warts-and-all analysis of where policing stands and the risks that lie ahead if its decline isnt addressed. It paints a brutal picture that should make not only ministers but parliament as a whole wince. A Scots council has launched a probe into claims a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament was bullied and harassed by officials. Teenager Matthew Quinn announced he had quit as an MSYP for Inverclyde over a toxic culture at the Labour-led authority. He claimed he had been subjected to threats, harassment, sectarian comments and cyberbullying because he had disagreed publicly with the administration and said: I believe these actions, including those by unelected officials, were politically motivated. Mr Quinn said he was disappointed the Scottish Youth Parliament failed to protect him and he was left to take on and challenge this behaviour alone. Suggesting there were also problems with local politicians, his resignation statement added: Inverclyde deserves better than politicians who cling onto power at all costs. It is understood criticism of council tax hikes and senior staff salaries had angered bosses. A 600,000-a-year charity, the SYP is largely funded by the Scottish Government. It is supposed to represent the voice of Scotlands young people and to defend their rights, with elected members aged 14 to 25 representing constituencies Scotland-wide. Matthew Quinn says quit as an MSYP for Inverclyde over a toxic culture at the council The teenager said his work 'will now continue outside of the current structures' Tory MSP Meghan Gallacher said: Any allegations of bullying and harassment must be taken seriously by those responsible for members safety and wellbeing. Given the Scottish Youth Parliament receives taxpayers money there is a duty on them to be as open as possible about these claims.' In a statement posted on social media, Mr Quinn said: I resign not by choice but because of a toxic culture within Inverclyde Council that has made it impossible for me to fulfil my role. From the moment I was elected at age 17, my position was systematically undermined. I was subjected to threats, harassment, sectarian comments, and cyberbullying. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to legitimise an organisation that intimidates those who speak up and seeks to silence young people. My commitment to Inverclydes young people remains, but my work will now continue outside of the current structures. Mr Quinn has met well-known politicians during his time in the youth parliament, including Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle He also posed for a picture with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during his time in politics He added: My treatment at the hands of Inverclyde Council has been nothing short of disgraceful. I have taken the brave decision to resign. Mr Quinn, 18, from Gourock, was elected an MYSP in February 2024 in a vote of 3,500 young people across Inverclyde. A former head boy at St Columbas High School, the Glasgow University politics student said he wanted more transparency, with a young person on the councils education committee. An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: We note that this individual has resigned as an MSYP. This person has made a series of allegations which will be fully investigated in line with council policies. Until last week, this person had not asked the council to investigate any safe-guarding concerns about any individual. We have a long-standing partnership with the Scottish Youth Parliament and have a duty of care to all involved to ensure this is investigated without prejudice. An SYP spokesman said: SYP takes safeguarding seriously and has continually strengthened its guidelines and procedures in line with evolving national child protection policies. We would never comment on any individual cases or on specific Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament. The Greenock Telegraph reported Mr Quinn was the second Inverclyde MSYP to quit this week after Maya McRae, 19, said she was moving to Edinburgh to study. The Scottish Parliament declined to comment. A protester who was slashed with a knife by a Muslim man furious that he was burning the Koran has slammed the 'disgraceful' decision not to jail him, claiming it shows Britain has a 'two-tier justice system'. Activist Hamit Coskun, 51, shouted 'f*** Islam', 'Islam is religion of terrorism' and 'Koran is burning', as he held a flaming Islamic text aloft outside the Turkish consulate during a protest in Knightsbridge on February 13. Moussa Kadri, 59, then came out of a residential building and told Mr Coskun 'I'm going to kill you', before returning and slashing at him with a bread knife. He later told police he was protecting his religion. But despite the horrific attack being caught on camera, Judge Adam Hiddleston handed Kadri a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail from his home in the Midlands, Mr Coskin blasted: 'We are faced with double standards when it comes to dealing with Islamists in the UK. This decision was a morale boost for Islamists. It's a disgrace to the rule of law. 'There is a two-tier justice system in place. This situation is causing serious fractures in society.' He angrily added: 'I believe that Islamists have increased their influence over UK politics. Even the bureaucracy has been intimidated. Kadri testified in court that he was protecting his religion. His statement was considered a mitigating circumstance.' Discussing the outcome of Kadri's trial at Southwark Crown Court, Mr Coskun fumed: 'I was shocked when I heard the verdict. During the attack Kadri swung the knife at my throat. I was saved because I stepped back. Footage shows Moussa Kadri repeatedly slashing at Hamit Coskun with a large knife Hamit Coskun (pictured), 51, shouted 'f*** Islam', 'Islam is religion of terrorism' and 'Koran is burning', as he held a flaming Islamic text aloft outside the Turkish consulate during a protest in Knightsbridge on February 13 Moussa Kadri (pictured) was spared prison time at court for slashing a knife at a protester burning a Koran outside the Turkish consulate 'The incident was clearly captured on camera.' Mr Coskun claimed that if his attacker had not been Muslim then he would have been imprisoned and that the case also highlights the eroding of free speech in the UK. He said: 'Criticising Muslims has been made a crime. Freedom of expression is being eliminated. People are being arrested daily for their comments on social media. 'Islamophobia is being used as a weapon to silence and intimidate people. Furthermore, by exonerating attackers like Kadri the judiciary is instilling fear in society.' Kadri was also required to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation. Mr Coskun said: 'This erroneous and unlawful decision has been met with astonishment in international circles. There cannot be privileges in the law for Muslims. If the law is compromised in this way, then the path to social tensions will open.' Following his burning of the Koran, Mr Coskun was convicted at Westminster Magistrates Court in June of a religiously aggravated public order offence. An appeal against his conviction is due to be heard next month. Mr Coskun had argued that his criticism was of Islam in general rather than its followers, but District Judge John McGarva said he could not accept this, finding that his actions were 'highly provocative' and 'motivated at least in part by a hatred of Muslims'. His case prompted campaigners to claim that it was an attempt to bring back blasphemy laws in the UK, which has been denied by the Government. The decision to spare Kadri jail has also been criticised by free speech campaigners who have warned that extremist Muslims have been 'given the green light to take the law into their own hands'. General secretary of the Free Speech Union Toby Young, said after Kadri's sentencing: 'This sends a green light to any Muslim who wants to enforce an Islamic blasphemy by taking the law into their own hands. 'The court is effectively saying that if you attack a blasphemer with a knife, he will be convicted of causing you harassment, alarm or distress and you won't have to spend a day behind bars.' National Secular Society chief executive Stephen Evans said: 'Free expression should never be met with violence. 'Criticism or destruction of religious texts, however offensive to some, is a legitimate form of protest. 'In a free and open democratic society, people must be free to challenge ideas and beliefs without fear of attack.' Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said he has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions to ask why tougher charges were not brought against the attacker. He shared footage of the attacker slashing his knife and wrote: 'This Islamist has dodged prison despite attacking a man with a knife for burning a Quran. I challenge anyone to watch the video and tell me he shouldn't be locked up.' Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho added: 'Slashing at someone with a knife because they offended your religion by burning the Quran. No jail time. 'Posting nasty words on Twitter. Jail time.' Kadri, 59, of Kensington, west London, had pleaded guilty to assault and having a bladed article in a public place. His trial heard that Coskun, who is half Kurdish and half Armenian, travelled from his home in the Midlands to set fire to the Koran. Coskun used the burning Koran to try and deflect Kadri, who wielded the blade at him in front of onlookers Kadri approached and asked Coskun why he was burning it. Coskun could be heard in footage making a reference to 'terrorists'. Kadri swore, called him 'an idiot' and said, 'one sec, I'm coming back'. Kadri later returned holding a knife and slashed at Coskun, the court heard. The judge said that the way Kadri lost his temper was 'disgraceful' and that the 'use of blades is a curse on our community'. Kadri said to Coskun: 'Burning the Quran? It's my religion, you don't burn the Koran.' He later told police: 'I protect my religion.' Greg Unwin, defending, said: 'This was a response to a very unusual situation that Mr Kadri has demonstrated regret and remorse for. 'His reaction was in the heat of the moment to what he perceived was a deeply offensive act on a holy book.' Residents say they will be forced to sell their homes as a result of a decision to build a second runway at Gatwick Airport. Locals say the decision to approve the 2.2 billion plan is 'heartbreaking' and 'appalling'. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave it the go-ahead. The privately financed project will lead to an increase of 100,000 flights a year. In 2024 Gatwick handled around 265,000 flights in total. Ms Alexander backed the scheme as a 'no-brainer' for economic growth, a Government source said, suggesting flights could take off from the new full runway before 2029. But residents nearby have been left 'bewildered' by the decision, which they say will leave 'grave' environmental impacts. Ryan Shirley, 56, of nearby Charlwood, is part of a major companion group which opposed the plan. The decorator said: 'I think it's terrible. 'I'll probably put my house up for sale now. I'm right under the flight plan. At the moment it's bearable. But this is now just insane. There's no consideration to locals. Residents in Charlwood live next to Gatwick airport which has announced a second runway will be built Barbara Cole, 67, said the second runway would be terrible for noise and the environment 'Why not build a new airport entirely in a more suitable location? Gatwick was already very operational. Heathrow is not far away and Stansted is only down the road. 'It makes no sense. It will lead to grave environmental consequences. 'I've been here 20 years. It will rip the life out of the village. I believe housing developers will use this as an excuse to build more and more houses. Local infrastructure will fall apart and this lovely village will get swallowed up.' The new runway has been given the green light but the first flights are unlikely to take off until 2029, according to sources. It is expected to take until the late 2030s to achieve the full benefits in terms of extra passengers. Helen Hill, 70, said her son would now consider moving out of the village as a result of the decision. The retired teacher said: 'There is not one single advantage. 'People say at least it will create jobs, but for who? Not locals, there's no unemployment here. It's a totally unsuitable location. 'There are far better places which would serve the local community better than this village. 'The fumes and environmental damage will be grave. It's a terrible decision for everyone involved. 'My son will move as soon as he can. Helen Hill, 70, said she could not see 'one single advantage' and said her son would be moving out of the village Mother-of-two Ami Nicholls, 32, said she was 'shocked' at the news and says residents have been ignored 'It will drive down house prices. Who would want to live here?' Mum-of-two Ami Nicholls, 32, said she was 'shocked' at the news. She said: 'I'm really disappointed. I didn't think it would be approved. I thought the government would see sense. 'I have been part of the campaign against it. I believe they'll be an appeal and I think that's will be successful. 'There's no justification for this. We, as locals in this village, have not had our voices heard. 'We have been ignored. It's a nightmare. 'The summer will be worse. The increase in noise and environmental impacts are hard to understand. 'There will also be added traffic. It's not the right decision.' The plans for the new runway were initially rejected earlier this year by the Planning Inspectorate, however they reccommended Ms Alexander should approve if changes were made. Gatwick says its plans will create 1billion per year in economic benefits, and generate an additional 14,000 jobs. Danny Savage, 54, who also lives in the village, believes locals against it should be more accepting. He said: 'Anyone who doesn't like living near an airport and moved in here needs to have a word with their estate agent. Danny Savage, 54, argued that locals against the development should be more accepting Jenny Rendall, 46, (pictured with her son Jesse) said she was against it - but could see the advantages of extra holidays 'They also need to have a word with themselves. If people don't like the negative impact of living near an airport, then don't move here.' Retired graphic designer Barbara Cole, 67, who also lives in the village, said she was concerned by the news. She said: 'I love the airport itself, I really do. I think there's so many advantages to it. 'When it was covid, I actually missed the flights. 'But I am worried about the expansion. It'll be terrible for noise and the environment. 'Where will it end? It's shocking that although the council were against it, the government has put it through.' Marketing manager Jenny Rendall, 46, said she was against it - but could see the advantages of extra holidays. She said: 'I think having more choice of holiday destinations is brilliant. And it gives us more chance to go away. 'But the downsides are big. Noise and pollution is bad. That's upsetting.'Pauline Weston, 65, has lived in the village for 20 years and believed it would now be 'ruined'. The retired administrator said: 'It's the end of the village in 20 years I think. 'They just want to build and build, with no thought of what we think. I'm really upset. 'I had come to accept the decision would be made but I'm very much against it. 'I think it's heartbreaking. 'I am bewildered as to why it would be a good idea.' According to new research, the plans could cause house prices in the local area to plummet by as much as 40,000. The plans could cause house prices in the local area, including Charlwood, to plummet by as much as 40,000. Properties in the 'Gatwick Diamond' which refers to the cluster of local authorities surrounding the hub, including Crawley, Reigate and Banstead, Horsham, Mid Sussex, Mole Valley and Tandridget, are expected be impacted the most by the construction. An analysis looked at the current average house prices in these areas, as well as how market values could be impacted during the initial planning stages. It also included the impact for the nearest areas once construction gets underway and the runway begins to operate. Long-term benefits were also accounted for. Before construction even begins, properties are expected to fall in value by an average of -3 per cent, according to estate agency Yopa, who conducted the research. Mole Valley is predicted to be hit the worst and see a reduction of 16,205. But homeowners should be more concerned about when building work for the new runway starts. The analysis found the homes closest to Gatwick or located under new flight paths could reduce in value by -7.5 per cent. In Mole Valley, this would be a 40,513 fall on average, while it could be 38,270 in Tandridge and 36,469 in Reigate and Banstead. Elsewhere, property owners could see a 33,080 reduction in Horsham, 32,713 in Mid Sussex and 24,475 in Crawley. However, it isn't all doom and gloom. Once the runway is completed, it could actually help boost the value of nearby homes. The privately financed project will lead to an increase of 100,000 flights a year at the airport In the year after the runway is built, analysis estimates house prices could climb by an average of 9.5 per cent as the economic benefit of more jobs and better transport links starts to filter through to the local economy. A DfT spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Following careful consideration, the Transport Secretary has today issued a letter confirming that she has approved Gatwick Airport's application to expand its operations, through routine use of its existing northern runway.' Gatwick is not the only southeastern travel looking to increase its capacity. On August 1 - one day after the government's official deadline - Heathrow Airport submitted plans for a third runway, with CEO Thomas Woldbye calling the need for expansion 'urgent'. The same month the travel hub handled more than eight million monthly passengers for the first time in its history. Heathrow also reported its busiest ever day on August 1, with around 270,000 people passing through the airport. However, the expansion plans face pushback from environmental groups, with campaigners referring to it as a 'doomed scheme' that would generate vast quantities of additional CO2 at a time when the Labour government is chasing Net Zero. The proposals have also come under fire from local residents of the chocolate box towns of Sipson, Harlington, and Harmondsworth. Lying stranded in the one mile strip of land between the M4 motorway and Heathrow airport, many long-standing residents will be forced to move out and sell their homes to the government under Compulsory Purchase Orders. Additionally, around 750 cherished buildings - including some that were built in the 17th century - will be demolished. Hundreds of fake Labubu dolls have been seized from toy shops in West London over fears they pose serious safety risks to children. Kensington and Chelsea Council seized 130 fake Labubus from shops in Earl's Court across two raids. Labubu dolls have become a global sensation amongst children, teenagers and even the like of major celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Rihanna. The craze dolls which can retail for hundreds of pounds were also being openly marketed as Labubu dolls in two West End stores last week visited by trading standards. However the dolls were discovered to be fakes with feet and eyes that detach easily. The health risk to young children makes the fake dolls an offence under Toy Safety Regulations, and the council said that most of the Chinese-manufactured items seized had missing or non-compliant labelling. The businesses were selling the counterfeit toys for around 20 each. Trading standards officers suspect many more are being offered for sale. Kensington and Chelsea Council said business owners caught selling the counterfeit toys would receive formal warning letters and could face prosecution if they continue to sell the fake goods. It said the raids were carried out across seven local shops, with the 'poorly made' fakes posing 'a choking hazard due to their small parts such as eyes and feet which could easily come off from the soft toy'. Kensington and Chelsea Council seized 130 fake Labubus from shops in Earl's Court across two raids The dolls were discovered to be fakes with feet and eyes that detach easily Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for environment and planning at the council, added: 'Labubu dolls are the latest collectible trend, and high demand for this popular toy has also led to a rise in counterfeit versions. 'In Kensington and Chelsea, we want original and high-quality products, not fakes. 'That is why our trading standards team are out seizing counterfeit goods and keeping our borough's high streets safer, fairer and best in class.' Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug also warned the dodgy dolls could prove an expensive and even fatal error. Cllr Hug said: 'There is a long history of counterfeiters trying to make a quick profit from the fad toy of the moment, but the Labubu fakes we found could prove a costly error. 'They are badly made and, like all counterfeits, have a habit of falling to pieces quite quickly. However the real danger is the fact the eyes and feet come off with little effort if a toddler picks them up and swallows them, the results could be fatal. 'Our job is to ensure shoppers in Westminster get what they pay for and dangerous items get taken off the streets.' It comes after Sutton Council's trading standards team seized more than 230 suspected fake dolls in south London in just one month over the summer. Hundreds of the dolls were seized from shops in Earl's Court in West London The council warned that fake labubus were sold without appropriate warnings and posed a choking hazard to children, as small parts can easily fall off the poorly-made toys. Hundreds of other fake Labubu dolls - produced by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart - have also been reported elsewhere across the country. The highly coveted dolls range in price between 10 and around 40, whilst rare dolls can go for small fortunes at as much as $230,000 (172,000). In Bexley, south-east London, officials seized more than 1,000 Labubus and 128 other unsafe toys from just two shops this month amid growing concerns over toy safety. One of the dolls was found to be dangerously fragile - with a single squeeze causing its eye to pop out. Due to their popularity, British parents are finding it more and more difficult to buy them for their children - with the dolls regularly selling out in shops. The elf-like dolls get their name from a character in toy series The Monsters and have vinyl faces, plush bodies, pointy ears, big eyes and a mischievous grin displaying nine teeth. But poorly assembled dolls have small parts like hands, feet and eyes that could easily come off, whilst poor stitching and stuffing could also be a choking risk. Genuine Labubu dolls from Pop Mart have a distinctive elf-like design and include authenticity markers, including a holographic Pop Mart sticker and a scannable QR code linking to their official website. Pop Mart has even started putting a subtle UV stamp on one foot of newer editions to combat fakes. Signs of a fake include overly vibrant colours and too many teeth - authentic Labubus only have nine. These markers are commonly missing or poorly replicated on counterfeit dolls. A majority of Scots think the SNP Government is failing in its delivery of almost every public service, according to a damning poll. More than half of those quizzed said ministers were performing badly in 11 out of 12 key policy areas. The worst scores were for housing, council funding, drug harm reduction and social care. But there was also a scathing assessment of performance on the economy, crime and policing and the NHS. The poll, by Survation, of 2,051 Scottish adults also found that only 40 per cent of Scots want to leave the UK. That particular finding will make grim reading for First Minister John Swinney as he attempts to step up his partys faltering independence drive ahead of next years Holyrood elections. Alastair Cameron, chairman of the Scotland in Union campaign group, which commissioned the survey, said: This poll confirms there is widespread dissatisfaction with the failing SNP government. People dont want to leave the UK, and they dont want the SNP prioritising it when our public services are in such chaos. Scotland urgently needs a competent Holyrood government which focuses on day-to-day issues the devolved responsibilities which are important to our lives every single day. The poll comes as John Swinney attempts to step up his partys faltering independence drive Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton said the poll confirms Scots are 'sick and tired of the SNPs incompetence' We need politicians who will fix the NHS, address the housing crisis, and tackle the problems with crime and policing not populist grandstanding, nationalists picking fights with the UK Government, or an unwanted constitutional obsession. Next years election is an opportunity to elect politicians who listen to peoples priorities and work to improve lives across Scotland, rather than nationalists seeking to divide us. The Survation poll, which was carried out between September 4-16, found that more people believed the Scottish Government was performing not that well or not at all well rather than very well or quite well in 11 out of 12 policy areas. The worst performance rating was in housing, where 65 per cent said it was not performing well and only 26 per cent said it was performing well. On local government funding, 64 per cent said it was not performing well compared to 26 per cent who rated performance well. Some 60 per cent of respondents rated performance poorly on social care and drug harm reduction. Despite the negative scores on performance, the SNP remains ahead on voting intentions for the Holyrood elections with Labour and Reform UK locked in a close battle for second place. Mr Swinney has said four key priorities will guide his governments decisions eradicating child poverty, growing Scotlands economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services. Some of the policy areas where those polled said ministers were performing badly But the poll also showed 58 per cent of respondents thought his government was not performing well on the economy and jobs, compared to only 35 per cent who thought it was performing well. On the NHS, 56 per cent said ministers were not performing well and 39 per cent said they were, while 58 per cent rated performance on crime and policing poorly compared to 34 per cent who said it was doing well. Trains were the only policy area where more people thought the Scottish Government was performing well - at 48 per cent - rather than badly, at 41 per cent. The top priorities for voters responding to the poll were the NHS, which was selected by 57 per cent, followed by immigration and energy bills, which were both selected by 29 per cent of people, the economy and jobs, on 27 per cent, and tax levels, on 19 per cent. Scottish independence was only selected as one of the most important issues by 14 per cent of respondents. Asked how they would vote in a referendum if they were asked whether Scotland should leave the UK or remain part of the UK, 60 per cent said they would back remaining part of the UK and 40 per cent said they would vote to leave the UK. Writing in todays Mail, Robert Pyper, emeritus professor of government and public policy at the University of the West of Scotland, said: Across key areas of public policy, including health, education, economic development and transport infrastructure, Scotlands performance when assessed against objective criteria has been very poor. Illustrations of this are not hard to find, in the areas of hospital waiting lists, key morbidities, abysmal addictions figures, widening educational attainment gaps, repeated postponements of upgrades to strategic road networks, and the impact of the island ferries fiasco on local economies, communities and the public purse. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: This poll confirms Scots are sick and tired of the SNPs incompetence. The SNPs 18 years in power have been epitomised by them failing on every major issue that they are responsible for. Our NHS is in a state of permanent crisis, our once world-leading educational standards have been destroyed and we have the worst drug death rate in Europe. The real priorities of Scots continue to be ignored by John Swinney and his colleagues who are hellbent on pushing their obsession with independence above everything else. For the sake of moving Scotland on, we must get this rotten SNP government out at next years election. Asked about voting intentions ahead of next years Holyrood elections, 37 per cent of respondents said they would vote SNP on the constituency vote, followed by 20 per cent for Labour, 18 per cent Reform UK, 11 per cent Conservative, seven per cent Liberal Democrats, five per cent Greens and one per cent Alba. On the regional list, 31 per cent would vote SNP, 18 per cent Labour, 16 per cent Reform, 13 per cent Conservative, 11 per cent Lib Dem, eight per cent Green, and two per cent Alba. According to the Scottish Elections Studys seat projector, the result would leave the SNP with 62 seats, followed by Labour on 19, Reform UK 18, Conservatives 12, Lib Dems 11, and the Greens 7. In the event of another UK general election, 35 per cent of respondents said they would vote SNP, while Labour and Reform was tied on 19 per cent, followed by the Conservatives on 12 per cent, Lib Dems eight per cent, Greens four per cent, and Alba one per cent. Keith Brown, deputy leader of the SNP, said: This poll gives the SNP its highest constituency vote share in almost three years and puts us within touching distance of an outright majority in the Scottish Parliament. The SNP is focussed on making Scotland a better place to live. NHS waiting times are coming down and GP numbers are up, our young people achieved outstanding exam results this year, and weve just scrapped peak rail fares for good - saving commuters hundreds of pounds. There can be no doubt that Westminster treats Scotland as an afterthought and is holding us back. Independence is the fresh start that Scotland needs so we can release our nations full potential. The Trump administration has revealed a major change to the West Wing colonnade. The iconic covered walkway from the White Houses main residence to the West Wing now features a row of portraits of former presidents. The Presidential Walk of Fame, written in gold lettering above the portraits, features pictures of previous executives. All but one, that is. The portrait for former President Joe Biden does not feature the smiling ex-commander-in-chief, but rather it shows an autopen signing the Democrats name. The Presidential Walk of Fame has arrived on the West Wing Colonnade, Assistant to the President Margo Martin posted on X alongside a video of the new exhibit. Wait for it, she added with a pen emoji as the camera slowly panned to Bidens portrait. It appears that Bidens display is the only one that does not use his actual presidential portrait. President Donald Trump examines the new Presidential Walk of Fame Former President Joe Biden's portrait was replaced with an image of an autopen signing the Democrat's name. All other installations appear to be official presidential portraits Images of past Democrats, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, can be seen clearly in the video. Biden's office did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. A picture posted by the White House shows Trump closely examining his own frame right next to Bidens autopen. All of the portraits are black and white images in glistening gold frames. The Presidential Walk of Fame was first revealed to conservative outlet The Daily Caller earlier this month. When the outlet pressed the president on whether he would hang a portrait of Biden, Trump responded, Isnt that an interesting question. Then he added, We put up a picture of the autopen. The president clearly was not joking. And the jab at Biden received much applause from conservatives on social media. President Trump putting a picture of the autopen instead of Biden is one of the many reasons I love that man, commentator Link Lauren reacted on X. Its also accurate. Joseph Autopen Biden, the 46th President of the United States. Rogan OHandley, a conservative influencer, wrote: This is hilarious. President Autopen has been officially recognized! A homeless man accused of pushing an off-duty cop onto the subway tracks in New York City wore a terrifying hoodie for his first court appearance. Aaron Walker, 28, allegedly punched and shoved a 24-year-old police office officer onto the subway tracks at a station in the East Village on Tuesday night. Walker showed up to court Wednesday morning wearing a hoodie that depicted Pennywise the Clown - the evil character who serves as the main antagonist from Stephen King's 1986 horror novel 'It'. The book was first adapted into a television mini series in 1990. It was then made into a full feature film in 2017 starring Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise. Since Walker was held overnight in police custody ahead of his arraignment, he was wearing that same sweatshirt when he allegedly committed the crime. One police officer was seen escorting Walker to Manhattan Central Booking, where he was set to be arraigned on eight charges. They include attempted murder, attempted assault, attempted reckless endangerment, two counts of criminal trespassing, and two counts of disorderly conduct, according to the New York Police Department. Court records also show that Walker was released on Sunday for another alleged subway assault in Brooklyn, days before he'd allegedly go on to attack the cop. Walker did not say anything when he was guided inside and maintained a deadpan expression. Aaron Walker, 28, is seen being escorted to Manhattan Central Booking on Wednesday morning, the day after he allegedly tackled an off-duty police officer onto subway tracks The alleged attack occurred at the 14th Street/Third Avenue L train station in the East Village. The cop and Walker brawled on the tracks and on the platform, according to police The cop who was attacked suffered minor injuries to his head and body after getting into a vicious fight with the suspect at the 14th Street/Third Avenue L train station, police said. The officer, who was heading home from working the United Nations General Assembly security detail, was walking on the southbound platform when Walker allegedly sucker punched him in the back of the head, grabbed him by the shirt and threw him onto the tracks, The New York Post reported. According to police, Walker also fell onto the tracks, though both men were able to get themselves back onto the platform, where they continued brawling. Walker then jumped onto the northbound tracks and started heading toward the 14th Street-Union Square station, according to police. Responding officers then drove to the station, including the injured cop, and found Walker riding an uptown L train. He was arrested at the scene. Walker has 18 prior arrests, with the most recent being on Saturday when he was seen smoking a cigarette on a train in Brooklyn. Him getting caught for that inadvertently led police to realize that he was wanted for yet another subway assault that occurred on September 13. That afternoon, police said Walker sat down next to a 22-year-old man on a C train at Fulton Street and Kingston Avenue and punched him multiple times in the face and head. Walker was charged with third-degree assault in connection to this, which is a misdemeanor that is not bail-eligible Walker (pictured) has 18 total arrests, many of them occurring over the last few months. However, many of his alleged crimes were not serious enough to allow a judge to set bail, meaning he was released from custody repeatedly The victim in that case was a stranger to Walker and was taken to the hospital in stable condition. Walker was charged with third-degree assault in connection to this, which is a misdemeanor that is not bail-eligible. Therefore, he was granted supervised release during his arraignment hearing on Sunday, the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said. Walker was also arrested last week for allegedly stealing clothes and a home decor item from the Target on Greenwich Street near Park Place in Tribeca, The Post reported. For this, he was charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property and released on his own recognizance. Prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office had asked for supervised release. Going further back, Walker was arrested in both July and August for stealing vinyl records from two different Barnes & Noble stores, the first in Brooklyn and the second in Manhattan. Neither of the alleged thefts were enough to keep him in custody because the charges weren't serious enough to allow a judge to set bail. For Walker's alleged attempted murder of a NYPD officer on Tuesday, he will likely be arraigned sometime tonight. The sniper who killed two migrants and wounded a third in a horror shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has been pictured for the first time. Joshua Jahn, 29, was named as the gunman who opened fire on the ICE detention center around 7am Wednesday morning, before killing himself as cops descended on him. Law enforcement said that the sniper perched on a roof adjacent to the facility and rained bullets on the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van. Investigators said that they are still establishing a motive, but believe the shooting may have been fueled by anti-law enforcement sentiment. FBI Director Kash Patel released images of bullets found at the scene, showing 'anti-ICE' scrawled on the shells in blue ink. After Jahn was identified as the alleged shooter, his brother Noah told NBC News that he did not believe his brother was especially interested in politics and had not voiced his opinions on immigration before. 'He didnt have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew,' his brother said. Noah said his brother was unemployed but had previously worked as a coder, and was planning on moving in with their parents in Oklahoma. Jahn has been pictured in a mugshot from his arrest in 2015, when he was hit with felony charges for delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He was a registered independent in the 2024 election, but last voted in the Democratic primaries in March 2020, records showed. Joshua Jahn, 29, the sniper who killed two migrants and wounded a third in a horror shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, has been pictured for the first time Jahn was arrested in 2015 and was hit with felony charges for delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He was a registered independent in the 2024 election FBI Director Kash Patel released images of bullets found at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday, showing 'anti-ICE' scrawled on the shells in blue ink The alleged shooter's brother reportedly spoke before he knew that his brother had been identified as the sniper, and described him as 'unique' without elaborating. 'I didnt think he was politically interested,' he continued, saying he had last seen him two weeks before the shooting on Wednesday and nothing seemed unusual. 'He wasnt interested in politics on either side as far as I knew.' The siblings grew up in Allen, Texas, and spent their childhoods attending the Boy Scouts, the brother said. He added that his brother knew how to use a rifle that his parents owned, but insisted that 'he's not a marksman, that's for sure.' Asked about the ICE facility shooting, he remarked: 'He would not be able to make any shots like that.' As investigators descended on the scene in Dallas, images showed a poster taped to the side of a vehicle believed to belong to Jahn. A sign with what appears to be black splatter on the car reads: 'Radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations that've passed over these areas more than 2x since 1951.' The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting Law enforcement said that the sniper perched on a roof adjacent to the facility and rained bullets on the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van As investigators descended on the scene in Dallas, images showed a poster taped to the side of a vehicle believed to belong to Jahn The poster read: 'Radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations have passed over these areas more than 2x since 1951' The bloodbath unfolded at the facility in the Texas city shortly after 7am CT, and a huge police presence descended on the scene Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told CNN that the death toll stood at two as of Wednesday afternoon. A third victim was in serious condition. Investigators said Jahn fired 'indiscriminately' at the ICE office, peppering the transport van with bullets and also hitting windows in the building numerous times. Witness Arianny Sierra told NBC that she was in her car waiting for her husband to return from an ICE appointment in the facility when she heard shots ring out. 'The shots began at around 6:10 a.m. There were like 20 shots in a row,' she said. The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting. Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that the sniper opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside the transport van. He is believed to have been found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office, WFAA reported. Patel said in an X post: 'While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack. 'These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off.' Investigators said Jahn fired 'indiscriminately' at the ICE office, peppering the transport van with bullets and also hitting windows in the building numerous times Jahn also shot an American flag inside the ICE building as he fired shots 'indiscriminately' Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that the sniper opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside a transport van At the press conference on Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz made an impassioned plea for the end of politically motivated violence that has swept the nation in recent times Although the sniper appeared to target migrants in ICE custody, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on X that the shooting represented an attack on ICE and law enforcement. 'We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals,' Paxton wrote. Vice President JD Vance added: 'The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families.' At the press conference on Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz made an impassioned plea for the end of politically motivated violence that has swept the nation in recent times. 'We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes,' Cruz said. 'Stop it, please.' Cruz also cited the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, telling reporters: 'It was two weeks ago today that we saw a political assassination in Utah that tore the heart out of much of this country.' A man who opened fire at an ICE field office in Dallas, killing two detainees, has been named by officials as 28-year-old Joshua Jahn. Jahn, armed with a rifle, fired from on a roof adjacent to the facility and rained bullets on the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van, police said. Investigators said that they are still establishing a motive, but believe the horror shooting may have been fueled by anti-law enforcement sentiment. Director Kash Patel said a bullet casing recovered at the scene was engraved with the phrase 'anti-ICE.' Jahn, a Texas native, was a registered independent in the 2024 election, but last voted in the Democratic primaries in March 2020, records showed. The alleged killer had a criminal record that includes felony charges in 2016 from delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He had a disturbing poster taped to the side of his car at the time of the attack that showed a map of 'radioactive fallout' from 'nuclear detonations' across the United States, with most of the blasts depicted on the West Coast. A man who opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas, killing two detainees, has been named by officials as 28-year-old Joshua Jahn. Law enforcement said that the sniper perched on a roof adjacent to the facility and rained bullets on the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van The poster read: 'Radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations that've passed over these areas more than 2x since 1951' After Jahn was identified as the alleged shooter, his brother Noah told NBC News that he did not believe his brother was especially interested in politics and had not voiced his opinions on immigration before. 'He didnt have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew,' his brother said. 'He wasnt interested in politics on either side as far as I knew.' Noah said his brother was unemployed but had previously worked as a coder, and was planning on moving in with their parents in Oklahoma. He described Jahn as 'unique' without elaborating. 'I didnt think he was politically interested,' he continued, saying he had last seen him two weeks before the shooting on Wednesday and nothing seemed unusual. The siblings grew up in Allen, Texas, and spent their childhoods attending the Boy Scouts, Noah said. He added that his brother knew how to use a rifle that his parents owned, but insisted that 'he's not a marksman, that's for sure.' When asked about the ICE facility shooting, he remarked: 'He would not be able to make any shots like that.' After Jahn, pictured, was identified as the alleged shooter, his brother Noah told NBC News that he did not believe his brother was especially interested in politics Director Kash Patel said a bullet casing recovered at the scene was engraved with the phrase 'anti-ICE' Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that the sniper opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside a transport van Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told CNN that the death toll stood at two as of Wednesday afternoon. A third victim was in serious condition. Witness Arianny Sierra told NBC that she was in her car waiting for her husband to return from an ICE appointment in the facility when she heard shots ring out. 'The shots began at around 6:10 a.m. There were like 20 shots in a row,' she said. The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting. Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that the sniper opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside the transport van. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement calling the shooting 'horrific' and 'cowardly.' He said the state will continue to work with federal officials to detain and deport anyone in the country illegally. 'We will not let this cowardly attack impede our efforts to secure the border, enforce immigration law, and ensure law and order,' Abbott said. President Donald Trump is demanding an apology from former Vice President Kamala Harris for saying several times while promoting her new book that the 2024 election was the 'closest election in the 21st century.' 'Kamala Harris, who is DUMB AS A ROCK, is going around and using, as a standard part of her Speech on why she lost the Election, that 2024 was the "closest Presidential Election in the 21st Century,"' Trump wrote on Truth Social adding, 'Everyone knows this is a lie.' There have been six presidential elections in the 21st century - which began after a true toss-up election in the year 2000. Of those races, the closest margin in the Electoral College vote count came in 2004, when Republican President George W. Bush won reelection over Democrat John Kerry. The margin of difference was just 35 electoral votes. In 2024, Trump won 312 Electoral College votes to Harris' 226 - a difference of 86 Electoral College votes. But in calculating the closest election of the 21st century, it depends on how you do the math. If based purely on popular vote tallies, Harris' calculation stands up. President Donald Trump took offense to former Vice President Kamala Harris saying in recent media appearance that the 2024 election - in which he won the Electoral College and the popular vote count - was the 'closest presidential election in the 21st century' In a Truth Social post Wednesday afternoon, President Donald Trump said he expected an apology from his 2024 rival for saying that the race was so close, also calling Vice President Kamala Harris 'DUMB AS A ROCK' A spokesperson for Harris pointed the Daily Mail to a New York Times story that characterized the 1.5 percent popular vote margin as the 'smallest margin since 2000.' 'Fact check true,' her spokesperson said. The popular vote margin in the 2024 election was about 1.5 percent, which is indeed the smallest popular vote margin since the 2000 election. For comparison, the 2000 election popular vote margin was about 0.51 percentage points, when Al Gore won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College. In 2020, Joe Biden secured over 81 million votes and carved out a margin of about 4.45 percentage points nationwide. The 2016 election was a popular vote difference of just 2 percentage points, nearly as tight as 2024, but not quite. In 2012, Barack Obama won by 3.8 percentage points over Mitt Romney after besting John McCain by a 7 points nationally in 2008. The 2004 election had George W. Bush winning by 2.46 points over John Kerry. On the popular vote tally, 2024 was no landslide. 'I won the Electoral College, 312-226, a LANDSLIDE, Counties Nationwide, 2,600 to 525, a LANDSLIDE, all seven Swing States, a LANDSLIDE, and, despite the fact that California's Fake Mail In Ballots came in at ridiculous numbers (It was RIGGED!), I still won the Popular Vote by MILLIONS! Trump said. There is no evidence that California's mail-in ballots impacted the election results, though Trump used the widespread use of mail-in ballots in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to falsely claim that election had been 'stolen.' On Truth Social, Trump then pointed to Bush's razor-thin win in 2000 - despite that election not technically happening in the 21st century, which began on January 1, 2001. 'Kamala's "closest in the 21st Century" soundbite was, like everything else in the Democrat Party, A TOTAL LIE!' Trump said. Harris has made the 21st-century claim during several recent media appearances as she's resurfaced to promote her book, 107 Days. During a Monday night appearance on MSNBC's the Rachel Maddow show, former Vice President Kamala Harris made the claim that the 2024 election was the 'closest presidential election in the 21st century' 'The sitting vice president enters the race against a former president of the United States who's been running for 10 years, with 107 days to go. And it ended up being the closest presidential election in the 21st century,' Harris said during a Monday night appearance on MSNBC's the Rachel Maddow show. Maddow didn't challenge Harris' assessment during the sit-down. Trump announced that he was planning to run for the White House a third time on November 15, 2022, after losing the 2020 election to President Joe Biden. While Trump had a long runway, Biden didn't drop his bid to be the Democratic nominee until July 21, 2024, leaving Harris just over three months to mount a viable presidential campaign. Throughout her book tour, she's revealed some behind-the-scenes drama and second-guessing she experienced when making her vice presidential pick. The disgraced former boss of Co-op Bank Paul Flowers has been ordered to pay back 184,000 he stole from an elderly spinster or face more prison time. The 75-year-old ex-Methodist minister was jailed for three years for conning his close friend Margaret Jarvis, and plundering her estate, to pay for wine, luxury holidays abroad and trips to the theatre. Flowers, who was nicknamed the Crystal Methodist after the Mail on Sunday exposed his illegal drug use while at the helm of the bank 11 years ago, had power of attorney over Ms Jarvis and, following her death, was also executor of her will. But instead of her cash going to South African orphans, abandoned donkeys, guide dogs for the blind and research into Alzheimers, Flowers spent it on himself. He pleaded guilty to 18 counts of fraud at Manchester Crown Court last July. The court heard the fraud totalled more than 180,000, but Flowers had submitted a basis of plea, accepted by prosecutors, in which he admitted stealing just under 100,000. At a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing held at the same court today Flowers was ordered to repay 184,862 within three months. A judge told him that failure to comply with the confiscation order will result in another two and a half years being added to his prison sentence. Detective Constable Kate Riley, a fraud investigations officer at GMP, said: Getting Flowers ill-gotten money back and into the right hands is a further layer of justice that I am pleased has happened. Greater Manchester Police's mugshot of Paul Flowers Margaret Jarvis, a devout Methodist who believed in helping others less fortunate. After she appointed Paul Flowers as the executor of her will, her trust was betrayed by the former Co-op bank chief and church minister, who blew 100,000 on himself He is still serving his time in prison for his crimes exploiting a vulnerable woman for his own self-serving needs. This order means the money he took can go back to where his victim intended. Charles Clayton, a specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Services Proceeds of Crime Division, added: Paul Flowers abused the trust his friend placed in him, preying on her vulnerability. He stole a large amount of money from her, depriving charities and her niece of gifts that were bequeathed to them. We are pleased to have secured a compensation order that will right that wrong. Today his victims final wishes for her estate will finally be fulfilled. Retired teacher Miss Jarvis trusted Flowers, who was a long-standing friend, to manage her money when she developed progressive dementia. But he abused that trust and continued taking her money when she moved into a care home, in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, and after her death, aged 82, in October 2016. Ms Jarviss bank initially contacted police after a single transaction on her account was flagged as potentially suspicious. Officers started to investigate and discovered Flowers had been siphoning off cash for years. He spent 1,500 of Ms Jarviss money on wine from The Wine Society and also used 1,300 to pay for cruises with P&O, plus another 1,800 on holidays, including trips on the Eurostar and to a four-star hotel in Corfu. Flowers was previously filmed counting money for drugs by undercover reporters He also spent 1,275 on new carpets for his Salford home and used her cash for stays at the Park Hotel in Knightsbridge and also tickets for the West End show Jersey Boys. Ms Jarvis, who never married, had few close relatives but wished to leave money to her two nieces and a number of charities, including the Donkey Sanctuary and Alzheimer's Research UK. One close relative previously told The Mail on Sunday: She trusted him to do this one thing for her. On the one side you could say that it is a victimless crime because Margaret has passed away, because she does not know that he has let her down. But it isnt victimless, because those charities would have been supporting people what about those people? Flowers, who was also a Labour councillor in both Rochdale and Bradford, became the chairman of Co-op Bank in April 2010 until he was forced to resign from his 132,000-a-year post in June 2013. Six months later days after a disastrous appearance before the Treasury select committee and MPs branding him financially illiterate he was filmed by reporters from the Mail on Sunday apparently counting out 300 for a drugs deal. In May 2014, Flowers was fined 525 after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine, crystal meth and ketamine at Leeds magistrates court. The court heard that the stress of his Co-op job and caring for his terminally ill mother were reasons for his drug use. He was later caught on video snorting cocaine and entertaining rent boys at his home. Flowers, who was sacked as a Methodist minister in December 2016, discussed his seedy lifestyle in an interview with the BBCs Newsnight, admitting: I have sinned. Later, it emerged that he had also resigned from Bradford Council in 2011 when inappropriate but not illegal pornography was discovered on his laptop. A British woman has died in the US after suffering 'traumatic neck injuries' during a 'violent murder' at her home. June Bunyan, 37, a law graduate, was reportedly killed at her place of residence in California on September 11 after moving there to fulfil her dream of becoming a defence attorney. A 25-year-old man, named Jonathan Renteria, has been arrested in connection with her death and is being held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility on $4million (2.96million) bail, local media reported. The charges against him are said to include murder, as well as a breach of the California Health and Safety Code, being Mutilation, Disinterment or Sexual Contact with Human Remains. The UK Foreign Office has confirmed they are supporting the family of a British woman who died in the US, and are in contact with local authorities. Ms Bunyan's heartbroken friends and family have been forced to set up a GoFundMe to raise the funds to transport her body back to the UK and lay her body to rest 'with dignity'. The 37-year-old's pal Vicky Tulika set up the fundraiser on behalf of Ms Bunyan's parents, Jill and Lyle Bunyan, who said she lost her life in a 'violent crime' in the US, having worked 'tirelessly to build herself a better life'. Paying tribute to the young woman, from Arran in Scotland, her parents wrote: 'June was known for her vibrant personality, infectious laugh, and deeply compassionate heart. June Bunyan, 37, (right) a British law graduate, has died in the US after suffering 'traumatic neck injuries' during a 'violent' murder at her home A photo of Ms Bunyan when she was younger, which was shared on the GoFundMe page raising funds to transport her body back to the UK 'Exceptionally accomplished, she held multiple degrees, but her proudest achievement was earning her law degree. 'Driven by courage and determination, June moved to America to sit the bar exam and pursue her dream of becoming a defence attorney. 'She worked tirelessly to build herself a better life.' They added: 'June's life was cut short so far from home, and we are now faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her back to the UK. 'She can then be laid to rest with the dignity and love she deserves, surrounded by family and friends. 'We are asking for your help to cover the costs of repatriation to the UK, funeral and burial expenses, and any legal or travel costs associated with this tragedy.' A spokesperson for LA police told The Scottish Sun that detectives arrested the suspect in the hours after the killing. The Daily Mail has contacted Los Angeles County for more information. Authorities confirmed that Travis Decker, who was accused of killing his three young girls, is dead after a months-long manhunt. US Marshals declared the 33-year-old veteran 'deceased,' according to a report obtained by TMZ. The grim announcement came after remains believed to belong to Decker were discovered in the dense Washington wilderness. The finding occurred three months after his daughters Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, were found dead. A federal law enforcement source told TMZ that the remains did belong to Decker, who struggled with his mental health prior to allegedly killing the girls. They were able to confirm the remains belonged to the father through DNA. His body was found in a remote wooded area near Leavenworth, where there have been coordinated efforts to track Decker down. His remains were found with clothing that matched the latest description of Decker. Authorities confirmed that Travis Decker, who was accused of killing his three young girls, is dead after a months-long manhunt The finding occurred three months after his daughters Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, were found dead at a Washington campground Police had previously noted that the 32-year-old had extensive wilderness survival training as an Army veteran and member of the Washington National Guard. He joined the Army in 2013 and served in Afghanistan before transferring to the Washington National Guard in 2021. The Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge due to Decker's absences when his daughters were killed. As the search wore on, authorities became less certain he was still alive and hiding out in the wilderness. The former soldier had been wanted since June 2, when a sheriff's deputy found his truck and the bodies of his three daughters at a campground. The discovery came three days after he failed to return the girls to their mother's home in Wenatchee, about 100 miles east of Seattle, following a scheduled visit. Police said Decker was homeless and living out of his car by the time he picked up his three girls from their mother's house on May 30. Police said Decker was homeless and living out of his car by the time he picked up his three girls from their mother's house on May 30 Decker struggled with his mental health prior to allegedly killing the girls His ex-wife Whitney told police she didn't believe Decker was dangerous, and that he loved his daughters, with whom he had a 'good relationship'. He had been suffering from mental health issues at the time, and had recently been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Decker was even court-mandated to receive mental health treatment and domestic violence anger management counseling but had refused. Former FBI Director James Comey is expecting to be indicted for lying to Congress, according to multiple reports. Comey has been a staunch critic of Donald Trump's administration since the president fired him in 2017. Sources tell MSNBC that he will be indicted in the 'coming days' though the extent of the charges are unclear. The Justice Department and FBI did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan as acting US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia earlier this month and she is already preparing for two high profile indictments. Her jurisdiction is the same district where Comey's fellow Trump rival and New York Attorney General Letitia James is being investigated for a 2023 home purchase in Virginia. Halligan, 36, served as the White House senior associate staff secretary before taking on her new role. Meanwhile, Trump and his administration has been laying the groundwork to go after Comey and other political enemies ever since coming back into office for a second term. Former FBI Director James Comey is reportedly 'set to be indicted' for lying to Congress Acting US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan (pictured) was appointed earlier this month The Eastern District of Virginia has been nearing an indictment recently for at least one count related to claims Comey lied in 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on whether he authorized a leak that led to the origins of the Russia collusion investigation. The case stems from a 2017 incident where Comey, who was FBI director at the time, shared seven memos documenting private conversations he had with Trump. Comey then gave those to his friend, Columbia Law professor Daniel Richman, who leaked details to the New York Times. This report led to Robert Mueller being appointed special counsel to probe whether Trump colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. In September 2020, Comey was brought before Congress to discuss Crossfire Hurricane the codename for the Trump-Russia investigation. He was pressed by Republicans about leaks at the FBI during his tenure, including the memos. Comey denied that he authorized anyone to disclose the memos to the media, stating of his friend: 'I had no idea he was going to do that.' While Comey has been investigated for lying to Congress in the past, he has not been convicted. A 2019 DOJ Inspector General report found that he improper leaked, but declined prosecution because Comey's denial was 'narrow.' Critics call the continued prosecution of Comey by Halligan politicized and have pointed to her ties to defending Trump in past cases. Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured) has been laying the groundwork for multiple cases against the president's political enemies But Comey has also instigated the president. On May 15, 2025, he posted a photo on Instagram showing seashells arranged to form the message, '8647.' He captioned the image with: 'Cool shell formation on my beach walk.' It was deleted just hours later after Trump allies interpreted it as a code calling for the 47th president's assassination. The service industry slang to '86' something is to get rid of it. Comey insisted he was unaware of any political meaning and said he opposed violence. But DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced Secret Service launched an investigation and the former FBI Director voluntarily sat for an hour interview with the president's protective detail. JD Vance on Wednesday continued excoriating Democrats and the left for fueling political violence, citing the attack on ICE agents in Dallas as the latest example of unacceptable behavior from his political opponents. The vice-president ascribed Wednesday's shooting to a violent left-wing extremist after the alleged gunman wrote anti-ICE slogans on his ammunition. Speaking in Concord, North Carolina, Vance also cited evidence 'that was not yet public' but reassured the audience that the alleged shooter was 'politically motivated.' 'If you want to stop political violence, stop attacking our law enforcement as the Gestapo,' he said, reminding the audience that the left was also referring to Trump supporters as 'Nazis.' But critics were quick to note that it was Vance himself who once likened Trump to Hitler. 'The difference between me and JD Vance is that I've never called Trump Hitler,' posted Michael Freeman on X. Vance called his future running mate 'America's Hitler' in private messages in 2016, expressing deep concerns about Trump's character and leadership. He later recanted those statements prior to his Ohio Senate race. Those characterizations seemed far from Vance's mind on the stump in North Carolina on Wednesday. JD Vance speaks at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in North Carolina on Wednesday Law enforcement gather at a stating area close to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office after a reported shooting, in Dallas 'If you want stop political violence,' the vice-president implored, 'stop telling your supporters that everybody who disagrees with you is a Nazi.' Surrounded by police vehicles and two different branches of law enforcement, Vance blamed the left for an escalating the number of attacks on public officials. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that shell casings with anti-ICE messages were identified in Wednesday morning's attack in Dallas, and the FBI is investigating it as a targeted political attack. Vance blamed top Democratic leaders for pursuing 'rhetorical assault' on law enforcement since 2020, making it more dangerous for them to police the streets. He also singled out California Governor Gavin Newsom for referring to the Trump administration and federal immigration officials as part of an 'authoritarian government' which was encouraging 'crazy' people to commit violence. 'If your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement you can go straight to hell,' he said angrily. Vance opened his remarks by condemning the assassination of his friend and activist Charlie Kirk, which he argued was just one more example of the unacceptable rhetoric from the political left that was inspiring violent actions. He acknowledged that there were 'crazy' people on both sides of the political aisle, but that recent high-profile attacks were coming from the far-left. The vice-president reacts to the crowd as he arrives to speak about tax cuts and support for law enforcement This morning just before 7am local time, an individual fired multiple rounds at a Dallas, Texas ICE facility 'It is not a both sides problem, it is primarily on one side of the political aisle,' he said, The vice-president also repeated his promise to prosecute organizations funding unrest and political violence in reaction to the Trump adminstration's polices. 'The Trump administration is going to do everything that we can to dismantle the networks, to destroy the funding, to make it harder for people to kill one another just because they disagree with what someone says,' he said. The vice-president also referred to the widely publicized murder of a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina last month, just a short distance from the site of his speech. He defended law enforcement officials in the city for doing their job, noting that the alleged murderer had previously been arrested 14 times but was still in the streets, thanks to weak laws in the city. 'Because of soft on crime policies, she was murdered here, not in the war torn country she was from,' he said. The vice-president joined other North Carolina Republicans at the rally standing up for police and against violent crime. He praised state legislatures for passing a bill to send to the Democratic governor of the state's desk. 'The governor's got to sign it,' he said. The Home Office has been blasted for refusing to disclose basic information about the first migrants brought to Britain under the one in, one out deal with France. Officials confirmed a family of three, including a small child, had arrived in the UK. But in a new secrecy row, the Government would not even disclose the migrants nationality, or any other information about them. Officials said details about the migrants would not be disclosed to protect their anonymity. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: When they refuse to disclose basic details like the nationality of the immigrants they are shipping into this country, people will be understandably suspicious. Trust in this Government is already at rock bottom. They have broken promise after promise and no-one now believes a word they say. He went on: The Government should openly publish daily numbers and nationalities of anyone they are importing into the UK. No more secrecy. Migrants disembarking from a Border Force vessel at Dover on September 19, a day which saw 1,072 arrivals across the Channel in total Four migrants have so far been sent back to France under the deal and the Home Office provided confirmation they were an Indian national, an Eritrean, an Iranian and an Afghan. Since the treaty came into force on August 6, 6,752 small boat migrants have reached Britain. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the Tories Rwanda asylum deal which was designed to deter migrants from crossing the Channel and save lives - as one of his first acts in office. Labour now claims the one in, one out scheme will undermine people traffickers' tactics and 'smash the gangs' by persuading would-be migrants that crossing the Channel may be fruitless. However, the programme has been slow to take off after being mired in legal difficulties and even when fully up and running is expected to remove only around 50 migrants a week. Your browser does not support iframes. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The UK-France deal is a historic agreement, and these are critical first steps. 'This is a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated. 'We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. 'And we will work with France to operate a legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK subject to security checks.' Ministers have refused to discuss how individuals will be selected. But it is thought it will prioritise migrants who are of nationalities which currently see high rates of asylum applications granted by the Home Office, such as Syrians, Sudanese and Eritreans. Those who show they already have relatives here may also get priority. To come her under the new deal, migrants must complete an application on the Home Office website. They must be able to prove their identity, show they are currently in France and set out the basics of why they believe they should be eligible, such as war or turmoil in their home country. The Home Office says applicants will be barred if they have been 'previously been removed from the United Kingdom' or pose a 'national security or public order risk'. However, the treaty which set up the deal sets out how France is prevented from supplying any personal data about applicants to Britain. It opens the prospect of crucial information such as any criminal convictions being overlooked. Migrants selected for the scheme will be flown here at the UK taxpayers expense, be handed a visa lasting three months and will then apply to regularise their stay such as by lodging a full claim for asylum. Last week John Vine, the former chief inspector of borders and immigration, told the Daily Mail the Home Office should disclose full facts about the scheme, including details of who is selected, because the public needs to know if it is working or not. So far this year 32,188 migrants have reached Britain by small boat, up 28 per cent on the same point last year. The launch of the scheme was beset with difficulties, including multiple legal challenges. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Last week the policy was plunged into chaos as the High Court blocked ministers from returning an Eritrean small boat migrant back to France. The 25-year-old only arrived in Britain five weeks earlier, claimed he would be destitute if the Home Office sent him back to France, breaching his human rights. However, it was the migrants modern slavery claim which proved crucial in persuading the court to block his removal. Mr Justice Sheldon granted an interim injunction barring the Home Office from deporting the man for 14 days while his claim to have been exploited - in Libya while on his way to the UK - was reconsidered. The ruling - the first challenge of the policy to reach court - is thought to have triggered copycat claims. A Home Office attempt to overturn that ruling was thrown out by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday. The mother of a sniper who killed two migrants in a horror shooting at a Dallas ICE facility was a liberal supporter of anti-gun laws who targeted members of the GOP over mass shootings. Sharon Jahn, the mother of 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, kept an active Facebook page where she followed everyone from Kamala Harris and Rachel Maddow to an account representing the U.S. Democratic Socialists. After the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas in 2022, she posted a lengthy rant to Facebook challenging Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as Governor Greg Abbott for their support of gun rights. She wrote: 'Governor Abbott, Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz how does it make you feel that your action to open up gun laws is responsible for the killing of 21 more people? Do you secretly sit in front of a tv and smile a demented smile? You must be proud of all the money that sits in your bank accounts from gun lobby support. Was it worth it, Governor Abbott? How about you senators?' 'When you prioritize money over people this is what you get,' Jahn added, noting 'blood money' all three had taken from the gun lobby. She further slammed Cornyn for not having 'the spine to stand up to the NRA' for missing their annual meeting and saying he was a 'spineless coward. 'Why have our government officials failed us? Their lust for money and power. It is time we vote out spineless tools and bring in people who actually care about others.' She also posted a poem that read: 'If we only have love, we can melt all the guns, and give the new world to our daughters and sons.' Sharon Jahn (pictured left), the mother of 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, kept an active Facebook page where she followed everyone from Kamala Harris and Rachel Maddow to an account representing the U.S. Democratic Socialists Her son Joshua (pictured) was a sniper who killed two migrants in a horror shooting at a Dallas ICE facility Jahn was confronted by The Independent earlier Tuesday while she was sobbing. 'I'm sorry, I can't talk to you right now. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. But I just can't talk to you now,' she said. The Daily Mail has reached out to Jahn for further comment. Her son Joshua Jahn, 29, was named as the gunman who opened fire on the ICE detention center around 7am Wednesday morning, before killing himself as cops descended on him. Law enforcement said that the sniper perched on a roof adjacent to the facility and rained bullets on the migrants as they were being transported in an unmarked ICE van. Investigators said that they are still establishing a motive, but believe the shooting may have been fueled by anti-law enforcement sentiment. FBI Director Kash Patel released images of bullets found at the scene, showing 'anti-ICE' scrawled on the shells in blue ink. After Jahn was identified as the alleged shooter, his brother Noah told NBC News that he did not believe his brother was especially interested in politics and had not voiced his opinions on immigration before. After the tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas in 2022, Jahn's mother posted a lengthy rant to Facebook challenging Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as Governor Greg Abbott for their support of gun rights 'He didn't have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew,' his brother said. Noah said his brother was unemployed but had previously worked as a coder, and was planning on moving in with their parents in Oklahoma. Jahn has been pictured in a mugshot from his arrest in 2015, when he was hit with felony charges for delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He was a registered independent in the 2024 election, but last voted in the Democratic primaries in March 2020, records showed. The alleged shooter's brother reportedly spoke before he knew that his brother had been identified as the sniper, and described him as 'unique' without elaborating. 'I didn't think he was politically interested,' he continued, saying he had last seen him two weeks before the shooting on Wednesday and nothing seemed unusual. 'He wasn't interested in politics on either side as far as I knew.' The siblings grew up in Allen, Texas, and spent their childhoods attending the Boy Scouts, the brother said. Law enforcement personnel respond at the scene of a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas He added that his brother knew how to use a rifle that his parents owned, but insisted that 'he's not a marksman, that's for sure.' Asked about the ICE facility shooting, he remarked: 'He would not be able to make any shots like that.' As investigators descended on the scene in Dallas, images showed a poster taped to the side of a vehicle believed to belong to Jahn. A sign with what appears to be black splatter on the car reads: 'Radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations that've passed over these areas more than 2x since 1951.' Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told CNN that the death toll stood at two as of Wednesday afternoon. A third victim was in serious condition. Investigators said Jahn fired 'indiscriminately' at the ICE office, peppering the transport van with bullets and also hitting windows in the building numerous times. Witness Arianny Sierra told NBC that she was in her car waiting for her husband to return from an ICE appointment in the facility when she heard shots ring out. 'The shots began at around 6:10 a.m. There were like 20 shots in a row,' she said. FBI Director Kash Patel released images of bullets found at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday, showing 'anti-ICE' scrawled on the shells in blue ink Jahn was arrested in 2015 and was hit with felony charges for delivering marijuana in an amount greater than 1/4 ounce. He was a registered independent in the 2024 election The victims were ICE detainees, and no law enforcement were injured in the shooting. Officials said at a press conference on Wednesday morning that the sniper opened fire 'from an elevated position' as migrants were inside the transport van. He is believed to have been found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office, WFAA reported. Patel said in an X post: 'While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack. 'These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off.' Although the sniper appeared to target migrants in ICE custody, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on X that the shooting represented an attack on ICE and law enforcement. 'We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals,' Paxton wrote. Vice President JD Vance added: 'The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families.' At the press conference on Wednesday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz made an impassioned plea for the end of politically motivated violence that has swept the nation in recent times. 'We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes,' Cruz said. 'Stop it, please.' Cruz also cited the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, telling reporters: 'It was two weeks ago today that we saw a political assassination in Utah that tore the heart out of much of this country.' Another airport in Denmark was forced to ground all flights following the sighting of several drones in the airspace. All arriving and departing aircrafts were halted at Aalborg Airport on Wednesday night, with inbound flights diverted to other airports. In a post on X, Nordjyllands Police said: 'Drones have been observed near Aalborg Airport and the airspace is closed. The police are present and investigating further.' The force said more than one drone was spotted in the airport's airspace. They followed a similar pattern to the drones that disrupted Copenhagen Airport on Monday, Danish National Police said. The Danish Armed Forces was also affected as the airport is used as a military base. Other airports in Denmark were left on high alert as drones were also observed near Esbjerg, Snderborg and Skrydstrup, where Danish fighter aircraft are kept. The purpose of the drones at Aalborg, which were flying with their lights on, remain unclear and it is unknown who was controlling them, police added. Police officers previously seen at Copenhagen Airport after all flights were diverted due to drone sightings Four flights including two SAS planes, one Norwegian and one KLM flight, were affected. No flights will take off or land from the airport until 6am local time on Thursday at the earliest, Aalborg Airport's deputy and operations director, Kim Bergmann, said early on Thursday morning. It comes after Danish police this week hinted that Russia may have been behind a swarm of drones that shut down Copenhagen airport, disrupting around 100 flights and leaving 20,000 passengers stranded. Police inspector Jens Jespersen suggested the incident had all the signs of a sophisticated operation. He said: 'The number, size, flight patterns, time over the airport. All this together indicates that it is a capable actor. Which capable actor, I do not know.' Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it 'the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date', adding Russian involvement could not be ruled out. In further hints that they believe Vladimir Putin was behind the previously spotted drones, authorities said the perpetrator was seeking to demonstrate certain abilities. In a social media post, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky referred to 'Russia's violation' of NATO airspace in Copenhagen. However, he did not indicate the source of his claim. Your browser does not support iframes. Meanwhile, Danish intelligence previously said the country is facing a 'high threat of sabotage' after the incident. 'We are facing a high threat of sabotage in Denmark. Someone may not necessarily want to attack us, but rather stress us out and see how we react,' Flemming Drejer, Director of Operations at Denmark's intelligence service PET, told a press conference this week. Sharing further details, Jespersen said that the drones had appeared from several different directions, turning their lights on and off before finally disappearing after several hours. Police are examining multiple theories about where the drones came from, including the possibility that they were launched from ships. Denmark's main airport sits close to a busy shipping lane used by vessels entering and leaving the Baltic Sea. On Tuesday, Russia broke its silence to deny any involvement. Flights at Copenhagen were either diverted or grounded for hours on Monday evening after multiple large drones were seen above the runways. At least 35 flights were ordered to other sites, including Malmo and Gothenburg, Sweden, and Billund, Aalborg, and Aarhus, Denmark. Authorities in Denmark diverted 31 flights to other airports, causing ripple effects that delayed or cancelled around 100 flights and affected some 20,000 passengers, a spokesperson told reporters. The airport finally reopened in the early hours of Tuesday. Later in the evening, Oslo Airport in Norway was also forced to close and divert its planes after drones were spotted in the vicinity. Two people were also arrested in the Norwegian capital after drones were seen at a military site. Norwegian police detained two Singaporean citizens who were operating a drone over Akershus Fortress, which houses the headquarters of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, according to the Norwegian state broadcaster NRK. Donald Trump is demanding an investigation and arrests after claiming a broken escalator could have left him and First Lady Melania Trump gravely injured at the United Nations' General Assembly. He also claimed that he was the victim of 'triple sabotage' during his Tuesday trip to the UN, pointing to the escalator incident, a broken teleprompter and how those in the assembly hall, including First Lady Melania, could barely hear him. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday - Not one, not two, but three very sinister events!' He said that given the escalator incident, it's 'amazing that Melania and I didn't fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first. It was only that we were each holding the handrail tightly or, it would have been a disaster.' Echoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who had cited a report in the Sunday Times that said UN staff had joked about turning the escalators and elevators off to prank the president, Trump referred to the escalator incident as 'absolutely sabotage.' 'The people that did it should be arrested!' Trump said. He was also furious about the audio quality for his speech, confirmed by his wife, who bluntly remarked she couldn't understand him after the address. 'I was told that the sound was completely off in the Auditorium where the Speech was made, that World Leaders, unless they used the interpreters' earpieces, couldn't hear a thing. The first person I saw at the conclusion of the Speech was Melania, who was sitting right up front. I said, "How did I do?" And she said, "I couldn't hear a word you said."' President Donald Trump (left) and First Lady Melania Trump (right) got stuck on a broken escalator and had to walk up the metal stairs when arriving at the UN General Assembly ahead of the president's address Tuesday morning President Donald Trump said Wednesday evening that he and First Lady Melania Trump could have taken 'sharp edges of these steel steps' to their faces when the UN's escalator stopped - and claimed his teleprompter and the audio during his speech were sabotaged A UN official told the Daily Mail that the audio was set up that way by design. 'The sound system was designed to allow people at their seats to hear speeches being translated into six different languages through earpieces. It has been like this for decades,' the official said. It appears nobody told the president or first lady about this ahead of time. He also spoke about the Teleprompter not working, saying it went 'stone cold dark' as he went to address his fellow leaders. 'I then proceeded to make a Speech without a teleprompter, which kicked in about 15 minutes later. The good news is the Speech has gotten fantastic reviews. Maybe they appreciated the fact that very few people could have done what I did.' UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told the Daily Mail Wednesday morning that the White House was operating Trump's teleprompter at the time. The president also charged that the audio wasn't piping out to the audience when he was delivering his speech to the body. However, Trump said that all of this 'wasn't a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN.' He finished: 'They ought to be ashamed of themselves. I'm sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General, and I demand an immediate investigation. No wonder the United Nations hasn't been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do. All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' President Donald Trump's teleprompter wasn't working at the beginning of his speech to the UN General Assembly - which the UN says the White House was operating - and he says the volume of his speech was deliberately kept low Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (left) can be seen wearing an earpiece as he listened to President Donald Trump's speech Tuesday morning at the UN General Assembly. A UN official told the Daily Mail that the volume is kept low so speeches can be simultaneously translated The president said he was writing a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, asking him to investigate the matter. He asked that all security tapes be saved. The White House previously confirmed that the Secret Service was looking into the escalator incident - however the Secret Service has not responded to the Daily Mail's additional request for comment. In a statement Tuesday, Dujarric said that Trump's videographer, who can be seen boarding the escalator several seconds before the first couple, likely triggered an emergency stop. The videographer was seen walking backward up the steps. 'A subsequent investigation, including a readout of the machine's central processing unit, indicated that the escalator had stopped after a built-in safety mechanism on the comb step was triggered at the top of the escalator,' Dujarric said. 'The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing,' he said. 'The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function described above.' The UN's technician reset the escalator 'as soon as the delegation had climbed up to the second floor,' Dujarric also said. First Lady Melania Trump watched President Donald Trump speak Tuesday at the UN General Assembly. The president said Wednesday night that she told him she could barely hear his remarks, which he said counted as 'sabotage' The White House's videographer can be seen riding the escalator backward as he films President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arriving at the UN. A UN spokesperson said that he may have 'inadvertently triggered the safety function' The escalator was observed by the Daily Mail working properly for the rest of the morning. A White House spokesperson wouldn't say Wednesday morning if Trump administration officials believed the UN's explanation. During his speech, Trump used the broken escalator and teleprompter to make a broader point that the UN was broken. 'I ended seven wars, dealt with leaders of each country, and never even received a call from the UN offering to help in finalizing the deal,' Trump complained. 'The United Nations wasn't there for us. They weren't there. I thought of it after the fact, not during these negotiations...what is the purpose of the UN? It's not even coming close to living up to that potential,' he said. 'These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,' the president then said. He reiterated those comments Wednesday night. 'No wonder the United Nations hasn't been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. And despite any audio issues, Trump boasted that the fiery speech was a success. 'The good news is the Speech has gotten fantastic reviews,' he said. 'Maybe they appreciated the fact that very few people could have done what I did.' Jaguar Land Rover was not insured against the cyber attack that shut down production and left its suppliers facing collapse, it was claimed last night. Britain's biggest carmaker was still finalising cover when hackers broke into its computer systems at the end of August and forced it to pause manufacturing at its factories. It means JLR faces shouldering the full bill from a crisis that threatens to cost it billions. Around 1,000 vehicles a day usually roll off its production lines in the West Midlands and Merseyside and the shutdown is so far estimated to have cost it nearly 2billion in lost revenue. JLR this week extended the pause in production into next month. But it is feared it could last until November, depriving it of 3.5billion in revenue and 250million of profit. But the company, one of the biggest names in British manufacturing, will not be able to recover those losses because of the lack of insurance. A spokesman for JLR, which is owned by Indian giant Tata Motors, said: 'We do not comment on commercial matters.' JLR's lack of insurance was first reported last night by industry journal The Insurer. The company was said to be in talks with insurance broker Lockton but nothing had been finalised when the attack occurred. By contrast, Marks and Spencer did have cyber insurance cover in place before it was targeted in April. Jaguar Land Rover was not insured against the cyber attack that shut down production and left its suppliers facing collapse, it has been revealed (File image) The crisis engulfing JLR has sparked fears over the future of its suppliers as smaller companies lay off staff and halt production. Ministers are under mounting pressure to act from their own MPs and the unions who have demanded a furlough scheme for workers suffering due to the shutdown. Business Secretary Peter Kyle rejected such calls to subsidise the wages of workers affected, but he was last night reported to be considering using taxpayer funds to buy parts directly from JLR suppliers to save them from collapse. Under the plan, the Government would then sell the parts to JLR when production resumes. Mr Kyle met JLR bosses and firms in the supply chain this week to try to find a solution. JLR is attempting to clear a backlog of payments owed to suppliers. 'Our focus remains on supporting our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and our retailers who remain open,' a spokesman said. 'We fully recognise this is a difficult time for all connected with JLR and we thank everyone for their continued support and patience.' Labour's Liam Byrne, a local MP and chairman of the Commons business and trade committee, has said the issues at JLR are 'a test for the Government'. Boris Johnson branded Nigel Farage a threat to national security last night. The former prime minister said he had 'serious concerns' about the Reform UK leader's stance on Russia. He also condemned the party's approach to economics as 'ridiculous' and questioned whether it will 'even exist' by the next election as well as dismissing the idea of it forming a pact with the Tories. It marks Mr Johnson's first response to the attack on his record on immigration earlier this week, in which Mr Farage vowed that a future Reform government would prevent the arrivals he dubbed the 'Boriswave' from being allowed to settle permanently in Britain. In an interview, Mr Johnson insisted he had confidence in the policy direction being taken by the Conservatives and in the 'energy and combativeness' of party leader Kemi Badenoch. But he said he had 'serious concerns' about 'the approach to the economy of the Reform Party and the approach on our national security'. 'I think both of those will be severely tested in the years ahead, and people will actually want serious answers and I think that the answers are going to be Conservative answers,' he predicted. He said the two priorities for Britain are reducing state spending and improving national security in the face of the 'threat of Russia', and that he had 'very serious anxieties' about both. Boris Johnson branded Nigel Farage a threat to national security last night Johnson said he had 'serious concerns' about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's stance on Russia Mr Johnson questioned if the UK should be led by Labour, whose grassroots 'are still basically pro-Moscow, Corbynista' or by 'this Reform gang, who are on record as saying that Nato provoked [Vladimir] Putin's aggression'. He added: 'What the world needs is UK leadership on this, and they need the UK to be strong and determined, and not to sound morally equivocal about transparent evil like invading Ukraine.' Last year he accused Mr Farage of 'parroting Putin's lies' for suggesting that Ukraine had provoked Russia by seeking EU and Nato membership. Mr Johnson also took aim at Reform's proposed policy of lifting the two-child benefit cap, which would cost an estimated 3.5 billion a year. 'That's ridiculous. How are we supposed to explain to hard-working people that their neighbours can take more and more money from the state?' he asked. 'We have got to reform welfare. We have got to spend less on public services.' He mocked Reform's recent rise in the polls, saying that it was 'on zero' when he was in Downing Street because he had 'got Brexit done'. In the interview with the Harry Cole Saves The West show on YouTube, he added: 'Who is to say whether that party will even exist before the next election.' And he dismissed the idea of a deal with Mr Farage, saying: 'The answers to this country's problems are going to be Conservative answers. 'The Conservative Party is the oldest, most successful party in the world. It will come back.' A spokesman for Reform UK hit back last night, saying: 'The Boriswave was the biggest betrayal in modern political history. No wonder he wants to attack us after we exposed his terrible record in office. Reform UK will clean up Boris Johnson's mess.' After losing his mother at just 15 years old, Prince William has spoken about the importance of keeping Princess Diana's legacy alive. He has done this by supporting the causes she championed, such as child bereavement and homelessness. Gyles Brandreth, a close friend of Prince Philip, even went as far as to describe William as the only royal to outclass both Diana and the Duke of Edinburgh. Royal author Tina Brown discusses William's likeness to his mother and the seemingly 'normal' lives the Waleses lead in her book, The Palace Papers. She wrote: 'A local charity they diligently support is East Anglia Children's Hospices, where Kate serves as royal patron. 'At a charity dinner supporting the hospices at Houghton in 2016, the room was divided into small groups to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who chatted to each guest with synchronised informal expertise.' One guest, Euan Rellie, told Brown: 'I was struck by how absolutely perfect William and Kate are at making people feel at ease.' Brown continued: 'After dinner, Rellie was privy to a winning off-stage William moment. Prince William and Kate Middleton are pictured at a charity dinner supporting East Anglia's Children's Hospices' nook appeal, which was raising funds to build and equip a new children's hospice for families in Norfolk, in 2016 Royal author Tina Brown discusses William's likeness to his mother and the seemingly 'normal' lives the Waleses lead in her book, The Palace Papers 'One of the most generous donors to the hospice charity, an elderly Park Avenue lady who had come over from the United States for the function and was a huge William fan, was stuck in her room feeling unwell and could not come down to join the other guests.' Someone had mentioned to William, 'It's a shame our highest-roller donor is too ill to meet you'. William reportedly replied: 'Is there any chance somebody could make a pot of tea and put some biscuits on a plate?' He knocked on the door of the elderly lady and said: 'I know that you were too ill to come to dinner and I thought I'd bring you a cup of tea to say thank you very much for supporting the hospices.' 'She was over the moon - hard not to be. It was a gesture that showed the imagination and empathy of his mother,' wrote Brown. 'It was a classic Diana Spencer move, just natural, gentle human kindness and had much more effect than a grand act,' said Rellie. 'We all thought, how he learned something from his mum.' This sentiment is echoed by Brandreth, who wrote of William in his 2021 book, Philip The Final Portrait: 'I have watched him at close range at Highgrove, on the polo field, on the streets and in the crowd. Brown wrote: 'At a charity dinner supporting the hospices at Houghton in 2016, the room was divided into small groups to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who chatted to each guest with synchronised informal expertise' William and Kate are pictured with guests at the gala dinner at Houghton Hall on June 22, 2016 William and Kate are greeted by David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley and Rose Cholmondeley, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley as they attend the gala 'I have seen him with the aristocracy and everyday folk: he is comfortable with both and they are comfortable with him. 'He shows concern and empathy, in the way Diana did but without those touches of self-consciousness and self-absorption that her manner sometimes suggested.' Based on his own experience of loss, William became patron of Child Bereavement UK, a charity which Diana helped launch, on Mother's Day in 2009. Royal author Katie Nicholl wrote in her book, The Making of a Royal Romance: 'Like their mother, who famously said she didn't want to "just be a name on a letterhead", neither William nor Harry wants to be figureheads.' Nicholl wrote: 'Ironically, it is in the company of strangers that William allows his guard to slip. 'When, as their new patron, he addressed The Child Bereavement Charity, he drew on his life in order to connect with ordinary people.' William said in his address: 'Never being able to say the word "Mummy" again in your life sounds like a small thing. 'However, for many, including me, it is now really just a word - hollow and evoking only memories.' William is pictured walking with a group of homeless young people helped by Centrepoint on a fell walk on July 24, 2009, in Cumbria The Prince of Wales meets children who have been supported by Child Bereavement UK during a visit to the charity service on February 5, 2025 Throughout his life, William has committed himself to serving Diana's charities and causes. Like his mother, who famously held an AIDS patient in her arms at a time when people thought you could contract the disease through touching, William has the common touch. In 2009, William discussed the work of the Prince's Foundation, saying: 'There is a time and a place for being an ornament, or shaking people's hands and being at an engagement. 'But I think there's an awful lot more from actually doing stuff. 'You could just turn up and open things - and don't get me wrong, there's always a good reason to do that - but it's about bringing some other things into it as well.' Nicholl wrote: 'This is why William chose to spend his 27th birthday meeting former gangsters in an attempt to understand street culture in Britain and why he spent a night before Christmas sleeping on the streets of London in minus-four-degree temperatures.' 'I hope that by deepening my understanding of the issue I can help do my bit to help the most vulnerable people on our streets,' he said. William talks with a young homeless person at a Centrepoint homeless hostel during his visit to the centre on December 20, 2006 in London, England. His mother Princess Diana was a previous Patron of the charity and is seen here on a visit to meet homeless people William is pictured during his first visit to a Centrepoint hostel for the homeless in Soho in January 1996 Vivienne Parry, a longtime friend of Diana, wrote: 'Diana was always passionate about her work with homeless people, and William is the same. 'It was amazing when he slept rough on the street and quite extraordinary that he was able to do that. Diana would have loved it. 'Diana often said to me that she felt like an outsider and she identified with people who were struggling. I see that in William and Harry, too.' An entire town in Kentucky has hit the market for just $350,000, but the vintage village is largely inhospitable. The 22-acre Mount Vernon property seems too good to be true on paper. Fitted with ten rustic cabins, a trapper's cabin, a general store, a blacksmith shop, an 1800s church, a post office, and a schoolhouse, the listing sounds like a dream come true especially given the humble price tag. The location is also picture-perfect, as the village is perched among Kentucky's scenic Renfro Valley Mountains. All of this is on offer for just $350,000 that's around $13,000 less than the average home price in the US. However, buyers might be put off by the fact that none of the cabins or shops have modern amenities and only one of the homes is livable. 'The 22 acres are mostly wooded with hills, so it would take a lot of excavation work if you wanted to develop on the land,' listing agent Victoria Caldwell told Realtor.com. 'There is a home that is livable, but it just doesn't have a lot of modern amenities.' But despite the property's shortcomings, it has a fascinating history. A village in Kentucky consisting of a collection of rustic cabins is being sold for $350,000 Amongst the cabins are a series of shops - including a general store (pictured here) Ten rustic cabins, a trapper's cabin, a general store, a blacksmith shop, an 1800s church, a post office and a schoolhouse (pictured), are included in the sale The location of the rustic cabin collection is also picture-perfect, as the village is perched among Kentucky's scenic Renfro Valley Mountains Kentucky realtor Victoria Caldwell 'The gentleman who originally owned the property went around Kentucky and found these cabins with the goal of restoration and preservation,' said Caldwell. She told the Daily Mail: 'The owners have never resided here. It has been used as a coffee and tea shop, that occasionally provided tours.' She added that weddings have also been hosted for family and friends of the owners. The village comes with Hollywood credentials, too. It set the scene of a spooky, deserted town in the horror film The Devil Below, starring actor Will Patton. One of the unique features of the property is the general store, which the sellers used as a functioning shop until ten years ago. It even has a commercial kitchen and bathrooms. There is also a trapper's cabin a remote, rustic shelter built by a fur trapper to provide a base for working their traplines in wilderness areas that was built in the 1700s. A structure dubbed 'The Pennington' has one bedroom, a kitchen, living room and a fireplace. 'I love the old buildings,' Caldwell said. 'Some of them have these big beautiful, original stone fireplaces.' The Kentucky village was even used as a backdrop for the horror film The Devil Below, starring actor Will Patton One of the cabins, named The Pennington (pictured), features exposed beams, wooden floors, and is still fitted with old-timey, haphazard furniture Another unique feature is the 1800s church, which still has its wooden pews, cross, and stained glass windows The sprawling 22-acre property is located in Mount Vernon The village is just a short distance away from the city of Mount Vernon The Pennington has exposed beams, wooden floors, and is still fitted with old-timey, haphazard furniture. 'The antiques and things inside the cabins are negotiable, with the exception of a few family pieces,' Caldwell said of the current furnishings. Another unique feature is the 1800s church, which still has its beautiful stained glass windows. According to the listing, the property also boasts a blacksmith's workshop, post office, corn crib, salt house, and a cowboy bunkhouse a barracks-like building historically used to house working cowboys on ranches. 'Whether you want to run a storefront, host weddings and events, own vacation rentals, or simply find a peaceful, unique homestead, this beauty is for you,' the listing wrote. The property is located on Hummel Road close to Renfro Valley, a neighborhood located just off Interstate 75 at the junction of US Route 25, north of Mount Vernon. From space it looks almost serene at least in contrast to the violent destruction it's causing on the ground. A new NASA image shows Typhoon Ragasa as it appears from space a 1,000milewide mass of warm, moist air, swirling around a central point. The image, captured by NASA's Terra satellite at 01:40 Universal Time on September 23, shows the powerful and active tropical cyclone on its path westwards. Typhoon Ragasa has already passed through Taiwan, Philippines and Hong Kong, flooding streets, uprooting trees, collapsing bridges and ripping apart buildings. More than 20 people in the region have died due to Typhoon Ragasa so far, while more than 150 people are reportedly unaccounted for. The storm is due to reach China today, where residents are bracing for the worst. 'Life in several Chinese cities is at a standstill as more than two million people have been evacuated from homes, schools and workplaces. With top winds more than 177 miles per hour, the super typhoon is ranked as the strongest typhoon of the year. Typhoon Ragasa emerged on September 18 in the western Pacific Ocean a few hundred miles east of the Philippines before travelling west. Pictured, September 23, 2025 Typhoon Ragasa emerged on September 18 in the western Pacific Ocean a few hundred miles east of the Philippines before travelling west. But periods of rapid intensification soon brought it to 'Category 5' strength the most extreme classification indicating that 'catastrophic damage will occur'. On Monday, it hit the northern Philippines, killing at least two people while triggering floods, landslides and damage to property. Heavy rains from Ragasa have already caused a lake barrier to burst in Taiwan's eastern Hualien county, killing 14 people. One Taiwanese resident described it as a 'disaster movie' when the decadesold dam wall burst, washing away a bridge and sweeping into a town with a trail of thick sludge and mud. Typhoon Ragasa has been battering Hong Kong today with hurricaneforce winds and torrential rain, shutting schools and grounding flights. Generally, tropical cyclones will begin to weaken once over land, because the storm lacks moisture and heat sources provided by the ocean. However, as it approaches China, Ragasa is expected to weaken only slightly. Tropical cyclones consist of rotating, moist columns of air. Like giant engines, they use warm, moist air as fuel. That is why they form only over warm ocean waters near the equator This map plotting the storm's path heading towards Honk Kong and southern China, having already passed through the Philippines (south) and Taiwan (north) One Taiwanese resident described it as a 'disaster movie' when the decadesold dam wall burst, washing away a bridge and sweeping into a town with a trail of thick sludge and mud. Pictured, vehicles stuck in mud in Hualien after the bursting of the barrier lake Taiwan: Part of the bridge over Mataian Creek is destroyed after the barrier lake burst in Hualien What is a tropical cyclone? A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm that begins over tropical oceans, and they can vary in speed, size, and intensity. Their life cycles can run their course in as little as 24 hours, while others can last as long as a month. Tropical cyclones are the secondmost dangerous natural hazards, after earthquakes. More than 779,000 people have been killed by tropical cyclones in the last 50 years. Source: WMO Advertisement According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the storm is moving through a 'highly favorable environment characterized by strong radial outflow, warm sea surface temperatures, and low vertical wind shear'. It's barreling towards tens of millions of people in southern China, including the densely populated cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Guangdong authorities have already evacuated over 770,000 people, state broadcaster CCTV reported. From his vantage point 250 miles above Earth, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim posted photos on X of how the 'violent' typhoon appears from space. 'From orbit, the view is breathtaking, but on the ground, this storm brings real danger and hardship,' Kim said. 'Thoughts are with everyone in its path, and with the first responders and communities preparing to weather it.' Tropical cyclones consist of rotating, moist columns of air, filled with water vapour and ice crystals. Like giant engines, they use warm, moist air as fuel which is why they form only over warm ocean waters near the equator. Strong waves crash against the waterfront in Heng Fa Chuen area as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches in Hong Kong, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Rescuers carrying a victim in the landslidehit municipality of Tuba, Benguet province, Philippines, September 22, 2025 Strong waves crash against the waterfront in Heng Fa Chuen area as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches in Hong Kong, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 International Space Station (ISS), which is 250 miles above Earth, captures the eye of Typhoon Ragasa, September 22, 2025 The Western Pacific typhoon season spans the entire year, but most storms form between May and November, with a peak in activity in late August and early September. As of September 23, 19 named typhoons had formed in 2025, though only two had achieved Category 3 or higher strength for a sustained period. Although they are natural hazards, some scientists believe tropical cyclones are made more intense by humancaused global warming. In a changed climate, when tropical cyclones form they form in a climate that is warmer, wetter, and more energetic than before. As a result, tropical cyclones can intensify more quickly, reach stronger wind speeds, and release more rain, says Climate Council. They may also retain their strength for longer, and move more slowly meaning they linger longer over a given area, causing more damage. Riding upon higher sea levels, they may also bring even more dangerous storm surges and coastal flooding. World leaders urge two-state solution at UN General Assembly amid uncertainties for Mideast peace 08:22, September 24, 2025 By Xia Lin ( Xinhua UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the General Debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Rui) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the first day of the general debate that "in Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year," highlighting "a scale of death and destruction beyond any other conflict" in his years as secretary-general. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from across the world convened in New York on Tuesday for the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in support of Palestinian statehood, but over opposition from Israel and the United States, as the Gaza Strip neared the two-year mark of a war that has brought mass casualties, destruction and hunger. A COLLECTIVE VOICE UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the first day of the general debate that "in Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year," highlighting "a scale of death and destruction beyond any other conflict" in his years as secretary-general. He called for the full and immediate implementation of the International Court of Justice measures, a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access, adding that "we must not relent in the only viable answer to sustainable Middle East peace: a two-state solution." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the Hamas terror attacks in his remarks on Tuesday, noting that international humanitarian law and the myth of Western exceptionalism were buried under the rubble there, and the survival of the Palestinian people requires an independent state. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his country's complete support for the two-state solution, calling for both Palestine and Israel to be free and independent, safe and secure from threats and terrorism. Indonesia is ready to deploy 20,000 or even more people to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere, and this year, over self-sufficiency, it exported rice to other nations in need, including to Palestine, he said. Jordan's King Abdullah II said that security will only come when Palestine and Israel begin to co-exist side by side. "This is the two-state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions: an independent and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, ... alongside a secure Israel, ... living in peace with its neighbors," he noted. "We reaffirm our support of the two-state solution with the UN playing a central role. Kazakhstan acknowledges diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional reconciliation in the Middle East," said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the deeply worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations," said Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding that "in line with the UN resolutions, we remain steadfast supporters of the two-state solution principle." Photo taken on the Rashid road, the coastal road west of Gaza City, shows a Palestinian kid from the northern Gaza Strip fleeing to the south amid the large-scale Israeli military operation in the Gaza City, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) UNCERTAINTIES AHEAD Speaking Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a different tone, urging immediate action in Gaza. "Release the hostages now -- just release the hostages now," he said, adding that "we have to negotiate peace, get the hostages back -- all 20 back -- and 38 dead bodies back." Meanwhile, he warned against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it would amount to "a reward to Hamas for its horrible atrocities." A summit organized by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday ahead of the general debate in New York was portrayed as an urgent effort to salvage the long-deferred vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City against Hamas and rapidly expands its settlements in the West Bank, the notion seems more distant than ever. "We must pave the way for peace," said French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, to applause from those at the meeting and a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation. "Today, France recognizes the State of Palestine," he said, noting recent statements of recognition, some not yet formalized, by Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium and several others. "France, Britain and the other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week say they aim to salvage whatever hope remains for the internationally backed formula to end the half-century-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians: a Jewish state of Israel at peace with a neighboring Palestinian one," reported The New York Times on Monday. "But nearly two years into the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, Israelis and Palestinians alike say the possibility of a two-state solution seems more remote than ever," it noted. On Sept. 12, the General Assembly adopted by a wide margin the "New York Declaration," which called for "just and lasting peace grounded in international law and based on the two-state solution." To end the war, it urged Hamas to "end its role in Gaza, and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority." The United States and Israel voted against the text. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River." The idea of establishing one nation each for Jewish and Palestinian populations, living alongside each other in peace, predated the UN's founding in 1945. Drafted and redrafted since then, the concept has appeared in dozens of UN Security Council resolutions, multiple peace talks and in the General Assembly's recently resumed 10th emergency special session. On Tuesday, Guterres warned that the viability of a two-state solution is steadily eroding, now reaching its most critical level in more than a generation, in a statement at a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the Palestinian question, highlighting relentless settlement expansion, de facto annexation, and forced displacement as evidence of the erosion. "Cycles of deadly violence, including by extremist settlers, have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation and pushed us perilously close to a point of no return," he added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) While travelling to space might be a dream for many people, the reality of life in orbit has never been all that comfortable. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) spend their days camping out in a noisy, cramped, and often smelly metal tube whizzing around the Earth. But as the ISS reaches the end of its life, one company plans on making space travel a lot more glamorous as early as next year. Haven-1, the world's first private space station, features queen-size beds, a state-of-the-art gym, and even maple wood interiors. Designed by the US-based space startup Vast, the Haven-1 space station could launch into orbit by 2026. Just like the ISS, astronauts will live aboard the floating laboratory to conduct scientific research and test manufacturing techniques for microgravity. However, with its soft, padded interiors and 'human-centric' design, astronauts aboard Haven-1 should be a lot more comfortable than in the Spartan conditions of the ISS. This update comes as Vast partners with the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen, making the company the official timekeeper for the station. Haven-1 (pictured) is set to launch next year and become the first ever private space station, eventually replacing the International Space Station for government and private astronauts Unlike the Spartan interiors of the ISS, Haven-1 will feature soft, padded walls and wooden panelling for a more comfortable stay in space Haven-1 will have a diameter of 4.4 metres (14.7 feet) and a usable volume of 45 cubic metres (1,500 cubic feet). That is just an eighth the size of the ISS Compared to the sprawling structure of the ISS, the Haven-1 space station will be relatively small. Haven-1 will have a diameter of 4.4 metres (14.7 feet) and a usable volume of 45 cubic metres (1,500 cubic feet). That is about the same volume as the inside of a single-deck bus and just an eighth as big as the 388 cubic metres (13,696 cubic feet) of volume on the ISS. However, despite its small size, Haven-1 promises to offer its astronauts a far more comfortable experience than that offered by the ISS. Without the pull of gravity to pull you down, sleeping in space can be a serious problem. On the ISS, the luckier astronauts sleep in phone-box-sized cupboards while the rest strap into sleeping bags and tether themselves to walls to avoid drifting away. Instead, Haven-1 offers four patent-pending signature sleep systems, arranged on the outside of the central corridor. The company explains that its beds are 'roughly the size of a queen bed' and provide a 'customized amount of equal pressure throughout the night, and accommodates side and back sleepers alike'. With no gravity to keep you horizontal, sleeping in space has posed a challenge to astronauts in the past. However, Vast hopes to tackle that issue with a patent-pending signature sleep system A team of four astronauts will live on Haven-1 for up to 30 days at a time, carrying out scientific experiments and testing microgravity manufacturing Haven-1: The world's first private space station Diameter: 4.4 metres (14.7 feet) Habitable volume: 45 cubic metres (1,500 cubic feet) Maximum crew capacity: 4 Maximum mission length: 30 days Amenities: Queen-sized beds, gym, living area, laboratory Intended launch date: 2026 Advertisement Most of the remaining space is dominated by a large common area, featuring a deployable table that can be folded into the floor when not in use. The astronauts will be able to gaze down at Earth through an expansive 1.2-meter (four-foot) observation window. This common area is where astronauts will spend most of their time, working at the in-built laboratory stations, relaxing and eating, or exercising at the state-of-the-art gym. In order to avoid muscle and bone loss in low gravity, astronauts need to spend multiple hours a day exercising and training. On Haven-1, the astronauts will have access to a resistance band system anchored to the walls. Vast says that this system is 'capable of both linear and rotational resistance exercises, focusing on both upper and lower-body musculoskeletal health.' This living room will also feature one of the starkest departures from the purely functional design of the ISS, with a large section of wall being covered with wood panelling. While the cost to build Haven-1 has not been disclosed, Vast says it will have invested about $1 billion by the time the station launches. Crew members will be able to stay fit and avoid muscle atrophy by using the state-of-the-art resistance band gym installed on the walls of the main living area The living area will also host the laboratory system, where the crew will spend their days working Vast CEO Max Haot says: 'We're building the most innovative space station in the universe.' However, unlike the ISS, Haven-1 is not intended for long-term habitation. Vast has previously described Haven-1 as a 'minimal viable' space station, intended as a rapidly deployed proof of concept for bigger projects to come. The space station will only host four astronauts at a time for missions lasting between 10 and 30 days. When the station isn't occupied, it will be used to test artificial gravity technologies as a stepping stone to more long-term space habitation. Compared to the months spent by astronauts on the ISS, these brief stays won't give missions to Haven-1 much time for research projects. However, the rapid approach could allow Vast to become the first private company to launch a space station. Mr Haot says: 'This isn't an artist's rendering this is the actual design, being executed and built right now.' The company behind Haven-1, Vast, has partnered with SpaceX so that the station can be resupplied by the Crew Dragon spaceships currently used by NASA to reach the ISS Vast says that the space station will be ready to launch as early as next year, following an in-orbit systems test this year Ahead of the launch of Haven-1 next year, Vast will launch the Haven Demo later this year. This small satellite will test the critical systems needed to make Haven-1 viable, such as propulsion, flight computers, and navigation software. Going forward, Vast hopes that Haven-1 will pave the way for a much larger, modular station based on the ISS's design called Haven-2. This station will have an internal volume of 500 cubic metres (17,660 cubic feet) and will host up to 12 astronauts on a more permanent basis. From the classic Calibri to the quirky Wingdings, computer users have over half a million fonts to choose from. Now, a study has revealed what your font choice says about you. Experts from Adobe asked over 1,000 participants about their thoughts on 13 of the most popular fonts, including Times New Roman, Arial, Comic Sans, and Verdana. The results will come as a relief for fans of Times New Roman, Calibri and Arial. But if your goto font is Comic Sans or Papyrus, the findings might encourage you to change to a different typeface. 'Serif fonts, such as Times New Roman or Georgia, are typically characterized by their elegance and are often associated with formality and professionalism,' Adobe explained. 'On the other hand, sans serif fonts, such as Arial or Calibri, are perceived as more casual and approachable with their clean and modern aesthetic.' So, is it time you gave your font an upgrade? From the classic Calibri to the quirky Wingdings, computer users have over half a million fonts to choose from. Now, a study has revealed what your font choice says about you For the survey, Adobe asked 1,013 Americans about their opinions on 13 fonts. These were Helvetica, Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Comic Sans, Roboto, Courier New, Verdana, Impact, Lobster, Georgia, Wingdings, and Papyrus. The results revealed that Times New Roman a font first designed back in 1931 remains the most popular font, chosen by 27 per cent of respondents. This was followed by Calibri (16 per cent), Helvetica and Arial (both 12 per cent), and Georgia (eight per cent). 'Men were 45% more likely than women to say that their favourite font was Times New Roman,' Adobe explained. In contrast, Wingdings was found to be the 'cringiest' font among 55 per cent of respondents. Other cringeworthy typefaces included Comic Sans (17 per cent), Papyrus (11 per cent), Lobster (eight per cent), and Impact (three per cent). Adobe added: '45% feel Wingdings should be retired forever, followed by Comic Sans at 15%.' Gen X and Baby Boomers are 60 per cent more likely to have Arial as their favourite font, when compared to Gen Z and Millennials (stock image) The 5 most 'cringey' fonts Wingdings (55%) Comic Sans (17%) Papyrus (11%) Lobster (8%) Impact (3%) Advertisement If you send a lot of emails, the survey also suggests that you might want to switch to Times New Roman. Sixtyfour per cent of respondents said this font was associated with a reputable legitimate business, well ahead of Arial (15 per cent), Calibri (eight per cent), Verdana (three per cent), and Roboto (three per cent). 'Impact, Lobster, Windgdings came in as the least reputable fonts, with less than 0.5% of people thinking these fonts were acceptable for a business,' Adobe said. Times New Roman also reigns supreme for legibility, ahead of Arial, Calibri, Roboto, and Verdana. In addition, the results of the survey found that certain fonts resonate with different generations. Gen Z loves Times New Roman the most out of all generations, with more than one in three seeing it as their favourite font. In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers are 60 per cent more likely to have Arial as their favourite font, when compared to Gen Z and Millennials. The news comes shortly after Microsoft replaced Calibri as its default font for the first time in 17 years. The new default font is Aptos a sans serif font not too disimiliar to ite predecessor. 'Also referred to as Grotesque or Gothic, sans serif often have simple letterforms, even strokes, and they're easily readable. Aptos, made of varying geometric shapes, is bold, welldefined, directive, and constrained,' Microsoft explained in a blog. 'It articulates many different languages and tones. Stem ends are clean cut. 'Subtle circular squares within the letters' contours allow higher legibility, especially at small sizes.' Climate change could push humanity into a dystopian nightmare of fires, biblicalscale floods and food shortages. But those lucky enough to survive the chaos could end up living amid a global economic meltdown. Scientists at the University of Cambridge warn that global warming could make the average person 24 per cent poorer by 2100. Life in Britain could resemble conditions in less developed countries, according to researchers with higher unemployment, lower wages, closed businesses, and an even lower standard of living. 'We have shown that climate change reduces income in all countries, hot and cold, rich and poor alike,' say the University of Cambridge experts in a statement. 'It will affect industries ranging from transport to manufacturing and retail, not only agriculture and other sectors commonly associated with nature. Based on the findings, experts say humanity needs to stop burning fossil fuels now. 'Urgent action is needed to address climate change and protect economies from further income losses.' By 2100, today's developed countries could be pushed further into an unprecedented type of poverty. Nearly a quarter of the global GDP per capita could be lost by 2100 due to global warming, scientists at the University of Cambridge report Previous studies have shown that climate change results in more intense rainfall because warmer air can hold more moisture. And because rainfall is increasing on average across the world, the chances of flooding are getting higher. Rising sea levels and resulting flooding will lead to billions spent on repairing flooddamaged buildings and setting up flood defences. What's more, there will be costly disruptions to activities in sectors like tourism and agriculture that are based near the coast. Humancaused global warming which is largely due to burning fossil fuels such as coal for energy will also see a reduction of arable land for crops as regions become drier. All of this will affect 'global GDP per capita', the total economic output (gross domestic product) of all countries in the world divided by the world's population. It represents the average economic output per person on a global scale and is a powerful indicator of individual economic wellbeing and prosperity. For the study, the authors investigated the impact of continuous temperature increase from 20152100 on annual GDP per capita losses of 174 countries. Already a familiar sight? Lower GDP could result in a nearfuture of higher unemployment, lower wages, closed businesses, and an even lower standard of living Prior studies suggest climate change will cause food shortages, partly by reducing the productivity of crops This chart plots scientists' estimates of global income losses from rising temperatures by a given future year, typically 2100. A larger increase in global temperatures generally correlates with a larger proportion of GDP impacted What is gross domestic product (GDP)? Gross domestic product (GDP) is the main measure of a country's economic growth. It's based on the value of goods and services produced during a given period. It is also used to compare the size of different economies at a different point in time. Source: ONS/Bank of England Advertisement The list of countries included Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the US. The researchers used Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) modelling by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that shows different ways in which the world could change. They compared future projections against two baselines a scenario where temperature increases mimic the 19602014 trends, and a hypothetical scenario with 'no further warming'. The researchers found that if temperatures increase persistently by 0.04C per year with minimal mitigation or adaptation, global GDP per capita will drop by 1011 per cent by 2100. But in the most extreme emissions scenario, the researchers project per capita income losses of 2024 per cent compared to a 'no further warming' scenario. The researchers also observed variation among countries, noting that hotter and lowincome countries might face economic losses 3060 per cent higher than the global average. Examples include Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Burkina Faso in west Africa, commonly citied as the world's hottest country. The new study, published today in the journal PLOS Climate, emphasises the 'importance of mitigating climate change' and 'implementing adaptation measures to minimize these negative effects.' This chart shows global income losses from rising temperatures by 2100, based on climate scenarios of varying intensity. Failure to curb greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from burning fossil fuels, will result in greater GDP losses Rising sea levels and resulting flooding will lead to billions spent on repairing flooddamaged buildings and setting up flood defences. Pictured, debris at the scene of a landslide in Huangmei county, Huanggang city, in China's central Hubei province, July 2020 The authors stress the importance of abiding by the Paris Agreement, the international agreement to control and limit climate change. Signed in 2015, the agreement famously aims to keep global temperature increases below 2.7F (1.5C) compared with preindustrial levels. Limiting the temperature increase to just 0.01C per year would generate a global income gain of about 0.25 per cent compared to the scenario where temperature increases mimic the 19602014 trends. According to the team, future studies should consider strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation tailored specifically to certain countries. But even with such initiatives in place, the longterm growth effects of climate change are 'likely to persist', especially in countries with hotter climates and lower incomes. However, the team stress 'no country is immune' from the impact of climate change if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed. 'Go back less than a decade and most economists would argue that climate change was something that only hotter, southern countries needed to worry about,' the experts conclude. 'We have challenged this assumption.' Thousands of people around the world woke up yesterday morning hoping it would be their last day on Earth. The 'Rapture' was a theory put forward by a South African pastor, claiming that Jesus would return to Earth on September 23, causing his followers to rise into the sky to meet him. While the theory was widely peddled across social media, it never came to fruition leaving many believers disappointed. So, why were so many people convinced that the Rapture was real? According to a recent study, it comes down to arrogance. Earlier this year, scientists from Cornell University found that people who believe in conspiracy theories are likely to be hugely overconfident. And it could go some way to explaining why it's impossible to try and change their minds. 'One of the thing that seems to distinguish at least some conspiracy theorists is not just that their beliefs seem to be based on poor evidence, but also that they appear so confident in their beliefs,' study author Gordon Pennycook, an associate professor at Cornell University, told PsyPost. The 'Rapture' was a theory flouted by a South African pastor, claiming that Jesus would return to Earth on September 23, causing his followers to rise into the sky to meet him Scientists from Cornell University carried out the research in a bid to understand why people believe in wild claims especially those that have been widely rejected by experts and the broader public. They carried out eight separate studies involving 4,181 participants in the US who were asked to complete various cognitive tasks. To measure their overconfidence, they were also asked to estimate how well they believed they had performed. The team then compared these overconfidence scores to how strongly individuals endorsed conspiracy theories, including that the moon landing was faked or that vaccines are part of a government control plot. Analysis, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, revealed a strong link between overconfidence and belief in extreme conspiracy theories. The team also discovered that while only 12 per cent of participants believed in conspiracy theories, those who did believe them thought that nine in 10 people shared their views. The 'false consensus' effect was strongest among the most overconfident individuals who not only believed incorrect things but also wrongly assumed that most others shared their views. Dr Pennycook explained: 'The tendency to be overconfident in general may increase the chances that someone falls down the rabbit hole, so to speak, and believe conspiracies. 'In fact, our results counteract a prevailing narrative about conspiracy theorists: that they know that they hold fringe beliefs and revel in that fact.' He added that particularly overconfident conspiracy believers 'really seem to be miscalibrated in a major way'. 'Not only are their beliefs on the fringe, but they are very much unaware of how far on the fringe they are,' he added. The lack of Rapture will likely come as a shock to some believers, who went so far as to get rid of their personal possessions in preparation. One Australian man, Tilahun Desalegn, shared a clip of his car being towed away, saying: 'I won't need her beyond September, because I'm going home to where my father in heaven is.' 'Car is gone just like the Brides of Christ will be in September,' Desalegn wrote on the video. It has been less than a week since Apple's latest iPhones went on sale. But eager fans are already looking ahead to next year's lineup with rumours of a neverbeforeseen device. Mark Gurman, a veteran Apple analyst at Bloomberg, claims that Apple will launch its first foldable model in 2026. 'The foldable iPhone will be the star of Apple's 2026 product lineup,' he explained in his Power On newsletter. But what will Apple's first foldable look like? Rivals have already released their own foldables in a variety of shapes, ranging from the clamshell Motorola Razr to the booklike Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, Mr Gurman claims that Apple will opt for a design that resembles two iPhone Airs sidebyside. To imagine how this might look, the Daily Mail turned to AI so, would you buy this foldable iPhone? Mr Gurman claims that Apple will opt for a design that resembles two iPhone Airs sidebyside. To imagine how this might look, the Daily Mail turned to AI so, would you buy this foldable iPhone? Apple revealed four models in the iPhone 17 family at an event at its California HQ earlier this month. As well as the standard iPhone 17 option, there's the more advanced iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone Pro Max, which bigger screens and more processing power. There's also the iPhone Air, a new ultraslim and light option that ties in with Apple's 'Air' MacBook computers. However, Apple's most revolutionary iPhone will come next year, according to Mr Gurman. 'Work [on the foldable iPhone] continues in Cupertino as well as with the company's supplier and assembly partners overseas,' he explained. 'While there has been some noise recently about production occurring in India, everything I've heard points to manufacturing at least also taking place with Foxconn in China.' The leaker claims that the foldable iPhone will look like 'two titanium iPhone Air side-by-side.' 'In other words, it's going to be super thin and a design achievement,' he added. The leaker claims that the foldable iPhone will look like 'two titanium iPhone Air side-by-side' Ranging in price from 799 to 1,199, Apple's iPhone 17 family models are by no means cheap. However, these prices will pale in comparison to the foldable iPhone, according to Mr Gurman. 'It's also going to be ridiculously expensive compared with past iPhones I continue to believe it'll be at least $2,000,' he warned. Unfortunately, the leaker believes there's still a while to wait before Apple unveils the foldable device to the world. 'As for release timing, I expect it in the usual fall iPhone launch period, give or take,' Mr Gurman added. As ever, Apple is remaining tight-lipped on the rumours. Speaking to the Daily Mail at Apple's London HQ last week, John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, politely declined to even discuss the subject. 'You probably know we never talk about anything in the future,' he said. 'We are so excited to talk about what we're going to be shipping to people tomorrow.' Fears of the Rapture taking place on September 23 have come and gone in the latest Doomsday prediction to incorrectly mark the end of days. Despite the hysteria the viral sensation created, convincing plenty on social media that the Second Coming of Jesus and Judgment Day were upon us, many Christians pushed back against the wild claims. Daily Mail spoke with faith leaders and practicing Christians who said trying to set a date for prophesized biblical events like the Rapture completely goes against the teachings of the Bible. Steve Kang, the Buddhist monk-turned-evangelical pastor, said: 'The Bible says no one knows the day or the hour, only the Father. Not even Jesus knows!' Kang, who said he once had an out-of-body experience where he went to hell and was pulled back by the voice of Jesus, added that the end of the world is only prophesized to come when the gospel is preached in all nations. 'Every language must hear,' Kang claimed, noting that there are still thousands of languages worldwide in which the Bible has not been translated into yet. Fellow Christians and influential faith leaders on social media have added that there are many more signs they've been cautioned to watch for which would come before Doomsday. Speaking with members of Grace Church in New Jersey, these include the formation of a 'united one world government,' a new temple being constructed in Jerusalem, and the creation of a religious system that follows a so-called 'world leader.' Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, a South African preacher, claimed that the Biblical event known as the Rapture would begin on September 23, 2025 (Stock Image) Believers that the Rapture would come on September 23 pointed to the twelfth chapter in the Book of Revelation and recent astrological alignments connecting them (Stock Image) When will the Rapture be...according to the Bible? 'As far as what scripture does say, the bigger narrative is more important, with there being a long list of things that are going to happen in the future,' one faith leader at the church explained. Specifically, biblical warning signs parishioners mentioned focused on the formation of a united world government which would have a single name and a universal language and currency. Additionally, many Christians have been guided to keep a close eye on the events taking place in Israel, and are warned to watch for the building of a 'Third Temple' in Jerusalem. The Third Temple is a prophesized future building some Jews and Christians believe will be constructed on the site of two previous ancient temples, which were central to Jewish worship but destroyed long ago. In certain Christian beliefs, its construction is seen as a major sign that the world is nearing a series of dramatic, apocalyptic events, including the rise of a deceptive world leader, believed to be the Antichrist, who will defile the temple. The Antichrist, according to the Book of Revelation, will rise to global power, possibly from a revived form of an ancient empire like Rome, and will oppose God by claiming divine authority and performing misleading signs. Scripture also indicates this figure will trigger wars and destruction by waging a campaign against believers and nations, desecrating a future Third Temple, and bringing about a seven-year period of chaos called the Great Tribulation. Vladimir Savchuk, a pastor, author, and YouTube preacher, publicly spoke out against the September 23 claims, supporting the belief that Doomsday and the Rapture will not come until this mysterious world leader is revealed. During the prophesized end of days, Jesus shall return to Earth to bring the faithful with him to heaven, leaving the rest of humanity to face a seven-year period called the Tribulation (Stock Image) Christians and influential faith leaders warned that the Bible cautions against setting dates for the Rapture and the end of days (Stock Image) '2 Thessalonians 2:3, it says clearly Jesus is not returning until Antichrist is revealed, and that has not happened yet,' Savchuk said in a video for his 2.19million subscribers. 'So, if someone sets the date, they are directly contradicting Jesus's word,' he added. What is the Rapture? The Rapture is a belief held by some Christians called 'eschatology,' which is the study of end-times events. This event is thought to be a kind of rescue, where believers are instantly taken away from Earth to avoid the Tribulation, a coming period of intense suffering. Biblical texts describe the Tribulation as a seven-year period of chaos and disasters, where evil rules on Earth before Jesus returns again to set up a peaceful kingdom. The September 23 prophecy gained worldwide attention after Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, a South African preacher, claimed Jesus appeared to him in a divine vision and said he would return during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah. Some were so convinced by his prophecy that they posted online about selling their homes, giving away their belongings, and wrapping up all of their affairs before Tuesday. Pastor Mhlakela's declaration wasn't the first biblical warning of Doomsday. In fact, several have come in recent months. A 900-year-old book found in the Vatican Secret Archives was interpreted as claiming that Jesus would return to Earth to determine who will be saved and who will be damned in 2027. Saint Malachy is credited with the 12th-century text, 'Prophecy of the Popes,' which contains a series of cryptic Latin phrases believed to describe every pope, beginning with Celestine II in 1143 and allegedly concluding with the late leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis. Even scientists have tried to predict the end of the world, with one 1960 study projecting that Doomsday would come on November 13, 2026. Claiming that overpopulation would lead to world-ending destruction, Austrian scientist Heinz von Foerster claimed: 'Our great-great-grandchildren will not starve to death, they will be squeezed to death.' In 2017, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) predicted that the next mass extinction event in world history would come in the year 2100. They estimated that would be the year when human activities such as burning fossil fuels could add so much carbon to the oceans that it triggers a massive die-off of plants and animals. A former colleague of 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic was fatally mauled while performing in front of a live audience that included his wife and daughter. Ryan Easley, 37, was in a cage with the tiger when it attacked him at his animal preserve in southeastern Oklahoma. Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park told ABC the handler was unexpectedly bit around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly. Harrowing: Ryan Easley, a handler at Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Hugo Oklahoma, was killed by a tiger while it was under his care on Saturday, September 20 Easley was owner of Growler Pines Tiger Preserve in Oklahoma. His wife Elaine and daughter Lily were among the audience who witnessed the kill. Sheriff Park told The Associated Press that Easley had the 'big tiger' for 'quite some time'. The attack happened toward the end of the show, as his wife rushed into the cage to remove the animal. The tragedy was reported around 2pm on Saturday, and he was pronounced dead on the scene. Sheriff Park added they are waiting for autopsy results from the state medical examiner's office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Devastating: Tiger handler Ryan Easley with his daughter Lily and wife Elaine The U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) licensed the animal preserve and is conducting an investigation, according to ABC. Joseph Maldonado, known as Joe Exotic from the mega-hit Netflix series 'Tiger King', acknowledged the caretaker's death in a since-removed social media post, according to The Oklahoman. He wrote: 'Prayers go out to his family. Ryan took great care of his animals! He loved every one of those tigers and was an advocate for tigers as well as elephants.' Tragic: Easley was unexpectedly bit around the neck and shoulder, killing him almost instantly PETA wrote in a statement that Easley 'acquired tigers from Joe Exotic and fellow Tiger King villain Bhagavan Doc Antle for his business, ShowMe Tigers'. They bashed Easley, writing that he 'hauled [the tigers] around the country and forced them to perform in cruel circuses. [He] kept them trapped in cages for hours when they werent performing.' The animal rights group also wrote that Easley was allegedly caught 'violently whipping tigers during a training session' and that he 'boarded his tigers in cramped cages' at Joe Exotic's roadside zoo. PETA called for 'the remaining roadside zoo exhibitors' to 'get out of the business now and send the animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace Tiger King: Joe Exotic acknowledged the caretaker's death on social media, before deleting the post Lambasting: PETA accused Easley of 'hauling [tigers] around the country and forcing them to perform in cruel circuses' Maldonado, who is currently serving a 21-year prison sentence, hit back at PETA's statement on Facebook, writing they 'always lie and drag him into everything'. 'Ryan built a huge compound to keep his tigers in on the backside of my zoo. PETA doesn't know crap,' Maldonado said, according to The Oklahoman. Maldonado was convicted on 19 federal counts including wildlife crimes and the heavily publicized murder-for-hire case against his zoo rival, Carole Baskin. Distressing: The tragedy was reported around 2pm on Saturday, and he was pronounced dead on the scene The preserve remembered Easley as a passionate wildlife advocate who had a deep love for animals. A GoFundMe page was created to help Easley's family during this tragic time, with over $15,000 raised out of a $20,000 goal. The page wrote that Easley's dedication and sacrifice were unmatched, and that his love for his family 'shone above all else'. A UK airport plans to become a 'major hub' in the country and is in talks to increase the number of flights. East Midlands Airport, in Derby, sees around 200 flights depart each day from airlines including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, to around 70 destinations. But now, discussions are 'already actively underway', according to the airport, with airlines to expand its reach. The new commercial director, Adam Andrews, plans to link East Midlands Airport with a major hub in Europe. Other possibilities for the airport include improving business routes and bringing more flight options during off-peak seasons. The plans could mean nearby residents can use the airport for travel year-round, instead of possibly having to go to other, bigger hubs across the country. Adam told The Sun: 'I'm moving to East Midlands Airport at what is an important time in the airport's development in both our cargo masterplan and maximising the unique Freeport opportunity, while continuing to work to increase our passenger numbers.' He explained how he planned to 'maximise' East Midland's Airport's potential. East Midlands Airport, in Derby, sees around 200 flights depart each day from airlines including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, to some 70 destinations But now, discussions are 'already actively underway', according to the airport, with airlines to expand its reach The director added: 'We will build relationships with key decision makers and businesses from our region and it's large three big cities to understand how we can work together to maximise the airports potential what they want from their local airport. 'This includes looking to increase the mix of leisure destinations, introducing business routes and enabling year-round connectivity to the world.' The airport is set to use a 'data driven approach' to expand and improve routes. Adam added: 'But what I also bring is an acute knowledge of the industry and more specifically, an understanding of what customers want.' The new director also plans to add to East Midlands Airport's fame as 'the UKs number one express air freight hub' and hopes to expand that aspect of the airport. He has a vast history of experience with airports, and previously worked for British Airways, and most recently was Head of Strategic Insights for Manchester Airports Group (MAG). Other hubs are also expanding their flight output, including Gatwick Airport. The new commercial director, Adam Andrews, plans to link East Midlands Airport with a major hub in Europe Its 2.2billion second runway plan has been given the go-ahead by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The privately financed project will see the West Sussex airport move its emergency runway 13 yards north, enabling it to be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. Such changes will enable it to be used for about 100,000 more flights a year. In 2024 Gatwick handled around 265,000 flights in total. Dubai is often a dream location for many, with its luxurious shopping malls, hot weather and amazing landscapes. But for Rosie Routledge, the reality didn't quite live up to what she expected and she left for the Isle of Man instead. The influencer, who goes by @rosieeroutledge on TikTok, shared why she moved in a recent video. 'Dubai is too convenient,' Rosie began, before going on to explain her reasoning. 'For me, when I can get literally anything delivered to my doorstep, within 20 minutes, I have no reason to leave the house.' The Brit revealed how working from home and barely needing to go outside impacted her mental health. She said: 'When I was working from home and ordering online, I was finding myself literally going weeks without stepping foot outside my door. 'As you can imagine, that sent me into a state of depression.' For Rosie Routledge, the reality of Dubai didn't quite live up to what she expected and she left for the Isle of Man instead 'Dubai is too convenient,' Rosie began, before going on to explain her reasoning Rosie also felt like the 'novelty' of the glamour and luxury that Dubai offers 'wears off' and ended up impacting her perception. 'Dubai has the best of the best and when you're around it all the time, you start to get used to it,' she explained. When jaw-dropping sights like the Burj Khalifa and impressive shopping malls are constantly around, 'they're not as special', according to Rosie. She added: 'When you then leave Dubai, nowhere else compares. So you're not happy in Dubai, and you're not happy out of Dubai.' Another point Rosie made was 'everyone is always hustling' which she felt was a 'great thing' but came with some downsides. 'I feel sometimes it makes you feel like you're competing with people. 'You're basically all in a rat race, everyone's trying to make the most money, drive the best cars, have the nicest things, and if you're not at a certain level, you feel like you're failing,' she said. However, out of everything Rosie mentioned, the main reason she left Dubai was because she missed her family. @rosieeroutledge Little life update for you all my Dubai journey has come to an end. Living in Dubai has been a truly amazing experience, Ive had highs & lows and met some amazing people however my experience as of late wasnt that great and for me personally I knew it was time to go. Thank you so much to everyone whos followed me, left a comment, joined a live, or even said hello out and about in Dubai! youll never know how much its meant to me This chapter has been incredible but Im now ready to start my new life in the Isle of Man. I hope youll stay with me on this journey #dubai #dubailife #iom #isleofman #CapCut original sound - Rosie Routledge Rosie also felt like the 'novelty' of the glamour and luxury that Dubai offers 'wears off' and ended up impacting her perception 'I don't have a bad word to say about Dubai, I truly thank Dubai for what it's done for me and I do believe if I'd have stayed, I probably could have taken my influencing and everything to a whole new level,' she added. Now, Rosie wants to enjoy a 'slower pace of life' and enjoy time with her loved ones. She said: 'But, it's just not aligning with what I want in my life now, I'm craving wholesome vibes, seasons, I can't wait for autumn, winter, spending time with my family, just a slower pace of life.' Rosie felt like like the lifestyle was 'isolating and lonely after a while' and went on to describe the Isle of Man as 'the complete opposite of Dubai'. A British couple heading on a trip of a lifetime for a year with their two young children have revealed why they're swapping textbooks for Tuk-Tuks - all while teaching them to 'count through currency.' James Humphries-Stone, 38, and Hayley Griffiths, 42, from Derbyshire, sold their car and let out their property to embark on a year-long adventure with their children, Stanley, five, and Margot, three. Having recently touched down in Bangkok, they plan to relocate to Chang Mai for six weeks, before journeying to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia - a trip that will span approximately twelve months. The family will be touring Southeast Asia at a time when Stanley should be starting his first year at school - but James and Hayley say their children are 'too young' to be seated at a desk all day. James said: 'We believe they are too young to start school at this age. And our interpretation of the school environment is that they will spend time behind desks and learning with textbooks and what have you. 'Our belief is that we can bring them here and teach them through exploring, through play. It's a lot of what we did in the UK, but we're bringing it to a whole new environment. 'We want to teach them to count through currency, rather than through an abacus or something else.' As they journey across the continent, James and Hayley will educate their children through 'world schooling' - a unique concept that combines travel and real-world experiences, using cultural, historical, and natural environments as a classroom. James Humphries-Stone, 38, and Hayley Griffiths, 42, from Derbyshire, sold their car and let out their property to embark on a year-long adventure with their children, Stanley, five, and Margot, three Having recently touched down in Bangkok (pictured), they plan to relocate to Chang Mai for six weeks, before journeying to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia - a trip that will span approximately twelve months The family will be touring Southeast Asia at a time when Stanley should be starting his first year at school - but James and Hayley say their children are 'too young' to be seated at a desk all day From safari parks and aquariums, to forests and waterfalls, even bustling markets in city centres, the parents will utilise the power of 'natural classrooms' to ensure their children are constantly learning. James said: 'A lot of people who are a part of these [world school] hubs are ex-teachers, and they believe there is a better way to raise children. 'You learn in a similar environment to a conventional school, but in a far more practical way.' Though the family have only just arrived in Thailand, they've already been busy exploring the country's diverse wildlife and landscape. At Lumpini Park Bangkok, Stanley and Margot have immersed themselves in learning about new animals and plants - something James said they'd instead be doing at home through a textbook. He said: 'I guess I'll be a bit outlandish with this, but I think the UK school system is outdated 'A lot of the Scandinavian countries tend not to send their children to school until around seven, and I just think that five, and it may just be Stanley, is far too soon to start. 'We don't do a lot of telly time in our house. We're a very active family, so we just didn't see the school environment as very useful for him.' As they journey across the continent, James and Hayley will educate their children through 'world schooling' - a unique concept that combines travel and real-world experiences, using cultural, historical, and natural environments as a classroom From safari parks and aquariums, to forests and waterfalls, even bustling markets in city centres, the parents will utilise the power of 'natural classrooms' to ensure their children are constantly learning James said: 'I do think the school system is designed to fit a very one-dimensional way of leading life: paying taxes, getting a mortgage, getting married, having children and conforming' Though the family have only just arrived in Thailand, they've already been busy exploring the country's diverse wildlife and landscape But not everyone is on board with the parents' decision to educate their children outside of the classroom. James said the family 'definitely have some critics,' but added that he and Hayley, who each have one GCSE and are now business-owners, are 'perfect examples' of 'not going through the conventional system yet live a life on their own terms.' The father-of-two continued: 'I do think the school system is designed to fit a very one-dimensional way of leading life: paying taxes, getting a mortgage, getting married, having children and conforming.' Over the next twelve months, the family will continue to enjoy enriching experiences across the continent before extending their adventure to Australia - where fun new facts about kangaroos, the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef await. A couple who bought a lake house in Italy has revealed the reality of buying a fixer-upper abroad. Kri and Paul, @worldsyouroystermushroom, purchased the property back in 2020 for just 23,000 after ditching their plans to buy a home in America. 'We'd been saving for a down payment for a home in Chicago, when a summer road trip landed us on this gorgeous lake in the north of Italy,' Kris explained in a TikTok video. She described the mortgage process in America as 'exhausting' and instead of buying a house in the States, used their deposit savings 'to buy a fixer upper' in Italy instead. The couple moved to the lake house full-time in 2023 and have been renovating the property. In between fixing their house up, Kris and Paul work in public schools in their local area as English teachers. During the video, the camera panned inside, showing a small kitchen area as the content creator revealed the house 'needed a lot of work'. 'We used our original savings to replace the roof, add skylights, redo the upstairs floor, strip the crumbling plaster from the walls, reinforce the structure, and take care of a few other structural bits and bobs,' Kris continued. Kri and Paul, @worldsyouroystermushroom, purchased the property back in 2020 for just 23,000 after ditching their plans to buy a home in America She described the mortgage process in America as 'exhausting' and instead of buying a house in the States, used their deposit savings 'to buy a fixer upper' in Italy instead (stock) The clip went on to show how some of the walls had been completely stripped back to the bare bones of the house. However, all the work ate into the couple's savings and they eventually 'ran out of money'. Fortunately, Kris shared they are able to rely on Paul's handy skills. 'One of the reasons we felt comfortable buying a fixer-upper is that my partner Paul has experience in home construction and renovation, and can do a lot of the work himself, and can teach me along the way,' Kris revealed. Now that they have used up the original budget, the couple plan on doing 'almost everything else' themselves, 'except for the few things that have to be done by professionals'. While the house is being renovated, the woman explained how they are living in her sister-in-law's property just next door, that she purchased for 39,000. 'She doesn't live here at the moment, and plans to renovate this space after we've moved out,' the American added. The house is 'habitable' but the content creator described it as 'rustic' and explained how the bathroom is located in an outhouse and there is no central heating. However, all the work ate into the couple's savings and they eventually 'ran out of money' 'This past winter was rough, and very very cold, space heaters can only do so much, and they come with a hefty electric bill.' Kri and Paul plan to move into their own property and have it fitted with a heating system before the colder months. 'Will it happen?' Kris asks in the video. 'I have to believe it will, because I really can't do another winter in this place.' Out of hundreds of nominated establishments, the UK's restaurant of the year has been crowned. More than 130 restaurants were put forward for the award, but only one took home he 100,000 prize. Silver's Deli, in Leeds, was awarded the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year award yesterday (September 23). The ceremony, in London, saw the Yorkshire-based sandwich shop win over judges, including Levi Roots, with its good quality food and big flavours. Silver's was praised for its steadfast commitment to its values and surrounding local community. Founded by Chris Riley-Smith in Bramley, Leeds, in 2023, the deli is known for its stacked salt beef sandwiches and inventive specials. Customers can grab hearty sandwiches from around 9, including Hot Honey Chicken, Meatball, and Pistachio Pig. Chris named the establishment after his daughter and wanted to create something timeless, not a trend. Silver's Deli, in Leeds, was awarded the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year award yesterday (September 23) Founded by Chris Riley-Smith in Bramley, Leeds, in 2023, the deli is known for its stacked salt beef sandwiches and inventive specials Customers can grab hearty sandwiches from around 9, including Hot Honey Chicken, Meatball, and Pistachio Pig He plans to spend the prize money on investing in his business and fuel further growth across Yorkshire. Chris gushed: 'Winning Restaurant of the Year is a dream come true. This award isn't just recognition for our food, but for the hard work of our whole team and the incredible support of our community. 'When I first set out, I was literally watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to build the restaurant myself, so to now be recognised on this stage feels surreal. 'The 100,000 prize will allow us to refurbish our current site, refine our in-store operations, and grow sales. We can't wait to take the next step in our journey. 'Thanks to the judges, the team, and of course, my wonderful daughter, Silver - this is for you!' Judges included food entrepreneur Levi Roots, Irish celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna, 2024 winner Natty Crutchfield, foodie creator Eating with Todd, and Lorraine Copes, CEO and founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality. Meanwhile, Uber Eats boss Matthew Price praised Silver's Deli. The ceremony, in London , saw the Yorkshire-based sandwich shop win over judges, including Levi Roots, with its good quality food and big flavours Chris gushed: 'Winning Restaurant of the Year is a dream come true. This award isn't just recognition for our food, but for the hard work of our whole team and the incredible support of our community' He went on to hail independent restaurants as 'the beating heart of our food scene'. Matthew said: 'Silver's Deli embodies everything these awards are about: creativity, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. 'We're proud to support their journey and can't wait to see how they use this prize to grow their business.' Each of the 12 regional finalists will receive 5,000 and tailored support from Uber Eats. The best-rated McDonald's restaurant in England has been revealed in a new study - and it's good news for Cornwall. The branch, located at the Cornish Gateway Services in St Austell, has been crowned the nation's favourite, according to a comprehensive analysis of Google reviews. The new study reviewed Google ratings for every McDonald's restaurant across England, comparing the proportion of five-star and one-star reviews to determine overall customer satisfaction. St Austell's branch topped the list with an overall Google rating of 4.1 out of 5 and an impressive 52.42 per cent of its reviews receiving five stars. Negative feedback was rare, with just 6.18 per cent of reviews awarding the branch a single star. In second place is the Wincanton McDonald's in Somerset, situated on Lawrence Hill. The restaurant boasts 50.55 per cent five-star reviews and a 9.81 per cent one-star rating, also receiving an average of 4.1 stars. Claiming the third spot is Boston's Sutterton Roundabout McDonald's in Lincolnshire, with 49.6 per cent of reviews at five stars and just 6.31 per cent rated at one star, maintaining an overall 4.1-star rating. A McDonald's branch located at the Cornish Gateway Services in St Austell has been crowned the nation's favourite, according to a comprehensive analysis of Google reviews Your browser does not support iframes. In fourth place is the Bourne McDonald's, located on Milestone Road in Lincolnshire, earning 49.26 per cent five-star reviews and a low 6.07 per cent one-star rating. Rounding out the top five is the York Road McDonald's in Shiptonthorpe, East Yorkshire, where 49.08 per cent of customers left five-star reviews. Remarkably, only 5.99 per cent of reviews were one-star, contributing to its steadily consistent 4.1-star rating. On the flip side, McDonald's in Chingford, London, sits at the bottom of the rankings with the highest percentage of one-star reviews in the country at 36.49 per cent. Just 24.07 per cent of its customers gave the branch five stars, leaving it with an overall Google rating of 2.8 - the lowest among the restaurants ranking in the study. Commenting on the findings, Marc Porcar, CEO of Remove Background, who conducted the study, said: 'While the top-rated McDonalds are generally fairly spread out across England, the south slightly dominates the ranking, and Norwich, Norfolk, is clearly a favourite among McDonalds fans, with two locations in the top ten. 'All McDonalds serve the same menu; however, it is clearly more enjoyed in certain locations. This could be down to many different factors, such as cleanliness, service speed, and staff friendliness. 'If you are lucky enough to live near any of the top-rated branches, or planning to pass one while travelling, it might be worth stopping by to try one of the nations favourite McDonald's.' In second place is the Wincanton McDonald's in Somerset, situated on Lawrence Hill Claiming the third spot is Boston's Sutterton Roundabout McDonald's in Lincolnshire, with 49.6 per cent of reviews at five stars and just 6.31 per cent rated at one star Meanwhile, one traveller who has visited 'at least 40' different McDonald's worldwide has shared her take on some of them. From Japan to New Caledonia and to France, Kelly Marshall is passionate about testing the popular fast food venue abroad. In a recent TikTok video, @kellymarshall98 revealed some of her reviews and while some were described as 'phenomenal', not all of the meals were up to scratch. Kelly rated the McDonald's she enjoyed in Lautoka, Fiji an impressive nine out of 10. Brits travelling on the Eurostar must answer four questions about their trip abroad from next month under new EU border control rules. The checks will be introduced from October 12 for those travelling on the Eurostar at London St Pancras as part of the new Entry/Exit System (ESS). British holidaymakers will be asked if they have booked an overnight stay, a return ticket, if they have medical or travel insurance and whether they have enough money to cover their trip. Any passenger answering no will be unable to use e-ticket gates, instead being forced to speak to a French border control officer, causing possible delays to their journey. Travellers answering yes will be able to use eletronic gates as usual. The new rules are set to add an extra 10 minutes to Eurostar check-in times, and will only be rolled out to business and premium class passenger originally. Standard passengers will start using the new system on January 12, with passengers told to arrive at St Pancras 75 minutes before their train departs. Those travelling to Europe from the Port of Dovel and the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone will also follow EES rules from next month. Travellers will also need to undergo biometric checks including fingerprints and photographs at the border rather than using passport stamps in an attempt to bolster border security. Brits travelling on the Eurostar must answer four questions about their trip abroad from next month under new EU border control rules At St Pancras, 49 kiosks where UK passport holders undergo face, fingerprint and passport scans have been built, costing around 11million. At Folkestone, 700 vehicles are expected to be processed per hour, using 224 kiosks at peak times. Despite fears of long border delays, Eurotunnel boss Yann Leriche said 'minimal impact' on waiting times is expected, with around two minutes extra per person at Folkestone and Calais. Fingerprint scans will last three years and will only need to be taken once, with children under 12 not having theirs taken. The current advice from the official GOV.UK website states: 'When EES is introduced, you may need to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. 'You will need to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. 'You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country. 'If you are flying to a country in the Schengen area, you will complete EES checks when you arrive at your destination.' Great British Bake Off fans were left furious over the elimination of a beloved baker on Wednesday - raging 'they were robbed!' In a school-themed week, the nine remaining bakers were first asked by judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith to rustle up flapjacks before tackling a traditional school cake in the technical round. But there was a catch that left both contestants and fans stunned, as the bakers were required to make their own sprinkles. Alongside the sprinkle saga, the week's showstopper challenge called on the bakers to whip up a spectacular school fete centrepiece, filled with nostalgic favourites. But the pressure and heat proved too much for drag king Jessika, who became the latest contestant to leave the tent. Jessika had earned praise throughout the competition for her creativity and daring approach, but this week her adventurous streak proved her undoing. Great British Bake Off fans were left furious over the elimination of a beloved baker On Wednesday - raging 'they were robbed!' The pressure and heat proved too much for drag king Jessika, pictured, who became the latest contestant to leave the tent Jessika had earned praise throughout the competition for her creativity and daring approach, but this week her adventurous streak proved her undoing Prue Leith reflected: 'The thing I have loved about Jessika all the way through is that she is very creative and she takes risks every single week. And I think she took the risk too far this week.' Speaking after her exit, Jessika remained upbeat, saying: 'This was going to be my last year to apply and I feel chuffed that I made it to the tent. 'I have met some incredibly talented inspiring bakers so it's not all bad.' But viewers at home were not impressed, and took to social media to air their frustration. One wrote: 'Not Jessika! She was such a fun watch,' while another added: 'Not Jessika. Our star.' 'Sad to see Jessika go,' one commenter lamented, and another chimed in: 'Jessika was lowkey robbed, I don't think anyone else deserved to go either though!' Others felt Jessika was a sure face for the final, with one writing: 'Jessika was so finalist coded! Omng, she can't be going home.' Jessika also revealed that her time in the famous white tent included striking up a cheeky bond with host Alison Hammond. Speaking after her exit, Jessika remained upbeat, saying: 'This was going to be my last year to apply and I feel chuffed that I made it to the tent' In a school-themed week, the nine remaining bakers were askes to tackle a traditional school cake in the technical round - but they had to make their own sprinkles Jessika's fellow contestants, as well as fans at home, were equally shocked to see the daring baker depart 'I know she loves hard-boiled sweets, so I got her a giant hard-boiled diamond ring and asked her in Spanish if she'd marry me,' Jessika laughed. 'She was playing hard to get and, maybe out of kindness, said "yes". I think Alison and I might technically be engaged now.' Earlier in the episode, the sprinkle-making task sparked disbelief across the tent, with Aaron exclaiming: 'This should just be the challenge, to make sprinkles!' Fans watching at home were equally astounded. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: 'Mad that you can actually MAKE sprinkles. I thought they just appeared on the shelves at Tesco!' Another agreed: 'Homemade sprinkles is psycho s**t it didn't even occur to me that you could even make them at home,' while a third fumed: 'Making them make their own sprinkles is a step too far.' One viewer declared: 'Sprinkles from scratch, that's ridiculous!' and another added: 'I'm not saying that Bake Off has gone too far but making them make sprinkles is the most ridiculous thing they've ever made contestants do.' Even the judges and bakers could not help but laugh about it, admitting at the end of the episode: 'No one's going to make their own sprinkles ever again!' Great British Bake Off airs on Tuesdays on Channel 4 and is available to stream on Channel4.com Wednesday's episode of Married At First Sight UK sees Leigh brutally shout at her wife Leah that she's NOT excited about their date while on their honeymoon - and that she wants to go home. The highly anticipated 10th series of the E4 show returned to our screens over the weekend, and a handful of couples have already tied the knot. The next instalment, which airs on September 24, will see NHS clinical coder Leigh, 30, and business owner Leah, 35, head off on their honeymoon to Switzerland. Things didn't get off to a good start between the pair, as Leigh shared to the camera that she wasn't sure if there was a connection between them on their wedding day. In an exclusive clip, obtained my Daily Mail, Leah tries to build a relationship with Leigh by taking her on a zip lining activity - but she isn't impressed. She tells her: 'I thought we could come here, go to the top of them mountain, then zip line the whole way down the mountain romantically.' Wednesday's episode of Married At First Sight UK sees Leigh brutally shout at her wife Leah that she's NOT excited about their date while on their honeymoon - and that she wants to go home In an exclusive clip, obtained my Daily Mail, Leah (pictured) tries to build a relationship with Leigh by taking her on a zip lining activity - but she isn't impressed The next instalment, which airs on September 24, will see NHS clinical coder Leigh, 30, and business owner Leah, 35, head off on their honeymoon in Switzerland 'Right,' Leigh replies. 'Are you excited?' Leah asks. 'No,' Leigh brutally tells her. 'I'm not really a fan of heights in the air. This is definitely not really my vibe, this is not really where I want to be,' Leigh tells the camera. As they queue to get up to the top of the mountain, Leah asks her: 'Are you excited? Leigh bluntly tells her: 'No.' 'A little bit excited?' Leah asks her. Leigh fumes: 'No, Leah I am not excited. You are excited. Okay?' Clearly quite happy to do the activity, Leah says: 'Yeah but it's a little bit exciting to do it...' Leah tells her: 'I thought we could come here, go to the top of them mountain, then zip line the whole way down the mountain romantically' 'Right,' Leigh (pictured) replies. 'Are you excited?' Leah asks. 'No,' Leigh brutally tells her new wife But Leigh is having none of it and tells her: 'Your feelings are yours. My feelings are mine.' She then says to the camera: 'I've kind of noticed when I'm talking to Leah about things that I am a little bit worried about doing. 'She's not coming with the most emphatic approach.' As the crowds get tighter, Leigh shouts: 'No this is not fun for me... 'I might have a panic attack I am not joking.' She adds: 'I'm actually anxious I don't like heights sorry, I can't breathe.' Speaking to camera, Leah says: 'We're at 2,900m. Leigh is scared of heights and I think I've gone too far with it. 'It's really bad.' It comes after Grace broke down in tears and threatened to quit over her match's 'old-fashioned values during Tuesday's episode. The latest instalment of the programme saw the couple find out where they were going on their honeymoon - and they seemed very happy to know that they were jetting off to Ko Samui in Thailand. But the husband and wife don't seem to be getting along as planned. Self-confessed feminist Grace and her man Ashley appear to have different views on relationship dynamics. Watch Married at First Sight UK on E4 at 9pm, Sunday to Thursday. Barbra Streisand made a thinly-veiled reference to the Jimmy Kimmel fracas in a post remembering her classic movie The Way We Were, starring her alongside Hollywood legend Robert Redford, who died last week. Jimmy Kimmel Live! was indefinitely suspended last Wednesday after its host suggested that Charlie Kirk's killer may have been part of the 'MAGA gang,' prompting the FCC chairman to publicly threaten a probe into the show. The murder investigation has indicated that the accused gunman Tyler Robinson held leftist views and allegedly texted his live-in transgender lover Lance Twiggs, aka Luna, that he shot the MAGA influencer because he 'had enough of his hatred.' Twiggs is cooperating with the authorities. Kimmel's suspension was met with an explosive outcry from Hollywood, and on Monday it was announced his show will return Tuesday night. Now Streisand, 83, has insisted there is a parallel between the current drama and the events covered in The Way We Were, which takes place partly during the Hollywood blacklist of the 1940s and 1950s at the height of the Red Scare. 'After 50 years, Columbia Pictures allowed me to put back some political scenes from The Way We Were that were cut out about the blacklist and how people were being brought in and punished and not allowed to work because they were considered enemies of the government!' she wrote. 'Cant believe its happening again more than 50 years later in this country!' Barbra Streisand made a thinly-veiled reference to the Jimmy Kimmel fracas in a post remembering her classic movie The Way We Were, starring her with Robert Redford The 50th anniversary re-release of The Way We Were took place in 2023, 15 years after the death of its director Sydney Pollack, who had cut the footage in question. In the 1973 movie, Streisand plays a fiery communist called Katie alongside Redford as an easygoing apolitical writer called Hubbell. Although they embark on a sweeping romance and get married, their differences ultimately become too profound for them to negotiate, particularly given the Red Scare, which makes her associations dangerous to his Hollywood career. The two scenes that were cut from the original film and restored on the 50th anniversary Blu-Ray were about the intrusion of Katie's politics into her marriage. In one, Hubbell reveals that Katie has been named as a former communist to the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), and although he vows to stick by her, she decides to leave him in order to protect him from her past. 'If we got a divorce, you wouldn't have a subversive wife...and that would solve everything, wouldn't it?' she argues over his objections. In the other scene, Katie - who left activism behind to take a backseat to Hubbell's career - is racked with guilt for having done so when she sees another young female firebrand giving a speech at UCLA and being heckled. The original film already had a strong emphasis on the political nature of the storyline, prominently highlighting Katie's youthful communist activities. Now Streisand, 83, has insisted there is a parallel between the current drama and the events covered in The Way We Were, which takes place partly during the Hollywood blacklist Kimmel's suspension was met with an explosive outcry from Hollywood, and on Monday it was announced his show will return Tuesday night His offending remark was about Charlie Kirk, 31, pictured just before he was fatally shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University nearly two weeks ago In the movie, Streisand plays a fiery communist called Katie alongside Redford as a privileged and largely apolitical writer called Hubbell Although they embark on a sweeping romance and even get married, their differences ultimately become too profound for them to negotiate The two scenes that were cut from the original film and restored on the 50th anniversary Blu-Ray were about the intrusion of Katie's politics into her marriage As her relationship with Hubbell begins to fray, there is a key scene in which he reprimands her for being unable to separate people from their politics, to which she erupts: 'People are their politics!' However Streisand felt that the two deleted scenes were integral to the development of the theme, and she bitterly regretted that they were cut. Sydney Pollack maintained during his lifetime that the movie flopped during an initial test screening in San Francisco, but then he cut out 'about five scenes' that were 'all politics,' and at the next screening the audience loved the film. However in her memoirs, released in 2023 several years after Pollack's death, Streisand said she 'agreed with Sydney on three of those scenes' but felt that losing the other two 'destroyed the soul of Katie's character...and destroyed me.' She said producer Ray Stark and Columbia Pictures were 'pushing' Pollack 'to take out the politics because they thought it would bore people.' Streisand observed that the then-US President Richard Nixon had been 'very active in the HUAC,' and quoted an interview of Pollack's in which he said that the 'pressure I was getting was just unbelievable' while making the movie. When her memoir was published, Streisand plugged it on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which was canceled this year in a move its fans regard as political. The late-night talk show, which Puck reported lost $40 million a year for CBS, will end altogether next year rather than even replacing its frontman, in a development that was announced this May. Streisand joined the chorus of friends, fans and colleagues who delivered gushing encomiums to Redford last week after his passing; the pair are pictured in 2015 'Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting and one of the finest actors ever,' rhapsodized Streisand, who is pictured with Redford at the 2002 Oscars The axe came down shortly after Colbert slammed his network's parent company on the air for paying $16 million to settle Donald Trump's lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, which was deceptively edited to make her answers appear more cogent ahead of last year's presidential election. Redford died last Tuesday at the age of 89 in his sleep at home in Sundance, Utah, and the news went public Wednesday, hours before Kimmel's suspension. Streisand joined the chorus of friends, fans and colleagues who delivered gushing encomiums to Redford last week after his passing. 'Every day on the set of The Way We Were was exciting, intense and pure joy,' she wrote alongside a picture of Katie and Hubbell. 'We were such opposites: he was from the world of horses; I was allergic to them! Yet, we kept trying to find out more about each other, just like the characters in the movie. Bob was charismatic, intelligent, intense, always interesting and one of the finest actors ever,' she rhapsodized. 'The last time I saw him, when he came to lunch, we discussed art and decided to send each other our first drawings. He was one of a kind and Im so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him.' In a 2023 book about the making of The Way We Were, author Robert Hofler claimed Streisand was 'infatuated' with Redford on the set of the movie, to the point he wore two pairs of tight underwear during their sex scene to 'protect himself' from her. The book sensationally alleged that Redford did not consider Streisand a 'serious actress,' and that as a happily married father of four he was unwilling to succumb to his 'mesmerized' co-star's supposed desire to have an affair with him. Former Home and Away star David Jones-Roberts was not afraid to flaunt his gym-honed body this week. David, 35, starred as fan favourite Xavier Austin on the popular Seven soap from 2008 to 2012. And the former Summer Bay hunk has resurfaced in Los Angeles looking decidedly jacked. He took to Instagram this week to share the results of a fitness journey via a side-by-side photo showing two very different versions of the actor. David was flaunting an enviably toned and taut six-pack in the 'after' image, which was taken in the mirror of a gym locker room. Captioning the photo, David said that his new ripped form was the result of discovering discipline and committing to consistency. Former Home and Away star David Jones-Roberts was not afraid to flaunt his gym-honed body this week. Pictured: David is pictured with former co-star Rhiannon Fish 'On the left: lacked discipline, low motivation,' he wrote. 'On the right: proof that with a little mindset shift and better choices, everything can change not just physically, but mentally, too.' It seems that fitness has become quite a high priority for David, with the actor regularly posting workout photos and clips to his Instagram. David, who moved to Los Angeles after quitting Home and Away in 2012, has only a smattering of credits to his name. He does have three projects in production, according to IMDb, including the film Pretty Boy Delaney. David's not been resting on his laurels in Los Angeles, though, with the actor indulging another of his passions cooking. His TikTok feed is full of tips and recipes, with fans regularly fawning over his dishes. He also lists his occupation as a property developer on Instagram, linking to his Airbnb property in Landers, California, near Joshua Tree. He took to Instagram this week to share the results of a fitness journey via a side-by-side photo showing two very different versions of the actor 'On the left: lacked discipline, low motivation,' he wrote. 'On the right: proof that with a little mindset shift and better choices, everything can change not just physically, but mentally, too' The former soap star was lucky to escape with his life back in 2018, after a horror motorcycle crash in LA. He revealed in New Idea at the time that he was riding his bike along Melrose Avenue when he hit the passenger's side of a car and 'went flying'. A firefighter at the scene told the actor: 'You should be dead.' David explained that he was returning to LA after having filmed an episode in Canada for the Stan series iZombie. A car pulled out, causing David to crash his motorcycle into the vehicle's passenger side 'I tried to get around him, but I hit the back passenger's side of the car and went flying,' David told the publication. David also revealed that he tore the quadriceps tendon in his left leg. 'I had no control over being able to bend or lift the leg,' he added. It seems that fitness has become quite a high priority for David, with the actor regularly posting workout photos and clips to his Instagram 'I had to have surgery within 48 hours otherwise I might not be able to walk again.' David became a household name after starring as Xavier Austin for four years in Channel Seven drama Home And Away. In July 2012, he announced his departure, taking to Twitter to thank fans for their support. 'Just wanted to say thanks to all my fans out there for your continued support throughout the years. Truly wouldn't be where I am without you guys,' David wrote. Heavily pregnant Laura Byrne has surprised fans with a striking new hairstyle, just weeks before welcoming her third child. The former Bachelor star, 39, has ditched her signature long, glossy brunette locks for a long bob. She flaunted the new look in a photo posted to social media on Tuesday. 'Got the chop pre baby evacuation because it's been 12 months since my last trim,' she wrote in the caption. Fans were quick to gush over the transformation, with many praising Laura for her chic and refreshing new style that perfectly complemented her pregnancy glow. 'Your hair looks lovely,' one person wrote. Heavily pregnant Laura Byrne has surprised fans with a striking new hairstyle, just weeks before welcoming her third child 'I must say your hair is really digging this pregnancy,' a second added. In April, Laura revealed the gender of her third child with Matty 'J' Johnson, confirming she is expecting another daughter. She made the exciting announcement cutting into a gender reveal cake live on her KIIS FM The Pick Up radio show, just hours after announcing her pregnancy. 'It's a girl,' Laura squealed as she removed a slice of white sponge that contained layers of pink icing. 'Oh my god, you're having a third little baby girl,' said co-host Brittany Hockley shocked, before adding, 'Congratulations'. 'Am I capable of producing boys?' replied husband Matty, before adding, 'Let's go again. Let's go for a fourth.' 'We're so lucky to have three little girls - and three little sisters, it's going to be amazing,' added Laura, before Matty admitted he 'loves being a girl dad'. Laura announced her pregnancy news on her podcast, Life Uncut, which she co-hosts with fellow reality star Brittany Hockley. The former Bachelor star, 39, has ditched her signature long, glossy brunette locks for a long bob She flaunted the new look in a photo posted to social media on Tuesday 'It turns out, we're having baby number three!' she declared. 'I'm pregnant guys!' 'It is a miracle. We had a really small window. I have known for a very long time. I found out very early on in this pregnancy, not because I had any symptoms but because my friend made a comment that made me do a pregnancy test,' she explained. Laura recalled that she took a pregnancy test while Matty was filming I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in South Africa, but did not tell him the news until she was two and a half months pregnant. 'I wasn't able to tell Matt for ages. The whole time he was in the jungle, I wasn't able to tell him and then it was really tricky because I didn't want to tell him when it was the finale,' she explained. 'I didn't want to tell him as soon as the show, because I don't know if you guys remember, but the show wasn't filmed live this year, so we did the finale over there.' Matt also made an announcement on his Two Doting Dads podcast, telling listeners: '[It's] an October baby. We were trying before I went into the jungle. The plan was, we said this year 2025, if we were going to have a third, this will be the year that it happens. The couple share daughters Marlie-Mae, who they welcomed in 2019, and Lola, who was born in 2021. Laura appeared on The Bachelor Australia in 2017 and met her now-husband, and father to her two children, Matty. Dave Bautista says he refuses to work with 'a**holes' in the movie business after enduring too many 'awful' on-set experiences over the span of his 16-year career. The WWE wrestler-turned-actor, 56, made the reveal on Tuesday while promoting his latest film Afterburn with director J.J. Perry. During a joint interview, Bautista agreed with Collider's Steve Weintraub that having to spend 'long hours' with a difficult co-star can make a film shoot 'horrific.' 'Absolutely awful,' Bautista said with a laugh. 'I'm just at the age and at the point of my life where life's just too godd*mn short.' He continued: 'I want to work with people I just love and respect, because I love this business. I love filmmaking, and if people don't want to be there, I don't want to be there with them. You know? 'I'm happy to be there. It's a love thing for me, and I'm passionate about it. While he didn't name-drop any former co-stars, Bautista did say he has zero tolerance for those who 'complain' or 'moan' about working in Hollywood, which he sees as a privilege. Dave Bautista says he refuses to work with 'a**holes' in the movie business after enduring too many 'awful' on-set experiences over the span of his 16-year career; seen in 2024 The WWE wrestler-turned-actor, 56, made the reveal on Tuesday while promoting his latest film Afterburn with director J.J. Perry; Bautista seen in Afterburn (2025) 'I want to be there, and I want to make the most of it, so I don't want to hear people b****ing, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something that we're all fortunate enough to be doing and making.' Afterburn director Perry agreed, replying: 'Amen, brother. Amen.' Fans flocked to Reddit to speculate as to which actors Bautista may have been talking about. Some were convinced that Bautista's Blade Runner 2049 co-star Jared Leto was among the Hollywood 'complainers' he despises, while others posed his Glass Onion co-star Edward Norton as an option. Both Norton and Leto are known for taking their craft extremely seriously, which has fueled unsubstantiated rumors that they're 'difficult' to work with. Some Reddit users threw out Bautista's Guardians Of The Galaxy co-star Chris Pratt as a contender, but many felt Pratt was unlikely due to his positive reputation and Bautista's fondness for him. Earlier in the interview, Perry called Bautista, who is the post-apocalyptic acton film's leading man, a 'gem' who is 'amazing' to collaborate with. 'Steve, I'm just going to tell you something. If you don't have someone like Dave Bautista in your life or a Dave Bautista, you're missing out, bro,' he told Collider. While he didn't name-drop any former co-stars, Bautista did say he has zero tolerance for those who 'complain' or 'moan' about working in Hollywood, which he sees as a privilege; seen in 2024 'I want to be there, and I want to make the most of it, so I don't want to hear people b****ing, complaining, moaning, and groaning about doing something that we're all fortunate enough to be doing and making,' he said; seen in 2024 'He's a gem, bro. Generous, kind, smart, intelligent, and talented. All of the best things. To have a lead actor that's so game and just as a friend, it was amazing for me.' In regards to what it was like working with Perry, Bautista said that he's 'never seen somebody so supportive of a cast and crew' and that he 'makes filmmaking fun.' Bautista also revealed that James Gunn's 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy film was the toughest shoot he's ever been a part of due a major action sequence. 'Mine was in the original Guardians,' he confessed. 'We shot this onerit was just a huge fight scene, and James wanted to do it in a oner, and it was involving probably, like, 50 people.' He continued: 'It was a big action sequence. I think we did 23 takes, and it was just very big and complicated with the camera, and everybody had to be right on. I think we shot 23 takes. 'People were dying, and I was dying. I was killing the stunt guy. I was just kicking the s**t out of him,' Bautista recalled. 'After the tenth take, he got up slower and slower, and I just felt awful. But I think we shot it in, like, 23 takes, and they never ended up using it.' However, Bautista said that the shoot for his upcoming film, Highlander, could dethrone Guardians as the most difficult. Fans flocked to Reddit to speculate as to which actors Bautista may have been talking about Some wildly speculated that Glass Onion co-star Edward Norton could a contender Others were convinced that Bautista's Blade Runner 2049 co-star Jared Leto was among the Hollywood 'complainers' he despises; seen in 2025 Some Reddit users threw out Bautista's Guardians Of The Galaxy co-star Chris Pratt as a contender, but many felt Pratt was unlikely due to his positive reputation 'I have a feeling Im gonna have a new answer for you after I finish this Highlander film,' he teased. Bautista's latest film Afterburn hits theaters on September 19. The post-apocalyptic action flick follows treasure hunter for hire Jake (Bautista), who, 'after a massive solar flare destroys the Earth's eastern hemisphere, adventures to Europe to uncover the coveted Mona Lisa, only to learn the world needs a hero more than it needs a painting,' according to IMDb. Bautista stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Olga Kurylenko in the J.J. Perry-directed feature. Rebecca Judd's life changed forever when she attended the 2004 Brownlow Medal count 21 years ago. The AFL WAG, 42, who was then known as Rebecca Twigley, made headlines for the revealing red dress she wore to the glittering event with now husband Chris Judd. One person that was particularly enamoured with Rebecca's racy red carpet attire was The Footy Show commentator Sam Newman. Rebecca took to her Instagram story this week to share a throwback clip that showed her being interviewed by the controversial star. The footage began with Rebecca striding confidently across the foyer of the Crown Palladium the venue for that year's awards. Spying the brunette beauty, Sam, with microphone in hand, quickly made a beeline for the WAG. Rebecca Judd 's life changed when she attended the 2004 Brownlow Medal count 21 years ago 'Excuse me please,' he said. 'We have had every person that's come out here... I said, "you're looking good," and they've all said, "you want to see Chris Judd's girlfriend."' As he spoke, Sam apparently could not help his eyes wandering over Rebecca's enviably svelte form. Taking a few steps closer to the future WAG, Sam continued to gush, utterly captivated by Rebecca's striking dress 'You look absolutely sensational,' he swooned. 'Everyone man, woman and beast have said that you look the best.' Slightly taken aback by Sam's commentary, Rebecca replied with, 'great,' in a decidedly Antipodean drawl. The short chat continued with Sam asking Rebecca if she was a 'fitness fanatic' before asking her what she did for a living. 'No, I'm not a fitness fanatic,' she replied. One person that was particularly enamoured with Rebecca's revealing red carpet attire was commentator Sam Newman Rebecca took to her Instagram story this week to share a throwback clip that showed her being interviewed by the controversial star As he spoke, Sam apparently could not help his eyes wandering over Rebecca's enviably svelte form 'I'm a model, but I go to Uni, well, deferring Uni... I've changed my degree. I'm going to be studying speech pathology.' Sam, with his eyes still planted firmly on Rebecca's dress, replied: 'speech pathology.' Captioning the throwback clip, Rebecca admitted that there was one portion of the chat that had lived long in the Judd household. 'My kids take the p*** out of me often saying "GREAAAAAAAT",' she quipped. Rebecca's iconic Brownlow dress was recently immortalised with its own Wikipedia entry. Worth an eye-watering $2,000, the outfit, designed by Ruth Tarvydas, helped catapult Bec into her current status as the Queen of WAGs. The Wikipedia entry includes many details about Bec's fashion coup, including a notorious quote from the then AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou. The footy boss described the dark-haired beauty's appearance at the Brownlow as 'one of the 20 highlights of the 2004 AFL season'. The AFL WAG, who was then known as Rebecca Twigley, made headlines the ironically revealing red dress she wore to the glittering event with now husband Chris Judd Rebecca went on to marry Chris Judd on new Year's Eve in 2010. They now share four children Oscar, 12 Billie, nine, and twin boys Tom and Darcy, eight Rebecca took to Instagram last month to share a screenshot of the Wikipedia entry. The post included a comment from Sarah Davidson, who recently hosted the AFL WAG on her Seize The Yay podcast to discuss her sensational red carpet moment. 'Lol! It [Bec's gown] has its own Wiki page,' the podcaster said. She continued: 'A truly iconic moment in Australian fashion, which I loved hearing about from the inside. 'I've always said Bec is one of the loveliest, most down to earth people I've met in the industry when you might not expect it and that shines through so much in our chat.' Rebecca went on to marry Chris Judd on New Year's Eve in 2010. They now share four children Oscar, 12, Billie, nine, and twin boys Tom and Darcy, eight. Lindy Klim has long been referred to as a Balinese Princess. It was a term that popped up on more than one occasion during her recent appearance with daughter Stella on The Amazing Race Australia. And Lindy, 45, has opened up about her royal heritage, following her exit from the popular Channel Ten series. Speaking to Chattr, Lindy revealed that her regal lineage came from her great-great uncle who was the King of Denpasar. 'It's my great-great uncle, who was the king, and then he passed away. So then they had to find another king,' she told the publication. 'So, the current king of Denpasar isn't actually a blood relative of ours anymore, but that's the lineage of the family.' Lindy Klim (pictured) has opened up about her royal heritage, following her exit from The Amazing Race Australia Much to Stella's surprise, Lindy also revealed in the chat that her daughter, along with her other children Rocco, Frankie and Goldie, also have royal heritage. 'It does,' Lindy replied, after being asked if the royal lineage extends to her progeny. 'We have a family name, which is Agron, which means children of the king. So all the kids have that same name.' Despite opening up about her 'blue blood', elsewhere in the chat Lindy said it was something that she prefers to play down. Lindy said that she does not feel a 'strong connection' to her Balinese heritage, having grown up Down Under. 'I still see my family here [in Bali] quite a bit, but I don't consider myself sort of part of that [royal] family, you know, I don't really understand what goes on,' she explained. 'There is a big ceremony I have to go to, but I don't really understand a lot of it. So that's why I kind of don't really call myself Princess, by choice.' It comes after the dark past behind the socialite's royal blood was revealed. 'It's my great, great uncle, who was the king, and then he passed away. So then they had to find another king,' she told the publication. 'So, the current king of Denpasar isn't actually a blood relative of ours anymore, but that's the lineage of the family.' Much to Stella's (right) surprise, Lindy also revealed in the chat that her daughter, along with other children Rocco, Frankie and Goldie, also has royal heritage Despite opening up about her 'blue blood', elsewhere in the chat Lindy said it was something that she prefers to play down Her great-great uncle Ida Pemecutan XI died of heart failure on 22 December 2021 at age 76, leaving behind four children and a sordid criminal history few are aware of. Cokorda Pemecutan spent one year at Kerobokan Penitentiary in Denpasar for killing his stepbrother Anak Agung Ngurah Putu Paranacita on 11 November, 2003. The late king impaled Paranacita with a sword during a family dispute, according to documents made public by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia. While the criminal history of Lindy's family member may be news to Aussies, those in Bali are very familiar with the incident. One insider told Daily Mail the murder and Cokorda Pemecutan's subsequent time in prison is 'very well known' in the tourist hotspot. 'All Balinese know about it,' the source said, adding that the story was in the Indonesian headlines for some time. 'I'm actually quite surprised that this has never been reported on in Australia before. Particularly now that she [Lindy] has returned. 'I travel to Bali frequently, and it's common knowledge.' 'There is a big ceremony I have to go to, but I don't really understand a lot of it. So that's why I kind of don't really call myself Princess, by choice.' Lindy's great uncle, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan XI, was the King of Denpasar and also spend time behind bars for the murder of his stepbrother Anak Agung Ngurah Putu Paranacita in 2003 The source went on to say they were 'unsure of the reason' Cokorda Pemecutan killed his brother, but could 'only assume it had to do with money, land and power'. Daily Mail can reveal the insider wasn't far off their guess. Cokorda Pemecutan, who is the uncle of Lindy's father Anak Agung Oka Rama, reportedly killed his stepbrother during an argument over a boundary wall. An ensuing altercation ended with Cokorda Pemecutan fatally stabbing his stepbrother with a sword he kept mounted on a nearby wall. Cokorda Pemecutan was immediately arrested when police arrived at the scene, but it would be 10 years before he was found guilty of murder. Due to legal complications and processing times, Cokorda Pemecutan didn't receive his final sentencing until 27 November, 2013. He was found guilty of assault causing the death of a person and sentenced to three years in the notorious Kerobokan Prison, which housed Schapelle Corby for nine years. He was also ordered to pay court costs of 2,500 rupiah which is currently worth less than an Australian dollar and served one year of his sentence due to the time he spent in detention and under house arrest Lindy, meanwhile, lived a life of luxury in Bali for fifteen years, but returned to Australia in February after her split from property developer Adam Ellis. Thomas Skinner has introduced his Strictly Come Dancing partner Amy Dowden to his wife and children. The Apprentice star's Strictly experience has been marred in controversy after he admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding in May 2022. Thomas, who insisted last week that his marriage is stronger than ever, was gushing about family values on Tuesday night as Amy came over for dinner. He proudly shared photos of Amy and his wife Sinead cuddled up with his three children Henry, five and two-year-old twin daughters Roma and Dalia, on the sofa before the Strictly pair practiced their routine in the dining room. 'Had my lovely Strictly partner @amy_dowden come over and meet my little family after we finished training today,' Thomas told his followers, adding that Strictly favourite Amy was a huge hit with his family. 'My Kids absolutely LOVE Amy. She is so good with them, they love her to bits. Bless them. Sinead made us a double lovely dinner and they are gonna be friends for life.' Thomas Skinner has introduced his Strictly Come Dancing partner Amy Dowden to his wife and children, inviting the dancer over for family dinner on Tuesday Thomas proudly shared snaps of Amy and his wife Sinead cuddled up with his three children Henry, five and two-year-old twin daughters Roma and Dalia 'So glad we got introduced to this little Welsh superstar, she is fantastic. Back to training tomorrow morning.' He also declared that he was determined not to be the first celeb voted off the series, insisting: 'I am not letting Amy down, I am gonna work so hard and can't wait for you to all see my live dance this Saturday night.' Thomas ended his post with some words for Dani Dyer, who was forced to pull out of the show on Tuesday after fracturing her foot. The star said he was 'absolutely gutted' for 'my little mate'. Thomas' Strictly stint has so far been marred in controversy. In an emotional interview last week the star insisted that his 'two week fling' weeks after his 2022 wedding was a 'moment of madness' that saw him almost 'ruin his life', but his 'secret mistress' has claimed that the affair was much more serious. Amy-Lucy O'Rourke suggested in an interview with the Daily Mail that their secret relationship lasted three months, during which time he said he was in love with her and unhappy with Sinead. Thomas originally told the Sun on Sunday that he had a 'fling' with 'attractive' single mum Amy-Lucy, who gave him a free cosmetic treatment after they met in a pub. However, separate sources have since claimed the affair - which took place three and a half years ago - lasted for as long as three months. 'My Kids absolutely LOVE Amy. She is so good with them, they love her to bits. Bless them. Sinead made us a double lovely dinner and they are gonna be friends for life,' the star gushed He also declared that he was determined not to be the first celeb voted off the series, insisting: 'I am not letting Amy down, I am gonna work so hard' Thomas ended his post with some words for Dani Dyer, who was forced to pull out of the show on Tuesday after fracturing her foot Amy, Sinead and ther children were seen pouring over magazine pics of the Strictly cast But Thomas insisted that Sinead has forgiven him for the indiscretion and they have moved on. His political leanings have also sparked backlash across social media after he was pictured attending a barbeque hosted by US President Donald Trump's number two, JD Vance - something he later called a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event. He has drawn strong criticism for X posts saying it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and complaining 'it aint safe out there any more' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. However, ahead of his Strictly debut with Amy, Thomas insisted he won't be cancelled and claimed his marriage is stronger than ever. Taking to X on Sunday, hours after hitting the dancefloor for the first time, he shared an impassioned and lengthy message where he claimed he was 'being attacked' and was only getting 'stronger'. He wrote: 'Life aint easy. Ive been kicked down an called every name under the sun recently and probably some of it I deserve, as yes I aint always right. But since I got invited to have a BBQ with JD Vance. its gone crazy. 'Certain people are doing everything they can to ruin me. Mainly Faceless accounts givin it large and abusing me, hypocrites making everything political. Ahead of his Strictly debut with Amy on Saturday (pictured), Thomas insisted he won't be cancelled and claimed his marriage is stronger than ever His political leanings have also sparked backlash across social media after he was pictured attending a barbeque hosted by US President Donald Trump 's number two, JD Vance - something he later called a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event (pictured) 'Now I see people are fumin that Im on Strictly. and the funny thing is that the majority of them got be kind wrote in their bios. You couldnt make it up.' Thomas, an Essex businessman who found fame after appearing on Lord Sugar's The Apprentice, added that his strong work ethic meant he was able to ignore the controversy and 'graft'. He added: 'Let me tell you this. I wont be cancelled. I aint gonna kill myself like some of you want. Im still here. Im still standing. Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack.it dont break me, it builds me stronger. [sic] 'I built what I got from nothing. I Slept on a pull-out bed on the floor for years cus I never had a bedroom. [sic] Weirdos write rubbish on Wikipedia about my upbringing that aint true, but they cant take away what Ive built with graft & fight. They call me a grifter, but all I do is work. Day in, day out, graft.' Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley are unrecognisable as they transformed into their creepy characters for Frankenstein's The Bride! trailer. Christian, 51, plays the lead role of Dr Frankenstein's monster in the highly anticipated movie, which is officially released on March 6, 2026. Irish actress Jessie, 35, plays his freaky bride as the pair go on the run together to avoid the authorities. A new two-minute trailer shows the duo as they don their toe-curling creepy looks, with Christian unrecognisable. He spiked his hair up with the Frankenstein stapled scar across his forehead and several scars on his face. The movie is set in 1930s Chicago when lonely Frankenstein asks Annette Bening's character Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley are unrecognisable as they transformed into their creepy characters for Frankenstein's The Bride! trailer The movie is set in 1930s Chicago when lonely Frankenstein asks Annette Bening's character Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him Irish actress Jessie, 35, plays his freaky bride as the pair go on the run together to avoid the authorities His 'bride' is born when the two revive a murdered young woman, which paves the way for a romance surrounded by murder and possession. As she awakes once more, her new companion eagerly stands over her, muttering the words: 'There is nothing left to do now, but live.' Maggie Gyllenhaal has written, directed and produced the new adaption, which is based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel. The Bride also stars Peter Sarsgaard, Oscar winner Penelope Cruz. Film fans have been left impressed by the trailer, with one writing: 'Looks like theyre turning Frankensteins monster and his bride into Bonnie and Clyde. Ill definitely watch!' A second said: 'Both a Frankenstein movie and now The Bride, we getting fed.' However, not everyone was impressed, as one watcher declared: 'Wow, looks like they really rushed out the sequel; Poor Things 2.' Another blasted: 'I'm hoping this is an A.I. spoof and not a real thing.' Christian, 51, plays the lead role of Dr Frankenstein's monster in the highly anticipated movie, which is officially released on March 6, 2026 The movie is set in 1930s Chicago when lonely Frankenstein asks Annette Bening's character Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him His 'bride' is born when the two revive a murdered young woman, which paves the way for a romance surrounded by murder and possession The Bride marks an on-screen reunion for Christian and Jessie, who previously worked together in 2008 Batman film The Dark Night. Ahead of the movie going into production, Christian opened up about going bald for the role during a ceremony for the California foster homes in 2024. He said: 'I've got to shave my head next week [for a movie]. I asked them to please let me hold off on doing that but everyone was going, "What's wrong with Bale? What's up with him?" 'I said, "Just let me get through the groundbreaking and then I'll be off to join you,"' Bale said, adding he was starting preparations soon.' Christian continued: ''I'll be working with the wonderful Maggie, Jessie and so many talented actors in the cast. 'I've got to get busy getting on the rack, breaking my bones and eating lots of fertilizer or something to try and grow. Last year Christian and Jessie were snapped shooting night scenes in New York for the film. Jessie could be seen as she wore a harness as both her and Christian scaled a building in a dramatic scene. She held out a green umbrella as Christian attempted to climb up the building to her. The Bride marks an on-screen reunion for Christian and Jessie, who previously worked together in 2008 Batman film The Dark Night Maggie Gyllenhaal has written, directed and produced the new adaption, which is based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Film fans have been left impressed by the trailer, with one writing: 'Looks like theyre turning Frankensteins monster and his bride into Bonnie and Clyde. Ill definitely watch!' The Bride marks an on-screen reunion for Christian and Jessie, who previously worked together in 2008 Batman film The Dark Night Christian was forced to shave his head completely bald ahead of filming for the new twisted movie, which is released on March 6, 2026 The pair later ran off together through the dark streets of the city before taking a break and chatting with crew members. Between takes, Christian was crowded by the films makeup team as they touched up his incredible Frankenstein makeup. Jessie transformed into the spookiest bride by switching up her tresses for a crazy grey permed wig and rocked a wild black lipstick look. She caught the eye in a orange short sleeved midi dress which she teamed with quirky vintage red heeled boots. Isla Fisher has made an eye-opening confession about her time modelling for men's magazines, revealing that she 'didn't really have a choice'. The actress, who has become a Hollywood heavyweight thanks to films such as Now You See Me, Wedding Crashers and The Great Gatsby, appeared on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Wednesday morning. Radio host Kate, who formerly appeared on Home and Away with Isla, confessed that she was always 'jealous' of her because she got to be on the cover of FHM and made the list of 100 Sexiest Women in the World in 1997 and 2003. However, Isla revealed that it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows on her journey to stardom. Speaking of her FHM cover, the 49-year-old confessed that it wasn't a 'high point' in her career. 'You didn't really have a choice back then. I don't remember ever feeling like I could weigh in on anything until I got into my 30s.' Isla Fisher (pictured) has made an eye-opening confession about her time modelling for men's magazines, revealing that she felt like she couldn't 'weigh in on anything' Speaking of her FHM cover, Isla confessed that it wasn't a 'high point' in her career Reflecting on her lack of power in the early days of her career, Isla said she 'went with the flow' when it came to decisions. 'As a woman in this business, it was like, 'Oh, they want you, yay'. And you sort of went with the flow. 'Now I'm like, "Oh, hang on, I've got some agency".' She added: 'I actually don't have to do something if I don't want to. Now it feels really good.' Isla recently spoke out about the 'tough' end of her decade-long marriage to Sacha Baron Cohen. The Aussie actress and the Borat creator, 53, who share three children, split at the end of 2023 after 14 years of marriage. The star told Harper's Bazaar she suffered through 'a tough couple of years' amid their divorce, but is excited for what's to come. 'I've had a tough couple of years, but I'm making it through. I'm really excited for the next chapter,' she told the publication. The actress, who has become a Hollywood heavyweight thanks to films such as Now You See Me, Wedding Crashers and The Great Gatsby, appeared on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie (centre) on Wednesday morning Isla (right) recently spoke out about the 'tough' end of her decade-long marriage to Sacha Baron Cohen (left) 'I'm refocusing on my career, because previously I was very much focused on my kids, which I still am... '[They're] my true love. But I'm enjoying tackling work again.' Isla added that, aside from refocusing on her career, she was also re-establishing her identity outside of her marriage to Sacha. 'I'm trying to remind myself of my new identity as somebody outside of a partnership and to stay as buoyant as possible,' she said. The pair announced they have finalised their divorce in June. In a message, posted simultaneously on both their Instagram accounts, they said: 'Our divorce has now been finalised. 'We are proud of all we've achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children. We ask for the media to continue to respect our children's privacy.' James Norton has ruled himself out of playing James Bond because he thinks he's too old to portray 007. A host of superstar names have been touted since Daniel Craig relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them. However, James has now said he believes that casting directors will 'go younger' as he shut down the rumours. Henry Cavill, 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Theo James, 40, is also in the running. Other rumoured contenders include Callum Turner, 35, followed by Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, both 29, as well as Jack Lowden, 35. Daniel first took on the role in 2006 for Casino Royale, he was 38 at the time and 53 when he last starred as the spy. James Norton has ruled himself out of the James Bond running after saying hes too old to become 007 (pictured on Tuesday) A host of names have been touted since Daniel Craig (pictured) relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them Addressing the speculation, James told The Mirror: 'I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer.' 'There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.' When asked if he would take the opportunity, James added: 'It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now.' Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, was previously amongst the favourites but shutdown rumours and told Esquire: 'It's not really for me to say anything.' Like James, Idris Elba, 53, also said he was 'too old' after he was rumoured to be the next 007. He admitted that he is 'ancient' and while he appreciated the compliment of being considered back in 2009, the opportunity is now 'dead'. Speaking to Chris Moyles on Radio X, Idris joked that the rumours surrounding the agent role have made him 'more famous for not playing Bond' than 'some of the actors who did'. Chris quipped: 'There were loads of rumours flying around a few years ago about you and a certain infamous role of a British agent, right? James Bond. Right? Was that ever a thing? Was that ever close to being a thing? Did you ever want it? There were rumours, but I don't know if you ever spoke out about it one way or the other.' Henry Cavill (pictured), 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Theo James, 40, is also in the running James told The Mirror : 'There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation' Like James, Idris Elba, 53, also said he was 'too old' and admitted while he appreciated the compliment of being considered back in 2009, the opportunity was now 'dead' Idris replied: 'I have several times, several sort of half-a-million times. No, it was definitely one of the biggest rumours. 'I'm arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did! 'And you know, it's been one that I've taken lightly at times. You know, everyone loves Bond. Such a fantastic character, and just to me, I found it as a compliment to be considered all those years ago.' Chris persisted: 'But listen, you never know. It's not dead', but he was shot down by the acting sensation who responded: 'Well, I mean yeah, it is. The rumour has definitely done. 'And I mean, I'm ancient now. I don't know what kind of Bond I'd be.' James can next be seen in gritty new period drama House Of Guinness which premieres on Netflix on September 25. From the mind of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, the eight-part series promises to be one of the streaming giant's most ambitious dramas yet. House Of Guinness tells the story of the legendary family behind the world-famous brewery, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York. According to Netflix, the series 'explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties - the Guinness Family.' The synopsis continues: 'Set in 19th-century Dublin and New York, the story begins immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery. 'And the far-reaching impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben, as well as on a group of Dublin characters who work and interact with the phenomenon that is Guinness.' James can next be seen in gritty new period drama House Of Guinness which premieres on Netflix on September 25 The all-star line-up includes Masters Of The Air actor Anthony Boyle as Arthur, while Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge plays his brother Edward. Emily Fairn, known for The Responder, steps into the role of Anne, and Normal People's Fionn O'Shea rounds out the siblings as Ben. The cast is further bolstered by BAFTA nominee James Norton, Dublin-born actress Dervla Kirwan, and Game of Thrones favourite Jack Gleeson. The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery. But behind the story of wealth and prosperity lies a tragic tale of seemingly endless misfortune for the family. From Tara Browne, who died following a car crash in South Kensington, to scandalous affairs and divorces and the tragic drowning of Honor Uloth aged just 19 in 2020, the family seems to have been dealt a series of devastating blows. The personal losses faced by the Guinnesses have become so infamous that it is thought to be 'cursed', despite holding a fortune of over 900million today. Creator Steven Knight commented: 'The Guinness dynasty is known the world over wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. 'I've always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.' House Of Guinness is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 25 Bindi Irwin has given fans a sneak peek of her new life in California since moving to the US with her family earlier this month. The wildlife conservationist recently moved to Los Angeles temporarily to support her brother Robert, who is currently competing in the US reality series Dancing With The Stars. Now, the 27-year-old has taken to social media to share some snapshots of her family enjoying their new home. In the opening clip, Bindi looked glamorous as she posed for the camera in a stunning black gown before heading to Television City Studios to see her brother's dancing debut. Another photo showed the Wildlife Warrior with a giant smile on her face while visiting Disneyland with her husband Chandler Powell and four-year-old daughter, Grace. One image showed Bindi's bundle of joy on a balcony looking out across a cityscape, while another depicted her admiring a wall painted with Disney princesses. Bindi Irwin (pictured) has given fans a sneak peek of her new life in California since moving to the US with her family earlier this month The wildlife conservationist recently moved to Los Angeles temporarily to support her brother Robert, who is currently competing in the US reality series Dancing With The Stars. Pictured: Bindi Irwin, Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace 'A little glimpse into my camera roll from the last week' she captioned the post, which has received 196,000 likes since being shared. Fans, friends and family flooded the comments section with love for the young mum. 'Grace and I both love you so much,' her husband Chandler sweetly penned. Her brother's DWTS dance partner Witney Carson wrote: 'Stunning inside and out.' 'Such a beautiful mama,' Bindi's mum Terri gushed. A few weeks ago, Bindi surprised her fans by announcing in an Instagram video that she had relocated to America. 'I have a little life update for you: we are officially moved to Los Angeles. It's not forever, but for the next three months,' she said. 'Australia Zoo will always be home, but we are here to support my incredible brother on DWTS.' 'A little glimpse into my camera roll from the last week' she captioned the post, which has received 196,000 likes since being shared It comes after Bindi also recently gave her followers a painful health update, just months after she was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery Bindi reminded fans of when she won the US version of DWTS 10 years ago and it was a 'life-changing experience'. 'Now my little brother is going to be on the show. I can't wait to support him and be in the audience,' she continued. It comes after Bindi also recently gave her followers a painful health update, just months after she was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery. The Aussie conservationist shared a heartbreaking post to Instagram last month, and revealed she had two surgeries to treat her ruptured appendix and endometriosis. She said she was 'finally' healing after '13 years of fighting for answers', which culminated in the removal of 51 lesions, a chocolate cyst and her appendix. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing painful cysts to grow. A chocolate cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that is caused by endometriosis. It is filled with dark, thick, old blood-like fluid that resembles melted chocolate. '13 years of fighting for answers. 51 endometriosis lesions, a chocolate cyst, and my appendix were all removed across two surgeries,' Bindi wrote. 'My hernia from giving birth that was unzipping was taken care of. I can FINALLY say that I'm feeling better. Genuinely healing. 'I can function in everyday life without wanting to throw up or pass out from the pain. Slowly, slowly gaining my strength back.' Kim Kardashian has fulfilled a career highlight by posing on the cover of French Vogue and she used this empowering moment to take a pop at her ex, Kanye West. Marking a time of freedom, Kim, 44, modelled topless for the October editorial and spoke about how she has become her most 'confident' yet. Kim finalised her divorce from Kanye, 48, three years ago and pointedly told Vogue: 'When I turned forty, my mother told me the coming years would be the best of my life. And its trueonly over the past three or four years have I gained this confidence. 'Before, I constantly needed to check with someone before making a decision. Can you imagine? Its crazy to rely so much on others opinions. Today, I know exactly what I want. Its exhilarating.' Kim credits her relationship with fashion as a key source in improving her confidence and highlights Demna (former Artistic Director of Balenciaga) as a key figure. Kim Kardashian takes a pop at Kanye as she poses topless for Vogue: 'I gained confidence three years ago... before, I always needed to check with someone before making decisions' In a special high jewllery issue, the star appears almost without makeup, draped in some of the worlds most precious jewels, revealing a pure and timeless side of herself Kim and ex-husband Kanye finalised their divorce in 2022 (pictured together in March 2020) She said: 'I think it was with Demna that things really changed. He doesnt care what people think, so I learned to do the same.' Kim embodies many lives at once: mother of four, billionaire, fashion icon, social media phenomenon with 335 million followers, businesswoman, law graduate, and now actress. She talks about how she navigates her way around her busy life as a mother and businesswoman, keeping a list of goals. 'I've always had a list of goals, you know, like a list of things you want to do before you die,' she said. 'Magazine covers are definitely one of them, and this one has always been at the top of the list. The fact that it happened, it's crazy for me. It's so special. 'But the truth is, when youre a mother, and especially a mother of four, organization is everything.' Kim's daily routine more down to earth than you might imagine, with the hands-on mum barely getting a moment to herself. She said: 'I wake up my children, when they are not the ones who wake me up. We get dressed, I prepare breakfast for them and then I accompany each of them to school. It's real chaos, but organized chaos. 'And we laugh a lot! I love the time we spend together. Luckily, because I do this every day. Truth be told, I almost never have time for myself. 'Although coming to France to do the shoot allowed me to be alone. I cherish these sacred moments, even if they only last for the duration of a plane flight. 'That's okay. There will come a time when my children will be grown, they will have left home and I will have so much time alone that I will probably be sad.' She continued|: 'In the meantime, I like to come home from work, find them in my bed and be able to snuggle up with them. Also, since I just graduated, a lot of my time has been freed up. Even if I have recently devoted it to acting... Kim stars in Ryan Murphy's upcoming series Alls Fair, premiering this autumnb on Disney+. The acclaimed showrunner, known for dark hits like Dahmer and The Watcher, directed Kim as Allura Grant, a divorce lawyer leading an all-female law firm. Kim said: 'Ryan knows exactly what he wants and makes sure he gets it. He doesnt let you fail. That really helped me because I had never done this before. 'And when you know youll be acting alongside incredible talents like Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Niecy Nash, it can be intimidating. 'But Im not the type to feel nervous. I just did what I had to do. I arrived on set determined to be very professional and well-prepared. I was ready to learn. Ryan gave me this opportunity, and I thought it would be foolish not to seize it.' In this special high jewllery issue of Vogue, Kim appears almost without makeup, draped in some of the worlds most precious jewels, revealing a pure and timeless side of herself. The use of jewels is especially poignant given that she was the victim of a $10 million robbery in Paris back in October 2016. The $4million engagement ring from her ex-husband, Kanye was never recovered. The ringleader and seven members of a gang that tied up and robbed the billionaire reality TV star were found guilty by a Paris court back in May. During her new interview, Kim talks about her successful business, SKIMS, and says: 'From the start, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted, and I was lucky enough to bring it to life. 'My team trusts me. They always listen to my ideas even when I told them about slimming face masks! Some might have thought it was ridiculous, but they worked hard to make it happen.' The full interview and portfolio are available now on vogue.fr. The October 2025 issue of Vogue France hits newsstands on Wednesday, September 24. Olivia Hawkins unveiled her new natural look in an update on Wednesday after having her lip filler dissolved. The former Love Island contestant, 30, admitted that after having treatments since she was 21 she was 'super nervous' to have the process reversed. In a video shared to Instagram, Liv covered her mouth as she discussed her reasoning before revealing her new look. She explained: 'I've had all my lip filler dissolved and I'm actually so nervous to show you all. But I'm so so happy with them. 'I have wanted to do this for the longest time. I don't think I've seen my natural lips since I was 21 when I first had them done. 'Here they are... this is so weird. I love it but I can't get use to it. Honestly, it's so weird. I'm looking at myself and I don't recognise myself because it's been so long.' Olivia Hawkins unveiled her new natural look in an update on Wednesday after having her lip filler dissolved The former Love Island contestant, 30, admitted that after having treatments since she was 21 she was 'super nervous' to have the process reversed (pictured right before) Liv added: 'A lady called Dr Sonia Soopen did them in Hove. Let me know what you guys think in the comments.' The TV personality captioned the update: 'Ive been so nervous to show you all. Thank you Grand Aesthetics Clinic for making me feel at ease! 'Its been such a long time since Ive seen my natural lips but I actually love them.' The update comes after Liv's recent appearance on Celebs Go dating where she broke down in tears after a brutal rejection from her co-star Louis Russell after 'pushing herself out of her comfort zone' on the Channel 4 show. The Love Island star had quickly hit it off with Too Hot To Handle favourite Louis during the agency's away trip to Ibiza, where the pair even shared a kiss. But back in the UK, Olivia admitted she felt let down, revealing Louis had made 'no consistent effort' to contact her. She was later said to be dating a hunky boxer and Netflix star, weeks after she left te show. Liv was said to have sparked up a romance with Too Hot To Handle star Kelechi Dyke, 31, with the pair having been on a few dates. In a video shared to Instagram, Liv covered her mouth as she discussed her reasoning before revealing her new look The update comes after Liv's recent appearance on Celebs Go dating where she broke down in tears after a brutal rejection from her co-star Louis Russell And according to The Sun, things are certainly hotting up between the pair and are getting 'quite serious'. A source told the publication: 'Liv was linked to fellow Celebs Go Dating co-star Louis Russell when production on the series first started. 'But since then shes been on a series of dates with boxer Kelechi Kelz Dyke, which have been filmed for the show. 'Netlix fans will know him from Too Hot To Handle as well, so he is well versed in reality TV. But the chemistry between him and Liv is genuine and they are really into each other.' The insider cryptically added: 'Watch this space.' MailOnline have contacted Olivia's representatives for comment. Olivia's last high profile romance was with Marcel Somerville, whom she split from in February just days after leaving the Love Island: All Stars villa. The pair, who were axed from the South Africa villa in a shock double dumping in January, have gone their separate ways and have decided to just stay friends after failing to find a romantic connection. A source confirmed to MailOnline: 'Liv and Marcel have made the decision to part ways. 'Theyve chosen to go in separate directions, but there's no hard feelings. 'While they do share some fond memories together from their short stint on Love Island, theyve built a great bond but have decided theyre better off as friends and are both looking forward to the next chapters in their lives.' Tears for Fears musician Roland Orzabal and his wife Emily have welcomed a baby girl. Photographer Emily, 38, shared a photo of herself cradling her bump while wearing a white and tan striped midi dress when she announced her pregnancy in June. The news of the child's birth was confirmed by Roland's Tears For Fears bandmate Curt Smith in an interview with Vulture in August. He said: 'We were going to tour this summer, but Roland and his wife had a baby in June. So the summer touring obviously was off because you dont want to be away from home that close to having a baby.' Several fans have since flooded the comments section to wish the couple congratulations on the birth. One person wrote: 'Congratulations to you & Roland on the birth of Eula!' Tears for Fears musician Roland Orzabal and his wife Emily have welcomed a baby girl Photographer Emily, 38, shared a photo of herself cradling her bump while wearing a white and tan striped midi dress when she announced her pregnancy in June Another added: 'Sending love and congratulations to the happy couple on their newest family member! May this sweet gift bring them boundless joy, cherished moments, and a heart full of love. Blessed child.' A third wrote: 'Ohhhh, Emily! I just knew this was coming! How thrilling for you both and the entire family! So much love being sent to you, Roland and the baby! Keep us posted!' Another wrote: 'The glow and beauty of being a mother... Aww, congratulations to you both!' The couple 'secretly eloped' and married on Aspen Mountain in Colorado in 2020 after having to postpone their original wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Revealing their private nuptials, Emily posted on Instagram: 'We had to postpone our original wedding date in September 2020 because of Covid. 'I felt as all corona brides have been feeling: angry, sad, gypped, and confused as to when we should have a wedding. 'Roland and I were in the States for work. We desperately wanted to get married, even just legally, and so to honour our original date, we secretly eloped, just the two of us, atop a mountain in Aspen. It was the most magical moment of my life. 'It breaks my heart that my family could not be there to see it, but no one wanted to risk their safety. The news of the child's birth was confirmed by Roland's Tears For Fears bandmate Curt Smith in an interview with Vulture in August Several fans have since flooded the comments section to wish the couple congratulations on the birth 'Two weddings was never my dream, but we adapted, separating the legal wedding from the celebratory wedding to come.' She continued: 'In September we were able to use the autumnal flowers we'd originally wanted, and next year we can have all of the spring flowers! 'We got married at 11,212 ft high on Aspen Mountain, whereas next year will be inside an incredible venue. 'I wore a stunning Amanda Wakeley dress, which flowed in the wind so beautifully, and next year I will be wearing Phillipa Lepley. 'I still don't feel as though I've had a wedding, because it was just the two of us, and it was a secret. We have yet to have a first dance or a honeymoon! 'But, six months into marriage, I am so happy, and cannot wait to marry Roland again next year, with all of our favourite people around us. We've been planning that one for a very very long time, so it should be extraordinary!' The couple 'secretly eloped' and married on Aspen Mountain in Colorado in 2020 after having to postpone their original wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic A year after Roland and Emily's elopement in 2020, they had a celebratory wedding with friends and family at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. Roland is one half of Tears For Fears with Curt Smith and their hits include Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head over Heels. He already has two sons, Pascal and Raoul, from his previous marriage to Caroline Orzabal. Caroline died in July 2017 aged 54 after suffering from alcoholism-related dementia and cirrhosis, which followed a depression diagnosis. Following the passing of Caroline with whom he was married to since 1982, Roland told The Irish Times that his life 'sort of fell apart in 2018' and he went to rehab. The traumatic events in his personal life eventually led to Tears For Fears writing their seventh studio LP The Tipping Point. Tears For Fears released the song Emily Said on October 25, 2024, inspiring which Emily to post on her Instagram: 'It's a good day for Emilys around the world because @tearsforfearsmusic just released a song about us.' Rebecca Judd has sent her fans wild by posing alongside her mother for a glamorous hair campaign. The influencer and fashion designer shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday in which she and her mother, Kerry Twigley, 63, modelled for the Mermade Hair brand of styling tools. 'I grew up watching mum set her curls before every big moment. Today we did it together - same ritual, smarter rollers,' the 42-year-old explained in her caption. In the clip, the lookalike mother-and-daughter posed in robes as they styled their hair at a vanity table. Cuddling up for the camera alongside her daughter, the very youthful Kerry showcased where Bec got her good looks from. The comments section below the video lit up with comments from impressed fans. Rebecca Judd has sent her fans wild by posing alongside her mother for a glamorous hair campaign. Both pictured The influencer and fashion designer shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday in which she and her mother, Kerry Twigley, 63, modelled for the Mermade Hair brand of styling tools Bec's bestie Nadia Bartel chimed in: 'You are the best @kerry.jane.5 and these rollers look so good.' 'Obsessed with your mum,' said one enthused fan, while another commented, 'Kezzy! This is so gorgeous ladies.' 'Kez! So beautiful and a crack up. I used to love hot rollers, how good,' wrote one person. 'Gorgeous girls,' commented another fan, with someone else adding, 'This is a lovely video of you and your mother'. Bec is the spitting image of her stunning mum, who was also blessed with incredibly youthful looks and a killer figure. Bec's New Zealand-born Maori mother moved to Australia in the late 1970s with her now ex-husband Hugh Twigley to take advantage of Western Australia's mining boom. She works as a FIFO (fly in, fly out) worker in Fortescue's Cloudbreak mine, located in the Pilbara region of WA. Kerry regularly shares photos of her life driving dump trucks in the mines on social media. The very youthful Kerry showcased where Bec got her good looks from In the clip, the lookalike mother-and-daughter posed in robes as they styled their hair at a vanity table 'I grew up watching mum set her curls before every big moment. Today we did it together - same ritual, smarter rollers,' the 42-year-old explained in her caption 'Going to take this bad girl out. Move some dirt and keep Australia moving,' she wrote alongside one post. She also often posts happy selfies alongside her FIFO co-workers, enjoying drinks after a hard day at work. Speaking of her mum's profession last year, Bec expressed eager interest and praised Kerry's work. 'Everyone thinks she's so cool driving her massive trucks,' she told Stellar magazine in 2023. Kerry is also mother to Bec's younger sister, Kate Twigley. Earlier this year, Bec revealed she has moved her mum into her $7.3 million Brighton, Melbourne mansion. The AFL WAG's mother has been busy cooking meals for Bec, her husband Chris Judd and their four children. She shared a photo to Instagram Stories showing Kerry hard at work in the kitchen. Kerry is also mother to Bec's younger sister, Kate Twigley. All pictured Bec is the spitting image of her stunning mum, who was also blessed with incredibly youthful looks and a killer figure Bec boasted that she no longer has to worry about feeding her family as her mum is all over it. 'Having mum live with us the last few months after she retired and regularly cooking dinner for our tribe has been truly wonderful' Bec wrote in her caption. 'I don't even have to think about it. It's just done,' she added. Bec additionally said 'And it's usually a fucyum' which appears to be a word she coined herself, meaning very yummy. The model and influencer shares four children - Oscar, 14, Billie, 11, and twins Tom and Darcy, nine - with retired footy great Chris, 42. The Judds met at a pub in Perth when they were both teenagers, and wed on December 31, 2010, at Melbourne 's Albert Park. Jimmy Kimmel walked back on stage with the air of a man both chastened and defiant, a man who knew his performance was less about comedy than about survival. He had been gone for only a few days, but in the incessantly whirring world of modern media, that felt like an exile. The friendly studio audience, primed for catharsis, roared as if they were greeting a soldier home from war. The man they had come to see delivered exactly what they expected: a not-quite apology wrapped in constitutional principle, sprinkled with tears, and punctuated with relatively mild jabs at a president who seems to occupy permanent rent-free space in every late-night comedian's monologue. Kimmel's twenty minutes on camera were a study in the balancing act that defines celebrity in our fractured republic. He did the throat-clearing, offering words that were just contrite enough to be replayed as penitence: 'You understand that it was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man I get why you're upset.' But the humility stopped there. He made sure to remind everyone that Donald Trump 'can't take a joke,' and that what was really at stake was not the reputation of one television host but the freedom of the press and the very soul of the First Amendment. That was the pivot: from self-defense to moral high ground. It was Jimmy Kimmel as tribune of the people, defender of comedians and journalists alike. He spoke of bullies and lawsuits, of the press under siege. He invoked Erika Kirk's strength, aligning himself with her grief in a way that felt both reverent and self-serving. He declared himself a believer in Jesus Christ, which might have seemed an odd note a few years ago, but in 2025 sounded like a necessary bridge to an America still raw from Charlie Kirk's assassination. His audience loved it. They gave him ovations fit for an Emmy ceremony. The tears came at the right moments, and the laughs were enough to remind everyone that the man is, after all, a professional comedian. Kimmel even threw in a few clever grace notes. He thanked Ted Cruz, one of his usual sparring partners, in a nod to a larger sense of 'American behavior.' And then Robert De Niro appeared, mocking mob tropes, and sprinkling a touch of Hollywood stardust on the tense proceedings. It was, in short, very on brand. Jimmy was emotional, Jimmy was defiant, Jimmy was on center stage. He walked the tightrope, and those in his camp will say he succeeded. His fans saw the warrior, still standing. His detractors saw a man who couldn't quite bring himself to say 'I'm sorry' without a willful hedge. But that was never the point. Jimmy Kimmel walked back on stage with the air of a man both chastened and defiant, a man who knew his performance was less about comedy than about survival Kimmel did the throat-clearing, offering words that were just contrite enough to be replayed as penitence: 'You understand that it was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man I get why you're upset.' But the humility stopped there The point was to get back on the air, to show that the machine still worked, to save his cushy job, to not let down those who now view him as a civil rights symbol, and to live to fight another night. Whether Americans at large will side with him is an open question. Donald Trump's social media left no doubt where the president stands: firmly in the 'no' column. Same with Charlie Kirk's producer and friend, Andrew Kolvet. Big television affiliate station owners Sinclair and Nexstar are weighing in, withholding Kimmel's show for now. But the business realities of linear television matter less than they once did. Any viewer desperate to watch Jimmy can simply subscribe to Hulu or Disney+. And in that calculation, the real winners may not be comedians or presidents but Disney itself, which gains leverage every time the affiliates weaken, scoring a rare economic win in a declining business. Indeed, this episode served as a reminder of how little sway network affiliates have in the streaming age. There was a time a decade or two ago when pulling a show off dozens of stations would have been a death sentence. Now it's a minor inconvenience, one that pushes the consumer closer to the streaming platforms the studios are trying to grow. For Kimmel personally, the past week elevated his profile at a moment when his reach had been shrinking. In a crowded late-night marketplace, absence sometimes makes the heart grow fonder, and controversy can add relevance. His contract is winding down and his ratings have been faltering. Now, suddenly, Jimmy's name is back on the ticker and back in the headlines. In an odd way, the whole affair has breathed new life into a brand that was fading along with the decline of broadcast television. Nevertheless, the truth is none of this was just about Jimmy Kimmel. It was about the political moment we are living through. It was about Charlie Kirk. Charlie's assassinationso fresh, so disorientinghangs over every cultural fight now. When Kimmel took the stage and said he never meant to make light of a young man's murder, he was speaking into that silence, that wound. His tears were real enough, but they were also part of the new choreography of public grief in a country where every act of violence instantly becomes a cultural litmus test, or a meme. His audience loved it. They gave him ovations fit for an Emmy ceremony. The tears came at the right moments, and the laughs were enough to remind everyone that the man is, after all, a professional comedian Whether Americans at large will side with him is an open question. Donald Trump's social media left no doubt where the president stands: firmly in the 'no' column. Same with Charlie Kirk's producer and friend, Andrew Kolvet The right, too, has had its reckonings. Joe Rogan, long courted by MAGA America, slipped away on this issue, signaling that even in the populist coalition there are limits. The left, meanwhile, felt re-energizedas if they had been waiting for the mourning period to pass so they could put their foot back on the gas. Prop 50, Epstein, Homan, Bondithe issues and foils are stacking up again, with renewed urgency. Kimmel's saga was a weeklong fascination, the kind of story that grips the media ecosystem in a frenzy of takes and counter-takes, affronts and arguments. But, by its end, it felt like a subplot in a larger drama. We are living in the aftermath of an assassination that has not only shaken the body politic but exposed the fissures of our national identity. Red and Blue America are not just disagreeing anymore; they are living in parallel universes. To one side, Kimmel was a defiant hero standing up to a bullying president. To the other, he was a smug Hollywood elitist refusing to apologize for mocking a tragedy. That is the real takeaway. The episode was not a turning point, not a resolution, but another marker in a period of ever-increasing division. The standing ovations in the studio were genuine, but outside those walls the applause sounded very different. Kimmel got his redemption arc, Disney got its streaming bump, Trump got his foil. But the country remained where it was: split, bruised, bewildered, and bracing for what comes next. There was something almost elegiac about itthis comedian with tears in his eyes, insisting he had meant no harm, grasping for a higher cause. It was theater, yes, but it was also testimony. It told us not only where Jimmy Kimmel stands, but where America stands: still searching for common ground, still circling each other in suspicion, still wondering what kind of country we are now, after all we have seen, and where we go from here. Rebel Wilson has left her fans stunned as she unveiled her glamorous new makeover this week. The 45-year-old shared a series of images on Instagram that showed her donning voluminous blonde hair extensions and a full face of flawless makeup. The Australian actress wowed her fans with the reveal, with many sharing their awe in the comments under the photos. Several thought Rebel looked unlike herself and much younger, with some fans comparing her to Kelly Osbourne and Avril Lavigne. 'Thought that was Kelly Osbourne for a minute,' one person marvelled, with another saying, 'You look 10 years younger!' 'Oh this makeup and hair, gorgeous,' a fan said, while someone else added, 'Omg you look insane.' Rebel Wilson has left her fans stunned as she unveiled her glamorous new makeover this week. The 45-year-old shared a series of images on Instagram that showed her donning voluminous blonde hair extensions and a full face of flawless makeup. Pictured on Tuesday In addition to the glam hair and makeup, the Pitch Perfect actress also appears to have further slimmed down after undergoing a new health challenge recently. Pictured in December 20204 'Rebel you look so gorgeous,' one admirer enthused, with another chiming in, 'So Avril Lavigne coded'. In addition to the glam hair and makeup, the Pitch Perfect actress also appears to have further slimmed down after undergoing a new health challenge recently. Rebel announced earlier this year she was shaping up after overeating chocolate over Easter. The star, who dropped more than 36kgs (around 80lbs) back in 2021, revealed that her latest attempt to change her eating habits has resulted in further weight loss. 'My first few days were a bit rough giving up chocolate and ice cream - I wanted it so badly!' she wrote on Instagram. The health kick has resulted in a small weight loss for the performer. 'I did happen to lose 1kg (2.2 pounds) last week - which is not the point of the challenge - but it goes to show you how many Easter Eggs I was eating before I started!' she explained. Rebel initially lost weight after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic, and has again cut out sweet treats in a new challenge to amend her eating habits. The Australian actress wowed her fans with the reveal, with many sharing their awe in the comments under the photos. Several thought Rebel looked unlike herself and much younger in the images (pictured), with some fans comparing her to Kelly Osbourne and Avirl Lavigne Rebel dropped more than 36kgs back in 2021 after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic. Pictured right in June 2025 and left in 2015 She had earlier admitted she had let loose over Easter, confessing she, 'may have had a dozen Cadbury Creme Eggs'. In conversation with The Sunday Times last year, the movie star confessed about weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro: 'Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good.' Rebel previously said that her Pitch Perfect contract prohibited her from losing weight. The movie franchise came to a close in 2017 and four years later the mother-of-one lost over 70 pounds. In July 2021 she revealed about her weight loss journey: 'It first started when I was looking into fertility stuff and the doctor was like, "Well, you'd have a much better chance if you were healthier."' The Isn't It Romantic actress confessed: 'I was taken aback. I thought, "Oh God, this guy's so rude." He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight.' Wilson focused on becoming more active by walking and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with her personal trainer. Rebel is now mother to two-year-old daughter Royce, who she welcomed via surrogate and co-parents with wife Ramona Agruma . Priscilla Presley is commanding attention as she embarks on a press tour in support of her latest memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis. The star was a vision of sophistication as she stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, her petite frame slipped into an elegant white blazer and skirt. Priscilla, 80, arrived in style with edgy black leather boots encasing her feet, along with a semi-transparent scarf cloaked around her neck. Her fiery red locks were pulled back into a low ponytail with stylish side part. Priscilla looked happy as she arrived and departed the show, blowing kisses and waving to onlookers waiting outside the New York City studio on Tuesday. Softly, As I Leave You was officially released on Tuesday, but Priscilla has been dropping hints of what fans can expect in the newly-released page-turner in recent days - including how she saved Elvis' estate Graceland from being sold off after his death. Priscilla Presley was spotted departing the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in NYC on Tuesday Presley has described how she saved Graceland after she was confronted with the prospect of selling it due to it's enormous expense Elvis' dad Vernon gained possession of the estate after his son died in 1977, and Priscilla was appointed as trustee after her father-in-law passed two years later. The property, however, was a massive expense, with Priscilla recalling in memoir that the estate had drained the money both she and daughter Lisa-Marie Presley had inherited from Elvis down to $500,000. Priscilla's legal team then proposed she sell the estate - a prospect she flat-out rejected. 'After Elvis passed, it went on for about three years until the attorneys brought me in and said, "Priscilla, we're going to have to sell Graceland. We have no money. We're not bringing any money in,"' she told People. 'I just looked at them, and I said, "That'll never happen, ever." Then, I left,' she said. Ultimately, Priscilla was able to save Graceland with the help of the wealthy businessman Morgan Maxfield, with the duo coming up with the plan to open the estate up to the public. But tragically, Morgan was killed in a plane crash a year before Graceland officially opened it's doors. She was a vision of sophistication in an elegant cream blazer, skirt, and black leather boots The star waved and blew kisses to onlookers Priscilla was wed to the King of Rock 'N' Roll, Elvis Presley, from 1967 to 1973 The former couple pictured in Hawaii Priscilla refused to sell Graceland and ultimately saved it after opening it up to the public; pictured 2006 'That was a shock,' Priscilla told the publication. 'He was guiding me all the way on opening Graceland. Thank God I was able to fulfill what he had said about making sure I get the right people, the right attorneys, the right bank. It was a trip, but it was a trip worthwhile.' Elvis was 24-years old and a global star when he met his future wife, then just 14-years of age, at a party in West Germany while seeing out his military service with the United States Army. The couple wed in Las Vegas in 1967 and welcomed their only child, daughter Lisa-Marie Presley, the following year. The couple ultimately divorced in 1973 and Priscilla would eventually embark on a 22-year relationship with Brazilian screenwriter Marco Garibaldi, with whom she welcomed son Navarone, her second child, in 1987. Elvis, of course, died ten years earlier in 1977 at the age of 42 after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest in the bathroom of his legendary Graceland home. His ex-wife would endure further tragedy in January 2023 when Lisa-Marie also died prematurely, aged just 54. Clara McGregor showed off her edgy sense of style as she led the front row at Antonio Marras' Spring/Summer 2026 show during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday. The model, 29, looked incredible as she flashed her abs in a skimpy black bra and a matching leather trench coat. She paired the ensemble with a daring black semi-sheer skirt and tights, posing up a storm ahead of the show. The daughter of Ewan McGregor added inches to her frame with pointed black court heels, which featured a buckle fastening. To complete her look, she donned a pair of delicate black lace gloves and toted her essentials in a black leather python-textured handbag. Clara appeared in high spirits as she joined a host of A-list guests, including Olivia Palermo and her husband Johannes Huebl, Ginevra Ferro, Rachele Santoro, Anfisa Letyago, Vittoria Ceccarini, and Maria Mantero. Clara McGregor flashed her abs in a skimpy black bra and a leather trench as she led the front row at Antonio Marras' Spring/Summer 2026 show during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday The model, 29, paired the ensemble with a daring black semi-sheer skirt and tights, posing up a storm ahead of the show Olivia, 39, turned heads in a black leather midi dress as she arrived at the event with her husband, Johannes, 47. Her chic ensemble featured a black lace bust, a corseted bodice, and a pleated peplum hem. The American socialite paired the eye-catching look with sheer black tights and matching slingback heels. Meanwhile, her husband cut a more laidback figure wearing a khaki jacket, a black sweatshirt, and slim-fit trousers. He sported a pair of off-white trainers as he strolled into the venue hand-in-hand with his wife. Ginevra made a statement in a blue denim co-ord, featuring a blue floral embroidery, as she posed at the event. Anfisa exuded class in a grey cable knit jumper, teaming it with a strapless tweed top and a pinstripe skirt, featuring a plaid peplum hem. She added inches to her frame with silver stiletto heels and completed her look with a rose pink handbag. She added inches to her frame with pointed black court heels, which featured a buckle fastening To complete her look, she donned a pair of delicate black lace gloves and toted her essentials in a black leather python-textured handbag Meanwhile, Olivia Palermo, 39, turned heads in a black leather midi dress as she arrived at the event with her husband, Johannes Huebl, 47 Her chic ensemble featured a black lace bust, a corseted bodice, and a pleated peplum hem Rachele put on a leggy display in a cream off-the-shoulder jumper and mini skirt featuring a black floral lace embroidery. She paired the look with black stocking socks and cherry red platform clogs as she strutted into the venue. Vittoria wowed in a green plaid double-breasted blazer and a matching skirt with a pleated peplum hem. Maria looked effortlessly chic in a black blouse paired with matching wide-leg trousers as she arrived at the event. Milan Fashion Week began on September 23, and is set to conclude on September 29, 2025. Ginevra Ferro made a statement in a blue denim co-ord, featuring a blue floral embroidery, as she posed at the event Anfisa Letyago exuded class in a grey cable knit jumper, teaming it with a strapless tweed top and a pinstripe skirt, featuring a plaid peplum hem Rachele Santoro put on a leggy display in a cream off-the-shoulder jumper and mini skirt featuring a black floral lace embroidery Vittoria Ceccarini wowed in a green plaid double-breasted blazer and a matching skirt with a pleated peplum hem Iconic 1990s Vogue supermodel Niki Taylor is back. The 50-year-old beauty was seen hitting the runway again for the first time in decades. Taylor joined Puerto Rican actress/former Ms. Universe Dayanara Torres - who used to be wed to Jennifer Lopez's ex Marc Anthony - for the Mott50 Edition & Coolibar Sun Safe Soiree fashion presentation in NYC. This rooftop showcase celebrated Taylors return to the runway alongside Torres. During the event, Taylor revealed she is now a grandmother. 'We recently became grandparents,' Taylor told New Beauty. 'We need our sleep! We go to bed early. It makes such a difference when you get a good night of sleep.' The star is wed to Burney Lamar and they live in Nashville. Together they have four children: Rex, Ciel, Hunter and Jake. Iconic 90s Vogue supermodel Niki Taylor is back. Seen on September 18 in NYC The 50-year-old beauty was seen hitting the runway again for the first time in decades. Taylor worked the Mott50 Edition & Coolibar Sun Safe Soiree fashion presentation She shot to fame as one of the most successful models of the era, alongside fellow icons like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. She was CoverGirl model and earned the title of the youngest person to be featured as one of People's Most Beautiful People. The blonde made history in May 1996 by starring on the cover of six different magazines - Vogue, Allure, Elle, Marie Claire, Self, and Shape - in the same month, having landed her first cover - for Seventeen - seven years earlier when she was just 14. In 1990, she landed herself on the front of Vogue for the first time, becoming the second youngest person, at age 15, to star on the cover. Campaigns for major brands like L'Oreal, Gap, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier followed, as well as appearances in dozens of fashion shows the world over. See what she looks like now. Taylor was a top star. Seen on the runway in the early 1990s She wore a bikini for the cover of Vogue magazine The superstar's first ever magazine cover shoot saw her featured on the front of Seventeen in 1989 (left), and she went on to pose for the likes of Vogue, Allure, and Elle Last year, Taylor explained that, for her, age is more about your state of mind. The cover girl also said that it more about 'what's inside' than your pretty appearance. 'As long as you feel good and healthy, you can pretty much take on anything,' she told the Daily Mail. For decades, there has been a serious stigma about aging within the fashion and beauty industries, with many models speaking out about feeling as though they had a 'shelf life'. However, in recent years, that has begun to shift, with more and more models finding success later on in life. She wears a bright yellow T-back tank bathing suit by J. Crew in a photo by Antoine Verglas for Conde Nast She landed on a group Vogue cover in 1992 with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Karen Mulder, Elaine Irwin, Yasmeen Ghauri, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Tatjana Patitz Niki believes that this shift has been a long time coming, explaining that she has seen industry insiders making moves towards increasing diversity for years - a trend that she is happy to see is now being represented in advertisements and campaigns. 'It was unheard of to see a fashion model in her 30s back in the day. [But] its just a number, really! Were all getting older, were all changing,' she said. Still, Niki jokes that she prefers the word 'timeless' rather than 'ageless', noting that it better captures her views on aging. While Niki looks as though she hasn't aged a day since her first CoverGirl campaign, her life has changed a great deal in the years that followed her history-making 1992 partnership with the brand. The supermodel is a mother to four children: twin sons, Jake and Hunter, whose father is her ex-husband Matt Martinez, and a daughter, Ciel, and son Rex with her husband of more than 14 years, Burney Lamar. She now balances her work as a successful model with her commitments at home in Nashville - although sometimes the two worlds collide, as they did with her new CoverGirl campaign, which she revealed that husband Burney helped her to shoot. Niki (pictured in 1989) shot to fashion fame in the late 80s, when she landed several high-profile campaigns like Cover Girl 'This was the first time [that I've shot a campaign myself at home]... I transformed my house into a set!' she shared. 'My husband helped me film it with my iPhone. I did hair and makeup. It was very cool. Then I just sent [CoverGirl] a whole bunch of stuff to edit.' Niki's sister Krissy, who was also a successful model, passed away from heart disease in 1995 Niki has also endured heartbreaking tragedy and difficult trauma over the years. In 1995, just three years after signing her first deal with CoverGirl, Niki's sister and best friend Krissy suddenly passed away from heart disease at the age of 17. 'We were very close. We worked together. We did everything together. I miss her very much,' Niki said of the tragic loss during an interview with Oprah in 2014. Then, in 2001, Niki herself was involved in a near fatal car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, while being driven by then-boyfriend Chad Renegar. Renegar was apparently attempting to answer his phone when he lost control of the car and crashed into a utility pole. Over the years, Niki has spoken candidly about how she dealt with the loss of her sibling, and her recovery in the wake of her car crash, and today, she works closely with two charities that remain close to her heart in the wake of the tragedies. 'My charities that I love are the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, those are personal to me,' she explained. Dwayne Johnson made a rare red carpet appearance with his daughter Ava Raine at The Smashing Machine screening in London on Wednesday. The actor, who stars in the upcoming film, was joined by his co-star Emily Blunt for the glamorous event. Posing on the carpet, Dwayne, 53, looked effortlessly sharp in a navy-blue suit paired with an open-collared white shirt. Meanwhile, Ava, 24, stunned in a black strappy dress adorned with delicate floral detailing. She completed the look with chunky black heels and accessorised with a choker necklace. Emily, 42, turned heads in a long-sleeved brown mini dress featuring an elegant train. Dwayne Johnson made a rare red carpet appearance with his daughter Ava Raine, at The Smashing Machine screening in London on Wednesday The actor, who stars in the upcoming film, was joined by his co-star Emily Blunt for the glamorous event She paired the ensemble with sheer brown polka-dot tights and bold red open-toe heels. Other stars spotted at the screening included Benny Safdie, Tatyanna Dumas, Jack Farthing, and Jodie McCallum. The biopic follows the life of former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne, alongside Emily as Kerr's then-wife Dawn Staples an Arizona-based recovering alcoholic who wed Mark in Las Vegas. The Smashing Machine gave The Rock who is known for his many action roles, the opportunity to stretch himself. In this project, he is nearly unrecognisable as mixed martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr. The comedy star and former wrestler lost about 60 pounds used prosthetics and a wig to look more like the 56-year-old former college wrestler turned MMA champ. In the drama, Dwayne not only portrays Kerr's actions in the ring, but deals with the athlete's struggle with substance abuse. 'This transformation was something I was really hungry to do,' he told The Hollywood Reporter last month. Posing on the carpet, Dwayne, 53, looked effortlessly sharp in a navy-blue suit paired while Ava, 24, stunned in a black strappy dress adorned with delicate floral detailing They were joined by Tatyanna Dumas Emily and Dwayne posing on the red carpet Benny Safdie cut a dapper figure at the event Jack Farthing looked stylish as he posed for the cameras Jodie McCallum showed off her stunning figure 'I had been very fortunate to have the career that I've had over the years and to make the films that I've made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, 'Well, what if I could do more I want to do more and what does that look like?'' At a press conference after the screening earlier this week, the actor had high praise for the man he portrayed on screen. 'Mark was the greatest fighter in the world at one point, but this film is not even really about fighting it's a love story,' he explained, becoming emotional. 'It's a love story about Mark and Dawn (Staples, played by Emily Blunt) in this relationship, and it's a love story about Mark and the love that he had for the thing that he did his struggle with trying to deliver [in the ring], his challenges and his overcoming.' 'As you know, Mark OD'd twice,' he told reporters, 'and he's lucky to be alive and that's part of why this story is so special.' The Smashing Machine, which will be released on October 3, is based on John Hyams' 2002 HBO documentary of the same name, which also captured Kerr's substance abuse In June, Dwayne appeared on the Dr. Mark Hyman Show explaining that he had turned to the functional medicine physician for help with a gut related problem. 'You said, very succinctly, 'I'm not going to treat your symptoms. I'm going to go deeper than that and treat the root cause of what's going on,'' the actor said of their first meeting, 'And I said, 'I love that.'' Tests showed that multiple rounds of antibiotics he had taken in the past had damaged the lining of his intestines. 'We basically rehabbed your gut,' Hyman said, explaining the health regimen. 'Gave you probiotics and plant compounds - pomegranate, green tea, cranberry - to help rebuild it, 'adding 'And we made you this amazing gut health shake with 10-plus ingredients personalised for you.' Colin Firth's ex-wife, eco-fashion campaigner Livia Firth, has dramatically handed back her MBE. The 56-year-old activist was seen tearing up the certificate in a new social media video, explaining that she's sending the honour back to St James's Palace in fury at what she calls Britain's 'appeasement' of US President Donald Trump. Livia, who was married to Oscar-winning actor Firth for 22 years until 2019, took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce that she has returned the medal she was awarded six years ago for services to the fashion industry. Livia explained she could not hold the honour after seeing the US president 'appeased and honoured' during his visit to the UK last week. 'Because I can't reconcile those two positions, I have shredded my honour and I am returning it to sender,' she wrote in her letter to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. Livia, whose famous 'Green Carpet Challenge' was once the hallmark of Hollywood awards season - dressing stars from Meryl Streep to Emma Watson in ethically-made couture - shared a video of herself holding her MBE medal before ripping up her certificate. Colin Firth's ex-wife, eco-fashion campaigner Livia Firth, has dramatically handed back her MBE She was seen tearing up the prestigious certificate in a new social media video, explaining that she's sending the honour back to St James's Palace in fury at what she calls Britain's 'appeasement' of US President Donald Trump She also shared photos of the medal in its box and her handwritten letter - mistakenly dated October 24, 2025 rather than today's date of September 24. In the note, she accused Britain of legitimising Trump with what she described as a 'frightening and cowardly display of appeasement'. She explained: 'As I write this, we see that horrible excuse of a human (called Trump) in full flow at the UN General Assembly, his poisonous rhetoric amplified and legitimised. 'Last week's display showed me nothing of those values I thought King Charles upheld - or its spirit. Rather, a frightening and cowardly display of appeasing someone who stands for the obliteration of the natural world and the most vulnerable people on earth.' The Italian-born filmmaker and businesswoman, who co-founded the pioneering sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire five years ago in recognition of her work to improve conditions for garment workers around the globe. She accepted the honour on behalf of the many factory workers and activists she had campaigned alongside, despite her discomfort with the legacy of empire. She continued in the letter: 'Although I stand against the British Empire and remnants of that toxic system, I accepted the honour on behalf of the many garment worker activists who had educated and supported me.' Livia was also keen to stress that she had long admired King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, for his 'decades battling on behalf of social and environmental justice'. The 56-year-old activist took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce that she has returned the medal she was awarded six years ago for services to the fashion industry Livia explained she could not hold the honour after seeing the US president 'appeased and honoured' during his visit to the UK last week Livia, 55, divorced from the Pride and Prejudice actor, 65, in 2021 after 24 years of marriage having met on the set of a BBC documentary in 1996 But she said she could no longer reconcile her respect for the monarch with his government's treatment of Trump. She signed the letter off as 'Livia Giuggioli (Firth)'. Born in Rome, Livia studied film before meeting Colin Firth on the set of the BBC drama Nostromo in 1996, where she was working as a production assistant. The couple married the following year and went on to have two sons, Luca, 24, and Matteo, 22. During their marriage, Livia was a regular on the red carpet alongside the King's Speech star, using her profile to champion sustainable fashion. The Firths' marriage collapsed in 2019 after 22 years following a scandal involving an affair Livia had with Italian journalist Marco Brancaccia during a temporary separation in 2015-2016. Although they reunited, the affair and subsequent drama, including Livia's initial accusation of stalking against Marco, led them to break up for good. Despite her split from the actor, Livia has retained her own formidable reputation as one of the world's most influential eco-campaigners. She has advised major luxury houses on sustainability, addressed the UN on labour rights, and produced hard-hitting documentaries on the exploitation at the heart of fast fashion. Denis Villeneuve is reportedly set to lead the search for the next James Bond. The long-running film franchise has been without a lead since Daniel Craig starred as Bond in 2021's No Time to Die. And although various big-name stars have been linked with the coveted role in recent years - including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson - Villeneuve will lead the search next year. The 57-year-old director - who is set to direct his first-ever Bond movie - has been trusted to find the ideal actor to lead the franchise forward. Villeneuve intends to focus his attention on the task after he completes production on Dune: Part Three, according to Deadline, which reports that the filmmaker is seeking a 'fresh face' for the role. Denis Villeneuve is reportedly set to lead the search for the next James Bond . The long-running film franchise has been without a lead since Daniel Craig starred as Bond in 2021's No Time to Die. Seen in Casino Royale in 2006 Craig at Netflix's Wake Up Dead Man world premiere on September 6 in Toronto, Ontario It's also emerged that the next Bond will be male, as written by creator Ian Fleming, and he'll also hail for the British Isles. However, the new Bond won't be announced until 2026, despite years of comment and speculation about the franchise's future. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Taron Egerton rubbished suggestions that he could play Bond, insisting that he's too 'messy' for the role. The 35-year-old actor has been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 - but Taron believes there are 'so many cool, younger actors' who would be better suited to the role. Asked about the possibility of playing Bond, he told Collider: 'I don't think I'm a good choice for it. I think I'm too messy for that. 'I think I'm not I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig's tenure.' Roger Moore and Mary Stavin in A View To A Kill in 1985 Irish actor Pierce Brosnan as 007 in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough in 1999 He added, 'But I think I wouldn't be good at it, and I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably.' Taron observed that leading the Bond franchise is 'quite an undertaking'. And he suggested that the scale of the project might not suit him, either. The actor - who previously portrayed Sir Elton John in 2019's Rocketman - explained: 'That's not to say that I don't have aspirations and plans and also that I wouldn't be interested in doing something that's more commercial, because of course I would. 'I think I'm a period in my life where, as you say, I've been probably following the things that speak to me on a creative level a little bit more. 'But, you know, I'm sure I won't feel that way forever. 'But James Bond is quite an undertaking and I think, one, as far as I'm aware, nobody's asking me to do it.' Jon Bon Jovi took a walk down memory lane on Tuesday while fondly remembering the 'cool' time his late mother Carol Bongiovi was hired to be an original Playboy Bunny at The Playboy Club in New York City back in 1962. 'I was just born,' the 63-year-old Bon Jovi frontman recalled on the Dumb Blonde podcast. 'And with Lauren Hutton and Diane Lane, the actress's mother, and a woman whose husband was Scott Muni, who's a legendary DJ in New York from back in the day, they were all the original Playboy Bunnies in the club on [East 59th] Street in Manhattan.' Jon continued, 'It's cool! I've seen pictures of her with [Frank] Sinatra, and the whole thing with my dad there, and my uncle's there, all hanging out in the Playboy Club.' The late Hugh Hefner founded the chain of nightclubs which employed Bunnies, some of whom were featured in his magazine, to work as hostesses and servers in themed rooms. Jon Bon Jovi took a walk down memory lane on Tuesday while fondly remembering the 'cool' time his late mother Carol Bongiovi was hired to be an original Playboy Bunny at The Playboy Club in New York City back in 1962 (pictured in 1990) The 63-year-old Bon Jovi frontman recalled on the Dumb Blonde podcast: 'I was just born' It was at that same Manhattan location where Gloria Steinem famously went undercover as a Playboy Bunny in 1963 to write an expose in Huntington Hartford's Show magazine about their alleged exploitative working conditions, pervasive sexual harassment, and racial discrimination. The 91-year-old feminist called it 'the tackiest place on Earth' and revealed the $50/week gig required women to wear 3in heels, pay $2.50 a day for costume upkeep, endure mandatory blood tests, and 'always appear gay and cheerful.' Carol later worked as a florist while her husband John Bongiovi, Sr. worked as a hairdresser, but they originally met while serving in the US Marines. 'She couldn't wait to enlist and said that the Marine Corps was nothing compared to her childhood,' Bon Jovi said Tuesday. 'So, she went and joined the Marines. Meets my pop.' Bongiovi (born Sharkey) was the one who bought her eldest son his first guitar in 1975 before he eventually founded his famous rock band Bon Jovi in 1983. '[His fans] will touch me and they'll scream, "Ooh, I touched Bon Jovi's mother!"' the Pennsylvania-born mother-of-three told Home News back in 1986. 'The caliber of kids that Jon is attracting makes me not worry about the youth of today. It's the older ones I worry about. 'I get upset when I see the 40, 50-year old women goo-gooing and gah-gahing over him. I feel like saying. "Hey, wait a minute, that's my baby!"' He added: 'And with Lauren Hutton and Diane Lane, the actress's mother, and a woman whose husband was Scott Muni, who's a legendary DJ in New York from back in the day, they were all the original Playboy Bunnies in the club on [East 59th] Street in Manhattan' (pictured in 1962) Jon continued, 'It's cool! I've seen pictures of her with [Frank] Sinatra, and the whole thing with my dad there, and my uncle's there, all hanging out in the Playboy Club' (pictured in 1963) The late Hugh Hefner founded the chain of nightclubs which employed Bunnies, some of whom were featured in his magazine, to work as hostesses and servers in themed rooms (1963 stock shot) It was at that same Manhattan location where Gloria Steinem (pictured) famously went undercover as a Playboy Bunny in 1963 to write an expose in Huntington Hartford's Show magazine about their alleged exploitative working conditions, pervasive sexual harassment, and racial discrimination The 91-year-old feminist called it 'the tackiest place on Earth' and revealed the $50/week gig required women to wear 3in heels, pay $2.50 a day for costume upkeep, endure mandatory blood tests, and 'always appear gay and cheerful' When Carol died in July 2024 just three days before her 84th birthday Jon shared a touching tribute with a family photo-filled music video for his ballad Story of Love, and wrote: 'Momma, we carry you with us always' When Carol died in July 2024 just three days before her 84th birthday Jon shared a touching tribute with a family photo-filled music video for his ballad Story of Love, and wrote: 'Momma, we carry you with us always.' The Grammy winner's band - famed for their hits You Give Love a Bad Name and Livin' on a Prayer - have sold over 130M records worldwide and still average 30.2M monthly listeners on Spotify. Bon Jovi was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and they won the Award of Merit at the American Music Awards in 2004. Gia Giudice isn't giving up on her mission to reunite her family on American soil. During an interview with Fox News Digital, the 24-year-old daughter of Teresa and Joe Giudice opened up about her father's deportation and the renewed determination she feels to bring him home. Joe was deported to Italy in October 2019 after serving 41 months in federal prison for fraud charges, later relocating to the Bahamas. Despite moving to the U.S. as an infant, he never became a naturalized citizen and instead remained a green card holder. Gia said her family's spirits were lifted earlier this year after former President Donald Trump granted pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were subsequently released from prison. 'The Chrisley family was blessed to have their family reunited again. I know every situation is different, but it kind of gave our family hope. We were kind of in a rut. For the time being. My dad is in the Bahamas, and we were kind of just like, I guess it is what it is,' Gia explained. Gia Giudice isn't giving up on her mission to reunite her family on American soil; seen in 2025 'And then when we saw that with the Chrisley family, it kind of gave us hope and inspired my dad to push a little bit on social media. I decided to make a video and, at the end of the day, we just want our dad home and that's all that it is, and I think any daughter, son, family member would want that for their family as well,' she added. Both Joe and Teresa were convicted of bankruptcy fraud, mail fraud and failing to file tax returns. While Joe served more than three years behind bars before being taken into ICE custody and deported, Teresa served 15 months. Although their marriage ended, Teresa said she still supports her ex-husband's bid to return to the States. 'Even though Joe and I are not together, I would love for him to come back to America,' she said. 'I feel like he does belong here. He's been here since he was one And it was paperwork that he went away for. I'm hopeful too, that he comes back.' While Gia is still waiting for a reply from the president, Teresa said she remains impressed by her daughter's initiative. 'I'm proud of her,' the Real Housewives of New Jersey star told the outlet. On July 4th, Gia shared video of her writing and mailing character letters to Trump, hopeful it would lead to a pardon. During an interview with Fox News Digital , the daughter of Teresa and Joe Giudice opened up about her father's deportation and the renewed determination she feels to bring him home Gia said her family's spirits were lifted earlier this year after former President Donald Trump granted pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley , who were subsequently released from prison But Gia quickly faced backlash for her request, with followers calling her efforts amid recent ICE raids 'tone deaf' and another dubbing it 'privilege at it's finest.' 'Hi guys, my name is Gia Giudice. Im the daughter of Joe Giudice and today Im using my voice for something deeply personal,' she began in the video. 'My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be, the absence of a father, of a parent, its something that never stops hurting. 'Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday. He was our provider, our protector, and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away. 'Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace. 'The Chrisley family was blessed to have their family reunited again. I know every situation is different, but it kind of gave our family hope,' Gia explained 'That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home too. A pardon would mean more than just legal forgiveness. It would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me. We've missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most. 'This isn't just about one man. It's about a family who deserves to be whole again. I'm using my platform to speak not just as a public figure, but as a daughter who deeply misses her dad. We are not asking for sympathy, we're asking for a second chance. So, let's bring Joe home together. 'President Donald J. Trump, I really hope you receive these character letters about my dad Joe Giudice.' Gia's post sparked mixed and heated response from followers. 'This is rather tone deaf considering your father committed a white collar crime and got deported but people are getting deported and sent God Knows Where without even having criminal records. Your fans want you to use your influence to help the less fortunate and I dont blame anyone for not having sympathy for your father who is dealing with consequences based off of choices he MADE,' one wrote. 'Are you currently aware of whats going on with immigration at the moment in this country? Smh,' another asked. On July 4th, Gia shared video of her writing and mailing character letters to Trump, hopeful it would lead to a pardon Giudice was deported to his native Italy in 2019 but now lives in the Bahamas 'Wasnt he in the US for years and didnt pursue citizenship?!? With everything going on, your family is asking for a pardon!?! Yall are beyond tone deafThis is utterly ridiculous' another wrote. 'Gia. Your dad had YEARS to become a citizen and didnt. He broke laws and this is his consequence. Why is he any different from anyone else who was deported for criminal behavior? Because he has daughters? Because he had money? The laws apply to everyone. I know you miss him & want him here-I get it. But hes only a flight away-and at least you can afford to visit. Regardless-if he gets an exception then why shouldnt everyone else? Maybe work on changing the laws for everyone instead of your dad getting special treatment.' 'mind u, this is an ACTUAL convicted felon. but go off,' another said. 'Next you can write various letters on behalf of all the families being ripped apart across the United States. Individuals that have not committed any crimes but are still being deported with no judicial process or judicial review. Your video is incredibly insensitive considering everything that is going on. Please do better,' one wrote. On July 4th, Gia shared video of her writing and mailing character letters to Trump, hopeful it would lead to a pardon; seen in 2015 'Wait.. she posted this on july 4th? The entitlement is absurd,' another pointed out. 'Privilege at its finest.........what advice would you give all the other young people who are having their families torn apart for far less reasons? Im curious,' one posted. Another called Gia a 'mini' Savannah Chrisley, the reality star who successfully lobbied for her parents to receive a pardon after they were found guilty in 2022 of defrauding banks out of $30 million. The comments section did contain several supporters, including her mom, who posted a string of red heart emojis. 'Get out of her comments with the negativity it's her Father for goodness sake,' another one wrote defensively. Teresa and Joe were married from 1999 to 2020 and share four daughters together Gia, Gabriella, 20, Milania, 19, and Audriana, 15. She is now married to Luis Ruelas. While businesses across the country struggle to survive amidst economic uncertainty, one surprising retailer is thriving. Build-A-Bear Workshop, the iconic toy shop where customers can customize their own stuffed animals, has reported record revenue and growth in the past year. In its second-quarter earnings report at the end of August, the retailer raised its outlook after successfully managing the impact of tariffs by boosting inventory early in the year, expecting prices to rise. Build-A-Bear's stock is up about 60 percent this year and is nearing a $1 billion market cap a sharp contrast to other retailers still dealing with tariff-related losses. Despite broader economic challenges, it reported record revenue for the first half of fiscal 2025, totaling $252.6 million up nearly 12 percent from the same period last year. CEO Sharon Price John told CNBC she credits the company's success to its ability to effectively plan for all scenarios. The company has recently focused on attracting adults by expanding its offerings and tapping into brand nostalgia. 'Retail experience and personalization have been buzzwords for a long time. However, Build-A-Bear has lived these values for as long as it has been around,' Neil Saunders, a retail expert at GlobalData, told the Daily Mail. The iconic toy shop Build-A-Bear Workshop has reported record revenue and growth in the past year The toy shop attributes its success to planning ahead in order to minimize the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs 'These things have now come into their own and are one of the reasons why the chain continues to pull in shoppers and drive spend. The concept adds real value to both kids and their parents.' He added: 'There are smaller trends like the passion for collectibles and nostalgia, which are also helpful.' Saunders also said honing in on young adults is a great business strategy: 'Targeting younger adults makes a lot of sense as they have nostalgia for the brand and they also have a higher spending power plus they are the parents of the future and this helps embed the brand.' A recent survey conducted by Build-A-Bear found that 92 percent of adults still have their childhood teddy bears, and 100 percent of respondents said stuffed animals are for all ages, not just children. Adults eager to revisit childhood memories at Build-A-Bear have returned to the toy shop in recent months. TikToker Mereyah Cage uploaded a video in August of her trip to Build-A-Bear to celebrate her 'twenty-something' birthday. She captioned her post 'you're never too old to play and pretend,' and began the vlog by telling users 'I'm on a mission to Y2K-ify my life.' This is a sentiment shared by other adults who are visiting the bear-building factory to reminisce on their childhood. Build-A-Bear is capitalizing on nostalgia to draw adult customers in to relive their childhood memories Build-A-Bear has experimented with new experiences to appeal to a wider customer base, one of these was Build-A-Bear's after dark collection (pictured) Actor Jessica Howell also uploaded a TikTok of her trip to the toy shop, captioning the video: 'Highly recommend celebrating your 29th birthday at Build-A-Bear.' Build-A-Bear encouraged adults to visit the shop on their birthday in a TikTok video captioned, 'It doesn't matter your age we're singing Happy Birthday to you in front of everyone!' The toy company has even tried to appeal to adults with certain collections, including an 'after dark' teddy bear line, marketed as: 'a curated collection designed exclusively for adults who appreciate a little humor, a touch of sass, or something surprisingly unique!' University of Pennsylvania marketing professor Americus Reed told CNBC that nostalgia is a huge factor driving Build-A-Bear sales. 'If we learn anything from the Cracker Barrel saga,' Reed said, referring to the backlash over the restaurant chain's attempt at a rebrand, 'it is that nostalgia matters, and I think it's a big part of it.' The toy shop's success is unprecedented, as similar shops are enduring a so-called 'retail apocalypse'. Malls all over the US are suffering from less foot traffic and conservative consumer spending habits. The company has been exploring new ways to offer its unique experience in different ways, which has included expanding internationally and creating a line of 'Mini Beans', which are smaller, pre-stuffed toys. Neil Saunders (pictured), a retail expert at GlobalData, explained that smaller trends like the passion for collectibles and nostalgia have helped Build-A-Bear succeed Build-A-Bear was founded by Maxine Clark and first opened its doors to the public in 1991 in St Louis, MO. The company opened its first international franchise in 2003 in England, and Clark took Build-A-Bear public in 2004. Sharon Price John has been the president and CEO since 2013. 'It's a really emotional, memorable experience that creates a tremendous amount of of equity,' John told CNBC. 'Those strong feelings that consumers have for brands are very stretchable beyond just that one experience.' John said the company planned ahead to minimize the impact that President Donald Trump's tariffs would have on business, especially given that they import a 'vast majority' of products from China. 'Success isn't an accident, and it often takes years of planning to be able to weather difficult situations,' John said. Some brands that have suffered amidst economic turmoil include accessories retailer Claire's, which filed for bankruptcy in August, and clothes store Forever 21, which has filed for bankruptcy twice in five years. Another major toy shop has not fared as well as Build-A-Bear. In March 2018, Toys 'R' Us announced that it would be closing almost all of its 800 US stores after the store filed for bankruptcy in September 2017. The toy shop has since opened several flagship stores, seasonal pop-ups and smaller stores within Macy's locations. California Governor Gavin Newsom lashed out at General Motors CEO Mary Barra, claiming she 'sold out' the state by backing away from a ban on gas cars. GM, America's largest car company, says it is simply responding to what drivers actually want exposing a widening gap between what customers want and Newsom's aggressive push for electric vehicles. The automaker has doubled down on gas models and, according to the governor, lobbied state officials to roll back Californias landmark clean car law. For decades, California has pressured automakers to cut tailpipe emissions, first by moving away from gas guzzlers and now by requiring cars that don't run on gas at all. In October 2023, state officials even mandated that all new vehicles sold in the state can't burn fuel by 2035. The rule has faced scrutiny and, after an intervention by Donald Trump earlier this year, is now on pause. Newsom accused Barra of leading the charge against Californias authority. 'Mary Barra sold us out, eliminating Ronald Reagan's work, eliminating the progress we made under the California Air Resources Board in 1967, where we began the process of regulating tailpipe emissions,' Newsom said during an hour-long press conference on Friday. GM's CEO, Mary Barra, has remained committed to EV sales, saying she believes the future for American carmakers is profitable EVs California's Governor Gavin Newsom chided Mary Barra for allegedly leading a push against his state's regulations 'The Republicans rolled that back this year under Donald Trump's leadership, but the American automobile manufacturers allowed that to happen. 'GM led the effort.' Newsom's anger also comes after he admits his state cannot pay for tax credits for sales of new EVs. Last year, the Governor said that if Trump revoked the $7,500 tax credit for consumers buying EVs, that California would step in with its own incentives. But the state is facing a budget shortfall and is not able to fit the vehicle line item in its financial plans. In 2023, GM was in favor of California's push. A group of automakers unsuccessfully sued the state to get rid of the regulation. Barra urged automakers not to sign onto the lawsuit and pulled GM's support. But after years of shaky EV support, GM appears to have changed its tune. GM's Hummer EV does 0-60 in three seconds. But Americans still want gas-powered vehicles so GM is slowing its move to going fully electric GM is America's second-largest EV maker, with products across its Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac brands. The GMC Hummer, shown above, is built in a Michigan battery plant In May, GM urged employees to lobby lawmakers to overturn the ban on the sale of new gas cars in the state. 'We need your help!' GM wrote in an email to thousands of salaried workers. 'Emissions standards that are not aligned with market realities pose a serious threat to our business by undermining consumer choice and vehicle affordability.' At the time, a GM spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the company was committed to 'customer choice.' The company declined to comment on Newsom's press conference. GM has consistently said it is committed to building more electric cars. During its most recent earnings call in June, Barra said she believes 'the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star.' GM sells the second most electric vehicles in the US. Only Tesla sells more EVs. In a shift from traditional military procurement, the U.S. Army is accelerating the development of a new class of autonomous systems by placing them directly into the hands of soldiers for testing and feedback. This new approach was on full display at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where soldiers recently conducted the first hands-on trials of Launched Effects (LEs), multi-purpose drones designed to revolutionize battlefield surveillance and engagement. Get alerts: A New Era of Acquisition The Armys Launched Effects initiative represents a departure from the typically slow and rigid acquisition process. Instead of spending years finalizing requirements before a soldier ever sees the technology, the service is fielding off-the-shelf systems and using direct user feedback to drive continuous iteration and improvement. This strategy aligns with a broader Pentagon push for drone dominance by 2027, a mandate championed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In late April, Hegseth directed the Army to equip every division with launched effects by 2026. Col. Danielle Medaglia, the Armys program manager for uncrewed aircraft systems, noted that while the LE initiative was already in motion, the high-level directive provided the necessary momentum to ensure the program meets its ambitious timelines. The Army is utilizing an urgent capability acquisition pathway, which allows for flexibility to adapt to new technologies and reopen competition to different vendors every six months, ensuring the military keeps pace with innovation. Soldiers at the Forefront The core of this new strategy was a three-week special user demonstration in August. During the event, soldiers were trained on three baseline short-range LE systems: RTXs Coyote Block 3, Andurils Altius 600, and AEVEX Aerospaces Atlas. The training progressed from classroom instruction and simulation to live flights and, finally, the application of the drones in tactical scenarios. Officials emphasized that the primary goal was to gather unfiltered feedback on the systems user-friendliness and mission relevance. Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, director of the Armys Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team, explained that this input is crucial for refining everything from the technology itself to the military doctrine and training that will surround it. Army leaders were impressed by how quickly soldiers adapted to the new equipment, validating the programs core principle of soldier-centric development. Early Success and Future Vision The feedback from the demonstration was overwhelmingly positive. Spc. Jacob Richter, who had no prior drone experience, found the transition from the simulator to live flight to be seamless. He and 1st Lt. Zach Glenn highlighted the tactical advantages of the LEs, such as using a scout drone to identify targets for an attack drone, thereby increasing operational security and reducing risk to human operators. This hands-on experience allows soldiers to experiment with the technology in ways developers might not have envisioned. Lt. Col. Michael Wallace, a battalion commander, stated that this process helps refine operational concepts and ensures the systems are truly effective for the warfighter. The invaluable data gathered will now inform future requirements and operational strategies. Looking ahead, the Army plans to establish a modular, plug-and-play architecture for all Launched Effects, ensuring that launchers and controllers are agnostic to the specific drone being used. This approach simplifies integration and encourages a wider range of industry partners to develop compatible systems. As the program matures, the lessons learned from these short-range trials will be applied to the development of medium and long-range variants, solidifying the Armys commitment to a more agile, lethal, and technologically advanced force. PICTURED ABOVE: Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, joined Council Chief Executive John Kelpie, in welcoming Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly & Joanne Bunting, The Executive Office, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Stella Byrne from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, to Ebrington Square today for the official commencement of works on site at the new Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic (DNA) Museum. McKelvey Construction Ltd are set to begin work on the 14.4m project which is expected to be completed in Spring 2027. Ministers, local politicians and project partners joined the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, at Ebrington Square in Derry today to mark the official commencement of work on site at the much-anticipated DNA (Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic) Museum. Mayor McHugh welcomed Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, the Minster for Communities, Gordon Lyons, and Junior Executive Office Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting after approval of the business case for the build was confirmed last month, setting the wheels in motion for the delivery of this exciting state of the art new facility. There was a celebratory mood as the newly appointed contractor McKelvey Construction Ltd. move on site to commence works on the 15m project, which is supported by a range of dedicated partners including the NI Executive Inclusive Future Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Executive Office, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Department for Communities, Garfield Weston & Galewest Investment and the Wolfson Foundation. The new museum will house a treasure trove of artefacts and collections capturing the fascinating history of the North West of Ireland. Located on one of Derrys most iconic sites, the DNA Museum is the latest in a portfolio of new attractions at the former military base which dates back to 1841, and which has been revitalised to become a vibrant riverside hub offering a lively mix of history, hospitality, creativity, and community spirit. An outreach and stakeholder engagement programme across the whole district will running in tandem with the construction phase of the project. Announcing the official beginning of work on site, Mayor McHugh said the museum would take pride of place at Ebrington. I am absolutely delighted to reach this milestone moment today, he declared. The DNA Museum is a major strategic project within Derry and Strabanes City Deal Plan for the wider transformation of the City and District. It will be a significant cultural asset which will really enhance the visitor experience here, and help us celebrate and promote the history and heritage of the wider North West. I want to thank all our partners for their support and belief in this project, and also the project team for pushing through the challenges to get us to where we are today. Stella Byrne, Head of Investment for Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We first supported the DNA Museum project in 2013, helping to shape early plans for the transformation of the historic buildings at Ebrington Square. Since then, the commitment of Derry City and Strabane District Council and the project team has been instrumental in securing nearly 3.5 million of National Lottery funding to bring this ambitious vision to life. Thanks to National Lottery players, the DNA Museum will be a dynamic new museum space that opens up the citys heritage in fresh and inclusive ways. It will share a broad range of stories and present existing and new collections, allowing local people and visitors to explore the unique shared history of this place. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: I am proud to support the development of the North Atlantic Museum with a 500K investment. This will be a vibrant hub of community, a celebration of our culture and heritage and a space that fosters and encourages creativity and innovation. I want to congratulate and thank all those involved in bringing this ambitious project to life. The team have overcome challenges to create a museum that will inspire pride, connection and opportunity for generations to come. Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: We are delighted to support the DNA Museum and to mark this significant step in its progress. The Museum will provide an important space for visitors to connect with the regions rich maritime heritage, told through its remarkable collections, and it is exciting to see the project move closer to completion. The work on the new museum is expected to be completed by Spring 2027 and once open visitors can look forward to exploring six immersive galleries, a hands-on archive discovery zone, expert genealogy advice, a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions, plus a versatile learning and events space. Among the collections making the move to the site are the objects from the Armada Shipwreck ~ La Trinidad Valencera Exhibition which has been a central focus of the citys Tower Museum since 2005. This collection, on loan from the National Museums of N. Ireland, has been taken to Belfast for essential restoration work before returning to their new home in the DNA Museum. READ NEXT: Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists to Gaza has been bombed by Israeli drones Other collections making the transition from the Tower Museum include the artefacts from the Story of Derry alongside a range of corporate and private archive collections, charting the civil, cultural and social evolution of Derry, Strabane and the wider North West region. Work is now ongoing to prepare and restore the collections for their transfer to the new site and a number of conservators have been appointed to carry out specialised work on selected artefacts and archives. The Tower Museum itself will cease to operate as a visitor attraction, although the building will remain an important component in the wider City Deal vision for the City and will be available for a future use which is consistent with the ambition to deliver the broader vision for the Walled City. A new website also launched this week, ensuring the museums extensive digital collections and learning resources are accessible anytime, anywhere. Find out more at dnamuseum.com. People are being urged to take part in Belfast Memory Walk this weekend to raise funds for Alzheimers Societys vital dementia support and ground-breaking research. Hundreds of fundraisers will step out at Ormeau Park, Belfast on September 27 alongside friends, family and colleagues to end the devastation caused by dementia. For Kerry Bacon, from Coleraine, dementia was the last diagnosis she expected to hear when she accompanied her mum, Harriet, to the doctors 15 years ago. Kerry said: Mum just wasnt herself and at first her symptoms were put down to depression. It took a while to get a diagnosis after the doctor referred her to a specialist and for an MRI scan. Mum was only 52 at the time. She was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimers disease, which was the last thing I was expecting. I was only in my 30s at the time and I gave up work to help my Dad look after Mum, while also raising my own young children. We had Mum at home for six years until eventually she needed professional care. Its a terrible illness Mum was always very outgoing; very honest and witty, but as the Alzheimers progressed her eyes became empty. I briefly saw the real her again, just once before she died in May, when she looked properly into my eyes. I told her how proud I was of her she fought with grace and strength for fifteen years. Kerry will be taking part in Memory Walk alongside her husband. The day before would have been Harriets birthday and is the first one the family will have spent without her. One in three people born today in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. There are currently around a million people living with the condition, including an estimated 24,700 in Northern Ireland, with thousands more caring for someone living with dementia. Memory Walk unites people personally affected by dementia whether walking to remember a loved one, celebrate someone living with the condition, or to raise money for charity. Barry Smyth, Regional Manager for Alzheimers Society in Northern Ireland, said: Memory Walk can be incredibly moving, atmospheric and uplifting it really is a walk like no other, and by taking part our incredible supporters will become a real force for change. Every pound they raise will make a huge difference. Supporters will be walking to help fund faster diagnosis, lifechanging support and pioneering research, helping people with dementia live more fulfilled lives now and in the future. To make sure everyone is included, there are two routes to choose from on the day of Memory Walk. A shorter 3km route, which is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities. The longer 6km route takes you on two laps of Ormeau Park and is also wheelchair accessible. You can also sign up to do your own Memory Walk during autumn 2025 and will receive a fundraising pack and T-shirt. To sign up to your nearest Alzheimers Society Memory Walk or to organise your own visit Memory Walk Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A Limavady man who ordered prescription drugs from India was caught after UK Border Force intercepted the package, a court has heard. Keating McKenzie, of Moyne Walk, appeared before Limavady Magistrates' Court, sitting in Coleraine, earlier today. The 25 year-old was convicted of four charges importing a controlled drug, possession of a class B drug and two counts of possession of class C drugs. The court heard that police received a report on May 8 from UK Border Force regarding a package containing class C drugs which had been transiting from India to McKenzie's home in Limavady. On June 26, police were granted a warrant to search McKenzie's property where they located Zoplicone and Pregabalin tablets along with a small amount of herbal cannabis. During interview, McKenzie made full admissions and claimed the tablets were for himself as he was 'self medicating'. A barrister for McKenzie described his client as 'a vulnerable young man' and stated that he has admitted he has 'had difficulties with drugs but they are getting better'. The barrister said he had advised McKenzie to see his GP to ask if they will prescribe him the same medication rather than having to order it from India. District Judge Peter King ordered that the drugs be destroyed before sentencing McKenzie to seven months in prison, which he suspended for 18 months. This is a case you were always going to be detected in, said Judge King, adding: this is not the way to get drugs. I would urge you to think about that before going down that road again. A man has been given a conditional discharge at Derry Magistrate's Court today for an altercation outside a local night spot. Danny Boyle (31) with an address at Stoney Heights in Castlederg admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour and criminal damage that occurred on August 3 this year. The court heard that police were called to a venue in the city centre around 12.15am to a report if a male assaulting door staff. Boyle was identified to them and police spoke to him to try and ascertain an address for him. Boyle started spitting in the rear of a police vehicle and started shouting and was eventually arrested. READ NEXT: Derry and Strabane PCSP welcomes Justice Minister's response on domestic abuse and stalking A defence solicitor said his client did not drink very often but on this occasion he drank to excess. He said Boyle had little iron recollection of what had happened but believed there had been some sort of altercation and door staff became involved. The solicitor said that the offences were 'largely verbal' and didn't involve violence. Boyle was sentenced to an 18 month conditional discharge. Derry City and Strabane District councillor Pat Murphy (Sinn Fein) has condemned today's [Thursday's] "appalling attack on an aid flotilla to Gaza". He described it as "yet another appalling breach of international law". Cllr Murphy added: "It is extremely worrying to see this morning that an aid flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists to Gaza has been bombed by drones as it sailed towards Gaza. The situation in Gaza is utterly horrifying and aid to the region is so desperately needed. This aid is life-saving. To see a humanitarian aid ship targeted and attacked like this is nothing short of disgraceful. It is imperative that the flotilla is allowed to proceed safely without attack, to deliver aid to the besieged people of Gaza. Assaults on aid missions are a profound breach of international law, and must be condemned. It is now crucially important that this attack is investigated by the relevant authorities and that the Irish Government plays its part in that," said Cllr Murphy. Cllr Murphy said the attack happened "at a time when aid is desperately needed". "Due to the Israeli blockade, Gaza is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis due to the lack of food. It is imperative that the flotilla is allowed to proceed safely," he added. The crew on board the Spectre, including Sinn Fein Senator Chris Andrews, have said that they believe they were struck 4 times by drones. I hope all personnel on board are safe. The world is watching and the world must not turn a blind eye to illegal attacks on the flotilla. Sinn Fein has contacted the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris and the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that they take appropriate action to ensure the safety and welfare of Irish citizens on board is safeguarded and that they are allowed to proceed safely to Gaza free from these disgraceful attacks. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, is encouraging everyone across the city and district to show their support for Organ Donation Week 2025 by taking a simple but life-saving stepconfirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. To mark the start of this important awareness week, which runs from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 September, civic buildings across the Council area were lit up in pink, symbolising the hope and generosity that organ donation represents. With over 8,000 people across the nation currently waiting for a life-saving transplant, and with demand continuing to exceed supply, we all have a role to play here. Organ donation is one of the most selfless and powerful acts we can make. By taking just two minutes to confirm your decision online and talking to your loved ones about it, you could help save up to nine lives. This week, as we light up our civic buildings in pink, Im asking every resident to take that vital stepregister your decision, have the conversation, and give the gift of life. Sadly, someone will die today waiting for a transplant. Together, we can be part of the change and give hope to those who are still waiting, said Mayor McHugh Civic buildings across Derry and Strabane, including Council Offices in Derry and Strabane, The Guildhall Clock, The Alley Theatre, The Tinnies and The Castle in CastleDerg, were illuminated in pink on Monday to celebrate the week-long campaign. READ NEXT: County Derry woman to take part in Belfast Memory Walk to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society Throughout Organ Donation Week, Organ Donation NI will be sharing real-life stories, powerful testimonials, and expert advice via their social media channels to help raise awareness and encourage more people to register. Local Trusts and councils across the country will also join the campaign by lighting up landmarks and public spaces in pink. Following the 2023 opt-out law change, most people in Northern Ireland will now be considered potential organ donors when they die, unless they are in an excluded group. However, it is still crucial to confirm your decision and share it with your family, ensuring your wishes are understood and respected. To register or check your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit www.organdonationni.info or call 0300 123 23 23. Follow the campaign and show your support on social media: @OrganDonationNI #OrganDonation #OrganDonationWeek #YouCouldBeALifesaver 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. Cultural vibrancy shines in Xinjiang 08:38, September 24, 2025 By Zhu Xingxin ( China Daily Performers dressed in traditional ethnic costumes perform at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sept 8. The word "bazaar" in the Uygur language means "market" and "trade place". ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY As Xinjiang marks the 70th anniversary of its founding as an autonomous region, the blend of tradition and modern vitality is on full display. In the regional capital Urumqi, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar has become a magnet for visitors, where Silk Road flavors meet colorful song and dance. Tourists shop for carpets at a store at the Grand Bazaar Pedestrian Mall in Urumqi, on Sept 8. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Since July, the pedestrian street has drawn some 200,000 people each day, with attractions such as Afanti Barbecue Paradise, Pomegranate Blossom Lane and the ever-popular Fruit Bazaar. Beyond the bustle, everyday life tells a story of unity. In the Guyuan Lane community, 14 ethnic groups live in harmony. Seniors sing in a choir that brings together Han, Uygur, Hui and Mongolian members; children practice Peking Opera; and neighbors of all backgrounds share laughter under a shaded pavilion. Like pomegranate seeds held tightly together, people across Xinjiang are weaving a shared future, celebrating both diversity and togetherness. Members of a senior choir called "Starlight" at the Guyuan Lane community in Tianshan district of the Urumqi city, applaud in celebration on Sept 8. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Visitors take photos with Afanti, a hero in Uygur folk stories and one of China's most famous cartoon characters, at the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, on Sept 8. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY A visitor gets her makeup done at a travel photography shop at the Grand Bazaar, on Sept 8. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Children learn to sing the Song of the Twenty-Four Solar Termsduring a traditional Chinese culture class in Tianshan district, Urumqi, on Sept 8. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY Residents display their paper-cutting artwork at a local community in Karamay district, Karamay city, on Sept 13. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Wise Integration Appoints Ghislain Kaiser, Successful High-Tech Entrepreneur & Former Intel Executive, as CEO to Lead Global Growth Wise Integration, a pioneer in digital control for gallium nitrideGaNand GaN IC-based power supplies, today announced the appointment of Ghislain Kaiser as Chief Executive Officer. Kaiser succeeds CEO and co-founder, Thierry Bouchet, who will continue to serve as Chief Technology Officer and General Manager, leading the worldwide R&D and driving the technological vision. A seasoned high-tech leader with a proven track record in growing and leading global teams in the semiconductor industry, Kaiser brings deep experience in scaling deep-tech ventures. In 2006, he cofounded Docea Power, a French EDA startup pioneering full-chip, system-level power and thermal modelling, with the vision of addressing the growing power-consumption and thermal challenges in IC and platform design. As CEO, he led the company to domain leadership and its acquisition by Intel in 2015. He then joined Intel, where for the next decade he held senior director roles, most recently overseeing system-simulation engineering and worldwide customer-enablement organization. Those programs tackled the most critical power, thermal, and performance challenges in designing consumer, data-center, and AI systems. Kaiser began his career at STMicroelectronics, where he held technical and leadership positions across test and product engineering, design, and architecture teams. Targeting Fast-Growing Markets With Kaisers appointment, Wise Integration is positioning itself to scale globally and capitalize on booming markets such as data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI), and electric vehicles (EV)-which demand more efficient, compact, and digitally controlled power architectures. "I'm thrilled to join Wise Integration and build on its success in providing customers differentiated solutions in power electronics to meet their biggest challenges," Kaiser said. "This talented team has created an R&D-driven culture and a robust foundation to lead the GaN power electronics transformation globally." The Next Chapter "On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Ghislain Kaiser as Wise Integration's new CEO, and to compliment the team for their exceptional work," said Board Chairman Patrick Boulaud. "This marks a major milestone for the company as it transitions from a CEALeti spinout into a pioneering force in GaN and digital power management innovation with strong growth potential. Ghislain's background makes him a natural choice as the CEO to guide the company through this next stage of growth." "Ghislain's arrival begins a new chapter for Wise Integration," Bouchet added. "With our WiseGan devices and WiseWare digital control, we've built a strong foundation in consumer markets. Now it's time to scale our innovations and tackle the next big challenges-bringing unmatched efficiency and power density to AI servers, data centers, and tomorrow's automotive systems." Selected Highlights (20202025) Spun out from CEA-Leti in 2020 using the institute's GaN-on-silicon R&D platform. Developed proprietary WiseGan IC and WiseWare microcontroller. Launched its fully digital controller, WiseWare 1.1. Opened a design center in Canada and established an Asian subsidiary in Hong Kong. Wise Integration Appoints Ghislain Kaiser, Successful High-Tech Entrepreneur & Former Intel Executive, as CEO to Lead Global Growth.WISE Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris is due to meet US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick as part of a diplomatic trip to the States. Mr Harris, Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister, travelled to New York to attend the UN High-Level Week. He is to take part in several meetings in Washington DC on Thursday and officially open a new Irish embassy in the US capital. Mr Harris said there is no greater sign of the importance of the Irish-US relationship than the opening of Irelands new embassy, next to the White House. Our embassy is a testament not just to the shared history between our two countries, but an expression of our aspiration and ambition for a bright future together. It reflects Irelands expanding footprint right across the United States, where we now have a network of eight consulates general. I look forward to meeting Howard Lutnick, United States secretary of commerce, and discussing how we can protect and deepen our mutually beneficial economic relationship. Not only is the US investing in Ireland, but Ireland is investing in the US. We are now the fifth largest source of foreign direct investment in America. Across every region of the union, Irish companies have created 200,000 American jobs. To that end, I am also delighted today to launch an economic impact report which maps Irelands economic footprint across the United States, capturing not only the trade flows between our two countries, but also our research partnerships and tourism figures, and significantly, the remarkable scale of Irish companies who have operations here. While I am in DC, I am looking forward to engagement with these Irish businesses whose investment in the United States forms part of our remarkable transatlantic economic ties. He said officials would work on a new US strategy to be published in early 2026, coinciding with 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 1776. Mr Harris said three signatories of that document were born on the island of Ireland. He last met Mr Lutnick in Washington DC in April on what he said was a very busy day for the US administration. A 90-day pause on higher US tariffs had been announced the previous day, which had threatened a 20% tariff for the EU. A 15% tariff was later implemented under an EU-US deal, while the previous 10% tariff will apply to goods that are already in transit or have been warehoused for consumption until October 5. The all-inclusive 15% tariff is on most EU goods, including cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals entering the US. There are zero for zero tariffs on a number of products including planes and aircraft parts, some agricultural goods and certain chemicals. Dundalk playwright Jaki McCarrick brings her internationally acclaimed drama Belfast Girls to Droichead Arts Centre this October before embarking on a nationwide tour. Set in 1850, Belfast Girls tells the story of five fierce young women who face their dark pasts on a ship bound for Australia, as they leave Belfast in search of a better life. Confined in close quarters in the belly of the ship, they embark on a tumultuous sea journey as they sail away from their homeland. Secrets are revealed, enemies made, and it becomes clear that no matter where they go, there is no escaping the past. An award-winning feminist play based on a true piece of largely untold Irish history Jaki McCarricks Belfast Girls follows the story of five fierce young Irish women aboard the Inchinnan travelling from Belfast to Australia during the Famine in the desperate hope of a new life abroad. But the further from home they voyage the more each of them comes to realise they cannot escape their pasts, nor the seemingly universal subjugation of their gender. Over the long ship journey the women form intense bonds, and life-changing secrets are revealed, personal and political. This new production, directed by Rhiann Jeffrey stars an all-star cast including Debra Hill (Hope Street), Ebby OToole-Acheampong (Into the Badlands), Fiona Keenan OBrien (Behind Locked Doors), Leah Rossiter (A Date for Mad Mary) Caitriona Williams (Bad Sisters Season 2), Belfast Girls will be open in Droichead Arts Centre before touring across the island of Ireland during October and November 2025. Read Next: Dundalk IT induction welcomes new students Written by Jaki McCarrick, an award-winning writer from Dundalk, Belfast Girls was developed at the National Theatre London and was shortlisted for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and the 2014 BBC Tony Doyle Award. It premiered in Chicago in May 2015 to much critical acclaim and has since been staged widely internationally, with recent premieres in Australia, Sweden and New York. Jaki has recently completed the screen adaptation of the play. Tour Details: Droichead Arts Centre (Preview) 10 Oct https://www.droichead.com/ show-detail/?id=873676856 An Grianan, Letterkenny 14-15 Oct https://angrianan.com/event/ belfast-girls/ Ramor, Virginia 17 Oct https://ramorartscentre. ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows/873673912 The Hawkswell, Sligo 21-22 Oct https://www.hawkswell.com/ whats-on/shows/belfast-girls Garage, Monaghan 24-25 Oct https://www.garagetheatre.com/ event/an-tain-arts-centre-and- quintessence-theatre-presents- belfast-girls-by-jaki- mccarrick/ Smock Alley, Dublin 28 Oct 1st Nov https://smockalley.com/ belfast-girls/ Riverbank, Newbridge 5-6 Nov https://www.riverbank.ie/ event/jaki-mccarricks-belfast- girls/2025-11-06/ Town Hall, Galway 11 Nov Watergate, Kilkenny 13-14 https://www.watergatetheatre. com/whats-on/events/belfast- girls-by-jaki-mccarrick Lyric, Belfast week of 17th Nov Declan ORourke makes a welcome return to An Tain Arts Centre Dundalk, this time celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Since Kyabram. In October 2004, amongst a thriving Dublin music scene Declan ORourkes debut album Since Kyabram was released. In its first week, Kyabram entered the charts at Number 5 and over the following two years achieved gold, platinum and twice platinum status. The album held within it a collection of songs which have grown in popularity over the years. Galileo, Sarah, No Place To Hide, We Didnt Mean To Go To Sea and Marrying The Sea are amongst the titles which led to award nominations and plaudits from Paul Weller, Eddi Reader, Paul Brady and Snow Patrol. Hot Press voted 'Since Kyabram' their Debut Album of the Year and without doubt its release jumpstarted a career which introduced Declan to an audience who have been on this journey with him for 20 years. Read Next: Louth County Council moves on Marsh Road 'eyesore' welcomed Being fully immersed in the music once more for just a handful of special 20th anniversary concerts will also be very exciting! , Declan ORourke said. Since Kyabram is a record Im very proud of, both as an introductory body of work and a collection of songs individually. After 20 years Im still hugely nostalgic for it and love that it has become a favourite for so many others. To celebrate and release Kyabram all over again, this time with a deeper dive inside the tapes, is going to be such a trip. Tickets 34 (plus 1.50 booking fee per ticket) Dundalk Institute of Technology, in collaboration with university partners MTU, ATU, TUS and UCC have officially launched the new HEA-funded Master of Business (MBS) in Responsible Entrepreneurship, as part of DkITs REsPoNSE initiative Responsible Entrepreneurship and the Promotion of Novel Approaches to Sustainable Enterprise. The launch event marked the commencement of the year-long multi-institutional Masters programme for level 8 graduates of any discipline. Thirty-five students from across Ireland are registered to complete the hybrid programme, which has been designed to equip participants with skills to create or manage businesses responsibly, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students can specialise in either launching their own venture or taking on a responsibility-focused role within industry. Speaking at the launch event, Erin McGreehan, TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, said: It is fantastic to see Dundalk Institute of Technology leading out on this innovative new masters programme, which provides a highly practical approach to Responsible Entrepreneurship. Funded under the HEAs RESPONSE initiative, programmes like this are vital for ensuring that we have responsible, sustainable businesses all across the country, adequately prepared to meet the challenges presented by an ever-evolving landscape. "Participating students nationwide will have the opportunity to make a real difference and become the changemakers of the future. Its wonderful to see such high interest in this programme at DkIT and partner collegesATU, MTU, and TUS. To kick off the programme, participants completed a two-day induction in Dundalk which covered sessions on Digital Citizenship by Colin Cooney, a lecturer in the Department of Business Studies and an introduction to the UN SDGs by Bobby McCormac, a lecturer in the Department of Humanities. One of DkITs Sustainability Champions, Mary Kennedy, facilitated an interactive Industry Panel session discussing the importance of sustainable business, and this was followed by a Careers Workshop by DkITs Head of Careers and Employability, Anthony Murray. Dr Breda O'Dwyer (MTU), Dr Teresa O'Rourke (DkIT), Prof. Colette Henry (DkIT), Dr Derek McInerney (TUS), Louise Sherry (HEA), Dr Seamus Lennon (ATU), Erin McGreehan TD, Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan (DkIT), Dr Patricia Moriarty (DkIT), Garrett Duffy (DkIT), Colin Cooney (DkIT), Amanda Kearns (DkIT), Annemarie Cogan (ATU) Louise Sherry, Senior Manager, Skills and Engagement at the HEA said: I was delighted to be invited to the formal launch of the RESPONSE initiative to represent the HEA who are the funders of the Entrepreneurship Education Initiative. This initiative reflects the HEA's objective to develop a national initiative which can be delivered by multiple providers either focusing on entrepreneurship education or student entrepreneurship. This initiative is one of only five initiatives supported by the 1.5m Call for Proposals in 2024. One of the key requirements for consideration by the HEA in approving support was collaboration with multiple providers which is such an important feature of the RESPONSE initiative. This collaborative Masters programme will support the development of leaders in responsible entrepreneurship and involves 5 higher education institutions and with almost 40 students participating nationally. On Day 2, participants were introduced to the concept of Disciplined Entrepreneurship by Associate Professor Eric Clinton from DCU. The session included guest speakers Donal Quinn from ENSO and Dr Fergal ORourke from DkITs CREDIT Centre, with REsPoNSE Project Manager Dr Teresa ORourke closing the session. Read Next: History talks at the County Museum in Dundalk REsPoNSE Chair and Head of Department of Business Studies, Professor Colette Henry said: I am so proud that we have reached the launch stage of this programme. With the support of DkIT staff, our Registrars Office, our Project Manager Dr Teresa ORourke, our partners ATU, MTU, TUS, UCC and the HEA - our funders we have brought a novel programme idea from the back of an envelope through a rigorous research, design and validation process to create a Masters in Responsible Entrepreneurship all within the space of a year. Thats an incredible achievement and I am thrilled to be part of it. Following the two-day kick-off session in Dundalk, students will receive most of their classes online with one-day blocks spread across the partnership campuses. A particularly novel aspect of the programme will be the opportunity for students to take a level 9 Incubation module for responsible enterprise, led by DkITs Incubation Manager Garrett Duffy, the first of its kind in Ireland. In June of this year, Bright Beginnings, an Early Years Educare Centre in Tipperary, was forced to call the gardai due to an incident at the premises involving a violent and abusive parent. When Dr Anne-Marie Ryan, the owner of Bright Beginnings, shared the story on social media, she sparked a major conversation surrounding the level of disrespect shown to childcare providers across the country by some parents, including in Louth. In response to Anne-Maries story, childcare staff from around Ireland got in touch to say that such negative experiences with parents is not unique to Bright Beginnings and that it is in fact a problem that is increasingly a cause for concern within the industry. I spoke with Anne-Marie to find out more about this attitude from some parents towards childcare staff and how Bright Beginnings is handling it, as well as management staff from two other creches in Louth and Wicklow. Both of these childcare practitioners chose to stay anonymous. Anne-Marie established Bright Beginnings on the outskirts of Cashel town in 2009, marking 17 years in business at the end of August this year. Similar to Ann-Marie, the childcare professional from Louth has been in the industry for over 20 years. Like most centres across the country now, all three cater for a diverse group of children, from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, to different family backgrounds and arrangements, as well as additional needs. One thing all of the practitioners fundamentally agreed on was that this issue of disrespect from parents is getting worse. Anne-Marie even went as far as to say that she has noticed an increase in such behaviour more recently: This is a problem that has become progressively worse over the years, and this past year has become actually abusive and absolutely intolerable. The Bright Beginnings owner described two shocking incidents within the past twelve months alone wherein she was forced to revoke childrens places at the centre due to their parents behaviour. She said: I have had our entire team come to me because they were terrified of how they would be treated by one particular parent when their children were being dropped off in the morning or collected in the evening. If it was the other parent, there were absolutely no issues, but this one particular parent was liable to start shouting at whichever staff member was doing handover with them, and become extremely condescending over the most minor of things. If there had been an incident with either of their children during the day, and the parent needed to sign an incident form, not one of our team members felt safe approaching this parent about this. It got to the stage where I had to be on the premises from 7:15am to 6:30pm every day to ensure that I was there to meet this parent if they were doing drop off in the morning or collection in the evening. I did have a long conversation with this parent about how they were making the team members feel, and things did get better for a few weeks, but then they just became worse than ever and I had no choice but to revoke the childrens places. READ NEXT: Secondary schools in Louth urged to participate in new Farm Safety programme Not only this, but Anne-Marie recounted incidents in which parents would verbally abuse staff members using the worst kind of bad language because they were called to come and collect their sick child. On one occasion, when a parent arrived to collect their child who had a very high temperature, they began shouting at team members to "Go and get my f**king child now" as the child was not in their classroom and instead in the First Aid room. Despite the staff members explaining that the child was being looked after in their First Aid room with Anne-Marie herself and that the parent would need to go there to collect them and hear about how theyre feeling, the parent continued to shout and curse. Anne-Marie said: The parent eventually came to the First Aid room to collect their child, and ultimately ended up being extremely abusive to me also. After the parent left, I was informed by two very upset staff members about how they had been treated by that parent. There was no hesitation at all. I picked up the phone and informed that parent that they were in breach of Policy 33, and their childs place was being revoked with immediate effect. Anne-Maries Policy 33 refers to Bright Beginnings zero tolerance policy for any rude, disrespectful, or abusive behaviour, manner, or interactions towards staff members. If it is deemed that parents or guardians have been disrespectful to any member of staff then children will have their places revoked. The shocking incident which sparked Anne-Maries social media post in June was the first time that any parent had attempted to physically harm a member of the team at Bright Beginnings. Anne-Marie said that on that particular day, the child, who had been attending the centre for two years, had been feeling very unsettled and began lashing out at other children and staff, and even bit one member of the team. Anne-Marie felt it was necessary for the child to be collected early and so called their mother, who Anne-Marie described as very understanding and always open to working with them. The childs mother agreed to collect him within a few minutes, however it was his father who turned up and, as Anne-Marie described, was filled with rage. He began shouting at staff, saying his child was being discriminated against, that he was entitled to his government hours and that the staff were stupid if they couldnt even handle a little boy. When he was asked to leave, he laughed and called them stupid women who couldnt tell him what to do. Anne-Marie said: He lunged at the child's Key Worker and attempted to grab her. I got between them, opened the door and got the staff member inside to safety. He then tried to grab me, but I escaped his grasp, went inside and locked the door. We were both very shaken. Despite not being able to enter the rest of the building, Anne-Marie said he was trying to come through the window to attack me again. The anger in his eyes was terrifying, and he was lunging to try and reach me. She told him that if he would not leave she would be forced to ring the gardai, however: He told me to call the guards that he will 'get them too', and if he isn't afraid of dying why would he be afraid of the guards, and that they couldn't do anything to him. Anne-Marie said: I told him that it is very traumatic for his son to be witnessing all of this, and it would be very difficult for his son to see him being taken away by the guards. He said that he didn't care, and that we are not going to get away with doing this to his child. He eventually left after being distracted by his younger child and hearing Anne-Marie call the gardai. Anne-Marie said: Further safety concerns were raised after speaking with the children's mother, at which point we felt it necessary to raise a concern with the TUSLA Child Safeguarding Team. Although they may not have had to call the gardai over parents behaviour towards staff, the manager of the creche in Louth did actually recall an incident wherein the gardai were called due to parents fighting each other. She revealed that the gardai had to be called as one man hit a woman who was fighting another woman in front of the creche; all involved were family members of children attending the creche. As previously mentioned, childcare facilities cater to a diverse range of children. In the creche in Louth, they celebrated pride month as there were families in the school who were members of the LGBTQ+ community and so it was relevant to many children attending. However, it caused major backlash and some parents even threatened to take their children out of the facility despite management explaining that such events were only celebrated if they were part of the lives of children and families in the creche. The manager of the creche said that diversity doesnt cause any challenges among children, but with parents. She told a story in which a major incident occurred in recent months at the facility wherein a father accused a foreign member of staff of pushing their child when walking to class, something that was done regularly by other members of the team without any issue. She said there was clearly a racial motivation behind this. There was CCTV and so the issue was resolved after a lengthy investigation was conducted. In the Wicklow creche, the manager said that she most often sees frustration from parents stemming from issues within childcare itself such as subsidies and the lack of availability of support services. However, from her experience, this frustration is misdirected at childcare staff due to their own misconceptions and misunderstandings as to how the systems work. For example, with the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), parents have to look after their own subsidies and this process can be confusing and overwhelming for some. She said: One of the many pressures we're experiencing is parents refusing to pay their bills, even though it's because they didn't update their NCS and they didn't follow the process that NCS wants them to follow. Then another issue is that for school-age children, creches arent getting funding for AIM support for children with additional needs. She explained: But you would in the early years. And a lot of the younger children, junior infants and seniors who would have an SNA in school then come to after schools and they don't have that one-to-one. And that makes parents very angry. But there's only so much a school-age service can do without that special funding. She said that this anger often manifests into aggressive behaviour towards staff members at the creche. This kind of behaviour can have an absolutely detrimental impact on the children, said Anne-Marie. She observed that when parents display a disinterest or unwillingness to work with staff, that behavioural issues with the child will escalate. They are crying out for their parents attention, and unfortunately, it is often the case that the only real attention that they get during the working week is when we speak to their parents about their behavioural issues. The parents will usually have some sort of conversation with the child about this. Even if this is not a pleasant conversation for the child, in their minds - any attention is better than no attention, and therefore the behaviour will escalate because the child so badly wants and needs that attention. When a child witnesses their parent being disrespectful to a staff member, of course it is teaching them that this is the way that they are supposed to behave. Children will imitate what they see, especially if it is coming from their own parents. This is absolutely understandable, but it is even more difficult to address this with the parent, because they are just not going to work with us on anything, nevermind correcting their own behaviour to provide a good example to their child. On the other hand, the Louth practitioner said she often sees two sides of this when it comes to childrens responses. She notes that older children will tend to understand the shame of the situation and shrink away from it, especially bright children. Younger children, then, who dont understand will adopt a similar attitude to their parents. All, however, agreed that the vast majority of parents are friendly and very open to communication. Although, as Anne-Marie points out, there are always a few parents who are not as approachable. She said: It feels like our dealings with them are very transactional. They just want their child(ren) to be minded while they are at work. They are not interested in how their child(ren)s day went, or hearing about any behavioural issues or any concerns that we might have. Sometimes it feels quite like dropping a car off to be serviced. Drop off in the morning, collect in the evening, and pay the bill at the end of the week. Indeed, both managers at the creches in Louth and Wicklow noted that there is a disparaging notion of childcare workers, unlike teachers, simply providing a babysitting service. In fact, one parent even told the Louth practitioner this when she was advising them on the curriculum that they had to teach in order to prepare their child for primary school. She acknowledged that there has been big changes in the industry since she first began her career over 20 years ago, but the recognition for those working in it has not followed. Despite educating children during the most crucial years of their development, there is a drastic difference in how teachers and childcare professionals are treated. In Wicklow, the manager said: There definitely is a misconception of what's involved in early years. As someone who has worked in primary schools as well as early years, there's far much more pressure on early years than there is in schools. In primary schools, you get way more support, and that's nothing to do with how they're run, it's to do with what's available out there. According to Anne-Marie: This is akin to comparing apples and elephants. School teachers are highly regarded and respected as professionals. They are not subject to the same level of regulation, expectation, and scrutiny as early years services. They are public servants, and are therefore protected and supported in ways that early years professionals could only imagine. As the sector is faced with numerous difficulties and pressures, Anne-Marie has urged parents to just be nice to staff who are educating and looking after their children everyday. She emphasised: We understand that parents have bad days, and sleepless nights, and mornings can be hectic, and by evening time they are exhausted. We experience all of those things too, but we know that if we let those things affect us while we are at work, then it will negatively affect the children in our care and that is the absolute last thing that we would want to do. Please, just be nice, and accept that every decision we make is based on the best interests of the child. We do not want to disturb you at work, but if your child is unwell and needs to go home or be checked out by a medical professional, then we will disturb you at work because your child needs you. Schools across Louth are being asked to support children living in poverty around the world by registering Team Hope's Christmas Shoebox Appeal Team Hope, the charity that delivers gifts into the hands of children living in poverty across African and Eastern Europe, is calling on children and families in the county to get involved in this years Christmas Shoebox Appeal. As it marks its 15th year of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, Team Hope is asking schools and employers as well as individuals and community organisations across the county to get involved by logging onto teamhope.ie. Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts and this year expects to surpass the three million mark. Often these gift-packed shoeboxes are the only festive presents children living in poverty in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe receive. A simple shoebox, often packed by children for children, carries not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope, said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry. That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten that someone, somewhere cares. In a world where headlines often highlight what is broken, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal stands as a powerful demonstration that the world is also filled with kindness. Ms Lowry used the example of a father of three who received the gift of a Christmas shoebox as a child and who now makes shoeboxes for other children with his own family as a great example of the gift of giving. Adas Rakauskas, 37, never forgot the present he received as an eight-year-old as his family struggled to keep their heads above water. Every year the Co Louth-based dad makes these transformative gifts for other children. Originally from Lithuania, Adas is also urging people across Louth to join Team Hopes annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal by sending life-changing gifts to children affected by poverty around the world. We didnt have much food or good food, said Adas. Medically, we were all malnourished as children. I remember sitting at the table as a child for a meal and there was just bread or some carrots. At times we relied on neighbours to drop something in, so we were struggling, and it was tough on my parents from a financial perspective. Recalling the moment he was handed the gift as a child, he said: I remember all of us gathered in the village and there was a play. At the end, the shoeboxes were given to the children. We were very excited. I think there were pens and pencils and some stationery in the box. What struck me most was that someone had put this together. Now living in Drogheda with his wife Tracey and their children Elias, nine, Izabella, eight, and six-year-old Mikayla, Adass family box up the magic of Christmas by making shoeboxes for other children living in poverty. To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie An Coimisiun Toghchain, Irelands independent electoral commission, will today be visiting the Dundalk Institute of Technology campus to work alongside Louth County Council electoral register staff in encouraging students to register and vote in this years Presidential election on 24 October. An Coimisiuns National Election & Democracy Study (NEDS) of the 2024 General Election found that the 1834-year-olds surveyed made up the biggest cohort of eligible voters (68%) who have yet to register and so missed the chance to vote in the most recent election. After meeting thousands of young people at Electric Picnic in August and at the Ploughing last week, An Coimisiuns college registration and information drive is a further opportunity to meet young people where they are, and to encourage them to use their voice to choose Irelands next President after Michael D. Higgins. An Coimisiun staff will be on campus in Dundalk IT (outside the Whitaker theatre in the Whitaker building) on Wednesday 24 October from 10am as part of Freshers Week where they will be answering questions about voting and encouraging students to register at checktheregister.ie before the 7 October deadline. In addition, students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State are eligible to apply for a postal vote before the deadline of 29 September. Art OLeary, Chief Executive of An Coimisiun Toghchain stated: Read Next: History talks at the County Museum in Dundalk Already during this Presidential election campaign we have met so many young people who are engaged, interested and want to use their votes to decide who will be our next President but who had questions about registration and voting. Dundalk IT students may not be aware that if they are away from their registered home address on polling day because of college, they can still apply to move their vote or apply for a postal vote. Roughly 60,000 young people have turned 18 since the last general election and many of them are now college freshers. We look forward to meeting them and registering them to vote in their first ever election. The John Feely Foundation has announced that applications are now being accepted for the four scholarships awarded by that body each year, and applicants from Louth are being urged to enter. A sum of 1500 each is awarded to four students in Year One of an agricultural course at one of the following agricultural colleges: Clonakilty Kildalton, Pallaskenry, Gurteen, Mountbellew, Ballyhaise or who is studying an agriculture-related course in another Third Level institution. Applications can be made by any ICMSA member who are required to give their own name, phone and membership numbers while nominating the student, as well as providing the students home address, the course the nominee is engaged upon, and the institution the nominee student is attending. Nominations must be received at ICMSA Head Office by 5pm on Friday 14 November and the draw will be made at the AGM on the 28 November with the four successful applicants contacted by Head Office. The above picture shows the four winners of the 2024 John Feely Foundation Scholarships upon being presented with their individual cheques for 1500 at a reception held in ICMSAs Limerick Head Office, John Feely House, on Feb 21. The photo shows from left, Tommy Ryan, Limerick, Lydia McGrath, Cork, Andrew Graham, Co Wexford, and Cian Common, Co Meath. At the presentation, ICMSA President, Denis Drennan, drew attention to the fact that the association is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and appealed to the young farming students to stay in contact with the organisation and to engage with their fellow farmers, through responsible groups who could analyse and help bring forward the solutions that would allow their own and future generations of Irish farmers to thrive. ICMSA and the John Feely Foundation say they are jointly committed to securing the continued engagement of young farmers with those groups who follow the guiding principle of John Feely: Keep working and bringing forward solutions to the problems of Irelands family dairy farms. Investigations are continuing after a prisoner escaped from custody at a busy garda station earlier this week. The man, aged in his 40s, was being held at a garda station in the Eastern Region before making his getaway on Monday evening. While not confirming specific details of what happened, a garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating the escape from garda custody of a male, aged in his 40s, on Monday, September 22 2025 from a garda station in the Eastern Region. Investigations are ongoing at this time." No information has been publicly disclosed as to why the man was in garda custody. READ MORE: 'Go and get my f**king child now' - Childcare workers reveal shocking abuse from parents However, it has been reported by the Irish Independent that the man is considered to be the leader of an organised crime group which, they say, is considered to be the one of the main distributors of cocaine and cannabis in County Kilkenny. According to reports, the man allegedly fled from the garda station on Monday evening at approximately 8:30pm through an unlocked door. It is understood that gardai fear he may have fled to another country. Investigations are ongoing as are efforts to locate the man. A boat carrying Irish citizens and humanitarian aid to Gaza has been struck by drones as the passengers call for help from the Irish public and government. Irish political figure Chris Andrews on board the boat, called the Spectre, has called on the Irish government to send help their way via social media. Comments have flooded in from concerned and worried people who have called and emailed the Department of Foreign Affairs urging them to send help. In a social media post on Instagram, Chris Andrews shared a video of himself on the boat pleading for help. He said: "The boat I am on called the Spectre was attacked by 4 drones. We are a peaceful non violent flotilla bringing aid to Gaza. "Please call and email the Department of Foreign Affairs and request protection for the Irish Citizens. We have been attacked by two drones just now. "The flotilla is experiencing multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications being jammed, and explosions heard from a number of boats. We need all eyes on the flotilla now!". The video clip that can be viewed below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Senator Chris Andrews (@chrisandrews_senator) READ NEXT: Community rally around heartbroken woman who tragically lost her beloved dogs in house fire In another post by the Sinn Fein Senator, Chris Andrews said: "The Irish government should be sending an observer boat...to ensure the safety of all Irish citizens...it has failed to do that so far....there is still time....the government have failed on so many levels." Countless comments from Irish people have came in under the post confirming they have reached out to government bodies urging them to send help. One person said: "Emails sent; however calls to DFA keep getting cut off. Will keep trying. Stay strong". Another person said: "No answer from that number but Ill keep trying . Emails sent. God bless and stay strong." In a statement published on September 24, The Tanaiste Simon Harris said: "I am extremely concerned by developments involving the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) and have been kept updated overnight. The welfare and safety of people aboard that flotilla has to be a priority of the international community. A collection of three ledgers, detailing Midleton Distillerys Barley Purchase Books from the 1800s, have been published for public viewing. Irish Distillers, known for producing some of the worlds most successful Irish whiskeys, partnered with Ancestry.ie to publish the records from James Murphy & Co at Midleton Distillery, documenting barley purchases from Co Cork farmers during the pre-Famine period of 1825 to 1834. The unique volumes recorded the names of local farmers who supplied the distillery in its early years, along with the quantities of barley sold, offering a rare insight into the early history of Midleton Distillery and the farming communities that supported the production of Irish whiskey. The records are available to search for free up until September 29 via the Ancestry website. With few, if any, individual records of farmers surviving from this period, these documents may be the only written trace of many of the families listed, making them an invaluable resource for genealogical research. Beyond the names, the ledgers provide a rare snapshot of community life before the Famine, having also recorded the names of female farmers who were leading households and managing farms across East Cork. Carol Quinn, head of archives at Irish Distillers, said the company is proud to continue our partnership with Ancestry making our archival records available to people around the world. The barley purchase books date back to the foundation of Midleton Distillery, which marks its 200th anniversary this year, and represent a remarkable resource for anyone tracing their roots in East Cork, said Ms Quinn. As they capture a pre-famine period, these may be the only surviving records of some individuals. Carol Quinn, Head of Archives at Irish Distillers with the recently published records from Midleton Distillery. It is very possible that descendants of the farming families recorded in these volumes still live and work in the area today and may even continue to supply barley to Midleton Distillery. These records offer a unique bridge to the past, helping the public to explore and connect with their family history, she added. They also show the crucial importance of business archives in filling in the gaps in our documentary heritage. Rhona Murray, senior content acquisition manager at Ancestry, said that the companys mission is to connect everyone with their past so that they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. We work closely with archives around the world to digitally image and index genealogically relevant historical documents and make them searchable like never before, Ms Murray said. We are proud to work with Irish Distillers to digitise and bring online this unparalleled collection of barley purchase books recording farmers from the pre-Famine era. By combining our strengths, Irish Distillers and Ancestry are excited to help unlock new and interesting family history and social history stories for those interested in researching their connections to East Cork. This latest release adds to a growing collection of records made available through the partnership between Irish Distillers and Ancestry. Previous collaborations have seen the digitisation from the firm John Jameson & Son of more than one million employee records, spanning more than a century, and also historical agreements with Irish publicans. 1.BFF's Vicki Hickey and Saoirse O'Connor seen with their painted faces at the recent Culture Night in the Togher Community Centre. Pictures: Howard Crowdy 2.Eugene Trindles, Matt O'Connor and Sean Monaher of the Celtic Stickmakers Club seen attending the recent Culture Night in the Togher Community Centre. Picture: Howard Crowdy 3. Deputy Lord Mayor councillorTerry Coleman with councillor Ciara O'Connor, Mary Sheehy of the Cork City Partnership and Grainne O'Connell and Teresa McCarthy of the Togher CDP pictured with members of the Kalyna Choir and Hub Group at the recent Culture Night in the Togher Community Centre. 4. Nancy Falvey and Bridie Casey of the Ballyphehane/Togher Arts and Crafts Initiative pictured with some of their creations at the recent Culture Night in the Togher Community Centre. Donation drive for homeless Ballyphehane Community Centre is holding a clothes and toiletries drop for the homeless, beginning today and running until Saturday. The centre is asking people to donate warm clothes such as coats, jumpers, hats, and gloves, as well as everyday wear such as t-shirts, trousers, and shoes. Toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, and wipes are also welcome. Donations can be dropped off to the centre at any time during opening hours. Community coffee morning For World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10, Ballyphehane Togher Community Development Project CLG, Ballyphehane Community Centre, Cork City Partnership, and Cork City Council are working together to highlight mental health and wellbeing in the community with an event called Community Connections over Cuppas and Chats. The public is invited to attend the event at Ballyphehane Community Centre, Tory Top Rd, from 11am to 1pm. We are encouraging people to come along, meet up, enjoy some music, treats, connect with each other and have a fun morning over a cup of tea or coffee. All are welcome to attend, said Ballyphehane Togher CDP in a post on social media. Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy with pupils at his old primary school, Togher Boys National School. Picture: Michael OSullivan/OSM New pedestrian crossings Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire has welcomed news of plans for pedestrian crossings in Ballyphehane. The proposed crossings will be situated on Friars Walk at the entrance to Loretto Park, and on the Grange Rd. Really welcome news that the council have informed us they are proposing to progress pedestrian crossings at these locations, said Mr O Laoghaire. Myself and councillor Fiona Kerins have been pushing the need for a pedestrian crossing at Friars Walk for several years. There are a huge amount of pedestrians going back and forth to the park, Presentation School, Hope Childcare, the shops, the Gaelscoil, and the library, but no pedestrian crossing for some 800m between the church and St Patricks Rd. This will be very welcome indeed. Likewise, Tramore Valley Park is a terrific amenity, and the Mount Vernon Park bridge is a huge addition, but there is so much traffic on the Grange Rd that it is difficult to get across. Very positive news that the council are progressing pedestrian crossings at these locations. Mr O Laoghaire said construction works are planned to commence in the first quarter of 2026 provided NTA funding remains in place. Tidy Towns thank you Ballyphehane Tidy Towns welcomed 32 Italian students from The Learning Abroad Company as honorary members of the team last week. They learned all about the work we do to keep our community clean and green and even rolled up their sleeves to help out, said a Tidy Towns spokesperson. As a wonderful thank you, they kindly gifted us a Woodies voucher, which will go straight back into future projects for the Hane. A huge grazie mille to our new Italian friends for their hard work and generosity! Gardai are seeking the assistance of the public in tracing the whereabouts of 72-year-old Gerard Kelleher, who was reported missing from his home in Castlemartyr earlier today. Mr Kelleher was last seen at approximately 12.20pm in the Midleton area on Tuesday September 23. A Garda spokesperson said that the gardai and Gerards family are concerned for his wellbeing. Gerard is described as being approximately 5 foot 9 inches in height, of medium build, with white hair and blue eyes. When last seen, Gerard was wearing a blue checkered shirt, a navy hoodie, navy tracksuit bottoms and navy runners. Gardai say Gerard may have access to an 06C1-registered bronze or orange Nissan Note car. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Kelleher is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station on (021) 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Offenders who are indebted to criminals are being forced to commit criminal acts in order the pay off their debts, according to a district court judge. Judge Colm Roberts presiding in Mallow District Court made the comments when dealing with the sentencing of a man with 156 previous convictions who was sentenced for a further 12 offences. Court presenter Sergeant Linda OLeary told Mallow District Court that Con Foley, aged 44 of Cork Simon Community was charged with 10 thefts, one count of possession of 40 worth of cocaine, one count of threatening and abusive behaviour and one count of intoxication in a public place. The offences occurred on a variety of dates in July and August 2025 and included thefts from Aldi and SuperValu supermarkets as well as the theft of a 600 power washer from Dairygold Co-op Superstores. The court was told that Foley had 22 previous convictions for theft and one for robbery and his first recorded conviction was in 1996. Defence solicitor Cathal Lombard said that his client was pleading guilty to all of the charges except one alleged theft from Texaco in Fermoy. He said Foley's life was blighted by addiction and he had incurred debts and had been placed under a lot of threats and duress. Mr Lombard said Foley was at the bottom of ladder and the stealing was in part an effort to clear the debt he owed. He added that Foleys partner had repaid some of the shops that were at a loss and she had been forced to move because of ongoing threats. Judge Roberts said: It is terrible that this is going on at the moment. People are being threatened to commit violence against others and it is going on all over the city and county. He added that the difficulty he had was that Foley was trapped in a cycle of offending which led him to offend as soon as he was released because of the duress he was under. The judge said he wanted to give Foley some light at the end of the tunnel but also had to mark the seriousness of the constant offending that was having a real impact on retailers. He added: This is putting businesses out of business. For the nine thefts he was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison on two counts, four months on three counts, five months on two counts, six months on one count and 10 months on one count with four months suspended for two years. He was also placed under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years. For possession of cocaine he was sentenced to three months suspended for four years. For threatening and abusive behaviour he was sentenced to three months suspended for two years and the public intoxication charge was taken into consideration. An employee of Cork's Logitech was among the winners at the recent 2025 Diversity in Tech awards in Dublin. Cork-based Jarred Arendse of Logitech at Mahon's City Gate complex was honoured with the Social Impact Award at the recent ceremony which was held at the Gibson Hotel. His award was for showing leadership in driving social impact initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) within the global technology sector. The Diversity in Tech Awards, partnered by JP Morgan, celebrated 18 categories spanning gender, culture, disability, neurodiversity and social impact. The event brought together over 350 leaders from across the global tech industry to honour those breaking new ground in innovation, inclusion and representation. Among the evenings most celebrated award winners were Catherine Doyle, general manager of Microsoft Ireland, who received the Grace Hopper Award, while Professor Katriona OSullivan of Maynooth University was presented with the Inspiration Award. Clare Kilmartin, COO of the Diversity in Tech Awards, said that the 2025 award winners represent the very best of the technology community. At a time when DE&I policies are being called into question in some quarters, these awards shine a light on whats possible when we embrace difference and foster diverse talent. "It was an honour to celebrate such inspiring individuals and organisations at this years ceremony. JP Morgan spokesperson Dermot Mackey added: JP Morgan are delighted to once again be the headline sponsor for the Diversity in Technology Awards. We know that building a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits everyone is good for people, business and society. A pair of legs dangling from a back window of a car caught the attention of a garda who later stopped and arrested the driver for suspected drink driving in Crosshaven. Garda Michael Harney was on duty after midnight on October 15 2023 at Lower Road, Crosshaven, County Cork, when he saw the car approaching from Church Bay Road, near Cronins Bar. The windows of the car were fogged up and I could see a pair of legs dangling from the back of the car. It crossed over the continuous white line. The vehicle came to a stop at Lower Road. I could see legs dangling from the back drivers side window. I spoke to the driver Bryan Cotter and there was a very strong smell of intoxicating liquor from him. While speaking to him there was a female sprawled out on the back seat of the vehicle. Her legs were still sticking out of the car, Garda Harney said. Bryan Cotter, aged 40, of Nova Court, Carrigaline, County Cork, pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving while he had excess alcohol, namely 172 mgs of alcohol per 100 mls or urine. At the conclusion of the prosecution case from Inspector Brendan McKenna, defence solicitor Daithi O Donnabhain cross-examined the guard. Would you say the nature of your interactions with the motorist were civil? the solicitor asked. Garda Harney replied: It was and it wasnt, to say the least. Judge Philip OLeary said: I dont know what that means. Mr O Donnabhain said he did not know either. Garda Harney explained. It started hostile and it calmed down. Mr Cotter said, Barry Galvin will get me off this. Mr O Donnabhain said he had no further questions and would not be calling evidence or making submissions. Judge Philip OLeary convicted and fined the motorist 350 and disqualified him from driving for two years. The motorist had no previous convictions. Through his solicitor he apologised for everything that happened and accepted that it was ill-advised to drive from one location to another with passengers on the night. Following its successful debut in Australia, a new Irish whiskey brand co-founded by former Cork Irish rugby international Simon Zebo will be officially launched this month in his home city. Black Emerald is a joint venture between Mr Zebo, Cork publican Ernest Cantillon, and whiskey industry expert Finian Sedgwick. The whiskey comes in distinctive editions: Black Emerald seven-year-old rum finish, and 15-year-old cognac finish. Each is is accompanied by a signature cocktail that highlights its unique character and espouses Black Emeralds philosophy of sharing and enjoyment. The whiskey is sourced from Great Northern Distillery, working closely with their team to select the finest single grain and the best barrels for its rum and cognac finishes. Ahead of the launch in Corks Sober Lane, Zebo said his father had an extensive whiskey collection but for him, it was never about the bottles themselves it was about the people gathered around them. Whiskey has always been about connection, about bringing new friends and old friends together. Black Emerald is our way of carrying that tradition forward, while also representing the Ireland of today: modern, confident, and looking to the future, he said. Mr Cantillon said: For me, its always been about hospitality about creating spaces where people feel welcome. Thats what Irish pubs and Irish drinks brands have always stood for. With Black Emerald, we wanted to bottle that same spirit and share it with the world. Its a celebration of modern Ireland, rooted in our traditions but alive to whats next, bringing people together over a whiskey that feels both familiar and new. Mr Sedgewick said Irish whiskey can feel a little predictable now, and we want to bring some craic back into the category. Black Emerald is whiskey made to be shared, not saved, he said. Pull up a chair with your friends, pour a dram, and tell a story. For us, single grain is the unsung hero of Irish whiskey: approachable, versatile, and full of character. It shines with a cask finish, and it speaks equally to new drinkers and seasoned whiskey lovers. Black Emerald is distributed in Ireland by Lighthouse Drinks, available for retail in bars, restaurants, and bottle shops. Consumers can also buy online at irishmalts.com, with Celtic Whiskey Shop and more retailers to follow. I dont quite follow you, my friend said. Whats new, I responded irritably, blowing my nose. Id been trying to explain to her about the grandiosity of a Champagne sink and she was going on about how I could cure my flu with that African health remedy Id told her about. You have the flu. Make the health drink, she persisted. She just wasnt getting it. How, I observed sourly, can one soar like an eagle when one is surrounded by turkeys? Id been reading an article in the property pages about a house that had gone up for sale. It boasted a thing called a Champagne sink that everyone seemed to be extremely excited about. This house also had a cinema and a home-gym and a fabulous kitchen and other features to recommend it, but it was the Champagne sink, I snuffled, that had got to me. For not only had I never seen one; I didnt even know what a Champagne sink was. Tis far from a Champagne sink you were reared, my friend retorted. Googling had unearthed Champagne buckets, Champagne-coloured sinks, and what was described as a Champagne wash-hand basin with matching pedestal. Finally, I found the Champagne sink which, it turned out, is something which can apparently be installed in a kitchen to display and chill bottles of Champagne. Only it was described as a Champagne trough, I sniggered. A trough! Thats a bit mean-spirited, my friend said. But isnt the concept of a Champagne trough a bitter thing while the number of homeless people in our land increases every day; all those tents on all those streets, all those flimsy structures barely sheltering the shameful and ever-growing numbers of people now living rough. This is one reason, no matter what Simon Harris says, why the tricolours have been going up all over the place. Ordinary, very decent people who have worked hard and contributed to the Exchequer all their lives, feel let-down and beleaguered. They watch in anger, resentment and sorrow as their expensively educated, highly qualified sons and daughters stream out of the country because they cannot find an affordable place to rent or buy. And rightly or wrongly there is a growing fear of too many people jostling for everything from housing to health and even GP care, as the State struggles to house, feed and finance those living here along with those coming to live here. Hence the tricolours. Not, I sense, to intimidate anyone but, simply, to remind the Irish State of its responsibility to its citizens. The average cost of a house in Cork city is now between 375,000 and 390,000. Americans reportedly account for up to 60% of house sales in some West Cork towns and villages - presumably because no-one else can afford them. When you think about all of this, I said, coughing, its kinda hard to get excited about someone installing a Champagne trough to chill all the bottles of Bollinger theyre buying for these fab parties theyre having. You, my friend said disapprovingly, are just in unusually bad and begrudging form because you have the flu. Yes, I had the flu. Yes, I was feeling rotten. The worst of the symptoms had passed but the virus left me weak as a cracked egg and mean as a snake. What about the health drink your dad gave you the recipe for? my friend repeated. And faux-innocently: Havent you been drinking it yourself, lately, to, em, ward off the flu? Oh, just bugger off, I said, and I went and made it again, using the recipe that my father got from a chef years ago in Kenya. Three lemons, washed and sliced. Three limes washed and sliced (although I used oranges this time). Five cloves. One good generous tablespoon of turmeric more if you could - a great big thumb of fresh ginger, grated. Six peppercorns, three cardamoms, two tablespoons of honey. I have another, somewhat similar, anti-flu recipe that doesnt use the cloves but it does recommend the use of a good dash of cayenne pepper. Into a big saucepan with the lot of it, including the cloves or the cayenne or both, whichever you prefer, and cover it all with cold water. Next, bring it to a slow, rolling boil. Simmer very gently for up to an hour. Leave the mixture overnight to allow the flavours to coalesce. Lift out and dispose of the fruit slices, then store your health drink in the fridge in flasks. Warm up a cup of it every day and drink. Then keep making it and keep drinking it. If I hadnt given up drinking it last spring, chances are I wouldnt have caught this killer whack of autumn flu. Now dont even start on me getting the flu vaccine. Not a notion of it, ladies. By Jonathan McCambridge and David Young, PA The covert surveillance of journalists and lawyers by police in Northern Ireland was not widespread or systemic, an independent review has found. However, the McCullough Review has identified more than 20 attempts made by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to identify journalists sources. The review also raised significant concerns about the PSNI conducting trawls of its own communications systems records in an untargeted wholesale attempt to identify unauthorised contact between PSNI personnel and journalists. Amnesty International has said the report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists. Angus McCullough KC was commissioned by the PSNI to examine the issue after a tribunal last year ruled an undercover police operation to try to unmask the journalistic sources of two award-winning documentary makers was unlawful. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) quashed a decision made by former PSNI chief constable Sir George Hamilton to approve a directed surveillance authorisation (DSA) in an investigation into the leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a documentary on a Troubles massacre made by Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey. The review, published on Wednesday, investigated covert measures used by police between January 2011 and November 2024. I have found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic Angus McCullough KC The barrister said he had been given full access to PSNI records, systems and personnel. Mr McCullough concluded: I have found no basis for concerns that PSNI surveillance of journalists or lawyers is widespread or systemic. He added: Whilst, there is scope for improvement in PSNIs practices in various identified respects, and some specific incidents where there has been what I consider to be a failure to comply with the relevant legal provisions, I can find no basis for any suggestion that the powers available to PSNI are being routinely abused in relation to journalists, lawyers or others of special status as identified in the terms of reference. The review examined the practice of cross-checking journalists phone numbers against PSNI communication systems records, referred to as washing through. It said this included the use of a list of more than 380 journalists contact numbers. It said: The scale of this practice, the duration over which it was carried out, and the apparent lack of any questioning as to the necessity or proportionality of a technique that seems to have been almost entirely ineffective in its aim of identifying inappropriate contact between PSNI officers and staff and journalists is troubling. I am relieved to find that the practice has been discontinued, having not been used since March 2023, and formally ended in May 2024. The review also examined PSNI applications for the use of Communications Data (CD), which it said does not involve access to the content of communications, but instead shows which numbers were in contact with each other and for how long. The report was commissioned following concerns over the case involving journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney Photo: PA. It said: We have identified 24 applications which appear to have been made with the purpose of identifying a journalists source within the time-frame of the review. Of these applications, 21 applications were authorised whereas three were not. The applications relate to nine investigations in total. The report said in total 378 CD applications had been made relating to journalists, which included applications relating to bomb hoax or warning calls or situations were journalists had been the victim of crime. The review also said that in the course of its investigations it had uncovered a significant number of digital files held by the PSNI which appeared to consist of data from devices seized from Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney in 2018, and that their detention seemed to be a breach of orders made by the IPT. It also said investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre, who is examining the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe in 2020, had been the subject of a DSA. However, it said this related to public posts on his X account and said there was no indication private communication between the journalist and Noahs mother had been accessed by police. The report said it had found direct surveillance had been used in relation to one other journalist and twice against a lawyer. Mr McCullough said he was concerned this included the use of surveillance within a court building. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher commissioned the report (Liam McBurney/PA) The review also dealt with reports that eight journalists in Northern Ireland had had their names run through a standalone intelligence system in 2017. During the McCaffrey/Birney IPT hearings it was suggested by a lawyer that they had been targeted by the PSNI as troublemaker journalists. The report said it did not believe any of the eight individuals was a practising journalist at the time. The review makes 16 recommendations, including commissioning a supplementary report and the PSNI bringing together all the units responsible for the authorisation process for all forms of covert surveillance. Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International UK, said: This report exposes a disturbing pattern of unlawful covert surveillance of journalists, with the PSNI showing clear disregard for press freedom and the rule of law. The scale of the wrongdoing is alarming, from repeated attempts to identify reporters sources to covert operations concealed from oversight bodies. But questions remain. How far has MI5 gone in unlawfully monitoring journalists in Northern Ireland? Patrick Corrigan, of Amnesty International, said a full public inquiry is now required (Liam McBurney/PA) A free press simply cannot function under the shadow of state surveillance. That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to set up a full public inquiry. Only full disclosure can restore trust and safeguard the rights of journalists in Northern Ireland. Issues around police surveillance of journalists in Northern Ireland have attracted increasing scrutiny since the 2018 arrests of Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a police watchdog document that appeared in a documentary they made on the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in Loughinisland, Co Down. The PSNI, citing a conflict of interest, asked Durham Police to lead the probe into the inclusion of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland document in the No Stone Unturned film on the UVF pub shooting that killed six men. The PSNI later unreservedly apologised for the way the two journalists had been treated and agreed to pay 875,000 in damages to them and the film company behind the documentary. In 2019, Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey lodged a complaint with the IPT asking it to establish whether there had been unlawful surveillance of them. The tribunal reached its determination last year and both men were each awarded 4,000 in damages. In a further development at the IPT last week, MI5 admitted it unlawfully obtained the communications data of a former BBC journalist in Northern Ireland. The concessions relating to Vincent Kearney came in a letter to the BBC and Mr Kearney, who is now RTEs northern editor, ahead of a tribunal hearing in London. Mr Kearney brought legal action after reports that documents in the case of Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney had suggested public bodies, including police forces, had spied on him. The forces included the PSNI, the Metropolitan Police and Durham Constabulary. The tribunal heard the three forces all concede they had previously obtained communications data belonging to Mr Kearney. The description of a sound bath as a practice that offers you space to nap without guilt sounds very appealing. When people come to a sound bath they often say, Im just here to relax, says Michaela Repaska. In our busy modern world, people are holding so much. Stress, grief, fatigue, or simply the feeling of being disconnected with themselves. They feel lost. What I offer is not a fix, but a space. What kind of space? A space where the nervous system can soften, where something ancient and true in the body can begin to breathe again. I hold space for the soul, wrapped in the physical body. Michaela says she believes healing doesnt have to be complicated. When we are seen, when we feel safe, something begins to shift naturally. Thats what I hold space for and its my honour to do this work. When life feels overwhelming; when stress, burnout or anxiety take hold, the mind and body long for reset and remember the natural balance. A sound bath offers exactly that: an immersive journey of vibration and tone that quiets the mind, soothes the body and uplifts the spirit. How did Michaela come to do this work? Im originally from Slovakia, a place where nature, simplicity, and deep intuition shaped my early life, says Michaela. My path has never been conventional, but it has always been guided. Sometimes by the heart. Sometimes by life itself. Michaela was guided to Cork, finding more meaning in her life. My path into sound healing started in a deeply personal way, says Michaela. Her journey to Cork was also deeply personal. The first time I came to Cork, it was for love, says Michaela. I had dreams of travelling to Iceland, but life took me a different direction. I followed my partner and arrived in Ireland instead. It became a second home for me, with its wild coastlines and gentle energy. Years later, after facing a serious health challenge in Slovakia, I had a deep inner call to return to Ireland, this time with my family. Michaela decided to let nature take its course. We arrived with no guarantees, she says. Just rust and hope. No jobs, two children, a little dog, and a belief that life would open the right doors. It did. Slowly and in its own way. How did her healing journey begin? My healing journey began not in books, but in my body, says Michaela, who describes herself as a divine healer, activator, and spiritual mystical guide. When I could barely walk, nature and spirit became my medicine. Over time, I started listening more deeply to my intuition, to the subtle guidance that came through feelings and knowing. From there, my work unfolded naturally. At first, I didnt realise my voice could become my medicine. But through energy healing, my voice expanded. It became a channel for vibration, light and love in ways words never could, says Michaela. She felt sound touch something deep within her when she was guided to crystal bowls. The same place my voice had reached, she says. I knew I wanted to share this gift, to help others experience the release, peace, and awakening that I had found. Today, I offer intuitive energy healing, sound baths, and vibrational activations, tuning chakras and energy. How do sound baths work? They work on many different levels, explains Michaela. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The gentle resonant tones help release tension from the body, ease the mind out of overthinking, and create space for deep emotional healing. Each session is unique, she says. The sound meets you exactly where you are. Using crystal bowls, my voice and other instruments, I create waves of sound that flow through the whole body. These vibrations help the mind slow down, the muscles release, and the heart feel lighter. What do people see? Some people see colours, says Michaela. Others feel energy moving through their body, and some receive answers to questions theyve been carrying for years. And sometimes it is simply the peace of being still for the first time in a long while. Some people experience powerful moments at sound bath sessions. Often the most powerful moments are the simplest moments, says Michaela. When someone leaves saying, I feel lighter. I can breathe again. She says sound baths are not about doing. They are about receiving, she adds, allowing yourself to rest, reset and remember who you truly are. For me, they are something bigger - a wave of spiritual awakening happening in the world right now. We are remembering our connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the source of all life. Michela also works part-time in Dervish shop in Cork city. There, I help people find crystals and tools that support them on their path, she says. Often, what theyre really looking for is connection, comfort, or clarity, someone who listens and understands. Our modern world can often be stressful. Sound bath therapy, using crystal bowls, frees the energy gate and helps you rest and deepen recovery, both mentally and emotionally. The seven crystal bowls relate to different energy points along the spine called chakras. For example, at the base of the spine is the sacrum area which corresponds with the biggest bowls earthy vibrations. You are bathed in waves of ambient sound, says Michaela. The general consensus is that the calming effect of sound baths alone can help you hit reset and feel more at ease and grounded. According to a 2017 study on Tibetan singing bowl meditation, sound meditation may produce mental and physical health benefits, namely reducing anxiety and depression, increasing spiritual wellbeing, and lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Michaela makes her voice heard. Through my voice, the sound, and the power of love, my mission is simple; to create a space where your soul feels safe to come forward and where you leave feeling more like you. (Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC)World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay speaks at the high-level event "Stand Up for Children in War" at the UNHCR office in Geneva, on Sept. 22, 2025. A UN-hosted high-level event has provided a platform to come together to examine how to prevent and address violations against children swept into armed conflict, with worldwide religious organizations joining the campaign. The Sept.22 meeting was part of the "Stand Up for Children in War" campaign, co-signed by more than 130 partner organisations, including the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation. and many other religious groups. Groups at the meeting shared the current grave situation, noting that more than half of the world's displaced population are children, according to the 2024 UN Report on Armed Conflict and Children. WCC general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay speaks at the high-level event "Stand Up for Children in War" at the UNHCR office in Geneva, 22 September 2025. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC "Words fail to capture what it means for an innocent child to die in war," he said. "The consequences are carried across generations and societies." Pillay emphasised the importance of working together, and he invited churches to take initiatives such as strengthening awareness and advocacy. He also urged collaborating for strategic engagement; creating and fostering effective channels of dialogue with political leaders; calling for ceasefires and the safeguarding of schools; and other actions. "Simple initiatives can make a difference in safeguarding and protecting children in times of war," Pillay urged. The reports also show that sexual violence, family separation, trafficking, and abuse are all rising to alarming levels. The Lutheran World Federation said "On the occasion of World Peace Day it is joining a call by faith leaders, agencies of the United Nations, and civil society that urgently demands to better protect children trapped in armed conflict. The LWF said that the campaign responds to a stark reality: 473 million children worldwide live in conflict zones today, and 48.8 million have been displaced. In 2024, the United Nations documented and verified 41,370 serious rights violations against children, the highest number recorded in the past 25 years. "As people of faith, we pray and work for peace, always protecting those most vulnerable," said LWF general secretary, Rev. "Every child is loved by God and as a communion, we work for the protection of children, always affirming their dignity." Arigatou International president Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, via a video message, noted that children are our future and a precious asset. "It is therefore urgent that we intensify our prayers and our actions, and call on the international community to protect children," he said. Miyamoto serves as the Spiritual Director of Myochikai, a Buddhist organization in Japan that established Arigatou International to build a better world for children. Those gathered at the UN meeting observed a moment of silence for children who have been killed in conflict. Florence Raymonde J. Gaspar shared a special statement on behalf of the UN office on Children and Armed Conflict. "Standing up for children in war is more urgent than ever," she said. "Children pay the highest price in wars. As we speak, 473 million children are living in conflict," she said. Among other religious organizations supporting the "Stand Up for Children in War" campaign are: Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Mennonite World Conference, Latter-day Saints' Charities, Shanti Ashram, International Network of Engaged Buddhists, Globe Ethics, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the World Evangelical Alliance. Google's AI Mode is continuing its rapid global growth. Today, the company announced that this addition to Google Search is rolling out in Spanish. The new option is available in all countries that support AI Mode. The move will allow Spanish speakers around the world to engage with this AI chatbot in their language of choice when asking more complicated questions than a search engine can typically answer well. The proliferation of this AI enhancement to Google's traditional search has happened at a break-neck pace. AI Mode was first introduced in March and then made available across the US in May. The first language expansion came earlier this month with the addition of AI Mode in Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese. Apple TV+ has delayed the release of Jessica Chastain's upcoming thriller series, "The Savant," in response to last week's fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The streaming service announced the postponement on Tuesday, citing sensitivity to current events and respect for those affected by the incident.. Originally slated to premiere on October 3, "The Savant" follows retired CIA operative Claire Ward (played by Chastain), who is drawn into a high-stakes conspiracy after her former mentor is targeted in a politically charged attack. The series, created by Emma Rosen, was billed as a taut exploration of loyalty and power within the intelligence community. In a brief statement, Apple TV+ said it "believes this is the responsible decision" given the parallels between the fictional attacks in the show and the real-life attack against Kirk. The company did not announce a new release date for "The Savant," adding that it would share updates "when appropriate." Chastain, an Academy Awardnominated actress known for her roles in "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Molly's Game," had expressed excitement about playing Ward in interviews earlier this year, according to USA Today. She had praised the series' intricate plot and the depth of her character, calling Ward "one of the strongest women I've ever portrayed." Her comments underscored the anticipation among viewers and critics for a gripping espionage thriller driven by a female lead. Production on "The Savant" wrapped this summer after shooting on location in Berlin and London. The series marks Chastain's first major television project and reunites her with director Adrian Lyne, with whom she previously collaborated on a stage adaptation of a Simon Stephens play. Industry insiders had considered the pairing a coup for Apple TV+, aiming to bolster its original drama offerings amid fierce competition from other streamers. Delays in release schedules are not uncommon when real-world events are reflected in on-screen content. In recent years, studios have paused or altered marketing campaigns for projects involving violence or disasters after similar incidents, as reported by People. Viewers and advocacy groups often call for sensitivity when art imitates life too closely, prompting networks and platforms to reassess their strategies. As "The Savant" awaits its new launch window, Apple TV+ faces a delicate balance: honoring its creative vision while remaining attuned to the evolving cultural climate. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Chastain navigate a world of deceit and danger as Claire Ward in what promises to be one of this season's most talked-about series. Fox has officially ordered a reboot of the classic lifeguard drama "Baywatch," bringing the series back to television after nearly two decades off the air. The new iteration will feature an entirely new ensemble of actors in the roles made famous by David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. The network announced that the pilot episode will begin production early next year in Los Angeles, with filming taking place on a stretch of Southern California beach, according to People. The series is set to follow a team of elite lifeguards who patrol the shore, save lives, and grapple with personal challenges both on and off duty. Leading the creative team is showrunner Kelly Henderson, known for her work on a popular medical drama, and executive producer Marcus Lee, whose credits include several successful action series. Scriptwriter Jordan Ellis has been tapped to write the pilot. Ellis has previously worked on two well-received network dramas and brings a fresh perspective to the franchise. The tone will be modern and inclusive, featuring diverse characters and storylines that reflect today's coastal communities. Casting will begin this fall, with auditions scheduled in Los Angeles and Miami. Fox is seeking both established performers and up-and-coming talent. Deadline says the network aims to assemble a group of actors who can "maintain tangled relationships, complicated chemistry, and beachside heroics" central to the original show's identity. Training for water rescues and ocean safety is planned as part of the actors' preparation. The original "Baywatch" series, which ran from 1989 to 2001, became a global phenomenon due to its blend of action, drama, and sun-soaked visuals. At its peak, the series was broadcast in more than 140 countries and drew hundreds of millions of viewers each week. A 2017 film adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron brought renewed attention to the franchise, grossing over $177 million worldwide. Despite earlier attempts to spin off the brand with limited success, Fox executives are confident this new series will resonate with both longtime fans and a younger audience. Promotional materials plan to highlight stunning coastal landscapes alongside heart-pounding rescue scenes. The network has not announced a premiere date, but insiders expect the show to debut in the fall of 2026. If the pilot is well-received, Fox has the option to order a full season. As anticipation builds, lifeguard enthusiasts and television viewers alike will be watching closely to see if this "Baywatch" revival can make a splash. Sean "Diddy" Combs is asking a federal judge for leniency ahead of his October 3 sentencing, arguing that his time already served, his good behavior behind bars, and his family obligations should weigh heavily in the court's decision. Combs was convicted in July on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. While acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, he still faces up to 20 years in prison, TMZ reported. Prosecutors have suggested a sentence of 51 to 63 months, while the probation office recommended as much as 87 months. His defense team is pushing for no more than 14 months, a period that would include the 13 months he has already spent at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center since his September 2024 arrest. In a detailed sentencing packet filed this week, Combs' attorneys highlighted his sobriety for the first time in 25 years, his incident-free record in custody, and his work mentoring fellow inmates through a program he calls "Free Game with Diddy." His lawyers also stressed that his arrest has deeply damaged his reputation and businesses, while leaving his seven children and 84-year-old mother without his daily support. Sean "Diddy" Combs deserves a prison sentence of no more than 14 months a sentence that would effectively amount to time served his attorneys argued in a new court filing Tuesday. https://t.co/leFZf75nOt pic.twitter.com/aGryKHWOfX ABC News (@ABC) September 23, 2025 Over 70 Letters Urge Judge to Show Diddy Compassion According to CNN, more than 70 letters from family, friends, and former colleagues were submitted to Judge Arun Subramanian pleading for compassion. His mother, Janice Combs, who has struggled with health issues, wrote that she wishes to see her son reunited with his children while she is still alive. "I don't know how much longer I will be around but I would love to be able to see him and his children together again," she told the court. Other letters came from his adopted sister, Keisha Combs, who described witnessing the positive impact of his sobriety, as well as from close friends and former partners who said they have seen a more family-centered version of the music mogul in recent months. Combs' lawyers argue that a lengthy prison term would ignore his progress and contributions, calling the probation office's suggested range "grossly overstated." They are asking the court to consider supervised release that includes drug treatment and therapy in place of a harsher punishment. Judge Subramanian has denied Combs bail multiple times, but the upcoming sentencing will determine whether he will walk free soon or face several more years behind bars. Despite publishers offering her over $1 million for a memoir, Jessica Mulroney is not commenting on her friendship with Meghan Markle that ended in a dispute. She revealed to The Daily Mail that she was concerned about the Duchess of Sussex's reaction if she shared her side of the story. People who know her well argue that her silence is possibly a matter of self-preservation as much as loyalty. "She is probably biding her time," one insider told the outlet, adding that coming after Meghan "could be perceived as being petty and bitter and could potentially alienate her even more." Mulroney, once one of Meghan's closest friends, has been largely silent since the two cut ties in 2020 following a race-related controversy. An insider told the outlet, "Meghan still has a lot of eyes and ears in Canada," adding that Mulroney might be waiting before deciding what to do. Friendship Once at the Center of Meghan's Life Mulroney and the Duchess of Sussex met in Toronto while the latter was filming "Suits" and quickly became inseparable. Mulroney helped hide Meghan's early relationship with Prince Harry and was among the first to know about the engagement. Her children even had roles in the royal wedding, with her twin sons carrying Meghan's veil, and her daughter, Ivy, serving as a bridesmaid. The friendship soured after Mulroney was accused of displaying "white privilege" in an online dispute with influencer Sasha Exeter, according to Page Six. The criticism from the public came quickly. She lost her job on television, resigned from a charity she established, and retired from public life. Meanwhile, Meghan is said to have gone out of her way to avoid being associated. Despite the fallout, Mulroney once told followers on Instagram that Meghan was "family" and "the kindest friend." Months later, she shared the flowers Meghan had sent for her birthday. Since then, she has posted cryptic notes about losing friends and feeling isolated, suggesting the rupture still affects her. JESSICA MULRONEY TELL ALL? Honestly, I dont see why Jessica Mulroney hasnt penned a tell-all on Meghan yet, now that is a book Id actually buy. Remember, Meghan literally ghosted Jessica over a petty Instagram spat, proving shes no royal with that behaviour! We know pic.twitter.com/rCGmSp7d6p Genevieves (@_Genevieves_) August 2, 2025 Tell-All Temptation and Lingering Tension Publishing insiders believe Mulroney's story could be a bestseller. One source told the Mirror, "Jessica's explosive story is the one publishers want to get their hands on." Mulroney has also faced personal struggles, including the reported end of her 16-year marriage to Ben Mulroney. The Canadian stylist, 45, has been seen without her wedding ring and told friends that the split has given her "some clarity." Meghan has not publicly mentioned Mulroney in years, and there was no reference to her in Harry's memoir "Spare" or in the couple's Netflix series. Katy Perry marked the first anniversary of her album 143 with a candid Instagram post about what she called a "rollercoaster" year. The pop star reflected on both her professional setbacks and personal challenges, saying she feels "proud" of where she has landed. Perry, 40, told fans that she usually avoids anniversary posts but felt compelled to recognize the impact of the past year. "Records are snapshots of an artist trying to tell their story," she wrote on Instagram, adding that 143 has become about "reconnecting" with her fans on tour. A Year of Wins and Losses The past 12 months have been turbulent for Perry. 143 was billed as a major pop comeback but faced backlash when fans learned producer Dr. Luke had contributed to the record. The lead single, "Woman's World," underperformed commercially, and the album drew the lowest Metacritic score in over a decade. The criticism continued into her "Lifetimes" Tour, with some mocking her onstage dance moves. In April, she faced online backlash for taking part in the first all-female Blue Origin spaceflight just weeks before the tour began. Then came news that Perry and Orlando Bloom had ended their six-year engagement. Their reps confirmed in July that the pair had shifted their relationship to focus on co-parenting their 5-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove. Bloom later told "Today" that the split was amicable and said, "We're going to be great. Nothing but love." Despite the setbacks, Perry said she remains focused on growth. "We celebrate the wins and reflect on the losses. All of it is valuable," Perry told her 202 million followers on Instagram. "I am proud of where and how I have landed in this moment... proud of myself, proud of my fans and proud that I keep on swinging." Perry also said she is letting go of control and allowing her next steps to unfold naturally. "No forcing, no controlling just trusting the angels, the fans, and the music to guide me where I'm meant to go," she wrote. The Grammy nominee shared a slideshow of photos and videos from the past year, including behind-the-scenes images from the "Woman's World" music video shoot and moments from her tour stops. She ended her message to fans with optimism, writing, "Let's hope we get to evolve together for years to come... and at the end of it all be proud and at peace with how we tried our best in this imperfect world." Perry and Trudeau Staying Close Beyond her music, Perry's personal life continues to draw attention. Nearly two months after being spotted with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the two are "still speaking and very interested in each other," multiple sources told US Weekly. A source said they have chosen to keep things private while Perry focuses on the tour. Trudeau reportedly plans to visit her during a break before she resumes her European dates in October. Perry, who split from Bloom earlier this year, was first seen with Trudeau in Montreal in late July, where the pair walked her dog in Mount Royal Park before sharing dinner at Le Violon. They were described as being in "great spirits," according to restaurant staff, though there was "no visual sign of PDA." The relationship is currently described as casual. "Katy is taking it day by day but is very open to dating," a source told the outlet. Originally published on Music Times Prince Harry met face-to-face with King Charles after almost two years this month. The monarch and his son discussed family matters during an unofficial 55-minute tea. However, the monarch's visit to Harry's children, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, whom he has not met for over three years, might be imminent due to the latest handshakes and exchanges of warm greetings between father and son. The latest meeting is hailed as the most significant one in terms of the Duke of Sussex's relationship with the royal family. However, Meghan Markle is reportedly deeply concerned about the reunion and its potential impact on their future. The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly anxious about Harry's renewed ties to the royal family. According to Heat, she fears the palace could be using "divide-and-conquer tactics" to draw him back in. One insider told the outlet that Harry is "clearly very homesick and desperate to build on the positives of this meeting," which is pulling his focus away from their life in California. Meghan's main worry, the source added, is that they could pull a wedge between them. Meghan 'Wants Guarantees' Before Returning to the UK Just how cute a couple the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are! Prince Harry is still in awe of Meghan. He is so amused by the her little quirks, her little Meghan things that she does! Harry loves all her Meghanism! And Meghan loves all his Harryism! That makes a lasting marriage! pic.twitter.com/lFx2HtSHe3 Carmella (@Sussex5525) September 23, 2025 As Harry sees the break-in with his dad as a new start, Meghan is said to be as skeptical. She reportedly still recalls being left unsupported publicly, treated poorly by the media while in the UK, and receiving no formal apology from the institution. "She's happy Harry's making peace with his dad," the insider said, "but anyone who knows Meghan will tell you she's dreading going back to the UK." She is reportedly not going to agree to go with their children unless she is given the assurance that they will be safe and that there will not be too much media attention, according to the report. Harry, who lost his High Court case over publicly funded security, according to The Guardian, is pushing to have his protection reinstated. "He's saying it could all happen very quickly once Charles gives the OK," a source said. Meghan, however, worries the scrutiny and criticism will be as intense as ever. The duchess is focused on maintaining the life they have built in Montecito. She marked Harry's 41st birthday by posting a photo from his army days, captioned, "Oh hi, Birthday Boy," according to People. She also toasted his return from Europe on Instagram with a glass of rose from her As Ever brand. According to Heat's insiders, Meghan has been "noticeably clingier lately" and is doubling down on date nights and small gestures to reinforce their connection. "She won't lose him that easily," one source said, explaining that Meghan wants Harry to remember why he left royal life behind in the first place. Despite her unease, Meghan is reportedly supportive of Harry's reconciliation efforts, even if she is "gritting her teeth a bit." Harry has reportedly told her there is "nothing to be nervous about" and believes that if they "play their cards right," they can enjoy the benefits of royal ties while continuing their independent careers and philanthropy. You Might Also Like Armed members of a Venezuelan civilian militia marched on the streets of Caracas on Tuesday in an event that was organised by the country's government. An Essex farmer who lost nearly 30,000 in a bogus tractor deal has warned how easily criminals can trick victims after he was caught out by a cloned dealership website. Richard Bennett, 61, who farms near Brentwood, thought he was buying a John Deere 6430 after spotting it on a farm machinery website in January 2020. He transferred almost 30,000 through his local HSBC branch, believing he was dealing with a legitimate French dealership. But when the tractor repeatedly failed to arrive, and a friend travelled to France to collect it, Bennett discovered the dealerships website had been cloned. Criminals had copied the companys branding and hosted a fake site in Panama, duping multiple victims. Bennett said the scam left him reeling. It was a big hit to my business, at a time when we are really struggling. You cant just make up 30,000. HSBC initially refused to refund the money, but Bennett turned to the National Fraud Helpline solicitors, who argued the bank had a duty to protect customers from such scams. Last week the firm secured a settlement of 22,289, and Bennett is considering an application to the Financial Ombudsman Service to try to recover the remainder. Its brilliant to get the money back, he said. I had written that money off, and it will be a tremendous help. It will help the bank balance and give us some peace of mind to keep us going. The scam came at a particularly difficult time for Bennett, whose Case tractor had recently been stolen. He had been searching for a John Deere 6430 for several years to help with haymaking and thought he had finally found the right machine. They are few and far between, and Id been outbid at auctions, he explained. This one looked like the right money, and it was being sold by a genuine firm. I went on Google and clicked on the website, and it looked like a proper company website with millions of pounds worth of stock. His friends visit to the genuine French dealership confirmed the fraud. My friend went there with a copy of the invoice and said theyd come to pick up a tractor. "And the people at the dealership said they didnt know anything about it. Its a family firm, and the lady there ended up in tears over it. They had other copies of these fake invoices where other people had had the same problem. The French authorities investigated, though Bennett is not aware of any prosecutions. Meanwhile, he has had to borrow money to build secure storage for his machinery and has since bought another John Deere 6430 from a dealer in Oxford. Getting this money back will certainly help to get on with the building, he added. Skye Stockings, a lawyer at the National Fraud Helpline, said scams of this kind were on the rise. This was a sophisticated scam that we are sure more farmers will have fallen foul of. Were aware that theres a big problem with farm machinery scams. She added that businesses often did not realise they could claim money back through their banks. Fraud in the UK rose by more than a third last year and the advent of AI makes it harder to spot. "A lot of legitimate adverts are also being cloned. All businesses are incredibly vulnerable to scams. Farmers under pressure to empty slurry tanks before the 15 October deadline are being told to plan ahead and not take chances, as safety officials warn that just one breath of slurry gas could be fatal. The Farm Safety Partnership and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have issued stark reminders that slurry gas builds up quickly and in deadly concentrations. They stress that strict compliance with the slurry mixing code is the only way to avoid tragedy. Harry Sinclair, chair of the Farm Safety Partnership, said workload must never outweigh safety. Its a busy time of year but they must put their own safety and that of their family and workers first, he said. His advice is simple: plan every stage, spread slurry in good time when conditions allow, and never gamble with your life. Dont rush the mixing it is not worth losing your life over. Bryan Monson, deputy chief executive of HSENI, described slurry gas as a toxic cocktail that can overwhelm in seconds. Mixing slurry can be a dangerous job as the gas is released very quickly, and in large quantities, as soon as the mixing starts, he explained. Hydrogen sulphide, one of the main gases, is particularly lethal. Even a low concentration can knock out your sense of smell at certain concentrations, just one breath can kill. Officials warn that the first 30 minutes of mixing is the most dangerous. Farmers must remove all stock from sheds, leave the building as soon as the pump starts, and not return for at least half an hour. If equipment needs to be moved or redirected, they should exit immediately and stay out for another 30 minutes. The slurry mixing code also makes clear that all doors and windows should be opened to improve ventilation, and that mixing should, where possible, be carried out on windy days. Children and animals must be kept away, and exposed tank areas covered if slats have been removed. Some practices are described as outright deadly. Farmers are told never to rely on filter masks or gas monitors, never to bring naked flames near slurry, and never to stand close to the pump or exhaust of a vacuum tanker while it is being filled. The warnings form part of the Farm Safety Partnerships ongoing Stop and Think SAFE campaign, which targets the four biggest killers in agriculture: slurry, animals, falls from height and equipment. The message from safety officials is stark: stop, think and stay alive. Waitrose has announced plans to source all its own-label British pork from free range farms by 2027, in what it says is a global supermarket first. From 15 October 2025, pork mince, steaks, chops and joints on the retailer's shelves and online will be free range. It says the pledge will expand over the following two years to cover all own-brand pork, including sausages, bacon, ready meals and sandwiches. The company claims the move will guarantee quality and taste for shoppers while supporting British farmers and raising animal welfare standards. Products will also carry a tiered welfare label, similar to that used on Waitrose chicken, to help customers make more informed choices. Charlotte Di Cello, chief commercial officer at Waitrose, said the retailer believes that happy pigs make the best pork. She added: Our commitment to 100% British free range across all our Waitrose products reflects our dedication to providing our customers with unbeatable quality, taste, and value with values. Waitrose has signed a 10-year supply agreement with Pilgrims Europe and UK farmers. Nick Robinson, chief commercial officer at Pilgrims Europe, described the deal as a testament to the progress weve made together in driving positive change within the industry. Waitrose already accounts for more than half of the UKs free range pork market. Farmer Todd Baker, who has supplied the supermarket for more than 30 years, said: Seeing our pigs thriving outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and space to roam, is what makes farming worthwhile. The commitment has been welcomed by animal welfare group Compassion in World Farming. Louise Valducci, the organisations head of food business for Europe, said: Were delighted that Waitrose is setting a new benchmark for pig welfare with this commitment to free range production across its UK-sourced pork. But the supermarkets pledge comes at a challenging time for the pig industry. Many UK farmers have struggled with rising feed and energy costs, while free range production is typically more expensive than indoor systems. Waitrose is also urging the government to tighten labelling rules including a legal definition of free range pork and clearer country-of-origin requirements so consumers can compare products more easily across retailers. Other UK supermarkets sell outdoor-bred and higher-welfare pork, but none has committed to a fully free range range. Waitroses pledge is likely to increase pressure on competitors to follow suit. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal have finally confirmed their pregnancy with an adorable post on Instagram. The picture shows Vicky holding a Polaroid of the couple, where hes seen cradling Katrinas baby bump. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) A few weeks ago, media outlets had reported that the Tiger 3 star was expecting her first child with Vicky, with the baby due in late October or early November. Internet sleuths also speculated about her pregnancy, noting that recent photos on her Instagram feed mostly featured waist-up shots. Some eagle-eyed fans even spotted a visible baby bump in a behind-the-scenes shot from a brand campaign. Back in 2019, Katrina had spoken to Filmfare about not growing up with a father. She had said, Not having a father figure does create a certain vacuum and makes any girl feel vulnerable. When I have kids, I want them to have the experience of being with both parents. She further added, Each time I've gone through something emotionally hard, I was compelled to reflect that it must be nice for those who have a strong fatherly support from a male figure, who loves you unconditionally. Vicky and Katrina tied the knot in December 2021 in a picturesque wedding in Rajasthan. 2025 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for the couple. Alongside the pregnancy news, Vickys film Chhaava has earned rave reviews and impressive box-office numbers, while Katrinas beauty brand, Kay Beauty, has made its international debut at Space NK in the UK. Congratulations to the happy couple. 2025 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for the couple. Alongside the pregnancy news, Vickys film Chhaava has earned rave reviews and impressive box-office numbers, while Katrinas beauty brand, Kay Beauty, has made its international debut at Space NK in the UK. 2025 is already shaping up to be a milestone year for the couple. Alongside the pregnancy news, Vickys film Chhaava has earned rave reviews and impressive box-office numbers, while Katrinas beauty brand, Kay Beauty, has made its international debut at Space NK in the UK. Vicky Kaushal & Katrina Kaifs BDay Wish For Sunny Kaushal Is All Heart Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release Chemicals SubCategory Select Sub-Category The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) is set to bring an iconic piece of Indian cinema back to the big screen. This October, the newly restored version of Sholay will be showcased as the centrepiece film of the festival, which runs from 9 to 11 October . Presented by the team behind the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the Sydney edition aims to celebrate the legacy and future of Indian cinema over three days of screenings, panels and cultural events. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly Sholay, a film often described as the greatest classic of Hindi cinema. The restoration of Sholay has been a long and detailed process. The Film Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with Sippy Films, spent years searching archives and film vaults to bring the movie back to its original 70mm glory. A rare colour reversal print was discovered in London, while original camera negatives and long-lost deleted scenes were recovered from a warehouse in Mumbai. With this material, the film was rebuilt in 4K, delivering crisp visuals and remastered sound. What makes this restoration particularly special is the inclusion of the original ending envisioned by director Ramesh Sippy. In this version, Thakur, played by Sanjeev Kumar, kills Gabbar Singh to avenge his murdered family. This ending was altered for the films release in 1975, making this restoration the first-time audiences will officially experience Sippys intended finale. The restored Sholay had its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received standing ovations. Now, Sydney audiences will have the chance to relive the magic on the big screen. Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange shared her excitement, saying, Sholay is more than a filmit is woven into the fabric of Indian storytelling, memory and myth. To bring back its original ending, after all these years, is to restore not just a different final scene, but the full vision of its creator. Vicky Kaushal is celebrating the success of his highly praised film, Sam Bahadur, which has achieved recognition at the prestigious 71st National Film Awards 2025. Vicky, who brought the character of the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to life in Meghna Gulzar's directorial, expressed his appreciation for this award. Sharing the clip from the National Award ceremony on his Instagram stories, Vicky Kaushal dropped heart emojis as Meghna Gulzar received her award for the Best Feature Film promoting national, social, and environmental values. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji also won their first national awards, and Mohanlal was presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke award. Sam Bahadur delves into the highs and lows of Sam Manekshaw's illustrious career, tracing his path to becoming the first Indian Army officer to achieve the rank of Field Marshal. This biopic highlights Manekshaw's exceptional contributions, demonstrating his bravery, strategic acumen, and the commitment to the country. The film also shows the dynamics of military and political relations, offering a thorough understanding of Sam Manekshaw's important impact on the nation. Vicky Kaushal's outstanding performance breathes life into the character, delivering a performance that appears really genuine. Sam Bahadur also features a remarkable supporting cast, including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, and others. Notably, Sam Bahadur marks the third instance of a Vicky Kaushal film receiving a National Award. Vicky Kaushal shared the National Award for Best Actor with Ayushmann Khurrana for his performance in Uri: The Surgical Strike at the 66th National Awards. Also, Sardar Udham Singh was recognized as the Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 69th National Awards. On the work front, Vicky Kaushal is currently gearing up for his upcoming release, Love & War, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt which releases next year in March. Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karan Johar and Others Congratulate Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal Highlights: Anson Resources (via its 100% owned subsidiary A1 Lithium) and LG Energy Solution have executed a Definitive Offtake Agreement (" Definitive Offtake Agreement" ) for the supply of battery grade lithium carbonate from Anson Resources' 100% owned Project within the Paradox Basin. Subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent (summarised in the annexure), the Initial 5-year term is expected to commence in 2028, with the ability to extend for a further five years. LG Energy Solution to purchase 4,000 dry metric tonnes per year and specifies the operational and logistical requirements for the delivery of product. Pricing is determined using a formula-based mechanism referencing market prices for battery-grade Lithium Carbonate. LG Energy Solution is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 / Anson Resources Limited (ASX:ASN) ("Anson Resources" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed negotiations with LG Energy Solution and on the Definitive Offtake Agreement for the supply of battery-grade Lithium Carbonate from its 100% owned Project within the Paradox Basin in Southern Utah. The Definitive Offtake Agreement provides for the supply of up to 4,000 dry metric tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade Lithium Carbonate produced at the Project, expected to commence in 2028, representing approximately 40% of the Project start-up production capacity of ~10,000tpa. LG Energy Solution is an ideal partner for Anson Resources with its diversified customer base of tier one OEMs and energy storage solutions (ESS) and strong investment to expanding production in North America. LG Energy Solution has eight facilities currently operating or under construction in North America, with stand-alone facilities in Michigan and Arizona and five joint venture facilities with major automakers. Signing of the Definitive Offtake Agreement with LG Energy Solution marks another key milestone for the Company's develops in the Paradox Basin. This Definitive Offtake Agreement will become effective subject to Anson Resources commencement of commercial production in the Paradox Basin and offtake product qualification with LG Energy Solution. The Paradox Basin is a globally significant lithium asset, which the Company through its 100% owned USA subsidiary A1 Lithium, is working to develop into one of the largest lithium resources in the United States. The Company is conducting exploration and test work of the brine, that is known to exist, across multiple areas in the Paradox formation. This work is on-going and if successful will support the Company's theory that the brines of the Paradox Basin contain one of the largest lithium resources in North America. This Definitive Offtake Agreement is also an essential part of the critical path for debt funding at the Final Investment Decision stage. Anson Resources Executive Chairman and Managing Director Bruce Richardson commented: "Anson is delighted to have concluded our definitive offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution for at least 40% of our production. LG Energy Solution not only has a diversified customer base of tier one OEM's they also have many energy storage solutions (ESS) customers. Anson recognized the unstoppable paradigm shift in the US supply chain for electric vehicle battery materials and ESS and the key role that Korean battery manufacturers are playing. This shift in manufacturing investment has led to an increased demand for lithium produced in the US, not only to shorten supply chains geographically but also increase US content of electric vehicle batteries and electric vehicles, Anson identified this change, targeted its offtake marketing activities to the companies that have made these investments into North America and in particular, the US where Anson development work in the Paradox Basin in Southern Utah is strategically positioned. This definitive offtake agreement establishes the foundation for a long-term partnership and we are proud that we will be supplying low cost US made lithium from the Paradox Basin to LG Energy Solution a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems." About Anson Resources Ltd Anson Resources (ASX:ASN) is an ASX-listed mineral resources company with a portfolio of minerals projects in key demand-driven commodities. Its core asset is the Paradox Lithium Project in Utah, in the USA. Anson is focused on developing the Paradox Project into a significant lithium producing operation. The Company's goal is to create long-term shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of natural resources that meet the demand of tomorrow's new energy and technology markets. www.ansonresources.com Follow us on Twitter @anson_ir Forward Looking Statements: Statements regarding plans with respect to Anson's mineral projects are forward looking statements. There can be no assurance that Anson's plans for development of its projects will proceed as expected and there can be no assurance that Anson will be able to confirm the presence of mineral deposits, that mineralisation may prove to be economic or that a project will be developed. Competent Person's Statement 1: The information in this announcement that relates to exploration results and geology is based on information compiled and/or reviewed by Mr Greg Knox, a member in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Knox is a geologist who has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a "Competent Person", as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves and consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which they appear. Mr Knox is a director of Anson. SOURCE: Anson Resources View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/anson-signs-definitive-offtake-agreement-with-lg-energy-solution-1077416 Sixth investment by Antin's Mid Cap Fund I Regulatory News: Antin Infrastructure Partners (Paris:ANTIN) has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aquavista Watersides Marinas, the UK's largest marina infrastructure provider. Founded in 2003 and based in Nottingham, Aquavista is the UK's leading marina owner and operator, with 32 inland and coastal marinas offering over 5,300 berths and marine services across the country. The transaction marks a successful exit for leading private equity investor LDC following a seven-year partnership during which the company nearly tripled revenue and doubled the size of its marina portfolio through a series of strategic acquisitions. This includes the transformational acquisition of Castle Marinas in 2021. Building on this fast growth, Aquavista is ideally positioned to be the consolidator of the fragmented UK market, capitalising on a strong track record of organic growth complemented by successful acquisitions. The company also benefits from favourable underlying trends: UK boat ownership has been growing steadily, leading to rising storage needs, and growing demand for residential berths has supported high occupancy rates, low churn and resilient revenues. Antin's Mid Cap Fund I will be investing in Aquavista alongside CEO Steve de Polo and other members of the management team. Upon closing, this investment will be the sixth by Antin's 2.2 billion Mid Cap Fund I. Antin's mid cap strategy focuses on smaller and medium-sized investments in established infrastructure companies in Europe and North America across the energy and environment, digital, transport and social sectors. Simon Soder and Assia Belkahia, respectively Senior Partner and Partner at Antin Infrastructure Partners, declared: "Aquavista has all the characteristics we look for in our mid cap strategy, notably high barriers to entry and strong resiliency, and benefits from supportive long-term tailwinds. The company has a clear and ambitious plan to scale up its already leading presence in an attractive market segment, and we look forward to working with Aquavista's management and team to support the company's continued growth in marina infrastructure." Steve de Polo, CEO of Aquavista, commented: "LDC has been an invaluable partner and the scale we've achieved together has enabled us to significantly enhance our services putting us in an incredibly strong position for future growth. We are delighted to partner with Antin to build on the strong foundations developed with LDC's support and accelerate our growth. We see many expansion opportunities ahead, and Antin is the right partner to help us consolidate our leadership and deliver our proposition of quality facilities and services to an ever-greater number of customers who share our vision of Freedom and Togetherness." David Bains, Partner and Head of the East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: "Our seven-year partnership has established Aquavista as a market leader through organic and acquisitive growth, including the strategic acquisition of Castle Marinas, which we supported with significant follow-on funding. It has been a privilege to support this locally headquartered business to become a national success story, and we wish the very best to Steve and his team on the next stage of their journey." The transaction is expected to close in October 2025. About Antin Infrastructure Partners Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over 33 billion in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With offices in Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Singapore and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 240 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN ISIN: FR0014005AL0). For more information visit: https://www.antin-ip.com/ About Aquavista Aquavista is the UK's largest marina operator with 32 marinas in unique locations across England. They offer residential and leisure berths, boat sales, floating homes and marine services. Aquavista believes that life is better by the water and are here to help their customers live that life. It is the company's purpose to make things easy for their customers, so they can truly appreciate life by the water. For more information visit: https://www.aquavista.com About LDC LDC is a private equity investor and part of Lloyds Banking Group, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. LDC has invested 3.9 billion to back 179 management teams in the last decade and currently has a portfolio of more than 90 businesses. With teams based in every part of the UK, LDC invests across all major sectors of the UK economy and is actively supporting businesses in industries including Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, ICT, Industrials, Media and Technology. LDC-backed businesses have grown 3.3x more than the average medium-sized business over the last decade. For more information visit: www.ldc.co.uk/pressrelease View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250923498726/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Antin Infrastructure Partners Thomas Kamm, Partner Head of Communications Email: media@antin-ip.com Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director Email: media@antin-ip.com Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations Email: shareholders@antin-ip.com Brunswick Tristan Roquet Montegon +33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57 Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com Aquavista David Scane, SEC Newgate Communications +44 (0)203 757 6843 Email:david.scane@secnewgate.com LDC Calum Anderson, Citypress +44 (0)131 516 5551 Email: calum.anderson@citypress.co.uk LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Charities around the world say that demand for their organisation's services has increased over the last year, according to new global research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). CAF's World Giving Report: Charity Insights explores the global trends and challenges for over 3,000 charity leaders in 27 countries. The report is being launched at a side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and follows the publication of World Giving Report: Donor Insights earlier this year. Nearly four in five (78%) of charities surveyed say that levels of demand have increased over the last year, with nearly half (47%) reporting these increased significantly. Charities report the increase is due to economic hardship, social crises, and the withdrawal of public services. Charities in lower-income countries (84%) are most likely to report an increase and particularly frontline charities, such as health, poverty relief and humanitarian aid. The vast majority (83%) of charity leaders also expect this demand to continue to increase over the next year. This expectation is greater in lower-income countries (90%), and particularly for humanitarian aid organisations. At the same time, when asked about the key challenges they face, three in five (62%) charities said a key concern is achieving financial sustainability for their organisation, referencing shrinking government grants, reduced donations, and increased competition for limited resources. The research also identified differing attitudes about the influence of government on the sector. Government influence is seen most positively by charity leaders in Asia-Pacific region (32%) and Africa (28%), compared to low levels in South America (8%) and Europe (6%). Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation said: "As in the UK, funding is the most pervasive challenge for charities around the world. And with ongoing and escalating social division, conflicts, climate change impacts and huge numbers of people displaced, charities that are relied on to offer relief are particularly affected by increasing demand for their services - such as those working in health, poverty alleviation and humanitarian aid. "While our research shows there is a thriving culture of giving in many places, we clearly need to think differently about how to support non-profits, particularly given the ongoing reductions in government aid and development spending. Encouraging collaboration between charities, and partnerships with government, businesses, and local networks is increasingly critical to build resilience in charities with better outcomes for communities." Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2734023/Charities_Aid_Foundation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/demand-for-charitable-services-is-increasing-around-the-world-according-to-new-charities-aid-foundation-research-302564678.html GENEVA, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just days after officially announcing her candidacy for the FIA Presidency, Swiss racing driver and entrepreneur Laura Villars, 28, has launched the next key phase of her campaign: she is reaching out to all FIA member clubs worldwide, sending each president a personalized email accompanied by her Profession of Faith. At the same time, she has already initiated direct phone conversations with several club leaders to listen to their concerns and build constructive exchanges. In her message, Laura Villars reaffirmed her commitment to the FIA: "The FIA is our common home. I have belonged to it all my life, both as a racing driver and as a member of mobility clubs. Today, I want to put this experience at the service of a collective project, built with and for the clubs." Her Profession of Faith sets out five strong commitments: Independent and transparent governance: elected Audit Committee , autonomous Senate budget , public register of interests , open subsidies dashboard . , , , . Fair support for all clubs: Club Support Fund , simplified access to development funds, progressive membership fees reducing costs for the smallest ASNs. , simplified access to development funds, progressive membership fees reducing costs for the smallest ASNs. Accessible and inclusive motorsport: Women in Motorsport Fund (20 annual scholarships), FIA Young Leaders Academy (25 talents/year worldwide), co-financing mechanisms to cut grassroots entry costs by 20% in three years. (25 talents/year worldwide), co-financing mechanisms to cut grassroots entry costs by 20% in three years. Concrete impact in mobility and tourism: " Zero Death by 2035 ," 100 Smart Mobility projects in three years , FIA-UNWTO Action Plan, universal FIA digital card . ," , FIA-UNWTO Action Plan, . A lasting legacy: FIA carbon-neutral by 2030, FIA Academy of Future Leaders (as a complement to the FIA University). She reminds clubs that the validation of her candidacy requires 18 official (6 Sporting Clubs / 6 Mobility Clubs / 6 Mixed Clubs) endorsements out of the FIA's 245 member clubs: "The choice now belongs to the clubs. They have the power to ensure real democratic competition and open the FIA to the future." Laura Villars's full program will be presented in the coming weeks, ahead of the election scheduled for December 2025. *The full Profession of Faith is attached to this press release. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2779586/Laura_Villars.jpg PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2779713/Laura_Villars_EN.pdf View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fia-after-announcing-her-candidacy-laura-villars-reaches-out-to-all-member-clubs-302564551.html PRAG (dpa-AFX) - Business sentiment survey from Germany is the only major economic data due on Wednesday, headlining a light day for the European economic news. At 2.00 am ET, the National Institute of Economic Research is scheduled to issue Sweden's economic tendency survey results. At 3.00 am ET, Spain's INE releases producer prices for August. Prices had increased 0.3 percent in July. In the meantime, business and consumer sentiment survey data is due from the Czech Republic. At 4.00 am ET, the ifo Institute publishes Germany's monthly business sentiment survey data. Economists forecast the business climate index to rise to 89.3 in September from 89.0 in August. At 8.30 am ET, the Czech National Bank announces its monetary policy decision. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Washington, D.C., Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo" Sept 24, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Meta, SoftBank Corp., IPS Inc., TM Technology Services Sdn. Bhd., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation are collaborating to develop the Candle submarine cable system.The Candle submarine cable system is a 24-fiber pair, 8,000 km submarine cable system connecting Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, scheduled to begin operations in 2028. It will contribute to infrastructure expansion and secure redundant routes to meet the increasing demand for data communications driven by 5G and AI. This cable system will be one of the first in the Asia-Pacific region to use a 24-fiber pair cable, to support the strong demand for communications in the region.Chairperson of the Candle Management Committee, Don Pang, said: "Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region's digital infrastructure. As the need for robust, high-speed connectivity grows, Candle will deliver greater network diversity and resilience along this essential corridor, leveraging state-of-the-art technology. This milestone reflects the deep collaboration among our partners and underscores our shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and economic opportunity for over half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific region."The comments of each company regarding this matter are as follows."At Meta, we imagine a future where everyone has access to AI, personal superintelligence, and other emerging technologies to improve their lives and connect with each other. This is part of our commitment to seamlessly bring people together no matter where they are in the world."Nico Roerich, Director, APAC Network Investments, Meta."With the rapid advancement of generative AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for international telecommunications is expected to continue accelerating. CANDLE adopts a 24-fiber-pair architecture, making it one of the core foundations of next-generation social infrastructure that SoftBank is promoting. By integrating with other submarine cables such as JUPITER, ADC, and E2A, we will further enhance the diversity and redundancy of global communications networks originating from Japan, and strengthen Japan's role as a digital gateway for Asia."Kimimasa Kudo, Vice President and Head of Global Business Division, Enterprise Unit, SoftBank Corp."Our participation in this project reaffirms our commitment to play a significant role in the further development of digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to our operations in Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. With our subsidiary, InfiniVAN, as the landing party in the Baler, Aurora Province on the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, this is one of many projects we have planned in support of developing the Philippines as a connectivity hub in Southeast Asia."Koji Miyashita, CEO of IPS, Inc."TM's participation in the Candle submarine cable system project demonstrates our commitment to building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the growing demand for digital services and cloud-based, AI-driven innovation across Asia. It strengthens our ability to support hyperscalers, enterprises and global service providers in expanding their footprint across ASEAN, while reinforcing Malaysia's role as ASEAN's digital hub. This initiative bodes well with our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030-connecting Malaysia to the world, and the world to Malaysia."Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM's Group Chief Executive Officer"XLSMART will fully support the project and we believe the Candle cable will bring benefits for all consortium parties and Indonesia."Feby Sallyanto, Chief of Enterprise, PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk."NEC is a leading vendor in the submarine cable system business with over 60 years of experience. NEC is particularly strong in leading subsea projects in the Asia-Pacific region, having been responsible for eight optical submarine cable systems connecting Japan and Singapore, including 'Candle.' In this project, NEC will participate as a system integrator, providing everything from the manufacture of submarine cables and repeaters to route design, installation, and testing. Through the establishment of a highly reliable communication environment in the Asia region, NEC will contribute to the development of the digital economy."Tomonori Uematsu, Managing Director, Submarine Network Division, NEC Corporation.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Recently built distribution facilities located in key logistics markets with strong economic fundamentals and population demographics Cabot Properties, a leading investor, developer, and operator of logistics properties throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific, today announced the acquisition of two modern logistics properties in Germany Wulfrath, located near Dusseldorf, and Hannover-Wedemark. The acquisitions advance the firm's strategy to invest in high-quality industrial assets concentrated in dynamic, supply-constrained markets across Europe, the U.S. and Asia Pacific. "The Rhine-Ruhr and Hannover regions are well situated within key transportation gateways to Greater Germany and the European continent, providing critical access for e-commerce, automotive companies, third-party logistics firms and other major industrial occupiers," said Konstantin Braun, Vice President, Investments for Cabot Properties. "We were able to acquire these assets at an attractive basis, and with both buildings fully leased, we look forward to serving high-quality tenants in two of Germany's most dynamic logistics markets." Justin Harvey, Head of U.K. and Europe for Cabot Properties, added: "Cabot's track record of investing in modern infill assets across Europe is strong and growing. As we continue to deepen our platform across key European markets, we remain confident in the long-term fundamentals of the logistics sector and its role in supporting resilient and efficient supply chains." Built in 2023, the Wulfrath asset is a 12,979-square-meter (139,705-square-foot) modern distribution building featuring 10.5-meter (34-foot) clear heights, 12 dock-high doors, and two grade-level doors. The building has achieved the DGNB-Gold sustainability certification and was built to the newest GEG40 standards, requiring only 40% of the primary energy consumption compared to a standard new building. The building is also equipped with solar panels on the roof and EV charging capability for all 44 parking spaces. The property is optimally situated near highway A535, which links Dusseldorf to the wider Rhine-Ruhr region. Duisburg, Europe's largest inland port, is reachable within 45 minutes by road. The Hannover-Wedemark asset, completed in 2022, brings 5,138 square meters (55,313 square feet) of modern distribution capacity to one of Northern Germany's most dynamic industrial corridors. The property, which is also DGNB-Gold certified, combines sustainable design with functionality, featuring 34-foot (10.5-meter) clear heights, five dock-high doors, and a grade-level door. Its location along highway A7 positions tenants at the nexus of an established ecosystem of automotive, electrical equipment, mechanical engineering, and chemical companies, while providing direct connection to Hannover and Hamburg two of the region's strongest economic centers. About Cabot Properties Inc. Cabot Properties is an international private equity real estate firm focused on the logistics sector. Founded in 1986, Cabot was one of the first real estate firms to provide institutional investors with access to the industrial property sector and has invested over $15 billion in logistics real estate, served over 4,200 tenants, and operated over 1,600 buildings totaling more than 230 million square feet. Cabot is headquartered in Boston with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Tokyo, Munich, Houston, New York and Orlando. For more information, visit www.cabotprop.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924067385/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: ICR on behalf of Cabot Properties CabotPR@icrinc.com - Despite a rise in return-to-office mandates, the majority of hybrid workers in the UK attend the office three (41%) or four (27%) days a week - Over half (51%) of workers schedule personal appointments during traditional working hours - More than a third (35%) of UK workers have participated in clock-blocking, showing an appetite to protect their time at work The UK workforce is bending the workplace rulebook, expecting greater autonomy, innovative technology, and benefits like the four-day week, according to hybrid meeting technology leader, Owl Labs, in its annual State of Hybrid Work Report, launching today. The report, based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 full-time employees across the UK, demonstrates that a flexibility-first approach is the main driver of career decisions and satisfaction at work. The majority (93%) of UK workers would take action if they were no longer allowed to work remotely or hybrid, while the top reason employees are looking for a new job is in pursuit of a better work/life balance, consistent with 2024 (50%) and up from 41% in 2023. Flex marks the spot as UK workers prioritise fluid schedules The traditional 9-to-5 office routine is no longer the default for the UK workforce. Instead, employees are calling for more flexible schedules and jobs that fit with the realities of their lives, with almost half (44%) prepared to reject any role that does not offer flexible hours. This boundary has become stricter in the last year; in 2024, 39% of employees said they would reject a job without flexible hours. More than half (51%) now schedule personal appointments during work hours, with most (41%) taking up to an hour daily for these. Of those doing so, employees with caring responsibilities are more likely to consciously schedule appointments regularly during work hours (26%) compared to those without such responsibilities (17%). In a similar vein, over two thirds (67%) of UK workers are interested in microshifting: working in short, non-linear blocks in line with their energy, duties, or productivity. This increases to 72% for Gen Z and Millennials, compared to 45% for Gen X and 19% for Boomers. True flexibility is also about the structure of the work week, with almost three quarters (73%) of employees seeing the four-day week as an important benefit. This trend is particularly strong among Millennials (77%) and Gen Z (72%), while only 38% of Boomers feel the same. UK employees would give up an average of 8% of their salary for a four-day work week, with 45% saying they would give up 10% or more of their salary. Workforces push back: Work-to-rule and coffee badging on the rise Employees are using a range of tactics to resist traditional working patterns. The most popular approach this year is 'work-to-rule', whereby employees are strict about performing only the tasks outlined in their job descriptions, within their contracted hours. Almost half (44%) of UK employees have already participated, of which a quarter (25%) plan to continue. A third (33%) of people have engaged with taskmasking, or creating the illusion of busyness without engaging in meaningful work, a number which rises to 37% among Gen Z and 35% for Millennials. Over 1 in 3 (35%) admit that they "clock block", where they block out time in their calendar to protect it from meetings. Almost half (44%) participate in "coffee badging"; going to the office for just a few hours to show their face, and then going home, a trend which has steadily risen from 23% in 2023 and 39% in 2024. This practice is most popular among managers (48%), compared to non-managers (28%). With regard to meetings, almost four in five (79%) think that having meetings from 4:30 pm onwards is too late, reflecting a greater acceptance for the non-linear work day. This number drops to 63% for non-managers, who appear more accepting of later meetings, while 80% of managers reject them. "Our data demonstrates that hybrid working is no longer just about when and where we work. Rather, the rise in trends like coffee badging and work-to-rule demonstrates that UK employees are also looking for true fluidity in how they work. The expectation isn't that everyone should access the same level of flexibility either; over two-thirds (68%) believe that employers should provide more flexibility for those that need it most, like working parents. When employers champion this approach, they often see a productivity boost as employees feel more engaged with their work, invested in the company's success, and are therefore motivated to deliver better results," said Frank Weishaupt, CEO, Owl Labs Employees desire meaningful office connection Some organisations still persist with traditional expectations, including return-to-office (RTO) mandates. Nearly half (45%) of employees say they are concerned about being forced to be in the office full-time, a preoccupation which has risen from 42% in 2024. Yet, the majority (67%) said that their employer hasn't changed their policy in the last year, a number which rises to 81% among fully remote workers compared to hybrid (64%) and full-time office workers (68%). As such, while employees are troubled by the idea of a mandated RTO, many aren't yet affected. The majority of employees instead work hybrid, spending three days a week in the office (41%) most commonly. Over a quarter of employees (27%) attend four days, and a small minority (10%) commute just once a week. Very few want to be in the office full-time; only 15% would prefer this, while the majority (74%) favour a hybrid approach. Nearly four in ten (39%) say they wouldn't join a company that restricts their choice of working location. For the vast majority 84% overall, and 88% among those in large organisations being able to work in a range of locations is a key factor in job satisfaction. Interestingly, employees often understand and even appreciate the motivations behind RTO policies. The vast majority see these decisions as rooted in reinforcing company culture and cohesion (79%), a sentiment that is significantly higher for full-time office workers (82%) compared with hybrid workers (77%) and full-time remote workers (55%). Other reasons include greater leadership visibility (78%), and the desire to boost collaboration and productivity (77%). This suggests that while mandates remain contentious, workers want in-person moments to be meaningful. Technology powers the flexible era Technology acts as an important facilitator of workplace collaboration, with an overwhelming majority (89%) of UK employees believing that access to good technology is important, up from 83% in 2024, and only behind compensation (92%), and a supportive manager (91%). In response, businesses have stepped up their investment: this year, the top three changes to office environments all relate to tech, with 42% of organisations introducing AI tools, 38% increasing IT support, and 35% upgrading meeting room equipment. "Employees want technology that simply works, no matter where they are or who they're working with," said Frank Weishaupt, CEO, Owl Labs. "The most successful organisations are building flexible ecosystems that combine intuitive hardware, powerful software, and AI to remove friction and empower teams. When the right tools are in place, people can focus on outcomes, not on troubleshooting tech. AI in particular is reshaping the workplace at speed. Three quarters (75%) of employers are actively encouraging AI adoption. The majority (87%) of employees already use AI at work, with managers (93%) leading the charge versus non-managers (62%). In 2024, 68% of employees leveraged AI at work, highlighting a marked uptick in adoption this year. Flexibility is no longer a desire for employees; it's a necessity. Forward-thinking employers who champion hybrid models and meet employees where they are, alongside investing in flexible technology, will be those who retain top talent and push for growth. Methodology An online survey was conducted in July 2025 by Vitreous World in which 8,000 full-time office workers (in-office, hybrid, and remote) across the UK, US, Germany, and France (2,000 per market) were interviewed. About Owl Labs Owl Labs is the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions for hybrid organisations. Its connected device system and Owl Intelligence System software make meetings more inclusive and collaborative by levelling the playing field between remote and in-room participants. The Meeting Owl 4+ is the latest generation of the first WiFi-enabled, 360-degree camera, microphone and speaker that automatically zooms in on whoever's speaking. Owl Labs has raised $47 million in funding and is based in Boston, with remote and hybrid employees all over the world. To learn more and explore the company's research on the State of Hybrid Work, visit OwlLabs.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924468170/en/ Contacts: press@owllabs.com LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With two weeks to go until The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, the bars ranked from No.51 to No.100 have been revealed for the ninth year. The annual list is created by votes from more than 800 independent experts, including bartenders, educators and drinks writers. The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 different cities across the world There are 16 new entries on the list, ranging from Sao Paulo and San Francisco to Barcelona and New Delhi Two cities feature for the first time: Taichung and Medellin USA leads with eight bars from across Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco Europe leads the way with 15 bars on the list The 51-100 list includes 12 bars in Asia Returning to Asia for its 17th annual edition, The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 will gather the global drinks industry in Hong Kong in celebration of the finest cocktail experiences worldwide. With the 51-100 list, 50 Best continues to shine a light on an even wider array of remarkable bars and cocktail destinations, amplifying its recognition of excellence on a global scale. New entries for 2025 include Mexico City's Bar Mauro (No.54), New York's Schmuck (No.59), Sao Paulo's Eximia (No.61), San Francisco's True Laurel (No.64), Hong Kong's Gokan (No.70), Taichung's Vender (No.74), London's Three Sheets Soho (No.80), Medellin's Mamba Negra (No.81) and Bar Carmen (No.100), Buenos Aires' Victor Audio Bar (No.87), Bangkok's Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.88) and Opium (No.92), Barcelona's Foco (No.89), Los Angeles' Mirate (No.93), New Delhi's Lair (No.96) and Florence's Gucci Giardino (No.99). The full list can be viewed here. Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, says: "The extended 51-100 list is another opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity and world-class hospitality that define the very best in the business. Today, we raise a glass to those venues that go above and beyond, offer congratulations to the incredible teams whose hard work has earned their bar a spot on this prestigious list and hope it encourages more people to discover their next drinking destination." The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel here at 20.00 Hong Kong time on 8 October 2025. Media centre: http://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774051/TW50BB2025_results_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774050/50_Best_Bars_2025_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-worlds-50-best-bars-unveils-list-of-bars-ranked-from-51-100-302564656.html With 16 new entries, the extended list sets the stage for the live announcement of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, taking place on 8 October in Hong Kong LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With just two weeks remaining until the unveiling of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, the bars ranked from No.51 to No.100 have been revealed for the ninth consecutive year. The annual list is created from the votes of a panel of more than 800 independent experts, including acclaimed bartenders, educators, cocktail authorities and award-winning drinks writers. The 51-100 List in Numbers The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 different cities across the world There are 16 new entries on the list including from Bangkok, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Medellin and New Delhi on the list including from Bangkok, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Medellin and New Delhi Bars from the USA lead the extended list once again with eight bars from across five cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco Europe leads the way with 15 bars on the list, including four from Spain and four from Italy The 51-100 list includes 12 bars in Asia, three of which are in Hong Kong Mamba Negra and Bar Carmen from Medellin and Vender from Taichung mark the first ever entries from these cities For the full 51-100 list, please refer to the accompanying graphic or scroll to the bottom of this release. Returning to Asia for its 17th annual edition, The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 will gather the global drinks industry in Hong Kong in celebration of the finest cocktail experiences worldwide. Honouring the creativity, dedication and achievements of exceptional teams and individuals across the drinks world, 50 Best continues to shine a light on an even wider array of remarkable bars and cocktail destinations with the release of the 51-100 list, amplifying its recognition of excellence on a global scale. Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, says: "The extended 51-100 list is another opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity and world-class hospitality that define the very best in the business - and this ninth edition does not disappoint. From brand new destinations and emerging markets to beloved favourites, the extended ranking shines a light on even more of the world's finest bars. Today, we raise a glass to those venues that go above and beyond, offer congratulations to the incredible teams whose hard work has earned their bar a spot on this prestigious list and hope it encourages more people to discover their next drinking destination." For the third consecutive year, bars in the USA top the 51-100 list Of the 20 bars from the Americas, establishments from the USA lead the 51-100 list once again with a total of eight bars. New York is home to four of these, including new entry Schmuck at No.59; Attaboy rises 12 places to No.72; Martiny's is at No.75 and Employees Only is at No.95. Elsewhere, new entries True Laurel in San Francisco and Mirate in Los Angeles are No.64 and No.93 respectively, with a triumphant return for Kumiko in Chicago at No.97. Cafe La Trova in Miami is at No.82. Mexico follows closely behind with five bars: Mexico City's Licoreria Limantour at No.52, new entry Bar Mauro at No.54 and Baltra Bar at No.78. Guadalajara's El Gallo Altanero is at No.71 alongside Tulum's Arca at No.77. In Canada, Toronto's Bar Pompette has risen 15 places to No.55. New entry Eximia in Sao Paulo leads in Latin America at No.61. For the first time ever, bars from Medellin feature on the list with two new entries in Mamba Negra (No.81) and Bar Carmen (No.100). Bogota's La Sala de Laura is at No.68. In Buenos Aires, new entry Victor Audio Bar is at No.87 and Floreria Atlantico is at No.90. Spain and Italy shine brightly, as Europe leads with the most bars Of a total 15 entries for Europe, Spain and Italy are each represented by four bars on the list. Madrid's Angelita is at No.51 with Barcelona's Dr. Stravinsky (No.83) and Boadas (No.85) returning to the list alongside new entry Foco (No.89). Rome's Freni e Frizioni (No.58) and Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (No.98) are joined by L'Antiquario (No.63) in Naples and Gucci Giardino (No.99), a new entry from Florence. The UK follows with three entries for London, including A Bar with Shapes For a Name at No.73, Kwant Mayfair at No.79 and new entry Three Sheets Soho at No.80. Elsewhere on the continent, Berlin's Wax On is at No.57, Athens' Barro Negro is at No.62, Copenhagen's Bird is at No.66 and Stockholm's Tjoget re-enters the list at No.76. In Asia, bars in Hong Kong lead for the first time since 2019; a bar from Taichung appears for the first time Taking the crown from Singapore for the first time in five years, bars in Hong Kong now lead in Asia with three on the 51-100 list; Argo at No.56, new entry Gokan at No.70 and The Savory Project at No.86. Japan and Thailand follow with two bars each: The SG Club (No.65) and re-entry Bar Trench (No.94) in Tokyo and two new entries for Bangkok with Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.88) and Opium (No.92). Elsewhere in Asia, Seoul's Bar Cham is at No.53 and Smoke & Bitters in Hiriketiya, which was the first entry for Sri Lanka in 2024, rises 19 places to No.67. Vender in Taichung becomes the first bar from the city to make the list at No.74 and is joined by another newcomer, Lair in New Delhi, at No.96. Native in Singapore is No.84. Nairobi and Dubai continue their ascent Hero Bar in Nairobi lands at No.69, while LPM Dubai, a new entry in 2024, has risen 16 places to No.60. In Australia, Melbourne's Byrdi is at No.91. The countdown of the list of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience on 8 October 2025. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best TV channel on YouTube . EDITOR'S NOTES: 51-100 List: Position Establishment Location 51 Angelita Madrid 52 Licoreria Limantour Mexico City 53 Bar Cham Seoul 54 Bar Mauro Mexico City 55 Bar Pompette Toronto 56 Argo Hong Kong 57 Wax On Berlin 58 Freni e Frizioni Rome 59 Schmuck New York 60 LPM Dubai Dubai 61 Eximia Sao Paulo 62 Barro Negro Athens 63 L'Antiquario Naples 64 True Laurel San Francisco 65 The SG Club Tokyo 66 Bird Copenhagen 67 Smoke & Bitters Hiriketiya 68 La Sala de Laura Bogota 69 Hero Bar Nairobi 70 Gokan Hong Kong 71 El Gallo Altanero Guadalajara 72 Attaboy New York 73 A Bar with Shapes For a Name London 74 Vender Taichung 75 Martiny's New York 76 Tjoget Stockholm 77 Arca Tulum 78 Baltra Bar Mexico City 79 Kwant Mayfair London 80 Three Sheets Soho London 81 Mamba Negra Medellin 82 Cafe La Trova Miami 83 Dr. Stravinsky Barcelona 84 Native Singapore 85 Boadas Barcelona 86 The Savory Project Hong Kong 87 Victor Audio Bar Buenos Aires 88 Dry Wave Cocktail Studio Bangkok 89 Foco Barcelona 90 Floreria Atlantico Buenos Aires 91 Byrdi Melbourne 92 Opium Bangkok 93 Mirate Los Angeles 94 Bar Trench Tokyo 95 Employees Only New York 96 Lair New Delhi 97 Kumiko Chicago 98 Jerry Thomas Speakeasy Rome 99 Gucci Giardino Florence 100 Bar Carmen Medellin For media centre access, please visit: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com Follow 50 Best Follow on Instagram: @50BestBars Worlds50BestBars Follow on X: @50BestBars Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/50BestBars Subscribe to the YouTube channel: 50 Best TV Visit the website: www.worlds50bestbars.com About The World's 50 Best Bars The World's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, provides a definitive list of the world's best drinking venues, voted for by an Academy of more than 800 experts worldwide. The World's 50 Best Bars list has been published annually since 2009 and has become the most anticipated ranking for drinks professionals and cocktail aficionados across the world, with the awards the highlight of the bar industry calendar. The list of Asia's 50 Best Bars has been published since 2016, while the list of North America's 50 Best Bars was launched in 2022. William Reed, which owns the 50 Best brand, is entirely responsible for the organisation of the awards, the voting system and the respective lists. How the voting works The list is compiled by votes from The World's 50 Best Bars Academy, which comprises more than 800 drinks experts with gender balance, including renowned bartenders and consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists from around the world. The Academy of voters is spread across 29 global geographic regions, each headed by an Academy Chair who selects their region's voters, with the distribution of voters designed to reflect the relative development and sophistication of the drinks sector, and the concentration of quality bars, in each region. Each voter casts 8 votes based on their best bar experiences of the previous 18 months. Voters are required to remain anonymous and voting is confidential, secure and independently adjudicated by Deloitte. About the main sponsor: Perrier For more than a century, Perrier has collaborated with some of the world's most influential major artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Bernard Villemot, and Jean-Gabriel Domergue, each of whom in their own way have demonstrated a certain artistic irreverence. With a history that began in 1863 in Vergeze, in the Gard region of France, the Perrier brand is now recognized worldwide thanks to its iconic green bottle. Appreciated in more than 140 countries, the brand is acclaimed for its natural mineral water combined with the power of its bubbles. About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with maximizing the contribution of tourism to Hong Kong's economy and upholding Hong Kong as a world-class travel destination. The HKTB works in partnership with relevant government departments and organizations, the travel-related sectors, and other entities related to tourism, to market and promote Hong Kong worldwide, while enhancing visitors' experiences through providing diverse and high-quality tourism products and services. The HKTB has a worldwide network of 15 offices and has representatives in seven different markets. Our partners: Hong Kong Tourism Board - Official Host Destination Partner Perrier - Official Water Partner; sponsor of The World's Best Bar Award Michter's - Official American Whiskey Partner; sponsor of Michter's Art of Hospitality Award Nikka Whisky - Official Whisky of the World Partner; sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award Ketel One - Official Vodka Partner; sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award Three Cents - Official Mixers Partner; sponsor of Three Cents Best New Opening Award Siete Misterios - Official Mezcal Partner; sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award NOAM - Official Beer Partner Disaronno - Official Italian Liqueur Partner; sponsor of Disaronno Highest New Entry Award Roku Gin - Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award Langjiu - Official Baijiu Partner Altos Tequila - Official Tequila Partner; sponsor of Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award Monkey Shoulder - Official Scotch Whisky Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Cointreau - Official Orange Liqueur Partner; sponsor of the ceremonial scarves Remy Martin - Official Cognac Partner; sponsor of Remy Martin Legend of the List Award Campari - Official Bitters Partner; sponsor of Campari One To Watch Award Torres Brandy - Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur - Official French Liqueur Partner Tia Maria - Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Almave - Official Non Alcoholic Partner Polot 1882 - Official Syrup Partner Les Vergers Boiron - Official Fruit Puree Partner Mancino Vermouth - Official Vermouth Partner; sponsor of the ceremonial shakers Amaro Lucano - Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award and the ceremonial shakers Scrappy's Bitters - Official Cocktail Bitters Partner Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong - Official Venue and Hotel Partner The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong - Official Venue and Hotel Partner Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774051/TW50BB2025_results_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774050/50_Best_Bars_2025_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-worlds-50-best-bars-unveils-list-of-bars-ranked-from-51-100-for-2025-302563374.html LUXEMBOURG and LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LiveJasmin, one of the world's most-visited premium streaming platforms, today launched its largest initiative to date: the $1,000,000 Challenge. This milestone programme introduces a record-breaking $1,000,000 grand prize for one model, supported by a multi-million-dollar prize pool distributed over several months. Running from September 24, 2025, through February 21, 2026, the competition spans ten biweekly rounds. At each stage, multiple winners will be recognised and awarded thousands of dollars in prizes, creating a steady pace of engagement and excitement leading up to the final $1,000,000 award. For participating models, the Challenge represents more than just a competition. It provides a structured opportunity to increase visibility, strengthen personal brands, and demonstrate entrepreneurial skills while working toward career-defining rewards. For many, this could mean not only financial independence but also the resources to invest back into their careers, develop content, and expand their reach globally. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' said Summer , one of LiveJasmin's top performers. 'It's amazing to see LiveJasmin truly standing behind their promise of making millionaires. For us as models, this feels like history in the making - a time when we are being recognised, supported, and given the chance to reach dreams we never thought possible.' For the first time, members are also invited to participate. By engaging with their favorite models, members earn raffle tickets and unlock chances to win credits throughout the competition. This dual approach ensures that the Challenge is not only about rewarding creators but also about giving fans an active role in the experience. This campaign is launched under the motto, 'You are not alone. Jasmin loves you.', reflecting LiveJasmin's broader mission to empower and reward its global community while introducing new benchmarks for interactive online experiences. By combining record-breaking rewards, gamified engagement, and broad community participation, the $1,000,000 Challenge sets a new precedent in the live-streaming sector. It also highlights the continuing evolution of digital platforms, where recognition, rewards, and meaningful interaction increasingly define success for creators and audiences alike. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778539/LiveJasmin_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778540/LiveJasmin_Challenge.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/1-000-000-up-for-grabs-livejasmin-launches-largest-ever-streaming-challenge-with-multi-million-dollar-prize-pool-302564657.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce that it's Maiden drilling program at the La Union gold and silver Project in Sonora, Mexico, is progressing on track and on budget, with three of the five main targets now having some initial drilling and work continuing toward completion of the current program. This update follows the Company's August 6, 2025 announcement marking the start of the program and August 19 and September 10 news releases chronicling the progress of the program. Saf Dhillon, President and Chief Executive Officer, states: "The maiden drill program has been indicating consistency with past mining, and targets are progressing with positive exploration drilling so far. The drilling is intersecting more quartzite than expected which is favorable for fracture-controlled mineralization. The property Operator, Riverside operations team is handling the current exploration program working with the local rancher and the drilling company to efficiently complete the first phase of this exploration program." The first hole at the Union Mine target was drilled southeast beneath historic workings, cutting through the Clemente and Caborca formations-both key host units for past mining at Union as described in the filed NI 43-101 report on SEDAR+ by Questcorp Mining (https://www.sedarplus.ca/csa-party/records/document.html?id=48299afdea2a73385e0513ce830753e11ddf957ee61888b81d46e76fa281ac17). The hole ended in the Caborca Formation, encountering the distinctive microconglomeratic carbonate unit that historically hosted mineralization at the bottom of the Union Mine. Samples from this hole have been delivered to Bureau Veritas in Hermosillo, Sonora, for gold fire assay, with pulps to be sent to Vancouver, Canada, for ICP-MS analysis with 4-acid digestion to determine silver, base metal, and multi-element values. This consistent analytical approach has been applied since the outset of the Union program to ensure comparability across results. Drilling then moved to the northern part of the project, testing two target areas: the El Cobre Mine area and the North Union Mine area. Here, holes were oriented perpendicular to stratigraphy and toward interpreted feeder zones along pre-mineral fault structures, primarily within the Clemente Formation. Drilling in these areas has intersected more quartzite than initially modeled, with extensive hematitic oxides-an encouraging sign for potential gold mineralization, possibly linked to sulfides that have been oxidized through supergene weathering. Historic mining in the district targeted oxides only, leaving sulfide zones untested. Riverside plans to evaluate this potential beneath past workings across four target areas: Union Mine, El Cobre, North Union, and Famosa. The program has now moved south to the Famosa target, where two initial holes are planned to test beneath and along strike from historic workings toward a steeply west-dipping, north-south-trending fault structure, as well as into host rocks on either side of this major structural feature. Famosa produced gold historically, with reported grades exceeding oz/ton Au in archived records referenced in the NI 43-101 report. The Company is encouraged by the target's potential and is eager to advance drilling here. Once this initial campaign is completed, follow-up work will integrate assay results, ongoing surface programs, additional induced polarization (IP) surveys, and refined geological interpretations based on stratigraphy and structure observed in drilling. The greater-than-expected quartzite content in the Clemente Formation supports the evolving model of fracture- and quartz-pyrite veinlet-hosted gold mineralization, which will help sharpen targeting at the Union Project. Core from all drilling has been logged, saw-cut, and half-core samples sent for assay, with remaining halves retained for reference and cataloging. The Company looks forward to completing the Famosa drilling, receiving the pending assay results, and providing further updates as this program progresses. Figure 1. Geologic map with the tenure of the Union internal concession shown in pink. Manto and chimney type CRD targets are shown as red polygons. Riverside now controls all mineral tenures on this map. The drill program will focus on the Union Mine and areas north of the Union Mine with the initial drill work. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10197/267723_25b092fc440cbaba_001full.jpg Figure 2. Cross section looking west with conceptual drill targets and schematic drillhole traces. Assays from Riverside's sampling of rock dump materials from the two mine areas are labeled in black. Red areas are interpreted as manto and chimney target bodies that are now well defined and drill ready. Assays shown on figures 1 and 2 have been previously released and disclosed as summarized below the geochemical QA/QC and in published NI 43-101 Report that Questcorp published 2025 on SEDAR+. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10197/267723_25b092fc440cbaba_002full.jpg Qualified Person & QA/QC: The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry', P. Geo (BC) a Director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Rock samples from previous exploration programs discussed above at the Project were taken to the Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for fire assaying for gold. The rejects remained with Bureau Veritas in Mexico while the pulps were transported to Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada for 45 element ICP/ES-MS analysis using 4-acid digestion methods. A QA/QC program was implemented as part of the sampling procedures for the exploration program. Standards were randomly inserted into the sample stream prior to being sent to the laboratory. About Questcorp Mining Inc. Questcorp Mining is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island copper property, on Vancouver Island, B.C., subject to a royalty obligation. The company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding completion of survey work at the North Island Copper project. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267723 SOURCE: Questcorp Mining Inc. MUMBAI, India, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Datamatics, a strategic partner to global publishers and eCommerce retailers, is pleased to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious Indo-American Corporate Excellence (IACE) Award 2025 in the category "Excellence in Service (Indian Company in US)". The recognition was presented by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) at the 21st edition of the awards, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The distinguished award honors Indian companies that have delivered best-in-class services while significantly contributing to the strengthening of Indo-US business relations. The award winners this year featured prominent industry leaders such as HCLTech, Tech Mahindra and Hindalco & Co. Lumina Datamatics was unanimously selected by an eminent jury comprising Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Event Chair and Chairman, Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates; Ms. Kaku Nakhate, President and India Country Head, Bank of America; Mr. Dinesh Kumar Khara, Former Chairman, State Bank of India; Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao, Past National President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and Jury Mentor; and Mr. A. Sekhar, National President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes Lumina Datamatics for its unwavering commitment to client success, operational excellence, and its ability to deliver impact across global markets. The ceremony witnessed over 250 industry leaders coming together to celebrate excellence in Indo-US trade relations. The event featured Chief Guest Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Guest of Honor Mr. Joe Yang, Principal Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, highlighting the significance of strengthening bilateral business partnerships. Acknowledging the achievement, Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman & CEO, TNQTech, said: "We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from IACC. This award is a testament to the relentless efforts of our teams across geographies, who embody our vision of delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and building stronger global partnerships. Together, we are proud to contribute to the growth of Indo-US business collaborations." The award marks a significant milestone in Lumina Datamatics' journey and is a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of its people. As the company continues to grow as a trusted global service partner, this recognition further reinforces its commitment to delivering value-driven solutions for its clients worldwide. About Indo-American Corporate Excellence Awards: Instituted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in 2004, the IACE awards recognize and honour Indian companies in the U.S. and U.S. companies in India for outstanding contributions to trade, business, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The awards celebrate excellence across categories such as Manufacturing, Services, Sustainability & Climate Action, MSME Exports, and Leadership, highlighting organizations and individuals that strengthen Indo-U.S. economic ties. Open to companies with at least two years of cross-border operations, the nominations are evaluated by an eminent jury, with winners selected for their sustained performance, innovation, and impact. The 21st edition of the IACE Awards was held on September 19, 2025, in Mumbai, continuing its legacy as a premier platform to showcase corporate excellence in Indo-U.S. relations. About Lumina Datamatics: Lumina Datamatics is a trusted partner in providing digital Content Services, Retail Support Services, and Technology Solutions to companies in the Publishing and Retail Industries worldwide. We are among the largest service providers in the Content space, and our customers include nine of the ten largest Publishers and three of the five largest Retailers and Marketplaces. Lumina Datamatics' expert solutions combine its various in-house and client-facing platforms, partnerships with global technology leaders, and more than 7,000 professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Philippines, and India. Media Contact: pr@luminad.com EQS-News: African Energy Chamber / Key word(s): Miscellaneous The Way of a Legend; An Italian Champion of African Energy: Eni Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Claudio Descalzi (By NJ Ayuk) 24.09.2025 / 09:45 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The Way of a Legend; An Italian Champion of African Energy: Eni Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Claudio Descalzi (By NJ Ayuk) As a longtime promoter of African energy potential, Descalzi has overseen major hydrocarbon projects in countries from Congo to Libya to Nigeria - both oil and natural gas JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 23, 2025/APO Group/ -- By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber ( https://EnergyChamber.org ). I know Mr. Descalzi as a shrewd negotiator, a disciplined CEO, and a strong advocate of natural gas development on our continent. As he champions African energy independence and sovereignty, natural gas has been and remains key to his work in Africa. Even during difficult times, he has persisted in furthering his company's investments in Africa, as he did following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that critical time, he encouraged the EU to consider imports from Africa to replace Russian petroleum, including the 20 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Russian gas Italy was importing annually. As a longtime promoter of African energy potential, Descalzi has overseen major hydrocarbon projects in countries from Congo to Libya to Nigeria - both oil and natural gas. Under his leadership, Eni has launched some of the continent's fastest-moving liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects while prioritizing low carbon output. Along with the business side of his role, the CEO has encouraged the company's country managers and executives to take on many social responsibility efforts in Africa. On a more personal note, when you talk to many African President's, Ministers and business leaders, he is always a source of wise counsel - something I see as the mark of a true legend. He is always willing to work with others and share his experiences and knowledge about doing business in other markets. The Man and the Company A native of Milan and a 1979 physics graduate of the city's namesake university, Descalzi has a deep history with Eni, having started in 1981 as a field petroleum engineer. His broad understanding of the industry and the company has been forged within many roles of increasing responsibility - in Africa, the Middle East, China, and - from 2010 to 2014 -as Chairman of Eni UK. In May of 2014, he took on the role of CEO for Eni. Among the founding CEOs of the 2014 Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, Descalzi is also a member of the European Round Table for Industry and co-chair of the Oil and Gas Governors Community of the World Economic Forum. A Visiting Fellow at The University of Oxford, he has received many significant industry awards, among them the esteemed Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal award from the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Institute of Mining Engineers. To its great credit, Eni has been working in Africa since the 1950s to develop the continent's resources and form partnerships that secure a supply of natural gas and advance the world's energy transition. Those efforts, employing a mix of traditional, renewable, and bio energy, are making progress toward the 2050 Net Zero target in 13 African countries. It's also important to note that the company employs thousands in Africa, and that 80% of the gas it produces there goes to local markets. Eni Activity in Africa Under Descalzi's Leadership Egypt, Algeria, and Libya have been cornerstones of Eni's African presence. Eni's history in Libya began in 1959 with the acquisition of its first concession. After a 10-year hiatus in onshore drilling in Libya, caused primarily by the country's civil war, Descalzi made sure that Eni was one of the first companies to re-enter the country in 2024. Eni's activities in Algeria date back to the early 1980s, and Algeria remains one of the company's largest suppliers of gas to Europe. Egypt, meanwhile, gained global attention in 2015 with Eni's Zohr discovery, one of the largest gas finds ever in the Mediterranean. Eni now plans to invest close to USD9 billion each in Algeria and Egypt, as well as Libya, over the next four years. Descalzi has stated ( https://apo-opa.co/3W5aMHC ), "Internal demand in these countries - because of demographic growth - is increasing at about 7 to 8% every year, this means they need gas they need investment." In Angola, I was lucky to have been with Mr. Descalzi when his efforts alongside BP to launch the Agogo floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel and to form the first major international oil company (IOC) joint venture in Africa, Azule Energy. During a recent meeting with Angolan President Lourenco in Luanda, the two leaders talked about Azule's exploration and delivery achievements. They noted that the Agogo, planned to become the first carbon-neutral FPSO in Angola, began production 10 months ahead of the original plan. As the biggest independent equity oil and gas producer in Angola, Azule Energy holds 18 licenses, 11 of which are operating and producing a total of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd). Congo: In 2023,Descalzi was instrumental in launching the Congo LNG project, encompassing the installation of two floating LNG (FLNG) plants to process gas from the country's current and future fields, helping foster European energy security, while providing sufficient gas for Africa. Tango FLNG, with a 0.6 million tons per annum (MTPA) capacity, began production in December 2023. Nguya FLNG is set to begin production (2.4 MTPA) by the end of this year, boosting the total capacity of the project to 3 MTPA. In Cote d'Ivoire, under Descalzi's leadership, Eni has been working since 2015, and is currently working in 10 deepwater blocks. Eni's Baleine field offshore project is the first net-zero upstream project in the world for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. After Eni fast-tracked the building project, it went from discovery to first oil in less than 19 months. Baleine Phase 1 began production in 2023, and Phase 2 started producing in December 2024. Phase 2 is expected to meet local energy needs by connecting with pipeline constructed during Phase 1 and solidifying Cote d'Ivoire's status as a producer. Elsewhere on the continent: In Mozambique, while many companies evacuated due to escalating violence and terror attacks in Cabo Delgado province since 2017, the CEO chose to proceed with Eni's Coral South and Coral Norte FLNG projects, achieving a final investment decision (FID) for Coral South in 2017 and advancing Coral Norte to pre-FID stage, despite serious security concerns. In Namibia, Descalzi is looking toward more exploration. And,as a legacy producer in Nigeria,Eni, under his leadership, plans to continue working on deepwater and LNG projects, while expanding into the agri-feedstock sector as per the company's 2023-2026 plan ( https://apo-opa.co/3Vs8UIS ). Social Responsibility Efforts Eni's social responsibility initiatives include something very dear to Descalzi's heart - facilitating clean cooking in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, approximately 1 billion Africans lack access to clean cooking. The African Energy Chamber is heartened to see Descalzi's efforts on this front, including Angola's Clean Cooking Program, begun in 2024, which already benefits over 500,000 residents in seven of the country's provinces. He is pushing to get 2 million people in the country access to clean cooking technology very quickly. On the employment front, Descalzi is ensuring the training and development of Africans - and that they are hired at the highest levels. He is also empowering African women by providing jobs throughout the company. Countless African women can tell stories of him giving them opportunities in the industry. I would compare Mr. Descalzi to Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of TotalEnergies, in his engagement with African presidents. He personally goes to each country Eni operates in, unlike most CEOs. He builds personal relationships with presidents and ministers, showing a humility that has made him one of the most favorite CEOs among the IOCs in Africa. This was illustrated in his September 2025 meetings with Angola's President Lourenco, where the two talked about Azule's continuing work on the health, education, and economic diversification fronts. This work includes support for Luanda's Cardiopulmonary Hospital Complex, business training and financial education programs, and construction and rehabilitation of 14 facilities to help educate over 17,000 children. His style is not to stop with getting to know the well-knowns, either. He sits with young Africans and jokes with them, motivates and encourages them. We Applaud Descalzi It is fitting that we applaud a man who has made a global energy giant a truly African company. Eni's expertise is evident in all it does in Africa, with its great exploration teams and the projects it completes in a timely, technically savvy way. In his own quiet way, without international fanfare, Descalzi has worked to the benefit of Africa and Africans. Descalzi's care for Africa shows; although he oversees operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, he engages the most with Africa, making Africa the largest part of his work. In short, Africa is part of his family. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. Download Image: https://apo-opa.co/4mvkYnO (Claudio Descalzi, Chief Executive Officer, Eni) 24.09.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Heathrow (LHR) is top ranked for a third consecutive year. Istanbul (IST) climbs six places from 2024 to second ranked Megahub in 2025. Asia dominates low-cost with Kuala Lumpur (KUL) top for low-cost connections. LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025. In its tenth anniversary year, Megahubs provides the definitive ranking of the world's most connected airports by analyzing destinations served and scheduled connections at each. London Heathrow celebrates three consecutive years as the world's top Megahub and was the most internationally connected airport in 2015, the year of Megahubs' inaugural ranking. Over the past decade, the number of international destinations served at LHR has grown by 24%, underscoring its position as a leading hub for global travelers. Istanbul, where Turkish Airlines operate 79% of flights, has surged from 8th to 2nd place year-on-year, thanks to a 25% increase in potential connections. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) rounds out an all-European top three, moving up one place. Kuala Lumpur takes joint fourth in the global list, highest ranked Asian airport and leader in low-cost connectivity. AirAsia accounts for 36% of flights at KUL. Sharing fourth is Frankfurt (FRA), climbing from tenth last year. In the US, Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is top international hub, while JFK drops from 6th to 14th in 2025. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is close behind ORD in 8th. Three Middle Eastern airports make the global top 50: Dubai International (DXB) ranks highest in 15th, with Riyadh (RUH) and Doha (DOH) also included. RUH rises 11 places year-on-year, overtaking DOH. John Grant, OAG's Chief Analyst said: "Heathrow's sustained dominance as a Megahub reflects its vital role in global travel, while Istanbul's rapid rise up the ranks shows that hubs are evolving to meet demand. Our 2025 ranking underscores the balance between established gateways and ambitious challengers worldwide, which has developed over ten years of OAG Megahubs." Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer, at Heathrow said: "We're proud to celebrate three consecutive years as the world's most connected airport. This achievement reflects our global reach, the strong airline partnerships that enable it, and the benefits it brings to UK passengers and businesses. With our future plans for expansion, we will be able to offer even more opportunities to discover new destinations, trade with more markets and connect with the world through Heathrow." OAG Megahubs is based on flight data from the 100 largest and 100 largest international airports, measured by total scheduled seats for the year. Rankings use data from the busiest day in global aviation between September 2024 and August 2025, which was Friday, 1 August 2025. About OAG OAG is a leading data platform for the global travel industry offering an industry-first single source for supply, demand, and pricing data. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY0) ("Riverside" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling at the Union Project in Sonora, Mexico, is progressing on track and on budget, with three of the five main targets now having some initial drilling and work continuing toward completion of the current program. This update follows the Company's July 7, 2025 announcement outlining preparations for drilling and the August 6, 2025 news release marking the start of the program. "We are pleased to see the Union Project drill program advancing on schedule and on budget, with key targets now being tested," commented John-Mark Staude, President and CEO of Riverside Resources. "The geological information we're gathering, the mineralization indicators, particularly the structural and stratigraphic details, is already refining our exploration model and setting us up for the next stages as the program moves ahead. We look forward to drilling the high-potential Famosa target and to receiving the assay results from the work completed so far as the Riverside team operates working with the drill company." The first hole at the Union Mine target was drilled southeast beneath historic workings, cutting through the Clemente and Caborca formations, both key host units for past mining at Union as described in the NI 43-101 report on SEDAR+ filed on May 7, 2025, by Questcorp Mining (QQQ). The hole ended in the Caborca Formation, encountering the distinctive microconglomeratic carbonate unit that historically hosted mineralization at the bottom of the Union Mine. Samples from this hole have been delivered to Bureau Veritas in Hermosillo, Sonora, for gold fire assay, with pulps to be sent to Vancouver, Canada, for ICP-MS analysis with 4-acid digestion to determine silver, base metal, and multi-element values. This consistent analytical approach has been applied since the outset of the Union program to ensure comparability across results. Drilling then moved to the northern part of the project, testing two target areas: the El Cobre Mine area and the North Union Mine area. Here, holes were oriented perpendicular to stratigraphy and toward interpreted feeder zones along pre-mineral fault structures, primarily within the Clemente Formation. Drilling in these areas has intersected more quartzite than initially modeled, with extensive hematitic oxides, an encouraging sign for potential gold mineralization, possibly linked to sulfides that have been oxidized through supergene weathering. Historic mining in the district targeted oxides only, leaving sulfide zones untested. Riverside plans to evaluate this potential beneath past workings across four target areas: Union Mine, El Cobre, North Union, and Famosa. The program has now moved south to the Famosa target, where two initial holes are planned to test beneath and along strike from historic workings toward a steeply west-dipping, north-south-trending fault structure, as well as into host rocks on either side of this major structural feature. Famosa produced gold historically, with reported grades exceeding oz/ton Au in archived records referenced in the NI 43-101 report. The Company is encouraged by the target's potential and is eager to advance drilling here. Once this initial campaign is completed, follow-up work will integrate assay results, ongoing surface programs, additional induced polarization (IP) surveys, and refined geological interpretations based on stratigraphy and structure observed in drilling. The greater-than-expected quartzite content in the Clemente Formation supports the evolving model of fracture- and quartz-pyrite veinlet-hosted gold mineralization, which will help sharpen targeting at the Union Project. Core from all drilling has been logged, saw-cut, and half-core samples sent for assay, with remaining halves retained for reference and cataloging. The Company looks forward to completing the Famosa drilling, receiving the pending assay results, and providing further updates as this program progresses. Figure 1. Geologic map with the tenure of the Union internal concession shown in pink. Manto and chimney type CRD targets are shown as red polygons. Riverside now controls all mineral tenures on this map. The drill program will focus on the Union Mine and areas north of the Union Mine with the initial drill work. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/267702_3d2170133406b9a6_002full.jpg Figure 2. Cross section looking west with conceptual drill targets and schematic drillhole traces. Assays from Riverside's sampling of rock dump materials from the two mine areas are labeled in black. Red areas are interpreted as manto and chimney target bodies that are now well defined and drill ready. Assays shown on figures 1 and 2 have been previously released and disclosed as summarized below the geochemical QA/QC and in published NI 43-101 Report that Questcorp published 2025 on Sedar+. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/267702_3d2170133406b9a6_003full.jpg Qualified Person & QA/QC: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Project was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources Inc., who is responsible for ensuring that the information provided in this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Rock samples from previous exploration programs discussed above at the Project were taken to the Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for fire assaying for gold. The rejects remained with Bureau Veritas in Mexico while the pulps were transported to Bureau Veritas laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada for 45 element ICP/ES-MS analysis using 4-acid digestion methods. A QA/QC program was implemented as part of the sampling procedures for the exploration program. Standards were randomly inserted into the sample stream prior to being sent to the laboratory. About Riverside Resources Inc.: Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has a solid balance sheet with no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com. ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC. "John-Mark Staude" Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the risk that the Transaction will not be completed as contemplates, or at all, availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267702 SOURCE: Riverside Resources Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Homeland Uranium Corp. (TSXV: HLU) (OTCQB: HLUCF) (FSE: D3U) ("Homeland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shift Exploration Inc. ("Shift") has received the necessary approvals from both the US Bureau of Land Management (the "BLM") and the Colorado Division of Mine Reclamation and Safety (the "DMRS") to commence the Company's planned drilling program at the Coyote Basin Project, in Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties, in northwest Colorado. Both the DMRS and BLM have approved the Notice of Intent Permit application that was submitted in early July (see Homeland News Release of July 9, 2025 at https://homeland-uranium.com/news-releases/2025/homeland-files-notice-of-intent-with-blm-to-conduct-drilling2025-07-09-050502 or at Sedarplus.ca). The permit approves the drilling required to complete Part 1 of Phase 1 Exploration Plan at Coyote Basin. allowing for the drilling of approximately 35 reverse circulation holes totalling approximately 17,000 ft (5,300 m) that will be focussed on the key historical resource-bearing locations identified by previous operators and during the Company's June mapping and prospecting program. The entire Phase I exploration plan to evaluate the historical resource estimate at Coyote Basin consists of 50 to 70 holes totalling approximately 33,000 ft (10,000 m). Location of all Part 2 holes will be contingent on the results of Part 1 and will require a separate permit from the BLM and DMRS. With receipt of this permit, the Company can now finalize the services contracts negotiated with the preferred drilling contractor and other service providers. It is anticipated that the Part 1 drilling program will commence around October 15th. "The timely receipt of our exploration permit from the DMRS and BLM is a milestone that shareholders have been awaiting since the inception of Company in March. We are excited to be able to kick off our maiden drill program at Coyote Basin and commence the work of proving up the historical resource estimate reported by the previous project operators. The permitted Part 1 program will allow the Company to further refine target selection for the second half of the Phase 1 drilling program and initiate the first steps of the metallurgical evaluation process of Coyote Basin uranium mineralization, both of which are key Company objectives," stated Roger Lemaitre, President & CEO of Homeland. About Homeland Uranium Corp. Homeland Uranium is a mineral exploration company focused on becoming a premier US-focused and resource-bearing uranium explorer and developer. The Company is the 100% owner of the Coyote Basin and Red Wash uranium projects in northwestern Colorado. Homeland is in the process of closing a transaction to acquire 100% of the Skull Creek uranium project located adjacent to the Red Wash uranium project as reported in the Company's news release dated September 22, 2025 available on the Homeland website at https://homeland-uranium.com/news-releases/2025/homeland-to-acquire-historical-uranium-resources-at-skull-cr2025-09-22-010502 or on the Company's profile on SEDARplus.ca. The Coyote Basin Project is reported by Energy Metals Corporation in its quarterly Management Discussion and Analysis dated September 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to contain an estimated historical resource of 8,850,000 tons grading 0.20% U3O8 and 0.10% V2O5 totalling 35.4 million pounds of U3O8 and 17.7 million pounds of V205 (see Energy Metal's SEC disclosure at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1361605/000106299306003601/exhibit99-2.htm). This resource was calculated by the previous project operator, Western Mining Resources, based on a 1978-79 program of surface sampling, coring, drill hole chip sampling and gamma logging of 24 widely spaced holes (private internal report, Western Mining, Executive Summary, Coyote Basin Uranium District, Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties, State of Colorado, January, 1980). The Company is not treating the Coyote Basin historical resource estimate as current mineral resources and the reader is cautioned not to rely on either of these estimates. A Qualified Person (as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) has not done sufficient work to classify the historical resources from the project as current mineral resources or mineral reserves nor can the Company or the Qualified Person comment on the quality or verify the data obtained from the assay sampling programs from the project that were used to determine these historical resource estimates, as such information was not included in the historical reports acquired by Homeland. The Company is not treating the historical resource estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the Company and the Qualified Person is unable to compare the historical resource estimate to the CIM's current resource classification system at this time. The Coyote Basin Project any future NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate will require considerable further evaluation which will include completion of the Phase I drilling program and may require addition drilling to follow-up Phase 1 results. Qualified Person Nancy Normore., P.Geo., the Company's Vice President, Exploration, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the completion of the transaction, confirmation of the historical resource estimates, the Company's expectations and strategic plans in relation to the exploration of the Company's uranium mineral properties, including all phases of the exploration program at the Coyote Basin and Red Wash uranium projects in Colorado, and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals to complete the transaction as contemplated. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: the availability of funds; the ability to complete the transaction; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; future demand for energy; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the availability of funds; the ability to complete the transaction as contemplated; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the captions "Risks Factors" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's disclosure materials filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267728 SOURCE: Homeland Uranium Corp. The World's Only Event Bringing Together Fixed and Mobile Markets in the Telco Industry When the global telecom industry gathers in Paris for Network X 2025 (October 14 16), attendees can expect more than keynote speeches and panel debates. This year's edition unites the sector's most influential players under one roof with an interactive expo floor and new event features. From AI-powered broadband networks and 5G monetisation to sustainable infrastructure and satellite connectivity, leading technology sponsors, live demonstrations and dynamic stage presentations will showcase the innovations shaping Europe's digital future. The show floor is designed to immerse attendees in the latest telecom technologies transforming society. Industry giants and innovators, including Nokia, Huawei, Adtran, Intel, Qualcomm, ZTE and Ciena, alongside dozens of startups, will offer hands-on demos bringing fresh ideas and practical solutions to the ecosystem. Special event features curated for the Network X 2025 agenda include: Wireless Global Congress EMEA by WBA (October 13-16): The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) co-locates for the third consecutive year, bringing the Wireless Global Congress EMEA, the home of the largest Wi-Fi technology event. UBBF 2025 (October 13-14): As the world's premier ultra-broadband industry, Huawei proudly presents the 11th Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF 2025). BDC by WBBA (October 14): The annual Broadband Development Congress by the World Broadband Association (BDC by WBBA) explores how telcos can lead the development of sovereign, future-ready infrastructure that enables AI-driven services, attracts strategic investment, and supports sustainable economic development. Data Center World at Network X (October 14-16): A three-day programme focused on data centre investments in IT and digital infrastructure to support the burgeoning capacity demands. Network X Awards (October 14): Now in its third year, the Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across Europe's telecom industry. In addition to the co-located events, Network X also offers experiences for professionals at every stage of their careers from those entering the field to established thought leaders. The Emerging Telecom Leaders Programme fosters the next generation of talent by providing a platform for invited telecom speakers and VIPs to nominate an employee, under 30 years of age, to attend this important industry event. Further networking opportunities include the Network X Party, a 5km Run through Paris, and a breakfast briefing with Omdia Network X will take place October 14-16 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and presented in thanks to sponsors, including Qualcomm, Orange, Bitdefender, CIG, Huawei, Nokia, Taara, 1finity, Adtran, Adeptic Reply, Applogic Networks, Aprecomm, Cujo AI, Ericsson, Fibocom, Heights, Intel, Ciena, Ekinops, Ribbon Communications, and Tejas Networks. For further information and to register for the event, visit www.networkxevent.com/. About Network X Network X returns to Paris on October 14-16, 2025, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles as the only global event that unites the fixed and mobile telecom markets. Bringing together over 5,500 senior network infrastructure and service professionals, including 1,500+ operators from telco operators, Network X serves as a hub for industry leaders, technology vendors, policymakers, analysts, and media. The 2025 event will explore five key themes shaping the future of connectivity: Fibre, Wi-Fi Networks and Services, Optical Transport, Mobile Networks, Mobile Services and Data Centres. With a focus on monetising next-generation fixed, mobile, satellite and transport networks through AI and cloud, Network X provides a comprehensive platform for professionals to learn, engage, and network with experts, technology providers, and peers across the telecommunications landscape. www.networkx.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250923812117/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Suzanne Matulay networkx@society32.com The transaction is part of the company's growth strategy in Europe and the Mediterranean area, where the tech AI company aims to lead the digitalization of businesses and professionals TeamSystem, a leading technology AI company for the development of business management platforms for SMEs and professionals, announces it has acquired Sellsy, a leading French company providing all-in-one CRM and financial management system software solutions for SMEs. With this acquisition, TeamSystem further consolidates its presence in France following the acquisition earlier this year of Clementine significantly strengthening its positioning in the Iberian market and adding an important milestone to its international growth strategy. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in La Rochelle, Sellsy is a leading provider of Lead-to-Cash solutions for SMEs in France. Its platform brings together, in a single cloud environment, CRM, e-invoicing, pre-accounting, cash flow management, and marketing automation, also integrating advanced AI functionalities. Sellsy is also recognized as a trusted partner in e-invoicing reform in France, having obtained official registration as a certified platform under review by the tax administration. This expertise will support thousands of SMEs in complying with the mandatory e-invoicing reform starting in 2026. The company currently serves more than 23,000 clients and employs over 180 people, including 78 dedicated to product development and R&D, ensuring a strong focus on innovation that is aligned with TeamSystem's values and commitment. Sellsy also operates in the Spanish market through subsidiaries such as Quipu. The integration of Sellsy will allow TeamSystem to strengthen its offering in the Lead-to-Cash area, which is increasingly central to the digitalization of SMEs. The transaction also confirms TeamSystem's determination to strengthen its presence across key markets in Europe and the Mediterranean, where the group aims to consolidate its role as a technology champion for the digital transformation of businesses and for professionals. Sellsy's offering, designed specifically for the needs of micro and small businesses, is aligned with TeamSystem's vision: not just a software tool, but a comprehensive platform able to deliver tangible value, simplify business processes, and help accelerate growth through a complete, transparent, accessible, and intelligent service. The result is an intuitive user experience, where complexity remains in the background. Thanks to this integration, TeamSystem clients will gain access to a new generation of AI-powered BI tools, capable of supporting more informed decision-making with integrated data, smart dashboards, and automated insights that strengthen business competitiveness. PSG Equity, a leading growth equity firm that specializes in partnering with software and technology-enabled services companies to capitalize on transformational growth, will exit its investment through its PSG Europe I Fund. Sellsy's existing management team will continue to lead the business within the TeamSystem group, which has been backed by Hellman Friedman since 2016. "Welcoming Sellsy into our group represents another step forward in our international growth journey, which we have been pursuing with determination for some time. Its technologically advanced solutions, natively equipped with AI functionalities, are aligned with our vision: to offer intelligent, comprehensive digital platforms that go beyond software, designed to provide concrete support to micro and small businesses," Federico Leproux, CEO of TeamSystem, commented. "This acquisition confirms our commitment to building a strong and connected European ecosystem, capable of supporting professionals and businesses in their digital transformation, simplifying daily operations, and generating new value," he added. "With PSG's support, we believe Sellsy has embarked on a truly transformative journey, combining strong organic growth with targeted M&A to become a leading provider of business management solutions for SMEs in France and Spain. Today, we are excited to continue this journey within the TeamSystem ecosystem, as we aim to pursue our shared ambition of building the leading European platform for SME management software," Victor Douek, CEO of Sellsy, said. "PSG Equity is pleased to have partnered with co-founders Alain Mevellec and Frederic Coulais, supporting Sellsy in its growth journey. The results achieved reflect the vision of Victor Douek and his team in developing a lead-to-cash platform that provides strong support to European SMEs. We are confident that, thanks to this transaction, Sellsy is well-positioned to continue strengthening its position, benefitting from the know-how and international experience of a group like TeamSystem," Christian Stein, Managing Director at PSG Equity and Alexandre Berenga, Director at PSG Equity, added. TeamSystem was advised by Mediobanca as Corporate Finance Advisor, by EY for Finance, Tax and HR matters, and by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer on Legal aspects. Sellsy was supported by Houlihan Lokey as Sell-Side Advisor, Alvarez Marsal on financial matters, and Weil and Orrick on legal aspects. The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed and are subject to regulatory approvals. TeamSystem is a leading technology AI company for the development of business management solutions for SMEs and professionals. The group accompanies its customers in the digital transformation of the entire supply chain with a series of innovative solutions based on AI, SaaS and cloud to manage and innovate internal processes and strengthen collaboration with the wider ecosystem, driving both business growth and operational efficiency across the value chain. For further information, visit: https://www.teamsystem.com/en/ About Sellsy Founded in 2009, Sellsy is a French SaaS software company that offers a fully-fledged Lead-to-Cash suite for SMEs, integrating marketing, sales, billing and payment tools. Its solution currently ~53,000 users in ~23,000 companies to save time, boost sales and simplify administrative tasks. Sellsy is an AI-enhanced platform designed to be used by the entire company, including marketing, sales and administrative teams. https://go.sellsy.com/ About PSG Equity PSG Equity is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-enabled services companies to help them navigate transformational growth, capitalize on strategic opportunities, and build strong teams. Having backed more than 160 companies and facilitated over 530 add-on acquisitions, PSG brings extensive investment experience, deep expertise in software and technology, and a firm commitment to collaborating with management teams. Founded in 2014, PSG operates out of offices in Boston, Kansas City, London, Madrid, Paris, and Tel-Aviv. To learn more about PSG, visit www.psgequity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924851671/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts TeamSystem Group Barabino Partners UK Georgia Colkin g.colkin@barabino.co.uk Tel. +44 (0)207.1526425 Paolo Gattavari p.gattavari@barabino.co.uk Tel. +44 (0)203.9316727 Sellsy Aurelia Viersou aurelia@madamedelacom.com +33 (0)6 30 01 28 14 PSG Equity Prosek Partners Pro-psg@prosek.com Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - F4 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FFU) (OTCQB: FFUCF) (the "Company" or "F4") is pleased to announce the promotion of Erik Sehn, P.Geo., from Senior Project Manager to Vice President of Exploration. With extensive technical expertise from his work on the Triple R deposit and key contributions to the discoveries of F3's JR and Tetra Zones, Erik brings the right technical and leadership qualities to lead F4's exploration efforts in the Athabasca Basin. Raymond Ashley P.Geo, CEO, commented: "I am very pleased to introduce Erik Sehn as our new Vice President of Exploration. Erik brings years of technical and leadership experience in uranium exploration across multiple deposits and was instrumental in F3's JR and Tetra Zone discoveries. His experience will help F4 to unlock value across the entire portfolio of properties, from the underexplored properties in the Patterson Lake Area to the Eastern Athabasca Basin, in particular Murphy Lake where F4 just signed an option agreement with Stearman Resources to acquire 70% (see news release July 29, 2025)." Erik Sehn P.Geo, incoming Vice President Exploration, commented: "I'm excited to join F4 Uranium and advance its exploration projects. Over the past years, I've worked with this talented technical group that has been serially successful with multiple discoveries, most recently with the JR and Tetra Zones, and I'm confident we can leverage that expertise for further success. With F4's strong portfolio and promising opportunities in the Athabasca Basin, I'm ready to lead our exploration efforts towards the next discovery." Qualified Person: The scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and approved on behalf of the company by Sam Hartmann, P.Geo., President & COO of F4 Uranium Corp, a Qualified Person. Mr. Hartmann has reviewed and approved the data disclosed. This news release also refers to neighboring properties in which F4 Uranium has no interest, and the Qualified Person has been unable to verify the information from those properties. Mineralization on those neighboring properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Wales Lake Project. For additional information on the Wales Lake Project, please refer to the reports titled "Technical Report for the Wales Lake West Property, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada" dated February 3, 2025 and "Technical Report for the Wales Lake East Property, Northern Saskatchewan, Canada" dated May 12, 2025, both available at www.sedarplus.ca, and prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. About F4 Uranium Corp.: F4 Uranium is a Canadian uranium exploration company focused on the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, and the latest uranium explorer following a lineage of discovery success lead by the same team. The project portfolio includes 17 wholly owned properties totaling roughly 157,000 ha, many of which are near uranium deposits including Paladin's Triple R, Nexgen Energy's Arrow and IsoEnergy's Hurricane projects. The assets were spun out of F3 Uranium in 2024, where the technical and management team made their third, and more recently fourth uranium discoveries at Patterson Lake North and Broach Lake. F4's core focus will be split between the west and east sides of the Athabasca Basin as the company is establishing itself as an explorer and project generator providing shareholders renewed exposure at an early stage. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Ray Ashley" Raymond Ashley, CEO F4 Uranium Corp. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the suitability of the Properties for mining exploration, future payments, issuance of shares and work commitment funds, entry into of a definitive option agreement respecting the Properties, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267304 SOURCE: F4 Uranium Corp. NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - The Indian rupee weakened against the U.S. dollar in the Asian session on Wednesday, due to rising H-1B visa costs and trade tensions between the US and India. U.S. President Donald Trump accused India and China of being the primary funders of Russia's war in Ukraine through their continued purchase of Russian oil. Additionally, the Trump administration released a proposal that would rework the H-1B visa selection process to favor higher-skilled and better-paid workers, according to a related Federal Register notice. Despite the government's announcement of Goods and Services (GST) reforms to increase consumption, foreign investors' enthusiasm for the Indian stock market has been tempered by the US and India's inability to achieve a trade agreement. Against the U.S. dollar, the rupee declined to a record low of 88.97 from yesterday's closing value of 88.81. If the rupee extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around the 89.00 region. Looking ahead, U.S. MBA mortgage approvals data, U.S. new home sales data for August, U.S. EIA crude oil data and building permits for August are slated for release in the New York session. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. QED Investors, a leading global fintech venture capital firm, today announced the hiring of Enrique Hausmann as a principal, based in London. Bringing an extensive background in venture capital and fintech, Hausmann will work alongside QED Partner, Head of U.K. and Europe, Yusuf Ozdalga to focus on early stage investments across Europe. Hausmann joins from Speedinvest, where he spent seven years investing in fintech and marketplace companies from pre-seed to Series B and leading investments in category-defining companies such as Wayflyer and Moove. He also played a key role in expanding the firm's international presence, spending time on the ground in both Africa and the Middle East. Born and raised in Barcelona in a German household, Hausmann brings a global outlook having worked across Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East. He holds a bachelor's degree in management and finance from ESADE. "We are very excited to welcome Enrique to the QED family," said Ozdalga. "European fintech is now at a unique inflection point and Enrique's energy, experience and enthusiasm for working with world-class founders will be invaluable as we pursue the very best opportunities across multiple geographies and fintech verticals, continuing to expand our global reach." This move further strengthens QED's commitment to the U.K. and Europe, where it has invested more than $150 million in startups over the past five years. QED anticipates a similar pace of deployment from its existing and future funds moving forward. Current and former portfolio companies include Klarna, ClearScore, Zopa, Stream (formerly Wagestream), Payhawk, Wayflyer, Swap Commerce, Midas, RemoFirst, Shop Circle, and Carmoola. "We are at such a defining moment for fintech and innovation across the continent, and I'm thrilled to be joining QED's Europe team during this time," said Hausmann. "Having worked as a co-investor alongside Yusuf and the QED team, I've seen firsthand the firm's deep sector expertise and founder-first culture, which are qualities that truly make QED stand out in the industry. "I look forward to supporting the next generation of companies that will define their categories. Stablecoins and artificial intelligence are among the most transformative technological shifts of our time. Collaborating with founders who utilize these and other technologies to rethink financial services presents an exciting challenge." About QED Investors QED Investors is a global leading venture capital firm based in Alexandria, Va. Founded by Nigel Morris and Frank Rotman in 2007, QED Investors is focused on investing in disruptive financial services companies worldwide. QED Investors is dedicated to building great businesses and uses a unique, hands-on approach that leverages its partners' decades of entrepreneurial and operational experience, helping companies achieve breakthrough growth. Notable investments include AvidXchange, Betterfly, Bitso, Caribou, ClearScore, Creditas, Credit Karma, Current, Flywire, Kavak, Klarna, Konfio, Loft, Mission Lane, Nubank, QuintoAndar, Remitly, SoFi, Wagestream and Wayflyer. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924159710/en/ Contacts: Ashley Marshall Director, PR and Communications, QED Investors (518) 577-9984 PASAY CITY, Philippines, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The SM Group, through its retail subsidiaries, is meeting the rising consumer demand for beauty and wellness products with greater accessibility nationwide. SM Beauty offers more than 1,000 beauty brands across its 77 branches, with expanded offerings that include global premium brands such as YSL, Lancome, and Calvin Klein. It has also introduced beauty hubs in select stores-dedicated spaces where customers can enjoy services such as hair coloring and makeovers, guided by a growing team of professional beauty advisers. "Beauty and wellness have shown significant growth across every demographic," said SM Retail President Jonathan Ng. "At SM, we will continue to be at the forefront of meeting customers' evolving preferences by offering enriching experiences through suitable and unique products and services." Health and beauty continue to be among the fastest-growing markets globally, driven by increasing demand for wellness, personal care, and beauty solutions. The Global Wellness Institute projects that the global wellness economy will reach nearly USD 9 trillion by 2028. In this space, the Philippines is emerging as a significant player. In 2023, the country ranked 13th out of 218 economies worldwide in the personal care and beauty segment in the global wellness economy, underscoring its growing market size and the influence of its young, wellness-conscious demographic. Meanwhile, Watsons Philippines, another SM retail affiliate, continues to expand its footprint. It continues to redefine the beauty and wellness shopping experience through exclusive skincare lines, health services, and sustainability-led in-store innovations. As demand continues to surge, SM remains committed to shaping the future of beauty and wellness retail-offering more choices, deeper experiences, and nationwide accessibility for every Filipino. About SM Investments Corporation SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy. SM's retail operations are the country's largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM's property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM's interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country's largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank. For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1880730/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sm-addresses-rising-consumer-demand-for-beauty-and-wellness-302565666.html Women in Web3 & AI List Marks a Milestone for Inclusive Innovation as Proof of Talk and Bering Waters Celebrate the Voices Shaping the Future of Digital Assets LE CHATELET, FR / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Proof of Talk will return in 2026, reaffirming its position as the #1 Leadership Summit for Digital Assets. One of the defining highlights of the 2025 edition was the unveiling of the inaugural "50 Most Influential Women in Web3 & AI" list, developed in partnership with CoinDesk. The recognition built on momentum from International Women's Day, when Bering Waters, The Sandbox, and Proof of Talk co-hosted a Paris brunch bringing together female leaders in tech. Recognition at the Louvre The "50 Most Influential Women in Web3 & AI" list celebrated honorees such as Fei-Fei Li (Co-Founder & CEO, World Labs), Daniela Amodei (Co-Founder & President, Anthropic), Lisa Su (President & CEO, AMD), and Cathie Wood (Founder & CEO, ARK Investment Management). "Progress in Web3 and AI isn't measured only in protocols or products; it's measured in who has a seat at the table. At Proof of Talk, we saw that inclusion is innovation's foundation. Recognising women leaders makes clear that diverse voices will define this industry's future," said Zohair Dehnadi, co-founder of Proof of Talk and CEO at XVentures. For Bering Waters Ventures, this milestone was a statement about the kind of future the industry must commit to building. "We don't just invest in technology; we invest in the people and principles that will define its future," said Ewelina Leszczak, CEO and founder at Bering Waters Ventures. "Without platforms like Proof of Talk ensuring women's voices shape today's systems, we'd lack crucial perspective. Women's participation in emerging technologies is a generational mission." Looking Ahead: Proof of Talk 2026 As the industry turns its attention toward Proof of Talk 2026, the summit will build on the momentum of 2025 with even greater precision. Small by design and powerful by default, the gathering is capped to ensure every conversation carries weight, with most participants active CEOs, founders, and policymakers. For Bering Waters, the journey to 2026 is about more than convening another summit; it is about ensuring that female leadership and diverse voices remain central to shaping the decentralised future. About Bering Waters Group Bering Waters Group is a blockchain investment and strategic advisory firm dedicated to supporting innovation in the decentralised space. With Bering Waters Ventures at its core, the group focuses on early-stage investments, providing capital, hands-on advisory, strategic partnerships, and industry connections to help projects scale and succeed. About Proof of Talk After a standout 3rd edition in 2025 at the Louvre, Proof of Talk will return in 2026 as the #1 Leadership Summit for Digital Assets. It is not another expo or logo wall; it is the highest-value-per-square-meter network event in Web3, where founders, policymakers, and investors meet under one roof at the Louvre Palace to shape what comes next. More details: www.proofoftalk.io Contact Information Leodora Frandsen Head of Business Development leodora@proofoftalk.io SOURCE: Proof of Talk View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/top-50-women-in-web3-and-ai-list-resonates-beyond-the-louvre-1077172 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil traded higher for a second straight session on Wednesday after industry data showed a drop in U.S. crude inventories, reinforcing concerns over tightening supplies. Additionally, a deal to resume exports from Iraq's Kurdistan stalled, pacifying some investor concerns about oversupply. Benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.2 percent to $67.79 a barrel in European trade, while WTI crude futures were up 0.2 percent at $63.52. The American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated in a report that U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 3.82 million barrels in the week ending September 19, following last week's 3.42-million-barrel draw. Gasoline inventories showed a draw of 1.04 million barrels for the week while distillate inventories showed a build of 518,000 barrels. Meanwhile, a deal to restart Iraq's Kurdistan oil exports stalled on Tuesday as two oil producing firms asked for assurances their debts would be repaid. New reports suggest that a breakthrough deal to restart oil exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port is just around the corner, though the exact timing remains uncertain. Investors were also reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump's surprising rhetoric during a UNGA meeting. Trump said he believed Ukraine could retake all its land occupied by Russia and that Kyiv should act now. 'I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,' the president said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE) ("CareTrust" or the "Company") announced today its acquisition of two care homes in the United Kingdom for approximately $27 million. The homes comprise 265 beds serving mostly higher acuity residents and are leased to an existing operator under long-term triple-net leases that include extension options and annual escalators. CareTrust funded the investment using cash on hand, with a stabilized contractual yield on the Company's investment in line with prior investment activity. "We are pleased to announce our first follow-on investment in the UK since the acquisition of Care REIT earlier this year," said James Callister, CareTrust's Chief Investment Officer. "This acquisition is a strong addition to our portfolio and further evidence that our pipeline in the UK continues to expand. We're excited to keep growing our presence there alongside experienced operators." Martin Robb, Senior Vice President of Investments, added, "The UK care home market continues to present compelling opportunities for disciplined investors. This transaction underscores CareTrust's ability to identify and execute on high-quality opportunities in partnership with operators who share our long-term vision." Looking ahead, Mr. Callister emphasized that CareTrust will continue to evaluate additional acquisition opportunities in the UK as well as in the US. The Company noted that its balance sheet strength and liquidity, emphasis on quality operators and local perspective position it to successfully support operators as they deliver essential care across both the UK and the US. About CareTrustTM CareTrust REIT, Inc. is a self-administered, publicly-traded real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing, senior housing and other healthcare-related properties. With a portfolio of long-term net-leased properties spanning the United States and United Kingdom, and a growing portfolio of quality operators leasing them, CareTrust is pursuing both external and organic growth opportunities across the US and internationally. More information about CareTrust REIT is available at www.caretrustreit.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924946397/en/ Contacts: IR Contact CareTrust REIT, Inc. (949) 542-3130 ir@caretrustreit.com PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, has recently advanced the Menstrual Equity Project in 2025 in The Bahamas. Jointly launched by KuCoin, the Global CSR Foundation, and the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), this initiative addresses menstrual health challenges in underserved communities. Conceptualized in 2023 by Dr. Padmini Murthy, AMWA's Global Health Lead and NGO Representative to the United Nations, and Ms. Jing Cesarone, Founder and CEO of the Global CSR Foundation, the project focuses on providing essential support. H.E. First Lady of The Bahamas, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, personally spearheaded the distribution, delivering menstrual hygiene products donated by these global partners to local schools and communities. "There are girls stay home from school while menstruating, as they cannot afford to buy their napkins," said Mrs. Davis at the distribution event. "I couldn't believe the great need for this product here in the Bahamas in underserved communities. I'm extremely grateful to my Global Partner, for her much-needed donation of sanitary pads." This effort is part of KuCoin's broader commitment to social responsibility, made during the KuCoin Green Future Reception at COP28 in 2023. Since then, KuCoin has actively carried out various welfare initiatives. One of the flagship programs, the Menstrual Equity Project, launched its first distribution in March 2024, providing menstrual kits-including sanitary pads and menstrual cups-to beneficiaries in the Republic of Suriname, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and domestic violence shelters in New York. Following these initial efforts, the project extended its reach to The Bahamas. With support from the Office of The Spouse of The Prime Minister, KuCoin's donations to The Bahamas mainly include disposable sanitary pads. KuCoin's approach also considers local limitations in water resources and the high cost of cleaning reusable products. It also ensures women are better equipped during natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms. The objectives of KuCoin's Menstrual Equity Project align closely with those of the Distribution of Feminine Pads Initiative led by the First Lady's Office. Together, they aim to reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls caused by period poverty, while also fostering greater awareness and acceptance of menstrual health issues within the community. "Your donation has made a tangible impact on the lives of those we support. The pads were distributed to Parliamentarians for inner city areas, NGOs, the girls penitentiary centre for girls, and many caretakers of young girls and battered women. The recipients were overjoyed and expressed the great need for these supplies, which are expensive. The distribution was great. These pads were significant in enabling the recipients to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity." Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, wrote a personal letter of thanks, "We are deeply thankful for your compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. We look forward to continuing our work together to empower and support our communities." KuCoin's efforts in corporate social responsibility have been widely recognized in recent years. In March 2025, KuCoin was honored with the "2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Award" from the World Women Organization. "The Menstrual Equity Project is not only about health and dignity-it's about equity," said Nancy Cheung, Chief Sustainability Officer at KuCoin. "We are committed to expanding this project globally, collaborating with more organizations to improve the living conditions of women and contribute to the well-being of women and children around the world." As KuCoin embarks on a new chapter of global compliance and sustained growth in 2025, initiatives like the Menstrual Equity Project are becoming vital pillars of its long-term sustainability strategy-fortifying the platform's social value moat and setting a new benchmark for responsible innovation in the crypto industry. About KuCoin Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust, serving over 41 million users across 200+ countries and regions. With established recognition for its reliability, the platform leverages cutting-edge blockchain technology, robust liquidity solutions, and advanced user account protections to deliver a secure trading environment. KuCoin offers access to 1,000+ digital assets and solutions including Web3 wallet, Spot and Futures trading, institutional services, and payments. Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges" and a "Top 50 Global Unicorn" by Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications and is committed to security, compliance, and innovation under the leadership of CEO BC Wong. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778220/image_5002362_10662928.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778221/1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2641815/5521820/KuCoin_Horizontal_Green_LOGO_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-menstrual-equity-project-launched-in-the-bahamas-to-boost-school-attendance-for-girls-302565688.html BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks are down in negative territory on Wednesday, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's comments that equity prices are fairly highly valued by many measures. Defense stocks are finding some support after U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine could retake all its land occupied by Russia and that Kyiv should act now. The benchmark DAX, which climbed to 23,634.32 earlier in the session, was down 46.14 points or 0.2% at 23,584.46 a little while ago. Continental and Brenntag are down more than 2%. Daimler Truck Holding, Mercedes-Benz, Merck, Deutsche Bank, Volkswagen, Siemens Healthineers, BASF, Infineon Technologies and BMW are down 1 to 1.5%. Fresenius, Bayer, Qiagen, Beiersdorf, Deutsche Boerse, Allianz and Porsche Automobil Holding are also notably lower. Rheinmetall, Zalando, Siemens Energy, RWE, MTU Aero Engines, Deutsche Telekom, Fresenius Medical Care and Deutsche Post are gaining 0.5 to 1.7%. Shares of wind turbine maker Nordex are up 1.2% after the company said it has secured an order for 50MW from Spanish company Abei Energy. On the economic front, the Ifo Institute showed that its business Climate Index for Germany fell 1.2 points to 87.7 in September, down from a revised 88.9 in August. The reading marked the lowest since May and the sharpest monthly drop in over a year. The Expectations Index dropped to 89.7 from 91.4, and the current conditions index declined to 85.7 from 86.4), suggesting uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy has weighed on sentiment, clouding the outlook for Europe's largest economy. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. London , Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September 24, 2025 - Smart Spaces has been crowned Property Tech Company of the Year at the prestigious UK Business Tech Awards 2025. The recognition cements Smart Spaces' position as a global pioneer of smart building software in commercial real estate. The UK Business Tech Awards celebrate companies that use technology in innovative and impactful ways to transform industries and society. Winning the Property Tech category places Smart Spaces at the forefront of the PropTech sector - an achievement that reflects years of exceptional product development and new business development. Bridging the physical and digital in real estate Smart Spaces' smart building operating system (OS) transforms commercial real estate by connecting thousands of systems into one seamless, intuitive user experience. From access control, lifts, HVAC to lighting, IoT sensors and workplace apps, Smart Spaces' OS offers a unified, real-time platform that empowers landlords, occupiers and end-users alike. The system is now deployed across over 105 million square feet of prime office space in 30 countries, powering flagship projects such as 22 Bishopsgate, Paddington Square and International Place, Boston. A judge's comment about the entry explains, "Smart Spaces stands out for creating a genuinely innovative OS and app. Their consistent profitability demonstrates exceptional business acumen, while the impressive client roster provides compelling validation of their leadership position in smart building technology." A journey of independent growth Unlike many high-growth technology companies, Smart Spaces has been entirely self-funded and remains privately owned. Founded by brothers Dan and Tom Drogman, the company has consistently reinvested profits to build a scalable platform and expand its global footprint. Since 2010, the Smart Spaces team has grown to 70 employees while the business remains lean and agile - thanks to a cloud-based architecture designed for scale. "Winning the Property Tech Company of the Year award is a huge moment for us," says Dan Drogman, Smart Spaces' CEO. "We've spent years building not just a product but a platform that makes buildings human-centric, sustainable and engaging. This recognition reflects the hard work of every employee, our close collaboration with clients and our belief that technology should make real estate both smarter and more personal." Delivering smart building excellence Smart Spaces has become synonymous with creating a comprehensive smart building OS which includes: Apple and Google Wallet mobile building access Touchless visitor management using QR codes. using QR codes. Integration of lift control with its smart building OS for a seamless tenant experience. for a seamless tenant experience. In-app control of HVAC, temperature and lighting , enabling users to personalise their workspaces , enabling users to personalise their workspaces Energy benchmarking and gamification, encouraging occupiers to lower energy use. From smart buildings to speaking buildings Smart Spaces recently launched Space Agent - its agentic AI-powered digital workplace concierge. Embedded into the Smart Spaces OS, Space Agent - introduced through its friendly persona, Max - acts as a virtual building manager: booking desks, adjusting climate control, analysing energy usage and even recommending social activities. This breakthrough demonstrates how AI is turning buildings into responsive environments that adapt in real-time. About Smart Spaces Smart Spaces is a multi-accredited and award-winning developer of smart building software for global commercial real estate. Its smart building OS simplifies day-to-day operational management of buildings to boost energy efficiency and save cost, with its intuitive smartphone-based app enabling secure entry, desk and meeting room booking, parking or access to a host of other services. The business operates worldwide with over 105 million sq.ft of global office space across 30 countries now managed through its software platform. Customers include market leaders such as AXA, CBRE, The Crown Estate, Hines, Jones Lang LaSalle, Grosvenor and Landsec, with Smart Spaces' software used in some of the world's most prestigious commercial developments like 22 Bishopsgate, Paddington Square and International Place, Boston. Founded in 2010, Smart Spaces is privately owned and headquartered in London. www.smartspaces.app Attachment Smart Spaces wins Property Tech Company of the Year at the UK Business Tech Awards 2025 (https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/23af5e97-c632-498a-a022-feb1b524db1e) Media contact: Tom Herbst PR tom@tomherbstpr.co.uk +44 (0)7768 145571 +44 (0)207 274 9937 Options Technology, a leading provider of cloud-enabled managed services to the global financial sector, today announced it has achieved a Microsoft Solutions Partner specialization for Threat Detection. The achievement reinforces Options' leadership in delivering secure, compliant, and private cloud services engineered for enterprise clients in the financial industry. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924113003/en/ Options Bolsters Security Leadership with Microsoft Solutions Partner Specialization for Threat Detection This achievement follows earlier Solutions Partner designations in Private Cloud, Modern Work, Data and AI, Security, Infrastructure Solutions, and Digital App Innovation(Azure). Together, these six designations underscore Options' global leadership in delivering cutting-edge cloud solutions and integrated technology for the world's most demanding financial markets. Microsoft's Solutions Partner specialization for Threat Detection recognizes partners who demonstrate deep knowledge, extensive experience, and proven success deploying Microsoft Threat Protection, Microsoft Cloud App Security, and Microsoft Sentinel, formerly Azure Sentinel workloads; a key differentiator for Options customers. The Threat Protection specialization demonstrates expertise in implementing and managing security solutions. Partners with this specialization have demonstrated proficiency through their partner capability score, which is based on performance, skilling, and customer success, signifying their ability to provide customers with advanced security and compliance services. Danny Moore, President and CEO, commented, "Securing our Microsoft Solutions Partner specialization for Threat Detection is a landmark achievement that speaks directly to our core mission: protecting our clients. In the financial sector, the integrity and security of data are non-negotiable. This recognition validates our team's deep expertise in deploying next-generation security solutions to counter emerging threats. It further strengthens our longstanding relationship with Microsoft and reinforces our position at the forefront of financial technology innovation and cybersecurity excellence." Options currently serves over 600 global firms, delivering high-performance trading infrastructure and cloud-enabled managed services with investment bank-grade cybersecurity and SOC-accredited compliance. AtlasWorkplace, its flagship managed IT platform is engineered to transform and support Hedge Funds, Private Equity firms, Asset Managers, and Financial Services organizations with secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure. The announcement follows a series of recent developments at Options, includingits achievement of Microsoft Solutions Partner status for Private Cloudthe expansion ofits private AI capabilities through a new data center deployment in Iceland and its recognition in VMware by Broadcom's Global Partner Program. Options Technology: Options Technology (Options) is a financial technology company at the forefront of banking and trading infrastructure. We serve clients globally with offices in New York, London, Paris, Belfast, Cambridge, Chicago, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Dubai, Sydney and Auckland. At Options, our services are woven into the hottest trends in global technology, including high-performance Networking, Cloud, Security, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). www.options-it.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924113003/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact Niall McAleer, niall.mcaleer@options-it.com CHICAGO and MEXICO CITY and GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunon, a leading global office furniture brand, has launched its H5 chair, underlining its commitment to sustainable design. The chair's backrest, seat and front support bracket, which are the key structural components, are made from a material containing at least 66% ocean-bound recycled plastics, supplemented by 30% glass fiber and 4% modified additives. Importantly, the nylon in these parts is 100% recycled from ocean-bound plastic with no virgin material added. This gives waste a second life in office furniture while helping reduce marine pollution and reflects Sunon's tangible contribution to circular material use and responsible design. In 2025, the chair was introduced at three major international events: CIFF Guangzhou, the Mexico launch event, and the opening of Sunon's Chicago showroom. At CIFF 2025 in Guangzhou, the H5 was unveiled to the global market. Its eco-conscious materials and user-focused design attracted attention, highlighting Sunon's effort to integrate sustainability into modern workplace solutions. Shortly after, Sunon hosted the official H5 launch event in Mexico, marking a key step in bringing the product to the Latin American market. Local production at Sunon's Mexico factory enhances delivery efficiency and supports the company's "Globalization through Localization" strategy. The launch emphasized the chair's versatility across diverse workplace cultures while maintaining its sustainable values. The H5 made its U.S. debut at Sunon's new Chicago showroom in the Fulton Market Design District. Displayed alongside Sunon's full office furniture portfolio, the chair demonstrates how the company integrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and international reach. "H5 is more than a chair; it represents Sunon's approach to sustainable design and responsible material use," said by Cindy, Managing Director of Sunon International Business Division. "Through products like H5, we aim to provide office solutions that meet both functional needs and environmental goals." With its global rollout, the H5 extends Sunon's international presence, offering office solutions that combine performance, design, and sustainability. Website: sunonglobal.com Instagram: @sunonfurniture LinkedIn: Sunon Group Co., Ltd. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780866/135.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780867/GIN_2071_2552036337_rp3544339603.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780869/0429SUNON_H5LaunchEventCDMX_034.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sunons-h5-chair-makes-global-debut-sustainable-design-goes-international-302565717.html Iran seeks to turn China into 1st tourism partner: minister Xinhua) 08:48, September 24, 2025 TEHRAN, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri said on Monday that the country has set a target to turn China into its first tourism partner, reported the state-run IRIB news agency. Highlighting the large number of Chinese tourists traveling abroad each year, the minister said: "We should claim our share of this market." He noted that Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is following up on that objective. Earlier this month, Salehi Amiri said the number of Chinese tourists visiting Iran should increase in view of the high-level ties between the two countries. To attract more Chinese tourists, Iran has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for Chinese citizens since July 2019 and has trained dozens of Chinese-speaking tour guides. The country has also prepared catalogues for Chinese tourists in their own language to enable them to gain more knowledge about Iran's culture while visiting the country's museums and sites. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from a further 16 metallurgical drill holes included in its 2025 drill campaign for the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project ("Richmond Hill" or the "Project"). Dakota Gold currently has three drills operating at Richmond Hill and the Company expects to drill 27,500 meters (~90,000 feet) for the 2025 campaign using a combination of reverse circulation and core drilling. Highlights from this update include: Metallurgical drill holes continue to intercept higher gold grade than the average resource grade including drill hole RH25C-200 with 2.25 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) over 33.4 meters (75 gram meters) and RH25C-212 with 1.44 g/t Au over 20.6 meters (30 gram meters). These holes are two of many metallurgical drill holes reported from the north central Project area (Figure 1) that intercepted significantly higher-grade than the average measured and indicated resource grade of 0.463 g/t Au (0.0135 ounces per ton Au). Forte Dynamics has been selected to conduct the metallurgical test work for the Feasibility Study expected for completion in early 2027. Forte Dynamics is a mining consulting firm focused on mine planning, metallurgical testing, and engineering design. Forte provides advanced research, testing, and analysis specifically tailored to optimize process design for heap leach projects. The Company's core drilling is currently active in the northeast Project area where we expect assay results from expansion and infill of the higher-grade zones before the end of the year. The proposed infill and expansion drilling surrounding the intercept has the potential to add to the Measured, Indicated and Inferred resources based on prior drilling and current resources in the area. The mineralization in the northeast is only limited by drilling and remains open. The area is expected to be mined at the beginning of the mine plan as outlined in the July 7, 2025 Initial Assessment with Cash Flow. Jack Henris, President and COO of Dakota Gold, stated, "As the metallurgical drilling for the 2025 campaign is now complete, we are pleased to have formally engaged Forte Dynamics for the test work program. This program represents a critical step in advancing Richmond Hill toward feasibility and future development. It will provide the technical basis for process design, cost modeling, and permitting, thereby de-risking the Project and supporting informed decision-making by Dakota Gold's management and Board of Directors." Dakota Gold is conducting core drilling at the northern portion of the Project area for the purposes of completing a Feasibility Study. The core drilling is designed to collect metallurgical samples for column testing, condemnation drilling beneath proposed site infrastructure for mine planning, infill drilling to upgrade the existing resource, and expansion drilling where the resource remains open. The drill core from all holes is systematically assayed for gold due to the significant halo of low-grade gold mineralization underlying much of the Project area. The drill results will inform both the oxide and sulfide resource updates for the Feasibility Study. In addition, the Company is also active with a reverse circulation drill to install monitor wells in support of environmental baseline data collection for permitting. The group of assay results reported today in Figure 1 are from metallurgical drilling in the north central Project area. The drill results will refine the modelled boundaries and improve the precision of the geo-metallurgical model for the Feasibility and mine planning. In addition, the holes were designed to acquire samples for metallurgical tests ranging from low to high grade, various rock types, as well as oxide, transitional, and sulfide so that composites can be made for heap leach column tests. Metallurgical test work update: Dakota Gold has engaged Forte Dynamics, Inc. ("Forte Dynamics") to conduct a comprehensive metallurgical testing program for the Richmond Hill Gold Project. The purpose of this program is to characterize the metallurgical behavior of oxide ores and to define process design criteria supporting heap leaching as the primary extraction method. The results will directly inform feasibility-level engineering, project economics, and permitting. The proposed scope of work includes: Ore Characterization & Preliminary Testing: Mineralogical, geochemical, and comminution analyses across master composite samples. Column Leach Testing: Detailed evaluation of crush size, leach kinetics, reagent consumption, and permeability under compaction to determine optimal heap leach parameters. Comminution & Crushing Studies: Development of a process model, trade-off studies, and recovery projections to establish circuit design and cost estimates. Process Optimization & Recovery: Bench-scale Merrill-Crowe recovery trials to establish gold and silver recovery efficiencies. Deleterious Elements & Environmental Testing: Assessment of copper, preg-robbing potential, acid generation potential, and leachate chemistry to support permitting and environmental compliance. The metallurgical testing program is scheduled for Q4 2025 - Q3 2026, with staged testing and reporting milestones throughout. Forte Dynamics has allocated a specialized team of metallurgical, mining, and process engineers led by a Qualified Person to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Figure 1. Plan Map of Dakota Gold Corp. Richmond Hill 2025 Drill Campaign Highlighted Drill Results in North Central Project Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/267642_76e9c61a4437f9e9_002full.jpg Table 1. Richmond Hill Drill Results (Metric / Imperial)1,2,3,4 Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade (g/t) g x m From (ft) To (ft) Interval (ft) Grade (oz/ton) Program RH25C-191 44.3 49.7 5.4 0.67 4 145.5 163.2 17.7 0.020 Metallurgical 55.3 59.2 3.9 1.18 5 181.4 194.1 12.7 0.034 66.9 94.2 27.2 0.76 21 219.6 309.0 89.4 0.022 RH25C-196 4.0 18.3 14.3 0.81 12 13.0 60.0 47.0 0.024 Metallurgical 28.3 49.5 21.2 0.81 17 93.0 162.5 69.5 0.024 RH25C-197 3.4 9.4 6.0 0.68 4 11.0 30.7 19.7 0.020 Metallurgical 44.6 47.9 3.3 0.98 3 146.2 157.1 10.9 0.028 119.9 121.3 4.7 0.83 4 393.5 398.0 15.4 0.024 RH25C-198 85.6 94.9 9.2 0.82 8 281.0 311.2 30.2 0.024 Metallurgical 101.7 107.4 5.8 1.16 7 333.5 352.4 18.9 0.034 130.9 139.9 9.1 0.89 8 429.3 459.0 29.7 0.026 167.2 172.2 5.0 0.59 3 548.7 565.1 16.4 0.017 RH25C-199 20.8 28.1 7.2 0.78 6 68.4 92.1 23.7 0.023 Metallurgical 36.9 40.7 3.8 0.80 3 121.0 133.6 12.6 0.023 RH25C-200 15.1 18.1 3.0 0.84 3 49.5 59.5 10.0 0.025 Metallurgical 22.8 56.2 33.4 2.25 75 74.7 184.4 109.7 0.065 65.3 71.4 6.1 1.10 7 214.2 234.2 20.0 0.032 RH25C-202 23.0 39.2 16.2 1.68 27 75.4 128.6 53.2 0.049 Metallurgical 48.2 60.0 11.8 2.35 28 158.1 196.7 38.6 0.068 RH25C-203 19.9 31.1 11.2 0.83 9 65.2 102.0 36.8 0.024 Metallurgical 60.4 72.1 11.7 1.01 12 198.0 236.5 38.5 0.029 RH25C-205 42.5 58.4 15.9 0.63 10 139.5 191.7 52.2 0.018 Metallurgical RH25C-208 32.2 40.4 8.2 1.09 9 105.6 132.6 27.0 0.032 Metallurgical 52.2 55.5 3.3 0.90 3 171.4 182.1 10.7 0.026 61.1 65.6 4.4 0.80 4 200.6 215.1 14.5 0.023 RH25C-210 24.4 32.3 7.9 1.91 15 80.2 106.0 25.8 0.056 Metallurgical 46.9 74.1 27.2 0.77 21 153.9 243.0 89.1 0.022 110.8 120.7 9.9 0.60 6 363.5 396.0 32.5 0.017 RH25C-212 31.3 52.0 20.6 1.44 30 102.8 170.5 67.7 0.042 Metallurgical 55.7 73.0 17.3 0.80 14 182.6 239.5 56.9 0.023 109.2 113.4 4.2 0.94 4 358.3 372.2 13.9 0.027 RH25C-213 71.7 82.8 11.2 0.72 8 235.2 271.8 36.6 0.021 Metallurgical 87.4 102.5 15.1 0.76 11 286.9 336.3 49.4 0.022 107.6 112.9 5.3 1.23 7 353.0 370.4 17.4 0.036 117.1 129.7 12.6 0.85 11 384.3 425.6 41.3 0.025 134.5 140.4 5.9 0.46 3 441.3 460.6 19.3 0.013 RH25C-214 57.2 61.4 4.2 0.57 2 187.6 201.4 13.8 0.017 Metallurgical RH25C-216 59.7 72.8 13.0 0.91 12 196.0 238.8 42.8 0.027 Metallurgical 76.7 82.4 5.7 0.73 4 251.5 270.3 18.8 0.021 100.7 108.5 7.8 1.47 11 330.5 356.0 25.5 0.043 RH25C-223 55.5 77.5 22.0 1.10 24 182.0 254.3 72.3 0.032 Metallurgical 80.7 85.6 4.9 0.68 3 264.8 281.0 16.2 0.020 90.5 94.7 4.2 1.41 6 296.9 310.8 13.9 0.041 The table may contain rounding errors. Abbreviations in the table include ounces per ton ("oz/ton"); grams per tonne ("g/t"); feet ("ft"); meter ("m"); and gram meters ("g x m"). True thickness unknown. Intervals calculated based on 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and maximum dilution of 3.05 meters. The July 7, 2025 Initial Assessment with Cash Flow has an open pit designed with 12.2m (40 ft) benches. The average grade for the Measured and Indicated mine plan is 0.566 g/t Au (0.017 oz/ton). A gram meter of 7 and above has been highlighted in the Table 1 based on the bench height and average grade. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold is expanding the legacy of the 145-year-old Homestake Gold Mining District by advancing the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project to commercial production as soon as 2029, and outlining a high-grade underground gold resource at the Maitland Gold Project, both located on private land in South Dakota. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Shareholder and Investor Inquiries Qualified Person and S-K 1300 Disclosure James M. Berry, a Registered Member of SME and Vice President of Exploration of Dakota Gold Corp., is the Company's designated qualified person (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K) for this news release and has reviewed and approved its scientific and technical content. Quality Assurance/Quality Control consists of regular insertion of certified reference materials, duplicate samples, and blanks into the sample stream. Samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry sample preparation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gold and multi-element analyses are performed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab. Check samples are submitted to Bureau Veritas, Vancouver B.C. as an umpire laboratory. Assay results are reviewed, and discrepancies are investigated prior to incorporation into the Company database. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this communication, the words "plan," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "potential," "will" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any express or implied statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: our expectations regarding additional drilling, metallurgy and modeling; our expectations for the improvement and growth of the mineral resources and potential for conversion of mineral resources into reserves; completion of a feasibility study, and/or permitting; our expectations regarding free cash flow and future financing, and our overall expectation for the possibility of near-term production at the Richmond Hill project. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities; our use and evaluation of historic data; our ability to achieve our strategic goals; the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry; and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. All references to "$" in this communication are to U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267642 SOURCE: Dakota Gold Corp. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Turkey's manufacturing capacity utilization rate increased for the first time in four months in September, while factory confidence remained slightly less optimistic, figures from the central bank showed on Wednesday. The capacity utilization rate rose to 74.0 percent in September from 73.5 percent in the previous month. The increase in September was mainly driven by higher capacity utilization in investment goods and intermediate goods. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the capacity utilization rate also increased somewhat to 73.8 percent in September from 73.6 percent in the previous month. Separate data from the central bank showed that the non-adjusted manufacturing confidence index declined to 100.2 in September from 100.6 in August. Nonetheless, a score above 100 indicates an optimistic outlook. The index reflecting general business conditions weakened to 90.9 from 91.5, while the current order book balance improved to 82.0 from 80.3, and expected employment in the next three months dropped to 99.3 from 100.2. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The "Europe Flow Cytometry Market: Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe flow cytometry market is projected to reach $2.04 billion by 2035 from $928.3 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.53% during the forecast period 2025-2035. The flow cytometry market in Europe is growing steadily, owing to rising demand in clinical diagnostics, life sciences research, and biopharmaceutical development. Flow cytometry is frequently utilized in applications including cell cycle analysis, biomarker identification, and immunophenotyping because it allows for quick, multiparametric study of individual cells. In disciplines including immunology, hematology, cancer, and infectious disease research, its importance is only increasing. Wider usage in clinical and research contexts is being supported by improvements in precision and usability brought about by developments in spectral flow cytometry, high-throughput equipment, and AI-powered data analysis. The use of flow cytometry in diagnostic procedures is growing in European nations, particularly for the surveillance of hematologic malignancies, immunological diseases, and transplant compatibility. The market is also growing as a result of its growing involvement in vaccine development, cell and gene therapies, and customized medicine. The region benefits from a strong healthcare infrastructure, extensive academic research networks, and favorable legislative frameworks that encourage innovation and use of innovative diagnostic technology. High equipment prices, the difficulty of interpreting data, and a lack of qualified operators are still significant obstacles, though. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the market for flow cytometry is anticipated to continue expanding throughout Europe due to rising R&D expenditures, strategic industry partnerships, and the rising need for precision diagnostics. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy: The Europe flow cytometry market analysis provides insights into evolving research and clinical needs, enabling organizations to develop customized flow cytometry instruments, reagents, and software solutions that address specific requirements such as high-parameter analysis, spectral capabilities, or streamlined workflows for clinical diagnostics. Growth/Marketing Strategy: The report helps organizations implement targeted marketing strategies tailored to key segments such as academic research, immuno-oncology, or infectious disease diagnostics and specific regional opportunities, improving customer engagement and accelerating adoption. Competitive Strategy: Organizations can differentiate their flow cytometry offerings by emphasizing features particularly valued by end-users in target regions, such as instrument scalability, ease of use, reagent compatibility, after-sales support, or specialized applications like cell therapy or immunophenotyping. Europe Flow Cytometry Market Trends, Drivers and Challenges Market Trends Increasing adoption of spectral flow cytometry for high-parameter cell analysis. Integration of AI and machine learning for data interpretation and workflow automation. Expansion of flow cytometry applications in immuno-oncology, stem cell research, and infectious disease monitoring. Growing preference for flow cytometry in clinical diagnostics, especially in hematology and immunodeficiency disorders. Rising demand for compact, benchtop flow cytometers suitable for decentralized labs and point-of-care settings. Key Market Drivers Rising incidence of cancer and infectious diseases fueling demand for advanced cellular analysis. Expanding use in drug discovery, translational research, and clinical trials across Europe. Favorable regulatory support and government funding for biomedical research and diagnostic innovation. Technological advancements in multi-color assays, cell sorting, and high-throughput analysis. Growing academic and pharmaceutical R&D collaborations in Western and Central Europe. Major Challenges High instrument and reagent costs, limiting accessibility for smaller labs and emerging markets. Shortage of skilled professionals trained in flow cytometry data analysis and operation. Complex workflows and data interpretation challenges with high-parameter cytometers. Regulatory hurdles and variability in diagnostic approvals across European countries. Data integration issues between flow cytometry platforms and hospital or lab IT systems. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 55 Forecast Period 2025 2035 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $989.4 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2035 $2040 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.5% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Scope and Definition 1 Market: Industry Outlook 1.1 Europe flow cytometry market, Market Size (US$), 2024-2035 1.1.1 Overview 1.1.2 Key Findings 1.2 Regulatory Landscape/Compliance 1.2.1 Europe 1.3 Market Dynamics 1.3.1 Trends, Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities: Current and Future Impact Assessment, 2024-2035 1.4 Trends 1.4.1 Continuous Technological Innovations in Flow Cytometry 1.4.2 Increasing Collaborations, Strategic Partnerships, and Alliances among Flow Cytometry Players 1.5 Market Dynamics 1.5.1 Market Drivers 1.5.1.1 Rising Cancer Prevalence and the Growing Demand for Advanced Diagnostic Testing 1.5.1.2 Growing Use of Flow Cytometry in Regenerative Medicine 1.5.1.3 Growing Healthcare R&D Spending Fuels Adoption of Flow Cytometry Technologies 1.5.2 Market Restraints 1.5.2.1 High Cost of Acquisition 1.5.3 Market Opportunities 1.5.3.1 Increased Use in Clinical Applications and Infectious Disease Diagnostics 2 Region 2.1 Regional Summary 2.2 Growth-Share Matrix 2.2.1 Europe 2.2.1.1 Regional Overview 2.2.1.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth 2.2.1.3 Factors Challenging the Market 2.2.1.4 Funding Initiatives and Grants 2.2.1.5 By Country 2.2.1.6 U.K. 2.2.1.7 Germany 2.2.1.8 France 2.2.1.9 Italy 2.2.1.10 Spain 2.2.1.11 Rest-of-Europe 3 Markets Competitive Benchmarking Company Profiles 3.1 Product Benchmarking By Company 3.2 Competitive Landscape 3.2.1 Key Strategies and Developments by Company 3.3 Company Profiles 3.3.1 Merck KGaA 3.3.1.1 Overview 3.3.1.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio 3.3.1.3 Top Competitors 3.3.1.4 Target Customers 3.3.1.5 Key Personal 3.3.1.6 Analyst View 3.3.1.7 Financial Analysis 3.3.2 Miltenyi Biotec 4 Research Methodology 4.1 Data Sources 4.2 Market Estimation and Forecast For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m2saza About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924950312/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NANJING, China, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 12th Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue was recently held in Taicang. Representatives from political and business circles of China and Germany gathered to discuss the achievements of over three decades of exchanges and cooperation between Suzhou and Germany, jointly envisioning a blueprint for future development. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. From the establishment of the first German company in 1993 to 731 German-funded enterprises now operating locally, Suzhou, renowned as an "earthly paradise" and a manufacturing powerhouse, has journeyed through over 30 years of collaborative partnership with Germany. Impressive statistics highlight the robust momentum of Suzhou-Germany economic and trade ties: bilateral trade reached $13.774 billion last year and surpassed $8.164 billion in the first seven months of this year. In Taicang, Suzhou's strategic "bridgehead" for cooperation with Germany, more than 560 German companies have settled, accounting for 10% of all German manufacturing enterprises in China. According to Mr. Christian Sommer, CEO of the German Centre Shanghai, the fact that "Taicang enjoys a positive reputation in Germany, leading many entrepreneurs to trust and select it" is a pivotal factor in Suzhou's cooperation with Germany. Suzhou has become a preferred destination for German investment in China. By July this year, Suzhou had cumulatively utilized $3.622 billion in actual German investment. Prominent German companies such as Bosch, Siemens, and Voith have established global R&D and production bases here, with some generating annual revenues exceeding tens of billions of RMB, transforming their Suzhou plants into core hubs serving the Asia-Pacific region. The wave of two-way investment is equally dynamic. In recent years, Suzhou enterprises have proactively "gone global" to explore opportunities, setting up 133 investment projects in Germany with Chinese contractual investment amounting to $1.76 billion. They engage in deep collaboration with German companies across various sectors, from chemical raw materials and products to power generation and supply. Furthermore, cooperation is extending into high-tech fields like new materials, new energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics applications. Beyond economic ties, cultural integration between Suzhou and Germany is deepening. "The cheerful songs of the Beer Carnival and the melodies of the choir performances make Taicang feel like a second home for German companies," remarked Christoph Ahlhaus, President of the German Federal Association of Small and Medium-sized Businesses, during his first visit, expressing deep emotion on the Rothenburg-style German Street along Haiyundi. This street, blending Bavarian architecture with the charm of Jiangnan's water towns, epitomizes Suzhou's people-to-people exchanges with Germany. The aroma of sausages from German-brand restaurants, and promotional posters for the FC Bayern Munich partnership project make German employees feel at home. The cooperation between Germany and Suzhou has long transcended pure economics, bearing fruitful results in industrial synergy, talent cultivation, and cultural integration. It is understood that the Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue is a platform for communication and practical cooperation between Chinese and German political and business communities, established through inter-party exchange channels. Since 2014, the event has been held consecutively 12 times in both China and Germany. Over more than a decade, the Dialogue has become a branded forum with significant influence in both countries, playing an active role in deepening economic and trade dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding and trust, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, and supporting regional high-quality development and high-standard opening up. Source: The 12th Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue Contact person: Mr. Ling, Tel: 86-10-63074558 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will receive $1.15 billion in additional Emergency Relief funding for Hurricane Helene repairs. This is the largest single allocation under the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief (ER) Program for a state in the Department's history. With Tuesday's announcement, USDOT has provided a total of nearly $2 billion in ER funding for North Carolina Hurricane Helene repairs. 'President Trump promised no North Carolinian would be left behind. Today's announcement reflects that continued commitment to get America building again,' said Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. 'This historic investment in the recovery effort is just one of many actions my Department has taken to support the region. Since January, we've toured the damage, slashed red tape, and expedited the I-40 highway rebuild. We will not rest until the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene are made whole again.' Earlier this year, Secretary Duffy announced that NCDOT would receive $400 million in ER funding to accelerate repairs to roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. Later this week, Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster and Federal Highway Administration officials will join local leaders to inspect progress on repairs to Interstate 40. This inspection follows Secretary Duffy's February visit to North Carolina, where he announced a partnership between USDOT and U.S. Forest Service to secure a 'Special Use' permit. The permit allows NCDOT to source rock from USFS land and extract construction materials from a nearby river rather than transporting them 20-50 miles. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / AZARGA METALS CORP. ("Azarga Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV:AZR) is pleased to announce that it has filed a National Instrument 43-101 - Standard of Disclosures for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") independent technical report for its high-grade, copper rich Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide ("V\MS") Marg project (the "MargProject") located in Central Yukon, Canada. Highlights of the Marg Project Mineral Resource include: 2025 Mineral Resource at 0.5% copper equivalent1 ("CuEq") cut-off of: Category Tonnage Mt Cu % Pb % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq1 % Indicated 4.3 1.3 1.7 3.2 42 0.66 2.9 Inferred 10.0 1.0 1.3 2.6 33 0.54 2.3 1 CuEq is defined in the "Mineral Resource Estimate" section of this press release. Significant opportunity to expand the scale of Marg Project with: Marg Project extensions: The Marg deposit remains open to the east, west and down dip, indicating significant potential to expand the Mineral Resource. Additional VMS deposits: Geophysical surveys, surface mapping and additional surface mineralization occurrences at the Jane zone, indicating considerable prospectivity for additional VMS mineralization outside of the Marg deposit but within the Marg property. 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate The 2025 Mineral Resource builds upon the historic Mineral Resource model, extending the interpreted mineralised domain extent using a 0.5% CuEq cut-off grade and simplifying the structural model by removing the previous use of dual cut-offs. Table 1 presents the Mineral Resource at the selected 0.5% CuEq cut-off and Table 2 presents further information at alternative cut-off thresholds. Table 1 2025 Mineral Resource at 0.5% CuEq cut-off Category Tonnage Mt Cu % Pb % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq % Indicated 4.3 1.3 1.7 3.2 42 0.66 2.9 Inferred 10.0 1.0 1.3 2.6 33 0.54 2.3 Copper Equivalence (CuEq) has been used for interpretation and reporting purposes since the deposit has five potentially economic elements of significance. CuEq% is calculated as: CuEq% = Cu% + 0.1Pb% + 0.25Zn% + 0.62Au (g/t) + 0.007Ag (g/t) Metal price and recovery assumptions include: Copper: US$9,100/t; 80% recovery, 96.5% payable Lead: US$1,900/t; 50% recovery, 75% payable Zinc: US$2,600/t; 80% recovery, 85% payable Gold: US$3,000/oz; 50% recovery, 90% payable Silver: US$32/oz; 50% recovery, 90% payable Metal prices are based on rounded three month average metal prices at April 2025 Recovery and payability assumptions from the last metallurgical assessment in 2016 Previous economic assessments indicate that the Marg deposit has potential for both open pit and underground development. However, the selective sampling practices used historically, focused primarily on visually high-grade material that limit the confidence in assessing near-surface low-grade potential for open pit scenarios. Metallurgical testwork suggests that the deposit is amenable to differential flotation, producing copper, lead, and zinc concentrates, with gold and silver reporting to the sulphide concentrates. Table 2 Marg grade tonnages by variable copper equivalent cut-offs Classification Cut-off CuEq % Mt Cu % Zn % Pb % Ag g/t Density t/m3 Indicated 0.00 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.25 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.50 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.75 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 1.00 4.2 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 1.50 3.8 1.4 3.4 1.8 44 3.6 2.00 3.0 1.5 3.8 2.0 48 3.7 2.50 2.5 1.7 4.1 2.2 51 3.7 3.00 2.1 1.8 4.3 2.3 54 3.8 Inferred 0.00 10.2 1.0 2.6 1.3 32 3.4 0.25 10.1 1.0 2.6 1.3 32 3.4 0.50 10.0 1.0 2.6 1.3 33 3.4 0.75 9.8 1.0 2.7 1.3 33 3.4 1.00 9.4 1.0 2.8 1.3 34 3.4 1.50 7.8 1.1 3.0 1.5 37 3.5 2.00 5.7 1.2 3.4 1.7 42 3.5 2.50 3.9 1.4 3.8 1.9 47 3.6 3.00 2.3 1.5 4.4 2.1 53 3.8 The Marg Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Marg Property, Yukon Territory" (the "Marg Report") is dated August 29, 2025, and has an effective date of August 29, 2025. The mineral resource estimate was previously disclosed by Azarga Metals in its September 8, 2025, press release titled "Azarga Metals Announces Mineral Resource Estimate for the Marg Project, Yukon". There are no material changes in the Marg Report from the results disclosed in the Company's September 8, 2025, press release. The Marg Report is available on the Company's website (www.azargametals.com) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Previous Work A historic Preliminary Economic Assessment was completed on the Marg Project in 2016 by a previous operator. Though the NI 43-101 report was issued it is not publicly available on SEDAR+ as the previous operator was a private entity. The historic work outlined potential for both open pit development near surface and underground development target and is further discussed in the updated technical report. Qualified Person The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information pertaining to the Marg Report has been reviewed and approved by John Horton BSc (Hons) FAusIMM (CP) of IMC Mining Pty Ltd and Debbie James, BSc. P.Geo of TruePoint Exploration. Both Mr. Horton and Ms. James are "Qualified Persons" as defined under NI 43-101. AZARGA METALS CORP. Gordon Tainton, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: Ben Meyer, at +1 604 536-2711 ext. 1 or visit www.azargametals.com. The address of the corporate office of Azarga Metals is Unit 1 - 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1E6, British Columbia, Canada. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement: This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "expand", "expect", "demonstrate", "outcome", "continue" "potential", "improve", "discover", "priority", "significant", "opportunity", "compel" "continuity", "consistent", "expected", "relative", "comprehensive", "confident", "concept", "unlock", "identify", "modest", and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the mineral resource estimate at the Marg Project; the actual results of current and planned exploration activities; the potential to expand the Marg Mineral Resource; the interpretation of the Jane Zone as representing potential mineralized trends, and the potential for extensions to the Marg and other Zones; the interpretation that the Marg Project represents a larger mineralized system encompassing several target zones and the potential that such zones may represent additional Marg-like deposits; the ability to further improve confidence in the Marg Mineral Resource and the potential for, and timing of, a larger, updated Mineral Resource; the timing, results and conclusions of future economic evaluations; the improvement of the Marg Mineral Resource by future drilling; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; results of current and future metallurgical testing; possible variations in grades of mineralization and/or future actual recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. SOURCE: Azarga Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/azarga-metals-ni-43-101-technical-report-filed-for-the-marg-project-central-yukon-1077343 EQS-News: EBD Group / Key word(s): Conference BIO-Europe 2025: Vienna Prepares to Welcome Global Biopharma Leaders 24.09.2025 / 13:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. PRESS RELEASE BIO-Europe 2025: Vienna Prepares to Welcome Global Biopharma Leaders Munich, Germany - September 24, 2025 - Excitement is building for the 31st annual edition of BIO-Europe, the premier partnering conference for the global biopharmaceutical industry, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, from November 3 - 5, 2025. More than 5,700 attendees from 3,000+ companies, including leading pharma firms, innovative biotechs, and global investors, will gather in one of Europe's most dynamic hubs for science and biopharma innovation. Partnering officially opened on September 22 and is now in full swing. Over 30,000 one-to-one meetings are expected in total, emphasizing BIO-Europe's role as the leading forum for dealmaking and collaboration across the industry. Key Sessions and Events at BIO-Europe 2025 The 31st annual BIO-Europe program, curated by EBD Group, strikes a balance between engaging content, high-impact partnering, and extensive networking opportunities. Inspired by Vienna's renowned musical heritage and vibrant coffeehouse culture, the agenda combines thought-provoking discussions with opportunities to connect and collaborate. Highlights include: Opening Plenary - "A symphony or a solo act? Europe's role in biopharma's future" : IPSEN CEO David Loew and Jeremy Levin , CEO and Chairman of Ovid Therapeutics, will debate whether Europe can drive the next wave of healthcare innovation or risk falling behind global competitors. : IPSEN CEO and , CEO and Chairman of Ovid Therapeutics, will debate whether Europe can drive the next wave of healthcare innovation or risk falling behind global competitors. "From Roast to Billions: Biopharma Investment Landscape" : Tim Opler (Stifel Institutional), Gil Bar-Nahum (Jefferies International), Regina Hodits (Angelini Ventures) and Naveed Siddiqi (Novo Holdings) will unpack funding dynamics in 2025, from venture capital and IPOs to M&A, and what it takes to secure funding in a competitive and evolving market. : (Stifel Institutional), (Jefferies International), (Angelini Ventures) and (Novo Holdings) will unpack funding dynamics in 2025, from venture capital and IPOs to M&A, and what it takes to secure funding in a competitive and evolving market. "Scaling the melody of innovation for rare diseases" : An insightful discussion on the complexities of clinical development and commercialization as well as regulatory, reimbursement and patient access challenges in ultra-targeted markets, featuring Lori Badura of Ipsen, Hubert Birner of TVM Capital and Hubert Trubel of DEBRA Research. : An insightful discussion on the complexities of clinical development and commercialization as well as regulatory, reimbursement and patient access challenges in ultra-targeted markets, featuring of Ipsen, of TVM Capital and of DEBRA Research. "A day in the life of an experienced dealmaker": Hear from leading pharma dealmakers and venture investors, Friedemann Janus of Bayer, Philippe Lopes-Fernandes of IPSEN, and Geert-Jan Mulder of Forbion as they deep dive into the current state of the life sciences industry. Hear from leading pharma dealmakers and venture investors, of Bayer, of IPSEN, and of Forbion as they deep dive into the current state of the life sciences industry. "Longevity: Stirring up investment and healthcare innovation for a more productive, aging world": Join Werner Lanthaler of WLAN Holding and Alex Zhavoronkov of Insilico Medicine for a thought-provoking panel on the convergence of therapeutic innovation, diagnostics, disease monitoring, and socio-economic realities in this fast-growing field. Join of WLAN Holding and of Insilico Medicine for a thought-provoking panel on the convergence of therapeutic innovation, diagnostics, disease monitoring, and socio-economic realities in this fast-growing field. "Composing the next era of women's health": A forward-looking conversation on how women's health is rapidly emerging as both an investment priority and a therapeutic frontier, with Colleen Acosta of Freya Biosciences, Jean Duvall of ReproNovo, Hakan Goker of M Ventures and Maike Scharp of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A forward-looking conversation on how women's health is rapidly emerging as both an investment priority and a therapeutic frontier, with of Freya Biosciences, of ReproNovo, of M Ventures and of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tuesday Evening Networking Reception: In cooperation with LISAvienna, attendees are invited to join an exclusive networking evening at the Hofburg. Once the winter residence of the House of Habsburg and now the seat of Austria's federal president, the Hofburg is one of the largest palace complexes in the world and today houses numerous museums and cultural venues. Partnering and Registration Registration information is available online . Discounted rates are still available until November 2, 2025, with the next early bird deadline approaching on October 17, 2025. EBD Group continues to provide a platform for the global biopharma community to connect. To enhance access and extend engagement beyond the in-person event, the conference will continue with two days of virtual partnering on November 11 - 12. Additional Links and Information BIO-Europe is produced by EBD Group, the leading partnering firm for the global biotechnology industry, with the support of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). For more information and live updates, please visit the conference website at: www.informaconnect.com/bioeurope and follow BIO-Europe 2025 on LinkedIn and on X @EBDGroup (hashtag: BIOEurope). About EBD Group EBD Group's mission is to help collaborations get started across the life science value chain. Our range of partnering conferences has grown to become the largest and most productive conference platform in the industry. Each one of our landmark events held in key life science markets around the world is powered by our state-of-the-art partnering software, partneringONE , that enables delegates to efficiently identify and engage with new opportunities via one-to-one meetings. Today our events (BIO-Europe, BIO-Europe Spring, Biotech Showcase, ChinaBio Partnering Forum, Asia Bio Partnering Forum and BioEquity Europe) annually attract more than 15,000 senior life science executives who engage in over 50,000 one-to-one partnering meetings. These vital one-to-one engagements are the wellspring of deals that drive innovation in our industry. EBD Group is an Informa company. For more information, please visit www.ebdgroup.com . Media Contacts: MC Services AG +49 89 2102280 contact@mc-services.eu EBD Group Karina Marocco kmarocco@ebdgroup.com 24.09.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European Union has launched its new VLQ quantum computer in Ostrava, Czechia, representing a major milestone for the Quantum Strategy to make Europe a global leader in quantum by 2030. Co-funded by the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) and a consortium of eight participating countries (Czechia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands), VLQ is a key part of Europe's broader quantum strategy. It strengthens Europe's strategic quantum infrastructure and enhances its global competitiveness. Europe has always been at the forefront of quantum science, with a strong record of innovation and discovery, a highly skilled workforce, and a robust research infrastructure. Once fully integrated with the EuroHPC supercomputer Karolina, VLQ will provide European users with access to a hybrid classical-quantum architecture. While final calibration is ongoing, VLQ is expected to be operational by the end of the year. It will enable new applications such as Quantum Machine Learning, which offers significant advantages over classical methods. Primarily aimed at research and innovation, VLQ will also be accessible to a broad range of European users including academia, industry and the public sector, the European Commission said in a press release. To date, the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking has procured six quantum computers across Europe, with PIAST-Q, the first, inaugurated in Poland in June 2025. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Augurex to present new data from clinical studies in an oral presentation and two poster presentations at ACR Convergence 2025, taking place October 24 29 in Chicago, IL. Professor Raj Sengupta will present new data on the use of autoantibodies to 14-3-3eta in the discrimination between radiographic (r-) and non-radiographic (nr-) axial spondyloarthritis and both mechanical back pain and healthy controls. Augurex Life Sciences, a leader in autoimmune biomarker-based diagnostics, today announced the acceptance of two abstracts, one as an oral presentation and two as poster presentations, at the upcoming American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2025 being held October 24 29 in Chicago, IL. "With the significant prevalence of chronic back pain within our society, and the protracted diagnostic delays patients face with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), we are excited to share these important data at the upcoming ACR Convergence conference," said Neil Klompas, Chief Executive Officer. "Augurex is focused on providing primary care physicians and the rheumatology community with new tools to eliminate the diagnostic delay in axSpA, enabling patients to access appropriate therapies and treatment plans earlier in the course of their disease." Oral Presentation Details: Title: Autoantibodies to 14-3-3 eta: A Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Axial Spondyloarthritis Authors: Raj Sengupta, Anthony Marotta, Walter P. Maksymowych, Charlotte Cavill, Stephen Bleakley, and Norma Biln Abstract Number: 2636 Session Name: Abstracts: Spondyloarthritis Including Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis, Manifestations, Outcomes II: Advances in Axial Spondyloarthritis (2633-2638) Session Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025; 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Central Time Presentation Time: 3:45 p.m. 4 p.m. Central Time Poster Presentation Details: Title: The 14-3-3 eta AAb biomarker improves discriminative performance of CRP and HLA-B27 to differentiate people with radiographic axSpA from those with mechanical back pain. Authors: Walter P. Maksymowych, Raj Sengupta, Anthony Marotta, Stephanie Wichuk, Charlotte Cavill, Stephen Bleakley, and Norma Biln Abstract Number: 2335 Session Name: Spondyloarthritis Including Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis, Manifestations, Outcomes Poster III (2305-2337) Session Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2025; 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Central Time Location: Poster Hall Title: Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of 14-3-3 eta Autoantibodies in Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Multiplex Assay Approach Authors: Anthony Marotta, Walter P. Maksymowych, Stephen Bleakley, Stephanie Wichuk, and Norma Biln Abstract Number: 0531 Session Name: Spondyloarthritis Including Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis, Manifestations, Outcomes Poster I (0522-0553) Session Date/Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025; 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Central Time Location: Poster Hall About Augurex Augurex is a commercial-stage diagnostics company dedicated to the early identification and diagnosis of autoimmune disorders, allowing treatment options to be optimized and personalized for patients around the world. Augurex's lead diagnostic test, which detects the 14-3-3eta protein, is available as JOINTstat in Canada and Great Britain, and is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The analyte-specific reagents to detect 14-3-3eta are available for purchase and use by U.S. clinical laboratories as a component of diagnostic tests developed by such laboratories. The Anti-14-3-3eta Multiplex ASRs, available as SPINEstat in Canada and Great Britain, expands Augurex's biomarker-informed diagnostic autoimmune solutions into axial spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune disease often misdiagnosed as low back pain, and which, if untreated, can lead to impaired spinal mobility and fusion of the vertebrae. Learn more about Augurex at www.augurex.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924139797/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Nima Mazinani (604) 674-8231 media@augurex.com SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ChainUp, a leading provider of B2B digital asset technology solutions, has been named Transaction Monitoring Solution Provider of the Year at the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Pan-Asian Regulatory Awards 2025, presented by Thomson Reuters. The award comes as regulators worldwide step up scrutiny of crypto transactions, underscoring the growing demand for stronger compliance frameworks in the digital asset sector. Transaction monitoring, as a result, has evolved from a niche capability to a fundamental requirement for businesses operating in this space. ChainUp's crypto intelligence solution directly addresses this industry shift by providing an institutional-grade platform designed to detect and prevent illicit activities. This enables businesses to operate with regulatory clarity and integrity, in alignment with global standards like those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Sailor Zhong, Founder & CEO of ChainUp, emphasized this critical shift, stating, "Compliance technology is now a critical aspect of the digital asset industry with transaction monitoring no longer a value-add but a baseline requirement for responsible growth. Recognition from an award presented by Thomson Reuters affirms our role in enabling businesses to meet that standard with confidence, while positioning the industry to advance securely into its next phase of development." In addition to this significant win, ChainUp was also named a finalist for Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Compliance Team of the Year, showcasing the company's dual commitment to both technological innovation and operational excellence in compliance. The ALB Pan Asian Regulatory Awards are judged by an independent panel of senior legal and industry experts and are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in compliance across Asia. ALB is owned by Thomson Reuters, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. About ChainUp ChainUp, a leading global provider of digital asset solutions, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of this evolving ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp serves a diverse clientele, from Web3 companies to established financial institutions. ChainUp's comprehensive suite of solutions includes crypto exchange solutions, liquidity technology, white label MPC wallet, KYT crypto tracing analytics tool, asset tokenization, crypto asset management, and Web3 infrastructure such as mining, staking, and blockchain APIs. For more information, visit: https://www.chainup.com/ . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780546/Awards1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chainup-wins-top-crypto-compliance-technology-honor-at-thomson-reuters-presented-awards-302565498.html TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reported quarterly adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.46 Total assets under management and fee-earning assets of $56.8 billion Declared quarterly dividend per share to 12.5 cents AGF Management Limited (AGF or the Company) (TSX: AGF.B) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended August 31, 2025. AGF reported total assets under management and fee-earning assets1 of $56.8 billion compared to $53.5 billion as at May 31, 2025 and $49.7 billion as at August 31, 2024. "We experienced a strong quarter, with net sales outpacing the industry, supported by solid investment performance," said Judy Goldring, Chief Executive Officer, AGF. "These results reflect the health of our business and the strength of our strategy, which emphasizes diversification across asset classes and client channels positioning us to successfully navigate evolving market conditions and investor preferences." AGF's mutual fund gross sales were $1,260 million for the quarter compared to $1,148 million in the previous quarter and $1,012 million in the prior year quarter. Retail mutual fund2 net sales were $262 million compared to $65 million in the previous quarter and $19 million in the prior year quarter. "I am proud to lead this organization and excited about the opportunities ahead. With a strong leadership team and a clear strategic vision, we are well-positioned to execute our multi-year growth strategy and deliver meaningful results for our clients and shareholders," added Goldring. 1 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers. 2 Retail mutual fund net sales (redemptions) are calculated as reported mutual fund net sales (redemption) less non-recurring institutional net sales (redemptions) in excess of $5 million invested in our mutual funds. Key Business Highlights: AGF named Judy Goldring Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the passing of Kevin McCreadie, the firm's CEO and Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Ms. Goldring is a respected leader in the asset management industry with over 30 years' experience in a range of roles. In her most recent role as President and Head of Global Distribution, she oversaw the execution of strategic plans in support of business priorities and was instrumental in shaping business planning and direction for corporate initiatives. As CEO, Judy Goldring announced the following changes to AGF's senior leadership team to capitalize on the strength of the firm's talent and its multi-year growth strategy: Chris Jackson was appointed President & Chief Operating Officer. In this expanded role, he reports to the CEO and oversees the execution of strategic plans in support of business priorities and provides counsel on business planning and direction for corporate initiatives to AGF's leadership team. David Stonehouse was appointed interim Chief Investment Officer, AGF Investments. A search process for a new CIO has been initiated. Additionally, Ash Lawrence, Head of AGF Capital Partners, serves as EMT sponsor for AGF Investments' Office of the CIO. In this role, Ash provides counsel and direction to the OCIO on corporate strategic planning and decision-making. This quarter, AGF International Advisors Company Limited, a subsidiary of AGF, was once again accepted as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, a best-practice benchmark in investment stewardship. Financial Highlights: Adjusted EBITDA 3 for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $46.2 million, compared to $39.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $40.2 million for the comparative prior year period. for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $46.2 million, compared to $39.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $40.2 million for the comparative prior year period. Net management, advisory and administration fees 3 for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $88.8 million, compared to $83.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $78.7 million for the comparative prior year period. for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $88.8 million, compared to $83.8 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $78.7 million for the comparative prior year period. Adjusted selling, general and administrative costs 3 for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $61.3 million, compared to $59.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $59.6 million for the comparative prior year period. The increase in adjusted SG&A from prior quarter is driven by higher performance-based compensation, partially offset by timing of expenses. for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $61.3 million, compared to $59.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $59.6 million for the comparative prior year period. The increase in adjusted SG&A from prior quarter is driven by higher performance-based compensation, partially offset by timing of expenses. Adjusted EBITDA from AGF Capital Partners for the three months ended August 31, 2025, was $11.4 million, compared to $10.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $12.6 million for the comparative prior year period. Adjusted net income attributable to equity owners3 for the three months ended August 31, 2025 was $31.2 million ($0.46 adjusted diluted EPS), compared to $26.0 million ($0.39 adjusted diluted EPS) for the three months ended May 31, 2025 and $24.5 million ($0.37 adjusted diluted EPS) for the comparative prior year period. Three months ended Nine months ended August 31, May 31, August 31, August 31, August 31, (in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data) 2025 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenues Management, advisory and administration fees $ 126.7 $ 119.5 $ 114.4 $ 369.0 $ 339.4 Trailing commissions and investment advisory fees (37.9 ) (35.7 ) (35.7 ) (111.2 ) (104.6 ) Net management, advisory and administration fees3 $ 88.8 $ 83.8 $ 78.7 $ 257.8 $ 234.8 Deferred sales charges 0.9 1.0 1.4 3.1 5.3 Adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners3 15.5 14.6 18.5 53.7 54.7 Other revenue (loss)3 2.3 (0.4 ) 1.2 3.4 5.1 Total adjusted net revenue3 107.5 99.0 99.8 318.0 299.9 Selling, general and administrative 65.9 62.8 66.3 196.6 192.3 Adjusted selling, general and administrative3 61.3 59.5 59.6 184.4 173.1 EBITDA3 42.1 36.2 33.0 122.5 104.8 Adjusted EBITDA3 46.2 39.5 40.2 133.6 126.8 Net income - equity owners of the Company 28.4 24.3 20.3 83.6 68.9 Adjusted net income - equity owners of the Company3 31.2 26.0 24.5 89.3 81.8 Diluted earnings per share 0.42 0.36 0.30 1.24 1.03 Adjusted diluted earnings per share3 0.46 0.39 0.37 1.33 1.23 Free cash flow3 30.6 24.0 29.1 86.2 73.9 Dividends per share 0.125 0.125 0.115 0.490 0.455 Three months ended Aug. 31, May. 31, Feb. 28, Nov. 30, Aug. 31, (in millions of Canadian dollars) 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 Mutual fund assets under management (AUM)4 $ 32,958 $ 30,975 $ 31,167 $ 30,662 $ 28,104 ETFs and SMA AUM 3,487 2,771 2,913 2,537 2,128 Segregated accounts and sub-advisory AUM 6,685 6,448 6,529 6,977 6,430 Total AGF Investments AUM 43,130 40,194 40,609 40,176 36,662 AGF Private Wealth AUM 9,016 8,568 8,623 8,567 8,186 AGF Capital Partners AUM 2,510 2,600 2,468 2,752 2,774 Total AUM $ 54,656 $ 51,362 $ 51,700 $ 51,495 $ 47,622 AGF Capital Partners fee-earning assets5 2,121 2,112 2,142 2,111 2,080 Total AUM and fee-earning assets5 $ 56,777 $ 53,474 $ 53,842 $ 53,606 $ 49,702 Mutual fund net sales4 247 18 258 5 14 Retail mutual fund net sales2 262 65 342 14 19 Average daily mutual fund AUM4 32,122 29,770 30,853 29,173 27,542 3 Net management, advisory and administration fees, adjusted revenue from AGF Capital Partners, total net revenue, adjusted selling, general and administrative, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share and free cash flow are not standardized measures prescribed by IFRS. The Company utilizes non-IFRS measures to assess our overall performance and facilitate a comparison of quarterly and full-year results from period to period. They allow us to assess our investment management business without the impact of non-operational items. These non-IFRS measures may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other companies. These non-IFRS measures and reconciliations to IFRS, where necessary, are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis available at www.agf.com (http://www.agf.com). 4 Mutual fund AUM includes retail AUM and institutional client AUM invested in customized series offered within mutual funds. 5 Fee-earning assets represents assets in which AGF has carried interest ownership and earns recurring fees but does not have ownership interest in the managers. For further information and detailed financial statements for the third quarter ended August 31, 2025, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, which contains discussions of non-IFRS measures, please refer to AGF's website at www.agf.comunder 'About AGF' and 'Investor Relations' and at www.sedarplus.com. Conference Call AGF will host a conference call to review its earnings results today at 11 a.m. ET. The live audio webcast with supporting materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of AGF's website at www.agf.comor at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/pdkpzy7f.Alternatively, the call can be accessed over the phone by registering hereor in the Investor Relations section of AGF's website at www.agf.com, to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN. A complete archive of this discussion along with supporting materials will be available at the same webcast address within 24 hours of the end of the conference call. About AGF Management Limited Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth. AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm's collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $56 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B. About AGF Investments AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs. AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services. About AGF Capital Partners AGF Capital Partners is AGF's multi-boutique alternatives business with Affiliate Managers across both private assets and alternative strategies across both private assets and alternative strategies. Clients benefit from the specialized investment expertise of Affiliate Managers1 combined with the organizational support and breadth of resources of AGF Management Limited (AGF). With over 18 years average experience, AGF Capital Partners Affiliate Managers including, Kensington Capital Partners Limited, New Holland Capital, LLC and AGF SAF Private Credit, manage approximately C$13.8 billion* in alternative AUM and fee earning assets on behalf of institutional and retail clients. Affiliate Manager AUM may not be consolidated into AGF Management Limited's reported AUM. *U.S. AUM converted FX rate as at August 31, 2025 (1.37) The term 'Affiliate Manager' refers to any partner regardless of relationship structures or revenue sharing agreements. The form of AGF's structured partnership interests in Affiliate Managers differs from Affiliate Manager to Affiliate Manager. The structure of the relationship with a particular Affiliate Manager, or the revenue that AGF agrees to share in, may change. Affiliate Managers only provide investment advisory services or offer products in the jurisdiction where such firm, individuals and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. AGF Management Limited shareholders, analysts and media, please contact: Nick Smerek VP, Financial Planning & Analysis 416-865-4337, InvestorRelations@agf.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company, including its business operations, strategy and expected financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as 'expects,' 'estimates,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes' or negative versions thereof and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'would' and 'could.' In addition, any statement that may be made concerning future financial performance (including income, revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, fund performance, and possible future action on our part, is also a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expected growth, results of operations, business prospects, business performance and opportunities. While we consider these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions about our operations, economic factors and the financial services industry generally. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us due to, but not limited to, important risk factors such as level of assets under our management, volume of sales and redemptions of our investment products, performance of our investment funds and of our investment managers and advisors, client-driven asset allocation decisions, pipeline, competitive fee levels for investment management products and administration, and competitive dealer compensation levels and cost efficiency in our investment management operations, as well as general economic, political and market factors in North America and internationally, interest and foreign exchange rates, global equity and capital markets, business competition, taxation, changes in government regulations, unexpected judicial or regulatory proceedings, technological changes, cybersecurity, the possible effects of war or terrorist activities, outbreaks of disease or illness that affect local, national or international economies, natural disasters and disruptions to public infrastructure, such as transportation, communications, power or water supply or other catastrophic events, and our ability to complete strategic transactions and integrate acquisitions, and attract and retain key personnel. We caution that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than specifically required by applicable laws, we are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors that may impact actual results, please refer to the 'Risk Factors and Management of Risk' section of the 2024 Annual MD&A. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Glow Lifetech Corp. (CSE: GLOW) (OTCID: GLWLF) (FSE: 9DO) ("Glow" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the company is participating in the upcoming Annual Smallcap Discoveries Conference, taking place September 29-30, 2025, at the Parq Hotel and Casino in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rob Carducci, CEO of Glow, will be presenting on September 29, 2025, to discuss the Company's recent performance and future growth plans. The Smallcap Discoveries Conference brings together engaged investors and select Canadian growth companies in a curated format that includes company presentations, keynote sessions, and one-on-one meetings. Focused on strengthening Canada's microcap ecosystem, it fosters meaningful connections, improves access to capital, and builds long-term support for businesses that often operate outside the spotlight. Investors interested in meeting with Glow during the conference should contact the coordinator at trevor@smallcapdiscoveries.com. Any investors who would like to attend Small Cap Discoveries Conference can register for a pass here. About Smallcap Discoveries Smallcap Discoveries is Canada's leading small-cap investment community, dedicated to uncovering high-quality, under-followed companies with strong growth potential. Founded and led by veteran investors, the platform provides in-depth research, exclusive insights, and direct access to emerging opportunities in the micro and small-cap space. Through its premium membership, conferences, and educational resources, Smallcap Discoveries connects growth-focused investors with exceptional companies, helping members identify tomorrow's leaders today. About Glow Lifetech Corp Glow Lifetech is a Canadian-based biotechnology company focused on producing nutraceutical and cannabinoid-based products with dramatically enhanced bioavailability, absorption and effectiveness. Glow has a groundbreaking, plant-based MyCell Technology delivery system, which transforms poorly absorbed natural compounds into enhanced water-compatible concentrates that unlock the full healing potential of the valuable compounds. Website: www.glowlifetech.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267643 SOURCE: Smallcap Discoveries $3.4M Investment by Nexus Uranium Generated and Advanced Multiple New Priority Targets Alteration and Basement-Hosted Uranium Mineralization Associated with Graphitic Fault Zones Intersected Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") announces the termination, effective September 19, 2025, of an arm's length property option agreement (the "Agreement") with Nexus Uranium Corp. ("Nexus") dated March 18, 2024, that had allowed Nexus to earn up to a 75% interest in the Cree East Project. As a result of the termination of the Agreement, CanAlaska retains 100% ownership and receives the Cree East Project back fully unencumbered. The Company is currently working on exploration plans to move the Cree East Project forward towards discovery, building upon the recently completed 2025 winter drill program. The Cree East Project is strategically located in the southeastern Athabasca Basin, approximately 35 kilometres west of the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex (Figure 1). Figure 1 - Project Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/267692_166b3203341d29a3_002full.jpg CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "I am very pleased to have the Cree East project returned to CanAlaska shareholders unencumbered. The work completed on the project under the Nexus Uranium option agreement resulted in identification of multiple new priority target areas on a project that had sat dormant for over 10 years. With this new target inventory in hand and recent very positive drill results, the CanAlaska team is excited to get back on the ground with the next round of exploration to advance this project towards discovery. The Cree East project is uniquely situated just 35 kilometres from the Key Lake Uranium Mill that has a need for new tier 1 ore supply post-McArthur River reserve depletion in approximately 15 years. I would like to thank the Nexus Uranium team for their recent investment in Cree East." Historically, the Cree East Project has had over $20 million in exploration activity consisting of multiple geophysical surveys and 91 diamond drillholes completed by CanAlaska since 2006. During the term of the Agreement, as operator of the Cree East Project, CanAlaska leveraged this large historical data set, reviewing the historical diamond drilling work and re-processing the historical geophysical surveys, to successfully generate a series of newly-identified high-priority targets on the Cree East Project (Figure 2). Figure 2 - Cree East Project Target Areas To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/267692_166b3203341d29a3_004full.jpg CanAlaska initiated the first drill program on the Cree East Project in over a decade in February 2025 (see News Release dated February 3, 2025). The 2025 drilling program on the Cree East Project, which was focused entirely on Target Area B, successfully intersected graphitic host rocks showing evidence of post-Athabasca structural reactivation events, hydrothermal alteration, and localized structurally-controlled uranium mineralization (see News Releases dated April 29, 2025, and July 24, 2025). During the drill program, the Company also identified significant structure and hydrothermal alteration in the lower sandstone column over approximately 450 metres of strike length. This lower sandstone alteration and structure is characterized by fault intervals that have broken and blocky core associated with strong bleaching, clay, and sooty pyrite that is similar in nature to those intersected on the Company's Pike Zone discovery on the West McArthur project (Figure 3). Results of the first drill program in over a decade on the Cree East Project indicate evidence of potential uranium-bearing hydrothermal fluids moving through Target Area B. Figure 3 - Comparison of Alteration and Structure at Cree East to Pike Zone To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/267692_166b3203341d29a3_006full.jpg Moving forward, the Company is focused on continuing to advance the Cree East Project. During the historical data review and geophysical re-processing, the Company identified several additional target areas in conjunction with Target Area B, these include Areas A, I, and an untested conductor (Figure 2). These additional target areas are designed to test interpreted graphitic stratigraphy on both the footwall and hanging wall side of a large and rigid banded iron formation. The Company believes the competency contrast of graphitic stratigraphy against the large rigid banded iron formation creates the potential for post-Athabasca structural reactivation. This structural reactivation can create important conduits for the movement of uranium-bearing hydrothermal fluids that interact with graphitic structural zones. Other News The 2025 summer drill program on the West McArthur project is currently ongoing, with the Company working to achieve an estimated 15 to 20 additional unconformity target intersections along the C10S corridor. The summer program is focused on continued step outs along strike to evaluate for additional zones of uranium mineralization, extensions of the Pike Zone, and continuation of the hydrothermal alteration system. In addition, a secondary focus for the program is select infill targets within the currently understood footprint of the Pike Zone. The Company expects to complete the summer portion of the 2025 exploration program in the coming weeks. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska is a leading explorer of uranium in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. With a project generator model, the Company has built a large portfolio of uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska owns numerous uranium properties, totaling approximately 500,000 hectares, with clearly defined targets in the Athabasca Basin covering both basement and unconformity uranium deposit potential. The Company has recently concentrated on the West McArthur high-grade uranium expansion with targets in 2024 leading to significant success at Pike Zone. Fully financed for the upcoming 2025 drill season, CanAlaska is focused on uranium deposit discovery and delineation in a safe and secure jurisdiction. The Company has the right team in place with a track record of discovery and projects that are located next to critical mine and mill infrastructure. The Company's head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a satellite office in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the Company cautions against placing undue reliance thereon. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267692 SOURCE: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Perseverance Metals Inc. ("Perseverance" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered offerings of subscription receipts and flow-through units for aggregate gross proceeds of C$3,569,731 and received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") for the imminent listing of its common shares (the "Shares"). Go-Public Financing The Company has marked a significant milestone in the public listing process by closing a non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts (the "SR Offering) and of units (the "Unit Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$3,569,731 which, in addition to the C$4,618,869 raised in the Company's initial financing in connection with the listing process (see PMI News Release June 26 2025), results in total gross go-public proceeds of C$8,188,869 - over C$2,000,000 oversubscribed. Notably, the Offerings included pro-rata strategic investments from existing shareholders Teck Resources Limited ("Teck"), a leading Canadian resource company, Altius Minerals Corp. ("Altius"), a diversified minerals royalty company and the Company's partner on the Voyageur project, and SIDEX ("SIDEX"), a resource-focused fund in Quebec. Details on the SR Offering and Unit Offering are provided below. TSXV Listing Perseverance is also pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval for the listing of its Shares on the TSXV. Pending final approval, the Company will be listed as a Tier 2 issuer on the TSXV under the symbol "TSXV:PMI". The completion of the SR Offering and Unit Offering moves the Company toward listing, and the Company hopes to announce details on the initial trading date of the Shares in the coming days.* "We're thrilled with the support we've received from investors, particularly our peers in the mining community - many of whom have joined us as foundational shareholders," said John Foulkes, President of Perseverance Metals. "The strong demand for the Perseverance Metals go-public financing is a powerful endorsement of our vision and the quality of our critical mineral assets and team." Details on Subscription Receipt Offering In connection with the SR Offering, on September 5, 2025 the Company issued: 3,167,323 subscription receipts (the " HD Subscription Receipts ") at a price of C$0.60 per HD Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of C$1,900,394; 1,148,110 flow-through subscription receipts (the " FT Subscription Receipts ") at a price of C$0.65 per FT Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of C$746,271; and 586,666 flow-through subscription receipts (the "CFT Subscription Receipts" and collectively with HD Subscription Receipts and FT Subscription Receipts, the "Subscription Receipts") as part of a charity arrangement at a price of C$0.92 per CFT Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of C$539,733. * There can be no assurance as to if, or when, the Shares will be listed or traded on the TSXV or any other stock exchange. Each Subscription Receipt will be exchanged, without payment of any additional consideration and without any further action by the holders thereof, into one unit (a "SR Unit") upon the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (defined below). Each SR Unit will be comprised of one Share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). The Shares and Warrants underlying the FT Subscription Receipts and the CFT Subscription Receipts will each qualify as a "flow-through share" as defined in s. 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Act"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.90 for a period of three years from the date of issuance. The expiry date of the Warrants will be subject to acceleration such that, should the closing price of the Shares on any Canadian stock exchange equal or exceed $1.20 for ten consecutive trading days, the Company, within 15 business days of such event, shall be entitled to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to a date that is 30 calendar days from the date that notice of such acceleration is given via news release, with the new expiry date specified in such news release (the "Acceleration Clause"). The aggregate gross proceeds from the SR Offering will be held in escrow until the satisfaction of the following "Escrow Release Conditions": (i) the Company obtaining the receipt for its final prospectus which it intends to file with certain securities regulatory authorities in Canada; and (ii) the receipt of confirmation from the TSXV that the Company has met all requirements for listing its Shares on the TSXV, subject to the exchange of the Subscription Receipts into SR Units. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by the escrow release deadline, as provided in the Subscription Receipt certificates, the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the proceeds from the SR Offering will be returned to the Subscription Receipt holders. The net proceeds from the sale of the HD Subscription Receipts will be directed towards advancing the Company's Lac Gayot, Voyageur and Armit Lake Projects, fees related to the Company's TSXV listing, and for administrative and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Subscription Receipts and CFT Subscription Receipts will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on the Lac Gayot Project in Quebec, and/or the Armit Lake Project in Ontario. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2025. In connection with the SR Offering, the Company expects to issue 28,245 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") and pay commissions of C$17,980 to certain finders upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. Each Finder's Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase an additional Share at a price of C$0.60 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance, subject to the Acceleration Clause. Details on Unit Offering On September 24, 2025, the Company completed the Unit Offering, pursuant to which the Company raised gross proceeds of C$383,333 through the sale of 416,666 units ("CFT Units") issued at a price of C$0.92 per CFT Unit. Each CFT Unit was comprised of one Share and one whole Warrant. The Shares and Warrants comprising the CFT Units will each qualify as a "flow-through share" as defined in s. 66(15) of Act. The gross proceeds from the sale of the CFT Units will be used to incur Qualifying Expenditures on the Lac Gayot Project in Quebec, and/or the Armit Lake Project in Ontario. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers effective December 31, 2025. All securities issued pursuant to the Unit Offering are subject to a hold period pursuant to Canadian securities laws. The securities offered pursuant to the SR Offering and Unit Offering 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 U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Perseverance Metals Perseverance Metals' critical minerals project portfolio is strategically positioned in key North American Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and hard rock lithium regions, including Quebec's prolific James Bay district and Michigan's Mid-Continent Rift. Our strict science-driven approach and extensive track record of discovery, coupled with an industry-leading team armed with next-generation exploration tools, provide us with a distinct competitive advantage. This offers a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries, the advancement of significant critical mineral deposits, and the development of a portfolio poised for strategic industry consolidation, all vital for the clean energy transition and the creation of new mining districts. Perseverance's exploration assets include: i) the Lac Gayot high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and lithium pegmatite project, which covers the entirety of the Venus Greenstone Belt in Quebec, featuring multiple, very high grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE showings and numerous large spodumene-bearing pegmatites with consistent high lithium grades in channel sampling; ii) the Voyageur Ni-Cu-Co-PGE project which covers 680km2 of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, 65 kilometres west of the only producing nickel mine in the United States, and; iii) the Armit Lake Ni-Cu-Co project, which is the consolidated and underexplored western half of the nickel- and gold-rich Savant Lake Greenstone Belt in Ontario. Additional information about Perseverance Metals can be found at perseverancemetals.com. On Behalf of the Board, Michael J. Tucker CEO and Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including expectations regarding the Company's use of the proceeds raised under the SR Offering and Unit Offering, expectations relating to the Company's ability to incur and/or renounce Qualifying Expenditures within the timeframes anticipated by management or at all, expectations that the listing of the Shares on the TSXV will be completed in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, expectations that the Company will receive all requisite regulatory approvals, and expectations regarding the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions and exchange of the Subscription Receipts into SR Units, issuance of the Finder's Warrants and payment of the finders' commission. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will be able to use the proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts as anticipated by management, that the Company will be able to incur and renounce the Qualifying Expenditures within the timeframes anticipated by management, that the listing of the Shares on the TSXV will be completed in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Escrow Release Conditions will be satisfied prior to the escrow release deadline, that the exchange of the Subscription Receipts into SR Units, issuance of the Finder's Warrants and payment of the finders' commission as expected by management, and that the Company will receive all requisite regulatory approvals associated with its public listing. While the Company is committed to completing the TSXV listing process, there can be no assurance that the listing will be approved in a timely fashion or at all. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks that the Company is not able to use the proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts as anticipated by management, risks that the Company will not be able to incur and renounce the Qualifying Expenditures within the timeframes anticipated by management or at all, risks that the Escrow Release Conditions will not be satisfied prior to the deadline or at all, risks that the listing of the Shares on the TSXV is not completed in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management or at all, and risks that the Company does not receive the requisite regulatory approvals necessary to complete its public listing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267733 SOURCE: Perseverance Metals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional assay results from the ongoing 2025 drill program on its 100% owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana, South America. Assays are reported for 6 drill holes on the Wenot deposit totaling 3,782m (Table 1). A total of 43 drill holes have been drilled to date this year, totalling 23,500m. Two drills commenced testing earlier stage gold targets while the recently released updated Mineral Resource Estimate was being prepared. The third drill continues on the deep hole 25ODD-122, testing the blue sky potential at depth below the Wenot deposit. It has reached a downhole depth of 1860m, encountering the targeted Wenot shear structural corridor at 1598m downhole, at a vertical depth approximately 1100 m below surface and 605 m below the deepest known parts of the Wenot deposit. A fourth rig commenced drilling last week on the eastern end of Wenot. Highlights* from the recent Wenot holes include: Hole 25ODD-127 3.08 g/t Au over 25.8m Including 17.06 g/t Au over 3.1m 1.52 g/t Au over 37.5m 7.33 g/t Au over 1.5m Hole 25ODD-125 6.84 g/t Au over 9.5m Including 27.51g/t Au over 1.2m 9.80 g/t Au over 1.5m Hole 25ODD-126 1.31 g/t Au over 39.5m 2.08 g/t Au over 18.0m Including 9.68 g/t Au over 1.5m 5.39 g/t Au over 3.4m 1.33 g/t Au over 8.9m 5.04 g/t Au over 3.0m Hole 25ODD-117 10.16 g/t Au over 2.6m 1.98 g/t Au over 7.5m 4.53 g/t Au over 2.4m Elaine Ellingham, CEO and Executive Chairman commented, "We are very pleased with our recently announced, significantly increased, updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). The NI 43-101 Report will be filed on SEDAR+ in the next couple of weeks. Today's new drill results from Wenot, were completed at the end of the resource drilling program, but assays were received after the cutoff date for the the MRE. These results will contribute to the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), expected in early Q1/26. While the MRE was being prepared, we redeployed two of the drills to exploration targets to assess the potential for new near-surface satellite deposits. One drill focused on the Camp Zone, located approximately 500m west of the current limits of the Wenot deposit, along the projected strike of the regional shear structure. Five holes have been completed in this area and assays are pending. A second drill focused on the Blueberry Hill trend that extends 500m northeast towards the northern edge of the old Gilt Creek pit. Historical drill results and a number of trenches have intersected high gold grades. Although structurally complex, these zones have the potential to add higher grade mill feed early in the mine life, potentially improving project economics. Six (6) holes have been completed and once assay results are received we will plan further drilling along this trend. The long hole 25ODD-122 continues albeit slowly and is now at a downhole depth of 1860m. This hole is designed to explore the deep blue sky potential of the Wenot deposit, approximately 600m below its known limits. The Wenot shear-hosted orogenic gold deposit consists of a series of near-vertical gold zones within a broad almost 400m wide shear corridor that extends at least 2.5km along strike. Given the strike length and width of the Wenot deposit, should this deposit continue to greater depths and at economic grades, it could significantly increase the potential size and ultimate mine life of the Omai project. Hole 122 commenced north of the Gilt Creek deposit and intersected the gold mineralized Gilt Creek intrusion from 405m to 1079m (674m) downhole then continued to the south. The hole encountered the Wenot shear corridor at 1598 m downhole and has continued within the shear for the last 267 meters. Drilling has progressed very slowly due to the significant length and shallow dip of the hole. Regardless, we are very satisfied, particularly since we have identified the wide shear corridor at depth. Sampling has just commenced on the lower zone. Samples from the upper part of hole 122, through the Gilt Creek deposit, are being analysed using Metallic Screening, recommended due to the presence of coarse gold as is typical of the Gilt Creek deposit. Historical production from the upper portion of Gilt Creek deposit saw over 30% recovery from the gravity circuit. Assays are pending for the upper part of the hole and sampling of the lower part awaits completion of drilling. A fourth drill arrived at the property and has commenced drilling at the eastern end of Wenot, focused at testing the limits of the deposit in this area. The two other drills are testing from the south side of Wenot. The current drilling at Wenot is focused on optimizing the resource for the upcoming PEA by drilling large gaps within the deposit in order to reduce the strip ratio. These holes and are also expected to further expand the resource. As these holes continue drilling to the north, they will increase the drilling density in the Central quartz-feldspar porphyry zone (CQFP) and northern Dike Corridor which is expected to upgrade some of the large Inferred Resource to Indicated. These holes at Wenot are designed for multiple purposes to further advance the Omai project. Work is underway on an updated PEA and we will provide an update on progress and milestones in an upcoming news release." The reported drill holes are all from the Wenot deposit, each investigating extensions of specific gold-bearing zones: Hole 25ODD-114 was drilled from the north side of Wenot, between holes 23ODD-071 and 24ODD-077. It targeted the down dip extension of the broad mineralization intersected in Hole 071 which intersected 2.26 g/t Au over 70.0m (including 4.6 g/t Au over 19.2m) (News Release dated October 23, 2023). This wide zone is within the CQFP and extends far into the sediments. Hole 114 tested 100-150m below these intervals. At least 5 intervals of gold mineralization were intersected within the Dike Corridor, including 2.33 g/t Au over 3m and 6.3 g/t Au over 1.5m. The best intercepts below the broad zone included 1.35 g/t Au over 9.4m and 0.70 g/t Au over 5.6m, mostly within the CQFP. No significant mineralization was encountered in the sedimentary sequence. Hole 25ODD-117 was drilled from the north side of Wenot, approximately 35m west of Hole 24ODD-096, testing zones intersected in Holes 104 (2.04 g/t Au over 8.9m in the dike corridor) and in Hole 096 (0.98 g/t Au over 26.2m in the CQFP and 1.31 g/t Au over 22m in the dike corridor). Hole 117 intersected nine mineralized zones, including 0.49 g/t Au over 7.5m, and 1.73 g/t Au over 2.1m, within the diorite dikes in the volcanics, and 1.20 g/t Au over 5.8m, 4.53 g/t Au over 2.4m, within the main Dike Corridor. Within the CQFP a number of zones were intersected including 1.98 g/t Au over 7.5m, 1.41 g/t Au over 4.5m, 0.54 g/t Au over 16.5m, and 10.16 g/t Au over 2.6m. Further downhole, 0.98 g/t Au over 4.50 m was intersected within the southern sediments. Hole 25ODD-125, drilled at West Wenot, testing deep between holes 22ODD-039 and 24ODD-086, and targeting the down-dip extension of the mineralization intersected in Hole 086 which included 2.96 g/t Au over 19.4m. Hole 125 intersected multiple zones including: 9.8 g/t Au over 1.5m within the volcanics, four notable intercepts within the prolific Dike Corridor, including 6.84 g/t Au over 9.5m, 1.72 g/t Au over 3.4m, 3.80 g/t Au over 1.5m, and 4.7g/t Au over 1.2m, correlating to the same zone assaying 2.96 g/t Au over 19.4m in hole 086. Narrow zones of gold mineralization were also intersected within the sediments that includes 0.48 g/t Au over 3.8m and 0.40g/t Au over 8.8m and within the Southern QFP, 3.10g/t Au over 1.0m. Hole 25ODD-126 was drilled from north side of Wenot, approximately 50m east of 25ODD-108. Hole 126 targeted the down-dip extension of zones identified in 21ODD-020 and 24ODD-088, which included 1.28 g/t Au over 25.7m in the CQFP (hole 020) and 1.46 g/t Au over 9m in the sediments (hole 088). Three gold zones were intersected within the Dike Corridor including 1.37 g/t Au over 2.5m, 1.33 g/t Au over 8.9m, and 5.39 g/t Au over 3.4m. At the CQFP 2.08 g/t Au over 18.0m was intersected. Significant mineralization was intersected within the southern sediments, including a 39.5m interval of 1.31 g/t Au. Further downhole, a diorite dike intruding the sediments assayed 5.04 g/t Au over 3.0m. Hole 25ODD-127 was a very successful hole, drilled from the south side of Wenot, collared 100m southeast of 24ODD-076 (see Figure 2). The primary objective was to test the down dip extension of the mineralized zones previously intersected in 25ODD-099 (3.58 g/t Au over 7m in the dike corridor) and the corresponding 2.12 g/t Au over 12m intersected in 21ODD-014. As it was drilled from the south, hole 127 first intersected the southern QFP, containing 0.87g/t Au over 3.6m, followed by multiple zones of mineralization within the sediments including 0.9 g/t Au over 3.0m, 2.09 g/t Au over 3.0m, 0.79 g/t Au over 5.8m, 6.85 g/t Au over 1.0m, 0.63 g/t Au over 5.8m, and 7.33 g/t Au over 1.5m. A wide mineralized zone of 1.52 g/t Au over 37.5m was then intersected within the sediments that persisted until the central contact complex which, as typical, consisted of a protomylonite zone and the Central QFP. Another wide intercept of 3.08g/t Au over 25.8m was encountered within the main Dike Corridor. Hole 25ODD-128 was drilled from the north side of Wenot, beside 23ODD-063, but in different orientation (105o azimuth). This hole was to follow up on an impressive new mineralized zone first identified in 25ODD-116 (2.63 g/t Au over 27.5m) (News Release dated May 29, 2025), however due to surface ground restrictions it was drilled from a less than optimal location. Nonetheless, it intersected the same zone, but at a very oblique angle, assaying 1.18 g/t Au over 7.5m. This zone is hosted within diorite dikes intruding the volcanic sequence. Drilling is planned to test for further extensions of this new northwest zone, located on the edge of the known Wenot deposit. Little to no drilling has been done alone strike in this area. Figure 1. Plan Map of Geology and Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/267740_6d431f58443d5b15_001full.jpg Table 1. Recent Wenot Drill Results* DDH From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade (g/t Au) 25ODD-114 458.5 460.0 1.5 2.87 490.9 492.0 1.1 1.66 497.5 500.5 3.0 2.33 515.5 517.0 1.5 6.30 575.8 576.8 1.0 1.03 599.0 604.6 5.6 0.70 609.4 618.8 9.4 1.35 25ODD-117 304.0 311.5 7.5 0.49 322.0 324.1 2.1 1.73 396.2 402.0 5.8 1.20 407.6 410.0 2.4 4.53 465.5 473.0 7.5 1.98 479.0 483.5 4.5 1.41 488.0 504.5 16.5 0.54 508.0 510.6 2.6 10.16 545.0 549.5 4.5 0.98 25ODD-125 285.0 286.5 1.5 9.80 367.1 370.5 3.4 1.72 425.5 427.0 1.5 3.80 447.9 449.1 1.2 4.57 470.2 479.7 9.5 6.84 Including 478.5 479.7 1.2 27.51 560.9 566.0 5.1 0.53 592.2 596.0 3.8 0.48 601.0 609.7 8.8 0.40 652.3 653.3 1.0 3.10 691.0 692.0 1.0 2.58 25ODD-126 199.7 201.0 1.3 1.79 329.0 331.5 2.5 1.37 340.3 349.2 8.9 1.33 369.3 372.7 3.4 5.39 434.0 452.0 18.0 2.08 Including 450.5 452.0 1.5 9.68 488.0 527.5 39.5 1.31** Including 488.0 489.5 1.5 10.93 537.5 544.5 7.0 0.99 613.0 616.0 3.0 5.04 25ODD-127 268.6 272.2 3.6 0.87 291.5 294.5 3.0 0.90 303.5 306.5 3.0 2.09 314.0 319.8 5.8 0.79 367.2 368.2 1.0 6.85 390.5 396.3 5.8 0.63 414.5 416.0 1.5 7.33 431.0 468.5 37.5 1.52 517.0 542.8 25.8 3.08 Including 533.7 536.8 3.1 17.06 548.6 554.5 5.9 0.59 25ODD-128 384.0 391.5 7.5 1.18 398.5 400.0 1.5 0.57 *True widths vary as mineralization at Wenot is generally hosted within stockwork vein systems with alteration halos, with an estimated true width range of 70-90%. Cut-off grade 0.30 g/t Au with maximum 3.0m internal dilution is applied. **A maximum 5.0m internal dilution was applied. Grades are uncapped unless otherwise noted. Figure 2. Cross-Section DDH 25ODD-127 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/267740_6d431f58443d5b15_002full.jpg Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (degrees) (m) 25ODD-114 176 -57 304790 602030 700 Reporting 25ODD-117 176 -50 305429 601849 646 Reporting 25ODD-122 142 -60 304648 602870 >1800 Drilling 25ODD-123 357 -50 304533 601522 109.5 Not completed 25ODD-125 175 -55 304356 602008 703.3 Reporting 25ODD-126 177 -53 304586 601948 646.7 Reporting 25ODD-127 356 -48 304907 601311 650.4 Reporting 25ODD-128 105 -65 304381 601862 436 Reporting 25ODD-129 147 -52 304160 602829 256.5 Pending 25ODD-130 178 -51 303677 602020 250.6 Pending 25ODD-131 0 -90 303923 602486 208.7 Pending 25ODD-132 178 -55 303681 602114 403.6 Pending 25ODD-133 148 -65 303981 602546 220.5 Pending 25ODD-134 20 -88 304442 602812 152.4 Pending 25ODD-135 177 -48 303728 602034 259.2 Pending 25ODD-136 178 -48 303731 602106 334.7 Pending 25ODD-137 180 -60 304406 602731 170.1 Pending 1NI 43-101 Technical Report dated May 21, 2024 "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants Inc. is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website. (An updated MRE was announced in a news release dated August 25, 2025 and the NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed shortly) 2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on SEDARplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006. Quality Control Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags. Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to ActLabs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications. Qualified Person Elaine Ellingham is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. ABOUT OMAI GOLD Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield greenstone belt. In February 2024 the Company announced an updated NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 ("MRE"), followed by the announcement of an initial baseline Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), both reported in an NI 43-101 Report filed in April 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. The 2024 PEA contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included only 45% of the Omai Gold Project MRE. The Company announced an updated, significantly increased Mineral Resource Estimate on August 25, 2025 and is commencing the preparation of an updated PEA that is expected in early 2026. Four drills are currently active on the property: at Wenot the focus is to optimize the upcoming PEA, to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to upgrade some of the large Inferred Resource to Indicated. Additional drilling will explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near surface higher-grade satellite deposits. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure and will soon be connected to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden, via paved road. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267740 SOURCE: Omai Gold Mines Corp. Gordon to lead unit that serves more than 10 million learners and future healthcare professionals globally NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics for science and healthcare, today announced the appointment of Brent Gordon as president of its global Healthcare Education business unit, which delivers cutting-edge nursing, health, and medical education content through advanced digital learning platforms-empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals and institutions worldwide. Currently, the unit serves more than 10 million learners and future healthcare professionals globally. A proven leader in education technology, Gordon currently leads Elsevier's Nursing and Health Education division. In his expanded role, he will spearhead innovation across Elsevier's trusted portfolio of best-in-class solutions that are grounded on trusted content and advanced technologies such as AI, 3D animation, digital simulations and end-to-end analytics to drive superior performance and results in healthcare education. These solutions include Sherpath AI, ClinicalKey Student, Shadow Health, HESI, Complete Anatomy, and Osmosis-creating a unified, outcomes-driven experience for learners and educators across disciplines. Jan Herzhoff, President, Elsevier Health, said: "Brent is a visionary leader with a track record of turning bold ideas into real-world impact. His deep understanding of the education landscape and relentless focus on innovation will accelerate our mission to transform healthcare learning and improve learning outcomes for future impact makers in healthcare." With over 25 years of experience in education technology, Gordon has led large-scale digital transformations in global organizations. Since joining Elsevier in 2019, he has led the growth of its Nursing & Health Education business, launching Elsevier 360 for Nursing and Sherpath AI-the first generative AI tool designed for nursing education-while also leading key acquisitions including Shadow Health and Authess. Brent Gordon, President, Healthcare Education, Elsevier said: "At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to helping learners and healthcare professionals succeed. By delivering AI-enabled tools, trusted content, and predictive analytics, we're equipping them with the resources they need to make informed decisions, improve patient outcomes, and drive meaningful progress in healthcare. This is a transformative time in healthcare education, and I am honored and excited to lead our organization as we advance knowledge and prepare more students for clinical practice." About Elsevier Elsevier is a global information analytics company specializing in science and health. For over 140 years, we've partnered with the scientific and medical communities to advance knowledge, improve outcomes, and foster innovation. Our content and technology help researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals in over 170 countries make critical decisions with confidence. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. Learn more at www.elsevier.com and follow us on social media @elsevierconnect. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2717688/5509711/Elsevier_Limited_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elsevier-appoints-brent-gordon-president-of-healthcare-education-unit-302565038.html Enter's Series A represents the largest investment ever made in an AI-focused company in Latin America SAO PAULO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brazil has nearly 80 million active lawsuits - eight times the U.S. - with labor claims alone costing companies billions of dollars annually. Free digital filings have fueled an avalanche of consumer cases against banks, retailers and airlines that elsewhere would be resolved by routine customer support. Confronted with this reality, Mateus Costa-Ribeiro became Brazil's youngest practicing lawyer at 18, graduated from Harvard Law, passed the New York Bar at 20, and left a full-ride Stanford MBA to build Enter, an AI platform designed to help enterprises manage litigation at scale. That convergence of founder and problem has now drawn Silicon Valley investors Founders Fund and Sequoia back to Brazil to co-lead Enter's $35M Series A at a $350M valuation, the largest investment in an AI-focused company in Latin America to date. Mateus co-founded Enter with Michael Mac-Vicar, former CTO of Wildlife Studios, and Henrique Vaz, a Harvard colleague who rose from intern to CMO at Wildlife before leading product at Enter. "We've built a platform that already delivers direct cost savings for the largest enterprises in Latin America. Solving this in Brazil, the most complex legal ecosystem in the world, proves that our technology can scale globally," said Mateus. Enter's AI agents support lawyers across the full lifecycle of a lawsuit: case intake, fraud detection, settlement recommendations, drafting defenses, and interpreting rulings. Human lawyers review and refine the AI's output, producing faster and stronger results. "Enter has the potential to be a global leader in legal AI, led by a founder with a deep personal connection to the industry," said Matias Van Thienen, partner at Founders Fund. "Excess litigation is a more urgent problem in Brazil than anywhere else, and Enter's vertically integrated approach not only solves pain for enterprises but also alleviates a systemic drag on the economy." In 2025 alone, Enter expects to process more than 250,000 new cases - a figure that, to put it in perspective, is almost double the number of civil lawsuits filed each year in Japan. Its impact is tangible: higher win rates in court and millions of dollars in savings for the companies that rely on its platform. Clients include Brazil's largest banks such as Itau and Santander, retail giants like Mercado Livre and global technology leaders like Nubank and Airbnb. Managing high-volume consumer lawsuits is only the first step. Enter is now expanding into complex labor disputes and developing predictive AI to recommend the most effective evidence, precedents and arguments, redefining how AI shapes legal strategy. "Enter is tackling a critical problem in a large market, giving them a strong entry point to become the leading Enterprise AI company in Latin America. Their broader impact could help reshape the region's business landscape and fuel economic growth," said Konstantine Buhler, Partner at Sequoia Capital. This round marks a decisive step toward redefining how Latin American companies foster productivity with AI, driving both efficiency and legal security at scale. Contact: Guilherme Grupenmacher, Chief of Staff +12154501017 pr@getenter.ai A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e592ccca-3b2f-4b04-8414-c417a36fe00b "Unity": Uniting the world's foremost experts in hair restoration through education CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative surgical and non-surgical therapies targeting multiple forms of hair loss will be unveiled as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) hosts its 33rd World Congress, October 23-25, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. Some of the world's most esteemed hair restoration experts will present the latest research in stimulating and sustaining hair growth for the millions of patients around the world who suffer from hair loss and are seeking safe and effective solutions. Based on the ISHRS's most recent member survey, the average number of hair loss patients per ISHRS member increased by 20% from 2021. In addition, first-time hair restoration surgery patients skewed younger than the general population in 2024, with 95% initiating hair restoration surgery between the ages of 20-35. As a testament to this growing demand for expertise in treating hair loss, the three-day conference and sold-out live surgery workshop is expected to unite over 800 physicians and surgical assistants from around the world committed to continuing education in the field of hair restoration. A new core section of this year's program coined Masterclasses will replace the traditional focused sessions/workshops and allow two speakers time to delve into their topic at a more granular level - using a combination of videos, slides, handouts and interactive audience participation to help practicing surgeons improve their skills on the featured subject. "The sheer number of abstract submissions we received for this meeting has shattered records, contributing to an unmatched scientific program dedicated to advanced surgical and non-surgical education unlike anything else in the field of hair restoration," said Sam Lam, MD, FISHRS, Program Chair. This year, ISHRS President Dr. Ricardo Mejia has introduced one of the first hair-related congresses to employ Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based language real-time translation for over 60 languages - which speaks to the volume of participants who seek out this educational experience. "As an international society along with 25 Global Council member societies from all over the world, it is important for us to be all inclusive with the various languages from our international members so they can have the same learning experience," said Ricardo Mejia, MD, FISHRS, President of the ISHRS. The program includes the following internationally renowned keynote speakers: Leslie Castelo-Soccio, MD, PhD, USA - "Microbiome in Hair Restoration" David Saceda, MD, PhD, Spain - "Management of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia" Ulrike Blume-Peytavi, MD, PhD, Germany - "Updates on Topical Finasteride" Angela Hermosa, MD, Spain - "Scalp Mesotherapy in Hair Restoration" Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach, PhD, Germany - "Inheritance Pattern of Androgenetic Alopecia" In addition to the new Masterclass offerings, seasoned and newer practitioners alike can attend scientific course offerings that will cover topics ranging from advances in stem cells and cell therapy for hair restoration to the latest surgical techniques including the management of challenging cases. Faculty strongly encourage spirited interaction and discussion to further enrich participants' overall learning experience. A sampling of the hot topics to be presented at the ISHRS World Congress includes: Stem Cells Prolong Anagen Phase and Enhance Hair Follicle Growth Creating a Natural Hairline with Long-pulsed Nd:YAG Laser Sublingual Minoxidil Increases Fiber Diameter in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Proxy for Reversal of Hair Follicle Miniaturization Nutrition and Hair Loss Afro Hair FUE Botulinum Toxin for Androgenetic Alopecia before FUE: A Split-scalp, Randomized, Controlled Study Double-blind, Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Shows Statistically Significant Reduction of Telogen Effluvium with Novel Leave-in Hair Spray as Early as One-Month After Usage Scalp Cooling at Subzero Temperature Shows Statistically Significant Hair Regrowth in AGA Patients: A Pilot Study Artificial Intelligence in the Hair Restoration Surgery Practice: Real-World Applications for Efficiency, Engagement, and Education "With demand for the treatment of hair loss at an all-time high among men and women, the ISHRS is ready to meet this moment with the highest caliber educational offerings - not only at our World Congress but throughout the year via hands-on courses at our regional workshops held around the world or through comprehensive online learning opportunities," said Dr. Mejia. "What matters most to our members is how keeping abreast of the cutting-edge advances in hair restoration translates into enhanced outcomes for our patients." About the ISHRS The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with 1,200 members throughout 80 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia - male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org. About the ISHRS 33rd World Congress For a complete copy of the program and schedule, visit: Meeting Outline. Media interested in attending the meeting can register for complimentary press passes by contacting the ISHRS at info@ishrs.org. About the Survey Conducted by Relevant Research Consulting of Evanston, IL, USA, the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census is a compilation of information provided solely by participating physicians. The information published in this survey was developed from actual historical information and does not include any projected information. The margin of error for the sample is within plus or minus 5.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For a full reprint of the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census Report, visit Hair Restoration Statistics. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1811888/ISHRS_LOGO_blue_no_oval_CMYK_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/international-society-of-hair-restoration-surgery-hosts-33rd-world-congress-october-23-25-2025-in-berlin-germany-with-sold-out-live-surgery-workshop-october-26-302563284.html Innovator of HD-EEG releases world's most advanced EEG brain monitoring technology for neuroscience research MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EGI has unveiled the Geodesic EEG System 500, the world's first intelligent ecosystem for precision brain research and translational research, redefining how neuroscientists capture and analyze the brain's electrical activity. This next generation neurotechnology platform seamlessly integrates brain sensing, stimulation, hardware and software for EEG signal quality and ease of use. Electroencephalography (EEG) enables researchers and clinicians to noninvasively capture the brain's electrical activity for insights into health, disease, and patient care. EGI innovated the gold standard in HD-EEG technology, cited in more than 4,000 research papers, including pivotal studies in depression, sleep, autism, Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical development. "This is the evolution of EEG technology and neuroscience monitoring," said Ronnie Stolec-Campo, CEO, Welcony. "The GES 500 ecosystem provides researchers with the best EEG technology in the industry-up to 4,000 samples per second across 256 channels. This provides biomarker data for precision medicine and brain computer interface (BCI) applications." The GES 500 amplifier platform integrates commercial and open-source tools and services. The system architecture supports easy recording of continuous resting state EEG and sleep recordings as well as time locked experiments, eye trackers, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and more through a single integrated interface. Direct interoperability with modern Magstim TMS systems unlocks streamlined stimulation workflows. The system operates seamlessly with tools like EGI's Net Station and BESA, to open-source tools like EEGLAB, HAPPE, Fieldtrip, Brainstorm and more. This future-focused ecosystem with advanced AI and machine learning hardware allows low-latency EEG feature extraction for closed loop applications. This includes phase locked stimulation, brain computer interfaces and advanced neurofeedback. Since 1992, EGI has been trusted by thousands of researchers and clinicians worldwide. To learn more about the EGI Geodesic EEG System 500 and the entire family of research and clinical neurotechnology innovations, visit Magstim.com or call 844-624-7846. About Welcony Globally, Welcony technologies have supported thousands of research labs, clinics, hospitals and universities that focus on mental health, brain disorders, cognitive neuroscience and neuromonitoring. Key brands include MagstimMagnetic Stimulation, EGIhigh-density EEG, TechnomedClinical Neurophysiology and NeurosignInteroperative Nerve Monitoring. Welcony is backed by Telegraph Hill Partners, a San Francisco based private equity company. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3dddd57d-bd08-4d09-97ff-49aaa31e4762 Media Contact: Mark Sejvar, mark.sejvar@magstimegi.com, 323-363-3530 BOULDER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Affluence Corporation, (OTCID:AFFU), subsidiary, Mingothings International (MTi), has entered into a strategic partnership with Aerodyne Group, a global leader in drone-based enterprise solutions and AI-powered data analytics. Aerodyne Group, renowned for its cutting-edge drone technology and AI-driven innovations, has established itself as a global pioneer in delivering solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across a variety of industries. The company's work spans critical sectors such as infrastructure, smart cities, and environmental monitoring, making it a trusted partner for enterprise and government clients worldwide. For MTi, this partnership provides an exciting opportunity to expand its IoT and smart city solutions, particularly in Southeast Asia. By combining MTi's advanced IoT technologies - including thethings.io IoT platform, Metering Box, and Digital Twin solutions - with Aerodyne's drone capabilities, both companies will be able to jointly deliver next-generation infrastructure solutions, environmental monitoring systems, and smarter city projects that drive efficiency and sustainability. For Affluence Corporation, this strategic partnership strengthens its commitment to building a global network of complementary businesses that unlocks new growth opportunities through partnerships, innovation, and market expansion. The partnership further enhances Affluence's portfolio by integrating AI, drone technology, and IoT into the smart city and infrastructure sectors. "This partnership will allow us to deliver advanced solutions such as drone-based telecommunication tower inspections, asset management, and bushfire detection, fully integrated with our Smart City and Digital Twin platforms to accelerate digital transformation" said Thierry Scozzesi, Chief Commercial Officer of Mingothings International. "The signing of this MoU marks a new era of technological innovation for Malaysia and beyond. By combining our strengths, we aim to build smarter cities, safer environments, and more efficient infrastructure solutions," said Francesc Domingo, CEO of Mingothings International. Ir Dr Lim Eu Shawn, Chief Business & Solutions Officer of Aerodyne Group, added, "This partnership allows us to leverage our drone technology and AI capabilities in new and exciting ways. We are looking forward to contributing to smarter cities and infrastructure projects with Mingothings International." # About Affluence Corporation Affluence Corporation (AFFU.OTCID) is a diversified technology company focused on Smart City and industry software solutions. Through subsidiaries Mingothings SLU and OneMind Technologies SL, Affluence provides AI-enabled IoT, 5G, and data visualization platforms to enterprise and municipal clients worldwide. https://affucorp.com. About Mingothings SLU Mingothings SLU ("MTi") is a trusted specialist in integrated IoT solutions and data analytics for smart cities and connected industries. With expertise in real-time data processing, sensor integration, and adaptable IoT platforms, MTi provides innovative solutions designed to maximize efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance in diverse IoT applications. https://www.mingothings.com About Aerodyne Group Aerodyne Group, headquartered in Malaysia, is a global leader in drone-based enterprise solutions and AI-powered data analytics. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative AI-driven approach, Aerodyne delivers transformative solutions across various industries, including infrastructure, agriculture, smart cities, and environmental monitoring. The company's expertise in drone technology enables businesses and governments to optimize operations, enhance safety, and drive sustainable growth. https://aerodyne.group # # # This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggests," "plan," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic business conditions, competitive and technological factors, markets, services, products and prices, the failure to negotiate and enter into an definitive agreement with Aerodyne Group , availability and the cost of capital, success of growth initiatives, limited operating history and other risks discussed in our filings with the OTCMarkets and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Affluence Corporation assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Media and investor contact - press@affucorp.com SOURCE: Affluence Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/affluence-corporation-subsidiary-mti-and-aerodyne-group-form-stra-1077271 Turkiye's Boru Hatlari ile Petrol Tasima A.S. (BOTAS) and Woodside have signed an LNG Heads of Agreement under which Woodside will supply BOTAS a total of approximately 5.8 billion cubic meters natural gas equivalent of LNG for up to nine years starting from 2030, primarily from the Louisiana LNG project. The agreement was exchanged between Abdulvahit Fidan, BOTAS Chairman and General Manager, and Daniel Kalms, Woodside's Chief Operating Officer International, in a ceremony witnessed by Alparslan Bayraktar, the Republic of Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, during his visit to the US for the 80th Session of United Nations General Assembly. Speaking in the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar stated: "We are observing the signing of an agreement between a Turkish company and Woodside for the supply of LNG, primarily from Louisiana LNG in the United States, which establishes a connection across continents. We believe this will be the beginning of a successful relationship between BOTAS and Woodside. The companies have already expressed their intention to expand the relationship beyond a proposed LNG sales agreement and build a strategic cooperation in the wider region, and we fully support this vision." Daniel Kalms welcomed the HOA. "This is a landmark Heads of Agreement between Woodside and BOTAS as it is the inaugural long-term LNG supply arrangement between our companies. More importantly, it stands as a testament to BOTAS's confidence in the Louisiana LNG project, the US LNG sector and Woodside's reputation for reliability and operational excellence. This agreement also strengthens the Turkish-US relationship and paves the way for building a larger strategic relationship with BOTAS that supports energy security and economic growth for Turkiye and the United States. Woodside appreciates the strong support from the Turkish and United States governments to help advance this agreement," he said. The supply arrangement is subject to the parties entering a binding sales and purchase agreement. About Woodside Energy Woodside is a global energy company, operating across three continents. We provide the energy the world needs to heat homes, keep the lights on and support industry. Our resilient and diversified portfolio of oil, gas and new energy projects includes Louisiana LNG and Beaumont New Ammonia. Woodside is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the Gulf of America, where we are actively expanding production and exploring. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924616223/en/ Contacts: Media contacts Australia Christine Abbott M: +61 484 112 469 E: christine.abbott@woodside.com United States Rob Young M: +1 281 790 2805 E: robert.young@woodside.com LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Business Worldwide Magazine has awarded Michel Dard, DDS, MS, PhD, CEO of BioCellgraft , Inc. New York, the 'Biotech CEO of the Year U.S. - Regenerative Dentistry and Oral Medicine' title in the 2025 CEO Awards. The 2025 CEO Awards honours senior executives whose vision, strategy, and leadership drive innovation and inspire the broader business community. Unlike other business awards, which focus on the overall achievements of companies, here the spotlight is on the visionaries who lead them. The aim is to give groundbreaking business leaders the recognition they deserve, whilst inspiring others to achieve similar successes. A trained dentist in France and oral surgeon in the United States, Dard has held senior roles across academia, hospitals, and global corporations. Today, he applies decades of experience to BioCellgraft's pioneering regenerative solutions, developing minimally invasive treatments that address both soft and hard tissue defects. "I was always curious to explore different facets of my profession," Dard says. "Encountering the pharmaceutical industry in the 1990s showed me that research and innovation could extend far beyond the clinic." Dard's career-defining moments include leadership roles at INSERM in Paris, as an EU Commission Expert in Brussels, and working alongside CEOs Hans Reimer (Merck) and Marco Gadola (Straumann), experiences that shaped his strategic discipline and leadership philosophy. BioCellgraft's flagship pipeline-OraFyl, OraFyl M, and OraFyl 3LM-reflects this ethos. Extracted from the human placenta, these products are designed for regenerative dentistry, preserving natural tissue properties while enabling minimally invasive procedures. "The chorion can be transformed into a gel, while the amnion maintains elasticity and mechanical strength," Dard explains. "Our processes (Celularity Inc., NJ) deliver highly purified products and respect the material's inherent qualities, making treatments more effective and versatile." The company follows user-centred, iterative design-thinking principles, involving clinical partners directly in development. This approach ensures high usability, versatility across ten identified surgical indications, and training-friendly solutions. "Innovation is not just about creating something new," Dard says. "It's about creating something that matters." Central to Dard's leadership is a focus on momentum, loyalty, and people. Drawing on his experience in the French Marines, he emphasises cohesion and responsibility. "A CEO must be curious, courageous, and permanently vigilant. If you lose momentum, you lose the company," he says. For aspiring scientists and entrepreneurs, Dard advises combining deep technical knowledge with market awareness. "Understand the technology, but also define your customer and ensure there is a market ready to adopt your innovation," he explains. Looking ahead, Dard remains committed to helping clinicians deliver faster, safer, and more efficient care, driving regenerative dentistry forward with science, strategy, and heart. Learn more about BioCellgraft at: https://biocellgraft.com/ Discover more Business Worldwide CEO Awards winners at: https://www.bwmonline.com/2025-ceo-awards-winners/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enable an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. Contact: David Jones Awards Department E: david@bwmonline.com W: www.bwmonline.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780078/Michel_Dard.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/michel-dard-of-biocellgraft-wins-business-worldwide-magazines-2025-ceo-award-302565457.html Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with TerraEye, a provider of satellite remote sensing and AI-driven exploration solutions, to deliver an advanced targeting program at Colibri's EP Gold Project in Sonora, Mexico. Accelerating Discovery with Satellite + AI TerraEye will deploy a multi-sensor workflow-combining multispectral and hyperspectral satellite imagery, explainable AI anomaly detection, and artisanal-mining activity detection-to identify and prioritize high-potential gold targets across the EP Project. TerraEye's datasets will be integrated with Colibri's magnetic, gravity, and geochemical databases to generate refined exploration models and actionable targets. The approach is designed to detect subtle geological and geochemical indicators of mineralization-even where vegetation obscures the surface-by: Building Bare Earth Composites (BEC) to minimize vegetation, sand, and clouds to expose soil/rock windows for analysis. Running mineral mapping (e.g., Spectral Angle Mapper , Mixture-Tuned Matched Filtering ) and geological indices to highlight alteration, clays, Fe-oxides and other pathfinders. Interpreting structures and lineaments from terrain models to locate potential fluid pathways. Applying AI clustering and explainable spectral targeting to converge multiple lines of evidence into ranked target zones. What TerraEye Will Deliver at EP The program will deliver decision-grade exploration intelligence, including: Prioritized Target Portfolio - A ranked list of targets with clear rationales (spectral/structural/geochemical evidence), sized polygons and coordinates for efficient field follow-up. Professional Analytical Report - An executive summary for decision-makers and detailed technical sections for geologists, with maps and figures supporting each target. GIS-Ready Data Package - GeoTIFF rasters (mineral-match scores, indices, composites), lineament/structure vectors, and target shapefiles/GeoJSON with attributes. TerraEye Platform Access - A secure, private workspace to review layers interactively, toggle evidence, and collaborate on next steps. Strategic Importance for EP By fusing TerraEye's satellite-derived anomaly maps with Colibri's datasets, the program is expected to sharpen geological models, focus ground work and drill planning, and reduce discovery risk. In the Caborca Gold Belt context, the ability to detect structure-guided alteration and stress in vegetation provides additional evidence to prioritize targets. CEO Comment "Our agreement with TerraEye for the EP Gold Project places Colibri among a growing group of explorers adopting next-generation remote sensing and AI tools," said Ian McGavney, CEO of Colibri. "By combining TerraEye's satellite analytics with our extensive exploration database, we expect to sharpen our geological modelling, refine drill targets, and accelerate the path toward discovery. The EP Gold Project represents a large and underexplored land package, and we believe this program will not only confirm and strengthen the targets we already know, but also highlight new areas with potential mineralization and even previously unrecognized historical workings. To date, Colibri has already identified 10 high-priority targets, of which only three have been drill-tested, and we are optimistic that TerraEye's work could expand this pipeline even further. This additional actionable data will both validate our geological models and open up new opportunities for exploration across the project." TerraEye Comment "Exploration teams don't need more layers-they need ranked, defensible targets they can act on," said Marek Wilgucki, CEO of TerraEye. "At EP we're fusing Colibri's magnetics, gravity and geochemistry with explainable satellite analytics so every target comes with a clear rationale and coordinates. Our goal is simple: shorten the loop from desktop insights to boots-on-the-ground validation and 2025 drill decisions." Recent Examples of the Approach TerraEye's methodology has been applied with other explorers to rapidly shortlist field-ready targets and integrate with ground programs, including: Kuya Silver - Bethania (Peru): Regional (~1,850 km) reconnaissance produced explainable spectral targets aligned with epithermal indicators; GIS layers delivered for QGIS integration. Read more Kuniko - Norway (EUSPA Demonstrator): Bare Earth Composites and mineral mapping enabled a desk-to-outcrop cycle in a few months, with early field validation of spectral targets. Read more About the EP Gold Project The EP Gold Project, located near Caborca in Sonora, Mexico, lies within the productive Caborca Gold Belt, host to some of Mexico's largest gold deposits including Fresnillo's La Herradura and Noche Buena mines. Colibri controls 100% of the EP Project, which spans 4,766 hectares and is road accessible via Federal Highway #2 and ranch roads. To date, more than 13,800 metres of drilling have been completed across Evelyn and Plomo, outlining multiple zones of shallow gold mineralization that remain open along strike and at depth. Highlight intercepts include 8 m @ 4.82 g/t Au, 15 m @ 2.36 g/t Au, 29 m @ 0.47 g/t Au, and broader intervals such as 66 m @ 0.27 g/t Au4 and 27 m @ 0.23 g/t Au4 (Hole EVE23-198), starting near surface and ending in mineralization. Chip/channels have returned high grades from several targets, including: Banco de Oro : up to 298 g/t Au over 2.4 m underground , with additional values of 12.3 g/t Au and 11 g/t Au . San Perfecto: up to 58.9 g/t Au5 and 47.3 g/t Au5, with additional strong values of 32.1 g/t Au, 16.65 g/t Au, and 15.6 g/t Au. Only 3 of 10 high-priority targets have been drill-tested, leaving significant exploration upside. The project is fully permitted for drilling, with a new program planned for 2025. About TerraEye TerraEye is a geospatial analytics company focused on satellite remote sensing and AI-driven mineral exploration. TerraEye delivers cost-effective, data-rich insights that help explorers rank targets faster, reduce discovery risk, and direct fieldwork where it matters most. The TerraEye platform integrates spectral anomaly detection, structural mapping, and explainable AI, delivered in a security-first cloud workspace with GIS-ready exports for your technical team. About Colibri Resource Corporation Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) is a Canadian junior mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal properties in Sonora, Mexico. The Company holds a 100% interest in the EP Gold Project, a 49% joint venture interest in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project, and additional interests in highly prospective claims at Diamante. Colibri is committed to advancing its portfolio through systematic exploration programs in one of Mexico's most prolific mining districts. References Surface Sampling Program Returns High-Grade Results at EP Project (Nov 20, 2022) Colibri Confirms Distribution of Historical High-Grade Samples at Its Newly Acquired Plomo Gold Project (Apr 4, 2023) Colibri Samples 9.84 g/t Au on the Plomo Property at EP Project (Jun 20, 2023) 4 Colibri Discovers New Zone of Gold Mineralization on the EP Property in Sonora, Mexico (Dec 19, 2023) 5 Colibri Begins High-Definition Magnetic Survey and Mapping of Priority Targets at Flagship EP Gold Project (Jan 18, 2024) 6 Colibri Samples 4.64 g/t Au at the EP Project, Caborca Gold Belt, Sonora, Mexico (Aug 22, 2024) Qualified Person Mark Smethurst, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. Disclaimer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Although Colibri believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," or variations of such words, and include statements with respect to the potential of the EP Gold Project. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual results could differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267746 SOURCE: Colibri Resource Corporation Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Roland Mineral Enterprises Corp. (TSXV: RME) is pleased to announce that it has commenced its 2025 exploration program at both the Buck Lake platinum-palladium-nickel-copper project and the greenstone-hosted gold Gwyn Lake Gold project in Ontario. High-resolution UAV LiDAR surveys across both properties are being conducted to generate detailed structural maps to refine targeting. Simultaneously, focused geological mapping and sampling will follow to expand the footprint of known mineralized zones based on LiDAR interpretations. At Buck Lake, exploration will build on the high-grade mineralization previously reported at the Main Discovery Area, where selective chip samples from sulphide-rich pyroxenite breccias returned values up to 31.6 g/t palladium, 2.82 g/t platinum, 1.53% copper, and 9.96% nickel. Access has been improved by logging roads. Gwyn Lake is situated within the prolific Geraldton-Beardmore Greenstone Belt. 2025 exploration will target structurally controlled, greenstone-hosted gold systems typical of shear zones, banded iron formations, and quartz-carbonate veins, with results intended to refine targets for future drilling. The technical content of this news release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Bohumil (Boris) Molak, PhD, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Roland Mineral Enterprises Corp. Roland Mineral is a Canadian mineral resource exploration and development company with gold exploration projects in the Yukon Territory and the historic Beardmore-Geraldton greenstone gold belt in Ontario, ownership of the Buck Lake platinum, palladium, nickel and gold project near the Lac Des Iles platinum, palladium mine in Ontario, the controlling interest in the Fox Creek lithium brine project in Alberta and the Graphite West hydrothermal graphite exploration Project - located immediately west of Zen Graphene Solutions' Albany hydrothermal graphite deposit. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which we have no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Not for Distribution in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267693 SOURCE: Roland Mineral Enterprises Corp. Andersen Global furthers its expansion across Africa as iSHARA, a collaborating firm since 2022, adopts the Andersen brand and becomes a member firm. Founded in 2012, Andersen in Tanzania is a professional services firm delivering comprehensive advisory solutions to local and international clients. The firm is widely recognized for its technical depth and strategic insight across areas including tax compliance, restructuring, financial due diligence and risk management, payroll management, and risk mitigation. With a commercial and solutions-oriented approach, the team works across key sectors such as energy, real estate, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, banking, and logistics. "Our transition to the Andersen brand marks an exciting new chapter for our firm," said Olive Mosha, office managing director. "We've built a reputation for identifying the root of complex issues and delivering tailored, high-quality outcomes. Through this transition, we strengthen our ability to serve clients with deeper resources, broader perspectives, and the multidisciplinary capabilities that today's global marketplace demands." "Andersen in Tanzania brings strong technical credentials and a deeply commercial mindset to our growing African platform," said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. "This move not only enhances our tax advisory capabilities in the region, but also reflects our shared commitment to delivering integrated, best-in-class service globally." Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax, legal, and valuation professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 600 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924590507/en/ Contacts: Megan Tsuei Andersen Global 415-764-2700 Acquisition Strengthens ALKEME's Presence in the Salt Lake City Market LADERA RANCH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / ALKEME Insurance, a Top 25 Insurance Brokerage, announced the acquisition of Jordan River Insurance, a full-service independent insurance agency based in the greater Salt Lake City area of Utah. ALKEME Insurance Acquires Jordan River Insurance ALKEME Insurance Expands Utah Footprint With Acquisition of Jordan River Insurance: Acquisition Strengthens ALKEME's Presence in the Salt Lake City Market Founded on a commitment to client service and strong community relationships, Jordan River Insurance has built a solid reputation for delivering customized insurance solutions to individuals and businesses across the Salt Lake City region. The addition of Jordan River Insurance further expands ALKEME's growing presence in Utah and reinforces its strategy of partnering with agencies that share its dedication to long-term client success. "We are excited to welcome Jordan River Insurance to the ALKEME family," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME. "Their deep roots in the Salt Lake City community and strong customer-first approach make them an excellent addition as we continue to strengthen our presence in Utah and across the Western U.S." "We are thrilled to join ALKEME and take this next step in our journey," said Dan Smith, owner of Jordan River Insurance. "Partnering with ALKEME allows us to continue building on the personal service and local relationships we've been known for, while gaining access to a wider range of resources, expertise, and opportunities to better serve our clients." The acquisition of Jordan River Insurance represents another significant step in ALKEME's expansion strategy, supporting its mission to deliver broad insurance expertise and resources while maintaining the local relationships that clients value most. ABOUT ALKEME ALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 70 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 60 locations in 29 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 25 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #3 fastest-growing broker in its Top 100. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information. SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/alkeme-insurance-expands-utah-footprint-with-acquisition-of-jordan-r-1077393 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) ("LaFleur Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ramp-up activities at the Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Deposit located in the Abitibi Gold Belt, near Val-d'Or, Quebec, Canada. Kal Malhi, Chairman of LaFleur Minerals commented, "LaFleur Minerals is blessed to have the fully updated and permitted Beacon Gold Mill, tailings storage facility (TSF), and nearby Swanson Gold Deposit with an open-pit constrained mineral resource estimate. This puts LaFleur Minerals in a unique category of a full-fledged near-term gold producer in the prolific Abitibi Gold District. This summer was a great period of development for the Beacon Gold Mill restart and the Swanson Gold Deposit ramp-up. The Beacon Gold Mill ramp-up is about completing maintenance of mill equipment, planning exploration and drilling near the historical Beacon Mine, and identifying the logistics and operational efficiency to restart gold production at the fully permitted and primed for restart Beacon Gold Mill, using mineralized material initially from our nearby Swanson Gold Deposit once permitting is complete. We also continue to drill aggressively on the Swanson Project and assay results are starting to come back from the lab." BEACON MILL RESTART LaFleur Minerals is quickly advancing to restart the Beacon Gold Mill and recently held a site visit of the Beacon Gold Mill, tailings storage facility (TSF), and the Swanson Gold Deposit on August 12, 2025, attended by Company Executives, Consultants, Institutional Investors and Mining Analysts. Response to the state of the Beacon Gold Mill, its proximity to within 20 minutes from the town of Val-d'Or, and the size of the TSF were extremely positive. Earlier this year, LaFleur Minerals engaged Bumigeme Inc. to conduct an independent evaluation, who confirmed the state of readiness at the Beacon Gold Mill and the ability to restart within the estimated $5 million budget, and also provided a valuation opinion for the Beacon Gold Mill that stated the full replacement cost of a new mill and tailings storage facility combined with permitting costs exceeding C$71.5 million and taking over 3-4 years to complete, underscoring the strategic value of the Beacon Gold Mill. In addition, LaFleur Minerals is finalizing the engagement of a full-service geological and mining consulting firm to provide a comprehensive PEA by the end of October 2025 that covers the full mining and economic viability of restarting gold production at the Beacon Gold Mill with mineralized material from the Swanson Gold Deposit. SWANSON GOLD DEPOSIT DRILLING RESULTS LaFleur Minerals is also pleased to report the receipt of the first high-grade gold assay results from its ongoing exploration diamond drilling program at its Swanson Gold Project ("Swanson"), strategically situated within the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Quebec. To date, 24 drill holes totalling 5,283 metres have been completed with assay results available for six (6) of these drill holes. Several drill holes exhibit high-grade, near-surface assay intercepts which highlight the strong potential to expand shallow, open-pit mineral resources at the Swanson Gold Deposit. Results also indicate step-out drilling success that has extended mineralization significantly along strike, reinforcing both the scale and continuity of the system at Swanson. The Swanson Gold Project is a district-scale, consolidated land package that stretches over 18,000 hectares and hosts extensive historical work with over 36,000 metres of historical drilling, and is potentially an ideal source of mineralized material for the Beacon Gold Mill, the Company's near-term producing asset located only 60 km away. The large strike length, multiple high-grade targets and the potential to increase mineral resources suggest upside for growth at Swanson, validated by these initial assay results from the ongoing drilling program. HIGHLIGHTS OF SWANSON DRILLING PROGRAM High-grade, near-surface gold along strike of Swanson Gold Deposit : 7.47 g/t Au over 1.35 metres (SW-25-033), located 1 km along strike southeast of the Swanson Gold Deposit 7.68 g/t Au over 1.0 metres (SW-25-034), located 300 metres along strike northwest of the Swanson Gold Deposit New high-grade gold discovery in the Bartec target area : 17.80 g/t Au over 1.0 metres (SW-25-037) in addition to anomalous molybdenum (Mo) and copper (Cu) hosted in the Laflamme intrusion in the Bartec target area The Company has completed its initial 5,000 metre drilling program, targeting priority areas identified through extensive historical data compilation and recent exploration work by the Company at the Swanson Gold Deposit, and Bartec, Jolin, and Marimac target areas (Figure 1). This includes priority drilling targets from over 50 promising areas identified to date. Based on these initial and encouraging drilling results, including both analytical and visual core observations, the Company is extending the current drilling program to approximately 7,500 metres. Recent high-grade gold assay drilling results testing the strike extension of the Swanson deposit include 7.47 g/t Au over 1.35 metres near surface at a hole depth of 29.55 metres in hole SW-25-033 confirming gold mineralization approximately 1 km along strike to the southeast of the Swanson Gold Deposit. Hole SW-25-034 returned 7.68 g/t Au over 1.00 metre at a hole depth of 181.15 metres representing a step-out intersection 300 metres to the northwest and along strike of the Swanson Gold Deposit. High-grade gold mineralization of 17.80 g/t Au over 1.0 metres with anomalous Mo and Cu hosted within the syenite/monzonite rocks of the Laflamme intrusion was intersected in hole SW-25-037 in the northern part of the Bartec target area. This represents a significant and different style of mineralization than that observed at the Swanson Gold Deposit, located 3 km to the northeast, opening up a new target type for exploration. Paul Teniere, CEO of LaFleur Minerals stated, "Near-surface grades such as 7.47 g/t Au over 1.35 metres and 7.68 g/t Au over 1.0 metre reinforce the strong opportunity for additional shallow mineralization along strike to the Swanson Gold Deposit. With multiple mineralized zones intersected across both targets, we are building confidence in the scale and continuity of the gold system at Swanson. These assay results represent important step-outs at Swanson, extending known mineralization significantly along strike in both directions. The very encouraging intercept of 17.80 g/t Au over 1.0 metre with anomalous molybdenite and copper mineralization in the Laflamme intrusion demonstrates the high-grade gold potential and different style of mineralization in a new area near the Bartec target." DRILLING PROGRAM SUMMARY AND SIGNIFICANT ASSAY RESULTS The collar details for the 24 completed drill holes totalling 5,283 metres are shown in Table 1, and the significant assay results and drill hole locations are shown in Table 2 and Figure 2. True widths of the mineralized zones are unknown at this time. The Qualified Person (QP) is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data disclosed in this news release. In addition to assays pending from recently completed holes, the Company reports encouraging visual observations from the ongoing drilling program. Hole SW-25-038 intersected 17.9 metres of massive to semi-massive sulphides (predominantly pyrite) from 217.65 m to 235.55 m, bordered on both sides by tuffs with strong sericite alteration. Hole SW-25-043 cut zones of disseminated to stringer pyrite within dark grey quartz veinlets hosted in altered basalt with carbonate and sericite alteration between 144.20-145.75 m and 147.00-151.05 m downhole. Hole SW-25-046 intersected disseminated, stringer, and locally massive sulphides associated with graphitic shear zones between 126.6 m and 139.5 m downhole. Reported intervals represent core lengths, not true widths. The Company cautions that visual estimates of sulphide abundance should not be considered a proxy for mineral content or grade. Laboratory assays are required to determine the presence and concentrations of gold or other metals, and assay results from these intervals are still pending. The Company's maiden diamond drilling program progresses with continued focus on testing regional exploration targets across the vast Swanson property including the Swanson, Bartec, Jolin, and Marimac targets. Additional holes are currently being logged, sampled, and submitted to the laboratory for assay testing. Additional drilling assay results will be reported as they become available. Figure 1: Swanson drilling target regions and proposed drill holes (in blue) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/267694_45dcfa6bc454c84d_001full.jpg Figure 2: Significant assay results from recent drilling at the Swanson and Bartec targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/267694_45dcfa6bc454c84d_002full.jpg Table 1: Drill Collar Locations (holes completed to date) Hole-ID Azimuth Dip Length (m) Easting (m) Northing (m) SW-25-032 215 -50 200 311565 5380111 SW-25-033 215 -50 200 311693 5380807 SW-25-034 180 -50 200 310434 5381275 SW-25-035 180 -50 200 310153 5381390 SW-25-036 180 -50 200 309981 5381440 SW-25-037 180 -50 200 309459 5378085 SW-25-038 210 -50 285 308759 5376922 SW-25-039 200 -50 240 307363 5375867 SW-25-040 200 -50 204 307424 5375893 SW-25-041 200 -50 201 307483 5375900 SW-25-042 200 -50 231 307445 5375972 SW-25-043 200 -50 225 307782 5376159 SW-25-044 200 -50 207 307693 5377050 SW-25-045 200 -50 201 306789 5376269 SW-25-046 200 -50 240 306831 5376033 SW-25-047 200 -50 201 306806 5375641 SW-25-048 180 -50 237 308710 5380121 SW-25-049 180 -50 234 308056 5380009 SW-25-050 180 -50 237 307831 5380568 SW-25-051 180 -50 201 307946 5381496 SW-25-052 225 -50 282 319313 5368164 SW-25-053 225 -50 204 318986 5368052 SW-25-054 225 -50 216 319076 5368177 SW-25-055 225 -50 237 319142 5368298 Drill collar coordinates in UTM NAD83, Zone 18 Table 2: Significant assay results table from recent drilling at the Swanson and Bartec targets Hole-ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t) Target Area SW-25-032 No Significant Results Swanson SW-25-033 29.55 30.90 1.35 7.47 Swanson SW-25-033 184.85 185.4 0.55 0.60 Swanson SW-25-033 185.40 186.70 1.30 1.96 Swanson SW-25-034 51.45 52.55 1.10 1.87 Swanson SW-25-034 181.15 182.15 1.00 7.68 Swanson SW-25-035 56.45 57.40 0.95 2.25 Swanson SW-25-035 168.60 169.45 0.85 0.56 Swanson SW-25-036 196.25 197.10 0.85 0.52 Swanson SW-25-037 132.55 136.10 3.55 1.15 Bartec SW-25-037 Incl. 132.55 132.90 0.35 9.06 Bartec SW-25-037 158.00 159.00 1.00 17.80 Bartec SW-25-037 178.30 178.90 0.60 0.50 Bartec SW-25-037 187.50 188.90 1.40 0.76 Bartec Reported intervals are drilled core lengths (true widths have not yet been determined) SAMPLING, QAQC, AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS SUMMARY All core logging and sampling completed by LaFleur Minerals as part of its diamond drilling program is subject to a strict standard for Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QAQC), which include the insertion of certified reference materials (standards), blank materials, and field duplicate analysis. NQ-diameter sawed half-core samples from the drilling program at Swanson were securely sent by Company geologists to AGAT Laboratories Ltd. (AGAT), with sample preparation in Val-d'Or, Quebec and analysis in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where samples were processed for gold analysis by 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples from selected holes were securely sent to AGAT in Calgary, Alberta, for multi-element analysis (including silver) by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method with a four-acid digestion. AGAT sample preparation and laboratory analysis procedures conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meet the requirements under NI 43-101 and CIM best practice guidelines. AGAT is independent of LaFleur Minerals. ENGAGEMENT OF MARKETING AND INVESTOR RELATIONS FIRMS The Company is also pleased to announce various strategic marketing and investor relations engagements (the "Engagements") with arms-length independent contractors and agencies, with the aim of developing the Company's communication strategy and strengthening exposure to a wider audience. A service agreement dated August 6, 2025 has been executed by the Company with CEO.CA Technologies Ltd. ("CEO.CA"), a subsidiary of EarthLabs Inc. and a leading investor social network in junior resource and venture stocks (the "CEO.CA Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the CEO.CA Service Agreement, CEO.CA has agreed to provide advertising services, news distribution and promotional content through digital channels to a targeted investor audience for the Company. The services may include company profile, banner advertisements served on desktop and mobile, news features, placements, videos, email sponsorships and Inside The Boardroom Video Interviews. The CEO.CA Service Agreement remains in effect for 12 months ending on August 6, 2026, the campaign period, and will not automatically renew. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the CEO.CA Service Agreement and as consideration for the services provided by CEO.CA, the Company has agreed to provide CEO.CA with a cash fee of CAD $95,000 plus applicable GST. CEO.CA and its principals are arm's length from the Company and do not have any interest, direct or indirect, in the Company or its securities nor do they have any right or intent to acquire such an interest. CEO.CA's business is located at 1040 Palmerston Avenue, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7S 2J3, Canada, the email contact is james@ceo.ca and its phone number is 604-687-3119. A service agreement dated September 10, 2025 has been executed by the Company with Maximus Strategic Consulting Inc. ("Pinnacle Digest") (the "Pinnacle Service Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Pinnacle Service Agreement, Pinnacle Digest will conduct, produce, edit and distribute, via PinnacleDigest.com's weekly email newsletter, YouTube channel and website at www.PinnacleDigest.com, a video about the Company which will include an interview with the Company's CEO or Chairman, b-roll and additional footage related to the Company and the gold industry. The Pinnacle Service Agreement remains in effect for 4 months, with services commencing October 1, 2025, through February 1, 2026, and will not automatically renew. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Pinnacle Service Agreement and as consideration for the services provided by Pinnacle Digest, the Company has agreed to provide Pinnacle Digest with a cash fee of CAD $100,000 plus GST. Pinnacle Digest owns 156,000 common shares of Lafleur Minerals Inc. Pinnacle Digest also owns 166,666 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.45 until October 4, 2026, and 156,000 common share purchase warrants exercisable at $0.75 until September 19, 2027. Pinnacle Digest's business is located at 300 - 1550 5 Street SW, Calgary, A.B.T2R 1K3 Canada, and the email contact is Aaron Hoddinott at support@pinnacledigest.com. The Company's common shares are now cross listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE). The FSE is one of the world's leading international stock exchanges by revenue, profitability, and market capitalization and is the largest of Germany's stock exchanges. Having been admitted to the FSE, LaFleur Minerals is making submission for listing on Tradegate, which, upon acceptance, will increase trading access for investors in Australasia and Asia amongst others. QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT AND DATA VERIFICATION All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the Company and considered a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of NI 43-101. The QP has verified the analytical data underlying the drilling assay results disclosed in this release by reviewing the Company's QAQC protocols, core and sample logs, original assay certificates, and assay database. About LaFleur Minerals Inc. LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Quebec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. Lafleur Minerals' fully-refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267694 SOURCE: LaFleur Minerals Inc. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Turkey's Boru Hatlari ile Petrol Tasima A.S. (BOTAS) and Australia's Woodside Energy Group Ltd. on Wednesday signed an LNG Heads of Agreement under which Woodside will supply BOTAS a total of approximately 5.8 billion cubic meters natural gas equivalent of LNG for up to nine years starting from 2030. The agreement will see the supply of LNG, primarily from Louisiana LNG in the United States, which establishes a connection across continents. The two companies have already expressed their intention to expand the relationship beyond a proposed LNG sales agreement and build a strategic cooperation in the wider region. The supply arrangement is subject to the parties entering a binding sales and purchase agreement. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. USA News GroupNews Commentary Issued on behalf of GoldHaven Resources Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News GroupNews Commentary - Gold's historic rally past $3,800 per ounce has accelerated following September's Federal Reserve rate cut, with international futures recently settling at $3,705.80 as investors pile into the precious metal[1]. Central banks have fueled this momentum through unprecedented accumulation exceeding 1,000 tonnes annually for three consecutive years, with China alone extending its 10-month buying streak through August 2025[2]. Meanwhile, mining companies are responding with aggressive exploration programs, as recent drill results continue to intersect high-grade mineralization across key jurisdictions. This perfect storm of monetary policy shifts and supply-side developments positions GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF), Miata Metals Corp. (CSE: MMET) (OTCQB: MMETF), Abcourt Mines Inc. (TSXV: ABI) (OTCQB: ABMBF), Aurion Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AU) (OTCQX: AIRRF), and B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE-American: BTG). Investment banks are forecasting even higher prices ahead, with Goldman Sachs projecting gold could reach $4,000 by mid-2026[3] and potentially surge toward $5,000 per ounce under certain monetary policy scenarios[4]. With 95% of central banks expecting continued reserve increases over the next 12 months and persistent geopolitical tensions driving safe-haven demand[2], the structural shift toward gold appears positioned to sustain the precious metal's remarkable run through 2025 and beyond. GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) has mobilized its drill contractor to the Copecal Gold Project site in Mato Grosso, Brazil, marking a transformational milestone as the company transitions from early-stage exploration to targeted drilling on high-priority gold anomalies. This deployment represents the culmination of months of systematic groundwork positioning GoldHaven at the threshold of potential discovery success in Brazil's prolific Juruena Gold Province. The 1,200-meter maiden diamond drilling program will test two compelling targets with 3-kilometer strike lengths that align with major regional-scale shear zones-geological structures that represent hallmarks of the orogenic gold systems targeted by the company. The East and West targets have delivered robust gold-in-soil anomalies extending through up to 30 meters of weathered saprolite profile, supported by comprehensive validation work including 107 auger drill holes, VLF-EM geophysical surveys, and extensive historical exploration by major mining companies AngloGold Ashanti and Boa Gold. "This is a key value-creation moment for GoldHaven," said Rob Birmingham, CEO of GoldHaven. "We've built a strong technical foundation and are now able to drill-test our priority targets associated with consistent gold-in-soil anomalies linked to robust geological structures defined by our geophysical programs. With drilling almost underway, we are entering a phase of potentially significant discovery upside." The strategic significance of GoldHaven's Copecal positioning extends beyond immediate drilling prospects. The 3,681-hectare property benefits from exceptional infrastructure accessibility, being reachable year-round via maintained roads just 60 kilometers from Alta Floresta, a regional center with daily commercial flights. This operational advantage translates directly into cost efficiencies that mining professionals recognize as critical success factors in project advancement. Building on the Copecal momentum, GoldHaven has also successfully completed extensive summer exploration programs at its 100%-owned Magno and Three Guardsmen Projects in northern British Columbia, collecting 354 and 126 samples respectively. The Magno Project has been strategically expanded by 5,159 hectares through systematic staking to secure coverage of the Cassiar Stock, a 72 Ma Cretaceous granite that field mapping has confirmed shows direct correlation with the property's mineralized showings. "The team's work has not only expanded the Magno Project by over 5,000 hectares to consolidate the Cassiar Stock but also confirmed the presence of high-potential skarn and CRD-style mineralization with strong analogues to Coeur Mining's Silvertip Project," said Birmingham. "At Three Guardsmen, our field program highlighted high-grade copper mineralization extending over a kilometer of strike, with evidence pointing to a nearby porphyry system. These results validate our exploration strategy and provide an exciting foundation for advancing both projects toward their full potential." Exploration at Magno has revealed high-potential, structurally controlled skarn and CRD-style mineralization within the Lower Cambrian Atan Group, drawing compelling parallels to Coeur Mining Inc.'s Silvertip Project. The team's work has identified mineralized skarns with north-south parallel contacts and crosscutting northeast-trending structures, where narrow apophyses of Cretaceous Cassiar Stock quartz monzonite intrude surrounding sediments. Historical zones known for silver-lead-zinc mineralization are now showing expanded potential with recent discoveries indicating indium and gallium presence. At the Three Guardsmen Project, field programs have confirmed high-grade copper mineralization in epidote and magnetite skarns, with extensive malachite-stained pods extending over a 1-kilometer strike. Geochemical pathfinders and textures suggest proximity to an intrusive source, positioning the project within Late Cretaceous terranes known for world-class porphyry deposits such as Casino and Red Mountain. GoldHaven's diversified approach provides multiple value creation catalysts across proven mineral districts. Beyond the flagship projects, the company maintains strategic positioning in Brazil's critical minerals space through extensive tenement packages spanning 123,900 hectares across three Brazilian projects, with regional neighbors including Rio Tinto, Foxfire Metals, and Mars Mines. This positioning in Brazil's emerging critical mineral districts offers additional upside potential for stakeholders seeking exposure to battery metals and strategic commodities. The comprehensive technical foundation supporting GoldHaven's projects includes detailed 43-101 Technical Reports and over $1 million in historical exploration investment, providing geological validation that reduces exploration risk while maintaining significant discovery upside. With the drill contractor now mobilized to Copecal and comprehensive data compilation ongoing at Magno and Three Guardsmen, GoldHaven Resources has positioned itself across multiple discovery opportunities in two of the world's premier mining jurisdictions, creating a compelling investment thesis for stakeholders seeking exposure to systematic exploration programs with established geological targets and strong technical rationale. CONTINUED Read this and more news for GoldHaven Resources at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/09/23/the-goldhaven-story-two-continents-one-strategy-systematic-exploration-in-historically-productive-districts/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Miata Metals Corp. (CSE: MMET) has delivered breakthrough results at its Sela Creek Gold Project in Suriname, with drill hole 25DDH-SEL-033 returning 35.6 metres at 3.04 g/t gold from 69.0 metres, including 14.6 metres of 4.95 g/t gold from 90.0 metres and 3.0 metres of 8.93 g/t gold from 99.0 metres. The results from the Jons Trend target represent the strongest intercept on the project to date and indicate two stacked mineralized lenses with potential for additional parallel zones. "These intercepts are a breakthrough for Sela Creek, delivering wide and continuous zones of gold mineralization at our Jons Trend target, which hosts the largest artisanal pit at Sela Creek," said Dr. Jaap Verbaas, CEO of Miata Metals. "Hole 25DDH-SEL-033 returned 35.6 m of 3.04 g/t gold, the widest and best-mineralized intercept ever drilled at Sela Creek." With assays pending from six additional holes at Jons Trend, the company is evaluating the target as a potential open-pit opportunity. The Project is characterized by widespread artisanal workings across a 14-kilometer corridor, yet only a small area has ever been drill tested. Abcourt Mines Inc. (TSXV: ABI) successfully completed its first gold pour at the Sleeping Giant Mine on September 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone just two months after beginning development of the project. The achievement took place at the site located in the Eeyou Istchee region of Quebec and demonstrates the company's operational efficiency. "We are incredibly proud to announce the first gold pour at the Sleeping Giant Mine, a testament to our hard work and dedication," said Pascal Hamelin, CEO of Abcourt. "This milestone demonstrates our ability to operate efficiently with a first pour 2 months after we began the development of the project." The company is attending Mining Forum Americas 2025 from September 14-17 in Colorado Springs to present its achievement to the mining investment community. Abcourt owns the Sleeping Giant mine and mill, as well as the Flordin property, where it focuses its development activities in northwestern Quebec. Aurion Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AU) has extended the strike of the mineralized system by 300 metres to 1.4 kilometers at the Vanha prospect in the Kaaresselka area of its Risti Property in northern Finland. The drilling program returned significant intercepts including 1.07 g/t gold over 9.20 metres from 75.60 metres and 1.20 g/t gold over 10.85 metres from 109.65 metres in hole KS25116, plus 2.85 g/t gold over 4.80 metres from 70.50 metres in hole KS25110. "Aurion's spring drilling program extended the gold mineralized system to 1,400 m along strike and to 250 m depth at the Vanha prospect (Kaaresselka area)," said Matti Talikka, CEO of Aurion. "Significant widths of higher-grade mineralization were also discovered." The mineralization has been intersected 1.4 kilometers along strike and to 250 metres depth, remaining open in multiple directions. Ongoing drilling is targeting potential extensions of the mineralized system at Vanha, while generative programs include till sampling and geophysical surveys across the property. B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) has provided operational updates confirming its consolidated 2025 production guidance range of between 970,000 and 1,075,000 ounces while modifying guidance for individual mines based on strong operational performance. The Goose Mine achieved first gold pour on June 30, 2025, and remains on track for commercial production in the coming weeks, while the Fekola Complex continues strong performance with underground operations now contributing ore production following July approval from the State of Mali. "The Company reiterates the near-term and long-term gold production estimates at the Goose Mine, which included gold production forecasts of approximately 250,000 ounces of gold production in 2026, approximately 330,000 ounces of gold production in 2027, and average annual gold production for the initial full six years of operations (2026 to 2031 inclusive) of approximately 300,000 ounces per year, based only on existing Mineral Reserves," the company announced. Due to crushing plant capacity shortfall in Q3 2025, B2Gold is modifying its 2025 gold production guidance for the Goose Mine to 80,000-110,000 ounces from the original 120,000-150,000 ounces, while increasing guidance for both the Otjikoto Mine to 185,000-205,000 ounces and the Masbate Mine to 190,000-210,000 ounces based on outperformance. The company has also approved development of the Antelope underground deposit at Otjikoto with estimated pre-production capital of $105 million, potentially increasing mine production to approximately 110,000 ounces per year over the Antelope underground mine life. Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/goh-profile/ CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP info@usanewsgroup.com (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY"), who has been paid a fee for an advertising campaign. MIQ has not been paid a fee for GoldHaven Resources Corp. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns BAY. There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of GoldHaven Resources Corp. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by GoldHaven Resources Corp. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this document have been reviewed and approved by two Qualified Persons (QPs). The Copecal Technical Report identifies Jean-Marc Lopez, B.Sc., FAusIMM, as the Qualified Person responsible for the report. The report "GoldHaven Resources Completes Summer Exploration Programs" states that the technical information has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, B.Sc. Hons, FAusIMM, an independent Qualified Person and Country Manager of GoldHaven. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. SOURCES CITED: https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/marketminute-2025-9-22-the-golden-standard-central-banks-reshape-global-finance-with-unprecedented-gold-accumulation https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3324726/china-extends-gold-buying-streak-central-banks-seek-us-dollar-alternatives https://economymiddleeast.com/news/gold-prices-poised-to-soar-to-4000-by-2026-report/ https://www.mining.com/gold-price-could-see-5000-if-trump-keeps-attacking-fed-goldman-sachs/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603685/5528001/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/miners-ride-wave-past-3-800-gold-as-fed-cuts-drive-record-central-bank-buying-spree-302565937.html PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets, a leading multi-asset broker, is proud to announce a triple win at the 2025 Global Forex Awards - Retail, earning: Best Affiliates Brokerage - Global (Vantage Partners) Best Trading Support - MENA Best Trading Platform - Asia Now in its sixth year, the Global Forex Awards - Retail celebrates the best in retail forex and online trading, recognising companies that deliver exceptional service, innovation, and trusted solutions. The Best Affiliates Brokerage - Global award highlights the success of Vantage Partners, the broker's affiliate programme built on transparency, collaboration, and long-term value. Offering advanced tools and dedicated support, it has become one of the industry's most recognised programmes. The Best Trading Support - MENA accolade reflects Vantage's focus on client education, multilingual support, and tailored resources-showcasing its ability to pair global expertise with local service. The Best Trading Platform - Asia award recognises Vantage's commitment to advancing its trading platform, from faster execution to user-friendly design, providing advanced features and tools to support traders of all levels. Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage, said: "These awards reflect the trust our clients and partners place in us. Our teams remain committed to transparency, innovation, and support that helps traders in their trading journey. We are grateful to our clients, affiliates, and the wider trading community for this recognition." With over 15 years of industry expertise and strong regulatory oversight, Vantage continues to build a client-focused trading environment. Visit Vantage Markets for more information. About Vantage Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds. With 15 years of market experience, Vantage goes beyond the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform that provides clients access to trading opportunities. trade smarter @vantage RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation. It is not intended for jurisdictions where distribution is restricted. Readers should seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Any reliance on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2776404/Vantage_Secures_Triple_Win_2025_Global_Forex_Awards.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1745281/Vantage_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vantage-secures-triple-win-at-the-2025-global-forex-awards--retail-302565936.html NEW YORK , Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global electronic health record market is observing significant growth owing to the rise in demand for digital healthcare systems; government initiatives and regulatory support; and increased focus on patient-centered care. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. The electronic health record market generally comprises a vast array of installation types, types, applications, distribution channels, and geography, which are expected to register strength in the coming years. The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders, including technology providers, EHR software vendors, system integrators, and healthcare providers, with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Get Research Sample Copy of the Electronic Health Record Market: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPHE100000822 Overview of Report Findings Market Dynamics and Insights: The global electronic health record market has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by the digital transformation of healthcare systems, supportive government initiatives, and increasing demand for advanced healthcare infrastructure. The surge in healthcare data, emphasis on interoperability, and integration of technologies like AI and cloud computing are accelerating market expansion. Key players focus on scalable, mobile, and analytics-driven EHR solutions to enhance clinical and administrative efficiency. Demand for streamlined workflows and personalized care drives innovation, while regulatory mandates support adoption. However, data privacy concerns and complex compliance requirements remain key challenges. Despite these restraints, the market offers strong growth potential, particularly by integrating AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics, transforming EHRs from basic data storage tools into intelligent, outcome-driven platforms. The shift toward cloud-based and mobile EHR systems further enhances flexibility and scalability, with AI-powered analytics emerging as a defining trend shaping the future of the EHR landscape. Regional Insights:North America dominates the electronic health record market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong government support, and widespread adoption of digital systems. In the U.S., initiatives like the HITECH Act have incentivized the use of EHRs, leading to continued investment by hospitals and clinics aiming to enhance patient care and data management. However, Canada is also progressing in EHR adoption more gradually due to regional implementation variations. The presence of major health IT vendors and growing demand for interoperability further support market growth across the region. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid EHR market expansion, fueled by healthcare modernization and increased investment in digital technologies. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are scaling up their digital health infrastructure to meet the needs of large populations and rising chronic disease rates. Despite infrastructure and funding challenges in some emerging markets, urban hospitals and private providers are adopting cloud-based EHR solutions, keeping the regional outlook positive. Geographical Insights:North America dominating the electronic health record market with the highest market share in 2024. Check valuable insights in the Electronic Health Record Market report. You can easily get a sample PDF of the report -https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPHE100000822 Market Segmentation Based on installation type, the market is divided into web-based and on-premise. In terms of type, the market is segmented into acute EHR, ambulatory EHR, and post-acute EHR. Based on application, the market is segmented into clinical records, administrative task and billing, physician support, and patient portal. In terms of distributional channel, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, ambulatory care centers, and physicians' offices/specialty care centers. The electronic health record market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: A few major companies operating in the electronic health record market include McKesson Corp; NEXTGEN HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEM, LLC; eClinicalWorks LLC; AdvancedMD Inc; CureMD.com Inc; Greenway Health LLC; Oracle Corp; Veradigm Inc; ChipSoft BV; and Athenahealth Inc. Trending Topics: AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support, Cloud-Based & Mobile EHR Systems, Interoperability & Health Data Exchange, Patient-Centered & Personalized Care, among others. Global Headlines on the Electronic Health Record Market "NextGen Healthcare, a leading provider of innovative, cloud-based healthcare technology solutions, has been selected by Phoenix Heart to improve workflows, deliver meaningful financial and operational analytics, and enable a better experience for patients, providers and staff. The NextGen Cardiology Suite, a specialty package that overlays the NextGen Enterprise EHR (electronic health record), will reduce friction by supporting specialty-specific workflows." "AdvancedMD, a provider of cloud-based healthcare software for independent medical practices, announced EirSystems is now part of the AdvancedMD integration marketplace. EirSystems' EIRMAR solution, an electronic medication administration records (eMAR) platform, provides advanced medication management functionality to help providers create more efficient and secure prescription management processes while aiding compliance with federal and state medical prescription mandates. This strategic partnership enables providers to seamlessly integrate EirSystem's EIRMAR solution with the AdvancedMD EHR platform, delivering more streamlined medication management capabilities-particularly for behavioral healthcare providers and other specialty practices focused on long-term care." Get Premium Copy of Electronic Health Record Market Size and Growth Report by 2031 at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPHE100000822 Conclusion The global electronic health record market is undergoing significant growth, driven by the worldwide shift toward digital healthcare solutions. As healthcare providers seek to improve patient outcomes, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure data accuracy, EHR systems have become essential tools for managing patient information. Key factors fueling market expansion include the rising volume of healthcare data, increasing demand for interoperability, and the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing. Developed regions like North America and Europe lead the market, supported by strong healthcare infrastructure, favorable government policies, and widespread adoption of digital systems. In the U.S., legislation like the HITECH Act has been crucial in promoting EHR usage. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, with countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea investing heavily in healthcare modernization and digital transformation. However, the market faces challenges such as data security concerns, high implementation costs, and disparities in digital readiness across regions. Despite these issues, the growing focus on patient-centered care, increasing adoption of mobile and cloud-based platforms, and continued regulatory support are expected to drive long-term growth. Overall, the EHR market remains a vital component in the evolution of global healthcare systems. Trending Related Reports: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Billing Software Market 2031 Medical Billing Outsourcing Market Growth Report by 2031 Ambulatory EHR Market 2031 | Size, Share, Growth & Scope Analysis OBGYN EHR Market 2031 | Size, Share, Growth, Scope Analysis Electronic Records Management Solutions Market Size, Share 2031 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients get solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in semiconductor and electronics, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, biotechnology, healthcare IT, manufacturing and construction, medical devices, technology, media and telecommunications, and chemicals and materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please get in touch with us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Also Available in :Korean | German | Japanese | French | Arabic | Chinese | Italian | Spanish Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586348/5449703/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electronic-health-record-market-is-expected-to-reach-us79-42-billion-by-2031-at-cagr-of-10-3--the-insight-partners-302565647.html AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --The Digital Migraine Treatment Devices Market is witnessing rapid adoption as patients and clinicians embrace non-invasive, technology-driven solutions for migraine management. According to DataM Intelligence, the Digital Migraine Treatment Devices Market Size grew from USD 120 million in 2024 to USD 137.43 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 298.71 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.46% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Migraines affect over 1 billion people worldwide, with the U.S. and Japan among the largest affected populations. Rising demand for drug-free, personalized, and wearable neuromodulation devices has accelerated the adoption of digital therapies that target neurological pathways to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, digital migraine devices promise fewer side effects, real-time monitoring, and better patient adherence, positioning them as essential components of the evolving digital health ecosystem. Download Exclusive Sample Report: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/digital-migraine-treatment-device-market Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Migraine Treatment Device Market" 70 - Tables 66 - Figures 195 - Pages Market Segmentation Analysis By Type Supraorbital Stimulation Devices (Cefaly-led segment) accounted for the largest market share in 2024, valued at USD 48 million. Their proven efficacy in reducing episodic migraine frequency has made them the first-line device option in both the U.S. and European markets. accounted for the largest market share in 2024, valued at Their proven efficacy in reducing episodic migraine frequency has made them the first-line device option in both the U.S. and European markets. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Devices, valued at USD 35 million in 2024, are expanding in clinical adoption, particularly in refractory migraine patients. Key player ElectroCore has secured expanded FDA clearances in 2025, boosting market uptake. valued at are expanding in clinical adoption, particularly in refractory migraine patients. Key player ElectroCore has secured expanded FDA clearances in 2025, boosting market uptake. Single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS) Devices generated USD 25 million in 2024 , growing steadily as eNeura and other innovators target patients with medication-resistant migraines. generated , growing steadily as eNeura and other innovators target patients with medication-resistant migraines. Occipital Nerve Stimulation (ONS) Devices, a niche but high-potential segment, reached USD 12 million in 2024. Though invasive in origin, new wearable non-invasive ONS devices are under active development. By Application Hospitals remained the leading end-user in 2024, generating revenues of over USD 55 million, as clinicians prescribe devices alongside standard migraine care. Specialty Clinics, focused on neurology and pain management, contributed USD 45 million, reflecting growing physician confidence in device efficacy. Other settings (including telemedicine channels and direct-to-consumer models) generated USD 20 million but are expected to expand rapidly with the rise of digital health adoption. Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/digital-migraine-treatment-device-market Regional Insights: USA & Japan United States The U.S., valued at USD 68 million in 2024, dominates the global market due to: High migraine prevalence (affecting 39 million Americans). (affecting 39 million Americans). Strong FDA regulatory support , with devices like Cefaly, gammaCore (ElectroCore), and Nerivio (Theranica) already cleared. , with devices like Cefaly, gammaCore (ElectroCore), and Nerivio (Theranica) already cleared. Integration of digital migraine devices into telemedicine networks , boosting accessibility for underserved patients. , boosting accessibility for underserved patients. Reimbursement expansion in 2025, with select insurers covering digital migraine treatments for chronic migraine patients. Japan Japan's market, valued at USD 11 million in 2024, is expanding at a faster pace relative to other Asia-Pacific nations. Growth drivers include: A rising elderly population with higher neurological disorder prevalence. PMDA approvals of neuromodulation devices tailored for migraine management in 2025. tailored for migraine management in 2025. Partnerships between Japanese hospitals and global innovators (Cefaly, Theranica) to conduct clinical trials and expand access. Strong consumer preference for drug-free and technology-enabled therapies, aligning with Japan's adoption of digital health ecosystems. Industry Trends & Recent Developments Wearable Integration: Companies are launching compact, smartphone-connected devices with real-time tracking. Theranica's Nerivio, a smartphone-controlled neuromodulation device, exemplifies this shift. Companies are launching compact, smartphone-connected devices with real-time tracking. Theranica's Nerivio, a smartphone-controlled neuromodulation device, exemplifies this shift. AI-driven Personalization: Next-gen devices integrate AI algorithms to personalize stimulation intensity and track patient response across multiple migraine triggers. Next-gen devices integrate to personalize stimulation intensity and track patient response across multiple migraine triggers. Reimbursement Expansion: The inclusion of digital migraine devices in U.S. and Japanese insurance programs is accelerating adoption beyond early adopters. The inclusion of digital migraine devices in U.S. and Japanese insurance programs is accelerating adoption beyond early adopters. Strategic Collaborations: In 2025, Cefaly Technology partnered with a U.S. telehealth network to distribute devices nationwide, while Salvia BioElectronics secured funding to advance its implantable neuromodulation device pipeline. In 2025, to distribute devices nationwide, while to advance its implantable neuromodulation device pipeline. M&A Activity: Larger medtech firms are eyeing acquisitions of migraine-focused startups to diversify their digital neurology portfolios. Competitive Landscape: Key Players Cefaly Technology The pioneer in supraorbital stimulation devices, Cefaly reported USD 40 million in 2024 revenues. Its strong brand recognition and recent integration with smartphone platforms make it the market leader in digital migraine therapy. ElectroCore, Inc. ElectroCore's gammaCore VNS device generated USD 28 million in revenues in 2024, with FDA clearances for multiple headache disorders. In 2025, it expanded into telemedicine partnerships to improve distribution in rural U.S. markets. eNeura Inc. Focused on sTMS devices, eNeura generated USD 20 million in revenues in 2024. The company is exploring partnerships with Japanese hospitals to strengthen its Asia-Pacific footprint. Theranica Bio-Electronics LTD Theranica's Nerivio wearable device achieved strong adoption, with USD 15 million revenues in 2024. Its app-based platform and AI integration differentiate it as a next-gen digital therapy. Salvia BioElectronics & Neurolief Ltd. These firms are advancing breakthrough devices in ONS and multi-target neuromodulation, with several late-stage clinical trials underway in 2025. Their progress could expand the therapeutic arsenal in migraine management. Buy This Exclusive Report at Just USD 4350 Only: https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=digital-migraine-treatment-device-market Strategic Outlook The Digital Migraine Treatment Devices Market is set for rapid expansion over the next decade. The market's growth trajectory highlights three defining imperatives: Integration with Digital Health: Devices must seamlessly connect with mobile apps, telemedicine, and patient monitoring systems. Regulatory & Reimbursement Alignment: U.S. FDA and Japan PMDA approvals, coupled with expanded insurance coverage, will accelerate mainstream adoption. Patient-Centric Innovation: Wearable comfort, personalized therapy, and data-driven outcomes will determine long-term device success. Conclusion The global Digital Migraine Treatment Devices Market, projected to rise from USD 119.71 million in 2024 to USD 298.71 million by 2030, reflects a decisive shift toward non-invasive, patient-friendly migraine solutions. With the U.S. driving clinical adoption and Japan setting innovation benchmarks in Asia, stakeholders across medtech, digital health, and investment ecosystems have a compelling growth opportunity. Related Reports: Congestive Heart Failure Devices Market Size to Surge Past $31B by 2030 on Innovation & Aging Populations. Deep Venous Disease Treatment Devices Market Size Set to Surge from $1.6B to $3.2B by 2033 on Innovation & Rising DVT Demand. Bradycardia Treatment Devices Market Size Poised to Reach $13 B by 2031 on Leadless Pacemaker & Remote Innovation Surge. Request for Trial Access of AI-Driven Database Subscription Platform: https://www.datamintelligence.com/reports-subscription Features of AI-Driven DataM Insights Database Subscription: Track all your competitors in one centralized dashboard - From R&D, Investment, to marketing strategies, track your global and regional rivals with ease. 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Contact: Mr. Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-migraine-treatment-devices-market-to-reach-usd-298-71-million-by-2030--fueled-by-non-invasive-neuromodulation-and-expanding-clinical-adoption--datam-intelligence-302565809.html INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 27, the Indianapolis Zoo will celebrate the work of 2025 Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland at a gala in downtown Indianapolis. The world's leading award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo every two years. Dr. Rene de Roland is being recognized for his groundbreaking work in his native Madagascar where his discoveries have revolutionized biodiversity efforts and have created a new model for community-led species protection in one of Earth's most threatened ecosystems. This year's celebration also marks 20 years of the Indianapolis Prize. A global conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million to conservationists across the globe to support the protection of wildlife. "Dr. Rene de Roland exemplifies what we've learned after two decades of the Indianapolis Prize, that lasting conservation comes from local leadership and community partnership. We are proud to honor his significant achievements," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo. In 2006, Dr. Rene de Roland's team rediscovered the Madagascar pochard, a duck species thought to be extinct for 40 years, during an expedition to the remote wetlands of northern Madagascar. The find proved some of Madagascar's "lost" species could still be saved. As National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, Dr. Rene de Roland leads a team of Malagasy conservationists and has established five national protected areas encompassing more than 1,500 square miles of critical habitat. He also has mentored hundreds of Malagasy conservationists, who have earned 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees. "My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people," Dr. Rene de Roland said. "I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated Malagasy people who care deeply about protecting our home." Dr. Rene de Roland was selected from six DeHaan Finalists representing conservation efforts across four continents: Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis); Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program); Julie E. Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium); Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Research Institute for Tropical Ecology); and Birute Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International). The winner of the Indianapolis Prize receives $250,000 and each DeHaan Finalist receives $50,000. 2025 Emerging Conservationist Also recognized at the Gala will be the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist, Ugandan researcher Mwezi "Badru" Mugerwa. Mugerwa is the second recipient of the Emerging Conservationist Award-an honor given to an individual age 40 or under who is working to save a species or group of species. Mugerwa was recognized for pioneering an innovative, community-based approach to protecting the elusive African golden cat, one of Africa's least-known species. Mugerwa's organization, Embaka, has registered more than 2,200 community members in conservation programs that address local needs-from healthcare to livestock-in exchange for anti-poaching commitments. This program has expanded to 19 African countries through the African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance. "Once you're in the communities and you understand the problem, the solutions become clear," Mugerwa said. "Having a national park in your backyard shouldn't be a burden-it's an opportunity." Award-winning journalist and previous Indianapolis Prize Gala host Anne Thompson will host this year's event, along with conservationist and TV producer Saba Douglas-Hamilton. Josh Kaufman, Indianapolis native and winner of Season 6 of NBC's "The Voice," will perform. The event is presented by Cummins Inc. About the Indianapolis Prize The Indianapolis Prize recognizes and rewards conservationists who have achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The Emerging Conservationist Award, a new accolade in 2023, is given to a conservationist aged 40 or younger. Since 2004, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million in unrestricted cash awards, advancing the work of conservation scientists through financial support and public awareness. The Indianapolis Prize is a conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo. Connect with the Prize on Facebook , X , Instagram and indianapolisprize.org . Media Contacts David Hosick Indianapolis Zoo, Director of Public Relations 317-410-5992 dhosick@indyzoo.com Camille Pipino VOX Global 614-588-6488 cpipino@omc.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2777724/Indianapolis_Zoo_awards_Lily_Arison_Rene_de_Roland.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2777725/Indianapolis_Zoo_awards_Mwezi_Badru_Mugerwa.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608197/IndyPrizeLogo_SMLnotext_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/renowned-madagascar-conservationist-to-be-recognized-at-2025-indianapolis-prize-gala-302563252.html BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Slovak National Day took place at the World Expo in Japan on 10th September attended by the President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini. This event marked the culmination of a six-month-long presentation of Slovakia at this prestigious international exhibition. "EXPO is about shaping the future, and Slovakia has entered it as a confident partner. The six-month presentation in Osaka proved that our country has much to offer - from cultural values to innovative solutions for a sustainable society," said Matej Fekete, Director General of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL. The head of the national tourism promotion organisation also emphasized that Slovakia's presentation proved that our country can capture the world's attention with its culture, innovations and approach to sustainability. "Our exhibition attracted millions of visitors and became proof that we are a modern country with rich traditions and a vision for the future," stated Matej Fekete. During Slovakia's National Day, President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini and Japan's Minister in charge of the World Expo, Ito Yoshitaka, attended the event. Both delivered speeches during the official program, highlighting the importance of countries participating in such prestigious international events. Peter Pellegrini afterwards visited the Slovak exhibition and viewed several foreign pavilions and country presentations. "We have something to be proud of and I believe that we will present the beauties of our country in Belgrade in two years. It often happens to me that we see how in Slovakia we discover top technologies, exceptional people, and little is said about them. I will be happy if in the future we will present unique people and products from Slovakia at prestigious international events of this kind at the world forum," said President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini. The President also thanked all those involved in preparing Slovakia's presentation. "I would also like to thank the entire team from Slovakia who organized and prepared the Slovak exhibition at the World Expo," he concluded. The Slovak exhibition will remain active until the final day of the EXPO on 13th October 2025. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the national organization for the promotion of tourism in Slovakia. It's main task is the development of tourism in both domestic and foreign markets. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/world-expo-in-japan-slovakia-marks-the-highlight-of-global-presentation-302565960.html Latest "New & Now" limited time collection celebrates minimalist elegance, chic silhouettes and polished details across bridal, bridesmaids, wedding guest looks and occasionwear KING OF PRUSSIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / David's Bridal, Inc. ("David's"),the largest AI-powered marketplace, media network and planning ecosystem for life's magical moments, today announced the launch of Elegant Simplicity, the latest limited-time capsule collection as part of David's bi-weekly New & Now drops. Inspired by the rise of quiet luxury and modern runway minimalism, the collection redefines understated refinement across bridal, bridesmaids, wedding guest dresses and occasionwear. Available to shop now in stores and online for a limited time. The Elegant Simplicity collection delivers timeless fashion designed to last well beyond the moment. The collection reflects a growing desire among customers for elevated style that feels refined without excess, featuring minimalist silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and polished details that exude confidence in simplicity. "With Elegant Simplicity, we're celebrating the evolution of quiet luxury for all," says Kelly Cook, Chief Executive Officer of David's Bridal. "This limited-time collection is all about clean lines, luxe fabrics, and effortless style. This capsule delivers modern, timeless designs that make women feel confident and unforgettable. It's proof that you don't need excess to make a statement, we've harnessed the power of simplicity into a highly curated capsule collection that's only available while inventory lasts." The capsule embraces minimalism at its most elevated, translating the "quiet luxury" movement into fashion moments made for the aisle, the celebration, and beyond. Key features of the collection include: Sleek Silhouettes : Body-skimming cuts, elegant cape-backs, clean strapless A-lines Luxe Fabrics : Luxe satins, smooth crepes, lightweight chiffons with fluid drape Polished Details : Modern necklines, thoughtful cape and veil accents, clean architectural lines Thoughtful Touches: Chic scarves, statement earrings, and effortless hair-and-makeup pairings The capsule draws its cues from the icons of pared-back elegance like Hailey Bieber's wedding dress, Gwyneth Paltrow's iconic slip styles, and Meghan Markle's ceremony look. The assortment spans across retail categories, including: Bridal: Luxesatin fabrics, figure-flattering draping, sculpted necklines, and clean design lines Bridesmaids: Elevated neutrals, Versatile Scarf details, Clean Silhouette with a modern touch Occasion: Satin Slips, Fluid drape midis, and fresh jewel tones Accessories: Minimalist veils, sculptural scarves, and polished finishing touches The Elegant Simplicity capsule is available in a range of sizes from 0-30W,ensuring an inclusive fit for all brides and occasion shoppers. Prices start at $99.95 for bridesmaids and occasionwear pieces, and bridal gowns begin at $999. All purchases made on the Elegant Simplicity capsule collection are eligible for rewards points through David's Diamond Loyalty Program . With almost three million members, David's Diamond Loyalty program is the industry's only loyalty program offering shoppers the best perks and deals to save on every shopping trip and earn points towards a free vacation or honeymoon Elegant Simplicity is available now at DavidsBridal.com and in David's Bridal retail locations nationwide. Stop by in-store to try on pieces from the new collection, or make an appointment with David's team of talented DreamMakers! For additional assets, please see the media kit here . About David's Bridal With over 70 years of experience dressing people for all of life's special occasions, David's Bridal exists for magical moments. Since its "Aisle to Algorithm" strategic pivot, David's has evolved from iconic bridal retailer to wedding technology company, media powerhouse, and marketplace platform transforming how people plan, shop, and celebrate life's biggest moments. At the center of David's technological and retail evolution is Pearl by David's, Pearl Planner and Pearl Media Network - the all-in-one digital wedding destination connecting consumers with everything from AI-powered planning tools, inspiration and vendor directories, expanded retail categories and leading content, while enabling brands tap into David's unmatched market reach to authentically connect with consumers through media across the web, social, podcast, streaming, video, in-store and more. Under the Pearl Media umbrella is Love Stories by David's, the top wedding media brand taking a digital-first approach to wedding content and inspiration with over 20M viewers per month across content platforms, including the wedding industry's sole podcast network, streaming TV and Snap Discover channels, and largest YouTube and TikTok channels, and a library of over 30,000 real wedding videos. Each video comes equipped with wedding data and details, contributing to a marketplace of over 60,000 wedding professionals to help couples better dream about, research and plan their big day. With more than 190 stores across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, David's Bridal offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life, including weddings, Quinceanera, graduations, proms, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. To learn more about David's , sign up for Pearl Planner , and connect on social media through Instagram , YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , X , TikTok , and LinkedIn . MEDIA CONTACT: David's Bridal mediarequests@dbi.com Related Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94PBQmDVZt8 SOURCE: DAVID'S BRIDAL CORPORATE View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/davids-bridal-launches-newest-capsule-collection-%22elegant-simplicity-%22-1077524 The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, will return from 19 to 23 November 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. As part of its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the fair has announced the Beyond Emerging Artists (BEA) 2025 cohort: Alla Abdunabi, Salmah Almansoori, and Maktoum Al Maktoum. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924481559/en/ Issam Kourbaj, Courtesy Kettle's Yard, University of Cambridge (Photo: AETOSWire) Their new commissions will be curated by internationally renowned artist Issam Kourbaj, who will mentor them as they develop works inspired by Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kourbaj commented: "Like many creatives around the world, young artists in the region are directing their gaze toward excavating the present and engaging with urgent matters of our time, whether environmental, social, or historical. I very much look forward to working with the selected artists and guiding their visual voices as they develop a body of work inspired by Al Ain, both as a source and canvas for new ideas." Working across installation, sculpture, and storytelling, the artists bring unique perspectives: Abdunabi explores the afterlives of objects, Almansoori reflects on disappearing spaces and memory, and Al Maktoum constructs symbolic worlds interrogating belief systems and the human psyche. In addition to presenting at the fair, BEA artists benefit from international exposure through exhibitions abroad. As part of this outreach, works by the 2024 BEA cohort Fatma Al Ali, Dina Nazmi Khorchid, and Simrin Mehra Agarwal were showcased in Hong Kong and will be exhibited in London this year. Sponsored by HSBC, these global presentations extend the programme's reach and impact. Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, said: "The BEA artists commissioned this year explore themes of heritage, capturing elusive stories of the past, examining our relationship with the world around us, and imagining possible futures through their diverse practices. The scale and ambition of the works in production are thrilling. Through this flagship programme, Abu Dhabi Art aims to give the most promising artists from our region the visibility and support they need to thrive on a global stage. The 2024 cohort's upcoming exhibition at London's Saatchi Gallery, supported by Friends of Abu Dhabi Art and global sponsor HSBC, highlights the power of community and partnership in championing young artists." For more information: www.abudhabiart.ae Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924481559/en/ Contacts: Asma AbuBaker Aljailani ajailani@dctabudhabi.ae New government solution helps agencies and partners track mission-critical programs and work processes with greater efficiency, visibility, and compliance. DENVER, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / TrackVia, the leading low-code work management platform for streamlining sophisticated field and operational processes, today introduced TrackVia Government, a specialized offering for U.S. agencies and prime contractor partners. Designed to meet the rigorous and dynamic compliance standards of government-funded work, TrackVia's secure, drag-and-drop platform enables government teams and their industry partners to configure tailored applications quickly - without writing code or requiring heavy IT investment. Common use cases include managing federal contracts and subcontracts, tracking project milestones and staffing, overseeing field operations, streamlining program delivery, and automating audits. "TrackVia Government is key to unlocking greater efficiency and transparency across government-funded programs," said Nate Allen, CEO of TrackVia. "A low-code solution like TrackVia Government is exceptionally powerful in the public sector where mission and operational needs are often highly unique and dynamic. Off-the-shelf software is too rigid and custom solutions take too long or cost too much." With built-in mobile, automation, and real-time reporting capabilities, TrackVia Government represents a major opportunity toward infusing modern-day technology into the public sector where operational efficiency and oversight are more critical than ever. Strategic Partnership with Second Front TrackVia Government is deployed in partnership with Second Front, a public-benefit software company that enables faster, more secure development and deployment of software across government and regulated networks. "Partnering with TrackVia to deliver their low-code platform into the FedRAMP ecosystem shows the power of collaboration to drive innovation," said Mamie Cruse, EVP of Mission Success at Second Front. "By leveraging our accredited DevSecOps platform, Second Front Game Warden, alongside TrackVia's flexibility and controls, we're enabling government teams and contractors to accelerate delivery, adapt to mission needs, and scale their work with speed, security, and confidence." TrackVia Government is built on Second Front's Game Warden, which provides a secure enclave with IL2-IL6 hosting options and FedRAMP High Authority to Operate (ATO). TrackVia is pursuing FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency via assessment by Schellman, a leading FedRAMP-accredited Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), targeted for early 2026. About TrackVia TrackVia is a leading low-code workflow platform that empowers organizations to rapidly configure, customize, and deploy highly configurable and customizable field service and operations solutions without the need for complex coding or extensive IT support. Trusted by sophisticated organizations across industries - from construction and manufacturing to field services and federal agencies - TrackVia helps organizations streamline processes, gain real-time reporting visibility, and improve operational efficiency. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, TrackVia is committed to delivering secure, scalable solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of modern organizations. For more information, visit www.trackvia.com/government/ Media Contact: Charles Var CRO charles.var@trackvia.com (800) 673-3302 SOURCE: TrackVia View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/trackvia-brings-modern-low-code-work-management-to-government-ope-1076849 Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - The U.S. Gulf Coast continues as the epicenter for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports to global markets. At the same time, demand for natural gas from domestic sources in this region is extremely strong and projected to grow considerably in the foreseeable future. Therefore, New Orleans is the logical location for hundreds of energy industry professionals to gather to obtain insight on the latest market developments, and to network with commercial trading counterparts. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8700/267487_c77425db44d6aaac_001full.jpg The 7th Annual Gulf Coast Energy Forum (GCEF) takes place in New Orleans, LA, October 13 - 15, 2025. This is the industry's premier gathering for natural gas industry professionals, which is much more than simply a conference, with participants routinely negotiating transactions during the event. The Program for this event is packed with critical topics that are relevant to U.S. gulf coast LNG export and natural gas markets. The U.S. LNG export market is a key focus of the event. The entire value chain for LNG exports will be examined, including production, feedgas access, midstream capacity, storage, liquefaction terminal operations, shipping, global market requirements, trading and marketing, etc. The agenda will include evaluation of the numerous new LNG export terminal projects in various stages of development, calculation of forecasted growth in U.S. LNG export capacity, and resulting increase in U.S. market share of the global LNG demand. Given the substantial forecasted growth in domestic U.S. Gulf Coast natural gas demand, including power generation for AI Data Centers, domestic gulf coast markets will also be evaluated, including refining, petrochemical, power generation, industrial/manufacturing, gas distribution utility and domestic LNG production. Ample natural gas supply is readily available from various production basins across the continent. However, moving supply to demand locations has become increasingly difficult, with available pipeline capacity stretched. Accordingly, the agenda will also address the numerous new planned pipeline projects, including forecasts of new capacity and debottlenecking implications. The gulf coast is also home to considerable natural gas storage capacity, however with available capacity fully contracted, new planned storage development projects will also be evaluated. Existing constraint in midstream delivery capacity to satisfy substantial forecasted increases in demand for LNG exports and domestic markets, is anticipated to result in upward pressure on natural gas commodity prices. The program will include perspectives and insights by industry experts as to forecasted prices, as well as infrastructure development permitting reforms, weather events, and policy/regulatory/geopolitical developments impacting markets. The program for the Gulf Coast Energy Forum consists of 2 days of keynotes, presentations, roundtable discussions, and moderated panels. Keynote addresses include: Nick Dell'Osso, CEO, Expand Energy; Orlando Alvarez, Chairman and President of bp America and SVP Gas & Power Trading Americas; Jeff Hammad, Chief Commercial Officer, Golden Pass LNG; and James Pearson, Sr. Market Analyst, ConocoPhillips. Tim Poche, CEO, Delta Utilities will deliver an individual Presentation. A Roundtable discussion will take place among Tala Goudarzi, US Department of Energy, Rick Smead, RBN Energy, and Charlie Riedel, Center For LNG. In addition, five moderated Panel discussions will take place, addressing a variety of timely topics, with knowledgeable industry experts, including representatives from: Natural Gas Intelligence (NGI); Atmospheric G2; Argus; East Daley Analytics; NRG Energy; Building Cyber Security; GE Vernova; PJM Interconnection; Southern Company Gas; US Department of Energy; Gulfstream LNG; DT Midstream; Sempra TBD; Enbridge; Cleveland Advisory; Trellis Energy Software; Emerson; Tampa SEO Agency; NatGasHub.com and Tulane University. The agenda also includes dedicated agenda time for networking, to facilitate discussion, including with speakers, and to meet and connect with existing and prospective customers. This Forum focuses on U.S. Gulf Coast markets, including U.S. LNG Exports, while five other LDC Gas Forums throughout the year address other regions across the continent as well as key market segments. Even in today's digital age, natural gas market participants appreciate an event that facilitates face-to-face interaction. The LDC Gas Forum conference series is uniquely structured to meet this requirement, and has been the venue of choice for thousands of participants, for decades. Registration is still available at https://www.ldcgasforums.com/gc/. About the LDC Gas Forums (4), Gulf Coast Energy Forum, and NatGas to Power Forum The LDC Gas Forum series consists of six annual events, each focused on a key natural gas market region/segment across North America. This is where buyers and sellers meet to do business. The Forums are not just conferences, they are structured events that provide insights into critical issues impacting natural gas, LNG, natural gas power generation, and emerging energy markets, while also facilitating meetings and commercial transactions among industry counterparts. Panel discussions at the Forums address important questions facing buyers, sellers, transportation operators, service and product suppliers, and other market stakeholders. Topics include natural gas market fundamentals and price forecasting, LNG exports, natural gas power generation demand (including from AI Data Centers), gas/electric coordination, infrastructure additions (pipeline and storage), energy policy and regulatory issues, end-user perspectives, virtual pipeline solutions, technology innovations, and the ongoing energy evolution toward supply security, affordability, and lower carbon alternatives such as Certified Gas, RNG, and CCS. Participants represent the full spectrum of the commercial natural gas value chain, including C-suite leaders, decision-makers, and subject matter experts from utilities, industrial gas consumers, producers, pipelines, marketers, key service and product providers, as well as policy makers, regulators, and market analysts. Multiple structured networking sessions provide access to speakers, clients, prospects, and peers-facilitating business opportunities throughout the market. This emphasis on face-to-face interaction is a hallmark of the LDC Gas Forums, valued highly by natural gas market participants even in today's digital age. The LDC Gas Forums Series LDC Gas Forum Southeast LDC Gas Forum Northeast LDC Gas Forum Energy Innovations - Rockies & West LDC Gas Forum Mid-Continent Gulf Coast Energy Forum NatGas To Power Forum Where the Natural Gas Industry Gathers: Networking - Insights - Deal-Making www.ldcgasforums.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267487 SOURCE: Pinion Partners SHORT HILLS, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / JRM Construction Management is proud to announce the completion of a 2,770-square-foot retail build-out for sustainable fashion brand Reformation at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey. Known for its eco-conscious practices and trend-forward apparel, Reformation's newest location delivers a sleek, thoughtfully built space that reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability and style. The store features a refined sales floor anchored by a dedicated fitting lounge with multiple fitting rooms, creating a seamless and elevated shopping experience for customers. Behind the scenes, modern employee spaces were constructed to support efficient daily operations, ensuring both front- and back-of-house areas are equally functional and inviting. The project also features a full storefront refresh, paired with strategic modifications to all MEP systems to support the upgraded interior and enhance overall functionality. The result is a modern, brand-forward environment that balances aesthetics with operational efficiency. "We are excited to deliver Reformation's latest retail destination at The Mall at Short Hills," said Marc Reissman, Executive VP at JRM. "Our team is proud to have created a space that captures Reformation's unique identity while providing an elevated experience for both customers and staff." Contact Information Sunny Khan Marketing Director sukhan@jrmcm.com Anne-Marie Albracht Senior Director of Public Relations & Communications anne-marie.albracht@thereformation.us SOURCE: JRM Construction Management View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/jrm-construction-management-completes-new-reformation-store-at-the-mall-at-short-hills-1077517 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PX) (OTC Pink: PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, due to additional demand, it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from gross proceeds of up to $4,000,000 to gross proceeds of up to $4,500,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of the sale of units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.18 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one half of a Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.31 for a period of two years from the initial closing date of the Offering. The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the Offering for exploration, metallurgical work and land maintenance costs, working capital, and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). The closing of the Offering may occur in one or more tranches, with the initial closing date of the Offering expected to occur on or about October 9, 2025, and is not subject to receipt of a minimum amount of gross proceeds. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and TSX-V policies. The Company may pay a cash finder's fee in connection with the Offering of up to 7% of the Offering gross proceeds (the "Finder's Fee") and may issue to finders non-transferable common share purchase warrants of the Company ("Finder Warrants") to acquire that number of common shares equal to 7% of the number of Units sold to investors identified by the finders. Each Finder Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.18 per Common Share prior to the date which is two years from the initial closing date of the Offering. Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering. Any participation by insiders in the Offering will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation, based on a determination that fair market value of the participation in the Offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Pelangio Pelangio acquires and explores prospective land packages located in world-class gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is focused on its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km Manfo property, the site of eight near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km Obuasi property, located 4 km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as the Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. See www.pelangio.com for further details on all Pelangio's properties. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Offering, the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. Regarding forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made many assumptions, including about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the risk that the Company might not be able to raise the entire Offering or any portion thereof, changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, near-term production may not be viable, delays due to COVID-19 or other safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267764 SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc. +74% increase in gross business volume Decisive milestones achieved successfully Significant progress made Heat and cooling: signing of an initial cooperation and exclusivity agreement for a project in Ile-de-France, for a gross business volume of 150 million over 30 years. signing of an initial cooperation and exclusivity agreement for a project in Ile-de-France, for a gross business volume of 150 million over 30 years. Lithium de France project : pre-industrial phase launched successfully and start of operation of the first geothermal doublet 1 : pre-industrial phase launched successfully and start of operation of the first geothermal doublet Bpifrance acquired shares in Arverne Group: Bpifrance has acquired a stake of 4.3% in Arverne Group, demonstrating its support2 Strong growth and a solid balance sheet 74% growth in gross business volume 3 to 10.5 million, driven by drilling operations at the geothermal installation at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport for Groupe ADP. to 10.5 million, driven by drilling operations at the geothermal installation at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport for Groupe ADP. Net debt of -60 million, -90 million excluding lease liabilities. Post-closing events Arverne Group has signed a contribution agreement with Hydro Energy Invest AS to strengthen its stake in Lithium de France 4 with Hydro Energy Invest AS to strengthen its stake in Lithium de France Successful fundraising for Lithium de France: second series B round of funding by Arverne Group and Equinor Ventures for 40 million5 Outlook for 2025 Confirmation of gross business volume target : between 25 million and 30 million, an increase of 45% to 75% compared with 2024. : between 25 million and 30 million, an increase of 45% to 75% compared with 2024. Continuation of investment programme totalling around 50 million. Regulatory News: Arverne (FR001400JWR8 ARVEN), the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions, is announcing its results for the first half of 2025. Pierre Brossollet, Founder and Chairman Chief Executive Officer of Arverne, said: "Thanks to our unique integrated model, ranging from drilling to the supply of heat and cooling and geothermal lithium, Arverne reaffirms its role as the leading French provider of geothermal solutions. We provide our customers with local, low-carbon and competitive energy. Our excellent operational and sales performance since the beginning of the year boosts our confidence: we have the capacity to generate profitable and sustainable growth, creating value for the local regions and for our shareholders." MOMENTUM AND PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS ACTIVITY HEATING AND COOLING Arverne forms a strategic partnership to speed up project development In Nouvelle Aquitaine, Arverne is launching an unprecedented partnership with Credit Agricole Pyrenees Gascogne Energies Nouvelles (CAPGEN), which will support the financing of geothermal projects. Arverne will carry out the design and completion of geothermal works as well as the maintenance and operation of production facilities. Both partners will market the offers. This partnership with leading player strengthens Arverne's positioning as the French reference for geothermal energy. First production and sales As planned, Arverne has signed major projects: Work on the district heating networks for Clichy-sous-Bois and Livry-Gargan began in July 2025. This project is already one of the top five geothermal heat networks in Ile-de-France. It is the first public service concession agreement signed by Arverne, in partnership with Dalkia and SAS IdF Energies Territoires6, for the development and operation of a low-carbon heat network and the deployment of deep geothermal energy. The production of geothermal heat is expected to begin in 2027. Arverne has signed a cooperation and exclusivity agreement for a project in Ile-de-France representing 150 million in gross business volume over a period of 30 years. The agreement covers deep drilling and then the production and marketing of geothermal heat for 12,000 homes. This is the first project operated by Arverne7 and its partners in the form of a SPV. Investments will amount to 26 million. Arverne will complete the deep drilling operations in 2027. Heating production and marketing are planned for 2028. CRITICAL METALS: LITHIUM DE FRANCE PROJECT All stages of the pre-industrial phase have been confirmed Since the start of 2025, the teams have successfully completed the pre-industrial phase of the Lithium de France project combining heat and geothermal lithium in Alsace: First drilling operations: after obtaining the environmental authorisation and the building permit, the civil engineering works began in Schwabwiller in June and are progressing on schedule. Drilling of the wells is due to start in the autumn. - Construction of the direct lithium extraction (DLE) demonstration plant in progress: it will be installed on this first geothermal doublet to assess the performance of the innovative DLE technology. - Progress for the definitive feasibility study (DFS): Sedgman, an engineering firm and one of the world leaders in the implementation of mineral processing solutions and associated infrastructure, was selected to conduct the front-end engineering design FEED, a key component of the final feasibility study (DFS). - Bankability feasibility study (BFS): it is conducted jointly by Macquarie Capital and Credit Agricole Corporate Investment Bank, two leading institutions in the financing of the battery value chain. The pre-industrial phase will continue until mid-2026. Post-closing events Arverne Group signs a contribution agreement to increase its stake in Lithium de France8 Arverne Group and Hydro Energy Invest AS have signed a contribution agreement under which Hydro Energy Invest AS will contribute its 474,753 Lithium de France shares to Arverne Group in exchange for new Arverne Group shares. This transaction will be carried out by issuing 2,232,288 new Arverne Group shares to Hydro Energy Invest AS, for 22,322,880, representing 10.00 per Arverne Group share. The contribution should be completed by October 2025. Successful second series B round of funding for 40 million9 Arverne Group has completed the second series B round of funding for its subsidiary Lithium de France, with its partner Equinor, the Norwegian leader in energy, via Equinor Ventures. Equinor's geology knowledge and experience in project execution are key assets for the project. Arverne Group and Equinor Ventures are consolidating their partnership against a backdrop of strong growth in the global market for lithium, a critical metal in the energy transition, for which demand is expected to grow by 10% per year by 204010 Following these two transactions, Arverne Group will hold 73.8% of the capital of Lithium de France and Equinor Ventures will hold 24.4%11 DRILLING AND WELL CONSTRUCTION Gross business volume12 of 10.5 million in H1 2025, up sharply by 74% (vs. H1 2024) In thousands of euros H1 2025 H1 2024 Chg. % Deep drilling 9,010? 4,369? +106.2% Other 139? 116 +19.8% Consolidated revenue 9,148 4,485 +104.0% Shallow drilling 1,324? 1,550? -14.6% Gross business volume 10,472 6,035 +73.5% Deep drilling Revenue from deep drilling amounted to 9.0 million, an increase of 106.2% (vs. H1 2024). The geothermal drilling operations carried out for Groupe ADP at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport were completed in February 2025, in line with the provisional schedule of three months of work. Drill maintenance work continued for Storengy. The B18 drilling rig and teams are in the process of preparation for works on the Safran power plant, which will start in November 2025. Drilling operations for the Lithium de France project are scheduled to begin in the autumn. Shallow drilling DrillHeat's total revenue was 2.6 million, down 14.6% (vs. H1 2024). Over the half-year period, 12 surface drilling sites were completed (vs. 16 in H1 2024), representing 22,086 metres (vs. 26,000 in H1 2024) and an installed capacity of 1.1 MW (vs. 1.3 MW in H1 2024). The size of construction sites is increasing sharply: a third of them now exceed 3,000 metres of drilled probes, for example the Leclerc hypermarket in Frouard and the Sisley cosmetics industrial site in Vendome. Demand for geothermal energy is accelerating in mass retail, healthcare and industry. Productivity has improved on the back of employee training and expertise. In line with its strategy of integrating the value chain, DrillHeat has also internalised a connection team. H1 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS Consolidated income statement: revenue growth of 104% to 9.1 million In thousands of euros H1 2025 H1 2024 Revenue 9,148 4,485 Purchasing and subcontracting? -10,827 -7,030 Personnel expenses -13,034 -9,388 Taxes -340 -171 Other income and expenses? 3,654 3,245 Current EBITDA -11,398 -8,859 Depreciation, amortisation and provisions -2,314 -948 Current operating income -13,712 -9,807 Other non-current operating income and expenses 0 0 Operating income (expense) -13,712 -9,807 Financial income and expenses? 1,850 2,608 Income tax and similar 178 -224 Share of income from equity affiliates? 2 -2,125 Net income/(loss) -11,680 -9,548 of which Group share? -10,037 -8,427 of which minority share? -1,643 -1,122 Group revenue came to 9.1 million, an increase of 104% (vs. H1 2024), confirming the growth in its activities. Purchases and subcontracting increased by 54% to 10.8 million due to the geothermal installations produced for the Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport platform. Personnel expenses rose by 39% to 13.0 million (vs. H1 2024), in line with the increase in the workforce and the Group's structuring. The average headcount increased by 45% (+26 FTEs13 compared to the end of 2024). At 30 June 2025, the Group had 246 employees (including 20 for its subsidiary DrillHeat). Other income and expenses amounted to 3.6 million (vs. 3.2 million in H1 2024). They include 3.9 million in capitalised production, mainly related to investments for the launch of the Lithium de France drilling campaign and the refurbishment or start-up of drilling rigs. Depreciation and amortisation expenses increased to 2.3 million (vs. 0.9 million in H1 2024) due to the commissioning of the B04 drilling rig and the impairment of the Cezallier exclusive prospecting licence for 0.3 million. Financial income and expenses amounted to 1.8 million (vs. 2.6 million in H1 2024), due to the decrease in income from cash investments, which was offset by the fair value income from mutual funds (FCP) and the shift from net financial debt to net financial income (+0.6 million).? There was a net loss of -11.7 million (vs. -9.5 million in H1 2024), with the Group share at -10.0 million (-8.4 million in H1 2024). Net debt -60 million, -90 million excluding lease liabilities at 30 June 2025 In line with its strong growth trajectory, the Group continued to deploy investments during the first half of the year, which resulted in: the development of exclusive prospecting licences for 4.1 million and 2.6 million in research development for Lithium de France, - the preparation of drilling capacities, representing an investment of 5.7 million over the period. The company has a solid financial structure with shareholders' equity of 158.9 million (vs. 169.9 million at 31 December 2024) and net debt of -60 million, or -90 million excluding lease liabilities, at 30 June 2025. During the second half of the year, Arverne will continue to implement its annual investment plan of around 50 million. OUTLOOK 2025: Confirmed acceleration Strong growth: gross business volume 14 expected at between 25 million and 30 million, an increase of 45%-75% compared with 2024 . Momentum will be driven in particular by the Safran Aircraft Engines strategic project in Villaroche, carried out in partnership with Dalkia. This project includes the design, construction and maintenance of a geothermal power plant whose operations will start at the end of 2025. . Momentum will be driven in particular by the Safran Aircraft Engines strategic project in Villaroche, carried out in partnership with Dalkia. This project includes the design, construction and maintenance of a geothermal power plant whose operations will start at the end of 2025. Investments: programme of around 50 million including the launch of the pre-industrial phase and support for the production and marketing of heat and cooling. including the launch of the pre-industrial phase and support for the production and marketing of heat and cooling. Lithium de France project: continuation of the pre-industrial phase until mid-2026, including the definitive feasibility study (DFS) and operations for the first geothermal doublet. The purpose of this development phase is to specify the results of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) 15 until mid-2026, including the definitive feasibility study (DFS) and operations for the first geothermal doublet. The purpose of this development phase is to specify the results of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) New contracts : signing of agreements expected for the production and marketing of heat and cooling. : signing of agreements expected for the production and marketing of heat and cooling. CSR commitments: strengthening of commitments as a mission-driven company to achieve responsible and sustainable development. 2027: First production and sales of heating and cooling 2028: First production and sales of geothermal lithium 25 September 2025: presentation to institutional investors, by registration 25 March 2026: publication of 2025 full-year results About ARVERNE ARVERNE is the leading French supplier of geothermal solutions. It specialises in harnessing natural ground resources to transform them into local energy sources for heating and cooling systems and to extract lithium. A mission-driven company listed on Euronext Paris, Arverne works for local authorities and industrial companies with a focus on energy sovereignty and short supply chains. www.arverne.earth APPENDICES Consolidated income statement In thousands of euros H1 2025 H1 2024 Revenue 9,148 4,485 Purchasing and subcontracting? -10,827 -7,030 Personnel expenses -13,034 -9,388 Taxes -340 -171 Other income and expenses? 3,654 3,245 Current EBITDA(1) -11,398 -8,859 Depreciation, amortisation and provisions -2,314 -948 Current operating income -13,712 -9,807 Other non-current operating income and expenses 0 0 Operating income (expense) -13,712 -9,807 Financial income and expenses? 1,850 2,608 Income tax and similar 178 -224 Share of income from equity affiliates? 2 -2,125 Net income/(loss) -11,680 -9,548 of which Group share? -10,037 -8,427 of which minority share? -1,643 -1,122 Balance sheet Assets In thousands of euros 06/30/2025 12/31/2024 Intangible fixed assets 59,327 53,056 Property, plant and equipment 54,640 52,274 Other non-current assets 4,006 3,148 Total non-current assets 117,973 108,478 Inventories and receivables 9,786 9,571 Other current assets 12,696 13,056 Cash and cash equivalents 97,533 123,834 Total current assets 120,015 146,641 Total assets 237,988 255,119 Liabilities In thousands of euros 06/30/2025 12/31/2024 Capital and premiums 194,302 194,302 Reserves and retained earnings -47,897 -38,413 Non-controlling interests 12,525 13,993 Total shareholders' equity 158,930 169,881 Non-current financing 11,181 12,401 Other non-current provisions 2,534 2,103 Non-current lease liabilities 22,627 24,569 Other non-current liabilities 6,511 6,941 Total non-current liabilities 42,853 46,018 Current financing 4,493 5,095 Current lease liabilities 7,029 4,381 Other current liabilities 24,683 29,744 Total current liabilities 36,204 39,219 Total liabilities 237,988 255,119 Cash flow statement In thousands of euros, IFRS 06/30/2025 06/30/2024 Net income/(loss) -11,680 -9,548 Depreciation, amortisation, impairment and provisions net of reversals 2,633 1,149 Other changes -589 4,074 Cash flow from operations -9,637 -4,326 Change in inventories -445 -71 Change in trade and other receivables -541 -642 Change in trade and other payables -2,200 612 Change in other receivables/current liabilities 1,089 2,893 Total changes -2,097 2,792 Taxes paid 97 -423 Net cash flow from operating activities -11,637 -1,957 Net acquisition of fixed assets -3,206 -5,496 Capitalised development expenditure -9,410 -2,467 Other changes -943 -1,008 Net cash flow from investment activities -13,559 -8,971 Capital increases 0 520 Debt issues 30 5,676 Loan repayments -1,014 -1,623 Other changes -121 -72 Net cash flow from financing activities 4,501 4,501 Change in cash position -26,301 -6,428 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 123,834 143,227 Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 97,532 136,800 Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and projections. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance. These forward-looking statements relate to the Company's future prospects, developments and marketing strategy and are based on analyses of earnings forecasts and estimates of amounts that are not yet determinable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a series of risks and uncertainties, in particular those described in the Universal Registration Document, related to future events and dependent on circumstances that may or may not materialise in the future. Forward-looking statements may not be construed as a guarantee of the Company's future performance and the Company's financial situation, results and actual cash flows, as well as trends in the industry in which it operates, may differ materially from those indicated or reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Even if the financial situation, results, cash flows and trends in the industry in which the Company operates were consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, such results or developments may not be construed as a reliable indication of the Company's future results or developments. Some figures and numbers in this press release have been rounded up or down. Therefore, the totals and percentages shown in the tables are not necessarily equal to the sum of the figures, amounts or percentages that have been individually rounded up or down. 1 Geothermal doublet: two wells, one for extraction and one for reinjection 2 Bpifrance acquires a stake in Arverne Group to support the growth of a French leader in geothermal solutions Arverne 3 Gross business volume: consolidated revenue plus 50% of the revenue of DrillHeat (50%-owned subsidiary) and inter-sector drilling revenue 4 Arverne Group signs a contribution agreement with Hydro Energy Invest AS Arverne 5 https://arverne.earth/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/0922025_PR_Arverne-B2-Lithium-de-France.pdf 6 Arverne Group is a minority shareholder of the concession holder 7 Arverne Group is the majority shareholder of the SPV 8 Arverne Group signs a contribution agreement with Hydro Energy Invest AS Arverne 9 https://arverne.earth/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/0922025_PR_Arverne-B2-Lithium-de-France.pdf 10 Source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Lithium Forecast report Q2 2025 11 Completion remains subject to the usual conditions precedent Lithium de France will be 73.8%-owned by Arverne Group, 24.4% by Equinor Ventures, 1.8% by management 12 Gross business volume: consolidated revenue plus 50% of the revenue of DrillHeat (50%-owned subsidiary) and inter-sector drilling revenue 13 FTE: full-time equivalent 14 Gross business volume: consolidated revenue plus 50% of the revenue of DrillHeat (50%-owned subsidiary) and inter-sector drilling revenue 15 Arverne-Group-Interim-2024-results.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924801096/en/ Contacts: Media relations: communication@arverne.earth arvernegroup@image7.fr Investor relations: investor.relations@arverne.earth Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Forge Resources Corp. (CSE: FRG) (OTCQB: FRGGF) (FSE: 5YZ) ("FRG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce continued progress at its fully permitted La Estrella Coal Project in Santander, Colombia, highlighted by the arrival of key heavy equipment to support automated, mechanized operations and major advancements in camp construction for its expanding underground mining workforce. PJ Murphy, CEO of Forge Resources, states: "We are extremely encouraged by the progress towards our revenue generating bulk sample program at our coal project. The addition of this heavy equipment represents an important step in advancing La Estrella toward efficient, mechanized, automated operations in Colombia. At the same time, the construction of our mining camps ensures we can accommodate a growing workforce that operates around the clock, three shifts per day - improving both efficiency and the rate of advance. We remain committed to building strong, sustainable project that will support long-term success for our shareholders, employees, and local communities." Figure 1. Panzer located onsite ready to be implemented To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/267766_59ff6e16049ad908_001full.jpg Panzer Arrives at La Estrella Coal Project Forge Resources has taken delivery of a fully paid-for Panzer conveyor system (Figure 1), now located on-site at La Estrella. This new unit marks another step in mechanizing underground operations and reduces reliance on the combustion-powered equipment previously used for muck removal. The Panzer system will also be a key component in the extraction of coal. Operational benefits of the Panzer system includes: Provides safer, more efficient removal of material from underground tunnels; Lowers emissions and fuel costs by reducing reliance on combustion equipment; Enhances operational efficiency and improves worker safety. With this investment, Forge continues to modernize its operations in Colombia, strengthening both productivity and safety. This supports the Company's strategy to advance toward streamlined, automated coal extraction. Camp Construction Updates The Company is pleased to report significant progress at its La Estrella coal project in Colombia, with construction of the initial mining camps now 85% complete (Figure 2 and 3). Designed to support early-stage operations, the camps include 12 rooms with capacity to accommodate more than 24 personnel. Each pair of rooms is served by a dedicated sanitary unit, with six units installed to ensure comfort and hygiene. Notably, the camp foundations have been strategically engineered to support a future second floor, allowing for seamless expansion as operational needs grow. This milestone marks a key step in advancing the La Estrella project toward full-scale development. Figure 2. Exterior of camp under construction To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/267766_59ff6e16049ad908_002full.jpg Figure 3. Interior of double occupancy camp accommodations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/267766_59ff6e16049ad908_003full.jpg Construction is continuing to advance on a purpose-built Mechanical Station at the La Estrella coal project, designed to accommodate the site's energy generation systems, and pneumatic compressor. This facility will deliver a reliable and efficient power source to support underground operations, minimize reliance on external energy supply, and strengthen the overall resilience of site infrastructure. Engineered with scalability in mind, the generator room will also enable future increases in production capacity - providing the energy foundation required to operate multiple shifts daily and accelerate project development. Flow-through Private Placement Financing Closing Forge Resources has closed its previously announced non-brokered flow-through private placement (the "Private Placement") and will issue 909,092 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.55 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $500,000.60 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one flow-through common share (each a "Share") in the capital of the Company and one-half of one transferrable non-flow-through common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 36 months following the issuance thereof at an exercise price of $0.70 per Warrant Share. Upon closing of the Offering, the Company paid finders fees to one finder consisting of a cash commission of $35,000.04 and 63,636 warrants exercisable for a period of 36 months from the closing of the Private Placement at a price per share of $0.55. The gross proceeds from the Units will still be utilized for incurring Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures. All securities issued are subject to a statutory holder period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Finders' fees payable in connection with the Private Placement, are subject to and in accordance with the policies of the CSE. About Forge Resources Corp. Forge Resources Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company. The Company holds an 80% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. La Estrella contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. The Company also holds an option on the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Qualified Person Lorne Warner, President and P. Geo, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Aion Acquisition. Forward-looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In particular, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as described or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267766 SOURCE: Forge Resources Corp. "The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company" ~ Antimony, Cobalt, Tungsten, and Zeolite ~ DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," or the "Company") (NYSE American:UAMY)(NYSE Texas:UAMY), operating the only two antimony smelters in North America, announced that it will host Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Director of Commerce, Marta Bertoglio, along with other state officials, at the Company's Thompson Falls, Montana antimony processing facility. The groundbreaking ceremony to be held tomorrow, September 25, 2025, is to kick off its expansion project which is already underway. The groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow is also the site of USAC's Stibnite Hill Antimony Mine. USAC recently revived the development of this mine, which it has held and maintained the significant mineral rights to for many years. While this event is a groundbreaking by name, the project expansion has been underway with engineering completed and building construction underway for a number of months. USAC is scheduled for the project to be in production by the beginning of 2026. The event is not only to commemorate the expansion of USAC's Thompson Falls, Montana operating facility, which will increase current processing capacity by over 400% and includes the capability of processing MIL SPEC antimony trisulfide production, but will also celebrate USAC's nearly 57 years in business. Governor Gianforte will address attendees on the significance of USAC's presence as a long-standing Montana corporation, the importance of strengthening both state and federal support of U.S. companies and their critical role in a strong and stable domestic supply chain that ensures U.S. defense, energy, and technology that originates from within USA. "Hosting Montana's Governor and other state officials at the groundbreaking of our expansion project is another exciting culmination of several aligned forces and key decision-making in a series of critical moments," said Gary C. Evans, Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation. "This significant expansion, along with new innovations being implemented, underscores USAC's ability to move swiftly in an effort to respond to shifts and demands for not only our industrial customers, but now our U.S. Military (see Press Release dated September 23, 2025). Jeff Fink, Project Manager and Vice President at USAC, further commented on the expansion, "When the decision was made by management and our board to significantly expand our processing capability here at Thompson Falls, I was asked to spearhead this effort. We engaged a well-established engineering firm to lead us through the necessary permitting and design of the project, knowing we had a limited footprint and a tight time frame for completion. At the same time, we did not want to disrupt our existing smeltering activity in any way. Thus far, we continue on our planned schedule with approximately 40% of the project now completed." About USAC: United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its Bear River Zeolite ("BRZ") facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. During 2024 and 2025, the Company began acquiring mining claims and leases located in Montana, Alaska and Ontario, Canada in an effort to expand its operations as well as its product offerings. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future operations, production levels, financial performance, business strategy, market conditions, demand for antimony, zeolite, other critical minerals, and precious metals, expected costs, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which the Company operates, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in the market prices and demand for antimony and zeolite; changes in domestic and global economic conditions; operational risks inherent in mining and mineral processing; geological or metallurgical conditions; availability and cost of energy, equipment, transportation, and labor; the Company's ability to maintain or obtain permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals; changes in environmental and mining laws or regulations; competitive factors; the impact of geopolitical developments; and the effects of weather, natural disasters, or health pandemics on operations and supply chains. Additional information regarding risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Contact: United States Antimony Corp. 4438 W. Lovers Lane, Unit 100 Dallas, TX 75209 Jonathan Miller, VP, Investor Relations E-Mail: Jmiller@usantimony.com 406-606-4117 SOURCE: United States Antimony Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/united-states-antimony-corporation-to-host-montana-governor-greg-gianforte-and-di-1077440 LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This October, alongside the highly anticipated Grand Sumo Tournament taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, audiences have the opportunity to learn more about the sport and the various roles instrumental in making it happen with a series of talks and live demonstrations offering rare behind-the-scenes insights. Tuesday 14 October, 13:00-14:00 Tokoyama: Sumo Hairdressers - Talk and Demonstration Tokoyama: Sumo Hairdressers Talk and Demonstration Thursday 16 October, 13:00-14:00 Gyoji and Yokozuna: Masters of the Ring - Talk Gyoji and Yokozuna: Masters of the Ring Talk Saturday 18 October, 13:00-14:00 Yobidashi: Voices and Builders of Sumo - Talk and Demonstration Between Tuesday 14 and Saturday 18 October, Japan House London, in collaboration with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), welcomes guests from the Japan Sumo Association for a series of talks and demonstrations exploring the culture surrounding sumo wrestling and the talented individuals that make it happen. In a rare opportunity for UK audiences to hear directly from individuals whose roles are crucial to the sport, a tokoyama (sumo hairdresser), gyoji (referee) and yobidashi (announcer) will each explain their roles and craft through in-person talks and demonstrations alongside commentators and wrestlers, such as yokozuna Onosato Daiki, one of sumo's brightest young stars. On Tuesday 14 October, guests can discover the craft of sumo hairdressing with a talk and live demonstration presented by sumo commentator Hiro Morita. Highly-skilled tokoyama (sumo hairdresser) Tokoami, reveals the tools, techniques and traditions behind the mage (topknot) styles that define the appearance of every professional sumo wrestler. In a rare demonstration before a live audience, he creates the elaborate oicho, the distinctive ginkgo leaf-shaped topknot worn by sekitori-ranked wrestlers during bouts and formal occasions. Serving as his model is rising star Hakuoho Tetsuya, who also shares his personal experiences as a rikishi (wrestler) and speaks about his ambitions for the future. Audiences are encouraged to ask questions at a dedicated Q&A section at the end of the event, which is live streamed online for audiences unable to join in person. On Thursday 16 October, Japan House London hosts an in-conversation with two of the sport's most prestigious figures. The 39th Kimura Shonosuke - the highest-ranking gyoji (referee) in professional sumo - shares the duties and responsibilities that define his role, from refereeing bouts and presiding over rituals deeply rooted in Shinto traditions, to compiling the banzuke, the official document listing wrestler rankings. Joining him is one of sumo's brightest young stars, Onosato Daiki, who offers first-hand stories of life at the pinnacle of the sport as one of only 75 wrestlers ever to have achieved sumo's highest rank (yokozuna). Guided by commentator Hiro Morita, this is a special opportunity to hear how champions and referees collaborate in the ring. The event concludes with an audience Q&A. To finish the series, an in-conversation takes place on Saturday 18 October with a yobidashi. Behind every sumo bout lies the essential work of the yobidashi, the ring attendants and announcers who also construct the dohyo, the clay ring stage for every match. Audiences can discover their crucial work in this special event also presented by commentator Hiro Morita. Veteran yobidashi Shigeo reveals the duties and skills that define his profession - from calling wrestlers to the ring and taiko drumming to carefully building the dohyo for each tournament. Joining him is rikishi (wrestler) Oho Konosuke, who shares his first-hand experience of life as a professional wrestler, including daily training, preparation for matches and the collaboration with yobidashi that keeps the sport running smoothly. The event includes a demonstration and ends with questions from the audience. Tickets are available from the Japan House London website and are usually released 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time. Highlights from Japan's Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo are also being screened for free throughout September. The best way to find out when bookings open is to become a subscriber of the Japan House London newsletter or follow us on social media. The Shop at Japan House London will also be stocking sumo-related products until December, including T-Shirts, plates and books. Visit the Shop in person to see the range or shop the collection online at shop.japanhouselondon.uk. Notes to Editors Japan House London Japan House London is a cultural destination offering guests the opportunity to experience the best and latest from Japan. Located on London's Kensington High Street, the experience is an authentic encounter with Japan, engaging and surprising even the most knowledgeable guests. Presenting the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, it deepens the visitor's appreciation of all that Japan has to offer. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340450/5528113/JAPAN_HOUSE_London_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2781050/JapanHouse_Sumo_Association.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sumo-celebrated-with-series-of-events-at-japan-house-london-302566188.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - St. Davids Capital Inc. (TSXV: SDCI.P) ("St. Davids" or the "Company") and Thistle Resources Corp. ("Thistle") are pleased to announce that, further to the news release dated July 10, 2025, they have entered into a definitive acquisition agreement dated September 15, 2025 (the "Acquisition Agreement") in respect of the previously announced arm's length "qualifying transaction" (the "Qualifying Transaction"), as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") Corporate Finance Manual. In this news release, the term "Resulting Issuer" refers to the Company after the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. Thistle Resources Corp. Thistle is incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "OBCA") on September 1, 2017. Thistle has focused on critical minerals exploration in the Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. Thistle utilizes cutting edge technology paired with AI and proprietary algorithms to advance its project portfolio and increase shareholder value. Key Terms of the Acquisition Agreement and Qualifying Transaction On September 15, 2025, the Acquisition Agreement in respect of the Qualifying Transaction was entered into by the Company, Thistle and 1001354705 Ontario Inc. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated for the purpose of completing the Amalgamation (as defined herein). The Acquisition Agreement provides for, among other things, a three-cornered amalgamation under the OBCA, among the Company, Thistle, and Subco (the "Amalgamation"), pursuant to which, among other things: Thistle will amalgamate with Subco under Section 174 of the OBCA to form one corporation; each common share of Thistle (each, a "Thistle Share") outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (the "Effective Time") of the closing of the Qualifying Transaction that is held by a shareholder of Thistle (a "Thistle Shareholder") will be exchanged for one (1) common share of the Company (the "Common Shares"); and all convertible securities of Thistle outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be cancelled and replaced with equivalent convertible securities of the Resulting Issuer, entitling the holders thereof to acquire Common Shares in lieu of Thistle Shares. In addition, prior to the Effective Time, the Company intends to effect a change of its corporate name to "Thistle Resources Inc." or such other name as determined by Thistle and is acceptable to the applicable regulatory authorities (the "Name Change"). The Amalgamation will result in the reverse takeover of the Company by Thistle Shareholders and will constitute the Company's "qualifying transaction". Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer on the TSXV (as defined by the policies of the TSXV). The closing of the Qualifying Transaction will be subject to the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals (including the approval of the TSXV), requisite shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other customary conditions. For additional information relating to the terms of the Qualifying Transaction, please refer to a copy of the Acquisition Agreement, which will be filed and made available in due course on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile, as well as the news release dated July 10, 2025, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. Additional information regarding the proposed Name Change and other corporate ancillary matters to be considered at the special meeting of shareholders on November 10, 2025 (the "Meeting") will be available in the Company's management information circular to be filed in due course on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. Financing In connection with and as a condition to the Qualifying Transaction, the Company intends to complete an equity financing (the "Financing") to be completed concurrently with the closing of the Qualifying Transaction through a private placement of: (i) non-flow through units (the "NFT Units") at an issue price of $0.20 per NFT Unit, with each NFT Unit comprised of one share of the Company and one warrant ("Warrant"), with each whole Warrant exercisable into one share of the Resulting Issuer for a period of two years at an exercise price of $0.30 per share; (ii) flow through units (the "FT Units") at an issue price of $0.25 per FT Unit, comprised of one flow through share of the Company (the "FT Share") and one Warrant; and (iii) charity flow through-units (the "Charity FT Units", and together with the NFT Units and FT Units, collectively the "Units") at an issue price of $0.30 per Charity FT Unit, comprised of one FT Share and one Warrant, for gross proceeds of a minimum of $1,750,000 and a maximum of $3,500,000 (the "Private Placement"). The Financing is subject to approval of the TSXV. The Company has engaged Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") to serve as lead agent on a commercially reasonable best-efforts basis in connection with the Private Placement. The securities will be sold to "accredited investors" pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under Canadian securities laws and/or in jurisdictions other than Canada that are mutually agreed to by the Company and RCC. The Company has granted RCC an option, exercisable in whole or in part by RCC by giving notice to the Company at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Private Placement to sell up to an additional number of Units equal to 15% of the base Private Placement size at the issue price of such Units. RCC will be paid a cash fee (the "Agent's Fee") of 8.0% of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Agent's Fee will be reduced to 4.0% for gross proceeds received by certain parties identified by Thistle (the "President's List"). RCC will also be granted a number of compensation warrants (the "Compensation Warrants") equal to 8.0% of the number of Units issued to investors in the Private Placement (reduced to 4.0% for President's List subscribers). Each Compensation Warrant will be exercisable for one unit (the "Compensation Units") at an exercise price of $0.20 per Compensation Unit for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Private Placement with each Compensation Unit comprised of one share and one Warrant. RCC will receive a corporate finance services fee of $50,000 on completion of the Private Placement. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for exploration expenses on Thistle's mining projects and working capital and general corporate purposes. St. Davids Capital Inc. St. Davids was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on August 4, 2021 and is a Capital Pool Company (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) listed on the TSXV. St. Davids has no commercial operations and no assets other than cash. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budgets", "schedules", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events, or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In disclosing the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions, including that the Private Placement will be completed on acceptable terms and all applicable shareholder and regulatory approvals for the Qualifying Transaction will be received. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: availability of financing; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, or regulatory approvals; and general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information, or otherwise. All information provided in this press release relating to Thistle has been provided by management of Thistle and has not been independently verified by management of the Company. Completion of the Qualifying Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to TSXV acceptance. Where applicable, the Qualifying Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Qualifying Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement (or other applicable disclosure document) of St. Davids to be prepared in connection with the Qualifying Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Qualifying Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of St. Davids should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Qualifying Transaction and has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267745 SOURCE: St. Davids Capital Inc. Santa Clara, Munster, Tokyo, , Sept 24, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") is advancing the realization of a "Harmonized Society" where environment, wellbeing, and economic growth coexist in balance. As One Hitachi, the company is strengthening its portfolio to harness domain expertise and accelerate AI-driven innovations that transform social infrastructure. The Hitachi Group has agreed to acquire synvert, a company headquartered in Germany, as a wholly owned subsidiary of its U.S. subsidiary GlobalLogic Inc. ("GlobalLogic")from Maxburg, a leading private equity fund focusing on founder-led technology companies in the German-speaking region. This acquisition aims to accelerate the deployment of HMAX, Hitachi's solution suite advancing operational autonomy and business model innovation through Agentic and Physical AI, solving customer and societal challenges in the AI era.synvert is a leading consulting firm in the data and AI space, delivering advanced expertise in AI-driven business design, data access and governance, integration, and operations. With a portfolio of over 200 clients, synvert helps enterprises unlock value and drive intelligent, data-powered transformation. synvert maintains advanced partnerships with leading cloud and data platform vendors, including Databricks and Snowflake, alongside major public cloud vendors(AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud).Once the acquisition is completed, synvert will complement GlobalLogic's deep capabilities in AI and digital engineering, while adding end-to-end strength across the enterprise data value chain and accelerating the development of Agentic and Physical AI. synvert's strong presence in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and the Middle East will help expand markets for HMAX through collaboration with Hitachi Rail and Hitachi Energy.The acquisition is expected to close in the fiscal year ending March 2026 (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026), subject to regulatory approval.Advancing Hitachi's AI Vision Led by the Digital Systems & Services Sector Hitachi's Digital Systems & Services sector, leading the company's AI strategy under Lumada 3.0, is driving the evolution from Generative AI to Agentic AI-which autonomously coordinates multiple tools to perform complex tasks-and now to Physical AI, where intelligent systems interact with and control the physical world through robotics and IoT-enabled devices.The Hitachi AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) has led the development and deployment of over 1,000 generative AI use cases, including mission-critical applications. Agentic AI is actively in use across executive, engineering, and frontline layers to enhance risk analysis, predictive maintenance, and system integrator efficiency, with over 200 global operational implementations.Relevance of the synvert AcquisitionCustomers gain immediate advantages from a platform-first architecture and industrialized MLOps, resulting in faster AI time-to-value, responsible scaling with built-in AI guardrails, and the ability to add managed services that improve resilience and reduce total cost of ownershipAs Agentic AI evolves to orchestrate intelligent decision-making and task execution across vast, dynamic datasets, a modern, enterprise-grade data foundation becomes mission-critical. synvert brings over 550 highly skilled specialists in data governance, data platform engineering, and advanced analytics-with deep expertise in data warehouse and lakehouse architectures. Their capabilities enable the seamless ingestion, management, and activation of data needed to power autonomous agents and real-time decision systems.By integrating synvert's proven data and AI consulting strengths with GlobalLogic's VelocityAI platform and digital engineering leadership, we extend our end-to-end value across the enterprise data lifecycle-positioning Hitachi to deliver scalable, secure, and production-ready Agentic and Physical AI solutions across industries.Comment from Jun Abe, Executive Vice President of Hitachi, Ltd., General Manager of the Digital Systems & Services Division"Hitachi is accelerating social innovation by addressing urgent societal challenges-such as labor shortages and knowledge transfer among frontline workers in transportation, energy, gas,and railway sectors-through the advancement of its own AI-driven transformation and the delivery of its outcomes to customers. By integrating synvert's outstanding data analytics and consulting capabilities with GlobalLogic's digital engineering expertise, we will enhance competitiveness through Agentic AI and accelerate HMAX deployment. We aim to deliver digital value to all and realize a safe, secure, and sustainable Harmonized Society."Comment from Srini Shankar, President and CEO, GlobalLogic"Integrating synvert into GlobalLogic will play a key role in accelerating our global strategy. It will strengthen our data and consulting capabilities and expand our presence in Europe and the Middle East across industries like energy, retail, financial services, and insurance. Once the acquisition is completed, we expect to rapidly deliver innovation through end-to-end development of data-driven AI services, and accelerate efforts in Agentic and Physical AI."Comment from Andre Holhozinskyj, CEO, synvert"Joining the Hitachi Group, which has strengths in OT and products, is an ideal step in synvert's growth story. GlobalLogic's capabilities and regional strategy align well with synvert, and we believe this partnership will drive further growth. synvert's identity resonates with Hitachi's purpose-driven culture, and we look forward to what we can achieve together."Company OverviewCompany Name: synvertHeadquarter and Office:Headquarter: Munster, GermanyOffices: Europe, U.S., and Middle EastBusiness: Provides sustainable data value chains from strategy to analytics platform operations; over 3,000 projects across finance, manufacturing, insurance, public sector, and energyEmployees: Over 550 (as of June 2025)Founded: 1991Website: https://synvert.com/en-en/CEO: Andre Holhozinskyj (CEO)As a private equity fund focusing on founder-led technology companies, Maxburg's successful partnership with synvert concludes with a strategic transaction with the Hitachi Group. Over the past five years, synvert has grown into one of the leading data and AI service providers in EMEA, increasing sales and profitability by a factor of eight through disciplined execution and strong leadership. The terms of the acquisition are not disclosed.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries -and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024(ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About GlobalLogicGlobalLogic (www.globallogic.com) is a leading digital engineering partner that helps the world's most forward thinking companies design and build innovative, AI-powered products, platforms, and digital experiences. Since 2000, we've been at the forefront of the digital revolution, now accelerating clients' transitions into tomorrow's AI-driven businesses by integrating experience design, complex engineering, AI, and data expertise. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalLogic is a Hitachi Group Company operating under Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), which contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through AI and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Visit us at www.globallogic.com.About MaxburgMaxburg is a Munich-based private equity fund with capital commitments of more than 1bn. Maxburg is a growth investor, supporting exceptional businesses built and led by strong founders. Maxburg focusses on technology and software, business services and consumable products (B2B and B2C) sectors in the GSA region. synvert is Maxburg's fifth exit in the technology sector after having successfully invested in Maltego, KGS, Starface and Tenado. For more information about Maxburg visit maxburg.com/en/Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Canstar Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROX) (OTC Pink: CSRNF) ("Canstar" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its recently announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") and advise stakeholders of updates to the Company's website and corporate email addresses. Financing Update The $2 million Offering, announced September 23, 2025, has received strong support from investors. Within one day of launch, the Company has received firm orders of over $1 million for the hard-dollar (non-flow-through or "NFT") portion of the Offering. This level of demand underscores the quality of the Company's projects and investor confidence in its strategy. Given this strong response, Canstar is prepared to allocate up to the full $2 million Offering to hard-dollar units, with flow-through ("FT") allocations to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Corporate Website and Contact Information Due to a temporary technical issue with the Company's legacy domain, Canstar has established a new corporate domain, www.canstarmining.com, which will serve as the Company's official website going forward. Please note that any emails sent to the Company that have bounced or otherwise have not been confirmed in the last 24 hours should be resent to the new email address, copying Leah Dionne on any financing-related matters to ensure a timely response. Effective immediately, the Company's updated contact information is: Juan Carlos Giron, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer Email: jc@canstarmining.com Phone: (647) 557-3442 In addition, to ensure uninterrupted communication during the financing process, the Company requests that all subscription-related correspondence also copy: Leah Dionne Managing Director, Corporate Advisory Services De Novo Group Email: leah@denovogroup.ca Phone: (604) 687-2038 ext. 245 The Company thanks its investors and stakeholders for their continued support and patience during this transition. Offering Terms (Unchanged) Up to $2,000,000 in gross proceeds. NFT Units priced at $0.065, each consisting of one common share and one transferable warrant exercisable at $0.10 for 36 months. FT Units priced at $0.085, each consisting of one flow-through common share and one-half of one warrant exercisable at $0.10 for 12 months. Proceeds from FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Company's Newfoundland properties. Proceeds from NFT Units will be used for general corporate purposes, including exploration, working capital, and corporate development. Additional Offering Details The Offering is subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and all other required regulatory approvals. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing date in accordance with Canadian securities laws. Finder's fees may be payable in connection with the Offering. Insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering. Any such participation would constitute a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects that any insider participation will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the securities subscribed for will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any 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 pursuant to an available exemption. About Canstar Resources Inc. Canstar Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROX) is an exploration company focused on critical minerals and gold in Newfoundland. The Company's 100%-owned Golden Baie Project (489.5 km) hosts high-grade gold and antimony showings along a major mineralized structure that also hosts a large number of gold deposits. The Buchans and Mary March projects (120.5 km2) are located within the past-producing VMS zinc-, copper-, and silver-rich Buchans Mining Camp and boast high-grade zinc and copper discoveries. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to the Company, including, the completion of the Offering, the proposed use of proceeds, the expected tax treatment of the FT Shares, the timing of renunciation of CEE, and the acceptance of the Offering by the TSX Venture Exchange. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "proposes", and similar expressions, or statements that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the Offering may not be completed on the terms announced or at all; that the TSX Venture Exchange may not approve the Offering; that the proceeds may not be used as currently disclosed; and the availability of financing on acceptable terms; potential changes in market conditions or the trading price of the Company's common shares; general business, economic, and market conditions; changes in laws or regulations applicable to the Company; dependence on key management personnel; and competition within the industry. Additional risk factors are identified in the Company's most recent management discussion and analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. There may also be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently believes are not material that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks, and uncertainties. Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267816 SOURCE: Canstar Resources Inc. Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Tempus Capital Inc. (CSE: TEMP) ("Tempus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement to invest in Oak Street Partners Ltd. (Oak Street), an affordable housing owner-operator headquartered in Toronto, and operating in the Midwest United States. Oak Street is a private Canadian company that owns and manages over 150 housing units in the single family and multi family asset classes in Cleveland, and Akron Ohio. Oak Street manages properties internally, and specializes in renting to tenants through government subsidized programs. Oak Street is a yield focused business, and targets a 15% cash return to investors annually. Tempus has agreed to invest up to $1,000,000 CAD in Oak Street common shares conditional upon satisfactory due diligence review. In addition to the investment, a member of Oak Street's management team will join the Board of Directors of Tempus Capital, and Tempus will appoint one member to the advisory board of Oak Street. "We are very pleased to make this announcement and begin our relationship with Oak Street. The investment makes a lot of sense for our shareholders from both a market diversification standpoint, and for the risk-mitigated yield approach that Oak Street's investment model focuses on. The team has built a solid portfolio in what we believe is the highest cash flow producing asset class in the North American residential real estate landscape. We look forward to completing the due diligence period and making this accretive investment," said Russell Tanz, Tempus President and CEO. "Having Tempus invest into Oak Street marks a significant milestone for our company. We have proven the ability to make smart purchases and manage affordable rental units at scale, and will use this capital to expand our portfolio in Northeast Ohio. Additionally, offering investors exposure to Oak Street through a liquid, publicly traded company, and the ability to invest registered funds into Tempus is a tremendous benefit. We look forward to working closely with the Tempus management team, and building a long and fruitful relationship for all stakeholders in both Tempus and Oak Street," said Parker Christie, Oak Street Partners CEO About Tempus Tempus is a real estate operating company engaged in the acquisition, development, and ownership of income-producing properties in Canada, focusing on strip mall shopping centres, storefront retail, and mixed residential and commercial properties. Tempus is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements, which reflect Management's expectations regarding the Company's completion of the proposed Portfolio acquisition and the anticipated closing date thereof constitute forward-looking statements. Whenever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect Management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Tempus cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Tempus assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Many factors could cause Tempus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. No regulator nor any Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267822 SOURCE: Tempus Capital Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, announces the upcoming opening of two new stores. Store #29 - Roma Norte Store #29 is 6,340 square feet standalone site in Roma Norte an affluent, highly commercial neighborhood. Positioned directly in front of the Durango Metrobus station, it will benefit from strong pedestrian flow. This opening reinforces our presence in the area. Target opening: November 2025. Store #30 - Zocalo Store #30 will be our first location in downtown Mexico City, approximately 1 km from Zocalo, the city's main square. The 6,620 square feet standalone premises sit within a high-traffic retail corridor. This store marks our entry into one of the capital's most iconic districts. Target opening: November 2025. "The openings of stores #29 and #30 mark an important step in our expansion and further increase accessibility for Mexican consumers who want to shop at our stores," said Rahim Bhaloo, Founder, CEO & Chairman of PesoRama. "We see a robust pipeline of high-density traffic areas where we plan to open additional stores to drive continued growth and success." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5801/267839_110763656433fab9_002full.jpg About PesoRama Inc. PesoRama, operating under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 28 stores (soon to be 30) offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the following categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more. For more information visit: http://pesorama.ca. Cautionary Note This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267839 SOURCE: PesoRama Inc. Paolo Fidanza, Founder and CEO of Keo World, has been nominated in two prestigious categories at the 15th edition of the Le Fonti Awards: Best CEO and Excellence of the Year in Innovation Leadership Inspiring Leader. In addition, Fidanza will take the stage as a speaker at the CEO Summit, the exclusive business forum that brings together the most influential leaders in the economic and financial sectors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924917992/en/ Paolo Fidanza Founder CEO KEO World The ceremony will take place on October 9, 2025, at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan, the historic headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange and one of the most iconic venues for business excellence in Europe. A Global Benchmark Event The Le Fonti Awardsare internationally recognized as one of the most influential platforms for leadership, innovation, and corporate excellence. With a certified community of over 10.5 million professionals worldwide, the event has become a unique stage to highlight outstanding careers and generate opportunities for expansion across global markets. The selection of finalists is the result of a rigorous evaluation process carried out by the Le Fonti Editorial Board and Scientific Committee, supported by in-depth industry research. According to the organizers, 85% of companies and professionals awarded at the Le Fonti Awardsexperience significant growth in business development and international projection following their participation. Paolo Fidanza: Innovation and Inspiring Leadership Fidanza's double nomination reflects his pivotal role in reshaping the fintech landscape through Keo World, which delivers innovative B2B credit and payment solutions across multiple international markets. Under his leadership, Keo has stood out for deploying AI Blockchain innovation, driving financial inclusion, accelerating digital transformation, and fostering more agile financial ecosystems. The CEO Summit and Gala Dinner As part of the Le Fonti Awards, the CEO Summit will provide an exclusive forum for dialogue among global business leaders, financial institutions, and top-tier professional firms. Following this, the Awards Ceremony will honor the year's most outstanding organizations and executives, concluding with an elegant Gala Dinner the perfect setting for high-level networking. Fidanza's recognition underscores Keo World's growing international reputation as a dynamic and visionary force in the global fintech and AI sectors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924917992/en/ Contacts: Press Contact: CM Global PR Carlos Mejia Tel: +1 305-733-8167 Email: carlosmejia@cmglobalpr.com Web: www.cmglobalpr.com In his latest blog, Lee Green shares key takeaways from the Cascale Annual Meeting 2025, from bold CEO insights to urgent calls for climate action and responsible purchasing practices. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / After a 16-hour flight, several hours of entertaining my three-year-old, and despite the jet-lag, I'm putting pen to paper on my reflections while my little one takes her afternoon nap. It feels like the right moment to reflect - because our Annual Meeting 2025 in Hong Kong was nothing short of extraordinary. This was our biggest and best yet: over 700 attendees, 100+ speakers, and 33 sponsors came together under the theme "A Movement for All." It was the first time our programming centered outright on two problem statements, including unpacking how to make responsible purchasing practices the norm and trouble-shooting more effective buyer-supplier engagement models. The energy in every room made it clear: this is a movement that's only gaining momentum. What stood out most this year was the engagement of manufacturers. Their presence and voice were felt across every stage, roundtable, and networking moment. It was noticed by everyone. And rightly so, because accelerating climate action and embedding responsible purchasing practices can only happen if manufacturers are at the center of the conversation. The content and dialogue across the two days were outstanding. From urgent discussions on climate risks and adaptation, to bold ideas for rewiring buyer-supplier relationships, to practical steps on responsible purchasing practices, every session pushed us forward. The honesty from C-suite leaders (we also had more CEOs joining the event than ever before) was refreshing, the insights from practitioners were invaluable, and the collective sense of responsibility was inspiring. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the remarkable effort of the Cascale team. From content planning to logistics, from sponsorship to media, from speaker support to production - you brought passion, professionalism, and determination at every step. I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together. So, thank you again for your collective efforts. As I look back, here are a few personal takeaways from Hong Kong: Manufacturers stepped up. Their engagement and honesty shaped the dialogue in a way that felt fresh and much-needed. C-suite leaders didn't hold back. The candid discussion on power dynamics and purchasing practices showed both the challenges and the pathways forward. Climate action and decent work are inseparable. Every conversation circled back to the fact that these aren't parallel issues; they're intertwined. Energy and appetite for solutions are strong. Despite political headwinds, the sense of urgency and collaboration was palpable. Our team raised the bar. From planning to execution, this was Cascale at its best, and I couldn't be prouder. This event has set a new bar. We broke records, built new connections, and sparked ideas that will shape our industry in the months and years ahead. And we're not stopping here. We're already excited for what's next: the Cascale Annual Meeting 2026 in Greece. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Hong Kong, in person and virtually. Together, we're proving that sustainability is not just a goal, but a business imperative. And together, we are building a movement for all. - Lee GreenVP, Marketing & Communications View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cascale Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cascale Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/reflections-from-hong-kong-our-biggest-and-best-annual-meeting-y-1077808 Auna Intends to Meet with Debt and Equity Investors to Assess Alternatives to Raise Funds to Expand its Operations in Mexico and Strengthen its Capital Structure Auna S.A. ("Auna" or the "Company"), a leading healthcare services provider in Latin America with operations in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, today announced the expansion of its insurance network in Mexico, significantly broadening its national footprint, as well as its intent to meet with debt and equity investors. Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions, including Medica Sur in Mexico City, San Javier in Guadalajara, Simnsa in Tijuana, Centros Medicos de Especialidades Cd Juarez in Ciudad Juarez, and with four additional medical centers in Leon, Merida, Queretaro, and Puebla, Auna now can provide its OncoMexico members integrated, high-quality care across Mexico's most economically dynamic urban centers. In addition, Auna has also partnered with Welbe, a nationwide digital platform that enables patients to easily manage preventive care appointments, further enhancing access and strengthening patient engagement across Mexico. To further expand Auna's operations in Mexico, the Company plans to invest approximately US$500 million in Mexico's principal cities during the next three to five years, building additional capacity and deepening the integration of its healthcare services to better serve local communities. Accordingly, Auna plans to arrange meetings with debt and equity investors in the coming weeks and months as it is actively evaluating alternatives to raise funds for these investments as well as to further improve its capital structure by reducing and refinancing a portion of its indebtedness. These alternatives may include potential debt and/or equity financings, with the aim of limiting leverage to three times Net Debt-to-EBITDA upon completion of these financings. There is no assurance, however, that any of these financings will be completed. Additionally, following the recent listing of Auna's class A shares on the Lima Stock Exchange, the Company announces that it meets the eligibility criteria for inclusion in three indices of the MSCI. While Auna is optimistic about being included in these indices, no assurances can be given that it will ultimately be included in any of them. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. About Auna Auna is one of Latin America's leading healthcare platforms, with operations in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. It prioritizes prevention and focuses on complex diseases that represent the highest healthcare spending. Its mission is to transform healthcare by delivering access to a highly integrated offering of services in low-penetration markets across Spanish-speaking Latin America. Founded in 1989, Auna has built one of the region's largest modern healthcare platforms, consisting of a horizontally integrated network of medical care centers and a vertically integrated portfolio of oncology and general health plans. As of June 30, 2025, Auna's network included 31 healthcare facilities-hospitals, ambulatory centers, and prevention and wellness centers-with a total of 2,323 beds and 1.4 million health plan members. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often are proceeded by words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "assumes," "will" or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the Company's initiatives, partnerships and planned investments in Mexico, the initiatives to improve its capital structure, Auna's target leverage ratio and Auna's potential inclusion in certain indices. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, Auna's business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Auna, which could result in Auna's expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Auna. Some of the factors that could cause future results to materially differ from recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements are described in Auna's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2025. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Auna does not undertake any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such statements were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, and the potential for variation of actual results from the assumptions on which certain of such forward-looking statements are based, investors should keep in mind that the results, events or developments disclosed in any forward-looking statement made in this document may not occur, and that actual results may vary materially from those described herein, including those described as anticipated, expected, targeted, projected or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924284197/en/ Contacts: contact@aunainvestors.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - SBD Capital Corp. (CSE: SBD) (the "Company") announces the resignation of Richard Paolone as a director of the Company, effective immediately. The Company would like to thank Mr. Paolone for his contribution to the Company and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that Ms. Carly Burk has been appointed to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Burk practices securities law and works with both public and private issuers. Ms. Burk holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Southampton, a Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Carleton University. Ms. Burk serves as an officer and/or director of several public and private entities. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267880 SOURCE: SBD Capital Corp. The moderate-to-severe acute pain market size in the 7MM is expected to increase throughout the forecast period (2025-2034), driven by the launch of emerging therapies such as RizaFilm (rizatriptan), CPL-01, PRF-110, OCS-01, F14 (mdc-CWM), NTM-001, Cebranopadol, and others, the growing geriatric population, the rising lifestyle-related ailments, and the approval of the non-opioid market (supported by favorable regulations, increased research investment, and a fast-track process). LAS VEGAS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, moderate-to-severe acute pain emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Summary The market size for moderate-to-severe acute pain was found to be USD 4.2 billion in the leading markets in 2024. in the leading markets in 2024. The United States accounted for the highest market size of moderate-to-severe acute pain, approximately 82% of the total market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. of the total market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. The total number of incident cases of acute pain in the 7MM comprised 180 million cases in 2024. cases in 2024. The total number of incident cases of moderate-to-severe acute pain in the 7MM were around 80 million in 2024. in 2024. JOURNAVX (suzetrigine) became the 'first, oral, NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitor' approved by the FDA in January 2025, marking the first new class of acute pain in over 20 years. Unlike opioids, it carries no addiction risk, addressing a significant public health concern. (suzetrigine) became the approved by the FDA in January 2025, marking the first new class of acute pain in over 20 years. Unlike opioids, it carries no addiction risk, addressing a significant public health concern. The majority of moderate-to-severe acute pain drug development is reported in the United States. Only a few are expected to enter the EU and Japanesemarket. The current acute moderate-to-severe migraine pain market is dominated by gepants . . Leading moderate-to-severe acute pain companies developing emerging therapies, such as Gensco Pharma, IntelGenx, Cali Biosciences, PainReform, Oculis Pharma, MedinCell, Arthritis Innovation Corporation (AIC), Neumentum, Tris Pharma, Viatris, Xgene Pharmaceutical, Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC BioSciences), Allodynic Therapeutics, Latigo Biotherapeutics, Concentric Analgesics, Allay Therapeutics, Maruishi Pharmaceutical, Halia Therapeutics, Teikoku Pharma, Cessatech A/S, Vaneltix Pharma, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, and others, are developing novel moderate-to-severe acute pain drugs that can be available in the moderate-to-severe acute pain market in the coming years. (AIC), (TLC BioSciences), and others, are developing novel moderate-to-severe acute pain drugs that can be available in the moderate-to-severe acute pain market in the coming years. The promising moderate-to-severe acute pain therapies in clinical trials include RizaFilm (rizatriptan), CPL-01 , PRF-110 , OCS-01 , F14 (mdc-CWM), NTM-001 , Cebranopadol , Meloxicam (MR-107A-02), XG005 , TLC590 , DEPADE (naltrexone and acetaminophen), LTG-001 , Vocacapsaicin (CA-008), ATX101 , HT-6184 , TK-254Rx (esflurbiprofen transdermal), CT001 , Alenura (VNX001), BHV-2100 , and others. (rizatriptan), , , , (mdc-CWM), , , (MR-107A-02), , , (naltrexone and acetaminophen), , (CA-008), , , (esflurbiprofen transdermal), , (VNX001), , and others. By 2034, among all the therapies, the highest revenue is expected to be generated by NURTEC ODT/VYDURA (rimegepant), a CGRP receptor antagonist. Discover which therapies are expected to grab the major moderate-to-severe acute pain treatment market share @ Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Report Key Factors Driving the Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Growing Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Incidence The total number of incident cases of moderate-to-severe acute pain in the 7MM were around 180 million in 2024. These numbers are further expected to increase by 2034. Shift From Opioids Toward Non-opioid Therapies There is a growing demand for non-opioid therapies that match opioid-level efficacy but with fewer side effects and lower dependency risks, creating a significant opportunity for innovative drug development. Robust Postoperative Acute Pain Clinical Trial Activity The emerging pipeline for postoperative acute pain treatments is quite robust, featuring numerous mid- and late-stage development products such as Arthritis Innovation/Medincell (F14), Oculis (OCS-01), Neumentum (NTM-001), Tris Pharma (cebranopadol [TRN-228]), Viatris (meloxicam [MR 107A 02]), Xgene Pharmaceutical (XG005), Allay Therapeutics (ATX101), and others, which hold significant potential for improving pain management options. Emergence of Novel Drug Classes Emerging drugs with novel mechanisms of action, like NaV1.8 channel inhibitors (e.g., VX-548) and corticosteroids (e.g., SVT-15473), show high potential in acute pain management, offering strong efficacy with fewer side effects. Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Analysis The management of acute pain, whether postoperative or non-postoperative, typically involves a multimodal strategy that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Commonly used medications include opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, corticosteroids, anesthetics, and adjunct agents such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and cannabinoids. Non-drug interventions like physical therapy, acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, massage, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are employed to enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce dependence on a single therapy. In the moderate-to-severe acute pain market, key therapies for postoperative pain include JOURNAVX (suzetrigine) by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, COMBOGESIC IV/MAXIGESIC IV (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals, and AFT Pharmaceuticals, ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam) from Heron Therapeutics, and LOTEMAX SM (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel) from Bausch & Lomb, among others. JOURNAVX represents a promising alternative to opioids in acute pain management, with its novel mechanism and non-addictive profile. While early adoption is encouraging, its commercial success will depend on insurance coverage, pricing strategies, and broader clinical efficacy. The high cost of JOURNAVX could be a barrier because this healthcare system generally prioritizes the least expensive alternative. Even with JOURNAVX's approval, and investigation of several non-opioid pain relief not just in acute pain but in other pain indications, opioids remain essential in pain management when used correctly, particularly when analgesia fails. In 2025, the US FDA approved three novel therapies for the acute treatment of migraine in moderate-to-severe acute pain cases: ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine mesylate), SYMBRAVO (meloxicam and rizatriptan), and BREKIYA (dihydroergotamine mesylate) by Amneal Pharmaceuticals. QUTENZA (capsaicin) 8% topical system is expected to report topline data in Q4 2025, with Averitas Pharma planning to file a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) in 2026, pending positive outcomes. In Japan, acute pain treatment options are relatively scarce, with only a few approved drugs like EMGALITY and REYVOW/RAYVOW, alongside several off-label therapies for moderate-to-severe pain. Some non-opioid options, such as XARACOLL and POSIMIR, were withdrawn due to limited market uptake or safety concerns. The ophthalmic therapy PROLENSA (bromfenac sodium) remains available but is largely genericized. These patterns underscore persistent regulatory, safety, and market access challenges in the acute pain treatment space. There remains a significant need for safe, effective, non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain management. Within the moderate-to-severe acute pain segment, non-post-operative acute pain represents the dominant share, driven by its higher number of cases and high-revenue generating therapies compared to post-operative cases. To know more about moderate-to-severe acute pain treatment guidelines, visit @ Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Treatment Options Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Competitive Landscape The pipeline for postoperative acute pain treatments is strong, with several promising mid- and late-stage candidates that could enhance pain management. Key companies in this space include Arthritis Innovation/Medincell (F14), Oculis (OCS-01), PainReform (PRF-110), Cali Biosciences (CPL-01), Neumentum (NTM-001), Tris Pharma (cebranopadol), Viatris (meloxicam), Xgene Pharmaceutical (XG005), Allay Therapeutics (ATX101), Latigo Biotherapeutics (LTG-001), Halia Therapeutics (HT-6184), and others. Arthritis Innovation/Medincell's F14 is a sustained-release formulation of celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), developed to alleviate pain and inflammation while supporting recovery following total knee replacement (TKR). mdc-CWM is administered directly into the intra-articular space at the conclusion of TKR surgery and is intended to provide pain relief lasting for several weeks postoperatively. The therapy is currently being assessed in a Phase III trial for TKR-related pain management. Latigo Biotherapeutics' LTG-001 is an oral investigational therapy that selectively inhibits Nav1.8, a sodium channel critical in pain signaling. By blocking peripheral sensory neurons that transmit pain signals, LTG-001 prevents their relay to the central nervous system, potentially delivering effective pain relief without the risks linked to opioid use. Tris Pharma's Cebranopadol is a first-in-class investigational agent that acts as a dual agonist of the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide (NOP) and -opioid Peptide (MOP) receptors. These receptors share partial homology but play complementary and distinct roles in modulating pain pathways. Cebranopadol is being explored for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain as well as opioid use disorder. Oculis' OCS-01 is a preservative-free, high-concentration dexamethasone eye drop developed with the OPTIREACH technology platform. Designed as the first once-daily steroid option for ocular use, it aims to reduce inflammation and pain following eye surgery. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the moderate-to-severe acute pain market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the moderate-to-severe acute pain market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about moderate-to-severe acute pain marketed and pipeline drugs @ Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market In May 2025, Tris Pharma announced that presentation of data from cebranopadol was featured in three poster presentations during the 50th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting (ASRA). announced that presentation of data from cebranopadol was featured in three poster presentations during the 50th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting (ASRA). In April 2025, the US FDA approved ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine) nasal powder for the acute treatment of migraine in adults, with or without aura. the US FDA approved ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine) nasal powder for the acute treatment of migraine in adults, with or without aura. In March 2025, Latigo Biotherapeutics announced that the US FDA granted FTD to LTG-001, the company's oral, investigational selective Nav1.8 inhibitor for the treatment of acute pain. The FTD follows positive Phase I results, which demonstrated a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile for LTG-001. announced that the US FDA granted FTD to LTG-001, the company's oral, investigational selective Nav1.8 inhibitor for the treatment of acute pain. The FTD follows positive Phase I results, which demonstrated a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile for LTG-001. In January 2025, Axsome Therapeutics announced that the US Food and Drug Administration approved SYMBRAVO (meloxicam and rizatriptan) for the acute treatment of migraine, with or without aura, in adults. What is Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain? Moderate-to-severe acute pain is a sudden onset of pain that is intense, often arising due to tissue injury, trauma, surgery, or medical conditions such as fractures, burns, infections, or acute inflammatory episodes. It is typically short-lived, lasting from a few hours to days or weeks, but its severity can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. Common moderate-to-severe acute pain symptoms include sharp, stabbing, or throbbing pain localized to the affected area, along with swelling, redness, reduced mobility, and sometimes autonomic signs like sweating or increased heart rate. Diagnosis involves a detailed patient history to understand the onset, nature, and intensity of pain, as well as physical examinations and imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify underlying causes. Laboratory tests may also be performed if infections or inflammatory conditions are suspected. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are crucial to managing acute pain effectively and preventing its progression to chronic pain. Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Epidemiology Segmentation The moderate-to-severe acute pain epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current moderate-to-severe acute pain patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. In the 7MM, the US accounted for the highest number of incident cases of acute pain, with nearly 87 million cases in 2024. In the US, about 40% of cases observed were of moderate acute pain, and 20% for severe acute pain. The moderate-to-severe acute pain market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the leading markets segmented into: Total Incident Cases of Acute Pain Total Diagnosed Incident Cases of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Severity Specific Diagnosed Incident Cases of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Total Treated Cases of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market CAGR in the 7MM (2020-2034) 14 % Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Size in the 7MM, in 2024 USD 4.2 Billion Key Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Companies Abbvie, Alcon/Kala Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Axsome Therapeutics, Bausch & Lomb, Currax Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Heron Therapeutics, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Impel Pharmaceuticals, Ocular Therapeutix, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Satsuma Pharmaceuticals, Scilex Holding, Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals, AFT Pharmaceuticals, OptiNose, Gensco Pharma, IntelGenx, Cali Biosciences, PainReform, Oculis Pharma, MedinCell, Arthritis Innovation Corporation (AIC), Neumentum, Tris Pharma, Viatris, Xgene Pharmaceutical, Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC BioSciences), Allodynic Therapeutics, Latigo Biotherapeutics, Concentric Analgesics, Allay Therapeutics, Maruishi Pharmaceutical, Halia Therapeutics, Teikoku Pharma, Cessatech A/S, Vaneltix Pharma, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, and others Key Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Therapies JOURNAVX (suzetrigine), COMBOGESIC/MAXIGESIC (acetaminophen and ibuprofen), DEXTENZA (dexamethasone), ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam), INVELTYS (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension), LOTEMAX SM (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel), EXPAREL (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension), APP13007, ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine mesylate), SYMBRAVO (meloxicam and rizatriptan), EMGALITY (galcanezumab-gnlm), ZAVZPRET (zavegepant), NURTEC ODT/VYDURA (rimegepant), TRUDHESA (dihydroergotamine mesylate), REYVOW/RAYVOW (lasmiditan), ELYXYB (celecoxib), UBRELVY (ubrogepant), TOSYMRA (sumatriptan), ZEMBRACE SymTouch (sumatriptan succinate), ONZETRA Xsail (sumatriptan nasal powder), BREKIYA (dihydroergotamine mesylate), and others Key Pipeline Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Therapies RizaFilm (rizatriptan), CPL-01, PRF-110, OCS-01, F14 (mdc-CWM), NTM-001, Cebranopadol, Meloxicam (MR-107A-02), XG005, TLC590, DEPADE (naltrexone and acetaminophen), LTG-001, Vocacapsaicin (CA-008), ATX101, HT-6184, TK-254Rx (esflurbiprofen transdermal), CT001, Alenura (VNX001), BHV-2100, and others Scope of the Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain current marketed and emerging therapies Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain current marketed and emerging therapies Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Drugs, Market Outlook, and Conjoint Analysis Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Drugs, Market Outlook, and Conjoint Analysis Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving moderate-to-severe acute pain market trends @ Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Drug Treatment Table of Contents 1 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Key Insights 2 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Overview at a Glance 6.1 Marketed Therapies Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 6.2 Emerging Therapies Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 6.3 Market Share (%) Distribution of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain by Class in 2024 6.4 Market Share (%) Distribution of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain by Class in 2034 7 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Difference between Acute and Chronic Pain 7.3 The Transition of Acute Pain to Chronic Pain 7.4 Types of Acute Pain 7.5 Signs and Symptoms 7.6 Causes 7.7 Pathophysiology of Acute Pain 7.8 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Diagnosis 7.9 Treatment 8 Treatment Guidelines 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale: 7MM 9.3 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Epidemiology Scenario in the United States 9.3.1 Total Incident Cases of Acute Pain in the United States 9.3.2 Total Diagnosed Incident Cases of Acute Pain in the United States 9.3.3 Severity-specific Diagnosed Incident Cases of Acute Pain in the United States 9.4 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Epidemiology Scenario in EU4 and the UK 9.5 Epidemiology Scenario in Japan 10 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Patient Journey 11 Marketed Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Therapies 11.1 Key Cross of Marketed Drug 11.2 JOURNAVX (suzetrigine): Vertex Pharmaceuticals 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 11.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.3 ZYNRELEF (bupivacaine and meloxicam): Heron Therapeutics 11.4 COMBOGESIC (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) IV: Hyloris Pharmaceuticals, AFT Pharmaceuticals/Hikma Pharmaceuticals 11.5 INVELTYS (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension): Kala Pharmaceutical/Alcon Therapeutics 11.6 UBRELVY (ubrogepant): AbbVie/Allergan 11.7 LOTEMAX SM (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.38%): Bausch + Lomb 11.8 DEXTENZA (dexamethasone): Ocular Therapeutix 11.9 TOSYMRA (sumatriptan): Tonix Pharmaceuticals/Dr. Reddy's Laboratories 11.10 ZEMBRACE SYMTOUCH: Tonix Pharmaceuticals 11.11 ONZETRA XSAIL: OptiNose 11.12 BREKIYA (dihydroergotamine mesylate): Amneal Pharmaceuticals 11.13 ATZUMI (dihydroergotamine): Satsuma Pharmaceuticals 11.14 REYVOW (lasmiditan): Eli Lilly 11.15 ZAVZPRET (zavegepant): Pfizer 11.16 NURTEC ODT/VYDURA (rimegepant): Pfizer/Biohaven 11.17 EMGALITY (galcanezumab-gnlm): Eli Lilly 11.18 ELYXYB (celecoxib): Scilex Holding 11.19 TRUDHESA (dihydroergotamine mesylate): Impel Pharmaceuticals 11.20 SYMBRAVO (meloxicam and rizatriptan): Axsome Therapeutics 11.21 APP13007 (clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05%): Formosa Pharmaceuticals 12 Emerging Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Drugs 12.1 Key Cross Competition 12.2 RizaFilm (rizatriptan): Gensco Pharma/IntelGenx 12.2.1 Product Description 12.2.2 Other Development Activities 12.2.3 Safety and Efficacy 12.3 CPL-01: Cali Biosciences 12.4 PRF-110: PainReform 12.5 OCS-01: Oculis Pharma 12.6 F14 (mdc-CWM): MedinCell/Arthritis Innovation Corporation (AIC) 12.7 NTM-001: Neumentum 12.8 Cebranopadol: Tris Pharma 12.9 Meloxicam (MR-107A-02): Viatris 12.10 XG005: Xgene Pharmaceutical 12.11 TLC590: Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC BioSciences) 12.12 DEPADE (naltrexone and acetaminophen): Allodynic Therapeutics 12.13 LTG-001: Latigo Biotherapeutics 12.14 Vocacapsaicin (CA-008): Concentric Analgesics 12.15 ATX101: Allay Therapeutics and Maruishi Pharmaceutical 12.16 HT-6184: Halia Therapeutics 12.17 TK-254Rx (esflurbiprofen transdermal): Teikoku Pharma 12.18 CT001: Cessatech A/S 12.19 Alenura (VNX001): Vaneltix Pharma 12.20 BHV-2100: Biohaven Pharmaceuticals 13 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market: Seven Major Market Analysis 13.1 Key Findings 13.2 Key Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Forecast Assumptions 13.2 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Outlook 13.3 Conjoint Analysis 13.4 Seven Major Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Size 13.4.1 Total Market Size of Moderate-to-severe acute pain in the 7MM 13.4.2 Market Size of Moderate-to-Severe acute pain by Therapies in 7MM 13.4.3 Market Size of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain by Post-Operative Therapies in 7MM 13.4.4 Market Size of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain by Non Post-Operative Therapies in 7MM 13.5 United States Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Size 13.6 EU4 and United Kingdom Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Size 13.7 Japan 14 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Unmet Needs 15 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market SWOT Analysis 16 KOL Views on Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain 17 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Access and Reimbursement 17.1 The United States 17.2 EU4 and the UK 17.3 Japan 17.4 Summary and Comparison of Market Access and Pricing Policy Developments in 2025 17.5 Market Access and Reimbursement of Acute Pain 18 Acronyms and Abbreviations 19 Bibliography 20 Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Report Methodology Related Reports Acute Pain Market Acute Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key acute pain companies, including Hyloris Pharmaceuticals, AFT Pharmaceuticals, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Concentric Analgesics, Vivozon, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC), Medical Developments International (MVP), Neumentum Pharmaceuticals, Charleston Laboratories, AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Teikoku Pharma USA, PainReform, Nevakar, among others. Postoperative Pain Market Postoperative Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key postoperative pain companies, including Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC), Teikoku Pharma USA, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Concentric Analgesics, Mati Therapeutics, Arthritis Innovation Corporation, MedinCell, Surface Ophthalmics, Salvat Laboratories, Grunenthal, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Oculis, Neumentum Pharmaceuticals, Charleston Laboratories, among others. Postoperative Acute Pain Market Postoperative Acute Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key postoperative acute pain companies, including Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC), Teikoku Pharma, Concentric Analgesics, Arthritis Innovation Corporation, MedinCell, Surface Ophthalmics, Salvat Laboratories, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Avenue Therapeutics, Cali Pharmaceuticals LLC, among others. Non-Postoperative Acute Pain Market Non-Postoperative Acute Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key non-postoperative acute pain companies, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals, H. Lundbeck A/S, Satsuma Pharmaceuticals, Axsome Therapeutics, Allodynic Therapeutics, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/moderate-to-severe-acute-pain-market-anticipates-impressive-growth-trajectory-at-a-cagr-of-14-during-the-study-period-20202034--delveinsight-302565466.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler business development platform, today announced that Mr. Dom Mannella has joined the Company as its new General Counsel. Mr. Mannella has worked in securities law and compliance his entire professional career, which began in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in January 2012 and continued later that year at the SEC's New York offices. He brings an interesting mix of experience to his new role at Tenet, having worked at law firms as well as small and large corporations in New York, Toronto and Montreal. After stops at Deloitte & Touche LLP and Friedman Law Professional Corporation from 2017 to 2019, where he worked on due diligence files and various securities-related matters, he went on to spend more than three years as a Listings Manager at the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") in Toronto. In addition to reviewing listing applications and ensuring compliance with policies while at the CSE, he was involved in bringing awareness of the advantages of listing companies on the CSE with some of the province of Quebec's largest institutional investors, including the Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, the investment dealer community, issuers, and other business initiatives. He also participated in the amendment process of CSE policies and rules with the Ontario Securities Commission and British Columbia Securities Commission. Most recently, and just prior to joining Tenet, Mr. Mannella was an associate in the Capital Markets and Securities Group of Toronto-based law firm Fogler Rubinoff LLP and in the Business Law Group of Montreal-based law firm BCF LLP. His primary role at Tenet will be to ensure that the Company remains compliant with all regulatory and stock exchange policies to which it is subject. He will also be called upon to manage the Company's relationships with its external counsels and advisors as Tenet begins to commercialize its data-derived product offering and expand its operations beyond Canada and China. Update on Filing of Year-end 2024 Audited Financial Statements Tenet also announced that it was notified by its auditors that the audit of the Company's year-end 2024 audited consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements") could not be completed for September 22, 2025 as previously hoped because the audit files on Tenet's Chinese subsidiaries were not received in time to allow for that target date to be met. The auditors are hopeful that the audit can now be completed in the coming days to allow for the Financial Statements to be filed by the end of the month. It should be noted that this additional delay in the filing of the Financial Statements will have no impact on the previously announced date of the Company's upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders, which is still planned for November 6, 2025. About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/. Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media: X: @Tenet_Fintech Facebook: @Tenet LinkedIn: Tenet YouTube: Tenet Fintech Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267889 SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Burnaby, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - NatBridge Resources Ltd. (CSE: NATB) (OTCID: NATBF) (FSE: GI80) ("NatBridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the extension of its binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Teras Resources Inc. ("Teras Resources"), an arm's length Alberta corporation, for the acquisition of certain mining claims and related property interests comprising the Cahuilla Gold Project (or the "Project") in Imperial County, California. Extension of LOI and Transaction Overview Under the terms of the Amendment, the date by which NatBridge and Teras Resources will seek to enter into a definitive agreement for the purchase of the Cahuilla Gold Project subsurface rights has been extended to September 26, 2025. All other terms of the LOI, originally executed on August 7, 2025, remain unchanged and in full force and effect. Stephen Moses, CEO and Director of NatBridge, commented: "The extension of our LOI with Teras Resources reflects our shared commitment to advancing the Cahuilla project and aligns with NatBridge's strategy to build a portfolio of gold properties that meet the stringent tokenisation requirements set by NatGold Digital Ltd. The Cahuilla project positions NatBridge at the forefront of sustainable, blockchain-powered gold resource management. We appreciate the professionalism of the Teras Resources team and look forward to successfully executing the definitive agreement with respect to Phase 1 of the project." About the Cahuilla Gold Project The Cahuilla Gold Project is situated in northwestern Imperial County, California, covering approximately 1,680 acres of patented claims. Parcels 45 and 46, which total 20 acres and are wholly owned by Teras Resources, are the focus of NatBridge's acquisition under the binding Letter of Intent. NatBridge aims to acquire 100% of the subsurface mineral rights for these parcels, which together contain an indicated resource of 122,211 ounces of gold at a 0.005 oz/ton cut-off, as outlined in the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") technical report titled "Amended Technical Report on the Cahuilla Project Gold and Silver Resources, Imperial County, California," dated 10 March 2021, authored by Steven D Craig, C.P.G., et al. (the "Technical Report"). The acquisition is structured in phases, starting with Parcels 45 and 46, and is contingent on satisfactory due diligence and regulatory approval. Recent Assessment Report NatBridge also wishes to highlight the recently completed independent assessment report by Capps Geoscience LLC, authored by Richard C. Capps, PhD, SME Registered Member (the "Assessment"). The Assessment, conducted in August and September 2025, reviewed the land status and mineral resource estimate for the Project, focusing on Parcels 45 and 46, and evaluated the Technical Report and confirmed Teras Resources' 100% ownership and title to the parcels. Key Findings from the Assessment: The Assessment confirmed that Parcels 45 and 46 are within the global gold and silver resource boundary. The indicated gold and silver resource for Parcel 45 is 5,620,971 tons averaging 0.01 opt Au and 0.09 opt Ag (50,251 oz Au, 511,227 oz Ag). For Parcel 46, the indicated resource is 6,669,168 tons averaging 0.01 opt Au and 0.13 opt Ag (71,960 oz Au, 858,856 oz Ag). The Assessment was based on a comprehensive database of 441 drill holes and confirmed the integrity of the resource estimate and title documentation. The Assessment is not a technical report as defined by NI 43-101 and should not be interpreted or presented as a NI 43-101-compliant technical report. The information and findings from the Assessment are distinct from those set forth in the Technical Report. All resource figures and technical data cited from the Assessment are based solely on the independent review and analysis performed by Capps Geoscience LLC and do not constitute, supplement, or replace the disclosures established under NI 43-101. Transaction Summary The LOI contemplates NatBridge acquiring 100% of the subsurface mineral rights to Parcels 45 and 46 for a purchase price based on the indicated gold ounces at a 0.005 oz/ton cut-off, as detailed in the Technical Report. The transaction is structured in phases, with the current extension allowing both parties to finalize the definitive agreement. Qualified Person Statement Lawrence Segerstrom, CPG, advisor to NatBridge and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. About NatBridge Resources Ltd. NatBridge Resources Ltd. (CSE: NATB) (OTCID: NATBF) (FSE: GI80) is a publicly traded Canadian company, also listed in the United States and Germany, leading the gold resource supply side of NatGold Digital Ltd.'s ("NatGold Digital") revolutionary, patent-pending digital gold tokenization ecosystem. This innovative approach redefines how gold's value can be captured through tokenization, eliminating extraction and its environmental, social, and financial costs through a blockchain-powered, eco-friendly digital mining process. NatBridge's strategy is focused on the supply side of the NatGold ecosystem. By acquiring gold resources that meet the qualification criteria of NatGold Digital, in accordance with NatGold Digital's strict token certification standards, NatBridge is establishing itself as a key player in this industry - operating at the intersection of three major global investment trends: gold, sustainable investing, and the tokenization of real-world assets. On behalf of the board, Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as "plans", "expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or similar expressions, or by statements that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to the Project, completion of the transaction, receipt of regulatory approvals, and statements regarding NatBridge's business strategy and participation in the NatGold Digital Ltd.'s gold tokenization ecosystem. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Risks include, but are not limited to, the inability to settle terms, obtain necessary approvals, identify and acquire qualifying gold resources, technological developments, market demand, future precious metals prices, regulatory changes, and the implications of digital mining. Additional risks are described in NatBridge's securities filings on SEDAR+. Except as required by law, NatBridge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267892 SOURCE: NatBridge Resources Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - BCM Resources Corporation (TSXV: B) ("BCM" or the "Company"), has recently become aware that Kennecott Exploration Company ('KEX) has completed a large-scale claim staking program both adjoining and in close proximity to BCM's Thompson Knolls ('TK') Porphyry Cu-Au-Ag-Mo Discovery. BCM's Thompson Knolls To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6598/267898_316d6bb7e4a2a8f4_002full.jpg KEX is the exploration arm of Rio Tinto Group, the world's second largest miner by market capitalization. BCM's TK project is situated approximately 125 miles southwest of Kennecott Utah Copper LLC's Bingham Canyon Mine which is located approximately 20 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah. The operating Bingham Canyon Mine is one of the largest and deepest open pit mines in the world and ranks among the top 10 copper producing mines in history. BCM's management believes that KEX's staking program further validates the potential of the Thompson Knolls Porphyry Cu-Au-Ag-Mo discovery. About BCM Resources Corporation BCM Resources Corporation is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company now focused on completing Phase One discovery drilling of the Thompson Knolls property, its key asset. BCM also controls prospective Copper, Gold, and Molybdenum exploration projects in British Columbia. BCM Resources is managed by experienced and successful board members and advisors. For further information, including area maps, sections, and photos, please visit our web site at www.bcmresources.com or contact us by e-mail at info@bcmresources.com. ON BEHALF OF BCM RESOURCES CORP. "Sergei Diakov" Chief Executive Officer To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267898 SOURCE: BCM Resources Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 24, 2025) - Kovo+ Holdings Inc. (TSXV: KOVO) ("Kovo" or the "Company") today announces the resignation of Justin Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, due to health reasons effective immediately. The Board of Directors accepts Mr. Anderson's resignation with deep appreciation for his contributions and thanks him for his service and dedication to Kovo. Michael Steele, a current director of the Corporation, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Mr. Steele brings years of expertise in financing, mergers and acquisitions, and scaling companies that will ensure continuity of leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing Kovo's strategic objectives. Mr. Anderson will continue to support Kovo during a transition period to ensure an orderly handover of responsibilities. Chairman Peter Bak stated: "We are enormously grateful to Justin for his strong leadership through a period of critical transformation for Kovo. Justin took on the difficult task of restructuring, refocusing our operations, and creating stability. Thanks to his vision, we have laid the groundwork for sustained growth, particularly across our Medical Billing and AI Services segments. We wish Justin well in his recovery and remain deeply appreciative of his service." Michael Steele, incoming CEO, added: "I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me. I intend to build on the foundation Justin established. Our future is promising - with focused strategy, disciplined execution, and the talented team in place, I am confident in Kovo's ability to deliver long-term value for all stakeholders." About Kovo+ Holdings Inc. Kovo is a versatile technology company leading the charge in AI initiatives to drive impact and innovation across diverse industries. Kovo remains committed to its core business-model of strategic growth opportunities within mid-market Medical Billing firms, where business optimization synergies are significant. Moving forward, Kovo will integrate accretive additions in the broader healthcare sector and pursue opportunities in adjacent markets. Dedicated to revolutionizing business process optimization through technological advancements and evolving AI-applied methods, Kovo embodies a commitment to profitability that is both ensured and enduring. To learn more about Kovo and to keep up to date on Kovo news, visit www.kovoplus.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These include, without limitation, continuing uncertainties related to leadership transition, the health of key individuals, operational and financial performance, market conditions, regulatory environment, and the execution of corporate strategies. Kovo assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Kovo+ Holdings Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/267896 SOURCE: Kovo+ Holdings Inc. Citytwig, Inc., an innovative AI-driven InsurTech platform, proudly announces its selection as a winner of the 2025 Most Fundable Companies competition, hosted by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. This prestigious honor recognizes Citytwig as one of the top U.S. companies deemed highly attractive to investors and acquirers, highlighting its strong potential for growth and investment. The 2025 Most Fundable Companies competition evaluated thousands of applicants from all 50 states, assessing factors such as financial projections, market opportunity, strong intellectual property, competitive advantage, and management team expertise. As a winner, Citytwig gains national brand exposure, including features in Entrepreneur Magazine and access to resources facilitating investor connections, funding opportunities, and potential acquirers. This recognition significantly enhances Citytwig's visibility and credibility in the investment and acquisition community. Based in Del Mar, CA, Citytwig leverages proprietary contributory data integrity solutions, advanced AI, and intuitive software to empower insurance and financial services organizations. Its flagship AI-powered sales assistant, Hulii, transforms raw data into real-time, actionable insights. Hulii enables insurance carriers, teams, and agents to identify high-potential prospects, uncover new market opportunities, enhance cross-sell and upsell strategies, retain and recruit agents, and reduce customer acquisition costs, driving efficient revenue growth throughout the insurance and financial space. "We are honored to be named a winner of the 2025 Most Fundable Companies list," said Mike Kratzer, Founder and CEO of Citytwig. "This recognition underscores the transformative impact of Hulii, our AI-powered sales assistant and our commitment to revolutionizing the InsurTech industry. We look forward to leveraging this platform to forge new partnerships and accelerate our growth." Founded in 2017, Citytwig has emerged as a leader in integrating organizational data, streamlining workflows, and delivering measurable results for insurance and financial services clients. Its solutions prioritize clarity, intelligence, and execution, fostering enduring client partnerships. For more information about Citytwig and Hulii, visit www.citytwig.com and hulii.ai About Citytwig, Inc. Citytwig is an AI-driven InsurTech company headquartered in Del Mar, CA, dedicated to empowering insurance and financial professionals with proprietary contributory data and AI technology. Through its core AI engine, Hulii, Citytwig delivers actionable insights to drive efficiency and revenue growth for its clients. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924111685/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Geoff Hopf geoff@citytwig.com In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Rishabh spoke about his character in Echoes of Valour, sharing screen space with Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi, along with other aspects. After making an impressive debut in Hrithik Roshans Fighter as a menacing antagonist, talented actor Rishabh Sawhney has been garnering appreciation for his portrayal of a teacher in Divya Dutta and Neeaj Kabi starrer Echoes of Valour, which recently screened at the Venice Film Festival. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Rishabh spoke about his character in Echoes of Valour, sharing screen space with Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi, along with other aspects. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited excerpts from the interview: On international critics praising Echoes of Valour It was amazing. I mean, anything you do and people like it, it always feels good. Getting praised by an international audience, the country of the audience, is really good for me. I am happy that people like the work. After doing an out-and-commercial movie like Fighter, you made an unconventional choice with Echoes of Valour. So, was it a conscious decision? Yeah, of course. I have been very true to the work that I want to do. Its not like I dont want to do commercial films. Actually, I started shooting for another film before I started with Echoes of Valour. But you know how commercial films take time to get made and stuff, right? So, that film is still in shoot and Echoes of Valour came in the middle. I shot for that. We got done. It got released. And it was a conscious decision. The story is really gritty. Its really hard-hitting. And the film is based on a mothers love for her child. And that was it for me. Its like an ode to my mother, me doing this film. How do you feel relatable to the character of the teacher you portrayed in the movie? (So, the thing is, my character, when you watch the film, it will probably release in India very soon. When you watch the film, you will see that the main job of my character in this film is to help the protagonist, which is played by Divya Dutta. And I just put myself in the shoes of the person who helps her. And I would have probably done the same thing to help a mother whos looking out for something that is related to her child. So that was like an instant relatability for me. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Did you have any idea or hear the story of Shukla Bandopadhyay before you were approached for this film? Yes, of course, my director, Indira, was really open about the conversation. So, it was a funny story. I was initially approached to play the part of a terrorist in the film because of Fighter. And I was not really looking to do terrorists, although I really wanted to do this film because its a lovely story, like I said. So, I initially was very reluctant, and I had spoken and said, I dont want to play a terrorist. Then it was like done. And then a couple of days later, Indira got back to me, saying that she would really like for me to be a part of the project. And then theres this other role of a teacher, which I would be good for. Then thats how it went on. Has this character brought change to you as a person, adding more positive traits? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I personally feel like the kind of person I am, Im already too good. But no jokes apart. This one with more than, like more than my character affecting me in this film, it was Shukla Bandopadhyays character that affected me in this film, because the kind of story and journey that woman has had in her life and the way shes held herself and how she carries herself and moves around. That is very moving. Im not even joking. Its a sight to watch. Like, its very inspirational. Were you intimidated while doing scenes with veterans like Divya Dutta and Neeraj Kabi? I dont get intimidated, to be honest, because when I go on set, I am prepared with my character very well. So, Im there, Im present. And, I mean, that time, Im not really looking at my co-actor as this big star that is working with me. Its more like the character that is there with me. So, I never get intimidated on set. But yes, it was very admirable. I remember where there is this one scene in the film where the main protagonist is giving a speech. And I was just looking at her delivering the speech, and I had tears in my eyes. Even though I was not in the frame. I was off camera. But it was really inspirational, and that was really moving. That performance needs to be hit. How much more do I need to wor,k and how much more do I need to explore in my life to become an actor of that calibre? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Every actor has an aspiration that the audience should cheer and clap for him when he makes an entry on the big screen. Do you have that thing in mind? Of course, I think not a hero, but in Fighter, the opening scene with me, I got that moment. During Fighter, that was a very special moment for me. Did you start getting more negative roles after Fighter? Its like a 60-40 split because Ive gotten positive roles offers also, Ive gotten negative roles offers also, but its a 60-40 ratio, I would say, and honestly, my thing is I dont mind doing another negative character, but the thing is, the character should be the story should be impressive. Any actors and filmmakers on your bucket list? I want to work with Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal. In terms of directors, I would love to work with SS Rajamouli sir someday, then Raju Hirani sir, Kabir Khan sir, I really like his action films. So, there are too many people who are too talented in this industry, and I would love to work with all of them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The filmmaker received the award from President Droupadi Murmu. Meghna dedicated this win to her parents and legendary dignitaries Gulzar and Rakhee On Tuesday, filmmaker Meghna Gulzars film Sam Bahadur was honoured with the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values at the 71 National Film Awards. The filmmaker received the award from President Droupadi Murmu. Meghna dedicated this win to her parents and legendary dignitaries Gulzar and Rakhee. Speaking to ANI, Meghna Gulzar said, Tremendous pride, extremely grateful. I am very relieved that now its official that Team Sam Bahadur did well. This is for my parents The film depicts the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar and he died of pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on June 27, 2008, at the age of 94. Vicky Kaushal played Manekshaw in his biopic Sam Bahadur based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. His career in the army spanned over four decades. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. Manekshaw, fondly called Sam Bahadur, led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. What next for Meghna Gulzar? A gripping crime-drama, Daayra features the dynamic performers, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles. _Daayra_ taps into the pulse of the people as it confronts the topical and diabolical realities unfolding in society today. This crime-drama thriller explores the age-old paradox of crime, punishment, and justice with powerhouse actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in intense, commanding roles. Kareena Kapoor Khan Shares As I celebrate 25 incredible years in Hindi cinema, Im thrilled to announce my next film, Daayra, with the incredible Meghna Gulzar in the directors chair. Ive long admired her work, from Talvar to Raazi, and to be directed by her is a dream come true. The opportunity to collaborate with the talented Prithviraj is also a highlight, and Im drawn to the films bold, thought-provoking narrative. Daayra promises to be a cinematic experience that challenges and inspires, and I look forward to working with Meghna, Prithviraj, and the team at Junglee Pictures on this powerful, timely film. With added inputs from agencies Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films , the film starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is more than a romance Love has never travelled this far, this fast. After creating history as the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema, Saiyaara has now swept & claimed the #1 spot on Netflixs Global Weekly Top 10 Non-English Films list. In only 3 days from launch, the film has stormed into the Top 10 charts across 15 countries (including Australia & Canada), clinching the #1 spot in nine of them. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films , the film starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is more than a romance its a symphony of music, miracles, and emotions that audiences everywhere are falling for. What India embraced on the big screen is now being celebrated across continents on Netflix, making Saiyaara a global anthem of love. Along with Hindi, the film is also available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, Thai and Zulu. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And now as per a report by Pinkvilla, Mohit Suri and YRF are all set to reunite for another love story post the blockbuster success of their first outing together. A source said, After the historic success of Saiyaara, Mohit Suri and Yash Raj Films are reuniting for the second time. Mohit was flooded with offers from all across the industry, with producers willing to splurge pay cheques of unheard amounts. It added, However, Mohit and YRF are continuing their creative partnership, capitalising on the success of Saiyaara. The source continued, The filmmaker and the production house are committed to recreating magic on the big screen. Its another sweeping romantic film that will explore a brand new world in this genre. It also said, Like Saiyaara, Mohit Suri will again make this a musical saga. Mohit & Akshaye are committed to bringing back love stories in conversation among audiences. Amid all the banter and friendly fire between the two Khans, Salman slips in a candid peek into his past relationships The stage is set, the vibe is electric, and the premiere of Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle has the reunion everyones been waiting for: the iconic Amar-Prem, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, come together on one couch, decades later. What starts with laughter and throwbacks quickly spirals into heartfelt revelations, with Aamir admitting he was judgemental towards Salman and Salman revealing his wish of embracing fatherhood. Premiering on Thursday, September 25, the episode is packed with many such moments, which the audience cant afford to miss. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the real question is, will Kajol and Twinkle roast the Khans, or will the Khans gang up against the sassiest hosts in town? Salman kicks things off with a throwback, joking about how he and Aamir apparently went to school together but barely remembers it. Further, Aamir Khan reveals how he and Salman bonded when Salman first visited his place for dinner and said, Actually, I think it happened when I went through my divorce with Reena. You remember? You had come over for dinner, and thats when Salman and I first actually connected properly. Because before that I used to feel ki bhai time pe nahi aata, humko bohot problem hoti thi, Andaz Apna Apna mein (I used to feel he doesnt come on time, we often faced problems during the shooting of Andaz Apna Apna). Aamir further confesses to being judgmental, saying, I want to say something. Salman mein bohot judgemental tha yaar, shuru shuru mein na. I was very hard as a person. Amid all the banter and friendly fire between the two Khans, Salman slips in a candid peek into his past relationships. He says, When a partner grows more than the other partner, that is when the differences start coming in; thats when the insecurity starts setting in, so they both need to grow together. Both need to get off each others backs. I believe that. When Aamir questions Salman about his relationships, he says, Yaar nahi jama toh nahi jama. (If it didnt work, it just didnt work out.) If there is anyone to blame, I am the one to blame. He even shares his wish of having a child someday: Children, I will have, one day, soon. He continued, Its just that eventually one will have kids, but lets see. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All this, and so much more in store, awaits the crackling Khan-tastic episode. Conceptualized and produced by Banijay Asia, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle is presented by Oppo and co-presented by Kohler and Kalyan Jewellers. The first episode premieres on September 25, streaming in over 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes every Thursday, only on Prime Video. US President Donald Trump said in his address at the United Nations that the two things he got from the UN were a bad teleprompter and a bad escalator. As he headed to deliver his speech, the escalator he had stepped on came to an abrupt halt. Later, his teleprompter failed, forcing him to read from printed notes As Trump made his way to deliver his address, the escalator he had just stepped on suddenly stopped. Reuters A bad teleprompter and a bad escalator were the two problems US President Donald Trump came across during his visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday. He joked about the situation in his address to world leaders after the teleprompter failed to function. ALSO READ | From India-Pak war claim to blame for Ukraine: Takeaways from Trumps UNGA speech It took about a minute before the speech appeared on the screen, and he was able to continue, though the technical trouble seemed to have bothered him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So what really happened during Trumps visit to the United Nations? Lets take a look: The escalator slip As Trump made his way to deliver his address, the escalator he had just stepped on suddenly stopped, leaving him to walk up instead. Trump and Melania arrived together at the UN building, ahead of his much-anticipated speech. The first lady, dressed in a white pantsuit, walked beside him as photographers called out for pictures. NEW: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calls for investigation after a UN escalator shut off as President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on. According to The Times, UN staff members had previously "joked" about turning off the escalator. "To mark Trumps pic.twitter.com/UE1AFdCn2R Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 23, 2025 Trump smiled, presented a quick thank you, and then stepped onto the escalator. Moments later, it came to a standstill, causing both of them to pause. Melania immediately walked up the stalled escalator, with Trump following behind. Their aides and officials accompanying them chose to take the stairs instead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What happened to the teleprompter? Once Trump reached the podium at the General Assembly, another issue cropped up. His teleprompter stopped working right at the beginning, forcing him to continue without it. He joked that the person responsible for running the machine is in big trouble. I dont mind making this speech without a teleprompter, because the teleprompter is not working, Trump told the gathering. TRUMP: "I ended seven wars ... I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help..." "These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much." pic.twitter.com/3SeYZVwmiY Fox News (@FoxNews) September 23, 2025 He then joked, I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble. Within minutes, he was seen reading from printed notes instead. These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Is London trying to impose Sharia law? Debunking Trumps misleading claims in UN speech White House calls for probe into escalator mishap White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fumed over the incident and said that if anyone at the United Nations intentionally stopped an escalator just as Trump and Melania stepped on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately. Leavitts call on X came hours after an escalator at the UN suddenly stopped as the Trumps got on it, shortly before he gave his speech to the General Assembly in New York. In her post, Leavitt referred to an article from the British newspaper, The Times. If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately. The Times reported this on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/NitsWbGYG0 Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 23, 2025 The paper on Sunday reported that UN staff, ahead of Trumps visit, have joked that they may turn off the escalators and elevators and simply tell him they ran out of money, so he has to walk up the stairs. She added, If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately. Why did the escalator stop? What did the UN say? UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said a check of the escalators main control system showed it had stopped after a built-in safety mechanism on the comb step was triggered at the top of the escalator. He told Reuters that Trumps videographer had been moving backwards up the escalator to film his entry with Melania Trump. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function, Dujarric said in a statement. The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing. Donald Trump at the 80th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City. Reuters The UN official added that the White House had used its own teleprompter. Dujarric earlier told AFP that the escalator had been reset and was quickly working again. Regarding the teleprompter, we have no comment since the teleprompter for the US president is operated by the White House, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After Trump ended his speech, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said: The U.N. teleprompters are working perfectly. During his speech, Trump said, Many years ago, a very successful real estate developer in New York, known as Donald J. Trump, I bid on the renovation and rebuilding of this very United Nations complex. He said that at the time he offered to carry out the work for $500 million, including rebuilding and everything, and that it would be beautiful. He said the UN later chose another direction, which was much more expensive at the time and produced a far inferior product. With inputs from agencies Errol Musk, the estranged father of Elon Musk, had allegedly sexually abused his children and stepchildren in the early 1990s, a major investigation published by The New York Times has revealed. The 79-year-old, however, has called the allegations false and insists that they are part of an attempt to extort his billionaire son Elon Musk's father, Errol Musk, has allegedly abused five family members in both South Africa, where he lives, and in the United States. File image/ Reuters When you think of Elon Musk, its usually about rockets, Teslas, or his often headline-making remarks online. But this week, the Musks family has been thrust into the spotlight for a far darker reason. A major investigation published on Tuesday has accused Elons estranged father, Errol Musk, of sexually abusing children and stepchildren dating back to the early 1990s. According to a report by The New York Times, the 79-year-old businessman allegedly abused five family members in both South Africa, where he lives, and in the United States. The claims are backed by police and court records, along with interviews with relatives and social workers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Errol, however, has denied the accusations, calling them false and insisting they are part of an attempt to extort his billionaire son. Still, the investigation paints a disturbing and painful picture of the Musk familys private life. Heres a closer look. The shocking allegations Many of the most serious claims in the New York Times story focus on a former stepdaughter from Errol Musks marriage to his third wife, Heidi-Mari Bezuidenhout. Errol has been married three times and is the father of at least nine children and stepchildren. The earliest reported incident dates back to 1993, when the stepdaughter from Bezuidenhouts first marriage was just four years old. Relatives say Errol placed her on a row of trash cans at their home and touched her inappropriately. The child confided in her aunt, who, along with other family members, reported it to the authorities. Although an investigation was opened, the charges were eventually dropped as part of Errols divorce settlement. Years later, in 1999, Errol and Bezuidenhout remarried. By 2002, the family travelled to California to visit Elon, Errols eldest son from his first marriage to Maye Haldeman. During that trip, relatives and personal notes claim that the stepdaughter, then 14, walked into her room to find Errol allegedly sniffing her dirty underwear. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police were called, child protective services in Los Angeles became involved, and a restraining order was issued against Errol, according to three people interviewed by the outlet. Errol Musk, Elon Musks father, has allegedly abused five family members in both South Africa, where he lives, and in California. File image/ Reuters As she grew older, the stepdaughter battled homelessness and drug addiction, which she said she linked directly to the trauma of her childhood. Although Elon offered her some financial support from afar, when she was 29, she also reached out to Errol for help. Their relationship then turned intimate, and they went on to have at least one child together. Errol has publicly claimed they share two. He told The Sun that he had simply been comforting her through a breakup when the first child was conceived. We were lonely, lost people, he said. One thing led to another you can call it Gods plan or natures plan. The allegations dont end there. Other family members have accused Errol of abusing two of his daughters and a stepson. In 2023, his then five-year-old son reportedly told relatives that Errol had groped him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Altogether, three separate investigations were opened, the New York Times reported, citing police and court records. Two ended without action, while the outcome of the third remains unclear. Also read: Elon Musk's dad has a second 'secret child' with his stepdaughter: The many scandals of the Musks Errol Musk denies charges Errol Musk has strongly rejected the New York Times report, describing it as false and nonsense. He claims the accusations were fabricated by family members to get money from Elon, and even alleged that children had been put up to say false things. The outlet_,_ however, citing emails, personal letters and family interviews, reported that Errol continues to maintain a powerful grip over much of the family. Despite troubled relationships, Errol Musk continues to maintain a powerful grip over much of the family. He has been married three times and is the father of at least nine children and stepchildren. File image/ AFP Errol insisted he has a good relationship with his eldest son, Elon. Were very close, he told The Independent, adding that they had even spent a weekend together about 18 months ago, though he conceded that families do sometimes fight. Also read: Visit to Ayodhya Ram Mandir and more: Why Elon Musks father is in India for 5 days STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A terrible human being: Elon Musk on his father Elon has had a troubled relationship with his father and has maintained a long distance from him. After his parents divorced in 1979, Elon chose to live with his father in Pretoria between the ages of 10 and 17. Biographers note that those years were marked by conflict and emotional strain. Elons sister, Tosca Musk, has also spoken about their fathers behaviour, saying he would lecture his children and call them worthless, pathetic, often making scarring and evil comments and refusing to let them leave. According to The New York Times, a relative in 2010 allegedly sent Elon a five-page letter urging him to intervene, writing: We really need your advice, help and guidance in these matters because we daily see these children suffer. However, the SpaceX CEO has only occasionally taken action to intercede" and has hardly spoken to his father. He had also called him a terrible human being in multiple interviews. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has hardly spoken to his father. He had also called him a terrible human being in multiple interviews. File image/Reuters Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2017, Elon said of Errol, You have no idea how bad. Almost every crime you can possibly think of, he has done. Almost every evil thing you could possibly think of, he has done. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He was such a terrible human being. You have no idea. My dad will have a carefully thought-out plan of evil. He will plan evil, he added. In his 2023 biography, Elon also said he no longer speaks to his father. With input from agencies An attack at Akshardham Temple in Gujarats Gandhinagar on September 24, 2002, left India shell-shocked. Two terrorists used automatic weapons and grenades, killing 33 people and leaving 80 others injured It was September 24, 2002, when India watched in horror as terrorists attacked the Akshardham Temple in Gujarats Gandhinagar. As many as 33 people lost their lives, while 80 others were injured in the brutal attacks. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. On this day in 1869, the United States witnessed Black Friday, one of the most famous financial crises in its history. Far from the other famous Black Friday pertaining to heavy discounts, this one was about a disastrous collapse in the gold market that shook the nations economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that happened on this day. Terrorists opened fire at the Akshardham Temple One of the most serene temples in India, the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was attacked by two armed terrorists on this day in 2002. Armed with automatic weapons and grenades, the attackers indiscriminately opened fire on devotees and staff inside the temple complex. Panic spread quickly as people tried to take cover. By the time the siege ended, 33 people had lost their lives, and more than 80 were injured. The incident left the nation horrified, as the sanctity of a place of worship had been shattered. Security was tightened around all religious places in India following the attack. File image Security forces responded swiftly, with the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos flown in from Delhi to handle the situation. The operation to neutralise the terrorists lasted nearly 12 hours. After a prolonged gun battle, both assailants were killed, bringing the siege to an end. Investigations later revealed that the attackers belonged to a Pakistan-based extremist group, aiming to incite communal tensions and destabilise peace in Gujarat. The state at the time was still reeling from the violence created during the Godhra riots from earlier that year. The attack drew widespread condemnation across India and abroad, with leaders emphasising the need for unity and resilience in the face of terrorism. Following the attack, Gujarat and the central government tightened security at religious sites nationwide. The Akshardham Temple complex was rebuilt and reopened, continuing to serve as a symbol of peace, faith, and resilience. Black Friday crash took place in the US The United States witnessed one of the most infamous financial crises in its history, now remembered as Black Friday. It was a collapse in the gold market, orchestrated by two notorious financiers. The panic was triggered by the schemes of Jay Gould and James Fisk, two powerful Wall Street financiers. They sought to corner the gold market by buying massive quantities of the metal, hoping to drive up its price and sell at enormous profit. Their plan initially worked, sending gold prices soaring and creating turmoil across commodity markets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, President Ulysses S Grants administration soon became suspicious of the manipulation. To break the speculative bubble, the US Treasury intervened by releasing a large amount of government-held gold into the market. This sudden move caused prices to plummet within hours. On September 24, gold prices crashed from around $160 (Rs 13,300) per ounce to nearly $133 (Rs 11,000), wiping out fortunes overnight. Investors who had poured money into gold lost everything, while businesses tied to exports and imports also suffered heavy damage due to fluctuating currency values. Farmers, in particular, were hit hard because grain prices collapsed as a result of the instability. The scandal exposed the deep connections between politics, finance, and corruption in post-Civil War America. Gould and Fisk managed to avoid serious punishment, but their reputations were forever tainted. Meanwhile, thousands of ordinary investors bore the brunt of the collapse, fuelling anger and distrust toward Wall Street elites. This Day, That Year On this day in 1993, Norodom Sihanouk was crowned king of Cambodia for the second time. In 1960, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was launched by the United States. With inputs from agencies India had launched Operation Sindoor in May after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which left 26 dead. A ceasefire was called after Pakistans DGMO reached out to India. However, its textbooks are now telling a different tale, one about victory Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajiv Ghai with Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod during a press conference on Operation Sindoor. PTI/File Photo Its only been a few months since the conflict between India and Pakistan. India had launched Operations Sindoor in May after the Pahalgam terror attack in April which left 26 dead. A ceasefire was called after Pakistans DGMO reached out to India. However, Islamabad is already trying to rewrite history. Pakistani textbooks are now telling a different tale to its students about how things unfolded. Lets take a closer look Claim: India was the aggressor According to the revised curriculum, the blame for the conflict actually lies with New Delhi. The textbooks claim that India launched a unilateral attack on Pakistan. Why would India do this? It did so by falsely accusing Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack despite Islamabads denials. What actually happened India launched strikes on terror bases in Pakistan after Islamabad-backed terrorists killed over two dozen people in Pahalgam. India struck a number of terror bases including those of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Hizbul Mujahideen deep into Pakistani territory as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Claim: Pakistan targeted only military bases, destroyed over two dozen The Pakistani textbooks have claimed that Islamabad behaved professionally and responsibly by targeting only Indias military posts. Islamabad also claimed a number of civilian casualties. Pakistan also claimed that its Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was incredibly successful destroying over two dozen Indian air bases. What actually happened Pakistan, in fact, attacked a number of Indian cities including Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar with drones and missiles. It was only Indias air defence systems that prevented mass casualties. India then responded by taking out Pakistans HQ-9 air defence system in Lahore and hitting targets in Sialkot and even Islamabad. India has insisted that civilian casualties were avoided and that Pakistans claims are false. Pakistans claims of having destroyed Indian bases are also undercut by satellite imagery and photos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The damage at Nur Khan military base in Pakistan. It was India, on the other hand, that destroyed a number of Pakistani air bases including the Nur Khan base, the Murid base, the Rafiqui base, the Sargodha base, the Chaklala base, and the Rahim Yar Khan base which has remained closed since then. India also hit the Pakistan armys headquarters in Rawalpindi. Senior Indian officers at press briefings also provided evidence of their success via satellite images and videos. Claim: India sought peace Amongst the most ridiculous claims was the one that it was India who sought peace. According to the textbooks, India had no choice but to do so after suffering heavy losses. It took repeated calls from US President Donald Trump to get Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire. What actually happened It was Pakistan which sought peace after taking heavy hits. It was the Pakistani DGMO who called up his Indian counterpart to ask for hostilities to end. This came after US Vice President JD Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged peace talks. However, Modi responded by warning that India would hit back at Pakistan even harder if it didnt stand down. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Vice President JD Vance. AP US Secretary of State Marco Rubio then told Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar that Pakistan was ready to talk truce. The two DGMOs then jointly worked out a cessation of hostilities. Though Trump took to social media to announce that he had brokered peace between the two countries, India has been firm on its stance that no third party had intervened in the talks. Asim Munirs promotion To read Pakistani textbooks tell of the tale, Asim Munirs promotion to Field Marshal just the second in the history of the country was a reward for his outstanding performance during the four-day conflict. What actually happened Munirs promotion was more of an optics and propaganda campaign which Pakistan has ceaselessly waged since the beginning of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir. AP The promotion sought to reassure the public at large that Pakistan had actually prevailed in the conflict with India thereby safeguarding the prominent position Pakistans armed forces enjoy within its society. What is Pakistan doing? Islamabad is taking a page out of its old playbook attempting to rewrite the narrative of the conflict with India as it has several times over the past few decades. This is to try to convince its citizens that Pakistan could not possibly be defeated by India despite reality and independently verifiable evidence showing otherwise. With inputs from agencies Some Christians believe the world will come to an end today (September 24). TikTok is brimming with videos using the hashtag Rapture, a belief in some forms of Christianity that Jesus Christ will return and all Christians, dead or alive, will be raised into heaven. But why has the prediction come now? Some Christians believe Jesus will return to Earth on September 24. Representational Image/Pixabay Is the world ending today? Some Christians believe so. TikTok is swamped with videos using the hashtag #Rapture, with people telling how they are preparing for the apocalyptic event. After the world did not end yesterday, there are predictions that it will today. But why are some people earnestly waiting for the end of humanity? We will explain. What is the Rapture? Some forms of Christianity believe that the Bible predicts the Rapture, which marks the beginning of the end of humanity. They believe that all Christians, dead or alive, will be raised into heaven when the event occurs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the word rapture does not appear in the Bible, according to Bible scholar Bart Ehrman, author of Armageddon: What the Bible Really Says about the End. As per NewsNation, the term was developed by theologian John Nelson Darby in the 1800s. Some evangelical Christians who believe in the Rapture interpret parts of the Christian New Testament, including a passage from First Thessalonians that says followers of Jesus Christ who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, reported New York Times (NYT). While true Christians will ascend to Heaven, non-believers will be left behind on Earth to face trials and tribulations, including plagues and fires. There are differing views on when the Rapture will occur. Some say it will coincide with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Others view the two as separate events, with the Rapture beginning a period of tribulation before the second coming. Is the Rapture on Sept 24? A prediction has emerged on social media in recent days that the Rupture will occur on September 23 or 24. As the world did not end yesterday, believers are now expecting it to happen on Wednesday (September 24). On TikTok, the hashtag #rapturenow has more than 311,000 videos, with some supporting the prediction and others mocking it. In a video, a woman tells her best friend: You need to repent. Now. I dont want you to be left behind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She recalled a dream where she tried to warn people that Jesus is coming, but while she screamed, she said nobody was listening to me. Some were making fun of me. Im like, everyone needs to repent now. Hes coming, she added. The #RaptureTok includes videos of people selling items like cars or homes, quitting their jobs, or setting their phone lock screens with photos to explain what happened to them and why they have disappeared. Some are also sharing dos and donts when ascending into the sky. sorry havent been around here much. ive been distracted by rapturetok pic.twitter.com/hQrVAOqfQA SLUG (@generalslug) September 20, 2025 im on rapturetok now apparently and yall they selling cars, homes and stuff thinking they gonna float to heaven Saf (@muzziemulti) September 21, 2025 I truly believe that we will be rapture during Feast of Trumpets this year, a user named romans.ten. 9through11 said in a four-minute goodbye video. But why now? The latest prophecy appears to have originated from Joshua Mhlakela. While reports say he is a South African pastor, he said in a YouTube video from June: Im just a simple person, no title. Im not an apostle, Im not a pastor, Im not a bishop. Im just a believer. In the video, Mhlakela claimed that Jesus came to him in a dream in 2018 and told him, On the 23rd and the 24th of September, 2025, I will come to take my church. He said Jesus will return to the world on Rosh Hashanah. The Jewish holiday began on September 22 and will end on the 24th. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prediction has taken hold of several people, resulting in the emergence of hundreds of TikTok videos, Facebook groups and names like RAPTURE WARNING GROUP. When the Rapture prophecies didnt come true The Raptures prediction is not new. Radio evangelist Harold Camping believed it to happen on September 6, 1994. When it did not materialise, he then changed his prediction to May 21, 2011, and then again to October 21, 2011. Numerologist David Meade predicted the Rapture in 2017. Other predicted dates include 2000, inspired by the Left Behind book series, and 2012, based on the Mayan apocalypse. There is a long history of people using numbers and dates in the Bible to calculate when end times will come, Peter Sherlock, a professor and theologian at Charles Sturt University in Australia, told NYT. The Bible is full of patterns and symbolism, he said in an email. Its no wonder that in trying to interpret this sacred text, many readers end up decoding these patterns to arrive at prognostications of doom, sometimes even dates for when the world will end. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he said that people wanting to believe that the world will end on a certain date usually says more about the uncertainty of our own times than it does about what is actually in the Bible. If the next day comes After the Rapture prediction does not come true, it is hard for believers to explain what happened. Speaking to Al Jazeera, clinical social worker and author Josie McSkimming said such beliefs can become deeply entrenched, particularly for people who grew up learning about them in church, with real-life events like Israels war in Gaza likely bringing those emotions to the surface. I have clients who have exited those churches, who have found themselves very dysregulated, very distressed, hypervigilant, fearing that this is the end times, said McSkimming. Even though they dont believe in hell, and they dont believe in the Apocalypse, and they dont believe in Armageddon, theyre very distressed because their family members are saying it to them. Their friends are saying it to them, McSkimming added. When the apocalypse does not happen, some people can feel lost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some people may suffer a crisis of faith, others may wait for the next prophet to tell them when the end will be, Professor Sherlock said to the American newspaper. While some people may cling to the new predictions, others could experience psychological distress when the rapture does not happen. With inputs from agencies Kshitij Tyagi, a 2012-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, hit out at Pakistan on Tuesday (September 23) at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Accusing Islamabad of bombing their own people, the engineer-turned-diplomat said the country was abusing the forum with baseless and provocative statements against India. Tyagi went viral earlier this month after he chided Switzerland. But who is the young man making waves at the UNHRC? Kshitij Tyagi has gone viral for his fiery speeches at the UN. ANI Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi is again making headlines. This time, his response to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday (September 23) has brought him to the spotlight. Lashing out at Islamabad, he accused it of bombing their own people and abusing the forum with baseless and provocative statements against India. Tyagi grabbed eyeballs earlier this month when he gave a sharp response to Switzerland, telling the European country to focus on the challenges it faces domestically from racism and xenophobia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the Indian diplomat makes waves at the UNHRC again, we take a look at who he is. Who is Kshitij Tyagi? Kshitij Tyagi, a 2012-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, earned a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He later pursued an MTech in Thermal Energy and Environmental Engineering from the same institute. According to his LinkedIn profile, he worked at Jones Lang LaSalle, a real-estate company, as a business analyst for nearly three years, from 2007 to 2010. He joined the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as a scientist in 2010, a role he held for a little over two years. Tyagi reportedly cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in 2012, ranking 148th nationally. He plunged into diplomacy two years later, when he served as the Third Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. I wanted to touch lives, to matter beyond corporate metrics, Tyagi said in an interview in 2014, as per Mint. Tyagi was appointed as Second Secretary in Brasilia in 2015 and promoted to First Secretary in Cairo, Egypt, in 2018. In January 2024, Tyagi joined the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations as First Secretary. He became a Counsellor at the mission in January this year. Tyagi hits out at Pakistan Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi castigated Pakistan at the 60th session of the UNHRC on Tuesday. Speaking during Agenda Item 4 of the UNHRC session, he called Islamabads interventions baseless and provocative statements against India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India, Tyagi said. Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuing an economy on life support, a polity muzzled by military dominance, and a human rights record stained by persecution perhaps once they find time away from exporting terrorism, harbouring UN-proscribed terrorists, and bombing their own people. VIDEO | New York: At UN, India slams Pakistan over air attack on civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking during Agenda Item 4 of the UNHRC session, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi said, "Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under pic.twitter.com/kO1PpSblLT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025 Tyagis scathing response came a day after dozens of people, including civilians, were killed in an explosion at a compound of the Pakistani Taliban in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Indian diplomat also reiterated Indias stand that the UNHRC must remain universal, objective, and non-selective in its approach and that its work should be channelised into forging consensus through a non-politicised and forward-looking approach. Our collective efforts should foster unity and constructive engagement, not division, he said." We are concerned by the continued proliferation of country-specific mandates. Far from advancing the Councils core mandate, they reinforce perceptions of bias and selectivity. Focusing narrowly on the human rights situation in a few countries distracts us from the urgent and shared challenges the world faces. We firmly believe that lasting progress can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and capacity-building- always with the consent of the State concerned," Tyagi said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other notable remarks Earlier this month, a video of Tyagi at the UNHRC went viral. He was seen slamming Pakistan, saying India does not need lessons from a terror sponsor that continues to finance and shelter the networks threatening global security. We are compelled, once again, to address provocations from a country whose own leadership recently likened it to a dump truck, perhaps an inadvertently apt metaphor for a state that continues to deposit recycled falsehoods and stale propaganda before this distinguished Council, Tyagi said. He made the remarks while delivering Indias Right of Reply at the General Debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council after Pakistans comments on India. We need no lessons from a terror sponsor; no sermons from a persecutor of minorities; no advice from a state that has squandered its own credibility, he said. Tyagi also hit out at Switzerland at the 5th Meeting of the 60th Session of UNHRC, describing its remarks on India as surprising, shallow and ill-informed. He said, As it holds the UNHRC presidency, it is all the more important for Switzerland to avoid wasting the councils time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tyagi advised Switzerland to focus on addressing its own challenges, such as racism, systematic discrimination and xenophobia. Underlining Indias diversity and democratic ideals, Tyagi said, As the worlds largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy, with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns. Indias statement at UN #HRC60 in response to Switzerlands remarks!! Mr. President, We would also like to respond to the surprising, shallow, and ill-informed remarks made by Switzerland, a close friend and partner. As it holds the UNHRC Presidency, it is all the more pic.twitter.com/oNJoFarRDs India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) September 11, 2025 Tyagis sharp retort came after had said at the UN, In India, we call on the Government to take effective measures to protect the minorities and uphold the rights to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In February, Tyagi tore into Pakistan, describing it as a failed state that survives on international handouts". Addressing the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Tyagi rebuked Pakistan after it raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) at the multilateral global forum. Criticising Pakistans leaders and delegates, Tyagi said it was regrettable" to see how they continue to dutifully spread falsehoods handed down by its military terrorist complex." He further accused Pakistan of making a mockery" of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by using it as a mouthpiece", saying that it was fooling nobody." He continued, We do not wish to dignify such propaganda, but are constrained to make a few simple points for the record." Tyagi reaffirmed that J&K and Ladakh are, and will always remain, an integral and inalienable part of India. The unprecedented political, social and economic progress in J&K in the past few years speaks for itself. These successes are a testament to the peoples trust in the governments commitment to bring normalcy to a region scarred by decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Four people were left dead and over 50 injured in Ladakhs Leh as protesters clashed with the police today (September 24). This came after students and youth organisations called for a shutdown in the city. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is spearheading the agitation, ended his hunger strike following the unrest. But what led to the demonstrations turning violent? Smoke billows out from a structure set ablaze by miscreants amid a massive protest and shutdown, in Leh, Ladakh, September 24, 2025. PTI Protests in Ladakhs Leh turned violent on Wednesday (September 24) during a shutdown in the city. Four people were killed and dozens of others were injured as demonstrators clashed with the police. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is spearheading the agitation, ended his 15-day hunger strike in the wake of the violence. He appealed for calm, calling the development unfortunate. Very sad events in Leh. My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause, he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEH My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025 But why did Leh see violent protests? We take a look. Violent protests in Leh Violence erupted in Leh town during a shutdown call issued by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a combination of religious social and political organisations. Protesters gathered outside the BJP office to express their frustration with the Centre for not resuming talks with representatives of Ladakh over a series of demands, reported The Hindu. The shutdown was announced after two elderly people, on a hunger strike since September 10 along with Wangchuk, fainted on Tuesday and had to be hospitalised. An elderly woman and a man fainted yesterday. The news spread fast, and students called for a shutdown today (Wednesday), Congress leader Tsering Namgyal told The Indian Express. This morning, a large number of people moved towards the anshan (hunger strike) site. The youth went out of control. A large number of police and paramilitary forces were deployed at the site, according to Namgyal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the shutdown today, violence broke out when the police attempted to disperse the protesters outside the BJP office, locals told The Hindu. A security vehicle outside the saffron partys office was set on fire by the protesters. Police fired teargas and baton-charged the protesters after some people allegedly pelted stones. VIDEO | Leh, Ladakh: Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly turned violent and pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown. The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on pic.twitter.com/ebFGf8AeBO Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025 As per The Hindu, many vehicles were set ablaze during the clashes between the BJP supporters and the LAB activists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Four people died and more than 50 were injured in the violence. Lehs District Magistrate imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which bars assembly of more than five people. Authorities also cancelled the closing ceremony of the four-day annual Ladakh Festival, which had begun on Sunday, following the unrest. The administration cited unavoidable circumstances and expressed regret over the inconvenience to local artists, cultural groups, tourists, and the public. Why protests rocked Ladakh Two weeks ago, activist Sonam Wangchuk began his hunger strike to press the Centre for the demand of statehood for Ladakh and extending Sixth Schedule status to the region. Ladakh was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories J&K with a legislature, and Ladakh without one. With this, Ladakh has come under direct rule of the Central administration. Since then, the political and legal status of Ladakh has become a contentious subject. The demand for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule has grown. This provision grants tribal-majority areas in certain northeastern states legislative and financial autonomy via autonomous district councils. The demand stems from the fact that 90 per cent of Ladakhs population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wangchuk ends hunger strike Activist Sonam Wangchuk called the protests on Wednesday a Gen-Z revolution. If agitating youth are worried about the fasting protesters and expressing their anger, we have decided to end our fast, he said. Wangchuk appealed to the youth to maintain peace. Events that unfolded are unfortunate. There has been growing anger after two of my colleagues on hunger strike were hospitalised. I appeal to youth not to resort to violence and urge the government to be sensitive towards the demands of the region, he added. Wangchuk also urged the administration to stop the use of teargas and any intimidation of youth. Speaking to PTI, he said later, The violence overpowered our peaceful protest, just in one day, it looks like failing. The political partis here are incompetent, they dont have the capability to give direction to youths. People are angered. Talks with Centre A fresh round of talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, including members of the LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is slated for October 6 in New Delhi. The two bodies have been jointly leading an agitation over the past four years over their demands. They have also held multiple rounds of discussions with the government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protesters were asking the Centre to advance the talks due to the prolonged hunger strike and growing worries in the public over Ladakhs political future. Wangchuck recently rejected the announcement of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on Ladakh will meet the representatives of the LAB and the KDA next month. He has been calling for immediately resuming result-oriented talks between the Centre and Ladakh on their long pending demands. Meanwhile, the KDA has issued a shutdown call on Thursday (September 25) to show solidarity with the LAB and their demands. Politicians react to violent protests Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed anguish over the unfulfilled promise of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the violent protests in Ladakh, he wrote on X that the people of Ladakh werent even promised statehood, and they celebrated the status of Union Territory in 2019, yet they feel betrayed and angry today. He pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding statehood democratically, peacefully, and responsibly, but the promise remains unfulfilled, leaving its people feeling equally betrayed and disappointed. Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X: Its time the Government of India undertakes a sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019. This video isnt from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set police vehicles and a BJP office on fire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its time the Government of India undertakes a sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019. This video isnt from the Kashmir Valley considered the epicentre of unrest but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set police vehicles and a BJP pic.twitter.com/nJMmCA7oOA Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 24, 2025 BJP leader Amit Malviya blamed the Congress for the unrest in Leh. Taking to X, he wrote: This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward. He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office and the Hill Council. Is this the kind of unrest Rahul Gandhi has been fantasising about? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This man rioting in Ladakh is Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag, Congress Councillor for Upper Leh Ward. He can be clearly seen instigating the mob and participating in violence that targeted the BJP office and the Hill Council. Is this the kind of unrest Rahul Gandhi has been pic.twitter.com/o2WHdcCIuC Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 24, 2025 Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta said while everyone has a right to protest in a democracy, it should be done peacefully. For the past two days, attempts have been made to incite people, and the protest held here was compared to those held in Bangladesh and Nepal. This smells of a conspiracy behind the protest, he was quoted as saying by ANI. With inputs from agencies Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti, the director of privately-run Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Delhis Vasant Kunj, faces complaints from 17 female students, ranging from using abusive language, sending lewd text messages, and forced physical contact. He allegedly threatened them with lower marks if they did not please him. The self-styled godman is currently on the run Students further claimed that the ashram wardens introduced them to Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, while certain women faculty members and administrative staff pressured them to give in to his demands. Image courtesy: News18 Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti finds himself at the centre of a disturbing case. The self-styled godman has been booked for allegedly molesting more than a dozen female students in Delhis Vasant Kunj. The accused, who is the director of a privately-run management institute, the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, faces complaints from 17 students, ranging from using abusive language, sending of lewd text messages, and forced physical contact, according to media reports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The women also alleged that they were blackmailed. Police confirmed that the statements of all 17 have been recorded, and said raids are underway to arrest the godman, who was last spotted in Agra. So, who really is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti? And what exactly are the allegations against him? Heres a closer look. Who is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti? Originally from Odisha, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti, formerly known as Swami (Dr) Parthasarathy, had been living in an ashram run by Sri Sringeri Math for the past 12 years, according to NDTV. Police said the accused also served as a sanchalak (member of the management committee) at the management institute in Vasant Kunj. But his past is far from clean. Back in 2009, a molestation and fraud complaint was filed against him in Delhis Defence Colony, which led to a brief arrest. Seven years later, another molestation case surfaced, this time in Vasant Kunj. Questions also linger over his finances. While his exact wealth remains unclear, investigators believe he accumulated significant funds over the years. In fact, enough to reportedly buy a saffron-coloured Volvo sedan fitted with fake diplomatic number plates. #WATCH | Delhi | One Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati @ Parth Sarthy, manager of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, has been accused of allegedly molesting girl students pursuing PGDM courses under EWS scholarship at the institute. Statements of 32 girl students were https://t.co/GJxGqadBj0 pic.twitter.com/hJx50GPqao ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The car, discovered in the basement of his Vasant Kunj ashram, carried counterfeit United Nations plates marked 39 UN 1. Police have now registered cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including on charges of misusing a property mark to defraud [Section 345(3)], cheating [Section 318(4)], forgery [Section 336(3)], and creating false documents [Section 340(2)]. The vehicle, along with CCTV footage from the ashram and other digital devices, has been seized for investigation. Authorities are also re-examining the earlier complaints against him. Also read: Women, sex and power: Why Indians are obsessed with the likes of 'godman' Rampal What is the molestation case against him? Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati faces allegations of sexually harassing female students, many of them enrolled in management diploma courses under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scholarship. According to police, 17 of the 32 students who gave statements accused him of abusive behaviour, ranging from lewd text messages to physical harassment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some of the messages presented as evidence show both manipulation and threats, reports NDTV. In one, he allegedly promised a woman wealth if she obeyed him. In another, he warned a student: if you dont obey me, I will fail you Students further claimed that the ashram wardens introduced them to the accused, while certain women faculty members and administrative staff pressured them to give in to his demands. Investigators said they have reviewed CCTV footage and raided both the ashram and the godmans residence, but he is still on the run. Police teams have been deployed to find him, but the search has been reportedly complicated by his habit of rarely using mobile phones, a detail that makes him difficult to trace. Also read: How self-styled godman Nithyananda tried to take over Bolivia to establish Hindu nation Kailasa Ashram expels Chaitanyananda Saraswati Following the wave of allegations, the ashram administration moved quickly to strip Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati of his position and expel him. The Delhi unit he once headed is a branch of a well-known ashram in South India. In a statement, the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, which oversees the Delhi facility, said the godmans conduct had been illegal, inappropriate, and against the Peethas interests. It added that all ties with him had now been severed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under which the management institute functions, also clarified its role. It confirmed that it had approved the establishment of the Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research. The Peetham administers the institution through a Governing Council, chaired by Dr Krishna Venkatesh, a respected educationist, along with other distinguished individuals, the AICTE said. It added that the Governing Council was actively taking steps to ensure the welfare of students and to prevent any disruption to the ongoing educational programmes. With input from agencies A bronze statue titled Best Friends Forever has appeared on the east end of the National Mall in Washington, DC, showing US President Donald Trump and late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein smiling, holding hands, and seemingly walking towards the Washington Monument. A largely anonymous group called The Secret Handshake Project has reportedly taken responsibility for the art piece The 12-foot statue, built from foam, resin, wood, and wire, is titled Best Friends Forever. It shows Trump and Epstein seemingly walking towards the Washington Monument. AP A curious bronze statue titled Best Friends Forever has appeared on the east end of the National Mall in Washington, DC, reigniting conversations around President Donald Trumps past links with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Unveiled on Tuesday, the satirical pop-up installation depicts Trump and Epstein holding hands, with one leg playfully lifted in the air. Since its sudden arrival, the piece has attracted crowds and quickly become a talking point in the capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to USA Today, the surprise art is the work of a largely anonymous group called The Secret Handshake Project. Heres a closer look at what we know about the mysterious statue. The 12-foot statue, built from foam, resin, wood, and wire, shows Trump and Epstein seemingly walking towards the Washington Monument. Its base, painted to look like marble, carries three plaques. Two of them include excerpts from a birthday letter Trump is said to have sent Epstein, recently made public by the House Oversight Committee. One plaque reads: We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J Trump and his closest friend Jeffrey Epstein. Another marks Friendship Month and features two outstretched hands forming a heart. BREAKING: This Trump / Epstein statue to honor friendship month was mysteriously placed on the national mall. I love it. Dont stop talking about Epstein. pic.twitter.com/agUHriF0eq Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 23, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The installation, which has permission from the National Park Service, is expected to remain on the Mall until Sunday evening. This isnt the first time the anonymous artists have used Washington as their stage. In the past, theyve placed works like Dictator Approved a golden thumbs-up crushing the Statue of Libertys crown, and Gold TV, a multimedia piece showing Trump dancing with different figures, including Epstein. A new piece of artwork, an 8 foot tall sculpture entitled "Dictator Approved" has been installed on the National Mall in Washington. DC. pic.twitter.com/FoQPOK0kHM Mama Chews (@MamaChews) June 19, 2025 According to USA Today, the latest work has been claimed by The Secret Handshake Project, a small group said to have fewer than five members. In their statement, the group explained, Were a very small group of citizens who are using art, irony, and humour to express social commentary and spark political conversation in public spaces. White House responds to the statue The White House reacted strongly to the sudden appearance of the artwork. A spokesperson said, Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit but its not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep. The statement continued, Democrats, the media, and the organisation behind this statue knew about Epstein and his victims for years and did nothing to help them, while President Trump was calling for transparency and is now delivering on it with thousands of pages of documents. Theres very few people who have gone on the record and called Trump one of his good friends. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has said he ended ties with Epstein after discovering that the disgraced financier had exploited young women, including Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins most well-known sex trafficking victims, who worked at his Mar-a-Lago spa. Trump ties to Epstein in spotlight Earlier this month, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a sexually suggestive letter to Epstein that was allegedly signed by Trump. The letter was part of a 50th birthday birthday book compiled for Epstein in 2003. Trump has denied writing the letter or creating the accompanying drawing of a womans body surrounding the text. A cryptic illustrated note that appears to be an imagined dialogue between Trump and Epstein, set inside the outline of a womans body. Image courtesy: House Oversight Committee/X Calls for more transparency about the governments investigation into Epsteins sex-trafficking network have grown, but the administration has so far refused to release additional documents. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the allegations regarding the letter, claiming that Democrats were concocting another fake scandal to smear President Trump with lies. Earlier this month, ahead of Trumps second state visit to the UK, protesters staged dramatic demonstrations at Windsor Castle. Trump is welcomed to the UK with this huge banner depicting a photo of him & Epstein at Windsor Castle because the people there cant stand him! Store owners all over England are selling merchandise like plates,cups,blankets,etc with photos of these two on it as souvenirs. pic.twitter.com/0B4jQhGGQY Suzie rizzio (@Suzierizzo1) September 15, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They placed fake merchandise featuring Trump and Epstein inside the castle gift shop, unfurled a 400-square-metre photograph of the two men outside the royal grounds, and even projected images of them onto the castle itself. With input from agencies Donald Trump is not done with changes to the H-1B visa programme. Now, the US administration is looking to overhaul the lottery system, suggesting the selection be made on wage levels. This could hurt Indians, especially entry-level employees, who are the biggest beneficiaries of this visa. Heres how Men riding motorbikes travel past an advertisement of a visa consultancy office in Ahmedabad, India. The Trump administration has proposed changing the lottery system of the H-1B visa programme. File image/Reuters First, he hiked the fee of the H-1B visa. Now, hes proposing a major overhaul of the selection process, which in turn, could dash the American dream for many. On Tuesday (September 24), the Trump administration proposed overhauling the visas lottery selection process to prioritise higher-paid and higher-skilled foreign employees. The move comes amid the rising criticism of the visa programme, which many right-wingers and Maga supporters claim displace American workers. What are the changes that the Trump administration is proposing? How will it hurt immigrants, namely Indians? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the H-1B visa programme and the lottery system? Before we look at the changes that Trump officials are looking to make to the H-1B visa programme, lets first understand the existing system and how it functions. Started in 1990, the H-1B visa programme was designed for highly-educated, high-skilled workers to enter, work and live in the United States. Since the beginning, it has been extensively used by tech companies in the US to hire highly-skilled tech workers from countries like India. Each year, 85,000 applicants are awarded this visa 65,000 under the regular cap and an additional 20,000 for applicants with advanced US degrees. India is currently the biggest beneficiary of the H-1B visa programme. In 2024, out of 399,395 approved H-1B visas, Indians accounted for 71 per cent. The way these visas are awarded are through a lottery a random selection process conducted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to choose which employer registrations can move forward with filing a petition. Employers with online registrations selected in the annual lottery can move forward with filing a petition. This process allows for equal odds of approval be it a new graduate entering the workforce or a seasoned employee with a high-paying salary. In recent times, this programme has come under a cloud; last Friday, the White House announced an annual fee of $100,000 for each H-1B visa. Following the announcement, some big tech companies warned visa holders to stay in the US or quickly return, sparking a chaotic scramble to get back to the US. The White House later clarified the fee would apply only to new visas. A US flag, a passport and a US H-1B Visa application form are seen in this illustration. Reuters What are the proposed changes to the lottery system? Now, on Tuesday (September 23), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed to scrap the existing lottery system and suggested a wage-based selection process. According to the DHS proposal, the implementation of a weighted selection process would favour the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The DHS has proposed a four-tier wage system for H-1B visas, where Level 1 is for entry-level workers, Level 2 for qualified professionals, Level 3 for experienced professionals, and Level 4 for highly specialised senior workers. The proposal suggests that workers who are in the top wage levels would be entered into the selection pool four times and those at the lowest tier would only be entered once. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Immigration and visa experts note that the new proposal would favour big companies with deep pockets over smaller companies, which could affect the economy. What would be the impact of these changes? If the H-1B lottery is replaced with this wage-based selection, it would have a tremendous impact, with Indians feeling it the most. Nicole Gunara, Principal Immigration Attorney, Manifest Law in an NDTV report explained the impact of this proposed change. In effect, an engineer offered $150,000 at Meta might now have multiple lottery entries, while a junior developer at a startup earning $70,000 might only get one. This tilts the system toward established companies that can pay at the top of the market and away from emerging firms that rely on younger international talent, Gunara said. If this rule goes into effect, the H-1B lottery will no longer be purely random. Instead, each applicants odds will be weighted by salary level. A candidate in a top wage tier could receive multiple entries in the lottery, while someone at an entry-level salary may only get one. That means higher-paid, senior roles will have significantly better chances of selection, while recent graduates and early-career workers will face much steeper odds, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deedy Das, a partner at Menlo Ventures venture capital group, said in a social media post that the latest proposal would hurt many tech companies. Overall, its really bad for startups, early employees, helps IT consulting shops and can be easily gamed, Das wrote. Even other experts had similar opinions, adding that Indians, mainly at the entry-level, would be disproportionately affected by these changes to the lottery system. As Heritage Institute, a conservative think tank, noted that most of the H-1B positions are filled by Indians at the entry-level. Hence, if the changes do come into effect, they would be the most affected. US President Donald Trump holds up an executive order establishing the Trump Gold Card in the Oval Office at the White House. Trump signed a series of executive orders establishing the Trump Gold Card and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. AFP What happens next? It remains to be seen if the proposed changes are implemented with lawyers expressing scepticism. They note the proposal is unlawful because the Immigration and Nationality Act calls for issuing visas in the order in which petitions are received. Many also fear that the proposed changes to the lottery system and the $100,000 fee could further hurt India-US ties. Some note that Trumps fee hike could dent Indias economy by reducing how many H1-B holders send money home. Alexander Slater, managing director at Capstone, a global forecasting and business strategy firm in Washington told the New York Times, These visas give Indians substantial exposure to the US, its professional culture and its soft power. If the outcome of the policy change is that fewer Indians are working with Americans, it will weaken a significant bond between the two countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to make landfall in Chinas Guangdong province today, with nearly 3.7 lakh people already evacuated. Chinas meteorological agency has called it the King of Storms. The typhoon is predicted to maintain its intensity as it nears the province, impacting Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan A fishing boat is washed ashore near houses in Calayan Island, Cagayan province, a day after Super Typhoon Ragasa hit the island. AFP/File Photo It is a busy Wednesday. Super Typhoon Ragasa, called the King of Storms, is set to hit Guangdong province in China today. A swearing-in ceremony will be held for Thailands new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakuls cabinet. In Patna, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi will attend the partys working committee meeting. The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of small boats carrying aid for Gaza, will begin its journey today. India will face Bangladesh in another Asia Cup clash. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres a look at the events: King of Storms to make landfall Super Typhoon Ragasa is likely to make landfall in Chinas Guangdong province today, where nearly 3.7 lakh people have already been moved to safety. Authorities have warned of a catastrophic situation. Chinas weather bureau has described Ragasa as the King of Storms. Authorities have warned of a catastrophic situation. AFP/File Photo The typhoon is expected to hold its strength as it approaches Guangdong, impacting Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan, after battering the northern Philippines on Monday. In Guangdong, over 11 cities including Shenzhen and Zhuhai have shut schools, offices and transport services amid alerts for storm surges and large waves. New Thailand PMs cabinet to take oath Thailands new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakuls cabinet will be sworn in this evening at Bangkoks Dusit Palace. They will take their oath before the King and Queen ahead of presenting a policy statement to parliament, a formality before ministers begin work. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was chosen as prime minister by parliament last month. Thailands Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at a press conference at the Bhumjaithai party headquarters. Reuters/File Photo He replaces Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party, who was dismissed after being found guilty of ethical misconduct over a phone call with Cambodias Senate President Hun Sen. The controversy was followed by a border clash between Thailand and Cambodia in July that left several dead. Rahul Gandhi, Kharge to attend key meeting in Patna Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will attend the partys working committee meeting in Patna today. At a press briefing, AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said the Congress was fighting the second war of Independence in Bihar, which is why the meeting is being held there. Rahul Gandhi will attend the partys working committee meeting. Reuters/File Photo At the CWC meeting, we will be having AICC president Mr. Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. All other CWC members have also been invited. Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled States are also expected, he stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Global Sumud Flotilla heads for Gaza The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of small boats carrying aid for Gaza and activists from 44 nations, will leave today from Catania in Italy. Israel has declared it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. Last week, climate activist Greta Thunberg was taken off the Global Sumud Flotillas Steering Committee. The convoy first departed Barcelona on August 31 but had to return to port before setting off again the following day due to rough weather. Asia Cup 2025: India vs Bangladesh After defeating Pakistan in a hard-fought clash, India will meet Bangladesh in another Asia Cup Super 4 contest today. For Bangladesh, at least one win in these matches is crucial to keep alive their hopes of making the tournament final. With inputs from agencies French economist Gabriel Zucman has argued that billionaires should be taxed, not on their income, but on their net worth. He has said that a two per cent tax on households owning over $117 million (Rs 1.03 lakh crore) in assets could raise as much as $23 billion (Rs 20.28 lakh crore) per year around half the savings proposed in the austerity budget which toppled former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. Heres what you need to know The proposed tax is widely popular among the French public. A French Institute of Public Opinion (Ifop) study revealed that 86 per cent of respondents backed the proposal, including 92 per cent from President Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance Party. Reuters France is preparing for a fight over a plan to tax the wealthy. On the one hand, you have billionaires who remain vehemently opposed to any tax increase. On the other, you have a professor claiming the backing of Nobel Prize-winning economists. This comes in the background of political instability in France with successive governments collapsing as President Emmanuel Macron attempts to implement unpopular austerity measures. But what do we know about the Zucman tax for the wealthy? Lets take a closer look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Zucman tax The proposed tax increases are named after French economist Gabriel Zucman. Zucman is a professor at the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, as well as the University of California, Berkeley. He has become famous in France after conducting a study for the G20 on the impact of a wealth tax that was backed by Brazil, France, Spain and South Africa. Zucman has argued that billionaires should be taxed, not on their income, but on their net worth. He has said that a two per cent tax should be targeted only at those households owning over $117 million (Rs 1.03 lakh crore) in assets. He has claimed this tax, on approximately 1,800 households, could raise as much as $23 billion (Rs 20.28 lakh crore) per year. This would be about half the savings that the austerity budget proposed by ex-PM Francois Bayrou before his government was ousted in a no-confidence vote. Bayrous predecessor Michele Barnier met the same fate. Macron has now appointed Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister. France is currently grappling with a massive budget deficit which is estimated at 5.4 per cent of GDP the biggest in Europe. Zucman said he based this number on the increase in net worth of the wealthiest citizens of France in past decades. In 1996, for example, Frances wealthiest comprised just 6 per cent of the nations GDP. However, today that figure stands at 40 per cent. Zucman also noted that billionaires, on average, pay around half the tax of a normal French citizen. Zucman and the Institute for Public Policy (IPP) estimate that centi-millionaires and billionaires pay just 0.3 per cent of their total net worth in taxes. The proposed tax increases are named after French economist Gabriel Zucman, a professor at the Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, as well as the University of California, Berkeley. Reuters A study from the IPP also found that while most average people pay more taxes as their salary increases, this doesnt hold true for the richest of the rich. While the top 0.1 per cent of earners pay around 46 per cent of their income in taxes, the wealthiest 0.0002 per cent, known as billionaires, pay only about 26.2 per cent of their income in taxes. This is because ultra-high net worth individuals use holding companies, which are taxed far less than normal income, to shield their wealth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstly, billionaires pay virtually no income tax in France, and s econdly their wealth has grown particularly rapidly over the last 15 years, Zucman previously said. Zucman has warned that wealth inequality could have a dire impact on France. Unprecedented wealth concentration and the unbridled power that comes with such wealth has distorted our democracy and is driving societal and economic tensions, Zucman wrote for The Guardian in June. Zucman has said that the two per cent tax rate on their net worth would bring billionaires in line with the other classes. Billionaires would pay as much but no more than the social categories directly below them," Zucman told _Le Monde_ in an interview. Similar to IFI, ISF Experts say Zucmans two per cent tax is similar to Frances real estate wealth tax (IFI) and the former solidarity tax on wealth (ISF). While ISF targeted real estate, cash, savings, and investments, the IFI only considers real estate. The Zucman tax, on the other hand, would include all assets. As noted before, the Zucman tax amounts to around two per cent of the net worth. Meanwhile, the IFI ranges from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent of net worth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the Zucman tax applies to households with net worth over $117 million (Rs 1.03 lakh crore), the IFI and ISF target households that earn over $1.53 million (Rs 1,34,98,00,000). While the Zucman tax applies to around 1,800 households, the IFI targets around 186,000 households. The ISF applied to around 358,000 households. Bernard Arnault, Europes wealthiest man, has warned that this two per cent tax could destroy the French economy. Reuters The IFI, which replaced the ISF, generated around $2.59 billion (Rs 2.28 lakh crore) in 2024. It cost the French government around $5.30 billion (Rs 4.67 lakh crore) in revenue to do so. While Zucman has claimed his two per cent tax could generate as much as $23 billion (Rs 20.28 lakh crore) per year, other economists are not so optimistic. They say it could ultimately generate around $5.89 billion (Rs 5,19,30,00,000) in revenue, taking into account the fact that billionaires could restructure their taxes or simply leave. However, Zucman has argued that very few billionaires would actually take steps to do so. A study by the French governments Council of Economic Analysis backed him up, saying a maximum of just 0.03 per cent of billionaires would choose to ultimately leave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regardless of the debate, the proposed tax remains widely popular among the French public. A French Institute of Public Opinion (Ifop) study revealed that 86 per cent of respondents backed the proposal, including 92 per cent from President Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance Party. Destroy French economy Frances ultra-rich are not happy. Bernard Arnault, Europes wealthiest man, has warned that this two per cent tax could destroy the French economy. Arnault, whose net worth is approximately $169 billion (Rs 148.95 lakh crore), claimed that the proposed move aims to destroy the liberal economy, the only one that works for the good of all. This is clearly not a technical or economic debate, but rather a clearly stated desire to destroy the French economy, Arnaults statement said. I cannot believe that the French political forces that govern or have governed the country in the past could lend any credibility to this offensive, which is deadly for our economy. Zucman hit back at Arnault:. We can have fundamental disagreements, and Arnault is entitled, like all citizens, to his opinions. But this debate must take place with respect for the truth and the facts, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The political situation in France The French political situation is one of turmoil and chaos. Lecornu is Frances fifth prime minister in less than two years. The Macron loyalist, keeping in mind the fate of his predecessors, is under pressure to send a budget to lawmakers by 7 October. The Socialists, who are supporting the coalition government, are demanding the two per cent wealth tax in the 2026 budget. However, this would alienate Lecornus right-wing opponents. Frances Emmanuel Macron has often been slammed as the president of the rich. Reuters In parliament, the proposal has broad support on the left, which managed to pass it in the lower house in February before the Senate rejected it. The proposal now stands a stronger chance in the 2026 budget, as Lecornu cannot afford to alienate the Socialists. They could topple him by joining forces with other parties in a no-confidence motion. Lecornu has said he is open to discussion but is concerned that including business owners assets, as opposed to only real estate and financial assets, could penalise job creators. After his 2017 election, President Emmanuel Macron refocused that tax from general wealth previously up to 1.5 per cent on assets above $1.53 million (Rs 1.14 crore) to now cover only real estate, earning him lasting criticism as president of the rich. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, legal experts say the tax could face constitutional hurdles, citing jurisprudence against confiscatory measures and taxes that single out specific groups. Zucman counters that the status quo violates the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which states tax must be borne equally in proportion to ability to pay. The Zucman tax would not make the ultra-rich pay more than others, he said, but ensure they do not pay less. Therefore, it is a simple matter of bringing our tax laws into line with the fundamental constitutional principle of equality before taxation, he said. It seems the debate on the Zucman tax is set to continue in France. With inputs from agencies Europe as a whole seems to be heading towards 70 as the age of retirement. This comes after news that Italy is considering freezing its retirement age at 67. Denmark, earlier this year, announced it would raise its retirement age to 70. How do the other European countries stack up? By 2040, the retirement age in Italy could rise to 68 years and one month. Reuters Many people the world over are looking forward to retirement. Its a time of life where you can kick back and enjoy yourself. Maybe take up a hobby like painting or travelling the world. Or spend more time with your friends and family. In India, 60 is the retirement age for government employees and most private firms. But not in Europe. The continent seems to be heading towards 70 as the age of retirement. This comes after news that Italy is considering freezing its retirement age at 67. Denmark earlier this year announced it would raise its retirement age to 70. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Italy weighs freezing its retirement age at 67 Italy is considering freezing its retirement age at 67 the same age when the pension kicks in. Under Italian law, increased life expectancy will result in the retirement age increasing to 67 years and three months by 2027. By 2040, the retirement age in Italy could rise to 68 years and one month. Though Italians are supposed to retire at 67, many actually do so earlier. Last year, the average retirement age was around 64.8 years. That number was 64.2 in 2023. However, labour unions and political parties have urged the government to freeze the retirement age at 67. This is because they worry that those working in difficult manual labour jobs will have a tougher time of it. However, many are wary. Italys Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has said this could be done but only for two years. Others are warning that freezing the retirement age despite life expectancy increasing would require political compromise, legal changes and even fiscal compromises. They warn that doing so could hurt the countrys credibility when it comes to rating agencies. Denmark to raise retirement age to 70 Italy isnt alone. Earlier this year, Denmark announced it would be raising its retirement age to 70 the highest in Europe by the year 2040. Denmark too has linked the retirement age to the life expectancy of its citizens. The country since 2006 has revised its retirement age upwards every five years. The retirement age is set to rise to 68 in 2030, 69 in 2035 and 70 in 2040. The new retirement age will apply to those born after 31 December 1970. The vote was passed by the countrys parliament 81 to 20. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, even Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that this isnt sustainable. Even Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, has admitted that raising the retirement age in perpetuity is not feasible. Reuters We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically, Frederiksen told BBC. You can't just keep saying that people have to work a year longer." Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, the chairman of a Danish trade union confederation, called the decision completely unfair. Denmark has a healthy economy and yet the EUs highest retirement age, he said. A higher retirement age means that [people will] lose the right to a dignified senior life. Others arent as concerned. Jesper Rangvid, professor of finance at the Copenhagen Business School and co-director of its Pension Research Centre, told CNBC, That means simply that younger people today will have to work longer before they can go on retirement. Theres nothing that prevents you from retiring earlier if you have the funds and the means to do so, Rangvid added. He said Denmark raising the retirement age is a message to the public. It sends a signal that this is what the politicians would like, that you should work longer, Rangvid added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other European nations Norway in 2025 changed its pension rules to standardise retirement, which was previously at age 67. Now, those born in 1964 or after must work longer an extra month per year. Only those in physically demanding jobs, known as Sliterordningen, can retire under the age of 65. Iceland, like Norway, also has a retirement age of 67. However, much of the labour force continues to work well after retirement age. The retirement age in the Netherlands is 66.6, while the UK and Ireland both have a retirement age of 66. Germany has a retirement age of 65.8, while Portugals retirement kicks in at 65.6. France, meanwhile, increased the retirement age to 64 amid massive protests and riots. Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron had to force the highly unpopular legislation through parliament without a vote. What the data show According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the retirement age for men in Europe is between 62 and 67 while the range for women is between 60 and 67. Men in Europe on average retire at around 64.7 years, while women do so at 63.8 years. Nordic nations such as Denmark, Norway, Iceland have among the highest retirement ages for men and women. Men in Europe on average retire at around 64.7 years, while women do so at 63.8 years. Reuters Greece, Luxembourg, Slovenia have lower retirement ages for both men and women (62), while Austria and Poland have some of the lowest retirement ages for women (60). By 2060, the average retirement age in Europe will be close to 67 years. By that year, Denmark will likely have the highest retirement age at 74. By comparison, Italy and Estonia will be at 71, while Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus will be around age 70. Finland and Slovakia will be around 69, Portugal at 68, UK, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Iceland around 67, and Ireland and Greece between 65 and 66. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In short? Buckle up, kids in Europe. Its gonna be a while before you put your feet up. With inputs from agencies Hungarys Viktor Orban is defying US President Donald Trump and Nato by continuing to import Russian oil and gas, even as Europe moves to cut ties with Moscow. Dependent on the Druzhba and TurkStream pipelines, Budapest claims infrastructure limits leave it no choice, but critics argue its a political decision Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia July 5, 2024. File Image/Sputnik via Reuters Despite mounting pressure, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains firm in his refusal to end Russian oil and gas imports, even as other European Union (EU) members diversify away from Russian energy supplies. At the heart of the issue lies Orbans close relationship with United States President Donald Trump. The Hungarian leaders stance has not only angered Washington but also complicated the EUs efforts to impose stronger sanctions on Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps demand: Nato must stop buying Russian oil In his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump intensified his calls for Nato allies to cut off Russian energy completely. Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he described as a brave man, Trump publicly criticised Nato nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas. China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. But inexcusably, even Nato countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products I found out about it two weeks ago, and I wasnt happy, Trump said. He went further, framing the purchases as an act of self-sabotage by Nato nations, Theyre funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one? Trump has repeatedly argued that for US-led sanctions to have any meaningful impact on Moscow, Nato members must join Washington in implementing similar measures. He declared that he would not impose the very strong round of powerful tariffs he has long promised against Russia until Nato nations act in unison. They have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, we are all wasting a lot of time, Trump warned. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he added: I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps frustration stems from the fact that nearly three years into the war, some European countries remain dependent on Russian energy, blunting the effect of Western sanctions. He also hinted that Nato should consider more aggressive defence measures, such as downing Russian aircraft if they violate alliance airspace. However, he later clarified that this would depend on the circumstances. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more cautious note, saying such action should only be taken if theyre attacking. Hungary: The last major importer of Russian oil in Nato While Trumps comments were directed at Nato as a whole, they were aimed most directly at Hungary, which is now one of only two EU countries alongside Slovakia still importing significant volumes of Russian oil. Hungarys state-owned MOL Group brings in approximately five million tonnes of crude annually via the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. This infrastructure links Russia to Central Europe and supplies refineries in both Hungary and Slovakia. For Orbans government, this dependence on Russian imports has grown rather than diminished since the start of the war. Prior to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 61 per cent of Hungarys oil came from Russia. Today, that figure has climbed to 86 per cent, making Hungary more reliant on Russian energy than at any point in recent history. Slovakia has also moved in the same direction and is now thought to be almost entirely dependent on Russian oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Natural gas follows a similar pattern. Hungary and Slovakia both receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline, which runs from Russia across the Black Sea and into southern Europe. These two countries have consistently been the most vocal in opposing EU-wide bans on Russian energy imports, arguing that they have no feasible alternatives. Hungarys defence: A purely physical question Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has defended his governments position by framing it as a matter of infrastructure and energy security rather than politics. We cant ensure the safe supply [of energy products] for our country without Russian oil or gas sources, Szijjarto told The Guardian on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly. While acknowledging that he understood Trumps stance, Szijjarto claimed that Hungarys situation is unique. For us, energy supplies are a purely physical question, he said. It can be nice to dream about buying oil and gas from somewhere [besides Russia] but we can only buy from where we have infrastructure. And if you look at the physical infrastructure, its obvious that without the Russian supplies, it is impossible to ensure the safe supply of the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This position reflects Hungarys heavy reliance on the Soviet-era Druzhba network and the fact that most of its energy infrastructure is geared toward imports from the east. According to Szijjarto, until sufficient alternative pipelines and routes are available, cutting ties with Russia would threaten the stability of Hungarys energy grid and economy. Choices versus necessities for Budapest Independent research organisations argue that Hungary and Slovakia do have realistic alternatives to Russian energy they simply have not pursued them aggressively. A report by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlighted several options. For crude oil, the countries could tap into Croatias Adria pipeline, which has spare capacity and could supply non-Russian sources of crude. In the case of natural gas, Hungary and Slovakia could access liquefied natural gas (LNG) through existing European infrastructure. LNG terminals in Germany, Poland, Italy, and Greece already handle global supplies, meaning these countries could secure deliveries from producers outside Russia. While the Hungarian government argues that Russian imports are cheaper, European Commission data paints a different picture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gas prices for end consumers in Hungary and Slovakia are among the highest in the EU, suggesting that ongoing purchases from Moscow are not delivering cost savings to households or businesses. Critics accuse Budapest of deliberately deepening its ties with Moscow despite knowing that this money is helping to finance Russias war in Ukraine the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. Slovakia signals willingness to shift Slovakia, while aligned with Hungary in resisting immediate sanctions, has shown more flexibility in recent weeks. Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova stated that her country has already spoken with the US about its energy dependence and received a sympathetic response. As long as we have an alternative route, and the transmission capacity is sufficient, Slovakia has no problem diversifying, Sakova said. This stance suggests that Bratislava may be open to transitioning away from Russian energy if the necessary infrastructure and logistical support are put in place. Orbans political calculus Orbans refusal to cut ties with Russia is also influenced by domestic politics. Hungary is set to hold parliamentary elections next year, and the availability of affordable energy is a key issue for voters. By maintaining a steady flow of Russian oil and gas, Orban can portray himself as protecting Hungarian households from rising costs, even if data shows consumers are paying some of the highest rates in the EU. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meets Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, US, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released July 12, 2024. Viktor Orban via Facebook via Reuters This strategy has worked for Orban in the past. He has repeatedly used his veto power within the EU to delay sanctions against Moscow, only backing down when offered concessions or financial incentives. This has earned him a reputation as a skilled negotiator willing to leverage Hungarys position within the bloc for political gain. At the same time, Orban has maintained cordial relations with both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has been outspoken in his criticism of Ukraine and has positioned himself as a defender of Hungarian sovereignty against what he views as EU overreach. With inputs from agencies Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed surprise that the Indian-American diaspora has remained silent on recent US policy decisions that adversely affect India Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed surprise over the muted response of the Indian-American community to recent US policy decisions that adversely affect India. Speaking after a meeting between Indias Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and a visiting US Congressional delegation, Tharoor underlined that the silence of one of the most politically influential immigrant communities in America was both puzzling and disappointing. One of the points we raised was why the Indian-American diaspora has been so silent about all of this, Tharoor said. He added that one of the visiting Congresswomen revealed her office had not received even a single phone call from Indian-American voters urging her to support policy changes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is something that is surprising, Tharoor remarked. Policy frictions testing ties The timing of Tharoors comments is significant. The meeting took place against the backdrop of policy frictions that have tested IndiaUS relations in recent months. These include Washingtons decision to impose a one-time $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, tariffs on Indian exports such as garments and gems and sanctions affecting Indias development of Irans Chabahar Port. While these measures have triggered unease in New Delhi, the lack of vocal pushback from Indian-Americansmany of whom are directly impacted by visa restrictionshas raised eyebrows in the Indian political establishment. Case for diaspora advocacy Tharoors call was not just a lament but also a challenge to the diaspora to use its political weight more effectively. Indian-Americans are among the wealthiest and most professionally successful communities in the US, with growing representation in politics, technology and academia. Yet, their silence on issues directly shaping IndiaUS ties suggests a gap between identity pride and political action. If you care about the relationship with your motherland, then you also have to fight for it, speak for it and make more of an effort to press your political representatives to stand up for India, Tharoor urged. His words point to an irony: a community celebrated for its achievements in America seems hesitant to leverage its influence when Indias interests are at stake. A warm but watchful partnership The five-member US delegationcomprising Democrats, four from California, and led by Congressman Ami Berasought to reassure Indian counterparts of bipartisan support for India. Tharoor acknowledged that the lawmakers were already friends of India, well disposed towards India, and that they spoke warmly of the partnership. The most important message that came out from them, he said, was that a lot of American opinion, including in the US Congress, is very strongly committed to the Indian relationship. This reassurance highlights that India continues to enjoy goodwill in Washington, even as specific policy decisions create strain. Between goodwill and complacency The episode shows a paradox. While the IndiaUS strategic partnership remains on a strong footing, policy irritants demand greater advocacy and lobbying, particularly from those most positioned to influence US lawmakersthe diaspora. Tharoors surprise at their silence is therefore not just rhetorical but a warning. Unless Indian-Americans speak up, goodwill alone may not be enough to shield bilateral ties from recurring tensions. India is taking its Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) campaign global. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a defence facility in Morocco on Tuesday, a historic first for Indias defence industry abroad Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi, inaugurated on Tuesday a manufacturing plant set up by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in Moroccos Berrechid for the production of wheeled armoured personnel carriers. Spread over 20,000 square metres, the facility is Indias first-ever defence manufacturing plant in Africa and Moroccos largest such plant. Under its contract with the government of Morocco, TASL will deliver the Wheeled Armoured Platform 88 (WhAP 88), with initial deliveries scheduled to begin next month. The facility became operational three months ahead of schedule, and production has already commenced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This milestone marks the first overseas defence manufacturing facility established by a private Indian company, underlining Indias capability to design and deliver advanced combat vehicle platforms in partnership with DRDO, TASL said. How deep are India-Morocco defence ties? India and Moroccos defence ties have steadily deepened over the past three years, moving from naval port calls and military training to industrial cooperation. The Berrechid plant crowns this process, shifting the relationship from dialogue to tangible capability. Singh described the inauguration as a historic moment in the evolving strategic partnership between India and Morocco, highlighting how the WhAPs rollout symbolises a broader convergence of strategic goals. The WhAP itself represents a leap in combat platform versatility. Designed jointly by TASL and Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it features modular configurationsfrom infantry fighting vehicle to command post, mortar carrier and ambulance. Equipped with advanced protection systems, an independent suspension, and adaptability for manned or unmanned weapon stations, the WhAP embodies what Singh called Indias vision to develop capabilities that allow us to become a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products for the world. How it boosts Moroccos industrial ambitions? The TASM facility directly supports Moroccos push for a homegrown defence industry. Production will start with 35 per cent locally sourced components, rising to 50 percent. Singh stressed that the project would generate significant employment and create a robust local ecosystem of engineers, technicians and suppliers in Morocco. According to TASL, the facility has already generated both direct and indirect jobs, developed a supplier base and built critical in-country technology capabilities and product support. This aligns with Rabats broader industrial policies. The Defence Industrial Zones Management Company (SGZID) and new legislative frameworks aim to reduce reliance on imports and create two dedicated defence industrial zones. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Berrechid facility is therefore not only producing for the Royal Moroccan Army but will also expand to export friendly countries, especially in Africa, according to Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL. Indias Atmanirbharata goes global For India, the Berrechid facility is a global projection of Atmanirbhar Bharatself-reliant India. For India, self-reliance does not mean isolation; rather, we aim to develop strategic autonomy under Aatmanirbharta, Singh noted at the ceremony. Along with Make in India, we are also pursuing Make with Friends and Make for the World, this facility in Morocco is a shining example of that approach. TASLs chief added that this facility marks our strategic initiative to begin offering designed-in-India defence technology systems to friendly countries overseas. The symbolism is clear: India has moved from being a defence importer to positioning itself as an exporter of advanced systems, using Morocco as a gateway to Africa. How are India, Morocco shaping a shared future? The WhAP plant is not just about rolling out armoured vehiclesit is a convergence point for two nations seeking strategic autonomy through cooperation. For Morocco, it accelerates its path to a sustainable, homegrown defence base. For India, it showcases an ability to design, build, and export advanced defence technologies under global partnerships. In Singhs words, This is not just the opening of a new plant, but the beginning of a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between India and Morocco. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested Mohammad Yousuf, who allegedly provided logistical support to terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, sources told CNN-News 18. Indian police officers stand guard at a check point following a suspected militant attack, near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. Reuters The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday arrested Mohammad Yousuf Kataria, who allegedly provided logistical support to terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, sources told CNN-News 18. Yousef, who is allegedly a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF), was arrested after analysis of weapons seized in Operation Mahadev led authorities to him, sources said. Yousef, a native of J&Ks Kulgam, was arrested two days after he was called in for interrogation, according to sources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Srinagar Police have arrested an OGW [overground worker] from South Kashmir, identified as Mohd Yousuf Katari, 26, of Kulgam. He had a role in providing logistical support to the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev," a police official told CNN-News18. In the Pahalgam attack, terrorists on April 22 killed 26 persons, most of whom were tourists. Pakistan-based and -backed TRF, an offshoot of LeT, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Union government said that three terrorists involved in the attack were killed near Srinagar. In a statement in Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Indain Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police killed three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack in a security operation on July 28 named Operation Mahadev. He said that investigation had established that they belonged to LeT. He said that they were named Suleman alias Faizal, Afghani, and Jibran. Shah said, While Suleman was an A-category commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Afghani was also an A-category Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, and Jibran too was a notorious and wanted terrorist. All these three terrorists involved in the killing of our citizens at Baisaran valley in Pahalgam have now been eliminated. Shah said that weapons and bullets recovered from these terrorists matched those used in the Pahalgam attack. The empty cartridges found at Pahalgam and those after test firing by the recovered guns were matched by the forensic lab, said Shah Six forensic experts have confirmed to me on a video call this morning that these are the same bullets used in the Pahalgam attack, said Shah. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD MiG-21 was first inducted into the IAF in 1963 and served with elan in nearly every conflict involving India since then As the sun sets on one of the most iconic fleets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the MiG-21 flies into history, it is a nostalgic time for a few generations of pilots, engineers, and other air warriors who were hands-on and rubbed shoulders with this great machine. IAF finally winds down the last MiG-21 Bison, the 23 Squadron Panthers, on 26 September, at a very special ceremony at Chandigarh, the very airbase where the MiG-21 had first been inducted into IAF. The MiG-21 is the most mass-produced supersonic fighter jet in military aviation history, with over 11,000 produced. It was known for its small size, lightweight, speed, agility, manoeuvrability, and versatility. It could operate as a high-altitude air defence interceptor, had a significant ground attack capability, and was also used in a reconnaissance role. The revolutionary design for its time featured a pencil fuselage with a delta wing and a conventional tailplane whose response was controlled by a very simple but unique mechanism, the ARU (Automated Regulator Unit). The very characteristic shock cone in the front air intake was unique and peculiar, and left little space for a decent-sized radar. Like many aircraft designed as interceptors, the MiG-21 had a short range. The aircraft was known for its simple, rugged, and affordable design, making it ideal for widespread adoption. It was first inducted into the IAF in 1963 and served for over six decades. It served with elan in nearly every conflict involving India since then and especially proved its combat edge against better adversaries in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Despite a significant upgrade, the aircraft had aged and become technologically outdated, and was gradually phased out from most air forces. IAF was among the very few air forces that stretched the aircraft to beyond sixty years. In later years, the aircraft was given negative monikers, perhaps unfairly, like flying coffin and widow maker due to a spate of fatal accidents, thus putting greater pressure for its retirement. As Air Chief Marshal Tipnis once wrote, a lady whose enormous virtues get obliterated by the mishaps blown out of proportion. Kudos not just to the pilots but more so to the engineers and ground crew who kept the machines flying. Its retirement is an emotional time for a few generations of Indian fighter pilots. Indian media is replete with nostalgic reminiscences of great aviators and Air Veterans. The author himself honed his combat flying skills on this aircraft starting in 1974. He was later the Team Leader of the MiG-21 Upgrade project in Russia during 19962000. The aircraft was to be replaced by Tejas LCA Mk1 & 1A. Hopefully Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will be able to ramp up production and fill the IAF with numbers. The MiG-21 Story The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 was designed as a supersonic jet interceptor aircraft by the MiG Design Bureau of the Soviet Union. It made its maiden flight on 16 June 1955. The MiG-21 was an airplane that hewed to the classic perfect is the enemy of good enough approach. The Soviets wanted to fill the sky with thousands of simple, lightweight, reliable jets. Over 60 countries across four continents have flown the MiG-21. A combat-loaded MiG-21bis could climb at 46,250 ft/min, quite close to the performance of the later F-16A. MiG-21s were replaced by the newer variable-geometry MiG-23 and MiG-27 for ground support duties. However, it was only the MiG-29 that ultimately replaced the MiG-21 as a manoeuvring dogfighter to counter new American air superiority types. The maximum speed of 2,237 km/h or Mach 2.05 at 13,000 m, and 1,300 km/h or Mach 1.06 at sea level, was formidable for its time. The aircraft armament included one GSh-23 mm gun with 200 rounds. It had 5 hard-points with a capacity of up to 2,000 kg of stores, with provisions to carry combinations of bombs, rockets, and missiles or fuel drop-tanks. In later variants it included the latest air-to-air missiles: the R-73, R-77, and R-27. In the Vietnam War, despite US F-4 Phantoms having massive firepower, good on-board radar, better speed and acceleration, they suffered higher losses. The first-ever MiG-21 victory came in 1966 over Vietnam, when a North Vietnamese pilot shot down an American Ryan Firebee surveillance drone cruising at 59,000 feet. Its small frontal profile and lightweight design made the MiG-21 difficult for adversary pilots to spot, providing a crucial element of surprise. On 26 December 1972, a Vietnamese MiG-21MF claimed the first aerial combat kill of a B-52 Stratofortress, launching two K-13 missiles from 2 kilometres. It led the US Navy to create their Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in March 1969. The USAF quickly began Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) in a program called Red Flag. The losses forced American pilots to adapt new strategies and ultimately develop improved tactics. The MiG-21 significantly outperformed the F-105 in most flight regimes. According to Russian data, in air battles, the North Vietnamese MiG-21s credited 165 air victories, with the loss of 65 aircraft (a few by accident) and 16 pilots. As per another source, STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD the MiG-21 variants scored 240 lifetime victories by the end of 2017. The MiG-21 IAF Variants In 1961, the IAF opted to purchase the MiG-21 over several other Western competitors. As part of the deal, the Soviet Union offered India full transfer of technology and rights for local assembly. Since 1963, IAF has inducted more than 1,200 different MiG fighters. Meanwhile, factories were set up at Nasik (aircraft), Hyderabad (avionics), and Koraput (engines) with Soviet assistance. HAL produced 657 aircraft of three variants: MiG-21FL, MiG-21M, and MiG-21bis. The first MiG-21 variant introduced into the IAF in 1963 was the MiG-21 Type-74. The MiG-21FL (Type-77), inducted in 1966, was a significant upgrade, as the IAF insisted on improvements such as a twin-barrel 23 mm gun pack. It was the first variant to be manufactured in India by HAL and marked the beginning of the MiG-21s role in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat for the IAF. It was powered by the Tumanskii R-11 engine having 60.6 kN (13,635 lbf) thrust with afterburner. The aircraft performed outstandingly in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Type-96, the MiG-21M/MF fighter jet, was introduced to India in 1973. It had a significant upgrade featuring R-11 or R-13 engines, upgraded radar (Almaz), and improved air-to-air missiles (R-60). It was also assembled locally by HAL. The Type-96 served in various roles, including point defence and photo reconnaissance using British Vinten cameras. The Type-75 (MiG-21bis) was the ultimate development of the original MiG-21 design. Inducted in 197578, it featured the more powerful Tumansky R-25-300 turbojet engine and significantly improved avionics, including a search-and-track radar, compared to earlier models. It also included a Sirena-3 RWR (radar warning receiver), an IFF (identification friend or foe) system, and a gyro gun-sight. It was a multirole aircraft capable of air-to-air combat and ground attack with bombs and missiles. MiG-21 Upgrade Bison To stretch its operational life and to give it significant multi-role capability, IAF went for the MiG-21 upgrade in the mid-1990s, jointly with the MiG Design Bureau in Russia. The aircraft was named Bison. It had a MiG-29 bubble canopy and wraparound windscreen; a far more capable Kopyo radar; a helmet-mounted weapons sight; a redesigned HOTAS cockpit (Hands on Throttle and Stick); and beyond-visual-range, fire-and-forget advanced missiles such as the R-73 and R-77, with better navigation and communication systems. It also got the ELTA EW Pod, an indigenous RWR Tarang, improved avionics, and a new head-up display. It also acquired TV-guided bombs. A total of 125 were inducted in six squadrons. The Indian upgrade team was able to convince designers to change the old MiG-29 type display symbology to the Western approach symbols, like in Mirage 2000 and Jaguar, on HUD and MFD. These and other modifications created a fourfold increase in the airplanes capability and brought it up to roughly the level of the early F-16 variants. Its crowning moment came when Wing Commander Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16 in 2019. MiG-21s Operational History in India Due to limited induction numbers and insufficient pilot training, the IAF MiG-21 played a limited role in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. However, the IAF gained valuable experience. The capabilities of the MiG-21 were put to the test during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The MiG-21s played a crucial role in giving the IAF air superiority in both western and eastern theatres. The 1971 war witnessed the first supersonic air combat in the subcontinent when an Indian MiG-21FL claimed a PAF F-104A Starfighter with its GSh-23 twin-barrel 23 mm cannon. By the end of the hostilities, the IAF MiG-21FLs had shot down four PAF F-104s, two Shenyang F-6s, and one PAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules. According to one Western military analyst, the MiG-21FLs had clearly won the much-anticipated air combat between the MiG-21FL and the F-104A. In the eastern sector, the MiG-21 played a crucial role for the IAF, earning the moniker runway buster for its ground attack capabilities. Repeat attacks on December 6 and 7, 1971, successfully cratered the runways at Tejgaon and Kurmitola near Dhaka, effectively grounding the PAF in the eastern sector. On December 14, 1971, four MiG-21s from the Tezpur airbase led by Wg Cdr Bishnoi (VrC & Bar) attacked the Governors House in Dhaka, paving the way for the surrender of Pakistani forces. Because of the performance of Indias MiG-21s, several nations, including Iraq, approached India for MiG-21 pilot training. By the end of the 1970s, more than 120 Iraqi pilots were being trained by the IAF. On 10 August 1999, two MiG-21Bis of the IAF intercepted and shot down a Pakistan Naval Air Arm Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft with an R-60 missile after it entered Indian airspace for surveillance. However, the plane had been plagued by safety issues. Since 1970, more than 170 Indian pilots and 40 civilians have been killed in MiG-21 accidents. The aircraft engine operates very close to its surge line in some regimes, and the ingestion of even a small bird can lead to an engine surge, seizure, or flameout. On 11 December 2013, the MiG-21FL was decommissioned after being in service for 50 years. A Farewell Salute The MiG-21 has been called the AK-47 of airplanes. Rock-solid airframe, noted a former MiG-21 ground technician. Really, the thing only needs to be topped off with fluids, and it just goes and goes. When the US Air Force operated MiG-21s as adversary aircraft combat trainers, they found them to be, in the words of one crew chief, Just like your family car. As long as its full of fuel, you pull it out of the garage and start it up. With a set of home socket wrenches and screwdrivers, you could get a lot of maintenance done on the little jet, said another crew chief. Even more important is the fact that a MiG-21bis can be had for $500,000. A second-hand F-16C can cost a small country $15 million. As Air Chief Marshal Tipnis wrote a few years back, The beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The IAF, given its professional adaptability and ingenuity, so masterfully handled this great machine, albeit accepting (Hobsons choice) some of its limitations. At one point, the IAF had nearly 20 MiG-21 squadrons. For a long time, the fleet most masterfully shouldered the responsibility for Stage III fighter pilot training of the IAF. Air Chief Tipnis further put it most succinctly: The MiG-21 has taken hundreds of pilots onto her lap, taught them, challenged their skills, done their bidding, executed their tasks, brought them indescribable joys, carried them through their occasional crassness and, alas, sometimes inevitably succumbed to her own frailty, or to her masters ineptness. How many of the privileged few, who have tasted the ecstasy of the blue yonder with this trusted mate, have felt they had their Makers final call, but had it adjourned to another day through the blessed stubbornness of our beloved lady to protect her own? The MiG-21 safety record is certainly not enviable. IAF military combat training put high demands on pilots skills and aircraft performance. The aircraft did put continuous high demands on skills, alertness, mental resilience, and steadiness of nerve. Sometimes, under critical conditions, it overtaxed a pilots reserves in some of these essentials; even a transitory lapse could prove disastrous. There still are around 44 privately owned MiG-21s in the US. Draken International acquired 30 MiG-21bis/UMs, mostly ex-Polish, and was last known to still be operating them. Robert Farley wrote in the National Interest portal that a few designs stand the test of time. The B-52 Stratofortress first flew in 1952 and is expected to cross a century in service. New C-130s continue to roll off the production line, based on a design that became operational in 1954. But those are bombers and transport aircraft; they dont fight one another. Fighters face a special problem of longevity, because they must compete directly with newer models. Thus, very few fighters have had long lifespans, either in production or in service. The MiG-21 was an exception. It could exceed Mach 2.0, with an internal cannon and the capacity to carry between two and six missiles. Like most fighters, the MiG-21 would eventually serve in a ground attack role, in which it could carry a limited number of bombs and rockets. Most modern fighters dont fly much faster than the MiG-21 or manoeuvre much more capably. While they do carry more ordnance and have more sophisticated electronic equipment, many air forces can treat these as luxuries, as they simply want a cheap, fast, easy-to-maintain aircraft that can patrol airspace and occasionally drop a few bombs. The MiG-21 fitted the bill. It remains one of the iconic fighters of the supersonic age. Several pilots attained ace status (five or more aerial victories) while flying the MiG-21. Nguyen Van Coc of the Vietnam Peoples Air Force, who scored nine kills in MiG-21s, is regarded as the most successful MiG-21 pilot of all time. Twelve other VPAF pilots were credited with five or more aerial victories while flying the MiG-21. Additionally, three Syrian pilots are known to have attained ace status while flying the MiG-21. The record for the highest number of sorties on a MiG-21 belongs to IAFs Air Commodore Surendra Singh Tyagi (Retd), with over 6,000 sorties. He also holds the world record for the most flying hours on the aircraft, with 4,003 hours. His extensive experience with the MiG-21 is recognised by the Russians. As the great era closes to its end, some ancient MiGs may still be flying in the hands of warbird enthusiasts long after the last B-52 shuts down forever. Notwithstanding the criticism enveloping the extended life of the various variants of the MiG-21 and its growing vulnerability to technical defects and crashes in an era of social media scrutiny, the IAF squeezed the last bit of operational juice and now has rightly decided to retire the evergreen aeroplane that has been piloted by four generations of fighter pilots in the IAF. Adieu, the Silver Beauty. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact is likely to have limited implications for India, given its strong business ties with Saudi Arabia, but it should still be a concern for New Delhi Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embraces Mohammed bin Salman (R), the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, after signing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2025. Image courtesy: X/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia On September 17, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The ceremony at the Royal Court in al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh was witnessed by senior officials from Saudi Arabia, alongside representatives from Pakistan, which included the Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. To quote the joint statement, This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The deal comes at a critical moment. Regional politics have been upended by two years of Israeli aggression, including its war on Gaza and strikes on neighbouring states, capped by last weeks Israeli attack on Doha, Qatars capital, which borders Saudi Arabia. In the Indian context it was signed soon after Operation Sindoor. Describing the deal as the culmination of years of discussions, a senior Saudi official said that this is not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries. This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means, while declining to specify if it includes Pakistans nuclear arsenal. History of Pakistan: Saudi Military Relations The agreement builds on nearly eight decades of close partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared Islamic heritage and long-standing defence cooperation. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to recognise Pakistan after its independence. In 1951, the two nations signed a Treaty of Friendship, laying the foundation for decades of strategic, political, military, and economic cooperation. Pakistani troops went to Saudi Arabia in the late 1960s amid concerns about Egypts war in Yemen at the time. The military cooperation deepened after the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca, when Pakistans Special Forces helped Saudi troops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1982, the two sides institutionalised security ties through a Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement, which further cemented this cooperation by ensuring the deputation of Pakistan Armed Forces personnel and military training in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, over 8,000 Saudis have been trained by Pakistan since 1967. Brigadier Feroz Hassan Khan, in his book Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb, said Saudi Arabia provided generous financial support to Pakistan that enabled the nuclear programme to continue, especially when the country was under sanctions". But the pact comes at a time when the Middle Easts geopolitical chessboard is in flux. Saudi Arabia has two primary adversaries, Iran and Israel, and relies on the US for its security needs. However, the fallout from Israels war on Gaza and its strikes on regional neighbours has made Gulf states uneasy, as America remains Israels closest ally. Incidentally, Qatar, which was attacked by Israel on September 9 for hosting Hamas leaders, serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apparently, approximately 40,00050,000 US troops are stationed across the Middle East, deployed in large bases and smaller forward sites, including Prince Sultan Air Base outside Riyadh. While the deal is being viewed as a landmark moment in the decades-old alliance between the two nations whose ties stretch back nearly eight decades. But Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US diplomat with long experience in Afghanistan and Pakistan, expressed concern over the deal, saying it comes in dangerous times. Pakistan has nuclear weapons and delivery systems that can hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. It also is developing systems that can reach targets in the US," Khalilzad wrote on X. The Agreement Strengthens Relations Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement with Saudi Arabia reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen security and promote regional peace, while also pledging to strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. However, the clause to strengthen defence cooperation and joint deterrence across various military and defensive means is important. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. This Nato-style wording will be viewed in Islamabad as a major diplomatic victory. In his 2024 book War, American journalist Bob Woodward recounted a conversation in which Saudi Crown Prince MBS reportedly told US Senator Lindsey Graham that Riyadh planned to enrich uranium only for energy purposes. When Graham expressed concern about the prospect of a Saudi bomb, Woodward wrote, Salman replied, I dont need uranium to make a bomb. I will just buy one from Pakistan. However, the clarity about the ambit of the agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with regard to nuclear weapons remains unclear. Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan Ambassador to the US, posted on X, Most likely, Pakistan will now be able to buy US weapons it needs with Saudi money, which the Trump administration seems willing to sell. Implications for India While the deal appears to be aimed at Israel, Yemen and Iran, it has implications and consequences for India. The present state of India-Pakistan relations necessitates that Pakistan entering into a formal defence pact with another country could affect Indias security, diplomatic, and foreign policy calculus, and external backing could also lower Pakistans threshold for confrontation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement could rebalance the Pakistan-Saudi relationship, which in recent years has been defined by Saudi financial bailouts for a struggling Pakistani economy, even as Saudi Arabia and India have got closer in recent years. The question remains as to whether Saudi Arabia has committed itself to Pakistans disputes with India and potentially with the Taliban-led Afghanistan. No wonder, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The government remains committed to protecting Indias national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains. While there are many unanswered questions regarding the pact, specifically regarding what it does or does not cover, including deterrence, resource commitment, and operational details, that does not diminish the significance of this pact. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which passes through Saudi Arabia, could also now face headwinds, as the defence pact with Pakistan complicates Indias efforts to deepen strategic and economic ties with the kingdom. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But it seems that the pact is likely to have a limited role for India, as India is a close business partner of Saudi Arabia, which has invested billions of dollars and plans to invest more than $100 billion in five years. In fact, Saudi Arabia is Indias fourth-largest trading partner, while India ranks as Riyadhs second-largest partner. The annual trade in 202425 reached $42.98 billion, whereas trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is much smaller, at about $3-4 billion. India is also one of the biggest importers of Saudi oil. This makes it unlikely that Riyadh would take steps that might not be in Indias interests. A senior Saudi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace whichever way we can. Conclusion In the Cold War era, Pakistan signed a Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement with Washington in 1954 and became a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) the same year. The following year, Pakistan joined Iran, Turkey and others in the Baghdad Pact, or the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO).However, these 1950s alliances did not lead to automatic US military intervention on Pakistans behalf during its conflicts with India in 1965 and 1971though being an American ally emboldened Pakistan in 1965, and in 1971, US support was indeed overt. This highlights the fact that defence agreements often come with caveats and context. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even with China, despite extensive defence cooperation, Pakistan lacks a formal mutual defence pact. But for Saudi Arabia it is a signal that it is willing to diversify alliances beyond traditional Western security guarantees and an acknowledgement of waning American influence. In the immediate term, this agreement will consolidate and formalise multi-pronged defence cooperation already under way and open new avenues to expand it via joint training, defence production and potential expansion of the Pakistani troop contingent in Saudi Arabia. The political and defence coordination between the two sides will deepen, while strengthening the respective military capabilities of both countries. For Saudi Arabia, it strengthens defence against threats from Iran, Yemens Houthi militias, and the regional turbulence caused by Israel. However, Pakistan now risks entanglement in Saudi Arabias regional rivalries, particularly with Iran. By declaring that an attack on one will be treated as an attack on both, the pact aims to deter potential aggressors and raise the cost of hostile actions against either country. For India, the agreement has strategic implications which are concerning. Pakistan is Indias main security rival, armed with nuclear weapons. Hence, this pact with Saudi Arabia gives Pakistan political backing and financial cover that could embolden it to escalate tensions. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Investors are reassessing the AI boom as tech stocks waver and Nvidias stock slips. Experts debate if AI mirrors the dot-com bubble, weighing massive investments against uncertain returns and real business impact. Investors are increasingly questioning the sustainability of the current AI boom, as volatility shakes technology stocks and prompts comparisons with the dot-com era. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 slipped, while Nvidias stock gave up half of the value it had gained just a day earlier, following the companys announcement that it plans to invest $100 billion in OpenAI. The sudden pullback has left market-watchers debating whether the AI frenzy resembles the speculative excesses of the early 2000s tech bubble. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some analysts see parallels. Bain & Company estimates that the technology sector must invest $500 billion annually to meet the rising demand for AI, yet companies would need to generate $2 trillion in sales to fully recoup those investments. The scale of required spending highlights both the opportunity and the risk embedded in the AI revolution. Despite these concerns, some commentators argue that the AI boom differs from previous bubbles because companies are primarily funding their AI initiatives with existing profits rather than borrowed capital. They arent mortgaging their future, said one market observer, suggesting that while valuations are high, the underlying financial foundation is more stable than during the dot-com era. Still, not all companies appear ready to translate AI investment into measurable business outcomes. A Financial Times review found that only a small number of U.S. firms could clearly explain how AI is changing their businesses for the better. The gap between ambitious spending and demonstrable results has added to investor caution, raising questions about which companies can genuinely capitalize on the AI wave and which might fall short. The AI booms sustainability remains a central debate. While some argue that high-profile investment and rapid adoption signal a transformative shift, others caution that the current enthusiasm may be inflating expectations faster than companies can deliver tangible returns. Investors are therefore weighing the promise of AI-driven growth against the reality of mounting costs and uncertain revenue potential. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Nvidias market response and broader tech sector fluctuations demonstrate, even industry leaders are not immune to investor scepticism. The coming months will likely reveal whether AI represents a lasting technological revolution or a bubble inflated by optimism and hype. After sightings of suspected Russian drones shut airports in Copenhagen and Oslo, Denmark has joined the European Unions (EU) efforts to build a drone wall to safeguard eastern European nations from Russian aerial threats. After suspected Russian drone incursions in Copenhagen and Oslo, Denmark has joined European Unions (EU) efforts to build a drone wall to safeguard eastern Europe from Russian aerial threats. Denmark will join Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria in a meeting on Friday to build drone-centric air defences dubbed a drone wall along EUs eastern flank. The EU has launched the initiative at a time when Russian fighter planes and drones have ramped up aerial incursions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Denmark has joined the initiative after drone sightings on Monday shut airports in Copenhagen and Oslo for several hours. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen blamed Russia and called it the most serious attack so far against Danish critical infrastructure. We do not yet know all the details, but it is clear that this fits into the pattern we have seen recently: Russian airspace violations, unwanted drone activity in several other European countries in Poland, Romania, and Estonia, and last night also in Norway, said Frederiksen in Danish. In recent weeks, as part of ramped up Russian aggression on Europe, Russian planes and drones have breached the airspace of several European nations that are also Nato members, such as Poland, Romania, and Estonia. In the most serious incursion, Poland said it shot down Russian drones after at least 19 Russian drones entered its airspace on the intervening night of September 9-10. In Estonia, Nato fighter planes intercepted Russian aircraft. EU, Nato beef up eastern flank with 150 billion programme With initiatives such as the drone wall, the EU and Nato are beefing up Europes eastern flank that is most vulnerable to Russian aggression. Observers have said that Russia could target eastern European countries like Lithuania, Moldova, and Estonia after Ukraine in the coming years. In a remarkable shift, the EU largely an economic bloc has increasingly acquired a military dimension in the face of the Russian threat. The EU has rolled out a 150 billion programme to boost defence preparedness. The fund is expected to contribute to the drone wall. Poland, which borders Ukraine and is the main Nato military power in eastern Europe, has been tentatively allocated 44 billion from the fund, as per Euronews. At the moment, it is not clear how the drone wall might work and what it might include. But Euronews has reported that the initiative will include both detection of incursions and subsequent intervention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Technical work on the initiative is ongoing and it will not be a decision made unilaterally by the EU but is being driven instead by member states, according to Thomas Regnier, the EU spokesperson for defence policy. The two main factors that the Commission [European Commission, the EUs main executive body] is asking itself, of course, are: one side is the detection of incoming drones, and then the second element, which is fully linked to that, is how to respond then once we detect one, said Regnier, as per Euronews. While Regnier did not specify the launch date of the drone wall, he said that recent events show that we cannot sit here and wait for things to happen before we need to act in an apparent reference to rising Russian aerial incursions. Amid turmoil created by US President Donald Trumps tariffs, India and the European Union (EU) will start the next round of trade talks on October 6 as part of efforts to conclude a trade agreement by the end of the year. European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on February 28, 2025. (Photo: Altaf Hussain/Reuters) Amid global turmoil created by US President Donald Trumps tariffs, India and the European Union (EU) will start the next round of trade talks on October 6 as part of efforts to reach a trade deal by the end of the year. The 14th round of negotiations is scheduled in Brussels from October 6 to 10, a senior official in Ministry of Commerce and Industry told Nikkei Asia. The previous round of India-EU trade talks was held in Delhi from September 8 to 12. The official quoted above told the newspaper that the two sides achieved significant progress in many areas in that round. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India 25 per cent tariff as part of the rollout of so-called reciprocal tariffs on over 60 countries and 25 per cent additional tariff as a punishment for the purchase of Russian oil. After intensive negotiations, the EU reached a deal with Trump that meant the bloc faced a baseline tariff of 15 per cent that covered most goods. Some goods, such as steel, face a higher tariff of 50 per cent. As part of efforts to contain the fallout from Trumps tariffs, India and EU are exploring each other as a new destination and a source of investments. Hence both the sides have formally committed to concluding a trade deal by the end of the year. As Firstposts Madhur Sharma previously reported, India has stepped up negotiations with many countries and blocs for better access to their markets, and attracting investment from there, such as South Americas Peru and Chile; the EU; and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). India is also looking to benefit from recent trade deals with the United Kingdom and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. What do India & EU want in trade deal? India and the EU are looking forward to conclude a mutually beneficial deal, an Indian official tod Nikkei Asia. In ongoing negotiations, India is pressing for tariff cuts in labour-intensive sectors like textiles, gems, and jewelry, and the EU wants duty concessions in segments such as automobiles and wine, the official said. As the two sides have to converge their interests to reach a mutually beneficial deal, such negotiations take time, the official said. As Firstposts Madhur Sharama previously reported, one of the main reasons India-US trade talks hit a roadblock was Trumps focus to get all the benefits instead of the win-win deal that India wanted. Firstpost reported that Indian and American negotiators were close to finalising a draft for a trade deal well ahead of the August 1 deadline but Trump ramped up his demands out of nowhere and blew up the progress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ Tariff tirade to Cold War: Trump risks undoing 3 decades of India-US partnership Trump also proved to be a fickle, offering India tariff rates of 10 per cent, 15 per cent, and 19 per cent at various points, Firstpost previously reported. Such an unpredictable manner in serious bilateral trade pact talks suggests that President Trump is not negotiating in good faith and wants all gains from a deal for himself instead of a win-win deal, according to Ram Singh, a professor of international trade and business at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). India has always valued its autonomy. India will not agree to an unequal trade deal like Japan or South Korea, which are dependent on the United States for security. The current trade tensions and the way US officials have conducted themselves in unprecedented. Previously, they understood Indian positions. Now, they have a my way or the highway approach and want everything for themselves, Singh previously told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The late-night host has been frequently in the crosshairs of Trump and his administration. In the Monday show, he also criticised the flags being flown at half-staff in honour of Kirk, and mocked Trumps reaction to the shooting This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Image/Disney via AP Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional comeback on Tuesday night after ABC revoked the suspension of his talk show following a massive backlash from his supporters in Hollywood and others who blamed the Trump administration for stifling freedom of speech. This show is not important. Whats important is that we live in a country that allows us to have a show like this, Kimmel said as he asserted that President Donald Trumps move to block his show was anti-American. The late-night talk show was cancelled after host Jimmy Kimmel made comments about Charlie Kirk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Emmy-winning host said, It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. In his monologue, Kimmel accused Maga of painting Robinson as anything other than one of them. The Maga Gang desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it, he said in the Monday broadcast. The late-night host has been frequently in the crosshairs of Trump and his administration. In the Monday show, he also criticised the flags being flown at half-staff in honour of Kirk, and mocked Trumps reaction to the shooting. Kimmel defends freedom of speech The host recalled spending time with comedians from countries where people get thrown in prison for making fun of those in power, and worse. They know how lucky we are here. Our freedom to speak is what they admire most about this country, and thats something Im embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air, a reference to CBS host Stephen Colbert. Kimmel predicted that ABC and its parent company, Disney, would face increased scrutiny from the Trump administration for bringing back his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, just days after Trump falsely claimed Kimmel had been fired. Trump against reinstatement Hours before the shows reappearance, Trump took to social media to complain and threaten ABC. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE? he wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. It was not immediately clear what legal grounds Trump might think he has. Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday urged a criminal process against Trump at the UN over US strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which he said killed unarmed poor young people. Colombian president Gustavo Petro speaks during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro called at the UN General Assembly Tuesday for a "criminal process" to be opened against counterpart Donald Trump for US strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday, while addressing the UN General Assembly, called for a criminal process against Donald Trump over US strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean. Petro said unarmed poor young people were killed in the strikes, which Washington said targeted drug operations off Venezuelas coast, whose president it accuses of running a cartel. He described the strikes as murder and said they were carried out only for television. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In recent weeks, the US has sunk at least three vessels, killing at least 17 people. Washington claimed those on board were Venezuelan drug traffickers but has provided no evidence, sparking outrage over the legality of the attacks. At least a dozen people died in the strikes, which UN experts have called extrajudicial execution. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump dismissed concerns over the killings, saying he would crush drug smugglers. To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence, he told the assembly. Trump has deployed eight warships and a submarine to the southern Caribbean, the largest US military presence in the region for years, raising fears in Venezuela of a possible invasion. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Trump previously tried to oust during his first term, accused the US of seeking regime change. Thousands of Venezuelans have joined a civilian militia after Maduro urged citizens to defend the cash-strapped country against the US threat. Petro, whose country is the worlds largest cocaine producer, said he believes some of those killed in the strikes were Colombian. He argued that Trump should be investigated for targeting young people who simply wanted to escape poverty while many cartel leaders remain in the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A criminal process must be initiated against those officials who are from the United States. This includes the senior official who gave the order, President Trump, Petro said. Last week, the Trump administration decertified Colombia as a partner in the fight against drugs but stopped short of economic sanctions. Once close allies, relations have cooled under Petro, Colombias first-ever leftist president. French local governments have slammed the interior ministrys order to not hoist Palestinian flags even as President Emmanuel Macron announced the recognition of the Palestinian state. They highlighted that Ukrainian flags have also been flown on public buildings. The Palestinian flag flies next to the flag of the city of Nantes in front of the town hall in Nantes, France, the day the French President is due to officially announce France's recognition of the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, on September 22, 2025. (Photo: Stephane Mahe/Reuters) French local governments have slammed the central governments order to not hoist Palestinian flags even as the country has recognised the Palestinian state. President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France has recognised the Palestinian state. But the French interior ministry has ordered local governments to not hoist Palestinian flags. The order has confused French mayors. The interior ministry said that the display of flags on public buildings could lead to public unrest, according to Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The news agency further reported the ministry as saying that, as of Tuesday night, 86 town halls across France had flown the Palestinian flag in violation of the order last week that told regional government representatives to block such moves as per the French law. But local officials slammed the order. Nanterre Mayor Raphael Adam said that the situation was a complete misunderstanding to him, according to Reuters. You cant have a government asking its representatives to oppose raising a flag at the same time its recognising the state, said Adam. Some towns followed the interior ministrys directive to take down flags. However, they said that the directive undermined the message of solidary with Palestinians that Macron sought to convey with the recognition. Adams administration also took down the flag after the court ordered that flags must be taken down. Under French law, political, religious, or philosophical flags cannot be hoisted on public buildings. But officials have pointed out that Ukrainian flags have been flown and projected on Eiffel Tower in Paris. When we raised a Ukrainian flag, no one told us anything! Gilles Poux, the Mayor of La Courneuve, told Reuters. Speaking of neutrality is hypocritical. Liberty, equality, fraternity: theres nothing neutral about these values, Poux further said. An aid worker and a local group in Sudan said a drone strike by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces killed at least 15 people at a bustling market in the besieged city of elFasher, the capital of North Darfur. A drone strike by Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed at least 15 people at a busy market in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, aid workers and a local group reported. The attack comes just days after the RSF allegedly struck a mosque in the city, killing at least 70 people, including worshippers and three medical staff. The drone strike also injured 12, an aid worker with Emergency Response Rooms (ERR) told The Associated Press on Wednesday, citing doctors and ERR team members on the ground. The worker spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation from the RSF. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ERR said the attack occurred Monday night, while el-Fashers Resistance Committeesa network of local activists monitoring the conflictstated on Facebook that it happened early Tuesday. The timing could not be independently verified by AP. The Resistance Committees described the strike as part of a series of daily massacres by the RSF aimed at bringing the city to its knees and breaking the will of its residents. The RSF has not mentioned the market strike on its Telegram channel but claimed its fighters are advancing in el-Fasher and said it was evacuating hundreds of civilians, without providing evidence. The RSF didnt mention the incident on their Telegram channel but said that its fighters are making advances in el-Fasher, and claimed it was evacuating hundreds of civilians from el-Fasher, without providing evidence. The fight between the RSF and the military erupted in 2023 and soon turned into a civil war that enveloped the country, killing at least 40,000 people, according to the World Health Organization, displacing as many as 12 million others. Over 24 million people are acutely food insecure, according to the World Food Programme. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD El-Fasher is the militarys last stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region. Fighting between the two sides intensified in recent months and hundreds of civilians were killed in RSF attacks in the area since Apr. 10, according to a Friday report by the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. Some areas in Darfur currently face a dire situation, impacting peoples access to healthcare, food, and clean water, according to aid organizations. The number of reported cholera cases is increasing and more than 3,000 people across all of Sudan have died from the illness over the last 14 months of civil war, the U.N. health agency said Tuesday. The current outbreak of the bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water has spread to all 18 states in the war-torn country after it was declared an outbreak since July of last year, the WHO said. Both warring sides have been accused of committing atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians, including children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The minister also said that New Delhi expects to increase its trade with the US in energy products in the years to come, and the countrys energy security goals will have a significant element of US involvement Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called on the US not to weaponise trade as he attended the India-US strategic partnership forum in New York. The minister also said that New Delhi expects to increase its trade with the US in energy products in the years to come, and the countrys energy security goals will have a significant element of US involvement. Clearly, the world recognises that (energy security) is one area where we all have to work together. India is a big player in the energy field we are big importers of energy from across the world, including from the US, Goyal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goyal delivered the keynote address at an event, Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Building Resilient Energy Markets Across Borders hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and Indias leading decarbonisation solutions provider, ReNew. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is leading a delegation in New York for meetings with US counterparts aimed at securing an early conclusion to a bilateral trade agreement. Notable attendees at the event included Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur; Pankaj Jain, Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Mukesh Agni, CEO and President of USISPF; Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder of ReNew; and Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of ReNew. The ties between India and the US have been going through a rough patch after President Donald Trump increased tariffs on New Delhi for buying Russian oil, a move that he claims is feeding Moscows war machine. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said Trump is open to fixing the punitive tariffs imposed on India. Weve already seen the measures weve taken with regards to India, although thats something we hope we can fix. But and the President has the ability to do more, and hes considering doing more because of the direction this has taken, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies German Ambassador to India Phillip Ackermann said that Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech A US flag, a passport, mock US dollars and US H-1B Visa application forms are seen in this illustration taken, on Sunday. Reuters In an apparent dig at the US, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has called on Indian skilled professionals to consider relocating to Germany, following President Donald Trumps imposition of a $ 100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications last week. Indians are among the top earners in Germany. The average Indian working in Germany earns more than the average German working in Germany. Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech, Ambassador Ackermann said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that Germanys migration policy works like a German car, meaning that its reliable, modern and predictable. Ackermann further said that Germany does not change rules fundamentally overnight, unlike the US, which imposed a whopping $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The ruling is being seen as a major blow to the US tech industry, which relies heavily on foreign workers from India and China who use this visa to enter and work in the United States. Here is my call to all highly skilled Indians. Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech. Find your way to Germany to boost your career: https://t.co/u5CmmrHtoF pic.twitter.com/HYiwX2iwME Dr Philipp Ackermann (@AmbAckermann) September 23, 2025 Approximately 250,000 to 300,000 people of Indian descent live in Germany as of late 2024, with about 250,000 having a migration background and a significant number of those holding Indian passports. Why does H-1B visa fee hike matter? In just the first half of 2025, Amazon had more than 10,000 H-1B visas approved, while Microsoft and Meta Platforms had more than 5,000 approvals each. The H-1B program in the United States offers 65,000 visas annually to employers bringing in temporary foreign workers in specialised fields, with another 20,000 visas for workers with advanced degrees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indians hold approximately 70 per cent of all H-1B visas, meaning over 200,000 Indian professionals could be directly affected by recent policy changes. Major Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL, and Cognizant, which depend heavily on H-1B workers for their US client projects, are likely to face significant operational challenges. Iran has no intention to build nuclear weapons, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, just days before international sanctions could be reimposed on his country over Tehrans nuclear ambitions. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (C) walks on his way to a bilateral meeting with France's President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 24, 2025. - AFP Irans president reiterated on Wednesday that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons, following earlier military strikes by Israel and the United States and looming sanctions from European powers. I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb, President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly. The one disturbing peace and stability in the region is Israel, but Iran is the one that gets punished, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On August 28, Britain, France and Germany launched a 30-day process to reimpose U.N. sanctions that ends on September 27, accusing Tehran of failing to abide by a 2015 deal with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon. The European powers have offered to delay reinstating sanctions for up to six months to allow space for talks on a long-term deal if Iran restores access for U.N. nuclear inspectors, addresses concerns about its stock of enriched uranium, and engages in talks with the United States. Iran has consistently maintained that it is not seeking nuclear weapons, citing a fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US intelligence has not concluded that Iran has decided to develop a bomb. However, Israel, the US and European nations remain sceptical, citing Irans advanced nuclear capabilities and the potential for rapid weaponisation. Britain, France, and Germany have moved to reimpose UN sanctions that were suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, which was later abandoned by former US President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian accused the Europeans of bad faith, saying that Irans lack of cooperation was in response to Trumps withdrawal from the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Irans sincere efforts as insufficient, Pezeshkian said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All of this was in pursuit of nothing less than the destruction of the very JCPOA which they themselves had once held as a foremost achievement." Standing at the General Assembly rostrum, Pezeshkian showed pictures of people killed in the Israeli military campaign against Iran, which Tehran says killed more than 1,000 people. Aerial assaults of the Zionist regime and the United States of America against Irans cities, homes and infrastructure at the very time we were treading the path of diplomatic negotiations constituted a grave betrayal of diplomacy, he said. With inputs from agencies Momentum for international recognition of a Palestinian state has surged in recent weeks, with multiple governments announcing support and high-profile debates on the world stage. But in Israel, these developments are sparking sharply divergent responsesnowhere more tangible than increasing talk about annexing the West Bank. A recent wave of formal recognitions of a Palestinian state by Western nations has provoked a sharp backlash in Israel, with far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir hinting at immediate moves to annex parts or even all of the West Bank. What was intended as a diplomatic boost for Palestinian sovereignty now risks further undermining prospects for a two-state solution. Recognition momentum meets political backlash In recent days, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia along with several other countries have formally recognised a Palestinian state, bringing them in line with nearly 150 nations that have already taken the step. The coordinated move reflects mounting frustration over the collapse of peace negotiations and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These recognitions are seen by supporters as a way to reinvigorate international legitimacy for Palestine even before the state is fully formed. But in Israel, they are widely interpreted as provocations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been outspoken in his disapproval, warning that recognising a Palestinian state amounts to a huge reward to terrorism, and reaffirming that a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River. Meanwhile, in a more forceful tone, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has announced that he will propose immediate West Bank annexation in response to Western recognition of Palestine. (Times of Israel) His remarks underscore a new level of urgency in calls from Israels political right to consolidate control over disputed territories, complicating already tense territorial and peace dynamics. Annexation: a long-standing ambition Ben-Gvirs threat is not happening in a vacuum. His position aligns with a broader far-right agenda inside the Israeli governmentone that has long endorsed annexation of strategic parts of the West Bank, particularly in Areas C and the Jordan Valley. Netanyahu and his coalition partners have historically resisted full Palestinian statehood and supported incremental expansion of Israeli governance over occupied lands. The West Bank is already dotted with hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers living under civil law while millions of Palestinians live under military rule. With recognition pressure mounting from abroad, those ambitions have gained renewed impetus. But annexation would likely face fierce international pushback and heighten tensions across the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recognitions unintended risk to peace These developments reveal a paradox: efforts to bolster Palestinian she legitimacy via recognition may paradoxically erode the foundations for a viable Palestinian state by prompting Israeli unilateralism. Annexation undertaken noweven in limited formcould dismantle disputed territorial contiguity vital to any future two-state outcome. It might also delegitimize Palestinian governance structures, weaken prospects for negotiations, and further diminish international leverage over the ground. Moreover, such moves could provoke legal, political, and diplomatic consequences. Many countries and international bodies view annexation of occupied territories as a violation of international law. If Israel acts unilaterally, it risks deeper global isolation. In short, while recognition of a Palestinian state carries symbolic power, it may also ignite a backlash that accelerates the very outcomes it seeks to prevent. Israels prime minister told the family of Alon Ohel, a hostage still held in Gaza, that there was a combined military diplomatic effort that was being continuously pursued to defeat Hamas and bring back all hostages, his office said in a statement on Wednesday. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the family of Alon Ohel, a hostage still held in Gaza, that a combined military and diplomatic effort is ongoing to defeat Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, his office said on Wednesday. Kobi Ohel, the hostages father, said he and his wife hope Netanyahu will return from his U.S. trip with news that all the people of Israel are waiting for. Netanyahu is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday and meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the hostage situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His trip is a moment for all the cabinet ministers to give (Netanyahu) the backing and the strength so that he will act to secure the release of Alon and all the hostages, added Ohel in a statement released by the Hostages Families Forum, which represents the families of most Israeli captives held in Gaza. According to Reuters, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. The United Nations estimated at the end of August that around one million people lived in Gaza City and its surroundings, where it has declared a famine. The Israeli military says roughly 550,000 people have since fled the city and moved southward, while Gazas civil defence agency a rescue force operating under Hamas authority puts the number at around 450,000. Over nearly two years, Israeli military operations have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, figures the UN considers reliable. Hamass attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an Israeli figures. With inputs from agencies The Trump administration has succeeded in pressuring several African nations to accept deported migrants, achieving what Britains failed Rwanda plan under Rishi Sunak could not When the British government attempted in 2021 to convince African states to accept migrants deported from the United Kingdom, most governments firmly declined. Rwanda stood out as the sole partner, but the plan unravelled amid lawsuits and criticism. Initially conceived under Boris Johnson and thenHome Secretary Priti Patel, the scheme was later championed by Rishi Sunak, who sought to make it central to his migration policy. Despite that push, the plan ultimately collapsed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By contrast, when the Trump administration made similar overtures to African countries this year, the outcome was strikingly different. Several governments including Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eswatini and Uganda entered into agreements allowing deportees from third countries to be resettled on their soil, The New York Times reported. The contrast reveals not just differences in negotiation but also a broader shift in how African governments weigh their international partnerships. Whereas Britain struggled to overcome legal and diplomatic resistance, Washington appeared to wield more immediate leverage. Power of pressure and incentives The Trump administration combined pressure with inducements. Officials were said to have used the threat of new tariffs on African exports and the imposition of burdensome visa restrictions to nudge governments into compliance. According to Cameron Hudson, a Washington-based Africa expert, African governments had understood that siding with the US could bring rewards, while refusal might attract penalties. This combination of coercion and incentive stood in sharp contrast to the UKs approach. Britains proposed Rwanda deal fell victim to its own legal challenges and domestic opposition, but it also lacked the immediate bargaining tools that Washington deployed. Ghanas surprising turnaround Perhaps the most striking reversal came from Ghana. Only two years ago, Ghanaian officials denied any interest in cooperating with the UKs deportation scheme. Yet under its new administration, Accra accepted 14 migrants in September, framing the move as an act of regional solidarity. The foreign minister emphasised that no payments had been exchanged and that only West African nationals were included. Ghanas change of heart is linked to US policy shifts, according to experts. A recently announced pilot programme imposing hefty visa bonds on certain African countries was cited as a possible factor. Ghana, not wanting to appear on the list, may have chosen cooperation as a diplomatic safeguard. Rwanda again in the spotlight Rwanda, which had already partnered with London in the ill-fated British deportation plan, once more agreed to take in deportees under US arrangements. Kigalis readiness was described as part of its broader strategy to elevate its international standing through compliance with Western security demands. The repetition of Rwandas role highlights how the same state can take on vastly different reputational consequences depending on which power it partners with. Human rights concerns Human rights groups have warned that the agreements could breach international conventions. The argument is that deportees were being sent to countries where they had no ties and where conditions could be harsh. Human Rights Watch highlighted the risks pointing out that one deportee sent to Ghana had already been returned to Gambia despite facing threats as a bisexual man. In Eswatini, concerns deepened when reports emerged that five migrants were being detained in prison. A local lawyer claimed that authorities had restricted his access and suggested that the process bore elements of trafficking, given that the individuals had been moved without their consent. South Sudans case The case of South Sudan illustrated how punitive measures pushed governments to cooperate. Earlier this year, the Trump administration revoked visas for South Sudanese citizens in the US after Juba refused to accept deportees. Within months, the country shifted its stance and received migrants from Asia and Latin America. Many felt that the governments decision was aimed at mending ties with Washington. A tale of two Western powers The divergent outcomes for London and Washington reflect a reality about power, leverage and diplomacy. Britains Rwanda plan conceived by Johnson and Patel but later pressed hard by Sunak collapsed under its own contradictions, with courts and campaigners successfully challenging its legality. The Trump administration, by contrast, found willing partners in Africa, in part because it signalled both carrots and sticks in its diplomacy. African governments risk undermining their human rights commitments by striking such deals. Yet for leaders who are managing fragile economies and wary of punitive US measures, cooperation with Washington may appear the lesser evil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The FIR filed by the NIA references credible information, along with a video obtained from the official X account of SFJ US on August 10, 2025. In the video, Pannun calls for preventing Prime Minister Modi from hoisting the national flag The National Investigation Agency has registered a case against Sikh for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for instigating Sikh soldiers to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the Indian national flag at the Red Fort on August 15 in exchange for Rs 11 crore. The FIR filed by the NIA references credible information, along with a video obtained from the official X account of SFJ US on August 10, 2025. In the video, Pannun calls for preventing Prime Minister Modi from hoisting the national flag. He also presented a map of Khalistan, which includes Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh as part of the proposed territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NIA said that Pannun recalled his declaration that Shaheed Jatha of SFJ would fight against India, saying, indulged in activities for disrupting sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India and spread disaffection among Sikhs against India. According to the FIR, information received by the Central government revealed that Pannun held a meet the press event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10. During the event, he addressed journalists via video link from Washington, where he rejected Indias sovereignty over Punjab and advocated for the Khalistan cause. The FIR said, During the press meet, he also unveiled SFJs new Delhi Banayga Khalistan referendum map which incorporates Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi into envisioned Khalistan. The Khalistani separatist leader has been charged under Section 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. Earlier this week, authorities arrested Pannuns close aide, Khalistani terrorist Inderjit Singh Gosal, as India and Canada reset ties over the issue. Gosal, who became a key organiser for US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) after the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was arrested in Ottawa on multiple firearms-related charges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Norway police have detained a teenager during the investigation of a blast near the Israeli embassy in Oslo. In recent years, there have been multiple attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli missions in Europe. Emergency services work at the scene after Norwegian police said they were investigating a blast on a street in central Oslo and later conducted a controlled detonation of a second explosive device found on the site, in Norway, September 23, 2025. (Photo: Terje Pedersen/NTB/via Reuters) Norways police are investigating a blast in the countrys capital, Oslo, near the Israeli embassy, and have detained a teenager during the investigation. A blast was reported in Oslo on Monday and, later that day, a second explosive device was found that the police blew up in a controlled explosion, as per Reuters. The location of these incidents was just 500 metres from the royal palace and Israeli embassy. No one was injured in either of the blasts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The police said that the device found in the second instance was a military-style hand grenade, as per the news agency. Weve apprehended one suspect and are intensively seeking more information as well as other people. Our hypothesis is that it is criminals who have an agenda against other criminals, but we cannot rule out anything, said Brian Skotne, the police officer in charge at the scene, as per the agency. Norways media have reported the police have detain a 13-year-old in connection with the incident. They did not name the suspect. Incidentally, these blasts occurred a day after suspected Russian drones sightings in Oslo and Denmarks capital Copenhagen led to the shutdown of airports in these cities for several hours. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russia was behind the incident that she called the most serious attack so far against Danish critical infrastructure. In recent years, there have been a slew of attacks and attempted attacks at Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions in Europe. In August, three persons were arrested after the Israeli embassy was vandalised in The Hague, the Netherlands. In April, a man with a knife tried to enter the Israeli embassy in London. Last year, on October 1-2, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Israeli embassy at Stockholm, Sweden, and a grenade was found near the embassy in February. In Copenhagen, two grenades detonated near the Israeli embassy. Three persons were arrested in the case. This isnt the first time Stubb has called for deeper engagement with India on global security matters. At the 2025 Helsinki Security Forum, he emphasised Indias role in contributing to a resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict The Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, has called on the West to engage more with India as it emerges as a superpower, adding that he wont put India in the same basket as Russia or China. Some multi-vectoral foreign policy is taking place there. I think, of course, Russia and China have a direct connection. In the early 1990s China and Russia had economies of the same size, but now China is over 10 times bigger. And actually, with its oil purchase, with its gas purchase, with its technological exchange, it does give the possibility for Russia to conduct the war, so theres a very close link there, said Stubb in an interview with Bloomberg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then of course with India, India is a very close ally of the European Union and of course of the United States as well, so I wouldnt throw them in the same basket, but India is obviously an emerging superpower. Its got demography. Its got economy on its side, and I always argue that its very important for the West to engage India, work with them, he added. This isnt the first time Stubb has called for deeper engagement with India on global security matters. At the 2025 Helsinki Security Forum, he emphasised Indias role in contributing to a resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ive been speaking to PM Modi recently about the situation in Ukraine. India has a geopolitical stake here. So we need to get them involved, he said at the time. Earlier this year, in August, Stubb held a phone call with PM Modi, where the two leaders discussed the progress of India-Finland bilateral ties. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Stubb shared his assessment of recent discussions held in Washington between European, U.S., and Ukrainian leaders on resolving the Ukraine crisis. Shenzhen market regulators warn against typhoon-related price gouging, impose fines of up to 3 mln yuan Global Times) 09:57, September 24, 2025 The market watchdog in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province on Monday warned about price gouging during typhoon days could be punished with fines of up to 3 million yuan ($421,827), Chinanews.com reported. As Ragasa, the 18th typhoon of this year, makes its way toward the coastal area of South China, becoming the strongest typhoon to affect China so far this year, with its extreme intensity, wide wind field and extreme characteristics, the Shenzhen Administration for Market Regulation issued on Tuesday a notice of warning on market pricing behaviors. The notice emphasized maintaining price stability, especially for essentials such as vegetables, grains and oils, meat, poultry and eggs. The administration reminds all business operators, especially those selling essential daily goods in farmers' markets and supermarkets, to strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations, strengthen self-discipline in pricing, maintain a sound market price order and refrain from infringing on consumers' legitimate rights and interests, or disrupt market price stability. The administration banned fabricating or spreading rumors of price hikes, raising prices sharply without cost justification, and driving commodity prices excessively high. Hoarding daily necessities beyond normal quantities or storage cycles without legitimate reasons is also prohibited. In addition, businesses are forbidden from colluding or manipulating prices in ways that harm competitors or consumers. Violations of clear pricing rules can result in fines of up to 5,000 yuan. Those engaging in price frauds may be fined up to 500,000 yuan. Those who fabricate or spread information about price increases, hike prices, hoard goods to drive prices up, or driving up prices too quickly or excessively may face a maximum fine of 3 million yuan. Collusion or manipulation that causes significant price increases may incur fines of up to 5 million yuan. The regulator ordered businesses to strictly follow clear pricing rules, ensuring price tags are accurate, complete and correctly matched to goods. Practices such as inflated final prices, false discounts, inducements, or failing to honor price commitments are strictly prohibited. The regulator urged all businesses to conduct self-inspections and make corrections in accordance with laws and regulations. The administration will step up supervision of market pricing during the typhoon period, strictly investigate and punish any violations that are not corrected after warnings, and seek joint enforcement with other authorities. Last September, as super typhoon Yagi hit South China's Hainan Province, a group of business operators, including hotels and hardware and electrical machinery stores, were exposed for violations such as price gouging and failing to clearly mark prices as required, according to a CCTV report. Some hotels were found to have increased their room rates by four to five times during the typhoon compared with their usual prices, while some hardware and electromechanical stores raised prices and sold disaster-relief supplies such as generators, chainsaws, and electric saws without clearly marking prices. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Trump on Tuesday said he believed Ukraine could retake all its land controlled by Russia and that Kyiv should act now, with Moscow facing big economic problems, in a sudden and striking rhetorical shift in Ukraines favour US President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City. His almost hour-long speech was peppered with misleading claims on various topics, including him brokering peace between warring nations. AFP The Kremlin on Wednesday hit back at US President Donald Trumps rhetoric on the Russia-Ukraine war, where he blamed Moscow for not ending the conflict. Trump on Tuesday said he believed Ukraine could retake all its land controlled by Russia and that Kyiv should act now, with Moscow facing big economic problems, in a sudden and striking rhetorical shift in Ukraines favour. Calling Russia a "paper tiger", Trump said, We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. Its pretty amazing, actually, as he had Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by his side. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reacting to Trumps paper tiger remark, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, Russia is not a tiger but is more associated with a bear. Paper bears dont exist. Peskov acknowledged the shift in Trumps rhetoric in favour of Zelenskyy, but said that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on Wednesday and set out Russias stance. In a post on Truth Social shortly after meeting Zelenskyy, Trump said that he believed, after getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine-Russia military and economic situation, that he thought Ukraine, with the support of the European Union (EU), was in a fight and win all of Ukraine back and restore pre-2022 borders. No alternative We are continuing our special military operation to ensure our interests and achieve the goals, set by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, using Moscows term for its assault on Ukraine. We are doing this for both the present and the future of our country. For many generations to come. Therefore, we have no alternative, he added in a radio interview with a Russian newspaper. The Kremlin also offered a downbeat assessment of wider efforts to boost relations between Moscow and Washington. A rapprochement ushered in when Trump returned to the White House in January has yielded close to zero results, Peskov said. This track is sluggish, very sluggish, he said of the efforts to reset ties. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD London Mayor Sadiq Khan has slammed Donald Trump as racist, sexist, and Islamophobic, after the American president trashed him, the British capital, and Muslim migrants that he said wanted to replace British law with Sharia, the Islamic law. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, arrives for the launching of a new poster campaign, in central London, on March 25, 2024, ahead of the London mayoral elections. (Photo: Daniel Leal/AFP) Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan of London has slammed US President Donald Trump over the speech at the UN General Assembly in which he trashed Khan, London, and Muslim migrants in the United Kingdom. He said that Trumps speech was racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic. Instead of foreign policy or international relations, Trump devoted most of his rambling hourlong speech at the UNGA on Tuesday to rail against migrants, European liberal order, and European politician. He called Khan a terrible mayor and said Muslim migrants in the UK under him were seeking Islamic sharia law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And I have to say, I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor. And its been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law, but youre in a different country. You cant do that, said Trump. In his anti-migrant speech, Trump blamed them for crims across the world, including rape of women and kidnapping of children. He said that thousands of people a week were dying, women were being raped. Trump further said, Nobodys ever seen anything like it. Raped horribly, beaten, raped. On the trip up, the journey up, it was a long, it was long walk, a long arduous journey indeed. As Trump has repeatedly gone after Khan over the years, he said that it appears he lives rent-free in Trumps head. People are wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, progressive, successful city that means I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trumps head, Khan told Sky News. Trump is racist, sexist, misogynistic, Islamophobic: Khan When asked if the speech was Islamophobic, Khan said it was. Listen, when people say things, when people act in a certain way, when people behave in a certain way, youve got to believe them. I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and hes Islamophobic, Khan told Sky News. Rejecting the charge that London had descended to being a terrible city during his tenure, Khan said that a record number of Americans were coming to London and there must be a reason for that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There must be a reason for that. You look at a number of different criteria, were often the number one city in the globe when it comes to culture, when it comes to foreign investment, when it comes to sports, when it comes to the ability of people to fulfil their potential. Im really proud we are the greatest city in the world, long may that continue, said Khan. Rubio says Trump is open to fixing punitive tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, hitting out at Europe for continuing to buy massive amounts of Russian energy. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, The meet with Jaishankar was Rubio's first as secretary of state. Image Courtesy: @DrSJaishankar/X US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (Sept 23) said President Donald Trump is open to fixing the punitive tariffs imposed on India over its Russian oil purchases, even as Washington weighs fresh sanctions on Moscow amid the Ukraine war. In an interview with NBCs Today show, Rubio criticised Europe for continuing to import massive amounts of oil and natural gas from Russia, calling it absurd. He added, Theyre asking for the US to impose more sanctions, but there are countries in Europe that are not doing enough. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On India, he noted, Weve already seen the measures weve taken with regards to India, although thats something we hope we can fix. But and the President has the ability to do more, and hes considering doing more because of the direction this has taken. The Trump administration has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi over Russian energy imports, taking total US duties on India to 50 per cent among the steepest globally. Rubio said Trump remains frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite their summit in Alaska this August. At some point, he may have to decide to impose new sanctions, Rubio said. But lets remember, he didnt start this war. He inherited it, and all hes wanted to do is end it. The secretary also echoed Trumps claims of ending regional conflicts. Look what the Presidents done and the wars hes brought about to an end Thailand and Cambodia, India and Pakistan. Time and again, the President has been the only leader in the world that can get involved, Rubio said. That doesnt sound like a third-world country to me. That sounds like a very powerful, influential country who is stronger and more respected on the world stage. India, however, maintains that the truce on the Line of Control was achieved through direct talks between the two armies Directors General of Military Operations. Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New York on Monday on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Their hour-long talks were the first face-to-face meeting since tensions flared over tariffs and Indias energy ties with Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sheikh Hasina is grooming her children to lead the Awami League echoing the Rahul-Priyanka model in India Toppled and exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is making political waves back home with her much-talked about succession moves. Reports say that Hasina, who has been heading the Awami League since 1981, is now positioning her children Sajeeb Wazed and Saima Wazed for key roles in the partys future leadership. A BBC Bangla report said her decision is modelled after Indias grand old party, the Congress, leadership pattern. The report said Hasina is following the Rahul-Priyanka model in the Awami League, presenting son Sajeeb and daughter Saima in the next-gen leadership roles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Hasina s long reign and the succession question Since taking charge of the Awami League in 1981, Sheikh Hasina has been the dominant figure in Bangladeshs political scene. Yet, despite her 44-year leadership, she has long avoided public discussion about succession. That ambiguity contributed to confusion within the party after her ouster from power on 5 August 2024, when mass protests led to her departure and the interim government banned the partys activities. Currently residing in India under restricted conditions, Hasina faces the urgent task of clarifying the partys leadership future not least because she is turning 78 this year. According to multiple party sources, her solution is to formally induct her son Sajeeb and daughter Saima into top roles, ensuring the familys influence continues even in her absence, the BBC Bangla reported. RahulPriyanka model in Hasinas party? The strategy bears striking similarities to the leadership approach of Indias Congress party. As Sonia Gandhi steps back due to age and health, Rahul has become the partys principal face, leading rallies, campaigns and press briefings, while Priyanka plays a critical supportive role without overshadowing her brother. This dual leadership model one sibling as the primary figure and the other as a trusted lieutenant is widely seen as the template Hasina now wants to replicate. This is no coincidence. Hasinas relationship with the Gandhi family predates her recent decade-long diplomatic rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She has closely followed Rahuls political evolution, even seeking meetings with him during key moments like the Bharat Jodo Yatra. This long-standing admiration has reportedly influenced her thinking on how to structure leadership transition within the Awami League. Sajeeb Wazed: Public face of a new generation Sajeeb, Hasinas son and a US citizen, has long been involved in the party as a technology adviser. But in the post-Hasina era, his profile is rising rapidly. He is now the Awami Leagues de facto spokesperson, frequently speaking to domestic and international media and leading narrative-building efforts abroad. Based in Virginia, Sajeeb also heads a team focussed on shaping the partys message for foreign audiences and diaspora communities. His increased visibility mirrors Rahuls rise in the Congress party from a behind-the-scenes presence to the main driver of political messaging and mobilisation. Saima Wazed: From WHO to party strategy Saimas entry into active party politics has been more sudden and circumstantial. Until recently, she served as Regional Director for South-East Asia at the World Health Organisation (WHO), but was placed on indefinite leave in July this year amid allegations of corruption and growing tensions with the Bangladeshi government. Now based in Delhi near her mother, Saima plays a hands-on role in managing party affairs. She drafts Hasinas online addresses, coordinates meetings and manages her schedule. Her proximity and active involvement echo Priyankas role in Congress deeply engaged yet positioned just behind the primary leader. A divided party and shifting power centres The Awami Leagues leadership structure is evolving rapidly. With Hasina in India, Sajeeb in the United States, and Saima coordinating from Delhi, the party now operates through a triangular leadership system. Meanwhile, traditional figures like Obaidul Quader, the partys general secretary, have been sidelined. Hasina now relies heavily on a close circle of loyalists including Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Jahangir Kabir Nanak to coordinate political operations from Kolkata, BBC Bangla reported. Saima maintains regular contact with them, while Sajeeb oversees the partys international messaging campaign. Continuity amid crisis? The Awami League, a 76-year-old party central to Bangladeshs independence and governance, is fighting for relevance amid its most serious political crisis in decades. The current restructuring suggests that, despite setbacks, the party intends to preserve its identity around the first family. This approach reflects a pragmatic understanding of Bangladeshs political culture. Just as the Congress remains anchored by the Gandhi family despite electoral decline, the Awami League may see continuity in leadership lineage as its best chance for revival. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A familiar path forward? The parallels between Sheikh Hasinas succession plan and the Gandhi familys leadership model are difficult to ignore. Both involve a gradual handover to the next generation, strategic division of roles between siblings and the use of family legacy to maintain party unity during turbulent times. Whether this strategy will succeed in revitalising the Awami League remains uncertain. Yet, one thing is clear that Bangladeshs most storied political party is betting on its dynastic roots to deal with an uncertain future a choice deeply rooted in South Asias enduring tradition of political family dominance. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles plane suffered GPS disturbance today as it flew by the Russian military exclave of Kaliningrad on its way to Lithuania. The incident comes weeks after Russia was accused of jamming the GPS system of a plane carrying EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles reacts as she speaks to members of the media after meeting Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, in Madrid, Spain, on March 14, 2025. (Photo: Ana Beltran/Reuters) A Spanish military jet with Defence Minister Margarita Robles onboard experienced a GPS disturbance early on Wednesday as it flew near Russias Kaliningrad exclave on its way to Lithuania, the ministry said, without providing further details. As well as Robles, the plane was carrying relatives of Spanish airmen who form part of the Nato air policing mission in the Baltic region, on the border with Russia and its ally Belarus. The Spanish contingent, known as the Vilkas mission, from the Lithuanian word for wolf, consists of eight Eurofighter aircraft in the Siauliai airfield in place since July 31, the Lithuanian Defence Ministry said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week it took off eight times to inspect Russian aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea, Spains Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. Spain said it will reinforce its presence in the region in response to Poland shooting down drones that violated its airspace earlier this month, but it did not provide details. Plane was not specifically targeted? A defence source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they did not believe the plane had been targeted and that disruptions were common on the route. The aircraft had an encrypted system, which meant the attempt to disrupt the signal did not affect the flight, the source added. Robles held a bilateral meeting with her Lithuanian counterpart Dovile Sakaliene after landing at Siauliai airbase. We believe it is essential to defend the right of all of us to travel and fly freely throughout European territory without experiencing what we experienced this very morning, she told reporters. There is a real threat. We have suffered this interference, she said in a news conference with her Lithuanian counterpart. A neighbour that does not follow rules Sakaliene said the incident was another illustration that Russia was a neighbour that did not uphold international rules or care what damage it may cause. The incident follows another in which the GPS system of a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was jammed while en route to Bulgaria on August 31. A European Union spokesperson said Bulgarian authorities suspected the incident was due to interference by Russia. Estonia and neighbouring Finland have also blamed Russia for jamming GPS navigation devices in the regions airspace. Russia has denied interfering with communication and satellite networks. Finlands military has said Russia uses GPS jamming in the region to protect Russias Baltic Sea oil ports, military sites and other strategic assets from Ukrainian drone attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most modern airliners have sensors and sources to determine their positioning, in addition to GPS, meaning they can fly if there is interference. A commander onboard the Spanish plane told reporters travelling with Robles that such incidents are common when flying near Kaliningrad for civilian and military aircraft, and that the Spanish plane could also navigate using military satellites. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) The Trump administration intends to shift $1.8 billion in foreign aid funding toward America First initiatives such as pursuing investments in Greenland and countering Marxist, anti-American regimes in Latin America, according to a document sent to Congress. The Trump administration plans to redirect $1.8 billion in foreign aid toward America First priorities, including investments in Greenland and efforts to counter Marxist, anti-American regimes in Latin America, according to a document sent to Congress. The national security interests of the United States require that the United States utilize these foreign assistance funds to meet new challenges in ways that make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous, according to the Congressional Notification reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Washington Post first reported the administrations plan, which involves shifting funds from programmes previously approved by Congress. The State Department did not immediately comment. Since the start of President Donald Trumps second term in January, his administration has been pushing a major overhaul of foreign aid policy, moving away from the traditional view that food, health, and economic assistance serve as key elements of US soft power abroad. In the notification, dated September 12, the administration says the $1.8 billion would be obligated for programs to strengthen U.S. global leadership, to focus on several areas central to Trump administration policy. These include diversifying critical mineral supply chains, promoting strategic infrastructure investment and development, countering Chinas influence and addressing the immigration crisis. The document says $400 million would support efforts involving Europe, including energy and critical minerals programming in Ukraine and economic development and conservation work in Greenland. Trump has said he wants to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The strategically located island is rich in oil, natural gas and many minerals needed for high-tech industries. In the western hemisphere, the document says, $400 million would support activities to end illegal immigration to the U.S., counter Chinas dominance in critical minerals and artificial intelligence and confront the Marxist, anti-American regimes of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD USAID Dismantled Since January, the administration has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development, frozen and then slashed billions of dollars of foreign aid, saying it wants to ensure U.S. taxpayer money goes only to programs aligned with Trumps America First policies. The cutbacks effectively shut down USAID, leading to the firing of thousands of its employees and contractors. That jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and has thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the plan outlined in the notification subverted Congress power, outlined in the Constitution, to control how government money is spent. Funding politically driven, unaccountable, pet projects in place like Greenland or using aid to pressure African governments on immigration is out of step with Americas foreign policy interests and an abuse of Americans tax dollars, she said in a statement. Aides to Senator Jim Risch, the committees Republican chairman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In July, as he marked the formal transfer of USAID to the State Department as part of Trumps unprecedented push to shrink the federal government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. was abandoning what he called a charity-based model and would focus on empowering countries to grow sustainably. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreign aid traditionally has accounted for only about 1% of the federal budget. With inputs from agencies Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday raised the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly, calling for a resolution through dialogue and UN resolutions Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday raised the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly, calling for a resolution through dialogue and UN resolutions, echoing Pakistans tune. We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, which had escalated into a conflict The issue of Kashmir should be resolved on the basis of the resolutions of the UN, for the best of our sisters and brothers in Kashmir, through dialogue, we hope, Erdogan said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was not the first time Erdogan spoke on Kashmir at the UN. While he avoided the issue in last years General Assembly address, he had called for a resolution earlier this year during a visit to Pakistan, saying, The Kashmir issue should be addressed according to the UN resolution through dialogue and keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Our state and our nation, as in the past, stands in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today. India strongly rejected Erdogans remarks. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No other country has any locus standi to comment on it. Instead of commenting on internal affairs of another country, it would have been appropriate if Pakistans policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, had been called out, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. After leaving a trail of destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa fell trees, flooded at least two seaside neighbourhoods, while buildings across the city rattled and swayed in the strong winds Residents clear mud from their property, while damaged cars are seen in the background, in Hualien on September 24, 2025, following the bursting of a barrier lake. AFP As many as 14 people have died in Taiwan as Super Typhoon Ragasa battered its way to Hong Kong, causing a lake to burst in the island nation. Ragasa is expected to make landfall in China on Wednesday, skirting just 100 kilometres south of Hong Kong. After leaving a trail of destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines, Typhoon Ragasa fell trees, flooded at least two seaside neighbourhoods, while buildings across the city rattled and swayed in the strong winds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The super typhoon also killed at least two people while ripping through the northern Philippines. The Hong Kong Observatory said, There will be overtopping waves over the shoreline, which will be particularly significant along the eastern and southern coasts. Under the influence of significant storm surge, around two to three metres of rise in water level are expected over the coast of Hong Kong today. Chinas Ministry of Emergency Management said the typhoon is expected to make landfall along Guangdongs coast between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang from midday to late Wednesday. Ragasa batters Taiwan In Taiwan, heavy rain caused a barrier lake in Hualien County to overflow on Tuesday and torrents of muddy water destroyed a bridge, turning roads in Guangfu township into churning rivers that carried vehicles and furniture away. Guangfu has about 8,450 people, more than half of whom sought safety on higher floors of their homes or on higher ground. Local authorities said 14 people died and contact was lost with 124 others in the township. Taiwans Central News Agency said rescuers were going door-to-door to check on these residents. At least four deaths, including an elderly man who was pinned in a rockslide, were reported in the Philippines. Nearly 700,000 people were affected by the onslaught in the main northern Philippine region of Luzon, including 25,000 people who fled to government emergency shelters. How is China preparing for the typhoon? Southern Chinese cities scaled back many aspects of daily life Tuesday with school and business closures and flight cancellations as they braced for one of the strongest typhoons in years. Residents in flood-prone areas placed sandbags and barriers at their doorways, while others taped up windows and glass doors in preparation for strong winds. Many stocked up on food and essential supplies, with some market vendors reporting that their goods were selling out quickly. The observatory in Hong Kong issued storm warning signal No. 8, the third-highest in the citys weather alert system. The city categorises tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds near the centre of 185 kph or above as super typhoons to make residents extra vigilant about the approach of more intense storms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The British police have arrested a man in his 40s after cyberattack disrupted major European airports of Londons Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. Passengers stand with their luggage, after radar failure led to the suspension of outbound flights across the UK, at Heathrow Airport in Hounslow, London, Britain, July 30, 2025. File Image/Reuters UK police said Wednesday a man in his 40s had been arrested after a cyberattack disrupted major European airports including Brussels, Berlin and Londons Heathrow. Britains National Crime Agency (NCA) said the suspect had been released on conditional bail after officers detained him late Tuesday in West Sussex, southeast England, on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act. It follows days of disruption at key European hubs which the EUs cyber security agency confirmed was caused by third-party ransomware that had targeted services provider Collins Aerospace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing, NCA Deputy Director Paul Foster said in a statement. Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK, he added. The agency said it had launched its investigation after the cyber incident impacting Collins Aerospace was reported last Friday. The aviation technology company a subsidiary of US aerospace and defence group RTX, formerly known as Raytheon is used by several airlines at multiple airports globally for their check-in and baggage drop operations. It said Saturday it had become aware of a cyber-related disruption to our MUSE software in select airports and that it was limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop. Impacted airlines were forced to carry out manual check-ins and baggage drops, slowing down the procedures. The disturbances, still ongoing in a limited way at some European airports Wednesday, also led to flight cancellations and delays, in particular on Saturday. Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland were among those affected. At Brussels airport, where scores of outbound flights were cancelled over recent days, a spokesperson quoted by Belga news agency said the situation Wednesday was gradually returning to normal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heathrow Airport, Europes busiest, said the vast majority of flights were now operating as scheduled, according to the latest passenger notice posted. Cyberattacks and tech outages have rattled various airports in recent years, as air travel increasingly relies on online, interconnected systems. The sector saw a 600 percent increase in such attacks from 2024 to 2025, according to a report by French aerospace company Thales released in June. From airlines and airports to navigation systems and suppliers, every link in the chain is vulnerable to attack, the report warned, noting the strategically and economically important sector had become a prime target. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Ukraines drone strikes on 16 of Russias 38 oil refineries have cut diesel exports to their lowest level since 2020, hitting Moscows war economy, says a report. Smoke rises from a military production site in Cheboksary in Chuvashia region of Russia after a Ukrainian drone attack on Monday, June 9, 2025. (Photo: X/Ukrainian government) Ukraines drone campaign against Russian oil refineries has driven the countrys diesel exports to their weakest point since 2020, the Financial Times reported. Since August 2025, 16 of Russias 38 refineries have been struck, slashing refining capacity by more than 1 million barrels per day and dragging exports below pre-war levels, according to Energy Aspects. Analysts describe the refinery strikes as Ukraines most effective effort yet in disrupting Moscows war economy. The attacks have worsened gasoline shortages inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the most effective sanctions are the fires at Russias oil refineries, urging Washington to impose additional measures against Moscows energy sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump has also pressed Europe to cut off Russian energy purchases. Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Sept. 23, he warned, Europe has to step it up. They cant be doing what theyre doing. Theyre buying oil and gas from Russia while theyre fighting Russia Think of it: theyre funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one? Under US pressure, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sept. 16 that the EU will propose phasing out Russian energy imports sooner than originally planned. Meanwhile, Russias slow advance saw the capture of three villages over the past week, prompting Ukraines command, for the first time, to dismiss the officers who oversaw the retreat. Since 2024, Ukraine has relied on controlled tactical retreats, trading limited territory for heavy Russian losses. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces seized 1,910 sq km of Ukrainian land between May and August at the cost of 130,000 casualties an average of 68 losses per square kilometre. Syrskyis recent dismissals suggest Kyiv may now take a harder line on territorial setbacks. On Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian troops were suffering significant losses in Kupiansk and Dobropillia, two of the fiercest fronts. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy told world leaders Wednesday that the world is in the most destructive arms race in history and called on the international community to act against Russia now, asserting that Vladimir Putin wants to expand his war in Europe. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 24, 2025.- AFP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged world leaders to act to prevent Russia from driving the most destructive arms race in human history, warning that the convergence of drone technology and artificial intelligence could have catastrophic consequences and that Putin seeks to expand his war in Europe. We are now living through the most destructive arms race in history," Zelenskyy said at the UN General Assembly. Ukraine is only the first and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Ukrainian leader stressed that national security depends on self-reliance and military strength. No one but ourselves can guarantee security. Only strong alliances, only strong partners and only our own weapons. The 21st century isnt much different from the past. If a nation wants peace it still has to work on weapons. Not international law, not cooperation but weapons decide who survives, he said. Zelenskyys comments came a day after he met with President Donald Trump, who expressed support for Ukraines efforts and criticised Russia. Trump said Tuesday that he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from the US leaders repeated calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war. Zelenskyy also warned Wednesday that Europe could not afford to lose strategically located Moldova to Russian influence, following Belarus and Georgia into Moscows orbit. Russias trying to do to Moldova what Iran once did to Lebanon and the global response again, not enough. We have already lost Georgia in Europe and for many, many years, Belarus has also been moving toward dependence on Russia. Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too, he said at the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy on Tuesday accused Russia of weaponising food, energy, and even abducted children in its war against Ukraine, warning world leaders that similar tactics could be used against them. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Zelenskiy said, When hatred is weaponized against one nation, it never stops there. The goal of the present war against Ukraine is to turn our land, our people, our lives, our resources into weapons against you against the international rules-based order. He highlighted the impact on global fuel and food supplies, and drew attention to what Ukraine says are tens of thousands of children taken from their families following Russias invasion. Zelenskiy added, Those children in Russia are taught to hate Ukraine, and all ties with their families are broken. And this is clearly a genocide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The UNGA is set to put the spotlight on global climate action as world leaders gather in New York for crucial high-level talks, a day after US President Donald Trump derided climate science as the greatest con job ever in his own address to the assembly. World leaders will turn their focus to climate change at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, just a day after US President Donald Trump denounced climate science as the greatest con job ever in his address to the same forum. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host on Wednesday a Special High-Level Event on Climate Action, providing a platform for countries to present updated national climate plans. The initiative is aimed at accelerating global momentum ahead of COP30, scheduled for 2025 in Brazil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the United Nations, the new climate plans are expected to reflect bold action over the next decade, with governments urged to commit to pathways that enable a just, resilient and low-carbon future. Guterres has repeatedly warned that without stronger commitments, the world risks breaching the 1.5C global warming limit set under the Paris Agreement, with devastating consequences for vulnerable communities. The high-level event comes against a politically charged backdrop. Addressing the UNGA on Tuesday, Trump launched a scathing attack on renewable energy policies, international migration frameworks and climate commitments. He dismissed the scientific consensus on global warming, calling it the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, and accused governments of using climate action as a pretext for undermining economic growth and national sovereignty, ANI reported. While Trumps comments highlighted deep divisions in U.S. political discourse, the UN is pressing ahead with its agenda, urging governments to step up rather than scale back their commitments. The September 24 gathering is positioned as a key moment to align national strategies with the global effort to cut emissions, adapt to worsening climate impacts and mobilise financing for developing nations bearing the brunt of the crisis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As negotiations move toward COP30, the UN has stressed that tackling climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also central to economic transformation and global stability. This is about ensuring prosperity for all people, safeguarding ecosystems, and building a future that is fair and sustainable, according to a UN statement. The contrasting tones between Trumps denunciation of climate science and the UNs push for urgent action highlight the competing narratives world leaders must navigate when the General Assembly resumes discussions on Wednesday. Zelensky said India is mostly on Ukraines side, a view that differs from Trumps claim that India is funding Russias war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Apulia, Italy, Friday, June 14, 2024. (File Photo: PTI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said India is mostly on Ukraines side, a remark that contrasts with US President Donald Trumps claims that India is funding Russias war in Ukraine. Speaking to Fox News, Zelenskyy stressed that India supports Ukraine, though he acknowledged some energy-related challenges as New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil amid US pressure. India and China are primary funders of Russias war: Trump at UNGA Trump, meanwhile, criticised India and China at the UN General Assembly, calling them primary funders of Russias ongoing war. China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy, Trump said, expressing frustration with European allies in particular. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sharp criticism of Europe, UN In a 56-minute speech, Trump also emphasised his claims of brokering peace between nations, argued for lower global migration, and dismissed climate change efforts as the greatest con job in the world. He directed sharp criticism at the UN and Europe. Think of it, they are funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one? Trump said, accusing European nations of hypocrisy for buying Russian energy. Europe has to step it up. They cant be doing what theyre doing. Theyre buying oil and gas from Russia while theyre fighting Russia, he added. Trumps claims on India-Pakistan Trump also repeated claims of resolving conflicts between India and Pakistan, which have been long rejected by New Delhi. I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help, he said, reiterating disputed claims about his peacemaking role. Warning of sanctions on Russia On Russia, Trump urged US allies to join in pressuring President Vladimir Putin and warned of possible sanctions. In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs which will stop the bloodshed, he said, calling for Europe to join in. India has defended its energy ties with Moscow, saying they are based on market forces and necessary for energy security. Officials have argued that targeting New Delhi while larger buyers face fewer restrictions is unfair. The Mesa County Commissioners approved a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Tuesday that states they believe forests should be actively managed instead of being treated as de facto wilderness. The letter is in regard to Colorados 2012 roadless rule, which protects roadless areas in Colorados national forests. Mesa County has about 551,000 acres of national forest land, according to the letter, more than half of which is inaccessible because of the roadless rule. Rollins has announced her agency is looking at doing away with the national roadless rule, passed in 2021. Colorados roadless rule is not being considered in this environmental impact statement, however. The County Commissioners said in the letter that although Colorados roadless rule has provided stability through changing administrative policies, there are additional provisions the County Commissioners would like to see. In partnership with the local USFS districts, allowing counties to collaborate in work related to fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation, and watershed maintenance would provide crucial active management that our forests urgently need, the letter states. According to the letter, an agreement in Montana in which counties sign memorandums of understanding with the Forest Service is proving effective. This request is not about opening these lands to development but to provide better access to protect our communities and water sources that we in the west rely so heavily on, the letter states. The letter states changing Colorados roadless rule will help communities deal with wildfires in the future. The letter cites the impact of the Turner Gulch Fire, which burned nearly 32,000 acres near Gateway, including in areas designated as roadless, as an example of how forests could be managed better. The fire has impacted a nearby community that depends on these forests for grazing cattle. Due to the loss of summer pasture, two large producers have had to relocate 600 head of cattle to another allotment more than 10 miles away, the letter states. The rule covers about 4.2 million acres in Colorado, and includes carveouts for some ski area development and expansion in roadless areas. It also includes prohibitions on oil and gas pipelines, power lines and other similar projects through roadless areas, with some exceptions. We believe that communities need every tool available to combat the growing threat of increased fire activity. These fires test the limits of our emergency response systems, impact air quality, raise insurance rates, and threaten our rural economies and recreational assets. Counties want to be part of the solution and we believe this framework offers a balanced, bipartisan way forward, the letter states. The Associated Press President Donald Trump silences his phone that rang twice as he was speaking to reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office on May 23. Some members of Congress have concerns that the man holding the nations highest office is also the founder of a social media platform, and a prodigious user of the medium, elevating it from an after-thought to a place where he announces policy and sets his administrations agenda. Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada's recognition of the State of Palestine Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney September 21, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario "Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel. Over many decades, Canada's commitment to this goal was premised on the expectation that this outcome would be eventually achieved as part of a negotiated settlement. Regrettably, this possibility has been steadily and gravely eroded, including by: The pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and Hamas' longstanding violent rejection of Israel's right to exist and a two-state solution. The accelerated settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while settler violence against Palestinians has soared. Actions such as the E1 Settlement Plan and this year's vote by the Knesset calling for the annexation of the West Bank. The Israeli government's contribution to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including by impeding access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies. Hamas has terrorized the people of Israel and oppressed the people of Gaza, wreaking horrific suffering. It is imperative that Hamas release all hostages, fully disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Hamas has stolen from the Palestinian people, cheated them of their life and liberty, and can in no way dictate their future. The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established. It has pursued an unrelenting policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law. Its sustained assault in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced well over one million people, and caused a devastating and preventable famine in violation of international law. It is now the avowed policy of the current Israeli government that 'there will be no Palestinian state'. It is in this context that Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada does so as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations. Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it. Furthermore, it in no way compromises Canada's steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security - security that can only ultimately be guaranteed through the achievement of a comprehensive two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority has provided direct commitments to Canada and the international community on much-needed reforms, including to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. Canada will intensify efforts to support the Palestinian Authority's implementation of this reform agenda, on which progress has already been made. With our international partners, Canada supports the development of a credible peace plan, democratic governance and clear security arrangements for Palestine, and the sustained, large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC Secretary-General Welcomes Recognition of the State of Palestine by the UK, Canada, and Australia Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 21-09-2025 The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, welcomed the decision by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to recognize the State of Palestine. This historic step is fully aligned with the principles of international law and relevant UN resolutions. It also constitutes strong support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as its capital. The Secretary-General renewed the OIC's call on all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so and to support its full membership in the United Nations. This comes in line with the international community's responsibility to end the Israeli occupation and to achieve peace and stability in the region in accordance with international legitimacy and the implementation of the two-state solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 11 children reportedly killed in attack on a mosque in Sudan's North Darfur State UNICEF Statement Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell 21 September 2025 NEW YORK/AMMAN/PORT SUDAN, 22 September 2025 - "The drone attack on a mosque near the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people in Al Fasher, North Darfur, during Fajr prayers three days ago is shocking and unconscionable. Initial reports indicate that at least 11 children, aged 6 to 15, were killed in the deadly attack, which hit not only the mosque, but also adjacent homes. Many more children were injured. "For more than 500 days, children in Al Fasher have endured a relentless siege by the Rapid Support Forces. Children are trapped by violence, with little access to food, clean water and healthcare, and forced to witness horrors no child should ever see. The latest attack has torn apart families and shattered any sense of safety for children who have already suffered so much. "Additionally, a UNICEF-supported water tanker was struck by a drone in Al Fasher yesterday while delivering clean water to 8,500 displaced people and hospital patients, including at Al Saudi hospital - one of the city's few health centres still functioning. This is the third UNICEF-supported truck targeted in the past three months, putting both humanitarian staff and lifesaving supplies at grave risk. "With Al Fasher under siege, such attacks are cutting families off from safe water at a time when child malnutrition and disease are surging. Displaced families and hospitals now depend almost entirely on water trucking. Without it, many will be forced to turn to unsafe sources, further exposing children to deadly waterborne disease. "It is outrageous that children continue to be killed, maimed, and traumatized in a conflict they did not start and cannot control. Their homes, schools, and places of worship - spaces that are protected under international humanitarian law - have become targets. "All parties to this conflict must end these attacks, fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of children at all times. Children's lives are at stake, and impunity cannot be tolerated. There must be a prompt and thorough investigation into these atrocities, and those responsible must be held fully accountable. "Every child has the right to safety. UNICEF stands with the children of Al Fasher and Sudan. We will not relent in demanding their protection and amplifying their voices until the violence ends." ##### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN, AU and EU leaders pledge joint push for peace and development in Africa By Vibhu Mishra 21 September 2025 - The United Nations, African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and sustainable development in Africa, pledging deeper cooperation to end conflicts, support stability and tackle global challenges from debt to climate change. Meeting at UN Headquarters in New York on the margins of the General Assembly high-level week on Sunday, the leaders of the three organizations issued a joint communique after their sixth trilateral meeting. They reiterated their support for multilateralism as "the most effective way to address today's challenges," stressing adherence to the UN Charter and voiced concern over rising disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights worldwide. Focus on conflicts Much of the communique focused on African crises, notably the devastating war in Sudan, now in its third year. The three organizations called for intensified collective support to secure "an immediate cessation of hostilities and a sustainable solution" through inclusive political dialogue. They also pledged stronger coordination in the Sahel, where violence by armed groups continues to destabilise communities and reaffirmed support for reconciliation and development efforts. On Libya, they endorsed the UN roadmap to revive the stalled political process, while urging continued efforts to address migration challenges in line with humanitarian standards. The communique also expressed support for ongoing peace initiatives in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), backing both the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council's recent resolution. On Somalia, the three organizations reiterated support for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission, stressing the need for sustainable financing to ensure effective operations. Partnerships and global challenges Looking ahead, the UN, AU and EU said they would deepen trilateral cooperation to advance African-led solutions to peace and security challenges. They highlighted Africa's Agenda 2063 and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as guiding frameworks and noted preparations for the AU-EU Summit in Angola this November. The leaders emphasised financing as a key priority, calling for full implementation of the Sevilla Commitment to unlock investment, address debt burdens and reform multilateral development banks. They also warned that climate-induced disruptions are hitting vulnerable communities hardest, urging ambitious commitments at COP30 in Brazil this November. Marking the 25th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women's leadership and participation in peacebuilding. 'Unstoppable Africa' Earlier in the day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Global Africa Business Initiative's Unstoppable Africa 2025 forum, organized by the AU and the UN Global Compact - the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with more than 18,000 companies and non-business signatories in over 160 countries. The UN chief described Africa as "opportunity," pointing to its young population, abundant renewable resources and growing role in the digital economy. To harness this potential, he urged investment in renewable energy, sustainable food systems and digital infrastructure, while ensuring fair returns from Africa's critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition. Mr. Guterres said the world must end the "paradox" of a continent rich in arable land yet reliant on costly food imports, calling for greater support to smallholders and climate-resilient agriculture. "Africa's rise is undeniable, inevitable and unstoppable," he declared, underscoring that reforms in international finance and governance, including permanent African representation on the Security Council, are vital to ensure the continent has a stronger voice on the global stage. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address to two state solution conference Speech Transcript Monday 22 September 2025 United Nations General Assembly Hall, New York Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia President Macron. Your Royal Highness. Secretary-General. Colleagues. Nearly 78 years ago, Australia was proud to be the first member of the United Nations to vote for the plan that made the modern state of Israel possible. The international community's vision for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, always encompassed two states. A state of Israel and a state of Palestine. Living side by side, within internationally-recognised borders. And recognising each other's right to live in peace and security. Eight decades ago, those hopes for peace were consumed by conflict. That has been the grim pattern of the years. Opportunities not taken. Compromises rejected. Good faith, betrayed. A cycle of violence and terror that has crushed generations. We saw that in the horrific events of October 7, 2023. Hamas terrorists descending on a music festival promoting 'friends, love and infinite freedom' to perpetrate atrocities that horrified the world. One Australian, Galit Carbone, was among those killed. Australia embraces all who carry the weight of grief. We join with our allies and partners in calling for the hostages to be returned immediately and with dignity. And we stand with Jewish people around the world, who feel the cold shadow of history's darkest chapter in any act of antisemitism. Throughout this conflict, Australia has added our voice to the global calls for a ceasefire. We want the killing to stop. Because every innocent life matters. Every Israeli life. Every Palestinian life. Right now, Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. And for this, the Israeli Government must accept its share of responsibility. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed. Desperate people, including children, have been denied vital aid. Aid workers have been killed trying to deliver humanitarian assistance, including Australian Zomi Frankcom. And journalists have been killed trying to bring the truth to light. This comes alongside the continued illegal expansion of settlements on the West Bank - and an increase in settler violence. Threats to annex parts of Palestine - and permanently displace the Palestinian people. Such conduct risks putting a two state solution beyond reach. That is where the current road will take us. Which is why we must choose a different path. We must break this cycle of violence and build something better. Yesterday, Australia recognised the State of Palestine. We have been clear: the terrorist organisation Hamas can have no role in Palestine's future. Australia's act of recognition was predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including: Reaffirming Israel's right to exist in peace and security. That Hamas would hand over its weapons to Palestinian security forces - and never control Gaza again. And that the Palestinian Authority must demilitarise, hold democratic elections and undertake wholesale reform: to governance, finance and education. The leadership of the Arab League has given added strength to these commitments. Their demand for Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and surrender its weapons has helped create this moment of opportunity. A chance to deliver self-determination for the people of Palestine in a way that permanently disarms and isolates Hamas - and drives them out of the region once and for all. In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the Palestinian people. That means more than a seat, a voice and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they can call home. This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people. The same hope that binds each of us to our countries and cultures, that drives all of us to want a better life for our children. Working together, we can build a future where instead of children in Gaza dying in pain, living in fear, or being taught to hate - they can go to school, build a "life in larger freedom", aspire to raise children of their own. That future depends on recognition being followed by reconstruction and reform. A credible, co-operative peace plan that supports recovery in Gaza and security for Israel. One that establishes governance and excludes Hamas - from 'the day after' and for every day after that. This is the next step we must take, together. And Australia will join the international community in this endeavour. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement: offer to assist with treatments of patients from Gaza in the Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem Global Affairs Canada Statement September 22, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada "As the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold, there is an urgent need to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza. We, the undersigned, stand ready to provide support in the form of e.g. financial contributions, provision of medical staff or equipment needed for the treatment of patients from Gaza in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We strongly appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so medical evacuations from Gaza can be resumed and patients can get the treatment that they so urgently need on Palestinian territory. We furthermore urge Israel to lift restrictions on deliveries of medicine and medical equipment to Gaza in line with Israel's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law; to urgently and fully enable the UN and other humanitarian partners to do their life-saving work in Gaza; and in line with UN Security Council resolution 2286 (2016) to ensure that medical personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties are respected and protected, their safe and unimpeded passage is facilitated, along with their equipment, transport, and supplies." This statement has been signed by: The Foreign Ministers of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland The Ministers of Development Cooperation of Finland and the Netherlands The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan: EU extends sanctions regime by one year European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 22 September 2025 13:04 The Council has agreed today to extend for another year the EU restrictive measures against those responsible for destabilising Sudan and obstructing its political transition. As a consequence, the sanctions regime in view of the situation in Sudan will remain in force until 10 October 2026, covering ten individuals and eight entities. Those listed are subject to an EU-wide travel ban, the freezing of assets, and a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to them, either directly or indirectly. For the past two years, the war in Sudan has brutally impacted the lives of millions of civilians, with responsibility resting on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and their respective affiliated militias. Background In October 2023, the Council adopted a dedicated framework of restrictive measures in view of activities undermining the stability and political transition of Sudan. It then adopted successive sets of restrictive measures against individuals and entities belonging or affiliated to the SAF and the RSF in January, June and December 2024, and in July 2025. On 11 April 2025 the High Representative issued a statement on behalf of the EU, reiterating the EU's strong appeal to the warring parties for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and urging the belligerent parties to negotiate in good faith for a sustainable peace, where territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty are respected. On that occasion the EU stressed that, in close coordination with the international community, it would use its diplomatic tools and instruments, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict and a lasting inter Sudanese inclusive political process reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers: High Representative Kaja Kallas at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 22.09.2025 New York, 22 September 2025 EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Good afternoon, It is good to be in New York. We just finished the Foreign Affairs Council meeting together with Brazilian, Mexican and Indian colleagues. It was an important discussion ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. So, a few topics, basically in a broader picture two: Middle East and Ukraine. First, on the Middle East. The situation in Gaza is a devastating failure of humanity. The Israeli Government must lift all humanitarian restrictions immediately. Expanding settlements and annexing territory are incompatible with peace, and it is clear that Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. In the European Union, we have tried to put the focus on helping the people on the ground and really improving the humanitarian situation. We are the largest humanitarian donor and a strong supporter of the Palestinian Authority. Ministers were clear that the two-state solution is the best chance to a lasting peace. This means a safe and secure Israel and viable Palestinian state. Today, just as we finish here, we go to this two-state solution conference, [that] can help to revive the momentum towards that goal. Of course, we also addressed Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia is showing absolute contempt for any attempt of diplomacy. Prospects of peace recede with every Russian airstrike. Moscow's repeated violations of the European Unions airspace are reckless, dangerous and risk situations that can get out of hand, and we need to stand firm. In response to Moscow's escalation, the EU presented a new sanctions package last week. This is hitting Russian banks, energy companies, crypto exchanges and Chinese companies enabling the war. Any source of income for the Kremlin to fund its war is a necessary target. In parallel, we are also increasing our support to Ukraine. Europe's military aid to Ukraine is at record high in 2025, with 25 billion so far, and we are also exploring ways to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The impact of Russia's war stretches beyond Europe. Every day Russia breaches the core principles of UN Charter. Together with our colleagues, today we were also discussing that multilateral order is really something that we all need to defend, and the UN Charter is at its core. The EU's relations with Brazil, India and Mexico are important economically, but also for protecting the rules-based international order. Last week, the European Union unveiled its new blueprint to deepen ties with India. With Mexico, we are updating our free trade agreement, and a few days ago, I was in Brazil, where talks about the future of the international order were front and centre of our discussions. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, it is clear that the global order is under heavy fire. This is an argument for a better and more efficient United Nations. Our message today to our partners was simple. The European Union is a reliable actor. We support multilateralism. We support free trade and world grounded in the UN Charter. Together, we are stronger to uphold these values. And with that, I'm happy to take questions. Q&A Q. You haven't yet mentioned the Iran nuclear talks and snap back. Iranian sources are saying that there is a meeting planned between the Europeans, including yourself, and the Iranian Foreign Minister. Can you confirm that? And can you tell us, given the deadline is fast approaching on Saturday, what do you think are the chances of avoiding snapback? Well, I stand ready for all the talks and also a diplomatic solution. It is clear that there has to be an agreement in the end that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. That is the worry that all the countries also around Iran and the wider space have. As I've said before, I'm really willing to explore the ways to find a diplomatic solution. And it is true that the snapback has been triggered, and we have limited time to come to a conclusion. What are the chances? Hard to tell. Q. You say that you have to have a firm response to Russia, especially after these latest incursions. Does that mean that NATO should be shooting down Russian planes? It is clear that Russia is testing us, how far it can go. It is also trying to sow fear without within our societies. That if we are supporting Ukraine, then this war comes to other territories and is expanding, and that is why we have to be very firm on this. Now, as the Polish Prime Minister today said, if the planes are violating airspace, every country has the right to defend itself and act accordingly. And this is, I think, important to understand that everybody has an obligation in front of their own citizens that these kinds of incursions, are not happening. Q. I would like to go back to the Palestinian issue, given the debate today that's going to be at the UN. Has there been any movement, in your discussions today, for sanctions against Israel that were put on the table last week? We briefly discussed this, and many Ministers asked, how do we proceed with this. Of course, today we are having this Foreign Affairs Council here in New York, which is a bit of a different setting than we have in Brussels every week. So, we will come back to the issue in October. The will of most Member States who expressed their opinion was that we would proceed quickly to go on with the proposals that were put on the table. So, we will definitely have the discussions in October. Whether we are able to come to a decision in October is hard to tell, as our Ambassadors are currently working on this. Q. I have a question on Palestine and the recognition of some European and Western countries, recognise the state of Palestine. What is your assessment? Is that another drop in the ocean? Because in terms of what is happening on the ground, it is not going to change much. All of the European countries support the two-state solution. So, in order to have two states more equal, then the steps of Member States regarding the recognition also have taken place, to send a clear signal that European countries support also Palestinians in this conflict. Now, of course, the two things, the humanitarian situation on the ground that we try to improve all the time is not really dependent on the recognition of the country, but I think these two tracks have to be kept in line. That supporting the two-state solution also means that the two states actually continue to exist. Q. How divided, though is the EU over the idea of recognizing Palestine? I know, I hear, what you say about the two-state solution, but not everyone is in favour of recognizing Palestine? Q. The Italian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Tajani today say that recognises Palestine, a state that doesn't exist, is a gift to Hamas. Is that undermining the unity of the European Union this? It is up to Member States to recognise or not recognise any countries. But I think today, we have a number of countries who are coming forward and recognising - which makes, I think, a majority of European countries recognizing Palestine. Of course, it is a decision of individual Member States to take that step. Regarding Hamas. The European position is also very clear. All the European Member States are saying that Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Gaza. We are also supporting - or putting forward - the additional sanctions on the leadership of Hamas to really put the pressure so that there would be a ceasefire and [release of] hostages. I think these things should be kept separately. If we talk about the two-state solution, then there has to be two states. And that is why the Member States have taken the steps to recognise, so that there would be another state also, in addition to Israel. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-277455 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United Nations Security Council briefing: Threats to international peace and security - Violation of Estonian airspace European External Action Service (EEAS) 22.09.2025 EEAS Press Team Transcript of statement by EU HR/VP Kaja KALLAS at the United Nation Security Council on the violation of Estonia's airspace. Mister President, Excellencies, The United Nations was founded on a set of shared values and principles, foremost among them the pursuit of peace and security. Although these values are being continuously being tested and tried, the adherence to these values is still what brings us together in this room. There is one country present here in this room, which is actively seeking to undermine the values and principles that the nations of the United Nations have committed to upholding. Last week, Russia once again violated international law and the sovereignty of a European country. For twelve minutes, three armed Russian fighter jets aircraft blatantly violated Estonian airspace; the same type of fighter jets that regularly bomb innocent civilians in Kyiv. The recent violation of Estonian airspace is unprecedented in both scale and recklessness. It was a deliberate provocation which could have ended with devastating results. This comes after Russian violations of Polish and Romanian airspace with drones a week earlier. It cannot be that Russia 'accidentally' violates three times in two weeks European air space. And if it was accidental, it was a mistake, there have been plenty of time for the Russian Federation to apologise and say sorry, we made a mistake. Instead, we see a pattern: Russia is testing European borders, probing our resolve, undermining the security of the whole of Europe. Russia will continue to provoke as long as we allow it. Therefore, the United Nations and the international community must clearly condemn such actions. It is a breach of the UN Charter, which obliges all states to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. And it is particularly cynical that a permanent member of the UN Security Council - entrusted with safeguarding peace - actively seeks to undermine it. Russia's aggression against Ukraine continues, and now it is extending provocations against European Union Member States. Russia hopes that this might force us to draw our focus away from supporting Ukraine and focus solely on our own security. Well let me be very clear - European security starts with Ukraine and any provocation against EU Member States will only strengthen our resolve to support Ukraine. I say this openly to the Russian representative in this room: your government's actions are reckless, dangerous, and go against the very principles of the United Nations. Our response is united and firm. First, we stand in full solidarity with Estonia, Poland and Romania. Second, we collectively condemn Russia's sovereignty violations. Third, the European Union will continue to help to strengthen European defence and deterrence, together with NATO. Fourth, for every test or violation of our security, our resolve to support Ukraine grows. Russia cannot be allowed to normalise such behaviour. International law is not optional. The sovereignty and security of one Member State is the sovereignty and security of all. I call on you to condemn Russia's violation of Estonia's air space Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the UN Security Council: Russia not only violated Estonian airspace, but also blatantly lied about it Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22.09.2025 | 19:45 Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said today, 22 September, at the UN Security Council meeting in New York convened in response to the violation of Estonia's airspace, that Russia not only violated Estonian airspace but also blatantly lied about it, once again revealing its true nature. The foreign minister called on the international community to exert strong pressure on Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine and its threats to peace and security. According to the foreign minister, there was broad support for Estonia in New York today, with 50 countries and the European Union joining Estonia's statement. "On 19 September, three armed Russian MiG-31 fighter jets deliberately entered Estonian airspace. Although this was already the fourth violation of Estonian airspace by Russia this year, this time the violation took place deeper in our territory, lasted longer, took place simultaneously with three armed aircraft and only a few flight minutes away from our capital Tallinn. They remained in our skies for 12 minutes, penetrating up to 10 kilometres deep and covering nearly 100 kilometres inside our sovereign territory. Regardless of what Russia claims, these are harsh facts based on solid evidence," Foreign Minister Tsahkna said, presenting evidence of this at the UN Security Council meeting. According to the foreign minister, Russia - a permanent member of the UN Security Council - thereby blatantly and recklessly violated Estonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the UN Charter and international law. "We are here today at the UN Security Council because the violation of Estonia's airspace concerns not only Estonia, but the entire international community. This is part of a broader pattern of Russian actions, which includes its war of aggression against Ukraine now in its fourth year, and the violation of the borders of NATO member states," Tsahkna said, referring to Russian drones that recently entered Polish and Romanian airspace, in addition to the violation of Estonia's air border. "Russia's dangerous conduct cannot and must not be tolerated, as it would not only seriously undermine the UN Charter and international law, but would also set an extremely dangerous precedent, encouraging further aggression, increasing regional and global tensions and ultimately jeopardising peace and security around the world," Tsahkna stressed. "I call once again on the Russian Federation to put an immediate end to its war of aggression against sovereign Ukraine, to honour its obligations under the UN Charter and to cease all provocations and threats against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours," the foreign minister said. "The international community must unequivocally condemn Russia's actions that threaten peace and security. But words alone are not enough. Together, we must apply maximum pressure on Russia to bring about a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and to force Russia to abandon its neo-colonial and imperial ambitions. Together, we can hold Russia accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, for the war crimes and crimes against humanity it has committed since 2014, and for the persistent violations of international treaties and agreements that it has pledged to uphold. Impunity, leniency and further concessions would only embolden Putin and lead to new crimes. We can only succeed if we act decisively and jointly in defending the UN Charter and international law," Tsahkna said. The meeting of the Security Council is available for watching. The statement of Estonia and the supporting countries made before the meeting of the Security Council by the foreign minister is available for watching and the statement can be read on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Wadephul prior to his departure for New York to participate in the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Germany Federal Foreign Office 22.09.2025 - Press release Prior to his departure for New York to participate in the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today (22 September 2025) issued the following statement: The UN Charter represents the hope that jointly agreed rules are stronger than arbitrary violence, that negotiations produce more sustainable solutions than the dominance of individuals, and that a life of dignity can be enjoyed by every human being. However, this promise, made by the world with the founding of the United Nations 80 years ago, is facing unprecedented pressure. Today, it is swarms of drones, missile parades and nuclear threats that aim to shake our faith in the strength of the law. By waging his illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Putin is acting against everything the United Nations stands for. Iran has been massively enriching its uranium stockpiles for years, refusing full inspection of its nuclear programme by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and thereby adopting a course of action that the world cannot allow. In the Sudan, a civil war is raging that has triggered the worst humanitarian catastrophe of our time. In Haiti, armed gangs are overwhelming the population with violence. Rising sea levels are endangering the livelihoods of people worldwide, while millions continue to live in poverty and underdevelopment. These days, the eyes of the international community are also focused particularly on the Middle East, where, two years after the Hamas terror attack of 7 October 2023, there is still no end to the conflict in sight. What the region needs now is an immediate ceasefire, a substantial increase in humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza and the immediate, unconditional release of the hostages. The attack on Gaza City is absolutely the wrong path being taken. Any and all steps towards an illegal annexation of occupied territory also undermine the chances of resolving the conflict in a sustainable way. However distant it may seem at this moment, a negotiated two-state solution is the path that can enable both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity. Germany regards recognition of a Palestinian state as a step more at the end of the process. However, such a process must now begin. As the world gathers in New York over the coming days, it will be wrestling with ways to resolve these many crises, conflicts and wars. The United Nations remains the sole - the indispensable - forum that brings the world together. To fulfil its role, it must be a powerful and effective organisation. This is one reason why Germany supports the UN80 initiative launched by the Secretary-General and is working for profound reforms. This includes our push for a Security Council that finally mirrors the realities of the 21st century - thus giving African, Asian and Latin American countries the voice and weight they deserve. Many rightly look to Germany with the expectation that we will work for a world where peace, human rights and development are not just distant promises. By standing as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027/28, we seek to assume greater responsibility once again. We support a rules-based international order with a strong United Nations at its heart in order to meet global challenges with truly global solutions. It is my firm conviction that this also provides the strongest foundation for our security, our freedom and our prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Summit in New York: We must actively defend international cooperation and international law Government of Norway News story | Date: 22/09/2025 This year marks the UN's 80th anniversary. One of the key topics of discussion for world leaders as they convene in New York for this year's UN General Assembly High-level Week will be how to reform the UN so that it can continue to play a vital role in the years ahead. The General Assembly High-level Week is taking place against a very difficult backdrop. The wars in Ukraine and Palestine are continuing unabated. The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe. A number of countries have cut their funding to the UN, which, as a result, is having to lay off staff and reduce its activities. At the same time, polarisation is on the rise in many parts of the world. Important meeting place 'This is a critical summit for the UN. The world is contending with major challenges, but the willingness to come together to find common solutions is in decline. We must use the UN's 80th anniversary to bring renewed impetus to international cooperation based on international law,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. The Prime Minister pointed to the crucial role the UN has played since its establishment in 1945. 'During the 80 years since it was founded, the UN has helped to prevent wars and international crises, defined fundamental rights for everyone across the globe, and provided humanitarian and international development assistance that has saved millions of lives. The UN is essential to maintaining a rules-based world order based on international law. Now we must ensure that the UN can play a key role in the years to come as well,' said Mr Stre. UN reform Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre is leading Norway's delegation to this year's high-level week at the UN. Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Minister of International Development Asmund Grver Aukrust, and Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen are also taking part. As one of the UN's strongest political supporters and largest donors, Norway has significant credibility as a participant in the discussions on UN reform. 'It is crucial that the UN adapts in pace with new challenges. Countries in the Global South must be better represented, and UN efforts must be made more effective and efficient and brought more in line with the needs of the member countries,' said Mr Stre. The major cuts in UN funding will also be an important topic of discussion during this year's high-level week, as will the climate and environmental crisis, and the wars in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, Myanmar and in various other parts of the world. Supporting international law Actively defending international law will be a priority for Norway this year too, particularly in the meetings on the war in Ukraine and on the two-state solution in the Middle East. 'The attacks on civilians in Ukraine are brutal and completely unacceptable. Russia must cease its aggression immediately and respect Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. This is also a critical time for Palestine. Norway is now working with a growing number of countries to save and implement the two-state solution. International law must apply everywhere, without exception,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Global health Global health has been a priority area for Norway for many decades. During the high-level week, world leaders will adopt a new political declaration on non-communicable diseases and mental health at a high-level meeting on this issue. 'It is crucial for the world and for Norway that we continue to make progress in the area of global health. Non-communicable diseases and mental health represent a major challenge worldwide, including in Norway. International cooperation is needed to find effective solutions to global problems such as these,' said Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust. Climate change in focus Minister of International Development, Mr. Asmund Aukrust, and Minister of climate and environment, Mr. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. Credit: Pontus Hook / Permanent Mission to the UN in New York The high-level week is important as preparation for, and as a forum for discussions ahead of, the 30th UN climate conference (COP30) to be held in Brazil in November. Last summer, Norway submitted its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035. 'The impacts of climate change will continue to increase in severity if we fail to take decisive action - and this is precisely what the present Government is doing. The UN Secretary-General is convening a meeting of world leaders where they are to present their new NDCs. Norway's new NDC is one of few climate targets that is seen as being consistent with the 1.5-degree goal. Norway will therefore be in a strong position to call on other countries to present targets that, collectively, will keep the Paris Agreement target within reach,' said Minister of Climate and Environment Bjelland Eriksen. Norway's participation at high-level week meetings The four Government ministers will participate in the official opening of the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday 23 September. The Prime Minister will also take part in the high-level meeting to mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, where Gro Harlem Brundtland gave the closing address. In recent years, gender equality and women's rights have been under severe pressure worldwide, and the meeting will be an important opportunity to reaffirm Norway's strong engagement in this area. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. Credit: Pontus Hook / Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York Both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will be participating in important meetings on Palestine and the two-state solution. As a G20 guest country, Norway will be represented at the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of International Development will be participating in various events including meetings on promoting peace and mobilising increased humanitarian support for Sudan. A daily report (Norwegian only) summarising highlights from the programme will be published each day of the high-level week on the government website regjeringen.no. Many of the General Assembly meetings will also be streamed online and will be accessible to everyone. Facts about the UN The UN was founded on 24 October 1945 to prevent future wars and promote international cooperation. 1948 saw the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a cornerstone of any democratic society. In the 1950s and 1960s, the UN played a key role in decolonisation. The number of member states has risen from 51 in 1945 to 193 today. 1982 saw the adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which has been of crucial importance to the development of Norway's ocean, shipping, fisheries and petroleum industries. The UN has maintained a strong focus on environmental issues - the 1992 Rio Conference laid the foundation for the Climate Change Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Millennium Development Goals (2000) and the Sustainable Development Goals (2015) have established a common global understanding of sustainable development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chairman Mast Statement on Russia's Violation of Estonia's Airspace U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs September 22, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement in response to Russia's violation of Estonia's airspace late last week. "Another clear test by Russia: this time three Russian MiG 31s flying armed and in formation into Estonia within miles from the Estonian capital. Last time, it was 19 drones into Poland. The design is to test our resolve to respond, a calculation by Putin that a response will be no more than an Article 4 consultationtalk among NATO members. No NATO country should tolerate this violation any more than the United States would tolerate Russian MiG's or drones within our borders." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister IWAYA's Attendance at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Resolution of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 22, 2025 On the afternoon of September 22 (local time), Minister for Foreign Affairs IWAYA Takeshi, during his visit to New York, attended the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The overview of the conference is as follows. The Conference was attended by representatives from approximately many UN member countries and regions, as well as international organizations, in addition to the Co-Chairs, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (delivered Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's remarks on his behalf). Strong support for a two-state solution was expressed, and the importance of international community's continued support for Palestine, including the aid to Gaza, was emphasized. Minister IWAYA stressed that Japan, together with Norway, served as a co-chair of the Working Group on the economic viability of the Palestinian State in July. He stated that in order to improve PA's fiscal situation, concerted effort by the international community to urge Israel on this issue and support the Palestinian Authority (PA) is essential, as well as reforms undertaken by the PA itself. Minister IWAYA expressed his view that the current situation is an extremely grave and alarming that threatens to erode the very foundation of a two-state solution. He stated that, in addition to the sharp deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the expansion of settlements and steps toward the annexation of the West Bank are completely unacceptable. He strongly condemned these unilateral actions and called on Israel to immediately cease them. At the same time, he underscored the necessity of the release of all hostages by Hamas and its disarmament. Minister IWAYA reaffirmed Japan's consistent position in support of a two-state solution, emphasizing that the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state is not a matter of "if", but of "when". He stated that Japan will continue its comprehensive deliberations on the issue of recognizing a Palestinian State with even greater seriousness while carefully monitoring developments. He added that should Israel take further actions that block the path to the realization of a two-state solution, Japan will be compelled to introduce new measures in response. (Reference) Attachment Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA English (PDF) ) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baiba Braze at the UN Security Council meeting: The world is united in support of Estonia. Russia's threat creates a global security crisis Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22.09.2025 On 22 September 2025, in New York, at the United Nations Security Council's emergency meeting convened at the requested of Estonia over the violations of Estonian and Polish airspace by Russia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, delivered a statement on behalf of Latvia and Lithuania. "By its aggressive, revanchist behaviour, Russia continues to fundamentally undermine global security, disregards the UN Charter, ignores the demands of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. We stand in full solidarity with our neighbour and ally Estonia and vehemently condemn the violation of Estonian airspace by Russia on 19 September. On 12 September, the UNSC Council strongly condemned Russia's incursion into Polish airspace, and the Baltic states and Poland warned of the risk of further provocations by Russia. Just some days later, the UNSC is being convened over Russia's violations in Estonia. The entire Europe is affected by Russia's subconventional threat - sabotage of critical infrastructure, GPS jamming, disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks. Russia's war against Ukraine is of an imperial and colonial nature. Russia ignores the mandate of the UN Security Council and disregards the UN Charter. Let us remember Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale aggression against Ukraine since 2022. Latvia, together with its allies, will continue to support Ukraine and the efforts of the United States and European partners to achieve a lasting and just peace. We will also continue to invest in our deterrence, defence, and resilience capabilities. We will continue working closely with our allies to ensure that Russia's provocations are met with a firm response." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Paraguay has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara and is considering opening a consulate in the Kingdom's southern provinces, announced, on Monday in New York, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday 22 September 2025 "We support Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara, and we are considering the upcoming opening of a Paraguayan consulate in this region," Ramirez Lezcano told the press after a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita. Ramirez Lezcano also announced the upcoming visit to Morocco of Paraguayan President Santiago Pena Palacios. The Paraguayan foreign minister also said he plans to visit Morocco before the end of the year. The meeting between Bourita and his Paraguayan counterpart, which took place on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, was also an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of common interest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Republic of Suriname reaffirmed, on Monday in New York, its "support for the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its entire territory, including the Moroccan Sahara," as well as for the autonomy plan "as the only basis for a political solution to the regional dispute over Morocco's territorial integrity and national sovereignty." Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monday 22 September 2025 This position was expressed in a joint communique signed by Suriname's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Mr. Melvin Bouva, and Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, following talks on Monday on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The communique recalls that "the Government of the Republic of Suriname opened an embassy in Rabat and a consulate general in Dakhla in May 2022, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries." The Surinamese minister expressed his country's "deep gratitude" to His Majesty King Mohammed VI "for His vision of South-South cooperation based on mutual respect, efficiency, solidarity and pragmatism." He also "stressed the importance of this Royal Vision in contributing to sustainable development in the Caribbean region through concrete socio-economic projects." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Days in Ostrava mark 25 years with focus on Allied Airpower NATO Allied Air Command Sep 22 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- NATO Days in Ostrava celebrated their 25th anniversary this weekend, with a strong focus on Allied air power and modernisation. Slovakia's new F-16C/D Block 70/72 fighter aircraft made their international debut at the show, underscoring the country's transition from ageing MiG-29s to advanced multirole warplanes, fostering even greater interoperability with Allied Air Forces. So far, the Slovak Air Force has received five of 14 ordered F-16s, with the remainder expected by 2026. Portugal presented its KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of cargo or 80 troops and operating from unpaved runways, demonstrating NATO's growing capabilities in Agile Combat Employment (ACE). The Czech Republic has industrial participation in the KC-390 programme, making the aircraft a possible candidate for the Czech Air Force's future transport fleet. Dynamic aerial displays featured Allied aerobatic teams, including Britain's Red Arrows, Turkey's Turkish Stars, and Croatia's Krila Oluje. Italy contributed both a flying demonstration of the AV-8B+ Harrier II and a two-seat TAV-8B trainer for static display, while the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35A Lightning II highlighted fifth-generation capabilities. The event also showcased ongoing NATO modernisation efforts in air defence, with exhibits of radar, electronic warfare, and passive surveillance systems. Static and dynamic presentations underlined how Allies are integrating new technologies to strengthen deterrence and readiness. . NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days have grown into one of Europe's largest security shows, bringing together Allies and partners to demonstrate cooperation and interoperability. This year's edition reaffirmed NATO's defensive posture, highlighting the Alliance's collective strength in the air domain. Learn more about NATO Days in Ostrava on The Allied Airpower Podcast. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO aircrews reinforce rescue readiness in Lithuanian-led exercise NATO Allied Air Command Sep 22 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- From 15 to 19 September 2025, Allied Air Forces and maritime units from Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, and Liuthuania conducted joint sea-survival and rescue operations in Lithuanian territorial waters as part of Exercise Baltic Bikini 2025. Designed to simulate emergency aircraft water landings, the annual exercise provided realistic, scenario-based training for aircrews operating over the Baltic region. Participants trained in both pool-based and open-sea environments, rehearsing egress from submerged cockpit simulators, deployment of life-saving rafts, and coordinated rescue responses under operational conditions. Allied Air Forces and maritime units from Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, and Liuthuania conducted joint sea-survival and rescue operations in Lithuanian territorial waters. Photo courtesy of the Lithuanian Air Force. A Lithuanian naval ship and Mi-8 helicopters, alongside a shallow-water boat team and divers from an underwater operations unit, supported the drills. The presence of Air Force rescue helicopters ensured that aircrew were recovered under authentic maritime conditions, enhancing multi-domain integration between air and naval assets. Baltic Bikini focuses on aircrew survival after an aircraft ditching, particularly scenarios involving cold water, strong currents and limited visibility. Training included communication with rescue forces, signal use, survival in immersion suits and extraction by hoist from rescue helicopters. Though water landings are rare, their life-threatening nature makes such preparation essential for air personnel regularly flying over maritime terrain. Initiated in 1999 with the Royal Danish Air Force and hosted rotationally by the Baltic States since 2004, Baltic Bikini enables interoperability among NATO's eastern Allies. Historical iterations have seen aircrew from various NATO nations, including technicians, medics and loadmasters, undertake critical training in survival and coordination. In addition to individual tasks, crews executed team-based movements from crash sites to rescue points while maintaining communication with air and naval rescuers. This year's exercise reinforced the Alliance's ability to execute coordinated rescue operations, with a focus on aircrew readiness. Baltic Bikini 2025 further demonstrated NATO's commitment to regional security through multinational cooperation, highlighting the vital role of air force personnel in ensuring rapid response, survivability and joint operational integration. The name of the exercise has its origin in Denmark. Having started these sea rescue exercises, Denmark named it "Bikini" because at that time exercises with names starting with the letter 'B' held a special status, and the word "Bikini" aptly reflects work in water. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allied corps commanders meet in finland NATO Allied Land Command Sep 22 2025 Press Release FRI 19 SEPT 2025 By Allied Land Command Public Affairs ROVANIEMI, Finland - Commanders from across NATO's army corps headquarters and land forces met here Sep 15-16 to discuss plans to experiment and field new technologies critical to establishing ground deterrence and providing ready land forces to the Alliance. Hosted by LANDCOM commander U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Donahue, the Land Corps Commanders' Conference is a semi-annual event led by Allied Land Command. The conference brings together senior land forces leaders to align efforts and drive transformation into tangible land domain results. "LC3 brings together leaders from the land domain, special forces commands, and component commands to plan how we strengthen our deterrence posture," said Donahue. The two-day event served as a platform to discuss cohering LANDCOM's ability to support NATO's Regional Plans through the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line. "We convened this group in Finland, one our Alliance's newest members, to ensure we have a unified approach across the eastern flank," said Donahue. "This is accomplished through the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line - a forward looking all-domain approach to ensure we protect every inch of Alliance territory." Donahue explained that the concept leverages unmanned and minimally-manned systems, backed with an integrated mission command network using live data to accelerate decision-making, to complement Allied forward posture along NATO's Eastern Flank to sense, disrupt and defeat adversaries. The concept and related capabilities are being tested by Allied Land Command and NATO Allies at exercises and demonstrations in the field, to include simulations of large-scale operations such as Exercise Steadfast Duel in October. September's conference was co-hosted by the Finnish Army and its commander Lt. Gen. Pasi Valimaki at the Finnish Jaeger Brigade's headquarters in Northern Finland, to provide attendees an orientation to the arctic terrain. "LC3 provided an excellent opportunity to our allies to familiarize with operating under the conditions of the High North," said Valimaki. "This event gave concrete additional criteria for continuing the planning of Eastern Flank Deterrence Line." "Finland holds NATO's longest direct land border with Russia," said U.K. Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, deputy commander of Allied Air Command. "Holding the conference at Rovaniemi underscores NATO's commitment to defending its northeastern flank and adapting to the security environment in the High North and Baltic region." Founding Alliance member Norway also provided perspective on the significance of hosting the conference in Finland. "This conference was a strong confirmation of the unity in NATO and of the fact that all Nordic countries belong to NATO now," said Chief of the Norwegian Army Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik. "It was a great opportunity to talk about the land power and what is needed today and in the future. Also, we Nordic countries could point out how we can use our capabilities, what we can offer." For more information on Allied Land Command, please visit https://lc.nato.int/. Story by Public Affairs Office at LANDCOM NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Attends the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, today attended the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. This session was of particular significance due to recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries, reinforcing the international consensus on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood. The DPM/FM welcomed the announcements on recognition of the State of Palestine by France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Portugal, and others, and urged all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar steps in line with their commitment to international law. Pakistan actively participated in the Conference, and also endorsed, without prejudice to its long-standing and principled position on the Question of Palestine, the Outcome Document - the New York Declaration. This endorsement reflects Pakistan's consistent commitment to the realization of a just and lasting peace. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988, and has consistently called for Palestine's admission as a full member of the United Nations. The Conference was a timely and necessary initiative to generate renewed momentum and to translate international commitments into concrete actions. It must be followed by concrete, and coordinated international action to finally achieve the long coveted peace and stability in the Middle East. Pakistan strongly condemns the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, and calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire across Gaza and all occupied Palestinian Territories; a full and unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged and starved Palestinian population. The DPM/FM's presence in the Conference reaffirmed Pakistan's historic and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people. Pakistan has consistently supported the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with relevant UN and OIC resolutions and international legitimacy. Islamabad 22 September 2025 284/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As NATO Mulls Response To Trespassing Russian Warplanes, Can It Shoot Them Down? By Rikard Jozwiak September 22, 2025 Summary NATO's North Atlantic Council will meet on September 23, following Russian airspace violations in Estonia and Poland. Russian jets were escorted away by NATO allies, while the drones over Poland were shot down; the incidents are seen as provocations testing NATO's response. Debates are ongoing about stricter measures, including shooting down Russian planes, with examples like Turkey's 2015 action cited. NATO officials are gathering for a meeting of its North Atlantic Council (NAC) on September 23, called by Estonia in response to an incursion by Russian warplanes into its airspace last week. That incident and previous incursions into other NATO countries by Russian drones, particularly into Poland on September 10, have left the alliance scrambling for the right response. Czech President Petr Pavel, a career soldier who was a senior NATO official as head of its Military Committee, even suggested shooting down Russian planes if necessary in remarks to Czech media on September 20. In the Polish case, some of the drones were shot down by Polish and NATO air assets. In Estonia, Russian jets were escorted away by Swedish, Finnish, and Italian planes -- with the latter nation currently being in charge of the alliance's Baltic air policing mission together with Spain and Hungary. NATO officials who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity say it is much easier to get clearance to shoot at an unmanned drone, especially if it is seen as heading toward critical infrastructure, than a jet with a pilot. Can They Shoot? As a rule of thumb: NATO is a defensive alliance consisting of 32 sovereign nations. That means that, ultimately, it is up to each and every country how it polices and defends its territory -- including its airspace. But a "caution first" approach is usually applied. In other words: Don't shoot immediately. But things are different if there is a mission or operation in progress that falls under the NATO umbrella. This is the case with the eight battlegroups along the alliance's eastern flank and the Baltic air policing mission that has been in place since Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania joined in 2004. NATO allies with fighter jets take turns every four months to patrol the skies of the Baltic trio, which lack their own air power. In cases such as this, the rules of engagement are set by the NAC, which is the alliance's foremost political decision-making body. Decisions are made via unanimity, with the military aspects then executed by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). This is always a US general, currently General Alexus G. Grynkewich, who took up the role in July. Every mission under him has its own specific rules of engagement. What unites them all is that they aren't made public and should keep enemies guessing. What makes it even more complicated is that NATO as an organization has few assets under its own command. Instead, most allies provide their national capabilities to SACEUR but maintain their own national caveats. A hypothetical example: If Italian planes are asked to shoot down drones over Poland as part the alliance's new Eastern Sentry operation, someone in Rome must give the green light. Depending on the agreement, this could be a military chief, defense minister, or even prime minister. In other instances, countries allow SACEUR or his commanders to make the call. As noted, there's a high bar for opening fire, especially at Russian planes with human crews. The NATO jets involved in the Baltic air policing mission shouldn't really shoot at those. Two NATO officials told RFE/RL the three MiGs that spent 12 minutes in Estonian airspace on September 19 did not represent a direct threat to the country. Rather, they said, it was a provocation to test the alliance's response and that NATO aircraft did the correct thing in escorting them away. But the wisdom of this is now being debated in public. Like the Czech president, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene have suggested that it could become necessary to shoot down Russian planes. Why Turkey Opened Fire The example of Turkey gunning down a Russian Sukhoi-24M near the Turkish-Syrian border in 2015 is often highlighted. The jet violated Turkish airspace during the height of the Syrian War for 17 seconds after having been warned numerous times to change course. This was a simpler situation. Turkey made its own decision to use its own air force as it saw fit. While tensions were high between Ankara and Moscow and the latter imposed immediate sanctions, relations warmed again six months later with the Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing regret. NATO sided with Ankara but asked for caution and deployed more AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) planes to the country. Much like Turkey back then, and Poland earlier in September, Estonia has called for consultations under NATO's Article 4, which are now going ahead on September 23. Tallinn is likely to point out that this is the fifth Russian airspace violation this year, the two planes had their transponders shut down, and they failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. This behavior is becoming increasingly common by Russian planes in the Baltic Sea theater. NATO officials believe some allies will repeat the warning that they might be forced to shoot down next time. But rules of engagements can also be changed in other ways, such as allowing Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-response-russia- warplanes-airspace/33537226.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 How NATO Is Boosting Eastern Defenses Amid Russian Air Incursions By Rikard Jozwiak September 22, 2025 Two days after an unprecedented drone incursion by Russia on Polish territory on September 10, NATO unveiled its response: Operation Eastern Sentry. The mission kicked off immediately on September 12 and was tested a week later by Russian jets entering Estonian airspace. NATO says Eastern Sentry is about strengthening its defense posture, connectivity, and flexibility along its entire eastern flank. While the immediate focus was on Russia drones and geographically on Poland, the operation is multidomain -- meaning land, sea, and air forces are involved -- and is meant to plug gaps from the North Sea to the Black Sea. It was made clear, however, that it will only be in NATO territory, meaning there are no plans to enter western Ukraine to protect the skies. While Kyiv would very much welcome such a move, and there is an argument for targeting Russian drones much earlier, many NATO allies are fearful this could bring them closer to a direct conflict with the Kremlin. Integrated System The key goal now is to move toward an integrated system. Previously, individual NATO allies conducted air policing in different locations, with NATO providing supplementary support on a case-by-case basis, depending on the threat assessment. The idea now is to have more resources linked to each other across the entire eastern flank, be it missiles or anti-drone technology. It is inspired by a similar operation, Baltic Sentry, that was launched earlier this year as a response to a number of alleged undersea sabotage activities by Moscow in the Baltic Sea. NATO officials RFE/RL has been in touch with on condition of anonymity view that operation as a success, noting there have been no recent attempts to sever cables or other infrastructure in the region. While it will be trickier to prevent all drones from getting into NATO territory, the thinking here is a beefed-up presence will make "Russia think twice before testing again." Allies Step Up Eight countries have already joined Eastern Sentry and placed assets at the disposal of NATO's supreme allied commander (SACEUR), Alexus Grynkewich. More are expected to follow suit. France was the first to come forward, with three Rafale fighter jets to be stationed in Poland, as well as an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. Britain will have some of its Typhoon jets fly defense missions over Polish skies, and Germany has moved four of its Eurofighters closer to its eastern neighbor, ready to conduct sorties at any moment. Italy and Denmark have both also signaled that they will provide jets. Additionally, Copenhagen has deployed a military ship in the eastern Baltic Sea. Spain and Sweden will also contribute, while the Czech Republic is actually placing some special forces troops in Poland and sending three helicopters as well. Two things stand out here. First, the lack of any new American assets being provided to Eastern Sentry so far. When asked about this at a press briefing, Grynkewich half-joked that "as far as US military assets [are concerned]I'm right here, and I'm involved" before adding that "the United States commitment to the integrated military structure of the Alliance remains." US President Donald Trump, when asked by reporters on September 21 if he would help defend Poland and nearby Baltic states if Moscow continues to escalate, said: "Yeah, I would. I would." The United States has more than 10,000 troops stationed in Poland, and that number could even increase. While there are widespread reports about Washington redeploying military personnel from Europe to Asian theaters, NATO officials who spoke to RFE/RL were adamant they have been given no indication that troop numbers will be reduced on the eastern flank anytime soon. Cost Concerns The second issue is that the commitment to Eastern Sentry has so far been focused on expensive fighter jets and other costly equipment. This was one of the criticisms of the Polish and NATO response to the September 10 incursion: that multimillion-dollar fighter jets were used for protection against cheap drones. While some European officials admit that Warsaw wants "a show of force," others acknowledge this isn't economically sustainable in the long run. Or, as one senior NATO official put it: "We, of course, recognize that the best way to defeat drones is not with a very expensive missile fired from a very, very expensive plane." Eastern Sentry is very much a sort of sudden measure until a potential "drone wall" can become a reality and complement what's already out there. NATO will be central to building such a system, and with the EU signaling readiness to fund it, the project looks likely to happen, but it is two to three years away in the best-case scenario. In the meantime, the military alliance is looking at Latvia's pioneering work with acoustic sensors that detect drones faster, as well as new munitions that allow aircraft to use cheaper weapons, both of which could happen rather quickly. Mobile fire teams are another model NATO could adapt from Ukraine's experience. Kyiv has been using these small, fast-moving units armed with machine guns or man-portable air-defense systems with increasing success on the battlefield. As Grynkewich put it when pressed by the media after unveiling Eastern Sentry: "It's time to take a fresh look at this. And we're always learning. NATO is a learning organization." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/nato-eastern-sentry-russia-drones-poland/33536306.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 Risch Statement on Allies' Recognition of a Palestinian State Senate Foreign Relations Committee September 22, 2025 BOISE -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement in response to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Portugal, and France recognizing a Palestinian State. "Our allies' recognition of a purported Palestinian state is a tragedy for those it seeks to support: the Palestinian people. This recognition rewards Hamas, a terror group that thrust millions of Gazans into a terrible war, that uses Palestinian women and children as human shields, and that relies on their suffering for its political success. "This proclamation did not require Palestinian officials to abandon any calls of violence, to release any of the 48 hostages Hamas holds, to allow free expression for those under their control, nor to recognize the right of Israel to exist. Sadly, these proclamations teach a lesson to would-be terrorists around the world: a state can be theirs too if they instigate wars, take hostages, sacrifice innocent civilians, and reject repeated attempts at peace long enough. "A brighter path exists for the Palestinian people. It lays in a future where Hamas is eliminated, where tolerance and peace are rewarded not punished. Today's announcements bring the Palestinian people even further away from this hope." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines proposals at UN on Middle East crisis Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS RELEASE 110 The State Secretary recalled at the ministerial meeting on the Middle East that Spain has taken a leading role, with growing support from many partners and allies Monday, September 22, 2025 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation today, Sunday 21 September, began its participation in the various events of the United Nations Ministerial Week with its participation in a ministerial meeting on the Middle East, at which it outlined the main measures taken by Spain to end the conflict in the region. Before the arrival of the main Spanish delegation led by King Felipe VI, the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares the State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs (SEAEG), Diego Martinez Belio, represented Spain at the first major event on one of the issues that will dominate the agendas of participants in this 80th United Nations High-Level Week. The State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs warned that we are facing the greatest challenge of the modern era in the Middle East and that "we must act, not only react, to ensure that the various crises create a real opportunity to consolidate peace and stability" in the region. In this regard, he recalled that Spain has acted accordingly, at the forefront, with the growing support of numerous partners and allies. At this meeting, organised by Qatar and the European Union and held at the International Peace Institute (IPI), Martinez Belio reiterated Spain's warning, not only about the devastation and unbearable humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but also about the extremely dangerous risk of a wider regional escalation and instability with unpredictable consequences. The State Secretary emphasised that the crisis in the Middle East today represents a major challenge for the United Nations system and for the international community, for those of us who defend International Law and International Humanitarian Law. "We must assume our responsibility to effectively address violations and to preserve the international architecture through concrete action to bring an end to the war in Gaza and a de-escalation of tensions in Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen," concluded Martinez Belio, who advocated, in this complex context, the exercise of collective, bilateral, regional and multilateral influence. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement from the Trilateral Meeting of the United States of America, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in New York City US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 22, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Begin Text: Secretary of State of the United States of America Marco Rubio, Foreign Minister of Japan Iwaya Takeshi, and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun met on September 22 in New York City to continue their joint efforts to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of our three countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region, while upholding shared principles including the rule of law. Strengthening Regional and Global Engagement The United States reiterated its ironclad commitments to the defense of Japan and the ROK, backed by America's unmatched military strength, including its nuclear capabilities. The United States reaffirmed its extended deterrence commitments to Japan and the ROK, which are critically important to the security and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their resolve to bolster defense and deterrence by advancing robust security cooperation, including through the regular conduct of the trilateral multi-domain exercise "Freedom Edge," and to strengthen their respective defense capabilities. They welcomed trilateral coast guard cooperation, including the exchange of subject matter knowledge and experience to enhance maritime incident response between the three countries and the provision of capacity building support to ASEAN member states in May 2025. They committed to work under the Trilateral Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation Framework to address the multifaceted challenges in the maritime domain and provide joint capacity building assistance to partners in the region. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers strongly opposed unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea, as well as attempts to enforce such claims. They opposed any attempts to change the status quo including dangerous and destabilizing actions in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and upholding international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, including freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed concern about increasingly frequent destabilizing actions around Taiwan. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. They also expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and unity and for the ASEAN-led regional architecture. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers recognized the strategic importance of the Arctic region and committed to further their trilateral cooperation through close intergovernmental communication in this regard. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers encouraged Russia and Ukraine's progress towards a durable negotiated settlement. Addressing the North Korean Threat The Secretary and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), while continuing to make efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. They emphasized the need to address together the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs and to maintain and strengthen the sanctions regime against the DPRK by responding firmly and in cooperation with other countries to violations and evasions of the relevant UNSCRs. They urged all UN Member States to abide by their international obligations under the relevant UNSCRs. They expressed serious concerns over the DPRK's increasing military cooperation with Russia, including the implications of Russian support to the DPRK's military capabilities, particularly its long-range missiles. They urged Russia and North Korea to immediately cease all such activities and abide by the UN Charter and all relevant UNSCRs. They expressed their serious concern with malicious cyber activities by North Korean cyber actors and IT workers. They welcomed the coordinated actions of the three countries and emphasized the need to deepen collaboration between the public and private sector as highlighted in the recent Joint Statement on North Korean IT Workers. They reaffirmed the importance of the continued efforts of the Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group on North Korean Cyber Threats. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the importance of close policy coordination on North Korea between the three countries and committed to strengthen trilateral consultations on North Korea at all levels. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers also reiterated their commitment to the immediate resolution of the issues of abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war as well as the issue of separated families. Enhancing Economic Security and Resilience The Secretary and Foreign Ministers committed to advance trilateral cooperation on supply chain resilience, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies. They asserted the importance of strengthening energy security, underpinned by America's liquid natural gas and other energy sources and technologies. For the sake of further diversifying critical mineral and other vital supply chains, they committed to enhance trilateral dialogue on critical minerals and work together in various regions such as Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa through further promoting active collaboration under the trilateral Early Warning System. In addition, they concurred in continuing their dialogue on economic security. To meet growing energy needs under the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation, the Secretary and Foreign Ministers committed to accelerate joint efforts to develop and deploy advanced civil nuclear reactors. They welcomed the advancement of tangible cooperation on developing and protecting critical and emerging technologies, including the Trilateral Workshops on Quantum Industrial Security in September and the second Trilateral Technology Leaders Training Program in June. They also expressed their support to maintain research collaboration among the national laboratories of the three countries. They welcomed the Young Trilateral Leaders program as a contributor to strengthened people-to-people ties and enhanced trilateral cooperation. Standing firmly against economic coercion and non-market policies and practices, including export restrictions that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions, they reaffirmed their commitment to a free and fair global economic order. They also expressed their support for the ROK's successful APEC 2025 host year and for meaningful outcomes at the APEC Economic Leader's Week later this fall. Advancing Trilateral Cooperation The Secretary and Foreign Ministers welcomed the active role of the Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat responsible for aligning the action-oriented objectives and coordinating and implementing tangible efforts. They committed to continue trilateral meetings at all levels. End Text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Meredov US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 22, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Turkmenistan Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in New York today on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and reiterated the United States' commitment to security and economic cooperation. Both sides expressed eagerness to deepen engagement including through the B5+1 Business Forum and to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform this year, which represents the United States "plus" the five Central Asian countries (the C5 - Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S.-Kenya High-Level Meeting on the Need to Adopt the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti US Department of State Press Release Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson September 22, 2025 The United States welcomes the outcomes of today's high-level event on Haiti during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week, where Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Kenyan President Ruto joined international partners to address the urgent security crisis in Haiti. This meeting underscored the international commitment to establishing a UN Support Office for Haiti (UNSOH) and transitioning the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to a scaled-up Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Through a strengthened new mandate, called for by all 32 Member States of the Organization of American States, the UNSOH would better support the 5,500 forces needed to restore security necessary for the return to elected governance. Deputy Secretary Landau emphasized the importance of this mission, commending the brave leadership of Kenya and other contributors to the MSS mission, whose efforts have laid the groundwork for this next phase. The time for decisive, coordinated action is now. Solutions must be Haitian-led and internationally supported. We call on all UN member states to contribute to this effort. The GSF and UNSOH would provide tools needed to address Haiti's immediate security challenges, but enduring recovery depends on Haitian leadership. Haiti must write its own future and work toward building a stable nation. The United States stands united with the Haitian people and our international partners in this critical endeavor. Again, the time for action is now. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau at a High-Level Event on Support for Haiti US Department of State Remarks Office of the Spokesperson UN Headquarters New York City, New York September 22, 2025 DEPUTY SECRETARY LANDAU: Thank you very much. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Haiti stands at a crossroads. Port-au-Prince faces an escalating security crisis with gangs terrorizing communities, extorting families, and recruiting desperate children to commit horrors on behalf of gang leaders. I'd like to thank President Ruto of Kenya for organizing this event. Kenya has shown courageous leadership in leading the Multinational Security Support Mission, and we are deeply grateful for its commitment and the sacrifices it has made, including - as you just mentioned, Mr. President - the lives of three of your people. Despite the contributions of Kenya and the countries that have joined the MSS though, the mission currently lacks the mandate and the resources necessary to address the mounting scale of the challenge. That is why the United States and Panama have worked with Haiti to introduce a UN Security Council resolution to establish a larger gang suppression force with a broader mandate; and a UN support office for Haiti, which would provide the necessary operational and logistical support for the force. This effort responds to the call from our partners in Kenya as we have just heard and has the full endorsement of Haiti. All 32 members of the Organization of American States have likewise signed on to a joint statement calling for the urgent passage of this resolution. It's not that often you get all 32 members of an international body to agree on something. Requested by Haiti, this new force would consist of more than 5,500 personnel, more than five times the size of the current MSS mission, and would operate under a mandate authorized by Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This mandate would empower the force to proactively target gangs and restore security to Haiti while ensuring it has the appropriate tools to succeed. The mission's anticipated objectives include reducing territorial control by gangs, securing critical infrastructure, and conducting anti-gang operations. Unfortunately, the adoption of this resolution is not a done deal. Despite overwhelming support of the UN Security Council, there are still those who might try to prevent its adoption or slow our response in Haiti's hour of need. The time for action is now, and the United States asks all our partners to join us in pressing for this critical resolution before the MSS mission mandate expires on October 2nd. Our proposed resolution would address Haiti's immediate security challenges, but we must also not ignore the long-term recovery of Haiti. The era of impunity is over for individuals promoting violence and undermining the country's stability and governance. The United States has already taken decisive action to support restoring democratic governance, but we are not done. We welcome others to join these efforts. Today, I am announcing that the Department of State is taking additional actions to publicly designate two officials for their involvement in significant corruption during their time in public office. The actions of Arnel Belizaire, a former member of the Haitian Chamber of Deputies, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian senator, have both had a destabilizing effect on Haiti's democratic institutions and processes. Our designation renders Belizaire, Cheramy, and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the United States. The U.S. Government will remain relentless in pursuing those supporting terrorist gangs through indictments, arrests, sanctions, arms seizures, and other immigration restrictions. The United States has long been a partner and a friend to Haiti. However, we cannot continue to bear the lion's share of the financial burden in addressing the hemisphere's security threat. That is why we call on all UN member-states to support the creation of a GSF and UN support office, and to provide the resources required to stabilize Haiti. This is not a crisis that can be ignored or deferred. It demands urgent, coordinated, and decisive action. The people of Haiti cannot wait. Thank you. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 22 September 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** UN General Debate Speakers Good afternoon. Tomorrow is the start of the General Assembly. Just to give you a little update on numbers, because I know you like them. We expect about 193 delegations in total with approximately 89 Heads of State, 5 Vice-Presidents, one Crown Prince, 43 Heads of Government. And we have a more detailed breakdown, if you are interested. Also we have about 1,642 bilateral meetings that have been scheduled in the lobby of the General Assembly building, where the temporary meeting booths are. So we are glad to see Member States will use this time for meetings and speaking to people they may not generally speak to. ** UN General Assembly Tomorrow at the opening of the eightieth session of the high-level session of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General will address world leaders. His speech will be a stark wake-up call to the world, framed around the need to make clear decisions in this decisive time. It will be an appeal for renewal and the urgency of action and moral leadership. He will call out the impunity and the lawlessness that threatens the world's order. His speech will be framed around a fundamental question that he will pose to world leaders: What kind of world do we want to choose to build together? The Secretary-General will speak of the unique challenges facing our world and the organization itself and point out that we have our work cut out for us as our ability to carry out that work is being cut from us. He will lay out five critical choices facing humanity: peace, dignity, climate justice, technology in the service of humanity, and a stronger UN. He will also remind world leaders that it is not enough to know what the right choice is, we must have the courage to act. He will also recall his own experience growing up in the dictatorship of Portugal and underscore the importance of never giving up. We will share the Secretary-General's remarks under embargo later today. I also want to remind you that, because of the many competing events and papers and reports you will have to file, we will not be briefing Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, unless there is some major breaking news, in addition to all the breaking news we have to deal with. And we will be back in this room on Friday. ** Secretary-General on UN at 80 This morning, in the General Assembly Hall, our Secretary-General delivered remarks marking the eightieth Anniversary of the United Nations. Eight decades ago, he said, this organization was established to become the place where all nations, whether large or small, could come together to solve problems that no country can solve alone. And yet, he added, at this moment, the principles of this same organization are under assault as never before. The Secretary-General listed a number of challenges facing the world today. To address these challenges, we must not only defend the UN, he said, but we must also strengthen it. Those remarks were shared with you. ** Two-State Solution This afternoon, the Secretary-General will speak at the conference on a two-State solution co-sponsored by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is expected to say that the situation on the ground is intolerable, and it is deteriorating by the hour. He will also welcome the measures many Member States are taking to galvanize support for the two-State solution including pledges to recognize the State of Palestine. The Secretary-General is to emphasize that we must recommit ourselves to the two-State solution before it is too late a solution in which two independent, democratic, viable and contiguous and sovereign States are mutually recognized and fully integrated in the international community. And he will stress that statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward, and denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation on the ground in Gaza, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that, as Israeli military operations continued across the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Civil Defense said that over the last ten days, it carried out more than 50 rescue or recovery missions. Health services are also under severe strain, as we have been telling you. Today, the Ministry of Health in Gaza called on people to donate blood amid severe shortages in hospitals. Once again, we have to reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected and should never be a target. Civilian sites must also never be used to shield military operations. OCHA tells us that hostilities have disrupted nutrition services in Gaza governorate, where famine was confirmed over a month ago. Partners working in nutrition report that almost half of the treatment centres are reportedly closed. This hampers efforts to detect new cases and maintain treatment for hundreds of children. On Friday, the Ministry of Health said that 162 people including 32 children have died from starvation and malnutrition since famine was confirmed. Meanwhile, the growing number of people moving to the south is putting mounting pressure on already strained services available in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, where conditions are dire, as we have been telling you. Our partners say that people are squeezed in tents along the beach, crammed in school shelters, or sleeping in the open on the rubble of destroyed buildings and houses. Although aid organizations are overstretched, we continue to serve those in need, as much as possible. Today, 7 out of 12 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israeli authorities were facilitated. While our teams managed to collect health supplies from Kerem Shalom, two missions to retrieve food cargo were denied. Meanwhile, our partners at four monitoring points tell us that desperate families are leaving Gaza City, with many moving towards Khan Younis and Deir al Balah in the south, where there is very little space to accommodate new arrivals and displacement sites, as I have said, are already extremely overcrowded. Those who remain in the north, they need humanitarian support. ** Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women As you can imagine, the Secretary-General delivered a number of remarks today. Also this morning, he spoke at the high-level meeting to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. He said that thirty years ago, the world came together to affirm that the rights of women and girls are not separate, secondary, or negotiable, and that they are human rights. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is the most ambitious global political commitment on women's rights ever achieved. But progress has been slow and it has been uneven. Mr. [Antonio] Guterres added that hard-won gains are now under attack and a wave of misogyny is rolling across the world. Let us be clear, he said, equal rights and opportunities are not partisan issues. They are global imperatives and the foundation of peace, prosperity and progress. In every region, in every country, in every community, women and girls are fighting for their rights. The United Nations stands with them. All leaders should do the same, he added. His full remarks were shared with you. ** Sustainable Development Goals A preview for this afternoon, he will also deliver remarks at the SDG Moment Event. He is expected to stress that it's time to intensify our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that we must regroup, we must recommit, and we must refocus, emphasizing that we need keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals. And this morning, our colleague Melissa Fleming, the head of the Department for Global Communications, opened the SDG Media Zone on the Visitors Plaza. You should drop by, if you haven't already done so. In a welcoming message, the Secretary-General also underscored that the space will be a platform for ideas, a catalyst for action, and a launchpad for hope. And I would encourage you to drop by; they have some absolutely great programming. ** International Humanitarian Law And a few minutes ago, we issued a message from the Secretary-General in support of the global initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law on the eve of the high-level week. In his message, he said that around the world, international humanitarian law is being trampled and civilians are paying the price. All parties to conflicts must live up to their obligations and respect these life-saving rules. It is the urgent call of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. ** Security Council Also this morning, as you know, the Security Council held a meeting on threats to international peace and security. Briefing members was our friend Miroslav Jenca, the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs. He said in his remarks that on 19 September, according to Estonian reports, three Russian MIG-31 fighters entered up to 10 kilometres inside Estonia's airspace for about 12 minutes, in violation, obviously, of Estonian airspace. Mr. Jenca noted that this latest development follows reported violations by Russian drones in both Polish and Romanian airspace. Mr. Jenca stressed that violations of sovereign countries' airspace are unacceptable, and again, urge all concerned to act responsibly, to use all available channels and to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and prevent further risks to regional security. His remarks were shared with you. ** Ukraine Meanwhile on the ground, in Ukraine, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that hostilities over the weekend and early this morning killed and injured several civilians across the country, including health workers and emergency responders. This is what local authorities are telling us. Strikes hit two major cities, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia, as well as front-line communities and areas further from the front line. They damaged homes, schools and other civilian facilities. Civilian casualties were also reported in Chernihiv, Donetsk, Kherson and several other regions. Following these attacks, aid organizations mobilized to support first responders and municipal services. Emergency teams were dispatched to where they were needed. We, along with our humanitarian partners, also continue to deliver aid through convoys to front-line areas. On 19 September, an inter-agency convoy reached the Bilozerska community in the Donetsk, one of the hardest-hit areas following the recent escalation in hostilities. The convoy delivered medical supplies, solar lamps and other essential items. ** Central African Republic A couple of Africa-related notes. In the Central African Republic, we issued over the weekend a statement about the tragic incident in that country that happened on 16 September and that we had mentioned to you last week. The Secretary-General said he is deeply saddened by the death of four UN peacekeepers from the Republic of Congo, serving in our Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Two others were injured when their armoured personnel carrier fell into the Ombella-M'poko river while driving from Bangui to Bambari, and this was a routine resupply convoy. Another peacekeeper remains missing, sadly, as of today. The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of Congo and wishes a speedy recovery to our injured colleagues. ** Sudan In Sudan, our humanitarian colleagues are warning of a sharp decline in the humanitarian situation in El Fasher, which, as you know, is the besieged capital of North Darfur, where deadly attacks and fresh displacement are compounding the suffering of civilians. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that about 7,500 human beings fled Abu Shouk displacement camp and parts of El Fasher town in just a few days; that's between 17 and 19 September. All of this is being done while there is a heightened sense and reality of insecurity. And you will have seen that, over the weekend, the Secretary-General expressed his grave alarm at the rapidly deteriorating situation in El Fasher, warning of growing risks to civilians trapped in the area. Also, Tom Fletcher, our Humanitarian Chief, warned that El Fasher is on the brink, with civilians besieged and living in famine conditions. This comes after Friday's devastating attack on a mosque, which was reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces, in which over 70 people were killed. UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) said at least 11 of the fatalities were children. That is according to initial reports. This violence continues to have a devastating impact on humanitarian response efforts. A local aid organization reported to us that they have been forced to suspend operations in the El Fasher area last week due to the security situation, which is unravelling. The organization had been providing health, water and hygiene support for several thousand people, despite the tightening siege. On top of that, seasonal flooding throughout the country is increasing humanitarian needs. And across the Darfur region, cholera continues to spread. The outbreak in South Darfur State is expanding, with over 5,200 suspected cases and more than 250 deaths reported since May. Yesterday, we and our partners launched a large-scale cholera vaccination campaign across Darfur, aiming to reach about 1.9 million people. The first phase is underway in three localities of South Darfur, with plans to expand to East and North Darfur states, including Tawila, which is hosting a lot of the people who have fled El Fasher. With Heads of State gathering in New York, the Secretary-General calls once again for a concerted international action in support of the people of Sudan. Mr. [Ramtane] Lamamra, his Personal Envoy, stands ready to support genuine efforts to end the conflict and establish an inclusive political process for the people of Sudan. ** South Sudan Moving south to South Sudan, where the political situation and humanitarian are tense. We have seen reports that the First Vice President, Riek Machar, and other individuals today appeared at a Special Court hearing, in Juba. Our peacekeeping Mission there (UNMISS) tells us that it is following the proceedings, reminding us that the judicial process must adhere to international standards of fairness and transparency, with full respect for the rule of law and for human rights. On the ground, the Mission reports fresh clashes between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and alleged White Army elements in Nasir County, which is in Upper Nile State. These clashes have reportedly resulted in casualties and injuries. The Mission is verifying the information and reiterates the call of all peace partners for an immediate cessation of hostilities and strict adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. ** Haiti And lastly, closer to these shores but also a pretty dramatic situation, and that is in Haiti, where the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that violence by armed groups continues to fuel displacements. According to IOM (International Organization for Migration), armed attacks in the commune of Verrettes, in the Artibonite department, have forced more than 3,000 people to flee their homes since 15 September. Most of those displaced have sought shelter with host families. The area already experienced similar attacks and displacements two months ago. Meanwhile, on 18 September, in the north-west, armed groups attacked the commune of Bassin Bleu, setting fire to the police station and the only hospital in the area. According to authorities, a teacher was also killed in the attack. With no access to basic services and under direct threat, about 2,000 people had to flee their homes. These latest incidents highlight the continued spread of violence across different parts of the country, severely impacting lives and property and further weakening access to essential services such as health and education. OCHA, working closely with our humanitarian partners, continues to monitor the situation and coordinate the response to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need, despite the very challenging conditions for our colleagues there. ** Central African Republic And staying in the Central African Republic, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that armed clashes near the border with Sudan have caused civilian casualties and displacement. According to local sources, civilians were killed and homes burned in attacks between Friday and yesterday, in the villages of Bouba and Dangore in the Vakaga prefecture. As of today, hundreds of people, mostly women, children and elderly, have sought protection around a UN peacekeeping base in the village of Am-Dafok. OCHA says that the situation remains volatile, with people urgently needing shelter, protection, clean water and medical assistance. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Mr. Klein? Question : Yes. Yeah. Excuse me. You mentioned in your remarks regarding the Secretary-General's address on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the two-State solution that Palestine has the right, not a privilege, to have its own State. But would he also believe that with that right comes responsibilities and would he favour certain preconditions, such as release of all the hostages, Hamas laying down all of its weapons, and a unified Government as preconditions to recognition as an independent State? Spokesman : I was going to say let's take it from the beginning, but I forgot the beginning of your question. But yeah. Question : I'm trying to remember myself. But the premise of the question is you had said, I guess, paraphrasing the Secretary-General, that Palestine that the statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a privilege. And what I asked before laying down preconditions is whether that also should mean that there's a responsibility that goes with it. Spokesman : First of all, every Member State of this organization has rights and has responsibilities. And the responsibilities of every Member State of this organization is enshrined in the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the body of internationally agreed to international law. Since the beginning of this phase of the conflict, the Secretary-General has been very clear in the need for Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to release all their hostages unconditionally. He wants to see an end to this conflict. He wants to see more humanitarian aid. He wants to see the Israeli hostages released, and he wants to get us back on a track to a two-State solution. Peoples have a right to self-determination. And also for many years, the Secretary-General and others have been calling for a unified Palestinian government and for Member States to support a unified Palestinian government. Question : Question, though, is whether the release of the hostages, Hamas laying down its arms, and a unified Government should be preconditions for recognition of Palestine as a State. Otherwise, it appears to be rather symbolic and nothing else. Spokesman : I mean, people are saying it's a gift to we've seen comments of people saying it's a gift to Hamas. From what I know of the Hamas charter, Hamas is not calling for a two-State solution. So it is, for the Secretary-General, two States, living side by side in peace and security, is a necessity for the peaceful future of the region. Dezhi and [inaudible]. Question : Yeah. Just also on Palestine, we know that yesterday, four countries recognized State of Palestine, which made the number of the countries to more than 150. But Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu said this is, just like you said, the reward to terrorism. But what is more important is he said that in the West Bank, there will be no State of Palestine. If this is the reaction to the recognition, do you worry this will actually deteriorate the situation in the West Bank? Spokesman : I think we have to be determined in achieving the goal that we want to achieve, and we cannot let ourselves be distracted by threats and intimidation. Question : And sorry. Two more questions. One question related to this. It seems to me Israeli Government, they were implementing policies that's, that, that is weakening the PA (Palestinian Authority), while on the other hand, they say PA is too weak to have a State. So what is the reaction of the Secretary-General? Spokesman : Dezhi, we've gone through this before. You're asking questions that should be asked of an analyst. I'm not going to analyse and give you colour commentary. The Secretary-General's position is clear. He supports the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority is recognized here as a permanent observer, and we are looking and working for two-State solution those two States being Israel and Palestine. Correspondent : Okay. One last question. This one is difficult. Spokesman : Thanks for the heads up. Question : Today, we have several statements from this SG, talking about the women's rights, talking about the establishment of this very organization for eight decades, talking about the two-State solution, and SDGs, as well. So which does the Secretary-General consider the most important item? Spokesman : Look. We make the statements. We leave it up to you to rank them. Yes, ma'am? If you can introduce yourself. Thank you. Question : Hi. My name is Naomi Lim, and I'm with the Washington Examiner. So tomorrow marks President [Donald] Trump's return to the UN after many years, you know, not being here. I'm just wondering what the Secretary-General thinks at this moment, particularly when the US is threatening to withdraw, you know, not only political support from the UN, but also financial support, as well? Spokesman : I mean, I can tell you the Secretary-General very much looks forward to his meeting with President Trump. Yesterday, he received the credentials of Mike Waltz, the new Permanent Representative. They had a very good discussion, a very solid and deep discussion on the UN, US-UN relations, and we look forward to having President Trump, to hosting him and to welcome him back to the United Nations. Question : Is there no concerns about what it means for the future of the Organization? Spokesman : I think that frankly, they would be more concerned if he wasn't here. Farnoosh? Question : Thanks, Steph. Can you give us a status now that we are in officially UNGA week? What is the status of, you know, Brazil's President's visas? Are there any restrictions that you guys have been made aware of? Are there anyone that you expected to be here that may not, that you've been told could not come? Spokesman : My understanding, there are a number of delegations that have some issues with visas for their delegations, with members of their delegation. The only head of delegation that I know of that is not getting a visa is President [Mahmoud] Abbas. Abdelhamid, and then we'll go to and then yes. Go ahead. Question : Thank you, Steph. Don't you see that this two-State fanfare and recognition of Palestine is distracting attention from the genocidal war in Gaza; 37 Palestinians were murdered from the morning until now, and no one talked about it? Spokesman : Abdelhamid, I think we all need to be able to do two things at once. We need to deal with the reality of what is going on the ground, and I think I gave, like I do every day, a pretty grim picture of that reality. But that cannot distract us from the goal of peace and stability, that we want for Israelis and that we want for Palestinians. And that's exactly what we're doing. Question : My second question, I don't know if the SG aware of some steps Israel taking in the West Bank, including constructing gates at every single village all around the West Bank. Like, Ramallah has about 150 gates around it, and every village has a gate; this is recent. So it's preparing for something coming. Are you aware of this developments? Spokesman : I haven't seen those particular reports, but I think we've been reporting regularly on the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. If you can share your microphone with your neighbour. Question : My name is Paula Dupras-Dovias. I'm with Geneva Solutions, coming from Geneva. I wanted to ask a little bit about the UN80 initiative, and the workstream three report just dropped, just a few days after workstream two. I'm just wondering, I mean, in this latest report, we have rather complex sort of long-term proposals that would need quite some time to be implemented. I'm just wondering, you know, how long this will take. There's going to be, in the workstream report, it's said that the Secretary-General will be announcing actions to be taken. I wanted to know when that would happen. And, also, I'd like to know whether the UN still expects the US to be contributing soon. Spokesman : Well, we expect every Member State to pay their dues. On your first question, the Secretary-General will present the report in person to the General Assembly after to the membership, right after the high-level week. He wanted to share the report with them in writing before it will obviously, on things that he can do, he will move as quickly as possible. But as you well know, a lot of this is in the hands of Member States, including of shifting posts, shifting structures. So that will take some time, but the Secretary-General is determined to move on this as quickly as possible. David, Ahmed, then Denis. Question : Thanks, Steph. On the two-State solution, there are now 150-some-odd countries. And I've asked this question before, but I would love to hear simple terms. What does it actually mean, moving forward? Having a recognized Palestinian State, we all know that it is not a State by definition of what the UN is in terms of borders, in terms of a Government. So what does it mean? Spokesman : Well, you know, good luck trying to get a simple answer of any question asked in this Organization. The recognition is a bilateral issue, right? So Member States recognize each other on a bilateral basis. The issue of membership in this Organization and the requirements for membership is a separate issue. I think what it all means, I mean, in a way, it's a powerful symbol of our determination of the majority of Member States of where they would like the situation to go. But it obviously has a legal impact on the bilateral relations between two States. Thank you. Question : Okay, Steph. On the same point on the two-State solution, the recognition of the State of Palestine. So if 150 countries which they represent 77.7 per cent of the Member States, decide that this is, we recognize this entity as a State, I'm assuming there's going to happen a triggering for a process at the Security Council, which is going to be vetoed, and then it will go to the GA like we had with the status of an observer State. What would be situation that there is 150 nations vote to change the status of Palestine into a full Member from an observer member, since already on bilateral level Spokesman : You know how much I love to walk down the hypothetical path with you. I can tell you that the Charter is clear on the path to membership. It is in the hands of the Member States. Any other change in status or any other solutions that may be found is up to Member States, but I'm not going to go there. Denis? Question : When does UNSG plan to meet Mr. [Sergey] Lavrov? And what topics does he want to touch upon? Spokesman : It will be Thursday afternoon, if I'm not mistaken. What days is the foreign minister speaking? Question : [inaudible] Spokesman : Okay. I think it will be Thursday after late afternoon, he is speaking, and it will not surprise you if I tell you that they will speak on issues of mutual concern. And I'm sure the list is long. Yes, sir? Question : Does the secretary sorry. This is, I'm John Haltiwanger from Foreign Policy Magazine. Does the Secretary-General have concerns of democratic backsliding in the United States under the Trump administration? This General Assembly is occurring under the backdrop of political violence, concerns about censorship and the free press in the United States. These are values that the UN promotes and pushes for countries to uphold. The US is the host nation of UNGA, of the UN Headquarters. Is this a concern for the Secretary-General? Spokesman : I think the Secretary-General has been vocal in expressing his concern at the wrong direction in which, globally, issues having to do with human rights, freedom of the press have been going. And I think that's one he spoke about on the anniversary of the Charter a few weeks ago, saying that the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not an a la carte menu, and they need to be taken as a whole by every Member State who is signed on to them. Go. And then welcome back. Question : Thank you. So the fact that, the Palestinian delegation couldn't get a visa, is this something acceptable for you? Or do? Spokesman : That is what? Question : Is it something acceptable for you? Spokesman : No. I mean, we've expressed our deep concern about the decision. I think we said it is deeply regrettable. And moreover, we've taken it up directly with the host country, but the situation is what it is. Question : So you consider this as a serious breach? Spokesman : Yes, it is. It goes against the Headquarters Agreement which I think is article 11 of the Headquarters Agreement, which says in layman's term that the US has a duty to facilitate the travel to the United States of people who have business in front of the United Nations. Correspondent : This, you will complain about that, too. Spokesman : Oh, we have. Our our legal counsel and others have been in touch directly with the US Government, and it is something that has been taken up by the Committee on Host Country Relations. Please. Go ahead. Sorry. Yes. Go ahead. Question : Yes. I wanted to ask. So, if you're a Palestinian and you're right now living in a Palestinian recognized State, what does that mean as far as being a Palestinian refugee, and what does that mean as far as UNRWA's (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) work in the region? Spokesman : Well, UNRWA's mandate is given to it by the General Assembly. And I think UNRWA is a band-aid, and they've said so themselves, to be until there's been a settlement on this issue for good. Yes. Please, go ahead. Question : Is the General Assembly going to adopt another resolution this afternoon on the, on Palestine? Spokesman : I think they've already adopted the New York Declaration but, you know, Member States will do what Member States do. So we'll see. On that note, enjoy the week. Sorry, Evelyn. Did you have a question? Question : I wanted to ask about the Central African Republic. Is Wagner Group still active there, or does it have a Russian successor? Spokesman : That's not a question I can answer, but I can tell you there are a number of foreign armed elements there. Thank you. Have a good week. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Offensive shutters nearly half of all malnutrition centres in and around Gaza City 22 September 2025 - Hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas have led to the shuttering of almost half of all malnutrition centres in and around Gaza City, the northern area of the Strip where famine was declared a month ago. That's according to the UN humanitarian aid coordination office, OCHA, and UN partners working to provide life-saving support to civilians in the face of continuing Israeli restrictions on aid. The closure of nutrition services in Gaza governorate is hampering efforts to detect new famine victims and to keep treatment going for hundreds of children, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told correspondents in New York on Monday. More than 160 deaths due to starvation "On Friday, the Ministry of Health said that 162 people - including 32 children - have died from starvation and malnutrition since famine was confirmed," he said. As Israeli military operations have continued across the Strip, Palestinian Civil Defence teams said that over the last 10 days, they have carried out more than 50 rescue or recovery missions. "Health services are also under severe strain," Mr. Dujarric continued. "Today, the Ministry of Health in Gaza called on people to donate blood amid severe shortages in hospitals." He stressed yet again that no civilians should ever be targeted and civilian infrastructure must always be protected. Crowded beaches, sleeping in the open The growing number of civilians being forced to head south by Israel's full-scale offensive to wrest control of Gaza City is putting mounting pressure on already strained services available in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, where conditions are dire, Mr. Dujarric said. Tens of thousands are having to squeeze into tents along the beach or cram into school shelters, while others are "sleeping in the open on the rubble of destroyed buildings and houses." The UN is continuing to serve those in need, as much as possible: on Monday, seven out of 12 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israeli authorities were facilitated. While UN teams managed to collect health supplies from Kerem Shalom. A further two missions to retrieve food cargo were denied. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Recommit to a two-State solution for Israel-Palestine conflict, 'before it's too late': Guterres 22 September 2025 - The time has come to free the 48 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza and to stop the bombing, massacres and displacement in the embattled enclave, French President Emmanual Macron told delegates in the UN General Assembly Hall on Monday. He was speaking at the resumption of the international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia focused on the question of Palestine and the two-State solution with Israel. "The time for peace has come because we're just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace," he said. 'We can no longer wait': Macron The UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised a Palestinian State on Sunday, and President Macron announced that France would join them - to lengthy applause from delegates attending the meeting. "The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel who France supported from Day One and to the respect of which it is staunchly committed," he said. "This is why we're so convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace." More support needed The meeting follows the General Assembly's resolution overwhelming endorsement of the outcome declaration from the first phase of the conference, which took place in July at UN Headquarters. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud thanked those countries that have recognized the State of Palestine or announced their intention to do so. "We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-State solution, achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and find a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability and prosperity," he said. Guterres reiterates ceasefire appeal In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres repeated his assertion that nothing can justify the horrific 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He again called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and safe, unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access - which must all happen immediately. The UN chief added that nothing can excuse developments in the West Bank that pose an existential threat to a two-State solution and called for an end to "relentless" settlement expansion, "the creeping threat of annexation" and intensifying settler violence. Palestinian Statehood is a right "We must recommit ourselves to the Two-State solution before it is too late," he warned. "Let's be clear: Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward," he said, drawing applause. "And denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere. Without two States, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread around the world." 'Not a 'naive wish' General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock insisted that the two-State solution is the only way to ensure that future generations of both Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace, security, and dignity. "We know that some think this is a naive wish" as the first resolution on the matter "is almost as old as this organization", she said. To those who point to decades of failure, she emphasised that not aiming for what is right means that "evil would prevail" and be "the end of this institution". Ms. Baerbock said the international community is not only committed to the two-State solution but "identifying tangible, timebound and irreversible steps for its realisation", and willing to take decisive measures and provide international guarantees. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Call for new Haiti force, Ukraine and Sudan war updates, 'disturbing' sentence for China blogger 22 September 2025 - Without greater international engagement, Haiti risks sliding deeper into crisis, leaders warned on Monday at a meeting in New York convened to address the country's security collapse. Kenya's President William Ruto, who heads the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), noted limited progress since the police force deployed 15 months ago with UN Security Council approval. "When we arrived, the airport was surrounded by gangs. Today, it is functioning perfectly," he said, also pointing to the securing of the presidential palace and reopening of key access routes to the capital Port-au-Prince. Yet gangs still control some 85 per cent of the city, he acknowledged. The MSS, hampered by insufficient resources, has been unable to break their grip as its mandate nears expiry. The United States, echoing Kenya's concerns, urged a stronger UN-mandated presence. "Haiti is at a crossroads," warned Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Washington is pressing for the transformation of the MSS into a 5,500-member so-called Gang Suppression Force, operating under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorises military action to counter threats to peace. "The time to act is now. The Haitian people cannot wait," he stressed, calling on Member States to back a draft resolution tabled with Panama. Haiti can't go it alone For Haitian authorities, international support is indispensable. "Haiti cannot and will not be able to face this security crisis, fuelled by transnational criminal networks, alone," said Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the country's Presidential Transitional Council. The Security Council is expected to decide shortly on the future of international engagement in Haiti, where hunger, displacement and sexual violence continue to worsen alongside the insecurity. Ukraine war: Russian forces 'used drones to pursue and bomb victims' The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday was briefed on the ongoing and devastating impact of the full-scale Russian invasion on Ukraine. In an update, independent investigators from the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine created by the Council expressed deep concern at the growing number of civilian casualties from Russian attacks. 'Relentless attacks' Erik Mse, chair of the panel, said that "relentless attacks with long-range weaponshave intensified" throughout Ukraine. Attacks against civilians have also increased, using short-range drones in frontline areas: "Russian armed forces have been carrying out attacks from positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River with drones that allow real time observation and tracking of targets. "They pursued victims with drones and dropped explosives on them, causing deaths and injuries. Drones have also struck ambulances and other emergency services, preventing them from reaching the victims." Mr. Mose, who is not a UN staff member and works in an independent capacity, said that the investigation had been unable to verify Russian allegations of drone attacks by Ukrainian armed forces, citing a lack of access to the affected territory and a lack of engagement by Russia. Sudan crisis deepens: Violence, famine and cholera threaten millions in Darfur In Sudan, conditions are deteriorating rapidly in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur. Between 17 and 19 September more than 7,500 people fled the Abu Shouk displacement camp and parts of El Fasher, according to reports from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). Following an uptick in deadly attacks in El Fasher, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and relief chief Tom Fletcher raised urgent concerns over the escalating crisis, warning that civilians remain trapped and many face famine conditions. Over 70 killed in mosque attack The warnings follow Friday's Mosque attack, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces militia, which killed over 70 people - including at least 11 children - according to initial reports from UN children's agency UNICEF. Humanitarian response efforts have also been severely disrupted by rising violence, with one local organization reportedly forced to suspend operations in the besieged Government-held Darfuri city of El Fasher. These challenges are further compounded by seasonal flooding and a nationwide cholera outbreak. In South Darfur State, "more than 5,200 suspected cases and 250 deaths have been reported since May," said Mr. Dujarric. Beginning on Sunday, the UN and its partners launched a large-scale cholera vaccination campaign across Darfur, targeting around 1.9 million people across the region. At the start of high-level week, "Mr. Guterres calls once again for concerted international action in support of the people of Sudan", the UN Spokesperson said. Jail sentence for China blogger Zhang Zhan 'deeply disturbing': OHCHR The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has described the jailing in China of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan as deeply disturbing. The development comes after Ms. Zhan was sentenced to four more years in prison on what OHCHR calls "the vague and ill-defined charge of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble'." More details of this latest charge have not been divulged, but it is believed to be based on her social media activity, the UN rights office said. It also raised concerns about the conduct of her trial, claiming that independent observers were not allowed to attend her hearing. According to OHCHR, this is the second time that Ms. Zhan has been convicted and imprisoned for this offence. It has called for her "immediate and unconditional release". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Central African Republic, Haiti, Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Gaza health services under strain as hostilities cause more casualties OCHA reports that over the weekend, Israeli military operations continued across the Gaza Strip - with intensified air strikes and shelling in Gaza city killing or injuring scores of people. The Palestinian Civil Defense says that over the last 10 days, it carried out more than 50 rescue or recovery missions across the five governorates. Health services are under major strain. Today, the Ministry of Health in Gaza called on people to donate blood amid severe shortages in hospitals. OCHA reiterates that civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected and should never be a target. Civilian sites must also never be used to shield military operations. In Gaza governorate, where famine was confirmed over a month ago, OCHA says that hostilities have disrupted nutrition services. Partners working in nutrition report that almost half of the treatment centres there are reportedly closed. This hampers efforts to detect new cases and maintain treatment for hundreds of children. On Friday, the Ministry of Health said that 162 people - including 32 children - have died from starvation and malnutrition since famine was confirmed in August. Meanwhile, the growing number of people moving to the south of Gaza is putting mounting pressure on already strained services available in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, where conditions are dire. Partners report that people are squeezed in tents along the beach, crammed into school shelters, or sleeping in the open on the rubble of destroyed homes. Although aid organizations are overstretched, they continue to serve those in need, as much as possible. Today, seven out of 12 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israeli authorities were facilitated. While teams managed to collect health supplies from Kerem Shalom, two missions to retrieve food cargo were denied. When humanitarians are allowed to work - and when aid and commercial goods are allowed to move unimpeded into and throughout Gaza - aid organizations can save lives. It is essential for all crossings to be open and accessible. Rapid, unimpeded, safe passage inside Gaza is also critical to put an end to the suffering of people in need. Meanwhile, partners at four monitoring points report that desperate families are leaving Gaza city, with many moving towards Khan Younis and Deir al Balah in the south, where there is very little space to accommodate new arrivals and displacement sites are already extremely overcrowded. At the same time, many people remain in the north and need urgent humanitarian support. UNICEF said yesterday that amid new displacement orders and repeated displacement in Gaza city, family separation is a growing risk. The agency called for the protection of children and families, whether they move or stay. Sudan Attacks in El Fasher kill and displace civilians OCHA warns of a sharp decline in the humanitarian situation in El Fasher, the besieged capital of Sudan's North Darfur State, where deadly attacks and fresh displacement are compounding the suffering of civilians. On Friday, a devastating attack on a mosque - reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces - killed over 70 people. In a statement, UNICEF said that initial reports indicate that at least 11 of the fatalities were children between the ages of six to 15, with many more children injured. Meanwhile, local sources say that another attack in El Fasher just a day later claimed three more lives. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that about 7,500 people fled Abu Shouk displacement camp and parts of El Fasher town between 17 and 19 September, amid heightened insecurity. The violence continues to have a devastating impact on humanitarian response efforts. A local aid organization reported having been forced to suspend its operations in the El Fasher area last week due to the rapidly worsening security situation. It had been providing health, water and hygiene support for several thousand people, despite the tightening siege. In a social media post over the weekend, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, warned that El Fasher is on the brink, with civilians besieged and living in famine conditions. He joined the UN Secretary-General's call to stop the fighting, stressing the need to protect civilians and allow aid in. Across the Darfur region, cholera continues to spread. The outbreak in South Darfur State is expanding, with over 5,200 suspected cases and more than 250 deaths reported since May. Nyala North, Nyala South and Beleil are among the localities that have been hardest hit, with fatality rates highest among older people. Yesterday, the UN and its partners launched a large-scale cholera vaccination campaign across Darfur, aiming to reach about 1.9 million people. The first phase is underway in three localities of South Darfur, with plans to expand to East and North Darfur states, including Tawila, which is hosting many of the people who have fled insecurity in El Fasher. Throughout the country, seasonal flooding is increasing humanitarian needs. Yesterday in eastern Sudan, heavy rains struck a village in the locality of Al Fao, in Gedaref State, displacing about 250 people and destroying 50 houses. Most of the affected people are sheltering within the locality and require urgent assistance. OCHA once again appeals for increased international support* to sustain and expand life-saving operations across Sudan. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. Central African Republic Hundreds seek safety amid deadly attacks in Vakaga prefecture OCHA reports that armed clashes in the Central African Republic near the border with Sudan have caused civilian casualties and displacement. According to local sources, civilians were killed and homes burned during attacks between 19 and 21 September in the villages of Bouba and Dangore in Vakaga prefecture. As of today, several hundred people - mostly women, children and older people - have sought protection around a UN peacekeeping base in the village of Am-Dafok. OCHA warns that the situation remains volatile, with people urgently needing shelter, protection, clean water and medical assistance. Haiti Thousands flee armed attacks OCHA warns that violence by armed groups continues to fuel new displacement in Haiti. IOM reports that armed attacks in the commune of Verrettes, in the Artibonite department, have forced more than 3,000 people to flee their homes since 15 September. Most of those displaced have sought shelter with host families. The area had already experienced similar attacks and displacement two months ago. Meanwhile, on 18 September, armed groups attacked the commune of Bassin Bleu in the North-West department, setting fire to the police station and the only hospital in the area. According to authorities, a teacher was also killed in the attack. With no access to basic services and under direct threat, some 2,000 people fled their homes following the violence. These latest incidents highlight the ongoing spread of violence across different parts of Haiti, severely impacting people's lives and property and further weakening access to essential services such as health and education. OCHA - working closely with its humanitarian partners - continues to monitor the situation and coordinate the response to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need, despite extremely challenging conditions. Ukraine Strikes hit major cities and front-line communities OCHA reports that hostilities over the weekend and early this morning killed and injured civilians across Ukraine. According to authorities, more than a dozen civilians were killed and over 90 others injured, including health workers and emergency responders. Strikes hit two major cities - Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia - as well as front-line communities and areas further from the front line, damaging homes, schools and other civilian facilities. In Dnipro, a large missile and drone attack on 20 September injured dozens of people and damaged apartment blocks and several educational institutions. In Zaporizhzhia, strikes early this morning hit residential neighbourhoods, causing multiple civilian casualties. In the Chernihiv region, health workers were injured on 19 September while responding to attacks. The following day, rescue workers were also injured while responding to earlier strikes. Civilian casualties were also reported in Donetsk, Kherson and several other regions. Following these attacks, aid organizations mobilized to support first responders and municipal services. Emergency teams provided medical care, distributed hot meals and shelter materials, and offered psychosocial support to affected families. The UN and its humanitarian partners also continue to deliver aid through convoys to front-line areas. On 19 September, an inter-agency convoy reached the Bilozerska community in the Donetsk region, one of the hardest-hit areas following the recent escalation in hostilities. The convoy delivered medical supplies, solar lamps and other essential items. Posted on 22 September 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Meets Again on Moscow's Alleged Airspace Violations as Allies Support Estonia Meetings Coverage Security Council 10002nd Meeting (AM) SC/16177 22 September 2025 On the heels of recently reported incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace by the Russian Federation, the Security Council held another emergency meeting today following Estonia's claim that Russian Federation fighter jets violated its airspace with most speakers condemning these actions and urging Moscow to end its war of aggression against Ukraine. In his briefing on the incidents, Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, pointed to reports that three Russian Federation MiG-31 fighters entered up to 10 kilometres inside Estonia's airspace for 12 minutes on 19 September. "According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the incursion took place between 9:58 a.m. and 10:11 a.m. in the area of Vaindloo a small island located in the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea," he went on, adding that the jets entered Estonian airspace without permission, had their transponders switched off and did not have flight plans. He also reported that, according to Estonian and Italian officials, Italian F-35 fighters attached to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) air-defence-support mission in the Baltic States were reportedly activated to intercept the Russian Federation jets. Sweden, as part of its national response and in coordination with NATO along with Finland, also reportedly scrambled rapid-reaction aircraft. "Estonia stated that this latest incident follows four violations of its airspace by Russia this year, and it has requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty," he continued, pointing to a scheduled meeting of the NATO North Atlantic Council on 23 September. He observed that the latest development followed reported violations of Polish and Romanian airspace by Russian Federation drones, emphasizing that "violations of sovereign countries' airspace are unacceptable". Also highlighting attacks by Russian Federation drones and missiles on 20 and 21 September which killed at least three people in Ukraine he reiterated the need for diplomacy and for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Moscow Says Violation 'Imagined', Others Disagree "As for the facts," said the representative of the Russian Federation in the ensuing debate, "the facts prove that, on the nineteenth of September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets conducted a planned flight from Karelia to an airbase in Kaliningrad oblast, carried out in strict accordance with international airspace-use rules." He declared: "Today, we are compelled to watch part two of the spectacle titled 'Blame Russia for Everything'." While "our neighbours have imagined" that Moscow is at fault for an incursion into Estonian airspace, he said that "as always" there is no proof, except "Russophobic hysteria" from Tallinn. However, Margus Tsahkna, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia, underscored that the "violation is crystal clear" as he held up radar screenshots and photographs of combat-ready MiG-31 fighter jets. He also stated that this was the fourth violation of Estonian airspace by Moscow in 2025, and part of a broader pattern of the Russian Federation's provocations against its neighbours. "We remember," he stressed, Moscow's 2008 occupation of Georgia, 2014 incursion into Crimea and 2022 aggression against Ukraine, and he said to the Russian Federation: "So please don't lie again hard evidence is here." "We are not facing a Ukraine crisis, we are faced with Russia crisis," said Baiba Braze, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, also speaking for Lithuania. Warning that her country would "never accept Russia's attempts to attack, dominate, intimidate or establish a sphere of influence over its neighbours", she added: "Empires are dead." Latvia will continue to invest in deterrence, defence and resilience, and is also working closely with allies to deploy additional capabilities to ensure that future provocations from Moscow are not tolerated, she said. "This new violation this time carried out in broad daylight and by no fewer than three fighter jets, not drones is unprecedented in over 20 years," stressed France's delegate. Pointing out that, just hours after this incursion, the Russian Federation once again struck Ukraine with 40 missiles and more than 550 drones, he added that "these violations of NATO airspace in no way undermine our determination to implement strong, robust and credible security guarantees in favour of Ukraine". The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, concurred, echoing his country's "steadfast" support for Estonia and condemning Moscow's "reckless and dangerous escalations and provocations" aimed at intimidating countries from supporting Ukraine. Recalling the Russian Federation's "playbook" the invasion of Georgia and the annexation of Crimea, among others he said that "Russia's neighbours not unreasonably fear they could be the next". Addressing Moscow, he underscored: "Step back." And for his part, Andrii Sybiha, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, asked which country would be the next "dealing with Russia's provocations". Stressing that Moscow "wants to impose the law of the jungle upon everyone", he affirmed that "we must make Russia play by our rules". He therefore urged increased support for Ukraine including an integrated European air-defence system as ending that war sooner means that the Russian Federation will not expand it to other nations. Many Point to Troubling Pattern "Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three is a pattern," stressed Greece's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Georgios Gerapetritis, who condemned the incursions. He voiced solidarity with Estonia alongside other speakers from the region, including the Foreign Ministers of the Netherlands and Romania. Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, condemned the grave violation of international law that took place during the "12 minutes in which three Russian fighter jets brazenly ventured into Estonian airspace". Describing the incursion as "not merely momentary, but deliberate and dangerous", Melita Gabric, Deputy Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, highlighted worrisome reports of new incidents over the Baltic Sea. "These deliberate provocations are symptomatic of the time we live in a time in which violations of international law are tolerated to an extent we have not seen in modern history," she said, underlining the need to say a clear "no" to impunity. "It cannot be that Russia accidentally violates three times in two weeks European airspace," echoed Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. She added that, if it were a mistake, Moscow had ample time to apologize; instead it showed a "pattern" of testing European borders. "Russia will continue to provoke as long as we allow it," she underscored, stressing that "European security starts with Ukraine". "If these were accidents, why not immediately acknowledge them and apologize?", asked Radosaw Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland. "We have not heard any apologies only lies," he stressed. "We know you don't care for international law and you are incapable of living in peace with your neighbours," he said, deploring Moscow's "insane nationalism" and warning: "If another missile or aircraft enters our airspace without permission either deliberately or by mistake and gets shot down and the wreckage falls on NATO territory, please don't come here to whine about it." For his part, the representative of the Republic of Korea, Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity to recall his prior warning that the violation of Poland's territorial integrity could mark "a dangerous turning point". Further, he underscored that the latest incident suggests "a troubling pattern that could proliferate and interconnect, raising the risk of grave miscalculation or even miscommunication". Pointing to the unlawful military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which violates Council resolutions and directly threatens peace and security in both Europe and Asia, he stated: "It must stop immediately." NATO Countries Stand Resolute, Others Urge Diplomacy Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, also speaking for Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway, underscored that the Nordic region which shares a long border with the Russian Federation is deeply concerned over Moscow's "lack of respect for the territorial integrity of its neighbours". The Russian Federation could end its war tomorrow, she said, adding: "Until it does, the Nordics stand undeterred in the face of its illegal actions." "The United States and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory," said the representative of the United States, calling on Moscow to stop its dangerous behaviour. The recent airspace incursion, on the heels of the previous one, suggest that Moscow is either attempting an escalation to pull more countries into the conflict, or does not have full control of its fighter pilots or drone operators. "Either scenario is concerning," he said, highlighting his country's efforts to seek de-escalation and an end to the horrific war in Ukraine. In a similar vein, Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, said:"We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO's skies and NATO's territory." Warning that the Russian Federation's escalatory acts risk miscalculation and open the door to direct armed confrontation with NATO, she underscored that "NATO's combined strength is unparalleled and its determination to defend peace and security in Europe is unshakable". She commended the measured and resolute response of Estonia, Poland, Romania and all NATO allies, and welcomed the alliance's launch of Operation Eastern Sentry on 12 September to ensure the safety and security of its eastern border. Meanwhile, China's delegate alongside speakers from Algeria, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Sierra Leone and Somalia called for dialogue and restraint to prevent an escalation of the situation. An urgent, imperative solution must be reached in the shape of a political resolution that results in a balanced and effective European security architecture, and he called the recent incidents "spillover effects" of the Ukraine crisis resulting from a lack of mutual trust, growing suspicion and the complex nature of the European security situation. "As long as the Ukraine crisis is unresolved and the war continues," he said, "similar incidents are likely to reoccur." Complete Live Blog coverage of today's meeting can be found here . NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meink stresses innovation, focus, funding to maintain air, space superiority Published Sept. 22, 2025 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- In his most high-profile speech since becoming Secretary of the Air Force in May, Troy Meink emphasized familiar themes - the need to perfect readiness, the necessity to modernize the Air Force and Space Force and remaining focused on "taking care of our people." "We must do what we've done many times in the past - work to maintain air and space dominance," Meink said in his keynote address to an overflowing crowd of several thousand at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference. The United States and its Air Force and Space Force are confronting determined adversaries today who have spent decades working to erode the United State's advantages in air and space, he said. While the U.S. remains superior, the gap has narrowed. China in particular "has been laser focused." "The ability for us to dominate the air domain has really come under threat a number of times; we've had our cage rattled a bit," he said. "But we went after it and today the U.S. has dominance." "Our job is to maintain that dominance, the advantage that the U.S. has always had," Meink told Airmen, Guardians in the audience as well as officials from industry, Capitol Hill and interest groups. "We have to innovate faster. The only way we will be able to maintain our advantage is to innovate and we have to innovate faster than our adversaries." Part of successfully innovating, Meink said, is modernization. Like others, Meink pointed out that many of the aircraft being flown today are older than their pilots. He underscored the point by displaying a two side-by-side pictures - an older picture of him as a young airman 30 years ago standing next to a KC-135 tanker. The newer picture recaptured the scene, but this time with Meink as Secretary. The plane in each picture, he told the audience, was the same, still in service, still providing a crucial mission refueling aircraft in defense of the nation. And, he added, it looked to be in even better condition today than it was when he flew it over three decades ago. While the ability to keep planes and other aging equipment operating is impressive, he said, it is the reason the Department of the Air Force is undergoing what Meink said is the most aggressive modernization campaign in its 78-year history. He name-checked some - the recently announced F-47 sixth-generation fighter, the in-service F-35, a fifth-generation aircraft that is the backbone of the Air Force fleet, the F-15EX, adding new engines and radar to the ageless B-52 bomber and continued development of the next-generation B-21 bomber. Additionally, Meink mentioned modernizing and upgrading the land-based nuclear leg with the Sentinel project, space control, and moving to expand the ability to launch more satellites and equipment into space, continuing to develop the so-called Collaborative Combat Aircraft which are uncrewed craft that perform a series of functions. Meink also highlighted a less glamorous but equally important pursuit - modernizing munitions. The United States, he said, has "built some of the best munitions on the planet. The challenge we have with munitions is scaling them up," he said. Modernization also touches other areas, he said Technology is important, he said, but not everything. "We have to be innovative in how we operate. We have to be innovative in how we maintain our systems. We have to be innovative in how we train. We really need to be innovative across the board. And if we're not thinking that way from our level all the way down to the individual Airman or Guardian at the very lowest ranks were not going to be successful." The need to innovate, he said, extends even to how the Department acquires things it needs. The Department must have highly trained and technically sufficient personnel to ensure that the hardware developed meets the need, stays on budget and performs as intended. "There is no replacement for technical skill in acquisitions," he said. On readiness, Meink said he knew "there was a readiness challenge, I didn't appreciate how significant that readiness challenge was." One focus, he said, must be on efficiency; squeezing every benefit out of every piece of equipment and dollar the Department has. He highlighted five different aspects of readiness across the Department. First the need to focus on systems and concepts that can survive in contested environments - showing a video of a Ukrainian low-cost quadcopter destroying a sophisticated Russian UAS. Second, he highlighted that we need to continue to push industry to improve the reliability of spare parts. Next, he highlighted internal initiatives to better leverage the data we have to improve both maintenance and operations. Finally, he discussed installations across the Department. "Our facilities are part of our weapon systems. In many cases, we fight from our facilities, both in the Air and Space Force side of the house." Meink's final major focus is ensuring all Air Force and Space Force personnel are fulfilled both professionally and at home. "People are the most important thing we have; the most criticalI have zero concern about the ability of the Department to employ combat power. We have the best trained, most talented workforce the Department of the Air Force has ever had," he said. "We are asking them to maintain and work on some of the most technical systems and we need to make sure we're doing everything we can to support them." He ended with a challenge to the audience. "The challenge is, how do we make sure (Airmen and Guardians) have the tools at the mass and scale they need to be successful. If we, as leadership, are not doing everything we can to support you, moving fast and being innovative, then you need to tell us because we will not be successful without that." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allvin highlights readiness, charges Airmen to move at a pace to win Published Sept. 22, 2025 Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin spoke forcefully about the Air Force's readiness and the skill of its Airmen during a high-profile, closely watched speech, Sept. 22. In his message at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Allvin emphasized that the Air Force is able to achieve decisive victories because it has the best and most-capable people who are prepared to respond to any challenge at any time. Allvin stated in recent months, the Air Force has delivered on its promise to provide a range of options. "Emblematic of the Air Force's readiness to act decisively and effectively is the success of Operation Midnight Hammer, the largest operational, kinetic employment of B-2's in the platform's history," Allvin said. "This summer, President Trump asked the Air Force to do something that was complex, dangerous and consequential. We followed through and did it," Allvin reminded the crowd, referring to the strikes the Air Force conducted on Iranian nuclear facilities. "More than 100 U.S. aircraft participated in the mission, including the B-2, fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, air refueling tankers, and a full-array of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance assetsand in just 30 hours, Trump announced a cease-fire to end the 12-Day War," Allvin said. "Since Operation Midnight Hammer, the Air Force has continued to showcase the skill and professionalism of its Airmen and its ability to complete missions effectively," Allvin said. "Within two weeks of Operation Midnight Hammer, your United States Air Force had redeployed, reset, and pivoted, to execute the largest US Air Force led exercise in the Indo-Pacific since the Cold War," said Allvin. "It was amazing." During the Department-Level Exercise, instead of simulating logistical requirements over an extended period or long distance, the Department provided realistic challenges for Airmen to overcome and an opportunity to enhance their skills before a conflict, said Allvin. "This is about putting together a force presentation, a force generation to fit what the Joint Force commander and the combatant commanders are going to need," Allvin said. During the DLE, the Air Force showcased its "'secret weapon', our individual Airmen who are smart, who are innovative, who are working hard to face our challenges and fix them as an enterprise." "This exercise also had some incredible firsts, including our longest JASSM shot" said Allvin. JASSM, short for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, is a low-detection air-launched cruise missile. Airmen's skill and innovations are raising the bar every day, Allvin said. Airmen recently innovated to enable the deployment of the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO), a low-cost, air-to-air counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) weapon. "Within a month, FALCO was integrated onto the F-15, and now for less than 10% of the cost of an AIM-9X you can put a precision kill on the proliferation of attack unmanned aerial vehicles," Allvin said. As an institution, the service has great Airmen coming to support the mission, like Airman First Class Garrett Vance, a base air defense systems operator assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Vance recently became the first US Air Force defender to kinetically eliminate a drone with the Coyote missile system. Allvin also shared information about the development of several key Air Force platforms. Allvin told the audience that the first F-47 is currently being manufactured, and is expected to fly in 2028. Echoing Secretary of Air Force Troy Meink's earlier remarks, Allvin noted that the B-21 program is "going exceptionally well." But at the end of the day, Allvin said, the nation should "be cautious about the warm blanket of the comfortable." Despite the Air Force's successes during Operation Midnight Hammer and the Department-Level Exercise, "the adversary won't take a knee." "When the President asks tonight, next week, next year, next decade, can you still do that? We have to be able to say, hell yes, we can. We've got to follow through on that. That's what's at stake," said Allvin. "What the nation needs is one Air Force, integrated, aligned, focused, ready to fight. The nation needs more Air Force, more capability, more capacity, more options for the President. The nation needs your Air Force, moving at the pace to win," said Allvin. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Navy, Timor-Leste Defense Forces Commence 14th CARAT US Navy 22 September 2025 From Lt.j.g. Camillia Nguyen, Command Destroyer Squadron 7 DILI, Timor-Leste The U.S. Navy (USN) and Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL), also known as Falintil- Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), marked the start of the 14th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Timor-Leste 2025, with an opening ceremony in Dili, Sept. 22. "We are looking forward to conducting our 14th CARAT exercise with our partners here in Timor-Leste," said Capt. Matt Scarlett, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 and U.S. head of delegation. "In addressing shared challenges together, we are able to widen our knowledge and sharpen our skills to secure a more stable maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region." U.S. assets participating in the exercise include the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20); a P-8A Poseidon attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72; personnel from the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team - Pacific (FASTPAC); members of the U.S. 7th Fleet Band; and a U.S. Coast Guard visit, board search and seizure (VBSS) team. Timorese participation will include divers, EOD technicians, the F-FDTL band, and a medical team. During the shore phase, U.S. and Timorese service member subject matter experts will exchange knowledge covering legal, medical, dive and salvage, port security, and force-protection topics. Sailors will also participate in community relations events (COMRELs) to enhance the people-to-people connections that form the foundation of the U.S.-Timorese relationship. "In the field of defense, bilateral cooperation has translated into consistent support for the development of the capabilities of the F-FDTL through training programs, technical assistance, and exercises such as CARAT," said Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek, F-FDTL's chief of defense. "This support has been invaluable in building professional defense forces capable of ensuring national security and contributing to regional stability." CARAT Timor-Leste is designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. This year marks the 31st iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to shared maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore; functions as Commander, Task Force 76 Sea Combat Commander; and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) arrives in Koror, Palau, Sept. 22, during Pacific Partnership 2025 US Navy 22 September 2025 KOROR, Palau -- The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) arrived in Koror, Palau Sept. 22, 2025. "It's wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational allies, partners, and friends as we prepare in calm for possible future time of crisis," said Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. "It's exciting to be here, as our nations share a rich history of collaboration and cultural ties. We look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead." Pacific Partnership mission includes stops in the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines. "I'm excited to collaborate with the pharmacy staff in Palau, who are asking excellent clinical questions and showing strong engagement," said Lt. Kamara Gray, pharmacist with the Pacific Partnership medical team. "One area I am particularly looking forward to is antimicrobial stewardship, training on how to use antibiotics appropriately, including knowing the right time to transition from oral to intravenous treatments. I'm also eager to learn about the antibiotics that are no longer effective here due to resistance." Pacific Partnership fosters multilateral cooperation and emphasizes a multinational and whole-of-government approach by planning and executing operations with partner nation militaries, host nation civilian agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the U.S. State Department, U.S. interagency, and other U.S military service branches. This subsequently provides a strong foundation of trust and enhances our collective ability to respond in times of crisis. In the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States mobilized numerous military assests and personnel to support the relief effort. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world's most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill and lessons learned from that initial mission, the U.S. Navy planned and executed the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006; its primary aim was to proactively prepare for a more effective response to natural disasters while strengthening relationships and security ties between nations. Pacific Partnership, now in its 21st iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian and civic assistance mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works alongside partners and allies to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters. The PP25 team is led by U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31, serving as the mission commander. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's market regulator holds compliance talks with delivery service provider Lalamove Xinhua) 10:12, September 24, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's State Administration for Market Regulation on Tuesday said that it has held talks with delivery service provider Lalamove, which is known as "Huolala" in Chinese, regarding compliance issues. The regulator has ordered the company to comply strictly with relevant laws and regulations, including the anti-monopoly law, and to fulfill its primary responsibilities in anti-monopoly compliance. It has also told the company to standardize its business practices promptly, to participate fairly in market competition, to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties, including truck drivers and consumers, and to promote fairness, justice, transparency and openness in platform rules and algorithms to facilitate the standardized, healthy development of the industry. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) CENTCOM Launches Innovation Joint Task Force to Rapidly Equip Warfighters U.S. Central Command Press Release | Sept. 23, 2025 USCENTCOM SEPTEMBER 23, 2025 Release Number 20250923-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- On Sept. 23, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the establishment of an innovation task force designed to accelerate the delivery of combat capabilities to warfighters. The new organization, called the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF), will be led by CENTCOM's chief technology officer to fast-track processes for outfitting deployed forces with cutting-edge capabilities. "This is about getting new warfighting capabilities into the hands of our skilled warfighters faster," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "The new task force will synergize existing efforts among our Service components and support Secretary Hegseth's drive to rapidly equip our warriors." In July, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a directive to accelerate the acquisition and fielding of affordable drone technology for combat units. CENTCOM's creation of the REJTF supports this initiative. The joint task force will coordinate innovation efforts in three focus areas: capability, software, and tech diplomacy - building on progress achieved by Service-component task forces in prior years. "Our goal is to rapidly deliver innovation, meaning putting combat-credible capability into the hands of our warfighters in 60 days or less," said Joy Shanaberger, CENTCOM's chief technology officer. "Equipping skilled warfighters faster with cutting-edge capabilities will deter bad actors." The REJTF will include a cross-section of experts in resourcing, assessments, information systems, data integration, acquisitions, logistics and warfighter integration. "We will find newer, better, and more efficient ways to equip our forces while working alongside our regional partners," said Shanaberger. Last week, U.S. and Saudi forces completed the Middle East region's largest live-fire counter-unmanned aerial system exercise called Red Sands. The multi-day event featured more than 300 personnel who fielded 20 counter-unmanned aerial systems at the Shamal-2 Range in northeastern Saudi Arabia. "Red Sands brought together U.S., Saudi and industry capabilities and expertise to identify 'best in breed' systems for detecting, tracking and eliminating modern aerial drone threats," said Cooper. "Working shoulder-to-shoulder with regional partners to innovate and adapt is more critical than ever." -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by President Antonio Costa at the high-level conference on the two-State solution European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Speech 23 September 2025 00:15 I am grateful for this initiative by France and Saudi Arabia, which has brought us together at a critical moment for peace in the Middle East. The region has seen too many wars. Too much violence. Too much terrorism. Too much death. Today, in Gaza, we are facing a humanitarian disaster which defies description. Cities destroyed. Families shattered. Famine used as a weapon of war. This disaster must end. The European Union once again calls for: an immediate ceasefire unrestricted and safe humanitarian access the unconditional release of all hostages We condemn the ongoing military offensive in Gaza City. We also strongly condemn the violent escalation in the West Bank. We call on Israel to end these operations. To stop the illegal settlements. Today, thanks to the impetus provided by this conference, the state of Palestine has been recognised by the majority of the member states of the European Union. But we must be clear about what comes after: there is no place for Hamas there is no place for terrorism there is no place for illegal settlements there is no place for the killing of innocent civilians Nowhere: not in Gaza, not in the West Bank, not in East Jerusalem, not in Israel. There is only one way forward: the two-State solution. A secure state of Israel recognised by all of the member states of this General Assembly. An independent, democratic and viable state of Palestine. The two existing side by side. In peace. The time for peace is now. And we must rise to the occasion. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by High Representative / Vice-President Kaja Kallas on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question - United Nations Security Council, 10003rd meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 23.09.2025 EEAS Press Team Dear President, Excellencies, If a military solution were possible in Gaza, Israel's war on Hamas would already be over and the hostages would have been released. Instead, the war continues, and the famine has set in; a famine that was avoidable, had aid been let in. We have a collective responsibility to change this situation. And so I repeat here the calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale. Europe has been the most active global actor in Gaza. We are the largest humanitarian donor. We have helped the Palestinians more than any other. We negotiated with the Israeli government a humanitarian understanding with specific benchmarks. Since then, more trucks have entered Gaza, more aid was delivered, the Jordanian and Egyptian routes were reopened and repairs to critical infrastructure were carried out. In August, a ship carrying 1,200 tonnes of aid departed from Limassol, Cyprus. Further shipments will continue. But we all know it is not enough. That is why the European Union is pulling other levers to try and push the Israeli government to change its course of action. We recently proposed: sanctions on extremist ministers in the Israeli Government; sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank and entities supporting their impunity; additional sanctions on Hamas terrorists; and the suspension of trade concessions with Israel. This is a message to the current Israeli government: change course and address the human suffering. In addition, another fundamental question hangs over us: how to square Israel's legitimate right to live in safety and security with a future Palestinian state. We have always believed that there is one answer, two states, side by side. As we saw during yesterday's conference, the weight of the world is behind the Two-State Solution. The European Union has worked hard to make this possible. The European Union is also the leading supporter of the Palestinian Authority. We will provide 1.6 billion euro over the next three years. We also kept Palestinian institutions functioning during this war, including education. We have now launched a forum to finance a future for the Palestinian people - the Palestine Donor Forum. And the Global Alliance remains the best mechanism for discussions on how to turn commitments into actions. There must be a turning point in this war. And it cannot be at the expense of either the viability of a Palestinian state or the legitimate concerns of Israel. We have the power to change the course of this conflict, to see the release of the remaining hostages, to prevent further civilian suffering, and see an end to this war. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon: Statement by the Spokesperson on the recent strikes in Southern Lebanon European External Action Service (EEAS) 23.09.2025 Brussels, Belgium EEAS Press Team The EU condemns the strike by IDF which has caused a number of civilian fatalities, including children, on Sunday in Southern Lebanon. This incident follows an escalation of IDF attacks and warnings. The EU reiterates its call for the full respect and implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Security concerns should be addressed by making full use of the monitoring mechanism established in the framework of the ceasefire agreement. The decisive efforts by the Government of Lebanon aiming at establishing the monopoly of the State on holding weapons should be supported by all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies: responsibility for endangering peace and security lies with Russia Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.09.2025 | 15:02 Today, 23 September, the North Atlantic Council met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels for Article 4 consultations, initiated by Estonia following the violation of Estonian and NATO airspace by Russian fighter jets on 19 September. "Yesterday's UN Security Council meeting and today's North Atlantic Council meeting showed that Allies stand firmly behind us. The Russian Federation's provocative actions are aimed at undermining our unity and deterring us in order to weaken our support for Ukraine. Once again, we can state that the effect of their actions is the opposite - such blatant violations of international law unite us and reaffirm the understanding that both strengthening our defence capabilities and support for Ukraine must be accelerated and reinforced," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. In its statement, the North Atlantic Council expressed unanimously and unequivocally that the responsibility for endangering peace and security lies with the Russian Federation. "We are not in a situation today where we should apply the principle of 'shoot first, ask later'. NATO's response last Friday was swift and appropriate, and achieved precisely what it had to - the threat was diverted away from us. Today's statement showed that NATO is ready, in accordance with international law, to employ all military and non-military means to defend its territory and the people living there. Article 5 is ironclad," said Tsahkna, adding that Allies also strongly called on Russia to cease all activities endangering security in order to avoid possible miscalculations. Following the drone attack in Poland, NATO launched the vigilance activity Eastern Sentry, through which Allies are reinforcing NATO's deterrence and defence posture with additional air defence elements in Estonia and across the entire Eastern flank. During the consultations, the Allies issued a strong statement of solidarity and resolve. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, it makes no difference whether the act was intentional or not - such behaviour will not be tolerated. Our posture remains strong and SACEUR has been given the necessary tools and authorities to adapt it as needed. The vigilance activity Eastern Sentry is functioning. In addition, exercises with Allies are taking place right now to address new challenges. We will deter and defend - calmly and resolutely. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: Lasting peace between Israel and Palestine is only possible through the implementation of the two-state solution Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.09.2025 | 07:22 Yesterday, 22 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna took part in a high-level UN conference in New York focused on finding peaceful solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the implementation of the two-state solution. The minister underlined that Estonia's position is clear: the only lasting solution is the creation of two independent states. "The path to lasting peace requires meaningful dialogue, compromise and a change in patterns of behaviour from both sides - Israel as well as Palestine," Tsahkna said. "The role of the international community is to act as mediator, to prevent the deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to bring the parties to the negotiating table as quickly as possible. Estonia maintains active contacts with both Israeli and Palestinian representatives and stands ready to support the peace process." The minister added that the first essential step towards peace is respecting the principles of international law - establishing a ceasefire, ending attacks on civilians, ensuring the opening of humanitarian corridors and securing the release of all hostages. Yesterday's conference followed up on the two-state solution conference organised in July by France and Saudi Arabia, which Estonia also attended. On 12 September, Estonia joined 142 UN member states, including 25 members of the European Union, in voting for the New York Declaration, which contains concrete proposals for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. In addition to the conference on Palestine, Minister Tsahkna also attended a meeting of the European Union's foreign ministers, which focused on maintaining pressure on Russia, supporting Ukraine, UN reform, and the situation in the Middle East. The meeting also featured a joint statement by the NB6 countries, including Estonia, addressing the plight of Ukrainian children deported to Russia. The Minister also delivered remarks at a Beijing +30 event on women's and girls' rights, and met with the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Dr Abdulla Khaleel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by Foreign Minister Wadephul at the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting on Russia's Violation of Estonian Airspace Germany Federal Foreign Office 23.09.2025 - Speech 12 minutes. 12 minutes during which three Russian fighter jets brazenly ventured into Estonian airspace. 12 minutes in which they almost made their way to the Estonian capital, Tallinn. What happened early Friday morning marks a further dangerous escalation by Russia. The incursion came just over a week after more than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Once again, in Estonia, Russia violated, without any provocation, the territorial integrity of one of its neighbors, and thus one of the fundamental principles of the UN charter. We condemn this grave violation of international law. This is not the behavior of a state seeking to preserve global peace and security, but of one recklessly disregarding international norms. Together with our partners, Germany stands firmly in solidarity with Estonia. We stand together against those who seek to use military coercion to undermine our sovereignty, freedom and solidarity. This most recent alarming incidents brings to light two significant insights. First, Russia's ongoing aggression is not only directed against Ukraine and its people. Rather, in its reckless behaviour, Russia poses a serious danger to regional security, as well as to global peace and stability. Second, there were many initiatives for negotiations. Most recently under the strong leadership of the United States. Ukraine is ready to engage, engage and has repeatedly offered an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Nonetheless, Russia has repeatedly chosen not only to continue, but to intensify its aggression. This must end. Let there be no doubt: reckless provocations will not work. This is not just a problem for Russia's immediate neighbors. This is a problem for all of us united here in our commitment to the UN charter and its principles. Germany stands for these principles. Russia does not. We will not rest until a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine is achieved. A peace that is rooted in the principles of the UN charter and negotiated with Ukraine, sitting at the table. An unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed to stop the bloodshed and to lay the foundation to build trust for sincere negotiations. The people of Ukraine, as well as the people of Estonia and Poland, just as the people of every country, have the right to live in peace and security. It is our shared responsibility as UN member States to hold those accountable who endanger peace and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland urges Israel to allow Gazan patients to be treated in West Bank Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 23.9.2025 Press releases Finland has signed a joint statement by 25 countries, coordinated by Denmark, on facilitating the access of Gazan patients to treatment in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, by declaring readiness to support their treatment in the Palestinian territory. The joint statement calls on Israel to open evacuation corridors and allow patients to be transported from Gaza to the West Bank and hospitals in East Jerusalem. Israel has no longer allowed the treatment of Gazan patients in these Palestinian hospitals since October 2023. Healthcare services in Gaza have collapsed, and at least 15,600 patients in critical need of care who cannot be treated in Gaza are waiting for access to care. "Since it is most cost-effective to provide hospital care for Palestinians on the ground, we are allocating development cooperation funds to the region for this purpose," says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio. "Finland has repeatedly urged Israel, both through bilateral discussions and as part of the international community, to allow full humanitarian access into Gaza and to take all necessary action to make assistance accessible to those in need. The most important thing is to enable hospital care for patients in distress. This joint statement is one more way of putting pressure and proposing solutions to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. Finland supports the Palestinian Authority and East Jerusalem hospitals as part of Finland's development cooperation, within the existing budget. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway joins NATO in condemning Russia's violation of Allied airspace Government of Norway Press release | Date: 23/09/2025 Today, NATO stands united in issuing a clear condemnation of Russia's violation of Allied airspace. It has also been made known that multiple countries have recently experienced violations of their airspace by Russia. Three such incidents have taken place in Norway. Today, NATO has condemned Russia's violation of Estonian airspace on 19 September. This violation took place in the wake of similar incidents earlier this month in which Russia was responsible for airspace violations in Poland and Romania. 'NATO stands united and condemns Russia's airspace violations against Estonia, Poland and Romania. This is irresponsible and unacceptable conduct over Allied territory. These incidents occur in an already serious security situation' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. On Tuesday, NATO Allies issued a clear statement underlining Russia's responsibility for these actions. The statement also indicates that more countries have experienced violations of their airspace, including Norway, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania. 'Russia has violated Norwegian airspace on three occasions this year. The incidents in Norway are less grave in terms of location and duration than those that took place in Estonia, Poland and Romania. However, they are still serious incidents. Two of the airspace violations occurred over the sea northeast of Vard. The third incident took place over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark. The airspace violations lasted approximately one to four minutes. We have not been able to ascertain whether these airspace violations were intentional or the result of navigational error. Regardless of the reason, this is not acceptable, and we have made this clear to Russian authorities,' said Mr Stre. The three incidents this year come after a period of 10 years without any such violations of Norwegian airspace. The three incidents: 25 April: A Russian SU-24 fighter jet entered Norwegian airspace over the sea area northeast of Vard. The aircraft flew through Norwegian airspace for four minutes. 24 July: A Russian L-410 Turbolet aircraft flew through Norwegian airspace over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark for three minutes . A Russian L-410 Turbolet aircraft flew through Norwegian airspace over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark for three minutes 18 August: A Russian SU-33 fighter jet passed through Norwegian airspace over the sea area northeast of Vard for one minute. 'Norwegian authorities have dealt with these incidents directly vis-a-vis Russian authorities with the aim of reducing the risk of misunderstandings and escalation. The Storting (Norwegian parliament) has been informed. Norway has shared information with our Allies in NATO. We have also requested Russia to provide explanations for the violations of Norwegian airspace. Even if these incidents were due to navigational error, as a result of Russia operating with too small a margin of error, Russia has a responsibility to act in a way that prevents misunderstandings and mistakes. If Russia has intentionally violated the airspace of multiple countries, then this is a very serious situation indeed,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement: Offer to assist with treatments of patients from Gaza in the Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem Government of Norway News story | Date: 23/09/2025 As the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold, there is an urgent need to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza. We, the undersigned, stand ready to provide support in the form of e.g. financial contributions, provision of medical staff or equipment needed for the treatment of patients from Gaza in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We strongly appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so medical evacuations from Gaza can be resumed and patients can get the treatment that they so urgently need on Palestinian territory. We furthermore urge Israel to lift restrictions on deliveries of medicine and medical equipment to Gaza in line with Israel's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law; to urgently and fully enable the UN and other humanitarian partners to do their life-saving work in Gaza; and in line with UN Security Council resolution 2286 (2016) to ensure that medical personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties are respected and protected, their safe and unimpeded passage is facilitated, along with their equipment, transport, and supplies. This statement has been signed by: The Foreign Ministers of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Ministers of Development Cooperation of Finland, the Netherlands. The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State Secretary Andzejs Vilumsons and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Christiaan Rebergen discuss European security issues Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.09.2025 On 23 September 2025, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andzejs Vilumsons, met with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Christiaan Rebergen, who had arrived in Latvia for a working visit. At the meeting, the officials discussed bilateral relations between Latvia and the Netherlands, challenges to Europe's security, violations of Estonian and Polish airspace by Russia, and measures in support of Ukraine. The diplomats also spoke about the situation in the Middle East and preparations for Latvia's term of membership on the UN Security Council in 2026-2027. State Secretary Andzejs Vilumsons thanked the Netherlands for its contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic region. In view of the plans by both countries to increase funding for their national defence, the officials then shared views on the impact of budget consolidation on the functioning of the diplomatic services of the two countries, as well as the introduction of innovations in the work of the diplomatic service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Protest expressed to Russia over its violation of Estonian airspace Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-23 On 21 September, the charge d'affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Lithuania was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and issued a strong protest regarding the violation of the airspace of the Republic of Estonia by the fighter jets of the Russian Air Force on 19 September, as well as dangerous flights over an oil platform located in the Baltic Sea in the exclusive economic zone of Poland on the same day. The Russian representative was told that Lithuania considers these incidents to be serious violations of international law, through which Russia is escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania demanded that the Russian Federation take all necessary measures to prevent such provocations from happening again in the future. Today, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy. This is a coordinated step by the Baltic states, demonstrating support of Estonia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President at the UNGA: My message is clear - we cannot allow aggression to prevail President of the Republic of Lithuania September 23, 2025 On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nauseda addressed world leaders at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In his speech, the President focused on the threat posed by Russia's war in Ukraine to international order and global security. He emphasized that the international community must act in unity to stop aggression, and that the principles of the UN Charter must remain unshakable. The President also highlighted the need to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations and ensure that the organization plays a fundamental role in defending peace, sustainable development and human rights. "Our message must be simple and straightforward: aggression cannot win, and the principles of the UN Charter must prevail. We must respond to today's geopolitical situation," the President stated. Gitanas Nauseda underlined that Ukraine's borders are not up for negotiation and attempts to redraw them by force are unacceptable. Lithuania will never recognize Russia's illegal occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territory. The President called on the international community to maintain strong political, military, humanitarian, and economic support for Ukraine. He noted that Lithuania has already provided more than 1 billion euros in assistance, half of which is allocated to reconstruction and long-term recovery. "Peace will never be sustainable without justice. Accountability must have real consequences - legal, political and financial," the President said, calling on states to support the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and to join the Register of Damage for Ukraine. He also emphasized the need to return deported Ukrainian children and unlawfully detained civilians, identifying this as a global priority. The President further addressed other issues on the international agenda: the situation in the Middle East, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, the stalled peace process, and the importance of resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Gitanas Nauseda stressed that the international community must remain actively engaged in combating disinformation. "Historical memory must be preserved, and truth must be defended as the supreme value," he said. At the conclusion of his speech, the President expressed support for UN reforms and the Secretary-General's UN80 reform agenda, aimed at building a more inclusive, effective, and accountable United Nations. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address by Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the United Nations General Assembly President of the Republic of Lithuania September 23, 2025 Mister President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Eighty years ago, humanity, emerging from the Second World War, embarked on a long road towards peace. Building on the solid foundation of a rules-based international order, our forefathers created the United Nations and its institutional system. This system was never perfect. Many nations, Lithuania included, had to struggle for decades seeking freedom, independence and sovereignty. Many people suffered war, famine and premature death. And yet, it was the best international order that we have ever had. The United Nations system embodied the great hope that nourishes the human soul and guides our actions for the universal good. Together, we succeeded in condemning war and conquest - at least in theory, if not always in practice. To this day, even the worst aggressors feel ashamed to openly conquer, destroy and enslave. Instead, they talk about special military operations and the need to protect those who, frankly, do not want to be protected. This shame is a significant achievement of our time. To the extent that current international norms limit the behavior of offenders, they help countless people to survive, escape torture, or even prosper. Thus, it is an ever-growing concern to witness these same norms being subjected to increasingly open and brutal attacks. Our international order is being slowly eroded by the irresponsible actions of those who should know better. The world is turning into a much more dangerous place. We have seen this before. We cannot ignore the striking parallels between the present day and the events of 1938, a time when the world chose appeasement over international law and diplomacy over deterrence, culminating in the infamous Munich Pact. That was a short-sighted attempt to satisfy a dangerous, revisionist aggressor by giving away the territory of a sovereign nation. It proved to be a complete failure. The Munich Pact not only emboldened the Nazi regime but also opened the door for Soviet expansion. Soon after, the secret protocols of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact carved Europe into spheres of influence and sealed the fate of many independent states. As Europe descended into another great war, Lithuania and the other Baltic States were illegally occupied, annexed and brutalized. After regaining the independence 35 years ago, Lithuania feels a duty to guard the bitter memory of past mistakes. Never again will we place our hopes in appeasement. Never again will we stand aside. Never again shall Pandora's box be opened. In 1938, it was Czechoslovakia that was abandoned. Today, we cannot abandon Ukraine. The war in Ukraine is well into its fourth year. The international community has not done enough to stop the aggressor. This is a quest that goes far beyond the usual lines that keep different nations apart. What matters is not the distinction between large or small, or between Global North and Global South nations, but the basic principles of the UN Charter which guarantee peace and security across the globe. If one UN member is attacked with impunity year after year by a permanent member of the Security Council, what does that mean for the rest of us? When power replaces law, and fear silences the truth, the foundations of global order begin to crack. And then nobody - nobody - can feel safe anymore! Ladies and Gentlemen, The effects of Russia's war against Ukraine are being felt across the world. This war has sparked crises in energy, migration and food security, while also deepening global poverty, hunger, environmental damage and climate change. It all began with the illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, and escalated into a full-scale invasion, marked by systematic war crimes. The targeted destruction of civilian infrastructure, indiscriminate missile attacks and the forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children are not isolated abuses. These are calculated efforts to erase Ukraine's identity and undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity - all in open defiance of the United Nations' Charter. Let me be clear: Lithuania will never recognize Russia's illegal occupation and annexation of Ukrainian lands. Ukraine's borders are not up for negotiation and attempts to redraw them by force are unacceptable. The United Nations' Charter is not a menu to pick from; it is the binding foundation of international order. Ukraine is also not the only target. Russia continues to occupy two Georgian regions, destabilizes Moldova, and uses proxies and mercenaries to spread instability across the Sahel, the Middle East, and beyond. These are not isolated episodes. They are part of a calculated policy to undermine international norms and export chaos for strategic gain. Russia is not acting alone. The countries enabling Russia's war against Ukraine also violate international law. They prolong the war and deepen unnecessary suffering. Their actions damage us all - every sovereign nation. Lithuania therefore calls on the international community to maintain strong political, military, humanitarian, and economic support for Ukraine. Having already provided more than 1 billion euros in assistance, half of which for reconstruction and long-term recovery, we are setting an example to follow. It is equally vital that the international community stop buying Russia's energy resources. Without all that oil and gas money, Moscow's war machine would finally stop. If history is any indicator, Russia will never stop using energy for its geopolitical goals. Wherever Russian energy resources flow, corruption, blackmail and sabotage will follow. Let me remind you - this is a country that understands only the language of force. Ukraine's ability to deter aggression will be the decisive factor in the future. Moreover, peace will never be sustainable without justice. Russia's numerous war crimes from mass killings and attacks on hospitals to the abduction, deportation and indoctrination of children demand accountability. My country strongly supports the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, under the auspices of the Council of Europe. We call on all states to endorse this initiative. Accountability must have real consequences - legal, political and financial. As a co-founder of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, Lithuania calls on all eligible states to join this vital effort. Russia's frozen assets must eventually be used to help Ukraine defend itself and rebuild. I also cannot stress strongly enough that the return of all deported Ukrainian children and illegally detained civilians must be a global priority. We urge all states and institutions to strengthen international efforts to ensure their safe homecoming. Ladies and Gentlemen, As crucial as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is, it is only part of a broader global upheaval. Lithuania watches the current situation in the Middle East with deep concern. We join the international community in calling for the full and immediate implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. To prevent starvation, humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need without obstruction. At the same time, the unconditional release of all remaining Israeli hostages remains a crucial step towards ending hostilities. Lithuania is firmly committed to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. We condemn all the actions that undermine this goal. The ongoing mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt deserve our full support. There is no alternative but to revitalize a credible political process towards a two-state solution - ensuring that the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine can live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states. Sadly, many States remain trapped in cycles of conflict, crisis and long-term fragility. It is our shared responsibility to support those in need, as destabilization spreads far and wide across international borders, regions and continents. Our attention must also focus on the growing challenge of disinformation, which is increasingly being used to undermine democratic institutions and destabilize entire nations and societies. Lithuania calls on all members of the international community to defend truth as the supreme value and to fight attempts to rewrite history. Historical memory must be preserved. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we face high global uncertainty, one choice remains entirely clear: either we will repeat the mistakes of history or we will find the resolve to defend the core principles of the United Nations. Today, Lithuania chooses to act. We call on the international community to respond to today's challenges with unity and determination. We call on the United Nations to return to its founding purpose - to prevent the scourge of war, to protect human dignity, and to uphold the rights of nations large and small. Together, we must ensure that no permanent seat on the Security Council grants any state permanent impunity. We must support those who defend the very principles of the UN Charter. In this spirit, I welcome the Secretary-General's UN80 reform agenda a timely blueprint for adapting this institution to the realities of today's world. His call for a more inclusive, effective and accountable United Nations deserves our broad support. Lithuania stands firmly behind these efforts to reimagine multilateralism. We call on all states to strengthen our collective ability to act across all three pillars - peace and security, human rights, and development. Our message must be simple and straightforward: aggression cannot win, and the principles of the UN Charter must prevail. Let us rise to the demands of this moment! Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, reaffirmed, on Tuesday in New York, his country's support for the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco for the definitive resolution of the regional dispute on the Moroccan Sahara. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday 23 September 2025 "We reiterate today our support for the autonomy plan" presented by Morocco for the definitive resolution of the dispute on the Sahara, Panama's head of diplomacy told the press following a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Panama and Morocco have "the best possible relations," Martinez-Acha Vasquez welcomed, noting in this respect that cooperation ties between Morocco and Panama are "solid, tight and mutually beneficial in more than one respect." He added that his meeting with Bourita provided an opportunity to highlight the excellent bilateral ties and delve into several issues of mutual interest. "We also spoke about the different issues on which we had worked during my recent visit to Morocco, mainly trade, security, education and development of businesses," the Panamanian minister concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Mr. Nasser Bourita, held on Monday a working session in New York with the United Nations Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara, Mr. Staffan De Mistura, at the latter's request. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday 23 September 2025 The meeting took place in the presence of Ambassador Mr. Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. The working session is part of Mr. De Mistura's consultations in preparation for the forthcoming meetings of the UN Security Council. On this occasion, the Moroccan delegation reaffirmed the unchanging constants of the position of the Kingdom of Morocco, as set out by His Majesty King Mohammed VI with a view to achieving a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution based exclusively on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, within the framework of Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity. To this end, the delegation reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for the efforts led by the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. Talks also focused on the latest developments regarding the growing international support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara and the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as the only basis for achieving a political solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, within the framework of the diplomatic momentum initiated by His Majesty the King. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies demonstrate agility during tactical airlift, with first-ever landing on volcanic island in the High North NATO Allied Air Command Sep 23 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- In a recent deployment, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) A400 transport aircraft landed for the first time on Jan Mayen, Norway, delivering a U.S. Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) from pre-positioned location in Norway. Jan Mayen, a remote volcanic island in the Norwegian Sea and part of Norway's sovereign territory, hosts a station that supports the Norwegian Cyber Defence and the Meteorological Institute year-round. The deployment included Norwegian Armed Forces, UK Royal Marines, and U.S. Marines. The High North remains strategically vital for NATO, serving as a gateway between North America and Europe and a key arena for securing transatlantic supply routes. Regular Allied activity in the region demonstrates NATO's commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation, ensuring access to critical sea lines of communication, and maintaining credible deterrence in an increasingly contested Arctic environment. "Operating jointly with Allies demonstrates both capability and commitment to defend Arctic islands, the High North, and surrounding waters if required," said Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters. "The waters around Jan Mayen are vital to NATO in terms of securing international sea lines of communication and transatlantic supply routes." "Our strength lies in our ability to integrate capabilities across domains and among NATO Allies," said Andersen. "Regular Allied training and operations in Norway ensure readiness across all seasons and in times of crisis or conflict. This contributes to collective security and credible deterrence against future aggression. NATO remains a defensive alliance, but one always ready to respond if challenged," Andersen added. Weather and terrain proved demanding. Operating on Jan Mayen requires meticulous planning. Resupply is difficult, so everything from clothing to rations and ammunition must be carefully considered in the initial deployment. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the North Atlantic Council on recent airspace violations by Russia NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 23 Sep. 2025 The North Atlantic Council met this morning at the request of Estonia, under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, to consult and strongly condemn Russia's dangerous violation of Estonian airspace on 19 September. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) briefed the Council on this incident in which three armed Russian MiG-31 aircraft violated Estonian airspace for over ten minutes. NATO's response was quick and decisive. Allied aircraft were scrambled to intercept and escort them from Estonian airspace. This incursion is part of a wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour. This is the second time in two weeks that the North Atlantic Council has met under Article 4. On 10 September, the Council held consultations in response to the large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones. Several other Allies - including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania - have also recently experienced airspace violations by Russia. We express our full solidarity with all Allies whose airspace has been breached. Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. They must stop. NATO's response to Russia's reckless actions will continue to be robust. On 12 September, we launched "Eastern Sentry" to bolster NATO's posture along the entire Eastern flank. We will reinforce our capabilities and strengthen our deterrence and defence posture, including through effective air defence. Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. We will continue to respond in the manner, timing, and domain of our choosing. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad. Allies will not be deterred by these and other irresponsible acts by Russia from their enduring commitments to support Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours, in the exercise of its inherent right to self-defence against Russia's brutal and unprovoked war of aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shovels in the ground for new Defence housing Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government 23 September 2025 Hon Chris Penk Building and Construction Defence The largest Defence housing project in decades is officially underway, delivering modern homes for military families and driving job growth in regional communities, Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk has announced. "Our sailors, soldiers and aviators dedicate themselves to protecting New Zealand, and they deserve warm, modern homes to return to when off duty," Mr Penk says. "Too many homes across New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) camps and bases no longer meet the standards we expect for our servicemen and women. "Some were built as far back as the 1930s and remain run-down, poorly laid out and poorly insulated because of decades of underinvestment, making them unsuitable for modern family living. "Today marks a significant step forward, with shovels now in the ground for the Homes for Families programme - the most ambitious Defence housing initiative since the 1980s. "Altogether, the Government intends to invest up to $600-million into the Homes for Families programme through the Defence Capability Plan. "Construction has begun on eight new homes at Linton Military Camp, alongside five homes in Bulls for personnel at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea. "These new builds will include modern two- and three-bedroom homes, replacing outdated 1940s and 50s-era housing that no longer meet the needs of today's military families or supports their wellbeing. "Work is also underway on 10 brand-new, three-bedroom homes at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury. "In Auckland's Bayswater, 61 new homes are being built by Ngati Whatua Orakei's property development arm, which will be leased by Defence for personnel from the Devonport Naval Base. "The Government also remains committed to delivering 50 new homes at Waiouru Military Camp and will announce further details about the project later this year. "This is just the beginning. The Defence Force is preparing to go to market around the end of 2025 for additional new housing at Linton, Ohakea, Burnham and Trentham Military Camp. "Defence families often relocate throughout New Zealand to ensure personnel are where they're needed most, and it's important we support them on this journey with homes that offer a secure family life. "Beyond providing housing, this programme will also support regional communities by creating skilled construction jobs around our military camps and bases. "That means new opportunities for workers and businesses, more money flowing into local communities and a boost to national economic growth. "This Government is committed to creating good jobs for Kiwis and tackling New Zealand's infrastructure deficit. "That includes by ensuring the men and women who stand ready to serve and protect this nation have a safe roof over their heads." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel seeks permanent control of Gaza, Jewish majority in Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, UN Commission of Inquiry says Press releases Independent investigation 23 September 2025 GENEVA/NEW YORK -- The Israeli government has demonstrated a clear and consistent intent to establish permanent control over the Gaza Strip while ensuring a Jewish majority in the occupied West Bank and inside Israel, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel said in a new report today. The Commission investigated developments relating to land and housing in all areas of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Israel. The report provides relevant historical background, identifying historical origins to processes of land confiscation, population displacement, discrimination in land and housing, and construction and expansion of settlements. The report also includes a summary of the Commission's conference room paper on Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which was published on 16 September during the Human Rights Council's 60th session. In this paper the Commission found that four genocidal acts were carried out in Gaza. These acts were committed by the Israeli authorities and security forces with specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza. Actions of Israeli leaders are attributable to the State of Israel; therefore, as a State, Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide, for failing to prevent it, and for failing to punish it. The Commission also found that the Israeli President, Prime Minister and former Defence Minister have incited the commission of genocide. With regards to the Gaza Strip, the report published today found that Israeli authorities extensively and systematically demolished civilian infrastructure in the corridors and buffer zone and continuously enlarged areas under their control reaching 75 percent of the Gaza Strip by July 2025. Actions undertaken by Israeli authorities to expand the buffer zone and establish corridors have substantially reduced the territory available for Palestinians, with significant implications for their ability to exercise their right to self-determination. In destroying civilian objects and forcibly transferring the population, the Commission found that the Israeli authorities deliberately deprived Palestinians in Gaza of resources indispensable for their survival. As such, the Commission found that such actions deliberately inflicted conditions of life on the Palestinians in Gaza calculated to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinians in Gaza, which is an underlying act of genocide. "Israel must immediately end and reverse its confiscation and use of Palestinian land in Gaza, including for the creation and expansion of the buffer zone and corridors. It must return all confiscated land to its Palestinian owners," said Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. "Israeli confiscation and control of land ostensibly carried out for security purposes have not achieved more security for anyone but have deepened the misery of the Palestinian people and deprived them of resources indispensable for their survival, including the capacity to produce food." In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli policies and actions implemented since October 2023 - including explicit and implicit support for actions of violent settlers - demonstrate clear intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Israeli Jewish civilian presence and annex the entirety of the West Bank, preventing any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and maintaining an indefinite occupation. The Commission found that Israeli military operations in Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps - which began in early 2025 - have significantly altered the geographical landscape through the destruction of buildings and infrastructure and the displacement of Palestinian residents. Some destroyed buildings were designated by the Israeli army as "terrorist homes" and were destroyed as punishment and for deterrence purposes. The Commission found that such actions were not justified militarily and amounted to collective punishment. "I am particularly appalled by the Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich's recently announced plan of annexing 82 percent of the occupied West Bank, and by the approval of a plan cementing the E1 settlement expansion, with Prime Minister Netanyahu asserting that this will ensure there will be no Palestinian State," said Pillay. "These developments corroborate our findings. Israeli encroachment into the entirety of the West Bank and the dispossession and relocation of multiple Palestinian communities are now explicit goals, which Israeli officials proudly boast about. These plans and statements are abhorrent and must be condemned widely." In relation to the situation in Israel, the Commission found that successive Israeli Governments have implemented laws and policies to diminish Palestinian space, including through confining Palestinian localities and hindering Palestinians with Israeli citizenship from moving and integrating into Jewish localities. Additionally, informal barriers resulting from wider, primarily socio-economic inequalities between the two populations have grown and become entrenched over decades, further preventing integration. Some policies and laws were identified as explicitly discriminatory, while others have a discriminatory impact, resulting in segregation. Similarities between land and housing policies impacting Palestinians in Israel and those applied towards Palestinians in the occupied West Bank point to the existence of a broader policy towards the Palestinian population as a whole, intended to secure a Jewish majority in all areas under Israeli control, reducing the possibility of geographical self-determination for the Palestinian people. The report identified six Israeli ministers as likely bearing the most responsibility for international crimes relating to land and housing, as well as other crimes identified in the Commission's previous reports: Former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant and current Minister of Defence Israel Katz are responsible for actions of Israeli security forces in Gaza; and current Minister of Defence are responsible for actions of Israeli security forces in Gaza; Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Settlements and National Projects Orit Strock are jointly responsible for driving settlement construction and expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem; and Minister of Settlements and National Projects are jointly responsible for driving settlement construction and expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem; Minister for National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir is responsible for mistreatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli prison authorities identified by the Commission in its previous report to the General Assembly; is responsible for mistreatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli prison authorities identified by the Commission in its previous report to the General Assembly; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ultimately responsible for Israel's conduct in the whole of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is directly responsible for ordering the commission of acts that constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of genocide. is ultimately responsible for Israel's conduct in the whole of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and is directly responsible for ordering the commission of acts that constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of genocide. Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Minister of Defence Galant are also responsible for the crime of incitement to genocide. The report includes recommendations for all duty bearers. The Commission urges Israel's Government to immediately end the commission of genocide in the Gaza Strip and comply fully with the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice and with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice from 2024. The Commission also urges the Israeli Government to end without delay its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory, remove all Israeli settlements and settlers from the West Bank and other occupied territories, and end and reverse the consequences of all discriminatory land, housing and planning policies promoting segregation in land allocation and housing inside Israel. The Commission's report will be presented to the General Assembly's 80th session on 28 October 2025 in New York. ENDS Read the full report here. Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel was established by the UN Human Rights Council on 27 May 2021 to "investigate, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021." Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-30/1 further requested the commission of inquiry to "investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ongoing Israeli Genocide in Gaza and the West Bank as the Israeli Occupation Cuts Off Lifelines for Palestinians -----Growing International Recognition of Palestine Consolidates Legitimate Rights and Protects the Two-state Solution Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 23-09-2025 Israeli occupation forces killed 442 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in one week, including dozens of martyrs who were seeking food. The OIC Media Observatory on Israeli Crimes Against Palestinians recorded 1,891 wounded between September 16 and 22, 2025. The total number of Palestinians killed from October 7, 2023, to September 22, 2025, reached approximately 66,386, with 175,881 wounded. The Israeli occupation army announced that it bombed Gaza City 150 times in 48 hours last week, with the majority of martyrs concentrated in the city. The occupation forces also invaded Gaza City and cut off internet and communication services, amid reports that they were seeking to establish camps for displaced persons from Gaza, similar to detention camps. An independent international commission of inquiry affiliated with the United Nations accused Israel, the occupying power, of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip. The occupation forces continued their invasion and remained stationed in areas north and east of the northern Gaza Strip, advancing into the towns of Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, while Israeli warplanes carried out repeated raids targeting numerous sites, facilities, and residential buildings in all governorates of the Gaza Strip. Medical sources in Gaza confirmed that a number of victims remain trapped under the rubble and in the streets, with ambulance crews and civil defense personnel unable to reach them. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that 12 of its facilities in Gaza City were directly or indirectly bombed between September 11 and 16, including nine schools and two health centers, all of which housed more than 11,000 displaced persons. UNRWA noted that the massive destruction of infrastructure, coupled with restrictions on humanitarian access, severely hampered the last remaining lifelines for civilians in the city. On September 16, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide, explaining that the occupation authorities had prevented trusted relief agencies, including UNRWA, from delivering basic and life-saving aid with the aim of "destroying the Palestinians in Gaza materially through harsh living conditions." For its part, UNRWA noted that the Israeli occupation forces had tightened restrictions on movement in the West Bank, including the installation of new road gates to control the movement of Palestinians within and outside their communities. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly half of the displacements (out of a total of 246,800) recorded since mid-August occurred in the past week alone, with displaced families sleeping in the streets or in makeshift tents and struggling to survive. The UN also noted that the cost of displacement from Gaza City to the south amounts to $3,000 per family, forcing thousands of families and their children to flee on foot for long distances. The High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, which was held in New York on September 22, 2025, issued a joint statement welcoming the recognition of the State of Palestine by Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino, along with France, calling on other countries that have not yet taken this step to join this path. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed that these recognitions represent an acknowledgment of the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and constitute a shield to protect the two-state solution in the face of the crimes of occupation, extermination, starvation, displacement, and annexation. It renewed its call to the United States and other countries to recognize Palestine and stand on the right side of history. Dozens of Western countries also called on Israel to reopen the medical corridor between Gaza and the occupied West Bank, offering financial aid, medical teams, and equipment to treat patients from Gaza. The occupation forces targeted the family of Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, as part of the pressure they are exerting on medical and media personnel, while killing two journalists, one of whom was a photojournalist in a camp for displaced persons in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the occupation forces escalated their operations, issuing a decision to confiscate 288 square meters of the inner courtyard of the Ibrahimi Mosque to enable settlers to perform their Talmudic rituals, and raiding the Abdul Rahman Mosque in the village of Burin in Nablus. The occupation forces also demolished four houses in Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus, a car wash in the village of Husan in Bethlehem, five barns in Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nablus, and agricultural facilities in Jerusalem. They also burned a car in Ramallah and bulldozed the eastern entrance to the town of Ya'bad in Jenin. They also continued to demolish the Khallet al-Daba area in Masafar Yatta in Hebron for the second time after demolishing it in May 2025, including caves and residential tents, water networks, sanitary units, solar energy cells, and surveillance cameras. The Israeli occupation forces also uprooted about 100 trees in Beita, Nablus, and confiscated a mobile home in the town of Al-Khader, Bethlehem. In terms of resource theft, the Israeli occupation forces cut off electricity and water lines to the village of Um al-Khair, east of Yatta. Settlers also removed water meters in the village of Duma in Nablus, causing water shortages, destroyed a water pump in Masafar Yatta, cut electricity lines and water pipes supplying homes, and seized a water well in the area. The occupation forces carried out 337 raids, during which they arrested 157 Palestinians, including a child in Qalqilya, and injured another child in Ramallah. Settlers committed 74 attacks, including grazing on Palestinian village lands such as Duma, Asira al-Shamaliya, and Beit Dajan in the Nablus governorate, Marah al-Batiniya, al-Burj, al-Khalil, and the Naba' al-Ghazal area in Tubas. They set fire to agricultural land in Majdal Bani Fadel, bulldozed land in Batn al-Halaweh in Ramallah, damaged sheep farms in Deir Dibwan, destroyed excavators and bulldozers in Taybeh, damaged water tanks in Duma, seized 250 sheep from the village of Rammun, and cut down 300 trees in the western part of Ramallah. The Israeli occupation forces also issued a decision to confiscate 300 dunums of land in Bint Issa and Kuleiba, west of the town of Nahalin, and change its use from agricultural to residential for the benefit of settlement projects. They bulldozed 200 dunums adjacent to the city of Tulkarm to protect the "Beit Hafer" settlement. Settlers erected a mobile home on land west of the village of Yanoun in Nablus and began expanding a settlement outpost near Hawara, east of Yatta. They also built roads on land in the town of Samu in Hebron and plowed agricultural land in Nabeh al-Ghazal in Tubas. In addition, they erected a barbed-wire fence around grazing areas east of Atouf in Tubas. A new pastoral settlement outpost was established in the Sakut area in the northern Jordan Valley, to which large numbers of cows were brought. This instrument, which will enrich the legal arsenal governing the bilateral relations, draws inspiration from the Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership signed on May 11, 2016, in Beijing by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. This significance of this text lies in its aim to restructure high-level dialogue between Rabat and Beijing, grounded in trust, understanding, and mutual respect. It seeks to strengthen coordination and communication between the two countries' diplomatic services on issues of common interest at all levels. This institutional mechanism marks a new milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly and strategic partner countries and will further consolidate the historical ties linking Rabat and Beijing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir on the Sidelines of 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Held on 23 September 2025 in New York: Joint Communique' Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Senior Officials of the Member States of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Turkiye, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Republic of Niger) met on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 23 September 2025. The Secretary General of the OIC chaired the meeting. Having heard the report from the OIC General Secretariat and Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (OIC-IPHRC), the briefing from Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, the views of the Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials of other Member States of the Contact Group as well as the True Representatives of the Kashmiri People on the latest developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK); Reaffirming the earlier OIC pronouncements and resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute; Reiterating the contents of the Joint Communiques issued by the meetings of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, held on 25 September 2019, 22 June 2020, 23 September 2021, 22 March 2022, 21 September 2022, 17 March 2023, 20 September 2023, 26 September 2024 and 22 June 2025; The Foreign Ministers and Senior Officials: Reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions; Expressed solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan, and indicated their deep concern over the recent military escalation in the South Asia region, including the unjustified strikes carried out on multiple locations in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and stressed the need to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that would destabilize the region; Welcomed the ceasefire between the two sides following the military escalation and appreciated the constructive efforts made by all countries to mediate and bring the two parties together to reach this agreement; Underscored that the developments, unfolding since Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025, have once again shown that durable peace and stability in South Asia will remain contingent upon the final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri People; Emphasized that some of the Indian leaders' unwarranted claims and irresponsible statements about Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan constitute a threat to regional peace; Expressed their concern regarding the crackdown launch by the Indian authorities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), as a reprisal to the Pahalgam attack, including arrest of around 2,800 persons and demolition of about 3 dozen houses; Expressed serious concerns over continued detention and denial of bail to prominent Kashmiri leader, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer; Further Condemned the prolonged detention of the thousands of Kashmiri political workers, dissenters and human rights defenders; banning of a number of Kashmiri political parties; and the ongoing campaign to confiscate the properties of the Kashmiri activities; Denounced the curbs on the religious congregations at Srinagar historic Jamia Masjid and Eidgah on important religious occasions such as Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr; Reiterated their rejection of illegal and unilateral actions taken by India on 5 August 2019 as well as the subsequent steps aimed at undermining the internationally recognized disputed status of the IIOJK and altering its demographic structure and political landscape; Stressed that any electoral exercise in IIOJK, pursuant to the Indian Constitution, cannot serve as a substitute to the grant of the right to self-determination to the people of Jammu & Kashmir; Welcomed the visit to Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir by the Secretary General's Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025; Also welcomed the Joint Press Statement of 2 May 2025, issued by the OIC Group of Ambassadors to the United Nations in New York, underscoring that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue affecting peace and security in South Asia; Requested the Secretary General and OIC Member States to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people at various international fora, including the United Nations; Further requested the OIC-Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission to dispatch a fact-finding mission to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Line of Control to obtain the first-hand information about the situation on ground; Directed the OIC Observer Missions in New York and Geneva to send a copy of this Joint Communique to all Member States, the UN Secretary General and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Urged India to improve the human rights situation in IIOJK, release all Kashmiri political prisoners, lift the ban on the outlawed Kashmiri political parties, repeal all restrictive and draconian laws, and implement the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. New York September 23,2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Calls for Urgent Action at the Meeting of the OIC Committee of Six on Palestine Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs At the meeting of the OIC Committee of Six on Palestine, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, describing it as central to the OIC's objectives. He stressed that the world continues to witness the harrowing tragedy unfolding in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly Gaza, where civilian infrastructure has been deliberately targeted and the suffering of the population has reached catastrophic levels. He recalled that the International Court of Justice has described the situation as a case of "plausible genocide" and stressed that Israel's ongoing military campaign continues in blatant defiance of international law, international humanitarian law, and binding orders of the ICJ. He condemned the collective punishment of a besieged civilian population through indiscriminate bombardment, starvation, forced displacement, and denial of humanitarian aid, and further warned that settler violence and military aggression are escalating in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister underscored that this is a defining moment for the Middle East and the Muslim world and urged the OIC to press for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, an end to illegal settlements and annexation, restitution of seized lands and properties, accountability for war crimes, and the deployment of an international protection mechanism. He called for renewed support to UNRWA, reconstruction of Gaza under the Arab-OIC plan, compliance with ICJ rulings, and the realization of the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The OIC Committee of Six on Palestine is tasked with mobilizing political, diplomatic and legal support for the Palestinian cause. The Committee includes Pakistan, Senegal, Guinea, Malaysia, the State of Palestine and the OIC General Secretariat. It was established in 1982 during the 13th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. Islamabad 23 September 2025 287/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister participates in UN Security Council's High-Level Briefing on "the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" in New York Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressed the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) High-Level Briefing on "the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" in New York today. In his statement, the DPM/FM highlighted the urgent and critical situation faced by the Palestinian people. While highlighting that Pakistan had the honor to be among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine following its declaration of independence in 1988, he underscored Pakistan's unwavering diplomatic support for the Palestinians' struggle for self-determination and justice. He also stated that the Palestinian people are experiencing an unimaginable tragedy, including an "unbearable daily toll on human lives, the destruction of homes and neighborhoods, and the obliteration of essential infrastructure". The DPM/FM also stressed that Gaza has become a graveyard for humanity as well as for the global conscience. In his statement, he urged the international community to take urgent and concrete measures inter alia: An immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire to stop the bloodshed; Full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate lifting of the blockade to allow life-saving aid to reach those in need; and A categorical end to any forced displacement of Palestinians, while upholding the right of return for refugees and establishing an international protection mechanism. The DPM/FM also called upon the United Nations Security Council and the international community to "act decisively, to uphold human dignity, to ensure accountability and deliver justice". He emphasized that "the time for words has passed" and that "the time for action is now". Islamabad 23 September 2025 288/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wider Europe Briefing: What Is NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry? By Rikard Jozwiak September 23, 2025 Briefing #1: NATO's New Operation Eastern Sentry What You Need To Know: Two days after an unprecedented drone incursion by Russia on Polish territory on September 10, NATO unveiled its response: Operation Eastern Sentry. The mission kicked off immediately on September 12 but will be fleshed out further in the coming weeks. The whole idea, according to the military alliance, is to strengthen its posture, connectivity, and flexibility along NATO's entire eastern flank. While the focus right now is on Russia drones and geographically on Poland, it is multidomain -- meaning land, sea, and air forces are involved -- and is meant to plug gaps from the North Sea to the Black Sea. It was made clear, however, that it will only be in NATO territory, meaning there are no plans to enter western Ukraine to protect the skies. While Kyiv would very much welcome such a move, and there is an argument for targeting Russian drones much earlier, many NATO allies are fearful this could bring them closer to a direct conflict with the Kremlin. Deep Background: The key goal now is to move toward an integrated system. Previously, individual NATO allies conducted air policing in different locations, with NATO providing supplementary support on a case-by-case basis, depending on the threat assessment. The idea now is to have more resources linked to each other across the entire eastern flank, be it missiles or anti-drone technology. It is inspired by a similar operation, Baltic Sentry, which was launched earlier this year as a response to a number of alleged undersea sabotage activities by Moscow in the Baltic Sea. NATO officials RFE/RL has been in touch with on condition of anonymity view that operation as a success, pointing out there have been no recent attempts to sever cables or other infrastructure in the region. And while it will be trickier to prevent all drones from getting into NATO territory, the thinking here is a beefed-up presence will make "Russia think twice before testing again." Eight countries have already joined Eastern Sentry and placed assets at the disposal of NATO's supreme allied commander (SACEUR) Alexus Grynkewich. More are expected to follow suit. France was the first to come forward -- with three Rafale fighter jets, which are to be stationed in Poland, as well as an Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. Britain will have some of its Typhoon jets fly defense missions in Polish skies, and Germany has moved four of its Eurofighters closer to its eastern neighbor, ready to conduct sorties at any moment. Italy and Denmark have both also signaled they will provide jets. Additionally, Copenhagen has deployed a military ship in the eastern Baltic Sea. Spain and Sweden will also contribute, while the Czech Republic is actually placing some special forces troops in Poland and sending three helicopters, as well. Drilling Down: Two things stand out here. First, the lack of any new American assets being provided to Eastern Sentry so far. When asked about this at a press briefing, Grynkewich half-joked that "as far as US military assets [are concerned]I'm right here, and I'm involved" before adding that "the United States commitment to the integrated military structure of the Alliance remains." The United States has more than 10,000 troops stationed in Poland, and that number could even increase. While there are widespread reports about Washington redeploying military personnel from Europe to Asian theaters, NATO officials who spoke to RFE/RL were adamant they have been given no indication troop numbers will be reduced on the eastern flank anytime soon. The second issue is that the commitment to Eastern Sentry has so far been very focused on expensive fighter jets and other costly equipment. This was one of the criticisms of the Polish and NATO response to the September 10 incursion: that multimillion-dollar fighter jets were used for protection against cheap drones. While some European officials admit that Warsaw wants "a show of force," others acknowledge this isn't economically sustainable in the long run. Or as one senior NATO official put it: "We, of course, recognize that the best way to defeat drones is not with a very expensive missile fired from a very, very expensive plane." Eastern Sentry is thus a sort of sudden measure until a potential "drone wall" can become a reality and complement what is already out there. can become a reality and complement what is already out there. NATO will be central to building such a system, and with the EU signaling readiness to fund it, the project looks likely to happen, but it is two to three years away in the best-case scenario. In the meantime, the military alliance is looking at Latvia's pioneering work with acoustic sensors that detect drones faster, as well as new munitions that allow aircraft to use cheaper weapons, both of which could happen rather quickly. Mobile fire teams are another model NATO could adapt from Ukraine's experience. Kyiv has been using these small, fast-moving units armed with machine guns or man-portable air-defense systems with increasing success on the battlefield. As Grynkewich put it when pressed by the media after unveiling Eastern Sentry: "It's time to take a fresh look at this. And we're always learning. NATO is a learning organization." Briefing #2: Who Will Win This Year's Sakharov Prize? What You Need To Know: The awards season is upon us -- at least when it comes to prizes of strong political resonance. All eyes will, of course, be on the Norwegian Nobel Committee when it announces the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize on October 10, especially as some countries have nominated US President Donald Trump. But there is another prestigious honor that will be announced this fall -- the annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Union's top human rights award. While the American president has not been proposed for this 50,000 euro ($59,000) prize, many individuals and organizations from RFE/RL's coverage area were nominated, including Serbian student protesters, the Budapest Pride event, Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut, and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli together with her country's pro-democracy movement. They are up against other nominees such as Palestinian journalists and development workers, and, rather controversially, the recently assassinated American conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. Deep Background: The award is run entirely by the European Parliament. Created in 1988 in honor of the Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, it has become one of the chamber's key public relations tools, with repressive regimes often lashing out at European lawmakers over some nominations and winners. It is not uncommon for Sakharov Prize winners to go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize down the line, with examples including the Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and the Congolese humanitarian Denis Mukwege. The nominations -- which this year will be officially presented on September 23 at a joint session of the European Parliament's foreign affairs, development and human rights committees -- are usually put forward by the parliament's various political groups or at least 40 its members (MEPs). The deadline for these nominations passed last week, and the groups have already publicly communicated who their respective nominees are. The September 23 event is essentially an occasion to make the public case for your nominee because the political jockeying about which three will be shortlisted -- and who the eventual winner will be -- starts now. Drilling Down: Size also matters. The shortlisting happens on October 16 this year, when members of the European Parliament's foreign affairs and development committees will hold a secret vote on their favorite. It's strictly one member, one vote, and the three candidates who get the most support are the ones shortlisted. Since the ballot is secret, no one officially communicates the final result, but the media tend to get hold of the numbers and it tends to be tight. Normally less than a handful of ballots determines the final trio. Party discipline is key, with MEPs often pressured to vote for the candidate put forward by their political group. With membership of the two committees determined by the size of the political groups, it becomes a numbers game. Things are complicated further by nominees who aren't backed by a political group but rather by a collection of MEPs across the political spectrum. This makes everything rather unpredictable. That unpredictability often prevails all the way up until the final decision, which will be taken on October 22. This is not made by any committee, however, but by the European Parliament's Conference of Presidents, which consists of the president of the chamber, Roberta Metsola, and leaders of the eight political groups. The vote is secret as well and deliberations can be long, but again: The bigger the political group, the weightier its vote. Who will be shortlisted and who will be the eventual winner? Logic suggests it will be Andrzej Poczobut given he is backed by the largest group in the chamber, the center-right European People's Party (EPP). "They tend to get their way." as one European Parliament official recently put it to RFE/RL when discussing the prize. It helps Poczobut has also been nominated by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), the fourth-largest group. These two teamed up in 2024 to successfully promote the Venezuelan opposition politicians Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez for the Sakharov award. Officials from the EPP and the ECR told RFE/RL they believe a win for Poczobut could help him get released from prison, especially since Aleksandr Lukashenko's authoritarian regime has started to free political prisoners. The releases follow a sweeping crackdown on civil society and opposition activity after Belarus's disputed 2020 presidential election, which was widely condemned as rigged. But it is far from certain that Poczobut will get the nod. The second-biggest group, the center-left S&D, has put forward journalists and humanitarian aid workers in conflict zones represented by the Palestinian Press Association, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The more left-wing and smaller Left group has nominated a number of Palestinian journalists. If these two consolidated their respective nominations and chose a Palestinian individual or organization, they could potentially have the numbers to prevail. The numbers probably won't favor Budapest Pride, put forward by the Greens, who aren't much of a political force these days, nor the Serbian student protesters backed by the liberal Renew group, which is only the fifth-largest grouping. Charlie Kirk is also a nonstarter as he is favored by the smallest faction, the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations, which no other political family wants to cooperate with. One potential dark horse and a possible compromise choice is the jailed Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who is backed by 61 MEPs from various political parties. Normally, that might not be enough to even get her shortlisted. But almost all political groups -- including both the EPP and S&D -- considered nominating her before opting for others. Amaglobeli is widely recognized and admired in the chamber. A Georgian has never won the prize before, and the house is keen to send a message to Tbilisi. It's a long shot, though, as political groups tend to be disciplined, but this year the race is more open than ever. Looking Ahead On September 26-27 the chiefs of defense of NATO's 32 member states meet in Riga, Latvia for their annual autumn gathering. The meeting will be closely watched by media considering both the recent incursion of Russian drones in Polish and Romanian airspace and the violation of Estonian airspace by a Russian fighter jet a few days later. The military alliance has beefed up the presence on its eastern flank, but expect a lot of questions about what more NATO can do to protect its citizens. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wider-europe-briefing- jozwiak-nato-eastern-sentry-sakharov-/33537139.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 Eyeing Central Asia, Trump Clinches $12 Billion In Deals With Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan By Todd Prince September 23, 2025 Summary Kazakhstan agrees to buy $4.2 billion in US locomotives in biggest rail deal in history. Uzbekistan signs deal to buy $8 billion in Boeing airplanes, President Trump and the company announce. Deals come amid Trump administration push to deepen economic ties with Central Asia and counter China's influence there. WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump has clinched more than $12 billion in trade deals with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan amid a White House push to deepen economic ties with the strategic Central Asian region. Uzbekistan agreed to buy up to 22 aircraft from US-based Boeing, the company said. State-owned Uzbekistan Airlines will purchase 14 planes with the option to buy another eight, Boeing said in a September 22 statement. In a post on TruthSocial, Trump put the value for all 22 aircraft at more than $8 billion. "We will continue to work together on many more items!" Trump said in the post. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan signed an agreement to buy 300 US locomotives as well as other rail equipment from US-based Wabtec Corporation for $4.2 billion. The US Commerce Department described it as the largest rail deal in US history. "This landmark deal advances US manufacturing jobs and accelerates growth, opportunity, and connectivity in America and Central Asia," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said during a signing ceremony in New York with Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev. US President Donald Trump earlier in the day spoke by phone with Toqaev, who is in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev is also in New York and took part in the signing ceremony with Boeing. Seeking Rare Earth Minerals Trump is seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties with resource-rich Central Asia as he focuses on securing supplies of critical minerals, including rare earths essential for high technology, including weapons. China dominates the rare earth supply chain. During his visit to the UN, Toqaev will meet with the chief executive officers of leading US companies. The meeting is being organized by the Chamber of Commerce, which earlier this month led executives from 25 US companies on a trade mission to Kazakhstan, its largest-ever business delegation to the Central Asian country. Next month, the chamber will host its first ever business mission to neighboring Uzbekistan, the largest country in Central Asia by population. Trump earlier this month spoke with Mirziyoev to discuss investment. In late August he sent Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli to Tashkent to meet with Mirziyoev. "It's clear that Uzbekistan is a valued US partner -- not just in Central Asia! -- and the Trump administration is prioritizing engagement on political, economic, and security issues at the highest levels," Brianne Todd, who served as director of Central Asian Affairs at the National Security Council from 2023-25, said in a social media post following Trump's call with Mirziyoev. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are rich in oil, gas, uranium, and rare earths, among other natural resources. US oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron have made major investments in Kazakhstan's oil and gas sector but other US companies have shied away from the region during their more than three decades of independence. Now, with growing US demand for uranium and rare earths, and a push by the White House for stronger economic ties with Central Asia, new deals may be on the horizon. Trump's interest in the region comes as China accelerates investments in Central Asia's mining industry. Experts say that Central Asian nations are seeking US investment to counterbalance Chinese and Russian influence. The Trump administration has shown a determination to use economic tools like Export-Import Bank, the US government's foreign trade lending arm, and the Development and Financial Corp (DFC), the US foreign investment arm, to back US business deals. Export-Import Bank supported Wabtec's Kazakh rail deal with a $400 million loan. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-kazakhstan- rail-deal/33537378.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 Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on President Trump's United Nations General Assembly Address Senate Foreign Relations Committee September 23, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to President Trump's remarks before the United Nations General Assembly today: "President Trump's speech was a perfect encapsulation of how his foreign policy has isolated and weakened America globally and created a historic opening for U.S. adversaries. By turning away from our allies and withdrawing from global bodies, we are ceding ground to China, Russia and others and letting them set the global agenda at the expense of America and our citizens. The United Nations and multilateral institutions are a force multiplier on key priorities like stopping the flow of fentanyl, keeping deadly diseases from reaching our borders and combatting cyber scams that threaten Americans. Abandoning America's hard fought leadership while getting nothing in return is not a good deal. "President Trump has also yet to deliver on his campaign promise of quickly ending devastating conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and elsewhere. Over a month after inviting Putin to the United States with a red carpet welcome, President Trump has nothing to show for it and Putin is actively testing NATO's resolve. A humanitarian crisis continues to worsen in Gaza and Israeli hostages remain in captivity. America needs less bluster and more constructive action from this President to finally bring these conflicts to a close." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Slovenia and Germany hold consultations to deepen cooperation against disinformation Republic of Slovenia 23. 9. 2025 Government Communication Office Today, the Slovenian Government and the German Federal Government held bilateral consultations on fighting disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). Slovenia and Germany are responding to disinformation campaigns across Europe, especially by Russia, increasingly visible through foreign manipulation of public discourses, spreading of fake news and hybrid attacks on democratic institutions. The consultations took place in the context of the Slovenian-German Bilateral Action Plan 2025-2028, signed in July in Berlin. Disinformation campaigns and hybrid attacks by foreign actors have been proliferating throughout the past years, be it through fake websites that mimic news outlets, deepfake videos that imitate press statements of politicians, or chatbots that manipulate discourse on social media. Disinformation aims to seed mistrust in democracy and public institutions and to intensify conflicts and polarization in European societies. "Disinformation and foreign information manipulation are fundamental threats to the integrity and stability of our democracies", says German Ambassador in Slovenia, Sylvia Groneick. "That's why it is important that Slovenia and Germany are joining forces to protect our public discourses - online and offline - and to protect our democratic processes against foreign interference, especially from Russia. Today's consultations show: Slovenia and Germany are close partners in defending our joint democratic values in an unstable world." State Secretary for National and International Security, Vojko Volk, specifically mentioned Sunday's elections in Moldova, where the level of direct interference in the elections has reached a point that will require a response from the European Union. This year, elections will also take place in Czechia and the Netherlands, while next spring they are scheduled in Slovenia and Hungary. "In all cases, the intensification of Russian propaganda will be significantly increased. This will be a challenge that democracies must confront in a democratic way. Above all, it is necessary to preserve the unity of the European Union," State Secretary Volk emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Tony Dokoupil of CBS Mornings US Department of State Interview Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Lotte Palace Hotel New York City, New York September 23, 2025 QUESTION: For more on that and other questions, we're joined now by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will be with the President today. Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for joining us. Let's begin with the news SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. QUESTION: around recognition of a Palestinian state. A number of U.S. allies have taken that step. I know you think the timing right now is reckless. Could you explain to those foreign ministers and also to the American public why you see it that way? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, look, I think at the end day, it's largely irrelevant what they've decided. There is no Palestinian state no matter how many papers they put out, and the only time there'll ever be one is if there is a negotiation with Israel, which right now is impossible because they have a war going on with Hamas, a terrorist group that butchered over 2,000 people on October 7th, two - just almost two years ago. And so as long as that's going on, the whole thing is irrelevant. It's almost a vanity project for a couple of these world leaders who want to be relevant, but it really makes no difference. Now, I will say it actually - the impact it has had is it actually derailed - it made - talks that were going on, it made it even harder to get Hamas to enter into concessions that might have brought - brought this to an end. And look, we think there's a window of opportunity right now to pursue it. The only leader in the world really that can sort of broker that or bring that together is President Trump. That's why every country in the region - and frankly every country in the world, including many of those involved in this recognition effort - are begging the President to get involved in this issue. We'll have a very important meeting today with majority-Muslim countries, including the Gulf kingdoms and others in different parts of the world, in the hopes of perhaps taking one last shot here at ending the conflict in Gaza, getting all of the hostages - all of them - released QUESTION: Yeah. SECRETARY RUBIO: and putting together in place something where humanitarian relief can be provided to people safely without rewarding a terrorist group like Hamas. QUESTION: Yeah, people don't want to reward Hamas. They want the hostages back. They want humanitarian relief. When you talk about it, the President getting involved in it, I imagine that means peace and stability for the region and for Israel and for the Palestinians. Does that mean the U.S. is still a backer of a two-state solution? You see a path for that? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, listen, the future of the Palestinian people living alongside the Jewish people in Israel is something that everyone knows is going to have to be negotiated. That has to be part of a much broader, more complex negotiation. From the Israeli standpoint, not only do you have to - if there's going to be a state, you need to know, well, who's the government of that state. Is the government of that state someone who's paying terrorists for carrying out attacks? Is that government someone that's allowing rockets to be fired against Israel? Because Israel's point is every time they've turned over land, it's been used as a launch point against Israel. That's how we get to October 7th. I mean, that - Gaza was being governed by Hamas, and Hamas used it not as a country. They used - not as a place for people to live in building a society. They used it as a launch pad for one of the most brutal, horrific attacks QUESTION: Yeah. SECRETARY RUBIO: we have ever seen, in which people were raped, murdered, butchered, taken hostage. So we can never have that happen again. You're never going to have peace in that region as long as groups like Hamas exist. QUESTION: Yeah, no, I understand. The Israelis want security, the Palestinians want dignity, and there's got to be a path forward. But let's move on to the other subject top of mind today, and that's Ukraine and Russia. In the last two weeks, you've had drones or jets from Russia fly into Polish airspace, then into Estonia, and now our European allies and NATO are saying: if that happens again, we're going to shoot these things down. If that happens, is the U.S. prepared to participate in shooting down Russian jets? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I don't think anyone said about shooting down Russian jets unless they're attacking. I think what you have seen is NATO responding to those intrusions the way we respond to them all the time, and that is when they enter your airspace or your - your defense zone, you go up and you intercept them. And that's what NATO has done, and that's what NATO will continue to do. The United States is a partner in NATO, a member of NATO, an important member - the most important member of NATO. And I think yesterday at the United Nations, our new ambassador here, Mike Waltz, made very clear we will - we will work with our allies to defend every inch of NATO territory. That commitment remains firm. QUESTION: Got it. SECRETARY RUBIO: On the broader issue of the war, we think it should end; we want it to end. We want to do everything possible for it to end. Thousands of people are dying. It's a stupid, ridiculous war. It needs to come to an end, and the President is committed to doing whatever he can to end it. And if we can't get to that point where Putin is prepared to end it, then the President has very strong options available to him to impose costs. We hope to avoid that. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary SECRETARY RUBIO: We want this to end. But obviously his patient [1] is not indefinite. QUESTION: Understood. I want to tuck in two more topics. You mentioned intercepting rather than shooting down the Russian jets. It brings up, in my mind, the question of what to do with these drug boats, alleged drug boats, coming from Venezuela. Very worthy goal, stopping the illegal flow of drugs into the U.S. I think the question a lot of people have, as the U.S. has - has exploded three boats now in international waters: Why not just stop them and board them to stop the flow of drugs? SECRETARY RUBIO: Because interdiction doesn't work. You want to stop these drug cartels, you have to make clear to them they're not going to get their boats here. Interdiction - they don't care about losing a boat. They don't care about losing some drugs. They've already factored that into their business model. What will stop them completely is that they know if they go out there, they're not going to make the journey. Look, this is an imminent, immediate threat to the United States. If you tell me there's a boat full of drugs headed towards the United States to drop off drugs here and poison our people, that's as big a threat as if some country was coming in to attack an American city. It needs to be stopped. The way it's been handled in the past hasn't worked. And boy, let me tell you something - you're not seeing nearly as many boats right now as you were a couple weeks ago. So it has worked and will continue to work. And the President's very simple - he not going to continue to allow these drug cartels to flood America with poisonous drugs that are killing our people indefinitely. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, as I hear you speak your mind, I ask you questions freely, it reminds me that all around the world, if you ask people what America represents, freedom is what comes to mind, freedom of speech in particular. We're at this moment with the issues around late-night television and what comedians are saying, where people on the left think the White House is cracking down on free speech, rescinding the First Amendment, and then you've got people on the right saying that that's just not the case. Can you level set for us: What is this administration's view of the First Amendment and its boundaries? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah - and look, I'm focused on foreign policy. That's my job as Secretary of State. There's been a long tradition in this role that you don't get involved in domestic political debates. I always have opinions; we all have opinions. I think the administration - I stand by whatever the administration has said on this and continues to say through our spokesperson, through the other relevant actors that are involved in these decisions. But there's been a long tradition in the office of Secretary of State that you QUESTION: But Mr. Secretary SECRETARY RUBIO: focus solely on international issues, not domestic. And that's - again, if I wasn't in this role, I'd give you my opinion. I think people probably know what it is, but my job is to focus on international relations and foreign policy, and that's what previous secretary of states[2] have done. QUESTION: All right. Mr. Secretary - and I would just say that I think a lot of people see how we treat free expression in this country as related to our reputation around the world, and therefore does touch your purview, but I do hear you. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, well, let me tell you something. I think people on your station, other stations, they say nice things about us, they say terrible things about us every single day. In no country in the world do people express themselves more freely. Some people say people express themselves too much. Everyone has an opinion, and you hear about it within milliseconds because of social media, and that's fine. That's who we are. No one's going to jail America this morning because of an X post or an Instagram post. There are countries around the world, including some of our allies, where people are being arrested for speaking their mind or saying something people don't like. So I think - I'm not sure we should - we're in any position to be lectured by anyone around the world on free speech. QUESTION: Well, that is true. I appreciate your time this morning. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thank you very much. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. ____________________________ [1] patience [2] secretaries of state NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Craig Melvin of NBC Today US Department of State Interview Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Lotte Palace Hotel New York City, New York September 23, 2025 QUESTION: Joining us now to talk about the administration's agenda at the United Nations this morning, Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr. Secretary, welcome back. Thank you so much for your time this morning. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. Thank you. QUESTION: As President Trump has said, he aims to finish this war soon. Mr. Secretary, what does victory look like? Is it the total eradication of Hamas, or do you still see a pathway to a political compromise there? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, first of all, the goal is not to end the war. The goal is to have peace. And obviously, you can't have peace as long as Hamas exists. This is a group dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state. They've said it and repeatedly said that. And so - and that's what they've demonstrated throughout their existence. So it's not about eradicating Hamas as much as it is about peace. You can't have peace as long as Hamas exists. By the way, I think as an elemental step of that is the hostages need to be released. There are 20 living hostages; they should all be released. The bodies of the deceased should also be released. There should never have been any hostages. So I think that has to happen. And then what you hope to have, if there is no more Hamas, then I think the people of Gaza have a chance, with the help of many countries around the world - including the United States would participate in that - to rebuild it into a place where people can live again, never have to live again under the governance of an evil group like Hamas, and have a better future. I think that's what we'd all hope to see accomplished. And we have a very narrow window of time now to hope to achieve that before this escalates further. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, as you know, France, Canada, the UK - about 145 other nations - now recognize the Palestinian state. Are you at all concerned that the United States of America is becoming more isolated on that particular issue? SECRETARY RUBIO: No, I'm not concerned at all. None of the countries you just mentioned really will play much of a role in bringing about the end of this conflict in Gaza. QUESTION: Is that about SECRETARY RUBIO: That's why we continued to be engaged. Everybody continues to come to us to make a difference. I do think it serves as a - I mean, the only relevance of the decision they have made, because it really is them responding to their own domestic politics, protesters in their streets and things like that. But it also is a reward for Hamas. It really is. It makes Hamas feel like they carried out this massacre on October 7th and now they get this in return. But it really won't be relevant at the end of the day. The truth of the matter is that any future resolution of this matter with Israel is going to have to be negotiated. It isn't going to be up to France or the UK or any other country. QUESTION: Let's talk about Ukraine now, another big topic at the UN this week, of course. We are roughly a month out from that summit in Alaska between the President and President Putin. Since then, a roughly 50 percent increase in drone attacks, 50 percent increase in missile attacks as well. Is it possible that we misread President Putin's intentions in Alaska? SECRETARY RUBIO: No, I think we've always known that his intentions are to take Donetsk, for example, and he's defined that openly. I think the hope we have, since we're the only country in the world that can really talk to both countries involved in this - we're the only ones that can talk to Ukraine and Russia, and everyone's encouraged us to play that role. At some point that role might end. As you can see, the President's already repeatedly expressed his deep disappointment at the direction that Putin is taking this, even after Alaska. And at some point he may have to decide to impose new sanctions. But I think it's important for Europe to impose sanctions, too. Right now there are countries in Europe that are still buying massive amounts of oil and natural gas from Russia, which is absurd. I mean, they're asking for the U.S. to impose more sanctions, but there are countries in Europe that are not doing enough. So I think they need to do more. We've already seen the measures we've taken with regards to India, although that's something we hope we can fix. But - and the President has the ability to do more, and he's considering doing more because of the direction this has taken. But let's remember, he didn't start this war. He inherited it, and all he's wanted to do is end it. And he's going to do everything he can, give it every chance in the world to succeed. The minute we go heavy on the sanctions and everything else, our ability to act as a broker to bring about peace is diminished, and this war then goes on for another two years and hundreds of thousands of more people will die. So we're trying to avoid that. We hope to avoid that. QUESTION: Sure. SECRETARY RUBIO: But ultimately, that's not up to us. That's up to Putin. If he decides not to take that offer, then unfortunately we'll have to do what we have to do. QUESTION: To be fair, you are right. We're about the third - I think three years into the war. The President repeatedly, though, did say that he would end the war in Ukraine on day one, and we are some 250 days into the administration. Let's talk U.S. and China here, Mr. Secretary. As you know, we are apparently SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, but that's not up - we didn't - that's not up to us to end the war. The Russians have to stop the war. QUESTION: Well, yes. But SECRETARY RUBIO: And the Ukrainians have to agree to a peace deal. What the President expressed is that it would be a priority of his. And it has been. I don't think anyone could argue that it hasn't been a priority. QUESTION: Yes. But again, repeatedly on the campaign trail he said he would end it on day one. We're 246 days into the administration. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I think - which is an indication that he repeatedly said that he would make it a priority. He certainly has done more than Biden ever did to end the war. Biden didn't even have a plan for the war. QUESTION: Let's talk about the U.S. and China and the TikTok deal. That's important to a lot of folks, as you know, especially young people. It looks like there is the framework of a deal. We've been repeatedly told that the reason this is happening is because there is concern that the Chinese are using the algorithm to manipulate folks in this country and also steal data from folks in this country. What can you tell us about how this deal is going to address those concerns? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I'm not going to get into the details of the deal because they still need to be finalized. I think all the things you pointed to in your question are certainly considerations, which is why the ownership of the group that's actually going to control this app here in the U.S. and how it's used in the U.S. is critical. That's why those who handle the data is critical. That's why having insight into the algorithm is critical. And all those things are sort of dealt with in the constructs of this outline. But it still needs to be - I think we're - the framework is in place. It's been negotiated. The Treasury Secretary went over there and negotiated the outlines of it, as well as the Vice President has been very involved in this. But it still needs to be finalized. Suffice it to say all the things you've just raised are part of the considerations that went into putting this deal together. QUESTION: Yeah. Really quickly, Mr. Secretary, as you probably know, Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night tonight. The Vice President at one point suggested that you should be hosting late night. Amid all of the political violence we've seen in this country over the last few months, are you at all concerned that it may be impacting America's reputation abroad? There was a Republican senator who said we're starting to look like a third world country. SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we certainly aren't treated like one. Every country in the world, every meeting I have, all they want us to do is to get more involved in solving some problem important in their region. So I think the United States today strongs not - today stands not just stronger, but more influential than it has ever been on the world stage despite media reports, despite idiotic commentary - commentators that know nothing about what's happening here. Every meeting I go to it's about someone asking us to get involved - in Lebanon, with Syria, in Israel and Gaza, in Ukraine, in the Indo-Pacific. QUESTION: Sure. SECRETARY RUBIO: And look what the President's done and the wars he's brought about to an end - Thailand and Cambodia, India and Pakistan. Time and again, the President has been the only leader in the world that can get involved. That doesn't sound like a third world country to me. That sounds like a very powerful, influential country who is stronger and more respected on the world stage. QUESTION: Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr. Secretary, thank you for your time, sir. SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Item 4 General Debate Speech UK Statement for the Item 4 General Debate. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kumar Iyer CMG Published 23 September 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 23 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you Mr Vice President, The Taliban continue their assault on the rights of the Afghan people. Women and girls are barred from education and most employment, and face severe restrictions on nearly all aspects of their lives. Religious minorities are persecuted, journalists and activists face intimidation, and arbitrary detentions, torture, and public executions continue. We urge the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans. In Iran, the arrest of over 20,000 people since the 12-day war in June is of serious concern. Many of these arrests are a means to scapegoat and target already marginalised groups, including members of the Baluchi and Kurdish ethnic minorities, and Baha'i, Christian and Jewish religious minorities. The continued use of the death penalty as a political tool is appalling and we reiterate that we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. In China, we remain deeply concerned about religious and cultural restrictions in Tibet, unjust detention of activists like Sophia Huang, and widespread censorship and surveillance. China must honour its human rights commitments and restore fundamental freedoms. In Hong Kong, we take reports about Jimmy Lai's health conditions very seriously. We continue to press for an independent assessment. Jimmy Lai's prosecution is politically motivated; he should be released. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on Nicaragua Speech UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on Nicaragua. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders Published 23 September 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 23 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) We are grateful to the High Commissioner for his report. The continued deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua is deeply concerning. The report reinforces the need for sustained international scrutiny of the systemic dismantling of democratic institutions and repression of civil liberties. The Nicaraguan authorities' regrettable decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and other international human rights mechanisms must not deter that scrutiny. The arbitrary expulsion of citizens, denial of re-entry, and deprivation of nationality are unacceptable and must end. Moreover, the reformed cybercrime law will enable the arbitrary criminalisation of peaceful expression, contributing to a climate of fear, censorship and of intimidation particularly for journalists in Nicaragua. The report also sheds further light on violations of the rights of indigenous peoples and people of African descent, as well as evidence of the suppression of religious freedom. To the Office of the High Commissioner, We would welcome your views on how the international community can best support implementation of your recommendations and ensure accountability for these serious violations. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan war: Life-saving cholera vaccination campaign begins in Darfur 23 September 2025 - Amid the devastating war in Sudan, UN aid teams are overcoming major obstacles to curb a cholera outbreak claiming lives across the country, with young children particularly at risk. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Deputy Representative to the country Hala Khudari reported on Tuesday that the outbreak, which started in July 2024 in Kassala, has spread to all 18 states of the country. More than 113,600 cases have been registered so far and over 3,000 deaths - a "concerning case fatality rate" of 2.7 per cent. Speaking from Port Sudan, she said that the past year saw surges in White Nile and Khartoum among other states, resulting from the impact of the conflict and increased population movement. This critical situation has been compounded by severely limited basic services such as water, food and health, caused by ongoing heavy fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through bacteria-contaminated food and water. According to WHO, it can kill within hours when not treated, and case fatality rates above one per cent indicate "serious gaps in case management and delayed access to care". Conditions ripe for disease The resurgence of cholera in Sudan has been fuelled by heavy rains and flooding, overcrowding and lack of access to clean water in displacement sites and within communities. In the Darfur region, where cholera has been spreading since May, the number of cases continues to increase amid "severe access constraints" which are impeding the response, including inaccessible roads due to the rainy season, Ms. Khudari said. As of two days ago 12,739 cases and 358 deaths were reported in more than half of all the localities of the five Darfur states. In certain localities in West Darfur, the case fatality rate has been as high as 11.8 per cent, she said. Ms. Khudari explained that WHO and partners have been working to control the outbreak with a vaccination campaign in the worst-hit communities. It began last Sunday "after weeks of preparations to overcome access, transport and logistical challenges". The campaign aims to protect 1.86 million people in six priority localities of the Darfurs. The WHO representative said that the "biggest challenge" in launching the campaign was to "actually get the vaccines there". She described the difficulties in delivering the life-saving immunizations and supporting supplies via "long routes" to Nyala in South Darfur state earlier this month, amid ongoing security concerns. El Fasher survivors Preparations are ongoing to launch the campaign by the end of September in Tawila in North Darfur State, which hosts more than 575,000 internally displaced people, most of whom have fled from the besieged city of El Fasher. The vaccines are being deployed in Sudan with the support of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), whose spokesperson Ricardo Pires raised the alarm over the severe risks of cholera for children. Children under five have been "disproportionately affected", he told reporters, and so far at least 380 have died. Access to life-saving treatment for cholera in Sudan is limited as the almost two-and-a-half-year-old violent conflict has devastated the health system. The outbreak comes at a time when "more than 70 per cent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are non-operational, with health centres being damaged or destroyed during the conflict, lacking supplies and even staff, as well as facilities being often used as shelter," Mr. Pires stressed. The UNICEF spokesperson also underscored the impact of "relentless" attacks on the country's power and water infrastructure which have off cut millions of people including many children from safe and clean water, forcing families to collect water from unsafe and contaminated sources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Haiti's security crisis 'is like the Sword of Damocles above us': Foreign Minister 23 September 2025 - Foreign Ministers from across the Americas met on the margins of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to rally for greater support for Haiti. The Caribbean country remains in the grip of a deepening multidimensional crisis affecting the political, security, human rights and humanitarian spheres, with implications for the region. Armed gangs control large swathes of the territory, more than six million people are in urgent need of assistance, and 1.4 million have fled their homes, mainly women and children. Killings and abductions are rampant, while cases of sexual and gender-based violence have significantly increased. Ordinary people affected The meeting was convened under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) whose Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti is chaired by Ambassador Bob Rae of Canada. He brought news of the latest violence as eight children were killed that day in a drone strike in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of the capital, Port-au-Prince. "We need to understand that this is not a problem of theory," he said. "This is a problem that is affecting the daily lives of people." The discussions were held as the Security Council prepares to resume debate on a proposal by the Secretary-General to establish a new UN Support Office in Haiti. Canada's million-dollar pledge It would provide logistical and operational backing for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission that is already on the ground backing up the national police in their efforts to combat the gangs and create a secure environment conducive to the holding of elections. At the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that her country is prepared to pledge an additional $40 million to the MSS and its successor mission. "We are clearly committed to its success, and we count on other partners to also step up their support as the resolution currently proposes a five-fold increase in size, funding, personnel and equipment," she said. Canada will also contribute another $20 million to help improve maritime security in the Caribbean, she added. Priorities and progress The situation in Haiti "is like the Sword of Damocles above us," said the country's Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, recalling words he told regional bloc CARICOM on Monday. He outlined priorities, including the need "to re-establish social peace so that the people can vote in safety" and to support the Government in implementing development, economic and social programmes to resolve gang violence. "Despite these security challenges, there has been progress," he said. "We have shown that we can use your aid effectively. Now we need more support in order to conclude this effort." Stability also critical In a video message, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed that while security support is indispensable, "it is not enough to break the cycle of crisis" Haiti's population is facing. "Stability will only come when security is matched by a political process, credible elections and economic recovery," she said. "That means bold financing, blending donor support with investment to mobilize resources at scale and placing them where they matter most: in the hands of the Haitian people." The new UN Special Representative for Haiti, Carlos Massieu Ruiz, expressed hope that the Security Council will act urgently on the Secretary-General's proposals. He urged countries to take advantage of this opportunity and reaffirm commitment to Haiti. "The path forward demands political will, vision, but mostly resolve," he said. "Together, we can help Haiti and Haitian society, Haitian authorities, to turn the tide and embark on a trajectory of peace recovery and inclusive development." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Syria UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Hostilities displace people in Gaza city OCHA reports that over the past 24 hours, Israeli military operations - including shelling and air strikes - continued across the Gaza Strip, particularly in Gaza city. In a statement issued today, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) warned that Israel's tactics are "inflicting terror on the Palestinian population of Gaza city and forcing tens of thousands to flee." OHCHR cited a sharp increase in the number of civilians killed in Gaza city. The Office said the destruction of people's homes is making it likely that as Palestinians are driven out of Gaza city, this displacement will be permanent. Yesterday, partners monitoring people's movements inside the Gaza Strip recorded more than 20,500 displacements from north to south, raising the overall number of such movements since mid-August to over 321,200. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that an attack yesterday on a primary healthcare centre run by a key partner, the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, turned the building into rubble, with two health workers reportedly injured. This centre was among the few functioning facilities in Gaza city, providing blood donation and testing services, trauma care, cancer medications, and chronic disease treatment. The centre reportedly employed 45 people and treated up to 1,000 patients every day. The building also housed the Gaza Community Mental Health Programmes - another WHO partner. OCHA reiterates that civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected, should never be a target, and must never be used to shield military operations. Meanwhile, Medical Aid for Palestine, which supports several hospitals - including Al Sahaba in Gaza city - warned that the facility is dangerously low on fuel. Without an urgent resupply, its life-saving services - including NICUs for critically ill or premature newborns - could be forced to shut down. The Ministry of Health reported yesterday that two other facilities in Gaza city - Al Rantissi Children's Hospital and the St. John Eye Hospital, the only facility providing ophthalmic care - are no longer functional. OCHA stresses that despite immense challenges, humanitarian partners continue to do whatever they can to meet people's urgent needs across the Strip, despite ongoing hostilities, limited supplies and restricted access. Israeli authorities have informed the UN that Allenby bridge is closed to all movements starting tomorrow until further notice. As the only crossing between Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, it is used for imports and exports, and most of the West Bank's 3.3 million Palestinians depend on it to travel abroad. If this closure continues without viable alternatives, it could have a significant impact on humanitarian organizations' ability to respond to Gaza's already dire situation. In August, about a quarter of the supplies coming into Gaza through the UN2720 mechanism came via Jordan, mostly through Allenby. Much of the food, tents and other goods already procured are in Jordan and need quick, reliable ways to reach Gaza. The rotation of international humanitarian staff in Gaza also depends on the Allenby bridge and is on hold until solutions are found. The UN is engaging with relevant stakeholders to urgently address these concerns. Lebanon Needs remain immense one year after escalation of hostilities The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, Imran Riza, said today that one year on from the dramatic escalation of hostilities - and nearly 10 months since the ceasefire - humanitarian and recovery needs in Lebanon remain immense. In a statement, Riza noted that on a near-daily basis, violence continues to claim lives and undermine stability. "Real recovery is only possible if civilians are safeguarded, international humanitarian law is fully respected, and all parties refrain from further violations," he said. OHCHR reports that since the cessation of hostilities, conflict-related violence has killed at least 98 civilians - including more than a dozen children. On Sunday, an air strike claimed the lives of three children in the town of Bint Jbeil, in southern Lebanon. OCHA warns of a marked increase in military activities - including air strikes, demolitions and artillery shelling - over the past month. On 18 September, the Israeli Army issued displacement orders for six locations in southern Lebanon - the third time that such orders have been issued since the cessation of hostilities agreement took effect in late November. According to the latest comprehensive reporting available, nearly 83,000 people remain displaced as of late May, with ongoing insecurity and the scale of destruction among the main factors preventing families from going back. Those who are returning to their home areas urgently need shelter, access to essential services, and the repair of critical infrastructure - including power, water, sanitation and hygiene. The UN and its partners continue to support crisis-affected people in Lebanon, but OCHA estimates that the response is facing a shortfall of more than US$1 billion through the end of the year. Additional funding is urgently required to ensure that people in need get critical assistance. Syria Humanitarian access to As-Sweida improves OCHA reports that humanitarian access to Syria's As-Sweida Governorate is gradually improving following violence in July. Partners are now able to use the Damascus-As-Sweida Highway, and both civilian and commercial traffic has resumed. The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver aid, reaching more than 430,000 people monthly in Dar'a, As-Sweida and Rural Damascus governorates in July and August. Food insecurity in As-Sweida remains concerning, with more than 60 per cent of households reporting insufficient food consumption in August. Meanwhile, OCHA says that more than 6,700 people who had been sheltering in schools in Dar'a and As-Sweida governorates had to leave those facilities ahead of the start of the academic year. The new school year began this week, but many education facilities continue to serve as shelters, delaying education for thousands of children. Displaced families face increasing health risks as winter approaches, and many urgently need shelter and heating fuel. The $3.2 billion Humanitarian Plan for Syria is currently 18 per cent funded, with $568 million received. Limited funding continues to undermine the response, leaving critical gaps and putting life-saving aid at risk. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Syria with urgent support. Posted on 23 September 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Marine Corps Announces Project Dynamis to Accelerate AI-Powered Decision Advantage 23 Sep 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, signed a memorandum Sept. 10 to formally establish Project Dynamis, an initiative to accelerate the modernization of Marine Corps contributions to Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) in partnership with the Department of the Navy's Project Overmatch. This effort is aligned with the Marine Corps' broader Force Design concept with a specific focus on developing end-to-end, joint interoperable capabilities that enable Marines to act as the forward element of the Joint Forcesensing, making sense, and communicating weapons quality data at the speed and scale of relevance. The memorandum established a 3-star council comprised of the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC CD&I) and the Deputy Commandant for Information (DC I) to govern the project. "The Marine Corps has been moving fast to modernize for the future," said Lt. Gen. Jerry Carter, DC I. "To outpace the threat, we realized we needed a dedicated cross-functional team laser focused on prioritizing and accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies to enable AI-powered decision advantage at the tactical edge. That's what Project Dynamis does in partnership with the Navy's Project Overmatch." The memorandum tasks the council to present an initial plan and a charter for governance, organization, authorities, and responsibilities within 30 days. The ACMC has also tasked the council to coordinate with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisitions to designate a USMC Deputy Direct Report Program Manager within Project Overmatch. Colonel Arlon Smith has been appointed as the Director of Project Dynamis. "As Marines, our ability to aggregate, orchestrate, analyze, and share fused data at machine speeds is a warfighting imperative," said Smith. "It is central to our value proposition. Project Dynamis is our bid for success to realize that vision." Although it had not yet been formally established, Project Dynamis already helped orchestrate the Marine Corps' recent enterprise-level contract with Maven Smart System and was integral in September deployments of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Command and Control Prototype (MCP) to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment in Okinawa, Japan and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton. - 30 - NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior CJNG Member Indicted on Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Terrorism Charges for Operating Massive Timeshare Fraud Scheme Monday, September 22, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Earlier today, an indictment was unsealed charging Julio Cesar Montero Pinzon (Montero Pinzon), also known as El Tarjetas, Moreno, El Chess, Cesar Hernandez Jimenez, and CH Jimenez, a senior member of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), and his half-sister Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzon (Arredondo Pinzon), for their roles in perpetrating an international fraud scheme targeting Americans who own timeshare properties in Mexico. Montero Pinzon and Arredondo Pinzon were each charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Montero Pinzon was charged with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and providing and attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Both Montero Pinzon and Arredondo Pinzon are Mexican nationals and are not in U.S. custody. "This senior leader of a foreign terrorist organization allegedly defrauded innocent citizens to fuel terrorism against the American people," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The CJNG and other cartels are on notice: no scheme, plot, or conspiracy will evade the reach of this Justice Department." "As alleged, Montero Pinzon and Arredondo Pinzon filled the coffers of a dangerous terrorist organization through a sophisticated fraud scheme that victimized thousands of American timeshare owners," said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. "Terrorist cartels such as CJNG fund their activities not only through drug trafficking but also through complex fraud schemes, and this office is committed to aggressively prosecuting such crimes." "For more than a decade, Julio Montero Pinzon, a senior CJNG cartel leader, and Griselda Arredondo Pinzon allegedly defrauded timeshare owners before laundering the illicit proceeds to fund their terrorist organization," said Assistant Director in Charge Christorpher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. "This alleged scheme spanned the globe and exploited thousands of victims, reflecting the cartel's evolution of developing various mechanisms for criminal financing. Today's significant disruption emphasizes the FBI's determined resolve to not only eliminate any monetary source fueling criminal enterprises but also defend our nation against foreign adversaries." "CJNG has repeatedly victimized our communities through widespread drug trafficking, ruthless violence, money laundering, fraud, and other criminal schemes. Their cartel operations extend well beyond Mexico, pumping poison into American streets, fueling addiction, tearing apart neighborhoods, and corrupting financial systems," said Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino of DEA New York Division. "Thanks to the relentless work of DEA's Trident Initiative an initiative built with our federal law enforcement partners and created specifically to target and dismantle drug cartels and their leadership, the DEA and our partners were able to pursue senior members like Montero Pinzon and Arredondo Pinzon, cutting off CJNG and its network of its illicit profits through money laundering and fraud. The DEA remains relentless in dismantling these cartels and our pursuit for justice. This is our global fight and our promise to save lives." "Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion ran this timeshare fraud scheme like a business, with each member playing a role finding the investors to victimize, manipulating the docs and online sites, moving and hiding the money, and securing funds to purchase and distribute deadly narcotics into the United States," said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis of IRS-CI's New York Field Office. "This massive, multi-million dollar fraud required timeshare owners to pay up front to sell or rent their timeshares, only to be left victim to the false promise of receiving money later. The CJNG cannot continue to operate with impunity pocketing massive profits from narcotics trafficking and flat-out deception which is why federal law enforcement will continue partnering in these investigations until this entire criminal organization is dismantled." According to the indictment, CJNG has been perpetrating an "advance fee" fraud scheme targeting owners of timeshare properties since approximately 2012. As part of the scheme, timeshare owners, many of whom were residents and citizens of the United States, were fraudulently induced to pay money up front either to sell or rent their timeshares under the pretext of fees and taxes, in exchange for false promises of receiving money later. Despite paying the advance fees, the victim timeshare owners did not receive the funds as promised and were unable to recoup their advance fee payments. The fraud scheme was multi-layered, involving follow-on schemes in which the fraudsters contacted victim timeshare owners and claimed to be lawyers or government officials who could help the victims recover their lost funds, so long as they paid additional advance fees. The timeshare fraud scheme perpetrated by CJNG was operated out of various call centers in Mexico, where fraudsters contacted and solicited timeshare owners. Since approximately 2012, Montero Pinzon participated in the creation and management of a financial network for receiving and laundering funds obtained from victims of CJNG's timeshare fraud scheme. Arredondo Pinzon worked at a CJNG-controlled central office that oversaw the operations of the call centers and oversaw the receipt and laundering of victim funds. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison on each count. On Feb. 20, CJNG was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and Executive Order 13224, as amended. Montero Pinzon continued to engage in CJNG's timeshare fraud and in the laundering of victim funds derived from that fraud after CJNG was designated as an FTO and with knowledge of CJNG's designation. On Aug. 13, Montero Pinzon was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for his role in CJNG's timeshare fraud scheme. On July 16, 2024, OFAC sanctioned Arredondo Pinzon for her role in CJNG's timeshare fraud scheme. To date, OFAC has sanctioned over 70 individuals and entities based on their participation in CJNG's timeshare fraud. Between approximately 2019-2024, approximately 6,000 U.S. victims have reported losses of approximately $350 million attributable to timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico. Trial Attorneys Brant Cook and Maryann McGuire of the Civil Division's Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Weintraub and Andrew Wang for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with critical support from the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the department's efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov. Complaints are often under-reported. Victims are encouraged to file a complaint at IC3.gov. Additional resources for victims are available at: FBI Timeshare Fraud Victim Resource Page An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topics: Elder Justice Consumer Protection Components: Office of the Attorney General Civil Division Criminal - Office of International Affairs Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - New York, Eastern Press Release Number: 25-978 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DESIGNATING ANTIFA AS A DOMESTIC TERRORIST ORGANIZATION Presidential Actions Executive Orders September 22, 2025 Section 1. Antifa as a Terrorist Threat. Antifa is a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law. It uses illegal means to organize and execute a campaign of violence and terrorism nationwide to accomplish these goals. This campaign involves coordinated efforts to obstruct enforcement of Federal laws through armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, violent assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement officers, and routine doxing of and other threats against political figures and activists. Antifa recruits, trains, and radicalizes young Americans to engage in this violence and suppression of political activity, then employs elaborate means and mechanisms to shield the identities of its operatives, conceal its funding sources and operations in an effort to frustrate law enforcement, and recruit additional members. Individuals associated with and acting on behalf of Antifa further coordinate with other organizations and entities for the purpose of spreading, fomenting, and advancing political violence and suppressing lawful political speech. This organized effort designed to achieve policy objectives by coercion and intimidation is domestic terrorism. Sec. 2. Designation as a Domestic Terrorist Organization. Because of the aforementioned pattern of political violence designed to suppress lawful political activity and obstruct the rule of law, I hereby designate Antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization." All relevant executive departments and agencies shall utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations especially those involving terrorist actions conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa, or for which Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa provided material support, including necessary investigatory and prosecutorial actions against those who fund such operations. Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (b) This order shall be published in the Federal Register. DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE, September 22, 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK demonstrate partnership in first-ever on-orbit operation United States Space Force Published Sept. 22, 2025 U.S. Space Forces - Space Public Affairs PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- U.S. Space Command and U.K. Space Command conducted their first-ever coordinated satellite maneuver, Sept. 4-12, demonstrating our alliance's readiness to conduct dynamic, responsible and integrated space operations at a time and place of our choosing. The Rendezvous Proximity Operation (RPO), delivered under Multinational Force - Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD), repositioned a U.S. satellite to examine a U.K. satellite and assure our ally of its nominal operation in orbit. "This operation was a first of its kind for U.K. Space Command and represents a significant increase in operational capability," said Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, commander of U.K. Space Command. "Expertly executed with U.S. Space Command, I could not be more pleased or proud of the rapid progress we are making with our allies in Multinational Force - Operation Olympic Defender. We are now, with our allies, conducting advanced orbital operations to protect and defend our shared national and military interests in space." The long-standing interoperability between the United Kingdom and the United States extends into space through continuous security cooperation, information sharing and exercises. The U.K. was also among the first nations to join MNF-OOD, a USSPACECOM-led coalition alongside the U.S.' closest allies in space with the purpose of unifying combined space operations should they ever be needed in conflict. The recent U.S.-U.K. coordinated on-orbit maneuver marks the continued progress in maturing the MNF-OOD cooperation framework. "This coordinated maneuver between two allies validated the interoperability that's foundational to our collective defense," said Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander of U.S. Space Forces-Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Command. "The confirmation of the MNF's combined military might on-orbit delivers a credible deterrent in the increasingly contested space domain." Space is a team sport, and no nation can do alone all that is required to meet our objectives there. Our cooperation delivers a more comprehensive understanding of the congested and complex space environment and provides opportunities to maintain readiness for major engagements, as well as safe and responsible space operations. "The success of this multidomain operation represents the warfighting advantage realized by employing our capabilities and expertise as one unified team," said Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of USSPACECOM and Multinational Force - Operation Olympic Defender. "Though our opponents may attempt to replicate the value of such cooperation, our partnerships are uniquely defined by not only the mutual goal of deterring aggression, but a shared pledge to fight and win shoulder-to-shoulder, if necessary." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exercise builds tactical bridge to the future By Major Peter Nugent 22 September 2025 Try to imagine conflict on the battlefield of the future - that was the objective of participants during Exercise Mirai Bridge, held in Canberra from September 1-4. The war game, involving Australian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) personnel, explored human-machine teaming and robotics and autonomous systems operations in offensive and defensive scenarios. Army was represented by a team from Future Land Warfare Branch, the Battle Lab, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and the Army experimentation unit, 1st Armoured Regiment. The analytical outcomes will inform a campaign of experimentation led by the Directorate of Army Concepts and Experimentation (ACE). Director of ACE Colonel James Groves said the war game was co-designed with counterparts at DSTG. He said the aim was to answer a question: how can Australian and Japanese land forces conduct human-machine teaming operations at the company echelon in 2035? Andrew Coutts, group leader Analytical Wargaming, Human and Decision Sciences Division, DSTG, said the exercise was set in 2035. "We see it as a continuation of what we've done with Future Land Warfare in trying to meet Chief of Army's objectives," Dr Coutts said. "To answer the research question, we ask ourselves a series of sub-questions: 'How do you make light-scaled forces, likely to be operating in the future, more lethal, survivable, with extended range, and more sustainable?' "We haven't gone a long way into the future. What we've tried to do is learn as we mature this capability into working reliably." Colonel Hirohisa Nagai, of the JGSDF Training-Evaluation, Education, Research and Development Command, said the forces of both countries shared common ground when simulating battle. "The first thing is to come to this exercise and to learn and observe how the Australian Army is doing these activities," Colonel Nagai said. "Secondly, we have now confirmed that the JGSDF and the Australian Army have a similar situation and we are on the same page." Commanding Officer 1st Armoured Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Jake Penley said the activity demonstrated Army's approach to analytical wargaming to JGSDF participants. "And where robotics and autonomous systems can augment and enhance current structures, what we have and what they might look like towards 2035," Lieutenant Colonel Penley said. "The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is very appreciative to have such an invitation to come and exchange our knowledge," Colonel Nagai said. "In the future, if we have such an opportunity to deepen our relationship, it will be very beneficial and we look forward to such developments." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Battalion ready to respond By Captain Peter March 23 September 2025 Residents of the Adelaide Hills town of Woodside were met with an unusual sight during Exercise Rhino Run, when soldiers of the 10th/27th Battalion, the Royal South Australia Regiment (10/27RSAR) patrolled the town's main street in full combat ensemble. The activity, part of a broader domestic security training exercise, resulted in positive interactions between personnel and the local community. Conducted from August 29 to September 7, the exercise enhanced 10/27RSAR's readiness as a security and response task unit to respond to domestic security contingencies involving the 1st Armoured Regiment, 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, 8th Signal Regiment and 3rd Health Battalion. The presence of soldiers in Woodside simulated real-world conditions to test Army's ability to operate in populated environments on home soil. Locals expressed support and curiosity about Army's role, which proved somewhat surreal for 10/27RSAR Private Garry Bessen. "I do a lot of work for my civilian job in Woodside, so it was strange being in uniform under these conditions and going into the local bakery where I usually like to go and grab a sausage roll," Private Bessen said. The exercise concluded with a live-fire platoon-level clearance of a trench system at Murray Bridge Training Area, which was a highlight for Private Bessen. "It was the first time doing something like that for a lot of us, and I loved it. It was so different and just having that variety in our training," Private Bessen said. "Prior to the trench clearance we were dealing with role-playing protesters, so seeing how situations can rapidly evolve, and testing how we respond to that with our fellow Australians, was really interesting. "It was a great challenge and a lot of fun." Commander 9th Brigade, Brigadier Tim Orders, praised the structure and impact. "Exercise Rhino Run provided a significant uplift in both our individual and collective preparedness," Brigadier Orders said. "The investment by the 10/27RSAR staff in providing this demanding, realistic training is exactly what our soldiers deserve." The activities in urban and rural settings focused on rapid deployment, area security and inter-agency coordination. Along with foundation warfighting skills, the exercise tested command and control, mobility, communications, logistics and health support functions. Commanding Officer 10/27RSAR Lieutenant Colonel Darrin Tyson said the exercise was a great opportunity to test integration of ADF elements in a complex operational setting. "Exercise Rhino Run is about ensuring our soldiers are ready to respond quickly and effectively to domestic security challenges," Lieutenant Colonel Tyson said. "The professionalism and adaptability shown by all participating units reflects the strength of Army's capability and commitment to defending Australia." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address That's a wrap for Thai Boomerang 2025 23 September 2025 Exercise Thai Boomerang 2025 has come to an end with a closing ceremony at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. More than 500 participants, including up to 140 Royal Australian Air Force personnel, took part in the bilateral activity from September 8 to 18. RAAF deployed six F/A-18F Super Hornets and personnel from RAAF Base Amberley's 1 Squadron and, for the first time, personnel from RAAF Base Williamtown's 4 Squadron. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) deployed five F-16 OCU from 103 Squadron, five F-16 MLU from 403 Squadron and five JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft from 701 Squadron. In its 15th iteration, the longstanding exercise enhanced the interoperability of and integration between the two Air Forces, flying profiles and scenarios across the spectrum of combat air power. This included dissimilar air combat training, large force employment and, for the first time, simulated close air support, alongside the RTAF. Detachment Commander Exercise Thai Boomerang 25 Wing Commander Trent Baldry spoke of the close ties between the two air forces. "The experience from exercises like Thai Boomerang 25 greatly enhances our ability to integrate and operate with Australia's partners across the region. This directly contributes to the RAAF's capacity to undertake operations when and where required," Wing Commander Baldry said. "Interoperability with our partners, like the Royal Thai Air Force, is critical to ensuring the security and prosperity of Australia and our region." Australian Defence Attache to Thailand Group Captain Ritchie Cunningham praised the work of the RTAF in hosting the RAAF at Nakhon Ratchasima for the exercise. "The Royal Thai Air Force's professionalism and warm hospitality have made this a highly successful exercise and further strengthened the bonds between our air forces," Group Captain Cunningham said. Exercise Thai Boomerang 25 built on more than 30 years of the combined training activity, further strengthening the deep defence partnership between Australia and Thailand. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strong partnerships on show in the UK 23 September 2025 A record 132 Australian defence industry companies were showcased at this year's Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition (DSEI) in London, as part of Defence's Team Defence Australia (TDA) delegation. The Australian delegation at DSEI UK included more than 250 representatives from small to medium-sized companies, academics as well as more mature exporters who showcased their products to foreign defence forces and defence companies from around the world. Assistant Secretary Policy, Events and International Programs Branch Liane Pettitt said DSEI UK was a perfect opportunity to showcase what Australian defence industry companies have to offer. "DSEI UK provides an ideal platform for Australian defence industry companies to present and demonstrate new and innovative equipment and technologies to a targeted Defence triservice audience," Ms Pettitt said. "At DSEI UK, Team Defence Australia provided the participating Australian defence industry companies space on the custom-built Australian pavilion to showcase their capabilities, and this year worked in collaboration with ADMA (Aerospace Maritime Defence Australia) to host a successful Industry Symposium at Australia House in London." Major General (retd) David Coghlan, who was this year's DSEI UK TDA senior military advocate and provided Army specialist expertise in business-to-business official meetings, said the opportunity for businesses of all sizes to step up was enormous. "DSEI UK connects governments, national armed forces, industry leaders and the entire defence and security supply chains on a global scale," Major General (retd) Coghlan said. "With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content and live-action demonstrations, there is a mutual benefit for both Australian defence industry and Defence." The event, which ran from September 9 to 12, attracted more than 50,000 attendees. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarus: UN experts denounce disappearance of Mikalai Statkevich after his attempted deportation Press releases Special Procedures 23 September 2025 GENEVA ---A group of UN independent experts* today strongly denounced the attempted deportation from Belarus and the subsequent disappearance of Mikalai Statkevich, a prominent opposition politician aged 69. "There are solid reasons to believe that Statkevich is a victim of enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention. We call on Belarus to provide information about his fate and whereabouts, as well as on his state of health," the experts said. On 11 September 2025, Mikalai Statkevich was brought to the border with Lithuania, along with 51 other prisoners who received a presidential pardon under an agreement brokered between Belarus and the United States of America. Yet, as Statkevich refused to cross the border to Lithuania and walked back to Belarus from the neutral zone, he was reportedly followed by masked Belarusian policemen. Reports later emerged in the media about his return to the penal colony where he had been serving his prison sentence. Yet, the penitentiary administration denied it when his family approached the colony. Mikalai Statkevich was apprehended in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election and subsequently convicted to 14 years of imprisonment. In 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs publicly designated him as a person involved in "extremism". Special Procedures mandate holders have repeatedly written to Belarusian authorities about his alleged ill-treatment in prison, including his incommunicado detention since 9 February 2023, and the devastating effect of this ill-treatment on his health due to his advanced age. "The attempted expulsion of Mikalai Statkevich from his country violates article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Belarus on 12 November 1973," the experts said. "It also cannot be excluded that we are dealing with a possible crime under international law," they said, recalling a pending referral by the Republic of Lithuania to the International Criminal Court about alleged crimes against humanity of deportation and persecution on political grounds committed by Belarussian authorities since 2020. The experts noted that they had repeatedly urged Belarus to amend its anti-extremism legal framework to bring it in line with international human rights standards and called on authorities to end ill-treatment of prisoners convicted on extremism charges. "Belarus must urgently bring its anti-extremism legal framework in line with international human rights standards and end ill-treatment of prisoners convicted on extremism charges," they said. The experts are in contact with the authorities regarding this case. *The experts: Nils Muiznieks , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus; , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus; Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez and Mohammed Al-Obaidi , Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; (Chair-Rapporteur), (Vice-Chair), , Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; Ganna Yudkivska (Chair-Rapporteur), Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair on Communications), Miriam Estrada Castillo (Vice-Chair on Follow-Up), and Mumba Malila , Working Group on arbitrary detention; (Chair-Rapporteur), (Vice-Chair on Communications), (Vice-Chair on Follow-Up), and , Working Group on arbitrary detention; Ben Saul , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons; Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Support Network of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice U.S. Department of the Treasury September 22, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning the Lex Instituto de Estudos Juridicos LTDA (Lex Institute) for its support to Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) justice Alexandre de Moraes (de Moraes). De Moraes was designated by OFAC on July 30, 2025, for using his position to authorize arbitrary pre-trial detentions and suppress freedom of expression in Brazil. Also designated today is Viviane Barci de Moraes (Viviane), de Moraes' wife, who serves as the head of the Lex Institute. "Alexandre de Moraes is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions, and politicized prosecutionsincluding against former President Jair Bolsonaro," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Today's action makes clear that Treasury will continue to target individuals who provide material support to de Moraes as he abuses human rights." Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse around the world. NETWORK SUPPORTING DE MORAES On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued E.O. 14323, Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Brazil, which explains that de Moraes has abused his judicial authority to target political opponents and suppress dissent. De Moraes' decision in the unjust conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has shown his increased willingness to partake in political persecution. Today's action focuses on those that provide a financial support network to de Moraes. The Lex Institute acts as a holding company for de Moraes, owning his residence in addition to other residential properties. The nominal ownership of many of these properties was transferred from de Moraes and his family to the Lex Institute over a decade ago. De Moraes' wife, Viviane, is the Managing Partner of the Lex Institute and has been the sole manager and administrator of the Lex Institute since its establishment in 2000. Together, the Lex Institute and Viviane hold the de Moraes family's wealth. The Lex Institute is being sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 13818 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of de Moraes, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13818. Viviane is being sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being, or having been, a leader or official of the Lex Institute, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13818 as a result of activities related to Viviane's tenure. GLOBAL MAGNITSKY Building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List. Click here for more information on the persons designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Prime MinistSeptemberer of Canada - Mark Carney September 21, 2025 New York City, United States of America Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The leaders discussed deepening ties between Canada and Namibia and building new trade opportunities to attract investment into both countries. The Prime Minister underscored the potential to elevate partnerships across natural resource development and clean technology, noting how shared expertise in these industries can support workers and reinforce economic growth in both nations. The Prime Minister and the President also discussed their commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. The leaders emphasized shared priorities, including addressing climate change, reducing global poverty, and reinforcing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. They agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres Prime MinistSeptemberer of Canada - Mark Carney September 21, 2025 New York City, United States of America Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Carney thanked the Secretary-General for his participation in the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year. The Prime Minister affirmed Canada's strong support for the UN and its principles of peace, security, sustainable development, and fundamental human rights. The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General discussed the situation in the Middle East and emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and the rapid scale-up of humanitarian relief. With Canada's formal recognition of the State of Palestine earlier in the day, Prime Minister Carney reinforced the country's longstanding support for a two-state solution and for lasting stability in the region. Prime Minister Carney and Secretary-General Guterres agreed on the importance of supporting a just and durable peace in Ukraine - one that provides for its long-term security. They also discussed the dire situation in Haiti, stressing the need for a strengthened multilateral approach to support the country's stabilization and recovery. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Canadian Foreign Minister Anand US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 21, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss the need for the UN Security Council to urgently adopt a resolution authorizing a UN Support Office for Haiti (UNSOH) and Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Secretary Rubio also discussed the need to overcome Hamas's ongoing obstruction of peace in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address His Majesty's Canadian Ship Frederick Rolette connects with Nunavik National Defence News release September 22, 2025 - Ottawa - Royal Canadian Navy / Department of National Defence On September 19, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) celebrated a new and long-lasting relationship with Nunavik. This vibrant Inuit community in Northern Quebec and crew members of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Frederick Rolette, who travelled from their home port of Halifax, N.S., came together during an official Northern Affiliation ceremony. Communities are at the heart of the Canadian North, a region which is of great importance to Canada's identity, its security, and its future prosperity. Northern Affiliation represents a shared understanding, exchange of ideas, relationship building, and mutual respect between the RCN and communities in the North. Northern Affiliations create opportunities for learning through community events, initiatives, and cultural interactions. All six of the RCN's Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels will be affiliated with Northern communities. Each ship's company will work with community members and local leaders, as well as engage with local schools and youth groups to build relationships based on respect and mutual understanding. Quotes "Canada's Arctic waters are vital to our nation and play an increasingly important role in our sovereignty. We take great pride in linking each new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel with Northern regions, building meaningful relationships with communities that shape our identity, and strengthening our readiness to operate in the Arctic." The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence "Connecting with communities in Canada's North is a privilege, and a responsibility that means a great deal to the Royal Canadian Navy. Canada's North is integral to the security and sovereignty of the country, and today's ceremony is a reaffirmation of our commitment to partnership, respect, and shared stewardship of Canada's North." Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy "We are privileged to have the opportunity to connect with Nunavik, and to forge ties that last well into the future. Through this relationship, we deepen our understanding of the Arctic, strengthen our operational readiness, and honour these enduring connections." Commander Jolene Lisi, Commanding Officer, HMCS Frederick Rolette "Building a relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy is a positive step towards respect, understanding, and trust. We at Makivvik look forward to growing this connection, and witnessing the positive impacts it will bring for Nunavimmiut." Alicia Aragutak, Corporate Secretary, Makivvik "This collaboration has been aligned with our efforts to work with governments and equitable partners towards reconciliation and respect in our ancestral environment. We have much to exchange on and I look forward to continuing this collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy." Pita Aatami, President, Makivvik Quick facts The six Inuit regions in the North that will be affiliated with the vessels include Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit, as well as Nunavut's three sub-regions Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq. The heart of Northern Affiliation is building connections and relationships between the people of a region and its associated ship. Working with youth groups, community members, and local leaders, Affiliation is meant to cultivate a deep relationship and instill a shared pride with the communities and the ship's crew. Spanning three territories and stretching as far as the North Pole, the Canadian North comprises more than 40 percent of Canada's territory and 75 percent of the nation's coastline. The expanse of the Canadian North, coupled with its ice-filled seas, harsh climate, and more than 36,000 islands make for a challenging region to monitor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 22, 2025 Transcript Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Greets Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, Minister McGuinty, very good to see you. Great to see your team, thank you all for being here. Welcome to the Pentagon. Welcome to the War Department where we're proud to host you here today. Our great nations have served together in many wars, whether it was the Western Front or the beaches of Normandy. I had a chance to serve with some great Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan as well - a long tradition. And today, our warfighters continue that - serving together through joint exercises, defending the homeland. Really the only binational command of its kind, NORAD, and the US-Canada cooperation through there. There's a lot we need to do to modernize, but there's a lot of important work that exists there for our continental defense. And as you know, President Trump has recognized a lot of the threats we've faced, in our in our hemisphere. And that's why developing the Golden Dome for America is important for us and a priority on the defense of the homeland. The threats to North America require a strong US-Canada defense relationship. There's no doubt. And I know Canada has committed at the NATO Hague Summit to increasing defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2035, which is incredible to see. A very strong step. One of our core pillars is it's you know, we're reestablishing the warrior ethos and deterrence, but it's rebuilding our military. I know you're doing the same. And I think it's incredibly important for the freedom of the Western world; and NATO, Canada delivering on those NATO commitments is a big deal. So, thank you for coming. I look forward to our conversation and I appreciate having you here. Thank you. MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE DAVID MCGUINTY: It's a great honor to be here. Can I call you Pete? SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Of course. MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE DAVID MCGUINTY: We call each other Pete and David in the in the NATO meetings, so. Look, it's a great honor. Thank you for welcoming me for my first visit ever to Washington D.C. as the Minister of National Defence. It's important, I think, for all of us to remember that the United States is Canada's close closest single ally. It's our most important defense partner. As you mentioned, for generations, our women and men in uniform have stood together ready to take on any threat and to defend our shared homeland. First and second World Wars, the Cold War, Korea, the Balkans, the Middle East and Afghanistan, amongst others. I want to begin by saying we know the heavy burden the United States has has carried over the decades the scale, the strength, the resolve of the military leadership here. Fighting on front lines across the world and through every generation - it's unmatched. We see it. And in Canada, we actually deeply respect it. Our two countries today, I think, Secretary, face serious evolving threats, aggressive state actors, global instability, cyber-attacks, the harsh impacts of natural security challenges like climate change. But we get it - this is a transformative moment and Canada is stepping up. We've made some very, very big decisions about acting boldly, moving fast. We're sharpening our edge. And we're ready to take take the fight to those who threaten our way of life. In June, Prime Minister Carney announced an additional $9.3 billion in defense investments, bringing Canada to two percent of GDP, a full five years ahead of schedule. It's not just spending for us anymore. It's a game changer. These investments are building combat ready forces, recruiting and retaining the best, modernizing critical infrastructure on 33 bases, upgrading our cyber, our digital defenses, sharpening our ability to fight shoulder to shoulder with folks like you. That includes a major policy shift on integrated air and missile defense, critical capability, we're eager to move forward with, with you and your your team, working closely and aggressively with you as partners. We're also strengthening, you should know our defense industrial base. We're launching a major new defense industrial strategy for the country. Cutting through red tape to deliver faster, improving resilience, securing access to vital resources like critical minerals. Turns out we have lots of those. These hard power capabilities are going to ensure we're ready to strike back and defend whenever and wherever we're needed. So, as we ramp up to meet our NATO commitments, we're stepping up in the Euro-Atlantic, the Indo-Pacific regions. But make no mistake, defending North America remains our top priority. That starts in the Arctic - our shared front line. Canada's locked in to protect the North, its people, its environment, and its strategic advantage. It's where our sovereignty, our national security and our partnership with the U.S. comes together strongest. So, from NORAD modernization to Arctic surveillance and infrastructure, we're taking major and fast bold decisive action to shore up our collective defense. So, thank you again for having us. Thank you again for what I hope is the first of many conversations. It's just very lovely to be here. A warm welcome, very gracious. I look forward to our discussions today and let's keep moving together. SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Same. MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE DAVID MCGUINTY: Thank you. SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. https://www.defense.gov/News//Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4313079/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address National Defence Minister McGuinty meets with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth National Defence Readout September 23, 2025 - Ottawa, ON - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Yesterday, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with United States' Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. During yesterday's meeting, the two discussed the long-standing bilateral defence relationship and close military-to-military cooperation between Canada and the United States. Both states are working together to address global security challenges and defend our shared continent. Minister McGuinty reaffirmed Canada's plan to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as our commitment to increase and accelerate investments to strengthen the defence of Canada. The Minister also highlighted Canada's ongoing commitment to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and investments to modernize NORAD capabilities. The discussions reaffirmed our shared objective of strengthening and safeguarding North America. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Anand speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Global Affairs Canada Readout September 23, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, on Sunday. During the call, Minister Anand and Secretary Rubio discussed the urgent need for the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution authorizing a strengthened security mission in Haiti backed by a UN Support Office to address gang violence and restore security. They also discussed the Middle East, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the necessity of sidelining Hamas for building a peaceful future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 23, 2025 Release Readout of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Meeting With Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty Department of War Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the following readout: On September 22, 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted his Canadian counterpart, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, for a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon. Secretary Hegseth and Minister McGuinty discussed the longstanding military relationship between the United States and Canada and vital importance of Canada stepping up to meet its historic Hague Summit commitment. The two leaders discussed Canada's commitment at the NATO Hague Summit to increase defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product and planned investments to deliver on this promise by 2035. Secretary Hegseth underscored the importance of U.S.-Canada cooperation as Canada restores its military capacity, and urged Canada to do so in line with shared defense interests, especially regarding the defense of North America. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4313160/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address READOUT: Ranking Member Smith Leads Bipartisan CODEL to China - September 22 House Armed Services Committee - Democrats September 22, 2025 BEIJING -- U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the People's Republic of China that includes U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.). On the delegation's second day in Beijing, they participated in briefings at the U.S. Embassy led by Ambassador David Perdue and had productive dialogues with HE Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and DONG Jun, the Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China. During the meeting with Vice Premier HE Lifeng, the delegation discussed the current status of economic negotiations and the impact that tariffs are having on bilateral trade. The delegation emphasized the need to see meaningful actions by China to help stem the flow of fentanyl to the U.S. and reduce non-tariff barriers to U.S. companies seeking to do business in China. The delegation discussed their desire to see improved dialogue between the two countries. The delegation discussed the issue of critical minerals and concerns with China's actions to restrict the global supply and processing of rare earth minerals. Finally, the delegation discussed the status of negotiations between the two governments over the future of TikTok. During the meeting with Minister DONG Jun, the delegation emphasized the need to increase dialogue and transparency between the two countries, especially at the military-to-military level, and stressed that dialogue is even more important when there are disagreements in order to avoid miscalculation and conflict. The delegation emphasized that the U.S. military's presence in the region for the last 80 years has focused on maintaining peace and stability on a host of issues, such as the Korean Peninsula, and should not be construed as a threat to China. The delegation emphasized the U.S. adherence to the One China Policy and that we seek a peaceful resolution to the issue of Taiwan. The delegation emphasized that conflict between the U.S. and China should not be inevitable and that more candid dialogue between both countries is essential to working through our differences. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, US should avoid conflict, defense chief says Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Daily EditorLi Weichao 2025-09-22 21:44:46 Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun met on Monday with a visiting United States congressional delegation led by Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, according to a readout from China's Ministry of National Defense. Noting the recent phone call between the presidents of China and the US, Dong expressed hope that the congressional members would view China-US relations through a win-win rather than zero-sum lens. He called on the House Armed Services Committee to use its influence on US defense strategy and foreign policy to "remove distractions and constraints", take constructive and practical steps, and help create conditions for improving military-to-military ties, promoting the two countries moving toward each other. As two major countries with global influence, Dong said, China and the US should uphold the bottom line of no conflict and no confrontation. In particular, he called for correcting strategic cognition in military strategy to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations, thereby avoiding serious challenges to bilateral ties and global stability. The defense chief said China is committed to the path of peaceful development. The Chinese military, he added, is willing to build with the US military a relationship characterized by equality and respect, peaceful coexistence, and stable, positive development, while firmly safeguarding China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. Dong called on both sides to jointly explore the way of peaceful coexistence, keep communication channels open between the two militaries, and take concrete actions to advance the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations and military-to-military ties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on September 22, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 22, 2025 19:14 CCTV: The recent ramping up of tensions in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict resulted in grave casualties among Palestinian civilians and mass displacement. We noted that one country after another announced recognition of the Palestinian state, including Western countries such as the UK, Canada and Australia. However, the U.S. still sells weapons to Israel while holding talks with Gulf states about an interim governing structure of post-conflict Gaza. What's your comment? Guo Jiakun: To bring an early end to the conflict and achieve lasting peace are what people in Palestine, Israel, and across the Middle East want. It is also a pressing task for the international community. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory. China believes that facing the current situation, a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza must be pursued and the humanitarian catastrophe must be alleviated with utmost sense of urgency. The country with special influence on Israel needs to step up to the responsibility. The principle of "Palestinians governing Palestine" must be observed and the legitimate national rights of Palestine ensured in the post-conflict governance and reconstruction arrangement. The two-State solution must remain the path forward, which requires more global consensus and zero unilateral action that erodes the foundation of the two-State solution. Force and violence will not deliver peace and security. China stands ready to work with the international community to remain committed to a ceasefire in Gaza, firmly support the Palestinian people's just cause of regaining their legitimate national rights, and make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date. Reuters: Premier Li Qiang is at the UNGA this week. Will he be delivering a speech? Also, will Premier Li be delivering an update to China's national climate plan? Guo Jiakun: On details about Premier Li Qiang's schedule for the general debate of the 80th UNGA session and relevant high-level events, we will release information in due course. Please check back for updates. Bloomberg: President Donald Trump said he would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and hailed progress toward finalizing a deal over TikTok. We're wondering if there's any further information beyond what's already in the readout about the call between the two leaders, whether they will meet at APEC, and any further details on the TikTok deal? Guo Jiakun: Heads-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance for the China-U.S. relations. The presidents of China and the U.S. maintain close exchanges and communication. On the specifics you mentioned, the two sides are in communication. I have no information to share at the moment. China's position on the TikTok issue is clear: The Chinese government respects the wishes of the company in question, and would be happy to see productive commercial negotiations in keeping with market rules lead to a solution that complies with China's laws and regulations and takes into account the interests of both sides. The U.S. side needs to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese investors. As for the "deal" you mentioned, after the China-U.S. talks on economic and trade issues in Madrid, competent authorities have shared information on the basic framework consensus on the TikTok issue, which you may refer to. Yonhap News Agency: President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un said yesterday in a speech at the Supreme People's Assembly that his country will never give up nuclear weapons. He suggested that there's no reason to avoid talks with the U.S. if Washington stopped insisting his country give up nuclear weapons. How does China view the DPRK's stance of "never giving up nuclear weapon?" Guo Jiakun: China pays attention to the developments on the Korean Peninsula. A peaceful and stable Peninsula and a political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue are in the interest of all parties. We hope relevant parties will face up to the root cause and crux of the issue, stick to the goal of political settlement, and work to deescalate tensions and uphold regional peace and stability. Xinhua News Agency: We noted that China's State Council Information Office last week released a white paper titled "China's Achievements in Women's Well-Rounded Development in the New Era." Can you further brief us on that? Guo Jiakun: Thirty years ago, China successfully hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, organized by the United Nations. Ten years ago, in an effort to commemorate the Fourth World Conference on Women and further implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Chinese government co-hosted the Global Leaders' Meeting on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment with UN Women at the UN headquarters in New York. Five years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed holding another global leaders' meeting on women in 2025. To put women's development in the global context, we are five years away from the goals set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the global advancement of women faces severe challenges and enormous opportunities at the same time. China has been an advocate and a doer in striving for gender equality and women's well-rounded development. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has achieved booming progress, historical outcomes and all-round advancement in women's development. The path of women's development under socialism with Chinese characteristics is brimming with renewed vitality and unique advantages. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, China will soon host another global leaders' meeting on women in Beijing. The just-released white paper aims to fully elaborate on what China has achieved in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, give a systematic overview of China's philosophy, principles, and innovative practices in promoting gender equality and women's well-rounded development in the new era, highlight Chinese women's outstanding achievements, and contribute China's wisdom and experience to the global endeavors for women's advancement. China stands ready to work with countries around the world to jointly accelerate new progress of women's well-rounded development and write a new chapter in the global advancement of women. Reuters: Last week, the Trump administration raised the application fee for first time H-1B visas to US$100 thousand. I have two questions on this. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on how this policy change will affect Chinese tech industry workers? Second, could the Ministry also share what policies China has introduced in recent years to attract foreign tech talent, and are there any new policies or schemes in the works on this front? Guo Jiakun: On your first question, we have no comment on the U.S.'s visa policy. On your second question, in a globalized world, cross-border flow of talents is instrumental in global technological and economic advancement. China welcomes talents from various sectors and fields across the world to come and find their footing in China for the progress of humanity and career success. Bloomberg: A group of senior U.S. House representatives arrived in China on Sunday for talks with the Chinese government. This is the first such official visit in six years. We're wondering if the Foreign Ministry has any comment on this visit? Guo Jiakun: There is a readout on Premier Li Qiang's meeting with the U.S. House delegation led by Representative Adam Smith, which you may refer to. China and the U.S. maintain communication in various areas. China is willing to work with the U.S. based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, enhance dialogue and exchanges in various fields and resolve each other's concerns through communication. We hope the U.S. will work with China in the same direction and jointly move the bilateral relationship forward along the right track. Reuters: Lin Chia-lung, the official in Taiwan responsible for the island's overseas affairs, recently visited Vienna, a week after Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the Austrian capital. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on Lin's visit to Vienna? Guo Jiakun: There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The one-China principle is the political foundation of the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and Austria. It's also a basic norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community. We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between China's Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic relations with China. We urge relevant countries to abide by the one-China principle, stop providing a platform to "Taiwan independence" separatists, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. "Taiwan independence" and attempts to solicit foreign support for that agenda will not succeed. No matter how the DPP authorities try to grab attention, show up in foreign countries, or try to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," they will not succeed and no such attempts will ever affect the overwhelming international commitment to the one-China principle. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China to crack down on hostile, gloomy online content Beijing's top internet regulator says it will target conflict, rumors, "negative outlooks on life." By RFA staff 2025.09.22 -- A sweeping two-month crackdown on online content is coming in China, aiming to restrict posts expressing views from hostility and conflict to "world-weariness," Beijing's top internet regulator announced on Monday. Monday's notice from the Cyberspace Administration of China did not specify when the content crackdown would begin. It follows an announcement on Saturday saying the CAC would would take "disciplinary and punitive measures" against Weibo, a micro-blogging platform, and Kuaishou, a short-form video service and a similar action taken on Sept. 11 against Xiaohongshu, the Instagram-like social-media service known in English as Rednote. The CAC hasn't specified what those disciplinary measures are. The CAC said that it would target posts that include rumors about China's economy which has struggled this year as well as fabricated information and "sensational conspiracy theories." China's restrictions on social media are typically much tighter than the moderation methods common on Western social platforms. Last year, the CAC began a crackdown on slang and abbreviations on social media, on top of the database of "sensitive words" censors already ban from use on the internet. Officials in Xinjiang last year banned ethnic Uyghurs from using social media apps. Censors tightened restrictions on posts by Tibetans ahead of the Dalai Lama's birthday last year. Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong say scrutiny of social media and police action based on social posts have intensified since the Article 23 national security law went into effect. Includes reporting from Agence France-Presse and Reuters. 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 September 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 READOUT: Ranking Member Smith Leads Bipartisan CODEL to China - September 23 House Armed Services Committee - Democrats September 23, 2025 BEIJING -- U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the People's Republic of China that includes U.S. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.). On the delegation's third day in Beijing, they met with ZHAO Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress, WANG Yi, the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, and WANG Chao, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Foreign Affairs Committee. In addition, the delegation met with FU Ying and CUI Tiankai, both former senior Chinese government officials. Finally, U.S. Ambassador David Perdue hosted a dinner for the delegation at his personal residence. During the meeting with Chairman ZHAO Leji, the delegation discussed the shared goal of seeing increased dialogue and exchanges between the U.S. Congress and the National People's Congress. The delegation noted that open dialogue is critical to avoid misunderstandings and work through our disagreements. The delegation discussed the current economic relationship between the two countries and the status of negotiations over tariffs. The delegation raised the issue of fentanyl and urged China to take additional action on stopping the flow of precursors. The delegation discussed the current situation in the Middle East and urged China to take a more active role in encouraging Iran to stop their malign activities that destabilize the region. During the meeting with Minister WANG Yi, the delegation discussed issues that shape the perception of Members of Congress and the American people. Specifically, the delegation raised concerns with China's territorial disputes with neighboring countries, the desire to see more action related to fentanyl, the hope for meaningful steps to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and the need for proactive engagement with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine. The delegation reinforced the U.S. position with respect to Taiwan, adherence to the One China Policy, and a desire to see the issue resolved peacefully and not through coercion. The delegation reinforced the need for candid dialogue between the U.S. and China to address misunderstandings, lower the rhetoric from both sides of the relationship, and find ways to work through disagreements. The delegation met with Vice Chairman WANG Chao, who served as the host for the delegation's visit to China. The delegation expressed their sincere appreciation for the Foreign Affairs Committee's role in supporting the delegation's visit to China and discussed a wide range of topics important to the bilateral relationship. Additionally, the delegation enjoyed a candid discussion with Ambassador FU Ying and Ambassador CUI Tiankai, former senior officials in the government of the People's Republic of China. The delegation and the Ambassadors exchanged views on the status of the U.S.-China relationship and how both countries perceived each other's policies and actions on economic, diplomatic, and security issues. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on September 23, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 23, 2025 20:28 China News Service: We noted that the China-Laos Railway has provided over 60,000 cargo train services in total. The total cargo throughput of the railway has recorded two-digit growth in three consecutive years. Some say that the railway has become a golden route connecting China and ASEAN countries. In recent years, China-ASEAN cooperation has been picking up speed. Do you have any further comment on China-ASEAN cooperation and development? Guo Jiakun: The China-Laos Railway is a flagship project of Belt and Road cooperation between China and ASEAN and the joint effort of promoting regional economic integration. The railway has witnessed the booming momentum of China and ASEAN countries working together in the same direction. In recent years, practical cooperation in various sectors between China and ASEAN countries has made steady progress and yielded fruitful results. In 2024, the trade volume between the two sides totaled around US$ 1 trillion. China and ASEAN countries have been each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years, and the two-way investment has exceeded US$ 450 billion in total by July, 2025. From 2024 to 2025, the two sides jointly held a series of activities for "China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchange," which effectively strengthened people-to-people exchanges and forged closer bonds. The two sides have also jointly created cooperation highlights in sectors such as digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy, which improved the quality of and encouraged innovation in regional development. Recently, the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo was successfully convened. Around 70 new products were launched at the Expo. It fully speaks to the enormous potential of China and ASEAN countries in seizing new development opportunities and opening up new prospects for cooperation. The increasingly complex international landscape calls for efforts of focusing on cooperation and acting on the principle of win-win results. We stand ready to enhance connectivity with all parties, including ASEAN countries, to jointly promote regional integration and economic globalization, so as to bring the benefit of openness and cooperation to more people and countries. AFP: The White House said on Monday that tech giant Oracle has set itself as a security guarantor for U.S. version of the TikTok algorithm under a deal for the sale of its American operations. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Guo Jiakun: China has stated its position on the TikTok issue before, which you may refer to. Reuters: The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and the United States have issued a joint statement expressing concern about increasingly frequent destabilizing activities around Taiwan and voiced strong opposition to unlawful maritime claims. How does the Foreign Ministry respond to that? Guo Jiakun: The U.S., Japan and the ROK made irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question and maritime issues, which amount to interference in China's internal affairs and groundless accusations against China. We deplore and reject those remarks. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no external interference. The greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait comes from the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the external connivance and support they receive. To maintain cross-Strait peace and stability, one must uphold the one-China principle and unequivocally oppose "Taiwan independence." Relevant countries should abide by the one-China principle, stop abetting "Taiwan independence" separatist activities in any form, and not send any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. China, while firmly defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, remains committed to the proper settlement of differences with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation. Relevant countries need to respect regional countries' joint efforts to handle issues through dialogue and consultation and uphold peace and stability, and stop creating tension or stoking confrontation. RIA Novosti: Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia is ready to continue to adhere to restrictions under New START (New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) for one year after the agreement expires on February 5 next year. He also added that these steps to comply with the New START Treaty will be effective if the U.S. reciprocates. I wonder what's China's comment on this? Guo Jiakun: China commends the positive stance expressed by Russia. On the U.S.-Russia New START treaty, China's position is consistent. It is important that the U.S. and Russia, which possess the world's biggest nuclear arsenals, fulfill their special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, resume implementing the treaty and work out a way to continue substantively slashing their nuclear stockpile in a verifiable, irreversible and legally-binding way. This is also what the international community hopes to see. AFP: China is set to release its 2035 nationally determined contributions (NDC), which its leader pledged that China will announce before COP 30 in November. Can the Foreign Ministry give us an indication of when this new set of climate pledges would be announced? Guo Jiakun: Climate change is a challenge faced by all humanity. No country can stay insulated or unaffected. China's resolve and action of tackling climate change are as strong as ever. China will work with all parties to uphold the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, actively address the climate challenge and promote the global green and low-carbon transition. For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Folha de S.Paulo: The European Union has resumed buying chicken meat from Brazil after recognizing that the country is free of avian flu. Will China resume purchases as well? Guo Jiakun: China is Brazil's largest trading partner, and Brazil is China's largest trading partner in Latin America. The two countries have long maintained close cooperation and sound communication in trade and customs inspection and quarantine. The mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between China and Brazil has benefited both peoples. If you need anything more specific, I would leave that to the department overseeing the matter. AFP: Vanuatu's Interior Minister Andrew Napuat has been quoted by local media as saying that his country is seeking to formalize a police and security deal with China. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm that a deal is being discussed and share more details? Guo Jiakun: China's cooperation with Vanuatu is based on mutual respect, equal-footed consultation, mutual benefit, openness and inclusiveness. China will continue to support Vanuatu to the best of our capabilities in light of their will and need, and strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples. On the specifics that you mentioned, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Folha de S.Paulo: As part of the tariff negotiations with the U.S., does China intend to increase its purchase of soybeans from the U.S.? Guo Jiakun: I would leave that to the competent authorities. Let me stress that tariff war and trade war serve no one's interest. The two sides need to address relevant issue through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim open to talks if U.S. drops denuclearization demand The North Korean leader noted "good memories" of 2019 meeting with Trump in speech before parliament Sunday. By RFA staff 2025.09.22 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he is open to talks with the United States, but only if Washington drops its demand that Pyongyang abandon its nuclear weapons program. Kim made the remarks during a recent session of the Supreme People's Assembly, state-run Korean Central Television (KCTV) reported Monday. He said he has "good memories" of President Trump from their previous summits and would consider talking if the United States changes its stance. The statement marked Kim's first public response to Trump's recent overtures and underscored the gulf between the two sides. Dropping the U.S. goal of North Korean denuclearization would represent a major shift in American policy and a significant concession to Pyongyang. Trump has continued to tout his personal rapport with Kim, but the White House told Reuters in July that the ultimate objective of U.S. policy remains the complete denuclearization of North Korea. The two leaders surprised the world with an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone in 2019, when Trump briefly stepped across the border into North Korea to shake Kim's hand a symbolic moment that underscored their unconventional diplomacy. Kim also stressed he has no intention of resuming dialogue with South Korea, a key U.S. ally that helped arrange the earlier Trump-Kim summits during Trump's first term. Tensions on the peninsula have deepened as Kim accelerates weapons development and strengthens ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. In a separate interview with the BBC, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he would support a deal in which North Korea freezes production of its nuclear weapons rather than fully dismantling them, if such an agreement could be reached between Trump and Kim. Copyright 1998-2016, 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 September 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 India and Morocco Sign MoU to Deepen Defence Cooperation India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Raksha Mantri Announces Opening of New Defence Wing in Rabat to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Posted On: 22 SEP 2025 6:16PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Morocco's Defence Minister Mr. Abdeltif Loudiyi held a bilateral meeting in Rabat on September 22, 2025, where both ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation. The MoU provides for a robust institutional framework to the growing partnership and paves the way for collaboration in defence industry, joint exercises, military training and capacity building. Both leaders decided to intensify defence industry collaboration and agreed on a comprehensive roadmap covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and expert exchanges. The discussions between the two Ministers reflected the shared resolve to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between India and Morocco. To give momentum to these initiatives, Raksha Mantri announced the opening of a new Defence Wing at the Embassy of India in Rabat. He also highlighted the maturity of India's defence industry and its cutting-edge capabilities, including drone and counter-drone technologies, assuring the Moroccan side that Indian companies are well-positioned to meet the requirements of Morocco's defence forces. Both Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing exchanges between Armed Forces, facilitating training programmes and exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector. They also stressed the need for multilateral cooperation to address global and regional security challenges and welcomed closer coordination in maritime security given the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors. Raksha Mantri also extended a formal invitation to Mr. Loudiyi to visit India for further discussions on expanding defence cooperation. The meeting marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, reflecting the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Morocco. ****** VK/SR/KB (Release ID: 2169733) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri Interacts with Indian Diaspora in Morocco; Highlights India's Restraint & Resolve in Operation Sindoor India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 22 SEP 2025 12:03PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Rabat, Morocco, on September 21, 2025. The Indian community commended the decisive action of the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor. Raksha Mantri reaffirmed that the Armed Forces were fully prepared and had been given complete freedom to respond after the cowardly attack on innocent Indians in Pahalgam. Stressing that India's actions were measured and non-escalatory, he said, "Humne dharm dekh kar nahi, karm dekh kar maara hai," quoting the Ramcharitmanas to describe the nation's firm yet restrained approach. In a candid exchange with members of the diaspora, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the multidimensional progress achieved by India in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Despite global and geopolitical challenges, he stated that India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, rising from the 11th to the 4th largest in the world, and is poised to enter the top three soon. Raksha Mantri highlighted India's digital transformation, rapid strides in the knowledge economy, and the surge in startups from 18 unicorns a decade ago to 118 today. He underlined the remarkable growth of India's defence industry, which has achieved production worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore and defence exports exceeding Rs 23,000 crore to more than 100 countries. Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the hard work, dedication, and honesty of the Indian Community, which reflects the strength of Indian character across the world. He recalled the words of Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World's Religions, underscoring that in Indian culture, it is character that truly defines a person. Members of the diaspora echoed their pride in India's rising global stature, rooted in strong economic foundations and growing military strength. *** VK/SR/KB (Release ID: 2169449) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VISIT TO SRI LANKA India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 22 SEP 2025 9:15AM by PIB Delhi Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 22 - 25 Sep 2025. During the visit the CNS will call on the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and engage in bilateral discussions with the three Service Chiefs and other Senior Govt Officials on a broad spectrum of defence cooperation matters, with emphasis on maritime security, capability enhancement, training and identifying avenues to strengthen Cooperation. He would also be participating in the 12th edition of Galle Dialogue 2025 - International Maritime Conference at Colombo on the theme 'Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics'. The Indian Navy regularly interacts with the Sri Lanka Navy through medium of Annual Defence Dialogue, Staff Talks and other operational interactions which include Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise (SLINEX), Passage Exercises, Training and Hydrography exchanges. In addition, both Navies regularly participate in multilateral events such as Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, Galle Dialogue, MILAN, Goa Maritime Conclave/ Symposium, Colombo Security Conclave. The CNS engagements in Sri Lanka are structured at deepening bonds of friendship, paving the way for enhanced understanding in key areas of shared strategic and maritime interests, in line with the vision of 'MAHASAGAR'. The visit reaffirms the time-tested India - Sri Lanka relations, anchored on mutual respect, maritime trust and a shared vision for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. _________________ VM/SKY 196/25 (Release ID: 2169374) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CDS inaugurates Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium (T-SATS) in New Delhi India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 22 SEP 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, is on a four-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 22 - 25 Sep 2025.The inaugural edition of the Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium (T-SATS) commenced today at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, synergising the Services-Academia R&D ecosystem for development of niche and futuristic technologies tailored for the Indian Armed Forces. The symposium was inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan. The event witnessed participation from Directors and Heads of Departments of academic and premier R&D institutions, along with students from 62 institutes including IISc, IITs, IIITs and Private Technology Institutes. In his address, the CDS highlighted the changing nature of modern warfare, driven by convergence across kinetic and non-kinetic domains, necessitating advanced integrated technological solutions. He emphasised the critical role of academia, startups and industry in developing doctrines and indigenous capabilities across platforms, weapons, networks to meet future operational demands. He called for a whole-of-nation approach, urging academia to scale innovation and commit to making India a global leader in next-generation defence technologies. The CDS also inaugurated a Technology Exhibition showcasing 43 selected innovative exhibits by academia. These innovations were evaluated by Subject Matter Experts from various technology domains of the three Services for their potential military applications. Projects showing promise will be considered for R&D collaboration and funding support in future. A major highlight of the day was a series of 95structured One-on-One meetings between academic innovators and service representatives. These closed-door sessions provided a platform for academia to pitch R&D proposals and receive strategic guidance on converting ideas into military-use cases, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment. These meetings will continue on 23rd September 2025 also. MsOU were signed with following academic institutes during the day: - Ajeenkya DY Patil University Gujarat National Law University Indian Institute of Technology Madras Manipal Academy of Higher Education MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences Nirma University Oriental Institute of Science and Technology Rashtriya Raksha University National Research Development Corporation Among the various sessions held, the seminar on 'Overview of the Operational Conditions including Present and Future Technology Needs of Services', highlighted the blurring lines between conventional and non-conventional threats and stressed the need for a mission-driven technological collaboration with academia. The Seminar on 'Understanding the R&D Ecosystem in the Academia' highlighted the need for institutionalised defence-focused research frameworks. Themed "Vivek va Anusandhan se Vijay" () - Victory through Wisdom and Research, the symposium, a first of its kind, is a significant step towards fostering deeper integration between academic research capabilities and defence technology requirements. By connecting the Armed Forces with the vast untapped intellectual and technical capital within Indian academia, T-SATS aims to build a sustainable and strategic partnership to co-create future-ready solutions for national security. ******* VK/SR/NA (Release ID: 2169738) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium (T-SATS) Concludes With Strategic Vision For Future -Ready Indian Academia Defence Ecosystem India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 23 SEP 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi The maiden Tri Services Academia Tech Symposium (T-SATS), a landmark two-day initiative aimed at synergising the Services-Academia R&D ecosystem, concluded on September 23, 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education presided over the closing ceremony which was attended by Shri Sanjay Seth, Raksha Rajya Mantri and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. The symposium brought together top minds from the armed forces, academia and research institutions to accelerate indigenous defence research and innovation. It provided an opportunity to academia, especially scholars and innovators to present their research studies and innovations, and identify their possible military use cases. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Chief Guest on the second day, appreciated the R&D Exhibition showcasing the high-potential of academia in defence related innovations. He felicitated select project proposals and exhibits and also announced ten promising project proposals which will be taken up for R&D. Delivering the keynote address, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the Armed Forces for placing their trust in India's youth and academia, noting that this partnership is transforming research into real defence applications. He highlighted India's rapid rise in global innovation rankings, the expansion of universities in international listings, and the doubling of research expenditure as indicators of growing national capability. He underlined India's shift from defence imports to exports, with achievements like Operation Sindoor, the success of DRDO and ISRO showcasing the power of indigenous innovation. He called for academia, industry, and the Armed Forces to continue this collaboration as an annual mechanism for national strength and self-reliance. In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth highlighted that the Tri-Services Academia Tech Symposium has underscored the immense potential of our scientific talent to develop technologies for the operational needs of the Armed Forces. Emphasising that 2025 has been declared as the Year of Reforms, he outlined initiatives to modernise the forces through AI, cyber, robotics, hypersonics, and space technologies, alongside simplified procurement and strengthened Integrated Theatre Commands. Showcasing success stories like Operation Sindoor and the iDEX programme, he noted India's rapid growth in defence production, with MSMEs and start-ups playing a crucial role. He called upon academia, industry, and the Armed Forces to translate discussions into bold actions, making India future-ready and globally recognised for strength, progress, and self-reliance. Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, in his address, emphasised the need to invest in niche technologies, highlighting the untapped potential of academia - military collaboration. He noted the overwhelming response to the newly launched portal (www.tsats.org.in), with nearly 450 proposals received, of which 40% were shortlisted for one-on-one guidance with subject matter experts from the three services. Stressing the importance of mission-driven research, he underlined the creation of technology clusters, internship programs, and defence incubation cells to nurture innovation, including from tier-2 and tier-3 institutions. The second day of the event featured a Panel Discussion on "Building Future Defence Technology Ecosystem and Technologies", moderated by the Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau. The discussion highlighted challenges in the existing R&D process and procedures. It explored mechanisms to establish a structured, outcome-driven partnership between academia and the armed forces, to develop niche technologies and customise dual-use technologies for defence applications, in the fastest possible timeframe. Compendium of Technological Challenges (CTC) of the three Services were also released by the Minister of Education. Requirements of futuristic technology/ equipment having futuristic military application are enunciated in the CTCs. Responses are invited from Defence Innovation Ecosystem and selected responses will be reviewed by High Powered Selection Committees and would be taken up as projects through appropriate R&D Schemes. The symposium has laid a strong foundation for sustained academia - defence collaboration, ensuring that innovation translates into tangible operational capabilities. It stands as a milestone event that will continue to yield transformative outcomes for national security and self-reliance in the years ahead. ******* VK/SR/NA (Release ID: 2170336) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MDL signs MoU with Tamil Nadu Government to develop world-class Greenfield Shipyard on Eastern Coast India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 23 SEP 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi Under the framework of the Government of India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state's nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, on September 19, 2025, to explore the development of a world-class greenfield shipyard on India's eastern coast. The MoU was formally signed and exchanged between Shri Biju George, Director (Shipbuilding), MDL, and Dr. Darez Ahamed, IAS, Managing Director & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, during a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) at Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The event was graced by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW. ****** VK/SR/SS (Release ID: 2170194) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Restrictions on the Iranian United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Delegation's Movement and Acquiring Items from Wholesale Club Stores and Luxury Goods US Department of State Press Statement Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson September 22, 2025 The United States took action this week to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime by restricting their UNGA delegation's movement and access to wholesale club stores and luxury goods. We will not allow the Iranian regime to allow its clerical elites to have a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and dire shortages of water and electricity. Secretary Rubio is also restricting the Iranian delegation to the areas strictly necessary to transit to and from the UN headquarters district to conduct their official UN business. The security of Americans is always our priority, and the United States will not allow the Iranian regime to use UNGA as an excuse to travel freely in New York to promote its terrorist agenda. By preventing Iranian regime officials from exploiting diplomatic travel to the UN as a means to obtain goods unavailable to the Iranian public, we are sending a clear message: When the United States says it stands with the people of Iran, we mean it. Today's actions affirm the United States' unwavering commitment to supporting the Iranian people in their pursuit of accountability for the regime and for a better life. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The G7 Foreign Minister's Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 22, 2025 On September 22, commencing at 7:50 p.m. local time (September 23 at 8:50 a.m. Japan time), for approximately 120 minutes, Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi, who was visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, participated in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of the G7 member states and the EU High Representative. In the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on pressing challenges in the international community, including the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, Haiti, and the Indo-Pacific. They concurred on maintaining close communication and coordination as the G7. On the situation in Ukraine, the discussion focused on prospects for peace and the G7's response. Minister IWAYA welcomed the G7's close coordination on the situation in Ukraine, stressing that the unity of G7 is vital to draw a concrete action from Russia. Furthermore, he emphasized Japan's intention to continuously play its role to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, including through efforts in the field of reconstruction. On the Middle East, Ministers discussed Iran's nuclear issue as well as the Israeli-Palestinian issues On Iran, Minister IWAYA underscored Japan's determination to urge Iran to make diplomatic efforts including full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in pursuit of a resolution of the nuclear issue through dialogue. On the issue of Israel and Palestine, Minister IWAYA reaffirmed Japan's consistent support for a "two-state solution" and its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. He further expressed Japan's determination to play a realistic and proactive role in advancing toward the goal of a "two-state solution", including through humanitarian assistance aimed at substantially improving the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, stating that the unity of G7 is important and Japan will work in close coordination with the other G7 members, including the United States, in these endeavors. The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Haiti, as well as in the Indo-Pacific, such as China and North Korea. Minister IWAYA stressed the importance of addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. He once again asked for understanding and cooperation from the other G7 members for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained their support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 22, 2025 On September 22, commencing at 4:05 p.m. (local time, on September 23, 5:05 a.m. Japan time), for approximately 45 minutes, H.E. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting the U.S. (New York), held a Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers' Meeting with the Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America, and H.E. Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK. The overview of the meeting is as follows. After the meeting, the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Joint Statement was released. The three Ministers reaffirmed that, in light of the increasingly severe strategic environment that the three countries face, it remains important to strengthen the solidarity among the three countries, uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and continue to show the robust Japan-U.S. and U.S.-ROK alliances as well as the strategic coordination of these alliances. Also, they welcomed that action-oriented discussions among the three countries contributed to tangible trilateral efforts, and in particular, reaffirmed that they would further advance their coordination on North Korea and cooperation in areas such as security and economic security. In particular, the three Ministers discussed the growing threats posed by North Korea, and affirmed that they would further strengthen communication among the three countries at all levels. Specifically, they expressed their serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and reaffirmed their commitment toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. They also reaffirmed that they would work closely together on issues such as the advancement of Russia-North Korea military cooperation and North Korea's malicious cyber activities including cryptocurrency thefts, which fund its nuclear and missile programs. In this regard, they welcomed the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group on North Korea's Cyber Threats in August and the advancement of trilateral efforts against North Korean IT workers. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Iwaya expressed his appreciation for the consistent support from the governments of the U.S. and the ROK regarding the abductions issue. Furthermore, the three Ministers exchanged their views on regional situations, including unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, and reaffirmed that the three countries would work closely together. In addition, they also exchanged their views on economic security, such as enhancing supply chain resilience, including on critical minerals, and protecting and promoting critical and emerging technologies, including quantum and Artificial Intelligence (AI). They reaffirmed that they would work closely together in these fields. (Reference) Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement (PDF) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA and Mr. Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at 3:30 p.m. local time (On 24, 4:30 a.m JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Antonio Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The overview is as follows: At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA expressed his gratitude to Secretary-General Guterres for his visit to Japan in August this year and expressed his pleasure at meeting with him again. In response, Secretary-General Guterres conveyed his gratitude for Japan's cooperation. Prime Minister ISHIBA then, pointing out the urgent need of Security Council reform, expressed the intention to continue collaborating in terms of UN reform including the UN80 Initiative. In reply, Secretary-General Guterres expressed his appreciation for Japan's support for the activities of the United Nations and delivered the efforts towards UN reform and the expectation for Japan. In addition, the two leaders concurred to cooperate on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and policies toward North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at 5:00 p.m. local time (on 24, 6:00 a.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a Foreign Ministers' meeting with H.E. Dr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister IWAYA stressed the importance of continuing multilayered dialogue between the two sides amidst the ongoing tensions in the Middle East region. The two ministers exchanged views on the situation surrounding the Iran's nuclear issue. Minister IWAYA stated that Japan strongly hopes for a resolution of the nuclear issue through dialogue and urged Iran to immediately resume full cooperation with the IAEA and talks with the U.S. as early as possible, and take swift and positive action toward an agreement with the E3 (UK, France, and Germany). Minister IWAYA also stated that Japan will continue to make maximum diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution of the issue. In response, Minister Araghchi explained the position and efforts of Iran. Both ministers affirmed to continue close communication at various levels between Japan and Iran for the peace and stability in the Middle East. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister IWAYA's meeting with H.E. Ms. Annalena BAERBOCK, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at around 2:30 p.m. local time (on 24, 3:30 a.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Annalena BAERBOCK, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister IWAYA congratulated President Baerbock on her assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly and stated that he strongly hopes President Baerbock would exercise her leadership in facilitating during the 80th session of the General Assembly. In response, President Baerbock welcomed Minister IWAYA's attendance at the UN General Assembly. Minister IWAYA conveyed that Security Council reform is urgently necessary and counts on President Baerbock's leadership towards the achievement of the reform. Minister IWAYA also stated that Japan is willing to actively contribute to discussions on revitalizing the General Assembly and conveyed the intention to continue working with President Baerbock. In reply, President Baerbock expressed her determination to reform the UN and her will to continue collaborating closely with Japan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Europe and Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom) Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at 0:10 p.m. local time (September 24, 1:10 a.m. JST) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting New York, the United States, attended a meeting hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Minister Iwaya attended a meeting between four European countries (Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland) and four Indo-Pacific countries (Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand), held at the suggestion of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany. They exchanged views on security issues facing both the European and Indo-Pacific regions. Minister Iwaya stated that as the international order faces severe challenges, it is meaningful to exchange views among countries that share values and principles in the European and Indo-Pacific regions. He stated that cooperation in the field of economic security is important from the perspective of upholding an international economic order based on free and fair rules and expressed his hope that the participating countries will advance effective initiatives from their respective standpoints. On the recognition that security and the economy in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely intertwined, the eight participants also discussed the situations in Ukraine and East Asia. They shared the view to cooperate in strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law and issued a Joint Press Statement. (Reference1)Attendees of the Meeting Japan: Mr. Iwaya Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs Germany (host): H.E. Dr. Johann Wadephul, Minister for Foreign Affairs Australia: Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs France: H.E. Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs New Zealand: Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs Poland: H.E. Mr. Radosaw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs The United Kingdom: The Rt Hon. Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs The Republic of Korea: Kwon Ki-hwan, Deputy Minister for Global and Multilateral Affairs (Reference2) Joint Press Statement of the Meeting (English(PDF)) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister IWAYA's Meeting with IAEA Director General Grossi Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at about 10:30 a.m. local time (11:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The overview is as follows. At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his gratitude for DG Grossi's strong support regarding the implementation of monitoring for the discharge of the ALPS treated water into the sea. Minister IWAYA received an explanation from DG Grossi about the IAEA's efforts regarding the Iran's nuclear issue which is at a critical juncture, and stated that Japan will support the IAEA's efforts for the resumption of its cooperation with the IAEA. The two sides also discussed the North Korea's nuclear issue and concurred to continue working closely on this matter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister IWAYA's Attendance at Working Breakfast on Security Council Reform Hosted by Mr. Barrot, Foreign Minister of the French Republic Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan September 23, 2025 On September 23, commencing at 8:30 a.m. local time (9:30 p.m. JST), Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York, attended a working breakfast on Security Council reform hosted by H.E. Mr. Jean Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Barrot highlighted the significance of France, as a permanent member of the Security Council, taking action toward the realization of Security Council reform. Minister IWAYA emphasized that Security Council reform is urgent and underscored the need to expand both permanent and non-permanent membership categories. Minister IWAYA also stressed the importance of addressing historical injustices against Africa and ensuring adequate consideration for small and medium size UN Member States, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Furthermore, other participants, including the other G4 countries (excluding Japan: Brazil, Germany and India), African countries, and SIDS countries, made statements on the future direction of Security Council reform. Minister IWAYA's participation demonstrated Japan's unwavering commitment to Security Council reform and provided an opportunity to further strengthen close coordination with relevant countries, including the host country, France. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council Vladimir Putin held a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council in the Kremlin. September 22, 2025 14:45 The Kremlin, Moscow The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Director of the Federal Security Service Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin, and Special Presidential Representative for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues, We have several topics to discuss today, including matters related to migration policy. However, I would like to begin with an issue of prime importance, one that is critical to safeguarding our national interests, Russia's sovereignty, and, without exaggeration, international security as a whole. I am referring to the situation in the realm of strategic stability, which, regrettably, continues to deteriorate. This is driven by a combination of factors, which are negative, compounding existing strategic risks and generating new ones. As a result of the destructive actions previously taken by Western countries, the foundations of constructive relations and practical cooperation between nuclear powers have been significantly undermined. The basis for dialogue within relevant bilateral and multilateral frameworks has been eroded. Gradually, the system of Soviet-American and Russian-American agreements on nuclear missile and strategic defence arms control - long relied upon to stabilise relations between the two largest nuclear powers and to enhance global security - has been nearly dismantled. Let me reiterate: we have repeatedly examined the causes and potential consequences of this situation. We attribute the numerous challenges that have accumulated in the strategic sphere since the beginning of the 21st century to the destructive actions of the West, their destabilising doctrines and military-technical programmes designed to undermine global parity and pursue absolute, overwhelming superiority. We have consistently and thoroughly addressed these issues, criticised this approach, and not only highlighted the extreme dangers of further deterioration but also repeatedly proposed concrete ideas for joint solutions. However, our warnings and initiatives have not received a clear response. Let me emphasise and let there be no doubt: Russia is fully capable of responding to any current or emerging threat, not with words, but through concrete military-technical measures. A clear example is our decision to end the unilateral moratorium on the deployment of ground-based short- and intermediate-range missiles. This was a forced move needed for ensuring an adequate response to the deployment of similar US and other Western-made weapons in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, which poses a direct threat to Russia's security. Our plans to strengthen the country's defence capability are being developed with full regard to the evolving international situation, and they are being implemented in a comprehensive and timely manner. We are confident in the reliability and effectiveness of our national deterrent forces. At the same time, we are not seeking to further escalate tensions or fuel an arms race. Russia has consistently upheld the primacy of political and diplomatic methods for maintaining global peace, based on the principles of equality, the indivisibility of security, and mutual respect for interests. Let me remind you that the last major political and diplomatic achievement in the field of strategic stability was the conclusion of the Russian-American New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in 2010. However, owing to the profoundly hostile policies of the Biden administration, which undermined the fundamental principles on which this treaty was built, its full implementation was suspended in 2023. Nevertheless, both parties have declared their intention to continue voluntarily observing the central quantitative limits of the strategic offensive arms treaty until its expiry. For nearly 15 years, this agreement has played a constructive role in maintaining balance and predictability in the sphere of strategic offensive weapons. The New START Treaty will expire on February 5, 2026, signalling the imminent end of the last international accord directly limiting nuclear missile capabilities. A complete renunciation of this treaty's legacy would, from many points, be a grave and short-sighted mistake. It would also have adverse implications for the objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In order to prevent the emergence of a new strategic arms race and to preserve an acceptable degree of predictability and restraint, we consider it reasonable to maintain at this turbulent time the status quo established under New START. Accordingly, Russia is prepared to continue observing the treaty's central quantitative restrictions for one year after February 5, 2026. Following that date, based on a careful assessment of the situation, we will make a definite decision on whether to uphold these voluntary self-limitations. We believe that this measure is only feasible if the United States acts in a similar spirit and refrains from steps that would undermine or disrupt the existing balance of deterrence. In this connection, I would like to ask the relevant agencies to maintain close oversight of American activities related to the START arsenal in the first place. Particular attention must be directed towards US plans to expand strategic components of its missile defence system, including preparations for the deployment of interceptors in outer space. We believe that the practical implementation of such destabilising measures could nullify our efforts to maintain the status quo in the field of strategic offensive arms. We will respond appropriately in this case. I believe that Russia's initiative, if implemented, could make a substantial contribution to creating the conditions necessary for a substantive strategic dialogue with the United States - provided, of course, that the grounds for its full resumption are secured and that broader steps are taken to normalise bilateral relations and remove core security contradictions. Let us now turn to the current agenda. Sergei Lavrov and Andrei Belousov will take the floor. <> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Special Rapporteur warns of intensifying repression and widespread torture in Russia aimed at silencing dissent Press releases Special Procedures 22 September 2025 GENEVA-- There is an alarming escalation in repression targeting human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, political opponents and anti-war activists and others who express dissent in the Russian Federation, a UN expert said today, warning that the targeting is not incidental but coordinated and central to State policy. "The policy is used to manufacture so-called internal and external "enemies of the motherland", against whom the Russian State justifies repression at home and aggression abroad," said Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. "This strategy deepens discrimination, normalises violence, and emboldens impunity. Russia is now the world's third-largest jailer of journalists, with 50 currently behind bars on lengthy sentences," said the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation, Mariana Katzarova, in her latest report to the Human Rights Council. "Among them is journalist Olga Komleva, sentenced to 12 years on charges of "extremism" and "fake news" about the Russian army for reporting on anti-government protests and Russia's war against Ukraine. Political detainees like Ms. Komleva face torture and ill-treatment in harsh penal coloniesdenied adequate medical care, subjected to psychological abuse, and placed in solitary confinement (SHIZO) for speaking out," she said. Katzarova said extremism-related charges continue to be applied against individuals affiliated with the name of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Four journalistsAntonina Favorskaya, Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Krigereach received prison sentences of five and a half years simply for reporting on Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. The report documents the growing weaponisation of counter-terrorism legislation to silence dissent to the war. "These prosecutions rarely assess any real public danger. Instead, courts focus on the political message ascribed to the accused," the expert said. In July, novelist Boris Akunin was sentenced in absentia to 14 years on "justifying terrorism" charges. His real crime was dissenting against the war and supporting Ukraine. The crackdown has reached even lawyers, especially those working on politically sensitive cases. In Kaliningrad, lawyer Maria Bontsler was detained on spurious charges, denied counsel of her choice, and forced into a sham process for defending clients accused on politically motivated grounds. "Despite the dangers, human rights defenders, lawyers, independent media, and civil society continue their work under constant threat both inside and outside the country. Their survival now depends on safe relocation options and sustained support in host countries, alongside protection against refoulement," the Special Rapporteur said. Katzarova's report found that torture remains "systematic and widespread" in the Russian Federation, with 258 documented cases in 2024-2025. The Special Rapporteur expressed concern over the revival of punitive psychiatry, including the sentencing of journalist Maria Ponomarenko to prison and compulsory psychiatric treatment for her anti-war stance. Particularly shocking is the participation and complicity of doctors and medical personnel in the torture of Ukrainian detainees, documented first-hand by the Special Rapporteur from a number of victims and witnesses. Prisoners of war and civilians reported starvation, use of electric shocks, rape and sexual violence, and killings in detention. At least 206 Ukrainian prisoners of war have died in Russian captivity, their bodies showing signs of torture. The report also raises the alarm over the escalated targeting of LGBT communities, Indigenous Peoples, ethnic minorities, migrants and asylum-seekers, and normalised gender-based violence against women and girls. "Justice inside Russia is unattainable," the Special Rapporteur said. "The international community must mobilise accountability frameworks, including universal jurisdiction, to prosecute perpetrators of torture and other serious crimes." Mariana Katzarova is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Offers To Extend Last Nuclear Arms Pact With US By RFE/RL September 22, 2025 Summary Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed extending the New START treaty, the last nuclear arms deal between Moscow and Washington, set to expire in February. Putin emphasized the need for mutual adherence to the treaty's limits and warned of risks to global stability if the deal lapses. The treaty, signed in 2010, caps nuclear warheads and missiles and includes inspections, but Russia suspended participation amid tensions over Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to extend the New START treaty between Moscow and Washington -- the last remaining nuclear arms deal between the two countries -- which is due to expire in February. Speaking at a meeting of his advisory Security Council on September 22, Putin said that allowing the treaty to expire would have negative consequences for global stability. "Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the central quantitative limitations of the New START treaty for one year after February 5, 2026," Putin said. He said the United States should do the same. "We believe this measure will only be viable if the United States acts in a similar manner and does not take steps that undermine or disrupt the existing balance of deterrence potentials," Putin said. The treaty was signed in Prague in 2010 by then presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev. The deal limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, and envisages sweeping onsite inspections to verify compliance. Russia paused inspections under the treaty in August 2022 as bilateral ties worsened after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February that year. Putin said in February 2023 that Russia was suspending its participation in the pact, but Moscow stressed it would continue to adhere to the caps on its nuclear arsenal. Other bilateral arms control treaties governing the world's two largest nuclear arsenals have collapsed amid acrimony between Washington and Moscow. Since Donald Trump became US President in January, Russia has indicated it is open to renewed nuclear dialogue with Washington. Putin also suggested a new bilateral arms control agreement could be reached ahead of his talks with Trump in Alaska in August. Russia has repeatedly sought to move talks with the United States beyond efforts to bring about peace or a cease-fire in Ukraine to include bilateral issues. The idea appears to be to relegate Ukraine to a side issue in a broader, more complex relationship and suggest to the world that the United States and Russia are global powers on equal footing. There was no immediate response from Washington to Putin's latest remarks, but Trump has suggested talks on nuclear arms reduction should be broadened to include China, which he sees as the bigger strategic threat to the United States. Trump has also said talks on cutting nuclear stockpiles should take place after a deal is reached regarding Ukraine. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-nuclear-us-new-start- treaty/33537093.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's imperialist warmongering is a threat to international peace and security: UK Statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, at the UN Security Council meeting on Estonia. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 22 September 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 22 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) For three and a half years, the world has witnessed a permanent member of this Council engaged in the full-scale, and unprovoked invasion of another state, a violation of its most basic obligations under the UN Charter. As President Trump and President Zelenskyy have worked for peace, the Russian Federation has starkly escalated its attacks. Attacks on the Council of Ministers, on the British Council building and repeated attacks on residential flats and homes as children sleep in their beds. We meet today now, at the request of Estonian allies, because Russia's recklessness is escalating. In the last two weeks alone, over 20 Russian drones in Polish airspace, a drone through Romanian territory and now three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, with their transponders turned off, violating Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. At best, these latest acts are dangerous and reckless. At worst, they are a deliberate attempt to undermine the territorial integrity of sovereign nations and European security. They risk miscalculation. They open the door to direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. NATO's combined strength is unparalleled and its determination to defend peace and security in Europe is unshakable. Of this, Russia must be in no doubt. I commend the resolute and firm response of Estonia, Poland and Romania, and all NATO Allies. I welcome the launch of Eastern Sentry on 12 September to ensure the safety and security of the Alliance's Eastern border. I am proud that UK aircraft are taking part. To those nations, and all NATO Allies, I say: the United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with you at this time, and always. To President Putin, I say: your reckless actions risk a direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia. Our Alliance is defensive. Be under no illusion. We stand ready to take all steps necessary to defend NATO's skies and NATO's territory. We are vigilant. We are resolute. And if we need to confront planes that are operating in NATO airspace without permission then we will do so. The United Kingdom stands by our friends. We are unwavering in our support for the principles of the UN Charter, for our NATO Allies and for Ukraine. We are committed to increasing the pressure on Russia until it ends its illegal war against Ukraine, ceases its reckless acts, and respects the sovereignty of other states. Russia's imperialist warmongering is a threat to international peace and security. It is a threat to the values and principles that underpin this organisation. This organisation that has done so much to support stability and prosperity these past 80 years. We must counter it, for the sake of us all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Russian Federation Speech UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Russian Federation. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Kumar Iyer. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kumar Iyer CMG Published 22 September 2025 Delivered on: 22 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Special Rapporteur. Your report's findings are stark and damning. Highlighting a 'seismic decline' in the human rights situation. Repression at home, aggression abroad. The Kremlin claims to be acting for the benefit of the Russian people but crushes dissent, persecutes minorities and uses repressive legislation to consolidate a climate of fear. All to serve its own interests. Russia must release all political prisoners, including those who have bravely opposed the invasion of Ukraine. You highlight that in the first half of the year 20 to 30 percent of all those in pre-trial detention were political prisoners. Civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists are serving lengthy prison sentences. Lawyers are also increasingly targeted for simply representing their clients. Your report illustrates how torture is 'widespread' within the judicial system - with at least 258 cases documented in 2024/25. The Russian state's record on gender-based violence remains appalling. A relentless descent into lawlessness has allowed 'honour killings' with impunity in the North Caucasus. Convicts have been released to fight in Ukraine who have committed domestic violence on their return. LGBT+ people remain acutely vulnerable to persecution, particularly in the North Caucasus. Jehovah's Witnesses are imprisoned simply for practicing their faith. Special Rapporteur, how can this Council continue to support your work to hold the Russian authorities accountable for their domestic human rights violations? Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia - Australia lowers price cap on Russian crude oil Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 23 September 2025 Category: International relations On 18 September 2025 the Foreign Minister announced Australia had lowered the Oil Price Cap (OPC) applicable to Russian-origin crude oil from USD60 to USD47.60 per barrel. Current sanctions Australia implements a total ban on the importation of Russian-origin products (including oil, gas, refined petroleum products and coal) as defined in Chapter 27 of the Combined Australian Customs Tarriff Nomenclature and Statistical Classification. These goods are designated as import sanctioned goods in Schedule 1 of the Autonomous Sanctions (Import Sanctioned Goods - Russia) Designation 2022. Under Australian sanctions laws: the importation, purchase or transport of import sanctioned goods, and the provision of financial assistance or financial services that assist with, or are provided in relation to the above are prohibited without a sanctions permit. Financial services subject to this prohibition include: investment services services providing financial advice brokering services insurance and reinsurance financial derivatives. Implementation of the OPC The OPC means Australian individuals and companies can only provide transport and financial services in relation to Russian-origin oil and refined petroleum products when those products are purchased by third countries below the relevant price caps. As at 18 September 2025, the applicable price caps are: USD47.60 per barrel for crude oil USD100 per barrel for high value refined petroleum products USD45 per barrel for low value refined petroleum products. The OPC is implemented domestically via permits. The general permits that previously authorised OPC related activities have now expired. If you are an Australian or Australian body corporate seeking to provide these services, please contact the Australian Sanctions Office (through our online portal, Pax) to apply for a permit or to request further information. Further details of sanctions that Australia imposes against Russia are available on the Russia sanctions page. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe 'Has To Step Up' And Stop Russian Oil Purchases, Trump Tells UN By RFE/RL September 23, 2025 US President Donald Trump called on European allies to immediately stop buying oil from Russia and accused China and India of funding Moscow's war against Ukraine through their purchases. Speaking to world leaders at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, Trump, who will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later in the day, said he could impose sanctions on Russia to stop the fighting but without similar actions from Europe, "we're all wasting a lot of time." "In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs that would stop the bloodshed I believe very quickly," he told the assembly in New York at its annual gathering. "But for those tariffs to be effective, European nations...would have to join us in adopting the exact same measures.... Europe has to step it up." Sanctions, along with security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, are areas Zelenskyy is hoping to get White House support during their discussions. Zelenskyy, who is to address the assembly on September 24, also is due to attend a UN Security Council session on the war in Ukraine on September 23 in addition to his meeting with Trump. Crucially, Zelenskyy will want to avoid two turns of events: the possibility that Trump might pressure him to make major concessions to Russia or lay a big portion of the blame on Ukraine for the lack of progress toward a peace pact more than 3 1/2 years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The latter is what happened in February, when Trump called Zelenskyy a "dictator," blamed him for the war, and berated him in a disastrous Oval Office meeting. With European leaders present, a Trump-Zelenskyy meeting in the same setting in August went much better. But it came after Trump met with Putin in Alaska and dropped his push for a cease-fire -- a step Ukraine favors but Russia has rejected -- and instead said the sides should aim for a peace deal. The August meetings produced a glimmer of hope that movement toward peace might begin, with Trump speaking of possible one-on-one talks between Zelenskyy and Putin and a trilateral meeting in which he would advance the goal he set before taking office in January of ending the biggest war in Europe since 1945. But the Kremlin quickly threw cold water on the prospect of a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy in any location other than Moscow, which is unacceptable to Ukraine. The past few weeks have brought no discernible progress toward peace and plenty of belligerence from Russia, which has pressed forward on the front lines, hit civilians in Ukraine with massive bombardments, and challenged NATO with drone and warplane incursions. "Putin has shown no interest in a negotiated way out of the war, other than on his totally unrealistic terms," Lawrence Freedman, an analyst and emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London, wrote in a blog post published on September 23. While solid security guarantees backed by the United States are a must-have for Ukraine in the event of an agreement to end the war, the lack of progress toward peace makes the prospect of tougher US sanctions against Russia a more immediate issue for Kyiv. Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russia's recalcitrance and has repeatedly said he might hit Moscow with new sanctions, including secondary measures that target countries and companies buying Russian energy or delivering technology it can use in the war against Ukraine, and bipartisan groups of US lawmakers have proposed sanctions legislation in Congress. Asked on September 7 whether he was ready to move to a "second phase" of sanctions, Trump answered, "Yeah, I am." And on September 18, he said of Putin, "He's really let me down." On September 13, he conditioned the imposition of sanctions on similar actions by allies, saying he would be "ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO nations stop buying oil from Russia." He said NATO nations should impose tariffs of 50-100 percent on Chinese imports. So far, other than increasing tariffs on Indian imports by 25 percent over its purchases of Russian oil, Trump has refrained from slapping new punishments on Russia and its trading partners At times, he has voiced concern that imposing new sanctions would hamper his efforts to bring Putin to the table. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that concern in comments on September 15, suggesting that walking away or imposing new sanctions on Russia could further damage the prospects for peace. "If somehow [Trump] were to disengage from this or sanction Russia and say, 'I'm done,' then there's no one left in the world that could possibly mediate the end," Rubio said. "Now, maybe we get to that point. We hope not, because it's a really bad war and he wants it to end." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/war-ukraine-russia-zelenskyy- trump-un/33538408.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 Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 22, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on U.S. priorities in Syria. The Secretary underscored this opportunity for Syria to build a stable and sovereign nation following President Trump's historic announcement earlier this year on sanctions relief for the Syrian people. They discussed ongoing counterterrorism efforts, efforts to locate missing Americans, and the importance of Israel-Syria relations in achieving greater regional security. 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 2025/09/23 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Sep. 22 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Sep. 23 (Tue.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 15 sorties of PLA aircraft and 1 PLAN ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern 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. 1140923_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140923_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address King Charles III marks historic milestone for nuclear submarine programme Press release A major milestone has been reached with tens of thousands of UK jobs and apprenticeships being supported through submarine building, as the Royal Navy's newest attack vessel is commissioned. From: Ministry of Defence, Submarine Delivery Agency and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 22 September 2025 Royal Navy's newest attack submarine is commissioned by His Majesty the King as Barrow receives Royal Port status. Government delivers on nuclear deterrent 'triple lock' as fourth and final Dreadnought Class submarine enters production. Tens of thousands of defence nuclear jobs and apprenticeships supported across the UK, making defence an engine for growth and delivering on the government's Plan for Change. His Majesty The King welcomed HMS Agamemnon into the Royal Navy, in a ceremony at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness today [22 September], before conferring Royal status on the Port of Barrow. In a separate ceremony led by the Defence Secretary, steel was cut on the fourth and final Dreadnought Class submarine, King George VI, marking the start of its construction. The work reinforces the Government's commitment to the 'triple-lock' on the deterrent: building four new nuclear submarines; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed. The defence nuclear sector now supports more than 13,500 jobs in Barrow, growing by 1,000 personnel since July 2024 - a more than 7% increase - delivering on the government's Plan for Change. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: Submarine building is a vital UK industry, sustaining thousands of jobs and apprenticeships up and down the country, all while continuing to keep the country safe around the clock. Barrow is an outstanding example of security and growth working hand-in-hand - adding a new attack submarine to the Royal Navy's fleet, building the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines, and simultaneously supporting thousands of skilled local jobs and apprenticeships. Alongside their role supporting our nuclear deterrent, the UK's six - a future total of seven - Astute Class submarines protect maritime task groups, support special forces and provide global strategic intelligence to UK, NATO and coalition operations. The conferring of Royal status for the Port of Barrow highlights the community's enduring role in safeguarding the nation as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK and the dedication and expertise of its skilled workforce. Entering service from the early 2030s, the Dreadnought Class will provide the next generation of the UK's nuclear deterrence patrol submarines, ensuring the nation's security for decades to come. They will be the most technically advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy. Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan, CB, said: The steel cutting of the fourth boat in the Dreadnought Class is a significant milestone marking positive progress in this extraordinary programme. Delivering these submarines is a truly national endeavour with a vast UK supply chain, culminating in the build at the Royal Port of Barrow. It is a proud moment for the thousands who contribute to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. Today's events celebrate Barrow's world-class workforce and our shared commitment to delivering the submarines that safeguard our nation. We are proud to build the future of NATO security right here in Royal Barrow. These milestones deliver on the Strategic Defence Review's recommendation of a modernised nuclear deterrence remaining the cornerstone of UK defence and the Defence Industrial Strategy's focus on strengthening Britain's defence industrial base. As home of the UK's nuclear submarine building industry, Barrow is also benefiting from major government investment, including a 200 million Transformation Fund as part of the 'Plan for Barrow'. The Plan will support initiatives in areas such as transport, education, housing and skills to enable and sustain the workforce required in Barrow to support the Ministry of Defence's major programmes. A further 6 billion is being invested in the defence nuclear sector over this Spending Review period, including in Barrow, to help increase the submarine production rate to a new submarine every 18 months in future years. Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive BAE Systems, said: This is a proud day for Barrow and everyone involved in the wider UK submarine enterprise who are working collaboratively to deliver the Dreadnought and Astute class submarines. We take great pride in our role in this national endeavour and in our contribution to safeguarding the UK's security. The UK's defence nuclear sector supports over 47,000 jobs across the country, and this is expected to grow to 65,000 by 2030 as government investment helps transform the UK's submarine production capacity. The government is working with industry and academia to create 22,000 apprenticeship and 9,000 graduate defence nuclear roles over the next decade - providing sustainable, high-skilled and well-paid employment and putting money in British people's pockets. Currently, around 1,800 apprentices and 500 graduates are training in Barrow-in Furness as part of BAE Systems' Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge, boosting opportunities for the people of Barrow. The events follow the US State Visit to the UK, and the two nations have a longstanding, close relationship on all nuclear issues, which has endured over many decades. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nordic statement on Russia's recent violation of Estonian airspace Government Offices of Sweden Speech by Maria Malmer Stenergard Published 22 September 2025 Statement by Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenegard on behalf of the Nordic Countries. Delivered at the United Nations Security Council, 22 September 2025. Check against delivery. Thank you, President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the five Nordic states: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country Sweden. President, the Nordics condemn Russia's serious violation of Estonian airspace and thus of its territorial integrity on the 19th of September. The Nordics stand in full solidarity with Estonia. Like our Baltic friends, the Nordic region shares a long border with Russia. We are deeply concerned about Russia's lack of respect for the territorial integrity of its neighbors. By violating Estonian airspace, Russia has again shown its reckless and lawless behavior. Not even two weeks ago the Security Council convened in another emergency session following Russia's violation of Poland's airspace. Since then, Russia has also violated Romania's airspace. We urge Russia to immediately stop, and to bear its responsibility as a permanent member of this Council. Russia's recent airspace violations and its broader campaign of malicious activities against other countries illustrates the seriousness of Russia's threat to international security. It only strengthens our resolve in facing this threat by upholding our sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as further intensifying our long-standing support to Ukraine. Over the past weeks, Russia has increased its attacks against Ukraine. Last week alone, Russia launched more than 1 500 strike drones, 1 280 guided aerial bombs and 50 missiles against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian reports. These are not the actions of a country that seeks peace. The Nordic countries support a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law. A peace must respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. President, we need to remind ourselves that Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine in blatant violation of international law. Russia could end its war tomorrow. Until it does, the Nordics stand undeterred in face of Russia's illegal actions. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Commission says Russian drones target civilians and destroy infrastructure, making localities in frontline provinces of Ukraine unliveable Press releases Independent investigation 22 September 2025 GENEVA -- GENEVA / VIENNA - Russian armed forces have targeted civilians and a wide array of civilian objects using short-range drones in localities stretching over 300 kilometres along the right bank of the Dnipro River, said the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine in its latest update to the Human Rights Council. In May this year, the Commission concluded that such drone attacks in Kherson Province were widespread and systematic and amounted to crimes against humanity of murder. The evidence now shows that similar drone attacks also target civilians and civilian objects in Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv Provinces. In all three provinces, the circumstances of the attacks show the perpetrators' intention to kill, harm and destroy. Russian armed forces have been carrying out attacks from positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River with drones that allow real time observation and tracking of targets. They pursued the victims, sometimes over long distances, and dropped explosives on them, causing death and injuries. Drones have also struck ambulances and other emergency services, preventing them from reaching the victims. These attacks have a devastating impact on the civilian population living in the affected areas. They have caused extensive damage and destruction, leaving entire localities unliveable. Essential services and shops have been unable to operate. The terror instilled in the population and the ensuing coercive environment have compelled thousands to flee. A woman who left Antonivka settlement, a particularly targeted locality, stated: "The buses stopped coming, the shops closed, drones were flying all around - before there were a few drones each day, but by then there were three, four, five drones every hour. It was not possible to go out." Russian Telegram channels run by the perpetrators themselves, or by persons close to the Russian drone units involved, have disseminated hundreds of videos of civilians being killed or injured, which amounts to the war crime of outrages upon dignity. They have also posted threatening texts announcing further attacks and exhorting the population to leave. In the Commission's view, the conduct of the Russian armed forces may amount to the crime against humanity of forcible transfer of population. The Commission will return to this issue in its report to the General Assembly in October. The Commission has been unable to conclude its investigation into allegations made by Russian authorities of drone attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces, due to lack of access to the territory, concerns relating to the safety of witnesses, and in the absence of response to the Commission's questions addressed to the Russian Federation. Another issue being investigated by the Commission is a pattern of deportations and transfers of adult civilians from the areas of Zaporizhzhia Province that are under Russian control. The investigations into short-range drone attacks as well as deportations and transfers reveal coordinated and organized efforts on the part of Russian authorities to further capture territory, and to consolidate their grip over areas they already control in Ukraine, while compelling local populations to leave. "Three and a half years of armed conflict in Ukraine continue to have a devastating impact on the civilian population. The violations and corresponding crimes documented have inflicted unspeakable suffering and hardship on the affected populations," said the Chair of the Commission, Erik Mse. Recurrent attacks have gradually destroyed entire localities. Many of the victims suffer from the loss of loved ones or of their houses and livelihoods and feel that they have "lost everything". Closer to the frontlines, older persons have been particularly affected, as many are unable to flee, making them vulnerable to risks of attacks. ENDS Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The Commission comprises Erik Mse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover. The Commissioners were appointed by the President of the UN Human Rights Council; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights Office provides support to the Commission of Inquiry, the commissioners serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including the UN. Any views or opinions presented herein are solely those of the mandated commissioners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Human Rights In Russia In 'Seismic Decline' Amid War On Ukraine, UN Expert Says By RFE/RL September 22, 2025 Summary A UN expert reported a severe decline in human rights in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The report highlighted intensified censorship, politically motivated prosecutions, and repression targeting vulnerable groups. Russian authorities have used laws on national security and "foreign agents" to suppress dissent and silence individual voices. The report detailed widespread torture, gender-based violence, and suppression of LGBT rights, particularly in the North Caucasus. The human rights situation in Russia has "steadily deteriorated" since President Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a UN expert said, describing a "seismic decline" that has hit vulnerable groups such as minorities and migrants particularly hard. "Over the past 3 1/2 years, Russian authorities have pursued a deliberate strategy to wipe out dissent through intensified censorship, politically motivated prosecutions," and other measures, Mariana Katzarova, special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, said in a new report. "Anti-war dissenters and activists are serving years in prison, not for crimes but for courage," Katzarova told a press conference on September 22 during a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. "The repression is escalating," she said. In the report, Katzarova said that "civic space has been systematically and purposefully destroyed" and the authorities have "transformed public institutions into instruments of repression and war." An independent expert appointed in 2023, Katzarova is the first UN-backed monitor of the human rights situation in Russia, one of five permanent UN Security Council members. She does not speak on behalf of the UN. The clampdown has had a "particularly severe impact on vulnerable groups, especially women, LGBT persons, national and ethnic minorities, Indigenous Peoples, religious groups and migrants, who have been specifically targeted and scapegoated in official rhetoric and practice," the report said. In the North Caucasus, a "relentless descent into lawlessness has enabled widespread violations, including gender-based violence, femicide, torture and ill-treatment, enforced disappearance and brutal suppression of the rights of LGBT persons," it said. Russian authorities have been seeking to stifle dissent throughout Putin's quarter-century in power. The clampdown widened after he returned to the presidency in 2012 after a stint as prime minister and has intensified further during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As tools of repression, the Kremlin is using "broad public safety and national security provisions," as well as expanded legislation branding individuals and organizations as "foreign agents" and "undesirables," the report said. Katzarova also described the "widespread and systematic recourse to torture and ill-treatment" by law enforcement officials, members of the armed forces, and others as "endemic," and said the authorities are also using the Soviet-era tactic of forced psychiatric treatment. "Punitive psychiatry has returned as a tool against anti-war voices," she told journalists. The report cited "a clear pattern of health professionals participating in and condoning the most abhorrent torture, especially of Ukrainian detainees." "Accountability and justice, and the release of all Ukrainian civilian detainees, Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of war, held by both sides, deported Ukrainian children and all Russian political prisoners, must inform any peace talks and [peace] process," it said. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/rights-decline-russia- torture-ukraine-vulnerable/33537015.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 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks during a ceremony for signing cooperation agreements between the DPR, LPR, and Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as the City of Sevastopol with the Republic of Nicaragua, Moscow, September 22, 2025 22 September 2025 15:09 1515-22-09-2025 Comrade Laureano Ortega, Distinguished heads of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, Ms Skvortsova, Your Excellencies, Friends, We have come together today on the occasion of a remarkable event which is the signing of cooperation instruments between the Donetsk People's Republic, the Lugansk People's Republic, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, as well as Sevastopol, on the one hand, and the Republic of Nicaragua, on the other hand. In July 2025, the Co-Presidents of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, sent a message to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in which they reiterated their full support for the special military operation to restore justice and security, and announced their recognition of the new regions as an integral part of Russia's territory. We highly value this truly friendly step in the spirit of genuine strategic partnership. We see it as an open and principled expression of solidarity. Notably, this is part of the Sandinista leadership's consistent policy. Back in 2014, Managua recognised Crimea as part of Russia. In November 2020, an Honorary Consulate of Nicaragua opened in Crimea. In 2021, an agreement on trade and economic cooperation was signed between Nicaragua and the Republic of Crimea. These were bold and politically consequential steps taken by our Nicaraguan friends in the face of pressure and threats coming from the collective West. It is a genuine pleasure to emphasise that our ties continue to expand to include even more areas of focus. Last year, a sister-city partnership was established between the municipal administration of Yalta and the town hall of Granada. Cooperation between twin schools - V.I. Sokolov Secondary School No. 45 with advanced study of the Spanish language in Sevastopol and Ruben Dario School in Matagalpa, Nicaragua - is making wide strides. These September days mark the third anniversary of the DPR and the LPR, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions' reunification with Russia following free expression of will by their citizens in full accordance with the international law. You are aware that Crimea and the Hero City of Sevastopol returned to their home harbour more than 11 years ago. We see the countries from the Global South and the Global East being increasingly interested in establishing contacts with Russia's new regions. Representatives from public, political, and business, as well as academic circles visit them and see with their own eyes the difference between the actual state of affairs in these regions and fake Russophobic propaganda claims spread by biased Western media. We will strongly encourage such contacts in the future. Truth be told, the industrial potential of Donbass and Novorossiya is enormous. The prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation are clearly there. Our foreign partners see eye to eye with us in this regard. Progress in the new regions can be seen in the theme-based photo exhibition displayed here, which was put together by the editorial team of the New Regions of Russia magazine and the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia. Work is underway to set up a similar exhibition in Managua soon. I would like to close by once again underscoring that Nicaragua and Russia are long-standing and like-minded strategic partners, foreign policy allies, and true friends. Today's event is a strong proof of that. We look to the future of Russia-Nicaragua relations with optimism. The key to success lies in deep mutual respect and affinity, as well as fraternal solidarity uniting our peoples. I am convinced that practical implementation of the agreements that were signed today will become an important step in expanding bilateral partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Speech UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders Published 22 September 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 22 September 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to the Commission of Inquiry for your work to highlight serious concerns of violations of international law by the Russian Federation. Since its establishment in March 2022, the Commission on Ukraine has documented the worst of Russia's crimes. Russia's policy to deport, indoctrinate and militarise Ukrainian children is deplorable. The Commission's report in May this year revealed Russia to be carrying out systematic drone attacks on civilians: Innocent civilians intentionally targeted in the street, and ambulances carrying critical medical aid. At the time of reporting, in river front areas under Ukrainian Government control, nearly 150 civilians had been killed by Russian drones. And the attacks have only increased in their intensity. Earlier this month, Russia launched its largest air attack of the war, firing 810 drones and 13 missiles into Ukrainian cities, killing five civilians, including a mother and her 2 month old baby. In another, just 2 days later, a single Russian drone attack killed 25 people as they queued for their pensions. There are multiple such tragic examples which could be cited. According to the Commission, these attacks, which are designed to instil fear, amount to both war crimes and crimes against humanity. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. How can we better support the victims of drone attacks and their families, including those who have been displaced following drone attacks? Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 21:02 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Glad to meet with my colleague Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters. I thanked New Zealand for its political and practical support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing terror against our peaceful cities and critical infrastructure. I informed about Ukraine's continued efforts to advance peace process together with our allies. This is a war against international law, not only Ukraine. And geographic distances do not matter when it comes to defending shared principles. Grateful to New Zealand for its contribution to strengthening our defence capabilities and its decisive sanctions policy against the aggressor." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 20:40 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a meaningful meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. I am grateful to my Swiss colleague for confirming that Ukraine will be a central priority for Switzerland's upcoming OSCE Chairpersonship in 2026. We focused on further joint efforts to bring a just peace closer and restore security in Europe. We also discussed concrete steps to advance our bilateral cooperation in various areas. I appreciate Switzerland's steadfast support for Ukraine, particularly its contributions to humanitarian aid and reconstruction." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha at the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 19:41 Thank you for organizing this important meeting. Just ten days ago, this Council held an emergency meeting requested by Poland after being intruded by two dozen Russian drones. Today we are meeting at the urgent request of Estonia after three Russian jets violated its airspace. What's next? Which other emergency meeting will we have to hold in the coming weeks? Who will be the next country dealing with Russia's provocations? None of these developments were accidental. No. Moscow does this on purpose. A country occupying a permanent seat in this Council is destroying international peace and security it is supposed to maintain. The logic is simple. Russia escalates to force everyone to play by its rules. It wants to impose the law of the jungle upon everyone: might make right. Our goal is the opposite. We must make Russia play by our rules. We have such rules accepted by everyone. They are called the UN Charter. It is important that existing tools, to be it the Security Council meeting or invocation of NATO Article 4 are actively used. However, political action should be backed by strong practical steps. Weak or late responses will only encourage further aggression. Europe is not at war with Russia. But Russia is at war with Europe. And the only way to safeguard peace is to respond with strength and unity. The best way to prevent a larger war in Europe is to increase support for Ukraine. If you help us end this war sooner with respect to the UN Charter, Russia will not expand it to other nations. Mr. President, A strong response means that a threat should not be escorted, neither for twelve minutes, nor for one minute. It should be neutralized. We reiterate our readiness for air defense integration. This is our European sky over Ukraine and other European nations. This is our common security space. And we must have a common sky shield to protect us all. Ukraine is the only country in the world countering regular massive air attacks of more than half a thousand drones and missiles. We are ready to share experience and join forces. An integrated European air-defense system combining intelligence, early warning, and active interception is essential. We have the capabilities, experience, and alliances. But action must be decisive, adequate, and swift. Other elements of a strong response include devastating sanctions pressure and strong deterrence packages for Ukraine. The Russian war machine can only be stopped through strength, not weakness. "Wait and see" is not a strategy. Let's abandon wishful thinking. Russia poses an existential threat to Europe and it will not disappear if we close our eyes. Ukraine has learned many bitter lessons in the past. What we now see in Poland and Estonia reminds of how Russian aggression against Ukraine started. Hybrid attacks and escalation, unmarked soldiers, violations of state border, and other steps. We can see this pattern repeating but in other forms. The only effective way to counter this escalation is to respond with strength and unity. In conclusion, we reiterate that aggression against any European nation threatens the security of all. Only united action can prevent escalation and preserve peace in Europe. We stand in solidarity with our friendly Estonia, with the Estonian government and people, and we are ready to contribute to our shared security. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Badr Albusaidi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 18:14 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to meet with HE Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi at the UN HQ. We discussed peace efforts and our work to organize the meeting of leaders to speed up the end to the war. I proposed Oman to play a role in the peace process with its authoritative voice. We discussed ways to develop our mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas, from agriculture to technology and trade. Ukraine opened its embassy in Muscat, demonstrating our willingness to strengthen ties. I also invited my colleague to visit Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 17:06 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I held a productive meeting with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain at the UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of UNGA. We focused on developing cooperation between Ukraine and UN World Food Programme on humanitarian assistance, demining of agricultural land, and further joint efforts in strengthening global food security disrupted by Russia. I underlined the importance of WFP's voice in securing the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Despite the full-scale Russian aggression, Ukraine remains committed to reaffirming our role as a guarantor of global food security. To date, food humanitarian cargo from Ukraine has reached more than 10 million people in 18 countries. I expressed gratitude to WFP and its team in Ukraine for their unwavering solidarity and help in delivering life-saving assistance for our people, supporting vulnerable communities, and working with us to strengthen Ukraine's resilience." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 14:04 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the illegal "visit" to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation of the Ambassadors of Burkina Faso Aristide Tapsoba, the Republic of Mali Seydou Kamissoko, and the Republic of Niger Issa Abdou Sidikou to Russia, which took place on September 18-20. The African diplomats grossly violated international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as a number of UN General Assembly resolutions, in particular resolution No. 68/262 "Territorial Integrity of Ukraine," which reaffirms the non-recognition of any changes in the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Such actions also contradict Ukrainian legislation, which clearly defines the procedure for entering the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. We regard this "visit" as a blatant violation of international law and national legislation not only by the mentioned individuals but also by the regimes they represent. The actions of the ambassadors appear especially cynical against the backdrop of the efforts allegedly undertaken by the regimes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to preserve and defend their own sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. The Russian Federation continues to use certain foreign diplomats as paid extras in its propaganda efforts, trying to create a false impression of international legitimization of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Juraj Blanar Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 22 September 2025 07:44 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Building on the dialogue between President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Fico, I met with my Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. We focused on the future of European security architecture, potential for our defense cooperation via the SAFE mechanism, and issues of energy security. We also discussed the development of our bilateral relations and the next round of consultations between our governments. I thanked my colleague for Slovakia joining the Civilian Shelter Coalition and its continued support for Ukraine's EU integration." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Support for Ukraine and new defense agreements: Denys Shmyhal meets with U.S. Congressional delegation Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 September, 2025, 8:18 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with a bipartisan U.S. Congress delegation led by Representatives Michael Turner and Eugene Vindman. The talks primarily focused on support for Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal thanked the United States for its consistent assistance toward achieving a lasting and just peace. He highlighted the significant contributions of the U.S. government that save Ukrainian lives, notably the transfer of Patriot systems. The delegations discussed ways in which the United States could contribute to enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities, including through the PURL mechanism. "I specifically emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure on russia and using frozen russian assets to finance support for Ukraine," stated the Defence Minister. The parties also addressed preparations for an agreement on the production and sale of drones (the 'Drone Deal'), to be signed by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States. "I am grateful to the United States for its solidarity and unwavering support," Denys Shmyhal concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cabinet of Ministers regulates transfer of training weapons to training centers and teaching hubs offering educational subject 'Defense of Ukraine' Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 September, 2025, 1:01 PM EEST The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a resolution amending the Procedure for the Withdrawal and Transfer of Military Property of the Armed Forces. The purpose of the amendments is to regulate the procedure for transferring training (neutralized) weapons from military units to the Centers for the Training of Citizens for the National Resistance and teaching hubs offering educational subject 'Defense of Ukraine.' The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has developed the draft resolution to ensure high-quality training of citizens for national resistance under standard educational programs. In particular, the amendments establish a legal framework for transferring training weapons to support the functioning of teaching hubs at educational institutions where the subject 'Defense of Ukraine' is taught. Key provisions of the resolution: the procedure for the alienation and transfer of training (neutralized) weapons from military units to the Centers for the Training of Citizens for National Resistance and municipal educational institutions has been established. ensuring the establishment and replenishment of the material resources and training infrastructure of the Training Centers and teaching hubs offering the subject 'Defense of Ukraine,' required for the proper organization of the educational process; The adoption of the resolution will contribute to: enhancing the quality of training of citizens for national resistance and strengthening military-patriotic education; developing an adequate base of material resources and training infrastructure for such training. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Armed Forces of Ukraine deploy 'Impulse' digital personnel management system Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 September, 2025, 10:26 AM EEST The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has begun deploying the 'Impulse' digital personnel accounting and management system. It is the first tactical-level digital system designed to operate in every military unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The purpose of the 'Impulse' system: personnel offices and personnel services maintain daily records of service members, issue orders, and prepare other documents. from now on, these functions can be performed in a secure digital environment; the system operates faster and provides up-to-date status information on each service member in the unit. Units of the Air Assault Forces were the first to start using the system. In the coming weeks, the 'Impulse' system will be implemented across the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "We are scaling up the 'Impulse' system across the Armed Forces and laying the foundation for eliminating excessive bureaucratic burdens on service members. From now on, military units will have rapid access to up-to-date personnel information, and commanders will be able to make decisions based on clear and transparent data for each unit," said Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine. "The 'Impulse' system captures accurate, up-to-date data on each service member and records changes in their service. Based on this information, orders, certificates, and statistical reports are generated, ensuring transparency and mutual consistency. It is important for us to deploy the system broadly so that every unit can benefit from it. The development and deployment of 'Impulse' is a joint effort of multiple IT units and an example of teamwork across the IT sector of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said Oksana Ferchuk, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization. The "Impulse" system has been authorized in line with modern international cybersecurity standards applied by NATO member states. All data are stored and transmitted in a secure environment, with access granted solely to authorized personnel with designated access levels. The system was developed by military IT specialists of the Center for Scaling Technological Solutions. Deployment is being carried out by units of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "With the 'Impulse' electronic personnel management system, we are taking an important step toward the digitalization of administrative processes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This system enhances the efficiency of personnel services and guarantees rapid access to personnel data. Consequently, it enables decision-making grounded in up-to-date and accurate data, thereby enhancing command efficiency," said Brigadier General Andrii Lebedenko, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the future, 'Impulse' will be integrated with other digital solutions for the Defence Forces, including the Army+ mobile app for service members, the Electronic Document Management System, the Medical Information System, and more. This will create a unified electronic environment for personnel management across the Armed Forces of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's top legislator meets U.S. congressional delegation Xinhua) 11:21, September 24, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing on Tuesday. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that maintaining the sound, stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations is an expectation shared by the people of both countries and the world at large. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the fundamental principles for the development of China-U.S. ties, he said. Calling on both sides to adhere to principles of rationality, objectivity and fairness, he expressed the hope that they will strengthen communication, seek common ground while reserving differences, and enhance mutual trust and dispel misgivings to inject greater stability into bilateral cooperation and the global economy. The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive matter in China-U.S. relations, Zhao said, urging the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and handle the Taiwan question with caution. China's NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with the U.S. Congress to play a constructive role in boosting bilateral ties, Zhao said, welcoming more members of the U.S. Congress to visit China. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) SSU detains FSB agents who supplied ruscists with Ukrainian SIM cards for kamikaze drones Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 22 September 2025 The SSU Counterintelligence has detained another two enemy agents in Kyiv region. On orders of russia's federal security service, they smuggled Ukrainian SIM cards to the aggressor state for enemy drones attacking our country. These microchips improved the communication and navigation of the russian UAVs. As the investigation established, russia's tasks were carried out by two residents of Kyiv oblast, one of whom turned out to be a former law enforcement officer. After receiving instructions from the russian special service, the perpetrators first bought Ukrainian SIM cards and, to conceal the supply route, sent them to their accomplices in the European Union. From there, the cards were sent to russia, specifically to the cities of Naberezhnye Chelny and Yelabuga in Tatarstan, where factories producing combat UAVs are located. Another task of the agents was to recruit employees of Ukrainian mobile communication companies in order to obtain intelligence data from within domestic operators. The Security Service uncovered the enemy's intelligence activities, documented the traitors, and detained them. Smartphones with evidence of contacts with the FSB handler and foreign accomplices were seized from the suspects during searches. SIM cards prepared for trafficking to russia were also found in their possession. SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The perpetrators are in custody and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The investigation to bring members of the russian network in the EU to justice is ongoing. The operational and investigative activities were 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 Ukraine: Press stake out by High Representative Kaja Kallas following the UN Security Council meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 23.09.2025 New York Check against delivery! In recent months, Russia has chosen the path of escalation, adhering to maximalist positions, increased attacks against the innocent civilians, and conducted unprecedented and intentional violation of EU Member States' airspace by drones and planes. Russia undermines European and global peace and security. These actions demonstrate that Russia is the one undermining the prospects of peace. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. Together, we urge all global partners to use their influence and maximise pressure on Russia to immediately end this unlawful war and work towards a just and lasting peace. We remain unwavering in our support for Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine militarily, economically, politically and diplomatically. We support a just and lasting peace based on international law and the UN Charter. Our support to Ukraine is about making peace a reality. Thank you. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-277571 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna meets Andorra's Foreign Minister: every contribution to rebuilding Ukraine and investing in education is a contribution to Europe's future Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.09.2025 | 20:23 On 23 September in New York, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Imma Tor Faus, Foreign Minister of the Principality of Andorra. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on the restoration of a hobby school in Ukraine and an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation were signed. The discussions also focused on events of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Minister Tsahkna drew attention to Friday's violation of Estonian airspace by Russia, which led to the UN Security Council convening for the first time at Estonia's request, and stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine. "Both Estonia and Andorra share concerns about the plight of children in armed conflicts," Tsahkna said, commending his Andorran colleague for hosting a side event dedicated to children and armed conflict. Estonia will be represented at the event by Undersecretary for Global Affairs Minna-Liina Lind. The foreign ministers of Estonia and Andorra, together with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), also signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding to support extracurricular education for Ukrainian children and young people. Initiated by Estonia, the memorandum provides for Andorra's support of an ESTDEV-led project to restore the Malyn Children's Music School. "Even small states like Estonia and Andorra can make a joint contribution to the future of Ukraine's children. This is part of a broader international effort to rebuild Ukraine. Estonia's goal is to involve as many partners as possible in supporting Ukraine," Tsahkna said. The aim of the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation is to prevent double taxation of income between Estonia and Andorra, as well as to combat tax evasion and fraud. According to Minister Tsahkna, the agreement will help strengthen economic ties between Estonia and Andorra. "Estonia and Andorra are good partners, and we are constantly looking for opportunities to deepen cooperation in the economy and digital fields," Tsahkna said, noting that the agreement will open up new opportunities for investment and business cooperation. The agreement was initiated by Andorra, which already has similar agreements with several EU member states, including Latvia and Lithuania. Following its signing, the agreement must be ratified by the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). Estonia supports closer integration of Andorra with the European Union and participates in the EU Council negotiations on the EU-Andorra Association Agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by President von der Leyen at the Conference 'Restoring Childhood and Humanity - Advancing Peace in Ukraine Through the Return of Ukrainian Children' European Commission Speech Sep 23, 2025 New York President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, Prime Minister Carney, Mark, Of all the horrors unleashed by Russia's war, none cuts deeper than the abduction of children. Olena, as you have said, tens of thousands of boys and girls are trapped in Russia. They are not statistics. Each and every one is a child. And behind every abduction is a family in torment. Diana, you also said, and I thank you for that, there are moments of hope. You described the story of Illia. And there are other stories. So we can do something. I want to take my time to focus on where we can support. We will not rest until Ukraine's children are home. But I know the needs at home are also enormous. Volodymyr and Olena, That is why I am delighted to announce today that we are ready to make available some EUR 200 million for the provision of school meals. You told me how important that is, and I am happy to support here. Let me briefly focus on the abducted children trapped in a foreign land. We want to support here, and that is why we are funding your prosecutors' office. So that families can see that justice is done. That is why, with UNICEF, we are investing more than EUR 10 million. So that when children return, they are not only welcomed, but helped to heal, to learn, to dream again of a future. That is why we have sanctioned more than 50 individuals complicit in these crimes. And more will follow. But this fight is not Ukraine's alone. It requires the world's resolve, to maximise pressure on Russia. That is why the EU is joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. We are delighted and honoured to host a high-level international summit to put these children at the top of the world's agenda. Thank you. Slava Ukraini. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway intensifying efforts to help Ukrainian children return home Government of Norway News story | Date: 23/09/2025 Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia during the war in Ukraine. Norway is supporting the critical efforts to enable these children to return home. During the UN General Assembly High-level Week in New York, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre participated in a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on this issue. The meeting was co-hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. 'During my visit to Ukraine a few weeks ago, I had the chance to meet some of the children who had been forcibly deported to Russia. The children had been brought home to Ukraine after a long, drawn-out process. It was very moving to hear what they had been through. Far too few of the children deported to Russia have been able to return to Ukraine. Norway will continue to contribute to the efforts to bring the Ukrainian children home,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. Helping to reunite these children with their families is a priority under the Norwegian Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Norway recently increased its support for the vital work being done by UNICEF and the Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the reintegration of the Ukrainian children who have returned home. This work must be carried out in line with international law and based on the best interests of the child. 'At today's meeting, we discussed ways to step up efforts to help deported Ukrainian children. Norway has supported this work since the start of the war, and we must make use of the channels available to us to help bring the children home,' said Mr Stre. Forced deportation is a deliberate policy employed by Russia. Tens of thousands of civilians have been forcibly displaced from occupied areas since the start of the war. This includes thousands of children. At the start of 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that the number of open cases of missing persons linked to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has more than doubled in the last year and has now reached 50 000. The ICRC's Central Tracing Agency (CTA) Bureau is cooperating with all parties to the conflict in order to prevent disappearances, support families looking for relatives, and play a neutral role as an intermediary. A large number of Ukrainian civilians are being illegally held captive in Russia without trial. The conditions in the prisons are very harsh. According to Amnesty International, the Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians have been subjected to torture, long-term isolation and enforced disappearance by the Russian authorities. UNICEF is playing an important role in the efforts to reintegrate children as they return to Ukraine. UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine to build a database of missing and forcibly deported children and is seeking to promote capacity building and create a responsible framework for handling personal data ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law and dealing with cybersecurity issues. UNICEF itself will not play an operative role in the management of the database. Norway recently provided approximately USD 1.5 million to these efforts. Norway has now contributed a total of approximately NOK 400 million in support in 2025, channelled through UNICEF and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard at the meeting "Energy resilience and green recovery in Ukraine" Government Offices of Sweden Speech by Maria Malmer Stenergard Published 23 September 2025 Speech by Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenegard. Delivered at the UN General Assembly in New York, September 22nd 2025. Check against delivery. Dear colleagues, dear Andrii, We cannot stand by and simply watch as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities and civilians. The systematic Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are not just attacks on power plants they are attacks on hospitals, schools and homes. They are attacks on people. It's time to act now, to prevent Ukrainian households from facing a winter without heat and electricity. Therefore, we must continue to increase our support to Ukraine. Sweden is doing our part. Compared to last year, Sweden has nearly doubled our civilian support to around 920 million dollars in total. And in our support, Ukraine's energy sector is a key priority. Our support goes primarily through the Energy Community's Ukraine Energy Support Fund and the World Bank Ukraine Trust Fund, but also through UNDP. Thanks to our joint efforts, we have been able to provide cogeneration plants, backup generators, and over 2,000 tonnes of energy equipment. We have two gas turbines on their way to Ukraine, which will be able to generate electricity to 370 000 Ukrainians. These efforts keep hospitals running, homes warm, and schools open. We urge other countries to join us and to increase their support as well. Dear colleagues, As we rebuild a war-torn Ukraine, we have an opportunity to modernise Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As a member of the G7+ Energy Coordination Group and an active contributor to the Clean Energy Partnership, we are united in our resolve to help Ukraine not only to rebuild - but to build back better, greener, and more resilient. Through the Clean Energy Partnership, we are helping Ukraine to lay the foundation for a resilient, decentralised, and climate-neutral energy systemone that aligns with EU energy and climate goals. This strengthens Ukraine's path toward EU membership. We welcome Ukraine's progress on key reforms, including the adoption of its National Energy and Climate Plan, and we support its efforts to expand new sources of fossil-free energy, to improve energy efficiency, and to attract green investments. Sweden and Ukraine recently signed a memorandum of understanding which established a partnership on energy and green transition. Swedish companies are well-placed to support Ukraine in its recovery. Especially when it comes to the digital, sustainable, and green solutions that will benefit Ukrainian society. Let us continue to stand with Ukrainenot only to rebuild, but to renew. With the help of our joint efforts, Ukraine will recover, develop and grow to become a prosperous European nation. Thank you. Slava Ukraini! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nordic-Baltic statement to support Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace Government Offices of Sweden Speech by Maria Malmer Stenergard Published 23 September 2025 Statement by Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. Delivered to the Human Rights Council, 60th session, September 19th 2025 Mr President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states. This summer marked a grim milestone: July saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since May 2022. This tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, could immediately end if Russia agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards meaningful negotiations However, Russia's recent attacks have made it clear that they are not interested in peace. While Russia stalls negotiations, the reports of human rights violations continue to grow. We are alarmed by the situation in the temporarily occupied territories. By the forcible transfers and unlawful deportations of children. And by the torture and executions of prisoners of war - among many other grave violations. We thank the Commission for its vital work in documenting these violations. Their deeply disturbing reports only strengthen our unwavering support for Ukraine's pursuit of a just and lasting peace. We call on Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine, respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and agree to a full and comprehensive ceasefire. The Nordic-Baltic states stand - and will continue to stand - fully behind Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Foreign Ministers at an informal meeting with global partners in New York: Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of the UN Charter Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.09.2025 On 22 September 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, participated in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in New York, where the ministers engaged in a discussion with global partners - the foreign ministers of Brazil, India, and Mexico - on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. The Foreign Ministers of the Baltic and Nordic regional cooperation group (NB6) underlined in their joint address to global partners that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Russia must stop its war of aggression against Ukraine so that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can be achieved in Ukraine. The Baltic states and the Nordic countries are calling on their global partners to put pressure on Russia towards this goal. Russia must stop its fabricated statements about a threat to Russia's security. Russian drones and aircraft are the ones violating the airspace of EU Member States and posing a real security threat. The Baltic states and the Nordic countries also pointed to the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza and the escalation on the West Bank, which highlights the issue of the need for a two-state solution. The war and human suffering in Gaza must end. All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Palestine. The participants of the meeting were addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, on behalf of the NB6 Baltic-Nordic regional cooperation group. Denmark is this year's coordinator of the group. The NB6 format comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. The partner countries underlined their readiness to cooperate with the EU in strengthening multilateralism and the international rules-based order. They presented their vision for the way ahead to end Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as to overcome the crisis in the Middle East. Opportunities were also discussed for cooperation in trade, digital and climate issues. The partner countries participated in the meeting at the invitation of the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to provide an opportunity for EU Member States to build dialogue with global partners and convey the EU's messages, expressing EU Member States' positions on major crises and conflicts that will be high on the agenda of the UN General Assembly High-level Week. The EU Foreign Affairs Council deals with matters relating to EU external action, including the common foreign and security policy, the European security and defence policy, external trade and development cooperation. The main role of the Council is to ensure the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the EU's external action. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Budrys in New York urged defence of the UN Charter principles and support for Ukraine's territorial integrity Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-23 On 22 September, the Minister-designate of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, attended an informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers, which took place on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week in New York. Foreign Ministers of Brazil, Mexico, and India also attended the meeting to discuss Russia's aggression against Ukraine and global security issues, including efforts to combat sanctions evasion by Russia and its shadow fleet, the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, and the military participation of third countries in Zapad-2025 military exercises. Budrys, together with the Ministers of five Baltic and Nordic countries (NB6), called for protecting the principles of the UN Charter and the non-recognition of the territories of Ukraine that are occupied and annexed by Russia. "The defence of the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter concerns all of us, not only Ukraine. The entire international community must urge Russia to end its war of aggression," the Ministers said in the joint statement. The NB6 ministers also stressed that aggressor Russia and its ally in the war against Ukraine, Belarus, must continue to be isolated from the rest of the international community, and called for tougher sanctions against Russia to crush its war machine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address K. Budrys in Kyiv: "We need to fundamentally strengthen security cooperation with Ukraine" Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-23 On 19 September, Lithuania's Minister-designate of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, while on a visit to Kyiv, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, discussed the continued comprehensive support for Ukraine, the need to stop the import of Russian energy resources into Europe, and the joint effort to ensure the protection of Ukrainian and NATO airspace. According to K. Budrys, security cooperation with Ukraine needs to be fundamentally strengthened by joining efforts to protect Ukrainian and NATO airspace and leveraging Ukraine's experience in the field of counter-drone defense. "We are not just speaking about supporting Ukraine in defending our continent or supplying the necessary resources. We need to change the paradigm of cooperation with Ukraine. We must integrate our actions - counter-drone capabilities to defend airspace, fully integrate systems, and adopt Ukraine's experience," the Minister said. During his visit to Ukraine, K. Budrys visited a defence industrial site where drone capabilities are being developed. Budrys stressed that to stop Russia's aggression, Europe must phase out of Russian energy that was financing its war machine. "There are still countries in Europe that import liquefied gas, oil, and their products from Russia. We must stop this. We also need to lower the oil price cap, impose secondary sanctions, and other pressure measures against those that keep the Russian war machine going," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy. Budrys highlighted Lithuania's continued military, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, which this year is expected to reach 1 billion euros since the start of the war. The Minister also assured that Lithuania would continue to fully support Ukraine's efforts to maintain its territorial integrity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys at the meeting with President V. Zelenskyy: we see Ukraine as an integral and crucial link in European air defence Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-09-23 On 19 September, the Foreign Minister-designate of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, who was paying a working visit to Kyiv, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting discussed Ukraine's EU membership, Lithuania's support for Ukraine, joint efforts to achieve peace, increasing pressure on Russia, and security guarantees for Ukraine. They also exchanged views on the security situation following last week's violation of the Polish airspace by the Russian drones. The head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized that Ukraine's over more than three years of fighting experience gained in counter-drone capabilities was invaluable. "Ukraine has made huge technological advances in the face of constant mass attacks. We see your country as an integral part of European security. Thus, creation of a common air defence system with a successfully integrated Ukrainian counter-drone model, experience, and tools that have already been successfully tested on the battlefield, would be a purposeful step," the Minister said. The meeting also addressed the need to accelerate Ukraine's EU integration process. The Minister underlined that it is now critically important to open the first clusters of accession talks, and by the end of this year, the remaining chapters as well. According to Budrys, 2030 must remain the key target date for Ukraine's EU membership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Civilian detainees subjected to troubling patterns of torture and ill-treatment since Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine - UN report Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 23 September 2025 GENEVA -- A UN Human Rights report released today details the dire situation of thousands of civilians detained since Russia's full-scale armed attack on Ukraine in 2022. Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees in occupied territory to torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, in a widespread and systematic manner, the report finds. Most of the 215 released civilian detainees interviewed by the UN Human Rights Office since June 2023 gave consistent and detailed accounts of their treatment in captivity. They recounted severe beatings and electric shocks, mock executions, prolonged stress positions, and threats of death and violence to them or their loved ones, and instances of sexual violence. Interviewees also described poor conditions of detention, including a lack of food and inadequate medical treatment. The Russian Federation has applied Russian criminal law in occupied territory, the report notes, ignoring the obligation under international humanitarian law (IHL) to respect the laws in force in the occupied territory, unless absolutely prevented. The frequent disregard of legal and procedural safeguards has resulted in high numbers of arbitrary detentions and raised significant concerns about enforced disappearances. Families have been left with no or limited information about the fate of their loved ones. "The cumulative effect of these measures, combined with a lack of accountability, has placed many Ukrainian civilians outside the effective protection of the law during their detention, and contributed to an oppressive environment and climate of fear in the occupied territory of Ukraine," the report says. In May 2025, the Ukrainian authorities reported that around 1,800 Ukrainian civilians were still being detained by the Russian Federation in occupied territory for reasons related to the armed conflict, although the actual number is likely to be significantly higher. "Our report lays bare the human rights violations inflicted on civilian detainees," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. "People have been arbitrarily picked off the streets in occupied territory, charged under shifting legal bases and held for days, weeks, months and even years, often with limited contact with their families. "It is essential that the human rights of civilian detainees, who have been severely impacted by this terrible conflict, are prioritised in any peace talks." In territory under its control, Ukraine has detained mainly its own citizens on charges related to national security, including treason and espionage, the report says. Many conflict-related criminal cases also involve charges of collaboration, based on an individual's interaction or cooperation with the Russian occupying authorities. People have been prosecuted for carrying out emergency services, construction, humanitarian relief and garbage removal during the occupation, activities that can lawfully be compelled by the occupying authorities. The increased number of conflict-related detainees - some 2,258 held by Ukraine in official pre-trial and penal facilities as of 21 July 2025, as well as 20,000 open cases - has strained Ukraine's criminal justice system. The authorities have taken steps to strengthen procedural safeguards and improve detention conditions. However, the UN Human Rights Office continues to document cases of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, and accountability remains limited. Turk reiterated that civilians must always be treated humanely and can only be detained on grounds lawful under international law. They must be released from detention as soon as such grounds cease to exist. Read the full report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Launches Overnight Missile And Drone Barrage Against Ukraine By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service September 23, 2025 Ukraine's Air Force reported on September 23 that Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using three Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 115 drones, around 60 of which were Shahed types. By 9 a.m. Ukrainian air defenses said they had destroyed or suppressed 103 enemy drones of various types across northern, southern, and eastern regions. Strikes were recorded in six locations, with 12 drones hitting targets, while falling debris was reported in eight other areas. In the Odesa region, authorities confirmed the death of a 60-year-old woman and injuries to at least three other people following missile strikes on the town of Tatarbunary. The attack damaged a hotel, post office, cultural center, and a holiday resort, and left around 800 residents without electricity. Governor Oleh Kiper said repair works were under way. In Zaporizhzhya, one man was killed when Russian bombs struck residential and industrial areas. Governor Ivan Fedorov said rescuers pulled the victim's body from the rubble. In the Kirovohrad region, a drone strike sparked a fire at an infrastructure facility, though no casualties were reported. Local Governor Andriy Raykovych said emergency services had contained the blaze. Ukrainian Strikes On Russia Targets The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on September 23 that its forces had struck two dispatcher stations of oil transportation complexes in Russia and an airfield in Crimea. The strikes were aimed at reducing Russia's offensive capabilities and disrupting fuel and ammunition supplies to its military units, the statement said. The Russian Defense Ministry said its air-defense systems neutralized 69 Ukrainian drones over the country's 10 regions. Moscow and the surrounding region came under a Ukrainian drone attack overnight. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 36 drones were shot down since late September 22 by air defenses, with no reported casualties. Social media users across the capital reported hearing multiple explosions, though no air-raid sirens were triggered. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia- ukraine-airstrike-casulaties-mosvow-odesa-kirovohrad- zaporizhzhya-sobyanin/33538461.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 In Abrupt Change, Trump Says Ukraine In 'Position To Win' War With Russia By RFE/RL September 23, 2025 Summary US President Trump, in a sudden shift, says he believes Ukraine can win back all of its territory from Russia with the help of European allies. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy seeks US support for stronger sanctions against Russia and security guarantees during his meeting with Trump at the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy aims to avoid pressure for concessions to Russia or blame for stalled peace talks amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. In an abrupt change showing his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia with the help of its European allies. Trump has previously said both sides would have to cede land to end the war. Russia currently controls around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014. After a speech at the UN General Assembly where he called on European allies during his address to immediately stop buying oil from Russia, Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with Zelenskyy that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the alliance's airspace. He followed that with comments in a social media post after the Zelenskyy meeting saying Russia has been fighting "aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win." "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote. Zelenskyy noted the "big shift" in Trump's comments while speaking alone at a news conference, adding that the US leader's understanding of the situation on the ground in Ukraine is now much clearer. "Trump had a relationship with Putin and he trusted him. Putin was telling Trump fairytales," Zelenskyy said, referring to Trump as a "gamechanger." "I told Trump that Putin will not wait for the end of his war in Ukraine -- he will try to find a weak spot in NATO and this is already happening...Putin will want to 'exchange' one war for another." Zelenskyy entered the day looking for Trump to ratchet up pressure on Moscow to end its war -- the longest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II -- against Ukraine. It didn't take long as Trump said as the two headed into the meeting "Yes I do" when asked if he would support shooting down Russian aircraft if they were found inside NATO airspace. He said the involvement of the United States in such action would depend on the circumstances but did not elaborate. Trump's answer follows a series of recent incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones into alliance airspace in countries including Poland and Estonia. They also came after the US president called on European allies during his UN address to immediately stop buying oil from Russia and accused China and India of funding Moscow's war against Ukraine through their purchases. Trump said he could impose sanctions on Russia to stop the fighting but without similar actions from Europe, "we're all wasting a lot of time." Sanctions, along with security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, are areas Zelenskyy is hoping to get White House support during their discussions. Trump said he plans to call Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of the US leader, to urge him to stop purchasing Russian oil. In response to Trump's social media remarks, Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told reporters: "Don't get so excited about every tweet." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she welcomed Trump's shift in his view on the war, saying, "we are very positive about this, because these are all the right things." "Yes, we should stop buying Russian energy. Yes, Ukraine should win the war and all these other statements that [Trump] made today regarding Ukraine and Russia," Kallas said. Zelenskyy, who is due to attend a UN Security Council session on the war in Ukraine on September 23 and will address the assembly on September 24, told reporters he saw movement from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on ending Russian oil purchases as well. Hungary and Slovakia, both landlocked countries that share a border with Ukraine, have resisted calls to end their reliance on Russian energy without promises of securing sufficient alternative supplies. Trump also appeared to give Ukraine a pledge of military support saying the US will continue to supply weapons to allies "for NATO to do what they want with them." Zelenskyy also noted that Trump was "ready" to give Ukraine security guarantees after the war is over. "We don't have details. We will work on what we need then and also what we need before that happens," he said. Talks on bringing the two sides to a peace agreement have stumbled for several months. Trump met with Putin in Alaska last month producing a glimmer of hope that movement toward peace might begin. But the Kremlin quickly threw cold water on the prospect of a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy in any location other than Moscow, which is unacceptable to Ukraine. The past few weeks have brought no discernible progress toward peace and plenty of belligerence from Russia, which has pressed forward on the front lines, hit civilians in Ukraine with massive bombardments, and challenged NATO with drone and warplane incursions. "Putin has shown no interest in a negotiated way out of the war, other than on his totally unrealistic terms," Lawrence Freedman, an analyst and emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London, wrote in a blog post published on September 23. Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russia's recalcitrance and has repeatedly said he might hit Moscow with new sanctions, including secondary measures that target countries and companies buying Russian energy or delivering technology it can use in the war against Ukraine, and bipartisan groups of US lawmakers have proposed sanctions legislation in Congress. So far, other than increasing tariffs on Indian imports by 25 percent over its purchases of Russian oil, Trump has refrained from slapping new punishments on Russia and its trading partners. At times, he has voiced concern that imposing new sanctions would hamper his efforts to bring Putin to the table. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/war-ukraine-russia-zelenskyy- trump-un/33538408.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 President and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Discussed the Ways to Achieve Peace and the Further Development of the Church in Ukraine President of Ukraine 23 September 2025 - 04:25 At Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the UN, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Head of State thanked His All-Holiness for his support, solidarity, and constant prayers for Ukraine and all Ukrainians. The President also highlighted the efforts His All-Holiness undertakes in advocating for Ukraine's interests. During the meeting, they discussed the destructive influence of the Russian church and the importance of joint efforts to counter it. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed His All-Holiness on the protection of religious freedom in Ukraine. He emphasized that there is no religious persecution in our country. At the same time, there must be no ties with the aggressor state. The parties also discussed the further development of the church in Ukraine. The Ecumenical Patriarch assured of Constantinople's support. They also touched on the diplomatic situation. His All-Holiness spoke about his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared details of cooperation with the American team. In particular, they spoke about the ways to achieve a genuine peace. The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the strong words of the Ecumenical Patriarch during his address at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 19. His All-Holiness called Russia's war against Ukraine illegal and condemned the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has blessed the killing of Ukrainians. The President invited the Ecumenical Patriarch to visit Ukraine, while His All-Holiness, in turn, invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva Discussed Programs to Support Ukraine's Financial Resilience President of Ukraine 23 September 2025 - 04:07 In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva. The Head of State thanked Kristalina Georgieva for her personal attention to Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund for the programs that help strengthen Ukraine's economy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is doing everything possible to end the war as soon as possible. However, Russia is taking no steps toward peace. That is why our country is compelled to continue defending itself against Russian aggression and requires financial support from its partners. During the meeting, they discussed in detail all possible avenues of cooperation, including a new Extended Fund Facility program aimed at supporting Ukraine in the coming years. Special attention was devoted to the possibilities of using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine - its economy, the strengthening of its defense, and protection against aggression. The Head of State presented specific proposals that could make this possible. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva also discussed Russia's violations of the airspace of NATO member states, including on September 22 in Copenhagen. The President emphasized that if there is no resolute response from the allies - both states and institutions - to these provocations, Russia will continue its aggressive actions, testing the societies of European and NATO countries. The parties agreed on continued close cooperation and dialogue between the Government of Ukraine and the IMF. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine Met with the President of Kazakhstan in New York President of Ukraine 23 September 2025 - 02:57 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York to take part in the events marking the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where he held a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Head of State thanked Kazakhstan for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the key task now is achieving a just and lasting peace with reliable security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again confirmed that Ukraine is ready for a meeting at the level of leaders, as this format is the most effective. However, Russia continues to put forward conditions and does everything possible to prevent genuine negotiations. The two Presidents discussed in detail the efforts of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other partners around the world to end the war and stop the killings. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assured of Kazakhstan's full support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of achieving peace as soon as possible. The parties also spoke about the development of bilateral relations, in particular trade and economic cooperation. Special attention was given to the interest of Kazakh companies in participating in Ukraine's recovery, including in the areas of social, housing, and energy infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guterres warns against loss of 'fragile' diplomatic momentum over Ukraine 23 September 2025 - Speaking at a high-level briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council that the international community cannot afford to lose "fragile" diplomatic momentum over ending the war with Russia. With Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sitting in the iconic chamber after arriving to take part in the UN's high-level week, the Secretary-General looked back to February when the council had marked the grim third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Since then, there has been "intense" diplomatic engagement but also an "intensification of the fighting" across Ukraine and, at times, in Russia, Mr. Guterres noted. Homes, schools, hospitals and shelters continue to be bombed in Ukraine, while critical civilian infrastructure is being destroyed. According to Mr. Guterres, the past months have seen some of the highest casualties with more than 14,000 civilians killed and over 36,000 injured. He added that civilians inside Russia are being "increasingly affected." "Let me be clear: attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law," he said. "They must stop now." 'Painfully slow' progress towards peace Mr. Guterres commended the efforts by the United States and others seeking to facilitate diplomatic solutions to the conflict and welcomed direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. Nevertheless, progress on achieving a ceasefire and a lasting peace settlement remains "painfully slow." "We cannot afford to lose the current diplomatic momentum, as fragile as it might be," he stressed. He reiterated his appeal for a "comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire" in line with the UN Charter and international law. "The United Nations is committed to fully supporting all meaningful efforts to end this war - and to build a future of dignity, security and peace for all." 'Be the force that acts together' In his speech, President Zelenskyy lamented that the UN is "losing influence" and called for real security guarantees. He said that along with Britain, France, and 40 more nations in what he called the coalition of the willing, "we are building a new security architecture. We count on the United States of America as a backstop." He urged the US, China, Britain and France to "be the force that acts together." "What we need now is a strong push to force Russia toward peace." 'Bring this war to an end' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Security Council members and those involved in the conflict to "bring this war to an end before it becomes something that will last another three or four years, lead to more destruction - both economic and at the same time, loss of life, loss of property, loss of futures." He said that if no path to peace appears in the short-term, the US "will take the steps necessary to impose costs for continued aggression." 'Not abandoning negotiations' Speaking for Russia, First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy said that the meeting - which he described as another "shameful episode in the market of hypocrisy" - generates "no added value to the establishment for peace in Ukraine." Addressing Member States, he said Russia awaits their support for a "realistic, long-term, lasting peace" adding that Moscow is "not abandoning any negotiations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by President Antonio Costa at the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine European Council / Council of the European Union European Council Statements and remarks 24 September 2025 00:27 First of all, I would like to thank the South Korean Presidency for convening this meeting. Ukraine is fighting for the very principles of the United Nations Charter. Sovereignty. Territorial integrity, the respect for internationally recognized borders. The right to choose its own destiny. We cannot rewrite history. This war started with an unjustified and illegal attack by Russia. There is only one root cause to this war - Russia's refusal to accept Ukraine's right to choose its own future. Peace in Ukraine is not just Ukraine's interest. It is not just Europe's interest. It is the interest of the global community. If we accept Russia's invasion of Ukraine, no country will ever be safe. The pursuit of peace must be the top priority of the global community. The European Union will continue to work to end this war of aggression and to support Ukraine in every way. A ceasefire, to which Ukraine has already agreed to, is the first step. I call on Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, to agree to come to the negotiation table. To stop the killings. To stop the destruction. To stop threatening its neighbouring countries. I call on the international community to be actively engaged on peace efforts in full respect of the United Nations Charter. The European Union supports President Trump's efforts for peace. And I would like to see China, also a permanent member of this Security Council, contribute towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. To achieve an end to the aggression, the European Union will continue to apply pressure on Russia through sanctions. To ensure a lasting peace, the European Union, in the context the Coalition of the Willing, is ready to contribute with concrete security guarantees to Ukraine. To fulfil the aspirations of the Ukrainian people, we will continue to support Ukraine on its path to full membership in the European Union. The time for peace is now. And now is the time for Russia to stop this aggression. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Successful Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) Launches Demonstrate Continued Readiness of Nation's Sea-Based Deterrent US Navy 23 September 2025 From April Crew-Kelly, Navy Strategic Systems Progams Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs conducted four scheduled missile test flights of unarmed Trident II D5LE missiles from an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine off the east coast of Florida from September 17-21. One launch test event Sunday evening lit up the night sky and was visible from Puerto Rico. Flight tests are conducted on a recurring, scheduled basis to evaluate and ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of the system. The missile tests were not conducted in response to any ongoing world events. These test flights were part of a planned test event and resulted in the achievement of 197 total successful missile flight test launches of the Trident II D5 strategic weapon system. The test flights were launched from a submerged SSBN and landed in a broad ocean area of the Atlantic Ocean. As part of standard safety requirements, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) were issued identifying no-fly zones and Notice to Mariners (NOTMARs) were issued to sea-going vessels identifying stay-out areas for the pre-scheduled test period. The Trident II D5 strategic weapon system is a highly accurate and reliable weapon system. The D5 missiles were originally developed in the 1980s, and a life-extension refresh was completed in 2017 to extend the service life of the system to the 2040s. "Our Nation's submarine launched ballistic missile system has been a critical component of our national security since the 1960s, and these launches continue to demonstrate the credibility and reliability of our strategic deterrence capabilities," said Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, Director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, the command responsible for the Navy's strategic weapons. A credible, effective strategic deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. U.S. strategic weapons capabilities deter aggression and assure our allies by providing unique deterrence effects no other element of U.S. military power can replace. "For the dedicated SSP team, maintaining our current capability and actively demonstrating through flight testing that the system is ready to respond if called upon is central to ensuring our nation's Peace through Strength. The team is also pushing ahead developing the next generation strategic weapon system to ensure the sea-based deterrence capability of tomorrow," Wolfe said. Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command providing cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation's nuclear Triad. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation's Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II D5LE strategic weapon system deployed on Ohio-class SSBNs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baja Public House Holding Corp today announced the official launch of the crowdfund campaign for its highly anticipated boutique hotel project, R!NO, located on the cliffs of El Pescadero, Baja California Sur. The campaign marks the beginning of a new chapter for the hospitality venture, offering the public an opportunity to participate in the development of a hotel experience designed to merge bold design, immersive travel, and community-based development. Founded by Australian entrepreneurs Nick Reid and Jez Spencer, R!NO was envisioned as more than a traditional boutique hotel. Their vision was to create a destination where travelers do not simply check in, but rather enter a story built around exploration, connection, and cultural authenticity. A Destination Defined by Design and Experience The forthcoming R!NO Hotel sits along one of Baja California Surs most desirable tourism corridors, between Todos Santos and Cerritos. The location is known for its natural landscapes, surf culture, and thriving artistic community. Designed as a design-forward boutique hotel investment opportunity in Mexico, R!NO will combine a clifftop cantina, wellness centre, yoga programming, and flame-grilled culinary experiences rooted in local sourcing and storytelling. The project highlights experiential travel by offering guests an immersive connection to the Baja environment. The hotel will feature panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, proximity to surf breaks, and integration with the local community through cultural partnerships. Were not just building a hotel. Were building a story that guests will want to share for the rest of their lives, said Nick Reid, co-founder of R!NO. Crowdfunding Launch With the launch of its public crowdfund, Baja Public House Holding Corp is inviting supporters to take part in the project from the ground up. Unlike traditional real estate opportunities, the crowdfund structure provides lifestyle-aligned investors and hospitality enthusiasts the chance to back a crowdfund hospitality project that blends cultural respect with contemporary hospitality standards. During the course of the crowdfunding campaign, investors will be able to unlock various bonus shares and perks, pending on which investment tier someone selects. You dont have to own the whole hotel to be part of something unforgettable, said Jez Spencer, co-founder of R!NO. This crowdfund gives individuals a chance to connect directly with a hospitality concept that represents both community and creativity. Market Growth and Opportunity The decision to launch in Baja California Sur reflects strong momentum in the regions travel market. Tourism to Baja has surged, with international arrivals increasing by more than 140% since 2019. According to hospitality data, boutique hotels in the region regularly command nightly rates between $400 and $600 USD, with peak-season occupancy reaching up to 85%. The area surrounding El Pescadero has become one of Mexicos most magnetic destinations, drawing in international travelers seeking immersive travel in Mexico, including surfers, artists, culinary enthusiasts, and wellness travelers. The Todos Santos hospitality sector has grown rapidly in response to this demand, creating an environment where thoughtfully designed, eco-conscious hotel developments can thrive. Sustainable and Community-Driven Development R!NOs project plan includes collaboration with the local Ejido community to ensure cultural integrity, environmental responsibility, and long-term sustainability. The boutique hotel will integrate elements of community-based development in Baja, ensuring that the project benefits both visitors and residents alike. The property will include 30 guest rooms, a clifftop cantina, and an on-site wellness centre, designed to create a next-generation hospitality experience that blends luxury with authenticity. Vision and Identity From its name to its philosophy, R!NO reflects an identity rooted in bold creativity and collective energy. The Baja you didnt know you were looking foruntil now has become a defining statement for the project, underscoring its commitment to offer something distinct in the world of design-forward hotels in Mexico. The brand positions itself as a space for wanderers, rebels, and seekers of meaningful connections, establishing R!NO not only as a hotel but as a living narrative at the edge of the Baja coastline. The crowdfund campaign officially opened on September 8, 2025. Early supporters who join by September 30, 2025, will unlock a 15% bonus share allocation. After September 30, 2025, supporters will still be able to unlock bonus shares, just at a lower amount, so as to incentivize early adopters. Investment tier-based perks will still be available to supporters who join at any time during the crowdfunding campaign. For more information about the project and how to participate in this hotel investment opportunity in Mexico, visit https://rino-baja.com/. About Baja Public House Holding Corp Baja Public House Holding Corp is a hospitality-focused company developing distinctive travel experiences rooted in cultural authenticity and bold design. The company is currently spearheading the development of R!NO, a boutique hotel project in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Through sustainable practices, community engagement, and forward-thinking hospitality concepts, Baja Public House Holding Corp aims to create immersive destinations that redefine the way travelers connect with place. Media Contact Company Name: Baja Public House Holding Corp Contact Person: Nick Reid, Mr. Email: nick@rino-baja.com Country: United States Website: https://rino-baja.com/ NICOSIA, Cyprus, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iMe, the advanced Telegram client with over 17 million downloads, today announced the launch of AI Chat Update 3.0, a major upgrade that transforms how users communicate, manage tasks, and handle cryptocurrency. With iMe 3.0, Telegram users can plan their day, fact-check news, translate conversations, generate memes, write replies, read messages hands-free, and even send Bitcoin as easily as sending a photo. Messaging apps defined the last decade. AI and Web3 will define the next, said the iMe team. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8bb89ed3-28c0-4ef3-bde5-7c85ec373ccf https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8f3e587-94b2-46a3-a75a-1325d333f5e1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb6ade78-e5f1-4cab-9128-b2bb38febe39 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/065882c1-5652-422a-be1c-0e1029e03da7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7a0b97f-2675-47ce-b598-34d525b7e32c Beijing, China, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In this pivotal year of 2025 - commemorating both the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN - Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), offering China's wisdom and solutions to further strengthen and improve global governance. The Global Times (GT) has launched a series of interviews, "China's vision on global governance," to share international scholars' insights into the spirit, contemporary relevance and global significance of the GGI. In the fifth installment of the series, Essam Sharaf (Sharaf), former prime minister of Egypt and chairman of the Egyptian Sharaf Foundation for Sustainable Development, shared his understanding of "staying committed to the people-centered approach," the underpinning value for global governance and the fourth core concept of the GGI, with GT reporters Qian Jiayin and Liu Xuandi. "The proposal of the GGI marks a major shift in global governance: away from power-centric, market-centric and capital-centric approaches and toward a genuinely people-centered model," he said. GT: "Staying committed to the people-centered approach" is the underpinning value of global governance, as outlined in the Concept Paper on the Global Governance Initiative. What do you believe is the significance of the "people-centered" philosophy promoted by China? In a context where deficits in global governance are increasingly evident, how do you think the China-proposed GGI will affect existing models of the global governance? Sharaf: The GGI shows President Xi's profound understanding that "global" truly means everyone, without exclusion. Its proposal marks a major shift in global governance: away from power-centric, market-centric and capital-centric approaches and toward a genuinely people-centered model. When we talk about "global," it must include everyone. Inclusion is fundamental; it is the core, the heart, of global governance. Expanding the scope of governance to encompass every person requires respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and advancement of a multilateral process in which all can participate in planning actions and sharing the outcomes. This will inevitably drive the transformation of the existing global governance system. As the China-proposed GGI emphasizes, the people of all nations are the fundamental participants and ultimate beneficiaries of global governance: to achieve the inclusion of all people, it is essential to respect sovereignty, uphold international law and practice multilateralism, ensuring that all nations act together and share the results. GT: One of the core values of Chinese Hehe culture is "people-centered." As an ambassador for Hehe culture, how do you understand the connotation of the "people-centered" philosophy within the GGI? What do you believe this principle reveals about China's values? Sharaf: I believe that the essence of a people-centered approach lies in harmony and the acceptance of coexistence. This is also the heart of Hehe culture and of Chinese culture as a whole. It is really about harmony, coexistence and a shared future - characteristics of Chinese civilization. Since the idea of the GGI originates in China, it naturally draws on China's long-standing social practices and historical experiences. China is home to 56 ethnic groups who live and develop peacefully within a unified national framework. That inclusiveness and cohesion are precisely what today's world urgently needs. China's development achievements in recent years are remarkable. The path China has taken and the experience it has gained - especially the governance and development successes led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) - offer valuable lessons that can serve as a reference for global development and practice. GT: The concept paper points out that "the people of all nations are the fundamental actors in global governance, and their well-being is its ultimate benefit." Could this people-centered approach enhance the representation of the Global South, and thereby help promote a more just and equitable global governance system? Sharaf: This is very important. Let me begin by talking about the Global South. The Global South represents over 80 percent of the world's population. Yet it has long suffered from underdevelopment, poverty and minimal inclusion in global decision-making. Historically, the Global South was colonized and exploited by the Global North. As part of humanity, the Global South has long been unable to participate actively in global governance. Therefore, when we have an initiative that truly includes everyone, that is, in fact, a sign of respect for the Global South. The main pillars of the GGI are respect for sovereignty, international law and multilateralism. If these principles are genuinely implemented, they will have a positive impact on the Global South. So, to answer the question: yes. By enhancing the representation of the Global South, it will once again feel that it is an integral part of humanity and the world. GT: "Staying committed to the people-centered approach" focuses on global public health, climate change and other challenges that concern humanity as a whole, aiming to bring a greater sense of safety to people worldwide. How do you interpret this as reflecting China's governance philosophy? Sharaf: All the global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi - the GGI, Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) - are deeply rooted in Chinese cultural characteristics and the values of Chinese civilization. The GGI is designed to address common challenges that affect the long-term well-being of all humanity and encompasses multiple key areas. For example, in poverty reduction, China achieved the poverty eradication targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development nearly a decade ahead of schedule, completely eliminating extreme poverty and successfully promoting shared development among its 56 ethnic groups. In the field of health, China not only set an example in controlling COVID-19 domestically but also provided vaccine assistance to over 100 countries and regions, establishing a model for international cooperation and crisis response. These global initiatives do not come out of nowhere. They are based on China's long-standing practical experiences, firm beliefs and distinctive Chinese characteristics, with clear examples in areas such as healthcare and education. In fact, what China proposes globally is a reflection of the path it has already been implementing at home - especially under the leadership of the CPC, which has played a central role in putting these principles into practice. GT: You have previously referred to building a community with a shared future for humanity as "the call of the era" and analyzed how China's three global initiatives (the GDI, the GSI and the GCI) pave the way for this vision. In your view, how will the GGI and its underpinning value of "staying committed to the people-centered approach" contribute to the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity? Sharaf: Let me talk about the concept of "a shared future." The term "future" refers to the times ahead, and logically, we all hope that this future will be better - a time that belongs to all of us, a better era for humanity. The word "shared" means that no one should be excluded. Therefore, we must build our future together - through cooperation, mutual respect and inclusion rather than exclusion. This is exactly the vision that the GGI advocates: inclusion, respect for international law, respect for sovereignty and adherence to multilateralism. This is the future for which we all bear responsibility, a future that truly belongs to all humanity. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Chicago, IL, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joycoast, the Chicago-based sustainable lifestyle brand recognized for its premium wooden sunglasses , watches, and accessories, has officially opened its first flagship retail store in Lincoln Park. The opening marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been combining fashion and sustainability since its founding in 2017. Joycoast premium wooden sunglasses Entrepreneur Reese OToole started Joycoast from a small studio apartment with a clear mission: to create modern wooden accessories that are stylish, comfortable, eco-friendly, and purpose-driven. Since then, the brand has grown steadily, planting over 160,000 trees through its commitment to plant ten trees with every product sold. Opening our first brick-and-mortar store is a dream come true, said OToole. At the same time, were excited to keep expanding our corporate gifting experiences around the world, giving people a chance to choose products that not only look and feel good but also make a positive impact on the planet. The new Lincoln Park store reflects Joycoasts focus on natural design and sustainability. With white oak shelving, moss walls, and eco-friendly materials, the space creates a clean, modern aesthetic that balances minimal style with organic elements. Customers can browse the complete Joycoast collection, including wooden sunglasses, watches, Apple Watch bands, rings, and wallets. The location also offers exclusive in-store services such as engraving and limited seasonal launches. Joycoast Lincoln Park Store In addition to its retail offerings, Joycoast has become a trusted partner in corporate gifting. The company is known for its unique on-site gifting experiences, where attendees at incentive trips, conferences, and large-scale events can select premium accessories on locationknowing their choice contributes to global reforestation efforts. More than just a store, Joycoasts Lincoln Park flagship serves as a hub for community and sustainability. Each purchase directly supports the companys ambitious goal of planting one million trees worldwide. With both a strong retail presence and a growing international corporate gifting program, Joycoast continues to prove that fashion and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. About Joycoast Founded in 2017 by Reese OToole, Joycoast is a Chicago-based sustainable lifestyle brand dedicated to crafting premium wooden sunglasses, watches, and accessories. The idea for Joycoast began when OToole, fresh out of college and working in a corporate job, sought a stylish and lightweight alternative to traditional metal watches. By embracing woods natural comfort, durability, and unique beauty, Joycoast creates products that stand out for their design and sustainability. Every product purchased plants ten trees, contributing to over 160,000 trees planted worldwide to date. With a mission to plant one million trees, Joycoast blends style, comfort, and purpose in every accessory it creates. Press Release Atos secures major European Commission cybersecurity contract for technical operations services Paris, France & Zaventem, Belgium September 24, 2025 Atos, a global AI-powered technology leader, today announces that it has been awarded a significant contract under Lot 1 (Technical Operations Services) of the European Commission's CLOUD II Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS 2) Mini-Competition 17 (MC17) for Cybersecurity. Valued at a maximum of 326M, this contract marks one of the most important cybersecurity service agreements within Europe. As the first in the cascade mechanism, Atos will prioritize the delivery of essential cybersecurity services to European Union institutions, agencies, and bodies. The CLOUD II DPS II MC17 contract is designed to procure professional services related to cloud and information systems, with a keen focus on operational support, advisory guidance, and capability development in cybersecurity. This initiative is managed by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Digital Services (DG DIGIT). "This award is a strong recognition of Atos trusted partnership with the European Commission and our long-standing track record of delivering secure, resilient digital services across Europe," stated Punit Sehgal, Head of Atos Belux, Netherlands & Nordics. "It underscores institutions confidence in Atos to safeguard their critical operations and to deliver innovation at scale." David Dewulf, Cybersecurity Director at Atos Belux, Netherlands & Nordics, added, "This new contract is a continuation of the cybersecurity services we have been proudly delivering to European Institutions for many years. Being entrusted once again as lead partner in this highly strategic area reflects both the great responsibility we carry and the extended capabilities we have to strengthen Europes cyber resilience at a time of unprecedented challenges." The framework contract, which may extend for up to 48 months, specifically encompasses Technical Operations Services, including: Incident Response and Digital Forensics Threat Intelligence and Monitoring Malware Analysis Offensive Security (Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Red Team) Atos will serve as the lead contractor, in collaboration with Leonardo as a consortium partner. This collaboration will provide the European Commission with a unique blend of Atos recognized leadership in cybersecurity and Leonardos complementary expertise, ensuring the highest standards of resilience and operational excellence. *** About Atos Group Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 70,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 10 billion, operating in 67 countries under two brands Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. Press contact All Colors of Communication: Eef Leroy - eef@allcolorsofcommunication.com Chiara de Liso - chiara@allcolorsofcommunication.com Atos: Cindy De Smedt - cindy.desmedt@atos.net Attachment OCREVUS subcutaneous maintains consistent benefit-risk profile after two years New late-breaking data confirms OCREVUS significantly reduces disability progression in adults with advanced PPMS One-year data reinforce that majority of infants potentially exposed to OCREVUS during pregnancy or breastfeeding exhibit antibody responses Fenebrutinib two-year Phase II data demonstrate near-complete suppression of disease activity at 96 weeks Basel, 24 September 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) presents new data for OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) and the investigational Brutons tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor fenebrutinib at the 41st Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Barcelona, Spain (24-26 September). New data show that treatment with OCREVUS provides significant benefit in preventing disability progression across diverse groups of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), including children with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), women with MS who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and adults with advanced primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). From Roches MS pipeline, Phase II data for fenebrutinib showing near-complete suppression of disease activity at 96 weeks will be presented ahead of upcoming pivotal study readouts. "We have made significant scientific progress in the treatment of MS and improving outcomes for people living with it, including key life moments such as planning for a family, said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roches Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. With over a decade of efficacy and safety evidence, OCREVUS has transformed the course of MS for people with RMS and PPMS, and the new data further reinforce its role in preventing disability progression. We are also encouraged by the potential of fenebrutinib in redefining future treatment. ECTRIMS 2025 marks over a decade of scientific advancement since the first Phase III pivotal data from OCREVUS. The deepened understanding of B cells has led to breakthrough therapies that have revolutionised MS management by focusing on slowing disease progression, said Professor Stephen L. Hauser, Director of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. While significant progress has been made, continued innovation focused on preventing both relapses and progression is essential to empowering people with MS to live life to the fullest. This years breadth of data demonstrates our collective commitment towards achieving these goals. Two-year OCREVUS subcutaneous Phase III data Final data from the Phase III OCARINA II study show that OCREVUS subcutaneous (SC) injection maintains a consistent benefit-risk profile for up to two years, similar to the well-established OCREVUS intravenous infusion (IV), with continued near-complete suppression of relapses, brain lesion activity and disability progression. Phase IIIb OCREVUS results in broad PPMS population The ORATORIO-HAND expanded on the PPMS population studied in the registrational ORATORIO study by including older patients (age up to 65) and patients with advanced disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score up to 8.0), for whom maintaining upper limb function is even more important for preserving quality of life and independence. OCREVUS shows 30% reduction in the risk of time to onset of 12-week composite confirmed disability progression (cCDP) in adults with advanced PPMS compared to placebo after a median 2.75 years of treatment (p=0.0007) in new late-breaking data from the Phase IIIb ORATORIO-HAND study. An even greater reduction of 55% in the risk of time to onset of 12-week cCDP was observed in patients with MRI lesion activity at baseline (p<0.0001). In a large PPMS population that included patients with more advanced disease, OCREVUS was superior to placebo in delaying overall disability progression (EDSS) and worsening of upper limb function (9-hole peg test). The safety profile of OCREVUS was consistent with previous studies, and no new safety signals were reported. OCREVUS is the first and only approved treatment for PPMS, and these data demonstrate that the benefit extends to patients with more advanced disease. Infant outcomes in pregnant and breastfeeding women treated with OCREVUS An analysis of more than 5,000 pregnancies from the ocrelizumab pregnancy registry, the largest dataset of pregnancy outcomes for an anti-CD20 therapy in MS, will reinforce previous data that showed in-utero exposure to OCREVUS does not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes. The majority of infants with potential OCREVUS exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding exhibited meaningful antibody responses to childhood vaccines in one-year data from the Phase IV MINORE and SOPRANINO studies. Protective antibody responses to eight common vaccines given in the first year of life were observed in 86-100% of infants with potential exposure to OCREVUS during their mothers pregnancy in MINORE and in 78-100% of infants with potential exposure to OCREVUS during breastfeeding in SOPRANINO. This means these children can recognise and fight the disease if encountered later, preventing severe illness and long-term harm. Infant B-cell levels also remained within normal range after 13 months in 95% (n=20/21) of infants in MINORE and 100% (n=11/11) of infants in SOPRANINO. Further data on the growth and development of infants with potential OCREVUS exposure during the first year of life will also be presented. OCREVUS in paediatric RRMS Late-breaking data from the Phase III OPERETTA 2 study investigating efficacy and safety of OCREVUS in children 1017 years of age with RRMS will be presented on 26 September at 10:30 CEST. The OPERETTA 2 presentation will be the first time that data from the primary analysis of a pediatric-onset MS trial comparing a high-efficacy DMT (ocrelizumab) versus a globally approved treatment (fingolimod) will be shown. Also, long-term, 96-week results from the Phase II OPERETTA 1 paediatric study will be an oral presentation on 25 September at 15:15 CEST. Fenebrutinib two-year Phase II FENopta OLE results Two-year data from the Phase II FENopta open-label extension (OLE) study will be presented, showing that patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) treated with fenebrutinib maintained near-complete suppression of disease activity at 96 weeks. Patients enrolled in the OLE had a low annualised relapse rate (ARR) of 0.06, and during this time, there was no disability progression, as measured by the EDSS. At two years, MRI scans detected zero new T1 gadolinium-enhancing (T1-Gd+) lesions, which are markers of active inflammation. Neurofilament light chain, a marker of nerve cell damage, was decreased to healthy donor range in the first year and maintained in the second year of fenebrutinb treatment. Three Phase III clinical trials for fenebrutinib are ongoing, including the FENhance I and II studies in RMS and the FENtrepid study in PPMS. Initial data from the FENtrepid study are expected at the end of this year. In total, Roche will present 25 abstracts, including six oral and four late-breaking presentations at ECTRIMS 2025. Follow Roche on X via @Roche and keep up to date with ECTRIMS 2025 news and updates by using the hashtag #ECTRIMS2025. About OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) OCREVUS is a humanised monoclonal antibody designed to target CD20-positive B cells, a specific type of immune cell thought to be a key contributor to myelin (nerve cell insulation and support) and axonal (nerve cell) damage. OCREVUS IV and OCREVUS subcutaneous (SC; marketed as OCREVUS ZUNOVO [ocrelizumab hyaluronidase-ocsq] in the U.S.) are the only therapies approved for both RMS (including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis [RRMS] and active, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis [SPMS], as well as clinically isolated syndrome [CIS] in the U.S.) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Both OCREVUS IV and SC are administered every six months. The initial IV dose is given as two 300 mg infusions two weeks apart with subsequent doses given as single 600 mg infusions. OCREVUS SC is given as a single 920 mg subcutaneous injection every six months. About fenebrutinib Fenebrutinib is an investigational oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant, reversible and non-covalent Brutons tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor with an optimized pharmacokinetics (PK) profile. Fenebrutinib has been shown to be 130 times more selective for BTK vs. other kinases. Fenebrutinib is an inhibitor of both B-cell and microglia activation. This dual inhibition may be able to reduce both multiple sclerosis disease activity and disability progression, thereby potentially addressing the key unmet medical need of disability progression in people living with multiple sclerosis and providing comprehensive MS care. The fenebrutinib Phase III programme includes two identical trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) (FENhance 1 & 2) with active comparator teriflunomide and the only trial in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) (FENtrepid) in which a BTK inhibitor is being evaluated against OCREVUS. About multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects more than 2.9 million people worldwide. People with all forms of multiple sclerosis experience disease progression from the beginning of their disease. Therefore, an important goal of treating multiple sclerosis is to slow, stop and ideally prevent progression as early as possible. Approximately 85% of people with multiple sclerosis have a relapsing form of the disease (RMS) characterised by relapses and also worsening disability over time. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a debilitating form of the disease marked by steadily worsening symptoms but typically without distinct relapses or periods of remission. Approximately 15% of people with multiple sclerosis are diagnosed with the primary progressive form of the disease. Until the FDA approval of OCREVUS, there had been no FDA-approved treatments for PPMS and OCREVUS is still the only approved treatment for PPMS. About Roche in Neuroscience Neuroscience is a major focus of research and development at Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases. Roche is investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Alzheimers disease, Huntingtons disease, Parkinsons disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neuroscience today. About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the worlds largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roches business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com . All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Sileia Urech Phone: +41 79 935 81 48 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Attachment Press Release Nokia and Boldyn Networks power the future of mining at Callio Pyhajarvi with private 5G network Deployment enables safer, smarter, and more sustainable operations, where most workforces can operate from above ground. 24 September 2025 Espoo, Finland Nokia and Boldyn Networks have deployed a private 5G network at the Callio FutureMINE site in Pyhajarvi, Finland, transforming one of Europes deepest mines into a next-generation testbed for mining innovation. Formerly a fully operational copper mine for over 60 years, Callio now provides a real-world mining environment where technology companies can test and validate their equipment. Underground mines pose some of the most extreme challenges for connectivity. Their depth, complex tunnel networks, harsh environmental conditions, and the constant movement of people and machinery make stable communication difficult. The private 5G solution designed by Boldyn to scale and adapt to the most demanding environments and delivered by Nokia Modular Private Wireless (MPW), provides seamless, high-performance connectivity across multiple underground levels and a vast tunnel network stretching several kilometers and reaching depths of up to 1.5 kilometers. With high bandwidth and ultra-low latency, the network supports advanced mining applications, enabling safer, smarter, and more efficient operations. At Callio, were redefining whats possible in mining. With the right technology, operations can be fully managed from the surface, making mining not only smarter, but significantly safer. Our mission is to transform this unique 1.5-kilometer-deep site into a world-class testbed where the next generation of automation and safety solutions can be developed and validated. In mining, connectivity is critical. Our private 5G network delivers real-time data and ultra-low latency, ensuring every person and asset is visible and protected. Downtime is expensive. Manual processes are risky. With private 5G, were solving both, said Henrik Kiviniemi, Managing Director, Callio Pyhajarvi. Next-generation technology is already being tested at the facility, including: Automation and tele-remote vehicles: The network enables the remote operation of autonomous vehicles and machinery from the surface, reducing the need for personnel to work in hazardous underground conditions. This shift improves worker safety and increases productivity by minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment utilization. It also supports the development and testing of next-generation mining technologies in realistic, controlled environments. Voice communications: The private 5G network replaces outdated walkie-talkie systems with reliable, always-on mobile connectivity. Workers can now communicate clearly and instantly across all mine levels, even in the most remote areas and from above ground. This significantly improves safety, coordination, and response times in critical situations. Real-time visualization and positioning: Powered by private 5G networks, software company Cybercube is testing its integrated 3D mapping, real-time positioning, and operational control. It creates a digital twin of the mine, allowing teams to monitor the location of personnel, vehicles, and equipment in real time. This unified view enhances situational awareness, safety, and operational efficiency - especially in environments where GPS is unavailable. Evacuation alerts can be dispatched, while keeping track of users and providing instant routes to safety zones. With our software platform, we can visualize and control everything in real time - from people and vehicles to equipment and sensors. Its a huge leap in safety and operational awareness. Being able to test this in real conditions on a dedicated network has been transformational in the development of our solution, said Aki Ruotsalainen, Director and Partner at Cybercube Oy. World-leading mining technology manufacturer Normet is also testing autonomous vehicles at Callio.The technical challenges of mining are increasing as companies go deeper. The safest and most efficient path forward is removing people from those environments and enabling remote operation. A fully automated future could see 90% of underground workers operating from the surface - but that requires dedicated 5G networks. Open Wi-Fi and shared networks just dont work reliably underground. You get latency issues, performance drops - so having a private network built for these processes is a must, said Normets VP of Equipment Offering & New Technology, Mark Ryan. We have designed and deployed a seamless private 5G network, based on Nokia technology at the Callio site. The network delivers seamless connectivity and full coverage across multiple underground mining levels. Its the backbone of Callios vision for a fully automated test mine, supporting everything from tele-remote vehicles to real-time control of underground machinery. Were enabling mining companies to test and develop next-generation solutions against a reliable network in realistic conditions, without disrupting live operations, said Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics, Boldyn Networks. Mining is one of the toughest environments on earth for connectivity, and private 5G is proving to be a game-changer. Together with Boldyn Networks, we are enabling Callio to demonstrate how secure, reliable, and high-performance networks can transform underground operations making them safer, more sustainable, and more efficient. This deployment underscores Nokias leadership in delivering industrial-grade private wireless networks that power the future of critical industries, said Michael Aspinall, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge sales in Europe at Nokia. About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. About Boldyn Networks Boldyn Networks is one of the worlds largest neutral host providers, delivering the advanced shared network infrastructure needed for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future. It brings together the combined scale and expertise of industry-leading companies with a single purpose: to unlock the power of an interconnected future. From interconnected transit, venues and enterprises, smart cities, next-generation and bespoke private networks, to smart campuses, Boldyn enables new possibilities in the way people live, work and play. Bringing connectivity to the most complex environments. Our portfolio is harnessing fibre, accelerating 5G, and looking beyond to the next breakthroughs. With headquarters in the UK, Our global operations span North America, Europe, and Asia. Boldyn Networks. Reimagine tomorrow. Transform today. Learn more at: www.boldyn.com Multimedia, technical information and related news Video: Case Study Webpage: Modular Private Wireless | Nokia DAC Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Corporate Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube Landmark research on physical security gauged opinions of 2,352 security chiefs at large, global companies with combined revenue exceeding $25 trillion 42% of security chiefs report a significant increase in threats of violence against company executives Three-quarters of security chiefs say their companies have been targeted by a misinformation or disinformation campaign Increasing economic instability is the dominating security-impacting hazard over the next year, 44% of security chiefs say Seven in 10 global institutional investors say top executives contributions represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concern about the safety of business leaders has risen sharply, as nearly half (42%) of security chiefs from large, global companies say the threat of violence toward company executives has increased in the last two years. This escalating risk is underscored by global institutional investors, with 97% deeming it important for companies to invest in security for their executives and seven in 10 saying that the contributions of senior executives represent 30% or more of the value of the companies they invest in. These are key findings from the 2025 World Security Report published today, commissioned by Allied Universal, the worlds leading security and facility services provider, and its international business, G4S. The global report surveyed 2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) or those in equivalent roles, working for medium and large, global companies, in 31 countries, with total annual revenue exceeding $25 trillion. The study also incorporates the perspectives of 200 global institutional investors managing over $1 trillion in assets. Misinformation and disinformation (incorrect or purposely false) is pervasive and can put senior executives at greater risk of harm. Three quarters of CSOs (75%) say their companies were targeted by such a campaign last year. And 42% say mis/disinformation motivates at least half of threat actors targeting their businesses. Activist groups, who often deploy this, increasingly pose a physical security risk to facilities and executives, according to 85% of investors. In a world of increasing polarization, and when mistruths and untruths can be shared instantaneously, companies and their senior leaders face heightened risks. As a CEO, this impacts me personally and professionally. Now more than ever, personal safety is on my mind and the minds of my loved ones. Professionally, Ive seen an increase in our customers concern for the safety of their employees, said Steve Jones, Allied Universal global chairman and CEO. The report also finds the financial impact of security incidents is substantial. A quarter of security chiefs (26%) reported revenue losses following an incident last year, with the average company losing at least $9 million. In total the companies surveyed lost close to $1 trillion in revenue due to physical security incidents. This is consistent with the 2023 findings. Investors say a physical security incident could impact the value of a publicly listed company by up to 32%, up 3% compared to 2023. The ramifications of a security incident can be considerable and go beyond taking a short-term financial hit. Investors say the impact can be much more damaging and long-lasting, particularly when reputation and shareholder value is concerned. Given how high the stakes are, business leaders are increasingly recognizing that robust physical security is a corporate value driver and should be central to their corporate governance and risk management strategy, said Ashley Almanza, executive chairman of G4S, Allied Universals international business. Additional Key Findings: Measures to mitigate the threat of violence to company executives 49% of security chiefs say they have enhanced their security procedures (i.e. enhanced background checks, on site firearms or explosives screening). (i.e. enhanced background checks, on site firearms or explosives screening). 45% say they are carrying out risk assessments for leaders (i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management, Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures). (i.e. pre-event assessments, travel risk management, Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures). 44% are monitoring online threats (i.e. social media, deep web, dark web). (i.e. social media, deep web, dark web). 40% are offering training and preparedness for leaders (i.e. self-defense, situational awareness, de-escalation tactics). (i.e. self-defense, situational awareness, de-escalation tactics). 35% are providing leaders with personal/close security personnel. 34% are providing leaders with personal protective equipment (e.g., body armor, secure vehicles, emergency escape masks). (e.g., body armor, secure vehicles, emergency escape masks). 25% are providing family protection for leaders. Security-impacting hazards 78% say geopolitical tensions will compromise the security of their supply chains. will compromise the security of their supply chains. Economic instability is the dominating hazard over the next year, 44% say, up from 36% in 2024. is the dominating hazard over the next year, 44% say, up from 36% in 2024. 33% say climate change events (e.g. long-term shifts in weather patterns, extreme temperatures), up from 29% in 2024. (e.g. long-term shifts in weather patterns, extreme temperatures), up from 29% in 2024. 30% say disruption to energy supplies , up from 27% in 2024. , up from 27% in 2024. 29% say war or political instability, up from 22% in 2024. External security threats Over the next 12 months, external threats are expected to jump to the same level as internal threats, which were previously more significant. Fraud is expected to increase to 30% next year, up from 22% in 2024. is expected to increase to 30% next year, up from 22% in 2024. Theft of company physical property is anticipated to rise to 28%, from 20% in 2024. is anticipated to rise to 28%, from 20% in 2024. Malicious damage to company property is expected to jump to 27%, from 16% in 2024. Internal security threats The top two internal security threats for the next year are leaking sensitive information (32%) and unauthorized access to company resources or data (28%). (32%) and (28%). The top drivers of intentional insider threats include: Misinformation or external radicalization (39%). Financial stress or personal debt (37%). Financial dissatisfaction (36%). Budgets Physical security budgets will increase in the next 12 months, 66% of security chiefs say. The top security budget priorities for the next 12 months are: Investment in new security technology and infrastructure (47%) Employee security training and upskilling (45%) Priorities 80% of CSOs say company leaders are more concerned with cyber than physical security. 92% of investors say physical security should have a higher strategic priority within businesses. Fraud and leaking sensitive information are the top two internal security threats investors think are most important for companies to prepare for (59% and 45% respectively). and are the top two internal security threats investors think are most important for companies to prepare for (59% and 45% respectively). Fraud is the top external security threat investors believe companies they invest in should prepare for (53%). About the 2025 World Security Report The report is based on anonymous online survey responses of 2,352 chief security officers - or those in equivalent positions - at medium and large, global companies across 31 countries with combined annual revenue of more than $25 trillion. Research was carried out between March 21, 2025 and April 16, 2025. The selected group of 200 global institutional investors managing more than $1 trillion of assets, also took part in an anonymous online survey between April 8 and 14, 2025. To view the report, please visit: https://worldsecurityreport.com/ About Allied Universal The worlds leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the Fortune 500, Allied Universal delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in over 100 countries, Allied Universal is the third-largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is approximately $23 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and helping to safeguard customers, communities and people. For more information, visit www.aus.com . Media Contacts: Kari Garcia Director of Public Relations Allied Universal - North America Phone: 949-826-3560 Email: Kari.Garcia@aus.com Sophie McMillan Head of Media and Content G4S - International Phone: +44(0) 207 963 3333 Email: media@g4s.com Website: https://worldsecurityreport.com/ Online Newsroom: https://ausnewsroom.aus.com/ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2c92c87-30de-4202-8f31-98cc7991a637 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a9eb1fb-9efc-4fbf-9fc7-025c7a76275f A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db635a83-2dfa-4758-84b4-d30ca366aa39 Zurich, Switzerland, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy was recognized as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group, a leading technology research and advisory firm for industry, energy, and infrastructure. The findings are part of ARCs comprehensive market and technology study titled Grid Automation Global Market Study 2024-2029 (June 2025). According to the report, Hitachi Energy is the No. 1 provider of grid automation products and services worldwide. The company was also recognized as the market share leader in key software categories, including Grid Control & Management, Outage Management, and AI Applications. ARCs study also revealed Hitachi Energy leads the market in a number of hardware categories, including Wireless and Wired Networks, Measurement devices, and RTUs. Grid automation is essential to operating and maintaining the modern grid, said Richard Rys, director of consulting at ARC Advisory and lead researcher for grid automation. Our extensive market share analysis of suppliers in this highly competitive space shows Hitachi Energy at the top of the leaderboard. We believe this companys deep-rooted heritage in energy, extensive domain expertise, the breadth and depth of their integrated solutions, and strong focus on digitalization and AI/ML capabilities will continue to drive their leadership in the industry. The report points to substantial growth in grid automation software, hardware and services due to a changing mix of generation, new grid-storage assets, and new market structures such as virtual power plants and support for demand response. In particular, the report states growth is strongest in regions building new electric grids or making major system upgrades or repairs due to weather events or wars that target and damage electric distribution systems. The grid automation market is at an inflection point, with rapid global electrification and the urgency of the energy transition placing unprecedented demands on the grid. The future of the power grid depends on accelerating digital innovation and new capabilities, said Massimo Danieli, Managing Director, Business Unit Grid Automation at Hitachi Energy. As the market leader, were proud to work closely with our customers and the industry to deliver the advanced solutions that modernize grid infrastructure, enhance resilience, and speed the transition to cleaner energy systems. Hitachi Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of grid automation solutions designed to modernize and optimize the electricity grid. The company helps electric utilities worldwide transform the traditional power grid into a more reliable, efficient, and resilient system, capable of handling the challenges of the evolving energy landscape. The companys grid automation solutions enable customers to navigate todays energy challenges with a unified, data-driven approach. From planning and building to real-time monitoring, control and protection, as well as maintenance and trading operations, Hitachi Energys technologies enable safer, more reliable, and sustainable grid performance connecting customers to whats next across the energy lifecycle. Published annually since 2021, ARCs Grid Automation Global Market Study combines current market analysis with a five-year market and technology forecast, as well as detailed market share analysis of the worlds leading suppliers. The study focuses on electric utilities in the transmission and distribution sector providing power to commercial, industrial, and residential customers. It examines the key hardware, software, and services used to automate the grid from the central control centers of the grid operators down to the edge of the distribution network. Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group is a leading technology research and advisory firm for industrial, energy, and infrastructure markets. Visit www.arcweb.com. About Hitachi Energy Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. Media Contact media.relations@hitachienergy.com Attachment MUMBAI, India, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Datamatics, a strategic partner to global publishers and eCommerce retailers, is pleased to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious IndoAmerican Corporate Excellence (IACE) Award 2025 in the category Excellence in Service (Indian Company in US). The recognition was presented by the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce (IACC) at the 21st edition of the awards, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The distinguished award honors Indian companies that have delivered best-in-class services while significantly contributing to the strengthening of IndoUS business relations. The award winners this year featured prominent industry leaders such as HCLTech, Tech Mahindra and Hindalco & Co. Lumina Datamatics was unanimously selected by an eminent jury comprising Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Event Chair and Chairman, Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates; Ms. Kaku Nakhate, President and India Country Head, Bank of America; Mr. Dinesh Kumar Khara, Former Chairman, State Bank of India; Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao, Past National President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and Jury Mentor; and Mr. A. Sekhar, National President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes Lumina Datamatics for its unwavering commitment to client success, operational excellence, and its ability to deliver impact across global markets. The ceremony witnessed over 250 industry leaders coming together to celebrate excellence in IndoUS trade relations. The event featured Chief Guest Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Guest of Honor Mr. Joe Yang, Principal Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, highlighting the significance of strengthening bilateral business partnerships. Acknowledging the achievement, Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman & CEO, TNQTech, said: We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from IACC. This award is a testament to the relentless efforts of our teams across geographies, who embody our vision of delivering excellence, fostering innovation, and building stronger global partnerships. Together, we are proud to contribute to the growth of IndoUS business collaborations. The award marks a significant milestone in Lumina Datamatics journey and is a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of its people. As the company continues to grow as a trusted global service partner, this recognition further reinforces its commitment to delivering value-driven solutions for its clients worldwide. About Indo-American Corporate Excellence Awards: Instituted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in 2004, the IACE awards recognize and honour Indian companies in the U.S. and U.S. companies in India for outstanding contributions to trade, business, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The awards celebrate excellence across categories such as Manufacturing, Services, Sustainability & Climate Action, MSME Exports, and Leadership, highlighting organizations and individuals that strengthen Indo-U.S. economic ties. Open to companies with at least two years of cross-border operations, the nominations are evaluated by an eminent jury, with winners selected for their sustained performance, innovation, and impact. The 21st edition of the IACE Awards was held on September 19, 2025, in Mumbai, continuing its legacy as a premier platform to showcase corporate excellence in Indo-U.S. relations. About Lumina Datamatics: Lumina Datamatics is a trusted partner in providing digital Content Services, Retail Support Services, and Technology Solutions to companies in the Publishing and Retail Industries worldwide. We are among the largest service providers in the Content space, and our customers include nine of the ten largest Publishers and three of the five largest Retailers and Marketplaces. Lumina Datamatics expert solutions combine its various in-house and client-facing platforms, partnerships with global technology leaders, and more than 7,000 professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Philippines, and India. Dublin, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Nuclear Fusion Energy Market 2026-2046" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Nuclear fusion energy stands at the precipice of commercial viability after decades of scientific pursuit. Unlike conventional nuclear fission, fusion promises abundant clean energy with minimal radioactive waste and no risk of meltdown, potentially revolutionizing global energy markets. The fusion industry has experienced unprecedented growth since 2021, with private and public investment hitting $10 billion by September 2025. This surge represents a dramatic shift from the historically government-dominated research landscape. Several approaches are competing for market dominance. Magnetic confinement fusion (tokamaks and stellarators) remains the most mature technology, with companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems, TAE Technologies, and Tokamak Energy making significant advances. Inertial confinement fusion has gained momentum following NIF's breakthrough, while alternative approaches like magnetized target fusion (pursued by General Fusion) and Z-pinch technology (Zap Energy) have attracted substantial investment. The fusion market currently consists primarily of pre-revenue technology developers, specialized component suppliers, and strategic investors. Major energy corporations including Chevron, Eni, and Shell have made strategic investments, signaling growing confidence in fusion's commercial potential. Government funding also remains crucial,. Near-term projections suggest the first commercial fusion power plants could begin operation between 2030-2035. Commonwealth Fusion Systems and UK-based First Light Fusion have both announced timelines targeting commercial plants by 2031-2032, though challenges remain in materials science, plasma stability, and engineering integration. The fusion energy sector could reach $40-80 billion by 2036 and potentially exceed $350 billion by 2050 if technological milestones are achieved. Initial deployment will likely focus on grid-scale baseload power generation, with hydrogen production and industrial heat applications following as the technology matures. The fusion energy sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum, driven primarily by Big Tech's massive power demands for AI and data centres. The U.S. leads global fusion development with 29 companies pursuing various approaches to achieve commercial viability. Commonwealth Fusion Systems raised $863 million in Series B2 funding, with Nvidia joining as a first-time investor alongside Google, Khosla Ventures, and Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Helion Energy secured $425 million with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman leading the round, while TAE Technologies closed $150 million with investments from Chevron and Google. Helion began construction of the Orion plant in Washington state, scheduled to deliver 50 MW to Microsoft data centers by 2028 under the world's first fusion power purchase agreement. Commonwealth Fusion Systems' SPARC demonstration facility in Massachusetts is 60% complete, with their commercial ARC facility planned for Virginia in the early 2030s under a 200 MW Google power purchase agreement. In September 2025, the Department of Energy expanded its Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program with $134 million in new funding. The program previously committed $46 million to eight startups that collectively raised $350 million in private funding. Recipients include Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Focused Energy, Thea Energy, Realta Fusion, Tokamak Energy, Type One Energy Group, Xcimer Energy, and Zap Energy. Big Tech companies are driving investment through power purchase agreements and direct investments. Google's partnerships with Commonwealth Fusion Systems and TAE Technologies include not just funding but access to AI capabilities and algorithms. Microsoft's agreement with Helion and partnerships with Nucor for a 500 MW plant demonstrate growing commercial confidence. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission beginning to develop specific guidelines for fusion facilities distinct from fission regulations. Significant challenges remain, including technical hurdles in plasma confinement, tritium fuel cycle management, and first-wall materials capable of withstanding neutron bombardment. Economic viability also remains uncertain, with cost-competitiveness dependent on reducing capital expenses and achieving high capacity factors. The nuclear fusion energy market represents one of the most promising frontier technology sectors, with potential to fundamentally reshape global energy systems. While technical and economic challenges persist, unprecedented private capital, technological breakthroughs, and climate urgency are accelerating development timelines. The industry is transitioning from pure research to commercialization phases, suggesting fusion may finally fulfill its long-promised potential within the coming decade. The Global Nuclear Fusion Energy Market 2026-2046 provides the definitive analysis of the emerging nuclear fusion energy market, covering the pivotal 20-year period when fusion transitions from laboratory experiments to commercial reality. Report contents include: Commercial Fusion Technology Assessment : Detailed comparison of tokamak, stellarator, spherical tokamak, field-reversed configuration (FRC), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetized target fusion (MTF), Z-pinch, and pulsed power approaches with SWOT analysis and technological maturity evaluation : Detailed comparison of tokamak, stellarator, spherical tokamak, field-reversed configuration (FRC), inertial confinement fusion (ICF), magnetized target fusion (MTF), Z-pinch, and pulsed power approaches with SWOT analysis and technological maturity evaluation Fusion Fuel Cycle Economic Analysis: Quantitative assessment of tritium supply constraints, breeding requirements, and economic implications of D-T, D-D, and aneutronic fuel cycles with strategic recommendations for mitigating supply bottlenecks Quantitative assessment of tritium supply constraints, breeding requirements, and economic implications of D-T, D-D, and aneutronic fuel cycles with strategic recommendations for mitigating supply bottlenecks Critical Materials Supply Chain Vulnerability: Strategic analysis of high-temperature superconductor manufacturing capacity, lithium-6 isotope enrichment capabilities, plasma-facing material production, and specialized component bottlenecks with geopolitical risk assessment Strategic analysis of high-temperature superconductor manufacturing capacity, lithium-6 isotope enrichment capabilities, plasma-facing material production, and specialized component bottlenecks with geopolitical risk assessment AI and Digital Twin Implementation: Evaluation of machine learning applications in plasma control, predictive maintenance, reactor optimization, and fusion simulation with case studies of successful AI implementations accelerating fusion development Evaluation of machine learning applications in plasma control, predictive maintenance, reactor optimization, and fusion simulation with case studies of successful AI implementations accelerating fusion development Comparative LCOE Projections : Evidence-based levelized cost of electricity projections for fusion compared to advanced fission, renewables with storage, and hydrogen technologies across multiple timeframes and deployment scenarios : Evidence-based levelized cost of electricity projections for fusion compared to advanced fission, renewables with storage, and hydrogen technologies across multiple timeframes and deployment scenarios Investment and Funding Analysis : Detailed breakdown of $9.8B+ in fusion investments by technology approach, geographic region, company stage, and investor type with proprietary data on valuation trends and funding efficiency metrics : Detailed breakdown of $9.8B+ in fusion investments by technology approach, geographic region, company stage, and investor type with proprietary data on valuation trends and funding efficiency metrics Fusion Plant Integration Models : Technical assessment of grid integration approaches, operational flexibility capabilities, cogeneration potential for process heat/hydrogen, and comparative analysis of modular versus utility-scale deployment strategies : Technical assessment of grid integration approaches, operational flexibility capabilities, cogeneration potential for process heat/hydrogen, and comparative analysis of modular versus utility-scale deployment strategies Regulatory Framework Evolution : Analysis of emerging fusion-specific regulations across major jurisdictions with timeline projections for licensing pathways and recommendations for regulatory engagement strategies : Analysis of emerging fusion-specific regulations across major jurisdictions with timeline projections for licensing pathways and recommendations for regulatory engagement strategies Market Adoption Projections : Quantitative market penetration modelling by geography, sector, and application with comprehensive analysis of rate-limiting factors including supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles, and competing technology evolution : Quantitative market penetration modelling by geography, sector, and application with comprehensive analysis of rate-limiting factors including supply chain constraints, regulatory hurdles, and competing technology evolution Profiles of 46 companies in the nuclear fusion energy market. Companies profiled include: Acceleron Fusion Anubal Fusion Astral Systems Avalanche Energy Blue Laser Fusion Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) Electric Fusion Systems Energy Singularity First Light Fusion Focused Energy Fuse Energy General Fusion HB11 Energy, Helical Fusion Helion Energy Hylenr Kyoto Fusioneering Marvel Fusion Metatron NearStar Fusion Neo Fusion Novatron Fusion Group and more.... Key Topics Covered: 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 What is Nuclear Fusion? 1.2 Future Outlook 1.3 Recent Market Activity 1.4 Competition with Other Power Sources 1.5 Investment Funding 1.6 Materials and Components 1.7 Commercial Landscape 1.8 Applications and Implementation Roadmap 1.9 Fuels 2 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Fusion Energy Market 2.2 Technical Foundations 2.3 Regulatory Framework 3 NUCLEAR FUSION ENERGY MARKET 3.1 Market Outlook 3.2 Technology Categorization by Confinement Mechanism 3.3 Fuel Cycle Analysis 3.4 Ecosystem Beyond Power Plant OEMs 3.5 Development Timelines 4 KEY TECHNOLOGIES 4.1 Magnetic Confinement Fusion 4.2 Inertial Confinement Fusion 4.3 Alternative Approaches 5 MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS 5.1 Critical Materials for Fusion 5.2 Component Manufacturing Ecosystem 5.3 Strategic Supply Chain Considerations 6 BUSINESS MODELS FOR NUCLEAR FUSION ENERGY 6.1 Commercial Fusion Business Models 6.2 Investment Landscape 7 FUTURE OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITES 7.1 Technology Convergence and Breakthrough Potential 7.2 Market Evolution 7.3 Strategic Positioning for Market Participants 7.4 Pathways to Commercial Fusion Energy 8 COMPANY PROFILES (46 company profiles) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gvxejj About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Quantum Company Directory 2025" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Quantum Company Directory 2025 covers over 295 companies in the Quantum Technology ecosystem, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape for investors, start-ups, corporations, policy makers, and governments. The directory features detailed data on each quantum tech company, including basic company information, technological specifications, funding data and investment raised and full contact details, providing a map of the Quantum Technology landscape. Market areas cover companies in: Quantum Computing Quantum Hardware & Software Quantum Sensing Quantum Communication & Security Companies profiled include Commutator Studios Classiq CubIQ B.V. Delft Networks Diraq eleQtron GmbH Groove Quantum HQS Quantum Simulations GmbH IonQ Maybell Quantum Nu Quantum Phasecraft PsiQuantum Qedma Quantinuum QuantWare QuEra Qunnova Quobly Rigetti SemiQon Technologies OY Silent Waves ThinkQuantum SRL and many more.. Key Topics Covered: Company profiles including products/technology, investment & funding and contact details Quantum Companies, Indexed by Country Quantum Companies, Indexed by Technology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/k2m6bx About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pharmaceutical Contract Research Services Market Services Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Scale of Operation, Target Therapeutic Area, and Key Geographies" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global pharma contract research organization (CRO) services market valued at USD 25 billion is anticipated to grow at a lucrative CAGR of 10% during the forecast period. The overall drug development process starts from identifying a promising pharmacological candidate to bringing a clinically approved product to market. This entire process spans around 10 to 15 years. Additionally, both clinical research and drug discovery demand substantial financial resources, with average investments ranging from USD 4 to 10 billion. Therefore, owing to the prohibitive capital investments and complex infrastructure requirements for drug discovery and development, the innovators are increasingly relying on the pharmaceutical contract research service providers. The rising trend of outsourcing in the pharmaceuticals market can be attributed to the variety of services offered by CROs, and their ability to optimize the clinical research timeline. Moreover, CROs provide several benefits including customized services, reduced costs and access to advanced technologies that have prompted a number of pharmaceutical companies to outsource their research operations. Further, as the demand for novel therapeutics continues to evolve, CROs are expected to navigate through the emerging trends, such as customized services and personalized medicine. Pharma Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Market: Key Insights The report delves into the current state of the global pharma contract research organization (CRO) services market and identifies potential growth opportunities within industry. Some key findings from the report include: Presently, several industry players claim to have the necessary capabilities to provide a wide range of contract research services and clinical trial support for a variety of pharmaceutical interventions. The market is fragmented, featuring the presence of both established players and small firms that offer contract research services, encompassing multiple therapeutic areas and at different scales of operation. More than 40% of players were established post 2010; examples of such companies include Assay.Works, Celerion, Concept Life Sciences, Molecular Forecaster and ProRelix Research. Majority of the stakeholders offer services for research and development of small molecule pharmacological interventions for the treatment of various oncological, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Amongst the various clinical research services, companies primarily offer support for clinical trial management, medical writing, pharmacovigilance studies, biostatistics and data management services. To cater to the evolving clinical research-related needs of clients / sponsors, stakeholders have established their presence in both developed and developing regions of the world. In pursuit of gaining a competitive edge, service providers are actively upgrading their existing capabilities and adding new competencies in order to augment their respective portfolios and comply to existing benchmarks. The rising interest of stakeholders in this domain is also reflected in the increase in partnerships; since 2018, industry players have entered into multiple strategic agreements with CROs. The partnership activity has increased at a CAGR of 15% during the given time period; majority of the instances were related to acquisition of companies. In the past, both established players and new entrants have forged multiple strategic partnerships for oncological and neurological disorders. Established players in North America and Europe are actively consolidating their presence in the market through strategic acquisitions; portfolio and geographical expansion are amongst the key value drivers. The current biopharmaceutical CRO market landscape is a growing opportunity area, well served via well-established players and specialty service providers. More than two-thirds of the contract research service providers are based in North America and Europe; most of these players are small and mid-sized companies. Close to 20% of the CROs provide research services for biologics at the clinical and preclinical scales; examples include Alliance Pharma, and Covance. About 50% of the overall players offer only clinical services; of these, 12% CROs provide all the services associated with clinical research of biologics. A proprietary total cost of ownership model suggests an informed estimate of direct and indirect expenses while setting up a contract research facility in different regions over a span of 20 years. The pharmaceutical CROs market is projected to grow at an annualized rate of 10% and the opportunity is expected to be well distributed across different scales of operation, therapeutic areas and key geographies. Key Players in the Pharma Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Market, Profiled in the Report Include: Albany Molecular Research (AMRI) BioDuro BOC Sciences Catalent Pharma Charles River Laboratories ChemDiv Covance Medpace QPS Concept Life Sciences Evotec ChemPartner Pharmaron Syngene Torrent Pharma WuXi AppTec Pharma Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Market: Research Coverage Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: The report features an in-depth analysis of the pharma contract research organization (CRO) services market, focusing on key market segments, including scale of operation, target therapeutic area and key geographies. The report features an in-depth analysis of the pharma contract research organization (CRO) services market, focusing on key market segments, including scale of operation, target therapeutic area and key geographies. Market Landscape: A comprehensive evaluation of the companies offering pharmaceutical contract research services, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, scale of operation, location of headquarters, type(s) of services offered, hit identification strategy used, type of business model and target therapeutic area. A comprehensive evaluation of the companies offering pharmaceutical contract research services, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, scale of operation, location of headquarters, type(s) of services offered, hit identification strategy used, type of business model and target therapeutic area. Company Profiles: In-depth profiles of the pharma CRO companies offering pharmaceutical related services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information (if available), service portfolio and recent developments and an informed future outlook. In-depth profiles of the pharma CRO companies offering pharmaceutical related services, focusing on overview of the company, financial information (if available), service portfolio and recent developments and an informed future outlook. Company Competitiveness Analysis: A comprehensive competitive analysis of pharma CRO companies, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength. A comprehensive competitive analysis of pharma CRO companies, examining factors, such as supplier strength and service strength. Partnerships and Collaborations: An insightful analysis of the deals inked by stakeholders in the pharma CRO market, based on several parameters, such as year of agreement, type of agreement, scale of operation and target therapeutic area. An insightful analysis of the deals inked by stakeholders in the pharma CRO market, based on several parameters, such as year of agreement, type of agreement, scale of operation and target therapeutic area. Mergers and Acquisitions: An in-depth analysis of the mergers and acquisitions undertaken in this domain, based on relevant parameters, such as year of acquisition, type of collaboration and geographical location of the companies. An in-depth analysis of the mergers and acquisitions undertaken in this domain, based on relevant parameters, such as year of acquisition, type of collaboration and geographical location of the companies. Total Cost of Ownership in Pharmaceutical Contract Research Organization: An insightful analysis of the total cost of ownership for a pharmaceutical CRO. It features an informed estimate of direct and indirect costs taking into consideration close to 100 relevant parameters over a span of 20 years. An insightful analysis of the total cost of ownership for a pharmaceutical CRO. It features an informed estimate of direct and indirect costs taking into consideration close to 100 relevant parameters over a span of 20 years. Case Study: A detailed discussion on current market landscape of biopharmaceutical CROs, including information on the year of establishment, company size, scale of operation and type of services offered. Key Questions Answered in this Report How many companies are currently engaged in this market? Which are the leading companies in this market? What factors are likely to influence the evolution of this market? What is the current and future market size? What is the CAGR of this market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? Reasons to Buy this Report The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants. Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies. The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects. Additional Benefits Complimentary PPT Insights Packs Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report 15% Free Content Customization Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3. INTRODUCTION 3.1. Chapter Overview 3.2. Overview of Drug Development 3.3. Drug Discovery Process 3.4. Challenges Associated with Small Molecule Discovery 3.5. Need for Outsourcing Drug Discovery Operations 3.6. Guidelines for Selecting a Contract Research Service Provider 3.7. Concluding Remarks 4. PHARMACEUTICAL CONTRACT RESEARCH SERVICE PROVIDERS: MARKET LANDSCAPE 4.1. Chapter Overview 4.2. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers: List of Industry Players 5. COMPANY PROFILES 5.1. Chapter Overview 5.2. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers in North America 5.2.1. Albany Molecular Research (AMRI) 5.2.2. BioDuro 5.2.3. BOC Sciences 5.2.4. Catalent Pharma 5.2.5. Charles River Laboratories 5.2.6. ChemDiv 5.2.7. Covance 5.2.8. Medpace 5.2.9. QPS 5.3. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers in Europe 5.3.1. Concept Life Sciences 5.3.2. Evotec 5.4. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers in Asia-Pacific 5.4.1. ChemPartner 5.4.2. Pharmaron 5.4.3. Syngene 5.4.4. Torrent Pharma 5.4.5. WuXi AppTec 6. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 6.1. Chapter Overview 6.2. Methodology 6.3. Key Parameters 6.4. Company Competitiveness Analysis: Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers 7. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS 7.1. Chapter Overview 7.2. Partnership Models 7.3. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers: List of Partnerships and Collaborations 8. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS 8.1. Chapter Overview 8.2. Merger and Acquisition Models 8.3. Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers: Mergers and Acquisitions 8.4. Analysis by Key Value Drivers 8.5. Valuation Analysis: Acquisition Deal Multiples 9. MARKET FORECAST AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS 9.1. Chapter Overview 9.2. Forecast Methodology and Key Assumptions 9.3. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers Market, Till 2035 9.4. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers Market: Distribution by Scale of Operation 9.5. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers Market: Distribution by Target 9.6. Global Pharmaceutical Contract Research Service Providers Market: Distribution by Region 10. TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IN PHARMACEUTICAL CONTRACT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION 10.1. Chapter Overview 10.2. Key Assumptions and Methodology 10.3. Output 11. CASE STUDY: BIOPHARMACEUTICAL CONTRACT RESEARCH SERVICES MARKET 11.1. Chapter Overview 11.2. Biopharmaceutical CROs: Overall Market Landscape 11.3. Preclinical Biopharmaceutical CROs 11.4. Clinical Biopharmaceutical CROs 12. EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/j1g7q7 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachments NANJING, China, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 25, a thematic exhibition titled "World Memory Peaceful Vision" initiated by the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, will open in Athens, Greece, marking the first historical dialogue between these ancient cities. As China's first city recognized as an "International City of Peace," Nanjing has consistently promoted the values of peace and facilitated international dialogue through concrete actions. Since the "Documents of the Nanjing Massacre" were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register ten years ago, the city has continually explored innovative ways to integrate historical truth with peace education. In 2019, to commemorate Bernhard Arp Sindberg's heroic protection of tens of thousands of refugees during the Nanjing Massacre, Nanjing traveled to Denmark to hold a statue unveiling ceremony and a thematic exhibition. By infusing traditional Eastern craftsmanship into city gifts and adopting a spirit of co-creation, Nanjing and Denmark strengthened their bond of peacean initiative highly praised by the Queen of Denmark, reflecting the warmth of Nanjing's contribution to international dialogue. In collaboration with UNESCO, Nanjing has advanced peace dissemination through youth engagement. The Nanjing Peace Forum, held three times consecutively, brought together experts, scholars, and young people from over 40 countries and regions to discuss pathways to sustainable peace. The global "Design for Peace" initiative gathered more than 160 students, including Harvard University and Politecnico di Milano, for the "Hongshan International Practice Camp." Through cross-disciplinary storytelling, they promoted the harmony between humans and nature. This project was recognized as a practical model in the "New Nature Economy Pilot Zone" at the Davos Forum. The Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders employs multi-platform and multi-format content strategies to help historical memory transcend national boundaries. Each year on the National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims, events such as the Candlelight Vigil and International Peace Assembly resonate at home and abroad. To date, the hall has collected over 106,000 historical items, with a growing number of donations from international friends and overseas Chinese, including Historical evidence such as The Diaries of John Rabe and John Magee films, providing invaluable resources for historical research and peace education. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The photo exhibition "Remembering History, Shaping the Future," opened in Belarus, displayed 70 precious historical and contemporary images highlighting the Chinese nation's contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War, enhancing global awareness of the historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre. On its overseas social media "Nanjing Memorial," the Memorial Hall features series such as "This Day in WWII" and "Peace Ambassadors", using video posters, quizzes, interactive formats to convey historical and peace-related messages to the international community. Additionally, apart from the "Multilingual Digital Platform for the Dissemination of Historical Materials on the Nanjing Massacre" initiated and built by the Memorial Hall, Nanjing formed the Zijin Grass International Volunteer Service Team for Peace. Active participation in international academic exchanges on peace, along with the publication of works such as Journey of Peace and the International Cities of Peace Series, has continuously strengthened China's voice in the global discourse on peace. From historical trauma to a vision of peace, Nanjing has taken practical steps to safeguard humanity's shared historical memory, turning it into a force that fosters dialogue, promotes reconciliation, and inspires future generations. Source: Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders Portland, Oregon USA, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medical Teams International President & CEO, Eric Ha, is calling for an expanded response to the critical mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of children in Sudan. He is attending the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting in New York City this week. Medical Teams has submitted a Commitment to Action proposal to CGI that would expand our work treating children and caregivers in Sudan suffering psychological distress due to the ongoing war. Background The protracted humanitarian crisis in Sudan, driven by the civil war that erupted in April 2023, has created the largest displacement crisis in the world. More than 12 million Sudanese people have been forcibly displaced 8.6 million people within the country and 3.8 million people who have fled to other countries. Conflict has devastated infrastructure, leaving 70-80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas inaccessible or nonfunctional. About half of the population (25.6 million people) are experiencing acute hunger, which is more than the entire population of Florida facing starvation. Medical Teams began working in Sudan in 2021 and now serves approximately 1.2 million people across White Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum and Al Jazirah States. As the lead health and nutrition partner in 12 refugee camps (60% of all camps in Sudan), Medical Teams delivers integrated primary health care, maternal and child health, nutrition programming, and outbreak response, including cholera prevention and treatment. Medical Teams Commitment to Action MHPSS needs in Sudan, especially for children, are urgent and vastly underfunded. A 2024 Medical Teams assessment in White Nile State identified severe gaps in community and family psychosocial support systems, non-functional schools, limited integration of mental health into primary care, and a shortage of trained mental health professionals. Children affected by armed conflict and displacement face poverty, lack of education, family separation, and exposure to violence, all of which drive psychological distress such as fear, sadness, guilt, and anger. Medical Teams plans to deliver an integrated MHPSS response in Sudan that addresses urgent needs while building sustainable community systems for recovery. We will strengthen mental health resilience and psychosocial well-being among 27,980 conflict-affected children and caregivers in Sudans White Nile refugee camps over a 12-month period. Building on more than 45 years of global emergency health experience, we will integrate targeted MHPSS services into existing primary health care and community health programming to ensure holistic, accessible, and sustainable care. Remarks from Eric Ha, Medical Teams President & CEO At Medical Teams International, driven by our faith, we believe that we have a deep responsibility to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and love those who are suffering both in our own communities and on the farthest, forgotten edges of the margins like in Sudan, said Eric Ha, Medical Teams President & CEO. Our courageous staff are committed to restoring Sudans health system, saving lives, and reawakening hope for the future. Our Commitment to Action in White Nile State will provide critically needed care for children and families as they work to heal and rebuild their communities. About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2005, the Clinton Global Initiative is a community of doers representing a broad cross section of society and dedicated to the idea that we can accomplish more together than we can apart. Through CGIs unique model, more than 10,000 organizations have launched more than 4,000 Commitments to Action new, specific, and measurable projects and programs that are making a difference in the lives of more than 500 million people in 180 countries. About Medical Teams International Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and survivors of conflict zones and natural disasters. Daring to love like Jesus, we care for the whole person and serve all people. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams. Attachments London , Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September 24, 2025 Smart Spaces has been crowned Property Tech Company of the Year at the prestigious UK Business Tech Awards 2025. The recognition cements Smart Spaces position as a global pioneer of smart building software in commercial real estate. The UK Business Tech Awards celebrate companies that use technology in innovative and impactful ways to transform industries and society. Winning the Property Tech category places Smart Spaces at the forefront of the PropTech sector - an achievement that reflects years of exceptional product development and new business development. Bridging the physical and digital in real estate Smart Spaces smart building operating system (OS) transforms commercial real estate by connecting thousands of systems into one seamless, intuitive user experience. From access control, lifts, HVAC to lighting, IoT sensors and workplace apps, Smart Spaces OS offers a unified, real-time platform that empowers landlords, occupiers and end-users alike. The system is now deployed across over 105 million square feet of prime office space in 30 countries, powering flagship projects such as 22 Bishopsgate, Paddington Square and International Place, Boston. A judges comment about the entry explains, Smart Spaces stands out for creating a genuinely innovative OS and app. Their consistent profitability demonstrates exceptional business acumen, while the impressive client roster provides compelling validation of their leadership position in smart building technology. A journey of independent growth Unlike many high-growth technology companies, Smart Spaces has been entirely self-funded and remains privately owned. Founded by brothers Dan and Tom Drogman, the company has consistently reinvested profits to build a scalable platform and expand its global footprint. Since 2010, the Smart Spaces team has grown to 70 employees while the business remains lean and agile - thanks to a cloud-based architecture designed for scale. Winning the Property Tech Company of the Year award is a huge moment for us, says Dan Drogman, Smart Spaces CEO. Weve spent years building not just a product but a platform that makes buildings human-centric, sustainable and engaging. This recognition reflects the hard work of every employee, our close collaboration with clients and our belief that technology should make real estate both smarter and more personal. Delivering smart building excellence Smart Spaces has become synonymous with creating a comprehensive smart building OS which includes: Apple and Google Wallet mobile building access Touchless visitor management using QR codes. using QR codes. Integration of lift control with its smart building OS for a seamless tenant experience. for a seamless tenant experience. In-app control of HVAC, temperature and lighting , enabling users to personalise their workspaces , enabling users to personalise their workspaces Energy benchmarking and gamification, encouraging occupiers to lower energy use. From smart buildings to speaking buildings Smart Spaces recently launched Space Agent its agentic AI-powered digital workplace concierge. Embedded into the Smart Spaces OS, Space Agent - introduced through its friendly persona, Max - acts as a virtual building manager: booking desks, adjusting climate control, analysing energy usage and even recommending social activities. This breakthrough demonstrates how AI is turning buildings into responsive environments that adapt in real-time. About Smart Spaces Smart Spaces is a multi-accredited and award-winning developer of smart building software for global commercial real estate. Its smart building OS simplifies day-to-day operational management of buildings to boost energy efficiency and save cost, with its intuitive smartphone-based app enabling secure entry, desk and meeting room booking, parking or access to a host of other services. The business operates worldwide with over 105 million sq.ft of global office space across 30 countries now managed through its software platform. Customers include market leaders such as AXA, CBRE, The Crown Estate, Hines, Jones Lang LaSalle, Grosvenor and Landsec, with Smart Spaces software used in some of the worlds most prestigious commercial developments like 22 Bishopsgate, Paddington Square and International Place, Boston. Founded in 2010, Smart Spaces is privately owned and headquartered in London. www.smartspaces.app Attachment NANJING, China, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 12th Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue was recently held in Taicang. Representatives from political and business circles of China and Germany gathered to discuss the achievements of over three decades of exchanges and cooperation between Suzhou and Germany, jointly envisioning a blueprint for future development. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. From the establishment of the first German company in 1993 to 731 German-funded enterprises now operating locally, Suzhou, renowned as an "earthly paradise" and a manufacturing powerhouse, has journeyed through over 30 years of collaborative partnership with Germany. Impressive statistics highlight the robust momentum of Suzhou-Germany economic and trade ties: bilateral trade reached $13.774 billion last year and surpassed $8.164 billion in the first seven months of this year. In Taicang, Suzhou's strategic "bridgehead" for cooperation with Germany, more than 560 German companies have settled, accounting for 10% of all German manufacturing enterprises in China. According to Mr. Christian Sommer, CEO of the German Centre Shanghai, the fact that "Taicang enjoys a positive reputation in Germany, leading many entrepreneurs to trust and select it" is a pivotal factor in Suzhou's cooperation with Germany. Suzhou has become a preferred destination for German investment in China. By July this year, Suzhou had cumulatively utilized $3.622 billion in actual German investment. Prominent German companies such as Bosch, Siemens, and Voith have established global R&D and production bases here, with some generating annual revenues exceeding tens of billions of RMB, transforming their Suzhou plants into core hubs serving the Asia-Pacific region. The wave of two-way investment is equally dynamic. In recent years, Suzhou enterprises have proactively "gone global" to explore opportunities, setting up 133 investment projects in Germany with Chinese contractual investment amounting to $1.76 billion. They engage in deep collaboration with German companies across various sectors, from chemical raw materials and products to power generation and supply. Furthermore, cooperation is extending into high-tech fields like new materials, new energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics applications. Beyond economic ties, cultural integration between Suzhou and Germany is deepening. "The cheerful songs of the Beer Carnival and the melodies of the choir performances make Taicang feel like a second home for German companies," remarked Christoph Ahlhaus, President of the German Federal Association of Small and Medium-sized Businesses, during his first visit, expressing deep emotion on the Rothenburg-style German Street along Haiyundi. This street, blending Bavarian architecture with the charm of Jiangnan's water towns, epitomizes Suzhou's people-to-people exchanges with Germany. The aroma of sausages from German-brand restaurants, and promotional posters for the FC Bayern Munich partnership project make German employees feel at home. The cooperation between Germany and Suzhou has long transcended pure economics, bearing fruitful results in industrial synergy, talent cultivation, and cultural integration. It is understood that the Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue is a platform for communication and practical cooperation between Chinese and German political and business communities, established through inter-party exchange channels. Since 2014, the event has been held consecutively 12 times in both China and Germany. Over more than a decade, the Dialogue has become a branded forum with significant influence in both countries, playing an active role in deepening economic and trade dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding and trust, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, and supporting regional high-quality development and high-standard opening up. Source: The 12th Belt and Road China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthcare must be recognized as the worlds most strategic investment in security, prosperity, and resiliencenot as a financial burdendeclared H.E. Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, Adviser at the Saudi Royal Court and Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), in his keynote at the C3 Davos of Healthcare Summit in Tokyo. Dr. Alfayyadh stressed that investing in healthcare systems translates directly into lives saved, stronger economies, job creation, and greater global competitiveness, while enabling countries to withstand future crises, including pandemics, climate-related health emergencies, and natural disasters. He highlighted the global convergence of health challengesrising chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions; climate change accelerating the spread of vector-borne illnesses; widening inequities across low- and middle-income countries; and the vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19as urgent reasons for nations to rethink healthcare as an investment in their collective security. Five domains of investment, he argued, are critical to building sustainable healthcare systems worldwide: modern hospital infrastructure including emergency and intensive care capacity; digital health and AI-driven platforms; advanced laboratories and precision medicine; workforce development that integrates emerging roles like data scientists; and resilient pharmaceutical and supply chain networks with localized vaccine and drug production. Placing this within a historical context, Dr. Alfayyadh noted that no breakthrough in medicinefrom vaccines to surgerysucceeded without strong delivery systems and organized infrastructure, and the same principle must guide todays innovations in robotics, biotechnology, and genomics. Saudi Arabia, he explained, is embedding these principles within its Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program, reframing healthcare from a public expense to a driver of innovation and economic diversification. KFSHRC, founded over 50 years ago to reduce reliance on treatment abroad, now anchors this transformation with milestones such as the worlds first fully robotic heart transplant, pioneering CAR T-cell therapy, and advanced genomic research, while expanding into gene and cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and sustainable models of care. Underscoring the role of international collaboration, Dr. Alfayyadh invited Japanese stakeholders and global partners to join Saudi Arabia in co-developing research, sharing technologies, and shaping the future of integrated healthcare. The summit served as a platform to reaffirm the Kingdoms openness to investment and partnerships that accelerate innovation for the benefit of humanity. Closing his remarks, he stated: The future of healthcare will be defined by integration, modernization, and collaboration. By redefining healthcare as an investment, we are building not only resilient national systems, but also a stronger and healthier global community. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the worlds top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and has been recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the Worlds Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a6a7854-e97b-4432-8f77-0285c0df003a FUZHOU, China, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the evening of September 22, the launch ceremony of the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival, co-hosted by China Media Group, Fujian Provincial People's Government, and Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, was held in Fuzhou, Fujian. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. The ceremony highlighted the Maritime Silk Road vibe, cross-strait exchange, and Fuzhou culture. The stage design featured the Chinese junk element, symbolizing setting sail to connect the world and bringing the audience visual and auditory delights. This year, the festival is themed "Silk Road Connects the World, Film Festival Illuminates Fuzhou" and focuses on four aspects: international exchange, industrial cooperation, public culture, and cross-strait integration. The high-level event aims to satisfy the community with 12 kinds of activities, including the launch ceremony, the Golden Silk Road Awards, the guest country of honor's film activities, and outdoor screenings. The Golden Silk Road Awards received more than 2,800 entries from 125 countries and regions, including 1,850 films from the Belt and Road family, which is significantly higher than previous sessions. The jury, comprising 13 well-respected masters in the industry (e.g., directors, producers, and actors) from 7 countries, will decide on winners of 10 honors such as Best Picture and Best Director. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema. With its unique artistic language, cinema transcends borders and connects civilizations, effectively promoting people-to-people bonds. Since its inception in 2014, the Silk Road International Film Festival has been successfully organized 11 times. It is an important international, comprehensive, innovative, and open film culture exchange platform in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The festival showcases the historical and cultural resources of the host city, tells the vivid stories of China, facilitates film cooperation and industrial integration among Silk Road countries, and provides solid support for the growth of young film talents. Source: Office of the Organizing Committee of the Silk Road International Film Festival (Fuzhou) NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biz2Credit, the parent company of Biz2X, which is an AI-powered small business lending platform, announced a partnership with Columbia University to tackle one of the toughest challenges in financial services: automating and scaling funding access for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The effort aims to apply artificial intelligence to transform SMB loan portfolios into a mainstream, investable asset class for private credit funds. The initiative will be formally introduced at a private Biz2Credit/Biz2X-hosted Thought Leadership Forum in New York City during UN Assembly Week (September 22). Jeffrey Sachs, Professor at Columbia University and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network will provide remarks to a gathering of financial leaders, dignitaries and policymakers. Further event dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The Biz2Credit/Biz2X-Columbia partnership has three core elements: An AI Research Program with Columbia University faculty and graduate students from the School of Engineering and Data Science Institute. Development of proprietary Biz2X AI models, guided by the research, leveraging Google and AWS AI solutions, Biz2Xs proprietary SMB lending data. Thought Leadership Forums to showcase research and practical insights to the financial community. Small businesses are the growth engine of economies worldwide, but they remain systematically underfunded, said Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2X. By combining Columbias research leadership with Biz2Xs long-standing expertise and data, we can democratize and transform SMB finance into a scalable, investable asset class and unlock new private credit flows to business owners globally. Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor at Columbia University, added: This partnership demonstrates how cutting-edge research and advanced technologies can promote economic inclusion and economic growth. Improved access to finance for small businesses fosters innovation, job creation, and long-term resilience in both high-income and emerging economies. Projected impact: Lenders who adopt the AI features that Biz2X has developed could see loan approval times cut in half and a 30% increase in lending volumes. Biz2Credit projects over $500 million in additional small business credit unlocked annually in its own portfolio. At scale, the model could close the SME financing gap to unlock up to $750 billion in private credit for U.S. small businesses, and boost GDP by as much as $1.3 trillion annually. In emerging markets like the Middle East, the approach could generate an incremental $250 billion in SME financing and support up to 16 million new jobs. About Biz2Credit/Biz2X Biz2Credit is a leading fintech that helps entrepreneurs secure fast, transparent funding through an online platform and a network of lending partners, delivering data-driven insights to small businesses. Built on Biz2Credits proprietary SMB data and credit expertise, Biz2X is an AI-powered digital lending platform that enables financial institutions to modernize origination, underwriting, and servicingscaling small-business credit with greater speed, efficiency, and transparency. Learn more at Biz2Credit.com and Biz2X.com. Media Contact: Tracy Rubin, JCUTLER media group (818) 585-4736 tracy@jcmg.com SAN DIEGO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavor Bancorp (OTCQX: EDVR), the holding company for Endeavor Bank, today announced that Steven Sefton, President, and Julie Glance, CFO, will present live at the Financial Services Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on September 25th, 2025. DATE: September 25th TIME: 12:30 pm EDT LINK: REGISTER HERE Available for 1x1 meetings: September 25th and 30th. Sign up here This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . Recent Company Highlights Endeavor Bancorp reported net income of $1.07 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $1.36 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025, and $760,000, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024. Net interest margin increased nine basis points to 4.21% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to 4.12% in the first quarter of 2025 and increased 51 basis points compared to 3.70% in the second quarter of 2024. Total assets increased by $42.3 million, or 6.0%, during the second quarter of 2025 to $746.9 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $704.6 million at March 31, 2025, and increased $153.1 million, or 25.8%, compared to June 30, 2024. Total loans outstanding increased $28.1 million, or 4.7%, during the second quarter of 2025 to $625.9 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $597.8 million three months earlier, and increased $142.5 million, or 29.5%, when compared to $483.4 million a year earlier. Total deposits increased $41.2 million, or 6.6%, during the quarter to $667.4 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $626.2 million three months earlier, and increased $149.2 million, up 28.8% when compared to $518.2 million a year earlier. About Endeavor Bancorp Endeavor Bancorp, the holding company for Endeavor Bank, is primarily owned and operated by Southern Californians for Southern California businesses and their owners. The banks focus is local: local decision-making, local board, local founders, local owners, and relationships with local clients in Southern California. Headquartered in downtown San Diego in the Symphony Towers building, the Bank also operates a loan production and executive administration office in Carlsbad, as well as a branch office in La Mesa. In addition, the Bank maintains production teams throughout Southern California. Endeavor Bank provides traditional business banking services across a broad spectrum of industries and specialties. Unique to the bank is its consultative banking approach that partners our business clients with Endeavor Banks senior management. Together, we build strategies and provide resources that solve problems, plan for the future, and help clients efforts to grow revenues and profits. Endeavor Bancorp trades on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol EDVR. Visit www.endeavor.bank for more information. Endeavor Bank is rated by Bauer Financial as Five-Star "Superior" for strong financial performance, the top rating given by the independent bank rating firm. DepositAccounts.com awarded Endeavor Bank an A rating. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Endeavor Bancorp Contact Information: (858) 230.5185 Dan Yates, CEO dyates@bankendeavor.com (858) 230.4243 Steve Sefton, President ssefton@bankendeavor.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com MONACO, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panels, networking occasions and content sharing. Once again, the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, organised by M3 Monaco, a consulting firm specialised in the development and management of marinas, yacht clubs and sailing schools, was held at the Yacht Club de Monaco, and has made a step towards a more sustainable yachting industry. Investors, architects, marina managers, manufacturers and innovators, shared their views and presented their projects all aiming to speed up the environmental transition and build sustainable, connected, people-centered marina infrastructure. Renowned partners included Bombardier and MB92 Group and the Italian Yacht Masters Association, the event brought together an international marina community for two days of networking, innovation and collaboration. In Monaco we have the shared commitment to shape future marinas and customize the city through dialogue and international cooperation. The sea is part of our DNA and we feel that is our responsibility to demonstrate that attractiveness and environmental responsibility can go together, said Celine Caron-Dagioni, Monacos Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development. Monaco is a great example of how people can bring out the best of what they have. We're talking about sea and small land; characteristics shared our two countries. This is why Monaco, with all it has achieved, is a very good example and inspiration for us, stated Belinda Balluku, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania. The three sessions, addressed the creation of coastal destinations that reconcile attractiveness with respect for ecosystems; the development of business models adapted to regulatory restraints; and the employment of data as a strategic lever for responsible marina operations. The event concluded with the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards that recognize the most promising initiatives and represent the substantial work of a jury comprising more than 35 members, players of the yachting industry, who selected and examined projects of 26 startups and scaleups, 9 marinas and 15 professional and student architects, representing 17 nationalities. All are listed in the E-Catalogue available online : https://sustainablesmartmarina.com/e-catalogue-2025. We are very proud because this 5th edition went very well, said Jose Marco Casellini, M3 CEO. We had more than 200 people participating and what was most important was the quality of the participants. We had many representatives for the industry but also ambassadors, vice prime ministers, members of the government from South Africa, Albania and Qatar and this allowed us to be more recognizable. As of now, the importance of the meeting has reached a good level, he added. Bernard dAlessandri, YCM General Secretary recalled also that yachting cannot function without an ecosystem. By bringing together so many professionals, we are demonstrating that the environmental transition of marinas is a universal ambition. The 2025 International Smart & Sustainable Startup Awards winner was 'Gwilen' from France with their solution which transforms marine sediments into building materials instead of discarding them. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also shows strong potential for impact and industrial growth within the construction sector, said the jury committee. The Italian from BetterSea Power won in the same category an M3 Monaco Special Prize for its mooring station concept integrates several technologies. In the scaleup category, the prize went to 'Metarina', from Germany and Spain. It stood out by already demonstrating real-world use of their app across marinas worldwide. In the same category, Kontis from Croatia impressed the jury with its innovative terminals that allows boat users to discharge wastewater, recharge batteries, fill freshwater tanks and access essential services, and won the M3 Monaco Special Prize. In the Student architecture category, the award went to Zahra Jafari & her team from Iran University of Arts, Iran, with the jury being impressed by a well-crafted eco-neighborhood masterplan, where the three main functions are clearly justified. In the architect category the winner was Ingenhoven associates GmbH from Germany for their bold and original proposal of a modular roof that reuses existing spaces while integrating solar energy, floating systems, and minimal land impact. Last but not least, among the marinas the winner was Marina resort Cavtat from Croatia, for an ambitious development with a strong regenerative vision and a truly integrated approach to sustainability, said the jury committee. The jury also awarded a Special Prize to IYA Marinas for its ambitious project to modernise Cannes Vieux Port which puts sustainability at the heart of this redevelopment. And let's not forget Marina da Gloria in Brazil. Its redevelopment successfully brought together nautical infrastructure, culture, sport and social inclusion, earning the project a special prize. Yachting sector professionals meet again at YCM on Thursday 25 September for the 30th Captains Forum entitled Leading today ahead of tomorrow. On Wednesday 24 September, tribute will be paid to owners at the 5th YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9236133e-6e4a-47f1-a95b-3de54325555b CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hemp Hop will be kicking off October 2025 with the launch of 3 new high THCa ice water hash concentrates and the return of 3 iconic strains of exotic THCa flower . Known for premium genetics, solventless methods, and consistent quality, Hemp Hop continues to shape the market as both a trusted hemp store and a forward-looking THCa shop. The latest release combines small-batch craft with data-driven insight, designed to meet the growing demand for solventless concentrates and legendary flowers. Ice water hash, also called bubble hash or ice hash, remains one of the cleanest and most terpene-rich forms of cannabis concentrate, while fan-favorite THCa flower strains keep their place at the core of Hemp Hops lineup. As one of the best places to buy THCa flower , Hemp Hop expands its offerings this October while keeping quality, transparency, and customer trust at the center. Responding to Market Trends in THCa The October release will reflect 2 clear shifts in customer demand. First is the rise of solventless concentrates like bubble hash , also known as ice water hash or ice hash. These products are valued for their purity, terpene retention, and strong cannabinoid levels. Second is the continued interest in exotic THCa flower, with buyers seeking strains that deliver both flavor and effect. Hemp Hop is responding to these trends by expanding its lineup across categories. With both local same day THCa delivery in Charlotte, NC and nationwide shipping, the brand continues to grow as the best THCa flower online destination. New October Lineup of Ice Water Hash Hemp Hops October launch introduces three solventless concentrates crafted through the traditional ice water extraction method, also known as bubble hash or ice hash. By using only cold water and agitation, these hashes preserve terpene richness and cannabinoid potency while delivering a clean, full-spectrum experience. Each batch is triple-washed for purity, packed fresh in airtight jars, and made to meet the growing demand for premium dabs. Ice Cream Cake THCa Ice Water Hash An indica-dominant favorite (63.04% THCa), Ice Cream Cake hash brings creamy vanilla, nutty dough, and sweet gas notes. Its sticky, sand-like texture bubbles under heat, offering euphoric head effects followed by deep body relaxation. Ideal for nighttime use. Lemon Cherry Delight THCa Ice Water Hash This sativa-leaning hybrid (77.14% THCa) delivers bright flavors of lemon and cherry with a sweet zest. Smooth and terpene-rich, it uplifts mood while easing stress, balancing mental clarity with mellow body effects. Muffins & Mimosas THCa Ice Water Hash A hybrid blend of Mimosa and Blueberry Muffin, this hash (78.04% THCa) layers citrus, blueberry muffin, and vanilla flavors. It offers an energetic lift and clear focus followed by a calm, balanced finish, making it versatile for day or evening sessions. With these drops, Hemp Hop expands its catalog of solventless dabs, offering customers high-quality ice water hash that reflects both craft and consistency. Hemp Hops October Lineup of Iconic THCa Flowers Alongside new concentrates, Hemp Hop is bringing back three fan favorites in its exotic THCa flower collection. Known for bold flavor, strong effects, and timeless genetics, these strains have earned their place as staples in the cannabis world. Each one is cultivated with the same care and precision that defines Hemp Hop as a trusted source for premium THCa flower. Jack Herer THCa Flower A legendary sativa dominant hybrid, Jack Herer (29.45% THCa) blends Haze with Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. Its oversized neon green buds sparkle with amber trichomes and carry citrus, lemon, and pine notes. Customers choose Jack Herer for creative energy, sociability, and sharp focus, making it a go to daytime strain. Super Boof THCa Flower Winner of multiple awards including Leaflys Strain of the Year 2024, Super Boof has become a modern icon. A balanced hybrid of Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies, it features cherry, citrus, and nutty sweetness. At 38.97% THCa, Super Boof is the most potent flower we have launched. Customers love its euphoric lift, giggly mood, and relaxing finish, said Richard Grant, Product Specialist at Hemp Hop. Durban Poison THCa Flower Originating from South Africa, Durban Poison is a pure sativa with a classic reputation. Testing at 22.31% THCa, it offers sweet citrus and herbal pine flavors with an earthy aroma. Known for uplifting creativity and focus, Durban Poison is ideal for daytime use and remains one of the most loved landrace strains. Voices from Hemp Hop Our approach has always been simple: listen to our customers and deliver products that reflect what they want most. Every new strain or concentrate we launch comes from a mix of feedback, testing, and close attention to quality. That is why people trust us, and it is what keeps Hemp Hop growing stronger every season, said Jordan Hall, Founder of Hemp Hop. Customer Trust and Hemp Hop Standards Hemp Hop has built its reputation on quality and transparency. Every product is third party lab tested to verify cannabinoid content, terpene levels, and compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The company works with trusted indoor cultivators who focus on small batch grows, ensuring freshness and consistency. Customer feedback plays a central role in shaping future strain drops and concentrate batches. As a growing THCa shop , Hemp Hop continues to be trusted nationwide by buyers who value reliability and premium standards. Whats Next Looking ahead, Hemp Hop plans to keep its steady rhythm of weekly and seasonal drops. Each release will balance rare genetics with proven favorites, always backed by lab results and customer insight. The company remains committed to freshness, small batch production, and full transparency. With each launch, Hemp Hop reinforces its place as a leader in premium THCa products. About Hemp Hop Founded in 2018 and based in Charlotte, NC, Hemp Hop has become a recognized name in premium hemp. The company has earned recognition from the High Times Hemp Cup and the Oregon Growers Cup. Its catalog includes THCa flower, solventless concentrates, and vapes, all backed by third party lab results. Known as the best place to buy thca flower online, Hemp Hop continues to set the standard for quality and trust. Media Contact Aman Kodwani aman@hemphop.co A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09cad8b2-b90d-48f7-aff9-7e12b3896fad This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual. Pittsburgh, PA, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) expresses its condolences over the devastating fire at the Jefferson Apartments in Squirrel Hill on September 9th. We extend our sympathy to all those who were displaced by this tragic event. We know the disruption, loss, and uncertainty that follows a fire can be long-lasting. Emerging reports indicate that the historic Jefferson Apartments buildingnearly 100 years oldlacked a fire sprinkler system. This absence likely contributed to the scale of destruction and displacement from the fire. As investigations continue, the NFSA emphasizes that while there may have been multiple contributing factors including an electrical malfunction in a basement utility room, structural age, fire spread through roof and facade, the presence of sprinklers could have significantly mitigated damage, slowed fire spread, and potentially prevented complete loss of structure. The time is now for cities like Pittsburgh to be proactive and embrace fire sprinkler retrofits, explains NFSA President Shane Ray. We need all residential fire sprinkler retrofits to be incentivized and the recent apartment fire in Squirrel Hill underscores the importance of this. Fire sprinklers save lives and property. They reduce injuries and fatalities and dramatically decrease the number of people who are displaced after a fire. In some cases, these displacements can last longer than a year. When buildings are retrofitted with sprinklers, or when sprinklers are included in design from the outset, damage is often contained to a much smaller area, allowing more rapid recovery and fewer longterm displacements. We commend Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith and Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones for publicly supporting efforts to retrofit older buildings with sprinkler systems. Councilwoman KailSmith has emphasized revisiting ordinances that would require sprinklers in buildings and has called for exploring financial support for building owners to help with retrofit costs. Chief Jones has acknowledged the challenges of retrofits but has underscored the importance of voluntary or mandated protections to protect residents. We call on city leadership, building owners, and policymakers to act swiftly: Mandate sprinkler retrofits in older and historic highrise and midrise residential buildings. Provide financial assistance, grants, or incentives to building owners who may find retrofit costs a barrier. Educate property owners and tenants on the proven lifesaving benefits of fire sprinkler systems. The NFSA stands ready to partner with local government, fire departments, building owners, and community organizations to help ensure safety in Pittsburghs aging residential buildings. We believe no one should suffer the avoidable losses that occur when fire protection is lacking. About the National Fire Sprinkler Association: NFSA was founded in 1905 and wants to create a more fire safe world and works to heighten the awareness of the importance of fire sprinkler systems from homes to high-rise and all occupancies in between. The Association is an inclusive organization made up of dedicated and committed members of a progressive life-saving industry. This industry manufactures, designs, supplies, installs, inspects, and services the worlds most effective system in saving lives and property from uncontrolled structural fires. For more information about fire sprinklers, how they work and access to additional resources and information, visit www.nfsa.org for the latest material, statistics, and a dedicated team of fire safety advocates ready to serve all stakeholders to fulfill the vision of a safer world. Ottawa, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global atrial fibrillation devices market size was estimated at USD 11.41 billion in 2024 and is projected to increase from USD 13.03 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 42.17 billion by 2034. The market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 13.97% from 2025 to 2034. The market is driven by the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the growing adoption of minimally invasive treatment options. The Full Study is Readily Available | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/3950 Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Highlights North America dominated the atrial fibrillation devices market by holding more than 40% of market share in 2024. By product, the EP ablation catheters segment contributed the highest market share in 2024. By end-use, the hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024 with the largest market share in 2024. Market Size and Growth Market Size in 2024: USD 11,410 Million Market Size in 2025: USD 13,030 Million Forecasted Market Size by 2034: USD 42,170 Million CAGR (2025-2034): 13.97% Largest Market in 2024: North America Fastest Growing Market: Europe Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Overview What an Atrial Fibrillation Devices? The market of atrial fibrillation devices is specialized in a variety of high-tech medical equipment aimed at the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of atrial fibrillation, which is a typical cardiac arrhythmia that develops in the atria of the heart. Such devices are ablation catheters, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices, and sophisticated monitor devices, which are particularly important to minimize risks of stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest related to AF. The market has been growing tremendously owing to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the world, aging people, and growing information on early diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias. Positive healthcare policy, rising investment in cardiac care facilities, and the rising demands of lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes continue to drive the growth of the market. Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Opportunity What is an Opportunity for the Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market? The increased indications of the atrial fibrillation devices market are one of the biggest opportunities in the market since it has greatly increased the usage of the devices. The prescription of AF devices was applied to severe and high-risk arrhythmia patients. Nevertheless, due to continued clinical trials and regulatory acceptance, these devices are currently advised in patients earlier in the disease course, with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, or other specific risk factors like family history or lifestyle diseases. In addition, the competitive landscape is encouraging the introduction of new devices that are aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and providing minimally invasive solutions and options, which makes the market a field to explore and innovate. Get the Full Report @ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/atrial-fibrillation-devices-market Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Challenges What is the Limitation for the Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market? The market of atrial fibrillation devices is subject to severe constraints following the lack of access to health care and optimal provision of therapy. Patients in most of the regions, especially those in low and middle-income nations, are unable to get access to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, early diagnosis, and special cardiology care. This kind of gap often results in underdiagnosis or later diagnosis, thereby exposing the patient to the possibility of such complications as stroke or heart failure. Besides, the issue of patient education is not feasible; in rural settings, there are no adequate therapeutic interventions, and there are no ready cardiologists to manage atrial fibrillation. This hesitancy retards the market introduction of new devices and limits the growth opportunities, which highlights a deeper need to boost awareness efforts, training programs, and healthcare accessibility enhancement. Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Report Coverage Report Attributes Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 11.41 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 13.03 Billion Market Size in 2031 USD 28.99 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 42.17 Billion Growth Rate 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 13.97% U.S. Market Size in 2025 USD 3.91 Billion U.S. Market Size by 2034 USD 12.89 Billion Leading Region in 2024 North America Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Product, End-use, and Region Regional Scope Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Key Players Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson, Atricure Inc, Microport Scientific Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Inc, Medtronic Plc, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens AG, and others Become a valued research partner with us https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting Case Study: Adoption of Advanced Atrial Fibrillation Devices in U.S. Hospitals A leading multi-specialty hospital system in the United States faced a growing number of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), reflecting national trends where nearly 12 million Americans are projected to have AF by 2030. Traditional treatment approachesantiarrhythmic drugs and open-heart procedureswere proving limited due to recurrence rates, patient reluctance for invasive surgeries, and long hospital stays. Challenge The hospital sought to: Reduce AF-related complications such as stroke and heart failure. Improve procedural success rates and shorten recovery times. Align with payer expectations on cost-effectiveness while meeting patient demand for minimally invasive treatment. Solution The hospital invested in next-generation EP ablation catheters and mapping & recording systems from Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnsons Biosense Webster division. These devices allowed for precise ablation targeting abnormal atrial tissue and real-time 3D mapping of cardiac electrical activity. In parallel, implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) were deployed to track arrhythmias post-procedure, enabling early detection of AF recurrence. Implementation Strategy Trained 20+ electrophysiologists in advanced catheter ablation and mapping system use. Established a dedicated cardiac electrophysiology lab , integrated with AI-powered monitoring dashboards. , integrated with AI-powered monitoring dashboards. Partnered with Medtronic to use implantable loop recorders for long-term monitoring. Outcomes (12-Month Period) Procedure Success Rate: Catheter ablation success increased from 62% (with older systems) to 78% at one-year follow-up. Catheter ablation success increased from 62% (with older systems) to at one-year follow-up. Hospital Stay Reduction: Average post-ablation stay reduced from 3.2 days to 1.5 days , lowering overall treatment costs. Average post-ablation stay reduced from 3.2 days to , lowering overall treatment costs. Stroke Risk Reduction: Patients monitored with ICMs showed 22% lower incidence of AF-related strokes due to timely interventions. Patients monitored with ICMs showed due to timely interventions. Patient Satisfaction: Over 85% of patients reported higher satisfaction due to minimally invasive procedures and faster recovery. Key Insights Hospitals adopting ablation catheters and advanced mapping systems see measurable improvements in patient outcomes. Post-procedure monitoring with implantable devices plays a critical role in reducing complications. Investment in specialized EP labs strengthens hospital reputation and attracts referrals, further boosting revenue. Conclusion This case illustrates how the integration of advanced atrial fibrillation devicesspecifically ablation catheters, mapping systems, and implantable monitorscan transform patient care. It highlights a clear ROI for hospitals, driven by improved clinical outcomes, reduced treatment costs, and stronger patient trust. For inquiries regarding discounts, bulk purchases, or customization requests, please contact us at sales@precedenceresearch.com What is the U.S. Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Size? According to Precedence Research, the U.S. atrial fibrillation devices market size accounted for USD 3.91 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 12.89 billion by 2034, growing at a notable CAGR of 14.19% from 2025 to 2034 How North America Dominated the Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market? North America dominated the Market in 2024, as a consequence of the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation, which is one of the most prevalent heart rhythm issues in the area. The support of an aging population, sedentary living, the increase in obesity, and the development of chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, have fueled the sudden rise in AF cases. This prevalence explosion has increased the demand for advanced AF devices directly in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Good reimbursement policies, a well-developed healthcare system, and increased patient awareness are further strengthening the leadership of the market in the region. Why is Europe the Fastest-Growing market in the Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market? Europe is expected to grow at a notable pace in the Market throughout the predicted timeframe, due to its exceptional focus on research and clinical trials in the field of cardiology. Most of the European nations are major centers of clinical research on AF, which not only proves the safety and efficacy of the new equipment but also expedites the regulatory process and its application. The proactive attitude of the region towards the education and awareness programs about patients has led to the early diagnosis and motivates the patients to consider new treatment methods. Also, the European healthcare systems have been gradual in integrating innovative AF devices, and this has been aided by government programs that have focused on preventive care and quality cardiac treatment. Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Segmentation Insights Product Insights Why did the EP Ablation Catheters Segment Dominate the Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market? The EP ablation catheters segment dominated the atrial fibrillation devices market in 2024 and is known to be effective and technologically developed quickly. The ablation catheters used to treat atrial fibrillation in patients have gained popularity among health care providers in that they are directly used to treat atrial fibrillation, as they directly aid in treating atrial fibrillation by directly targeting the defective or abnormal tissue in the atria, which causes irregular electrical signals and thus restores the normal heart rhythm. The therapy has also become more appealing to physicians and patients since the complications have been minimized and the recovery period has been reduced with these advancements. The mapping and recording systems segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period, propelled by the increasing demand for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment measures. As atrial fibrillation is one of the most prevalent forms of arrhythmia globally, precise mapping of cardiac abnormal electrical activity has become a pillar in the effectiveness of the intervention. Recording and mapping systems enable the electrophysiologists to visualize and identify the very areas within the atria producing irregular signals that allow the procedure to be more specific and effective with ablation. Moreover, with the aging of the world population and the growing rate of comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes, the need to introduce complex diagnostic solutions is on the rise. End-use Insights Why did the hospital segment lead the market in 2024? The hospital segment led the IT infrastructure management tools market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, motivated by its elaborate infrastructure, access to high-level medical technologies, and well-trained medical practitioners. Hospitals are generally fitted with the latest electrophysiology laboratories, the latest ablation machines, and implantable device units so that they offer an extensive selection of atrial fibrillation management under one roof. They also possess well-trained electrophysiologists and cardiologists, who are trained to handle complex arrhythmias, conduct catheter ablation surgeries, and implant sophisticated cardiac devices. This funding enables the hospitals to increase their treatment capacity, hire top-tier specialists, and invest in the latest equipment. The cardiac centers segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, as the cardiac centers segment is dedicated to heart-related disorders. Cardiac centres have highly skilled cardiologists, electro physiologists, and surgeons who are highly trained in complicated cardiac care, especially in complex surgeries like catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation, and device-based management of arrhythmia. The centers aim to offer patient-centered care that has fewer waiting periods, treatment plans that are extremely personalized, and the newest technologies. The growing popularity of the use of specialized cardiac facilities is driven by the promise of quality care offered to the patient, but it is focused and based on an environment devoted solely to heart health. Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Top Companies Abbott Laboratories Johnson & Johnson Atricure Inc Microport Scientific Corporation Boston Scientific Corporation St. Jude Medical, Inc Medtronic Plc Koninklijke Philips N.V. Siemens AG Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Recent Developments In August 2023, GE Healthcare declared a new, highly developed clinical support system called CardioVision for atrial fibrillation. This new system is allowing accuracy in care and patient-centeredness towards better treatment. (Source: https://www.gehealthcare.com) In July 2023, Biosense Webster, the main player in the field of treatment and diagnosis of heart rhythm disorders, declared the introduction of a new catheter in order to map complicated cardiac arrhythmias in the US. Optrell Mapping Catheter TrueRef Technology was registered by the United States FDA in 2022. (Source: https://citoday.com) In May 2023, Bayer revealed that it was granted a fast-track clearance by the United States FDA regarding the asundexian Atrial fibrillation program. Atrial fibrillation, stroke, and systemic embolism are also likely to be expected in the treatment of the drug. ( Source: https://www.bayer.com) Atrial Fibrillation Devices Market Segments Covered in the Report By Product EP Ablation Catheters EP Diagnostic Catheters Mapping and Recording Systems Cardiac Monitors or Implantable Loop Recorder Access Devices Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Devices By End-use Hospitals Cardiac Centers Ambulatory Surgical Centers Others By Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Thank you for reading. You can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions, such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/3950 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 804 441 9344 Stay Ahead with Precedence Research Subscriptions Unlock exclusive access to powerful market intelligence, real-time data, and forward-looking insights, tailored to your business. From trend tracking to competitive analysis, our subscription plans keep you informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. Browse Our Subscription Plans@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/get-a-subscription About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com Our Trusted Data Partners: Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor | Market Stats Insight Get Recent News: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/news For the Latest Update Follow Us: LinkedIn | Medium | Facebook | Twitter Related Topics You May Find Useful: Atrial Fibrillation Drugs Market: Explore how innovative therapies are advancing treatment outcomes for atrial fibrillation patients Electrophysiology Devices Market: Learn how cutting-edge devices are enabling precise diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias Medical Devices Market: See how evolving technologies are driving innovation and efficiency across the global healthcare landscape Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices Market: Understand how advanced devices are improving heart rhythm control and patient quality of life Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devices Market: Discover how minimally invasive devices are reducing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients Cardiac Arrhythmia Monitoring Devices Market: Track how real-time monitoring tools are transforming arrhythmia detection and management Cardiac Ablation Market: Explore how ablation technologies are reshaping the treatment of complex heart rhythm disorders Wearable Cardiac Devices Market: Learn how connected wearables are empowering patients with continuous cardiac monitoring Pain Management Devices Market: See how non-invasive devices are revolutionizing chronic pain therapy and patient comfort Interventional Cardiology Devices Market: Discover how advanced devices are enhancing minimally invasive heart procedures Digital Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Analyze how digital platforms are driving personalized, real-time healthcare monitoring External Pacemaker Market: Understand how external pacing solutions provide life-saving cardiac rhythm support Reprocessed Medical Devices Market: Explore how sustainable reprocessing is lowering costs and promoting eco-friendly healthcare Cardiac Monitoring Market: Learn how advanced monitoring technologies are improving early detection and cardiac care outcomes NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed or the Company) (NYSE: LMT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Lockheed and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 26, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Lockheed securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . [Click here for information about joining the class action] On October 22, 2024, before the market opened, Lockheed announced that it was forced to recognize losses of $80 million on a classified program at the Companys Aeronautics business segment due to higher than anticipated costs to achieve program objectives. The Company also announced that it had recognized a reach-forward loss in its Rotary and Mission Systems segment as a result of additional quantity ordering risk identified on fixed-price options. On this news, Lockheeds stock price fell $37.63 per share, or 6.12%, to close at $576.98 per share on October 22, 2024. Then, on January 28, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed announced that it was forced to record pre-tax losses of $1.7 billion associated with classified programs at its Aeronautics and Missiles and Fire Control business. The Company explained that as a result of performance trends and in contemplation of near-term program milestones, it had performed a comprehensive review of the program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks based on which it recognized $555 million of losses in its Aeronautics program. The Company further reported additional losses of approximately $1.3 billion in its Missiles and Fire Control business due to, among other things, the future requirements of the program, discussions with the customer and suppliers. As a result, the Companys net earnings in 2024 were $5.3 billion, or $22.31 per share, compared to $6.9 billion, or $27.55 per share, in 2023. On this news, Lockheeds stock price fell $46.24 per share, or 9.2%, to close at $57.45 per share on January 28, 2025. Then, on July 22, 2025, Lockheed released its second quarter 2025 financial results, reporting sharply lower second-quarter earnings, including $1.6 billion in program losses. The Company disclosed that it was forced to recognize $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program due to design, integration, and test challenges, as well as other performance issues as well as significant changes to its processes and testing approach. Lockheed also reported $570 million in losses on its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program due in part to providing additional mission capabilities, enhanced logistical support, fleet life extension, and revised expectations regarding flight hours. The Company further reported a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program due to the current status of the program. Lockheed said it is in ongoing discussion with its customers regarding a potential restructure of certain contractual terms and conditions. On this news, Lockheeds stock price fell $49.79 per share, or 10.8%, to close at $410.74 per share on July 22, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Fluor Corporation (Fluor or the Company) (NYSE: FLR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, and docketed under 25-cv-02496, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Fluor securities between February 18, 2025 and July 31, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired Fluor securities during the Class Period, you have until November 14, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] Fluor provides engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), fabrication and modularization, and project management services worldwide. The Company operates through three segments: Urban Solutions, Energy Solutions, and Mission Solutions. Throughout 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Fluors Urban Solutions segment accounted for the largest portion of the Companys revenue and profit. The Urban Solutions segment offers EPC and project management services to the advanced technologies and manufacturing, life sciences, mining and metals, and infrastructure industries, as well as provides professional staffing services. The Companys infrastructure projects in this segment include work on, inter alia, the Gordie Howe International Bridge (Gordie Howe), as well as the Interstate 365 Lyndon B. Johnson (I-635/LBJ) and Interstate 35E (I-35) highways in Texas. In February 2025, Fluor provided financial guidance for the full year (FY) of 2025, including adjusted EBITDA of $575 million to $675 million and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.25 per share to $2.75 per share. Defendants reaffirmed the foregoing financial guidance in May 2025, notwithstanding their acknowledgement of the potential negative impacts of ongoing economic uncertainty on Fluors business resulting from trade tensions and other market conditions. Contemporaneously, Defendants touted, inter alia, the purported health and stability of Fluors and its customers operations and the strength of the Companys risk mitigation strategy, both for itself and its clients. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Fluors business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) costs associated with the Gordie Howe, I-635/LBJ, and I-35 projects were growing because of, inter alia, subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays; (ii) the foregoing, as well as customer reduction in capital spending and client hesitation around economic uncertainty, was having, or was likely to have, a significant negative impact on the Companys business and financial results; (iv) accordingly, Fluors financial guidance for FY 2025 was unreliable and/or unrealistic, the effectiveness of the Companys risk mitigation strategy was overstated, and the impact of economic uncertainty on the Companys business and financial results was understated; and (v) as a result, Defendants public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On August 1, 2025, Fluor issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. Among other results, the press release reported Q2 non-GAAP EPS of $0.43, missing consensus estimates by $0.13, and revenue of $3.98 billion, representing a 5.9% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $570 million. Defendants blamed these disappointing results on, inter alia, growing costs in multiple infrastructure projects due to subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays, as well as reduced capital spending by customers. The same press release also provided a negatively revised financial outlook for FY 2025, guiding to adjusted EBITDA of $475 million to $525 million, down significantly from Defendants prior guidance of $575 million to $675 million, and adjusted EPS of $1.95 per share to $2.15 per share, down significantly from Defendants prior guidance of $2.25 per share to $2.75 per share, citing client hesitation around economic uncertainty and its impact on new awards and project delays and results for the quarter[.] The same day, Fluor hosted a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Companys Q2 2025 financial results. During that call, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Defendant James R. Breuer, disclosed that the infrastructure projects that had negatively impacted Fluors Q2 2025 results were the Gordie Howe, I-635/LBJ, and I-35 projects. Following the foregoing disclosures, Fluors stock price fell $15.35 per share, or 27.04%, to close at $41.42 per share on August 1, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP dpeyton@pomlaw.com 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Novo Nordisk A/S (Novo Nordisk or the Company) (NYSE: NVO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Novo Nordisk and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 30, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On July 29, 2025, Novo Nordisk significantly lowered its sales outlook for 2025. The Company attributed the reduction to lowered growth expectations for the second half of 2025 for both Wegovy and Ozempic due to the persistent use of compounded GLP-1s, slower-than-expected market expansion and competition. On this news, Novo Nordisks American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price fell $15.06 per ADR, or 21.83%, to close at $53.94 per ADR on July 29, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Ottawa, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global liquid handling systems market size is expected to reach approximately USD 6.94 billion by 2034, increasing from USD 4.22 billion in 2025. In terms of CAGR, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.69% between 2025 and 2034. The growing discovery of drugs, increasing development of vaccines, and rising expansion of the pharmaceutical sector drive the market growth. The Full Study is Readily Available | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/4179v Liquid Handling Systems Market Highlights North America dominated the liquid market with the biggest market share of 44% in 2024. Asia Pacific is predicted to grow rapidly over the projected. By type, the manual liquid handling segment led the market in 2024. By type, the electronic segment is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period. By product, in 2023, the automated workstation segment captured the biggest market share in 2024 and is projected to grow significantly throughout the forecast period. By application, the drug discovery segment generated the major market share of 40% in 2024. By application, the cancer and genomics research segment is predicted to grow rapidly over the projected period. Market Size, Growth and Forecast 2025 to 2034 Market Size in 2024: USD 3.99 Billion Market Size in 2025: USD 4.22 Billion Forecasted Market Size by 2034: USD 6.94 Billion CAGR (2025-2034): 5.69% Largest Market in 2024: North America Fastest Growing Market: Asia Pacific Market Size by Segmentations 2022 to 2024 Liquid Handling Systems Market Size by Type 2022 to 2024 (USD Million) Type 2022 2023 2024 Manual 1,071.8 1,130.4 1,194.7 Automated 763.2 810.7 862.9 Liquid Handling Systems Market Size by Product 2022 to 2024 (USD Million) Product 2022 2023 2024 Pipettes 211.2 224.0 238.0 Dispensers 243.1 256.8 271.9 Burettes 159.5 168.1 177.6 Automated Workstation 424.5 451.4 480.9 Consumables 719.9 760.0 804.1 Others 76.9 80.8 85.0 Liquid Handling Systems Market Size by End user 2022 to 2024 (USD Million) End user 2022 2023 2024 Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry 811.9 857.5 907.6 Diagnostic Centers 251.9 268.9 287.7 Research Institutes 339.0 358.8 380.6 Academic Institutes 360.0 380.7 403.3 Others 72.2 75.1 78.4 Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/4179v What are Liquid Handling Systems? Liquid handling systems are laboratory devices and tools that transfer, manage, and measure liquids for diverse tasks. The types of liquid handling systems are automated, semi-automated, and manual. The automated liquid handling system includes motorized pipettes & robotic arms, whereas the manual liquid handling system includes burettes & pipettes. The liquid handling system performs functions like sample preparation, liquid dispensing, precise pipetting, assay development, and microplate washing. Liquid handling system offers benefits like higher throughput, consistent dosing, lower hazardous materials exposure, optimizes reagent usage, and consistent dosing. Liquid Handling Systems Market Key Applications Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) - Automated sample preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, and library preparation for high-throughput sequencing workflows. Drug Discovery & High-Throughput Screening (HTS) - Precise dispensing of compounds and reagents into microplates for screening large libraries of drug candidates. Clinical Diagnostics - Sample processing, reagent dispensing, and assay setup for diagnostic tests, including PCR, ELISA, and serology assays. Proteomics & Protein Crystallography - Handling of buffers and reagents for protein isolation, crystallization, and structural studies. Cell Biology & Cell Culture - Media exchange, cell seeding, staining, and treatment applications for cell-based assays and studies. Environmental & Food Testing - Preparation and analysis of water, soil, and food samples to detect contaminants, pathogens, or toxins. Forensic & Toxicology Analysis - Sample preparation and reagent addition in forensic labs for DNA profiling and toxic substance detection. Biopharmaceutical Production & Quality Control - Automation of formulation development, sample preparation, and quality control testing in biologics manufacturing. What are the Key Trends of the Liquid Handling System Market? AI & Smart Automation Integration : Automated systems now use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for enhanced precision, workflow optimization, and predictive maintenance . : Automated systems now use (AI) and for enhanced precision, workflow optimization, and . Modular & Scalable Designs : There is a growing demand for flexible platforms that can be customized or expanded based on evolving laboratory needs. : There is a growing demand for flexible platforms that can be customized or expanded based on evolving laboratory needs. Miniaturization & Microfluidics : Rising adoption of systems capable of handling nano- and micro-liter volumes for applications like genomics and diagnostics. : Rising adoption of systems capable of handling nano- and micro-liter volumes for applications like and diagnostics. Advanced Software & Data Connectivity : Emphasis on seamless integration with LIMS and user-friendly interfaces for better data tracking and workflow control. : Emphasis on seamless integration with LIMS and user-friendly interfaces for better data tracking and workflow control. Sustainability & Cost Efficiency: Focus on reducing reagent waste, power consumption, and plastic use while delivering affordable solutions for diverse markets. Liquid Handling Systems Market Opportunity Rise in Personalised Medicine Unlocks Market Opportunity The growing demand for personalised medicine and the focus on personalised treatment increase demand for liquid handling systems. The strong focus on an individual's biological makeup and high-throughput screening increases the production of personalised medicine. The increasing customization of drug development and focus on understanding the unique genetic information of patients increases the development of personalized medicine. The strong focus on the efficacy of treatment and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases increases the adoption of personalised medicine that requires a liquid handling system. The rise in personalised medicine creates an opportunity for the growth of the market. Get the Full Report @ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/liquid-handling-systems-market Liquid Handling Systems Market Limitations and Challenges High Upfront Cost Limits Market Expansion With several benefits of the liquid handling systems across various applications, the high upfront cost restricts the market growth. The need for hardware like pipetting heads, precision instruments, complex robotics, and other specialized components requires a high cost. The need for complex software for managing data & programming workflows, and the requirement for skilled personnel, increases the cost. The modifications of the facility and high investment in research & development of new systems increase the cost. The requirement for regular maintenance and seamless integration with the existing infrastructure requires a high cost. Liquid Handling Systems Market Report Coverage Report Attributes Statistics Market Size in 2024 USD 3.99 Billion Market Size in 2025 USD 4.22 Billion Market Size in 2031 USD 5.89 Billion Market Size by 2034 USD 6.94 Billion Growth Rate 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 5.69% U.S. Market Size in 2025 USD 1,300 Million U.S. Market Size by 2034 USD 2,170 Million Leading Region in 2024 North America Fastest Growing Region Asia Pacific Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025 to 2034 Segments Covered Type, Product, Application, End-user and Region Regional Scope Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Key Players Qiagen N.V., Danaher Corporation, PerkinElmer, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Eppendorf AG, Sartorius AG, Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies., Biosero, Starlab International, DISPENDIX, Tecan Group Ltd, Hamilton Company, Agilent Technologies, Aurora Biomed, BioTek Instruments, and others. Become a valued research partner with us https://www.precedenceresearch.com/schedule-meeting Case Study: Automating Genomics Workflows with Liquid Handling Systems Background A leading genomics research center in Asia Pacific was facing challenges in scaling next-generation sequencing (NGS) projects. With manual pipetting methods, the lab could only prepare around 300 DNA/RNA libraries per week. Errors in pipetting, inconsistent reagent volumes, and cross-contamination risks were leading to failed sequencing runs, higher costs, and delays in delivering results to clinical and pharmaceutical partners. Solution The center invested in advanced automated liquid handling systems integrated with robotic arms, magnetic bead purification modules, and barcode-enabled sample tracking. These systems were connected to the labs information management system (LIMS), ensuring seamless workflow automation and data integrity. Results Throughput Improvement: Weekly NGS library preparation increased from 300 to over 1,000 libraries , enabling faster project completion. Weekly NGS library preparation increased from 300 to over , enabling faster project completion. Error Reduction: Failed or inconsistent libraries dropped from 4.5% to below 1% , significantly improving sequencing accuracy. Failed or inconsistent libraries dropped from , significantly improving sequencing accuracy. Time Savings: Hands-on preparation time for a 96-sample plate decreased from 6 hours to under 1.5 hours , freeing staff for higher-value research activities. Hands-on preparation time for a 96-sample plate decreased from , freeing staff for higher-value research activities. Cost Efficiency: Optimized reagent usage and reduced tip consumption lowered per-sample preparation costs by 18% . Optimized reagent usage and reduced tip consumption lowered per-sample preparation costs by . Quality Enhancement: First-pass quality control success rate improved from 82% to 96%, strengthening client confidence in the centers output. Key Takeaway This case demonstrates how automated liquid handling systems can transform genomics and clinical research workflows. By improving throughput, reducing human error, and cutting costs, labs can accelerate drug discovery, precision medicine, and diagnostics researchsupporting the very growth drivers fueling the USD 6.94 billion liquid handling systems market by 2034. For inquiries regarding discounts, bulk purchases, or customization requests, please contact us at sales@precedenceresearch.com Which Region Dominated the Liquid Handling Systems Market? North America dominated the market in 2024. The high investment in biotechnology and the growing discovery of drugs increase demand for liquid handling systems. The well-developed healthcare infrastructure and increasing adoption of lab automation technologies increase demand for liquid handling systems. The increasing expansion of clinical diagnostics and focus on high-precision drug development increases demand for liquid handling systems, driving the overall market growth. How big U.S. Liquid Handling Systems Market? The U.S. liquid handling systems market size was evaluated at USD 1.23 billion in 2024 and is predicted to surpass around USD 2.17 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 5.84% from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. dominates the regional market due to its strong presence of leading industry players, high investment in life sciences R&D, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Major companies, like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Danaher, and Agilent Technologies, are headquartered in the U.S., driving innovation and widespread adoption of automated liquid handling technologies. Additionally, the country's leadership in genomics, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics, supported by robust government funding and early adoption of lab automation, continues to fuel demand for high-precision liquid handling systems across research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic laboratories. Why is the Asia Pacific region experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Liquid Handling Systems Market? Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The strong presence of the pharmaceutical industry and growth in biotechnology increase demand for liquid handling systems. The high investment in laboratory instruments and increasing automation in laboratory processes increases demand for liquid handling systems. The growing expansion of healthcare facilities and the growth in clinical research increase the adoption of liquid handling systems. The strong presence of key players like Eppendorf AG, Tecan Group Ltd, and Hamilton Company supports the overall market growth. China is dominating the regional market due to its rapidly expanding biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, significant government investments in healthcare and life sciences, and growing adoption of laboratory automation. With strong support from national initiatives like "Made in China 2025" and increased funding for research and innovation, China has become a major hub for drug discovery, genomics, and diagnostic testing. The presence of both global and domestic manufacturers, along with a large and growing network of research institutions and clinical laboratories, further drives the demand for advanced liquid handling systems across the country. Liquid Handling Systems Market Segmentation Insights Type Insights What made the Manual Liquid Segment Dominate the Liquid Handling System Market? The manual liquid handling segment dominated the market in 2024, due to its lower cost of instruments and the need for less technical expertise, which increase demand for manual liquid handling. The ease of use and suitability for medium & small laboratories increase the adoption of manual liquid handling. The growing applications like chemistry, molecular biology, & biotechnology, and increasing customization in research applications, increase demand for manual liquid handling systems, driving the overall market growth. Product Insights How the Automated Workstation Segment Held the Largest Share in the Liquid Handling System Market? The automated workstation segment held the largest revenue share in the liquid handling system market in 2024. The need for rapid execution of large experiments and a strong focus on lowering human error increases the adoption of automated workstations. The growing applications, such as assay development, compound dilution, and plate replication, increase demand for automated workstations, supporting the overall market growth. Application Insights Why did the Drug Discovery Segment Dominate the Liquid Handling System Market? The drug discovery segment dominated the market in 2024. The strong focus on novel treatments and the need for identifying potential drug candidates increases demand for liquid handling systems. The rise in development of biologics and growth in personalised medicine increases demand for liquid handling systems. The focus on drug safety and high investment in drug development drives the overall market growth. End User Insights Which End-User Industry Held the Largest Share in the Liquid Handling System Market? The pharmaceutical & biotechnology industry segment held the largest revenue share in the market in 2024. The growing drug candidates being screened and the focus on accelerating the drug discovery process increase demand for liquid handling systems. The growing research in protein analysis, cell culture, and genetic sequencing, and a strong focus on genetic research, increases demand for liquid handling systems, supporting the overall market growth. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 804 441 9344 Liquid Handling Systems Market Top Companies Qiagen N.V. - Qiagen offers automated liquid handling solutions that streamline sample preparation, nucleic acid purification, and assay setup for molecular biology workflows. - Qiagen offers automated liquid handling solutions that streamline sample preparation, nucleic acid purification, and assay setup for molecular biology workflows. Danaher Corporation - Through its subsidiaries like Beckman Coulter and Molecular Devices, Danaher provides advanced liquid handling systems designed for high-throughput screening and precision dispensing. - Through its subsidiaries like Beckman Coulter and Molecular Devices, Danaher provides advanced liquid handling systems designed for high-throughput screening and precision dispensing. PerkinElmer, Inc. - PerkinElmer delivers liquid handling platforms integrated with robotics and detection systems for genomics, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. - PerkinElmer delivers liquid handling platforms integrated with robotics and detection systems for genomics, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. - Thermo Fisher offers a wide range of liquid handling instruments, from manual pipettes to fully automated platforms used in genomics, proteomics, and pharmaceutical applications. - Thermo Fisher offers a wide range of liquid handling instruments, from manual pipettes to fully automated platforms used in genomics, proteomics, and pharmaceutical applications. Eppendorf AG - Eppendorf is known for its ergonomic and precise liquid handling tools, including pipettes, dispensers, and automated pipetting systems for laboratory applications. - Eppendorf is known for its ergonomic and precise liquid handling tools, including pipettes, dispensers, and automated pipetting systems for laboratory applications. Sartorius AG - Sartorius provides automated pipetting robots and liquid handling accessories that support reproducible sample preparation in cell biology and analytical labs. - Sartorius provides automated pipetting robots and liquid handling accessories that support reproducible sample preparation in cell biology and analytical labs. Merck KGaA - Under its life science brand MilliporeSigma, Merck offers automated liquid handling systems tailored for high-throughput screening, compound management, and assay development. - Under its life science brand MilliporeSigma, Merck offers automated liquid handling systems tailored for high-throughput screening, compound management, and assay development. Agilent Technologies - Agilent offers automated liquid handling solutions primarily through its Bravo and BenchCel platforms, which are used in genomics, proteomics, and analytical chemistry workflows. Biosero - Biosero integrates and automates liquid handling workflows using its Green Button Go software, optimizing lab efficiency and reproducibility. - Biosero integrates and automates liquid handling workflows using its Green Button Go software, optimizing lab efficiency and reproducibility. Starlab International - Starlab provides a broad range of manual and electronic pipettes, along with pipette tips and accessories, for accurate and reliable liquid handling. - Starlab provides a broad range of manual and electronic pipettes, along with pipette tips and accessories, for accurate and reliable liquid handling. DISPENDIX - DISPENDIX specializes in non-contact liquid handling systems that offer ultra-precise low-volume dispensing for genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery. - DISPENDIX specializes in non-contact liquid handling systems that offer ultra-precise low-volume dispensing for genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery. Tecan Group Ltd - Tecan develops sophisticated liquid handling robots and modular platforms used in life sciences research, diagnostics, and laboratory automation. - Tecan develops sophisticated liquid handling robots and modular platforms used in life sciences research, diagnostics, and laboratory automation. Hamilton Company - Hamilton manufactures high-precision robotic liquid handling systems designed for complex workflows in genomics, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. - Hamilton manufactures high-precision robotic liquid handling systems designed for complex workflows in genomics, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development. Aurora Biomed - Aurora Biomed offers flexible automated liquid handling workstations for genomics, drug discovery, and clinical testing with precise volume control. - Aurora Biomed offers flexible automated liquid handling workstations for genomics, drug discovery, and clinical testing with precise volume control. BioTek Instruments - Now part of Agilent, BioTek complements liquid handling workflows with its automated dispensing systems and microplate washers for laboratory automation. Recent Developments In April 2025, Tecan launched liquid handling automation Veya for modern laboratories. Veya is widely used for applications like cell biology, NGS, & nucleic acid extraction, and is present in two sizes. It is suitable for various laboratory environments and offers high-quality automation. (Source: https://www.labmate-online.com) In February 2023, Eppendorf launched the new-gen epMotion automated liquid handler. The new generation liquid handler improves user experience and maintains a high degree of flexibility. It consists of a user-friendly interface and improves ergonomics. (Source: https://www.biospectrumasia.com) Liquid Handling Systems Market Segments Covered in the Report By Type Manual Liquid Handling Electronic Liquid Handling Automated Liquid Handling Semi-automated Liquid Handling By Product Automated Workstations Pipettes Dispensers Burettes Other Products By Application Drug Discovery Cancer and Genomics Research Clinical Diagnostics Other By End User Diagnostic Centers Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry Contract Research Organization Academic Institutes Other By Region North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East & Africa South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Thank you for reading. You can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions, such as North America, Europe, or Asia Pacific. 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We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally. Web: https://www.precedenceresearch.com Our Trusted Data Partners: Towards Healthcare | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Chem and Materials | Towards FnB | Towards Consumer Goods | Statifacts | Towards EV Solutions | Towards Dental | Nova One Advisor | Market Stats Insight Get Recent News: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/news For the Latest Update Follow Us: LinkedIn | Medium | Facebook | Twitter Related Topics You May Find Useful: Automated Liquid Handling Market: Explore how precision robotics are transforming lab workflows with speed, accuracy, and scalability. Fluid Handling Systems Market: See how advanced systems ensure efficient, safe, and reliable movement of liquids across industries. Fluid Dispensing Systems Market: Discover how automated dispensing technologies are enhancing precision in manufacturing and healthcare. Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market: Learn how ZLD systems are driving sustainability by minimizing wastewater and maximizing reuse. Lab Automation Market: Understand how AI-driven automation is reshaping research, diagnostics, and high-throughput testing. Water Treatment Systems Market: Track how innovative treatment solutions are addressing global water scarcity and quality challenges. Pipettes Market: Explore how ergonomic designs and digital pipettes are improving accuracy in laboratories worldwide. Industrial Dispensing System and Equipment Market: See how automation in dispensing equipment is boosting efficiency in industrial production. Automated And Closed Cell Therapy Processing System Market: Learn how closed-system automation is accelerating breakthroughs in cell and gene therapies. Liquid Biopsy Market: Discover how non-invasive diagnostics are revolutionizing early cancer detection and personalized medicine. Lyophilization Equipment Market: Understand how freeze-drying technologies are extending the shelf life of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Dubai, UAE, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wordify, a leading content strategy agency for enterprise software, today announced a strategic partnership with Otterly.AI, the premier AI search monitoring and optimization platform. This collaboration directly supports Wordify's mission to bring greater AI search visibility to its clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. Wordify and Otterly.AI join forces to advance AI search monitoring. Advancing Content Strategy in the AI Era Enterprise software companies are witnessing a fundamental shift in how prospects discover and evaluate solutions. Large Language Models and Google's AI Overviews are fundamentally changing the buyer journey, with Gartner predicting that brands' organic search traffic will decrease by 50% or more by 2028. But according to Wordifys Founder, Kaya Ismail, this transformation represents an opportunity rather than a crisis. Ismail argues that these AI platforms are primarily capturing top-of-funnel, informational searches rather than high-intent, bottom-of-funnel queries. "Think of this as intelligent traffic pruning," explains Ismail. "AI is filtering out top-of-funnel tire-kickers before they ever reach your website." This evolution creates a more qualified visitor profile. Instead of answering basic questions like "What is CRM software?" or "How does cloud computing work?", enterprise websites now receive visitors who have already completed their initial research through AI platforms. They arrive with specific questions, clear requirements, and genuine purchase intent, particularly when the customers LLM of choice recommends or links to a product. The result? Higher-quality traffic that converts at significantly better rates. "The prospects landing on SaaS websites today are informed buyers with serious intent," Ismail notes. "They've moved beyond general education and are ready for detailed product discussions, demos, and sales conversations." For enterprise software marketers, this shift demands a strategic pivot: optimizing not only for humans and Google but also for AI platforms to capture consideration-stage prospects by ensuring your website delivers the in-depth, technical content that pre-qualified buyers need to make informed decisions. "Our partnership with Otterly.AI ensures our clients stay ahead of this transformation by understanding exactly how their content appears in ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity searches." Wordify Clients to Benefit from OtterlyAIs Cutting-edge AI Search Monitoring Platform Through this partnership, Wordify clients gain access to Otterly.AI's cutting-edge monitoring capabilities across major AI platforms: Brand Visibility Tracking : Monitor how enterprise software brands appear in AI-generated responses : Monitor how enterprise software brands appear in AI-generated responses Content Citation Analysis : Track which content pieces are being referenced by AI platforms : Track which content pieces are being referenced by AI platforms Competitive Intelligence : Understand how competitors are positioned in AI search results : Understand how competitors are positioned in AI search results Geographic Insights: Monitor performance across key markets in North America, Europe, and the Middle East Global Reach, Local Expertise Wordify's international presence across four major regions combined with Otterly.AI's multi-platform monitoring capabilities creates unprecedented opportunities for enterprise software companies to optimize their content strategy for the AI era. "Enterprise software companies need to understand how their solutions are being presented by AI Search Engines in different markets," explained Thomas Peham, Co-Founder of OtterlyAI. "This partnership combines Wordify's deep content strategy expertise with our AI search intelligence to deliver actionable insights that drive business results." About Wordify Wordify is the content strategy agency for enterprise software, serving clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. The agency specializes in creating comprehensive content strategies that drive visibility across search engines, high-intent engagement, and revenue growth for B2B technology companies. About OtterlyAI OtterlyAI is a leading AI Search Monitoring & Optimization Platform that helps brands understand their visibility across AI-powered search platforms. The company provides comprehensive monitoring and optimization tools for Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, AI Mode, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity, enabling businesses to track brand mentions, content citations, and search performance in the AI era. Media Contact Andres Phillips andres@wordify.co OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN) today announced it will report third-quarter 2025 results on Wednesday, Nov. 5, after the close of U.S. financial markets. The earnings release and presentation for the third-quarter 2025 results will be available on the companys website at www.devonenergy.com. On Thursday, Nov. 6, the company will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. CDT (11 a.m. EDT), which will consist primarily of answers to questions from analysts and investors. A webcast link to the conference call will be provided on Devons website at www.devonenergy.com. A replay will be available on the website following the call. ABOUT DEVON ENERGY Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a diversified multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devons disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com. RESULTS FOR THE FIRST SEMESTER OF FISCAL YEAR 2025 Revenue up 10% to 80.7 million Proprietary products account for 36% of revenue 42% of revenue generated outside France 2025 results impacted by the transfer of EndoPredict/Prolaris production to France Free cash flow after investment of 4.4 million Net debt of -2.2 million including EB Development current account Paris, September 24, 2025 - 5:40 p.m. - Eurobio Scientific (FR0013240934, ALERS, eligible for PEA-PME), a leading French group in in vitro medical diagnostics and life sciences, today presents its consolidated results as of June 30, 2025, prepared in accordance with French standards and approved by the company's Board of Directors at its meeting on September 23, 2025. Eurobio Scientific's results as of June 30, 2025 show growth in activity, an improvement in gross margin linked to the increase in proprietary products, and a decline in EBITDA linked to pressure on distribution margins and transfer costs for EndoPredict/Prolaris production from Germany to France in the second quarter of 2025 (approximately 0.8 million). In million June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 Change Revenue 80.7 73.1 +10 R&D subsidies and CIR 0.5 0.4 - Total operating income 81.2 73.5 +10 Cost of goods pursold (43.0) (39.8) +8% Adjusted Gross Margin 38.2 33.6 +14% Gross margin 38.2 33.4 Research and Development expenses (2.1) (2.9) -27 Sales and Marketing expenses (18.1) (11.9) +52 General and administrative expenses (7.7) (7.6) +1 Adjusted EBITDA2 13.2 13.9 -5 Amortization of intangible assets arising from the PPA (2.6) (2.3) - Amortization of goodwill (1.9) (1.9) - Operating income 5.8 6.8 - Adjusted operating income1 10.3 11.2 0% Financial income (2.1) (1.0) -110% Exceptional result - 0.1 - Taxes (1.4) (1.9) +26% Net income 2.4 4.0 -40% June 30, 2025 Dec. 31, 2024 Cash 26.7 23.1 Financial debt excluding finance leases (11.3) (3.6) EB Development current account (17.6) (23.4) Equity 181.5 178.7 Growth driven by recent acquisitions and increase in share of proprietary products Eurobio Scientific posted revenue of 81.2 million in the first half of 2025, compared with 73.5 million in the first half of 2024, representing an increase of 7.7 million (+10.4%). On a comparable basis, i.e. excluding the impact of acquisitions, growth was 4.5 million (+6.1%). The scope effects are detailed as follows: the inclusion of the EndoPredict and Prolaris businesses acquired on August 1, 2024, in the first half of 2025 for 2.7 million, and the acquisition of Quimark, also a distributor of EndoPredict and Prolaris in Italy, on March 1, 2025, for 0.5 million. On a comparable basis, the 4.5 million increase in activity is mainly due to growth in France (+5.1 million), driven by certain non-recurring factors such as the Chikungunya and Dengue epidemics in overseas territories and the extension for several months of certain tenders in Transplantation, which are maintaining business volumes in this segment for the One Lambda product range. GenDx HLA typing activity remained stable in the first half of 2025 at around 15.6 million. The activities of certain European subsidiaries experienced a slight decline following the discontinuation of the Technoclone distribution ranges in the United Kingdom (-0.9 million) and T2 Biosystem in Italy (-1 million). The share of proprietary products increased from 29% of revenue in the first half of 2024 to 36% in the first half of 2025 due to the inorganic growth policy, but also to the loss of the distribution ranges mentioned above. It amounted to 29.1 million in the first half of 2025 (36% of revenue) compared to 21.2 million (29% of revenue) in the first half of 2024. Operating income impacted by reorganization costs The gross margin was 47.4%, up slightly from the first half of 2024 (45.6%) due to the growth in the share of proprietary products in the total revenue mix. Price and margin pressures remain strong for the Distribution business, particularly in the French market. Research and development expenses were stable compared to 2024. The decrease is due to the implementation of more accurate analytical monitoring of the Transplantation business since the beginning of 2025. Marketing and sales expenses increased by 6.1 million, of which 3.5 million was related to the strengthening of the sales and marketing teams at the group and subsidiary levels and 2.6 million was related to scope effects. General and administrative expenses remained stable but included approximately 0.8 million in expenses related to the closure of the production site and the transfer of the EndoPredict and Prolaris product lines to France during the first half of 2025. As a result, EBITDA reached 13.2 million at June 30, 2025, compared with 13.9 million at June 30, 2024. Operating income amounted to 10.3 million, compared with 11.2 million at June 30, 2024, excluding PPA amortization and PPA inventory write-backs. Financial income was negative at -2.1 million, mainly due to the servicing of financial debt to EB Development. Extraordinary income was zero due to changes in accounting standards. Net income thus amounted to 2.4 million at June 30, 2025, compared with 4 million at June 30, 2024. Free cash flow of 4.4 million The Group generated a decline in free cash flow to 4.4 million during the first half of the year, mainly due to a change in working capital requirements, which had a negative impact of 5.7 million, and net investment flows of 1.4 million. The transfer of production of the EndoPredict and Prolaris ranges from Germany to France had a significant impact on inventories. In addition, the Group saw an increase in average payment terms in certain countries, such as France, for various public and private customers. At the end of June 2025, Eurobio Scientific had cash and cash equivalents of 26.7 million, financial debt (excluding leases) of 11.3 million, and a current account from EB Development of 17.6 million, resulting in net debt of 2.2 million. Outlook Eurobio Scientific has a policy of not communicating its targets for the current financial year. In the medium term, the Eurobio Scientific Group will continue to pursue the strategic priorities it has developed over several years: the development of proprietary products, internationalization, and the opening of new markets. Over the next four years, the Group aims to increase the share of proprietary products to around 50% of its revenue. Update on Eurobio Scientific shareholding structure On December 19, 2024, Eurobio Scientific and EB Development announced the final result of the tender offer initiated by EB Development. At the end of this process, after assimilation of the treasury shares held by Eurobio Scientific, EB Development held 9,113,592 shares representing 88.92% of the share capital and theoretical2 voting rights of Eurobio Scientific. On May 19, 2025, EB Development declared that it had individually exceeded the thresholds of 90% of the capital and theoretical voting rights of Eurobio Scientific and that it held, directly and by assimilation of the treasury shares held by Eurobio Scientific, 9,224,652 Eurobio Scientific shares representing the same number of theoretical voting rights, i.e., 90.01% of the capital and theoretical voting rights of the company. As of June 30, 2025, EB Development holds, directly and by assimilation of the treasury shares held by Eurobio Scientific, 9,227,652 shares representing 90.04% of the share capital and theoretical voting rights of Eurobio Scientific. About Eurobio Scientific Eurobio Scientific is a major player in the field of specialty in vitro diagnostics. It is involved in everything from research to the marketing of diagnostic tests in the fields of transplantation, immunology, and infectious diseases, and offers reagents for research laboratories, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. With its numerous partnerships and strong hospital presence, Eurobio Scientific has its own extensive distribution network and a portfolio of proprietary products. The Group has approximately 320 employees, four production units based in the Paris region, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, and subsidiaries in Milan, Italy; Dorking, Great Britain; Sissach, Switzerland; Bunde, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; and Utrecht, the Netherlands. Eurobio Scientific's main shareholder is the EurobioNext holding company, which brings together its two directors, Jean-Michel Carle and Denis Fortier, alongside the "Pepites et Territoires" investment program by AXA & NextStage AM, managed by NextStage AM. For further information, visit: www.eurobio-scientific.com Eurobio Scientific shares are listed on Euronext Growth Paris. Euronext Growth BPI Innovation, PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indices, Euronext European Rising Tech label. Ticker symbol: ALERS - ISIN code: FR0013240934 - Reuters: ALERS.PA - Bloomberg: ALERS:FP Contacts Eurobio Scientific Group Denis Fortier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Olivier Bosc, Deputy Chief Executive Officer / CFO Tel. +33 1 69 79 64 80 Calyptus Mathieu Calleux Investor Relations Tel. +33 1 53 65 68 68 eurobio-scientific@calyptus.net Adjusted for (i) the reversal of the inventory value allocated to the PPA at the time of the acquisition of GenDx and sold since then, (ii) amortization of intangible assets arising from the PPA, and (iii) amortization related to goodwill. 2 Voting rights calculated in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of Article 223-11 I of the AMF General Regulation Attachment Dublin, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Latin America AI-assisted Imaging Market 2025-2032" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report transforms regional demand signals, regulatory trends, and attach rate economics into actionable go-to-market strategies. This comprehensive report provides precise market sizing and strategic insights, illustrating opportunities for success through regional frameworks, country-specific forecasts, and evidence-based recommendations. Who Should Use This Report: Imaging OEMs planning bundled CT/MR/X-ray offers and attach rate strategies. AI pure plays and marketplace integrators targeting enterprise pilots and distributor channels. Teleradiology networks and private hospital groups aiming to optimize workflow and cloud OPEX. Investors and corporate development teams seeking to validate growth initiatives and partner viability. Public sector program leads focusing on tenders for TB, stroke, and screening alignment. What You Get (Benefits): Clear Insight-to-Action Pathway: Dual lens methodology and QA loop ensure coherent reporting and evidence-backed recommendations. Dual lens methodology and QA loop ensure coherent reporting and evidence-backed recommendations. Prioritized country cluster roadmap featuring dollarized breakouts and actionable items for the next 12 months. Framework-Driven GTM: Leverage Solution Adoption & Growth Matrix alongside Ecosystem Collaboration Matrix to inform partner, pricing, and deployment decisions. Leverage Solution Adoption & Growth Matrix alongside Ecosystem Collaboration Matrix to inform partner, pricing, and deployment decisions. Comprehensive segmentation across modality, clinical area, application, revenue stream, and end use with forecasts spanning 2023-2032 for internal presentation readiness. Inside the Report (Highlights by Section): Section 1: Executive Summary - succinct region-level KPIs, inflection points, and year-long board-level actions. Executive Summary - succinct region-level KPIs, inflection points, and year-long board-level actions. Section 2: Research Methodology - details on scope, segmentation, dual lens architecture, evidence credibility, and QA processes. Research Methodology - details on scope, segmentation, dual lens architecture, evidence credibility, and QA processes. Section 3-4: Market Analysis & Forecasts - in-depth growth driver analysis, unified cluster modeling, with estimates by clinical area, modality, revenue stream, application, and end use. Market Analysis & Forecasts - in-depth growth driver analysis, unified cluster modeling, with estimates by clinical area, modality, revenue stream, application, and end use. Sections 5-7: GTM Tools - features Solution Adoption & Growth Matrix, Ecosystem Collaboration Matrix, 90-day operating roadmap, GTM Readiness Radar, regulatory insights, OEM attach rate, and vendor GTM highlights. Countries/Regions Covered: Mexico Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM Key Topics Covered SECTION 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Why LATAM Matters - The 25 second Read LATAM Outlook at a Glance (2023-2032) Where Growth Concentrates - Modality & Clinical Mix (LATAM) Inflection Points & Watchouts - LATAM Competitive Heat - the Moves to Track (LATAM Lens) 12-Month Board-Level Actions (What to Do Now) SECTION 2 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY About This Pulse Report Scope & Segmentation "Insights-Action" Dual lens Architecture (Regionalized) Evidence Confidence - LATAM Quality Assurance Loop Limitations & Mitigations (Regional) Regulatory & Privacy References Used in Sizing and GTM Guidance SECTION 3 - LATIN AMERICAN (LATAM) MARKET ANALYSIS Market Summary Growth Driver Waterfall - LATAM Geo-Economic Clusters (for GTM Focus) Segment Trends to 2032 Regulatory Snapshot (Big 5) What's New for 2024-25 Action-Oriented Recommendations Commercial Signals SECTION 4 - LATAM MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECASTS LATAM Market by Country Cluster (2023-2032) How to Read the Cluster Table What the Numbers Imply Cross Cluster Implications (How to Allocate Resources) Risk & KPI Watchlist LATAM Market by Clinical Area (2023-2032) LATAM Market by Modality (2023-2032) LATAM Market by Revenue Stream (2023-2032) LATAM Market by Clinical Application (2023-2032) LATAM Market by End-Use Organization (2023-2032) LATAM Market by AI Technology (2023-2032) SECTION 5 - MARKINTEL SOLUTION ADOPTION & GROWTH MATRIX - LATAM Quadrants Analysis Cross-Quadrant Operating Roadmap (2024 27) SECTION 6 - MARKINTEL ECOSYSTEM COLLABORATION MATRIX - LATAM Quadrants Analysis Operating Roadmap (90 Day Focus) KPI Watchlist SECTION 7 - GTM AT-A-GLANCE - LATAM GTM Readiness Radar - LATAM GTM Timeline - LATAM LATAM Country Clusters Summary Cluster-Priority Heatmap Regulatory Velocity & Reimbursement Pulse - LATAM OEM AI Attach Rate - LATAM GTM Maturity Highlights by Company - LATAM Procurement & Hosting - Cloud/Data Residency Callout For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xacssq About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. North Logan, Utah, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Utah State Universitys Space Dynamics Laboratory has released open-source software to detect potentially harmful shooting stars, called bolidesbright meteors that explode as they enter Earths atmosphere. The software, StarFall, can be downloaded at https://github.com/SPACE-DYNAMICS-LABORATORY/STARFALL. Shooting stars, or meteors, have always fascinated people. Cultures across the world have assigned significance to shooting stars as they tried to explain the phenomenology, said Eric McKinney, an SDL algorithm engineer and a StarFall developer. Some explanations border on supernatural and have entered folklore as carriers of traveling souls, omens of good or bad fortune, portents of change, or even tears from the gods, but there can be real and significant implications on Earth from some of these impactors. Scientists have long known that shooting stars are meteors traveling through Earths atmosphere. Meteors that reach a minimum apparent magnitude of -4, at least as bright as Venus, the brightest planet in the night sky, and explode in the atmosphere are known as bolides. Bolide explosions have caused terrestrial damage. In February 2013, a bolide over Chelyabinsk, Russia, released an estimated blast yield of 400 to 500 kilotons of TNT, damaged buildings, and injured approximately 1,500 people. In terms of raw energy release, the atomic bombs dropped during World War II had yields between 13 and 21 kilotons of TNT, explained Tyson Johnson, SDLs StarFall program manager. Rapid detection, characterization, and notification of these natural Earth impactors is therefore vitally important. In 2019, scientists discovered that data captured by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument onboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) could be processed to detect bolides. SDL, with support from NASAs Planetary Defense Coordination Office, has created StarFall, a near real-time bolide detection software suite. SDLs software ingests GLM data and applies anomaly detection algorithms to distinguish between bolide events and the many lightning detections GLM was originally designed to characterize. The GLM sensor takes 500 images of Earth every second, and StarFall analyzes the meteors light curves, or changes in brightness over time, as they pass through the atmosphere. StarFall software is now available as open source. Scientists and the public can deploy StarFall to receive alerts and view estimated times, approximate locations, and total energy releases for bolide entries. Fellow researchers may also contribute to the source code to extend StarFalls current capabilities and derive additional functionality. Headquartered on Utah State Universitys Innovation Campus in North Logan, UT, SDL is an independent nonprofit corporation owned by USU. It employs 1,400 engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals who solve technical challenges faced by the military, science community, and industry and support NASAs vision to explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all. SDL has field offices in Albuquerque, NM; Chantilly, VA; Huntsville, AL; Ogden, UT; and Stafford, VA. As one of 15 Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers, SDL is both a trusted advisor to the U.S. government and a specialist in its areas of expertise, rapidly developing government-owned solutions to nationally significant challenges. Attachment NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against CTO Realty Growth, Inc. (CTO or the Company) (NYSE: CTO) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and docketed under 25-cv-01516, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired CTO securities between February 18, 2021 and June 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials. If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired CTO securities during the Class Period, you have until October 7, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] CTO is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a portfolio of purported high-quality, retail-based properties located primarily in higher growth markets in the United States (U.S.). The Company converted into a REIT in February 2021 and, as of December 31, 2024, owned 23 income properties in seven states, including Ashford Lane, a retail and dining center in Atlanta, Georgia. Under guidelines established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable profits to shareholders annually as dividends. In return, REIT companies are exempt from most corporate income tax. CTO has touted that its operation as a REIT provides the tax-efficient organizational structure for [its] stockholders that will allow [it] to provide them with an attractive and sustainable dividend. To measure its performance, CTO uses the financial metric Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO). The AFFO of a REIT, though subject to varying methods of computation, is generally equal to the REITs funds from operations with adjustments made for recurring capital expenditures (also referred to as capex) used to maintain the quality of the REITs underlying assets. Professional analysts tend to prefer AFFO because it takes into consideration additional costs incurred by the REIT as well as additional income sources, such as rent increases. Thus, analysts believe that AFFO provides for a more accurate base number when estimating present values and a better predictor of the REITs future ability to pay dividends. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) CTOs dividends were less sustainable than Defendants had led investors to believe; (ii) the Company used deceptive and unsustainable practices to artificially inflate its AFFO and overstate the true profitability of its Ashford Lane property; (iii) accordingly, CTOs business and/or financial prospects were overstated; and (iv) as a result, Defendants public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On June 25, 2025, Wolfpack Research (Wolfpack) published a report entitled CTO: The B. Riley of REITs (the Wolfpack Report or the Report), which compared CTO unfavorably to B. Riley, a financial services company that recently lost more than 90% of its value amid three years of losses, soured investments, delayed financial reports and revelations that the SEC had been investigating whether the firm gave shareholders an accurate picture of its health. Citing interviews with former employees and whistleblowers, the Wolfpack Report accused CTO of, among other things, not generat[ing] enough cash to pay its recurring capex and cover its dividends since converting to a REIT in 2021 and instead rel[ying] on dilution (increasing shares outstanding by 70% since December 2022) to cover a $38 million dividend shortfall from 2021 to 2024, employing a manipulative definition of [AFFO] where they exclude recurring capex, unlike all of their self-identified shopping center REIT peers, and us[ing] a sham loan to hide the collapse of a top tenant from shareholders at Ashford Lane. (Emphasis in original). Further, Wolfpack predicted imminent further dilution of the Company, noting that CTO has just $8.4 million in cash while facing quarterly dividends of $14 million and average recurring capital expenditures of $5.7 million per quarter, along with approximately $12 million in additional planned capital expenditures. On this news, CTOs stock price fell $0.98 per share, or 5.42%, to close at $17.10 per share on June 25, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP dpeyton@pomlaw.com 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 Washington, DC, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for en banc rehearing in Powell, et al. v. Securities and Exchange Commission, NCLAs lawsuit challenging SECs refusal to amend its Gag Rule. NCLA expressed concern that the panel opinion entirely neglected to address the claims on behalf of our press clients (who did not consent to any gag), ignored several petitioners as-applied claims (which challenged the voluntariness of consent), and let SEC get away with skipping steps when issuing the Rule. The panel decision also treated binding precedent in ways that conflicted with the Supreme Court, misread Ninth Circuit precedent, and created splits with other circuits law. The Gag Rule silences NCLA clients Thomas Powell, Cassandra Toroian, Gary Pryor, Joseph Collins, Michelle Silverstein, Rex Scates, and returning clients Ray Lucia, Barry Romeril, and Christopher Novinger. The Ninth Circuit panel failed to address several of NCLAs arguments on their behalf, including the observation that SEC violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to publish, provide notice and allow comment before promulgating this rule that binds third parties. The panel opinion also ignored the petitioning Reason Foundation and The Cape Gazettes claims that the Gag Rule infringes their right to Freedom of the Pressthat is, to hear and report the views SEC enforcement targets wish to express about the agencys flawed cases against them. This 1972 Rule forbids every American who settles a regulatory enforcement case with SEC from even truthfully criticizing their cases in public for the rest of their lives. SEC ignored NCLAs initial 2018 petition challenging the Gag Rule, only issuing a denial after NCLA filed a renewed petition in December 2023. A Ninth Circuit panel in Powell upheld the Gag Rule last month, skirting well-established court precedents and creating circuit splits. SEC never had statutory authority to enact the Gag Rule. Congress did not and could not empower SEC to gag anyone, as the First Amendment forbids such prior restraint of future speech. The Gag Rule is not narrowly tailored, does not serve any compelling government interest, and it restricts speech based on content and viewpoint in violation of the First Amendment. Once SEC charges you, the settlement price is a permanent record that you are guilty of all charges. This unconstitutional condition flouts Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit precedents. It gives government sole control over the narrative and the last public word on all settled cases (i.e., 98% of cases). SECs Gag Rule and this case raise matters of national importance that the en banc Ninth Circuit should resolve. The panel decision opened the door for more agencies to forever silence Americans who settle. Its ruling contradicts Supreme Court decisions that held criminals may not be forbidden to speak about their cases and conflicts with previous Ninth Circuit rulings that forbade agency-favoring speech suppression by the government. NCLA released the following statements: The panel decision puts the SEC in charge of who may criticize the agency. It is a dangerous aberration that puts the Ninth Circuit at odds with controlling Supreme Court and conflicting circuit precedents. The full court should grant review and bring the SEC in line with all other agencies that robustly regulate Americans without gagging them for life. Peggy Little, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA SECs Gag Rule is a menace to the First Amendment. The agency passed it over 50 years ago without taking proper steps. The en banc court should rehear this case and set aside the Rule on that groundat the very least. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the case page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### Boston, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, Smart Machines: Technologies and Global Markets is projected to increase from $455 billion in 2025 to $1.2 trillion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2025 through 2030. This report presents a detailed analysis of the global smart machines market, examining revenue trends across segments such as product type, component, end use, and region. It covers the regions of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, offering insights into market dynamics and growth potential. The report also highlights emerging technologies and the competitive landscape, concluding with profiles of leading companies driving innovation. This helps stakeholders identify opportunities and make informed strategic decisions. This report is especially relevant now as the smart machines market is experiencing rapid growth driven by increasing demand for intelligent automation, autonomous robots and vehicles, and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). It analyzes trends, growth opportunities, and challenges. For industrial companies and investors, the insights offered will aid in making informed decisions, fostering innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge in a fast-evolving technological landscape. The factors driving the markets growth include: Automation in Manufacturing: Smart machines are revolutionizing manufacturing by automating repetitive and complex tasks, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved product quality. With technologies like robotics and IoT, factories are becoming more adaptive and capable of mass customization. Demand for Autonomous Robots: Industries are increasingly adopting autonomous robots to handle tasks in dangerous, labor-intensive, or high-precision environments. These robots are used in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and agriculture, driven by advances in sensors, AI, and mobility technologies. Demand for Autonomous Vehicles: The push for autonomous vehicles, including self-driving cars, drones, and delivery robots, is reshaping transportation and logistics. These vehicles promise safer roads, more efficient delivery systems, and reduced environmental impact, supported by innovations in AI, LiDAR, and real-time navigation systems. Advances in AI and Machine Learning: AI and ML are the core technologies enabling smart machines to learn, adapt, and make decisions. From predictive maintenance to natural language processing and computer vision, these advances are making machines more intelligent and capable across various industries. Request a sample copy of the global market for smart machines report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $400.6 billion Market size forecast $1.2 trillion Growth rate CAGR of 20.8% for the forecast period of 2025-2030 Segments covered Type, Component, End Use Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, South America, the Middle East and Africa Market Drivers Automation in Manufacturing Demand for Autonomous Robots Demand for Autonomous Vehicles Advances in AI and ML Interesting facts: In the smart machines market, the autonomous vehicle type is expected to witness the fastest growth of 20.1% and is expected to reach $307.4 billion by the end of 2030, driven by increasing focus on road safety and advances in AI and sensor technologies. North America has the second-largest market share. This is primarily attributed to its advanced tech infrastructure, high adoption rates of smart devices, and significant investment across sectors. The global smart machine market is entering a new era, with intelligent systems becoming mainstream across industries. Future trends point to the widespread adoption of autonomous robots, vehicles, and smart home devices driven by labor shortages, AI advances, and ROI. The market is expected to evolve into a "physical AI" revolution, making smart machines as common as smartphones. Emerging startups: Figure AI, Inc., a U.S.-based robotics firm established in 2022, is focused on creating AI-powered humanoid robots. Service Robotics Inc., established in 2023, is a U.S.-based company that designs, builds, and operates self-driving delivery robots for use in public spaces, primarily for food delivery. Circular develops an advanced health monitoring platform that integrates compact hardware design with personalized data insights. The report addresses the following questions: What are the global smart machine market's projected size and growth rate? The global smart machines market was valued at $400.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2025 to 2030. Which factors are driving the growth of the global smart machines market? The rise of intelligent automation, the rising demand for autonomous robots and vehicles worldwide, and advances in AI and ML are fuel the demand for smart machines worldwide. What are the challenges and opportunities of the market? The global shrinking labor population, increasing government investment in advanced transportation, and growing adoption of intelligent assistants are creating strong momentum for adoption and investment. However, the high costs associated with smart machines, along with privacy and cybersecurity concerns, make them economically unviable for large-scale deployment. Which type will be dominant through 2030? The smart home devices segment is expected to continue dominating the global smart machines market, driven by their widespread adoption due to improved security and energy efficiency. Also, growing government investments in smart city initiatives are boosting the adoption of smart home devices. Which region has the largest market share? The Asia-Pacific region is the leading revenue generator for the global smart machines market. In 2024, it accounted for $143.8 billion in revenue, representing about 35.9% of the global market. The high market share is due to strong government backing, advanced infrastructure, rising consumer demand, and rising adoption of smart home infrastructure. Market leaders include: AMAZON.COM INC. ABB ALPHABET INC. (GOOGLE INC.) APPLE INC. AUTOX INC. BAIDU BOSTON DYNAMICS IBM CORP. KUKA AG LOCUS ROBOTICS MICROSOFT OTTO BY ROCKWELL AUTOMATION PERCEPTO LTD. SALESFORCE INC. SAMSUNG SKYDIO INC. SOUNDHOUND AI INC. WAYMO LLC. Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact info@bccresearch.com. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement, and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. RENO, Nev., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employers Holdings, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE:EIG) today announced that it will release its third quarter 2025 financial results after market close on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after which these materials will be available on the Companys website at www.employers.com through the Investors link. Conference Call Details The Company will then review these financial results via a conference call and webcast on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 8:00 a.m. PDT. To participate in the live conference call, you must first register here. Once registered you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. The webcast will be accessible on the Companys website at www.employers.com through the Investors link. An archived version of the webcast will be accessible on the Companys website following the live call. About EMPLOYERS Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG), is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers compensation insurance and services (collectively EMPLOYERS) focused on small and mid-sized businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. EMPLOYERS leverages over a century of experience to deliver comprehensive coverage solutions that meet the unique needs of its customers. Drawing from its long history and extensive knowledge, EMPLOYERS empowers businesses by protecting their most valuable asset their employees through exceptional claims management, loss control, and risk management services, to create safer work environments. EMPLOYERS is also proud to offer Cerity, which is focused on providing digital-first, direct-to-consumer workers compensation insurance solutions with fast, and affordable coverage options through a user-friendly online platform. EMPLOYERS operates throughout the United States, apart from four states that are served exclusively by their state funds. Insurance is offered through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company, Employers Assurance Company, and Cerity Insurance Company, all rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. Not all companies do business in all jurisdictions. EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity Services, Inc., are subsidiaries of Employers Holdings, Inc. EMPLOYERS is a registered trademark of EIG Services, Inc., and Cerity is a registered trademark of Cerity Services, Inc. For more information, please visit www.employers.com and www.cerity.com. Contact Information Michael Pedraja (775) 327-2706 or mpedraja@employers.com NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Cybin Inc. (Cybin or the Company) (NYSE: CYBN). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Cybin and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] We are investigating Cybin Inc. (CYBN) (Cybin or the Company) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. On September 2, 2025, Cybin issued a press release annnounc[ing] that, effective September 2, 2025, Doug Drysdale will step down as the Companys Chief Executive Officer. On this news, Cybins stock price fell $1.24 per share, or 16.58%, to close at $6.24 per share on September 2, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Outcrop Silver & Gold Corporation (TSXV:OCG, OTCQX:OCGSF, DE:MRG) (Outcrop Silver or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with BMO Capital Markets, as sole bookrunner, and Research Capital Corporation, as co-lead agent, on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the Agents), in connection with a best efforts, public offering of units of the Company (the Units) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $20 million (the Offering) at a price of $0.35 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole Common Share purchase warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.55 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering, subject to adjustment in certain events. At any time following the 6-month anniversary of the closing of the Offering, if the closing price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.75 for 20 or more consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 10 days following such occurrence, deliver a notice to the holders thereof accelerating the expiry date of the Warrants to a date that is 30 days after the date of such notice. The Company has granted the Agents an option to increase the size of the Offering by up to an additional number of Units, and/or the components thereof, that in the aggregate would be equal to approximately 15% of the total number of Units to be issued under the Offering, to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes, exercisable at any time and from time to time up to 30 days following the closing of the Offering (the Over-Allotment Option). The Agents will receive from the Company a fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, including any gross proceeds from the Over-Allotment Option. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration and drilling at the Santa Ana project, as well as general working capital purposes. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about October 3, 2025 and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Units will be offered by way of a prospectus supplement to the Companys existing base shelf prospectus filed on August 5, 2025 in all of the provinces and territories of Canada, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, and may also be offered by way of private placement in the United States. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Outcrop Silver Outcrop Silver is a leading explorer and developer focused on advancing its flagship Santa Ana high-grade silver project in Colombia. Leveraging a disciplined and seasoned team of professionals with decades of experience in the region. Outcrop Silver is dedicated to expanding current mineral resources through strategic exploration initiatives. At the core of our operations is a commitment to responsible mining practices and community engagement, underscoring our approach to sustainable development. Our expertise in navigating complex geological and market conditions enables us to identify and capitalize on opportunities that enhance shareholder value consistently. With a deep understanding of the Colombian mining landscape and a proven track record of successful exploration, Outcrop Silver is well-positioned to transform the Santa Ana project into a significant silver producer, making a positive contribution to the local economy and setting new standards in the mining industry. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ian Harris Chief Executive Officer +1 604 638 2545 harris@outcropsilver.com www.outcropsilver.com Kathy Li Vice President of Investor Relations +1 778 783 2818 li@outcropsilver.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to the expected size of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of the Company to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary consents for the Offering, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms expected or at all. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. VENICE, Fla., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP, based in suburban Philadelphia, is investigating data privacy claims regarding a hacking incident at Caldwell Trust Company (Caldwell). Caldwell learned of a data breach on or about September 4, 2025. If you would like to discuss this case with a lawyer, go HERE. What happened? Caldwell Trust Company is a Florida-licensed trust firm that provides fiduciary solutions, including asset management, trustee services, and financial planning, to personal and corporate clients. On or around September 4, 2025, Caldwell discovered that an unauthorized individual had accessed its computer network and viewed certain files. An investigation revealed that these files may have contained personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and drivers license numbers. How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach letter from Caldwell, you should take steps to protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the Caldwell data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2 Email: medelson@edelson-law.com Web: www.edelson-law.com About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft, and consumer fraud. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stingray Group Inc. (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B) (Stingray), an industry leader in music and video content distribution, business services, and adverstising solutions, today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has approved the renewal of its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), authorizing Stingray to repurchase up to an aggregate 3,710,428 subordinate voting shares and variable subordinate voting shares (collectively, Subordinate Shares), representing approximately 10% of the public float (as defined in the TSX Company Manual) of Subordinate Shares as at September 15, 2025. The net average daily trading volume for the six-month period preceding September 1, 2025 represents 23,675 Subordinate Shares. In accordance with TSX requirements, Stingray is entitled to purchase, on any trading day, up to a total of 5,918 Subordinate Shares representing 25% of this average daily trading volume. Stingray believes that the purchase of up to 3,710,428 Subordinate Shares under the NCIB is an appropriate use of its funds and a desirable investment for Stingray and, therefore, would be in the best interests of Stingray. By making such repurchases, the number of Subordinate Shares in circulation will be reduced and the proportionate interest of all remaining shareholders in the share capital of Stingray will be increased on a pro rata basis. Stingray may repurchase Subordinate Shares on the open market through the facilities of the TSX as well as through other alternative Canadian trading systems, from time to time, over the course of twelve months commencing September 27, 2025 and ending at the latest on September 26, 2026. The actual number of Subordinate Shares purchased under the NCIB, the timing of purchases and the price at which the Subordinate Shares are bought will depend upon management discretion based on factors such as market conditions. All shares repurchased under the NCIB will be cancelled upon their repurchase. In connection with the NCIB, Stingray has established an automatic securities purchase plan with a designated broker whereby shares may be repurchased at times when such purchases would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to regulatory restrictions or self-imposed blackout periods. Under the automatic securities purchase plan, before entering a self-imposed blackout period, Stingray may, but is not required to, ask the designated broker to make purchases under the NCIB. Such purchases will be made at the discretion of the designated broker, within parameters established by Stingray prior to the blackout periods. Outside the blackout periods, purchases are made at the discretion of Stingrays management. The automatic securities purchase plan constitutes an automatic plan for purposes of applicable Canadian securities legislation and has been pre-cleared by the TSX. As of September 15, 2025, Stingray had repurchased a total of 1,159,300 Subordinate Shares through the facilities of the TSX as well as through other alternative Canadian trading systems pursuant to its last NCIB (which will expire on September 26, 2025 and allows the repurchase of up to 3,542,716 Subordinate Shares) at a weighted average price of $8.7156 per share. As of the close of business on September 15, 2025, there were an aggregate of 54,987,006 Subordinate Shares issued and outstanding of which 37,104,282 Subordinate Shares comprised the public float. About Stingray Stingray Group Inc. (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B), a global music, media, and technology company, is an industry leader in TV broadcasting, streaming, radio, business services, and advertising. Stingray provides an array of global music, digital, and advertising services to enterprise brands worldwide, including audio and video channels, 97 radio stations, subscription video-on-demand content, FAST channels, karaoke products and music apps, and in-car and on-board infotainment content. Stingray Business, a division of Stingray, provides commercial solutions in music, in-store advertising solutions, digital signage, and AI-driven consumer insights and feedback. Stingray Advertising is North Americas largest retail audio advertising network, delivering digital audio messaging to more than 30,000 major retail locations. Stingray has close to 1,000 employees worldwide and reaches 540 million consumers in 160 countries. For more information, visit www.stingray.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to Stingray's goals, beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "may", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "foresee", "believe", and "continue", or the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions. Please note, however, that not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Stingray's control. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk factors identified in Stingray's Annual Information Form for the year ended March 31, 2025, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that Stingray anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on Stingray's business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and Stingray does not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Contact Information: Mathieu Peloquin Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Communications Stingray Group Inc. (514) 664-1244, ext. 2362 mpeloquin@stingray.com WHEAT RIDGE, Colo., Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP, based in suburban Philadelphia, is investigating data privacy claims regarding an incident at United Food & Commercial Workers Local No. 7 (UFCW). UFCW learned of a data breach on or about December 11, 2024. If you would like to discuss this case with a lawyer, go HERE. About United Food & Commercial Workers Local No. 7 Based in Colorado and Wyoming, UFCW represents 23,000 workers, focusing on contract negotiations to improve wages, benefits, and workplace conditions. It operates as part of a national labor network. What happened? On or about December 11, 2024, UFCW detected suspicious activity on its computer network. They promptly launched an investigation and found that certain data might have been accessed or stolen by an unauthorized third party on December 10, 2024. This data may include personal details, such as names, Social Security numbers, and other unique identifiers. As many as 55,747 individuals may have been impacted by this breach. How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a notification letter concerning the UFCW data breach, you should take steps to protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised as a result of the UFCW data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2 Email: medelson@edelson-law.com Web: www.edelson-law.com About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft, and consumer fraud. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS. CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Chile Inc. ("Lithium Chile" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to strong market demand, the offering was oversubscribed and it has agreed with its agents, Canaccord Genuity Corp., as lead agent and sole bookrunner ("Canaccord Genuity"), and Moneta Securities Inc. (together with Canaccord Genuity, the "Agents") to increase the size of the previously announced "best efforts" private placement. As a result of this second amendment, the offering will consist of up to 14,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $7,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Company has also granted the Agents an option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time prior to the closing of the Offering, to arrange for the sale of up to an additional 1,950,000 Units at the Offering Price, for additional gross proceeds of up to $975,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.70 per Warrant Share for a period of 5 years following the closing of the Offering. The Units will be offered for sale under the listed issuer financing exemption pursuant to Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (together, the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"), in each of the provinces of Canada except Quebec. The securities issued under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Agents will also be entitled to offer the Units for sale in the United States pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), as amended, and in certain other qualifying jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement basis provided it is understood that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation arises in such other jurisdiction. There is a second amended and restated offering document dated September 24, 2025 (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.lithiumchile.ca. Prospective investors should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance the Company's existing mineral properties in Argentina and Chile, for general and administrative expenses, and working capital purposes, as further described in the Offering Document. The Offering is expected to close on or about October 7, 2025, or such other date as may be determined by the Company and the Agents and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities referred to herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any U.S. persons or any persons within the United States absent registration or available exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. 'United States' and 'U.S. person' are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About Lithium Chile Lithium Chile Inc. is an exploration company with a portfolio of 11 properties spanning 107,936 hectares in Chile and 29,245 hectares on the Salar de Arizaro in Argentina. The Company has successfully advanced its Arizaro project with the completion of an NI 43-101 technical report, a Preliminary Economic Assessment and then a Prefeasibility Study, all of which are accessible at www.sedarplus.ca under Lithium Chile's profile. Lithium Chile's common shares are listed on the TSX-V under the symbol "LITH" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "LTMCF". To find out more about Lithium Chile, please contact Steven Cochrane, President and CEO via email: steve@lithiumchile.ca or Michelle DeCecco, COO via email: michelle@lithiumchile.ca or phone: 587-393-1990. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained in this news release, including statements regarding the terms, amounts, timing, closing and use of proceeds raised under the Offering and receipt of all required approvals relating to the Offering, is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the timing of the closing of the Offering and the intended use of net proceeds raised from the Offering, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, with respect to the Offering and the issuance of the Units, including the amounts expected to be raised, the timeline of certain events in respect thereof, including the applicable exemptions, satisfaction of closing conditions, the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approvals in respect of the Offering, sufficiency of proceeds, conditions of financial markets, economic conditions including any governmental regulations with respect thereto including tariffs, protective governmental regulations, consumer responses to such actions and other related effects, management's discretion with respect to the use of proceeds and the use of the available funds following completion of the Offering, including the timing and cost of planned corporate projects and developments and the use of funds in connection therewith, and the other risk factors described in our securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, or otherwise. John Dorward has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair; Blake McLaughlin has been appointed Executive Vice President, Development, and resigned from his current position at Axcap; Vance Spalding has been appointed Executive Vice President, Exploration; Zeenat Lokhandwala has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary; Kevin Ma has resigned as Chief Financial Officer; and Luis Zapata has resigned as President. Axcap Ventures Inc. (CSE: AXCP) ("Axcap" or the "Company") and Taura Gold Inc. (TSXV: TORA) ("Taura") are pleased to announce that, further to the joint news release on September 8, 2025, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement (the "Concurrent Offering"), arranged in connection with the arrangement agreement dated September 8, 2025 (the "Arrangement Agreement"), whereby Axcap will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Taura by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Transaction").The Concurrent Offering consisted of 125,000,000 common shares in the capital of Axcap ("Axcap Shares") at a price of C$0.10 per Axcap Share for gross proceeds of C$12,500,000. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering will be used by the Company to satisfy certain upcoming property payments in connection with Axcap's Converse Gold Project, located in the Battle Mountain Trend in Northern Nevada, and for general corporate purposes. The Axcap Shares issued pursuant to the Concurrent Offering are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period commencing on the closing of the Concurrent Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws.In addition, Axcap issued an aggregate of 6,000,000 Axcap Shares at $0.10 Axcap Share in settlement of $600,000 of debt owed to certain related parties (the "Debt Settlement"). The Debt Settlement has a settlement value of 50% of the face value of the initial debt.An insider of Axcap participated in the Concurrent Offering and subscribed for 200,000 Axcap Shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $20,000 to the Company. In addition, 5,000,000 Axcap Shares were issued to insiders of Axcap pursuant to the Debt Settlement. The issuance of Axcap Shares to the Insiders constitutes "related party transactions" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from valuation requirement and minority approval pursuant to subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, for the Insiders participation in the Concurrent Offering and for the Axcap Shares issued to insiders pursuant to the Debt Settlement, as the value of the Axcap Shares subscribed for do not represent more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The exact extent of participation by insiders of the Company in the Concurrent Offering was not determined sufficiently in advance of the closing thereof, and accordingly, the Company expects to file a material change report relating to the Concurrent Offering less than 21 days from completion of the Concurrent Offering, which is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances.As further disclosed in the news release dated September 8, 2025, upon closing of the Concurrent Offering, the following changes were made to Axcap's management: In addition, Axcap's board of directors has been reconstituted to comprise of the following five members: Mario Vetro; Kenneth Cotiamco; Tyron Breytenbach; John Dorward; and Oliver Lennox-King. Desmond Balakrishnan and Luis Zapata have resigned as directors of Axcap. Taura Gold CEO, John Dorward commented, "Closing this financing is a key step towards delivering on our long-term vision for the Converse Project. The Converse Project already features an imposing mineral resource base and we are committed to showcasing its development potential through high-quality technical and commercial work, including delivering a Preliminary Economic Assessment, targeted for next year." About Axcap Venture Inc. Axcap is focused on consolidating neglected resources in the USA and Canada that it believes are constrained by drilling not geology. Axcap's goal is to deliver a portfolio of development ready gold resources into the next gold cycle and to raise capital and grow these neglected orebodies when conventional single asset explorers are shut out of the market. About Taura Gold Inc. Taura is focused on gold exploration in Canada. It is currently actively exploring the Shabu Project in the Red Lake District of Northwestern Ontario. Taura is also active in assessing acquisition and joint venture opportunities in various jurisdictions from time to time. For further information please contact: Mario Vetro Axcap Ventures Inc. mario@commoditypartners.ca Tel: 778-846-9970 Cautionary Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward- looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Transaction, the anticipated use of gross proceeds from the Concurrent Offering, and the Converse Project. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) Axcap, Taura, and the Transaction, (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and consents (as applicable), including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange, and (iii) the satisfaction of other closing conditions of the Arrangement Agreement. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of Axcap and Taura at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, Axcap does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. (All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated) Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) ("Lithium Americas" or the "Company") is responding today to media reports pertaining to the status of its previously announced $2.26 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (the "DOE" / "DOE Loan"). The Company is in discussions with the DOE and General Motors Holdings LLC ("GM"), its joint venture partner in the Thacker Pass lithium project ("Thacker Pass" or the "Project"), regarding first draw on the DOE Loan. The topics of these discussions include certain conditions precedent to draw on the DOE Loan and associated loan specifics, as well as incremental requests from the DOE for potential further conditions to first draw and/or potential amendments to the DOE Loan and associated transaction documents, including corresponding consideration. The Company continues to work with the DOE and GM regarding proposals for a mutually agreeable resolution. ABOUT LITHIUM AMERICAS Lithium Americas is developing Thacker Pass located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada, which hosts the largest known measured lithium resource (Measured and Indicated) and reserve (Proven and Probable) in the world. Thacker Pass is owned by a joint venture between Lithium Americas (holding a 62% interest and is the manager of the Project), and GM (holding a 38% interest). The Company is focused on advancing Phase 1 of Thacker Pass toward production, targeting nominal design capacity of 40,000 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate. The Company and its engineering, procurement and construction management contractor, Bechtel, entered into a National Construction Agreement (Project Labor Agreement) with North America's Building Trades Unions for construction of Thacker Pass. Construction is expected to create nearly 2,000 direct jobs, including 1,800 skilled contractors. Lithium Americas' shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LAC. To learn more, visit www.lithiumamericas.com or follow @LithiumAmericas on social media. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements" ("FLS")). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are FLS and can be identified by the use of statements that include, but are not limited to, words, such as "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "may," "will," "project," "predict," "proposes," "potential," "target," "implement," "schedule," "forecast," "intend," "would," "could," "might," "should," "believe" and similar terminology, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. FLS in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements related to the DOE Loan, including statements regarding satisfaction of draw-down conditions on the DOE Loan, the expected timing for first draw-down on the DOE Loan, if at all, and the outlook with respect to negotiations relating to the DOE Loan and the consequences related thereto; as well as other statements with respect to management's beliefs, plans, estimates and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations that are not historical facts. FLS involves known and unknown risks, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially. FLS reflects the Company's current views about future events that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Accordingly, there can be no certainty that they will accurately reflect actual results. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such FLS are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that FLS will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information, and that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose, including investment purposes. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any FLS as a result of the risk factors set out herein, and in the Company's other continuous disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are further cautioned to review the full description of risks, uncertainties and management's assumptions in the aforementioned documents and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR. The FLS contained in this news release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. All FLS in this news release speaks as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924368091/en/ Contact INVESTOR CONTACT Virginia Morgan, VP, IR and ESG +1-778-726-4070 ir@lithiumamericas.com Vancouver - Adamera Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: ADZ; OTC: DDNFF) ("Adamera" or the "Company") provides a summary of its gold projects in Washington State and British Columbia. Over the past 12 years the Company has conducted grassroots exploration on numerous projects and has assembled a portfolio of properties in proven gold districts. Highlights South Hedley Gold (BC): skarn related and vein-hosted gold potential in an underexplored portion of a district with a significant production history. Flag Hill and Flag Hill South Gold (Washington): Recent drilling of gold-silver epithermal veins within a significant past producing camp. Empire Creek Gold (Washington): Drill ready epithermal targets near past producing mines. Buckhorn 2.0 (Washington): A large land position surrounding the high-grade Buckhorn Mine. Massive database defines multiple skarn-hosted gold-copper targets. "Over the past decade, Adamera has focused on grassroots exploration to define drill targets. Drilling follow up has been limited due to funding limitations. Many compelling targets are drill-ready such that Adamera can offer a balanced mix of both grassroots and brownfield discoveries in established mining jurisdictions" says Mark Kolebaba President and CEO. South Hedley Property (British Columbia) The 18,714-hectare property covers prospective ground south of Hedley, a district with a long history of mining high-grade skarn-hosted gold deposits. Adamera's work has established that South Hedley hosts multiple structural corridors containing skarn-related and quartz-carbonate vein occurrences, some of which are similar to those at the Mascot mine and Barrick Gold Corp's historic Nickel Plate mines (reported production +2.5 million ounces of gold.) (1) Successive field campaigns are discovering new gold occurrences and alteration/structural trends devoid of any evidence of past exploration. Through systematic soil and rock sampling and prospecting, the Company has outlined several areas with gold potential. Most recently, as a result of detailed follow up of previous results, Adamera has identified and advanced the Max and Glix prospects. The quality and scale of these prospects coupled with known historic production in the district suggests potential for Nickel Plate and Mascot Mine style mineralization. The Max Prospect (see News Releases August 7 and 14, 2025) was originally identified by a reconnaissance soil sample containing 1340 ppb gold that was collected by the Company and analyzed by fire assay at Activation Laboratory. Since verification of the gold content at this sample site using the detectORETM method, the prospect has been expanded significantly and is now defined by a zone with highly anomalous gold, copper and arsenic in soil and rock samples. The Max Prospect is exposed in an area that is topographically below an extensive younger rock unit that appears to obscure any geochemical signs of mineralization in this area. The prospect is underlain by a partially coincident discrete 500 m long magnetic target. The top of the target is estimated to lie at a depth of about 30 to 50m. There is no evidence of previous exploration activity at this site. The Company is currently initiating permits for drilling. The Glix Prospect (see News Release September, 4 and 16, 2025) is located 15 kilometres ("km") from the Max Prospect. It was originally identified by widely spaced regional sampling conducted by Adamera. Soil samples with 25 and 45 ppb gold determined by fire assay by Activation Laboratory were followed up using the detectORETM method of analysis. Several low-level gold values were confirmed in the area with one soil sample of 419 ppb*. Follow up sampling has defined a coherent zone with soil and rock samples consistently anomalous in gold, arsenic and zinc. Highly anomalous soil and rock samples ranging from 100 to 4,282 ppb* gold elevate the anomaly to a high priority status. There is no evidence of previous exploration activity immediately over the site, the nearest known previous work which was conducted in the 1990s is more than 200m to the north. As Glix is a very recent geochemical discovery, no geophysical data has yet been collected over the area to assist with targeting. The Company is initiating permitting for drilling. While the permitting process is underway, Adamera is planning to conduct ground magnetic and VLF-EM surveying and additional soil sampling and prospecting beyond the immediate Glix Prospect area. Flag Hill South and Flag Hill Property (Washington State) The Flag Hill and Flag Hill South Gold-Silver Properties are situated in the Republic Gold District and are considered part of a larger epithermal gold-silver vein system. An area 1 to 2 km to the north was mined mainly by Hecla Mining. This camp is estimated to have produced more than 2.8 million ounces of gold and more than 15 million ounces of silver. (2) Drilling by Adamera on Flag Hill South in late 2024 intersected epithermal veins at shallow depths with zones containing 3.0 g/t gold and 70 g/t silver over 2m intervals (see News Release Dated February 27, 2025). Only three short holes were drilled from two closely spaced sites. The holes strongly suggest vein thickness and gold-silver grades increase with depth and to the south. Combined ground magnetic data and surface soil geochemistry demonstrate potential for numerous untested veins on the property. In addition, a pronounced magnetic anomaly at depth may represent an intrusive centre driving mineralization. The Company is planning to drill several deeper holes later in 2025 to test the veins intersected in 2024 at greater depth, including the deep broad magnetic feature. Several magnetic features with coincident gold and/or silver soil anomalies are interpreted to be veins. Empire Creek Property (Washington State) The Empire Creek Property is located on the same structural corridor as the historic K2 and Granny Mines (3) approximately 6 km to the north. These mines were initially operated by Echo Bay and later by Kinross Gold Corp. Recent exploration by Kinross at the K2 site has resulted in discovery zones of high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. At the Empire Creek project, historic drilling intercepted 10.5 g/t gold and 183.3 g/t silver over 15.24m starting at a depth of 54m. The prospect is within 1 km of the Republic graben margin. Adamera has conducted several geophysical and geochemical surveys on the property and through surface prospecting and shallow trenching and drilling has developed multiple exploration targets. The property is drill-ready. Buckhorn 2.0 Property (Washington State) The Buckhorn 2.0 Property is a key project for the company. The property encompasses a large land package surrounding Kinross Gold Corp's past producing Buckhorn Mine (4). Existing infrastructure in the district associated with the former mine includes haul roads, power transmission lines and a nearby mill for processing ore. Adamera acquired the surrounding lands to explore for satellite discoveries suggested by a large historic database. In addition to the large database, Adamera has completed several high value geophysical surveys and geochemical prospecting programs on the property. More than 30 exploration targets have been modeled based on geological characteristics of the Buckhorn Mine. That mine developed a structurally controlled skarn/carbonate replacement gold system. To date, Adamera has only tested 4 of 40 targets on the property. Shallow zones of gold mineralization have been intersected but not yet followed up. This project is drill ready. About Adamera Adamera Minerals Corp. is exploring for a high-grade gold deposit in Canada and USA. Gordon Gibson (P.Geo.), qualified person under NI 43-101, is an independent consultant that has reviewed and approved data associated with this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mark Kolebaba President & CEO For additional information please contact: Email: info@Adamera.com Website: www.Adamera.com Phone: (604) 689-2010 *Soil samples were analyzed in-house using the detectORETM method for gold, a proprietary process developed by Portable PPB in Australia that allows for rapid gold analysis at ppb levels using a pXRF. The method uses a rigorous QA/QC process whereby a standard rock sample of known gold content is inserted every 30 to 45 samples at the preparation step. This sample is later analysed by the pXRF along with additional control samples that are tested every 20 analyses. The pXRF is fully automated and can analyse up to 180 samples per run. Each sample run using the pXRF is initiated by testing 5 control samples, if any samples do not pass the standard's specifications, the XRF is immediately calibrated. Samples analyzed using the detectORETM method report gold content in detectORE units which represents a calculated ppb value. Selected samples may be followed up with fire-assay as a means of calibrating the detectORETM results, therefore the Company considers detectORETM gold results to be a semi-quantitative providing highly effective exploration advantage. The gold content of the discovery soil sample with 419 ppb* gold was a direct follow up of widely spaced soil samples with 25 to 45 ppb gold determined by fire assay of a 30-gram sample with atomic absorption finish at the Activation Laboratory in Kamloops. Historic data used by the Company has not been verified; however, it appears to be of acceptable quality consistent with the time period during which it was collected. (1) www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/mineral-exploration-mining/documents/mineral-development-office/gold_september_2015.pdf (2) https://dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-04/ger_ic110_iaml_republic_mining_dist.pdf (3) https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2005/oct/08/ferry-county-mine-to-close/ (4) https://miningrecord.com/kinross-golds-buckhorn-mine-is-now-operational/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 - Stroud Resources Ltd. ("Stroud" or the "Company") (TSX: SDR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Conor O'Brien to the Board of Directors (the "Board") as an independent non-executive director. Jeff Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of the Company, commented, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Conor to the Stroud team. Conor's financial expertise and experience in the capital markets sector will be an asset to our Board." Mr. O'Brien is a seasoned financial professional in global capital markets. With over 20 years of experience in equities, derivatives, fixed income and credit default swaps, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to navigate complicated financial instruments and environments. Prior to joining the Eric Sprott Family Office he worked for prominent Canadian brokerages GMP Securities and more recently, Paradigm Capital. Previously, he worked in New York for Cantor Fitzgerald in equity derivatives. The Company also announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has granted incentive stock options to directors and officers of the Company to purchase an aggregate of 1,005,000 common shares under the Company's Stock Option Plan. Each option is exercisable at a price of $0.12 per common share, expires five years from the date of grant, and vests on the date of grant. About Stroud Resources Ltd. Stroud Resources is a TSXV listed company (TSXV: SDR), focused on the exploration and development of its Santo Domingo epithermal silver project in central Mexico, and looking for new opportunities in the silver markets. For more information, please visit www.stroudsilver.com or contact Mirsad Jakubovic, Chief Financial Officer, Stroud Resources Ltd., Tel: 1-416-888-8731, mirsad@cpamba.ca. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of the drill results, geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. Kiwi adviser shares take on US mega-conference First-time MDRT conference attendee, Lewis Price-Milne, sits down with GRTV to share his experience. Tuesday, September 23rd 2025, 8:36PM In June 2025, 33 Kiwi advisers made the journey to Miami, Florida for the MDRT Annual Meeting - one of the financial services industrys biggest and most prestigious gatherings. Among them was Lewis Price-Milne, financial adviser at Price-Milne Financial Services. He was a first-time attendee at the conference, and he sat down with GRTV to share his experience. "MDRT is massive, it's larger than life, you'd see nothing like it in New Zealand," Price-Milne says. "It felt a bit like the financial services olympics in some ways. It's a really good community. "You're constantly catching up with people from every territory around the world. It was really cool to meet a bunch of new Kiwis that I'd never met before." The conference sessions covered everything from global trends to business growth, sales strategy, effective mentorship, and AI. Price-Milne said the conference really delivered on the practical insights. One of the most interesting panels for him was about client communication and the language that advisers use. A key insight was that sometimes, its just about putting a positive spin on something - for example, calling it a strategy session rather than a presentation meeting. "One of the best things I learned was just about removing all the jargon from anything I talk about with clients," he says. I didnt realise I was using so much until I sat down and forced myself to confront it. Then you go, hang on, that might actually be confusing for somebody. I wouldnt call anything a fact-find anymore. The conference also introduced him to MDRT's whole-person concept - an approach to work-life balance that examines "every aspect of your life, whether it's business, family, friends, health, and trying to find balance among them. Perhaps most surprisingly, he found that despite different regulations worldwide, the nuts and bolts of operating a business were pretty similar. These are some of the things hes taken back to New Zealand, along with plenty of new connections. Ive been in business for a couple of years now, so meeting advisers from the South Island and other cities around the country was awesome, Price-Milne says. Typically you come back from MDRT and you have little catch-ups with each other about what youve learned, and you set up little accountability partnerships. MDRTs 2026 Annual Meeting is already set to take place in Anaheim, California. Check out the full interview on GRTV here Special Offers Comments from our readers Sign In to add your comment Hamilton must assert himself at Ferrari Ralf Schumacher has launched a fresh critique of Lewis Hamilton, warning Ferrari risks imploding unless tensions between the seven-time world champion and the team are addressed. Lewis Hamilton, Azerbaijan GP 2025 Ferrari In Baku, the 40-year-old endured another troubled weekend - criticised for failing to swap positions back with Charles Leclerc on the final lap, and openly angry about being eliminated in Q2 after disagreeing with Ferrari's tyre call. But Schumacher told Sky Deutschland's Backstage Boxengasse podcast that Hamilton has only himself to blame. He has to take the blame himself, with his experience and his power, the former Williams driver said. "I wasn't a seven-time world champion, I only won a few races, but if I wanted a certain tyre, I got it. There were no discussions at all. Ultimately, the driver is the one who has to implement it, knowing best what the conditions are like out there. A normal engineer would never interfere with a driver's performance. According to Schumacher, Hamilton has grown accustomed to being over-managed at Mercedes. That would fit the image that was often a theme with Toto Wolff - 'Drivers are there to drive. We don't involve them in decisions at all, we just tell them what to do.' He urged Hamilton to toughen up. Lewis has to assert himself and not look for the mistake elsewhere. Then qualifying will look different - that's what you'd expect from a seven-time world champion, said the German. Schumacher also questioned the chemistry between Hamilton and his Ferrari engineer, Riccardo Adami. The way they treat each other isn't good, he said. Then there's Lewis's criticism of the team. I'm sceptical of the combination. And then there's this failure to swap back with Leclerc before the finish line. Ferrari has to do its work internally, otherwise it'll tear itself apart from within. He said team boss Frederic Vasseur should not shy away from confronting the problems. A thunderstorm clears the air, then it's a thing of the past. Schumacher continued: "They simply need to talk openly with each other. The limits and expectations need to be defined. If Lewis no longer has trust in the team, and vice versa, that would be a great shame. Because if mistrust develops, then it's better to go their separate ways at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport described the depressed mood around Ferrari. Journalist Giulia Toninelli argued the main problem remains the car, not the drivers. Not even the star duo that the Maranello team boasts, the most expensive on the entire Formula 1 grid with a combined salary of EUR 70 million - 40 million for Hamilton and 30 million for Leclerc, excluding bonuses - is enough to deliver results on the track in the absence of a car that can make the two champions competitive, she wrote. Team boss Vasseur, however, struck a more optimistic note. I'm not worried about next year, he insisted. I'm convinced we have a team that can win, but we need to improve in every aspect and maintain this approach. (GMM) 8th Chinese farmers' harvest festival marked in China's Heilongjiang Xinhua) 11:31, September 24, 2025 People tour an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) A farmer displays harvested grapes during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People tour an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) Actresses perform during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People tour an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) A woman promotes local rice via live streaming during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People tour an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival at an art park in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The A.B. Won Pat International Airport completed the first phase of its termnal flooring renovation project, adding almost 17,000 square feet of terrazzo flooring in the Customs and Quarantine Agency/baggage claim and Customs and Border Protection/immigration areas. After Typhoon Mawar hit in May 2023, the airport removed the previous carpeting in and around the immigration hall and baggage claim areas to prevent mold and other hazards and speed up the airports reopening. For more than two years, bare concrete floors in need of renovation greeted arriving passengers, including first time travelers to Guam. The airport said the new terrazzo floors now give arriving passengers a more durable and welcoming environment. The Guam International Airport Authority said it determined that hardening and improving the flooring would lead to higher resiliency following future natural disasters. Terrazzo, being a much more durable flooring material and a popular choice of other high-traffic commercial areas such as airports, was determined to be the best alternative, the airport said. This was followed by funding and the procurement process for the GIAAs contractor, Surface Solutions. Our airport is the front door to our island, and every improvement we make here reflects our commitment to giving travelers a safe, comfortable, and welcoming experience, Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio said during a tour of the facility, the airport said in a release on Tuesday. The new terrazzo floors provide durability, accessibility, and ensure our facilities keep pace with the needs of our people and visitors. This was echoed by GIAA Executive Manager John JQ Quinata, who said the first phase is an important step toward improving the arrivals experience and thanked Tenorio for visiting the airport. We thank the traveling public for their patience and continue to work with our airport stakeholdersincluding Guam CQA and US CBPto minimize disruptions as our contractors work to complete this exciting project, he added. (This is the first of a series of interviews with individuals who applied for the position of superintendent for the Guam Department of Education.) Erika Cruz, who has spent decades in leadership at the Guam Department of Education, is one of the seven vying for the islands top education post, with a commitment to rebuilding and unifying the agency. Cruz is a former deputy superintendent of GDOEs Educational Support and Community Learning and is the current acting principal of JP Torres Success Academy. The education superintendent position, she said, has the power to influence generations. I feel that it is a position thats more important than the governor of Guam because we shape the lives of 23,000 students who will eventually matriculate into the workforce, into our colleges, and they are going to be our future, Cruz told the Pacific Daily News. Our future leaders, future lawyers, future store workers, our pharmacists, pharmacist aides and whatnot. And so I feel that this position is extremely important, because we truly mold the island by educating our students. She applied for the education superintendent position, believing she can lead the department now and into the future. I have the credentials. I have a bachelors degree. I have a masters degree in Educational Leadership, and eventually I will be going into a doctoral program with Chaminade University on sustainable leadership, she said. Cruz said she will follow GDOEs five-year state strategic plan developed in 2022, calling it a roadmap for decisions on curriculum, facilities, safety, family outreach, and collaboration across agencies and branches of government. My platform is transparency, communication, collaboration and following the state strategic plan, and really just rebuilding the Department of Education so that our students are proud, our employees are proud, our division heads are proud, she said. We have over 2,000 employees. We have 23,000 students. I want them to be proud, to be a part of the Guam Department of Education team. From classroom to crisis leadership Cruz began her career in 1992 as a middle school teacher at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, later teaching at George Washington High School before becoming a social studies teacher at L.P. Untalan Middle School. She moved into administration as assistant principal at Daniel L. Perez Elementary School and Benavente Middle School. She became principal at Benavente Middle School which at the time had more than 1,800 students, the largest middle school on the island. In 2006, she took over as principal of Jose Rios Middle School, where she remained until 2012. During my leadership and with wonderful teachers, wonderful parents and wonderful students, we were able to get our school to be the highest performing middle school on the island circuit, surpassing the...national average in specific content areas. And I want to note specifically in the area of science, Cruz said. Former Superintendent Jon Fernandez brought Cruz into the central office in 2012. From there in 2012 then John Fernandez had asked me to be the deputy superintendent of Educational Support and Community Learning. This position involved overseeing the 40 schools that we have here on Guam, she said. Cruz returned to school campuses as an assistant principal from 2018 to 2020 at Untalan Middle School, C.L. Taitano Middle School, and D.L. Perez Elementary School before being recalled to central administration when the pandemic struck. But in 2020, the superintendent had asked me to come back to help transition our community, our students, our employees, back to the school, because this was the time when the pandemic had happened. So there was a lot of collaboration with Public Health rules and regulations that we had to follow, she said. And so there was, you know, a lot of preparation when we were getting our students back into our schools full time. Cruz described partnerships with health officials to vaccinate employees and students and her role during Typhoon Mawar. I facilitated the housing of our community in six shelters, and we were using our schools as shelters, eventually assisting the American Red Cross and finding a more permanent placement so that our students will be able to matriculate back into school, she said. She also noted the role of the Guam Education Board and collaboration across branches of government. Im an island girl. I attended public school, she said. I am a product of the public school system, so I have a vested interest in the department, because our students are the future of this island. (Next: GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Joe Sanchez.) The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority board of trustees on Wednesday appointed Dr. Joleen Aguon as the hospital's interim head, and commended retiring Administrator and CEO Lillian Perez-Posadas for her leadership and service. Perez-Posadas is retiring effective Sept. 30, and Wednesday was her last attendance at the GMHA board meeting as hospital administrator. The hospital board, during its meeting, honored and commended Perez-Posadas for her exceptional leadership and dedicated service as CEO of GMHA, presenting her with an official resolution as part of her farewell. "Even with all criticism and challenges, it has been a very joyful journey, Perez- Posadas said. The Lord has really blessed me with all these opportunities and keeping Him in my mind and in my heart has helped me get through a lot of these attacks and a lot of these judgments and look at it as a learning experience." She added, "I encourage people to be open-minded and try [to] see the light at the end of the tunnel, because the complicated problems that we face [require] creative solutions." 'Acts quickly' Aguon is currently in Los Angeles, negotiating the terms of a partnership with the University of Southern California Keck Hospital. Her first day as interim administrator is Oct. 1. Perez-Posadas said she is confident in and trusts Aguon's expertise in the clinical setting. She's a physician, an intensivist, and when she sees things that need to be done, she acts quickly, Perez-Posadas said. There's also an awesome and a very dynamic executive management council, and everybody's got their different perspectives and different expertise, and they will continue to work collectively working with each other and want to move forward and solve whatever issues that they are faced with. Aguon is currently contracted as one of GMHs physicians and is the medical director for the ICU. She oversees the special services, such as the therapy department, and the accreditation for the arterial blood gas analysis program within the respiratory therapy department. As interim administrator, Aguon will continue to wear those hats and balance it out with her new responsibilities. "This is where she's going to need to trust and rely on the executive team, to let them handle some of the issues while she's still going to be doing those other functions and duties that she is assigned to do, I think she can balance it out, Perez-Posadas said. A man accused of twice breaking into Anemos restaurant in the SandCastle building in Tumon faces 11 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Jason Justino Hadley, 34, was charged Wednesday with burglary as a second-degree felony and theft as a misdemeanor. He was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail. At 4:18 p.m. on Monday, police were called to SandCastle, where an employee said a man broke into the restaurant twice in one day while Anemos was closed. An officer reviewing security footage saw a man with a black tank top with a large Guam seal on the back bypassing the main entrance to the restaurant at 4:52 a.m. The video showed the man taking several bottles of alcohol from the northeast bar, returning at 5:19 a.m. and taking loose change from the same bar. Upon further review, the officer saw the video captured the man arguing with three security guards from Dusit Beach Resort. After speaking with security there, the officer obtained still images of the suspect, according to the complaint. At 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, officers saw a manlater identified as Hadleynear Holiday Resort wearing a black shirt with a Guam seal logo on the back. They checked the surveillance footage they had been provided, and concluded theyd found the man wanted in connection with the burglary. Officers stopped Hadley, but he said he didnt want to talk to them. They took him into custody, and while in the patrol vehicle, he said, "Why do I need to talk to you? You said you already know it's me. It's me, according to the complaint. When they advised him to stop talking until he could be informed of his Miranda rights, he said, "No, I'm not going to talk anymore. You already know that it's me, the complaint stated. Haiti - FLASH : New arrest of Dimitri Vorbe in Florida On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Dimitri Vorbe, one of Haiti's most powerful businessmen and the latest elite figure to be detained on U.S. soil, at his home. Vorbe was taken into custody at the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, one day after the U.S. government sanctioned Arnel Belizaire, a former Haitian deputy, and Antonio Cheramy, a former Haitian senator, who were close to the Vorbe family, for their involvement in "significant corruption" during their tenure in office. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45839-haiti-news-zapping.html The reasons for Vorbe's arrest and whether he faces any charges remain unclear. A search of Florida court records on Tuesday revealed no formal charges. ICE has not made any statement on the matter. Dimitri Vorbe was previously arrested with his wife in 2020, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31604-haiti-flash-dimitri-vorbe-vice-president-of-sogener-sa-arrested-in-miami.html and then released on bail. Vorbe and his family own Societe Generale d'Energie S.A., a private electricity company that was one of the main electricity suppliers to the Haitian state-owned utility. In 2020, the administration of former President Jovenel Moise (assassinated on July 7, 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html ) seized the Vorbe electricity company https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29336-haiti-flash-the-state-retakes-possession-of-the-power-plants-managed-by-the-sogener.html The Vorbe family is also known for having secured major road construction and other infrastructure projects under former President Rene Preval. The Vorbe family is not only economically powerful, but also politically powerful. Joel Vorbe, alias "Pacha" is a member of the powerful Fanmi Lavalas political party. A lawyer for his electricity company was appointed Minister of Justice in recent years. He later resigned after being sanctioned by the Canadian government. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31604-haiti-flash-dimitri-vorbe-vice-president-of-sogener-sa-arrested-in-miami.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29336-haiti-flash-the-state-retakes-possession-of-the-power-plants-managed-by-the-sogener.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - New York : Laurent Saint-Cyr speaks with members and leaders of the diaspora On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore of the Transitional Council, spoke with members and leaders of the diaspora during a roundtable organized by the Consulate General of Haiti in New York. This roundtable, which focused on three major issues : security, elections, and immigration, brought together government officials, including Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andresol, security experts, military professionals, and influential representatives of the diaspora. The theme was: "Rebuilding the Haitian Army: Security and Stability for Haiti." "It seemed essential to me to meet with you even before beginning my participation in the United Nations General Assembly. "I do so out of respect, because I am first and foremost a servant of the Nation, but also to demonstrate the importance of the full and complete involvement of the Haitian diaspora in the Presidential Transitional Council. As we intensify our advocacy to obtain the unwavering support of our international partners, I remain convinced that it is first and foremost together, with all the sons and daughters of Haiti, that we must seek and find lasting solutions to the crisis our country is going through," affirmed Laurent Saint-Cyr. He also reiterated his commitment to the full and complete participation of the diaspora in Haiti's political and institutional life. During his speech, he also recalled the numerous security and institutional challenges facing Haiti, while emphasizing the Government's determination to do everything possible to restore security and organize elections, essential conditions for the success of the transition and to guarantee peace, stability, and sustainable development for future generations. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... 2 boats carrying illegal Haitians intercepted This week, two boats carrying Haitian boat people fleeing violence and poverty in search of a better life were intercepted. The first was on Sunday, September 21, 2025, off the coast of Turks & Caicos, carrying 103 Haitians. The second, on Monday afternoon, involved a boat carrying about 40 Haitian illegal immigrants, which ran aground on a beach in the Kensington neighborhood of Portland Parish, Jamaica. Twenty-one Haitians were captured by authorities, and the search continued for the other illegal immigrants who escaped. Former Director of TNH arrested On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following his hearing from the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), Gamall Augustin, former Director General of Haitian National Television (TNH), was arrested. He is accused of embezzlement of public property, abuse of office, and forgery of public documents. Double Murder, 7 arrests Police in the Southeast Department arrested 7 individuals for their alleged involvement in the murder of Jean Louis Roger and his wife, Printemps Marielle, which occurred on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in the locality of Otuf, a commune in the Jacmel Valley. DR calls for vote on Haiti resolution Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs, called on the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with veto power (the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and the United States) to adopt as soon as possible the resolution, submitted to the Security Council by the United States and Panama, proposing the creation of a "Gang Repression Force" in Haiti and the establishment of a United Nations Office in Haiti providing logistical and operational support hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45656-haiti-flash-usa-proposes-a-more-aggressive-repression-force-against-gangs-with-more-than-5-000-men.html . He recalled that the initiative was initially presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44332-haiti-politic-antonio-guterre-proposes-a-formula-for-a-security-force-capable-of-defeating-gangs-in-haiti.html COFCOR for the "Gang Suppression Force" At the twenty-fourth special meeting of the Council on Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), CARICOM Ministers expressed their support for the transition of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) to a "Gang Suppression Force" and the establishment of a United Nations Support Office in Haiti. They called on Security Council members to support the draft resolution when it is submitted for adoption. Saint-Cyr met with Ramdin (OAS) Laurent Saint-Cyr, the President pro tempore of the Transitional Council, met with Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions focused on the progress of the roadmap for Haiti and the prospects for its implementation. Together, they emphasized the urgency of restoring security, while expressing the hope for a successful outcome to the ongoing discussions within the UN Security Council on the Haitian issue. The OAS also reaffirmed its readiness to provide its usual support to the electoral process, a priority of the transition. HL/ HaitiLibre English is also spoken in India and Asia, but sometimes it takes a while to get used to the accent and the different intonation. Customers of call center operators such as Teleperformance who employ staff there also have this problem. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), the accents of these employees are now filtered in real time during the call and changed to accent-free speech. This so-called 'accent neutralization' is intended to ensure that employees are better understood by customers. Continue after ad Teleperformance is the world's largest call center operator and wants to use it to improve its service. AI is threatening the existence of traditional call centers. Almost a year ago, payment service provider Klarna declared that AI technology was already handling two thirds of all service requests there. The technology is already doing the work of 700 full-time employees. The success of Klarna's AI assistant caused the call center group's shares to plummet. This is because Teleperformance employs around half a million people worldwide whose jobs are at risk due to AI. However, Teleperformance now wants to use AI itself and gain an advantage. To this end , the call center group has invested USD 13 million in Sanas, a Californian start-up. Sanas has developed an AI system that softens accents in real time while filtering out background noise. According to Teleperformance, clearer English in call center conversations should lead to increased customer satisfaction. At the same time, call times should be shortened and solutions found more quickly, meaning that fewer follow-up calls are required, for example. AI also planned for other languages Strategically, Teleperformance does not want to shut itself off from AI, but is focusing on the human element when communicating with customers. With the help of AI, this should become similar to conversations with neighbors. This is why the French call center group plans to invest up to 100 million euros in AI partnerships such as with Sanas in 2025, according to Teleperformance's latest financial report. According to Bloomberg, the company operates call centers for Apple, TikTok and Samsung, for example, but also for VW Bank in the UK. However, Teleperformance has not yet explained which customers use the AI technology in its call centers. Although Teleperformance cites the Indian accent of call center employees as an example of accent neutralization, it also mentions English-speaking employees in the Philippines, Latin America, Africa and Asia, whose speech is to be improved with the help of AI. According to the company, however, this is just the beginning. In the coming months and years, Sanas plans to expand the AI technology to other languages, including German, as Teleperformance explains in a video. Continue after ad (fds) 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. Samsung started the update to One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25 series at the beginning of last week. Since then, the manufacturer has started to provide numerous other models with the update based on Android 16. In addition to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 foldables, the update is also being rolled out to the top 2024 models in the Galaxy S24 series. One model in the Galaxy A series, the Galaxy A56, also appears to be receiving fresh software. Continue after ad It has been clear for some time that Samsung will provide these devices with the new OS version, as the manufacturer promises Android updates for many of its smartphones for five to seven years. In addition, Samsung has already offered beta versions for these models to try out. The final updates for One UI 8 are now available, but initially in Samsung's home country of South Korea. It should only be a matter of days or weeks before the fresh software lands on the local models. The update process for the last update to One UI 7, which has been successively distributed for many devices since the beginning of April, was already quite swift. One UI 8 for many devices by the end of the year The smartphones that have now been updated are part of a long list of other models that should receive One UI 8 in the course of this year. The other products include numerous smartphone models from the Galaxy A series, some tablet generations, and the Galaxy S23 and S22 series. According to Samsung, the new One UI version includes multimodal intelligence to understand context in real time and make everyday interactions smarter and more convenient. Samsung also promises that the functions introduced with One UI 7, such as Now Bar and Now Brief, will display more personalized insights and suggestions. Among other things, users can expect the live update function announced by Google. Continue after ad While Samsung is providing its existing devices with One UI 8, there are indications that the company is already working on One UI version 8.5, which is expected to make its debut in the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to be launched in early 2026. According to a leak, Samsung may have taken some inspiration from Apple's iOS 26 when designing the next version. (afl) 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. We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here The ministry first reported the disruption through its official account on the platform X . The attack, which began on Tuesday, was confirmed by ministry spokesperson Riina Kauppila on Wednesday afternoon. She told Finnish media that the source of the incident remains unknown and declined to speculate on the motive. It stated that the website had suffered a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, resulting in intermittent outages and limited access for users. By 14:07 local time on Wednesday, the ministry announced that the attack had ended. However, it warned that ongoing protective measures might still cause service interruptions for some users. The website displayed error messages throughout Wednesday afternoon, preventing public access to standard services and information. Other key government sites, including those of the Foreign Ministry, Prime Ministers Office, and Parliament, were unaffected. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. DDoS attacks work by overwhelming a server with artificial traffic, typically generated through a network of hijacked internet-connected devices known as a botnet. These devices, which can include computers, routers, or surveillance cameras, flood the target with data requests until it becomes unresponsive. Unlike data breaches, DDoS attacks do not involve unauthorised access to internal systems or networks. They are designed to disrupt service availability rather than steal information. Despite this, such attacks can still cause public disruption and require significant resources to mitigate. Kauppila said there was no timeline yet for full restoration of the sites functionality, but efforts to stabilise operations were ongoing. She added that the ministry does not currently link the attack to any specific political or criminal group, nor to any ongoing events in the region. Under Finnish law, denial-of-service attacks are considered criminal offences. The National Bureau of Investigation has not yet released any public comment on whether a formal investigation is underway. The ministry did not confirm whether it intends to file a criminal report, but police routinely encourage government agencies and businesses to do so following such incidents. The first public reporting of the attack came from the media outlet Iltalehti, which noted that the website failure occurred early on Wednesday, with no immediate explanation from officials at the time. This is not the first time a Finnish government platform has faced digital disruption. In recent years, increased geopolitical tension has led to a rise in cyber activity targeting public institutions in Finland and across the Nordic region. HT Why not? he posted on Truth Social, calling Russia a paper tiger and claiming the war had exposed its military and economic weaknesses. Speaking shortly after an hour-long meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump wrote on social media that with support from Europe and Nato, Ukraine could restore its original borders. US President Donald Trump has said Ukraine is in a position to win back all of its territory from Russia, marking a sharp reversal in his stance on the war. Trump said the conflict had dragged on aimlessly for more than three years and should have ended in a week. Zelensky called the statement a big shift and told reporters in New York that Trump is willing to offer Ukraine post-war security guarantees. We dont have specific details, he added. But if we had air defences, drones, and weapons, Putin would lose the main reason for his war. The Ukrainian leader is expected to address the UN General Assembly following Trumps remarks. Trumps sudden change of tone follows months of scepticism over Ukraines prospects. Earlier this year, he had told Zelensky to be thankful and suggested that a territorial compromise with Russia would be inevitable. He also said Ukraine did not have the cards to win. Trump did not commit the United States to providing direct military support, but stated that the US would continue supplying weapons to Nato for Nato to do what they want with them. The comments came after a day of disruption and controversy. Trumps speech at the UNGA was delayed by a malfunctioning escalator and a failed teleprompter. He used the platform to denounce the UN, criticise European energy policy, and accuse the organisation of supporting illegal migration. He said open-border policies and climate agendas were destroying European countries, which he described as going to hell. Addressing European leaders directly, he said: Youre doing it because you want to be nice. You want to be politically correct. And youre destroying your heritage. He also said climate change was the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world. He accused green policies of inflating energy costs and making Western economies less competitive. He criticised the UK for its North Sea oil taxes and said Europe was being devastated by energy and immigration. During the speech, Trump repeated his claim to have ended seven wars since returning to office, including conflicts involving Armenia, Kosovo, and Pakistan. He said he had not received any support from the UN in securing those deals. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle, he said. If the First Lady wasnt in great shape, she would have fallen. The UN has not responded publicly to the criticism. A UN official, speaking anonymously, said a member of Trumps own team appeared to have caused the escalator incident. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Trump on the same day. In a statement, she said they agreed on the need to cut Russias fossil fuel revenues. She said Europes latest sanctions would eliminate dependence on Russian energy by 2027. Von der Leyen also said the pair discussed Russian airspace violations, civilian suffering in Gaza, and reaffirmed Europes support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Trump used his address to criticise countries recognising a Palestinian state, saying such recognition was a reward for the atrocities committed by Hamas. He said the release of all hostages was a precondition for peace talks. Elsewhere at the UN, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a meeting on Gaza with Trump and leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries had been very fruitful. He said a joint declaration would follow but did not provide further details. Trump later met with French President Emmanuel Macron, where he reaffirmed his position on Ukraine. Let them get their land back, he said. The meeting focused primarily on Gaza. There was no formal announcement about a potential summit between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Trumps earlier suggestion that such a meeting could happen within weeks. Sources close to the negotiations indicated that the idea was losing momentum. Recent Russian incursions into Nato airspace were also discussed during the summit. Three Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes earlier this month. Poland and Romania also reported airspace breaches by Russian drones. Asked if Nato members should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace, Trump responded, Yes I do. He later added that the response depends on the circumstances. In his UN speech, Trump claimed the UN had enabled mass migration into the US and accused its agencies of facilitating an invasion. He singled out the IOM and UNHCR for funding and supporting asylum seekers. He also accused European countries of buying Russian energy and said this was helping fund Russias war against Ukraine. Theyre funding the war against themselves, he said. Trump expressed frustration that the UN had not acknowledged his claimed peace efforts. Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize, he said. But what I care about is not winning prizes. Its saving lives. The US President gave no new commitments to end the war in Ukraine but repeated his intention to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs on Russia if it refuses to enter peace talks. In a separate statement, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded to Trumps comments on nuclear weapons, saying Tehran has no intention of developing them and will not yield to pressure over uranium enrichment. The speech, which ran well over time, was delivered before a mostly silent audience. Six years ago, many diplomats laughed at Trumps remarks. This year, they did not. HT The Kremlin has rejected US President Donald Trumps assertion that Ukraine could recover all territories lost to Russia, following his remarks at the United Nations and on social media describing Russia as a paper tiger. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded publicly to Trumps comments, stating that Russia is a bear, not a tiger and insisting there is no such thing as a paper bear. Peskov made the statement in a radio interview with Russian broadcaster RBC, adding that the idea of a full Ukrainian territorial recovery was "mistaken". Trump had said in a post on his Truth Social platform that, with the financial support of the European Union and NATO, Ukraine could fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. The remark followed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Peskov said Russia would continue what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine to ensure our interests and achieve the goals. He said the operation was being conducted for Russias long-term security and for many generations to come. He dismissed the idea of any alternative path, declaring that peace negotiations under current conditions were off the table. The Kremlin also downplayed the recent thaw in US-Russia relations, calling the results of Trumps outreach efforts close to zero. Peskov said the broader track of rapprochement had become very sluggish. Tensions between Russia and NATO members remain high. Last week, Estonia accused Russian fighter jets of violating its airspace. Poland and Romania reported incidents involving dozens of Russian drones. On Wednesday, Spains Defence Ministry said a military aircraft carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles encountered GPS interference near Kaliningrad. A similar disruption affected European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens flight weeks earlier. Trumps comments have generated mixed reactions across Europe. A spokesperson for the German government said the shift in tone provided hope for new discussions on increasing pressure against Moscow. The basic tone of the US presidents statements corresponds to the political goals of the German government, the spokesperson said during a press briefing in Berlin. Finlands President Alexander Stubb, speaking at a UN Security Council session on Ukraine, said Trumps post could signal a turning point in the war, describing the statement as clear and unambiguous. He did not directly reference the post but said it was time to stop the war and begin serious ceasefire discussions. Zelensky, meanwhile, told Fox News he believed Trump might help shift Chinas stance on Russia. We dont feel that China wants the war to end, he said, noting Chinas continued energy ties with Moscow. He also expressed concern about maintaining Indias diplomatic support, suggesting that everything must be done to prevent India from aligning with Russias energy sector. On the ground, fighting has continued. Ukrainian forces carried out drone strikes targeting the Gazprom-controlled Salavat petrochemical plant in Bashkortostan. The attack, confirmed by regional governor Radiy Khabirov, marked the second such strike on the same facility in a week. Located over 1,000 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, the refinery produces key fuels and chemicals for domestic use. In another attack, two people were killed and three injured in a drone strike on the port city of Novorossiysk, according to Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of Russias Krasnodar region. The Russian Finance Ministry announced plans to raise VAT from 20 to 22 percent to support defence and security spending. Economists forecast Russias GDP growth will fall to around 1 percent this year, compared to 4.3 percent in 2024. The United Nations Human Rights Office released a report documenting the systematic torture of Ukrainian civilians in Russian detention. The report cited over 100 detention centres across Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and Russia itself, and documented accounts from more than 200 former detainees. The testimonies described beatings, threats of execution, forced stress positions, electric shocks, and lack of access to food and medicine. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk said these violations must be addressed in any future peace talks. Trumps comments also reignited attention to Europes role in the conflict. During his UN address, he sharply criticised European leaders for continuing to purchase Russian energy, calling it funding the war against themselves. He repeated his criticism of Europes green energy policies and open migration systems, saying European nations were going to hell. He further stated that he would call Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to urge him to stop buying Russian oil. Hes my friend. I havent spoken to him yet, but if I do, he might stop. And I will, Trump said. The political rhetoric has escalated on both sides. Polish President Karol Nawrocki, in his UN address, said recent drone incursions into Polish airspace reflected Russian imperialism and declared that Poland would always respond militarily if its borders were violated. We will defend our territory, he said. Bringing Russia to account should be our shared obligation. NATO issued a reminder of its commitment to Article 5 of the alliance treaty, stating that any attack on a member state would trigger collective defence measures. Despite growing international engagement, the Kremlin reiterated its position that Ukrainian territories seized since 2022 would not be returned and that military pressure would continue. HT Doctors in al-Shifa, once Gazas largest medical complex, described operating in unhygienic conditions without anaesthetics. Dr Nada Abu Alrub , an Australian emergency specialist volunteering at the hospital, said staff were forced to treat amputations and traumatic injuries with no painkillers. Israeli forces have stepped up their assault on Gaza City, leaving hospitals at breaking point and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, while footage has emerged showing the execution of three men accused of collaborating with Israel outside al-Shifa hospital. Brain matter out. Organs are out. Its horrific, she told the BBC. She described saving a baby through emergency Caesarean after the mother was killed by a blast. Dr Saya Aziz, an anaesthetist also from Australia, reported children waiting days for treatment while surgeons prioritised life-threatening wounds. Every couple of hours there are multiple amputation cases, she said. She described blood-covered beds, broken equipment, and exhausted staff swatting flies in operating rooms. Outside the hospital, videos posted online showed tanks less than 500 metres from the facility. Residents described being trapped in their homes as armour advanced into central neighbourhoods including Rimal and Tal al-Hawa. The UN said more than 320,000 people have fled northern Gaza since mid-August, though Israeli military estimates put the figure closer to 640,000. The Palestine Red Crescent said gunfire struck the oxygen station at al-Quds hospital, leaving it with three days of supply. The Israeli army said it was investigating the report. Other hospitals, including al-Rantisi and St John Eye, have shut down. The Jordanian army also closed its field hospital in Tal al-Hawa after it sustained shelling damage. Meanwhile, BBC Verify confirmed footage of masked men executing three blindfolded Palestinians outside al-Shifa hospital. The men had been accused of working with Israel. A Hamas-run official told Reuters the killings were ordered by the Joint Operations Room of the Palestinian resistance. One of those named was Yasser Abu Shabab, head of a clan accused by Hamas of links with Israel. His group has denied receiving weapons from Israel but has clashed with Hamas in Rafah. The video shows crowds cheering as the men were shot in the head. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said at least 65,382 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its campaign in October 2023 following Hamass cross-border attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. On Wednesday alone, hospitals reported at least 64 deaths across Gaza, including 42 in Gaza City. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that Israeli operations were inflicting terror on civilians in Gaza City and forcing mass displacement. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the General Assembly that the scale of death and destruction in Gaza was beyond anything he had witnessed in office. At the UN, world leaders demanded an immediate ceasefire. US President Donald Trump told delegates, We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to get it done. We have to negotiate peace. We have to get the hostages back. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the genocide one of humanitys darkest moments, while Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said nothing justifies the killings. Dozens of countries, including Spain and several EU members, have moved to recognise Palestinian statehood. Crowds in Ramallah waved Palestinian and European flags to celebrate. Climate activist Greta Thunberg, speaking from the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza, said recognition must be followed by real action to stop the genocide. The flotilla, comprising more than 40 vessels, reported drone attacks and communications jamming as it sailed from Greece. Italy confirmed it had redirected a navy vessel to protect Italian citizens aboard. Activists accused Israel of trying to block the mission, which seeks to deliver aid and challenge the naval blockade. Israels military has warned the flotilla against approaching Gaza, saying aid must be delivered via Ashkelon. Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would take necessary measures to stop the fleet. In Gaza, survivors described harrowing choices. Sultan Nassar, 62, from Sabra, said he could not afford to evacuate his family despite tanks being metres from his home. Death is everywhere, in the north and in the south, he said. HT Organisers said at least 15 drones flew low over the fleet on Tuesday night, dropping unidentified objects on several vessels and causing damage. No injuries were reported. Participants also described sound bombs and suspected chemical substances being released from the aircraft. The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led convoy of more than 40 boats carrying food and medical supplies to Gaza, has reported sustained drone attacks, explosions and communications jamming as it approaches the territory. The Alma, one of the flotillas lead vessels carrying activists including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, experienced heavy communications interference. Thunberg told reporters the action was a last resort after governments failed to ensure adequate humanitarian access to Gaza. Its just clear that our governments are failing to do the bare minimum, she said, adding that she had been mocked by her own authorities for joining the effort. The flotilla is made up of more than 500 civilians from multiple countries. It set sail from Tunisia earlier this month with the stated aim of breaking Israels naval blockade of Gaza and directly delivering aid to civilians in the enclave. Israel has labelled the convoy a Hamas flotilla and vowed to stop it from reaching Gaza. The Foreign Ministry said all humanitarian supplies must dock at Ashkelon port in Israel for inspection and transfer, describing attempts to bypass this as illegal. Human rights groups reject this argument. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called Israels blockade unlawful under international law. Amnesty said Israels demand to reroute aid was part of a long-standing obstruction that had reduced daily deliveries to Gaza to a fraction of what is required. Since May, Israel has allowed an average of 70 trucks of aid into Gaza each day. The UN estimates at least 500 are needed to meet minimum requirements for food, medicine and fuel. In a statement, flotilla organisers accused Israel of using threats and violence to deter the mission. They said the labelling of the convoy as a security threat was an attempt to justify attacks on civilians. International law is clear: civilians engaged in humanitarian missions are protected under the Geneva Conventions. Any attack would constitute war crimes, the organisers said. Italy confirmed it had sent a naval vessel to provide assistance to the flotilla after the reported drone incidents. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the attacks and said Italian citizens and members of parliament were on board the convoy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome had formally requested that Israel guarantee the safety of those on board. The flotillas call for international protection comes as the UN General Assembly meets in New York. Organisers have urged member states to put the attacks on the agenda and to provide diplomatic or maritime escort to ensure the convoy reaches Gaza. HT Stubb described the current global order as fragmented and violent, with more wars underway than at any time since the Second World War. He said the UN was failing too often in its role as a forum for mediation and had remained tied to structures dating back to 1945. Alexander Stubb , President of Finland, urged sweeping reform of the United Nations during a speech to the General Assembly, calling for the removal of veto rights from permanent members of the Security Council. No state should hold a veto, he told delegates. If a member of the Security Council violates the UN Charter, it should lose its voting rights temporarily. He said international relations must be based on three pillars: values, interests and power. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and the prohibition of the use of force should be considered non-negotiable. Stubb accused Russia of waging an illegal war in Ukraine and said Israel had no right to breach international law in the Palestinian territories. He also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. In remarks to Finnish media after the speech, Stubb responded to a question about whether Finland would shoot down Russian aircraft or drones violating its airspace. He said Finland always defends its skies and follows a clear protocol. Finland is well prepared, he said. Stubb welcomed US President Donald Trumps recent statements suggesting NATO should shoot down Russian planes if they violate allied airspace. He described Trumps message to President Vladimir Putin as strong. I do not want to overinterpret, but perhaps there is impatience with the process and particularly with Putins actions, Stubb said. Trumps comments at the UN earlier on Wednesday marked a sharp turn, with the US leader saying Ukraine should recover all its territory and describing Russia as a paper tiger. Stubb said the statement was a message in the right direction and expressed hope it would push Moscow towards negotiations. On European coordination, Stubb said he and other leaders were working on a step-by-step model of pressure against Russia, including security guarantees for Ukraine, an end to purchases of Russian oil and gas, and sanctions on states continuing such trade. The Finnish president also highlighted growing influence from Africa, Asia and Latin America in shaping global governance. He closed his address by quoting Nelson Mandela, prompting world leaders to learn from history while making decisions that shape the future. HT One year after Helene: Lessons that shape our future Blue Ridge Community Colleges Patton Building parking lot hosted a FEMA basecamp from October through December 2024 following Hurricane Helene. [BENJAMIN RICKERT/BRCC] As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I cannot help but reflect personally and professionally on all that our region has endured over the past year. Related Stories Living through Helene here in Western North Carolina was both humbling and eye-opening. Like so many of our neighbors and Laura Leatherwoodstudents, I felt the disruption, uncertainty, and even fear that came with the powerful storm. It was a stark reminder that no matter our walk of life, we are all vulnerable when nature shows its strength. It also reminded me that its okay if we cannot do it all. Sometimes the best thing we can do is lean on others, accept help, and focus on the essentials. That self-awareness about what is possibleand what is notis a lesson I continue to carry with me. At the center of the community Even in the final hours of Hurricane Helenes approach on September 27, our communities struggled to fully comprehend the storms magnitude. We had all seen plenty of storms, but this would not be like any of them. Overnight, Blue Ridge Community College became a vital resource hub for the region. Prior to the storm, we sounded the alarm to our stakeholders and neighbors, urging them to prepare and take action. We canceled classes and prepared for the worst, which in retrospect was exactly the right move. After the storm subsided and devastation surrounded us, our College was needed in new ways, and the needs changed by the day. From housing emergency management and search-and-rescue crews, to clearing space for helicopters to land, to hosting a FEMA basecamp on our Henderson County Campus, to distributing water and food to students, Blue Ridge became a central player in deploying lifesaving personnel across the region. During times of crisis, community colleges like ours have both a responsibility and a privilege to stand in the gap. We provide facilities, support, and people who care deeply about their community. In Helenes aftermath, we did not have every answer, nor could we solve every problem, but we were present. And being presentopen, supportive, adaptable, collaborativemattered. Even as our team members struggled to meet their own daily needs, those qualities helped us pick up the pieces of our community and our students lives. This generous and unquenchable spirit is the backbone of Western North Carolina, and it is what gives me confidence in our future. Community lifeline Perhaps the greatest lessons came from the people of this region. I witnessed extraordinary resilience, compassion, and humanity. Neighbors helped neighbors, communities came together, and individuals gave of themselves even when they had lost so much. I saw genuine care as our team checked on employees and students in the days after the storm. As fragments of our communications systems slowly returned, Blue Ridge employees reached out to students and one another in any way possiblein some cases hiking across muddy mountainsidesto check on each others well-being. The first questions were always, Are you okay? and What do you need? It was incredible to watch the many connections and partnerships we had built for education transform overnight into a support network for basic human needs. Even as we collected and provided whatever resources we could, we were humbled to receive the help of community organizations and numerous community colleges across North Carolina. At first, all highways were blocked, but as they cleared, we welcomed vans, trucks, and tractor-trailers full of water, food, clothing, and supplies for our students, employees, and their families. It was emotional for everyone to see our sister colleges take immediate action to send help when it was needed most. As our team and students were fortified, we were in turn able to lend our strength to others and to support the broader emergency response effort. Safeguarding our future Now, one year later, our role expands as those in Helenes path attempt to overcome a severe blow to our regional economy approaching $60 billion by some estimates. As part of the solution, Blue Ridge Community College is not only helping people and businesses recover, but also helping to build a brighter, more resilient future for the next generation. Our focus has returned to what have always been our core strengthseducation, workforce development, and innovationnow galvanized by the year we have just lived. More than ever before, we understand that our mission is central to the success of the places we call home. We see in real time how our work directly impacts the health of families; the safety of our roads, bridges, and parks; the stability of businesses and jobs; and the natural resources that make Western North Carolina one of the nations most treasured destinations. More than ever, our community needs us to train the next generation of professionals in construction, skilled trades, engineering, healthcare, emergency services, public safety, information technology, and much more. More than ever, community colleges in our region are paving the way toward recovery, providing the knowledge, skills, and people who rebuild our communities and safeguard our future. Lessons in resilience Residents of Western North Carolina must never forget the lessons of those difficult days. Individually, we learned the value of resilience, compassion, and unity. Collectively, we saw that our greatest strength lies in the people and institutions that step forward to help. This has certainly been true for community colleges like Blue Ridge, which continue to serve as vital resources for the community throughout this crisis and recovery. As leaders, we are called to be both self-aware of our limits and courageous in our actions. No single institution or individual can do it all. But together, through collaboration, humility, and vision, we can create pathways toward recovery and resilience. Above all, we must lead with humanity, because it is the peopletheir spirit, passion, and determinationwho ultimately carry us through the storm. One year later, talking isnt getting it done for victims Robert Nathan Parris stands on narrow footbridge that provides the only access to his home off Felmet Road in Henderson County. A section of the private road washed away when Hurricane Helene hit Henderson County. [AMY MCCRAW/Hendersonville Lightning] When 77-year-old Robert Nathan Parris suffered a stroke a few months ago, the ambulance that arrived to help could not reach him. Related Stories First responders parked on one side of a deep gully as Parris crossed a narrow footbridge built in the days shortly after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. Parris, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who suffers from diabetes, and his neighbors have been parking their vehicles on the side of Felmet Road and then using the footbridge to reach their homes for a year now as they wait for help fixing their road. Floodwaters from Beck Creek during Helene washed away a section of the private road and left the 30-foot gully now spanned by the makeshift footbridge Parris uses to reach his home. All the stuff I buy, food and stuff, I have to tote across that bridge. I doubt Ill ever see it fixed, Parris said recently. Im going to name that road The Land of the Forgotten. To the casual observer, Henderson County might seem to have bounced back in the year after Helene tore through the mountains. Main roads are now intact, businesses have reopened and many homes have been repaired. But in some areas, including where Parris lives near Crest Road, people continue to wait for repairs to roads, bridges, dams and homes. Jim Barnette, the owner of Hendersonville Mobile Home Estates, stands next to one of several mobile homes in the park off Spartanburg Highway that were damaged in Hurricane Helene. One woman who lived in the park died when the park flooded during the storm.At Hendersonville Mobile Home Estates located just off Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville, much of the park appears untouched by the storm. But at the lower end where 63-year-old Vicki Lynn Allen lost her life when raging flood waters rushed through her trailer and several others next to Chick-fil-A and Harris Teeter Helenes destruction is readily apparent. Several trailers on that side of the park were damaged beyond repair and hauled away while a few others stand gutted with insulation and wall studs visible from the highway. I lost all those mobile homes. Its difficult to repair because of the floodplain, park owner Jim Barnette said, adding that the park flooded for the first time in 55 years when Helene struck. Barnette said he wants to rebuild the damaged mobile homes that remain in his park, but he recently learned he needs to hire a surveyor and find a way to elevate the homes above the flood plain. He said he has also encountered red tape from the government and insurance that has slowed his plans to fix the damaged homes. His tenants found other places in the area to live but all would like to eventually come back to his park, Barnette said. Roads, bridges are still wrecked On Lake Summit in Tuxedo, water continues to pour freely over the lakes damaged dam made inoperable when Helene destroyed the power plant that allowed operators to raise and lower the dam, which was built in the 1920s. A no-wake zone required because lake levels remain too high continues and high water spilling over docks and into boathouses has created problems for homeowners and others who use the lake. In Edneyville, recent visitors looking for apples and fall fun at the businesses many orchards operate along U.S. 64 found traffic moving smoothly in and out of the community. But not too far off the main highway, bridges remain out on Townsend Road, Water Road and South Mills Gap Road among others. One lane of Bald Rock Road is still washed away, with some drivers using the shoulder of the road to make their way up the mountain. Don Justus, whose family owns Justus Orchard on Garren Road, said recently that damage to roads near his orchard made it a little more challenging for customers to reach the farm. Replacement of the bridge at South Mills Gap Road near the orchard was not related to Helene. But the storm delayed work on the bridge replacement, he said. Justus said he was thankful customers found their way through road closures and detours to reach the farm. They found a way, he said. The crowds this season are nothing short of answered prayers. Homes remain inaccessible While Edneyville Fire and Rescue Chief Josh Walton said the departments second station allows first responders to reach many areas where roads and bridges are out without slowing their response time, damage on Bald Rock Road is challenging for emergency responders. We usually take a smaller truck first and just go slow, he said. It slows us down more than anything. The damage off Felmet Road where Parris lives also makes emergency response a challenge for first responders, Blue Ridge Fire Department Chief Will Sheehan said. While Parris chose to walk across the footbridge to reach an ambulance when he needed help, Sheehan said the department is able to use all-terrain vehicles to reach and carry out people suffering medical emergencies in the area. But he said it would be almost impossible to get a fire truck in if a home or other structure caught on fire. Its definitely a major challenge getting into that area, Sheehan said. Just a few days before the one-year anniversary of the day Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, Parris looked into the gully where the road to his home once ran. He has talked to so many officials from various government agencies from the local to the federal level that it is hard to keep them all straight. None has offered any real solutions for fixing the road. Everybody comes down there, takes a look at it and turns their back, he said. They keep putting it off and off. Talking isnt getting it done. County in precarious position as it awaits FEMA reimbursement Bill Lapsley was wary when he was first presented with a contract that state officials said Henderson County had to sign in order to get reimbursed for Hurricane Helene debris removal. Back last January, everyone knew that the job would cost tens of millions of dollars. Related Stories I raised the question, Whos taking on the liability for this? he said. My question at the time was, Whoa! Is Henderson County going to be on the hook for 60, 70, 80 million dollars or more? And the answer we got was yes. Bill LapsleyAnd its come to pass that the county is on the hook, Lapsley, the county commission chair, warned last week during a 45-minute discussion of the problem at a board meeting. A year after Helene, the federal governments performance in reimbursing towns and counties for work theyve already contracted out has been at two speeds: slow or zero miles an hour. Henderson County has received just $15.4 million in FEMA reimbursement for debris removal by far the biggest recovery cost the county itself is paying for. Were sitting out here in a very vulnerable position, Lapsley said. I have in front of me $32 million of invoices that our county is obligated to under the contract that we were told we had to sign in order to get reimbursement, and I dont take that lightly. I think Henderson County is in a very precarious position, and its not at all due to lack of effort from the staff or this board in trying to address this but its a lack of action from the federal government. County officials have expressed their displeasure to every FEMA official they can reach, to Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and to their congressman and senators. Sen. Ted Budd tried to call attention to the problem by using a procedural maneuver to delay Homeland Security appointments. Which we appreciate very much, Lapsley said. But as far as Im concerned, Ive reached the end of my rope and Im not comfortable with it, and I dont think its fair, I dont think its right. Commissioner Rebecca McCall also said its time for all of Western North Carolina to rise up and demand action. Sen. Budd has basically gone out on a limb to get the point across and bring some attention to this, she said. We are at the point that we need to make some noise about this. Its time we did something drastic before we get to the point where were affected in our loans and our credit rating. 4,000 911 calls in 24 hours In its last meeting before the one-year anniversary of Helenes devastation, commissioners also heard updates from Public Safety Director Jimmy Brissie and county Response and Recovery Director Natalia Santana-Pollard: The county 911 center received more than 4,000 911 calls in the 24-hour period after Helene struck. At one point in time, we had over 1,000 active emergencies on the computer-aided dispatch system, Brissie said. The non-emergency call operation at the Emergency Operations Center has received more than 11,500 calls since Sept. 27. They were taking calls that maybe should have gone to 911 (from) folks in immediate need that couldnt get through to 911, Brissie said. Contractors have spent 331 days on debris removal and hauled off almost a million cubic yards 65,000 tons of debris. Inspectors have identified 1,157 waterway debris sites in need of cleanup. Of 1,800 applications for private property debris removal, 767 jobs, or 42 percent, are complete. In homes and businesses,1,400 suffered major damaged, 1,700 incurred minor damage and 288 were destroyed. The county has issued 722 permits for building repairs and demolitions related to Helene, and issued nearly 300 certificate of occupancies for completed work. In reporting on the FEMA program to help families whose homes were destroyed, Santana-Pollard, whom the county hired from FEMA, said those cases typically take years a revelation that triggered Lapsley again. To be told it could be several years, I dont understand that. That is unacceptable, he said. Its been a year. I think thats plenty of time. I just cant fathom sitting here two years, three years from now, trying to help these people get this devastation behind them. Its really bad. County Manager John Mitchell pledged to the board that Helene recovery will continue to be the county staffs highest priority. The Henderson County Board of Commissioners has kept this issue at the very front of their agenda for the whole year, and we talk about it at every meeting. We talk about it daily, he said. You can go around this community and see a lot of healing. Im very proud of the commerce thats returned. Im exceedingly proud of the way that our staff here at Henderson County responded to this disaster the business community, the hospital, I could go on and on. Im reminded of what Churchill said I think it was after Second Battle of El Alamein: This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, I think, the end of the beginning. 8th Chinese farmers' harvest festival celebrated in east China's Shandong Xinhua) 12:30, September 24, 2025 Farmer representatives from across China jointly participate an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actors perform during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) A farmer (C) greets the crowd during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) Actresses perform during an event celebrating the eighth Chinese farmers' harvest festival in Zhaoyuan City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 23, 2025. The Chinese farmers' harvest festival is the first national festival created specifically for the country's farmers. Starting in 2018, the festival coincides with the Autumnal Equinox each year, which is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunisolar calendar and usually falls between Sept. 22 and 24 during the country's agricultural harvest season. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Chinese beauty brands accelerate global expansion People's Daily Online) 13:22, September 24, 2025 Chinese beauty brands are accelerating their global reach. In 2024, China's exports of cosmetics and personal care products hit 51.2 billion yuan ($7.2 billion), an 11.9 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from the industry research center of the China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries. Industry experts believe that to build recognition and reputation overseas, Chinese beauty brands should effectively integrate Chinese culture into their brand development while pursuing unique competition strategies. A consumer selects products at a cosmetics brand store under the JOY GROUP in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) "Ingredients from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are at the core of our product formulations and represent the key to exploring overseas markets," said Xie Yong, president of DR PLANT Biotechnology Co., Ltd. In recent years, the company's skincare products featuring high-altitude plant extracts have achieved sustained sales growth in markets such as Japan and Indonesia. "Skincare products require long-term use before consumers can see results. To help overseas customers quickly understand our brand culture, DR PLANT Biotechnology Co., Ltd. primarily establishes dedicated brand stores abroad," Xie explained. These stores not only introduce product details but also immerse consumers in traditional Chinese medicine culture through gua sha massage, herbal essential oils, and herbal beverages. This October, the company will open a new store in Bangkok, Thailand. "The store interior will be designed like a small museum. We'll introduce dendrobium, a traditional Chinese herb, to help more consumers understand this plant. We hope our brand building remains rooted in traditional Chinese culture while serving as a vehicle to promote Chinese culture overseas," Xie said. "As the appeal of Chinese culture grows, domestic products are gaining more advantages in attracting global consumers," said Yan Jiangying, director-general of the China Association of Fragrance Flavour and Cosmetic Industries. According to Yan, weaving Chinese cultural elements into brand stories not only strengthens international recognition but also drives global expansion. Photo shows a brand store of DR PLANT Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in Osaka, Japan. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) "From a consumer perspective, China's cultural influence continues to rise, with concepts like 'Eastern aesthetics' and 'herbal wellness' appealing to overseas consumers," Yan explained, adding that from a brand communication standpoint, cultural elements make brand stories more compelling. For example, designs incorporating traditional embroidery, blue-and-white porcelain, or Dunhuang murals can generate viral discussions on social media at home and internationally. As variations in consumer demand across regional markets grow, adopting tailored strategies based on local conditions is essential for the global success of Chinese beauty brands. Several cosmetics brands under the JOY GROUP, a leading Chinese multi-brand beauty group, have demonstrated strong overseas momentum in recent years, now selling in more than 50 countries and regions. "Understanding preferences of overseas users and executing effective localization are central to our international marketing," said Kong Fanqi, general manager of the JOY GROUP. To better serve global consumers, the company has built localized teams in overseas markets. Many Chinese beauty brands have already established overseas research and development centers and factories to support localized operations. Overseas R&D centers allow direct study of local consumer needs and regulatory requirements, while factories in target markets reduce tariffs, shorten logistics cycles, and strengthen supply chain stability. This is especially advantageous for skincare products that need cold-chain transportation to maintain freshness. A localized presence also helps international consumers perceive brands as global players, strengthening trust in their products. Photo shows the cosmetics research and development laboratory at Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) In recent years, Chinese beauty brands have made continuous progress in technological R&D, establishing comprehensive industrial chains that cover raw materials, formula development, and large-scale manufacturing. This creates strong momentum for their global expansion. For instance, Shandong Freda Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical-concept cosmetics R&D enterprise, supplies raw materials such as hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and pro-xylane to cosmetic enterprises in more than 70 countries and regions. "Technological innovation plays a decisive role in product competitiveness," said Gao Chunming, chairman and general manager of the company. Gao noted that in 2024, the company invested 199 million yuan in R&D, which is a 20.05 percent increase from the previous year. It has also established a provincial engineering research center for skincare technology and a synthetic biology R&D center, equipped with professional research teams and advanced testing equipment. Every new product undergoes rigorous safety and efficacy testing before entering the market. According to Yan, the technological sophistication of Chinese beauty products has advanced significantly in recent years. Looking ahead, Yan believes Chinese cosmetics brands will continue to accelerate their global expansion over the next three to five years. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Donald Trump makes his big comeback to the UN General Assembly podium on Tuesday, where the US president intends to denounce "globalist institutions" and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as patience with Russia wears thin. Trump will address the United Nations for the first time since he returned to office and quickly took to slashing the US role in international organizations. It will be Trump's second time seeing Zelensky since the US leader invited Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 to Alaska, a meeting that broke Moscow's isolation in the West but yielded no breakthrough on Ukraine. Russia has not only kept up its barrage of attacks on Ukraine in the past month but has increasingly raised fears in Western Europe, with drone or air incursions in NATO members Poland, Estonia and Romania. Mike Waltz, newly installed as the US ambassador to the United Nations, voiced solidarity with NATO allies over the airspace violations. "The United States and our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory," said Waltz, who was earlier Trump's national security advisor. Trump took office vowing that he could end within one day the Ukraine war, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, and boasted of his personal chemistry with Putin. But Trump acknowledged last week that Putin had "really let me down." A UN report released Tuesday found that Russian authorities have tortured civilian detainees in Ukrainian areas Moscow occupies, including sexual violence, in a "widespread and systematic manner." The report cautioned that Russia's frequent disregard of legal safeguards, combined with a dire lack of accountability had "placed many Ukrainian civilians outside the effective protection of the law during their detention." Zelensky is expected to press Trump to take a harder line and impose long-threatened new sanctions on Russia. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio, last week previewing the talks with Zelensky, said Trump was not ready to pressure Putin, saying that without him, "there's no one left in the world that could possibly mediate" on Ukraine. Zelensky will again need to tread carefully with Trump, who -- along with Vice President JD Vance -- berated the wartime leader in an explosive February 28 meeting at the White House, calling him ungrateful for billions of dollars in US military assistance. Trump, who hails from New York, is spending barely a day in town for the weeklong summit. Ahead of his visit to the UN district, now swarming with heavily-armed police and agents and criss crossed with barricades and road closures, the Secret Service said they had disrupted a "telecommunications-related" plot. The Secret Service said it "dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior US government officials, which represented an imminent threat to the agency's protective operations." The statement did not say if Trump himself was a target, or who was behind the network, although it said initial analysis indicated there were communications by "nation-state threat actors." One of Trump's few other one-on-one meetings will be with Argentina's right-wing President Javier Milei, an ideological ally to whose government the United States is considering offering an economic lifeline. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would discuss the "renewal of American strength around the world." "The president will also touch upon how globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order, and he will articulate his straightforward and constructive vision for the world," she told reporters in Washington. Trump in his second term has moved more aggressively in his nationalist "America First" vision of curbing cooperation with the rest of the world. He has moved to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization and the UN climate body, severely curtailed US development assistance and wielded sanctions against foreign judges over rulings he sees as violating sovereignty. "Instead of inflaming global crises and fueling chaos and inequality, he should use his power and influence to work with the global community to provide meaningful solutions," said Abby Maxman, president and CEO of Oxfam America. Trump's appearance comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron led a group of Western allies of the United States in recognizing a Palestinian state, a historic but largely symbolic step strongly opposed by Israel. The United States and Israel both shunned the special session. A barefoot luxury escape in the Maldives has never felt more welcoming for families. This week, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort introduced spacious new Beach Family Villas and unveiled the whimsical Treehouse Kids Retreat, where imagination and island charm come to life. Beach Family VillasSet directly on the island's powder-soft sands, the new Beach Family Villas (116 sqm) are designed for effortless island living. With room for up to five, each villa opens onto a wide terrace that flows straight to the beach. Light-filled interiors pair contemporary design with natural Maldivian textures; it's the perfect backdrop for family time, whether sharing a sunset, stargazing, or opening a treasure chest delivered to the room, brimming with classic board games to enjoy together. The Treehouse Kids Retreat At the heart of the island, beneath the canopy of a centuries-old Banyan tree, the new Treehouse Kids Retreat is a whimsical haven just for little explorers. Secret doors, lookout windows and hidden corners spark curiosity, while zones for soft play, arts and crafts, LEGO creations, story time and games provide endless fun. Guided by the resort's Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager, children also get the chance to dive into the wonders of the Maldives' marine world. From learning about vibrant reef life to understanding delicate ecosystems, the retreat blends play with purpose - nurturing creativity, discovery and care for the ocean. Open daily for children ages 4-12, the Treehouse Kids Retreat offers a daily programme under the themes Create, Play, Explore - plus optional evening babysitting for family peace of mind. Barefoot Luxury for All Generations While children embark on their own island adventures, parents can indulge in overwater spa rituals, sample world-class dining across the resort's six restaurants and bars, or swim alongside manta rays and whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll. From serene wellness to high-energy watersports, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort now offers a seamless balance of sophistication and family-friendly experiences. Kids Stay & Eat Free To celebrate the launch of the new family experiences, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has introduced a Kids Stay & Eat Free promotion in which two children under 12 can stay and dine at no extra cost as part of their parents' meal plan. Young guests can enjoy fresh flavors from the kids' menu or dine from the buffet across the resort's six restaurants. When to Go The Maldives is a year-round paradise. The dry season from December to April promises cloudless skies and crystal-clear waters, while the green season from May to November offers quieter shores, lush tropical landscapes, and thrilling marine encounters. OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru is a convenient 25-minute seaplane ride from Male international airport. Hotel website After working as an equity analyst and equity broker to UK hedge funds for 11 years, Alexander started his own financial research shop, Sassen Research. In 2019 he joined Hotelschool The Hague as a Lecturer in Finance & ESG. In 2023 he also started an ESG consulting firm, Conifer Advisory Services. Theres been a lot of buzz in the media recently claiming that Frances Loi Climat & Resilience will force all hotels to obtain eco-certification by 2026. But a closer reading of the legislation reveals a different picture. What the law actually says According to the official text (Loi n 2021-1104 du 22 aout 2021), the law introduces affichage environnementalenvironmental labellingfor goods and services. The hospitality sector is specifically included in the five-year experimental phase designed to test and refine methodologies for such labelling. What the law does not say No decree currently mandates that hotels must carry an eco-label by 2026. The much-quoted deadline circulating in the media is, for now, more a projection than a binding requirement. What this means for the hotel industry Hotels are likely to face mandatory sustainability reporting and eco-labelling obligations in the near future, once decrees are issued. Early adoption of eco-certifications, emissions reduction strategies, and alignment with EU sustainability directives could give operators a first-mover advantage. Hospitality businesses should closely monitor upcoming regulatory decrees that will set the official timeline and scope. The bottom line For now, the 2026 deadline is not law, its speculation. But momentum is clearly building toward stricter sustainability obligations for the hospitality sector. Whether eco-certification becomes mandatory by 2026 or later, hotels that prepare early will be best positioned to complyand to compete. Do you think France will lock in a 2026 deadline, or will implementation be phased in more gradually? ABOUT GCSTIMES Since 2011, GCSTlMES has pioneered sustainable development, evolving from smart card R&D to sustainable material innovation. Today, we stand as a global platform for sustainable solutions. Sustainability is our foundation. Through technological innovation and creative solutions, GCSTlMES delivers diverse services and tangible products, positioning ourselves as both manufacturers and innovators. GCSTlMES believes technology should empower human progress and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into technology, we aim to make it "warm" and purposeful. Our products serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting local heritage worldwide. Brand Portfolio: GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards, creative (custom-shaped) key cards sustainable supplies, cultural gifts, and bespoke design and related services. Currently, GCSTlMES has five operational centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, along with 20 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Its services extend to over 140 countries and regions supporting more than 100,000 international hospitality group in achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals. GCS Times MKT Team Think of 2025 as a tightrope act for hoteliers: revenue gains on one side, rising costs on the other. Step too far in either direction, and balance is lost. Globally, profits are still moving upward, but the margin for errorliterallyis shrinking fast. Margins Under Fire Across Continents The Middle East remains the outlier, setting the pace with strong growth and resilient profitability. Elsewhere, the picture is more complicated. Europes slowdown is driven largely by Northern markets, where margins are slipping. In the Americas, margin pressures affect most sub-regions, with Central America standing out as an exception, outperforming its peers and maintaining profitability. The U.S. Case: When Costs Outrun Growth Figure 1: Despite revenue growth slowing through Q2, steady labor cost increases continue to squeeze marginspushing GOPPAR into negative territory by June. Source: HotStats Limited In the United States, the story is one of revenue growth overshadowed by escalating costs. Payroll increases continue to outpace topline performance, eroding profitability across all brand scales. Operators are finding that even modest revenue gains cant keep up with the steady rise in labor expenses. Figure 2: In Q2, hotels that didnt achieve at least 5% YOY TRevPAR growth generally saw GOP margin erosion as rising costs took their toll. While a few outliers managed to hold margins, the declines across many states were deeper than the gainsdragging the national average further down. Source: HotStats Limited Luxury and ultra-luxury hotels, however, have found some footing on the tightrope. By driving guest spend beyond the roomparticularly in Food & Beverage and ancillary servicesthey are absorbing more of the cost burden and protecting their margins against deeper erosion. Beyond Payroll: The Double Squeeze Labor costs arent the only force at play. Operated departments are fueling payroll expansion, while undistributed other expenses are growing faster than revenues. This double squeeze is leaving hoteliers little room to maneuver, compressing margins further down the P&L. Figure 3: Undistributed expenses are also weighing on profitability, with categories like Repairs & Maintenance (+5.9%) and Utilities (+5.8%) outpacing TRevPAR growth. Notably, R&M costs are sensitive to supply chain disruptions and tariffs, making them a critical line to monitor as trade discussions evolve. Source: HotStats Limited The Takeaway Global revenue and profit are still climbing, but growth alone doesnt tell the story. The real narrative is one of margin pressure: The Middle East continues to lead. Europe and the Americas wrestle with cost-driven declines. Central America defies regional headwinds. Luxury hotels in the U.S. leverage diversified guest spend to stay ahead. If you want to explore how HotStats can help you benchmark against the right competitors, uncover hidden profit opportunities, and stay balanced on the tightrope, get in touch with us today: [email protected]. About HotStats HotStats, a Duetto company, is a global data benchmarking company offering specialized performance analysis and a benchmarking tool that helps analyze financial and operational data from a diverse range of hotels globally. This provides hotel owners, operators, and investors with valuable insights into the financial performance of their properties against their competition an invaluable resource for weighing options and evaluating investment opportunities. For a quick demo, email us at [email protected] or visit www.hotstats.com. View source The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is set to establish a Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East. This pioneering initiative will support the development and harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks for tourism across the region. Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Tourism The Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East will serve as a knowledge hub and digital platform that systematically collects, organizes, analyses, updates and disseminates tourism-related laws and regulations in the region, with the support of a network of individual experts and academic collaborators. It will also issue publications, recommendations, and organize conferences and seminars on topics of special interest. The initiative aligns with the broader mandate of UN Tourisms Tourism Law Observatories, a flagship initiative endorsed by the 25th General Assembly. These Observatories represent a long-term, large-scale initiative led by UN Tourism to be developed across its five different regions, with a view to fostering the progressive harmonization of Tourism Law at the international level, thus enhancing legal security and benefiting all tourism operators. Key Objectives As the first of its kind in the region, the Tourism Law Observatory represents a milestone for UN Tourism, reflecting its commitment to support Member States of the Middle East in addressing key challenges and complexities of tourism legislation. Key objectives will include: Development and Improvement of Legal Frameworks: To optimize legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to tourism, encouraging progressive regulatory harmonization in areas requiring supranational intervention. Fostering Regional Regulatory Cooperation: To foster effective communication among all tourism stakeholders, by providing a platform for regional dialogue and allowing countries to share experiences, learn from each other, and collectively address common challenges. Optimization of Governance Models: To optimize governance models of the tourism sector, by promoting the active participation of various stakeholders throughout the regulatory process. A Regional Milestone Following the successful launch of the first Tourism Law Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)a collaborative effort with the Inter-American Development Bank and currently operating in the UN Tourisms Thematic Office hosted in Montevideo, UruguayUN Tourism is now advancing similar efforts in the Middle East. The new Observatory will be established through the UN Tourisms Regional Office for the Middle East. Once operational, it will mark a significant step toward replicating the Observatory`s model across all regions, supporting the long-term vision of a more harmonized legal framework on Tourism Law. For additional inquiries, contact: observatory [email protected]. About UN Tourism The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialised agency, is the leading international organisation with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 166 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members from the private sector. Media enquires: [email protected] UN Tourism Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UN Tourism View source Wine has long been perceived as a male-dominated world. For centuries, symbolic authority, from inheritance in family domains to the role of the master winemaker, has largely been coded as masculine. Women were present, often as vineyard workers or wine widows taking over after a husbands death, but their visibility and recognition were limited. Today, the landscape is changing. In some oenology programs, women now make up the majority of students, and in countries such as Spain and Italy, close to a third of wineries are led or owned by women. Yet this presence is not evenly reflected across positions of leadership and prestige. The Rise of Women in Wine The question is how their journeys unfold, what barriers remain, and how the industry, from vineyards to restaurants can evolve to better recognize and support their role. At the latest Alliance for Research in Wine and Hospitality Management (ARWHM) conference, organized by Philippe Masset (EHL) and held at EHL Hospitality Business School in May 2025, a special focus was placed on gender in the world of wine. A panel discussion was held to discuss the current landscape and recent developments, moderated by Alicia Gallais (PhD Candidate at KEDGE Business School and the University of Naples Federico II, now Assistant Professor at Burgundy School of Business), whose PhD thesis focuses on consumer perception of gender in the wine industry. Panel members included Valentina Andrei (independent wine producer in Valais), Florine Livat (Associate Professor at KEDGE Business School, whose research focuses on the place of women in the wine industry), Malika Pellicioli (independent filmmaker whose documentary Blend focuses on four women pursuing the Master of Wine title), and Teona Floare (sommelier at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Berceau des Sens at EHL). The panelists reflected on womens careers in the wine world, exploring challenges, sources of support, and the influence of gender on professional relations and consumer perceptions. Here we summarize some of the key insights that emerged from this conversation for wine professionals and enthusiasts alike. Challenges of Being a Woman in Wine Winemaking requires physical stamina, but as Valentina Andrei reminded us, this does not make it a male-only profession. Women are fully capable of running a cellar. Yet maternity remains a major challenge, especially during harvest and vinification, when long hours collide with family responsibilities, which are still largely carried out by women in many societies. The sentiment is seconded by Malika Pelliciolis documentary Blend. Following Swiss women pursuing the coveted Master of Wine title, she found that they combined careers, family, and studies with great determination. Unlike men, whose attrition rates are higher, these women almost never abandoned the program once they had invested money and time away from their families. In service roles, the barriers take different forms. Sommelier Teona Floare spoke about imposter syndrome and the constant pressure to prove she was fully capable. She felt the need to collect diplomas to shield herself against doubt: her own, and that of others. Florine Livat connected these testimonies to broader research. In male-dominated sectors, imposter syndrome is well-documented, and wine is no exception. She also pointed to subtle but damaging stereotypes. Female students looking for internships or jobs report being discouraged from export roles because travel would be incompatible with family life, or told they needed to be knightly to sell wine. Even when not explicit, these biases shape careers. The Power of Support Systems to Lift-Up Women Support networks often make the difference between persistence and withdrawal. Valentina Andrei began her career with the guidance of Marie-Therese Chappaz, one of Switzerlands most respected winemakers. That mentorship was beneficial, yet so was the need to step out and define her own identity as a producer. For Teona Floare, role models such as Julia Scavo, Best Sommelier of Romania in 2018, proved that international success was possible. Seeing another Romanian woman on the global stage transformed ambition into something tangible. Florine Livat added that this reliance has grown into structured networks. Across regions, womens associations are multiplying, offering mentorship, collaboration, and visibility in a sector where such spaces were long absent. A Focus on Professional Relationships Valentina Andrei illustrated how gender can permeate even the smallest encounters. In the vineyards, she noticed that neighbors would step aside for her brothers vehicle but not for hers, a subtle signal of whose presence was taken more seriously. Malika Pellicioli connected these patterns to the world of haute cuisine, which is often intertwined with wine and is also male-dominated. In kitchens, harsh management styles can still prevail, and women who reach leadership positions sometimes reproduce these behaviors in order to appear credible. The cycle, documented in psychology and management studies (for details, see research by Alice Eagly and Wendy Wood), reinforces rather than dismantles a culture of aggression. Some experiences, however, are far from subtle. One winemaker, interviewed on the phone prior to the panel, described being asked by other producers, all of them men, at a wine fair to prove she really made the wine by showing her hands. Florine Livat pointed to more serious risks in professional settings where alcohol is present. Testimonies gathered by Paye Ton Pinard, the French association aligned with the #MeToo movement, reflect the harassment and vulnerability many women often face during fairs and tastings. Consumer Perception of Women Working in Wine Do consumers care about the gender of the person making or serving the wine? At the Michelin-starred Berceau des Sens, Teona Floare believes her gender has not influenced guest interactions. But her Romanian accent, she added, has sometimes affected perceptions of her authority, raising broader questions of ethnicity and cultural dominance in wine. Research by Alicia Gallais and Florine Livat suggests that gender stereotypes may shape consumer behavior, though the evidence remains preliminary. Interestingly, some women still avoid putting their own names on wine labels, choosing instead to highlight those of fathers, husbands, or grandfathers, even when they are the actual winemakers. The Future of Women in Wine The stories shared in this panel discussion reveal both the progress and the persistent barriers women face in the wine industry. Yet the road ahead is not a smooth one. The next challenge is not only to ensure equal access to careers, but also to transform the culture of wine so that gender, ethnicity, or family background no longer dictate credibility. This requires more research, stronger networks, and above all, a collective commitment across the industry. The question is not whether women and other minorities belong in wine. The question is how the sector can evolve to fully recognize their essential role in shaping its future. View source That the persona of Donald Trump stirs strong emotions is clear. The same can be said about his policies. In particular his trade policy is seen by many non-Americans as an attack on long-standing friendships. The way Trump forces countries into (trade) concessions rubs so many the wrong way that they no longer view the U.S. as a reliable ally. In that light, economic shifts are taking place with major consequences, including for the number of visitors to the United Statesand therefore for the U.S. hospitality sector. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), the number of overseas visitors (i.e., excluding Mexico and Canada) declined in 5 of the last 6 months (FebJuly). Year-on-year, July showed the following steep drops: Germany (-14.7%), China (-13.8%), Switzerland (-12.7%), the Netherlands (-7.2%), and India (-5.5%). All five of these countries showed an acceleration of decline compared to June. The numbers from January 2025 through July, where available (not for Canada and Mexico), present a mixed picture. Africa shows a sharp decline but is small overall (319,064 visitors). The major markets outside Canada and Mexico are Asia and Western Europe, which show declines of 2.61% and 2.28%, respectively. South America, another big market, shows a modest increase of 0.75%. Is Trump Torpedoing His Own Hospitality Sector? Part 1 Source: Hotelschool The Hague International visitors (YTD July 2025 vs. 2024): Overseas: -1.55% Africa: -6.05% Asia: -2.61% Caribbean: -3.19% Central America: +3.11% Eastern Europe: +3.18% Western Europe: -2.28% Middle East: +0.16% Oceania: -3.26% South America: +0.73% Canada & Mexico (YTD May 2025 vs. 2024): Canada: -16.76% Mexico: +13.87% (Source: National Travel and Tourism Office) Year-on-year comparisons arent everything, of course. The overall trend in visitor numbers had been positive, and NTTO had forecast a 6.5% rise before Trump rolled out his policies. Apart from Mexico, no market shows growth anywhere near that level. The data clearly indicates a break in the trend. Is Trump Torpedoing His Own Hospitality Sector? Part 1 Source: Hotelschool The Hague Canada and Mexico account for about 50% of all foreign visitors to the U.S., and here too the picture is mixed: Canada shows a steep drop while Mexico posts a strong increase. Canadas decline is largely attributed to Trumps persona; his remark that Canada should become the 51st state of the U.S. angered the average Canadian so much that they expressed it both with their feet and at the ballot box. The number of Canadians visiting the U.S. in the first five months of 2025 fell 16.8% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Canadian opposition candidateonce far ahead in the pollssaw his lead vanish, ultimately losing the election. But the figures also show that Trumps persona cannot possibly be the only reason for these declines. After all, Trump also lashed out at Mexico, yet Mexican visitor numbers rose sharply. Similarly, visitor numbers from Italy grew by more than 8% in the first seven months (year-on-year). In short, Trumps persona likely had varying effects on visitor numbers depending on the country of origin. The economic impact of Trumps trade policy, however, is logically greater. Uncertainty for businesses, both in the U.S. and abroad, hurts the investment climate. This negatively affects economic growth, which in turn dampens visitor numbers. The longer this uncertainty persists, the larger the effecta dynamic that has already pushed many countries into trade deals favorable to the U.S. Even after a trade agreement is reached, some of the uncertainty remains, since Trump is quick to threaten new tariffs at the slightest provocation (see Canada). Another layer of uncertainty comes from Trumps onshoring/reshoring policies. Many companies are reconsidering investments abroad in favor of investing in the U.S. The extent of the negative economic effects for the rest of the worldand their impact on travel to the U.S.remains to be seen. These negative Trump effects will not disappear in the short term. However, Trumps policies should not be seen as the sole cause of weak economic performance in other countries either. Germany, for instance, stands out in Europe (negatively): its economy has suffered a steep downturn. Yet Germanys malaise started before Trump took office. Other factors are at play there, such as the war in Ukraine, high energy prices/the green transition, Chinese competition, falling exports to China, political shifts, and more. For all countries, economic performanceand the associated visitor flows to the U.S.depends on many factors. It would be unwise to point only to Trump and his policies as the driving force behind declining visitor numbers. In other words, the drop in visitors to the U.S. has many causes, of which Trumps persona and policies are only two. So far, the net effect appears negative. Whether this remains the case is still uncertain as so many factors are in play. The owners exit strategy must be considered as soon as the operator is selected, and the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) negotiated. Indeed, a well-structured exit strategy can help avoid a costly dispute and preserve an assets value and liquidity. The following key points, illustrated by real-life examples, should be considered. 1. Contract term: striking a balance Hotel operators typically offer in France long-term agreements, ranging from ten to 20 years sometimes up to 40 years for international chains. The challenge for owners, then, is to balance security and flexibility. Example: one of our clients who owns a four-star hotel in Lyon negotiated a 12-year term (instead of the 15 years initially offered) to align with their banks financing plan. The agreement included a renewal clause, provided there were no breaches. This approach enabled the owner to adjust their strategy by negotiating a regular performance review of the operator (based on objective contractual criteria such as GOP, RevPAR or compliance with maintenance obligations). Our client was thus able to exit the contract after a short period of time. Consider: A term in line with asset depreciation (building, FF&E). Possible asymmetry: i.e., a shorter term for the owner than for the operator, with an early termination clause at the owners convenience (see below). 2. Clauses to include before the HMA comes into effect: If the agreement is signed before construction or renovation work on a hotel is completed, the following clauses must be included: Final delivery deadline: in the event of a delay that cannot be attributed to either party (e.g. permit or financing issues), the agreement may be terminated without compensation . Real-life example: a project in Bordeaux was cancelled at no cost after an 18-month delay to the works, on the strength of a well-drafted clause. in the event of a delay that cannot be attributed to either party (e.g. permit or financing issues), the agreement may be . a project in Bordeaux was cancelled at no cost after an 18-month delay to the works, on the strength of a well-drafted clause. Interdependence of contracts: linking the HMA to the operators Technical Services Agreement enables simultaneous termination in the event of an issue with either agreement (Article 1186 of the French Civil Code). 3. Negotiating the option to convert the HMA into a franchise agreement: In some instances, a hotel management agreement may include a flip to franchise option after three to five years. Although this solution does incur costs, it gives the owner more autonomy, while maintaining brand recognition. However, in the event the hotel is sold, the operator will continue to benefit from the assignment clause (that governs the transfer of rights under a contract), which will limit the number of potential buyers. Attention: Verify that a franchise agreement is actually beneficial (costs, obligations), and properly negotiate it. (costs, obligations), and properly negotiate it. Negotiate this option (fees and transfer costs) at the time of signing as it is (very) rarely added later. 4. Integrate the impact of the legal framework governing mandates applicable to most hotel management agreements in France: Hotel management agreements are usually mandates (Articles 1984 et seq. of the French Civil Code) and are typically entered into intuitu personae, based on trust between the owner (principal) and the operator (agent) . The owner benefits from greater flexibility in terms of termination, which can be initiated at any time, although compensation is required unless the operator is at fault. However, trust may be broken if the operator commits a series of wrongful acts. Recent French case law trends and developments: Case law has ruled in favour of validating the termination of a mandate in the event of a loss of confidence in the mandate holder, subject to the provisions of Articles 1984 et seq. of the French Civil Code (which could be used for inspiration). As outlined in Article 1993 of the French Civil Code, the operator is required to submit regular management reports. The decision of the Paris Court of Appeal on 9 November 2012 is worth recalling here, upheld as it was by the Court of Cassation on 4 November 2014. This case considered that, even if the operator has a certain degree of discretion in managing a hotel, they must report on their management to the owner-principal. Breach of this obligation justifies termination of the agreement for serious misconduct on the part of the operator. Despite written reminders, the operator had failed to submit detailed monthly financial statements for 12 consecutive months. This obligation was expressly set out in Article 5.2 of the agreement, which incorporated the provisions of Article 1993 of the French Civil Code (the agents obligation to report on its management). Case law reference: the Paris Court of Appeal had already penalised such a breach in a ruling dated 9 November 2012 (RG 12/12982), a decision upheld by the Court of Cassation on 4 November 2014 (appeal no. 13-10.494). The Court of Cassation considered that the agent must provide the principal with complete and regular information on the performance of its duties, failing which it is in breach of its essential obligations. 5. Pitfalls to avoid when terminating a management agreement early: Performance test: The performance test is an effective tool for evaluating a hotels management. However, the performance test clause must be carefully drafted in the HMA to ensure its legal effectiveness when confronting the operator. Criteria: Gross Operating Profit (GOP) and/or comparison with similar hotels. In practical terms, the agreement should include a performance review clause (periodic review) as well as an independent performance audit . This makes it easier to negotiate an exit with the operator, helping avoid a lengthy and unpredictable dispute. (periodic review) as well as an independent performance . This makes it easier to with the operator, helping avoid a lengthy and unpredictable dispute. Penalties: termination of the HMA, or compensation paid by the operator (cure payment). Example: after two years of proven underperformance, the owner of a five-star hotel in Haute-Savoie claimed 175,000 in compensation. Sale of the hotel: Owners seek investment liquidity by ensuring that they can sell their hotel or their stake in the company that owns the hotel freely, whether or not the current hotel management agreement is in place. The following should be noted: The operator may demand a right of first refusal or scrutiny over the buyer if the operator continues to fulfil the agreement (cf. assignment clause). Give preference to a right of first offer rather than a strict right of first refusal. rather than a strict right of first refusal. Avoid excessive contractual compensation - some agreements stipulate up to three years fees in the event of an early sale. Tough negotiation can often reduce these amounts. Control and limitation of the guarantees sought by the operator: Owners should ensure that any guarantees required by the operator under the agreement are as justified and minimal as possible, since these could reduce the owners ability to negotiate an exit or resolve a dispute. Indeed, there are plenty of arguments confirming this. Termination at will: The owner may include a clause that allows them to terminate the contract unilaterally and without cause (termination at will). This clause is fiercely negotiated and usually comes into force a few years after the agreement takes effect, enabling the owner to withdraw without paying compensation. However, in most cases, the operator will impose a termination indemnity. For example, in a 15-year contract, we sometimes come across clauses providing for a contractual indemnity of: Two years fees after seven to ten years of operation One years fees between ten and 15 years of operation. In spite of the contractual termination indemnity, an owner may decide to terminate the HMA early or wait until the end of the agreement. If necessary, the owner will negotiate key money with the new operator to finance all or part of the exit. Termination for misconduct: Valid grounds include fraud, gross negligence and failure to comply with obligations relating to the budget and reporting. Regardless of any specific contractual clauses, the owner may invoke breaches of general contract law (French Civil Code). Even in the absence of specific clauses, the owner may invoke the following: Serious breach of contract (Article 1224 of the French Civil Code). (Article 1224 of the French Civil Code). Loss of trust (Article 1984), although solid evidence is required for this: (Article 1984), although solid evidence is required for this: Evidence: Formal notice, audit reports, case law (Paris Court of Appeal, 2012, cited above). Formal notice, audit reports, case law (Paris Court of Appeal, 2012, cited above). Exception: it is worth noting the decision of the Court of Cassation (2023), which validated the termination of an agreement without formal notice due to insulting and contemptuous behaviour by the other party. Risk: unfair termination may result in damages being awarded. Lastly, owners need to master local law, jurisdiction and the language used in hotel managements agreements: If an owner wants to be efficient, it is best to operate on home ground (often the hotel) and become proficient in these subjects, rather than have the operator impose them (something that is rarely mentioned in the term sheet see our articles on this subject on LinkedIn). Conclusion, and the approach to follow: Owners have a certain amount of room for negotiation with each prospective hotel operator who presents a business plan, term sheet and draft HMA. If the operator is motivated, they will generally be eager to explain and corroborate their performance against that of their competitors. They will also look to gain the owners confidence by negotiating the appropriate contractual balance best suited to the hotels operation. It is therefore at the term sheet phase that the owner should negotiate the major terms of the HMA and its appendices. Returning repeatedly to key clauses in a poorly negotiated term sheet is likely to alter the dynamics and agenda of management agreement negotiations. Footnotes Hotel management agreements are subject to Articles 1984 et seq. of the Civil Code - see our article published in Option Finance on 30 August 2023: Le contrat de management en France, la flexibilite au service de linvestissement hotelier. REIMS 21.11.2017 RG 16/01365 - CA PARIS 25eme Ch. Sect. A 4 juin 2004 AJDI 2004 p.82. Ruling handed down by the Paris Court of Appeal on 9 November 2012 (RG 12/12982), upheld by the Court of Cassation on 4 November 2014 (Appeal No. 13-10.494) see our articles on this subject. In our experience as practising solicitors, it should be expected that certain commercial court judges hearing litigation cases may be unfamiliar with these complex contracts, which could result in misinterpretation of the clauses to the owners detriment. This underlines the importance of being as precise and exhaustive as possible in hotel management agreements. See our article on this subject on LinkedIn: Do hotel management agreements now include too many guarantees? Cass. Com. 18.10.2023 Appeal No. 20-21.579. In consultation with advisors and specialist experts who can assist in dealing with the operators highly proficient team working on various aspects of hotel management and development. Christopher Boinet FR - IE Paris - Avocats In Extenso Avocats Toronto, which hosted the Oasis Tour in late August, posted the highest ADR lift (+8.1% to CAD281.46). - Image Credit Unsplash+ Canada's hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) surpassed CAD200 for the first time in August 2025, marking a significant milestone for the nation's hospitality sector. British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador were standout performers, leading in occupancy and revenue growth, respectively. Canada's hotel industry achieved a remarkable milestone in August 2025, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) exceeding CAD 200 for the first time, according to data from CoStar. This achievement highlights the sector's robust recovery and growth, driven by a surge in travel and tourism activities. The August statistics showed a promising landscape for the hotel industry, with occupancy levels reaching 80.7%, the highest since August 2014. The average daily rate (ADR) also saw a notable increase, rising to CAD 250.18, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. These figures reflect a 7.7% boost in RevPAR, underscoring the sector's strong performance. British Columbia led the provinces with a significant occupancy increase of 6.0%, reaching an impressive 87.2%. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the highest jumps in both ADR and RevPAR, with increases of 17.4% and 18.6%, respectively. These numbers indicate a thriving hospitality scene across various regions. In major markets, Vancouver stood out with the largest gains in occupancy, up 4.6% to 91.9%, and a substantial 12.0% rise in RevPAR to CAD $340.08. Toronto also experienced a notable ADR increase, driven by events such as the Oasis Tour, which contributed to an 8.1% uplift to CAD $281.46. The record-breaking RevPAR and other positive metrics highlight a vibrant and resilient hotel industry in Canada, poised for continued growth as travel demand remains strong. Community Hero: Berkshire County Head Start Karen Pulido, left, and Miguel Munoz, their son, Judy Rush, Lori Kays, Donna Brule-Denning, and Alyssa Sakowski pose at Berkshire County Head Start. PITTSFIELD, Mass. For nearly 50 years Berkshire County Head Start has been supporting children and families throughout Berkshire County It is these efforts that have earned the comprehensive early childhood program our Community Hero of the Month designation. The Community Hero of the Month is a 12-month series that honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on their community. This year's sponsor is Window World of Western Massachusetts. Nominate a hero here Berkshire County Head Start is part of the national Head Start program, which this year marks its 60th anniversary. Berkshire County's chapter was established in 1976 as a preschool with education as the key, but over the decades it evolved to provide a wide range of services beyond education, including support with housing, clothing, mental health, and connections to community resources, said Lori Kays, Berkshire County Head Start board chair. "We like to say that we are so much more than just child care. It's so much more than just coming here and dropping your kids off," said Alyssa Sakowski, Berkshire County Head Start executive coordinator. "We watch our kids all day, we set goals for our families, [and] we help them with the relationships that we have with other community agencies. They really get so much more and I think that's definitely what our legacy would be." It serves 225 children across six sites in Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and North Adams. The program's legacy is visible in the generations of children and parents whose lives have been transformed. To go back to an old saying, it takes a village to raise a child and it really does, said Sue Doucette, Head Start vice chair. "Our village is Berkshire County. It's a big village, but it's important to have people with different experiences and expertise in different areas all coming together so that we can serve and do the best for our families and our children," Doucette said. Berkshire County Head Start's village consists of its families, staff, supporters, and community partners, including Berkshire United Way, the Brien Center, Pittsfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement, the Berkshire Immigrant Center, the Berkshire Museum, and many more. Speaking through an interpreter, Miguel Munoz, a parent at Head Start, highlighted how welcoming the organization has been to the family and even inspired his wife, Karen Pulido, to begin working for the organization as a teacher assistant in a dual language classroom. Through an interpreter, Pulido said their experience at Head Start has been marvelous and she never imagined being able to become part of the community to the extent she has now. Munoz and Pulido are from Colombia and moving to the Berkshires was nerve wracking at first but they are very grateful of Head Start and the services they provided them. Pulido said she would like introduce others to a second language, the same way their family has been learning. Head Start's interpreter and family engagement manager Mabeline Burgos said a hero in the community is everyone who is able to support others. "I think Head Start brings a lot of that building community relationships, especially with the children and family that we serve. It is important to have that second language, because we all come from different places," "And so it's important that that child not only is able to learn that second language, other than at home, because it provides better opportunity here in life, and able to bring that into the community to be more successful." A community hero is someone who stands out by making a real difference in the lives of families, providing them with opportunities to grow, supporting them where they are, and believing in the importance of helping others. They serve others selflessly, speakers said. "A hero, to me, is someone who serves others and Berkshire County Head Start serves a lot of others, from North Adams down to Great Barrington. There are heroes in every site that we have, every classroom that we have, every office that we have, because they're all serving folks that are not themselves," Doucette said. "We do this for the good of the community, for the families, for the children. We're not doing it for ourselves. We're doing it for others. Head Start is strong, innovative, and constantly finds creative solutions to challenges. The pandemic is one moment that really demonstrated that, she said. In 2020, everything shut down and organizations turned to online formatting. However, Head Start continued to work hard, to reach out to hard to reach people, such as the underserved, Doucette said. "Other than the first two weeks where we had to shut down, we kept going. This organization kept providing services, and the services became more and more needed by families who became more and more isolated," she said. As Berkshire County Head Start looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to expand services, deepen community partnerships, and continue empowering families. Benjamin Sosne, left, executive director of the BIC, and Benjamin Lamb, vice president of 1Berkshire, open the panel sessions at Hotel Downstreet with Bryana Ray, director of the Rural Innovation Network. North Adams Played Host to Rural Network Conference Bryana Ray, director of the Rural Innovation Network, opens the summit at Hotel Downstreet on Sept. 10 NORTH ADAMS Mass. The smallest city in the state played host two weeks ago to representatives from 40 other small rural communities around the country. The Rural Innovation Network Summit brought together industry experts, policy leaders, and rural economy innovators to network on rural economic development and innovation. The Berkshire Innovation Center and 1Berkshire, the county's economic development organization, partnered in bringing the sixth annual summit to North Adams. "It's been this amazing opportunity to see folks from all across the country, as well as folks from right here in the Berkshires come together in such a, not narrow, but curated way so that we're able to focus on a topic that so often none of us think about in the context of the Berkshires," said Benjamin Lamb, vice president of economic development at 1Berkshire. "We were talking to someone from Taos, New Mexico, yesterday or two days ago, and we're already talking about, how could we have an exchange of both thoughts, but also even potentially talent, between Taos, New Mexico, and the Berkshires in a way that pulls our greatest assets in alignment and impacts both of us in a positive way." Lamb and Benjamin Sosne, executive director at the BIC, kicked off the "Accelerating What's Possible: The Next Chapter for Rural Economies in the Age of AI," held the day before the summit, to talk about the challenges and opportunities for the Berkshires. Matt Dunne, founder and chief executive officer of the Center on Rural Innovation , a nonprofit that partners with rural leaders to support entrepreneurship and technology-centered employment, opened the sessions by noting artificial intelligence arrived "a bit like a tsunami" earlier this year. "We do not know, to be clear, how [artificial intelligence] is going to affect rural jobs and rural economies, but the good news is there's any good news in that nobody does," he said. "We're all at a starting point together to be able to figure that out and to make sure that we are in a position of leading how that dynamic can happen and how it can come together." Innovation director is "quite bullish" on AI because it can mean smaller teams can bring ideas to market with less capital and without every type of expert. "Because of work that it was done by people in this room, the barrier of broadband that has left workplaces out of those kinds of moments when technology has been a huge advantage is not an issue," Dunne said, seeing this as a "rural electrification" moment. "We are actually at a place where there is not an unequal infrastructure opportunity, which is a pretty powerful moment." A fan of creating fertile ground for growth, Lamb said he's seen the same spark in other members of the network who are thinking three generations down the pipeline. Keeping those generations in the Berkshires has become a priority for development, both said, with Sosne, a Lenox native, remembering how it was somewhat expected for youth to head to college and not come back. That's what he did, at first, but he did come back and got involved in some economic projects, not exactly what he'd gone to law school for. But the random conversations he'd had with others about attracting and maintaining local talent resulted in the $15 million BIC in Pittsfield with labs, meeting rooms and facilities for startups. It sounded a little bit like, if you build it, they will come, Sosne said, but they have. Lamb pointed out there's 24 million people living within 200 miles of the bucolic Berkshires, double what Boston has. "We actually have an incredible density of people around us, and therefore we have this really great opportunity to become a key hub of activity while maintaining our authenticity," he said. "How do we send those tendrils out in a more intentional way? How do we tell our story in a way that is attractive to others that maybe have overlooked what this place has to offer? Maybe they have not recognized where we sit on this convergence of thoroughfares of creativity and innovation and outdoor recreation and authentic food culture and all these things that we have just sitting in our hands here and so that is really something where we're looking at. ... How do we tell those stories in a similar way that we've sold this place as a destination to go to museums or cultural venues?" The county's drop in population, finding qualified employees, trailing spouses, and the lack of quality housing are issues currently bedeviling the economy. The Berkshires shares other factors with its rural network colleagues, such as being seen as a place to visit for recreation rather than investment. Sosne hears a lot of conversations about the area's attractiveness for retirees. "You don't need to wait until you retire, you can come here sooner," he said. Lamb said his Ph.D. dissertation was on how college students find a place of belonging, what makes them stick. "So many people focus on brain drain. Very few people actually focus on what's that brain retention piece that is working in some places that maybe we can replicate," he said, and rather than the traditional jobs, dollars, building, redevelopment, there's a shift toward creating opportunities for community and engagement. The 1Berkshire team joined the rural network five years ago, breaking out of the Berkshire bubble to expand beyond the county's borders and the Northeast corridor. "We didn't know who was there, and now we know who they are, and we have great relationships and partnerships and authentic dialogs that we haven't been able to have historically, because other people didn't seem to recognize what we were doing," Lamb said. The sessions at Hotel Downstreet were followed the next day by the conference at Massacusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Both days covered topics such as fostering innovation, collaborations, how rural communities can invest in technologies, the impact of AI on rural communities, and financing rural tech startups. "You all have supported your startups. You all have supported your communities in upskilling them, ensuring that they have the tools and tricks to have sustainable income and sustainable jobs in your areas. You all have co-working spaces and innovation spaces that you may or may not have have had five years ago," said Br?yana Ray, director of the Rural Innovation Network, a CORI program. "I know the world as it is now brings a lot of uncertainty, and it's OK, that you question that uncertainty, and like I said, this is the space and place to be to do that." The daylong summit at Mass MoCA was capped with an address by Dunne, who said the museum embodied the intersection of history, industry, innovation and creativity. "North Adams exemplifies a community that is building an economy for the future, steeped deeply in their historic past, but looking forward," he said afterward. "They have been a stalwart member, participating in not only all of our programs, but also in collaborating and sharing ideas with other leaders in other rural parts of the country." By Mata Press Service Rural communities across British Columbia are calling on Ottawa and Victoria to give them more say and control over how newcomers are brought in to support their local economies. At the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) annual convention in Victoria this week, delegates have submitted a resolution urging the federal and provincial governments to develop a rural-focused immigration policy that prioritizes the needs of small towns, businesses, and post-secondary institutions. The resolution submitted by the City of Nelson and endorsed by the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments comes as demand for workers in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and hospitality intensifies. At the same time, federal measures, including sharp reductions to international student permits, have disrupted the flow of skilled labour to rural regions. This call for action follows the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a federal program announced in January 2025 to help smaller communities attract and retain newcomers with skills matched to local economic needs. Fourteen communities across Canada were selected for the pilot, including three in BC: West Kootenay, North Okanagan-Shuswap, and Peace Liard. Under RCIP, each participating community is represented by a local economic development organization. These organizations identify critical labour gaps and work directly with employers to find suitable candidates. Once a candidate is approved, the organization issues a recommendation to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which processes the application for permanent residency. Employers who want to hire through RCIP must first apply to become designated employers. Once designated, employers can hire qualified foreign workers, whether they are overseas or already in Canada on a temporary visa. Candidates must meet minimum language and education requirements, have relevant work experience, and be offered full-time, non-seasonal, permanent jobs. To speed up workforce integration, candidates can initially come to Canada on temporary work permits while their permanent residency applications are being processed. Their spouses are also eligible for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in the same community The RCIP has seen immense demand since its launch. In Peace Liard, for example, the first candidate intake reached capacity in under 10 minutes. In North Okanagan-Shuswap, hundreds of applications flooded in, forcing officials to cancel a scheduled July intake and tighten eligibility rules. This overwhelming response has highlighted both the need for such a program and its limitations, fueling calls from BC municipalities for more local decision-making power to ensure the program serves the unique challenges of rural communities. Another immigration-related resolution at the UBCM highlighted concerns about federal cuts to settlement services. As of April 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced or discontinued funding to organizations that help immigrants and refugees integrate into BC communities. Submitted by the City of Richmond, the resolution calls on the provincial government to push Ottawa to immediately reinstate federal funding for immigrant and refugee settlement programs that were cut. The cuts were made in response to planned reductions in immigration levels over the next three years and have already had a major impact on service providers across BC. These programs are essential for helping the provinces 200,000 recent immigrants integrate socially and economically. The resolution also urges the federal government to launch a consultation process with provincial and local governments, service providers, and newcomers to create a long-term, stable funding model. The goal is to ensure continued access to settlement services regardless of future changes to immigration targets. The Asian Pacific Post reported in January that the cuts have already started to ripple through communities across BC, shutting down or scaling back long-running programs that have helped thousands of newcomers integrate into Canadian society. Among those impacted was the Decoda Literacy Solutions, which ran the Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters (IPALS) program. For over a decade, IPALS has operated in 19 BC communities, giving newcomer parents and caregivers vital language and literacy skills to help their young children succeed in school. Vancouver Community Colleges Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program the largest of its kind in Western Canada is also being defunded. It will lose all federal funding, impacting more than 800 students and resulting in layoffs for 30 staff members. Remote regions have not been spared either. In Prince Rupert, the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society the only group providing settlement services in the community lost all of its federal funding. More than 20 BC organizations have been completely defunded, while others have seen their budgets slashed by 15 to 75 percent. Similar reductions are hitting provinces like Alberta and Manitoba. The funding cuts are tied to Ottawas October 2024 plan to dramatically reduce the number of non-permanent residents in Canada by 900,000 over two years, following an unprecedented population surge in 2023 and 2024 that strained housing, infrastructure, and public services. IRCC said settlement service resources are being scaled back to match the lower number of expected newcomers, though $155.6 million has been allocated to British Columbia for 2024 and 2025. The loss of these services has sparked deep concern among municipal leaders attending the UBCM, who warn that cutting settlement programs while communities are also grappling with workforce shortages will hinder both economic growth and social cohesion. Meanwhile, the advocacy behind a 2022 UBCM resolution which called on the province to end its immigration detention agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and stop holding immigration detainees in BC jails, is paying off. This month, Ontario became the last province to cut ties with CBSA for this purpose, marking a historic victory for migrant and refugee rights. For the first time, no immigration detainees are being held in provincial correctional facilities anywhere in Canada. British Columbia was the first province to take action, setting an example that rippled across the country. Advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International Canada credited BC leadership and grassroots campaigns such as #WelcomeToCanada, which mobilized thousands of Canadians, including lawyers, healthcare workers, and faith leaders, to push for change. Commentary By Kenneth P. Green I'm gonna state this up front; I am not a dispassionate observer on this issue, because I love salmon. Specifically, I love farmed Atlantic Salmon, which is farmed extensively in British Columbia. As sushi, poached, grilled, roasted, baked, in soup, on rice, on a boat, on a train, etc. Hence, I am disquieted to learn that the federal policy (enacted by the erstwhile Trudeau government) to effectively ban open-pen fish farming off Canada's coasts (the only economical way to farm fish) is starting to bite into Canada's fishing industry. Per Bloomberg News, "the deal will allow Grieg (a large Norwegian salmon farming corporation) an exit from Canada, where a plan by authorities to ban open net-pen salmon aquaculture in the coastal waters of British Columbia made its future there uncertain." Consequently, "Grieg Seafood ASA agreed to sell some operations in Norway and Canada to Cermaq Group AS for a total enterprise value of 10.2 billion kroner (US$990 million) as it focuses on its salmon farming in western Norway." How did we get here? In June 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that "To better protect wild Pacific salmon and to promote more sustainable aquaculture practices, the Government of Canada will ban open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029." Government will require those holding licenses to operate open net-pen salmon aquaculture facilities in the region to "fully terminate" their operations by that date. In November 2024, the BC Salmon Farmers (trade association) hired consulting firm RIAS Inc. to estimate the economic and financial impacts of the proposed fish-farming ban. The results were not pretty. RIAS estimated that the ban would "result in significant long-term negative socioeconomic impacts in British Columbia and Canada. It will reverse and harm once positive Indigenous economic development and reconciliation efforts, and severely impact employment in areas with a history of underemployment." To be specific, RIAS found the banning of open-net fish farming by 2029 would result in a loss of $1.17 billion in annual economic activity; $435 million in Canada's economic output (GDP); and 4,560 fewer fulltime jobs with a combined annual payroll of approximately $259 million. Further, RIAS found, the ban would cause losses of $437 million in spending with more than 1,400 vendors across B.C. and the elimination of a further 50,000 tonnes of farmed salmon production. RIAS sums it up: "An unjustified ban and push to unproven technology on salmon farming in B.C. will reduce Canadian agri-food production by 400 million healthy meals per year, eliminate B.C.'s top agri-food export, destroy 4,560 jobs, and cost Canadian taxpayers at least $9 billion." In February 2025, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute published a report, Swimming Against the Tide, which estimated that the Atlantic salmon farming industry employs between 10,000 and 14,000 people, mostly nationally in small coastal and rural communities, including 5,800 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs and total employment of more than 14,000 FTEs. Income amounts to more than $190 million with an overall economic impact of more than $600 million. Now, here we are poised yet again to lose another pioneering Canadian industry (to environmental zealotry) that was developed for frankly environmental purposes---that is, to relieve pressure on wild salmon stocks. And to no good effect. A recent study in the Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries journal reviewed more than 120 studies regarding risks posed to wild salmon from salmon farming in B.C, finding "many studies overestimate the risk of pathogens transmitted from farmed salmon to wild Pacific salmon; these risks have not manifested as having significant impacts on wild Pacific salmon populations; and, therefore, the evidence better supports the conclusion that pathogens transmitted from farmed salmon are having no more than minimal impact on wild Pacific salmon populations... we hypothesize that removing open net pen salmon farms will have no detectable effect on wild Pacific salmon population productivity in relation to reference populations." So, to sum up, the Trudeau government in 2024 opted to kill a pioneering Canadian industry founded partly to protect the environment. The decision will cost money, jobs, Aboriginal welfare, kill millions of delicious salmon dinners beloved by Canadians, and offer no environmental benefits or protect wild fish stocks. If there was ever a regulatory fish that needed to be thrown back in the water, this is the big whopper. The Carney government should scrap the plan to kill fish farming in Canada. Kenneth P. Green is a Fraser Institute senior fellow. The excitement is undeniable as vivo Philippines counts down to its 10th anniversary on October 5, unveiling an electrifying behind-the-scenes (BTS) video with a-list ambassadors. The clip, released September 20, showcases vivos all-star ambassadors Anne Curtis, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, and Maine Mendoza during a stunning anniversary photoshoot with the newly launched vivo V60. Together, they deliver a heartfelt greeting: Happy 10th Anniversary vivo family!" Watch the full video here: Fans are absolutely loving it The moment the video dropped, the vivo family flooded social media with excitement and love. Its clear these ambassadors inspire so much admiration and nostalgia. @KathryneDMT on X (Twitter) said: the power this vid hold omg @nan.vlogs.2024 on Facebook wrote: Grabe mamahalin mga endorsers @jheanna08 on Instagram commented: My AlDub heart is happy to see Alden and Maine together. Ganda ni Maine at ang gwapo ni Alden grabe sila. Syempre si Marianne at Anne din. Ang GORGEOUS nilang apat grabe sila! vivo executives share their gratitude The leaders at vivo are just as excited. Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director, shared a hint of what's coming, saying, We have so much in store for everyone, not just incredible devices like our newly launched vivo V60 but also exciting giveaways and surprises through years end. Zeng Kai, vivo Philippines CEO, expressed his deep thanks, adding, Our hearts are full of gratitude. Ten amazing years are possible only because of our fans and partners. Your support drives us to create technology that connects and empowers. As October 5 approaches, fans should keep an eye out for exclusive promos, surprise giveaways, and unforgettable parties. Its all part of vivo's commitment to bringing people closer together. Make sure you dont miss any of the thrilling updates! Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. Samsung's most accessible flagship device, the Galaxy S25 FE, has finally arrived in the Philippines. Get the latest addition to the Galaxy S series now to enjoy special offers and discounts through Samsung e-stores and the Samsung Shop App. The most accessible flagship device is now available in Samsung.com and the Samsung Shop App alongside Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide From September 19 to October 31, you can get a free storage upgrade when you purchase this latest Galaxy device get the 512GB variant for the price of the 256GB variant along with an additional 2,000 discount, letting you save up to 11,000. You can also pair it with the latest Galaxy Buds3 FE, which you can get at 50% off for only 3,495 when you bundle it with the Galaxy S25 FE upon checkout. Flexible payment plans are also available for the new Galaxy S25 FE - get this new device for as low as 1,237.13/month with 0% interest for up to 24 months through participating credit cards. Or trade in your old device and you can get up to 45% off until September 30. With its suite of premium AI features for productivity and creativity as well as improved camera and battery, the Galaxy S25 FE is your perfect entry to Samsung flagship. Accessible AI for everyone With the Galaxy S25 FE, Samsung is making cutting-edge AI more accessible, integrating features that enhance everyday mobile experiences. Powering these advancements are innovations like Gemini Live, enabling more real-time, dynamic and interactive AI capabilities. You can now share your screen or use your camera to show Gemini and it can provide natural, intelligent recommendations. The intuitive Now Bar offers quick access to context-aware information while the Now Brief provides concise overviews for efficient summarization and content consumption. Meanwhile, Circle to Search with Google has revolutionized search functionality by allowing users to simply circle anything on their screen to initiate a search. Create freely with advanced camera and editing tools The Galaxy S25 FE features an upgraded 12MP front camera. Together with the ProVisual Engines latest AI-powered features and enhanced Nightography, you can capture everyday moments with even more clarity. Enhance those photos with the Galaxy AI tools at your fingertips. Generative Edit can proactively suggest removing unwanted background elements. Portrait Studio allows for creating realistic personalized avatars. Instant Slow-mo transforms videos into slow motion with a single tap. Audio Eraser cleans up video noise by isolating specific audio elements. Lastly, Auto Trim streamlines video editing by automatically selecting the best moments. Powerful performance in a sleek build The Galaxy S25 FE is now equipped with a 4,900mAh battery and 45W wired charging so you can do more for longer. Its AI capabilities are also supported with a more than 10% larger vapor chamber for efficient thermal management. These improvements are packed in a sleek and premium hardware including a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a new enhanced Armor Aluminum frame that not only gives a more refined finish but also improves durability. The Galaxy S25 FE is designed to deliver an exceptional smartphone experience and can now be purchased conveniently in both offline and online channels, providing easy access to Samsung's latest innovation. It is available in four chic colors Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White. For more information, please visit the Samsung website: Galaxy S25 FE: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25/buy/?modelCode=SM-S731BDBHPHL Galaxy Buds3 FE: https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds3-fe-black-sm-r420nzkaasa/ Terms and conditions apply. *Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-235437 Series of 2025 *Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-236678 Series of 2025 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 China has issued a strongly-worded condemnation for an Israeli lawmaker who visited Taiwan and met the self-governed islands president Lai Ching-te. The Beijing embassy in Tel Aviv took a highly critical tone for Knesset member Boaz Toporovsky from liberal Zionist Yesh Atid party for meeting with Mr Lai during his visit to the island nation. The Israeli lawmaker led the Knesset delegation last week, hailing Taiwan as a true friend of Israel after several high-level meetings with senior Taiwanese officials. Taiwan is a true friend of Israel, that has supported and continues to support the citizens of Israel, from October 7th until today, and even funded the establishment of a maritime resilience centre in Palmachim, which has already treated over a thousand survivors of October 7th and their families, he said on X after his meeting. The Israeli parliament official said it is Israels duty to stand by Taipei at a time when many countries are abandoning Israel and important to remember who is Tel Avivs friend. Mr Toporovskys visit did not go down well with China as it accused the politician of undermining bilateral relations. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and claims sovereignty over its smaller neighbour. Chinese president Xi Jinping has not ruled out capturing its smaller neighbour by force. They also view Taiwans president as a separatist leader. US intelligence reports say Mr Xi has instructed his military to be ready to invade by the year 2027 if he gives the order. Beijing objected to the Taiwanese president thanking Israels parliament for staunchly backing Taiwans international participation. In a statement on Sunday evening, Beijings embassy accused Mr Toporovsky of blatantly violating the one-China principle, which claims Taiwan as part of the mainland. MK Toporovsky of the Yesh Atid, disregarding Chinas strong opposition and solemn representations, once again visited Taiwan and repeatedly made erroneous remarks regarding the Taiwan question, the embassy said in a statement on Facebook, saying the act undermines the political foundation of China-Israel relations. He has become a trouble-maker for the sound development of bilateral ties. The Chinese embassy in Israel strongly condemns his detrimental words and actions, the statement said. If the Israeli lawmaker does not rein in at the brink of the precipice, he will fall and be shattered to pieces, the embassy said, accusing the lawmaker of interfering in Chinas internal matters. The embassy claimed Taiwans return to Chinas control is an integral part of the postwar international order and that the democratic island is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. His political credibility has been completely eroded, and he is not eligible to represent the others. We admonish this MK not to delude himself that he can harm Chinas core interests and the national sentiments of the Chinese people without paying a price, the embassy said in a strongly-worded statement. The exchange was further shared on social media on Monday by the Chinese ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng. 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 China hailed a rare visit by a delegation of U.S. lawmakers as an ice-breaking journey and maintained that Beijing and Washington were not rivals but partners. Foreign minister Wang Yi met with the bipartisan delegation led by Democrat Adam Smith on Tuesday as the two sides sought to thaw bilateral relations. This is the first visit by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to Beijing in six years and comes amid strained relations over trade, tariffs, technology, and differing views on global conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Bilateral ties have been patchy since U.S. president Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on China earlier this year and Beijing retaliated. But talks in recent months, in Switzerland, Britain and Spain, have helped ease some of the tensions. Welcoming the delegation of four lawmakers, Mr Yi hoped their visit would enable the US to view China objectively. The trip had opened another window for engagement between the two countries, Mr Yi said, according to a statement by the foreign ministry. He hoped the visit would help the US understand China accurately and view it objectively, approach differences rationally, engage in friendly interactions and explore cooperation actively. It would ultimately contribute to finding the right way for the two great powers to coexist on this planet, the foreign minister said. Mr Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said the trip was aimed at, among other things, improving military-to-military ties with China. The delegation also met with defense minister Dong Jun and separately with vice premier He Lifeng. They had held talks with premier Li Qiang on Sunday. We want to open up better lines of communication between our two countries in general, in particular between our defence structures, Mr Smith told Mr Dong. Striking a different tone in its statement, the US embassy in China said the visiting delegation spoke to the foreign minister about Beijings territorial disputes with its neighbours and policies on fentanyl. The delegation raised concerns with Chinas territorial disputes with neighbouring countries, the desire to see more action related to fentanyl, the hope for meaningful steps to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and the need for proactive engagement with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, it said. The delegation also includes Michael Baumgartner, Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ro Khanna and Chrissy Houlahan, both Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee. The lawmakers are in China until Thursday. The visit came after Mr Trump and Mr Xi spoke on the phone on Friday. The president said he would meet with his Chinese counterpart at a regional summit taking place at the end of October in South Korea and then visit China in the early part of next year. 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 Chinese student activist has been detained for almost two months by authorities in Beijing, charged with suspected separatism for allegedly supporting Tibetan rights, her friends have said. Zhang Yadi, 22, was due to begin a masters degree at SOAS University of London this month. She was visiting her parents in China over the summer when she went missing and has been reportedly held incommunicado. She is believed to be being held at a detention centre in her hometown of Changsha in the southern province of Hunan, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted under the charge of inciting others to split the country and undermine national unity. Her friends and activists say the charge is rarely used against members of the Han Chinese ethnic majority such as like Ms Zhang, but that it is now being used to target people who champion minority rights. The Communist government has long persecuted those who have acted to improve the situation of ethnic minorities in China. However, the crackdown has intensified under the leadership of president Xi Jinping. Ms Zhang, also known as Tara, wrote for the Chinese-language digital platform Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet (CYST), which promoted Tibetan rights and inter-ethnic dialogue between Han and Tibetan communities. The platform emerged in the wake of the White Paper Movement in China in 2022, when Chinese citizens held up blank sheets of paper to protest against the states censorship during the Covid-19 pandemic. open image in gallery Chinese student Zhang Yadi was detained by Beijing authorities for alleged separatism ( Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet ) Ms Zhang had been studying in France but was awarded a scholarship to begin her masters degree at the SOAS University of London in September. We are aware of reports that a Chinese citizen who has been offered a place at SOAS is missing and detained, a SOAS University spokesperson told The Independent. We are following the case very closely and offering support to those impacted via the channels available to us." open image in gallery File: Tibetan monks living in exile in India hold Tibetan flags during a peace march on the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day against the Chinese occupation of Tibet, near Dharamsala on 10 March 2024 ( AFP/Getty ) Ms Zhang travelled back to Changsha on July 5 to visit family, and planned on staying in China for two months, said Ginger Duan, a US-based Chinese activist for Tibet and one of her closest friends. Ms Duan told The Independent that she had been in contact with Ms Zhang when she was in Hunan before her disappearance. I asked her how are you, and she asked me to find some other friends [to go with her] to Lhasa. I told her to take care, and nothing very special. Because she went back home, back to China, to see her parents. She basically returns to China for summer break every year. So I just treat that as usual, she said. Ms Duan, who founded CYST, added that her friends disappearance had come as a shock to her, because Ms Zhang had been a vocal Tibetan rights activist and had not previously been subject to warnings or threats from the Chinese authorities during her visits. Ms Zhang stopped communicating with her friends and family on 30 July, which prompted her France-based partner to inform Ms Duan. On 4 August, Ms Zhang responded to her partners messages on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, saying she was ok and dont worry, Ms Duan said. However, her partner received no response when they sent Ms Zhang a picture of their cat. Ms Duan noted that Ms Zhang and her partner communicated in the Tibetan language on the app; however, after her disappearance, her replies were only in English. Ms Zhangs defence lawyer, appointed by her family, has not been able to meet her, according to reports. open image in gallery A woman stands next to closed shops displaying the slogan Free Tibet on a rainy day in a suburb near Dharamsala, on 4 July 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Her parents are under high pressure, and communications are monitored, and her lawyer cannot see her, Ms Duan added. Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong was briefly detained on 16 September when he travelled to Changsha to provide legal assistance to Ms Zhangs family, Human Rights Watch said. He was later released, but his phone was reportedly confiscated. Ms Zhang is a bridge-builder between the Han Chinese and Tibetan people, and so the Chinese government is afraid of such bridge-builders like her, said Yalkun Uluyol, China researcher at Human Rights Watch. He told The Independent that Beijing was subjecting Ms Zhang to transnational repression for exercising her basic rights in France. She is being forced to pay a price for her activism, and she would be forced to endure a long-term imprisonment rather than pursuing her studies at SOAS, which could have helped her to further enhance her understanding of Tibetan rights and culture, Mr Uluyol said. He added: I think that is also very alarming for many countries that are critical of the Chinese government, and [they] should ensure that they are protecting the basic rights of their citizens and they are developing tools to address Chinas transnational repression. Human Rights Watch called on the Hunan Changsha MSS [Ministry of State Security] to ensure access to counsel for Ms Zhang and to drop all charges against the activist. Ethnic minority communities in China, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, remain under intense state scrutiny, with authorities cracking down on any expression of dissent, including perceived separatist sentiment and displays of support for the exiled Dalai Lama, whom Beijing continues to brand a dangerous separatist. The charge of inciting separatism has been widely used to convict ethnic Uyghurs and Tibetans during prolonged security crackdowns in both regions in recent years, rights groups say, in some cases for travelling abroad or practising their religion. Beijing denies any wrongdoing and says the crackdown was essential to stamp out terrorism, religious extremism and separatist movements. Tibetan rights activists say that the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on Tibetan activists this year in the wake of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations, when he declared that no one else has any authority to interfere in his reincarnation. The Independent has reached out to the Chinese government for comment. By Catherine Sas, K.C. Special to The Post In our immigration law practice, my partner Victor Ing and I are routinely surprised by the clients who contact us at the eleventh hour seeking our advice as to how we can solve their immigration problems. Whether it is extending a work or study permit, obtaining an LMIA to support a work permit application or submitting an H and C application for permanent residency, or even making a Stay of Removal application to the Federal Court, it is remarkable how many people leave their immigration matters to the last minute. As the quote above from John Sculley clearly states, timing is life is everything. That may be even more true in the Canadian immigration realm where it can result in coming to or remaining in Canada. Let me share a few real-life examples with you. OBTAINING A LABOUR MARKET IMPACT ASSESSMENT (LMIA) FOR A WORK PERMIT The baseline application for a work permit in Canada is the LMIA application process. Generally, neither employers nor applicants really understand the timing of this process. It can be lengthy, and even six months may be insufficient to complete and submit an LMIA application and obtain a work permit. To start with, there needs to be a minimum of 28 days of advertising for an employment position before an LMIA application can be submitted. Once the advertising is completed, then there is the LMIA application process itself which can take 2-4 months. Once approved and depending upon where the applicant is located, you may need to deal with local processing times for a work permit application which in many countries can take 6-12 months or more for processing. So, planning ahead is essential. The same applies for persons already in Canada who want to maintain and extend their work permits from within Canada. Six months is not too soon to start this process and will provide considerable relief from stress. COMING TO CANADA AS A GRADUATE STUDENT With caps on international students, restrictions on open spousal work permits, and extremely high Express Entry scores required to qualify for permanent residence, many international students are considering graduate studies as a means of coming to and/or staying in Canada. This is a good approach. However, I am always surprised when I am consulted in April, May or June by a prospective graduate student who wants to be able to start their masters or PhD program in September. of the same year! I am not a student advisor, but my understanding is that graduate studies need to be applied for 8-10 months ahead of when the program starts, depending upon the university. You need to become familiar with the lay of the land for the process that you are seeking to apply for. Reach out to the university and find out what the application deadlines are. Then work backwards to determine how long a study permit application may take, whether from outside or inside of Canada. You need to plan to achieve your goal. MAKING AN H AND C APPLICATION TO REMAIN IN CANADA I was recently contacted by a Member of Parliaments (MPs) office to see about preparing and submitting a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H and C) application for a family of five who were facing removal from Canada in ten days. Yes, 10 DAYS! (It was also remarkable that I was being contacted directly by the MPs office for assistance, as usually it is us turning to them for help!). It turned out that the refusal of their application was in January of 2025, but I was not consulted until late August of 2025, with only ten days until the scheduled removal date. While I could have prepared and filed the application within a few days, it would not have stopped their scheduled removal from Canada. The Federal Court can be a very unforgiving place to seek assistance, and one of the first questions that most judges ask is how long has the H and C application been pending for?. If an application has been languishing with IRCC for many months or years, the Court may intervene and delay a removal. But where an application has been filed at the eleventh hour (days or weeks before removal), they are very reluctant to intervene. The H and C application is currently the flavour of the month in terms of providing solutions to immigration problems. It is NOT that easy or dependable a process and asking questions many months in advance can assist you in achieving the result that you are hoping for. FOR OUR RECENT BLOG ON THE H AND C PROCESS SEE LINK: Baby its cold out there.and its going to get colder! Why the Humanitarian and Compassionate application is not always the answer. Timing can be everything in the immigration process. Recently, a group of prospective international graduate students have taken matters into their own hands and is suing IRCC for unreasonable delays in the processing of their study permit applications. (Canada immigration: Chinese students frustrated with delays| CTV News, Chinese students take Ottawa to court over study permit delays | CBC News) While this situation is a matter clearly outside of their control, it highlights the prevalence of delay in our Canadian immigration program and how it is essential to plan ahead. As we have stated numerous times over the years in our blogs, your immigration status is your responsibility. Think ahead to achieve what you want and start the process as early as possible. In the very wise words of William Shakespeare: Better three hours too soon, than a minute too late. Catherine Sas, K.C. has over 35 years of legal experience. She provides a full range of immigration services and is a leading immigration practitioner (Lexpert, Whos Who Legal, Best Lawyers in Canada). Go to canadian-visa-lawyer.com or email catherine@sasanding.com. 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 Indian police have launched a murder investigation into the death of a British woman who was initially suspected to have died from a fall in her home two months ago. Pauline Crowther Ann, 85, was found dead at her residence in Delhis affluent Jantar Mantar area on 30 July. The pensioner was visiting her son and daughter-in-law. She was believed to have died from a fall but an autopsy later indicated strangulation as the cause of death. The Delhi police said they had filed a murder case after getting the autopsy report. In the meantime, they were seeking a second opinion on the report from a medical board. Ann was discovered unconscious by her housemaid and she alerted the family. Police arriving at the scene found bloodstains and believed it was an accidental death as the family did not suspect any foul play, according to The Times of India. Ann travelled frequently between New Delhi and the UK following the death of her husband, an Indian national. At the time of her death, she was reportedly visiting her son Daljit Sean Singh, who worked as an actor and a model in Delhi, and daughter-in-law. She had been in Delhi for one-two months. On the day of the incident, she was found unconscious in her room. We received a phone call from her relatives, a police officer said. Police said they had taken statements from Mr Singh and his wife and were reviewing CCTV footage. Statements of two drivers employed by the family and a maid hired for Ann had been recorded as well. Another house help, who was currently visiting family in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state, was yet to be questioned. Police were also trying to retrieve Anns mobile phone, which was taken by her daughter to the US as a keepsake before the murder case was registered. A spokesperson for the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told The Independent: We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in India and are in contact with the local authorities. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas has sparked alarm in Indias tech industry and businesses, where the program has long been a lifeline for engineers and their families moving to the U.S.. The shock move, unveiled on Friday, has left companies scrambling to reassess hiring plans, lawyers warning of stalled career prospects, and thousands of skilled workers worried about their future in the U.S. The 50-fold increase in the cost of skilled worker permits shocked employers, workers, and students in the U.S., India, and elsewhere, culminating in chaotic scenes at the San Francisco airport a key gateway to the Silicon Valley and Bay Areas elite universities. By Saturday, the White House tried to reassure jittery companies that the fee does not apply to existing visa holders and that their H-1B employees traveling abroad will not be stranded, unable to re-enter the U.S. without coming up with $100,000. The new policy took effect at 12.01am Eastern Sunday. open image in gallery On September 19, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, along with an executive order launching the 'Gold Card' visa program ( Getty ) For Indias $250bn IT sector, Mr Trumps move is both a challenge and an opportunity. India is likely to be the hardest hit in 2024 more than 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders were from India. On the one hand, the steep visa fee could accelerate a trend already underway U.S. firms expanding operations in India, where wages are lower and tech hubs now focus on innovation rather than just back-office work. According to Reuters, Accentures proposal to build a campus in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, illustrates how global companies may respond by growing their Indian presence. It plans to eventually add about 12,000 jobs in the country, where it has its largest workforce. open image in gallery Video shows Emirates passengers preparing to disembark a plane from San Francisco to Dubai after President Donald Trump's H-1B visa application fee announcement sparked confusion ( @mashraana/Instagram ) But the disruption also comes at a cost. Thousands of Indian engineers and students who saw the H-1B as a pathway to U.S. careers and eventually permanent residency, now face fresh uncertainty. The new levy could block access for those without deep-pocketed employers, tilting the field in favour of Big Tech while squeezing startups that rely on affordable foreign talent. Immigration lawyers warn this risks shrinking opportunities for young Indian professionals who once considered the U.S. the ultimate destination. I have had several conversations with corporate clients who say this new fee is simply unworkable in the U.S., and its time for us to start looking for other countries where we can have highly skilled talent, said Chris Thomas, an attorney at Colorado-based law firm Holland & Hart. "And these are large companies, some of them household names, Fortune 100 type companies, that are saying, we just simply cannot continue." About 141,000 new H-1B applications were approved in 2024, according to Pew Research, well above the 65,000 annual cap because universities and other groups are exempt. While the visa once cost firms only a few thousand dollars, the new $100,000 fee makes hiring abroad especially in India, now a hub for tech innovation far cheaper. open image in gallery U.S. and Indian flags and a U.S. H-1B Visa application form are seen in this illustration taken, September 22, 2025 ( Reuters ) We probably have to reduce the number of H-1B visa workers we can hire, said Sam Liang, CEO of Otter.ai, adding some companies may now outsource more roles overseas. The H-1B visa, introduced in 1990, is part of a long U.S. tradition of using immigration programs to fill labour gaps from Mexican farm workers during World War II to Spanish sheepherders in the 1950s and Filipino nurses in the 1990s. Today, employers can also hire foreign workers through the H-2A program for farm jobs and H-2B for other seasonal roles. H-1B visas, mostly used by tech firms facing skill shortages, went 65 per cent to computer jobs in 2023. Open to applicants with at least a bachelors degree, the visas are temporary, lasting up to six years and can be extended if linked to a green card application. At one point, top tech CEOs, including Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Tesla and SpaceX head Elon Musk, were H-1B visa holders. In 2024, Mr Musk said on his platform X: The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H-1B. Analysts warn that the curbs could also ultimately choke innovation. More than half of U.S. unicorns were founded by immigrants, according to the National Foundation for American Policy. If not, we will see a pullback from the smartest people around the world, said Bilal Zuberi of Red Glass Ventures, who began his career in the US on an H-1B. The Indian government has responded by hitting back at Mr Trumps decision, saying it would have humanitarian consequences. Indias external affairs ministry over the weekend said the fee would have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. India hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the U.S. authorities and emphasised that the exchange of skilled workers has contributed enormously to both nations, it said. Nasscom, Indias IT trade body, said the decision to hike fees would potentially have ripple effects on Americas innovation ecosystem and create considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world. The policy change came into effect as Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar met with U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio in New York on Monday. It was the first such high-level bilateral meeting between the two after the U.S. hit India with a double tariff of 50 per cent, sparking trade tensions between the two allies. But details of their talks on new visa levies were absent. Mr Rubio reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the U.S. and expressed his appreciation for the Indian governments continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship". Additional reporting by agencies 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 leading spokesman for Indias ruling BJP party is suing to remove social media posts mocking him for appearing on national television without trousers. Gaurav Bhatia filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, arguing a video clip purportedly showing him improperly dressed on TV was being circulated without his consent. Mr Bhatia appeared on a 12 September TV debate wearing an Indian tunic but allegedly without appropriate trousers. The clip went viral on social media and netizens and members of opposition parties were quick to poke fun at the politician. Look at Gaurav Bhatia, the shameless, vulgar, spout-loving type from the BJP sitting in a TV channel debate without pajamas the media department of opposition Samajwadi Party asked. Doesn't he feel shame? As the video made rounds on social media, more people joined in mocking the faux pas. Mr Bhatia claimed he was "dressed in a kurta and shorts". "If a cameraman errs, he added, according to the Hindustan Times, that doesn't justify defamatory remarks, like I'm coming from a PMO meeting." In his suit, Mr Bhatia sought the removal of any online content with vulgar language, claiming that a "person's reputation is earned over decades". He further argued that such content has to be removed because there is AI-generated content, pictures are being morphed. He sought the removal of posts by the Samajwadi Party, news website Newslaundry, politicians, and journalists. Justice Amit Bansal, who heard the suit on Tuesday, said Mr Bhatia, being in politics, should have a "thick skin". The judge said he would grant an injunction against defamatory posts referring to Mr Bhatia's genitalia, but would not restrict satirical and sarcastic content related to the video. Mr Bhatia had stressed that wherever references to male private parts are made, wherever abusive language has been used, those need to be taken down. His defamation suit kicked off another online storm, with people calling it an example of the Barbra Streisand effect. "Self Goal by Gaurav Bhatia," one X user said. The case will be taken up on Thursday for further consideration. The Independent has reached out to Mr Bhatia for a statement. 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 At least 10 people died after record rainfall triggered severe flooding and paralysed Kolkata just as the eastern Indian city was preparing to celebrate its biggest festival. Kolkata and its suburbs received the heaviest rainfall in almost 40 years, flooding roads, knocking out power in many areas for hours, suspending train services, and grinding daily life to a halt on Tuesday. The city by the Bay of Bengal received 251.4mm rainfall between Monday night and Tuesday morning, making it the sixth wettest day in 137 years, local media reported. Most of the rain fell during the early hours of Tuesday and was the heaviest witnessed in the city since 1988, said HR Biswas, the regional head of India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Kolkata. Nine of the 10 people who died were reportedly electrocuted. The city is currently illuminated with thousands of decorative lights ahead of Durga Puja, a Hindu festival celebrated with great pomp and fervour. Kolkata comes alive in a grand spectacle of light as thousands of elaborate, temporary structures rise up every year for the five-day worship of goddess Durga. Durga Puja in the city is on the UNs list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The heavy downpour was triggered by a low-pressure area in the Andaman Sea, officials said. open image in gallery A woman holds a child as she wades through a waterlogged street in Kolkata on 23 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) The system moved towards the coastal areas of Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions on Monday morning, causing a strong convergence of moisture over Kolkata. Moisture-laden clouds stayed over Kolkata for hours. Their height ranged between 5km and 7km from the surface, HR Biswas at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore told The Telegraph. He ruled out a cloudburst as the cause of the excessive downpour, explaining that a cloudburst involves much taller cumulonimbus clouds and a deafening roar in most cases. The weather department ruled out heavy rain in the city over the next 24 hours but predicted mostly cloudy skies with light to moderate showers. Authorities, though, warned that another low-pressure area was likely to form over the northwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal around Thursday. The flooding situation was worsened by the closing of lock gates to keep out high tide in the Hooghly river just as the downpour intensified at night, leading to water bodies overflowing. The city administration declared holidays for all schools and colleges until Friday as its workers struggled to pump out floodwaters from the inundated streets a day after the downpour. Pictures on social media showed people wading through chest-deep water. open image in gallery A motorist falls on a waterlogged road after heavy rain in Kolkata on 23 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty ) At least 90 flights had been cancelled by late evening on Tuesday, and as many delayed. The disruption comes at a time when the Kolkata airport witnesses heavy traffic due to the Durga Puja festivities. The chief minister appeared to blame CESC Limited, the biggest supplier of electricity in Kolkata, for the electrocution deaths. The CESC must look into this. They have to take responsibility, Mamata Banerjee said. I am tired of saying this. She said the power company should offer jobs to family members of the victims as well as compensation of Rs500,000 (4,172) to the kin of each of them. Ms Banerjee added that her government would ensure jobs to the next of kin of the victims. "Electricity is supplied by CESC, not us. It is their duty to ensure people do not suffer because of this. They will do business here, but will not modernise here? They should send people to the field and fix this, she said. She claimed that the situation in Kolkata was compounded by floodwaters flowing in from neighbouring states. To those commenting on social media, I urge you not to politicise this crisis," she said. open image in gallery People throng a temporary worship venue of Hindu goddess Durga ahead of Durga Puja in Kolkata, India, on 22 September 2025 ( AP ) The power utility company shot back on Tuesday, claiming that street lights and traffic signals were maintained by the state administration. We have investigated eight such cases. We found that in five of the cases the deaths were caused by electrocution from faulty wiring within homes or a factory," CESC said in a statement. Three of these deaths happened outside, it added, with two caused by electrocution from touching street light poles. "These street light poles are generally not owned or maintained by CESC. The other case was from a kiosk near a traffic signal," it said. The company said it would be able to restore power only after it had been informed by "appropriate authorities that the water has receded to safer levels". Several areas, mostly in southern Kolkata, suffered without power for almost 12 hours on Tuesday. Many pandals, temporary structures built with bamboo and other material for the festival, and clay idols of the deities also suffered damage across the city. Roads were submerged under waist-deep water in some areas, stranding vehicles and forcing commuters to wade through flooded streets. The CESC claimed it had restored up to 60 per cent of its citywide operations by Tuesday night and "expected to restore everything in the next few hours. Climate experts say rising global temperatures are contributing to an increase in sea surface heat, which leads to more rainfall in coastal regions and melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides in the South Asian region. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least 17 people were killed and Asian megacities brought to a halt as Super Typhoon Ragasa churned towards China, with its outer bands wreaking havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines. The storm, the worlds strongest this year so far, left hundreds of flights cancelled, schools shut, and supermarket shelves empty in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many Chinese cities. On Tuesday, a barrier lake in Taiwan burst its banks following torrential rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa, officials said. The lake, formed by landslides in Hualien county after downpours, sent a wall of water crashing into Guangfu township, killing 14 people and leaving over a hundred missing. open image in gallery An overview shows flowing mud and floodwaters after a barrier lake burst and caused parts of the bridge over Mataian Creek be destroyed in Hualien ( Taiwan's Central News Agency ) Waves as tall as lampposts lashed promenades in Hong Kong as the roads remained deserted on Wednesday morning. The storms outer bands passed over the city on starting Tuesday night. open image in gallery Waves crash into the Heng Fa Chuen residential districtA as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches near Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery Strong waves crash against the waterfront in Heng Fa Chuen area amid rains from Super Typhoon Ragasa ( AP ) Nearly 1.9 million people were relocated across Guangdong province, the southern Chinese economic powerhouse. open image in gallery People watch huge waves crash ashore as Ragasa triggers heavy rain in Orchid Island, Taiwan ( Reuters ) Ragasa is expected to remain in the South China Sea at least into Wednesday, passing south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before making landfall on the Chinese mainland. Chinas National Meteorological Centre said the typhoon would make landfall in the coastal region between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang cities in Guangdong province between midday and evening on Wednesday. open image in gallery Ragasa brings heavy rain in Taipei, Taiwan ( AP ) open image in gallery A man walks past a restaurant with sealed windows as Ragasa approaches Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery People walk in the rain caused by Ragasa in Taipei, Taiwan ( AP ) Earlier, Ragasa lashed the the Philippines with heavy rainfall, triggering flooding and landslides that killed at least three people, injured many and left thousands displaced. People were seen wading through flooded roads in the Pampanga and Cagayan province in the Philippines where gale force winds also toppled trees and electric poles. open image in gallery People navigate a flooded road following heavy rains intensified by Super Typhoon Ragasa in Apalit region of Pampanga province in the Philippines ( Reuters ) open image in gallery A motorist with a dog wades through a flooded road, following heavy rains intensified by Super Typhoon Ragasa, in Apalit, Pampanga province, Philippines ( Reuters ) open image in gallery Residents walk past a fallen electric post along a road in Calayan island, Cagayan province ( AFP/Getty ) The typhoon also triggered landslides that damaged houses and roads. open image in gallery Two men negotiate a landslide due to Typhoon Ragasa in Uyugan, Batanes province, northern Philippines ( AP ) open image in gallery A man stands beside a damaged road due to Typhoon Ragasa in Uyugan, Batanes province, northern Philippines ( AP ) Ragasa, the strongest storm this year, was packing maximum sustained winds near the centre of about 137mph, Hong Kongs observatory said, adding that it was expected to move west-northwest at about 14mph across South China Seas northern part. open image in gallery Satellite image shows Ragasa as it develops and nears Hong Kong and mainland China ( NOAA ) open image in gallery People queue to pay in a supermarket as Ragasa approaches Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery Stacked sandbags are laid in an alley in the coastal village of Lei Yue Mun as Ragasa approaches Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery A large wave breaks behind a lifeguard tower at a beach as Ragasa moves towards Hong Kong ( AFP/Getty ) The typhoons expected path takes it towards the coast of Guangdong province, an economic powerhouse in southern China. Footage from areas hit by the storm show residents taking preventive measures by putting sandbags and barriers at their doors and taping windows and glass doors to lessen its winds. open image in gallery A restaurant with tapped windows in Zhuhai area of Guangdong province, China ( AFP/Getty ) In Hong Kong, hundreds of flights were cancelled as Shenzhen airport authorities said they would halt all flights from Tuesday night, when the storm was likely to intensify in the region. open image in gallery Passengers look at an information display board showing canceled flights due to the super typhoon Ragasa, at the Hong Kong International Airport ( AP ) open image in gallery A pedestrian takes pictures at the Victoria Harbor waterfront ahead of the arrival of Ragasa in Hong Kong ( AP ) Macao evacuated residents and tourists in several areas and closed bridges on Tuesday, as Ragasa passed within 62 miles to the south of the city on Wednesday morning. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Renewables champion and Octopus Energys Greg Jackson revealed that an oil CEO told him the fossil fuel industry is privately preparing for dangerous global temperatures - and six feet of sea level rise - in a powerful keynote speech to launch The Independents second annual Climate 100 List. Jackson, founder and CEO of the U.K.s largest energy supplier, is one of 100 business leaders, environmentalists, scientists, and creatives featured on the 2025 Climate 100 List, following the success of last years inaugural list. It celebrates leaders on diverse paths with a singular goal: tackling the worsening climate crisis. The launch took place Tuesday during the annual New York City Climate Week, which coincides with the gathering of the United Nations General Assembly in the city. Others on the Climate100 List include British-Nigerian writer Abi Dare, Sioux chef Sean Sherman, actor and activist Jane Fonda, Kenyan-American climate activist Wawa Gatheru, documentarian Sir David Attenborough, and Pope Leo XIV. Jackson, the events keynote speaker, founded Octopus in 2016, which sources a large portion of its energy from renewables, and invests in wind and solar energy. He spoke about the future of energy in a rapidly heating world, and the role of the fossil fuel industry. open image in gallery Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson discusses the future of energy in a warming world at The Independents second annual Climate 100 event on Monday in New York City ( Nicolas Manassi ) He recalled recently attending an energy industry event, where one oil CEO remarked that he was loving life but divulged the company is privately preparing for 2.75 degrees of global temperature rise - far above the United Nations goal of holding to a liveable 1.5C. Without hesitation, the Big Oil CEO said, Six feet of sea level rise, Jackson added. The Octopus CEO explained that he appealed to his fellow executive about what he would tell his own children about such deadly conditions - but the man looked at him blankly. He had no answer, Jackson said. The Independents World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley was able to put such catastrophic climate impacts into real-world terms, and what that extreme sea level rise would mean for communities. open image in gallery Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson in conversation with The Independents Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig ( Nicolas Manassi ) Kiley recently produced a documentary, partially funded by a grant from the Gates Foundation, about how climate change has led to rising water levels at Burundis Lake Tanganyika. The Southeast African lake has seen a six-foot rise in the past 20 years, resulting in the displacement of 100,000 people, the spread of cholera, and political tensions. Any minute now, Burundis going to blow up and it will be generally, partly ignited by climate change, Kiley said. But despite bearing witness to such a dire prediction for the world, Jackson remains optimistic about the power of renewables to drive sweeping global electrification, and a shift away from fossil fuels. He compared the crisis to 80s classic movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, where at the last moment Indiana Jones is able to escape a rolling boulder and poison darts, sliding under a closing stone wall with his prized hat. open image in gallery Greg Jackson, the CEO of Octopus Energy, said the future of energy is electric ( The Independent ) The treasure is cheap, clean, abundant energy. But, the door is closing. The boulder is the politics, the populism, and the incumbents doing everything they can to try and block us from getting to the future, Jackson explained, referring to fossil fuel companies. He underlined how far behind the U.S. and other western counties were lagging compared to China, where everything on two wheels is electric, and how the superpower planned to have no gas stations by 2045. He said that Beijing saw the future and was plowing ahead on replacements for fossil fuels with astonishing progress in solar and batteries. The future is electric, Jackson declared. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least 17 people have died after Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of the year, battered Taiwan and the northern Philippines, with the typhoon now pushing west towards its expected landfall in southern China. At least 14 people died in Taiwan and 124 remain missing after a barrier lake burst its banks following torrential rains from the storm, officials said. The lake, formed by landslides in Hualien county after downpours, sent a wall of water crashing into Guangfu township yesterday. Follow our live blog for the latest updates. Streets were emptied in Hong Kong as the storm brought waves taller than lampposts to its promenades, triggering a No 10 signal, the highest level alert. China has evacuated 1.9 million people so far in Guangdong province, local authorities say. The province is an economic powerhouse and home to more than 125 million people. The national weather agency forecast the super typhoon would make landfall between the cities of Yangjiang and Zhanjiang this evening. The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 200kmph and gusts of up to 250kmph on Wednesday morning, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center. open image in gallery Map shows path and arrival time of Super Typhoon Ragasa as it heads towards China ( Joint Typhoon Warning Center ) Schools, factories and transit services were suspended in about a dozen cities. In Hong Kong, authorities shut schools and public offices throughout Tuesday and Wednesday after warning that hurricane-force winds and storm surges could rival those seen during Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. open image in gallery Map shows path and arrival time (in Philippine Standard Time) of super typhoon Ragasa ( PAGASA ) The Hong Kong airport earlier said it will continue operations but warned passengers to expect "significant disruption" to flights from 6pm on Tuesday until at least Thursday morning. Around 700 flights have been cancelled, while ferries and some key highways are also shutting down, the South China Morning Post reported. Analysis by The Independent of Flightradar24 data shows 86 regional departures to destinations in Asia have been grounded. In addition, more than 30 long-haul departures are grounded, including two overnight flights to London Heathrow on Cathay Pacific and one on British Airways. open image in gallery Passengers look at an information display board showing canceled flights due to the super typhoon Ragasa, at the Hong Kong International Airport ( AP ) More than 100 flight departures from Hong Kong have been cancelled in just 10 hours, from 2pm to midnight local time on Tuesday afternoon and evening. An estimated 20,000 passengers are affected. The Hong Kong Observatory said weather would deteriorate rapidly with gale to storm-force winds and high swells through Wednesday. open image in gallery A shopper stands near near empty shelves at a supermarket ahead of Typhoon Ragasa in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong province ( AP ) Photos and videos showed empty shelves in supermarkets as residents stockpiled essentials ahead of disruption. Taiwan premier Cho Jung-tai has called for an inquiry into what went wrong with evacuation orders in an eastern county. open image in gallery An overview shows flowing mud and floodwaters after a barrier lake burst and caused parts of the bridge over Mataian Creek be destroyed in Hualien ( Taiwan's Central News Agency (CN ) In Guangfu, the Taiwanese town where the lake burst killing 14 people, some 5,200 people or nearly 60 per cent of the population had been told to seek shelter either on the upper floors of their homes or to the homes of friends and relatives. Regions across Taiwan have dispatched rescue teams to Hualien, with the military sending 340 troops to help. open image in gallery Debris is piled up in front of seafront restaurant in Tseung Kwan O damaged after Super Typhoon Ragasa hit the district in Hong Kong ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ragasa was expected to maintain its strength throughout Wednesday as a super storm, before weakening slightly as it makes landfall in southern China, forecasters said. Earlier this week, the storm battered the Phillippines, where at least three people have been killed and thousands displaced in floods and landslides across the northern parts. In northern Luzon, a 74-year-old man died after being trapped in a vehicle buried by mud and rocks in Benguet province, officials said. Two others were killed in Calayan town in Cagayan province, where the storm first made landfall. The disaster agency said more than 17,500 people were forced from their homes, while five others remain missing. Schools, government offices and transport services were suspended across 29 provinces, with ferries and domestic flights cancelled. open image in gallery Super typhoon Ragasa as it develops and nears Hong Kong and mainland China ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric ) Scientists warn storms in the region are becoming more intense as global temperatures rise, placing millions of people across Asias typhoon belt at increasing risk. Forecasters said Ragasa was moving northwest at 15kmph over very warm waters, an environment primed to fuel further intensification. Ragasa isnt the only storm intensifying in the Pacific Ocean this week. Super Typhoon Neoguri also reached category 4 equivalent strength. Early on Sunday morning, satellite images revealed that both typhoons were very large and undergoing rapid intensification. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least 17 people died in Taiwan as a wall of water crashed through the town of Guangfu after a barrier lake burst under the pressure of torrential rains from Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest storm of the year so far. Residents described the flood as hitting like a tsunami, tearing down a major bridge, sweeping cars into homes, and forcing thousands to flee to higher ground. Police cars blared sirens on Wednesday to warn of fresh floods as survivors scrambled to shelters. We will not return until the overflow is finished or the risk of it bursting is reduced. Its too dangerous, a woman named Tsai, who joined hundreds packed into an elementary school shelter, told Reuters news agency. Taiwans fire department said about 5,200 people 60 per cent of Guangfus population had sought safety in their homes upper floors or with relatives. The military deployed 340 troops with armoured vehicles to deliver food and water through streets thick with mud and strewn with wreckage. open image in gallery A man walks past a damaged car, swept away by floodwaters, in Hualien ( AFP/Getty ) The government said the lake released some 60 million tonnes of water enough to fill 36,000 Olympic swimming pools after rain-lashed landslides blocked a river and then gave way. Hong Kong and Macau also remained under its path of fury. Authorities raised the citys highest typhoon signal early on Wednesday, shuttering schools, businesses and transport links. The storm whipped waves taller than lampposts onto Hong Kong promenades and turned seas rough. A mother and her five-year-old son were in critical condition after they were swept into the sea while wave-watching. Residents posted photos and videos of fallen trees, debris with water gushing into some buildings. open image in gallery Debris is piled up in front of seafront restaurant in Tseung Kwan O damaged after Super Typhoon Ragasa hit the district in Hong Kong ( AFP via Getty Images ) The international airport of the city saw around 1,000 flights getting cancelled, impacting some 140,000 passengers. The services will be resuming slowly after midnight, the airport said. In neighbouring Macau, bridges were closed and residents ordered to evacuate low-lying districts. Across Guangdong, almost 400,000 people have been moved from coastal areas, with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and other cities suspending classes, offices and transport. As Ragasa moved on towards Southern Chinas Guangdong, it lost some of its wrath and weakened to a severe typhoon, equivalent to a Category 3 storm. The typhoon made landfall along the coast of Hailing Island in Yangjiang city at about 5pm, packing maximum winds near the center of 144kmph, state broadcaster CCTV said. It was forecast to keep moving west and trigger rainfall and some wind gusts. Ragasa earlier packed winds of nearly 300kmph at its peak. open image in gallery Map from Hong Kong Observatory shows path of Typhoon Ragasa and its strength as a severe typhoon ( Hong Kong Observatory ) Chinese authorities moved nearly 2 million people to safety. Schools, factories and transportation services were initially suspended in about a dozen cities, but a few of them distant from the landfall location were preparing to resume work as winds weakened In the Philippines, where it first struck earlier this week, the death toll climbed to 10 from floods and landslides. Nearly 700,000 people were affected by the onslaught, of whom 25,000 fled to government emergency shelters. Scientists warn climate crisis is fuelling more frequent and powerful tropical cyclones, putting millions across Asias typhoon belt at increasing risk. Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of a further 49 bank branches across the UK, impacting its Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland brands. These closures are scheduled to take place between January and October of next year. The high street lender stated that all employees affected by the decision will be offered new positions within the company or at other branches. In response, cash access network Link has recommended the establishment of 11 new banking hubs. This latest wave of closures reflects the continuing shift towards digital banking services. open image in gallery Natwest announced earlier in the month it was closing over 40 mobile branches ( AFP/Getty ) NatWest revealed last week it was closing 46 mobile branches across its NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland brands, which are due to be shut in January. A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money. Were providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people. Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations. The group will close 26 Lloyds branches, 10 Halifax and 13 Bank of Scotland sites as part of the latest announcement. It will be left with 705 branches 359 Lloyds, 269 Halifax and 77 Bank of Scotland. Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Weight-loss drug manufacturer Eli Lilly has taken aim at the government, claiming that the UK is probably the worst country in Europe for medicine pricing. Dave Ricks, chief executive of the firm that makes Mounjaro, told the Financial Times that the UK pays less than other nations for its products, and added: Unless that changes, I dont think they will see many new medicines and I dont think they will see much investment. The comments come amid a spate of disappointing announcements from pharmaceutical firms, including Merck withdrawing from a planned $1bn (740m) research hub and London-listed firm AstraZeneca pausing investment on a 200m site in Cambridge. Eli Lilly is a $700bn US-based company that, alongside the diabetes drug Mounjaro, manufactures a wide spectrum of products that include treatments for obesity, autoimmune disease and Alzheimers. Part of the dissatisfaction expressed by Mr Ricks is around the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), under which pharmaceutical companies pay part of the money they make from drugs sales in the UK back to the NHS. Mr Ricks said the scheme charges companies for their own success and that he would like to get rid of the clawback scheme called VPAG. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said in August that talks had taken place but that industry and government have been unable to reach an agreement on any changes. open image in gallery The CEO of Eli Lilly, the company that manufactures Mounjaro, says the UK pays less than other countries for its products ( PA ) Eli Lilly raised the price of Mounjaro in the UK this year by up to 170 per cent for those who buy it privately. What we had seen is people taking trains from Paris to buy UK Mounjaro, Mr Ricks explained. That doesnt make a tonne of sense for us. Earlier this month, following Mercks decision to end its UK expansion plans, a government spokesperson said there was more work to do to change the landscape in sciences, which the government has identified as a key pillar for industrial growth. The UK has become the most attractive place to invest in the world, but we know there is more work to do, the spokesperson said. Through our life sciences sector plan, were taking decisive action to further unlock innovation, drive investment and boost growth. We have already started delivering on this work from investing up to 600m in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, through to committing up to 520m to the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, unlocking billions in private investment. The UKs life sciences sector is worth an estimated 100bn, supporting more than 300,000 jobs in total. By Michelle Gamage Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When city workers confiscate personal belongings like tents and harm reduction supplies from people sheltering on the street, it increases their risk of non-fatal overdose and physical and sexual violence, according to a new study. Colloquially known as street sweeps, the practice refers to the clearing of makeshift residences from sidewalks and parks by city workers and park rangers. They are often accompanied by police. While the study shows correlation, not causation, its fair to say the practice is dangerous and puts marginalized people at an increased risk of harm, said Kanna Hayashi, St. Pauls Hospital chair in substance use research and associate professor in the faculty of health sciences at Simon Fraser University. Hayashi is a co-author of the peer-reviewed study, which will be published in the journal Public Health. Vancouver has been confiscating items from people sheltering in public spaces since 2008, according to the study. Street sweeps need to end, Hayashi told The Tyee. No one should be sheltering outside. Homelessness is a symptom of failed or unjust policies, she added. We shouldnt criminalize people who have no other way to live other than sheltering outside. They have nowhere else to go. Researchers interviewed 691 people between December 2021 and May 2023 and recruited participants from the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study, the At-Risk Youth Study and the AIDS Care Cohort to Evaluate Exposure to Survival Services study. Participants were asked if they were experiencing homelessness, if they had experienced depression, physical or sexual violence, and if they had been able to access social services. Of the 233 people who said they had experienced homelessness during the study period, nearly one-quarter said theyd had personal items confiscated by city workers. The study says people often lose personal belongings, medications and irreplaceable personal artifacts. Any items you need for your survival are taken, Hayashi said, adding that once possessions are seized, theyre hard to get back. The Tyee asked for an interview to discuss whether the City of Vancouver would consider changing its strategy given the studys findings. No one was made available. Instead, a spokesperson emailed a statement that said the city has a legal responsibility to enforce the Street and Traffic bylaw and ensure public safety. Structures that block sidewalks create accessibility issues for pedestrians and businesses, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson also took issue with the term street sweep. The city does not engage in street sweeps, which implies people are being displaced or moved along, the statement said. However, the spokesperson didnt dispute the studys findings. The citys Integrated Response Team, which was introduced in 2024, will always seek voluntary compliance when asking someone to pack up their things but where necessary will impound and store materials for the owners retrieval within 30 days, the spokesperson said. While this is happening people can stay in place, they added. Nineteen per cent of survey participants who had experienced a street sweep in the last six months also experienced a non-fatal overdose. By comparison, of the 536 study participants who had not experienced a non-fatal overdose, only 12 per cent had experienced a street sweep in the past six months. Hayashi said street sweeps increase the risk of overdose in two ways. First, when a person lives in a tent city they have neighbours who can help them in the event of an overdose, which means they are more likely to survive. But a tent city is highly visible and might be more likely to experience a street sweep, Hayashi said. The more isolated a person is, the more likely they are to die when they overdose because theres no one around to administer naloxone or call 911, she added. Second, people who have had items confiscated may be displaced and pushed into a less familiar or visible area. This separates a person from their regular drug dealer. That can increase a persons risk of overdose, Hayashi said, because they may use in an isolated location and not have anyone around to administer naloxone or call 911; they may use amphetamines to stay awake and mobile to avoid being further targeted, which increases their risk of overdose from stimulants; or they may be going into withdrawal and buy drugs from an unfamiliar supplier or not have time for safety checks like having their drugs tested. Street sweeps may also take away a persons drugs, pushing them to buy from the unregulated toxic supply again and increasing their risk of getting a toxic dose, she said. Having harm reduction supplies confiscated may also affect a persons ability to respond to an overdose. The study found that more than one in four people who had items confiscated also reported experiencing violent victimization. Thats a pretty significant association, according to the study. The study asked only yes/no questions, so its not totally clear why this happens, Hayashi said. But she added that its possible people experience violence during a street sweep or when theyve been displaced to less visible or more isolated locations. The study found people were at elevated risk of violence for about six months after a street sweep. Confiscations could also put an individual at risk of violence from a drug dealer when debts arent able to be paid, the study says. Street sweeps can also affect a persons ability to access social services. Of the 94 study participants who reported experiencing street sweeps, over one-third said they had tried but been unable to access housing services. Just over one-quarter said they had tried but been unable to access primary care clinics. And one-fifth said they had tried but been unable to access supervised consumption sites. Sixteen per cent said they had tried but been unable to access addiction treatment, and seven per cent said they had been forced into addiction treatment or other health services by police. Street sweeps are likely physically displacing people, which means they are farther away from services they want to access, struggle to access services because of mobility issues or are unfamiliar with nearby services, the study says. Outreach workers may not know where to find someone after they are displaced by a street sweep, and sweeps may feed into peoples mistrust of government programs and make them more hesitant to access help, the study continues. Our findings also suggest a vicious cycle, wherein the inability to access housing services heightens vulnerability to the confiscation of belongings, which in turn leads to additional barriers to accessing services, including housing, the authors note. The solution, Hayashi told The Tyee, is for the City of Vancouver to stop clearing temporary shelters and confiscating peoples items and instead focus on getting unhoused people settled in long-term or permanent housing. While there are short-term or temporary supportive-housing spaces available, they may have restrictions, such as prohibiting ongoing drug use, that limit who can access them, she said. Short-term solutions often mean people end up on the street when the supports end, she added. The city could also help people struggling with unstable housing by investing in more storage solutions, she added. Shortly after The Tyee spoke with Hayashi, the province and city announced more funding for the Aboriginal Front Door Societys bin storage program, which lets people store items in a large rubber bin and access their things between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Ian Bee, a staffer and member of the Aboriginal Front Door Society, said around 100 people access their stored items every day and that the program is at capacity. As of Sept. 1, the program is downsizing to free up space for a winter shelter, he said. Bee said two more bin storage programs will be opening up in the Downtown Eastside but that long-term funding is needed, rather than short-term temporary grants. 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 As medical professionals react with alarm to President Donald Trump's unproven statements about Tylenol, childhood vaccines and autism, a different group of Americans is feeling vindicated. For the Make America Healthy Again movement, a diverse coalition that includes supporters of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anti-vaccine activists and others who distrust the American health care system, Trump's Monday announcement was a watershed moment. I think that for the MAHA movement, this is like the dark clouds have finally parted and a single ray of sunshine is shining down, Del Bigtree, Kennedys former communications director and founder of the advocacy group Informed Consent Action Network, said in an interview Tuesday. By amplifying the movement's long-held concerns about vaccines and pharmaceutical products, Trump handed a major victory to a group that has been growing in influence since he tapped Kennedy to oversee the nation's health services. It's a coalition that is viewed as a potentially important voting bloc for Republicans, but had become impatient with what they saw as inaction by his administration. Yet Trump's platforming of inaccurate health claims on the White House stage also concerns medical professionals, including some Republican lawmakers. After the announcement Monday, they urged people to listen to their doctors and warned that following Trump's guidance for pregnant women to entirely avoid Tylenol and for parents to delay vaccinations could lead to other harmful health outcomes. Vaccine skeptics see hope in Trump highlighting their claims In Monday's news conference, Trump claimed that pregnant women using acetaminophen, the painkiller known by the brand name Tylenol (or paracetamol outside the U.S.), has contributed to the rise in autism cases in the U.S. in recent years. While some studies have suggested a potential correlation between the two, many others haven't found that concern. Experts say the research is inconclusive and the increase is mainly due to better diagnoses and a new definition for the disorder that now includes mild cases on a spectrum. In addition, the Coalition of Autism Scientists said Monday that acetaminophen use during pregnancy hadnt increased in recent decades like autism rates have. The president urged pregnant women to fight like hell to avoid taking the most commonly used drug in the country. His advice also went beyond the more nuanced Food and Drug Administration guidance released Monday, which notes that the potential correlation is an area of ongoing debate and that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for treating fever during pregnancy. Untreated fevers in pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, increase the risk for miscarriages, preterm birth and other problems, according to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Trump's comments also advanced a narrative discredited by decades of evidence that the ingredients in vaccines or taking immunizations close together can cause autism in children. Those claims appeal to MAHA figures, including Kennedy, who have long insisted that vaccines and autism are related. I think for many of us it was like: Its about time, John Gilmore, executive director of the Autism Action Network, said in an interview. And it just felt extremely validating that the criticisms weve been making of the vaccine program and health care are finally being taken seriously. Kennedy's core supporters in the anti-vaccine movement were quick to revel in the moment on social media and on podcasts, relieved the announcement did not shy away from vaccines as some had anticipated it would. We should all just be incredibly grateful, MAHA Action president Tony Lyons said on Steve Bannons show Monday, adding that Trump should be known as the MAHA president. Trump and Kennedy validate MAHA moms The president and his health secretary directly addressed the parents of children with autism, saying their trepidation about vaccines had not been affirmed enough from the national stage. I want to reassure the people in the autism community that we will be uncompromising and relentless in our search for answers, Kennedy said. The news conference also featured comments from two mothers who expressed appreciation. One said she had been crying out for help, for answers, for years. Josephine Lukito, a journalism and media professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said appealing to maternal concerns about children's health can be incredibly persuasive and is a common strategy in the anti-vaccine movement. She said Trump's comments also leaned on other rhetorical strategies that are often used to spread vaccine misinformation, including focusing on emotional anecdotes instead of specific data. At one point in the news conference, Trump told a story about a woman who used to work with him in Trump Tower and claimed her young son got a high fever after receiving a vaccine. The president then added he knew at least two other people who were badly hurt by vaccinations, but did not go into detail. These sort of anecdotes are very, very salient among anti-vaxxers because they tug at our heartstrings, Lukito said in an interview. But one story does not a statistic make. The vast majority of parents in the U.S. are keeping their children up-to-date with recommended childhood vaccines, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says rates have been falling for the past five years. Nationwide, the percentage of kindergartners receiving the most common childhood vaccines dropped well below 95%, the level needed to protect the community against an outbreak. During the news conference, Trump said he was a believer in vaccines, but a different message came through for some of those watching who have long been skeptics. I think what happened today is going to make parents think, Well, wait a minute, I dont even think I want to vaccinate now, Polly Tommey, director of the streaming arm of the anti-vaccine group Childrens Health Defense, said in a video posted on X. Because if you read between the lines of what Trump was saying, vaccines are unsafe, ineffective, can and do kill and cause autism. Some Republicans denounce Trump's guidance Trumps comments were praised by many of his allies in Congress. Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee, vice chair of a House subcommittee on health, wrote on X that Trump and Kennedys move represented real action on autism and a turnaround from previously, when autism rates climbed while Washington stayed silent. But the announcement created uneasiness among other prominent Republicans and doctors, including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a gastroenterologist who has pressed Kennedy on vaccines. HHS should release the new data that it has to support this claim, Cassidy wrote on X in response to Trumps advice to women not to take Tylenol during pregnancy. The preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case. The concern is that women will be left with no options to manage pain in pregnancy. We must be compassionate to this problem. In Tennessee, Republican state Sen. Richard Briggs, a cardiothoracic surgeon, cautioned people to check with their physicians about acetaminophen and vaccinations. In a phone interview, the Knoxville lawmaker also expressed concern about the administration firing some internationally recognized scientists in the field. North Dakota Republican state Sen. Judy Lee, who worked 10 years doing chemical analyses in hospital clinics and labs, said in an interview that she is extremely disappointed that the president has chosen to make such a firm statement about something that has no scientific basis. For the president to make that kind of pronouncement with no personal expertise, no scientific background, no support of the experts, which he has either gotten rid of or discounted at the CDC, concerns me a great deal, Lee said. ___ Associated Press writers Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota, Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, Linley Sanders in Washington and Devi Shastri in Milwaukee contributed to this report. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Drinking any quantity of alcohol could increase the risk of developing dementia, new research has shown. The study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford, Yale University and the University of Cambridge, analysed data from more than 559,000 people in the UK Biobank and the US Million Veteran Programme. Over the follow-up period, 14,540 participants developed dementia. The results of the observational data were striking. Heavy drinkers, defined as consuming 40 or more drinks a week, as well as non-drinkers, had a 41 per cent higher risk of developing dementia compared with light drinkers, who had fewer than seven drinks a week. For those who were alcohol dependent, the risk rose to 51 per cent. But the researchers also carried out genetic analysis, using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 2.4 million people to untangle correlation from causation. They assessed three measures: self-reported weekly drinks, risky drinking and alcohol dependency. open image in gallery Research has shown that even drinking small quantities of alcohol could lead to dementia ( Getty/iStock ) In each case, a higher genetic risk for alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of dementia. The authors said this evidence undermined the idea that low levels of alcohol can protect the brain. Researchers have previously cast doubt on findings that groups who do not drink alcohol at all appear to have worse health outcomes in observational studies. This is due to the so-called sick quitter effect, where people who stop drinking due to illness are grouped with lifelong non-drinkers. A 2016 analysis also found that once former drinkers were excluded, the apparent protective effect of light drinking largely disappeared. Dr Anya Topiwala, senior clinical researcher at Oxford Population Health and consultant psychiatrist, said these latest findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. open image in gallery A higher genetic risk for alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of dementia ( Getty/iStock ) She said: Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect, in fact, it suggests the opposite. Even light or moderate drinking may increase the risk of dementia, indicating that reducing alcohol consumption across the population could play a significant role in dementia prevention. Dr Joel Gelernter, professor at Yale University and senior author of the study, said: There was a time when medical knowledge seemed to support that light drinking would be beneficial to brain health, and this work adds to the evidence that this is not correct. Dr Stephen Burgess, statistician at Cambridge, added: Our findings do not only hold for those who have a particular genetic predisposition, but for anyone who chooses to drink, our study suggests that greater alcohol consumption leads to higher risk of dementia. Alzheimers Research UK said the work added to the evidence linking alcohol to dementia risk, though it stressed more research was needed. According to the Alzheimers Society, around 982,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK, a figure projected to rise to about 1.4 million by 2040. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Leading charities have warned that foreign aid cuts by Donald Trump in the US and nations like the UK will have serious consequences for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as it faces a deadly Ebola outbreak and raging conflict. What we feared has now happened: the WHO [World Health Organisation] has declared a new Ebola outbreak in the DRC just as the US government and other major donors are implementing drastic foreign aid cuts, said Mercy Corps vice president of global policy and advocacy, Kate Phillips-Barrasso. Her organisation is providing health kits and supporting public information campaigns. The DRC has learned from previous outbreaks and in many ways is now better equipped to respond, but experts warn cuts to global aid spending risk eroding this progress. Viruses do not respect political decisions or borders. Disengaging in global leadership and slashing funding to countries like the DRC will have serious consequences, Ms Phillips Barrasso said. The DRC has been plagued by violence for decades. This January, things escalated after renewed attacks by fighters from the M23 rebel group in the east of the country. Although the government has experience in managing Ebola, the DRC is under active war in the east, which might affect its ability to coordinate preventive measures throughout the country, said Oxfam DRC Country Director, Dr Manenji Mangundu. We need an immediate injection of funds, and all warring parties to commit to a permanent ceasefire and allow aid to flow freely. The current outbreak started with a 34-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted to hospital at the end of August and died within five days. Two health workers treating her also became infected and died. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the total number of cases throughout the outbreak reached 173 last week, with more than 30 deaths. The Ebola virus is spread to humans by animals, and causes internal and external bleeding. It has a death rate of as high as 50-90% unless patients receive very rapid treatment. The US previously provided training to local infectious disease experts, funded laboratories, vaccines and treatments as well as prevention. Whitney Elmer, who leads Mercy Corps global emergency response team, said during the two-year long outbreak starting in 2018, her teams prevention work and awareness-raising campaigns were supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). open image in gallery In 2018, before Trumps aid cuts, the US was a major supporter of the response to Ebola in the DRC ( AFP ) The US was one of the biggest funders, she said, adding that this left a question mark as to who would step up to replace this, along with other key programmes. Mercy Corps had a large access to water program that was supported by the US government and that has been cut, Ms Elmer said. Access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene practices, all of those are essential for stopping the spread of Ebola. Some US programmes have been resumed in a much more limited form, but stockpiles of things like drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE) are not being maintained now USAID has been shuttered, former Deputy Assistant Administrator for Global Health at the agency Nidhi Bouri told The Independent. Shortages of PPE and challenges getting information, vaccines and treatments out to remote areas long predate funding cuts. It is too early to assess the potential impact of US aid cuts on current efforts, said Dr Hilde De Clerck, a leading Ebola doctor with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) which is also on the ground treating patients. What we do know is that, over the years, strong support from the United States has played a critical role in responding to deadly Ebola virus disease outbreaks in countries like the DRC, she added. That includes funding of the DRCs overall health system. The Center for Global Developments latest estimates from March suggest the DRC was one of the countries worst-affected by Trumps cuts, losing more than a third of its funding worth $387m. This broad picture is likely to remain unchanged as of the start of the outbreak, the research group told The Independent - despite an acute need for humanitarian assistance. Africa CDC said: Currently, the US CDC and the US State Department remain actively engaged in the Ebola response alongside Africa CDC and WHO at the global, regional, and national levels. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the US CDC is playing an important role in supporting surveillance activities, which are essential to controlling the outbreak. So far, these activities remain ongoing and there has been no disruption of key Ebola response operations, with the US CDC and the State Department actively engaged alongside Africa CDC and WHO. However, additional funding is urgently needed to strengthen field activities, as new cases are being detected in additional health areas of Bulape Health Zone, including Bambalie, resulting in a growing number of cases and contacts requiring close follow-up. Oxfams Mangundu is clear about this Ebola outbreak and future support for the DRC: People need dignity and respite from relentless violence...The world cannot look away. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Six animal-welfare campaigners have been cleared of causing a public nuisance over protests they staged at the Grand National. Nine activists climbed perimeter fences at Aintree in 2023 and went onto the track to demonstrate against the staging of the race. Some attached themselves to jumps as part of the protest, bringing the racecourse to a standstill and delaying the start. Others tried to glue themselves to security fencing around the track, but were led away by police. Officers arrested 118 people over disruption for what they said were criminal damage and public nuisance offences. open image in gallery Protesters held anti-cruelty placards ( Animal Rising ) The protesters claimed racing inflicted cruelty on horses through gruelling training, whipping and painful injuries. Monitoring since 2007 by Animal Aid suggests that at least 3,071 horses have died on UK racecourses. Three died at the Grand National in 2023, and a fourth later allegedly died from an infection following an injury there. At Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, the six members of campaign organisation Animal Rising, who had denied causing a public nuisance, were found not guilty by unanimous jury verdicts. A key defence was reasonable excuse, a provision of public nuisance law. The defendants argued that the suffering and deaths of horses justified their actions. Animal Rising said the result showed 12 randomly selected members of the public agreed that disrupting a race to try to prevent horses from coming to harm was not a crime. open image in gallery Animal Rising wants an end to horse racing ( Animal Rising ) Horses have to jump fences 30 times along the four-mile route of the Grand National course. Sarah McCaffrey, 22, from Glasgow, who was one of those cleared, said: Over 450 horses have been killed at the races since we tried to halt the Grand National. As a nation of animal lovers, we recognise horses as intelligent, beautiful and complex individuals. Yet they are treated as objects to profit from, exploit and then discard when they have served their purpose. She called on secretary of state for sport, Lisa Nandy, to ban horse racing. It was the first of five Grand National crown court cases, in which 23 other Animal Rising activists face trial for causing a public nuisance. Another trial begins on Monday. 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 Adults caught in the middle of a perfect storm of soaring rent and house prices are finding themselves back living with parents years after they initially flew the nest. The boomerang generation adults who moved out but returned home later is expanding, and it is no longer just those in their early 20s who are back under their parents roofs. But for many, the cheaper (or in some cases free) rent comes with uncomfortable trade-offs, as more than half of adults back at home lament rising tensions and a lack of independence, and hope to eventually move back out. open image in gallery Jon Painter and his mother, Christine, who he moved back in with in 2020 ( Supplied ) Despite earning 50,000 a year working in operations for Network Rail, Jon Painter, 40, had to move back home with his mother after an expensive divorce in 2020. Earning 12,000 more than the UK average salary, his income looks strong on paper. It is roughly double what someone on the living wage would take home. But Mr Painter is left with just 200 a month after bills. He now lives in his 74-year-old mothers two-bedroom flat in Swindon, Wiltshire, 50 miles away from his former family home in Hereford, which he had to move out of. After Mr Painter and his ex-partner divorced, he had to move out of the three-bedroom family home he bought with his former father-in-law two years prior. He has a hefty 2,500 monthly bill to pay for child and ex-spousal support, and until August, he also had to pay 1,250 in mortgage payments and shared bills, a 350 car payment, a 200 phone bill, and 500 in loan payments. He is left with around 50 a week, which he spends on food and petrol, but with such a modest sum available he is unable to save up for a house deposit or afford rental costs to move out of his mothers house. It was very hard moving back in with my mum, it wasnt something Id ever think Id have to do again, Mr Painter said. I had to leave the family home I thought Id be raising my children in. open image in gallery Around 50 per cent of adults who move back home with their parents say they are frustrated with their living situation ( Getty/iStock ) A poll of 2,000 adults who live with their parents, which was commissioned by Skipton Group as part of its Home Affordability Index, found that nine in 10 people hoped to get out of their parents house. But 82 per cent of those saving for a deposit said they still have a long way to go. Less than 10 per cent of those adults were able to afford a home, and in London, the East of England, and the South West, the affordability shrinks to less than 1.5 per cent. The average house price is more than five times higher than the average salary for 90 per cent of earners in England, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). A third of those wanting to move out of their parents house admitted their income is too low or unpredictable to afford it. open image in gallery The average UK house price increased by 2.8 per cent in the 12 months leading to July, according to ONS ( PA ) Mr Painter has been living with his mother, a retired supermarket worker, for five years now, and says that unless he wins the lottery, he will be living with her for years to come. On paper, youd think Id have lots of disposable income, but thats totally not the case, he said. I provide child support to our two young girls something I will never stop doing because they are the absolute priority. Life is really expensive right now especially for those with children. Of course its not ideal, Im in my 40s and living with my mum, and Im sure shed much rather have her own space, Mr Painter admitted. But its the only option I have, and Im grateful that my mum will have me. Half of those surveyed admitted to being frustrated with their living situation, and 36 per cent felt as if they had lost their independence. I feel for those who dont have a parent or close one, they can move in with or in my case, back in with. His mother, Christine, said it can be awkward managing two different lifestyles in the same household. I only wish I could help somehow with getting him his own place, but unfortunately, things havent panned out that way. Research released by NatWest in May found that nearly a quarter of parents reported their children moving back home after moving out for the first time, with the average age of return being 26. Kaiesha Page, who once lived alone in Cardiff, said her life has been put on hold since she returned home to support her family. open image in gallery Kaiesha Page moved in with her mother and grandparents during the pandemic ( Supplied ) Ms Page moved back in with her mother and grandparents in Rhondda Valley, south Wales, just before the pandemic to take care of her 82-year-old grandad, Malcom, who has a lung condition and heart failure. She earns up to 1.5k a month but struggles to put enough aside to move out as her salary goes towards her mothers bills and her grandparents care. Her 60-year-old mother, Susan, is a part-time cleaner and is currently awaiting an autism diagnosis. Since moving back home, Ms Page has had to put her career as a writer on hold to take flexible jobs which work around her familys needs. She said she feels like her life has been stalled. She is close with her family, but says it has restricted her from being able to socialise and date. I wouldnt dream of inviting friends around my nan and grandad are very house-proud, she said, admitting: Its a little bit lonely at times. According to Skipton Group, 29 per cent of adults living at home found it difficult to maintain romantic and platonic relationships. While Ms Page hopes to live alone one day, she worries it wouldnt be fair to her family. Ive stayed for various different reasons affordability and Im single, she said, admitting she also feels that she is needed at home. She said it is difficult to be the one supporting her family. Ive never had access to support from parents and that has been difficult to save. Stacey Dickens from Skiptons Home Affordability Index, said: Aspiring first-time buyers would be forgiven for thinking of all the benefits of staying in the family home for longer when it comes to saving up to move out. For many, the experience of living with their parents as an adult also comes with unexpected compromises, she said. From needing to explain what time theyll be home at night, negotiating shopping and cooking arrangements, bathroom etiquette, even navigating how best to date and develop relationships. It can be awkward for everyone. Moving back into the family home is a lifeline for many people, Ms Dickens said. Young adults arent failing to make the most of the situation; theyre caught in a system where even the most disciplined saving, combined with generous parental support, still doesnt open the door for them to home ownership. 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 2m-plus fortune of a bachelor multimillionaire has become the subject of a High Court dispute, involving heir hunters, DNA testing, and an inquiry into his father's "romantic life". McDonald Noel, who emigrated from Trinidad to London in 1960, died a wealthy man in 2018 at 84. He left behind a gross estate valued at 2.7m, including a 1.5m Kensington home. With no children, no spouse and no will, his millions were destined for government coffers until heir hunters intervened. They located potential relatives across the UK and Caribbean, but a bitter disagreement has since erupted over who among them is a genuine blood relative of the deceased. Now, armed with the results of DNA tests, a High Court judge is being asked to carry out a rare legal "kin enquiry" and rule on who should inherit. The judge, Master Katherine McQuail, heard that McDonald Noel a shopkeeper and property tycoon died in London in April 2018 intestate. open image in gallery McDonald Noel, pictured as a young man ( Champion News ) The potential size of his estate attracted the interest of heir hunters, who delved into Mr Noel's family tree in the UK and the Caribbean, looking for his nearest living relatives, but found a tangled genealogical web. Mr Noel had been born in 1934 in Trinidad to dad Stanley Dorant and mum Neutrice Dorant, with Neutrice already having had one other child, Stella born the previous year. Stanley, originally from Barbados, then went on to father another son, Francis, with Barbadian Clementina Forde whom he married in 1939, after she joined him in Trinidad following the death of Neutrice in 1938. Clementina already had two sons, Clyde and St Clair, when she moved and married Stanley, and their descendants are now claiming that Stanley was their father too, having sired them during visits to Barbados or before he left. Francis's son Shaka is now laying claim to a share of the millions, as is Stella's son Gerard Burton, who says he should potentially get the lot, should the court be satisfied that his mum Stella was also Stanley's child, making her McDonald's full sister rather than half-sister. open image in gallery Clyde, pictured, who is one of Clementina Fordes sons ( Champion News ) But St Clair's children, represented by his daughter Desiree Dorant, and Clyde's grandchildren, represented by his grandson Tyler Dorant, are insisting that they too are descended from Stanley and should share McDonald's wealth. Daniel Burton, for Desiree and her siblings, told the judge: "It is the romantic life of McDonald's father Stanley which is central to the genealogical questions which arise in this case." Stanley was born in Barbados in 1906 and died in Trinidad in 1968. The documentary records show that he travelled between Trinidad and Barbados and fathered children on each island. "The questions before this court in this trial are how many children Stanley fathered, with whom, and who they were." It was a firm of heir hunters, Hoopers, who started to identify possible beneficiaries of McDonald's estate. "The outcome will determine whether Gerard is the sole beneficiary of McDonald's estate or whether other branches of the family - those of Shaka, Desiree and Tyler - take as beneficiaries under the rules of intestacy alongside Gerard." He told the judge that documentary evidence suggested Stanley and Clementina were from the same area and knew each other before he left Barbados for Trinidad. open image in gallery The property belonging to Mr Noel in Kensington ( Supplied by Champion News ) "The court is invited to conclude that Clementina's initial liaison with Stanley in Barbados resulted in the birth of Clyde," he said, adding that a historical ship manifest showed Stanley had visited Barbados seven months before the birth of St Clair. "There is compelling evidence that Stanley was St Clair's father. This is documentary evidence, witness evidence and DNA evidence," he added, claiming that together that evidence "refutes Shaka's insinuation that (Clementina) would have had two children with a different partner or partners, then immediately marry Stanley, thereby passing off the children as his." He told the judge: "Put simply, Clementina was not that kind of person and strove to be a good role model for her children. She had one relationship and married that man, Stanley, after bearing his first two children." There is no other credible hypothesis that St Clair's father is anyone other than Stanley." The court is invited to make findings of fact or direct that McDonald's estate be distributed on the basis that Stanley fathered McDonald, Clyde, St Clair and Francis," he concluded. Aidan Briggs, for Francis' son Shaka, urged the judge to take a different view. open image in gallery Desiree Dorant pictured outside of the High Court ( Champion News ) There are only two children on whose birth certificate Stanley Dorant is named as the father; McDonald and Francis," he said. "Although it is possible that Stanley fathered other children, the evidence which has been produced is equally consistent with him being treated as father after his marriage to Clementina, or being claimed as father by Stella. "He said the judge should be wary of accepting evidence about the beliefs of Clyde and St Clair as to their parentage from their descendants, saying: "A child self-evidently has no knowledge about their own conception". He told the judge that even if Stanley had acted as a father to all of the children, it shouldn't be assumed they were his. He said Stanley had lived in a society in which relationships outside of marriage were common and there was a trend for "mothers attributing paternity to men particularly for financial reasons - what is referred to in the British Caribbean as 'giving a man a jacket'." "It's important not to apply middle-class English norms to a Caribbean setting," he said. The court shouldn't be drawn into the trap of assuming that a person would act in a particular way because in the same period there would be a stigma attached to a child out of wedlock in England." He added: "The DNA evidence supports Stella and Francis claims, and should encourage the court against the claims of Clyde and St Clair. "The court must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Stanley had any other children. The claimants (Shaka's) submission is that the court cannot be so satisfied on the evidence presented." The judge will give her ruling on the case at a later date. 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 Staffordshire Police dog team, praised for their courage during last summers riots, is due to receive a national award. The squad was deployed to Tamworth on 4 August, 2024, where they faced a hail of bricks and fireworks. Pc Leah Smith from the team, who works with a dog called Bones, who was burned by a firework, described the ordeal. "Having fireworks hurled at us was one of the scariest situations Ive experienced," she said. "We couldnt escape the situation as we knew we needed to protect the front line." Police dog Vixen was also injured after she was kicked and hit with a brick during the disorder. They will be presented with the Police Dog Team of the Year award at the annual Thin Blue Paw Awards at the Kennel Club in London on Wednesday. Colleague Pc Ruth Jones, who handles a German Shepherd called Ebony, said: This deployment was one of the most intense and challenging experiences of my career. It was a day of extreme hostility that tested every aspect of our training, teamwork, and resilience. open image in gallery A police dog squad from Staffordshire Police was deployed to Tamworth on 4 August 2024 where they were pelted with bricks and fireworks ( Jacob King/PA Wire ) An individual award will go to another service animal who found a key piece of evidence as part of an investigation into a car crash that killed an eight-month-old baby in May last year. Pc Dan Cuthbertson and his dog Louie were sent out to the scene of the collision in Durham, without knowing at that time that he knew the victims Zackary Blades and the babys aunt Karlene Warner, who had both been killed. Louie became a police dog after being abandoned in Gateshead, then rescued and trained up by Durham Police to be a digital detection dog. The dog found a mobile phone belonging to the driver of the car that had hit the Peugeot 308 in which Miss Warner and Zackary were travelling. It showed that drink driver Darryl Anderson had made several calls and sent a string of text messages while driving, and had taken a photo within a second of the fatal crash that showed he was travelling at 141mph. open image in gallery Retired police dog Fiji from Surrey Police received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Thin Blue Paw Awards at the Kennel Club in London ( Thin Blue Paw Foundation/PA Wire ) Pc Cuthbertson said: No matter what job you do, you always give your all and want to get results but when its so personal, it means everything. The scene was in tatters. Louie was so focused and worked around all the difficulties the scene posed. Other awards go to Humberside Police dog Yoiko, who received the Outstanding Bravery Award for defending his handler, Pc Tom Marsden, from a man wielding a shovel in a room where he had set the curtains and furniture on fire. The dog was given a double cheeseburger from McDonalds as a reward after the standoff in Hull. A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to retired police dog Fiji from Surrey Police, while a Lifesaver Award will go to Dutch from Cleveland Police, who, along with handler Pc Josh Lindley, saved the life of a missing man in Hartlepool during his first shift. open image in gallery Louie was rescued from the streets of Gateshead and became one of Durham police's first digital detection dogs ( Thin Blue Paw Foundation/PA Wire ) Pc Leandra McCurry from Leicestershire Police will be given a Special Recognition Award for her commitment to her career despite setbacks and bereavements, while Pc Marissa Barwell from Surrey Police will receive the Crimefighting Duo Award for her work with her dog, Ella. Thin Blue Paw Foundation chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was set up to celebrate, protect and support both working and retired police dogs across the UK. Every day, police dogs and their handlers put their lives on the line to protect the public and fight crime. We launched the Thin Blue Paw Awards to celebrate these incredible dogs and everything they achieve in the line of duty. 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 A new political party, Advance UK, has had its inaugural launch event cancelled by a council-owned hotel in Newcastle. The party is led by former Reform deputy Ben Habib and backed by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and billionaire Elon Musk. It was scheduled to hold a conference in the city on Saturday. While the venue was not initially disclosed, it was understood to be the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the city centre. Newcastle City Council confirmed the hotel management cancelled the booking on health and safety grounds following an online protest. When Advance UK announced the event in August, it said it had chosen Newcastle because it was the symbolic heart of Brexit. The party vowed to fight unapologetically for sovereignty, free speech, and restoring pride in our nation. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson speaks during the recent Unite the Kingdom march in London ( AP ) The local authority took over the hotel in March, but it is run by a separate company. A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: We are aware that hotel management has taken the decision to cancel a forthcoming event scheduled for Saturday September 27 on health and safety grounds. As the owner of the hotel, we absolutely support their decision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff members, guests and visitors to the hotel. As in any situation, the safety of all those in our city is our absolute priority. Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, backed Advance UK in August, writing on X (Twitter) that he wanted a political home. open image in gallery Tech entrepreneur and former Trump ally Elon Musk is backing the new party ( AP ) Mr Musk replied: Advance UK will actually drive change. Farage is weak sauce who will do nothing. The group Newcastle Unites, which says on its Facebook page that it is against discrimination, asked the local authority to cancel Advance UKs booking. Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said it was a City of Sanctuary with a history of providing a better life for people fleeing war and persecution. Regarding the series of protests outside a hotel in the city that have taken place over recent weeks, she said: The language and rhetoric around asylum too often seeks to dehumanise vulnerable people, families and children. But anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference in our city will always be more welcome than those who wish to spread hate and cause division; they do not represent the Newcastle we all know and love, and they are not welcome here. open image in gallery Newcastle City Council took over the hotel in March ( Wikimedia ) She added: I am aware of planned protest activity this weekend. Of course, a key pillar of our democracy is the right to lawful protest, and we have no right to prevent such events from taking place. We work closely with our partners, including the police, to allow people to protest peacefully and thankfully recent events passed without incident. Advance UK has been approached for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Sadiq Khan has dubbed Donald Trump racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic in the latest in a long-running war of words between the feuding pair. It came after Mr Trump branded Sir Sadiq a terrible mayor in a stinging attack over immigration and carbon-reduction policies. Addressing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, the US president said: I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and its been changed, its been so changed. Now they want to go to sharia law. But you are in a different country, you cant do that. open image in gallery Khan: Im just thankful that we have record numbers of Americans coming to London ( PA ) Responding to Mr Trumps remarks on Wednesday, Sir Sadiq told Sky News: People are wondering what it is about this Muslim mayor who leads a liberal, multicultural, progressive, successful city that means I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trumps head. Asked whether the US presidents remarks were Islamophobic, the mayor said: Listen, when people say things, when people act in a certain way, when people behave in a certain way, youve got to believe them. I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and hes Islamophobic. Responding to the US presidents accusation that he is a terrible mayor, Sir Sadiq added: Im just thankful that we have record numbers of Americans coming to London... There must be a reason for that. You look at a number of different criteria, were often the number one city in the globe when it comes to culture, when it comes to foreign investment, when it comes to sports, when it comes to the ability of people to fulfil their potential. Im really proud we are the greatest city in the world, long may that continue. open image in gallery Trump renewed his war of words with the London mayor at the UN General Assembly ( AP ) Labour MPs rallied to Sir Sadiqs defence after Mr Trumps attack. Health secretary Wes Streeting said the mayor was not trying to impose sharia law on London but instead saying he is a mayor who marches with Pride, who stands up for difference of background and opinion, whos focused on improving our transport, our air, our streets, our safety, our choices and chances. Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq described Mr Trumps comments as blatant, bare-faced lies, while Rosena Allin-Khan, Sir Sadiqs successor as MP for Tooting, called for the US ambassador to be summoned over the remarks. Meanwhile, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden dismissed the presidents attack, saying that Mr Trump had had a beef with Sir Sadiq for years. He told BBC Breakfast: As regards the United Kingdom, on the comments on London, look, I just think its a misreading of our great capital city. This is a big asset to the United Kingdom. Its known all over the world, its a big engine of our economy, of creativity. Speaking to Times Radio, he added, I think the two of them have had a beef for some years. Mr Trump has repeatedly attacked Sir Sadiq since 2015, when the Labour politician condemned the then-presidential hopefuls suggestion that Muslims should be banned from travelling to the US. During last weeks state visit, the president said Sir Sadiq was among the worst mayors in the world and claimed he had asked that the mayor not attend events during the visit. Sir Sadiq said he was indifferent to President Trump and had more important things to worry about. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nigel Farage has been condemned for peddling false information and wild conspiracy theories after he falsely accused Romanians in Britain of eating swans in parks in his latest attack on migrants living in the UK. The Reform UK leader claimed swans are being eaten in royal parks and said carp were being taken out of ponds by people who come from different cultures. Asked who he believes are eating Britains swans, which are a protected species in the UK, Mr Farage said: People who come from countries where thats quite acceptable. open image in gallery Farages comments about Romanians eating swans are an echo of the US presidents warning that Haitian migrants were eating Americans pets ( PA ) Pressed by LBCs Nick Ferrari whether eastern Europeans, Romanians and people like that were responsible, Mr Farage said: So I believe. The Royal Parks charity quickly rejected Mr Farages claim, saying: Weve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in Londons eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks. Mr Farages comments echo US president Donald Trumps unfounded claims that Haitian migrants are eating Americans pets, with Labour MPs saying the Reform leaders latest remarks are another example of why he shouldnt be trusted. Labour MP Clive Lewis told The Independent: "When a public figure begins to peddle wild conspiracy and grotesque exaggeration, from migrants eating swans to hinting at unknown harms from paracetamol, it reveals a troubling approach: deliberately feeding fear, confusion, and distrust. "Some will fall for those lies, but others will see through the smokescreen. If this man cannot be trusted on the simplest matters of health or truth, then how can he be trusted to run a country? We must ask: if hell lie today, what will he lie about tomorrow? Meanwhile, Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said his comments are a direct lift from the Trump song book and a deliberate attempt to inflame tensions in our communities. He offers absolutely nothing about how to truly transform our economy for the benefit of the working class, but just scapegoats immigrants, votes down improved rights and protections of workers and the thousands of net zero jobs providing good secure employment, but vigorously defends extreme wealth and treats voters like idiots hoping hell get away with it once again, he added. Fizza Qureshi, chief executive of the Migrants Rights Network, hit out at Mr Farage for regurgitating debunked stories and said his comments were not only absurd but is utterly dangerous. She said: He is regurgitating debunked stories that have resurfaced again and again, including way back in 2007, where migrants were accused of stealing swans. What Nigel Farages comments do show is his willingness to peddle disinformation from unverified social media and far-right organisations to deliberately whip up more hatred against migrants. In a presidential debate last year, Mr Trump said: In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating they are eating the pets of the people that live there. City authorities stressed that there was no evidence for the claim, with the US National Security Council spokesperson at the time dubbing it a dangerous conspiracy theory. open image in gallery Farage also refused to condemn Donald Trumps remarks on drug safety ( AP ) Mr Farage launched into his own allegation about swans being eaten in royal parks after being challenged over whether any evidence had been forthcoming for Mr Trumps claims. After the exchange, interviewer Mr Ferrari said: So its a similar story? Theyre eating our carp, theyre eating our swans? Mr Farage said: Im not saying that, Im just putting it back as an argument. His comments came as the Reform leader also opened the door to a Donald Trump-style re-evaluation of the safety of paracetamol in the UK. Asked about the US president linking the drug to autism claims UK experts have refuted and condemned as fear mongering Mr Farage said that is an opinion he has its not one that I necessarily share. But Mr Farage added that the science is never settled. He said: When it comes to science, I dont side with anybody, because the science is never settled and we should remember that. Critics seized on Mr Farages answers during the interview on drug safety, with Wes Streeting saying he has no idea and no backbone. The health secretary said: This is a man whose health adviser claimed at Reforms conference that the Covid vaccine gave the royal family cancer. Anti-science, anti-reason, anti-NHS. Farage is the snake oil salesman of British politics and its time to stop buying his rubbish. And Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan said: Nigel Farage wants to impose Trumps dangerous anti-science agenda here in the UK. Peddling this kind of nonsense is irresponsible and wrong. The latest row comes just days after Mr Farage was accused of using dodgy maths to back up his plan to scrap the main route towards British citizenship and deport tens of thousands of people who have legally settled in Britain. The Reform leadersaid the current option of indefinite leave to remain open to those who have lived and worked in Britain for five years has betrayed democracy and vowed to abolish it. But doubt was soon cast over Mr Farages claim that savings from the policy would be considerably larger than the 230bn once suggested by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), despite the think tank having since said its figure should no longer be used. Meanwhile, Ben Brindle, a researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, questioned Mr Farages statement that half of those who have migrated to the UK are not working. The Reform leader also claimed those from Hong Kong and Ukraine would not be exempt from the measures before rowing back on that statement on Wednesday, telling LBC a special exemption would be made for people who come from those countries. And last month Mr Farage said children would be deported as part of Reform UKs strategy to tackle illegal migration, only to insist the next day that he had been very, very clear that the party was focused on illegal males and not even discussing women and children at this stage. By Isaac Phan Nay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is helping Canada fill healthcare staffing gaps and offering most participants a path to permanent residency, a recent Statistics Canada study suggests. The study shows that nearly 60 percent of temporary foreign workers in healthcare transitioned to permanent residency. More than half of those workers stayed in the sector five years after obtaining permanent status. The retention and transition rate in health care is much higher than average for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, said report co-author and Statistics Canada immigration researcher Feng Hou. Only one-third of workers in the program as a whole transition to permanent residency. Most of the [temporary foreign workers] still work in health care, he said. What that means is that they can make a long-term contribution to the workforce. Hou said foreign workers who come for healthcare jobs have access to more government support, higher pay and better working conditions than most people. Stacey Fitzsimmons, a University of Victoria associate professor of international business, said the higher rate of transition to permanent residency suggests the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is an appropriate and effective strategy to address health-care worker shortages. It means were bringing people in who we value and we think are going to be important to filling vacant roles, she said. Fitzsimmons said having employees with diverse language proficiencies and cultural understandings is beneficial. Were serving a multicultural society, here in Canada, she said. It is a real benefit to have employees who are also themselves multicultural and often multilingual. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is one of several immigration programs intended to help address gaps in Canadas labour market and makes up 18 percent and 10 percent of Canadas agriculture workforce and food and accommodation services workforce, respectively. Hou and his research team noted the Canadian government has been recruiting internationally trained healthcare workers to address worker shortages. Over the past two decades, the number of temporary foreign workers in health care has ballooned. The number grew from about 3,200 in 2000 to about 57,500 in 2022, which Hou said was the latest year from which data was available. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program account for approximately one percent of all people working in Canada. Workers in Canada under all foreign worker streams account for four percent of the entire Canadian workforce. The Statistics Canada report notes that temporary foreign workers account for 1.2 per cent of the total workforce in hospitals and three percent of ambulance workers. While Hou said thats a relatively small portion of the health-care sector, temporary foreign workers also have an outsized contribution in certain types of specialized care. In nursing and residential care facilities, they make up about five percent of the total workforce, and home healthcare services account for almost eight percent. There are still significant shortages in the health-care system, Hou said. What it shows is that temporary foreign workers, in particular in the health-care system, are just one of many ways we can rely on to address that. Hou added that temporary foreign workers who come to Canada to work in health care have very high rates of transition to permanent residency and tend to remain in the industry. He compared the 60 per cent rate in transitioning to permanent residency with the agriculture sector, where only about 17 per cent of temporary foreign workers obtain permanent residency. Statistics Canada data shows that workers in healthcare earn an average hourly wage of $33.25. That wage is $25.04 in agriculture and $20.58 in accommodation and food services. These workers are also more likely to be represented by unions. Statistics Canada data shows that as of last year, 50.4 per cent of health-care employees were covered by a collective agreement, compared with 5.1 per cent in accommodation and food services and three per cent in agriculture. But the program is not designed to be a long-term solution to Canadas health-care staffing shortage, Employment and Social Development Canada spokesperson Mila Roy said in an email. Ultimately, while the TFW Program can help address immediate, short-term staffing pressures in high-need areas like health care, it is not intended to replace long-term, sustainable workforce strategies aimed at developing and retaining Canadian talent in the sector, Roy said. She added the program is one of several tools the Government of Canada has to protect the Canadian economy, support Canadian business and respond to labour market needs. Roy said the federal government instead expects employers to train their staff and attract Canadians and permanent residents already in Canada to fill labour shortages. While the program might benefit Canadas health-care sector, critics and human rights organizations have long said the program creates unbalanced work conditions that let employers cut labour costs while leaving employees open to abuse, exploitation and discrimination. Both B.C. Premier David Eby and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have suggested shutting down the program this month. But as the federal government cuts back on immigration levels, fewer foreign workers are getting work permits issued for B.C. In July, migrant worker advocates told The Tyee that migrant workers struggling to renew their work permits said they were feeling discarded. Migrant worker groups, including Migrant Students United Vancouver, Sanctuary Health and the Migrant Workers Centre, said in a press release that cutting the program will leave workers at risk in Canada. Instead, Cenen Bagon, member of the Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights, said permanent residency would help foreign workers improve their working conditions. If David Eby actually cared about stopping the exploitation and abuse inherent in temporary foreign worker programs, he would be joining migrant-led groups in calling for permanent resident status on arrival for all, Bagon said. The Hospital Employees Union has identified foreign workers as a key part of B.C.s healthcare workforce and is re-upping calls for governments to ensure foreign health-care workers get permanent residency. The union, which represents more than 60,000 healthcare employees in B.C., was not able to put up a spokesperson for an interview in time for publication. The union has advocated for the federal government to create a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers already working in healthcare in Canada. In an email, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesperson Mary Rose Sabater said that since 2023, IRCC has invited 23,350 health-care workers to apply for permanent residence. She said that from January 2023 to June 2025, 10,025 of these candidates were admitted into Canada as permanent residents. The Tyee 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 A family of three have become the first asylum seekers to arrive in the UK as part of the governments high-stakes new one in, one out deal with France. It comes after four migrants were deported to Paris under Sir Keir Starmers flagship agreement, which ministers claim will dissuade migrants from making the deadly Channel crossings by showing they could be immediately sent back. In return, a family which includes a small child have become the first to arrive in the UK through the new legal route. But the prime minister is under pressure to demonstrate the scheme is working after more than 1,000 migrants arrived by small boat last Friday, after returns to France began. open image in gallery Pressure is on Keir Starmer after more than 1,000 migrants arrived by small boat last Friday ( AFP/Getty ) A Home Office spokesperson said the move was a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated. We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. And we will work with France to operate a legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK, subject to security checks. The move comes just days after Donald Trump told the prime minister to call out the military to stop small boats, as the number of crossings hit a record high, and warned that illegal migration can destroy countries. Labour minister Peter Kyle later said that the Royal Navy could be called upon to tackle the crossings if needed. But former first sea lord Admiral Lord West said that Mr Trumps suggestion would make no difference at all because the UK cannot easily return boats to France. open image in gallery Donald Trump told Keir Starmer to call out the military to stop small boats during his visit to the UK last week ( Getty ) A pilot scheme, the one in, one out deal will see a small number of migrants initially it is understood planned to be 50 per week who have crossed the Channel in small boats sent immediately back to France. The Home Office has refused to confirm numbers but said it expects the number to grow as the scheme progresses. In return, Britain will take in the same number of migrants from France, selecting those with family in the UK or strong ties to the country. Initially, the scheme will only apply to adults because children who come to the UK illegally are not detained. The images of migrants arriving by their thousands via small boats have proved politically toxic, and the PM has said he is determined to succeed where his predecessors failed in getting the issue under control. Many of those who arrive are then housed in hotels while their asylum claims are processed, which costs the taxpayer billions. Ministers hope that by demonstrating to those considering the dangerous crossing that they may be immediately sent back to France, fewer will be willing to risk making the perilous journey. However, critics have attacked the agreement, saying it will deal with only a small number of migrants, meaning only around one in 20 who arrive in the UK will be sent back to France. More than 32,000 people have arrived in Britain by small boat so far in 2025. The pilot agreement runs initially until June next year. This is a breaking news story, more follows... 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 federal lawsuit has been filed by the family of one of the 67 people killed in January in a collision between a regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter near Washingtons Reagan National Airport. The complaint, filed on Wednesday, comes from the estate of Casey Crafton, 40, who was killed in the crash as he returned from a business trip in Kansas related to his work in the aviation industry. [M]y young sons and I have to go through life without the love, support, guidance and laughter Casey gave to us on a daily basis, his widow, Rachel Crafton, said in a statement. Im left to raise our sons alone, and these days, weeks, and months have been unbearable as grief weighs heavily over every moment that should be a celebration with Casey. The suit is the first federal complaint over the aviation disaster. It claims the collision, which killed 64 passengers onboard American Eagle Flight 5342, was a wholly avoidable tragedy, naming the Army, American Airlines, its subsidiary PSA Airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration as defendants. open image in gallery Suit claims a series of collective failures from airlines, Army, and federal regulator led to crash that killed 67 people in January of this year ( AP ) The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges a series of collective failures led to the disaster, including the pilots of both aircraft failing to see and avoid each other; regulators failing to separate the craft and issue timely safety alerts; Army pilots flying above their mandated altitude; and the airline companies having manipulated and abused Reagan Nationals arrival system to force in more landings per hour despite knowing that doing so severely limited the margins for safety. The lawsuit also hones in on the alleged decision to route the incoming flight to a runway air traffic controllers said was more difficult, over the reservations of the flights first officer. Tim Lilley, father of the first officer piloting the flight, Sam Lilley, said in a statement to CNN that his family would not be joining the lawsuit. Everyone who lost a loved one in the January 29 accident has the right to pursue the path they feel is best, Lilley said. We respect those choices while standing united in the shared goal of making sure no family ever suffers through such a preventable tragedy again. open image in gallery Lawsuit marks first federal complaint over January aviation disaster ( Getty Images ) The Independent has contacted the parties in the lawsuit for comment. Out of respect for the deceased, their families, and the ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate for the Army to comment on litigation, a spokesperson said in a statement. Our primary focus remains on supporting the families and ensuring the safety of our Soldiers and the public. As the recent NTSB investigative hearing showed, Flight 5342 was on a routine approach to DCA when the Army helicopter that was above the published helicopter route altitude collided with it, American Airlines said in a statement. American has a strong track record of putting the safety of our customers and team members above everything else, it added. We continue to support the ongoing NTSB investigation and will defend American and PSA Airlines against any legal action claiming the airline caused or contributed to this accident. The lawsuit follows a months-long push for accountability over the crash. open image in gallery Airline regulators continue to investigate the crash In July, families tied to the tragedy wrote an open letter accusing the Army of not doing enough to work with them. The letter raised alarm that the military branchs inspector general didnt open an audit into the crash, and that the Army didnt disclose until it was subpoenaed by Congress that the helicopter was flying without a commonly used safety system turned on. The Armys approach contrasts sharply with the more collaborative stance taken by other organizations involved in this incident and raises serious questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability, the letter read. In August, the family of another crash victim, Dustin Miller, 43, filed a federal tort claim seeking $200 million in damages. The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the crash, and it held hearings that month involving members of the FAA and the Army. In July, Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a bill that would require flights to install more anti-collision technology and require the Army to keep it turned on in most circumstances. 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 Black men wrongly accused of killing a pregnant white woman in a high-profile case in Boston in 1989 have received a $150,000 settlement from the city, two years after the mayor issued a formal apology. Alan Swanson and Willie Bennett were wrongly named as suspects in the death of Carol Stuart, whose husband said they had been shot during an attempted carjacking by a Black gunman. Bennett will receive $100,000 from the settlement and Swanson $50,000, city officials said Tuesday. Charles Stuart had instead orchestrated the killing of his wife, Carol Stuart, as they left a birthing class. She was shot in the head, and died the next day, while their baby, delivered by cesarean section, 17 days later. open image in gallery Alan Swanson, left, is embraced by Joseph Bennett, nephew of Willie Bennett, who was not present at the formal apology in 2023 ( AP Photo/Steven Senne ) Charles Stuart, who was also white, was shot in the chest but survived. He died after jumping off a bridge a few months later, as his story fell apart. In the interim, the case sparked a crackdown by police in a traditionally Black neighborhood, heightening racial tensions in the city. Police first arrested Swanson before ruling him out, and then took Bennett into custody. Stuart later identified Bennett as the suspect but neither man was ever formally charged in the case. Mayor Michelle Wu apologized in 2023 for both the pain the men endured and the harm it caused the Black community. What was done to you was unjust, unfair, racist and wrong, she said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Parents of children killed at Camp Mystic during the historic floods in Texas have slammed the summer camps plans to reopen. A total of 27 children and counselors were killed on July 4, with one child still being reported as missing. As Camp Mystic prepares to open its doors once again, workers are planning to build a memorial dedicated to the campers killed at Guadalupe River in Kerr County, 90 miles northeast of San Antonio. We hope this space will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance of these beautiful girls, a letter sent to parents read. Representatives for Camp Mystic stated that they will implement new safety measures in compliance with the Heaven 27 Safety Act. Named in honor of the 27 people who died at the camp, the act was signed into effect on September 5. open image in gallery A total of 27 children and counselors were killed on July 4, with one child still being reported as missing ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Now, camps will need to have safety measures in place, which include emergency warning systems, mandatory evacuation routes, and prohibiting cabins from being built within the floodplain. Additionally, summer camps will need to be regularly inspected and have a minimum counselor-to-camper ratio. However, parents of the girls who died at the camp say that they have not been consulted about the proposed memorial to their children. The families of deceased Camp Mystic campers and counselors were not consulted about and did not approve this memorial, Blake Bonner told The New York Times. Bonners daughter, Lila, was killed in the floods at the age of nine. Matthew Childress, the father of a camp counselor named Chloe who died in July, told The Texas Tribune that he also did not approve the plans. He says that efforts should instead be focused on finding Cile Steward, who disappeared during the flood. Ciles mother, Cici, said the camp failed her daughter. For my family, these months have felt like an eternity. For the camp, it seems like nothing more than a brief pause before business as usual. Camp Mystic is pressing ahead with reopening, even if it means inviting girls to swim in the same river that may potentially still hold my daughters body, she said. open image in gallery One parent says that reopening the park will mean that new campers will swim in the same river that holds her daughters body ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The letter sent to parents said that cabins damaged by floodwater will never be used again when the Guadalupe River site reopens. Only the Cypress Lake campsite will be reopening. According to the letter, plans are being finalized to allow people who live near the Guadalupe River site to stay at Cyprus Lake. Camp Mystic first opened its doors in 1926. open image in gallery The camps director was also killed in the floods as he desperately tried to save campers ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Richard Dick Eastland, the camps director since the 1980s, was killed in the 2025 floods. The late camp director reportedly waited over an hour after receiving a warning of life-threatening flash flooding before issuing an evacuation order. Eastland later died after trying to rescue campers from the floodwaters. The Independent has approached Camp Mystic for further comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The husband of the former HR executive who went viral after being seen cuddling with her boss on a big-screen at a Coldplay concert earlier this year was reportedly at the same show with his own date. Kristin Cabot was caught on camera with Andy Byron, then-CEO of AI-company Astronomer, before jumping out of his arms and ducking out of sight, prompting online rumors of an affair online. A source told The Times that the HR boss was in fact separated from her husband, Andrew Cabot, and had been living apart from him for several weeks. He was in fact at the same Coldplay concert as Kristin, the source told the outlet, contrary to previous reports that Cabot had been in Japan at the time of the viral incident. open image in gallery Kristin Cabot was caught on camera with Andy Byron, then-CEO of AI-company Astronomer, before jumping out of his arms and ducking out of sight, prompting online rumors of an affair online ( @calebu2/TMX ) They had been separated and living apart for several weeks. It was amicable. Kristin was in the box with people from work, though it wasnt a company box, and Andrew was actually there too with a date, with a woman who is now his girlfriend. The source added that Cabot was not hiding and did not know why she had ducked out of the way when pictured on the big screen. She knew it was inappropriate to behave that way with her boss as the head of HR, the source told The Times. It was not that she was caught cheating, it was not some affair. She fully acknowledges [the situation] was inappropriate, but that was the only inappropriate thing she did. Following the incident in July, Byron resigned from his position as head of Astronomer, with Cabot also leaving the company shortly after. The company responded to the incident by hiring Coldplay frontman Chris Martins ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, for a satirical advertisement posted to its Instagram account. open image in gallery Sources said the husband of Kristin Cabot had also been at the same Coldplay concert in Boston, where frontman Chris Martin drew attention to the then-HR execs strange reaction ( Getty ) But earlier this month it was revealed that Cabot, 52, had filed a petition for divorce on August 13. A spokesperson for Andrew Cabot told People magazine that he and his wife were privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert. Their decision to divorce was already underway prior to that evening, the spokesperson added. Now that the divorce filing is public, Andrew hopes this provides respectful closure to speculation and allows his family the privacy theyve always valued. Per The Times, Kristin Cabot had withdrawn from the public eye following the incident and had barely left her home in New Hampshire in the hope of saving her children from the public attention. She has reportedly received hundreds of death threats since the incident went viral. The thing is, something like this could happen to anyone, she was just very very unlucky, the source said. She could not believe that this could be such a global story The level of cruelty and vitriol lobbied at her was unfathomable. 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 Florida retiree will remain in Saudi Arabia until next year after being convicted of cyber crimes over posts criticizing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the mans son. Saad Almadi, 75, won't be allowed to leave Saudi Arabia after he was convicted for distributing online content that undermines public order, according to a September ruling provided by to the Associated Press by Ibrahim Almadi, Saags son. His conviction carries a three-year sentence, but he reportedly won't be sent to prison as he has already spent more than a year incarcerated following his 2021 arrest, the outlet reported. Saag Almadi is prohibited from leaving Saudi Arabia until March 2026 as part of the latest ruling, however. The Saudi government did not respond to a request for comment when approached by AP. Almadi immigrated to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia in the 1970's. In 2021, he returned for what was supposed to be a short trip to visit with his family. Instead, he was arrested and confronted with tweets he made over a span of several years that were critical of the Saudi crown prince. open image in gallery A picture of Saad Almadi, a U.S. citizen who is banned from leaving Saudi Arabia until next year. ( AP ) One of the tweets reportedly referenced Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was brutally murdered in 2018 at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Like Almadi, Khashoggi was critical of the crown prince. In another post, Almadi reportedly criticized what he saw as bin Salman's consolidation of power. Shortly after his arrest, he was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges stemming from his social media posts. Saudi officials eventually dropped the charges after Almadi spent more than a year locked up. However, he was prevented from returning to him home in Boca Raton, Florida. According to previous reporting by AP, Saudi officials have also reportedly been trying to convince Almadi to renounce his U.S. citizenship. open image in gallery Ibrahim Almadi holds a photo of his father Saad Almadi, who was convicted of cyber crimes after allegedly making critical posts about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ( AP ) open image in gallery President Donald Trump said he wasnt aware of Saad AlmadiS case when a reporter asked him about it in May. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) President Donald Trump who in a May visit to Riyadh in May called the crown prince an incredible man has remained largely quiet on Almadi's detainment. When asked in May, Trump said he didn't know about Almadis case, but promised he'd look into the situation. A few weeks later, one of his national security aides, Sebastian Gorka, met with Ibrahim Almadi at the White House. The Independent has approached the White House for comment. Advocates fear that Saag Almadi isn't the only American who has been banned from leaving Saudi Arabia. According to Abdullah Alaoudh, a senior director at the Middle East Democracy Center in Washington, D.C., there are at least four other people one American citizen, two U.S.-Saudi dual citizens, and a U.S. green card holder who are in similar situations. 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 As investigators continued to search for answers following a shooting Wednesday at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas that left one detainee dead and two others wounded, the family of 29-year-old suspect Joshua Jahn struggled to process the news. Reached by phone at her home in a Dallas suburb, shortly after the deadly incident but before authorities had publicly identified Jahn as the suspect, his distraught mother attempted, but was unable, to put her whipsawing emotions into words. Im sorry, I cant talk to you right now, Sharon Jahn told The Independent while sobbing openly. Im sorry, Im so sorry. But I just cant talk to you now. The first shots rang out at around 6:20 a.m., according to authorities. The shooter fired indiscriminately at the building, as well as at a transport van in the structures sallyport, where the victims were hit, the Department of Homeland Security said. Jahns body was discovered on the roof of a nearby immigration attorneys office. Police said he died from a self-inflicted gunshot. open image in gallery Joshua Jahn, seen here in a 2016 mugshot, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot after allegedly opening fire on an ICE facility in Dallas ( Collin County Sheriff/Getty ) Jahns 65-year-old father, Andrew, is a retired mechanical engineer. Sharon, also 65 and retired, worked as the administrator of a massage school in Plano. Jahn has two siblings: a 26-year-old sister, Kioko, and a 30-year-old brother, Noah. Noah Jahn was equally distressed over the shooting Wednesday, telling The Independent that he was not prepared to discuss the situation in any detail. However, it was clear he was just starting to come to grips with what had happened that morning. Im still trying to... Noah Jahn said haltingly. Im back and forth with the police, Im just... He then hung up. Andrew Jahn was unable to be reached. In an earlier interview, Noah Jahn told NBC News that his brother was not particularly political and didnt have strong feelings about ICE, as far as I knew. Jahns voter info shows he was not registered to any particular party. open image in gallery FBI agents seen standing on the roof from which investigators believe the sniper killed two ICE detainees and wounded a third ( Reuters ) However, law enforcement officials said unspent shell casings located near the shooters remains had anti-ICE messages on them. FBI director Kash Patel posted a photo on social media showing what appeared to be a rifle round with the words ANTI-ICE scrawled on it. At the same time, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson emphasized that the situation remained fluid while police investigated. Lets be patient, lets remain calm, and lets let our law enforcement partners ... do their job, Johnson said at a press conference. This is an active investigation. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, and I want to encourage all of you to exercise a little bit of restraint and allow them to do their job. Details about the number of victims and their injuries changed numerous times Wednesday, due to conflicting information being released by federal officials. The names of the victims in Wednesdays attack have not been released. Noah Jahn also told NBC that his parents owned a rifle and that his brother was a competent shooter. But, he insisted his brother was not a marksman, thats for sure, expressing disbelief that he could have carried out the killings. open image in gallery A photo posted by FBI director Kash Patel, showing unspent shell casings found by police near the scene of Wednesdays shooting at an ICE field office in Dallas ( X/@FBIDirectorKash ) open image in gallery Bullet holes can be seen in the glass of a framed American flag inside the Dallas, Texas ICE facility where three people were shot on Wednesday morning ( X/@TriciaOhio ) Joshua Jahn did not have a serious criminal history, according to a review of public records. In 2016, he was caught delivering more than a quarter-ounce but less than 5lb of marijuana, a felony to which he later entered a deferred guilty plea. Jahn received five years probation, a $500 fine, and was ordered to pay $180 restitution, court filings show. Last month, at the same Dallas ICE facility, 36-year-old Bratton Dean Wilkinson was charged with making terroristic threats and falsely claiming to have a bomb in his backpack. Morale among ICE agents has reportedly sunk to an all-time low amid President Donald Trumps mass deportation policy, which has soured public opinion as the federal crackdown has expanded nationwide. ICE personnel on official missions are met regularly by jeering crowds of protesters; the federal government is simultaneously trying to recruit some 10,000 new agents in a colossal expansion spurred on by the Trump administration. To attract applicants, ICE is offering recruits six-figure salaries, five-figure signing bonuses, and student loan forgiveness. 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 New Jersey town official was punished for resisting proposals he argued would illegally profile Jewish and Hispanic residents, according to a lawsuit filed earlier this month. Matthew Howard, former deputy township manager of Howell Township, alleges in the suit that he was retaliated against for push back against the townships abuse of governmental power" that sought to "weaponize housing regulations to punish individuals based on their ethnicity, immigration status, and/or perceived national origin." The suit, filed September 5 in New Jersey Superior Court, claims that Mayor John Leggio and Councilman Ian Nadel proposed requiring proof of citizenship or legal residency to obtain housing documents, and suggested the racially charged enforcement strategy of monitoring residents trash for bottles from Modelo, a Mexican brand, as a proxy for undocumented residents. The alleged anti-Hispanic animus cropped up in other situations, the complaint alleges, including a request by Nadel to use Hispanic-sounding last names to search for potentially illegal rentals. Elsewhere, in 2024, Nadel sought to have code enforcement employees get overtime pay to stake out an address overnight the official believed was owned by Jews, according to the suit, and home to a Jewish Sabbath gathering, in case visitors stayed at the premises overnight. open image in gallery New Jersey town officials wanted to use Mexican beer bottles in trash to screen for undocumented renters, retaliation lawsuit claims ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Howard responded that gathering there was the residents constitutional right and refused the blatantly unlawful directive, the suit claims, warning that a nearby township had recently been found to be violating the law with similar enforcement actions. Retaliation against Howard included officials looking into his personnel file and publicly discussing his salary without notice, and a social media post from Leggio and Nadel that the official claimed tied him to a local murder in June. Following the killing, the officials allegedly wrote online that they were completely disgusted with certain Township officials that allowed this situation to happen. A suspect was later arrested and charged with the killing. open image in gallery Town officials also sought to use Jewish Sabbath service as pretext for eviction, suit claims ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) That month, Howard submitted a tort claiming unlawful retaliation, while another town official, former township manager Joseph Clark, resigned, later submitting a lawsuit of his own. After these complaints, town officials allegedly plotted to replace Clark with the town clerk Diane Festino, bypassing town ordinances that wouldve seen Howard fill in instead. The Independent has contacted the officials named in the suit for comment. China safeguards multilateral trade, advances GDI: vice commerce minister on not seeking new special, differential treatment in WTO negotiations Global Times) 13:26, September 24, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that as a responsible major developing country, China will not seek any new special and differential treatment in the current and future World Trade Organization negotiations, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Li made the remarks at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative held by China on the sidelines of the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. After Li's announcement, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said via social media X that "This is a culmination of many years of hard work and I want to applaud China's leadership on this issue." Following the announcement, Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and vice minister of commerce, said at a MOFCOM's conference that the move is an important policy declaration by China made with both domestic and international considerations in mind. Li Chenggang stressed it reflects China's firm commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system, advancing the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and participating actively in global governance. The decision will serve as a strong boost to trade and investment liberalization and facilitation worldwide, while injecting positive momentum into the reform of the global economic governance system, the vice commerce minister said. He stressed that when China joined the WTO in 2001 as a developing member, enjoying special and differential treatment was a legitimate institutional right. Within the WTO framework, the treatment for developing members mainly includes lower levels of commitments and obligations, longer transition periods for implementation, and access to trade capacity-building and technical assistance. Since joining the WTO, while enjoying these arrangements, China has actively participated in multilateral trade negotiations, he said. Based on its development stage and capacity, China has handled issues concerning special and differential treatment in a pragmatic and voluntary manner, contributing significantly to the conclusion of multiple WTO agreements and to promoting freer and more convenient global trade, the vice commerce minister noted. Li Chenggang stressed that the rules-based multilateral trading system is facing severe challenges, as hegemony, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise in the world. Certain countries have launched repeated trade and tariff wars, which have seriously undermined the system, damaged the legitimate rights and interests of WTO members, disrupted the global economic and trade order, and brought uncertainty and instability to global growth, Li Chenggang said. In this context, China's announcement that it will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future WTO negotiations further demonstrates its firm commitment to supporting the multilateral trading system with concrete actions and its sense of responsibility as a major country. Li emphasized that China remains the world's largest developing country, and this status has not changed. China is always a member of the Global South and will always stand together with other developing countries. Looking ahead, China will stay committed to the goals of Chinese modernization, deepen reform across the board, expand high-level opening-up, and advance high-quality development, according to Li Chenggang. He said China will continue to safeguard the multilateral trading system, take a comprehensive part in WTO reform and the adjustment of international economic and trade rules. It will firmly stand with other developing members to keep development at the center of WTO reform, promote more development-oriented outcomes, and push global economic governance toward a fairer and more equitable direction. During the same MOFCOM press conference, Han Yong, director general of the Department of WTO Affairs at the MOFCOM, stressed that three things will not change in China's approach to current and future WTO negotiations: its status as a developing member, its determination to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing members, and its commitment to promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Looking ahead, Han said China will continue to firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, and is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with all parties to help build an open world economy. He noted that China will take a clear stand against unilateralism and protectionism, while safeguarding the WTO's basic principles and rules, including non-discrimination. Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China has made clear its entry into a new stage of high-level opening-up, against the backdrop of a complex global trade landscape marked by rising unilateralism and protectionism, and China has consistently upheld the irreversible trend of economic globalization and voiced firm support for multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin School of Administration, told the Global Times on Wednesday. In this context, China's decision to not seek new "special and differential treatment" in future WTO negotiations underscores the sense of responsibility as the world's second-largest economy and a major market of unparalleled scale, Cong noted. China remains a developing country, but out of a sense of responsibility and contribution as a major power, it is willing to leave more public resources to countries in greater need, Cong said. "As the largest developing country, China continues to strictly adhere to WTO principles and market rules, while advancing unilateral and voluntary opening-up measures to support the stability and growth of global trade and the multilateral system," Cong said. He stressed that this position highlights China's responsibility and leadership in the current international landscape, aiming to foster global development through openness and inclusiveness. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Commentary By Sylvain Charlebois Prime Minister Mark Carneys nation-building strategy may boast big wins for energy and infrastructure, but it sidelines one of Canadas greatest economic assets: food. His first five flagship projectsthe LNG terminal in Kitimat, a small modular nuclear reactor in Darlington, the $1-billion Contrecoeur container terminal east of Montreal and mineral developments in B.C. and Saskatchewansend a message that Ottawa is ready to build. But for all their ambition, they overlook the sector that feeds the country, powers $90 billion in exports and supports one in nine jobs. Canada is one of the worlds great breadbasketsreliable, safe and absurdly productive. The agri-food sector isnt just farms and tractors; its one of the most advanced, innovative ecosystems weve got. And yet, among Carneys first round of nation-building moonshots, food didnt even get a seat at the table. Sure, the expanded port in Montreal will help grain and processed food shipments. And yes, stable nuclear power might one day shave energy bills for processors and greenhouse growers. But these are trickle-down perksnot the kind of direct investment the sector actually needs. Food deserves its own spotlight. This oversight isnt just symbolicit exposes real pressure points that threaten the entire system. Take Western Canadas beef-packing bottleneck, for example: a few mega-facilities dominate the sector, so when one gets gummed up by a strike or shutdown, it sends shockwaves through the entire supply chain. Farmers are left holding the bagand consumers feel the hit. Expanding and decentralizing capacity would help, but thats just scratching the surface. If Carney wants to prove Canada can be a food power as much as an energy one, we need projects with the same heft and urgency as those just announced. To match the ambition of Carneys energy and infrastructure plans, here are five food-sector nation-builders that would move the dial: The Prairie Gateway Grain and Pulse Terminala rail-linked export hub in Saskatchewan or Manitobawould get lentils, peas, canola and wheat to global markets fast. Think Contrecoeur, but for the Prairies. Protein Supercluster 2.0 would string together state-of-the-art processing facilities to transform raw commodities into premium plant proteins, canola oil and biofuels. A second-generation government-backed innovation corridor, it would help Canada move from raw exports to value-added, export-ready, job-creating production. A National Plant and Animal Science Campus, inspired by Wageningen University in the Netherlandsa world leader in agricultural researchwould centralize the kind of next-gen crop science, livestock genomics and climate-resilient breeding Canada will need to compete in the decades ahead. Call it moonshot science; weve been staring at the ground too long. Northern Food Sovereignty Corridors, featuring investments in greenhouses, vertical farms and logistics, would reduce reliance on overpriced imports and bring fresh food, and economic independence, to northern and Indigenous communities. It would also move reconciliation from speech to action. A Digital Food Traceability Network would use blockchain and AI to track food from seed to supper, slashing waste, boosting consumer confidence and giving our exports a transparency edge in an increasingly picky global market. Carneys five projects are a solid start. They prove Canada can think big. But a real strategy needs to feed people as well as power them. Agriculture cant remain the forgotten cousin in economic planning. The point isnt to downplay the importance of energy or mining. Mines and reactors may fuel prosperity, but its foodand the infrastructure, science and innovation behind itthat will secure it. Canadas real strength lies not just under the ground but in the fields, labs and refrigerated supply chains that keep our plates full and our trading partners coming back for seconds. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher in food distribution and policy. He is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Ohio woman who ordered Charlie Kirks go-to Starbucks drink was shocked to find a hateful message racists fav drink scrawled on her cup. Autumn Perkinsshared a photo on Facebook of the drink she ordered from a Starbucks location inside a Kroger in Middletown, a city 40 miles north of Cincinnati, noting that she, like many of Kirks fans, was inspired to order his favorite drink following his death. However, her Mint Majesty tea with two honeys allegedly came with an insulting message: racists fave drink on the side of the cup. The girl at Starbucks thought she was cute. I dont even support Starbucks bc of everything they stand for starting with their satanic logo, but I support Charlie Kirk so I thought you know what Ill get his drink, she wrote on Facebook. Thank you Starbucks for proving to me exactly why I prefer to support my small local Christian owned and operated coffee shop. Well done, she added. open image in gallery An Ohio Starbucks worker was fired after leaving a hateful message on a drink made popular by conservative activst Charlie Kirk ( Getty ) Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing activist, was fatally shot during an event with his conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University on September 10. The killing of Kirk, who was often viewed as a controversial figure, has sparked an intense debate about free speech. After speaking with the manager of the franchise outlet, Perkins learned that the employee had admitted to writing the hateful message and was fired. I would agree that people should be fired if theyre doing something like this, Perkins I feel like Charlie stood for respect we dont have to agree on everything. We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other. open image in gallery Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at a Utah college earlier this month ( AP ) Starbucks slammed the employees actions, noting in a statement, Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment. The statement also noted that this particular Starbucks location is licensed and operated by Kroger, which terminated the employee. Kroger confirmed the firing to Fox, writing in a statement, This behavior does not reflect Krogers values. While Perkins says she visits Starbucks solely when shes traveling because its what is available, she doesnt plan on giving them any more of her business. I dont intend to spend another penny at Starbucks and as far as Im concerned, neither will my children or anybody else in my family who will listen to me, she said. The incident comes after a Starbucks employee in California refused a customers request to write Charlie Kirks name on their cup. In a viral TikTok video, a woman claimed that Starbucks refused to write or say Charlie Kirks name. I never went in talking about politics, just mentioned his name to have it written on my cup to honor him. open image in gallery A Starbucks employee in California refused to write Charlie Kirks name on a cup for a customer earlier this month ( Getty Images ) After the incident took off online, Starbucks issued a statement saying there are no restrictions on customers using Charlie Kirks name on their order. In a lengthier statement, the company said: Starbucks is a company built on human connection. Having a name, rather than a number, attached to a customer order has been a core part of the Starbucks coffeehouse experience for decades. Most customers use their own name. And when a customer wants to use a different name including the name Charlie Kirk when ordering their drink in our cafe, we aim to respect their preference, it continued. Over the years, we have had instances where some people have tried to abuse the system. For example, theyve provided something that isnt a name at all, but rather a political slogan with the aim of having our barista shout it out as they hand off the finished drink. And in some cases, as their name, they have provided words that are sexually explicit or otherwise offensive. We aim to be a community coffeehouse where everyone feels welcome, so we have previously provided guidance to our partners to respectfully ask the customer to use a different name when attempting to use political slogans or phrases in place of their name. We are clarifying with our team now that names, on their own, can be used by customers on their cafe order, as they wish. 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 Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity TV doctor-turned-federal-administrator, publicly broke with his boss, Donald Trump, on Tuesday after the president made wild claims about Tylenol being a cause of autism if taken by pregnant women. Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, appeared on TMZ Live as the health world continued to react to the Trump administrations pronouncement that use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy was linked to diagnoses of autism. Evidence on the matter is inconclusive, and many studies suggest that the accusations are unfounded. The former TV doc told TMZs hosts what many independent medical experts urged in the wake of the administrations pronouncement on Monday: that pregnant women fighting illnesses that cause fevers may still be prescribed the drug by their doctors, and should follow those recommendations from their primary-care providers. If you have a high fever.the doctors almost certainly going to prescribe you something, said Oz, whod stood beside Trump as the president urged mothers not to take the drug a day earlier. Tylenol might be one of the things they give [you]. Take it when its appropriate, Oz then said, before adding that Tylenol was probably your best option for fighting lower-grade fevers that dont require hospitalization. Dr Oz, right, stood alongside Donald Trump and RFK Jr. as Trump gave unqualified medical advice to women from behind the presidential seal on Monday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Trumps administration has been under pressure from supporters of his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., since the president took office in January to commit federal resources to discovering the factors which may contribute to children being diagnosed with conditions on the autism spectrum. Kennedy, a longtime supporter of alternative medicine and a skeptic of established medical discipline and practice, has in the past suggested links between the condition and various unproven causes such as early childhood vaccinations. In reality, most experts agree that the reason for the spike in autism diagnoses is the contemporary understanding of a condition that was barely understood by the public even a few decades ago. One U.S. government-funded study, the largest to date on the subject of autism diagnoses, found that taking Tylenol during pregnancy carried no increased risk of a later autism diagnosis for infants. Dimitrios Siassakos, professor in obstetrics and gynecology at University College London and honorary consultant in obstetrics at University College London Hospital (UCLH), has said: Autism results from several factors, often combined, particularly genetic predisposition, and sometimes low oxygen at the time of birth as a result of complications. Research has shown that any apparent marginal increase as a result of paracetamol/acetaminophen use in pregnancy tends to disappear when the analyses take into account the factors that matter most, he continued. On Monday, Trump hosted a press conference with Kennedy at the White House where the president went beyond even the unproven claims being pushed by Kennedy to make his own pronouncement on the drug that was full of his typical bluster and imprecision: With Tylenol, dont take it. Dont take it. Many doctors have reacted to the presidents remarks this week with worry that his unproven claims will cause feelings of judgement and shame among mothers of children diagnosed as autistic out of fear they were to blame for their childs diagnosis. The makers of Tylenol, meanwhile, are bracing for an onslaught of legal claims in the wake of Trumps press conference. 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 Looks like Elon Musk was too good at firing government employees now we dont have enough. The White House is suddenly asking hundreds of federal employees who were fired or took buyouts during Musks Department of Government Efficiency purge of the bureaucracy in the opening weeks of Donald Trumps second term to return to their jobs. Last week, the General Services Administration sent an internal memorandum to the workers, most of whom have been on what amounts to a months-long paid vacation, notice that they have until the end of this week to accept or decline an offer for reinstatement to the federal workforce and return to their former jobs starting Oct. 6. Their return will allow the agency, which is charged with managing federal office space and handling purchasing of all manner of supplies from ballpoint pens to bullet-resistant vests, to clear a massive backlog of work that has cost taxpayers an untold amount of money by forcing the government to pay more to stay in properties where leases had been slated for termination or were permitted to expire. Chad Becker, a former GSA real estate official who now represents owners with government leases at Arco Real Estate Solutions, said his former employer was left broken by cuts inflicted by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency that went too far and too fast, leaving the GSA without the people they needed to carry out basic functions. Elon Musk fired too many government employees and now the Trump administration is trying to get some back on the job ( AFP/Getty ) The GSAs move comes after a number of executives who were installed during Musks time in government had themselves been forced out following the billionaires high-profile departure from the White House amid a clash with Trump over his signature spending package. A spokesperson for the agency said new leadership had reviewed workforce actions and is making adjustments in the best interest of the customer agencies we serve and the American taxpayers, The GSA is just one of numerous federal agencies that have in recent weeks moved to reverse course and bring back workers who were ousted or accepted the Musk-backed Fork in the Road offer to leave their jobs but remain on the federal payroll through the end of this month. Last month, the Internal Revenue Service told workers whod accepted the deferred resignation package that they could elect to return to their positions, effectively rolling back an effort led by Musk and supported by President Donald Trump to slash roughly a quarter of the tax collection agencys 80,000-person workforce. Additionally, the Department of Labor has allowed workers who took buyout offers to return to their jobs if desired, and the National Park Service has reinstated workers who were fired or resigned during the opening months of the administration. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fox News' Bill Hemmer made a wild reach on Wednesday when he tried to link a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas to Jimmy Kimmels apparent lack of remorse after his controversial comments about Charlie Kirks death. Three people were injured at a Dallas ICE facility when a gunman opened fire from an adjacent rooftop. Law enforcement confirmed that at least one victim died at the scene, and the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities confirmed that no officers were hurt in the attack. The FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo of bullet casings on social media, with "anti-ICE" scrawled on one of them. On Tuesday night, Kimmel returned to television after he was briefly suspended for accusing MAGA Republicans of trying to score political points in the aftermath of political influencer Kirks shooting, and trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them." open image in gallery Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer tried to tie late night host Jimmy Kimmels alleged lack of remorse upon his return to television to a fatal shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas ( Fox News screen grab ) ABCs parent company Disney said they had thoughtful conversations with the host over his ill-timed comments ahead of his return. Hammer made the comments on Fox News' Outnumbered show on Wednesday during a segment discussing the shooting and anti-ICE sentiment, Mediaite reports. This is why Jimmy Kimmel needed to say, Im sorry.' And he didnt," Hemmer said. He continued, insisting that Kimmel needed to "call Erika Kirk" Kirk's widow and "talk to her." "And he needs to go on his program and say, I had this lovely conversation with this grieving widow. And this is what we discussed," Hemmer said. "Thats the proper way you manage this. And that did not happen. In an emotional monologue Tuesday, Kimmel told his audience that he had sent love to Kirks family, and said Erikas eulogy to her late husband on Sunday touched me deeply. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him, Kimmel said. That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. Thats it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. Hemmer wasn't the only conservative frustrated by Kimmel's return, however. open image in gallery Late night host Jimmy Kimmel on the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel returned to television after a brief suspension caused by comments he made suggesting Tyler Robinson, who allegedly shot and killed Charlie Kirk, was a conservative ( Disney ) Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but its their mistake to make. Nextstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice," Andrew Kolvet, Kirk's former executive producer and Turning Point USA's spokesperson, wrote in an X post. Sinclair and Nexstar are companies that own broadcast stations across the U.S. Both have said that Kimmel's show will remain off air in some markets. MAGA loyalist Megyn Kelly, who was fired by NBC News in 2018 after she questioned why dressing up in blackface for a Halloween costume is unacceptable, was also peeved by Kimmel's return. Must be nice to be a leftist. Cancellation lasts five nights and youre right back under klieg lights. On the right, youre underground, she wrote. Disney, which owns ABC and thus Kimmel's show, has faced criticism from all sides amid the controversy. Republicans complained about Kimmel's comments, then liberals responded to his cancellation by demanding a boycott. Now that Kimmel is back, some conservatives are once again calling for their own boycott of Disney. Kimmel was thankful to Disney and ABC for welcoming him back after the ordeal, but he joked that Federal Communications Commission boss Brendan Carr and Trump were going to have to "release the Epstein files to distract us from this now." 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 A new poll from YouGov has found that 20 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds, commonly known as Generation Z, think that political violence is sometimes justified. Respondents were surveyed on September 11, a day after right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University. A total of 2643 US adults were interviewed as part of the study. The findings mean that members of Gen Z are more in favor of political violence than any other group. Millennials were the second-largest group, with 14 percent of people aged 30-49 stating it could sometimes be justified. Meanwhile, just 8 percent of 45-64-year-olds and 3 percent of people aged over 65 said that political violence was sometimes acceptable. open image in gallery Twenty percent of Gen Z said that political violence is sometimes justifiable, a day after the assassination of Charlie Kirk ( AP ) Lucas Walsh, professor of youth politics at Monash University, told Newsweek that Generation Zs more aggressive view on politics has its roots in a darkening political climate. He says American teenagers and young adults have grown up in the shadow of the climate crisis, cost-of-living pressures, geopolitical conflict, and the divisive platforms of social media. In the wake of Charlie Kirks death, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also said that social media has played a direct role in fuelling violence in the US. I believe that social media has played a direct role in every single assassination and assassination attempt that we have seen over the last five, six years, he told NBC News Meet The Press. open image in gallery There has been a spike in political violence in America over the last year, including two assassination attempts against Donald Trump ( AP ) Over the last year, the U.S. has seen a spike in political violence, including two assassination attempts against Donald Trump during the 2024 Presidential Campaign. The first attempt, in Butler, Pennsylvania, saw the Republican being shot in the ear before he chanted fight, fight, fight. A picture of Trump being removed from the stage with his fist in the air quickly went viral on social media. Months later, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in December 2024. Luigi Mangione was arrested following the killing, with investigators finding him in possession of a manifesto which described insurers as parasites and that the problem needed brutal honesty. Mangione denies being involved in the shooting. open image in gallery Luigi Mangione became the center of online discourse around political violence after he was accused of killing an insurance CEO ( New York Post ) In the weeks following Charlie Kirks assassination, the Trump administration was quick to blame the radical left and left-wing rhetoric for the increase in political violence. His vice president, JD Vance, also blamed left-wing extremism. However, Democrats have pointed to the presidents own rhetoric, including Trumps claim that he feels hate for his enemies while speaking at Kirks memorial. Lets take a hard look at where this violence is really coming from. Seventy-six percent of extremist killings are committed by far-right extremists, and four percent by far-left extremists. I condemn that four percent, but as a country we must be honest about the true source of this violence, Seth Moulton, a Democratic Congressman, told CNN. 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 North Carolina republicans are calling for the removal of a magistrate judge who presided over the previous release of a man who is now charged with the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal train attack on the 23-year-old in Charlotte last month. The incident sparked renewed debate about public safety and crime across the U.S., with Browns own criminal record and concerns about his mental health raising questions about how and why he was released from prison. Brown, who has schizophrenia, had previously been arrested 14 times, with convictions for theft, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats, leading to a six-year prison sentence in 2015 for incidents dating to 2013 and 2014. He was released in 2020. In January this year, while in hospital, Brown told police officers who had been called that he was being controlled by a man-made substance. During his interaction with the officers, Brown reportedly became frustrated and dialled 911, asking for the police. The officers on the scene arrested him on a charge of misuse of 911. Brown was later released after signing a written promise to appear at his next court hearing, according to court documents signed by Stokes, a magistrate judge for the Charlotte District in Mecklenburg County Court, North Carolina. Surveillance footage shows Decarlos Brown Jr. sitting behind Iryna Zarutska last month ( Charlotte Area Transit System ) Stokess interpretation of pretrial release statutes calls into question her fitness for service, according to Republican Congressman Mark Harris, the representative for North Carolinas 8th district. The entire NC Republican delegation called for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes for letting Iryna Zarutska's murderer out on the streets, Rep. Harris said in a post on X, adding: Is Stokes still making judgments for other criminals even though she has lost the public's confidence? While Stokes is responsible for making bail decisions in the misuse of 911 charge Brown faced earlier this year, and therefore weighing up the risk he posed to the public given his previous convictions over a decade ago, legal experts have expressed broader concerns about how the justice system can respond to cases like this. Matthew Mangino, a former district attorney in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, told Newsweek: "The unseen failure is the dismantling of community mental health care. Brown has mental health problems. Was he receiving mental health treatment while on the street? Unfortunately, for some former offenders, the only place they receive mental health care is in jail or prison. Should a judge send someone 'accused' of a crime to jail simply because they are mentally ill?" President Donald Trump pledged a decisive response to the murder of Zarutska, writing on his Truth Social platform: The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a Quick (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!! Zarutska fled the war in Ukraine along with her mother and siblings in 2022. Brown has been charged with first-degree murder a federal crime that could make him eligible for the death penalty. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The U.S. attorneys office in the Eastern District of Virginia is preparing to issue a formal indictment against James Comey, the former FBI director who ran the agency when it investigated both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, a report Wednesday revealed. The formal charges were not known, MSNBC reported, but were likely to include a charge of lying under oath to Congress when he testified to the House Oversight Committee and denied authorizing leaks to the media in September of 2020. If the indictment goes forward, it would make Comey the first on a list of Donald Trumps enemies targeted by his administration to be formally charged, though the president has urged Attorney General Pam Bondi and his various other deputies to pursue prosecutions against other Democrats and political foes, including Sen. Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide with little federal court or prosecutorial experience, just took over the Eastern District office this week as acting U.S. attorney. A fervent Trump loyalist and yet another member of his legal defense team tapped for a key role at DOJ, shes taking over an operation which MSNBC reported had been in the works for several weeks. Halligans predecessor in the role, Erik Siebert, the U.S. Attorney confirmed by Congress for the Virginia district, submitted his resignation on Friday. Shortly beforehand, Trump told reporters he wanted Siebert out because he learned that Virginias Democratic senators had supported his nomination earlier this year. open image in gallery Former FBI director James Comey is seen on Capitol Hill ( Getty Images ) But Sieberts resignation reportedly came after he failed to make a case on mortgage fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James. The Trump administration had pressured Siebert to bring charges against James, despite the fact that investigators failed to find evidence of wrongdoing, ABC News reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Halligan, meanwhile, has no prosecutorial experience or background in national security, two factors which put her at a disadvantage as she steps into the role of acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, which given its proximity to the Capital, often tries such cases. She previously served as a White House aide, and helped lead the effort to Trumpify the Smithsonian Institution. Trump infamously fired Comey during his first term when he grew impatient with the months-long investigation taken over by the Justice Departments special counsel, Robert Mueller, in 2017. The investigation was originally launched by Comey into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Comey clashed with Trump repeatedly before his firing over his refusal to confirm that Trump personally was not under investigation for criminal activity. CNN reported separately on Wednesday that the DOJ was nearing a decision on that case; the statute of limitations surrounding perjury expire next week as it relates to Comeys 2020 testimony. open image in gallery Lindsey Halligan, part of former US President Donald Trump's legal team, leaves the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building & Courthouse after a court hearing in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 1, 2022. ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent reported previously that the president was receiving frequent reports from two of his MAGA operatives stationed at the Justice Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency as he sought to engineer criminal prosecutions of his enemies. An emailed request for comment to the former FBI director did not receive an immediate response Wednesday afternoon. The Independent also reached out to the Justice Department. At the Justice Department, special prosecutor Ed Martin is reporting directly to the president outside of the typical DOJ chain of command as he participates in the scheme, which has frustrated some senior Justice leadership. Halligan is another one of those loyalists, and was just installed as acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia where she represents one of the final missing links in the chain connecting Trumps ambitions of targeting his political enemies and reality. This latest development comes less than a week after the president demanded in a Truth Social posting addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi that the Justice Department take further strides to launch politically-driven prosecutions of his enemies, with little pretext other than revenge. Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done, Trump wrote Saturday evening. The post finished with Trump declaring, [w]e cant delay any longer, its killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! The president also expressed confidence in Halligan in a separate post suggesting shed be working closely with Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in the role. She is extremely intelligent, fearless and, working with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, has the strength and determination to be absolutely OUTSTANDING in this new and very important role, Trump wrote of Halligan. The appointment of Halligan is another gambit for Trump, whose own confidence in the malleability of the judicial system may clash with reality if Comeys case goes to trial. The president installed another novice litigator, Fox News star Jeanine Pirro, in as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia only for Pirro to struggle to bring successful cases against protesters and some residents swept up in Trumps crackdown on Washington D.C. 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 Vice President JD Vance shared an infamous joke meme of himself on X shortly after denouncing the sniper shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Dallas, which he claimed was an attack on law enforcement. An hour after decrying the apparent anti-ICE Texas attack, the vice president shared the meme in response to a clip of former MSNBC host Joy Reid talking about diversity, equity and inclusion, as she speculated about how Vance was admitted to Yale. Maybe the way JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in white men from New York from the elite schools and they wanted an Appalachian white, Reid said. Thats how that man got into Yale, I promise you. Thats also affirmative action and DEI, she added Tuesday on the Don Lemon Show. His last post before that had been a serious one about the unfolding drama in Dallas. Vance posted on X, The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. open image in gallery An hour after posting about the Texas attack, the vice president shared the meme in response to a clip of former MSNBC host Joy Reid talking about diversity, equity and inclusion, as she speculated about how Vance was admitted to Yale ( @JDVance/X ) Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News that no ICE agents were injured in the shooting. We believe he was shooting at law enforcement and detainees from an apartment building, McLaughlin told the network. Detainees were among the victims of the shooting. In a statement, ICE said the shooter was firing indiscriminately, according to CBS News. At a press conference, the FBI said ammunition at the scene contained anti-ICE messaging but officials refused to share further details about the shooter or the victims. The vice president was immediately called out for jumping to conclusions so early on in the investigation. Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed during the 2018 Parkland school shooting, asked the vice president why he didnt share a similar sentiment after three police officers were killed in a shooting in Pennsylvania last week. open image in gallery At a press conference, the FBI said ammunition at the scene contained anti-ICE messaging, but officials refused to share further details about the shooter or the victims ( AP ) Hey @JDVance, did you say anything about the law enforcement shooting in PA last week where officers were killed? Did that just not fit your narrative? Guttenberg said. Maybe I missed it but I don't think so. MSNBC anaylst Tim Miller said it was irresponsible and sick. The Vice President is live-tweeting a mass shooting to try to score political points and he's got it totally wrong, Miller said. The people who were killed were detainees, not law enforcement. The meme craze surrounding Vance appeared to blow up in October 2024, when a user on X posted a picture of the then-senator with slightly rounder cheeks. In March, the vice president told Julio Rosas of the rightwing outlet The Blaze that he thinks its a funny trend. 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 Jimmy Kimmels return to TV on Tuesday night moved his mother to tears, a new report reveals. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC Tuesday after parent company Disney had thoughtful conversations with the host over his ill-timed comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Leesa Bates told People she sat next to Kimmels parents, Joan and James, at Tuesdays taping in Hollywood, California, on Tuesday night. She recalled that Kimmels mother teared up as her son filmed the episode. I saw her wiping her eyes several times, Bates said. She said that it was a rough week for everybody, and it was a really rough period, she added. open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel pictured with his parents, Joan and James Kimmel, in 2015. Joan teared up during the first episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live since ABC announced the show would return to air, according to an audience member who sat with her ( Rob Latour/Shutterstock ) Kimmels latest monologue has already gone viral online, accumulating more than 14 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million views on Instagram as of Wednesday afternoon. The clip is now Kimmels most-watched upload in more than a year, Rolling Stone reports. Bates told People that Kimmels mom was very nice and that she was close to tears even before the show started. She said, If I start to cry, I'm sorry, Bates recalled. And I said, No, if you start to cry, Im going to start to cry. And we did. But it was very sweet. Shes a very nice lady. Kimmels show was suspended by ABC, Nexstar and Sinclair after he sparked outrage by accusing MAGA Republicans of using Kirks killing to score political points. Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, and police have since charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the murder. We had some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said on September 15. FCC Chair Brendan Carr called Kimmels comments truly sick and suggested ABCs license could be at risk over it. Shortly afterward, ABC moved to suspend Kimmels show. While ABC reversed its decision on Monday, Nexstar and Sinclair have since said their networks will not air the talkshow. Before Kimmel returned, big names in Hollywood and politics like former President Barack Obama quickly condemned his shows suspension and raised questions about free speech. More than 400 celebrities signed an open letter against his suspension over the weekend, while protests erupted outside of Kimmels Hollywood studio last week. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. President Donald Trump also weighed in. He initially celebrated ABCs decision to preempt Kimmels show last week, but went on to criticize the network when they announced it would resume airing. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel Live resumed airing on ABC on Tuesday night ( Disney ) In his viral monologue, Kimmel was audibly choked up and emotional as he explained his intentions in last weeks episode. I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, Kimmel said. I dont think theres anything funny about it. Kimmel went on to tell his audience he had since sent love to Kirks family and asked for compassion. I meant it and I still do, nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual, Kimmel said. The host also praised a beautiful moment that had taken place at Kirks public memorial in Arizona over the weekend. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him, Kimmel said, as he choked up again. That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. Thats it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. 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 Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to late-night on Tuesday evening, a week after ABC suspended him for making insensitive comments about the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, incensing members of Donald Trumps MAGA movement. Jimmy Kimmel Live! was taken off air indefinitely after the host criticized the rights response to Kirks assassination at Utah Valley University earlier this month, saying conservatives were desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it. Since reinstated, Kimmel, close to tears at several points, thanked people who had reached out to him with messages of support from fellow comics to members of the public and even Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and said it had never been his intention to make light of Kirks killing, describing his shooter as a deeply disturbed individual and a sick person who believed violence was a solution and it isnt, ever. open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to his chat show on Tuesday evening, delivering an emotional opening monologue clarifying his remarks about Charlie Kirks murder and thanking wellwishers for their support ( Disney/AP ) However, members of the presidents MAGA constituency were equally angered by Kimmels return and apparently unswayed by the hosts gracious efforts to make amends. Andrew Kolvet, Kirks former executive producer and a Turning Point spokesperson, wrote on X: Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but its their mistake to make. Nextstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice. Kolvet appeared to be attempting to exert pressure on the two right-leaning networks to continue to refuse to air Kimmels show on syndication. An account on the same platform called MAGA Voice added: Disney ABC let the WOKE Mob get to them and decided to bring back Jimmy Kimmel. TIME TO BOYCOTT DISNEY. Former Trump critic turned MAGA-loyalist Megyn Kelly observed: Must be nice to be a leftist. Cancellation lasts five nights and youre right back under klieg lights. On the right, youre underground. Cryptocurrency influencer Tiffany Fong posted a profoundly unappetizing photo of a chili dog and claimed she could attract more responses to her tweet than Kimmels average viewership, which she put at 126,000, claiming victory in a follow-up despite the audience figures for Tuesdays show not having been published yet. They are likely to be far in excess of his usual numbers due to the heightened public interest. Conservative comedian Rob Schneider, the star of Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999) and The Hot Chick (2002), meanwhile, put up an open letter to Kimmel accusing him of misrepresenting his original comments about Kirk in his opening monologue and being personally responsible for the state of political polarization in the U.S. More successful comic actor and director Ben Stiller, by contrast, paid tribute to Kimmel for his brilliant monologue, a response typical of the contrasting liberal reaction to last nights broadcast. open image in gallery Kimmel is embraced by his sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez on Tuesdays show ( Disney/AP ) The comedian said in the opening of his show that he had been very moved by widow Erika Kirk saying she forgave her husbands attacker at Sundays memorial gathering in Arizona, calling it a very beautiful moment, a selfless act of grace, and an example of Christian compassion for others to follow. Kimmel also expressed gratitude to ABC and its parent company Disney for welcoming him back, but was less warm towards Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr and Trump, joking that the presidents attempt to cancel him had backfired bigly and commenting: He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. Trump made clear his displeasure before Kimmels appearance, complaining on Truth Social: I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. ABC told the White House that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings. Commentary By Daniel Zekveld If the law Parliament plans to roll out in 2027 had been on the books 15 years ago, Member of Parliament Andrew Lawton says hed probably be dead. Hes not exaggerating. Hes referring to Canadas scheduled expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to include people suffering only from mental illness. Lawton, who survived a suicide attempt during a period of deep depression, knows whats at stake. So do others whove shared similar stories. What they needed back then wasnt a government-approved exit plan. They needed care, time, and something MAiD quietly discards: the possibility of recovery. MAiD, medical assistance in dying, was legalized in Canada in 2016 for people with grievous and irremediable physical conditions. The 2027 expansion would, for the first time, allow people to request MAiD solely on the basis of a mental illness, even if they have no physical illness or terminal condition. With the expansion now delayed to March 2027, Parliament will once again have to decide whether it wants to cross this particular moral threshold. Although the legislation was passed in 2021, it has never come into force. First pushed back to 2024, then to 2027, it remains stalled, not because of foot-dragging, but due to intense medical, ethical and public concern. Parliament should scrap the expansion altogether. A 2023 repeal attempt came surprisingly closejust 17 votes short, at 167 to 150. Thats despite unanimous support from Conservative, NDP and Green MPs. You read that right: all three parties, often at each others throats, agreed that death should not be an option handed out for depression. Their concern wasnt just ethical, it was practical. The core issues remain unresolved. Theres no consensus on whether mental illness is ever truly irremediablewhether it can be cured, improved or even reliably assessed as hopeless. Ask 10 psychiatrists and youll get 12 opinions. Recovery isnt rare. But authorizing MAiD sends the opposite message: that some peoples pain is permanent, and the only answer is to make it stoppermanently. Meanwhile, access to real mental health care is sorely lacking. A 2023 Angus Reid Institute poll found 40 per cent of Canadians who needed treatment faced barriers getting it. Half of Canadians said they outright oppose the expansion. Another 21 percent werent sureperhaps assuming Canada wouldnt actually go through with something so dystopian. But 82 percent agreed on one thing: dont even think about expanding MAiD before fixing the mental health system. That disconnect between what people need and what theyre being offered leads to a more profound contradiction. Canada spends millions promoting suicide prevention. There are hotlines, campaigns and mental health initiatives. Offering MAiD to people in crisis sends a radically different message: suicide prevention ends where bureaucracy begins. Even Quebec, normally Canadas most enthusiastic adopter of progressive policy experiments, has drawn the line. The province has said mental disorders dont qualify for MAiD, period. Most provincial premiers and health ministers have called for an indefinite delay. Internationally, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has condemned Canadas approach and urged the government not to proceed. Taken together, the message is clear: both at home and abroad, theres serious alarm over where this policy leads. With mounting opposition and the deadline for implementation approaching in 2027, Parliament will again revisit the issue this fall. A private members bill from MP Tamara Jansen, Bill C-218, which seeks to repeal the 2027 expansion clause, will bring the issue back to the floor for debate. Her speech introducing the bill asked MPs to imagine someones child, broken by job loss or heartbreak, reaching a dark place. Imagine they feel a loss so deep they are convinced the world would be better off without them, she said. Our society could end a persons life solely for a mental health challenge. That isnt compassion. Thats surrender. Expanding MAiD to mental illness risks turning a temporary crisis into a permanent decision. It treats pain as untreatable, despair as destiny, and bureaucracy as wisdom. It signals to the vulnerable that Canada is no longer offering helpjust a final form to sign. Parliament still has time to reverse course. It should reject the expansion, reinvest in suicide prevention and reassert that mental suffering deserves treatmentnot a state-sanctioned exit. Daniel Zekveld is a Policy Analyst with the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) Canada. 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 Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his late-night show Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension for remarks he made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing. For 16 minutes, Kimmel mixed humor, pointed messages, and emotion to talk about his suspension, the support he's received, and praised Kirk's widow. Here are seven key moments from his opening monologue, edited for clarity and brevity. Kimmel talks about the support he's received "Im not sure who had a weirder 48 hours. Me or the CEO of Tylenol. So its been overwhelming. Ive heard from a lot of people over the last six days. Ive heard from all the people in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times. Weird characters from my past are emai the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle where we are not airing tonight by the way Sorry, Seattle. His name is Larry. In 1989, Larry tried to force me to do a bit called Jokes for Donuts, where people would call in with a joke and I would give them donuts. I refused to do it. And then I made a lot of fun of Larry for suggesting it. And eventually Larry fired me and I had to move back in with my parents. But even he wrote in to cheer me up. Thank you Larry, and I want to thank everyone who checked in on the show. Some that I do especially want to mention are my fellow late-night talk show hosts, my friend Stephen Colbert. Hes found himself in this predicament. My friends Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan OBrien, James Corden, Arsenio, Kathy, Wanda, Chelsea, even Jay (Leno) reached out. I heard from late-night hosts in other countries, from Ireland and from Germany. The guy in Germany offered me a job. Can you imagine? This country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like, Come here. Cut loose. My boyhood idols, Howard Stern and David Letterman, were very considerate and kind and I feel honored to be part of a group of people that knows what goes into doing a show like this. And I also want to thank all of you I do who supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard. I will never forget it." open image in gallery Republican Senator Ted Cruz was among those to give his support to Kimmel after his suspension ( AP ) Kimmel on support from surprising places Kimmel: "And maybe, weirdly, maybe, most of all, I want to thank the people who dont support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. I never would have imagined if, like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz who believe it or not, said something very beautiful on my behalf. Ted Cruz clip: I hate what Jimmy Kimmel said. I am thrilled that he was fired. Kimmel: Oh, wait, no, not that -- the other part. Ted Cruz clip: But let me tell you, if the government gets in the business of saying (crosstalk) what you can and cant say what you the media have said, were going to ban you from the airwaves if you dont say what we like, that will end up bad for conservatives. Kimmel: "I dont think Ive ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right. Hes absolutely right. This affects all of us, including him. I mean, think about it. If Ted Cruz cant speak freely, then he cant cast spells on the Smurfs. Even though I dont agree with many of those people on most subjects, some of the things they say even make me want to throw up. It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration. They did, and they deserve credit for it. And thank for telling your followers that our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, and that we have to stand up to it. " open image in gallery I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we dont agree on politics at all. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, Kimmel said upon his return ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Kimmel talks about Charlie Kirk "I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it. I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what, it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did, point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance Id have felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we dont agree on politics at all. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isnt ever. And also, selfishly, I am, I am a person who gets a lot of threats. I get many ugly and scary threats against my life, my wife, my kids, my coworkers because of what I choose to say. And I know those threats dont come from the kind of people on the right who I know and love. So thats what I wanted to say on that subject. " Kimmel on the FCC and chairman Brendan Carr "I want you to think about this: Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts the cell phone companies and Wi-Fi providers are allowed to let you download to make sure they serve the public interest? You think that sounds crazy, but 10 years ago, this sounded crazy, Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC, telling an American company, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, and that these companies can find ways to change, conduct and take action on Kimmel or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. In addition to being a direct violation of the First Amendment, is not a particularly intelligent threat to make in public. Ted Cruz said he sounded like a mafioso. Although I dont know, if you want to hear a mob boss make a threat like that, you have to hide a microphone in a deli and park outside in a van with a tape recorder all night long. This genius said it on a podcast. open image in gallery Just prior to Kimmels return, Trump railed against the host saying that he believed ABC had canceled his show ( Getty Images ) Kimmel says Trump has boosted ratings You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. ABC's condition for Kimmel returning and the host's gratitude "I know a lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return to the air, and there is one. Disney has asked me to read the following statement, and, I have agreed to do it. Here we go: To reactivate your Disney+ and Hulu account, open the Disney+ app on your smart TV or TV connected device. (laughter) Ive been, um, fortunate to work at a company that has allowed me to do the show the way we want to do it for almost 23 years. Ive done almost 4,000 shows on ABC. And over that time, the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot. Every night, theyve defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform. And I am very grateful for that. With that said, I was not happy when they pulled me off the air on. I did not agree with that decision and I told them that and we had many conversations. I shared my point of view. They shared theirs. We talked it through and at the end, even though they didnt have to, they really didnt have to. This is a giant company. We have short attention spans, and I am a tiny part of the Disney Corporation. They welcomed me back on the air and I thank them for that. But unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk." open image in gallery Kimmel said urged people to follow Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirks widows, example of forgiveness ( AFP via Getty Images ) Kimmel says to follow Erika Kirk's example of forgiveness "There was a moment over the weekend, a very beautiful moment. I dont know if you saw this. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was. Thats, thats it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many. And if theres anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that." 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 Jimmy Kimmel became audibly choked up and emotional as he returned to air Tuesday night, assuring his audience that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. The late-night talk-show host, who was suspended indefinitely last week after making comments about the death of MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk, was greeted by two lengthy standing ovations as he kicked off his show, and thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle for their support. If you like me, you like me. If you dont, you dont. I have no illusions about changing anyones mind, he said, appearing to break down as he added: But I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. During an episode of his show on Monday, September 15, Kimmel accused Republicans of using Kirks death to score political points. He also joked that President Trump was grieving the conservative activists murder the way a four-year-old mourns a goldfish. The remarks sparked outrage from the right, with members of the Trump administration, including the president himself, calling for his firing and the cancellation of his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle for their support ( AP ) In Tuesdays monologue, Kimmel clarified that he had sent love to Kirks family via social media and asked for compassion. I meant it. I still do, he said. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. He later hailed a beautiful moment that had taken place at Kirks funeral in Arizona, on Sunday. I dont know if you saw this on Sunday Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him, he said. Becoming slightly choked up again he added: That is an example we should follow in the teachings of Jesus, as I do. That selfless act of grace and forgiveness from a grieving widow touched me deeply. Ahead of the show airing on Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump threatened to test ABC after the broadcaster allowed Kimmel to return. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump fumed on Truth Social. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Contrary to the presidents claim, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was never officially cancelled by ABC or Disney executives. open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel is embraced by Guillermo Rodriguez on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Los Angeles on Tuesday ( AP ) Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE, Trump wrote in his post. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think were going to test ABC out on this. In an extra threat, Trump added: Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings. ABC previously settled with the president in December, paying $15m towards Trumps presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit. The network also paid $1m in legal fees to the law firm of Trumps attorney, Alejandro Brito. The suit centered around anchor George Stephanopouloss inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. While Trump denied all wrongdoing in the case, a jury found that Trump had defamed Carroll and was liable for battery. As part of the settlement, ABC News posted an editors note to its website expressing regret over Stephanopouloss statements during a March 10 segment on his This Week program. open image in gallery Protesters rallied outside Jimmy Kimmels Hollywood studio after the late-night show was pulled off the air indefinitely following the hosts comments about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk ( Getty ) Kimmel highlighted his appreciation for the freedom to speak by coming back to his show Tuesday, admitting it was something Im embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen off the air. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was axed by CBS earlier this year. If we dont have free speech, then we just dont have a free country. Its as simple as that, Kimmel said. If this most fundamental right is allowed to perish, then the rest of our rights and liberties will topple, just like dominoes, one by one, theyll go down. Last week, Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr said it appeared that Kimmel was trying to directly mislead the American public with his remarks about Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man charged with Kirks killing, and his motives. Those motives remain unclear. open image in gallery ABC confirmed the suspension after Kimmel said last week that the MAGA gang was trying to score political points from the deadly shooting of Kirk ( Getty ) We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said before ABC announced the suspension. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. In a skit starring Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, Kimmel poked fun at Carr Tuesday, accusing the FCC boss of using mob tactics to suppress free speech. Despite Kimmels return to air, the late-night talk show will remain unavailable on some local networks after Nexstar Media and Sinclair Inc. announced they would continue to boycott the show. Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming, the company shared on social media. Nexstar did the same. Kimmel prompted further laughs from his audience by apologizing to members of his family living in states that were unable to watch the show due to the boycott. 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 Jimmy Kimmel has the chance to be bigger than ever following the talk show hosts controversial ABC late-night suspension, podcaster Joe Rogan has predicted. Rogan said that Jimmy Kimmel Live viewership will likely soar after a massive public outcry over ABCs decision to preempt the show indefinitely last week due to Kimmels on-air comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The internet is just buck wild, and the internet you can't do anything about, Rogan said on Tuesdays episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. I certainly think that for Jimmy Kimmel, all this does is help him. It makes his show bigger, much more support. Im sure theres a lot of hate as well, which is not fun. ABC announced Monday it will resume airing Kimmels show, but Rogans latest episode appears to have been filmed beforehand. The podcaster correctly predicted Kimmels show would only be suspended for a short amount of time, then brought back. He comes back to a standing ovation, Donald Trump tweets mean s*** about him, and then the world moves on, Rogan added. open image in gallery Podcaster Joe Rogan predicted that the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel will only make the talk show host's show more popular ( The Joe Rogan Experience/YouTube ) Kimmels show was suspended over comments he made on-air about Kirks murder. Kirk was killed on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Police have since arrested and charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with his murder. We had some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said on September 15. Kimmels remarks prompted outrage, particularly among conservatives. ABC suspended Kimmels show after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called the hosts statement truly sick and suggested ABCs license could be at risk over it. Nexstar and Sinclair also announced they would preempt Kimmels program last week. Trump praised the decision on Truth Social, congratulating ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Rogan also pondered how Trump has time to post online about talk show hosts while serving as president. I think that is also f****** insane, Rogan said. I don't have time to do that. How do you have time to do that? How do you have time, while you're running the world, to be tweeting that you don't like talk show hosts? open image in gallery ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmels talk show last week before reversing course and announcing it would return to the network starting Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images ) Before ABC changed course, big names in Hollywood and politics including former President Barack Obama decried the networks decision and raised questions about free speech. More than 400 celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Meryl Streep signed an open letter condemning the move, while protests against the announcement erupted outside of Kimmels Hollywood studio. Disney, ABCs parent company, said the network will continue airing Kimmels show after speaking with the host about his ill-timed and thus insensitive comments. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday, Disney said in a statement on Monday. However, Nexstar and Sinclair will continue to preempt Kimmels show on their affiliate networks, the companies said this week. Meanwhile, Kimmel broke his silence on Tuesday afternoon by posting a photograph of himself with the late TV writer Norman Lear a vocal defender of the First Amendment on his personal Instagram. Kimmel captioned the photo: Missing this guy today. 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 Kari Lake, the former Arizona politician and Trump administration official leading the U.S. Agency for Global Media, appeared reluctant this month to admit she lost her recent elections for U.S. Senate and governor. Speaking during a deposition for a lawsuit challenging the administrations dismantling of the agency and its signature offering, the Voice of America overseas media network, Lake was asked a series of basic questions about her background. When asked about the result of her 2022 run for governor, she responded, Well, I think the results were questionable, but the result is that Im sitting here running U.S. Agency for Global Media. When asked the same question about her 2024 U.S. Senate run, Lake used a similar response, stating, Well, as I said, I'm sitting here at U.S. Agency for Global Media. Lawyers running the deposition then argued the official was not answering the question. Eventually, with some pressing, Lake said that her opponent, Ruben Gallego, had been certified and confirmed as the winner. open image in gallery Kari Lake, who presides over the U.S. Agency for Global Media, appeared reluctant this month to admit her past election losses during a deposition over the attempted shutdown of the Voice of America network ( AP ) The Independent has contacted the U.S. Agency for Global Media for comment. Before the deposition, the Republican and 2020 election denier spent years challenging her gubernatorial loss until the Arizona Supreme Court weighed in, and she initially refused to concede she lost her 2024 race with Gallego. The comments came as part of a suit from journalists and unions against the Trump administration over its efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media and VOA. In March, the president signed an executive order dramatically cutting the agency down to its minimum presence and function required by law, and its workers were later among the hundreds of thousands of federal employees the administration has attempted to strip of collective bargaining rights. open image in gallery Kari Lake has a long record of challenging election results, questioning the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and mounting a multi-year challenge to her own loss in the race for governor of Arizona ( Getty Images ) Under Lake, the vast majority of VOA staff received reduction-in-force notices in June, only for Lake to rescind some of the layoffs a week later after staff encountered errors in the documents. Many workers remain on paid administrative leave and are collecting paychecks without working months after the layoff effort began. The challengers have argued that the shutdown of the VOA violates federal law and goes against congressional appropriations for the media agency, which was set up to spread goodwill toward America and broadcast the news in parts of the world with limited press freedom. The government, meanwhile, argues the shutdown is within the White Houses constitutional executive powers. Lake was deposed after the federal judge overseeing the case warned the official was verging on contempt of court for failing to make information about the shutdown available. open image in gallery Lakes comments came as part of a lawsuit into the Trump administrations attempt to largely shutter the Voice of America news network ( AP ) Elsewhere during the deposition, Lake, who was initially appointed as a senior adviser to the agency before stepping in as interim leader, described having little notice before the Trump administration ordered cuts, and blasted government-funded media as propaganda. She also praised One America News, a right-wing broadcaster, which signed a deal with the agency in May. Last month, the court overseeing the suit ruled that the Trump administration cant unilaterally fire the director of the VOA, instead needing the blessing of an independent advisory panel set up by Congress to insulate the broadcaster from political pressure. The administration has appealed parts of the lawsuits in question to a federal appeals court. 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 Troubling revelations have emerged from what U.S. officials are calling the largest-ever Homeland Security raid at a single site. This ICE operation shut down a Hyundai factory in Georgia and led to the arrest of almost 500 workers. Employees at the electric car battery facility were allegedly shackled, held for a week in grim conditions, and now accuse federal authorities of serious human rights violations. The fallout is the latest incident highlighting the Trump administrations use of force in immigration enforcement as well as its willingness to disrupt major businesses and compromise international relationships. Now repatriated to South Korea, the workers at the Hyundai plant, many of whom were highly skilled and working on state-of-the-art car production at the sprawling 2,900-acre complex, have described the moment when helicopters and armoured vehicles rapidly deployed armed agents throughout the site. Speaking to The New York Times, six of those detained in the 6 September raid said they were still struggling to process what had happened to them. One man, Park Sun-kyu, said he is seeing a doctor because he is now struggling to sleep. My main takeaway is that America is not a safe place to work, Park said. I dont think I would go there again to work. open image in gallery A banner showing a depiction of US President Donald Trump is displayed by a protester at Incheon International Airport ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) During the raid, workers in the U.S. on ESTA, B-1, and B-2 visas were served arrest warrants, placed in handcuffs and chains, and transported by bus to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Folkston, Georgia. The workers told The Times that they remain uncertain about why they were arrested, based on their visas, and that no one informed them of the specific laws they were allegedly violating. Once in the detention center, the workers say they were packed into pods of up to 80 people, given meagre meals like ham-and-cheese sandwiches or meat gruel, and shared toilets separated from the common area by only a low wall and curtain. They reported smelly drinking water, moldy mattresses, dusty blankets, freezing air conditioning, and said officials were slow to respond to requests for medical assistance. They also claim their rights were never read to them, and that their cellphones were confiscated, leaving them unable to call their families, employers, or lawyers. South Koreas Foreign Ministry has pledged to investigate claims of human rights violations. The site is one of Hyundais most substantial investments in the US, and the raid has caused consternation in South Korea, which has built and operated factories in the U.S. successfully for decades. open image in gallery The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia ( Associated Press ) In the wake of the raid, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned that some companies will now fear establishing a local factory in the United States will either come with severe disadvantages or become very difficult for our companies unless the United States can promptly issue reliably enforced visas to foreign technicians. We are in an age of a new normal in dealing with the United States, South Korean presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon Sik told reporters at the airport in Incheon when the detained workers were arriving. Trump has said he wants to deport "the worst of the worst" criminals, but ICE figures have shown a rise in non-criminals being picked up. Rights advocates have denounced such raids. Following the raid, the White House said that "any foreign workers brought in for specific projects must enter the United States legally and with proper work authorizations." 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 Oklahomas Trump-loving top school official announced hes launching Turning Point USA Chapters in his states high schools after Charlie Kirks death. Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction and board chair, made the announcement Tuesday in a video posted to social media, nearly two weeks after Kirk, who founded the conservative organization, was assassinated in Utah. Walters made headlines last year for mandating Bibles in every Oklahoma classroom. For far too long, we have seen radical leftists with the teachers union dominate classrooms and push woke indoctrination on our kids, Walters said. They fight parents rights, they push parents out of the classroom, and they lie to our kids about American history. Walters continued: What were going to continue to do is make sure that our kids understand American greatness, engage in civic dialogue, and have that open discussion. The superintendent threatened repercussions for schools that dont comply. open image in gallery Oklahoma state superintendent Ryan Walters announces plans to launch Turning Point USA chapters in every high school in the state to honor Charlie Kirk ( Ryan Walters / X ) "I mean we would go after their accreditation, he told KOKH. They would be in danger of not being a school district if they decided to reject a club that is here to promote civic engagement. Absolutely, they would be violating the law. They would be violating the rules set forth to them by our agency. Some school leaders, however, have already pushed back on the sweeping plans. John Croisant, Tulsa Public Schools' 5th District Board Member who is running as a Democrat for a Congressional seat, slammed the proposal as a political stunt. "And he can't make us," Croisant told KGOU. "Because that's not a part of accreditation." open image in gallery President Donald Trump embraces Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, after speaking at the right-wing activists memorial service in Arizona ( AFP via Getty Images ) There are existing ways that allow students to create clubs, he added. We have Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we have [See You At the Pole], we've got all sorts of clubs at schools that students can create on their own, but we're not going to actively be pushing political organizations within our schools, Croisant told the outlet. Following Kirks death, Walters directed all public schools in the state to hold a moment of silence for Kirk. Last week, the Oklahoma State Department of Education said it was investigating a dozen districts that didnt participate. The right-wing political activist was shot dead September 10 during a speaking engagement for his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. Authorities have accused Tyler Robinson, 22, of killing Kirk. He has not yet made a plea. In the wake of Kirks death, his widow Erika was named CEO of Turning Point. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other prominent MAGA figures spoke at his memorial over the weekend. Vance called Kirk a hero to the United States of America and a martyr for the Christian faith. 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 Stephen Millers wife called him a sexual matador in a bizarre Fox News interview with star anchor Jesse Watters. Katie Miller appeared Tuesday night on Jesse Watters Primetime to speak about the murder of Charlie Kirk and the future of his activist youth organization, Turning Point USA. But then, her conversation with Watters got weird. You are married to Stephen Miller, so you are the envy of all women, Watters said. What is that like? The sexual matador, right? she said. Watters laughed and said, What is it like being married to such a sexual matador? He is an incredibly inspiring man who gets me going in the morning with his speeches being like, Let's start the day, I am going to defeat the left, and we are going to win, she responded. He wakes up the day ready to carry out the mission that President [Donald] Trump was elected to do. Katie Miller (pictured) called her husband, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a 'sexual matador' on Fox News ( Getty Images ) Stephen Miller, the architect of the Trump administrations major hardline immigration policies, serves as the White Houses deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser. During Trumps first term, he was a senior adviser to the president and the White Houses chief speechwriter. Meanwhile, Katie Miller served as a special assistant to the president and the communications director for former Vice President Mike Pence during Trumps first term. When Trump took office again, she worked as a top adviser and spokesperson for Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. But when the billionaire left his post earlier this year, Katie Miller continued to work for Musk personally, CNN reports. Then, she left her role with Musk to launch The Katie Miller Podcast in early August, according to CNN. Shes since posted seven episodes and garnered more than 5,000 subscribers on YouTube. The podcast has earned a 1.8-star rating on Spotify and a 2.5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. Shes hosted several high-profile guests, including Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, boxer Mike Tyson and Senator Katie Britt. 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 A large statue depicting President Donald Trump and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has been removed from the National Mall in Washington D.C. after only one day on display. The 12-foot statue appeared on Tuesday, and was placed on the National Mall legally. The group behind the artwork requested and were granted a permit from the National Parks Service, which manages many of the federal spaces in the capital. The statue included three plaques, two of which contain excerpts from the bawdy birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote Epstein for his 50th birthday. A copy of the letter, featuring a hand-drawn figure of a naked woman along with the presidents reported signature, was made public this month by the House Oversight Committee. Trump has denied any involvement with the letter, even suing the Wall Street Journal, which first published a report about it for $10 billion, claiming that no authentic letter or drawing exists. Despite having proper permits which granted it the space until 8pm on Sunday, September 28 the statue was removed from its spot on the National Mall on Wednesday morning. National Park Police told WUSA9 that it was in violation of its permit, but did not explain the nature of the violation. open image in gallery A statue depicting President Donald Trump and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was removed from the National Mall one day after it was legally erected at the site ( Getty ) According to the outlet, the permit includes a clause noting that the statue could be removed at any time, so long as the permit holders were notified of the reason for its removal 24 hours in advance. The Secret Handshake, the tiny anonymous group who claim to be behind the statue, told The Independent their creation was destroyed at 5.30 a.m. Wednesday morning. We found out at the end of the day that some people within the parks department aka most likely the Trump administration were trying to find ways to say we were not in compliance, they said. We were then told everything is okay and that if the administration decided to remove it we would have 24 hours notice to take it down ourselves. Instead, they showed up in the middle of the night without notice and physically toppled the statue, broke it, and took it away. The group added: This is a literal example of the Trump administration toppling free speech when it has been legally permitted and approved because they are scared about whatever Trump is hiding in the Epstein files. I personally think the timing of this less than 24 hours after Jimmy Kimmel is interesting." open image in gallery A plaque states a statue depicting President Donald Trump and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is meant to 'celebrate the long-lasting bond' between the men ( The Secret Handshake ) The statue was erected at a time when Trump is trying to distance himself from Epstein. He has been plagued with questions about his association with Epstein for years, but those questions came to a head earlier this year after Attorney General Pam Bondi said there was no "client list" among the Department of Justice's Epstein investigation documents, having previously suggest such a list was "sitting on my desk." As calls for the Epstein files to be fully released to the public intensified, Trump began lashing out at his own base. Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this bull****, hook, line, and sinker, he wrote on Truth Social. open image in gallery President Donald Trumps signature on a letter included in a birthday book for child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein ( House Oversight Committee ) The White House denounced the statue in a statement to The Independent. Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit but its not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep," the spokesperson said. "Democrats, the media, and the organization thats wasting their money on this statue knew about Epstein and his victims for years and did nothing to help them while President Trump was calling for transparency, and is now delivering on it with thousands of pages of documents. Experts and lawmakers who reviewed the "thousands of pages" that were released earlier this year found that 97 percent of the files made public had already been in the public record prior to the White House disclosure. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps wall of fame depicting all 46 people to serve as president along a walkway between the White House residence and the West Wing is complete with one notable exception. The White House unveiled the installation this week by releasing several photos of Trump admiring the display as he walked towards the Oval Office. The photos are housed in gilt frames and are displayed in order of administration, with two images of Trump and two of former President Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president. But in between the photos of Trump reflecting his service as both the 45th and 47th president, a picture of the 46th president was nowhere to be found. In place of a photograph of Trumps successor-turned-predecessor, former president Joe Biden, there was only a snapshot of an autopen captured in the act of signing Bidens signature. open image in gallery Former president Joe Biden is omitted from President Donald Trump's wall of fame on the outside of the White House ( White House photograph ) The snub of Biden makes good on a pledge Trump made in an interview with The Daily Caller earlier this month when he joked that he would hang a photo of the autopen instead of Biden. Its a reference to claims made by Trump and other Republicans, who have accused the ex-presidents staff of making decisions on his behalf and ratifying them with the mechanical device without his knowledge. Biden and his former aides have denied that anything of the sort took place, with the president telling The New York Times in an interview that he was involved in every decision to sign off on certain documents, such as clemency and pardons issued at the end of his term. open image in gallery The stunt echoes claims made about Biden by Republicans that decisions were ratified without the former presidents knowledge ( Getty/AFP ) Nonetheless, Trump has called the allegations a tremendous scandal and claimed that Biden knew nothing about what he was signing as he has repeatedly theorized that Bidens frequent use of the autopen, a commonly used practice among presidents and officials, is directly correlated to his alleged mental decline. Under a longstanding opinion from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, using an autopen to sign presidential documents is legally binding as long as the president has authorized the signature. A spokesperson for former president Biden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. 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 Australias national broadcaster has been asked to pay A$150,000 (73,435) to a presenter for unfairly firing her over a social media post on Gaza. Radio host Antoninette Lattouf was unlawfully sacked by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from the air in December 2023 over her political views in efforts made by pro-Israel groups, a legal suit found earlier this year in the Australian Federal Court said. Justice Darryl Rangiah on Wednesday pronounced the order and said Lattoufs rights were surrendered by the national broadcaster for the interests of a lobby group. The broadcaster has been penalised for breaching the Fair Work Act and the ABCs enterprise agreement, the court noted. Lattouf has been vocal as an activist on issues like racism, discrimination in media, and mental health and regularly reported in Australian media for years. The incident took place when she was hired by the ABC Radio Sydney Mornings show for a week-long role but was fired after three weeks after she shared a post on Israel weaponising starvation in its war against Gaza. The radio host did not make any comment but shared a post from the Human Rights Watch which accused Israel of using starvation as a tool of war. The accusation has been backed by the International Criminal Court which says there are reasonable grounds to believe Israel has deployed starvation of millions in the war-battered region as a tactic. Israel has denied the allegation. According to the ABC during the trial, Lattouf breached the broadcasters editorial policy as she was instructed to not talk about the war on social media. However, the Federal Court found out that the ABC had never given such an instruction to Lattouf regarding social media posts. Justice Rangiah said that while the hosts Instagram story was "ill-advised", she was fired with "no more than a suspicion" that she "may" have violated a policy or guideline and given no opportunity to defend herself. Reporting on the judgment, the ABC said the court previously found that Lattouf had been given "advice", and that it would be best not to post anything controversial about Gaza, as opposed to a direction not to do so. It was unclear how Lattoufs sacking was shared in the media. There was a clear "orchestrated" campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists to have the radio host removed from the broadcast right from the outset of her employment, and she was sacrificed by ABC management in a bid to mitigate the criticism, Justice Rangiah said on Wednesday while delivering the judgment. "The ABC let down the Australian public badly when it abjectly surrendered the rights of its employee... to appease a lobby group," the Justice said. Lattouf was already awarded A$70,000 in damages for hurt and distress by the Australian national broadcaster but the court said the substantial" extra sum was needed to ensure the ABC understood the message and that the sum be paid to her within 28 days. The judge pointed out that the "primary motivation for the termination of Lattouf's employment" by the ABC was to avoid criticism from political lobbyists, the media and sections of the public. "The public scrutiny the ABC has faced must surely have brought home to the ABC the unacceptability of its contravening conduct. Nevertheless, I consider that substantial penalties are necessary to ensure that the message is received and heeded." "The ABC and others cannot be allowed to regard a penalty as an acceptable price to pay or staving off criticism, Justice Rangiah said. The court said that the ABCs failure to probe who leaked the information of Lattoufs expulsion from its network detracts from the broadcasters contrition and public apology. The court also noted that the episode has caused very significant consequences for the prominent Australian journalist. The senior official at the ABC said they extend a sincere apology once again and will reflect on the courts findings. "It was not handled in line with our values and expectations and Lattouf, our staff and the public were let down. We take the matter seriously and have reflected on the lessons learned and their implications. We must be better," ABC managing director Hugh Marks said in a statement. He added: "I would like to reiterate the ABCs sincere apology to Lattouf and wish her all the best in the future." By SeaWestNews Campbell River on Vancouver Island, known as the Salmon Capital of the World for its aquaculture and wild fisheries industries, is leading a bold new effort to unite resource-based communities across British Columbia. The city is spearheading the creation of an Alliance of Resource Communities, which was introduced this week in Victoria at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference and the parallel Get It Done BC forum, hosted by Resource Works. The Alliance aims to unite municipalities across the province to advocate for resource industries such as aquaculture, forestry, mining, LNG, and tourism, which are all facing mounting regulatory and economic challenges, said Rose Klukas, Campbell Rivers Director of Economic Development and Indigenous Relations. Regulatory uncertainty seems to be the challenge for every sector. Businesses are telling us its becoming harder and harder to stay and grow in BC and Canada, Klukas told SeaWestNews. We want to align ourselves and say, we hear you, federal government we hear you, provincial government. Youre looking for ways to improve the economy. We have the industry and Indigenous experts that can tell you how to keep aquaculture, forestry, and other resource sectors growing in BC. For every job created in aquaculture or LNG or forestry, at least three other jobs are created in the community, Klukas said. Small businesses are supported by these well-paying jobs, and the investment that industry makes into communities is realized through more taxation for the government to offer the programming they need. At the UBCM, Campbell River filed a resolution calling for the creation of formal engagement protocols that would require provincial ministries and resource development proponents to consult with regional directors and local governments on projects within their jurisdictions, ensuring local perspectives are included in decision-making. A key goal of the Alliance is to bridge the disconnect between urban and rural communities when it comes to resource industries. To make that connection tangible, Campbell River has been organising familiarisation tours for politicians and decision-makers. Recently, local officials hosted a tour of Grieg Seafoods aquaculture operations in Gold River, giving visitors an up-close look at fish farms and a chance to speak directly with industry experts. Well be doing the same in October with Mowis facilities in Sayward, Klukas said. Sometimes you get a better understanding if you see firsthand what youre hearing about in the media. The groundwork for the Alliance was laid last June when Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl invited every mayor and regional district chair in British Columbias resource-dependent communities to join a collective advocacy movement aimed at amplifying the voices of resource communities across BC. Together, we can amplify our shared concerns, influence policy decisions, and drive change that will support the long-term growth and resilience of resource communities, Dahl wrote. Furthering that message in an op-ed published in the Vancouver Sun yesterday, Dahl and 10 other mayors wrote: Its time for an alliance of community leaders from all corners of the province to come together and strongly advocate for a secure and brighter economic future through the responsible development of our abundant natural resources. Its our natural resources industries that largely pay the bills, deliver healthy paycheques, and backstop health care, education and the critical services we rely on. The world wants our natural resources, and we need the jobs and revenues they provide. Resource jobs arent just in rural BC. Office towers in Vancouver are filled with white-collar resource workers. Technology plays an increasing role in natural resources with many of those jobs in urban centres across BC. The future of all BC communities is deeply connected to our natural resources and has always been the case, the mayors wrote. Resource Works President & CEO Stewart Muir welcomed the move to create an Alliance of Resource Communities. Resource communities have been Canadas engine room for a century, he said. When they stand together municipal leaders, Indigenous partners, industry they dont just advocate for themselves, they advocate for every British Columbian who depends on responsible resource development for jobs, public revenue, and climate-smart exports. Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), said the Alliance could help bring stability and science-based decision-making to aquaculture and other resource industries that have faced years of regulatory uncertainty. He said BCs salmon farming sector is ready to respond to Prime Minister Carneys elbows up call for economic growth, with the potential to generate $2.5 billion in annual output and 9,000 jobs by 2030, growing to $4.2 billion and more than 16,000 jobs by 2040, provided the right policy framework is in place. This growth can go hand in hand with innovation, continued stewardship agreements, and stronger partnerships that bring sustainable prosperity to coastal resource communities and our First Nations partners at a time when Canada and BC need it most, Kingzett added. This weeks events in Victoria are being held as BCs faces a deepening fiscal crisis, with the provinces 2025/26 First Quarterly Report projecting a record deficit of $11.6 billion, or 2.6% of the economy. This marks the largest shortfall in the provinces history, far surpassing the $5.6 billion COVID-era deficit. The BC Business Council (BCBC) warns that without a clear fiscal anchor and a stronger focus on private-sector economic growth, B.C. risks further credit rating downgrades, which have already occurred four times in as many years. n the face of large government-budget deficits, weak private-sector job growth, and global uncertaintyC must take bold steps to strengthen its economic resilience. Growing our economy by supporting the development of our resources makes sense, states BCBC in a statement on their website. 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 14-year-old has been arrested after a music teacher was allegedly stabbed in the face by a student during class in a middle school in northeastern France. French media reports the teacher was taken to hospital on Wednesday. Local news outlet Dernieres Nouvelles d'Alsace reported the suspect was arrested soon after the attack, after allegedly initially fleeing the scene. The suspect reportedly stabbed himself during his arrest and has also been taken to an area hospital, French broadcaster BFM reported. Security in France's schools has been the subject of intense debate in recent years. In June, then-Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said the government would test adding security gates at schools after a school aide was stabbed during a bag search. In 2020, the murder of teacher Samuel Paty after he showed pupils caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on free speech sparked a political uproar. open image in gallery Elisabeth Borne, France's education minister, said in a post on X on Wednesday that an emergency response unit had been activated to aid students and staff ( Alamy/PA ) Elisabeth Borne, France's education minister, said in a post on X on Wednesday that an emergency response unit had been activated to aid students and staff and that she would visit the scene immediately. "I strongly condemn the assault of a teacher by a student at a middle school in Bas-Rhin. I express my solidarity with the teacher and the school community," she wrote. Jacky Wolforth, the mayor of the town of Benfeld where the attack took place, said the school was evacuated and described the incident to reporters as "isolated". The prefecture declined to comment, and the gendarmerie and the local prosecutor did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 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 While the air and ground war in Ukraine grinds on, Moscow is increasing pressure on Kyivs western allies. Russian drone incursions into Poland in the early hours of September 10, and Romania a few days later, were followed by three Russian fighter jets breaching Estonian airspace on September 19. And there has been speculation that drones which forced the temporary closure of Copenhagen and Oslo airports overnight are connected to the Kremlin as well. While this might suggest a deliberate strategy of escalation on the part of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, it is more likely an attempt to disguise the fact that the Kremlins narrative of inevitable victory is beginning to look shakier than ever. A failed summer offensive that has been extremely costly in human lives is hardly something to cheer about. Estimates of Russian combat deaths now stand at just under 220,000. Whats more, this loss of life has produced little in territorial advances. open image in gallery The Ukrainian air defence shoots down a Russian drone above Kyiv during an overnight mass drone and missile strikes on Ukraine ( AFP/Getty ) Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has gained some 70,000 sq km. This means that Moscow has nearly tripled the amount of territory it illegally occupies. But during its most recent summer offensive, it gained fewer than 2,000 sq km. On September 1, 2022, Russia controlled just over 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory, three years later it was 19 per cent (up from 18.5 per cent at the beginning of 2025). Perhaps most telling that the Russian narrative of inevitable victory is hollow is the fact that Russian forces were unable to convert a supposed breakthrough around Pokrovsk in the Donbas area of Ukraine in August into any solid gains after a successful Ukrainian counterattack. That Russia is not winning, however, is hardly of comfort to Ukraine. Moscow still has the ability to attack night after night, exposing weaknesses in Ukraines air defence system and targeting critical infrastructure. The western response, too, has been slow so far and has yet to send a clear signal to the Kremlin what Natos and the EUs red lines are. While Nato swiftly launched Eastern Sentry in response to the Russian drone incursion into Poland, the operations deterrent effect appears rather limited given subsequent Russian incursions into Estonia and undeclared flights in neutral airspace near Poland and Germany. Subsequent comments by Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, threatened to shoot down flying objects when they violate our territory and fly over Poland. He also cautioned that it was important to think twice before deciding on actions that could trigger a very acute phase of conflict. On the other side of the Atlantic, Donald Trump, the US president, has said little about Russia ratcheting up pressure on Natos eastern flank. Regarding the Russian drone incursion into Poland, he mused that it could have been a mistake, before pledging to defend Nato allies in the event of a Russian attack. About the author Stefan Wolff is a professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article This is certainly an improvement on his earlier threats to Nato solidarity, but it is at best a backstop against a full-blown Russian escalation. What it is not is a decisive step to ending the war against Ukraine. In fact, any such US steps seem ever farther off the agenda. The deadline that Trump gave Putin after their Alaska summit to start direct peace talks with Ukraine came and went without anything happening. Europe scrambles to replace US guarantees As for Trumps phase-two sanctions on Russia and its enablers, these have now been made conditional by Trump on all Nato and G7 countries, imposing such sanctions first. Meanwhile, US arms sales to Europe, meant to be channelled to strengthen Ukraines defences, have been scaled down by the Pentagon to replenish its own arsenals. At the same time, a longstanding US support programme for the Baltic states the Baltic security initiative is under threat from cuts. There are justified worries that it could be discontinued as of next year. As has been clear for some time, support for Ukraine and ultimately the defence of Europe is no longer a primary concern for the US under Trump. Yet European efforts to step into the gaping hole in the continents security left by US retrenchment are painfully slow. The defence budgets of the EUs five biggest military spenders France, Germany, Poland, Italy and the Netherlands combined are less than one-quarter of what the US spends annually. Even if money were not the issue, Europe has serious problems with its defence-industrial base. The EUs flagship Security Action for Europe programme has faced months of delays over the participation of non-EU members including the UK and Canada, two countries which have significant defence-industrial capacity. European defence cooperation, including the flagship Future Combat Air System, is threatened by national quarrels, including between the EUs two largest defence players, France and Germany. open image in gallery In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, firefighters put out the fire following a Russian missile attack in Tatarbunary, Odesa region ( Ukrainian Emergency Service ) Thus far, muddling through has worked for Ukraines western allies. This is mostly because Kyiv has held the line against the Russian onslaught. It has done so by making do with whatever the west provided while rapidly innovating its own defence sector. It has also worked because Trump has not (yet) completely abandoned his European allies. There is enough life or perhaps just enough ambiguity left in the idea of Nato as a collective defence alliance to give Putin pause for thought. For now, he is merely testing boundaries. But if unchallenged, he might keep pushing further into uncharted territory with unpredictable consequences. Western stop-gap measures may be fine for now. But the wests responses to Putins challenges which are likely to become more frequent and more severe in the future will require the European coalition of the willing to focus on the here and now and raise its level of preparedness. 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 Spanish military jet, carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles and relatives of Spanish airmen, experienced a GPS disturbance early Wednesday near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave en route to Lithuania, the Defence Ministry confirmed. The airmen are part of a NATO air defence mission on its eastern flank, launched this month after Poland shot down drones violating its airspace. The Spanish "Vilkas mission" (Lithuanian for wolf) last week intercepted eight Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, the ministry added. A Defence Ministry spokesperson said: "There has been an attempt to disrupt the GPS signal, but as our aircraft has an encrypted system, it was not affected." They added that such incidents are common: "It must be common on this route and also with commercial flights. It is not because it is our aircraft." Robles was due to hold a bilateral meeting with her Lithuanian counterpart Dovile Sakaliene during a visit to the Siauliai airbase on Wednesday, the Spanish government's agenda showed. open image in gallery Spanish military jet with Defence Minister Margarita Robles onboard experienced a GPS disturbance early on Wednesday as it flew near Russia's Kaliningrad exclave on its way to Lithuania ( Getty/iStock ) The incident follows another in which the GPS system of a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was jammed while en route to Bulgaria on 31 August. A European Union spokesperson said Bulgarian authorities suspected the incident was due to interference by Russia. Estonia and neighbouring Finland have also blamed Russia for jamming GPS navigation devices in the region's airspace. Russia has denied interfering with communication and satellite networks. Finland's military has said Russia uses GPS jamming in the region to protect Russia's Baltic Sea oil ports, military sites and other strategic assets from Ukrainian drone attacks. Most modern airliners have sensors and sources to determine their positioning, in addition to GPS, meaning they can fly if there is interference. A commander onboard the Spanish plane told reporters travelling with Robles that such incidents are common when flying near Kaliningrad for civilian and military aircraft, and that the Spanish plane could also navigate using military satellites. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has targeted Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his bad leadership and appeared to reverse his stance on Ukraine retaking territory occupied by the Kremlins forces. During a nearly hour-long speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, the US president said Russias war in Ukraine was making [Putin] look bad because it was supposed to be a little skirmish, and issued a fresh threat of powerful tariffs on Moscow. It shows you what leadership is, what bad leadership can do to a country. The only question now is how many lives will be needlessly lost on both sides, he added, claiming that the war has led to the deaths of between 5,000 and 7,000 young soldiers on both sides every single week. The US president has grown increasingly disillusioned with the Russian leader, particularly following Russias repeated incursions into Nato airspace in recent weeks, including in Poland, Romania, and Estonia. open image in gallery Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on 23 September ( AFP/Getty ) Shortly after his speech and a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the US president wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social that he believes Ukraine can win back all of the territory Russia has taken since its invasion, although he gave no indication of how that would affect US policy. He had previously said that both Kyiv and Moscow would have to cede land to end the war. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, Nato, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option, Mr Trump said in his post. Mr Zelensky has been pushing Mr Trump to show more support for Kyivs war effort, including by imposing tough new sanctions on Russia. Many Ukrainians were shocked when Mr Trump gave Mr Putin the red carpet treatment at a mid-August summit in Alaska, and believe Moscow will not stop its war unless it faces heavy external pressure. In his post, Mr Trump criticised Russia, saying it had been fighting aimlessly in a war that a real military power would have won in less than a week. But he has not imposed tougher sanctions, and he and aides have seemed to indicate that Kyiv must cede both Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine to Russia in order to end the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years. In his post on Tuesday, however, Mr Trump hinted at stronger action. Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act, the post said. Mr Trump said the US will continue to supply weapons to allies for Nato to do what they want with them. Earlier that day, the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said she cannot rule out Russian involvement in the shutdown of Copenhagen airport due to drone activity this week. open image in gallery Police officers stand guard after all traffic was closed at the Copenhagen airport due to drone reports ( Ritzau Scanpix ) Airports in Copenhagen and Oslo, Norway, shut down for four hours on Monday evening, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded after drones were spotted circling in the restricted zones. We have seen drones over Poland that should not have been there. We have seen activity in Romania. We have seen violations of Estonian airspace, Ms Frederiksen told reporters. This is a serious attack on critical Danish infrastructure, she added. In what some fear is the latest and by far the deepest incursion into Nato territory, Copenhagen airport announced it was closed for take-offs and landings after two to three larger drones were seen flying in the area at around 8.46pm local time (7.46pm UK time). A spokesperson afterwards said all air traffic at the airport had been suspended, without giving further details. According to FlightRadar, at least 15 flights were diverted to other airports, The Kyiv Independent reported. At 9.10pm (8.10pm UK time), Oslo police announced that two foreign nationals had been arrested for flying drones within the prohibited zone near Oslo airport. open image in gallery Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen gives a press statement to comment on drone activity at Copenhagen airport ( Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ) Copenhagen airport resumed operations shortly after midnight local time, with flights resuming in Oslo after around four hours of restricted airspace. On Tuesday morning, Danish police warned that a capable operator was behind the drone flights. Its an actor who has the capabilities, the will and the tools to show off in this way, chief superintendent Jens Jespersen said. Police initially refused to comment on an X (Twitter) post by Mr Zelensky, which claimed Russia was behind the airspace violation without providing evidence. Mr Zelensky appears to have taken the post down. The Ukrainian president is engaged in an intense round of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly in New York, where he is set to meet Mr Trump. He will continue his relentless push for Washington to issue stronger sanctions against Mr Putin, with Mr Trump sounding increasingly likely to comply. open image in gallery Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky listens as Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the UN General Assembly ( AP ) The US president told delegates in New York that the White House was prepared to issue a strong round of powerful tariffs on Moscow. In the event that Russia isnt ready to make a deal, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a strong round of powerful tariffs which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly, he said. But for these to be effective, European countries would have to follow suit, he added, as he slammed the continued importing of Russian oil by several Nato member states as embarrassing. Nato, meanwhile, continues to rally against the Russian incursions, with the North Atlantic Council hitting out at Moscows increasingly irresponsible behaviour. The alliance demanded that the Russian incursions stop, and said Moscow bore full responsibility for its recent actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK is "ready to act" and criticised Moscow for its "provocative and reckless" violations of Nato airspace. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has taken to the United Nations to show how pointless Britains courting of the US president with a state visit really was. Speaking at the UNs annual general assembly, he told world leaders that London is heading for sharia law and issued all-too-clippable rallying cries for far-right extremists in Europe. Sir Keir Starmers enlistment of King Charles III in a charm offensive with carriage rides around Windsor, state dinners and three days of non-stop flattery delivered nothing but anti-British ranting and un-British extremism. Mr Trump raged: Look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and its been so changed, so changed. Now they want to go to sharia law, but youre in a different country. You cant do that. Both the immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe. If something is not done immediately, they cannot, this cannot, be sustained. open image in gallery Donald Trump told world leaders that London is heading for sharia law and issued all-too-clippable rallying cries for far-right extremists in Europe ( Getty ) Yes, the 47th president of the United States said that. He was so shielded from real Londoners that he didnt set foot on the soil of the capital, but was flown from the US territory of the American ambassadors residence to Windsor Castle less than a fortnight ago. Still, hes echoing the nonsense peddled by Oval Office insiders who constantly refer to London having no-go areas, and his friend Elon Musk, who claims the UK is on the brink of civil war. The views are nonsense. Crime is lower than it has been for a generation in London. But Mr Trumps views will be clipped up and circulated by right-wing agitators, and one can bet Nigel Farage, as evidence that Britain is being overwhelmed. Before mentioning the name of London, Mr Trump said: Im not mentioning names. I see it, and I can call every single one of them out. You're destroying your countries. Theyre being destroyed. Europe is in serious trouble. Theyve been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobodys ever seen before. Illegal aliens are pouring into Europe. Nobody is ever and nobodys doing anything to change it, to get them out. Its not sustainable, and because they choose to be politically correct, they're doing just absolutely nothing about it. open image in gallery Trump meets with United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres in New York City ( Reuters ) His address to the UN included statistics from the Council of Europes study on Europes prison system. In Switzerland, beautiful Switzerland, 72 per cent of the people in prisons are from outside of Switzerland, he said. In 2024 almost 50 per cent of inmates in German prisons were foreign nationals or migrants. In Austria, the number was 53 per cent of the people in prisons were from places that werent from where they are now. In Greece, the number was 54 per cent. He didnt mention that the European average percentage of foreign nationals in prisons is, according to the same source, 25 per cent. Or that the arrest and conviction rates among foreigners is almost always higher, everywhere. Its the clips that count. Social media will churn this stuff with the help of Russian bot farms to reinforce widespread anxiety around immigration across Europe. Vladimir Putin would be delighted. He wants to see Europes right rise. Movements like the UKs Reform and Frances National Front have often been pro-Kremlin and anti-Europe. open image in gallery Trump speaks to King Charles during a banquet at Windsor Castle for last weeks state visit ( PA ) Hed be equally delighted by Mr Trumps continued attack on multilateralism. The imperfect, inefficient, and often incompetent UN has been a global forum since the Second World War. It has failed as a body to stop genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and Gaza. It has always reflected the competing interests of its five permanent security council members: the UK, France, the US, Russia and China. Yet it has also woven a system of international laws which have probably kept the world from falling into Darwinian chaos by offering a route out of conflict. Mr Trump doesnt like or respect it, and neither do far-right campaigners. Whats the purpose of the United Nations? The UN has such tremendous potential. I've always said it, it has such tremendous, tremendous potential, but it's not even coming close to living up to that potential for the most part, said the US president. He has cut the UNs funding from the US from over $1bn a year to $300m, supported Israels efforts to chuck it out of Gaza, and protected Mr Putin from international condemnation in the UN. He railed against the UK and others which have recently recognised the state of Palestine and called it a reward for Hamas terror. The recognition specifically condemns Hamas. But he was not appealing to UN delegates and heads of government he is going over their heads and fomenting the Israeli canard that Hamas and (its enemy) the Palestinian Liberation Organisation are the same thing. The latter has already acknowledged the right of Israel to exist. But there was one truth. As Mr Trump said, its daft for Europe to be backing Ukraine in its fight against Russia and then being a massive importer of the Kremlins fossil fuels which fund its war. He added: Inexcusably, even Nato countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy productsThink of it, they're funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one? According to the Centre for Research in Energy and Clean Air, the five biggest importers of Russian fuel to the EU paid the Kremlin 1.1bn in fees in July alone. Europe has bought 260bn worth of Russian fuel since 2022, compared to the 250bn its given Ukraine in military and civilian aid. Youre right there, and Europe has to step it up. They cant be doing what theyre doing. Theyre buying oil and gas from Russia while theyre fighting Russia, Mr Trump said. And here, the president used enough truth to make the rest of his incredible claims credible. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has performed what might be his biggest and most startling shift in foreign policy to date. On Tuesday, after meeting with Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he agreed with the notion that Nato countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace. Later, on his Truth Social platform, Trump suddenly declared that Ukraine could not only defeat Russia but WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form and even, he concluded, go further than that!. What this means in practical terms is unclear, and is likely not worth the ink to unpack. (Is Trump endorsing more Kursk-style incursions into Russian territory? Who knows.) But after months of repeatedly expressing disappointment in his former buddy-in-chief, Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump went as far as to describe the Russian army as a paper tiger. So what has changed and why? First, this is a far cry from the public bust-up in the Oval Office back in February, when Trump mocked Zelenskys military fatigues, berated him for not being thankful enough for US military aid, and shut him down because he had done a lot of talking. open image in gallery Donald Trump pictured in a heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office in February this year ( AFP/Getty ) In that painful-to-watch meeting, during which the Ukrainian ambassador held her head in her hands as the world looked on in horror, Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, tried to bully Zelensky into accepting a ceasefire deal that would see Ukraine cede swathes of territory captured by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion. You have to be thankful. You dont have the cards. Youre running low on soldiers, Trump warned. Going back to the policy reversal, of course its entirely in character for Trump to lean into bombastic, controversial statements, posted on social media, that seemingly blow up everything that came before. I recently spoke to several diplomats from the Middle East, who are currently grappling with another major war: the conflict in Gaza. They told me it was a nightmare trying to navigate the actions of such a powerful world leader who can change his position depending on who spoke to him last, or on what he believes might best serve his interests at that particular moment. (See: Trump sharing an AI-generated video of a glittering Trump Tower in his vision of a disturbingly dystopian postwar Gaza.) They went so far as to say that there isnt really a US administration, in the traditional sense, at all. Instead, they described a single man deeply invested in notions of deals and real estate, quick to tire who is surrounded by a number of individuals, some of whom hold strong ideological views, but none of whom are informed by the usual cast of genuine experts, which leaves them scrambling to make sense of ideas. open image in gallery Vladimir Putin and Trump at their summit in Anchorage, Alaska in August ( Reuters ) Second, Trump seems increasingly irritated by his inability to solve the Ukraine war, the one global crisis whose resolution could potentially win him the Nobel Peace Prize he allegedly covets. Trump has repeatedly marketed himself as the peacemaker president. His favourite line, which he repeated during his UNGA address, is that he has stopped seven wars. In a rambling speech made more chaotic by the initial lack of a teleprompter he said he had been working relentlessly on global conflicts, but confessed: Of the seven wars that I stopped, I thought [Ukraine] would be the easiest because of my relationship with President Putin. He has spoken frequently about the breakdown of that relationship, with language that almost mirrors the sort one would use in the context of a romantic breakup. He was disappointed by the outcome of the August summit in Alaska, which marked the first time Putin had been on US soil in a decade. Since then, Trump has repeatedly said that Putin has let me down. Third, there has been a concerted effort by Europe to influence Trumps view. Several European leaders have visited Washington in the past month, urging caution in dealing with Putin. They have also responded to Trumps criticism that Europe isnt doing enough by stepping up its provision of military and financial aid to Ukraine although they have faced a second line of attack, most recently in Trumps UNGA address, where he insisted that they need to stop buying Russian energy . open image in gallery A British Army Alvis Stormer Starstreak CVR-T tracked armoured vehicle of the type supplied to Ukraine by the UK in 2022 ( Alamy/PA ) Ukraine was almost certainly at the top of the agenda during Trumps second state visit to the UK last week. And finally, Trump may simply be realising that he doesnt want to back a losing horse, particularly while facing domestic pressure. In his recent Truth Social post, he wrote that he had recently learnt that Putin and Russia are in BIG economic trouble. He also said Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years in a war that, according to him, should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. That framing is almost a complete reversal from his February tirade in the Oval Office, when he shouted at Zelensky: If you didnt have our military equipment, this war would have been over in two weeks. There has been increasing alarm back in the States at Trumps apparent willingness to cosy to up to Putin who is publicly playing him with nothing to show for it. But the biggest question is how long this new position will last. This is clearly something Zelenksy is concerned about, as he has jumped on and leaned into Trumps comments, hoping no doubt to make this the de facto, baseline position moving forward. But, as we have seen so far across both of Trumps terms in office, there are no guarantees. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has made a unique and sudden intellectual contribution to the future of Ukraine and European defence, shifting the debate away from an assumption that Kyiv must negotiate or die, to a belief that it could destroy the Kremlins army. This remarkable volte-face is being seized upon in Europe with as much vigour as was evident in the effort to look away when Trump backed Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, or when he threatened to invade Denmark and Canada. Trump says all kinds of stuff. Much of it, like his attacks on the UK after he was feted by its king, are politely ignored by a government keen to keep him onside or at least not drive him further towards the dark side. But after meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, he posted on his social media: ... after seeing the Economic trouble [the war] is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. ... Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. open image in gallery Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo with Ukrainian soldiers on a frontline position at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service ) He made no commitment to help Ukraine do that. But his statement shifted the entire debate among Ukraines allies, away from despondency towards the notion of outright victory. No other Western leader has spelt out more starkly the desire to see Russia defeated in Ukraine. For the past six months, the focus has been on how to get Ukraine to agree a ceasefire that allows for the loss of about a fifth of its territory in return for peace underwritten by (pretty feeble) Western military assurances. Europe moved fast to cement Trumps off-the-cuff response into a wider policy. We can achieve much more; not all European states have done what they promised Ukraine for a long time. We need to look at what other financial and military options we have, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul told radio station Deutschlandfunk. Russia was rattled. The Kremlin issued a statement hitting back at Trumps suggestion that Ukraine could win. As far as we understand, President Trumps statements were made after communicating with Zelensky and, apparently, under the influence of a vision set out by Zelensky, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This vision contrasts sharply with our understanding of the current state of affairs. The fact that Ukraine is being encouraged in every possible way to continue hostilities and the argument that Ukraine can win something back is, in our view, a mistaken argument. The dynamics on the front lines speak for themselves. open image in gallery A local resident looks at destroyed Russian military vehicles displayed at St Michaels Square in Kyiv earlier this year ( AFP/Getty ) Ukraine is not winning. Neither is Russia. The war is at a bloody stalemate. Trench warfare has given way to drone conflict, while tiny groups of infantry scrabble in ruined landscapes for survival and are hunted by unmanned aircraft the size of birds. This, said Zelensky bleakly, is the most destructive arms race in human history, because soon, once drone technology is combined with artificial intelligence, dead zones of the kind found on the Ukrainian front line will spread around the world. Ten years ago, war looked different, and no one imagined that cheap drones could create dead zones, areas stretching for dozens of kilometres where nothing moves, no vehicles, no life. People used to imagine that only after a nuclear strike. Now its drone reality. He called for international controls on AI and drones, but in the meantime he has a war to fight one that the US president now says Kyiv can actually win. Ukraine showed in its 2022 summer and autumn offensives that, using fast-moving manoeuvre tactics, it can scramble Russias command structures and implode its lines. Since then it has expanded its operations into Russia itself, targeting the Kremlins fuel systems especially. Russias refining capacity has been cut by around 17 per cent, and more than a dozen significant fuel processing plants have been hit, causing the loss of around 1.1 million barrels of production a day. Meanwhile, Russias piecemeal advances on the eastern front have been achieved at a staggering human cost. British intelligence estimates that Putin has lost 236,000, killed or injured, this year and more than a million since 2022. In June, the UK said that Russia had lost 32,000 from the battlefields alone. These are informed guesses. But on the ground, Ukrainian soldiers have often spoken of the mass casualties inflicted on advancing Russians, and the enormous loss of life they endure to capture tiny pieces of land. open image in gallery In this photo provided by Ukraines 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanised Brigade press service, a soldier fires a mortar towards the positions of Russian troops near Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, in August this year ( 93rd Mechanised Brigade ) Ukraine, meanwhile, now leads the world in drone production, making its own highly effective long-range cruise missiles. It has won the battle for the Black Sea, forcing Russian ships to hide in their harbours. Kyivs losses have also been high. Draft-dodging is an increasing problem. On the front lines, many soldiers have talked of the inevitability of a peace deal with Russia in which the Kremlin retains control over much of the east of the country. Trumps recent statement will be a morale booster for Ukrainians. Kyiv and its European allies, including the UK, will try to turn Trumps new view of the conflict into concrete military aid on the scale at which it was provided by the US until shortly after the current president stopped it shortly after taking over from Joe Biden. Europe is Ukraines main military supporter. Nato members buy weapons from America for Kyiv, but that could, conceivably, change. If the US returned to its former position, supplying military aid directly, especially long-range missiles and armour capable of withstanding drone attacks, Ukraine could return to the offensive. Russias military is demoralised. It has improved its command structure and is keeping pace with many of the advances in drone technology that the war has driven. But its trench lines are manned by starving troops with little training, led by officers at the rear who will shoot their own men if they fall back. It would be relatively easy to break the spine of the Russian military in Ukraine, and rout its forces just as Ukraine did in late 2022. He may not have meant to, but Trump has set Ukraine on the path to victory just by suggesting that its possible. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has claimed that Ukraine could win back all of the land captured by Russia since the beginning of its invasion in February 2022, in a major shift in his position on the war. The US president said in a Truth Social post that Kyivs military could win all of Ukraine back in its original form, adding that Putin and Russia are in BIG economic trouble. Military experts say Ukraine could push Russia back towards the border as it stood in 2022, and force Vladimir Putin to seek a peace deal but only in the presence of a strict, and unlikely, set of conditions. The Independent asked three experts with knowledge of Russias military, its economy, and the front line in Ukraine whether Trumps claim could be realised. open image in gallery Donald Trumps change of heart followed a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky on the fringes of the UN General Assembly ( AP ) What would it take for Ukraine to drive Russia out? Experts say that in theory, Ukraine has always had the capacity to win back the 13 per cent of its territory seized by Russia since the beginning of the invasion. But in practice, it would require a specific set of conditions. Can they regain some of the territory that was lost since February 2022? I think, unquestionably, says John Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre. We saw during the offensive in late 2022 that they took back a lot of territory at that point. Ukraines troops, Lough says, are fighting extremely well given the size of the countrys military compared to that of Russia. He highlights the repeated Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries as a strategy that has inflicted damage on the Russian economy. But for Ukraine to overpower Russia militarily, he says, it would need a great deal more assistance from its allies, including an effective sky shield to protect it from nightly air attacks, and more long-range weapons. It is very difficult to see [Kyiv] getting the military capacity to overwhelm Moscows forces, adds Lough. It doesnt really look realistic unless Russia can be crippled economically. Perhaps this is what Trump is thinking of. Military push by Ukraine would take more than a year With a sustainable change in US policy to damage and pressurise the Russian economy, along with strong military support, Lough says Ukraine could take back large parts of its territory and force Putin to accept a peace deal. This cannot be done quickly, he cautions it would take at least 12 to 18 months. And while Trumps attitude appears to have shifted, Lough says he remains sceptical about whether that really is going to lead to a kind of sustainable change in US policy. Keir Giles, a Russian military expert and a senior consulting fellow at Chatham Houses Russia and Eurasia programme, says there is nothing to suggest that theres going to be any deviation from the consistent policy of the Trump administration to hang Ukraine out to dry. He says it has always been possible for Ukraine to defeat Russia, but only if the US were interested in this happening. Under Trump and Joe Biden, he says, this has not been the case. What would be required is support from the coalition of countries backing Ukraine, primarily the US, that is not conditional, he adds. open image in gallery Members of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces fire a 2S3 Akatsiya towards Russian troops on the front line in Donetsk ( Reuters ) Military success will require the exhaustion of Russias economy Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst at Finnish OSINT specialists Black Bird Group, is also highly doubtful of Ukraines capacity to overpower Russias military to the extent required to push it back to the 2022 border. It may be able to counterattack locally; it has actually even done that during the summer and into the fall, says Kastehelmi. But Russia has also been advancing forward, and I do not find it possible, under the current circumstances, that Ukraine would be able to take all of its land back. A precondition for Russian forces to be pushed back and Putin to be forced into peace would be the exhaustion of the Russian economy and society, he adds. But a collapse of the Russian military, in a way that would force it to withdraw on a large scale, is extremely unlikely, says Kastehelmi. Defeating the Russian military repeatedly while plotting continuous strategic military breakthroughs is an immense task that would only be possible if Western countries joined Ukraines resistance, he explains. open image in gallery Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo with Ukrainian soldiers on a frontline position at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service ) How significant is Ukraines Donetsk counteroffensive? Zelensky insists that Ukraine is making major gains in the Donetsk region, where Russia has been edging forward for more than a year as it looks to seize the key strategic town of Pokrovsk. It was there that one of the most important directions of the Russian offensive was located, and they were unable to launch a fully fledged offensive there. Our military is destroying their forces, he said in his nightly video address late last week. The Russians have suffered significant losses, and the exchange fund for our country has been significantly replenished every day more Russian prisoners are being taken. But Kastehelmi says he doesnt entirely understand what Zelensky is actually talking about. He says the Ukrainian forces have made some local counterattacks, taking back some villages and areas of land, but these locations have since changed hands a couple of times. Kastehelmi is doubtful of Zelenskys claim that Ukraine has made significant gains in Donetsk. The amount of land that hes saying has been taken back seems to be over-exaggerated, and usually Zelensky is very vague while talking about these things, so its difficult to say what he actually means. I think thats more like strategic messaging towards the West, and especially towards Trump, to actually bolster these claims a little bit over the actual situation. 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 Vladimir Putin is expanding his war into Europe and no country should feel safe from the Russian threat, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an impassioned speech to the UN General Assembly. The Ukrainian leader made a plea for countries worldwide to band together and called on the UN to help bring a halt to the most destructive arms race in human history, as he took to the stage one day after Donald Trumps hour-long speech on Tuesday. Putin will keep driving the war forward, wider and deeper, Mr Zelensky said. We told you before: Ukraine is only the first. Now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it, and no one can feel safe right now. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at UN General Assembly ( AP ) Nato countries have rallied together against repeated Russian incursions into European airspace recently. Earlier this month, around 20 drones entered Polish airspace; last week, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian territory, where they remained for 12 minutes; and there were several other smaller-scale incursions, including into Romania. An increasingly disillusioned US president said on Tuesday that Nato member countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace. He later made surprise social media comments in a dramatic shift in tone on the Ukraine war, stating that Kyiv could push Russian forces back to the original Borders from where this War started. But Mr Zelenskys speech on Wednesday cut a graver tone than Trumps Truth Social comments. The Ukrainian president sought to put the onus for stopping the spread of chaos on the international community. He warned that without supporting Ukraine militarily and cutting Russia off economically, Putins aggression could lead to a devastating arms race. We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history, Mr Zelensky told delegates, stating that AI-controlled drones will be the next major breakthrough to be used in real combat. Weapons move fast. Now companies are already working on drones that can shoot down other drones, and it's only a matter of time before drones are fighting drones, attacking critical infrastructure, and targeting people all by themselves, fully autonomous and with no human involved, except the few who control AI systems. open image in gallery The Ukrainian air defence shoots down a Russian drone above Kyiv during an overnight mass drone and missile strike ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Zelensky called for global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons, adding that this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Every year that this war goes on, weapons become even more deadly. And only Russia deserves to be blamed for this, he added. Ukraine has decided to begin exporting its weapons to allies, Mr Zelensky added, promising that they dont need to start this race from scratch. "We are ready to make our modern weapons become your modern security. We have decided to open up arms export. And these are powerful systems tested in a real war when every international institution failed," he said. The Kremlin, meanwhile, earlier lashed out at a deeply mistaken Trump following his scathing social media comments, in which he also described Russias war as aimless. open image in gallery The presidents of Ukraine and the US meet during the UN General Assembly in New York ( AP ) As far as we understand, President Trumps statements were made after communicating with Zelensky and, apparently, under the influence of a vision set out by Zelensky, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This vision contrasts sharply with our understanding of the current state of affairs. The fact that Ukraine is being encouraged in every possible way to continue hostilities and the argument that Ukraine can win something back is, in our view, a mistaken argument ... The dynamics on the front lines speak for themselves. Bristling at Mr Trumps description of the Russian military as a paper tiger, Peskov responded: Russia isnt a tiger, its more associated with a bear. There are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear. Peskov said Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio later on Wednesday, where he will provide real information about the state of the front line in Ukraine. If youre diving into a recipe for baked goods, chances are vanilla extract is on the ingredients list. Its incorporated into everything from cookies and cakes to banana bread and creme brulee. While typically only one to two teaspoons are called for, that minimal amount goes such a long way in enhancing the flavor of any treat. I'm a professional baker, so I always have pure vanilla extract in my pantry. I have to stock up on Nielsen-Massey whenever I find it at Costco. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Price: $39 for two 8-ounce bottles Why I Love It: This expert-approved vanilla extract is the gold standard for bakers. I always buy bottles at Costco, where theyre a fraction of the price of other stores. Simply Recipes / Costco Why I Always Buy Vanilla Extract at Costco You can certainly pick up a small bottle of pure vanilla extract at your grocery store. However, if Im at Costco, theres one brand I look for: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, which many professional bakers turn to for whatever theyre making. Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract has the rich flavor profile you want from vanilla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco sells a two-pack of 8-ounce bottles for $39. One eight-ounce bottle is typically $25 to $30 at other stores, depending on the retailer. At this price point, it's cheaper per ounce than many other vanilla extract brands on the market. How To Store Vanilla Extract It may seem like a bit much to buy sixteen ounces of vanilla extract at once, but it lasts longer than you might think. This is a great option for someone who bakes regularly, or if you have a lot of seasonal baking coming up, like making dozens of your favorite holiday cookies. The bottles of vanilla extract can be stored in your pantry or baking cupboard for up to three years, so youll have some on hand when diving into your next dessert or baking project. Real Vanilla vs. Imitation Vanilla Though imitation vanilla is cheaper, the flavor won't enhance desserts and other baked goods as well as the real deal. Imitation vanilla is synthetic, whereas pure vanilla is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and alcohol to extract its natural flavor. This is especially important for my vanilla-forward baked goods, such as vanilla cake and homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE. Read the original article on Simply Recipes 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 Multiple drones have targeted a flotilla of Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ships carrying over 500 volunteers including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, activists have said. The Global Sumud Flotilla said it was in the waters south of Crete on Wednesday when several of its boats were targeted by heavy swarms of drones circling overhead. Their vessel was also sprayed with unidentified chemicals, sound bombs and explosive flares and had their communications jammed, according to the crew. The team reported hearing 15 to 16 drones and 13 explosions on or around several boats. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said the convoy had been attacked several times and called for international protection for the humanitarian mission, writing on X (Twitter): Boats hit with sound bombs, explosive flares, and sprayed with suspected chemicals. Radios jammed, calls for help blocked. Immediate international attention and protection required. Hands off the Flotilla! Saif Abukeshek, an activist on board the vessel, told The Independent: In these final days before reaching Gaza, Israel is escalating to some of its most dangerous tactics yet explosions, drones dropping objects on our boats, and communications jamming all aimed at intimidating us and stopping this humanitarian mission from reaching Palestinians in Gaza. The flotilla reported several attacks on its boats overnight ( AFP/Getty ) He said: These types of tactics are not new; they have been used against Palestinians for decades. We will not be deterred. Thiago Avila, an activist on board the ship, said the crew had experienced escalating attacks since they set sail last month, which had rapidly become severe and more dangerous as the group neared Gaza. Activists posted a brief video on the flotillas social media account showing what appeared to be an explosion on or near one of the vessels. Greeces coast guard did not report any distress calls. We are protected by international law. We are part of conscience of the world that knows we cannot allow starving children to stay without food, without aid. Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats, the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement. We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated. German human rights activist Yasemin Acar said in a video shared on Instagram: We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. The flotilla also said that unidentified objects had been dropped on several ships and that the extent of the damage will be fully assessed in daylight. The Independent has contacted the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for comment. The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as a multinational civilian effort to break Israels illegal siege of Gaza. It is made up of more than 500 volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and activists. It aims to deliver medical supplies and food to the population of Gaza, who are experiencing widespread hunger due to an Israeli naval blockade. The Israeli foreign ministry has proposed that the activists unload their aid in the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade, the ministry said on Monday. Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israels proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have. The flotilla has reported several attacks since it set sail from Spain on 1 September, including two while some of its boats were in Tunisian waters. Earlier this month, Italys foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, called on Israel to respect the rights of citizens after a vessel was reportedly attacked by an incendiary device in Tunisian waters. 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 Iran has carried out the highest number of executions in three decades as part of a mass killing campaign, a new report has found. More than 1,000 people were executed between January and September this year, according to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IRN). An estimated 64 hangings were carried out last week alone. The figure is likely to be an underestimate due to restrictions on reporting, the IRN said. Executions are thought to have spiked following Irans 12-day war with Israel earlier this year, as officials ordered a crackdown on alleged spies acting for Israel. In recent months the Islamic Republic has begun a mass killing campaign in Irans prisons, the dimensions of which, in the absence of serious international reactions, are expanding every day, said the groups director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam. The widespread, arbitrary executions of prisoners without due process and fair trial rights amount to crimes against humanity and must be placed at the top of the international communitys agenda regarding the Islamic Republic. He said: Any dialogue between countries committed to the foundations of human rights and the Islamic Republic that does not include the execution crisis in Iran is unacceptable. A woman holds a portrait of Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari, who was sentenced to death in 2020 ( ANP/AFP via Getty Images ) According to the IRN, half of the executions were for drug-related offences, 43 per cent for murder, 3 per cent for security-related charges and 1 per cent for espionage for Israel. Only 11 per cent of executions were announced officially while none of the drug-related executions have been announced. Iran has been criticised for its use of capital punishment, with activists and rights groups alleging that torture has been used to force confessions of guilt. Last week, father-of-two Babak Shahbazi was executed for allegedly spying for Israel. Human rights groups said he was tortured into admitting to gathering and selling sensitive information about Iranian data centres to Israel. They say he had been arrested for writing a letter offering his support to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky. Iran has supplied Russia with weapons for the conflict. Earlier this year, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Ravina Shamadasani, urged Iran to commit to a moratorium on the death penalty after reporting that 841 people had been killed in the period from 1 January to 28 August this year. The high number of executions indicates a systematic pattern of using death penalty as a tool of State intimidation, with disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants, said Shamadasani last month. The death penalty is incompatible with the right to life and irreconcilable with human dignity. It creates an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people. It should never be imposed for conduct that is protected under international human rights law. We call on the Government of Iran not to implement the death penalty against these and other individuals on death row. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Officials on the Hawaiian island of Maui have initiated door-to-door evacuations and sounded emergency sirens as a wildfire threatened residents on Tuesday. The 4-acre (1.6-hectare) blaze was first reported near the north shore town of Paia at 1.30pm, with no containment estimates immediately available. The Maui Emergency Management Agency issued an urgent alert, warning: "Leave immediately! There is a dangerous threat to life and property." Paia, a former sugar plantation town popular with windsurfers, is situated on the opposite side of the island from Lahaina, which was destroyed by a deadly wildfire in 2023. Paia resident Rod Antone described the situation as "nerve-wracking" as he worked to coordinate the evacuation of his elderly parents. "Hopefully nothing happens to the neighborhood," he added. Mr Antone, working in a county building in Wailuku, listened to radio updates but did not hear the sirens a detail that echoes the controversy surrounding Maui County officials failure to activate them before the Lahaina inferno last year. open image in gallery Smoke rising from a fire near Paia, Hawaii ( Wayne Thibaudeau via AP ) Antone noted that winds didn't feel particularly strong Tuesday, unlike in August 2023 when wind-whipped flames burned Lahaina and left 102 people dead. But like Lahaina, Paia is surrounded by dry brush, he said. The Maui Fire Department was using two helicopters to help fight the blaze. During the Lahaina fire, helicopters were grounded due to the strong winds. The American Red Cross was setting up evacuation sites, the county said. When traffic out of Paia started building, Wayne Thibaudeau decided to open a gate to give motorists an alternate evacuation route. Thibaudeau is one of the owners of Paia Sugar Mill, which closed in 2000 and is being renovated. The route takes motorists through old sugarcane fields. There was a steady stream of cars packed with people using the route, he said. A report on the Lahaina fire said that some back roads that could have provided an alternative escape were blocked by locked gates. This is the moment a would-be assassin disguised as a construction worker sneaks up on a woman and shoots her before the gun jammed and she was able to flee to safety. York Regional Police have released footage of the attack which happened in Markham, Canada, on January 21. In the surveillance video, the masked gunman is seen sneaking up behind the woman in her driveway before shooting her. The gun then jammed and she was able to make it to her home before two more shots were fired in her direction. The unnamed woman was treated for a gunshot wound. Chao Chen, 35, and Zhou Ye, 42, are facing charges for attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. It is not clear if or how they knew the victim. Fingal County Council has given lift-off to plans by Dublin airport operator, daa to expand the existing Pier 1 West building at the airport in order to deal with overcrowding. In granting planning permission to the plan by daa to add a second storey to the western end of Pier 1 West, the Council has concluded that the proposal for additional dwell space for passengers is not foreseen to have a negative impact on the public amenity of the area. We wish you an affordable Christmas how to host, dress, socialise, gift and eat without breaking the bank The semi-state company is still gripped by boardroom turmoil Earnings at the DAA, which operates Dublin Airport and Cork Airport, dipped 1pc to 160.8m in the first half of the year as the firm invested heavily in facilities and technology at both facilities. Ex-DUP leader and current MP to be witnesses in 12-week Nama trial, jury told as it is sworn in Long list of key crown witnesses read to jury of nine men and three women as huge trial gets under way Frank Cushnahan and Ian Coulter in court on September 22nd 2025 Sam McBride Tue 23 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Peter Robinson and Sammy Wilson will be among a host of high-profile witnesses called in a major corruption trial involving the sale of Namas Northern Ireland loans, a jury was told this morning. Revolut to spend 13bn and enter fresh markets in its push for 100 million users Fintech opens new headquarters in London and looks to expand into Africa, Asia and Latin America Revolut has been expanding its operations in recent years. Stock image. Photo: Getty Aisha S Gani Bloomberg Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Revolut plans to enter 30 new markets by the end of the decade, a strategy that will ultimately see the fintech invest $13bn (11bn) as it tries to amass 100 million users. Pauline ODriscoll gives a nuanced and faultless performance in The Seven Ages of Mam, but this solo show would be helped by a more dynamic script People often take their mothers for granted. Especially if they are the ordinary, non-monstrous type, who lives a life of self-sacrifice and caring for others. The mam in this show is that kind of woman: married young, gave up her job because childcare was too expensive and settled into looking after husband and kids. But there is something unresolved going on here. Whilst the character is engaging and entertaining, there is an essential obliviousness to her. This is an unexamined life, which is a different thing from an untold story. Factories supplying clothing to major Irish retailers have imported cotton from companies linked to Chinese forced labour. Photo: Getty Factories supplying clothing to major Irish retailers have imported cotton from companies linked to Chinese forced labour, RTE Investigates has revealed. Untraceable cotton, some of it linked to Uyghur forced labour, continues to make its way into European supply chains and the shops of Irish retailers, including Dunnes Stores, Penneys, Tesco and Marks & Spencer. Tanya Sweeney: When I moved to London in 1997 it swallowed me whole and spat me out for todays Irish twentysomethings its so much easier Id have to think about it Catherine Connolly responds to question on whether she would employ convicted rapist in Aras Retro returns with a mix of bold colours and playful textures being balanced with clean lines and contemporary design Sunken sitting rooms and wood interiors, geometric patterns and dulcet browns the 1970s are back, baby, in all their retro-flared fabulousness, but with a modern twist. Maybe its the comfort of nostalgia, a yearning for a rose-tinted past, or the playful mix of colour and texture, or that designers have finally elevated the eras quirks from kitsch to sophisticated. Whatever the reason, modern retro is the mood of the moment, blending the bold character of the 1970s with the clean lines and functionality of contemporary design. Footstool, 99, fermliving.com After years of clean Scandi and minimalist schemes, interiors are warming up. Earthy colours brown, terracotta, orange, green, ochre are out front and layered to create cosy corners and rooms. Textures have returned to the 1970s, with boucle, sheepskin, panelling, rattan and cane appearing across retailers collections but in a more refined way, delivering a hit of contemporary nostalgia. Side table, 369, kare.be There are nods to the era in H&Ms new AW home collection, with a range that focuses on texture dark woods, marble, velvet, chrome and geometric patterns in rich tones of amber, brown and plum. Co Bankeryd pendant light, 359, nordicnest.com Nordic high-street giant Arket, which just opened its first store in Dublin, has always championed modern Scandinavian design, and it brings two floors of it to its new store but with a touch of retro. Think textiles in shades of brown and green with a little bit extra: splashes of colour and pattern and hints of metallic. Rug, 499, ikea.com/ie The decade was also the first time open-plan living became mainstream, which meant the spotlight was on furniture design, with creators drilling down on shapes ensuring their designs looked great from every angle. Sofa, from 3,900, salaterradeco.com French modernist brand Ligne Roset, famous for retro classics like the Togo sofa (1973), continues to offer luxurious and ergonomic vintage-inspired pieces. Wireless lamp, 42.95, sklum.com From its 1970s ceramics collection to plush velvet retro sofas and lampshades, Dutch brand HK Living has had its feet in the 1970s for a number of years, blending all the cult status of the era with a contemporary design. Brands Dutch Bone and Kare are revisiting relaxed, low-profile furniture from the 1970s, such as wooden credenzas and sculpted chairs as a way to cultivate calm, cosy living spaces. Set of two retro vases, 39.99, hm.com High-street shops Next, Primark and M&S are weaving nostalgia into seasonal homeware, especially through colour and form. Marks and Spencers AW25 home collection, in particular, is modern yet sculptural, with curved furniture, such as the slipper accent chair in deep orange, and accessories lamps, cushions and vases in warm earthy accents, stripes and patterns. orianab.com Irish furniture retailer Oriana B is known for its polished eclecticism in its design service and interiors collections with the focus on reinterpreting a retro aesthetic that feels both carefully edited, evocative and current, from mid-century furniture to quirky accessories. Think glossy walnut cabinets, playful geometry and tactile upholstery like boucle and velvet. And youll find plenty of retro classics at Irish furniture shop Woo Design, including the Ritz lounge chair a low-profile curved chair in a funky 1970s print. Ritz Lounge Chair, 639, woodesign.ie The aim is to make a space feel timeless and not time-stamped; there is no tasteful way to put carpet around a toilet or crazy pave a fireplace. Its all about moderation, and the magic of modern retro is in the mix: curating pieces that reference the era without overpowering a room. The new date avoids the busy mid-term travel period Ryanair will move to 100pc digital boarding passes from Wednesday, November 12, it has announced. The move had first been planned for May, and was subsequently delayed to November 3, shortly after the switch from summer to winter schedules. The latest change is to ensure a seamless transition for customers and avoid the busy mid-term break, it said. The move to paperless boarding passes is designed to reduce costs, paper and check-in desks, and means Ryanair passengers will no longer be able to to print boarding passes when checking in online. From November 12, all passengers will need to use digital boarding passes generated in the airlines app during check-in to board their flights. "Ryanairs move to 100pc digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers," said its chief marketing officer, Dara Brady. The app also offers features such as live flight updates, disruption information and the ability to order food and drink to your seat, he added. Michael OLeary, Ryanairs chief executive, recently said he expected some teething problems with the change, although almost 80pc of its passengers already use digital boarding passes. If passengers lose their phone, or their battery dies, Mr OLeary has said there will be no issue. As long as people have checked in before arriving at the airport, staff will reissue paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge, he said. Passengers without smartphones can also ask travelling companions to download boarding passes for them, with airport assistance available. The current fee to reissue a boarding pass is 20, but this will be waived from November 3, the airlines website states. Ryanair said its move to paperless boarding followed other key tickets industries such as festivals, music, and sport events. Some outlier destinations continue to accept only printed boarding passes, however, including Morocco and Albania (Ryanair will fly direct from Dublin Airport to Tirana from March). Mr OLeary has said Albania will accept digital boarding passes from March, but that Ryanair would continue to accept paper passes in Morocco. Also, if your battery dies or something happens, once you've checked in, we'll have your sequence number anyway at the boarding gate, we'll take you you'll get on, he added. So nobody should worry about it. Just make sure you check in online before you get to the airport and then all will be fine. US president Donald Trump took aim at the UN yesterday in a stinging speech to the general assembly in New York. Photo: AP Some people sense the world is adrift or has been undergoing a change of management since America hung up its holster as global sheriff. Others feel it was always naive to believe any single country would ever take on the role of Atlas and carry the globe indefinitely. Yet after World War II it was the US that stepped up. The question now is: Who will fill the void? Because under President Donald Trump, there is no longer any doubt that the US is taking a step back. US president Donald Trump took aim at the UN yesterday in a stinging speech to the general assembly in New York. Photo: AP Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 24th He accused the UN yesterday of facilitating an invasion of Western countries, and there was the sound of jaws hitting the floor at the General Assembly when he claimed climate change was the worst con job ever and the UN called it wrong. He ridiculed the UNs ability to function, citing a broken escalator and teleprompter to highlight levels of dysfunction. It was an odd way for the most powerful man on the planet to address world leaders who had gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of the organisation. But a White House statement had set the scene in advance of Mr Trumps address, saying: Globalist institutions have significantly decayed the world order. Mr Trump also took aim at several European allies for recognising a Palestinian state, which he called a reward to Hamas for its attacks on October 7, 2023. While many may have been asking if the organisation was fit for purpose, Mr Trump was intent on a demolition job. By the time he had finished his speech, its humanitarian, security and diplomatic credentials had all been undermined. Yet earlier, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres had gamely made a case for it to be a firewall against the flames of conflict and World War III. Finding global agreement to stand up to aggression is proving impossible We are all in this together, he reminded the assembly. Mr Trump did not agree. What kind of world do we choose to build together? Mr Guterres asked. We must make a choice. He called on countries to reaffirm international law, the principles of which he said were foundational to the UN. He begged states to call out countries acting as if rules dont apply to them. But finding global agreement to stand up to aggression is proving impossible. Russian president Vladimir Putin demonstrates daily in Ukraine that might is right. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu does the same in Gaza. Their combined actions are shredding the UN charter, yet there is no comeback internationally. The rights of civilians are violated, yet the UN cannot summon the will to condemn, let alone stop the carnage. The value of bringing world leaders together on a central stage to act in concert is voided if it is all just performative. Mr Trumps attack has not helped. His condemnation of the EU and failure to censure either China or Russia was another slap in the face for allies. The message was simple: if the UN has a future as a unifying or pacifying force, it best not look to the US. And if it is to play a meaningful role in the 21st century, it must urgently rediscover its sense of purpose. I think the headline Left-wing parties distance themselves from Catherine Connollys comments on Hamas may be slightly over the top (Irish Independent, September 23). One party and an individual are quoted. While it is probably best to ignore the intervention of Labours Alan Kelly as there are serious doubts about his left-wing credentials to begin with, the Social Democrats view requires attention. Its spokesperson actually said they would not have used the same language as Catherine, then went on to agree totally with Ms Connollys main point that it is up to the Palestinian people to decide who their political representatives should be, following free and fair elections. But those who disagree that the Palestinian people themselves should decide the make-up of any future government must now address whether such a condition should also be placed on Israelis. For example, many now believe that the current Israeli government is committing genocide; should parties that make up that government Likud, Shas, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionist Party and New Hope all be excluded from future governments? Anyone insisting any such condition be attached to a peace deal should know they simply wont fly. Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Sligo Scheming and lying of Traitors now replaced by new election campaign For those suffering withdrawal symptoms following the conclusion of The Traitors Ireland, tune in now to be entertained as the new series continues under the title The Presidential Election. This game is going to be a blast, with a new twist of people scheming and spinning yarns to get themselves into the big house. Tom Finn, Ballinasloe, Co Galway Are we facing a future of tension between president and government parties? Fionnan Sheahan writes that were left with Jim Gavin boring us to tears with his lack of opinions, Catherine Connolly objecting to every question and Heather Humphreys panicking over all her answers (Mary Lous bags of cash could be key as Sinn Fein takes left alliance for test-drive, September 22) On Monday, Ms Connolly launched her election campaign, but did not take questions from the media. This is worrying in light of her controversial comments about Hamas on the BBC earlier in the day. The Left alliance has united around Connolly in the hope that neither Fianna Fail nor Fine Gael will win the presidency. Fair enough, but what if Ms Connolly is elected as an anti-Fianna Fail/Fine Gael candidate? What if future comments by Connolly go against government policy? As things stand, Taoiseach Micheal Martin sharply criticised her recent comments about Hamas. Would a future President Connolly curtail her views, and if she were not to, are we headed for a constitutional crisis with conflict between the president and the government? Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway Oliver Callan is wrong to pile all the housing blame on to Varadkars shoulders Oliver Callan is funny, and he can be good on the radio, and of course hes entitled to his opinions, but hes not entitled to his facts. Nobody is. Housing is complex. Understandably, for many people, housing is very emotional. For Callan to state in a recent review of Leo Varadkars book Speaking my Mind that his legacy is his cold, dismissive attitude towards the housing disaster his party created and still maintains is a lazy exploitation of this emotion. Worse than that, its reckless. He knows that housing is complex, and he knows that no single individual or party is responsible for the housing challenges faced by many. From planning to finance, regulation to migration and for many other reasons, the housing challenge is formidable and ongoing. There are no easy answers, but in this era of hyper-communication, words matter. Well chosen, they can help heal. However, as were increasingly seeing across the Atlantic and closer to home, they can also maim. The disgraceful harassment of Simon Harris and many more of our public representatives is truly shocking. John Looby, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 Waste-collection shake-up should consider European success in communal bins I read your report on Tuesday that county councils are reviewing the provision of bin collection with the possibility of eliminating price competition entirely (Waste-collection system shake-up would allow bin firms to take over entire regions). They say our current system is out of step with the rest of Europe. One thing that seems to be in place in much of Europe is communal bins, sometimes located underground. Why cant we have that here? Frank Keogh, Claude Road, Dublin Kimmels return to TV has to prove that silencing of broadcasters never works Jimmy Kimmels brief suspension shows how fragile free speech becomes once politics intrudes. When regulators hint at remedies for a monologue, the state is no longer neutral, but tilting the scales. History warns us. McCarthys blacklists silenced many, but ultimately fuelled a generation of artists more defiant than before. The same dynamic could play out again. By pressing too hard on broadcasters, politicians may drive creative voices to independent platforms beyond reach and control, deepening the polarisation they claim to fear. For those of us in Europe, it is a reminder that free expression is never permanently secured, only continually defended. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh As Sarah Ferguson falls to the Epstein scandal, how is Donald Trump feeling? The Jeffrey Epstein story doesnt appear to be going away. I found it intriguing that it has been reported in the UK that Sarah Ferguson, ex-wife of Prince Andrew, apologised to paedophile sex offender Epstein for disowning him and called him a supreme friend because he threatened to sue her. The recent flurry of new information about the disgraced financiers life and friendships comes after a US congressional panel released documents that belonged to him. One wonders how Teflon Trump must now be feeling. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Better late than never. Britain, as the former Mandate for Palestine administrative power, has done the right thing and historically recognised Palestine as a state. Both Canada and Australia also announced Palestinian recognition. France, another permanent member of the UN Security Council, is now following suit. Ireland, in a European context (together with Spain and Norway), arguably led the way with Palestinian statehood recognition over a year ago and rightly deserves great credit. Now, almost 80pc of UN members acknowledge Palestinian statehood and the right of its people to self-determination. Time is rapidly running out. Palestinian validation must now become the driver to apply renewed international pressure to find peace, keeping the hope of a two-state solution alive. In light of the seemingly endless, intolerable, humanitarian horror on the ground in Gaza, some may feel fatalism and despondency seeing this as merely symbolic, but sometimes symbolism really counts. Dr Bernard Guinan, Claremorris, Mayo The people of Gaza need real action, not soundbites from European politicians Many government representatives appearing on talk shows point to what they consider positive actions taken by the Irish Government in support of Palestinian people. My concern is: do these politicians really understand what is happening in Gaza and the West Bank? Perhaps having spent many years living and working in the region, with the United Nations, I have an advantage. It should be very clear by now that Benjamin Netanyahu has no interest in negotiations with Palestinians. While European politicians talk, unarmed Palestinians are killed on a daily basis. What is needed is action against Netanyahu and what he represents. Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Cork Ridiculous choice facing voters in Aras election makes mockery of us all When voting in the presidential election, what are the choices available to the electorate? You can vote for the right-wing parties who deride democracy through the instruction to council members to refuse to endorse Independent outsiders. Or you can vote for the left-wing candidate, but that now means you are endorsing the mandate of a political party that did more to prevent a united Ireland than unionists could have dreamt of. Jonathan Swift is alive and well. Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin Erika Kirks words of forgiveness an example of Christianity in action From the Bible: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). From Erika Kirk, the wife of the slain Charlie Kirk: The answer to hate is not hate, and she forgave her husbands killer. From Donald Trump: I hate my opponents, and I dont want the best for them. Which is the most Christian and looking for a positive world? Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Trump shows true colours as he turns memorial into another political rally No surprise as Trump made the memorial for Charlie Kirk about himself while he stated that he hates his political opponents, moments after Erika Kirk forgave her husbands killer in an emotional tribute. Ms Kirk showed she is a first-class lady. Trump showed he has no class. Seamus McLoughlin, Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim Fate of all humanity lies in whims of old men clinging desperately to their power When I think of US president Donald Trump, the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin of Russia, I find it incredible to think that most of our global issues have been caused by the above three white men in their 70s clinging to power under legal shadows. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Brilliant article on health data an eye-opener for a nation sick of the system I read Sarah Careys excellent article on the health service (How data is turning the tables in power struggle to get a better deal for patients, Irish Independent, September 20). She managed so well to decipher the data and, thereby, give some hope that we can at last look forward to some improvement in our health service. Too true that the minister is entitled to respect and to demand answers on behalf of a population sick; and sick of excuses. This years budget was 24bn, staff numbers are up to 127,000 and consultant numbers have increased from 3,259 to 4670. So, spending is up by 35pc, staff by 25pc and consultants by 44pc. A big thanks to her for asking where it is all going and pointing out that the power of data shows us how the battle for healthcare reform can be won, which is very welcome news after the endless calls for more and more expenditure resulting in no improvement. A thank you too for Henry Olsens article on the shooting of Charlie Kirk, which was factual and balanced and which, hopefully, is a forerunner to more of the same. Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal town It is heartening to witness thousands of young people embracing Irish language In yesterdays Irish Independent, Conor de Faoite wrote very eloquently about his attendance at the Irish language protest march in Dublin last Saturday (Irish Independent, Letters, September 22). I also attended the march. It was a privilege to be part of it and to see the amount of people there. One of the organisers told us that there were 25,000 people in attendance. The enthusiasm of the people there was infectious, with everyone speaking as Gaeilge. I was also heartened by the number of young people there. The future of the language is in their hands. The language will not survive unless young people embrace it, and thankfully more and more of them are doing so. There were excellent speakers, but the best words, in my opinion, came from Heulyn Rees, chief executive of Cardiff-based Welsh language advocacy group Menter Caerdydd, who said: Never whisper Irish. Shout it, teach it, demand it. Let it ring from Belfast to Derry, from Derry to Dublin. Let it be the voice of your future and not just your past. Irish speakers have finally found their voice and will not be silenced any more. Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway At this rate, CMAT, Dunboynes emerging national treasure, could be a podcast theme in her own right, as she has appeared on so many shows lately, including Comfort Eating with Grace Dent and Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaws Sidetracked within the same week. But when an interviewee is as bright, sassy and candid as Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, why wouldnt producers be knocking down her door? Tape Notes is one of the more anoraky ones, as host John Kennedy reunites musicians with their producers; here, CMAT and long-time collaborator Oli Deakin discuss the making of the Mercury Prize-nominated Euro-Country, her third consecutive Irish number one album. Clear two hours and two minutes from your diary and listen in as CMAT describes recording the LP in Brooklyn with a natty floristry metaphor thrown in, to explain how they helped each other fill in the records grooves. If Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt know whats good for them theyll get CMAT on Rockonteurs: female artists are sorely missing on this series that began four years ago, where the pair interview pop and rock artists about their craft (OK, so the likes of Bob Geldof, Nile Rodgers and Dave Gilmour have been slugging it out for decades... but that CMAT has released three albums in as many years proves shes a grafter). Kemp, of Spandau Ballet fame, and bassist Pratt, who has worked with Madonna, Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd, are good company as they learn the backstory of seminal releases and music milestones. The new season kicks off with a multi-part insight into Londons short-lived but highly influential Blitz Club, which became an epicentre for New Romantics and the avant-garde. Cue guest Boy George: When we went to the Blitz, boys kissed boys, girls kissed girls there was a kind of freedom that wasnt as explained as it is now). Kate Moss narrates Music Uncovered: David Bowie Changeling, a seven-part documentary tracing Bowies evolution through the eyes of his starry friends/fans, such as Elton John, Iggy Pop, Tilda Swinton, Twiggy and Robbie Williams. Its USP though is the previously unheard interview Bowie gave to producer Des Shaw in 2001: I think that throughout the 1960s and most of the 1970s I was driven by lust, as much as anything. Its a great creative force, he said of his early career. And one Government minister helping the Association mark International Week of the Deaf lays down a challenge to all Oireachtas members: Learn ISL Elaine Grehan, Advocacy Manager for the Irish Deaf Society and Susan O Callaghan, Deaf Advocacy Officer with CDA pictured with Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport at CDA offices in Cork. Photo: John Allen. A Cork Minister has thrown down the gauntlet for his colleagues in the Oireachtas to learn Irish Sign Language (ISL) during the International Week of the Deaf. Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer, laid down the challenge to those in Leinster House as the Cork Deaf Association launched a major new Sign Language initiative which will see thousands of public sector workers receiving upskilling and awareness training. Thanks to funding of 65,000 from Rethink Ireland, the group trained over 500 public service workers, including those meeting the public in both city and county councils, as well as post offices and passport offices, among others. The project, called Deaf Awareness, Public Service and the ISL Act, is designed to create awareness, educate, and support public bodies in meeting their obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act, passed into law in 2017, which provides free interpretation of statutory entitlements and services. Meanwhile, a new deaf-awareness module has been created under the HSE internal training programme HSeLanD, which is set to support the upskilling of over 10,000 HSE staff across Cork and Kerry on how to properly accommodate patients who communicate in sign. However, a survey conducted under the national disability report found that over 50% of State bodies were either not aware of the ISL Act or were not aware of their responsibilities to Irelands deaf citizens under the Act. The figures are disappointing in that just 5% of the community feel they have access to the proper support services, admitted Minister Buttimer, who worked in his previous career as a teacher with deaf students through adult education. We have an obligation under the Act to make sure that our country is an equitable, inclusive place. We have to ensure that people in the deaf community feel welcome and get the support they require. Fluency is a different question, but I think it (learning ISL) is something we need to do more of. We are meeting people every week and it is their language of choice, and we should be able, as politicians, to communicate with them imperfectly, albeit, but make the effort to do so. We have a duty to meet them halfway. We have done that on other issues regarding disability, as well as other languages, so I dont see why we shouldnt do sign language as well. Carl Plover, Operations Manager, CDA; Paul Barry, Treasurer of CDA Board; Elaine Hopkins, Finance Manager at CDA; Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport; Tom OBrien, Vice-Chair of CDA Board pictured at CDA offices. Photo: John Allen. It wont happen, but its certainly an aspiration, said Cork Deaf Association Advocacy Officer Susan OCallaghan about the idea, speaking in sign through an interpreter. Whats more important for us is that they understand ISL and what it means to the deaf community and our culture, and the numerous barriers that exist for deaf people in society. People assume that there have been huge improvements, but the barriers are still there, and I think having funding available to us so that we can do that training and ensure that the barriers come down, thats really important. Vice Chairperson of the Associations Board of Directors, Tom OBrien, spoke briefly at the event, but from the heart, about the anger and frustration felt as someone who communicates in sign, living in a world which still struggles to accommodate his communitys needs. Susan says it has a big impact, even in the most basic situations. If youre thinking about going to the cinema, the subtitled versions might only be showing once a month, so were always seeing something much later than everybody else. For example, when you talk about our new HSE programme, I remember going to a doctor with my brother, about 20 years ago, who was also deaf. We went into the A&E and we told the nurse we were deaf. The doctor came up to me and started shouting in my ear. I told him to stop and tried to turn around and explain to him that we use gestures. And then he went up to my brother and started shouting in his ear! People assume that everyone is able to lipread, but thats not the case, Ms ODonnell, who is profoundly deaf, explained. Some words look exactly the same without the context of gestures. Carl Plover, Operations Manager, CDA; Paul Barry, Treasurer of CDA Board; Elaine Hopkins, Finance Manager at CDA; Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport; Tom OBrien, Vice-Chair of CDA Board pictured at CDA offices. Photo: John Allen. ODonnell says that those who dont have sign language dont have to worry about being disrespectful when attempting to use gestures to communicate. Just make an effort, make those facial expressions, and take your inspiration from the person youre talking to. There is no wrong or right we understand people are making an effort. And with an ongoing lack of interpreters, Elaine Hopkins, Head of Fundraising, says that the pressure has to stay on government to do more for the deaf community, with just one accredited course to become an ISL interpreter, based in Dublin. Traditionally it tends to be people that have a background, but its a good job, theres a lot of work in it, so I think word does need to spread to the wider community. We have had incidents where a child has been asked to interpret medical information for a parent, or vice versa, which is totally inappropriate. News Concern in Cork over what would be Europes second-biggest solar farm raised at Oireachtas meeting Opposition to a proposed solar farm development in East Cork, planned to be the second largest in Europe, has been heard recently at Oireachtas level, with a meeting promised concerned locals in the New Year. Cian O'Callaghan, deputy leader of the Social Democrats, with Karl Stanley, the party's newly co-opted councillor on Dublin City Council Dublin City Council (DCC) has welcomed a new councillor in the wake of Social Democrat Catherine Stockers decision to step away from the role earlier this month. Her party colleague Karl Stanley will be taking over in the Clontarf area, and was co-opted into the position at a special meeting of the council this week. Speaking after his co-opting, Mr Stanley said Dublin had treated him well over the course of his life, and he now hoped to return the favour to his community. I grew up out in Blanchardstown in a [Dublin] Corporation house built directly by the state, he said. We didnt have any money growing up, yet I was able to go to excellent schools. I went to a great national school, a great secondary school. Fingal County Council paid for me to take a degree in Trinity College in one of the best universities in the world. He said he felt very privileged to be in the position he was in, and hoped to give a bit back to the people of north Dublin. Mr Stanley was previously co-opted temporarily to fill in for Ms Stocker when she took maternity leave in February 2023, the first councillor in the country to do so. Speaking in advance of the meeting this week, Mr Stanley said it was a very different thing emotionally to be permanently co-opted versus his previous temporary stint as a councillor. [In 2023] my number one goal was not to disgrace Catherine, just to make sure she could come back to the seat and everything would be as she left it. Now its a bit different, he said. Catherine lives up in Donnycarney. I live down in Fairview. So the issues I hear about will be a little bit different, but obviously we have very similar values. Social Democrats councillor Catherine Stocker has stepped away from her role Having worked in tech and most recently reinsurance, Mr Stanley is currently taking time off from other work in order to fully focus on the councillor role. He said his priorities for the upcoming term would be on enhancing the citys active travel network and tackling derelict buildings, highlighting the unused Players Lounge building in Fairview. Mr Stanleys co-opting comes in the wake of Ms Stocker stepping away early this month in order to focus on family responsibilities. In a Facebook post, she said it was a decision she made with a great deal of regret and no small measure of sadness, but felt it was the right one for her family and constituents. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Following Mondays meeting of Sligo County Council where the decision was taken not to nominate a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, independent Councillor Michael Clarke has launched a strong attack on both the local authority and his fellow councillors. In a video posted online, Cllr Clarke spoke about the events at the meeting saying he had proposed Gareth Sheridan but as Mr Sheridan was not present he could not receive the backing of the Council. I proposed that Gareth Sheridan would be considered. He has two nominations (from other local authorities) and I believe that the people need choice. Sligo County Council, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael put so many restrictions because there was 12 meetings today all over the country. People couldnt attend so we had only person attending. Gareth Sheridan wasnt able to attend along with all the other people." Cllr Clarke expressed the belief that it was in the interest of democracy that he was nominating Gareth Sheridan, stating that he may not have voted for Mr Sheridan but still felt it was important his name was on the ballot paper. Sligo County Council put extra conditions on the nomination process, stated Cllr Clarke. First of all, you had to attend in person. You couldnt present online even though members of the Council could present online so that excluded anyone who wasnt able to attend. The legislation is very clear, those conditions are not in the legislation. "The members of Sligo County Council, controlled by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael put those extra conditions into it. The Council, Fianna Fail Chairman and Fine Gael and indeed the Left all nodded in agreement that nobody should be nominated by Sligo County Council. "Democracy now is suffering very badly in my view, I think people should be given the choice. I might never even vote or Gareth Sheridan but because two other Councils nominated him I think he should get the opportunity to be on the ballot paper and let the people decide. Democracy is a big loser today. Questioning the legality of how matters unfolded in County Hall, Cllr Clarke remarked, Im not sure if what they did in Sligo County Council was legal or not today but this is what democracy is coming to in Ireland. It is a dictatorship from Dublin and the fools of councillors that have no say are happy to toddle along and be there. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Linda Sinnott and Valerie Boylan at the Big Beach Clean in association with Courtown Community Council. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Nula Mythen and Catherine Kinsella at the Big Beach Clean in association with Courtown Community Council. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench The Gorey Scouts helping out at the Big Beach Clean in association with Courtown Community Council. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Locals in Courtown gathered to show support for the coasts of Wexford as they took part in the annual Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean. Courtown Community Council were joined by locals in the Courtown and Riverchapel area alongside 3rd Wexford Scouts Gorey at Kiltennel Beach, Gorey on Saturday, September 20 to play their part in keeping the coast clean. Linda Sinnott and Valerie Boylan at the Big Beach Clean in association with Courtown Community Council. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Linda Sinnott of Courtown Community Council thanked members of the community for coming to support the initiative. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in Courtown on Saturday, especially the scouts who did an amazing job, she said. This isnt the last clean up planned for Courtown, as Linda hopes to continue the cleaning streak by hosting another session next Spring to tackle the litter brought in by winter storms. The annual Big Beach Clean is a call-to-action as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), which encourages individuals, communities and volunteers to remove litter from the Irish coast and waterways at the end of the Irish bathing season. In addition to this, volunteers who take part in the initiative are called upon to get involved in a worldwide citizen science project, by recording the quantities and types of litter found on Irish beaches during this clean-up to help shape further policies and campaigns. Linda further praised those in the community who volunteer to clean the area throughout the year. Wed also like to acknowledge and commend the many community-minded people who voluntarily collect litter throughout the year, their efforts make a real difference. The former TD and MEP said the Presidential candidate from Galway should not have to apologise for her recent comments on Hamas Mick Wallace has said he would not run against Catherine Connolly. Photo: PA With the race for the Aras well and truly heating up, presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly has come under increasing pressure in recent days over comments made around the role of Hamas in Palestinian society. Ms Connolly came in for widespread criticism, including from Taoiseach Micheal Martin, for stating that Hamas was part of the fabric of the Palestinian people and "part of the civil society of Palestine. Clarifying the comments, she has acknowledged that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organisation and that both sides have to disarm. She went on to state publicly that she had condemned Hamas over and over, but added that the Israeli state was out of control and that both sides had committed war crimes and should be held to account. An ardent supporter of Connolly's presidential bid, and someone who had accompanied her on a controversial trip to Syria in 2018, alongside Clare Daly, former MEP and TD Mick Wallace has stated that the Galway native should feel no need to apologise for her comments. Speaking to Alan Corcoran on South East Radios Morning Mix, Wallace became quite animated when the furore around Connolly's Hamas comments was raised. Hold on a minute, he said. I mean, the ANC were branded as terrorists in South Africa. Nelson Mandela was on a terrorist list for, I'd say, more than 20 years. These people ended up being part of a government in South Africa. "People should remember Hamas were elected by the people of Palestine in 2006, but the Americans and the Europeans and the Israelis said no, you cant have them as your leader. We're not allowing them. But the Palestinians voted for them. So do we believe in democracy or dont we? Wallace went on to echo Catherine Connolly's comments that the actions of Israel were clearly of more urgent concern. "Im pro-peace and anti-war, I dont like to see anyone settle their disputes with guns and bombs, I dont care who they are, he said. When Hamas attacked on October 7, they attacked civilians, which I condemned straight away. But if you ask me who has been the biggest terrorist organisation in that region in the past two years, Hamas or Israel, its no contest. Israel is a far more dangerous terrorist state than Hamas are. Its no comparison. Referencing the trip to Syria in 2018, Wallace continued: "People were attacking Catherine Connolly for going to Syria with myself and Clare Daly. America has dropped more bombs than the whole world put together since 1945 and has killed and destroyed millions of peoples lives and communities. Is it okay to go to America? Catherine Connolly pictured with fellow TDs Mick Walllace and Clare Daly in Aleppo, Syria, in 2018. The former TD for Wexford, who had previously tongue-in-cheek suggested he would consider running for president himself if Catherine Connolly didnt go forward, then took aim at Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Speaking from a UN summit in New York, the Taoiseach said that there had been a reluctance on the part of Ms Connolly and others in the Dail to unequivocally condemn what Hamas did on October 7 in 2023. "Micheal Martin went to Israel to commiserate with the Israeli government and theres a picture of him looking at a hole in the ceiling from a Hamas attack, Wallace blasted. Then he comes out yesterday saying that Israel has been committing a genocide from the start. What was he doing over there then? He went over there after the start, commiserating with Israel, giving them credibility and continuing to do business with them. "The hypocrisy of the politicians is breath-taking. And attacking Catherine Connolly for her comments on Hamas...I mean Sinn Fein were involved with guns, but are we saying that the Good Friday Agreement was a bad idea? Of course it was a good idea. "All shes doing is telling the truth, but the media are after her because they dont want her to be the president, he concluded. latest | Tanaiste Simon Harris says Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla carrying Sinn Fein senator and around 20 Irish citizens is a breach of international law Among those also aboard are Irish citizens, comedian Tadhg Hickey and author Naoise Dolan The Global Sumud Flotilla in Barcelona before it set sail to Gaza. Photo: Kike Rincon/Europa Press via Getty. Cillian Sherlock and Associated Press Press Association Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 17:33 The Tanaiste has said the Israeli attack on a protest flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza is a breach of international law and has spoken with his EU counterparts about raising our concerns in Tel Aviv. Authorities investigating attack as 'act of targeted violence'Shooter possibly fired from nearby rooftop, investigation ongoing Law enforcement personnel respond at the scene of a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas, U.S., September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Jeffrey McWhorter A shooter killed two people and wounded another critically on Wednesday at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas before taking his own life, and investigators recovered rounds near the suspect's body that contained anti-ICE messages, officials said. Your countries are going to hell Donald Trumps hour-long rebuke to global allies at UN General Assembly Europe in particular came under fire in US presidents bitter tirade against immigration and the environment US president Donald Trump addresses the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday. Photo: AP Andrew Feinberg UK Independent Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Donald Trump was not yet two minutes into his first speech to the UN General Assembly of his second term when he credited himself for having single-handedly forged a world that was prosperous and at peace. A view of Jenin refugee camp amid an Israeli military operation, in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. REUTERS/Raneen Sawafta US President Donald Trump promised Arab leaders he would not let Israel annex the occupied West Bank, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing six people familiar with the matter. Two people described Trump as being firm on the topic during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Elon Musks father Errol says claims that he sexually abused his children are false and nonsense SpaceX CEO has been contacted repeatedly by family looking for support Errol Musk dismissed allegations of sexual abuse. Photo: Getty Rhian Lubin UK Independent Tue 23 Sep 2025 at 22:20 Elon Musks father has been accused of sexually abusing his children and stepchildren, who have repeatedly turned to the tech mogul for help, a report has said. LATEST | Kremlin responds to Trump social media post, says it's a big mistake to think Ukraine can win back lost territory US president says length of war has shown Putin to be a paper tiger US president Donald Trump speaking to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday. Photo: AP Illia Novikov and Matthew Lee Associated Press Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 12:10 The Kremlin, responding to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, said on Wednesday that Russia's economy fully satisfied the needs of its army and it was a big mistake to believe that Ukraine could win back lost territory. Nato warns Russia it is ready to use all necessary tools to defend itself Airspace breached in recent weeks by jets and drones Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. Photo: Reuters Lorne Cook Associated Press Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Nato warned Russia yesterday that it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing this month of Russian drones over Poland and Estonias report of an intrusion by Russian fighter jets last week. Zelensky tells UN to stop Russia or face most destructive arms race ever Ukraine's leader warns of breakneck innovation in weapons Russia's war in Ukraine is driving arms race, he tells UN 'No security guarantees except friends and weapons', he says Ukraine moving to open up its arms exports to allies Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (Richard Drew/AP) Tom Balmforth and Michelle Nichols Reuters Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 19:46 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged world powers to help stop Russia's war in his country in a speech to the United Nations on Wednesday, warning of a dangerous arms race that he said the fighting was helping unleash. A Missouri woman was sentenced last night to almost five years in federal prison for scheming to defraud Elvis Presleys family by trying to auction off his Graceland home in Tennessee. LATEST | Jimmy Kimmel thanks Patrick Kielty in opening monologue on first show back on air Kimmel referenced the Late Late host while listing late-night hosts from Ireland among those who reached out to him after his show was taken off airAfter a standing ovation on his return, the TV host said: It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man Jimmy Kimmel Dave Clarke and Adrianna Wrona Press Association Wed 24 Sep 2025 at 07:28 American late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel has referenced Patrick Kielty during his opening monologue as he returned to his ABC show following a five-day suspension. It was unclear if the network was linked an incident where unknown actors impersonated White House secretary of state Marco Rubio. Photo: AP US federal agents dismantled a network of devices in the New York area that was used to threaten senior US government officials and bore signs of foreign involvement, according to the US Secret Service. Agents discovered more than 300 SIM card servers and 100,000 SIM cards at several locations within a 55km radius of New York City, according to a statement yesterday. The Secret Service moved quickly, given that any attack could have severely disrupted New York at a time when world leaders are gathering in the city for a meeting of the UN General Assembly. Donald Trump used an address to the United Nations to claim that Europe is being "invaded" by "illegal aliens". In a combative speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, the US president attacked UN assistance for asylum seekers, saying the organisation was "funding an assault on western countries and their borders". Black Rabbit Netflix release date How to watch Black Rabbit on Netflix? Visit the Netflix website or launch the Netflix app. Sign in to your account. Search for Black Rabbit . . Click on the series and begin streaming. Black Rabbit episodes title Episode One: The Cyclone The Cyclone Episode Two: The Black Rabbits The Black Rabbits Episode Three: Skin Contact Skin Contact Episode Four: No More F**k-Ups No More F**k-Ups Episode Five: Trailblazer Trailblazer Episode Six: Attaf**kinboy Attaf**kinboy Episode Seven: These Kids Nearly Got Munsoned These Kids Nearly Got Munsoned Episode Eight: Isle of Joy Black Rabbit trailer Black Rabbit cast Jude Law as Jake Friedken as Jake Friedken Jason Bateman as Vince Friedken as Vince Friedken Cleopatra Coleman as Estelle as Estelle Amaka Okafor as Roxie as Roxie Sope Dirisu as Wes as Wes Troy Kotsur as Joe Mancuso as Joe Mancuso Robin de Jesus as Tony Black Rabbit storyline Black Rabbit ending Is Black Rabbit Season 2 coming? is an exciting new Netflix series featuring Jude Law and Jason Bateman, set in New York Citys high-stakes nightlife scene. The story follows Jake Friedken (Law), a charismatic restaurant owner, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his troubled brother Vince (Bateman) returns to the family business.As old wounds reopen, tensions escalate, threatening their success and bond. This thriller delves into family dynamics, ambition, and betrayal, offering a mix of suspense and character-driven drama.With a talented cast and skilled directors, the series promises gripping storytelling and unforgettable performances for viewers seeking both intrigue and emotional depth.is available for you to watch on Netflix from. All eight episodes are released simultaneously, allowing binge-watching from day one.The first season ofis available to stream on Netflix. As a Netflix original series, youll need an active subscription to watch it., a Netflix series, centers on two estranged brothers: Jake (Jude Law), a thriving restaurateur, and Vince (Jason Bateman), who returns to the city weighed down by gambling debts and hunted by dangerous criminals.Vinces arrival pulls Jake and his upscale restaurant,, into a perilous criminal world, triggering a chain of violence, theft, and chaos that threatens their livelihoods. The series delves into the fragile relationship between the brothers as they confront past wounds and navigate a dangerous present.The Netflix limited seriesconcludes with a gripping and emotionally charged finale that leaves viewers both stunned and contemplative. The story centers on two estranged brothers, Jake (Jude Law), a successful restaurateur, and Vince (Jason Bateman), whose return to New York City drags them into the perilous criminal underworld.In the final moments of the series, Vince makes a tragic decision that changes everything. After a tense confrontation with crime boss Joe Mancuso (Troy Kotsur), Vince leaps to his death, leaving Jake devastated and the future of the Black Rabbit restaurant uncertain. This heart-wrenching scene underscores the deep bond between the brothers and the destructive impact of Vince's past choices.While the series concludes with a sense of closure, subtle hints suggest the possibility of a second season. The unresolved tensions and complex relationships among the characters leave room for further exploration. Fans are left wondering if Jake will rebuild his life and the restaurant, or if the shadows of the past will continue to haunt him. Dallas ICE facility attack leaves one dead, several injured Reuters BREAKING: ACTIVE SHOOTER AT ICE FACILITY IN DALLAS Three people have been shot at an ICE facility in Dallas. Police are searching for a suspected sniper, possibly positioned on a rooftop, with at least one federal officer reportedly pinned down. Heavy law enforcement pic.twitter.com/AdNL3juLr5 Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 24, 2025 Dallas Muslim community Marwan Marouf leader detained by ICE MLFA outlines Maroufs immigration journey Omar Suleiman defends his best friend Online connection to Dallas ICE attack After the news of the attack on the ICE facility, internet users began connecting Marwan Marouf's detainment to it. Some have speculated about a link between his case and a recent reported attack on ICE in the area, with many users sharing the timeline of the events. Many have also been now been resharing Suleiman's post, wondering if it was a warning. This doesnt sit right. 1. ICE detained Marwan Marouf, a top Dallas leader of the Muslim American Society (MAS) and brother-in-law to the Elashi family tied to Hamas financing. 2. Hours later, 3ICE detainees in Dallas were the target of a sniper and 2 have died (it is not https://t.co/t7KeO5gXh3 Sovey (@sovey_X) September 24, 2025 Did the White male look like Marwan Marouf? pic.twitter.com/f3tZpXwzih Mic Mechanic (@IronBiggie) September 24, 2025 On Sept.22nd Dallas ICE detained Marwan Marouf, a leader with Muslim American Society 2 days later, 3 people have just been shot at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas. Marouf = tied by marriage to the men who funneled $12.4 million to Hamas. Radicals surround Marouf from pic.twitter.com/a5vVUp7epl michelle selaty (@michelle_selaty) September 24, 2025 ICE detained Dallas resident Marwan Marouf on Sept 22, 2025. Interesting timing with the shooting this morning. no evidence that has anything to do with one another. Just raises questions that need to be answered. https://t.co/6WDkawLQFo Jason (@jason1Patterson) September 24, 2025 Its important to note that, despite online speculation, there is no evidence linking Marwan Marouf or his acquaintance to the attack. Further details about the incident are still awaited. A shocking attack on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas on September 24, 2025 left at least one person dead and multiple others wounded. The gunman, who reportedly fired from a nearby buildingpossibly a rooftopand later died by suicide, struck while detainees were being processed.While the motive behind the attack remains unknown, several X users have linked it to Dallas Muslim Leader Marwan Marouf, who was detained just hours before the attack. Scroll ahead to know more.Early on September 24, 2025 (local time), chaos erupted at an ICE facility in Dallas when a gunman opened fire, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured, according to. The shooting happened at the processing office as detainees were being escorted, and while no ICE officers were harmed, the scene quickly became tense and frightening for everyone present.Law enforcement rushed in, locking down the area and starting an urgent search for the shooter, who reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Officials are now piecing together what led to the attack, while Homeland Security leaders stress the need for stronger protection at ICE offices nationwide, as the incident leaves a community on edge and questions about safety unanswered.A prominent figure in Dallass Muslim community, Marwan Marouf, was detained by ICE on September 22. According to the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Marouf was stopped by ICE agents shortly after dropping his son off at school and while on his way to work. The sudden detention shook local residents.The MLFA, which has represented Marouf for more than six years, said he has lived in the United States for over 30 years. He originally arrived as an international student, later settling in North Texas with his wife and children. For 15 years, Maroufs employer sponsored both his temporary work visa and permanent residency applications. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began questioning his charitable activities, casting doubt on his status.On the very day Marouf was detained, USCIS issued a denial of his green card application, citing findings that date back more than a decade. MLFA described the ruling as unjust and confirmed that it plans to challenge the decision in both immigration and federal courts. The organisation maintains that Marouf has followed all legal pathways to establish residency in the U.S. and should not face deportation.Following the detention, Imam Omar Suleiman, a well-known Dallas faith leader and long-time friend of Marouf, spoke out in his defence. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Suleiman described Marouf as the heart of our community, recalling how he managed meal trains to hospitals and shelters during COVID-19 and winter storms. Suleiman said, Hes been there for everyone in his life with unmatched grace. Hes the definition of service and sacrifice. ICE abducted him after he dropped his kid off at school yesterday. You better believe were going to fight for him with everything weve got, because thats what hed do for every one of us. #BecauseOfMarwan. ( Image credit : A sniper involved in the Dallas ICE shooting died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound | Credit: X | @TheIndeWire ) Sniper opens fire on an ICE field officer from a nearby rooftop ET ( Image credit : Sniper opens fire on an ICE field officer from a nearby rooftop| Credit: X | @0HOUR1__ ) Suspect identified as sniper dies by self-inflicted gunshot CNN Multiple news agencies reporting a sniper is on a roof multiple victims at the Ice Detention Facility in Dallas. Avoid the area and pray for the victims. pic.twitter.com/7vxcSRoDJS 0HOUR (@0HOUR1__) September 24, 2025 Attack sparks social media outrage ( Image credit : Attack sparks social media outrage | Credit: X | @0HOUR1__ ) A deadly shooting occurred on Wednesday morning at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, leading to multiple casualties, as per the US Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. According to the Houston Chronicle, the suspected gunman was found dead on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office after opening fire from an adjacent building, the authorities confirmed. Meanwhile, reports also say that the police have released chilling details, as the suspect is reportedly dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Read more to find out what happened and which area to avoid.As per thereport, a gunman targeted the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas on Wednesday morning, firing from the rooftop of a nearby building.One person was killed at the scene, and two sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital immediately. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooting, stating that multiple people were injured and that the suspect was dead.Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons also addressed the incident during a CNN interview, though he did not provide details about the identities of the three victims.Police confirmed that the suspect, described as a white male sniper armed with a rifle, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head as agents approached his location. He had been positioned on the roof of an immigration attorneys office overlooking the ICE facility.However, the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and the attack comes in the wake of several recent incidents involving ICE facilities across the United States, raising concerns about targeted violence.While Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, while speaking to, said the identification of victims is still unknown. "It could be employees, it could be civilians that were visiting the facility, it could be detainees," he said.Additionally, dozens of police units and multiple ambulances were spotted near the facility off I-35E near Empire Central.As soon as the news surfaced on social media, debate began among netizens about the 'sniper phase of saving democracy'. One X (formerly called Twitter) said, "Democrat leaders need to come out and give a full-throated condemnation of political violence. They need to specifically appeal to the left. They need to be firm and avoid both sides' rhetoric for it to work."While another added, "Wow, we are at the sniper phase of saving democracy.""How long do we have before they report speculations that the sniper is a MAGA Republican?""This could be an interesting reason if true." ( Image credit : Difference between Durga Puja and Navratri explained | Credit: Freepick ) Navratri vs Durga Puja: When do they happen and what do they mean? ( Image credit : Difference between Durga Puja and Navratri explained | Credit: Freepick ) Fasting mode for Navratri vs feasting mode for Durga Puja ( Image credit : Why Bengalis feast on fish and meat during Navratri? | Credit: X/freepik ) ( Image credit : Why Bengalis feast on fish and meat during Navratri? | Credit: X/culcuttatadka ) Where the world celebrates ( Image credit : Happy Navratri wishes images, cards, photos, and GIFs to share with loved ones | Credit: Tenor ) Same goddess through two lenses ( Image credit : What really happened when Maa Durga faced Mahishasura? | Credit: Freepik ) Why does it matter beyond India? FAQs 1. What is the main difference between Navratri and Durga Puja? 2. Which regions celebrate Navratri the most? 3. Where is Durga Puja the grandest? 4. Do people outside India celebrate these festivals? 5. Which goddess do both festivals honour? Navratri, meaning nine nights, stretches across nine days of devotion to Goddess Durgas nine avatars. It rules the western and northern regions of India, with Gujarat and Maharashtra going all out. Durga Puja, however, is a five-day grand drama in Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, retelling Durgas epic victory over the demon Mahishasura.Navratri is basically a cardio workout disguised as worship. Imagine fasting all day, only to hit the dance floor at night in your sparkly chaniya choli or kurta, twirling away to Garba beats. Durga Puja, on the other hand, is a cultural carnival where the spotlight is on jaw-dropping pandals, art, poetry, and bhog feasts.One festival is all about spiritual detox; the other is about foodgasms. During Navratri, devotees often survive on light vegetarian meals while fasting. Meanwhile, Durga Puja tables groan under Bengali delicacies like khichuri, rosogolla, and sandesh. Basically, Navratri says cleanse your soul, Durga Puja screams treat yourself.In India, Navratri owns the west and north, while Durga Puja dominates the east. But globally? The US, UK, and Canada see both in full swing. Think massive Garba nights in New Jersey, packed pandals in Toronto, and London balancing both with equal festive flair.While Navratri honours nine different forms of Durga, each carrying her own energy, Durga Puja zooms in on her ultimate boss battle against Mahishasura. Both showcase the power of the divine feminine, but through different storytelling lenses.For the diaspora, these festivals are not just traditions; they are cultural bridges. Navratri reels you in with its energy, Durga Puja overwhelms you with grandeur, and both leave you feeling plugged into India, no matter where you live.Navratri is a nine-day devotional dance and fasting festival, while Durga Puja is a five-day cultural and artistic celebration.Navratri is big in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and across northern India.Kolkata, West Bengal, is considered the epicentre of Durga Puja celebrations.Yes, Indian communities in the US, UK, and Canada host massive Garba nights and Durga Puja pandals.Both celebrate Goddess Durga, though Navratri focuses on her nine forms and Durga Puja highlights her battle with Mahishasura. Taiwan faces tragedy as Barrier Lake bursts Words cant capture the scale of whats unfolding right now in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan. The Mataian Creek landslide lake has overflowed, destroying the Mataian Bridge and flooding large parts of the area. pic.twitter.com/sCJdDiLxgK Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) September 23, 2025 ( Image credit : Taiwan has recorded over 70 cm of rainfall in the past two days (Credit: X/@BritWeatherSvs) ) Hong Kong and Southern China brace for impact Heavy rain from Super Typhoon Ragasa burst a lake on the east coast of Taiwan, with the deluge breaking a bridge and causing flooding in surrounding villages pic.twitter.com/uOpJFPETi8 Reuters (@Reuters) September 23, 2025 Is Ragasa the most powerful storm of 2025? Our poor little hilltop island village is getting absolutely battered. Ive now run out of towels and having to try and stop water coming in using an old duvet cover. Its not working One house has a tree on it, some damage & residents trapped but ok #typhoonragasapic.twitter.com/xpiIVTcyYz Tina Reed (@tinareed40) September 24, 2025 Reuters The New York Times ( Image credit : Ragasa is classified as a Category 4 storm as it approaches southern China (Credit: X/@tinareed40) ) Over 700 flights get cancelled due to Rafasa ( Image credit : Residents in flood-prone areas have been rushing to buy essentials, leading to empty supermarket shelves (Credit: X/@BoDeepest) ) Expected rising threat in the coming hours Super Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful storm of 2025, has unleashed chaos across East Asia, leaving at least 14 people dead in Taiwan. The storm, which reached peak winds of 260 km/h, has forced millions to evacuate their homes across southern China and Hong Kong. Flights, schools, and businesses have been shut down as authorities brace for catastrophic storm surges and flooding. The typhoons impact is already being felt, with Taiwan reporting landslides, overflowing rivers, and widespread damage while Hong Kong remains on high alert. The storm is expected to make landfall along Chinas Guangdong coast between Wednesday afternoon and evening.In Taiwans eastern Hualien County, disaster struck when a barrier lake, swollen by days of relentless rain, overflowed and sent a massive wall of water crashing into Guangfu township. Officials reported that about 60% of the towns 8,500 residents sought safety on upper floors in a vertical evacuation. Despite these efforts, at least 14 people were killed and 124 remain missing.The lake contained nearly 91 million tonnes of water, and officials said about 60 million tonnes surged out in the catastrophic flood. Taiwan has recorded over 70 cm of rainfall in the past two days, with widespread flight cancellations and transport disruptions continuing.Hong Kong is now under Typhoon Signal 8, its third-highest alert, forcing most transport services and businesses to close. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and prepare for power outages and flooding. Windows have been taped, sandbags distributed, and emergency shelters opened across the city.Over 700 flights have been cancelled, including services to Macau and Taiwan. Chinas Guangdong province has relocated more than one million people ahead of the storm, with cities like Shenzhen and Zhuhai suspending schools and transport services. Authorities warned that storm surges could raise water levels by up to five meters in some areas, rivalling the devastation of Typhoons Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018).Ragasa is classified as a Category 4 storm as it approaches southern China. According to reports fromand, it is indeed the most powerful storm the world has seen this year. At its peak, sustained winds near the eye reached 260 km/h, making it the strongest typhoon globally this year.Chinese meteorological agencies have issued severe warnings, predicting extremely rough seas with waves up to seven meters high along Guangdongs coast. The storm is expected to make landfall between Taishan and Zhanjiang cities, with the worst rainfall hitting Guangdong and neighbouring Fujian province.Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused massive disruptions across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and southern China. Over 700 flights have been cancelled, leaving thousands stranded, with authorities warning that most flights will remain suspended until Thursday. In Macau, all casinos were ordered to close by 5:00 p.m. local time, an unusual step in the worlds largest gambling hub. Across 11 cities in southern China, including Shenzhen and Zhuhai, schools, businesses, and public transport services have been completely suspended. Hong Kongs stock market, however, remains open under new rules introduced last year.Residents rushed to supermarkets to stock up on essentials, leaving shelves empty, while many taped windows, reinforced doors, and used sandbags to protect their homes. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to cut unstable tree branches and clear roads. Over one million people have been relocated, with waves expected to reach seven meters, posing severe flooding risks.As Ragasa edges closer to the Chinese mainland, authorities are warning of life-threatening conditions. Sea levels are expected to surge dramatically, with the potential to match past disasters that caused billions of dollars in damage.The next 24 hours will be critical for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China as this deadly storm, dubbed the "King of Storms," continues its path of destruction. ( Image credit : Jimmy Kimmel | Credit: x/jimmyforyou ) Kimmels criticism of Trump and support for ABC Kimmel addresses Charlie Kirk comments ( Image credit : Charlie Kirk during an event | Credit: thefulcrum ) Trumps response on Kimmels return ABCs ( Image credit : Donald Trump | Credit: X/@popcrave ) Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension Jimmy Kimmel Live! Disney ABC Jimmy Kimmel returned with his late-night television show on September 23 with a monologue, defending free speech and responding directly to President Donald Trump. The comedian had been suspended after comments he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk, which prompted the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to pressure ABC to take action. Trump celebrated the suspension at the time.During his return, Kimmel addressed the controversy head-on. He played a clip of Trump claiming he had been fired because of low ratings. Well, I do tonight, Kimmel shot back, earning cheers from the audience. He continued with humor, saying, You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.Kimmel took the opportunity to thank Disney, the parent company of ABC, for bringing him back on air. He said, (Disney) welcomed me back on the air, and I thank them for that. Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk. The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke.He also criticised Trump for targeting other late-night hosts. Then he turned his sights on me, and now, he's openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows, who don't make millions of dollars. And I hope that if that happens or if there's even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week, Kimmel said.During his monologue, Kimmel addressed the sensitive nature of his earlier remarks on Charlie Kirks death. He said it was never my intention to make light of Kirks murder or to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual, but acknowledged that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both.He emphasised the importance of free speech, noting that pressure on ABC was a direct violation of the First Amendment. A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn't like is anti-American, Kimmel said.Earlier on September 23, Trump posted a note on Truth Social expressing his disapproval ofdecision to bring Kimmel back. His note read: I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.He criticized the host for low ratings and political bias, claiming, Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE?Trump also referenced ABCs past legal issues, including a $15 million settlement over the E. Jean Carroll lawsuit. I think we're going to test ABC out on this. Let's see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings, Trump threatened.was pulled hours before its September 17 broadcast following comments about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. On September 22,confirmed the show would return on September 23. However, the program was not aired by allaffiliates. Catholic School Minneapolis Robin Westman Catholic school attack leaves young girl fighting for life Catholic School attack Sophia Forchas Family and community rally around Sophia Forchas ( Image credit : Sophia Forchas was in critical condition after the August 27 shooting during a Mass at Annunciation Catholic School | Credit: AP ) Miracle progress after critical brain surgery Father of 12-year-old critically wounded Catholic school mass shooting victim Sophia Forchas calls for mass prayers: "Sophia is fighting" "Continue to pray for Sophia. Pray with vigor. We need you to keep the fervor for which you are praying." pic.twitter.com/qSJyVNOYfb The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 5, 2025 CNN Moving from intensive care to rehabilitation Meet 12 year old Sofia Forchas. She was tragically shot in the head at Annuciation Catholic Church. Despite the bullet remaining stuck in her brain, she has made a miraculous recovery. This is a miracle. Keep praying for Sofia. pic.twitter.com/juOK4A7ZSj Danielle D'Souza Gill (@danielledsouzag) September 24, 2025 A symbol of strength in the wake of violence FAQs Q. Who is Sophia Forchas? Q. What happened during the Catholic School attack? Q. How was Sophia Forchas injured? Q. What is Sophias current condition? Q. What surgery did doctors perform on Sophia? Q. How much has the GoFundMe raised for her family? Q. Why is Sophias recovery called a miracle? On 27 August, tragedy struck Annunciationinwhich runs from pre-kindergarten through to Year 8, where a gunman opened fire during morning Mass. The attack, now known as the Minneapolis church attack, left the entire community in shock.According to the Police statement, 23-year-oldapproached the church grounds and began firing inside. Children, parents, and elderly parishioners were among those caught in the chaos. Two children, aged just 8 and 10, lost their lives, while 21 others including 15 students and three elderly worshippers were injured. The shooter later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.Among the victims of thewas, a 12-year-old girl struck in the head by a bullet. Sophia was left in a critical condition and her survival was uncertain in the days following the incident.Her younger brother, who also attended the school, managed to escape unharmed. Their mother, a paediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin County Medical Centre, was working on treating victims before she realised the tragedy had taken place at her childrens school and that her own daughter was among the most severely injured.Support for Sophia has poured in across the country. Her father, Thomas Forchas, has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Sophias medical treatment. In his appeal, he described her as a bright, kind, and full of life young girl who is now bravely fighting for her life. A GoFundMe raised over $1 million, showing the depth of compassion and solidarity from strangers and loved ones alike.The family shared an update through Hennepin Healthcare, confirming that Sophia is making encouraging progress despite the severity of her injuries. Doctors say her road to recovery will be long and challenging, but her resilience continues to inspire everyone following her story.Sophias recovery has been described as nothing short of miraculous. Neurosurgeon Dr Walt Galicich revealed that a bullet had lodged in her brain, causing catastrophic swelling. To save her life, doctors performed an emergency procedure to remove part of her skull.She was then kept in a medically induced coma while her brain healed. At first, doctors feared the worst. Yet within days, Sophia began showing unexpected signs of neurological recovery. According to, Dr Galicich admitted that just 10 days after the surgery, even having a ray of hope seemed impossible calling her progress a miracle.This week, Sophia will shift from acute care into an inpatient rehabilitation programme, where she will begin extensive therapy, as per CNN. Her family says they are cautiously optimistic, as Sophia shows steady improvement every day. While her recovery will take time, her determination has already become a powerful symbol of hope.The Minneapolis church attack has been one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent years, leaving scars on both families and the wider community. Yet in the middle of this tragedy, Sophias fight for life has become a story of courage and resilience.Her recovery journey stands as a reminder that even in moments of unthinkable violence, there can still be hope, healing, and unity.The Forchas family have long been active members of Minneapolis faith community, attending St Marys Greek Orthodox Church. Meanwhile, Sophias younger brother is still dealing with the emotional impact of what he witnessed that day.Sophia Forchas is a 12-year-old girl who was critically injured in the Minneapolis church attack at Annunciation Catholic School.A gunman opened fire during a Mass service, killing two children and injuring over 20 others before taking his own life.She was shot in the head during the attack and required life-saving surgery.Sophia is showing remarkable progress in recovery and has now been moved from critical care to rehabilitation.Doctors removed part of her skull to relieve pressure from severe brain swelling.The fundraising campaign has raised more than $1 million to support Sophias treatment and family needs.Her doctors initially feared she would not survive, but she has made astonishing progress that few expected so soon. Crew intervened to protect the passenger Court appearance and legal charges Defence pushback and media attention Police stress zero tolerance for airborne misconduct What happens next in the case A flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne turned into a nightmare for one female passenger who reported being assaulted mid-air. According to police, she claimed that an elderly male traveller reached inside her clothes while she was sleeping, sparking immediate alarm among crew members and fellow passengers.Flight staff quickly stepped in after the woman reported the disturbing behaviour. She was relocated to another seat, while airline staff prepared to alert Australian Federal Police upon landing. Officers met the aircraft in Melbourne on September 22 and detained the 71-year-old man, later identified as Mounir Botros.Two days later, on September 24, Botros appeared via video link before Broadmeadows Magistrates Court. He was charged with one count of committing an act of indecency without consent under section 60 of the Crimes Act 1900. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.Botros lawyer, Sarah Condon, initially sought to suppress reporting of her clients case, arguing that the media coverage and police statements had severely affected him psychologically. However, she later withdrew the application, allowing his name to be made public in coverage by Australian outlets.Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook emphasised through police statements that every traveller should feel safe on flights. Authorities reiterated that allegations of this nature are always treated with utmost seriousness, and rising passenger numbers during school holidays will not shield anyone from facing consequences for illegal behaviour in the skies.The case has now been adjourned until November 20, with prosecutors granted more time to compile evidence. Botros bail was extended while he awaits his next court appearance, leaving the incident as a chilling reminder of the dangers passengers can face even in supposedly safe spaces. BBC BBC What is Huntingtons disease? Symptoms of Huntingtons disease ( Image credit : Symptoms of Huntingtons disease | Credit: Freepik ) Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time BBC How the treatment works ( Image credit : This new treatment used advanced gene therapy. | Credit: Freepik ) Trial results and expert reactions Expensive, life-saving and limited to a few BBC ( Image credit : It should last for life. | Credit: Freepik ) Huntingtons disease, a severe and deadly brain disease, has been treated successfully for the first time. According to thereport, a new treatment has shown it can slow the disease by 75%, giving patients a chance at decades of good quality life. This disease runs in families, relentlessly kills brain cells, and has similarities to dementia, Parkinsons, and motor neurone disease. Professor Sarah Tabrizi, director of the University College London Huntington's Disease Centre, told the, We never in our wildest dreams would have expected a 75% slowing of clinical progression.Huntingtons disease causes nerve cells in the brain to decay over time. It affects a persons movements, thinking, and mental health. The disease is rare and usually passed down through a changed gene from a parent. Symptoms often start when people are in their 30s or 40s. If the disease develops before age 20, it is called juvenile Huntingtons disease, which may progress faster and show different symptoms.Tabrizi explained that the first symptoms usually appear in the 30s or 40s, and the disease is normally fatal within two decades, opening the possibility that earlier treatment could prevent symptoms from ever emerging.The disease affects each person differently, even within the same family. Symptoms often show in three main areas. Thinking is affected by memory and planning difficulties. Movements may happen unexpectedly, and doing what you want becomes harder. Behavior changes can include mood swings and personality shifts.This new treatment used advanced gene therapy during delicate brain surgery lasting 12 to 18 hours. According to thereport, an emotional research team described how the therapy slowed the disease by 75% in patients.Some patients who were expected to need a wheelchair are still walking, and one medically retired patient has returned to work. Tabrizi called the results spectacular, showing that the decline expected in one year would now take four years. This gives patients a chance to enjoy decades of life before serious symptoms appear.Huntingtons disease is caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene, which turns a normal brain protein into a killer of neurons. The treatment aims to permanently reduce this toxic protein in a single dose.According to the report the therapy uses a safe virus carrying a specially designed piece of DNA, guided deep into the brain with real-time MRI. The virus delivers the DNA into brain cells, turning neurons into tiny factories that make therapy to stop their own death. The cells produce a small fragment of genetic material, called microRNA, which blocks the instructions for making the harmful huntingtin protein.UniQure, the company behind the treatment, released data from a trial of 29 patients. According to it, three years after surgery, there was an average 75% slowing of the disease, measured by thinking, movement, and daily life skills.Brain cell loss was also reduced, with lower levels of neurofilaments in spinal fluid than expected. Professor Ed Wild, consultant neurologist at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), said, There was every chance that we would never see a result like this, so to be living in a world where we know this is not only possible, but the actual magnitude of the effect is breathtaking, its very difficult to fully encapsulate the emotion.Wild toldNews, It should last for life, because brain cells do not naturally renew like blood or skin cells. Moreover, UniQure plans to apply for a US license in early 2026, with the goal of launching the therapy later that year. Dr. Walid Abi-Saab, the companys chief medical officer, said, The treatment had the potential to fundamentally transform Huntingtons disease.Secondly, the treatment is expensive. However, there is no official price tag for the drug yet. Gene therapies usually cost a lot, but because they work for many years, experts say they can still be worth the expense. In the UK, for example, the NHS already covers a gene therapy for haemophilia B that costs about 2.6 million for each patient.Lastly, the therapy will not be available to everyone due to surgery complexity and cost, similar gene therapies, like one for hemophilia B in the UK, show that life-saving treatments can still be funded. ( Image credit : Donald Trump's escalator mishap | Credit: X | @Proudmimi12 ) Donald Trump's escalator and teleprompter mishap at the UN sparks conspiracy theories ToI Watching it again - this was remarkably dangerous. If someone in the building wanted Trump assassinated this would have been a great way to freeze him. The UN needs to go. PNG the diplomats, seize the property, turn it into a new Trump hotel pic.twitter.com/VM8P36E6Xr Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) September 23, 2025 Social media is flooded with conspiracy theories The fact that his security didnt cover him without hesitation just shows how vulnerable he is. This was most certainly on purpose and a clear indication that they will stop at nothing to thwart his work. errod essler for Congress (@Sessler) September 24, 2025 ( Image credit : Social media is flooded with conspiracy theories | Credit: X | @LU7AN ) What does the 'freezing the target' context mean? ( Image credit : 'Freezing the target' context | Credit: X | @willchamberlain ) Was Donald Trump really vulnerable at the UN event? Reuters In a bizarre incident, US President Donald Trump experienced two technical mishaps on Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York: one, a stalled escalator, and another, a malfunctioning teleprompter, both of which he appeared to brush off. However, the White House has reportedly called for an investigation, suspecting potential foul play, as per internet sleuths. A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) described the incident as "remarkably dangerous," suggesting it may have been a deliberate act by someone inside the building. Others speculated it could align with a "freezing the target" tactic, implying a possible attempt to immobilise Trump in a vulnerable position. Moreover, these theories have amplified in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's recent assassination. Let's find out if there was foul play with the intent of Trump's assassination on Tuesday.According to, a minor incident at the United Nations headquarters involving President Trump and First Lady Melania has triggered a wave of speculation online. The moment unfolded when the couple stepped onto the escalator, and it suddenly stopped after a few feet, causing Melania, who was wearing high heels, to jolt forward.Rather than switching to the nearby working escalator, the couple proceeded to walk up the stationary one. The 79-year-old president later laughed off the mishap during his General Assembly speech, joking about the 'escalator that stopped halfway' and malfunctioning teleprompter.However, in the aftermath of conservative figure Charlie Kirks recent death, some online users have pushed conspiracy theories, alleging foul play and calling for drastic action, such as shutting down the UN, expelling diplomats, and converting the property into a Trump-branded hotel. The episode has further fuelled mistrust and inflammatory rhetoric among segments of the online right.As soon as the video surfaced on social media, it quickly grabbed the attention of netizens, and they started pouring in their thoughts on the same. A social media post read, "Watching it again this was remarkably dangerous. If someone in the building wanted Trump assassinated, this would have been a great way to freeze him. The UN needs to go. PNG the diplomats, seize the property, and turn it into a new Trump hotel."While others jumped onto the bandwagon, another said, "The fact that his security didnt cover him without hesitation just shows how vulnerable he is. This was most certainly on purpose and a clear indication that they will stop at nothing to thwart his work.""It was completely deliberate," one commented. "As someone who used to work for a UN agency. This is completely unacceptable. There would have been dry runs for this, and security would have been all over it. UN SEC GEN needs to investigate and fire whoever is responsible for this dangerous stunt and cancel their Visa," one wrote."This is commonly referred to as 'freezing the target' before a hit. It needs to be fully investigated. Also, WTF was the Secret Service thinking? Why didnt they immediately cover and move him from that position? Did they just assume because theyre at the UN its all good?," one believes it could be freezing target."It was a threat obviously."According to a blog, in shooting, "freezing the target" refers to a mental technique where the shooter trains themselves to perceive the target as still, despite natural body sway or movement.The shooter focuses intensely and times the shot during the most stable point of their motion, rather than attempting to hold the firearm completely steady. The goal is to fire when the sights naturally align with the target.According to online reports, concerns about Donald Trump's vulnerability during his recent appearance at the UN stemmed from a stalled escalator and a faulty teleprompter.However, both issues were promptly resolved and found not to pose any security risk. While the UN responded to the mishaps, stating that it had determined the cause of the escalator's stopping.According to, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who was filming Trump's entrance on the escalator, may have accidentally activated the safety mechanism, causing it to stop. Bangkok sinkhole video: Royal Thai Police Outpatient hospital services suspended ( Image credit : Damage is seen after a road collapse near Vajira Hospital in Bangkok Thailand | Credit: AP ) Cause of the collapse Dramatic footage shows the moment of collapse Massive sinkhole outside Wachiraphayaban Hospital in Bangkok. 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep, swallowing cars and power poles. Thankfully no injuries reported. Authorities investigating the cause. #Bangkok#Thailand#Sinkholepic.twitter.com/l1AmAUwjgc Save Western Civilisation (@SaveWestern) September 24, 2025 Police and city officials respond A large road collapse has occurred this morning, with a sinkhole over 50 meters deep, in front of Vajira Hospital in Bangkok. The collapse is expanding and now extends to the front of the Samsen Police Station.pic.twitter.com/OhZW8gQIgT Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) September 24, 2025 A busy road in Bangkok collapsed on Wednesday morning, forming a huge sinkhole that caused major traffic disruption and damage to nearby infrastructure. The sudden incident also led to emergency evacuations of residents and hospital services being suspended.The sinkhole, which opened on Samsen Road in Dusit District, measured around 30 metres wide (98 feet) and 50 metres deep (160 feet). The dramatic collapse pulled down vehicles, electricity poles, and water pipes, leaving the road completely severed.According to the, the gaping hole extended dangerously close to Vajira Hospital and the Samsen Metropolitan Police Station. Two police vehicles, including a tow truck, and another car were dragged into the hole. Fortunately, officials confirmed there were no injuries.The collapse occurred just outside Vajira Hospital, forcing the hospital to suspend outpatient services for at least two days. Nearby residents were also told to leave their homes as a precaution. Emergency workers and engineers remain on-site, monitoring the risk of further road subsidence.Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt revealed that the road collapse is believed to be linked to ongoing underground construction work for a new subway station. Experts warn that heavy monsoon rains may have worsened the soil condition, leading to the sudden formation of the sinkhole.Video clips shared on social media captured the terrifying moment the road slowly gave way, dragging down street poles and creating a giant crater. Cars were seen frantically reversing as the sinkhole swallowed vehicles and exposed parts of Bangkoks underground structure.The National Police Commissioner has instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau to work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to repair the damaged road and restore utilities, including large water pipes. Authorities are also providing assistance to affected residents and businesses.Despite the ongoing poor weather, officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far. However, they cautioned that the ground around the sinkhole may remain unstable in the coming days. Chinese agrochemical products draw spotlight at Kenya expo Xinhua) 13:59, September 24, 2025 NAIROBI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- At a bustling booth at the seventh CAC Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, Brighton Kisero carefully examined a small bottle of bio-pesticide. For the agrochemical wholesaler, the product stood out not only for its environmentally friendly promise but also for its suitability to Africa's unique soils and climates. "The efficacy and affordability of Chinese agrochemicals are impressive and could help African farmers increase their productivity," said the 45-year-old Kenyan agribusiness entrepreneur in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday. Kisero was among thousands of visitors who crowded into the two-day summit, a key platform for the global agrochemical industry, jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sub-Council of Chemical Industry (CCPIT CHEM), Kenya's Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), and Egerton University. The event, starting Monday, brought together about 30 exhibitors, mostly from China, who showcased the latest agro-inputs, machinery, and technologies designed to boost food security across Africa. Jalen Fan, deputy director in Division 1 of CCPIT CHEM, said that China has actively partnered with African countries to raise agricultural productivity through demonstration centers, training programs, and the promotion of improved crop varieties. "The conference is expected to introduce high-quality agrochemicals, bio-pesticides, and specialty fertilizers, and integrated agricultural technology solutions to the African market and contribute to the bumper harvests as well as sustainable development of local agriculture," Fan said. For farmers, the event offered more than just product displays -- it provided practical answers to long-standing challenges. Festus Nyongesa, who runs a 100-acre (about 40.5-hectare) farm in western Kenya, said the exhibition provided a platform to connect with innovators. At the pavilion of China's Hebei Xingbai Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., he discovered pesticides with low toxicity. "I have decided to purchase crop protection products from China because they are environmentally friendly and help my produce meet strict international pesticide standards," Nyongesa said. Shanghai M-Win Chemicals Co., Ltd. was another popular stop for visitors. Esther Kasyoka, a 31-year-old horticultural farmer in eastern Kenya, said the Chinese company's insecticides offered her a solution to persistent pests that have ravaged her mango fruits. "I have suffered perennial crop losses over the past year as the insecticides I relied on have not been effective," she explained. Martha Nyokabi, a potato farmer from central Kenya, found hope at the booth of China's Qingdao Higrow Chemicals Company. For years, her yields have been hit by potato blight, a disease marked by water-soaked spots that can wipe out entire harvests. Mason Zhang, international trade sales manager at Qingdao Higrow Chemicals, said their fungicides, developed with advanced technology, are specifically designed to prevent pathogens from destroying potato crops. Chinese agrochemicals have gained popularity among Kenyan farmers because they not only cut pest control costs but also help improve incomes, said Barasa Wanyonyi, head of the registration department at the PCPB. "China is also the largest single contributor to Kenya's pesticide portfolio, both for the conventional and increasingly advanced products, which reflects strong technical cooperation between the two countries," Wanyonyi added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Customers shop as they wait for a prescription at a pharmacy in Killingworth, Conn., in 2021. Read more Employer health coverage costs are expected to surge more than 9% in 2026, according to recent reports by two large insurance providers, which would be the largest business health insurance cost increases in at least 15 years. While large employers can often absorb these increases, smaller firms would be facing a huge challenge. Advertisement The rise in healthcare costs has disproportionately impacted smaller firms, which pay twice as much for health insurance as their larger counterparts, leading to reduced profits and higher prices, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Small business owners are reaching a breaking point with the small group health insurance market, the NFIBs Tyler Dever wrote last month. The cost of health insurance has been the top small business concern for nearly 40 years; however, it has become a growing percentage of total operating costs for businesses operating on tight margins. Health insurance remains a top requested benefit from employees, and small businesses that dont provide this benefit can easily find themselves missing out on great talent. But with costs increasing so much, how can business owners afford this benefit? One option that is growing in popularity is level funded plans, which are sometimes also called level benefit plans. What is a level funded health plan? These plans are a form of self insurance a sort of hybrid between a fully insured plan and a self-insured one. Generally, employers that carry this type of insurance pay for the out-of-pocket health costs that their employees incur up to a certain level before stop-loss insurance kicks in to cover more significant claims. According to Jennifer Schaeffer, CEO of JS Benefits Group, an employee benefits consulting firm based in Newtown, a level benefit plan is much like a fully insured small-group plan, but the carrier underwrites a companys groups health insurance to set rates and includes stop-loss-so you pay a fixed monthly amount for the year. If your groups medical claims are lower than expected, there can be a surplus refund at the end of the plan year. But she advises clients interested in these plans that the opposite could happen too. Those rates are locked for the year and you know what youre going to be paying, she says. They walk and talk like a traditional small group plan offered by carriers like Independence Blue Cross or Aetna. What kinds of companies use level funded plans? These plans are particularly attractive to small businesses where their employees tend to be younger or in good health and dont make significant use of their healthcare plans. An employees health history is a private affair, but employers investigating level funded plans can have their insurance companies get the data to better understand the risk of providing coverage. Carriers assess member risk using their proprietary and company data to price or even decline to quote so that employers shouldnt (and usually cant) see individual medical info, said Robert DeNinno, a principal at Philadelphia-based healthcare benefits brokerage firm Precision Benefits Group. The carriers determine the risk. Large companies that completely self-insure are often subject to fluctuations in the costs they need to fund each year. But for a smaller company, these fluctuations could potentially be catastrophic, which is why a hybrid solution like a level funded plan makes sense. Schaeffer says that a good level funded plan avoids claim shocks, with the employer paying a predictable maximum monthly bill which includes contributions to premiums and to a claims fund and settling up at year-end. Many level-funded plans share a portion of unused claims dollars and provide monthly claims runs, and some require renewing to receive the surplus. Employers usually get access to monthly claims data so they can see what services or providers are driving costs, which also creates potential opportunities for wellness programs, targeted cost-management, and pharmacy benefit management. For some, the savings can be substantial. Even if costs spike, both DeNinno and Schaeffer say, companies usually have the option to revert to a traditional group plan arrangement. The rates are generally locked in for a year so a small employer doesnt have the issue of a large self-insured claim hitting their bank account, said Schaeffer. Ive seen clients save tens of thousands on their premiums using a level funded plan but then had to revert as their risks rose. What are the downsides? Besides the potential downside of higher health claims than anticipated, level funded plans can come with other challenges. For example, stop-loss premiums can increase sharply as risk increases. Most plans are somewhat constrained to a set of pre-built plan designs so employers have limited options to customize. Businesses may also be subject to more regulatory oversight to ensure that theyre in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, Affordable Care Act, and additional testing confirming that higher-compensated employees arent receiving discriminatory benefits. But given the rising cost of health insurance, the number of small businesses considering level funded plans has grown substantially. The Kaiser Foundation has found that the number of small employers offering level funded health plans has increased from 13% in 2020 to about 40% by 2023. Its a complicated process to choose the right plan, and DeNinno recommends using a proactive and savvy broker and demand commission transparency. Always get a level-funded quote if youre eligible, he said. But be ready to pivot between plans as your risk changes. A group of 10 Columbian nationals travelled from New York City across Southeastern Pennsylvania to target homes owned by Asian families, according to court documents. Read more A group of Colombian nationals utilized remote cell phone cameras, illegal Wi-Fi jammers, and phony food deliveries to monitor and break into 13 homes in Southeastern Pennsylvania last year, according to Montgomery County officials. Their crimes, prosecutors wrote in court documents, were far from random each of the break-ins came after meticulous research, surveillance, and planning. And they netted more than $300,000 in stolen cash, jewelry, and luxury items. Advertisement The 10 people police say are connected to the group conducted their raids in Chester, Montgomery, and surrounding counties with precision. They coordinated via text message, swapped stolen license plates on their vehicles to evade detection, and off-loaded their pilfered jewelry to fences in New York City almost immediately. Prosecutors in Norristown unveiled the groups operations this month in court as four of its members, including its ringleader, pleaded guilty to racketeering, theft, and related crimes, and were sentenced to state prison for the burglaries at homes in Lower Merion, Abington, West Goshen, and other towns. READ MORE: Serial burglaries targeting homes from Gladwyne to Fishtown are part of a trend of crime tourists, police say Roger Pinilla-Pardo, 22, whom coconspirators called Boss in text messages, was sentenced to 3 to 10 years in state prison. The resident of Queens, N.Y., dictated how much to sell the stolen goods for, approving every sale via text message, prosecutors wrote in the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. Juan Meneses-Munoz, 19, Misael Angel Sanchez, 52, and Juan Manuel Guerrero Acosta, 26, all of Queens, were sentenced to four to 10 years in prison for helping to carry out the burglaries, which occurred between July and December 2024. Attorneys for the four men did not immediately return calls for comment. Three other alleged members of the ring are in custody, awaiting trial, and four others are currently being sought by police. The group was first identified with the help of cell phone tracking data, through which detectives found that the same phones were present at multiple burglaries. In December, an alleged member of the ring, Randall Jeremy Aldana Cruz, was pulled over in Delaware County, the affidavit said. Inside the BMW he was driving, detectives found two radios, a Wi-Fi jammer, and burglary tools, the affidavit said. Aldana Cruz, 20, is awaiting trial in Montgomery County on burglary and related charges, court records show. Data from Aldana Cruzs cell phone allegedly showed he was on his way to target a home in Media when he was taken into custody. His phone also illustrated to detectives how the ring had carried out the burglaries. The group, prosecutors said, specifically targeted Asian families that owned businesses in the region, under the belief that they would have stockpiles of cash in their residences. Using publicly available tax-assessment data, the group would identify the families that owned businesses in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, and would track the families to their personal residences. There, the group would use cell phones as makeshift surveillance cameras, hiding them in shrubbery or grass. One homeowner, in Allentown, thwarted a potential robbery by discovering one of these hidden cameras and turning it over to police, the affidavit said. Other times, members of the group would pose as food-delivery drivers and knock on the victims door, claiming they had gotten the wrong address. Prosecutors said the group is also tied to burglaries in other parts of the country, including Kentucky and North Jersey. File photo of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday at Philadelphia City Hall on March 13, 2025. Read more A criminal group known for ransomware attacks around the world reportedly has taken responsibility for an August attack on the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office that led to criminal and civil cases being put on hold. Last weekend, the ransomware gang INC claimed responsibility for the Pennsylvania attack and boasted about stealing 5.7 terabytes of data from the attorney generals office, Paul Bischoff, editor of Comparitech, reported. Advertisement Bischoff has been quoted in the New York Times and the BBC on topics including cybersecurity and privacy. Last week, the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office provided an update on what has happened since the Aug. 11 attack, which the agency said was the result of a malicious actor encrypting certain files in an attempt to compel our office to make a payment to restore operations. The office has not made any such payment. The agency added: At this time, a few individuals have been notified that their information may have been involved. Our office will continue to make notifications as appropriate. A spokesperson for the agency could not be reached for comment Tuesday about the reported claims by the ransomware gang. On Sept. 12, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Administrative Judge Daniel J. Anders ordered that a previously issued stay on cases be extended for another 30 days. The stay can be lifted sooner if the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office notifies the court that its electronic data and network have been restored to allow its attorneys to access litigation data and proceed with litigation, Anders wrote. A stay also was extended through Oct. 2 in the federal court that covers Philadelphia. Cybersecurity experts have reported that INC ransomware attacks emerged in 2023 and have since targeted such victims as the National Health Service of Scotland and Panamas Ministry of Economy and Finance. A group digs into a box of PopUp Bagels with several tubs of cream cheese. The chain's bagels are served hot and meant to be ripped apart in dipped in a "schmear." Read more Ardmores newest bagel shop has three simple rules: no slicing, no sandwiches, and, most importantly, no loosies. Such is the credo of PopUp Bagels, the viral bagel chain that is set to replace the Juice Press in Suburban Square theres no opening date just yet with seven more locations planned for the Philadelphia region. Advertisement PopUp Bagels concept is simple, if a little peculiar. Bagels are served hot from the oven every eight to 10 minutes and can only be purchased in sets of three, six, or 12 alongside 7-ounce tubs of butter or cream cheese no exceptions. Patrons are encouraged to rip the bagel apart and dunk it in the schmear, like a hedonist. Fans of the chain and its rules are legion, lining up outside locations across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts to film TikToks tearing into pillowy bagels and dipping them into airy cream cheeses with limited-edition flavors, like blueberry crumble or vodka sauce. Others, however, hate the rules. A former flood mitigation specialist with no restaurant experience, founder Adam Goldberg started PopUp Bagels in 2021 after he couldnt stop baking bagels during the pandemic. The business grew rapidly from a series of pop-ups and a back-alley drive-through in Westport, Conn., to 13 locations along the East Coast by summer 2025. Now the company is aiming to open 300 franchises, backed by seed funding from celebrity investors and Stripes, the venture capital firm that helped grow Levain Bakery and into a nationally recognized brand. READ MORE: Fast-rising PopUp Bagels is coming to Ardmore with the first of eight Philly-area stores So far, Phillys bagel aficionados are going all in on PopUp. PopUp Bagels in Pa.? We won, said Marina Gonzalez, of Fishtown, in a TikTok thats been viewed nearly 52,000 times. I will be driving the 40 minutes to Ardmore. I will rent a car. I dont care. Commenters called this the best news of 2025 and said they were foaming out the mouth. Gonzalezs fandom stemmed from a trip to New York City, where she stood in line to buy a bag of plain bagels to dip in a tub PopUp Bagels hot pink strawberry-chocolate cream cheese, a collaboration with trendy loungewear brand Boys Lie. The chains fresh-out-the oven schtick worked, Gonzalez said: The bagels were ultra-soft and steamy, far fresher and lighter than anything shed had in Philly. When Im craving a bagel, I have considered taking a train to New York City to get PopUp Bagels instead of something here, she said. Having responsibilities holds me back. Still, Philly is a town of bagel traditionalists: When L.A.-style bagel shop Slice & Smear replaced South Phillys Korshak Bagels with a menu of scooped, open-faced experiments, the hate was so swift that former owner Aakash Patel reverted to unscooped-by-default bagels before opening. READ MORE: From 2024: What is an LA-style bagel, and is Philly ready for them? Goldberg, however, prefers PopUp Bagels rules over being a crowd-pleaser. There are a lot of bagels in Philly, and there are a lot of bagels in New York. Were not for everyone, Goldberg said. But the people who take a chance on trying us, we tend to be for them. A bagel that feels like like winning the lottery PopUp Bagels fast rise is built off social media as much as it is making really good bagels. The two-time New York Bagelfest champions rotate out specialty schmears weekly and run frequent cream cheese collaborations with buzzy, Gen-Z approved companies. In September, PopUp bagels worked with Cosmopolitan magazine on a cranberry-lime cream cheese inspired by the namesake cocktail, as well as Sauz, a sleekly branded jarred pasta sauce company, on a schmear infused with marinara. PopUp Bagels success also stems in part from Pennsylvania: The brands first collaborator was Hanover-based snack brand Utz, which Goldberg said sent him five pounds of cheeseball powder to play with for what would ultimately become one of their most asked-for schmears. There are several schmear collaborations lined up to celebrate Philly, Goldberg said, declining to specify further. PopUps bagel recipe has evolved to include whatever will keep the bagels coming out hot the fastest. The dough is boiled in a stockpot and baked in a convection oven for speed, he said. Staff used to poke holes in the dough for an airier bagel that steams when you pull it apart. When you eat a typical bagel store bagel, theyre very heavy. You need a nap after, Goldberg said. Ours are lighter. Liberty Kitchen culinary director Beau Neidhardt views PopUp Bagels as a much-needed addition to the Philly bagel scene, which he said is dominated by bagels that are all chew, unlike the ones he ate as a kid in Staten Island and Toms River. PopUps offerings have come the closest. Biting into one of their hot bagels, feels like winning the lottery in a way, Neidhardt said. Its how its supposed to be. READ MORE: Heres where to find the best bagels in Philly and the suburbs To slice or not to slice? Not everyone feels the same. When Ardmore resident Pamela Martucci heard a new bagel shop was coming to town, she was excited until she heard about the bagel minimum. What am I going to do with three bagels? Martucci said. To her, the ripping-and-dipping is also a minor disgrace: Thats not proper etiquette. Its like youre eating chips and salsa. In reality, the rip-and-dip instructions are more of a strongly worded suggestion than a requirement. Each store will have wooden knives, Goldberg said, and to-go pallets of smoked salmon or containers of whitefish salad. Just dont ask an employee to slice and assemble for you. We dont say, Dont slice this, Goldberg said. I even slice our poppy seed bagel to use as a hamburger bun at home. The rip-and-dip convention was also born out of necessity, Goldberg said. When he started selling PopUp Bagels in Westport, customers had to navigate a waitlist that could be a thousand people long, and drive up to a to-go window next to a dumpster. The anticipation bred impulsivity. The first thing they would do is pull over, put the cream cheese in a cupholder, and rip open a hot bagel to dip, Goldberg said. We had to embrace it. No explanation is enough for Philly transplant Garrett Clayman. He moved to Bella Vista two months ago from Brooklyn, where he first encountered PopUp Bagels and was dismayed that he couldnt order his usual sliced everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, a sliced tomato, and onion. I spent my money on something that disguised itself as a bagel Its just fresh bread with a dip, Clayman said. I think if they called it PopUp Pastry I wouldnt have been as angry. Karmella Lee with son Jordan and daughter Ariella. Lee said she took Tylenol throughout her pregnancy with Jordan, who has autism, because of chronic back pain. While she does not know if it causes autism, she said, she believes theres enough suspicion to warrant further study. MUST CREDIT: Karmella Lee Read more President Donald Trumps warning to pregnant women to stop taking Tylenol based on a largely unproven link to autism sent ripples through communities of expectant mothers, parents of autistic children, and obstetricians and midwives after decades of relying on the routine medicine. Some parents of autistic children said they felt validated in their suspicions that outside forces contributed to their childs condition. Other women questioned their decision to take a medication they had been assured was safe to use while pregnant. After the president told pregnant women to tough it out when sick, some saw an example of men faulting women for decisions they make to try to keep themselves and their children healthy. Advertisement Major medical societies stood by their positions that its premature to link acetaminophen, Tylenols active ingredient, to autism and that the medication is safe to use in consultation with healthcare providers. Normally I would take stronger medication, but Tylenol was the only safe thing to take during pregnancy, said Pamela Matthews, whose 29-year-old son is autistic. She took Tylenol during her pregnancy when she had an abscessed tooth, and she said she found Trumps comments deeply hurtful and offensive. Its saying its the womens fault and responsibility to prevent it, while men are completely absolved, said Matthews, 64, of Alexandria, Virginia. But Karmella Lee, a retired 65-year-old neonatal intensive care nurse in New Jersey with a 21-year-old autistic son, said shes grateful that the president is exploring what autism is about. She said she took Tylenol throughout her pregnancy because of chronic back pain. While she does not know if it causes autism, she said, she believes theres enough suspicion to warrant further study. There needs to be more testing to determine the causes of autism, she said. Two years ago, Lee was invited to join a class-action lawsuit against the maker of Tylenol that sought to add warning labels cautioning against use during pregnancy because of a potential link to autism. The suit was dismissed. While the White House presented its announcement about possible connections between acetaminophen and autism as a groundbreaking revelation, clinicians who care for pregnant patients are treating the news with skepticism, saying its too hasty to deprive them of one of their only options for pain relief. Trump and his top health officials offered competing messages Tuesday, with the president saying nearly a dozen times during a rambling hourlong news conference, Dont take Tylenol! Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration offered more measured guidance: Proceed with caution and use the medication only if feverish advice already routinely provided to pregnant patients. After the White House news conference, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reaffirmed their guidelines identifying acetaminophen as safe to use for pain relief in consultation with healthcare providers. In a statement, ACOG President Steven J. Fleischman said the federal comments about the medicine and autism were based on faulty science and were irresponsible because of the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients. Trump dismissed the ACOG on Monday as an establishment organization funded by a lot of different groups. Part of the reason the federal warning has received a cautious reception from health providers is that its not based on new science. Federal health officials have been studying previous research including an August review by Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers that suggests there could be an increased risk of autism in children when acetaminophen is used early in pregnancy. This is data thats been out for a while, said Jeffrey Chapa, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist based in Ohio and the national medical director at Obtelecare, which provides telemedicine obstetrics care across the United States. Could there be an association? Sure. Is it causative? I dont think so based on the evidence we have to this point. The conversation about acetaminophen and autism is one Chapa has had with patients when previous research has been released, including a 2024 study that looked at 2.5 million children in Sweden and found no association. But news of the White Houses plans to link the two hadnt registered with the 20 patients hed seen by Monday at 3:15 p.m. None brought it up, he said. One did the day after the announcement. Research has more conclusively shown that untreated high fever and severe pain in pregnancy can carry risks for both the parent and the baby, Nikia Grayson, a certified nurse midwife and chief clinical officer at Choices Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, said in an email. So, its always about balancing benefits and potential risks. Sarah Weller, who is expecting her first child at the end of October, said she has friends with autism and friends whose children have autism, and she doesnt consider the condition scary. Weller, who is 40 and lives in Schenectady, N.Y., looked into Tylenol early in her pregnancy and concluded that there was no link to autism and that it was more important to take the medication to stay healthy. I worry that women will not do what they need to during pregnancy, she said. And that parents of autistic children will be blamed for something they did. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nodded Monday to the FDAs recognition that acetaminophen is often the only tool for fevers and pain in pregnancy, as other alternatives have well-documented adverse effects. Kennedy suggested that clinicians exercise their best judgment by prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration, and only when treatment is required. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Aleve are not recommended for pregnant patients because they can harm the fetus, with the FDA warning that they can cause kidney problems and lead to low levels of amniotic fluid. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, chair and professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, as well as a past president of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, said Tylenol is sometimes used when a pregnant patient with high blood pressure has a severe headache and doctors want to rule out conditions such as preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication. Giving acetaminophen can help determine whether the pain stems from high blood pressure or a more benign cause, she said. During the White House news conference, the president told pregnant women to endure discomfort and avoid taking Tylenol, even if they have to fight like hell. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, a practicing obstetrician and vice chair of the ACOGs Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee-Obstetrics, said that Trumps admonition had such a negative connotation and that many of his statements were just really offensive to women. Some doctors and midwives said that until medical society guidelines change, the practice of telling pregnant patients to treat fevers, aches, and pains with acetaminophen wont change, either. Until we get to that point, we arent going to say anything different, said Jennie Joseph, a certified midwife and founder and president of Commonsense Childbirth, a birthing center and midwifery school in central Florida dedicated to eradicating racial disparities in perinatal care. Our mamas and the families we serve are already faced with all these things that cause harm all day long, she said. Eliminating acetaminophen from their treatment protocol without sound guidance from doctors groups or from somebody else who has some clue and some science, she said, could lead to more harm. Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (left) and other Republicans during a gubernatorial primary debate at NJ PBS Studios in Newark, N.J., in May. Read more Across the river from Philadelphia, a second public media TV station will go dark after Republicans and President Donald Trumps administration stripped federal funding from NPR and PBS. New Jersey PBS, the states only public television station, will shutter next year after suffering very significant budget cuts implemented by the Trump administration, the company announced. Advertisement We have been proud to serve the state of New Jersey with content that inspires, educates and informs, WNET, which manages New Jersey PBS, said in a statement. New Jersey PBS will remain on the air through June 2026. The stations nightly newscast, NJ Spotlight News With Briana Vannozzi, will continue to air on WNETs PBS station, THIRTEEN. NJ Globes David Wildstein was first to report the news of NJ PBS shutting down. New Jersey PBS was formed 14 years ago, after New Jersey lawmakers and former Gov. Chris Christie shut down the New Jersey Network (NJN), a state-run public media company. While several of NJNs former radio stations were sold to WHYY in Philadelphia, WNET took over management of NJ PBS in 2011. In addition to the federal cuts, New Jersey cut state funding of NJ PBS by 75% in its 2025 budget, from $1 million to just $250,000. This is a big loss for New Jersey, which suffered a dearth of TV news coverage well before the internet ravaged the industry, wrote Politicos Matt Friedman, who has covered state politics since 2007. NJ PBSs coverage wasnt as fast as some of New Jerseys other remaining news outlets, but it focused on unsexy government policy that few other sources covered. New Jersey PBS is down to about 27 employees following a round of layoffs last month that cost about 11 staffers their jobs. At the time, the station said it remained committed to providing New Jersey with news and content. NJ PBSs closure comes on the heels of Penn States decision to shutter WPSU, the universitys NPR and PBS affiliate. The first educational TV station in Pennsylvania, WPSU faced the combined fiscal forces of Trumps cuts and declining support from Penn State, which voted against a $17 million transition plan that wouldve shifted ownership of the station to WHYY. WPSUs closure will reduce the number of public television stations in Pennsylvania down to six. Smaller stations face a tough financial future, including WQED in Pittsburgh (the home of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood) and WLVR out of Lehigh University, which lost 20% of its budget when Republicans voted to defund NPR and PBS. WDIY, a small NPR station run in Bethlehem, Pa., is facing significant financial challenges in the wake of the federal cuts. Margaret McConnell, the stations executive director, said WDIY can weather the storm for now and is committed to renewing NPR programming for another year, but is depending on a successful membership drive next month to help keep the lights on. Every contribution no matter the size directly supports our ability to adapt, innovate, and keep public radio alive in the Lehigh Valley," McConnell said. Moderator Maiken Scott, WHYY, (left) with panelists, (from left to right), David Byerman, chief executive officer, Chester County; Nelly Jiminez-Arevalo, director of Montgomery Countys Office of Immigrant Affairs; and Monica Taylor, chairwoman, Delaware County Council. The Welcoming Center and WHYY co-host The Welcoming Centers report on Immigrants in the Philadelphia Region: Trends, Contributions, & Gaps at WHYY, N. 6th Street Philadelphia, Thursday, September 18, 2025. Read more When Anuj Gupta was growing up in Chester County, dim sum was a treat. Gupta, president and CEO of The Welcoming Center, said it was a family tradition to travel into Phillys Chinatown for the bite-sized cuisine once a month or so. Back then, he said, you couldnt find it anywhere else. But when Guptas father was recently discharged from a hospital and requested dim sum, they found a restaurant just a few minutes away, in Paoli. It was next door to a boba tea shop, another novelty of Guptas childhood, and both were owned by first-generation immigrants. Advertisement That was unimaginable in the 80s and 90s, he said. Guptas dim sum story became the impetus for the Welcoming Center, a Philly nonprofit that promotes economic opportunities for immigrants, to study the impacts of immigrants on the Philadelphia region. The nonprofit released a report Thursday in partnership with WHYY, which detailed how immigrants in the city and its collar counties over the last decade have made major economic contributions and saved the state from population loss. Immigrants have been a pipeline of renewal in the regions economy, the Welcoming Centers chief programming officer, Elizabeth Jones, said at a WHYY event about the report. " They bring economic vitality, labor force, businesses. They enrich culture through food, music, literature, and art when immigrants thrive, all communities thrive." Here are three key takeaways from the report and a panel discussion of local experts: 1. Pennsylvanias immigrant population is growing, and has helped prevent population loss. Over the last 10 years in the Philadelphia region, population growth among immigrants has been significantly greater than that of native-born residents. In Philadelphia, native-born population growth has been negligible, while the immigrant population has grown by 23.5%, according to Census data. In Bucks County, native-born population growth neared 1%, while the immigrant population grew by 31%. Much of Eastern Pennsylvania is experiencing slight population growth, driven in large part by immigration, while the Western side of the states population is shrinking. Population loss would create a lower tax base, a smaller workforce, reduced public services and infrastructure, and less political representation, Jones said. In places where classrooms might be emptying and main streets might be shuttering, immigrants have the ability to literally keep communities alive [and] viable for the long term, she said. The shrinking population of native-born people is driven by out-of-state migration and death rates exceeding birth rates, Jones said. Pennsylvania is only one of 11 states where adults 65 and older outnumber children. The birth rate for immigrants in the state is higher than for native-born residents. 2. Immigrants are critical to the local economy. Most immigrants worked in the healthcare, education, manufacturing or professional business services industries. We shouldnt be surprised that immigrants contribute remarkable resources and assets to our communities, said David Byerman, CEO of Chester County, in the panel discussion. READ MORE: Phillys income growth has stalled amid high inflation, leaving some stretched thin The manufacturing and construction industries in Philadelphia are particularly supported by immigrant workers. More than 57% of the regions foreign-born residents were of prime working-age, or ages 25-54, compared to 37% of native-born residents. The amount of new businesses that our immigrant population is opening, the entrepreneurship, the contributions in especially healthcare, is just really astounding. Its really helping to make our businesses thrive and grow in Delaware County, said Monica Taylor, chairwoman of Delaware County Council. Immigrants ages 25 and older have been more likely to hold a bachelors degree than native-born residents across Philadelphia and the collar counties. The gap has shrunk significantly over the years, with just under 44% of residents now holding bachelors degrees in both groups. 3. Increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity is making immigrant communities terrified, even when they have legal status. The panelists also spoke about how President Donald Trumps aggressive deportation campaign has been affecting their communities. Taylor said that Delaware County has noticed a clear uptick in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, and it has made the immigrant community retreat, even those with legal status. Were seeing a decrease in individuals who are trying to access services, a decrease in individuals who may be going to school, she said. Nelly Jiminez-Arevalo, director of Montgomery Countys Office of Immigrant Affairs, is an immigrant from Venezuela. Pointing out her own Spanish accent and brown skin, she said that shes terrified for herself and her family, even though they are U.S. citizens. Some people can go back home and relax. I go back home, and Im calling my kids every day making sure my dad came home, that everybodys home and that everybodys safe, she said. Byerman said that Chester County, where many immigrants work in its mushroom industry, has been focusing on promoting accurate information about immigration enforcement. Officials received reports of someone driving around the county in a pickup truck with signs that read U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Civilian Enforcement Corps, and Byerman said it was important to inform the public that was not a real entity. Jiminez-Arevalo said life has felt dire and chaotic for immigrant communities lately, but it was important to still celebrate their successes. She showed the crowd a pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution that she carries with her, filled with bookmarks and highlights, as evidence of her love for this country and hope that it will meet its best ideals. The day we lose hope, we all lose, she said. Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly, Donald Trump made clear to the world he has abandoned any pretense of global leadership. In an hour-long speech Tuesday, the president bragged that America was the hottest country in the world under his leadership. While he demeaned a toothless U.N. Trump repeated his hugely exaggerated claims that he had ended seven unwinnable wars (most of which were skirmishes, and none of which ended in peace treaties). Advertisement But when it came to the hard stuff Russias war on Ukraine that has now expanded to drone attacks and air threats against NATO partners he said almost nothing. Ditto about ending the war in Gaza. Nor did he mention Chinas growing military threats to Asian allies and support for Russias war. Rather, he addressed his real audience the MAGA crowd at home and the far-right nationalist parties in Great Britain, Germany, and elsewhere that he has publicly supported. The number one global crisis of our time, he insisted, was migration which is ruining our countries [and] will be the death of Europe. READ MORE: Trump-endorsed suspension of Kimmel recalls Putins Puppets takedown | Trudy Rubin The second greatest threat, he claimed, is the climate hoax that threatens drilling for more oil. Address both threats, he instructed Americas allies, or your countries are going to hell. In fact, the military hell that threatens our allies and us is largely due to Trumps refusal to stand up to the autocrats he openly admires, who will be further emboldened by his U.N. performance. Vladimir Putins escalation of threats to Europe, which began right after Trumps red-carpet welcome at the Alaska summit in mid-August, and ramped up just before the presidents U.N. speech, was an open test of Trumps toughness. He failed in humiliating fashion before the eyes of the world, never even mentioning this dangerous Russian military challenge in his remarks. On the eve of the U.N. meeting, drone sightings forced authorities in Denmark and Norway to close the main airports in Copenhagen and Oslo. While the perpetrator is not known for certain, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she cannot rule out in any way that it is Russia. She noted the new incursion fit into a pattern of recent Russian-suspected hybrid attacks across Europe. On Friday, Russian pilots violated Estonian airspace and ignored signals for long minutes from Italian NATO jets that scrambled to warn them. And on Sept. 10, around 19 drones entered Polish airspace, in what Polish officials believe was a coordinated Russian test of NATO defenses. At a special session of the U.N. Security Council on Monday, Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski angrily warned Moscow not to whine at the U.N. if another missile or aircraft enters our space without permission and gets shot down. Of course, Russia denied all accusations, just as it denied invading Crimea in 2014 with soldiers in unmarked green uniforms until its forces had taken over the Ukrainian peninsula. The Kremlins test of Trumps wobbly backbone was successful. His determined refusal to criticize Putin, in his brief mention of his own failed peace efforts in Ukraine, was shameful. I thought it would be the easiest [of global conflicts] to solve because of my relationship with Putin, the president said. It is making Russia look bad, he continued, because Russia didnt win quickly. In other words, the problem isnt that Putin attacked a peaceful neighbor, but that he failed to subdue it quickly. Moreover, Trump made clear he still wont impose sanctions on Russia which he has pledged to do so often (and regularly reneged on) that such threats have become a global joke. Instead, the president insisted Europe would have to stop energy purchases from Russia. READ MORE: Brazil does what U.S. failed to do: convict an ex-president for attempting to overthrow an election | Trudy Rubin What Trump neglected to say was that the countries that still buy oil from Russia are led by far-right leaders in Slovakia and Hungary, whom he continually praises. And that the Europeans are doing far more to pressure Putin than Trump himself. Trumps head-spinning, off-the-cuff remarks later in the day that NATO should shoot down planes that enter its airspace totally contradict what Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said earlier. Such a warning which I believe is needed would require solid U.S. backing to make Putin take it seriously, and Trump offered none. Similarly, the presidents social media message after a meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky that he now believes Kyiv could take back all Russian-occupied territory is meaningless unless Trump radically ups military aid to Kyiv and finally imposes sanctions against Moscow. All that is clear is that Trump has been steadfastly unwilling to act to curb Putins outrageous war crimes. Similarly, the president condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by many European allies, but has so far refused to rebuke an Israeli government policy that seems bent on driving two million Palestinians out of Gaza. Nor has he withdrawn his Gaza Riviera plan that calls for doing just that. The presidents performance on the U.N. stage was a tragic reminder of how much the world still needs U.S. leadership. It underlined the vacuum Trump has left by making war on his domestic enemies and abandoning focus on dangerous real wars. Even in the Mideast, where he deserves credit for the Abraham Accords, Trump is permitting Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to risk destroying that achievement via a policy of ethnic cleansing aimed at pushing millions of Palestinians out of the West Bank into Jordan and out of Gaza into Egypt. Not only would that end any possibility of recognition by Saudi Arabia and of regional peace, but it would jeopardize Israels vital peace treaties with Amman and Cairo. And having goosed NATO allies in Europe to spend more on defense and rally more seriously to Ukraines side, Trump is now treating those allies like enemies rather than joining them in standing up to Putin. The Russian leader and Chinas Xi Jinping clearly recognize that Trumps war-like bluster at home is cover for his unwillingness to confront their threats to Europe and Asia. So when Trump castigated the U.N., saying, Empty words dont solve wars, he should have been looking in a mirror. All his harangues on immigration and climate change cant hide the fact that his speech was empty of any promise to resolve in concert with allies the wars that most threaten global security right now. Julie Moyer of Westtown Twp. (left) and Stacy Stone upon the vote by Chester County Commissioners on the nondiscrimination ordinance Wednesday. Read more Dozens of residents broke into applause Wednesday as the Chester County Board of Commissioners voted to become the first of Phillys collar counties to approve an ordinance explicitly prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. Stacy Stone broke into tears. Advertisement The mother of a 30-year-old transgender man was overwhelmed to have achieved just one win in a year that has been marked by President Donald Trumps efforts to target transgender Americans and fear that her son will lose access to his lifesaving hormone therapy. Stones son is a doctor who lives in Rhode Island. He does not feel safe in Chester County, she said. I want him to come home. Maybe something like this will make him feel safe to come home someday, said Stone, 66, who lives in Malvern. Chester Countys Democratic-controlled board of commissioners voted 2-1 along party lines to approve a sweeping nondiscrimination ordinance that goes beyond existing state and federal antidiscrimination law to specifically protect LGBTQ residents from discrimination alongside a broad set of protected classes including sex, race, and age. The ordinance, which takes effect in December, establishes a human relations commission to review, mediate, and adjudicate claims of discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Chester County became the first in the Philly suburbs to enact explicit protections for the LGBTQ community as neighboring Delaware and Montgomery Counties take steps to enact local protections for LGBTQ residents while the federal government rolls back protections. I am ecstatic that Chester County can be a place that is welcoming to everyone, said Josh Maxwell, a Democrat who chairs the board of commissioners. Eric Roe, the sole Republican on the board, voted against the ordinance. He argued it was redundant with existing state and federal protections and was therefore a poor use of taxpayer dollars. Though the board budgeted only $500 for the volunteer human relations commission, Roe said he expected its operations may be more costly, especially in staff time devoted to it. I dont want any of you, the people of Chester County, to experience discrimination, Roe said. Legal protections already exist. Outpouring of support and opposition Commissioners acted after roughly 90 minutes of emotional testimony, and at times tense moments, from Chester County residents who packed the West Chester boardroom. One transgender man shared that parents had pulled their children from a school where he planned to teach upon learning about his transgender identity. Another resident told commissioners about his fear that his nonbinary partner might face discrimination because someone decided that they used the wrong restroom. Julie Moyer, the mother of a 29-year-old transgender man, said her son lives with a cloud over his head under the current presidential administration. With this ordinance, he will at least have some peace that the county has his back, she said. At one point in the meeting testimony was paused as opponents of the ordinance confronted a proponent who interrupted an opponent twice to call her a fascist while she testified. Residents who spoke in opposition raised a range of concerns over the potential cost of the commission, worries over whom it would protect, and beliefs that it was creating more division in the community. Is it about equality, or is it about promoting the rights of some over the rights of others? asked Diane Houser, a Uwchlan Township resident who is running for the Downingtown Area School Board. Ada Nestor, who testified she had survived a rape in Chester County, said she was worried about the possibility of transgender women, whom she referred to as biological men, using a womens restroom. My right to safety, privacy, and dignity does not erase anyone elses humanity, but it also cannot be negotiated away, said Nestor, who testified via Zoom. Chester Countys solicitor told residents the ordinance did not explicitly affect restrooms within the county. Before voting for the ordinance, Democrat Marian Moskowitz said that the new policy was meant to protect all Chester County residents and that it would also combat other forms of discrimination. She told of a recent case where a Hispanic man who is a citizen had his rent doubled because his landlord worried that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would come to his home. Lately theres a lot of nervousness out here, she said. It may be hidden. Its there. Things happening in the federal government, we are starting to lose our rights. We have to make sure that Chester County residents know we are here for them. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. TD Bank N.A. has left its longtime headquarters on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. Read more One of South Jerseys most recognizable buildings is on the market. TD Bank N.A. has left its longtime headquarters at a five-story corporate pyramid off Route 70 and Astoria Boulevard in Cherry Hill. Advertisement The 4.2-acre site, which towers over the adjacent New Jersey Turnpike, is one of the tallest buildings in Cherry Hill, according to a real estate firms brochure. The 68,520-square-foot building could attract an office or medical user who wishes to brand their location, said the CBRE brochure, noting that zoning there would allow retail development. TD Banks new home is a modern office building with tinted glass walls approximately 3 miles away in Mount Laurel. That site, at Church Road and Arbor Way, already held the firms conference center. Significantly, its near several other TD Bank buildings that share the Horizon Corporate Center, according to a spokesman. Were bringing our local colleagues closer together for a connected campus experience and creating more opportunities for colleagues to interact with senior leaders at the bank, he said. The moving process began in September 2024, when TD Bank sold its Cherry Hill building for $1.7 million, property records show. The bank leased back the building for approximately 14 months while employees relocated to Mount Laurel, and the Cherry Hill site is now for sale again. TD Bank, which used a Mount Laurel address on papers for the August 2024 transaction, officially announced the change Sept. 9. They expect to fully exit the Route 70 site by October, the spokesman said. TD Banks former headquarters might look like a ziggurat to some ancient civilizations. But the real estate brochure describes it as having a wedding cake design with each floor plate smaller than the one below it. The Cherry Hill building was erected in 1986 as an eye-catching home for Commerce Bancorp, a South Jersey firm acquired by TD Bank in 2007. TD Bank is one of the countrys largest banks by assets, and serves more than 10 million customers. It has approximately 11,000 offices in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as in the Carolinas and Florida. Its a subsidiary of Canada-based Toronto-Dominion Bank. Karen Reads lawyers asked a judge on Monday to dismiss part of a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of her former Boston police officer boyfriend, whose killing she was acquitted of earlier this year after two highly publicized trials. During a hearing before Plymouth County Superior Court Judge Daniel OShea, Reads lawyers argued that John OKeefe s parents, brother, and a niece he was raising after his sister and brother-in-laws deaths dont have standing to pursue emotional distress damages because they didnt witness OKeefes death or see his body until after he had been declared dead at the hospital. None of the alleged plaintiffs observed the alleged incident that is described in the complaint, Read attorney Damon Seligson said. They were not witnesses to the event they came upon him many hours later. Lawyers for OKeefes family, on the other hand, said Read caused them emotional distress by fabricating her own conspiracy about the events leading up to his 2022 death, launching a public campaign of disinformation and using crime bloggers to pit her massive following against them. Reads case garnered considerable news and social media coverage, and crowds of supporters descended on the courthouse during the trial with Free Karen Read signs. These are real damages for real people who have suffered long enough, Marc Diller, a lawyer representing the OKeefe family, said in court. In particular, the familys lawyers point to statements Read allegedly made to OKeefes 14-year-old niece upon returning to his house without him the morning before his body was found. Diller said Read woke OKeefes niece that morning and told her OKeefe never came home. OKeefes niece said during the trial that Read said, Could I have done something? Could he have gotten hit by a plow?' and later: Maybe I hit him. OKeefe became a parent to his sisters and brother-in-laws two children years before his death, after they died within two months of each other. Diller said Read was aware of that history and knew her actions would cause OKeefes niece emotional distress that was more than anguish and more than grief. The defendant had a relationship with her, knew she was emotionally fragile, knew she was orphaned at age six, he said. She has always known their vulnerability and yet she creates a calculated and malicious campaign of disinformation designed to hide the truth. Read left the girl alone, vulnerable, shocked and afraid, Diller said. Read was found not guilty of in June of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal accident after more than three years and two trials over the death of OKeefe, who was found on the lawn of a fellow officers home after a night of heavy drinking. Prosecutors said Read hit OKeefe with her SUV, leaving him to die in a blizzard, and charged her with second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene of a deadly collision. Her lawyers successfully defended her, painting a sinister picture of police misconduct and theorizing that OKeefe was killed by colleagues, followed by a vast cover-up. She was convicted of drunken driving, however, for which she will face a years probation. Civil wrongful death and emotional distress claims filed against Read were put on hold during her criminal trial, but proceedings finally began Monday. The OKeefe family is also suing the two bars where the couple drank before he died. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Danish offshore wind developer Orsted can restart work on the nearly finished Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island, a federal judge ruled on Monday, after President Donald Trumps administration halted the project last month. The ruling is a legal setback for Trump, who has sought to block expansion of offshore wind in U.S. waters. It is a palpable victory for Orsted, which has been losing $2 million a day since the project was halted on August 22. Revolution Wind is located 15 miles off the coast. Once completed, it is expected to produce enough electricity to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Orsteds U.S.-listed shares were up nearly 9% at $11.60 following the ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth. The U.S. Interior Department said it would continue to review the project while work proceeds. As a result of the Courts decision today, Revolution Wind will be able to resume construction as BOEM (the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) continues its investigation into possible impacts by the project to national security and prevention of other uses on the Outer Continental Shelf, an Interior spokesperson said. Attorneys for the Trump administration had argued that the project, located off the coast of Rhode Island, failed to comply with conditions of its permit related to conflicts with national security and scientific ocean surveys. Revolution Wind disputed those claims. At the end of a two-hour court hearing in Washington, Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from enforcing the order to halt construction. Lamberth, a senior judge appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, said the Trump administration had offered contradictory reasons for issuing its stop work order, and that the explanations offered weeks after the halt were the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct. He also said Revolution Wind had reasonably relied on government assurances that were withdrawn without due process, imperiling a $5 billion investment. If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse, Lamberth said. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs. Orsted and its joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables had asked for a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit they filed earlier this month challenging the U.S. Interior Departments stop-work order. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority, an Orsted spokesperson said in a statement, adding that it would continue to seek a resolution with the administration. Rhode Island and Connecticut have also sued the administration over the stop work order. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued a statement praising the ruling. Todays ruling allowing Revolution Wind to resume work is extremely encouraging for workers and our energy future. We will continue to engage with the federal government on a durable path forward for this project and on shared energy priorities, Lamont said. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe and Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Nichola Groom in Los Angeles; Editing by David Gregorio) Topics Legislation Britains biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover is extending the closure of its factories until October 1 following a cyberattack in early September that has left its operations paralyzed and smaller suppliers struggling. The luxury carmaker, owned by Indias Tata Motors, has three factories in Britain, which together produce about 1,000 cars per day. The company is losing 50 million pounds ($68 million) a week, according to the BBC, with many of its 33,000 staff told to stay at home. The breach highlights the vulnerability of global businesses and government departments to increasingly sophisticated and more frequent cyber and ransom attacks, affecting sectors from healthcare and defense to finance and retail. No details have been released about who might be behind the attack on JLR. Worries Over Insurance The automaker failed to finalize a cyber insurance deal brokered by Lockton ahead of the incident, and appears to be uninsured directly for the attack, three senior cyber insurance market sources told The Insurer. JLR declined to comment. British business minister Peter Kyle and industry minister Chris McDonald visited JLR on Tuesday and talked to the CEO and senior executives about the impacts of the attack and how the company can work towards restarting production. Read more: Jaguar Land Rover Cyberattack Fallout Spreads to Suppliers We have two priorities helping Jaguar Land Rover get back up and running as soon as possible and the long-term health of the supply chain, said McDonald. Kyle said getting JLR back online as soon as possible was his top priority, adding the government was doing everything it could to minimize the impact of the incident. As well as wanting to keep the supply chain intact and save jobs, the government which has set out plans to ban public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure operators from paying ransom demands will be conscious of the hit to the economy from the shutdowns. S&P Globals survey of the UK manufacturing sector on Tuesday showed a downturn in output, with some factories saying JLRs shutdown impacted activity in the automotive supply chain. High-Profile Cyber Attacks Over the weekend, a ransomware attack on a company that facilitates airport check-in left passengers stranded across major European airports, with experts saying cybercriminals are taking greater risks by hitting high-profile targets to get bigger payoffs and boost their online reputation. In Britain, just over four in ten businesses reported experiencing some form of breach over a 12-month period, according to official data published in June. Household names including Marks & Spencer and Co-op have fallen victim in recent months. JLR said on Tuesday it was preparing plans to resume production even as it extended the pause. We have made this decision to give clarity for the coming week as we build the timeline for the phased restart of our operations and continue our investigation, JLR said. JLR, which makes the Range Rover and Defender models, said its production supported 104,000 jobs in supply chains across the country. The Unite trade union has warned of job losses and called for government support to keep companies solvent. ($1 = 0.7400 pounds) (Reporting by Sarah Young; additional reporting by Suban Abdulla and Muvija M.; editing by Louise Heavens and Mark Potter) Hub International Ltd., the Chicago-based insurance broker, announced the launch of HUB Livestock Insurance in Canada, a scalable product with multiple specialized sub-programs, including equine, poultry and egg, dairy and cattle offerings, with others in development. HUB Livestock Insurance is designed to deliver targeted protection for risks unique to farm animals, including property/casualty, mortality, disease, theft and transit-related losses. Business owners in the livestock industry face distinct challenges when it comes to securing proper coverage for animal-related risks, which could leave them vulnerable to being underinsured when standard commercial or basic farm policies fall short, HUB said. Our HUB advisers bring specialized expertise, proprietary resources and a sector-focused approach to closing coverage gaps and strengthening the long-term resilience of livestock operations, said Marc Chouinard, HUB National Practice lead, Agribusiness Canada. HUB Livestock Insurance underscores our commitment to understanding the challenges our clients face and addressing them with innovative, forward-looking solutions. HUB Livestock Insurance was developed with Specialty Program Group Canada (SPGC), a leading platform for specialty insurance, underwriting, digital solutions and brokerage services. Source: Hub International Topics New Markets Agribusiness Canada A company that snatched up distressed brick-and-mortar brands including RadioShack and Pier 1 Imports and promised investors big returns in a pivot to e-commerce operated as a Ponzi-like scheme, the US Securities and Exchange Commission alleged. When the pandemic sparked a wave of retail bankruptcies, Retail Ecommerce Ventures picked up a slew of iconic brands on the cheap, with the aim to revive them as online-first businesses. Its portfolio also includes Dress Barn, Modells Sporting Goods and Stein Mart. To attract investors, REV bragged in promotional videos that its portfolio companies were on fire, the regulator alleged in a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in the Southern District of Florida. In reality, none of the ventures produced profits and co-founders Taino Lopez and Alexander Mehr and chief operating officer Maya Burkenroad kept investors in the dark, the SEC said. The firm resorted to loans from outside lenders, cash advances, and funds from new and existing investors to cover shortfalls, the SEC alleged. The regulator accused the firm of raising $112 million from hundreds of investors through fraudulent offerings. About $5.9 million distributed to investors were Ponzi-like payments, according to the agency. Lopez and Mehr, whom the SEC also accused of diverting about $16.1 million for themselves, didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. The firm described Burkenroad, Lopezs cousin, as having more than a decade of experience managing multimillion-dollar companies, but her previous roles included working as a substitute preschool teacher and radio station promoter, the SEC said. Burkenroad didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The SEC seeks civil penalties, a return of ill-gotten gains and a court order barring the defendants from serving as officers or directors in other companies. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Claims The Trump administrations hefty new visa fees for H-1B workers have prompted high-level talks inside companies in Silicon Valley and beyond on the possibility of moving more jobs overseasprecisely the outcome the policy was meant to stop. U.S. President Donald Trump on Sept. 19 announced the change to the visa program that has long been a recruitment pathway for tech firms and encouraged international students to pursue postgraduate courses in the U.S. While the $100,000 levy applies only to new applicantsnot current holders as first announcedthe confusion around its roll-out and steep cost are already leading companies to pause recruitment, budgeting and workforce plans, according to Reuters interviews of founders, venture capitalists and immigration lawyers who work with technology companies. I have had several conversations with corporate clients where they have said this new fee is simply unworkable in the U.S., and its time for us to start looking for other countries where we can have highly skilled talent, said Chris Thomas, an immigration attorney at Colorado-based law firm Holland & Hart. And these are large companies, some of them household names, Fortune 100 type companies, that are saying, we just simply cannot continue. About 141,000 new applications for H-1B were approved in 2024, according to Pew Research. Though Congress caps new visas at 65,000 a year, total approvals run higher because petitions from universities and some other categories are excluded from the cap. Computer-related jobs accounted for a majority of the new approvals, the Pew data showed. Companies were already weighing an expansion in India before the new visa fee disrupted hiring. Reuters reported exclusively on Tuesday that Accenture has proposed a new campus in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, with plans to eventually add about 12,000 jobs in the country, where it has its largest workforce. FIRMS WILL CUT H-1B WORKERS The Trump administration and critics of the H-1B program have said that it has been used to suppress wages and curbing it opens more jobs for U.S. tech workers. The H-1B visa program has also made it more challenging for college graduates trying to find IT jobs, Trumps announcement on Friday said. The visa previously cost employers only a few thousand dollars. But the new $100,000 fee would flip the equation, making hiring talent in countries like India where wages are lower and Big Tech now builds innovation hubs instead of back offices more attractive, experts and executives told Reuters. We probably have to reduce the number of H-1B visa workers we can hire, said Sam Liang, co-founder and CEO of popular artificial intelligence meeting agent start-up Otter.ai. Some companies may have to outsource some of their workforce hire maybe in India or other countries just to walk around this H-1B problem. BAD FOR STARTUPS While conservatives have long applauded Trumps wide-ranging immigration crackdown, the H-1B move has drawn support from some liberal quarters as well. Netflix co-founder and well-known Democratic donor Reed Hastingswho said he has followed H-1B politics for three decadesargued on X that the new fees would remove the need for a lottery and instead reserve visas for very high value jobs with greater certainty. But Deedy Das, a partner at venture capital firm Menlo Ventures that has invested in startups such as AI firm Anthropic, said blanket rulings like this are rarely good for immigration and would disproportionately affect startups. Unlike large technology companies whose compensation packages are a combination of cash and stock, pay packages of startups typically lean toward equity as they need cash to build the business. For larger companies, the cost is not material. For smaller companies, those with fewer than 25 employees, its much more significant, Das said. Big tech CEOs expected this and will pay. For them, fewer small competitors is even an advantage. Its the smaller startups that suffer most. INNOVATION AT RISK The policy could also mean fewer of the talented immigrants who often go on to launch new firms, analysts said. More than half of U.S. startups valued at $1 billion or more had at least one immigrant founder, according to a 2022 report from the National Foundation for American Policy, a nonpartisan think tank based in Virginia. Several lawyers said startups they represent are pinning hopes on lawsuits that argue that the administration overstepped by imposing a fee beyond what Congress envisioned, betting that courts would dilute the rule before costs cripple hiring. If not, we will see a pullback from the smartest people around the world, said Bilal Zuberi, founder of Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Red Glass Ventures, who began his career in the U.S. on an H-1B visa. Topics Talent Every day, LaRanda Schoolcraft drives five minutes down the hill from her Terra Alta home to visit the family member she calls her person. My grandpa has dementia now and doesnt always make sense, she said. But I see the care he receives every day, and I ride the emotional rollercoaster beside him. Carl Schoolcraft, originally from Clendenin, has a white beard that nursing home workers keep well trimmed. He used to dress as Santa Claus each year. His granddaughter says the nurses and aides at Hopemont Hospital see him as their adopted grandfather. Last month, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the sale of this state-owned nursing home and the three others to a private company. And while the company says it has no plans to cut staff, public records show it employs fewer nursing staff on average at its facilities in other states than are employed at the states hospitals. For people like Schoolcraft, living at home until the end of life isnt an option. With few family members left, Schoolcraft lived alone, but his granddaughter checked on him every day. Earlier this year, she arrived to find the man who built her a treehouse beyond her ability to care for him, and she moved him to the state-owned nursing home. He was diagnosed with a fatal brain disease that causes dementia and other problems like confusion and trouble with mobility. During a recent visit, she found him making his way down a well-traveled linoleum hall and told him she would wheel him to his room for their daily talk. She told him about a trip shes planning and asked him how he likes the workers. I ask them about their lives, he said. I ask them about their loves. I ask them about their happies. Other nursing home options were more than an hour away from her, so she wouldnt have been able to visit as often. And when he was first diagnosed about six months ago, he was combative, and a private nursing home in nearby Kingwood wouldnt accept him. Deciding to put him there was the hardest decision Ive ever had to make, she said. And it was awful to come to that decision. But if theres anything that was of consolation or that did make it better, it is the staff thats there. She said she knows the facility could use upgrades and more workers. She sees single employees feeding two people at a time on a daily basis. But she knows he would have wanted to be close to her. Ill be able to sleep at night, she said. Ill know that I was there, and I did everything he would have wanted. Hospitals Built to Provide Safety Net The nursing homes being sold are Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley, Lakin Hospital in West Columbia in Mason County and John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont. West Virginia opened the historic buildings to meet the urgent health needs of their times. State lawmakers passed an act in 1911 to build Hopemont Hospital for the isolation of tuberculosis patients. Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley originally served people with that infectious disease as well. In 1899, lawmakers passed a law requiring hospitals to be built for people who worked in dangerous industries. The Fairmont site where the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center is located was once the location of Miners Hospital Three, where victims of mining accidents were treated. And Black delegates in the West Virginia Legislature proposed the creation of Lakin Hospital during the era of segregation to serve as the states Black mental hospital. All four became state-run nursing homes, often serving people who couldnt pay for care or whom private companies wouldnt accept. Selling to a Private Company with Lower Staffing Levels Morrisey announced the $60 million sale of the health care facilities on Aug. 12. He said they were operating at a $6 million yearly loss to the state. The nursing home company Majestic Care will run the nursing homes. Company officials have said they are in the early stages of evaluating the construction of three to five new facilities, although they havent said where or when. The CEO, Paul Pruitt, has said Jackie Withrow and Hopemont have outlived their lifespans. They have said they wont trim staff to save money. But residents in Majestic Cares nursing homes in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana receive around an hour less nursing care per day on average than residents at the states four hospitals, Hopemont, Jackie Withrow, Lakin and John Manchin, according to federal health agency reports. Lower staffing levels increase the risk of falls, bedsores, missed medications, infections, behavioral health crises and emergency room visits. Majestic officials said the company meets all state and federal staffing requirements and that it offers competitive pay and benefits. Staffing levels are only one measure, they added. Equally important is how we invest in training, recruitment, and resources, so staff can deliver safe, compassionate care. Despite Majestic Cares staffing level track record, Morrisey said he expects to see patient care improve. I think youre going to get the benefit of having a company that does this for a living, as opposed to having a government that really shouldnt have been in the business in the first place, he said. Gailyn Markham, spokesperson for the Department of Health Facilities, said health officials also believe the company is well-equipped to provide patients with better care amid a nationwide nursing shortage. Mary Stein-Johnson feels like she grew up at Lakin Hospital, where she works as a nurse. Her mother worked there before her, so she knew the employees and residents well. Patients live their lives there too. She said that many patients have serious mental illnesses or disabilities, and some are deemed too difficult to care for by private companies. She used to work in the private sector and remembers severe understaffing and companies picking and choosing patients with fewer needs. My mothers words to me when I was considering it were, go back to Lakin, Mary, the states always taken care of me,' she said. Well, the states not taking care of us now. Many of Lakins patients have been accused of crimes but were too ill to understand the charges, or they show aggressive behaviors associated with their illnesses. She predicts a private provider will release patients, and theyll end up in jails or homeless shelters. Pastor Leah Starkey said she shows up to minister and finds patients have drawn her pictures. One woman who used to never speak now gives her regular hugs and prays for her. One man is training to teach his own Bible study courses. Shes also called to minister when patients are on their deathbeds, and shell ask if she can expect family to be there. A lot of times thats when theyll tell me there is no family, she said. That is their family. That is one of my concerns. Are they going to keep them all together? Stein-Johnson said the health and retirement benefits she has been offered are so inferior in comparison to state benefits, theyre essentially equivalent to a pay cut. Majestic officials said the company is offering jobs with no pay cuts to all employees, as well as health insurance, retirement, paid time off and other perks like a relief fund, leadership development, sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. Our goal isnt just to keep staff, the company said in a statement. Its to help them grow and thrive with us. Theyve also said they will keep current patients. In Rivesville in Marion County, flags line the streets with the names and faces of Hometown Heroes. Across from City Hall, one waves for Andrew Dorsey, a coal miner and Purple Heart veteran who served in World War II and lived out the last of his 92 years of life at the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center. Like the miners who stayed there a century before him, he died in the care of the state after developing black lung through years of inhaling coal dust. He also had hearing loss and was starting to fall often. His son, Mark Dorsey, lives a few minutes away from City Hall, and about ten minutes away from the center. Dorsey, a retired coal miner himself, said his dad liked to hunt, fish and bowl. He didnt talk much about the war. He wasnt a big talker at all really. But he wouldnt have kept quiet about any mistreatment. And because the center was so close, Dorsey was there every day, so he was able to spend time with his father at the end of his life and also monitor staff. It wasnt just a job for them, he said. They actually care about the people there. He noted that private companies are different from state programs because they are motivated by profit. Theyre not buying it to lose money, he said. Is that what their game is? And if it is, you know, theyre going to cut staff, and the health care is not going to be as good. Dorsey said the rest home has a strong reputation among families in the area. Even so, residents have regularly had to come out and protest the potential sale of the center when state officials have considered it in years past. He said, Its always about the money. ___ This story was originally published by Mountain State Spotlight and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. Erin Beck is the author. Photo: Adobe Stock image Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Virginia California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he was encouraged by a recent talk with OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman and actions the company has taken in the wake of a lawsuit alleging ChatGPT guided a teenager to suicide. In an interview with Bloomberg News in New York on Tuesday, Bonta said he recently spoke with Altman and other leaders of the artificial intelligence startup about the suit, as well as other reports of harms related to kids use of chatbots. Bonta said the company was responsive to his concerns about the safety of children who use ChatGPT, and he thinks OpenAI is working quickly and urgently to make changes to the popular service. They put some of their top people in a room with us to talk about what they were doing, including Mr. Altman, Bonta said. I felt he was authentically committed to addressing the challenges that we flagged. An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed that Altman and other senior executives at the company, including its CEO of Applications Fidji Simo, met with Bonta this month. After the family of Adam Raine sued the artificial intelligence startup and Altman in August over the California high school students death, OpenAI announced a slew of changes to ChatGPT, including parent controls. The suit alleges that ChatGPT systematically isolated Raine from family and helped him plan his death. He died by hanging in April. In a statement, the OpenAI spokesperson said it prioritizes user safety and agreed that when it comes to teens, the standards of privacy and freedom of use should be set differently than for adults. The company also noted that, in addition to the parental controls, its also working on software to predict a users age. Bonta noted that OpenAI has an incentive beyond user safety to make changes to ChatGPT. OpenAI, which was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit dedicated to advancing AI to benefit humanity, is in the midst of a restructuring effort to convert into a more traditional for-profit company. As part of this realignment, Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings are reviewing its proposed financial and governance changes. The offices of Bonta and Jennings sent a joint letter to OpenAIs board on Sept. 5 raising concerns about recent reports of how the companys products interact with users, and children in particular. Bonta said OpenAI needs to analyze how the incident with Raine happened and make sure it doesnt happen again. He added that he thinks the company should verify the ages of users as well. ChatGPT has more than 700 million weekly users. While Bonta acknowledged that perfection is impossible, he added that having Adam Raine kill himself is also avoidable. OpenAI is incorporated in Delaware, but based in California. Top photo: Rob Bonta Photographer: Loren Elliott/Bloomberg. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits California Law firm Browne Jacobson has appointed Marie-Claire Scullion as partner and head of employment in its Dublin office. Marie-Claire brings significant employment law experience to the rapidly expanding firm, notably in prior roles with Whitney Moore and Moriarty & Co. She was also previously a director with the Marie Keating Foundation. Irish cereal growers have said they are very disappointed by barley producer Boortmalts final malting barley prices. IFA grain chairman Kieran McEvoy said growers were desperately low in confidence at the moment. Linking the malting barley price to the FOB Creil market has delivered significant malting premiums for growers in recent years. However, it has not been immune to the dramatic drop that has occurred in all European grain markets over the last three months, he said. "The fixed prices of 230 and 240/t offered to growers for up to 40% of contracted volumes earlier in the season may mitigate the situation for some farmers who took those options. However, the base price of 209/t for brewing barley is the worst since 2020, and significantly lower than the 247.69/t paid last year, he said. Costs of production have increased dramatically since 2020. Teagasc analysis presented at the IFA tillage crisis meeting last week showed total variable costs for producing spring barley have increased by 35% since 2021. This year has been a tumultuous season for malting growers. Contract cuts in early spring were soon followed by concerns Boortmalt would purchase no distilling malting barley at all. IFA strongly resisted these moves. Following the push back from IFA, Boortmalt honoured their commitments and took in distilling barley in line with their commitments, he said. Thankfully, brewing demand appears firm. The recently published Irish Beer Market Report states that beer production increased by 11% in 2025. We would urge Boortmalt and the merchant supply chain to come forward with a fixed price offer for 2026 that gives growers some confidence. This price must reflect the increase in the costs of production, Mr McEvoy said. The Irish Grain Growers Group is calling for Boortmalt to scrap any attempt to deduct drying and handling charges from this years malting barley harvest. Growers have already been hammered the price paid for the 2025 crop is roughly half of what farmers received in 2022. This collapse is an insult to tillage farmers who produce the core ingredient for Irelands drinks industry, a spokesperson said. If barley farmers are forced to accept slashed prices, the drinks industry must drop the price of a pint for Irish consumers. Farmers cannot be the only ones asked to take the pain. The group is also urging the Boortmalt and the drinks industry to urgently publish a forward price for the 2026 harvest, and clearly set out the contracted tonnage required. "Farmers deserve certainty, not silence. Without fair treatment and transparency, the sustainability of Irelands malting barley sector and the reputation of the drinks brands built on it is at risk," the spokesperson added. Irish pig prices fell by 8c/kg on Friday, marking a total decline of 32c/kg since July. The average price for grade E carcasses in week 37 stood at 198.8c/kg (excluding VAT), down 0.5% on the previous week, 1.6% lower than last month and 2.8% behind the same period in 2024. The R-grade reported price for the week beginning September 8 was 1.95/kg (excl VAT), 10.5% below the commissions figure for the same week last year. Feed market dynamics are adding further pressure. Large harvests in Argentina and Australia, coupled with aggressive Black Sea exporters, are weighing on European grain exports. Algeria recently purchased over 500,000 tonnes of wheat but excluded French origins, while Turkey has issued a tender for substantial barley volumes. Chinas renewed drive for self-sufficiency may reduce grain imports in the short term. In the US, soybean exports are under pressure as China turns to Argentina, though strong corn demand has seen Mexico buying heavily. Irelands percentage of the EU price currently stands at 101.5% of the EU average, according to the EU Commission for the week starting September 13, 2025. Factory pig throughput in Irish export plants for the week ending September 21 was 66,730 head, an increase of 959 on last week and 3,464 higher than the same week in 2024. Donald Trump has urged pregnant women not to take acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol or paracetamol. He claimed it raises the chances of children being autistic. But the US president has been condemned by experts from across the world, who fear he is deliberately fostering a narrative of distrust that could be dangerous for women. So what does the science actually say? Does paracetamol cause autism? The short answer is: no. Genetics plays a major role in autism, but scientists are also investigating the potential role of environmental factors such as parental age, premature birth and prenatal exposure to drugs, environmental chemicals or infections. The idea that something that occurs during pregnancy may influence neurodevelopment isnt a particularly new or crazy or outlandish idea, said Renee Gardner, an associate professor of epidemiology at Swedens Karolinska Institute. We know theres a large heritable or familial influence, but environment interacts with genetic tendencies. Paracetamol has been widely used for pain relief since the 1950s and is recommended by the HSE as the first choice of painkiller if you are pregnant. In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that women who take paracetamol during pregnancy are very slightly more likely to have a child who is diagnosed with autism. But this does not prove that the link is causal and agencies such as the UKs Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have stated there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Why do some studies suggest a link between paracetamol and autism? A big challenge in human studies is working out what genuinely contributes to autism and what is simply associated with the condition. Lots of potential risk factors for autism have been investigated and when you are doing this kind of research, it can be very difficult to disentangle what is truly a cause, said Prof Laurie Tomlinson, professor of clinical epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. People taking paracetamol or not taking paracetamol in pregnancy may be different in many ways. For example, older women are more likely to have autistic children, but they are also more likely to have aches and pains and medical conditions that call for painkillers. Similarly, particular medical conditions are biologically connected with autism. For example, women with hypermobility have loose and stretchy ligaments that mean their joints have an unusually large range of motion. They are also more likely to have autistic children. Pregnancy can cause worse joint pain in women with hypermobility, making them more likely to take painkillers. If studies do not fully account for these factors, painkillers can wrongly appear to be a risk factor. Gardner and colleagues led the largest study to date on autism and paracetamol use during pregnancy, using health records of 2.4 million children born in Sweden between 1995 and 2019. They found that about 1.5% of children whose mothers were prescribed paracetamol during pregnancy were autistic, compared with 1.3% of children whose mothers were not prescribed the drug. However, when the researchers compared outcomes between siblings removing genetics from the equation the association between autism and paracetamol use disappeared completely. Some of the same genetic tendencies that increase peoples risk of autism are overlapping with genes that influence immune response and pain perception, which are all things that might increase use of paracetamol, said Gardner. The researchers concluded there was no evidence to support a causal link and another Japanese study, published earlier this year, reached a similar verdict. Why are autism rates rising? Forty years ago, about four to six people in every 10,000 had an autism diagnosis. Today, depending on the country, the rate is somewhere between 1% and 3%. Diagnosis has increased in adults as well as young children. Trumps health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has described the increase as an epidemic, a word better reserved for infectious disease outbreaks. Many researchers believe the rise is because of doctors casting a wider net when diagnosing autism, greater awareness, and clinics improving diagnosis, rather than an increase in autism itself. But it is possible that as-yet undiscovered environmental factors have also contributed. A much broader range of behaviours were brought under the umbrella of the term autism, said Prof Gina Rippon, emeritus professor of cognitive neuroimaging at Aston University. What looked like a dramatic increase in cases was a dramatic increase in diagnosis. The whole impression is that this is a disease that needs curing or eradicating, she added. Its putting aside the huge advantages of the creativity and inventiveness of people who think about the world in a different way. To paint it as an epidemic or disease is very demeaning to the autistic community. Trumps comments feed a narrative of distrust which is really dangerous for women The best evidence does not support the claim that paracetamol contributes to autism, but Trumps comments will still have a wide impact. One immediate effect will be more pain and misery for women in pregnancy, with potential health risks. When Trump suggests that theres no downside to not taking paracetamol during pregnancy, thats not true, said Gardner. Theres quite a big body of evidence that shows that there are potentially severe health risks if a fever goes untreated for a prolonged period of time during pregnancy. There is also a broader undermining of trust in science and the medical establishment. Pregnant women are already bombarded with a host of unsubstantiated information, said Prof Sarah Hawkes, the co-founder of Global Health 50/50, a gender equality research initiative. It feeds into a narrative of distrust in science, which is really dangerous for womens health, particularly in pregnancy. For parents of autistic children, Hawkes added, youve introduced a huge amount of stigma and guilt when the scientific evidence just doesnt bear that out. There is a risk to womens mental health, too. Prof Shakila Thangaratinam, professor of womens health at the University of Liverpool, said the advice was likely to make women more anxious while pregnant and after childbirth. Women could spend the next 10 years unnecessarily worrying, she said. Given the power and influence that US health institutions have had as standard-setting agencies, advice issued by the FDA is likely to have consequences around the world. In some countries, paracetamol is the primary painkiller given in childbirth. If doctors or pregnant women avoid the painkiller, it could lead to more post-traumatic stress disorder and to more women seeking caesarean sections. Paracetamol is far and away the safest painkiller in pregnancy so if women are more reluctant to take it they are going to be suffering unnecessarily, said Tomlinson. In general, women are very cautious about taking anything during pregnancy. What will change in the US? The US Food and Drug Administration is changing the label on Tylenol to warn of a possible association between autism and taking the drug in pregnancy. It has also alerted physicians nationally. The agency makes clear that a causal relationship between Tylenol and autism has not been established. It also notes that it is the only drug approved to treat fever in pregnancy and high fever can be risky for babies in the womb. But experts are concerned that Trumps less measured instruction to fight like hell not to take it may be what ends up sticking in the minds of many patients. Can you imagine having to sit there and weigh the decision? said Gardner. Your doctor may be telling you its safe to use, but the bold words on the packaging say this could cause harm to your unborn baby. Thats a terrible position to put parents into. The FDA also moved to approve a drug called leucovorin, a form of folate, amid research that suggests it may improve some of the social communication difficulties autistic people can experience. - The Guardian The Government is to ban the advertisement of vapes behind shop counters, mandate plain packaging and outlaw single-use vapes, as new laws are prepared to bring them in line with cigarette packaging. Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is to introduce new legislation as part of a clampdown on the industry. The proposals are being introduced through two separate laws. The first will be used to ban the sale of single-use vapes. The second will move to restrict the packaging of vaping products, with particular focus on the colours and imagery both on boxes and the vapes themselves. The law will also restrict the flavours available for sale and prohibit all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names. Point-of-sale displays and advertisements within shops will also be barred, except in specialist stores. This means they will be kept out of view, similarly to how cigarettes and other tobacco products are stored. Bans will also be placed on any device which either resembles or functions as other products, such as toys or games. One Government source said the laws were being prepared as a response to the tobacco industry innovating beyond all measures used to restrict the sale of cigarettes. The previous Government introduced restrictions on the sale of vapes, including rules that they could not be sold to under-18s as well as advertising restrictions near schools, on public transport and in cinemas. A licencing system for the sale of tobacco and vaping products is also due to come into effect next February. The sale of vapes and cigarettes via vending machines will also be outlawed from next month. Vape tax It comes as a delayed tax on vape liquid is likely to be introduced before the end of the year, having been announced as part of Budget 2025. This will see a tax of 50c per millilitre applied to e-liquids. For single-use vapes, there is around 2ml of e-liquid and they cost a total of 8. Including VAT, it is expected the price of a disposable vape will rise to 9.23. A spokesperson for finance minister Paschal Donohoe previously confirmed that works on the tax were at an advanced stage. Preparations for the development of secure and functional IT systems, registration processes, compliance checks and operational supports to ensure the tax is collected efficiently and fairly are well advanced and remain on course for E-Liquid Products Tax to come into effect in the coming period, the spokesperson said. Nicotine pouches While the Government is taking action on vapes, it is not expected to move on nicotine pouches in the immediate future. A spokesperson for Ms Carroll MacNeill said EU-wide legislation would be more effective than unilateral action by member states. For that reason, the Minister for Health has formally called on the EU Commission to propose a revised Tobacco Products Directive as soon as possible, and for that proposal to cover all new nicotine products such as pouches in order to protect our young people, the spokesperson said. It is understood Ms Carroll MacNeill is seeking to progress an updated directive as part of Irelands EU presidency which is due to begin in July 2026. The hospitals under Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) will be run by the HSE from 2027, health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced in a shock statement on Wednesday. Families with children in the hospitals called for transparency, saying the change follows more than two years of upheaval at CHI. One mother described the move as a u-turn on commitments to back the CHI board made by the HSE and senior politicians, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin. A new chairwoman has been appointed, along with two new board members, including Fergus Finlay, a former HSE board member. Ms Carroll MacNeill said CHI already includes three hospitals Temple Street, Crumlin, and Tallaght childrens hospital under its banner. She said it is time to further integrate paediatric care formally into the HSE ahead of the move to the new National Childrens Hospital. The minister said she has spent some months" reviewing governance structures in the health service. The National Childrens Hospital Ireland will be the central hub in the network of paediatric care with links to regional paediatric units, operated overwhelmingly by the HSE, she said. Accordingly, I have decided to integrate CHI into the HSE structure. The minister moved to reassure families: The most important thing for any young person in the care of CHI or for a parent of child in the care of CHI is that this transition will not impact on your day-to-day care. She added: This is a steady process that began with the appointment of some HSE Board members, is confirmed today and will transition both operationally and legislatively with implementation in 2027. Families and advocacy groups demand transparency after Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirms CHI hospitals will be absorbed into HSE by 2027 Addressing staff, she said they are valued and will be supported in the move to the new hospital. We are working to support you in your work and towards the new National Childrens Hospital Ireland. Reacting to the news, Una Keightly, co-founder of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, called for transparency about the decision-making process. In April, after the daming Hiqa report into childrens spinal surgeries, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin stood on the floor of the Dail and said he backed the CHI board, she said. Now just five months on, the whole organisation is being subsumed into the HSE this is a complete U-turn by the government. She asked: what has been discovered that led to this decision, there needs to be transparency. The frustrated mother also urged the health minister to explain the timing. When we met with the minister in May and outlined the failures of care in scoliosis and spina bifida childrens care, we asked for this to occur and were told it was not an option being explored," she said. The HSE and CHI have been approached for comment. A man in his 40s has been arrested over an alleged cyber attack that caused disruption at Dublin Airport as well as Heathrow and other European airports. The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) said the suspect was held in West Sussex on Tuesday on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences, and released on conditional bail. Deputy director Paul Foster, head of the NCAs National Cyber Crime Unit, said: Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing. Cyber crime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK. Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat in order to protect the British public. The alleged cyber attack affected Collins Aerospace and saw check-in and boarding systems disrupted at London Heathrow, Brussels and Berlin airports. The firm works for several airlines at multiple airports across the world. Disruption began on Friday night and continued throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with flights cancelled or delayed as the impacted airlines had to carry out check-in and boarding operations manually. Some 13 flights, nine inbound and four outbound, had been cancelled at Dublin Airport by noon on Sunday. The airport said some airlines in Terminal 2 were using manual workarounds to issue bag tags and boarding passes, and as a result, check-in and bag drop were taking longer than usual. Separately Terminal 2 was evacuated for a time on Saturday following a concern about a piece of baggage. Gardai and the Defence Forces' explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team attended the terminal, and the piece of luggage was later described as contained and deemed safe for removal. Passengers due to fly from Heathrows Terminal 4 said they were met with queues, delays and confusion as to whether they would be able to make their planned trips. Brussels Airport saw 50 outbound flights cancelled on Sunday, and nearly another 140 on Monday. Irelands competition commission has taken legal action against British gambling firm Ladbrokes following a series of raids on betting companies earlier this year. Papers initiating a High Court case against Ladbrokes Ireland were officially lodged on Tuesday, September 23. The action follows a series of dawn raids in mid-May at the premises of multiple gambling companies amid an investigation by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Ireland's consumer regulator into alleged breaches of competition law by those firms. The probe relates specifically to alleged price fixing and anti-competitive agreements within the gambling industry itself. Irish competition law forbids anti-competitive agreements between vested interests such as agreements to fix prices and liabilities within the gambling industry by two or more businesses. Its understood that the CCPC action against Ladbrokes relates to issues concerning claimed legal privilege over documents and information that were seized in the May raids. Its the second such action taken against Ladbrokes since June. A spokesperson for the CCPC said that the case relates to statutory processes initiated by the CCPC under section 33 of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014. This is a procedural matter related to a criminal investigation under our competition law powers. No further comment can be made at this point, they said. Section 33 of the 2014 Act relates to acquisition of privileged material by the CCPC provided that the confidentiality of that information is maintained until the High Court can determine whether it is officially privileged that is, unusable in court or not. Ladbrokes Ireland did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication. Previous Ladbrokes probe The May raids the second such investigation undertaken by the CCPC after a previous probe in 2023 were conducted by authorised CCPC officers in conjunction with detectives from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. The commissions probe in 2023 saw it take a legal action against the Irish Bookmakers Association the representative body for licenced gambling operators across Ireland over alleged anti-competitive activity. Companies found to have breached Irelands competition laws can face fines amongst other penalties. Other CCPC investigations The gambling industry investigation is just one of a number of high-profile actions currently in train by the CCPC. Last July, the consumer watchdog wrote to organisations in the motor industry to take action against alleged anti-competitive practices, such as telling customers their warranty will be void if they go to independent garages for repairs. In correspondence with the industry, the regulator said consumers must not be prevented from freely choosing who services or repairs their vehicles, or what parts they use, adding that it stood ready to take legal enforcement action should any such illicit behaviours be detected. Ladbrokes, one of the most recognisable names in the British gambling industry, has existed since 1886. The companys Irish arm had previously entered examinership in both 2011 and 2015 after posting a series of punishing losses. Since 2018, Ladbrokes' overall business has been owned by Entain, an international sports betting conglomerate based on the Isle of Man. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath joined colleagues from the European Commission and Irish diplomats in Brussels on Wednesday to give his backing to the Sanctuary Runners' Global Solidarity Run. The initiative is the brainchild of the not-for-profit organisation Sanctuary Runners and encourages people across the world to run, jog, walk or roll any distance, anywhere, on Saturday, October 11. The run will be a display of solidarity with all those who are forcibly displaced and living in extreme poverty. The initiative, which is now in its second year, will have communities taking part in the Solomon Islands, in rural communities of Brazil, in Palestine's West Bank, and across Africa. Michael McGrath led a 5km walk and run through Parc du Cinquantenaire in central Brussels with the Sanctuary Runners. Today, Mr McGrath led a 5km walk and run through Parc du Cinquantenaire in central Brussels. Speaking about the Global Solidarity Run he said: "By walking together with the Sanctuary Runners, we send a powerful message of solidarity that Europe stands shoulder to shoulder with refugees, asylum seekers, and all those forced to flee war and hardship. This global movement, born in Cork and now spreading across the world, unites people through friendship, respect, and shared humanity. "In every step we take, we uphold the values at the heart of the European Union. Sanctuary Runners founder Graham Clifford told those gathered why solidarity with those facing the most difficult of challenges is especially important now. He said: This is an opportunity for people to step up and show, through their actions, that they want to see a world in which every single human life is valued equally. "To push back against divisive rhetoric and misinformation which is designed to instill suspicion, mistrust and fear of the other. "To harness the collective will of people to say to leaders and those in positions of power that we demand policies and strategies which focus on the treatment of human beings and not other factors. "To drop the labelling and the politicising of the most vulnerable and to step up for all in the pursuit of a fairer, more just world for everybody. To run as one. Michael McGrath led a 5km walk and run through Parc du Cinquantenaire in central Brussels with the Sanctuary Runners. Also adding his voice to the call to action ahead of this years Global Solidarity Run is Minister for International Development, Neale Richmond. Speaking from the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York, he said: "One of the biggest crises we face today is our collective ability to respond to the suffering of our fellow human beings. "At a time of unprecedented need, too many countries are cutting funding aimed at saving lives and making the world a better place. "At the UN General Assembly and elsewhere, Ireland is loudly calling for solidarity and cooperation to be at the heart of the international system. "The Global Solidarity Run is a fun and positive way people around the world can join that call." Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has said he doesnt accept parts of Dublin are not safe or that drug gangs have taken over certain areas but does accept some people dont feel safe and that it is his job to turn that around. He said he is planning to expand a high-visibility policing presence in Dublin city centre to other parts of the capital and to other cities, such as Cork. Mr Kelly said that like other European cities, Dublin is going to have really challenging incidents, including the recent stabbing attack on a teenager in the north inner city on Sunday night. Gardai are believed to have identified the attackers, who stabbed the boy 20 times, including a wound to an artery in a leg. Responding gardai were able to stem the flow of blood. The victim, from the Malahide area of north Dublin, is recovering in hospital. An interagency project in Dublins north inner city Young People at Risk (YPAR) told the Irish Examiner on Monday that parts of the city, including parks, have been taken over by local drugs gangs and that people are scared to walk around in certain areas. Speaking at the Association of Garda Superintendents delegate conference at Trim, Co Meath, Mr Kelly said: I dont accept that. Dublin is a safe city. However, he accepted that this is the perception of some people. For me, its really important, if people dont feel safe in their area, its my responsibility as garda commissioner to turn that around and I am committed to that. Mr Kelly, who started on September 1, said part of the response is greater garda visibility, investment in community policing, and continuing operations by the regional Dublin Crime Response Team. He said a policing plan in Dublin city centre involving 100 extra gardai on the street had been very successful and said it would expand to other parts of the city by Christmas. We will see that visibility improving, he said. He also said there will be more direct recruitment of civilian specialists into the force, starting with national security. Referring to the investigation into the death of little Daniel Aruebose in north Dublin, the commissioner said there are many other avenues to be investigated and promised gardai would do everything they could. Commenting on safety concerns in Dublin at the conference, justice minister Jim OCallaghan said Dublin is a safe space, but added that people are entitled to feel safe. He pointed out that knife crime is down. Like the commissioner, Mr O'Callaghan said he does not accept local gangs have taken over any areas and that gardai have control of all parts of the city. He said there are small numbers of young people engaged in anti-social behaviour and criminality, not just in Dublin but in other cities. We need to confront them and we need to ensure they are not permitted to upset and interfere with enjoyment of life that other people have. We need to deter them and detect them and bring them to justice, if they wont be deterred. The Minister said he was surprised that the Irish Prison Service paid almost 25,000 to Tipperary comedy duo 2 Johnnies to host a show as part of a prison officer recruitment campaign. Its a lot of money for a podcast. Im surprised that amount of money was being spent, he said. We have to be careful spending public money. We have to do it efficiently and carefully. It doesnt strike as being necessary expenditure. Commissioner Kelly said the 2 Johnnies did a podcast as part of the garda recruitment campaign last year and gardai didnt pay for it. Only 14% of children with disabilities are thriving in school and 27% have experienced restraint, a survey by Inclusion Ireland found. And the school complaints system is set up to silence children, Lucinda Murrihy of Inclusion Ireland told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability. Important data and learnings from complaints are being lost in a system that can be biased, requiring families to lodge complaints with the school rather than through an independent mechanism before contacting the Childrens Ombudsman, Ms Murrihy said. Each September, our phone lines are busy with calls from families telling us about their childrens experiences, Ms Murrihy told the committee. We hear of reasonable accommodations not in place or denied. Families pressed, though rarely in writing, to move their child elsewhere. A five-year-old suspended four times in a month. A child told to stay home until they could follow the rules. A family told to make their home less secure so their child would want to go to school. For children, the impact is life changing. School for some can feel like survival, and impossibly far from ever accessing the curriculum and the right to a high-quality education. At times, anxiety grows so severe that parents make the only decision they can to remove their child from school." Inclusion Ireland called on government to begin collecting and publishing disaggregated national data on the educational experiences of children with intellectual disabilities including on suspensions and the use of restraint to track progress and hold schools accountable. Ms Murrihy added: If we are serious about inclusive education, we cannot continue with a system that protects itself over children. Tiernan ONeill, principal at Corpus Christi primary school in Moyross, Limerick, said that children with additional needs are still hugely disadvantaged in Ireland, despite apparent improvements to the system. In Moyross, only for philanthropically funded initiatives like The Sky Is The Limit Programme and HAPPEE initiative we would be unable to meet our students needs, Mr ONeill said. To achieve true inclusion, we need joined-up thinking. Education, health, Tusla, housing, justice, and rural and community development, to name but a few government departments, must work together more cohesively if we are to maximise life opportunities for the children in our care. Schools should not be left applying piecemeal for resources while children wait. Every school should have access to sustained, wrap-around support, not just those lucky enough to secure short-term funding." And placing a child with high levels of need into a mainstream class without appropriate supports is not inclusion, it is discrimination," Mr O'Neill said. "It sets children up for frustration and failure and places an impossible burden on teachers and families," he said. Barriers to inclusive education Additionally, too many supports are still tied to a diagnosis, Mr ONeill said, and this creates waiting lists and unnecessary labelling. Yet we know from evidence that trauma, developmental delays, and complex needs often overlap. If addressed early and intensively, many children can thrive without ever needing a diagnosis," he said. He also called for caution on over-medicalising children. ADHD, for example, is a real condition, but it has also become a buzzword. Trauma, poverty, and disrupted attachment often present in similar ways," Mr O'Neill said. Ciaran Cronin, principal of St Jamess Primary School, a DEIS Band 1 school in Dublin 8, said that more SNAs are critical for children with additional needs. But accessing enough staff is extremely difficult, he said, especially in an inflexible system that does not accommodate the chaos of life. While every year we try to plan in May and June for the coming year, the nature of DEIS schools can be very hard to plan for. It is not uncommon for children to arrive at the door of the school on the first day of school that we know nothing about. Some of these children may have never been in school before, have no English or have had to move schools over the summer due to homelessness or because they live in IPAS accommodation. But these last-minute, often very significant changes to numbers and requirements never result in extra staff at the last minute, he said. The system for accessing children's disability supports also fails to take account of families with literacy issues, families who are homeless and living in hotels and B&Bs and have nowhere to store their childs paperwork, families who dont have access to technology or change their phone numbers throughout the year. These families may wait two and three years on a waiting list to access supports for their child, and then due to the above reasons and others may miss their appointments. "Unfortunately, after missing a number of appointments they will be discharged from the system and schools are then put under pressure to start the whole process with them again. "It would be amazing for schools to be able to flag vulnerable families with these services so that they can be supported through these services and brought to appointments," he said. Offenders who are indebted to criminals are being forced to commit criminal acts in order the pay off their debts, according to a district court judge. Judge Colm Roberts presiding in Mallow District Court made the comments when dealing with the sentencing of a man with 156 previous convictions who was sentenced for a further 12 offences. Court presenter Sergeant Linda OLeary told Mallow District Court that Con Foley, aged 44 of Cork Simon Community was charged with 10 thefts, one count of possession of 40 worth of cocaine, one count of threatening and abusive behaviour and one count of intoxication in a public place. The offences occurred on a variety of dates in July and August 2025 and included thefts from Aldi and SuperValu supermarkets as well as the theft of a 600 power washer from Dairygold Co-op Superstores. The court was told that Foley had 22 previous convictions for theft and one for robbery and his first recorded conviction was in 1996. Defence solicitor Cathal Lombard said that his client was pleading guilty to all of the charges except one alleged theft from Texaco in Fermoy. He said Foley's life was blighted by addiction and he had incurred debts and had been placed under a lot of threats and duress. Mr Lombard said Foley was at the bottom of ladder and the stealing was in part an effort to clear the debt he owed. He added that Foleys partner had repaid some of the shops that were at a loss and she had been forced to move because of ongoing threats. Judge Roberts said: It is terrible that this is going on at the moment. People are being threatened to commit violence against others and it is going on all over the city and county. He added that the difficulty he had was that Foley was trapped in a cycle of offending which led him to offend as soon as he was released because of the duress he was under. The judge said he wanted to give Foley some light at the end of the tunnel but also had to mark the seriousness of the constant offending that was having a real impact on retailers. He added: This is putting businesses out of business. For the nine thefts he was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison on two counts, four months on three counts, five months on two counts, six months on one count and 10 months on one count with four months suspended for two years. He was also placed under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years. For possession of cocaine he was sentenced to three months suspended for four years. For threatening and abusive behaviour he was sentenced to three months suspended for two years and the public intoxication charge was taken into consideration. This article is funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Ireland is to donate 3m to assist Pacific islands at threat from climate change. Climate and environment minister Darragh O'Brien made the announcement at UN Climate Week in New York, saying in a speech that Ireland is "delighted" to make the money available. He said that the pledge "reflects Irelands increasing partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum". There are around 40 small island nations (SIDs) grouped by the UN which share sustainable development challenges. While they represent around 1% of the Earth's population, their remote geography makes the challenges of climate change particularly acute, according to the UN. The money is part of an overall fundraising target of $500m for adaptation funding across the islands. Mr O'Brien said in his speech that those countries must not be asked to face the challenges of climate change alone. "A key ask from the Pacific has been climate finance for adaptation measures, which is therefore now a focus of Irelands climate diplomacy and financing in the region. "SIDs must not face climate challenges alone. The international community needs solutions to address the impact of climate change on those most impacted." Sudan Ireland has also announced additional funding of 3m to support people in Sudan. The funding brings Irelands total support for people in Sudan in 2025 to 14.3m. Sudan is now the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, with 12 million people forcibly displaced and approximately nine million people facing the immediate prospect of famine. The funding will support the efforts of UN agencies working with the most affected communities to provide urgent humanitarian relief. Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said Ireland "continues to call on the international community to bring greater pressure to bring this appalling conflict to an end". "We need to see a negotiated settlement which preserves Sudans territorial integrity". The 3m in funding will support protection, nutrition, and health, and will also provide assistance including water, sanitation, and shelter to displaced people in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, the Tanaiste and the minister of state Neil Richmond announced grants of over 4.6m to Irish diaspora organisations in the US and Canada. Mr Richmond said the Government was keen to keep close relations with the diaspora. One of the key messages I hear in my meetings with members of the Irish community abroad is their willingness to share their experience and connections to support greater economic relationships. As part of our new diaspora strategy, we will avail of this goodwill to allow Irish businesses to thrive in strategically important locations. Independent presidential candidate Maria Steen has fallen short of the ballot by just two votes. The barrister secured 18 Oireachtas signatures, two short of the 20 required to enter the race. She had an appointment at the Custom House at 11am to submit her nomination papers. Despite intense lobbying, independent senators refused to shift on Wednesday morning ahead of the 12pm deadline. 'I do not feel I have lost' Speaking outside Leinster House, Maria Steen said she was humbled by the outpouring of support for her campaign. While I'm honoured to have received 90% of the signatures required from members of the Oireachtas, I regret to say that it's not enough, and that time has now run out, she said. I entered this race in the hope of giving voters a real choice. Speaking in Irish, she said she was disappointed but very proud of her progress. She continued: The response from the public in recent days confirms the hunger that there is for an alternative candidate. Sadly, that hunger will now go unsatisfied. Rarely has the political consensus seemed more oppressive or detached from the wishes and desires of the public. I want to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the many councillors who voted for me, some of whom courageously went against party diktat to do so. I'm also grateful to the 18 parliamentarians, true democrats all, who gave me their signatures, some of whom because they wanted to support me in the election, and some of whom because they believed in democracy and that the verdict on my candidacy should be rendered not by an elite but by the people. My effort to make the ballot has not been successful, but I do not feel I have lost. Independent presidential candidate Maria Steen speaking to the media outside Leinster House Dublin, after she failed to achieve the 20 required signatures to enter the presidential race. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Ms Steen thanked her husband Neil, her five children, and her parents for their support. She also paid tribute to other unsuccessful independent candidates, including Nick Delehanty and Gareth Sheridan. Ms Steen concluded: It has been a privilege to have won the confidence and support of so many people around the country over the last few weeks. While it would have been the honour of a lifetime to serve as first citizen of Ireland, being a citizen is honour enough for me. Ms Steen declined to take media questions. Meanwhile, justice minister Jim OCallaghan pushed back on assertions the nomination process should be changed due to Ms Steen being unable to get on the ballot. I dont think so. When Eamon de Valera drafted the Constitution, he put together a very specific routine for how people get nominated to be a candidate for the office of President, Mr OCallaghan said. Its challenging, you need to get 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. I dont think that simply because didnt make it on to the ballot paper this time that theres a requirement to have a constitutional amendment to change the Constitution, which would be required. With the nomination window now closed, there are just three candidates on the ballot for the first time since the election of 1990. They are Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, and former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin, who is running for Fianna Fail. The election will be held on October 24. The three candidates vying to become the next president have been grilled on what they have said would be their vision if they became the next head of state. Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, who is backed by Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats and other opposition parties, said she would not call for a border poll in the next decade. Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin said he wanted to be a positive president, while Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys rejected the label establishment for herself and said she instead preferred experienced. The three candidates were all asked about their views on the presidency on RTE Radio, in the first series of broadcast interviews after the deadline for nominations closed at noon on Wednesday. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly leaves Leinster House Ms Connolly, a former clinical psychologist from Galway, told the Drivetime programme it would be an utter privilege to be president of Ireland. Asked about a border poll, she said she would leave that to the politicians and would be using her voice to reflect the constitution as a president. Asked whether a border poll should be held within a decade, she said: Mary Lou (McDonald) has called for that, I have never called for a border poll. Ms Connolly was also asked about her communication skills after she came under scrutiny for comments she made about Hamass role in a future Palestinian state. She said: I think my communication is excellent, I think the difficulty is I speak bluntly, honestly and I always speak after reflection and after Ive done my research. My record in the Dail is second to none, Ive never missed a day. I didnt use the word expert communicator, but I speak honestly and with integrity every time I speak and I do my best to answer every single question and I will continue to do that. She said that as president, she would have the courage to stand up, reflect the values of the Irish people, and call for peace across the world. I think Ive always appealed to people across all sides, and I think I showed that as Leas Ceann Comhairle, I stood and was elected, the first female Leas Ceann Comhairle. Im saying I am an inclusive candidate. I think I appeal to people from different backgrounds completely and Ive shown that all my life. Fianna Fail presidential candidate Jim Gavin (left) and the deputy leader of the party, and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers (right) (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Mr Gavin said he wanted to be a positive president who focused on a positive message, particularly in a time of division. The former Dublin football manager was asked how he would give a voice to those without one, and he said he had visited a womens shelter in Navan which was an example of the services he wanted to shine a light on. Thats what I see my presidency, about being energetic, about enthusiasm, about being on the ground with people every day. And if Im not on the ground every day, Im in the Aras thinking about what I need to be doing, or Im bringing people in to speak about the challenges of our time. He was asked to expand on his pledge to hold forums at Aras an Uachtarain and around the country if he became president. Itll be the communities, itll be the volunteers, itll be students, itll be people who are in third-level education. There is no limit to who I can speak to. Asked what these would achieve, he said: The president can generate ideas and shine a light on things that mightnt be spoken about, or keep the pressure potentially on the Oireachtas to achieve goals such as meeting the challenges of homelessness or housing. He would not be drawn on whether coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail would organise a voting pact to give second preferences to one another. Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys prepares to hang a campaign poster in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Humphreys outlined her experience as a senior minister in various departments for 10 years, and said as business minister during Brexit and the pandemic, I know how to handle a crisis. She said that as culture minister during the 100-year commemoration of the 1916 Rising, she led events that really brought people together, and they gave us a great sense of national identity and pride. Asked if she was the most establishment candidate, she said: Some people might say establishment, I would say experienced. Id ask people to judge me on my track record in the ministries that I have held. And yes, Im not denying of course there are challenges, and in government there will always be challenges, and theres always more to be done. But I did have the courage to step up and go into government, and some didnt. Asked how she would speak about the housing crisis given her partys role in government, she said: Yes, I will be a voice for all the people, but Im realistic. I realise what the president can do the president can highlight, the president can speak, can they can be a voice for the nation. They can speak out when they see injustices and they can speak out, like the President [Michael D Higgins] has done in terms of Gaza and what has happened there. I have never been afraid to speak up for people. Asked about the way she answered a question about whether her husband was a member of the Orange Order, she said she was caught a little off-guard. Can I just ask you, how would you feel if you were going for a job interview and one of the first questions you got was about what your husband or your partner was doing before you met them? You know, how would you feel? All I can say is, you know, it might catch you off guard a little. I have always been open about who I am and where I come from, and thats why I think Im uniquely placed to reach out the hand of friendship to both nationalist and unionist traditions in Northern Ireland. And I want to build on the great work of Mary McAleese. I want to work to build bridges across communities. I do want to facilitate a much deeper understanding of all traditions on this island, and I want to be a president for everyone in this country, regardless of who they are. Ireland will ask EU countries which side of history they want to be on, as the Government urges a vote on an EU package of economic sanctions on Israel. Ireland has been seeking an early vote on a sanctions package proposed by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. It has spent some of UN High Level Week in New York urging EU partners to approve the sanctions. The EU is Israels largest trading partner, so the tariffs could have far-reaching effects on Israels economy, which is already rattled by the cost of a long war. Roughly 32m in bilateral funds controlled by the European Commission would be immediately suspended, and Israels preferential status with the EU would be damaged. Speaking in New York on Wednesday, Tanaiste Simon Harris said while the vote of the European Council would be deemed early by that bodys standards, it would come some 23 months into Israels bombardment of Gaza. Mr Harris said that while there was consideration around whether a vote has the support to pass the councils qualified majority voting, it was time to ask EU states to make a decision. We need to not allow a situation where people dont have to vote, he said. We need to actually put this on the table and let every country decide which side of history they want to be on. Do you want to vote for measures that can make a real and meaningful difference? Do you believe that there should be consequences for a country that breaches its agreement to the European Union? Do you believe that international law should always be applied consistently, or only in certain circumstances? I dont think there should be any space for kind of hiding in the shadows on this. As a democrat, I want to be able to democratically vote on behalf of Ireland in relation to the adoption of these measures. Mr Harris fellow foreign affairs ministers from Belgium, Slovenia, Spain, and Luxembourg have co-signed a letter to the EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, calling for the suspension and sanctions to be urgently taken forward for decision by the European Council. Meanwhile, energy minister Darragh OBrien will meet with energy companies later this week in a bid to protect vulnerable customers during the winter. Mr OBrien said the situation for customers would not be hopeless, despite an increase in energy tariffs across the board in recent months: I will have specific asks of them in relation to vulnerable customers in particular. I will be reiterating that there will not be an energy credit in this budget, and theres a responsibility amongst those firms as well to ensure that the energy theyre providing is costed fairly and is affordable. Energy prices are a real concern for people, particularly families. Mr OBrien said his department had carried out an analysis of pricing, which will be brought to the meeting with providers. These are companies that are independent of me, but the CRU [Commission for Regulation of Utilities] obviously has a role to play within that. I want to let those discussions happen. I dont want to pre-empt what will happen there. Im expecting the companies to come to me with their suggestions. Im concerned at the arrears levels on gas and on electricity, theyre significantly high. And were not an outlier in Europe on this, either. One of the things weve discussed [here in New York] is energy pricing full stop across the world." Asked about US president Donald Trumps comments in his speech to the UN on Tuesday, which called climate change a con job, Mr OBrien said the Government respectfully does not agree with him: I think theres a determination amongst most states, including Ireland as well, to continue our green transition, because its good economically, its good for our climate. The expansion of renewables is real. The actor Stephen Graham has won an Emmy for his lead role in Adolescence. In March, the Netflix drama that he co-created had us hotly discussing what goes on in the minds of disaffected boys and who might be influencing them. Graham has highlighted the challenges faced by men and boys. He has also spoken about a past suicide attempt. Hes not the only person concerned about young men. Last week, a male colleague instructed me to pass on a compliment to a young male with whom we had been working. He followed up by saying that its important you pass on my comments about his aptitude because there is little enough that the culture offers boys now. Its a bleak view that set me thinking. Certainly, the data paints a less-than-rosy picture for men in general where mental health is concerned. According to a recent article in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, males account for three in every four suicides in Ireland and are up to twice as likely as females to eventually die by suicide following a hospital presentation for suicidal crisis. Cian Ducrot is currently promoting a newly released report, 'The Real Face of Mens Health', which confirms that 80% of all suicides in Ireland are male. Picture; Larry Cummins What is also worrying is that a majority of men presenting to emergency departments with suicidal feelings had no link with mental health services. So, who do men, and in particular young men, talk to? The Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot is currently promoting a newly released report, The Real Face of Mens Health, which confirms that 80% of all suicides in Ireland are male. Ducrot is articulate on the topic of masculinity and mental health. He has said that talking to your friends is probably the hardest. Having lost two male friends to suicide, he feels it's hard to open up. Malign influences His advice is to delete all social media, although thats not feasible for him due to his career. And with regard to social media, we know that many young men seek solace and support online, where they find a sense of community within online groups. Unless you have been living under a rock, you will have heard of the manosphere. Its where a new form of patriarchy, misogyny and chauvinism is doing a brisk trade. Moral panics are pointless, but working in domestic violence, this is something were very concerned about. Teachers and an array of experts have been warning for years that prominent, brash male figures are selling young men the message that they must band together and reclaim their rightful male dominance. At the relatively more benign end of the spectrum is Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson. I know several men who are impressed by his take on personal responsibility. If you unpack his manifesto, though, while slickly packaged, there is a lot of regressive stuff about gender roles, which are based on women being more submissive. Thanks to recommender algorithms (more of those later), mainstream figures like Peterson can become an entry point to more toxic figures, such as cartoon kickboxer Andrew Tate. Tate calls himself a misogynist and purports to teach young men how to become rich and bag attractive women. With 10.8 million followers on X, he has been the subject of claims of sex trafficking as well as alleged coercive control and rape claims from several women in a civil law context. I watched his video, Andrew Tate on Life as a Man today. Its laughably simplistic, but apparently not to some unformed young men for whom he is emblematic of a successful life path. Andrew Tate calls himself a misogynist and purports to teach young men how to become rich and bag attractive women. File photo: AP/Vadim Ghirda The question isnt simply around what content young men find online, but what drives them to seek support from online reactionary voices in the first place. Are they detached from life in a familial, social, or cultural context? And how do we reclaim them from malevolent buffoons like Tate who influence views, values, and outlooks? There are no pat answers because it has always taken a village to raise a child, and maybe that is even more true in a complicated world. There are some positives. Our new online safety code represents a significant step forward in compelling tech companies to monitor content more closely, protecting children from harm. However, the code failed to outlaw recommender algorithms, the sort that push users from men like Peterson toward characters like Tate. Youd wonder why? Lobbying? Nevertheless, any solution to reclaiming young men from the clutches of online influencers goes deeper than solely reining in tech companies. It requires us to look at the broader culture and how we socialise young men. Why do they still feel they have to be stoical and silent? As Cian Ducrot said, opening up and talking to friends about mental health difficulties and problems is the hardest thing of all. Help is at hand Which is why the news that new counselling services, specifically tailored for men, have been introduced this month is most welcome. The sessions are free and made available through GPs, a HSE helpline, and yourmentahealth.ie website. There are in-person and over-the-phone sessions. The counselling is targeted at men responding to their specific needs, which makes sense because apparently the epidemiology of suicide differs significantly between the genders. In the States, where the suicide rate amongst men is roughly the same as here, gender-sensitised strategies for mens mental health difficulties have been found to be effective in countering problematic, masculine messages of self-reliance and interpersonal dominance. The minister for health, Mary Butler, when announcing the new measures, confirmed that women were far more likely to seek help, with two-thirds of all people currently seeking counselling being female. A much-needed national campaign, she said, will therefore aim to reduce the stigma around men seeking help. 'Steve' On the subject of troubled young men, the new film Steve, starring Cillian Murphy, highlights the difficulties in dealing with boys who have resolutely fallen through the cracks. These juvenile delinquents, one step away from prison, want to find a path out of their mayhem, or, as one character said, just to clear the weather in his head. Most of them have no idea how they ended up where they did. The concept of good citizenship holds no meaning for them. But instinctively, they know they are missing a key part of the jigsaw puzzle of how to live. Its a tough watch but a worthwhile one, although the drum and bass soundtrack might prove hard going for the longer in the tooth. Murphy, as usual, delivers a brilliant performance as a charismatic yet struggling teacher. Incidentally, it will be available on Netflix from October 3. (Left to right) Writer Max Porter, producer Alan Moloney, actor Cillian Murphy, director Tim Mielants, and Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival founder Mary Hickson at the European premiere of Steve at The Arc Cinema in Cork for the Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival. Photo: Brid ODonovan I was the sole woman in the cinema last Friday for Steve. When the lights went up, two young men, Stephen and James from Drimoleague and Dunmanway, both cinema buffs, a barber and a student in social care gave me their time and their thoughts. Two more articulate, refined young men you couldnt meet. They loved the film and had attended a Q&A at the Cork Opera House about the film the week before. They gave me great hope about young men, but not everyone is so fortunate. There are young men out there seeking connection in the wrong places, and we have to help them because its a problem for us all. ONE of West Corks busiest restaurant/bars, The Snug in Bantry, is for sale with a very strong turnover and daily covers of as much as 400 and 500 meals a day underpinning a substantial asking price of 2m. The proposed sale of The Snug comes as owner and chef Maurice ODonovan retires after 34 years in the business. It bookends an over 45-year hospitality career that started with Cert at age 15, and later working in Galways Tavern on Eyre Square, the GSH Rosslare and Switzerland, before taking on The Snug in 1991 and building a substantial trade and top reputation. Mr ODonovan said: 300 covers in a day would be considered a quiet one. The Goleen, West Cork native later amalgamated a second Bantry property into his thriving business at the expanded Snug, which he operated with his wife and front of house partner Colette for a number of years. I was happiest out of sight in the kitchen, Mr ODonovan said this week, ahead of an October 26 official closing adding that Colette (nee Gleeson) had passed away in 2017. At busy times, The Snug employed 14 to 20 staff, and while the decision to sell was a hard one, after an incredible journey, it was time to embrace retirement, he added. Its understood offers from others in the sector, both locally and nationally, to lease and take over The Snug have been made but the preference is to sell for a clean break. The Snug is now for sale with estate agent Sam Kingston of Casey & Kingston, who says it is turnkey, in immaculate condition, fully certified, and in a high- profile setting near the bay, square, and quays in the heart of the West Cork town. The 5,500sq ft set of buildings has a ground-floor restaurant and bar, a first-floor restaurant with seating for 30, and outdoor seating for 62, along with scope for two upper-floor apartments. The sale offer comes after the famed OConnors Seafood Restaurant went to market in Bantry last year with a 825,000 AMV, now understood to be reduced to 695,000 with Sherry FitzGerald ONeill. While interest had been shown for non-food uses, it is understood that current interest is to reopen it for hospitality. Mr ODonovan said Bantry had a dwindling number of pubs and restaurants, down from a heyday of 50, many years ago, and said his business was now predominantly food driven specialising in seafood with a range of other support dishes for local and tourism trade. Stating that the trade at The Snug is exceptional, agent Sam Kingston said the restaurant/bar offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere with rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal opportunity for aspiring publicans or hospitality investors. Meanwhile, the same agent is also selling the former suburban Cork City bar The Outpost in Bishopstown as a development opportunity for long-time owners Desmond family. No longer trading, The Outpost is guiding at 975,000 on a quarter acre site. DETAILS: Casey & Kingston 021-4271127 The programme features electrifying theatre by some of the great artists of the world, who will light up stages and spaces across Dublin with work from Peru, Ukraine, Scotland, England, France, Poland, Belgium, India and Spain. This is a truly international festival of ambitious, contemporary work. This years festival takes great pride in centring the stories and experiences of D/deaf people, neurodivergent people, and people with disabilities in productions including Hamlet, Deaf Republic, Her Fathers Voice, The Making of Pinocchio, What Are You Afraid Of?, My Right Foot, and Konstantin. New ways of experiencing the world we live in are opened up with great sensitivity and imagination. The unique perspectives and vision of extraordinary female artists will be explored throughout the festival. Women telling sometimes their own, or other womens stories, in works including Whitewashing, Deeper, The Boy, Ban, I Fall Down: A Restoration Comedy, Pieces of a Woman, Be Careful, Poor, and Beckett sa Chreig: Guth na mBan. Roise Goan, artistic director, says, I am thrilled to present my first programme at Dublin Theatre Festival this year. As an island nation on the edge of Europe, that punches above our weight with our global contribution to culture, Dublin Theatre Festival is a really important moment in the calendar for Irish audiences to see the outside world on our stages, and we have some really fantastic international shows in the programme this year that are not to be missed. With a world in turmoil, the shared experience of witnessing stories from artists from all corners, as well as excellent home-grown theatre, has never felt more important. A number of inventive and imaginative shows will illuminate the geopolitical and culture war issues dividing our society at home and abroad. From the Ukrainian production of Caligula to activist and actor Khalid Abdallas Nowhere, Adam Rapps intense The Sound Inside, The Quiet Man at the Civic Theatre, Cade and MacAskills The Making of Pinocchio and more. Conversations will also continue in Dublin Theatre Festival Thinks, the festivals new talks programme which will connect the programme to some of the most illuminating thoughts and ideas of today. A special highlight includes a talk by renowned feminist philosopher Sara Ahmed with Sarah Durcan, on the publication of her new book about the #WakingTheFeminists movement, chaired by Emma Dabiri. Dublin Theatre Festival has always played an important role in supporting and showcasing Irish artists at various stages of their career. As well as presenting work by some of Irelands most established companies, the 2025 programme also features those who are stepping up their work in both scale and ambition. Teatro La Plaza's production of Hamlet. Photo: Roxana Rodriguez The festival will open at OReilly Theatre with Teatro La Plaza (Peru) where an ensemble of actors with Down syndrome take to the stage to share their desires and frustrations through a new version of Hamlet. The Stage has called this production A joyous affair, five stars. Built between Shakespeares text and the actors lives it takes as a starting point the most existential question: To be or not to be? Artists and lovers Rosana Cade and Ivor MacAskill (Scotland and England) created The Making of Pinocchio in 2018 in response to Ivors gender transition. A true tale of love and transition told through the story of Pinocchio (Samuel Beckett Theatre). Whitewashing from Rebecca Chaillon and Aurore Deon (France) is an insightful and searing performance from one of Europes most in demand performance makers, exploring the white gaze as experienced by Black women in contemporary France. It makes an illuminating, and visceral performance not to be missed (Project Arts Centre). Peter Hanly in What Are You Afraid Of?, a production from Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival at Smock Alley Theatre. In this production from Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival at Smock Alley Theatre, Peter Hanly ends up on stage once more, searching through past and present and asking himself the broader question of himself, and of you... What Are You Afraid Of? The Irish Times review says, This is an extraordinary piece of work. A totally absorbing, moving and funny piece. Shane OReilly fuses theatre, opera and film in a bold and ambitious new work, Her Fathers Voice. A young girl is about to have cochlear implant surgery as her parents wrestle with the weight of their choices in this contemporary family drama (OReilly Theatre). An Taibhdhearc presents Beckett sa Chreig: Guth na mBan / The Womens Voice, four short works by Samuel Beckett, the second part in a series by Company SJ; a compelling visual experience in this immersive Irish language production at Project Cube. Adapted from the poems of Ukrainian-American author Ilya Kaminsky, Deaf Republic (Dead Centre and the Royal Court) is an epic modern fable of war, humanity and collective resistance. Told through a mix of spoken English, Irish Sign Language, creative captioning and silence, Deaf Republic brings together an ensemble of deaf and hearing actors, aerial performers, puppetry, live cinema and poetry (Samuel Beckett Theatre). In Deeper at Project Arts Centre, Polish theatre maker Gosia Wdowik deals with representations of deep-fakes in contemporary culture. Based on personal experience and interviews with teenagers in Warsaw, the show critically examines the ongoing production and reproduction of altered images depicting female bodies without their consent. At Project Arts Centre, Be Careful, from Mallika Taneja (India), is a performance work that challenges the notion of safety. Rooted in anger about the everyday violence against women, the show questions the burden of responsibility placed on women to ensure they are not attacked in public space. How do you live your life in four short years? This is the question actor and writer Michael Patrick is faced with in My Right Foot, after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease the same disease that killed his father. Laughing one minute, crying the next...A true story about disability, perseverance, and living life to the full. Directed by Oisin Kearney at Axis Ballymun. A new adaptation of the Chekhov classic Three Sisters by award-winning playwright Ciara Elizabeth Smyth, at The Gaiety Theatre, directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull and designed by Molly OCathain, is given a contemporary Irish take and features Megan Cusack (Call The Midwife), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls), Alex Murphy (The Young Offenders) and Mairead Tyers (Extraordinary). An extra performance on Friday October 10th at 2.30pm has just been added. Pieces of a Woman (Une Femme en Pieces). At OReilly Theatre, set against the backdrop of present-day Warsaw, 30-year-old Maja comes to terms with a traumatic loss. Pieces of a Woman is from the writer (Kata Weber) and director (Kornel Mundruczo) behind the award-winning hit Netflix film adaptation; witness the Irish stage premiere from TR Warszawa Poland. This production is supported by Silvercrest. From Fuel (UK), Nowhere, an intricate and playful solo show, inspired by his involvement in the Egyptian revolution of 2011, and his experience of the counter-revolution that followed, actor and activist Khalid Abdalla (United 93, The Kite Runner, The Crown) takes us on a surprising journey into his own history, set against a cartography of seismic world events (Project Arts Centre). This years Family season also includes six productions for younger audiences showing at The Ark and in Draiocht Studio, Blanchardstown. Dublin Theatre Festival runs from 25 September to 12 October. Dont miss this opportunity to see the best of Irish and international theatre. Book now at dublintheatrefestival.ie or by phone, 01 6778899 (Mon to Fri, 12pm to 6pm). Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticised Israeli and US attacks in June as inflicting a grievous blow upon international trust and the very prospect of peace in the region as he took the stage at the UN. His comments at the General Assembly are the first time he has spoken in a global forum since the 12-day Israel-Iran war over the summer that saw the assassination of many of the Islamic Republics highest military and political leaders. A small aircraft has crashed in Brazil, killing four people including the distinguished Chinese architect and urbanist Yu Kongjian, Brazils vice president said. The crash occurred on Tuesday evening as the plane was attempting to land at a large farm approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the municipality of Aquidauana in Brazils Mato Grosso do Sul state, firefighters said. There was no immediate information on what caused the crash. Architect Yu Kongjian speaks during an interview at his firms office in Beijing in 2022 (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Mr Yu conceived the idea of sponge cities, which aim to mitigate the impact of climate change by using green infrastructure to create storm-resilient cities. He argued that by creating large spaces to hold water in city centres, such as parks and ponds, extreme rainfall can be absorbed, helping prevent floods. The idea is widely cited in Chinese urban planning, and in recent years Mr Yu worked on projects in other countries including Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The architect was known for his notable contributions to sustainable urbanism, the preservation of biodiversity, and the protection of the planet, vice president Geraldo Alckmin said on X, adding that Mr Yus legacy will continue to inspire those dedicated to the ecological cause. Mr Yu founded the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, one of Chinas most prestigious universities. Filmmakers Luiz Fernando Feres da Cunha Ferraz and Rubens Crispim Jr, and pilot Marcelo Pereira de Barros, also died in the crash, Mr Alckmin said. The local military fire department was called at around 8.10pm local time on Tuesday to respond to a plane crash, firefighters said. A search and rescue operation lasted approximately nine hours. Mr Yu and the filmmakers were part of a team producing a documentary about the Pantanal wetlands, the worlds largest tropical wetlands. The Pantanal, fed by tributaries of the Paraguay River and mostly located in Brazil, is a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for tourists to see jaguars, macaws, caimans, capybaras and migratory birds in the wild. In an interview with The Associated Press in 2022, Mr Yu criticised much of Asias modern infrastructure for being built on ideas imported from Europe, which he said are ill-fitted to the monsoon climate that prevails over much of the continent. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Chinese FM meets with U.S. congressional delegation Xinhua) 14:16, September 24, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with a U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing. The two sides held a candid, in-depth exchange of views on strengthening communication and promoting the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that this visit marks the first delegation of U.S. House of Representatives to China since 2019. He said the delegation brings the voices of both U.S. political parties and the American people's expectations for China-U.S. relations and it should be considered an ice-breaking journey. Wang expressed the hope that the visit will help the U.S. understand China accurately, view China objectively, approach differences rationally, engage in friendly interactions, and explore cooperation actively. This would contribute to the real realization of stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and ultimately allow the two major countries to find the right way to coexist on this planet, benefiting both countries and the world, Wang said. He emphasized that the head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable leading role in China-U.S. relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump have maintained contact and held phone talks three times, setting the tone and direction for the improvement and development of China-U.S. relations, Wang said, noting that the current stabilizing trend in bilateral relations is hard-won and should be cherished. He said that the U.S. congressional delegation's visit to China has been full of twists and turns, but good things take time, and it has opened another window for engagement between the two countries. Wang stressed that understanding is the foundation on which trust can be built, the starting point from which cooperation can be explored, and the driving force that can shape the future. He noted that China's door is always open, and more members of the U.S. Congress are welcomed to visit China and undertake exchanges. He highlighted that China and the United States are partners, rather than rivals -- and certainly not enemies. He called on the two countries to strengthen communication and dialogue, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, prevent confrontations and opposition, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers. Wang also stressed that the Taiwan question is China's internal affairs. The fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China since ancient times is the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait, he said. Wang said that the United States has made political commitments regarding the one-China principle. To maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it is essential to firmly oppose "Taiwan independence." (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Middle East Studies Association We write to follow up on our June 16 Advisory concerning the latest iteration of the Trump administrations travel bans, which were first announced on June 4, 2025. Since that time, the government has imposed an additional travel ban on those traveling on a Palestinian Authority passport and all persons applying for visitor visas from Gaza. As we wrote in our earlier advisory, we decry and condemn in the strongest possible terms these measures, which use national origin as a loose proxy for race and religion, and advance discriminatory goals in restricting travel to the U.S. We are particularly dismayed at the gratuitous cruelty with which the government has canceled visas for medical evacuees from Gaza, including Palestinian children scheduled to travel to the United States for reconstructive surgeries to address catastrophic injuries they have sustained as a consequence of Israeli attacks. We noted in June that MESA was exploring options to pursue a legal challenge against these new travel bans, as we did against the 2017 Muslim Travel Ban. Due to the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court opinion in Trump v. Hawaii that upheld the 2017 travel ban, we have determined for the moment that there is no clear path for litigation, based on conversations with partner organizations focused on civil rights and immigrants rights. We continue to believe that the Supreme Court decision in that case was profoundly misguided, distorting constitutional protections against racial and religious discriminationallowing the administration to impose arbitrary restrictions, unfairly targeting Muslim and Middle Eastern communities, by pretextually invoking national security. Like the 2017 Muslim Travel Ban, so too the travel bans imposed in 2025 harm our members by disrupting travel, research, scholarship, educational opportunities, and the free exchange of ideas with those based in the countries directly affected by the ban. The travel bans have upended applications for admission to U.S. universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels from affected countries. They have also had an adverse effect on the continuing education of international students already enrolled in U.S. degree programs who traveled outside of the U.S. over the summer. In the last academic year, the State Department reportedly issued over 5,700 F-1 and J-1 visas to foreign students and researchers from countries now affected by the travel ban. Of these, more than half were visas issued to citizens of Iran and Myanmar. The loss of a substantial number of Iranian students and scholars, now barred from study and research in the U.S., is keenly felt by MESA members. Beyond the travel bans, the summer brought more unwelcome news when the Trump administration directed all consulates to suspend student visa processing while introducing new criteria for vetting applications based on social media usage. Thousands of students were left in limbo, with those who had secured visa interviews finding their appointments canceled. Even after visa processing resumed, backlogs and slow operations have left untold numbers of international students admitted to colleges and universities in the U.S. unable to obtain visas in time for the start of the academic year. For an additional cohort of students, the ongoing immigration crackdowns in the U.S. and the revocation of some students visas last year have led to second thoughts about American higher education. The predictable consequence has been substantial declines in international student enrollments across the U.S. at the beginning of this academic year. Overall, the travel bans issued by the Trump administration this year are concentrated on the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, and in the case of the MENA region the six countries directly impacted account for nearly half the population of the region. Moreover, because the MENA region and the Muslim world are disproportionately targeted by travel restrictions, the bans themselves and their political repercussions have harmed study, research, and scholarship in our field by impeding scholarly exchanges and exacerbating tensions that make access to field sites and archives that much more difficult. MESA remains committed to preserving our collegial and academic networks with students and scholars now excluded from the U.S. We recognize that the citizens of countries and regions affected by these travel restrictions have in many cases already suffered enormous violence and dispossession as a consequence of U.S. policies, including financial and military assistance to belligerents across a range of conflicts in the MENA region as well as the Trump administrations ongoing support for Israels genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Middle East studies academic community has both a professional and an ethical responsibility to defend the rights of our students and colleagues who are now being harmed by arbitrary and discriminatory bans on their travel. We will continue to explore all avenues to support affected students and colleagues, including by voicing our opposition to these bans, documenting their adverse impact on our scholarly networks, and developing innovative means of continuing scholarly exchanges with affected communities. We are currently in the planning phase to convene a virtual research workshop in 2026 using online platforms to maintain our transnational scholarly networks. We hope all MESA members will join us in this experiment in virtual gathering, while we continue to work to see these travel bans reversed and our intellectual community restored. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for the release of four Eritrean journalists, imprisoned for 24 years without trial, urging the international community to act to end "this serious violation of their rights". The Horn of Africa country has been ruled with an iron fist since its independence in 1993 by 79-year-old Isaias Afwerki and remains among the most closed-off in the world. Eritrea has not held elections in over 30 years and ranks last out of 180 countries in RSF's Press Freedom Index. In a crackdown in 2001, authorities shut down independent media outlets and detained reporters, including Temesgen Ghebreyesus, Seyoum Tsehaye, Amanuel Asrat and Dawit Isaak, who "are now the longest-serving journalists in the world imprisoned without trial," RSF said late Tuesday. The 24 years they have spent detained amounts to "moral and psychological torture perpetuated by the Eritrean authorities", said Sadibou Marong, head of RSF's Sub-Saharan Africa desk. In 2005, Dawit, who also has Swedish citizenship, was released for two days before being re-arrested. "Since then, there has been no sign of life," RSF said. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Ghebremeskel did not respond to a request for comment from AFP. RSF called on "Sweden and the international community to do everything possible to put an end to this serious violation of the rights of these journalists". The watchdog has filed several complaints with the Swedish prosecutor's office, accusing the Eritrean president of crimes against humanity, but no investigation has been opened. It accused Swedish authorities of "turning a deaf ear" to the case. The Swedish prosecutor's office told AFP that it would "make no comment" on RSF's criticisms but said complaints were not pursued due to a lack of cooperation from Eritrea. In June, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, described "systematic" violations. Dissenting voices in the country, home to roughly 3.5 million, disappear into prison camps, and civilians face military conscription or forced labour, which the United Nations says amounts to slavery. Presidential candidate, Heather Humphreys, made a fleeting visit to Kilkenny on Tuesday - accompanied by local Fine Gael councillors David Fitzgerald, Pat Dunphy and Joe Lyons. One of the stops along the way was at the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) at the Castle Yard in the city. READ NEXT: End of an era for popular Kilkenny family business Speaking during the visit, Heather said that she was delighted to visit the DCCI in Kilkenny today and have the opportunity to meet CEO Mary Blanchfield, her brilliant staff and view some of the amazing exhibitions. She continued: When I was Minister for Business, I was committed to supporting DCCI and the wonderful work they do. I was delighted in 2023 to open the DCCI Academy of Jewellery and Goldsmithing. That brilliant project saw the Sessions House building, a former courthouse in the centre of Thomastown, transformed into a new home for the jewellery academy. READ NEXT: Future of Kilkenny cemetery 'being considered' as parish makes hard decision As President, I would be committed to supporting our wonderful designers and craftspeople. I want to lead trade missions that promote their products overseas and open up new markets for them. The design and craft sectors make a huge contribution to our country, economically and culturally. I want to use the Presidency to support them. Another stop was at the new Mayfair Library in Kilkenny City. "In 2024, I was proud to open the beautiful Mayfair Library in Kilkenny," Humphreys said. READ NEXT: Kilkenny area to receive huge makeover with council plans now on display "So I was delighted to get back there today and meet the staff and see how well it is going. "It is built on the site of the famous Mayfair ballroom, a place of fond memories for so many people in Kilkenny!" FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE A south Kilkenny community that was shocked when a local Tidy Towns project was destroyed by fire has decided to rebuild the structure - but needs your help! The Ink Bottle Bug Hotel in Piltown was destroyed in an act of vandalism two weeks ago, just a few months after it had been opened to the birds, bats and creepy crawlies of the area. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS It was the product of a huge community effort and cost 17,000 which was raised in sponsorship. It was something the people of the village were very proud of, and the parish, county and further afield admired, a spokesperson for Keep Piltown Tidy said. Now the local community is set to defy the destructive act and reinstate the haven for local wildlife. An iDonate appeal has been launched online, with a fundraising target of 15,000. The Ink Bottle Bug Hotel was destroyed last Saturday night by an act of vandalism. This is being investigated by the Gardai and people are being helpful, Keep Piltown Tidy have updated their online followers. The steel frame is all that remains standing of the original bug hotel and it is described as a sorry sight. The fundraiser says: We, as a group and a community are saddened and very angry by such pointless behaviour. However, it has been decided that we are going to rebuild the Ink Bottle Bug Hotel with your help. Local businesses funded the original project and, with the exception of block work, all the work was done by members of the Keep Piltown Tidy group and local people, under the guidance of the groups chairman. You can donate to the appeal at: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/KeepPiltownTidy CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS The Ink Bottle Bug Hotel was an idea the local Tidy Towns group came up with to mark the entrance to the village and was modelled after the nearby Ink Bottle House in Belline. It was designed to provide a home and shelter to bugs, birds and bats. The structure contained 23 bird nest boxes with a roof space for birds and bats to roost; and below that was a layer of timber, logs and bamboo; a layer of loosely packed bricks as well as soil and branches, cones, straw and rolled cardboard. Opinion / Columnist Zimbabwe is at risk of a leadership crisis as a result of the growing political tension and rift between President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his vice president, Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga. It has been the standard for a very long time in Zimbabwe, where the ruling Zanu-PF party has been at a loss for how to handle succession issues.Such incidents, such as the altercation between Mugabe and Amai, have occurred during his administration, where he was fighting his vice president, the then Amai Joyce Mujuru.Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current president, was the one who pushed for a position in the presidency and had to ensure that his goal was accomplished. Joyce Mujuru was the target of a vicious slander campaign and was once charged with attempting to kill the late Robert Mugabe.The late President Robert Mugabe later fired Joyce Mujuru, who went on to form her own political party and named it People First, a splinter party from Zanu-PF. However, it did not see the light of day due to massive infiltration.Fast forward: when Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was appointed to the position of Vice President, a lot was happening behind the scenes, and his ambition to topple Robert Mugabe was starting to show, and in November 2017, Operation Restore Legacy was instituted, which led to the removal of Mugabe.The same modus operandi is what we are witnessing again today, where power struggles within the ruling power override developing the nation. There is no clear-cut policy of succession in Zanu-PF.Joyce Mujuru later founded her own political party, People First, a split group from Zanu-PF, after being fired by the late President Robert Mugabe. But because of widespread infiltration, it never made it to the light of day.A lot was going on behind the scenes when Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa was appointed vice president, and his desire to overthrow Robert Mugabe was beginning to manifest.In November 2017, Operation Restore Legacy was launched, which resulted in Mugabe's overthrow. We are currently seeing the same pattern of action, where power battles within the governing class take precedence over the advancement of the country. There is no explicit succession policy in the party.Party proxies and incessant press briefings are being used in the conflict between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. The nation is currently suffering as a result of the power struggles.As the two opposing factions continue to fight for control, we will soon witness some manoeuvring, pushing, redeployments, expulsions, and suspensions.Unfortunately, the so-called new dispensation is now a ghost of its former glory, and there is no strong opposition to capitalise on the disarray.Email - konileonard606@gmail.comX - @Leokoni / by Source - All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received. By Pooja Menon (Reuters) -Freeport-McMoRan on Wednesday declared force majeure at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia and said it is expecting consolidated sales to be lower for copper and gold in the third quarter, sending its shares down 10.4%. Earlier this month, the company had temporarily halted mining at Grasberg after a large flow of wet material blocked access to parts of its underground mine, restricting evacuation routes for seven workers. Freeport last week located two team members who had been fatally injured in the incident. The company said a phased restart and ramp-up of operations at Grasberg, one of the world's largest gold and copper mines, may occur in the first half of 2026. It also indicated that 2026 production at its Indonesian unit could potentially be about 35% lower than previous estimates. The company had been building a smelter in Indonesia that was damaged by a fire last year and was shut down. Copper prices on the London Metal Exchange jumped by more than 3% to their highest in more than 15 months on Wednesday, following the announcement by Freeport. "We are not surprised by a downward revision to guidance, but this cut is more significant than we had anticipated," said Jefferies analysts. The analysts also said that this disruption should lead to a tighter copper market, which will be positive for the company's operations in the Americas. Freeport now expects third-quarter copper and gold consolidated sales to be lower by about 4% and 6%, respectively, compared with its prior forecast of 1 billion pounds of copper and 350 thousand ounces of gold. (Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Maju Samuel and Shinjini Ganguli) 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. Two immigration detainees were killed and another is in a critical condition after a gunman opened fire at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning. The Dallas Police Department said a shooter fired on the facility from a nearby building shortly before 7 a.m., before turning the gun on himself. Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old former Boy Scout from Allen, Texas, was identified by law enforcement sources as the suspected shooter, NBC and Fox News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detainees were shot when the suspect fired "indiscriminately" at the building and at a van in the secured entryway to the building, the Department of Homeland Security said. Despite the victims of the attack being detainees of the ICE holding facility, FBI Director Kash Patel shared images of bullets recovered from near the suspect's body that he said suggested a targeted attack against ICE. Read more: Floridas Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center Sparks Major Concern as Construction Begins "While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical [sic] motive behind this attack (see photo below). One of the unspent shell casings recovered was engraved with the phrase 'ANTI ICE,'" Patel wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off," he added. Noah Jahn, Joshua Jahn's brother, told reporters that he didn't believe his brother was a political person. I didnt think he was politically interested, he told NBC News. He wasnt interested in politics on either side as far as I knew. Noah Jahn said his parents had a rifle that Joshua knew how to use, but claimed he was not a marksman. He would not be able to make any shots like that, he added. Police block off I-35E close to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office after a reported shooting, in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Jamie StengleAP Photo Joshua Jahn was a registered Independent. He faced felony charges for delivering marijuana in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directed blame toward the left for the shooting. "This violence is the result of the Radical Left Democrats constantly demonizing Law Enforcement, calling for ICE to be demolished, and comparing ICE Officers to 'Nazis,'" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This vile attack was motivated by hatred for ICE," Noem said in a statement. "This shooting must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences." The shooting marks the third reported attack on an ICE or Border Patrol facility in Texas this year, with previous recorded shootings at a Prairieland Detention Center and a McAllen Border Patrol facility. None of the other incidents resulted in fatalities, although several were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays shooting also marks the second time this facility in particular has been targeted, according to local officials. A spike in political violence The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence across the United States, and less than two weeks after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a public event in Utah. FBI Special agent R. Joseph Rothrock said the FBI was investigating the incident "as an act of targeted violence during a Wednesday press conference. The identities of the victims will not be released at this time. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin later said in an interview with Fox News Channels "Americas Newsroom" that no ICE agents were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem and Trump's pointing at the rhetoric of the left in the wake of Wednesday's shooting echoes the insistence of a number of figures on the right, including Trump, that the left was to blame for Kirk's assassination. Trump has in the wake of Kirk's death promised to crack down on "radical left" groups and designated "Antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization. In his Wednesday post, he said he would "sign an Executive Order this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks." "The continuing violence from Radical Left Terrorists, in the aftermath of Charlie Kirks assassination, must be stopped," he wrote, calling for Democrats to "stop this rhetoric against ICE and America's law enforcement, right now!" While Trump has asserted that the left is responsible for the majority of political violence, however, data indicates that right-wing extremists are responsible for more political violence. Possible sniper ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons told CNN earlier in the day that "a possible sniper" was behind the shooting. Lyons reportedly told the network that the shooter fired into the sally port area of the ICE office, where detainees are brought in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting prompted widespread condemnation from politicians. Vice President JD Vance said in a post on X: "The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on X: "Join me in praying for the victims of this heinous shooting. We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals." Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas indicated that he and his team were closely monitoring the incident and praying for those who were injured. We are deeply grateful to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene, he wrote on X. Contact us at letters@time.com. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Most of China's food parcels delivered to Gaza: Jordanian charity Xinhua) 14:20, September 24, 2025 AMMAN, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Most of the 60,000 food parcels provided by China earlier this year have been delivered to the Gaza Strip via Jordan despite months of restrictions and obstacles, the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) said on Tuesday. Hussein Shibli, secretary-general of the JHCO, told Xinhua that about 55,000 parcels have so far reached Gaza, with the remaining shipments expected to be dispatched in the coming days. Shibli expressed gratitude to China for its support, noting that the Chinese government has provided about 2 million U.S. dollars in food supplies for Gaza in 2025. "We will continue to do our best to facilitate the arrival of this aid provided by China," he said. The assistance is China's emergency humanitarian relief handed over to JHCO in February, when the Chinese embassy in Jordan and the JHCO launched the first convoy of 12,000 parcels. According to Shibli, humanitarian convoys to Gaza face many challenges, including restrictions on the quantity and type of supplies, lengthy inspections and delays at border crossings, and harassment by Israeli settlers. "There are many difficulties in delivering aid, even after entering Gaza, where distribution itself is a challenge," he said. He noted that the Gaza Strip's needs far exceed current deliveries. "Gaza requires about 500 trucks of basic supplies per day, but we are only able to send between 150 and 180 trucks per week," he said. After the first Chinese aid parcels were sent in February, about 30 percent reached Gaza before the start of Ramadan. In March, Israel announced a ban on humanitarian deliveries from neighboring countries, forcing convoys to halt until limited entry was allowed again in July. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A mother caught up in Super Typhoon Ragasa has relived the terrifying moment her family slept together in bed as hurricane-force winds and torrential rain battered Hong Kong. Sarah Millson, 50, was stuck inside her home as gusts of up to 120mph resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people in Taiwan, with southern China and the Phillippines also affected. The mother-of-two, who has lived in the Asian financial hub with her husband Alex since 2012 but was raised in London, feared of debris crashing into her property during the most powerful tropical cyclone this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking from her home on Lamma Island with her daughters Daisy, 9, and Elena, 11 after a typhoon signal 10 passed the country, Mrs Millson told The Standard: The noise was incredible. Were all sleeping together, the three of us, and the noise was waking us up in the night. There was lots of banging and roaring wind. It is only now weve been able to come out and see trees are down. You never usually get waves here. The sea is always calm. There were big waves down at the beach and flooding. The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong# pic.twitter.com/7iiMtkyQYW /AI- (@hk2019freehk) September 24, 2025 She added: Its quite worrying because you never know what will fly off someones roof and that might land on your place. At some points it was quite terrifying hearing some of the noises coming from outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a lot of flooding on this island. I know from the groups Im on a lot of people whove lost WiFi and some lost electricity. For other people on the island who are more exposed on the hillside they probably would have had more damage than we did. But Mrs Millson, a learning consultant, said the island was well prepared for adverse conditions because Hong Kong experiences up to ten typhoons a year. For one like this, everyone thought it was going to be huge, she said. So there were extra precautions taken. And weve spent the last 24-hours stuck inside. (Authorities) give you quite a bit of notice that they are going to raise (the typhoon level) higher and higher, so you get a few hours. For us living on an island, that means the ferries stop. At some points it was quite terrifying Sarah Millson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advice from the government is always: stay inside, stay away from windows, shut and lock your doors, and stay away from the shorelines as well. Earlier in the day, a woman, 38, and and her son were rushed to hospital in a critical condition after being rescued from the sea in Chai Wan, just 7 miles northeast of Lamma Island. Scientists say extreme weather events such as typhoons are becoming more powerful as the globe warms due to the effects of climate change. Mrs Millson said: Everyone (in Hong Kong) is very resilient. But no one really wants to take a chance. But soon as it passes it is straight back to normal. It is something we have to live with and accept that, potentially, it is going to get worse as climate change takes a hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The typhoon sparked panic buying this week in Hong Kong, with people crowding into supermarkets, leaving little on the shelves and in some cases queuing for hours to purchase goods amid fears that shops could be closed for two days. A man walks next to a damaged restaurant in Hong Kong (REUTERS) At the five-star Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel on Hong Kong Islands south, a torrent of seawater surging through its glass doors before flooding the lobby. In teeming Tseung Kwan O, built largely on reclaimed land, huge waves submersed swathes of waterfront promenade adjacent to towering residential towers. At outlying islands including Lantau, home to the city's international airport, widespread flooding was reported, swamping beaches and vegetation. Areas which were previously sheltered may become exposed...seas will be phenomenal with swells, the observatory said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a barrier lake in Taiwan's eastern Hualien county overflowed and sent a wall of water into a town leaving 129 people missing, as heavy rains from the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year battered the island. Ragasa is packing winds of up to 200 kph (124 mph, and was expected to be closest to the city on Tuesday afternoon local time, around 60 miles south of the densely populated territory. It maintained super typhoon intensity as it moved towards the coast of China's Guangdong province, home to more than 125 million people, where it made landfall just before 12pm (5am BST). Part of the bridge is seen damaged after a barrier lake burst in Taiwans Hualien county (Taiwan's Central News Agency (CN) Ragasa swept through the northern Philippines on Monday and Taiwan on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the typhoon approached, residents taped their windows in the hope of reducing the risk of injury from shattered glass. Hong Kong issued the typhoon signal 10, its highest warning, early on Wednesday, which urges businesses and transport services to shut down. Authorities have warned of rising sea levels, saying they could be similar to those seen during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, both of which caused billions of dollars in damage. "The water level will reach the maximum around noon (5am BST)," generally to around four metres (13 feet)," the observatory said. A woman and her five-year-old son were swept into the ocean on Tuesday after watching the typhoon from the waterfront, according to the SCMP, which said they were now in intensive care after being rescued. The government said it had opened 49 temporary shelters in various districts and 727 people have sought refuge at the shelters. U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his first in-person address to the United Nations General Assembly in seven years on Tuesday, telling those assembled that "your countries are going to hell" due to green energy policies and what he characterized as runaway migration. He also held several bilateral meetings with leaders on the sidelines, encouraged NATO countries to shoot down Russia aircraft unlawfully in their airspace, and suggested on social media that he now believes Ukraine can win back territory lost to Russia. While the theme for this year's UN General Assembly is "Better Together," Trump's remarks on the first of several days of speeches from heads of state arguably undermined the theme, as he encouraged "all countries to take their own stand in defence of their citizens as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump defended the efforts of his administration to secure its southern border and warned of the "death of Western Europe" from migration. He also took aim at UN programs that support the world's refugees. "The UN is supposed to stop invasions, not finance them," said Trump, using a term for mass movements of people that activists have criticized for being dehumanizing. Elsewhere, Trump dismissed climate change as the " greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world." "In closing, I just want to repeat that immigration and the high cost of so-called green renewable energy is destroying a large part of the free world and a large part of our planet," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In between, Trump held court on a number of topics, many familiar to regular watchers of his Oval Office comments, and took issue with countries like Canada that have recognized a Palestinian state, saying the "rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, for their atrocities." With global support for a Palestinian state growing, Israel's devastating war in Gaza was expected to take centre stage at the annual gathering. The myriad conflicts and issues confronting the world, including climate change, are all in the spotlight, as nearly a week of speeches is launched at the UN General Assembly. Brazil led off the speeches Tuesday in a decades-long tradition dating to when it was the only nation that volunteered to speak first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all UN member nations have signed up to take their turn during the assembly's six-day-long speechfest. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will deliver Canada's statement on Sept. 29. Grave warning to drug smugglers Trump returned to the assembly rostrum five years after he last addressed the gathering by video, due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. He delivered an in-person address in 2018. He returned in a position of strength, upending U.S. foreign policy just eight months into his second presidential term. Trump has slashed foreign aid, affecting several UN-led endeavours, and has moved to end American participation in the World Health Organization and UN Human Rights Council. A high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was held on Monday, with the general debate set to begin Tuesday. (Yuki Iwamura/The Associated Press) He's imposed tariffs on friend and foe alike and has approved military strikes, with murky legal authority, on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and on Iranian nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence," he said. Nearly three weeks after the first boat strike, Trump's Democratic rivals in Congress have pleaded with his administration for details on the military-led operations. In his speech, Trump repeated the spurious claim that he's "ended seven wars" this year. While he didn't elaborate, Trump in recent weeks has taken credit for administration's efforts to end conflicts between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, Rwanda and Congo, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Cambodia and Thailand. But Trump has struggled to deliver on his 2024 campaign promises to quickly end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with more than a month now passed after a summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Shifting position on Russia-Ukraine war While Trump admitted he hoped ending the Russia-Ukraine war "would be easier," he had little in the way of criticism for Putin, focusing instead on purchases of Russian energy by India, China and several European nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe has to step it up. They can't be doing what they're doing," he said. "They're buying oil and gas from Russia while they're fighting Russia." The EU has stressed its members are phasing out imports or Russian oil and natural gas, pledging last week to accelerate that process a year earlier than planned. Later, on his Truth Social site, Trump suggested Ukraine can win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from the U.S. leader's call for Kyiv to make concessions. Trump in part wrote, "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strengthened support from Trump, if it sticks, is a huge win for Zelenskyy, who has urged the American president to keep up the pressure on Putin to end his brutal war. Several people demonstrated outside the UN headquarters in New York City on Monday during the UNGA's discussion on a two-state solution in the Middle East. (Angelina Katsanis/The Associated Press) NATO should shoot down Russia aircraft, Trump says "We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up," Trump said in his one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy, who replied that he had "good news" from the battlefield. Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. leader for the meeting and for his "personal efforts to stop this war." And he said he agrees with Trump's call for European nations to further halt imports of Russian oil and natural gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going into his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump said he thinks NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft in their airspace. Asked if the U.S. would provide military backup, Trump said it "depends on the circumstance." NATO warned Russia on Tuesday that it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing earlier this month of Russian drones over Poland and Estonia's report of an intrusion by Russian fighter jets last week. Two-state solution conference Trump is also expected to hold a group meeting focused on the Middle East, with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is scheduled to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next Monday. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday Canada's move to recognize Palestinian statehood is consistent with this country's longtime policy of supporting a two-state solution. He said Canada and other countries are actively trying to create conditions for a ceasefire and a peace process. "It's necessary in our judgment, and the judgment of most other countries in the world, that we have to push on this now," Carney said. LISTEN | Jennifer Welsh, public policy director at McGill University, on what to expect at UNGA: Vladimir Putin is being blamed for a series of drone incursions that shut down airports in two NATO capital cities and led to massive disruptions to flight traffic. Air traffic controllers in Copenhagen shut down arrivals and departures for a space of roughly four hours late Monday night, affecting more than 20,000 passengers after three drones were spotted nearby. Flights were also halted in and out of Oslo, with tens of thousands affected. The disruptions come hot on the heels of Russian violations of two other NATO member countries airspace over the past two weeks. Estonia has described the entry of three Russian fighter jets on Friday as unprecedentedly brazen, while Poland, where NATO forces shot down at least 20 Russian drones earlier, has warned this situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II. Volodymyr Zelensky has laid the blame at Moscows feet following two incursions into Estonian and Polish airspace over the past two weeks. / Thierry Monasse / Getty Images The Estonian government has since invoked NATOs Article 4, outlining member states obligation to mutual self-defense in the event any one of them comes under attack, sparking emergency consultations across the alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to point the finger at the Kremlin for Mondays drone sightings in Denmark and Norway, writing in an X post that at a meeting in New York he had devoted special attention to Russias violations of the airspace of NATO member states, including on September 22 in Copenhagen. ZelenskyyUa/X While authorities in Denmark and Norway have yet to name any suspects, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederikson said Monday night, I certainly cannot deny in any way that it is Russia, adding that the incident represented the most serious act so far against Danish critical infrastructure. Moscow, for its part, has denied any involvement, with the Russian ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, saying it reveals a clear desire to provoke NATO countries into a direct military confrontation with Russia. Events of the past two weeks nevertheless appear to underscore a new and deliberate Russian strategy of testing European defenses and political cohesion as the European Union weighs a new package of sanctions against the Kremlin, in particular targeting oil tankers that form part of Moscows lucrative, sanctions-busting shadow fleet. EU leaders are now set to discuss a collective response to the airspace violations in Estonia and Poland at an upcoming European Council meeting, scheduled for Oct. 1 in Copenhagen. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Maria Steen has edged into touching distance of formally entering the presidential race after receiving nominations from the Independent Ireland party and other TDs. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. The local authority route is no longer viable after most councils decided not to nominate any candidate, with the majority of councillors from the largest parties choosing to oppose independent hopefuls. The nomination window closes at midday on Wednesday, and the election will be held on October 24th. Ms Steen now claims the support of 17 TDs or senators after earlier expressions of support from Aontu and a range of independents, including two that entered the coalition as junior ministers. Supporters say an 18th nomination is nearly finalised but not yet signed. Ms Steen said she is making herself available to TDs and Senators throughout the day before the nomination window closes. Speaking to reporters outside Leinster House on Tuesday, she said she was very hopeful that she would receive 20 nominations and expressed gratitude to those who had already supported her. I have 17 and I have three more to find today so I am hopeful there is enough momentum behind me today that it will maybe encourage others to maybe come out and support me today. She said, Anybody willing to talk to me, Im willing to talk to them. Ms Steen, who was a prominent voice among those campaigning for no votes in referendums on abortion and same-sex marriage, said there was a hunger out there for an alternative candidate from outside the political establishment. She also campaigned on the no side in last years referendums on family and care, which were defeated. Ms Steen told RTE that she had not yet spoken to Senator Michael McDowell, a former justice minister and ex-attorney general who she campaigned alongside to call for a No vote in the family and care referenda held last year. Im hopeful that he will come on board, she said. We dont agree on everything, but we actually have many things that we do agree on, so I think Id be very grateful for his support, and well see if hell meet me this evening. And there are still some others as well that I want to meet this evening. Minister of State Marian Harkin, who joined the coalition as part of an independent bloc, said on Tuesday that she would be nominating Ms Steen to appear on the ballot paper. However, she stressed that she would be supporting Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys in the actual election. Ms Harkin said Ms Steen is a credible candidate and reflects all or some of the views of a significant portion of the Irish people. She added: I have faith in the Irish electorate to select the most suitable candidate as our next president my only role for now is to help give them the opportunity to make their choice from a more diverse group of candidates. Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, also in that independent bloc, announced the same position last week. Also on Tuesday, his brother Danny Healy-Rae rowed in behind Ms Steens campaign. Elsewhere, independent candidate Catherine Connolly lodged her nomination papers at the Customs House in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon. Ms Connollys campaign is backed by left-wing parties Sinn Fein, Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, and the Greens, as well as a host of independents. Ms Humphreys and Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin lodged their papers on Friday. Asked about Ms Steens chances of getting on the presidential ballot, Ms Connolly said: I wish Maria Steen the best of luck. I wish all candidates the best of luck. Ive said that we should be strong enough in our democracy to look at the nomination process. Now is not the time, because were confined with the process we have, but we should be big enough and strong enough in our democracy to see whether its the right thing to do to extend the nomination process. AN UNSUCCESSFUL candidate in both recent local and General Elections has been charged with allegedly sending abusive social medial posts to a county councillor. Leanne ONeill (37), with an address at The Heights, Belin Woods, Newbridge, appeared in Naas District Court last week charged with a single count of harassment under Section 4 of the Harassment Act 1989. Sergeant Ruth Coleman for the state alleged that Ms ONeill sent offensive Facebook posts in relation to Covid-19 to a sitting county councillor on dates unknown between 21 December 2024 and 7 April 2025. There were several posts abusing (the councillor) and her character, said the sergeant. Judge Desmond Zaidan inquired about further details before accepting jurisdiction but was told the details were not on the charge sheets. The judge opted to adjourn his decision until he heard more. Those should be included, he said, before adjourning the case until 12 February for direction. Ms ONeill, a nurse, garnered 167 first preference votes in the 2024 local elections, and 152 in the general election last February. A 'vicious scar' from a secret cancer surgery above his eye has sparked fresh fears for the health of a frail former President Joe Biden. The new crisis follows his bombshell admission in May that he concealed an aggressive, advanced case of prostate cancer from the American public while he was in office. His spokesperson, Kelly Scully, downplayed the significance of the Mohs surgery, which excised a potentially lethal cancerous lesion along with adjacent tissue. The tissue will now be analysed to ascertain whether the cancer has metastasised. 'Longevity Is Definitely in Question' Despite the official statements, esteemed internist Dr. Stuart Fischer, who has not provided care for Biden, told The National Enquirer that he perceives Biden to be in a potentially grave condition. Dr. Fischer explained: 'With so many medical problems, his longevity is definitely in question, and reports of dementia make him even more vulnerable. Melanoma is notorious for being unrecognised and dangerous.' The exact timing of when Biden acquired the conspicuous scar, seen by reporters last month as he departed a funeral, remains unknown. This latest cancer crisis exacerbates numerous severe health problems afflicting the aged former president, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after a catastrophic debate with Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Biden previously suffered from two life-threatening brain aneurysms necessitating surgery, had other malignant lesions excised from his chest, and experiences nerve loss due to peripheral neuropathy. A History of Secrecy and Health Scares In May, Biden astonished the American public by disclosing his struggle with aggressive, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer 'with metastasis to the bone,' while asserting he was in optimal condition during his presidency. The deception initiated an ongoing congressional inquiry examining his cognitive abilities during his tenure in the Oval Office and his use of an 'autopen' device that duplicated his signature. Shortly after the announcement, Biden said: 'The prognosis is good. We're working on everything. All the folks [doctors] are optimistic'. However, Dr. Fischer contends that Biden is manipulating the medical truth recklessly. He said: 'People can survive prostate cancer and skin cancer if it is treated early. But if you neglect it, it can be deadly.' 'Aggressive' Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis Revealed It was in May when Biden revealed his cancer diagnosis to the public. The diagnosis followed his report of urinary difficulties, which prompted doctors to discover a 'small nodule' on his prostate. According to the statement, Biden's cancer is 'characterised by a Gleason score of 9' with 'metastasis to the bone.' The Gleason score assesses the histological appearance of prostate tumours, with scores of 9 and 10 indicating the most aggressive forms. The cancer is classified as Stage 4, meaning it has metastasised. The New York Times reports that prostate cancer specialists assert once the disease metastasises to the bones, it becomes incurable. Dr. Judd Moul, a prostate cancer specialist at Duke, told the Times that males with metastatic prostate cancer can survive for five, seven, 10 years, or longer. Understanding the Risks of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies in men. Approximately one in eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with an estimated 288,300 new cases anticipated this year, as reported by the American Cancer Society. It is more prevalent among Black men and all men aged over 65. This disease typically exhibits gradual growth, and a significant issue is the absence of symptoms, particularly in the early stages. By the time symptoms manifest, the cancer has usually progressed to an advanced stage. Nonetheless, a screening test exists for it. According to specialists, early detection of prostate cancer often results in effective treatment. You can safeguard yourself by undergoing screening and familiarising yourself with the typical symptoms. Potential indicators of prostate cancer may include: Problems urinating, including feeling like you need to urinate more often or a slow or weak stream Blood in the urine or semen Blocked urine Loss of bladder or bowel control Erectile dysfunction Painful ejaculation Pain in hips, back, ribs, or other areas Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet Fatigue Unintentional weight loss The health battles of a prominent figure like former President Joe Biden serve as a stark and urgent warning. The typical absence of symptoms is a significant issue in the early stages of prostate cancer, but early detection often results in effective treatment. Understanding the potential indicators is the first line of defence. If you or a loved one have any concerns, the most critical action you can take is to speak with a healthcare professional about screening today. Originally published on IBTimes UK You'd think the actor behind one of gaming's most unhinged characters would be excited about the next big release from Rockstar. But Steven Ogg, the man who brought Trevor Philips to life in Grand Theft Auto V, isn't feeling the hype for GTA 6. In fact, he has said he feels 'absolutely nothing inside.' Here's a look at why he's so detached from the franchise. The Voice of Trevor Weighs In For millions of fans worldwide, Steven Ogg is recognised as Trevor, one of the most memorable characters in Grand Theft Auto 5. Yet, despite the massive hype for GTA 6, which is expected to be the biggest video game ever, Ogg has said he feels 'absolutely nothing' about the upcoming release. Despite the worldwide adoration the Grand Theft Auto series has earned him, Steven Ogg was surprisingly candid about his feelings for the franchise. While speaking with YouTuber HarrisonShippp, he explained his indifference by saying he's simply never been a fan of video games. He's Not the Character While appearing at a recent convention with co-stars Ned Luke (Michael) and Shawn 'Solo' Fonteno (Franklin), Steven Ogg gave a surprisingly blunt reason for his detachment from the franchise. Standing in front of GTA 5 artwork, he explained to fans that he feels 'absolutely nothing' for the new game because he's not a gamer and has never played one. The actor continued by describing a recent encounter to illustrate his point. When a fan told him he should play GTA 5, Ogg fired back with a witty comeback, comparing the video game to a classic novel. He recalled telling the person that they should read Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment someday, which left them utterly speechless. The Dostoevsky Anecdote The actor went on, turning the tables on his host to test his knowledge of world literature. He asked HarrisonShippp if he knew who Fyodor Dostoevsky was, but the YouTuber, it turns out, did not. Ogg then pressed his point, concluding the conversation with a simple, 'So there you go'. 'Why don't you read that? Are you excited about that book coming out?' See? It's the same thing. Books are my thing', Ogg added. Although Ogg himself is not a gamer, he has spoken candidly about his work on the series before. He has detailed a cancelled GTA 5 story expansion centred on Trevor, which was ultimately scrapped so Rockstar could focus on GTA Online, per IGN. In a twist, Ogg has also hinted at a potential return for his character in GTA 6, suggesting he would like to be killed off in the opening as a nod to Trevor's shocking murder of Johnny Klebitz, the protagonist of GTA 4: The Lost and the Damned. The long wait is almost over for the rest of us. GTA 6, the first new instalment in Rockstar's blockbuster series in more than a decade, is set to arrive on 26 May 2026. A Different Perspective For millions around the world, the countdown to GTA 6 is very much on. But for the actor who brought one of the series' most iconic characters to life, the hype is non-existent. Steven Ogg's candid comments serve as a reminder that what we see as a cultural phenomenon is, for the people who create it, just a day job. Originally published on IBTimes UK Owner "Big Ed" Getz, who worked in the culinary industry for over two decades, is moving out of state and selling the restaurant's equipment in the coming weeks. AP After nearly a year in business, a downtown Bangor eatery known for its simple menu of breakfast and lunch selections is closing for good. Breakfast on Broadway, 15 Broadway, plans to celebrate its last day in operation on Wednesday. The site is on the main level of the former historic Bangor Trust Co. building, and formerly occupied Clever Girl Winerys tasting room, which last year relocated to downtown Easton. Wednesday morning owner Big Ed Getz of Bangor made the announcement to loyal patrons on the business Facebook page. I want to sincerely thank every single person Ive met along the way, he stated. Ive appreciated all the kind words, support and friendships that came out of this venture ... life sometimes takes us in unexpected directions, and I need to cut this chapter short. Getz told lehighvalleylive.com the decision came down to multiple personal reasons and he is moving out of state. I am not closing because of financial reasons, he said. I just want it clear that it wasnt motivated by money. Getz said hell be selling off kitchen equipment and other fixtures of the restaurant within the next few weeks. Breakfast on Broadway opened in November 2024. It served up typical breakfast fare, such as eggs and omelets, French toast and pancakes and waffles. The Big Eds Breakfast on Broadway Special gave patrons three eggs, choice of meat, two pancakes or French toast and potatoes for $14.50. For lunch, guests feasted on hot and cold sandwiches, hot dogs, smash burgers and salads. There also was an extensive selection of Slater Potaters, which were seasoned baked or deep fried potatoes, opened up and layered with a choice of protein and toppings. Prior to opening the Slate Belt restaurant, Getz worked in the culinary industry for over two decades, including stints at a variety of New Jersey restaurants, he previously told WFMZ-69 News. Getz said on social media he has no regrets despite the venture only lasting about a year. Ive met so many wonderful people and learned so much from this experience, he added. " ... This is Big Ed signing off, with gratitude in my heart and wishing you all the very best." Jimmy Kimmel resumed his late-night talk show hosting duties on Tuesday, Sept. 23, after a six-day suspension. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the wake of comments that the titular host made about the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel began his highly-anticipated return monologue with a nod to late comedian Jack Paar. As I was saying before I was interrupted ... he quipped. Paar, who died at age 85 in 2004, uttered those exact words when he returned to NBCs Jack Paar Tonight Show in March 1960 after a month-long break. Paar voluntarily resigned from the talk show in February 1960 after NBC censored one of his jokes about an English woman asking for directions to the W.C., meaning the bathroom, and a Swiss gentleman instead pointing her in the direction of a wayside chapel. During his on-air resignation, Paar said, There must be a better way of making a living than this. When he returned one month later, Paar opened the show by joking, As I was saying before I was interrupted, I believe my last words were that there must be a better way of making a living than this. Well, I have looked, and there isnt. The Jack Paar Tonight Show aired on NBC from 1957-1962. Paar was the second host of The Tonight Show after Steve Allen (1954-1957). Paar was succeeded by Johnny Carson, who helmed the program for 30 years before Jay Leno took over in 1992. Conan OBrien had a brief stint as the Tonight Show host from 2009-2010 before Leno returned for several more years. The current host, Jimmy Fallon, has led the show since 2014. Jack Paar quitting his nationwide late evening television show on Feb. 11, 1960. AP After his nod to Paar, Kimmel acknowledged his suspension, noting that hed received an overwhelming amount of support from fans, friends, and his fellow late night personalities. Ive heard from all the people in the world over the last six days. Everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times, he said. On a more serious note, Kimmel got choked up as he said it was never [his] intention to make light of the murder of a young man. READ MORE: What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk before his indefinite suspension? I dont think theres anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram on the day [Charlie] was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it, and I still do, Kimmel continued. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. For those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance Id have felt the same way. I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to even though we dont agree on politics at all. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isnt, ever. Kimmel also spoke about the necessity of free speech, joking that while his show is not important, getting to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this is. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC weeknights at 11:30 p.m. ET. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu the day after they air. Court records revealed the Carbon County woman helped set up the ambush of her husband after learning of his alleged affair with an Allentown woman. (Photo by ClassicStock/Getty Images) The wife of a Carbon County man has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit aggravated assault charge after planning his murder in Whitehall, authorities said. Brenda Rodriguez, 51, of Palmerton in Carbon County, appeared Monday before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Robert L. Steinberg. She faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, the DAs Office said. Other charges of felony criminal solicitation of homicide and felony aggravated assault were withdrawn as part of a plea arrangement with Rodriguez, the DAs Office said. Eric Alexander Harakal, the court-based attorney representing Rodriguez, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Co-defendants 35-year-old Christian Martinez-Ramos and 37-year-old Liz Marie Pacheco, both of the 500 block of North Fifth Street in Allentown, are each charged with felony criminal homicide and aggravated assault, along with related charges. Rodriguez in December 2024 joined the two other co-defendants in a plot to kill 46-year-old Hector Manuel Garcia Gomez. Pacheco allegedly told Rodriguez her husband was having an affair with a woman from Allentown. Pacheco and Martinez-Ramos, who formerly were in a relationship, lived next door to the alleged mistress, according to court records. Just after 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Rodriguez stayed in the couples Nissan Rogue as Garcia Gomez went into a store in the 1100 block of MacArthur Road in Whitehall, according to police. When he returned and got inside the car, shots were fired from a car driven by Martinez-Ramos that had pulled up behind the Nissan, investigators allege. The gunfire struck Garcia Gomez in the abdomen. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, the DAs office said. The Lehigh County Coroners Office said Garcia Gomez died from gunshot wounds to the torso and ruled the death a homicide. Investigators later obtained video surveillance footage, which showed Garcia Gomezs Nissan arriving in the parking lot. While he was inside the store, Rodriguez called Pacheco from her cellphone and provided location information to Martinez-Ramos, who arrived minutes later, according to court records. After Garcia Gomez was shot, the footage reportedly showed Rodriguez remain inside the Nissan for more than 22 seconds. Rodriguez then got out of the car, adjusted her clothing and hair, and picked up several items before slowly walking into a store, authorities said. Initially, Rodriguez allegedly told investigators that she didnt know who shot her husband, nor did she know who would want to shoot him. Additionally, she told investigators her last call to Pacheco that day was before noon, but phone records showed they had communicated just before the shooting, court records state. Rodriguez eventually admitted to speaking with Pacheco before the shooting, police said. En route to the hospital, Garcia Gomez called the woman he was having an affair with and said the guy from upstairs shot me, court records state. Garcia Gomez also knew Martinez-Ramos prior to the incident, authorities said. In a prior altercation between the pair, Pacheco told the other woman about Garcia Gomez, This is going to get worse. He is a dead man, according to court records. Martinez-Ramos allegedly admitted to investigators shooting Garcia Gomez an unknown amount of times, before fleeing in his friends car. He left that vehicle on the side of the road, then got a ride from someone else, police said. Pacheco was aware of her ex-boyfriends intentions and assisted in both the planning and attempted cover-up, investigators said, including assisting with the sale of the vehicle used by Martinez-Ramos during the killing. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5. Both Martinez-Ramos and Pacheco are awaiting trial. Testimony is expected to begin Nov. 17 before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Robert L. Steinberg. The case was investigated by Whitehall Township Police Detective Lindsay Yetter and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force Detectives Timothy Salgado, James Bruchak and Amaury Almonte. It will be prosecuted by Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney James A. Augustine. The driver was transported to St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson after losing control during Tuesday evening's storm. Route 33 north ramps were closed for hours as crews cleared the scene. Photo courtesy Pennsylvania State Police | For lehighvalleylive.com A tractor-trailer driver was hurt in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Lower Saucon Township, state police said. The accident began just before 6:50 p.m. on Route 33 north at Interstate 78, Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer with Pennsylvania State Polices Troop M, told lehighvalleylive.com. The 2024 Freightliner Cascadia was headed west on I-78 to exit onto Route 33 north when the driver lost control. The rig then jackknifed, meaning the trailer swung out at a sharp angle to the tractor, Branosky said. The driver was taken to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem Township for injuries. The drivers condition was not immediately available as of Wednesday morning. The ramps from I-78 to Route 33 north were closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the scene. Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate what led up to the collision. Weather may have played a role as storms and heavy rainfall moved through the region at the time of the accident. The Sportsman Channel brought its national hunger-fighting initiative to Phillipsburg. The Hunt.Fish.Feed. campaign supplied meals to dozens of people on Monday at the Phillipsburg Housing Authority community room, just one week after doing the same in Fort Stewart, Ga. Executive Chef Paul Comes, a well-regarded wild game chef from Pennsylvania, oversaw kitchen operations and volunteers prepared dinner service for roughly 115 people. The menu featured venison tacos, southwest coleslaw, fresh fruit salad and dessert from local bakery For the Love of Cupcakes. Becky Johnson, who coordinates the ROSS Program for the Phillipsburg Housing Authority, said she thought the venue made sense as a walkable destination close to hundreds of the areas residents. It was also a good way to introduce people to fresh food from the land. For some, it was their first time experiencing venison. We were grateful we could also provide to-go containers to some students who arrived at the event as it was wrapping up, Johnson said. The Hunt.Fish.Feed. campaign aims to educate the public about utilizing natural resources to address hunger nationwide. The initiative, created in 2007 by Sportsman Channel, includes an annual tour visiting cities across the country to serve meals to people in need. Comcast regularly partners with the Sportsman Channel to bring their Hunt.Fish.Feed initiative to local communities. Phillipsburg and the Phillipsburg Housing Authority were selected through a joint partnership with Norwescap. It was a warm reception all around. Were bringing our commitment to the community, said Dan Bonelli, regional senior vice president for Comcast. Volunteering with the Sportsman Channel on their Hunt.Fish.Feed. initiative was a great way for Comcast Team UP volunteers to roll up their sleeves and demonstrate that commitment. Sportsman Channel, launched in 2003, is a television and digital media network devoted to outdoor adventure, hunting and fishing content. It operates as a division of Outdoor Sportsman Group, delivering programming that showcases outdoor activities through storytelling. The campaigns next stop is Oahu, Hawaii. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Its only been a few weeks since school started in New Jersey, but if youre a parent, you already know: the sniffles, coughs and mystery fevers are back in full swing. As soon as those classroom doors open, so do the germ floodgates and suddenly, youre checking foreheads before breakfast and wondering if todays going to be a sick day. Thats why the Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer is such a clutch buy right now. Its clinically tested, no-touch and currently just $16 on Amazon when you clip the 20% off coupon. Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer for Adults and Kids $20 NOW $16 This infrared digital thermometer is already affordable at $20 but, right now, you can get a 20% off discount by checking the box to the left of the pink "Coupon price $16" banner. Buy it at Amazon According to Goodbaby, this thermometer uses infrared technology to deliver fast and accurate readings with a simple point-and-click motion. The no-touch format helps make sure temperature checks stay hygienic and less disruptive, something especially beneficial when monitoring in the middle of the night or trying not to wake a sleeping toddler. The company says its designed for all ages, from infants to elders, and it even includes a mode for checking room and object temperatures. Its built with durable ABS materials, and the ergonomic grip makes it easy to use even when your child is squirming or feeling cranky. With over 110,000 global ratings and an average 4.5-star status, its clear this thermometer which was bought over 60,000 times last month has earned its place in family medicine cabinets. As for clinical credentials, Goodbaby notes that the thermometer is recommended by pediatricians and backed by 12 months of replacement coverage and 24/7 customer support. And, lets be honest, when schools require kids to be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning to class, you need a reliable way to check and re-check. This one makes it easy. It comes with two AAA batteries included, so youre ready to go straight out of the box. Even better? Prime members can get it delivered today with qualifying purchases, because when your kid comes home warm and glassy-eyed, you dont want to wait. Cold and flu season essentials to stock up on now Atlantic Health's medevac service has joined the small percentage of U.S. air medical programs carrying blood, addressing the fact that nearly half of trauma victims die within minutes of injury. Courtesy of Atlantic Health Flight paramedics and nurses from Atlantic Health can now perform potentially life-saving blood transfusions at crash scenes and during helicopter transports to critically-injured patients. The advancements mark a significant shift in emergency care options available to the region. Flight Nurse teams have administered blood to three trauma patients in helicopters as of Sept. 23. We believe that this intervention of carrying and infusing blood will save lives, said Art Samaras, senior manager of Atlantic Mobile Healths Mobile Intensive Care Unit and critical care transport. The sooner we can act, the better chances of a successful outcome for our patients. The new program, developed through a partnership between Atlantic Mobile Health and Morristown Medical Centers blood bank, follows recent authorization from the New Jersey Department of Health allowing hospital systems to implement pre-hospital blood transfusion programs. Atlantic Mobile Health operates two EC-135 helicopters, each staffed with board-certified flight paramedics and nurses who provide advanced medical care during transport. The transport is equipped to carry blood supplies in state-of-the-art refrigerators for two weeks at a time. The blood is returned to blood banks for in-hospital use if they are not used to prevent waste. Type O universal blood is supplied by Morristown Medical Center, a Level I Regional Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated Level II by New Jersey. The initiative represents a rare capability in U.S. emergency medicine, as only a small percentage of the approximately 1,000 air medical programs nationwide currently carry blood, according to the health network. It is estimated less than 3% of all EMS organizations across the country are now carrying blood, according to Samaras. This is a significant milestone in the 19-year history of our air medical services, said Dave Ferguson, executive director. Having blood will increase our capabilities and allow us to better help patients on their worst day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations Office of EMS reports that pre-hospital blood transfusions significantly reduce mortality rates among severely injured patients. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, extreme blood loss, called exsanguination, is the leading cause of preventable death among trauma victims, with nearly half dying within minutes of injury. The 27-year-old will serve the full term before parole eligibility after being caught with a loaded 9mm handgun in June 2024. Getty Images An Easton man was sentenced up to five years in prison for bringing a prohibited handgun near the Easton-Phillipsburg Free Bridge. Lamarr Vega Duncan, 27, was sentenced Tuesday by Warren County Superior Court Judge H. Matthew Curry to serve five years in New Jersey State Prison with a five-year term of parole ineligibility. This means the five-year state prison sentence will be served prior to Duncan being eligible for parole. Duncan in July pleaded guilty to second-degree persons prohibited from possessing a firearm. The Warren County Prosecutors Office Tuesday afternoon announced the sentencing. Bethlehem-based attorney, Paul Joseph Bender, who represented Duncan in separate Northampton County cases, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Wednesday morning. On June 22, 2024, Phillipsburg police were called to the Easton-Phillipsburg Free Bridge for a reported driver with a firearm. Investigators stopped Duncan as he was heading toward the bridge, near Union Square. Investigators seized a loaded 9mm handgun in Duncans possession, police said. Court records show Duncan also was involved in a 2023 stalking case in Easton. At the time, he was listed as homeless, according to court records. A general store in Warren County that has welcomed visitors for generations is up for sale. Wilburs Country Store is located inside a 19th century site on Route 94 and is among the few remaining independent general stores in New Jersey. It stocks candies, toys, canned goods and kitchen utensils just a little bit of everything, said Merrilane Osmun, who was working at the store on Friday. Osmun took over after the stores owner since 1976, her longtime friend, decided to move last year and seek a buyer. The six-acre lot that includes the store, four other commercial spaces and an upstairs studio apartment has been on the market since February. We had a couple of offers that were a bit too low, Osmun said when reached by phone. The property is listed by Weichert Realtors for $728,000. Osmun says its possible the future owner will keep the general store open. Thats the hope, Osmun said. Independent general stores were the precursors to Wawa, Quick Chek and other chains that flourish throughout New Jersey. They were at their peak in the 1800s, frequently serving as the primary business in small communities. Two general stores in neighboring Sussex County the 142-year-old Hainesville General Store in Sandyston and Gariss General Store in Stillwater found new owners in 2022 and remain in operation. The Gariss store, in operation since 1876, was renamed the Stillwater Cafe. Wilburs Country Store is in Frelinghuysen, which covers nearly 24 square miles and has approximately 2,000 residents. Osmun said she does not know the store opened. I have some old photos of what this place used to look like when it was a farm, Osmun said. The store does not have a website or Facebook page, the standard marketing tools of contemporary businesses. It does have a loyal customer base, word of mouth, and a convenient location off the highway. A lot of people are traveling through, just going for a ride, Osmun said. Many of the stores items have an association with Great Britain, where the owner lived until she was a teenager and came to the U.S. Osmun, offering examples, cited HP sauce British brown sauce consisting of tomatoes, malt vinegar and molasses, with the name being an acronym for Houses of Parliament. The shelves also are stocked with McVities digestive biscuits, a British snack food since the 1830s that remains popular overseas, and cans of Heinz baked beans, which originated in London in 1886. The Weichert Realtors listing says that charm abounds at the location, though some work is needed on the buildings. It could evolve into a deli, coffee shop or crafters village, or perhaps just stay as it is, according to the real estate company. In its heyday, Wilburs Country Store was open six days per week, closing on Mondays. Now it is open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Osmun said. It looks better running, she said of the decision to keep the store in operation while looking for a buyer. Young musicians from Laois, Offaly and Northern Ireland took to the stage of the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, on Saturday 20 September to perform original songs from a cross-border music project, presented by Music Generation Laois. Working with Nerve Centre, in Derry, musicians from Music Generation centres in Laois and Offaly, and Northern Ireland came together for a residential week of creativity in Corrymeela, Co Antrim, in July and again in Castletown in July, to form cross-border bands, and write songs together. More below photo. PICTURED: Eva May, Dallan from Dad's Shed A total of 50 young people took part in the project, funded by Creative Irelands Shared Island initiative. Bands showcased original songs to families, friends and supporters in the Dunamaise on Saturday night in Portlaoise. Energetic performances showcased the friendship that this project has helped to develop. Rosa Flannery is the Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois. She spoke about the initiative in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Pictured: James from Clear Threat This has been an incredible project for the young people involved, young people from different backgrounds and experiences came together, in an intensive residential setting in Antrim and Laois, and the outcomes have been truly powerful and transformative for the young people involved. Their confidence has soared, their musical and song writing skills have soared, and theyve had an unforgettable experience, meeting new people and seeing new places. We are very grateful to Creative Ireland, our musician teams in Music Generation Laois and The Nerve Centre, and to the young people we worked with, its been the most incredible journey, she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO Pictured: Cahir, Erin, Roisien from Clear Threat The two groups will unite for a final showcase event in Nerve Centre, Derry, on Saturday, October 11. To find out more about Music Generation Laois, see www.musicgenerationlaois.ie READ ALSO: Huge Laois truck and tractor run gets into gear Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Irelands performance music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Youth. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, and supported by Laois County Council. Laois County Council has admitted that there may be more delays to the implementation of safety measures outside a Laois school. St Paul's NS in Mountmellick was awarded 50,000 in funding under the Safe Routes to Schools Programme in February 2O24. This scheme falls under the National Transport Authority (NTA)'s Active Travel fund. Fianna Fail Cllr Paddy Bracken recently tabled a motion requesting an update to the works due to be carried out at the school. Pictured: St Paul's National School, Irishtown, Mountmellick. Photo: Google Maps The Council's Roads Department replied that a draft plan is yet to be finalised, and explained that they may need consent from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to carry out required works. "A draft plan for proposals at St Paul's is being finalised," The Active Travel section of the Council's Roads Department replied to Cllr Bracken. "This may require consent from the TII given that the road is a National Secondary road. The active travel engineer will arrange to meet Cllr Bracken to discuss proposed interventions," they said. Cllr Bracken was unsatisfied with this response, arguing that these works should have been carried out within the time that has passed. "The school is on the N80, it's a very busy road and a very busy school too. It may require consent, but it urgently needs to be addressed," Cllr Bracken argued. Pictured: The N80 into Mountmellick, adjacent to the primary school. Photo: Google Maps "We all know that the N80 has a very busy section of road at that point, where it comes up to the junction. There is no reason as to why this work shouldn't be done, it should have been done before now," he said. "I want to see this done, it is going on and on. The bottom line is, it must be done," Cllr Bracken finished. This motion was seconded by fellow Fianna Fail Cllr Seamus McDonald. The motion was tabled at a September sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District. A Laois councillor has requested that the Council remove overgrowth from a historic graveyard. Mountrath Independent Cllr James Kelly requested that the Council's Heritage Office remove the overgrowth on the boundary walls of Clonenagh Cemetery in Mountrath. "Laois County Council's Heritage Office has sought quotations from specialist landscape contractors to remove the overgrowth at Clonenagh cemetery," the Heritage Office replied. Pictured: Clonenagh cemetery, Mountrath. Photo: Google Maps Cllr Kelly welcomed this reply. "Thanks for that; here's a history lesson for you. We're all very proud of Clonenagh, and a lot of people just drive past it," Cllr Kelly explained. "It was founded by St Fintan in 548 AD. We all remember when the money tree collapsed, part of that is here in the Council on display," he said. "There are numerous types of headstones, there are the Celtic crosses and the metal crosses, and inscribed and uninscribed stone markers. Burials are still taking place, it is really well looked after by the CE scheme in Mountrath," he said. "In 1988 the Early Christian crosses were discovered, and they were set up against the wall inside the gate. What has happened is over time, this has all become overgrown," Cllr Kelly highlighted. Pictured: The walls and headstones are sustaining damage due to overgrowth. Photo: The Heritage Council "Now our history and heritage is overgrown with ivy and weeds, so I would hope that we could get in there and undertake works to preserve the wall that is there, and that the stones can be taken out of where they are overgrown," he finished. This motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin. "This is the second motion that you have put in on this Cllr Kelly, and it's a very important cemetery, particularly for the history of Ireland. I fully support this," Cllr Bergin finished. This motion was tabled at a September sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District. The trial of two men facing fraud charges linked to a 1.2 billion property deal in Northern Ireland will begin hearing evidence next week. Prominent Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan and former law firm managing partner Ian Coulter face charges arising out of an investigation into the sale of the Northern Ireland property loan book held by the Republic of Irelands National Assets Management Agency (Nama). In a short hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, the charges were read to the jury. Judge Madam Justice McBride then outlined a series of ground rules to the 12 jurors. She highlighted that they had all taken an oath or affirmation pledging to decide the case only on the evidence they hear in court. You must remain true to that oath or affirmation, she said. You decide the case on the basis of the evidence not on the basis of anything else. Justice McBride sent the jurors home and asked them to return on Monday for the prosecutions opening statement. The trial is expected to last up to 12 weeks. Nama was set up by the Irish Government in 2009 during the financial crisis to offload non-performing loans acquired from troubled banks. Cushnahan, 83, of Alexandra Gate, Holywood, Co Down, was a former adviser to Nama, while Coulter, 54, of Templepatrick Road in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, was a senior figure in the law firm Tughans. The loan book was sold to a US investment fund in 2014 in a deal named Project Eagle. Cushnahan is charged with fraud involving a failure to disclose information between April 1 and November 7 2013. Cushnahan and Coulter are both charged with fraud by false representation on or around April 3 2014. Coulter is also facing four further charges: Fraud involving making an article in connection with a fraud, namely an invoice for the sum of 9 million, on or about August 13 2014; Fraud involving a false representation made on or around September 11 2014; Removing criminal property from Northern Ireland on or around September 15 2014; Transferring criminal property between September 15 and December 1 2014. Both men have plead not guilty to all the charges. County Kildares own Antarctic hero, Ernest Shackleton, is being honoured once again this time in a new book from OBrien Press. Famous Irish Mariners, by Emma Byrne, explores Irelands maritime history and highlights the extraordinary life of Shackleton, born in Kilkea in 1874. Though raised far from the sea, Shackleton became one of the most famous explorers of the early twentieth century. The book recounts his early voyages, his leadership during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, and the dramatic events that followed when his ship, Endurance, was trapped and crushed in Antarctic ice in 1915. Byrne details Shackletons remarkable rescue mission: the survival of his crew on drifting ice floes, their journey by lifeboat to Elephant Island, and the now-legendary 800-mile open-boat voyage in the James Caird to reach South Georgia and arrange the rescue of every man. READ NEXT: Massive planned windfarm to affect Kildare areas. The author places Shackletons achievements alongside other celebrated Irish seafarers, underlining Irelands often overlooked contribution to global exploration. The book also notes the growing interest in Shackletons story in his native Kildare, where the Shackleton Museum in Athy continues to attract visitors from Ireland and abroad. Famous Irish Mariners is available now from OBrien Press and Irish booksellers. British actor James Norton has said he worked hard to perfect his Dublin accent for his upcoming series House Of Guinness. Norton, 40, plays Sean Rafferty, foreman of the Guinness brewery, in the eight-part Netflix series from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. House Of Guinness brings to life the real scandals, power struggles and generational secrets of Irelands most famous family. The series reimagines the fallout from Sir Benjamin Guinnesss death, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York. The Happy Valley actor said he was adamant to get the accent right. I worked hard. I was aware that many actors have gotten it wrong, and the Irish are a proud bunch so if you get it wrong, you hear about it, Norton told the PA news agency. I worked hard and had great guidance from my fellow cast members. Norton, who recently starred in and co-produced historical drama series King & Conqueror for BBC One, said he learned a lot about 19th century Irish history from the Guinness show. From the creator of Peaky Blinders, HOUSE OF GUINNESS premieres September 25. Starring Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, Fionn OShea, and James Norton. The head of the Guinness brewery is dead. Now his children must navigate power, rebellion and scandalor risk pic.twitter.com/QzpLNzA842 Netflix (@netflix) August 18, 2025 Its always a privilege, and part of our job is being given the opportunity to explore periods of history we might not otherwise encounter, he said. For me, it was a massive revelation. I hadnt realised how influential the Guinness family was on Dublins architecture, or the extent of their welfare and philanthropic efforts, like the pensions and support they provided, which are portrayed in the show. They were also pioneers as a brand, becoming one of the first multinational drinks companies and dominating North America as the biggest beer brand of their time. It was both eye-opening and an incredibly thrilling journey to delve into all of that. The show explores the impact of Sir Benjamins will on the futures of his four adult children: Arthur, played by Derry Girls actor Anthony Boyle; Edward, portrayed by Enola Holmes star Louis Partridge; Anne, played by The Responder actress Emily Fairn; and Benjamin, portrayed by Normal People actor Fionn OShea. Boyle, 31, whose character is homosexual, said he drew inspiration from Irish poet and writer Oscar Wilde for his role. I looked a lot at Oscar Wilde, particularly because of the threat of someone finding out about your sexuality at that time and you could have resulted in 20 years of hard labour, which is essentially a death sentence, which is what Oscar Wilde was sentenced to, said Boyle. And reading a lot of his work, like the Ballad Of Reading Gaol. Boyle, who leads the series, said he is particularly proud that the programme showcases Irish culture. Im really, really proud Irish culture is having such an amazing moment right now on the global stage and I feel really, really proud of having artists like Kneecap and Fontaines DC being on the soundtrack. Its class. Knight, 66, who is writing the script for the next James Bond film, said the series ability to showcase Irish culture is like a Christmas present. Its not an effort to force it in, its already there. And then theres that whole generation of Irish music, along with this incredible generation of young Irish actors, he said. Knight added that the Guinness family provided an excellent stimulus for dramatic storytelling. I was immediately surprised no ones done this because the story is dynamite, the characters are so interesting and the dynamic of the family. Its all there ready for you, he said. Theres the reading of the will, which is a dramatic moment. Sir Benjamin Guinness leaves millions of pounds, along with land, lakes and castles. Yet his four children are all left unhappy with the terms. They must then go on and live their lives. Its fantastic. House Of Guinness premieres on Netflix on Thursday. A Leitrim group water scheme has been honoured at the 2025 Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards held last Thursday at The Clayton Hotel, Galway as part of Rural Water Week. The event, hosted by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) in association with the Local Authority Services National Training Group celebrates the outstanding achievements of Irelands rural water sector. The winners were announced by the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan TD. Among the national winners were Sliabh An Iarainn Group Water Scheme located in Aughnasheelin, recognising their work within the local community. An addition to this years programme, the newly launched GWS Ethos and Volunteerism Special Recognition Award was bestowed for the extraordinary efforts of volunteers and staff, particularly in response to the widespread disruption caused by Storm Eowyn earlier this year. This special award celebrates the values that underpin the group water scheme movement: service, solidarity, and sustainability. READ MORE: Planning approved for amended electricity substation on Leitrim wind farm Speaking at the event, NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly stated: The group water schemes and their dedicated volunteers form the backbone of rural water provision in Ireland. Their impact extends far beyond infrastructure it is rooted in people, place, and purpose. These awards are not only a celebration of technical excellence, but a vital recognition of the spirit of volunteerism and the unique community-driven ethos that defines the GWS model. The awards ceremony was one of the highlights of the annual Rural Water Services Conference, which brought together over 300 community leaders, volunteers and water professionals from across Ireland. READ MORE: Leitrim mans testimony shows urgent need for local MS support worker A statement to the Leitrim Observer said: As the sector continues to evolve in response to climate challenges and regulatory change, the Excellence Awards reaffirm the importance of local leadership and innovation. The NFGWS encourages all schemes to build on this momentum and continue striving for excellence in service delivery and environmental stewardship. For more information on the awards and this years winners, visit: www.nfgws.ie The issue of the lack of a community support worker for those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Leitrim and Sligo is set to be raised with Minister for Children, Equality and Disability, Norma Foley TD. Sligo-Leitrim Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove spoke in the Seanad today about the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the funding of Multiple Sclerosis services in the north west. MS Ireland held a meeting on September 19 in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo, where they announced their business proposal. They are seeking 72,997.56 to employ one community support worker to cover Sligo and Leitrim the only counties in Ireland without such a post for those living with MS. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Cosgrove highlighted the urgent need for such a position. READ NEXT: Leitrim man's testimony shows urgent need for local MS support worker Currently the north west has the highest incidence of MS in the country, but unfortunately and alarmingly theres no MS community support worker in Sligo or Leitrim, Senator Cosgrove said, adding that they play a vital role for anyone who has MS. MS Ireland is looking for just short of 73,000 to employ a community worker, which in the grand scheme of things, is just a drop in the ocean, she added. Senator Cosgrove also noted that the MS Therapy Centre in Sligo fundraises 100,000 annually to keep its centre running, and she believes that because the centre has been so successful, the need for a community support worker has been overlooked. Id like to hear a statement on how people with MS in the north west are not going to be treated anymore like second class citizens, Senator Cosgrove concluded. Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, spoke on behalf of Minister Foley. He responded with information about HSE disability services and the work of MS Ireland. READ NEXT: Hope for change: Campaign grows for MS support worker to aid over 300 people in Leitrim and Sligo He explained that disability services are provided based on the presenting needs of an individual rather than their diagnosis or the specific type of disability. He also noted that there are approximately 9,000 people with MS nationwide, and that MS Ireland organises a range of living with MS programmes across the country. Senator Cosgrove pushed back, saying there was no indication in his response of any commitment to delivering MS services in the north west, and asked that the matter be brought back to the Minister. This is going on for decades. Its particularly [frustrating] when theres the highest incidence of MS in the north west and we dont have the basic services that other counties do, she said. Minister Grealish confirmed that the HSE has received a submission from MS Ireland, which is being considered as part of the 2026 budget, and assured that the issue would be brought back to the Minister. READ NEXT: Leitrim schools urged to support annual Christmas shoebox appeal Netflix is giving viewers a sneak peak of its eagerly-anticipated upcoming series 'House of Guinness'. The new show explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties - the Guinness family. The wait for fans is almost over as all eight episodes, will be released on Netflix on Thursday September 25. USE THE ARROWS OR CLICK NEXT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS The series, created and written by Steven Knight, set in 19th century Dublin and New York, 'House of Guinness' will begin immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery. The show, which will be premiered in Dublin in mid-September, will examine the impact of the will he left behind following his death and how it shapes his four children Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben as they are tasked with interacting with the phenomenon that is Guinness. READ NEXT: PICTURES: Netflix hosts star-studded House of Guinness red carpet premiere ahead of release The drama will focus on the power struggle amongst the children for control of the family empire. It will delve into how the inheritance and secrets behind it will play out for the faith of the dynasty as it's not just the children impacted but also the associates and workers whose livelihoods are tied to the brewery. The cast of the four Guinness children brings a host of acting talent. Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt) will play Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge (Disclaimer, Enola Holmes) will portray Edward Guinness, Fionn O'Shea (Normal People, Dance First) will play Benjamin Guinness and Emily Fairn (The Responder, Saturday Knight) will play Anne Plunket (nee Guinness). Schools across Leitrim are being asked to support children living in poverty around the world by registering for Irelands most loved Christmas appeal. Team Hope, the charity that delivers gifts into the hands of children living in poverty across African and Eastern Europe, is calling on children and families in the county to get involved in this years Christmas Shoebox Appeal. As it marks its 15th year of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, Team Hope is asking schools and employers, as well as individuals and community organisations across the county to get involved by logging onto teamhope.ie. Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts and this year expects to surpass the three million mark. Often these gift-packed shoeboxes are the only festive presents children living in poverty in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe receive. READ NEXT: Leitrim man's testimony shows urgent need for local MS support worker A simple shoebox, often packed by children for children, carries not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope, said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry. That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten that someone, somewhere cares. In a world where headlines often highlight what is broken, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal stands as a powerful demonstration that the world is also filled with kindness. Ms Lowry used the example of a father of three who received the gift of a Christmas shoebox as a child and who now makes shoeboxes for other children with his own family as a great example of the gift of giving. Adas Rakauskas, 37, never forgot the present he received as an eight-year-old as his family struggled to keep their heads above water. READ NEXT: Leitrim schools among first to join new farm safety awareness programme Every year the Louth-based dad makes these transformative gifts for other children. Originally from Lithuania, Adas is also urging people across Leitrim to join Team Hopes annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal by sending life-changing gifts to children affected by poverty around the world. We didnt have much food, or good food, said Adas. Medically, we were all malnourished as children. I remember sitting at the table as a child for a meal and there was just bread or some carrots. At times we relied on neighbours to drop something in, so we were struggling, and it was tough on my parents from a financial perspective, explained Adas. Recalling the moment he was handed the gift as a child, he said: I remember all of us gathered in the village and there was a play. At the end, the shoeboxes were given to the children. We were very excited. READ NEXT: Thousands of Leitrim households to receive Fuel Allowance from this week I think there were pens and pencils and some stationery in the box. What struck me most was that someone had put this together, he added. Now living in Drogheda with his wife Tracey and their children Elias (nine), Izabella (eight), and six-year-old Mikayla, Adass family box up the magic of Christmas by making shoeboxes for other children living in poverty. To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A SPOOK-TACULAR series of events is planned next month as Limerick celebrates the festival of Halloween. Limerick City and County Council will, in the coming days, unveil its programme for the spooky season. There will be more than 10 events taking place in the city and its surrounds across various venues. King Johns Castle will play host to a bespoke Halloween experience between Thursday, October 16 and Sunday, November 2. The Milk Market is to be home to an urban pumpkin patch from Saturday, October 11, while the same venue will host a harvest festival two weeks later. PICTURES: County Limerick village comes together for healing mass Between Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, November 2, the Hunt Museum will welcome story-telling, movie-screenings, an animal tour, and projections on its landmark exterior. Across the city in the Peoples Museum at Pery Square, there will be Samhain tales by the fireside on Friday, October 24. The Wickham Way Market will hold a twice-daily Halloween carnival on Saturdays and Sundays October 11, 12, 18 and 19, alongside November 1 and 2. Limerick Civic Trust will organise tours of its Peoples Museum, which will be transformed into a haunted house on Friday, October 31 and Sunday, November 2. On October 31, Halloween itself, some of Irelands most promising filmmakers will showcase their work at the Belltable, as part of the Halloween Screams All-Ireland filmmakers screening 2025. Halloween-themed night-time experiences are coming from Nevsail Watersports between Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, as well as between Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 19. On top of this, the same firm will organise activities on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. TWO women in their eighties were targeted in two separate thefts in the city centre and Corbally. Sergeant Michelle OHalloran, Crime Prevention Officer for Henry Street garda station said one woman had a frightening experience. One incident occurred at the Milk Market after 12.30pm on September 13. She had just returned to her car and was putting away her shopping trolley when a man opened her vehicle, took her purse and ran off towards High Street. This suspect was described as approximately six foot tall, wearing beige shorts, a turquoise T-shirt, and a cap. Sgt O'Halloran is urging anyone who was at the Milk Market on September 13 who may have seen this man or noticed suspicious activity, to come forward. You can contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. READ MORE: Quantity of drugs, two dogs and number of vehicles seized by gardai in Limerick Gardai are also investigating another theft in Corbally on September 10. Sgt O'Halloran explained: At around 12.45pm on Wednesday, September 10, a lady in her 80s was stopped in her vehicle at a pedestrian crossing in College Park, Corbally. While she was stopped at the crossing a male opened the passenger side door and snatched her handbag. Sgt O'Halloran added: He later dropped the handbag but unfortunately took her wallet, which contained a number of personal belongings. The suspect is described as a man in his 20s, tall, wearing a blue tracksuit. Anyone with information should contact Henry Street garda station on 061 212400. APPLICATIONS are now open for the Future Leaders of Screen: Screen Careers for TY Students 2026 initiative. The free programme of six online seminars is led by Oscar-winning producer Lord David Puttnam and his team at Atticus Education. Over the course of the programme, students will learn directly from Lord David Puttnam about creativity, storytelling, filmmaking, and social responsibility in the 21st century. In addition, each school group will receive tailored mentoring sessions with industry professionals, giving students practical insights into the many career pathways in the sector. Students, parents and teachers will also attend an in-person networking event in May with Lord Puttnam and other film-industry leaders. READ MORE: Millions announced to fund transformation of Limerick city site The programme is supported by Fis Eireann/Screen Ireland and delivered by Atticus Education in partnership with University College Cork. It is designed for students passionate about film, TV, cinema, gaming, and animation, or with a keen interest in global affairs, who are keen to know more about the opportunities that exist across the screen sector. 12 schools will be selected for the programme, based on the students "proven interest and enthusiasm". Applications can be submitted online at www.atticusedu.com/TY2026. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 7. LIMERICK City and County Council have introduced special bins for pizza boxes outside a nightclub near the Milk Market. A waste receptacle has been placed outside the Black Rabbit club at Carr Street in the city centre. With a wide rectangle hole, it is designed only to be used to deposit used pizza boxes. Councils director of service in the metropolitan district Kieran Lehane said it is aimed particularly at the population of youngsters attending local colleges. READ MORE: Polliconnect Project in full bloom across Limerick communities When the students are in town - and its wonderful that students are in town - they buy a lot of pizza, Mr Lehane told members at the monthly metropolitan meeting. Elsewhere, one councillor has said business owners need to be given an ultimatum on the parklets, installed in 2020 to facilitate outdoor distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic . Use them or lose them, said Cllr Olivia OSullivan, Fine Gael. Mr Lehane said: The understanding was the businesses would maintain them. Sadly, that has not been the case and a lot of them are smoking areas, which will be marked down by Ibal (the Irish Business Against Litter group). We are beginning to talk to premises about them to see what we can do to improve them. They are four or five years old at this stage, and some of them are in very poor condition. Some of them are actually falling because of the damp climate, he said. There was a mixed response from councillors on the parklets. Labours Joe Leddin described their condition now as unsightly, weather-beaten and war-torn. As a result of that, he said litter gets caught underneath them. But Cllr Elisa ODonovan of the Social Democrats said: It would be a shame to remove them. I think they could be used to green the city - to put greenery around the city. Or perhaps we could create a fund to help the businesses or communities that live around there to use it as a neighbourhood meeting spot. There is a worth to them. Cllr Sarah Kiely, Fine Gael, said if they are kept, terms and conditions should be put in place. A MAN who is accused of murdering Lee Slattery more than fifteen years ago, on the outskirts of Limerick city is to face trial before the Central Criminal Court. Kurt Ryan, aged 32, with an address at Cliona Park, Moyross has been charged with the murder of Lee Slattery in 2010. The body of the 24-year-old was found in a shallow grave at Delmege House Estate, Knocklisheen Road, Limerick, on May 31 of that year. A handgun was found near the scene of the crime and a post-mortem subsequently revealed that he had sustained a number of gunshot wounds. Read More: Frightening experience for victims of thefts in Limerick city The defendant, who was one of a number of people arrested last week, first appeared in court on Wednesday, September 17. During a procedural hearing this Tuesday, Inspector Liam Wallace confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions has formally directed that Kurt Ryan is to be tried on indictment before the Central Criminal Court. He told Judge Patricia Harney the book of evidence is currently being prepared and he requested an adjournment of the case to facilitate its completion. The defendant appeared before the court via video link from Limerick Prison, where he is currently held in custody. During the brief hearing solicitor Sarah Ryan, representing Kurt Ryan, agreed to a short adjournment, until October 7. Mr Ryan, who appeared before court unshaven, wearing a grey T-shirt, only spoke to confirm his name and that he could see and hear the proceedings. More than 30 arrests have been made in connection with the murder to date. A NEW book focusing on the rivalary between two giants in Irelands modern political history, Charlie Haughey and Dr Garret FitzGerald will be launched in Limerick this Thursday night. The Castletroy Park Hotel will play host to the event, which commences at 7.30pm. Former Finance Minister Michael Noonan will launch the book. READ MORE: Frightening experience for victims of thefts in Limerick city Its been written by Corbally-born academic Eoin O'Malley (pictured below) - the son of another political titan, Progressive Democrats founder, the late Desmond OMalley. He has amassed an extraordinary body of research, including in-depth interviews with dozens of the most important public figures of the time, every Taoiseach, cabinet ministers, TDs, civil servants, and advisers. The rivalry between Haughey and Fitzgerald, who led Fianna Fail and Fine Gael respectively, dominated 1980s politics, their two opposing personalities shaping Irish life during this era. Asked what gave him the idea to write about the pair, Mr O'Malley, an associate professor at Dublin City University, said: "As an academic, I was always interested in the office of Taoiseach. I was doing work on that. These two men were the ones who were trying to use it the most. As I looked at them more closely, it became clear that not only were they individually interesting, but they were actually interesting in how they interacted with each other". "You have two political giants at exactly the same time, which doesn't often happen in history," he said. The book draws on diary entries, press cuttings and interviews which Mr O'Malley carried out with the two men - both Taoisigh - while they were alive. During the process of writing the book, the academic said he became "more appreciative" and even "fond" of Mr Haughey, who, as Fianna Fail leader was elected Taoiseach on three separate occasions in the 1980s and early 1990s. Fine Gael leader Mr FitzGerald by contrast, became Taoiseach twice as the pendulim of power swung between the two Civil War parties. Speaking of Haughey, he said the respect was based on an appreciation of the constraints he was working under, what a hard worker he was, and how much he achieved in office. "There were a lot of negative sides to Haughey, but I think in the round Ireland is better off from having him in charge," added Mr O'Malley. All are welcome at the launch. An expose on major Irish retailers and who supplies their cotton will be revealed by RTE Investigates tonight. The documentary RTE Investigates: Forced Fast Fashion will expose retailers such as Penneys, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, and Marks and Spencer, among others, for importing hundreds of tons of cotton fabric in 2024 from two companies linked to the Uyghur forced labour camp in China. READ NEXT: CONFIRMED: The candidates who will contest next months presidential election The RTE investigation by reporter Joe Galvin and producer/director John Cunningham found that the two Chinese companies, the Esquel Group and Jiangsu Lianfa Textiles, have long-established operations in Xinjiang, a region that grows up to 30 percent of the worlds cotton and is home to a persecuted minority group called the Uyghurs. The Uyghurs have been subject to severe human rights violations, according to the UN, including mass arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortion and forced sterilisation. RTE Investigates verified video footage of Uyghur workers at both companies' sites as recently as December 2024, and obtained up-to-date corporate records to show their ongoing ownership of farms and factories in Xinjiang. The companies did not respond to requests for comment. Both of these companies supply cotton to factories which supply clothing to major Irish retailers. Tesco, Penneys, and Marks and Spencer have all publicly vowed to not source Xinjiang cotton, but RTE Investigates found that those vows were underwritten by certifications and testing methods that allowed untraceable cotton to flood into supply chains. Dunnes Stores has no public position on the issue. One certification body in particular, Better Cotton, told RTE Investigates that the system used by Tesco, Marks and Spencer, and Dunnes Stores called mass balance was not designed, and cannot be used, to give assurances about the actual cotton that is used in a product. READ NEXT: Community rally around heartbroken woman who tragically lost her beloved dogs in house fire Human rights lawyer with the Coalition to End Forced Labour in the Uyghur Region, Patricia Carrier told RTE Investigates that Better Cotton can be mixed or blended with what they call conventional cotton very early on in the supply chain, and that includes cotton from the Uyghur region. Dr Len Wassenaar, a leading expert in the type of testing used by the retailers said: Mixing and blending, that is going to be a huge problem for using any isotopic or geochemical fingerprint... You could have a cotton from the US mixed with a cotton from China and [they] might be very different from each other isotopically. And if you mix them together, of course, it's just going to be a mixture of the two, which is a meaningless result. Tesco, Penneys and Marks and Spencer told RTE Investigates that they received declarations from the Bangladeshi factories that the cotton used in their clothes was not from Xinjiang. The retailers did not elaborate on how this information was authenticated. Dunnes Stores provided no information about its clothing supply chain to RTE Investigates. Experts consulted by RTE Investigates said much more work was needed to ensure supply chains were kept free from Uyghur forced labour. Patricia Carrier said: READ NEXT: Is it cheaper to keep the heating on low all day? Money expert finally drops the verdict We need to see mapping all the way down to raw material level because that's where most of the more egregious human rights harms are happening...It's at the bottom of the supply chain, and so it is very important that companies are transparent and that they provide more disclosure. The programme will also detail links between the online fast fashion giant Shein, a Chinese State-backed textile park and Xinjiang cotton companies. Watch RTE Investigates: Forced Fashion tonight at 9:35pm on RTE One and RTE Player. Algeria opens 1st Confucius Institute to promote academic exchanges with China Xinhua) 14:21, September 24, 2025 ALGIERS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The University of Algiers II on Tuesday inaugurated Algeria's first Confucius Institute, established in partnership with China's Northwest Normal University, marking a milestone in bilateral academic and cultural exchanges. At the inauguration ceremony, Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kamel Baddari welcomed the establishment of the institute, saying it will further promote academic cooperation and deepen cultural exchange between the two countries. Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli hailed the institute as "an important milestone in academic and scientific cooperation between the two peoples." In 2024, the University of Algiers II launched Algeria's first Chinese language program in cooperation with Northwest Normal University, enrolling 38 students in its inaugural class with plans to expand gradually. Said Rehmani, rector of the University of Algiers II, said, "As part of our university's outward-looking vision, this institute is the fruit of that commitment, and it builds on earlier efforts to expand Chinese studies." Wang Zhanren, president of Northwest Normal University, said the institute will serve as a bridge for cultural exchange, stressing the importance of "joint research, academic exchanges, and youth training," which he said will enhance the international profile of both institutions. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A SENIOR council official has admitted the local authority is scratching around for answers to a problem which has ruffled the feathers of members. Starlings have been flock-ing to the city centre, and members are absolutely at their wits end with the fowl droppings the birds are leaving behind. Its particularly a problem on Bedford Row, and metropolitan district leader Daniel Butler jokingly said: Were going to have to buy a lot of small nappies. READ MORE: Wheelbarrow applies to Limerick Council to be added to Presidential ticket Limerick writer and satirist Blindboy Boatclub recently highlighted the prodigious laminar of birds**t on the street, after an incident on his bike. But at the moment, it appears council officials are winging it when it comes to finding ways to solve the issue. If anyone has the answer to the starlings, Ill bring you all out to dinner, said director of service Kieran Lehane. We have an ecologist upstairs. Im working closely with him, he confirmed. He asked: If we have an ornithologist on the council, let us know! Cllr Butler said: Its causing serious issues for people who are eating outdoors. Its going to need to be taken on. I know its been made a joke of online, but it has to be sorted. Independent councillor Maria Donoghue said: A lady who manages shopping centres told me if she was managing Bedford Row, she would cut the underside of the trees so it would make it easier to clean underneath. It would also help people see the names of the shops. In shopping centres, where shoppers do not see the names of the shops, traders can feel they are less visible. Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely asked: Did you consider fake predators? I know that works for someone I know in another area. The information about the starlings was made in the context of an update given on clean-ups and maintenance of the city centre. Mr Lehane pointed out that as a part of this, the famous Sylvester OHalloran bridge - which links the Potato Market with the Hunt Museum - had enjoyed a clean-up and a lick of paint. Mr Lehane also highlighted the clean-up of trees, bins, benches and rails as part of the councils efforts to keep the city centre looking at its best. Following his election to the role of metropolitan district leader, Cllr Butler had requested that updates on the city centre become an integral part of these meetings. Drive down Anna Salai, Chennais 400-year-old artery, towards the Adyar River, and you will see a 200,000 sq. ft office building under construction next to the Little Mount metro station. When completed, it will serve as the headquarters of Equitas Small Finance Bank. For over four years, Equitas, the story goes, had been scouting for a piece of land for its headquarters. It was particular about the locationit had to be on or near Anna Salai, because being on Chennais most important road mattered. But, given that it is one of the oldest and most developed parts of the city, land was not easy to come by. That is until an intermediary introduced the bank to realty company Arihant Foundations and Housing Ltd, in 2023. A few months before that introduction, Arihant, Chennais only listed real estate company, had partnered with the owners of a timber depotthe large land parcel, over 40,000 sq. ft, sat right on Anna Salai and had been in the family since pre-independence days. In a few short months, Arihant sold the plot to Equitas for 300 crore, in what was one of the citys largest end-use commercial purchases in recent times. Icing the cake, Arihant is also building Equitas swanky new office. If you have no connection to Chennai, chances are you have never heard of Arihant. When the 2025 Grohe-Hurun India Real Estate 150 list (ranks most successful companies by value) was announced in August, it stated that Arihant, incorporated in 1995, led the valuation growth chart of realty stocks with an extraordinary 1,086% jump to 1,400 crore in June 2025, over the year-ago period. In the last one year, the companys stock beat the Nifty Realty Index by a wide margin as well. The stock surge followed a sharp increase in revenue growth in FY24 and FY25, coupled with rapid growth in net profit (see chart). However, the preceding years saw Arihants results yo-yoing, up one year, down the next. Its stock price mostly remained under 100 between 2010 and 2023. It closed at 1,060 on 23 September. While Arihants revenue of 221 crore is a drop in the ocean compared to larger national counterparts, such as DLF, Godrej Properties and Prestige Estate, it has suddenly begun punching above its weight. What changed? Therein hangs a tale. Modest ambitions When Navratan Lunawath, whose family had moved from Rajasthan to Chennai in 1963 to set up a finance business, got into the real estate market in 1986 through partnerships under the name Arihant, the scale was modest. While shaping many of Chennais old neighbourhoods, such as Kilpauk, T-Nagar, Koyambedu, Egmore and Teynampet, with their mid-to-premium-end residential apartments and mid-sized commercial buildings, Arihant kept things manageable, steering clear of large-scale projects. That changed in 2008, when Arihant decided to develop a residential township, something Chennai had not witnessed until then, on a 70-acre land parcel in Perambur, to the north of the city. Not having executed such an ambitious project before, Arihant opted for a partner. For Arihant, as a brand, it was a proud moment when the second largest developer in the country chose to partner with us," said Arun Rajan, CEO of Arihant. That partner was Unitech. Then, of course, disaster struck, as Unitech got enmeshed in controversies and court cases. Suddenly, Arihant was on its own. The Chennai market knew only us. Buyers had put in money because our name was associated with the development," said Arun Rajan, CEO of Arihant. We took on the onus of completing the development on our own." View Full Image File photo of Arun Rajan, CEO of Arihant. That meant putting in the entire investment of around 800 crore instead of just 50%. All surpluses from other projects were channelled towards the North Town development almost until its completion in 2020. While there was a delay, Rajan and Lunawath take pride in the fact that they kept their promise to their buyers. The impact, however, was massive. Considering the scale of the North Town project, Arihant did not pick up many other developments during that period. Combined with the additional investments in North Town, this meant revenues suffered. Spreading its wings Once the weight of the project was off its shoulders, Arihant spread its wings, and rapidly added new developments. It has wrapped up approximately 2 million square feet of projects since the completion of North Town, which has added to its revenue. As they say, what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. In fact, the experience has given us confidence," said Rajan. We felt that whatever legacy, brand goodwill and experience we have gained over the last 40 years, we should take it up a notch and the market is also conducive." Sridhar Srinivasan, managing director, Chennai, at real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, seconds this assessment. Customers want the confidence that a developer will deliver, and Arihant has a history of never defaulting, giving them significant credibility and a reputation for quality assets," he said. View Full Image File photo of Arihant Majestic Towers, built in 2003. The company has been mindful about the type and pace of its growth. Arihant has a good balance between commercial and mid to high-end residential. They also have a strategy of building only in established locations and corridors like in Kilpauk, Adyar CBD, and OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road)," said Jerry Kingsley, India head, Value and Risk Advisory & City Lead, Capital MarketsChennai, at real estate services firm JLL. Kingsley pointed out that pan-India developers play the business park game, where the development size is 1 million sq. ft and upwards. Players like Arihant focus on mid-market commercial development, in the 1 lakh sq. ft to 5 lakh sq. ft range. There is a large base of clients for that in Chennai," he added. In the residential segment, Arihant had tried its hand at budget and more affordable segments in the past, but since the pandemic it has firmly stuck to the premium and luxury residential segments. There is a noticeable shift in the residential market (post pandemic), away from budget and affordable housing towards the premium segment," said Cushman & Wakefields Srinivasan. Buyers now want to upgrade their homes. With the rise of hybrid work models, there is a demand for larger apartments and more premium facilities, as people are spending more time in their homes." In the first half of 2025, the high-end and luxury residential segments in Chennai captured 22% of the overall share and recorded 11% growth over the same period in 2024, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. This is a country-wide phenomenona JLL report highlights that apartments priced above 1 crore accounted for more than 50% share in annual sales in 2024. Arihants homes typically start at the 12,000 per sq. ft price point, while the average rate is around 7,000 per sq. ft in Chennai. The shift to high-margin projects in residential and commercial, which we did in the past four to five years, really worked very well for us. Along with the clear focus of doing projects in AAA locations," said Kamal Lunawath, Arihants chairman and managing director. The company aims to operate projects in the 30-35% margin range. A long-standing tradition Arihant has followed is joint development with land owners. The landowner brings in the land, and Arihant its construction, marketing and sales capabilities. In such co-developments, the company either goes for an area sharing approach, where the landowner retains ownership of a part of the finished project to sell or retain, or a revenue-sharing model, where the landowner gets a pre-decided share of the final proceeds. About 90% of the 20 million square feet the company has already developed has followed the joint development model. With land being the most expensive raw material" for a real estate developer, this model has meant that Arihant has managed to keep risks low and maintain an asset- and debt-light business model. However, this model has a limitation. Owners of land parcels that Arihant is interested in developing need to agree to it. A surprise investor While Arihants management was trying to find a solution to this challenge, an unrelated business event was brewing elsewhere, and it would have a direct impact on the company. Mithun Sacheti, the founder of jewellery startup Caratlane, secured a 4,621-crore exit from his company by selling his remaining 27% stake to Tata groups Titan in 2023. Like all high net worth individuals, Sacheti, started looking at real estate as a significant asset class. View Full Image Caption: Mithun Sacheti, founder of Caratlane. Every city has a giant real estate player. DLF in Delhi, Lodha in Mumbai, Prestige and Brigade in Bangalore. There is a vacuum in the premium space in Chennai, with no other listed player," said Sacheti. The peculiarity of the market is such that local knowledge is very important, so I was keen on partnering with a Chennai company," he added. Sacheti further said that he realised the brand was bigger than Arihants actual size. The raw materialcapital in this case, plus landwas the missing ingredient. Sacheti, along with his brother Siddhartha, and the family office of Freshworks co-founder and former CEO Girish Mathrubootham, joined hands with Arihant last November to develop a commercial platform. Instead of depending on a landowner to agree to a partnership, Arihant now identifies prime land parcels and investors put in money to acquire them, allowing for a more proactive co-development model. They have already deployed 230 crore under this model, which is focused on commercial projects for now. Separately, the Sacheti brothers, along with The Lotus Family Trust, managed by investor Madhusudan Kela, also acquired a stake in Arihant. The brothers now own around 16% in the real estate company. All this galvanised the stock. The entry of marquee investors like Mithun Sacheti and Madhusudhan Kela is a big reason why the stock has jumped. It gives other retail and institutional investors greater confidence," said Abhijit Ramasubramanian, who runs finance consultancy firm AssetBot, which specialises in real estate, among other sectors. This followed the Equitas announcement, which had already given the company some much-needed visibility. The entry of marquee investors is a big reason why the stock has jumped. Abhijit Ramasubramanian Going for gold Arihant now has about 20 projects totalling 5 million square feet of development in the pipeline, ranging from a hospitality cum commercial project to a premium residential housing one. The real estate firm is also eyeing markets beyond Chennai, aiming to expand to Coimbatore. It has already tested the waters in Bengaluru with two projects. Overall, it is targeting five-fold growth in the next three years. However, that growth, if it plays out as projected, will be on the back of a very modest base. Arihants cross-town rival, Casagrand, which started out in 2003, has executed projects in many more citiesBengaluru, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Pune. The company generated revenue of 2,613.9 crore in FY24, a figure ten times higher than Arihants operating revenue in FY25. As the company presses the growth accelerator, with new investors on board, questions around operational bandwidth could surface. Rajan says they are conscious of not over leveraging, be it in terms of capital or capacity. As the company presses the growth accelerator, with new investors on board, questions around operational bandwidth could surface. Rajan says they are conscious of not over leveraging, be it in terms of capital or capacity. Arihants management acknowledges that larger and specialised projects do pose challenges. Hence, they have opted for partnerships. For instance, the company has a tie-up with Ashiana Housing to develop senior living communities. In June this year, it entered into a non-exclusive joint venture with real estate major Prestige Group. The partnership, Lunawath said, will help with execution while lowering the risk of taking on multiple large transactions at once. Along with Prestige, Arihant could explore opportunities in retail and hospitality, going ahead. CEO Rajan has to prove that the valuation jump was not a flash in the pan. As of now, he appears confident of sustaining the companys performance. We have projects close to 6,000 crore in gross development value (projected total value) currently in the portfolio," he said. That will get reflected over the next three-four years in the balance sheet. The next three years will be our golden period." Tata Sons Ltd is the holding company of Indias most valuable conglomerate: the Tata group of over 100 companies. Tata Sons, in turn, is controlled by Tata Trusts, which owns a 65.9% stake in the holding company. Tata Trusts is run by seven trustees, who have made decisions in the past by consensusuntil fissures emerged recently after nearly 11 months of tensions. CNBC-TV18 reported on Tuesday that Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, are likely to meet senior government officials later (in the day) to discuss the governance crisis." An unnamed source told the network that the government cannot be a silent spectator to the coup attempt by four trustees of Tata Trusts". This came after The Economic Times wrote on Monday about the governments concern at the differences at the controlling level of the countrys #1 valued conglomerate. To understand the schism at Tata Trusts and its dynamics read our deep dive story complete with the people involved and the twists and turns below. It was first published on 24 September. After eleven months of simmering tensions, differences flared at the Tata Trusts boardroom this month, forcing the exit of a Tata Trusts nominee from the Tata Sons board. Vijay Singh was removed as a director of Tata Sons at a tense Tata Trusts board meeting on 11 September, said two executives directly aware of the matter, citing the minutes of the meeting. Four out of seven trustees opposed his continuation at the Tata Group investment vehicle, which sits at the head of over 100 companies, forming India's largest conglomerate. The voting and ouster of Singh marks a unique development at Tata Trusts, India's largest group of philanthropic entities where decisions are typically made by consensus. Singh, a former defence secretary, continues as a trustee at Tata Trusts. The four trustees expressed frustration that the Trusts' three nominees on the Tata Sons boardNoel Tata, Vijay Singh and Venu Srinivasanhad failed to apprise them about several important developments involving Tata Sons, in which the philanthropic entities own a 65.9% stake. Fissures The three-hour Tata Trusts meeting ended with no rapprochement in sight. The seven trustees are now split into two opposing campsNoel Tata, chair of the Tata Trusts, is in one group, backed by Singh, and TVS Motor Corp. chair emeritus Venu Srinivasan. In the other camp are former Citibank India CEO Pramit Jhaveri, Mumbai-based lawyer Darius Khambata, businessman Mehli Mistry, and Pune-based philanthropist and businessman Jehangir HC Jehangir. View Full Image Credit: Mint Worryingly, Srinivasans continuation as the Tata Trusts nominee on the Tata Sons board will be decided next month, the executives cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | Tata Sons director urges Tata International to focus on profit The differences at Tata Trusts surface at a critical time for Tata Sons. Under the chairmanship of Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons is negotiating with the Reserve Bank of India to stay private. It is also preparing to negotiate an exit from Tata Sons for the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, its largest individual shareholder with an 18.38% stake. The dissent also comes at a time when the Tata Sons board, currently comprising just six members, has three positions to fill and requires the support of the trustees to do so. A fully staffed board is essential to address the challenges of growing its long-term businesses, which include privately held entities in the airline sector (Air India), e-commerce (Tata Digital), and chip manufacturing (Tata Electronics). The 11 September tumult Tata, Srinivasan, Jhaveri, Khambata, Mistry and Jehangir attended the board meeting, while Singh decided to skip it. While Jehangir represents only the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the others also represent the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust own 27.98% and 23.56% of Tata Sons, respectively. The smaller Trusts hold the remaining 14.38%. The dispute, which began after Ratan Tata's death last October, centres on what the four trustees of the Tata Trusts call a lack of transparency. The vote to remove Singh from Tata Sons followed a discussion on the sixth and last resolution tabled at the meeting: To discuss matters related to Trusts representation on the Tata Sons Board." Earlier, Tata Trusts did not have a mandatory retirement age for its nominees on the Tata Sons board. That changed last yearat a board meeting of the Tata Trusts on 17 October last year, the trustees agreed to review the performance of representatives who are over 75 years old. Therefore, Singhs performance, as a 77-year-old nominee, was slated for discussion. Also Read | How a Noel Tata plan for Tata Sons fizzled Four trustees, including Khambata, Jhaveri, Mistry and Jehangir, believe there are now two types of Tata Trustees. Some are privy to the decisions made by Tata Sons; others are not. Divisions have existed since October 2024, according to Jhaveri, who said that information from Tata Sons has been redacted and details about things like Article 121A have not been shared. Article 121A of the Articles of Association of Tata Sons stipulates that the operating entity (Tata Sons) must obtain prior approval from all the trustees of the Tata Trusts for all major acquisitions, investments, and divestments made by the group companies with a value exceeding 100 crore. Two classes There is a feeling that two classes of trustees exist, said Khambatanominee directors who are privy to the information, and the remaining trustees who dont. Nominee directors need to introspect why there is a sense of alienation (among the remaining trustees), said Jhaveri. Mistry questioned why the three nominee directors consented to the reappointment of Tata Sons' independent director, Anita Marangoly George, for a three-year term in July, without consulting the four other trustees. Noel, 68, and Srinivasan, 72, listened quietly. When Khambata said Singh should have attended the meeting, Mistry responded that Singh had told him that did not want to be present for his review. Noel and Srinivasan tried to intervene. Singh's long association with Ratan Tata matters, Noel said, arguing removing him would be unprecedented. Srinivasan said Singh was a respected public servant who had Ratan Tatas confidence, adding he had been appointed vice-chairman of the Tata Trusts. He suggested the trustees spend more time on the matter. Removing Singh would set a bad precedent and suggest a division (inside Tata Trust), he added. Khambata rebutted that while all trustees had great respect for Singh, the issue is about having a stronger voice on the Tata Sons board, especially given important topics like listing Tata Sons and talks with the Mistry family. In the last week of July, Tata Trusts directed Tata Sons chair Chandrasekaran to explore all possible options to ensure that the holding company of the Tata Group remains private and also continue discussions with the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, to provide an exit to the largest minority shareholder. Following this, the trustees voted to remove Singh from the Tata Sons board. Shocker Khambata then asked if the trustees would support Mehli Mistry representing Tata Trusts on the Tata Sons board. He said most trustees believed that a representative from Tata Trusts was the need of the hour, especially as Tata Sons faces an existential period with matters like the RBI insisting on the operating entity (Tata Sons) going public before 30 September, and Tata Sons looking to initiate discussions to facilitate an exit for the SP Group. Then came the shocker, which underscored the fissures among the Tata Trusts Trustees. No," Noel replied, without elaboration. Mistry was surprised by Noels protest, especially since just 11 months earlier, he had proposed Noel as chair of Tata Trusts on 11 October. Eleven months since, a deep rift now separates the two, who are also related: Mehli Mistry is the son of Minal Mistry, and Noels wife, Aloo Mistry, is Minals niece, making Mehli and Aloo first cousins. Also Read | Tata internal exercise puts a figure to the value of Mistry familys stake To be sure, Mistrys candidature was not put to a vote. Neither was Tata Trusts looking to nominate Mistry immediately. This is because Tata Trusts can nominate up to one-third of the Tata Sons board. Currently, the Tata Sons board comprises six directors, following the retirement of independent director Ajay Piramal at 70 in August and Ralf Speth's term ended on 9 September. Besides Chandrasekaran, Noel and Srinivasan, the three other members of the Tata Sons board are group CFO Saurabh Agrawal and independent directors Harish Manwani and Anita Marangoly George. Detailed questions sent to all seven trustees seeking comment went unanswered. Alibaba Group Holdings is incorporating Nvidia Corps physical artificial intelligence (AI) development tools into its cloud software platform. This development in the Hangzhou-based companys Cloud Intelligence unit will allow customers to use Nvidia's suite of AI tools in developing applications for physical world, such as humanoid robots to self-driving cars, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Strategic collaboration between two AI giants This collaboration is significant as it brings together two leading names in AI development. Nvidia is a US-based chip-making giant, whereas Alibaba is one of China's top cloud computing and service providers. Alibaba Clouds Platform for AI will include the full Nvidia Physical AI software stack among its menu of options for developers, the company said at its annual Apsara developer conference in Hangzhou on Wednesday. Alibaba to increase AI investment The announcement came shortly after Alibaba's Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wu revealed plans to increase the company's investment in AI infrastructure beyond the previously announced 380 billion yuan ($53 billion). This commitment helped drive the companys shares to their highest point in nearly four years. Alibaba recently launched its new Qwen-3 Max model, the most powerful and advanced large language model (LLM) from the Chinese AI company. The new model is positioned to compete with OpenAI's GPT-5, Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude's Opus 4, among others, Mint reported earlier. Alibaba marketed the model by promising reduced hallucinations (making stuff up) and higher-quality responses to open-ended questions. Nvidia faces curbs in China Alibaba's partnership with Nvidia defies the recent tensions between the US and China over trade and technology. A while back, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said he is disappointed by the tight restrictions on selling the company's advanced chips to China. Furthermore, a report emerged earlier which claimed that China's internet regulator is banning domestic tech companies from purchasing a specific Nvidia chip model designed for the local market, Financial Times reported. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Other than Jimmy Kimmel himself, the only person who had as much to gain or lose on Tuesday night from the comedians return to late-night television was Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Walt Disney Co. It had ultimately been Igers call to sideline Kimmel a decision that would have seemed unthinkable three years ago when he returned to Disney for a second run at the top job. Since then, Iger had morphed from outspoken CEO to capitulating yes-man. Its a transformation that encapsulates the narrative arc of most of corporate America during that period. Rather than act as a counterweight to the White House as they did during President Donald Trumps first administration, CEOs have lined up to kiss the ring and complain quietly in private. But now Igers ultimate decision to reinstate Kimmel in the face of enormous political pressure is a sign that the narrative is shifting again that companies realize they need to find their red lines and push back against the administration. This shouldnt be confused for Disney or Iger suddenly rediscovering their moral high ground; instead, its a realization that submitting may come with a higher price than pushing back. During his first run as CEO, Iger made taking a stand part of his personal brand. He was part of a group of business leaders that criticized Trumps travel ban targeting Muslim majority countries. He called for action from politicians after a Las Vegas mass shooting. He left the presidents advisory council as a matter of principle after the Trump administration pulled out of the Paris climate accords. Iger kept speaking out even after stepping down as CEO, planting the seeds for his return as the kind of leader the moment demanded. When his handpicked successor, Bob Chapek, first stayed silent on Floridas so-called Dont Say Gay bill, Iger tweeted his opposition to it and told CNN, I just think you have to do what is right and not worry about the potential backlash to it. And after returning to the job, he fought back against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who made Disney one of the first corporate targets of what he called the anti-woke era. Iger called DeSantis efforts to penalize the company not just anti-business, but anti-Florida. The company sued, positioning the lawsuit as a matter of free speech. Since Trump has taken office for the second time, Iger seemed to have forgotten how to deal with a bully. Rather than standing his ground, he gave away the companys milk money before Trump even demanded it. He cut back Disneys DEI efforts and shifted its content, axing a transgender storyline from a show and scaling back the rollout of what some critics said was a controversial Snow White remake. And most fatally, Disney said in December that it would donate $15 million to Trumps presidential foundation or museum to settle a defamation suit against its ABC network. And yet despite all the concessions, the Federal Communications Commission still sent a letter to Disney saying it was investigating the company and ABC for promoting invidious forms of DEI. So when the Kimmel backlash began, Iger already should have known appeasement doesnt work that the goalposts would only keep shifting. What was different this time around was the public outcry over Disneys capitulation: Demonstrators gathered outside Disneys headquarters; consumers canceled their Disney accounts; 400 celebrities including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep signed an open letter from the ACLU protesting the decision; Barack Obama posted his concerns on X; former Disney CEO Michael Eisner posted on his account, asking Where has all the leadership gone? The backlash has shifted Igers calculus: Protecting the company now requires pushing back rather than staying quiet. Despite Kimmels return, the nightmare is far from over for Disney. President Trump has threatened to sue ABC again, citing his previous victory against the network. Nexstar Media Group Inc. and Sinclair Inc., large owners of ABC TV stations, are continuing to boycott the show. Iger, whose contract expires at the end of 2026, returned to Disney to save the company and salvage his legacy. How he navigates the company through a mess thats partly of his own making will go a long way in determining what that will be. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Beth Kowitt is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering corporate America. She was previously a senior writer and editor at Fortune Magazine. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion (Bloomberg) -- CVS Health Corp. subsidiary Omnicare Inc. has filed for bankruptcy after the pharmacy-services provider was ordered to pay $949 million over claims it improperly dispensed prescription drugs to individuals in long-term care. Omnicare and certain affiliates sought court protection Monday in Texas listing assets of at least $100 million and liabilities of between $1 billion and $10 billion on a Chapter 11 petition. The $949 million civil judgment is listed as Omnicares largest unsecured debt, though the company is challenging it. The company has lined up $110 million in Chapter 11 financing to fund its operations and the bankruptcy. The financing and cash it will continue generating from its operations will provide sufficient liquidity for Omnicare to meet its ongoing business obligations during the court-supervised process, the company said. Omincare said the Chapter 11 filing will give it time to evaluate its options to resolve the judgment and address other financial challenges facing the broader long-term care pharmacy industry. The company said it could pursue a standalone restructuring of its business or sell its business. The company sought court protection after failing to reach a settlement with government authorities and has received no assurance that the US would not immediately begin taking enforcement action with respect to the judgment, Omnicare Co-Chief Restructuring Officer Matthew Frank said in a Monday court filing. Omnicare said it has also been under financial pressure due to economic trends that have negatively impacted operators of long-term care facilities. Those include a tightening job market, falling reimbursement rates and an overall decline in the use of long-term care facilities amid a shift toward outpatient care. A handful of Omnicare clients that operate long-term care facilities have also filed Chapter 11 over the last couple of years, including Genesis Healthcare, Petersen Health and LaVie Care Centers, according to court documents. Omnicare holds about $50 million in unsecured claims in these earlier three bankruptcies, which have resulted in lost revenue and bad accounts receivables, and only LaVie remains a client, Frank said. The bankruptcy filing comes weeks after Bloomberg News reported Omnicare was working with Alvarez & Marsal Inc. to help with its cash flow and operations. Filing Chapter 11 will likely pause efforts by the government to collect the judgment. A federal judge in August denied Omnicare and CVSs request to overturn the judgment following an earlier jury trial. A former Omnicare pharmacist based in New Mexico brought a whistleblower lawsuit against the company in 2015, and the government intervened in the case in 2019. Omnicare said the company remains fully focused on meeting the pharmacy needs of its customers and long-term care residents and that it will continue to provide safe and reliable services to long-term care facilities. Customers and patients can expect to continue to access pharmacy and clinical services without disruption, the company said. The case is Omnicare LLC, number 25-80486, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. (Updates with court filing from Omnicare Co-CRO beginning in the fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Patrick Drahis Altice France SA has attracted interest from potential buyers for the enterprise unit of French carrier SFR, as the billionaire explores ways to pare the debt load of his telecom empire, people familiar with the matter said. Altice has asked its advisers to share information with potential bidders for SFR Business, the people said. The unit, which provides fixed and mobile connectivity, cloud services and cybersecurity to corporate clients, could be valued at several billion euros in a deal, the people said. SFR Business could draw interest from rival operators Iliad SAs Free and Bouygues SA as well as private equity investors, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The unit could be seen as a prized asset for other operators in France where their business-to-business operations are subscale compared to those of market leader Orange SA, they said. SFR ranks as the second largest telecommunications company in France, after Orange. The mooted sale of the enterprise unit may also re-ignite previous attempts to split up SFRs assets among local operators in France, some of the people said. Deliberations are ongoing and Altice France could still decide against selling the unit, the people said. Representatives for Iliad and Bouygues declined to comment. Altice is focused on implementing the debt agreement, considering the sale of non-essential assets, and continuing the commercial relaunch of SFR and improving service quality, two indicators that have already been well underway for several months, a spokesperson for Altice said in a statement. Drahi has been exploring a number of options for the future of his business empire, which he built up through a frenzy of debt-fueled acquisitions. In February, Altice France and a majority of its creditors reached a deal to slash the companys debt by 8.6 billion, around a third of the total, while letting Drahi keep control of the internet and mobile-phone operator. Discussions to break up SFR among the French carriers kicked off earlier this year but negotiations slowed in the summer months, according to the people. The talks are likely to resume in the coming weeks, they added. The breakup plan would likely involve a sale of SFRs fixed network, which consists of backbone and fiber cables across densely-populated areas in France, the people said. A sale of XpFibre, the SFRs fiber network that Drahi owns a stake of 50.01%, could come at a later stage, they added. Drahi had previously tried to sell his stake in XpFibre last year, though a sale of that business isnt imminent as the tycoon focuses on other divestments first, the people said. --With assistance from Jillian Deutsch. (Updates Bouygues comment in fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Hong Kongs bankers and traders hunkered down at home or booked hotels near the office as Super Typhoon Ragasa descended on the Asian financial hub. The big international banks, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley and HSBC Holdings Plc, told most employees to work from home before the typhoon unleashed a deluge of rain and winds of up to 195 kilometers (121 miles) per hour early Wednesday. Ragasa marks the biggest test yet for a change implemented last year by the Hong Kong stock exchange to keep trading open during severe weather. The Hong Kong Observatory, the local weather bureau, issued its highest storm warning overnight, known as signal No. 10, which indicates hurricane-force winds. The alert is expected to remain in place for some time, it said. With markets open, most firms will need some staff in the office to execute trades and set prices. That created a rush for centrally located hotel rooms as workers seek to avoid long commutes from home. The Mandarin Oriental, across from HSBCs local head office, was almost fully booked when checked by Bloomberg News on Tuesday. Rooms have also been snapped up at downtown hotels such as the Four Seasons and those connected to the Pacific Place mall on the edge of the central banking district. Bankers and traders who are needed in the office were greeted with largely empty streets early Wednesday. The city has closed government offices and schools. Passenger flights in and out of Hong Kong were suspended for 36 hours from 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Ragasa has pushed some conferences and forums scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday online, including a gathering on fixed income and currencies. Loan bankers rushed to get paperwork signed to keep deals moving, while others dashed to the airport to catch flights ahead of the shutdown to close transactions. The storm may delay the trading debut of Zijin Gold International Co., which is seeking to raise $3.2 billion in the worlds biggest initial public offering in months. Retail investors may need another day or two to place orders in bank branches. Activity at brokerages was already curtailed on Tuesday, when the city hoisted its signal 8. Ragasa could be the most dangerous typhoon in the city since Mangkhut in 2018, which caused economic losses, including insurance claims, of HK$4.6 billion ($592 million). Its just me, one trader, and our IT guy holding down the fort at the office now, Thomas Ip, executive director at Gaoyu Securities Ltd., said in an interview on Tuesday. Clients were also closing trading positions ahead of the storm, he said. Theyre hesitant to act until the storm passes, especially with forecasts saying this could be worse than Mangkhut, Ip said. Most are staying on the sidelines today and tomorrow, planning to re-enter on Friday. Hong Kong has one of the best-performing developed stock markets in the world this year, with its benchmark index gaining more than 30%, trailing only Greece and Spain. --With assistance from Charlotte Yang and Cathy Chan. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- A rollback of globalization is creating new opportunities for infrastructure investing, according to the head of Macquarie Group Ltd. Lots of other regions are waking up to the fact that they need to be self-reliant in areas including energy and defense, Macquarie Chief Executive Officer Shemara Wikramanayake said Wednesday at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum. That creates real opportunity for infrastructure investors like us. In particular, Russias invasion of Ukraine has pushed European countries to secure their energy supplies, Wikramanayake said at the event, which coincides with the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Meanwhile, energy demand is booming across Asia, she added. The insatiable demand for artificial intelligence is another boon for the asset class, Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.s CEO said on the panel. The big impediment is not chips, its not models, its power and data centers, CEO Bruce Flatt said. What were talking about is five to 10 trillion dollars. These are sums that have never been invested before. Similar concerns over rapidly growing power usage worldwide are motivating the worlds biggest technology players. Faced with soaring electricity demand from rapidly growing AI infrastructure, tech firms including Google parent Alphabet Inc. are looking to take a stake in the future of nuclear power and improve the transmission grid. The US has under-invested in the grid for quite some time, so we need to catch up, Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said at Wednesdays forum. The companys strategy includes both a deal for a fleet of small-scale nuclear reactors from Kairos Power and an agreement to buy electricity from Commonwealth Fusion Systems first commercial nuclear fusion plant signaling the companys shift toward next-generation, low-emission energy to fuel its data centers. Michael Bloomberg is the majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, as well as the founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies. --With assistance from Davey Alba. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi [India] September 24 (ANI): The Ministry of Commerce & Industry brought together policymakers, domain experts, academia and industry representatives to deliberate on the opportunities and concerns related to the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) provisions of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As per a government release, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), organized a seminar on the IPR provisions of the India-UK CETA at the nation's capital. Experts at the seminar underlined that the IPR chapter strikes a careful balance between fostering innovation and ensuring access. It was emphasised that the provisions reinforce safeguards for public health while modernising India's IP framework. Industry representatives highlighted that this would benefit startups, MSMEs and traditional producers alike. The report noted that voluntary licensing continues to be the preferred industry practice, while the flexibilities relating to compulsory licensing and public health, as enshrined in the Doha Declaration, remain fully preserved. Concerns over harmonisation of patent processes were addressed, with experts clarifying that these are procedural improvements that in no way affect India's regulatory autonomy. Geographical Indications (GIs) emerged as a significant area of opportunity, with provisions in the agreement enabling stronger protection of Indian GIs in the UK market. "The panels dispelled several myths surrounding the agreement and clarified that the IPR chapter does not curtail India's policy space. Instead, it reinforces India's ability to frame rules in line with its developmental priorities. It was also underlined that the chapter reflects India's existing legal framework while sending a positive signal to global partners and investors about the country's commitment to a robust and forward-looking IP regime," the report said. (Bloomberg) -- Oil companies in Iraqs Kurdistan agreed with the federal and regional governments to resume oil exports that have been halted for more than two years, paving the way for supply into a market on the brink of a glut. Eight companies that together account for more than 90% of the Kurdistan regions production have reached in-principle deals, according to a statement from the group representing the firms. Shipments through a pipeline to Turkeys Mediterranean coast should begin in the coming days, after the deal is formally signed and ratified, it said. The restart of exports would bring to a culmination a saga that started in March 2023 when Turkey had closed the pipeline following an arbitration courts decision. Various attempts to open it since have run into legal and financial issues, including oil companies demand for clearing past dues and clarity on future payments. The latest agreement provides surety of payment to the firms, according to the statement. The companies and the Kurdistan government will meet within 30 days of resuming exports to create a mechanism for settling the outstanding debts, it said. Restarting the pipeline from Kurdistan to Turkeys Mediterranean coast will initially bring about 230,000 barrels a day of oil to international markets, Bloomberg News reported this week. While thats less the almost half a million a day of flows before the pipeline was shut, the new supply would come just as theres widespread expectations of a global surplus. The semi-autonomous Kurdistan regional government said earlier Wednesday that it had signed the agreement with all the companies, except DNO ASA, and was awaiting the federal oil ministrys signature. Exports may start within 48 hours of a full agreement, the regional governments spokesman Peshwa Hawrami said. DNO said Tuesday that it wanted agreements that ensure payment surety for both past arrears and future exports. The return of exports would be a boon for Iraq, after the halted pipeline that cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue. Iraq is OPECs second-biggest oil producer, pumping the vast majority of its crude from the south, and has been keen to increase output in the long-term and boost revenue after years of war and internal strife. Iraq and Kurdistan had long been in dispute over control of oil revenue from the north, but earlier this year the regional government had agreed to hand over its oil to SOMO for onward sales. That had paved the way for the federal government to release funds to the regional administration for state employees salaries. Other companies operating in the Kurdistan include Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd., HKN Energy Ltd. ShaMaran Petroleum Corp. and Hunt Oil Co. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the government to order a judicial probe into the Air India Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people, alleging that the ongoing investigation is "compromised" and should be halted. The FIP's demand comes less than a month after Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal who was one of the pilots of the ill-fated Air India plane, sought a formal investigation by the central government even as the probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is in progress. "A flawed domestic probe compromises India's standing in the global aviation community. A judicial inquiry is therefore not only a matter of justice but also a necessary mechanism for the ministry to cure these profound procedural defects and mitigate its own legal and reputational exposure," FIP, which represents around 5,500 pilots, said in a letter dated September 22 to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Unlike the AAIB's private, administrative process, a court can compel testimony under oath, issue summons, and demand the production of any and all documents from any party, including international manufacturers like Boeing and General Electric, the letter said. The query sent to the ministry seeking comments on the letter did not elicit any immediate response. Meanwhile, on September 22, a Supreme Court bench issued notices to the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the aspect of an independent, fair and expeditious probe of the crash, as it also mentioned that an element of privacy and dignity of families of victims was also involved. The move came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an independent court-monitored probe into the accident. The FIP has said the true, systemic, and unvarnished lessons of this tragedy should be learned and acted upon. "A compromised, biased investigation that defaults to a simplistic and convenient 'pilot error' narrative is the single greatest threat to achieving that goal. It ensures that underlying dangers -- be they in design, maintenance, or oversight -- remain hidden, only to re-emerge in a future catastrophe". In one of the worst aircraft accidents in India, a total of 260 people, including 241 passengers, died after Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed soon after take off from Ahmedabad on June 12. According to the FIP, the circumstances surrounding the AI 171 investigation make the constitution of a court of inquiry not merely "expedient," but an absolute and urgent necessity. "The complete breakdown of trust, the manifest bias demonstrated by the AAIB, the public hysteria fuelled by illegal leaks, and the sheer scale of this national tragedy are precisely the conditions for which this provision was created," the pilots' grouping said in the letter. While claiming that there is overwhelming evidence of a compromised investigation, the FIP said the central government should immediately constitute a 'Court of Inquiry' under Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and that the AAIB investigation must be formally halted. In the letter, the pilots' association also mentioned about Pushkaraj Sabharwal's demand seeking a formal probe into the accident as well as an e-mail from his side alleging that a group of AAIB officials visited his residence on August 30 and that during interaction, they made speculative remarks that his son had moved the fuel control switches from Run to Cut off after take off. AAIB, in its preliminary report released on July 12, had said the fuel supply to both engines of the plane was cut off within a gap of one second, causing confusion in the cockpit soon after takeoff. "In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so," it had said. (Bloomberg) -- Two key oil ports on Russias Black Sea coast halted loading of tankers after overnight warnings of drone attacks, the latest sign of how Ukraine is disrupting its foes energy infrastructure. The stoppages, which are temporary and precautionary, apply to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal and the Sheskharis facility, both of which are near Novorossiysk. The CPC halt was confirmed by a spokesman for the operator, who said that such stoppages are routine when alerts are in place. A person with knowledge of the matter said that Sheskharis also stopped. Sirens have been heard in Novorossiysk on Wednesday as local authorities warned about imminent attacks of aerial drones and drone boats, according to the Telegram channel of the city mayor. CPCs office in the port-city sustained damage. Together, the Sheskharis and CPC export well over 2 million barrels a day of Russian and Kazakh oil to global markets, making them pivotal parts of the worlds petroleum supply chain. Seaborne supply of crude globally is about 40 million barrels a day. Ukraine has radically increased its targeting of Russian oil assets since the start of August, a step that has prompted the Kremlin to ban gasoline exports and consider curbs on diesel. Those attacks have centered on refineres, but ports and pumping stations have also become targets. Russias crude-pipeline operator Transneft PJSC, which runs the Sheskharis terminal, didnt immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. Kazakhstans energy ministry said in a statement that oil continues to go into the CPC system, a further indication that the halt is expected to be temporary. (Updates with situation in Novorossiysk in third paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Elon Musks X Corp suffered a setback on Wednesday, September 24, as the Karnataka High Court (HC) dismissed its petition challenging the Centres authority to issue information blocking orders under the Information Technology Act. In its order, the Karnataka HC bench presided over by Justice M Nagaprasanna said that the X Corp's petition lacks merit and maintained that the social media needs regulation, especially in the cases of offences against women. The Karnataka HC said, Petition lacks merit, stands rejected. Social media needs to be regulated, it's regulation is a must, more so in cases of offenses against women. Social media needs to be regulated, and it's regulation is a must, more so in cases of offenses against women, in particular, failing which the right to dignity, as ordained in the Constitution of a citizen gets railroaded, the court maintained. Also Read | Elon Musk, X Corp to settle $500-million lawsuit over Twitter firings What did the court say? While dictating the order, Justice M Nagaprassana said social media cannot be left in a state of anarchich freedom. "Regulation of information in this domain is neither novel nor unique. United States of America regulates it. Every sovereign nation regulates it. And India's resolve likewise, cannot by any stretch of Constitutional imagination, be branded as unlawful. Unregulated speech under the guise of liberty becomes a license to lawlessness. Regulated speech by contrast, preserves both liberty and order, the twin pillars upon which the democracy must stand. No social media platform in the modern day agora may even seem the semblance of exemption from rigour of discipline of laws of the land. None may presume to treat the Indian marketplace as a mere playground where information can be disseminated in defiance of statute or disregard to legality, and later adopting a posture of detachment or a hands off...The content on social media needs to be regulated and its regulation is a must, more so in cases of offences against women in particular failing which right to dignity as ordained in the Constitution gets railroaded, LiveLaw quoted the judge as saying. Also Read | Musks X Corp wins spat with former employees over arbitration fees The court observed that the X Corp follows the takedown orders in the United States of America, the birthplace and footland of X as it criminalises its violation. But the same petitioner refuses to follow the same on the shores of this nation of a similar takedown orders which are founded upon illegality. This is sans countenance. The petition for all the aforesaid reasons lacking in merit stands rejected, Justice Nagaprasanna said. (Bloomberg) -- Stellantis NV will temporarily halt production at some of its plants in Europe, amid lagging demand for models including the Alfa Romeo Tonale sport utility vehicle. The automaker will pause production of Tonale and Fiat Panda vehicles in Pomigliano, Italy from Sept. 29, the company said Tuesday after a meeting with local labor union representatives. Separately, Stellantis confirmed the halt of its Poissy plant near Paris from Oct. 13 to Oct. 31. It makes Opel and DS cars at the French site. Stellantis is adapting the rhythm of production in some of its plants in Europe, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. It aims to adjust the production pace to a challenging market in Europe while managing inventories as efficiently as possible before the end of the year. Other factories facing temporary production halts include Tychy in Poland, Eisenach in Germany and two plants in Spain, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on production halts outside of Italy and France. Les Echos previously reported on the temporary closures. Like its rivals, Stellantis is contending with excess capacity in Europe, where Chinese manufacturers led by BYD Co. are expanding with competitively priced cars. The group, which owns brands such as Jeep and Dodge, must also halt a sales slide in the key US market, where President Donald Trumps tariffs are raising costs and disrupting supply chains. Late last year, the company presented an ambitious production plan for Italy, adding to pressure on new Chief Executive Officer Antonio Filosa to make good on those pledges at a troubled time for the industry. Filosa, who recently called for urgent European Union action to rescue the regions car industry, is due to present a new business plan in the first quarter next year. (Updates with other plants affected in the fourth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The Ministry of Labour and Employment has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the quick commerce company Zepto on Wednesday with an aim to enhance employment opportunities as well as youth employability on the National Career Service (NCS) portal, an official release said. The initial pact was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on September 24, 2025. Key highlights of the pact Under this agreement, Zepto will add 10,000 job postings on the NCS portal. These positions will create a predictable and structured pipeline of urban employment opportunities for youth, women, and first-time job seekers, according to the release. The collaboration between the Ministry and Zepto is expected to open a new window of opportunity for young people, while also allowing Zepto to connect with a suitable talent pool of human resources. Commenting on the developing, Zepto co-founder Kaivalya Vohra said, "By connecting with NCS, we aim to provide thousands of gig and full-time opportunities, helping to empower Indias youth and contribute to the nations economic growth." Ministry's push to strengthen employment in India This new partnership is part of a larger initiative by the government to strengthen employment opportunities for the youth. Over the past year, the NCS portal has expanded its reach by signing similar MoUs with major organisations like Amazon, Swiggy, Rapido and Quikr Jobs. These collaborations have already added nearly five lakh vacancies on the portal. According to Mandaviya, the NCS platform has become a unique bridge between employers and job-seekers, with over 52 lakh registered employers and nearly 7.5 crore vacancies posted since its launch. The platform has positioned itself as a one-stop solution for a range of employment-related services, including job-matching, career counselling and skill development facilities, among others, as noted by Vandana Gurnani, secretary at the Labour and Employment Ministry. Rajendra Lodha, ex-director of Lodha Developers, faces allegations of fraud and unauthorised land transactions by misusing his position to defraud the company of 85 crore. He was arrested and his custody was extended by a court until September 29 as police seek further investigation, reported PTI. Amid the ongoing investigations over the former director, here are key details about Rajendra Lodha Who is Rajendra Lodha? Rajendra Lodha served as a director of Lodha Developers Ltd from September 2013 until his resignation on 18 August 2025. He stepped down after an ethics committee review of his conduct, an official told the news agency. Rajendra Lodha pursued a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from MBM Engineering College at the University of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He began his career with Lodha and has over three decades of experience across all aspects of real estate development, according to Lodha Developers' annual report for the financial year 2023-24. Also Read | Former Lodha Developers director Rajendra Lodha arrested for 85 crore fraud What is Rajendra Lodha accused of? The 59-year-old former director of Lodha Developers was arrested on 17 September by the crime branch of the Mumbai police. He faces allegations of colluding with others to sell company land and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) at less rates, resulting in loss of nearly 85 crore to Lodha Developers. Police said that Lodha allegedly received several million rupees in cash from land transactions over the past 12-15 years, based on witness statements from the accused's personal assistant, manager, and business developers. Additionally, the accused's driver confirmed that he carried large bags of cash for him, PTI reported. An employee claimed that Rajendra Lodha unlawfully sold a land plot designated for a school or college to a company owned by his son, Sahil Lodha, according to investigators who presented this to the court. CCTV footage from Lodha's building revealed his brother, Deepak Lodha, leaving with three bags on the night of his arrest, which police suspected indicated evidence disposal. Also Read | Lodha vs Lodha: Real estate brothers settle trademark dispute A forensic audit of financial transactions was necessary, particularly concerning the transfer of over 49.22 crore to his son's bank account. After considering the prosecution's arguments, the court extended Lodha's police custody until September 29. The complaint was filed by Monil Dhanji Gala, the Liaison head at Lodha Developers. Lodha is charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal breach of trust and cheating. Police said that Lodha was only authorised to acquire land, not sell it. However, he is accused of collaborating with his son, Sahil Lodha and others to unlawfully sell company assets. Chinese Premier Li Qiang framed the decision as coming from a responsible major developing country," underscoring that Beijing continues to claim the status of a developing nation. China said Tuesday it will no longer seek new special treatment for developing countries in current and future World Trade Organization negotiations, signaling a possible effort to ease a longstanding friction point with the U.S. ahead of a planned summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, announced the shift at a meeting on Chinas Global Development Initiative, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency. The move drew praise from WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who wrote on X that this is a culmination of many years of hard work" and applauded Chinas leadership. Still, Li framed the decision as coming from a responsible major developing country," underscoring that Beijing continues to claim the status of a developing nationa position that has long frustrated Washington. While Chinas economy is the worlds second largest after the U.S., its per capita income remains closer to that of countries such as Thailand and Mexico, with wealthy metropolises offset by vast poorer regions. Lis remarks came just days after Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Trump agreed in a phone call to meet in South Korea this fall. President Trump later said the two countries had approved a deal allowing Chinese-made short-video app TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. and that Xi would visit Washington next year following his own trip to China. Analysts say the recent gestures point to easing trade tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Chinas vow to forgo further special treatment could also inject momentum for long-stalled WTO reforms. Developing-nation status is currently self-declared and grants benefits such as longer timelines for implementing agreements and higher allowable tariffs. Chinas claim of such status has long been criticized by the U.S. government as a way to gain unfair advantages, with Washington arguing there could be no meaningful WTO reforms until large economies including China relinquish their claims to special status. The United States has never accepted Chinas claim to developing-country status, and virtually every current economic indicator belies Chinas claim," President Trump said in a 2019 memorandum on reforming developing-country status in WTO. Write to Singapore Editors at singaporeeditors@dowjones.com Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday launched a frontal attack on the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing it of orchestrating vote chori and communal polarisation. Kharge asserted that the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections would mark the beginning of end of the Narendra Modi government's "corrupt rule. Speaking at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna, Kharge also made an apparent reference to US President Donald Trump's recent statements and actions while taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our problems at the international level are the result of diplomatic failure of Narendra Modi and his government. The very friends whom the prime minister boasts about as my friends are today putting India in numerous troubles, Kharge said in his opening remarks at the CWC that began in Patna in the morning. It is an extended CWC meeting, with permanent and special invitees, the party's chief ministers, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders are participating. Today, when our voter list is being officially tampered with, it is essential that we hold our extended CWC meeting in Bihar, the mother of democracy, and reaffirm our pledge to protect this country's democracy and Constitution, the Congress chief said. Questions about fairness of Election Commission Kharge asserted that the foundation of democracy is fair and transparent elections and said serious questions are being raised today about the fairness and transparency of the Election Commission itself. Instead of answering questions on the revelations from various states, the EC is demanding affidavits from us, Kharge said. Following the example of Bihar, a conspiracy is now being hatched across the country to remove the votes of millions of people, the Congress president said, referring to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Vote theft means theft of rations, pensions, medicine, children's scholarships, and exam fees belonging to Dalits, tribals, backward classes, extremely backward classes, minorities, the weak, and the poor, he said. Also Read | Rahul, Kharge to attend Congress Working Committee meeting in Patna on Sep 24 The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' raised awareness among the people of Bihar, and they openly came out in support of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress chief said. Today, our country is grappling with many problems. These problems include economic slowdown, unemployment, social polarisation, and the targeting and weakening of autonomous constitutional institutions, Kharge said. Led by Rahul Gandhi, the Voter Adhikar Rally in poll-bound Bihar was held last month after the Congress leader's allegation of vote chori against the Election Commission and the BJP. The Mahagathbandhan leaders includling RJD's Tejaswi Yadav also accompanied Rahul in the rally in poll-bound state. The rally that culiminated on 1 September covered 1,300-km and passed through 110 assembly constituencies covering 25 of the 38 districts ahead of the upcoming state elections. Congress had been seeking GST reforms The promise of 2 crore jobs remains unfulfilled. Youths are wandering without employment. Demonetisation and a flawed GST have derailed the economy. After eight years, the prime minister realised his mistake. Now, the same reforms have been introduced in GST that the Congress party had been demanding from day one, Kharge said. The 2025 Assembly elections will prove to be a milestone not only for Bihar but for the entire country, Kharge said. "This will mark the beginning of the countdown and the end of the corrupt rule of the Modi government, Kharge said. The Congress' top brass met here on Wednesday, for the party's first working committee meeting in Bihar in the post-Independence era, to deliberate on the assembly polls strategy and ramp up its attack against the BJP over alleged "vote chori". Ahead of the meeting, Kharge unfurled the party flag at the Congress' state headquarters here. Top Congress leaders, including Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, treasurer Ajay Maken, general secretaries KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Sachin Pilot, Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar, among others, participated in the meeting. The Assembly polls in the state are likely to be held in November. The bypolls to the four Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu & Kashmir will be held on October 24, the Election Commission announced on Wednesday. The voting and counting will be held on the same day, the poll panel said. The bypoll to one Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab will also be held on October 24, according to the schedule released by the poll panel. The seat in Punjab was vacant after the resignation of Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjeev Arora in July. Arora is now a minister in the Punjab government. View full Image The voting and counting will be be held on the same day, the poll panel said For the four Upper House seats from Jammu and Kashmir, the notification will be announced on October 6. The last date for filing the nomination would be October 13 while the nominations can be withdrawn by October 16. Also Read | AAP leader Mehraj Malik is first MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K The terms of Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Nazir Ahmad Laway, and Fayaz Ahmad Mir the four Rajya Sabha MPs had ended in February 2021. Last Rajya Sabha polls for J-K held in February 2015 The elections for these seats could not be conducted earlier as Jammu and Kashmir was under President's rule until October 2024. Now that the Union Territory has an elected assembly, the poll panel announced the dates for the Rajya Sabha polls. The last Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir were held in February 2015, when the BJP-PDP alliance won three seats and the NC-Congress alliance bagged one. The ruling national conference has been raising the issue of vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi [India], September 24 (ANI): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the 71st National Film Awards in various categories in New Delhi on Tuesday. The President also conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023 on the South superstar Mohanlal. While addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the President congratulated all the award winners, as well as Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She said that Mohanlal has effortlessly portrayed the softest of the soft and the harshest of the harsh emotions, creating an image of the Complete Actor. The President emphasised that the cinema is not just an industry; it is also a powerful medium for raising awareness in society and the nation and making citizens more sensitive. She said that popularity may be a good thing for a film, but being in the public interest, especially for the younger generation, is even better. She urged all those associated with the film industry to make efforts to ensure that Indian films get greater acceptance, their popularity increases, and they get recognition at the global level. The President also expressed her happiness at the production of women-centric films and their success. She noted that the films awarded today include stories of mothers shaping the morals of their children, women uniting to confront social stereotypes, the plight of women amidst the complexities of home, family, and social order, and stories of courageous women who raise their voices against the inequalities of patriarchy. She appreciated such sensitive filmmakers in her speech. In her speech, President Murmu said that the world's largest film industry represents the world's largest democracy and most diverse society through its most influential and popular art form. She was happy to note that everyone associated with cinema has an Indian consciousness, an Indian sensibility that connects all local contexts. Politician Raghav Chadha shared a witty and heartfelt social media post for his wife, Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, for their second wedding anniversary on Wednesday, September 24. The soon-to-be parents are enjoying their anniversary and babymoon in Paris. Here's what Raghav Chadha posted: Raghav Chadha shared three pictures in the post, saying that Wife refuses to let husband love anything more than her. In the first picture, Raghav is seen wearing a t-shirt that has I love Pari written on it. Parineeti is seen keeping her hands on Raghav's t-shirt, seemingly hiding something. In the second image, Raghav spreads his hands, while Parineeti keeps her hand on the t-shirt. However, the t-shirt is revealed only in the third image, which shows I love Paris written on it. Breaking: Wife refuses to let husband love anything more than her, even cities, Raghav Chadha wrote. He also said that she is the one who makes every place feel like home. Happy Anniversary to the girl who makes every place feel like home, he said. Both Raghav and Parineeti shared the pictures with different captions. Parineeti jokingly wrote: As a wife, it was my duty to fix the mistake. Happy anniversary my Ragaii! The love of my life, my pagluu friend, my calm and composed husband - cant wait to do the rest of my life with you, she added. Also Read | Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announces pregnancy Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha are expecting their first child Late in August, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha announced that they are going to be parents soon. The couple shared a picture of a cake on Instagram, which read "1 1=3". The caption to their post read, Our little universe...on its way. Blessed beyond measure. The couple got married in 2023 in a ceremony in Udaipur. On the work front Parineeti Chopra was last seen in the 2024 Imtiaz Ali film Amar Singh Chamkila alongside Diljit Dosanjh. She is currently working on an upcoming Netflix show opposite Tahir Raj Bhasin, directed by Renzil D'Silva. Bollywood star Alia Bhatt seemed a little out of her element at the Milan Fashion Week, and the netizens couldn't help but notice the lack of originality in her Gucci black ensemble. Alia Bhatt's Milan Fashion Week look In her latest Instagram post, Alia Bhatt posted a series of pictures and videos from Milan fashion week and shared that she was wearing La Famiglia, a piece from fashion designer Demna's special collectionfor The Tiger premiere. In @demnas special collection, La Famiglia for The Tiger premiere, she wrote. Alia wore a black, oversized fur coat with full sleeves and a calf-length. The wrap-style coat was tied at the waist with a gold Gucci chain. The front slit of the coat revealed her black Gucci monogram sheer stockings. Underneath, Alia paired the look with a satin mini dress with a plunging neckline, lace accents and a fitted silhouette. Here's what netizens said: Netizens were very disappointed by Alia Bhatt's Milan Fashion Week look, sparking a heated debate online. Several social media users accused her of trying to copy the style of other celebrities, especially that of Deepika Padukone. She has consistently underdelivered on the global stage. Thats because there is no originality in her style. Its always borrowed from someone else, a user said. She's always giving imposter syndrome vibes, like she can't believe she made it and is mildly worried that someone is going to call her out on it. The other ladies of her generation bring their own vibes to the event and seem to own their success, another added. Netizens troll Alia Bhatt Another user said, She is trying to look like someone she is not. A netizen said, Alia has the potential to inspire small-statured girls if she carried herself with pride, instead of attempting to look taller or copy others. She has a major complex. She should own it like Rani (Mukerji) does, added another. Netizens troll Alia Bhatt Mix of Jon Snow and Deepika, a user joked.I think she got that complex from Deepika, commented one user. Is she cosplaying Deepika? Jokes apart, I have never seen someone as auraless as her, another chimed in. Shes trying to be Deepika so hard, said a user. Netizens troll Alia Bhatt Several users also claimed that Alia's stylist hates her. She is drowning in the outfit and her makeup artist hates her. Whoever is styling her isn't doing a good job at all. And styling has got nothing to do with height. Just look at Selena, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter, a user highlighted. New Delhi, Sep 24 (PTI) With lower GST rates taking effect, fast-moving consumer goods players face challenges in setting reduced prices for their products in round figures, but expect the magical price points to be restored within two months. The FMCG companies have reduced the magical price points, such as 2, 5, and 10, of their product packs that were part of the sachet economy and popular among middle-class and rural consumers for various household and food items like biscuits, candy, and spices. Now, a small pack of Parle G biscuits, which previously cost 5, now costs 4.5, and a shampoo pouch that was priced at 2 has been reduced to 1.75. Due to time constraints for reprinting new packages, companies have launched product packs with reduced price tags to pass on the benefits of lower tax rates to customers, effective immediately. According to industry leaders and experts, companies have no other option but to adopt 'non-standard' prices as they did not have sufficient time to increase grammage quickly, which requires changes in the factory mould. As a stopgap measure, they have reduced the MRP of the popular price packs to comply with government directives. The new two-slab GST (Goods and Services Tax) structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, which has become effective from September 22, has replaced the earlier four-rate duty regime, following the GST Council's sweeping reform aimed at boosting consumption across the country. This led to price cuts for most commonly used items, ranging from food, toiletries and cosmetics to white goods such as TVs and air conditioners. "Yeah, it's a 100 per cent temporary phenomenon. Normally, whenever you talk about a changeover or anything like this, the lead time for any changeover in terms of any difference in pack weight and stuff like that takes about, you know, one and a half to two months. Companies normally work with a one-and-a-half to two-month lead time," Parle Products Vice President Mayank Shah told PTI. Currently, a packet of Parle G biscuits, which previously cost 5, is now selling at 4.45, after the GST benefits are applied. "So today, as we talk, my wrapper for October and November is printed. Now it is difficult for me to go out and make any change in weight and keep the MRP constant. So obviously, we are passing it back through non-standard price points," said Shah. Asked about the difficulties faced by customers while making small payments, he said the buyers have options to purchase in multiples or pay through UPI. Abneesh Roy from Nuvama Institutional Equities said these are "short-term measures" by the FMCG companies. "Ultimately, companies will increase volumes and come back to coinage of 2, 5 and 10 rupee, etc, because clearly 4.5 or 4.6 is not practical," he said. Companies will come back with the magical price points, offering more volumes. These magical price points are crucial as they contribute to the company's volume growth. "So, we remain positive. We do not see this as a fresh trend. This is just a small aberration because of limited time lines for GST execution, as only two weeks' time was available. Ultimately, companies will course-correct and come back to 5, 10, 20 rupees with extra gramage," said Roy. Dabur CEO Mohit Malhotra said his company has also adjusted the prices of its packs. Bogota (Colombia), Sep 25 (AP) Seven Indigenous groups in Ecuador's Amazon have denounced a government plan to offer dozens of blocks of land for oil exploration, saying it threatens their ancestral lands and violates constitutional protections. The criticism targets a plan from the Ministry of Energy and Mines in August to auction the rights for 49 oil and gas projects worth more than USD 47 billion. Officials say the "hydrocarbon roadmap" is a strategy to modernise Ecuador's oil industry, attract foreign capital and boost production. Their plan includes contract renegotiations and new licensing rounds that the government says comply with existing legal frameworks. Indigenous groups say 18 of the proposed oil blocks overlap their territories an area roughly the size of Belgium. Leaders from the Andwa, Shuar, Achuar, Kichwa, Sapara, Shiwiar and Waorani peoples say their communities were not consulted and accuse the government of ignoring court rulings that struck down earlier consultations as unconstitutional. "The government is pushing ahead with plans to auction 18 oil blocks in our ancestral territories without free, prior and informed consent. That is a constitutional and international right the state is violating," said Nemo Guiquita, a Waorani leader with the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Several recent moves by President Daniel Noboa have alarmed environmentalists and Indigenous leaders who say the country's green reputation is unravelling. Noboa's administration has moved to scrap Ecuador's independent Environment Ministry. He also supported a law passed by the National Assembly that lets private and foreign entities co-manage conservation zones that critics say weakens protections and threatens Indigenous land rights. "There have been protests, lawsuits and companies forced to withdraw in the past, but now they are once again offering up Amazon oil fields," Guiquita said. "We are resisting, and we call on the international community to oppose this expansion and help protect the Amazon and our rights." Ecuador's Ministry of Energy and Mines did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press. The government has maintained that a 2012 consultation remains valid and that the hydrocarbon plan follows existing regulations. The Noboa government has already opened new licensing rounds. In April 2025, international firms submitted bids for four oil blocks, and the government said it planned further auctions in Amazon and sub-Andean regions in late 2025 and 2026. "The Amazon is not for sale. We will defend our territories because we have not been consulted this is our home," said Nadino Calapucha, a Kichwa leader. The dispute comes amid a state of emergency and a national strike over fuel prices, extractive projects and the government's failure to honour a referendum limiting drilling in Yasuni National Park. On Tuesday, farmers, Indigenous groups and transport unions clashed with police outside the town of Tabacundo as nationwide protests entered a second day. "Ecuador already showed its will in the Yasuni referendum, when 59 per cent voted to keep oil in the ground. Yet the government insists on imposing extraction, violating our rights," Calapucha said. Oil is Ecuador's top export, accounting for about a third of government revenue in some years. The country produces around 480,000 barrels per day, though output has declined over the past decade. Successive governments have tried to lure foreign capital into the Amazon, but projects have often stalled amid legal battles and Indigenous resistance. Noboa, who took office in late 2023, has staked much of his fiscal plan on boosting resource revenues to stabilise public finances. His administration is also promoting mining investment, drawing fire from Indigenous leaders who say he is ignoring constitutional guarantees of free, prior and informed consent. "Ecuador's plans to auction new oil blocks in the Amazon are doomed to fail," Kevin Koenig, Amazon Watch's director for climate, energy and extraction industry said. "Indigenous resistance, civil society mobilisation, and growing international pressure will continue to expose these projects as illegitimate, unlawful, and unfinanceable." In the days leading up to his announcement of a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick summoned to the White House a group of President Trumps allies from anti-immigration groups to sell them on his idea. Lutnick, who is personally close to Trump, had for months been working on a different pet project: a gold card" that would provide a path to citizenship to wealthy foreigners willing to pay $1 million. That idea had been proving unpopular with anti-immigrant groups typically aligned with the Trump administration, who viewed it as a pay-for-play scheme. Lutnick, according to people familiar with the meeting, told them it would reduce immigration overall and brought up another idea: a new, huge fee for the H-1B visa program, a top target of advocates for stricter immigration laws and a popular tool for tech workers. Several attendees perceived it as a fig leaf to help win their support, those people said. The tacked-on proposal ignited a firestorm across corporate America on Friday, when Lutnick, alongside the president, announced it from the Oval Office. Senior officials at companies who depend on the H-1B visa most heavily, including several Silicon Valley tech giants, said they hadnt been informed of the coming change. The announcement set off a 24-hour scramble of tech workers trying to return home, lawyers peppering administration officials with clarification questions, and executives trying to figure out how expensive the change would be. The ordeal also laid bare how the administration is trying to overhaul the immigration system without alienating key parts of the presidents coalition. You have a political base that really wants to stick it to the big tech companies. Meanwhile, you have their CEOs writing checks and coming in and out of the Oval Office who are trying to prevent that," said Nu Wexler, a public-affairs consultant who previously worked at tech companies including Google. That central tension keeps coming up in this administration." The tension between Trumps desire to boost the tech industry while cracking down on immigration started even before inauguration. In December, the conservative activist Laura Loomer called Trumps appointment of a top policy adviser on artificial intelligence who had supported removing country caps for green cards deeply disturbing." The conservative activist Laura Loomer attended the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona on Sunday. In the meeting with immigration hard-liners, Lutnick said the new fee on the H-1B visa would be annualwhich he stressed standing next to the president during a press conference Friday. The White House later walked that back, saying the new fee would only apply one time to new applicants. Lutnick also told meeting attendees that the administration would discuss suspending" all other green card categories so the gold card path would represent the only way to immigrate permanently. But attendees left unimpressed with his pitch. At one point, one of the attendees flagged that Lutnicks approach could cut off green cards for spouses of U.S. citizens. Lutnick responded, Good point," and made a note, the people said. An official close to Lutnick said he has been talking to tech executives, anti-immigration groups and others about the gold card, H-1B and other programs to understand the topic and get companies to hire more American workers for well-paying jobs. Steve Bannon, an advocate of stricter immigration laws who was a top adviser to Trump in his first administration, criticized Lutnick for the confusing rollout of the H-1B fees. These are not tiny details in the document," Bannon said on his podcast, War Room," adding that the secretary gave not just erroneous information, patently false information." Kush Desai, a White House spokesman, defended Lutnicks approach. His immense private-sector success makes him an invaluable asset to communicate the presidents priorities and policies to industry and other stakeholder groups," Desai said. Lutnick is taking a larger role in immigration policy than other commerce secretaries given his relationship to tech executives and the revenue-raising potential of the visa programs he is promoting. The H-1B fees overshadowed a different regulation that would supplant the random visa lottery with a process that would give preference to people with higher-paying job offers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which oversees the visa program, released a proposed version of that policy Tuesday, though its effects would be minor compared with the $100,000 fee. Trump on Friday rolled out a gold card for those willing to pay $1 million to secure U.S. residency. Even after the White House said it is a one-time payment, Lutnick has continued to support the fees being an annual payment, and administration officials are discussing that option, a person familiar with the matter said. Executives at big tech companies and industry trade groups said their lawyers and lobbyists were unsure whom to call for clarification on the policy, and they began peppering contacts at the Commerce Department, the National Economic Council, Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Office of Science and Technology Policy with questions. OSTP officials who work on tech policy and officials close to the AI czar, David Sacks, werent involved in the change, people familiar with the process said. One trade group executive heard from dozens of companies throughout the weekend, a pace the executive described as more than at any other point in Trumps second term, including April, when he introduced wide-ranging tariffs. The panicked texts continued Saturday until the White House clarified matters in the afternoon, blaming the confusion on lawyers and others with agendas." Even though the immediate storm has calmed, many workers are worried about further challenges to high-skilled immigration if it can be used as a bargaining chip. Trump received a custom piece of glass with a gold base from Apple CEO Tim Cook last month. Ive seen better organized riots," said Rep. Sam Liccardo (D., Calif.), who represents Silicon Valley. Liccardos phone was lighting up Friday and Saturday, with anxious executives at small tech companies worried about how the changes would affect them. No amount of gold trinkets can change the volume of grumbling Im hearing from Silicon Valley," Liccardo said, referring to Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, who gave Trump a custom piece of glass on a 24-karat gold base last month. Write to Michelle Hackman at michelle.hackman@wsj.com, Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com and Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com Kim Jong Un, seizing on his closer ties with Russia, has recently begun signaling a major policy shift: beefing up North Koreas outdated conventional arms alongside its nuclear arsenal. The strategic pivot faces tall odds for the impoverished country, whose massive conventional military largely relies on Soviet-era equipment. But Kim sees a rare opportunityand needto upgrade his battle tanks, rifles, air-defense systems, battleships and more with Russian assistance. Kims new policy proclamation was delivered during a recent inspection of a North Korean institute specializing in armored vehicles. He declared an intention to adopt a policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces" at the next major meeting of his Workers Party, expected early next year. In a lengthy policy speech on Sunday, Kim emphasized the need to improve the combat performance of North Koreas conventional military hardware and strengthen the countrys naval forces. These constitute a transformation of great significance," Kim said. The shift in priorities, South Korean officials said last week, may be influenced by the lessons Kim took from dispatching roughly 15,000 North Korean troops to Russias Kursk region to fight Ukraine. There, soldiers needed the sort of military hardware that North Korea has largely neglected over the decades as it has gone all-in on nuclear technology. People respond to a Russian aerial attack on Kyiv. Pyongyang has aided Moscow in its war on Ukraine by sending troops and selling it weapons. Being able to diversify North Koreas military priorities speaks to a twin reality for Kim, the 41-year-old dictator. On one hand, the move demonstrates North Koreas confidence that the countrys nuclear advances cant be reversedand the cash-strapped nation can focus on other things. On the other, Kims nuclear program has deterred a foreign attack, though should a conflict emerge, his nations conventional forces would be greatly outmatched against the U.S. and South Korea. North Korea made the judgment that nuclear forces alone have limitations as a deterrent," said Hong Min, a senior North Korea researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-affiliated think tank in Seoul. Closing the gap wont be easy for Pyongyang. U.S. and South Korean forces occupy the first and fifth spots, respectively, in conventional military power, according to Global Firepower, a website publishing annual rankings of military strength across dozens of factors. North Korea ranks 34th. A dramatic transformation Until now, Kim believed his nuclear forceswhich he calls a treasured sword" protecting the countryoffered the ultimate protection. But wars involving nuclear powers such as Russia have likely shown him the first line of attack would be conventional forces. North Koreas limitations in funding its military in a war and its overwhelmingly inferior" naval and air-force capabilities have been a weakness Kim hasnt been able to address, said Jeon Kyung-joo, a security researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, or KIDA, a state-funded think tank. But this is where Kims tightening bonds with Russian President Vladimir Putin can help. Without Russia, North Korea would be isolated, struggling to find key materials or parts; the countrys weapons factories would have far fewer reasons to churn around the clock. In April, KIDA estimated that the Kim regime generated economic benefits from dispatched troops and weapons exports to Russia equivalent to roughly $20 billion since the start of the Ukraine wara sum that rivals North Koreas annual gross domestic product. Pyongyangs cooperation with Moscow has led to significant growth in manufacturing, construction and mining, officials in Seoul say. Kim visiting a missile production line, in an undated picture released by North Koreas state news agency. North Koreas conventional capabilities could transform dramatically depending on Russian assistance," Jeon said. The U.S. and South Korea could face an increasingly difficult and long fight in a war scenario." The Kim regime has one of the most militarized economies in the world, spending roughly a third of its gross national income on defense, according to South Korean estimates. Since last fall, North Korean troops have helped Russia push Ukrainian forces back in the Kursk regionwith Kim repeatedly imploring his military to prepare for a real war" over the past year. In addition, Pyongyang is supplying roughly half of the artillery munitions Russia is using against Ukraine, Kyiv intelligence officials said earlier this year. In return, North Korea has received cash, technology transfers, food and oil. Russias need for munitions and troops in its war against Ukraine has opened the door for North Korea to receive technical capabilities and financial assistance that will revitalize Pyongyangs defense industry, said Nicholas Eberstadt, a political economist at the Washington, D.C.-based American Enterprise Institute who researches North Korea. With Russian help, North Korea is now more confident in its defense capabilities and sources of revenue," Eberstadt said. New upgrades A major push to improve tanks, rifles and air defenses is likely to be codified by early next year. During a prior party gathering in 2021, Kim outlined a five-year weapons plan that contained strikingly different priorities: intercontinental ballistic missiles that fly farther, miniaturized nuclear warheads and a nuclear-powered submarine, among other large-scale weaponry. In April, North Korea unveiled its largest-ever warship as part of Kims attempts to modernize his decades-old navy. A second warship capsized in May during a risky side launch" maneuver, but Kim said the restored ship would undergo testing next year. South Korean officials said the two warships were built in just a year, a rapid development to Pyongyangs naval forces that was likely possible due to Russian help, analysts say. Observing the aerial attacks and drone warfare in the Ukraine war, Kim has accelerated efforts to produce drones and earlier this year inspected new reconnaissance and suicide drones. Last week, Kim oversaw a performance test of attack drones, stressing that AI capabilities should be a priority for his armed forces. Moscow is providing Pyongyang with drone technology, training its drone pilots and helping set up local production lines, Ukrainian intelligence officials have said. The biggest vulnerability North Korea faces against the U.S. and South Korea is air defense, for which Russia has already provided equipment along with antiaircraft missiles, according to a May report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team. Last month, Kim oversaw the test-firing of new air-defense missiles, though it is unclear if they involved Russian technology. To be sure, North Korea isnt likely to halt or abandon its nuclear program either. Earlier this month, Pyongyang tested a new rocket engine for nuclear-capable weapons, which military experts see as an introductory step ahead of unveiling its yet-to-be-seen Hwasong-20" ICBM. Write to Dasl Yoon at dasl.yoon@wsj.com Many H-1B workers rushed to make it onto Saturdays Air India Flight 179 from Mumbai to San Francisco, in hopes of getting back to the U.S. before the $100,000 re-entry fee took effect. When President Trump announced changes to the H-1B visa program Friday, it was the middle of the night in India and most of the eventual passengers of Air India Flight 179 were asleep. For many of them, the next day and a half would be a chaotic race around the worldand against the clock. The administration said Friday evening that it planned to add a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicationswidely used by the tech industry and the primary pathway for foreign professionals to enter the countrybeginning at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday. Trump appeared with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick when announcing the move in the Oval Office. When asked if the policy would apply to existing visa holders, Lutnick appeared to say yes. For foreign technology workers who had traveled to India, the first emails and texts from friends landed in the middle of the night. Some awoke to a flood of text messages and calls and had few options that would get them on the ground in the U.S. ahead of the deadline. Then, just after midnight ET Saturday morning, Google sent an email to its H-1B workers saying that the initial advice" the company had received was that, starting Sunday, it would cost $100,000 for workers to re-enter the U.S. Workers who received it said its message was unequivocal: Get home now, before the proclamation takes effect." Other technology giants, including Amazon and Microsoft, sent similar directives. Air India Flight 179 on Sept. 20 was one of the ways back. It left Mumbai at 1:25 p.m. and was scheduled to land in San Francisco at 8:25 p.m. local time. But seats went fast. Online trolls on the message board 4chan encouraged each other to disrupt Indian H-1B workers efforts to book seats by finding flights from Indian cities like Mumbai to San Francisco and sitting on bookings as long as possible to clog reservation systems. Finding a way out The woman who would eventually occupy seat 22D on the flight received a call from a friend at 6:30 a.m. local time telling her to get back to the U.S. Many people on the flight declined to give their names because of concerns about online harassment. The woman, a Bay Area technology worker who has lived in the U.S. since 2021, had traveled to Pune, a city about three hours from Mumbai, days earlier to attend a funeral for her fiances father. She had planned to stay for two weeks. Ninety minutes after her friend called, she was in a cab on a three-hour drive to the airport with her passport and without half of the clothes she had packed for the trip. She asked her sister in Mumbai to print a few documents she might need at immigrationa letter of employment and pay stubsand to meet her at the airport. Some travelers say they left children and family members behind with hasty goodbyes; others rushed to fly back to avoid being separated from family in the U.S. if they were unable to re-enter the country. Air India Flight 179 was a gamble, at best. It was a 19-hour journey from Mumbai to San Francisco with a two-hour refueling stop in Kolkata. The White Houses proclamation didnt say how immigration officials would enforce the 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday deadline, but by the time the flight was due to arrive in San Francisco, travelers would have just over half an hour to get off the plane and through customs. As passengers waited in Mumbai to board, some said they checked the flights record of on-time arrivals: It frequently arrived after 9 p.m. What if they got in too late? There was no public Wi-Fi available in the air, which meant the passengers lucky enough to get a ticket would be in the dark on any immigration policy updates while in transit. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport was filled with workers trying to get back to the U.S., some of the people there said. A crowd gathered around Gate 66, included some who had just arrived from San Francisco and were turning around to fly back, the passenger who occupied seat 12B said. When a passenger called out H-1Bs, raise your hands," about 20 people put up their hands, he said. Switching seats Two hours after takeoff, the plane landed in Kolkata for a final refueling before its trans-Pacific flight. More than 125 passengers with H-1B visas aboard formed a WhatsApp group to share information. During the refueling, the person in 12B said he and another passenger explained their situation to the airplanes captain, and asked if there was any way to speed up the plane. The pilot said he couldnt control gate assignment or traffic conditions, but that he thought he could cut 10 to 15 minutes off the time and would give an update as they approached San Francisco, the person in 12B said. An Air India spokeswoman said the flight operated on schedule with no expedited landing or any special facilitation." At 6:10 p.m. local time, Air India Flight 179 completed refueling and took off for San Francisco. While they were in the air, the first news reports surfaced in the U.S. saying that current H-1B holders wouldnt be subject to the $100,000 fee. The White House later confirmed that with a post on X. The passengers on board didnt need to meet the deadline after all, but they wouldnt know for hours. Many spent the flight thinking of new ways to beat the clock. Passengers onboard said that during the flight, they organized to have people in economy class with H-1B visas move to the front of the plane an hour before landing, swapping seats with business class passengers with the goal of helping them reach customs faster. Before landing, the captain asked passengers who werent in a hurry to stay in their seats, so the H-1B travelers could make a dash for immigration, people on board recalled. The flight landed in San Francisco at 7:59 p.m. local time. When cellphone service returned for those on board, many found messages from loved ones saying the new $100,000 fee wouldnt impact them after all. The woman from seat 22D sat in her seat crying while waiting to deplane. By 8:15 p.m. PT, the first passenger in the WhatsApp chat had cleared U.S. customs. All cleared," the person wrote in a message to the group that was viewed by The Wall Street Journal. No questions asked." Write to Robert McMillan at robert.mcmillan@wsj.com President Trump on Tuesday suggested Ukraine could win back all the territory it has lost to Russia, in an extraordinary shift after earlier suggesting Kyiv would have to cede parts of the country to achieve a peace deal. In a post on social media after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations, Trump said Moscows conduct of the war was aimless. After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," he said. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not? Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger." Trumps remarks offered the latest twist in his efforts to bring about an end to the war in Ukraine. Ukraine and key North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies have fretted for months over Trumps intentions and whether he will continue to embrace diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin or turn the screws on him. Write to Robbie Gramer at robbie.gramer@wsj.com National Harbor, Md. At the Air, Space & Cyber (AS&C) Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled updates on modernization efforts, from sixth-generation fighters to space surveillance satellites. This review is based on Pleronixs OSINT news alerts and reports, which are available to subscribers. To get Pleronix news alerts drop your email here: * Your Position Your Organization/Company If you are human, leave this field blank. The Air Force confirmed that Boeing has begun building the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, which is slated for its first flight in 2028. Designed to replace the F-22, the aircraft promises extended range, Mach 2-plus speeds, and advanced stealth, with a goal of acquiring at least 185 jets. Northrop Grummans B-21 Raider bomber expanded testing as a second prototype flew in September. Congress has added $4.5 billion in funding, although commanders have warned that the Air Force may need 145 aircraft to sustain operations in the Pacific. The Sentinel ICBM program, plagued by an 81% cost overrun, was restructured and capped at $141 billion, with fielding delayed until at least 2027. Meanwhile, the Next Generation Air-Refueling System remains undefined, with options ranging from conventional designs to stealth tankers. Unmanned systems are gaining traction. General Atomics flew its YFQ-42A Loyal Wingman in August, while Andurils Fury drone is scheduled to fly semi-autonomously by October. AI copilots from GE and Merlin Labs may soon ease workloads in tankers and transports. Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink warned of severe readiness shortfalls and stressed that Chinas rapid military innovation is the services pacing challenge. Other highlights included progress on directed energy weapons, the debut of Radias WindRunner strategic airlifter, and Space Forces new Future Operating Environment plan for the next 15 years. Subscribe to read the full report. Bank holiday today: It is the third day of Navratri celebrations today, on September 24. But is it also a bank holiday? The answer is no. Today is not a designated bank holiday. Notably, banks across India, including the State Bank of India (SBI), remain closed during holidays mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These holidays also comprise the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and all Sundays in the month. Thus, in this week, banks will next be closed during the weekend on September 27 and 28 (fourth Saturday and Sunday), according to the RBI rules. Full bank holiday schedule September 2025 September 18 (Thursday) All private and public banks will be closed in Shillong for observance of the Unitarian Anniversary Day which is kept in honour of the founding of the Unitarian Church in 1887. September 22 (Monday) All banks will be shut in Jaipur as the city will celebrate Navratra Sthapna, marking the beginning of Navratri celebrations among Hindus. September 23 (Tuesday) All public and private banks across will remain shut in Jammu and Srinagar in celebrations of the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last ruling monarch of Jammu & Kashmir. September 29 (Monday) It is a RBI mandated bank holiday for Agartala, Kolkata and Guwahati in observance of Maha Saptami, which is the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival, celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin. September 30 (Tuesday) Multiple cities, including Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Imphal, Jaipur, Kolkata, Patna and Ranchi will observe banks closure due to Maha Ashtami/Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu festival of Durga Puja and Navratri. Sunday holidays Across India on September 7, 14, 21, 28. Saturday holidays Pan-India on September 13, 27. What to do in emergencies when banks are closed? You can continue to use online or mobile banking services even on national holidays unless notified to users for technical or other reasons. For cash emergencies, ATMs are open for withdrawals, app and UPI function as usual. US President Donald Trump wants to curb rising autism diagnoses, and has turned his sights on a popular over-the-counter (OTC) painkillerTylenol. On 22 September, Trump, alongside US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, announced bold new actions to confront the nations autism spectrum disorder (ASD) epidemic". The administration has linked the use of Tylenol by pregnant women to an increased risk of autism in children, leading to widespread alarm and criticism globally. Medical and public health bodies have swiftly put out statements refuting the unfounded" claims. Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen or paracetamol. It is a non-opioid analgesic used to treat pain and fever, and is considered one of the safest drugs in the world if used in the correct dosage. It is also one of the few options available to pregnant women. It is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. It's commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby," the UKs NHS says on its website. Mint explains the controversy. Also Read | Trump's Fed appointee has some truly puzzling policy ideas What are Trumps claims about Tylenol? Trumps administration has claimed that acetaminophen use in pregnant women, especially late in pregnancy, may cause long-term neurological effects in their children. ASD cases have surged nearly 400% in the US since 2000, and now affect one in 31 American children. Trump on Monday advised pregnant women to fight like hell not to take it" and that doctors in the US would be advised not to prescribe Tylenol to pregnant women. The US FDA will initiate a safety label change for acetaminophen (Tylenol and similar products) and the HHS will launch a nationwide public service campaign to inform families, the administration said in a press note. Is there really a link between the drug and autism? The administration cited large-scale cohort studies, including the Nurses Health Study II and the Boston Birth Cohort, which found associations between in-utero exposure and later diagnoses of ASD and ADHD. It also cited research by the dean of Harvard Universitys Chan School of Public Health, which found a potential association. The author said that more research was needed to confirm the findings, but recommended caution while using the drug in a statement. Health secretary RFK Jr has previously made links between vaccines and autism which have been debunked by experts. What do experts say about Trump's claim? The response to the announcement was swift. Several leading bodies, including the World Health Organization, the UKs health regulator, MHRA, the European Medical Association, and health officials from Australia, Germany, and New Zealand, put out statements countering the claim. I trust doctors over President Trump," UK health secretary Wes Streeting told reporters. Health groups, such as the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), called the claims highly concerning" and irresponsible." Experts said there was no conclusive evidence for the claims and cited studies, including a 2024 Swedish study of 2.4 million births, which used sibling data and found no link between in-utero paracetamol exposure and subsequent autism, ADHD or intellectual disability. In fact, they cautioned that not treating high fevers in pregnant women can pose a risk to children. Other painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the foetus as well. Is there a history to the controversy? The issue goes back a few years to hundreds of lawsuits filed in 2022 against Tylenol marketer Kenvue, claiming links between Tylenol consumption during pregnancy and autism or ADHD. The suits were dismissed in 2023 after scientific evidence cited by the plaintiffs was deemed inadequate. However, attorneys are planning to appeal it and are hoping for a government push, according to the Wall Street Journal. In fact, lead attorney Ashley Keller told Reuters earlier this month that he planned to alert the appellate court if HHS follows through and does the right thing." What is the scenario in India? Paracetamol is sold as an OTC drug in India, under brand names like Dolo 650, Calpol and Crocin. The drug remains widely used, with Calpol (marketed by GSK) and Dolo (marketed by Micro Labs Ltd) clocking sales of 422 crore and 380 crore, respectively, as of August 2025 on a moving annual total basis. However, concerns over its dosage have persisted. Last year, the Centre banned 156 fixed-dose drug combinations, including some with paracetamol, deemed unsafe. However, standalone paracetamol is not banned, the Centre clarified last month. Bengaluru/New Delhi: The festive surge in online sales is being hampered by delivery delays, frustrating customers, potentially denting brand reputation and raising doubts about logistics firms preparedness to handle high volumes of e-commerce traffic. Mounting delivery partner attrition and under-staffed warehouses are responsible for the widespread delaysup to 7 days in many casesin e-commerce and quick commerce deliveries, as well as a backlog of unshipped orders, industry executives and analysts said. The situation underscores a critical choke point in the industrys supply chain that's unlikely to be resolved quickly, they added. The hold-up reflects a strain on the entire e-commerce ecosystem's capacity to meet the burgeoning volume of online deliveries during what is its most profitable season. Many orders fulfilled by major logistics firms like Blue Dart, Delhivery and Shiprocket are facing delays as long as 5-7 days in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, up from 1-2 days during non-festive season days. Shruti, a 35-year-old marketing professional in Bengaluru, has been waiting for her shipment of activewear clothing for the past six days. It was initially supposed to be delivered in two days. I got an email from the company saying there is an unexplained delay and the delivery date has now been moved to 1st October. The Blue Dart tracking link has not been updated yet." Ishwar, an avid e-commerce shopper, has reported similar delays for his smartphone order booked on Flipkart on day one of The Big Billion Days. The shipment has made little progress, prompting him to make multiple calls to customer support in the past two days. Many warehouses of large logistics firms in Delhi and Bengaluru show heaps of unshipped orders, especially as they deal with under-staffed pickers and packers. This situation couldn't have come at a worse time for e-commerce and logistics firms, when they aimed to prioritise quicker deliveries and build brand loyalty. Early insights from this years major sale events like Flipkarts Big Billion Days and Amazons Great Indian Festival already show sharp spikes compared to last year. For instance, smartphone sales volumes on 22 and 23 September surged nearly 40% compared to the first two days of sales last year, according to estimates from Datum Intelligence. Electronics like televisions and kitchen appliances surged more than 30% this year compared to the last, while fashion and beauty and personal care products grew 20%. Brands feel the heat The delivery crunch is creating ripple effects for smaller direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands that rely heavily on logistics networks to fulfill orders beyond their home markets. For young D2C founders, the delays have turned into a double-edged swordlost sales during a peak season and damaged customer trust. Logistics continues to be the bane of my business. The big players often delay intercity shipments by several days, and that directly eats into customer trust. Ive had buyers tell me theyll never shop with me again because their order arrived seven days late well past Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, when it was actually needed," said the founder of a D2C aromatics brand, asking not to be named as his brand continues to work with major fulfillment platforms. On top of that, I end up absorbing higher return costs, since customers either refuse the package or send it back, which makes an already small-margin business even harder to sustain," he added. Some are even reconsidering their dependence on traditional logistics. Sometimes, quick commerce just makes more sense. Even if it doesnt arrive in the promised 15 minutes, its at least same-hour or same-day deliveryand thats what matters to customers. The model has its issues, from unpredictable inventory to limited SKUs, but were still doubling down. Quick commerce already contributes around 10% of our sales, and were targeting 20% soon," said a D2C clothing brand, wishing to remain anonymous. Queries sent to Delhivery did not elicit a response. In an emailed statement, Blue Dart said, Our operations are running smoothly, and we are delivering shipments on time unless impacted by unforeseeable circumstances." IPO-bound Shiprocket, in an emailed statement, told Mint that instead of scaling a direct workforce, weve focused on scaling intelligence." Since we operate on an asset-light, partner-led model, our focus this festive season has been on empowering courier partners with advanced technology rather than building fleets," it added. Also Read | Snapdeal tries fashion route to reclaim its spot in e-commerce race Quick commerce platforms like Swiggy, Blinkit, Flipkart Minutes and Zepto, too, are seeing stretched delivery timelines extending beyond 30 minutes in some cases and even longer during peak morning and evening hours. This includes grocery items like fruits and vegetables as well as non-grocery items like kitchen and home supplies. While non-grocery orders already take longer to deliver due to dark stores being farther apart, delivery times have now stretched from 20 minutes to as long as 45 minutes in some areas. Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, Blinkit, and Flipkart Minutes did not respond to queries sent by Mint. Labour crunch While some delays are a given, this years severe shortage of delivery and warehouse staff makes the situation unusually dire, according to Balasubramanian Anantha Narayanan, senior vice-president at staffing firm TeamLease Services. In the last month alone, churn has stretched beyond the typical 12-15% every month observed in non-festive months. The industry is simply unable to hire enough people to handle the massive surge in online deliveries, even with gig worker incentives holding steady. According to Teamleases estimates, India has roughly 60 lakh delivery partners and the festive season typically requires at least 20% more workersthats about 12 lakh. We may have a few lakh additional workers during these months, but certainly not 12 lakh. Thats why major supply chain constraints are being created," Narayanan told Mint. And this gap is expected to widen. For context, a total of 1.2 trillion orders are expected to be shipped in this years festival months, a 27% rise compared to 94,800 crore last year, as per estimates by market research firm Datum Intelligence. Mints visit to the warehousing hubs of Blue Dart and Delhivery in Delhi-NCR suggested that the festive surge is translating into heaps of unshipped parcels, with supervisors admitting they are working with thinner teams than last year. Every other week, some new faces join and old ones leave. By the time someone learns the system, theyre already gone. It slows us down because we keep training replacements instead of just focusing on shipments," said a warehouse worker in South Delhi, pointing to attrition as a key hindrance in the workflow. During peak, the parcels just keep piling up. Were asked to do longer shifts, sometimes 1214 hours, but many people cant handle the pace. Thats why attrition is so high right now," said another warehouse worker in Noida. Rising competition among quick commerce companies has accelerated the poaching of delivery staff from logistics firms, who are lured away with higher pay and better incentives. This trend has become more pronounced this year, exacerbating the industrys staffing crisis. Moreover, delayed flagship sales and managing old inventory have tied up sellers, putting even more pressure on the supply chain. Major festive sales got off to a late start this year because companies were waiting for the GST announcements. Typically, these offers would start in late August. Theres also a major supply chain shock because many retailers were trying to get rid of stock at discounts to invite new stock after September 22," said TeamLeases Narayanan. To be sure, large e-commerce operators are attempting to bulk up their seasonal workforce. Amazon India said last month it has created 1.5 lakh jobs across fulfilment centres, sort centres, and last-mile delivery stations. Walmart-owned Flipkart has opened up 2.2 lakh direct and indirect on-ground roles, including dark store workers, as it expands operations under its quick commerce arm Minutes across more cities. Small-town focused Meesho, too, has added over 6 lakh jobs, with 70% of them in tier-3 and tier-4 towns. In the December quarter of FY25, Zomatos Blinkit had 1.85 lakh monthly active riders, while rival Swiggy Instamart had 5.39 lakh riders for its food delivery and quick commerce business combined. The intent is definitely there but its not possible to fill all the vacancies in all pockets. We are yet to see how the festive season unfolds. But I dont expect the supply chain issues to be resolved very easily," TeamLeases Narayanan said. Bengaluru: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules for Indias $283 billion IT industry, affecting not just new deals but also existing contracts. Jatin Dalal, chief financial officer of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., is the latest to call out AIs impact on the sector. In a conversation with Nomura analysts on 16-17 September, Dalal said that AI is pushing clients to revisit their deals and demand greater AI-led savings. The CFO (Dalal) noted that historically the company has seen ~15-20% of contracts come up for renegotiations annually where ~15-20% has been the usual discounts/productivity benefits passed on to customers," said Nomura analysts Abhishek Bhandari and Karan Nain in a note dated 23 September. "In the AI world, given visible savings, he expects renegotiations to inch up towards 25% and productivity-led savings expectations from clients to increase to ~20-25%," the note added. Dalal added that companies would need to spend more on IT services to capture AI and hardware benefits, though current investments remain subdued. Subdued spending on IT services currently is driven both by AI-led deflation and tariff-led uncertainty," said the Nomura analysts. AI is prompting companies to have a relook at existing contracts with their IT vendors and are expecting more AI-led savings. Cognizant is not alone. Infosys Ltd CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka told Kotak Institutional Equities analysts that generative AI (GenAI) may deflate project costs for the client, but the savings would be redeployed into new initiatives. GenAI may be deflationary at the project level, but the savings will be redeployed into newer programs," Kotak Institutional Equities analysts Kawaljeet Saluja, Sathishkumar S., and Vamshi Krishna said in a note dated 11 September. Sanghrajka, however, added that GenAI would increase its market and bring more business opportunities in the future. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has also called out AI-led deflation in the past, but not directly. Because of AI if there is a productivity gain, we will try to share those gains with our customers. So, in that sense, that will be what we did with $100 if we are able to do with $95 or $90. And if I'm going to realize a benefit, we will share the same with the customer," K Krithivasan, chief executive and managing director TCS, had said during the companys post-earnings interaction with analysts on 10 April. Cognizant, Infosys, and TCS reported fiscal-year revenues of $19.74 billion, $19.28 billion, and $30.18 billion, respectively, growing 23.85%. Cognizant, which follows a January-December calendar, has more than three-fifths of its workforce stationed in India. Since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, share prices of Indias top IT firms have shown a mixed reaction. While TCS and Infosys, the countrys two largest IT services companies, have fallen 10.5% and 8.5% respectively, shares of Cognizant and HCL Technologies Ltd (HCL Tech) have risen 8.8% and 28.7%. Queries sent to the country's five largest IT services companies remained unanswered till press time. Mid-sized firms feel the squeeze Even mid-sized firms are feeling the impact. Hexaware Technologies Ltd CEO Srikrishna Ramakarthikeyan told Mint in July that AI is compressing IT operations and software development costs during new and renewed deals. On the negative side, I think there will be some compression in IT operations when new deals are done or when deals are renewed. There's some compression in software development as a consequence of AI," Ramakarthikeyan had said. Mint had reported on 21 July that AI is causing companies to relook at the type of contracts they engage in. Fortune 500 clients are shifting contract types as well, favouring time-and-material arrangements over traditional fixed-price pacts to capture AI-driven efficiency gains. Brokerages have been warning of these trends since early 2025. BMO Capital Markets analyst Keith Bachman in a note on 16 April said, "We believe that generative AI will act as a deflationary force for service delivery as generative AI solutions mature. Many if not most areas of supply/service delivery will be impacted including deployment, application development and maintenance (ADM), BPO (business process outsourcing), and digital agencies, in our view." Another brokerage has said that AI would limit growth in the countrys IT services market and eat into existing revenue as well. AI is likely to limit growth in (the) IT services market to 1.5%-3% CAGR over 2024-29 due to three key reasons. (1) Clients may delay IT spends on concerns of rapid AI advancements rendering current investments obsolete. (2) AI-led productivity gains may impact existing IT services revenues by 20% over FY25-30, while growth opportunities arising from AI may be back ended," said Jefferies analysts Akshat Agarwal, Surinder Thind, and Ayush Bansal, in a note dated 11 September. For now, none of the large homegrown IT services companies give out any metrics from GenAI. In contrast, Accenture Plc and IBM report GenAI-related orders. Since September 2023, Accenture has secured $7.1 billion in GenAI-related work, while IBM claims $7.5 billion. Also Read | Seeking mental health advice from AI? Treat it only as psychological first aid AI reshapes workforce dynamics While AI is expected to hurt growth, its effects on employees are already evident. On 27 July, TCS announced that it would lay off 2% of its workforce, or 12,200 employees, as part of strategic initiatives including investments in new tech areas." A few days earlier, management of HCL Tech, India's third largest IT services firm, said it would release employees who could not be deployed on new projects. "Of course, we have had a good amount of people released due to the productivity improvements. Now, not all of them are readily re-deployable, because the requirements for some of the entry-level or lower-end skills are being addressed through automation and other elements," said C. Vijayakumar, CEO of HCL Tech, during the companys post-earnings analyst call on 14 July. HCL Tech did not specify what percentage of its workforce would be impacted. TCS and HCL Tech ended the June quarter with 613,069 and 223,151 employees, respectively. Even tech centres of global firms such as Walmart, Tesco India, and Thryve Digital Health reported headcount reductions in certain roles, Mint reported. As AI continues to reshape contracts, costs, and staffing, Indias IT sectorone of the countrys largest employersis confronting a structural shift that is being closely watched by shareholders. NEW DELHI : The current fiscal year is proving the toughest for the government's green-bond programme, which has been struggling to attract investors since its launch in 2022-23. Amid this investor reluctance, the Centre may revise its 2025-26 budget target of mobilizing 25,342 crore for climate-focused projects via sovereign green bonds, according to two people close to the development. Also Read | MNRE may propose tax incentives for green bond buyers So far in 2025-26, the government has attempted a single 30-year reissuance of 10,000 crore and succeeded in raising only 5,000 crore at 6.8785% yield, showed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data. In comparison, on Wednesday, the 10-year government bond closed at 6.491%, while the 30-year bond ended at 7.205%, according to Bloomberg data. This is because green government securities have failed to carve a distinct identity from conventional government debt, and investors have shown little appetite for a so-called greenium, the people added. A greenium, or green premium, is the lower yield investors accept on a green bond over a conventional one, reflecting their willingness to pay for sustainability and giving issuers cheaper funding. This is partly because India lacks dedicated green investment vehicles that could help nurture such demand," the first person said, on condition of anonymity. The reality check Budget documents show actual green bond issuances rose to 25,297.89 crore in 2024-25, up from 20,785.60 crore in 2023-24, but fell short of the budgeted 32,060.86 crore. During 2023-24, investors subscribed to the entire green bond issuance, with no burden on primary dealers or bid rejections. But in 2024-25, the government had to reject bids worth 10,302.60 crore. There is a need to build a deep, differentiated market for sustainable finance in India, one where green bonds are valued not merely as another slice of government debt, but as a genuine commitment to funding the countrys climate transition," added the second person, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. The Centre will, however, keep funding green projects through conventional government securities and other debt instruments," the person added. According to government budget documents, the bulk of the green bond proceeds for 2025-26 will go toward renewable-energy initiatives. The ministry of new and renewable energy will receive the largest share, at 13,526.35 crore, covering schemes such as KUSUM, the Green Hydrogen Mission, the Renewable Energy Integration Programme, and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The ministry of housing and urban affairs will receive 4,972.31 crore for metro projects and equity investments, while Indian Railways will get 6,673.65 crore to finance energy-efficient electric locomotives and metro construction. The ministry of environment, forests, and climate change has also been allocated 170 crore under the National Mission for a Green India. Challenges The challenge is that sovereign green bonds have yet to secure a sustainable greenium, with yields often matching or exceeding comparable G-Secs and limited participation from ESG (environmental, social, and governance)-focused investors, experts said, adding that green bonds are still largely priced like conventional debt. Policy support through calibrated regulatory changes could be a game-changer. While sovereign green bonds already qualify for SLR (statutory liquidity ratio), carving them out as a special sub-category with a compulsory minimum allocationeven a small percentagewould help create differentiated demand," said Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan, managing partner at financial advisory firm Rockfort Fincap Llp. The SLR is the minimum share of a banks deposits that must be held in liquid assets like cash, gold, or government securities. Set by the RBI, the SLR helps ensure banks can meet obligations, manage credit growth, and maintain economic stability. Alongside this, tweaks in the investment frameworks of provident funds, pension funds, insurers, and mutual funds could further anchor a consistent investor base and help generate a sustainable greenium over time," he added. Srinivasan pointed out that in the absence of such measures, issuers may continue to encounter the current cycle of bid rejections, devolvement, or cut-offs that mirror vanilla securities. Sovereign green bond issuances are generally back-ended in the second half of the fiscal year. With the indicative borrowing calendar expected shortly, the key question will be whether the government maintains its preference for longer-tenor green bond issuances, as in H1, given that the heavy supply of regular long-dated G-Secs earlier this year has already exerted upward pressure on long-end yields," he added. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies has recommended a five-year anti-dumping duty of $2.8-5.9 per kg on Chinese and Russian imports of a high-performance plastic used in making Teflons nonstick cookware. This is expected to benefit Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd as the company would get a more level playing field against low-cost imports from these countries. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a key product for Gujarat Fluorochemicals, which controls an estimated 40% of the domestic market for the material thats also used in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, and medical devices industries. PTFE belongs to a group of high-resistance plastics known as fluoropolymers. In FY25, India imported 5,253 tons of PTFE at an average realisation of $7.1/kg, with nearly 60% of volumes sourced from China and Russia at significantly lower prices of $6-6.5/kg, creating an uneven competitive landscape," Nuvama Research said in a recent report. In 2024-25, the fluoropolymers segment accounted for around 55% of GFLs consolidated revenue, with PTFE being a significant contributor. JM Financial Institutional Securities said it expects a benefit of $3-3.5/kg for Gujarat Fluorochemicals from the recommended anti-dumping duty of Chinese and Russian imports of PTFE. This is likely to result in a benefit of 80-100 crore in FY 27-28, translating into 3-4%/4-7% upward revision in our current EBITDA/EPS estimates [for GFL]," it said. The proposed duty protection, however, is unlikely to be a free pass for GFL. No scope for disappointment Rival SRF Ltd, with its 5,000-tonne PTFE plant, is scaling-up its volume. As that capacity ramps up, GFL would face more competition in the domestic market. So, the likely benefit of duty support on volumes may be more limited than it appears. GFLs management expects a 25% revenue growth in its fluoropolymers business in FY26, significantly higher than its 13% growth in FY25. The companys current capacity is expected to reach optimal utilisation by March and further expansion is already planned. The companys fluoropolymers business clocked 16% revenue growth in the April-June quarter. But risks lie outside its core polymer business. A recent gas leak at its Ranjitnagar facility in Gujarat has raised concerns about operational reliability. Also Read | Threat of US tariffs hangs over Sun Pharmas specialty business Further, any delay in ramping up its electric vehicle battery chemicals business could pose a threat to GFLs earnings. This business is expected to contribute meaningfully to GFLs earnings by FY28. JM Financial has pencilled in 6-14% Ebitda from this business in FY27-28 for the company, but even modest setbacks could temper those expectations. So far in 2025, Gujarat Fluorochemicalss stock is down by about 9%. Valuations, though, remain expensive at 39x FY27 price-to-earnings, show Bloomberg data. GFL is upbeat on the prospects of its fluoropolymer business and earnings growth is likely to be driven by new product lines. Even so, with rich valuations, there is no scope for disappointment. Ganesh Consumer Products IPO: Ganesh Consumer Products, one of the leading packaged food companies in East India, launched its IPO on September 22, making today, September 24, the last day of bidding. The 409 crore IPO is priced in the range of 306-322 apiece. Ahead of the issue opening, marquee investor Ashish Kacholia-backed Bengal Finance invested in the anchor round. Ganesh Consumer Products IPO Subscription By the end of Day 3, the issue was subscribed 2.67 times. It received bids for 2.37 crore shares as against 88.96 lakh on offer. The retail portion was booked 1.16 times, while the non-institutional investors (NII) category was bid 4.41 times, and the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) quota was bid 4.03 times. Finally, the employee portion was booked 2.14 times. Ganesh Consumer Products IPO GMP Ganesh Consumer Products IPO is witnessing decent interest in the grey market, with a grey market premium (GMP) of 9. This suggests that the shares are trading 9 above the issue price. At the current Ganesh Consumer Products IPO GMP, the stock is expected to list near 331, which would be about 2.80 per cent higher than the upper end of the price band set at 322. About Ganesh Consumer Products IPO The 408.80 crore IPO of Ganesh Consumer Products comprises a fresh issue of 0.40 crore shares worth 130.00 crore and an offer for sale of 0.87 crore shares, amounting to 278.80 crore. Investors can apply for the IPO in lots of 46 shares. Retail investors must apply for at least one lot, requiring a minimum investment of 14,812 at the upper price band. The issue also includes a reservation of up to 34,247 shares for employees at a discount of 30 per share. The allotment of shares is expected on September 25, 2025, with the listing scheduled on BSE and NSE on September 29, 2025. Dam Capital Advisors Ltd. is acting as the book-running lead manager, while MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. is the registrar. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to repay debt, establish a new roasted gram flour and gram flour facility in Darjeeling, and meet general corporate requirements. Headquartered in Kolkata, Ganesh Consumer Products is a leading player in packaged staples. It is the third-largest packaged wheat flour brand by value in East India and the market leader in wheat-based derivatives such as maida, sooji, and dalia. The company also ranks among the top two in gram-based products like sattu and besan, holding market shares of 43% and 5% respectively. Its flagship Ganesh brand spans 42 products across 232 SKUs, covering atta, maida, sooji, dalia, sattu, besan, instant mixes, spices, and ethnic snacks. Ganesh Consumer Products IPO: Apply or not? Anand Rathi Research has given a Subscribe Long Term rating to the IPO, highlighting the companys strong regional presence, leadership in key product categories, wide distribution network, and strategic push in B2C operations as key positives. The brokerage noted that while the issue appears fully valued, the companys positioning and growth strategy offer long-term potential. At the upper price band, the company is valued at 36.7 times FY25 earnings, translating to a post-issue market capitalisation of 13,012 million. Anand Rathi pointed out that the companys strategy is centered on strengthening B2C operations, expanding its footprint in existing markets, and entering new territories with a particular focus on West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam. The report added that the company also plans to boost brand visibility across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of East India through increased marketing and advertising. Furthermore, it is diversifying into new product categories such as spices and snacks, leveraging strong brand recall in its core markets. Considering these factors, Anand Rathi Research reiterated its Subscribe Long Term recommendation for the issue. Jaro Institute IPO Day 2 Updates: Jaro Institute IPO subscription status was 1.95 times on day 2. The retail portion was subscribed 2.01 times, and NII portion has been booked 3.49 times, Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) portion received 68% bids. Jaro Institute of Technology Management and Research (Jaro Education) launches its initial public offering (IPO) for subscription between September 23 and September 25. Jaro Institute IPO price band is set between 846 and 890 per share for its first public offering. Jaro Institute IPO GMP today is 123. Jaro Institute IPO includes a fresh issue of shares amounting to 170 crore, alongside an Offer for Sale (OFS) of shares worth 280 crore from promoter Sanjay Namdeo Salunkhe. From the fresh issuance, 81 crore is allocated for marketing, brand development, and advertising, 45 crore is intended for debt repayment, and the remaining amount is designated for general corporate purposes. Established in 2009 by Salunkhe, Jaro Education provides degree and certification programs in partnership with various institutions. Nuvama Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, and Systematix Corporate Services act as the lead managers for the IPO, while Bigshare Services serves as the IPO registrar. (Stay tuned for more updates) Solarworld Energy Solutions IPO Day 2 Highlights: Solarworld Energy Solutions' initial public offering (IPO) entered its second day of bidding today. The issue sailed through on first day amid retail and NII demand. The 490-crore IPO, which is set to close on September 25, has a price band set between 333 and 351 per share. At the upper end of this range, the company's valuation exceeds 3,000 crore. The IPO consists of a fresh issue of equity shares worth 440 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of shares worth 50 crore by the promoter, Pioneer Facor IT Infradevelopers. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to invest in the companys subsidiary, Kartik Solarworld, to partly fund the development of a 1.2 GW Solar PV TopCon manufacturing facility in Pandhurana, Madhya Pradesh, and for general corporate purposes. Ahead of the share sale, the company said it raised 220.5 crore from anchor investors. Solarworld Energy Solutions IPO GMP Solarworld Energy Solutions' IPO grey market premium (GMP) stands at 65. Given the upper end of the price band is 351 per share, the estimated listing price is 416. This implies an expected gain of 65 per share, translating to an approximate listing premium of 18.52% over the issue price. Track this space for all the live updates on Solarworld Energy Solutions IPO Bajaj Electricals share price rallied as much as 11 per cent to 647.95 apiece in Wednesday's trading session after the company plans to acquire the Morphy Richards brand on September 23. The consumer electrical maker stock opened at 619.45 apiece in early morning session on September 24, as compared to previous close of 577.10. Bajaj Electricals acquisition plans In a post-market filing on Tuesday, the Bajaj Electricals announced that its board has approved acquiring the Morphy Richards brand and associated intellectual property rights from Glen Electric Ltd, part of Irelands Glen Dimplex Group, for 146 crore. The deal grants ownership across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Bajaj Electricals, which has held exclusive licensing rights for Morphy Richards products in India for over 20 years, will now gain full ownership of the brand in these regions. The company added that further details will be shared as agreements are executed and milestones achieved. We wish to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held today, i.e., on September 23, 2025 (Board Meeting), has given its consent to a proposal for the acquisition of the Morphy Richards brand and related intellectual property rights (Business IP / MR Brand) in the territories of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka (Territory), from Glen Electric Limited (part of the Glen Dimplex Group, Ireland), the owner of the MR Brand/Business IP, for a consideration of INR 146 crore (exclusive of any taxes/duties, etc. payable in the Territory) (the Transaction). This Transaction will be subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreements between the parties and the receipt of necessary statutory and regulatory approvals, as applicable, the company said in the filing on Tuesday. Bajaj Electricals Q1 results 2025 Bajaj Electricals reported a sharp 96.8 per cent drop in first-quarter profit, weighed down by weaker demand for home appliances and a one-time expense. The Bajaj Group firm posted a net profit of 9.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared to 281.1 million in the same period last year. Net sales declined 8.1 per cent to 10.59 billion, while revenue from its core consumer division which includes products such as fans and induction cooktops dropped 10.8 per cent. IT sector companies have been under pressure, following the White Houses announcement of a revised H-1B visa fee of $100,000. However, it also clarified that the fee would apply only to new applications and not as a recurring annual charge. Market analysts believe that a hike in visa fees from the current $1,500 could impact the operations and financial performance of Indian IT firms, though the direct effect is expected to be limited. However, secondary factors like uncertainty around near-term deal wins may weigh on IT stocks. Several Indian IT majors derive a significant share of their revenues from the US market. The Trump administrations recent overhaul of the H-1B visa regime, imposing a steep one-time fee of $100,000 per application compared to the earlier annual $1,000 fee, has sparked concern across the sector. Given that Indian nationals accounted for nearly 71% of approved H-1B visas in 2024, the policy shift appears, at first glance, to impose a substantial financial burden on Indian IT firms deploying talent onsite in the US, said Sugandha Sachdeva- Founder-SS WealthStreet. Sachdeva further explained that For the top 10 Indian and India-centric IT service providers, H-1B visa holders represent less than 1% of their global employee base and companies have already begun recalibrating their operating models, reducing reliance on H-1B visas, expanding local hiring in the US, and diverting more work to offshore delivery centers in India. How H-1B visa fee hike will impact IT sector earnings in FY26? According to Anuj Gupta, Director, Ya Wealth Research & Advisory, the immediate impact will be minimal since this fee applies only to new visa applications. However, its effect will be felt in the long run, likely becoming more noticeable a year after the fee is implemented. After implementation of the new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visas in the United States new IT aspirants will not shift into the USA due to this fee which is approx 8800000 in Indian rupee. Now companies will rethink setting up their offices from the USA to Europe or other countries. This extra burden will impact the company's balance sheet although the Indian IT Talent will also be very challenging to shift to the USA market. So now the cost of the companies may increase due to this new Trump's policy for new visas and shifting of their offices, Gupta said. Meanwhile, Sugandha Sachdeva of SS WealthStreet said that in the medium term, while the visa overhaul underscores the Trump administrations protectionist stance, Indian IT giants are well-positioned to absorb the shock through greater localization, agile resourcing, and operational efficiency, ensuring that earnings remain broadly insulated from regulatory headwinds. * Canadian dollar falls 0.4% against the greenback * Touches its weakest since August 22 at 1.3896 * Advance estimate shows factory sales down 1.5% in August * Bond yields rise across the curve By Fergal Smith TORONTO, Sept 24 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar weakened to a one-month low against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday as broad-based gains for the greenback offset higher oil prices. The loonie was trading 0.4% lower at 1.3885 per U.S. dollar, or 72.02 U.S. cents, after touching its weakest intraday level since August 22 at 1.3896. "USD-CAD is tracking the broader recovery that we have seen in the USD in the past week," said George Davis, chief technical strategist at RBC Capital Markets. "With the USD poised to register bullish short-term breakouts against EUR and GBP today, USD-CAD has pierced a resistance level at 1.3874, which has added to upward momentum in the pair as it moves to a one-month high." The U.S. dollar gained against a basket of major currencies, supported by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's cautious tone on further easing. The price of oil was up 1.9% as U.S. crude inventory data added to a sense in the market of tightening supplies. Oil is one of Canada's major exports. Canadian factory sales fell 1.5% in August from July, largely driven by lower sales in the transportation equipment as well as the food product subsectors, preliminary data showed. July GDP data, due on Friday, could offer additional clues on the state of the domestic economy which has been buffeted by trade uncertainty. Economists expect a gain of 0.1%. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that trade negotiations with the U.S. were ongoing, and a lot of the remaining issues would move to a forthcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). Chinese state-owned banks are selling the yuan in the spot market and offsetting their trades with swaps, putting the brakes on a recent rise in the currency. The lenders have been ramping up their purchases of spot dollars over the past few months and offering large amounts of dollars for yuan in the currency swap market, according to traders who asked not to be identified as theyre not authorized to speak publicly. Although the two positions should ultimately balance each other out, the strategy is seen by traders as a negative for the yuan since it front-loads selling pressure. It reverses a previous strategy used by banks for much of the past two years, when lenders were mostly borrowing dollars via swaps while simultaneously buying the yuan in the spot market a combination that helped lift the Chinese currency. It wasnt immediately clear what prompted the banks to sell dollars in the swaps market. The onshore yuan was little changed at around 7.11 per dollar on Tuesday, data compiled by Bloomberg showed. Traders said banks shifting strategies are behind the narrowing of the discount traders earn for taking a future dollar-yuan position versus taking one today, a calculation known as the trades swap points. Onshore 12-month swap points now stand at their least negative since 2022, according to Bloomberg-compiled data, showing that forward dollar positions have become more expensive. Swap points in the onshore yuan market have also climbed above those offshore in the past few weeks, with the gap between the two reaching its most positive since 2013, according to Bloomberg data. That is another sign of the demand for dollars in the onshore market. The onshore yuan rose to its strongest level since November last week and has traded sideways in recent sessions. While a firmer currency helps lift investor confidence toward Chinese assets and raises purchasing power for consumers, it also risks reducing the nations export competitiveness. State banks trading in swaps could either be an unwinding of previous sell-buy swap positions, or efforts to curb overly rapid yuan appreciation, said Becky Liu, head of China macro strategy at Standard Chartered Plc. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Shares of Lithium Americas Corp. zoomed nearly 90% on Wednesday after a report said US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly seeking to acquire an equity stake of up to 10% in the miner. The move, which follows similar actions with companies such as Intel and MP Materials, aims to reduce US reliance on China for critical minerals. China produces over 40,000 metric tons of lithium annually, ranking third after Australia and Chile, but dominates refining, processing more than 75% of the world's lithium into battery-grade material. Thacker Pass lithium project The Trump administration is considering the stake as part of negotiations over a $2.26 billion Department of Energy loan for the company's Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada, the largest planned lithium mine in the Western Hemisphere, reported Reuters on Tuesday. The discussions are centered on the DOE loan for Lithium Americas' Thacker Pass project in Nevada, which is poised to become the largest planned lithium mine in the Western Hemisphere. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking the equity stake as it renegotiates the loan terms, raising concerns over the company's ability to repay the loan due to low lithium prices caused by Chinese overproduction. Canada-based Lithium Americas said on Wednesday it is in active discussions with the DOE and its joint venture partner, General Motors, regarding the loan and potential amendments. Also Read | Lithium bulls getting ahead of themselves on China supply cut The company stated it is working toward a "mutually agreeable resolution." A White House official noted that while the president supports the project, there is "no such thing as free money." Lithium Americas' Canadian and US-listed shares were both up about 90% at C$8.04 and $5.80, respectively. The company had a market value of $744.5 million as of last close on the New York Stock Exchange. General Motors, which invested $625 million in the mine last year for a 38% stake, has the right to buy all of the project's lithium from its first phase and a portion from the second phase for 20 years, although Trump officials are now seeking a guarantee that GM will buy the metal, reported Reuters citing sources. Indias small and medium enterprise (SME) IPO market has become one of the busiest corners of Dalal Street, minting riches for some but sparking concerns over risks to small investors. In a conversation with Mint , Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD and CEO of BSE Ltd, warned that the market is no place for uninformed retail investors. While the SME platform has helped more than 1,200 companies raise over 30,000 crore, governance concerns and investor protection are prompting calls for tighter regulations. SME issuances are meant for informed investors and not suited for uninformed retail investors who may have only limited or no awareness about research, due diligence capabilities, and risk appetite," Ramamurthy said. He suggested that retail investors at the beginning of their journey would be better served by lower-risk products like large-cap or index funds, ideally through a systematic investment plan (SIP). Push for transparency The BSE has urged the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to plug disclosure gaps, curb fund misuse, and untangle opaque deals between promoters and merchant bankers. At the heart of the proposal reforms is the need for greater transparency. Ramamurthy emphasised that disclosing private arrangements between issuers and third parties, such as merchant bankers, is crucial for empowering investors. Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research & Investment Services, described the SME IPO space as rife with hanky-panky." He noted that while mainboard issue costs range between 35% (depending on the issue size), SME deals often involve much higher costs. Between the merchant banker and the company, there is one transaction that happens with no details," Kejriwal said, alleging some merchant bankers pocket 1215% of the issue size. "The mushrooming of merchant bankers is because everybody thinks this is a pot of gold," he added. Data reviewed by Mint shows that there are 96 merchant bankers in the SME space as of 2025 and 104 in the main board space. This financial drain has a direct impact on a company's health and, consequently, its investors. If he has already paid through his nose... he will need 2-3 years to readjust his books," Kejriwal warns. Where will he get that money from? He will take it out of the company and fill that hole." Monitoring agencies on the table To counter these issues, one of the key proposals by BSE is to mandate the appointment of an independent monitoring agency for all SME issues. This agency would ensure that IPO proceeds are used for their stated purpose, as detailed in the offer document. Sebi found multiple instances of fund misuse and is currently probing nearly 20 SMEs for similar diversions. Vishnu Agarwal, founder of stocks research platform Stock Knocks, strongly endorses this move. Having a monitoring agency is a very good idea because in the main board, you already have monitoring agencies," he says. This body would verify that funds from the escrow account are spent correctly, for instance, by checking invoices for machinery purchases against the prospectus's objectives. Kejriwal explains how companies currently bypass rules. Repayment of bank borrowing is not permitted as the only object of the issue. So, what they have now started saying is 'working capital,'" he says. A monitoring agency would scrutinise such claims to prevent funds from being indirectly siphoned off to repay loans. He said the goal is not to create red tape but to bring transparency and prevent money laundering and cheating of investor." Balancing act Still, not everyone is convinced stricter compliance is the answer. Narinder Wadhwa, MD & CEO of financial services firm SKI Capital, cautioned that mandatory monitoring and disclosures could inflate costs and deter genuine SMEs. Dismissing concerns that the new rules would create excessive red tape for small companies, Kejriwal was blunt: There is no compliance right now. There is only statutory compliance." He pointed to companies launching IPOs with six-month-old financials to avoid audit costs, a practice he says is short-changing the investor. Wadhwa suggests a middle path, such as mandating monitoring only for issues above a certain size, providing standardized disclosure templates to cut costs, and phasing in new rules to give smaller issuers time to adapt. Protect investors without discouraging issuers," he advised, emphasizing that regulations should focus on smarter disclosures rather than excessive red tape. Agarwal concurs that well-designed rules will improve market quality. The regulation should always be such that the quality companies are not deprived and no hanky-panky or any such companies which do not qualify for the IPOs come for IPO," he said. Informed vs. uninformed The debate also hinges on defining the informed investor." Raising the minimum lot sizefrom 1.2 lakh to 2.5 lakh, or even 5 lakhis no solution, experts argue. That cannot be the basis of defining informed v. uninformed. The temptation will grow if you increase the size," Kejriwal said. Also Read | Reverse the exodus of retail investors to raise the stock markets efficiency Agarwal noted that Sebi does not classify investors at all. If you are an investor, the opportunity should be available to everyone," he said, calling instead for stronger disclosures and education. Wadhwa contends the real divide is informed vs. uninformed, not retail vs. institutional. As regulators deliberate, experts urge retail investors to stay wary. Unless you have access to meet the management, discuss with them in detail what they do, its a pitfall. You are going to suffer if you invest in a SME without due diligence," Kejriwal warned. Stock market recap: Indian equities ended lower on Tuesday, 23 September, with benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty 50, extending losses to third consecutive session as concerns over an H-1B visa fee hike and uncertainty over India-US trade talks continued to weigh on sentiment. However, expectations of favourable growth-inflation dynamics amid GST reforms, a normal monsoon, and interest rate cuts arrested losses. The Sensex closed at 82,102.10, down 58 points, while the Nifty 50 settled at 25,169.50, down 33 points. The mid and small-cap segments underperformed as the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices fell 0.29% and 0.35%, respectively. Against this backdrop, here are stock recommendations by leading market experts. Three stocks to trade today, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman: TCIEXP (Cmp 761.10) Buy above 761 and on dips to 735, stop 725, target 820-840 Why its recommended: TCI Express is a leading B2B express logistics provider specializing in time-definite deliveries with an asset-light model and a nationwide presence. Over the past few days the stock has had a bullish bias. As momentum is now picking up one can expect more upside in the next few days. TCI Express is a leading B2B express logistics provider specializing in time-definite deliveries with an asset-light model and a nationwide presence. Over the past few days the stock has had a bullish bias. As momentum is now picking up one can expect more upside in the next few days. Key metrics: P/E: 33.01 52-week high: 1139.20 Volume: 148.61K Technical analysis: Support at 702, resistance at 850 Support at 702, resistance at 850 Risk factors: High debt levels and Dependence on Major Customers and economic downtruns could impact returns. High debt levels and Dependence on Major Customers and economic downtruns could impact returns. Buy at: above 761 and dips to 735. above 761 and dips to 735. Target price: 820-840 in 1 month. 820-840 in 1 month. Stop loss: 725. Also Read | Threat of US tariffs hangs over Sun Pharmas specialty business HERITGFOOD (Cmp 533.45) Buy above 535 and on dips to 510, stop 495, target 585-600 Why its recommended: Heritage Foods, established in 1992, is a fast-growing private sector enterprise in India. It operates in the dairy and renewable energy sectors, with a cattle feed business under its subsidiary Heritage Nutrivet Limited. The stock has spent the past few days consolidating a strong rebound from cloud supportlevels indicates new-found buying. With a GST cut bringing encouraging tailwinds, consider going long at current levels and on dips. Heritage Foods, established in 1992, is a fast-growing private sector enterprise in India. It operates in the dairy and renewable energy sectors, with a cattle feed business under its subsidiary Heritage Nutrivet Limited. The stock has spent the past few days consolidating a strong rebound from cloud supportlevels indicates new-found buying. With a GST cut bringing encouraging tailwinds, consider going long at current levels and on dips. Key metrics: P/E: 33.52 52-week high: 658 Volume: 508.54K Technical analysis: Support at 850, resistance at 1200. Support at 850, resistance at 1200. Risk factors: Increased competition, regulatory changes, and sector-specific challenges in the dairy industry. Increased competition, regulatory changes, and sector-specific challenges in the dairy industry. Buy at: above 535 and dips to 510. above 535 and dips to 510. Target price: 585-600 in 1 month. 585-600 in 1 month. Stop loss: 495. MFSL (Cmp 1585) Buy above 1585 and on dips to 1530, stop 1520, target 1698-1730 Why its recommended: Max Financial Services Ltd. (MFSL) is a leading Indian private sector company operating in the Life Insurance sector, established in 1988. With the slow but steady recovery seen in the Insurance space backed by the GST council recommendations this counter has been steadily forming a rounding base at the cloud support region. With the long body candle seen on Tuesdays dull market has now fuelled more buying interest in the counter. Consider a buy. Max Financial Services Ltd. (MFSL) is a leading Indian private sector company operating in the Life Insurance sector, established in 1988. With the slow but steady recovery seen in the Insurance space backed by the GST council recommendations this counter has been steadily forming a rounding base at the cloud support region. With the long body candle seen on Tuesdays dull market has now fuelled more buying interest in the counter. Consider a buy. Key metrics: P/E: 196.61, 52-week high: 1678.80, Wolume: 384.92K. Technical analysis: Support at 1522, resistance at 1800. Support at 1522, resistance at 1800. Risk factors: High Debt levels, muted demand and adverse regulatory policies. High Debt levels, muted demand and adverse regulatory policies. Buy at: above 1585 and dips to 1530. above 1585 and dips to 1530. Target price: 1698-1730 in 1 month. 1698-1730 in 1 month. Stop loss: 1520. Top three stock picks by Ankush Bajaj for 24 September: Buy: NMDC Ltd Current Price: 78.10 Why its recommended: NMDC is showing strong short-term momentum as it sustains above key support levels. The daily RSI at 70.70 highlights robust bullish strength, while the MACD at +1.58 confirms a positive trend continuation. The ADX at 27 signals healthy trend strength, suggesting that the upmove is supported by a firm underlying structure. Price action holding above 77 reflects demand absorption, keeping the bias positive for further upside. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): 70.70 strong bullish momentum MACD (12,26): +1.58 positive crossover, trend intact ADX (14): 27 confirming solid trend strength Technical view: Sustaining above 77 keeps the setup constructive, with potential to move toward 80.80. Risk factors: -Commodity price volatility may impact sentiment. -Global steel demand fluctuations can influence stock performance. Buy at: 78.10 Target price: 80.80 Stop loss: 77 Buy: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Current Price: 16,097 Why its recommended: Maruti is displaying very strong bullish momentum as it trades at lifetime high levels. The daily RSI at 80 indicates overbought but sustained bullish strength, while the MACD at +587 confirms a powerful ongoing uptrend. The ADX at 63 signals a highly trending move, reflecting robust demand and strong institutional participation. Additionally, the recent GST rate cut for the auto sector is providing a structural tailwind, further strengthening the outlook for near-term upside. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): 80 strong bullish momentum, overbought zone MACD (12,26): +587 trend continuation signal ADX (14): 63 very strong trend strength Technical view: Sustaining above 15,998 keeps the bullish structure intact, with potential to test 16,295 in the near term. Risk factors: -Overbought RSI may trigger short-term profit-taking. -Sensitive to input cost pressures and currency fluctuations. -Auto sector demand remains linked to macroeconomic cycles. Buy at: 16,097 Target price: 16,295 Stop loss: 15,998 Buy: Hindustan Copper Ltd Current Price: 307.45 Why its recommended: Hindustan Copper has turned bullish with strong price momentum. The daily RSI at 78 reflects aggressive buying interest, while the MACD at +13 confirms positive trend continuation. The ADX at 40 highlights a robust and strengthening trend. On the daily chart, the stock has also broken above a key trendline resistance, validating the breakout and pointing towards continuation of the rally. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): 78 strong bullish momentum MACD (12,26): +13 positive crossover, trend intact ADX (14): 40 robust trend strength Technical view: As long as the stock sustains above 293, the breakout remains valid, with potential to move toward 335. Risk factors: -High sensitivity to global copper price fluctuations. -Exposure to mining regulatory risks and commodity cycles. -Overbought RSI makes the stock vulnerable to pullbacks. Buy at: 307.45 Target price: 335 Stop loss: 293 Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Buy: Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals (current price: 1,518) Why its recommended: Strong volume growth & specialty fertilizer push, capex, capacity expansion, and backward integration Strong volume growth & specialty fertilizer push, capex, capacity expansion, and backward integration Key metrics: P/E: 18.56, 52-week high: 1,779, volume: 106.25 crore P/E: 18.56, 52-week high: 1,779, volume: 106.25 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume Risk factors: Commodity input cost volatility & global competition, segmental margin pressures & demand cyclicality Commodity input cost volatility & global competition, segmental margin pressures & demand cyclicality Buy: 1,5001,525 1,5001,525 Target price: 1,730 in two to three months 1,730 in two to three months Stop loss: 1,420 Buy: Lumax Auto Technologies (current price: 1,176) Why its recommended : Strong financial momentum and scale-up, strong financial momentum and scale-up : Strong financial momentum and scale-up, strong financial momentum and scale-up Key metrics : P/E: 31.12; 52-week high: 1,250; volume: 51.07 crore : P/E: 31.12; 52-week high: 1,250; volume: 51.07 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 50-DMA on above average volume Reclaimed its 50-DMA on above average volume Risk factors : Execution risk of new ventures & acquisition integration : Execution risk of new ventures & acquisition integration Buy at: 1,1601,180 1,1601,180 Target price: 1,380 in two to three months 1,380 in two to three months Stop loss: 1,080 Two stock recommendations from Trade Brains Portal for 24 September IRCTC Ltd (Current price: 722.6) Target price: 855 in 12 months Stop loss: 655 Why its recommended:The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp. Ltd (IRCTC), established in 1999, is a 'Navratna' public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Serving as the travel and hospitality arm of Indian Railways, IRCTC is tasked with modernizing and managing catering services at railway stations and onboard trains. It also plays a pivotal role in promoting both domestic and international tourism by offering budget-friendly accommodations, curated travel packages, and seamless booking services in collaboration with global reservation platforms. In Q1 FY26,IRCTCmaintained its strong dominance in the online ticketing segment, with 87.78% of all reserved train tickets booked through its digital channels. During the same quarter, the company reported consolidated operating revenue of 1,159.68 crore, reflecting a 3.8% year-on-year increase from 1,117.59 crore in Q1 FY25. Profit After Tax (PAT) rose 7.5% YoY to 330.7 crore, up from 307.72 crore, supported by strong performance in its Internet Ticketing, Rail Neer (packaged drinking water), and Tourism segments. During Q1 FY26, the internet ticketing division processed 12.63 crore ticket bookings, while the Rail Neer segment achieved average daily sales of 14.12 lakh bottles. For the full fiscal year FY25, IRCTC's operating revenue grew by 9.7% to 4,675 crore, up from 4,260 crore in FY24. PAT for the year reached 1,315 crore, marking an 18.3% rise from 1,111 crore in the previous fiscal. IRCTC remains the sole authorized provider of online train ticketing services for Indian Railways, offering bookings via its official website and the Rail Connect mobile app. Holding a monopoly in this domain, it continues to benefit from its advanced Next Generation e-Ticketing (NGeT) system, which has enhanced the user experience and helped expand its user base. Additionally, IRCTC leads the Rail Tour Packages (RTPs) space, with a strong track record in serving both domestic and international railway tourism markets. Risk Factor:IRCTCs ticketing and reservation system is vulnerable during peak booking periods, when high user traffic can lead to system slowdowns or outages. Such technical disruptions can adversely impact user experience, potentially damaging the brand's image and eroding customer trust and revenue. Furthermore, maintaining high cybersecurity standards is essential to IRCTCs operations, as any breach in online transaction security could result in significant financial losses, legal repercussions, and a decline in consumer confidence. Mrs Bectors Food Specialities Ltd (Current price: 1,357.5) Target price: 1,775 in 12 months Stop loss: 1,148 Why its recommended:Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities Limited (MBFSL) is a leading player in Indias biscuit and premium bakery segment, operating under well-known brands such as Cremica and English Oven. The company caters to a wide consumer base across the country and is also one of Indias top biscuit exporters, with a strong international presence in 75 countries. As of Q1 FY26, MBFSL operates 8 manufacturing facilities, with 3 additional units under development across India. Its total production capacity stands at 1,85,880 MT for biscuits and 1,16,008 MT (including upcoming expansions) for bakery products. Between FY21 and FY25, the company invested over 716 crore in capacity enhancement and automation to boost scalability and operational efficiency. In Q1 FY26, MBFSL recorded operating revenue of 473 crore, marking a 7.6% YoY increase. The bakery segment led the growth with a 19% YoY rise to 183 crore, while the biscuit segment reported a 3% YoY increase to 281 crore. EBITDA for the quarter stood at 58.2 crore, reflecting a 12.3% EBITDA margin, while PAT was 30.9 crore, with a 6.5% PAT margin. The management has set a target of achieving 14% EBITDA margins in the coming quarters. In North India, its core market, MBFSL holds over 4% market share, supported by strong brand equity, a wide distribution network, and a diverse product portfolio. The company is actively expanding its footprint in both domestic and international markets. It plans to enter the Calcutta market and establish a presence in at least one metro city through co-packing arrangements. New bakery manufacturing facilities are also scheduled to come up in Calcutta and Maharashtra during FY26. On the global front, MBFSL is targeting the MENA and African regions via its newly formed UAE subsidiary, aiming to capitalize on growing demand in these markets. Recognizing shifting consumer preferences, the company is increasing its focus on quick commerce, with plans to boost revenue contribution from this channel from 1% to 4-5% in the near term, aligning with evolving FMCG consumption patterns and the rise of urban digital retail. Risk Factors: MBFSL operates in a highly fragmented and competitive market, facing pressure from numerous local, regional, and national players. This intense competition often limits the companys ability to pass on rising input costs to consumers in a timely or complete manner. As a result, operating margins remain vulnerable to significant fluctuations in raw material prices. Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Trade name: William ONeil IndiaPvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. MUMBAI : Late entrants into NSEs unlisted shares have been singed by a steep correction in its stock price over the past two weeks, compounding losses since Julys record highs. The fall has hurt retail shareholders the most, whose numbers quadrupled in the three months through June. The selloff has been driven by two concerns: market regulator Sebi weighing the future of weekly index options contracts Nifty and Sensex options in light of the huge losses faced by individual investors, and diminished visibility on NSE's listing this fiscal year. NSEs share price has fallen 7.3% over the past two weeks to around 1,9001,940 from 2,050 on 11 September, when Mint reported that Sebi could soon issue a consultation paper on extending the tenure of index options contracts from weekly to possibly fortnightly. Sebis concern stems from its latest study showing that the average loss of 87 lakh individual traders rose to 1.1 lakh in FY25 from 86,728 each in FY24, largely due to weekly options trading. Also Read | What Sebi has in mind for the metals market IPO delay adds pressure The recent slide follows a sharper 16% drop from record highs of 2,4002,450 in July, after hopes dimmed for the country's largest stock exchange listing this year. Sebi has yet to issue a no-objection certificate (NoC) for the offering, as it continues to review legacy corporate governance issues tied to the bourses former management. A listing is now seen as likely only in the next fiscal, provided the NoC comes through in the coming months, according to sources. The regulator is checking resolution of certain alleged corporate governance issues by the bourse's previous management. Profit booking has been driven by the expiry day issue and a listing only in FY27 from the current fiscal with Sebi yet to issue the NoC," said Narinder Wadhwa, MD, SKI Capital. The current deals are reported being struck at around 1,900 from 2,0002,050 fifteen days back." Also Read | India ramps up gold reserves faster than peers Wadhwa expects the stock to hover between 1,800 and 1,900 until clarity emerges on both the expiry reforms and listing approval. Another broking official whose firm deals in unlisted shares agreed on the premise of the correction. "The two issues have driven long- term investors taking profits off the table as anyway one holding the shares is locked in for six months after the listing," he said. "With the listing delayed and looming expiry related issues, there is propensity for profit taking now." Retail rush and retreat NSE shares had earlier surged from about 1,550 in late March to 2,450 by July, after the exchange eased transfer rules for unlisted shares in line with Sebi norms for unlisted market infrastructure institutions, cutting transfer timelines from three months to a day. This stoked optimism about an imminent public listing. The rally swelled NSEs investor base nearly fourfold to 159,394 by June from 39,201 the previous quarter. Of these, small investors those holding up to 2 lakh in equity capital made up 92% (146,208). As of March 2025, NSE had 33,896 retail shareholders, implying an over fourfold jump in the small investor base on a quarter-on-quarter basis. NSEs defence NSE isnt alone in the downturn. BSE shares have slumped almost 30% from their June peak of 3,030 to 2,122 on Tuesday, while commodity derivatives bourse MCX has shed 12% from its July high to 8,039. BSE, like NSE, has been hit by speculation over Sebi curbs on weekly options in addition to broader market volatility following President Donald Trumps punitive tariffs on India. MCX has been hit by market volatility. As speculation rages on replacing weekly contracts with fortnightly or monthly tenures, NSE has countered with data showing that retail exposure may be overstated. According to the exchange, only 1.7%about 20 lakhof its 11.9 crore registered investors traded exclusively in equity derivatives over the past year through August. As of 31 August, NSE commanded a 92.6% share of the equity cash market and 76.4% of equity options premium turnover, with BSE accounting for the balance. Global research firm HSBC has upgraded its stance on Indian equities from Neutral to Overweight, citing improved valuations, supportive government policies, and resilient domestic investor flows. The firm has set a Sensex target of 94,000 by the end of 2026, implying a potential upside of over 13 percent from current levels. In intra-day deals today, Wednesday, September 24, the Sensex lost 494 points to its day's low of 81,607.84. The upgrade marks a strategic shift in HSBCs regional equity outlook, positioning India as an attractive market amid broader Asian volatility. Earlier in January, the firm had downgraded Indian equities due to a slowdown in growth coupled with high valuations, which limited upside potential. According to HSBC, India now stands out as a relatively attractive investment destination. India now appears attractive on a regional basis: we move to overweight from neutral, the report stated, signalling a stronger preference for Indian equities compared with other Asian markets. Why is HSBC bullish? In its latest "Asia Equity Insights Quarterly," HSBC highlighted that while foreign investors have pulled back from Indian equities over the past year, domestic investors have remained resilient, providing a cushion to the market. The firm described India as a quiet corner amid turbulence in other Asian markets like Korea and Taiwan, with policy support and stable macro fundamentals underpinning its relative strength. HSBC noted that Indias appeal lies in a combination of normalized earnings valuations, light foreign fund positioning, and a government focused on reforms and capex-led growth. In contrast to crowded trades in Korea and Taiwan, Indias market has experienced foreign fund withdrawals over the last 12 months, yet local investors have remained steadfast. While earnings growth expectations can fall a little further, valuations are no longer a concern, government policy is becoming a positive factor for equities, and most foreign funds are lightly positioned, the report added. HSBC emphasized that Indian equities now appear attractive on a regional basis and will likely benefit from ongoing policy momentum. The firm also noted that US tariffs will have minimal impact on the profits of most listed Indian companies. While earnings expectations may moderate, HSBC believes this is not a major deterrent due to broader investor confidence and policy support, providing a strong base for medium- to long-term performance. Asia-Pacific Outlook and Regional Positioning More broadly, HSBC observed that Asia-Pacific equities have risen approximately 20 percent year-to-date, primarily driven by domestic retail investors despite significant foreign fund outflows. Mainland China and Hong Kong remain in HSBCs Overweight basket, with projected returns of +21.0 percent for FTSE China and +16.4 percent for FTSE Hong Kong by 2026. Korea has been downgraded to Underweight, while ASEAN markets remain subdued due to political uncertainties. Japan continues to benefit from a weaker yen but is now considered stretched. Amid these dynamics, India emerges as a top overweight call in HSBCs regional playbook, supported by relatively stable positioning, favourable valuations, and long-term macro resilience. Stock market today: The benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty 50 fell for the third straight day on Tuesday in a tumultuous trading session, influenced by selling in IT and prominent private banking stocks, alongside foreign fund withdrawals due to worries about the significant increase in US H-1B visa fees. After fluctuating between positive and negative territory throughout the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended down by 57.87 points, or 0.07 percent, at 82,102.10. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 decreased by 32.85 points, or 0.13 percent, closing at 25,169.50. Trade Setup for Wednesday According to Osho Krishan, a Senior Analyst in Technical & Derivatives at Angel One, the Nifty 50's technical analysis reveals that the price range between 25,100 and 25,000 provides a strong support zone, which corresponds with the 20-Day Exponential Moving Average and a bullish gap observed on the daily charts. As long as this support remains intact, it offers an excellent opportunity to think about entering long positions around these levels. Furthermore, the price range of 25,300 to 25,350 is expected to serve as intermediate resistance, while the recent peak of 25,449 acts as a significant obstacle. A clear breakthrough above this point could effectively reignite upward momentum, paving the way for further increases. Global Markets, IndiaUS trade talks and Trump Tariffs Siddhartha Khemka, who heads Research at Wealth Management for Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, noted that on a macroeconomic level, India's Composite PMI decreased to 61.9 in September from 63.2 in August, indicating a slight slowdown while still reflecting strong growth. The growth in core sector output reached a 13-month peak of 6.3% in August (compared to 3.7% in July), driven by a low comparison base and strong production in steel and coal. Internationally, discussions between India and the US regarding trade remain a priority, as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York on Monday to expedite negotiations. In summary, we anticipate that the markets will remain robust, bolstered by a resurgence in domestic demand influenced by GST reforms and the festive season. Also Read | Nifty50 to touch record high? Bajaj Broking sees it hitting 27K by March Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, market expertsSumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, recommended these Eight intraday stocks for today: Usha Martin Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd, Punjab National Bank, Bajaj Auto Ltd, PNB Housing Finance Ltd, Moil Ltd, Vascon Engineers Ltd, and Sanghvi Movers Ltd. Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks Usha Martin Ltd: Bagadia recommends buying Usha Martin share price at 443.5 keeping a stoploss at 428 with a Usha Martin share price target of 475. Usha Martin share price was trading at 443.5, hovering near its all-time high of 453 after giving a breakout from a rounding bottom pattern. This bullish formation, developed over several months of accumulation, signals a shift in sentiment and marks the beginning of a potential long-term uptrend. The breakout is accompanied by a noticeable rise in volume, indicating strong market participation and fresh buying interest. A sustained close above the 453 level could lead to further upside, with a near-term target of 475. Traders should closely monitor price action near the current resistance zone for signs of breakout continuation. In conclusion, based on the technical analysis and current market conditions, Usha Martin share price presents a promising buying opportunity for those aiming for a 428 target, provided that appropriate risk management strategies are in place. 2. Ashok Leyland Ltd: Bagadia recommends buying Ashok Leyland share price at 144 keeping a stoploss at 139 with a Ashok Leyland share price target of 154. Ashok Leyland share price was trading at 144, the stock is currently displaying a Long-term uptrend, evident from its recent strong rally. The price structure is forming a sequence of higher lows and higher highs in recent sessions and has formed a new all-time high at 144.50, indicating strong bullish momentum. This bullish structure is supported by rising volumes, confirming the strength behind the price action. Traders are advised to closely monitor the stocks behaviour near the resistance area for any breakout confirmation and subsequent follow-through. In conclusion, based on current technical conditions, Ashok Leyland share price offers a strong buying opportunity for short-term traders targeting 154, provided sound risk management measures are maintained. Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. Punjab National Bank (PNB): Ganesh Dongre recommends buying PNB share price at 114 with a stoploss at 110 with PNB share price target of 120. PNB shares has been exhibiting a strong and consistent bullish pattern, indicating sustained investor interest and positive price momentum. The stock is currently trading at 114 and has established a solid support base at 110. This level has historically acted as a cushion, and the recent price action suggests a reversal from this support, reinforcing bullish sentiment. The technical setup points to the potential for a price retracement toward the 120 level in the near term. Given the renewed strength and the favorable risk-reward ratio, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss placed at 110 offers a strategic opportunity to capture the expected upside move. The outlook remains positive as long as the stock holds above its key support zone. 4. Bajaj Auto Ltd: Ganesh Dongre recommends buying Bajaj Auto share price at 8,985 with a stoploss at 8,900 with Bajaj Auto share price target of 9,200. Bajaj Auto share price has exhibited a strong notable continue bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 8,985 and maintaining a strong support at 8,900. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 9,200 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 8,900 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside. 5. PNB Housing Finance Ltd: Ganesh Dongre recommends buying PNB Housing Finance share price at 891 with a stoploss at 860 with PNB Housing Finance share price target of 930. PNB Housing Finance share price has exhibited a strong notable continue bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 891 and maintaining a strong support at 860. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 930 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 860 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside. Also Read | Mehta Equities' Riyank Arora suggests these stocks to buy in short term Shiju Koothupalakkal intraday stocks for today 6. Moil Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying Moil share price at 362.40 with a Moil share price target of 382 with a stop loss of 354. Moil share price after a short period of consolidation maintaining above the 50EMA zone at 350 level has indicated a bullish candle formation on the daily chart with significant volume participation visible to anticipate for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is currently on the rise indicating strength and can carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically well placed, we suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 382 keeping the stop loss at the 354 level, said Koothupalakkal. 7. Vascon Engineers Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying Vascon Engineers share price at 63.24 with a Vascon Engineers share price target of 68 with a stop loss of 61. Vascon Engineers share price has recently witnessed a significant spurt with strong bias maintained and currently with a flag pattern formation on the daily chart has shown signs of improvement with volume spurt and price action visible to anticipate for another round of fresh upward move in the coming sessions. The RSI is maintained strong with potential to carry on with the positive move visible. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 68 keeping the stop loss at the 61 level, said Shiju. 8. Sanghvi Movers Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying Sanghvi Movers share price at 393.95 with a Sanghvi Movers share price target of 425 with a stop loss of 384. Sanghvi Movers share price has gained momentum with series of higher bottom formation visible on the daily chart with currently having a positive bullish candle with rising volume participation visible to strengthen the bias and can expect for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is hovering near the strong zone and can carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically well placed, we suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 425 keeping the stop loss at the 384 level, said Koothupalakkal. The Indian equity market ended a volatile session on a flat note, as benchmarks came under late selling pressure. Nifty 50 slipped marginally to close at 25,169.50, while BSE Sensex closed at 82,102.10. The market displayed a clear sectoral divergence, with weakness in select sectors outweighing strength elsewhere. The IT sector was the primary drag on the indices, extending its losses for a second consecutive session amid persistent concerns over the new U.S. H-1B visa policy. FMCG and Realty stocks also faced profit booking. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Buy: Deepak Fertilizers and Petrochemicals (current price: 1,518) Why its recommended: Strong volume growth & specialty fertilizer push, capex, capacity expansion, and backward integration Strong volume growth & specialty fertilizer push, capex, capacity expansion, and backward integration Key metrics: P/E: 18.56, 52-week high: 1,779, volume: 106.25 crore P/E: 18.56, 52-week high: 1,779, volume: 106.25 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume Reclaimed its 100-DMA on above average volume Risk factors: Commodity input cost volatility & global competition, segmental margin pressures & demand cyclicality Commodity input cost volatility & global competition, segmental margin pressures & demand cyclicality Buy: 1,5001,525 1,5001,525 Target price: 1,730 in two to three months 1,730 in two to three months Stop loss: 1,420 Also Read | Threat of US tariffs hangs over Sun Pharmas specialty business Buy: Lumax Auto Technologies (current price: 1,176) Why its recommended : Strong financial momentum and scale-up, strong financial momentum and scale-up : Strong financial momentum and scale-up, strong financial momentum and scale-up Key metrics : P/E: 31.12; 52-week high: 1,250; volume: 51.07 crore : P/E: 31.12; 52-week high: 1,250; volume: 51.07 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed its 50-DMA on above average volume Reclaimed its 50-DMA on above average volume Risk factors : Execution risk of new ventures & acquisition integration : Execution risk of new ventures & acquisition integration Buy at: 1,1601,180 1,1601,180 Target price: 1,380 in two to three months 1,380 in two to three months Stop loss: 1,080 Nifty 50 recap On 23 September, Indian equities ended marginally lower, with Nifty 50 slipping 32.85 points, or 0.13%, to close at 25,169.50, after oscillating between 25,084.65 and 25,261.90 through the session. Sensex also closed in the red, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Market breadth remained weak, dragged down primarily by IT stocks on concerns around a proposed hike in U.S. H-1B visa fees. Banking counters also saw selling pressure, while select Auto names found support on expectations of festive season demand. The overall tone was subdued as global policy uncertainties tempered risk appetite. Nifty 50 encountered resistance around 25,450 and subsequently saw profit booking, indicating some consolidation after the recent uptrend. Momentum signals suggest a healthy, though moderating setup. The RSI has cooled off from overbought levels and now stands at 58, but continues to hold above the downward-sloping trendline breakout, reinforcing underlying strength. The MACD remains in positive territory, indicating that the broader trend bias stays constructive despite near-term volatility. Overall, the technical structure suggests that while some pause or pullback cannot be ruled out, the index retains a favourable outlook as long as it sustains above immediate support levels. According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, the market status has been downgraded to an "Uptrend Under Pressure" as Nifty breached its "50-DMA" and the "distribution day count" is at one. The index extended its losing streak and settled just above 25,150, indicating continued consolidation at higher zones. As long as the index sustains above 25,150, it is expected to trade within a defined range of 25,15025,350. However, a decisive close below 25,150 could trigger additional downside pressure, potentially dragging the index toward 25,000. Price action around these support levels will be crucial in gauging the indexs next directional move. How Nifty Bank Performed Bank Nifty closed firm on 23 September, ending at 55,509.75, up 225 points or 0.41%, supported by selective buying in public sector lenders and mid-tier banks. The index traded in a broad range of 55,15955,662, recovering from early weakness to settle near the days higher levels. Gains in stocks such as SBI, Canara Bank, and IndusInd Bank helped offset mild softness in heavyweights like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. The index opened the session on a muted note and slipped toward 55,150 in early trade, reflecting initial weakness. However, buying interest emerged around these lower levels, driving a steady recovery through the late morning. Post-noon, the index gathered momentum and surged past 55,600, marking the intraday high, before consolidating in a narrow band during the final hours. It eventually closed at 55,509.75, up 225 points (0.41%) from the previous close of 55,284.75. The momentum indicator, RSI, climbed higher along with positive a crossover on MACD. At the current juncture, Bank Nifty is approaching a critical technical zone, with immediate resistance placed in the 55,80055,900 range, which coincides with its 100-DMA. A sustained breakout above this band would significantly improve the medium-term outlook and could trigger fresh upward momentum. In such a scenario, the index may advance toward 56,600, with further potential to test 57,200 in the near term. On the downside, strong support is positioned in 54,90054,800, and a breach below this level could accelerate selling pressure, paving the way for a deeper correction. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, founded by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website. Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Small-cap stock Shankara Building Products (SBPL) witnessed a significant drop in its share price on Wednesday, September 24 a move that raised concerns among retail investors. Shankara Building Products' share price crashed 75% from its last close of 990.50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). However, investors need to worry as this fall is not a result of poor financial performance or market sentiment, but a technical adjustment following the demerger. Shankara Building Products has transferred its trading business to Shankara Buildpro, wherein shareholders of SBPL were allotted one share of SBL for every one share held in the original company. With today being the record date, the adjustment in share price is getting reflected. Therefore, the drop in Shankara Building Products' share price is directly linked to the companys approved Scheme of Arrangement with Shankara Buildpro (SBL) a newly formed entity. What explains the 75% fall in Shankara Building Products? According to the companys cost apportionment guidance, about 65.81% of the original value is attributed to Shankara Buildpro, and only 34.19% remains with Shankara Building Products. For instance, if Shankara Building Products' share price was trading at 1,000 before the demerger, it would trade around 341.90 post-demerger, reflecting the retained business. The remaining 658.10 in value is now represented by Shankara Buildpro shares. This decline is not a loss, but a notional fall due to the reorganisation of the business. Investors must note that they now hold a stake in two companies, with the combined value of their holdings remaining the same. Shankara Building Products' share price, however, did decline in trade today. It hit the 5% lower price band of 242.25 as against its adjusted price of 255. In the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), Shankara Building Products reported a 102% rise in net profit to 32 crore on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, even though the figure was lower by 14% on a sequential basis. Meanwhile, revenue from operations jumped 27% YoY to 1,644 crore. On a QoQ basis, revenue was flat. Back in 2007 when Farah Khan made Om Shanti Om , I had described the film as an award ceremony minus the awards: a series of in-jokes and celebrity-heavy sketches stitched around a reincarnation plot. Channelling entertainers like Manmohan Desai, Subhash Ghai and even Bimal Roy, Khan deftly and hilariously spun a reincarnation spoof that thanks to the blinding wattage of its leading man Shah Rukh Khan worked even as a straight romance. The moment that title track plays? Goosebumps. The new Netflix series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood borrows a lot from Farah Khans playbook, but lacks her storytelling finesse. Watching these 7 uneven episodes is like sitting through a school play: its not ideal by any standard, but you indulgently give it your time because you want to be there for your kid, hoot at the right moment, click a photograph to prove you were there. With this series directed and co-created by Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan, many of us may initially be tuning into this show in parental proxy. In support of the ultimate outsider. The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is an insider story about the film industry, about a rough-around-the-edges debutant actor from Delhi finding his footing in a cruel and shallow industry. If that sounds reminiscent of Shah Rukh, wait till the actor within the show raises a trophy to the skies the way SRK had done with his very first Filmfare award in 1992. This ones for you, Ma," Khan had said about the mother he had lost, the one who could not see him start to rule the world. That is many episodes later. Meanwhile, that prescribed indulgence comes in handy during the lousy opening episode. The gags are feeble, the language is humourlessly crass, the characters not worth rooting for. (Would I have given up if I werent reviewing it? Yes, midway through episode one.) For me, the show kicked in only by episode 3 either that, or my mind had given up and succumbed to the brainrot grammar of this slapdash satire. The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is like the BollyBlindsNGossip subreddit come to life, all rumours and snark and pointing at celebrities. As the show rolls on, it is clear that the metatext becomes more important than the text itself, that meme potential takes precedence over screenwriting and story. The blindness means more than the item. Created by Khan with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, the show winks so much it can barely see straight. Some of these winks like a cameo featuring an actor known for on-screen kissing are genuinely funny, but there arent as many memorable or insightful moments. Its like watching an episode of Koffee With Karan. You dont remember (or mind) the interminable chatter throughout the overlong episode as long as the rapid-fire round gives you enough. Khan and his gang may not be making a show as smart as it could have been, but they know how to light up a rapid-fire. If you are an incorrigible film fan, youll find something to enjoy. Karan Johar is in entertaining form as the head of the movie mafia. There are references to actor roundtables, to newschannel owners so wealthy they dont know they own the channels, and many, many references to Shah Rukh Khans films and to his life. From the Delhi paanwala celebrated on Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai to the Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum funeral pyre, this one really is for Aryans dad. King Khan inevitably gets my top line of the series. Oh, what a cliche," he laughs, the real outsider acknowledging the fictional outsider. What a nice cliche, no?" That, to me, is the mission statement. The Ba****ds Of Bollywood wants to be a nice cliche. Everything is familiar. The bonding between the boys is straight out of Luv Ranjans Punchnama movies, the industry machinations have a Madhur Bhandarkar hangover, and the use of cameos is reminiscent of Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance. The show overemphasises constantly, leaning on too many reaction shots, and flashbacks even to things we have seen moments before, like jewelry the hero gifts to the heroine. This spoonfeeding or silver-spoonfeeding betrays the creators lack of faith toward their Gen-Z audience. This may not be Farah Khan by dummies but it certainly feels like Farah Khan for dummies. As a director, Aryan is visibly skilled with fight scenes, this ridiculous farce switching to full-tilt action every time someone throws a kick or lands a punch. Perhaps those are simply the bits the debutant director enjoys the most. Either way, the way the show gets better as it goes along almost implies it was filmed chronologically. Id therefore love to see what this young man makes after this. Lakshya, who broke out with the action film Kill (JioHotstar), is too bland as the series lead Aasmaan. Raghav Juyal is more colourful as his spunky buddy Parvaiz, though the best (non-celebrity) performance comes from Sahher Bambba as the nepo-kid Karishma Talwar. Every character is one-note, but Bambbas ease and softness allows the romantic bits to work. Manoj Pahwa as a disgruntled musician and Mona Singh as Aasmaans mother, a former background dancer, are predictably super. I was most surprised by a smashing Bobby Deol, playing the superstar who doesnt want his daughter to debut with an outsider. What is behind the asterisks in the title? The word star. That may be the dirtiest word in film. Om Shanti Om told us that no matter how good you are and how much you want it, the best way to be a star in India is to be born or reborn into a film family. What Aryan Khan seems to be saying with The Bas***ds Of Bollywood is that the film industry might well be an incestuous petridish of foulmouthed incompetence, but that outsiders can indeed become insiders overnight. For all its savagery and potshots, that is unadulterated filmi optimism. So what if the celebrities always snipe at each other? Thats just Star Wars. Streaming Tip Of The Week: Zoya Akhtars Luck By Chance (Amazon Prime Video) gave us a true ringside view of the film industry, directed by one of its own. From its gorgeous opening credits celebrating extras and background actors, to the finest Hrithik Roshan performance of all, this self-aware film remains essential viewing. Raja Sen is a screenwriter and critic. He has co-written Chup, a film about killing critics, and is now creating an absurd comedy series. He posts @rajasen. Travel website ixigo has rolled out the Grand Travel Fest sale with unbeatable savings on flights and hotels. As the festive season draws closer, travellers can enjoy up to 15 per cent off on Flights & Hotels through exclusive bank partnerships. This is meant to make festive journeys more affordable; the sale ensures families and individuals using credit cards can plan trips home and celebrate together, without stretching their budgets. Travellers can enjoy up to 12% off on flights and hotels with ICICI Bank Credit Cards & Credit Card EMI, and up to 15% off with RBL Bank Credit Cards, BOBCARD, AU Bank Credit Cards (also valid on ixigo AU Credit Cards), and IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card EMI. Also Read | Is it good to have two credit cards? 5 advantages you should know ICICI Bank credit cards: 12 percent off on flights and hotels RBL Bank Credit cards: 15 percent off on flights and hotels BOB Card: 15 per cent off on flights and hotels AU Bank Credit Cards: 15 percent off on flights and hotels For festive season All offers are valid till 26 September 2025, giving the perfect opportunity to book in advance for Dussehra, Diwali, and other festive celebrations. Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, said, Festive travel is a special time when families come together, and at ixigo, we want to be part of those journeys. With our Grand Travel Fest, we aim to make these trips more affordable and convenient, so travellers can focus on celebrating rather than planning. Through our partnerships with leading banks, we offer exclusive discounts that help make every festive journey smoother and more joyful. With the festive season in full swing, ixigos Grand Travel Fest provides the perfect chance for travellers to plan their trips home. By combining convenience, savings, and a wide range of flight and hotel options, ixigo continues to enable seamless travel experiences during Indias busiest travel period. Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit, you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit. Non-residents and overseas investors who could not invest in India through the GIFT City because of the high upfront fund requirement can now take exposure to the domestic market for as low as $500. Until recently, such investors had to set aside $150,000 ( 1.32 crore) to invest in India through inbound GIFT City Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs). But the launch of retail funds has lowered this barrier. Also Read | Long-short funds bloom in GIFT City as tax sops tempt Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund, a retail fund domiciled in GIFT City, accepts a ticket size of $500, which will feed into domestic equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds of Tata Asset Management Co. The fund will invest between 50% and 100% in large, mid-, small, multi-, and flexi-cap schemes and allocate 0% to 50% to sectoral and thematic opportunities. Another GIFT City retail inbound fund, NJ India Opportunities Fund, feeds into the NJ Flexi Cap Fund in India, but the minimum investment is $10,000. Apart from NRIs and foreigners, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can also invest in such GIFT City retail inbound funds. However, US and Canadian citizens and investors from regions black/grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT) are restricted from investing in such funds. Also, Indians are not allowed to invest in inbound funds to prevent round-tripping. View Full Image (Graphics: Mint) Also Read | Gift City mulls multi-class retail funds to woo global investors Unlike most other feeder funds (which pool in money from investors) that have a separate total expense ratio (TER) from the underlying fund, the Tata GIFT Inbound Fund has a maximum TER cap, including the cost of the feeder and the fund it invests in. It is 1.75% for direct investments and 2.5% for investments through distributor and advisor-led channels. There is no entry or exit load in this fund. The Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund from GIFT IFSC stands out for three key reasons: a minimum ticket size of USD 500, significant tax advantages for non-residents (subject to current regulations of the jurisdictions), and our ability to offer a gateway for global investorsboth large and smallto directly participate in Indias growth story," said Abhinav Sharma, head, international business, Tata Asset Management Pvt. Ltd. The fund will dynamically allocate assets based on prevailing market conditions. In the current scenario, it will allocate 50100% of the AUM (assets under management) to broad-based funds and 050% to sectoral and thematic opportunities, ensuring diversified access to Indias growth potential while maintaining optimal flexibility." Tax treatment If an inbound fund feeds into direct equities, long-term capital gains tax of 12.5% and short-term capital gains tax of 20% apply. Since the Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund will feed into mutual funds and ETFs in India, it is completely tax-exempt for NRIs in India. However, investors might face a tax liability in their home country. Investors from the UAE, Singapore, and Mauritius will pay zero tax as these countries levy no capital gains tax. What experts say According to Nirav Karkera, head of research at Fisdom, think of the offering as a Tata AMC proposition in a box. The low entry ticket size and favourable taxation are key, he said. This could attract NRI and overseas investments seeking India exposure with limited amounts and less operational fuss. The AMC has a decent bouquet of products with a good mix of diversified equity, thematic funds, and debt offerings," said Karkera. The fund house has some demonstrable ability to manage allocations dynamically across market cycles." While it will take time to ascertain the efficacy of their allocation model, the foundation looks well-built", according to Karkera. Among others, the biggest challenge this proposition appears to solve is that of friction for overseas and NRI investors to invest and participate in the Indian equity story." Juzer Gabajiwala, director at Ventura Securities, said lowering the threshold will invite investors to get a taste of the Indian equity markets. A great advantage is that you do not need a PAN card or a bank account", he said. An icing on the cake is no tax in India; tax only in the country of residence, and if you are from the UAE or Singapore, even that is nil. Only forex risk exposure, which would be there even when investing without the GIFT City route." How to invest Heres the step-by-step process for investing in the Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund. The fund is likely to open for subscriptions in October. 1) Apply via TATA Asset Management-empanelled distributor or direct route. 2) Submit the application form, KYC (know your customer) and other documents to the GIFT City branch or CAMS (email/physical). 3) CAMS performs manual data entry, KYC, anti-money laundering (AML), and foreign account tax compliance (FATCA) checks. 4) Zero balance folio opened after successful checks. 5) Investor receives an email on the opening of an account; remittance of funds to the scheme collection account may be initiated thereafter. 6) Once funds are received, the scheme allocates units and issues a statement of account (SOA). Companies facing anti-dumping duties in India may soon get much-needed clarity on where to challenge such measures, as the Delhi High Court considers a case that could reshape trade dispute procedures. The matter centres on the Finance Act, 2023, which limited the powers of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (Cestat) in hearing challenges to anti-dumping duties imposed by the Union government. Also Read | India initiates anti-dumping probe into import of polyethylene from 6 countries Before the amendment, companies could challenge both the governments final duty orders and the Designated Authority (DA) technical findings under the ministry of commerce and industry at Cestat. The 2023 amendment retrospectively narrowed this scope, allowing appeals only against the DAs findings. On 22 September, a division bench led by Justice Pratibha Singh stayed Cestats August ruling, which had held that the 2023 amendment had not yet come into effect and that the tribunal retained the power to hear anti-dumping appeals. The bench said it will examine whether the Customs Tribunal can listen to appeals by companies challenging government anti-dumping notifications. Also Read | India moves to shield steelmakers with duty on Vietnamese imports While Indias anti-dumping framework is primarily overseen by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which investigates dumping and recommends duties to the government, the final imposition rests with the Union government. In comparison, other major economies offer broader avenues for judicial review. In the US, companies can appeal anti-dumping duty decisions to the Court of International Trade, which reviews both the technical findings and government-imposed duties. Similarly, in the European Union, challenges proceed through the General Court and, if needed, the Court of Justice of the EU, allowing a comprehensive review of both investigative assessments and the final measures. Before the amendment, Indias anti-dumping process involved the DA investigating whether imported goods were being sold at unfairly low pricesso-called dumpingand whether this caused injury to the domestic industry. The DA would recommend a duty based on its findings, but the Union government had the final say, issuing a notification to impose, modify, or reject the duty. Companies could then challenge both the DAs technical determinations and the governments final order at Cestat, giving them multiple avenues to contest duties. The Finance Act, 2023, however, limited Cestats powers, applying it retrospectively from 1995. This means companies can now appeal only against the DAs determinations or reviews, preventing direct challenges to government-imposed duties at the tribunal. It effectively bars importers from directly contesting government duty orders at Cestat, potentially requiring them to approach the High Court or other legal channels instead. Legal challenge The issue came to the fore when EssilorLuxottica Asia Pacific, a global lens manufacturer, challenged Indias anti-dumping duty on semi-finished ophthalmic lenses imported from China. While hearing this case in August, Cestat ruled that the 2023 amendment had not yet taken effect, as the government had not issued a separate notification, and retained jurisdiction to hear the appeal. This prompted the Union government to approach the Delhi High Court, asserting that the amendment is already in force and that Cestat lacks authority to hear such appeals. For more than two years, the Cestats Anti-Dumping Bench has not heard any appeals, a void deeply felt across the industry. The retrospective amendment to the appeal provisions introduced by the Finance Act, 2023, created confusion over the tribunals jurisdiction in cases where customs notifications were issued by the finance ministry, said Devinder Bagia, executive partner at law firm Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, representing companies challenging the amendment. Some experts believe the case could significantly shift Indias anti-dumping framework. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its latest weather advisories as the country braces for continued rainfall in several regions. While Kolkatas recent flooding has begun to subside, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, prompting an orange alert in these states. Whats happening over East India? IMD issues Orange Alert A low-pressure area over coastal Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha, as well as the northwest Bay of Bengal, is persisting, according to the IMD. The system is expected to linger for the next 24 hours before weakening. A trough associated with this low-pressure area extends to Telangana across Odisha, and another upper-air trough reaches south Maharashtra, south Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and north interior Karnataka, influencing weather in these regions. Also Read | Kolkata rain alert: Bay of Bengal low pressure likely to bring heavy rainfall Under its influence, East India can expect: Light to moderate rain or thunderstorms at most or many places, with isolated heavy rainfall likely over Odisha, Chhattisgarh (24th-28th), Bihar (24th), Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal (24th-25th), and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. Very heavy rainfall is forecast over Odisha (24th-26th), Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on 24th, and Chhattisgarh on 24th and 25th September. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are expected across East India during the next five days. Also Read | IMD issues orange alert for heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar on 17 Sept West India: Orange Alert in Maharashtra, Mumbai The IMD has issued an orange alert for several regions in Maharashtra due to intense rainfall. Key predictions include: Light to moderate rain or thunderstorms at many/some places over Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada (next seven days except 25th), Konkan & Goa (25th-29th), and Gujarat (27th-29th). Very heavy rainfall over Konkan & Goa and Madhya Maharashtra (26th-29th) and Marathawada (27th September). Northeast India: Scattered Rains Continue Assam and Meghalaya are likely to see light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with isolated heavy spells on 24th and 29th September. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may experience similar conditions on 24th September. South Peninsular India: Heavy Rainfall Alerts Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana: Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy rainfall from 24th-28th September; very heavy rainfall forecast on 26th & 27th September. Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe, Rayalaseema, Coastal & North Interior Karnataka will also experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms, with very heavy rain likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Telangana. Strong surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph are expected over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema in the next five days. IMD Alert: Delhi Weather Forecast According to IMD Delhi updates: 24 Sept: Clear sky; maximum 33-35C, minimum 23-25C; northwest winds up to 22 kmph. 25 Sept: Clear sky; maximum 32-34C, minimum 23-25C; northwest winds 20-22 kmph. 26 Sept: Clear sky; maximum 32-34C, minimum 24-26C; northwest winds 15-20 kmph. IMD Alert: What to Expect Next? The IMD has also forecast the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal around 25th September. This system is expected to move westwards and may intensify into a depression near the South OdishaNorth Andhra Pradesh coasts on 26th September, potentially making landfall on 27th September. New Delhi: Indias $50-billion pharmaceutical industry is set for a quality overhaul, as the government is preparing to unveil new safety and quality standards to reinforce the countrys reputation as a global leader in drug manufacturing and bolster trust in medicines made by domestic companies. India is setting up new standards for 123 drugs, and updating them for another 200 medicines, as it aims to align with the benchmarks in the US, Japan and the European Union (EU), according to three government officials familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by Mint. To be released shortly, these legally enforceable standards, known as Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) monographs, are detailed blueprints outlining a drugs identity, purity and strength. They were last updated in 2022. The goal is to boost confidence in Indian-made medicines and help grow the countrys pharmaceutical market. The initiative assumes importance, given Indias role in supplying affordable medicines globally and being the largest supplier of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of the world's supply by volume. Developed by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), an autonomous body under the Union ministry of health and family welfare, the new standards will be for anticancer drugs including Dactinomycin and Fulvestrant injections, and Pomalidomide capsules, and antidiabetic drugs including Dapagliflozin, Vildagliptin and Metformin prolonged-release tablets. The new standards will also cover antiretrovirals, including Etravirine tablets; antibiotics, including Cefprozil and Cefuroxime Axetil; and antituberculosis drugs such as Bedaquiline. Other drugs include Prednisolone Oral Solution, Dexamethasone and Bacitracin Ointment. IP standards serve as essential parameters for testing and guiding manufacturers to produce safe and reliable medicines. The IPC is adding new monographs for 123 drugs, including new fixed dose combinations, complex generics, antibiotics, blood reagents, anticancer and antituberculosis drugs. At the same time, were revising around 200 monographs based on stakeholder feedback, upgrading testing methods with advanced technologies and adding specifications for dissolution and related substances," said the first of the three government officials cited earlier, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | India restricts sale of TB drugs to government channels to curb resistance Queries emailed to the health ministry and Indian pharmaceutical companies Lupin, Zydus, Cipla and Dr Reddys Laboratories on Tuesday remained unanswered. Birendra Singh, global quality head for Mankind Pharma, emphasized the critical role of IP monographs in ensuring the safety, efficacy and affordability of medicines. These standards provide robust testing methods that align the companys quality with global regulations. Adopting these monographs standardizes testing in a cost-effective way, ensuring consistent, high-quality products for patients without impacting pricing. For patients, this means every medicine undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee purity, efficacy and safety, with the same reliable standards applied across the Indian pharmaceutical industry," said Singh. The proposed standards will serve as a quality and safety benchmark for all medicines manufactured in India and 14 countries namely Afghanistan, Ghana, Nepal, Mauritius, Suriname, Nicaragua, Bhutan, Mozambique, the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Nauru, Malawi, Guyana and Fiji. These countries have already adopted Indian Pharmacopoeia as their official book of standards. These new and updated monographs will be featured in the upcoming 2026 edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia to be released shortly. This development is vital for ensuring that every medicine manufactured in India meets a high standard of quality and safety," said the second official. Experts underline the need for updated standards. Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former World Health Organization chief scientist, said: We definitely need updated standards for drugs. While central agencies have strong regulatory capacity, state-level variability is a key reason for substandard drugs in India. There is the need for consistent implementation of the same high standards across all states to ensure safety for both domestic and international markets." According to the government document reviewed by Mint, efforts are on to secure international recognition for Indian Pharmacopoeia. To achieve wider global acceptance, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is working to harmonize its standards with international requirements," the document stated. The IPC is actively working to harmonize its standards with the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group, which includes the US, Japan and the EU. This effort follows Indias recent inclusion in the group in 2023. This harmonization will bring uniformity to Indian standards, further solidifying Indias reputation as a leader in the global pharmaceutical market and making it easier for Indian drugs to be accepted worldwide," explained the third official. The development of these monographs is of immense importance to public health, as they ensure that medicines are both effective and safe. They provide clear, scientifically backed guidelines that prevent the circulation of substandard drugs. Harshad Lalwani, founder of Hummsa Biotech, views IP monographs as a common language for quality that significantly de-risks the companys operations. This includes qualifying methods, purchasing reference standards and enhanced impurity testing. While there's a modest, ongoing cost for surveillance, this investment is far outweighed by the benefits. Ultimately, these standards lead to fewer deviations, less re-testing, and smoother conversations with regulators, making it a cost-effective way to scale with global harmonization in mind," Lalwani said. Viranchi Shah, national spokesperson for the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, explained that these standards act as a counterbalancing regulation, ensuring products meet quality specifications. Shah stated that all companies selling in India must adhere to these norms, which directly dictate the quality of medicines available to the public. While many countries recognize US, British, and EU standards, the IP's standards are also accepted internationally, ensuring quality for both domestic and export markets," said Shah. Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati is at the centre of a police investigation after as many as 17 female students of a management institute in southwest Delhi accused him of sexual harassment, prompting the police to launch raids and surveillance. According to the reports, as Chaitanyananda Saraswati continues to run and evade arrest, the police have issued a lookout circular against the self-styled godman. A lookout circular (LOC) has been issued against him to prevent any attempt to flee the country, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said, PTI reported. According to agency reports, the godman was last seen in Agra, and police teams are conducting raids across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand in connection with the case. Delhi ashram horror: Here are key points to know The incident came to light after several female students of a management institute accused the godman of sexual harassment. The case was filed on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. During the questioning, as many as 32 female PGDM students with EWS scholarships were recorded. Of these, 17 alleged that Chaitanyananda Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances. The role of three women serving as faculty members and administrators at the institute is also under investigation for allegedly abetted the accused by pressuring students to comply with his demands. Their role is currently under investigation, and the full extent of their involvement will be determined once Saraswati is apprehended, an officer was quoted as saying by PTI. According to police, the accused was a sanchalak (management committee member) at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in southwest Delhi. During raids, the cops found a Volvo in the institute's basement with a forged diplomatic number plate 39 UN 1. View full Image A Volvo car with a forged numberplate that was recovered by the police from the basement of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, in New Delhi ( PTI ) This is not the first time he has faced such allegations. Police sources said a case of fraud and molestation was lodged against him at the Defence Colony Police Station in 2009, while another molestation complaint was filed at the Vasant Kunj Police Station in 2016. Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka, where Saraswati was formerly associated, has issued a statement distancing itself from him. The public is hereby informed that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (Dr.) Parthasarathy has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri [Peetham]. As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him, the statement said. It further said that the peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding the illegal acts committed by Saraswati. Multiple teams have been formed to trace Saraswati. Teams have been conducting raids at his known hideouts in Delhi and neighbouring states, including Agra, where his last location was found, said a source quoted by PTI. The allegations are serious, involving multiple victims, and we are pursuing the case with priority, said the police officer. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation seeking the removal of the graves of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhatt from Tihar Jail premises. Both were awarded the death penalty and executed in the jail over a decade ago. Why was the plea filed? The petitioners argued that maintaining graves of convicted terrorists within a government facility was inappropriate and sought judicial intervention for their relocation. The petitioners claimed that the Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhatt graves had turned Tihar into a site of radical pilgrimage where extremist elements gather to venerate convicted terrorists, thereby undermining public order and secular principles. What did the Delhi High Court say? A Division Bench emphasised that such decisions were sensitive matters taken by the government at the time of execution and could not be reopened after more than twelve years. But removing a grave which might have been in existence with the last 12 years the govt decided it keeping in view the fallout regarding permitting giving the body to the family or burial outside the Tihar jail? These are very sensitive issues there are so many factors govt (took a decision) keeping in view all the aspects took a call. Can we now challenge that decision after 12 years? Removal after 12 years, Bar and Bench quoted the Delhi High Court. The Delhi HC noted that only the competent authority could take decisions on burial within prison premises and that judicial interference was unwarranted in the absence of a law prohibiting graves in prisons. What about pilgrimage or glorification? While the Delhi High Court dismissed the plea, it acknowledged concerns about potential glorification of the site. We agree that there should be no pilgrimage or glorification but there has to be data on this. We can direct the jail authorities to stop that but removing the grave after 12 years, the Bench added. The petitioners counsel requested permission to withdraw the PIL and file a fresh one with empirical data supporting claims of glorification, which the Court allowed. Did the Delhi High consider legal provisions? The Court questioned whether any law specifically prohibited graves in prison and examined the Delhi Prisons Rules and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. It concluded that no such prohibition exists and that decisions regarding burial were for the authorities to make. There is no provision which says that prisoners dead body has to be cremated in the jail This lies in their (authorities) realm, the Bench stated. Delhi police has registered a case against a self-styled godman, identified as Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Parth Sarthy, for allegedly sexually harassing at least 16 female students of a management institute in the city, as per a PTI report. The report added that police have conducted raids and surveillance operations, but the accused who is a member of the institute's management committee remains on the run, evading arrest since the case was filed. The complaint was lodged on August 4, under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. Sixteen victims have since deposed before a magistrate. Also Read | Case filed against hairstylist Jawed Habib, son for duping people of lakhs What have the students alleged? As per the report, 32 female students enrolled in the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) course under the EWS scholarship at Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management have recorded statements with the Vasant Kunj police. Of these, 17 students have alleged that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances. Students told the police that some faculty members and administrators also pressured them to comply with his demands, police told the news agency. Also Read | Are banks open or closed for Navratri Day 3 today? Delhi police investigation: What we know so far The students' statements were recorded before a magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Speaking to ANI , DCP (South West) Amit Goel said, The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon. , DCP (South West) Amit Goel said, The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon. During the investigation, police recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused and sporting fake United Nations number plates (39 UN 1). Police confirmed the plates were fabricated and not formally issued. Police said a second FIR was lodged on August 25, and the vehicle was seized. The accused has a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing UN's number. The car has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued. The accused's location is being traced by the police, an official told ANI on September 24. on September 24. The accused had earlier applied for anticipatory bail, but later withdrew the plea, authorities added. Sources told the agency that the institute's management has removed the accused from his position and is cooperating with the police investigation. Delhi police solve blind hit-and-run case Meanwhile, in another operation, Delhi Police said it has solved a blind hit-and-run case within eight days by apprehending the accused and recovering the offending vehicle in the South West district, ANI reported. According to the police, on September 15, at around 1 pm, a PCR call was received at Vasant Vihar police station, reporting that a car belonging to Mayank Jain had been hit by another car between 2 am and 3 am at the Munirka flyover. When Jain stepped out of his vehicle, the driver allegedly hit him deliberately and fled from the scene. Jain, who sustained injuries, was admitted to RR Hospital, Dhaula Kuan, for treatment. Based on the complaint, a case under FIR No 221/25 was registered at Vasant Vihar police station. Police stated that more than 200 CCTV cameras installed along the Ring Road and its adjoining areas were scanned during the investigation. A suspected car with a broken front glass was identified. On verification, it was found that the registered owner of the vehicle had passed away two years ago, and the car was being used by his family members. During analysis of call records and route mapping through CCTV footage, it was established that Gaurav Bhardwaj, a resident of Greater Kailash Enclave-I, had taken the car to Dwarka on the night of the incident. Police later found that the accused had replaced the damaged front glass at a mechanic shop in GK-I the next day. The broken glass was also recovered on September 20. On September 22, Bhardwaj was apprehended and, during interrogation, he confessed to the crime. The Government on Wednesday approved the extension of the service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) up to May 2026. The Ministry of Defence announced the news in a tweet saying, Government has approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, upto 30th May 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Gen Chauhan, commissioned in 1981, has had a distinguished career with key command and staff appointments. He has held several command, staff, and instrumental appointments and has extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East India. Decorated with several medals, including Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Gen Chauhan has been serving as CDS since 30 September 2022. About General Anil Chauhan Born on 18 May 1961, Gen Anil Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. In the rank of Major General, the officer commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramula sector in the Northern Command. Later, as lieutenant general, he commanded a corps in the North East and subsequently became the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command from September 2019, holding the charge until his retirement from the service in May 2021. In addition to these command appointments, the officer also held important staff appointments, including the charge of Director General of Military Operations. Earlier, he had also served in a United Nations mission to Angola. The officer superannuated from the Indian Army on 31 May 2021. Even after his retirement from the Army, he continued to contribute to national security and strategic matters. The Central government has issued its first statement on the Ladakh clashes that have killed four persons and injured over 50 others, blaming activist Sonam Wangchuk's provocative speeches for the violence that also saw a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh being set on fire. In its statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his [Sonam Wangchuk's] provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh. The Centre also accused Sonam Wangchuk of breaking his fast and leaving for his village without making effort to calm the situation down. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation, the MHA said. The Centre also said that the government has been actively engaging with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues and has held a series of meetings. However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC has been trying to sabotage the dialogue process. The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. Speaking about the arson and violence today in Leh and Ladakh, the ministry said that the protesters put offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched a police vehicle. It stated that police opened fire in self-defence, resulting in some casualties. The Ladakh clashes The statehood for Ladakh movement descended into violence, arson and street clashes, leaving four people dead and at least 59 injured, including 22 police personnel, officials said. New Delhi: India's businesses and goods and services tax (GST) authorities at the central and state levels now have the long-awaited unified forum to resolve tax disputes. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), which will start hearing cases from December. This marks a major milestone in the evolution of the indirect tax regime and its dispute resolution architecture. The tribunal will take up appeals arising from cases that are not resolved within the central and state tax authorities administrative ecosystem, and currently land in various high courts. Sitharaman said the tribunal aims to reduce legal friction, bring greater simplicity, proactively address delays in litigation so that the cash flows of businesses function smoothly and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters can invest with confidence. The government has appointed Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as the president of the tribunal. Also Read | Ministerial group in favour of removing GST on health, life insurance The GST appellate tribunal will help reduce problems arising out of conflicting rulings by the advance ruling authorities in different states. From April 2026, the principal bench of GSTAT will act as the National Appellate Authority for Advanced Rulings, providing businesses with clarity and ensuring consistency across states. This makes GSTAT not just a tribunal, it makes it a one-stop comprehensive forum for GST disputes, both before initiation and after initiation of the proceedings, the minister said. Challenge in tax administration Conflicting rulings by authority for advance rulings (AARs) in different states, which businesses approach for clarity on tax matters before executing a transaction, had proved to be challenge in tax administration. Earlier, states often differed in interpreting product classification or even the definition. We have had very many complications because of that and the GST Council would labour on what guidelines or clarifications to be issued. This has repeatedly been an agenda item in every GST Council meeting, Sitharaman said. In cases of conflicting rulings, the GST Council had to frequently issue clarifications. With the GSTAT coming and the Centre and states on board, we open a new era of predictable, specialised jurisprudence, the minister said. Also Read | Centre wants to pull more small traders and vendors into GST netby persuasion This is cooperative federalism in action, the minister said likening the tribunal to the spine of the indirect tax system. The indirect tax system is evolving around the principle of simplicity, the minister said, adding that citizens remain at the core of governments policy-making, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan nagrik devo bhava or citizen is God. In the spirit of this same principle, GSTAT should focus on jargon-free decisions in plain language, simplified formats and checklists, digital by default filings, virtual hearings and time standards for listing, hearing and for pronouncement, she said. The minister described the launch of the tribunal as a powerful reminder of policy-makers determination to continue improving, reforming and adapting the tax system for the future. Reform is a continuous process and GST must evolve and is evolving around the principle of simplicity and ease of living. Justice Mishra, who was present on the occasion, said the tribunal will play a pivotal role in clearing the significant backlog of appeals under GST, while also laying down jurisprudence for future disputes. The cooperation of central and state governments has been instrumental in the establishment of the tribunal, he added. Also Read | Profiteering worries cast cloud over GST cuts India and Australia on Wednesday signed an agreement on organic products, accepting each others certification for a wide range of organic products. The Union commerce ministry said this is expected to give a strong push to trade between the two countries, while opening new opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters. India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and Australias Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), will jointly implement the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), a ministry statement said. The arrangement reflects growing trust and confidence in each others organic standards and certification systems, the ministry said. It is expected to simplify compliance requirements, cut regulatory barriers, and help Indian exporters access the high-value Australian market. The agreement was signed in the presence of commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal, Apeda chairman Abhishek Dev, and Tom Black, first assistant secretary, DAFF, alongside senior officials and leading exporters. Also Read | Tested organic food coming on your plate, courtesy govt Emphasizing the significance of the step, Barthwal said, Indias National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) has laid down rigorous standards that ensure transparency and credibility in the countrys organic ecosystem. Organic products must not be seen merely as a certification tag but as part of a larger system that safeguards integrity, maintains strict quality checks, and ensures better incomes for farmers. With organic produce fetching 30-40% higher prices, the arrangement is likely to enhance livelihoods, the commerce secretary said. Barthwal also underlined the need for proper labelling, penalties, and strict separation of organic and non-organic produce, besides capacity building and advisory support for farmers. Rapid growth in sector Black, representing the Australian government, praised the rapid growth of Indias organic sector and noted the role of the Indian diaspora in expanding organic trade between the two countries. Highlighting that Australia already has 53 million hectares of organic farmland, the largest in the world, he pointed to fresh opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages, and wines. Indias organic exports to Australia stood at $8.96 million in 202425, with shipments of 2,781.58 metric tonnes, led by products such as psyllium husk, coconut milk, and rice. Also Read | Why organic is not in your shopping cart Mint reported on 19 February 2024, that the Centre planned to invest around 105 crore to enhance organic food testing capabilities across two dozen central and state-owned laboratories. The move aims to improve the quality of organic food in the domestic market and ensure better pricing for farmers. Organic products are grown under a system of agriculture without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with an environmentally and socially responsible approach. As per the Apeda website, India ranks second in terms of the worlds organic agricultural land and first in terms of total number of producers. In FY24, India produced around 3.6 million tonnes of certified organic products, spanning a wide range of commodities including oilseeds, fibre, sugarcane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, aromatic and medicinal plants, tea, coffee, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. The countrys organic production is not limited to edible items, but also includes organic cotton fibre and functional food products. Among the states, Maharashtra emerged as the largest producer, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat. In terms of commodity categories, fibre crops constituted the largest share, followed by oilseeds, sugar crops, cereals and millets, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices and condiments, fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, and tea and coffee. Indias total area under organic cultivation in FY24 was 7.3 million hectares, comprising 4.5 million hectares of farm area and 2.8 million hectares of wild area. Madhya Pradesh accounted for the largest certified organic area, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Indian organic products have a wide export footprint, reaching markets such as the US, the European Union, Canada, UK, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Vietnam, Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. During FY24, India exported 2.61 lakh tonnes of organic food, earning around $494.8 million, highlighting the growing global demand for its certified organic products. Also Read | Govt plans crackdown on organic food with false claims NEW DELHI: India, the world's leading rice exporter, is poised to ship a record amount of grain this season despite severe flooding that damaged crops in the key farming state of Punjab. The International Grains Council (IGC) has forecast that India will export a record 23.4 million tonnes of rice during the 2025-26 season, a 2% increase from the previous season. This surge will be fuelled by strong demand from African nations and a recent rebound in shipments to markets in Pacific Asia like the Philippines and Malaysia. According to the IGC, India will account for more than a third of the global rice trade, which is forecast to reach a record 59.9 million tonnes. India exported 19.86 million tonnes of rice in FY25, surpassing 16.35 million tonnes in FY24. The IGC presented its report on 22 September, which was published on the website of the World Trade Organization (WTO) The following day. The submission was made for the 113th meeting of the WTO Committee on Agriculture, scheduled for 2526 September. The projection comes even as floods have impacted Punjab and Haryana, which together account for 75% of the country's long-grain basmati rice output. However, industry experts say India's diversified rice belt across eastern and southern states is cushioning the overall output. The losses in Punjab are a concern, but Indias production base is large and spread out, which helps offset regional shocks, said Vijay Setia, director, Chaman Lal Setia Exports, and the former president of All India Rice Exporters Association (Airea). To make up for any shortfalls, basmati rice exporters are are likely to to source more from states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Mint had reported earlier. Airea has projected India's basmati rice exports at 6.5 million tonnes in the current fiscal year, up from 6.06 million tonnes in FY25. According to the Indian agriculture ministry, paddy sowing has increased to 43.85 million hectares this kharif season, up from 43 million last year. The IGC noted that higher carry-in stocks and a marginal downgrade in consumption have boosted global supplies, with carryover inventories pegged at an all-time high of 187 million tonnes. This ensures that trade flows remain stable, offering India the opportunity to consolidate its dominance in rice exports. India's edge Indias competitive edge lies in its ability to cater to multiple markets, according to industry experts. The country supplies premium basmati rice to West Asia and Europe while providing more affordable non-basmati rice, particularly the parboiled variety, to buyers across Africa. Exporters believe that despite weather shocks and policy interventions aimed at safeguarding domestic food security, Indias exports will remain buoyant. The IGC report also highlighted strong trends across other crops, with world wheat output forecast at a record 819 million tonnes, and volumes forecast to rebound by 5% to 206.9 million tonnes. Maize production is projected at 1,297 million tonnes, up 5% year-on-year, while global soybean imports are expected to rise 2% to 184.6 million tonnes, driven by firmer Chinese demand. Also Read | Why Chinas exports have stayed resilient in the face of US tariffs For India, however, rice remains the most strategically important export commodity in the agriculture sector. Government policy continues to balance domestic price stability with export earnings, with analysts stressing that the IGCs numbers reaffirm Indias central role in global food security. The countrys ability to withstand regional weather shocks and still meet international demand underscores its indispensability in global trade. India at WTO In a separate development, India has stepped up its push for greater transparency in global trade, challenging the US, Australia, Japan and several other nations at the WTO over farm subsidies, Mint reported earlier. Also Read | India just tabled a major challenge to the world's biggest economies at the WTO India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Tuesday over its recent air attack on civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that Islamabad has been illegally occupying Indian territory. Speaking during the Agenda Item 4 of the UNHRC session, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi said that Pakistan should focus on bringing back its economy that is on life support and a human rights record stained by persecution. A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India, the Counsellor at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva told the session. He accused Pakistan of bombing its own people, referring to the killing of civilians in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa airstrikes. Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuing an economy on life support, a polity muzzled by military dominance, and a human rights record stained by persecution perhaps once they find time away from exporting terrorism, harbouring UN-proscribed terrorists, and bombing their own people, he told the UNHRC session. India's comments came just a day after Pakistani airstrikes killed civilians in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa airstrike At least 30 people, including women and children, died on Monday when explosive materials stored at a compound owned by the Pakistani Taliban exploded in northwest Pakistan, police said. However, locals claimed that Pakistani fighter jets had bombed four houses, resulting in the killings. Several people were also injured in the attack, which officials have claimed were explosions at a munitions dump in a militant hideout. Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, on Monday, expressed profound sorrow over the Pakistan Air Force bombing in the Tirah Valley. When the blood of our own people is made so cheap and bombs are dropped on them, it is a fire that can engulf everyone, she said in a post on X. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed an First Information Report (FIR) against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor of the banned group Sikhs For Justice, for promoting Khalistan and offering 11 crore to stop the Prime Minister from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day this year. The FIR, registered on August 19, states that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun hosted a "Meet the Press" at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10, 2025, news agency ANI reported. During this time, he addressed journalists via a video link from Washington, US, primarily focusing on rejecting India's sovereignty over Punjab and promoting Khalistan. Panun also unveiled a "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" map covering Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi during a video-linked event from Washington at Lahore Press Club. "Pannun hosted the "Meet the Press" at Lahore Press Club, Pakistan on 10.08.2025, where he addressed the journalists through a video link from Washington, US primarily focusing on the rejection of India's sovereignty over Punjab and the promotion of Khalistan. In his address, he has offered Rs. 11 crore to the Sikh soldiers who will stop the Prime Minister of India from hoisting the Tricolor at Red Fort on 15th August, 2025. He also unveiled SFJ's new "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" Referendum Map which incorporates Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi into envisioned Khalistan," reads the FIR, according to the news agency report. Pannun was declared a designated "individual terrorist" by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July 2020 and faces multiple cases in the country on terror charges. Earlier on September 23, Canadian police arrested Khalistani terrorist Inderjeet Singh Gosal on firearms charges in Ontario, CBC reported, citing Reuters. Gosal is a member of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an outfit banned in India and headed by US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gosal was also a close associate of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani terrorist shot dead outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June 2023. New Delhi: For thousands of Indian families, a builders bankruptcy means losing the home they paid for, while still juggling EMIs and rent. Now, spurred by a 12 September Supreme Court ruling that declared the right to shelter a fundamental right under Article 21, the government and bankruptcy regulator Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) are weighing reforms to protect genuine homebuyers and restore credibility to the real estate sector. Two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said discussions are at an early stage and aim to address the sectors credibility gap and protect those who invest their life savings in homes. The Supreme Court, ruling in the case of Mansi Brar Fernandes vs Shubha Sharma (clubbed with cross-appeals and another case), said that the right to shelter is a fundamental right, and home purchases are much more than a commercial transaction. Also Read | EDs new playbook may ease bankruptcy asset release Early reforms on the table According to one of the persons cited above, the proposals include early registration of property in a buyers name after 20% payment, project-specific insolvency resolution so only troubled projectsnot entire developer groupsgo into bankruptcy, stronger coordination between IBBI and state real estate regulatory authorities, and institutional reforms to ensure stalled projects are revived. Queries emailed to IBBI, ministry of corporate affairs and the ministry of housing and urban affairs seeking comments for the story remained unanswered at the time of publishing. The state carries a constitutional obligation to create and strictly enforce a framework wherein no developer is permitted to defraud or exploit homebuyers. Ensuring timely project completion must be a cornerstone of Indias urban policy," the top court said, while also asking the authorities to check the menace of a parallel cash economy and speculation in the real estate market, which artificially inflate housing costs. Distinguishing genuine buyers from speculative investors, the court ruled that only genuine buyers can trigger insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The Supreme Court said registration of houses with local revenue authorities in the name of the home buyers should be done upon 20% of the payment, rather than full payment. It also urged the creation of a retired high court judge-led committee to propose systemic reforms, a council of IBBI and RERA authorities to frame sector-specific insolvency guidelines, and greater use of government bodies or PSUs to rescue stalled projects through bridge financing. Real estate insolvency: A fresh approach The top court strongly recommended that project-specific bankruptcy resolution be implemented in the real estate sector and that specific guidelines be framed. This will ensure that housing projects which have run into financial problems will individually be taken up for debt resolution under the IBC, rather than the developer as a corporate entity facing bankruptcy proceedings. This will ring-fence projects that are going well from the bankruptcy resolution of projects that are stuck, enabling delivery of homes to customers in the better managed projects without legal complications. Interestingly, the government had considered this option earlier but opted not to propose it in the IBC (Amendments) Bill 2025, currently before a select committee of the Parliament. With the Supreme Court recommending it, this is expected to become part of Indias the bankruptcy resolution framework. Work is going on in that direction," said the first person quoted above. G. Hari Babu, national president, National Real Estate Development Council, said the SC ruling "will foster a healthier real estate ecosystem, restore confidence among homebuyers, and encourage responsible development, aligning perfectly with the governments vision of housing for all." Babu said the ruling marks a big step forward for Indias housing market. By emphasizing that housing is a fundamental human need and not merely a speculative investment, the judgment strengthens protections for homebuyers, ensures transparency in project execution, and mandates timely completion of projects, said Babu. Abhay Upadhyay, president of Forum For People's Collective Efforts (FPCE), a homebuyers' association, said that the Supreme Court judgement and further development based on the court's order is a welcome move. Also, apart from further change in regulations, there is a need for strict measures against developers defaulting on the delivery of homes and, in specific cases, show-cause notices can be sent to RERAs which failed to address homebuyers concerns. In the absence of strict steps, not much movement is expected as issues of delayed delivery, stalled projects have stretched through several years now," said Upadhyay. Corporations will have to bring in self-regulation and the highest level of governance so that the ultimate customer is encouraged and motivated to buy home without fear of being cheated," said Surendra Raj Gang, partner, Deals Debt & Special Situations at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. While the Supreme Court in this case primarily dealt with whether a party was a speculative investor or a genuine home buyer and the applicability of the IBC Ordinance/Amendment Act, 2019 to pending matters, it also reiterated several key aspects concerning homebuyers and the real estate sector at large, explained Raj Gang. In the order, the apex court discussed the urgency for providing infrastructure for National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) benches, filling in vacancies of judges at NCLTs and NCLAT, ensuring timely adjudication, constitution of a committee to propose commercially viable systemic reforms for cleansing and infusing credibility into the real estate sector and the need for close coordination among NCLT, IBBI and state RERA authorities to treat home purchases not merely as commercial transactions but also as a fundamental human need, said Raj Gang. Shashi Tharoor, Congress' Thiruvananthapuram MP, has urged the Indian-American diaspora to speak up for India amid the increase in the H-1B visa fee and the 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian products. Highlighting the surprising silence of the Indian-American diaspora on critical issues affecting the India-US relations, Shashi Tharoor said if they care about their relationship with their motherland," they must support India's interests. Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday, September 23, led a significant meeting between a US Congressional delegation and India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs that addressed concerns over H-1B visa hikes, 50% tariffs on Indian goods, and US sanctions on the Chabahar Port. During the meeting, a congresswoman shared that she hadn't received a single call from Indian-American voters urging policy changes, prompting Tharoor to urge the diaspora to be more vocal. Shashi Tharoor stressed, I do want to stress that one of the points we raised was why the Indian-American diaspora has been so silent about all of this. One of the congresswomen said that not one phone call has come to her office from any Indian-American voter asking for her to support a change of policy. This is something that is surprising and that I think we all need to reach out to the Indian-American population saying, if you care about the relationship with your motherland, then you also have to fight for it, speak for it and make more of an effort to press your political representatives to stand up for India. But the ones who came here are already friends of India, well disposed towards India and they have spoken very warmly and positively of the relationship, Shashi Tharoor said. Tharoor pointed out that the visiting US lawmakers were already friends of India, lauding the countrys economic resilience and diaspora contributions. We had a very good visit from a US Congressional delegation which consisted of 5 members of the US House of Congress who happened all to be from the Democratic Party and four of them were from California, but they had tremendous interest in India. I think the most important message that came out from them was that a lot of American opinion, including in the US Congress, is very strongly committed to the Indian relationship, the strategic partnership, that India is valued and that they remain determined to strengthen that relationship despite the recent setbacks that we are all familiar with, the H1-B visa setback, the 50% tariff setback, the sanctions on the Chabahar Port and various other things which have made life a bit difficult in the Indo-US relationship currently..., Tharoor told ANI. The committee also discussed India-Sri Lanka relations and future directions with Ministry of External Affairs representatives. As Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Tharoor played a pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has claimed that centuries of foreign invasions and colonial rule in India not only led to the exploitation of resources and people but also caused a significant decline in the Hindu population. While addressing a state-level workshop on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swadeshi Sankalp' in Lucknow on September 23, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the Hindu population, which he said was around 60 crore by the year 1100, had reduced to approximately 30 crore by the time India attained Independence in 1947. "By the year 1100, the Hindu population in India was 60 crore. And when the country gained independence in 1947, the Hindu population was only 30 crore. Tell me, should our population have increased or decreased in these 800-900 years?" CM Yogi said while addressing the gathering. The UP CM said that India had all the resources necessary for prosperity but still suffered due to the divisive policies of foreign rulers. "What did India not have? It had everything. But some divided people on the basis of caste, region, language, and on the basis of many things. And even today, they operate with the same foreign mentality. They're dividing society, creating divisions," the Chief Minister said. The BJP leader said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for a Swadeshi movement is intended to empower Indian workers and youth. Hails PM's Swadeshi Call "They'll point fingers at this Swadeshi campaign in every way. But the Prime Minister's message is that we should promote whatever is made with the labour of Indian workers and the talent of our youth," Yogi said. Earlier on Monday, the Union government rolled out Goods and Services Tax (GST) 2.0, a major reform in the country's indirect tax regime. The same day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the citizens, stating that the 'GST Bachat Utsav' (GST Savings Festival) will help boost savings and benefit all sections of society. By the year 1100, the Hindu population in India was 60 crore. And when the country gained independence in 1947, the Hindu population was only 30 crore. "As the nation celebrates the beginning of Navaratri, I extend heartfelt wishes to you and your families. May this festival bring good health, happiness and prosperity to everyone. This year, the festive season brings an added reason to rejoice. From September 22nd, the Next Generation GST reforms have begun to make their presence felt, marking the start of a 'GST Bachat Utsav' or 'GST Savings Festival' across the country," PM Modi wrote in the letter. The World Bank Group has approved the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), a project that aims to support Zambian government efforts to increase access to, and inclusive use of, the internet and digitally enabled services. With a strong emphasis on fostering digital inclusion, the World Bank says the project aims to empower women and girls, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities through the use of digital public services. The DZAP is structured around four strategic pillars. The first, focused on affordable broadband, involves extending backbone and last-mile connectivity and enhancing the enabling environment. The second, highlighting interoperable and secure platforms, aims to facilitate digital government services and regional trade. The third addresses high-impact digital services, supporting sectoral digitalisation and digital skills development. The final pillar is programme management and capacity building, which aims to ensure effective implementation and stakeholder engagement. Supported by a $100 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to Zambia (as reported here recently) the DZAP is part of the second phase of the regional Inclusive Digitalisation in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA ) programme. Zambia joins Angola, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in this regional effort to foster inclusive digital economies across the region. The World Banks International Development Association helps the worlds poorest countries by providing grants and low-to-zero-interest loans for projects and programmes that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor peoples lives The hope, in this case, is that DZAP will enhance digital access, including access to e-government services for faster, more transparent public service delivery. The DZAP will also promote high-impact digital services in sectors such as agriculture through access to market data and smart farming tools, in the education sector through support for e-learning platforms and digital content, and in the health sector through improved digital health records. Mehnaz Safavian, World Bank Practice Manager for Digital Development for Eastern and Southern Africa adds: The youth of Zambia are poised to benefit from this project thanks to its support for developing employment-ready digital skills among youth and underserved populations. The DZAP project is fully aligned with the World Banks Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Zambia FY2529 key pillars focusing on creating more and better jobs, improving human capital, and enhancing climate resilience. It is aligned with Zambias vision 2030 aimed at transforming the country into a prosperous, middle-income country by 2030 through creating jobs for its population. Instagram and YouTube now offer influencer data to marketers for free in India, eating into the customer base of platforms that help brands identify creators to churn out content tailored to their needs. Instagram has recently added new features, including AI, to its Creator Marketplace, giving brands access to data and tools to discover, evaluate, and collaborate with influencers. YouTube's BrandConnect makes it easier for companies to strike similar partnerships. Brands use this information to sift through over 8 million creators and identify the ones that best fit their campaigns. This poses a threat to the growing influencer marketing software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms, which have contributed to the growth of Indias 3,500 crore creator marketing industry. Also Read | Controversy sparks curiosity: OTT shows thrive despite online criticism Such agencies charge 20,000 to 400,000 a month for similar data bundled with other services, said Sagar Pushp, chief executive officer of influencer marketing SaaS platform ClanConnect. While Instagrams Creator Marketplace is still basic compared to the services of established SaaS providers, it could eat into the lower end of the marketparticularly clients with budgets under 5 lakh per campaign," said Pushp. These smaller brands may be tempted to switch to the free marketplace. However, bigger advertisers will continue relying on SaaS for multi-platform discovery and more complex services such as campaign execution." These internal features from the content platforms are attracting more brandsparticularly startups and small businessesto experiment with data-driven campaigns that promise higher returns on investment. But they are also pulling traffic away from influencer marketing platforms. We started using Instagrams Creator Marketplace in June this year and have already seen a 30% increase in our return on ad spend (ROAS)," said Jatan Bawa, cofounder of oral healthcare startup Perfora, which clocks 100 crore in annual revenue and allocates 10-15 crore of that to marketing activities. It allows us to build niche campaigns and precisely target specific audience groupssomething that was far more difficult when we did it manually, especially during the festive season." Bawa explained that this year his company focused on expanding into eastern India during Durga Puja. Using Instagrams tool, Perfora was able to identify the most suitable influencers from West Bengal and nearby regions whose audiences were closely aligned. We never subscribed to a SaaS platform despite having a significant marketing budget because there was no way to verify if the data we were paying for was truly accurate," he said. With Meta, we can trust that the data is officialand the cherry on top is that its free." While Creator Marketplace has been available globally since 2019, Instagram introduced it in India only in 2024. It offers multiple features for brands to identify influencers and analyse data. Were regularly investing in more ways for brands to discover and evaluate creators for their ad campaigns, and Creator Marketplace is just one example of this work. Our goal with Creator Marketplace is to enable more seamless connections between brands and creators," said a Meta spokesperson in response to Mints queries. Also Read | Nadiadwala seeks legal action against influencers for extortion threats In addition to recent updates like adding AI-powered keyword search suggestions, hook-rate, interaction rate, and creators past partners to Creator Marketplace, were also making it easier for brands to turn their organic branded content into paid ads within the Partnership Ads hub by recommending relevant creator content in the Recommended tab," said the spokesperson. YouTube's BrandConnect also helps brands and creators strike partnerships. To make it easy for creators, top brands, and leading agencies to partner, create, promote, and measure sponsored creator content, YouTube offers BrandConnect, our branded content platform, to eligible creators and select advertisers in India," said a company spokesperson. This helps brands execute their branded content campaigns more seamlessly by identifying the right mix and profile of creators to work with, while creators have a new avenue to be discovered and earn more from their content." Human touch As the festive season approaches, Indian companies are expected to spend over 700 crore on influencer-led campaigns, according to influencer intelligence platform Qoruz. However, not all creator marketing platforms are feeling threatened. Such agencies offer much more than search and discovery tools, according to ClanConnects Pushp. With a tier-based subscription model, each pricing slab provides varying levels of access to deeper datasets and metrics, often spanning multiple platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat together," he said. At higher fee levels, these platforms also bundle in additional services, such as dedicated campaign managers who oversee execution." Marketers with large campaign budgets prefer SaaS platforms for the assurance of a human in the loop". We would still choose to work with a SaaS agency any day. When we are investing 1520 lakhs in each campaign, we need to ensure strong returns on investment. SaaS agencies provide more nuanced and personalized metrics that help us achieve this," said L. Muralikrishnan, chief marketing officer and co-founder at food chain Wow! Momo. For instance, we get influencer comment screening done, analyze the kind of audience they attract, and study other granular detailsthings far more complex than the generic insights Metas Creator Marketplace offers." Also Read | Indias VCs turn to content to grab startup attention The brands monthly digital marketing spend is over 1 crore, and 30-40% of it goes to influencer marketing. Additionally, the human connection factor makes SaaS agencies far better suited for the Indian market." As Instagrams tool streamlines many traditional agency functions, many platforms are now exploring additional features and services they can offer to stay relevant and competitive. While this (data tools by social media apps for marketers) attracts many brands, it also challenges influencer marketing agencies to evolve by focusing on deeper analytics, multi-platform campaigns, and specialised services that Instagram alone cannot provide," said Shudeep Majumdar, co-founder of influencer marketing agency Zefmo. For Indian agencies, the key lies in blending their expertise with Instagrams toolleveraging it for initial influencer discovery while adding value through strategic campaign management, regional insights, and robust performance measurement," he said. Ultimately, survival in this reshaped landscape depends on agility, savvy integration, and delivering unique value beyond what the giant platform offers." As Ladakh witnessed a violent day after clashes between security forces and protesters over Ladakh statehood that killed four, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that the Union Territory wasnt even promised statehood and celebrated the status of Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, yet they feel betrayed and angry today. In a post on X, Omar Abdullah said, Ladakh wasnt even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 and they feel betrayed and angry. Omar Abdullah emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding statehood democratically, peacefully, and responsibly, yet the promise remains unfulfilled, leaving its people feeling equally betrayed and disappointed. Highlighting the longstanding grievances of J&K over statehood, Omar Abdullah said, Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly. Ladakh clashes over statehood At least four people died and 30 others were injured in intense clashes between protesters and security personnel during the Leh Apex Body (LAB) sponsored shutdown in Leh town of Ladakh on Wednesday, September 24, officials said. Police had to resort to firing to bring the situation under control after the protesters, who have launched an agitation for statehood for Ladakh and extension of the Sixth Schedule, indulged in widespread violence, they said. The Leh office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was also set on fire, allegedly by the protesters. Videos emerging on social media showed smoke billowing out of the BJP office building in Leh. The protesters claimed that four people were killed in police firing. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has, meanwhile, called off the strike. Yale scholar Gautam Mukunda slammed US President Donald Trump's decision to increase the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, warning that such a move would harm America's long-standing advantage to attract world-class talent. Mukunda reiterated that the policy change is economically unsound and would put the US at a disadvantage in the global race to hire highly qualified professionals, especially as other countries become increasingly competitive to tap the same pool of talent. Increasing demand for IIT graduates The scholar emphasised that top graduates, particularly from premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), are in high demand in other countries. He believes that by imposing this new policy, the US is essentially throwing away this advantage, as every other country would eagerly pursue these talented individuals. He noted that every country in the world would kill to get the best IIT graduates. But America is throwing this asset away for no reason. This H1B visa decision makes no sense at all, he added. Top talent in the US who are H-1B visa product Among different industries, tech workers make up one of the largest groups of H-1B visa recipients. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple were among the companies that employed the most H-1B visa holders last year. Some of the most well-known tech industry leaders, such as Tesla's Elon Musk, Alphabet's chief executive Sundar Pichai, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, were at one point H-1B visa holders. Among these leaders, both Krishna and Pichai were IIT graduates who moved to the US. Krishna graduated from IIT Kanpur, whereas Pichai is an IIT Kharagpur graduate. Netizens react to the statement Reacting to Mukunda's statement, one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, Its wild because the US literally benefits from decades of Indias investment in education, then turns away top talent when its time to reap the rewards. The irony is that those same grads end up fueling innovation back home or in competing economies. Another user pointed out that IIT graduates have created $7T in value through companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, yet only 60 receive H1Bs annually versus 850 from single mass-production universities, adding that countries like Canada, Germany, and the UK are now targeting this displaced talent. However, the comments were divided. One user, among many others, asked, Why doesnt India keep all the IIT graduates in India if they are so exceptional? All about the H-1B visa fee hike Donald Trumps administration announced on Friday that it has hiked the annual fee on the H-1B visa from a few thousand dollars to $100,000, sending shockwaves throughout the talent hiring industry. Navratri, one of Indias most vibrant festivals celebrating the triumph of good over evil, has officially begun. According to the Bengali tradition of Durga Puja, Mahalayathe auspicious day marking the start of the goddesss descentfell on September 21, 2025. 8 Temples to visit in India during the festival of Navratri Today, September 24, devotees across the country are already engaging in prayers, rituals, and temple visits, making it the perfect time to explore some of Indias most revered shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir One of Indias most revered shrines, dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims undertake a 12 km trek to reach the holy cave, often braving cold weather and steep paths. During Navratri, the temple sees thousands of devotees seeking blessings, with special poojas and aarti ceremonies adding to the spiritual atmosphere. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru, Karnataka Located atop Chamundi Hill, this temple honours Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga. The climb of 1,000 steps is a pilgrimage in itself. Navratri celebrations here are particularly vibrant, featuring processions, devotional music, and special rituals, attracting both locals and tourists. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, Kolkata, West Bengal Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, the temple is famous for its striking architecture and devotion to Goddess Kali. During Navratri, elaborate aartis, cultural programmes, and devotional singing fill the temple grounds, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual fervour. Mookambika Temple, Kollur, Karnataka Nestled in the scenic Western Ghats, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, revered as a form of Shakti. Navratri draws thousands of devotees who perform special poojas and seek blessings for prosperity and success. The temples serene surroundings enhance the spiritual experience. Ambaji Temple, Gujarat One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this temple is devoted to Goddess Amba. Navratri at Ambaji is celebrated on a grand scale, with devotees performing Garba dances, offering prayers, and taking part in traditional rituals. The entire town becomes a hub of festive energy, attracting pilgrims from across India. Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, this historic temple is a centre of devotion and spirituality. Navratri sees the temple beautifully decorated, with special aartis and cultural programmes. Pilgrims visit in large numbers to seek the goddesss blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity. Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh Perched on a hill near Kangra, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda. Navratri attracts devotees who climb the hill to participate in rituals and seek blessings. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains add a unique spiritual and scenic experience. Navratri 2025 Day 3: Wednesday marks the third day of Sharad Navratri, the nine-day celebration of devotion and festivity, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The third day of the festival dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is being celebrated today, September 24. Goddess Maa Chandraghanta symbolises happiness, peace and relief from suffering. Which goddess is worshipped on day 3? Nine different Goddesses are worshipped during the nine days of Shardiya Navratri. Worshipped on Day 3 of Navratri, the married form of Goddess Parvati is Maa Chandraghanta. Maa Chandraghanta: Significance Depicted as a Goddess with ten hands, with each hand carrying a different weapon - Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands, Maa Chnadraghanta represents peace and welfare for her devotees. While gesturing the Varada Mudra with her fifth left hand, and the Abhaya mudra with the fifth right hand, Maa Chandraghanta carries a lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala in the rest of her four right hands. Why she is called Maa Chandraghanta According to the Hindu scriptures, Goddess Mahagauri, after her union with Shiva started adorning her forehead with a crescent moon (Chandra), which looks similar to a bell ( Ghanta) thus giving the Goddess her name Chandraghanta. As per folklore, Goddess Chandraghanta, depicted with ten hands, mounts on the tigress and wears the semi-circular moon on her forehead. She carries Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamandal in her four left hands, keeping the fifth left hand in Varada Mudra. Fifth right hand of Goddess Chandraghanta is depicted in Abhaya Mudra while in other four right hands she carries lotus flower, Arrow, Dhanush and Japa Mala. Navratri Day 3 2025: Puja timings Here are the key muhurats for Day 3, as per DrikPanchang: Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 am to 05:23 am Pratah Sandhya: 04:59 am to 06:10 am Vijaya Muhurta: 02:14 pm to 03:02 pm Godhuli Muhurta: 06:15 pm to 06:39 pm Sayahna Sandhya: 06:15 pm to 07:27 pm Amrit Kalam: 09:11 am to 10:57 am Nishita Muhurta: 11:49 pm to 12:37 am, Sept 25 Ravi Yoga: 04:16 pm to 06:11 am, Sept 25 Navratri 2025 Day 3: Colour Each day of Navratri is marked by a colour, and is said to be auspicious for the particular Goddess worshipped on that day. The colour associated with Navratri Day 3 is Royal Blue, which represents richness, tranquility and depth, depicting the Goddess' fierce but calming nature. Navratri 2025 Day 3: Puja rituals Here are the rituals that are observed on Navratri Day 3, for the worship of Maa Chandraghanta: Kalash Sthapana: Devotees place a sacred pot (kalash), which represents divine energy. A former Amazon employee shared the harsh reality of H-1B visa abuse by Indian managers following the US government's fee hike on September 21. Commenting on the H-1B situation, he said the work environment is not as glorious as it seems from outside. The caption of this Reddit post reads, Returned from USA recently. My take on H1b situation and why Americans hate Indians taking up jobs there. Suggesting that one of the main reasons for his return was toxic behavior of Indian managers, his Reddit post says, They exploit employees on visas, knowing how complicated and vulnerable the situation is since they themselves went through it. Highlighting favouritism in hiring practices, he wrote, I don't think DJT's reasoning is entirely wrong there are so many Indians in higher positions who mainly hire other Indians, only to abuse them and their visa status. Narrating how Indian managers mistreat and exploit H-1B visa holders, he added, They avoid hiring Americans because they know they can't push them to work 24/7, and Americans won't hesitate to sue if boundaries are crossed. Emphasising that the H-1B new rule would reduce favouritism in the workplace, he wrote that Walmart "is filled with Telugu managers and employees-the only real hiring criteria seems to be "are you Telugu?" and you'll get the job. Same with Gujaratis at Intel, where they prefer only hiring Gujaratis." Social media reaction A user wrote, You know whats the worst? The ones who abused the system to get the GC and Citizenship will never be the ones punished, itll always be the hard workers who dont come from certain Indian states. Another user remarked, "The favoritism based on caste/region/language is definitely a problem. I have an older relative whos a manager at a tech firm. She was talking about interviews and mentioned she interviewed two people for a role - an American and an Indian. She said she hired the Indian cos she was our caste. I wanted to throw up." A third comment read, We have a saying in Walmart IT- the systems are programmed in either java, C or telegu. A fourth user stated, H1B has been a shaky visa even before these new regulations. Particularly for Indians. Its not at all talent based. Purely luck and visa jugaad on part of the corporates oriented. It stopped being about talent in the early 2010s. Who are we kidding? Certain set of the IT services firms heavily underpay skilled talent and place workers. American businesses outsource unimportant work and not actual thinking work. Basically amounting to a slavery visa but make it fancy. What is the revised H-1B visa application fee? The US has hiked the H-1B visa application fee for high-skilled workers starting September 21. A revised one-time fee of $100,000 will be imposed on new H-1B applicants. The fee does not apply to existing visa holders or renewal applications. However, the fee may be waived if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the workers are hired on an individual basis or to work for a specific company or industry is in the national interest. Shooting at Dallas ICE facility leaves three dead A shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in Dallas on Wednesday left one dead, officials confirmed. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said detainees may have been among the victims, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While we dont know motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them, Noem said. The Dallas Police Department reported that officers responded around 6:40 a.m., and preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect opened fire at the government building from a nearby structure. Two victims were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds, while one person died at the scene. Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, told CNN that shots were fired from outside into a secure sally port used for detainee transfers. The building is on lockdown, the scene is secure, and we have confirmation that three individuals were shot, Lyons said. This marks the second attack on an ICE facility in the Dallas area in recent months. Lyons noted that officers at a nearby Alvarado, Texas, office were ambushed on July 4 by assailants in tactical gear using fireworks as cover. Federal prosecutors later charged 11 people in connection with that organized attack involving AR-15-style rifles. Naked man shot by police during Beacon Hill restaurant break-in Boston police shot a naked man armed with a large knife following a reported break-in at the 1928 Beacon Hill restaurant early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred just before 6 a.m. on Mount Vernon Street. According to Boston Police Superintendent Paul McLaughlin, officers responded to a breaking-and-entering call and found the unclothed suspect in a back alley. Attempts to subdue him with stun guns by three officers were unsuccessful, prompting police to fire multiple shots. The exact number of shots fired has not been confirmed. The man received medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The officers involved were also taken to the hospital for evaluation, following standard protocol. A spokesperson for 1928 Beacon Hill said, The Boston Police Department took quick action to apprehend a severely disturbed person who broke into the restaurant this morning. We are grateful that it happened off hours and our staff and guests were not there. We want to thank the officers for their fast response and are cooperating with authorities. We will not be commenting further as this is an active police investigation. Multiple stabbings at Carrick High School, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Public Schools confirmed that three students were stabbed and a fourth sustained a minor injury during a morning incident at Carrick High School on the 100 block of Parkfield Street on Wednesday. One of the students injuries may be more serious. The suspect is in custody, and the school is currently in a secure lockdown. Emergency responders, including police, fire, and EMS, are on site to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Donald Trump administration is seeking to overhaul the selection process for the H-1B visa system, days after the US President imposed a sweeping $100,000 fee for the visa, which is mostly used by Indian tech workers. The proposal, released Tuesday, is the latest effort of the Trump administration to change the H-1B visa system fundamentally, in line with the President's push for a crackdown on immigrants and favour American workers. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend its regulations governing the process by which US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B registrations for unique beneficiaries for filing of H-1B petitions (or H-1B petitions for any year in which the registration requirement is suspended), the DHS said in a notification on Tuesday. H-1B visa: What are the proposed changes? The DHS listed multiple changes in the H-1B visa selection process. They are: The DHS is seeking to overhaul the H-1B visa selection process by introducing a weighted rule that would primarily favour the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. The department said the new process would also help employers secure H-1B visas for workers across all wage levels. The current lottery system, which caps the visas at 85,000 per year, will remain in place for now. However, under the new rule, DHS would give greater preference to applications from employers offering higher wages if annual requests exceed the statutory limit of 85,000. The move aims to better protect Americans from unfair wage competition from foreign workers, the department said. Also Read | What to know about changes to the H-1B visa program US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Wednesday flagged India's oil purchases from Russia, claiming that India is an awesome ally of America and the US looks forward to more energy trade with the nation. However, he also said that India is caught up in the middle of another issue. India is an awesome ally of the United States a fast-growing economy.. I'm a huge fan of India, we love India. We look forward to more energy trade, more interactions back and forth with India, and then India is caught up in the middle of another issue," said Wright, while addressing a press conference. The US energy secretary's comments come amid the additional 25 per cent tariff the US has imposed on India as a penalty for the latter's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump administration to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. Meanwhile, India has maintained that it will continue to buy Russian oil, citing national interests and economic security. Trump charges India-Russia oil ties Not just Chris Wright US President Donald Trump also made fresh charges against India, criticising the nation's oil ties with Russia. While addressing the UNGA on Tuesday, Trump repeated his bombshell claim that China and India are the primary funders of the Russian war. Wright voiced similar claims on Wednesday, alleging that India's oil purchases from Russia are giving money to a guy who's murdering thousands of people every week. We wish India would work with us to buy (oil). You can buy oil from every nation on the earth, just not Russian oil. That's our position, added the US energy secretary. India-Russia oil ties India saved over $17 billion in early 2022 by stepping up imports of discounted oil from Russia, news agency Reuters had reported last month, citing experts. Other experts and reports pegged the savings from $13 billion to $26 billion. After Charlie Kirk's death on September 10, his wife, Erika Kirk, took over as CEO of Turning Point USA and recently drew criticism over her previous charitable efforts in Romania. Many social media posts alleged that the Erika-led nonprofit organisation named Every Day Heroes Like You, which managed a programme called Romanian Angels based in Constanta, was forced out of Romania in 2011, citing charity links to child trafficking. However, the allegation remains unverified. One of the X users said, Did yall know Erika Kirk is banned from Romania because her Evangelical group was accused of trafficking children out of Romanian villages? Another said, There have been rumors on social media that Erika Kirk's charity in Romania (Romanian Angels) was involved with child trafficking or illegal adoption practices. Erika Kirk once ran a charity organization in Romania that was accused of child trafficking. Romanian Angels allegedly pipelined kids to private islands, the UK and Israel, a third user alleged. What's the truth? These claims remain unverified. There have been no official investigations, charges, or statements from Romanian authorities or the US State Department confirming any misconduct or a ban involving Erika Kirk or her nonprofit. The accusations seem to stem from speculation and rumour rather than confirmed evidence. There's no confirmed evidence that Erika Kirk (often linked to Trump in recent news) is banned from Romania. Fact-checks show unverified social media claims about her Romanian Angels charity involving trafficking lack official support; Romanian court records and media reports show no such accusations. She visited Romania multiple times for charity work without issues, a Grok fact-check said. More tours in years ahead to come: Erika Kirk While addressing the nation, Erika pledged to carry on Charlie's legacy, saying she would continue the campus tour. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to television: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made a highly anticipated return to television Tuesday night, nearly a week after Disneys ABC network suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks about President Donald Trumps MAGA movement. However, a defiant Jimmy Kimmel did not issue an apology during his remarks. WATCH JIMMY KIMMEL'S LATEST EPISODE What did Jimmy Kimmel say? Jimmy Kimmel thanked his audience for their overwhelming support and addressed his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirks assassinationwhich angered several conservatives and President Donald Trumpsaying he does not believe the suspected killer represents anyone, as the comedians late-night show returned to air on Tuesday night after a controversial week-long suspension. The late-night host appeared emotional as he addressed his comments about Kirk, saying: You understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young manI dont think theres anything funny about it. Kimmel said it was never his intention to blame any specific group for the assassination, and he was trying to make the opposite point, but for those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upsetIf the situation were reversed, theres a good chance I wouldve felt the same way. The comedian then added: I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone; this is a sick person who thinks violence is a solution, and it isnt ever. What Did Kimmel Say About The FCC Chair? Earlier in his monologue, Jimmy Kimmel joked that late-night hosts from other countries like Russia and Middle east reached out to him to express support. He said: This country has become so authoritarian that even the Germans are like, Come here!' He later added, I dont want to make this about me. This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. Kimmel then turned his attention to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, saying it was not legal and un-American to threaten ABC affiliates to take his show off the air. Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one, Kimmel said as he showed a photo of a Tesla Cybertruck with Trumps name painted on it. Audience REVEALS what Jimmy Kimmel Said Jimmy Kimmel spoke at length about the controversy that enveloped the show, according to audience members who spoke with CNN afterward. There were several minutes of applause when comedian Jimmy Kimmel walked out on stage. The eruption of support was so loud it was ear damaging to be honest, CNN quoted Kevin Winhard. Then came Kimmels monologue, the comedians first public statement in nearly a week. Winhard and other audience members described Kimmel as emotional and direct.Ive been to shows before, and honestly this one just felt different, CNN Kathy Hopkins. You could tell they were being very careful about where they went with it, Hopkins added. Kimmel did make some jokes, of course, but he also addressed the uproar over his September 15 commentary about the suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel specifically directed some remarks to Kirks widow Erika, one of the audience members told CNN. Fans gathered outside the Los Angeles studio to witness the first live taping since the suspension, which sparked national debate over free speech and the boundaries of political commentary. When will Jimmy Kimmel come back on air? Jimmy Kimmels show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is set to return on Tuesday night at its usual 11:35pm ET (Wednesday, 03:35 GMT) slot. It can be viewed on abc.com or streamed on Hulu. Also Read | Jimmy Kimmel breaks social media silence with Norman Lear nod; Internet reacts Why was Jimmy Kimmels show suspended? The suspension came after Jimmy Kimmel criticised President Trumps MAGA supporters for their response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During a monologue on September 16, Kimmel said, The MAGA gang is desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. Disney cited the timing of Kimmels comments as a factor in its decision. The decision to suspend production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was made following comments that were ill-timed and thus insensitive, the network said in a statement. How did Jimmy Kimmel mark his return? Ahead of Tuesdays taping, Jimmy Kimmel shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, We are back full of love. He also posted a personal photo with the late screenwriter Norman Lear, founder of People For The American Way, a 1981 organisation dedicated to defending First Amendment rights. Audience members leaving the taping described to NBC, an emotional monologue of Jimmy Kimmel and a warm reception from fans. It was just standing ovation after standing ovation, said Veronica Ament of Fresno, California, who had secured tickets weeks in advance. My voice is almost gone." Also Read | FCC Chair denies Government role in Jimmy Kimmel's suspension from ABC Jimmy Kimmel's Monologue on Donald Trump's Reaction During his pre-taped monologue, Jimmy Kimmel reportedly revisited the reaction of the Trump administration following Kirks killing on September 10. In between the finger-pointing there was grieving. On Friday the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level you can see how hard the president is taking this, Kimmel said. The US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two Indian nationals, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, for their involvement in supplying significant amounts of counterfeit prescription pills filled with fentanyl and other illicit drugs to victims across America. Along with these two persons, the body has also identified an India-based online pharmacy for its role in these criminal operations, a release said. What are the charges against the offenders? Both offenders were linked to Dominican Republic and US-based narcotics traffickers and sold counterfeit pills across the country. They fulfilled the deed by marketing and selling these pills as discounted, legitimate pharmaceutical products. However, upon inspection, it was found that these pills were instead filled with illicit drugs like fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and methamphetamine. Both Sayyed and Shaikh have used encrypted messaging platforms to run their illegal business and sell their product to the victims. The offenders were previously indicted in September 2024 on narcotics-related charges by a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of New York. Also Read | US cracks down: Visas cancelled for Indian executives over fentanyl links Other than that, Shaikh is the owner of KS International Traders (also known as KS Pharmacy), an online pharmacy which was used to conduct these criminal activities. Even after being exposed for his criminal activity in DOJs 2024 indictment, Shaikh continued to operate the pharmacy, the release noted. Why is fentanyl considered harmful? Fentanyl has been the main cause of the synthetic opioid crisis, which led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Opioid overdose remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45. Under the US-India Drug Policy Framework, both countries continue to work together to address the fatal impact of illegal drugs and to put an end to this threat by combating drug trafficking, improving public health, and strengthening global supply chains. Also Read | US Seeks to Drop Fentanyl Charge Against Indian Pharma Executive Too many families have been torn apart by fentanyl. Today, we are acting to hold accountable those who profit from this poison, said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley in the statement. Mexican cartels source opiods from online suppliers In the last few years, online suppliers of controlled substances, including some based in India, have fuelled America's fentanyl crisis by supplying illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, as well as related precursor chemicals, to the US. The Donald Trump administration's plans to significantly increase fees for H-1B visas are raising concerns among US healthcare groups over staffing shortages, with more than half of healthcare workers considering changing jobs within the next year, news agency Reuters reported. The US Department of Homeland Security is examining policy modifications that could raise H-1B visa application costs from a maximum of $ 4,500 to as high as $100,000. The H-1B programme enables US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialised areas such as technology, engineering, medicine, and academia. These visas are commonly issued by the US healthcare industry to attract international medical graduates, foreign-trained doctors, and other professionals educated abroad. The American Academy of Family Physicians highlighted that over 20% of practising family doctors are international medical graduates, who are also more likely to work in rural areas. How will the visa fee hike likely impact the number of doctors? In the fiscal year 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services recorded nearly 442,000 unique H-1B visa beneficiaries were active across all sectors, with 5,640 petitions approved specifically in the healthcare and social assistance industry. The American Medical Association cautioned that fees reaching up to $100,000 might hinder the international physician pipeline. "With the U.S. already facing a shortage of doctors, making it harder for international medical graduates to train and practice here means patients will wait longer and drive farther to get care," AMA President Bobby Mukkamala told the news agency. Hospital and doctor groups warned that the fee hike might significantly decrease the influx of foreign-trained doctors into the US healthcare system. For hospitals already operating with limited resources, this could lead to a shortage of specialists and increased pressure on the local medical workforce. The American Hospital Association said that hospitals use the program as a temporary solution to address workforce shortages. The H-1B visa program plays a critical role in allowing the hospital field to recruit highly skilled physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure access to care for communities and patients, the news agency quoted an AHA spokesperson. "Nearly 21 million Americans live in areas of the U.S. where foreign-trained physicians account for at least half of all physicians," the AAFP said. Staffing challenges in US hospitals Many hospitals have encountered staffing issues since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Several, including OhioHealth, Cleveland Clinic, Cedars-Sinai, and Mass General Brigham, informed Reuters that they are assessing how recent administrative changes could affect their operations. The US might face a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036 as demand outpaces supply, the report said, citing the Association of American Medical Colleges. An Indian-origin man, identified as Varun Suresh, was arrested and charged in Fremont, California, for allegedly murdering David Brimmer, 71, a convicted sex offender. According to police, it was a targeted attack. He reportedly called his actions honestly really fun". Police said Suresh, 29, on the day of the attack, pretended to be a certified public accountant (CPA), going door-to-door in search of new clients. He carried a bag, a notebook, and a cup of coffee to appear authentic", HT reported. After knocking on David's door, Suresh spoke with him, shook his hand, and allegedly said, I knew I had the right guy, before pushing him back inside. The 71-year-old managed to get away and attempted to flag down a passing car for help. When the vehicle did not stop, Brimmer ran two blocks and entered a neighbours garage and kitchen. Suresh reportedly followed him and later caught the man. He stabbed David in the neck while telling him to repent. When David attempted to move slowly, police said Suresh slit his throat to make sure it was done. According to court documents released on Monday, Varun Suresh said, Im hoping that because (the victim is) a pedophile like, everyone hates pedophiles so like, it should be cool. It should be cool." Suresh said he was not sorry for his act and admitted in a conversation with investigators that he chose David considering his age and vulnerability. He added, I dont like pedophiles. They deserve to die. Who is Varun Suresh? Varun Suresh, 29, is a Fremont resident. He was officially charged on September 22, the report said. He told cops it was his duty to punish sex offenders, saying, Its not your duty to decide whether Heaven will accept them, its your duty to send them to the gates." He added that he had intended to murder a sex offender for years because they hurt children and said all sex offenders deserve to die. Court records showed that Suresh used the publicly available Megans Law sex offender database to identify and target Brimmer, who had previously served nine years in prison after a 1995 conviction for sexually assaulting a child, Indian Express reported. Authorities confirmed that Suresh had no prior personal relationship with Brimmer before the incident. Joshua Jahn, 29, has been identified as the sniper who opened fire on a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning, killing two ICE detainees and injuring another before taking his own life, according to the Daily Mail. Authorities said Jahn fired from the roof of a nearby immigration attorneys office, targeting a transport van carrying migrants at the ICE field office. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Dallas police, responded to the attack, which unfolded shortly after 7 a.m. local time. Shooting suspect had past marijuana charge CNN reported that Joshua Jahn, the 29-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting two detainees and injuring another at a Dallas ICE facility, had a prior criminal record dating back a decade. According to court records cited by the news outlet, Jahn was charged in 2016, at the age of 19, with delivering more than one-fourth ounce of marijuana. He pleaded guilty, and the case against him was deferred, placing him on probation. Texas law classifies the offense as a state jail felony, which is the least severe type of felony in the state. Public records indicate that Jahn had been living in a Dallas suburb prior to the shooting incident. The news outlet also reported that Jahn voted in the Democratic primary in March 2020 but has not voted since. Anti-ICE motive suggested The FBI revealed that ammunition recovered at the scene contained anti-ICE messaging. Director Kash Patel shared a photo of a bullet engraved with the phrase ANTI-ICE, suggesting the attack was ideologically motivated. These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off, Patel said. DHS confirmed that Jahn fired indiscriminately at the building and the detainee transport van. The surviving victim remains in critical condition, while no ICE personnel were injured. Traffic around the ICE facility, located near Interstate 35 East and close to Dallas Love Field airport, was brought to a standstill as dozens of emergency vehicles secured the area. Kristi Noem condemns anti-ICE rhetoric Amid growing concern over politically charged attacks on law enforcement, Texas Governor Kristi Noem condemned inflammatory rhetoric targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the wake of the deadly Dallas shooting. Writing on X, Noem stated that politicians and media outlets had been warned for months to tone down language about ICE before violence occurred. Noem highlighted the consequences of repeatedly comparing ICE officers to the Nazi Gestapo, Secret Police, and slave patrols, calling such rhetoric dangerous and dehumanizing. She emphasized that ICE personnel are ordinary citizensfathers, mothers, sons, and daughterswho work daily to protect communities and deserve to return safely to their families. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women who are simply enforcing the law must stop, Noem wrote, urging a halt to rhetoric that could inspire further attacks. Obsessive attacks must stop: Vance The attack drew swift condemnation from political leaders. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called it an assault on law enforcement, vowing to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE. Vice President JD Vance posted that the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. Senator Ted Cruz urged politicians to stop using rhetoric that demonizes ICE and Customs and Border Protection, warning it could inspire mad men to commit evil crimes. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared that the shooting would not slow down immigration enforcement efforts, pledging stepped-up deportations. Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of The View, said on-air that it may be time to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Donald Trump following his escalator address at the United Nations General Assembly. Goldberg's comments were made on Wednesday, September 24, and discussed concerns about the Presidents fitness to serve in office, referencing the Constitutional process that allows for the removal of a President who is deemed unable to fulfill the duties of the office. Goldberg said, He had a chance to deliver much more than what he did, and they don't consider him to be serious anymore. I'm worried. She apparently got confused while stating the number of the amendment. The show's co-host Sunny Hostin stepped in and remarked, It's actually the 25th Amendment when you start questioning someone's competence and mental acuity. Well, they questioned Bidens competence. If Biden had acted like this I would have said, Yeah take him. This was not presidential and this was not helpful," Goldberg said. Hostin also slammed Trump for making inflammatory, divisive types of things about immigration and for lying during his UN speech. However, she thinks he lied for a specific reason: He wants the Nobel Peace Prize. Goldberg then exclaimed, Well, somebody make one and send it to him! which caused laughter. What an embarrassment, co-host Behar said, adding, The world is laughing at us." While quipping Trumps speech must have horrified his team, another co-host Sara Haines stated, I just feel like someone died yesterday watching that, like his people, his team, because that was just a train wreck. Trump's speech at UN On September 23, Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the first time since 2020. Addressing global leaders at the UN headquarters in New York City, he discussed issues such as global migration, climate change, and international diplomacy, while also mocking technical glitches at the venue. On escalator malfunction, he said that the First Lady Melania Trump could have fallen if she were not in great shape". "These are the two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter, he added. I don't mind making this speech without a teleprompter because the teleprompter is not working. I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble, Trump mentioned with a laugh. Trump called climate change the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, accusing international organisations of deceiving the public. It's the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion, Trump stated. All of these predictions made by the United Nations and many others, often for bad reasons, were wrong. Australia's online safety authority is considering expanding its social media ban for under 16-year-olds (under-16s) in the country, in a move that could add another 16 more companies to the list, according to a report by AFP. The new companies include tech majors WhatsApp and Reddit; streaming giants Twitch and Kick, gaming platforms Roblox and Steam, Pinterest, and Lego Play, it added. These companies have for now been asked to self-assess if they fall within the ban's remit. Notably, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook are already included in the ban the first of its kind in the world. Also Read | Are banks open or closed for Navratri Day 3 today? What has the regulator told companies? Julie Inman Grant, Australia's eSafety Commissioner, wrote to at least 16 companies to self-assess whether they fall under the ban's remit and make a case for why they should be exempted from the ban, as per a report by national broadcaster ABC. Speaking to the channel, Inman Grant said that while some cases were pretty clear, the regulator would give them the due diligence process, adding: We need to hear them all out. The regulator said it will initially focus on platforms with the greatest number of users, where there are higher risks of harm. As per the proposed rules, the eSafety Commission will be able to fine social media companies up to Aus$49.5 million ($32.6 million) for failing to comply with the rules. How have the companies responded? Speaking to AFP, a spokesperson for Roblox insisted the platform is not social media and thus did not qualify for the ban. We prohibit users from uploading real-world photos or video, or re-sharing news, and we do not offer social media feeds within experiences in Australia. We completed the self-assessment process and communicated to eSafety that our position remains that we are an exempted online gaming platform, they said. This month, Roblox agreed to curb the risk of adults grooming children on its platform in Australia. Other social media companies told the agency the rules are vague, rushed and problematic. Concerns over enforcment: Merely a symbolic legistation? The current legislation seeks to prevent internet harm, but offers almost no details on enforcement, causing concern that it would be symbolic rather than enforceable, as per the report. The regulator has also introduced a number of rules taking effect in Australia in the coming months to protect children from lawful but awful content, including online pornography and AI chatbots capable of sexually explicit conversations. An independent study ordered by the Australian government found this month that age checking can be done privately, efficiently and effectively though it admitted no single solution would fit all contexts, as per the report. The government has not been able to explain how platforms will verify the ages of their users, and earlier in September, Communications Minister Anika Wells admitted that companies would most likely self-regulate. Super Typhoon Ragasa update: Strong winds, heavy rainfall and high waves pounded Hong Kong on September 24 as Super Typhoon Ragasa has made its entry into southern China. In Taiwan, the rainfall caused a lake burst and claimed 14 lives, injuring another 18, while in Philippines, two people died in typhoon related incidents, according to a report by AFP. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a United Nations-backed resolution on Kashmir, urging India and Pakistan to resolve the long-standing territorial dispute through dialogue. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Erdogan said, The issue of Kashmir should be resolved on the basis of the resolutions of the UN, for the best of our sisters and brothers in Kashmir, through dialogue, we hope. Also Read | Erdogans Key Ally Proposes Vice Presidency for Minorities What did Erdogan say about India-Pakistan tensions? Addressing the assembly, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also referenced the recent escalation of conflict between India and Pakistan, which followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 men. We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, which had escalated into a conflict, he stated, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. Also Read | Erdogan Set to Meet Trump at NATO Summit to Reset US-Turkey Ties "In South Asia, we consider the preservation of peace and stability to be of utmost importance. We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, the tension which had escalated into a conflict," Erdogan said in his address at the General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Why is Erdogans statement significant? Recep Tayyip Erdogans remarks highlight Turkeys ongoing diplomatic interest in the Kashmir issue, a historic flashpoint between India and Pakistan. While his speech focused on a UN-led resolution, Erdogan has previously been accused of supporting Pakistan during the conflict, including public endorsement of Pakistans position, calling it a brother nation, and allegedly supplying Bayraktar TB2 and YIHA drones and military operatives to assist Pakistan. Reports suggest that two Turkish operatives were killed during operations flown by Pakistan, intensifying the controversy surrounding Turkeys involvement during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. These allegations, coupled with Turkish president Erdogans public stance, sparked a boycott movement in India targeting Turkish goods and tourism. Public health and pandemic protocols COVID-19 protocols seem to still be part of the UAE's visa review process, reflecting ongoing health safety measures. The pandemic highlighted weaknesses in managing cross-border health issues, the report said. Concerns have been raised about incomplete health screenings, underfunded healthcare systems in certain countries, and the risk of virus variants emerging from less monitored regions, the report said. Israel's military said a drone launched from Yemen struck the southern resort town of Eilat on Wednesday, with rescuers reporting nearly two dozen wounded. A military statement said the drone "fell in the area of Eilat" on the Red Sea coast after air defences had failed to intercept it, in the second such incident within days. Also Read | Israel strikes Hodeidah port in Yemen after evacuation warning Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said its teams had treated 22 casualties, including two men, aged 26 and 60, who were in serious condition with shrapnel wounds. One person was moderately injured with a shrapnel wound to the back, and 19 others were in light condition suffering "from shrapnel and other injuries", the medical service said. Police said the drone fell in Eilat's city centre, causing damage in the area frequented by tourists. Footage shared on social media, which AFP could not independently verify, showed a drone flying above the resort town before crashing with smoke rising from the impact area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which occurred on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have claimed similar attacks throughout the Gaza war since late 2023. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12, Eilat mayor Eli Lankri called on the government to "strike the Huthis hard" in retaliation for the drone attack. Lankri added that repeated Huthi attacks have disrupted operations at the Eilat port. The army earlier said air raid sirens rang throughout Eilat, a popular resort town at Israel's southern tip near the Egyptian and Jordanian borders where Israeli authorities had reported a drone strike on Thursday. Yemen's Huthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drone at Israel since the start of the war in Gaza, with the rebel group saying it was acting in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. India has justifiably increased its focus on infrastructure development. Both the Union and states have prioritized capital expenditure to foster faster long-term economic growth. Budgeted capital expenditure (capex) of the Centre rose to over 3% of GDP in 2025-26 from 1.7% a decade ago. Over the same period, the share of capex in the central governments expenditure has also doubled, reflecting a clear policy shift. Indias capex, however, remains modest compared to other emerging and large economies, even as interest payments on public debt have risen; they now consistently exceed 5% of GDP, indicative of increased pressure on servicing liabilities. State governments contribute more to Indias total spending than the Unionthis is also true for capexwith their share at 4.9% of GDP in 2023-24. Their fiscal health and investment quality are critical to the countrys economic growth. Capex is internationally measured as direct spending on long-term assets and infrastructure. This expenditure is expected to enhance growth. However, the nature of the capex reported in India has changed in recent years. A significant portion of it has been in the form of financial transfers by way of equity infusions and loans to public sector enterprises (PSEs), state governments and other institutions. Changing delivery channels: More than a decade ago, such financial transfers in capital spending accounted for close to 40% of the Unions capex. By 2023-24, this proportion had gone up to two-thirds. Such capex does not represent direct investment in new infrastructure. Also, since this money was routed through other entities, its ultimate use was not always easy to ascertain. In 2020-21, for example, nearly 80,000 crore was extended as a loan to the railways, worth over 18% of that years capex. This loan was sanctioned as a special loan from general revenues for a covid-related resource gap in 2020-21 and to liquidate adverse balance in Public Accounts in 2019-20." The money was partly used for covering pension liabilities and covid-related operational losses. So, in essence, money classified as capex was used to close revenue shortfalls. States and a problem of misclassification: Such data gaps are more pronounced at the sub-national level. In Maharashtra, nearly 3,500 crore of capex in 2022-23 actually comprised grants to local bodies and state-owned companies. In Chhattisgarh, more than a fifth of the reported capex was similarly misclassified. These practices distort the reporting of actual infrastructure investment. Even Odisha, otherwise fiscally compliant in its reporting, reported capex of 43,000 crore in 2023-24, but over 4,500 crore of this was spent on operational activities like repairs, renovations, training and advertisements. Some of these funds were even transferred to institutions such as Panchayati Raj bodies, its State Transport Corporation, etc. According to Government Accounting Rules, such transfers should be recorded as revenue expenditure and not capex. Almost all state accounts in India are distorted by such misclassifications. This leads to misrepresentations of capex, clouding the true fiscal position of states and making a comparative assessment extremely difficult. Also Read | Disinvestment: The government must take a clear stance on PSE stake sales Capex as a bailout: The reported capital spending of states has also been widely used to bail out struggling government companies. For example, Tamil Nadu infused over 32,000 crore into PSEs with combined net losses of 225,000 crore in 2022-23. Similarly, equity investments worth 135,000 crore were transferred to five power-sector PSEs of Uttar Pradesh with cumulative losses of 31,000 crore. Such practices risk turning capital spending into a bailout mechanism, rather than a tool for asset building and growth. This problem has consistently been pointed out in audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Borrowed funds and a debt trap: A shift in delivery channels for capex raises questions about transparency and the actual impact of these investments. When funds are routed through PSEs or states, it becomes harder to track whether the money is truly building new infrastructure or being diverted to cover other liabilities. The Centre was aiming to support infrastructure spending with its programme of long-term interest-free loans for states, such as its 2020-launched Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme. However, states have often used grants and loans to repay existing debts and close revenue gaps, rather than finance new investments. In 2022-23, Andhra Pradesh used nearly 70% of borrowed funds to roll debt over and one-fourth to close revenue shortfalls. Haryana used 85% of borrowed funds similarly, leaving it little fiscal space to undertake fresh capital projects. Such practices increase the risk of states falling into a debt trap. Also Read | Indias crumbling infra is crisis of accountability as much as quality Why is this a big concern? When capital expenditure is inflated by misclassification or funds are diverted to cover losses and debt, it masks underlying fiscal strains. To ensure that public accounts are transparent so that we have an accurate picture of capex, we need a robust monitoring system for strict adherence to accounting norms. A proper understanding of Indias capital expenditure requires us to go beyond headline figures to unmask the reality. Sincere oversight and accurate accounting in line with international standards are essential to measure capex and its contribution to lifting the countrys economic growth. These are the authors personal views. The author is a research associate at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). The story of Indias rise in technology is compelling. Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Indian space exploration and defence innovation have all showcased our ability to think big and deliver on ambitious goals. But behind these accomplishments lies a sobering reality: Indias digital backbonefrom search engines, social media and the cloud to chips and serversis still dominated by the US and China. Investment firm Bernstein, which recently did an analysis, puts it plainly: apart from our digital public infrastructure, we own little. And in a world where technology is increasingly wielded as a geopolitical weapon, this dependence leaves the country vulnerable. Also Read | Aadhaar: Digital foresight gave India its identity leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly makes strong pitches for Swadeshi and being vocal for local. But between Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Oracle, all of which are leading US-based global players, nearly every layer of our digital backbone is foreign-controlled. From cloud to search and messaging to social media, we remain tethered to US platforms. All our data sits in the cloud and with our vendors. On the hardware sideservers, laptops, networking gear and semiconductorswe are reliant on China. The bottom line is that we are squeezed between two tech superpowers that would prefer to keep India dependent rather than see us rise on our own. Consider what happened with Nayara Energy, a Russian-Indian joint venture, when Microsoftin compliance with Western sanctionscut off its software access not so long ago. Suddenly, Nayaras employees did not even have email. Imagine a similar disruption applied across Indian enterprises or government departments, most of which rely on Microsoft or Google for their daily operations. The result would be catastrophic. We must act fast to avert any such eventuality. Also Read | Mint Quick Edit | Why India needs a satellite bodyguard During the recent security tensions that peaked during Operation Sindoor, we experienced first-hand the value of sovereign technology. We relied on indigenous drones, space systems and NavICour own navigation platforminstead of GPS, which adversaries could spoof or shut off. That experience reinforced the reality that technological self-reliance is not just about growth, it is also about national security. Self-reliance is not about assembling imported kits. If our drones run on Chinese operating systems, they stay vulnerable. If our cloud is hosted on US platforms, the imposition of new sanctions can shut us down. Washington and Beijing have shown their proclivity to weaponize their supply chains, whether it is done through export bans on semiconductors, restrictions on rare earths or supply prohibitions on advanced quantum computers. Can we afford to be caught in such a crossfire? Also Read | AI at war: Artificial intelligence is reshaping defence strategies What we face today is not unlike the East India Company moment, when foreign enterprises that came to trade with us ended up ruling the subcontinent. Google commands 97% of all Indian searches today. Our daily lives and transactions are mediated by platforms headquartered abroadYouTube, WhatsApp, Amazon. Even when tech opportunities arose in the past, foreign giants were quick to fill the gap. After TikTok was banned, we did not see a strong Indian alternative arise; instead, Instagram Reels captured that market. Bernstein warns Indian artificial intelligence (AI) startups have no chance" against Silicon Valley giants, which enjoy unfettered access to the Indian market. Regulatory hurdles or bureaucratic roadblocks for local innovation make it easy for foreign players to sneak in. Operation Sindoor underscored the hard truth that in a cross-border crisis, we are on our own. With China covertly backing Pakistan and global powers posturing, India leaned on its own indigenous tech systems. The pandemic was a showcase of Indian innovationfrom vaccine delivery platforms to digital paymentsthat kept the economy functioning. These episodes prove that when pushed, India can rise to the occasion. But we cannot leave preparedness to chance. Building true self-reliance: India needs end-to-end capacity across critical technologiesfrom semiconductors, AI and its foundational models all the way to cybersecurity, 5G/6G, defence systems, quantum computing, biotech, clean energy, robotics, operating systems, databases and enterprise software. Between 2013 and 2024, private AI investment in the US totalled $471 billion. China committed $119 billion. Indias figure was $11.3 billion. Without serious funding and policy support, our startups cannot compete with the rest of the worlds AI players. We also need bulk government orders for indigenous systems, low-cost capital and a level playing field for local innovators. A Technology Sovereignty Council, chaired by the prime minister, could set out 1012 priority areas and challenge Indian engineers and startups to achieve leadership within a given time frame. History teaches us resilience and the importance of self-reliance. After the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, sanctions crippled our access to space and atomic research inputs. Yet, India built its own systems and today the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) competes globally. The same spirit must guide our technology journey now. Home to about a billion digitally connected citizens, India cannot afford to be a digital colony. Our demographic dividend, startup energy and innovation capacity grant us the ability to create indigenous platforms that are capable of competing with the worlds best. This belief must be matched with policy, investment and execution. Tech sovereignty is a goal that must be achieved and it can be done with faith in Indian systems, strategic urgency and a commitment to becoming a product-creating nation. Anything less and we risk floating around without making an impact in a world where technology is power. These are the authors personal views. The author is co-founder, HCL, and chairman, EPIC Foundation, and the National Quantum Mission. It would be smart of Jack Ma, now firmly back at the company he co-founded, to do more to improve the livelihoods of delivery riders powering Alibabas biggest business unit. Doing so would be a shrewd move in more ways than one. Just months after publicly shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping, heralding the revival of animal spirits among Chinas technology firms that has boosted the stock market, Ma has returned to Alibabas office and is more directly involved than hes been in years, Bloomberg News reported. Though without an official title, the iconic businessmans reappearance has nevertheless fired up morale. Once one of Chinas most outspoken founders, Ma vanished from public view shortly after making sharply critical remarks in October 2020 about Chinas financial regulators and its state-owned banks. That 20-minute speech was surely the most expensive in corporate history, eventually costing Alibaba and its affiliate Ant Groupwhich was on the cusp of going public in Shanghaiabout $877 billion in lost market value. It also resulted in a nearly $1 billion fine for Ant and an unprecedented crackdown on other tech companies and the broader private sector. Mas rehabilitation symbolically closes that dark chapter. But he is returning to a company that is facing a very different set of challenges than in September 2019, when he resigned as executive chairman in a planned leadership transition. Around that time, there was still talk of China surpassing the US as the worlds biggest economy. It was before the countrys property crisis exploded into full view. The concept of involution or neijuan hadnt yet fully emerged, much less become a priority for Beijing to tackle. Investors have applauded Alibabas aggressive expansion into AI development. However, Chinas e-commerce industry, still the firms largest money spinner, has significantly cooled, with growth in its online shopping user base slowing to just 1% in 2024 from the year before. The days when Alibaba held an 85% market share have long faded. In fact, since e-commerce rival JD.com launched food delivery services in February, challenging the previous duopoly of Meituan and Alibaba-owned Ele.me, the $80 billion sector has been embroiled in a fierce price war. In response, analysts have collectively cut their share price targets for all three firms. Morgan Stanley analysts led by Gary Yu wrote last month that they expect the food delivery industrys long-term gross transaction value margin to shrink from the current 3.2% to 2.0%. Since May, Chinas top market regulator has summoned key players twice, urging them to engage in fair competition. They were also told to protect the interests of restaurants, which are seeing empty tables, and of delivery riders, who complain of reduced earnings as a result of greater competition. Though the trio promised last month to dial down the price war, nobody expects it to end. The companies are trapped in a classic Prisoners Dilemma due to fear of losing market share, even though all would be better off if they collectively stopped, wrote the Morgan Stanley team. Its not up to any one party to end price-based competition. But it is here that Ma, older and wiser having previously faced the full wrath of regulators, could move strategically to avoid a direct future confrontation with Chinese authorities. Theyve made clear their priorities are to boost employment and tackle deflation against the backdrop of a slowing economy. Also Read | Alibaba creates AI chip to help China fill Nvidia void One way of doing this would be to carve out a share of the 50 billion yuan ($7 billion) subsidy announced in August, currently earmarked for shoppers and retailers, to raise the incomes of Ele.mes four million delivery drivers. Since the covid pandemic closed Chinese factories and Chinas property sector began to cool in 2019, delivery workeven if its tough, often dangerous and mostly freelancehas absorbed up to 12 million job seekers. Another way for Ele.me to lean into national priorities would be to expand the benefits scheme unveiled late last month to cover 100% of pension and medical insurance for all drivers who consistently deliver on their targets, instead of the partial subsidy that was actually announced. Offering extended benefits may achieve the additional goal of improving loyalty and make it easier to recruit more riders. With access to a fleet of 7.3 million, Meituan has nearly double the number of drivers. After years in the wilderness, Jack Ma is no doubt better now at reading the room. Improving the pay and benefits of delivery workers would not just help bolster whats clearly a strategic priority at Alibaba, but also keep those all-important Chinese regulators happy. Bloomberg The author is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinions Asia team, covering corporate strategy and management in the region. An early bet-placer was Microsoft, which invested over $10 billion in OpenAI soon after its chatbot stormed our digital gadgets. Since Altmans effort to carve its business subsidiary apart from its non-profit parent has not yet taken formal shape, its control structure remains hazy. What is visible, all the same, is a web of alliances that AI users have reason to be wary of. * Brazil expands gold-tracing to combat cross-border smuggling * Interpol's Gaia Project supports global adoption of Brazil's tracing method * Amazon Police Cooperation Center aids in tackling environmental crimes By Ricardo Brito and Luis Jaime Acosta BRASILIA, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Brazils Federal Police can trace whether gold came from an illegal mine in the Amazon rainforest, and investigators told Reuters they are expanding the program to other countries, hoping to catch more criminals who are trying to escape Brazil's tightening enforcement by smuggling gold across borders. Gold prices have surged to record highs this month as political uncertainty around the world has pushed investors to seek safe havens. Rising prices are a powerful incentive for those illegally mining the precious metal in the Amazon rainforest. The Brazilian program catalogues "gold DNA," the metal's unique morphological signature, to connect each piece of gold police seize from suspects to environmental damage caused by illegal mining in specific sections of the rainforest. In 2023, Brazil prosecuted its first case using the technique. But, as criminal groups expand their reach, taking gold from illegal mines in one country to smelters in another, police say they need to grow their gold library to keep pace. When we have samples from all gold-producing areas across the Pan-Amazon region, our gold database will be complete, allowing us to scientifically identify the origin of seized samples, said Humberto Freire, who heads the Amazon and Environment Department at Brazil's Federal Police. AMAZON GOLD DATABASE GROWS BEYOND BRAZIL Some expansion work has already started. A series of agreements signed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and France's Emmanuel Macron allowed police in Brazil and French Guiana to access samples from each others databases to increase cooperation between investigators. In August, Freire met with Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez to discuss implementing the program there. In Colombia, criminal groups often launder drug trafficking money through illegal mining operations. Officials across the region fear the practice could expand to other countries, making investigations harder. In recent years, Colombian authorities have increasingly found Brazilians working in illegal gold mines near the border, according to Colombias National Police and Defense Ministry. Two Colombian Defense Ministry officials told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the country is interested in cooperating with Brazil and modeling its initiative to develop its own project to analyze "gold DNA." The Brazilian Federal Police's work in tracing also spurred Interpol to develop the Gaia Project, backed by the German government, to train police agencies worldwide to use the Brazilian method of cataloguing gold. Interpol Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza, a Brazilian Federal Police officer, said he supports initiatives to map gold-producing regions as a strategy for successful investigations against illegal mining. CRACKDOWN FORCES GOLD SMUGGLERS TO SHIFT TACTICS The sharp increase in investigations and raids into illegal gold miners under the Lula administration pushed criminal groups to turn to international routes, exporting gold to neighboring countries for processing and sale, one source at Brazil's Federal Police told Reuters. A series of state-led enforcement measures, including a Supreme Court ruling that forced smelters to verify the origin of gold, have also made it harder for illegally mined gold to enter the market. We used to see gold coming from Venezuela into Brazil now its the opposite, gold is leaving Brazil, said Erich Moreira Lima, who heads Brazil's gold-tracking program. Investigators say this shift is already evident in data. Last year, there was a sharp drop in gold trade, with Federal Police seizures falling to 80 kg from a record 308 kg in 2023. But between January and August this year, police have already seized 253 kg of gold half of which was headed to smelters in Venezuela, investigators believe. Now, federal police officers are working to analyze the DNA of the seized gold to figure out where it came from. TOKYOMonkey D. Luffy is a rubber-bodied pirate who battles tyrannical governments as he and his motley crew sail across the ocean. In recent months, young protesters in Asia , Europe and the U.S. have taken up his pirate flag as a protest symbol. Luffy is the protagonist of a long-running Japanese comic and animated television show called One Piece," which follows his adventures in pursuit of a fabled treasure. Now, his distinctive pirate standard can be seen waving among the national flags, Free Palestine banners and homemade signs that dot the crowds in a run of recent protests from Indonesia and Nepal to France and the U.K. A grinning skull and crossbones with a distinctive twistthe skull wears a straw hat with a red bandLuffys flag is the latest pop-culture touchstone to inspire protesters across the globe, whatever their cause. The One Piece" comic has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. Its growing presence shows the cultural heft among younger generations of Japans prodigious manga and anime output, a shared trove of stories read on phones and streamed online that are hugely popular around the world. I think its inevitable that protest movements that are led by young people are going to incorporate anime imagery," said Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention," a book on modern Japanese culture and its global appeal. Populated by young protagonists struggling against adult authority figures, anime is a lingua franca for young people all over the planet," he said. In Nepal, the Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger was hung from the ornate gates of burning government buildings in downtown Kathmandu, which was rocked this summer by protests against official nepotism and corruption. More than 20 people died in clashes with the police. In Indonesia, Luffys banner became so prominent during deadly protests sparked by $3,000-a-month housing allowances for lawmakers that officials warned that displaying it on the countrys Aug. 17 independence day could land people in jail. The government later withdrew the allowances. The flag has also popped up in the U.K. during pro-Palestinian marches and at a protest against the recent state visit of President Trump. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. In France, people have taken Luffys flag to the streets in anger over public spending cuts and government dysfunction. The symbol has been slower to catch on in the U.S., but was seen in social-media posts from protests in Los Angeles against Trumps immigration crackdown. It was also visible on Saturday during a New York City protest at an Apple store, where protesters criticized the company for using cobalt mines in Africa. Apple didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The company in an April report said in a decade of audits it has found no evidence that refiners or smelters in its supply chain benefited armed groups in Congo or Rwanda. In his quest to locate the titular One Piece" treasure and become king of the pirates, Luffy and his crew routinely drop anchor in places where people are struggling against what is depicted as a despotic ruler. His and other pirate crews are pursued across the ocean by a World Government determined to stamp them out. The One Piece" comic has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide since Luffy first appeared more than a quarter of a century ago and the show has aired more than 1,000 episodes. Characters such as Luffy and his crew are mukokuseki, meaning they lack a defined ethnicity and so are relatable to readers and viewers throughout the world, said Roland Kelts, visiting professor at Waseda University in Tokyo and author of Japanamerica," a book about the popularity of Japanese culture in the U.S. Helped by the speed at which translations spread online and through streaming services, the illustrated rubbery Luffy immediately becomes your Luffy, wherever you live and whatever your language," Kelts said. Shueisha, publisher of the One Piece" manga series, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Toei Animation, which produces the animated series, didnt immediately respond. Netflix, which is producing a live-action version of the show, didnt immediately respond. (Bloomberg) -- Suspected Chinese hackers are behind an ongoing cyber-espionage campaign against US technology companies and legal firms, stealing national security secrets often while remaining undetected, according to Alphabet Inc.s Google. The hacking group, which Google tracks under the code name UNC5221, are the most prevalent adversary in the US over the past several years in terms of frequency, severity and complexity of incidents, said Charles Carmakal, chief technology officer at Google Clouds Mandiant consulting arm. The attackers are described as extraordinarily advanced and stealthy. They dwell undiscovered in their victims networks for an average of more than a year, all the while stealing information about US national security and international trade, researchers said. The same group is also targeting key European industries. We believe many organizations are compromised right now and dont know it, said Austin Larsen, principal analyst at Googles Threat Intelligence Group. Its very active right now. The volume is high. Google didnt specify the victims of the hacking campaign. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC didnt return a request for comment. The campaign is the latest evolution of escalating Chinese hacking against the US. American officials have blamed other state-sponsored groups known as Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon for infiltrating US telecommunications firms and critical infrastructure systems, respectively. The attackers goals are to gather intelligence and embed in key systems to prepare for a potential future conflict, security experts said. The report also adds dimension to the ongoing US-China trade disputes as Googles investigation found the hackers targeted American legal firms and then searched the emails of specific individuals primarily to gather information about international trade, according to Larsen. The attackers also targeted major American technology developers by stealing source code for enterprise technologies as well as spying on the mailboxes of specific technical individuals. You get hold of this technologys source code and then you leverage that information to gain access or build exploits of that technology which would then give you basically a skeleton key to that technology, said John Hultquist, chief analyst for the Google Threat Intelligence Group. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Peacock has confirmed that supermodel and actress Tyra Banks will appear as a guest star in the upcoming final season of Bel-Air. The acclaimed drama, which reimagines The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a contemporary lens, premieres its fourth and final season on November 24. What role will Tyra Banks be playing in Bel-Air finale? Banks, who previously starred in the original sitcom as Will Smiths ex-girlfriend Jackie Ames, will play an entirely new role in Bel-Air. This time, she portrays a bold former college classmate with whom Viv (Cassandra Freeman) is reluctantly reunited. The character is not connected to Jackie, offering Banks a fresh narrative arc more than three decades after her original appearance. Also Read | Los Angeles Fire Pushes Northeast to Threaten Bel Air, Brentwood She joins a small group of Fresh Prince alumni who have featured in Bel-Air as new characters. Daphne Maxwell Reid, Vernee Watson-Johnson, and Joseph Marcell have all made appearances in earlier seasons, each in roles distinct from their original counterparts. Inspired by Morgan Coopers viral trailer, Bel-Air has redefined the 90s classic, replacing comedy with a raw, dramatic look at Wills journey from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air. Also Read | Will Smith reflects on Chris Rock Oscars slap Jessica Chastain has spoken out about Apples decision to delay the release of her upcoming series The Savant, saying she believes its subject matter is too relevant to be paused. Jessica Chastain publicly opposes the delay of The Savant' by Apple TV In a statement, the Oscar-winning actress praised her partnership with Apple, calling the company incredible collaborators whose team she deeply respects. However, she admitted she was not aligned with their choice to postpone the launch. Also Read | Apple TV+ renews German medical drama Berlin ER for season 2 She wrote on Instagram, I want to say how much I value my partnership with Apple. Theyve been incredible collaborators and I deeply respect their team. That said, I wanted to reach out and let you know that were not aligned on the decision to pause the release of The Savant (sic). Chastain highlighted recent incidents of violence in the United States, saying In the last five years since weve been making the show, weve seen an unfortunate amount of violence in the United States: the kidnapping attempt on Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; the January 6th attack on the Capitol; the assassination attempts on President Trump; the political assassinations of Democratic representatives in Minnesota; the attack on Speaker Pelosis husband; the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk; the recent shooting at an ABC affiliate station in California; and over 300 school shootings across this country (sic). Also Read | Is Erika Kirk banned from Romania? Know the truth behind viral claims The actress added, These incidents, though far from encompassing the full range of violence witnessed in the United States, illustrate a broader mindset that crosses the political spectrum and must be confronted. Ive never shied away from difficult subjects, and while I wish this show wasnt so relevant, unfortunately it is. The Savant is about the heroes who work every day to stop violence before it happens, and honoring their courage feels more urgent than ever. While I respect Apples decision to pause the release for now (sic). The Academy award winning concluded by writing, I remain hopeful the show will reach audiences soon. Until then, Im wishing safety and strength for everyone, and Ill let you know if and when The Savant is released (sic). What is The Savant about? Based on a 2019 investigation, The Savant stars Chastain as Jodi Goodwin, an undercover investigator infiltrating extremist groups online to stop attacks. She also serves as executive producer. Variety has reported that an early storyline shows Jodi posing as a white nationalist and uncovering plans for a major attack. The cast includes Nnamdi Asomugha, Pablo Schreiber, Cole Doman, and Dagmara Dominczyk. Why has Apple delayed the show? The reasons for the delay have not been confirmed, but speculation suggests political sensitivities. Some critics argue Apple TV+ may fear backlash from conservatives, particularly after the recent shooting of commentator Charlie Kirk. NW China's Yinchuan launches AI agent to boost economy, trade, culture, and tourism People's Daily Online) 14:18, September 24, 2025 The launch ceremony of the "AI Yinchuan" intelligent agent for economy, trade, culture, and tourism is held in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Liang Hongxin) The Yinchuan municipal government in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, in collaboration with People's Daily Online, jointly launched the "AI Yinchuan" intelligent agent for economy, trade, culture, and tourism on Sept. 22, 2025. The launch ceremony was attended by Zhao Xuhui, member of the standing committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Yinchuan municipal committee; Tao Shaohua, deputy secretary of the CPC Yinchuan municipal committee and mayor of Yinchuan; and Ye Zhenzhen, president of People's Daily Online and director of the State Key Laboratory of Communication Content Cognition. "AI Yinchuan" is the latest scientific and technological achievement born from the collaboration between Yinchuan and People's Daily Online. It provides an intelligent service system focused on the economy, trade, culture, and tourism, while also covering public services, openness, and cooperation. Its innovative architecture integrates six core components: platform, data, computing power, algorithms, models, and intelligent agents. The launch ceremony of the "AI Yinchuan" intelligent agent for economy, trade, culture, and tourism is held in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Liang Hongxin) "AI Yinchuan" adopts a "1+6" AI application framework. At its core is an intelligent translation system that supports both Chinese-Arabic and Chinese-English translation, serving as a "linguistic bridge" for cross-cultural exchanges, while also facilitating openness and cooperation with Arabic-speaking countries. This capability leverages Yinchuan's role as the permanent host city of the China-Arab States Expo to promote economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. The six specialized applications of "AI Yinchuan" address practical needs in the economy, trade, culture, and tourism. Its intelligent itinerary planning system offers comprehensive travel solutions covering transportation, accommodation, and ticketing. Its AI tour assistant utilizes English and Arabic natural language processing to introduce tourist attractions and delicacies, thereby avoiding cultural miscommunication. In addition, its city brand promotion system analyzes audience preferences to generate tailored, multilingual content that enhances Yinchuan's global image. Yinchuan Mayor Tao Shaohua described the launch as a pivotal step for the city's entry into the intelligent era and its advancement of high-quality development through AI, while also highlighting it as a model of cooperation with People's Daily Online. As a core hub in China's east-to-west computing resource transfer project, Yinchuan is poised to become a leading center in western China, cultivating fertile ground for the growth of the digital economy and innovation. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Alibaba's share price soared on Wednesday after the Chinese e-commerce and cloud giant unveiled its most ambitious artificial intelligence plans yet. According to Reuters, Alibaba's share price in Hong Kong increased by 9.7 per cent to hit a four-year high, while U.S.-listed shares rose almost 10 per cent in premarket trading. AI as top priority At its annual Apsara Conference, CEO Eddie Wu said artificial intelligence will stand alongside e-commerce as Alibabas central focus. The speed of AI industry development has far exceeded our expectations, and the industrys demand for AI infrastructure has also far exceeded our expectations, Wu told the audience, per MSN. Earlier this year, Alizila reported that Alibaba had committed to investing 380 billion yuan, around $53 billion, into AI infrastructure over the next three years. On Wednesday, Wu suggested spending will go even higher, without offering a specific figure. Alibaba & Nvidia partnership The company confirmed a new collaboration with US chipmaker Nvidia to strengthen its AI infrastructure. The partnership will cover data synthesis, model training, environmental simulations, and testing, but did not disclose whether Nvidia chips would power its coming facilities. The announcement of the partnership comes just days after Nvidia announced its own $100 billion deal with OpenAI, highlighting the intensifying competition in the global AI race. Alibaba data center expansion Alibaba also laid out plans to add its first data centers in Brazil, France, and the Netherlands. More will follow in Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Dubai in 2025, according to Reuters. The company currently operates 91 centers across 29 regions. Overseas data center investments will help expand Alibabas influence among international AI developers and enterprise users, said Lian Jye Su, chief analyst at Omdia, who noted the strategy builds on years of AI-focused spending. Qwen3-Max unveiled On the product side, Alibaba debuted its most advanced language model yet, the Qwen3-Max. With more than one trillion parameters, the model has shown strong performance in code generation and autonomous agent capabilities, according to Zhou Jingren, chief technology officer at Alibaba Cloud. Autonomous agent features mean the system can pursue user-set goals with fewer human prompts, a step beyond typical chatbot interaction. Alibaba said third-party benchmarks placed Qwen3-Max ahead of rival products, including Anthropics Claude and DeepSeek-V3.1 on certain tasks. The company also showcased Qwen3-Omni, a multimodal AI for immersive applications in smart glasses and intelligent vehicles. Strong quarter fuels optimism The announcements follow a robust earnings report in August, when Alibabas cloud unit posted a 26 per cent jump in the Alibaba share price, driven in large part by the demand for AI services, per Bloomberg. With Alibaba's share price at its highest in four years, investors appear to be betting that Alibabas AI gamble, from global centers to new models, will pay off. FAQs Why did Alibaba's shares jump nearly 10%? The company announced a new partnership with Nvidia, unveiled data center plans, and introduced a trillion-parameter AI model. How much is Alibaba investing in AI? Alibaba has committed $53 billion over the next three years to AI-related infrastructure. What is Qwen3-Max? Qwen3-Max is Alibabas new AI language model with over one trillion parameters, aimed at advanced autonomous and coding tasks. South African pastor Joshua Mhlakelas prophecy, which was recently making waves online, has ignited a flurry of reactions. Find out what his prediction was and whether it materialised. What was Joshua Mhlakela's prediction? The now-viral preacher issued a Rapture warning and claimed that he had a vision that Jesus Christ would return on September 23 or 24 this year. He suggested that this would happen around the same time as the Jews all over the world would celebrate Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah. The biblical name for Rosh Hashanah is Yom Teruah, which is the first of the High Holy Days, celebrated in the late summer or early autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. How did Joshua Mhlakela predict that the world will end soon? In an interview with CettwinzTV, Pastor Mhlakela said he had a supernatural encounter and suggested that the rapture was imminent. According to him, true believers would be taken to heaven. His prophecy went viral on TikTok within hours, and the hashtag #RaptureTok began trending. Recounting a divine vision, the South African pastor said that he saw Jesus sitting on his throne. He said Jesus told him, "I am coming soon. I will come back to the Earth." Also Read | Not Tanya Mittal, THIS Bigg Boss contestant has lavish house in Mumbai Social media reaction Social media users flooded with reactions online, with some supporting the claims while others refuted the prophecy. A user wrote, Joshua Mhlakela is a fear mongering heretic. there is no rapture tomorrow the 23rd. Mark 13:32-35 [sic]. Another user remarked, Anyone who still follows false prophet Joshua Mhlakela is on their way to hell. This man does not read the Bible because if he did, he would know God says no man would know the time nor day of the rapture. A third user wrote, "God has always worked through His calendar: Passover pointed to Jesus death, Pentecost to the Spirit, and Trumpets foreshadows His return. I believe Jesus will return on a Feast of Trumpets one day, but not this year. Not this week. Why? Because Scripture tells us what has to come first. We still have to enter the Tribulation." A fourth user stated, We won't know - maybe there WAS a Rapture and we're all such raging sinners the angels thought it best to leave all of our asses here. There are millions and millions of Christians in the world today, maybe even hundreds of millions of Christians in the world who believe in modern prophecy and consume media thats populated by these modern prophecies, AP quoted senior Christian scholar Matthew Taylor as saying. What is Rapture? The theological concept of the Rapture refers to the belief of some evangelical Christians in a future event. They believe that Jesus will return to Earth before a period of great tribulation culminates in the end of the world to take true believers to heaven. Meanwhile, the author of Rapture Culture: Left Behind in Evangelical America, Amy Frykholm, said, Everyone else remains on earth for a tumultuous and troubled period." She added, Usually, in this kind of storytelling, the people who are taken up in the Rapture are a surprise." UPDATE: The Chattanooga City Council could continue supporting Volkswagen workers in their contract negotiations, but it won't be in writing. Councilman Ron Elliott said Tuesday he would remove the resolution from the September 30 agenda at the request of its author, the Chattanooga Area Labor Council. UAW preparing VW members with 'strike training' meetings The UAW also represents auto workers at the 'Big Three' automakers at Ford, GM and Stellantis. The resolution would have pledged the council's "full support" to local United Auto Workers but would not have set any official action in motion. The council previously moved to postpone further discussions about the resolution to September 30. We believe that it is most appropriate for the council to let private business matters be private business matters, and in doing so, we will be looking for other ways, I believe, that we can support our unions," said Councilman Dennis Clark. "Its just not a resolution that I think is appropriate to be heard by the council, not just for Volkswagen, but for any business that comes before the City of Chattanooga." Geoffrey Meldahl, the labor council's president, said he questioned whether "key councilmembers" would support the resolution, and did not want to create a distraction. "We disagree with the notion that government has no role to play in labor disputes, especially when the employer in question has received more than $200 million in local subsidies," Meldahl said in-part. "But while a quick resolution supporting workers might have benefitted the cause, a drawn-out debate about local government's role would be a distraction... To those who do not support the workers of Local 42, we would ask them to share publicly why they believe that Chattanooga workers deserve less." Meldahl added that he hopes city leaders continue "lend(ing) their voices" to Volkswagen workers in their continued negotiations. PREVIOUS STORY: The Chattanooga City Council postponed a resolution that would pledge their "full support" to United Auto Workers Local 42. They will review the resolution again Tuesday, September 30. Members of the bargaining committee and representatives from the Chattanooga Area Central Labor Council spoke at Tuesday's council meeting, and called for improved wages, healthcare and conditions. "The resolution is a chance for the City of Chattanooga to stand on the side of fairness, dignity and a stronger future for all of us, and I urge you to support it," said Patrick Cate, on behalf of the labor council. "When auto workers win, all of Chattanooga wins. Higher wages and stronger benefits ripple outward, supporting families, boosting local businesses and raising the bar for what we all should expect from jobs in our city." The resolution notes that the workers find themselves at "significant risk of chronic injury," which they described in detail to the council. "When one of us gets hurt, it's not just a worker, it's a Chattanooga family that suffers," said Michael Bromley, a bargaining committee representative. After the council motioned to postpone the vote, the labor council said although they're "disheartened," they aren't surprised. "Of course we would like to have seen a vote pass yesterday, but when openly challenging a multi-billion dollar a year global corporation, it is unsurprising that we would see resistance to even a non-binding and cost free resolution," the organization said in-part in a statement. "Regardless of yesterday's decision, ultimately this is a win for the immense community and worker support we have seen the past few weeks regarding the resolution. It means the right people are watching and listening." Volkswagen Chattanooga, which employs about 4,000 people, last year became the first foreign automaker in the southeast to have union representation. Ever since, workers have sought their first-ever contract. The public push for the resolution comes just a week after Volkswagen announced it would furlough 160 workers. They cited declining sales of the ID.4, their first fully-electric SUV. During the furlough, workers will receive 80% of their base compensation and full benefits. Volkswagen most recently furloughed employees last September, before they returned to work in January. UPDATE: The Mayor of Pikeville has responded to TDEC's violation, which points to sewage in waterways. In July, TDEC issued Pikeville a violation notice for high E. coli. TDEC also detected dissolved oxygen, total residual chlorine, and ammonium, which may be toxic at high concentrations. City of Pikeville Mayor Phillip Cagle responded to this violation on August 6, 2025. His response says the Water Treatment Plant is older. Because of this, Mayor Cagle says that it took time to find the correct equipment parts. He says the city had an outside vendor conduct river testing. Also, with his response, Mayor Cagle said the city is building a new $20 million waste treatment plant. The city received another violation in September from TDEC. However, this time, TDEC says the Pikeville Sewage Treatment Plant violated conditions of its permit and poured pollution into the state's waterways. TDEC gave Mayor Cagle two weeks to respond. In this letter, he shares that the city is working to get the plant back to standards. Mayor Cagle also shares that new flow meters have been ordered. He says river samples are being collected upstream--75 yards downstream from the plant and around two miles upstream from the plant. Signage is posted upstream and at the boat ramp near the plant. TDEC did share with Local 3 that they have seen improvements in the E. coli levels in the Sequatchie River. According to TDEC, the City of Pikeville has received violations from TDEC that date back to 2016. Pikeville officials say this will be completed in September 2026. After several attempts, Mayor Cagle has not returned our requests for comments at this time. PREVIOUS STORY: The Town of Pikeville's sewage treatment plant has received another violation notice from the TN Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). This time, town officials are being required to post signage saying the public may encounter sanitary sewage in the Sequatchie River near Pikeville. High levels of E.coli, poor maintenance found at Pikeville wastewater plant Mayor Cagle now must submit a written response to the division within 30 days of receiving the report detailing what corrective actions will be implemented. The signs must be posted "at all reasonable approaches and access points" no later than next week. All signage must clearly inform the hazards associated with the potential for sewage exposure. Excess levels of E. coli measured by TDEC indicate that the processed wastewater could pose a risk to recreational activities in the Sequatchie River. TDEC says Pikeville must begin weekly sampling for E. coli in the Sequatchie River, upstream and downstream of the Pikeville Sewage Treatment Plant discharge point. Sampling should continue until levels normalize. Pikeville Mayor Philip Cagle must provide a written response to TDEC by Friday, September 19, detailing specific actions with completion dates. Last month, Mayor Cagle responded to a separate notice of violation that TDEC sent the wastewater treatment plant in July. Among other rectifications, he said both clarifiers were working again, but it took some time to find obsolete parts as the plant was "old." "The City of Pikeville is fully completed to making clean water," Cagle stated. "We are currently building a new 20 million [wastewater treatment plant] at a new beautiful site." We have reached out to Mayor Cagle's office for comment. You can read the latest violation notice, in full, below: Two Longford performers were listed as those involved in the Dublin Fringe Festival. Darren Yorke and FeliSPEAKS, played in He Dies in the End and Octopus Children respectively. The latter has finished their successful run at the festival as quoted by the festivals spokesperson. Both performances are one of the 80 participating in the festival. He Dies in the End was recently in Backstage Theatre, Longford, for what was a preview of what is to be expected at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Read more: Are you Longfords next Country Music star to be on Glor Tire? Dublin Fringe is a wonderful opportunity to platform new work. We've had a blast working on our new play, said playwright, Liam McCarthy. It's a challenging and quirky story, with an unusual structure - and it's been brilliant to be able to play and experiment with this. It's been a joy to watch Darren's engaging, funny and heartbreaking performance, and seeing this performance grow over the previews. I'm excited for the run of the festival! It was also wonderful to have the support of Mona and all at Backstage Theatre in the lead up to our Dublin appearances. FeliSPEAKS debuted at the Dublin Fringe Festival. With the official press release saying My Nigeria happened in Longford town, Octopus Children was a rich, visual narrative exploring the expansive, multifaceted experience of being Black and Irish. With a backdrop involved in 'He Dies in the End' which was not there for the Backstage Theatre performance, the August preview imitated the studio space that is to be expected for the Dublin Fringe Festival. Both performers have demonstrated the great achievements of Longford talent with their showcases at the Dublin Fringe Festival. FeliSPEAKS came to chat about her time in Dublin Fringe Festival: Octopus Children is my love letter to the emotional lives of Black, Irish, Queer, Migrant communities, a work about memory, imagination, and survival and Im so excited to finally share it with the world. It holds the format of a Choreopoem, telling a story with music, dance, poetry and dialogue on a theatre stage. Being there in general and being able to share my art/my gift/my story with a community of storytellers and art lovers. A pleasure indeed. Read more: INTERVIEW | Longford filmmaker discusses bringing the industry to the county The Octopus felt like the spirit of this work because its an alien of the ocean soft, brilliant, and mysterious. I think of the deep ocean as a spiritual place, a place of memory and origin, and the octopus carries that energy. In a way, it mirrors how Black, Irish, Queer & Migrant communities live on earth: full of feeling, intelligence, and adaptability, but often treated like aliens in a world weve always belonged to. The Dublin Fringe Festival has been taking place since early September, highlighting various types of performance. It concluded on September 21, with 80 original and fascinating pieces being performed in front of packed audiences. Road signs opposing a proposed Bord na Mona wind farm in Derryadd have been vandalised with spray paint in a seemingly deliberate attempt to cover the message. Multiple signs, which were erected along the N63, were originally created by a local community group as a show of public protest after Bord na Mona re-submitted their application for planning permission to construct a large wind farm in Derryadd which is set to include 22 wind turbines and 2 meteorological masts. Read more: Free trees for Longford primary schools this National Tree Day Speaking to the Longford Leader this week, the PRO for the No To Derryadd Wind Farm group, Niall Dennigan, voiced his disgust at the act of vandalism. Its disappointing to see community signage vandalised. Everyones entitled to their opinion, but it should be expressed respectfully. Its regrettable that someone felt the need to resort to this instead of attending one of our community meetings or speaking directly with a committee member. Vandalism does nothing to advance a positive resolution, because at the end of the day it only damages trust within the community. Read more: Longford-Westmeath TD calls for Government to end our rip-off energy costs Mr Dennigan said that while people over the years have questioned if the group's stance is simply just an objection against a wind farm, he added that when they see what's taking place on these bogs to facilitate the proposed wind farm, the subsequent habitat losses, and the impact on red listed species of conservation, during a Government declared biodiversity crisis, they fully throw their support behind our efforts. In a room within Granards Rath Mhuire Centre last Wednesday evening, Sister Maeve holds aloft a jug of milk as she toasts a group of pilgrim walkers with a Slainte! If this was whiskey! she adds with a laugh. The 15-strong group being hosted in the centre were not just visiting Granard, they were in the midst of a 540 kilometre pilgrimage walk that had begun in Downpatrick 5 days earlier and would finish at the other side of the country, specifically at the top of Croagh Patrick, where the group is expected to reach on September 29 next. Read more: Carrigy secures overflow bus solution for Longford students Organised by American ecopreneur, Jeremy Schewe, the pilgrimage being undertaken by the group - most of whom are from the US and Canada - is the same one believed to have been embarked upon by St. Patrick himself ahead of his 40 day vigil on the reek. While walking the route last year, Jeremy had stopped off in towns along the way, establishing local connections in anticipation of a return within the following twelve months. After stopping by Granards Rath Mhuire Centre and meeting with Community Development Officer, Pamela Dolan, and administrative assistant, Orla Lynch, plans were set in motion to turn the centre into a welcoming hub for his 2025 pilgrimage group. After 12 months of corresponding, it all came to fruition last Wednesday. On duty to escort the pilgrims to the centre were members of the Granard Mens Shed - Des Taylor, Eamon McIntyre, Mickey Murray and Nick Gaffney. In the centre itself, refreshments were plentiful with walkers enjoying rest and recuperation. One pilgrim who needed the rest more than most was Colorado native, Tina Todd. With a bag of ice sitting on her ankle, she explained she had sustained the injury prior to the pilgrimage. Despite the pain, she still powered onwards thanks to a combination of prayer and ibuprofen. Despite her ordeal, Tinas outlook on the situation remained hugely positive. The injury is painful but I figure especially with the history of people walking Croagh Patrick barefoot, this is just part of the journey. Im going to attempt to climb Croagh Patrick too when we get there. Im really leaning into prayer and community, and everywhere we go, people have offered me prayers. Its been beautiful. The origins of Jeremys idea for an annual pilgrimage across Ireland lie in the recommended routes shared with him by Irish pilgrims he met while walking two Caminos, in addition to his own subsequent research of the walk undertaken by St Patrick. Last year, with a group of 20 signed up, Jeremy decided to build an app for participants so they could take the route at their own pace without getting lost or losing track of their fellow walkers. With a goal of helping many more enjoy the mapped route, Jeremy says he is now focusing on forging connections with local councils and organisations in order to take the pilgrimage to a more established level. He explained, Weve just started connecting with some of the county councillors in Longford. Our biggest gap right now is finding the allies to work with in places like Longford, Cavan and Westmeath; people who can help make this something real for the long term. We just need to get the midlands tied in. Events like this here in Granard today are just amazing, so if we can ripple this out into other communities were walking through, it would be great. The long term hope is to get more people on board this beautiful pilgrimage route that possibly St Patrick walked, regardless of whether theyre walking it for religious reasons, spiritual reasons, or just because they want to walk it. Prior to leaving the centre, the pilgrims paid a visit to the nearby Mens Shed where they admired the beautiful woodwork creations on display. As they stood for photos cracking jokes in good spirits, all were completely unfazed by the arduous trek still ahead of them. Theyre fantastic for doing something like this in Ireland, said Rath Mhuires Orla Lynch. Its a huge undertaking because youre not guaranteed the weather; you have four seasons in one day. Everyone in the centre, Sr Maeve, Pamela, Celine (Malone) Edna (Smith) and the lads in the Mens Shed, everyone was so eager to meet the pilgrims coming through Granard. They were genuinely interested in helping them in any way they could and the welcome they received was truly a testament to the people of the town. It must have been lovely for the pilgrims themselves to have experienced such a genuine reception. Read more: Coming soon! Pick up the latest edition of Longford Life magazine Rath Mhuire Community Development Officer, Pamela Dolan added, It was an absolute pleasure to welcome them to the town. We had been planning this for the last year with Jermey so it was great to see it all come together! Few words however could have better summed up the spirit of Granard that evening than those of Men's Shed member, Eamon McIntyre, who simply said, Were in the business of welcoming people! People across Longford are being asked to support children living in poverty around the world by registering for Irelands Christmas shoebox appeal. A father living in Louth has told his story of living in poverty when he was a child and how special it was for him to receive a shoebox gift from another family. Adas Rakauskas, 37, never forgot the present he received as an eight-year-old as his family struggled to keep their heads above water. Every year the father makes these transformative gifts for other children. Originally from Lithuania, Adas is urging people in Leitrim to join Team Hopes annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal by sending life-changing gifts to children affected by poverty around the world. We didnt have much food or good food, said Adas. Medically, we were all malnourished as children. I remember sitting at the table as a child for a meal and there was just bread or some carrots. At times we relied on neighbours to drop something in, so we were struggling, and it was tough on my parents from a financial perspective. Recalling the moment he was handed the gift as a child, he said: I remember all of us gathered in the village and there was a play. READ NEXT: Longford conference on responding to the risk of domestic homicide At the end, the shoeboxes were given to the children. We were very excited....I think there were pens and pencils and some stationery in the box. What struck me most was that someone had put this together. Now living in Drogheda with his wife Tracey and their children Elias, nine, Izabella, eight, and six-year-old Mikayla, Adass family box up the magic of Christmas by making shoeboxes for other children living in poverty. Team Hope, the charity that delivers gifts into the hands of children living in poverty across African and Eastern Europe, is calling on children and families in the county to get involved in this years Christmas Shoebox Appeal. As it marks its 15th year of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, Team Hope is asking schools and employers as well as individuals and community organisations across the county to get involved by logging onto teamhope.ie. Since 2010, Team Hope has delivered over 2.8 million shoebox gifts and this year expects to surpass the three million mark. Often these gift-packed shoeboxes are the only festive presents children living in poverty in countries in Africa and Eastern Europe receive. A simple shoebox, often packed by children for children, carries not only toys and treats but also the invisible gifts of love and hope, said Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry. That kindness, travelling across oceans, reminds a child that they are not forgotten that someone, somewhere cares. In a world where headlines often highlight what is broken, the Christmas Shoebox Appeal stands as a powerful demonstration that the world is also filled with kindness. To get involved, see www.teamhope.ie Midlands MEP, Ciaran Mullooly, this week shared a photo of the moment he presented His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, with a beautiful wooden crucifix that had been carved from the wood of an ash tree grown on the grounds of the Longford ancestral home of Fr Joseph Mullooly. The gift was presented as part of a celebration in St Peters Square, Rome, in which Fr Mullooly, the Irish Dominican priest from Lehery near Lanesboro was honoured for his incredible work in excavating the Basilica San Clemente in the 1860's. Read more: Legacy of amazing Longford priest continues to fascinate and inspire Europeans The discovery of the underground archaeological complex continues to be regarded as one of the most significant excavations in Europe. Addressing the occasion on his Instagram page, MEP Mr Mullooly wrote, "Our family was deeply honoured to be in St Peters Square for this special personal occasion - ending a weekend of commemoration for Fr Joseph led by the European Commission Ambassador to the Holy See and Her Excellency, Frances Collins, the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See. Thank you to everyone who flew in from Ireland for a truly memorable event. We had dozens of family connections there and special thanks to Bishop Paul Connell of the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise and Fr Turlough Baxter PP." 7 million in funding has been secured by Longford County Council for the redevelopment of Connolly Barracks into a vibrant community and cultural facility that will serve as the beating heart of Longford town. The substantial investment, which has been hailed as 'a pivotal moment for Longford', comes from the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE Strand 2), a 90 million EU-backed fund designed to revitalise heritage buildings throughout Irish town centres for community use. Read more: Longford County Council launches 'The Evening Edit' night-time events programme The funding enables the local authority to immediately proceed to tender for the project, building on last year's THRIVE allocation of 200,000 that allowed completion of essential design works. The ambitious transformation will see the vacant barracks empty since the Army's departure in 2009 house a county museum, community cafe, creative makerspace, podcast and recording studio, meeting rooms, and music facilities. A rear extension will provide a flexible conference and performance space alongside training facilities. The project incorporates accessibility improvements, sustainability features including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, plus enhanced public spaces. Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh welcomed the announcement saying: "Connolly Barracks has stood silent for too long. This funding transforms a symbol of the past into a beacon for our future a space where history meets innovation, where tradition embraces change. It will allow the northern end of Longford Town to once again buzz with activity, drawing people back to the heart of our town and creating opportunities for everyone who calls Longford home." Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, "This 7 million investment marks a pivotal moment for Longford. It allows us to drive forward detailed plans that will finally deliver the county museum our people have long sought, whilst creating a dynamic space where our diverse communities can connect, create, and celebrate together. This project will catalyse economic activity in an underused part of our town whilst preserving our architectural heritage for future generations." Director of Services John Brannigan, who spearheaded the successful application, welcomed the announcement saying, "The investment of 7 million through THRIVE funding for the Connolly Barracks regeneration represents a flagship model of sustainable, inclusive, and heritage-sensitive urban transformation. It exemplifies the spirit of the New European Bauhaus, bringing beauty, resilience, and social cohesion into the heart of Longford. This project will revitalise our town, empower our people, and celebrate our rich cultural heritage whilst creating shared spaces for our diverse communities to thrive together." The restoration will employ best conservation practices whilst responding to Longford's population growth and multicultural character. The project promises to generate employment, tourism, and business opportunities whilst creating a shared space that bridges communities and generations. THRIVE operates under Ireland's two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes, providing funding to help local authorities reimagine town centres through renovation and adaptive reuse of publicly owned heritage buildings. The scheme incorporates core New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, promoting citizen-centred, community-led approaches to urban regeneration. The project has received full support from elected members and is particularly welcomed by Longford Municipal District representatives. Work is expected to commence following the tender process, with the transformed barracks set to become a cornerstone of Longford's cultural and community landscape. Speaking on the announcement, Deputy Micheal Carrigy said, This is fantastic news for Longford. "Connolly Barracks is one of our countys most iconic sites, and this funding will not only protect its heritage but also reimagine it as a modern hub for culture, education and community life. I am delighted to have worked with Longford County Council and all stakeholders to support this application and secure this investment for the people of Longford. Deputy Carrigy added that this project will ensure Connolly Barracks continues to play a central role in the life of the town. This investment represents a new chapter for Connolly Barracks. It will deliver opportunities for learning, creativity, tourism and enterprise while preserving the historical significance of the site. I look forward to seeing works progress and to the long-lasting impact it will have on our county. The positive news has been warmly welcomed by Longford Senator Joe Flaherty. He said, The barracks has long been the starting point for the regeneration of the county town. I am certain that the funding will be transformative and importantly will bookend development of that end of the town and fuel the regeneration of Lower Main Street. Read more: Popular Longford bar and guesthouse gets planning approval for large extension Senator Flaherty went on to pay tribute to the Longford County Council Regeneration Team and in particular, the Director of Services, John Brannigan, who spearheaded the application. In June of this year, Bright Beginnings, an Early Years Educare Centre in Tipperary, was forced to call the gardai due to an incident at the premises involving a violent and abusive parent. When Dr Anne-Marie Ryan, the owner of Bright Beginnings, shared the story on social media, she sparked a major conversation surrounding the level of disrespect shown to childcare providers across the country by some parents. In response to Anne-Maries story, childcare staff from around Ireland got in touch to say that such negative experiences with parents is not unique to Bright Beginnings and that it is in fact a problem that is increasingly a cause for concern within the industry. I spoke with Anne-Marie to find out more about this attitude from some parents towards childcare staff and how Bright Beginnings is handling it, as well as management staff from two other creches in Louth and Wicklow. Both of these childcare practitioners chose to stay anonymous. Anne-Marie established Bright Beginnings on the outskirts of Cashel town in 2009, marking 17 years in business at the end of August this year. Similar to Ann-Marie, the childcare professional from Louth has been in the industry for over 20 years. Like most centres across the country now, all three cater for a diverse group of children, from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, to different family backgrounds and arrangements, as well as additional needs. One thing all of the practitioners fundamentally agreed on was that this issue of disrespect from parents is getting worse. Anne-Marie even went as far as to say that she has noticed an increase in such behaviour more recently: This is a problem that has become progressively worse over the years, and this past year has become actually abusive and absolutely intolerable. The Bright Beginnings owner described two shocking incidents within the past twelve months alone wherein she was forced to revoke childrens places at the centre due to their parents behaviour. She said: I have had our entire team come to me because they were terrified of how they would be treated by one particular parent when their children were being dropped off in the morning or collected in the evening. If it was the other parent, there were absolutely no issues, but this one particular parent was liable to start shouting at whichever staff member was doing handover with them, and become extremely condescending over the most minor of things. If there had been an incident with either of their children during the day, and the parent needed to sign an incident form, not one of our team members felt safe approaching this parent about this. It got to the stage where I had to be on the premises from 7:15am to 6:30pm every day to ensure that I was there to meet this parent if they were doing drop off in the morning or collection in the evening. I did have a long conversation with this parent about how they were making the team members feel, and things did get better for a few weeks, but then they just became worse than ever and I had no choice but to revoke the childrens places. READ NEXT: 'Unbelievable BS': Former GP Ciara Kelly slams Trump's paracetamol link to autism claims Not only this, but Anne-Marie recounted incidents in which parents would verbally abuse staff members using the worst kind of bad language because they were called to come and collect their sick child. On one occasion, when a parent arrived to collect their child who had a very high temperature, they began shouting at team members to "Go and get my f**king child now" as the child was not in their classroom and instead in the First Aid room. Despite the staff members explaining that the child was being looked after in their First Aid room with Anne-Marie herself and that the parent would need to go there to collect them and hear about how theyre feeling, the parent continued to shout and curse. Anne-Marie said: The parent eventually came to the First Aid room to collect their child, and ultimately ended up being extremely abusive to me also. After the parent left, I was informed by two very upset staff members about how they had been treated by that parent. There was no hesitation at all. I picked up the phone and informed that parent that they were in breach of Policy 33, and their childs place was being revoked with immediate effect. Anne-Maries Policy 33 refers to Bright Beginnings zero tolerance policy for any rude, disrespectful, or abusive behaviour, manner, or interactions towards staff members. If it is deemed that parents or guardians have been disrespectful to any member of staff then children will have their places revoked. The shocking incident which sparked Anne-Maries social media post in June was the first time that any parent had attempted to physically harm a member of the team at Bright Beginnings. Anne-Marie said that on that particular day, the child, who had been attending the centre for two years, had been feeling very unsettled and began lashing out at other children and staff, and even bit one member of the team. Anne-Marie felt it was necessary for the child to be collected early and so called their mother, who Anne-Marie described as very understanding and always open to working with them. The childs mother agreed to collect him within a few minutes, however it was his father who turned up and, as Anne-Marie described, was filled with rage. He began shouting at staff, saying his child was being discriminated against, that he was entitled to his government hours and that the staff were stupid if they couldnt even handle a little boy. When he was asked to leave, he laughed and called them stupid women who couldnt tell him what to do. Anne-Marie said: He lunged at the child's Key Worker and attempted to grab her. I got between them, opened the door and got the staff member inside to safety. He then tried to grab me, but I escaped his grasp, went inside and locked the door. We were both very shaken. Despite not being able to enter the rest of the building, Anne-Marie said he was trying to come through the window to attack me again. The anger in his eyes was terrifying, and he was lunging to try and reach me. She told him that if he would not leave she would be forced to ring the gardai, however: He told me to call the guards that he will 'get them too', and if he isn't afraid of dying why would he be afraid of the guards, and that they couldn't do anything to him. Anne-Marie said: I told him that it is very traumatic for his son to be witnessing all of this, and it would be very difficult for his son to see him being taken away by the guards. He said that he didn't care, and that we are not going to get away with doing this to his child. He eventually left after being distracted by his younger child and hearing Anne-Marie call the gardai. Anne-Marie said: Further safety concerns were raised after speaking with the children's mother, at which point we felt it necessary to raise a concern with the TUSLA Child Safeguarding Team. Although they may not have had to call the gardai over parents behaviour towards staff, the manager of the creche in Louth did actually recall an incident wherein the gardai were called due to parents fighting each other. She revealed that the gardai had to be called as one man hit a woman who was fighting another woman in front of the creche; all involved were family members of children attending the creche. As previously mentioned, childcare facilities cater to a diverse range of children. In the creche in Louth, they celebrated pride month as there were families in the school who were members of the LGBTQ+ community and so it was relevant to many children attending. However, it caused major backlash and some parents even threatened to take their children out of the facility despite management explaining that such events were only celebrated if they were part of the lives of children and families in the creche. The manager of the creche said that diversity doesnt cause any challenges among children, but with parents. She told a story in which a major incident occurred in recent months at the facility wherein a father accused a foreign member of staff of pushing their child when walking to class, something that was done regularly by other members of the team without any issue. She said there was clearly a racial motivation behind this. There was CCTV and so the issue was resolved after a lengthy investigation was conducted. In the Wicklow creche, the manager said that she most often sees frustration from parents stemming from issues within childcare itself such as subsidies and the lack of availability of support services. However, from her experience, this frustration is misdirected at childcare staff due to their own misconceptions and misunderstandings as to how the systems work. For example, with the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), parents have to look after their own subsidies and this process can be confusing and overwhelming for some. She said: One of the many pressures we're experiencing is parents refusing to pay their bills, even though it's because they didn't update their NCS and they didn't follow the process that NCS wants them to follow. Then another issue is that for school-age children, creches arent getting funding for AIM support for children with additional needs. She explained: But you would in the early years. And a lot of the younger children, junior infants and seniors who would have an SNA in school then come to after schools and they don't have that one-to-one. And that makes parents very angry. But there's only so much a school-age service can do without that special funding. She said that this anger often manifests into aggressive behaviour towards staff members at the creche. This kind of behaviour can have an absolutely detrimental impact on the children, said Anne-Marie. She observed that when parents display a disinterest or unwillingness to work with staff, that behavioural issues with the child will escalate. They are crying out for their parents attention, and unfortunately, it is often the case that the only real attention that they get during the working week is when we speak to their parents about their behavioural issues. The parents will usually have some sort of conversation with the child about this. Even if this is not a pleasant conversation for the child, in their minds - any attention is better than no attention, and therefore the behaviour will escalate because the child so badly wants and needs that attention. When a child witnesses their parent being disrespectful to a staff member, of course it is teaching them that this is the way that they are supposed to behave. Children will imitate what they see, especially if it is coming from their own parents. This is absolutely understandable, but it is even more difficult to address this with the parent, because they are just not going to work with us on anything, nevermind correcting their own behaviour to provide a good example to their child. On the other hand, the Louth practitioner said she often sees two sides of this when it comes to childrens responses. She notes that older children will tend to understand the shame of the situation and shrink away from it, especially bright children. Younger children, then, who dont understand will adopt a similar attitude to their parents. All, however, agreed that the vast majority of parents are friendly and very open to communication. Although, as Anne-Marie points out, there are always a few parents who are not as approachable. She said: It feels like our dealings with them are very transactional. They just want their child(ren) to be minded while they are at work. They are not interested in how their child(ren)s day went, or hearing about any behavioural issues or any concerns that we might have. Sometimes it feels quite like dropping a car off to be serviced. Drop off in the morning, collect in the evening, and pay the bill at the end of the week. Indeed, both managers at the creches in Louth and Wicklow noted that there is a disparaging notion of childcare workers, unlike teachers, simply providing a babysitting service. In fact, one parent even told the Louth practitioner this when she was advising them on the curriculum that they had to teach in order to prepare their child for primary school. She acknowledged that there has been big changes in the industry since she first began her career over 20 years ago, but the recognition for those working in it has not followed. Despite educating children during the most crucial years of their development, there is a drastic difference in how teachers and childcare professionals are treated. In Wicklow, the manager said: There definitely is a misconception of what's involved in early years. As someone who has worked in primary schools as well as early years, there's far much more pressure on early years than there is in schools. In primary schools, you get way more support, and that's nothing to do with how they're run, it's to do with what's available out there. According to Anne-Marie: This is akin to comparing apples and elephants. School teachers are highly regarded and respected as professionals. They are not subject to the same level of regulation, expectation, and scrutiny as early years services. They are public servants, and are therefore protected and supported in ways that early years professionals could only imagine. As the sector is faced with numerous difficulties and pressures, Anne-Marie has urged parents to just be nice to staff who are educating and looking after their children everyday. She emphasised: We understand that parents have bad days, and sleepless nights, and mornings can be hectic, and by evening time they are exhausted. We experience all of those things too, but we know that if we let those things affect us while we are at work, then it will negatively affect the children in our care and that is the absolute last thing that we would want to do. Please, just be nice, and accept that every decision we make is based on the best interests of the child. We do not want to disturb you at work, but if your child is unwell and needs to go home or be checked out by a medical professional, then we will disturb you at work because your child needs you. Irish children are becoming increasingly concerned about the use of AI deepfakes, an Oireachtas meeting has heard. A number of childrens organisations gave presentations at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence on Tuesday. Several of them warned about the dangers AI poses to children, particularly around sexual content. Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafe Kids, described AI-generated deepfakes as an alarming issue. One young respondent told WebWise: I think the threat that deepfakes and impersonation creates is extremely concerning for young people. It's getting so realistic that you can't tell what's real or fake anymore and it could happen to any of us. READ NEXT: 'Go and get my f**king child now' - Childcare workers reveal shocking abuse from parents Meanwhile, a 13-year-old girl stated: Sometimes I can feel nervous when Im on my phone. It is very easy to come across rude content that you dont want to see. A number of organisations flagged AIs inability to ban harmful content, with children often being exposed to explicit videos and graphic violence. The Youth Advisory Panel said that many chatbots dont have the necessary safety features to guarantee that the responses children receive are age appropriate. As well as that, the Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) described the threat of sexual extortion as hugely concerning, with perpetrators stealing images to cyberbully, blackmail and extort their victims via popular apps. A number of these organisations also flagged how children are increasingly turning to AI chatbots as a form of social interaction. The National Youth Council of Ireland published a survey which showed that one in three young people are turning to AI chatbots for social interaction. The LBGTQ+ organisation Belong To described this practice as dangerous, as children can become withdrawn from social life altogether. The Youth Advisory Panel concluded by saying that much more can be done to tackle the danger that AI poses to children. The Joint Committee on Artificial Intelligence has 14 members, nine from the Dail and five from the Seanad. It is headed by Fianna Fail TD Malcolm Byrne. An internationally renowned criminologist will be a keynote speaker when Longford Women's Link host a major conference 'Responding to the Risk of Domestic Homicide in Rural Ireland' this week. Jane Monckton Smith, a Professor of Public Protection at the University of Gloucestershire, will give an acclaimed presentation and training on the '8 stage timeline' of events before domestic homicide. Read more: Longford coffee morning seeking support in aid of Hospice fundraiser The former police officer had previously researched hundreds of cases of intimate partner homicide in 2018 through interviews with bereaved families and public protection professionals and identified 'Eight steps' to homicide and common themes. LWL provides support to women and children experiencing domestic violence and they support women and children in Longford and surrounding counties such as Leitrim, Cavan, Roscommon, Westmeath and other counties. Natalie O'Reilly, the DV Co-Coordinator at LWL, said the criminologist's talk will be delivered to frontline practitioners like social workers, Gardai and professionals within the education and healthcare sectors. She said they are delighted Prof Monckton Smith is returning for the conference on Wednesday and Thursday of this week "All frontline staff basically will have the opportunity to collaborate with this joint learning on how to respond to victims that are experiencing coercive control and domestic abuse. "Professor Jane Monckton -Smith is a leading expert, who is returning and delivering the material and it's all evidence-based and scientifically researched." Natalie said the attendees are coming from a broad cross section of Irish society such as Gardai, Tusla staff members, GPs, midwifery and education sector professionals, court service staff, Longford Community Safety Partnership representatives and people from Domestic Violence support services. The expert last spoke at a domestic homicide conference in Longford in May 2023 where a large number of professionals attended and they worked together to establish a model of good practice. Natalie said the attendees are coming from a broad cross section of Irish society such as Gardai, Tusla staff members, GPs, midwifery and education sector professionals, court service staff, Longford Community Safety Partnership representatives and people from Domestic Violence support services. Natalie said Professor Jane Wilkinson-Smith will deliver her presentation on the eight stages to domestic homicide this Wednesday, September 24. She stated on the second day Thursday, September 25 the focus will be all of the research on hidden homicides. The Katie Trust charity was established in Northern Ireland in memory of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson, whose death in August 2020 was originally ruled as suicide. However, her sister's partner Jonathan Creswell was arrested on suspicion of murder one year later. The 36 year-old's trial ended in April 2024 following his sudden death and Natalie said the Katie Trust charity is investigating a number of cases in Ireland. "It's where deaths are being described or put down on the death cert as an accident or a suicide or missing person. "But actually, when you dig deeper and look at the whole circumstances and the history of the person, and what was happening around the time of the disappearance or death, it's been proven that it wasn't as innocent or as plain as it's been made out to be." Natalie said Prof Monckton Smith has researched and actually she chairs some of the homicide reviews and there is often a domestic violence element to those types of reviews. Read more: 5,330 Families in Longford can benefit from Fuel Allowance, says Deputy Carrigy LWL receives funding from various sources, including governmental bodies like the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Higher Education Authority, as well as from sources like childcare and course fees. In June it was confirmed the organisation has been awarded a grant of 22,500 by the RTE Toy Show Appeal. LWL also received over 48,000 in January last year to aid victims of crime. Israeli troops seize weapons and ammunition in southern Syria. (IDF) On September 23, US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack claimed that Syria and Israel are close to striking a de-escalation agreement in which Israel will stop its attacks while Syria will agree not to move any machinery or heavy equipment near the Israeli border. According to Barrack, the Syrians are demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops that pushed into southern Syria. Following the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime in December 2024, Israeli units deployed near the Quneitra area in southern Syria and positioned themselves within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) established in 1974 to separate the Israeli and Syrian sides of the Golan Heights. Israel then moved forces into the DMZ itself, seizing control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermonthe highest point in Syriaand establishing multiple posts on the mountain. From these positions, Israeli troops have occasionally launched raids deeper into southern Syria to confiscate weapons and arrest Hamas-linked militants and members of Iranian-backed militias. The Syrians view Israels incursions as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, which separated Syrian and Israeli forces with UN peacekeeping missions deployed to the area separating both countries and returned Mount Hermon to Syrian control. Israel, however, considered the agreement void after the fall of the Assad regime. The Syrians reportedly seek to apply the 1974 disengagement agreement as the model for a new Israel-Syria security agreement. Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa has repeatedly emphasized that negotiations are focused on the adoption of this plan. However, Israels proposal appears to go further. According to Israels Channel 12, the Israeli proposal to the Syrian government includes: 1. Dividing southern Syria into three zonesA, B, and Ceach with defined security arrangements depending on proximity to the Israeli border. This arrangement mirrors the principles of the 1979 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which divided the Sinai into three separate zones. 2. Each of the three strips southwest of Damascus would have a specific arrangement that deals with the type and scope of Syrian forces and weapons allowed. 3. Expanding the buffer zone on the Israel-Syria border by two kilometers into Syria. In this zone, Syrian armed forces and heavy weapons would be prohibited, though internal security forces can be deployed. 4. The area from southwest of Damascus to the Israeli border will be a no-fly zone for the Syrian Air Force. 5. Preserving an Israeli air corridor through Syria to Iran for use in a potential future conflict. 6. The withdrawal of Israeli troops from Syrian territory, except for maintaining an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) post on the Hermon Crown. Syrian leaders could view Israels proposal as problematic. Their insistence on using the 1974 disengagement plan as the framework would require Israels complete withdrawal from Syrian territory and impose no restrictions on Syrian military deployments in the south. By contrast, Israels plan effectively turns southern Syria into an area outside of the states control and prohibits the Syrian army from operating in a vast area that is just 20 kilometers south of Damascus. However, Syria may also view any arrangement with Israel as a net positive if it curtails Israeli airstrikes and incursions. The agreement could also pave the way for greater Israeli-Syrian cooperation against their common adversary, Iran. Southern Syria long served as a stronghold for Iranian proxies during the countrys civil war, and remnants of those networks remain. On September 12, the IDF announced that individuals operating in southern Syria were linked to Assads 4th Armored Division and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force. Additionally, anti-Sharaa militias claiming affiliation with the Axis of Resistance, Irans collection of regional proxies, such as the Islamic Resistance in Syria-Awli al Bas, continue to use southern Syria as a base of operations. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir (right) speaks with the head of Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asor, in Gaza on September 24. (IDF) More than 640,000 people have evacuated Gaza City, the Israeli military estimated on September 23. The mass evacuation of the citys population comes as Israels offensive continues to grow in the northern Gaza Strip. The offensive, Operation Gideons Chariots II, was approved in August and became more intense in mid-September as the IDF expanded operations with three divisions in portions of Gaza City. The Israeli military called on Palestinians to leave the urban center and its environs over the last month. By August 17, the IDF estimated that 350,000 people had evacuated Gaza City, heading south for areas away from the fighting. On September 24, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called on residents of Gaza to rise up and break away from Hamas it is responsible for your suffering. The war and the suffering will end if Hamas releases the hostages and relinquishes its weapons. Zamir made these comments during a situation assessment in Gaza, where he met with Major General Yaniv Asor, head of Israels Southern Command; Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the IDFs Manpower Directorate; and Brigadier General Moran Omer, commander of the 36th Division. The 36th Division is one of at least three divisions operating against Hamas in Gaza City. Over the last week, the IDF has also noted the roles of the 98th Division and the 162nd Division, as well as the component units of the three divisions, including the Givati Brigade, the Nahal Brigade, and the 7th Armored Brigade. Zamir added on September 24 that the IDFs operations continue to focus on striking Gaza City to create conditions for the release of the hostages and for Hamas decisive defeat and stated that most of the civilian population of Gaza City had already evacuated. He also mentioned the death of IDF Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, an officer in the 7th Armored Brigade, who was killed in northern Gaza. Zamir said that the officer had left his home on October 7, 2023, to join his unit and fight Hamas and had continued to serve since then. Another Israeli soldier from the Givati Brigades Reconnaissance Unit was wounded on September 24. The IDFs operations in Gaza continue to involve precision airstrikes against individual terrorists. For instance, on September 21, the IDF said it eliminated Majed Abu Salmiya, a Hamas sniper. In another incident, the IDF described targeting a terrorist cell: [S]everal terrorists and weapons were identified in a structure. In a precise airstrike, the terrorists were eliminated, and numerous secondary explosions were seen, testifying to the presence of weapons in the area. Another strike by the Israeli Navy targeted Iyad Abu Yusuf, who the IDF said was the deputy commander of Hamass Naval Police, in central Gaza. The Israeli military provided new details about humanitarian aid entering Gaza. With most of the population of Gaza City evacuating south, almost 2 million people now reside in either the Central Camps area of the territory, which is still under Hamas control, or Mawasi in southern Gaza, a humanitarian zone established in the first month of the war. The IDF said on September 21 that over the past week, close to 1,700 trucks were collected and distributed this week from the Gazan side of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim Crossings. In addition, 1,300 trucks entered through crossings into Gaza during the same period. On September 22, the IDF added that 460 trucks had entered Gaza. Efforts to facilitate a broader humanitarian response in southern Gaza took place, including the establishment of an additional shelter complex, clearing areas for shelters and the entry of tens of thousands of tents, the IDFs Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated. On September 19, COGAT reported that approximately 24,000 tents had been transferred to the territory. Terrorist groups in Gaza have continued to attempt to target Israel with their severely depleted stocks of rockets. On September 21, sirens sounded in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod. The Israeli military then struck a building from which it said that Hamas terrorists had launched two rockets toward the areas of Lakhish and Ashdod. The continued Israeli operations in Gaza City took place during the UN General Assembly, and as several European countries announced that they would recognize a Palestinian state. The family of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel released a photo of him on September 24. The image was from a video Hamas had released on September 22. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). Website clicks are declining but that doesnt mean websites are losing value. Future success focuses on AI visibility and citations. In todays fast-paced and ever-evolving world, dynamic business websites remain a reliable and proven asset for representing brands. Through technological change, economic fluctuations, and battling competitors within the market, however, businesses must use all the tools at their disposal to combat rivals, stay relevant and differentiate themselves all at once. If you are worried your business isnt meeting those expectations and your website is receiving less clicks because of AIs new-found prominence in search engine results, it doesnt necessarily mean websites are losing their value. Being featured in an AI overview or snippet builds authority, even if the user doesnt click through. Future metrics of success will focus on visibility, citation, and influence; not just sessions or bounce rate. Your brands value wont just live in Google Analytics anymore; itll live in how often AI tools mention your business as a trusted source. Backlinks, brand mentions, forum Q&As and PR have always been trust signals for businesses in the digital space and they are more important now, particularly for large language models such as ChatGPT, than ever before. Customer-centric content Ensuring your customers are a top priority is a key component to ensuring your business is guaranteed to succeed, and this should translate to your SEO strategy. Customer needs and preferences are constantly evolving, and companies must listen to their requests and deliver valuable insight. Understanding how data can improve customer segments and personalise engagement strategies, by making them feel valued, is imperative. This could be achieved by creating a chat box or section within your website where customers are able to ask questions and an AI-generated assistant is able to provide concise, direct answers. For businesses managing multiple products or serving diverse markets, this level of automation and precision supports a truly customer-centric approach. The result? Delivering more relevant search results with less manual effort. From optimising landing pages for a local search, targeting a niche customer need in your content, changing the language on your site to use shorter, more concise terms that customers would type into a search engine when looking for an answer to a question is also key. Search engine users no longer type a series of disparate key words but rather write out questions in full, engaging in a conversation and expecting an answer in the same, human-like style. The content on your website must be tailored to this way of seeking answers online always ask yourself, what question is this content answering or what problem is it attempting to solve? Adapting to voice search Optimising branded and localised searches is another great way to keep your business at the top of the page when someone is searching for your business directly. To achieve this, ensure your Google Business profile is updated, and add relevant key words. Using voice search queries might sound strange but, in fact, around 21% of people worldwide actively use voice search in 2025, equalling up to nearly 1 in 5 individuals, and this figure is predicted to rise1. Even more striking is that there are currently 8.4 billion voice assistants in use globally, surpassing the worlds population1. As voice assistants drive more zero-click results, opt for natural, spoken language, use long-tail, conversational keywords, and include questions and answers in your content. Using structured data If you want your brand to appear in AI results for immediate visibility and authority, it is crucial that you use structured data. Incorporating FAQs, product reviews, and howto guides all assist search engines to better understand which content to display in key snippets, signalling the platform to generate results. Moving forward in an AI-driven environment, the future of online content includes having a dynamic web page. Structured data is becoming the mould for how information is being showcased, with the technology allowing content to appear across several platforms customers might require. Structured data might seem like coding jargon, but they do make a difference. Using schema markup helps search engines understand your content and qualify for rich results. Although optimising structured data wont guarantee a snippet or panel placement, it dramatically improves your chances. Make clicks count With fewer clicks, how do you make sure those few remaining clicks are delivering quality leads? Downloadable assets and newsletter sign-ups are ways you can increase the chances that, when a potential customer does land on your site, they are providing valuable data that will let you nurture them, send them content they find valuable, and make them aware of your brand. If clicking through to your website from a search engine result is becoming rarer, then your website needs to work harder to showcase your brand to those who are landing there. Therefore, making sure your technical SEO is fully optimised and your website is mobile-friendly and easy to use is more important than ever, as your shot to sell your brand is now more limited. Position your website as a trust anchor Even though AI may deliver the answers, users will always look for the trusted source to get their information from. Despite what is in the search bar, the citations generated should always upload the best, most relevant answer. That means up-to-date content, clear authorship, and links to evidence-based resources. The zero-click shift doesnt mean your website is obsolete, it simply means its purpose is evolving. Instead of being a magnet for casual browsers, its becoming a signal of credibility in a noisy, AI-filtered world. As AI tools become the gatekeepers of information, your job is to ensure your website becomes part of their trusted knowledge network. Business leaders need to adapt to the tools and technology changing the way customers get their information and discover brands, and that means the traditional role of the website being a digital shop front is going to change. In an AI-first world, the question is no longer how do I get more clicks? but rather, how can I make sure my content is trusted, cited, and found, even if its never clicked? Thats the future of digital visibility. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Randy Holmes/Disney via AP) AP As he stood in front of the live crowd Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel said that the return of his suspended show was not the most important thing on his mind. This show is not important, Kimmel said in his opening monologue. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to the airwaves Tuesday night, six days after ABC announced the suspension of the show after the titular host made comments about the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel criticized Republican reactions to the political identity of Tyler Robinson, who has since been charged with killing Kirk. In his opening monologue on Sept. 15, Kimmel said that we hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. These comments eventually led to ABC suspending the show, just hours after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr discussed the FCC taking action against ABC during a guest appearance on The Benny Johnson Show. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said. President Donald Trump celebrated Kimmels suspension on Truth Social and demanded NBC cancel The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers. ABCs parent company, The Walt Disney Company, announced Monday that Kimmels program would return on Tuesday. During his monologue, Kimmel said that comedians in Russia and the Middle East admire the United States for giving its citizens freedom of speech. And thats something Im embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen (Colbert) off the air and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the citys that you live in to take my show off the air, Kimmel said. Thats not legal. Thats not American. That is un-American. Kimmel went on to call Carr a hypocrite, pointing to a 2022 post on X where he called political satire one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech. The host also went after the president by saying Trump wants him and the shows staff fired. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke, Kimmel said. He was somehow able to squeeze Colbert out of CBS, then he turned his sights on me and now hes openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows who dont make millions of dollars. On the campaign trail and in the Oval Office, Trump has repeatedly said that television broadcasters should lose their licenses for being against him, according to NBC News. They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, theyre getting a license, Trump said. I would think maybe their license should be taken away. In a Tuesday Truth Social post, Trump slammed Kimmels return to television and suggested he would sue ABC for the move. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative, Trump wrote, an apparent reference to a settlement he reached with ABC News in a 2024 defamation lawsuit. Gato Exotico is a new Mexican restaurant from the team behind Wusong Road in Cambridge. The restaurant is slated to open in CambridgeSide in late 2025. Courtesy of Gato Exotico A new dining concept from the award-winning team behind a highly acclaimed bar in the Boston area is set to open later this year. Gato Exotico is slated to arrive at CambridgeSide in Cambridge by late 2025, according to a press release. The new restaurant is the brainchild of the team behind Wusong Road in Cambridge, which was named on USA TODAYs 2025 Restaurants of the Year list in February. Wusong Road has also been named one of the most beautiful restaurants and bars in the U.S. by PEOPLE in 2024. I grew up going to CambridgeSide and have strong memories of spending time there as a teenager after school at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. That is the spirit we wanted to capture with Gato Exotico, chef and owner Jason Doo said in the press release. We are so excited to be part of CambridgeSide a reimagining of a contemporary mall in the heart of the city, bringing that sense of community forward with modern food, cocktails, and an immersive atmosphere that nods to the playful thematic dining experiences of the 1990s." Veering away from Wusongs Asian influences, Gato Exotico will highlight Mexican cuisine and feature regional specialties including mole negro from Oaxaca, cochinita pibil slow roasted in banana leaves from the Yucatan and ceviches that inspired by Tulums beaches. In addition, Gato Exotico will serve Mexican street food-inspired bites and a selection of mezcal and tequila cocktails. An exact opening date has yet to be announced. CambridgeSide is located at 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge. Boston Emergency Medical Services took three people to hospitals after what police described as an officer-involved shooting in Beacon Hill on Wednesday morning. At 6:05 a.m. Wednesday, Boston Police officers were "involved in an officer-involved shooting" at 97 Mount Vernon St., Officer Mark Marron, a spokesman for the department, wrote in an email. A spokesperson for Boston EMS confirmed the agency transported three people to hospitals from the scene. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. The Mount Vernon Street address where the incident took place is not far from the Massachusetts State House in the typically quiet Beacon Hill neighborhood. No further information was immediately available. UPDATE: Naked man shot by Boston police to undergo mental health evaluation A man with a large knife was shot multiple times by Boston Police officers after he broke into a restaurant in Beacon Hill early Wednesday morning, according to the department. Just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, officers went to 97 Mount Vernon St., the address for the restaurant 1928 Beacon Hill, for a report of a breaking and entering in progress, Superintendent Paul McLaughlin told reporters at the scene. There, police found a man in a rear alley armed with a large knife. An officer deployed his taser, hitting the man. The taser did not subdue the man, and at that point, responding officers shot the man multiple times, McLaughlin said. The man was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The officers involved were also taken to hospitals for evaluation, a standard procedure, according to McLaughlin. The man wasnt wearing any clothes at the time of the incident, McLaughlin said, adding it was too early to determine a motive. An investigation into the incident is in its early stages, McLaughlin said. We are asking anyone in this area that may have information relative to what happened, any video, anything that they might be able to add to this investigation, to contact the homicide unit at 617-343-4470, he said. The former treasurer of the Freetown-Lakeville Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization is facing charges in connection with embezzling $15,000 from the organization, police announced Tuesday. Freetown resident Zachary Granville-Wilmot, 43, pleaded not guilty to two counts of forging a check and uttering a false check and one count of embezzlement by an association member over $250 and conspiracy during his arraignment in Wareham District Court on Wednesday, according to court records. Freetown resident James Granville-Wilmot, 41, was also charged in the case and pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy during his arraignment in Wareham District Court on Wednesday, court records show. On Aug. 22, the PTO informed Lakeville police that it had discovered funds missing from the organizations accounts. A detective investigated the case and discovered that the PTOs treasurer, Zachary Granville-Wilmot, had made over $15,000 in fraudulent transactions in May and June, Lakeville police said in a press release. Attorney Drew Segadelli, who is representing both suspects, called the allegations against them troubling while speaking with MassLive on Wednesday. These individuals have absolutely no history with the judicial system at all, he said. They both have stellar employment records. Segadelli is in the early stages of preparing his case, but plans to do a complete and thorough investigation in which he will dig deep into the accounting, he said. Both men were released on personal recognizance bail during their arraignments, according to court records. They are both due back in court for pretrial hearings on Oct. 31. Celebrated Italian actress Claudia Cardinale has died at the age of 87, her agent told AFP. Cardinale died in Nemours, near Paris, accompanied by her children. She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste, her agent, Laurent Savry, said to AFP. Over the course of her career, Cardinale starred in more than 100 movies, including some of the most acclaimed European films of the 60s and 70s, like 8 and The Leopard. She also starred in many iconic Hollywood films, such as the first installment of The Pink Panther franchise and the western Once Upon a Time in the West. The fact Im making movies is just an accident, she said in a speech after accepting a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002. When they asked me do you want to be in the movies? I said no and they insisted for six months. Cardinale won 43 awards over the course of her career, according to IMDb. She continued acting until 2020, when she made her final film appearance in Netflixs Rogue City. East Bridgewater Fire and Police responded to a crash in which a pickup truck went over a guardrail and landed in the Matfield River early Wednesday morning. Photo Courtesy East Bridgewater Police Department A man and two dogs were injured after a pickup truck went over a guardrail and landed in the Matfield River in East Bridgewater early Wednesday morning, officials said. East Bridgewater police and firefighters went to the area of Pleasant and North Central streets at around 3:55 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a crash, Fire Chief John Dzialo and Deputy Police Chief Michael McLaughlin said in a joint statement. Officials believe a Boston man driving a Ford F-150 pickup truck left the roadway and went over a guardrail while negotiating a curve. The truck landed in the river on its side, according to the statement. Firefighters used a Stokes basket to rescue the man from the river. He was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the statement. Firefighters and police worked together to rescue two dogs in the truck at the time of the crash. Rockland Animal Control responded to the scene to bring the dogs to the VCA South Shore Weymouth Animal Hospital. One of the dogs was more seriously injured than the other, according to the statement. This was a difficult scene in the middle of the night, and I want to commend our firefighters, police officers, and mutual aid partners for their teamwork in rescuing both the driver and his dogs, said Dzialo in the statement. The scene was cleared around 5:56 a.m. after the truck was removed from the river. Sydneys Morse Micro raises $59M to scale Wi-Fi HaLow chips globally, bringing total funding to $193M. Whats happening: Sydney-based Morse Micro has successfully closed a $59 million Series C funding round led by MegaChips, bringing the companys total funding to over $193 million. The semiconductor company plans to use the capital to accelerate international expansion and scale production of its Wi-Fi HaLow chips. Why this matters: Morse Micro is Australias largest semiconductor manufacturer and represents a significant homegrown success in the critical semiconductor sector. The funding positions Australia as a key player in the emerging IoT 2.0 era, characterised by high-throughput, long-range connectivity solutions that could reshape global IoT infrastructure. Australias semiconductor industry has achieved a significant milestone with Morse Micros successful Series C funding round, signalling growing investor confidence in the countrys tech capabilities. Record funding round The Sydney-based company raised $59 million ($88 million AUD) in a round led by MegaChips, with participation from National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), Blackbird, Main Sequence, Uniseed, Ray Stata, Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull, Startmate, and institutional investors including Hostplus, NGS, and UniSuper. The funding comes at a pivotal moment for the company, which has been building momentum throughout 2025. This week, Morse Micro announced its HaLowLink 2 global evaluation platform and achieved mass production with leading original equipment manufacturers. This funding is another strong vote of confidence in our mission to be the number one wireless IoT chip company in the world, said Michael De Nil, CEO and co-founder of Morse Micro. The future of IoT depends on connectivity that is long-range, power-efficient, secure and delivers on throughput, and thats exactly where were leading. IoT 2.0 revolution The fresh capital will support what Morse Micro describes as the ecosystem shift toward IoT 2.0, representing a new phase of Internet of Things development focused on high-throughput, long-range, and highly scalable connectivity. Wi-Fi HaLow operates in the 850-950 MHz range and is the first Wi-Fi standard tailored specifically to meet IoT needs. This technology offers advantages over traditional Wi-Fi by providing longer range and lower power consumption, making it ideal for industrial and consumer IoT applications. MegaChips continued support reflects the growing commercial viability of Wi-Fi HaLow technology. We are proud to continue our support for Morse Micro as it leads the global transition to IoT 2.0, said Tetsuo Hikawa, President and CEO of MegaChips Group. Morse Micro is uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of next generation IoT solutions. Australian success story The funding represents more than just a commercial achievement, serving as validation of Australias growing semiconductor capabilities. Morse Micro employs over 130 people in Australia, including employees in regional New South Wales, making it a significant contributor to the local tech ecosystem. National Reconstruction Fund Corporation CEO David Gall emphasised the broader significance: Morse Micro is Australias largest semiconductor manufacturer and a home-grown Australian success story. Wi-Fi was invented and patented by CSIRO scientists in 1993, and we are proud to be investing in an Australian company that is once again enabling next generation Wi-Fi connectivity for the rest of the world. The company has built a reputation for innovation, with its security camera applications receiving global industry recognition, winning IoT Product of the Year awards in both 2022 and 2023. Global expansion plans Morse Micros strategic positioning includes diversified supply chains to mitigate geopolitical risks. The company maintains dual supply chains for chips and components, with one from mainland China and another from Taiwan, while assembly and warehousing operations are based in Singapore. The Singapore facility began operations in August 2023 and had produced over 2 million chips by November of that year, demonstrating the companys ability to scale production effectively. The Series C funding will enable Morse Micro to accelerate its international market expansion while continuing to develop its Wi-Fi HaLow technology platform. As IoT applications become increasingly sophisticated, the companys long-range, low-power solutions position it well to capture growing demand across industrial and consumer markets. With the semiconductor sector becoming increasingly strategic for national economies, Morse Micros success represents a positive development for Australias technology sovereignty and manufacturing capabilities. Sources & Links Morse Micro funding announcement: PR Newswire Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A man convicted of stabbing another man in the neck in Salem in 1980 was granted parole this week by the Massachusetts Parole Board in a unanimous decision. John Almon stabbed Paul Legere twice during a confrontation on March 13, 1980, and Legere died from his wounds a week after the incident. Almon was convicted of first-degree murder that October, following a jury trial in Essex Superior Court. First-degree murder convictions in Massachusetts carry automatic sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole, meaning Almon was initially not eligible for release. But the states Supreme Judicial Court last year struck down such sentences, deeming them unconstitutional for emerging adults those between 18 and 20 years old. Its not clear how old Almon was when he committed the crime. An eyewitness told police Almon and Legere were discussing pills outside of the MultiSave Market before the stabbing. Legere asked Almon to return his pills, which prompted an argument. When Almon and Legere entered an alley, a witness saw Almon hit Legere. Almon told Legere he couldnt take no more and stabbed him in the throat. The witness told police Legere retreated to the corner, but returned, at which point Almon stabbed him in the abdomen. Legere was not seen with any weapons and did not strike Almon. In its ruling, the parole board noted Almons 40 years of sobriety. While Almon had significant institutional adjustment issues, he has not been disciplined for over 20 years while incarcerated. He more recently engaged in programming and explained how Restorative Justice has been helpful to him. He showed insight into his substance use issues, and his need to continue with [Alcoholics Anonymous] and supports, so as not to relapse, the board wrote in its decision. Almon will spend 90 days in a lower-security facility before release to a long-term residential program or Community Resources for Justice, which offers housing for people being released from prison. As conditions of his release, Almon must attend Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous three days a week and undergo mental health counseling for adjustment. A Dartmouth man is facing charges in connection with a house explosion that happened in the town earlier this month and left a resident seriously injured and a dog dead, police announced Wednesday. Kevin Ruiz, 54, will be summonsed to New Bedford District Court on one count of possession of component parts capable of creating a destructive or incendiary device, possession of explosives and disturbing the peace and three counts of wanton destruction of property worth over $1,200, Dartmouth police said in a press release. The explosions happened in the early morning of Sept. 2 in the garage of a home at 20 Sagamore Drive, Dartmouth police said. All the homes residents fled before first-responders arrived, but one was left with serious but not life-threatening burns, and one of the residents dogs was declared dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation into the incident indicates that the explosions were caused by the ignition of fireworks and related substances within the garage, according to Dartmouth police. Although the extent of the damage made it impossible to determine the exact cause, investigators believe it was an accidental event, the release reads. Multiple 911 calls reported the explosions shortly before 1 a.m. on Sept. 2, Dartmouth police said. Dartmouth firefighters, police and paramedics responded and found heavy fire conditions amid ongoing explosions from the garage. Three dogs were inside the home at the time of the explosion, police said. One was declared dead at the scene, another was taken to a veterinarian for emergency treatment and the third initially went missing but was found uninjured later that morning. Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad technicians also responded to the scene to assess for hazards, police said. Dartmouth police and firefighters and the State Fire Marshals Office investigated the cause and origin of the explosion. Authorities filed a criminal complaint against Ruiz in New Bedford District Court on Sept. 18, police said. He is set to be arraigned on the charges on Oct. 6. No further information about the incident has been released. A man who was killed in an industrial accident at an Avon business Tuesday afternoon has been identified as 28-year-old Boston resident David Morais, the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. The West Roxbury resident was moving a stack of plywood at his workplace, Materia Millwork, when he was fatally injured, the district attorneys office said. Materia Millwork is heartbroken that Morais lost his life in a tragic accident, the company said in a statement to MassLive on Wednesday. David was more than a valued member of our team he was a friend, a craftsman, and someone we were lucky to know. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the statement reads. The safety and well-being of our team will always be our top priority. Avon police and firefighters responded to a 911 call reporting an accident at 254 Bodwell St. in which a man injured his head shortly before 3 p.m., Avon police said previously. First-responders found Morais with fatal injuries inside Materia Millwork. A blood transfusion truck from Canton and an ambulance from Stoughton also responded, but Morais was declared dead at the scene, police said. Morais death remains under investigation by Avon police, the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office, the state Chief Medical Examiners Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the district attorneys office said. A Marlborough man has been sentenced to prison for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Tuesday. Larry Stephen, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography in April, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a press release. He was sentenced to serve five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution in federal court in Boston. The charges stem from Stephens use of a social media platform to receive and post child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorneys office said. During a search of his home on June 7, 2023, authorities seized his cell phone. A forensic examination of the phone revealed the presence of child sexual abuse material, as well as Stephens repeated posting of child sexual abuse images and videos on a social media platform. Stephen was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in July 2023, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He was indicted on the charges by a federal grand jury in August 2023. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu blasted a federal immigration official this week after reports he accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents last year. In an interview on GBH News Boston Public Radio on Tuesday, Wu called the news about Tom Homan, President Donald Trumps border czar, a case of blatant corruption. It wasnt even surprising at this point that ... someone who has been saying a lot about what following the law means and enacting harms on community members, holding up the language that this is to follow the law, this is to keep people safe, this is to do the right thing when in fact behind the scenes theres outright bribery and corruption taking place, she said. News reports over the weekend revealed that Homan met with the undercover FBI agents, who were posing as business executives seeking government contracts, in September 2024. During the meeting, which was recorded, the agents gave Homan the money in a paper bag. The Department of Justice closed the case because prosecutors doubted they could prove Homan had agreed to a specific act in exchange for the cash, as he was not a government official at the time, according to The New York Times. Kash Patel, the FBI director, and Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, said in a statement on Saturday that the investigation was subjected to a full review by FBI agents and Justice Department prosecutors. They found no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing. The Times reported. Officials within the Trump administration were notified about the investigation while considering his appointment. Wu and Homan have clashed on the citys immigration policies, which prevent Boston Police from working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on non-criminal investigations. Homan said earlier this year that he would be bringing hell to Boston to force its compliance with ICE. The mayor said this week, however, that the case was only an example of a very familiar routine of corruption within the Trump administration. As examples, she noted the presidents acceptance of a gifted jet from the government of Qatar, his participation in what she called cryptocurrency schemes, and legal cases where major media companies had agreed to settle frivolous lawsuits from Trump, reportedly to protect their federal broadcast licenses. I wish this were a conversation just about Tom Homan, someone whose behavior has already been so shameful just from the very beginning all the way through and who clearly doesnt understand the law, Wu said. But this is unfortunately a marker of a larger pattern within this federal administration. A married couple from Worcester was convicted this week of sex trafficking following a six-day trial before a jury in federal court. Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion in connection with the trafficking of a younger relative in their family, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said in a statement. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman set sentencing for the couple for Dec. 19, 2025. At trial, prosecutors showed that between February and May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex in New England, Foleys office said. The couple used a website to advertise the victim to sex buyers across the region. Kiersten Soto threatened the victim with violence, abandonment and involuntary commitment to a facility regularly, according to the statement. Moises Soto used extreme violence against the victim if she didnt make enough money, including beatings and assaults. Videos taken on the couples phones show them cornering the victim in their home, where they threatened and berated her and called her a snitch. All this took place while the victim went through drug withdrawals, according to the statement. Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control. The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse immortalizing the victims trauma for their own depraved purposes, Foley said in the statement. Its probably safe to say that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is feeling pretty good about things now that she officially has the 2025 mayoral field all to herself. After all, city voters, or at least the barely 22% who showed up, seemed to send a clear signal that they were ready for another four years of Wu as the Democratic mayor romped to victory over philanthropist Josh Kraft in the Sept. 9 preliminary election. With Krafts exit from the field on Sept. 11, and with community activist Domingos DeRosa denied a spot on the fall ballot after a failed recount bid on Monday, theres nothing to stop Wus march to a second, four-year term in City Hall. But if youre a Boston voter, should you be feeling good about the fact that Wu will effectively win by acclamation, and will not be forced to defend her policies and vision for the city in the heat of a fall election campaign? In short, its complicated. On the one hand, theres nothing new under the sun about Wus victory. Boston voters havent bounced an incumbent mayor since they sent James Michael Curley packing in 1949. Wus favorability in Boston is the reason [Kraft] dropped out so that suggests voters are mostly satisfied with her performance," UMass Amherst politics professor Ray La Raja told MassLive. Her win was also part of a larger pattern of Bay State voters being just fine with keeping incumbents in place unless theres a really compelling reason otherwise. You dont have to look any further than the nearly challenger-proof state Legislature for evidence of that. With all that in mind, Wus decisive, 72% finish over Kraft and the subsequent field-clearing is just more of the same. Democracy worked. There were [three] opponents in this race, and Michelle Wu won overwhelmingly, Mary Anne Marsh, a Democratic analyst from Boston, said. And she did it without doing any of the things that [President] Donald Trump is doing. She did it without suppressing any votes or by resorting to propaganda. Theres no question from the solely political perspective that no opposition in November is great for Mayor Wu, veteran political consultant Tony Cignoli, of Springfield said. ... That massive victory, and no opponent, means she has a mandate to continue to do and advocate [for] the positions she has through this term. But if you cling to the ideal of competition and a belief in the marketplace of ideas, then you might well be upset about the thought of the fall campaign turning into a mere formality, with the same subset of the most engaged voters making leadership decisions for the whole city, while the rest mostly stay at home. And from affordability and education to housing and the ongoing incursions by the Republican Trump administration, theres no shortage of issues and challenges to contemplate. Boston would be better run if the mayor actually felt electoral pressure to improve the quality of life for people in the city, Jesse Hunt, a Republican consultant from Washington, D.C., with Bay State roots, said. La Raja offered a similar analysis. ... Incumbents running unopposed are generally unhealthy for democracy. It diminishes participation and doesnt give voters a choice, he continued. It is also good to have campaigns to hold incumbents accountable. So while Wus supporters may be happy, the lack of opposition has broader downsides. Still, its worth noting that just 28.9% of the citys registered voters showed up in 2021, when Wu faced off against Annissa Essaibi George in her first bid for the Mayors Office. That was less than the turnout in 2013, when the city had its last open mayoral election, Boston.com reported at the time. Voter turnout in the 2021 preliminary election was about 25%, less than those who showed up to vote on Sept. 9. Wu, meanwhile, was philosophical when she was asked about the prospect of running unopposed and how it could impact the people who show up at the polls. Every election matters and every election is important, Wu told reporters after a Monday speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. November is an incredibly important time for everyone to get out and make sure their voices are heard, both to choose the city councillors who will represent them and to finalize what will happen at the mayors race, Wu continued. " ... My team and I are going to continue to be out there and working hard to drive up turnout and make sure that people know that an election is happening and that it makes a difference for everyone in the city of Boston to be able to participate," she concluded. The voters will decide that on Election Day, and the proof will be in the turnout numbers. In this Oct. 12, 2009, file photo, a couple takes in the view from the ocean lookout ledges of Mount Megunticook at Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Maine. For a different perspective on the fall foliage, try viewing the colors from the summit of a New England peak, either by hiking, driving or taking a ski lift. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File) AP Fall foliage enthusiasts planning trips across New England this year will encounter a season marked by both exceptional beauty and unpredictable timing due to unusual weather patterns. The 2025 fall foliage season is expected to progress from north to south across New England, with northern states like Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire seeing peak colors in late September through early October, while southern states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut will peak from mid to late October. This years conditions are creating a more variable patchwork of colors that will require visitors to explore different elevations and regions to catch the best displays. Peak viewing periods are typically brief, lasting only 7-10 days in any given location, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Vermont The state calls itself home of the Worlds Best Foliage, a claim supported by its forest coverage of 70-75% of the state and the highest percentage of maple trees in the country. These sugar maples are particularly valued because they are capable of producing all three pigments that give leaves their color, which is why you can pick one up off the ground with yellows, oranges, and reds in it, according to SmokyMountains.com. According to Vermont Tourism, fall foliage in the state tends to start in the northern regions of the state, at the highest elevations first, before moving down from the mountains and geographically into the central and southern regions. However, drought conditions are significantly impacting this years display. WAMC Northeast Public Radio reported on September 2, 2025, that the main areas that were seeing drought in right now are actually northern New York into Vermont and into New Hampshire and then northern New England. The National Integrated Drought Information System noted that in some areas of Vermont, corn will not recover due to drought severity, and Lake Champlain water levels were near record low. New Hampshire New Hampshire has been rated the second-best state in the country for fall foliage in 2025, according to Seacoast Online. The state expects approximately 3.7 million visitors during fall 2025, with an estimated visitor spending of $1.8 billion. The White Mountains region, specifically the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), is considered the premier location for fall foliage viewing in New Hampshire. Local sources suggested that mid-October is typically the best time for peak fall colors, though exact timing is weather-dependent. But drought conditions are creating challenges there as well. New Hampshire Public Radio reported on September 8, 2025, that this falls outlook isnt looking too promising after a cool wet spring and a dry, hot summer. Now, most of the state is in a drought, with some of the worst conditions in the north. The state also faces another threat to its fall landscape. Beech leaf disease has spread as far north as Woodstock and is likely to be present in most areas south of the White Mountains, even if it has not been formally reported yet. With beech trees comprising about 30% of hardwoods in the state, their potential die-off could significantly alter the fall landscape. Maine Maines fall foliage season officially began in mid-September 2025, with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry providing weekly reports through their spokesperson Gale Ross. The state divides its foliage viewing recommendations by distinct regional zones: Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Maine. According to the 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map by SmokyMountains.com, the northernmost parts of Maine will start to hit peak colors during the last week of September. This aligns with historical patterns, as WCVB reported that trees up along the Canadian border dont typically see colors coming to peak until late September. The travel blog Helene Sula predicted in July 2025 that Northern Maine (particularly Aroostook County): Expect peak colors from September 27 to October 9. Due to a slightly warmer and wetter summer, the colors may arrive just a hair later than average. Maines coastal regions typically experience peak foliage later than inland areas, with coastal areas like Belfast and Bar Harbor in Maine tend to have slightly different and later peak foliage periods compared to inland regions, according to Jeff Foliage, a personal blog focused on New England fall colors. Massachusetts Moving south, Massachusetts typically experiences peak fall foliage later than its northern neighbors. According to Helene Sulas travel blog, Central New England (including Massachusetts) should expect peak colors likely from October 10 to October 21. Perfect timing for a road trip through classic New England towns. WCVB reported that fall colors progress southward through October and peak in Boston toward the end of the month. Climate change is affecting Massachusetts fall season. WBUR reported on September 1, 2025, that Bostons average autumn temperature increased by 2.3 degrees between 1970 and 2024, which could have big impacts on everything from fall foliage to farmers crop schedules to the length of allergy season. Jim Salge, the foliage expert for Yankee Magazine, told WBUR that in general, there may be more muted colors this season. The heat is playing a role in this, but Salge said so is all that rain we got in the spring. That caused a lot of fungus that has really persisted through the forests into the summer, he said. And then now were facing increasing drought conditions, and thats gonna cause leaves to turn perhaps early and last less time on the trees. Rhode Island Rhode Islands fall foliage typically peaks in October, with the states tourism website noting that Rhode Island shows its brightest colors in October. Western and northern Rhode Island are heavily wooded. The Providence Journal reported in late August 2025 that this year will see another beautiful show, according to the fall foliage forecast from Yankee Magazine. Connecticut Connecticut, as the southernmost New England state, typically experiences peak fall foliage later than its northern neighbors. According to the Herald News, the southernmost New England states will likely peak the second week of October in 2025. Editors note: Generative AI was used to organize and structure information for this story, based on data provided by multiple New England tourism sources and weather reports. It was reviewed and edited by MassLive staff. Tor Stumo reports from a vessel taking part in an aid convoy heading to Gaza. (Photo courtesy of Tor Stumo) Staff Two Western Massachusetts brothers are safe after their ships, part of a flotilla carrying food and other aid to Gaza, were attacked Tuesday off the coast of Crete. Their mother, former candidate for Congress Nadia Milleron of Sheffield, said Wednesday her sons plan to continue their mission with the Global Sumud Flotilla. Following the latest attacks, the convoy is now escorted by an Italian naval vessel. Milleron is in Washington, D.C., pressing an effort to enlist help from lawmakers on behalf of the aid shipments, in the face of repeated attacks on the roughly 40-vessel convoy. Milleron said she was to meet Wednesday with staff of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and has been working with U.S. Sen. Edward Markey as well as with her former First Congressional District opponent, U.S. Richard E. Neal. Recently, Neals office sent a letter to the White House asking the Trump administration to help ensure that food aid is allowed to reach Gaza without facing obstacles. Volunteers with the flotilla say they believe the Israeli government is behind efforts to halt the shipments. Its a very good letter, Milleron said. It addresses the wider point of why my boys are going there. This is a critical time as they move closer and closer. According to the World Health Organization, more than 500,000 people in Gaza are trapped in famine amid widespread starvation. The group said in August that conditions of famine were expected to spread. In addition to food, the flotilla is carrying baby formula and hydration packets. Gazas Health Ministry estimates that Israels war against Hamas has resulted in more than 65,000 deaths, including more than 17,000 children. It is the Holocaust of our time, a horrendous thing that we are participating in and supporting as a country, Milleron said. In a post to Instagram while under sail, Millerons elder son, Adnaan Stumo, 32, swept his phone camera over a display of supplies that his 12-meter sailboat is carrying and said he hoped the medical supplies, powdered milk, rice, egg biscuits and canned goods and more would address a desperate need in Gaza. Were a very small vessel but weve put in every nook and cranny as much humanitarian aid as we can fit, he said. And we cant wait to pass it to the desperate people who will be able to use it. It is believed that 30 Americans are taking part in the flotilla, among roughly 200 passengers and crew in all. Maritime careers Both of Millerons sons work in the maritime industry. Tor Stumo, 26, is a ships engineer and attended the SUNY Maritime College in New York City. Adnaan Stumo is a sailboat captain familiar with the Mediterranean and has sailed across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They are very skilled in what they do, Milleron said. Both men grew up in Sheffield and remain registered voters there. One of the packages aboard a 12-meter sailboat that is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. (Photo courtesy of Adnaan Stumo) Staff Before joining the flotilla, Tor Stumo had attempted to help persuade members of Congress to end U.S. aid to Israel. He felt that he didnt get anywhere, Milleron said of her son. On Tuesday, the flotilla was attacked over the course of three hours while underway in the open Mediterranean, with ships suffering damage. No one was injured. Milleron said she believes the extended drone attack was mounted by Israel, which she claims was also behind at least three drone attacks while the flotilla was in port in Tunis. In a statement, the flotilla said it came under fire off the coast of Crete, in Greece, from multiple drones. Unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats, the flotilla said in a statement quoted by the Times of Israel. In an Instagram post, Tor Stumo described the attacks, which included a nonlethal sound bomb. One falling explosive device detonated in the air and damaged a ships mast. In another post, coming off night watch, Tor Stumo said the morale among flotilla volunteers was unbroken. Despite all the frustration and obstacles, our crew is tougher than theyve ever been we are more determined than ever, he said. Milleron said she spoke with her sons early Wednesday and was told there were no casualties on the boats. With her sons in harms way, Milleron said she feels driven to do all she can for them, having suffered deep personal loss before. In 2019, her daughter, Samya Stumo, 24, died in a crash of an Ethiopian Airlines jet. She said Wednesday that her daughters death led her to contemplate what she must do now, knowing her sons could be hurt by taking part in the aid mission. I made me consider what I would wish to do with them, before they left, and make any effort that I can. On scene in Barcelona That effort included spending nine days in Barcelona, Spain, where the flotillas crew and volunteers prepared for the voyage to Gaza and received extensive training in nonviolence. While preparing, the crews were monitored by agents of the Israeli government, Milleron said. A man wearing a black mask circled the flotilla vessels on a jetski, she said, and drones were seen overhead. In Tunis, drones were captured on video releasing incendiary devices onto ships in the flotilla, igniting holds carrying life preservers, Milleron said. A view from one of the boats in the aid flotilla. (Photo courtesy of Tor Stumo) Staff In Wednesdays call with her sons, Milleron said both were upbeat and said the flotilla needed to continue on its mission, with Gaza an estimated six days away. They told her that aggressive and unlawful action taken against peaceful craft in the open ocean cant be allowed to end the aid effort. I dont want them to put themselves at risk, she said. They seemed very cheerful. Milleron was pleased to learn that the Italian vessel was on the scene, though uncertain how long it would escort the ships. Thats very good news. A hearing to dismiss charges against a former Worcester School Committee candidate who doused water on a police officer during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation is set for Thursday. Ashley R. Spring, who uses they/them pronouns, was charged with misdemeanors of assault and battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct and interfering with police officers. Spring was also charged with a felony of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, which was in reality a baby bottle with water inside. Prosecutors, however, dropped the charge involving a dangerous weapon on July 23. A hearing on a motion to dismiss the remaining charges will take place at 9 a.m. at the Worcester District Court. The charges stem from an interaction between Spring and a Worcester Police Officer during an ICE operation on May 8. Agents arrested Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira, a Brazilian mother of three, on Eureka Street that day. Spring was one of many people who confronted and protested the ICE agents during the arrest. After 11 a.m. members of the Worcester Police Department arrived on the street, telling people that they were conducting an unlawful assembly. A gold SUV that ICE agents had placed Ferreira-De Oliveira inside began to drive away from the crowd. As the vehicle began to leave, the mothers 17-year-old daughter ran after it. Officer Juan Vallejo was one of the officers who was near the daughter during the arrest, according to his body camera footage. Following the arrest of the daughter, Vallejo turns his attention to Spring, who is standing behind him and being handcuffed by another officer. At the 2:30 mark in the video, Vallejo approaches Spring and points his finger at her, listing charges for another officer: Disorderly, disturbance, and she sprayed me in the face with water. As he moves away from her, the audio catches Spring saying, It was water. Even though Spring and Vallejo both stated that the liquid sprayed was water, the police report indicates that Spring sprayed the officer with an unknown liquid. Spring initially qualified for the citys general election ballot as a candidate for School District A, running against incumbent committee member Molly O. McCullough. The citys board of elections, however, ruled that they were ineligible to be on ballot due to not meeting the city charters residency requirement, Thursdays hearing will coincide with another motion to dismiss hearing for District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who was also present at the ICE operation. Haxhiaj was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer and one common law violation for interfering with a police officer. It takes an average worker in Singapore six work days to afford an iPhone 17 Pro, while in Hanoi, the figure is 60 days, a study has found. Singapore leads the list of 11 cities in Southeast Asia in terms of iPhone 17 Pro affordability thanks to its high average income, according to a recent study by news outlet Seasia, which compiles data from several sources including cost of living platform Numbeo and recruitment platform Talentnet. The city-state is followed by Bruneis Bandar Seri Begawan, where workers can get the iPhone after 13 work days. The study assumes worker is buying the 256GB version. The figure is 20 days in Malaysias Kuala Lumpur, 30 days in Indonesias Jakarta, 32 days in Thailands Bangkok, and 50 days in the Philippines Manila. Hanoi is among the bottom five of the list, as an average worker takes two months to afford the iPhone 17 Pro, which is being priced at around VND35 million (US$1,325). The new Apple iPhone 17 Pro is displayed during an Apple special event at Apple headquarters on September 9, 2025 in Cupertino, California. Photo by Getty Images via AFP This year, Vietnam ranks as the 12th cheapest iPhone 17 Pro market, with the U.S. at the top, followed by Hong Kong (China) and Canada. Buyers in Hanoi queued overnight on Sep. 18 to purchase the latest Apple phones, with a high demand for the most expensive Pro Max model, which is priced up to VND64 million for the 2TB version. The rest of Seasias list are cities in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos and Myanmar, where the iPhone can be bought between 63 and 111 days of work. @ The Common in Worcester is open following a fire in early September. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com) A Worcester mall that closed due to a fire in early September has reopened as of Wednesday. @ The Common, formerly known as The Midtown Mall, experienced a fire during a bout of severe weather on Sept. 6. MassLive previously asked Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roche whether the weather was the cause of the fire but it was not confirmed. The Worcester Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Felicio Lana, the owner of the mall at 22 Front St, told MassLive that some of the businesses at @ The Common have reopened, too. The Clock Beer & Wine, WooJuice, the clothing store known as Concrete Collection, Evil Eye Tattoo and Worcester Common Fitness are welcoming customers once again, according to Lana. In terms of repairs, Lana said that fixing the malls electrical gears and electrical vault are a priority. The costs are estimated to be somewhere between $300,000 and $500,000, the owner told MassLive. Two businesses at the mall, Odd By Worcester Brewing and the ramen restaurant Broth, both sustained significant water damage due to firefighting efforts, according to owner Jay Grey. Grey launched a GoFundMe to help raise money for his staff and vendors while his businesses are closed. The goal for the GoFundMe is $5,000, according to the website. 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The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 30 at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, starting at 12:30pm. Local businesses have been acknowledged for their dedication, innovation, and contribution to the regional economy. Bar Square in Ballina has received multiple nominations, including Best Small Family Business of the Year in the Connacht area, Fastest Growing Family Business, Hospitality Business of the Year, and the Rising Star Award for Michael Carr. The team has also been nominated for the Peoples Choice Award Best in Connacht, reflecting their strong connection with the local community. Mocha Beans Ballina has reached the finals for the Connacht Small Family Business of the Year award, while Moy Hotel in Foxford is also a finalist for Best Small Family Business of the Year in Connacht. READ MORE: Mayo Hurling Club set for Charity Fashion Show Other nominees from the wider Mayo area include Croagh Patrick Seafood, Mayo Leisure Point, Kirrane Auctioneering, An Even Better Place to Work Ltd, Cong Holiday Group, and McGraths Cong Group. Commenting on the nominations, Mairead Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Said Family businesses are the heartbeat of Mayo. They bring together tradition, hard work, and community spirit, and it is wonderful to see their contribution recognised on a national stage. Beyond providing essential services, these businesses play a vital role in welcoming visitors and showcasing the warmth and character of our region. Their success is a success for tourism and for the communities they serve. The 2025 Family Business Awards celebrate excellence, resilience, and innovation in family-run enterprises across Ireland. North Mayos finalists are a testament to the dedication and creativity that makes the region a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Tickets for the awards ceremony are now available, and the event promises to be a memorable celebration of Irelands most outstanding family businesses. Vote for your favourite family business here to help them take home the top prize to County Mayo. READ MORE: Don't be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help' in Mayo The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Wednesday, September 24) opened the fifth sitting of the National Rural Youth Assembly. The Assembly brought together 65 delegates aged 12-25 to discuss the challenges, benefits, and opportunities for young people living in rural Ireland. Young people travelled from across the breadth of the country, including from the Donegal and Kerry Gaeltacht areas and the Islands to make recommendations for consideration by policymakers across Government. The Assembly is an initiative of Our Rural Future 2021-2025, the Governments national rural development policy, and was proposed by young people themselves during consultation for the policy. The Assembly provides policymakers with the opportunity to listen to the views of young people from across rural Ireland, and ensure their voices are heard. This years Assembly serves as an important forum to consult with young people on the development of the next iteration of Our Rural Future, which will take effect from 2026. The recommendations agreed by the young people today will help inform policies and programmes across Government over the duration of the next Our Rural Future policy. READ MORE: Mayo MEP elected Vice-President of new EPP Farmers Group Minister Calleary said: I am delighted to welcome the young people to todays Assembly. I thank them for their contributions, but also for their willingness to give up their time to engage with us and their clear desire to make their rural communities better places in which to grow up. It is hugely important that our young people have a voice in decisions which affect them. Their input can help shape policies and initiatives that support rural areas that offer young people a future that sees them remain in, or return to, their local communities to live, work or study. Minister Calleary also added: Youth organisations across the country work tirelessly on behalf of young people in our rural communities and I would like to thank them for their continued work. Through the National Rural Youth Assembly, we can ensure that young voices are heard in the development of the next Our Rural Future policy and remain at the heart of rural development. I would like to thank the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for supporting todays Assembly, and the National Participation Office for all their effort and assistance in making the event a success. READ MORE: Mayo schools encouraged to support the Christmas Shoebox Appeal Local businesses will have a rare opportunity to engage directly with two government ministers tomorrow (Thursday) at a series of events designed to strengthen connections between small enterprises and state support systems. Westport TD, Keira Keogh is hosting two separate sessions featuring Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment Emer Higgins, in the Leeson Enterprise Centre on Altamont Street. READ MORE: Don't be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help' in Mayo The afternoon session, beginning at 3.30pm, will focus on public procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), microenterprises, and suppliers across the region. Minister Higgins will outline recent developments in government procurement processes and hear directly from business owners about their experiences accessing public contracts. The evening roundtable with Minister Burke, scheduled for 6:30 pm, will address broader enterprise support measures. Burke, who recently established a new Small Business Unit and National Enterprise Hub, will discuss government efforts to reduce bureaucracy and streamline grant applications for SMEs. Topics expected to include energy savings programs, market access opportunities, and strategies for managing staffing and operational costs. READ MORE: Sacred Heart School looking to the future Between the two sessions, attendees will be invited to enjoy canapes prepared by local establishment The Helm, providing an informal networking opportunity from 5:00 pm. Both events are structured as interactive discussions rather than formal presentations, encouraging participants to share concerns, ask questions, and contribute ideas for improving government support for small businesses. The events represent a significant opportunity for Mayo businesses to influence policy discussions at the highest levels of government while accessing practical information about available support programs. Registration is essential and can be done by form. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has been elected Vice-President of the newly established EPP Farmers Group, a key new platform which will play a central role in shaping agriculture policy in the EU. The Group brings together MEPs, national politicians and farming organisations under the banner of the largest political force in the European Parliament. Ireland secured a strong voice at the table, with Fine Gael Senator Eileen Lynch also elected as Vice-President. The election took place at a high-level event in Brussels this week, which was attended by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen and EPP President Manfred Weber. MEP Maria Walsh, full member of the European Parliaments Agriculture Committee, said: The EPP is the biggest political group in the European Parliament. When it comes to agriculture, this is where the real decisions are made. Im proud to take up this role as Vice-President to represent Irish farmers, especially those across Midlands-North West. They face unique challenges and opportunities, and their voice will be heard at the heart of Europe. With an uphill battle ahead of us as we negotiate the future of the CAP, we need a strong pro-farmers representative in Brussels. The EPP Farmers Group will be the central vessel for decisions relating to the future of the European agriculture sector, as it brings together MEPs, national politicians and farm organisations. My work priorities for this group are simple; fighting for fair incomes for farmers, delivering an EU-wide generational renewal strategy and delivering tailor-made supports and programmes for female farmers. This new group puts young farmers and agri-SMEs front and centre - exactly where our focus needs to be if we want a sustainable, thriving future for Irish and European agriculture. READ MORE: Don't be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help' in Mayo Westport Family and Community Resource Centre welcomed the CEO of the Family Resource Centre (FRC) National Forum, Fergal Landy, during a recent visit to the centre. FCRs National Forum CEO met with the Centres Voluntary Management Committee and staff team. The discussions focused on the importance of community spaces as well as the community development approach. Sonya Murray, Chair of Westport Family & Community Resource Centre said that being part of this wider collective is a real strength: Through the FRC Western Regional Forum and the national programme, our work here in Westport is linked into something bigger. Together, all Family Resource Centres can achieve more for families and communities across Ireland than any one Centre could do alone. READ MORE: North Mayo family businesses recognised as finalists in the 2025 Family Business Awards "All Family Resource Centres are guided by Voluntary Boards of Management drawn from their local areas, making community involvement central to how Centres are run. Each Centres programme of work is tailored to the needs of its own locality. "Here in Westport, that mission is strengthened by the wider tradition of volunteerism that shapes so much of local life. With a variety of groups and initiatives, Westport continues to show a spirit of connection, participation, and giving back. Westport Family & Community Resource Centre is proud to be part of that tradition, working with and supporting the community in every way it can. "With global instability and economic pressures here at home, investing in communities has never been more important. Strong communities can support families and face uncertainty with confidence." Pictured above at Westport Family and Community Resource Centre during the visit of Fergal Landy, CEO of the Family Resource Centre National Forum. Front row, from left: John Doherty, Community Development Worker; Daphne Mooney, Company Secretary; Sonya Murray, Chairperson; Catherine McGlinchey, Trustee; Megan Burke, Project Coordinator and Fergal Landy, CEO National Forum. Back row, from left: Mark Garavan, Vice Chairperson; Cian MacNamee, Administrator; and Sean Brady, Trustee. Suphannee Baby Noinonthong, stripped of her title as Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan 2026 a day after her coronation, can now face a prison sentence due to past explicit content that led to her dethronement. Thai former beauty queen Suphannee "Baby" Noinonthong. Photo from Noinonthong's Facebook According to Tien Phong Newspaper, after the pageant committee announced Noinonthongs removal on Sunday, she and Kanchi, the provincial director of Miss Grand Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan, appeared on a Thai television program on Tuesday to appeal for a chance to retain her title. A lawyer joined the live broadcast to clarify legal matters. The lawyer asked Noinonthong whether she had been aware that her contract prohibited explicit photos or videos. She admitted she had not read the contract and was unaware of this clause. The lawyer also warned that she could face up to three years in prison, leaving Noinonthong visibly shocked. "I dont want to go to jail," she said. Kanchi suggested consulting with Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International and national director of Miss Universe Thailand, regarding the possibility of reinstating her crown. "If Kanchi wants to give Suphannee Noinuanthong a chance to retain her title, I will try to discuss and reconsider," Itsaragrisil responded. "The decision ultimately rests with Kanchi." Currently, Itsaragrisils team plans to hold further discussions with the provincial pageant committee and provide a final decision to the public as soon as possible. According to Thaiger, the finale of the 2026 Miss Grand Prachuap Khiri Khan pageant took place on Saturday, with Noinonthong winning the title and set to compete in the national contest alongside representatives from 76 other provinces. Following her coronation, videos surfaced on social media showing Noinonthong wearing pink, see-through clothing while dancing in front of a camera. In some clips, she appeared to smoke an e-cigarette and apply lipstick to various parts of her body. In response, Noinonthong posted on Facebook, apologizing to the pageant organization and her supporters. She admitted to previously participating in nude photoshoots and videos, explaining that financial hardship compelled her to take part in such work to care for her bedridden mother, who has since passed away. "This incident has been a valuable lesson, making me fully aware of the responsibility that comes with every action," she wrote. "I am committed to improving myself and ensuring that such incidents do not happen again." The 2026 Miss Grand Thailand pageant is scheduled for March 2026 in Bangkok. The winner will go on to represent the country at the Miss Grand International 2026 pageant. Ragasa developed last Thursday from a tropical depression off the coast of the Philippines. Within just three days, it strengthened by eight levels to become a super typhoon. By Monday evening, as it entered the East Sea (South China Sea), Ragasa peaked with sustained winds of 221 km per hour. It surpassed Typhoon Yagi of 2024, making it the strongest system recorded in the sea in the past 70 years. One day after entering the East Sea, Ragasa weakened by one level on Tuesday evening, packing winds of 167-201 kph and has maintained that level until Wednesday morning. At 6 a.m. on Wednesday, it lay 380 km east of China's Leizhou Peninsula. Over the next three hours, the typhoon is expected to move west-northwest at about 20 kph, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. By 4:00 a.m. Thursday, the storm will be over waters off China's Guangxi coast, about 150 km east of Mong Cai Town of Quang Ninh, Vietnam. It is expected to make landfall in Quang Ninh Hai Phong around noon on Thursday with wind speeds of 61-88 kph. The trajectory of Super Typhoon Ragasa. Graphics by Vietnam Disasters Monitoring System Truong Ba Kien, Deputy Director of the Center for Meteorology and Climate Research at the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, pointed to several contributing factors to the storm's rapid intensification and weakening. The storm formed in the western Pacific and tracked northwest between the Philippines and Taiwan, traveling over open waters without interacting with land or islands. "In this area, sea surface temperatures stayed consistently at 2930 C. The warm, deep water layer provided abundant energy for the storm to strengthen," he said. He added that other atmospheric conditions also favored rapid intensification. Weak vertical wind shear in the upper atmosphere, which means sudden changes in wind speed or direction with altitude, allowed the storm's structure to remain symmetrically stable. Meanwhile, low-level convergence (drawing warm, moist air into the storm's center) combined with upper-level divergence (pushing that air upward) created efficient ventilation, fueling further intensification. From a dynamics perspective, Kien explained that the storm was situated within a region of large-scale cyclonic circulation and strong convergence, which enhanced convection and concentrated momentum into the storm's core. At the same time, its center lay on the southwestern edge of the subtropical high, producing a stable steering flow that enabled Ragasa to strengthen continuously without drifting off course or dispersing energy. During this process, Ragasa also underwent an eyewall replacement cycle - a phenomenon where the dense cloud ring surrounding the center is replaced by a new one. This led to the formation of a larger, rounder, and more defined eye, with smaller internal vortices that concentrated winds more effectively and pushed maximum wind speeds higher. "Thanks to these favorable thermodynamic and dynamic conditions, Ragasa reached its peak intensity at Level 17 during the mature stage of its life cycle, when its structure was at its most developed, symmetrical, and stable," he said. After peaking on Monday night, Ragasa maintained its strength before showing signs of weakening by midday Tuesday. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the super typhoon was located over the northern East Sea with sustained winds of 184-221 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph. This indicates the weakening process began earlier than forecast by Vietnam's meteorological agency. Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said several factors would cause Ragasa to weaken rapidly in the coming days, focusing on two major reasons. The first is the presence of a continental high-pressure system to the north, carrying a dry air mass with humidity of just 30-40%, moving southward. The entire northern side of the storm will be affected by this dry air mass. Dry intrusions will penetrate the storm's structure, causing it to weaken as it moves into the waters near Guangdong Province and Leizhou Island on Wednesday," Khiem explained. The second factor, he said, is that over the next two to three days Ragasa will track farther north, bringing it into greater contact with the terrain of mainland China, where friction will weaken the storm. Vietnams meteorological agency has also been working with Japan to test AI-based forecasting, combining outputs from international models. "So far, all forecasts agree that Ragasa will move north of Leizhou Island, unlike Yagi, which passed farther south and was less affected by land friction," Khiem noted. He added that tropical cyclones typically have a lifespan of five to seven days, with maximum strength occurring around the third or fourth day. The fourth instalment in MCUs Spider-Man films Spider-Man: Brand New Day is generating immense buzz with each passing day. From the casting of Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, Jon Bernthal as Punisher to Jackie Chans stunt team designing action sequences for the friendly neighbourhood superhero, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is turning out to be different from anything Spidey-centric we have seen on the big screen in live-action. Marvel Studios Hulk Killed Spider-Mans Parents? A new rumour is doing the rounds of the internet that it is Hulk who is responsible for Peter Parkers parents death. And the tragedy occurred during the events of the first Avengers movie. A social media user posted, Hulk is rumored to be responsible for the deaths of Peter Parkers parents. This would have taken place during the events of the first AVENGERS film #SpiderManBrandNewDay. Check out the post below: Reacting to the rumour, one social media user wrote, In the Ultimate Comics Hulk killed Peters parents could the MCU be adapting this? Another user reacted, Only way it works for me is if its Pre Avengers time because if that were the case, Pete only spent 3 years with May and Uncle Ben before getting bit....Kinda don't like that. A third user commented, Could be getting a similar scene to this where Pete thought Hulk killed MJ but actually make it Peter's parent this time. I think a recent versus comic did that with Wolverine and Peter's parents. Grok A fourth user wrote, It makes sense considering he was the little kid at the stark expo in Iron Man 2 and that takes place 2 years before Avengers. Check out some of the responses below: A major crisis faced and overcome by the Trump administration was the colossal invasion at the United States southern border. As a result of closing the border, said President Donald Trump in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, for the last four months. . .the number of illegal aliens admitted and entering our country has been zero. Our message is very simple. If you come illegally into the United States, youre going to jail, or youre going back to where you came from. Other nations must do the same, urged President Trump. But unfortunately, the UN has not only done nothing to solve the crisis of uncontrolled migration, it has made it worse, stated President Trump. The United Nations is funding an assault on Western countries and their borders. In 2024, the U.N. budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 migrants journeying into the United States. The U.N. also provided food, shelter, transportation, and debit cards to illegal aliens on the way to infiltrate the southern border. What took place is totally unacceptable, said President Trump. The U.N. is supposed to stop invasions, not create them, and not finance them. In the United States, we reject the idea that mass numbers of people from foreign lands can be permitted to travel halfway around the world, trample our borders, violate our sovereignty, cause unmitigated crime, and deplete our social safety net. We have reasserted that America belongs to the American people, and I encourage all countries to take their own stand in defense of their citizens as well. Europe is under serious threat from years of mass migration, warned President Trump. Theyve been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody has ever seen before. Illegal aliens are pouring into Europe. And nobody is doing anything to change it, to get them out. Its not sustainable. And because they choose to be politically correct, theyre doing absolutely nothing about it. According to the Council of Europe, in 2024, almost 50 percent of inmates in German prisons were foreign nationals or migrants. In Austria, the number was 53 percent of the people in prisons were from places that werent from where they are now, President Trump observed. [I]ts time to end the failed experiment of open borders. Closing Americas borders was a humanitarian act for all involved, said President Trump, in addition to preventing women from being raped on the journey north, it was also a historic victory against human trafficking throughout Latin America. The previous administration lost nearly 300,000 children, who were trafficked into the United States, many of whom have been raped, exploited, abused, and sold. Many have been found and so far, almost 30,000 children have been returned to their families. Any system that results in the mass trafficking of children is inherently evil, stated President Trump. Yet that is exactly what the globalist migration agenda has done, and its what its all about. In America, those days, as you know, are over. Every nation has an obligation to control its borders. So together, urged President Trump, let us uphold our sacred duty to our people and to our citizens. Let us protect their borders, ensure their safety, preserve their cultures, treasure, and traditions, and fight, fight, fight for their precious dreams and their cherished freedoms. Taylor Downing reviews a film that made heroes of behind-the-scenes science boffins. The word boffin became widely used during the Second World War as an affectionate term to describe the scientists who worked quietly in the background developing new military technologies. The origins of the word are not clear. There was a strange-looking character in the Dickens novel Our Mutual Friend called Nicodemus Boffin. However, the word was probably an acronym of the words back office intern. The word also carried with it associations of being rather eccentric and unusual, of a character who labours long and hard in secret to invent devices that are incomprehensible to most people but which had dramatic and revolutionary military effects. School for Secrets (produced, written, and directed by Peter Ustinov in 1946) is the story of a handful of boffins. An opening caption explains the film is a tribute to all scientists, to the men and women of all ranks in all three services, and the civilians who worked side by side with them on the development of radar. Another opening caption offers its own explanation of the etymology of the word boffin saying that it emerged in RAF slang alongside words like prang, scramble, and wizard. It goes on to suggest humorously that it derived from the mating of a Puffin with a Baffin (an obsolete service aircraft) to produce a bird that bursts with weird and sometimes inopportune ideas of staggering inventiveness! Seaside landlady The film opens in July 1939 with five eccentric scientists being called to a meeting at the Air Ministry. They are asked to do immediate war work on developing new uses for radar. If and when war comes, explains the man from the Ministry, we will need to conscript science just as we conscript soldiers. The leading figure of the group is Professor Heatherville (played by Ralph Richardson). He is a zoologist who specialises in the study of reptiles and cannot imagine why he has been asked to join the distinguished group of physicists. He is wanted for his inquisitiveness, explains the man from the Ministry. The other four scientists are the rather grand Prof Laxton-Jones (Raymond Huntley), a Scottish academic Dr McVitie (beautifully played by John Laurie), Dr Dainty (Ernest Jay), and a young engineer from a radio company called Mr Watlington (David Tomlinson). The five scientists each have different and rather odd characteristics from which much humour is derived through the film. The five boffins are rather improbably sent off with their wives to an imaginary seaside town called Kipping Hampton, where they are billeted in a big Victorian house run by Mrs Arnold (nicely played by Marjorie Rhodes as the typical, nosey landlady). She is suspicious of her guests and tries repeatedly to find out what they are up to. But engaged on secret war work, they cannot reveal anything. Instead it is her son Jack (played by a young Richard Attenborough, who was by then well on the way to stardom), an RAF pilot who discovers that they are the greatest scientists in Britain when he is asked to fly some of their experimental missions. Towards the end of the film, when Jack reveals this to his mother, the landlady replies Oh, if I had known, Id have treated you all much better. Radar The film features several scientific technologies, but all the actors struggle to bring their characters alive. Each comes across in a rather forced theatrical way, probably because Peter Ustinov was an experienced theatre-writer. Even Ralph Richardson finds it hard to pull off the role of the boffin who is a mix of whacky inventiveness and pompous self-importance. John Laurie at least brings his Scottish scientist alive in a way that is both entertaining and endearing. Of course, Laurie went on to be inseparably associated with the Second World War to a later generation by playing the dour Scot Private Frazer in Dads Army. The most interesting sections of the film tell the story of the men and women who worked on radar and developed it into new areas. The film flashes forward to August 12 1940, when the Luftwaffe stepped up its attacks on Britain. The film convincingly portrays a group of WAAF radar operators at Ventnor under attack from Luftwaffe bombers. They continue to pass on the bearing and number of the raiders to Fighter Command headquarters even though the roof is blown in above them. This is based on fact. The radar station at Ventnor was bombed heavily that day and was put out of action for ten days. Even though several radar stations along the Kent coast were also bombed, Goerings Luftwaffe did not realise how central they were to the fighter defence of Britain and the raids were never repeated. It was a dreadful blunder and the radar stations were soon back in action, enabling Fighter Command to plot each new raid as it appeared and to scramble Hurricane and Spitfire fighters accordingly. There are many reasons why the Germans lost the Battle of Britain, but without radar it would have been impossible for the RAF to have won it. Airborne Interception In the autumn of 1940, as the German bombing of the Blitz brought regular night-time raids on the cities of Britain, the group of scientists are called upon to improve the night-time operation of radar. Heatherville and Dr McVitie test out the night radar known as Airborne Interception (AI). One of them is to fly with Jack Arnold in a night fighter. When Jack realises the boffins he is to work with are the lodgers in his mothers guest house, he asks his commanding officer in amazement Do they know about AI? To which he gets the answer They invented it. This is the one section of the film where the story is historically completely wrong. The two scientists help the ground controllers and the pilot to get within a few yards of the German bomber and shoot it down. In reality, the RAF had no night radar that was effective at this point of the war. A pilot would normally need to get within about 300 yards of another aircraft to be able to visually identify it at night. The ground radar did not have anything like the level of accuracy needed to guide a fighter that close to an enemy bomber. The scientist Taffy Bowen had developed a primitive form of airborne radar at Bawdsey before the war known as AI, but it had proved immensely difficult to miniaturise the heavy, valve-based equipment so as to carry it in a night-fighter. The aircraft had to mount two dipole aerials, one along the wing and the other under the fuselage. The navigator had a cathode-ray tube, and by switching between the strength of the radar echo on each of the dipoles he could instruct the pilot to fly up or down, or right or left. It was an incredibly difficult system to operate in the best conditions. At night, flying into a fleet of hostile enemy aircraft, it proved almost impossible. Unlike the triumph in School for Secrets, by the end of 1940 only one German bomber had actually been shot down using AI. Missed targets The next big scene in the film dramatises one of the regular meetings that took place at TRE (Telecommunications Research Establishment) at Worth Matravers in Dorset. Here scientists, senior RAF officers, and top civil servants met together and openly discussed problems in the hope that someone present might come up with solutions. The meetings were nicknamed Sunday Soviets. In School for Secrets a senior officer from Bomber Command comes forward and admits that his force is losing too many men and machines and that they are too often missing their targets, sometimes by several miles. He says the accuracy of their bombing is not good enough to justify the losses they are suffering. To most cinema goers in 1946, this would have been a remarkable revelation. Everyone watching the film had for years heard BBC Radio announcers give details of the target for tonight usually followed by glowing reports of factories in flames and enemy cities destroyed. To find that at this stage of the war the RAF did not have the navigational aids to hit their targets would have been a big surprise. Sadly, however, it was true. The RAF crews were not trained and equipped to fly hundreds of miles at night across a blacked-out Europe; unlike the Luftwaffe, they had no navigational aids to guide them to their targets. The final sequence in the film is in many ways the most interesting. It is a dramatisation of the Bruneval Raid of February 1942 (see MHM 34, July 2013). The film explains that there is a gap in the scientists knowledge of the German radar system and they need to capture a radar station intact, dismantle it, and bring it back to Britain. Many aspects of the raid are accurately reconstructed. A Para force is dispatched to carry out the mission, and even the detail that recovering the Wurzburg bowl radar was the main objective is correct. One of the technical advisers on School for Secrets was Captain John Timothy, who had actually taken part in the Bruneval Raid. He enjoyed a few weeks before demobilisation at Denham Studios, where the film makers were eager to get the details correct. Ustinov offered him a cameo part in the film, but the actors union Equity blocked his appearance. The one element of the raid in the film that was completely wrong historically was that one of the boffins actually went on the raid. Ralph Richardson as Prof Heatherville is the unlikely figure who parachutes into enemy territory. He gets caught in a tree and a Para has to help free him. He then dismantles the enemy radar under fire, as the engineers had actually done at Bruneval. Eventually all the Paras escape on landing craft that come in to take them and their precious cargo away, just as happened for real. A fitting tribute School for Secrets has countless flaws. It is stilted and over-theatrical. It tries to tell too many separate stories and makes too many improbable jumps from one to another. An experienced director might have been able to pull it all together. But working with his own script, Ustinov was not up to the task in his directorial debut. Nevertheless, it is fascinating that so soon after the end of the war there was a film celebrating the tremendous achievement of the backroom scientists in developing radar. In the last scene, with the war in Europe over and some of the scientists heading off to America to help build a bomb to end the war with Japan, Heatherville is asked what he did in the war. I was a boffin, Ralph Richardson proudly answers. It is a fitting tribute to the British scientists who had contributed so much to the final victory. BOGOTA, Colombia Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday called for a criminal investigation against U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials involved in this months deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean that the White House has said were transporting drugs. Petro repudiated the three attacks in his speech at the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly during which he also accused Trump of criminalizing poverty and migration. Criminal proceedings must be opened against those officials, who are from the U.S., even if it includes the highest-ranking official who gave the order: President Trump, Petro said of the strikes, adding that boat passengers were not members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as claimed by the Trump administration after the first attack. If the boats were carrying drugs as alleged by the U.S. government, Petro said, their passengers were not drug traffickers; they were simply poor young people from Latin America who had no other option. Petros comments came shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced that his government is preparing a series of constitutional decrees to defend the countrys sovereignty in the event of an attack from U.S. forces. Few details are known about the deadly strikes, the first of which took place Sept. 2 and killed 11 people, according to the Trump administration. U.S. officials have said that boat and another vessel targeted Sept. 16 had set out to sea from Venezuela. Three people died in the second attack. The U.S. military struck a third boat Friday, killing three people. The Trump administration has justified the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. It has yet to explain how the military assessed the boats cargo and determined the alleged gang affiliation of passengers. U.S. national security officials told members of Congress that the first boat taken out was fired on multiple times after it had changed course and appeared headed back to shore. They said that the missiles in the Caribbean were used to stop drug trafficking. That is a lie stated here in this very rostrum, Petro said Tuesday in what appeared to be a direct reference to Trump, who spoke hours earlier. Was it really necessary to bomb unarmed, poor young people in the Caribbean? Maduro has accused the Trump administration of using drug trafficking accusations as an excuse for a military operation whose intentions are to oust his government. Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, restarted his country's diplomatic relations with Venezuela after taking office in 2022. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he is considering declaring a national state of emergency, citing what he called growing aggressions and threats from the United States amid an expanded U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean. Maduro cast the possible decree as a defensive step to protect Venezuelas sovereignty and stability after weeks of heightened tensions with Washington. Our goal is that the entire nation, every citizen, has the support and protection of all forces of Venezuelan society to respond to any threat or attack against our country, he said during a televised event. Under Article 338 of Venezuelas constitution, a declaration of external national commotion allows the government to suspend certain constitutional guarantees though not rights such as the right to life or protections against torture in order to address outside threats. Such a measure can last up to 90 days and may be renewed once for an additional 90 days. By law, it must be approved by the Council of Ministers, presented to the National Assembly, and reviewed by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court within eight days. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez called the proposal very pertinent in light of the threats looming over Venezuela. The Supreme Courts leadership pledged to ensure that any decree would guarantee stability. The announcement came after a government-organized march in Caracas, intended to demonstrate the willingness of the regimes supporters to defend the nation amidst Washingtons recent naval buildup in the region. The United States says its Caribbean operations are aimed at countering narcotics trafficking. Earlier this month, the Trump administration ordered what officials described as the largest deployment in the region in decades including warships, F-35 fighter jets, and thousands of service members to target transnational criminal groups and drug smuggling routes. Caracas has denounced the deployment as a pretext for coercion and a possible attempt at regime change. The standoff has escalated since early September, when U.S. forces carried out strikes on speedboats they said were moving narcotics out of Venezuela. At least 17 people were killed in the operations. Trump administration officials described them as narcoterrorists, while human rights groups condemned the killings as extrajudicial. Speaking at the United Nations on Tuesday, President Trump warned that the campaign was only beginning, accusing Maduro and top officials of running a large-scale drug cartel and of deliberately sending criminals into the United States to destabilize communities. Theyre the enemies of all humanity, Trump said, claiming maritime drug shipments from Venezuela had dropped sharply after the U.S. military deployment. Venezuelans are not taking big loads of drugs in boats anymore. Weve virtually stopped drugs coming into our country by sea. He described maritime narcotics what he called water drugs as killers responsible for hundreds of thousands of American deaths. Trump also emphasized his administrations crackdown on violent gangs, saying he has designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. He singled out MS-13 and Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, calling the latter probably the worst gang anywhere in the world. To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence, he said. Thats what were doing. We have no choice. The sharp rhetoric came days after the White House dismissed a Sept. 6 letter from Maduro offering direct talks. The Venezuelan leader denied involvement in drug trafficking and accused Washington of spreading disinformation to justify armed conflict. We have seen this letter. Frankly, I think there were a lot of lies repeated by Maduro in that letter, and the administrations position on Venezuela has not changed, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. We view the Maduro regime as illegitimate, and the President has clearly shown that hes willing to use any and all means necessary to stop the illegal trafficking of deadly drugs from the Venezuelan regime into the United States. In the letter, released publicly over the weekend, Maduro argued that only a small portion of Colombias cocaine transits through Venezuela and that authorities in his country intercept most of it. He described the U.S. accusations as the most egregious instance of disinformation against our nation and invited U.S. envoy Richard Grenell to open a direct channel of communication. President, I hope that together we can defeat the falsehoods that have sullied our relationship, which must be historic and peaceful, Maduro wrote. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A civilian holding a lit flare tried to board a Marine Corps helicopter last week while the aircraft was sitting on a Camp Pendleton landing pad with a crew inside and its rotors running, according to federal prosecutors in San Diego. The incident last Thursday night marked the fourth time since 2022 that the 58-year-old man has allegedly trespassed on Camp Pendleton, according to court documents in the case. Though the man was never charged with a crime for the first three intrusions, he is now facing a misdemeanor charge of trespassing on a military installation. After his arrest, the man allegedly told authorities that the State Department sent radio waves to his head, telling him to light a flare and board the aircraft, according to a probable cause statement written by an agent with the Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division. An attorney assigned to represent the man did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. as two helicopter crews were training near an isolated landing pad that sits just west of Interstate 5 on bluffs that overlook the ocean, according to court documents and military records. One of the helicopters was on the landing pad with its rotors running when a crew member on a second helicopter that was hovering nearby at a low altitude noticed the man approaching the aircraft that was on the ground, according to court documents. A crew member on the first helicopter then noticed the man approaching, getting within feet of the aircraft and attempting to board it. Crew members directed (the man) to go away and (the helicopter) took off at a moment that (he) was at a safe distance for takeoff, the agent wrote in the probable cause statement. Marine Corps law enforcement officers responded to the helipad, located the man and two used flares nearby and arrested him, according to the court document. Marine Corps records showed the same man previously trespassed on Camp Pendleton in September 2022, September 2023 and May 27 of this year, according to the agent. At the time of his arrest last week, agents allegedly found a U.S. District Court summons in the mans possession that correlated to a trespassing citation issued for the May 27 incident. Federal prison records showed the man remained in custody as of Tuesday. A detention hearing is set for later this week. He faces up to six months in custody if convicted. Last week, a San Diego man pleaded guilty to two federal criminal counts related to twice landing his small airplane on San Clemente Island without approval from the U.S. Navy, which controls the island. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles are expected to seek a six-month prison sentence in that case. 2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Working together for enduring peace, stability 15:37, September 24, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily A stable international order is the cornerstone of global peace and development. At the recently concluded 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, representatives from more than 100 countries, regions, and international organizations, along with experts, scholars, and observers, convened under the theme "Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development." The forum addressed pressing global security challenges and explored cooperative approaches to safeguard the international order and bridge security deficits. "When China held its grand military parade on Sept. 3, I was in Senegal. The event was widely covered, even across Africa. It reminded people of China's significant contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War," said Harold E. Raugh, Jr., president of the International Commission of Military History. Many international participants echoed this sentiment, referencing China's recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Their remarks reflected deep respect for China's longstanding commitment to global peace and development. Commemorating this historic victory serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a call to learn from history in pursuit of a better future. Eight decades ago, a new international order emerged from the devastation of war, founded on humanity's collective aspirations for peace and justice. Over the past eight decades, the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have contributed significantly to preserving global peace and advancing human progress. However, today this postwar order faces mounting challenges. Power politics, unilateralism, and coercive practices are undermining established norms, threatening the foundations of global stability and running counter to the currents of history. In turbulent times, the need for leadership, dialogue, and cooperation becomes even more urgent. China's recently proposed Global Governance Initiative rests on five core concepts: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. In full alignment with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the initiative offers a timely and pragmatic approach to preserving the international order. At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, many participants recognized the initiative as an important platform for international cooperation that will address common challenges and strengthen the foundation for global security. They praised its emphasis on sovereign equality, its foundation in the UN system, and its alignment with the aspirations of the Global South for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world order. Openness and inclusiveness were defining features of this year's forum. Participants included representatives not only from developed and emerging major countries, but also from small and medium-sized states and conflict-affected regions. Amid widening global security divides, this diversity underscored the forum's value as a platform for inclusive dialogue. It reflected China's vision of resolving differences through consultation and addressing disputes through cooperation. As some international media outlets observed, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum has provided Global South countries with a platform where their voices are heard, broadening global discourse beyond Western-dominated venues. China's role in global security governance has become increasingly prominent in recent years. The 2025 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held in recent days, drew participants from 120 countries, regions, and international organizations to engage in discussions on global security issues. From putting forward the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative to launching dialogue platforms such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, the Middle East Security Forum, and the China-Latin America High-Level Defense Forum, China has consistently taken concrete steps to advance peace and stability. Its active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and mediation in regional conflicts further demonstrates its growing role as a responsible global actor. Humanity shares a common future. Only by treating each other as equals, coexisting in harmony, and fostering mutual support can nations eliminate the root causes of war and achieve lasting peace and stability. Looking ahead, China will continue working hand in hand with the international community to promote cooperation and safeguard peace, injecting greater stability into the turbulent world and creating new hope for the future of humanity. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Eighty years ago, U.S. President Harry Truman authorized the U.S. Initial Post-Surrender Policy for Japan. Just days earlier, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, a Canadian diplomat made a slight error that nearly derailed the official end of World War II. On Sept. 2, 1945, Japanese officials were brought aboard the Missouri to formally surrender. In the weeks leading up to that day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki had been reduced to rubble by atomic bombs. Soviet forces had overrun Japanese positions in Manchuria. Chinese troops were pushing forward, and Allied forces were preparing for an invasion of Kyushu. Facing total destruction, Emperor Hirohito took to the radio for the first time in history, famously telling his people the war had "developed not necessarily to Japans advantage. Even then, a group of hardline officers attempted a coup to stop the surrender, but it was quickly crushed. Japan was in ruins. Aboard the Missouri, General Douglas MacArthur waited. His forces had stormed across the South Pacific, eventually liberating the Philippines. Standing beside him were Lt. Gen. Jonathan Wainwrightwho had endured nearly four years of brutal captivity after surrendering at Corregidorand British General Arthur Percival, the former commander at Singapore. Both appeared frail, stark reminders of Japanese wartime atrocities. Only sailors over six feet tall were chosen to stand witness to the event, a deliberate show of Allied strength. The Allied delegation included Admiral Chester Nimitz, who led U.S. forces across the Central Pacific, and British Admiral Bruce Fraser. Chinese General Hsu Yung-chang, Soviet General Kuzma Derevyanko, and French General Philippe Leclerc were present, along with Dutch Admiral Conrad Helfrich. Representatives from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada also stood by. Japans delegation was led by Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff. They were joined by other reluctant officials from Japans army, navy, and foreign ministry. Many other Japanese officials had refused to participate at all. Faced with towering U.S. sailors, battle-hardened generals, and the haunting faces of Wainwright and Percival, the Japanese knew they were beaten. Two copies of the surrender document were placed on the tableone for the Allies and one for Japan. Both had to be signed. At exactly 9:04 a.m., Shigemitsu signed first, by command and on behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government. Umezu followed, signing on behalf of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters before the rest of the delegation signed. MacArthur then signed for the U.S. at 9:08 a.m. The rest of the Allies followed, until Canadas turn. Thats when things went sideways. Colonel Lawrence Cosgrave, a World War I veteran who had reportedly lost vision in one eye in combat, represented Canada. As he approached the table, he locked eyes with Shigemitsu, and they smiled at each other. Both men had met years earlier on a diplomatic mission in China. Although there were no problems with the Allied copy, his poor vision caused him to sign on the wrong line on the Japanese copy. Instead of placing his name on the line for Canada, he signed where France was supposed to. French General Leclerc, next in line, noticed the mistake and hesitated. Instead of raising the issue, he simply signed on the line marked for the Netherlands. Admiral Helfrich, representing the Dutch, followed suit and signed in the wrong place as well. By the time it was New Zealands turn, their representative, Air Vice-Marshal Leonard Isitt, was left with nowhere to sign. Confused, he simply wrote his name off to the side. When the Japanese delegation inspected the document, they stood up in protest. It was, they insisted, invalid as several names were clearly in the wrong places. MacArthur was not amused. His chief of staff, General Richard Sutherland, stepped in. Calmly, he approached the document, crossed out the incorrect nation labels, rewrote them, and initialed next to each correction. Then he handed the corrected copy back to the Japanese. Now its all fine, he reportedly said, and motioned for them to leave. And that was that. The most destructive war in human history had officially ended with an ink-smudged document and a bureaucratic blunder that almost derailed it. Cosgrave received decades of undeserved press for the incident. Many remembered him as the man who signed on the wrong line instead of a Canadian war hero. The Japanese copy, complete with crossed-out names and signatures, is on display at the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Japan. Trade Rumors Front Office members, check your inboxes for early access to the beta test for our new iPhone/iPad app! This week's mailbag gets into the impending free agencies of Josh Naylor, Zach Eflin, Kyle Tucker, Michael King, and J.T. Realmuto, among other topics. Stephen asks: Josh Naylor in a mariners uniform next year would be wonderful. What would it take to make it happen? This mailbag presents several opportunities to exercise my contract prediction muscles in advance of the MLBTR team collaborating on our Top 50 Free Agents list throughout October. So let's try to put a number on Naylor. Naylor will be 29 next year, and not until June, so you get a good amount of age 28 as well. He's been even better in Seattle than Arizona, and this year's 126 wRC+ seems representative of his abilities for the next few years. Somehow, Naylor has stolen 28 bags this year in 30 tries despite second percentile sprint speed. As I have said in this space, I love that as a fellow slow runner, but I don't think I'd bake it into his free agent valuation. Defensively, Naylor seems to rate as an acceptable first baseman. Overall, he's a guy you can pencil in for 2.5-3 WAR. He deserves intangible credit, too, in the clubhouse and with Mariners fans. The cherry on top: he's ineligible for a qualifying offer due to the July trade. If you check out Darragh McDonald's podcast with Jerry Dipoto from earlier this month, they got into the difficulty of attracting free agents, particularly bats, to Seattle. Naylor, though, feels like he sees the ball well at T-Mobile Park, called it a "super cool stadium," and called the team's fans "awesome." In a park that suppresses offense by around 9%, Naylor is hitting .350/.398/.613 in 90 plate appearances since the trade. So if there is a free agent position player on whom the Mariners are going to line up for more than two years, which Dipoto has yet to do with the Ms, Naylor seems like the guy. The Phillies announced today that infielder Edmundo Sosa has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list. To open an active roster spot for him, fellow infielder Donovan Walton has been designated for assignment. Walton, 31, appeared in only two games for the Phils at the MLB level this season. He went 1-for-8 with a single and a sacrifice bunt in that brief look. That was his sixth season with at least some major league time, though the journeyman utility player has never topped 78 plate appearances in a given MLB campaign. In 72 games and 214 plate appearances between the Mariners, Giants and Phillies, Walton is a career .172/.223/.298 hitter. As one would expect, Walton is a far better hitter in the upper minors. Hes played in parts of five Triple-A seasons and touts a much more impressive .281/.365/.435 batting line in 1479 trips to the plate. On top of that solid track record at the top minor league level, Walton is a versatile defender whos logged nearly 3200 innings at second base and more than 2900 innings at shortstop in addition to shorter stints at third base (208 innings) and in left field (244 innings). Walton is out of minor league options, so the Phillies couldnt send him to Triple-A without first designating him for assignment. Even if he clears waivers the only possible action for the Phils now that the trade deadline has passed hell have the ability to elect free agency over a minor league assignment. And, even if he were to accept an outright assignment and stick with Philadelphia as a depth option for the remainder of their 2025 run, Walton can become a minor league free agent at seasons end. By VICTOR L. SIMPSON Associated Press ROME (AP) Acclaimed Italian actor Claudia Cardinale, who starred in some of the most celebrated European films of the 1960s and 1970s, has died in France, her agent said Wednesday. She was 87. Cardinale died in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, her agent Laurent Savry told The Associated Press. Praise for Cardinales talent, beauty and impact on the European cinema poured in on Wednesday, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying, We French will always carry this Italian and global star in our hearts, in the eternity of cinema. Cardinale starred in more than 100 films and made-for-television productions, but she was best known for embodying youthful purity in Federico Fellinis 8, in which she co-starred with Marcello Mastroianni in 1963. Cardinale also won praise for her role as Angelica Sedara in Luchino Viscontis award-winning screen adaption of the historical novel The Leopard that same year and a reformed prostitute in Sergio Leones spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West in 1968. FILE - Italian actress Claudia Cardinale appears in Rome on Dec. 13, 1966. (AP Photo/Mario Torrisi, File) AP Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli offered condolences to Cardinales family and hailed Cardinales beauty and exceptional talent that inspired milestones of Italian cinema. With the death of Claudia Cardinale, one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time has passed away, he said in a statement late Tuesday. Cardinale began her movie-career at the age of 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia, where she was born of Sicilian parents who had emigrated to North Africa. The contest brought her to the Venice Film Festival, where she came to the attention of the Italian movie industry. Before entering the beauty contest she had expected to become a school teacher. The fact Im making movies is just an accident, Cardinale recalled while accepting a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002. When they asked me do you want to be in the movies? I said no and they insisted for six months. Her success came in the wake of Sophia Lorens international stardom and she was touted as Italys answer to Brigitte Bardot. While never achieving the level of success of the French actor, she nonetheless was considered a star and worked with the leading directors in Europe and Hollywood. They gave me everything, Cardinale said. Its marvelous to live so many lives. Ive been living more than 150 lives, totally different women. One of her earliest roles was as a black-clad Sicilian girl in the 1958 comedy classic Big Deal on Madonna Street. It was produced by Franco Cristaldi, who managed her early career and to whom she was married from 1966 to 1975. The sensuous brunette with enormous eyes was often cast as a hot-blooded woman. As she had a deep voice and spoke Italian with a heavy French accent, her voice was dubbed in her early movies. Her career in Hollywood brought only partial success because she was not interested in giving up European film. Nonetheless, she achieved some fame by teaming with Rock Hudson in the 1965 comedy thriller Blindfold and another comedy Dont Make Waves with Tony Curtis two years later. Cardinale herself considered the 1966 The Professionals, directed by Richard Brooks as the best of her Hollywood films, where she starred alongside Burt Lancaster, Jack Palance, Robert Ryan and Lee Marvin. In a 2002 interview with the Guardian, she explained that the Hollywood studio wanted me to sign a contract of exclusivity, and I refused. Because Im a European actress and I was going there for movies. And I had a big opportunity with Richard Brooks, The Professionals, which is really a magnificent movie, she said. For me The Professionals is the best I did in Hollywood. Among her industry prizes was a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement that she received at the Venice film festival nearly 40 years after her initial appearance on screen. In 2000, Cardinale was named a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the defense of womens rights. She had two children. One with Cristaldi and a second with her later companion, Italian director Pasquale Squitieri. ___ Simpson, the principal writer of this obituary, retired from The Associated Press in 2013. John Leicester contributed from Paris. Hundreds of Haitians who settled in a Michigan town might lose their immigration status COLDWATER, MI - A rural Michigan town has become a hub for Haitians who fled escalating gang violence in their home country. In recent years, hundreds of Haitians have settled in Coldwater, through a humanitarian program called Temporary Protected Status, or TPS. This allows immigrants to legally live and work here if their countries are unsafe. But TPS has been in the crosshairs under President Donald Trumps goal to deport a million people a year. This has shaken Coldwater, an agricultural town thats now home to growing pockets of immigrant communities, leading to job losses at a major pork processing plant and leaving Haitians uncertain about their future. Here are four takeaways from the original reporting about whats unfolding in Coldwater: 1. TPS up in the air The United States has offered Temporary Protected Status, TPS, to Haitians since a catastrophic earthquake struck in 2010. Since then, the crisis has deepened with escalating gang violence, political instability and extreme poverty. There is no safety in Haiti, said Vladimir Jeudy, a Haitian who now runs a staffing agency to help immigrant workers in Coldwater. Despite that, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem tried to revoke TPS for Haiti earlier this year saying it was safe for Haitian citizens to return home. But a federal judge blocked the move in early September, saying the conditions are so dangerous that even the State Department advises against travel to their home countries. Haiti is currently under a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning, the most serious advisory. This provides some relief, but TPS is still set to expire for Haitians in February. If its not extended, this would leave 330,000 Haitians without legal status. Theyll need to figure out another option to stay legally or be forced to return to a country thats largely under gang control. 2. Job losses at a pork plant Clemens Food Group on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Coldwater, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com Uncertainty about TPS has struck the Haitians who moved to Coldwater after Clemens Food Group opened a large pork processing plant in 2018. Clemens has grown rapidly over the years, becoming the largest employer in Branch County and leaning on Haitians, in part, to process thousands of hogs a day. The meat industry relies heavily on immigrants, with more than a third of employees being foreign-born, but sudden changes to programs like TPS have cut into this workforce. At Clemens, a former general manager reportedly said earlier this year that the Coldwater plant employed about 400 Haitian TPS holders. If they lost their status, he warned it would have a tremendous impact on the plants daily operations, according to The Daily Reporter. Since then, some Haitians say theyve lost their jobs, now surviving on savings and trying to figure out a path forward. Its sad for us, said one former employee, 21, who asked not to be identified because of his immigration status. Were just trying to work and have a better life because our country is really bad at this moment. Its really dangerous. 3. Immigrants land in Coldwater Major employers have attracted immigrants to Coldwater, a town of roughly 14,000. Yemeni migrants started moving there to work at a local foundry in the 1960s. Since then, this population has bloomed into the largest Arab community in Michigan, leading to the recent construction of a new $3.5 million mosque. A large tomato greenhouse, Maroa Farms, has also brought growing numbers of Hispanic workers to the community. And Haitians are the latest group to settle into Coldwater, where about 12% of the population was born in other countries as compared to 7% in Michigan. We changed from being a sleepy farming community to a very diverse population, said Kathie Bappert, executive director of the Coldwater Community Center 4. Haitians create community in Coldwater A Sheldy Focus Market employee studies an English learning program between customers at the Haitian general store owned by Shelda Gusteme on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Coldwater, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com For many Haitians, Coldwater has become their community. Shelda Gusteme opened the first Haitian grocery store in town three years ago to bring imported goods closer to home. Before that, she says Haitians were driving six hours roundtrip to Indianapolis to buy Caribbean produce, like green plantains. It wasnt long before Jeudy opened another imported goods store about three miles away. The Coldwater Community Center has started teaching some Haitians how to sew scrubs, so they can own their own business. Roughly 400 Haitians are also in a WhatsApp group that Gusteme uses to share information about the community, her store and immigration policy. But the threat to TPS has left her status in doubt. After February, I dont know what Im going to do, said Gusteme, a TPS holder who has lived the United States with her husband and two U.S. citizen daughters since 2018. Six days after ABC pulled his late-night show off the air, Jimmy Kimmel returned to an in-studio standing ovation with a few words of thanks and a big hint of irony. Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted, he began, spurring laughter. If youre just joining us, we are pre-empting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report. Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled by the ABC networks parent company indefinitely last week after on-air comments related to the Sept. 10 fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The comments, which referenced the reaction from supporters of President Donald Trump to Kirks death, drew the ire of Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, who criticized Kimmels comments on a podcast last week and suggesting he be suspended. Read more: TV viewers in tehse Michigan markets wont see Jimmy Kimmels return Within a day, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced theyd pull Kimmels programming from their ABC affiliates. Walt Disney Co., which owns ABC, followed suit but reversed course this week, announcing the late-night shows return. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Kimmel called last weeks events and calls to silence him un-American. The talk show host balanced serious notes in his starting monologue with tongue-in-check nods to the Trump administration, as well as the widespread push last week to boycott Disney products. Early on, he read instructions on how viewers could restart their Disney+ and Hulu streaming accounts, joking it was a condition for his return. That balance continued throughout the show, including a split-screen appearance from actor Robert DeNiro. Kimmel said he was grateful to viewers and reflected on the variety of support he received in the wake of the initial controversy. The support ranged from a long list of his friends and fellow comedians like Jimmy Fallon and Jon Stewart to conservative political figures like Ben Shapiro and Sen. Ted Cruz each sharing discontent over the free speech line, they believed, had been crossed. Ive been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight, and the truth is I dont think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference, Kimmel said. If you like me, you like me. If you dont, you dont. I have no illusions about changing anyones mind. But I do want to make something clear because its important to me as a human, and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. It was one of two moments Kimmel became visibly choked up, expressing sentiments in step with the statement he shared on his personal social media this month in response to Kirks death, sending love for the late conservative figures family. In addition to Carrs remarks, Trump spoke last week in favor of ousting Kimmel, adding late night hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers should be next in line. Each were targets for multiple jokes from Kimmel, including interlaid segments showing their past statements in support of free speech. Later in the show, Kimmel spoke opposite DeNiro, appearing remotely as a non-Carr FCC chairman who was, Kimmel joked, using mob tactics to suppress free speech in contrast to the actors history of mobster film roles. Kimmel told audience members Jimmy Kimmel Live! has done almost 4,000 shows on ABC over nearly 23 years. On Tuesday, he said they werent airing in 20% of the country. Although he didnt agree with last weeks decision, Kimmel thanked Disney for bringing him back. Unfortunately, and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk, he said. Michigan man has been charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed his estranged wife to death at a Meijer gas station. (John Benson/cleveland.com) John Benson/cleveland.com MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan man has been charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly stabbed his estranged wife to death at a Meijer gas station. Sydney Emmanuel Davis Jr., 25, of Utica was arraigned in Macomb County on Wednesday. He is accused of beating and repeatedly stabbing 23-year-old Fatme Davis inside the gas station at 15031 Hall Road in Shelby Township on Sept. 21. Fatme Davis was transported to a local hospital where she died. Sydney Davis fled the scene and was later arrested in Armada Township. Their child was in Fatme Davis car at the gas station for a custody exchange and is now with his paternal grandmother, officials said. This despicable act of violence against this mother, is a stark reminder of the scourge of domestic violence, said Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide. As a community, we must stand united against such cowardice. The Shelby Township Police Department condemns this heinous act in the strongest terms and is committed to ensuring justice for the victim. First-degree premeditated murder is a life without parole felony. Davis had his bond denied. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference at 1 p.m. on Oct. 7 and a preliminary exam at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14, both before Judge Stephen S. Sierawski. The allegations in this case are both shocking and deeply disturbing. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. A young mother was allegedly killed at the hands of her estranged husband, while their child sat waiting in the car. Our office is committed to pursuing this case to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice is served. A Michigan doctor is heading to prison after a federal jury found her guilty of the illegal distribution of prescription opioids. Shutterstock SOUTHFIELD, MI A Michigan doctor is heading to prison after a federal jury found her guilty of the illegal distribution of prescription opioids. Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, of Southfield, was sentenced to six years in prison on Tuesday. From November 2016 to July 2018, Valentine issued more than 3,000 prescriptions for more than 200,000 pills to patients who did not have a legitimate medical need for the drugs. The drugs, including Oxycodone and Oxymorphone, are worth more than $5.2 million, prosecutors said. Doctors take an oath to heal, not poison, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. said. As a doctor, this defendant knew better than anyone the devastating harm that opioid addiction causes to people. There is no place in our community for corrupt doctors. Valentine was one of two doctors at Orthopedic Medical Building. Her co-defendant, Dr. Michele Ritter, also illegally issued thousands of opioid prescriptions. Other defendants charged in the case include clinic operator Iris Winchester and recruiter Joyce Robinson, who previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison. Orthopedic Medical Building, a sham clinic that operated out of a warehouse in Oak Park, was a cash-only clinic, and charged patients $200-500 per prescription, but did not charge anything if the patient didnt receive an opioid prescription. The prices were not based on the supposed service provided, but instead based on the quantity, type, and dosage of prescription opioids that the patient received, usually Oxycodone 30mg or Oxymorphone 40mg, which are two of the most addictive prescription opioids that carry high street value. The clinic also charged cash for the creation of fraudulent medical records for the supposed patients. Dr. Valentine was paid about 50% of the clinics proceeds more than $500,000 in cash over about 19 months and she was paid only if she wrote an opioid prescription to a patient, not based on any supposed medical care. She received an envelope of thousands in cash each day she worked. Dr. Valentines sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI will not tolerate any medical professional who stands to gain personally from abusing their position and endangering the public by illegally prescribing opioids, said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. Valentine was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terrence G. Berg, who presided over the trial. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Lievense and Wayne F. Pratt. The case was investigated by special agents and task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General. As Peninsula Township is figuring out how it will pay nearly $50 million in lawsuit damages, a second insurance company is arguing it shouldn't be required to pay. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) MLive.com PENINSULA TOWNSHIP, MI - Another lawsuit has hit Michigans wine country. A second insurance company sued Peninsula Township, a stretch of farmland that juts into Grand Traverse Bay, arguing it shouldnt be required to cover nearly $50 million in lawsuit damages owed to the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. Emcasco Insurance Company and Employers Mutual Casualty Company filed the suit in the U.S. Western District of Michigan on Sept. 12. It came in response to an October 2020 complaint brought by 11 wineries that said Peninsula Townships strict agricultural zoning rules restricted business and violated their constitutional rights. The yearslong court battle ended in July when U.S. District Court Judge Paul Maloney awarded the wineries millions of dollars in damages for an impossible to understand ordinance and arbitrary enforcement of the same. Related: After a five-year legal battle, Old Mission Peninsula wineries win $50 million To pay the damages, a special assessment, or additional property taxes, will be added to the Peninsula Township tax roll. Liability insurance will also cover some of the cost, but its unclear how much will be paid out especially as two insurers are now fighting the bill. In a complaint, Emcasco Insurance Company is arguing it has no obligation to pay under the townships policies that ran from July 2019 through April 2021. It said the policies covered damages for injuries and property damage, not zoning or permitting duties with land use. When we have no duty to defend, we will have the right to defend, or to participate in the defense of, the insured against any other suit seeking damages to which this insurance may apply, the complaint said. The lawsuit, which names Peninsula Township, the wineries and an intervenor group called Protect the Peninsula, is seeking a declaration from the court that no coverage is available under Emcascos policies. Related: After Michigan peninsula lost $50M winery lawsuit, insurer fights paying it A similar suit brought last month claimed U.S. Specialty Insurance Company also shouldnt be on the hook because Peninsula Townships policy had ended years earlier. And even if that township was covered, the insurer said it would only be required to pay up to $100,000. The Peninsula Township board went into closed session Tuesday, Sept. 23 to discuss both lawsuits with attorneys. An agenda said holding an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the townships position. Nothing came from that as far as a vote or a decision. We have more information that we need to gather, said Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders. Sanders previously told MLive that the township will vigorously defend its residents and seek to recover any and all insurance coverage that is due. She said three insurance companies provided coverage during the time the wineries sought damages. Understandably, Peninsula Township residents and the public are interested in knowing how much coverage is available, but because each insurance company has a different response to the order and judgment entered by Judge Maloney, we have been awaiting their final decisions, she said in an August statement. Related: Michigans wine country considers selling lighthouse to pay for $50M lawsuit The township board is also exploring other ways to pay the judgement that will minimize any cost on residents. Sanders floated potential cost-saving measures in a July 30 memo like closing all township offices, suspending planning and zoning and halting park and cemetery maintenance. It also mentioned the review and potential sale of township assets like Mission Point Lighthouse, an iconic site built in 1870 at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. Others listed are Archie Roadside Park, some lots at Haserot Beach and Bowers Harbor Park. The township board also previously voted to dispute the judges decision in the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Officials are asking the public to be on the lookout for suspects who may be tampering with stop signs in Northern Michigan. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI Officials are asking the public to be on the lookout for suspects who may be tampering with stop signs in Northern Michigan. According to the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, several stop signs in the region have been run over and/or knocked down. Three of the stop signs are in southwest Grand Traverse County and seven of them are in northwest Wexford County. This is a serious safety risk, a Facebook post said. Its a notable issue for the community. On Sept. 12, a 33-year-old female from Northport and a 39-year-old man from Gaylord died after being hit in the intersection of County Road 633 and Miller Road in Grand Traverse Countys Mayfield Township. Deputies blamed that crash on a damaged stop sign that was in the ditch instead of being upright. Residents who see suspicious activity such as someone striking or removing traffic signs should not approach, but should instead note the vehicle description, plate number and time and location before calling 911. If you spot a downed stop sign, call 911 right away so the road commission can place a temporary stop sign until repairs are made, officials said on Facebook. Your quick report can prevent accidents and keep our roads safe. Central Hall on Hillsdale Colleges campus in Hillsdale on Friday, June 28, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Three Michigan colleges are among the top-100 liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings published on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Hillsdale College was ranked No. 50 nationally, tying with Connecticut College, St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Wabash College in Indiana and Wheaton College in Illinois. Hillsdale College also ranked No. 21 in lowest acceptance rates. This years rankings were determined based on 17 academic metrics, including graduation rates, first-year retention rates, financial resources for students and peer assessment. Five Michigan schools were also ranked among the top-200 universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best National Universities Rankings. Liberal arts colleges focus on undergraduate education, whereas national universities emphasize undergraduate and graduate studies along with faculty research. Kalamazoo College was ranked No. 67 overall, tying with Agnes Scott College in Georgia and Wofford College in South Carolina. Kalamazoo College was also ranked highly in four categories: No. 4 in study abroad No. 34 in most innovative schools No. 36 in best undergraduate teaching No. 40 in top performers on social mobility Hope College in Holland was ranked No. 84 nationally, tying with Austin College in Texas, Drew University in New Jersey, Saint Marys College in Indiana, Southwestern University in Texas, St. Johns College in Maryland, and Pennsylvania colleges Ursinus College and Washington & Jefferson College. Hope College also earned high marks in several categories: No. 22 in undergraduate research and creative projects No. 28 in most innovative schools No. 36 in best undergraduate teaching No. 82 in best undergraduate engineering programs, at schools where doctorates are not offered No. 92 in best value colleges The top-2 spots on U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list went to Massachusetts colleges Williams and Amherst, followed by the United States Naval Academy and Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Other Michigan schools on the National Liberal Arts Colleges list include: Albion College at No. 131 (tie) Aquinas College in Grand Rapids at No. 146 (tie) Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit (unranked) Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Cara Shillington holding a tarantula. The EMU professor has had a profound love for the arachnids since her undergraduate years at Washington State University. Courtesy photo YPSILANTI, MI Cara Shillingtons love for tarantulas began when a college friend recommended them as house pets. The Cape Town, South Africa native never thought of having a pet tarantula before, but she got one when she was an undergraduate student at Washington State University in the early 1990s because she thought it would be cool. Three decades later, the thought has evolved into a profound admiration for the creature. Eventually, she lost track of how many tarantulas she had. Within a few months and years, I had a bunch of tarantulas and then started really looking to see what I could do with getting involved with something with research, Shillington, 57, said. Now a professor of biology at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Shillington has dedicated her academic career to the study of arachnids and their natural histories. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, she and Spencer Poscente, a graduate student studying ecology, evolution and organismal biology at EMU, headed to the annual La Junta Tarantula Fest in Colorado. The tarantula festival, from Friday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Sept. 27, is a yearly academic conference that brings together arachnid enthusiasts in time for the mating season. Each fall, large numbers of male tarantulas skitter across the Comanche National Grassland in southeast Colorado looking to mate. Shillington will be a guest speaker and Poscente, 28, will help plan a tarantula tour. Outside of the festival, Shillington and Poscente plan to collect field data on tarantulas, especially at night when tarantulas are most active. We pull these really long nights and then every now and again you have the most incredible moonrise in the middle of (the night), youre out there and theres nobody else, Shillington said. Youre just with your animals and nobody else in terms of other humans. If they are lucky, they get a couple of hours sleep in the afternoon. And then we do that for the next couple of days, Shillington said. The EMU professor has a soft spot for spider-friendly Colorado. The little town that we work in, everybody is very positive about the tarantulas and the fact that they live so close and have the tarantulas there, Shillington said. Shillington said tarantulas are exciting because of how little we know about them in their natural environments. She said tarantulas are difficult organisms to study because of their long lives. They reach sexual maturity when at eight to nine years, meaning that researchers must monitor them for eight to nine years prior to their sexual changes. The field work is really difficult when you find an animal out there, you have no idea how old it is, she said. Its very difficult to see little snapshots of their life history that you have to try and piece together. Tarantulas can live up to 30 years in the wild, according to National Geographic. Much of Shillingtons research has been on thermal regulations of tarantula movements and male mating patterns. Shillington has had her fair share of criticism for her arachnid studies. She said while people do think its interesting, at least somewhat, she mentioned a graduate student once told her he would kill my animals if they ever got out of their containers. Its interesting how people respond to tarantulas, Shillington said. Her family remains staunch supporters of her work. Shillington said her husband takes her field photographs and visits her research sites with their dog. She (the dog) didnt let tarantulas crawl over her but she was in close proximity to all of the tarantulas, Shillington said. She said her mother-in-law put spiders on her wedding cake, all part of her very supportive family. Poscente said he was impressed by Shillingtons enthusiasm for tarantulas when he first he encountered her through an undergraduate class at EMU. Southeast Michigan, where we dont have tarantulas, we do have one of top tarantula researchers, Cara, said Poscente, of Las Vegas. The biggest difficulty in Shillingtons arachnid research is the lack of tarantulas in Michigan, Shillington said. Shillington and her team have to travel out of Michigan to conduct their field studies. Were doing three trips over the semester, but we both work, were also teaching classes, were doing this big juggle with minimal money, she said. I really wish there was a way for more of my students to be able to be out there for some of these periods and the mating season was during the summer. Shillington also wants tarantula haters to spend time with the creatures. Were afraid of things we dont know, Shillington said. When were uncomfortable is sometimes the times we are learning the most, so be willing to embrace that discomfort. And she is not afraid of spiders. Her first pet tarantula was a pink toe and her second was a rose hair tarantula. The ones after are a jumbled memory to her. She enthusiastically said she has thousands of spiders in her home. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Two deer are seen in this MLive file photo. The Linden City Council is looking for ways to better control its deer population after several members of the council expressed concerns about the matter. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com LINDEN, MI City officials in Linden are considering potential solutions to problems stemming from the local deer population. Linden City Councilwoman Pamela Howd expressed her concerns regarding the matter during the governing bodys Sept. 8 meeting. Im sure that everybody has noticed that weve had a deer population surge in the city of Linden, she said. City Manager Ellen Glass said the matter has come up four to five times in the past six years, with the city receiving reports last year of deer walking directly up to windows at homes. The city has also posted information about its deer population on its website and via social media in the past. Our approach before has been more informative and anyone that is potentially baiting, they are visited by an officer and encouraged to discontinue things like that, Glass said. Howd said she recently saw 11 deer waiting to cross the street while she was in her the front yard of her Silver Lake Road home. She noted that she could see seven additional deer across the street. Im petrified because if that many deer cross the road at the same time, itd be a massive accident, Howd said. I value the safety of our citizens. She also cited concerns about the potential spread of disease through deer feces, particularly when it comes to residents with existing health conditions. Other council members agreed that the city needs to do something to control its deer population, including Councilwoman Brenda Simons, who said her grandchildren were nearly trampled by a deer in the yard at her home last year. My concern is the fleas and ticks, and there are some diseases that the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) has identified, she said. Regardless of what solution the city decides to move forward with, Councilman Denis Miller and Howd said they want to see the matter handled humanely. Ive seen witnessed too many deer shot in our front yard by an officer who is really dreading doing that job, she said. Its awful when you see this. Linden Director of Public Works Don Grice offered three potential solutions to the citys deer-related problems: -Allow hunting in the city -Hire sharpshooters to hunt deer in the city -Sterilize the local deer population Grice said hiring sharpshooters and paying to have deer sterilized would be expensive. Theres not an easy choice when it comes to making a decision on that, he said. Although hunting is currently prohibited in Linden, Mayor Pro Tem Brad Dick said most of the communities they know of thatve faced similar issues have conducted controlled deer hunts. However, he said he doesnt believe Linden is large enough to allow for a controlled hunt. Simons suggested amending the citys regulations on hunting to allow hunting during seasons designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. While he admitted conducting them can be costly, Councilman Tom Hicks has been involved in controlled hunts for several years, including two hunts conducted in a pair of metro parks in Genesee County, which he said were highly successful. You need the acreage to be able to make it be feasible, Hicks said. Its quite a procedure. Howd suggested inviting a wildlife biologist to speak to the council about the citys deer population and how could potentially go about addressing the issue. Other Michigan communities that have faced deer-related issues in recent years include Jackson, which has conducted deer harvests in problem areas in the past. Grand Rapids has explored the idea of authorizing controlled deer hunts on city property, and a Grand Valley State University research team conducted nightly deer counts in Kent County for two weeks this summer to help the county and Grand Rapids find ways to control local deer populations. Linden council members did not take any action regarding the deer issue at its Sept. 8 meeting, but Glass said she would discuss the matter with other city officials and return to the council at a later date with any recommendations regarding potential solutions. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The disturbing case of a woman murdered and dismembered by a so-called friend in his Grand Rapids rental home is the center of focus in a new television show. It has been nearly seven years since Kristine Young last saw her 31-year-old daughter, Ashley Young, alive. The womans disappearance was puzzling. The discovery of her body was shocking. Ashley Youngs killer, Jared Chance, is serving up to 200 years in prison in what the sentencing judge called, without question the worst case I have ever been involved in. The criminal cases against Chance, and his accomplice parents, are featured in an episode of A Body in the Basement on the Investigation Discovery network. The episode aired Tuesday, Sept. 23, and is available to HBO Max subscribers. Kristine Young, the mother of Ashley Young, holds a box with Ashley Young's photo on it during the preliminary examination for Jared Chance at the Kent County Courthouse on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. Chance is being charged with the murder of Ashley Young. (Neil Blake | MLive.com) Neil Blake | MLive.com In-depth interviews with Youngs mother and stepmother are featured in the hourlong show as well as recollections from her friends, police, and the prosecutor who tried Chance for murder. Ashley Young was reported missing by her mother on Nov. 29, 2018. She was with Chance at a bar in Grand Rapids the night before. The two were friends. You dont want to admit it to yourself, but you have it in the pit of your stomach that youre not going to see your child again, Kristine Young tells producers of her daughters sudden disappearance. Grand Rapids police responded to Chances two-unit rental home Franklin Street SE after the tenant of the lower apartment saw blood on a tarp in the basement. Officers found Ashley Youngs torso, but her head, hands, and feet were missing. Additional body parts were also discovered on the landing of Chances upper unit. The show features photos some graphic of the crime scene and evidence retrieved, including an image of a reciprocating saw with Youngs blood on it. Chance was arrested Dec. 2 that year and charged with second-degree murder, mutilation of a body, concealing a death and three counts of tampering with evidence. Kristine Young, mother of Ashley Young, gives an impact statement during the sentencing of Jared Chance for the murder, mutilation and other charges in the killing of Ashley Young in Kent County Circuit Court, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Brian Hayes | MLive.com Investigators later learned that after Chance killed Young, he cut up her body and called his parents a couple days later. He asked they pick him up and take him to their Holland home. Chance brought body parts, Youngs clothes, a reciprocating saw and other items in boxes with him. His parents, James and Barbara Chance, were later charged with perjury and accessory after the fact after prosecutors alleged the couple lied to investigators to protect their son. A Kent County jury found Jared Chance guilty of all counts at trial in September 2019. He was sentenced one month later. This is without question the worst case that I have ever been involved with, Kent County Circuit Judge Mark Trusock told Chance at sentencing. What you did and what I saw in photographs was reprehensible and heinous. It was an intense hearing where Chance learned he would spend 100-200 years in prison for Youngs death. Kristine Young delivered a powerful victim impact statement, ripping into Chance for over 10 minutes. Jared Chance, I hate you, she said. I want to rip you limb from limb and discard you like trash, like what you did to Ashley. You do not deserve to breathe. I do not know what Ashley saw in you that was worth saving. James and Barbara Chance were sentenced to jail for being accessories after the fact by helping their son dispose of body parts. The father received 30 days in jail while the mother was handed 45 days. To this day, Youngs head, hands and feet have never been found. Teary-eyed, Kristine Young urged viewers to contact law enforcement if they know anything that could lead to the whereabouts. I need the rest of my child home, she said. Jared Chance is serving his sentence at the Muskegon Correctional Facility. Our favorite photos from first weekend of ArtPrize 2025 GRAND RAPIDS, MI Brilliance and creativity from around the world is drawing attention with ArtPrize returning to Michigan. MLive captured images during the first weekend of the event, as people flocked to downtown Grand Rapids and other areas of the city for the annual event. The international art competition kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 18 with 931 entries, from small paintings and illustrations to big, immersive experiences created by over 1,110 artists. The 16-day competition runs through Oct. 4. The streets of downtown Grand Rapids came alive on Friday with a vibrant opening celebration. Great Lakes Brass and a circus of carnival performers led a Mardi Gras-themed parade down to the Grand River for a fireworks show to celebrate the start of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. A Mardi Gras-themed parade strolls past "Operation G.R.A.M.: Grannies Raid an Art Museum" by Elijah Haswell outside Grand Rapids Art Museum during an opening celebration event in downtown Grand Rapids, on Friday, September 19, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c A firework display concludes an evening of festivities as the first weekend of ArtPrize 2025 starts with a Mardi Gras-themed party during an opening celebration event in downtown Grand Rapids, on Friday, September 19, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c On Saturday, an opening ceremony took place at Veterans Memorial Park for Art for Honor. The collection, which features 26 artists, connects veterans with the community through art, encouraging understanding of their experiences and stories. Festivities are ongoing. This year, special events include artist workshops, concerts, live performances, and interactive exhibits. People can vote for their favorite entry, with the winner awarded a $100,000 grand prize. An aerial view of Reflections of Service an ArtPrize installation by Rockford Legion and a part of Art for Honor at Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The piece features floating photos of veterans drifting across a peaceful pond. Each image is both a portrait and a ripple, symbolizing lives of service, sacrifice, and resilience. The Art for Honor features 26 veteran artists that are participating in ArtPrize, the annual citywide art competition. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Rod Coley poses for a portrait with his 3D ArtPrize piece The Breath and The Brain during the opening celebration of Art for Honor at Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. Coleys piece is a deeply personal exploration of the silent struggles many veterans and civilians face daily: the ongoing battle against stress, trauma, and the subconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences. Art for Honor features 26 veteran artists that are participating in ArtPrize, the annual citywide art competition. Joel Bissell | MLive.com A featured experience this year is The Arborialis Luminarium, created by UK-based Architects of Air. The 9,000-square-foot inflatable luminarium, at 555 Monroe Ave. NW, is designed to transform how visitors perceive light and color. See a comprehensive guide to ArtPrize here. Below are some of our favorite photos from the first weekend of ArtPrize 2025, click here to see the full gallery. Visitors explore the Arborialis Luminarium an ArtPrize ticketed experience at 555 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2025. The immersive 9,000 square-foot, three-story luminarium inspired by the natural world was created by Architects of Air founder Alan Parkinson. The company is based out of Nottingham, U.K. Joel Bissell | MLive.com An aerial image of the Arborialis Luminarium an ArtPrize ticketed experience at 555 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2025. The immersive 9,000 square-foot, three-story luminarium inspired by the natural world was created by Architects of Air founder Alan Parkinson, based out of Nottingham, U.K. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Kalamazoo resident Mark Hayden, left, and girlfriend Cheri Dykstra scroll through the map for ArtPrize 2025 while in front of "Guardian" by Jody Williams in DeVos Place on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Artist Quinn LaMont works on installing Unraveled for ArtPrize 2025 at the BioPhilia Gallery in downtown Grand Rapids, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Montcalm County Sheriff's deputies investigated reports of bomb threats at Tri County High School and multiple credit unions on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (MLive File Photo) MONTCALM COUNTY, MI Reports of bomb threats prompted law enforcement to respond to Tri County High School and multiple branches of Community First Federal Credit Union on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The Montcalm County Sheriffs Office believes that the threats were related, according to a news release issued on social media. Each of the threats were found to not be credible, Sheriff Mike Williams stated. Montcalm deputies, with the assistance of other local and neighboring law enforcement agencies, responded to multiple credit union branches in the county shortly after noon Wednesday. All branch offices were secured and cleared by uniformed officers, leading them to believe that the threat to the branches was not credible. While deputies were investigating at the credit unions, a separate bomb threat was reported at Tri County High School. The threat led to the school being placed on lockdown, while law enforcement conducted a sweep of the building. No explosive devices were located at the school, Williams said. This case remains under investigation as the sheriffs office investigates the source of the threats. The sheriffs office was assisted by Montcalm Central Dispatch, the Michigan State Police, Mecosta County Sheriffs Office, Lakeview Police Department, Montcalm County EMS and multiple fire departments Wednesday. Maryland-based Ohana Growth Partners owns and operates 94 Planet Fitness clubs across the U.S. Pictures is the exterior of a Planet Fitness in South Plainfield, NJ. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Ohana Growth Partners announced Wednesday, Sept. 24, that it has acquired 10 West Michigan Planet Fitness clubs from franchise group JP Fitness. The acquisition also includes one location in Rice Lake, Wis., that is expected to open by the end of the year. Ohana has always been ambitious about growth, thoroughly assessing opportunities to expand in our existing markets and enter new markets to grow the brand, create access to fitness and operate clubs that help change peoples lives, OGP President Justin Drummond said in a statement. This acquisition is aligned with our strategic growth goals, and we look forward to joining the Michigan and Wisconsin communities. The Michigan locations included in the acquisition are: 4235 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park 721 68th St. SW, Byron Center 1305 S. Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven 2807 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids 4180 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 300 S. Greenville West Drive., Greenville 12330 James St., Holland 661 E. 24th St., Holland 1520 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon 2520 Henry St., Muskegon OHP in a release said members of these locations can continue to expect the same high-value and judgement-free experience. JP Fitness is owned by Lisa and Julian Monterosso and founding partner Patrick Schaefer. We are in great hands turning these clubs over to Ohana Growth Partners, Julian Monterosso said in a statement. We couldnt ask for a better owner-operator team for this transaction. With this purchase, OGP now owns and operates 94 Planet Fitness clubs in Michigan, Maryland, Tennessee, Florida, Washington State, California and the District of Columbia. The franchise group expects to open six more locations by the end of the year. A sign at the Parnall Correctional Facility near Jackson is shown on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in this MLive file photo. A man with schizoaffective disorder is suing 11 current and former corrections officials at the state facility in Jackson County for allegedly disregarding threats against him from other prisoners. J. Scott Park | MLive.com JACKSON, MI About a dozen current and former state prison officials in Jackson County are accused of ignoring pleas for help from a prisoner in mental distress before he was injured in a 30-foot fall, according to a new federal lawsuit. Daniel Lee Moore, 52, was at Parnall Correctional Facility in November 2022 when, not fully oriented and confused, he allegedly reported feeling endangered by other inmates who threatened to throw him off a second-floor prison gallery. His complaint, filed this month, contends Michigan Department of Corrections staff were aware of Moores fear and disregarded the risk of harm to him by allowing him to remain in his cell with access to the gallery despite those reports. Now, Moore is asking a judge in U.S. District Court to rule prison staff were deliberately indifferent to his medical needs and safety concerns and grossly negligent. Failing to protect him amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, it contends. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $75,000. Prison officials did not take Moores medical emergency seriously and only aggravated his deteriorating condition, the lawsuit states. Upon information and belief, (Moore) was vulnerable to further deterioration without prompt and proper medical attention. Moores lawsuit, filed Sept. 18 in Michigans Western District, names nine correctional officers, one lieutenant and one sergeant as defendants. It does not name MDOC. When asked, David Dworetsky, Moores attorney, said there was no strategic reason the state agency wasnt included, deferring further comment to the complaint. MDOC spokesperson Jenni Riehle said, The department does not comment on active litigation. Moore, of Stanwood, was sent to Parnall in early 2020 after pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge in 2019 out of Mecosta County, north of Grand Rapids and west of Mount Pleasant. According to state and county records, he was sentenced to up to five years in prison before he was discharged in December 2024. He had several other domestic- and assault-related charges out of Mecosta and neighboring Isabella County since the mid-2000s. According to his lawsuit, Moore also has a history of psychological deficiencies, including schizoaffective disorder. In the month leading up to his fall, Moore, then 49, allegedly requested MDOC move him to another cell after other prisoners approached him. When he later fell, the lawsuit states, he went over the gallery railing due to the actions of other prisoners and his own confusion. He sustained multiple injuries, the lawsuit states, including a head fracture and another closed head injury, a broken sternum and upper humerus, and rib fractures, as well as resulting anxiety, mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation, economic loss, incurred medical expenses, and other damages. The listed defendants include Tyler Axon, Kurel Butler, Guy Derousse, Brock Harvey, Grant Meister, Stephen OToole, Jessie Penix, Kris Smith, Derek Wright and an individual referred only as Sisty. All were corrections officers in November 2022. Morgan Clayton and Luis Adame, respectively ranked sergeant and lieutenant at the time, are also named defendants. Each one is named in their official capacity working at Parnall and accused of violating Moores constitutional rights under the Eighth and 14th Amendment by failing to perform physical jail cell checks and ensuring he received treatment amid medical episodes. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, while the 14th ensures equal protection of laws. No attorney or attorneys were listed for defendants as of Wednesday, Sept. 24. In an email, Riehle said Adame, Axon, Harvey, Meister and OToole are current MDOC employees. The other individuals, Riehle said, are no longer employed with the department. A new program would involve family medicine residents from CMU College of Medicine and CMU Medical Education Partners completing at least 51 percent of their training at Scheurer Health and other nearby rural sites through partnerships with Scheurer Health and Covenant HealthCare. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com SAGINAW, MI Central Michigan University Medical Education Partners secured a $750,000 federal grant to develop Michigans first rural residency training program, addressing a critical shortage of physicians in the states rural communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-based Health Resources and Services Administration awarded the competitive Rural Residency Planning and Development Program grant to the Saginaw-based organization, marking the first time a Michigan entity has received this federal recognition aimed at improving rural healthcare access, CMU Medical Education Partners officials said. The three-year grant will fund an exploratory initiative to create a rural residency track in family medicine within Michigans Thumb region. Family medicine residents from CMU College of Medicine and CMU Medical Education Partners would complete at least 51 percent of their training at Scheurer Health and other nearby rural sites through partnerships with Scheurer Health and Covenant HealthCare. With the leverage of this award, we will explore the options of creating a sustainable model to address a critical shortage of physicians in rural areas, Dr. Samuel Shaheen, president and CEO of CMU Medical Education Partners, said in a statement. This opportunity allows both medical students and residents to experience the quality of life in these communities, which may also inspire them to build their careers in the very same areas. The program addresses a gap in Michigans medical education landscape, officials said. No accredited rural residency program tracks exist in the state, according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, CMU Medical Education Partners officials said. The grant enables the organization to build the infrastructure required to apply for official rural track accreditation. Michigans rural healthcare challenges are substantial, officials said. Physician shortages are a significant problem throughout the country, which are magnified in rural areas, Dr. Ross Ramsey, CEO of Scheurer Health, said in a statement. We are excited that Scheurer Health can help address this shortage by providing training that will help provide a pipeline of physicians for rural Michigan and the Thumb. Beth Charlton, president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Extraordinary care requires extraordinary physicians and developing an inspired talent pipeline dedicated to that effort, paramount, she said in a statement. We are excited and grateful for this opportunity. The program aims to create lasting connections between medical trainees and rural communities. Bethany Figg, associate designated institution official and director of graduate medical education at CMU Medical Education Partners, said rural training provides unique opportunities for medical professionals. Rural training will provide our learners with a chance to care for patients in settings where connections run deep and communities quickly feel like home, Figg said in a statement. Those experiences often stay with them, inspiring many to put down roots and continue practicing where their skills are needed most. Upon approval of their accreditation application, CMU Medical Education Partners leaders expect to welcome their first cohort of residents in July 2027. Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by CMU Medical Education Partners. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff. A juvenile Nile crocodile contained in a tote by Hampton Township police officers the afternoon of Sept. 23, 2025. Cole Waterman BAY COUNTY, MI Police arrested an unusual trespasser they caught lazily sunbathing in a mid-Michigan yard. Thankfully, the four-legged, scale-covered encroacher didnt resist by biting the officers with its extended jaws or try spinning them in one of its species infamous death rolls. The suspect, a juvenile Nile crocodile, is no longer in police custody, having been released to a local zoo. In my 29 years of service, Ive never had a call like this before, said Hampton Township Public Safety Lt. Todd Becker. About 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, Becker and Officer Brett Whitman responded to a residence in the 800 block of West Hampton Road after a woman resident called 911 to report some kind of crocodilian in her yard, lazing under a crab apple tree. Becker and Whittman spotted the approximately 3-foot-long reptile lying near a chain link fence. Hampton Township Police Officer Brett Whittman stands with a juvenile Nile crocodile he and Lt. Todd Becker recovered from a woman's yard the afternoon of Sept. 23, 2025. Cole Waterman You could see it plain as day, even from pretty far away, Becker said. It was just lying there in the nice, fresh-cut grass. I thought it was a joke at first, because it wasnt moving or nothing. After looking over their shoulders to ensure they werent the butt of some practical joke, the officers approached the animal and realized it was alive. The homeowner gave the officers a plastic tote, with which they corralled the croc. Till then, it hadnt moved, but then it started banging on the sides, Becker said. With the animal wrangled, the officers had to figure out what to do with it. Bay County Central Dispatch employees manned the phones and contacted staff at the Wilderness Trails Zoo, 11721 Gera Road in Saginaw Countys Birch Run Township, who were willing to accept the croc. Jeremiah Tietz, the zoos director, said the animal appears to belong to the Nile crocodile, or Crocodylus niloticus, species. I have no idea how a private owner would even get ahold of something like this, he said. Its not something you normally see with private owners, as they do get extremely large and mean. An adult Nile crocodile can grow to about 16 feet long, Tietz said. The species is the largest crocodilian in Africa and second largest in the world, behind only the saltwater crocodile. Becker added no one has come forward to claim ownership of the croc. He further noted Hampton Township has an ordinance prohibiting private ownership of exotic animals such as crocs. Were assuming it got too big for somebody, Becker said. Who knows how long ago they let it go? The croc was in rough shape and is now receiving care at the zoo, Tietz said. Once the croc is stabilized and healthy, Heitz plans to introduce it to another Nile croc of similar size, he said. Crocs are a bit more aggressive than alligators, so we may have to do protected introductions to make sure they dont hurt each other, he said. Anyone with information on how the crocodile ended up in Hampton Township can call police at 989-892-0571. Once the rain winds down, the air will start to warm back up. By the weekend and next week, Michigan will almost feel like summer again. 1. Significant Rainfall in Southeast Michigan Heavy rainfall has occurred in southeast Michigan, particularly around the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas overnight. Some locations have received substantial precipitation, with Monroe recording almost 4 inches of rain, and Berlin Township receiving 4 inches. A flash flood warning was issued for the southeast corner of Washtenaw County where over three inches of rain fell. The thumb region, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland areas will continue to see rain today, which is beneficial for farmers who have been dealing with extremely dry, concrete-like ground conditions that have been damaging farm equipment during harvest. 2. Extended Warm Pattern Through Early October Michigan is experiencing an extended period of warmer than normal temperatures that will continue well into October. After some scattered showers Thursday, temperatures will climb to the mid-to-upper 70s Friday and Saturday, with Sunday potentially reaching the low 80s in some areas. This warming trend is expected to persist through at least October 9th, with temperatures running 5-15 degrees above normal. October may be the new September, so dont put away summer clothing yet as the unseasonably warm conditions continue. 3. Developing Dry Pattern After Thursday Following tomorrows scattered showers, Michigan is expected to enter an extended dry period. The forecast shows Friday being dry for most areas except for a small line of showers in northwest Lower Michigan. The weekend looks particularly dry, with Saturday and Sunday showing clear conditions across the state. This dry pattern is projected to continue through early October, with precipitation models showing little to no significant rainfall events for Michigan during this period, creating an unusually stable stretch of dry weather for our region. 4. Ridge Building in Upper Atmosphere Another significant ridge will be building in the upper atmosphere, which explains the persistent warm pattern. This ridge is expected to strengthen by the weekend and become centered over Michigan by October 2nd, potentially bringing 80-degree temperatures. The formation of this warm dome may be partially influenced by tropical systems developing in the Atlantic off the southeast coast. The upper air flow patterns show no significant cool-down or big bend in the jet stream that would bring below-normal temperatures to the region, indicating the continuation of the warmer-than-normal October pattern. 5. Tropical Systems Affecting East Coast While not directly impacting Michigan, we should keep an eye on the development of tropical systems in the Atlantic that could affect the East Coast in early October. These systems, which may develop into hurricanes, are creating a dumbbell effect (referred to as the Fushara effect) where two tropical systems interact with each other. Anyone planning travel to the East Coast around October 1st to October 5th should monitor weather conditions, though its far too early to cancel any travel plans. These systems are also contributing to the ridge building over the Midwest, enhancing Michigans warm pattern. Generative AI was used to bring my live video to text for this story, based on my live broadcast video this morning. I used the text as a foundation of the article. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has provided guidance for reforming and improving global governance, and China is ready to work with Austria to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination and work together to improve global governance, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday. Li, who is in New York for the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks when meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. As the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals since the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Li said, the relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape and grown steadily on the whole. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the two sides have enriched the dimensions of their relations and upgraded their relationship to a friendly strategic partnership, Li said, adding that bilateral cooperation has been progressing in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to both sides. China is ready to take the 55th anniversary of bilateral ties next year as an opportunity to step up high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to push for more pragmatic results, said the Chinese premier. Li also expressed the hope that Austria will abide by the one-China principle and make efforts to build a solid political foundation for bilateral ties. The Chinese and Austrian economies enjoy strong complementarity and numerous converging interests, offering vast space and potential for deepening cooperation, Li said. China is ready to continue leveraging bilateral exchange mechanisms such as the joint commissions on economy and trade, as well as on scientific and technological cooperation with Austria, so as to promote the continuous expansion and upgrade of bilateral trade, he said. Li called on both sides to strengthen cooperation in areas such as green transition and digital economy and push for innovation, sustainability and high-quality growth in industrial development. And China encourages more established Chinese enterprises to invest in Austria, he said. The two sides should also expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, and foster new highlights in culture and tourism cooperation, Li said. Li called on Austria, a key member of the European Union (EU), to prompt the EU to view China-EU relations from a strategically autonomous and long-term perspective, adopt a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and work with China to safeguard multilateralism and free trade so as to deliver more benefits to China and the EU, as well as the rest of the world. For his part, Stocker noted that China is one of Austria's most important trading partners, and bilateral economic and trade relations have witnessed strong development. He said that the Austrian government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country or conduct official exchanges with Taiwan. As next year will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Stocker said the Austrian side is ready to enhance high-level exchanges with China and consolidate the long-term friendship. He also called on both sides to tap cooperation potential, and expand cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, tourism and culture to push for greater development of the Austria-China friendly strategic partnership, adding that Austria looks forward to welcoming more Chinese tourists. Austria, he said, looks forward to strengthening collaboration with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and promoting the reform and improvement of the global governance system. The Austrian side also stands ready to play an active role in promoting the development of EU-China relations, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) URUMQI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday arrived in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has led a central delegation to Xinjiang for the celebrations, marking the first time in the history of the Party and the country that such an arrangement has been made. At about 2:20 p.m., Xi's plane landed at the Urumqi Tianshan International Airport. He stepped out of the cabin and waved to a cheering crowd. As he descended from the ramp, Xi received flowers from children and was welcomed by songs and dances performed by people of various ethnic groups. Crowds lined the streets of Urumqi, waving red flags to welcome the convoy as Xi waved to the people through his open window. Xi is accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the central delegation, as well as Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Both Wang and Cai are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, steps out of the cabin and waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Bi Xiaoyang) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, steps out of the cabin and waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, steps out of the cabin and waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, receives flowers from a child upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to a cheering crowd upon his arrival in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people through his open window in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Tuesday to attend activities marking the autonomous region's 70th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) Editor: Xiong Jian The BJP leader also underscored the contradictions between Rahul Gandhi's stand on the issue of reservation and that of his father, former prime minister late Rajiv Gandhi. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Alia Bhatt gets trolled for calling Alpha her 'first action film' Alia Bhatt gets trolled for calling Alpha her 'first action film' Vaishnavi Gavankar 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 Amrita shared that the superstar would visit her mother during breaks on set and even offered guidance on choosing film projects. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7: Lesbian couple Adhila and Noora propose each other; internet gives mixed responses Sarika 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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The popularity of the drama has been greatly aided by Lee Chae-min's portrayal of Prince Yeon-hee, a tyrant with a fine sense of taste who skilfully blends romantic and humorous moments. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 6 / 9 Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa Three months after getting engaged on The Bachelor, Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa called off their engagement. Grant shared on Instagram that they gave this our best but realized they werent the right long-term fit. Both remain respectful toward each other, having had honest conversations about their future together. Nakul Tomar 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 6 / 8 Private life Priyanka is becoming more and more famous, yet she maintains her personal life secret. People have asked her about her romances, but she has always kept her mind on her work. In 2023, she became well-known for her roles in the movie Tik Tok. Some fans liked the trailer, but others didn't. Priyanka took the criticism well and said that she will keep trying out new roles. On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender, and the Chinese people finally welcomed the long-awaited victory! However, enemy commander Yasuji Okamura issued an order: surrender only to the Kuomintang army, firmly refuse to surrender to other armed forces, and "without hesitation exercise self-defense force" when necessary. On November 29, the Lunan Railway Brigade (Railway Guerrilla) of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army learned that the Japanese armored train brigade and railway security brigade had secretly gathered at Lincheng Railway Station, preparing to flee by armored train toward Shagou Railway Station on their way to Xuzhou."Trying to escape? Not so easy!" Brigade Commander Liu Jinshan slammed his fist on the table. After careful discussion, the team devised a counterplan: turn the enemys scheme against them by trapping them at Shagou Station"shut the door and beat the dog." Shagou Station, located 8 kilometers south of Lincheng, was a key node on the Jinpu Railway and also the only way out for the invaders. Liu Jinshan knew the area inside out. Over the years, the Railway Guerrilla had operated on this railway, "boarding moving trains, seizing machine guns, derailing trains, and blowing up bridgeslike a sharp knife plunged into the enemys heart, terrifying the Japanese forces." Luo Ronghuan, political commissar of the 115th Division, praised them as a formidable force in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. That night, the Railway Guerrilla set up an ambush on the Jinpu Railway between Lincheng and Xuzhou. Before long, an armored train loaded with troops and weapons came rushing southward. Its wheels clattered over the cold tracks, echoing through the desolate wilderness. "Commander, listen! The Japanese train is coming," whispered a voice from behind a mound near the tracks. "Pass the order: proceed as planned, prepare for action!" Soon, the train passed Jizhuang. With the path clear, Shagou Station drew closer. The Japanese armored train commander, Ota, and the soldiers aboard remained completely unaware of the impending danger. "Screech" A sharp braking sound pierced the night. The train jolted and came to an abrupt halt. Inside, the Japanese soldiers were thrown forward like sandbags, instantly thrown into chaos. The railway ahead had been destroyed. Seeing no hope of escaping south, after a brief chaos, Ota ordered the train to turn around and head back toward Lincheng. "Commander, the Japanese are retreating!" The voice behind the mound was excited. "Good! Lets give them a big gift." As soon as he spoke, the fuse hissed and sparked. In an instant, a loud "boom" eruptedthe pre-planted explosives detonated, cutting off the Japanese retreat. The armored train was completely stranded on a section of track north of Shagou Station. An anxious Ota rushed to the window. On the slope to one side, he saw a row of familiar figures. They wore dark felt hats and coarse cotton-padded clothes, standing with gunsit was their old adversaries! The Railway Guerrilla team! "Quickly... quickly!" With urgent commands, the Japanese soldiers frantically opened the train doors, swarmed onto the open ground west of the railway, and hastily set up barbed wire to build makeshift defenses. To the east, they mounted artillery and heavy machine guns, using the train cars as cover, preparing for armed resistance. A battle was imminent! Liu Jinshan made a decisive call: the rifle and pistol squads were divided into three groups, deploying to the east, west, and north, standing ready. At the same time, he urgently sent word to the Lunan Military District command to seek instructions on whether to eliminate the Japanese troops on the spot. Soon, the military district leadership replied: "Do not attack. Japan has already surrendered, and they cannot escape. Negotiate to have them hand over their weapons." Upon receiving the instruction, Liu Jinshan immediately called for messenger Zhang Shutai and had him deliver an ultimatum to the Japanese train, demanding they surrender their weapons within a time limit. Knowing he was cornered, Ota agreed to negotiate. Liu Jinshan led the team to prepare for combat, while political commissar Zheng Ti went to negotiate with the Japanese. Ota tried to trick them: "We cannot accept the ultimatum and cannot hand over our weapons to your army. Because your army does not represent China." "The forces fighting and ultimately defeating you in the Lincheng-Zaozhuang area are the Eighth Route Army and guerrilla forces led by the Communist Party of China. We have the most right to accept your surrender." The negotiations lasted from morning until noon. Our representatives stood firm and kept applying pressure, and the arrogant Ota finally relented but set a condition: if they were to disarm, they must see a "higher-ranking officer." At 2 p.m., Zhang Guangzhong, commander of the Lunan Military District, arrived on the scene. He went straight to the point: "Our objective is clear: you must unconditionally surrender all weapons to the Railway Brigade, whom you have fought for seven years. Because we have won, and you have lost." After a pause, he fixed his piercing gaze on Ota and added, "If you remain obstinate, we will resolve this by force." Faced with such firm resolve, Ota lost his earlier defiance. "We are willing to surrender our weapons to your forces. Its just... the specifics require further discussion. We request a nights grace." The next day, the Japanese representatives did not make further excuses. However, just as the agreement was about to be finalized, Ota made one "small request": he asked that soldiers be allowed to keep their bayonets and officers their swords, "for self-defense." The request seemed ordinary but was actually cunning. The officers sword was far from a simple weaponin the Japanese military system, it was not only a symbol of command but also embodied the so-called "bushido spirit" and the dignity of the "Imperial Army." Surrendering it meant fully admitting defeat, which the Japanese were clearly unwilling to accept. "The swords must be surrendered!" Zheng Ti stated firmly. "We will guarantee your safety." Hearing this, Ota nodded repeatedly with a bitter smile. Finally, both sides agreed that the formal surrender of weapons would take place on the afternoon of December 1. Hearing that the Japanese were to surrender, by the afternoon of December 1, people swarmed to a low-lying area west of Shagou Station and east of Weishan Lake from all directions, eagerly awaiting the moment to witness the invaders bow their heads. "Surrenderbegin!" Around 3 p.m., a resounding command echoed across the area. The Japanese soldiers came unit by unit, led by Ota and Kobayashi, commander of the railway security brigade, to disarm. Each squad stepped forward, saluted the Railway Brigade, took three steps back, neatly laid their guns on the ground, and then retreated in formation. This process repeated deep into the night until the mountainous pile of weapons was fully surrendered. By the time the surrender site was cleared, day had broken. The crew could no longer contain their excitementthey grabbed the newly captured guns and fired toward Weishan Lake in celebration of the hard-won victory after years of bloody struggle. According to later recollections, the cheers by the lake were thunderous, even livelier than New Year celebrations. Shortly afterward, "Dazhong Daily" and "Liberation Daily" prominently featured the surrender news on their front pages under the headlines "Over a Thousand Japanese Troops in Lunan Surrender to Us" and "Enemy Forces in Lincheng Surrender to Our Army." In 1954, writer Liu Zhixia authored the novel Railway Guerrilla based on the brigades anti-Japanese invasion deeds. In 1956, a film of the same name was released. In both works, the "Shagou Surrender" was a climactic event. In early autumn 80 years later, the "Into Former Battlefields of War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" reporting team visited the areas where the Railway Guerrilla Team fought. "Look! Thats the surrender site. Back then, our members stood on high ground to accept the Japanese surrenderit was incredibly impressive," said Yang Jiachang, director of the CPPCC Office in Shagou Town, Xuecheng District, Zaozhuang, Shandong Province, pointing excitedly at a cornfield nearing harvest. He turned and pointed to the nearby railway: "And look at this railwayafter electrification, its nothing like it was in the past." As we spoke, a silver-and-red bullet train sped by. That is our "Fuxing" train! (By Guangming Daily reporters Cai Chuang, Yao Kun, Song Xiqun) Translated by Xiong Jian Editor: WXY Parineeti Chopra celebrates second anniversary With Raghav Chadha by 'fixing' a 'mistake' - find out 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Suriya's security officer duped of Rs 42 lakh in Rs 2 crore scam by actor's domestic help and family Investigators said that Sulochana, who worked as domestic help at Suriyas home, along with her son, lured Prabhu into investing money by promising him high returns. M Snehanjali 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 Meditation apps may help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even impact your genes; says study Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Meditation apps can do more than calm your mind, they may help lower blood pressure, ease stress and even influence your genes.(Image: Pexels) Ishita Batra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept From a chevron-patterned shearling coat to a lace slip dress, Alia Bhatts head-to-toe Gucci look at Milan Fashion Week was all about statement glamour. (Image: aliabhaat_admirer/ instagram) Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. 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 Danish Khan 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 The fundraise, Blue Energy said, will help the company fully unlock capacity Shiladitya Pandit 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 Lawyer = client. Why law prohibiting identification is protection of justice, not an attack on freedom of speech Lawyer Oleksiy Shevchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian National Bar Association The Ukrainian debate on identifying lawyers with their clients often boils down to emotional arguments. Some talk about a threat to freedom of speech, while others talk about real attacks and pressure on defense lawyers. This article breaks it all down: it explains what the new law actually entails; why it does not infringe on journalism; how it complies with European standards (in particular, the new Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Legal Profession); and why, in the end, citizens, the state, and honest media will benefit. A problem that has been known for a long time, but for which there were no tools For years, Ukrainian lawyers have been targeted simply because they are doing their job: defending unpopular suspects, taking on politically sensitive cases, and demanding that investigators comply with procedural rules. Public campaigns against lawyers labeling them as defenders of traitors/murderers/corrupt officials fueled waves of threats, attempts to disrupt court hearings, physical attacks, and reputational narratives of guilty because he defends the guilty. This is not theory: according to the official report of the UNBA (Ukrainian and English versions), the number of documented cases of identification has been increasing every year: 13 in 2022, 21 in 2023, 28 in 2024, and already 32 in the first half of 2025 alone. The authors of the report emphasize that this is only the tip of the iceberg, as not all incidents are included in the statistics. The consequence is obvious: when a defense attorney is intimidated, a person's right to a fair trial suffers. A lawyer is neither a friend nor an enemy of the client; he is the guarantor of the procedure. His professional duty is to ensure that the case is heard in court, not on a Telegram channel; that the evidence is proper, not emotionally convincing; that the presumption of innocence works for everyone. By undermining the independence and safety of lawyers, we undermine justice. What exactly has been adopted in Ukraine: briefly, accurately, without myths On July 1617, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada approved a law amending the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code to provide real protection for the professional guarantees of lawyers. The new article of the Code of Administrative Offenses establishes administrative liability for publicly identifying a lawyer with a client. The definition of identification in the law is clear: any identification (association, linking) of a lawyer with the activities or actions of a client that creates a biased attitude towards the lawyer, indicates his or her personal involvement, affects his or her independent status, and/or exerts negative pressure during the performance of his or her activities. Cases will be heard by district/city courts; protocols will be drawn up by the heads of regional bar councils or authorized members. The penalty is a fine within the limits specified by the Code of Administrative Offenses (with an increase in case of recurrence). The fact that the reform has been adopted is confirmed by public sources: official news from the judiciary and a statement from the Ukrainian National Bar Association. Both emphasize that this is the first realistic tool for accountability for dangerous identification, designed not to shut people up but to stop practices that threaten the safety of defenders and ultimately undermine citizens' right to defense. Important: the law does not prohibit factual references such as Lawyer X represents client Y in case Z. The subject of liability is not the fact of representation, but the public equating of the lawyer with the actions of the client, which causes negative consequences (prejudice, pressure, etc.). This is a fundamental distinction: informing = identifying. Where criticism ends and identification begins Freedom of speech is at the center of public debate. Some critics argue that the law penalizes any public mention of a lawyer in the context of a client. This interpretation is excessive and does not correspond to the text of the norm. The definition of identification directly refers to prejudice, indication of personal involvement, and other negative influences on independence or guarantees of activitywithout these elements, there is no offense. Therefore: Criticism of a lawyer (as a public figure), analysis of their procedural actions, and questions of ethics are possible and protected by freedom of expression, provided they do not contain fabrications or slander. Facts about who a lawyer represents are permissible. Identification = equating a lawyer with the actions of a client (labels such as accomplice/accessory/traitor, etc.), which leads to pressure, threats, and obstruction, is punishable. This is a balanced approach: the law does not turn conscientious journalism into a risk zone, but it does draw a red line for hate speech and dangerous campaigns against lawyers. Why the principle of lawyer = client is the basis of a fair trial A lawyer is not an evaluator of the moral qualities of the defendant, but a guarantor of the procedure. Just as a doctor saves the wounded regardless of their biography, so a lawyer ensures the right to defense regardless of public sympathy. If we allow lawyers to be equated with their clients, we will face an avalanche of problems: Chilling effect: lawyers will refuse to take on high-profile cases due to the threat of harassment. Deformation of the process: investigators will be given carte blanche to pass public judgments before the court; lawyers will be afraid to object, and the rights of the defense will be destroyed. Loss of trust: citizens will stop believing that court is a place where evidence is weighed, not likes and views. That is why European legal thought has spent decades building up protections for the legal profession: independence, confidentiality, professional secrecy, protection from identification. And Ukraine has not only the right but also the obligation to bring these guarantees into practice. European standard: the new Council of Europe Convention In March 2025, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the Convention on the Protection of the Legal Profession; on May 13, 2025, it was opened for signature at a session in Luxembourg. The purpose of the document is to strengthen the protection of lawyers and create a mechanism for monitoring its implementation. The key provision for our topic is contained in Article 6(5): "The Parties shall ensure that lawyers do not suffer adverse consequences as a result of their identification with their clients or with the position of their clients. This article shall apply without prejudice to freedom of expression...". In other words, the prohibition of identification is explicitly enshrined as a European standard and at the same time balanced with freedom of speech. This position is also supported by the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), which explains that the aim of the Convention is to strengthen the rule of law, as attacks on the role of lawyers in Europe are increasing and the safety of the profession is a prerequisite for citizens' access to justice. Thus, Ukrainian law is following the path already paved in Europe: to stop turning lawyers into targets by imposing narrow, proportionate liability for dangerous practices. Responses to key myths Myth 1. This is an attack on journalism. No. The law does not restrict the right to report facts and criticize lawyers as public figures if this is done in good faith. The line is drawn where slander and incitement begin, leading to negative consequences (prejudice, pressure, threats). This coincides with the European test of proportionality: freedom of speech is not absolute and may be restricted to protect the reputation and safety of others. The Council of Europe Convention explicitly emphasizes that the prohibition of identification applies without prejudice to freedom of expression therefore, balance is built into the standard itself. Myth 2. Any mention of a lawyer alongside a client will be punished. Not true. In the new article of the Code of Administrative Offenses, the subject of liability is identification in the sense given in the law: association that creates bias or pressure and indicates personal involvement. The fact that A defends B is not punishable. What is punishable is the campaign A = B with consequences. Myth 3. They defend bad lawyers. No. The law does not grant lawyers immunity from liability for their own offenses (criminal, disciplinary, ethical). It only refers to protection from the actions of others clients or the crowd when they are unfairly attributed to the lawyer. A lawyer is a procedural function, not an evaluation of a client's lifestyle. Myth 4. Ukraine is moving away from Europe. On the contrary. Ukrainian law harmonizes national practice with the Council of Europe Convention and the position of the European Bar. The explicit provision prohibiting identification in Article 6(5) of the Convention is the best response to those who call the idea anti-European. How the mechanism will work in practice Cases under the new article will be considered by district/city courts, and the protocol on administrative offenses will be drawn up by the heads of regional bar councils or authorized members. The sanction is a fine within the limits of the Code of Administrative Offenses; for repeat offenses, the fine is increased. At the same time, the procedure itself filters out trivial complaints: there must be evidence of bias/pressure/negative consequences specifically from identification. This is not a ban on speaking, but a targeted safeguard against dangerous campaigns. Separately, the law clarifies the disposition of Article 397 of the Criminal Code (interference in the activities of a lawyer), detailing the forms of obstruction: from illegal obstruction of arrival at court or investigative bodies to other intentional actions that block the exercise of professional activities. Thus, the criminal norm becomes more practical for law enforcement agencies and courts. Why is this important for journalists and society? Honest journalism benefits when marginal rhetoric of revenge and slander decreases in the information space. Editors and authors who work with facts and evidence are not the target of this law. On the contrary, an adequate limit of responsibility increases trust in the media and helps separate investigation from hate speech. Citizens benefit because the right to defense becomes more real. No one wants to find themselves in a situation where their lawyer is afraid to do their job because of raids on social media or groups of moral inquisitors outside the court. Strong defense is not about impunity, but about a fair trial and the examination of evidence in court, not in an information bubble. The state wins because it introduces a European culture of responsibility for one's words, reduces the intensity of violent campaigns, and enhances the international reputation of justice. A view from Europe: why this course is right European institutions say outright: attacks on lawyers in Europe have increased, and therefore special guarantees are needed. The Convention is not a symbolic declaration but a solid legal instrument with a monitoring mechanism and periodic assessments of implementation. It is advisable for Ukraine to synchronize its internal practice with these standards which is what the new law does. Ukraine has publicly supported the course of implementing the Convention: relevant announcements by the UNBA and the Council of Europe set out the milestones adoption (March 2025) and opening for signature (May 13, 2025, Luxembourg). This outline is important not only politically but also practically: it forms a common language with European partners on the protection of justice and freedom of speech at the same time. Ethics and professional standards: what needs to change in communication practice The law is a necessary but not the only answer. It is extremely important to update the professional practices of all parties involved. For the media and opinion leaders: Avoid constructions that directly or indirectly equate a lawyer with a client (lawyer of traitors, lawyer of murderers, etc.). Clearly separate facts (who represents whom) from assessments, indicating the evidence for statements. Understand that hot emotions can backfire not only legally, but also in terms of reputation. For law enforcement agencies and courts: Consistently apply the updated Article 397 of the Criminal Code (interference in the activities of a lawyer). Explain to personnel the difference between criticism and identification. For the legal profession: Promptly record incidents of identification (screenshots, witnesses, police reports) the evidence base will be key in court. Maintain internal codes of communication so as not to undermine the reputation of the profession with your own words. A separate note on the limits of criticism Criticism of a lawyer is permissible. He can be wrong; his tactics can be controversial; his reputation can be tested by facts. All of this is normal for a democracy. What is not normal is when criticism turns into personal insinuations such as he defends, therefore he shares in the crime, he works for the enemy, he should be punished like his client. This is where the line between public interest and danger to justice is drawn. Who will benefit from the new norm and how Ordinary people. When you or your loved ones need legal defense tomorrow, your lawyer should be able to work without fear. This directly depends on whether their profession is protected from harassment. Journalists. A clear line between criticism and dangerous rhetoric reduces the risks of the boomerang effect and increases trust in the media. The state. European integration is not only about laws on paper, but also about practices of respect for institutions. The protection of lawyers is a marker of the maturity of the legal system. What else needs to be done: a brief roadmap for implementation 1) An explanatory campaign for the media and bloggers: simple explanations of where the line between informing and identifying lies; case studies. 2) Training for judges and police: how to qualify cases of identification; how to collect evidence; how to apply changes to Article 397 of the Criminal Code. 3) Internal protocols of the UNBA on evidence collection and communication in high-profile cases (quick instructions on how to act when a campaign is launched against a lawyer). 4) Monitoring and reporting: regular public reports (in Ukrainian and English) on incidents and court decisions; this will strengthen Ukraine's position in the dialogue with the EU and the Council of Europe. Why signing the law is a logical and correct step Freedom of speech is the foundation of democracy. But democracy cannot survive without fair trials, and fair trials are impossible without independent defense. Prohibiting the identification of lawyers with their clients does not restrict journalism; it restricts irresponsible aggression that destroys justice. Ukrainian law: complies with European standards (Article 6(5) of the Council of Europe Convention); establishes proportional liability where actual damage occurs; strengthens institutional guarantees and trust in the courts in wartime, this is no less important than on the front lines of information security. The new administrative norm is not about silence in the media. It is about silence for the crowd that would like to judge louder than the court. And about the voice of the law, which must be heard when emotions are at their loudest. The initiative provides a wide platform for young, enthusiastic researchers aspiring to build careers in universities, industry, national R&D laboratories, and academic institutions. 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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 Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has met with Acting Foreign Minister of Vietnam Le Hoai Trung on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. At the @UN HQ in New York, I met with Acting Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Le Hoai Trung. We discussed steps to maintain the positive dynamics of our bilateral contacts, strengthen our ties, and develop economic cooperarion, he said on X. Sybiha noted that they both share the view that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental for international peace and security. The parties agreed to continue an active dialogue aimed at strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership between Ukraine and Vietnam. 25,000 seen as key support as Nifty holds 25,050; Bank Nifty below 55,000 may trigger further slide towards 54,500 Sensex fell 386.47 points or 0.47 percent to close at 81,715.63. During the day, it dropped 494.26 points or 0.6 percent to 81,607.84. The Nifty shed 112.60 points or 0.45 percent to settle at 25,056.90. Paras Bisht 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 Bajaj Electricals has approved a Rs 146 crore deal to acquire brand rights of Morphy Richards for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Saudi stocks jump most since 2020 on plan to relax foreign curbs Investors are betting on a flood of investment to the Gulf nation if it eases rules that now cap foreign ownership of listed companies at 49%. 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. 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 Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives at SBI Securities. Indian benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex closed lower on Wednesday, extending a four-day losing streak. Worries over US H-1B visa rules and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powells commentary on high equity valuations weighed heavily on the market sentiment. Nifty witnessed a volatile session, opening on a weak note and extending its decline to 25,027. However, buyers emerged from lower levels, helping the index stage a recovery until 25,142 before another round of selling pressure dragged the Index lower. Nifty, eventually settled at 25,057, down 0.45%. In the sectoral space, CPSE and FMCG Index were the only sectors to end in green, with both ending around 0.20% higher. On the flip side, Nifty Realty and Capital Market Index ended as top sectoral losers. Powergrid and Hindustan Unilever were the top gainers, while Tata Motors and BEL emerged as the top two losers. Talking about the broader markets, both Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100, underperformed the frontline indices. The Midcap 100 Index & Small cap 100 Index ended 0.98% and 0.67% lower respectively. The advance-decline ratio was heavily skewed in the favour of the bears with 344 stocks out of the Nifty 500 closing in the red, indicating that the selling was not limited to key heavyweights but across the board. Nifty View The days action resulted in a doji candle with minor shadows on both ends, reflecting indecision in the market after the recent throwback. Importantly, the index took support from the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement 25,04525,050 zone of its prior up move (24405-25449). This zone also aligns with the 20-day EMA making this cluster a strong near-term support. On the indicator front, the RSI has moved down sharply from 68 on September 18 to around 52 today, highlighting weakening bullish momentum. The ADX setup shows DI+ trending lower while DI is inching higher, with lines converging an early sign of a possible momentum shift. The Bollinger Bands indicate price slipping from the upper band toward the middle band, suggesting consolidation. That said, Nifty remains above its 20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, keeping the broader uptrend structure intact. Looking at key levels, the 25,05025,000 zone will act as an immediate support. A sustained move below 25,000 can lead to the throwback extending further in the Index towards 24,800. On the upside, the zone of 25,150-25,200 is likely to act as an immediate resistance. Any follow through buying above this zone can lead to resumption of uptrend in the Index. Bank Nifty View Bank Nifty has been relatively outperforming the Nifty as reflected in the gradually rising ratio line. However, in the first two days of the week, the index struggled to clear the stiff resistance zone around 55,66055,670, leading to a corrective bias. Today, the index slipped 0.70% and closed at 55,122. With todays closing, Index broke below the 50-day EMA zone of 55,19055,200, which acted as a strong support in the previous two days. Momentum indicators are showing signs of fatigue. The RSI has eased from 63 on September 18 to around 51, suggesting a moderation in bullish strength. Meanwhile, the ADX setup reflects a declining DI+ and a rising DI, pointing to weakening momentum. The Bollinger Bands also indicate price gravitating back toward the middle band, hinting at consolidation. Strong selling pressure from heavyweights like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, weighed on sentiment. Looking at key levels, the 55,10055,000 zone will act as an immediate support. A sustained move below 55,000 can lead to the throwback extending further in the Index towards 54,500. On the upside, the zone of 55,500-55,600 is likely to act as an immediate resistance. Any follow through buying above this zone can lead to resumption of uptrend in the Index. Sunil Matkar 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 Dinesh Unnikrishnan is Editor-Banking & Finance at Moneycontrol. Dinesh heads the Banking and Finance Bureau at Moneycontrol. He also writes a weekly column, Banking Central, every Monday. Trumps disdain for global institutions are more than rhetorical bluster Namrata Agarwal 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 NIA to probe robbery of over Rs 18 crore from Punjab National Bank branch in Manipur The case was registered following an order by the Union home ministry dated September 3, 2025. Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Photo: NEFCO Three solar power plants with a total capacity of 340 kW, built for the city water supply and sewage systems of the Chortkiv Production Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Services, were officially put into operation on September 23 in Chortkiv (Ternopil region), the press service of the NEFCO corporation (Nordic Environment Finance Corporation), with whose support the project was implemented, reported. The implementation of this demonstration project marks a significant step in supporting the countrys energy resilience. The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) has provided EUR 460,000 in grant funding, with Sweden providing EUR 54,960 in technical assistance. The city of Chortkiv contributed EUR 33,846 in co-financing. The Egis team in Ukraine acted as a technical advisor and consultant. The project's goal is to produce "green" electricity for the water utility, which ensures the uninterrupted operation of pumping stations and treatment facilities. The total capacity of the stations is 340 kW, which allows to provide about 20% of the facilities' electricity needs and guarantee the reliability of water supply, the press release states. Chortkiv has demonstrated that implementing projects like this is possible with support from international finance institutions and donors even under the difficult conditions of war. This approach offers hope that Ukraines long-term recovery will go beyond simply rebuilding what was destroyed and pave the way for a more sustainable, energy-independent and environmentally secure future. This initiative also sets an example for other cities on how to build modern infrastructure with an emphasis on a green transition and energy efficiency, says Volodymyr Shmatko, Mayor of Chortkiv. According to the press release, solar power plants ensure uninterrupted water supply for over 15,000 consumers. The use of renewable energy allows pumping stations and treatment plants to operate continuously, reducing dependence on centralized electricity sources and increasing the energy sustainability of the community. It is planned to apply an "active consumer" tariff, which potentially allows the Chortkiv Production Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Services to transfer excess electricity to the national grid, increasing energy efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It is expected that replacing part of the electricity supplied from the grid with solar energy will reduce CO emissions by approximately 300 tonnes per year and save the city budget about EUR 70,000 annually. Solar power has many advantages over other energy sources, even renewable ones, explains Jyrki Rautamaki, Senior Consultant at Nefco. Solar power plants are economical and have a relatively short construction time. They are also much safer to operate than fuel generators, as well as producing no noise, requiring less maintenance and offering more reliable operation than mechanical systems, which are prone to breakdowns. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are durable and long-lasting. The Egis team supported the project at all stages from planning and tender procedures to technical supervision of construction and commissioning of the facilities. The likely drop in Pakistans output could support global rice prices, which have fallen more than 40% from a 15-year high in January 2024, and could offer some relief to rival exporters in India, Vietnam, and Thailand Surabhi Pandey 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 Rajasthan High Court extends due date for tax audit to October 31: Is similar notification expected across India? Tax expert clarifies If your business turnover is above Rs 1 crore, you are required tax audit. But the limit is stretched to Rs 10 crore, provided at least 95 percent of the transactions are digital. This is the governments way of pushing people towards cashless transactions. Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manisha Lal Khandpur is a News Editor at Moneycontrol where she works on the Desk and Special Projects. She pursued journalism at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi, and has an extensive career spanning 17 years across Digital Media, Broadcast, and Radio. Previously, she was a News Editor at Editorji, managing the desk, and a Principal Content Producer at Times of India, leading news shifts. She has also been a Senior Correspondent at Bhaskar, P7, and Live India. She has briefly been a part of academia, bringing her industry expertise into the educational sphere. Manisha Lal Khandpur 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 UPI goes live in Qatar: From duty-free to tourist hotspots, UPI payments now accepted in Qatar Manisha Lal Khandpur is a News Editor at Moneycontrol where she works on the Desk and Special Projects. She pursued journalism at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi, and has an extensive career spanning 17 years across Digital Media, Broadcast, and Radio. Previously, she was a News Editor at Editorji, managing the desk, and a Principal Content Producer at Times of India, leading news shifts. She has also been a Senior Correspondent at Bhaskar, P7, and Live India. She has briefly been a part of academia, bringing her industry expertise into the educational sphere. Manisha Lal Khandpur 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 Manish M. Suvarna 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 Reliance Consumer to invest Rs 1,156 crore in new FMCG facility in Tamil Nadu The unit will come up on 60 acres at SIPCOT Allikulam Industrial Park in Thoothukudi district. (Courtesy: X | @TRBRajaa) Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Prosus to pump $350 million in Uber rival Rapido; Accel likely to join as investor Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. 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 Tushar Goenka 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 'Switch to Swadeshi!': IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw makes Cabinet briefing presentation using Zoho instead of Powerpoint Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks during a cabinet briefing, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Official data from Taiwan show that last year it exported to South Africa roughly $4 million worth of the semiconductor-related goods that were included in export suspension list Surabhi Pandey 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 Globally, Samsung has around 30 R&D centres, he said, adding that the biggest chunk of that is in India. Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has supported Donald Trumps statement on the war in Ukraine, noting that with the help of European support and American weapons, Ukraine can expel Russia. President @realDonaldTrumps statement today about the war in Ukraine where he believes that with European support and American weapons, Ukraine can drive Russia out of their country is a gamechanger, he said on X. According to Graham, this commitment to continue to sell high end American weapons to NATO for the benefit of Ukraine tremendously changes the military equation for Russia. Also, combined with economic pressure on those who buy cheap Russian oil and gas, such as China, India and Brazil, it is the best hope for an honorable and just end to the bloodshed. President Trump is correct in assessing that the Russian economy is under stress and this will only get worse if we make buying cheap Russian oil and gas toxic for those who choose that path. Time to end this bloodbath. Well done, Mr. President, Graham said. Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Azam Khans release from jail: A new political equation on cards in Uttar Pradesh? Armaan Bhatnagar 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 Bihar assembly polls will mark beginning of the end of Modi govt's 'corrupt rule': Mallikarjun Kharge at CWC meeting 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 Both India, US-based firms raised concerns on sufficient availability of talent: Dhruva Jaishankar on H-1B fee hike Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by evolving US immigration policies while emphasising India's respect for sovereign decisions. 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'Clearly seen leading mob': BJPs Amit Malviya accuses Congress councillor of instigating violence in Leh Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Cosying up to Israel could be costly strategic gamble for India, a Middle East expert says He further cautioned that India is of high importance in the Global South, and the closeness towards Israel might be "very, very costly for India." 101Reporters 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 US President Donald Trump has suggested that the war in Ukraine will not end quickly. Lets be honest, Ukraine is very good at stopping this huge army, its impressive. This war was supposed to end in 3-4 days, people said it would be quick. You have got to hand it to the Ukrainian soldiers and everyone involved - its still going on, and its not good thing for Russia. This [for them] was supposed to be quick. Russia is not looking very good after three and a half years of very difficult fighting. And it looks like it wont end for a long time, the head of the White House said during his joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York. He noted that Russia does not look very good because it has already spent three and a half years on the war against Ukraine. Although Moscow planned to end the war quickly. When asked whether he still trusts Vladimir Putin, Trump said he would report back in a about month. Delhi HC refuses to entertain PIL to remove graves of Afzal Guru, Mohammad Bhatt from Tihar jail premises 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 First CWC meet in Patna since 1940: Congress frames it as second Independence war; heres why it matters The first in Patna since 1940, the CWC meeting is being seen as a strategic move Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The most dramatic claim is that Pakistan destroyed 26 Indian air bases under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Adopting the resolution at its first Bihar meeting since Independence, the Congress leadership said Prime Minister Modis huglomacy has backfired, isolating India on the global stage Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept While the country's aviation market is dominated largely by two airlines, IndiGo and Air India, travel demand is creating the opportunity for new players. 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India says it wants to buy more US energy as trade talks resume Trump administration has maintained that India is helping to fund Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine 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. 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 The plan was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh Christin Mathew Philip USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ Last night, Ukrainian air defense forces neutralized 126 of the 152 enemy UAVs that attacked the territory of Ukraine. Some 26 strike UAVs were hit at seven locations, with hits at seven locations and debris falling at two locations, the Air Force (AF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Telegram on Wednesday morning. On the night of September 24 (from 18:00 on September 23), the enemy attacked with 152 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types from the directions: Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russian Federation, Gvardiyske temporarily occupied Crimea, about 80 of them are Shahed UAVs, the AF said. According to preliminary data, as of 09.00, 126 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera and drones of other types were shot down/suppressed in the north, south, east and center of the country. However, 26 strike UAVs were recorded hitting seven locations, as well UAV debris falling at two locations. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, as well as mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Overall effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense last night was 82.9%. Armaan Bhatnagar 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. 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I Accept 'Protectionism is not a solution': Morocco backs Modis Voice of the South, seeks bigger role in Indias growth story Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept The demonstrations led to the death of at least 4 individuals with several severely injured 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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Amitabh Sinha is the executive editor of News18 India. He has extensive experience in print and TV journalism. He started his career with Patna's 'Times of India' and reported for almost 14 years at 'Aaj Tak'. He has been associated with Network18 since 2015. writes with equal authority in Hindi and English languages and has reported on many important events and incidents in India and abroad. He has a long experience in parliamentary journalism and has special grasp of e policies and schemes of the government. He writes regularly on News18's website in both Hindi and English languages. He is a post graduate from Delhi University. X- @amitabhnews18 Armaan Bhatnagar 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 OPINION | Rethinking the POSH Act: Ensuring protection for women in all professional spaces Riya Jain is Associate at BTG Advaya.) Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Mansi Singh is Partner at BTG Advaya. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal 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 Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and the State Archival Service of Ukraine have signed a memorandum of cooperation. "The document sets out joint actions in protecting archival collections and supporting archival sector workers during wartime. Preserving national memory and cultural values is not only a historical mission but also a humanitarian task," URCS wrote on Facebook. The cooperation provides for first-aid and psychosocial support training, evacuation of archival documents in case of threats, and marking archival facilities with special protective signs in line with international humanitarian law. URCS expressed confidence that the memorandum will provide a solid foundation for long-term cooperation, helping to safeguard vital archives and the professionals dedicated to their preservation, while strengthening the resilience of state institutions during the war. Rajan Mahan is a journalist who headed NDTV and Star News in Rajasthan. He was also a Professor of Journalism at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. With over 30 tigers roaming its forests, Sariska stands as a powerful yet delicate symbol of revival. (Representational image) Namrata Agarwal 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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Meet Yvon Chouinard These experiences shaped his outlook even when Patagonia developed into a business valued at approximately $3 billion. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 3 / 10 3. Indravati National Park, Chhattisgarh: Home to freshwater turtles and crocodiles, the park features rivers and dense forest ecosystems. (Image: Canva) Gurpreet Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Where has the dinosaur-era purple frog been hiding? Scientists explain Where has the dinosaur-era purple frog been hiding? Scientists explain (Image: Nihal Jabin/Wikipedia) Gurpreet Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. 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. 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 Drones from the Special Operations Center A of the State Security Service (SBU) of Ukraine flew to Bashkortostan in Russia for the second time in the past seven days and hit the Gazprom Neftekhim - Salavat enterprise, the SBU has told Interfax-Ukraine. According to the agencys interlocutor, this is one of the largest oil refining and petrochemical plants in Russia that produces 150 types of products: motor gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, bitumen and polyethylene. The distance from Ukraine to the target is about 1,400 kilometers, the source said. As a result of several hits by drones from the Special Operations Center A of the SBU, a fire broke out on the territory of the plant: a huge column of black smoke rose into the air. Local authorities said that they are currently investigating the extent of the damage, the agencys interlocutor noted. The SBU continues to carry out targeted deep strikes on facilities that finance the war against our state, the source said. iOS 26.1 Beta 1 is now rolling out: New features, changes, how to download and more MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. 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 Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept YouTube says creators who were banned for Covid-19, election-related fake news can now come back MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. 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. 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 Hanle-Chumar road opens to public: A new gateway to Ladakhs hidden gems and starry nights MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure. Priyanka Roshan 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 Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Celebrate Navratri 2025 in Varanasivisit nine sacred Durga temples, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti, and enjoy vibrant cultural festivities across the City of Lights. (Representative AI Generated Image) Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept 3 people shot at immigration detention facility in Dallas and the shooter is dead This traffic camera image shows heavy police presence off I-35E close to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, in northwest Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2025. (WFAA via AP) Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Reiterating Indonesias longstanding support for the two-state solution, Subianto called for both Palestine and Israel to exist as free, independent, and secure nations. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept At UNGA, Turkey needles India on Kashmir again: How Erdogan's 'Muslim brotherhood' with Pakistan eclipsed handshake with Modi Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: president.gov.ua US President Donald Trump has shown that he wants to support Ukraine until the very end, in turn, Ukraine is ready to end the war as soon as possible, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Trumps post on the Truth Social social network. I am confident in my people, in my army, and I am confident in the strengthening, in the support of the United States. But President Trump was more positive about this, and he showed that he wants to support Ukraine until the very end. So we understand that now we are ready to end this war as soon as possible. And he wants it, and I want it, and our people want it, Zelenskyy said in an interview with Fox News. However, Putin does not want this, and he understands that he will not win the war, but he says that he will win. It was a surprise for me, you are right, I received very positive signals from Trump and America that they will be with us until the end of the war, Zelenskyy added. On September 23, it was reported that US President Donald Trump suggested that restoring the borders from which the war in Ukraine began is quite possible and that the US would continue to supply weapons to NATO. Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. After seeing the Economic trouble (the war) is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form, Trump said on Truth Social. Dr Yu Kongjian photographed in his workzone at Turenscape's Beijing Headquarters. (Portrait by Shawn Koh from Indesignlive) Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Diamonds, drones and DJs: How Pakistans new tax cell is using social media to catch evaders Abhinav Gupta 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 FBI says Dallas ICE shooting was 'targeted'; gunman identified and his body recovered Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept From lottery system to wage-based process: How Trumps new H-1B visa plan could hit Indias entry-level talent Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Irans rial sinks to 1,074,000 per dollar hours before Pezeshkians UN speech as snapback deadline nears Khamenei rules out U.S. talks, Pezeshkian boxed in ahead of UN speech Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny has noted the critical importance of introducing military innovations to compensate for the persistent lack of resources. Only by introducing military innovations can Ukraine compensate for the traditional lack of resources and inflict disproportionate losses on Russia. However, Russia is also aware of this and is already taking steps that we feel. Ukraines advantage lies in its people, who not only stopped the enemy, but have already turned the country into a center of innovation on the battlefield, Zaluzhny wrote in his article for the publication ZN.UA (Dzerkalo Tyzhnia), published on Wednesday morning. He emphasized that it is innovations that will lead to the application of a strategy of sustained resistance in conditions of if not constant war, then constant hostility. This will allow us to survive, adapt and win without illusions, turning the war into an operationally meaningless one for Russia. But for this it is extremely important to re-intercept and maintain the technological initiative, forcing Russia to adapt, withstand pressure and defend itself, the former commander-in-chief noted. Zaluzhny said that the modern battlefield is a single integrated network of cyber-physical systems, in which unmanned and robotic systems are combined through sensors and an auxiliary infrastructure of control and communication with software. As of today, it is obvious that this cyber-physical system functions precisely through a network of devices that both collect and transmit visual, acoustic, seismic and other data to control points or intermediate information processing systems, and perform certain actions on commands from control points. All this, of course, occurs through the communication network, which remains one of the main weaknesses on the modern high-tech battlefield. However, it is obvious that due to the vulnerability of communication systems, autonomous systems will develop, where the main array of information processing, situation analysis and decision-making will take place directly on board, - he predicted, assuming that it is such systems that will be able not only to effectively perform defeat tasks, but also to provide reliable protection. To do this, according to Zaluzhny, a number of key problems should be solved at the state level, in particular, to create a strategy and mechanisms for solving the problem of developing advanced defense technologies at the national level, to mobilize the necessary number of specialists, primarily in the field of software solutions, necessary for the development, implementation, integration and further support thereof, to take advantage of the available export of defense technologies to form security alliances and use the technological and scientific capabilities of future partners, to ensure the complete scientific and technological isolation of Russia. He also noted the need to resolve the problem of access to microprocessors, calling this issue the most difficult, because it creates significant geopolitical risks for ensuring the stability and openness of supply markets for critically important components, since key production facilities remain concentrated in a limited number of geographical regions - mainly in the PRC, Taiwan, and the United States. The situation at the front depends on many factors, and the most important is the development of technologies, which change daily with an obvious trend. As a result, the rapid mastery of these technologies, their practical testing and scaling will allow us to adapt to new conditions and get out of the described positional impasse before our enemies do, Zaluzhny said. President Putin signalled last week that he was open to raising certain taxes to make financial ends meet during the war, noting that the U.S. had raised taxes on wealthy people during the Vietnam and Korean wars. 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 Ragasa, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane at its peak, generated sustained winds of over 267 kph (165 mph) and could be seen from space. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The H-1B program has become a lightning rod in conservative circles as critics argue that recipients displace American workers. 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US President Donald Trump met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. (Image: X) Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trumps $100,000 H-1B fee could eliminate 140,000 jobs in US a year, Indians to take biggest hit: Expert Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'We dont want to punish India': US energy secretary Chris Wright urges New Delhi to rethink Russian oil Secretary for the US Department of Energy, Chris Wright Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept URCS volunteers deliver aid to victims of Russian drone strike in Kharkiv Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) volunteers are providing humanitarian assistance to victims of the nightly Russian UAV attack in Kharkiv. "The URCS rapid response team in Kharkiv region worked at the sites of the strikes... this night in coordination with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and other rescue services," the URCS reported on Facebook on Wednesday. Volunteers conducted a tour of the surrounding areas and damaged houses, checked whether people needed help and provided them with first-aid psychological support. Currently, the victims are receiving humanitarian assistance from the Kharkiv regional URCS team, including: drinking water, food and hygiene kits, tarpaulin and OSB boards for temporary repairs of damaged homes. In addition, a URCS support point is operating, where people can get water, tea, coffee, charge gadgets, and receive first-aid or psychological assistance. As reported, as a result of shelling in Kharkiv, private houses, an administrative building, an outbuilding, a shop, and four cars were damaged. Who stopped Donald Trump and Melania's escalator? UN just solved the mystery US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ride an escalator as they arrive to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.(Image: Reuters) Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why doctors worry about Trumps warnings against Tylenol in pregnancy Tylenol displayed for sale behind a locked anti-theft barrier at a pharmacy in Washington, DC. (Courtesy: Reuters photo) Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: president.gov.ua Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna has positively assessed the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, noting that she has optimistically restrained expectations. President Trumps public communication regarding the results of this meeting and the preparations for it gives us hope that all his messages will be implemented. We are starting to work on this from today, the ambassador said in an interview for a telethon. Answering the question of whether Trumps position could change, the ambassador replied: Everything can change. We have no illusions. Ukraine is a nation that no longer has any illusions, but sees opportunities that need to be exploited, Stefanishyna noted. According to her, communication between the Ukrainian and American sides will continue and various issues will be worked out. Today, a powerful delegation is working for four days in New York. There will be meetings and after the meeting with President Trump, there will be a number of delegations that will come to Washington in the coming weeks. which will work on various issues. We will also coordinate with European colleagues. That is, not all issues related to the end of the war are related to dialogue with the aggressor. Therefore, I have cautiously optimistic expectations. I can say for sure that everything that depends on us will be done. I think we have found the format of communication that will contribute most to the result, Stefanishyna said. Russian occupation forces shelled Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region in the morning, with two deaths, Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin has said. At least two people were killed and eight injured - these are the consequences of the morning strike on Kostiantynivka. The Russians dropped three air bombs on the city, killing two men aged 42 and 69. Of the 8 wounded, one person is in serious condition, he wrote in a telegram on Wednesday. Filashkin said 16 private houses, three apartment buildings and a car were damaged. Michigan Technological University's Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab brought home an unprecedented win in the international Benchmark Autonomous Robot Navigation Challenge. Their victory could set a new standard for robotic navigational algorithms. Amna Mazen had her sights set on a win for more than a year. The assistant professor of applied computing and manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology has been working on her algorithm for mobile robot navigation since her Ph.D. in robotics at the University of Detroit Mercy. Prior to graduating, Mazen traveled to Yokohama, Japan, for the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) to watch and study the third annual Benchmark Autonomous Robot Navigation Challenge. A year later, as a new Michigan Tech faculty member, she and her team won the challenge by a wide margin. ICRA, founded in 1984, is one of the largest and most prestigious robotics conferences in the world. At ICRA 2022, researchers from George Mason University, in collaboration with Clearpath Robotics, introduced the Benchmark Autonomous Robot Navigation (BARN) Challenge in order to create an annual benchmark for robotic navigation systems and elevate the performance of autonomous robots in challenging environments. This benchmark for success includes a public dataset of over 300 pregenerated simulated environments, which are used by robotics researchers around the world who put their own algorithms to the test against the formidable simulated obstacles. The BARN dataset became integral to Mazen's work as a graduate student, as she was developing an algorithm for mobile robot navigation in unknown environments for her doctoral research. "For my dissertation, I was comparing my algorithm with other algorithms, and I heard about BARN," said Mazen. "Before BARN, what any researcher working in robot navigation was doing was comparing their algorithm against one or two available algorithms and measuring their success against just those two." Mazen was frustrated with that process. Accessing other algorithms for mobile robot navigation was often difficult due to intellectual property constraints. Comparing what she had developed against just a few algorithms was not sufficient to guarantee that her algorithm would be successful. The introduction of the BARN dataset was a large step forward for the entire mobile robotics navigation industry. "Instead of having to go and find every existing algorithm for mobile robot navigation, I could compare it against the benchmark, get a score, and everyone after me can compare," Mazen said. "This whole process makes more sense now." Utilizing the public benchmark dataset put the BARN Challenge on the map for Mazen. She applied for a grant to travel to Japan to watch the 2024 BARN Challenge as a spectator. In fall 2024, Mazen joined the faculty at Michigan Tech, with joint appointments in the College of Computing and College of Engineering. Competing in the 2025 challenge was part of her proposed research. She joined the Michigan Tech-based Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab (RRSL) and, with the help of two graduate students, got to work. Navigating a Path to Victory Prior to entering the BARN Challenge, Mazen needed to upgrade the algorithm she had written to work within the confines of the required Clearpath Jackal robot. The Jackal is a small field robot equipped with a 2D light detection and ranging (lidar) sensor and a maximum speed of two meters per second. Thankfully, Michigan Tech was able to acquire the Jackal. The Jackal robot is part of Michigan Tech's Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab (RRSL), led by Ashraf Saleem, assistant professor of applied computing, and Mazen. Saleem and Mazen bring a combined expertise in remote sensing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, autonomous robots and vehicles, mechatronics system integration and more to their vision of pioneering a fusion of robotic systems, cutting-edge data acquisition, and advanced AI analysis tools. With the assistance of Daniel Fuhrmann, professor and chair of the Department of Applied Computing, Michigan Tech bought the Jackal specifically for Mazen to use, both in the BARN Challenge and in her forthcoming research. Mazen's research investigates how mobile robots like the Jackal can be used in the home to assist with household tasks. "That's for the future. Right now, we are only focused on the navigation aspect," she said. The overall task of BARN Challenge competitors is to develop navigational algorithms for their Clearpath Jackal, enabling the robot to autonomously navigate through an environment as quickly as possible without any collisions. Prior to the 2025 challenge, Mazen's navigational algorithm needed to be updated. The task required the assistance of her two RRSL research assistants: Kamyab Yazdipaz, a computational sciences and engineering doctoral student, and Innocent Mateyaunga '25, a mechatronics master's student. "When working on my dissertation, I knew that my algorithm had limitations and I knew the solution to those limitations," said Mazen. "In my lab here, my students worked to address those limitations, tested the algorithm against the BARN simulations and converted the algorithm into a new computing language." Once the algorithm had been robustly updated, it was time to enter the competition. Each year, the challenge takes place in two stages. Prior to the conference, each team's algorithms are tested against 50 unseen simulated environments and receive a score based on their success. The top eight scoring teams are invited to participate in the second stage, conducted physically, at ICRA. The conference was held this year in Atlanta, Georgia, running May 19-23. Based on their score, Mazen and her RRSL team entered the physical stage of the challenge in seventh place. A New Algorithm Takes the Stage The physical stage features three rounds with three real environments that are new to competitors. Every team runs through the same three environments multiple times and is allotted 20 minutes to tune their algorithm, making adjustments to the parameters for each environment. In this year's first round, the goal was to complete three successful runs, meaning no collisions, out of five possible attempts. During the physical stage of the BARN Challenge, each team's algorithms must navigate the Jackal robot autonomously through three different environments. Success is measured by the number of complete runs with no collisions. In the case of a tie, the fastest run time is used to determine the winner. At the start of the competition, Mazen and the RRSL team decided not to tune their algorithm. "To me, taking time to tune an algorithm for every environment meant that my algorithm was not robust," explained Mazen. "If the algorithm is robust, it will work in a variety of environments." Given the Michigan Tech team's decision not to adjust their algorithm, the BARN Challenge organizers asked them to go first. The Tech team successfully completed all five runs with no collisions. Out of the eight teams present, Michigan Tech was the only team to complete a successful run in that first round. "After two collisions from the team that went after us, the challenge organizers came and asked if we minded giving the other teams more time to tune," recounted Mazen. The team was fine giving the competitors more time. "It wouldn't have been fun if we were the only ones to complete that first stage. But after more tuning, the other teams failed again." Mazen credits her team's success to the way her algorithm was written. "Basically, my algorithm follows rules rather than learns. 'If you see this, do that. If you see that, do this.' The other teams base their algorithms on learning a series of environments so that if the robot encounters something similar, it will navigate better than ours," Mazen explained. "Since my algorithm is rule-based, it generalizes better. If the other teams encounter a brand new environment, they will not be as successful, but my robot will." Amna Mazen, assistant professor, applied computing and manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology The second round did little to level the playing field. The Michigan Tech RRSL team completed four out of six possible runs. The RobotiXX team from George Mason University completed two runs, and the Autonomous Mobile Robots Lab team from the University of Virginia completed one run. "After the first two rounds, the organizers declared us the winners because even if we didn't compete in the third round, we would still have won," said Mazen. "We were so successful in the first two rounds that there weren't enough runs in round three for any of the other teams to catch up." They chose to compete anyway, because that's what the team had come to ICRA to do. The Michigan Tech RRSL team completed one successful run in the third and final round, further solidifying their win. "We were there to have fun and to compete," said Mazen. "The second day was nice though. No stress, since we knew we were already going to win." After arriving in Atlanta for the physical portion of the BARN Challenge in seventh place, the Michigan Tech RRSL team took the runaway victory. George Mason University came in second place, and the University of Virginia took third. The team's dominant win aside, it was Michigan Tech's first time entering the international challenge. Tech was the only first-time competitor to make it to the physical stage at ICRA. For Mazen, the success was unexpected. "I didn't imagine that I would go to ICRA after only one year here at Michigan Tech," said Mazen. "I didn't imagine that I would go there to compete in the BARN Challenge, and I didn't imagine that we would get first place." Winning this year's BARN Challenge is more than just a single victory; it may lead to an evolution in autonomous robot navigation. Mazen credits her team's success to the support of Michigan Tech. "Everyone here wants you to be successful," she said. "From day one, when I said I wanted to enter the competition, the College of Computing said, 'Yes, go for it. How can we help you?' And they bought the robot for me." While the RRSL team members' success may have been unexpected, it did not go unnoticed by their fellow researchers across the field of autonomous robotics. Mazen hopes the winning performance will help to evolve challenges like BARN. "Many people attending ICRA came up to us to ask how our algorithm works and how we were able to be so successful," she said. "The organizers told us that this competition may have to change in the future based on our performance. Algorithm tuning may be a thing of the past." For Mazen, this is the logical next step to move the field of autonomous robotic navigation forward. "We want everyone to be able to navigate through the environments successfully. That way we can focus on the next step, which is who can do it faster. That's the next problem, to be able to navigate the environments both successfully and optimally," she said. Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. OPINION Money and morality: An old debate with new consequences Rosemarie D. Embile MONEY has always been more than paper bills or digits on a bank screen. Throughout the centuries, thinkers from every culture have used wealth as a means to test human character. Ancient scrolls and Asian proverbs may differ in language, but they echo a shared warning: when money rules the heart, society pays the price. Old sayings caution that life is more than an abundance of possessions. The idea is simple but stubborn: when personal gain becomes the only yardstick for success, trust collapses. Todays Philippine corruption scandal offers a vivid example. Investigators are probing thousands of government flood-control projects worth hundreds of billions of pesos for suspected overpricing, ghost contracts, and missing funds. Each peso diverted from real work is more than a bookkeeping error its a breach of public trust that leaves communities exposed to deadly floods. Many traditions describe wealth as something entrusted, not fully owned. Public budgets, company earnings, or family savings all demand careful management. The Philippine scandal shows what happens when that trust is broken. Citizens now call for transparent accounting, independent audits, and leaders who treat public money as a shared responsibility rather than a private purse. Public money is not a private purse; its a shared responsibility. Another timeless warning is that money, left unchecked, can become a silent boss. Decisions bend toward profit even when people suffer. Cutting corners on flood defenses, awarding contracts to cronies, or inflating prices may enrich a few in the short term, but the long-term costs displaced families, ruined livelihoodsare borne by everyone else. The lesson is not anti-business; it is pro-balance. Profit should reward good work, not replace human judgment. Lessons that refuse to expire Ancient critiques of dishonest scales sound strikingly like todays debates over fair pay, labor rights, and corporate responsibility. The vocabulary changes, but the stakes remain the same: integrity in economics is not a passing trend. It is the foundation of a healthy society. Across time and culture, the message is consistent. Whether running a government office, a corner shop, or a household budget, the challenge is the same choose fairness over exploitation and accountability over greed. The Philippines unfolding corruption investigations is not just a local scandal; it is a reminder that the oldest moral debates still shape the fate of nations. The author is a teacher at Northern Marianas International School. Ukraine decided to open arms exports to show partners modern and reliable systems that have been tested in real war conditions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. We decided to open our arms exports. These are powerful systems tested in real war. We want to show our partners that they are reliable and modern. We have something to show that has been tested in real war conditions, Zelenskyy said during a speech during the General Debate at the UN General Assembly. According to him, many in the world are still relaxed, but in this General Assembly there are states where war is going on, or where it has ended, or where they are trying to stop it, or are openly preparing for a new war. The world cannot pretend that this does not concern them it concerns everyone. Will Russia, thanks to trade with you, continue to be able to finance this war? Will the stolen children be returned or hostages and prisoners of war be released. It depends on you, the president said. BWINDI, Uganda (AP) News of a sick or injured mountain gorilla can worry local residents in this mountainous area thats home to the endangered species. Thats partly because most of the gorillas have been given names, allowing rangers and others to humanize the animals suffering. But widespread interest in protecting mountain gorillas also comes from the economic benefits of tourism that have turned poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into eloquent spokespeople for the great apes. If we know there is a gorilla that is sick, you see everyone is concerned. Why? Why is the gorilla sick? Its suffering from what? said Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide in Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even the community people. Everyone is touched. Tugume said poaching in the park is increasingly rare since we are actually all working together to make sure conservation goes well, because we are all benefitting. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a remote part of southwestern Uganda, is home to many groups of habituated gorillas that have become comfortable in the presence of humans. Vibrant tourist economy Tourists pay a considerable sum $800 in permit fees per foreign non-resident for the right to see gorillas in their natural habitat. An official revenue-sharing policy channels $10 from each permit back to the local community via their elected leaders, who can invest in projects ranging from water provision to health care. Local communities are also entitled to 20% of all park entry fees generated annually. Many locals, including reformed poachers living near the park, told The Associated Press that the money generated has ensured the recovery of the species, with habitat encroachment and poaching in decline as wildlife authorities seek to collaborate more with nearby communities. Philemon Mujuni, a poacher until five years ago, said he once thought of the gorilla as a hostile animal to be killed before it killed him if he ever encountered one. As a boy, he used to follow his father, whom he described as a senior poacher, into the forest to help carry the antelopes they pulled from traps. But in 2020, when poachers killed a beloved gorilla named Rafiki, Mujuni and others formed an organization of former poachers who now say the primates are more important than any other animal. They serve as community watchdogs, looking out for people who might venture into the forest to set duiker traps that sometimes ensnare gorillas. Their surveillance efforts help support the work of armed rangers who also regularly patrol the park. When community conservation rangers sensitized us, we said, Let us reform and stop poaching in the national park of Bwindi, Mujuni said. I cant go there. Because, through the conservation team from (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), we get some money from these gorillas we could kill. Reformed poachers Peter Tumwesigye, one of 128 members of the group of reformed poachers, said gorillas are so important that people whose actions lead to a gorillas death should be jailed. So that others can learn and never do it again, he said. Many of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, a mountainous area encompassing parts of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. The outlook for mountain gorillas has been positive since 2018, when a survey showed that the population exceeded 1,000. Its a remarkable comeback for a species that faced extinction in the last century. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which maintains a list of threatened species, cites the mountain gorilla as endangered, an improvement from its earlier designation as critically endangered. About half of the gorillas live in Uganda. Besides Bwindi, the only other Ugandan park where gorillas can be tracked in the wild is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. But that protected area has just one family of gorillas, while Bwindi has 27 groups that can be seen up close by visitors. The primates are tracked daily. Tugume, the ranger-guide, said she works even on Christmas Day. One recent morning she led a small group of tourists into the forest, swinging a sickle to clear the way and speaking of the tenderness she sees in gorillas. You have to fight to take over, she said, talking about a young male in a family of gorillas that one day could challenge the leader known as a silverback for its distinguishing coat for mating rights. When you are the leader, you have all the rights to mate with the females. But when you are not the leader, you dont need to mate but you can mate secretly. And if the silverback comes to know, then it will be a tug of war, she said. At the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Buhoma, a town outside the park, a group of ranger-guides and porters gathers each morning for the opportunity to earn generous tips from helping tourists navigate the forest. Groups of trackers are allocated porters, who can even help carry an unfit tourist up the hills and through the undergrowth for around $300. The value of the gorilla money is very critical, said Gessa Simplicious, a conservationist with the Uganda Tourism Board. It helps with building trust, but it also helps in the awareness of the need to conserve. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. By RODNEY MUHUMUZA Associated Press VICTORIA, Seychelles (AP) A drug crisis, environmental challenges and questions about sovereignty are among key issues for voters heading to the polls in Seychelles, a tourist haven and Africas smallest nation, both in land area and population, but richest by domestic income. Between September 25 and 27, voters will choose a president, with Wavel Ramkalawan hoping to hold on to the top post, and a new parliament. The primary contenders Ramkalawan, an Anglican priest who turned politician, became the first opposition leader since 1976 to defeat the ruling party when he made his sixth bid for the presidency in 2020. He and his Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) party have campaigned on ongoing efforts of economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. His chief political rival is Patrick Herminie of the United Seychelles Party (US). Herminie is a veteran parliamentarian from the longstanding ruling party and Speaker of the National Assembly from 2007 to 2016. The president is elected for a five-year term. If no contender gets 50% + 1 vote, a runoff follows between the two top winners of the first round. A drug crisis Seychelles, which a 2017 United Nations report called a major drug transshipment point, has struggled with a growing crisis from narcotics trafficking in recent years. The Global Organized Crime Index stated in 2023 that the island nation has one of the worlds highest rates of heroin addiction. APDAR estimates that 6,000 people out of the countrys 120,000 population use the drug, while independent analysts say addiction rates approach 10%. Critics say Ramkalawan has largely failed in his bid to stop the spread of addiction, while Herminies record as chairman of the Agency for the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (APDAR), from 2017 until 2020, has come under particular scrutiny following the drug pandemic that has gripped the country for the last 27 years, and addiction rates that have remained unchanged during his tenure. APDAR was simply a political tool. (Herminie) had no prior knowledge of drug addiction when appointed, said Gerald Edwin Julie, former program manager at the agency. Environmental challenges and concerns about sovereignty The 115-island archipelago, spread in the Indian Ocean roughly between East Africa, India, and Madagascar, has become synonymous with luxury and environmental travel, helping bump Seychelles to the top of the list of Africas richest countries by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, according to the World Bank Group, and fueling a growing middle class despite some persistent issues with poverty. However, a week before the highly anticipated elections, activists filed a constitutional case against the current government, challenging its recent decision to the long-term lease part of Assomption Island, which lies about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Aldabara Atoll, a marine reserve and a UNESCO heritage site, to a Qatari company for the development of a luxury hotel. The lease, which includes the reconstruction of an airstrip to facilitate access for international flights, has ignited widespread criticism that the agreement may favor foreign interests over Seychelles long-term welfare and sovereignty over its land, as environmental groups demanded increased oversight and called for greater transparency. Most of the population lives on the island of Mahe, home to the capital, Victoria, but its territory is spread across almost 390,000 square kilometers (about 150,579 square miles) and is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, including rising sea levels, according to the World Bank and the UN Sustainable Development Group. The hotel development on Assomption has (been) clouded with controversy, said Victoria Duthil, a local and scientist who filed the case against the government. Recent images of an injured tortoise and dredging that have emerged have highlighted how urgent the situation is. Worries about corruption While Seychelles leads Africa in development metrics and has the lowest ranking in Sub-Saharan Africa in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, the countrys history with rampant corruption during the three-decade presidency of France-Albert Rene, which ended in 2004, remains fresh in the minds of residents. Tensions around transparency have reemerged during the current election campaign, with a presidential candidate, Kisna Louise, under scrutiny amid a legal investigation, while another, Maarco Francis, faces allegations of a forged university degree. Most (politicians) have a past of helping their friends and family, said Jean Paul Morel, a local businessman. There are no good candidates. ___ Associated Press writer Jack Denton in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. By Emilie Chetty Associated Press INLE LAKE, Myanmar (AP) Myanmars Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, a major Buddhist celebration and world-class tourist attraction, has seen some of its celebratory spirit diminished, with locals and visitors citing a confluence of challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, political upheaval and natural disasters including a recent devastating earthquake. Crowds nonetheless flocked this week to enjoy the festivity, with a spectacular gold-gilded barge at its center and scores of smaller wooden boats manned by fishermen from the Intha ethnic minority who practice a unique style of rowing while standing with one leg wrapped around a single oar. The ornate barge, with a golden image of the mythical Karaweik bird on its bow, hauls four statues of Buddha to 21 villages around the lake for people to pay homage to them. The picturesque festival takes place over more than two weeks on mountain-fringed Inle Lake in southern Shan state, a popular tourist hub about 420 kilometers (260 miles) northeast of Yangon. The coronavirus pandemic curbed the celebration in 2020 and the armys ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 resulting in civil war over much of the country led to the event being suspended again, to resume only in 2023. Widespread flooding last year again caused its cancellation. The celebration resumed this year, but it was overshadowed by a 7.7 magnitude quake on March 28 that killed more than 3,800 people and caused widespread destruction. While central Myanmar bore the brunt of the quake, Inle Lake was also significantly affected. Many houses built on wooden stilts in the water collapsed, leaving up to 90 percent damaged or destroyed in some villages around the lake. Local estimates, none official, put the death toll at between 50 and 90. According to a report by the consultancy E Guard Environmental Services, more than 13,000 people in the area were impacted. Many or most of the houses have been rebuilt or repaired in the traditional style, but not to the highest standards, Nyi Nyi Zaw, a 42-year-old ethnic Intha from Heyarywarma village, told The Associated Press. He said the scarcity of local craftsmen skilled in traditional construction techniques, coupled with the urgency of repairs, was the problem. Not all the houses are standing straight, if you look carefully. To get them back to their original state, they will have to be repaired when the lake dries up in the summer, said Nyi Nyi Zaw, whose own house was among those damaged. The tourism industry in Inle collapsed after the pandemic, then came the political change in 2021, and there was the flood last year, noted Nyi Nyi Zaw, a former tour guide who turned to general labor after the pandemic. It was like miseries overlapping one upon another. Ma Win, a traditional textile seller from Inle Lake, said locals continue to hold the festival despite poor business because it is a long-standing tradition passed down through generations. Its been years since the Buddha statues came to our village. So we are participating as much as we can, said Ma Win as she welcomed the golden barge. SRINAGAR, India (AP) At least four people were killed and dozens injured in the remote Indian region of Ladakh on Wednesday as hundreds of people demanding federal statehood from the Indian government clashed with law enforcement, officials and residents said. Some protesters threw stones at officers as police tried to stop them from marching in the high-altitude Leh town. Others set ablaze a paramilitary vehicle and the local office of Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, police said. Police fired bullets and tear gas, and swung batons at the demonstrators, injuring dozens of them, police and residents said. Four among some of the critically injured later died, they said. Officials said at least a dozen policemen were also injured in the clashes. Nestled between India, Pakistan and China, Ladakh was split from Indian-controlled Kashmir after New Delhi removed the disputed regions statehood and semiautonomy in 2019. While restive Kashmir has largely been silenced through a crackdown on any form of dissent and a slew of new laws, demands for political rights in Ladakh have intensified in recent years. The protests are part of a larger movement in the federally-governed region that seeks statehood and constitutional provisions from the Indian government for autonomy over land and agriculture decisions. Wednesdays violence was the worst in decades in the Ladakh region and signals growing frustration with Indian authorities among residents over the issue of self-rule. Ladakh residents initially welcomed New Delhis 2019 changes, but their joy soon gave way to fears of land grabs, a loss of trade and damage to the fragile ecosystem of the regions high-altitude deserts. Protests on Wednesday were sparked by a local groups call for a strike after two of over a dozen residents on a hunger strike for statehood demands collapsed the previous day. Top climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was leading the hunger strike, called off the action after the clashes. He said the collapsed hunger strikers were hospitalized. Wangchuk said frustration had been building among the youths as peaceful protests were not yielding any results. I want the government to listen to the message of peace. When they ignore peaceful protests and marches, such situations arise, he said. Authorities banned the assembly of more than five people in Leh district following the clashes. Kashmirs Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Ladakhi people were feeling betrayed and angry, even though New Delhi never promised them a statehood. The promise of statehood remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly, he posted on social media platform X. The regions representatives have held several rounds of talks with Indian officials without any breakthrough. A fresh round of talks is scheduled between New Delhi and Ladakh representatives on Oct. 6. Ladakh has faced territorial disputes and suffered the effects of climate change. Shifting weather patterns in the sparsely populated villages altered peoples lives through floods, landslides and droughts. The rugged regions thousands of glaciers have been receding at an alarming rate, threatening the water supply of millions of people. The melting has been exacerbated by an increase in local pollution that has worsened due to the regions militarization, further intensified by the deadly military standoff between India and China since 2020. By AIJAZ HUSSAIN Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainians were cautious Wednesday in their response to a surprise pivot in U.S. President Donald Trumps views on their prospects for defeating Russias invasion, after he said they could win the three-year war and retake land captured by Moscow. Russian officials, meanwhile, said developments on the battlefield showed Ukraine is unable to reclaim the occupied territory and dismissed Trumps description of Russia as a paper tiger. Russia isnt a tiger, its more associated with a bear, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. There are no paper bears. Russia is a real bear. Wary Ukrainians hope for solid U.S. support Some Ukrainians expressed hope that Trumps words would be backed up by concrete support for Ukraine in Washington, while others were wary about the American presidents unpredictability. We need such support from America, from Donald Trump, and we hope that this will continue in the future the same rhetoric, the same attitude toward us, toward Ukraine, and toward the war in Ukraine, Olha Voronina, a 66-year-old Kyiv resident, said. Volodymyr Cheslavskyi, a 48-year-old soldier recovering from a war wound, said he considered Trump to be more interested in making money than helping Ukraine, and kept people guessing about his true intentions with contradictory statements. He can say different things each time he supports Ukraine, or he does not support Ukraine, Cheslavskyi told The Associated Press in St. Michaels Square in the Ukrainian capital. Anna Khudimova, 43, said she believed her countrys armed forces could prevail on the battlefield against Russias bigger army. But we cannot do it without the help of NATO, without the support of Europe, she said. If Trump influences the situation, then perhaps this can be realistic. Russia has occupied around 20% of Ukraine since it annexed Crimea in 2014. The all-out invasion began in February 2022. U.S. and Ukraine eye joint weapons production In comments Tuesday at the United Nations and on social media, Trump took a swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putins leadership, made cutting remarks about Russias military prowess and derided the Russian economys performance. He also said NATO countries should shoot down Russian warplanes entering their airspace, as happened recently in Estonia. Trumps comments were an unanticipated departure from his previous positions on the war, when he was publicly cool, even at times hostile, toward Ukraine and apparently more amenable to Putin. After taking office in January, Trump reversed the three-year U.S. policy of isolating Russia when he called Putin. He has also ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, has said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would need to negotiate swapping land in return for a peace deal with Moscow, and on social media called Zelenskyy a dictator without elections. A senior Ukrainian lawmaker said Trumps latest remarks were unexpected but important. What remains important to us is not only Trumps words, but also whether he fulfills the earlier promises regarding decisive sanctions on Russia, Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliaments Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, told the AP. The United States and Ukraine signed earlier this year a deal granting Washington access to the countrys critical minerals and other natural resources. Another agreement is in the works, with a Ukrainian delegation due in Washington next week for talks on joint weapons production, Ukraines Ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna said Wednesday. The potential deal focuses on drone manufacturing, where Ukraine is at the cutting edge of new battle-tested technology, and was discussed in quite some detail between Trump and Zelenskyy on Tuesday, she said. Kremlin says it is protecting Russias security Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were due to address the U.N. General Assembly later Wednesday. Trump said on social media Tuesday: With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Max Bergmann, the Director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said that when he read Trumps post, his reaction was, the U.S. is out and handing off to Europe. I feel that its the president sort of signing off, like: Well keep sort of doing some stuff, but this is basically your problem,' Bergmann said on the sidelines of a defense conference in Tallinn, Estonia. Russias state television channels cast Trumps comments as part of his efforts to shift the burden of dealing with the conflict to Europe and encourage it to buy more American weapons. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, challenged Trumps comment that Russia has been fighting aimlessly. Moscow has been fighting to ensure our security and our interests and remove the root causes of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine linked to the refusal by the previous American administrations and the Europeans to take our concerns into account, Peskov said Wednesday. He also countered Trumps description of Russias economic woes, arguing that despite some problems, the Russian economy has remained strong. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president who serves as deputy head of the Security Council chaired by Putin, scoffed at Trumps comments as an alternative reality. He predicted that Trump could change his mind again soon. ___ Associated Press writers Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Harriet Morris in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By VOLODYMYR YURCHUK and ALEX BABENKO Associated Press BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) A collapse at a gold mine in northern Colombia trapped more than 20 miners, and rescuers were working Tuesday to dig them out, government and company officials said. Canadas Aris Mining Corp., which works with the independently run La Reliquia mine in the Antioquia region, said in a statement that the main shaft collapsed Monday and that five company employees were among the 23 trapped. It said it expected the trapped miners to be brought to the surface on Wednesday, and that rescuers were delivering food and water to them in the meantime. Colombias National Mining Agency said in a separate statement that 25 people were trapped in the gold mine, in the municipality of Segovia. La Reliquia is located within a mining block that has been assigned to Aris, but that is operated by a local mining cooperative. The Canadian company said that the mine has about 60 employees overall, and that it provides a small portion of the ore that supports its overall gold production in Segovia. Aris runs two mining concessions in Colombia, which last year produced about 6.6 tons of gold, or 210,000 ounces. Colombias gold production climbed to 67 tons per year in 2024, supported by high prices for the precious metal. A report published in 2023 by Colombias Human Rights Ombudsman said that more than 80% of Colombias gold is mined by informal operators with no licenses, including artisanal miners but also members of rebel groups. The precarious conditions at some gold mines in Colombia have led to fatal accidents. On Saturday the bodies of seven miners were found at an illegal mine in Cauca province. Rescue teams took nine days to reach the trapped workers. By MANUEL RUEDA Associated Press SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves on Tuesday celebrated the failure of an effort by lawmakers in congress to strip his immunity so that he could be prosecuted for alleged corruption. Chaves opposition needed a 38-vote supermajority, but only managed to obtain 34 votes in favor of lifting the presidents immunity. Twenty-one lawmakers voted against the effort and two more were absent. It was the first time such a vote had occurred about a sitting president in Costa Ricas history. Prosecutors allege that Chaves pressured a video producer who had been awarded a contract by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration to give a portion of that money to a former campaign adviser. Speaking at the opening of a health center in Carrillo in the northwestern province of Guanacaste on Tuesday, Chaves lashed out at lawmakers who voted against him, as well as the Supreme Court magistrates who had previously voted to send the case to congress. He characterized the effort as a political show. The positive part of this is that I woke up happy, I woke up hopeful, Chaves said. Because again the country respected the great majority of Costa Ricans who clamor to erase the historic error of some who tried to intimidate the president of the republic, and as a result, the enormous majority of the people who support me. Among Chaves targets was Attorney General Carlo Diaz, who pursued the case against him. Diaz said in a statement Tuesday that he would respect the national Legislative Assemblys decision and recognized that Chaves would remain safe from prosecution at least until his term ends in May. This doesnt mean that the investigation is over, nor that the criminal action dies; the case will persist waiting for when the president doesnt have immunity, Diaz said. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia s grand mufti who served the kingdoms top religious figure over a quarter century that saw the ultraconservative Muslim nation socially liberalize, died Tuesday. He was in his 80s. Sheikh Abdulazizs role as grand mufti put him as one of the top Islamic clerics in the world of Sunni Muslims. Saudi Arabia, home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage required of all able-bodied Muslims once in their lives, making the pronouncements of the grand mufti that much more closely followed. While closely aligned to Al Saud ruling family, which has allowed women to drive, opened movie theaters and further socially liberalized in recent years, Sheikh Abdulaziz denounced extremists like those in the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. He also made pronouncements during his time as grand mufti viewed as sectarian and more following Saudi Arabias Wahhabism, a strictly austere form of Islam that for decades saw the kingdom segregate the sexes, restrict music and follow other puritanical pursuits. Saudi Arabias state media reported Sheikh Abdulazizs death, without offering a cause. The kingdoms powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who runs the kingdoms day-to-day governance under his 89-year-old father, King Salman, attended funeral prayers for the late mufti on Tuesday night in Riyadh. With his passing, the kingdom and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions to the service of Islam and Muslims, the Saudi Royal Court said in a statement. Became grand mufti in 1999 Sheikh Abdulaziz, who became blind as a young man, became grand mufti in 1999, installed by Saudi King Fahd. At the time, the kingdom remained segregated and its people closely policed by the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Those views could be seen in the grand muftis earlier reported comments, such as condemning mobile phone cameras in 2004 for possibly being exploited to photograph and spread vice in the community. Other remarks focused on Christianity. He joined other Islamic leaders in denouncing then-Pope Benedict XVIs 2006 speech quoting a Byzantine emperor as saying some of the Prophet Muhammads teachings were evil and inhuman. In 2012, responding to a question about Christian churches in Kuwait, Sheikh Abdulaziz reportedly said it was necessary to destroy all the churches of the region. Those around him later sought to walk the remarks back after they drew outrage from Christian leaders. Sheikh Abdulaziz also targeted the faith of Islams Shiites after Irans supreme leader harshly criticized Saudi Arabias conduct after a crush and stampede at the 2015 Hajj killed more than 2,400 pilgrims. We must understand they are not Muslims, for they are the descendants of Majuws, and their enmity toward Muslims, especially the Sunnis, is very old, the Saudi cleric reportedly said. Majuws is a term that refers to Zoroastrians and those who worship fire. Saudi Arabia changes Sheikh Abdulaziz always backed the Al Saudi ruling family, part of the long intertwining between its fortunes and the power of Wahhabism in society particularly the years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution swept Iran and installed a Shiite theocracy. He decried the fake jihad of Islamic extremists in 2007. Saudi Arabia for years after the Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida attacks on the U.S. battled a militant insurgency in the kingdom. He also called the Islamic State group enemy No. 1 of Islam. Self-proclaimed mujahedeen with their version of jihad are only distracting Muslims, he said at the time, using an Arabic term for holy warriors. After a 2014 attack in Saudi Arabia, he added: We live in one state, secure and stable under a single government that brings us together. But the rise of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed saw Sheikh Abdulaziz soften, change or silence his social stances, particularly on the mixing of men and women, which he once referred to as evil and catastrophe. He also had called women driving a dangerous matter that exposes women to evil, said girls as young as 10 could be married and even described chess as akin to gambling. In 2018, Saudi Arabia ended its ban on women driving, something Sheikh Abdulaziz later supported. The vice commission lost its sway as movie theaters opened and women took more jobs. During the coronavirus pandemic, he warned the public that those who ignore social distancing and other measures have committed a great sin because it can lead to the loss of innocent lives or leave people with serious complications. Sheikh Abdulazizs sway waned as the Crown Prince Mohammeds social push gained speed. It also came as the crown prince extended a campaign of arrests over corruption allegations into a wider crackdown on any perceived dissent or power base that could challenge his rule. By JON GAMBRELL Associated Press CAIRO (AP) An aid worker and a local group in Sudan said a drone strike by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces killed 15 people at a bustling market in the besieged city of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The strike on Tuesday came only a few days after the RSF reportedly struck a mosque in the city, killing at least 70 people, including worshippers and three medical personnel. The latest drone strike also wounded 12 people, an aid worker with the Emergency Response Rooms, or ERR, told The Associated Press on Wednesday, citing doctors and other ERR team members on the ground. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution from the RSF. The aid worker said the attack happened Tuesday afternoon in a busy market in the city. Meanwhile, the Resistance Committees in el-Fasher, a network of local people, including activists, who are tracking the fighting and war-related abuses, confirmed the attack and the date in a statement on Facebook. The group called it a brutal attack that comes in a series of countless repeated massacres carried out daily by the RSF to bring the city to its knees and break the will of its residents. The RSF didnt mention the incident on their Telegram channel but said that its fighters are making advances in the city, and claimed it was evacuating hundreds of civilians from el-Fasher, without providing evidence. The fight between the RSF and the military erupted in 2023 and soon turned into a civil war that enveloped the country, killing at least 40,000 people, according to the World Health Organization, displacing as many as 12 million others. Over 24 million people are acutely food insecure, according to the World Food Program. El-Fasher is the militarys last stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region. Fighting between the two sides intensified in recent months and hundreds of civilians were killed in RSF attacks in the area since Apr. 10, according to a Friday report by the U.N. Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. Some areas in Darfur currently face a dire situation, impacting peoples access to healthcare, food, and clean water, according to aid organizations. The number of reported cholera cases is increasing and more than 3,000 people across all of Sudan have died from the illness over the last 14 months of civil war, the U.N. health agency said Tuesday. The current outbreak of the bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water has spread to all 18 states in the war-torn country after it was declared an outbreak since July of last year, the WHO said. Both warring sides have been accused of committing atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians, including children. By FATMA KHALED Associated Press BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday called for a criminal investigation against U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials involved in this months deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean that the White House has said were transporting drugs. Petro repudiated the three attacks in his speech at the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly during which he also accused Trump of criminalizing poverty and migration. Criminal proceedings must be opened against those officials, who are from the U.S., even if it includes the highest-ranking official who gave the order: President Trump, Petro said of the strikes, adding that boat passengers were not members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as claimed by the Trump administration after the first attack. If the boats were carrying drugs as alleged by the U.S. government, Petro said, their passengers were not drug traffickers; they were simply poor young people from Latin America who had no other option. Petros comments came shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced that his government is preparing a series of constitutional decrees to defend the countrys sovereignty in the event of an attack from U.S. forces. Few details are known about the deadly strikes, the first of which took place Sept. 2 and killed 11 people, according to the Trump administration. U.S. officials have said that boat and another vessel targeted Sept. 16 had set out to sea from Venezuela. Three people died in the second attack. The U.S. military struck a third boat Friday, killing three people. The Trump administration has justified the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. It has yet to explain how the military assessed the boats cargo and determined the alleged gang affiliation of passengers. U.S. national security officials told members of Congress that the first boat taken out was fired on multiple times after it had changed course and appeared headed back to shore. They said that the missiles in the Caribbean were used to stop drug trafficking. That is a lie stated here in this very rostrum, Petro said Tuesday in what appeared to be a direct reference to Trump, who spoke hours earlier. Was it really necessary to bomb unarmed, poor young people in the Caribbean? Maduro has accused the Trump administration of using drug trafficking accusations as an excuse for a military operation whose intentions are to oust his government. Petro, Colombias first leftist president, restarted his countrys diplomatic relations with Venezuela after taking office in 2022. Czech President: In light of Russian aggression against Ukraine, UN Security Council is currently failing its purpose The Czech Republic supports a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council for greater efficiency, Czech President Peter Pavel has said. During his speech at the General Debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Pavel said Russias invasion of Ukraine has significantly changed the global security landscape, and since the last general debate a year ago, the world has not become more secure. In light of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the UN Security Council is currently failing its purpose and mission. Therefore, we advocate for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council for greater effectiveness, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability with the aim to honor the principles of the UN Charter and to strengthen the voice of underrepresented regions, the president said. The Czech leader noted that membership in the Security Council should not be seen as a matter of prestige or privilege, but, above all, as a responsibility to defend global peace. He added that the Czech Republic seeks a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2032-2033 term, with a clear commitment to uphold a rules-based international order. As the Czech president noted, Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is not only violating the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter, but is also setting a dangerous example and precedent, sending a signal that aggression can lead to territorial and political gain and remain unpunished. In his speech, Pavel said Russia continues to attack civilians, civilian infrastructure, foreign diplomatic missions and, recently, even neighboring Poland. Despite being the largest country on the map, Russia still aims to seize Ukrainian territory and expand its sphere of influence. Backed by China, Iran, North Korea and other countries that help it circumvent sanctions and provide economic or political support, Pavel said. The Czech president said the consequences of Russias war against Ukraine go far beyond the news headlines. What is happening in Europe today could happen anywhere else tomorrow, under different circumstances, but under the exact same pretext. If Russia wins this unjust war, it will legitimize the triumph of brute force. Turning a blind eye to Ukraine today is a green light to any future aggressor anywhere in the world, Pavel said. He said security in one part of the world is directly related to security in the whole world. WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has thrown out a former FBI agents claims that he was illegally fired after sending disparaging text messages to a colleague about President Donald Trump. Peter Strzok, a former top counterintelligence agent who played a crucial role in the investigation into Russian election interference in 2016, alleged in a federal lawsuit that the FBI caved to unrelenting pressure from Trump when it fired him and that he was unfairly punished for expressing his political opinions. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson on Tuesday rejected Strzoks claim that his August 2018 firing violated his First Amendment free speech rights. The judge concluded that the FBIs interest in avoiding the appearance of bias in an ongoing investigation outweighed Strzoks interest in expressing his opinions about political candidates on his FBI phone. Jackson also said Strzok didnt present any evidence that the FBI treated him more harshly than they would have treated somebody in similar circumstances because Trump was the subject of his critical text messages. Each of the FBI officials deposed maintained that given plaintiffs rank and his role in the two investigations, and the appearance of bias that permeated the messages, the situation was unprecedented, and there were no comparators, she wrote. Strzoks attorneys didnt immediately respond Wednesday to an email seeking comment. The Justice Department had sought to block the suit by asking a judge to rule in the governments favor without a trial, saying in a court filing last year that Strzok was fired based solely on his misconduct and its impact on the FBI. The reason for Peter Strzoks dismissal from the FBI is clear and not subject to genuine dispute: the FBI dismissed Mr. Strzok because he exchanged politically charged text messages on his FBI-issued device about individuals who were centrally connected to high-profile investigations, government lawyers wrote in court filings. Strzok, who helped lead FBI investigations into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server and ties between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia, was removed from special counsel Robert Muellers team in 2017 after texts with FBI lawyer Lisa Page were discovered by the Justice Departments office of inspector general. Many of the texts the two sent, on FBI-issued cell phones, were bitingly critical of Trump as he ran for president in 2016 and included insults like idiot and loathsome human. Trump has for years pointed to the messages to advance his argument that the FBI was biased against him and that the Russia investigation was driven by political animus, all the while lambasting Strzok and Page by name on social media and even suggesting that Strzok should be charged with treason. Strzok has denied that his political opinions influenced his work or investigative decisions. Page has resigned from the FBI. Last year, the two settled with the Justice Department over separate claims arising from the departments decision to leak the text messages to reporters. They alleged that the disclosures were meant to promote a false narrative of anti-Trump bias within the FBI and to elevate the departments status with Trump after his relentless attacks on then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. By ERIC TUCKER and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) Two Syracuse University students face hate crimes charges after authorities say one of them tossed a bag of pork into Jewish fraternity house during a Rosh Hashanah celebration. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, where members had gathered to mark the Jewish New Year, according to the New York schools chief student experience officer, Allen Groves. One of the two men charged is accused of entering the home and tossing in a clear plastic bag of pork against an interior wall, splattering the contents there and on the floor, university police said. The man then fled the home and got into a vehicle driven by another man. The two, both 18, were soon captured and have been charged with burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said the hate crime charge came about because it happened on a Jewish holiday at a historically Jewish fraternity. This incident is not a foolish college prank and will not be treated as such, Fitzpatrick said. It will be treated for what it is, a crime directed against a group of Jewish students enjoying a celebratory dinner and seemingly secure in their residence. Groves said the two men have been referred to the universitys Office of Community Standards for potential disciplinary action under the schools Student Conduct Code. Tonights incident, as reported to us, is abhorrent, shocking to the conscience and violates our core value of being a place that is truly welcoming to all, Groves said in a statement posted on the universitys website. It will not be tolerated at Syracuse University. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) A Catholic bishops opposition to the Archdiocese of Chicagos plans to honor Sen. Dick Durbin despite the powerful politicians support of abortion rights has revived a decades-old struggle between church teaching and political reality. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago announced last week that the archdiocese will present a lifetime achievement award to the high-ranking Catholic Democrat for his work helping immigrants at a Nov. 3 fundraiser for the archdioceses immigration ministry. The plans were announced as President Donald Trumps administration maintains a surge of immigration enforcement in the Chicago area that federal officials said Friday has resulted in at least 550 arrests. But its the five-term senators support for abortion rights while he personally disapproves of abortion that elicited objections from Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Durbins hometown, who said he was shocked by the idea of honoring the U.S. Senates No. 2 Democrat. This decision risks causing grave scandal, confusing the faithful about the Churchs unequivocal teaching on the sanctity of human life, Paprocki said in a statement. Durbin, 80, announced in April that he would not seek reelection, ending more than four decades on Capitol Hill. Cupich argued in a statement that the totality of Durbins work, including critical efforts on behalf of immigrants, should be considered. Catholic teaching on life and dignity cannot be reduced to a single issue, even an issue as important as abortion, Cupich said. The recognition of his defense of immigrants at this moment, when they are subjected to terror and harm, is not something to be regretted, but a reflection that the Lord stands profoundly with both immigrants who are in danger and those who work to protect them. The friction between U.S. bishops and Catholic politicians who support abortion rights is a long-running phenomenon. It reached an intense phase in 2004 when John Kerry, a Catholic, won the Democratic presidential nomination. The 2020 election of former President Joe Biden, another Democrat and practicing Catholic, created an unprecedented dilemma for bishops, although Biden was allowed to receive Communion in Washington, D.C. Durbin was barred from receiving Communion in his home diocese of Springfield in 2004. Paprocki has continued the prohibition and considers himself Durbins bishop. Cupich claims Durbin as a member of the Chicago Archdiocese; Durbin has previously said he found a welcoming parish in Chicago, where he also has a home. Durbins office has not responded to The Associated Press emailed interview request. The archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, agreed with Paprocki that both clarity and unity are at risk. Cordileone, who in 2022 barred former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from Communion over her support of abortion access, said in a post on the social platform X that he hopes the issue will prompt all members of the Body of Christ to speak out to make clear the grave evil that is the taking of innocent human life. Catholic hierarchy describes opposition to abortion as its preeminent priority, but lay Catholics arent necessarily on board. According to a 2022 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, most opposed the denial of Communion for politicians who support abortion rights. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote in a 2004 statement on Catholics in Political Life that no honors should go to politicians who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles lest they signal support for their actions. In 2021, the conference approved a long-anticipated teaching document on Communion that some hoped would serve as a rebuke for Catholic politicians who are for abortion rights. But it stopped short of calling for the withholding of Communion from these public officials. The USCCB declined comment on Tuesday. On immigration, U.S. bishops have been at odds with the Trump administration on its crackdown policies. Earlier this year, the USCCB sued the administration for its abrupt funding cut to refugee resettlement, which it has been a part of for years. The bishops also ended a half-century of partnerships with the federal government to serve refugees and migrant children over funding cuts. ___ Meyer reported from Nashville, Tennessee. By JOHN OCONNOR and HOLLY MEYER Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Former state Assemblymember Ian Calderon is the latest Democrat to jump into the crowded race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom next year. Calderon, 39, cast himself as the voice of a new, younger generation as the youngest majority leader in state history. The governors race has already has drawn a large field of candidates, including former Biden administration Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former U.S. House member Katie Porter, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, among others. Calderon was the first millennial elected to the Assembly at 27 years old in 2012. He chose to not seek reelection in 2020 to spend more time with his wife and young children. California should be the best place in the world to raise a family, buy a home and build a future, but to get there, we need a new generation of leadership, Calderon said. He has vowed to tackle gas prices, housing affordability and child care costs in a social media video announcing his campaign to replace Newsom, whose term runs through early January 2027. On the GOP side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton have announced their bids. Calderon is also positioning himself as a tech-friendly politician and said Tuesday that hed push the state to use cryptocurrency like bitcoin to pay for various state programs. He made the comments during a social media livestream called Crypto Town Hall. Once Im governor, Im going to make sure that we hold bitcoin on our balance sheet, Calderon said. Democrats are expected to hold the seat in a state where they outnumber registered Republicans by nearly 2 to 1. Republicans have not won a statewide election in California in nearly two decades. Calderons family has long-held ties in California politics. He replaced his father, Charles Calderon, in the Assembly. Two of his uncles, Ron Calderon and Tom Calderon, also served in the state Legislature, though both were convicted on public corruption charges in 2016. His stepmom Lisa Calderon, succeeded him in the Assembly. Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) President Donald Trump castigated the United Nations as a feckless institution in a speech to the world body on Tuesday, praising the turn America has taken under his leadership while warning Europe will be ruined if it doesnt turn away from a double-tailed monster of ill-conceived migration and green energy policies. His roughly hourlong speech before the U.N. General Assembly was both grievance-filled and self-congratulatory as he used the platform to applaud his second-term achievements and lament that some of his fellow world leaders countries were going to hell. The address was the latest reminder for U.S. allies and foes that the United States after a four-year interim under the more internationalist President Joe Biden has returned to an unapologetically America First posture with an antagonistic view toward the United Nations. Trump also sharply criticized the global body for inaction, saying it was filled with empty words that dont solve wars. What is the purpose of the United Nations? Trump said. The U.N. has such tremendous potential. Ive always said it. It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But its not even coming close to living up to that potential. Afterward, Trump attempted to assuage fears from some diplomats by assuring the top U.N. leader that the U.S. remained 100% supportive of the global body despite his earlier criticism. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great, Trump told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. It was another about-face after Trump offered a weave of jarring juxtapositions in his address to the assembly. He trumpeted himself as a peacemaker and enumerated successes of his administrations efforts in several hotspots around the globe. At the same time, Trump heralded his decisions to order the U.S. military to carry out strikes on Iran and more recently against alleged drug smugglers from Venezuela and argued that globalists are on the verge of destroying successful nations. Warnings about green scam and migration Trump touted his administrations policies allowing for expanded drilling for oil and natural gas in the United States, and aggressively cracking down on illegal immigration, implicitly suggesting more countries should follow suit. He sharply warned that European nations that have more welcoming migration policies and commit to expensive energy projects aimed at reducing their carbon footprint were causing irreparable harm to their economies and cultures. Im telling you that if you dont get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail, Trump said. If you dont stop people that youve never seen before that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail. Trump added, I love the people of Europe, and I hate to see it being devastated by energy and immigration. This double-tailed monster destroys everything in its wake, and they cannot let that happen any longer. Trump makes dramatic shift on Russia-Ukraine war Trump also addressed Russias war in Ukraine, once again threatening to hit Moscow with a very strong round of powerful tariffs if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not come to the table to end the war. He waited until after the speech, and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to announce a dramatic shift in his position on the war: He said he now believes Ukraine, with the help of NATO, can win back all territory lost to Russia. Trump wrote in part in his post. I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. The strengthened support from Trump, if it sticks, is a huge win for Zelenskyy, who has urged the American president to keep up the pressure on Putin to end his brutal war on Ukraine. Trump going back to his 2024 campaign insisted that he would quickly end the war. And hes frequently suggested that U.S. interests in the outcome were limited. Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win, Trump wrote. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger. Trump speaks out on Palestinian statehood push The president also pushed back on longtime American allies who are using this years General Assembly to spotlight the growing international campaign for recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that the U.S. and Israel vehemently oppose. France became the latest nation to recognize Palestinian statehood on Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the U.N. aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. Trump sharply criticized the effort. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, Trump said. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including Oct. 7. The president also took part in a group meeting with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan for talks focused on ending the Gaza war. This is my most important meeting, Trump said. But this is the one thats very important to me because were going to end something that should have probably never started. Trump pokes at UN for escalator, teleprompter issues Early in his speech, Trump broke from his prepared remarks to bemoan an inoperable escalator in U.N. headquarters that he happened upon as well as a defective teleprompter. These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter, Trump poked, eliciting laughs from delegates and leaders. Stephane Dujarric, the U.N. spokesperson, said the escalators abrupt stop happened after a videographer who accompanied the U.S. delegation may have inadvertently triggered a built-in safety mechanism. A U.N. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue said the White House was operating the teleprompter for the president. Trump has Oslo dreams The president again made clear that he wants to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, repeating his spurious claim that hes ended seven wars since he returned to office. Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless wars, Trump said in his address. Trump regularly points to his administrations efforts to end several conflicts around the world, including fighting between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and Egypt and Sudan. Its too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them, Trump said. Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them. Although Trump helped mediate relations among many of these nations, experts say his impact isnt as clear cut as he claims. ___ Associated Press writers Jamey Keaton in Geneva, Switzerland, Tracy Brown and Darlene Superville in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report. By AAMER MADHANI and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press Palantir co-founders Peter Thiel and Alex Karp neatly embody the zeitgeist of 2025 with Palantirs use of AI for ICE and the IDF, their Trump affiliations, and their outspoken views on the Antichrist and Western Civilization. Naked Capitalism has covered Palantir from several angles in recent months, lets touch on the highlights of those pieces so interested readers can catch up on the conversation and quickly grasp the stakes. The focus of this piece is Palantir 2025s use of AI as part of a hype campaign, their crony capitalism in Israel, the U.S. and the U.K., and how Thiels seemingly weird obsession with the Antichrist plays into it. Thomas Neuburger on Palantir Revisited: Whos Us in Us vs. Them? Alex Karps admonition to make sure our enemies wake up scared and go to bed scared puts Americans, us in the more advanced West, inside facing out secure and protected, not just from our enemies, but from the evils we deliver to them. To put it in cruder terms, were also safe because were pissing, not pissed upon. And this is how were supposed to regard the muscular state, the heavily armed, punishing state, as guardians of us, as outward-facing armies guarding the gates. The state can mistreat them because they are not us. But Karp is a billionaire, as is Trump, whom he serves, as are all of the wealthy class, the overly rich. Karp imagines he speaks for a larger us, for his class and also Americans generalized. Alex Karps admonition to make sure our enemies wake up scared and go to bed scared puts Americans, us in the more advanced West, inside facing out secure and protected, not just from our enemies, but from the evils we deliver to them. To put it in cruder terms, were also safe because were pissing, not pissed upon. Nick Corbishley on Welcome to Peak Palantir The company that knows everything about you is going from strength to strength as war rises and and the so-called liberal West turns into a dystopian novel. Palantirs star is rising rapidly under Trump 2.0 while its shares hit record highs on an almost daily basis. The firms co-founder and chair of the board, Peter Thiel, was one of relatively few Silicon Valley moguls to bankroll Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, and now it looks like hes cashing in. Thiel is also a former employer-cum-mentor of Vice President JD Vance, whose senate run in Ohio Thiel almost single handedly funded with a record breaking $15 million donation. In other words Thiels influence would probably be greater in a Vance administration. Palantir is involved in a new Pentagon initiative aimed at spurring innovation within the US army, titled Detachment 201. As Defense News reports, Shyam Sankar, Palantirs chief technology officer, was one of four Silicon Valley tech execs invited to join the US Army Reserve as lieutenant colonel, to help inject their speed and expertise into the armys military innovation. The other three Army Reserve lieutenant colonels were from Meta, Open AI and Thinking Machines Lab. The company that knows everything about you is going from strength to strength as war rises and and the so-called liberal West turns into a dystopian novel. Curro Jimenez on Palantirs AI Justified Israels Attack on Iran Will Tech Take Us Back to Irrational Beliefs? If you dont have AI, theres nothing going on. Those are Peter Thiels words in an interview with Ross Douthat for the podcast Interesting Times. To put it into context, Thiel is referring to something he calls the stagnation hypothesis. The argument is that without a breakthrough to propel a new wave of economic growth, the social fabric as we know itin the Westwill begin to collapse. To avoid that, we need to seek progress through various means, including exploring new forms of government, ventures into radical biologysuch as transhumanismor missions to Mars. If you dont have AI, theres nothing going on. Those are Peter Thiels words in an interview with Ross Douthat for the podcast Interesting Times. To put it into context, Thiel is referring to something he calls the stagnation hypothesis. Haig Hovaness on The Two Faces of Palantir Palantirs technology is inherently Janus-faced. The same software that allows governments to defend against terrorism or respond to pandemics can also be deployed to monitor political opponents, quash dissent, and entrench authoritarian control. In this sense, Palantir represents a broader dilemma of the digital age: the dual-use character of advanced information infrastructure. Growing controversy surrounds Palantir, as the harmful potential of its work becomes increasingly evident. Palantirs technology can act as a national security shield, defending against external threats and crises. But without legal safeguards, it can just as easily become a cage, controlling domestic political life through sophisticated means of surveillance. The question is not whether Palantir has built powerful tools. The question is whether the United States and other nations can ensure that such tools remain only tools of defense against foreign threats, and not become instruments of domestic repression. Palantirs technology is inherently Janus-faced. The same software that allows governments to defend against terrorism or respond to pandemics can also be deployed to monitor political opponents, quash dissent, and entrench authoritarian control. In this sense, Palantir represents a broader dilemma of the digital age: the dual-use character of advanced information infrastructure. Growing controversy surrounds Palantir, as the harmful potential of its work becomes increasingly evident. Curro Jimenez on The Alliance Among Washington, Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley the Military Industrial Complex, which Eisenhower warned about, has expanded to include the governments of the U.S. and Israel, as well as major Silicon Valley tech companies. If Eisenhower could draw a line between the MIC and the government, today thats no longer possible. This new alliance, referred to as the military-digital complex, is characterized by the blurred lines between the public and private sectors, with corporations playing a crucial and often unaccountable role in geopolitical affairs and military operations. Out of this, a new power system is emerging. Thiel outlined the foundations of the new global power architecture. He based this on the premise that the brute facts of September 11 demand a re-examination of the foundations of modern politics, given that Western political philosophy can no longer cope with our world of global violence. (Thiel) states that this new global power architecture called for a new compromise, and this new compromise inexorably demanded more security at the expense of less freedom. Silicon Valley Ideologies as a Lens for Viewing Current Events Emile P. Torres: Thiel holds a particular interpretation of pro-extinctionism according to which we should become a new posthuman species, but this posthuman species shouldnt be entirely digital. We should retain our biological substrates, albeit in a radically transformed state. As such, this contrasts with most other views discussed here. These other views are clear instances of digital eugenics, whereas Thiel advocates a version of pro-extinctionism thats more traditionally eugenicist in particular, its a pro-biology variant of transhumanism (a form of eugenics). Now that my colleagues have set the scene and explained the stakes, lets get into Palantirs use of AI in its marketing, their involvement with the worst excesses of the Israeli and American regimes, and what Thiel and Karp have been saying lately about the Antichrist and Western Civilization. Palantir 2025, AI Hype & Influencers This piece is a compliment to my on-going series on the various companies leading the headlong charge into large language models branded as AI. Palantir, has enjoyed a dramatic share price run up in the AI era: The company is considered by some analysts to be a top 15 AI company, but it should be viewed as a middleman, re-selling AI tech to governments (and huge government contractors) rather than a tech pioneer per se. Wireds Caroline Haskins grappled with what it is exactly that Palantir 2025 does: (Juan Sebastian Pinto, former Palantir Content Strategiest) believes that the company, which recently began using the tagline software that dominates, has cultivated its mysterious public image on purpose. Unlike consumer-facing startups that need to clearly explain their products to everyday users, Palantirs main audience is sprawling government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. What its ultimately selling them is not just software, but the idea of a seamless, almost magical solution to complex problems. To do that, Palantir often uses the language and aesthetics of warfare, painting itself as a powerful, quasi-military intelligence partner. In another piece, Haskins called Palantir 2025 a lifestyle brand: what does it mean for Palantira company that, in the words of one former employee, essentially sells digital filing cabinets to customers like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the US Department of Defense, Heineken beer, and General Millsto be a lifestyle brand? Palantir bros are not hard to encounter online: There are several Palantir-focused subreddits, the largest of which has 109,000 members. Some people on X have been able to amass huge followings by posting exclusively about the company throughout the day. Palantirs fan base gradually expanded during the years that contractors for immigration enforcement and the military were least popular in Silicon Valley. For fans, Palantir was a contrarian dark horse that stood by its principles, even though others detested them. under the second Trump administration, the tech world is beginning to openly embrace aligning with the militaryboth transactionally, and symbolically. In June, the Army commissioned an elite group of tech executives to be lieutenant colonels. Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Sankar was joined by Meta chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth, OpenAI chief product officer Kevin Weil, and current Thinking Machines Lab adviser and former OpenAI chief research officer Bob McGrew, who also worked at Palantir. Palantir 2025 also cultivates influencers: And one of their co-founders, Joe Lonsdale, has a mid-sized YouTube channel where he platforms Palantir execs like CEO Alex Karp: Karps opening statement on the show is a tell as to what he wants Palantir 2025 investors to be focused on: Joe Lonsdale: How much of AI right now is innovation in theater? Whats real and whats hype? Alex Karp: Well, the big thing that we have to avoid in our country, but is less of a problem for us than in other countries, is theres an attempt to dampen AI and its utilization by people who dont have a product. That is a big deal inside and outside of government. Now, luckily for us, in this country (U.S.), its a much smaller deal than say in Europe. Wouldnt want any decision makers in the Pentagon to find out that AI is mostly hype, now would we? Theres money to be made after all. Karp also has his finger on the pulse of Gen Z, and like a good doctor he has some advice: The New York Times pitches in with a lifestyle profile of the charming Alex Karp: In fact, Mr. Karp, a co-founder and the C.E.O. of Palantir Technologies, the mysterious and powerful data analytics firm, doesnt trust himself to drive. Or ride a bike. Or ski downhill. Im a dreamer, he said. Ill start dreaming and then I fall over. I started doing tai chi to prevent that. Its really, really helped with focusing on one thing at a time. If you had met me 15 years ago, two-thirds of the conversation, Id just be dreaming. What would he dream about? Literally, it could be a walk I did five years ago, he said. It could be some conversation I had in grad school. Could be my family member annoyed me. Something a colleague said, like: Why did they say this? What does it actually mean? Mr. Karp is a lean, extremely fit billionaire with unruly salt-and-pepper curls. He is introvert-charming (something I aspire to myself). He has A.D.H.D. and cant hide it if he is not interested in what someone is saying. After a hyper spurt of talking, he loses energy and has to recharge on the stationary bike or by reading. Even though he thinks of himself as different, he seems to like being different. He enjoys being a provocateur onstage and in interviews. Truly sterling journalism from the Paper of Records legendary columnist Maureen Dowd. I wonder if the same Palantir 2025 flacks that feed Dowd such sexy bits also handle outreach to this plucky grifter: The Palantir 2025 hype may provide some harmless fun for us, but its purpose is to set corporate behemoths and Western governments up for the kill. Palantir as the Eyes and Ears of Murder, Inc. This Marketwatch piece illustrates how Palantirs branding and use of AI hype helps them land big contracts with the U.S. and U.K. governments: Bank of America analysts see Palantirs forward deployed engineers, or FDEs, as part of the companys secret sauce. These are engineers who embed with customers to provide services and encourage the use of Palantirs technology, the analysts noted. Now that Palantir is adding agentic artificial intelligence to extend this idiosyncratic skillset to more use cases, Bank of America expects the AI FDEs to accelerate the companys commercial business. In its government business, Palantirs new strategic partnership with the U.K.s Ministry of Defense, which aims to invest up to 750 million, or more than $1 billion, into AI-enabled defense technology over the next five years, builds on Palantirs momentum as the global digital battle-management system, the analysts said. Palantirs deal with the U.K.s Ministry of Defense, which marks its first outside of the U.S. worth $1 billion, not only builds on its growing exposure to the country, but also on international demand for its technology, the analysts said. They noted that adoption of Palantirs Maven Smart System in the U.S. has grown eightfold since early 2024 and that it is now being used by NATO. We expect other countries to increasingly consider Maven as their global digital battle-management system, as it provides both interoperability with the U.S. and allies as well as governance on their own data, the Bank of America team said. Interesting to note the difference between what the Palantir employees quoted in the Wired piece above think the company does with what Bank of America analysts call the companys secret sauce. Looks like a modified McKinsey model to me, planting engineers instead of consultants inside big orgs. Heres what theyre doing for ICE, per Business Insider: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has signed a $30 million deal with Palantir for software add-ons to track self-deportations and immigrants who have overstayed their visas, government records show. A contract reviewed by Business Insider said the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System or ImmigrationOS will minimize time and resource expenditure for selecting and apprehending immigrants based on ICE enforcement priorities. Along with violent criminals and affiliates of known transnational criminal organizations, the contract also cited visa overstays as a deportation priority. ImmigrationOS will expand ICEs case management system to include near real-time visibility into instances of self-deportation. The contract said the new ImmigrationOS will streamline end to end immigration lifecycle from identification to removal. The agency is awarding Palantir $29.8 million for a prototype to be delivered by September 25. The software collates information from a wide range of government databases and allows DHS agents to keep detailed records on potential immigration violators for future enforcement actions. It includes data sharing with Customs and Border Protection for lookout and seizure tracking. Palantir has developed deep institutional knowledge of ICE operations over more than a decade of support, ICE wrote in the documents. Their systems have been tailored to meet strict DHS security and privacy standards. The organization Just Futures Law used a Freedom of Information Act request to find out more about Palantirs work with ICE, via The Guardian: The documentslargely cover Palantirs contract with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of Ice that is responsible for stopping the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology. The documents reveal how deeply embedded Palantirs tools were in HSIs day-to-day operations, helping its agents to investigate and arrest people using a searchable super-network of government and private databases. They show the HSI team used Palantir platforms and apps to track air travel, analyze information like drivers license scans and track peoples locations using cell phone records. In an example that highlights the vastness of the data Ice has access to: one March 2020 training document detailed how Palantir software allowed Ice agents to search across data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (Sevis), which at the time contained 4.9 million records of non-immigrant students, exchange visitors and their dependents dating back to 2016. Another told Ice agents they could enhance their investigations by using phone numbers or names extracted from phones the agents unlocked using technology from Cellebrite, an Israeli forensic software company that has had a contract with Ice since 2019. The exact nature of Palantirs work for Israel is slightly harder to parse. The Nations James Bamford took a look at Palantirs role in the Gaza genocide last year: the enormous amount of advanced targeting AI hardware and software provided to the Israeli miliary and spy agenciessome of it by one American company in particular: Palantir Technologies. As one of the worlds most advanced data-mining companies, with ties to the CIA, Palantirs work was supplying Israels military and intelligence agencies with advanced and powerful targeting capabilitiesthe precise capabilities that allowed Israel to place three drone-fired missiles into three clearly marked aid vehicles. I am pretty encouraged about talent here and that we are getting the best people, Alex Karp, cofounder and CEO of the company, told a group soon after arriving in Tel Aviv last January. Immediately after the talk, Karp traveled to a military headquarters where he signed an upgraded agreement with Israels Ministry of Defense. The project involved selling the ministry an Artificial Intelligence Platform that uses reams of classified intelligence reports to make life-or-death determinations about which targets to attack. In an understatement several years ago, Karp admitted, Our product is used on occasion to kill people, the morality of which even he himself occasionally questions. I have asked myself, If I were younger at college, would I be protesting me? Palantirs AI machines need data for fueldata in the form of intelligence reports on Palestinians in the occupied territories. And for decades a key and highly secret source of that data for Israel has been the US National Security Agency, according to documents released by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Bloomberg looked at Palantirs Artificial Intelligence Platform in 2023 which reveals more about the companys pivot to AI-focused marketing than the tech itself: AIP stands for Artificial Intelligence Platform. According to the companys site, the tool can be used by militaries to tap the kinds of AI models that power ChatGPT to aid in battlefield intelligence and decision-making. A demo video shows how the platform can display and analyze intel on enemy targets, identify potentially hostile situations, propose battle plans and send those plans to commanding officers for execution. The video emphasizes that the platform is safe and secure, allowing a client to decide what data the models can see and what they can and cant do on behalf of humans. If you wheel these technologies correctly, safely, and securely, Palantir Chief Executive Officer Alex Karp said during Mondays call, you have a weapon that will allow you to win, that will scare your competitors and adversaries. Karp described the boom in large language models as a revolution that will raise ships and sink ships. Demand for AIP is like nothing Ive ever seen in 20 years of being involved in Palantir, he said. We are reorganizing our efforts aggressively to capitalize. Never fear, Palantir has plenty of sweet AI tech for the US Army too, per CNBC in March of this year: Palantir is rolling out its first two artificial intelligence-enabled systems to the U.S. Army, the company said Friday. The Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node systems, or TITAN, act as a mobile ground station that harness AI to collect data from space sensors to assist soldiers with warfare strategy and improve strike targeting and accuracy, according to Palantir. Palantir won the $178 million contract last March, beating out competitor and defense giant RTX Corporation . It marked a key milestone for the company known for its data analysis and software services, as well as the first time a software company has worked as a primary contractor for a significant hardware program. The agreement includes a total of 10 TITAN systems. Each system includes an advanced system with two larger trucks and a basic system with two vehicles delivered over five delivery orders, Jain explained. The systems allow soldiers to make intelligence decisions without requiring the cloud, putting all that power in the back of a truck, he added. Peter Thiel, Jeffrey Epstein Acquaintance, and The Antichrist Now that weve looked a little more at what Palantir is actually selling, to whom, and how, lets tie them back into the 2025 zeitgeist. For example, Thiel even has a bizarre business connection with the new head of the CDC, something about man-made islands beyond national borders. Now on to the sex scandal and crazy religious stuff: Jeffrey Epstein and the Antichrist. The former is not something Palantir wants to be associated with in 2025, but they wouldnt be embodying the zeitgeist if they stayed out of that mess would they? The Antichrist, on the other hand is something Thiel very much wants to be associated with. I discussed his infamous interview on the topic with the NY Times Ross Douthat in a previous piece. Lets look at what and why. Reason.com got the goods on the Epstein-Thiel-Israel link: After his first arrest for sex crimes, Jeffrey Epstein tried to get into a new line of work: surveillance. In 2015, he partnered with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to invest in a security tech startup called Reporty Homeland Security, now known as Carbyne. Leaked emails show that Epstein was using Barak to seek out opportunities in the surveillance industry and build connections with powerful figures around the globe, including American businessman Peter Thiel, the former director of Israeli signals intelligence, and two people in Russian President Vladimir Putins circle. Epstein invited (former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud) Barak to come to a meeting with Thiel, cofounder of PayPal and the surveillance contractor Palantir, in May 2014. Although Barak couldnt make that meeting, Epstein insisted that Barak spend real time with peter thiel [sic] and offered to set up a dinner the following month. Barak wrote to a different business associate a few days later, without mentioning Epsteins role, that he and Thiel would have a first date and probably spend it talking just geopolitics with an unnamed third person. In that email, Barak added that he had met Thiel once before in Davos, Switzerland, but speculated that Thiel probably doesnt even recall it. Its not clear exactly what happened in that meeting. In February 2016, however, Epstein pitched Reporty to Valar Ventures, a fund co-founded by Thiel and two close partners. Wed love to hear more about Reporty, are you in NYC in the near term or would a phone call make more sense? Thanks for thinking of us Jeffrey, Valar Ventures general partner Andrew McCormack wrote back. Looks like the Epstein, Israel, Thiel connection might be more smoke than fire, but the same could be said for Thiels antichrist obsession. Mike Brock linked Thiels thinking on the Antichrist with his intellectual mentor at Stanford and explained Thiels purpose: Thiel is publicly, explicitly a follower of Rene Girardhis Stanford professor and intellectual mentor whose insights about human social psychology Thiel has weaponized as political methodology. Think of it this way: instead of society dissolving into everyone fighting everyone, people unite against a designated villain. Thats Girards scapegoat theoryand its the lever Thiel pulls. Think of conspiracy theories blaming George Soros, or anti-woke crusades targeting universities. In both cases, real frustrations get channeled toward a scapegoat that distracts from the oligarchic capture actually shaping outcomes. As I explored in Ideas Without Love, Thiel approaches civilization itself as a thought experiment rather than lived realityhe loves ideas more than people. But hes systematically applied Girards insights to redirect popular anger away from oligarchic capture toward the institutions that could provide democratic resistance. Emile P. Torres dives a little deeper at Realtime Techpocalypse Newsletter: If you can convince people that the end is nigh, that one is fighting the Antichrist, and that Armageddon an ultimate battle between Good and Evil is at hand, you can persuade them to do just about anything. After all, what hangs in the balance is eternal life, perfect happiness, perpetual peace, and cosmic justice. With the stakes that high, what exactly is off the table? What act is morally impermissible?. My guess is that Peter Thiel understands this dynamic, at least to some extent, and thats partly why he keeps talking about the Antichrist. As far as I can tell, the particular interpretation of biblical prophecy that Thiel is peddling goes like this: we face two foes the Antichrist and Armageddon. The former is a world government with I kid you not high taxes, an idea thats curiously consistent with other apocalypticists whove claimed that the Antichrist will gain power through supranational organizations like the European Union or United Nations. Thiel sees Greta Thunberg as an agent of the Antichrist precisely because she advocates for global regulations targeting carbon emissions. If implemented, this would take us one more misstep down the slippery slope of regulatory regimes that interfere with other areas of industry, some of which Thiel has a vested interest in. Heres the strategy of Antichristic agents, according to Thiel: they use the threat of Armageddon a global-scale catastrophe, or an existential disaster as a pretext for establishing a world government. If you want to avoid annihilation or collapse, they say, we must sacrifice the freedom of corporations to continue polluting, exploiting, extracting, and doing whatever they see as necessary to maximize their profits. Thiel responds that aligning with the Antichrist to avoid Armageddon is no solution at all. Rather, our eschatological task in these perilous times is to walk the narrow path between Armageddon and the Antichrist: to avoid an actual catastrophe while resisting the urge to accomplish this through global governance. If Thunberg is just an annoying climate activist, she can be safely ignored. But if shes an agent of the Antichrist, then she must be stopped immediately and at all costs. If those advocating for AI regulation are engaged in the work of the Devil, then they, too, must be dealt with in a manner proportionate to the awesome stakes of the fight. This is an apocalyptic showdown to protect, preserve, and bring about paradise, which Thiel imagines happening through the unregulated development of advanced technologies. It doesnt get more 2025 than conflating Greta Thunberg with the Antichrist. I wonder if Palantirs tech was used in the latest attack on the flotilla headed for Israel with Ms. Thunberg on board. When asked in early 2000 how long I thought COVID-19 would last, I answered three years. Alas, it has now been nearly six years since a frightening respiratory disease was first noticed in Hubei Province centered in Wuhan. Retrospective analyses indicate the virus was already circulating in other parts of the world. It soon became clear how disruptive the third coming of a deadly and much more transmissible human coronavirus would be. [1] We have previously discussed how the scientific response to Covid differed from the response to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. A recent comprehensive, if conventional, book by Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee (both of Princeton) covers the politics of COVID-19. In Covids Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us (2024) is likely to be the standard account of the politics of pandemic for some time. In the beginning, in the words of Francis Collins, the former Director of the National Institutes of Health, We did not admit our ignorance and that was a profound mistake. Yes, it was and is probably the foundation of the feeble scientific response to Covid, so far. The various mistakes of the scientific community led to policy schizophrenia among politicians and unrest among the people. This distemper has not abated. Macedo and Lee ask the question, Was Covid the moral equivalent of war? Going back to William James, as the authors put it: Liberal democrats have hoped to find some moral equivalent of war, which would call upon citizens to exhibit the civic virtue and self-sacrifice that exists in time of war. Perhaps. But at the same time, liberal democrats like Randolph Bourne were writing War Is the Health of the State. And it should be noted that conservatives continue to find novel moral equivalents of war in libraries and under the beds and in the closets of liberal democrats and others anathema. Recent events have exacerbated this tendency, and it is doubtful the outcome will be healthy for any and all concerned. American politics in particular seems to thrive, after a fashion, in this all-war-all-the-time era of imperial decline. This is a thoroughly bipartisan affliction. It is clear to the most casual observer that the response to Covid was a failure of educated elites. Macedo and Lee admit to being part of that tribe. I am a paid-up, if heretical member, too. The pathologies of our response can rightfully be attributed to a generalized withholding of civic respect to political opponents. [2] This has often, if not always, been the problem of American politics. It is uncontroversial to say that the notional Left represented by their version of the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) is the guiltier party recently. But the Right PMC also learned early. Beginning with a Congressman from Georgia, they figured out how to withhold civic respect to their opponents and actually win. It was the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich I remember well his rise as a glibertarian history professor from the wilds of West Georgia in the late-1970s who thought it is a good idea to call me a sick, pathetic, radical traitor (Radical, as in attempting to get to the root of the matter? No argument from me but my opponents will undoubtedly disagree). Newts memo has returned, with a vengeance, with the president who made his current wife Ambassador to the Holy See and more recently Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. After an introductory chapter on Democracy under Covid, Macedo and Lee proceed as follows: Following the Science before Covid Turning on a Dime: Embracing Chinas Covid Model Partisan Pandemic: Stigmatizing Disagreement Laboratories of Democracy? Pay Any Price: Ignoring Costs of Covid Policy Science Bends to Politics: Covids Muddled Origins Politicized Science: Of Masks and Mandates Noble Lies? Public Health Mis- and Disinformation under Covid Concluding Reflections: Learning from the Politics of Crisis What follows in the next few paragraphs is a summary of the main points presented by Macedo and Lee, after which we will return to core sections of the book in Chapters 4, 7, and 10. Chapter 2 begins: Communities faced with epidemics or other adverse events respond best and with least anxiety when the normal social functioning of the community is least disrupted? This is undoubtedly true and the analytical framework foremost in the minds of Macedo and Lee throughout the book is costs and benefits. However, as with any cost-benefit analysis, those who pay the costs and those who reap the benefits are the important questions. These are not always addressed from the perspectives of those who pay and those who benefit, but the authors are clear that most of the costs were paid by essential workers who had no choice but to conform to shifting mandates. Whether we could have absorbed most of the costs is dismissed as a ridiculous question. According to Macedo and Lee costs of the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) throughout the pandemic were too large to justify the expense. The initial and legitimate urge as SARS-CoV-2 spread widely was to prevent transmission and thereby prevent disease, by whatever reasonable means necessary, the key here being reasonable. As it happened, the withholding of civic respect to political opponents on both sides was the major stumbling block to consensus. In the initial Covid waves, those with comorbidities, including people over the age of sixty, were most at risk. Early assumptions that Covid was a passing thing among the young and healthy were incorrect, however. Long Covid is limited to one page, late in the book. The success of the hard lockdowns in China and New Zealand worked in the beginning, so it was natural to follow their lead. But again, at what cost and for whose benefit? Macedo and Lee are very good with the notion that different responses by different nations and states within the United States would be a test of Justice Louis Brandeiss justification for federalism with each state or region serving as a laboratory of democracy. [3]. The comparisons between red states and blue states are useful. Although this is often overlooked, studies showed that pandemic restrictions reduced infection rates. It follows that reduced infection rates would mean less disease. Covid kills fast and slow. Lower infection rates put fewer people at risk for long covid, which is likely to be the very long tail of the pandemic. This was not appreciated early, and that is a failure of biomedical science. Macedo and Lee conclude that the states are not laboratories of democracy. Probably not, but comparisons of their responses will be valuable, if Covid data have been retained (doubtful) and are considered by citizens, scientists, and politicians in a disinterested manner. Pandemic responses had the most enduring ill effects on education. But what is not considered is that disruption of education did not have to be as complete or as long as in some states. SARS-CoV-2 is an airborne virus. Masks and ventilation prevent transmission very well, though not completely. There was never any need to study this, any more than a clinical trial of parachutes as prevention of death and disability when jumping out of an airplane is necessary. [4] Should Covid have been considered the moral equivalent of war worth any price? That depends on what is valued. But Pay Any Price for a relatively short time, while preventing damage to those most vulnerable, and then getting back to normal as quickly as possible? Yes, we could have done that, without damage to the other that the laptop class, Right and Left, did not experience. In Covids Wake is an effective indictment of our political leaders, Left and Right. But Macedo and Lee are less convincing in Chapter 4, Partisan Pandemic: Stigmatizing Disagreement. They begin with: The making of sound policies on matters as complex and consequential as the Covid crisis requires deliberation that is open to criticism, tolerant of dissent, and reflective of the diversity of the political community. These are baseline principles of liberal democracy. True, as we have argued here recently. Macedo and Lee then immediately proceed to a discussion of the Great Barrington Declaration (GBD, issued in October 2020), which they describe as: An earnest appeal by serious scholars, and it deserved a respectful hearing. But it was issued into a toxic and polarized environment, where its authors were subjected to exactly the stigmatization that Mill warned about [5]. And they were far from alone. The authors and lead signers of the GBDwere distinguished academics: Dr. Martin Kulldorf, (at the time) professor of medicine at Harvard UniversityDr. Sunetra Gupta, professor at Oxford University; and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor at Stanford University Medical School, a physician, epidemiologist, health economist, and public health policy expert focusing on infectious diseases. These three scholars, experts in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and economics, where convinced that an artificial air of consensus inhibited the robust discussion of alternatives, and they worried about what the consequences would be as nations headed toward a second wave (of covid later in the year). The academic homes of these three are mentioned prominently in what can be perceived only as an argument from authority (an irritating constant in the book). Jay Bhattacharya, BA-MA-MD-PhD, has four degrees from Stanford. He is an economist with the PhD to prove it, but he is not a physician, or one who practices the healing art, including medicine and surgery (OED). Dr. Bhattacharya went straight from his MD to his PhD. He never finished his post-graduate education in medicine (internship plus residency) and is ineligible for a medical license. Dr. Kulldorf is now a member of ACIP. Dr. Gupta remains at Oxford. A complete discussion of the GBD is beyond the scope of this review but see LS here as a start. Most of the scientific justifications in the GBD are plain wrong. Herd immunity (Let er rip! while protecting our elders, method for that unspecified) and protection of vulnerable communities until herd immunity is reached is nonsense. This is what most of the critics of the GBD pointed out. Some of them came off as unhinged given the political climate, but they were not wrong on the basic settled science. The GBD was a form of soft eugenics and little else. That it currently has 941,261 signatures is irrelevant. Scientific validity is not up for a vote. More important for our discussion is the home of the GBD. It is not Stanford, Oxford, or Harvard. The home of the GBD is the American Institute of Economic Research (AIER), a libertarian thinktank in Great Barrington, Massachusetts that long predates the Powell Memo. Drs. Bhattacharya, Gupta, and Kulldorf were not the dissenting experts and disinterested scientists as described by Macedo and Lee. They were acting as representatives of one of the foremost Merchants of Doubt (Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway) in the United States. Early in the book, Macedo and Lee refer to Oreskes several times, here on page 22: The premature moralization of disagreement along partisan lines (during the responses to Covid) undermined basic norms of democracy (accountability requires an opposition party), liberalism (openness to criticism as the best test of truth, per J.S. Mill), and science (a community of scientists open to a diversity of viewpoints, contestation, and refutation, per Karl Popper and Naomi Oreskes). All true, but political argument from the AIER is not the kind of argument described by Popper or Oreskes, any more than a paper on the utility of statins in which every author had a conflict with Big Pharma is to be believed as the objective truth about this widely prescribed class of drugs. That Macedo and Lee did not go deeper into the origins and the flawed virology and epidemiology of the GBD is not surprising, but it does raise serious doubts. In any case, the authors were not silenced at all by their critics. Dr. Bhattacharya is now Director of the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Kulldorf has moved on to the greener pastures of RFKJrs Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). The GBD authors mistakes and errors of interpretation and prediction were pointed out, though. And that is how science works. One might also add that John Stuart Mill would probably agree that scientific disputes based on scientific data are not the polemics he writes about in On Liberty, even if in our polarized environment this distinction is seldom made. Chapter 7, Science Bends to Politics is the best single discussion of Covids Muddled Origins I have read. The trope follow the science ruled the first year of the pandemic. From the very beginning this rankled every legitimate scientist. Trust the science also seemed to be an effort at obfuscation. It probably was. At one level, the origins of SARS-CoV-2 are immaterial, because subsequent actions and inactions would not have been any different. But as more information came out about the genesis of one report in Nature Medicine, The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2 (17 March 2020, >2000 citations), suspicions were aroused. The story can be summarized as follows: Virologists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology were doing gain-of-function research on coronaviruses, with a subcontract funded by NIH from EcoHealth Alliance run by Peter Daszak. GOF can be defined as manipulation of the viral genome to produce a novel component of the virus that has been changed to produce a different phenotype such as binding to the target cell or processing of viral proteins during the life cycle. GOF research on potential human pathogens is a fraught topic, as it should be. A modified virus that became SARS-CoV-2 accidentally escaped from the lab. This is an unsurprising conjecture to anyone who has ever worked in a laboratory with viruses and other microorganisms. Stuff happens. But this does not mean there was a conspiracy that led inevitably to the result. But it is not unreasonable to suspect that this research was done for convenience in Wuhan instead of a BSL-3 laboratory in the United States. As it turns out, the initial reactions of the authors of The Proximal Origin paper were that a lab leak (not an intentional release from a biowarfare laboratory) was a possible source of the virus. One does not have to be a conspiracy theorist to take this view. At the Scripps InstituteDr. Kristian Andersen was having similar disconcerting worries that the new virus had properties that may have been genetically modified or engineered. The receptor binding domain that enables the spike protein (the antigen encoded by mRNA vaccines) to attach to the host cell to infect it looked too good to be true like the perfect key for entering human cells (as the result of GOF research)and afurin cleavage sitethat gives the flu superpowers by making it more transmissible and more pathogenic. (Anderson later) found a paper written by Dr. Ralph Baric, the worlds leading coronavirologist, and his collaborator, Dr. Shi Zhengli, director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, that purported to have inserted a cleavage site into SARS. On January 29, Andersen emailed a scientist colleague in Australia asking, Can we talk, I need to be pulled off a ledge here. [6] Between this email and the publication of The Proximal Origin, there were many behind-the-scenes communications about how to explain the origins of SARS-CoV-2 as the result of natural evolution and probable transmission from bats to humans through an intermediate species (which has yet to be determined, unlike for SARS and MERs; the palm civet and dromedary camel, respectively). Included in these discussions were Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Francis Collins. A conclusion of the paper is: The genomic features described here may explain in part the infectiousness and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in humans. Although the evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not a purposefully manipulated virus, it is currently impossible to prove or disprove the other theories of its origin described here. However, since we observed all notable SARS-CoV-2 features, including the optimized RBD and polybasic cleavage site, in related coronaviruses in nature, we do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible. Believe is not a scientific term. Whether the conclusion that SARS-CoV-2 was not the result of a leaked GOF virus was a noble lie (Chapter 9) will remain undetermined. The case against the validity of The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2 is strong. Official responses, political and scientific, to the pandemic were all over the map from the very beginning. In May 2021 Anthony Fauci said when you are vaccinated you become dead to the virus. In July 2021 President Biden said, If you are vaccinated, youre not going to get hospitalized, youre not going to be in the IC unit, and youre not going to die. Both these statements were simple lies. Then there was going all-in on vaccines for a virus for which durable immunity has been a unicorn since coronaviruses were discovered, albeit in chickens, more than ninety years ago. [6] Herd immunity to a virus in the absence of durable immunity also seems unlikely. The data summarized in In Covids Wake clearly show that the Covid vaccines prevented many deaths but that they could not keep up with viral evolution. These vaccines did not work we have come to expect of vaccines for such serious pathogens. The vaccinated were not protected from disease despite multiple boosters. This is the proximate origin of the latest round of anti-vax politics. Macedo and Lee conclude that: The Covid fiasco bears some similarities to previous gross errors of policy such as Vietnam and the Iraq War. Under Covid, as in those earlier episodes, flawed policies were adopted and persisted due to groupthink. Closed circles of policy elites, mistrustful of the public and broader input, sought to keep major policy decisions within comfortable communities of insidersthe brightest minds at the highest levels asserted early on that there was only one way forward This is correct. But the notional left is not the only guilty party. The GBD was entirely the product of the self-described sophisticated libertarian Right, a point completely missed by Macedo and Lee. The scientific criticisms of the GBD were often borderline uncivil, but I have seen and heard worse in person in the seminar room. These were mostly the clash of real titans. The one that stands out occurred in the late-1990s between two good friends, Arthur Kornberg and Saul Roseman on the fundamentals of bacterial metabolism, which is not generally considered a controversial topic. Finally, the message of In Covids Wake is that the norms liberal democracy failed during Covid. It is difficult to argue otherwise. Biomedical science also failed in too many ways to count, some of which we have covered previously in a comparison of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. But a solution proffered by Macedo and Lee for next time holds that our politicians are closer to the heartbeat of the people than the Left PMC and Right PMC who dominate all discourse, generally on behalf of the sharp apex of the money and wealth pyramid. Thus, our political process will mediate conflicts. It is difficult to see how this is possible. Our normative conception of our politics, i.e., Our Democracy, which is in danger from both sides, says yes. But our normal politics cares not one whit about the people, who are consumers whose duty is to keep the economy going before they are allowed to be citizens. Out politicians care about their donors, period. This is now very old news, as shown by Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page eleven years ago: Economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impact on U.S. government policy, while average citizens and mass-based groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide substantial support for theories of Economic-Elite Domination and for theories of Biased Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism. Or to quote Justice Brandeis again, We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we cant have both. The so-called Left, Right, and Center ignore this ground truth. Few paths out of this civic wilderness present themselves, but we should remember No Politics but Class Politics. The ultimate message for the next pandemic is that we must do better all around. Yes. But conventional politics will not get us there. Still, as a comprehensive, well referenced, and well written description of how Covid affected our polity, In Covids Wake is highly recommended. Notes As I was reading In Covids Wake I came across this review of the book at Front Porch Republic, Two Liberals Walk Out of a Pandemic I ignored it until I finished here. It is very long and orthogonal to my review when not diametrically opposed. As might be expected, Ben Darr is most impressed by the Great Barrington Declaration, which nevertheless was bad libertarian science from the foundation up. [1] The death rates from SARS (11%) and MERS (36%) were very high, but those two coronaviruses were not very transmissible. Imagine if they had been as contagious as COVID-19. That research on human coronaviruses basically came to a halt after MERS is one of the larger failings of biomedical science. This has many reasons. The main one is that scientists must always run-in-place while searching for the next big thing to include in a grant proposal. The problem is that no one really ever knows what that will be, not the scientists or the program directors at NIH and NSF. [2] Jeff Spinner-Havlev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, Respect and Loathing in American Democracy: Polarization, Moralization, and the Undermining of Equality. University of Chicago Press, 2024. (NB: On the list but unread so far) [3] In a lengthy dissenting opinion citing abundant social science data, Justice Louis D. Brandeis argued that the need to eliminate destructive competition was primarily a matter for legislative determination. Brushing aside concerns that the statute fostered monopoly, he maintained that federal and state governments must have the power to remould, through experimentation, our economic practices and institutions to meet changing social and economic needs. In often-quoted language, Brandeis asserted, It is one of the happy incidents of the federal system that a single courageous State may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country. The Brandeis dissent reflected his personal support for an enlarged regulatory role for government, and his devotion to federalism. As he saw it, states should be free to fashion new solutions to economic and social concerns. [4] Thanks to Lambert Strether of Naked Capitalism (and Corrente). [5] The worst offencewhich can be committed by a polemic, is to stigmatize those who hold the contrary opinion as bad and immoral men. To calumny of this sort, those who hold any unpopular opinion are peculiarly exposed, because they are in general few and uninfluential, and nobody but themselves feel much interest in seeing justice done themunmeasured vituperation employed on the side of the prevailing opinion, really does deter people from professing contrary opinions, and from listening to those who profess them. John Stuart Mill, On Liberty, Chapter 2 Liberty of Thought and Discussion. [6] MIT Technology Review: Inside the risky bat-virus engineering that links America to Wuhan: China emulated US techniques to construct novel coronaviruses in unsafe conditions. This is a good article that covers most of the issue. [7] The first report of coronavirus disease in vertebrates (chickens) dates to 1931. Thus, coronaviruses were well known long before they were crowned, which happened only after the first electron microscope images in the 1960s showed spikes on the viral surface. The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets stated that Ukraine managed to return 6,030 of our citizens, including 364 civilians, and also within the framework of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, it managed to return 1,641 children who were deported, forcibly displaced or taken prisoner by Russia. "The priority area of work [of the Ombudsman's Office] has become the issue of returning deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children, prisoners of war and illegally detained civilians by Russia. So far, through joint efforts, Ukraine has managed to return 6,030 of our citizens, including 364 civilians. Also, within the framework of Bring Kids Back UA, 1,641 children have been returned," Lubinets said during a speech at the Richelieu Forum of Public Service "Human Rights in Ukraine: Optics of Change." In July, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) in Rome (Italy), Lubinets said Ukraine needs to prepare mechanisms for the return of civilian hostages, since Russia is illegally detaining approximately 16,000 of our civilians. Escalating tensions: Russian MiG-31 jets breach Estonian airspace, prompting NATO scramble and global concerns On Sept. 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets capable of carrying hypersonic missiles violated Estonian airspace near Tallinn, marking the third such incident in a month and escalating tensions between Russia and NATO. This incursion is part of a series of aggressive actions by Russia, including sending drones into NATO members Poland and Romania. NATO and EU leaders have condemned the incidents. NATO launched "Eastern Sentry" to reinforce defenses, while the EU announced new sanctions targeting Russian energy and financial transactions. Estonian officials called the breach "unprecedentedly brutal" and summoned Russia's charge d'affaires in response. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the systematic nature of Russia's actions, describing them as a campaign against Europe, NATO and the West. He emphasized the need for a systemic response to these provocations. Despite the tensions, NATO has opted for diplomatic and economic measures over direct military escalation. The ongoing incidents are testing the alliance's cohesion and readiness, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current responses in deterring further Russian aggression. On Friday, Sept. 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, capable of carrying Moscow's Kinzhal hypersonic missile, breached Estonian airspace near Tallinn, marking the third such violation in a month and escalating tensions between Russia and NATO. The jets circled for approximately 12 minutes before NATO jets, specifically Italian F-35s, were scrambled to intercept them. This incursion is the latest in a series of provocative actions by Russia, with Politico reporting that a U.S. official described the move as "intentional." NATO spokesperson Allison Hart condemned the incident as "yet another example of reckless Russian behavior and NATO's ability to respond." Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the airspace breach "unprecedentedly brutal," noting it was the fourth violation this year. In response, Estonia summoned Russia's charge d'affaires in Tallinn. This incident is not isolated. It follows a series of aggressive actions by Russia, including sending drones into Poland and Romania, both NATO members. Earlier in October, Poland reported more than a dozen drones crossing its borders, with some heading toward Rzeszow, a key logistics hub for Ukraine aid. Poland responded by invoking NATO's Article 4, triggering urgent consultations among allies. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced the launch of "Eastern Sentry," a mission aimed at reinforcing defenses across the alliance's eastern flank. Romania has also faced repeated incidents, including a drone tracked for nearly 50 minutes over its territory in mid-September. Fragments from Russian strikes in Ukraine have landed inside Romania multiple times. (Related: NATO's $400,000 missiles fail to stop $11,000 Russian drones in embarrassing air defense fiasco.) European and international reactions European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new package of EU sanctions targeting Russian energy and financial transactions, citing the airspace violations. "Again and again, President [Vladimir] Putin has escalated and in response, Europe is increasing its pressure," she said. "We know that our sanctions are an effective tool of economic pressure, and we will keep using them until Russia comes to the negotiating table." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the systematic nature of Russia's actions. "They use every tool: from interference in political processes, as in Romania and Moldova, to violations of airspace, as in Poland, Romania and now Estonia," he said in a post on X. "This is a systematic Russian campaign directed against Europe, against NATO, against the West. And it requires a systemic response." The repeated airspace violations by Russia are part of a broader strategy to test NATO's defenses and resolve. While NATO allies have generally avoided direct military escalation, the frequency and boldness of these incursions are raising concerns. The last time a Russian fighter was downed by a NATO member was in 2015, when Turkey shot down a Su-24 near the Syrian border, leading to a diplomatic dispute but no wider conflict. Despite the tensions, NATO has refrained from similar moves, opting instead for diplomatic and economic pressure. However, the ongoing incidents are putting the alliance's cohesion and readiness to the test. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, the "Eastern Sentry" mission and the new EU sanctions are indicative of a more assertive stance, but the question remains whether these measures will be sufficient to deter further Russian aggression. The recent airspace breach by Russian fighter jets in Estonia is a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO. As Russia continues to test the alliance's boundaries, the international community is left to grapple with the challenge of responding effectively without escalating the situation into a broader conflict. The need for transparency, diplomatic engagement, and a unified response has never been more critical. Watch the video below that talks about the EU preparing for a war with Russia. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Poland accuses Russia of deliberate drone incursion as NATO weighs its response to the attack. Germany plans major military expansion amid rising tensions with Russia. NATO to provide Ukraine with additional $50B in military aid amid escalating tensions. Sources include: YourNews.com Politico.eu Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Gaza hospitals shut down as bombardment and fuel blockades push health system to the brink Two major hospitals in GazaAl-Rantisi Children's Hospital and the Eye Hospitalhave been forced to shut down due to direct bombings and sustained shelling. The Gaza Health Ministry says there are "no safe routes" for patients and wounded civilians to reach medical facilities, effectively cutting off access to necessary care. Authorities accuse Israeli forces of systematically targeting Gaza's healthcare system, describing the damage as part of a "policy of genocide" against the Gaza Strip. The closures worsen an already severe infrastructure and humanitarian crisis: fuel shortages, bombardment and advancing ground operations are putting more hospital departments at risk of shutting down imminently. Escalation in violence across Gaza, including tank advances near neighborhoods such as Sheikh Radwan, Jala Street and Tel Al-Hawa, is intensifying civilian casualties and deepening the humanitarian emergency. Two vital hospitals in Gazathe Eye Hospital, the only public facility providing eye care services, and Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital, the only place offering many pediatric treatmentshave been forced to cease operations following repeated Israeli attacks. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the closures came after direct bombings of one facility and sustained shelling in its vicinity. According to the ministry's statement on Monday, not only have the two hospitals been rendered non-functional, but "there are no safe routes to reach hospitals and medical facilities," making access impossible for many wounded or ill civilians. The ministry went further, accusing Israeli forces of "deliberately and systematically targeting the healthcare system in Gaza as part of its policy of genocide against the population of the Gaza Strip." In addition to physical destruction and danger, Gaza's healthcare infrastructure is being battered by a severe fuel shortagea consequence of blockades and restrictions. The ministry warned that hospitals may completely shut down within days if fuel supplies are not replenished. Without power for generators, vital departments such as neonatal units, surgical wards and emergency services are at risk. (Related: Israeli strikes on Gaza hospitals kill dozens amid health system collapse.) The warning comes as Israel's military advances deepen. Tanks have moved into areas near al-Shifa Hospital, including neighborhoods such as Sheikh Radwan, Tel al-Hawa and Jala Street. Heavy aerial bombardment across the Gaza Strip has further compounded civilian suffering. Meanwhile, casualty counts continue to rise. Israeli shelling reportedly killed at least 20 people on Tuesday by early afternoon. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been reported killedincluding roughly 20,000 children. Civilians make up the overwhelming majority of these deaths, according to data including Israeli military sources. Bombed shelters, starving children: Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens Humanitarian organizations are sounding alarms. UNRWA reported that between Sept. 11 and 16, 12 of its facilities in Gazanine schools and two health center sheltering more than 11,000 peoplewere struck in Israeli air attacks. The Gaza municipality called for urgent international intervention, saying "the worsening humanitarian catastrophe" has no safe escape. "People in Gaza are facing daily bombardment, famine and compromised access to the means of survival," UNRWA said. In southern Gaza, malnutrition and the collapse of treatment services continue to take lives, especially among children. The Nasser Medical Complex announced that three children died due to malnutrition and the inability to provide treatment. Reports indicate at least 440 people have died from malnutrition across Gaza, including more than 147 children, amid conditions many describe as famine. Gaza's health ministry has warned that the system is "gasping its last breaths." Without fuel, safe routes, undamaged facilities and international aid, thousands of lives may be lost due to failures in care rather than direct attack. The coming days are feared to be crucial: many hospital departments may shut imminently as the destruction and blockades deepen. As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, the systematic targeting of hospitals in Gaza by Israeli forces is a clear violation of international law and a war crime. This deliberate destruction of medical infrastructure is not only a humanitarian disaster but also a strategic move to weaken the Palestinian population and force them into submission. The closure of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia is a stark reminder of the dire situation facing the people of Gaza, who are being denied the basic right to healthcare and life. This is a call to action for the international community to hold Israel accountable and to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Follow Chaos.news for more news about Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Israelis on Gaza takeover plan in this clip. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel's deadly strikes continue despite ceasefire deal, raising doubts about lasting peace. Israel threatens "biblical plagues" against Yemen as Houthi attacks escalate. "Never Again" unless it's Gaza: How the West selectively mourns genocide. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Reuters.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Gulf states deny rejecting Egyptian defense force proposal at Doha Summit Gulf states have categorically denied rejecting an Egyptian plan to form a NATO-style Arab defense force, as reported by Middle East Eye, amid ongoing regional tensions and conflicts. The rejection of the proposal is attributed to disagreements over leadership, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia vying for control, and U.S. influence, which reportedly sought to limit the Arab response to mere statements rather than concrete actions. The Israeli missile attack on Doha, targeting a Hamas meeting, added complexity to regional dynamics, resulting in casualties and increasing tensions between Israel and Gulf states, particularly Qatar. Qatar has demanded a public Israeli apology for the attack as a condition for its continued role in ceasefire mediation, highlighting the strained relations and Qatar's critical position in the conflict. The denial of the defense force proposal and Qatar's demands underscore the contentious nature of regional security discussions, complicated by external influences and internal disagreements, with the potential for further escalation and humanitarian crises. Gulf states have categorically denied an exclusive Middle East Eye report that claimed an Egyptian plan to form a NATO-style Arab defense force was rejected at the recent Doha summit. This denial comes amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent Israeli missile attack on Doha. The denial raises questions about the true intentions of the Gulf states and the influence of external powers, particularly the United States, in regional security discussions. The Egyptian proposal, as reported by a senior Egyptian diplomat, aimed to establish a defensive regional force that would "shield member states from external threats, particularly Israel." However, the Gulf official contacted MEE to deny this report, stating that "false claims" were being circulated to cast the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in a negative light and that they were "detrimental to ongoing regional security discussions."The official's comments came less than a day after the Egyptian diplomat's revelation, suggesting a swift and coordinated response from the Gulf states. (Related: Egypt warns Israel: Strikes on Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil will be seen as declaration of war.) Disagreements and U.S. influence The Egyptian diplomat attributed the rejection of the proposal to disagreements over who would lead the force, with Egypt advocating for its leadership and Saudi Arabia pushing for its own command. This internal disagreement highlights the complexities of regional alliances and the challenges of forming a unified front against external threats. Moreover, the diplomat blamed U.S. influence for the lackluster response from the GCC. According to the diplomat, Washington wanted to limit the Arab response to mere statements in support of Gaza and condemnation of Israel, rather than taking concrete steps. This suggests a strategic divide between the Arab states and the United States, with the latter prioritizing its own interests and those of its allies. The Israeli attack and Qatar's demands The Israeli missile attack on Doha on Sept. 9 added a new layer of complexity to the regional dynamics. The attack targeted a building where Hamas members were discussing the latest U.S. proposal for ending the conflict in Gaza. Despite the survival of senior Hamas leaders, six people were killed, including the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and a Qatari military personnel. In the aftermath of the attack, Qatar's prime minister appealed to the international community to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "justice." Qatar has since conditioned its continued role as a mediator in the ceasefire talks on a public Israeli apology for the strike. This demand underscores the growing tensions between Israel and the Gulf states, particularly Qatar, which has been a key mediator in the conflict, Brighteon.AI's Enoch points out. The denial by the Gulf states of the Egyptian defense force proposal and the subsequent demands by Qatar for an Israeli apology highlight the complex and often contentious nature of regional security discussions. The influence of external powers, particularly the United States, and the internal disagreements among the Gulf states and Egypt complicate the formation of a unified front against external threats. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent Israeli attack on Doha further exacerbate these tensions, raising the specter of further escalation and humanitarian crises. The international community must remain vigilant and engaged to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Watch the video below that reports on Israel bombing Qatar. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel's strike on Qatar shatters illusion of U.S. security guarantees. Saudi Arabia bolsters maritime security with cutting-edge technology amid regional tensions. Israel's attack on Qatar: A wake-up call for the Middle East and a blow to peace negotiations. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net 1 MiddleEastEye.net 2 Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com NATO vows to shoot down Russian aircraft as airspace violations escalate tensions NATO has authorized the use of force against Russian aircraft violating its airspace. Following a series of deliberate incursions by Russian military jets and drones into the airspace of Estonia, Poland and Romania, NATO members have issued a stark warning: any further unauthorized entry will be met with lethal force, meaning the aircraft will be shot down. The situation has escalated to the United Nations, creating a highly volatile atmosphere. An emergency UN Security Council meeting was called by Estonia to address these repeated violations. This marks the most dangerous period since the war in Ukraine began, as these incidents are seen as direct tests of NATO's resolve and defensive capabilities. NATO allies are united in their condemnation, viewing Russia's actions as intentional and reckless. Countries like Poland, Estonia and the U.K. presented evidence of the airspace violations and accused Russia of deliberately pushing boundaries. Russia denies the accusations, creating a dangerous "he-said-she-said" scenario. The Kremlin dismissed the allegations as baseless and without evidence, following a pattern of denial. The world is now facing a high-risk standoff with a small margin for error. Both Russia and NATO have now drawn their "red lines" in the sky. With both sides on high alert and prepared to use force, even an accidental border crossing by a pilot could trigger a direct military confrontation that everyone claims they want to avoid. The war in Ukraine is no longer contained and is now directly testing NATO's borders. A series of deliberate incursions by Russian military aircraft into NATO territory has triggered an emergency United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting and stark warnings from alliance members, who have declared they will use force to defend their skies, dramatically raising the risk of a direct confrontation. In a tense emergency session of the UNSC on Monday, Sept. 22, European allies delivered a blunt message to Moscow: any further violation of NATO airspace will be met with lethal force. The meeting, called by Estonia following a recent incursion by Russian fighter jets, highlighted a dangerous and escalating pattern of Russian military probes along the alliance's eastern flank, creating the most volatile atmosphere since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. The firm stance was articulated most starkly by Poland's foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, who issued a chillingly direct warning. He stated that should any unauthorized missile or aircraft enter Polish airspace, whether deliberately or by mistake, it would be shot down. Sikorski added that Russia should not complain about the consequences. This position was firmly reinforced by Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, who earlier declared there was "no room for debate" on the matter, signaling a zero-tolerance policy. These warnings come amid a rapid succession of alarming incidents. Estonia previously reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets, which officials described as combat-ready and armed with missiles, crossed into its airspace for approximately 12 minutes before being forced to withdraw. This event followed the penetration of 20 Russian drones into Polish skies earlier this month, which were subsequently shot down by NATO fighters, and a separate drone incursion into Romanian airspace. (Related: Escalating drone warfare: Ukraine and Russia exchange deadly strikes in Crimea and beyond.) Russian breaches are testing NATO's resolve For nations bordering Russia, these are not isolated accidents but calculated tests of NATO's resolve and defensive capabilities. The breaches have rattled European security officials, fueling fears that Moscow is intentionally pushing boundaries to gauge the alliance's unity and response times. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Denmark's foreign minister, captured the prevailing anxiety, stating that Russia's actions in Ukraine and now in allied airspace suggest that the former believes it can act with impunity, leaving its neighbors to fear they could be next. At the heart of the emergency UN meeting was a stark presentation of evidence by Estonian officials, who aimed to counter the Kremlin's predictable denials. Margus Tsahkna, Estonia's foreign minister, displayed radar data and close-up photographs of the Russian jets to demonstrate what he called a crystal-clear violation of sovereignty. Tsahkna accused Russia of lying, a pattern he said the international community has witnessed repeatedly. The Kremlin, however, dismissed the claims as empty and unfounded. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, insisted that Estonia had provided no objective data to back its accusations, framing the allegations as a reckless attempt to escalate tensions. This denial follows a familiar script, but the context has grown far more dangerous. Each incursion moves the needle closer to a potential trigger point, where a miscalculation could have catastrophic consequences. Europe condemns Russia's actions as "dangerous and reckless" The international response at the UN was one of unified condemnation. Yvette Cooper, the British foreign secretary, labeled Russia's actions as dangerous and reckless, affirming that the U.K. stands ready to take all necessary steps to defend NATO territory. This sentiment was echoed by Mike Waltz, the new U.S. ambassador to the UN, who sought to reassure allies of America's unwavering commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. Waltz also posed a deeply troubling question: either Moscow is intentionally trying to escalate and draw more countries into the conflict, or it does not have full control over its own military pilots and drone operators. Both possibilities, he noted, are profoundly disconcerting. The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical undercurrents between Washington and Moscow. While Putin has recently made overtures about wanting to avoid a new strategic arms race, his words are coupled with characteristically combative language. He has asserted Russia's capability to respond to any threats with "military-technical measures," a phrase that implies a range of escalatory options, from advanced weapons deployments to potential asymmetric threats like cyber attacks. This latest crisis underscores a fundamental and dangerous shift. The war in Ukraine is no longer contained to its borders; its reverberations are now directly testing the defensive perimeter of the worlds most powerful military alliance. The explicit authorization to use lethal force against Russian aircraft marks a significant escalation in rhetoric and readiness. For Russia, the crossing of a NATO border by its aircraft has always been a proclaimed red line. Now, NATO has drawn its own line in the sky. Brighteon.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that the primary danger of deliberate Russian incursions into NATO airspace is the high risk of a catastrophic, direct military confrontation between Russia and NATO. And if a NATO member follows through on its warning and shoots down a Russian aircraft, Russia may interpret this not as a defensive act but as an act of aggression by the entire alliance. Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams as he talks about the recently locked-in Russia-China energy pipeline deal. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. to deliver 33,000 AI drone "strike kits" to Ukraine under Pentagon contract. Drone incursions in Poland: A deliberate provocation or a desperate escalation? Russia can produce 300 long-range missiles per year, Kyiv intel estimates. Sources include: TheGuardian.com EuroNews.com Reuters.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com FDA flawed oversight: Soaring birth complication risks in abortion pill emergencies New study reveals 10 percent of abortion pill users face severe complications, 22x higher than FDAs 0.5 percent claim. Mifepristones 2000 approval, pushed by Clinton, tied to population control groups and eugenics-linked past. At least 36 U.S. deaths linked to abortion pills since 2000, with rising ER visits for hemorrhaging and infections. FDA relaxed restrictions despite risks, enabling online distribution and lack of medical oversight. Pro-life advocates demand immediate review, stricter regulations and congressional oversight. When former President Bill Clinton weaponized abortion as a tool for population control, he set in motion a deadly agenda that now claims lives under a veneer of choice. A groundbreaking study reveals that one in 10 women suffer severe complicationsincluding infections and hemorrhagingfrom the abortion pill regimen (mifepristone and misoprostol), contradicting the FDAs dismissive 0.5% risk estimate. With abortion pills now accounting for 63% of U.S. abortions, the agencys partisan-driven decisions, rooted in a dark history of eugenics, have prioritized ideology over millions of womens health. Historical context: From Nazi ties to political maneuvers Mifepristones journey to U.S. shelves began in the 1990s amid a covert push by Clintons administration, despite ethical red flags. The drugs French manufacturer rejected domestic sales over its disturbing parent companys ties to I.G. Farben, which produced Zyklon B gas for Nazi death camps. Undeterred, Clintons appointee FDA Commissioner David Kessler pressured Roussel-Uclaf and German owners to transfer patent rights to the Population Councila nonprofit founded by eugenicist John D. Rockefeller III, whose original mission was to reduce fertility among marginalized populations. Key architect Ron Weddington, co-strategist of Roe v. Wade, even advocated in a 1993 letter to Clinton to use abortion to eliminate the barely educated, unhealthy and poor segment of our country. The FDA, heeding these dark motives, ignored standard protocols, using emergency channels meant for life-threatening illnesses to fast-track approvaldespite pregnancy not being an illness. New evidence exposes 10 percent severe risk a fatality flaw The Foundation for the Restoration of America (FROA) study of 865,727 mifepristone abortions found a 10.93 percent rate of severe complications, including 11.2 percent in 2023 alone. Cases like Holly Patterson, who died in 2003 from a C. sordellii infection, and 2021s Candi Miller, whose autopsy revealed both a botched abortion and drug overdose, underscore systemic failures. FDA-commissioned trials lacked blind, randomized control groups, per Dr. Donna Harrison of the American Association of Pro-Life OB-GYNs. They rely on dose comparisonsnot the gold standard of placebo controls, she said. Worse, the FDA removed safeguards like mandatory ultrasounds and ER reporting, enabling a black market where 40,000+ women have faced severe outcomes, including coerced abortions by criminals. Political negligence: From Clintons liars to Bidens backdoor relaxation Despite rising deaths, every White House since 2000 has expanded mifepristone access. The Obama administration doubled the gestational age limit to ten weeks and slashed required doctor visits. In 2021, the Biden FDA allowed mail-order abortion pills without supervisiona policy linked to the 2021 death of Nevadas Alyona Dixon, who bled nearly to death alone. And its not a stretch to say political pressure outweighed science at every turn, noted Dr. Harrison. This drug has been grandfathered in by presidents who want to erase hurdles to abortion, no matter the cost. Time for the FDA to choose women over agenda At least 36 women have died, with over 4,000 enduring severe harm, since the FDA approved mifepristone. The agencys silence on real-world data and its reversal of safety protocols underscore a failure of ethical responsibility. As pro-life advocates demand congressional hearings and reinstated restrictionslike mandatory ultrasounds and in-person dispensationthe question remains: How many more mothers will they sacrifice to an agenda forged in the shadows of eugenics and elitism? Sources for this article include: YourNews.com PubMed.com AmnionPregnancyCenter.com Trumps bold vaccine overhaul empowers parents and challenges outdated policies President Trump proposes altering vaccine schedules to spaced doses, separating the MMR vaccine, eliminating neurotoxins like mercury and delaying hepatitis B until 12 years. Trump and Health Secretary Kennedy link current vaccine protocols to rising autism rates, citing overlooked data and urging transparency. The FDAs approval of autism-treatment leucovorin and warning on Tylenol during pregnancy aligns with demands for safer medical standards. Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn of increased disease risks despite no empirical backing for their claims. The plan emphasizes parental autonomy and health freedom while challenging institutions to acknowledge hidden risks in vaccine science. President Donald Trump today announced transformative proposals to reform mandatory vaccination guidelines, championing parental autonomy over rigid, outdated schedules. At a historic White House press conference on childrens health, Trump emphasized the urgent need to address Americas declining health statistics and the soaring rates of autism, neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic illness. His plan prioritizes reducing exposure to neurotoxins, empowering parents to make informed decisions and dismantling a system that has ignored legitimate safety concerns. Trumps vision: Smarter vaccination for a healthier nation So dont do it harmfullydo it right! Trump declared, unveiling a commonsense approach to vaccines to safeguard children from autism and other developmental challenges. The proposed reforms include spacing vaccinations over years, splitting the MMR shot into three standalone vaccines to reduce risks, removing toxic aluminum and mercury preservatives and delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until adolescents are older and their immune systems are better developed. Trump framed the changes as a milestone for health freedom: Parents, not bureaucrats, should decide when and how their childrens bodies are treated. He criticized current vaccine schedules as deeply flawed, pointing to studies suggesting neurotoxin build-up from 77 mandated doses before age six. Kennedy, Trumps newly appointed Health Secretary, echoed these views, announcing a mission to investigate the CDCs hidden data on vaccine-autism linksa commitment hailed by parents nationwide. Breaking the cycle: Challenging dangerous orthodoxies Medical leaders opposed to Trumps reforms are now confronting a movement demanding accountability. Kennedy, a vocal advocate for transparency, has pledged to re-examine research buried by the CDC, including Dr. William Thompsons revelation that African American boys face higher autism risks following MMR vaccines. The FDAs concurrent approval of leucovorina treatment for autism symptomsand its caution to limit Tylenol during pregnancy signal a shift toward addressing environmental factors ignored for decades. Critics of the plan? They argue the overhaul risks outbreaks. But Trump fires back: Measles was already nearly eradicated before these mandatory doses. Were not turning back historywere advancing science to protect our children. The president highlighted how other nations, like Japan, safely delayed the MMR until age two, drastically reducing adverse reactions. A historic stand for autonomy: Empowering families with knowledge This fight isnt just about shotsits about reclaiming control of our health. Kennedy, often mislabeled a science denier, has spent decades working with families to catalog vaccine injuries. Parents see the effects firsthand, he stated. Its time to listen to their voices, not silence them. The AAPs outcrythat these changes could kill kidsignores the true crisis: the millions of children already suffering from chronic illnesses tied to over-vaccination. Were not anti-vaccine, were pro-safe vaccine, said one parent. Trumps reforms give states the flexibility to choose, fostering innovation instead of mandates. States like California and Washington have already seen fewer injuries when giving parents greater say. Looking ahead: A new era of health freedom As America faces unprecedented epidemics of autism, ADHD and autoimmune diseases, bold steps like Trumps are essential. The FDAs actions on leucovorin and Tylenol, though controversial, underscore the need for fresh approaches that address root causesnot just symptoms. While some cling to the status quo, families and advocates are celebrating the courage to question outdated policies. The stakes are enormous: The current systems herd immunity mantra too often trumps individual rights. By demanding transparency and safer practices, Trumps plan could be a watershed moment for a healthier, more empowered generation. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com StatNews.com TheHill.com Chicago targeted in major ICE operation, nearly 550 arrested in blitz against sanctuary jurisdictions A large-scale immigration operation in Chicago resulted in nearly 550 arrests over two weeks, intensifying the national debate over sanctuary cities and immigration enforcement. The operation was explicitly named in honor of a college student killed by an undocumented immigrant, which the administration uses to argue that sanctuary policies lead to preventable tragedies. Federal officials stated the mission was to target dangerous criminals with deportation orders, but approximately half of the arrests were "collateral," meaning those individuals were not the operation's initial targets. The action sparked fierce political condemnation from local leaders, who accused the administration of spreading fear and undermining trust between immigrant communities and local police. The operation highlights the deep national divide, with supporters arguing it enhances public safety by removing criminals, while critics contend it terrorizes communities and ultimately makes them less safe. In a sweeping enforcement action that underscores the deep national divide over immigration, federal agents have arrested nearly 550 individuals in the Chicago area over a two-week period. The operation, dubbed "Operation Midway Blitz," represents the Trump administration's latest and most aggressive effort to confront so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, which it blames for shielding dangerous criminal aliens from deportation. The crackdown, which began on September 8, has ignited fierce political condemnation, sparked public protests and intensified the debate over public safety versus immigrant community trust. An operation forged in tragedy The Department of Homeland Security explicitly named the operation in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old Illinois college student who was killed in a January hit-and-run. The alleged driver, Julio Cucul-Bol, a Guatemalan national living in the United States unlawfully, was charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, aggravated DUI resulting in death, and reckless homicide. Her death became a rallying point for administration officials who argue that sanctuary policies directly lead to preventable tragedies by allowing individuals who should be deported to remain in communities. (Related: Trump administration prepares crackdown on illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities.) The stated mission: Removing the "worst of the worst" From its inception, federal officials framed Operation Midway Blitz as a necessary mission to target high-priority threats. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the operation aimed at the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago, which she alleged had become a magnet for criminals due to its sanctuary city status. The stated goal was to locate and remove individuals with serious criminal records and longstanding deportation orders who had been released back onto the streets instead of being transferred to ICE custody by local authorities. "An illegal immigrant is an individual who has entered the United States without authorization, which is a criminal act," said Brighteon.AI's Enoch. "This person may also commit additional crimes, such as violent offenses or fraud, after entering the country. By definition, their presence in the country is unlawful." A coordinated federal onslaught The operation involved a significant deployment of resources from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations division. While ICE led the charge, the effort was bolstered by support from other federal agencies, illustrating a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to interior enforcement. This tactic mirrors similar large-scale operations recently conducted in other major metropolitan areas, including a seven-day blitz in San Antonio that netted 275 arrests and involved agencies like the FBI and DEA. The operation immediately drew criticism from Illinois' top Democratic leaders. Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the actions, accusing the Trump administration of politicizing law enforcement and intentionally spreading fear within immigrant communities. They argued that genuine public safety is achieved through coordination and support, not through heavy-handed raids that undermine trust between local police and the people they serve. This clash is a microcosm of the enduring national conflict between federal authority and local autonomy on immigration enforcement. Understanding the arrest breakdown A critical detail emerged from ICE's own accounting of the arrests. As of September 20, approximately half of the nearly 550 individuals taken into custody were targeted arrests. This means they were specific individuals already on ICE's radar due to prior criminal convictions, immigration violations or existing deportation orders. The other half were classified as collateral arrests. This term refers to individuals who were not the primary targets of the operation but were discovered to be in the country unlawfully during the course of the enforcement actions. The controversy of "collateral arrests" The practice of collateral arrests is a central point of contention. The Trump administration reinstated this policy immediately upon taking office, reversing Biden-era restrictions that limited arrests to specific, pre-identified targets. ICE officials defend the practice, noting that many collateral arrests also have criminal histories; they simply were not the initial target of a specific operation. Critics, however, argue this approach effectively sanctions indiscriminate dragnets, ensnaring individuals with minor offenses or no criminal record at all, thereby fueling fear and violating civil liberties. Historical context of a perpetual battle This operation is not an isolated event but the latest chapter in a long-standing political and legal battle. Historical context reveals an ongoing conflict between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, particularly in states like California and Illinois. The Trump administration's aggressive approach, including ramping up ICE detentions to their highest level since 2019, underscores its commitment to a core campaign pledge: prioritizing the removal of criminal aliens to enhance public safety, a goal its supporters passionately defend. A nation divided on fundamental principles The national conversation surrounding operations like Midway Blitz remains deeply fractured. Supporters argue these actions are essential for public safety, removing dangerous predators and criminals from communities and fulfilling the government's fundamental duty to enforce the nation's laws. They point to stories of victims like Katie Abraham as justification for a robust enforcement regime. Conversely, critics contend that such operations often target low-level offenders, separate families and create an atmosphere of fear that makes all immigrants less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, ultimately making communities less safe. A conflict with no end in sight Operation Midway Blitz has achieved its stated objective of making hundreds of arrests, but its broader impact is more complex. It has successfully demonstrated the federal governments resolve to enforce immigration laws in uncooperative jurisdictions, but it has also deepened societal divisions, eroded trust in law enforcement within vulnerable communities and sparked civil unrest. With the administration vowing that its work is only beginning and local leaders pledging continued resistance, this operation ensures that the fundamental debate over sanctuary policies, federal power and the meaning of public safety will remain at the forefront of the American political landscape for the foreseeable future. The nation remains caught between two compelling yet opposing visions of justice and security. Trump sends U.S. troops to Chicago. Watch this video. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: House GOP launches investigation into sanctuary city policies of Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York City. NO MORE AMERICAN DREAM: Illegals are leaving sanctuary city Chicago due to harsh living conditions. Outgoing Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pleads with Texas Gov. Abbott to stop sending illegal migrants to her sanctuary city. Chicago residents rally behind ICE deportations as DOJ lawsuit targets sanctuary policies. Trump DOJ sues Chicago and Illinois over sanctuary laws, citing public safety risks. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com CBSNews.com Brighteon.ai APNews.com Brighteon.com Dallas ICE facility under fire: Sniper attack sparks national security fears Lone Shooter Attacks Dallas ICE Facility, Killing Two Detainees and Wounding Another Recovered Bullet Casings Bear Anti-ICE Messages, FBI Confirms Targeted Attack Investigators Link Attack to Pattern of Far-Left Violence in Texas, Including July 4 Incident Federal Officials Demand End to Politically Motivated Attacks on Law Enforcement President Trumps New Anti-Antifa Order Sparks Calls for Increased Securement Nationwide DALLAS In a brazen attack Wednesday morning, a suspected lone shooter positioned on the rooftop of an immigration attorneys office across from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas opened fire, killing two detainees and injuring another. The gunman, later found dead at the scene by self-inflicted gunshot wounds, fired rounds engraved with Anti-ICE messages. The attack has galvanized political leaders and investigators, who warn of a growing threat from far-left radicals targeting federal law enforcement. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Joe Rothrock called the attack a targeted strike during a press briefing, noting that evidence shows an ideologically motivated act. The shooting occurred at 6:40 a.m. local time as victims were in a holding area for detainees. Tragic Toll and Motive Unveiled: Anti-ICE Bullet Casings and Lone Gunman The suspected gunman, a white male, positioned himself atop the nearby attorneys building to avoid detection. Initial reports suggested he fired directly into the ICE sallyport, where detainees are processed, killing two and critically wounding a third. While investigators have yet to release the shooters identity, FBI agents recovered unspent ammunition stamped with anti-government slogans. In light of the engraved casings, we can confirm the shooters ideological agenda, Rothrock stated. The suspects suicide before capture has hindered attempts to discern deeper ties to extremist networks, though Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized, This is part of a pattern of violence against our law enforcement. CBS News reported that a bomb threat originated from the same facility last month, though no explosives were found. The August incident led to a temporary evacuation and has now raised alarms about repeat vulnerabilities. Political Reactions: Bipartisan Outcry Against Far-Left Radicalism The attack drew swift condemnation from state and federal leaders, many of whom framed it as evidence of a broader national security crisis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott called it an assassination and vowed to strengthen ICE partnerships, while Vice President JD Vance lamented, The obsessive targeting of law enforcement must stop. Rights cannot be won by bullets, declared Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, echoing sentiments across the political spectrum. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, fresh from a Dallas campaign event, urged an end to politically motivated violence, though he stopped short of blaming any single group. Democrats faced renewed scrutiny for their rhetoric, as critics linked the assault to divisive rhetoric deeming ICE agents fascists. The White Houses recent executive order designating Antifa a domestic terror group and severing funding to radical NGOs have staked a firm line against extremist violence. A Year of Escalating Far-Left Attacks in Texas This attack follows a summer of violence aimed at federal agencies. In July, an Alvarado, Texas detention center was ambushed by armed Antifa-linked attackers, injuring an officer and leading to 11 arrests. Earlier that month, a Texas man opened fire on McAllen Border Patrol agents using an assault rifle. These incidents are not isolated, warned journalist Andy Ngo. Texas has become ground zero for anti-enforcement extremism. The July 4th attack remains under investigation but was tied to transnationalist and anti-fascist activist circles, according to the Washington Post. Calls to Reinforce Law Enforcement Security and Prosecutions Security experts warn ICE facilities nationwide remain soft targets. CBS analysis revealed the Dallas ICE hub held an average of 47 detainees daily before Wednesdays attack, with staff relying on minimal protections. Homeland Security has since deployed additional countermeasures at facilities in volatile regions. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the need for zero tolerance toward domestic terrorism, calling the shooters enemies of our constitutional order. However, congressional inaction on subpoenas and document requests has stalled prosecutions in prior cases, fueling fears that systemic accountability remains elusive. A Nation on Edge: Balancing Safety and Democracy The Dallas attack underscores a chilling reality: as extremism spreads, federal agents increasingly face life-threatening environments. While critics argue increased militarization risks alienating communities, survivors and officials demand urgent action. This isnt about politicsits about survival, said ICE Chief Todd Lyons. As debates over ideology and security intensify, one truth remains clear: the nations safest tomorrow hinges on stopping todays threats before more lives are lost. With domestic terror networks growing bolder, the Dallas ICE shooting demands national resolve to safeguard institutions and citizens alikea challenge that will test leaders in Washington and capitals worldwide. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com ibtimes.co.uk CBSNews.com Israels remote-controlled explosive robots terrorize Gaza with deafening blasts and psychological warfare Israel is deploying explosive-laden armored vehicles as remote-controlled psychological weapons to terrorize Gaza civilians with relentless, deafening blasts. Residents report extreme trauma, sleeplessness, and physical pain from the shockwaves, describing the explosions as feeling like imminent death. The strategy aims to force mass displacement by making life unbearable, with detonations timed to maximize fear and prevent rest. Civilians are trapped between advancing Israeli forces and the Mediterranean, with aid blockades and systematic destruction cutting off all escape routes. UN officials condemn the tactic as a war crime, yet Israel escalates attacks, signaling a classified third phase of even greater brutality. The people of Gaza are being terrorized by a new weapon in Israels arsenal: decommissioned armored vehicles packed with explosives and detonated remotely. These suicide APCs are designed to instill fear, disrupt sleep, and shatter the psyche of civilians trapped in the besieged strip. Palestinian journalist Ahmed Dremly, based in Gaza City, described the experience as the most terrifying noise in the world, with blasts so powerful they shake homes kilometers away and leave residents in a state of constant dread. Dremlys account, shared with Middle East Eye, reveals the deliberate psychological torment inflicted by these weapons. The explosions dont just destroy buildings; they destroy peace of mind. It feels like deathand yet youre still standing, waiting for the next one, he said. The blasts often come in rapid succession, particularly at dawn or in the early morning hours, ensuring no one sleeps. The sound is so overwhelming that Dremly resorts to opening his mouth to release pressure, bracing for the inevitable shockwave. Your head throbs for hours. Something feels wrong inside you, he explained. A weapon of mass psychological destruction Israels military has escalated its use of these explosive-laden robots as part of Operation Gideons Chariots 2, a three-phase plan to conquer Gaza City. According to The Cradle, Israeli forces have tripled their deployment of these vehicles, which are stationed outside Gaza before being driven into urban areas and detonated. The goal isnt just destruction; its displacement. Abdulwahhab Ismail, a resident of Gazas Saftawi neighborhood, told Mondoweiss that the Israeli army parks these robots near homes, waiting for fear to force civilians to flee. When they dont, the robots are detonated anyway, regardless of who remains in the area. The explosions are so intense that they light up the night sky like a volcanic eruption. Dremly recalled seeing fire surge upward, turning darkness into day. A scene straight out of a weapons test, he said. The psychological toll is immense. Residents describe feeling as though their bodies might be torn apart by the force of the blasts. The Israeli militarys strategy is clear: make life unbearable, push people out, and flatten what remains. Trapped between fire and the sea As Israeli forces advance on Gaza City from multiple directions, civilians are being squeezed into an impossible choice: flee toward the coast or face the explosions. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli troops are sandwiching residents, pushing them westward toward the al-Rashid coastal road. The UN warns that Gaza Citys last lifelines are collapsing, with Israel systematically blocking aid deliveries. The result? A population starved, bombarded, and psychologically broken. The use of these suicide APCs isnt just a military tactic; its a war crime. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned Israels blatant disregard for distinguishing between combatants and civilians. Yet the explosions continue, night after night, with no end in sight. This isnt the first time Israel has employed such brutal methods. In August, Hebrew media reported that at least 100 booby-trapped robots were used in Gaza City alone between August 13 and September 3. The Israeli militarys own sources admit that Gaza has never been hit like this before. The second phase of the operation calls for a full occupation of the city, while the third remains classified, although reports suggest it involves military capabilities that we have not yet seen. For Gazas residents, the message is clear: there is no safe place. The suicide APCs, air strikes, and ground invasions ensure that fear is constant. Dremlys harrowing description of the blastslike the worlds about to crack opencaptures the sheer terror of living under such conditions. The psychological warfare is working. People are fleeing, but to where? The entire strip is a killing zone. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net TheCradle.co AlJazeera.com On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. "He said that Russia is now intensifying drone strikes on civilian facilities, and informed about the situation on the front. He stressed that, unlike Russia, Ukraine is ready for a meeting at the level of leaders without any preconditions," Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel following the results of the meeting. He thanked Ramaphosa for South Africa's readiness to host such a meeting and for the country's involvement in the peace process. Oxymorons by J.D. Kleinke: A call to rethink Americas approach to healthcare The U.S. employer-based health insurance system originated in the 1940s due to wartime wage controls, leading to an improvised solution where employers paid for medical care. J.D. Kleinke identifies significant flaws in the current system, including tax incentives that favor employer-provided health insurance, leaving millions without affordable access. The system is characterized by economic inefficiencies and conflicting interests, resulting in a fragmented landscape. While MCOs were intended to control costs, they have added complexity and bureaucracy, often prioritizing cost-cutting over patient care. This has led to doctors spending less time with patients and medical decisions being driven by financial considerations rather than clinical needs. Kleinke advocates for a consumer-driven healthcare market, including legalizing catastrophic-only insurance policies with lower premiums and higher deductibles. He also suggests providing employees with pretax dollars to purchase their own coverage and implementing a standardized national benefit plan to simplify the system and reduce administrative costs. Kleinke urges consumers to actively engage in healthcare reform by staying informed, asking questions and demanding transparency. He believes that by supporting policies that promote consumer choice, continuity of care and affordability, individuals can help drive the transformation towards a more equitable, efficient and patient-centered system. In "Oxymorons: The Myth of a US Health Care System," J.D. Kleinke delves into the complexities and contradictions that define America's approach to healthcare. Through a blend of historical analysis and forward-thinking proposals, Kleinke challenges readers to reconsider the fundamental assumptions that underpin the nation's healthcare system. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the origins of America's employer-based health insurance system can be traced back to the 1940s, a time when wartime wage controls forced employers to find creative ways to attract workers. As Kleinke recounts, a shipyard laborer's heart attack in 1943 led to an improvised solution: the employer paid the hospital directly and brought doctors on-site. This ad hoc arrangement laid the groundwork for a system that would become the backbone of American healthcare. However, as Kleinke points out, this system was never designed with the broader public interest in mind. Instead, it evolved through a series of historical accidents and compromises, resulting in a fragmented landscape characterized by conflicting interests and economic inefficiencies. Kleinke argues that the current system is deeply flawed. Tax incentives encourage employers to provide health insurance, but only if it is done through the workplace. This creates a situation where the same medical coverage costs an employer significantly less than it would for an employee purchasing it with pretax income. As a result, millions of Americans are left without access to affordable healthcare, while those with good jobs enjoy more comprehensive coverage. The rise of managed care organizations (MCOs) was intended to address rising healthcare costs. However, Kleinke contends that MCOs have added layers of complexity and bureaucracy, often prioritizing cost-cutting over patient care. This has led to a system where doctors are incentivized to spend less time with patients and where medical decisions are driven by financial considerations rather than clinical needs. Despite his critique, Kleinke does not leave readers without hope. He proposes a radical shift towards a more consumer-driven healthcare market. This vision includes legalizing catastrophic-only insurance policies in a standalone risk pool, which would offer lower premiums and higher deductibles. Such a move would give consumers greater flexibility to choose plans that fit their needs and budgets, while also fostering a more competitive marketplace that could drive down costs and improve outcomes. Kleinke also advocates for employers to provide employees with pretax dollars to purchase their own health coverage. This would empower individuals to choose plans that best suit their circumstances, whether traditional, catastrophic-only or something in between. Additionally, he calls for a standardized national benefit plan to simplify the system, reduce administrative costs and make it easier for consumers to compare options. Implementing these changes, however, will not be easy. Kleinke acknowledges the powerful interests vested in the status quo, including health insurance brokers who may resist increased transparency and efficiency. Political challenges also loom large, as any attempt to reform the healthcare system is likely to face fierce opposition from those who benefit from the current system. Nevertheless, Kleinke remains optimistic. He believes that by embracing the principles of complexity and chaos theory, America can create a healthcare system that is more resilient, adaptable and responsive to patient needs. He envisions a system where medical decisions are guided by science and compassion, rather than bureaucratic imperatives or financial constraints. Kleinke urges consumers to take an active role in pushing for change. He encourages individuals to be informed, ask questions and demand transparency. By supporting policies that promote consumer choice, continuity of care and affordability, consumers can help drive the transformation of the healthcare system. Kleinke reminds readers that change is possible, but it requires collective action and a commitment to making voices heard. "Oxymorons: The Myth of a US Health Care System" is a compelling call to rethink America's approach to healthcare. Kleinke's insights and proposals offer a roadmap for a more equitable, efficient and patient-centered system. As consumers, the power to shape the future of healthcare lies in our hands and Kleinke's book serves as both a critique and a guide for those seeking to create a better, more sustainable system for all. Learn more about the U.S. healthcare system myths by watching the video below. This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Russia, Iran to sign major nuclear energy deals as UN sanctions loom Iran and Russia will sign agreements this week to build eight new nuclear power plants in Iran, as part of Tehran's goal to reach 20 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2040. Contract negotiations are mostly complete, and once the agreements are signed, the projects will move into the operational phase. Iran currently operates one nuclear power plantBushehr, built by Russiawith a capacity of about 1 GW. Units 2 and 3 at Bushehr are being constructed by Iranian firms. Russia has proposed a one-year extension of the New START treaty with the United States. The treaty limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 each side and is set to expire on Feb. 5, 2026. Both Iran's expanding nuclear energy ambitions (amid diplomatic pressure and possible sanctions) and the potential extension of New START are under watch as critical diplomatic deadlines approach including a key Sept. 27 deadline related to snapback sanctions. Iran and Russia will sign agreements this week to build new nuclear power units in Iran, Iran's atomic energy chief and Vice President Mohammad Eslami said Monday, Sept. 22, during a visit to Moscow. Eslami announced that bilateral cooperation agreements will include a plan to construct eight nuclear power plants as Tehran aims to raise its nuclear energy capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040. Eslami said contract negotiations are largely complete and that the agreements will move into the operational phase once they are signed this week. Currently, Iran operates only one nuclear power plantthe Bushehr facility in the southbuilt by Russia, with a capacity of around 1 GW. (Related: Russia to build 38 new reactors in push to boost NUCLEAR in energy mix.) The announcement occurs amid intensifying diplomatic pressure on Tehran. On Friday, the UN Security Council rejected a draft resolution to permanently lift sanctions on Iran, a move backed by Russia and China, while Britain, France and Germany have pushed to reimpose UN sanctions due to concerns over Iran's compliance with its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal. Western governments accuse Iran of violating key provisions of the 2015 agreement, which sought to limit nuclear-weapon development. Iran denies any illicit weapons intention, and Russia has reiterated support for Tehran's right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful use. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are under way to avoid the imminent reinstatement of sanctions. Britain, France and Germany have offered to delay snapping back UN sanctions for up to six months, in return for Iran restoring full access for UN nuclear inspectors, addressing concerns about its stockpile of enriched uranium, and resuming dialogue with the United States. If no agreement is reached by the end of Sept. 27, the snapback mechanism could reimpose all sanctions. Putin proposes one-year extension of New START treaty Adding to the international dimension, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed to U.S. President Donald Trump a one-year extension of the New START treaty, the last remaining arms control pact between their countries, which limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550 on each side. The treaty is due to expire on Feb. 5, 2026, and both sides are seen as likely to exceed its limits if it lapses without extension or replacement. As Iran prepares to enlarge its nuclear energy infrastructure and face renewed sanctions, and as the U.S. and Russia negotiate the future of nuclear arms control, global attention focuses on whether diplomacy can avert escalation. The next few daysespecially the Sept. 27 deadlinepromise to be critical in shaping whether these efforts lead toward de-escalation or heightened confrontation. As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, the signing of agreements between Iran and Russia to build new power plants is a strategic move that underscores the deepening economic and political ties between the two nations. This collaboration not only strengthens Iran's energy infrastructure but also serves as a counterbalance to Western influence, reinforcing the principles of economic freedom and self-reliance. Visit Power.news for more stories like this. Watch Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev mentioning that Moscow now has the second-largest uranium supply globally. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on Russian uranium for nuclear power. Biden's Iran "nuclear deal" will be a massive boon to Russia, with Moscow set to cash in on $10 billion contract. INSANELY VULNERABLE: If Russia cuts off supply of enriched uranium to US power companies, America's nuclear energy reactors will close within a year. Sources include: JPPost.com Reuters.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com New study shatters myth of safe alcohol; even light drinking raises dementia risk No amount of alcohol is safe for brain health, with even light drinking raising dementia risk by 15%. Heavy drinkers face a 41% higher chance of developing dementia, with no protective effect found at any level. A landmark study of 559,559 adults debunked the myth that moderate drinking benefits cognitive function. Genetic analysis of 2.4 million people showed lifetime alcohol use directly increases dementia risk. Experts urge reducing alcohol intake as a key strategy for dementia prevention amid a global crisis. For decades, the idea that a glass of wine or a nightly beer might actually protect the brain has been a comforting myth for millions. But a bombshell new study from top British and American scientists has shattered that illusion, finding that any level of alcohol consumption may increase the risk of dementia, with heavy drinkers facing a staggering 41% higher chance of developing the devastating disease. The research, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, analyzed health records from 559,559 adults in the UK and U.S., tracking their drinking habits over four years. During that time, 14,540 participants developed dementia, and the data revealed a disturbing trend. While heavy drinkers (those consuming 40+ drinks per week) saw the highest risk, even light or moderate drinkers showed no protective benefit. In fact, genetic analysis of 2.4 million people found that the more alcohol a person consumed over their lifetime, the greater their dementia risk was, with no safe threshold. The "protective drink" myth debunked Lead author Dr. Anya Topiwala, a senior clinical researcher at the University of Oxford, stated: "Our findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effectin fact, it suggests the opposite." The study relied on Mendelian randomization, a genetic analysis method that reduces bias by accounting for lifelong drinking patterns rather than relying on self-reported data. This approach revealed that even small amounts of alcoholas little as three drinks per weekcould raise dementia risk by 15% compared to just one. Meanwhile, those with a genetic predisposition to alcohol dependency saw their risk jump by 16%. Co-author Dr. Joel Gelernter, a Yale University professor, noted the clinical implications: "There was a time when medical knowledge seemed to support that light drinking would be beneficial to brain health, and this work adds to the evidence that this is not correct." Experts call for more research Dr. Leah Mursaleen, head of clinical research at Alzheimers Research UK, emphasized the urgency of further investigation: "With no treatments currently available on the NHS that can stop or slow the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need for practices to support good brain health." The study arrives as dementia rates skyrocket globally, with 982,000 Britons currently living with the conditiona number expected to hit 1.4 million by 2040. In the U.S., Alzheimers alone affects 6.7 million people, a figure projected to nearly triple by 2060. Current guidelines in the UK recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (about six glasses of wine), while the U.S. advises seven drinks for women and 14 for men. But if this study holds up, even those limits may be too lenient for brain health. Should you quit drinking? The researchers stopped short of telling people to abstain completely but made one thing clear: less alcohol means lower risk. "Reducing alcohol consumption across the population could play a significant role in dementia prevention," Topiwala said. For those with a family history of Alzheimers or genetic risk factors, the message may be even stronger. Dr. Richard Isaacson, a Florida neurologist who studies Alzheimers prevention, already advises his high-risk patients to avoid alcohol entirely. For others, he stresses timing and context matter; a drink with dinner is far less harmful than nightcaps on an empty stomach. The era of touting red wine as a "brain tonic" is over. As the global dementia crisis deepens, this study forces a reckoning. Every sip may come with a cost we cant afford to ignore. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk Independent.co.uk CNN.com Texas enacts controversial bill that limits bathroom access for transgender residents On Monday, Sept. 22, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8, banning transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities in government-owned buildings that align with their gender identity. The law imposes steep fines on organizations that violate the policy, with first offenses punishable by up to $25,000 and repeat violations by up to $125,000. The law applies to public schools, universities, prisons, domestic violence shelters and other government-owned facilities. It mandates that individuals use restrooms and changing rooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, with limited exceptions. The legislation also directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to house inmates based on biological sex, effectively barring transgender women from women's prisons. Abbott defended the law as a "common sense public safety issue" in a social media post. Rep. Angelia Orr, a sponsor of the bill, echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the need to protect women and girls. However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas condemned the law as discriminatory and warned of potential harm to both transgender and cisgender individuals. Every Texan, a nonprofit research group, estimates that approximately 122,700 transgender individuals live in Texas, including nearly 30,000 youth. Critics argue that the law exacerbates existing vulnerabilities faced by transgender Texans, particularly in schools and shelters. As the implementation date of December 4 approaches, legal challenges are expected. Civil rights organizations are vowing to fight the measure in court. Additionally, business groups are concerned about the economic repercussions of the law, as similar legislation in North Carolina led to economic boycotts and legal challenges. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial bill on Monday, Sept. 22, banning transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities in government-owned buildings that align with their gender identity. The law, which takes effect Dec. 4, imposes steep fines on organizations that violate the policyup to $25,000 for first offenses and $125,000 for repeat violations. The move marks the culmination of years of conservative-led efforts to restrict transgender rights in Texas. It aligns with a broader national push by Republican lawmakers to regulate LGBTQ+ access to public spaces. Senate Bill 8, passed by the Texas House in an 86-45 vote on Aug. 28, applies to public schools, universities, prisons, domestic violence shelters and other government-owned facilities. It mandates that individuals use restrooms and changing rooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, with limited exceptionssuch as custodial staff, law enforcement or children under nine accompanied by a caretaker. The legislation also directs the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to house inmates based on biological sex, effectively barring transgender women from women's prisons. Additionally, family violence shelters are prohibited from admitting transgender women unless they are minors accompanying a parent receiving services. Abbott defended the law in a social media post, calling it a "common sense public safety issue." Rep. Angelia Orr, a sponsor of the bill, echoed his sentiment, stating, "Let's hope more states follow suit. This is common sense policy to protect the women and girls of Texas!" Pushback from civil rights groups The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas condemned the law as discriminatory and warned of potential harm. Ash Hall, an LGBTQIA+ rights strategist at the ACLU of Texas, argued that the bill endangers not only transgender individuals but also cisgender people who may not conform to traditional gender norms. "This law puts anyone at risk who doesn't seem masculine or feminine enough to a random stranger, including the cisgender girls and women this bill purports to protect," Hall said. "This bill is bad for trans and intersex people, bad for cisgender people, bad for business, bad for public health and safety and bad for Texas." According to Every Texan, a nonprofit research group, approximately 122,700 transgender individuals live in Texas, including nearly 30,000 youth. Critics argue that the law exacerbates existing vulnerabilities faced by transgender Texans, particularly in schools and shelters. Texas' bathroom ban follows a wave of similar legislation across the U.S. Nineteen states now enforce some form of restroom restrictions, with two classifying violations as criminal offenses. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the debate over transgender bathroom access gained national prominence in 2016 when North Carolina passed HB2, a law that sparked economic boycotts and legal challenges before being partially repealed. (Related: Montana bans transgender athletes in women's sports, restricts bathroom access.) Texas Republicans have pursued bathroom restrictions since 2017 but faced legislative hurdles until this year. The passage of SB 8 signals a hardening stance on LGBTQ+ rights in conservative states, despite growing opposition from civil rights advocates and business groups concerned about economic repercussions. The new Texas law represents a significant escalation in the national battle over transgender rights, framing the issue as one of safety and privacy. At the same time, opponents decry it as state-sanctioned discrimination. As the Dec. 4 implementation date approaches, legal challenges are expected, with civil rights organizations vowing to fight the measure in court. Watch the video below that talks about a Democrat school board covering up rape to get transgender bathroom policy passed. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Canadian school board allows boys in girls' changing rooms despite parents' protests. Teen girls sue Oregon over transgender athletes in women's sports: A fight for fairness. Illinois mother files civil rights complaint against school for forcing girls to change in front of a transgender student. Sources include: Breitbart.com X.com TheHill.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com In pursuit of election integrity: Texas forges multi-state pact to crack down on voting irregularities Texas partners with nine states to share voter registration data via memorandums of understanding (MOUs). The agreements aim to prevent duplicate registrations and detect cross-state voter fraud. Texas has also implemented an election security grant program to modernize county systems. Over 500 election fraud cases remain pending in Texas courts, highlighting the need for systemic reforms. A proposed constitutional amendment will ask voters to affirm only U.S. citizens may vote in state elections. In response to widespread concerns over voter fraud and inconsistent election practices, Texas has entered into historic agreements with nine states to share voter registration data and strengthen election integrity. Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced the partnerships on September 18, 2025, calling them a significant step to protect voting accuracy. The move follows years of documented electoral irregularities in Texas, including over 500 open fraud cases and systemic gaps in citizenship verification. By forging this alliance with Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, Texas seeks to set a national precedent for cross-state collaboration, safeguarding democratic processes amid rising public scrutiny. Multi-state collaboration to tackle voter fraud concerns The memorandums of understanding (MOUs) establish protocols for securely exchanging voter registration data between states. Officially dubbed a critical tool to detect potential fraud, the agreements will enable participating jurisdictions to flag duplicate registrations and cases of cross-jurisdiction voting. Each agreement requires strict adherence to privacy and cybersecurity standards, with flagged anomalies referred directly to law enforcement. By working together, we are demonstrating how states can responsibly share information while protecting voter data, Nelson emphasized in remarks to reporters. The initiative expands on existing efforts like Texas 2023 removal of 6,500 noncitizens from voter rollsa case that highlighted the scale of citizenship verification challenges. According to the Texas Attorney Generals office, over 500 election fraud cases linked to absentee ballots, ballot harvesting and other irregularities remain unresolved, underscoring the urgency of systemic reforms. Existing efforts and challenges in maintaining clean voter rolls Texas has long been a leader in legislative action against electoral vulnerabilities, from requiring paper-trail audits to launching an election fraud unit in 2023. This year, Nelsons office spearheaded a grant program to equip counties with biometric voting systems, video surveillance at polling stations and updated IT infrastructure. However, significant obstacles persist: Federal data delays: Texas officials await citizenship status updates on hundreds of thousands of voters due to bureaucracy at federal agencies. Local resistance: Some counties have flouted election laws, relying on outdated systems and informal practices that Nelson calls dangerous loopholes enabling fraud. These systemic gaps, paired with documented noncompliance, prompted Nelson to push for the multi-state pact. Texans expect transparent elections, she stressed, and this initiative is part of a layered strategy to rebuild trust. Future steps and the importance of public trust in elections The MOUs are part of a broader Texas strategy. State lawmakers have advanced SJR 37, a ballot initiative in November that would explicitly bar noncitizens from voting in state elections. Meanwhile, Nelsons office plans to expand the MOU network, citing a goal of signing additional partnerships. Historically, Texas has faced criticism for both overzealous and insufficient voter roll managementcriticisms intensified after the 2020 elections. Mondays announcement positions the state as a model for proactive and cooperative solutions. Trust in democracy hinges on fairness and accountability, said Nelson, noting that cross-state data-sharing isnt just about stopping fraudits about proving to voters were serious about their rights. A national blueprint for election security Texas multi-state accord signals a shift toward collective action in combating voter fraud, leveraging technology and interjurisdictional cooperation to close legal and procedural loopholes. While challenges remainfrom slow federal responses to partisan disputes over voting rightsthe initiative reinforces Nelsons vision of election integrity rooted in transparency. As voters gear up for Novembers elections, the Texas model may inspire nationwide reforms, ensuring every vote countsand only one. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com SOS.State.tx.us MRT.com World FERTILITY RATES hit 6-decade low while speculations fly about the Covid clot shots and spontaneous abortions Global fertility rates have plunged dramatically over the past six decades, raising urgent concerns among experts about demographic, economic, and social consequences. Fertility rate, defined as the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime, has declined from four to five children in 1960 to 2.2 by 2023barely above the replacement rate of 2.1. While the worlds population continues to grow, reaching an estimated 8.1 billion in 2025, the pace of growth has slowed , with projections indicating further decline. Global Fertility Collapse : The world fertility rate has dropped from 45 children per woman in 1960 to 2.2 in 2023, nearing the replacement level of 2.1, with three-quarters of the global population now living in countries at or below replacement. : The world fertility rate has dropped from 45 children per woman in 1960 to 2.2 in 2023, nearing the replacement level of 2.1, with three-quarters of the global population now living in countries at or below replacement. Economic Fallout : Experts warn of long-term economic decline as shrinking workforces and ballooning elderly populations strain national economies, with low fertility described as the true economic challenge of our time. : Experts warn of long-term economic decline as shrinking workforces and ballooning elderly populations strain national economies, with low fertility described as the true economic challenge of our time. Regional Trends : Asian and European nations report the lowest fertility ratesSouth Korea (0.72), China (0.999), and much of Europewhile high-fertility countries (5+ children per woman) are now limited to parts of Africa. : Asian and European nations report the lowest fertility ratesSouth Korea (0.72), China (0.999), and much of Europewhile high-fertility countries (5+ children per woman) are now limited to parts of Africa. Contributing Factors: Declining fertility is linked to contraception, abortion legalization, divorce law reforms, and modern economic pressures like housing costs and childcare expenses, which deter younger generations from having children. An Impending Population Crisis? World Fertility Rate Hits 60-Year Low Demographers warn that if these trends persist, societies will face shrinking workforces and ballooning costs associated with aging populations. Steven Mosher of the Population Research Institute described the situation as a gradual implosion of the worlds economy, predicting long-term instability that will be difficult to reverse. Similarly, macroeconomist Jesus Fernandez-Villaverde called declining fertility the true economic challenge of our time. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 4 percent of the global population lives in countries with high fertility ratesprimarily in Africa, where even those rates have declined. Nearly three-quarters of humanity now resides in nations at or below replacement fertility. India, the worlds most populous country, has seen its fertility fall from around six children per woman in 1960 to 1.9 in 2023. Chinas fertility has dropped below one, while South Korea, Singapore, and Ukraine have some of the lowest rates worldwide, all under 1.0. The United States fell below replacement in 1972 and hit a historic low of 1.62 in 2023. In Western nations, the decline began in the 1960s with the advent of oral contraception, abortion legalization, and rising divorce rates. The FDA approved the first birth control pill in 1960, and within five years U.S. birth rates had already fallen. Roe v. Wade (1973) further accelerated the decline, with studies showing significant reductions in birth rates following abortion legalization. Similarly, divorce law reforms in Europe and North America contributed to shrinking family sizes. Chinas experience underscores the dramatic impact of policy. Following famine and political upheavals in the mid-20th century, Beijing introduced the one-child policy in 1979, enforcing it through contraception, sterilization, and abortion. Researchers estimate that the policy prevented between 400 and 520 million births, leaving the country with one of the most rapidly aging populations in history. Economic Pressures and Modern Challenges Today, financial concerns are a major factor in low fertility. In South Korea, respondents in a United Nations survey cited housing costs, limited space, and childcare expenses as the leading reasons for delaying or avoiding parenthood. In the United States, surveys show that over one-third of childless adults feel they cannot afford children. The Department of Labor reports that childcare costs often rival or exceed rent, creating a significant barrier for young families. Experts caution that while the demographic shift is gradual, its effects will intensify within decades. Nations with persistently low fertility face economic stagnation, labor shortages, and social strain as older generations outnumber the young. With fertility rates at a 60-year low and falling across nearly every region, the world confronts a looming population crisis that could reshape global economies and societies for generations to come. Tune your apocalypse dial to preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Globalist depopulation agenda that attacks us from both ends, as toxic food and toxic medicine. Sources for this article include: Censored.news NaturalNews.com ZeroHedge.com YouTube allows banned creators to rejoin platform amid censorship backlash YouTube allows creators banned for pandemic or election misinformation to rejoin platform after U.S. government pressure scrutiny. Alphabet lawyer claims Biden administration improperly forced censors to mute criticism of vaccine policies, calling it unacceptable. Over 490k U.S. jobs and $55 billion in economic activity flow through YouTube, now rethinking its content moderation approach. European Digital Services Act now enters enforcement phase, complicating U.S. platforms free-speech interests. Key targets of past bans, like Dan Bongino and Steve Bannon, may return to YouTube under new reinstatement program. In a pivotal shift following congressional scrutiny, YouTube announced Tuesday it will allow creators previously banned over pandemic or election misinformation to reapply for reinstatement. The move, outlined in a legal letter from Alphabet lawyer Daniel Donovan to House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, directly names Biden administration overreach as a catalyst for its reversal. Once-permanent bans under now-retired policies will now see YouTube permit formerly terminated creators, including figures like Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, to seek renewed standing on the platform. The decision underscores escalating tensions between tech giants, government agencies and free speech advocates. The free speech battle behind YouTubes U-turn Donovans letter paints a stark picture of what the company calls disturbing collusion between Big Tech and federal policymakers during the pandemic. It details how White House figures pushed YouTube to remove non-violative content criticizing vaccines, citing internal documents obtained during congressional investigations. The Biden Administrations conduct during the pandemic created a political atmosphere seeking to dictate speech, Donovan wrote, calling such actions unacceptable and wrong. The letter references the Houses 900-page Judiciary Committee report, which revealed post-2020 government overtures targeting online platforms. Lawsuits like Murthy v. Missouri and disclosures from the Murky Twitter Files highlighted a broader censorship industrial complex suppressing conservative voices. YouTubes updated policies now prioritize free expression on topics like election integrity, signaling a retreat from CDC/WHO-aligned guidelines. Whos affected: Banned figures and broader repercussions Among potential beneficiaries of the reinstatement program are conservative voices whose channels were suspended under the now-retired policies. Health advocate Bob Kennedy Jr. and election integrity activist Dan Bongino represent the political stakes at play. YouTubes letter notes it values conservative voices as vital to civic discourse, explicitly naming their content as integral to its platforms must-watch lineup. The policy shift also addresses EUs Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulators now enforce. Donovan argued the DSA risks stifling expression abroad, aligning with concerns that global regulations could expand content moderation beyond American constitutional norms. Metas 2025 phasing out of fact-checking programs underscores growing skepticism among platforms toward external scrutiny. Free speech or pander to power? The ongoing debate Critics warn the reinstatement move masks corporate sensitivity to political pressure. Free speech advocates, however, celebrate it as a pushback against Orwellian suppression of debate. The letter cites a Louisiana courts 2023 ruling comparing government tech demands to a Ministry of Truth, though this was later overturned by the Supreme Court. YouTubes pilot program retains safeguards, restricting reinstatements to creators violating deprecated policies whom the company deems eligible. While emphasizing restored freedoms, platforms will still police violent speech, hate speech and cleared misinformation. Over time, how rigorously these lines are drawn may define future free expression battles. A new era of digital expression? As YouTube begins rolling out reinstatement in the coming weeks, its decision marks a critical juncture. This is catharsis, one free speech group declared to InfoWars, [a] reckoning with the authoritarianism of censorship that forgot its check. Yet debates over platform neutrality and liability rage on. With the DSA now in force and U.S. policymakers divided, the fight over who governs speech online remains unresolved. Could YouTubes pivot spark a tech industry-wide rethink? The free speech war has no end in sight. Sources for this article include: X.com Judiciary.House.gov CNBC.com Variety.com NYPost.com Bill Gates has issued one of his starkest warnings yet, pledging nearly $1 billion (740 million) to the Global Fund to combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Speaking at a Reuters Newsmaker event in New York on September 22, 2025, Gates said that millions of children could die if governments fail to reverse steep aid cuts, which have slashed global development funding by 21% in just one year the sharpest decline in 15 years. Inside the Announcement The $912 million commitment, matching Gates's 2022 pledge, will fund programmes across low- and middle-income countries. Gates pointed to northern Nigeria as one of the most at-risk regions, where a child born today still faces a 15% chance of dying before the age of five. The funds will be channelled not only to existing campaigns against AIDS, TB and malaria but also to innovations such as long-acting HIV treatments. Gates also highlighted Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its role in building resilient health systems that can withstand global shocks. He stressed that while philanthropy can make a significant impact, it cannot replace government support, urging world leaders to restore funding. The announcement reinforced Gates's role as one of the leading voices in global health, with millions of children, particularly those under five, identified as the ultimate beneficiaries. Gates's Warning and How the Money Will Be Used Gates did not mince words. He warned that without urgent action, the hard-won progress in reducing child mortality could unravel. Since 2000, child deaths have been cut in half, saving about 5 million young lives each year. But with funding sliding backwards, he cautioned, those gains could be undone. The US$912 million will flow into the Global Fund's fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as into innovations such as long-acting HIV treatments. Gates also name-checked groups like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which play a central role in building health systems that can withstand shocks. He stressed one point repeatedly: philanthropy cannot do this alone. Without governments reversing their cuts, children in vulnerable communities could pay the price. Why the Pledge Matters Now This is not just another big donation. It comes at a moment when global health aid has dropped to a 15-year low, raising alarms among experts who say the retreat could stall progress on everything from immunisation to maternal care. In northern Nigeria, Gates noted, the stakes are painfully clear: a child born there today still faces a 15% chance of dying before their fifth birthday. Without renewed support, places like this are at risk of losing another generation to preventable diseases. The pledge highlights both the power and the limits of private philanthropy. Nearly a billion dollars is transformative, yet Gates admitted it cannot replace the scale of public funding that only governments can provide. What the World Must Do Next All eyes now turn to the world's biggest donors, the US, UK and EU nations, whose budget choices in the coming months will reveal whether Gates's call will be heeded. The Global Fund and Gavi will also be under pressure to demonstrate precisely how the new resources are allocated, from scaling up vaccines to accelerating next-generation treatments, such as long-acting HIV prevention drugs. The warning is stark: without sustained funding, millions of children could once again be at risk of dying. But Gates also offered hope, insisting that with renewed urgency and cooperation, the world can still save millions more. Originally published on IBTimes UK The enemy suffered significant losses after units of the Azov First Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine took control of Dobropillia axis, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said. "I continue my business trip to Donetsk region. I presented the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the second degree, to Denys 'Redis' Prokopenko, an award with which he was awarded by the President of Ukraine. State and departmental awards were also received by the guardsmen of the first corps of the Azov National Guard," the minister said in the Telegram channel on Wednesday. Klymenko said he had listened to Redis' report on the operational situation. "The results of the execution of tasks by the corps units on the entrusted front area are indisputable evidence of the professionalism and strength of the Ukrainian military," the minister said. According to Klymenko, since August 4, when the corps units took control of Dobropillia axis, the enemy has suffered significant losses: over 3,980 eliminated occupiers, 73 captured, hundreds of destroyed equipment (tanks, armored personnel carriers, cars and motorcycles), guns and almost 900 eliminated enemy drones. "And most importantly: during this time, the corps' servicemen, together with other units of the Defense Forces, conducted not only defensive, but also search and strike operations, as a result of which eight settlements were liberated and cleared: Hruzke, Rubizhne, Novovodiane, Petrivka, Vesele, Zoloty Kolodiaz, Volodymyrivka, Pankivka," the minister said. Klymenko thanked each Azov soldier for his steadfastness and courage, and the commander for his leadership. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. State programs are needed to stimulate the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies. Forcing the use of BIM without providing support or conducting risk analyses can create monopolies and paralyze the market, the Architectural Chamber of the National Union of Ukrainian Architects believes following the discussion of draft law No. 6383 on the BIM implementation. "Before implementing BIM technologies, a study of the current state of the architectural market in Ukraine should be conducted, along with an update to design prices. Additionally, a developed state policy should be created to support and promote the growth of architects and designers. Hasty decisions could destroy the already fragile architectural and design market," Kyrylo Chuiko, a member of the Architectural Chamber, told Interfax-Ukraine. The Architectural Chamber noted that the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies is hindered by financial barriers, especially for small businesses. For instance, opening an architectural bureau with five employees who will work with BIM technologies requires an investment of approximately EUR 50,000 for computer equipment, servers, and licensed software. In wartime, this amount is unaffordable for most Ukrainian architects, the Union notes. Additionally, there is no national software manufacturer. Only two foreign companies offer licenses, one of which is Hungarian, and payments are made in euros and dollars. This creates risks of monopolization and currency dependence. Another inhibiting factor is the discrepancy between state prices and ProZorro's realities. Procurement based on the "lowest price" criterion and outdated state prices make it economically impossible for small offices to work with BIM. The Architectural Chamber notes that "forced implementation of BIM without state support programs can actually paralyze the sphere of architectural and design services." It should be noted that there is no mandatory BIM practice in the EU. According to a 2024 study by the Architectural Council of Europe, there are 142,000 architectural offices and 580,000 architects in the EU. Seventy percent of these offices consist of one architect, and the vast majority have between one and five employees. Only 27% of architects use BIM, and of those, only 6% do so due to regulatory requirements. It is emphasized that there is no mandatory practice of BIM in the EU either. In particular, according to a study by the Architectural Council of Europe (2024), there are 142,000 offices and 580,000 architects in the EU, 70% of practices consist of one architect, the vast majority of 15 people. Only 27% of architects use BIM, and only 6% of them do so due to regulatory requirements. As for domestic practice, according to the National Union of Ukrainian Architects study (2025), only 4,588 certified architects are recorded in the Unified State Electronic System in the Construction Sector, which is the lowest figure in Europe (1 architect per 10,000 population). Half of the practices are bureaus with up to 5 people, and 35% with one person. Since 2022, 60% of architects have had their income decrease, now the average annual income of an architect is only UAH 420,000 (EUR 8,600). According to the calculations of the Architectural Chamber, the forced implementation of BIM will increase the cost of design by at least 30%. "Forced application without support and risk analysis creates conditions for monopolization and can paralyze the market. Legislative initiatives should be based on real data from the Ukrainian market, and not only on general references to European experience. State strategies to support business are needed, in particular grant programs, preferential loans, and adapted state prices," Chuiko summarizes. How fat is distributed in people's bodies could make a difference to their risk of certain cancers, according to new research led by the University of Bristol. The international study is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) today [24 September]. Scientists have already shown that having obesity increases a person's risk of developing certain cancers. Obesity is usually measured using body mass index (BMI), but growing evidence particularly from heart health research suggests that BMI alone doesn't capture the full picture when it comes to obesity-related health risks. However, the role of fat distribution in cancer risk has been relatively unexplored. Researchers in Bristol's Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme (ICEP) investigated whether body fat at different locations across the body influences the risks of 12 obesity-related cancers - endometrial, ovarian, breast, colorectal, pancreas, multiple myeloma, liver, kidney (renal cell), thyroid, gallbladder, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and meningioma. They used a technique known as Mendelian randomization, which uses statistics, computing and the natural variations in people's genetics to identify patterns in large health data sets. The team found that fat distribution appears to influence cancer risk but the relationship varies by cancer type. For some cancers, where fat is stored in the body seems more important than how much is stored; for others, the reverse is true; and, for some, both matter. In cancers where distribution is important, the specific locations of body fat driving this seem to differ by cancer, meaning the overall picture is quite complex. Lead author, Dr. Emma Hazelwood, who recently completed her PhD at the University of Bristol, explained: "These findings support the growing consensus that BMI, while useful for population-level trends, may be too simplistic for assessing individual health risks. "Our results tell us that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to cancer, meaning a more tailored approach to cancer prevention in people with obesity could be most effective." The paper's findings fit with recent calls for change, including the 2024 European Association for the Study of Obesity framework and the Lancet Commission on the future of obesity, which have emphasised that BMI is a flawed diagnostic tool and that fat distribution matters. In the future, a better understanding of how fat distribution across the body affects cancer risk could help identify those most at risk and guide more personalised approaches to obesity treatment and cancer prevention. The research team recommend further work is needed, using different approaches and studying non-European populations. Dr. Hazelwood added: "It is vital to understand the biological mechanisms that underpin these associations particularly how and why different fat depots affect cancer development. In the longer term, we need to explore how obesity treatments whether lifestyle or drug-based influence these risk pathways." Our evidence-based Cancer Prevention Recommendations highlight the role of maintaining a healthy weight to reduce cancer risk. While this remains essential, growing scientific evidence shows that body composition - particularly how fat is distributed throughout the body - is also a crucial factor. With support from our fantastic donors, we were able to co-fund the University of Bristol's excellent team whose findings will help direct this exciting area towards possible new cancer prevention and treatments." Dr. Julia Panina, Head of Research Funding at World Cancer Research Fund This study was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) and Cancer Research UK (Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme). This work was carried out at the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC IEU), which is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the University of Bristol. A genomic analysis of over 1,200 people from across South Africa reveals how colonial-era European, Indigenous Khoe-San peoples, and enslaved people contributed to the modern-day gene pool in South Africa. Publishing September 23 in the Cell Press journal The American Journal of Human Genetics, the study found that genes inherited from both colonial Europeans and enslaved people are most common in Cape Town and become less frequent with distance from the colony's epicenter. The results also show that European ancestors were more likely to be male, whereas Indigenous Khoe-San ancestors were more likely to be female. These genetic data show the direct impact of European colonialism on population structure in southern Africa. The patterns we found are more similar to what we see in Mexico and South America, where Indigenous communities were variously incorporated into the colonial way of life, compared to the US, where there was less incorporation of Indigenous communities." Austin Reynolds, first author, human geneticist at UNT Health Fort Worth In 1652, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) opened a small trading station in what is now Cape Town, and European colonizers continued to settle in the area for the next 250 years. Between 1652 and 1808, the VOC enslaved around 63,000 people from equatorial Africa, South and South-East Asia, and Madagascar and brought them to the region. The VOC also hired laborers from the local Indigenous Khoe-San communities. Sexual interactions between these groups-which were sometimes violent, the authors note-resulted in communities of people with multiple ancestries. "We have historical records of the names of men and women that were brought into Cape Town, but we don't always know who survived, or who was allowed to actually reproduce, which is why the genetics is so powerful here," says senior author Brenna Henn, anthropologist at the University of California, Davis. To understand how European colonizers, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved people contributed to the genomes of modern-day South Africans, the researchers analyzed genomes from over 1,200 contemporary individuals from different regions in South Africa, spanning from southern Cape Town to Nama and =Khomani San Indigenous communities living in northern and north-eastern South Africa. Over 90% of the study's participants identify as "Colored," an Apartheid-era institutionalized racial category. "We tried to capture the temporal and geographic component of the colonial period by sampling all the way from the tip of the Cape to the very border with Botswana and Namibia," says Henn. By comparing these genomes to those in publicly available datasets, the researchers were able to estimate how much of each person's ancestry is derived from the various lineages. They also investigated whether male and female individuals of different lineages were more or less likely to leave descendants by comparing genes on each person's X and Y chromosomes to their non-sex chromosomes. Across geographic regions, there was a male sex bias for European ancestry, meaning that European genetic sequences were predominately inherited from male ancestors. In contrast, there was a female bias for Khoe-San ancestry, indicating that ancestors from these lineages were more often female. Enslaved people from equatorial Africa and South and South-East Asia also contributed to the gene pool, but there was not a sex bias for these lineages. European and Asian genes were less frequent further from Cape Town, and the researchers estimated that these genes arrived earliest in Cape Town and latest in the communities that are most distant from the Cape. "This matches with the historic record, where Cape Town was the colonial center, and people moved out slowly over the past few hundred years and set up homes or incorporated themselves into communities one way or another," says Reynolds. For the Nama and =Khomani San, the researchers estimated that there was a single influx of European ancestry into each population around 7-8 generations or 210 240 years ago. Genes from enslaved people were also present in these Indigenous communities. Notably, the researchers found that 15% of all Y chromosomes in the Nama bear genetic segments from Asian lineages, but these same sequences were not present in the =Khomani San. "These men were brought into Cape Town, and they managed to either be freed or escape all the way north-it's a 12-hour drive from the Cape to those communities now, so it's a pretty long distance," says Henn. "And then they actually managed to become incorporated into those communities, and today their male descendants speak Nama and practice Nama culture." In the future, the researchers plan to do a more fine-scale genomic analysis of where exactly in Asia and equatorial Africa the enslaved people originated. "I'm also very interested in tracing some of these Y chromosome lineages that were disproportionately successful in one area versus another area, for example to see whether they are linked to particular surnames," says Henn. This research was supported by funding from the South African Medical Research Council, the South African National Research Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. Shima Mohebbi, Assistant Professor, Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR), College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), and Michael Hieb, Research Associate Professor, C5I Center, CEC, received funding for: "Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Drone as a First Responder Feasibility Study project." Across the U.S., there is a trend to use small drones to assist Police and Fire Fighters in their work. As part of this increasing drone usage by state and local public safety agencies, DFR programs are being deployed to quickly respond to events and stream video to first responders. The concept is for drone pilots to launch drones as soon as possible after a 911 call comes in. The 911 call is screened to determine if it will benefit from DFR. Once on the scene, the drone will stream video to those responding to criminal events, fires, traffic incidents, missing persons, and other events of interest. Some of the major benefits claimed by DFR programs are: Rapid deployment: Drones are quickly dispatched to incident locations, reaching many areas faster than emergency vehicles on the street and officers on foot. Enhanced situational awareness: Live video provides early awareness of potential threats to law enforcement personnel. Comprehensive aerial views also allow first responders to assess crime scenes, and strategize how to best manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic situations. Improved first responder safety: By identifying potential hazards before officers arrive on scenes, safety is exponentially increased for first responders and the public. New search-and-rescue capabilities: Drones equipped with night-vision and thermal-imaging cameras can greatly assist in locating missing people or criminal suspects, especially across challenging terrain or in low-light conditions. Transparency: Footage from drones can provide clear, objective evidence of actions taken during incidents and events. Cost-effectiveness: Drones are significantly less expensive to operate than other resources, which can be prioritized for other emergency responses. These benefits have led to the growth of DFR programs but there is a lack of documented analysis to enable an objective view of the costs and benefits. This study will conduct rigorous technical and cost analysis in sufficient detail to support recommendations for establishment of a DFR in Northern Virginia. The study area is Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington and Alexandria. The study will document Best Practices and Obstacles for DFR Programs as well as developing a Regional Concept of Operations. The study will use a soft digital twin, combining data analytics, simulation and optimization methods, to identify optimal deployment locations to maximize coverage and minimize response time to inform a phased deployment plan as well as documenting the specific costs and benefits for the study area. Mohebbi and Hieb received $199,910 from the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System (NVERS) as part of a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Grant Programs Directorate (FEMA/GPD) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for this research. Funding began in July 2025 and will end in late May 2026. The European Union's "reparations loan" for Ukraine could amount to up to EUR 130 billion, with the amount of the loan to be finally determined after the International Monetary Fund assesses Ukraine's financial needs in 2026 and 2027, Reuters reports, citing EU officials close to the negotiations. "The idea of a reparations loan to Kyiv, based on cash balances of Russian assets immobilised in the West after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, was floated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 10. The loan, aimed at helping Kyiv fund its war effort, would be repaid by Ukraine only once it receives reparations from Russia in a peace accord. The risk would be carried collectively by European and possibly also some other G7 countries, she said. Most of the roughly 210 billion euros worth of Russian assets held in Europe are in Belgian central securities depository Euroclear. Officials said 175 billion euros of the assets in Euroclear have now matured and become cash that could be the basis of the new loan. But officials said that before the EU would move ahead with the reparations loan, it would want to repay the 45 billion euro ($50 billion) G7 loan agreed last year." The new instrument would leave about EUR 130 billion of the remaining cash available for use, according to three officials close to the talks. EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday that the European Commission would decide on the size of the loan only after receiving an IMF assessment of Ukraine's financing needs over the next two years. Senior EU finance ministry officials said the specific details had not yet been agreed. The Commission is working on a mechanism that would allow it to use frozen Russian assets without confiscating them a red line for many EU governments and the European Central Bank. The reparations lending mechanism would likely involve a special purpose vehicle to which frozen Russian funds from Euroclear could be transferred in exchange for zero-coupon bonds issued by the European Commission under guarantees EU and possibly G7 governments. One day, bottles of probiotics might do more than keep you regular -- they could help prevent disease. To get there, a $2 million grant to UC Riverside will explore how gut bacteria shape human health. Beyond your DNA and your lifestyle, your microbes play a huge role in shaping how your body reacts to illnesses and vaccines." Ansel Hsiao, associate professor in UCR's Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and principal investigator of the grant The award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will support Hsiao's lab in its quest to answer questions about how gut microbes communicate with each other and with their human hosts to influence health, or lack thereof. Probiotics currently sold in markets can have beneficial effects on regularity and bloating. However, their effects are limited, in part because they don't last long in the gut. "Though commercial probiotics are regarded as safe, they do not make people resilient to disease," Hsiao said. "They stick around for a day, maybe two. So, their beneficial effects rely on regular consumption." With a better understanding of microbes' communication and behavior, Hsiao hopes his lab will one day create the next generation of probiotics and prebiotics that strengthen the gut microbiome, improve the effectiveness of vaccines, and prevent or lessen the severity of infections. "One thing we can improve on with changing the gut microbiome, is making positive changes that last for extended periods of time," Hsiao said. Bacteria are individual cells that operate independently, but they can produce chemical signals that other cells can sense, and that might influence the behavior of another bacterial cell. This is called quorum sensing, which is the idea that you can have many individuals cooperating on a single goal. "It's like a company that requires a certain number of people to conduct a meeting. You have to have a quorum for the meeting to proceed," Hsiao said. "Same idea with bacteria." When many bacteria in the same host are making enough communication molecules, the whole population of individuals can behave almost like a multi-cellular organism. Some pathogenic bacteria, like the diarrheal disease cholera, use this type of communication to coordinate their activity and optimize their interactions with the host during infection. When it's multiplied to a high enough level, cholera bacteria signal to one another that it's time to move on to a new host. In collaboration with clinical teams in Bangladesh, Hsiao's lab is also identifying bacterial profiles that correlate with stronger or weaker vaccine responses for diseases like cholera. By sequencing the gut bacteria present when a person is vaccinated, the team is beginning to predict who naturally develops immunity and who may need additional protection. Though the cholera research is funded separately, the work could help explain why a cholera vaccine that's 99% effective in the U.S. drops to about 50% effectiveness in parts of South Asia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that connect gut bacteria with each other and to the host's immune responses could extend the work from cholera to other diseases as well. To probe these links under controlled conditions, Hsiao's team uses germ-free mice. These animals are raised without any bacteria or fungi. By introducing specific microbes, researchers can connect specific microbes to specific health outcomes. "It's a powerful setup," Hsiao said. "We can see how a vaccine or disease-causing microbe performs when the gut contains only one bacterial species, or when it resembles a real human microbiome." Some microbial differences are shaped by family or early-life exposure, but others come down to timing. The first bacteria to colonize a person's guts can determine whether new species are welcomed or excluded, a dynamic known as the priority effect. This level of variability makes standardized medical approaches more complicated. Even a widely used probiotic strain might benefit one person but do nothing for another. The recent NIH grant enables long-term investigations into how individualized microbial ecosystems affect health, not just in response to vaccines, but in other areas including cognition, nutrition, and diarrheal infection. "This kind of support is not tied to one project but to the broader questions we're pursuing," Hsiao said. "And the questions are urgent. If we can understand how to work with the microbiome instead of against it, we can transform public health." Scientists at Universite de Montreal's affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM) are testing out a mobile application to help young adults who have a first episode of psychosis to support safer cannabis consumption. The nationwide clinical trial, a first in Canada, is led by Universite de Montreal psychiatry and addictology professor Didier Jutras-Aswad, a researcher at CRCHUM. Called CHAMPS (Cannabis Harm-reducing App to Manage Practices Safely), the pilot study is described in an article published in the August issue of Psychiatry Research. The new study is backed by $800,000 in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), specifically to evaluate the efficacy of the app. Built in collaboration with young adults, clinicians and a number of experts, our app includes interactive modules and personalized support to reduce risks associated with cannabis consumption." Didier Jutras-Aswad, head of the CHUM's Department of Psychiatry "Our pilot study confirmed its acceptability among youth having experienced a first psychotic episode," he said. "The funding from the CIHR will allow us to further document the app's uses in diverse clinical contexts." A multidisciplinary team The pilot study was conducted with the support of a multidisciplinary team that included Stephanie Coronado-Montoya, the study's first author and former PhD student of Jutras-Aswad's, and Dr. Amal Abdel-Baki, a psychiatrist at CHUM, among others. In all, 101 young adults, ranging from 18 to 35 years old, were monitored in six specialized early-intervention clinics for psychosis in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The goal of the project is to provide an alternative to traditional care centred on abstinence and which is often inadequate for young adults who have experienced a first episode of psychosis and who do not plan to stop their cannabis consumption. "When comparing standard care to an approach that includes CHAMPS, we can see that the app is well regarded and that it can be integrated into real clinical environments," said Jutras-Aswad. "Even if we cannot currently draw any conclusions about CHAMPS's efficacy, we have seen an encouraging signal in terms of a decrease in cannabis-related problems," he said. Now he and his researcher team aim to expand their work to include 250 young adults and six clinics throughout Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Recruitment will take place over a three-year period. Could support clinicians, too CHAMPS is more than a phone app, its proponents say: it could easily be included in existing clinical care, without increasing workloads for medical personnel. In fact, the researchers add, it exemplifies a new approach to mental health care, one that is specifically designed to meet the actual needs of an often neglected young adult population. "Many people don't seek to, at least for a certain period of time, reduce or cease their cannabis use," said Jutras-Aswad. "But these young people are open to changing their consumption to reduce the risks to their health. This is what CHAMPS is for." Designed in Montreal, the app could be adopted in countries where cannabis consumption is still illegal, he added. CHAMPS joins a larger movement that is working toward humanizing, personalizing and destigmatizing cannabis use in mental health care, he said. "It's very important that we change perceptions, practices and philosophies in order to more broadly adopt harm reduction in mental health care," he emphasized. To that end, in July, he and his team published several Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Cannabis Use-Related Adverse Psychosis Outcomes, actively promoting their approach via an international group. The diagnosis and medical treatment of Alzheimer's disease, a condition that according to leading researchers in the field should be treated, has now advanced significantly. A series of articles in The Lancet provides both a comprehensive and thorough review of current research. This is a clear statement, and a wake-up call for Sweden. We have reached a stage where Alzheimer's disease is no longer something you can do little about. We must now implement the new diagnostic methods and the new medicines, and change the healthcare system. Henrik Zetterberg, professor of neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg The articles published early Tuesday constitute of The Lancet Series on Alzheimer's disease" and summarize the current state of Alzheimer's research worldwide. Henrik Zetterberg is co-author of two of the three articles. Strong international consensus The series describes the history of research, the major discoveries, controversies along the way, and the current consensus among the majority of scientists in the world that the pathology of the disease, with high levels of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain, is initiating the condition. Similarly, there is a consensus that people undergoing memory assessments should be offered a finger prick so that their blood can be analyzed for biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, preferably at an early stage when memory and mental abilities still only reveal mild symptoms. The debate is whether the new clinical tests are adequate, and whether the new medicines have a clinically meaningful effect. The answer to these questions is yes, the tests are adequate, and the medicines are useful and should be used, as long as the risk of side effects, such as cardiovascular disease, is properly managed, says Henrik Zetterberg. More and more tests in Sweden The EU has approved the medicinal products lecanemab and donanemab, which slow the progression of mild dementia in Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloid plaques in the brain. Since the approval, different countries in the EU have progressed to different degrees. Swedish healthcare is waiting for regulatory approval before the medicines can start being used. Meanwhile, more and more blood samples for Alzheimer's testing are being taken during basic memory assessments in Swedish primary care, as a complement to cognitive tests and assessments of physical and mental health, including interventions to rule out, for example, stress, depression or brain tumor. In Henrik Zetterberg's research and laboratory environment at Sahlgrenska University Hospital Molndal, the influx of Alzheimer's blood tests for analysis has increased in number in recent months alone: Every week we run perhaps 40-50 samples, primarily from Sweden and from different parts of the country, and I expect that to increase significantly this fall, he says. This does not concern screening, Zetterberg emphasizes, but routine care for patients who seek help because they sense that their memory and mental abilities are failing. One of his Lancet articles describes the development within Alzheimer's diagnosis as a revolution. It is great that we have it implemented in Sweden; we are at the clinical cutting edge. The fact that we do not yet have the medicines available is annoying and ethically problematic to say the least. The Lancet articles take a stand, stating that we now have something that actually looks good, and we can put the discussion about the benefits behind us, concludes Henrik Zetterberg. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, or CCHFV, is a biosafety level 4 pathogen and a Category A bioterrorism agent, causing severe viral hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates reaching up to 40%. Already endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and much of Asia, the virus has recently expanded to Western Europe, carried by ticks on migratory birds. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral therapy for CCHFV. Scott Pegan, a professor of biomedical sciences at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, has now been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health of about $3.4 million over five years to lead an international study focused on developing protective antibodies against CCHFV. Designated a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, CCHFV is considered the reference virus for the nairovirus genus, which includes emerging pathogens such as Benji, Songling, Wetland, Yezo, and the Pacific Coast tick nairovirus. "The rapid geographic spread and severity of CCHFV infections call for urgent, coordinated research efforts," said Pegan, the principal investigator on the multi-institutional project that began this month. "This project will identify broadly protective antibody candidates that can be developed into potential therapies." The research brings together an interdisciplinary and international team to tackle one of the world's most dangerous emerging viral threats. The team includes co-principal investigator Dr. Mohammad Sajadi, a professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and co-investigators Aura Garrison and Joseph Golden, who are research microbiologists at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, a long-time leader in hemorrhagic fever virus research. The project will study survivors of CCHFV in Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Uganda to find antibodies that protect against the virus. The team will also explore how the immune system fights the virus and work to develop monoclonal antibody treatments that are effective against different strains for future testing. A monoclonal antibody is a type of lab-made protein that mimics the immune system's ability to fight harmful viruses or bacteria. By focusing on non-traditional viral targets, our approach could lead to new, life-saving therapeutics and help establish a framework for addressing future nairovirus outbreaks." Scott Pegan, professor of biomedical sciences, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine Other partners on the project include scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Hitit University in Turkey, and South Kazakhstan Medical Academy. As soon as she fell, Deborah Buttgereit knew she couldn't avoid going to the hospital. "I could hear the bones moving around in my elbow," said Buttgereit, who was 60 when she slipped on a patch of ice in December outside her apartment in Bozeman, Montana. Emergency room scans showed she had fractured her left arm near the joint. Doctors told her she needed surgery to repair it. At the time, Buttgereit didn't have health insurance she had struggled to afford coverage after her husband's death. The local health system, Bozeman Health, estimated Buttgereit would have to pay $50,560 out-of-pocket for the outpatient surgery to have her elbow pieced back together. The estimate noted: "You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur." Four days after her fall, Buttgereit went in for surgery, which took about three hours. During a follow-up visit, she said, her doctor told her the procedure ended up being more complicated than expected. Then the bill came. The medical procedure Buttgereit broke her humerus, the upper-arm bone that meets two other bones and forms the elbow. The way the bone splintered is known as a distal humerus fracture. It's rare as far as breaks go, accounting for only about 2% of all fractures among adults. But older people, as well as kids in high-contact sports, are more prone to the big falls that lead to such fractures. The injury is painful and can make it impossible to move the elbow. Some of these types of fractures heal with time in a splint, but most often surgery is the only fix. The patient is put under anesthesia while a surgeon repositions fragmented bones with plates and screws. The final bill $97,998. That includes at least $44,300 for the operating room and anesthesia administration, plus more than $50,000 for medical supplies and implants, such as screws and plates. After the hospital applied a self-pay discount, Buttgereit was on the hook for $78,398.40. The problem: Surprise complications, surprising charges The hospital said the price for Buttgereit's surgery increased because doctors encountered complications midprocedure. In particular, the fall had shattered Buttgereit's bone into more pieces than her surgeon anticipated, according to operating notes. That meant it took more time, skill, and supplies to reconstruct her elbow. And, since she was uninsured, Buttgereit alone faced the burden to pay the higher costs. "I'll make payments the rest of my life to pay it all off," she said. Buttgereit's husband died suddenly in 2023. About a year later, she left her job with the company that had employed them both. The memories of him in that space were too difficult, she said. That also meant leaving behind her health coverage. She moved to Bozeman to be closer to one of her daughters and found a health plan at healthcare.gov that the federal government subsidized because of her limited income. But she also faced a higher cost of living in Bozeman than her Social Security benefits could cover, and she needed part-time work. While that new income helped pay her bills, Buttgereit said, she no longer qualified for the same level of subsidized coverage and couldn't afford her plan. So she dropped her health insurance. About two months later, she fell. After getting the surgery bill, Buttgereit began calling and emailing the hospital's customer service team, asking how the price had risen from the $50,560 estimate to nearly $98,000. The hospital had automatically applied the self-pay discount of $19,600 to Buttgereit's bill 20% of the total. But that still left her with a tab of more than $78,000. After more time to think pain-free, she said, she also wanted to know why the initial estimate was much steeper than those she found online for similar procedures. Specifically, Buttgereit asked how to dispute her bill. When she felt she wasn't making progress contesting the charges with the hospital, she asked about her options under the No Surprises Act, a federal consumer protection law. According to emails reviewed by KFF Health News, a Bozeman Health billing employee incorrectly told Buttgereit the law applies only to ER services. The employee later said Buttgereit had the right to dispute the bill but gave her an incorrect deadline. Hospital staffers recommended Buttgereit set up a payment plan and apply to the health system's financial aid program. Erin Schaible, a spokesperson with Bozeman Health, told KFF Health News that online estimates don't reflect the specific details of a patient's care. In addition to the shattered bones noted in Buttgereit's surgery notes, Schaible said the physician identified nerve damage midsurgery that required additional work to fix. "This situation highlights the importance of clear and compassionate communication," Schaible said. "In response, our team leaders are revising internal protocols for escalating patient concerns and are reeducating staff on best practices for communicating cost estimate changes." The resolution Buttgereit refused to apply for financial aid, opting instead to challenge what she sees as inflated pricing. Using Healthcare Bluebook, an online price comparison tool that draws on insurance claims data, Buttgereit found similar procedures ranged from $8,000 to $40,000. She said she believes that there are also errors on her bill and that the complications didn't justify the price. "I felt like going through financial assistance means that I'm OK with the price of the bill," she said. "I want to get the bill reduced on the front end and then, if I need financial assistance, go through it." A billing employee emailed Buttgereit in May to offer an additional $7,000 discount if she set up a payment plan. If she later qualified for financial assistance, "we will adjust the amount accordingly," the email said. In June, the employee told Buttgereit her account would be put on hold before a collection process was initiated, "so that you have time to decide what to do." Buttgereit agreed to a payment plan of $100 a month, though she continued to contest the total charges. At that rate, it would take about 60 years to pay off the debt or longer, if the health system were to charge interest. Buttgereit made one more bid for help: She emailed the White House. This month, in the same week she got a detailed letter from the hospital standing by its charges, Buttgereit said she received a call from an official with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, saying she could dispute the bill to federal health officials. The takeaway The best time to push back against a price is before surgery, upon receiving a hospital's best guess on costs, known as a "good faith estimate." Otherwise, undergoing surgery is considered tacit acceptance of that price as a baseline. Patricia Kelmar, director of health care campaigns at the national consumer advocacy group U.S. PIRG, follows ways in which people get tangled financially in the health industry. She said patients should compare cost estimates by searching their hospital's online pricing tool (as well as those of nearby hospitals) to see whether the estimates align. But not every procedure makes those lists, especially those for uncommon injuries, nor is every hospital's list easy to access and navigate. Post-surgery, patients have few resources to fight big bills, but a little-known rule in the No Surprises Act could help, Kelmar said. The law, which took effect in 2022, is best known for protecting patients from surprise bills for out-of-network, emergency care. But it also created a formal dispute process for uninsured patients, or those paying completely out-of-pocket for nonemergency procedures, if their final tab is $400 or more than the initial estimate. "This is a valid, important part of making sure that patients who are cash-pay have a watchdog," Kelmar said. People can start the patient-provider dispute process online, through the CMS website, by providing medical records and paying a $25 fee. Patients must initiate the process within 120 days of receiving the bill, and the bill may not be sent to a collection agency while under review. An independent reviewer evaluates whether the final price is drastically different from what a health insurance company would have paid and whether the complication was predictable. If the review finds that the health provider erred on either front, federal health officials could require them to reduce the bill to match the original estimate or the median price insurers pay. Buttgereit said she initially opted against pursuing that formal dispute process because, after such a review, the floor would be the hospital's initial estimate, and she still had questions about how it would work. But after hearing from CMS, Buttgereit said it's the path she plans to take. "You've got to fight for yourself," she said. "I don't know where this is going to end up, but I feel a little bit more hopeful." Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and The Washington Post's Well+Being that dissects and explains medical bills. Since 2018, this series has helped many patients and readers get their medical bills reduced, and it has been cited in statehouses, at the U.S. Capitol, and at the White House. Do you have a confusing or outrageous medical bill you want to share? Tell us about it! Drone strike on Darfurs el-Fasher market kills at least 15 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Cairo, Sep 24 (AP) An aid worker and a local group in Sudan said a drone strike by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces killed at least 15 people at a bustling market in the besieged city of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The strike came only a few days after the RSF reportedly struck a mosque in the city, killing at least 70 people, including worshippers and three medical personnel. Recommended Stories The drone strike also wounded 12 people, an aid worker with the Emergency Response Rooms, or ERR, told The Associated Press on Wednesday, citing doctors and other ERR team members on the ground. He spoke on condition of anonymity in fear of retribution from the RSF. The aid worker said the attack happened Monday night, while the Resistance Committees in el-Fasher, a network of local people, including activists, who are tracking the fighting and war-related abuses, said in a statement on Facebook, it was carried out early Tuesday. The AP couldnt independently verify when the strike took place. The group called it a brutal attack that comes in a series of countless repeated massacres" carried out daily by the RSF to bring the city to its knees and break the will of its residents." The RSF didnt mention the incident on their Telegram channel but said that its fighters are making advances in el-Fasher, and claimed it was evacuating hundreds of civilians from el-Fasher," without providing evidence. The fight between the RSF and the military erupted in 2023 and soon turned into a civil war that enveloped the country, killing at least 40,000 people, according to the World Health Organisation, displacing as many as 12 million others. Over 24 million people are acutely food insecure, according to the World Food Programme. El-Fasher is the militarys last stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region. Fighting between the two sides intensified in recent months and hundreds of civilians were killed in RSF attacks in the area since April 10, according to a Friday report by the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. Some areas in Darfur currently face a dire situation, impacting peoples access to healthcare, food, and clean water, according to aid organisations. The number of reported cholera cases is increasing and more than 3,000 people across all of Sudan have died from the illness over the last 14 months of civil war, the UN health agency said Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The current outbreak of the bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water has spread to all 18 states in the war-torn country after it was declared an outbreak since July of last year, the WHO said. Both warring sides have been accused of committing atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians, including children. (AP) GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds Drone strike on Darfurs el-Fasher market kills at least 15 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... First migrants arrive in UK from France under one in, one out policy Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 01:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Sep 24 (AP) A family of three, including a small child, have become the first people sent to the UK by France under an agreement in which Britain returns migrants who enter the country without authorisation and France sends vetted asylum-seekers. The Home Office said Wednesday that the arrival of the family was part of critical first steps" in the programme dubbed one in, one out." Four people who arrived in Britain by boat from France were flown back to France in recent days as part of the arrangement. Recommended Stories The Home Office did not immediately release any further details about the family of three. The agreement between the two countries, which was negotiated earlier this year and came into force last month, is aimed at deporting migrants who have crossed the English Channel by unauthorised means, such as in small boats, in exchange for those who apply in France and are approved to come into the UK. The British government hopes that the scheme will act as a deterrent to those considering making the dangerous journey across the English Channel. More than 32,000 people have arrived in the UK on small boats so far in 2025, and the full-year number is expected to surpass last years 37,000. Dozens have died in recent years trying to cross one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes in overcrowded dinghies. The British government intends to increase the number of people being sent back under the pilot agreement, which runs initially until June next year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Unauthorised migration has been a problem for several years but has risen to the top of the political agenda in recent months. During the summer, there were a number of anti-immigrant protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers. The government is also looking to speed up the processing of asylum claims and reduce the number of migrants held in hotels. (AP) GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 25, 2025, 01:00 IST News agency-feeds First migrants arrive in UK from France under one in, one out policy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Five Bangladeshi nationals held Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 20:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Sept 24 (PTI) Mumbai Police arrested three Bangladeshi nationals and detained two children who were living illegally in the city and adjoining Thane, an official said on Wednesday. This action was carried out by the Anti-Terrorism Cell of suburban Jogeshwari police. Recommended Stories Based on reliable information, officials arrested one Salim Balai Molla (38) from Dahisar. His interrogation led the police to Nannu Alek Sheikh (32) and his wife, Rukhsana Nannu Sheikh (30), in the Meera Road area in Thane district. Their two children, aged nine and five years, were also living with them, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Sheikh couple and Molla have been living illegally for more than two decades. They earned a living by working as labourers. Further investigation is underway. PTI ZA NSK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:00 IST News agency-feeds Five Bangladeshi nationals held Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Four held for extorting money, mobile phones from man in Bengaluru Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bengaluru, Sep 24 (PTI) Four people were arrested for allegedly extorting money and mobile phones from a man after threatening him with a pistol here, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on August 14 night, while the man was waiting at Jalahalli bus stand to go to Vijayanagar. Recommended Stories According to police, three unknown persons came in a car and offered him a drop to Vijayanagar. After boarding the car, near Dabaspet in Nelamangala, they threatened him with a pistol, and robbed him of Rs 5,000 in cash and two mobile phones worth Rs 75,000. Based on his complaint, a robbery case was registered at Peenya police station. During the investigation, police explored multiple angles and gathered credible intelligence. On August 25, three persons involved in this crime were arrested from a room at Doddanakkundi, Marathahalli, and the car used in the crime was seized. Three mobile phones were seized from the accused," a police statement said. On checking the car, the pistol used in the crime and two mobile phones belonging to the victim were found and seized, police said. During interrogation, the three accused revealed that the pistol used in the crime had been given to them by another person who had previously been in jail with them, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Subsequently, the person who supplied the pistol for committing the crime was arrested from Horti village, Vijayapura district on September 10, police said. With the arrest of these four accused, police have recovered two mobile phones belonging to the complainant, three mobile phones belonging to the accused, the pistol used in the crime, and the car. The total value of the seized property is Rs four lakh," they added. PTI AMP KH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:45 IST News agency-feeds Four held for extorting money, mobile phones from man in Bengaluru Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Macron urges Iran to release hostages, comply with nuclear obligations at UNGA Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 04:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New York [US], September 25 (ANI): French President Emmanuel Macron, on Wednesday, during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), urged Iran to immediately release three French citizens held under harsh conditions and stressed that Tehran must comply with its nuclear obligations. I met with Iranian President @drpezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.First and foremost, I reiterated my demand: Cecile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and Lennart Monterlos state hostages arbitrarily detained in Iran pic.twitter.com/L0veei8jE4 Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 24, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories In a post on social media platform X, Macron wrote, I met with Iranian President @drpezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. First and foremost, I reiterated my demand: Cecile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and Lennart Monterlos state hostages arbitrarily detained in Iran under inhumane conditions must be released immediately."He emphasised Frances firm stance, stating, France never abandons its children. Our position is clear: Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons."Macron further addressed the issue of Irans nuclear non-compliance, announcing coordinated action with Germany and the United Kingdom. In light of Irans failure to comply with its nuclear obligations, together with Germany and the United Kingdom, we have decided to trigger the Snapback mechanism, allowing sanctions to be reimposed on Iran," he stated. Highlighting the urgency for renewed negotiations, Macron said, I once again made clear to the Iranian President the demands on which we will not compromise: full access for IAEA inspectors in Iran, transparency regarding enriched material stockpiles, and the immediate resumption of negotiations."An agreement remains possible. Only a few hours are left. It is up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have set. For the security of the region, for the stability of the world," he added. Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assemblys annual General Debate continued into its second day on Wednesday (local time), with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivering brief remarks that ended with a pointed appeal to the UN for action.Zelenskyy stressed that while the G7 and G20 play important roles, ultimate responsibility lies with the entire UN membership. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 25, 2025, 04:30 IST News agency-feeds Macron urges Iran to release hostages, comply with nuclear obligations at UNGA Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during which, in particular, they discussed Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and asked China to use its influence to encourage Russia to sit at the negotiating table. "I had a good and frank exchange with Chinese Premier Li Qiang On Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, I welcomed Premier Lis statement that both Europe and China share an interest in maintaining world peace. I explained Europe's commitment to cutting off the revenue streams that fuel Russia's war. I expressed my request to China to use its influence to help bring an end to the killing and encourage Russia to go to the negotiating table. Time for diplomacy is now. It would send a strong signal to the world," she said on her X account on Wednesday. As Leyen noted, "we both agreed that our relationship must continue to build trust and maintain regular coordination." Marathwada flood: NCP ministers and legislators to donate one months salary Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 18:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Sept 24 (PTI) Ministers, legislators, and MPs of Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will donate their one months salary to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund for flood and rain relief in Maharashtra. Heavy rains have caused extensive devastation in the Marathwada region. In Solapur district in western Maharashtra, crops, livestock, homes, and businesses were affected. Recommended Stories NCPs ministers, legislators, and MPs will donate their one-months salary to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund as assistance towards relief for those affected by heavy rain and floods," state NCP unit president Sunil Tatkare said on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar toured Karmala taluka in Solapur district and interacted with farmers and local authorities. He urged farmers not to lose heart" and assured them of help. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ajit Pawar is touring the rain-hit regions and working on relief measures. The NCP stands firmly with farmers, labourers, and common people", Tatkare added. Meanwhile, Congress leader Satej Patil has appealed to people to donate food grains, medicines, water, and educational materials to victims of the flood and rains in the Marathwada region. PTI MR NSK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 18:30 IST News agency-feeds Marathwada flood: NCP ministers and legislators to donate one months salary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sages Assemble for Reverence Of Gau Mata at Shrijadkhor Gau-Dham Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) PNNJaipur (Rajasthan) [India], September 24: Located in the secluded foothills of the Aravali, the Shrijadkhor Gau Dham in the Deeg district of Rajasthan is reverberating from the auspicious presence of sages from prominent shrines of India. The sages arrive at the Gau Dham along with thousands of devotees for an 11-day-long Gau Aaradhan festival invoked by Swami Shri Rajendra Das ji Maharaj, shriagrapeethadhsiwar of Rewasa Dham and founder of Shrijadkhor Gau Dham. The festival is an initiative of Swami Shri Rajendra Das Maharaj to celebrate the divinity of the cow as a festival and emphasise the relevance of cow worship in Sanatan Dharma. The inaugural session of the festival on Monday was marked by the presence of Rajasthan minister for Animal Husbandry and Gaupalan, Joraram Kumavat and state minister for home Jawahar Singh Bedam. Ministers from several other states are expected to attend the festival.A long list of prominent sages to grace the event includes Shri Shri Ramesh Baba from Barsana, Jagadguru Nabhapeethadhiswar Shri Sutikshan Das ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Ramkabir Dwarachary, Shri Rampravesh Das Maharaj from Varahat Vrandavan, Shrigeetamanishi Shri Gayanendra Maharaj, Swami Shri Vishuddhananda Ji, Swami Shri Venkatesh Ji Maharaj, Acharya Shri Suresh Chandra Shastri Ji, Shri Anantdas Maharaj, Jagadguru Bhavanand Dwaracharya, Shri Avdhesh Das Maharaj and Shri Rasiya Baba. There are hundreds of other sages and dedicated cow workers participating in the festival that commenced on Monday, the first day of Navratra.The festival shall host a daily recital of the Shrimadbhagwat and performance of Sahastr-Chandi yagya and several other spiritually enthralling programs. However, its the thousands of cows residing at the Gau Dham who remain in the centre of the festival and discussions. The Gau Dham has emerged as a model cow shelter, providing a healthy residence to unwanted cows and conserving the native breeds of India. Thousands of families residing in adjoining villages are now benefiting from the dairy business and the good practices of the cow shelter. Hosting the festival, the Shrijadkhor Gaudham has also extended a platform for discussion on the conservation of the cow and Sanatan Dharma.The intention of the sages is also reflected in the address of the ministers to attend the inaugural session of the festival. The Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Gaupalan minister of Rajasthan, Joraram Kumavat, said that the Cow is the mother of the entire world and not just limited to India. Also present on the occasion, the state minister for home, Jawahar Singh Bedam, stated that the government is committed to cow conservation and that the Chief Minister of Rajasthan ,too, holds the cow in deep reverence and strives for their betterment.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:45 IST News agency-feeds Sages Assemble for Reverence Of Gau Mata at Shrijadkhor Gau-Dham Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Qatar Becomes 8th Country To accept UPI Payments For Indian Travelers Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:53 IST UPI is now available in Qatar. Along with Qatar, UPI is now accepted in UAE, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal, Mauritius, France and Bhutan. Indian tourists in Qatar can pay via UPI at Duty Free outlets and major attractions NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) in partnership with Qatar National Bank has enabled the acceptance of QR code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across Qatar via point-of-sale (POS) terminals for merchants acquired by QNB and powered by NETSTARS payment solution. This move will allow Indian travelers to carry out UPI payments seamlessly at major tourist attractions and Qatar Duty Free outlets, which is the first merchant to go live on UPI. Indians are the second largest group of international visitors to Qatar. This partnership will help them to make real-time transactions across the country, limiting the need to carry cash and currency exchange hassle. The acceptance of UPI in Qatar promotes interoperability and expands UPIs global reach. Recommended Stories Moreover, it is expected to benefit Qatars retail and tourism sectors as UPI acceptance will increase transaction volumes of merchants acquired by QNB. This will further help them in scaling their business while offering convenience to customers. The partnership strengthens Indias digital payment footprint while offering a seamless and secure payment experience for Indian travelers in Qatar. List of countries where international merchant payments are accepted at select merchant outlets: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sr.No Country Name 1 Bhutan 2 France 3 Mauritius 4 Nepal 5 Singapore 6 Sri Lanka 7 UAE 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 I... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 11:52 IST News business banking-finance Qatar Becomes 8th Country To accept UPI Payments For Indian Travelers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How To Start Mother Dairy Business For Side Income: Initial Cost, Franchise Fees, Documents Required Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 18:28 IST Start your own Mother Dairy franchise with an investment of around Rs 15 lakh and earn a steady side income. The franchise provides ready products, support and a simple setup. (Photo Credit: X) Starting a side business with a trusted brand can be a smart way to earn extra income. Mother Dairy, one of Indias most popular dairy brands, gives entrepreneurs a chance to open their own outlets. With a manageable investment and steady demand, this can become a reliable earning opportunity. Mother Dairy works on a simple franchise system that allows individuals to run retail outlets selling its products. These include milk, curd, paneer, ghee, butter, and even ice creams, along with Safal fruits and vegetables. Because these are daily essentials, the demand is consistent, making the business sustainable. Recommended Stories The company supports its partners with training, product supply, branding, and point-of-sale systems. This ensures that even first-time business owners can start without much difficulty. Investment and Fees Explained According to Business Today, you can begin a Mother Dairy franchise with an investment of around Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh for smaller outlets. In some cases, investments can go up to Rs 15 lakh depending on location and setup size. What makes it attractive is that there is no royalty fee, and the franchisee keeps the profits earned. The main expenses involve shop interiors, refrigeration equipment, and working capital for stock. Requirements To Apply As per Mother Dairys official site, below are some key requirements: An outlet space of 200500 sq. ft. in a busy residential or commercial area is ideal. You must also have the financial ability to cover the initial setup costs. Applicants are expected to provide basic documents such as ID proof, address proof, and business registration. Food safety and GST compliance are also mandatory. Why It Works As Side Income The biggest advantage of a Mother Dairy outlet is steady demand. Milk and dairy products are everyday needs, so sales are not seasonal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Many entrepreneurs report recovering their investment within 1824 months. Since margins are decent and there is no monthly royalty burden, it becomes a good source of side income. So, with an investment starting at about Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh, strong brand backing, and constant demand, the Mother Dairy franchise is seen as a solid business option for those seeking extra income. For anyone willing to put in the effort, this venture can offer both financial stability and long-term growth. 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, w... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 18:28 IST News business How To Start Mother Dairy Business For Side Income: Initial Cost, Franchise Fees, Documents Required Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fintech PhonePe Files DRHP With Sebi To Launch Rs 12,000 Crore IPO Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:54 IST PhonePe, backed by Walmart, Tiger Global and Microsoft, filed a draft red herring prospectus to raise Rs 12000 crore via IPO. PhonePe files PDRHP with Sebi for Rs 12,000 cr IPO. PhonePe IPO: PhonePe, a Walmart-backed fintech company, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the market regulator to raise Rs 12,000 crore via the confidential route, according to a Moneycontrol report. The IPO is likely to be a complete offer for sale (OFS). The backers Walmart, Tiger Global and Microsoft will participate in the offer for sale to trim their stakes in the company. Recommended Stories PhonePe spokesperson said to Moneycontrol that the company ahs filed the pre-filled Draft Red Herring Prospectus (PDRHP") with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited in relation to the initial public offering of its equity shares, under Chapter IIA of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018. The filing of the PDRHP shall not necessarily mean that the Company will undertake the initial public offering. In December 2022, PhonePe redomiciled from Singapore to India for which it had to pay around Rs 8,000 crore in taxes to the government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PhonePe is announcing today that the company is commencing preparatory steps in connection with its potential IPO and plans to list on Indian exchanges. This marks a significant milestone for the company, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year, and has grown to serve hundreds of millions of customers with innovative financial services and technology solutions," PhonePe said in an earlier statement. 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, w... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:40 IST News business ipo Fintech PhonePe Files DRHP With Sebi To Launch Rs 12,000 Crore IPO Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... JPMorgan: India Set To Outpace 2024 IPO Record As Big Issues Line Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 06:32 IST JPMorgan Chase highlights a busy 2025 for Indian IPOs, with LG Electronics India unit, Pine Labs, and Groww set to launch amid easing rules, despite global headwinds. In the first half of 2025, Indian markets saw 108 IPOs raise $4.6 billionaccounting for just 8% of global IPO proceeds, compared to 28% for the US and 34% for China. JPMorgan Chase notes that the remaining four months of 2025 in the primary market will remain very busy as big offerings are gearing up to launch their issues. It will add the number of IPOs and proceeds that have been launched in 2025 already outpacing last years record. Recommended Stories JPMorgan Chase said that this year is poised to go even higher in terms of numbers of IPOs being launched compared to 2024, driven by easing regulations and buoyant equity valuations. Firms have already raised $8.2 billion across 49 IPOs till August, according to Prime Database. Indian companies raised $20.5 billion through 91 IPOs in 2024, making it the second active primary market after USA. The momentum has been supported by quicker approvals and reduced float requirements for large IPOs. Big names like LG Electronics India unit and fintech players Pine Labs and Groww are gearing up to hit the market. However, the enthusiasm is weighed down by global headwinds, with foreign investors pulling out $15.7 billion from Indian equities this year on worries over earnings and broader economic pressures. EYs latest Global IPO Trends report also calls India one of the most active IPO markets in terms of the number of listings. In the first half of 2025, Indian markets saw 108 IPOs raise $4.6 billionaccounting for just 8% of global IPO proceeds, compared to 28% for the US and 34% for China. While fundraising dipped marginally by 2% year-on-year, the number of IPOs declined 30%, indicating a strategic shift toward fewer but higher-quality listings. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The EY report notes that issuers are becoming more selective about timing and structure, while investors are prioritising companies with strong fundamentals and clear growth visibility. The subdued activity comes against a backdrop of global uncertainty, with many firms delaying IPO plans or revising valuations amid geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility. 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 I... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 06:32 IST News business ipo JPMorgan: India Set To Outpace 2024 IPO Record As Big Issues Line Up Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... VMS TMT IPO Listing Today: Shares To Debut On BSE, NSE; GMP Signals Modest Gain Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 08:01 IST VMS TMT IPO lists today on BSE and NSE at an expected Rs 110, with a GMP of Rs 11. VMS TMT IPO Listing Today VMS TMT IPO Listing Today: The initial public offering (IPO) of Ahmedabad-based steel manufacturer VMS TMT Ltd closed on Friday, September 19. The issue with the size of Rs 148.5 crore opened on September 17, 2025. Recommended Stories Allotment of the shares were finalised on September 22, 2025. Shares are all set to be listed on the bourses. They will be listed today around 10:00 am on BSE and NSE. VMS TMT IPO Listing Price Prediction, GMP According to market observers, shares of VMS TMT Ltd are expected to be listed at Rs 110 against the upper IPO price of Rs 99. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 11, which is 11.11% over its issue price. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. VMS TMT IPO Details The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of up to 1,50,00,000 equity shares with no offer for sale component. VMS TMT Limited intends to utilise Rs 115 crores of the IPO proceeds for repayment/ prepayment, in full or part, of all or a portion of certain borrowings availed by the Company, while the remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes and issue expenses. The IPO will fetch Rs 148.50 crore at the upper end of the price band. Investors can bid for a minimum of 150 equity shares and in multiples of 150 equity shares thereafter. The allocation structure reserves 50% for retail investors, 30% for qualified institutional buyers (including anchor investors), and 20% for non-institutional investors. Arihant Capital Markets is the book-running lead manager, while KFin Technologies is the registrar. Financially, the company reported a profit after tax of Rs 154.18 million in FY25, up from Rs 134.68 million in FY24. Analysts note that with Indias rising demand for steel bars, driven by infrastructure and real estate growth, VMS TMT is well-positioned to benefit from the industry momentum. About VMS TMT VMS TMT is engaged in the manufacturing of Thermo Mechanically Treated Bars (TMT Bars") at its facility situated at Bhayla Village, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. TMT Bars are high-strength reinforcement steel widely used in the construction industry due to their exceptional strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. The company conducts business predominantly in the State of Gujarat, from where it derives most of its revenue. Revenue from operations also includes the sale of scrap, binding wires, and billets. 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 I... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 08:01 IST News business markets VMS TMT IPO Listing Today: Shares To Debut On BSE, NSE; GMP Signals Modest Gain Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Made Our City Filthy': Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Slams Bengaluru Civic Body Over Garbage Crisis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 19:06 IST Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticises BBMP for Bengaluru's garbage crisis, urging better waste management, resident cooperation, and improved pourakarmika support.. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and executive chairperson of Biocon (X) Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has once again flagged Bengalurus garbage management crisis, sparking a conversation over civil negligence and accountability. In a post on X, Shaw criticised the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for its failure to manage garbage and debris, describing the city as filthy" due to a combination of civic negligence and the lack of competent waste management systems. Recommended Stories She further appealed for cooperation from residents. She also called for better equipment and training for pourakarmikas, the civic workers tasked with keeping the city clean. A combination of lack of civic sense and the incompetence of @bbmp in managing city garbage and debris has made our city filthy. Citizens must cooperate by not dumping garbage and creating ugly dark spots. Pourvakarmikas need to be given better equipment and training to keep our city clean. Zonal commissioners need to take ownership of SWM," Shaw said in a post on X. A combination of lack of civic sense and the incompetence of @bbmp in managing city garbage and debris has made our city filthy. Citizens must cooperate by not dumping garbage and creating ugly dark spots. Pourvakarmikas need to be given better equipment and training to keep our Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) September 23, 2025 Her remarks come at a time when the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is rushing to fix potholes and roads across the city. The issue has also taken a political turn after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently claimed that Bengaluru is being unfairly targeted over potholes. The viral post unleashed a wave of agreement and further complaints from Bengalurus residents. Many shared specific examples of civic neglect. One user highlighted the situation in Banashankari, describing it as unhygienic and a pedestrians nightmare. The entire Banashankari main road from near the metro station to Kadirenahalli is covered in filth," they wrote. Others pointed to systemic failures in waste management. A commenter suggested a scientific approach to transfer points between wards to prevent them from becoming black spots" again. They also urged Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCC) to accept a wider variety of waste. Last week, the Biocon Chief slammed the authorities after the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) shared a video showing before-and-after images of garbage removal and footpath restoration in Malleswaram, but it was as filthy as before. The video, shared by the GBA, had highlighted the clean-up of an area outside the BBMP school, where residents had been dumping trash. While the GBA praised its own efforts, many pointed to shoddy finishing and poor quality of the work. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Are you really proud of this? You reclaimed the footpath, but its still shoddily finished. Full marks for effort, but please ensure good quality finishing," she had said. Earlier in July, when Bengaluru was ranked as the fifth dirtiest among major Indian cities in the Swachh Survekshan 2025, Mohandas Pai had expressed his disappointment, calling it a big shame" for the city and the state. 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) degre... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 19:03 IST News bengaluru-news 'Made Our City Filthy': Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Slams Bengaluru Civic Body Over Garbage Crisis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Waterlogging, Power Cut: Rain-Hit Kolkata Struggles To Return To Normalcy Ahead Of Durga Puja Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:27 IST Kolkata Weather: Kolkata on Tuesday faced record rains and severe waterlogging that claimed at least 10 lives and disrupted Durga Puja festivities. Normal life in Kolkata and surrounding areas came to a near standstill on Tuesday due to the heavy overnight rainfall, which led to widespread flooding and brought traffic, public transport, and daily activities to a halt. (Image/X) Amid the festive season, residents of Kolkata are facing severe waterlogging due to heavy rain on Tuesday, disrupting preparations for the Durga Puja festival. The city of joy remains paralysed over 24 hours after experiencing a record-breaking spell that caused widespread flooding and left at least 10 people dead. The downpour, being described as the heaviest in nearly four decades, has cast a shadow over Durga Puja preparations, with more rain forecast for the coming days. Recommended Stories #WATCH | West Bengal: Severe waterlogging witnessed in parts of Kolkata amid heavy rainfall across the city; visuals from Ballygunge area. pic.twitter.com/nB92EIrHdY ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 Despite the absence of further rainfall since the initial downpour, several neighbourhoods, including Gariahat, Joka, Sarsuna, Thanthania, and Amherst Street, remain underwater. Visuals from late last night showed waist-deep water in some streets, making movement difficult and raising concerns of a prolonged disruption. Power outages continue in many localities after authorities cut electricity as a safety measure. However, the precaution turned tragic as exposed live wires led to the deaths by electrocution of at least eight people. The citys power supplier, CESC, has come under severe criticism, including from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who alleged that poor infrastructure maintenance led to the fatalities. The deaths could have been prevented, Banerjee said, holding CESC responsible for the loss of lives. Kolkata Weather Update: MeT Predicts More Showers In Kolkata The rain activity is attributed to a low-pressure system hovering over the northeast Bay of Bengal. As a result, Kolkata and parts of south Bengal are likely to face more rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. The city ground to a standstill on Tuesday, forcing school closures in the city. While public transport was minimal, many shops downed shutters. Further, Mayor Firhad Hakim urged residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Puja pandals across the city were damaged or submerged, casting uncertainty over the festive celebrations that had just begun. With schools now closed for the Puja break two days early, theres growing concern over how the week-long festivities will be affected if weather conditions dont improve. Air, rail, and metro services were severely disrupted yesterday, with dozens of flights being cancelled, and traffic congestion across the city. The state government has described the rainfall as unprecedented. We used to see such situations of cloudburst in Uttarakhand or Himachal, but this time it is in Kolkata. South Kolkata is the worst affected. Many people died. Many puja pandals are submerged. Hooghly River is overflooded, that is why we are facing difficulties," Mayor Hakim said. Political Slugfest Over Deluge The aftermath has also triggered a political blame game in the state with the Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accusing the government of ignoring early warnings about heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a clear **ORANGE WARNING** for very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal earlier, before this crisis hit Kolkata and beyondYet, Mamata Banerjee, Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas (Minister of Power) were caught napping, leaving our people to drown in floods, face electrocutions and lose lives due to their negligence," he tweeted on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, Chief Minister Banerjee blamed poor management of water flow from upstream regions, particularly the lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage. Some political parties are passing wrong comments over the natural calamityWe have said many times that there is no dredging taking place by DVC," she said. As the city waits for the waters to recede, the impact on lives and festive spirit is already immense. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 09:23 IST News kolkata-news Waterlogging, Power Cut: Rain-Hit Kolkata Struggles To Return To Normalcy Ahead Of Durga Puja Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Police Probe Jawed Habib, Son Over Alleged Crypto Scam; Over 150 Claim They Were Defrauded Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:05 IST The Uttar Pradesh police have registered a fraud case against the renowned hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son Anas for alleged crypto fraud. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Over 150 investors have alleged that hairstylist Jawed Habib, his son Anas, and others promised high returns through cryptocurrency but shut down operations when payouts were demanded. (IMAGE: FACEBOOK) Police in Uttar Pradesh are probing renowned hairstylist Jawed Habib, his son Anas Habib and three others for allegedly defrauding over 150 people by promising high returns on cryptocurrency investments, broadcaster India Today said in a report. Police in Sambhal registered a fraud case against the hairstylist and his son for luring investors with the promise of 50% to 75% profit through Follicle Global Company (FLC). The father-son due allegedly persuaded people to invest in Bitcoins and Binance Coins and their money was transferred to the companys accounts. Recommended Stories When the investor sought returns, the company allegedly shut down. The broadcasters report also said that accused allegedly fled. A group of people approached the police stating that they were defrauded of lakhs of rupees by Javed Habib, his son Anas Habib, and others under the name of Follicle Global Company," KK Bishnoi, Sambhal SP, was quoted as saying by India Today. They had organized a meeting at Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Sambhal, promising 5075% returns within a year. Investments were made in Binance Coins and Bitcoins. When investors demanded their money back, the accused closed the company and absconded. Following the complaints, a case has been registered against Jawed Habib, his son Anas Habib, Saiful, and others," Bishnoi further added. The report said that the allegations came to light after several investors approached police officials at Raisatti Police Station. Bishnoi, according to the report, has directed additional SP Alok Bhati to investigate due to the high-profile nature of the case. It said that police confirmed that the accused defrauded investors of substantial amounts and promised unrealistically, exponentially high returns. The alleged scam reportedly goes back to 2023, when hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son Anas hosted a program at Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Sarayatreen, Sambhal, under the banner of Follicle Global Company (FLC). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Around 150 people attended, many of whom were persuaded to invest substantial sums with promises of guaranteed profits. According to police, some of the money was transferred to an account held by Saiful, who claimed to be a director of the company. Authorities have registered the case under serious sections of fraud, and the investigation is continuing. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : Sambhal, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:00 IST News cities lucknow-news Police Probe Jawed Habib, Son Over Alleged Crypto Scam; Over 150 Claim They Were Defrauded Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha opened the fifth summit of the international Crimea Platform, which is being held for the first time at the UN headquarters in New York. "A record number of leaders and high-ranking officials: 54 countries, seven international organizations, all continents and regions of the world. This indicates not only support for Ukraine, but also resolute support for the most important principle of the UN the territorial integrity of states," Sybiha said. The minister said since 2014, the General Assembly has adopted two dozen principled decisions on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. According to him, today's summit "confirms the truth: Crimea is Ukraine." "The most important thing is that this summit sends a powerful signal of hope to Ukrainians in Crimea, to Crimean Tatars, to all who do not lose hope for the restoration of justice. This summit confirms the truth. Crimea is Ukraine," the Foreign Minister said. As previously reported by the MFA press service, the summit participants will discuss specific steps to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine and achieve a just peace based on the UN Charter and the norms of international law. This year, special attention will be paid to the role of the UN General Assembly in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the resolutions adopted by it on countering Russian aggression, as well as the significance of these documents for preventing new acts of aggression in the world. The security challenges in the Black Sea and Azov regions, the human rights situation in the occupied Crimea, and international efforts for its de-occupation will be discussed separately. The Crimea platform, initiated by President of Ukraine in 2021, is a stable international mechanism that consolidates governments, international organizations and civil society. Its activities are aimed at coordinating the global response to Russian aggression, increasing international pressure on the Kremlin and advancing the process of de-occupation of Crimea. "It was with the occupation of the Crimea peninsula that the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, and only with its liberation and reintegration can a just and lasting peace be restored," the department said. Mumbai Metro Lines 2A, 7 Services Temporarily Suspended Due To Operational Adjustment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:05 IST Mumbai Metro: MMMOCL has announced service suspension on lines 2A and 7. As per the official update, the services are temporarily suspended due to "operational adjustment." Mumbai Metro. (Representative image: PTI) Mumbai Metro has announced service suspension on lines 2A and 7. As per the official update, the services are temporarily suspended due to operational adjustment." The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) on Wednesday issued a notice and announced that the services have been modified temporarily. As per the official update, on line 2A, services continue from Andheri West to Dahisar East (both lines), Short Loop Service Trains will run between Gundavali to Aarey (both lines), and Single line working between Ovaripada to Aarey (single line operation on both ways). Recommended Stories We appreciate your cooperation. Passenger safety and convenience remain our top priority," the official statement reads. Commuters will be informed when the services resume. Mumbai Metro Service Temporaily Suspended On Lines 2A, 7 Taking to X, MMMOCL posted, Due to an operational adjustment, services have been temporarily modified for some time. Mumbai Metro Lines 2A, 7 Services Temporarily Suspended Due To Operational Adjustment." Service Update | Metro Lines 2A & 7Due to an operational adjustment, services have been temporarily modified for some time. Line 2A: Services continue from Andheri West Dahisar East (both lines) Short Loop Service: Trains will run between Gundavali Aarey (both Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (@MMMOCL_Official) September 24, 2025 Last week, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) temporarily suspended monorail services. Following the suspension, Monorails are being upgraded. To enhance the operations, the CBTC signalling systems will be upgraded, and the existing fleet will be refurbished during the suspension. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, the Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, stressed that this suspension is a carefully thought-out step to rejuvenate the Monorail. This temporary block is a carefully thought-out step to rejuvenate the Monorail. By inducting new rakes, deploying advanced CBTC signalling, and refurbishing the existing fleet, we are ensuring that the system becomes safer, more dependable, and future-ready. We value the patience of citizens and assure them that when the Monorail returns, it will be with renewed strength, reliability, and the confidence to serve Mumbai better," Mukherjee was quoted as saying by PTI. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 09:47 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai Metro Lines 2A, 7 Services Temporarily Suspended Due To Operational Adjustment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Suspecting They Helped His Wife Elope, Man Kills Sister-In-Law, Chops Off Niece's Finger Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:10 IST A man hacked his sister-in-law to death and injured her daughter, suspecting they aided his wife's elopement. He was arrested by police. Representative image of Delhi Police (Courtesy: PTI) In a disturbing incident in Delhi, a man killed his sister-in-law with a cleaver and chopped off her daughters finger, suspecting they had helped his wife elope, police said. The deceased, identified as Nusrat, was killed on the spot. The accused man, Istekhar Ahmad alias Babbu (49), attacked one more female relative after attacking the mother-daughter duo. Recommended Stories Soon after the horrific incident unfolded in Khyala area of West Delhi, police were informed by one Usman. In his complaint, he stated that Babbu, a security guard from Loni, Ghaziabad, attacked the women inside their house, news agency PTI reported. It is learnt that the accused arrived at the house around 7am with a cleaver hidden in a tiffin box. When Nusrat offered him tea, he attacked her multiple times in the chest and neck, leaving her dead. When her daughter tried to intervene, he chopped off her finger and hit her on the head. Babbu also assaulted Akbari, striking her on the head and neck. Investigations reveal that Babbu suspected Nusrat and other relatives of aiding his wife in eloping with another man. Nusrats husband is in jail and she was the sole breadwinner of her family and has four daughters. She previously worked as a civil defence volunteer. Sonu, Akbaris son, recounted the incident, saying Nusrat was unaware of Babbus intentions when she saw him with the tiffin box. He attacked her viciously, injuring Saniya and Akbari when they tried to intervene. Another relative expressed concern for Nusrats four children and criticised Babbus actions, stating his wife eloped due to his mistreatment. Imran, Nusrats elder brother, questioned why his sister had to suffer despite trying to support her family. According to the police, a PCR call was received at around 8.05 am reporting a murder at JJ Colony in Khyala. Thereafter, a police team rushed to spot and recovered Nusrats body. The injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The motive as disclosed was internal household marital discord between the alleged and his wife. The alleged blamed the deceased for supporting his wife," a senior police officer told PTI. The accused was apprehended at the spot along with the weapons of offence a cleaver and knife. A case has been registered under sections 103(1) (Murder) and 109(1) (attempt to murder) of the BNS. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. An investigation inti the case is underway. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:04 IST News new-delhi-news Suspecting They Helped His Wife Elope, Man Kills Sister-In-Law, Chops Off Niece's Finger Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IAF Agniveer Vayu Admit Card 2025 Releasing Today: Where & How To Download? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 13:20 IST IAF Agniveervayu Admit Card: Candidates who have registered for the exam can download their admit cards from the official website at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. Candidates must carry a printout of the admit card, a blue or black pen, and their original Aadhar card to the examination centre. (File Pic) The Indian Air Force is set to release the admit cards for the Agniveer Vayu Exam 01/2025. Candidates who have registered for the exam can download their admit cards from the official IAF website at agnipathvayu.cdac.in, once out, using their registration number and password. The online exam will feature objective-type questions in both English and Hindi, except for the English paper. The IAF Agniveer Vayu exam will be held tomorrow, September 25. According to the official notification, provisional admit cards will be sent to eligible candidates via their registered email IDs 48-72 hours before the examination. Hence, it will be out today. Recommended Stories Steps To Download IAF Agniveer Vayu Admit Card: Step 1. Visit the official Indian Air Force website at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. Step 2. On the homepage, click on the Announcement option. Step 3. Select the Agniveervayu 01/2025 admit card link. Step 4. A new window will prompt candidates to log in using their registration number and password. Step 5. The IAF Agniveervayu Admit Card will appear on the screen. Step 6. Review the details on the admit card, save it, and print a copy for the exam day. Candidates must carry a printout of the admit card, a blue or black pen, and their original Aadhar card to the examination centre. Applicants must also check the hall ticket thoroughly and in case of any discrepancy must report to the authorities immediately and get it rectified. IAF Agniveer Vayu Exam Pattern top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The online test for Science Subjects will last 60 minutes, covering Physics, Mathematics, and English as per the Class 12 CBSE syllabus. The test for subjects other than Science will last 45 minutes, including English and Reasoning and General Awareness as per the Class 12 CBSE syllabus. Candidates taking both Science and non-Science subjects will have an 85-minute test covering Physics, Mathematics, English, and RAGA. According to the marking scheme of IAF Agniveer Vayu exam, candidates will receive one mark for each correct answer. Unattempted questions will not be marked. However, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 13:11 IST News education-career IAF Agniveer Vayu Admit Card 2025 Releasing Today: Where & How To Download? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Uttarakhand: Main Accused In UKSSSC Question Paper Leak Arrested In Haridwar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:34 IST Uttarakhand police have arrested the main suspect in the UKSSSC exam paper leak. Authorities are probing how three pages were shared online despite jammers. Uttarakhand police have arrested the main accused in the UKSSSC exam paper leak and the investigation is currently underway. The Uttarakhand Police on Tuesday arrested Khalid Malik, the main accused in the alleged leak of three pages of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam question paper. Khalid, who appeared as a candidate in the exam, was taken into custody from the Laksar area of Haridwar. His sister, Sabia (35), had been arrested earlier. Khalid had been absconding for three days, as reported by news agency PTI. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that those involved in exam malpractices would not be spared under any circumstances. Recommended Stories According to Haridwar SSP Pramod Singh Dobal, Khalid has been handed over to the Dehradun police for further investigation, as the case was registered there. Three pages of the question paper for the undergraduate-level examination held on Sunday had surfaced on social media. Rishikesh SP Jaya Baluni said evidence shows that Khalid allegedly brought a device to the exam centre at Adarsh Bal Sadan Inter College, Bahadurpur Jat village, Pathri, photographed three pages of the paper, and sent them to his mobile phone, which was in Sabias possession. Baluni added that Sabia then sent the questions to Suman, an assistant professor in Tehri, and received the answers to help Khalid cheat. Considering her role, Sabia has been arrested," she said. Investigators also found Khalids other sister, Hina, may have been involved, and the probe is ongoing. ALSO READ: SC Sets Aside MP HC Order Mandating 3-Year Practice For Civil Judge Recruitment A case has been registered against four named and other unidentified individuals under the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Prevention and Control of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance, 2023 at the Raipur police station in Dehradun. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Baluni said the exam centre was inspected on Monday, and officials including the principal, exam room inspector, and those who installed the jammers were questioned. Screenshots of the leaked pages went viral shortly after the exam began. UKSSSC Chairman Ganesh Singh Martolia expressed shock over the leak, noting it occurred despite jammers being installed. Following public uproar, the commission filed a complaint with Dehradun police, who formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:34 IST News education-career Uttarakhand: Main Accused In UKSSSC Question Paper Leak Arrested In Haridwar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Ati Pichra Nyay Sankalp': Rahul Gandhi Shares INDIA Bloc's 10-Point 'Reservation Vision' In Bihar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:47 IST Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the INDIA bloc will end the 50% cap on reservation as the scope of reservation needs to be expanded and the current system broken and discarded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi read out a 10-point resolution for the extremely backward classes and explained how, once implemented, it will greatly benefit this section. (Image: PTI/File) Once again advocating for a caste census in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said if voted to power, the INDIA bloc will end the 50 percent cap on reservation as the scope of reservation needs to be expanded. Sharing the INDIA Blocs reservation vision" for poll-bound Bihar, Rahul Gandhi said this is for the ati pichra" or extremely backward classes". Recommended Stories We want to share a vision with you. This is the vision for the extremely backward classes," Gandhi said at Ati Pichra Nyay Sankalp symposium in Patna. Gandhi read out a 10-point resolution for the extremely backward classes and explained how, once implemented, it will greatly benefit this section. He said the Ati Pichra Nyay Sankalp was passed at the symposium and will be implemented if the INDIA bloc comes to power in Bihar. A caste census must be conducted in the country. The scope of reservation needs to be expanded. The current scope will be broken and discarded. We want to conduct a caste census so that accurate information about castes is obtained," he said. He said the INDIA bloc will ensure reservation for extremely backward classes in private institutions with government contracts worth more than Rs 25 crore. The Nitish government didnt do anything for the betterment of extremely backward classes, only used them as a vote bank," he alleged. The opposition leader said the Voter Adhikar Yatra was a great success in Bihar through which people were informed of how the Constitution is under attack and rights are being stolen. Together we all conducted the Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. For 15 days, we went to different districts and informed the youth of Bihar that the Constitution is under attack, your rights are being stolen. The youth of Bihar put their full effort into the yatra, which is why it was successful," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heres the INDIA blocs 10-point resolution: The Atipichhda Atystachar Nivaran Adhiniyam (Act for Prevention of Atipichhda Atrocities) will be enacted. The current 20 percent reservation for the ati pichra category in panchayats and urban local bodies will be increased to 30 percent. To increase the 50 percent reservation cap based on population proportion, the law passed by the legislative assembly will be sent to the Centre for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution The concept of not found suitable" (NFS) in the selection process for appointments will be declared illegal. All matters related to under-inclusion or over-inclusion in the list of the ati pichra category will be resolved by forming a dedicated committee. All residential landless persons from ati pichra , scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (ST), and backward classes will be provided three decimals of residential land in urban areas and five decimals in rural areas. Under the Right to Education Act, 2010, passed by the UPA government, half of the reserved seats in private schools will be allocated to children from ati pichra , backward classes, SCs, and STs. For government contracts/supply work up to Rs 25 crore, 50 percent reservation will be provided for ati pichra , SCs, STs, and backward classes. Reservation in admissions to all private educational institutions of the state will be implemented under Article 15(5) of the Constitution. A high-authority regulatory body will be formed to oversee reservation, and any changes to caste reservation lists will only be possible with the permission of the legislative assembly. About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing im... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:38 IST News elections 'Ati Pichra Nyay Sankalp': Rahul Gandhi Shares INDIA Bloc's 10-Point 'Reservation Vision' In Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Polls: JD(U) Bags 102, BJP Gets 101 As NDA's Seat-Sharing Talks Near Final Stage | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:55 IST Sources in BJP suggest Chirag Paswan wants 40 seats but the alliance may not be in a position to part with more than 20 seats Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The arithmetic has been reached keeping in mind Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars insistence of at least one more seat than BJP. (PTI) As Bihar heads toward its high-stakes assembly polls in a few months, the contours of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seat-sharing formula are almost settled. Sources suggest that the BJP and Janata Dal (United) have reached a consensus, with a formal announcement expected soon. According to the emerging formula, JD(U) is likely to contest on 102 seats, while the BJP will get 101. The arithmetic has been reached keeping in mind Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars insistence of at least one more seat than BJP". Meanwhile, Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is expected to be allotted 20 seats, say sources. The distribution marks a slight recalibration from the 2020 assembly elections, when JD(U) had fielded candidates on 115 seats and BJP on 110. Smaller allies thenJitan Ram Manjhis HAM and Mukesh Sahnis VIPwere given seven and 11 seats, respectively. Recommended Stories Chirag Paswan on Monday asserted that his party would not accept anything less than a respectable number of seats, without making it clear what number his party would consider respectable". We will not compromise on a respectable number of seats allocated to our party," he said. Sources in BJP suggest Paswan wants 40 seats but the alliance may not be in a position to part with more than 20 seats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The current arrangement underscores the continuing centrality of the JD(U)-BJP axis in the NDAs Bihar strategy, even as the alliances composition evolves. Political observers note that despite occasional strains, JD(U) and the BJP remain indispensable to each other in the states electoral arithmetic. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to hold meetings with key leaders from all districts of Bihar on September 24 and 25 for candidate selection. During the two-day meeting, state president Dilip Jaiswal will get an overall sense of the organisation as well as which seats allies are not ready to part with, come what may. Official seat-sharing talks among NDA partners will take place only after October 3. Sources say, once the bigger parties are finalised, seat allocations for smaller allies will take place. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 11:55 IST News elections Bihar Polls: JD(U) Bags 102, BJP Gets 101 As NDA's Seat-Sharing Talks Near Final Stage | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As Trump Accuses Europe Of Funding The War, How Much Russian Gas Does It Actually Buy? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 14:42 IST At the UNGA, Donald Trump accused NATO countries of funding the war against themselves by buying Russian gas. Heres a look at how much Europe still pays Moscow for it US President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters. (AFP photo) At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday put NATOs energy ties with Moscow under the scanner. He accused European allies of funding the war against themselves" by continuing to buy Russian gas despite sanctions. Who the hell ever heard of that one?" he mocked, arguing that paying Moscow for energy undermines collective security. While he bracketed India and China as large crude buyers, his sharpest criticism was directed at NATO countries, especially France, which is bound by long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts running into the 2030s. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen endorsed Trumps line, saying, Trump is absolutely right. We are working on it." Recommended Stories How Much Russian Gas Does Europe Still Import? According to European Commission data compiled from ENTSOG and LSEG, Russia sent more than 150 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to the EU in 2021, over 40 per cent of imports. By 2024, that figure had dropped to under 52 bcm: 31.6 bcm by pipeline and around 20 bcm as LNG. Russias share of EU imports is now below 19 per cent, a dramatic shift but still significant for a bloc that has spent years pledging to end dependence." The gap was filled largely by Norway, which delivered 91 bcm in 2024, a third of EU imports, while the United States more than doubled its LNG supplies to 45 bcm, and Algeria raised its exports to 39 bcm. Yet Russia still ranked as the EUs fourth-largest supplier. For Brussels, that is an uncomfortable reality: even after cutting demand by nearly a fifth since 2021, gas still heats three in ten European households, powers industries from steel to fertilisers, and stabilises electricity grids. In other words, Europes success in reducing Russian flows has been real but incomplete. Which NATO Countries Still Buy The Most Russian Gas? Independent trackers suggest that Europes pivot away" from Moscow is less complete than its leaders like to stress. According to Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREAs) August 2025 report, the EU still absorbed half of Russias LNG exports and 35 per cent of its pipeline gas. Outside NATO, the other major buyers were China (21 per cent of Russias LNG, 30 per cent of pipeline flows) and Japan (18 per cent of LNG). Within Europe, the bulk of the business is concentrated in a handful of NATO states. Hungary led the list, spending 416 million that month, including 240 million for pipeline deliveries, a reminder that Budapest has consistently resisted calls for a total embargo. Slovakia followed with 276 million in payments, 72 million of which was for pipeline flows. Among Western European powers, France imported 157 million worth of LNG despite having been one of the blocs loudest voices on sanctions. The Netherlands and Belgium, both major LNG hubs for Europe, added 65 million and 64 million respectively. Together, these five countries alone transferred 979 million to Moscow in a single month, with over 60 per cent of that tied directly to gas. On a daily basis, CREA estimated that Russia earned 31 million from LNG and 75 million from pipeline gas sales to the EU in August 2025. What makes the numbers striking is not just their scale but who is doing the buying. The top five include Hungary and Slovakia, often cited as sanction sceptics, but also France, the Netherlands and Belgium, countries that have publicly pushed for tougher restrictions while still importing Russian LNG. Brussels counts import volumes, but independent trackers like CREA follow Russias revenues. Both sets of data show the same story from different angles: dependence is down, but money still flows. Where Does India Stand? At the UNGA, Trump bracketed India with Russias biggest energy customers, accusing New Delhi of funding the war" through its purchases. But on gas, the charge does not hold up. According to the US Energy Information Administrations February 2025 brief, Indias LNG imports in 2023 came overwhelmingly from Qatar and other Middle Eastern suppliers, with the US also sending significant volumes. Russia did not feature on the supplier list. Independent trackers back that up. CREA estimated that in August this year, India imported about 3.6 billion worth of Russian fossil fuels. But the breakdown was clear: 78 per cent was crude oil, 14 per cent coal, and 8 per cent oil products. This is not a new pattern. India has built long-term LNG ties with Qatar and the Middle East for both pricing stability and geography. Its diversification into Russian energy has been almost entirely into discounted crude. Why Europe Cant Quit Russian Gas Overnight Europes continued dependence is not simply a matter of willpower. It rests on three hard realities: Contracts: Many EU states remain locked into long-term take-or-pay" LNG agreements that require payment whether cargoes are used or not. France, for example, is tied into deals that stretch well into the 2030s. Breaking them would trigger legal disputes and hefty penalties. Infrastructure: Replacing Russian flows requires massive investment in LNG terminals, new pipelines and expanded storage. Europe has moved quickly, building new regasification facilities in Germany and elsewhere, but gaps remain, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where alternatives are scarce. Demand: Even with a 19 per cent fall in consumption since 2021, natural gas still heats nearly a third of EU households and underpins major industries from fertilisers to steel. Phasing it out overnight would mean economic and political upheaval. These constraints explain why, despite political pledges and falling import shares, Europes gas bill for Russia still runs into the billions. Brussels Wants A 2026 LNG Ban, But Will Hungary and Slovakia Agree? According to Politico, a draft of the European Commissions 19th sanctions package against Russia includes the toughest energy proposal yet: to eliminate all Russian LNG purchases by the end of 2026. That is a year earlier than the EUs existing 2027 timeline. The draft text spells out two deadlines. Long-term LNG contracts with Russian suppliers must expire by 2026, while short-term spot deals would have to end within six months of the package entering into force. The logic, in Brussels words, is to further decrease Russias revenues from fossil fuels, raise the costs of its illegal actions in Ukraine and put maximum pressure on Russia to cease its war of aggression." But the LNG ban is only one part of the wider package. The same draft also proposes restrictions on Russias sanctions-busting banks and crypto channels, bans EU companies from using non-EU ports linked to weapons transfers or sanctions evasion, and limits investment in Russias special economic zones. In effect, the LNG clause sits inside a broader sanctions bundle, the 19th since February 2022. The politics are the real obstacle. EU sanctions require unanimity, and Hungary and Slovakia are expected to resist. Both remain heavily reliant on Russian pipeline gas, and Hungarys Viktor Orban has repeatedly threatened to veto sanctions he says hurt Europe more than Russia. Slovakia, too, depends on Russian flows to keep its economy running. Bottom Line: Europe Still Foots Moscows Gas Bill top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all By the European Commissions count, EU imports of Russian gas have fallen from over 150 bcm in 2021 to less than 52 bcm in 2024. But CREAs August 2025 data show NATO countries still paid nearly 1 billion to Moscow in just one month, most of it gas. Europe today accounts for half of Russias LNG exports and more than a third of its pipeline sales. India, despite Trumps rhetoric, does not figure in the gas story. Its Russian energy imports are crude oil. The contradiction remains: NATO allies, not India, continue to bankroll Russias gas trade even as they pledge to cut ties. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:36 IST News explainers As Trump Accuses Europe Of Funding The War, How Much Russian Gas Does It Actually Buy? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Did Saudi Arabia Ban Work Visas? Heres The Truth About Visa Suspensions In The Gulf Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:02 IST UAE has 'paused' tourist and work visas for 9 countries in Africa & Asia. Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended block work visas for countries, including India, during the Hajj The suspension is a seasonal measure, meant to prevent visa misuse during the pilgrimage period and ease the strain on authorities managing massive pilgrim inflows. (Getty Images) For millions of Indians, the Gulf is more than a destination it is a lifeline. With lakhs of workers migrating every year for jobs in construction, healthcare, retail, and domestic work, and thousands of tourists flying in for short visits, any change in visa rules sends ripples of worry across India. Recommended Stories In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Saudi Arabia has banned work visas and the UAE has suspended tourist and work visas for certain countries. Social media has amplified the confusion, leaving many unsure of whats really happening. Lets understand the situation, what it means for Indians, and how to navigate the uncertainty. What Is The UAEs Reported Visa Suspension? The UAE has reportedly paused issuing tourist and work visas for citizens of nine countries across Africa and Asia. The list circulating includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Lebanon, Cameroon, Libya, and Yemen. The suspension applies to new visa applications. Those already holding valid UAE visas are not affected. No formal government notification has been made public, which has fuelled speculation. The move is believed to be temporary and tied to concerns over security, migration control, or administrative issues. Some affected countries have pushed back, denying that a ban exists. For now, the reality is that many applications from these countries are reportedly being put on hold, though not officially confirmed. What About Saudi Arabia? Rumours of Saudi Arabia banning work visas for Indians caused panic but the reality is more specific. Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended block work visas for several countries, including India, during the Hajj pilgrimage season. A block work visa is usually issued in bulk to employers to bring in foreign workers. The suspension is a seasonal measure, meant to prevent visa misuse during the pilgrimage period and ease the strain on authorities managing massive pilgrim inflows. It is not a permanent ban, and other categories of work visas continue. This is a recurring practice during Hajj, and does not signal a wider freeze on Indian workers heading to Saudi Arabia. Roughly 24 lakh Indians are living in Saudi Arabia. From highly skilled professionals to small business owners and blue-collar workers, Indians contribute significantly to the countrys economy. Why Are Gulf States Tightening Visa Rules? Visa suspensions in the region often stem from a mix of reasons: Security concerns to curb document fraud or illegal migration. Administrative strain to manage overwhelming application volumes. Seasonal pressures especially during Hajj, when millions travel to Saudi Arabia. Diplomatic signalling as a softer way of expressing displeasure or pressing negotiations. Public order & health protocols though less frequent now, these remain factors. In most cases, restrictions are temporary and lifted once the immediate concerns ease. What This Means for Indians The Gulf is home to over 9 million Indians, making the region Indias largest overseas community. Any visa disruption carries big implications. For Workers Delays in visa processing can hold up job offers, especially in construction, retail, and domestic sectors. Recruiters and employers in India may face uncertainty in mobilising workers. Those with existing visas remain safe, but renewals should be monitored carefully. For Travellers Indians are not on the UAEs reported suspension list, but those planning trips must remain vigilant and check embassy updates. If travelling for work, it is important to ensure contracts and visas are arranged well in advance. For Diplomacy India must engage actively with Gulf partners to clarify rules and avoid panic among citizens. Gulf states, which depend heavily on Indian workers, are unlikely to impose long-term restrictions, but temporary suspensions do reflect their growing caution. What Other Countries Are Seeing Visa Restrictions? While the Gulf is in the spotlight, visa suspensions are not limited to this region. Around the world, countries adjust entry rules for reasons ranging from migration control to political disputes. European nations have tightened visa scrutiny for some nationalities. During the pandemic, many imposed outright bans. In Africa and Asia, countries occasionally suspend visas due to political tensions or security concerns. This shows that visa policies are fluid and reactive, not permanent. How Indians Should Respond For workers, students, and travellers, here are practical steps: Verify with official sources dont rely on social media forwards or rumours. Work with trusted recruiters ensure contracts and documentation are legitimate. Check timelines apply early to avoid seasonal rush delays. Stay updated embassies and consulates often release advisories when restrictions change. What Lies Ahead? For Gulf nations, visa suspensions are tools of migration management and domestic policy. For India, they are reminders of just how intertwined its economy and diaspora are with the region. Saudi Arabias temporary work visa suspension reflects Hajj-linked crowd management. The UAEs reported ban shows its intent to tighten migration control. Neither represents a permanent shift against India but both underline how quickly visa rules can change. Indians should stay informed, avoid panic, and treat visas as part of a fluid system that responds to regional politics and seasonal pressures. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 09:56 IST News explainers Did Saudi Arabia Ban Work Visas? Heres The Truth About Visa Suspensions In The Gulf Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lingayats Or Veerashaiva Lingayats? Decoding The Identity Clash Behind Karnatakas Caste Census Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:49 IST The Veerashaiva Lingayats are followers of Lord Basaveswara, but follow the Vedic form of worship. The Lingayats, on the other hand, do not worship idols or follow rituals Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Lingayats and those who identify as Veerashaiva Lingayats have been seeking a separate religion tag. (PTI) An intense political battle has erupted among the followers of Lord Basaveswara to claim who is in majoritythe Veerashaiva Lingayats or the Lingayatsas the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (SEEd), popularly known as the caste census, was launched. The survey work involves each person answering 60 questions. Among them are questions about the name of the religion, the caste group, and the sub-caste group. The intention of the government, as explained by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is to assess the extent of poverty among caste groups. Recommended Stories Jagathika Lingayat Mahasabha chief general secretary Dr SM Jamdar told CNN-News18 that there is nothing common between the Veerashaiva Lingayats and the Lingayats. This is why the Lingayat Mahasabha has asked Lingayats to name themselves as Lingayats in the Others column in SEEd survey. In short, Jamdar said, It is politics that is being played in the name of asking people to list themselves as Veerashaiva Lingayats to further political aspirations." The clamour has brought the traditional rivalry between the Veerashaiva Lingayats and the Lingayats to the fore. The Veerashaiva Lingayats are followers of Lord Basaveswara, but follow the Vedic form of worship, including worshiping Lord Shiva, and observing Hindu rituals. The Lingayats, on the other hand, do not worship idols or follow rituals. According to the Jagathika Lingayat Mahasabha and the camp that states there is no such thing as Veerashaiva Lingayats, it is just another caste like the 104 other castes in Lingayatism". They say the push to specifically mention Veerashaiva Lingayats in the new caste census in Karnataka is only to fuel the political ambitions of a handful of leaders. Both groups have different philosophies, different histories, and different founders. So, when they have different founders, different doctrinal books, and were born in different periods of time, how can they be together? It is like trying to combine Purab and Paschim, or chalk and cheese," said Jamdar. Jamdar said the Lingayats have already distributed three lakh forms to all the people, asking them to mention their religion as Lingayat. There are seven organisations that have jointly issued this proclamation all Lingayats must write their religion as Lingayat, and one of those four castes in the caste breakdown," he said. The membership of all these seven organisations together is several times bigger than the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, claimed the former IAS officer-turned-Lingayat community leader. The Veerashaiva-Lingayats have been contesting the population data in the 2015 Socio-Economic and Educational Survey report of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes and have also demanded a separate religion code when the national census commences in 2026. In Karnataka, leaders belonging to this community have made a call urging Lingayats to register their religion as Veerashaiva Lingayat under the Others" column in the ongoing socio-economic and educational survey. In this survey, the Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha has urged Veerashaiva-Lingayats to mark their religion under the Others" column in the Socio-Educational Survey-2025. Veerashaiva Lingayat leaders, including those in the ruling party, said accurate data on the communitys social, educational, and economic status would help the government design better welfare programmes. Mahasabha general secretary and forest minister Eshwar Khandre asked community members to write Veerashaiva Lingayat" under religion, and Lingayat," Veerashaiva," or Veerashaiva Lingayat" in the caste column. The issue of separate religion codes is not new. Seeking a separate religion tag goes back to the 1940s, when it is documented that in a meeting in Tamil Nadus Kumbakonam, a resolution was passed requesting a separate religion tag. The demand was renewed in 1971. Later, in 2011, the census assigned codes to other religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Jainism, along with a column for others". It was at this time that the Veerashaiva Mahasabha had petitioned the Centre ahead of both the 2001 and 2011 censuses for a distinct code seeking a separate religion tag. When this was not accepted in both censuses, the communities were urged to write Veerashaiva-Lingayat" under others" rather than identifying as Hindus. The issue resurfaced during the 2018 Karnataka assembly elections. Jamdar and the Jagathika Lingayat Mahasabha, which had led an agitation in 2017, pushed for a separate religion tag specifically for Lingayats" and not Veerashaiva Lingayats." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lingayats and those who identify as Veerashaiva Lingayats have been seeking a separate religion tag. It is in this common cause that Jamdar says there has been a positive move where the shared concerns are being addressed. This is one point common between Veerashaiva Lingayats, the Jagathika Lingayat Mahasabha, and other Lingayat Sabhas that come under the umbrella of Lingayats and is one religion. The other thing is that they have clearly mentioned that they are not Hindus. We totally agree with that. We have no dispute. It is the same people who in 2017 opposed the same demand. Now they have themselves come around. That in itself is a good surprise, and we welcome it," Jamdar told News18 about the Veerashaiva community. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:49 IST News explainers Lingayats Or Veerashaiva Lingayats? Decoding The Identity Clash Behind Karnatakas Caste Census Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MiG-21 Bows Out: What Made It The IAFs Most Celebrated And Controversial Warhorse Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 26, 2025, 12:03 IST As the IAF formally retired the MiG-21 on Friday with a ceremonial farewell, heres a look at how the legendary jet reshaped Indian aviation and aerial warfare over six decades Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh aboard a MiG-21 aircraft lands after flying a sortie, at the Nal Air Force Station, in Bikaner district, Rajasthan, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) The Indian Air Force on Friday formally decommissioned the MiG-21, Indias first supersonic fighter and interceptor, after an illustrious 62 years in service. The farewell ceremony in Chandigarh, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, veterans, and families of air warriors, marked the end of a defining chapter in Indian military aviation. The event featured an elaborate flypast with MiG-21s, Jaguars, and the Suryakiran aerobatic team, a simulated dogfight recalling the 2019 Balakot airstrike, a ceremonial water cannon salute, and the symbolic handover of the aircrafts Form 700 logbook to the Defence Minister. Recommended Stories As the curtains close on the MiG-21 era, it is worth revisiting how the aircraft came to India in the early 1960s, the role it played in multiple wars, the controversies it stirred, and why its retirement is as symbolic as it is historic. How Did MiG-21 Come to India? When India began scouting for a supersonic jet in the early 1960s, its Western options were constrained by both cost and geopolitics. The United States, closely allied with Pakistan since the 1950s through security pacts like SEATO and CENTO, had already equipped Islamabad with advanced aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and the F-104 Starfighter. Requests by New Delhi for similar platforms were declined, partly to preserve Washingtons strategic tilt. Britain, too, refused to allow licensed production of its Lightning jets. That opened the door for the Soviet Union, which offered not just the MiG-21, then among its most advanced fighters, but also a rare package of technology transfer and local manufacture. This proposal aligned with Indias evolving defence posture in the Nehru era, shaped in part by Defence Minister V K Krishna Menons emphasis on strategic autonomy and indigenous capability. In August 1962, India signed an agreement with the USSR. The first batch of MiG-21s arrived the following year, with No. 28 Squadron, later dubbed the First Supersonics", becoming operational in Chandigarh. By 1966, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had begun licensed production, laying the foundation for one of the Indian Air Forces most iconic aircraft programmes. How Did MiG-21 Evolve Over Time? Initially designed as a lightweight, high-speed interceptor, the MiG-21s role within the IAF quickly expanded. Its earliest variant, Type-74, had limited capabilities, armed with just two K-13 heat-seeking missiles. But as operational demands grew, Indian engineers and pilots began modifying the aircraft to carry cannons, bombs, and rockets. By the time the Type-77 rolled out, it was no longer just a point-defence interceptor but a platform capable of performing air-to-ground strikes. The next significant leap came with the Type-96, introduced in the 1970s. This variant featured improved radar, greater fuel capacity, and more versatile armaments. It was also adapted for electronic warfare duties in the late 1970s, carrying Swedish Chatterbox jamming pods. In the absence of a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-21 was even fitted with British Vinten cameras, serving as Indias primary tactical photo-recce platform until the induction of Jaguars. By the 1980s, the MiG-21 Bis, equipped with a more powerful engine and radar-guided missiles, became Indias workhorse for airfield and vital area defence. In the absence of an advanced jet trainer, the IAF also converted several MiG-21 squadrons into training units under the MOFT (MiG Operational Flying Training) programme, despite the jets demanding flight characteristics. The final variant, the Bison, was inducted in the early 2000s. This heavily upgraded version featured a Russian radar, Israeli electronic warfare systems, a French inertial navigation system, and an Indian radar warning receiver. Its arsenal included the R-77 and R-73 missiles, KH-31 anti-radiation weapons, and laser-guided bombs, transforming it into a capable fourth-generation fighter at a fraction of the cost. How Did MiG-21 Shape Indias Wars? The MiG-21 first entered combat during the 1965 IndiaPakistan war, though it was limited to a single squadron. While it didnt register any kills during the conflict, its performance offered the IAF crucial lessons on the need for enhanced firepower and multi-role capabilities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Official Instagram Page Of IAF (@indianairforce) By the time of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the MiG-21 had matured into a formidable asset. On the Eastern front, the aircraft played a pivotal role in degrading Pakistans air capabilities. MiG-21s conducted steep glide bombing runs on Dhakas Tezgaon airfield, rendering it inoperable and giving the IAF air superiority. The turning point came on December 14, when a flight of four MiG-21s launched a rocket strike on the Dhaka Governors House, where East Pakistans civil and military leadership was holding a closed-door meeting. The attack, delivered with surgical precision, led to the immediate resignation of Governor A M Malik and his cabinet to the United Nations, an event widely viewed as the moment the political structure of East Pakistan collapsed. Within 48 hours, the Pakistani Army surrendered. In the Western sector of the 1971 war, the MiG-21 was primarily tasked with air defence but also participated in bold, low-level night raids. Pilots from Indias Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) flew solo missions deep into Pakistani territory, targeting airbases using 500-kg bombs. Through the 1980s and 1990s, MiG-21s remained central to Indias quick-response strategy. In the 1999 Kargil conflict, the MiG-21 was among the first fighters deployed once the IAF joined the operation. Flying from bases like Srinagar and Avantipur, it conducted strike missions against enemy supply lines, bunkers, and logistics camps at high altitudes. In the absence of advanced navigation aids, IAF pilots relied on hand-held GPS units and stopwatches, manually aiming unguided bombs and rockets in difficult terrain. The jets also flew air defence and battle damage assessment sorties. By the end of the war, MiG-21s had completed more than 500 strike missions and 460 air patrols. Just weeks later, on August 10, 1999, a MiG-21 again made headlines when it intercepted and shot down a Pakistani Navy Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft that had intruded into Indian airspace over the Rann of Kutch. The missile strike killed all 16 personnel onboard and was seen as a clear demonstration of Indias air dominance in the post-Kargil environment. Two decades later, the ageing fighter would enter global headlines once again. On February 27, 2019, a day after the IAF conducted strikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan launched a retaliatory air operation across the LoC. Scrambled from an operational readiness platform, two MiG-21 Bison jets intercepted the incoming aircraft. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman fired an R-73 missile and is credited with shooting down a Pakistani F-16. Although Abhinandans aircraft was also hit and he was captured after ejecting across the LoC, his return three days later and the MiG-21s unexpected triumph became a defining moment in contemporary IAF history. Why Did MiG-21 Earn The Nickname Flying Coffin? Despite its many achievements, the MiG-21 developed a troubling safety record. The aircrafts high landing speeds, limited cockpit visibility, and single-engine design made it unforgiving for new pilots. Its extended use in the training role, due to delays in acquiring advanced jet trainers, compounded these risks. According to data reported by Indian Express, over 500 MiG-21s have crashed over the past 60 years, claiming the lives of more than 170 pilots. In recent years, civilian casualties have also occurred, such as the 2023 crash in Rajasthan that killed three people on the ground. While causes ranged from technical defects and bird hits to spatial disorientation, public concern reached a crescendo in the early 2000s. It was this high accident rate that led to the MiG-21 being widely dubbed the Flying Coffin". One case that brought the aircrafts safety record into national focus was the 2001 death of Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Gadgil, who was killed when his MiG-21 crashed shortly after take-off from Suratgarh. His mother publicly challenged the IAFs initial suggestion that pilot error was to blame, alleging technical failure instead. The controversy intensified after she received a letter from the then Inspector General of Flight Safety accusing her of demoralising the force, a letter that was later withdrawn with an apology from the Air Chief. Her long campaign for accountability and better safety standards eventually inspired a major subplot in the 2006 Bollywood film Rang De Basanti. Why Is MiG-21s Retirement So Symbolic? From its arrival in the early 1960s to its final ceremonial flypast in Chandigarh, the MiG-21 embodied six decades of Indias air power evolution. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Airworthy aircraft will now be preserved in museums and training establishments, while the indigenous LCA Tejas assumes its frontline role, symbolising the generational handover from imported Soviet technology to a home-grown fighter programme. The MiG-21s farewell is more than the retirement of an aircraft. It signifies the closing of a pivotal chapter in Indias military history, one defined not just by combat sorties but by industrial breakthroughs, diplomatic realignments, and the coming of age of Indian air power. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 09:28 IST News explainers MiG-21 Bows Out: What Made It The IAFs Most Celebrated And Controversial Warhorse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Zelenskyy: With Crimea, Russia returns to old imperial habit of taking what is precious to its neighbors With Crimea, Russia has returned to the old imperial habit of taking what is precious to its neighbors, it is necessary to act in a way that it knew that it would not be forgiven, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "With Crimea, Russia has returned to its old imperial habit of taking what is precious to its neighbors. Dear friends, we must remember what Crimea is, we must act in a way that Russia knows that we remember, that we will not forgive, that we are fighting for international law and basic human rights and will prevail," Zelenskyy said at the fifth summit of the international Crimea platform within the framework of the UN General Assembly. He said 60 participants are taking part in the event, and thanked everyone who supports and goes beyond the sanctions in response to Russia's war. "It is important to quickly coordinate sanctions, our steps with partners and their steps among themselves. We are taking measures to prevent Russia from turning Crimea into one large military base. We must do this to protect the lives of our people," the president said. According to him, Ukrainian long-range UAVs are accurate, and pressure on Russian logistics is yielding results. "The Russian military machine is facing serious, very serious difficulties," the head of state said. Operation Numkhor: What Is The Luxury Cars Smuggling Racket And Why Were Malayalam Actors Raided? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:44 IST Among those raided were the homes of well-known actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amith Chakkalackal. Malayalam Stars Prithviraj Sukumaran And Dulquer Salmaan | File Image The Customs department in Kerala recently carried out widespread raids at the homes of several Malayalam film actors as part of an investigation into luxury car smuggling. The operation, code-named Numkhor, targeted residences, car showrooms, and other premises across the state. Officials say the crackdown followed suspicions that high-end vehicles were being illegally brought into India from Bhutan using forged documents and then registered locally to avoid hefty import duties and taxes. Among those raided were the homes of well-known actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amith Chakkalackal. During the raids, authorities reportedly seized several vehicles, including two linked to Dulquer Salmaan and multiple cars traced to Amith Chakkalackal. While Prithvirajs premises were searched, reports so far indicate no cars were confiscated from his residence. Investigators believe the smuggling network may involve hundreds of vehicles and could have cost the exchequer crores in lost revenue. The actors have been asked to furnish ownership records and purchase documents to prove that their acquisitions were legitimate. Recommended Stories What Is Operation Numkhor? Operation Numkhor is the code name given by the Customs department to its probe into the large-scale luxury vehicle smuggling racket. The word numkhor" means vehicle" in Bhutanese, a nod to the alleged origin of many of the cars under investigation. According to reports, the racket involved importing high-end vehicles from Bhutan into India by misusing special exemptions and then re-registering them using forged documents. This allowed smugglers to bypass customs duties and taxes, making the cars available at prices far below their legal market value. The operation has uncovered that these cars were often registered in states like Himachal Pradesh before being brought down to Kerala and given new number plates. Once here, they were sold or transferred to wealthy buyers, including celebrities, under the guise of legitimate purchases. Customs officials say that over 150 vehicles may be part of this network, with raids already resulting in the seizure of dozens of cars. What Was The Modus Operandi Of This Racket? According to reports, smugglers sourced high-end second-hand SUVs and other luxury cars from Bhutan including vehicles reportedly abandoned by the Royal Bhutan Army and moved them across the border into India either packed in containers, in knocked-down condition, or driven in under the cover of tourist" movements. Once inside India, the vehicles were routed through intermediary agents and transport hubs in border and hill states where registrations and paperwork could be manufactured more easily. Customs officers say this initial cross-border movement let the network avoid paying the full import duties that would apply to legally imported luxury cars. To make the imports look legitimate, the gang allegedly relied on forged and fraudulently obtained documents: fake No Objection Certificates, counterfeit Army or foreign-mission seals, forged bills of entry, and sham addresses. Vehicles were often given temporary or permanent registrations in states such as Himachal Pradesh (HP series) and other far-flung RTOs using bogus owner details; those number plates and records were later swapped or cleaned" through re-registration, sale, or paperwork manipulation so the cars could be driven and sold in Kerala without immediate suspicion. Investigators also found evidence of digital-portal misuse and tampered transport app records to support the false paper trail. After acquiring apparent legal cover, the cars were sold through a network of dealers, showrooms and middlemen to buyers sometimes wealthy individuals and public figures at prices undercutting lawful imports but still profitable for the racketeers. Customs say the setup involved several layers (agents who handled imports, registrars who created fake records, and local sellers who distributed the vehicles), which made tracing ownership and proving intent difficult. This is why the enforcement action has targeted multiple residences, showrooms and storage sites simultaneously to seize cars and paper evidence for forensic examination. What Was The Role Of The Actors Who Were Raided? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The actors whose residences were raided including Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amith Chakkalackal came under the Customs departments scanner because luxury cars registered in their names appeared in the investigation trail. In Dulquers case, officials seized two vehicles suspected to be part of the smuggling network, while multiple cars linked to Amith Chakkalackal were also taken into custody. Prithvirajs home was searched as well, but reports indicate that no vehicles were confiscated from his premises. The raids were aimed at verifying whether these high-profile owners had proper documentation for their vehicles or whether they unknowingly became end-users of illegally imported cars. So far, there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that these actors themselves were directly involved in smuggling or document forgery. Investigators are primarily examining whether the celebrities purchased the vehicles through trusted dealers without realising the cars had dubious import histories, or if there was conscious participation in avoiding duties. Customs officials have directed them to present sale agreements, registration papers, and tax records to establish the legitimacy of ownership. Their role in the case, therefore, is still being determined, and much will depend on whether their paperwork can prove they were bona fide buyers rather than complicit partners in the racket. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:44 IST News explainers Operation Numkhor: What Is The Luxury Cars Smuggling Racket And Why Were Malayalam Actors Raided? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 73-Year-Old Actor Playing King Dashrath In Ramlila Dies Of Heart Attack On Stage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 07:52 IST A 73-year-old actor, who was palying the role of King Dashrath, died on stage while enacting a scene during a Ramlila in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba. 73-Year-Old Actor Playing King Dashrath In Ramlila Dies Of Heart Attack On Stage A cheerful atmosphere turned tragic when a 73-year-old actor died on stage while performing a scene during Ramleela in Himachal Pradeshs Chamba. The actor, identified as Amresh Mahajan, was playing the role of King Dashrath. The actor, Amresh Mahajan, suffered a heart attack and fell on the stage while enacting a scene. Ironically, he was having a conversation with sage Vishwamitra". During this, Dasharatha, laughingly, declared, I will sacrifice my life for you," and then suffered a heart attack. Recommended Stories According to reports, the Ramlila was being staged at Chambas Chaugan Maidan around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday night. The Sita Swayamvara was scheduled for the second day of the Ramlila. While all the actors were delivering their dialogues, suddenly, senior actor Amresh Mahajan (73), playing Dashrath, leaned toward his companions shoulder. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At first, fellow actors thought he was acting and remained silent. However, panic spread when it was realised that the actor had lost consciousness and he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors declared him dead at the hospital. It is being reported that Amresh Mahajan, known as Shibu, was a resident of Mughala Mohalla and had been participating in the Shri Ramlila at the historic Chaugan for the past 40 years. He had been playing the roles of Dasharatha and Ravana in the Ramlila, and at the age of 73, he had already announced that this would be his last Ramlila performance. 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, ... Read More Location : Chamba, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 07:51 IST News india 73-Year-Old Actor Playing King Dashrath In Ramlila Dies Of Heart Attack On Stage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bombay HC Slams Drug Regulators For Stop-Production Orders To Pharma Firms In Clear Violation Of Law Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 23:55 IST Concluding the matter, the High Court quashed the February 2025 orders and subsequent July 2025 decisions upholding the stoppage The court, however, clarified that regulators were free to take fresh action if they followed proper procedure. File pic The Bombay High Court has quashed orders issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) that had forced two pharmaceutical companies to stop manufacturing medicines containing the painkillers Tapentadol and Carisoprodol. The court held that the regulators had acted in breach of statutory procedure" and denied the firms a fair hearing". Recommended Stories Petitions filed by National Pharmaceuticals and Aveo Pharmaceuticals had challenged sweeping stop-production orders passed in February 2025, which halted all manufacturing activities at their units. Justice NJ Jamadar, delivering the ruling, said that under Rule 85 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, no licensing authority can suspend or cancel a licence without allowing the company to be heard. In this case, the copy of the judgement seen by News18 said that the stop-production order came before any notice was issued, making the regulators action unsustainable. The impugned actions of prohibiting the manufacture, sale and distribution of all the medicinal products were in clear violation of the statutory requirements," the court said. The orders are too fragile to merit countenance." Even after hearing the response of the regulatory authority, the court added, This submission, though attractive at the first blush, loses significance if subjected to close scrutiny." Why the MSME industry is cheering the ruling The verdict is significant because it reins in regulatory overreach while recognising the states responsibility to act against drug misuse. By calling out the arbitrary nature of the stop-production orders, the High Court underlined that even when tackling serious public health risks, authorities must act fairly and within the limits of the law. The judgment has come as relief for many small drugmakers who have been complaining of rule violations during industry audits. Recently, small and medium-scale pharma companies reached out to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), warning that thousands of micro, small, and medium (MSME) pharmaceutical units could face shutdown under the revised rules drafted by CDSCO. The PMO subsequently directed the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to examine what industry groups described as a brewing crisis in the pharma sector." The MSME ministry has, in turn, asked the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to act on the concerns raised by small and medium drugmakers. What was the incident? The advisory, issued on February 7, 2025, by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), called for the immediate withdrawal of permissions for the manufacturing and export of the painkillermuscle relaxant combination. It cited reports, including a BBC investigation, that flagged misuse of the medicines in West Africa, where Indian products were allegedly being diverted to illicit markets. Acting on the advisory, CDSCO and the Maharashtra FDA carried out inspections at the petitioners plants and then ordered an immediate halt to all their operations on February 12. The companies argued before the High Court that the orders were arbitrary and excessive. They said they had already surrendered their licences for TapentadolCarisoprodol products, as directed by the Centre, and had submitted compliance reports. Despite this, regulators imposed a blanket ban on all manufacturing activities, effectively shutting down their businesses. They also pointed out that the stop-production orders were issued before any show-cause notices, which came only two days later, on February 14 a sequence they said violated the principle of natural justice and reduced the process to a formality. In the case at hand, the action of prohibiting the production stands on an even weaker foundation," the judgement said. The regulators defended their action by arguing that the circumstances justified urgent intervention". They told the court that inspections had revealed serious lapses" at the facilities and that the abuse potential of the drugs created an extraordinary situation requiring immediate steps. They also said the directive was not targeted at these two companies alone but applied to all manufacturers of the combination in the interest of public health. What did the court conclude? Justice Jamadar was not convinced. The court stressed that even in cases involving public health concerns, administrative authorities must respect due process. It is trite that even administrative decisions which impinge upon fundamental rights and have detrimental civil consequences are not immune from the imperative to adhere to the principles of natural justice," the judgment said. The court further noted that the petitioners had already surrendered their licences for the contentious products, so extending the prohibition to all their manufacturing operations was both excessive and unwarranted. Concluding the matter, the High Court quashed the February 2025 orders and subsequent July 2025 decisions upholding the stoppage. However, it clarified that regulators were free to take fresh action if they followed proper procedure. The Competent Authority may pass appropriate orders in relation to the proposed action of cancellation or suspension of the manufacturing licence pursuant to the show-cause notice in accordance with law," the ruling said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The decision now restores the companies right to manufacture all medicines other than the TapentadolCarisoprodol combinations they had already surrendered. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 23:54 IST News india Bombay HC Slams Drug Regulators For Stop-Production Orders To Pharma Firms In Clear Violation Of Law Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Caught On Cam: Out-Of-Control Bar Fight Over Bill Between Bouncers, Customers At Hyderabad Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 00:04 IST CCTV footage shows several people in a fight with some individuals throwing repeated punches and using sticks to maim and injure others A video of a fight between customers and bouncers at a club in Hyderabad. (Image: @telugu_post9/X) Seven people, including three customers and four bouncers, suffered serious injuries in a clash between the two groups at a pub in Hyderabad. Footage from CCTV cameras at the establishment has gone viral, in which several people can be seen in a fight with some individuals throwing repeated punches and using sticks to maim and injure others. Recommended Stories Watch the video here: According to the police, the incident took place at Mad Club and Kitchen in Kondapur five days ago. A group of customers got into an argument with the manager after he asked them to pay the bill, police told NDTV. The police said as the argument escalated, some of the customers flew into a rage and attacked the bouncers. Three bouncers and four customers suffered serious injuries and all are undergoing treatment at a hospital, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They said both sides started hurling abusive words at each other and, within minutes, some of them were throwing punches while others brought in sticks and rods. A case was registered at the Madhapur police station in Cyberabad, based on a complaint from the pub manager. Police further said they are investigating the matter based on CCTV footage and witness accounts. Efforts are on to identify and nab individuals involved in the fight, they added. About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing im... Read More First Published: September 25, 2025, 00:00 IST News india Caught On Cam: Out-Of-Control Bar Fight Over Bill Between Bouncers, Customers At Hyderabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Centre Approves Extension Of CDS Anil Chauhan's Tenure Till May 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:32 IST CDS General Anil Chauhan's tenure was likely extended to ensure stability and continuity in military leadership at a critical time after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google CDS Anil Chauhan (Image: PTI/File photo) uhanThe Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday approved the extension of the tenure of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan up to May 30, 2026. Government has approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, upto 30th May 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the Ministry of Defence said on X. Recommended Stories Government has approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (#CDS) & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, upto 30th May 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.Commissioned in 1981, Gen Chauhan has had a distinguished Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 24, 2025 CNN-News18 had earlier reported that the government was likely to extend General Anil Chauhans tenure till he turns 65 years old, which is the maximum permissible age for the post under the service rules. Government sources said the extension will provide stability and continuity in military leadership during a crucial period after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. General Chauhan is tasked with streamlining ongoing reforms in higher defence management and procurement, and maintaining operational continuity in the wake of the cross-border conflict in May 2025. He is the second CDS, succeeding General Bipin Rawat to the post, since September 30, 2022. He was recalled from retirement to serve as the CDS, which permits military retirees under the age of 62 to be eligible. He is the first three-star appointee in the role, which is traditionally held by a four-star officer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all General Chauhan has had a distinguished career with key command and staff appointments. A highly-decorated infantry officer, he retired as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command at Kolkatas Fort William in May 2021. After retirement and before taking up as the CDS, he also served as an adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) headed by national security adviser Ajit Doval. He has been awarded with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary services to the Indian Army. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 21:29 IST News india Centre Approves Extension Of CDS Anil Chauhan's Tenure Till May 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Ashram Horror: Accused Sought Sexual Favours In His Room, Erased Chats, Probe Reveals Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:44 IST Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, alias Parth Sarthy, allegedly called female students to his room, demanding physical favours and threatening them with low marks or failure. Photos of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati/Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Delhi (News18/PTI) Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Parth Sarthy, the self-styled godman booked for molestation of female students at Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Delhi, used to call the students, specifically those under the EWS scholarship, to his room during the late hours via WhatsApp messages. He then used to demand physical favours from them, and threatened them with low marks or failure if they resisted, investigations have revealed. Recommended Stories MESSAGES FROM STUDENTS PHONES DELETED In their complaints, the victims alleged that obscene messages sent by the Baba on their mobile phones were deleted through intimidation by a female warden. Subsequently, the mobile phones of the women were sent for a forensic analysis, and the police recorded the statements of three wardens and questioned them as accomplices. The police also recorded statements of 32 female Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) students, of whom 17 confirmed facing abusive language, unwanted physical advances, and harassment by the self-styled godman. DELHI ASHRAMS CCTV FOOTAGE DELETED Investigations further revealed that the CCTV footage from the premises of the institute was deleted, and that the accused had changed his name from Saraswati to Parth. The police also received a complaint of fraud against the Baba, and were on the lookout for him across Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, as, despite raids and surveillance, the accused remains on the run. A Lookout Circular (LOC) against him was also issued to prevent him from fleeing abroad. Multiple licences and diplomatic UN number plates were also recovered from the Volvo car of the accused, and were being examined. DELHI ASHRAM MOLESTATION ACCUSED FILES BAIL PLEA As the investigations progressed, the Baba filed an anticipatory bail plea in a Delhi court. However, the plea was turned down following strong opposition by the Delhi Police. It was also known that the accused was in the UK when the case came to light, and at the time of the registration of an FIR against him. DELHI ASHRAM MOLESTATION CASE DETAILS The complaint against the self-styled godman was first filed on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. According to the police, the accused was a sanchalak (member of the management committee) at the institute, news agency PTI reported. While the police recorded the statements of a total of 32 female students, 17 of them alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances. PTI quoted the police as saying that some faculty members, including women, also pressured the students to comply with his demands. A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with 16 complainants later deposing before a magistrate. Another FIR against him was lodged on August 25, and his vehicle was seized. Police said the accused has been evading arrest since. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police said efforts are underway to trace Saraswati, and multiple teams have been formed. PTI also quoted sources as saying that teams were keeping a strict vigil at airports to prevent him from fleeing the country. ALSO READ | Bengaluru Man Enters Womans Room In PG Accommodation, Stabs, Sexually Assaults Her About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:54 IST News india Delhi Ashram Horror: Accused Sought Sexual Favours In His Room, Erased Chats, Probe Reveals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 17 Women At Delhi Ashram Accuse Director Of Molestation, His Luxury Car With Fake UN Plate Seized Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Mahima Joshi Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:26 IST A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North PS, based on the statements of the girls. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Parth Sarathy has been accused of sexual harassment. The director of a well-known ashram in Delhis Vasant Kunj area has been accused of sexual harassment by over a dozen students, said police. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, of Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research, has been accused of harassing students pursuing management diploma courses on EWS scholarships. Recommended Stories A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, based on the statements of the girls. According to the sources, the accused swami has a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing UN number. The car has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued. The complaint was registered by PA Murli, the administrator of Sri Sringeri Math. As per the complaint, it was alleged that a PGDM student from the institute was sexually harassed. Releasing a statement, the ashram said, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate As a result, the Peeth has severed all ties with him (It) has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati." During inquiry, 32 female students recorded their statements in front of the police. Out of the 32 students, 17 alleged that they were verbally abused, being subjected to obscene videos and unwarranted physical contact as well, sources reported. The students have further alleged that the women faculty also forced the student to comply with the demands of the accused director. Delhi Police have seized the CCTV footage and other digital devices such as hard disks and NVRs. The evidence has been sent for forensic testing. Meanwhile, the accused is still at large. Several police teams are searching for him. The accuseds location is being traced by the police. According to Delhi Police sources, two criminal cases had been previously registered against Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati. In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was registered in Delhis Defence Colony. Another case was filed in 2016 in Vasant Kunj, a woman accused swami of molestation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:22 IST News india 17 Women At Delhi Ashram Accuse Director Of Molestation, His Luxury Car With Fake UN Plate Seized Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi HC Dismisses Plea To Remove Graves Of Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhat From Tihar Jail Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:41 IST The development came after a plea was filed in the Delhi HC seeking directions to remove the graves of terrorists Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat from Tihar jail premises. Delhi HC dismisses plea to remove graves of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat from Tihar jail premises. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking the removal of the graves of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat from the premises of Tihar Jail. Notably, both convicts were awarded the death penalty and executed in jail over a decade ago. Recommended Stories Dismissing the plea, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that it cannot entertain the plea to remove the graves since that is a decision to be taken by the government, taking into account law and order. While the Court agreed with the petitioners submission that the graves cannot become a pilgrimage or glorification site, it stated that there should be some empirical data on the site being glorified and a PIL alleging the same cannot be based on newspaper reports. The development came after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to remove the graves of terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, who were awarded the death penalty and executed in Tihar jail in the national capital. The PIL also sought directions to the authorities concerned to relocate the mortal remains, if necessary, to a secret location to prevent glorification of terrorism" and misuse of jail premises". The plea was filed by Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and one Jitendra Singh, claiming that the construction and continued existence of these graves inside a state-controlled prison was illegal, unconstitutional, and against public interest". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The plea alleged that the presence of these graves has turned the central jail, Tihar, into a site of radical pilgrimage", where extremist elements gather to venerate convicted terrorists. The plea said both Bhatt and Guru, acting under the influence of extremist Jihadi ideology", orchestrated and executed acts of terrorism that gravely threatened the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India. While Bhat was hanged in 1984, Guru was executed in February 2013. 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 vi... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:38 IST News india Delhi HC Dismisses Plea To Remove Graves Of Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhat From Tihar Jail Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Digitally Arrested For Over A Month, Fake Calls: How Ex-Banker Lost Rs 23 Cr To Scammers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 08:07 IST A retired banker from Delhi lost Rs 23 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement. Delhi Police IFSO is investigating and has frozen Rs 2.67 crore so far. Cyber fraud is on the rise in India. (Representative Image) A 78-year-old retired banker from Delhi lost his entire life savings, a staggering Rs 23 crore, after being trapped in a cyber fraud that lasted over a month. The scammers posed as officers from central law enforcement agencies, and kept the victim, Naresh Malhotra, under digital arrest, only allowing him to step out to visit banks and transfer money. The ordeal began on August 1, when Malhotra received a phone call from a man claiming to represent a mobile service provider. The caller said Malhotras Aadhaar card had been used in Mumbai to obtain a mobile connection that was allegedly linked to terror funding. Recommended Stories They told me that I needed to talk to the Mumbai Police regarding the same matter and if they approved, the connection would continue, or else it would be disconnected and the matter reported," Malhotra told news agency PTI. The call was then transferred to others who posed as Mumbai Police officers and insisted on continuing the conversation via WhatsApp. The moment I was connected with the police, they started pressuring me by saying that my Aadhaar had been used for terror funding, terror activities and many other serious offences," he said. He was warned not to disclose any details to family or friends, being told that doing so would implicate them as co-accused in terror-related charges. The fraudsters began by inquiring about his bank balance, PTI reported. They wanted to know how much money I had in my bank account. I told them I had almost Rs 14 lakh. They asked me to transfer the amount to their account, assuring me that it was only for verification," he recounted. Malhotra said each transfer was followed by fake RBI certificates sent to him via WhatsApp. He was told that a nodal officer from the RBI would contact him and the money would be returned. Soon, the scammers started probing into his mutual funds, SIPs, and other investments. He was informed that these needed to be verified under Bombay High Court guidelines. They said they would first verify 25 per cent of my assets and then continue with the rest according to their system. They threatened me that if I didnt comply, they would make my family members co-accused in terror cases," the ex-banker told the outlet. Fearing consequences, Malhotra visited three banks and liquidated investments, transferring the proceeds into various accounts as instructed. Each time, he received forged documents bearing RBIs name and seal. From August 1 to September 4, he was told not to leave home or speak to anyone, except when making bank visits. On September 14, the scammers made another demand. They claimed the investigating officer of the Mumbai Police had been compromised by terrorists and asked Malhotra to deposit Rs 5 crore in the name of the Supreme Court Registrar into a private bank account in West Bengal. They told me this was the final step and that the Supreme Court was now monitoring the case. I refused to send the money and told them I would deposit the amount directly with the Supreme Court. I also said I would go to Hauz Khas Police Station and surrender," Malhotra said. The calls stopped abruptly after that. On September 19, realising the scam, Malhotra approached the police. I spent my life savings building security for my old age. In one month, it all disappeared because I trusted the wrong people. I hope my story serves as a warning," he said, holding back tears. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police is investigating the case. So far, Rs 2.67 crore of the cheated amount has been frozen. The money trail revealed that the funds were layered across multiple accounts and withdrawn from different parts of the country to evade detection. Over 4,000 layered accounts were used to siphon off the funds," an officer said. We will crack the case soon and arrest those behind the scam," the officer asserted. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 08:04 IST News india Digitally Arrested For Over A Month, Fake Calls: How Ex-Banker Lost Rs 23 Cr To Scammers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Husband Skips Intimacy On Wedding Night, Dispute Lands In Police Station Curated By : Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:27 IST Beyond the individual drama, the case underscores the weight of social expectations around marriage, intimacy, and money. The bride interpreted this as rejection and, in the days that followed, informed her relatives that her husband had failed to touch her. (Image: Representative) A seemingly joyous wedding in Karnataka has spiraled into a headline-grabbing dispute involving accusations of impotence, public humiliation, and massive financial demands. Praveen, a resident of Govindaraja Nagar in Bengaluru, married a woman from Chikkamagaluru on May 5 in Tarikere. What should have been a quiet first night for the newlyweds became the flashpoint for a bitter conflict that has dragged both families through police stations and public embarrassment. Recommended Stories Intimacy Row Sparks Allegations According to Praveens police complaint, trouble began immediately after the wedding ceremony. On the night they were married, Praveen reportedly hesitated to be intimate with his new wife. The bride interpreted this as rejection and, in the days that followed, informed her relatives that her husband had failed to touch her." Instead of seeking a private conversation, the family allegedly confronted Praveen and publicly shamed him, claiming he was impotent. The dispute quickly took a financial turn. The bride and her family allegedly demanded a staggering Rs 2 crore in compensation, describing it as alimony for a marriage they now considered a sham. Public accusations about Praveens masculinity spread through their community, adding a layer of humiliation to what was already an intensely private matter. Praveen maintains that the claims about his health and ability are baseless and defamatory. Assault at the Grooms Home The rift escalated dramatically on August 17. Praveen reported that members of his wifes family barged into his Bengaluru residence without warning. During the confrontation, they allegedly assaulted both him and his relatives. The incident, described by neighbors as loud and chaotic, forced Praveen to call the police. An FIR was filed at the Govindaraja Nagar police station against his wife and ten of her family members for trespass and assault. The conflict didnt end there. Shortly after the FIR was registered, the bride filed her own complaint at a womens police station, accusing Praveen of neglect and emotional abuse. This tit-for-tat legal maneuvering kept both families in and out of police stations for weeks. Community elders attempted to mediate, but emotions ran high as each side accused the other of dishonesty and greed. Talks of Settlement and Monetary Claims As mediation efforts continued, discussions shifted to finances. The wifes family insisted they had spent roughly Rs 65 lakh on the wedding and demanded that Praveen reimburse those expenses if the marriage was to end. According to Praveens account to police, his family eventually agreed to pay Rs 50 lakh in a bid to defuse the situation and avoid a protracted court battle. The large sum highlights the social and financial pressures tied to lavish Indian weddings, where disputes can quickly become entangled with money and honor. After recording statements from both parties and confirming the exchange of funds, Bengaluru police indicated that they are preparing to close the case. No formal charges of assault or extortion have been finalized, but the episode has drawn attention as a cautionary tale of how private marital issues can escalate into public and costly confrontations. A Private Dispute Turned Public Spectacle top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What began as a personal disagreement between newlyweds has become a legal and financial saga. Beyond the individual drama, the case underscores the weight of social expectations around marriage, intimacy, and money. It serves as a reminder that when families let pride and rumor rule, a single night can ignite a chain of events that no amount of money or police paperwork can easily undo. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:27 IST News india Husband Skips Intimacy On Wedding Night, Dispute Lands In Police Station Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last day to register for the NAM Summit 2025 Tomorrow, September 25, the NAM Summit 2025 will start - the second annual conference that brings together Ukrainian media, business, the public sector and donor organizations. This year's focus topic: "Global changes - local voices!" This year, the focus is on three key areas: Audio Track - new opportunities for radio, podcasts and digital formats, audio monetization and changing listener behavior. Video Track - interactive video platforms, TikTok and YouTube, integration of VR, 3D animation and AI in content production. Strategy Track - strategic solutions for independent media in times of war and instability: new business models, leadership, transformation of editorial offices, working with audiences. Why is it worth attending the NAM Summit? Practical focus. The program includes real cases from Ukrainian and international companies: TAVR Media, OMD, Vidzone, Nakipilo, ShoTam, Philips, Hromadske Radio and others. Networking. The conference brings together those who shape the information space of Ukraine, create partnerships, and launch new projects. International perspective. Foreign experts participate in the discussions, who will help integrate Ukrainian media into the global context. The program includes: Opening and main discussion "Media Leaders on Challenges and Opportunities 2025." Practical workshops on grant tools, YouTube algorithms, and modern audio creative. Panels on innovation, OTT, and European integration. Speeches on regulation, freedom of speech, and the new role of media in society. Presentations and cases on the use of AI in editorial offices, video formats of the future, and the development of regional media. Closing speech and summing up. Key speakers and participants: Kateryna Miasnikova - Executive Director of the National Media Association Gediminas Navitskas, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine Ihor Chernyshov - CEO of TAVR Media Oksana Beliaeva - CEO of OMD Optimum Media Ukraine Roman Andreyko - CEO and co-owner of the media holding company TRK "Lux" Vitaliy Husev - Member of the Board of Starlight Media, CEO of Starlight Production and Starlight Digital Evhen Levchenko - CEO of Vidzone Anton Reva - CEO of Aqua Myrhorod Svitlana Mohilevska - Founder & CEO of Nexinsight Oksana Sliusarchuk - Head of marketing Philips Ukraine Ruslana Brianska - Executive Director of Hromadske Radio Tetiana Lebedeva - CEO of smm.dealers Vladislav Faraponov - Head of English-language editorial offices of UATV English and The Gaze Svitlana Kalinina - Managing Partner of Kwendi Media Consulting Olha Voronova - APEX Lead, Publicis Groupe Ukraine Serhiy Stukanov - Head of the Analytical Department of the Center for Content Analysis, host of "Ukrainian Radio" Kyrylo Yezhov - Kantar Ukraine Volodymyr Pedorich - Chief Commercial Officer TAVR Media Volodymyr Shynkarenko - Development Programs Lead, OMD Optimum Media Olha Odarchenko - Co-owner of SEOforMedia agency Serhiy Kolesnikov - Co-founder of "ShoTam" media, military serviceman Natalia Bednarskaya - Digital Director of the National Media Association Aliona Aliabieva - Advertising Sales Manager TAVR Media Hnna Tryskalyova - Advertising Sales Manager TAVR Media Dmytro Shupletsov - Partner Kwendi Media Consulting Ilia Skykevych - Managing Director of the Media Audit Institute Yaroslav Yurchyshyn - Chairman of the Committee on Freedom of Speech, People's Deputy of Ukraine Maksym Dvorovy - Head of the Department "Digital Rights", NGO "Digital Security Laboratory" Natalia Romanenko - CEE Strategic Director OMD Optimum Media Dmytro Pavlenko - Marketing and Advertising Manager, LLC "Epicenter K" Tetiana Yuzvak - Media Lawyer, NGO "Human Rights Platform" Iryna Shust - Media Expert, Editor-in-Chief of the "Formats Laboratory" Project Lyudmila Balan - Sociologist, Founder of Dive AND Discovery Research Edgar Yerofeyev - Advertising Sales Manager, TAVR Media Markiyan Protsiv - Commercial Director, 24 & Lux Media Ihor Zaichuk - Commercial Director, MEGOGO Volodymyr Fryziuk - Operations Director, dentsu Ukraine Oleh Biletskyi - TV and radio host, Radio NV host, TVN24 and Radio ESKA correspondent (Warsaw) Yevhen Myroniuk - Co-Founder and Strategist, Brain Tank More about the program: Day 1 - https://summit.nam.org.ua/blank/den-1-2025 Day 2 - https://summit.nam.org.ua/blank/den-2-2025 Tickets for NAM Summit 2025 are still available! Get the benefit - come with a team! Individual ticket - 2600 UAH Group of 5 people - 10,000 UAH (2000 UAH/person) Group of 10 people - 18,000 UAH (only 1800 UAH/person) Choose a group package - and save for your editorial office or organization, getting the most out of the event. Buy tickets: https://forms.gle/KYhapzwZD3vUxacTA Join the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1151668029630261 Hyderabad Doctors Perform Rare Surgery To Save 8-Month-Old Baby With Tumour In Trachea Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:46 IST Traditionally, such tumours are removed through open surgery. But doctors at a Hyderabad hospital decided to use thoracoscopy that involves small incisions and specialised tools The infant, from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, had been battling severe cough, fever, and breathing difficulties for weeks. (Photo: News18 Telugu) In what doctors are calling a ground-breaking achievement in paediatric surgery, surgeons at a hospital in Hyderabad successfully removed a malignant tumour from the trachea of an eight-month-old infant using a state-of-the-art thoracoscopy technique a first for the city. Recommended Stories The infant, from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, had been battling severe cough, fever, and breathing difficulties for weeks. Initially treated locally, the babys condition did not improve, prompting his family to seek specialised care in Hyderabad. A Hidden Danger Upon arrival, doctors at Little Stars & She Women and Childrens Hospital conducted detailed examinations, including re-analysing MRI and CT scans, and discovered a 4.5 cm tumour in the trachea the windpipe that carries air to the lungs. This growth, measuring 4.5 4.3 3.2 cm, originated in the left main bronchial tube and was obstructing the airway, making breathing increasingly difficult for the baby. This was a delicate case," said a senior doctor involved in the surgery. The tumours location, size, and the young age of the patient made it a unique surgical challenge." The Surgical Breakthrough Traditionally, such tumours are removed through open surgery, which involves larger incisions and a longer recovery. However, for this infant, open surgery carried high risks, including severe complications. The surgical team decided to use thoracoscopy a minimally invasive technique involving small incisions and specialised tools to access the tumour. This method is rarely used in infants and has never been applied to such a case in Hyderabad before. During surgery, doctors successfully removed a tumour measuring 6 4 4 cm. The choice of thoracoscopy allowed us to operate with minimal trauma, reducing recovery time and risks significantly," said Dr Satish Ghanta, who led the team. This is a major step forward for paediatric surgery in our region and a milestone in innovative medical care for young patients." A New Standard Of Care The operation marks not only a life-saving intervention but also a milestone in Hyderabads medical history, setting a new benchmark for advanced paediatric procedures in the city. After surgery, the baby was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), receiving oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and antibiotics. Within four days, he was discharged in stable condition with normal oxygen levels a testament to the success of the operation and post-operative care. Why This Matters Tracheal tumours in infants are extremely rare and difficult to treat. They pose immediate risks due to airway obstruction and require careful planning and execution. The success of this surgery highlights how medical advancements, such as thoracoscopy, can transform high-risk procedures and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable patients. For the babys family, it was a journey from fear to relief. For the medical community in Hyderabad, it is a moment of pride and inspiration showing that with expertise, innovation, and determination, even the most complex challenges can be overcome. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:46 IST News india Hyderabad Doctors Perform Rare Surgery To Save 8-Month-Old Baby With Tumour In Trachea Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India To Get More Cheetahs By Year-End From Kenya, Namibia Or Botswana, Sites In Gujarat, MP Identified Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:33 IST Indias record in Project Cheetah is excellent and the survival rate of cubs is over 61 per cent, much higher than the global standard of 40 per cent, top government sources said Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The adult cheetah survival rate in Kuno grew from 70 per cent in the first year to 85.7 per cent in the second year, sources said. (PTI) India will get more Cheetahs from abroad by the end of this year and talks are on for the same with multiple countries like Kenya, Botswana and Namibia, top government sources said. Each of these countries could send a batch of 8-10 Cheetahs and by December, at least one batch from Nambia or Botswana will come to India. The batch from Kenya could come next year. Indias record in Project Cheetah is excellent and the survival rate of cubs is over 61 per cent, much higher than the global standard of 40 per cent, top government sources said. There are 27 Cheetahs in India right now, with 15 of them being free-ranging in the wild. India has released three Cheetahs in the Gandhisagar sanctuary this year, besides their original habitat of Kuno in Madhya Pradesh. Recommended Stories Two additional sites identified for release of Cheetahs in the future are Banni grasslands in Gujarat and Nauradrvi wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The Cheetahs expected to come from Kenya could be released in Banni grasslands. Sources said one reason for the success of Project Cheetah was that India had a good density for prey and Indias habitat was rich. Also, India has given good protection to Cheetahs, which remain in Schedule 1 of Wildlife Conversation Act. The adult cheetah survival rate in Kuno grew from 70 per cent in the first year to 85.7 per cent in the second year, sources said. Our survival rate of Cheetahs is much better than global standards," sources said. India got eight cheetahs from Namibia in 2022 and 12 Cheetahs from South Africa in 2023. Among the 20 translocated Cheetahs, 11 have survived. Twenty-six Cheetahs were born in India and 16 are surviving. Every adult Cheetah has a radio-collar for live monitoring and there has been no incidence of any damage due to radio-collar since the second year as Cheetahs took time to acclimatise. India plans to get 10-12 cheetahs every year to populate new sites, ensure genetic diversity and fitness and habitat restoration. In any translocation, the success depends on the Cheetahs born in India and their survival," a source said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Bhupender Yadav, had earlier told CNN-News18 that the Cheetahs seem to have acclimatised in the local climatic conditions, are hunting locally available prey, and surviving in habitat shared with other carnivores. I am happy to share that the cheetahs are breeding much better than expected. These developments, that too in such a short period, are unprecedented in other parts of the world. This is quite encouraging and a good indicator of success of the project," Yadav told CNN-News18 last month. The good news is that the birth rate is better than expected, which is highly satisfying," he had said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:17 IST News india India To Get More Cheetahs By Year-End From Kenya, Namibia Or Botswana, Sites In Gujarat, MP Identified Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India's DGCA Gets International Civil Aviation Award For Effective Safety Oversight System Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 21:58 IST This commendation recognises India's significant progress in establishing a robust and effective Safety Oversight System The ICAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, awarded the certificate for the DGCAs notable improvement in the 'Effective Implementation' of ICAO's International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) across all critical technical audit areas. Pic/News18 At the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India was honoured with the prestigious ICAO Council President Certificate. The award was received by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, IAS, Director General, DGCA, at the opening ceremony on September 23. Recommended Stories This commendation recognises Indias significant progress in establishing a robust and effective Safety Oversight System. The ICAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, awarded the certificate for the DGCAs notable improvement in the Effective Implementation" of ICAOs International Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) across all critical technical audit areas. These areas include Airworthiness, Flight Operations, Legislation, and Personnel Licensing, among others. The recognition is a testament to the comprehensive surveillance and audit mechanisms that the DGCA has put in place, reflecting a firm commitment to enhancing aviation safety. The award is a major milestone for Indias civil aviation sector, placing it among a select group of nations that have demonstrated such notable improvement. This recognition not only boosts Indias standing on the global aviation map but also solidifies the DGCAs reputation as a strong and vigilant regulatory body. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a statement, the DGCA expressed its elation and affirmed its commitment to further elevate its performance in future ICAO audits. To achieve this, the organisation has already initiated a process to simplify regulatory procedures, ensuring greater ease of implementation for aviation service providers. This forward-looking approach underscores the DGCAs dedication to continuous improvement and its goal of maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency in Indias rapidly growing aviation sector. First Published: September 24, 2025, 21:58 IST News india India's DGCA Gets International Civil Aviation Award For Effective Safety Oversight System Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ladakh Protests Raise National Security Concerns, Centre Seeks Swift Resolution: Intel Note | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:51 IST Agencies are worried that prolonged unrest in the strategically vital region could lead to radicalisation and severe economic disruption, especially to the lucrative tourism sector Security personnel try to stop agitators amid a protest and shutdown, in Leh, Ladakh, on Sept 24. (PTI photo) The ongoing protest movement in Ladakh, driven by demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards, has escalated into a major security concern for central intelligence agencies. According to an intel note accessed by CNN-News18, agencies are worried that prolonged unrest in the strategically vital region could lead to radicalisation and severe economic disruption, particularly to the lucrative tourism sector. Recommended Stories The protests, which have now entered their third week, are led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. The movement is demanding full statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, a provision that protects the land rights and identity of tribal populations. The situation has intensified with activists staging hunger strikes since September 10, leading to the hospitalisation of two youth leaders after 35 days without food. Security agencies view the unrest as a delicate balancing act. Ladakh is a crucial frontline, sharing borders with both China in Eastern Ladakh and Pakistan in the Kargil sector. Any prolonged internal security issue here could undermine Indias military logistics and strategic deterrence. The intel note warns that granting special constitutional status to Ladakh could also embolden similar autonomy movements in the Northeast and other tribal belts, posing a threat to Indias territorial integrity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The movement has seen acts of violence, including the torching of a BJP office and police vehicles, prompting a heavy security deployment and the use of tear gas by security forces. A key figure in the protests is activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has mobilised civil society and youth groups. The protest leaders have emphasised that their movement is a purely local and tribal matter and have removed political party members from their negotiating panel to maintain its non-partisan nature. The central government has initiated dialogue, but a swift resolution is deemed crucial to prevent further escalation and to avoid international attention on a region critical to Indias national security. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:51 IST News india Ladakh Protests Raise National Security Concerns, Centre Seeks Swift Resolution: Intel Note | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ladakh Violent Protest: Sonam Wangchuk's Provocative Statements Incited Mob, Says Centre Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:29 IST The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed Sonam Wangchuk for inciting Ladakh protests that left four dead and 45 injured. Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike on September 10. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blamed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for triggering the violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead and at least 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. The ministry said that Sonam Wangchuks provocative" references to Arab Spring-style uprisings and Nepals Gen Z protests incited a mob that went on a rampage, leading to arson, large-scale clashes and police firing. Read more: What Triggered The Ladakh Protests? 4 Killed In Violent Clashes, Sonam Wangchuk Calls Off Fast Recommended Stories In its statement, the MHA said that the Centre has been holding regular structured and informal talks with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) to address concerns of Ladakh. It pointed out that several key steps had already been taken- including raising Scheduled Tribe reservations from 45% to 84%, reserving one-third of council seats for women and recognising Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. The MHA said Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike on September 10, pressing for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule while his demands were already under discussion in the High Powered Committee (HPC). In spite of many leaders urging him to call off the hunger strike, he continued misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protests," the statement read. MHA Details How Violence Broke Out In Ladakh According to the MHA, at around 11:30 am on September 24, a mob left the hunger strike venue led by Sonam Wangchuks campaign and attacked the BJP office in Leh as well as the office of the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC). Both buildings were set ablaze, a police vehicle was torched and government offices vandalised. More than 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured in the ensuing clashes. By 4 pm, the situation was reported to be under control. Read more: Who Has Gained From Ladakh Chaos? Heres What Govt Sources Say | Exclusive Sonam Wangchuks Response Shortly after the clashes, Sonam Wangchuk called off his hunger strike, saying, This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally because the path we were treading was peaceful. Today we are seeing our message of peace failing because of the incidents of violence and arson." He appealed to the youth to stop violence, urged police to stop using teargas shells, and called on the Centre to be more sensitive." We are ending our fast immediately the aim of the hunger strike is not fulfilled if our youth lose their lives," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What Next? The MHA said it remained committed to meeting the aspirations of Ladakh through adequate constitutional safeguards but indicated that Sonam Wangchuk could face legal action for allegedly instigating the mob. The next formal round of talks between the MHA and Ladakh representatives is set for October 6. Location : Ladakh, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 22:29 IST News india Ladakh Violent Protest: Sonam Wangchuk's Provocative Statements Incited Mob, Says Centre Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 4 Killed As Ladakh Statehood Protest Turns Violent, BJP Office In Leh Torched Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 18:50 IST Protests led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh turned violent in Leh, with clashes, arson, and stone pelting on the streets. Protests in Leh, Ladakh (Video screengrabs/News18) The ongoing protest by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) turned violent on Wednesday as demonstrators clashed with the police in the city, setting fire to the BJPs office, alleging the Union governments and the administrations failure to acknowledge their demands. At least four people were killed and more than 30 others injured in intense clashes between protesters and security personnel. The protesters claimed that the four people were killed in police firing. According to the details, the LAB youth wing had given a call for a protest and shutdown after two of the 15 people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were shifted to a hospital after their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening. Recommended Stories Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was also part of the ongoing agitation in the region. However, he ended his 15-day fast after the protests turned violent. On Monday, the LAB had announced that its leaders would not end their hunger strike until their demands of statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule are met. A video showed the BJP office in the city set on fire as thick smoke could be seen rising from the premises. Multiple vehicles, including police vans, were set on fire, while many resorted to stone pelting, as the protesters targeted the BJP office in the city. A heavy police force was deployed, and teargas shells were fired as cops resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown. There were no reports of any injuries. In a video message on X, Wagnchuk appealed for peace and urged the youth to stop violence. VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEHMy message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025 Section 163 Imposed In Ladakh Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Ladakh has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the wake of the violence over statehood. Any assembly of more than five people has been prohibited under Section 163. Furthermore, no processions, rallies or marches are authorised to be carried out without prior approval. Any statements which have the potential to disturb the public tranquility and lead to law and order problems are also prohibited. This comes a couple of days after the LAB demanded an immediate meeting with the central government, warning that public patience is wearing thin. Later, the Home Ministry announced that talks with the Ladakh delegation would be held on October 6 for the next round of discussions. Sonam Wangchuk said the BJP had made a promise to include Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and stressed that the promise should be fulfilled before the upcoming Hill Council polls. If they fulfil their promise, Ladakh will vote for them and make them victorious. They will benefit the most, and vice versa. So we hope they will hold meaningful talks," Wangchuk had said. He also stated that people had started growing impatient with the delays in the talks. We hope all issues are resolved peacefully. Our protest is peaceful, but people have started growing tired. They tell us we are getting nothing through peaceful protest. We do not want anything to happen that may be embarrassing for India. It would be better if peace prevailed," Wangchuk said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Our demands have been here for the last five years. Even the Constitution of India was framed in two years," he said. Opinion | Sonam Wangchuk: From Eco-Activist To Foreign-Backed Agitator Destabilising Ladakh About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 24, 2025, 13:47 IST News india 4 Killed As Ladakh Statehood Protest Turns Violent, BJP Office In Leh Torched Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Don't Want To Study Medicine': NEET Qualifier Dies By Suicide Hours Before MBBS Admission In UP Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 13:06 IST A 19-year-old NEET student from Maharashtra died by suicide hours before leaving for his MBBS admission in UP. His note mentioned he wanted to pursue business instead of medicine. A representative image for a crime scene (PTI) A 19-year-old NEET qualifier died by suicide in Maharashtras Chandrapur on Tuesday, hours before he was to travel to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh for his admission in an MBBS college. The deceased was identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, a resident of Nawargaon in Sindewahi taluka. The police recovered a suicide note, which mentioned that Anurag ended his life because he did not want to study medicine. Recommended Stories According to the details, Anurag had recently cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test by securing 1475th rank in the OBC category, and was set to begin his MBBS admission in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was found hanging from the ceiling of his house. His body was recovered by his family in the early hours of Tuesday. The suicide note mentioned that Anurag wanted to get into business, rather than pursuing a career in medicine. An investigation into the case was underway. In a separate incident, five people have been arrested in connection with the death of an Anna University student, who jumped in front of a speeding train in Tiruchirappallis Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu. The deceased, a third-year student from Virudhunagar district, was found dead on the railway track near Mandaiyur on the night of September 20 by the railway police, who later recovered a suicide note from his hostel room. The student had, in the letter, alleged sexual assault, blackmail, and extortion by five men. Following this, the police arrested the five suspects and a case was registered. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Disclaimer: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 24, 2025, 13:03 IST News india 'Don't Want To Study Medicine': NEET Qualifier Dies By Suicide Hours Before MBBS Admission In UP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MiG-21 Set For Final Flight: IAF Prepares To Bid Farewell To Its First Supersonic Fighter Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 05:20 IST Ahead of its final farewell on September 26, IAF will hold a full dress rehearsal on Wednesday, bringing the spotlight back on an aircraft that shaped Indias air combat history The MiG-21 has a storied combat record, having flown in almost every war and conflict involving India since 1965. File pic/PTI The iconic MiG-21, Indias first supersonic fighter jet and the backbone of the Indian Air Force for over six decades, is on the verge of retirement. Ahead of its final farewell on the 26th of this month, the IAF will hold a full dress rehearsal on Wednesday, bringing the spotlight back on an aircraft that shaped Indias air combat history. The final event will take place in Chandigarh, where the first squadron of the aircraft was based. Recommended Stories The send-off will be marked by a ceremonial flypast, led fittingly by the Chief of Air Staff himself. In a rare gesture, the Air Chief will take to the skies in a MiG-21, leading the formation as the jet prepares for its last bow. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh is one of many officers who have been trained on this aircraft. Earlier in August, Air Chief Marshal Singh also took a sortie in the aircraft at Nal. The final day of the ceremony will feature this flypast before the commanding officer formally hands over the F-700 logbook, symbolising the end of an era, as the indigenous LCA Tejas takes its place. Several formations and sorties have been planned for the final day, where veterans, including former chiefs and pilots who have flown the aircraft in their careers, will be present. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also attend the event. Most Celebrated Aircraft of Indian Air Force Nicknamed Badal by its pilots, the MiG-21 was inducted in 1963 and went on to become the most numerous fighter in the IAFs inventory. Over 874 aircraft entered service, across six variants: T-66, T-77, T-69, T-96, T-75 and the modernised Bison. Today, the oldest surviving MiG-21 Bison in the fleet, aircraft CU-2788, still flies as a reminder of the types long innings. Its first squadron, No. 28 Squadron, famously called the First Supersonics, was based in Chandigarh. Currently, two units- No. 3 Squadron (Cobras) and No. 23 Squadron (Panthers) operate the type, keeping its legacy alive till the very end. The MiG-21 has a storied combat record, having flown in almost every war and conflict involving India since 1965. In 2019, it registered its most talked-about engagement in recent years. This was the time when a MiG-21 Bison shot down a Pakistani F-16, its last recorded kill. It was flown by the infamous Wing Commander, now Group Captain, Abhinandan Varthaman. But the jet has also carried a darker reputation. By the 1990s and 2000s, after a string of crashes that claimed the lives of many young pilots, the aircraft earned the unwelcome moniker Flying Coffin in public and media discourse. Even so, successive upgrades and pilot training kept it relevant for decades longer than originally intended. What After Retirement? Once phased out, all worthy aircraft will be distributed to training establishments, educational institutions and museums under IAF policy, ensuring that the MiG-21s story is preserved. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The farewell will be as symbolic as it is emotional. The MiG-21 was the jet that gave India supersonic wings, fought its wars, and became a household name. Its departure marks not just the end of an aircrafts service but the closing of a defining chapter in the IAFs history. 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 experien... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 05:20 IST News india MiG-21 Set For Final Flight: IAF Prepares To Bid Farewell To Its First Supersonic Fighter Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Molestation Cases, Car With Fake UN Plate: Delhi Ashram Scandal Puts Godman Chaitanyananda In Spotlight Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:41 IST Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati faces sexual harassment claims; Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam cuts ties. Police are investigating. Police have launched a search to nab Chaitanyananda Saraswati. (Image: ANI) The director of a Delhi-based ashram is under police scanner for allegedly sexually harassing over a dozen students. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, director of Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research, has been accused of harassing students pursuing management diploma courses on EWS scholarships. Following the scandal, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, which runs the institute, has immediately removed him from his position as director of at the institute. Recommended Stories Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (Dr.) Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him. The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati..," the ashram said in a statement. Who Is Chaitanyananda Saraswati? Originally from Odisha, Chaitanyananda Saraswati was previously known as Swami Parthasarathy. The self-styled godman had been living in the ashram at Vasant Kunj area for the past 12 years, serving as its caretaker and operator. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati Booked Further, a case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, based on the statements of the girls. The complaint was registered by PA Murli, the administrator of Sri Sringeri Math. As per the complaint, it was alleged that a PGDM student from the institute was sexually harassed. During inquiry, 32 female students recorded their statements in front of the police. Out of the 32 students, 17 alleged that they were verbally abused, being subjected to obscene videos and unwarranted physical contact as well, sources reported. The students have further alleged that the women faculty also forced the student to comply with the demands of the accused director. His Luxury Car With Fake UN Plate Seized According to the sources, the accused swami has a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing UN number. The car has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued. Delhi Police have seized the CCTV footage and other digital devices such as hard disks and NVRs. The evidence has been sent for forensic testing. Past Cases Against Self-Styled Godman However, this is not the first time Chaitanyananda Saraswati has faced serious allegations; he has previously been accused of both molestation and fraud. In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was registered against him in Defence Colony. Later, in 2016, a woman filed a molestation complaint in Vasant Kunj, leading to another police case, according to a report in India Today. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities are now reviewing these earlier cases as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the accused is still at large. Several police teams are searching for him. The accuseds location is being traced by the police. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:26 IST News india Molestation Cases, Car With Fake UN Plate: Delhi Ashram Scandal Puts Godman Chaitanyananda In Spotlight Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NIA Files Case Against Pannun Over Reward To Stop PM Modi From Hoisting Tricolour Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 08:48 IST In a video address, Pannun declared a reward of Rs 11 crore to "Sikh soldiers" who would stop PM Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (AP File Image) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a new case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Khalistani terrorist, for offering a reward to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag on this years Independence Day. In addition to this, Pannun has also been charged with spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India". According to the NIAs FIR, Pannun, who is the general counsel for the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit, made the announcement during a Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10. Recommended Stories In a video address from Washington, he declared a reward of Rs 11 crore to Sikh soldiers" who would stop Prime Minister Modi from unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort in the national capital. The FIR further mentioned that at the event, the Khalistani terrorist Pannun unveiled a map for a new Khalistan, which he said would include Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed that the SFJ had formed a Shaheed Jatha" to fight against India. As per the FIR, Pannun has indulged in activities for disrupting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India and spreading disaffection among Sikhs against India. Citing credible information" and video retrieved from the SFJs channel on X, it says Pannun announced a reward to prevent Modi from hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort on August 15. The FIR, filed recently under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) under Section 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967, has named Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and other unknown persons". The case was registered following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In its order directing the NIA to probe the issue, the ministry said "Pannun, a designated terrorist and general counsel" of the SFJ, hosted a "Meet the Press" event at the Lahore Press Club on August 10, where he addressed journalists through a video link from Washington, primarily focussing on the rejection of Indias sovereignty over Punjab and the promotion of Khalistan". The home ministry said, Having regard to the gravity of the offence, its national and international ramifications and the need to unearth the larger conspiracy, it is required to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency". About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 07:36 IST News india NIA Files Case Against Pannun Over Reward To Stop PM Modi From Hoisting Tricolour Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Wang Yi meets US congressional delegation, says stabilizing trend in China-US relations should be cherished Global Times) 08:51, September 24, 2025 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a US congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing on September 23, 2025. Photo: Website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with a US congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Smith in Beijing on Tuesday. Both sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening communication and promoting the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relation, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Wang stated that this visit marks the first delegation of US House representatives to visit China since 2019, bringing with it the voices of both US political parties and the expectations of the American people regarding China-US relations, making it an ice-breaking journey. It's hoped that this visit would help the US side accurately understand China, objectively recognize the Chinese side, rationally view differences, engage in friendly interactions, and actively explore cooperation, contributing to the real realization of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations, ultimately finding the correct way for the two major countries to coexist on this planet, benefiting both nations and the world, said Wang, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Wang emphasized that the head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable guiding role in China-US relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have maintained contact and held three phone calls, which have set the tone and pointed the direction for improving and developing China-US relations, said Wang. Currently, there is a stabilizing trend in China-US relations, which is hard-won and should be cherished, said Wang. "Your visit to China has indeed been a journey full of ups and downs, but good things take time, and it has also opened a window for China-US exchanges," said Wang. Understanding is the foundation for building trust, the starting point for exploring cooperation, and the driving force for creating a better future. Chinas door is always open, and we welcome more US lawmakers to visit China for exchanges, said Wang. Wang said that China and the US are partners, not rivals, and certainly not enemies. As two major countries, China and the US need to strengthen communication and dialogue, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments, prevent confrontation and opposition, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation while shouldering the responsibilities of major countries, Wang said. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair; the fact that the mainland and Taiwan island both belong to one China has been true throughout history and reflects the real status quo in the Taiwan Straits. The US has a political commitment regarding the one-China principle. To maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, it is essential to firmly oppose "Taiwan independence," said Wang, according to China's Foreign Ministry. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 'Social Media Can't Be Left In State Of Anarchic Freedom': K'taka HC Rejects X's Plea Against Centre Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 16:42 IST The Karnataka High Court was hearing X's pleas challenging the Indian government's 'Sahyog' portal, which is used for issuing content-blocking orders to intermediaries. X Corp, formerly known as Twitter, expressed its opposition to come on board the Sahyog portal, which is managed by the home ministrys Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (IC4). (Reuters/File) The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday rejected a plea by Elon Musks platform X challenging the authority of the Indian government. The court emphasised the necessity of regulating social media platforms, stating that unchecked speech in the name of freedom can lead to lawlessness. The court was hearing pleas by X (formerly Twitter) challenging the Indian governments Sahyog portal, which is used for issuing content-blocking orders to intermediaries. While X argued that the government did not have the power to do so, the High Court rejected Xs challenge as one without merit". Recommended Stories Justice M Nagaprasanna delivered the judgement, saying the Sahyog portal stands as a beacon of cooperation between the citizen and intermediary. It is a mechanism through which the state aims to control cybercrime, he said. He further cited Article 19 (1) of the Constitution, which grants the right to speech and expression with reasonable restrictions. Information and communication, its spread or speed has never been left unchecked and unregulated. It has always been a subject matter of regulation," the court said. As and when the technology develops from messengers to postal aids till the age of WhatsApp, Instagram and Snapchat, all have been regulated by regulatory regimes subsisting then and subsisting today, both globally and locally," the HC said. American judicial thought cannot be transplanted into the soil of Indian Constitutional thought." The Court said that social media cannot be left in a state of anarchic freedom" and no platform can treat the Indian marketplace as a playground. It also pointed out that X Corp was not an Indian citizen and could not invoke infringement of Article 19. What Is Sahyog Portal & Why Is X Against It? The SAHYOG portal was launched in 2024 to fast-track orders to block objectionable and misinformation. It was developed to automate the process of sending notices to intermediaries by the Appropriate Government or its agency under IT Act, 2000 to facilitate the removal or disabling of access to any information, data or communication link being used to commit an unlawful act," the Centre says on the site. ALSO READ: Whats Sahyog Portal? Why Elon Musk-Owned X Has Slammed It, Whats Govt Response? | Explained However, Elon Musks X Corp has called it a censorship portal", and contended that Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act does not empower the government to issue blocking orders, as that authority lies exclusively under Section 69A. X had moved the Karnataka High Court, arguing that the Sahyog portal and related government actions circumvent the statutory framework established by the IT Act. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response, the Centre said, It is misleading to label Sahyog as a censorship tool. By doing so, the petitioner is wrongfully presenting itself as a content creator rather than an intermediary. Such an assertion from a global platform like X is deeply regrettable and unacceptable." The Centre also said X had misinterpreted key provisions of the IT Act, and it has no inherent right to host or defend third-party content on its platform, due to being a foreign commercial entity. It emphasised that takedown notices under Section 79(3)(b) read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, are removal requests rather than blocking orders. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 16:23 IST News india 'Social Media Can't Be Left In State Of Anarchic Freedom': K'taka HC Rejects X's Plea Against Centre Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pahalgam Attack: Lashkar Operative Who Provided Help To Terrorists Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 21:35 IST Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested Mohammad Yousuf Kataria of Kulgam for providing logistical support to terrorists in the Pahalgam attack. Katari, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba (TRF) operative and a native of Kulgam district, was called in for questioning for two days, after which he was formally arrested. (News18) In a significant breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday arrested a man who provided logistical support to the terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. As per police sources, the man, identified as 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Katari, was arrested after an analysis of weapons seized during Julys Operation Mahadev. He has been sent to a 15-day police custody till October 6. Recommended Stories Katari, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba (TRF) operative and a native of Kulgam district, was called in for questioning for two days, after which he was formally arrested. According to police sources, he has been accused of providing logistic support to terrorists, who were killed in Dachigam forest under Operation Mahadev in July this year. Srinagar Police have arrested an OGW from South Kashmir, identified as Mohd Yousuf Katari (26) of Kulgam. He had a role in providing logistical support to the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev," a police official told CNN News18. Katari has been held under Section 7/25 of the Arms Act, Sections 13, 16, 18, 20, and 38 of the UAPA. What Probe Reveals? During the initial interrogation, Katari confessed to providing logistical support to the slain terrorists by supplying the phone, thus confirming his involvement in their operations. During Operation Mahadev, security forces found several items, including guns, arms, and three mobile chargers from the encounter site. Subsequent investigation and technical verification revealed that one of these chargers was of a VIVO mobile. Later, the company revealed that the recovered charger was sold via Flipkart, and further information from the e-commerce platform indicated that the devices were purchased by Musaib Ahmad. It was further revealed that Musaib had sold the mobile to Katari, which he confessed to having procured on the instructions of terrorists and supplied to them. Pahalgam Attack In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing at least 26 people. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, had claimed responsibility for the attack. After two weeks, India bombed nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 terrorists. Operation Mahadev Later, Operation Mahadev unfolded over weeks starting May 22, when security forces received information about terrorists hiding in Dachigam near Srinagar. After weeks of observation, the assault began on July 28. Armys elite para commandos gunned down Sulieman alias Asif, the alleged mastermind of the April 22 attack, along with two of his associates, in an encounter at Mulnar in Harwan area near Dachigam National Park. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The other terrorists killed in the action were identified as Jibran, who was allegedly involved in the Sonamarg Tunnel attack last year, and Hamza Afghani. During the operation, the army also found a terror hideout and recovered multiple guns, including AK-47 and M9 assault rifles. These and other weapons and equipment were what helped J&K Police track down and apprehend Mohd Kataria. 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) degre... Read More Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 18:16 IST News india Pahalgam Attack: Lashkar Operative Who Provided Help To Terrorists Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Parallels Drawn With Bangladesh, Nepal: Ladakh LG Alleges Conspiracy In Violent Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:26 IST Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta alleged a conspiracy behind violent statehood protests in Leh that left four dead and 45 injured. Kavinder Gupta condemned the protest, suggesting that it should be held in a peaceful manner. (X) Ladakh Unrest: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday alleged a conspiracy" behind violence during protests demanding statehood in Ladakh. The protests, which saw the BJP office and vehicles set ablaze, claimed at least four lives and left 45 others injured, including 22 police personnel. While condemning the violence, the LG claimed that people were being incited by drawing parallels with the recent youth-led movements in Bangladesh and Nepal that toppled governments there. Recommended Stories In a democratic system, protesting is a right. However, it must be done in a peaceful manner. For the past two days, attempts have been made to incite people, and the protest held here was compared to those held in Bangladesh and Nepal. This smells of a conspiracy behind the protest," LG Gupta said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | On violent protest in Leh today, Ladakh LG Kavinder Gupta says, In a democratic system, protesting is a right. However, it must be done in a peaceful manner. For the past two days, attempts were been made to incite people, and the protest held here was compared to those pic.twitter.com/Nlm59oLsFy ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 He further highlighted the potential consequences had the authorities not intervened. When police were deployed to control the law and order situation, a CRPF vehicle was torched. During the protest, DGs vehicle was attacked with stones. If this protest had not been stopped, then these people (protestors) would have ruined the entire city of Leh," he added. Gupta also said a probe would be launched into the role of those involved in the demonstrations. A probe will be conducted to determine the involvement of individuals from outside Ladakh in the protest. Who is responsible for the people who have died today? It is those people who incited the protest. Such things cannot be toleratedI want to ensure peace is maintained in Ladakh," he said. Ladakh Unrest Four people were killed and at least 45 were injured, including 22 police personnel, as the protests demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent on Wednesday. Amid large-scale violence, arson, and street clashes, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his fortnight-long hunger strike to press for statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The BJP office was vandalised and set on fire as were several vehicles. Flames and clouds of smoke could be seen from afar with police resorting to firing and teargas shelling to bring the situation under control. (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) degre... Read More Location : Leh, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 22:26 IST News india Parallels Drawn With Bangladesh, Nepal: Ladakh LG Alleges Conspiracy In Violent Protests Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rajasthan Shocker: 15-Day-Old Baby Found With Mouth Filled With Stones, Sealed With Glue Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:07 IST A15-day-old infant was found abandoned in a forest with his mouth sealed. He was rescued by a cattle grazer, and is now under treatment in Bijolia. Representative image In a heart-wrenching incident reported from Rajasthans Bhilwara district, a 15-day-old infant was found abandoned in a forest with his mouth and thighs sealed with adhesive. As per the police, the perpetrators stuffed stones in the childs mouth and sealed his lips with adhesive to muffle cries. Despite attempts of brutally killing the child, the boy survived and was found by a cattle grazer near the Sita Ka Kund temple in Mandalgarh. Recommended Stories He was writhing near a heap of stones with a stone forced into his mouth and sealed with adhesive, police said. The cattle grazer alerted others, who removed the stone and rushed the baby to a government hospital in Bijolia. Doctors said the infant bore adhesive marks on the mouth and thigh. The baby is about 15 to 20 days old and is under treatment," the police told PTI. 10-Month-Old Girl Found Dead Inside Abandoned Room In UP The body of a 10-month-old girl was discovered in an abandoned room near National Highway-19 in Uttar Pradeshs Bhadohi, police reported on Sunday. Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik stated that the body was found on Saturday night in a doorless room elevated about five feet above the ground, approximately 200 metres from the highway in Rajapur village. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the infant had been smothered to death, Manglik said. No external injuries were visible on the childs body, he added. Police noted that the girl was dressed in clothes indicating she came from a well-off family. A white towel was also found near the body. Manglik mentioned that no one in the vicinity has identified the child yet. Authorities suspect that someone travelling on the highway during the night may have killed the child and left the body in the abandoned room. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A forensic team has inspected the site, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being reviewed to trace those responsible. A detailed investigation into the matter is ongoing, the SP confirmed. 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, ... Read More Location : Bhilwara, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 08:44 IST News india Rajasthan Shocker: 15-Day-Old Baby Found With Mouth Filled With Stones, Sealed With Glue Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Saudi Arabias Grand Mufti Passes Away At 82, PM Modi Expresses Condolences Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:24 IST PM Modi extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh. Saudi Arabias Grand Mufti Passes Away At 82 The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh, passed away at the age of 82. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his condolences. In a post on X, PM said: Deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom and its people in this moment of grief." Recommended Stories Deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom and its people in this moment of grief. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025 The announcement of the Grand Muftis passing was made by the Saudi Royal Court on Tuesday, mourning the loss of the esteemed religious leader who also served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. The Royal Court announced today the passing of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh," a statement from the Royal Court said. The official order further announced that the funeral prayers would be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Funeral prayer will be held for him at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer today. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered that funeral prayers in absentia also be performed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophets Mosque in Madinah, and in all mosques across the Kingdom," the statement read. Sheikh Abdulaziz, who was also the General President of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, assumed the role of Saudi Arabias Grand Mufti in 1999, after the death of Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Bin Baz. Location : Saudi Arabia First Published: September 24, 2025, 09:29 IST News india Saudi Arabias Grand Mufti Passes Away At 82, PM Modi Expresses Condolences Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After 15 Days As Protest Turns Violent In Ladakh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:27 IST Hundreds of people took to the streets, with several vehicles torched and the BJP office attacked and set on fire Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Security personnel try to stop agitators amid a protest and shutdown, in Leh, Ladakh, on Sept 24. (PTI photo) Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday ended his 15-day hunger strike as protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution turned violent in Leh. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets, with several vehicles set ablaze and the local BJP office attacked and torched. Flames and thick black smoke could be seen rising over parts of the city amid a complete shutdown. Recommended Stories In response to the unrest, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, banning gatherings of five or more people to maintain order. I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation. We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country," Wangchuk told a large gathering of supporters. Tear gas shells were heard in the background during his appeal. He also released a video message on X, urging calm. My message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause," he wrote. VERY SAD EVENTS IN LEHMy message of peaceful path failed today. I appeal to youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.#LadakhAnshan pic.twitter.com/CzTNHoUkoC Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 24, 2025 Gen Z-Led Protesters Take To The Streets In his message, Wangchuk said that the violence was sparked by the hospitalisation of two hunger strikers whose condition worsened on Tuesday evening. This triggered anger among the youth. Young people mostly from Gen Z came out raising slogans, and many others soon joined them. This was an outburst from the younger generation in a way, a Gen Z revolution. They took to the streets. For the past five years, theyve remained unemployed. Theyve been pushed out of jobs with one excuse or another. And now, Ladakh is not even being given the protection it was promised." I always say this is the blueprint the recipe for social unrest. If you keep young people without jobs and also take away their democratic rights, what do you expect? Today, theres no democratic platform left. Even the Sixth Schedule, which was promised, has not been fulfilled," the activist noted. The violence followed days of rising tension. A separate group of 15 people had been on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10. After two of them were taken to hospital, the youth wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) called for intensified protests. Protesters gathered at the NDS Memorial Ground before marching through the streets of Leh, chanting slogans in support of statehood and the Sixth Schedule. Clashes erupted when some protesters pelted stones at the BJP headquarters and the Hill Council building. Police and paramilitary forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution provides autonomous governance in certain tribal areas of the northeast. Protesters in Ladakh are demanding similar protection to safeguard their identity, land, and culture. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A fresh round of talks between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh representatives including members of the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) is scheduled for October 6. The Centre had extended the invitation on September 20, ten days after Wangchuk began his fast. (With inputs from PTI) 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, ... Read More Location : Leh, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:04 IST News india Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike After 15 Days As Protest Turns Violent In Ladakh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Unknown Body Chained To Tree, Partially Burned In Kerala Plantation Curated By : Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 14:23 IST From the neck down to the chest, the body bore signs of severe charring, suggesting that whoever was responsible attempted to burn evidence of the crime. The haunting image of a body shackled and partially burned has left locals and investigators deeply unsettled. Image: X A quiet rubber plantation near Mukkadavu bridge on the PunalurMuvattupuzha route in Kerala turned into a crime scene when a gruesome discovery shocked residents and authorities alike. Early one morning, a worker from Tamil Nadu, who had come to the area to pick birds eye chilies, stumbled upon a decomposed body chained to a tree. It was a sight so disturbing that it has since gripped the region in fear and speculation. Body Found Chained and Charred Recommended Stories The man, who arrived around 8:30 a.m., noticed a strong, foul odour before spotting the body in a steep part of the plantation. According to police reports, the corpse was chained at a leg and a hand, the metal locks securing it tightly to the tree trunk. From the neck down to the chest, the body bore signs of severe charring, suggesting that whoever was responsible attempted to burn evidence of the crime. The haunting image of a body shackled and partially burned has left locals and investigators deeply unsettled. Clues Left Behind at the Scene Near the tree, investigators recovered an empty bag, a can, and a bottle. These items are now being examined for fingerprints and DNA traces. These objects may hold crucial evidence, offering hints about the final hours of the victim and the methods employed by the killer or killers. Police believe the items were left behind by the perpetrators and could reveal how the murder was planned and carried out. The Punalur police arrived quickly after the plantation worker raised the alarm. The area was cordoned off as officers began their initial investigation. Senior officers, including the Kottarakkara Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), took charge of the case. A dog squad was deployed to pick up any scent trails, while a fingerprint team meticulously combed the scene for clues. Despite these swift actions, the identity of the victim remains a mystery, adding another layer of complexity to an already confounding crime. No Missing Persons Reported One of the most puzzling aspects of the case is that no missing person complaints matching the circumstances have been filed in the surrounding areas so far. Police are extending their search to neighboring districts and even across state lines in hopes of identifying the deceased. Without a name or a clear timeline, investigators face the challenging task of piecing together a narrative from the sparse evidence available. Authorities have called the murder a crime that shocks the human conscience." The deliberate chaining of the body and the partial burning appear designed to send a chilling message or to obscure critical details about the victim and the perpetrators. Investigators are exploring multiple angles, including the possibility of personal vendetta, ritualistic killing, or even an attempt to silence someone who knew too much. Community on Edge Residents of the quiet plantation region are unnerved. The brutality of the crime committed in an area known more for rubber tapping than violence has sparked widespread fear. Local leaders are urging the public to remain calm and to cooperate with police by sharing any information that could lead to an arrest. As the investigation continues, forensic experts are analyzing the body to determine the exact cause and time of death. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby roads and questioning people who may have traveled through the plantation in recent days. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For now, the identity of the victim and the motive behind this brutal act remain unknown, but authorities have vowed to pursue every lead until the perpetrators are brought to justice. The discovery of a chained and charred body in a Kollam rubber plantation stands as a grim reminder of the violence that can hide in plain sight, and of the urgent need for answers to bring closure to a community gripped by horror and uncertainty. 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, ... Read More Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:23 IST News india Unknown Body Chained To Tree, Partially Burned In Kerala Plantation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is The 'I Love Muhammad' Row And How Did It Become A Flashpoint In UP? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 14:21 IST Trouble began when police personnel in Kanpur allegedly removed some of the 'I Love Muhammad' banners citing lack of prior permission. The 'I Love Muhammad' protests have spread beyond UP to other states too. (Image: PTI) What began as a peaceful Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpurs Beconganj area has turned into a flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh, spilling beyond the citys borders and into several other districts. On the day of the festival, a group of local youths marched with green flags and posters reading I Love Muhammad", singing naats and offering sweets to passersby. By evening, several banners with the same message appeared at traffic intersections and on shopfronts across Beconganj and Anwarganj. Locals say the intent was purely devotional. It was just a way to celebrate Milad with love, not politics," said Javed Alam, a resident who helped put up the banners. Trouble began when police personnel allegedly removed some of the banners citing lack of prior permission. Video clips shared on social media showed heated arguments between residents and policemen, with a few scuffles reported. By nightfall, crowds gathered, raising slogans and demanding that the banners be restored. Police used mild force to disperse them, and ten people were detained. Recommended Stories Kanpur Police Commissioner Ramkrishan Yadav defended the action: The banners were obstructing traffic and had been put up without permission. Our action was aimed at maintaining public order, not hurting sentiments. We appeal to everyone to celebrate peacefully." However, local shopkeepers claim the situation escalated because of police high-handedness." Rashid Khan, who runs a garment store in Anwarganj, said, They could have just asked us to shift the boards. Instead, they tore them down publicly. That hurt peoples emotions and led to confrontation." Within 48 hours, reports of similar disputes began emerging from other parts of Uttar Pradesh. In Bareilly, police stopped a group from hoisting a large I Love Muhammad" hoarding near Dargah Ala Hazrat, fearing congestion during Friday prayers. The intervention led to a brief sit-in that was later called off after talks with district officials. In Sambhal, wall graffiti with the slogan was painted over by municipal workers, triggering late-night demonstrations in Sarai Tareen. Youths gathered outside the police station demanding action against those who erased it. In Firozabad, the removal of hoardings from a busy chowk led to a face-off between locals and police, forcing the deployment of additional PAC personnel. Lucknow and Prayagraj have also reported isolated instances of banners appearing in markets, though authorities managed to convince organisers to remove them voluntarily before tensions could rise. In Bhopal and Jaipur too, small groups have taken to social media to post photos of posters and graffiti bearing the slogan, using hashtags like #ILoveMuhammad and #MuhammadMeriJaan. While no major law-and-order incidents have been reported there yet, police in both cities say they are monitoring the situation. UP Police headquarters issued a statewide advisory instructing district police chiefs to maintain vigil on public displays that could become flashpoints. A senior officer in Lucknow told News18, We are not against religious expression, but we must prevent confrontations. Permission is required for any public display be it I Love Ram or I Love Muhammad. The same law applies to all." Peace committee meetings have been convened in Kanpur, Bareilly, and Sambhal, bringing together clerics, community elders, and local officials to appeal for calm. Religious leaders have condemned the violence while urging the government to respect sentiments. Maulana Sufiyan Nizami of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa said, Loving the Prophet is part of our faith. The boards were not political or inflammatory. The administration must act with sensitivity." AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi framed the issue as one of constitutional rights, writing on X: Saying I Love Muhammad is not a crime. If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims must not be harassed for expressing devotion." Some citizens, however, called for restraint. Seema Verma, a Kanpur schoolteacher, said, Both sides need to calm down. Religious love should not become a reason for clashes. The city cannot afford more tension." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I Love Muhammad and Muhammad Meri Jaan the controversy has now become more than just about banners. Political observers say the campaigns growing visibility and the states firm response could turn it into a pre-poll flashpoint ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. For now, security has been tightened across sensitive districts, and the Kanpur administration is working to defuse tensions. But the words I Love Muhammad" continue to appear on banners, walls, and social media feeds. First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:21 IST News india What Is The 'I Love Muhammad' Row And How Did It Become A Flashpoint In UP? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fish On The Plate, Culture In The Heart: Exploring Indias Beloved Seafood Traditions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:26 IST Fish isnt just a meal, its culture, heritage, and health. Explore why Indian fish dishes delight foodies, connecting tradition, creativity, and togetherness. A vibrant Bengali fish curry, served steaming hot, captures the essence of Indias coastal culinary traditions and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. In India, food is more than sustenance, it is culture, tradition, and community. Among the vast spectrum of culinary delights, one ingredient has a unique power to evoke joy, nostalgia, and creativity: fish. From the bustling markets along the coasts to the kitchens of coastal homes, fish has been a centerpiece of Indian cuisine for generations, celebrated not only for its flavors but for the stories it carries. Shailesh Patel, co-founder, Dam Good Fish, explains, Within the bustling food culture of India from spicy chaat to creamy curries, theres one group of foodies whose happiness appears to be almost infectious: fish lovers. Their love for fish sustains them more than a food choice: it is a way of life connected to heritage, health, and community." The Science of Happiness on a Plate Recommended Stories Beyond its taste, fish is a natural mood enhancer. Varieties such as Indian mackerel, sardines, salmon, hilsa, and rohu are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, enhance brain function, and contribute to overall well-being. Eating fatty fish multiple times per week is thought to enhance focus, promote healthy skin and hair, and balance cholesterol levels," says Shailesh Patel. It is this combination of flavor, nutrition, and mindfulness that makes fish more than just a meal, it becomes a source of comfort and vitality. Flavours Across the Indian Coast Fish traditions are deeply embedded along Indias coasts. Chef Lekhu of The Monk reflects on the elegance of simplicity in fish preparation: For me, fish is about balance and depth. A simple steamed fillet with light spices can speak louder than an elaborate curry. It reflects restraint, purity, and the kind of cooking where less is more." In contrast, Chef Madhav of The Pastiche highlights its versatility: Fish allows chefs to play endlessly. You can grill, stew, smoke, or fry it, every method creates a new personality on the plate. Its versatile enough to suit both rustic kitchens and fine-dining menus." Together, these perspectives illustrate why fish has remained a favorite across home kitchens and high-end restaurants alike. Food Adventure and Identity For many coastal and riverine communities, fish is more than a dish, it is a marker of identity. Rituals, festivals, and daily markets revolve around fish, forging connections within families and communities. In households of Bengali, Goan, or Malayali heritage, preparing a beloved fish recipe is an act of cultural continuity, linking generations and creating shared memories. Healthful Indulgence Without Guilt Fish is one of the rare ingredients that combines indulgence with lightness. High in protein yet easy on the digestive system, it allows diners to enjoy multi-course seafood meals without feeling weighed down. Freshwater varieties, whether wild-caught or responsibly farmed, not only offer unique flavors but also connect diners to seasonality and sustainable practices. This mindful approach to enjoying fish reinforces the ingredients status as both a healthful and pleasurable choice. A Taste of Togetherness top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The communal aspect of fish is part of its enduring charm. From steaming fish curries shared with family to crispy fried fish enjoyed with friends, meals featuring fish evoke connection, memory, and celebration. Shailesh Patel notes that fish lovers often experience a unique sense of fulfillment, where eating becomes a blend of cultural exploration, creativity, and shared joy. Ultimately, fish offers endless opportunities for culinary adventure. Each preparation, from simple fillets to elaborate multi-course spreads, reflects centuries of tradition while inviting innovation. As chefs like Madhav and Lekhu demonstrate, fish is a versatile canvas that challenges creativity, celebrates heritage, and nourishes both body and soul. To savour fish is to connect with comfort, curiosity, memory, and culture, a truly soulful culinary experience. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:26 IST News lifestyle food Fish On The Plate, Culture In The Heart: Exploring Indias Beloved Seafood Traditions Navratri 2025 Day 4: Colour, Maa Kushmanda Vrat Katha And Bhog Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:00 IST Navratri 2025 Day 4 Goddess, Colour: On Day 4, devotees honour Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, by wearing yellow and offering Malpua to seek her blessings. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Navrarti 2025 Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda is offered Malpua as bhog. (Image: Shutterstock) Navratri 2025 Day 4 Goddess, Colour: Navratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India. As the name symbolises, the festival is observed for nine consecutive nights. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, known as Navadurga. This year, Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2. As per the Hindu calendar, Navratri is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. It generally starts a day after Mahalaya Amavasya and culminates on Dussehra, or Vijayadashami. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. Recommended Stories ALSO READ: Happy Navratri 2025: Best Wishes, Images, Quotes, Status And Messages To Share On Shardiya Navratri On the fourth day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda, who is revered as the creator of the universe and the source of energy. Her name is derived from three words, Ku (little), Ushma (warmth), and Anda (cosmic egg), symbolising the creation of the universe from a small cosmic egg. Navratri 2025 Day 4: Who is Goddess Kushmanda? Significance and Vrat Katha Goddess Kushmanda is believed to be the source of energy, who brought light and life to a dark universe. She is revered as the creator of the universe. Its believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides energy to the Sun. By worshipping her, devotees seek health, vitality and positive energy in their lives. As per Hindu mythology, after taking the form of Goddess Siddhidatri, Goddess Parvati started residing inside the centre of the Sun. She radiated divine energy and created the universe, or Brahmanda, with just her smile. This divine form of Goddess Parvati is known as Maa Kushmanda. She is often depicted riding a lioness and is also called Ashtabhuja Devi because of her eight hands. In her hands, she carries symbols of power and blessings, including a Kamandal, Dhanush, bow, arrow, lotus flower, Amrit Kalash, Jap Mala, Gada and Chakra. Goddess Kushmanda is also fond of the white pumpkin, or Kushmanda Phala. Devotees offer white pumpkin on the fourth day of Navratri to seek her blessings. Navratri 2025 Day 4: Colour The colour for the fourth day of Navratri is yellow. The colour, associated with Goddess Kushmanda, symbolises optimism, energy, and happiness. Devotees wear yellow clothes during prayers and celebrations to invite positive energy into their lives. Navratri 2025 Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda Bhog top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Day 4, devotees prepare Malpua as the special bhog for Goddess Kushmanda. Offering Malpua is believed to please the Goddess. Its believed that worshipping Goddess Kushmanda removes darkness from the lives of her devotees and blesses them with prosperity, health and wisdom. Many devotees also observe a day-long fast to please Maa Kushmanda. Worshipping Goddess Kushmanda is considered deeply significant during Navratri, as she embodies the divine force of creation and energy. Its believed that worshipping her leads to prosperity, positivity, new creations and removal of negative energies in the lives of devotees. About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:00 IST News lifestyle Navratri 2025 Day 4: Colour, Maa Kushmanda Vrat Katha And Bhog Shenzhen's Nanshan drives AI revolution People's Daily Online) 10:59, September 24, 2025 On Sept. 18, 2025, People's Daily Online reporters visited the Model Camp AI Ecosystem Community in Shenzhen's Nanshan district, south China's Guangdong Province, to experience the entrepreneurial wave of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Thanks to Shenzhen's firm industrial foundation in computer and algorithm models and its advantages in talent acquisition, the community has attracted a number of high-tech enterprises from across the country. 142 enterprises have been selected to settle in the community, benefiting from the infrastructure, preferential policies, and high-quality services it offers. Among these chosen companies, there are not only AI large-model organizations set up by scholars from the University of Cambridge, but also companies specializing in embodied intelligence that Chinese top universities and institutions have nurtured. Supported by the community, the AI industry in the Nanshan district is poised to lead the field's domestic innovation and exert significant influence in the modern-day industrial revolution. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Du Mingming) World Tourism Day: Building A Future Where Travel And Sustainability Go Hand In Hand Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 26, 2025, 12:45 IST On World Tourism Day, hotel chains highlight how sustainability and luxury can move forward together, from eco-friendly operations to community-led cultural preservation. World Tourism Day: The 2025 theme of Tourism and Sustainability underscores the need to balance exploration with responsibility, ensuring that the worlds natural and cultural treasures endure for generations to come Every year, World Tourism Day reminds us that travel is more than just movement across borders, its about connections, culture, and care for the planet we all share. The 2025 theme of Tourism and Sustainability underscores the need to balance exploration with responsibility, ensuring that the worlds natural and cultural treasures endure for generations to come. Tourism as a Force for Positive Change Recommended Stories World Tourism Day is a powerful reminder that the journeys we take should give back as much as they give us," says the Vineet Mishra, Vice President Operations, India & South Asia, Accor Group. At Accor, sustainability goes beyond operations: its about protecting ecosystems, uplifting local communities, and ensuring that travel continues to inspire without depleting the world we share." The hospitality group has introduced several initiatives across its properties to drive this vision forward from zero-waste kitchens using AI to track and reduce food waste to in-house composting systems. Single-use guest-facing plastics have been eliminated, EV chargers are being installed across hotels, and partnerships like Novotels collaboration with WWF amplify awareness around biodiversity protection. Many properties also carry internationally recognised green certifications, making sustainability not just a promise but a measurable impact. Luxury Meets Responsibility in Udaipur For hotels in Rajasthan, a region celebrated for its heritage and landscapes, sustainability has become integral to luxury. True luxury is about harmony with nature, culture, and community," says Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur. Nestled by the serene Udai Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Hills, Raffles Udaipur has embedded sustainability into every aspect of its offering, from wellness and gastronomy to community engagement. Namby adds, Tourism, when guided by responsibility, can protect biodiversity, support local communities, and preserve heritage. Our goal is to ensure that the beauty and spirit of Udaipur are cherished not just by our guests today, but by generations to come." Jaipurs Blueprint for Sustainable Development Echoing this sentiment, Sethi, Raffles Jaipur stresses that sustainability is no longer optional. Sustainable development is no longer a choice but the very foundation on which the future of tourism must be built. At Raffles Jaipur, we believe sustainability and luxury are inseparable." From its very conception, the hotel was designed with sustainable architecture, maximising natural light and minimising energy consumption. The property now runs on an 850 KWP offsite solar plant, uses 100% LED lighting, and recycles over 80% of wastewater through a state-of-the-art STP for landscaping and irrigation. Rainwater harvesting systems and low-flow fixtures further reduce water use by nearly 30%. On the culinary side, Raffles Jaipur follows a no-buffet concept to minimise food waste, and its in-house Organic Waste Converter transforms biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich manure. But sustainability here extends beyond infrastructure. By prioritising local artisans and farmers, supporting Rajasthani folk artists, and partnering on cultural preservation projects like the Jaipur Centre of Art and Jaigarh Sculpture Park, the hotel integrates community development into its DNA. CSR programmes also focus on school infrastructure, skill development, and heritage-site cleanup drives showcasing how tourism can enrich not just guests, but entire communities. A Shared Commitment to the Future top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Together, these initiatives reflect how hospitality leaders are reshaping the tourism landscape. From Accors AI-led food waste management to Raffles Udaipurs integration of wellness with nature and Raffles Jaipurs holistic approach rooted in heritage, the message is clear: sustainability and tourism must advance side by side. As World Tourism Day reminds us, travel is at its best when it inspires joy without leaving harm in its wake. The hospitality industry, by embedding sustainability into luxury and operations alike, is showing the way forward ensuring that the world we explore today remains just as enchanting for those who come tomorrow. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:44 IST News lifestyle travel World Tourism Day: Building A Future Where Travel And Sustainability Go Hand In Hand Who Is Varun Suresh? Indian-Origin Man Kills Sex Offender In US, Says It Was Really Fun Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:05 IST Varun Suresh, 29, was arrested in Fremont, California, for fatally stabbing 71-year-old sex offender David Brimmer in a targeted attack. 29-year-old Indian origin man Varun Suresh, of Fermont, was arrested for tracking down and killing a man. (X) A 29-year-old Indian-origin man has been arrested in Californias Fremont on charges of fatally stabbing a registered sex offender in what investigators said was a targeted attack." The police held the accused, identified as Varun Suresh, a resident of Fermont, for allegedly killing 71-year-old David Brimmer, a sex offender. The police arrested Suresh at the crime scene and recovered a knife from him. Recommended Stories Police said the attack was deliberate and planned using the states public database of sex offenders. How The Murder Took Place? According to a report by The Independent, officers were called around 12.01 pm (local time) on September 18 to Upper Vintners Circle after reports of a violent altercation. They found Brimmer unresponsive with severe stab wounds. Despite immediate trauma care, Brimmer was pronounced dead at the scene. According to court reports, Suresh hated sex offenders and always wanted to kill one. But he had no connection with the Brimmer, never knew him or met him. According to court reports, Suresh armed himself with a knife and pretended to be a certified public accountant (CPA) going door-to-door looking for new clients. He was carrying a bag, a notebook, and coffee around with him to appear authentic". After approaching Brimmers home, Suresh confirmed his identity, shook his hand, and allegedly told him, I knew I had the right guy." The 71-year-old managed to escape and tried to flag down a vehicle for help. But when it did not stop, Brimmer ran two blocks into a neighbours garage and kitchen. Suresh chased him and stabbed him in the neck while telling him to repent." Police said when Brimmer tried to crawl away, Suresh slit his throat to make sure it was done." It Was Really Fun During interrogation, Suresh said that he has no guilt for the crime. He didnt feel sorry and even described the murder as honestly really fun". He told the investigator that he wasnt planning on getting away with it. He also said he would have called the police himself if they didnt catch him. Suresh believed it was his duty" to punish sex offenders. He told police, Its not your duty to decide whether Heaven will accept them, its your duty to send them to the gates." Im hoping that because [the victim is] a pedophile like, everyone hates pedophiles so like, it should be cool. It should be cool," Suresh allegedly told the investigator. Who Is Varun Suresh? Suresh is a 29-year-old Fremont resident. Police said he found Brimmers name and address on Californias Megans Law website, which lists sex offenders. Investigators found screenshots of Brimmers profile on Sureshs phone, taken just 45 minutes before the stabbing. After being arrested at the scene, Suresh admitted to targeting Brimmer because of his past crimes and age. Suresh has a prior criminal history. In 2021, he was arrested by the Fremont police for burglary, making a false bomb threat, as well as criminal threats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Court documents showed that the threat was part of a failed attempt to target another alleged paedophile. He has also faced a separate case with the Walnut Creek police. 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) degre... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 22:02 IST News nri usa Who Is Varun Suresh? Indian-Origin Man Kills Sex Offender In US, Says It Was Really Fun Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Amit Shah And His 'No Rest' Approach Is Rewriting India's Fight Against Red Terror Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:54 IST Amit Shahs approach to countering Naxalism has evolved from defensive containment to offensive elimination. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI Image) A recent encounter in Narayanpur district resulted in the elimination of two top Naxal commanders, each carrying bounties of Rs 40 lakh. This is a larger continuum in the Home Ministrys efforts in ending the five decades long red terror that has gripped Indias hinterland. Maoist commanders and Central Committee members Katta Ramachandra Reddy and Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy represented decades of Maoist expertise and institutional memory within the Naxalite hierarchy. Their elimination is a huge blow to the Naxal activities, which are already under unprecedented pressure. Recommended Stories Under Amit Shah, it has been a defining feature of this administrations intensified anti-insurgency campaign as it steams ahead. Earlier, on September 3rd, he had declared that the Modi government will not rest until all Naxalites either surrender, are caught or eliminated". Shah has set a March 2026 deadline for achieving a Naxal-free India. That deadline is fast approaching. The Narayanpur encounter, becomes part of 264 Naxalites neutralised in Chhattisgarh during 2025 alone, and add to the 296 eliminations last year. Shahs approach to countering Naxalism has evolved from defensive containment to offensive elimination. Over 300 Forward Operating Bases now restrict Naxal movement, while specialised units like the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, and CoBRA battalions have enhanced operational coordination. The shift on the ground is evident. From 126 Naxal-affected districts in 2014 to just 18 by 2024, with only six classified as heavily affected. The Red Corridor, once spanning 182 districts in 2013, has shrunk to its current minimal footprint, representing the most significant territorial gains against the insurgency in decades. Critically, it has been achieved whilst significantly reducing civilian casualties and collateral damage. Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that civilian fatalities in LWE-affected areas have declined by over 80 per cent since 2014, dropping from 421 civilian deaths in 2010 to fewer than 50 in 2024. Recent Operational Successes The year 2025 has witnessed an unprecedented escalation in anti-Naxal operations, with security forces achieving remarkable tactical victories across multiple fronts. On March 20th, 30 Naxalites were killed in an operation across Bijapur and Kanker districts. The operation involved joint teams from the DRG, STF, and CRPF. The seamless inter-agency coordination has become the hallmark of contemporary anti-Naxal operations. Another operation, conducted in the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, represents perhaps the most significant anti-Naxal operation in recent history. The 21-day operation, involving 28,000 security personnel, resulted in 31 Naxalite casualties without a single security force fatality. The results of the operation were clear. Security forces found more than 400 improvised explosive devices, about two tonnes of explosives, and six tonnes of rations. They also destroyed what was believed to be the last major Naxal stronghold, which included the headquarters of groups like PLGA Battalion 1, DKSZC, TSC, and CRC. The Gariaband encounter on September 13 resulted in the elimination of 10 Naxalites, including Central Committee member Modem Balakrishna, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore and had been active since the early 1980s. This operation alone involved the recovery of substantial weapons caches and the neutralisation of cadres carrying a collective bounty of Rs 5.25 crore. In August, 29 Naxalites carrying collective bounties of Rs 55.5 lakh in Dantewada and Narayanpur districts surrendered. Another operation in May eliminated Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju, the 70-year-old General Secretary carrying a Rs 1 crore bounty. His death was described as one of the most decisive blows to the Maoist insurgency" in recent history. His elimination, alongside 26 other Naxalites in the Abhujmad area, effectively decapitated the remaining senior leadership. A Comprehensive Development and Rehabilitation Strategy The Modi governments anti-Naxal strategy is not just elimination through military operations. It encompasses a comprehensive development agenda designed to address the socio-economic grievances that have historically fuelled the insurgency. Amit Shah has powered through with implementation of the Aspirational Districts Programme, targeting 35 LWE-affected districts. It represents a systematic attempt to transform the developmental landscape in previously neglected regions. Infrastructure development has proceeded at an unprecedented pace, with 11,503 kilometres of highways constructed in Naxal-affected areas between 2014 and 2024, alongside 20,000 kilometres of rural roads. The installation of 4,688 mobile towers has begun to address the communication isolation that has historically benefited Naxalite operations, with plans for complete mobile connectivity by December 2025. The budgetary commitment to development in Naxal-affected areas reflects the Modi administrations recognition that military operations alone cannot provide sustainable solutions. The near-tripling of security spending to Rs 3,006 crore has been complemented by substantial allocations under the Special Central Assistance scheme, with Rs 3,559.98 crore released since 2017-18 for critical infrastructure gaps. The rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites represents a crucial component of the overall strategy. The surrender and rehabilitation policy offers immediate financial assistance, vocational training, and resettlement support, creating tangible incentives for abandoning armed struggle. Educational, healthcare, and electrification initiatives have particular strategic significance in areas where Naxalites have historically prevented government services from reaching local populations. Electrification of isolated villages and the establishment of medical facilities in formerly contested areas have made development more accessible for people in the region. Future Trajectory The number of Naxal-affected police stations has reduced from 330 in 76 districts in 2014 to 151 in 42 districts in 2024. The targeting of senior leadership has created succession crises within Maoist organisations that cannot be easily resolved. Between December 2023 and May 2025, security forces achieved the remarkable feat of neutralising 401 Maoists, arresting 1,429, and facilitating the surrender of 1,355 in Chhattisgarh alone. 30 new forward operating bases have been announced in September 2025. These are being created to specifically target Bastar, the last stronghold of Naxal operations in India. Intelligence reports show that the remaining Maoist groups have split into smaller, isolated units working in more remote areas. Breaking down their command, communication, and supply systems has made it very hard for them to keep up operations or regain lost ground. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Final Phase of Indias Anti-Naxal Campaign The Modi governments approach represents a departure from previous strategies, combining tactical aggression with strategic patience and developmental incentives. Shah must be credited for the uncompromising operational tempo and genuine rehabilitation efforts. It is thanks to his efforts that the Modi government is now on course to meet the deadline of March 2026 to make India free of the red menace, 78 years after independence. 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. First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:54 IST News opinion Amit Shah And His 'No Rest' Approach Is Rewriting India's Fight Against Red Terror Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Free Trade Goes Green: Indias Strategic Bet On Climate Standards Written By : & News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:42 IST India can turn problems into opportunities for inclusive & resilient growth through carbon compliance, small green investments & coordinating green technology through trade Rapid Read + Follow us On Google As the third-largest emitter globally, India faces increasing scrutiny; yet its per capita carbon footprint remains relatively modest at 1.9 tonnes. (Pixabay) Climate change is the single most critical issue facing the world at this time, and trade-related matters change quickly with the demands of the times. While India tries to balance development along with climate responsibilities, incorporating climate standards into FTAs poses both an opportunity and a challenge for the country. As trading partners sell each other on a more competitive basis, carbon pricing systems are being implemented, sustainable supply chains are being established, and Indian green trade regulation may give an edge in the next couple of decades. It is no longer just an altruistic goal to tie climate commitments to trade agreements; it has become a true strategic necessity linked to energy security, comparative advantage manufacturing, and investment flows around the world. Recommended Stories Emerging Landscape Of Climate-Linked Trade Climate considerations are becoming integral to trade negotiations as advanced economies introduce regulatory frameworks such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), sustainability-linked tariffs, and climate disclosure requirements. The European Unions CBAM, for example, proposes levying taxes on high-carbon imports, directly affecting industries like steel, aluminum, and cementsectors where India holds a significant export footprint. According to the World Bank, Indias steel exports stood at approximately 9.5 million tonnes in 2024, with Europe accounting for nearly 14 per cent of that trade (World Bank, 2025). Without climate-compliant supply chains, tariff barriers could erode Indias export competitiveness and restrict its access to premium markets. Simultaneously, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are evolving beyond traditional tariff reductions to embed environmental standards, carbon reporting obligations, and green technology transfers. The International Trade Centres 2024 report highlights that over 30 per cent of recent trade agreements now include climate-related provisions, a sharp rise from less than 10 per cent a decade ago (ITC, 2024). This reflects a structural shift in trade policy, where sustainability has become as central as market access. For India, this trend represents both a challenge and an opportunity. As the third-largest emitter globally, India faces increasing scrutiny; yet its per capita carbon footprint remains relatively modest at 1.9 tonnes compared to the global average of 4.7 tonnes (PIB, 2025). This provides India with a unique narrative to position itself as a responsible actor balancing growth and sustainability. Furthermore, global climate finance is projected to surpass $1.6 trillion annually by 2025, creating immense scope for India to attract green capital if its trade frameworks are aligned with climate action (World Bank, 2025). With ambitious domestic goals500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and a net-zero commitment by 2070integrating climate standards into FTAs is no longer optional but an essential strategy to safeguard competitiveness, enhance resilience, and secure long-term investment flows. Opportunities For India: Climate-Conscious Trade As Competitive Edge Integrating climate standards into trade agreements could unlock vast new markets, attract climate finance, and incentivise green technology adoption. Indias renewable energy sector, already valued at over $100 billion, is expected to create five million new jobs by 2030 (PIB, 2024). Trade agreements that encourage low-carbon technologies, cross-border energy trade, and sustainable agriculture exports can significantly bolster these sectors. For instance, Indias partnership with the European Union in trade talks opens avenues to negotiate preferential access for green products, services, and investments. The EUs proposed CBAM is slated to initially apply to high-carbon imports like steel, cement, and electricity, sectors where India can lead by adopting cleaner technologies and certification protocols. Furthermore, bilateral trade agreements with smaller economiessuch as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and potential Mercosur engagementscan be used to standardise sustainable trade practices across regions. Climate-linked trade rules also offer access to concessional finance. The Green Climate Fund and multilateral development banks are increasingly tying financing to measurable carbon reductions, renewable energy targets, and biodiversity protection. Indias ability to demonstrate compliance through transparent reporting, sustainable procurement standards, and carbon accounting frameworks could be a decisive factor in attracting long-term investments. Moreover, adopting climate provisions in FTAs can spur domestic reforms. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has initiated the Financing Mitigation and Adaptation Projects (FMAP) programme, providing low-interest loans to MSMEs for energy-efficient technologies and climate-resilient practices (GCF, 2024). Additionally, SIDBIs Green Growth Equity Fund (GCF, 2024) aims to support investments in low-carbon and climate-resilient platforms across the energy value chain. These initiatives not only enhance Indias domestic green infrastructure but also align with global climate finance trends, positioning India as a leader in sustainable economic development. Policy Challenges and Strategic Considerations While green trade provisions hold promise, India faces complex policy and institutional challenges in implementing climate-compliant trade frameworks. Firstly, regulatory readiness remains uneven across sectors. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for 45 per cent of Indias manufacturing output and 30 per cent of exports, often lack the technical capacity to meet stringent environmental reporting or certification requirements. Without targeted support mechanismssuch as access to green finance, technical assistance, and phased compliance timelinesthese enterprises risk exclusion from global supply chains. Secondly, trade negotiators must reconcile climate ambitions with Indias development priorities. Agriculture, textiles, and energy-intensive industries are sensitive to tariff changes and may perceive climate-linked provisions as disguised protectionism. Policymakers must therefore build consensus across stakeholders, ensuring that climate commitments are paired with transition support and flexible compliance frameworks. Thirdly, data infrastructure and transparency remain critical. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, only 60 per cent of large Indian industrial units currently submit emissions data, and third-party verification mechanisms remain nascent. For climate-linked FTAs to be credible, robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols must be institutionalised, supported by interoperable digital platforms and real-time data analytics. Strategically, India must position itself as both a responsible climate actor and an inclusive trade partner. Collaborating with like-minded nations on harmonised carbon standards, investing in clean technology R&D, and embedding environmental safeguards in domestic policies will strengthen Indias negotiating posture. Aligning climate provisions with broader trade and energy policiesnot treating them as peripheral issueswill enhance coherence and long-term resilience. Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it is now a trade and development issue that is changing the way global trade works. For India, the inclusion of climate standards in FTAs is not merely a passive response to global trends. Its more of a chance to make sure that businesses can protect themselves for the future, get investors, and stay at the top of their fields in sustainable development. India can turn problems into opportunities for inclusive and resilient growth through carbon compliance, small green investments, and coordinating green technology through trade frameworks. So, one needs to quickly come up with more detailed policies to make the transition of industries easier, keep things open during the change, and help find the right balance between environmental goals and economic needs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With these in place, along with a long-term vision, involvement of stakeholders, and data-driven governance, India could lead the way in changing the way trade and climate change interact: from green commitments to competitive advantages and from global cooperation to long-term growth. Dr Megha Jain is Assistant Professor, Sr Visiting Fellow, Shyam Lal College/ Pahle India Foundation, University of Delhi. Naman Mishra is Doctoral Researcher, Bennett University, Greater Noida, UP. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:42 IST News opinion Opinion | Free Trade Goes Green: Indias Strategic Bet On Climate Standards Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Speaking In Silence: Why Sign Language Must Be Part Of Everyday Conversation Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:41 IST If inclusion is to be real and not rhetorical, India must treat sign language not as a special tool but as part of its everyday communication landscape Sign language can help transform lives, but only if we treat it not as a symbolic gesture. (Representative image) As we move into a fast-paced digital world, campaigning for inclusion everywhere, many of us have lost something very special and crucial: the way we communicate. Most of our conversations nowadays are limited to online platforms, sending message threads, voice notes, or having blurred video calls. We are losing touch with direct eye contact, a genuine smile, hand movements, and the facial expressions of emotion that used to knit us together. These small elements connect us with others, including people with hearing impairment and other communication difficulties, in day-to-day conversations. Sign language can help transform lives, but only if we treat it not as a symbolic gesture, but as an everyday language of dignity, connection and inclusion. Recommended Stories The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 63 million people in India suffer from significant hearing impairment, a prevalence of 6.3 per cent of the population, and that 2.5 billion people will be affected globally by 2050. This includes children, adults, and the elderly. Despite having a well-structured Indian Sign Language (ISL), how far it has reached the corners of the country remains doubtful. The availability of trained sign language interpreters and trainers is just a handful. This means that children with hearing impairment often sit in classrooms unable to follow lessons, resulting in disconnection from peers and gradual exclusion from both learning and belonging. The challenges for individuals with hearing impairment extend beyond schools. Families often do not know how to respond to their members with hearing difficulties. They tend to view it solely as a medical problem rather than a communication difference. With a lack of guidance and community awareness, these individuals are excluded from social gatherings, silencing them further. The absence of communication affects not just their academic performance but also their self-esteem and mental health. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) recognises communication as a basic right, and the National Education Policy (2020) emphasises inclusive education that addresses the needs of every child with special needs. The Accessible India Campaign also mandates that all television programmes should have sign language interpretation. But the real question is: are these initiatives reaching everyone? In reality, only a handful of schools, mostly in urban localities, have sign language in their curriculum. In villages, implementation remains virtually absent, leaving children and their families with promises only on paper, but silence in reality. Campaigns are important to raise awareness and can sometimes touch the hearts of the audience. The Sign With Fingers, Big & Small" campaign by Cadbury (UK), in partnership with the National Deaf Childrens Society, is one example. It encouraged the public to learn British Sign Language (BSL) through short, everyday lesson prompts like Fancy a cuppa?", highlighting how deaf individuals miss out on shared moments". Yet such impactful campaigns remain special editions, brief, shining moments. Their transient nature highlights the gap between awareness and everyday normalcy. If inclusion is to be real and not rhetorical, India must treat sign language not as a special" tool but as part of its everyday communication landscape. This requires both systemic reform and cultural transformation. As the Government emphasises a three-language policy, let sign language be one among them, making every child of the next generation aware that Indian Sign Language and building signs are normal, not exceptions. Teachers, too, must receive sign language training as part of their professional development, ensuring that when a child with hearing impairment walks into a classroom, they are not seen as an exception but as part of the norm. Early normalisation also benefits society as a whole, because sign literacy will be used in workplaces by future government officials, engineers, doctors, and shopkeepers. Consider banks, government buildings, and train stations where employees are taught basic ISL greetings and directions. Imagine if sign interpreters were regularly used by TV news programmes, not just on special occasions. People with hearing impairments would no longer be viewed as special guests" in society, but as legitimate participants in its everyday rhythm, thanks to this normalisation. Rather than waiting for a top-down approach to succeed, let us start the change from our homes and local communities. Let us use signs alongside verbal communication and take a moment to understand the gestures of elderly parents and children with hearing impairment, including them in our day-to-day conversations. Communication obstacles within families begin to disappear when parents learn basic signs to connect with their children, or when grandchildren use signs to engage with their grandparents. Sign language is a solution not just for academic inclusion, but for everyday dignity, a way for people with hearing impairment to express preferences, or simply laugh at a family joke. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To reflect on this more personally: when we ignore sign language, we silence people; when we embrace it, we amplify not only their voices but also our shared humanity. The choice before us is whether we want inclusion to remain a campaign slogan, or become the everyday fabric of Indias conversations. Simran Taneja is Research Assistant at Awareness for Community Transformation (ACT) Clinic, Jindal Institute of Behavioral Sciences, OPJGU; Angel Selvaraj is an Assistant Professor at Jindal Institute of Behavioral Sciences, OPJGU. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect News18s editorial stance. First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:35 IST News opinion Opinion | Speaking In Silence: Why Sign Language Must Be Part Of Everyday Conversation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | The High Cost Of Talent: How Trumps H-1B Fee Undermines Americas Future Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 14:37 IST American policymakers should rethink this barrier before innovation and prosperity slips away US President Donald Trump (Image: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP) A few months ago, I shared a late-night WhatsApp conversation with one of my friends, an Indian software engineer, on an H-1B visa. He had left his family in India to build algorithms that power our daily lives from the apps that navigate our commutes to the AI. America gave me wings to fly and I am satisfied and happy here," he said. But now, with President Donald Trumps recent executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, could deal a major blow to people like my Indian software engineer friend and some US industries that rely on skilled foreign workers. This is not just about visas, it is about the lifeblood of innovation in a world where talent knows no borders. Trump has defended the move as a measure to protect American jobs, but it hits a great blow to the US tech industry, which relies heavily on workers from India and China. With 71 per cent of all H-1B visas granted last year, India benefited the most from these visas. This fee, critics argue, could deter applicants and strain bilateral ties, prompting a swift rebuke from Indias external affairs ministry over its humanitarian consequences". Recommended Stories If the United States creates disincentives to attract the worlds smartest talent to the US, it risks squandering its innovative edge and stunting economic growth. By erecting financial barriers to global expertise, America is not just sidelining allies like India it is also dimming the very spark that has made America the envy of the world. This move could also hamper Americas position in the high-stakes artificial intelligence race with China. Just under 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024 and more than 70 percent of the visa holders were born in India. These workers are filling the talent gaps and keeping the firms competitive. Without them, companies like Microsoft and Amazon might offshore more operations, ironically exporting American prosperity. This fee could disrupt Indian families and dreams, echoing concerns from New Delhi about fractured households and lost remittances that bolster Indias economy. I recall a conversation with a Delhi-based entrepreneur who lamented how such policies echo colonial-era exploitationstaking the talent without reciprocity. The US has reaped enormous benefits from Indian ingenuity, from the co-invention of the USB to leadership at firms like Adobe. Penalising this flow feels not just shortsighted, but ungrateful. The fee could add billions in costs for employers, forcing smaller startups to fold or relocate. The next breakthrough and innovations might happen in Bangalore or Beijing instead of Boston. Empires decline not from external threats, but from internal complacencyclosing doors when the world demands openness. In an era of US-China tensions, India emerges as a strategic ally, with initiatives like the Quad alliance hinging on shared democratic values and technological collaboration. Imposing this fee risks alienating a partner crucial for countering authoritarian tech dominance. The H-1B system should be reformed thoughtfully, not punitively. Cap the programme if needed, but prioritise merit over lotteries, ensuring visas go to the highest-skilled applicants. Pour billions into STEM programmes at community colleges and universities to build a robust American workforce without excluding global talent. Foster deeper US-India partnerships. Expand joint research visas or create a talent corridor with reciprocal benefitsperhaps tax incentives for companies hiring from both nations. India could accelerate its own innovation hubs, but the US should lead by example, offering training exchanges that uplift workers everywhere. Address wage disparities head-on. Mandate transparency in H-1B salaries to prevent undercutting, and enforce labour protections rigorously. This is not about unrestricted immigration; it is about smart policy that balances equity with excellence. Finally, engage in bilateral dialogue to address the disruption suitably. Critics have long argued that H-1Bs undercut the American workforce. They say that the programme takes away highly paid jobs from American workers. Reforms must curb exploitation, ensuring visas arent a loophole for cheap labour. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Yet these concerns dont justify a blanket fee that could deal a blow to the tech industry and may prevent global talent from coming to the United States. In the end, America must reclaim its role as a beacon for the worlds brightest. Policymakers should rethink this barrier before innovation and prosperity slips away. The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:37 IST News opinion Opinion | The High Cost Of Talent: How Trumps H-1B Fee Undermines Americas Future Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Straight Talk | If Saudi Arabia Bets On Pakistan, India Has Plenty Of Options Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:53 IST If Riyadh wants to bet on Pakistans nuclear umbrella over Indias economic partnership, thats their choice. But they shouldnt be surprised when India explores other options Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (X @CMShehbaz) Saudi Arabias mutual defence pact with Pakistan may look dramatic, but its real driver is Riyadhs insecurity after Israeli strikes on Iran and Qatar. Yet, history shows Pakistan is a fickle ally. Ask America, which found Osama bin Laden sheltered in Abbottabad, or China, which publicly rebukes Islamabad for failing to protect its workers. Contrast that with India: Modi and MBS enjoy a warm personal rapport, bilateral trade is nearing the $45 billion mark, and India is ready to be a central player in Riyadhs energy and economic diversification goals. However, if the Saudis newfound tilt towards Pakistan threatens New Delhis core interests, India has levers of its own. Recommended Stories From ramping up crude imports from South America to deepening energy ties with Russia and Iran, India can easily recalibrate its energy security strategy. In partnering with Pakistan mostly due to the lure of Islamabads nukes, Saudi Arabia has made the wrong choiceand India can remind it where the real power balance lies. On September 17, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistans Shehbaz Sharif signed what they called a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement". The pact promises that any aggression against either country will be considered an attack on both. Pakistans defence minister went further, claiming the kingdom would now fall under Islamabads nuclear umbrella. Soon after, Khwaja Asif walked back on those remarks. The timing tells most of the story. This agreement came just eight days after Israel struck Hamas in Doha, shattering Qatars confidence in American protection. For Saudi Arabia, Israels strikes on Qatar served as an eye-opening experience, proving just how shallow American security guarantees can be. With Israeli aggression on the rise, Gulf monarchies are scrambling for new security arrangements. The old American guarantee suddenly looks shaky. Enter Pakistan, the worlds only nuclear-armed Islamic state, offering protection at a discount. Pakistans track record as an ally reads like a manual on betrayal. When America needed help fighting terrorism, Pakistan sheltered Osama bin Laden for six years in Abbottabad. The compound was less at a stone-throw distance from Pakistans premier military academy. Either Pakistani intelligence was criminally incompetent, or they were complicit. China learned this lesson the hard way. Despite pouring $25 billion into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing now publicly scolds Islamabad for failing to protect Chinese workers. In 2025 alone, seven Chinese personnel have been killed in suicide bombings. China has been forced to deploy its own private security forces on Pakistani soil for the first time. When your iron brother" cannot even guarantee basic safety, what good is a defence pact? Pakistans domestic situation makes it an even worse bet. The country is financially crippled, politically unstable, and plagued by its only functioning industryterrorism. Compare this with Indias trajectory. Bilateral trade between New Delhi and Riyadh hit $41.88 billion in 2024-25. India is Saudi Arabias second-largest trading partner. More importantly, the relationship is built on genuine strategic convergence, not desperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have developed a personal rapport that transcends transactions. Modi calls him brother". MBS has committed $100 billion in Indian investments across sectors from energy to technology. The energy partnership alone dwarfs anything Pakistan can offer. Saudi Arabia is Indias third-largest crude supplier, providing 14 per cent of Indias oil imports. The two countries are jointly building refineries in India. They are also working on green hydrogen cooperation. Meanwhile, Indias 2.6 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia is the kingdoms largest expatriate community, contributing significantly to the Gulf nations labour market. Yet, if Saudi Arabia thinks it can play both sides, India has news for them. New Delhi has already diversified its energy portfolio in ways that should make Riyadh nervous. Russian oil now accounts for over 35 per cent of Indias crude imports. India saved up to $25 billion by buying discounted Russian crude during the Ukraine war. American oil imports to India jumped 51 per cent in the first half of 2025. India is exploring partnerships with Brazil, West Africa, and other suppliers. The Iran card remains Indias strongest leverage. Before American sanctions in 2018, Iran was Indias second-largest oil supplier. Tehran offered India credit terms of up to 60 days, free shipping, and significant freight discounts. The $500 million Chabahar port project gives India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan entirely. If Saudi Arabia wants to align with Pakistan against Indian interests, New Delhi can simply restore its energy partnership with Tehran. Iran would welcome Indian investment in its sanctions-hit economy. Saudi Arabias Pakistan gambit reflects the kingdoms fundamental misreading of regional power dynamics. Riyadh seems to believe that nuclear weapons automatically translate into influence. But Pakistans bomb hasnt prevented terrorism, insurgency, or economic collapse. It hasnt deterred India from striking at the heart of Pakistan, or made China respect Pakistani sovereignty. Nuclear weapons without economic strength, political stability, and institutional competence are just expensive liabilities. The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact may formalise a decades-old relationship, but it also reveals the kingdoms strategic confusion. Vision 2030 requires technological partnerships, investment flows, and market accessthings India provides and Pakistan cannot. Aligning with a financially desperate state facing internal strife makes little sense for a country trying to diversify its economy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India has responded to the development with quiet confidence and not panic. The relationship with Saudi Arabia remains valuable, but its not irreplaceable. New Delhi has spent years building alternative partnerships precisely for moments like this. If Riyadh wants to bet on Pakistans nuclear umbrella over Indias economic partnership, thats their choice. But they shouldnt be surprised when India explores other options. The fundamental question for Saudi Arabia is simple: does it want a strategic partner or a security dependent? Pakistan offers the lattera client state that will promise protection in exchange for financial lifelines. India offers the formera genuine partnership based on shared interests and mutual benefit. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman built his reputation on bold vision and strategic thinking. The pact with Pakistan suggests both qualities are fading. About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:53 IST News opinion Straight Talk | If Saudi Arabia Bets On Pakistan, India Has Plenty Of Options Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:20 IST 1 / 7 We often hear stories of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) aspirants who achieve the significant feat of qualifying for this tough examination through sheer determination and hard work. Today, let us take a look at the success story of Geetika Tamta from Uttarakhand and how she cracked UPSC to become an IFS officer. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) + Follow us On Google 2 / 7 A resident of Nainital, Tamta made a resolution to study hard during the New Year celebrations of 2021 in Mukteshwar. She adhered to her resolution for some time. However, like many others, she got distracted by social media. Realising she was drifting away from her goal, Tamta decided to delete all her social media accounts on January 15, 2021. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 7 She increased her study time significantly. Subsequently, festivals and social events with friends and family became distractions for her. On February 18, 2021, she attended her last family function, and in April 2021, she got a whiteboard to establish a plan of action for her studies. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) 4 / 7 Later that year, she moved to Delhi to study in a better environment. Reportedly, Tamta was under a lot of stress due to family issues. But after relocating to Delhi, she began paying attention to her mental and physical health. In May 2021, she returned to Nainital as the UPSC prelims were postponed due to the second wave of Covid-19. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 7 Tamta started preparing for her UPSC mains exam on October 13, after taking her prelims on October 10, 2021. After passing her prelims, she organised her schedule to concentrate better on her studies for the mains. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) 6 / 7 In January 2022, her family moved to Dehradun, and she returned to Delhi. After taking the mains exam in Delhi, she went back to Dehradun. She participated in numerous mock interviews to prepare for her UPSC interview in Delhi. (Image: @giaifs/Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT Bihar Polls: Owaisi Pushes For Alliance With Mahagathbandhan, BJP Hints RJD-Congress Rift Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 13:42 IST Amit Malviya said Rahul Gandhi's repeated visits to Bihar and the full activism of Congress clearly indicate that Congress does not want to remain dependent on the RJD. BJP leader and Patna MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Bihar is aimed at securing more seats from the RJD. (PTI file) AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday said his party wants to join the Mahagathbandhan for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The Hyderabad MP said the AIMIM has written a letter to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, seeking six seats to contest. Recommended Stories Now its up to them to decide. If they dont agree, then the people of Bihar will see who is actually with the BJP. We have made every effort. The rest will be clear once the list is released," he said. In 2020 polls, AIMIM won five seats in Bihars Seemanchal region. However, four AIMIM MLAs later defected to the RJD. Meanwhile, the BJP hinted at a rift between the RJD and Congress over the chief ministerial face. The BJP alleged that Congress does not want to declare Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan CM face. BJP leader and Patna MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Bihar is aimed at securing more seats from the RJD. He also said Congress has still not officially stated that Tejashwi will be the Chief Minister. BJP leader Amit Malviya also said there seems to be a general consensus among Congress and its Mahagathbandhan allies that Tejashwi will never be declared the CM face. The Congress CWC meeting in Bihar has brought several messages for the Mahagathbandhan. Firstly, this meeting was attended by the same Congress leaders who have continuously insulted Bihar and its people and made derogatory remarks. The Congress CWC meeting, happening for the first time in Bihar since independence, is, in fact, the final nail in the coffin of Tejashwi Yadavs dream of becoming the Chief Minister," he wrote on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Malviya said Rahul Gandhis repeated visits to Bihar and the full activism of Congress clearly indicate that Congress does not want to remain dependent on the RJD. It is putting in all its strength to establish itself as a parallel force to RJD in Bihar. This move by Congress is exactly like the one where it distanced itself from the Aam Aadmi Party after the Delhi elections. The same story is being repeated in Bihar, and it is clear that RJD and Congress may take separate paths even before the elections. This division is certain after the elections," he said. Both coalitions the ruling NDA and the Mahagathbandhan have not yet announced seat-sharing agreements. Elections in Bihar are likely to take place in October-November. 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 First Published: September 24, 2025, 13:42 IST News politics Bihar Polls: Owaisi Pushes For Alliance With Mahagathbandhan, BJP Hints RJD-Congress Rift Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Citing Police's 'Miserable Failure', Madras HC Orders CBI Probe Into K Armstrong Murder Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 19:17 IST The court passed the order while allowing a petition filed by Armstrongs brother, who argued that the Chennai Police had failed to properly investigate the case Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president K Armstrong. (File photo via X/@UrbanShrink) The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president K Armstrong. The court also slammed the Greater Chennai Police, who have been investigating the case for over a year, calling their efforts a miserable failure" for not following basic investigation procedures. Recommended Stories K Armstrong, 52, a Dalit leader, was hacked to death by an armed gang in Chennais Perambur area in July 2024. He was attacked by a group of eight men armed with machetes and knives. Police have linked the murder to gang rivalry and the 2023 killing of gangster Arcot" Suresh. Justice P Velmurugan issued the order after allowing a petition filed by Armstrongs brother, K Immanuvel, who argued that the Chennai Police had failed to properly investigate the case. The judges main criticism was the polices failure to conduct an identification parade, a routine procedure where eyewitnesses identify suspects from a lineup, The Indian Express reported. Armstrongs brother, Veeramani, who survived the attack with stab wounds, had told police he could identify the assailants. Other witnesses at the scene included a driver, a real estate broker, and construction workers. Despite this, the police mainly relied on CCTV footage and deemed the identification parade unnecessary. When Additional Advocate General P Kumaresan said photos of the accused had already been widely circulated in the media, making the parade unnecessary, Justice Velmurugan responded, Was the media the eyewitness to the crime? Media may publish any picture for TRP." The judge also pointed out that many acquittals in India are due to poor police investigations rather than lack of evidence, calling Armstrongs case a classic example" of this. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The police investigation involves 30 accused, including family members and associates of gangster Suresh. The chargesheet, reportedly 7,087 pages long, details weapons seized such as crude bombs, a pistol, knives, and cash totalling Rs 63 lakh. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of 80 officers was formed to handle the case. Currently, 27 accused remain in judicial custody. One accused died during the investigation, while the prime suspect, Nagendran, is imprisoned in Vellore. 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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 19:17 IST News politics Citing Police's 'Miserable Failure', Madras HC Orders CBI Probe Into K Armstrong Murder Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A shared future (People's Daily App) 13:15, September 24, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping first proposed the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity in March 2013. What does a shared future mean in the world we are living in today? How has this concept transcended borders and been translated into projects that benefited people from different countries? Watch this video for the answers. (Interns Lou Tianqi, Fu Yang and Wu Jiahao contributed to the video) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) What Triggered The Ladakh Protests? 4 Killed In Violent Clashes, Sonam Wangchuk Calls Off Fast Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:25 IST The Ladakh Apex Body youth wing called for the protest after two of the 15 people on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were hospitalised as their condition deteriorated Smoke rises from a police vehicle that was torched by demonstrators near the BJP office in Leh on September 24. (Image: Tsewang RIGZIN/AFP) Four people were killed and at least 45 injured, including 22 police personnel, as the protests demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent on Wednesday. Amid large-scale violence, arson, and street clashes, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his fortnight-long hunger strike to press for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh. Recommended Stories The BJP office was vandalised and set on fire as were several vehicles. Flames and clouds of smoke could be seen from afar with police resorting to firing and teargas shelling to bring the situation under control. According to officials, the administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS to ban the assembly of five or more people. Besides, Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag was booked for allegedly making a provocative speech at the hunger strike venue on Tuesday (September 23). WHY DID THE PROTESTS TAKE PLACE? The Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) youth wing called for the protest after two of the 15 people, who were on a 35-day hunger strike since September 10, were hospitalised as their condition deteriorated on Tuesday evening. Sonam Wangchuk said the fact that Tsering Angchuk (72) and Tashi Dolma (60) were taken to a hospital was most likely the immediate trigger for the violent protest. Those on hunger strike were pushing the Centre to resume dialogue in support of their four-point demand statehood, extension of Sixth Schedule, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil and reservation for employment. Wangchuk said the situation is the outcome of frustration among the youth because they have been kept away from jobs. He said there is no democracy in Ladakh and the Sixth Schedule promise made to the public has not been fulfilled either. A fresh round of talks is scheduled between the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and Ladakh representatives, comprising members of the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6. The two bodies have been jointly spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of their demands and have held several rounds of talks with the Centre in the past. WHAT DID SONAM WANGCHUK SAY? The default face of the hunger strike for statehood in Ladakh, Wangchuk stepped in with an appeal and an announcement that he was cutting short the fast. I request the youth of Ladakh to stop the violence forthwith as it only causes harm to our cause and further deteriorates the situation. We do not want instability in Ladakh and the country," he told his supporters. This is the saddest day for Ladakh and for myself personally because the path we are treading for the last five years was peaceful We held hunger strikes on five occasions and walked from Leh to Delhi but today we are seeing our message of peace failing because of the incidents of violence and arson." He appealed to the administration to stop firing teargas shells and urged the government to be more sensitive. We are ending our fast immediatelythe aim of the hunger strike is not fulfilled if our youth lose their lives. It is time to carry forward the dialogue with a cool mind. We will keep our agitation non-violent and I also want to ask the government to listen to our message of peacewhen the message of peace is ignored, such a situation arises," he said. WHAT DID THE GOVT SAY? Government sources said the Centre is committed to the welfare and empowerment of Ladakhi people and stands with the youth but the situation did not spiral on its own and was deliberately engineered. In a statement from the ministry of home affairs (MHA), the Centre squarely blamed Wangchuk for the situation and said he made provocative statements drawing comparisons with the Nepal Gen Z protests and Arab Spring. There is a high possibility that he could be booked for inciting mob violence, the sources said. Ladakh and its youth are paying a huge price for the narrow politics of certain individuals and the personal ambition of Wangchuk, they said. The sources said the Centre had already fixed October 6 for the meeting between the high-powered committee and issues posed by LAB and KDA. It agreed on the new members for the committee as proposed by LAB, they said. Wangchuck has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring-style protest in Ladakh, the sources said. His reference to the Nepal protests seems like a blueprint and he has used this platform for his personal issues to hide certain irregularities coming to light now, they said. Congress leaders made statements that sounded like instructions talk of stone pelting, bandhs, and arson, they said. The youth are not to be blamed as they were misled and caught in a sinister plot for political and personal gain, they added. WHAT IS THE CONSTITUTIONS SIXTH SCHEDULE? The Constitutions Sixth Schedule, meant for the tribal population of the four northeast states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam, makes special provisions in terms of governance, powers of president and the governor, type of local bodies, alternate judicial mechanisms and financial powers exercised through autonomous councils. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LADAKH Ladakh, the cold desert region of India, known for its scenic beauty and strategic location as it borders both China and Pakistan. It is a sparsely populated and high-altitude area, which is home to some 3,00,000 people. Around half of the residents are Muslim and about 40 percent are Buddhist. Ladakh is classed as a union territory meaning that while it elects lawmakers to Parliament and directly governed by the central government. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian Army maintains a large presence in Ladakh. It was the scene of the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between India and China, which left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. The Narendra Modi-led government split Ladakh off from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, imposing direct rule on both. But New Delhi is yet to fulfil its promise to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which allows people to make their own laws and policies. 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, ... Read More Location : Ladakh, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:35 IST News politics What Triggered The Ladakh Protests? 4 Killed In Violent Clashes, Sonam Wangchuk Calls Off Fast Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Mamata Brought This Wrath When...': Political Storm Erupts Between TMC, BJP As Rain Batters Kolkata Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:24 IST Suvendu Adhikari said that the crisis was a curse from Ma Durga because Mamata Banerjee inaugurated Pujas before Devi Paksha and did so wearing a hijab. Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the Chief Minister was shifting blame to CESC and DVC, while ignoring forecasts and failing to act proactively. (Image: PTI/File) At least 10 people were killed in West Bengal following torrential overnight rain among the heaviest in four decades which left Kolkata and adjoining districts paralysed on Tuesday. Eight people died in Kolkata due to electrocution, while one death each was reported from Bishnupur (Amtala) and North 24 Parganas. The unprecedented rainfall over 300 mm in just a few hours, according to government figures brought air, rail, and road traffic to a standstill, forced the closure of schools and colleges, and prompted the state government to advance the Durga Puja holidays. Recommended Stories Speaking exclusively to News18, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim said: This kind of unprecedented rain, I have never seen in my life. No sewerage system in the world could have handled this situation. Still, our workers have done their best." Opposition vs Government The situation has triggered a sharp political face-off. Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari accused the Trinamool Congress government of negligence, posting: EXPOSED: Mamata Banerjees shameless lies and incompetence The IMD had issued an orange warning for very heavy rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal. Yet the government did nothing to prepare. This is not an act of God, its a failure of leadership." Adhikari alleged that the Chief Minister was shifting blame to CESC and DVC, while ignoring forecasts and failing to act proactively. He went as far as to claim that the crisis was a curse from Ma Durga" because Mamata Banerjee inaugurated Pujas before Devi Paksha and did so wearing a hijab comments that further inflamed the political war of words. BJPs Amit Malviya, too, echoed the same on X. Mamata Banerjee brought this wrath upon Kolkata when she inaugurated Hatibagan Sarbojanins 91st Durga Puja wearing a hijab.Would she ever dare to wear Hindu symbols while attending an Islamic function? If Kolkata and Hindu Bengalis dont wake up to this menace of brazen pic.twitter.com/7k31TteWAF Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 23, 2025 TMC leaders have dismissed these remarks. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: What do you mean by unprecedented? Even Mumbai and other cities get flooded. These are natural calamities." Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, condemned attempts to politicise the disaster: Some people are making political comments over this disaster this should not be done. Even after the massive landslides in Uttarakhand or floods in Delhi and Maharashtra, we never said a word. But remember, nature is not in our control. There is a limit to civility." The CESC Controversy Electrocution deaths have also triggered a blame game between the government and CESC, the private utility that supplies electricity to Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee said she had spoken to CESC Chairman Sanjiv Goenka and asked the company to ensure safety around exposed wires and to provide Rs 5 lakh compensation to the victims families. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all CESC, however, issued a statement clarifying its position: As a matter of abundant caution, considering public safety and extreme waterlogging, supply to certain areas has been proactively switched off. Power will be restored only when water recedes to safe levels. Street light poles and traffic lights are not owned, maintained or managed by CESC. Our teams are working round the clock in coordination with authorities." Power cuts continue in parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department has forecast improvement in the weather over the next 2448 hours, but with the Durga Puja season approaching, the political storm shows no signs of abating. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:24 IST News politics 'Mamata Brought This Wrath When...': Political Storm Erupts Between TMC, BJP As Rain Batters Kolkata Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RJD Leaders Again Abuse PM Modi And His Late Mother During Rally In Bihar, BJP Hits Back Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 12:22 IST As the video is going viral, the BJP Youth Wing filed a complaint with the police demanding action against the culprits. PM Narendra Modi with his late mother Heeraben. (Image: News18/File) As the political mercury in Bihar is rising ahead of the polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that once again, abusive language has been used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during RJDs rally in Bihars Samastipur. After incidents in Darbhanga and Mahua, a similar video has now surfaced from Samastipur. It is reported that this video was recorded on September 20 during Tejashwi Yadavs Bihar Adhikar Yatra. Recommended Stories As the video is going viral, the BJP Youth Wing filed a complaint with the police demanding action against the culprits. Allegations state that obscene language was used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother during this yatra. Responding to the incident, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modis late mother was abused by the RJD workers in Samastipur in Bihar. Sharing a media report, Poonawalla claimed that this was the fourth instance of abuses hurled at PM Modis mother. He alleged that the RJD workers used derogatory language in front of a microphone and a camera. Once again, PM Narendra Modi jis mother has been abused. This is the 4th instance Congress rally at Darbhanga Congress official handle tweets deep fake video abuse by RJD leaders with Tejashwi ji on stage -now abuse by RJD workers in front of a mic and camera. Is it a sanyog (coincidence)? No. Maa ka apman Indi alliance ki pehchaan (Insult to mother is the identity of the INDIA bloc)," he wrote on X. The X post added, PMs mother was also abused in Samastipur: Youth carrying RJD flag insulted the Prime Minister, demanding action from SP." Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Sunday slammed the alleged objectionable remarks made during a rally addressed by Tejashwi Yadav, saying that the leadership of the RJD "has become unrestrained." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The way in which wrong words have been used for Prime Minister Modis mother in the INDIA alliance and Tejashwi Yadavs rally. You (RJD) say that one of your workers said it, but if you no longer have trust in your workers, then it means that your leadership has become unrestrained." (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, ... Read More First Published: September 24, 2025, 12:22 IST News politics RJD Leaders Again Abuse PM Modi And His Late Mother During Rally In Bihar, BJP Hits Back Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Russia Is A Bear': Kremlin Reacts To Donald Trump's 'Paper Tiger' Comment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 21:55 IST The Kremlin rejected Trump's "paper tiger" comment, insisting Russia is a bear. Trump said Russia's Ukraine war shows weakness and urged Ukraine to fight back. Trump also extended support to Ukraine and said the US will continue to supply weapons to NATO, which would deliver them to Kyiv. (Image: Reuters/File) The Kremlin reacted strongly to US President Donald Trumps paper tiger" remark, and said Russia is a bear and there are no paper bears". In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years with Ukraine, and it is very much making them look like a paper tiger." Recommended Stories In a pivotal shift from his earlier stance, the US president said he thinks that Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, has a chance to win all territories that Russia has been occupying since 2022. He hinted that Russias economy is in big trouble and called on Ukraine to act now. After gaining a thorough understanding of the military and economic situation in Ukraine and Russia, and considering the economic troubles it is causing Russia, I believe Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and win back all of Ukraine in its original form Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger," he said. Trumps remark came after he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump also extended support to Ukraine and said the US will continue to supply weapons to NATO, which would deliver them to Kyiv. When the people living in Moscow, and all of the Great Cities, Towns, and Districts all throughout Russia, find out what is really going on with this War, the fact that its almost impossible for them to get Gasoline through the long lines that are being formed, and all of the other things that are taking place in their War Economy, where most of their money is being spent on fighting Ukraine, which has Great Spirit, and only getting better, Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that!" the US president wrote on Truth Social. 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 Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: September 24, 2025, 14:37 IST News politics 'Russia Is A Bear': Kremlin Reacts To Donald Trump's 'Paper Tiger' Comment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... OnePlus 15 Design Teased With New Camera Module Ahead Of 2025 Launch: All Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 23, 2025, 13:37 IST OnePlus 15 launch is expected soon and the new teaser gives us a closer look at the rumoured flagship device. OnePlus 15 design seems to have close resemblance to the 13s The OnePlus 15 launch is getting closer and yes, the company is very likely to skip the 14 number for various reasons this year. OnePlus 15 is heavily tipped to feature a major redesign and some of the rumours have been addressed in a recent teaser where the OnePlus 15 rear panel is on full display. The design change has been revealed with latest OnePlus 15 leaks which shows the brand going for a square camera module. Even the whole frame looks to be flatter and more like the OnePlus 9 or 10 series rather than OnePlus 12 or even 13 models. Recommended Stories OnePlus 15 Design Teaser: What It Shows The cheeky OnePlus 15 teaser was on the sidelines of the e-sports event in China where a group of gamers decided to take a selfie, with what looks like the upcoming OnePlus device. The image here was posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo, and you can clearly see the new look camera island which seems to be a bigger version than the one on the 13s model. The main difference is in the size of the camera sensors which means the module covers a large chunk of the panel at the back. OnePlus 15 Launching Soon: What We Expect? The company is likely to adopt the silicon carbon tech once again which should allow them to offer a 7,000mAh or higher battery unit with the device. It is rumoured to be using more durable build quality which could make it stronger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max model. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But the biggest change with OnePlus 15, besides the design, could be the actual camera system. The brand has parted ways with Hasselblad and is working on its in-house camera engine that is likely to be part of the OnePlus 15 hardware list. OnePlus has shown its evolution into a premium brand but its cameras have been an Achilles heel that needed a better solution. The OnePlus 15 could be part of that changing face for the brand and we could see it launch in China in the next few weeks. OnePlus is also expected to launch the model in India probably by early next year. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More First Published: September 23, 2025, 13:37 IST News tech OnePlus 15 Design Teased With New Camera Module Ahead Of 2025 Launch: All Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chinese Businesswoman Pays Rs 3.4 Crore For Her Lover's Divorce, Demands It Back After A Year Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 20:14 IST The businesswoman reportedly fell for her younger, married subordinate and gave him Rs 3.4 crore for his divorce. She demanded it back after parting ways with him a year later. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Zhu, who operated a company in Chongqing, fell for a younger subordinate and had an affair with him, despite both being married. (AI Generated Image) A Chinese businesswoman reportedly fell for her younger married subordinate and gave him three million yuan (Rs 3.4 crore) for his divorce and compensation for his wife. The bizarre love saga took a twist as the woman demanded her money back after living with him for a year, realising they were incompatible. The case came to the spotlight during a trial at a court in Chinas Chongqing, where the ruling mandated that the man and his ex-wife return the funds. However, a second trial overturned the verdict, as reported by the South China Morning Post, citing local media. Recommended Stories According to the information, the businesswoman, Zhu, operated a company in Chongqing and became interested in an employee, identified as He, when he joined the company. Even though both were married, they soon began an affair. Zhu and He planned to divorce their respective spouses to spend a new life together. Zhu transferred three million yuan (Rs 3.4 crore) to the woman, identified as Chen, on Hes behalf as compensation for her and the upbringing of their child. However, Zhu and He decided to part ways after living together for a year, stating that they were not suited for each other. Zhu subsequently took He and Chen to court, demanding the return of the three million yuan she paid for his divorce. What Did The Court Say? In the first trial, the court sided with Zhu by arguing that the funds violated public order and good customs. He called the compensation an invalid gift" and ruled that the money should be refunded. However, Chen and He filed an appeal, after which an upper-level court deemed that Zhu had not provided sufficient evidence to prove that she had gifted the money to Chen. The appellate court stated that the money was classified as a payment made on Hes behalf for divorce compensation and child-rearing expenses. Additionally, the court noted that Zhu showed a lack of integrity by demanding the return of the funds after Hes divorce, a process she had hastened with her financial support. It overturned the original verdict, which removed the obligation to return Zhus money. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the case has gone viral on Chinese social media handles, where users criticised Zhu. It is absurd to spend three million yuan to facilitate a male subordinates divorce," a user was quoted as saying by SCMP. It is unreasonable for her to disrupt another persons marriage and then demand the money back after the divorce," another wrote. A third person commented, One must secure a handsome husband; who knows, maybe one day hell catch the attention of a wealthy woman, and you could become rich overnight." About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Beijing, China First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:14 IST News viral Chinese Businesswoman Pays Rs 3.4 Crore For Her Lover's Divorce, Demands It Back After A Year Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal: Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron And HR Chief Were Not Dating At All? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:12 IST Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot lost their Astronomer jobs after a viral kiss cam moment at a Coldplay concert, sparking affair rumors. Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron appeared on the big screen at Coldplays concert. (Image: Instagram) Former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his companys exChief People Officer Kristin Cabot insist they were just friends" when they were caught in a compromising embrace on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert, even as the fallout from the viral fiasco cost both their high-profile jobs. The incident unfolded on July 16 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, when the stadiums jumbotron panned to Andy Byron, 51 and Kristin Cabot, 52, locking arms during the bands Music of the Spheres World Tour. Startled by the camera, the pair awkwardly ducked out of view, fueling speculation of an affair. Recommended Stories Coldplay frontman Chris Martin even cracked a quip after the embrace flashed on screen, saying, Either theyre having an affair or theyre just very shy." But a source close to Kristin Cabot told People magazine, There was no affair. Kristin and Andy had an excellent working relationship, a great friendship. It was inappropriate to be hugging your boss at a concert, and she accepts full responsibility for it. But the scandal, the downfall, the loss of the job- all of that is unfair." Both executives resigned from the AI-centric New York firm soon after the kiss cam clip went viral, with Andy Byron stepping down the next day and Kristin Cabot following less than a week later. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The drama spilled into Kristin Cabots personal life as well as in August she filed for divorce from her husband, Andrew Cabot, a sixth-generation heir to the Privateer Rum fortune. Though separated before the incident, Andrew Cabot had been abroad on a business trip to Japan during the concert and only learned of his wifes public embrace after returning home. Adding to the bizarre twist, the source told the outlet claimed Andrew Cabot was also at the Coldplay show- on a date with another woman. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:12 IST News viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal: Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron And HR Chief Were Not Dating At All? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistani-Origin Viral Influencer Fan Zihe Marries Her Longtime Follower In China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 15:40 IST Fan Zihe, a Pakistani-born influencer, married early fan Lyu Xiaoshuai, captivating millions with her unique life story. Photos and livestreams from their wedding showed the pair laughing together. (Image Credit: X) A Pakistani-born influencer who was adopted and raised by Chinese parents announced her marriage to one of her earliest online fans. Fan Zihe, 20, has become a household name on Chinese social media. According to Daxiang News, she was discovered abandoned in a cardboard box in Pakistan as an infant before being adopted by a childless Chinese couple working in the country. Her adoptive parents brought her home to rural Henan province, naming her Zihe" to symbolize longevity. Despite their modest means, they raised her with deep affection and support. Recommended Stories Fan Zihes life took a dramatic turn in late 2023 when a short video of her slurping noodles and praising them in a thick Henan accent went viral, amassing more than 1.4 million likes. The clip showcased not just her striking looks but also the warmth of her family life. The sudden fame quickly grew into a large following, now over 1.8 million, with fans captivated by her unique blend of Pakistani origins and rural Chinese upbringing. Since her breakout moment, Fan Zihe has shared daily glimpses of her farm life, often highlighting her adoptive parents and neighbors. She has also built a reputation for supporting her local community by helping villagers sell their produce online. Her humble authenticity set her apart from the glossy urban influencers that dominate Chinas social media, winning her widespread admiration. Fan Zihes Love Story Among her earliest fans was Lyu Xiaoshuai, who was instantly struck by her resilience and kindness." Over time, the two connected through mutual friends and gradually grew closer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lyu Xiaoshuai eventually left his job to support Fans online career, assisting with video production while also lending a hand on her familys farm. Their bond deepened, and after three years together, Fan Zihe announced on social media that the couple would marry on September 17. Photos and livestreams from their wedding showed the pair laughing together in modest, tradition-rooted celebrations, with decorations carrying personal touches. Fans on Chinese social media dubbed her a fairy tale princess" and urged Lyu Xiaoshuai to cherish their Henan princess." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 15:40 IST News viral Pakistani-Origin Viral Influencer Fan Zihe Marries Her Longtime Follower In China Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shooter Killed After Attack At US Immigration Facility In Dallas Leaves Several Wounded Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 18:38 IST ICE facility Dallas shooting leaves multiple injured; suspect seen on roof as police and federal agents respond. Officials have not yet released information about the suspect. (Pixabay Image for Representation) Federal agents and local police responded to an active shooter situation at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas, where multiple people were reported injured. According to Newsweek, at least three victims were critically wounded, with CPR administered to one individual as emergency crews worked frantically to stabilize the injured. The incident began when the suspect was seen firing from the roof of the facility. Tactical units and emergency vehicles rushed to the site as officers secured the perimeter and attempted to bring the situation under control. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Authorities later confirmed that the shooter was shot dead during the response. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released and officials have not commented on a possible motive. The investigation remains ongoing, with federal and local agencies working jointly at the scene. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 18:06 IST News world Shooter Killed After Attack At US Immigration Facility In Dallas Leaves Several Wounded Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Are US Work Permits For Foreign Students Now Under Threat After H-1B Visa Fee Hike? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 20:40 IST US Senator Chuck Grassley urged DHS to stop work authorisations for foreign students, citing risks and competition. The move, if implemented, would likely cover Optional Practical Training (OPT). Republican Senator Chuck Grassley urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt work authorisations for foreign students in the United States, warning that they compete against Americans" and pose security risks. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US Senator wrote, DHS needs 2 stop issuing work authorisations 2 student visa holders who compete against Americans. Its in direct violation of law & puts USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage. I sent a letter 2 DHS Scty Noem asking her to end work authorisations 4 foreign student visa holders." Recommended Stories The move, if implemented, would likely cover Optional Practical Training (OPT)- a program that allows international students to work in the US for 12 to 36 months after completing their degree. OPT has long been seen as a critical pathway for students seeking US careers, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Under current rules, foreign students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work off-campus in their first academic year, but can apply for work authorisation through OPT or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT provides up to 12 months of work authorisation, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates while CPT allows internships or practical training tied to coursework. Applications require approval from the students university and US immigration authorities, and jobs must be directly related to the students field of study. Chuck Grassleys remarks come days after the Donald Trump administration introduced sweeping changes to the H-1B visa system- raising the fee for new H-1B petitions to $100,000, effective September 21. Previously, fees for such petitions ranged between $2,000 and $5,000, but the administration said the fee hike is aimed at protecting American workers, curbing systemic abuse" of the program and prioritizing highly skilled professionals. Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are expected to be disproportionately impacted. Indian IT firms in particular face higher costs due to lower average wages compared to major tech firms. Some US technology companies and startups have warned that the change will make it harder to attract foreign talent. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Healthcare groups fear staffing shortages, especially in rural areas, where foreign doctors on H-1B visas are critical. Meanwhile, other nations, including China and Germany, are moving to attract talent amid uncertainty over US immigration policies. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:40 IST News world Are US Work Permits For Foreign Students Now Under Threat After H-1B Visa Fee Hike? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US musician Jacob Koller is performing a recital in Japan with an instrument that was saved from the atomic bomb, and donated to restorer Mitsunori Yagawa to promote peace What struck him most about Japan was the audiences listening skills. Even when I played in a restaurant, people maintained an attitude of absolute respect for the music, says Jacob Koller, 45, from his home in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture. In 2009, the U.S. pianist was welcomed in Tokyo as a rising jazz star: he had just collaborated with Terence Blanchard and reached the final of the Cole Porter Scholarship in Indianapolis. After his tour of Japan, he was supposed to return to the United States, but he didnt. Because if there was one thing Koller was good at, it was improvising. The Tokyo atmosphere seemed so different from what I was used to that I decided to stay. Between tours and concerts in Japan, Koller fell in love, had two children, and one day landed a gig in Hiroshima. I needed to rent a piano, and they gave me the contact information of someone who could help me, he recalls. Mitsunori Yagawa was not the typical supplier with whom he would haggle over prices before a performance. In his workshop in the Asaminami neighborhood, the renowned Japanese tuner kept seven pianos that had survived the roar of Little Boy the atomic bomb dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. After one of the many conversations we had, in 2021 he offered me the chance to play one of his instruments at the Atomic Bomb Dome, says Koller, referring to the concrete skeleton located at the epicenter of the explosion, a symbol of nuclear devastation that has been declared a World Heritage Site. This Wednesday, Koller will sit at one of these pianos to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the second atomic bomb that devastated Nagasaki, three days after the hell of Hiroshima. First, we will visit Shiroyama Elementary School, where 1,400 students died, explains the pianist. And in the evening, I will play a program at Brick Hall that includes classical works by pianist Rentaro Taki, old folk songs, Ko Matsushitas hymn For the Smiles of the Earth, and Rest in Peace his personal tribute to the thousands of victims who could not be identified. There will also be room for improvisation. I almost never read sheet music; I prefer to let myself be carried away by the energy of the moment. Just like that day, 16 years ago, when he decided to stay. Today, even more so. U.S. musician Jacob Koller poses in front of the Dome with a piano salvaged after the atomic bomb explosion, in an image from 2024. C J Gonzales (cortesia) For the 2021 concert, Yagawa lent him a Korean Horugel piano that still has fragments of glass from the explosion embedded in its wood. It has a very distinctive sound, Koller explains. The bass is very deep and resonant, while the treble has a sharp, almost ghostly tone. At first, his fingers couldnt handle the keys. During rehearsals, I was nervous; I couldnt handle the pressure. Some attendees at the Dome were reluctant to believe that it was a U.S. musician who would be paying tribute to the victims of a bomb dropped by the United States. I completely understand why they felt that way, but Yagawa encouraged me to keep going. He told me to listen to my heart and trust in my talent. Since then, Koller and Yagawa have collaborated on numerous concerts, including a performance at Tokyo National Stadium in front of 65,000 spectators. I have always been against war, and since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, I only support pacifist politicians, says Koller, whose YouTube channel has racked up millions of views. In my recitals with Yagawa, I cover a very diverse repertoire, from Japanese popular music to classical pieces, jazz standards, and pieces I composed myself. Kollers latest album, Prelude for Peace, is dedicated to his wife, Noriko, who recently passed away. Before she died, she left me a message on my phone asking me to continue playing for her in heaven. On the morning of August 6, 1945, Yagawas father was 26 years old and working as a firefighter. Although he was hit by the blast wave 800 meters from ground zero, he miraculously escaped unharmed, Yagawa says via video link from Hiroshima. My mother, who was at home, was unharmed as well. Yagawa was born in 1952 and has no memories of the war. My father began to drink frequently and was always lamenting: Whats the point of having survived? At school, where Yagawa learned to play the saxophone, a teacher recommended that he train as a piano tuner. He listened and went to work at Kawai, one of the countrys leading musical instrument companies. Eventually, I founded my own company, Yagawa Piano Factory & Workshop, he says, adding: I never tried to be a pianist. In 1998, the first hibaku piano arrived at his shop. Hibaku is the term in Japan for instruments connected to the atomic bomb and the memory of its victims, known as hibakusha. The only condition from the donating family was that I use it to promote peace, Yagawa recalls. We started in 2001 with a concert in Hiroshima, and the audiences response was overwhelming. His appearances in the press and on television allowed him to connect with other owners of hibaku pianos. All of these pianos needed repairs, but I always refused to restore them with modern parts that would detract from their original state, he affirms. I simply gave them a second life by adjusting the mechanics and preserving their status as witnesses to a crucial chapter in our history. U.S. musician Jacob Koller plays one of the pianos rescued from the explosion in Hiroshima. C J Gonzales (cortesia) Anyone who makes a reservation can visit the atomic pianos, as Yagawa calls them, which he sometimes decorates with paper cranes (orizuru) as a sign of respect. An instrument that does not make sound is a relic, reflects the 73-year-old restorer, who has turned his small shop into a cozy museum. Two of the seven hibaku pianos are always loaded in my truck, ready to go on tour. This year alone, he will have organized 270 recitals and workshops with the help of his team. In total, over this past quarter-century, more than 3,500 events have featured artists such as Herbie Hancock and George Winston. I take care of transporting them by road with a clear goal: for new generations to learn that war is never the solution. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Australia's ABC Ordered To Pay $145,000 To Journalist Fired Over Social Media Post On Gaza Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 20:16 IST Antoinette Lattouf was fired in 2023, just three days into a five-day contract, after reposting a Human Rights Watch video on Gaza on Instagram Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Journalist Antoinette Lattouf. (Image via X/@antoinette_news) Australias public broadcaster, ABC, has been ordered to pay $145,000 to journalist Antoinette Lattouf after she was unfairly dismissed over a social media post related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lattouf was fired in December 2023, just three days into a five-day casual contract with ABC, after reposting a Human Rights Watch video on Instagram about the Gaza conflict. She had added the comment, HRW reporting starvation as a tool of war." Recommended Stories Federal Court Judge Darryl Rangiah ruled that ABC broke employment law by terminating Lattouf partly because of her political opinions opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Speaking on Wednesday, Judge Rangiah said the broadcasters actions had serious consequences for Lattouf. He said that for many people, employment is not just about money but also about their sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth. The court ordered ABC to pay Lattouf $98,900, in addition to $46,100 already determined earlier this year. The total compensation of $145,000 must be paid within 28 days. Lattouf said ABC had spent more than $2 million of taxpayer money fighting her case. She stressed that the issue was never about money but about accountability and the integrity of the information our public broadcaster gives us". I hope the ABC takes this opportunity to restore credibility, regain trust, and re-establish integrity, because our democracy depends on a strong fourth estate," Lattouf said on social media. The final day in Lattouf v ABC.At 10.15am on Wednesday 24 September, Justice Rangiah will hand down his judgment on the penalty the ABC must pay for my unlawful sacking. Some thoughts. pic.twitter.com/lo8I1T12KJ Antoinette Lattouf (@antoinette_news) September 23, 2025 ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the broadcaster would continue to reflect on the courts findings" and acknowledged that lessons had been learned. We must be better," he said. The case has come amid international criticism of Israels war in Gaza, which has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Last month, a UN-backed body officially declared famine in parts of Gaza. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On September 16, UN investigators accused Israel of committing genocide" in Gaza, nearly two years after the conflict began following Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. (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, ... Read More Location : Australia First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:16 IST News world Australia's ABC Ordered To Pay $145,000 To Journalist Fired Over Social Media Post On Gaza Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Canadian Bank Employee Charged With Fraud For Unauthorised Viewing Of PM Carney's Accounts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 22:01 IST The 23-year-old employee of Canadas largest bank is also facing charges of unauthorised computer use, identity theft, and other related offences Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (IMAGE: Reuters) A 23-year-old employee of Canadas largest bank has been charged with fraud for allegedly accessing Prime Minister Mark Carneys personal accounts without authorisation, Canadian police said on Wednesday. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the individual, based in Ottawa, is also facing charges of unauthorised use of a computer, identity theft, and other related offences. Recommended Stories The charges come after a complaint was filed by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) over suspicious account access. According to RCMP spokesperson Erique Gasse, the accused allegedly consulted the personal data of Prime Minister Mark Carney" without approval. However, investigators currently do not believe the incident posed any threat to national security or to the prime ministers personal safety, Gasse said. In a statement to AFP, RBC spokesperson Cheryl Brean said the bank took immediate action" as soon as the suspicious behaviour was detected. She confirmed that the individual is no longer employed at the bank." Mark Carney, a former investment banker with Goldman Sachs, has held high-profile roles including governor of the central banks of both Canada and the UK. He entered politics in January and is currently serving as prime minister. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier this year, during a closely watched election campaign, Carney faced repeated calls from opposition leaders to reveal details about his personal financial holdings. He responded by stating that all his assets had been placed in a blind trust, in line with Canadas ethics regulations. (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, ... Read More Location : Canada First Published: September 24, 2025, 22:01 IST News world Canadian Bank Employee Charged With Fraud For Unauthorised Viewing Of PM Carney's Accounts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Denmark To Compensate Greenlandic Women For Decades Of Non-Consensual Contraception Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:58 IST Between the late 1960s and 1992, around 4,500 Greenlandic Inuit women were fitted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Locals wearing a traditional clothing made of pearl collar and seal hides participating the National Day in Nuuk, Greenland. (Representational image via AP) Denmark will compensate thousands of Greenlandic Inuit women who were subjected to decades of non-consensual contraception under a state-run campaign that lasted from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. The move comes after growing public pressure and the conclusion of an official inquiry into the practice, which involved around 4,500 women nearly half of all women of childbearing age in Greenland at the time being forcibly fitted with intrauterine devices (IUDs) without their knowledge or consent. Recommended Stories On Wednesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen travelled to Greenland to offer a formal apology during a ceremony in Nuuk, the territorys capital. In a message posted on social media after her arrival, Frederiksen called the moment an important marking" of a dark chapter in our shared history." It will be a very important moment for these women, obviously, but also for society as a whole," said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic MP in the Danish parliament told news agency AFP. Chemnitz described the apology as the second step" in a broader reconciliation process, after Frederiksen issued an initial written apology in August. The controversial contraception campaign, run by Danish authorities between 1966 and 1992, aimed to lower the Inuit birth rate. Many of the affected women were left infertile, and almost all suffered lasting physical or psychological trauma. The issue resurfaced after one of the victims publicly shared her story, followed by a 2022 podcast series that revealed the full extent of the programme. A joint investigation by the Danish and Greenlandic governments was launched and has now been completed. Reconciliation Fund To Compensate Discriminated Greenlanders In addition to the formal apology, Frederiksen this week announced the creation of a reconciliation fund" to provide compensation not only to the women directly affected, but also to other Greenlanders who faced discrimination due to their Inuit identity. Its very good news because my clients are not satisfied with just an apology," said lawyer Mads Pramming, who represents around 150 women suing the Danish state. The timing is good. She would not have been warmly welcomed if she hadnt suggested (the compensation) in advance," Pramming added. Chemnitz noted that Denmarks shift in tone may have been influenced by increased international interest in Greenland, especially from the United States. Its the external pressure, especially from the United States, that is forcing Denmark to increase its efforts," she said. Ive been an MP for 10 years and Ive never seen so much effort until now." The issue of forced contraception is one of several historic injustices in Denmarks relationship with its autonomous Arctic territory. Other grievances include forced adoptions and the removal of Inuit children from their families. Historian Astrid Andersen from the Danish Institute for International Studies noted a clear change in attitude. In the past, the Danish prime ministers have always been extremely reluctant to acknowledge injustices committed in Greenland. They argued there was nothing to apologise for," she said. A separate legal inquiry is ongoing to determine whether the contraception campaign could legally be defined as genocide. Its findings are expected in early 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At this point, it is important to many Greenlanders to mourn as a community and to have full recognition of this horrible thing that happened," Andersen added. (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, ... Read More Location : Denmark First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:58 IST News world Denmark To Compensate Greenlandic Women For Decades Of Non-Consensual Contraception Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Donald Trump Meets Shehbaz Sharif, Arab Leaders On UNGA Sidelines Amid Gaza Crisis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 08:04 IST Donald Trump met Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where they held an informal conversation after the Arab-Islamic Summit. Donald Trump meets Shehbaz Sharif, Arab leaders (Photo: AFP) US President Donald Trump met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. According to a statement by Sharifs office, he met Trump at the conclusion of the Arab-Islamic Summit, where they both engaged in an informal conversation". Recommended Stories At the venue, Trump also held a multilateral meeting on Gaza with a select group of leaders of Muslim countries, including Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE and Jordan. The talks explored potential diplomatic, political, and humanitarian options aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing war in Gaza, with participants deliberating on pathways toward de-escalation, ceasefire arrangements, and long-term stability in the region, IANS reported. WHAT TRUMP SAID OF HIS MEETING WITH ARAB LEADERS In his brief remarks at the beginning of the discussion, Trump said it was his most important meeting" of the day, and the goal was to end the war in Gaza soon. This is my most important meeting. Ive had important meetings. This is the one thats very important to me, because were going to end something that you have probably never started. We want to end the war in Gaza. We are going to end it. Maybe we can end it right now," he said. Earlier, during his address at the UNGA, Trump squarely blamed Hamas for rejecting the reasonable offers" to make peace and criticised countries that have recently recognised a Palestinian state. We cant forget October 7. As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body are seeking to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities," the US President said. Those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now. Just release the hostages now," he added. This comes as 10 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, have formally recognised a Palestinian state. ALSO READ | If Trump Wants Nobel Peace Prize, He Must End Gaza War, Says Macron top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: September 24, 2025, 06:59 IST News world Donald Trump Meets Shehbaz Sharif, Arab Leaders On UNGA Sidelines Amid Gaza Crisis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Donald Trump Tells NATO To Shoot Down Russian Jets Crossing Airspace In Fresh Jibe At Putin Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 07:49 IST When asked by reporters if he thought of NATO taking on Russian aircraft crossing their airspace, his response was Yes, I do. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Donald Trump said NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace on Tuesday and claimed that Ukraine can win back all territory, in sudden shift. The US President made the comments while speaking to reporters after meeting Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Yes, I do," Trump said when asked a question about NATO shoot-downs during his meeting with Zelenskyy. Recommended Stories NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte appeared to take a restrained approach, according to a report by US broadcaster CNN. Rutte said that the shoot-downs should depend on available intelligence regarding the threat posed by the aircraft". (This also includes) questions we have to answer like intent, armaments and potential risk to allies, forces, civilians or infrastructure. We will always assess the situation, assess the immediate threat the plane poses," Rutte told the broadcaster after a meeting of NATO states. First direct encounters between NATO and Moscow since the start of Ukraine war came recently following alleged incursions of Russian aircraft over Poland, Estonia and other nations. The CNN report said that the incursions tested the alliances preparedness and credibility in deterring Russia. Russian jets allegedly violated Estonian airspace which forced Tallinn to call for a meeting. Meanwhile, Trump suggested that Ukraine can go further than retaking its own territory that it has lost to Russia since the onset of the war in February 2022. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump said in a Truth Social Post after meeting Zelenskyy at the United Nations. Trump added that on top of being able to take back the country in its original form, Kyiv could maybe even go further than that!" although he did not elaborate on what he meant. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 07:39 IST News world Donald Trump Tells NATO To Shoot Down Russian Jets Crossing Airspace In Fresh Jibe At Putin Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Emerging Superpower': Finland Urges EU To Engage India, Not Club It With Russia, China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 13:47 IST Finland President Alexander Stubb said India has economy and demography on its side. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the West should not club New Delhi with Beijing and Moscow and must engage with India. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Finland President Alexander Stubb insisted that the West should not club India with Russia and China and said the West should engage with India. Western countries led by US have expressed their disapproval on many occasions of Indias close ties with Russia and trade relations of both nations following the war in Ukraine, with Indias crude oil purchases being a topic of concern, despite Indias support for bilateral dialogue to end the war. Recommended Stories Some multi-vectoral foreign policy is taking place there. I think, of course, Russia and China have a direct connection. In the early 1990s China and Russia had economies of the same size, but now China is over 10 times bigger. And actually, with its oil purchase, with its gas purchase, with its technological exchange, it does give the possibility for Russia to conduct the war, so theres a very close link there," said Stubb in an appearance on Bloomberg Podcasts. Then of course with India, India is a very close ally of the European Union and of course of the United States as well, so I wouldnt throw them in the same basket, but India is obviously an emerging superpower. Its got demography. Its got economy on its side, and I always argue that its very important for the West to engage India, work with them," he said. BIG STATEMENT Finland Prez Stubb: India is a very close ALLY of the EU & US." India is an emerging SUPERPOWER with demography & economy on its side." West must engage with India." pic.twitter.com/oVwfEA3ERW Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) September 24, 2025 Earlier on Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to echo similar sentiments in a conversation with Fox News journalist and conservative commentator Brett Baier. Zelenskyy appeared to differ with Baier that India was contributing" to the war in Ukraine referring to Indias crude oil purchases which New Delhi maintains it will continue to do in a manner that benefits Indians. I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it," Zelenskyy said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Ukraine Presidents comments on Fox appeared to differ from what US, major weapons supplier to Ukraine in its war against Russia, and President Donald Trump and his administration thinks. The US has accused India of funding the war in Ukraine and US President Donald Trump imposed tariff penalty for buying Russian crude oil. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : Helsinki, Finland First Published: September 24, 2025, 13:47 IST News world 'Emerging Superpower': Finland Urges EU To Engage India, Not Club It With Russia, China Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ex-Nepal PM's Wife Who Suffered Burn Injuries During Gen Z Protests Flown To India For Treatment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:47 IST Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of ex Nepal PM Jhalanath Khanal, was flown to New Delhi after suffering severe burns in violent Gen Z protests that rocked Kathmandu and left 74 dead. Nepal's former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal (R) and his wife Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar Khanal (L) faced attacks from protesters. Rabi Laxmi was rumoured dead but is alive and recovering from injuries. (IMAGE: AFP) Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who sustained serious burn injuries during violent Gen Z protests in Kathmandu earlier this month, has been flown to India for advanced medical treatment. During the September 9 protests, a section of the Gen Z agitators had set ablaze Jhalanaths house in Dallu. When the attack happened, the former Prime Minister was not present at his residence, but his wife was home. She sustained severe burn injuries as she could not escape in time. Recommended Stories Chitrakar was initially admitted to the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur, where she underwent emergency care for her injuries. As per news agency PTI, Chitrakar suffered 15 per cent burns. Her left hand was totally damaged, and she developed a chest infection as her lungs were affected by the smoke. These complications prompted medical professionals to seek specialised care outside of Nepal. On the advice of doctors overseeing her recovery, Chitrakar was transported to New Delhi for further treatment. The decision was based on the severity of her injuries and the need for advanced medical intervention that was not readily available in the country. Khanal served as the Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation from February to August 2011. Nepal Unrest Nepals political landscape was thrown into unprecedented turmoil earlier this month, as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned in the face of a furious and violent youth-led uprising that left 74 people dead and more than 2,100 injured. The protests, which began as a youth-led movement largely driven by Gen Z, were sparked by rising frustration over corruption, unemployment, and economic inequality. What started as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into the countrys deadliest violence in decades. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Protesters reportedly set fire to several key government buildings, including the complex that houses the prime ministers office, the Supreme Court, and the parliament. Commercial establishments like shopping malls, luxury hotels, and showroomsallegedly owned by individuals linked to corrupt politicianswere also targeted. (With inputs from PTI) 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) degre... Read More Location : Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:47 IST News world Ex-Nepal PM's Wife Who Suffered Burn Injuries During Gen Z Protests Flown To India For Treatment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Exports Terror, Bombs Own People: India Tears Into Pakistan At UNHRC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 08:20 IST The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also sharply criticised the Pakistani air force for carrying out strikes on its own people. Pakistani Army soldiers secure the area, following a militant attack on the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in Pakistan. (IMAGE: REUTERS) India responded to Pakistani provocations at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday by reminding its neighbour that it bombs it own citizens and exports terror to cause instability globally. A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India," Indian representative at the UNHRC, diplomat Kshitij Tyagi, said, in a video that is now going viral. Recommended Stories BREAKING: Indian Diplomat Kshitij Tyagi at UN Human Rights Council exposes Pakistan for bombing their own people in KPK yesterday apart from persecution, human rights violations and illegally occupying Indian territory. pic.twitter.com/SEaWsmQIzD IndiaWarZone (@IndiaWarZone) September 23, 2025 Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuing an economy on life support, a polity muzzled by military dominance, and a human rights record stained by persecution (and) perhaps once they find time away from exporting terrorism, harbouring UN-proscribed terrorists, and bombing their own people," Tyagi said, referring to the reports of a Pakistani Air Force strike in Matre Dara village, Tirah Valley, in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that led to a large number of civilian casualties. Tyagis remarks came when he was speaking during Agenda Item 4 of the UNHRC session. He was referring to the airstrike that was conducted in the wee hours of Monday morning where Pakistani fighter jets JF-17 dropped eight LS-6 bombs on the Matre Dara village. A report by DD News said that 30 people, including women and children, were killed in that attack. It also said that disturbing images of civilian bodies strewn about were seen in the aftermath of the strikes. The roots of insurgency in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) go back to the early 2000s, when Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters fleeing the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 sought refuge across the Durand Line. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud, turned the tribal belt into a hub of militancy, targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians alike. The Pakistani Army launched large-scale operations such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014 and Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad in 2017, claiming major successes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, according to BBCs reports from 2023, the TTP has regrouped after the Afghan Taliban takeover in 2021, with increased attacks in Khyber, Bajaur, and Waziristan. Analysts like Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center note that the insurgents now hold the initiative in many border districts, leaving the Pakistani Army struggling to regain control despite heavy deployments. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : Geneva, Switzerland First Published: September 24, 2025, 08:05 IST News world Exports Terror, Bombs Own People: India Tears Into Pakistan At UNHRC Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Five Charities Cut Off Ties With Britain's Duchess Of York Over Links With Epstein Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 07:49 IST Sarah Ferguson lost patronage from five charities after her email calling Jeffrey Epstein a supreme friend surfaced, prompting backlash over her ties to the convicted sex offender. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. (Reuters/File) Several charities on Monday severed their links with Britains Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, after reports emerged that she had described the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a supreme friend" in an email. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to a state prostitution charge in Florida. Recommended Stories The Guardian reported that Fergusons apology to Epstein followed an interview published in the Evening Standard in March 2011 in which she said that she had made a terrible, terrible error of judgment" in accepting 15,000 from the financier, a convicted sex offender, to pay off her debts, adding: I abhor paedophilia." According to the Sun, Ferguson, ex-wife of King Charles brother, Prince Andrew, had sent the apology message to Epstein in 2011, weeks after giving an interview in which she said she would never contact him again. In her apology email to Epstein, she called him as a steadfast, generous and supreme friend". The Telegraph reported James Henderson, her spokesperson at the time, as saying the email was sent after a really menacing and nasty" phone call from the sex offender, in which he had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice". Describing the phone call that prompted the email, Henderson told the Telegraph: People dont understand how terrible Epstein was. I can remember everything about that call. It was a chilling call and Im surprised anybody was ever friends with him given the way he talked to me." He said he would destroy the York family and he was quite clear on that. He said he would destroy me. He wasnt shouting. He had a Hannibal Lecter-type voice. It was very cold and calm and really menacing and nasty," he further said. He added: The pressure she was put under to protect her family must have been huge. I am sure there were legal actions. And this was long before the dukes life had been ruined by his association with Epstein. It was 14 years ago and everyone will do what they have to do to protect their family. Her family and children will always come first for her." According to CNN, Fergusons former spokesperson declined to comment on the charities action, having previously said that she sent the email to Epstein because she wanted to counter the threat that he might sue her for defamation. On Monday, five charities announced that the Duchess could no longer be one of their patrons. We were disturbed to read of Sarah, Duchess of Yorks, correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein," Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, the founders of one of the charities, the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said in a statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She was a patron but, in the light of the recent revelations, we have taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue to be associated with the charity," they said. In 2022. Prince Andrew was stripped of most of his titles and removed from royal duties due to his connections to the financier, while firms and charities also distanced themselves from him, CNN reported. Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 24, 2025, 05:05 IST News world Five Charities Cut Off Ties With Britain's Duchess Of York Over Links With Epstein Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Germany To America: How Donald Trumps Grandfather Started His Empire Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 17:11 IST At 16, Frederick Trump left Germany alone for a better life, reaching New York in 1885. He learned barbering but later opened restaurants and hotels in the western US Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Frederick Trump died of the Spanish flu in 1918, after which his wife, Elizabeth, continued the real estate business. (News18 Hindi/AP) Long before Donald Trump became a household name, his grandfather, Frederick Trump, a German from Bavaria, arrived in the United States seeking work. Years later, when he tried to return home, he was deported, setting the stage for the Trump familys American journey. Born on March 14, 1869, in the small village of Kallstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, Frederick hailed from a poor family. Recommended Stories At the age of 16, Frederick left Germany alone in search of a better life, eventually arriving in New York, USA, in 1885 where he learned barbering. Unsatisfied with this trade, he moved to Western America a few years later and opened restaurants and hotels during the gold mining boom. His establishment near a gold mine became popular among miners, and his biographer claimed he also ran a brothel, a point denied by Donald Trump. Why Was He Deported From Germany After accumulating considerable wealth in the restaurant and hotel business, Frederick returned to Germany in 1902 and married his childhood friend, Elizabeth Christ. However, due to his failure to complete military service, the German government did not permit him to stay permanently. Consequently, he returned to the United States with his wife. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump Familys Real Estate Roots Frederick then invested in real estate and other ventures in the United States. He died of the Spanish flu in 1918, after which his wife, Elizabeth, continued the real estate business. This business was later expanded by his son, Fred Trump, and subsequently by his grandson, Donald Trump. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 17:11 IST News world From Germany To America: How Donald Trumps Grandfather Started His Empire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... His body was lying in the double bed of the apartment he and his wife had moved to when he had to leave his hometown because he had lost his job. Georges Laurent Rivara shouldnt have died in Lausanne, nor should his last job have been as a lingerie salesman. He died on September 6, 1962, at the age of 46. Its most likely that he killed himself. He had lived most of his life in Geneva and had dedicated himself early on to the banking business. His nightmare had begun four years earlier in Spain. From the shadows, he had been the instigator of hundreds of financial crimes. The Rivara case, which broke out in late 1958, was one of the major financial scandals of the Franco dictatorship in Spain. This Thursday, a new book documenting the story will hit the bookstores: El agente suizo. Fuga de capitales en la Espana de Franco (or The Swiss Agent: Capital Flight in Francos Spain). Although the plot sounds right out of a detective novel, every element has been thoroughly documented, says its author Enrique Faes, a professor of social history and political thought at the distance university UNED. The historians research began with the 20 boxes of the Rivara case summary. I initially looked for it in the Bank of Spains archives, because the documents from the Spanish Institute of Foreign Currency must have been there, but I finally located it instead in the Economic Crimes Court Collection, in the General Administration Archives, he explains. He also accessed documents from the Swiss Ministry of the Interior held by the Archives Federales (Federal Archives). Besides that, he consulted 10 additional archives. And just when he thought he had reached the end, he even managed to interview the protagonists son. In the midst of the Spanish Civil War, Rivara began working at the Banque de Bilbao en Suisse a financial entity created in 1933 so clients of the Spain-based Banco de Bilbao could make deposits in Switzerland. The institution eventually became part of the Societe de Banque Suisse. It was 1951, and Rivara kept his position. Two years later, he made his first trip to Spain, which he would repeat in the following years with a doubly shady objective: first, to attract Spanish clients and convince them to open accounts in Switzerland without declaring them to the Spanish state, and then to visit these clients in person periodically to inform them of the status of their savings, securities and investments. Since the business was illegal, the company sent these clients an internal note urging them to take extreme precautions. It was almost an abbreviated secret agents manual, notes the 48-year-old historian. There were no documents with clients names written on them, and Rivara avoided being seen in public with them, and watched out for wiretapping. To be able to do his job, he equipped himself with a code system and had a few trusted people with whom he could leave documentation to be sent or received by mail. It was a widespread practice, Faes says. Generic testimonies from other bankers confirm this. The historian names two more agents, one of them working with wealthy Basque clients. It was an accessible and lucrative business. The last known photograph of Georges Rivara, taken soon before his death in 1962. CORTESIA DE LA FAMILIA RIVARA The Rivara case begins on November 30, 1958. An elegant man who spoke good Spanish, he walked out of Avenida Palace, his usual hotel when he stayed in Barcelona. Rivara got into his Opel Olympia Rekord and started it, but a vehicle blocked his way. An inspector from the Criminal Investigation Brigade opened the door, got in, and ordered him to drive to the Via Layetana police station. This was a feared location because of the torture that routinely took place there. Rivara didnt suffer any of it, but he was not able to keep silent either. The surveillance had been exhaustive. I was surprised to discover a certain sophistication among the Francoist police who fought against financial crimes; they were the first class of criminology students, explains Faes. At the police station, after just a few questions, Rivara broke the banking secrecy he was bound to by law in his home country. Who tipped off the Barcelona Criminal Investigation Brigade to start following him? The hypotheses ranged from a spurned lover Rivara might have had in Barcelona, to the commissions the police might charge depending on the eventual revenue the case brought to the state. The investigation was led by the highly professional Superintendent Arturo Ureta. His men searched the car trunk and found the envelope containing evidence that Rivara was working with client lists from Madrid, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. For the clients in Barcelona, investigators found out who to call: the prestigious notary Federico Trias de Bes. They went to his office, from there they asked him to call the police station and speak with Rivara, and it became clear that their alibi of a company they were about to set up together wasnt going to fly. The notary handed over the list of Barcelona clients. There were hundreds. Quite a few of them trusted their fate to Garrigues, a law firm with well-established international connections. Portrait of the policeman Arturo Ureta, at the end of the Spanish Civil War. Archivo General del Ministerio del Interior The case soon reached the desk of Jose Villarias Bosch, a judge for economic crimes whose work was carried out under a law passed during the Civil War aimed at supporting a self-sufficient war economy. Rivara was transferred to Madrid for further questioning at the General Directorate of Security (DGS). The investigation progressed rapidly in just a month, and Swiss diplomacy had little time to react. Villarias opened case files for each of the names that appeared on the lists. On December 12, Franco himself brought up the matter in his monthly meeting with his ministers. He asked the Minister of the Interior to report extensively on the police action that led to the investigation of these facts. What Minister Camilo Alonso Vega said is crossed out in the minutes of the meeting. It is also known that the Ministry of Commerce, headed by Alberto Ullastres, had explored the possibility of granting amnesty to the tax evaders in exchange for the repatriation of capital that the public coffers urgently needed. The evaders argued that they had opened these accounts abroad to gain easier access to foreign currency. But the proposal of a tax amnesty was never discussed. Document in which the Barcelona police report Rivara's arrest in November 1958. Archivo General del Ministerio del Interior Political and media control of the case went beyond control. The international press reported on it, using exaggerated figures. And then something happened that made it completely exceptional. On March 9, after the sentences were signed, the names of the 872 people implicated in the scandal were published in the Official State Gazette. Everyone could and still can find out the fine that was imposed on the tax evaders (it was less than expected) and how much money they had hidden away in Geneva. After legal consultations, Faes has been cautious in naming names: data protection laws and the right to ones honor have been used deliberately to restrict the study of the past. But the Official State Gazette (BOE) is posted online. And the list of tax evaders draws a possible map of what the geography of Spanish wealth was like in the late 1950s. They range from executives from the companies Grifols and Dragados to the father of former Catalan premier Jordi Pujol, enriched by currency smuggling; there were high-ranking officials of the Franco regime, and executives of the Swiss company Nestle in Spain. The Societe de Banque Suisses motto trust, security, discretion had been shattered. So had Rivaras future when he returned to Switzerland at the end of 1959. Although the company paid the fine of more than one million pesetas, he lost his job and his reputation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition From Glitch To Sabotage Claims: Trumps UN Escalator Halt Sparks Conspiracy Theories Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 20:24 IST Donald Trump and Melania Trump were briefly stranded on a halted escalator at United Nations headquarters, sparking online conspiracy theories. US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ride an escalator at UN. An escalator mishap at the United Nations headquarters briefly stalled Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump- an incident the US President mentioned in his speech to the General Assembly, which quickly triggered a wave of online conspiracy theories. The stoppage occurred as the US President and his wife entered the building through the delegates entrance and stepped onto the main escalator to the second floor. A White House videographer, walking backwards to film their arrival, had just reached the top when the escalator jolted to a halt. The sudden stop left the Trumps momentarily stranded before Melania Trump began climbing the stationary steps, with Donald Trump following close behind. Live broadcasts and clips rapidly circulated on social media, showing the unusual sight of the US President trudging up a frozen escalator. Recommended Stories What Donald Trump Said On The Incident Donald Trump referred to the incident several times during his address to world leaders. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle," he said, drawing laughter from the hall. He added, If the First Lady wasnt in great shape, she would have fallen. But shes in great shape. We both stood." The US President also faced a brief teleprompter failure during his speech, joking that the operator was in big trouble" and that he was speaking more from the heart." What UN Said On The Escalator Halt UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric attributed the stoppage to a safety mechanism. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function," he said, explaining that the system is designed to prevent clothing or objects from being caught in the machinery. The escalator was reset immediately after the Trumps reached the second floor. Conspiracy Theories Online Despite the explanation, speculation spread quickly online. Some users on social media accused UN staff of sabotage while conservative commentators suggested the stop was deliberate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted, If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately." On Fox News, host Jesse Watters claimed, They sabotaged him and they couldve hurt the First Lady." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 20:24 IST News world From Glitch To Sabotage Claims: Trumps UN Escalator Halt Sparks Conspiracy Theories Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Im A Huge Fan Of India: US Energy Secretary Urges New Delhi To Cut Russian Oil Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 23:39 IST US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US sees a bright future for ties with India but urged greater alignment on the Ukraine conflict. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright (Image Credit: ANI) US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he has opened discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on strengthening bilateral energy and trade cooperation, even as he pressed New Delhi to reconsider its purchases of discounted Russian crude. Chris Wright said the US sees a bright future" for ties with India but urged greater alignment on the Ukraine conflict. Recommended Stories President Trump wants nothing more than this war to end, and it would have the additional benefit of removing a source of friction. I am all in on energy and trade cooperation with India," Chris Wright said, adding that Washington and its allies are exploring creative ways" to put pressure on Moscow to halt the war. On Indias continued imports of Russian oil, Chris Wright said, India doesnt need to buy Russian oil. India buys Russian oil because it is cheaper. Nobody wants to buy Russian oil; they have to sell it at a discount. India has decided to make the trade-off to buy cheaper oil and look the other way, which is giving money to a guy whos murdering thousands of people every week." Chris Wright stressed that the US does not want to penalise India but hopes New Delhi will diversify its energy sources. America has oil to sell, so does everybody else. We dont want to punish India. We want to end the war, and we want to grow our relations with India," he said. Calling India an awesome ally," Chris Wright reiterated that Washington seeks to expand energy trade with New Delhi while ending the Ukraine conflict. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Im a huge fan of India. It is an awesome ally of America. But it is also buying Russian oil. We want to end the Ukraine war and I believe India also wants that," he said. The Donald Trump administration has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal duties on Indian goods, along with an additional 25 per cent levy tied to Indias Russian oil imports- bringing total duties to 50 per cent, among the highest globally. The US President has repeatedly accused India of fueling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" through discounted crude purchases, even while stopping short of imposing direct sanctions on New Delhi. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 23:39 IST News world Im A Huge Fan Of India: US Energy Secretary Urges New Delhi To Cut Russian Oil Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Mostly On Our Side': Zelenskyy Urges EU, Trump To Have 'Closer Relations' With New Delhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 09:09 IST Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to reject Fox News anchor Brett Baiers assertion that India was contributing to war in Ukraine. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands before commemorating children killed during Russia-Ukraine war in this 2024 file photo. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to reject the idea that India was contributing to the war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil and suggested that US and European Union can offer solutions pertaining to the energy sector that work for India. The Ukrainian President, leading his nation through a war that is set to enter its fourth in 2026, warned against withdrawing from Indians in conversation with conservative US-based broadcaster Fox News news host Brett Baier. Recommended Stories No, India is mostly on our side. We do have problems on energy but those can be managed." Zelenskyy told Baier when asked if he thought India and China were contributing to the war". The US has accused India of funding the war in Ukraine and US President Donald Trump imposed tariff penalty for buying Russian crude oil. India has responded by saying that it will take steps that serves its national interest and benefits its own people. The Ukrainian President appeared to accept that it is not in Chinas interests now to take a stance that is against Russia and said that Iran will never be on the side of Ukraine since it is against the US. Iran will never be on our side because it will not be on the side of the United States With China, it is more difficult because today it is not in their interest to not support Russia," Zelenskyy told Baier. He also said that the US President Donald Trump can manage" the issue with regards to energy and advised the European Union to build closer ties with New Delhi. He warned against withdrawing from Indians". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it," Zelenskyy said. (To) Europeans, make more close and strong relations with India. And I think we have to do everything (to) not to withdraw (from) Indians and they will change their attitude to Russian energy sector," he further added. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 08:46 IST News world 'India Mostly On Our Side': Zelenskyy Urges EU, Trump To Have 'Closer Relations' With New Delhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran Signs Deal With Russia To Jointly Build Small Nuclear Power Plants Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 18:31 IST Iran currently operates just one nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr, also built by Russia, with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Alexei Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom, meets with the head of the Iranian Atomic agency Mohammad Eslami in Moscow. (AFP photo) Russia and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly build small nuclear power plants across Iran, Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom announced on Wednesday. The agreement was signed in Moscow by Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran and the countrys vice president. Rosatom described the deal as a strategic project", according to a report from Reuters. Recommended Stories The plan marks a significant step in Irans long-term goal of expanding its nuclear energy capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2040. Iran currently operates just one nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr, also built by Russia, with a capacity of around 1 gigawatt (GW). The country experiences frequent electricity shortages during peak demand seasons. Speaking to Iranian state media earlier this week, Eslami said the new project aims to construct eight small-scale nuclear power plants. He did not provide a timeline but said the facilities will help Iran reduce reliance on fossil fuels and manage power shortages. Russia and Iran have maintained close ties in recent years. Moscow has publicly supported Tehran against Western pressure and condemned both US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure in June. The strikes were said to be aimed at curbing Irans alleged ambitions to build a nuclear weapon a claim Iran denies. Iran Rebuilds Missile Sites Hit By Israel This development comes shortly after reports emerged that Iran is rebuilding several missile production sites targeted by Israeli strikes during their 12-day conflict in June. According to satellite images analysed by the Associated Press, construction has resumed at sites in Parchin and Shahroud key locations for the manufacturing of solid-fuel missiles. However, experts say a crucial component large planetary mixers" used to blend solid fuel has not yet been replaced. These mixers are vital for producing fuel efficiently and evenly. Without them, Irans ability to restore full missile production remains limited. Observers suggest that Iran may attempt to purchase such mixers from China, as it has done in the past for other missile components. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Missile experts warn that Iran is likely racing against time, as United Nations sanctions targeting missile development may be reimposed later this month. These sanctions could further restrict Irans ability to import specialised equipment and materials for its missile programme. (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, ... Read More Location : Russia First Published: September 24, 2025, 18:29 IST News world Iran Signs Deal With Russia To Jointly Build Small Nuclear Power Plants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kanyadaan Means Gotra Change: Supreme Court In Childless Widow Inheritance Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 21:35 IST The Supreme Court reviews Hindu Succession Act on childless widow inheritance, citing gotra change after marriage. The Supreme Court of India (File) The Supreme Court observed that under Hindu law and marriage customs, a womans gotra -her ancestral lineage- changes after marriage, as it began hearing a challenge to a provision in the Hindu Succession Act (HSA) that directs the property of a childless widow to her husbands family rather than her parents. Justice BV Nagarathna, the sole woman judge on the bench and in line to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, referred to the concept of kanyadaan, saying, When a woman marries, her gotra also changes. Marriage rituals, especially in South India, declare that she is moving from one gotra to another." Recommended Stories She added that the Supreme Court did not wish to break something which has existed for thousands of years" by its ruling. What The Case Is About? The key legal question before the Supreme Court is: who inherits the property of a childless Hindu widow who dies without leaving a will? As per current law, section 15(1)(b) of the Hindu Succession Act states that in such cases, the widows property passes to her husbands heirs. The Supreme Court was informed of recent cases highlighting the issue as in one instance, a young couple died due to COVID-19, leading to a legal battle between the mothers of the deceased man and woman over inheritance. In another, a mans sister staked claim to the property left behind by her brother and sister-in-law, who had died childless. Justice Nagarathna said that under Hindu law responsibility for a woman after marriage lies with her husband and his family. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A married woman will not file a maintenance petition against her brother," she said, adding that a woman has the freedom to make a will during her lifetime or remarry, which would alter succession. The Supreme Court has referred one of the inheritance disputes to mediation and has scheduled the broader hearing on the legality of Section 15(1)(b) of the Hindu Succession Act for November. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 21:35 IST News world Kanyadaan Means Gotra Change: Supreme Court In Childless Widow Inheritance Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... London Mayor Sadiq Khan Calls Trump 'Racist, Islamophobic' Over Sharia Law Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 19:54 IST At his UN speech on Tuesday, Trump called Khan as a terrible mayor and claimed that London was moving towards Sharia law. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google London Mayor Sadiq Khan and US President Donald Trump. (AFP photos) London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called US President Donald Trump racist" and Islamophobic" following Trumps comments about Sharia law in London. At his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, the US president had called Khan a terrible mayor" and claimed that London was moving towards Sharia law. Recommended Stories I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and its been changed, its been so changed," Trump said during his address. He further added, Now they want to go to sharia law. But you are in a different country, you cant do that," referring to the Islamic legal code based on the teachings of the Koran. Khan, who has led London since 2016 and is a member of the Labour party, responded strongly to Trumps remarks. In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, he said, I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic." I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic."London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has responded to a series of verbal attacks from Donald Trump. Latest https://t.co/dPeHk3ZX7L Sky 501, Virgin 602 and Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/PZ4gSWTkCY Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2025 The London Mayor added that many people would be wondering why Trump seemed so focused on him. I appear to be living rent-free inside Donald Trumps head," Khan said. Khan further pointed out that London is a liberal, multicultural, and successful city. He said London ranks high in foreign investment and that he is really proud that we are the greatest city in the world." This is not the first time the two leaders have clashed. Khan had criticised Trump in 2016 over the then-presidential hopefuls proposed travel ban on people from some Muslim-majority countries. In 2019, before Trumps first state visit to the UK, Khan compared Trump to European dictators from the 1930s and 40s. Trump has also insulted Khan, calling him a stone cold loser" and even once challenging him to an IQ test. Khan summed up the ongoing feud by telling ITV London, I think Ive got squatters rights for the amount of time Ive spent in Donald Trumps head." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Im just hoping he doesnt send me an invoice for all the time Ive spent there," he added. (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, ... Read More Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 24, 2025, 19:52 IST News world London Mayor Sadiq Khan Calls Trump 'Racist, Islamophobic' Over Sharia Law Remarks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Navy Ship En Route To Help Gaza Aid Flotilla Targeted In Drone Attack: Italy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 01:30 IST Italy sends a naval vessel to aid the Global Sumud Flotilla after drone attacks near Gaza. Activists blame Israel, while Giorgia Meloni calls for an investigation Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an organisation trying to get aid into the besieged enclave using ships setting sail from ports across the Mediterranean, as saying that some of their vessels were targeted by drones. Italy on Wednesday said that it has deployed one of its naval vessels to help the aid flotilla that was hit by drones while trying to reach Gaza. Activists have accused Israel of being responsible for the strikes. CNN quoted volunteers from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an organisation trying to get aid into the besieged enclave using ships setting sail from ports across the Mediterranean, as saying that some of their vessels were targeted by drones. They alleged that the attacks were part of Israels move to intimidate those trying to send aid to Gaza. Recommended Stories In the final days before reaching Gaza, the GSF is experiencing an alarmingly dangerous escalation, with multiple boats reporting targeted explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on and near the boats, causing significant damage and widespread obstruction in communication," the organisation said in a statement Tuesday. They further said that these attacks are concerning as the flotillas have 500 unarmed participants from various countries, including Italy, Sweden and Spain. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not yet given any response to the claims. On Tuesday, Israels foreign ministry in a post on X said that they would take necessary measures" to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza. They further said that it would, however, be willing to transfer the aid from the flotilla to Gaza through the Ashkelon port in Israel. If the flotilla continues to reject Israels peaceful proposal, Israel will take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone and to stop any violation of a lawful naval blockade, while making every possible effort to ensure the safety of its passengers," the ministry added. CNN quoted UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan calling for an independent, impartial and thorough investigation" into the reported attacks. Meanwhile, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that the country has authorised the dispatch of an Italian naval vessel for possible rescue operations. The statement added that the drone attack was carried out by currently unidentified perpetrators." The minister is in contact with the Israeli government and has identified a credible mediation mechanism. The Italian government is examining all options to avoid further offensive actions against the flotillas vessels," the foreign ministry said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted her total condemnation" of the drone strike on Tuesday night, calling it gratuitous, dangerous and irresponsible." She added that Italy is conducting our own investigation to determine who is responsible." Location : Italy First Published: September 25, 2025, 01:30 IST News world Navy Ship En Route To Help Gaza Aid Flotilla Targeted In Drone Attack: Italy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Discusses Kashmir Issue With Turkey, Saudi In OIC Meeting In New York Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 10:55 IST Pakistan briefed the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN, with member states urging peaceful resolution and dialogue. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Pakistan briefed OIC member states on developments in Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Pakistan briefed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperations (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York on Tuesday, the Pakistani foreign office said in a statement. The session was chaired by the OIC Secretary General and attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Niger. Pakistans Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Syed Tariq Fatemi, presented a briefing to the contact group on recent developments, the Pakistani foreign offices joint communique said. Recommended Stories In the joint communique issued after the meeting, the OIC Contact Group reaffirmed earlier resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani foreign office said. Member states expressed solidarity with Pakistan and took note of the recent ceasefire following military escalation in the region, the Pakistani readout claimed. It also claimed that they appreciated the constructive role of countries that helped mediate between the two sides. The communique also welcomed the April 2025 visit of the OIC Secretary Generals Special Envoy to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and recalled the joint press statement of OIC ambassadors at the UN in May underscoring the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. The Contact Group is claimed to have requested the OICs Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission to consider a fact-finding mission to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Control. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ministers also called on the OIC Secretariat and member states to raise the issue at international fora, including the United Nations. Copies of the communique are to be shared with all UN member states, the UN Secretary General and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The statement concluded by stressing the need for dialogue and restraint in South Asia and for efforts to ensure peace, stability and development across the region. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has c... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 10:55 IST News world Pakistan Discusses Kashmir Issue With Turkey, Saudi In OIC Meeting In New York Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir To Meet Donald Trump In Washington On Thursday Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 11:09 IST Among the agenda items reportedly slated for discussion are rising terrorism in the region, trade and tariff issues, and cooperation on rare earth minerals. Earlier this year, Munir had visited Washington and was hosted by President Trump for lunch at the White House. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir are expected to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday, September 25, in a bilateral meeting at the White House, sources have told CNN-News18. The Pakistani delegation will travel from New York, where they are attending the UN General Assembly, to Washington for the meeting. The meeting is being billed as a high-stakes diplomatic effort. Among the agenda items reportedly slated for discussion are rising terrorism in the region, trade and tariff issues, cooperation on rare earth minerals, and broader counterterrorism collaboration. The delegation is also expected to raise matters of mutual interest" in areas such as regional stability and bilateral ties, according to the sources. Recommended Stories This visit marks the third time in recent months that Field Marshal Munir is heading to the United States, following his stints in Washington earlier this year, and immediately after his attendance in the United Kingdom from September 18 to 23. During his UK stay, Munir had participated in official and security meetings, and now he is poised to engage in further top security meetings" in the US. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The last publicly acknowledged meeting between Pakistani and US leadership occurred on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Trump held an informal conversation following a summit of Arab-Islamic leaders. Earlier this year, Munir had visited Washington and was hosted by President Trump for lunch at the White House. That meeting was viewed as part of Pakistans broader push to reset relations with the US and to present its military leadership as a reliable interlocutor on security issues. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: September 24, 2025, 11:09 IST News world Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir To Meet Donald Trump In Washington On Thursday Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistans Textbooks Twist 4-Day Clash With India Into Victory Narrative, Erase Heavy Losses Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 16:19 IST Pakistan's school textbooks claim victory over India in May 2025, despite evidence of Indian strikes and damaged airbases,. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (File Image) Months after the four-day conflict in May that saw Indian forces repel drone and missile strikes, Pakistan is embedding a warped version of events into school textbooks, painting itself as the victor of a war it failed to win. According to the revised curriculum, the conflict began on May 6, 2025, when India allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistan after levelling false accusations" about its role in a massacre in Kashmirs Pahalgam. The facts tell a different story: 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed militants, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor the next day. Precision strikes were carried out against nine terror hideouts of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with New Delhi stressing that civilian structures were deliberately avoided. Recommended Stories Textbooks go on to claim that Pakistans forces responded responsibly, striking only Indian military posts. In reality, Islamabad escalated with drone and missile attacks on Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and more than two dozen other sites, many of them civilian. India retaliated by destroying Pakistans HQ-9 air defence system in Lahore and striking targets deep inside Sialkot and even Islamabad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One of the boldest fabrications is the portrayal of Pakistans Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos" as a devastating offensive that destroyed 26 Indian airbases. Open-source intelligence, satellite imagery and Indian defence briefings tell another tale: precision strikes by India crippled key Pakistani airbases at Murid, Nur Khan, Rafiqui, Sargodha, Chaklala and Rahim Yar Khan. The continued closure of the Rahim Yar Khan base underscores the damage, while images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing beside an intact MiG-29 and fully operational S-400 battery at Adampur exposed Pakistans claims as fiction. Another invention is the narrative that India, after heavy losses," pleaded for peace, with Pakistan graciously agreeing only at the insistence of US President Donald Trump. In truth, India held firm, warning it would escalate further unless Pakistan ceased hostilities. The eventual ceasefire was worked out directly between the Indian and Pakistani DGMOs, with Washington playing no formal role despite Donald Trumps claims of brokering peace. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 16:19 IST News world Pakistans Textbooks Twist 4-Day Clash With India Into Victory Narrative, Erase Heavy Losses Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Any doubts about the extent of the support the United States has decided to provide Argentina were dispelled Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced before the markets opened that the White House is negotiating with the government of Javier Milei over a $20 billion currency swap to strengthen the Central Banks reserves, the purchase of Argentine debt bonds, and a significant stand-by credit via the Exchange Stabilization Fund, the amount of which was not specified. Argentina has the tools to defeat speculators, including those who seek to destabilize Argentinas markets for political objectives, Bessent wrote on social media, implying that Washington could react if the attacks suffered by the South American countrys peso and bonds last week are repeated. The Treasury announcement comes a day after Trump and Milei met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Before the meeting, Trump had said the Argentine was a truly fantastic and powerful leader for the great people of Argentina, who has advanced at all levels at record speed. Trump had also offered Milei his complete and total endorsement for reelection as president, despite the fact that the general election is still more than two years away. Mileis time is rather short: on October 26, there are national legislative elections, and a defeat could be devastating for market confidence in his austerity model. The president has been clear about what could happen since September 7, when Peronism swept local elections in the province of Buenos Aires and the Argentine peso and bonds came under fire. The attacks only ceased last Monday, when the United States made it clear that it was willing to do whatever it takes to support Milei. Bessent has now given indications about the aid Washington is willing to provide. The $20 billion swap is the most concrete. From that sum, the $5 billion from the Buenos Aires-China line will have to be deducted. Argentinas cancellation of this swap is a priority for Washington, which since Trumps return to the White House has embarked on a campaign to limit Beijings regional influence. Aid to Milei is part of that much broader strategy. The purchase of Argentine debt bonds in dollars is another pillar of the bailout, although Bessent clarified that negotiations will begin after the October 26 elections. It is unclear how a defeat or victory for Milei will affect the talks. If Peronism wins again, Argentina faces months of great economic instability. Argentinas Economy Minister Luis Caputo was the first senior official to react to Bessents message. What more can I add than thank you, Secretary Scott Bessent. Argentines, a new era is beginning. Lets all work together to make our country great again! he wrote on social media. Minutes later, Milei thanked Trump for the gesture with unusual restraint. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump and Mr. Secretary @scottbessent for your strong support and confidence in the Argentine people, he wrote. To close, he replaced his customary Long live freedom, damn it! with MAGA! The first evidence that the markets had received Bessents announcement enthusiastically was the collapse of Argentinas country risk, that is, the spread it pays on its debt over the interest on U.S. debt. The index, compiled by JP Morgan, fell from just over 1,000 points at Tuesdays close to 839 points at the opening, a drop of almost 18%. Its still far from the 500 points of a year ago, but it represents a notable improvement over the 1,500 points it reached last Friday, amid a speculative attack on the Argentine peso and bonds. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Russia Refuses: Zelenskyy Tells UN Why No Ukraine Ceasefire Is Possible Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 19:37 IST Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that Russia refuses a ceasefire and threatens Poland, Estonia and Moldova. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that there can be no ceasefire in Ukraine because Russia refuses", accusing Moscow of abducting thousands of children, attacking civilian infrastructure and spreading instability across Europe. Ukrainians are peaceful people, even during bloodshed," Zelenskyy said, before asking the chamber, How long will it take to bring our children home?" Recommended Stories Zelenskyy warned that Russian aggression is not confined to Ukraine, citing repeated attacks on Polish and Estonian airspace. He recalled that 19 Russian drones recently entered Polish airspace, of which only four were shot down and noted that Estonia had to convene its first-ever UN Security Council meeting following Russian strikes. Even being part of a long-standing military alliance [NATO] doesnt automatically mean youre safe," he said. Zelenskyy added that Russia has continued shelling even near nuclear facilities, saying this was evidence that international institutions are too weak and this madness continues." Moldova Is At Risk, Zelenskyy Warns The Ukrainian president devoted part of his address to warning that Moldova risked falling under Russian influence if Europe failed to act. Russia is trying to do to Moldova what Iran once did to Lebanon and the global response, again, is not enough," he said, adding, We have already lost Georgia in Europe, and for many, many years Belarus has also been moving toward dependence on Russia. Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too." He urged the EU to provide Moldova with funding and energy assistance, not just words and political gestures," warning that delaying action would be far more costly in the future. Zelenskyy Touts Ukraines Capabilities Zelenskyy contrasted Ukraines limited arsenal with Russias military power, saying, Ukraine doesnt have the big fat missiles dictators love to show off in parades." Instead, the country had been forced to develop drones to protect our right to life." While Ukraine lacks a large fleet, Zelenskyy noted that it had succeeded in the Black Sea because Russia left us with no other choice." He also highlighted the underground schools and bunkers built across Ukraine to protect civilians. Turning to the Assembly, Zelenskyy asked, Do you have similar protection against threats in your country?" The facts are simple," Zelenskyy declared, asserting, Stopping Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect the worlds ports or ships later. It is easier than a global arms race." He stressed that the responsibility lay with world leaders to act: to secure the return of abducted children, the release of prisoners of war and the freedom of hostages. War has already reached too many people. Dont stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on. Please speak out and condemn it," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zelenskyy On Trump Meet Zelenskyy mentioned what he called a good meeting" with US President Donald Trump, adding that while he valued Washingtons support, in the end peace depends on all of us." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: September 24, 2025, 19:30 IST News world Russia Refuses: Zelenskyy Tells UN Why No Ukraine Ceasefire Is Possible Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Syrian President Speaks At UN After 60 Years, Pledges National Renewal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 04:35 IST Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the UN after 60 years, declaring Syria's return post-Assad, urging sanctions be lifted and promising justice for past atrocities. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (Image: AP) For the first time after 60 years, Syrian President addressed the United Nations General Assembly, declaring the countrys return to the international community after the Assad regimes fall last December. Associated Press quoted President Ahmed al-Sharaa as saying that Syria is returning to the international community after six decades of dictatorship that killed 1 million people and tortured hundreds of thousands. Recommended Stories He said the Syrian state has worked on forming fact-finding missions and gave the United Nations the right to investigate the killings that took place this year. I promise to bring anyone whose hands are tainted with the blood of Syrian people to justice." Syria is reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world. From the very moment the former regime fell, we set out a clear strategic policy built upon three pillars balanced diplomacy, security and stability, and economic development," he said. Major regional and international companies have already begun entering the Syrian market, contributing through investment and reconstruction," he said, while calling for the lifting of all sanctions so they no longer shackle the Syrian people." Al-Sharaa was the first Syrian head of state to speak at the United Nations since Noureddine Attasi gave a speech in 1967 shortly after the Arab-Israeli war. AP quoted Netanyahus office as saying in a statement that negotiations are underway with Syria adding that their conclusion involves ensuring Israels interests, which include, among other things, the demilitarization of southwestern Syria and maintaining the safety and security of the Druze in Syria." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During his speech, Al-Sharaa urged the Western countries to lift the sanctions that were imposed on Assad. We call for lifting them completely so that they are not a tool to shackle the Syrian people," he said. In May, US President Donald Trump met with Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia wherein he announced that the decades of sanctions imposed on Syria under the Assads rule would be lifted. He followed through by ordering a large swath of sanctions lifted or waived, AP reported. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: September 25, 2025, 04:34 IST News world Syrian President Speaks At UN After 60 Years, Pledges National Renewal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ukrainians Lining Up For West's Geopolitical Interests: Russia To UN Security Council Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 06:19 IST Russia accused Kyiv of using civilians as shields and denied drone incursions into Estonia and Poland, while US and NATO condemned repeated Russian violations of allied airspace. A Russian Army 2S5 howitzer Giatsint-S fires towards Ukrainian positions in Ukraine. (AP file photo) Amid criticisms over the attacks on Ukraine and incursions into NATO territory, Russia on Tuesday said that the Ukrainians are lining up to die for the advancement of Western geopolitical interests". CNN quoted Russias deputy ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy at the United Nations Security Council meeting, claiming that Kyiv of using civilians as human shields and placing air defense systems in direct proximity to residential areas" leading to tragedies linked to wreckage falling on homes from errant air defense missiles". Recommended Stories He also condemned the unsubstantiated allegations" about the incursion of Russian drones and jets into Estonia and Poland. Earlier this month, NATO fighter jets shot down Russian drones that illegally entered the Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Days later, NATO intercepted three Russian jets that violated Estonian airspace. Romania has also claimed that a Russian drone violated its airspace during an attack on Ukraine. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he believes NATO members should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Monday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz condemned Russias repeated incursions of NATO territory and emphasised that the United States and its allies will defend every inch of NATO territory". In remarks at an emergency meeting of the UN body after Russian jets entered Estonian airspace, Waltz said: This event, following on the heels of the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace, creates the impression that Russia either wants to escalate and pull more countries into this conflict with Ukraine, or doesnt have full control of those who operate its fighter planes and drones. Either scenario is very disconcerting, given that Russia is obviously a nuclear power with global reach." Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 05:29 IST News world Ukrainians Lining Up For West's Geopolitical Interests: Russia To UN Security Council Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... White House Calls For Probe Into Malfunctions Faced By Trump At UN Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 24, 2025, 05:57 IST The White House called for an investigation after an escalator stopped as Trump and the First Lady entered the UN, following teleprompter issues. White House calls for investigation into whether a moving stairway and teleprompter at the United Nations malfunctioned on purpose to humiliate Trump. (AFP/X) The White House on Tuesday called for an investigation into whether the escalator was stopped on purpose to humiliate US President Donald Trump hours after he slammed the United Nations over the ongoing wars. If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X. Recommended Stories AFP quoted Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, as saying that the mishap happened because someone in front of Trump accidentally set off a safety mechanism on the escalator, causing it to shut down. Meanwhile, Leavitt cited a report in the Times of London on Sunday saying that UN staff members had joked that they would turn off the escalators and tell him they ran out of money" amid sweeping US funding cuts. At the UN meet on Tuesday, Trumps teleprompter also faced a technical glitch during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump opened his speech by telling world leaders that the teleprompter wasnt working. I dont mind making this speech without a teleprompter, because the teleprompter is not working," he said. Trump later said with a grin, I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble." Pointing out the escalator issue, the US President said: I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the first lady wasnt in great shape, she would have fallen, but shes in great shape. Were both in good shape." He added: These are the two things I got from the United Nations, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much." After the speech, Trump took to Truth Social to reflect on his UN address, even mentioning the issues with the teleprompter and escalator. It was a great honor to speak before the United Nations. I believe the speech was very well received. It focused very much on energy and migration/immigration. I have been talking about this for a long period of time and this Forum, was the absolute best from the standpoint of making these two important statements. I hope everybody gets to watch it!," the US President wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pointing out that the teleprompter and escalator mishaps made the speech more interesting," he also took a subtle jab at the UN. Regarding the teleprompter glitch, Dujarric said: We have no comment since the teleprompter for the US president is operated by the White House." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 24, 2025, 05:57 IST News world White House Calls For Probe Into Malfunctions Faced By Trump At UN Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Conclusive Scientific Proof On Link Between Tylenol And Autism, Says WHO Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 25, 2025, 03:06 IST WHO refutes Donald Trumps claims linking Tylenol and autism, citing no conclusive evidence. Vaccines also do not cause autism, as confirmed by extensive global studies. Donald Trump suggested a connection between childhood autism and both vaccines and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy. (File photo) The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday rejected US President Donald Trumps claims of a link between Tylenol and autism. According to a statement by WHO, there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and the use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy. Recommended Stories Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established," it said. This comes after Trump, alongside senior health officials including Robert F Kennedy Jr, issued a warning about acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, alleging it contributes to rising autism rates. Taking Tylenol is not good all pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant," Trump said on Monday. He also suggested a connection between childhood autism and both vaccines and the use of Tylenol (the American brand name for paracetamol) during pregnancy. The US President further announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would begin advising doctors to warn pregnant women about using the drug unless it is medically necessary," particularly for treating fever. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The WHO said: A robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccinesincluding those with thiomersal or aluminumdo not cause autism or other developmental disorders." According to The Guardian, the issue of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions is expected to be a central focus at the UN high-level meeting on mental health and non-communicable diseases scheduled for Thursday. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 25, 2025, 03:03 IST News world No Conclusive Scientific Proof On Link Between Tylenol And Autism, Says WHO Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In an interview with EL PAIS, the politician describes the state of political resistance, denounces harassment, and shares her fears about living in a country without judicial guarantees Claudia Ortiz, 38, has become the most visible political figure in the opposition to Nayib Bukele in El Salvador. Her political capital is far from matching the presidents propaganda machine and overwhelming popularity, but today she is the only leader in the country mentioned as a possible option for a possible post-Bukele era. The outlook, in any case, seems distant. Bukele maintains control over all three branches of government, including the Legislative Assembly, where Ortiz is a representative. In 2023, lawmakers aligned with the president reduced the number of seats in the house from 84 to 60, raising the threshold for votes needed to occupy a seat. The maneuver ultimately wiped out the traditional parties: ARENA, the right-wing party, was reduced to two representatives, and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), which had held the presidency before Bukele, was practically wiped off the political map. Ortiz, elected on the Vamos ticket, a sort of third way, emerged strengthened. Her voter base grew, and in the 2024 elections she became the most supported opposition candidate in the country. Even so, she decided not to face Bukele in the presidential race. In this interview with EL PAIS, conducted via videoconference, Ortiz portrays the current state of the Salvadoran opposition: she complains that they dont even have access to basic information such as meeting schedules; she admits that she suffers harassment and fears living in a country without judicial guarantees; and she even confesses that she would consider exile if she were to quit politics. Question. What is it like to be an opposition lawmaker in El Salvador? Answer. Its a huge challenge. Were not doing politics in a normal situation. Theres an institutional blockade, there are violations of my political rights: I dont have access to all the information necessary to properly evaluate legislative initiatives, in some cases because theyre presented in a rush. We dont have access to meeting agendas; we dont know in advance whats going to be discussed. And yet, weve learned to develop some skills to sniff them out and say, Well, surely this is whats on the agenda because there are signs of it. But its complex because, to the extent that I do a better job of telling the truth to those in power, of conducting oversight, of exposing these legalized corruption schemes, or of denouncing human rights violations, I run more risks. Q. What risks are you referring to? A. Its a whole. Ive been a constant victim for years of a machinery that generates hate speech toward my party. From the most vulgar troll to Diario El Salvador [the governments mouthpiece newspaper]. Secondly, because were working in a context where there are no guarantees for any citizen. The fact that Im a member of parliament doesnt imply special protection for me either. We see how many citizens have opted for silence, exile, or self-exile. Q. You now enjoy political immunity as a member of parliament. If you lose your seat in the next elections, would you consider going into exile? A. Its difficult to answer without being in the specific situation. What I can tell you is that the last thing I want to do is leave my country. But, obviously, after all the work Ive done, all the accusations, my statements, its obvious that the more I do my job, the more risks I run. And, well... I would have to consider it. Im aware that I would face a great risk. Q. Dont you think that being in opposition at this point is like playing into the hands of a government that shies away from the label of dictatorship? A. I think playing into their hands would mean being complacent with the governments positions, remaining silent, or talking about trivial matters. Our party has always had a clear position, and weve assumed the political cost or the cost of defamation that has been inflicted on us for having a clear position, for example, with the state of emergency and the idea that there is a better way to provide security. None of our positions have been aimed at legitimizing whats happening; rather, they have been the opposite: denouncing the lack of democracy and the authoritarian drift in El Salvador. Q. Why is it necessary to revoke the emergency regime? A. The state of exception is not a security policy. Strictly speaking, it is the suspension of three constitutional guarantees for the entire Salvadoran population throughout the country. But before the state of emergency, crime could already be prosecuted. Criminals could be investigated. They could be brought to trial and sentenced. Q. People are not so much afraid as downright terrified that by removing the state of emergency, gang members would be released. A. One important thing needs to be made clear: El Salvadors criminal justice system has already undergone so many reforms that, even if the state of emergency were to be discontinued, there would be no way for those detained to be released. What were experiencing isnt leading to more justice, its leading to less justice. Q. We have already seen in several cases that the state of exception is being used to persecute dissidents and political opponents. A. The mandate at the level of human rights instruments says that if a state of exception is going to be applied, it must be limited exclusively to the need to restore public order. Therefore, applying the state of emergency and not guaranteeing the constitutional rights of Ruth Lopez, Enrique Anaya, Pastor Jose Angel, Alejandro Enrique, and others is excessive, because the application of the state of emergency is limited specifically to gang members. Q. Do you consider El Salvador to be a dictatorship? A. El Salvador is moving toward an authoritarian regime, because all the signs are there. There is a concentration of power, there is a restriction on freedom of speech, on freedom of the press. There is no real division of state powers. There is no real oversight between branches of government. And I think one of the most serious things is that there is no institution in El Salvador that safeguards citizens rights. The electoral process is extremely compromised... That constitutes the elements of an authoritarian political system. Q. Is that a dictatorship? A. An authoritarian regime is the same as a dictatorship. Its a dictatorship, its just that its in the process of evolving. Maybe its not completely consolidated yet, but its an authoritarian regime, which, at its core, is the same as a dictatorship. The thing is, there are still spaces where people can fight to reverse that. Some people say democracy is dead, but acting defeated and giving up is playing into the hands of authoritarianism. It seems to me that saying well, theres nothing we can do now is playing into its hands. As a political leader, my role isnt to be pessimistic, but to nurture hope. Q. A few weeks ago, you filed a constitutional challenge against Bukeles indefinite reelection before a Supreme Court controlled by him. Dont you think this, far from working, could pose more risks for you? A. I take risks every day. But that lawsuit was something that had to be done because it sets a precedent. Q. Do you want to govern El Salvador? A. Thats right. Q. Do you want to be president? A. It seems to me that every politician, every political project, every political project leader, if they get involved in this activity, does so to gain power. Because they want to put into practice the ideals and the vision of the country that theyve built, that they have. Q. In the last election, there was a strong expectation that you would be a presidential candidate. Was it proposed to you? And if so, why didnt you accept? A. Yes, they proposed it to me. And I didnt accept because the strategic vision we had as a political project at that time was specifically the Legislative Assembly. Q. Are you planning to run for president in 2027? A. I havent decided yet. Were going to make that decision as a party, strategically considering whats best for the people and the country. We dont yet know which option (mayor, member of the Legislative Assembly, or president). What weve decided is that were going to participate. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to safeguarding the dignity and welfare of retired public servants, describing them as key contributors to Zimbabwes development. Speaking at the 2025 Public Service Retirement Conference in Bulawayo yesterday, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi delivered the Presidents remarks, highlighting Government efforts to ensure economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for retirees. He praised the conference theme, Retirement Planning in Action; Transforming Insights into Realities, noting its alignment with the Governments broader vision and the strategic integration of retirement planning as a key pillar in achieving an inclusive Vision 2030. Retirement planning is not a peripheral issue; it is the heartbeat of Vision 2030. An upper-middle-income society is measured not only by economic indicators but by the dignity and security of its people especially its retirees, said President Mnangagwa. He highlighted the success of macroeconomic stabilisation efforts, particularly the stabilisation of the local currency, which he described as the foundation upon which public servants can confidently save, invest, and plan for the future. By raising the retirement age from 65 to 70, we have empowered our most experienced professionals doctors, engineers, teachers, and administrators to contribute for longer while securing their financial futures. This is not merely policy; it is our Governments steadfast commitment to ensuring that those who build Zimbabwe are themselves built up. These efforts are underpinned by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which laid the groundwork through its pillars of inclusivity, human capital development, and sustainable growth. As the country prepares to launch NDS2 the final phase towards achieving Vision 2030 President Mnangagwa said his administration will consolidate the gains made thus far. This approach aims to ensure that retirees are not merely pensioners, but active contributors to societyas farmers, consultants, artisans, and community leaders. This is what it means to transform insights into realities, said the President. He reflected on last years inaugural conference, which sparked a national dialogue recognising retirement planning as a necessity and a cornerstone of a prosperous, inclusive Zimbabwe rather than a luxury. We set ambitious goals to equip our public servants with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed to transition into retirement with confidence and purpose. We envisioned a nation where every civil servant could retire not into uncertainty, but into opportunity. Today, we take stock of that vision, celebrate our progress, and commit to turning insights into tangible realities, said President Mnangagwa. He commended the Public Service Commission (PSC) for its diligent execution of its constitutional mandate, in line with Section 199 of the Constitution, which tasks the PSC with ensuring an efficient, professional, and forward-thinking public service. Guided by Government policy and aligned with our national vision and strategies, the PSC has shown that it is not merely implementing policy, but giving it practical expression. Initiatives such as this conference are not isolated events; they are part of our collective commitment to building a public service that is responsive, patriotic, and future-oriented, said the President. Herald The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ), Southern Region, has applauded the Governments initiative to lift Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which players say will go a long way in addressing the shortage and maintaining product prices. This was said during a tour held by the Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister, Raj Modi, at different milling companies in Bulawayo on Monday. Updating the Deputy Minister during the tour of National Foods Limited, GMAZ Southern Region chairperson, Mr David Moyo, said the sector welcomes the Governments initiative to lift the grain import ban. He revealed that Southern Region players have been facing challenges, with many millers having halted production due to a shortage of raw material. We invited the Deputy Minister to come and assess the situation of millers in the Southern Region; milling plants dont have the raw material, and even the available mealie meal is not enough to deliver to the shops, said Mr Moyo. We have reached out to the Government, and we are so happy that the Government has heard our cry; the SI 87 of 2025 has been lifted, so that everyone can import maize. The recently gazetted Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025 amends the Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grain, Oilseed and Products) By-laws of 2013, outlawing the importation of grain, oilseeds, and related products, except under limited circumstances. According to the SI, with effect from April 1, 2026, processors will be legally required to procure at least 40 percent of their annual raw material needs locally. By April 1, 2028, all such requirements must be sourced from local farmers. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, is on record as saying the policy cements efforts that began in 2020, when off-takers were persuaded to finance part of their raw material requirements through local contracting. To safeguard farmers, the instrument introduces two pricing benchmarks: an import parity price (the landed cost of grain in Zimbabwe, including freight and insurance) and a production parity price, pegged to local production costs. Where import prices fall below local parity levels, the difference will be paid into the Agricultural Revolving Fund, insulating domestic producers from external shocks. However, to avoid price hikes and artificial shortages in the market, millers have been tasked to pay US$10 per tonne to the Agricultural Revolving Fund instead of the total difference, which the players say should be done officially so that they do not face challenges of breaking the law. The Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister has said any miller can import maize by paying US$10 per tonne, but our concern is that the SI remains the same, saying that where import prices fall below local parity levels, the difference should be paid into the Agricultural Revolving Fund, said Mr Moyo. We appeal to the authorities that the SI should reflect that millers can pay US$10 per tonne because we are afraid that at any time the Minister or the Permanent Secretary can be changed, but the SI will remain in place. But we are hoping that they are solving it, as we know that our Government is a listening Government. As millers, we are there to complement the Governments efforts in making sure that everyone is fed. He added that the region does not produce much grain and they rely on buying it from other regions, which results in increased costs, which are then passed on to consumers. In his response, Deputy Minister Modi said that he visited the millers to show the Governments commitment to making sure that all the grievances are solved as soon as possible. The Government will do its best to make sure that millers start importing as soon as possible. We cannot afford to have milling companies close because of the shortage of raw material. We will make sure that they can soon resume milling, said Deputy Minister Modi. The Government has already started working on this; millers have been told to pay only US$10 per tonne, not the total difference. Chronicle President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday demoted long-serving Zanu PF secretary-general Obert Mpofu in a major reshuffle of the ruling partys top leadership amid growing tension over his succession. Mpofu, who now occupies the obscure post of secretary for information communication technology (ICT). was replaced by his Matabeleland North rival Jacob Mudenda in the engine of the troubled party. The changes, announced by Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa in a brief statement, came just a few weeks before the Zanu PF national peoples conference set for Mutare next month and days after a stormy politburo meeting. Mutsvangwa said Mnangagwa exercised his constitutional mandate to reorganise the structure of the politburo. Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who was the ICT secretary, was appointed secretary for legal affairs replacing Patrick Chinamasa who is now the treasurer-general, a position formerly occupied by Mudenda. This reorganisation underscores the partys enduring commitment to the policies, tenets and ethos of the party, Zanu PF and the permanent Zimbabwe revolution in service to the people and to the nation of Zimbabwe, Mutsvangwa said. The announcement came a day after the Zanu PF spokesperson launched an unrestrained attack on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who last week presented a dossier to Mnangagwa exposing alleged corruption by his associates. Mutsvangwa accused Chiwenga of being too ambitious and ambushing the Zanu PF leader. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure described the infighting as increasingly vicious warning that the struggles in the Zanu PF cockpit are real". Masunungure said the power struggle could take an ugly turn going towards the Mutare conference. There is also a seeming resemblance to the vashandi vs zvigananda struggles within the struggle of the mid-1970s with distinct echoes of a class struggle of sorts, he said. That phase had a bloody ending and hopefully that will not be reproduced this time around. The long and short of it is that the goings-on in the party are not a mere distraction. These dynamics must also not be misread by the public (especially the opposition that which remains) as signalling the demise of the party and its regime. Masunungure said post-conference Zanu PF would be qualitatively not different from the pre-conference situation. If anything, the gladiation will likely be either more vicious (hopefully bloodless) or more subtle in a Machiavellian sense, he said. There will clearly be winners and losers at Mutare, but it is difficult to imagine the losers giving the other cheek. Another political commentator Tendai Ruben Mbofana said the latest appointments were a clear strategy towards the 2030 agenda. Mbofana said the strategy also included the elevation of Kudakwashe Tagwirei and protecting him from both consequences and being blocked from ascending in the hierarchy. So the most notable change there is of Obert Mpofu, he said. We know that as secretary-general he was very upfront in resisting Tagwireis elevation and they clashed, remember a few (times) one or two months back with Chinamasa regarding Tagwirei. So for him now to be removed from the secretary-generals post to ICT, that is clearly being cast away, you know, into something that is irrelevant. He has been demoted effectively because the secretary-generals post, if I am not mistaken, is the fourth most powerful post within the party. Mbofana said Chinamasa, as the partys treasurer-general, had been rewarded for supporting the ascendancy of Tagwirei. And also remember those explosive revelations by VP (Constantino) Chiwenga that Tagwirei was syphoning, you know, about US$3 billion or so of Zanu PF money that is in shares, 45% shares in Sakunda Holdings, he said. So whos responsible for investments that are made by Zanu PF? Its the treasurer-general. Mbofana said Mudenda was being rewarded for enabling the capture of Parliament and the opposition. So I am sure he is now being rewarded as a trustworthy loyalist, who will now be given the assignment of running the party on a day-to-day basis, which is really the job of the secretary-general, Mbofana said. So this to me is nothing short of Mnangagwa safeguarding his 2030 agenda just ahead of the party conference using those reassignments. Newsday Zimbabwes music industry has been rocked by controversy, with some artists accusing the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) of mismanagement, arrogance and silencing dissenting voices. Some Zimbabwean musicians, primary members of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union, are up in arms with ZIMURA, accusing it of silencing their voices. The Zimbabwe Musicians union president, Edith Katiji said musicians are suffering under unfair decisions, including a proposed 150 United States dollar licensing fee imposed without consultation. Musicians are not receiving royalties transparently, and those who ask questions are silenced or sidelined. ZIMURA behaves like it owns musicians, yet its role should be to serve them. Arts critic, Plot Mhako says these problems reflect years of non-accountability. Artists who question ZIMURA are pushed out. With a director convicted of fraud, the call for a forensic audit is now urgent, he stated. ZIMURA insists it is following proper procedures, saying accusations of misgovernance are unfounded and damaging to its operations. You cannot just wake up and demand leadership changes through the media. There are proper election processes. Those alleging gross misgovernance must state point by point what it is. Negative publicity only delays collections and hurts musicians when clients hesitate to pay, ZIMURAs Deputy Director Mr Henry Makombe said. The government acknowledges the disputes and says efforts are underway to bring stakeholders together through the National Arts Council (NAC). We always encourage artists and collective management organisations to register with the National Arts Council so we can intervene. Talks are ongoing to resolve issues around royalty collection and representation, National Arts Council of Zimbabwes Communications and Marketing Manager, Aggabu Nyabinde noted. Experts believe the raging war between ZIMURA and some artists has also contributed to the emergence of other collective management organisations, which perform almost the same roles, creating divisions in the sector. zbc A Suffolk County judge on Tuesday ruled that accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann will face a single, unified trial for all seven murder charges, despite his defense's push to split the cases. Heuermann's attorneys had argued that differences in timing (four deaths occurred in 1993, 2000, 2003, 2007; the last three are believed to have happened between 2009 and 2010), cause of death, and body locations for the victims warranted breaking up the charges. They argued a single trial would "create a strong risk that the jury will be unable to segregate the evidence by its separate and distinct relevance to each individual incident," per the Guardian . Judge Timothy Mazzei wasn't swayed. Defense attorney Michael Brown acknowledged disappointment with the outcome. Prosecutors, who wanted a single trial, highlighted Heuermann's three-year stint beginning in 1981 as a Jones Beach seasonal employee and said his after-hours patrols on an ATV gave him detailed knowledge of Ocean Parkwaythe stretch where six of the victims' remains surfaced, reports ABC7. The defense also tried for a second time to get DNA evidence obtained via advanced techniques tossed out, claiming it was improperly collected. The New York Times reports that by using whole genome sequencing, the prosecution says they were able to tie hairs found with most victims to Heuermann; it's the first time such evidence has been allowed in a New York court. The judge declined to exclude it. The Times observes the rulings "cut off two major offramps for Mr. Heuermann." Heuermann will return to court on Jan. 13; a trial date has yet to be set. President Trump said Tuesday that he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from his repeated calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war. Trump posted on Truth Social soon after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly gathering of world leaders, the AP reports. "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote. "With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option." "Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win," Trump wrote. "This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like 'a paper tiger.'" Trump said that when people across Russia find out "what is really going on" with the war and their economy, "Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that!" A part of a road in Bangkok collapsed on Wednesday, leaving a large sinkhole in the Thai capital that disrupted traffic, damaged infrastructure, and prompted evacuations in the surrounding area. There were no casualties but three vehicles were damaged by the collapse, said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt. He said officials believe the collapse was caused by the ongoing construction of an underground train station, per the AP , with the New York Times reporting a water leak from a burst pipe in a tunnel intended to expand the city's subway system was being blamed. Videos of the moment of the collapse show the face of the road slowly sinking down, pulling down several electricity poles and damaging water pipes. Cars tried to back away as the hole grew larger and completely severed the four-lane road. One edge of the hole stopped right in front of a police station, exposing its underground structure. The Times describes it as at least 60 feet deep and 100 feet wide, though Reuters puts its depth at 160 feet. A nearby hospital said it would close the outpatient services for two days. Bangkok city officials said the hospital's structure was not affected, but people were ordered to be evacuated from the police station and other nearby buildings. Officials have also cut electricity and water in the area. Chadchart said relevant authorities are working to fix the hole as fast as they could amid concerns that a heavy rain could cause further damage. Bangkok is currently in monsoon season. The French president praised the purpose and history of the organization that the US leader attacked: Its harshest critics are those who want to exert domination United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated on Tuesday morning that the principles of the U.N. are under siege, and U.S. President Donald Trump was quick to prove his point, launching a blistering attack on each and every one of the cooperation and development goals the organization defends. The Republican president did so from the General Assemblys speakers rostrum at the opening of the 80th session, with a 55-minute speech in theory, it wasnt supposed to last more than 15 minutes in which he just barely fell short of announcing his countrys withdrawal from the U.N. Many had in fact expected this to happen, given that the Republican administration has already pulled the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and the Human Rights Committee the latter two, amid accusations of antisemitism. That the United Nations is not living up to its potential was one of the kindest things the Republican president said about the organization, so when he ended his remarks without announcing a complete disengagement or the permanent elimination of already depleted funding, a certain relief spread through the room, according to two officials at the organization who spoke on condition of anonymity. Then, seeing him parade from one bilateral meeting to another, displaying a meekness unthinkable just minutes earlier, the stupor turned to surprise. In his face-to-face with Guterres, Trump assured that he was 100% behind the United Nations. We are completely at your disposal to work together for a just peace, said Trump. A major surprise came from his radical change of opinion on Ukraine, when he asserted that the country invaded by Russia in February 2022 is capable of recovering all the territory occupied by Kremlin troops (until now, Trump had advocated for Kyiv to give up the east of the country in exchange for peace). U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in a bilateral meeting. DPA via Europa Press (DPA via Europa Press) In a post published on his Truth Social network, Trump asserted that, with the support of the EU and NATO, Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! He also said he will continue to supply weapons to NATO so that the Alliance can do what they want with them, and even encouraged it to shoot down Russian planes flying over its airspace. This radical shift, however, is part of his rhetorical playbook: following one controversial statement his invective against the U.N. with another, support for a potentially victorious Ukraine. In other words, to constantly monopolize attention and the spotlight. Aside from a small protest against the president outside the U.N. headquarters, which resulted in dozens of arrests, the only explicit reaction to his virulent speech came from London. Trump had accused the mayor, Sadiq Khan, without evidence, of wanting to impose Sharia, or Islamic law. The mayor, a terrible, terrible mayor, according to the Republican president, responded on social media with typical British composure. His office simply noted that it would not dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. Protest outside the U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday. DPA via Europa Press (DPA via Europa Press) But no one else contradicted Trump during his 55-minute speech: there was not a murmur of disagreement or displeasure in the room. Nor was there a red light warning the speakers that their 15 minutes were up. Although some of those who spoke after him warned, subtly, against the risk of geopolitical divisions in the organization, no one dared to contradict Trump: only the Iranian ambassador, who left his seat when the U.S. president took the podium, but this is a common gesture among the Tehran delegation. At the end of Trumps 57-minute disjointed speech, the delegates reaction was moderate applause, more polite and diplomatic than enthusiastic. The speech did provoke heated reactions on social media, however. Many Americans described it as humiliating, shameful, and embarrassing. Posting on X, Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, who was sanctioned by Washington in July for her blatant antisemitism, was not short on irony in describing the presidents visionary speech: unmatched imagination, pure stream-of-consciousness, the rare gift of saying whatever comes to mind, on anything, to anyone. A masterclass for sociology, international relations, and political science. Just hardly any law in it. French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly, September 23, 2025. Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS) The clearest example of official dissent can be gleaned from the words of French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised the purpose and history of the U.N. from the same lectern used by Trump. Its harshest critics are those who want to exert domination. We dont want to see might is right prevail, said the French head of state, in a statement as explicit as it was tacit. The United Nations had been thoroughly preparing itself for Trumps speech. Since the Republican took office for the second time, his fight against multilateralism has harmed the organization: the U.N. Secretary-General has had to cut $500 million from the budget and plans to reduce the U.N. staff by 20%, a reduction he acknowledged in his speech, while there is growing speculation about a relocation of its headquarters away from the burdensome cities of New York and Geneva. Meanwhile, to add to the commotion, the White House turned a minor incident into a major issue another one of Trumps trademarks by stating that if someone intentionally turned off the escalator that Trump and his wife, Melania, were supposed to take to the General Assembly Hall, they should be immediately fired. In the afternoon, Trump hosted a reception at a super-luxury Manhattan hotel for the nearly 150 foreign leaders participating in the U.N.s big week. Some of them lined up for hours to have their photo taken with the Trump couple. Many hours had passed since he had attacked the U.N., and no one seemed to remember his broadsides. Or rather, as diplomatic standards dictate, no one even thought of offending the host something Trump did do with the U.N. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Prior to Sunday, the closest case of New World screwworm in cattle had been one detected 370 miles from the US border. That distance has now shrunk by 300 miles. The New York Times reports a case has turned up in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexicomaking it the closest detection to the US border since the parasite was eradicated from the US in the 1960s. The infected animal, an 8-month-old cow, was part of a 100-head shipment that came from an outbreak region further south. Authorities say only one animal in the group tested positive and that all were treated with ivermectin before arrival. The case was found in Sabinas Hidalgo, a city less than 70 miles from Texas. The previous closest case was in Veracruz. The AP reports Mexico has logged more than 500 active cases in cattle in its southern states. Screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds, and their larvae feed on living flesh, making them a major risk to livestock. Mexico's agriculture ministry says it caught the problem early and is following protocols agreed upon with the US. On the American side, Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described the situation as a "national security priority," adding, "We will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply or our way of life." The USDA has been mass-producing sterile flies in Panama to help control the outbreak and will spend $30 million on additional fly production and dispersal facilities. Both countries are monitoring thousands of traps in border areas, with no screwworms detected north of the line so far. Imports of live Mexican cattle to the US are currently on ice; Mexico's ranching federation projects losses up to $400 million if the ban stays in place for the remainder of the year. (In a Honduran hospital, screwworm cases are grim.) Three people have been shot at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Dallas and the shooter is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, per the AP. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed the shooting during an interview on CNN on Wednesday, saying it was unclear whether employees, civilians, or detainees had been shot. "At this point, we're still working through that," he said. KDFW has since reported the three victims were detainees and that the shooter, a white man, was "a sniper on a roof armed with a rifle." The Department of Homeland Security later said three detainees had been shot, with one dead and two hospitalized in critical condition. Oregon authorities have reopened the state's oldest unidentified person case with the exhumation of a woman's remains on Monday, nearly 80 years after her body was found near the Willamette River. Known as "Oak Grove Jane Doe," the woman was discovered in April 1946, her body dismembered and placed in burlap sacks, which were then dumped in the river. Investigators determined she was between 30 and 50 and had suffered a fatal blow to the head, reports CBS News . Further remains were found later that year in the Willamette River, per KATU . "For decades, this case was presumed impossible to resolve, and now, after nearly 80 years, we are hopeful we can restore this victim's name and return her identity to history," said forensic anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder. Despite drawing national attention at the time, the woman was never identified. The probe stalled in the 1950s after crucial evidence, including the remains, vanished from police custody. When Clackamas County authorities revisited the mystery in 2008, the missing body again proved a roadblock. A break arrived recently when the Human Identification Program with the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office traced the remains to a grave in Mountain View Cemetery in Oregon City, reports the Oregonian. The grave was marked simply: "Unknown Woman 1946." On Monday, state police announced they'd exhumed the "degraded" remains in hopes that modern forensic techniquesnow more advanced than evermight succeed where earlier efforts could not. With "advanced forensic testing and analysis," the Oregon State Police said they hope to "finally give her a name." A map drafted centuries ago as Spanish settlers solidified their presence in what is now Mexico and the southwestern United States has been returned to the Mexican government, marking the end of a yearslong effort to bring the historic document home. FBI agents and Mexican officials were joined by historians and archivists Tuesday at the consulate in Albuquerque for a celebratory handoff of the map, reports the AP . Unlike maps of today, this one is oriented with north to the right and west at the top. "This document not only enriches our collective memory but also strengthens the ties that unite Mexico and New Mexico through a shared history," said Patricia Pinzon, Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque. She mentioned the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro as one of those links. The 1,600-mile route once served as a lifeline between Mexico City and Santa Fe and is depicted as a central feature that snakes through the map. The names of communities are artfully scripted along the route as other lines radiating from the route mark rivers. Archivists in Mexico City first realized the map was gone in 2011. It was among 75 pieces that were taken from records belonging to the national archives. The physical evidence included a scar inside one volume where pages had been removed. About five years passed with no leads. Then came a call from a librarian at the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe, who was doing background research on a map that was presented to the library for sale. The librarian found evidence that the document may have been stolen, said Billy Garrett, executive director of the museum. Mexican archivists used negatives and microfilm copies to prove that the document in Santa Fe was genuine. It took years to work through international protocols and laws that relate to returning material stolen from other countries, but during that time Garrett said the library took great care to protect the map in a climate-controlled environment. It's scribed on paper made of rag pulp. The FBI held the map over the past year while final arrangements were made for Tuesday's handoff. Two Syracuse University students face hate crimes charges after authorities say one of them tossed a bag of pork into a Jewish fraternity house during a Rosh Hashanah celebration. It happened around 6pm Tuesday at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, where members had gathered to mark the Jewish New Year, according to the New York school's chief student experience officer, Allen Groves. One of the two men charged is accused of entering the home and tossing in a clear plastic bag of pork against an interior wall, splattering the contents there and on the floor, university police said. The man then fled the home and got into a vehicle driven by another man. The two, both 18, were soon captured and have been charged with burglary as a hate crime and criminal nuisance, the AP reports. Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), today received Lieutenant General Tabassum Habib, Director General of Joint Staff Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and head of the Pakistani delegation participating in the 21st meeting of the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Military Cooperation Committee, held at the BDF headquarters. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs. The Commander-in-Chief welcomed the Pakistani delegation, praising the strong brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He highlighted the depth of the military and defence cooperation between the two countries and the significant progress achieved in strengthening these strategic ties. The Ukrainian president thanked Donald Trump for his support and called for regulating the use of AI in the most destructive arms race in history Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy defended the need to rearm amid what he called the most destructive arms race in human history at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, arguing that The only guarantee of security is friends and weapons. In a speech to the 193 members of the body gathered at the opening of the 80th session, Zelenskiy reiterated his warning that Ukraine is only the first step in a broader Russian offensive against Europe. He also made clear references to U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he had held a very positive meeting the day before, in which the Republican leader radically changed his position on the war, fueling optimism in Kyiv. We appreciate the support we are receiving from the U.S., the Ukrainian president emphasized. Zelenskiys speech sounded like something resembling a save yourself approach through rearmament, not multilateral cooperation. What can Sudan, or Somalia, or Palestine, or any other people living through war really expect from the UN or the global system? For decades just statements and statements. Gaza has reminded us of this. Thats why [in Ukraine] we invest in defense. Zelenskiy stressed: Even being part of a long-standing military alliance doesnt automatically mean you are safe. He cited the cases of Poland, where several Russian drones were detected flying over its airspace two weeks ago, and Moldova, which he presented as the next piece on the Russian chessboard and one that Europe cannot afford to lose. The response from the world that is, from the UN is not enough, Zelenskiy said. But the response from friends and strong leaders, led by Trump, to whom he seemed to direct his speech, is, he intimated, even striking an emotional chord with the Republican administration: the murder of Charlie Kirk. However, he did not elaborate much on the support Trump showed the day before, during their bilateral meeting, when the Republican stated that he sees Ukraine as capable of recovering all of the territory occupied by Russia in the east of the country, and even of winning the war. The U.S. presidents frequent change of position on the matter probably also prevents his Ukrainian counterpart who received a resounding rebuke from Trump during their first meeting at the White House last February from taking his word at face value. This is reflected in the fact that during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska in August, the Republican proposed to Kyiv a formula of peace for territories, that is, handing over the Donbas region to end the war. Collapse of the international community In the face of cooperation and common rules, Zelenskiy defended the right to rearmament. The Taliban in Afghanistan has dragged a whole country back into the dark ages. Cartels in some Latin American countries are more powerful than the governments there, this is all about the collapse of international law and the weakness of the international institutions. Weapons decide who survives, he said, warning that Russia is killing professionally with drones, because war tech doesnt care about geography anymore. Weapons are advancing rapidly and are being perfected, he asserted, citing the specific example of unmanned aerial vehicles, part of the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it includes artificial intelligence. Precisely this week, within the framework of the 80th UN General Assembly, the first agreement for global governance of artificial intelligence will be presented, an initiative co-sponsored by Spain. Zelenskiy did not refer to this framework, but did make a veiled plea to the international community to harness its potential: We need rules regarding the use of AI in weapons. He also made use of the plural to encourage cooperation in Ukraines defense. We must use everything we have together to force Russia to stop. Were ready to share with other countries what has worked in Ukraines defense against Russia. In this rearmament race, Ukraine will discuss the legal details of a joint arms production venture with the United States, Kyivs ambassador to Washington announced Wednesday, as part of a crucial effort to strengthen Ukraines defense industry. Ukraine hopes to increase domestic arms production with Western help, and to this end, a delegation will visit Washington on September 30 after receiving a positive signal from Trump about a hypothetical victory over Russia. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, today received Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), at Al Safriya Palace. The meeting was attended by His Highness Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard; His Highness Brigadier General Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard Special Forces; Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqer Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff; along with a number of senior BDF officers. During the meeting, HM the King expressed his deep appreciation and pride in the brave men and women of the BDF for their loyalty, courage, and dedication in carrying out their noble national duties. He affirmed that the personnel of the BDF are a source of great pride for Bahrain and its people, commending their honorable efforts in safeguarding the Kingdoms achievements and progress. His Majesty also highlighted Bahrains keenness to continue strengthening its defence cooperation with brotherly and friendly nations. The King instructed senior officers to convey his greetings and appreciation to all officers, non-commissioned officers, and personnel of the BDF across their various posts, wishing them continued success in their service to the nation. Sep 25 (News On Japan) - Nearly 18 years have passed since journalist Kenji Nagai was shot dead while covering a protest in Myanmar, and new analysis has revealed that his final words were recorded on the video camera he held until the very end. In 2007, when clashes erupted nationwide between pro-democracy monks and citizens and the military juntas security forces, Nagai was filming on the ground. People are gathering here, he said into the camera as heavily armed military trucks approached. Moments later, still gripping his camera, he was shot and killed by security forces. APF News, where Nagai was based, held a press conference on September 24th to release the results of a new analysis of his footage. One finding was the discovery of his final words. In the recording, he can be heard saying something akin to Lets go back for now. The video also shows a young boy carrying plastic bottles running toward the camera in a dangerous protest zone. As the camera shook, analysts suggested Nagai may have lowered it to help or take the boys hand. Colleagues said Nagai, who made reporting from conflict zones his lifes work, was always drawn to protect the vulnerable, often voicing frustration with societies and media indifferent to war. In Afghanistan and Iraq as well, if children were nearby, we knew he would go to them, one said. The video camera, missing after the shooting, was returned to his family last year through an independent Myanmar media outlet. Forensic analysis showed signs the footage had been deliberately overwritten. About six seconds before the shooting, the image abruptly cut to black, but signal traces indicated a discrepancy between Nagais filming and the blacked-out segment, suggesting tampering. He was someone obsessed with recording, APF noted. It is natural to think that someone who saw what he filmed decided it was too dangerous and overwrote it. Myanmar has since seen another military coup in 2021, with nearly 7,000 civilians killed and democratic progress once again reversed. APF said it will continue efforts to restore the overwritten footage and conduct further analysis. Eighteen years after his death, Nagais camera once again speaks, carrying his determination to document events and his belief that change must come. Source: TBS SAPPORO, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - Sapporo City has issued an unusual request, urging families not to place 10 yen coins in coffins before cremation, citing the risk of damage to cremation furnaces. As part of funerary traditions, flowers and personal mementos are often placed in the coffin as final offerings to the deceased. The city is now cautioning that certain items, especially metals, are increasingly being included despite restrictions, creating problems as the number of cremations rises with an aging population. Kenichi Fujita of Sapporos Health and Welfare Bureau explained, "As cremation numbers continue to increase, the impact of such items can no longer be ignored." Crematoria operators report that metals, particularly 10 yen coins, are causing significant difficulties. Osamu Tsumaki, manager of the Yamaguchi Crematorium in Sapporo, noted that the coins melt during cremation, sticking to the bed of the furnace and causing wear. "It damages the cremation equipment and reduces its durability, forcing more frequent replacements," he said. In addition to altering the color of the bones, the melted coins adhere stubbornly to furnace surfaces, making removal difficult. The practice is rooted in local customs. Residents explained that coins are placed in the coffin as a symbolic fare for crossing the River Sanzu, the mythological river separating life from the afterlife. Others said they kept surviving coins as protective charms after cremation. When my parent died, we placed 10 yen coins. It was considered a kind of amulet, one resident said. Although the city has long posted notices at government counters warning against such practices, it has now produced illustrated flyers to raise broader awareness. Officials are asking for public cooperation to ensure safe and smooth cremation. Source: FNN TOKYO, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo District Court on September 24th approved the release on bail of actor Hiroya Shimizu, 26, who has been indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act by possessing cannabis. Shimizus defense team paid a bail bond of 2 million yen. Upon leaving detention at the Tokyo Wangan Police Station, he bowed deeply before reporters and said, "I sincerely apologize for the concern and trouble I have caused many people." Police have also arrested actor Kenshin Endo and a man in his twenties working part-time, both on suspicion of jointly possessing cannabis with Shimizu. The arrests were confirmed through interviews with investigators. Shimizu, who was indicted on September 22nd after being arrested earlier this month for possessing dried cannabis at his Tokyo home, walked out of detention at around 7:15 p.m. on September 24th wearing a black suit and tie. Facing reporters, he stated, "I am truly sorry," before bowing for about 15 seconds and apologizing again for betraying the expectations of fans and industry colleagues. Shimizu, who made his film debut in 2012 and rose to prominence with roles in the "Tokyo Revengers" series, had been regarded as one of Japans promising young actors. In a past police interrogation, he admitted, "I first smoked cannabis at age 20 while studying abroad in Los Angeles. From around age 24, when my income increased, my usage grew." The Metropolitan Police Department believes a man in his twenties acted as a buyer of cannabis for Shimizu. During questioning, Endo, who co-starred with Shimizu in a 2018 film and appeared in an NHK historical drama in 2021, denied involvement, saying, "I did see something like cannabis at Shimizus home, but it was not mine." Shimizu, meanwhile, admitted, "Each time, I handed cash to a friend and had them purchase cannabis for me." Fans, some of whom had gathered outside the police station hours before his release, expressed disappointment but also a desire to see him in person, fearing it might be their last chance. Source: Kyodo OSAKA, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - A van trapped at a railway crossing in Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture, was struck by an oncoming train on September 23rd, killing 54-year-old driver Sayuri Hirokawa, with the entire incident captured on a surveillance camera. Footage shows warning lights flashing at the crossing as a car drives inside, stops, and is hit seconds later by an express train. According to police and Nankai Electric Railway, the accident occurred near Nankai Kaizuka Station at around 7:30 p.m. when Hirokawas car entered the crossing despite the barrier being down and was struck by the limited express Southern train. The force of the crash threw the vehicle about 20 meters. A nearby resident said, "There was a loud bang, I thought it was a car crash. When I heard it involved a train, I was shocked." The train driver reported spotting the car and applying the emergency brake immediately but was unable to stop in time. No passengers on the train were injured. Police are investigating why the car entered the crossing after the barrier had lowered, focusing on the circumstances leading to the drivers actions. Source: YOMIURI TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is pleased to announce five new members to its Board of Directors. They are Jeanette Ageson, publisher of The Tyee; Charlie Angelakos, vice-president, global government and external affairs, McCain Foods; Boyd Erman, partner and chair of the management committee, FGS Longview; Richard Gray, vice-president, CTV News; and Florence Turpault-Desroches, vice-president, communications and philanthropy, La Presse. The Canadian Journalism Foundation welcomes Jeanette Ageson, Charlie Angelakos, Boyd Erman, Richard Gray and Florence Turpault-Desroches to the Board of Directors. (CNW Group/The Canadian Journalism Foundation) Meanwhile, the Foundation's directors appointed Jeff Elgie, CEO of Village Media, and Angela Pacienza, executive editor at The Globe and Mail, as co-chairs of the Board. Desmond Brown, long-time supporter and key contributor to the success of the Foundation's Black Journalism Fellowships, was appointed vice chair, bringing seasoned experience and a deep understanding of the Foundation's work to the Executive Committee. "We are most pleased to welcome these five distinguished new members to the board," says Andrew Willis, chair of CJF's Governance and Nominating Committee. "Each of these impressive leaders brings invaluable expertise in their respective fields, and a deep commitment to advancing the Foundation's mission of promoting excellence in Canadian journalism." Their passion and perspectives will be a tremendous asset as we continue to champion excellence and innovation in Canadian journalism and support a strong, diverse media landscape," Willis says. Jeanette Ageson is the publisher of The Tyee, where she manages all revenue-generating and operations activities. She also serves as the chair of Press Forward, an association of Canadian independent journalism organizations. Charlie Angelakos is the vice president of global government and external affairs at McCain Foods. In this role, he oversees the company's global external communications and public affairs strategy across 160 countries. Boyd Erman is a partner in FGS Longview's Toronto office. Erman has been focused on telling great corporate stories for two decades first, as one of Canada's leading business journalists and, since 2014, as a partner at FGS Longview, advising clients on a diverse range of issues and opportunities. Boyd's expertise includes corporate and financial communications, media relations, special situations, reputation-building and crisis management. Richard Gray currently serves as vice president of CTV News with Bell Media, a position he's held since August 2022. Gray's broadcast career started in high school as a Radio DJ and, over the past 35 years, he has worked as a TV News anchor/reporter; news director; director of news and information programming; manager, human resources; station manager; regional general manager, local radio/TV; and national head, CTV2 News. Florence Turpault-Desroches is the vice president of communications and philanthropy at La Presse. She oversees public relations strategies, internal communications, reader relations and the brand image of La Presse. She also leads the philanthropic efforts of the independent, non-profit media organization, managing donor acquisition, retention and renewal strategies; annual campaigns; and major gifts, in collaboration with the marketing team. "It has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life in journalism to serve as chair of this remarkable organization for the past five years," says outgoing board chair Kathy English. "In that time, the CJF not only navigated an extraordinary global pandemic, but has also grown in both purpose and impact, launching vital new fellowships and important new awards, and publishing a book documenting our own 35-year history." "Working with the Foundation's president and executive director, Natalie Turvey, to play a part in these and other milestones has been deeply rewarding, and now it is time for a renewal of board leadership," she says. "With Jeff Elgie and Angela Pacienza at the helm, supported by Desmond Brown in the role of vice chair, I am confident that the Foundation is well positioned to confront the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian media and advance its critical mission, fostering greater public understanding of the importance of fact-based journalism in these challenging times." About The Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry awards evening where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks , a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education , training and research. SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation For further information: Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, E-mail: [email protected]. The cultural icon brings her voice, vision, and bold energy to a new era of beautyushering in a powerful remix of Maybelline's most legendary sound. TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Maybelline New York, the number one makeup brand in the world, proudly welcomes multi-platinum recording artist and international music icon Miley Cyrus as its newest global spokesperson with a bold reimagining of the world-famous "Maybe it's Maybelline" jingle. Long associated with self-expression and confidence, the jingle enters a new chapter transformed through Miley Cyrus' unmistakable sound and fearless energy. Woman (CNW Group/Maybelline New York) "I remember singing the Maybelline jingle as a kid and imagining it was me on the screen. Now, it is. To take something so iconic and make it mineit's powerful and personal," said Miley Cyrus. "This partnership brings together two core parts of me. You can't erase makeup from music. Within music, there's performance and honestymakeup enhances both. It's how I tell my truth without saying a word. Maybelline shares my belief that makeup should be expressive, ever-evolving. Partnering with Maybelline, a brand that celebrates meaningful values, self-expression and play, felt like the most natural fit in this stage of my life." In a boundary-pushing campaign that bridges nostalgia and reinvention, Maybelline and Miley Cyrus join forces to bring meaning to beauty, celebrating creative expression. This marks the beginning of a new era where music and makeup converge - offering fans a fresh way to express themselves and feel empowered. "Miley is more than a global iconshe is a muse of modern beauty. Her creativity and artistry dance between strength and sensitivity," said Sandrine Jolly, Global Brand President, Maybelline New York. "She brings a deeply personal lens to beauty that is expressive and emotional. With her unmistakable voice and vision, she turns our iconic jingle into something raw, intimate, and powerfully reflective of this Maybelline era." This long-term partnership kicks off with Miley Cyrus reimagining the jingle as the heartbeat of the campaign, which will roll out across TV, digital, social, and in-store activations starting September 2025. It will also spotlight Miley Cyrus as the face of major upcoming launches, including a new color launch and the brand's viral mascara phenomenon, Sky High. "I think this campaign shows that beauty is fluid, that confidence can look a million different ways, and that you were born with it all along," added Miley Cyrus. Welcome to the next era of beauty. Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Miley. About Maybelline New York Maybelline New York is the number one cosmetic brand in the world, available in over 120 countries. By combining technologically advanced formulas with on-trend expertise and New York City edge, Maybelline New York's mission is to offer innovative, accessible, and effortless cosmetics for all. In 2020, Maybelline introduced Brave Together, a long-term program to support anxiety and depression worldwide. Brave Together provides critical one-on-one support, an online education hub, a variety of programming to help destigmatize the conversation around mental health and has committed to donate $10 million over the next five years to global and local organizations. For more information log on to www.maybelline.com or www.maybelline.com/bravetogether.com About Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus has consistently captivated and enchanted multiple generations with her unforgettable pop culture moments and ever-evolving music. Known as a chameleon across genres, she continues to redefine her artistry. At the 2024 GRAMMYs, Miley performed "Flowers," 2023's top-selling single, winning Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year. In 2025, her collaboration with Beyonce won Best Country Duo Performance. Her eighth album, Endless Summer Vacation, dominated the charts, and her critically acclaimed visual album Something Beautiful is out now, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and followed by a worldwide release in June. Beyond music, Miley has fronted campaigns for Gucci's Flora fragrance and Dolce & Gabbana, and starred in Netflix's Black Mirror as Ashley O, performing Nine Inch Nails re-imaginings. She told W Magazine she would act again if the role is "an extension of myself, or someoneor somethingwith a personality that can conquer my own." Through her Happy Hippie Foundation, founded in 2014, Miley has raised millions for youth facing homelessness, especially LGBTQ+ youth. In 2024, she launched The Miley Cyrus Foundation to expand her philanthropic focus to supporting mothers in all their diversity. SOURCE Maybelline New York Hannah Kelly: [email protected] Lockheed Martins newly unveiled Vectis drone will be a groundbreaking advancement in unmanned aerial systems. Lockheed Martin has introduced Vectis and describes it as the most advanced fighter drone ever built. It has not been built yet. It is in simulation and design. It is classified as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by the U.S. Air Force. Vectis is a self-funded initiative by Lockheed Martins Skunk Works division, with prototype parts already ordered and a team actively executing the project. The company is investing its own resources to design, build, and test the drone, aiming for a first flight by the end of 2027. It is positioned as a high-end, stealthy Group 5 CCA candidate for potential future competitions. The Air Forces fiscal year 2026 budget requests $111 million overall for the CCA program, with an additional $678 million proposed over five years via a reconciliation bill, but these funds are not specified for Lockheed or Vectis. Vectis will merge 5th-generation (F-35-like stealth and sensors) and 6th-generation (advanced autonomy and networking) fighter technologies into a single, low-observable (stealthy) combat drone. It can function as a standalone system for independent missions or as part of an integrated network supporting crewed fighters, bombers, or other assets. The Vectis drone features a sophisticated sensor suite resembling the F-35s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), as seen in Lockheeds promotional footage. This allows for superior target detection and engagement. Its extreme low-observability (aka stealth) provides capabilities more aligned with current 5th-generation fighters (F-22/F-35) than with lower-cost CCA drones that are already in testing. This design choice positions Vectis as a high-end, versatile platform rather than a basic attritable (expendable) drone. Capable mid-range systems are already in flight testing. These are the General Atomics YFQ-42 and Andurils YFQ-44. The Vectis is a superdrone that goes beyond those drones in planned features. The strategic plan is to flood the battlespace with a mix of cheap, disposable units and some more costly advanced, survivable drones. Lockheed competed for the Air Forces initial batch of CCA contracts but lost to General Atomics and Anduril. Their proposal was rejected as gold-plated. It was too stealthy, autonomous, and expensive for the services early needs. John Clark (Lockheed executive) admitted the design exceeded requirements for Tranche 1. The first batch prioritized cost-effective air-to-air platforms. The main functin was drones carrying two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles each. The Vecctis drone evolves the prior over-engineered CCA concept. Lockheed is still trying to get the air force to use a more premium drone. The Vectis Airframe Design uses a stealthy lambda-delta wing configuration, a dorsal-mounted air intake with an S-duct and exhaust shrouding to minimize infrared signatures. Vectis exists primarily in digital simulations, where it has undergone extensive testing, including cooperative missions with virtual F-22s and F-35s. There is no physical prototype yet. The first flight is expected in about 2 years (around 2027). NASAs Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket is getting ready to send four astronauts from Earth on a journey around the Moon in 2026. Engineers have upgraded the agencys Moon SLS rocket inside and out after the Artemis 1 launch. SLS flew a good first mission on the Artemis I test flight. NASA commits to launching no later than April 2026. Teams are accelerating preparations to target as early as February 2026, but safety remains paramount. Assessments consider rocket stacking progress, ops/training, available launch periods (monthly, 4-8 days each with specific windows), technical readiness, trajectory physics, and weather. They will have a full assessment post-key integrations and tests. Emphasis: When were ready to safely launch, were going to accelerate as much as we can. Success Measure: Flyby Moon, safe return, validate systems for Artemis 3. NASA hopes to inspire an Artemis Generation like Apollo did. This is a front-row to history. Artemis 2 marks the first return to the Moon after over 50 years since Apollo. Artemis 1 (25 days, uncrewed) validated SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems in deep space. Artemis 2 introduces crewed elements, with lessons feeding into Artemis 3. Artemis 2 Mission Profile: 10-day duration wutg free-return trajectory using Earth-Moon gravity for a safe return with minimal burns (similar to Apollo 8 and 16). Key phases include: Launch from Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Boosters provide 75% thrust; RS-25 engines burn; jettison boosters and launch abort system. Main engine cutoff (MECO); perigee raise burn; rendezvous/proximity operations (Prox Ops) demo with the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). High Earth orbit checkouts (life support, etc.). translunar injection (TLI) on Day 2. Outbound to Moon. lunar flyby (observations). return. atmospheric entry. splashdown/recovery. Rollout from VAB to pad (4-mile journey, ~18 days total with contingencies). At pad: Connections, boosting, final configs. Wet dress ~2-3 days pre-launch 2-day countdown with crew hold at T-10 minutes. Launch Abort System (LAS) arms at T-5:25 Terminal count includes propellant loading, power/software transitions. Booster ignition, liftoff; handover to flight control. Launch Date Tie-In: Preparations align with acceleration goal. wet dress as final risk reduction before February/April windows. Modifications from Artemis 1 ( valve tweaks, ground plate seals) mitigate leaks, enabling efficient loading without VAB return unless major repair needed. Ascent Phase (Judd Frieling) Ascent Timeline: ~8.8 million pounds thrust; clear tower ~10 seconds post-liftoff; roll/pitch for horizontal velocity. Max Q ~1 minute in (150,000 ft); SRB separation ~2 minutes; solar array jettison/reveal ~3+ minutes; LAS jettison ~3:06; MECO ~8 minutes (151,200 nautical mile orbit). Post-MECO: Nozzle extension, solar arrays deploy (~20 minutes in); crew setups (toilet, water); upper stage perigee raise to safe orbit. Crew doffs suits; Prox Ops prep. Abort Modes: Continuous LAS capability; single-engine abort to Pacific (Mode 1, until LAS jettison); higher-energy abort to low Earth orbit after 23 seconds; 3-engine press-to-MECO ~5:15; untargeted Atlantic splashdown (Mode 2, ~7 minutes); orbit abort to Pacific/Baja (7.5+ minutes). Launch Date Relevance: Ascent handover immediate post-liftoff; aligns with evening windows in February (Feb 5 earliest). Orion Crew Safety System NASA teams are finishing integration of the Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II test flight with its launch abort system on Sept. 17 inside the Launch Abort System Facility at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 44-foot-tall tower-like abort structure would swiftly carry the four-person crew inside Orion to safety in the unlikely event of an emergency during launch or ascent atop the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. Over the next few weeks, teams will complete remaining closeout activities before moving the spacecraft to its final stop before the launch pad: the agencys Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be added to the top of the rocket, before the finished stack is rolled out to the launch pad on its way to the Moon. The abort system is comprised of three solid rocket motors: the jettison, attitude, and abort motors. In the case of an emergency, these motors work together to propel the astronauts inside Orions crew module to safety. Orion will shed the abort system and leave it behind once the crew is safely through the most dynamic part of ascent, leaving Orion thousands of pounds lighter for the rest of its journey. The Artemis II rocket includes an improved navigation system compared to Artemis I. Its communications capability also has been improved by repositioning antennas on the rocket to ensure continuous communications with NASA ground stations and the U.S. Space Forces Space Launch Delta 45 which controls launches along the Eastern Range. SLS will jettison the spent boosters four seconds earlier during Artemis II ascent than occurred during Artemis I. Dropping the boosters several seconds closer to the end of their burn will give engineers flight data to correlate with projections that shedding the boosters several seconds sooner will yield approximately 1,600 pounds of payload to Earth orbit for future SLS flights. The approximately 10-day Artemis II test flight is the first crewed flight under NASAs Artemis campaign. Teslas stock has been stuck in narrow range. What could break it out? Full Self-Driving (FSD) software challenges, AI data center energy needs, nuclear power developments, H-1B visa reforms, and broader commentary. Tesla traders are seeing shares stuck at $440 (unlikely to break without major news), with support levels at $423$424 and $410. Are dips buying opportunities? Especially ahead of October 2nd delivery numbers, which look like a big beat is forming. There are large numbers of Model Y castings spotted by Joe Tegtmeyer. Joe Tegtmeyers drone footage and posts from Giga Texas frequently capture ongoing Model Y casting production, which has ramped up significantly in 2025 amid Teslas push for higher volumes. He documented racks of fresh Model Y castings being pulled into the factory, signaling aggressive Q3 output to meet demand. Q3 castings ramp suggests trial production of the stripped down lower cost Y and/or the compact Y. The features of the lower cost Y have been revealed in the firmware. The projected pricing without subsidies would be about $5000-6000 lower. Projected Pricing: USA vs. China. USA: Current low-end RWD = $44,990 (incl. $1,390 destination; no credits). E41 savings justify $3,000-$6,000 haircut for volume $37k-$39,990 base (RWD; AWD +$4k). This can be a fleet special for Robotaxi. Launch Q4 2025 at Fremont; tariffs inflate vs. China build. China: Current price for RWD = 263,500 CNY ($36,500 USD). Giga Shanghai localization shaves extra 10% on BOM. Estimate : 229,900 CNY ($31,800 USD). It could go as low at $210-220k CNY or $30000) Deliveries could start Oct 2025. Does Tesla have the production capacity to take advantage of those cheaper cars. Can China go from 950K per year to 1.5 million per year. Need to have the volume production. Berlin and Texas can add full shifts and have plenty of room for lines. Texas should be focused on cybercab and current production. Cheaper cars mainly more volume in China, Asia and Europe. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel has hosted the Oscars four times. The Emmys, three. But perhaps none of his monologues had ever been awaited with such anticipation as the one this Tuesday, seven days after the final broadcast of his late-night show and eight nights since a comment about the identity and motivations of the alleged killer of Trump activist Charlie Kirk sparked a controversy that led to the show to be suspended indefinitely a move ordered by his network, ABC, and upheld by its parent company, Disney. That decision placed the comedian at the center of a debate over freedom of speech in Donald Trumps second term, and this Tuesday, at around 11:35 p.m. (East Coast time), he returned one day after Disney revoked the cancellation with an emotional and defiant monologue lasting nearly half an hour (instead of the usual 10 minutes). In the monologue, which reached a million views in its first hour on YouTube, he mocked Trump, highlighted the contradictions of his administration regarding the First Amendment, criticized the White Houses attacks on the press, and, through tears, praised Kirks widow, who on Sunday, during a massive memorial celebration, said she had forgiven her husbands killer. Kimmel opened his monologue with the phrase: As I was saying before I was interrupted... Then, he went on the offensive and offered an apology with a trembling voice. our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television, he declared. Ive been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight, and the truth is, I dont think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me, and if you dont, you dont [...] But I do wanna make something clear because its important to me as a human, and that is: You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. Holding back emotion, the comedian said that on the day Kirk was killed, he posted a message on his Instagram account sending love to his family and asking for compassion. I meant it, and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. Kimmel was referring to the comment at the center of the controversy. This one: We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, Kimmel said the night before authorities, last Tuesday, offered more details about Tyler Robinsons turn to left-wing politics. Robinson, a young man from a Mormon, Republican family, now faces the death penalty for allegedly shooting the MAGA youth leader in the neck while he was speaking at a university in Utah. I understand that (to some) that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance Idve felt the same way, Kimmel continued in his monologue following the return of his show. He also said he had many friends and family members on the other side making air quotes with his fingers and referring to Republicans who I love and remain close to, even though we dont agree on politics at all. I dont think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution and it isnt ever." The comedian thanked his audience, those who had called him in recent days to show support, comedians from countries where censorship is state policy, as well also his rival late-night hosts, who came to his defense on their shows. Kimmel also thanked even his own network executives, for allowing him, over 23 years and more than 4,000 episodes, to criticize them and stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late-night talk show. Most of all, he continued. I want the people who dont support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway." Kimmel then highlighted voices from the right who had spoken up for him in recent days. I never would have imagined Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz who, believe it or not, said something very beautiful on my behalf. [...] it takes courage for them to speak out against this administration, and they did, and they deserve credit for it. At another point, the TV star reinforced that idea, saying he had learned from some of the great comedians of this country, from Lenny Bruce to Howard Stern, that a government threat to silence a comedian the president doesnt like is anti-American. This image released by Disney shows guest Glen Powell, left, and host Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Randy Holmes (AP) In response to Kimmels return to air when many already considered him finished Trump posted a message on his social network a couple of hours before the show began, expressing disbelief at the news: The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE, he posted on Truth Social. I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! In that post, Trump was alluding to an out-of-court settlement he had reached with ABC. The agreement resolved a lawsuit he had filed after one of the networks anchors mistakenly reported details about the civil trial launched by columnist E. Jean Carroll in which he was found guilty of sexual abuse but not rape, as the journalist had reported. Trump did not temper his words in his fiery post on Truth Social. And yet, Kimmels show was not aired at the White House... or anywhere else in Washington. Two groups of ABC-affiliated local stations that together cover around 25% of U.S. territory Sinclair, whose owner is a well-known Trump supporter, and Nexstar, the most widely spread across the country and the one behind the initial suspension decided not to broadcast Kimmels program. Among the places where the content was banned was the capital itself (something Kimmel highlighted in his monologue), where Sinclair chose instead to air a rerun of a dull news program. In a city where politics is a drug that has much of the population hooked, the same political junkies who at that hour are usually glued to CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News for the latest twist in the news cycle spent the afternoon figuring out how not to miss Kimmels monologue. Looking for a pirate signal? Driving to nearby Baltimore? Or waiting for the delayed broadcast on YouTube? The monologue also couldnt be seen on TV by Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who had pressured ABC into suspending the show and who also lives in Washington. Carr said last week on a podcast that Kimmels comment about Charlie Kirks murder was grounds for dismissal. He also said: We can do this the easy way or the hard way. That afternoon, Nexstar, which owns 200 stations that carry ABC content and is awaiting FCC approval for a major deal, announced it was pulling Kimmel off the air. Disney-owned ABC soon followed suit. This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Randy Holmes (AP) In his monologue on Tuesday, Kimmel made special mention of the FCC chair. Kimmel resurrected a tweet in which Carr had praised political satire as the ultimate expression of free speech, and said Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one," before showing a photo of a Trump-branded Tesla. At the end of the monologue, Robert De Niro the quintessential gangster of the movies pretended to be the FCC chairman in one of the funniest moments of the night. Then, in his usual style, Kimmel shifted to criticizing Trump, specifically his appearance at the U.N. General Assembly. Just another day. After Colbert Trump had already set his sights on Kimmel after Stephen Colbert announced in July that his show, on rival CBS, would end at the close of this season by decision of the network after it had to pay $16 million to the U.S. president to settle a defamation lawsuit. Consequently, Trump said that Kimmel was next in the firing line, arguing the comedian had absolutely no talent and that his show didnt get good ratings. I do tonight, Kimmel replied on Tuesday, in his first show since the suspension was lifted. [Trump] forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this, he addded, alluding to the alleged client list of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In the two days following the shows cancellation, Trump intensified his attacks: since the networks that air late-night shows are against him, he told reporters at the White House, I would think maybe their license should be taken away. Theyll take a great story and theyll make it bad. See I think its really illegal, personally, he argued on Friday. The mere idea of canceling a comedians show for criticizing the president, by pressuring a private network, set off alarm bells in a country that venerates the freedom of expression guaranteed by the First Amendment a principle that Kirk himself had embraced as an absolutist. Carr (and Trump) also faced heavy criticism from prominent MAGA figures, including broadcaster Tucker Carlson, Senator Ted Cruz, and influencer Ben Shapiro. Kimmel also noted this in his monologue. In a more serious tone, Kimmel said: The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke. He continued: He was somehow able to squeeze Colbert out of CBS. Then he turned his sights on me, and now hes openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows, who dont make millions of dollars. And I hope that if that happens or if theres even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week. We have to speak out against this bully. Hes not stopping. Kimmel also stressed that Trump was going after journalists as well Hes suing them, hes bullying them. He acknowledged that highlighting this issue wasnt as attention-grabbing as canceling a comedian, but insisted it was essential: its so important to have a free press, and it is nuts that we arent paying more attention to it. On Monday, Disney reversed the decision to suspend Kimmels show. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday, Disney said in a statement. In his opening monologue, Kimmel, who thanked the companys owners for that decision, joked about the subscriber exodus the controversy had caused for the platform. He pretended that they had required him to read a corporate statement... which turned out to be instructions on how to reactivate Disney and Hulu accounts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition At least one immigrant died Wednesday in a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Dallas, Texas, the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed. The deceased was inside the immigration agencys facility when a sniper opened fire on the site. Two other detained immigrants were wounded and are in critical condition. The alleged shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Dallas Police Department. No federal agents were shot. So far, the identity of the victim and the persons wounded have not been confirmed. No details about the shooter have been released. Authorities and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have said the motive for the shooting is under investigation, but the official said the incident comes amid an increase in attacks on ICE agents, who are carrying out Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda. During a press conference a few hours after the incident, local authorities confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting. The special agent in charge of the FBI in Dallas, Joe Rothrock, explained that they have begun an ongoing investigation involving several federal and local partners to ensure that anyone responsible is held accountable. He added that the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence and that the bullets found near the alleged shooter contain messages of an anti-ICE nature. The citys mayor, Eric Johnson, called for calm and patience from the public while the investigation yields results. Cartridges found near the migrant detention center. FBI (EFE) The facility is not a detention center, but it is often used to process detainees after their arrest and before their transfer to a migrant prison. Immigrants who pass through this building are usually there for about 24 hours. The shooting occurred around 7 a.m. Central Time and prompted a large police presence in the area. According to the Dallas Police Department, the attacker opened fire from a nearby building. The acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, said the victims were in the sally port area, where detained immigrants are held. Trump has not commented on the incident. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance wrote on X: The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. Im praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. For his part, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican and ally of the president, posted on the same social network: Texas fully supports ICE. Both the Texas Dept. of Public Safety & Texas National Guard work closely with ICE. This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. So far this year, ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities in the state of Texas have been shot at on at least three occasions. On July 4, Independence Day, several gunmen opened fire on an immigration detention center in Alvarado, southwest of Dallas. A police officer was wounded by a shot to the neck. Three days later, a man armed with an assault rifle fired dozens of rounds at federal agents leaving a Border Patrol facility in McAllen. The man wounded a police officer who responded to the scene before authorities shot and killed him. And on August 25, authorities arrested a 36-year-old American man who threatened to plant a bomb at the ICE facility in Dallas. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the man went to the office and claimed to have an explosive device in his backpack. He also showed an agent what he said was a detonator on his wrist. The man was arrested and charged with terrorist threats. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Two Latina minors, aged 14 and 17, have been freed from their exploiter in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the states attorney general announced Monday. Ramiro Caal Jolomna has been charged with human trafficking, involuntary servitude, and related offenses. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday filed charges against him for forcing the girls to work without pay under the threat of deportation. Experts note that this case is one of countless others that never come to light. Investigations into trafficking and human exploitation have lost momentum because U.S. President Donald Trumps deportation campaign has absorbed resources from other agencies that previously focused on combating labor and sexual exploitation. Since Trumps return to the White House, detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants has become the top priority for many agencies that formerly investigated other crimes. According to data obtained by the CATO Institute, 42,153 personnel including 28,390 from federal law enforcement agencies have been redirected to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This diversion has significantly curtailed the governments capacity to address criminal activity in the United States, said David J. Bier, Director of Immigration Studies, when presenting the data. At the State Department, the Trump administration cut more than 70% of the staff at the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which is responsible for leading anti-trafficking initiatives across the federal government. Advocates against trafficking warn that the reduction in personnel threatens to undo decades of progress in the fight to stop sexual slavery, forced labor, and sexual exploitation. Minors and women are easy targets for human trafficking networks, which exploit their vulnerability as they flee violence, exploitation, and poverty in their home countries. According to the Pennsylvania trafficking investigation conducted by the state attorney generals office and the state police, the young women incurred a debt after Caal Jolomna brought them to the country. The victims were expelled from school and subjected to long work days in exchange for little or no pay. The 14-year-old girl was brought to Pennsylvania from Mexico and forced to work 16-hour shifts, seven days a week, only to have her wages transferred to Caal Jolomna and his wife. She was also forced to perform domestic chores, such as cleaning her employers house. As for the 17-year-old, Caal Jolomna sponsored her to come to the United States from Guatemala and kept her in similar conditions. The young woman wanted to support her ailing father and other relatives in her home country, but after the detainee took most of her salary, she had very little money left. A memorandum submitted on September 16 by Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland reveals that drastic Trump administration cuts at the State Department have gutted the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Raskins report notes that roughly half of the federal law enforcement personnel who might be assigned to track terrorists, human traffickers, and other criminals have now been assigned exclusively to immigration enforcement. The TIP is required to produce an annual report on anti-trafficking efforts, which was due June 30 but has not yet been made public. Raskin says that the Department of Justice has also canceled hundreds of grants awarded to state and local law enforcement agencies to help prevent, investigate, and prosecute violent crimes, as well as those assisting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Furthermore, Trump has closed crucial agencies and offices that combat human trafficking, such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which collected crucial information on emerging trafficking routes and networks. According to data obtained by the CATO Institute, ICE is receiving assistance from nearly 17,000 personnel from other agencies, including 14,500 federal law enforcement officers. One in five federal marshals (650 out of 3,892); one in five Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents (2,840 out of 13,700); half of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents (2,181 out of 4,620); more than two-thirds of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agency (1,778 out of 2,572); and nearly 90% of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) personnel (6,198 out of 7,100) have been transferred to assist ICE, according to CATO. In the labor-intensive fight against sexual exploitation and human trafficking, the diversion of law enforcement resources will almost certainly have deadly consequences, warned the memorandum, which was signed by the Democratic Staff of the Committee on the Judiciary. In 2023, Homeland Security Investigations rescued 1,806 children and arrested 4,214 suspects for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. With 90% of the agency now assigned to the Presidents immigration agenda, these efforts have all but stoppedand the government is left with few resources to stop the criminals who engage in child exploitation, trafficking, and worse," argued the memorandum. The Trump administration has downplayed the impact of these reassignments. Speaking to The Guardian, Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assistant secretary, said that under President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the United States is dismantling sex trafficking networks and saving children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Trump and Epstein Raskin argues otherwise. In his memorandum, titled Epstein is the Tip of the Iceberg: The Trump Administration is Dismantling the Anti-Human Trafficking Infrastructure and Coddling Human Traffickers, Sexual Predators, and Rapists, Raskin argues that President Trump has aligned himself with human traffickers, sexual predators, and other violent criminals. The pattern is obvious, it is alarming, and it is a far bigger problem than the files of Jeffrey Epstein. Raskin was referring to the presidents friendship with the millionaire pedophile who died by suicide in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019 and his accomplice, who is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy and sexual trafficking of minors. The memorandum also notes that several high-ranking officials in Trumps administration, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have been accused of inappropriate conduct. The memorandum further mentions that the government facilitated the return of misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan from Romania, where they were facing rape charges. Dozens of individuals pardoned in connection with the January 6 insurrection had also faced charges related to trafficking and sexual abuse before and after storming the Capitol. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Participants attend the opening ceremony of a new air conditioner manufacturing plant of China's Haier in Chonburi, Thailand, Sept. 23, 2025. Haier, a global leader in household appliances and innovation, announced a major investment in Thailand on Tuesday with the opening of its new air conditioner manufacturing plant in Chonburi. The project spans 324,000 square meters and is aligned with Thailand's S-Curve strategy and the Thailand 4.0 policy, serving both domestic and export markets with a maximum annual capacity of over 6 million units. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) BANGKOK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Haier, a global leader in household appliances and innovation, announced a major investment in Thailand on Tuesday with the opening of its new air conditioner manufacturing plant in Chonburi. The project spans 324,000 square meters and is aligned with Thailand's S-Curve strategy and the Thailand 4.0 policy, serving both domestic and export markets with a maximum annual capacity of over 6 million units. Zhou Yunjie, chairman of the Board of Haier Group, said this major investment not only reflects Haier's confidence in the Thai economy but also reinforces the vision of elevating Thailand as a strategic production base in Southeast Asia. According to the company's statement, the plant will generate over 3,000 jobs, distributing income to local communities and fostering sustainable local economic growth. It will also enhance Haier's production and export capabilities, meeting rising demand across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and global markets. In his speech, Thailand's former Prime Minister Chuan Leekphai said the launch of the plant is a concrete manifestation of the friendly cooperation between the two countries, reflecting Chinese investors' confidence in Thailand's potential, stability, and strategic role on the world economic stage. VIENTIANE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Lao National Youth Forum, themed "Youth-Led Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems," kicked off in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday, aiming to empower youth to drive the transformation of food systems toward sustainability. According to the Vientiane Mai newspaper on Wednesday, the forum was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Xaynakhone Inthavong, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos Bakhodir Burkhanov, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative to Laos Kyung-Mee Kim, and other key stakeholders. In his speech, Xaynakhone highlighted Laos' rapidly growing population, projected to reach 9 million by 2035. This growth will drive economic expansion but also increase demand for food, water, and land. The rise in urban areas, which converts agricultural land into residential zones, adds pressure on resources and food security, with climate change further compounding these challenges. To address these issues, the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is focusing on transforming food systems. Key initiatives include promoting young farmers by offering training in sustainable agriculture, business management, and marketing, as well as supporting research on climate resilience in partnership with universities. The ministry also encourages youth involvement in community development, provides scholarships and vocational training, and organizes periodic courses in agricultural technology, fostering a new generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture. A former school aide failed to follow procedures last year resulting in a 4-year-old girl being left alone on a school bus for five hours, according to a lawsuit filed against the Egg Harbor Township School District. Darielle Lugo and Miguel Lugo allege in the suit filed Sept. 9 that an aide employed by the district turned off a child check alarm minutes before the students got off the bus at a preschool on Dec. 17, 2024, resulting in their daughter being left alone on the bus. The Lugos said their daughter fell asleep on the bus. The child check alarm can only be turned off from the rear of the bus, requiring the driver or aide to walk to the back of the bus, according to the lawsuit. New Jersey law requires bus drivers to visually inspect their vehicles at the end of a transportation route, which is defined as being once all of their students have departed, it was stated in the lawsuit. The bus driver and aide were fired after an investigation, it was previously reported. None of the defendants has filed responses to the lawsuit, records show. Egg Harbor Township School Superintendent Kim Gruccio did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Michael Pender, a lawyer representing the Lugos, said video obtained through an Open Public Records Act request, show the aide turning off the alarm 3 minutes before students exited the bus. You definitely see the aide go to the back to the bus, while the kids are still on the bus, and turn off the switch, Pender said. This poor kid was left on the bus for over five hours in the middle of December. Thankfully, it wasnt freezing cold that day because it could have been a worse situation. A second aide boarded the bus and sat near the other aide, it is stated in the lawsuit. Both should have checked the bus after it was empty, the lawsuit claims. The Lugos previously said they learned their daughter was absent after Miguel arrived at the preschool school at 2 p.m. to attend their daughters class party. The little girl was found less than an hour later, sleeping in the empty school bus which had been parked on a lot at the school districts transportation department, according to the police report. Security cameras inside the bus turned off after the bus was returned to a district bus storage lot, making it unclear what happened to the young girl during the time she was missing, according to the lawsuit. Were fairly certain the child was on the bus the whole time, Pender said, adding that hes investigating whether there is footage available from security cameras in the districts transportation lot. Since December, the girl has been taken to preschool by her parents, the lawsuit states, and her parents removed her from the preschool she was attending. Authorities have charged three men in the fatal shooting of a man who was sitting in a parked car last month. Elijah B. Ervin, 33, Shaheed L. Ervin, 39, and Earl T. Johnson, 29, all of Willingboro, are charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder as well as multiple weapons offenses, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Tuesday. The men are accused of shooting Bruce Hall Jr. to death as he was sitting in his parked pickup truck on the night of Aug. 10. Police found Hall in his truck shortly after 9 p.m. near the intersection Paddock Lane and Poppy Turn in Willingboro, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. Prosecutors did not specific the role that each man allegedly had in the shooting. Johnson was arrested on Sept. 17 at a home in Philadelphia. He is in custody at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility as he awaits extradition to New Jersey. Elijah and Shaheed Ervin were arrested last month and have since been held at Burlington County Jail. Multiple law enforcement agencies have assisted with the investigation, including the New Jersey State Police and U.S. Marshals Service. The plant, located at 1660 Suckle Highway in Pennsauken, joins the companys global glaze network that includes sites in Mexico, Belgium and Italy. Puratos Puratos is opening the first dedicated bakery glaze plant in the nation in late October in South Jersey. The new Ultra High Temperature facility in Camden County represents a significant development for both the industry and the local community, according to a Puratos statement. The plant, located at 1660 Suckle Highway in Pennsauken, joins the companys global glaze network that includes sites in Mexico, Belgium and Italy. The new Puratos Industrial Pilot Bakery opened in June. The new industrial pilot bakery is designed to advance sustainability and innovation in the industry, according to a statement from Puratos. The facility aims to reduce reliance on imported ingredients and costly eggs while utilizing the latest processing technology to optimize quality, efficiency and reliability for U.S. partners. There were no homicides in Camden during the summer the first time that happened since the city began tracking crime more than 50 years ago. City officials lauded the fact in a statement announcing that the number of homicides in Camden has dropped 43% this year. There have been eight homicides in Camden in 2025, seven of which have resulted in arrests. Last year, Camden recorded 18 homicides. In both 2023 and 2022 there were 28 each year. Homicides in Camden have fallen 64% since 2014, the first full year that the Camden County Police Department patrolled the city. The county department replaced the abolished City of Camden police department. Its hard to believe when we started this agency and stood it up after some of the most violent years in city history that we could stand here today and talk about a homicide free summer, Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli said. We knew if we deployed the right strategies by working hand in hand with our residents and neighbors a day like this would come, but it wouldnt be possible without the constant dedication of our officers. Officials also credited improved social services, community events, and technology, such as a new drone program, for the citys sharp decrease in crime. Officials admit that Camden was one of the most dangerous municipalities in the nation prior to May 1, 2013 when the its police department was dissolved and replaced with the county-wide force. Overall crime is also dropping in Camden there were 445 violent incidents in the city during the first six months of 2025, among the lowest totals in a half-century. In a 30-plus year span, the total number of crime victims has dropped from 14,685 in 1991 to 3,212 victims in 2024, authorities said. Starting in 2024, the Camden County Police Departments community outreach team partnered with an internal social services unit. Together they dedicated themselves to reaching at-risk youths, residents suffering from substance use disorders and others suffering from mental health crises to connect them with available resources in order to increase the quality of life in the city, reduce petty crime and improve job opportunities. Some of the credit for this success, law enforcement officials say, can be attributed to the Village Initiative, which includes the social services office within the police department, as well as the Arrive Together program, established by the Attorney Generals Office to place licensed social workers with police officers on mental distress calls. NJ Advance Media staff writer Matthew Enuco contributed to this report. The TD Bank headquarters has shifted from a well-known pyramid-shaped building in Cherry Hill to more modern office space in another New Jersey town. AP The TD Bank headquarters has moved from a well-known pyramid-shaped building in Cherry Hill to more modern office space in another New Jersey town. According to a Sept. 9. online announcement, TD Bank updated its corporate address to 4140 Church Road in Mount Laurel. The relocation marks the end of a decades-long presence at the distinctive site on Route 70 in Cherry Hill that housed both TD Bank and its predecessor, Commerce Bancorp. The five-story Cherry Hill office space, which includes 68,520 square feet, is for sale or lease, according to an online post by Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis. The move comes as TD Bank works to consolidate its physical footprint across South Jersey. The bank launched a consolidation effort last year. The former Cherry Hill headquarters, known for its distinctive pyramid architecture, had served as the companys home base for decades. The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Department reported 35,573 deer killed by hunters during the 2023-2024 hunting season. Molly Walsh, cleveland.com Hunting season is underway for New Jerseys white tailed deer. Deer hunters contribute more than $100 million annually to the New Jersey economy by providing a financial benefit for different businesses in the state, according to information from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Hunters take part in multiple deer seasons, which began earlier this month and continue until February. Specific deer hunting seasons are determined by whether the method of hunting is a bow, firearm or muzzleloader, or the deer management zone. Key dates include fall bow season, which started Sept. 13, the six-day firearm season from Dec. 8 to Dec. 13, and the winter bow season running from Jan. 1 to Feb. 21, 2026. Last year, the number of people hunting deer in the state ranged from 60,000 to 80,000, according to a 2024 article from Game & Fish Magazine The states Fish and Wildlife Department reported 35,573 deer killed by hunters during the 2023-2024 hunting season. To hunt in New Jersey, you must be at least 10 years of age. Hunters over 10 and under 14 require permission from a parent or legal guardian to obtain a license. Hunters in that age group must also be accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older while hunting. All hunters are required to have a license and openly display it in the middle of the back on outer clothing. For the 2025 season, a New Jersey firearm hunting license costs $27.50 for residents ages 18 to 64, $15.50 for residents 65 and older, and $135.50 for non-residents. The license to hunt deer is free for a 10-year-old, as it falls under the free Youth Hunting License for ages 10 to 15, provided a Hunter Education Course has been completed. A 14-year-old also receives the free Youth Hunting License, which is valid until the end of the calendar year that they turn 16. Permit costs for deer with or without antlers cost $28 for adults and $12 for youths. The prices cover permits for bow, muzzleloader or shotgun seasons, and the purchase of a permit requires a valid New Jersey hunting license. Legal hunting hours in New Jersey are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. All harvested deer must be reported through the Fish and Wildlifes Automated Harvest Report System, either by calling 855-448-6865 or using the online Harvest Report system. School districts in New Jersey have been considering new policies addressing cellphone use in classrooms. AP A New Jersey commission is asking all schools to prohibit students from using cellphones and social media during the school day. The state Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage in Adolescents issued a report last week outlining numerous harms to adolescents stemming from social media, which often is accessed via cellphones. The evidence is clear. While social media offers opportunities for connection and expression, it also poses serious risks, from cyberbullying and addictive use patterns to privacy threats, sleep disruption, and mental health decline, the commission said in an executive summary of its report. The report advises New Jersey school districts to ban cellphones bell-to-bell, which means prohibiting use during the entire academic day. That is a stricter ban than many schools currently enforce. Some schools ban cellphones in class, but allow devices to be used at lunch, at lockers or in school hallways. However, the recommendations say there should be exceptions for students with educational or medical needs, including those with an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan. There should also be exceptions for students who use their phones for translation. There is no state law governing cellphones in schools. Each New Jersey school district adopts it own rules. Many of New Jerseys approximately 600 public school districts restrict cellphone use in classrooms, but the policies and punishments vary. Some require students to keep their phones off and out of sight, while others provide locations for the devices to be stored during the school day. The commission said the use of cellphones and social media by adolescents has some benefits, but plenty of dangers. For adolescents, the rise of smartphone platforms delivered that promise with an unprecedented intensity, offering new ways to build friendships, express themselves, and engage with the world, the commission said. But alongside those benefits came troubling realities: increasing generalized anxiety, depression, sleepless nights, fractured attention, social isolation and the often-unseen toll on family members trying to make sense of it all, the report said. The commissions recommendations stop short of calling for a statewide policy or legislation banning cellphones in class, which Gov. Phil Murphy endorsed in a speech to state legislators in January. A new statewide policy in New York bars unsanctioned use of cellphones and other devices for the entire school day. The policy, backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, debuted on Sept. 4 in New York City as students returned to classes. The school board in Jersey City, New Jerseys second-largest city, approved a policy last week prohibiting cellphones and other personal communications devices in classrooms starting Oct. 1. However, students will still be allowed to use cellphones during lunch and recess periods, but not during bathroom breaks, according to the policy. Similar to cellphone restrictions in other districts, the Jersey City plan includes exemptions for students with disabilities or health issues. The Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage in Adolescents report, called Growing Up Online, includes wide-ranging recommendations beyond the classroom. It asks state lawmakers to approve legislation prohibiting social media companies from allowing anyone under age 18 to create an account without parental consent. It urges parents and caregivers to delay youth access to social media and to monitor their usage once they gain access. The report was based on peer-reviewed research, international case studies, testimony from experts and parents, and original survey data from Rutgers Universitys School of Communication and Information, the commission said. The group from Rutgers surveyed 923 parents and 202 adolescents in New Jersey about what teens are doing online, their feelings about it and the perspectives of families. Jessie Buckley as The Bride in Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Bride!" Warner Bros. Pictures Here comes The Bride! Or, here comes the mother f---ing bride! Thats how the bold trailer for Maggie Gyllenhaals upcoming Bride of Frankenstein movie prefers to say it. The Oscar-nominated director helmed part of the tale in New Jersey with Jersey talent behind the scenes (see details and trailer below). Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley and Oscar winner Christian Bale star in the film, which takes place in 1930s Chicago. Bale, who plays Frankenstein (Frankensteins monster), consults with the scientist Dr. Euphronious, played by Oscar nominee Annette Bening. He wants Euphronious to make him a companion, so they resurrect a woman who has been murdered. Buckley plays this Bride in the story that, per distributor Warner Bros., promises a wild and radical cultural movement and outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance. In the trailer, Bales Frankie stomps out a man who menaces the couple on the street. Until death do us part, he tells Buckleys Bride in his breathy Frankenstein voice. Thrilled (and a little terrified) to give you a peek at my new baby, Gyllenhaal said, sharing the trailer on Instagram Tuesday. Here we go. Are you ready?? Behind the scenes during production of "The Bride!" in Newark. The Newark Office of Film and Television The movie, which Gyllenhaal wrote, is her take on James Whales Bride of Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester, the 1935 movie sequel to Frankenstein (1931). The first film was based on a Peggy Webling play, an adaptation of Mary Shelleys gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, published in 1818. Gyllenhaal has worked with Buckley before. The director received an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay for her feature directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, for which Buckley was nominated for best supporting actress. Former Batman Bale, who received Oscar nominations for American Hustle, The Big Short and Vice, won an Academy Award in 2011 for The Fighter. Oscar winner Penelope Cruz (she won for Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008) is also in the movie along with Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaals husband, and her brother, Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal. Trailer contains profanity I am so proud of my radical, powerful, disobedient wife, Peter Sarsgaard said on Instagram, sharing the trailer. Run for your lives: HERE. COMES. THE BRIDE! The Bride! was originally scheduled for release last year on Sept. 26 and is now headed to theaters March 6. The movie will also be in IMAX. Gyllenhaal filmed in the old Washington Street trolley tunnel in Newark. The trolley, which used to drop people off at city department stores, was also used in The Walking Dead. Oscar-nominated Joker cinematographer Lawrence Sher, who grew up in Teaneck, said he filmed a very major scene in The Bride! in the old trolley tunnel. I really wanted that film, so I was really excited when Maggie chose me to do it, Sher told NJ Advance Media last year of working on The Bride! Its one of the best scripts Ive ever read," he said. That one, I think, has an opportunity to be one of the real special ones of my career. A 1936 photo of the Newark trolley tunnel where "The Bride!" filmed. The Newark Office of Film and Television Plus, he had stars Buckley and Bale on his actor wishlist. Shers Oscar-winning Joker collaborator, composer Hildur Gudnadottir, scored The Bride! The movie also boasts the work of Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell (Shakespeare in Love, The Aviator, The Young Victoria), Oscar-nominated editor Dylan Tichenor (There Will Be Blood, Zero Dark Thirty) and Oscar-nominated production designer Karen Murphy (Elvis). The Bride! will be in theaters March 6. Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night TV with tears, laughs and plenty of clear words about President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Kimmel, who was suspended indefinitely by ABC last week, was back on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night. He did his best to cancel me, Kimmel said of Trump. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. Despite his recent suspension, Kimmel did not go soft on Trump. The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke, he said. He was somehow able to squeeze (Stephen) Colbert out of CBS, then he turned his sights on me, and now hes openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows who dont make millions of dollars. And I hope that if that happens, or if theres even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week. To protest Kimmels suspension, viewers canceled their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions. READ MORE: Comedians, writers and celebrities react to Jimmy Kimmels suspension at ABC. What is happening to our country? In the monologue, Kimmel talked about threats not just to late-night TV hosts but also to journalists, including those covering the Pentagon, who have recently faced more threats through a policy requiring that media not publish information not approved for release by the government. They want to pick and choose what the news is, Kimmel said of the government (see clip below). I know thats not as interesting as muzzling a comedian, but its so important to have a free press and it is nuts that we arent paying more attention to it. The late-night host was visibly emotional as he returned to a roar of applause and standing ovation and chants of Jimmy! Jimmy! from the audience. Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted ... Kimmel began. If youre just joining us, we are preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report. Im not sure who had a weirder 48 hours, he said. Me or the CEO of Tylenol. A job offer and praise for Ted Cruz Kimmel said the time between his suspension and return has been overwhelming. He thanked those who reached out and supported him through public statements condemning his suspension. They included many current and former late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, Arsenio Hall, Conan OBrien, Jon Stewart, John Oliver, Chelsea Handler and Jay Leno along with comedians like Wanda Sykes and Kathy Griffin and even the person who fired him from his first radio job. He was also grateful for support from his boyhood idols David Letterman and Howard Stern. Kimmel, who has hosted his ABC show since 2003, said he even received a job offer from a German late-night host. READ MORE: Jon Stewarts gold-encrusted, Trump-praising take on Jimmy Kimmel: Free speech means speech that supports the president This country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like come here, he said. Kimmel turned to the audience and thanked them, too, for making their voices heard so his could be heard, too, he said. Maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who dont support my show or what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway, Kimmel said, listing the names of right-wing commentators and politicians, including Sen. Ted Cruz. Cruz had said he was thrilled that Kimmel was fired, but opposed the muzzling of a comedian because of what it means for free speech at large. I dont think Ive ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right, Kimmel said. I mean, think about it, if Ted Cruz cant speak freely, then he cant cast spells on the Smurfs. A tearful moment Kimmel acknowledged the weight of his Tuesday monologue and the many expectations placed on what he would say. The truth is, I dont think what I have to say is gonna make much of a difference, he said. If you like me, you like me. If you dont, you dont. Look, I have no illusions about changing anyones mind. Kimmels suspension at ABC and parent company Disney was preceded by attacks and criticism from Trump and Carr along with Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, the owners of ABC affiliates across the country who have removed the late-night show from their programming. The criticism was in response to comments Kimmel made on his Sept. 15 show about Republican reaction to the suspected killer of Charlie Kirk. We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing anything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel had said on the show. On Tuesday, Kimmels voice cracked as he talked about the response from those critics and others to what he said. I do wanna make something clear because its important to me as a human, he said. And that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. Kimmel noted that he had posted an Instagram message the day Kirk was killed in which he sent love to his family and asked for compassion. I meant it, he said. I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual, Kimmel said. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. Later in the monologue, Kimmel pointed to Kirks wife, Erika Kirk, forgiving her husbands killer. That is an example we should follow, he said. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. Thats it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. About those ratings Kimmel said that he receives many ugly and scary threats against his life because of what he says on the show. They include threats against his family and coo-workers. But I dont want to make this about me, he said. This show is not important, Kimmel continued. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. Disney moved to suspend Kimmel after Nexstar said it would be dropping Jimmy Kimmel Live! in response to his comments in the wake of Kirks death. READ MORE: N.J.s Chelsea Handler: Jimmy Kimmels suspension harks back to McCarthyism. Speak up before its too late. Nexstar, which owns 32 ABC stations, wants to acquire Tegna, another owner of TV stations, for $6.2 billion. In order to do so, Nexstar would FCC approval. Just before Kimmel was suspended Sept. 17, Carr, the chairman of the FCC, directly criticized ABC and Kimmel in comments on a podcast with Benny Johnson. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said, channeling any number of Mafia characters. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or theres going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. Later in Kimmels first episode back, he did a sketch segment with Robert De Niro, who played a mysterious thuggish figure working as the new FCC boss. READ MORE: Watch Robert De Niro play a thuggish FCC chairman in Jimmy Kimmels late-night comeback Carrs comments arrived after Trump had called for Kimmel to be fired, just as he had called for Stephen Colbert to be fired at The Late Show. In July, CBS and Colbert announced that his late-night show would be ending next year. That decision was made while CBS parent company Paramount was in the middle of a since-completed merger with the company Skydance, which also required FCC approval. A decision was announced to end Colberts show after the late-night host criticized CBS $16 million settlement with Trump over his claims about how a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris was edited (Montclair resident Colbert called the settlement a big fat bribe). In his Tuesday monologue, Kimmel went on to say that he took for granted the right to speak freely as an American talk show host until Colberts show fell victim to a dimming of free speech. (CBS maintained the decision was purely financial in nature.) Kimmel said government interference resulted in ABC affiliates being coerced to cut Jimmy Kimmel Live! Thats not legal, he said. Thats not American. That is un-American. Kimmel said that Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains off the air in 20% of the country. READ MORE: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is ending. In shock move, so is the late-night franchise. He gave another hypothetical example of such government interference. What if the government wanted to decide which podcasts were suitable for consumption, so they screened and regulated them to determine if they served the public interest? Kimmel also pulled up Carrs own comments from 2022 about free speech. Political satire is one of the oldest and most important forms of free speech, the FCC chairman, then FCC commissioner, had said at the time. He paired them with Trumps 2022 comments: If we dont have free speech, then we just dont have a free country. Its as simple as that. Cue a clip of Trump saying Kimmel was cut at ABC because has no talent and no ratings. Well, I do tonight, Kimmel said with a smile. In its first full week available, The Wrong Paris has claimed the top spot on Netflixs global movie rankings just barely edging out KPop Demon Hunters. The movie, starring Miranda Cosgrove, drew an impressive 21.8 million views after jumping in the number 2 spot the previous week with just three days of it being available. The romantic comedy stars Miranda Cosgrove who thinks shes joining a dating show in Paris, France, only to land in Paris, Texas. KPop Demon Hunters maintains strong momentum at the second position, attracting 21.2 million viewers between Sept. 15 and 21. The movie has been in the top 10 list for 14 weeks. In third place, Ice Road: Vengeance had 7.6 million views. The movie debuted in June. Top 10 Netflix Movies (Global Rankings, September 15-21, 2025): The Wrong Paris Viewership: 21.8 million Hours viewed: 38.9 million Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes KPop Demon Hunters Viewership: 21.2 million Hours viewed: 35.4 million Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes Ice Road: Vengeance Viewership: 7.6 million Hours viewed: 14.4 million Runtime: 1 hour, 53 minutes aka Charlie Sheen: Season 1 Viewership: 7.2 million Hours viewed: 21.8 million Runtime: 3 hours, 2 minutes The Mule Viewership: 6.4 million Hours viewed: 10.9 million Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes Unknown Number: The High School Catfish Viewership: 4.5 million Hours viewed: 7.1 million Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes The Thursday Murder Club Viewership: 3.9 million Hours viewed: 7.8 million Runtime: 2 hours Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Viewership: 3.4 million Hours viewed: 6.3 million Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes War Dogs Viewership: 3.1 million Hours viewed: 5.8 million Runtime: 1 hour, 54 minutes Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story VIENNA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant lost all off-site power on Tuesday, showcasing persistent risks to nuclear safety, according to a UN nuclear watchdog. The power loss was the 10th time during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday on social platform X, adding that its team is investigating the cause of the incident. The agency's Director General Rafael Grossi said later that day that emergency diesel generators had started operating to supply the plant with power, citing its team at Zaporizhzhia. Zaporizhzhia's six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024 but still require cooling water for their reactor cores and spent fuel pools. Before the conflict, it had 10 off-site power lines available. A mans cremated remains went missing after a Hudson County cemetery mishandled them, a lawsuit alleges. The suit, filed in Hudson County Superior Court in May by Jose Negronis adult children, accuses the Hudson Cemetery and Crematory Company of negligence and intentional, reckless and outrageous behavior. According to the complaint, Negronis children have been denied their right to grieve the death of their late father and have been forced to endure severe and ongoing emotional distress. Following Negronis death in April 2020, his family purchased a niche from the cemetery to store his ashes, the lawsuit states. The family, which regularly visited the cemetery, first suspected something was wrong when they noticed a heart-shaped vase missing from the niche in December 2023, the complaint says. In March 2024, the cemetery sent a letter to the family stating that the cremated remains had either been mixed up and placed in a different urn or were lost due to a vandalism incident. A month later, cemetery workers opened the niche and confirmed the remains were no longer there, according to the complaint. The Hudson Cemetery and Crematory Company and the attorney representing the defendants did not return requests from NJ Advance Media for comment. Its reprehensible conduct to allow this to happen and then to inform the family by way of a letter out of the blue, rather than explaining what exactly happened and where they believe the fathers remains are, said Michael Shaw, the attorney representing Negronis family. Shaw added that it remains unclear whether the remains were swapped or stolen. For my clients to have to endure not only the loss of their father, but then again, losing their father, essentially, its hard enough to lose a loved one, Shaw said. They were visiting the niche to pay respects to their father, and ultimately, he wasnt there, or they were the wrong remains. My clients are simply looking forward to getting a full explanation of what truly transpired, and then hopefully being able to grieve properly and say goodbye to their father the right way, he added. The former Jersey City aide alleges he was fired for supporting his sisters political campaign and opposing city policies. Reena Rose Sibayan | The Jersey A federal judge has dismissed a former Jersey City aides claims that he was fired for opposing Mayor Steven Fulops crypto pension plan, but allowed his allegations of political retaliation to proceed. Jonathan Gomez Noriega, who worked for the city since 2018 and served on its LGBTQ+ task force, sued Fulop and other officials last year after he was terminated in August 2024. In his lawsuit, Noriega says the firing came after he resisted pressure to publicly condemn his sister, Valentina Gomez, a Republican candidate for Missouri secretary of state whose social media posts attacking LGBTQ+ people drew national headlines. The lawsuit names the City of Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop, press secretary Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione, chief of staff John Minella, city manager John Metro, and Mobin Yousaf, the citys director of employee relations, as defendants. My First Amendment right was violated. I was retaliated against, coerced, wrongfully fired, and humiliated, Noriega wrote in a post on X when he filed the lawsuit. The complaint states that his dismissal was due to familial and political association, rather than poor job performance. Noriega amended his lawsuit in June 2025 to add two new claims, alleging he was also punished for raising concerns about Fulops July 2024 announcement that the citys retirement system would invest in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. He claimed the move violated state law and ethics rules. On Sept. 23, U.S. District Judge William J. Martini dismissed those crypto-related claims, finding Noriega hadnt shown he raised formal objections to management. Text messages included in the lawsuit appeared to show Noriega supporting the announcement, the judge said. The ruling follows an earlier decision in April, when the court dismissed Noriegas claims of discrimination, defamation, and false light. Those counts stemmed from allegations that city officials made culturally insensitive remarks about Noriegas Colombian heritage and publicly questioned his ability to represent diversity in City Hall, according to the April decision. What remains are two constitutional claims: that Noriega was fired in retaliation for his protected speech and political association, and that Jersey City is liable under federal civil rights law. In the earlier opinion, the court allowed those claims to proceed, citing unresolved questions about whether Noriegas job required political loyalty and whether his firing violated the First Amendment. As weve maintained from the start, this lawsuit had no merit, Wallace-Scalcione said in a statement. The judges decision to dismiss these two counts, in addition to the four previously dismissed, reaffirms that the claims lacked any basis in fact or law, she added. This outcome comes as no surprise. Noriega is represented by Giancarlo Ghione of Sekas Law Group in Englewood Cliffs, and by Gregory B. Noble and Jessica Ma of OConnor Parsons & Lane in Springfield. The city and other defendants are represented by Ralph J. Marra Jr., Emily Arezzi, and Paul C. Kingsbery of Calcagni & Kanefsky in Newark. Attorneys for both sides did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The New Jersey men obtained the pills from doctors, officials said. (Associated Press/Mark Lennihan) Two New Jersey men are accused of collecting over 10,000 pills from doctors and then reselling them to street-level users, officials from the U.S. Attorneys Office said Tuesday. Michael Kiszka, 60, of East Hanover, and Gregory Kubina, 50, of Whiting, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Kiszka and Kubina ran a scheme to obtain high-dosage oxycodone pills and then sell them to street-level users, officials said. Kiszka obtained pills directly from doctors, one of which was located in Bayonne, and also purchased pills from Kubina who secured pills from other doctors, officials said. The Bayonne physician prescribed Kiszka about 180 tablets of 30-milligram oxycodone a month since 2020, charging documents show. In total, he received more than 11,000 pills through August of this year, charging documents show. Kubina obtained 120 tablets of 30-milligram oxycodone bi-weekly from 2020 through August 2025, according to charging documents. Officials estimated the pair diverted more than 10,000 oxycodone pills to street-level users. Both men made their initial appearances in federal court on Sept. 11 and were released. Mr. Kiszka plans to enter a plea of not guilty and vigorously defend himself in court, Kiszkas attorney Kevin Roe said Tuesday. An attorney for Kubina did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Author and pharmacist Ritesh Shah (right) answers questions during the fundraising gala for New Jersey's first charitable pharmacy. Tushar Patel More than 300 people gathered at the Mogul Ballroom restaurant in New Jersey recently, to support Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy (RSCP) and the celebration of the book launch of his memoir, Pills to Purpose. Organized by RSCP President Joe Howe, the Sept. 13 event was filled with emotional tributes and photo sessions. The beautifully decorated ballroom set the stage for heartwarming keynote speeches, the symbolic lighting of a lamp, and the unveiling of the book by Ritesh Shah. Keynote speaker, state Sen. Vin Gopal, spoke about Empathy: a Prescription for Hope, saying that RTCP was created to serve the underserved communities. Keynote speaker Raj Mukherjee sang the song, Seva: the Pharmacists Purpose from Shahs book, which emphasizes the mission of service and sacrifice in healthcare. Special guests including New Jersey state Rep. Vin Gopal, (right), state Sen. Raj Mukherji, (2nd from right), pose with other guests and Ritesh Shah, holding a check for $50,000 donated by Friends of Union County to the Ritesh Shah Charitable Foundation. News India Times A video, Mission Moment, highlighting patient impact, was also shown during the evening, followed by Serena Cutenios live art auction. At the end of which the guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and dessert. The evening ended with a book signing for those who purchased the book by Shah. Speaking on the occasion, Shah said, I feel humbled and inspired to see our community come together in such numbers. He said the night was not just about launching his book, but also about paying respects to the memory of his sister Rena. Her light is guiding this mission, he said. The support for his book proves that Pills to Purpose" is more than a book. It is a movement to leave no patient in New Jersey without life-saving medication, Shah added. The book, "Pills to Purpose," is displayed during a fundraising event. News India Times Copies of Pills to Purpose: A True Story of a Pharmacist are now available on Amazon, Shah informed. He said each book purchased will directly support RSCPs mission. Sell one book: Save one life, Shah said. More information can be found on pillstopurpose.com and rescprx.org. Bishop James F. Checchio, center, of the Diocese of Metuchen, proceeding to the altar in March 2022 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen, New Jersey. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The head of a diocese serving Catholics in four New Jersey counties has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to succeed the archbishop of New Orleans amid a bankruptcy and sexual abuse settlement. The appointment comes two weeks after the Archdiocese of New Orleans approved a $230 million settlement offer for hundreds of clergy sex abuse claims. James M. Checchio, bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen since 2016, will serve as coadjutor archbishop pending the departure of New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond, Catholic officials announced Wednesday. Bishops are required to offer their resignations to the pope upon turning 75. Aymond turns 76 on Nov. 12. The date of his exit was not included in the announcement. These past nine years as Bishop of Metuchen have been a grace-filled and privileged time in my life and priestly ministry, Checchio, 59, said in a statement posted to the Diocese of Metuchens website. The dioceses statement did not mention the $230 million settlement offer to alleged sexual abuse victims, which the Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to on Sept. 8 according to ABC News. The offer still requires approval from at least two-thirds of the more than 500 plaintiffs. The Diocese of Metuchen said that the protection and safety of children and young persons has always been a preeminent part of Bishop Checchios episcopacy. Checchio implemented a system for anonymously reporting any allegations against a bishop, the diocese said. Checchio headed the Diocese of Metuchen, which was once led by former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was removed from ministry in 2019 by Pope Francis over decades-old sex abuse allegations. When McCarrick died earlier this year, Checchio said, This is a time for prayer for all those who have been wounded or have had their trust betrayed. The Diocese of Metuchen serves Catholics in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties. A welcoming Mass will be held for Checchio in the next few weeks in New Orleans, Aymond said in a statement posted to the archdioceses website. I will continue in the role of Archbishop until the bankruptcy is concluded and other matters of pastoral care of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are accomplished, Aymond said. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2020. As a Coadjutor Archbishop, he will assist me in the role of archbishop and has the right of succession upon my retirement, Aymond said of Checchio. Checchio, a Camden native, was ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Camden in 1992. As I now prepare to leave Metuchen and the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful whom I have grown more deeply in love each year, I promise them my ongoing daily prayers while assuring the good people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans that I will dedicate myself to praying for and serving you, Checchio said. An Oprah Winfrey Special: The Menopause Revolution will premiere on Monday, March 31 on ABC (photo courtesy of ABC) ABC By Judy Butler and Adriane Fugh-Berman From Oprah to Axios, Katie Couric to CNN, Ms. to NPR, stories are popping up about proposed state laws regarding menopause. New Jersey and other states have introduced so-called menopause awareness and support bills, but the spin that its a growing movement may be, well, just spin. Its certainly the narrative promoted by members of Lets Talk Menopause (LTM), a project funded by companies that sell menopausal hormone treatments. Most of the articles about proposed menopause laws are either written by or feature Lets Talk Menopause members many of whom have substantial individual conflicts of interest as well. Media coverage Heres the problem. By reflecting industry positions, media coverage not only conveys the message that there is widespread support for menopause laws, it also legitimizes the need for these laws. The question of whether this legislation is actually beneficial -- or even harmful -- isnt asked. Consider the policy agenda proposed by members of LTM laid out in a recent issue of a magazine called Womens Health. The Perimenopause Playbook article recommended removing outdated warning labels, investing in modern menopause research, mandating menopause education and training, expanding insurance coverage, and implementing workplace protections. These recommendations sound supportive of womens health, but theyre not. Theyre premised on arguments about menopause symptoms and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) that are not backed by rigorous evidence, so any policy based on these recommendations will perpetuate and reinforce those inaccuracies. Being clear about symptoms is important because its absolutely true that the benefits of MHT outweigh the risks for most women with severe menopausal symptoms. The catch is that the only proven symptoms are hot flashes and/or night sweats (vasomotor symptoms) and vaginal dryness or pain with sexual activity. And FDA has approved MHT treatment only for those two symptoms. Theres no evidence that the risk/benefit ratio favors MHT for other symptoms or chronic disease prevention. If there were, it would certainly be in a drug companys interest to seek to seek FDA approval to legally market MHT for additional uses. Misleading information Yet, proponents of menopause legislation claim, without evidence, that menopause causes more than 50 symptoms, including frozen shoulder and itchy skin. Its misleading to imply that any discomforts that occur during this life phase are appropriate indications for MHT. Unfortunately thats the impression much of the media attention gives. While playing up the benefits of MHT, promoters also downplay its risks by disparaging the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) results. The largest randomized controlled trial of MHT ever conducted, the WHI tested the effect of hormones for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. When a predetermined threshold for risk was met, the trial was halted: for prevention, harms outweighed the benefits. Because of MHTs harms, which include stroke and breast cancer, the guidance for MHT treatment of vasomotor and vaginal symptoms recommends the lowest dose of hormones for the shortest time. There are no reliable data that contradict the findings of the WHI. Even the citations used by legislative proponents to support their claim of an unfounded fear of breast cancer confirm the risk of breast cancer. Nor is there evidence that starting MHT earlier reduces risks or offers preventive benefits. LTM members themselves note that there has been no research on women who start MHT during perimenopause or continue on MHT through their 50s and 60s. Evidence matters. Policies promoted by LTM members are not based on evidence and could mislead both health care providers and their patients. Take medical education on menopause, for example, which some bills propose should be mandated for any practitioner with at least 25% women in their practice. LTM members cant be trusted to do evidence-based education. Several produced or were interviewed for a heavily promoted educational film that launched in the fall of 2024 with accreditation for continuing medical education (CME) from the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). The M Factor makes many unsupported, misleading, and dangerous claims, including recommendations for off-label use of MHT, and directly contradicts warnings on FDA-approved product labeling. The films inaccuracies and misinformation led an international group of academics and researchers to demand that the FSMB retract accreditation, which it did. Just a month after its launch, FSMB stopped offering CME credit for The M Factor and removed it from its website, never providing a public explanation for this action. According to The M Factor Global Impact Report, however, more than 3,200 clinicians earned CME credits by watching the film. And, according to them, 100% changed their practice behavior as a result. When CME is rife with misinformation, clinicians changing their practice spells trouble. Its much easier to be taken in by misinformation than to take the time to understand the evidence. Its nearly impossible, however, to undo the consequences of acting on misinformation. Legislators need to rely only on non-conflicted sources of information about healthcare and consider the implications of laws implemented without respect to evidence. And journalists covering these stories should do the same. Calling your elected representative in the state Assembly or Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your state Assemblymember and Senator to voice your position, go to the New Jersey Legislature websites Legislative Roster. Judy Butler, MS, is the senior research fellow at PharmedOut, a project at Georgetown University Medical Center that exposes pharmaceutical marketing practices. Adriane Fugh-Berman, MD, directs PharmedOut and is a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Georgetown University Medical Center. A man admitted earlier this month that he kidnapped two people in Paterson and held them for ransom in 2023, federal prosecutors said. Joel Ramon Garcia, 33, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to kidnapping on Sept. 9, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. On Nov. 15, 2023, Garcia and another man, Julio Cesar Paniagua, kidnapped the two victims in Paterson at gunpoint and drove them to Massachusetts, where at least one was held for ransom, the office said. The father of one of the victims called the Paterson Police Department that day around 11 p.m. and told them about the abduction, according to a criminal complaint. He told detectives he had received a phone call about 25 minutes earlier from his son telling him that he had been kidnapped and asked his father to provide his kidnappers with $30,000 for his return, the complaint stated. However, he did not give his father a form of transaction, nor any instructions on where to send or drop the money. At 11:50 p.m., while he was at the police station, the father received another call from his son, but this time, a person he did not know told him that he knew the police were involved and threatened to chop his sons fingers off if he did not provide the $30,000, investigators said. Police tracked the origin of the calls using tower dumps, which is a list of all cellular numbers that connected to a given cellular tower within a defined time period, authorities said. Investigators determined the phone belonged to Garcia and that the calls were coming from the area of Dedham, Massachusetts, according to the complaint. Garcia and Paniagua, both of whom were later positively identified by the man who was kidnapped, released the man two days later and he went to the police to tell them what happened, authorities said. He said he was sitting in his car around 5:45 p.m. when both Garcia and Paniagua entered the back seat, each armed with a handgun, the office said. They arrived in Massachusetts about six hours later. The other victim was also released by his alleged captors the same day. Details about the other person who was kidnapped were not released by the office and a spokesperson did not respond to a question seeking clarification. There was no mention of the other victim in an earlier release from the office. While Garcia was arrested three days after the man was abducted, Paniagua was not charged until Dec. 7, 2023, when he was being held in connection with immigration proceedings, according to the complaint. He later admitted his role to the detectives, authorities alleged. The details on the status of the case against Paniagua were unclear Monday. A spokesperson for the office could not immediately be reached for comment. Garcia was scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2026, the office said. A home health aide in Passaic County faces charges after a security camera showed she assaulted an older woman in her care, according to police. Officers were called shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday to a home in Wayne where the womans children claimed the alleged assault was captured on a home security camera. The children said the aide told them their mother had fallen. But the video showed the aide had shoved the woman backward into her bed, a police spokesman said in a statement. The elderly mother struck the back of her head on the wall and screamed in pain. The sisters showed and provided the video to officers, the spokesman said. Officers and the sisters entered the home and found the mother asleep. When awakened, she appeared to be in pain when her head was touched, the spokesman said. The children showed officers several bruises on their mothers body. An ambulance was called, and the older woman was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. The 64-year-old aide, of Mount Vernon, New York, was charged with third-degree neglect, fourth-degree assault, and endangering as a disorderly persons offense. She was released from police custody pending a court hearing. Attorney information for the aide was not listed in court documents on Wednesday. Benjamin Jackson alleges Paterson police officers used excessive force and ignored his medical needs during a 2022 arrest. On Monday, a federal judge ruled that parts of a lawsuit alleging that Paterson police officers beat a Black man and ignored his medical needs during a 2022 arrest can proceed. Benjamin Jackson alleges that four police officers violently assaulted him while he was complying with their commandsthrowing him to the ground, punching and kicking him, and slamming his head into the pavement. He also claims that Officer Wisam Salameh grabbed his genitals while he was handcuffed, and that other officers laughed instead of stepping in. U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper ruled that Jacksons claims against the officersJohn Rikowich, Corey Davis, Muhammed Dombayci, and Salamehcan move forward in court. Jackson filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in November 2024, accusing more than a dozen Paterson police officers of excessive force, sexual assault, and denial of medical care. Jackson claims he still suffers pain and was diagnosed with testicular injuries that require surgery and may cause infertility. Semper also allowed Jacksons claim that Officers Malek Assaf and Domenic Dicarlo ignored his pleas for medical help after he had a seizure in the back of a patrol car. A separate claim accusing the city of failing to properly train and supervise its officers was also allowed to proceed. However, many of Jacksons other claims were dismissed, including those for false imprisonment, discrimination, emotional distress, and negligence. Semper said some lacked detail, others didnt meet legal standards, and onealleging sexual assaultwas duplicative of another claim already moving forward. Although Jackson named more than a dozen officers in the lawsuit, the judge dismissed claims against several, including those alleged to have witnessed the incident or failed to intervene. The judge also dismissed all claims against the Paterson Police Department because, under the law, the department isnt considered a separate legal entity from the city itself. That means the department cant be sued directly; any legal claims must be made against the City of Paterson, which oversees and is legally responsible for the department. Attorneys for Benjamin Jackson and the City of Paterson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lawyers representing several of the individual officers named in the suit declined to comment on the ruling. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) got caught making a stunning admission about President Donald Trumps administration in a tense exchange with CNBCs Andrew Sorkin on Wednesday. Sorkin grilled Jordan on Wednesday about Trumps latest threat to sue ABC after the network retuned late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to the air on Tuesday. After Sorkin read Trumps heated Truth Social post, Jordan argued that the government did not pressure ABC to suspend Kimmel because the late-night show returned to the airwaves following a week suspension. But Sorkin called out Jordan for his defense of Trump, pointing out that other conservatives said the government should not be weighing in on whether ABC should air Kimmels show. This is what the President of the United States says. You tell me whether you think this sounds like coercion or not: I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. This one sounds even more lucrative, Sorkin said on CNBCs Squawk Box. Well, I mean, I dont think you can, you can say this is, this is the pressure from the government because ABC put him back on. So how is that the government taking them off the air, when, in fact, the ABC themselves, Disney, made the decision, Jordan responded. Sorkin then pressed him further: But that does sound pressure from the government, right? Jordan then admitted that might have been some pressure. I guess you can, you can say maybe some, but I dont, I dont think thats what drove it. I think this was a business decision, Jordan said. SORKIN: Let me read you what Trump wrote and you tell me if it sounds like coercion. 'I think we're gonna test ABC out. Last time I went after them they gave me $16m. This one sounds even more lucrative.' JIM JORDAN: Well, I mean, I don't think you can say this is pressure from pic.twitter.com/gKbbXgQMb3 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 24, 2025 Sorkin then asked Jordan to comment on U.S. Sen. Ted. Cruzs (R-Texas) statement arguing that the government should not be involved in ABCs decision to kick Kimmel off the air. Fair enough. And look, I think we should be defending your right to speak, most important right we have under the First Amendment. I always say, if you cant speak, you cant practice your faith, you cant share your faith, you cant petition your government, you dont have a free press. Our right to speak is so important, Jordan said. Many pundits argued that Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr pressured ABC to take Kimmel off the air last week. Many of Trumps allies argued that ABC decided to take Kimmel off the air due to a business decision, not due to pressure from the FCC. However, Trumps Truth Social post about Kimmel suggested that his administration did have some influence over his brief suspension. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE, Trump said Tuesday on Truth Social. Trump went on to threaten ABC with another lawsuit. Last year, ABC agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos about author E. Jean Carrolls lawsuit brought against him. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings, Trump said. URUMQI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to build a socialist modern Xinjiang that is characterized by unity, harmony, prosperity, affluence, cultural progress and a sound eco-environment, where people live and work in peace and contentment. A photo of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk is seen on a large screen during a memorial for Kirk, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/John Locher) AP Two GOP lawmakers are looking to memorialize late conservative activist Charlie Kirk on U.S. currency, Fox News Digital first reported Wednesday. Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.) are expected to introduce a proposal later this week to direct the U.S. Treasury to mint 400,000 silver dollar coins with Kirks image on one side, as well as the words well done, good and faithful servant on the other. The coins would also feature the co-founder of Turning Point USAs full name Charles James Kirk and the year 2026, according to the outlet. Kirk, 31, died on Sept. 10 after he was shot while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University. The final design of the coins would be approved by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump, who was a close ally of Kirk. The U.S. Mint has created commemorative coins since the founding of the modern commemorative coin program in 1982, according to its website. Each coin is typically available in small quantities and for a limited time. Congress authorizes the coins, which could honor U.S. citizens, places and events. In 1866, it passed a bill that prevents a living persons portrait or likeness from being displayed on U.S. currency, bonds and securities. Hamadeh called Kirk an American treasure, telling Fox News Digital: He tirelessly sacrificed his time, energy, and money to save this nation for future generations... His life must be commemorated, and this coin will allow us to pass a reminder of his remarkable life on to generations to come. Pfluger said the potential passage would make Kirk the youngest American to be remembered on U.S. currency at the time of its minting. He described it as a fitting honor that cements his extraordinary legacy alongside presidents and founding fathers who shaped our republic. Charlie Kirk was a conservative titan whose transformational impact on millions of Americans deserves permanent recognition alongside our nations greatest leaders and influential figures, Pfluger said to the outlet. Aside from the coin, GOP lawmakers have proposed several other ways to pay tribute to Kirk, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Honor. The U.S. Mint said it has raised over $500 million in surcharges to help build new museums, preserve historical sites and maintain national monuments. The likenesses of other historical figures have also been presented on coins, including Sacagawea and Susan B. Anthony. Russian officials are mocking President Donald Trump after he announced that Ukraine could reclaim all of its territory, marking a significant shift in rhetoric since Russias invasion over three and a half years ago. Trump, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, took to his Truth Social platform, writing that he believes Ukraine is in a position to fight and WIN back its land with the support of the European Union. Trump has previously suggested that ceding or swapping land to the Kremlin would be a key component in ending the war. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option, Trump said in his post, adding: In any event, I wish both Countries well. In his post, Trump also described Russia as a paper tiger, and said that Russia President Vladimir Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. When asked about Trumps announcement, Zelenskyy told reporters: Its a big shift. This post of Trump its a big shift. Very positive. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed the presidents extraordinary reversal. While rebuffing Trumps claim of a paper tiger, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the president is driven by business interests, according to The Kyiv Independent. Russia is by no means a tiger. Russia is traditionally seen as a bear. There is no such thing as paper bears. Russia is a real bear There is nothing paper about it, Peskov said on RBC Radio. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who has previously publicly sparred with Trump, said that the president has ended up in an alternate reality, The Kyiv Independent also reported: After meeting with the clowns from Kyiv and Paris, he published a vivid post. In the new reality, everything is different. Kyiv is winning, Russia is torn to shreds. Hell be back, Medvedev added. Oleg Matveychev, a Russian political consultant and politician, called Trumps words a random number generator, a random phrase generator, according to the outlet. And theres been a saying that Trump says exactly what the last person in his office told him to say, he said. Do you really think hell say something momentous? Or will his words change anything? Nothing depends on them, nothing will change. The heated scoffs come as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the second day of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. Russia controls around 19% of what is internationally recognized as Ukraine following its full-scale invasion of the country, according to Reuters, which analyzed open source maps. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during the first day of Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP Hillary Clinton issued a dire warning about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over his crackpot ideas on Wednesday. Clinton warned on MSNBCs Morning Joe that Kennedys health policies, including skepticism of vaccines, could cost the lives of Americans. She promoted her own Clinton Health Access Initiative on Wednesday, saying that her nonprofit organization is working to fill the gap when it comes to the nations healthcare. And one of the biggest concerns is what we are doing in our own country to put our own peoples health at risk, dismantling public health, listening to literally crackpot ideas about whats happening. And somebody reminded me yesterday, you know, in 1800, the average life expectancy in this country was about 35. It got up to 47 in 1900. It is now 78, she said. You know, when I hear people like, you know, Kennedy and others talking about, you know, getting back to a time when we arent vaccinating, were drinking raw milk, yes, and people didnt live, she said, likely a jab toward Kennedys anti-vaccine stances and promotion of drinking raw milk. She then criticized Trump officials who want to turn the clock back. I mean, this is so crazy, its so wrongheaded, its so shortsighted, and its going to cause deaths. We just saw two children die from whooping cough. We saw the deaths from measles, Clinton said. What is likely to happen because people are being confused when your president says something, when a Kennedy, whos the secretary of HHS, says something, what are you supposed to believe? When you fire experts whove spent their entire life studying something that I want to know about, I have three grandchildren, I want to make sure theyre healthy, people are confused, she added. And too many Americans are listening to this very destructive anti-science tirade that were hearing from this administration. And its going to cost lives. It already is costing lives, she said. Her comments come after President Donald Trump and Kennedy urged pregnant women on Monday to avoid taking Tylenol, or acetaminophen, due to unproven links to autism in children. Trump told pregnant women to fight like hell to avoid taking the drug." Many critics and health experts warned that Trumps rhetoric may end up doing more harm than good. The president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said Trumps announcement is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children. Dont take Tylenol, Trump instructed pregnant women around a dozen times during the unwieldy White House news conference, also urging mothers not to give their infants the drug, known by the generic name acetaminophen in the U.S. or paracetamol in most other countries. He also fueled long-debunked claims that ingredients in vaccines or timing shots close together could contribute to rising rates of autism in the U.S., without providing any medical evidence. The rambling announcement, which appeared to rely on existing studies rather than significant new research, comes as the Make America Healthy Again movement has been pushing for answers on the causes of autism. The diverse coalition of supporters of Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.includes several anti-vaccine activists who have long spread debunked claims that immunizations are responsible. The announcement also sheds light on Trumps own long-held fascination with autism and his trepidation about the childhood vaccine schedule, even as the president has taken pride in his work to disseminate COVID-19 vaccines during his first term. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Randy Holmes/Disney via AP) AP CNNs data guru, Harry Enten, revealed an unexpected consequence of President Donald Trumps threats to ABC after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel returned to the stage. The Disney-owned network announced Monday that it will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel Live! nearly one week after it was indefinitely suspended over comments related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel did not hold back during his first monologue back on Tuesday night, claiming that the Trump administration attempted to interfere with free speech. He said it was never his intention to make light of the murder of a young man. He did his best to cancel me, Kimmel said of Trump. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. Trump, who initially celebrated the news of the shows suspension, criticized ABC Fake News for allowing Kimmel to come back on the airwaves. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there, Trump said in his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. Enten revealed on Wednesday that Trumps attention to the show might have caused the opposite of what he intended. According to Enten, Jimmy Kimmel Live! reported a median of 240,000 views over the course of six months on YouTube. His newest monologue has already reached over 12 million views. It is by far the largest video in at least six months, Enten said, when the video had already stood at 6.7 million views. So If Donald Trumps idea was to give Jimmy Kimmel more press and more viewership, he absolutely did so. Trump didn't break Kimmel; he energized him. Viewership of Kimmel's monologue has already broken records. Already 7 million people have viewed it on YouTube. That's by far the most watched Kimmel video on YouTube in the last 6 months. The median Kimmel video gets ~240k views. pic.twitter.com/1orIZ7uPGn (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) September 24, 2025 When asked if he had an idea of the monologues popularity on other platforms, Enten pointed to record high Google searches last night for Kimmels time slot on television. The question was up over 10,000%, dating back to 2004. You wouldnt have to check what time Jimmy Kimmel is on if you were a regular viewer, Enten said. The reason that people were checking whether at what time Jimmy Kimmel was on because he was because he was pulling potentially pulling in a lot of viewers who normally didnt watch. Enten emphasized that there was a ton of interest nationwide and worldwide. Searches for boycotting Disney and canceling Disney+, its streaming platform, had increased as well, he found. It ends up being pretty decent for Disneys bottom line bringing Jimmy Kimmel back to the stage, Enten said. In his post, Trump also threaten ABC with another lawsuit. Last year, the network agreed to a $15 million defamation settlement with the president over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos about a lawsuit from author E. Jean Carroll. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution, Trump wrote. I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. The ABC affiliates of TV giants Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting Group have not yet resumed airing the show. A missing teenager was located in good health after a two-week search for her, Garwood police said Tuesday. A breakthrough in the case came after what police called a male person of interest seen with her on surveillance recordings was detained in an unrelated matter and questioned by Garwood police, according to authorities. The person told investigators that the teenager was last seen in a wooded area in Hudson County, police said. She was found unharmed and in good health, police said. The teenage girl went missing on Sept. 4 and was later spotted on surveillance recordings at Newark Penn Station, authorities said at the time of her disappearance. She had told her parents she was going to a Starbucks in Westfield around 1 p.m. and was seen on surveillance recordings at 1:36 p.m. in Cranford on North Avenue West, authorities said. Its unclear whether the individual questioned by police was an adult or a juvenile. Garwood police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The person of interest was not named by police, who did not say whether he has been charged with a crime related to the teenagers disappearance. A spokesperson for the Union County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond to a message with questions about whether the person would be charged. In a Facebook post Tuesday, the teenagers mother said that her daughter was reunited with the family and they had a long road ahead, but thanked the full community for their support and efforts to locate the teenager. New lawsuits have been filed claiming the former Warren County sheriff, Edward Bullock, sexually abused three more children and that county officials did nothing to stop it, according to complaints filed in state Superior Court earlier this year. Bullock, who died on Nov. 16, 2015 at 86 years old, was previously accused of sexually assaulting at least four other boys in the late 1980s, forcing the county into three multimillion-dollar settlements. The new lawsuits add to the growing number of accusers leveling claims that the former sheriff sexually abused them while in the county justice system decades ago and officials did nothing to stop it. Warren County has already paid more than $9 million to settle four previous claims involving Bullock which was covered by both the county and its insurers. A spokesperson for Warren County declined to comment on the lawsuits since it is an active legal matter. Attorneys for the county did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The civil lawsuits filed on behalf of R.C, P.R. and R.K. claim Bullock, a 6-foot, 6-inch tall, 300-pound man that liked to wear a cowboy hat, committed unspeakable acts of child sexual abuse. All three plaintiffs claim they were sexually abused at various points between 1984 and 1987 while in the custody of the county at Warren Acres, the countys juvenile detention center, or the Warren County juvenile shelter, according to the complaint. As sheriff, Bullock had unfettered access to the plaintiffs to transport them between the juvenile detention facility and court, and it was widely known that he would hold counseling sessions with boys in his office, according to the complaint. All three of the plaintiffs have accused Bullock of nearly identical behavior as the first four accusers. Bullock would take them into his office for hands on counseling in the court house where he engaged in different versions of rubbing and massaging, according to the complaints. R.K. claims that Bullock would rub his genitals against his back while giving him a massage, according to the complaint. Bullock also found secluded areas along the road between the juvenile detention facility and the court house where he would sexually assault the boys while transporting them back and forth, according to the complaints. Later, R.C. escaped from the shelter fearing he would be subjected to similar encounters with Bullock, but was caught and sent to Warren Acres, according to the complaint. On subsequent occasions R.C. was subjected to strip searches at the court house, and on two specific occasions while being taken back to Warren Acres, was raped by Bullock in the back seat of his car on a dirt road about a mile and a half from the juvenile detention center, the complaint says. In P.R.s case, Bullock knew one of his relatives and was aware of P.R.s difficult home life, according to the complaint. Bullock used this knowledge to groom and take advantage of P.R., even suggesting he stay with him at his home, according to the complaint. On one occasion, Bullock falsely accused P.R. of having contraband on him in order to forcibly fondle and grope the boy on the side of the road, according to the complaint. After P.R. was released from Warren Acres a few weeks later, he attempted suicide, according to the complaint. Bullock was charged with aggravated sexual assault from previous cases in February 2014, but a deadlocked jury failed to convict in 2015 over one of the alleged rapes. Bullocks behavior was an open secret within county offices during his time as county sheriff from 1982 to 1991, according to the most recent complaint and statements made in previous cases. According to legal filings, Bullock was known for having a type: blond, blue-eyed kids, as a former probation officer disclosed. Two plaintiffs that filed the initial lawsuit against Bullock in 2013 and came forward over a decade ago settled for $7 million with the county in 2022 and 2023. The first plaintiff went through a full trial and settled for $5 million with the county as the jury was deliberating in 2022. The second plaintiff that filed a suit in 2015 settled in 2023 for $2 million. A third person settled with the county for $1.9 million in 2024 after claiming Bullock sexually abused him when he was a teenager in the 1980s and in the Warren County juvenile services network. Another man who accused Bullock of drugging and sexually abusing him in 1979 when he was a 15-year-old hitchhiking to New York City. Warren County, which had long fought the suits, admitted no wrongdoing in the agreements. Its tactics drew the ire of the judge who long oversaw the cases, Thomas C. Miller, who once criticized the county over its scorched-earth litigation strategy. Editors note: NJ Advance Media typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said China is willing to make more active and practical efforts with Canada to promote further improvement of bilateral relations. Li, who is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks in his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He also called on both sides to steadily steer their ties onto a track of healthy, stable and sustainable development. Li said that recently, China and Canada have been promoting the improvement and development of their bilateral relations in a practical and constructive manner, which has been widely welcomed by all sectors in both countries. Taking the opportunities of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of their strategic partnership this year, China is willing to work together with Canada in a spirit of responsibility toward our two peoples and the bilateral relationship, Li noted. China hopes the Canadian side can adopt a correct perception of China, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns to cement the political foundation for the development of bilateral cooperation and ties, said the Chinese premier. China supports closer exchanges between the two countries' governments, political parties, legislatures and local authorities, as well as people-to-people and youth communication, so as to enhance understanding and increase mutual trust through dialogue and exchanges, he said. China has long been Canada's second-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade has seen rapid growth since the beginning of this year, noted Li, stressing that China is ready to work with Canada to maintain and develop the positive momentum, while addressing each other's economic and trade concerns through dialogue and consultation. Li called on the two sides to deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, green development, tourism and other fields, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. He also expressed the hope that Canada will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies in Canada. With a host of new developments in the current international landscape, notably the rise of unilateralism and protectionism and the proliferation of trade restrictions, Li said, the international community should enhance solidarity and join hands in responding to risks and challenges. He voiced China's readiness to enhance communication and coordination with Canada to jointly promote economic globalization and free trade, support the reform and development of the World Trade Organization, and work toward building an open world economy to better safeguard the common interests of the international community. For his part, Carney said that since the constructive phone conversation with Li in June, contacts and cooperation between the diplomatic, economic and trade departments of the two countries have gradually increased with encouraging momentum. As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, Carney said Canada firmly adheres to the one-China policy. Carney voiced hope of strengthening dialogue and exchanges at various levels with China, promoting practical cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, health and tourism, expanding people-to-people exchanges and deepening the friendship between the two peoples so as to push for the growth of the Canada-China strategic partnership and lift it to a higher level. Canada, he said, is ready to maintain close multilateral communication and collaboration with China, uphold the rules of the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system, and make joint efforts to address global challenges such as climate change. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Variable clouds with snow showers. Low near 15F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snowfall around one inch. Lana Crude Things Guerra is a painter, printmaker, sculptor, tattooist, noise musician, videographer, hairdresser, fashion designer, dollmaker, puppeteer and in the past anyway a circus performer. Guerra moved to New Orleans permanently 10 years ago. Shes celebrating with a big show of paintings, prints and sculptures titled Conjuring Madness in the Art Conscious gallery on St. Claude Avenue in Arabi. The show is chock-full of strange cartoon animals and macabre people with big teeth and too many eyes. Her garish, transient style is a reflection of her past, she said. In the circus, Guerra was a living marionette. This was back in the early 2000s, when small traveling sideshow-style circuses were a thing think glass-eaters, sword swallowers and fire dancers. Her body was pierced with sterile hooks and held aloft on cords that were manipulated by a stilt-walking puppeteer, who made her dangle and move around like a doll. She said it didnt hurt. In fact, she said, it was therapeutic. This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2025 shows the view of Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia. Nestled in the central-southern state of Pahang, Malaysia, lies Tasik Chini (Chini Lake), the nation's second-largest natural lake. Local lore whispers of ancient Khmer ruins submerged beneath its waters, guarded by a mighty dragon protecting hidden treasures. In reality, Tasik Chini holds treasures of a different kind: rich biodiversity, serving as a critical habitat for numerous endangered species. Recognized for its ecological significance, Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve (TCBR) was designated as Malaysia's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Deep within the lake region is the village of Tanjung Puput, home to the Jakun people, an indigenous community officially recognized in Malaysia. From the late 1990s onward, extensive mining and logging activities clouded the waters. The vast lotus beds dwindled, hillsides were stripped bare, fish became unsafe to eat, and even traditional medicinal plants vital to Jakun life grew scarce. The degradation was so severe that Tasik Chini faced the risk of being delisted from the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Fortunately, prompted by UNESCO's assessments and recommendations, the Malaysian government intervened. Mining operations around the lake were halted, and a series of ecological restoration projects were initiated. Among those involved in the recovery efforts is Iquan, a young reserve researcher who also grew up by this lake. Choosing to return and contribute, he now works on lotus rejuvenation and sapling cultivation, frequently collaborating with the Jakun community. Iquan emphasizes that the Jakun people are active partners in Tasik Chini's revival. They nurture saplings, which are then purchased by the government for reforestation projects in denuded areas. Thus, the Jakun are not merely guardians of tradition but have become crucial drivers of ecological recovery. In 2023, the UNESCO International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme officially confirmed that Tasik Chini would retain its Biosphere Reserve status. This decision stands as a testament to the progress made in restoration and an endorsement of the path integrating conservation with sustainable development. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows the view of Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows the view of Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) Saplings cultivated by Jakun villagers are seen in Tanjung Puput village in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows a base for artificially cultivated lotus flowers in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) A Jakun mother and her child walk in Tanjung Puput village in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia, Sept. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) Researcher Iquan takes care of his lotus in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) This photo taken on Sept. 3, 2025 shows an artificially cultivated lotus flower in Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang state, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng) SEOUL, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's population mobility turned downward in three months on the back of a fall in housing transactions and a rapidly aging population, statistical office data showed Wednesday. The number of those who moved residence inside and outside the same province or city retreated 3.5 percent over the year to 493,000 in August after growing 8.6 percent in June and 8.1 percent in July, according to Statistics Korea. It marked the lowest August figure in 49 years since 1976. The population mobility had roughly been on the decline for the past years amid the population fall and the swiftly aging population. A prolonged sluggishness in the real estate market also contributed to the lower population movement. The population mobility rate, which measures the number of people relocating to fresh homes for every 100 people, dipped 0.4 percentage points to 11.4 percent in August compared to the same month of last year. The capital Seoul and the second-biggest city of Busan posted a net outflow of 1,815 and 776 residents each, but the Gyeonggi province surrounding Seoul and the western port city of Incheon recorded a net inflow of 3,979 and 1,941 residents, respectively. The ambulance service has dropped a 12-month deadline to phase out medical emergency fire co-responders but objectors have urged it to scrap the idea altogether. South Western Ambulance Service Trust had put forward a plan earlier this year to phase out the system of fire co-responders in favour of community first responders, but had seen huge opposition to the move. A meeting of Devon County Councils health and adult care scrutiny committee has called for more evidence on how the proposals would affect rural areas, with some suggesting the plans should be dropped completely. READ NEXT: Axing vital Devon emergency response service could put lives at risk Current 15 of Devons on-call fire stations host co-responders who are sent to the most serious medical incidents to ensure patients get the fastest response times. The ambulance trust has been trying to gradually replace this with an equivalent service that sees trained members of the community become community first responders. The trust has argued this would give faster response times as operatives could be deployed straight from their homes rather than needing to attend a fire station first. Even though there had been some tweaks to its plan including the removal of a specific deadline by which fire co-responders would be phased out the ambulance trust boss, Dr John Martin, faced Devons health and adult care scrutiny committee for the second time in three months. Members raised a host of concerns over the 90-minute debate including claims of a lack of robust data to support the proposed changes, fears about response times and worries the trust had overly focused on the risk to its reputation due to any changes rather than the impact on communities. Councillor Jess Bailey, who chairs the committee, asked if it was possible for the trust to reconsider and abandon its plans to withdraw the fire co-responder service. She said: It still feels like youre trying to move to where you dont have fire co-responders, and while we all welcome more community first responders, we dont want to see the fire equivalent phased out. Can we have a commitment that you are not going to try and push to remove the fire co-responders and to use both to support rural communities? Dr Martin reasserted that the trust had already removed the previous 12-month deadline for phasing out fire co-responders and stressed the emphasis was to have enough community first responders in each location to mean that the fire equivalent naturally became no longer necessary. He acknowledged that where this was not possible, then the fire co-responder service would continue. Mark Nesbitt, a resident of Hartland in North Devon and a former fire co-responder, addressed the committee and claimed he was not at all impressed by the information the ambulance trust had provided. He said various Freedom of Information Act requests had shown that fire co-responders were more frequently available than their community peers and claims the fire cohort were more expensive did not stack up once the price of equipment for community responders was factored in. Penny Dane, another campaigner from Hartland, said: Throughout our enquiries, I expected to find the ambulance trust had good evidence, but now we know that is not the case. They have not done their homework and they are expecting us to deal with the consequences. She added that long ambulance response times in her area specifically, meant the two-person fire co-responder dispatches were preferable to the single community first responders. Ms Dane also queried the completion of an equality impact assessment some four months after the ambulance trust decided to try and scale down the fire co-responder service. Several councillors raised concerns, such as whether community first responders, without emergency blue lights, might get more stuck down rural lanes than their fire equivalents and also queried the use of trust-wide data to try and support claims that community first responders could get to incidents more rapidly. Cllr Ed Tyldesley for Chulmleigh and Landkey added that many rural communities were already digging deep in their pockets to support fundraising for the likes of the air ambulance. They are already reliant on the fire co-responders, and the fire co-responders rely on the very small amount of remuneration they get, he said. The communities are already volunteering their time, so to try and stand up more volunteers feels like breaking point. Dr Martin stated the trust would now allow fire co-responders to stay as long as they were needed, but said there were some fire stations who hadnt been called upon for more than 12 months due to the quantity of community first responders in the area. Both can and will continue, but there will be a point and we are seeing it in some areas, where you end up with a [fire] scheme that is unviable, he added. Im happy for the schemes to run in parallel as long as needed, we had said 12 months, but if it takes years, it takes years. Dr Martin said the likes of Combe Martin had been asked to attend 71 times in the past eight months but only managed three responses. Similar situations in three other Devon fire stations meant the co-responder equipment may be moved to the outside of the station so community first responders can access it too. The committee voted in favour of a motion to write to the ambulance trust to re-consider its move to try and phase out fire co-responders, and also stressed that it felt the impact assessment was inadequate. It also requested a revised impact statement focusing on the rural fragility of Devon complete with location-specific emergency response times. TRIPOLI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes erupted Wednesday in the western Libyan city of Zawiya, about 60 km west of the capital Tripoli, between rival factions affiliated with the Government of National Unity (GNU), local media reported. According to the Libyan News Agency (LANA), the fighting broke out between the GNU Interior Ministry's Security Threats Apparatus and a local armed group known as Al-Kaboutat, which is linked to the Defense Ministry. The clashes were triggered by the apparatus's arrest of several members of Al-Kaboutat. Local media said the fighting killed a member of the Petroleum Facilities Guard when a mortar shell struck near him. No further information on casualties has been released. Sources said the clashes quickly spread into residential neighborhoods and around the city's oil refinery. Videos circulating on social media showed the use of medium and heavy weapons. Heavy military reinforcements were also deployed on main roads, including the coastal highway, which was blocked with sand barriers. No official statements have been issued by the government or security bodies on efforts to contain the violence, while residents voiced concern over the fighting's proximity to schools and vital facilities. In a statement carried by LANA, the Zawiya Oil Refining Company expressed "deep concern" over the dangers posed by the clashes near its facilities, warning of "serious threats to lives and vital infrastructure." The company called for an immediate ceasefire and urged authorities to secure the complex, stressing that any attack on the refinery "would directly undermine the resources of the Libyan people and their national wealth." Meanwhile, the Zawiya Education Directorate announced the suspension of classes in all city schools to protect students and staff. Local authorities also urged residents to stay indoors and venture out only if absolutely necessary. The violence comes amid rising armed confrontations among factions and militias in western Libya. Over the past week, clashes were reported in Janzour, 12 km west of Tripoli, and in the city of Sorman. Observers say the latest escalation underscores the ongoing political and security crisis in Libya, driven by the lack of a final resolution to the conflict between rival governments. Libya has remained divided since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is split between rival administrations: the GNU in Tripoli and an eastern-based government backed by the Libyan National Army under commander Khalifa Haftar. BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China boasts the world's largest education system and has been taking steady and meticulous steps to enhance its global competitiveness in education. In March 2021, China unveiled the outline of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development, which sets out a series of targets for the education sector during this key period in the country's efforts to build a modern socialist country. These targets range from ensuring equitable access to basic public education and improving vocational and technical education to raising the quality of higher education and deepening education reform. More than four years later, results and statistics summarized at a press conference on Tuesday show that China has not only met these targets but has also made breakthroughs in multiple areas of education. "On a global scale, China's education system is the largest and of high quality, providing strong assurance that the younger generation has equal access to education," said Education Minister Huai Jinpeng at the press conference. A major achievement is that China's basic education has reached the average level of high-income countries. The country has steadily improved access to high-quality compulsory education, with 2,895 county-level localities having achieved balanced development in this area. It has also expanded subsidies for students in need, granting more than 1.2 trillion yuan (about 169 billion U.S. dollars) to 630 million eligible recipients between 2021 and 2024. Moreover, the gross enrollment rate for preschool education has reached 92 percent, surpassing the 90 percent target set for the 2021-2025 period, while the gross enrollment rate for higher education has risen to 60.8 percent, slightly exceeding the 60 percent target. During the past more than four years, China's higher education institutions have supplied the workforce with more than 55 million graduates and have received more than 75 percent of the country's national awards in natural science and technological invention. "Chinese universities have achieved original breakthroughs in fields such as life sciences, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, materials science, and space science, while also making progress in philosophy, social sciences, culture, and the arts," Huai said. China has also established the world's largest vocational education system. According to Vice Minister of Education Xiong Sihao at Tuesday's conference, China now has 87 vocational undergraduate universities, 9,302 secondary vocational schools, and 1,562 vocational colleges, with a total of 34 million students enrolled in these institutions. In addition, China has promoted the integration of industry and education to better align talent cultivation with regional economic and industrial development. During this period, China has advanced comprehensive reforms in education. These include optimizing the allocation of resources in basic education, refining the college entrance examination system, and diversifying development pathways for students in higher education. China's education sector is also opening up further to the world. The country has built the world's largest smart education platform, providing high-quality services to more than 170 million users from over 200 countries and regions. According to figures released at the press conference, China has engaged in educational cooperation and exchanges with 183 countries and regions, signed mutual agreements on the certification of academic qualifications and degrees with 61 countries and regions, and collaborated with 42 countries and regions to operate joint educational institutions and programs. FUZHOU, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- East China's Fujian Province -- one of the country's major contributors to the marine economy -- is set to host the World Maritime Equipment Conference 2025 from Oct. 16 to 19 in its capital city of Fuzhou, the event's organizers have said. This year's conference will focus on hotspots of maritime equipment, promoting the development of maritime equipment in a high-end, green and intelligent direction, according to a press conference on Wednesday. To date, the conference has invited more than 800 guests from over 50 countries and regions to showcase the sector's cutting-edge achievements and significant milestones. The conference's main activities include an opening ceremony, 13 sub-forums, and an event covering a review of Fujian's accelerated construction of a national marine economic development demonstration zone and the outlook on that construction. Concurrently, the China Marine Equipment Expo 2025 will also be held. For the first time, an International Maritime Organization seminar on sustainable maritime innovation will also take place during the conference, as will a marine industry integration and innovation competition. In 2024, Fujian's gross ocean product (GOP) exceeded 1.25 trillion yuan (about 175.6 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for about 21.7 percent of the provincial total GDP and ranking third in China. China's marine economy achieved a significant milestone in 2024, when its GOP exceeded 10 trillion yuan for the first time, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Underlining its strategic importance, China has placed the marine economy firmly on the national agenda. A high-level meeting in early July saw Chinese leadership emphasize that advancing Chinese modernization necessitates "promoting the high-quality development of the marine economy" and pursuing "a Chinese path of leveraging marine resources to achieve strength." Every summer, scores of tourists take to the bustling streets of Barcelona, a city known for its breathtaking architecture. Nicolas Atanes Santos, a young Spanish mathematician, sees this as an opportunity to engage more people in his favorite subject. In partnership with the regional government of Catalonia, Mr. Santos created what he calls math trails, self-guided walking tours for visitors to explore landmarks of different Spanish cities, one math problem at a time. Mathematics is used in architecture for both function and design. Trigonometry helps calculate angles and heights. Symmetry creates proportion and balance. Geometry brings shape and form to life. For Mr. Santos, math can also inspire ideas about structures that have already been built a new way to see and appreciate the world. Inspired by this idea, The New York Times created a virtual tour of some of the most striking architecture in Barcelona, a city where math and exploration meet. A Moldovan woman believed she was driving legally when she was stopped by Gardai for no insurance, Tullamore District Court heard last week. Before the court was Maria Braga (25) with an address at 5 Newberry Park, Tyrell's Lane, Edenderry. Solicitor for the defendant Brian Duffy, told Judge Andrew Cody that when his client was stopped by the Gardai on February 13, 2025 she believed she was insured to drive the vehicle. The defendant believed the vehicle and not the driver must be insured - similar to the insurance system in her home country, Mr. Duffy said. "She pleaded guilty on the first day once she understood the situation", Mr. Duffy said. READ NEXT: New website for Roscrea launched by local Community Action Group "It was a mistaken belief about Irish traffic laws", Mr. Duffy said and added his client had commenced a new job in a local hotel earlier this month and asked the Judge not to disqualify her from driving. Judge Cody fined the defendant 700 with six months to pay and no disqualification from driving on this occasion. Irelands Justice Minister has condemned the Israeli government for unlawfully attacking a protest flotilla in international waters. It comes as the largest opposition party, Sinn Fein, said one of its senators was on board a boat in the flotilla that was targeted by multiple drones. Irelands Dail parliament heard on Wednesday that Senator Chris Andrews is on board the Spectre boat that was struck four times on Tuesday night. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dail: Last night, the Israelis attacked a peaceful flotilla that includes a member of the Oireachtas our colleague Senator Chris Andrews. She added: This flotilla is in imminent danger. There is, I think, over 20 Irish citizens on it. Responding to Ms McDonald as he took Leaders Questions on behalf of the Government, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan expressed concern for his former constituency colleague, Mr Andrews. Deputy McDonald mentioned how the flotilla of people who are going out lawfully protesting about the slaughter in Gaza was attacked last night by Israeli forces. What this seems to show is that the Israeli government are prepared to attack non combatants, whether theyre in Gaza or whether theyre on international waters. And certainly on behalf of the Irish Government, I want to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in unlawfully attacking a lawful flotilla that is seeking to engage in peaceful activity on international waters. Ms McDonald took up the serious development again in the subsequent session on policy and legislation. She said she had spoken to Mr Andrews on Wednesday morning. His boat, the Spectre was hit by four Israeli drones. I understand that 11 devices hit at that and other boats on the flotilla. These are clearly acts of intimidation, of menace, of threat. They represent yet another brazen violation of international law, and its just simply a symptom of the impunity gifted to Netanyahu, gifted to Israel, to their apartheid, to their occupation and now to their ongoing genocide. She said the flotilla was a mission of mercy to break the blockade of Gaza and deliver aid as well as put pressure on Israel to stop the genocide. Irish Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik also commented: All our thoughts are with those on the flotilla, and I think its hugely important that Ireland does all it can on the world stage to ensure the safety of those on board. Mr OCallaghan said it was obviously a very traumatic event for all on board the flotilla. This is a reflection of the contempt that Israel has for people who are non combatants, whether they are in Gaza or whether they are on international waters. He said both Irelands premier and deputy premier are very concerned about the overnight attack on the flotilla. No unlawful or violent act should be taken against the flotilla, and I would urge Israel to respect international law and international humanitarian law. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are closely monitoring the situation. Simon Harris, Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister, said he was extremely concerned by developments involving the flotilla In a statement, he said: The welfare and safety of people aboard that flotilla has to be a priority of the international community. My officials are in direct contact with a designated Government point of contact for the Global Movement To Gaza delegation of the GSF. Our clear priority is to ensure the welfare of our citizens. He added: What has happened is clearly not acceptable. It is clear what international law allows and does not allow, and it is clearly a breach of international law to have any activity that is targeting civilians or a humanitarian flotilla. Mr Harris said he had discussed raising concerns with Tel Aviv during a direct engagement with the EUs High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas. He said he also intends to raise the matter at a UN meeting relating to the region. Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment. Idukki: The Customs Department conducted inspections in Adimali and seized a car belonging to a social media influencer as part of Operation Numkhor, a nationwide crackdown aimed at tracing luxury vehicles smuggled into India through Bhutan to evade crores in taxes. The seized vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, belongs to Shilpa Surendran, a Thiruvananthapuram resident popularly known on social media as 'Chippu LC Girl'. Shilpa had purchased the car from dealers in Tirur, Malappuram, in September 2023. The vehicle was originally registered in Karnataka, and the Tirur-based dealers reportedly produced a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and RC book from the Karnataka transport department at the time of sale. The vehicle was currently brought to a workshop in Adimali for mechanical repairs and painting work. It was during this period that Customs officers inspected the workshop and seized the car for investigation. Shilpa revealed that she bought the 1996 model Land Cruiser for 15 lakh, using her savings from her teaching job. She expressed concern that if the vehicle is confiscated permanently, she would lose her entire savings. ADVERTISEMENT Sources said the car has had five previous owners, with Shilpa being the current and fifth owner. It is believed that the vehicle was originally purchased from Coimbatore by its earlier owners in Karnataka before it was sold to the Malappuram dealers. Customs suspects that over 1,000 luxury vehicles have been smuggled into the country through tax evasion routes, with around 200 of them currently in Kerala. So far, only 36 vehicles have been traced and seized, while the search continues for the remaining ones. (actions at end) The most shocking thing at the UN is not what you expect. Netanyahu's speech was largely boycotted by most delegates who walked out. He said what you expect him to say: doubling down on his rhetoric and threatening the whole world (at one point saying to watch what he does when he returns to "Israel" in response to the recognition of a state of Palestine). Donald Trump spoke, rambling boisterous, dismissive of the world, self centered, and lying as usual. He said to his stunned silent audience: "I am really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell... It is true I have been right about everything." But this was all expected. Also expected that other western countries, knowing a western-suppored genocide is going on, try to wiggle out of it by declaring support for a Palestinian state without Palestinian rights. For example France and England want the state to lie about history in school textbooks, to deny indigenous people rights (especially right of return), and most importantly to delegitimize resistance to colonialism. Mahmoud Abbas whose term expired 15 years ago gave a UN speech by video after being denied a visa by the US. Instead of rallying against the US/Israeli dictats, he tried to reassure them that he will disarm the resistance etc. In short they all want to support apartheid but differ on best way forward! The recognition of the "state of Palestine" is conditional on acceptance of a racist apartheid genocidal regime in the same way as recognition in apartheid South Africa of the fake Zululand bantustan! But the situation here is far worse than apartheid in South Africa. There it was settler colonialismand here it is DISPLACEMNT and ETHNIC CLEANSING and GENOCIDE in a scale not seen in the past 100 years. 8.5 million Palestinians are refugees or displaced people. Hardly anyone making speeches at the UN mentioned this or came close to making the right diagnosis of what ails us. But there were notable exceptions such as Venezuela (hence Trump is bombing it). The reality is that the most shocking thing at the UN theater of the absurd is the discord between talking about Israel being isolated while taking no practical steps to stop this genocidal regime which still exterminating civilians, attacking ships in International waters, bombing nearby countries, torturing political prisoners, and starving our people. No UN speech saves a single child. What is needed is boycotts, divestments and sanctions (bdsmovement.net). Here is my view expressed on TRT world. Palestine recognition: can diplomacy end the conflict? and my presentation on another relevant subject. This is the real Netanyahu unaware of the camera still on says his strategy two decades before 7 October 2023! Beyond Time to Say Who the Real Terrorists Are, see also this relevant piece in the Guardian. Israel has continued with its modus operandi. A man on a motorcycle is targeted on a street in Lebanon (claim he is a resistance group member) and a can next to the motorcycle is destroyed killing a Lebanese American family visiting their ancestral village. No mistake since AI calculates for the Israeli military allowable levels of civilian casualties (20) per resistance fighter. A young girl stuck under the rubble for 8 hours was successfully rescued. Very emotional piece. Military & conflict-related emissions & climate reparations for Palestine. Christian cultural and religious destruction in Gaza report. Top pro-Israel TPUSA donor terminated support for Kirk in days before death, sources say. Conspiracy? 4.1 million views of this. The US government story falls apart! Richard Forer on why he left Zionism. Action (strange that no Arab or Muslim country dares to do what Spain, Venezuela or Columbia did. Colombias "Uniting for Peace" (UfP) resolution will represent a tangible mechanism to deploy a protective force and end the genocide.Contact UN representatives in key member states to demand they publicly commit to supporting the Colombian resolution. Organizers and influencers must amplify this call nd sign petitions, and this declaration: No academia as usual during Israeli occupation, apartheid and genocide in Palestine. Boycott. Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and Palestine alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French A middle school teacher in San Francisco's Mission District has officially banned RetroSlang apparel from her classroom after claiming the brand's designs and lingo were Gift Hampers International is pleased to announce its ongoing partnership with the Puttinu Cares Foundation, a Maltese charity with a purpose to provide assistance and NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with Austria and work together to improve global governance, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang here on Tuesday. Li, who is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks when meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. The United States has announced a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B petitions, sparking global concern among foreign workers and the companies that rely on Officer Alex Rich holds a baby raccoon on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. He investigated a disturbance in east Vancouver and found a person keeping the raccoon as a pet. Courtesy of Vancouver Police Vancouver police officers played the role of wildlife rescuer when responding to a call last week. Officers arrived in east Vancouver to investigate a disturbance Friday and found a person carrying a baby raccoon. Keeping wild animals is illegal, so officers contacted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to make a plan. Fish and Wildlife staff told officers that the safest course for the animal was to release it back to the wild, said Britton Ransford, a department spokesperson. Police spokesperson Kim Kapp said the people keeping the raccoon were not cited but officers reminded them of state laws. Ransford said anyone who encounters young wildlife should observe from a distance and avoid handling the animal. If theyre injured or orphaned, Ransford said call a local wildlife office or rehabilitator for guidance. Vancouver police highlighted the call on social media, noting that when Officer Alex Rich isnt busy commandeering every ride in town, hes rescuing baby raccoons. Officers didnt say where they released the animal. Just another day on patrol, police wrote on X, looking out for the community and sometimes its smallest residents. Heeding a sergeants command Dont let him get to people! yelled from afar, a Springfield detective fired two rifle shots into the back of a man who had bolted into an occupied car wash after stabbing two officers, according to the Lane Countys district attorney. Prosecutor Christopher Parosa described the deadly encounter in a review that found the July 30 police shooting of Daniel A. Kahn justified. Parosa wrote in a memo released Tuesday that Detective Brian Dunn was concerned that Kahn could target innocent people in the busy Happys Drive-Thru Car Wash. Kahn had stabbed two officers during a struggle and then ran off, prompting a chase involving more than a dozen Springfield and state police officers, Parosa wrote. It was reasonable, under these circumstances, for Detective Dunn to fear that Daniel Kahn, who had already stabbed two police officers, broadcasted that he would not be taken alive, was still holding knives, and did not respond to less lethal weapons being used against him, would, in his desperation, kill a police officer or citizen and/or take a citizen hostage, Parosa wrote. Kahn, 38, of Houston, was homeless and struggling with a variety of mental illnesses, his father has said, including anosognosia, a neurological condition that causes a person to reject their illness and symptoms. He believed his son had left Texas for Oregon a short time before the shooting with the idea that he may have easier access to social services and mental health help. Morton Khan, Daniels father, said Wednesday that Parosa had sent him his 11-page memo summarizing the fatal encounter and sought his input. As a father, it hit me hard to hear that my son was shot twice in the back. I had a good solid cry on the phone with my oldest sister who supported me through the flurry of feelings that I was going through, he said. Morton Kahn said he wondered if officers could have put more distance between themselves and his son to try to deescalate the encounter or if they recognized that his son suffered from mental illness and could have done more to make a connection with him instead of ordering him to his knees and appearing to exacerbate his anger and hostility. The father said he wants to review the videos of the encounter himself. DISORDERLY SUBJECT REPORTED AT BANK The branch manager of a nearby Chase Bank on Gateway Boulevard in Springfield first called police at 2:37 p.m. that day, reporting a disorderly subject who entered the bank, demanded to open an account and began using hostile, offensive and derogatory language with patrons and staff, according to the district attorneys summary of the investigation by the Lane County Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team. The manager said he went up to Kahn as he was waiting in a chair for the next available banker and told him the bank wouldnt be doing business with him due to his language and behavior and asked him to leave. Kahn, according to Parosa, began to curse and call the manager names and spit in his direction. The manager stayed on the phone with police dispatch as he watched Kahn leave the building. Kahn then entered a nearby convenience store, left and kicked light poles and walked south on Gateway Boulevard toward a Chevron gas station. Springfield Officer Brian D. Blaser was the first to pull up to Kahn after he found Kahn walking near a bus stop in front of the Sparks Hotel, south of the Chevron station, on the east side of Gateway Boulevard, according to the summary. Blaser approached Kahn and asked why he was yelling, Parosa wrote. Kahn turned toward the officer, his hands on a metal barrier that separated the two, and Blaser asked Kahn to sit down. Kahn said he wasnt going to sit and told the officer, Im gonna puff up on you, according to body camera footage. Blaser tried to talk to Kahn about what happened at the bank, and Kahn at one point flipped the officer off with both hands, called him a dog and told the officer to leave, saying, Make your move or not, according to Parosa. Blaser called for cover, telling dispatch that Kahn was really spun up. Blaser asked Kahn, Whats going on with you? He told Kahn he didnt want to fight and Kahn yelled, So get out of my face! Once two other officers arrived, Blaser asked Kahn to identify himself and ordered Kahn to get on his knees on the sidewalk, the summary said. As Blaser stepped closer to Kahn, Kahn backed away, bent at his waist and grabbed his hip with both hands, according to Parosa. Parosa said he suspected Kahn may have been reaching to retrieve his knives. Evidence reviewed later indicated that Kahns knives were in sheaths on a rope or belt on Kahns waist, Parosa told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The district attorneys office hasnt released the body camera footage that it reviewed, except for a few screenshots. The Oregonian/OregonLive has a records request pending for it. Blaser unholstered his Taser and again ordered Kahn to Get on your knees or he would shoot Kahn with the stun gun, according to the summary. Kahn backed away, pulling a gaiter up over his face and almost knocked into another officer standing to his north. Blaser also ordered Kahn not to reach for that knife, according to the summary. Springfield Officer Mathew L. Newton pushed Kahn away from him and back toward Blasers direction. Kahn, according to Paruso, then put his right knee up toward Blaser as if he was about to kick the officer and Blaser fired his stun gun at Kahn at close range, but it had little to no effect, the summary said. Newton then grabbed Kahn from behind and wrestled him to the ground. 17-SECOND SCUFFLE Officers scuffled with Kahn on the ground for 17 seconds, Parosa wrote. As Newton tried to control Kahns arms, Kahn flailed around and punched Newton. Blaser and another officer, Dylan Korth, tried to assist, with Blaser attempting to drive stun Kahn, meaning holding his stun gun up against Kahn while Korth tried to control Kahns legs. At one point, as Blaser leaned down to grab Kahn, Kahn cut Blasers left arm with his knife, according to the summary. When Blaser realized his arm was bleeding, he yelled, He has a knife! Daniel Khan, on the ground, stabbed Officer Brian Blaser in his left arm with a knife during the July 30, 2025, scuffle in Springfield, according to Lane County's district attorney. Lane County District Attorney Newton during the scuffle was stabbed five times - once above the eye, three times in the neck and right shoulder area and once in the leg, Parosa told The Oregonian/OregonLive. While Blaser was aware Kahn had a knife, according to Parosa, he and Newton told investigators they were both unaware that Kahn was holding it at the time they struggled with him, according to Parosa. That seems supported by the evidence, as the officers are not likely to engage someone holding a weapon in hand-to-hand combat, Parosa told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Kahn held a curved-bladed red knife in his right hand, the investigation showed, according to Parosa. Once Blaser was cut, the officers backed away from Kahn. Blasers left arm was bleeding significantly, while Newton was bleeding from the head, Parosa wrote. Police said Daniel A. Khan stabbed Springfield Officer Mathew Newton in the neck and shoulder during the scuffle. Newton did not know Khan was armed, though another officer at the scene was aware he had at least one knife, according to the district attorney. Screenshot provide by Lane County DA Blaser and Korth then pointed their guns at Kahn from a short distance in an attempt to hold him in place, according to the district attorney. Korth warned Blaser of the risk of a crossfire situation as Kahn was seen trying to get up from the sidewalk. Kahn screamed, This is what you wanted as he stood up, the district attorney wrote. Blaser ordered him again to drop the knife or youre gonna get shot! according to Parosas memo. Kahn replied twice, Youre not taking me alive, Parosa wrote. Kahn then goaded the officers, telling them that he was dying tonight, that he tried to leave but wasnt allowed to and you are gonna kill me, according to Parosa. A sergeant and numerous officers from Springfield police and Oregon State Police descended on the scene to control traffic and provide backup. Springfield police Sgt. Tanner J. Bazer arrived at 2:55 p.m. and warned Kahn if he didnt drop his knife, he would shoot Kahn with foam-tipped rounds from his 40 mm less-lethal rifle. Bazer announced 40,40, 40 and fired one foam round at Kahns torso with no effect, according to the summary. Kahn then ran west across Gateway Boulevard toward a parking lot of a Starbucks. A state trooper twice warned Kahn to stop or he would be Tased. Trooper Joben L. Jarvis then chased after Kahn north up the sidewalk and fired his Taser at Kahn, with no effect. About 12 to 15 officers were now chasing Kahn up the sidewalk. Two more state troopers tried to fire their Tasers at Kahn, but Kahn continued to run north. At 2:56 p.m., as he ran from the Starbucks lot toward the car wash, Dunn confronted him after running from his car to try to cut Kahn off. Kahn was holding two knives, briefly paused and Dunn raised his .223-caliber rifle, yelled Freeze! and ordered Kahn to get on the (expletive) ground, telling him he was going to shoot him, according to the summary. Kahn ran along the outside wall of the drive-thru car wash as officers ran after him. Hey, he stabbed somebody. Dont let him get to people! Bazer shouted to the officers chasing Kahn. Kahn weaved between occupied cars lined up to enter the car wash bay and ran around the back of a pickup that was partially inside the car wash and occupied by a mother and her child. He then ran inside the car wash bay. One employee inside quickly scrambled between two cars as Kahn and officers chasing after him entered the car wash, Parosa wrote. Dunn fired his rifle twice at Kahn, striking him twice in the back, according to the district attorney. Police said Kahn was still holding two knives in his hand. Once Kahn fell, officers kicked the knives away from him and officers provided emergency first aid until medics arrived and declared him dead at the scene. The Springfield police detective who fired the fatal shots was seen being escorted from the scene after the shooting. Screenshot Parosa singled out another Springfield officer, Amy Nelson, who applied a tourniquet to Blasers arm while standing with her back to Kahn who was only a few yards away from her at the time. She acted without regard to her own safety, he wrote. Parosa also decried the lack of treatment provided for Kahn, calling his lack of any secure mental health placement unacceptable. By failing to adequately address mental illness we are subjecting citizens, police, and the mentally ill to intolerable risks of violence on our streets, he wrote in his memo. Kahns father, Morton Kahn, wrote to the district attorney in response to the memo: I dont blame the police officers because they can only act and react according to the training that they receive and their current policies. I am suggesting that the training that they receive is not sufficient in regard to dealing with mentally ill people or even identifying that somebody is mentally ill and not defiant. My son Daniel did everything possible to ensure that he was killed that day. If the police were properly trained, and we had some policy changes, we wouldve come out with a far better outcome for everybody involved, he wrote. Blaser and Newton have both returned to work, Springfield police Chief Jami Resch said. Blaser joined the police department in September 2021 and Newton has worked as a Springfield officer since June 2010. Korth was hired by Springfield police in January 2023 after working as a deputy sheriff out of state. Dunn has been a Springfield officer since March 2018. Bazer was promoted to sergeant in May and is set to be hired by state police as a trooper next month, according to state records. Springfield police will now conduct an internal investigation to determine if the officers involved in the shooting adhered to department policy, and a force review committee will examine the encounter. Our condolences remain with the family and friends of Daniel Kahn, wrote Springfield Lt. Justin Myers, in a statement Wednesday. The loss of a loved one, regardless of the circumstances, is always a tragedy. His struggles with mental health and substance use underscore the complex challenges faced by many individuals and families. Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez, 23, was handcuffed and detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents while on a firefighting crew near the Bear Gulch fire in Washington's Olympic Peninsula on Aug. 27, 2025. Innovation Law Lab An Oregon wildland firefighter who was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents while working on a fire in Washington state has been released after nearly a month in a federal immigration detention center. Rigoberto Hernandez Hernandez, 23, got out of the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma on Tuesday. His release came days after his lawyers filed a petition demanding his immediate release and on the same day the government was ordered to file its response in court. Government attorneys instead informed the court it was dropping the deportation case against Hernandez. I think its clear its really difficult to defend this particular arrest, said Matt Adams of the Seattle-based Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, which filed the petition in federal court demanding Hernandezs release. You had someone who is working the front lines of a wildfire, and the government is out there inexplicably targeting a group for immigration enforcement, Adams said Wednesday. No matter which way you look at it, it doesnt add up. His lawyers were informed about 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday that Hernandez would be let out of custody. Hernandez has returned to his home in Keizer, where he lives with his two brothers, also wildland firefighters. I am glad that I am home, and I am excited to see my family, he said. I want to give my thanks to everyone for their prayers, for the rallies, for sharing about what happened to me and the other firefighter. So many people stepped up to help, and now I want to help others just like they helped me. I am glad that I am home, and I am excited to see my family, the 23-year-old said in a statement. I want to give my thanks to everyonefor their prayers, for the rallies, for sharing about what happened to me and the other firefighter. So many people stepped up to help, and now I want to help others just like they helped me. Innovation Law Lab Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle R. Lambert on Tuesday informed the court that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was voluntarily releasing Hernandez from detention and seeking dismissal of the case against him. She asked that the court dismiss Hernandezs habeas petition as a result. Homeland Security Assistant Chief Counsel Taylor Gardner wrote that the government used its prosecutorial discretion to drop the case but could still file potentially new removal proceedings against Hernandez in the future. Hernandezs Aug. 27 arrest occurred as a red flag warning went into effect for increased fire risk in the area of the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula. It drew national condemnation and sparked 50 members of Congress to demand answers. Hernandez has lived in the United States since he was 4 and since 2018 had a U visa pending along with his family as victims of an immigration fraud and money laundering scheme. His father had come forward to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Oregon and provided key statements that helped with the 2017 prosecution of several defendants in the multi-year extortion scheme, according to Hernandezs petition. Hernandezs family had been threatened by the defendants with deportation if they reported any of the crimes to law enforcement, the petition said. The U-visa is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who help law enforcement. On Aug. 27, Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration inspection at a remote location deep in the forest in a blockaded fire emergency zone where Hernandez and other firefighters were assigned to work, violating a longstanding agency policy prohibiting immigration enforcement at disaster response sites. Hernandez said armed Border Patrol agents showed up and started going firefighter to firefighter taking their IDs, according to his declaration.He handed over his firefighters ID, containing his name, photo and employee identification. When asked where he was born, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment and was taken into custody, he said in a sworn declaration. Initially, Homeland Security argued that Hernandez wasnt a firefighter. But he was in his third season working for a federal contractor as a wildland firefighter. As a qualified sawyer, he also was cutting down trees and clearing vegetation to manage the spread of wildfires, his lawyers said. The lawyers petition and motion for a temporary restraining order are now moot and are expected to be withdrawn, Adams said. He said Hernandezs detention shows you how this immigration enforcement agenda has run amok. Attorneys with Oregons Innovation Law Lab worked on the case with Adams and held a news conference last Friday in Portland to broadcast their legal fight to free Hernandez. U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, whose 6th Congressional District includes Salem and the northern Willamette Valley, said she was relieved Hernandez was released from custody. She also said she was disturbed that ICE officials had denied her constituent the ability to contact his lawyer for several days once he was detained. Despite President Trumps claims that he would only target dangerous criminals and gang members, its clear that he is going after the people who work to keep our communities safe, she said in a statement. I will continue to conduct congressional oversight of ICE to act as a check on the illegal behavior of this administration to ensure that everyone is granted due process. A Portland man facing a murder charge bailed out of jail Monday despite a judges order demanding that he remain in custody until trial. Ty Sage was the suspect mistakenly released from a Multnomah County Sheriffs Office facility, according to jail rosters. We just learned that this murder defendant was erroneously released, prosecutor Maddie Loeb said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. We are working with the court and the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office to get this defendant back into custody as quickly as possible. Sage, 26, was arrested in May on second-degree murder and first-degree robbery charges in the Dec. 4, 2021 killing of 15-year-old Lowgunn Ivey in the Columbia Trails apartment complex in Northwest Gresham. Prosecutors made their case to keep Sage behind bars during a bail hearing last week, presenting extensive messages that showed Sage and a co-defendant were planning to buy a rifle, handgun, ammunition and cocaine from Ivey for $4150. But the drug deal went bad, prosecutors wrote in a preventative detention memo, and the co-defendant, Kevin Rivas-Ramirez, 26, allegedly shot Ivey four times. Sage is accused of aiding and abetting the plot. Ty Sage is shown here in a booking photo. MCSO Judge Bryan Francesconi heard the evidence and on Wednesday ordered Sage be held without bail. Its not entirely apparent what happened next or how Sage was cleared for release. The judges order checked a box stating that release is denied. But the order also mentions that bail was previously set at $5,000, which appears to be erroneous. If misinterpreted, Sage could have walked out by posting 10%, or $500. Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said jailers had acted in good faith when they released Sage, and later sought clarification of the judges order. The Multnomah County Sherrifs Office recognizes that we hold the ultimate responsibility for a persons release from custody, Weisberg said. Our priority now is to safely locate the defendant. Defense attorney Jordan Willetts declined to comment. The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Fedor Zarkhin contributed to this article. The state was asked to turn over detailed Medicaid member data as part of a spending probe to verify federal funds are being used correctly. Getty Images/Tetra images RF Oregon health officials have turned over personally sensitive data about some Medicaid patients to the federal government as part of a spending probe a move that follows months of heated debate over privacy and potential federal misuse of health data. Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority sent the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services a report containing data on every adult who used emergency Medicaid services between April and June. The information included Medicaid identification numbers, dates of birth and Medicaid eligibility categories tied to citizenship status but not immigration status or patient names or addresses. State officials had resisted turning over the data since CMS requested it in June, citing distrust over how federal officials might use the information and highlighting concerns about privacy for Oregons immigrant communities. But the state health authority ultimately complied under legal pressure to avoid losing federal funding for the Oregon Health Plan, the states Medicaid program that provides health coverage for 1.4 million low-income individuals and people with disabilities. CMS has indicated that failure to comply with their request could result in a denial of federal funding for services properly provided to eligible Medicaid recipients in Oregon, the state health agency said in a statement. Any loss of federal funding would greatly impact available health care resources for families, communities, providers, and partners throughout Oregon. During a public meeting earlier this month, state officials said CMS had threatened to fine the state $50 million if it did not hand over the data, although the state clarified Wednesday that the amount was actually $30 million. The state currently spends roughly $15 billion on Medicaid annually, with $11 billion of that coming from the federal government. Its not clear how much could have been at risk of being cut. State officials did not respond to questions about how many Oregonians had their Medicaid data shared with CMS as part of the data request. Federal law requires CMS to conduct oversight reviews to confirm that Medicaid dollars are used exclusively for eligible services. The state said that the file it sent to CMS did not include new information for the federal agency, which already requires Oregon to submit detailed monthly reports on how it uses federal dollars to provide Medicaid services. Those reports typically include personal identifiers like names, addresses, Social Security numbers if available and citizenship status but do not request or include immigration status. The state said it repeatedly sought confirmation from CMS that any submitted information would not be used for immigration enforcement. State health officials said CMS assured the state that it was bound by a temporary court order barring it from sharing Medicaid data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcement purposes. CMS latest data request is part of a broader federal push to ensure that Medicaid dollars are used only for legally eligible services. At least five other states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and Washington are under review to verify that no federal Medicaid dollars were used to pay for services provided to people who are not eligible for full Medicaid coverage, according to a report by The Associated Press. While immigrants without legal status cant enroll in regular Medicaid, states can bill the federal government for emergency care, labor and delivery and certain other acute services. Oregon has gone further by using its own money to provide comprehensive health coverage to low-income residents regardless of immigration status through its Healthier Oregon program, which launched in 2023. OHA acknowledged that CMS data requests have caused fear, frustration, and anger among communities and that it will continue to balance legal obligations with efforts to protect individual privacy. In July, Oregon joined other Democrat-led states in a lawsuit to prevent CMS from sharing Medicaid data with immigration enforcement agencies. The move came after CMS and the Department of Homeland Security signed an agreement to give ICE access to Medicaid data for immigration purposes. ICE said in a court declaration it often relies on outside data sources, including federal benefits programs like Medicaid, to locate individuals whose addresses are outdated or incorrect. Oregon and other states suing over CMS data sharing agreement with DHS argued that it breaks the trust underpinning state and federal health partnerships. A federal judge has since issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting CMS from sharing Medicaid data with ICE or DHS for enforcement purposes. But that doesnt exempt Oregon from filing information with CMS for oversight purposes, according to the state. Meanwhile, OHA said it stopped reporting any data to CMS that could link Medicaid enrollment directly to immigration status as of January 2025. The agency said it is also working to separate state-funded health coverage enrollment data from federally funded emergency Medicaid records to limit unnecessary data sharing with the federal government. UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect that state officials on Wednesday said the fine threatened by federal officials was $30 million. An Oregon lawmaker called Tuesday for state and federal investigations into possible Medicaid fraud and state oversight failures at a Lake Oswego addiction treatment center. Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, cited reporting by Oregon Roundup, a Substack site run by Oregon-based writer Jeff Eager, that said an Oregon addiction recovery provider received more than $2.3 million in Medicaid reimbursements in less than a year to operate what Eager asserted was a halfway house that saw frequent police activity. Diehl alleged the Lake Oswego halfway house was racked by crime and home to a person now charged with assault and attempted murder of a Washington woman. According to public records Eager obtained, Uplifting Journey, LLC received $2,317,496 in Medicaid reimbursements between April 2024 and March 2025 for providing addiction recovery services under the Oregon Health Plan, the states Medicaid program that serves 1.4 million low income individuals and people with disabilities. Most Medicaid payments in Oregon dont come directly from the Oregon Health Authority but are authorized by a coordinated care organization such as Health Share of Oregon or Trillium Community Health Plan, which both oversee delivery of Medicaid services in Lake Oswego. Uplifting Journey, founded in 2023, operated a halfway house in Lake Oswego that police visited 17 times between 2024 and 2025, according to reporting by The Post Millenial. Oregon Roundup reported that Medicaid payments to Uplifting Journey stopped in March, three days after a man accused of attempted murder in Seattle may have lived at the halfway house or was present at the premises. In February, prosecutors in Seattle charged Kevin Daniel Sanabria Ojeda, 24, with kidnapping, robbery and attempted murder and said he lived at the halfway house in Lake Oswego. Diehl called on the Oregon Department of Justices Medicaid Fraud Unit and the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to investigate Uplifting Journey for possible Medicaid fraud, audit Oregons oversight processes and recover any misspent funds. The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Justices Medicaid Fraud Unit did not immediately respond to questions for comment Tuesday. This is part 3 of a series visiting the five smallest cities in Oregon. Among Oregons five smallest cities, No. 3 Shaniko is the most bustling. About 40 miles northeast of Madras in southern Wasco County, Shaniko had 30 residents as of the 2020 census. The city once a shipping hub for sheep herders and wool buyers was incorporated in 1901. At its peak in 1910, Shaniko boasted a population of about 600 people. When a rival railroad bypassed the town, the boom times ended, but several buildings from those days survive along the towns main street. Today, Shaniko markets itself as Oregons only living ghost town. The old Shaniko City Hall building in Shaniko, Oregon. Shaniko is the only one of Oregons smallest cities with a true business district. It has a hotel, cafe, pool hall, post office, music store and a souvenir shop. The original jail at the back of Shaniko City Hall remains open to tourists, who can take photos inside the former cell. The city also had an Old West saloon, until a recent dispute over permits forced its closure. Shaniko prides itself on its wild west aesthetic, but the term applies just as much to its local politics. In May, the mayor, two city councilors and the city recorder all resigned, leaving just two council members not enough for a quorum to conduct city business. That led to a special city councilor election in June. Newcomer Stacy Wilson ran unopposed and won in a landslide: 14-0. Wilson and the remaining two councilors, Pamela Brown and Andrea Kegal, then appointed a mayor and a fourth council member. Much of the friction in Shaniko seems to center on building permits and land development. Over the past four years, resident Zachary Forrest Marquart has filed at least 14 lawsuits against the city and its officials all of which were ultimately dismissed without prejudice. Each suit claimed the city had illegally denied Marquart services while he attempted to build a home on his property. In one filing from January, the citys attorney, Sarah R. Henderson, wrote, The entirety of this lawsuit, just like each and every lawsuit the Plaintiff has filed to date and lost, is frivolous and intended only to harass and unjustifiably burden the Defendant as well as the City of Shaniko. So, when Marquart was appointed to the City Council in August, some residents were surprised. Not many people applied, Marquart said, and youve got to understand, in a town of 24 people, everybody here has either been on the City Council, or been the mayor, or theyre going to be. In fact, the only other application was from a local man who had also sued the city (for violating open meeting laws). Marquart did prevail in one legal matter against the city: a 2024 petition to the state Land Use Board of Appeals over the citys denial of a permit for him to construct a residence on his property. The board determined the city did not clearly state exactly what information is missing from Marquarts site plan application when he was denied. One of the first things visitors arriving into Shaniko along U.S. 97 see is a massive sign across a metal building calling out a City Council member over a building permit application. The sign says Shaniko deserves better, and it was installed by Sandra Cereghino, one of the councilors who resigned in May. Cereghino runs the souvenir shop in town and has a sign making business. Thats my free speech, she said. Dont piss off a sign maker. To get a sense of the contentious nature of things, last year, Cereghino and her husband each successfully sued Marquart for slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They were awarded a combined $18,000 in damages. There are numerous other points of contention within the city of Shaniko. In April, the city received a notice from the Secretary of States audits division saying there was a discrepancy of about $7,000 in reported city revenues. In June, Scott Marr was removed as fire chief after transferring a 2001 wildland firetruck from Shaniko Fire to the Ashwood-Antelope Rural Fire Protection Association. In August, the city spent 18 days on a boil water notice because of E. coli contamination in the water supply. All the problems have some folks talking about a ballot initiative to disincorporate. Cereghino said she has the support of 16 Shaniko voters but hasnt started formally collecting signatures for a disincorporation petition. I think its to the point where we almost have to go unincorporated because of the narcissistic people in town, she said. That puts everybody on a level playing field. The countys in charge. You cant order anybody around. But disincorporation isnt easy. Disincorporations have occurred just four times since the state was founded in 1859, most recently with the city of Damascus in 2020. There is a disincorporation statute they would have to follow, and that statute currently prohibits a city from disincorporating if it holds any debt, said Patty Mulvihill, executive director of the League of Oregon Cities. Most cities hold some type of debt, particularly if it relates to some type of infrastructure improvement or investment. Shaniko does have debt, mostly related to costs for operating the water system and, of course, attorneys fees for the slew of past lawsuits. Brown, the council president, wants to see the city continue. There may always be disagreements, but the love, sweat and tears that has been poured into this city by my forefathers will not be discounted with disincorporation, she said. We honor the past by working through our hardships for a better future. Shaniko leans into its status as an old West ghost town, with parts of old wagons along the one road through town. Despite everything, Shanikos residents still love their small town. Its so sad because if we become unincorporated, the city has to relinquish all city buildings to the county, which will be sold, Cereghino said. There goes your historic value. There goes the schoolhouse. There goes the city hall. There goes the historic properties of this town that next year is 125 years old, if it can make it. Marquart said he bought property in Shaniko in 2021 to get away from city life in Portland. He loves watching the sunsets and seeing the stars at night. It really is a beautiful place, if you can kind of step back and not think about the conflict that happens around here, he said. Shaniko, Oregon Population in 2020 census: 30 Size: 0.5 square miles City budget (including grants): $846,350 Interesting fact: In 1911, Shaniko Mayor J.C. Fowlie, who was also the cashier of the Eastern Oregon Bank inside the hotel, was gunned down in the street by a drunken businessman. UNITED NATIONS With global peace and progress under siege, the United Nations chief challenged world leaders Tuesday to choose a future where the rule of law triumphs over raw power and where nations come together rather than scramble for self-interests. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the U.N.s founders faced the same questions 80 years ago, but he told todays world leaders at the opening of their annual gathering at the General Assembly that the choice of peace or war, law or lawlessness, cooperation or conflict, is more urgent, more intertwined, more unforgiving. We have entered in an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering, he said in his annual State of the World speech. The pillars of peace and progress are buckling under the weight of impunity, inequality and indifference. But despite all the internal and external challenges facing the U.N., he and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock pleaded with its members not to give up. If we stop doing the right things, evil will prevail, Baerbock said in her opening remarks. UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock gavels the meeting open as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres listens during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. AP Photo/Richard Drew Looking broadly at the changing world, Guterres said it is becoming increasingly multipolar certainly a nod to rising economic powers China and India but a slap to the U.S. insistence on superpower status. The U.N. chief said a world of many powers can be more diverse and dynamic but warned that without international cooperation and effective global institutions there can be chaos. President Donald Trump insisted in a nearly hour-long speech that the United States has the strongest borders, military, friendships and the strongest spirit of any nation on the face of the earth. And he boasted, This is indeed the golden age of America. As for the United Nations, he told the packed assembly chamber that the 193-member world body failed to help him end and alleviate conflicts which he said many believe merit the Nobel Peace Prize. All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter, and not follow up, he said as he portrayed the U.N. as an ineffectual institution, from its policies to even its escalators. One of them had stopped unexpectedly as he and first lady Melania Trump were riding it toward the Assembly hall, and his teleprompter also wasnt working. A U.N. official said the United Nations understands that someone from the presidents party who ran ahead of him inadvertently triggered the stop mechanism on the escalator. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the White House was operating the teleprompter for the president. Trump reiterated that the U.N. has tremendous, tremendous potential but now delivers empty words and empty words dont solve war. But his tone shifted at a meeting with Guterres soon after. Our country is behind the United Nations 100%, Trump told the U.N. chief. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets delegates to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at UN headquarters. AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis Guterres told the General Assembly that the first obligation of world leaders is to choose peace, and without naming any countries, he urged all parties -- including those in the Assembly chamber to stop supporting Sudans warring parties. He also didnt name Israel but used his strongest words against its actions in Gaza, saying the scale of death and destruction are the worst in his nearly nine years as secretary-general, and that nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. While Guterres has repeatedly said only a court can determine whether Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, he referred to the case South Africa brought to the U.N.s highest court under the genocide convention by name and stressed its legally binding provisional measures, first and foremost to protect Palestinian civilians. Since the International Court of Justice issued that ruling in January 2024, Guterres said, killings have intensified, and famine has been declared in parts of Gaza. He said the courts measures must be implemented fully and immediately. The U.N. also is facing financial cuts as the U.S. and some other nations pulled back funding or have yet to pay their dues. Guterres said aid cuts are wreaking havoc, calling them a death sentence for many. People protest the ongoing Israel-Palestine war outside the United Nations Headquarters during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly's discussion on a two-state solution, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in New York. AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis Israeli-Palestinian conflict takes center stage With global support for a Palestinian state growing, Israels devastating war in Gaza is taking center stage. But humanitys myriad conflicts, rising poverty and heating planet will also be in the spotlight. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began his speech voicing regret at the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was denied a visa by the United States. He said he was standing at the assembly podium for our Palestinian brothers and sisters whose voices are being silenced while recognition of the state of Palestine is increasing is increasing. He thanked all countries that have done so and called on those that havent to do so as soon as possible. Indonesias President Prabowo Subianto also gave strong support to the Palestinians and warned the assembly that Human folly, fueled by fear, racism, hatred, oppression and apartheid threatens our common future. Every day we witness suffering, genocide and a blatant disregard for international law and human decency, the head of the worlds most populous Muslim nation said. In the face of these challenges, we must not give up. We must draw closer, not drift further apart. The General Assembly s big week of meetings began Monday with events including a conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tuesdays speakers also include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Jordans King Abdullah II, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Da Silva speaking first, under a longtime tradition dating to when Brazil was the only nation that volunteered to lead off worried aloud that the U.N.s authority was waning. We are witnessing the consolidation of an international order blocked by repeated concessions to power play, he said. Geopolitical problems keep getting more complex While the debates theme is Better Together, observers can expect a rundown of ways in which the world is falling apart. Gaza already has seized attention at the General Assembly. Mondays conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, focused on garnering support for the longstanding idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Almost all U.N. member nations have signed up to take their turn during the Assemblys six-day-long speech-fest. The speakers list so far includes 89 heads of state, 43 heads of government, 10 vice presidents or deputy prime ministers, and 45 foreign ministers and other ministerial-level officials. --By Edith M. Lederer, Jennifer Peltz and Farnoush Amiri/The Associated Press VILNIUS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- As more Western countries recognize Palestinian statehood, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has called on world leaders to revive discussions on a two-state solution, recognizing Palestine as a state and Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported on Wednesday. In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York Tuesday evening Vilnius time, Nauseda also called for humanitarian aid blocked by Israel to be allowed into the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to strike Hamas. The Lithuanian president added that fighting in Gaza could move closer to an end if Hamas released the remaining hostages. Authorities rappel from a Spokane County Sheriff Office helicopter to the site where human remains believed to be Travis Decker's were found near Grindstone Mountain, seen on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, near Leavenworth, Wash. Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP SPOKANE, Wash. Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to drop the arrest warrant for a former soldier wanted in the deaths of his three young daughters because the U.S. Marshals Service says the man is dead. Authorities in Washington state found remains believed to belong to Travis Decker in a remote wooded area of central Washington last week, but investigators are still waiting for DNA results to confirm the mans identity. Still, in a court document filed Wednesday, U.S. Attorney S. Peter Serrano said the U.S. Marshals Service has advised prosecutors that Decker is dead. Law enforcement teams had searched for more than three months for Decker after the bodies of his daughters 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were found in June at a campground near Leavenworth. FILE - This undated photo provided by the Wenatchee Police Department shows Travis Caleb Decker, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of his three daughters. (Wenatchee Police Department via AP, File) AP The Chelan County Sheriffs Office said an autopsy determined they died from suffocation. They had been bound with zip ties and had plastic bags placed over their heads. Decker, 32, had been with his daughters on a scheduled visit but failed to bring them back to his ex-wife, who a year ago said that his mental health issues had worsened and that he had become increasingly unstable. He was often living out of his truck, she said in a petition seeking to restrict him from having overnight visits with their daughters until he found housing. Decker was an infantryman in the U.S. Army from March 2013 to July 2021 and deployed to Afghanistan for four months in 2014. He had training in navigation, survival and other skills, authorities said, and once spent more than two months living in the backwoods off the grid. --The Associated Press The revelation of the shortfall comes just a week after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that city budget officials are projecting a separate $16 million deficit to Portlands general fund due in large part to the city receiving less business tax revenue than expected. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian Portland officials on Tuesday disclosed a gaping budget hole in the citys homeless shelter system while insisting that serious service cuts will be avoided through creative and efficient cost saving measures and a reimagination of best use of funds. The system, comprised of both emergency overnight and alternative shelters, faces a combined $11 million shortfall after the city was unable to secure a tranche of state funding it was counting on, City Administrator Mike Jordan wrote in a budget memo to members of the Portland City Council. That deficit is about 17% of the $65.5 million in shelter program funding sought by Mayor Keith Wilson. Councilors approved the plan in June under the assumption that the vast majority of one-time dollars wouldnt come from city coffers. Among the series of steps Jordan highlighted to drive down program expenses: The city will keep many of its newly promised shelter beds open for only the portions of the year when theyre most needed. The revelation of the shortfall comes just a week after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that city budget officials are projecting a separate $16 million deficit to Portlands general fund due in large part to the city receiving less business tax revenue than expected. The financial squeeze could further imperil Wilsons ambitious pledge to offer a safe place to sleep for all homeless Portlanders by Dec. 1. The mayor is currently less than halfway to his goal of opening 1,500 new shelter beds with just over two months to go. Earlier in September, Wilson sent an unusual solicitation to residents asking them to donate their time and money to some of his newly launched shelters. His staff Tuesday said the mayors callout for community volunteers was unrelated to citys budget constraints. The crisis on our streets remains a top priority for my administration and for the Portlanders who elected me, Wilson said in a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Tuesday. We expect an on-time, on-budget delivery of my promise. From the start, I have said this requires creativity and clear direction. Some members of the City Council were nonplussed to learn of the latest budget blunder. Im sick of being played like were a bunch of elementary school kids, Councilor Loretta Smith said. For months, Smith, a former Multnomah County commissioner, has raised concerns about Portland shelling out large amounts of money for shelter operations when the city already pays millions of dollars annually to the county to lead and oversee that work as part of an intergovernmental agreement. In an interview Tuesday, she said the $11 million in state funding should have never been baked into the citys budget since there was no guarantee it would materialize. I dont like to be misled, I dont like the public to be misled, Smith said. Thats exactly whats happened here. The council next month will be tasked with finding a way to rebalance the books during the citys fall budget monitoring process. According to budget documents, city leaders earmarked just over $26 million for the creation of the new overnight-only shelter beds and four indoor and outdoor day centers that are the centerpiece to Wilsons homelessness plan. Additionally, they designated $39.6 million for continued operations of the citys eight alternative shelters that provide tiny home sleeping pods to residents and access to an array of social services. Money from Multnomah County, Metro and the state accounted for nearly 90% of the budgeted program costs, documents show. In the memo, Jordan offered a broad overview of how city officials would seek to shave about $5.1 million from Portlands overnight shelter program and another $5.9 million from its alternative shelters to make up for the loss in state funding. To reduce overnight shelter program spending, the city plans to provide fewer storage locations and slash the amount of money it will spend on day centers by focusing on opening outdoor ones and expanding existing locations, Jordan wrote. It plans to also make hundreds of the newly planned shelter beds available only during the winter months when they are most needed as opposed to year-round, the memo says. For alternative shelter cost savings, the city plans to reduce program expenses by $2.7 million, primarily through renegotiating contracts with shelter operators and shifting some of the programs administrative cost to the overnight program. Jordan also proposed that the City Council tap into city carryover funds during the fall budget monitoring process to cover the remaining $3.2 million deficit. The alternative shelter program is largely maintained due to creative and efficient cost saving measures, as well as rebalancing of staff time across both overnight and alternative shelter programs, Jordan wrote. Additionally, a reimagination of best use of funds allow (city staff) to achieve Mayor Wilsons overnight shelter, day center, and day storage objectives. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Jimmy Kimmel is resuming hosting duties for his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight, but many viewers across the country wont be able to watch his return to TV on ABC when the show airs live at 11:35 p.m. PT/ET on Tuesday, September 23. That includes Portlands Sinclair-owned affiliate KATU (channel 2). ABC news stations owned by Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group are openly refusing to air Jimmy Kimmels return to TV on their stations for the foreseeable future. Those ABC affiliates will instead run news programming to preempt Kimmels show, pending assurances that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve. With those companies combined, Nexstar and Sinclair run roughly 25 percent of the ABC affiliates across the country. Heres a look at the map of stations that will not broadcast Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight. Is your city on this list? Where can I find tonights episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on TV, or streaming free on demand? If you live outside the Portland metro area and other regions run by Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group, you can watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! for free tonight using any of the following methods: If you live in a market that is serviced by a news station that is owned by Sinclair or Nexstar, there are no straightforward ways you can watch the show live on TV tonight. Here are your best options to watch and see what Kimmel has to say, and the rest of tonights episode, for free: Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended by ABC? Why was his show pulled off the air? ABC suspended Kimmel indefinitely last week after criticism of his comments about the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk. Kimmel suggested in a monologue that many supporters of President Donald Trump were trying to capitalize on Kirks death and were desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them. (begins at the 6:12 mark below) Why are ABC and Disney bringing Jimmy Kimmel back? On Monday, ABC announced that Kimmel would return after the network had thoughtful conversations with their late-night talk show host. Disney and ABC executives reportedly negotiated the return for several days before announcing the resolution. The ABC statement said the suspension happened because some of Kimmels comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive but wouldnt further elaborate. Tuesday nights guests of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be actor Glen Powell, with musical guest Sarah McLachlan. Whether or not Kimmel would address the controversy on his first show back officially remains a mystery as millions of people are likely to tune in for the show. The New York Post claims in a recent story that Kimmel will not apologize for his previous remarks about right wing media and MAGA influencers working to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk, but does plan to address the controversy during Tuesdays opening monologue. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority revealed a revised alignment for the South Extension Turnpike project at a public announcement Tuesday. The South Extension Turnpike is part of OTAs ACCESS Oklahoma plan, a 15-year, $8 billion plan to develop new turnpikes, and renovate and expand existing highways statewide. The new alignment for the four-lane, 500-foot-wide South Extension would run south through Norman between 48th and 60th avenues, from the East-West Connector at East Indian Hills Road to Interstate 35 at State Highway 74. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The revised alignment moves the South Extension west by two miles and features simplified interchanges at its north and south connection points. Interchanges on the South Extension would connect to Highways 9 and 77, and interchanges would be considered at intersections with Alameda Street, Lindsey Street, East Etowah Road and Maguire Road. The South Extension alignment would still run approximately 19 miles through Cleveland County from the East-Connector on Franklin Road to I-35 in Slaughterville, as initially proposed. The project is expected to cost $1 billion. The most effective option, which the Legislature has envisioned OTA to provide, is to offer a new four-lane, high-speed corridor that will provide an alternative route for traffic whose destination is not the Oklahoma City metro area, taking them safely around the busiest and most populous area of our state, ACCESS Oklahoma Executive Director Joe Echelle said. In March, the South Extension was rerouted to avoid federal property at Lake Thunderbird. The Oklahoma Supreme Court approved the project in 2023 after the original alignment was denied by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Litigation and the need to move the proposed roadway west caused delays, Echelle said. We apologize for the circumstances preventing us from moving forward more quickly and providing certainty. Revision details Trenton January, ACCESS Oklahoma chief engineer, said the new alignment will impact an estimated 75 homes, which is similar to the proposed plans estimation from 2022. We recognize that this will be difficult for those homeowners, and OTAs pledge to them is to work diligently and transparently with them through the entire process along these next stages as we move forward, January said. A month after the OTAs initial ACCESS Oklahoma announcement in 2022, a group of residents impacted by the proposal formed the grassroots organization to oppose the development, Pike Off OTA. The group counted 665 homes in the direct path of the turnpike and 4,730 homes within a half mile, according to OTAs project map. Echelle said OTA's goals in moving the corridor west were to provide certainty about what locations would be affected for homeowners more quickly and to impact fewer homes, though January said the estimates do not differ much. Some have accused the OTA of not listening. The OTA created a website and phone number to receive comments, questions and concerns, Echelle said. Since 2022, we've answered thousands of questions and received hundreds of comments, culminating in our recent round of public meetings earlier this summer, where we sought input from area property owners at three separate open house meetings. OTA held a public meeting May 21 in Purcell and a meeting May 27 in Norman to gather input from residents. Everyone is learning today that the South Extension has a new path, and you, the property owner, are our priority, Echelle said. We recognize that there will remain some uncertainty while the engineering design work moves forward in the coming months. OTA is committed to answering your questions and expediting this process as much as possible. January said in addition to the number of impacted homes, the OTA considered several factors when revamping the alignment, such as avoiding subdivisions, dense developments and section line roads. We also considered environmental impacts, such as less disruption to the potential rose rock formations, as well as considering municipal long-range plans and mobility for traffic in the area, January said. Our engineers also looked closely at floodplains and tried to minimize the number of bridges needed, while doing our best to provide a straight corridor that will support an 80-mile-an-hour design speed. The alignment would move east of 60th Avenue as it moves south, which January said avoids floodplains, wetlands and streams. January said the alignment does not interfere with AIM Normans Area and Infrastructure Master Plan or proposed plans in Noble, and that when the OTA gets closer to 60% completion of the design phase, it will be more accurate about which properties the corridor will be built on. The northern portion of the extension is expected to open to traffic in 2032 and the section south of State Highway 9 is expected to open in 2034, according to January. Impact on residents Ladan Nelson, ACCESS Oklahoma program manager, said the OTA intends to communicate with affected residents during the next 12-18 months of preconstruction, which will also see geotechnical and survey operation. Please spread the word to your neighbors, anyone, so we can make sure that we're answering you and helping you all during this difficult process, Nelson said. We want to ensure that you all know that the property owners are our number one priority. OTA will also host three open houses this month for property owners who may be impacted by the new alignment. The first two meetings will be held in Norman and the last will be held in Noble: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Nancy OBrien Center for the Performing Arts 2-4 p.m. Sept. 27 at the NCED Conference Center and Hotel 5-7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Noble High School Legislative response In a press release from the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus, Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman), Rep. Jared Deck (D-Norman), Rep. Annie Menz (D-Norman) and Rep. Jacob Rosecrants (D-Norman) condemned the OTAs methods. "Todays announcement by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority casts a renewed cloud of uncertainty and fear over yet another 25,000 acres of homes, farms, and ranches in Cleveland and McClain Counties, the press release states. Once again, thousands of Oklahomans are being forced to live under the looming threat of displacement, and without a clear, evidence-based justification. The press release states that the OTA continues to operate in a way that undermines public trust and expresses concern that the announcement marks the beginning of another round of backroom deals made through the so-called 'right of way access' process. Since 2022, we have brought to light that this process is riddled with secrecy, devoid of transparency, and ripe for political favoritism. The last time a path was announced, we learned that well-connected individuals, including political figures, received disproportionately favorable deals when selling their land. That is unacceptable, the press release states. In February, 2023, the Oklahoman reported that Rep. Sherrie Conley (R-Newcastle) was paid $103,460 above the appraised value for her house, which was in the potential pathway of an OTA project. She was the first to sell her property to the OTA and was given $25,915 in moving expenses. The press release called the announcement another opportunity for OTA to bully and traumatize the public, and called for the OTA to stop trying to manipulate the narrative and listen to what their conscience is trying to tell them. This story was edited by Thomas Pablo, Natalie Armour and Ana Barboza. by Xinhua writer Xia Lin UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from across the world convened in New York on Tuesday for the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in support of Palestinian statehood, but over opposition from Israel and the United States, as the Gaza Strip neared the two-year mark of a war that has brought mass casualties, destruction and hunger. A COLLECTIVE VOICE UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the first day of the general debate that "in Gaza, the horrors are approaching a third monstrous year," highlighting "a scale of death and destruction beyond any other conflict" in his years as secretary-general. He called for the full and immediate implementation of the International Court of Justice measures, a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and humanitarian access, adding that "we must not relent in the only viable answer to sustainable Middle East peace: a two-state solution." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the Hamas terror attacks in his remarks on Tuesday, noting that international humanitarian law and the myth of Western exceptionalism were buried under the rubble there, and the survival of the Palestinian people requires an independent state. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his country's complete support for the two-state solution, calling for both Palestine and Israel to be free and independent, safe and secure from threats and terrorism. Indonesia is ready to deploy 20,000 or even more people to help secure peace in Gaza or elsewhere, and this year, over self-sufficiency, it exported rice to other nations in need, including to Palestine, he said. Jordan's King Abdullah II said that security will only come when Palestine and Israel begin to co-exist side by side. "This is the two-state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions: an independent and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, ... alongside a secure Israel, ... living in peace with its neighbors," he noted. "We reaffirm our support of the two-state solution with the UN playing a central role. Kazakhstan acknowledges diplomatic initiatives aimed at regional reconciliation in the Middle East," said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the deeply worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of political negotiations," said Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, adding that "in line with the UN resolutions, we remain steadfast supporters of the two-state solution principle." UNCERTAINTIES AHEAD Speaking Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump struck a different tone, urging immediate action in Gaza. "Release the hostages now -- just release the hostages now," he said, adding that "we have to negotiate peace, get the hostages back -- all 20 back -- and 38 dead bodies back." Meanwhile, he warned against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it would amount to "a reward to Hamas for its horrible atrocities." A summit organized by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday ahead of the general debate in New York was portrayed as an urgent effort to salvage the long-deferred vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City against Hamas and rapidly expands its settlements in the West Bank, the notion seems more distant than ever. "We must pave the way for peace," said French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, to applause from those at the meeting and a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation. "Today, France recognizes the State of Palestine," he said, noting recent statements of recognition, some not yet formalized, by Britain, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium and several others. "France, Britain and the other countries recognizing a Palestinian state this week say they aim to salvage whatever hope remains for the internationally backed formula to end the half-century-old conflict between Israelis and Palestinians: a Jewish state of Israel at peace with a neighboring Palestinian one," reported The New York Times on Monday. "But nearly two years into the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, Israelis and Palestinians alike say the possibility of a two-state solution seems more remote than ever," it noted. On Sept. 12, the General Assembly adopted by a wide margin the "New York Declaration," which called for "just and lasting peace grounded in international law and based on the two-state solution." To end the war, it urged Hamas to "end its role in Gaza, and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority." The United States and Israel voted against the text. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "a Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River." The idea of establishing one nation each for Jewish and Palestinian populations, living alongside each other in peace, predated the UN's founding in 1945. Drafted and redrafted since then, the concept has appeared in dozens of UN Security Council resolutions, multiple peace talks and in the General Assembly's recently resumed 10th emergency special session. On Tuesday, Guterres warned that the viability of a two-state solution is steadily eroding, now reaching its most critical level in more than a generation, in a statement at a UN Security Council high-level meeting on the Palestinian question, highlighting relentless settlement expansion, de facto annexation, and forced displacement as evidence of the erosion. "Cycles of deadly violence, including by extremist settlers, have entrenched an unlawful Israeli occupation and pushed us perilously close to a point of no return," he added. Domtar Contributes Lumber for Construction of TERRE Center in Jonquiere, Canada The TERRE Center will be a CAN$23 million renewable energy research facility in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. Left to right: Michael Plourde (Domtar) and Pierre-Luc Dallaire (Cegep de Jonquiere). The TERRE Center will be a CAN$23 million renewable energy research facility in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. Sept. 24, 2025 - Domtar joined Cegep de Jonquiere and other public and private partners to support the development of the TERRE Center. The TERRE Center will be a CAN$23 million renewable energy research facility in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada. Domtar's Wood Products business contributed lumber construction materials at the start of the TERRE Center's construction in August. "At Domtar, we firmly believe that innovation comes through collaboration. Supporting a project like the TERRE Center, which combines knowledge, technology and sustainability, means investing in the future of our industry and our community," says Michael Plourde, Director of Technical Services and Planning at Domtar. The TERRE Center: A Model for the Future The TERRE Center (Renewable Energy Technology and Energy Efficiency) will serve as a model of environmentally responsible construction. It's being built according to strict environmental standards and will be certified as an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient facility. The Center will house a state-of-the-art research laboratory equipped with advanced renewable energy technologies. Solar panels, a geothermal system, heat pumps and wind and hydro devices will be installed along with 20 offices to support research activities. Wood: A Sustainable Material at the Heart of the Project The choice of materials supplied by Domtar aligns with the responsible construction vision of the TERRE Center. The increased use of sustainably sourced wood in the design of the complex takes advantage of the environmental and economic benefits of this local, renewable resource. Carbon sequestration: Wood is one of the few materials capable of storing carbon throughout the building's lifespan. It is estimated that one cubic meter of wood sequesters about one ton of CO? -the equivalent of taking 511 cars off the road for a year. * Lower carbon profile: Compared with traditional materials, wood has a significantly smaller carbon footprint. Producing wood emits 72 percent less carbon than steel and 66 percent less than cement. ** Efficiency and speed of construction: Thanks to prefabrication and modularity, wood construction systems greatly reduce timeframes, waste, noise and required labor. Comfort and energy performance: Wood's natural insulating properties enhance occupant comfort and reduce energy loss caused by thermal bridging. An ally against climate change: Using wood in building construction, a sector that generates massive greenhouse gas emissions, is a solution supported by extensive research. In Quebec, wood is harvested sustainably from responsibly managed forests, making it a responsible choice for building the future. Regional economic benefits: The wood provided for the project comes from Quebec's forests and is processed locally. The wood products industry is a source of economic vitality for the entire province. The TERRE Center project is led by Cegep de Jonquiere with the support of many public and private partners. Construction officially began in April 2025 in the presence of several political leaders and financial partners, including Sylvain Gaudreault, Director General of the Cegep; Minister Andree Laforest; Mayor Julie Dufour; and Yannick Gagnon, Member of the National Assembly for Jonquiere. The project is scheduled to continue until Fall 2026. *, ** Source: www.FPAC.ca (Solutions to Canadas Housing Crisis are Found in the Forest) Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of about 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual production capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and approximately 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. SOURCE: Domtar EU Deforestation Regulation Deprioritization Another Delay Developing The European Commission has announced it is considering another one-year postponment of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance. The European Commission has announced it is considering another one-year postponment of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance. PaperAge editor's note: The following news item was published online by the law firm, Ropes & Gray. Sept. 24, 2025 - With just over three months until EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance is scheduled to start, the European Commission has announced it is considering another one-year extension. Read more about this development in this post. In a September 23 letter, Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, sent letters to the Parliament and Council indicating that the Commission's information system for transactions covered by the EUDR currently is not expected to be able to adequately handle all of those transactions. The EUDR applies to cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy(a) and wood, as well as many derived products. From the letter: "Based on the available information, the Commission's assessment is that this will very likely lead to the system slowing down to unacceptable levels or even to repeated and long-lasting disruptions, which would negatively impact companies and their possibilities to comply with the EUDR. Operators would be unable to register as economic operators, introduce their Due Diligence Statements, retrieve the necessary information from the IT system, or provide the necessary information for customs purposes where relevant. This would severely impact the achievement of the objectives of EUDR, but also potentially affect trade flows in the areas covered by the legislation." "Despite efforts to address the issues in time for the entry into application of the EUDR, it is not possible to have sufficient guarantees that the IT system will be able to sustain the level of the expected load." The one-year postponement is intended to allow time to remedy the identified risks. With EUDR compliance looming, expect the Commission to quickly release a "stop the clock" proposal. To secure quick approval by the Council and Parliament - which is not necessarily a given - it is likely that the proposal will be limited to timing and will not seek to address the substance of the EUDR. As further discussed below, other initiatives underway may separately seek to further scale back or otherwise modify the EUDR. As noted above, EUDR compliance already has been delayed by a year. In addition, in April, updated guidance and FAQs were published by the European Commission that simplified some aspects of EUDR compliance (see this Ropes & Gray post). According to the Commission, these measures will in the aggregate result in an estimated 30% reduction in administrative costs and burden for companies. Over the past year, there have been numerous calls to further delay and streamline the EUDR. The calls have gotten louder with the initial compliance date drawing near. For example: The complete article is avaialable here on Ropes & Gray's website. SOURCE: Ropes & Gray Logitech would like to show off its new solar-powered wireless keyboard, and I would like to apologize for spoiling it a few weeks ago. But if you were itching to get your hands on a new wireless keyboard that never needs its batteries replaced, now you can! Logitechs Signature Slim Solar+ K980 is now available for $100. With a full-width format (number pad on the right), a low-profile build, and a black-on-gray color scheme, the Signature Slim Solar+ takes a lot of design cues from Logitechs MX series, but the strip of solar cells at the top is much more elegantly integrated into the design than on some of Logitechs previous attempts. According to the promotional page, the solar cell can recharge the battery via natural or artificial light, saving the charge for up to 4 months and lasting up to 10 years. If the interior battery does stop charging, it can be replaced, according to the FAQ. All that said, I cant help but find this offering a little underwhelming. Logitech was selling solar-recharging wireless keyboards with backlighting over a decade ago. Unless you really want the multi-device pairing and Logi Options+ compatibility that have become standard, or youre just itching for a dedicated AI Launch key, Im not seeing a ton of improvement over the K750 from way back in 2011. The Apollo-class asteroid 2024 YR4 continues to occupy scientists. Now that it has turned out that it will just miss the Earth, another danger has reared its head: a possible collision course with the moon. According to the latest calculations, the probability of impact is around 4 percent. The impact could occur in December 2032. NASA examines defensive measures Should 2024 YR4 actually hit the moon, it could hurl large quantities of rock into Earths orbit. For those of us on Earth, wed primarily see it as a spectacular meteor showerbut the flying debris would pose a real danger to satellites and the crew aboard the ISS. NASA is currently investigating ways to prevent such an impact, with two main potential strategies: deflecting the asteroid or destroying it. In order to deflect it, the exact mass of the 60-meter-wide asteroid would need to be figured out. Since it could vary greatlyfrom tens of thousands to several million tonsa reconnaissance mission would be required. However, NASA would have to act fast as the window of opportunity for such a mission would close as early as 2028. The second option would be destruction of the asteroid using nuclear weapons. According to NASAs calculations, a one-megaton nuclear bomb would be sufficient to break the asteroid into smaller, less dangerous piecesregardless of its composition. For comparisons sake, thatd be around 80 times the explosive power of the Hiroshima bomb but still significantly less than the 50-megaton Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear weapon ever tested. However, experts warn that nuclear explosions in space harbor considerable risks. The Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test in 1962 caused massive disruption to electronics and satellites. The consequences of a near-moon detonation can hardly be predicted right now. A decision to come in 2028 at the earliest Whether 2024 YR4 will actually hit the moon cant be determined with more precision for at least a few more years. Until then, NASA will continue to search for alternatives that can safely avert catastrophe. However, with the 2032 deadline looming ahead, NASA will have to be quick on its feet to turn any strategy into reality. How many of you are just itching to drop more than a thousand bucks on a handheld gaming PC? It seems there are indeed a few, as one Lenovo representative said some Legion Go 2 pre-orders have been delayed or cancelled due to much higher demand than the company expected. So sayeth an update to a Reddit AMA on the official Legion Go sub (spotted by Toms Hardware), where the representatives lack of response to requests on shipment times (originally scheduled for October) left posters seeing red. The truth is pre-orders for the Legion Go Gen 2 has substantially exceeded our projections, leading to unforeseen delivery range extensions, claims the Legion Go Team. We will need to cancel some pre-orders placed directly on Lenovo.com. The frustration appears to have started after some would-be Legion Go 2 buyers placed a pre-order, then saw their delivery times slip from a week or two to six weeks. Understandable, since this is a gaming device that costs $1,100 to start and stretches up to an eye-popping $1,350 for the upgraded version with an AMD Ryzen Z22 Extreme processor and other boosted specs. The Go 2 features removable controllers and an impressive OLED screen, but the price tag (equivalent to two or three Steam Decks or Switch 2s) hasnt gone over all that well. I also wonder how much of this is really an upswell in demand versus some behind-the-scenes error on Lenovos part. Pinning the issues on a huge rush to buy a new gadget would be the smart thing to say from a marketing perspective, but its also possible that some late-stage production or logistical errors are gumming up the works. The Legion Go 2 is scheduled for release on October 31st, according to the Best Buy listing for the base model, which is still available to pre-order. Asus rival devicethe ROG Xbox Ally co-branded with Microsoftis scheduled for October 16th. It still does not have an official price. From left to right: Det. Mark Baker, Sgt. Isaiah Emenheiser and Det. Sgt. Cody Becker were killed in the line of duty last week during an ambush as they served an arrest warrant. District Attorney's Office Submitted Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning the public to keep an eye open for any possible donation scans involving the three Northern York County Regional Police officers who were killed recently. According to a release from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office, since scammers frequently keep an eye on current events, residents should be careful and do some research before sending monetary donations to any organization or individual. Pennsylvanians are caring and generous people always willing to help in the wake of tragedy, Attorney General Dave Sunday said in the release. With so many people seeking ways to help those affected by the horrifying shooting last week in York County, it is important to ensure those charitable donations reach those who need them. The office encourages those looking to donate to visit the Northern York County Regional Police Departments and York County Sheriffs Offices Facebook pages for information on how to make donations. You can also determine the legitimacy of a fundraising effort to see if its legitimate by researching to see if any of the affected agencies support or endorse the effort. Detective Sergeant Cody Becker, Detective Mark Baker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser were killed while investigating a domestic-violence stalking case on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The shooter fired at them with an assault-style rifle with a suppressor. Two other officers, Lt. David Godfrey of the York County Sheriffs Office and an unnamed Northern York County Regional Police detective, were injured and are now in satisfactory condition. Anyone who feels they were targeted or fell victim to a scam, should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General or call 717-787-3391. A 17-year-old boy was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a friend table surfing behind his car in the parking lot at Freedom High School, according to the Northampton County District Attorney. David Jacob Nagy was surfing on an upside-down folding table tied with a rope to the back of a moving car when he was whipped into a parked car and died early June 1 at the parking lot in Bethlehem Township, according to the news release Tuesday from District Attorney Stephen Baratta. Nagys stunt was part of a TikTok challenge, Baratta said. So was a stunt involving a 20-year-old woman who surfed by standing on the trunk of a moving car driven by a 19-year-old friend March 18 in the Bethlehem Township Park and Ride parking lot, Baratta said. That 20-year-old was thrown from the moving vehicle and suffered permanent injuries, he said. In each case, the stunt was captured on video and shared on TikTok. Young people participating in such challenges try to outdo each other and grow audiences of viewers, but the participants seriously underestimate the risks, Baratta said. It is critical for the public to understand that these challenges can have severe real-world consequences, creating significant risk for participants and sometimes bystanders as well, he said. Baratta said each of the drivers was close friends with the victim. The victims and drivers families are close in each case, Baratta said. Baratta said he will respect the wishes of each family and not seek incarceration for either person. However, these families are seeking accountability and hope that these charges will result in deterrence for other youth who may find themselves attracted to the thrill of mimicking dangerous social media challenges that have the potential to injure others, Baratta said in the news release. Nagy was a junior at Freedom High School, according to his obituary and was in the schools gifted program. He hoped to become an electrical engineer, it says. While neither driver intended to commit a crime, each was grossly negligent and reckless, Baratta said. We publicize these charges to warn the general public and, in particular, our youth, that all who engage in dangerous and criminally reckless behavior that results in serious injury to others, even where the injury was not expected or planned, will be held to account, Baratta said. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents about a new phone scam where the caller threatens you will be arrested if you dont pay up. According to a release from the attorney generals office, this scam uses a spoofed phone number that appears to be from a legitimate government agency. The scammers then tell the caller that there is an unpaid ticket or other legal issue and that a sheriffs deputy is coming to their home with a warrant for their arrest. The scammer then tells the caller they can avoid being arrested by making an immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or using a cryptocurrency ATM. Anyone who receives one of these calls is strongly advised not to pay any money. Scammers will do anything to take advantage of hardworking Pennsylvanians, including scaring their targets into making payments, Attorney General Sunday said in the release. Be aware that a sheriff or sheriff deputy will not call you offering a second chance from being arrested. As someone who has spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, I find this scam particularly infuriating because these criminals are exploiting the trust that good people have in my office, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran said in the release. These criminals use fear to short-circuit your good judgment. Dont let them. The single most powerful tool you have is the end call button. Anyone who receives such a call should ask the caller to provide their badge number, the law enforcement agency they work for, and the telephone number for their office. Then ask to hang up and call them back at that number to verify their identity. If they refuse, it is a scam. No law enforcement, government agency, or court will ask you to pay an outstanding fee via gift cards or cryptocurrency, the release noted. Pennsylvania residents who want to confirm their local sheriffs department should call 800-441-2555. If you believe you have sent money to an individual pretending to be law enforcement, you should contact your bank and the third-party money transmitter you used to immediately cancel the payment. Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a scam should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection. NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said China is willing to make more active and practical efforts with Canada to promote further improvement of bilateral relations. Li, who is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks in his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He also called on both sides to steadily steer their ties onto a track of healthy, stable and sustainable development. A Monroe County man is facing assault charges after shooting his 10-year-old stepson during a dispute at a Chestnuthill Township home, state police said. Aside from the three counts of aggravated assault, 34-year-old Darius Oshan James, of the 100 block of Caddo Terrace in Albrightsville, also is charged with felony child endangerment; two counts misdemeanor reckless endangerment; and misdemeanor simple assault. Court records indicate James turned himself in to authorities prior to being arraigned Friday before District Judge Phillip R. Riley. The judge denied bail, and James was taken to the Monroe County jail. Clarks Summit-based attorney Patrick M. Rogan, who represents James, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Monday morning. However, Rogan in court records advised James to surrender the firearm used in the incident to Pennsylvania State Police in Fern Ridge. State police on Thursday were called to the home in the 300 block of Orchard Drive following a 911 hangup call. While en route, officers learned a boy was taken to St. Lukes Hospital-Pocono by his father before being airlifted to St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill, state police said. The boys father and James were involved in an altercation at the home immediately before the shooting occurred, police said. In an interview at the hospital, the boy told investigators he hugged his father when James brandished a Glock 19 handgun and fired at least one shot, according to the affidavit of probable cause. The court record lays out evidence and witness testimony against a defendant. The boy was shot in the arm, and his father was grazed in the head, court records state. James then left the scene. Investigators found a single bullet hole through the front door of the home and blood on the exterior floor panel, according to court records. James is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 2. Chocolate makes me happy. Thats what Mechanicsburg business owner Sam Saidi said about his recent business venture, Royal Chocolate Crepe & Waffle. Located at 5202 Simpson Ferry Road in Lower Allen Township, Royal Chocolate is a sweets shop offering crepes, pancakes, specialty chocolates, cheesecake, and a variety of specialty coffees. Saidi, a Yemen-born immigrant, moved to the United States in 2006 and opened his first shop in 2011, a deli located in the Bronx, New York. The area [at the time] was so bad, Saidi said. I called the cops at least one or two times a day. So Saidi passed the deli along to his brother, who still runs it today, as the area has improved. In 2016, he opened an organic food shop in New York, which he said didnt do well, and later opened a deli in Mobile, Alabama, that was successful. Saidi, however, wanted to delve into something entirely different. He moved to Mechanicsburg in 2018 and looks forward to enhancing the food scene in central Pennsylvania. I want to provide the community with something new, Saidi said. There arent many shops like mine in the area. Located in the Windsor Park Shopping Center, Royal Chocolate offers patrons cheesecakes and crepes, made daily. The establishment also features fresh pistachio cream imported from Jordan, and Saidi even crafts his own Dubai chocolate bars. On Sept. 15, the chocolate shop kicked off its soft opening phase, which, based on Google reviews, as shown to PennLive by Saidi, and its growing social media presence, has been successful. The shop has plans to hold a grand opening in early October. We are taking this time to learn the machines and get everything in order, Saidi said. All the reviews are great, and we hope to have a grand opening the first week of October. Saidi also plans to expand his business across the country, opening shops in Florida, Michigan, California, and another in Pennsylvania, all with the hopes of providing new food experiences to these areas. The second Pennsylvania store will be located in York County, and Saidi says he plans to sign the lease for that shop in October 2025. Patrons who visit the shop can look forward to even more additions, including create-your-own menu options, a kids menu, and more fruity energy drinks, similar to those found at Starbucks or 7Brew, and a variety of food challenges, which will earn brave food-goers their photo on the wall of fame in the shop. Royal Chocolate will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday. I plan to do this for the rest of my life, Saidi said. I have found my passion. A building in downtown Harrisburg will be reopened following an extensive renovation and restoration project. Harrisburg-based architecture practice Chris Dawson Architect will mark the completion of the renovations at the Lowengard building at 210 North Third Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 2. The ceremony will be held in celebration of the comprehensive redevelopment effort of a long-neglected and blighted historic building at the base of the Pennsylvania Capitol, according to the press release. Guests are invited to arrive at 11 a.m. for the ceremony, which will begin at 11:15 a.m. The property was purchased by CDA in August of 2022, and the downstairs had intermittently been occupied by restaurant tenants. The upper floors remained vacant since the purchase due to extensive maintenance required, including structural repairs. Renovations were completed in May, and CDA will occupy the studio space on the second and third floors. The property will also include a two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartment on the second and fourth floors. The building was constructed in 1917 by the Lowengard family for Courier Printing, and was home to the first Mary Sachs department store in 1918. Support for this project included grants from the Dauphin County Local Share Municipal Grant Program and Dauphin County Land Bank. The coroners findings resulted in lightning strike that caused the death of the 2 hunters. Saed Hindash File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Authorities in Colorado have determined that two hunters who were found dead in southern Colorado after a weeklong search were killed by a lightning strike. Preliminary findings have revealed that Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, died after they were struck by lightning, adding that their injuries were consistent with a pretty intense electrical jolt, Conejos County Coroner Richard Martin told People on Monday. They had a little bit of burnt marks like if you would take a match and strike it and then wait til its about out and then touch it to your arm, there was just a couple of little marks like that, Martin said. He also added that he noticed a little bit of singed hair, but not very much. The entire autopsy detailing the cause and manner of Porter and Staskos death will take nearly eight weeks to complete and release. But to Martin, hes sure the two were killed by a lightning strike and it happened in an instant. Im telling you, thats what it was, he said. Its like youre alive, and now youre not, Martin told The Colorado Sun. Just that quick. Split second. Martin previously told ABC affiliate KMGH that there were no visible injuries on the bodies, nor were there any initial signs of foul play. Porter, who was from Asheville, North Carolina, and Stasko, who was from Salt Lake City, Utah both experienced outdoorsmen vanished near the Colorado-New Mexico border in the San Juan Wilderness while hunting for elk on Sept. 11. The last contact that was made was when Porter shared his location with his fiancee, Bridget Murphy, through a satellite device around 2:45 p.m., according to what she told The Colorado Sun. But after the two failed to check in with loved ones at a predetermined time, sheriffs office deputies reported to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead two days later on Sept. 13, according to a news release obtained by People. Though their vehicle was located, the two seemed to have disappeared as police also discovered camping gear and backpacks inside. The scene was a cause for concern, as the area showed signs of heavy rain and bad weather. This then sparked an extensive search that included teams in the air, county and state members on the ground. Dog teams, drones and local volunteers were also utilized. Unfortunately, their bodies were discovered under a tree on Sept. 18 at the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead at approximately 11 a.m. local time after extensive search efforts. Given the change in circumstances, we will be reallocating the remaining funds originally intended for search and rescue efforts to help cover memorial services for Andrew and Ian, as well as to support their families during this difficult time, Lynne Runkle wrote on Monday on the GoFundMe she organized. As of Tuesday evening, the GoFundMe page has raised $78,666. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Several unidentified drones shut down airspace over Copenhagen Airport on Monday night, prompting concerns that Russia could be behind the flyover above Scandinavias largest airport. There was no indication that the operators of two to three drones intended to cause harm to anyone, police said, and the drones disappeared after several hours. The incident caused a major disruption to air traffic in and out of the airport. While it wasnt immediately clear who was behind the flyover, Denmarks prime minister and NATOs secretary-general said that Russian involvement couldnt be ruled out. And now Denmark already on edge because of its proximity to Russia will join a group of front-line countries Friday to discuss the European Unions plans for a drone wall. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that it was too early to say whether Russia was involved, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected suggestions that Moscow could be involved. Every time we hear unfounded accusations, he said in a call Tuesday with reporters, adding that a party that takes a serious and responsible position mustnt make such unfounded accusations again and again. A capable actor Officials chose not to shoot down the drones because the risk was too great due to the airport being full of passengers, the planes on the runways and nearby fuel depots, Jes Jespersen, senior police inspector of the Copenhagen Police, said during a news conference. Danish police and Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) are present at DSB on Kystvejen by Copenhagen Airport, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, after drones flew over Copenhagen Airport on Monday evening and the airspace was closed for four hours. (Steven Knap/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) AP Jespersen called the operators a capable actor and said they seemed intent on showing off their skills and possibly practicing their techniques. The drones lights reportedly turned on and off and appeared to engage in different flight patterns. It all indicates that you are not out to attack anyone, but you are out to show off and maybe to practice, he said of the operators. The two to three drones appeared to have flown many kilometers (miles) to reach the airport. Investigators are looking at how the drones reached the airport whether it was by land or possibly by boat. Flights at the airport resumed early Tuesday, though delays and cancellations continued throughout the day. A drone in Norway A drone incident the same evening at the airport in Oslo, Norway, forced all traffic to move to one runway, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Traffic later returned to normal and its unclear who was responsible. Jespersen said nothing immediately linked the Oslo and Copenhagen incidents, but officials would look into any potential ties. In 2023, Londons Gatwick Airport closed its runway for almost an hour after a drone was reported nearby. In December 2018, more than 140,000 travelers were stranded or delayed during the Christmas season after dozens of drone sightings shut down Gatwick for parts of three consecutive days. Heightened security concerns Security concerns in northern Europe are heightened following growing Russian aggression. On Tuesday, NATO warned Russia that it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing earlier this month of Russian drones over Poland and Estonias report of an intrusion of Russian fighter jets last week. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen holds a doorstep and comments on drone activity Monday evening at Copenhagen Airport, in Copenhagen, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) AP And here we see a clear pattern: Russia is testing the European borders, also probing our resolve and undermining our security throughout, Anitta Hipper, European Commission spokesperson, said Tuesday. The Sept. 10 incident in Poland was the first direct encounter between NATO and Moscow since Russia launched a full-scale war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. It jolted leaders across Europe, raising questions about how prepared the alliance is against Russia. By JOSHUA GOODMAN and RYAN J. FOLEY, The Associated Press MIAMI (AP) Hundreds of federal employees who lost their jobs in Elon Musks cost-cutting blitz are being asked to return to work. The General Services Administration has given the employees who managed government workspaces until the end of the week to accept or decline reinstatement, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. Those who accept must report for duty on Oct. 6 after what amounts to a seven-month paid vacation, during which time the GSA in some cases racked up high costs passed along to taxpayers to stay in dozens of properties whose leases it had slated for termination or were allowed to expire. FILE - Elon Musk, here at the White House in May, was in charge of DOGE, a cost-cutting attempt that included layoffs of federal employees. Some are being rehired. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file) AP Ultimately, the outcome was the agency was left broken and understaffed, said Chad Becker, a former GSA real estate official. They didnt have the people they needed to carry out basic functions. Becker, who represents owners with government leases at Arco Real Estate Solutions, said GSA has been in a triage mode for months. He said the sudden reversal of the downsizing reflects how Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency had gone too far, too fast. Rehiring of purged federal employees GSA was established in the 1940s to centralize the acquisition and management of thousands of federal workplaces. Its return to work request mirrors rehiring efforts at in several agencies targeted by DOGE. Last month, the IRS said it would allow some employees who took a resignation offer to remain on the job. The Labor Department has also brought back some employees who took buyouts, while the National Park Service earlier reinstated a number of purged employees. Critical to the work of such agencies is the GSA, which manages many of the buildings. Starting in March, thousands of GSA employees left the agency as part of programs that encouraged them to resign or take early retirement. Hundreds of others those subject to the recall notice were dismissed as part of an aggressive push to reduce the size of the federal workforce. Though those employees did not show up for work, some continue to get paid. GSA representatives didnt respond to detailed questions about the return-to-work notice, which the agency issued Friday. They also declined to discuss the agencys headcount, staffing decisions or the potential cost overruns generated by reversing its plans to terminate leases. DOGEs massive job cuts produced little savings Pushback to GSAs dumping of its portfolio was swift, and both initiatives have been dialed back. More than 480 leases slated for termination by DOGE have since been spared. Those leases were for offices scattered around the country that are occupied by such agencies as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Food and Drug Administration. DOGEs Wall of Receipts, which once boasted that the lease cancellations alone would save nearly $460 million, has since reduced that estimate to $140 million by the end of July, according to Becker, the former GSA real estate official. UNITED NATIONS (AP) President Donald Trump castigated the United Nations as a feckless institution in a speech to the world body on Tuesday, praising the turn America has taken under his leadership while warning Europe will be ruined if it doesnt turn away from a double-tailed monster of ill-conceived migration and green energy policies. His roughly hourlong speech before the U.N. General Assembly was both grievance-filled and self-congratulatory as he used the platform to applaud his second-term achievements and lament that some of his fellow world leaders countries were going to hell. The address was the latest reminder for U.S. allies and foes that the United States after a four-year interim under the more internationalist President Joe Biden has returned to an unapologetically America First posture with an antagonistic view toward the United Nations. Trump also sharply criticized the global body for inaction, saying it was filled with empty words that dont solve wars. What is the purpose of the United Nations? Trump said. The U.N. has such tremendous potential. Ive always said it. It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But its not even coming close to living up to that potential. Afterward, Trump attempted to assuage fears from some diplomats by assuring the top U.N. leader that the U.S. remained 100% supportive of the global body despite his earlier criticism. I may disagree with it sometimes, but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great, Trump told Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. It was another about-face after Trump offered a weave of jarring juxtapositions in his address to the assembly. He trumpeted himself as a peacemaker and enumerated the successes of his administrations efforts in several hotspots around the globe. At the same time, Trump heralded his decisions to order the U.S. military to carry out strikes on Iran and, more recently, against alleged drug smugglers from Venezuela and argued that globalists are on the verge of destroying successful nations. Warnings about green scam and migration He sharply warned that European nations that have more welcoming migration policies and commit to expensive energy projects aimed at reducing their carbon footprint were causing irreparable harm to their economies and cultures. Im telling you that if you dont get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail, Trump said. If you dont stop people that youve never seen before that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail. Trump added, I love the people of Europe, and I hate to see it being devastated by energy and immigration. This double-tailed monster destroys everything in its wake, and they cannot let that happen any longer. Trump makes dramatic shift on Russia-Ukraine war Trump also addressed Russias war in Ukraine, once again threatening to hit Moscow with a very strong round of powerful tariffs if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not come to the table to end the war. He waited until after the speech, and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to announce a dramatic shift in his position on the war: He said he now believes Ukraine, with the help of NATO, can win back all territory lost to Russia. Trump wrote in part in his post. I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. The strengthened support from Trump, if it sticks, is a huge win for Zelenskyy, who has urged the American president to keep up the pressure on Putin to end his brutal war on Ukraine. Trump, going back to his 2024 campaign, insisted that he would quickly end the war. And hes frequently suggested that U.S. interests in the outcome were limited. Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win, Trump wrote. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger. Trump speaks out on Palestinian statehood push The president also pushed back on longtime American allies who are using this years General Assembly to spotlight the growing international campaign for recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that the U.S. and Israel vehemently oppose. France became the latest nation to recognize Palestinian statehoodon Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the U.N. aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. Trump sharply criticized the effort. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists, Trump said. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including Oct. 7. President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) AP The president also took part in a group meeting with officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan for talks focused on ending the Gaza war. This is my most important meeting, Trump said. But this is the one thats very important to me because were going to end something that should have probably never started. Trump pokes at UN for escalator, teleprompter issues Early in his speech, Trump broke from his prepared remarks to bemoan an inoperable escalator in U.N. headquarters that he happened upon as well as a defective teleprompter. These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter, Trump poked, eliciting laughs from delegates and leaders. A U.N. official said the United Nations understands that someone from the presidents party who ran ahead of him inadvertently triggered the stop mechanism on the escalator. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the White House was operating the teleprompter for the president. Trump has Oslo dreams The president again made clear that he wants to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, repeating his spurious claim that hes ended seven wars since he returned to office. Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless wars, Trump said in his address. Trump regularly points to his administrations efforts to end several conflicts around the world, including fighting between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and Egypt and Sudan. President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) AP Its too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them, Trump said. Sadly, in all cases, the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them. Although Trump helped mediate relations among many of these nations, experts say his impact isnt as clear-cut as he claims. Associated Press writers Jamey Keaton in Geneva, Switzerland, Tracy Brown and Darlene Superville in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report. Three Pennsylvania high school students were stabbed at their school in an altercation Wednesday morning, and police said they have a suspect in custody. Police were called to Carrick High School in Pittsburgh around 9:30 a.m. for a critical incident, according to a post on X by Pittsburgh Public Safety. The school was placed on lockdown, officials said. Two students were taken to a hospital with stab wounds to their abdomens, and a third student suffered a minor laceration and was treated at the scene and released. The suspect suffered a cut to his hand. He was treated at the scene, then taken to police headquarters, said Pittsburgh Public Safety. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Public Schools said in a statement that the suspect used a small knife to stab the victims. The school district also said that injuries to one of the students stabbed in the stomach may be more serious. Carrick High School is in secure status with police still there, the district told the Post-Gazette, to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the building. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a Sunday night fire that happened at Knutes Tap Room restaurant in downtown Shippensburg. The Shippensburg Fire Department responded to the blaze at 15 W. King St. minutes after the fire started at 10:30 p.m., according to chief Randy ODonnell. The blaze escalated to a second alarm fire, bringing over 75 firefighters to the scene. Upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke emerging from the back of the building. The fire was under control within an hour, ODonnell said. He told PennLive the fire began on the first floor in the area of the storage room and an office, which is where most of the damage is located. He said the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. While the entire restaurant sustained smoke damage, the building is not at a total loss, according to ODonnell. He said the restaurant will have a professional company do restoration work. The restaurant shares a building with other businesses and upstairs apartments, but crews contained the fire to the restaurant. Three storefronts and apartment units adjacent to the restaurant had minor smoke and water damage, he told PennLive. One person was displaced from their apartment due to smoke damage and received help from the Red Cross. No injuries were reported. ODonnell said the restaurants sprinklers and smoke alarms were not operating when the fire started. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, ODonnell said its important for businesses to follow necessary local and state codes. He also gave thanks to the numerous firefighters who responded to the blaze. Businesses should make sure they have good insurance, follow local and state codes and make sure they have a clean and good working environment," he said. Knutes Tap Room restaurant, which opened in Oct. 2024, according to the Shippensburg News-Chroncle, offers a relaxed fine dining experience with a menu featuring steaks, rack of lamb, pasta dishes, burgers, and kid-friendly options. Firefighters and volunteers use ladders to carry calves up an embankment after the accident on Tuesday morning on Route 15 north of Shamokin Dam. Shamokin Dam Fire Department SHAMOKIN DAM It was far from a normal vehicle accident rescue operation for firefighters in northern Snyder County early Tuesday morning. The Shamokin Dam company was dispatched at 2:07 a.m. for an accident on southbound Route 15 just north of the borough. The first firefighters to arrive found that a pickup truck pulling a double-decker trailer had gone down a 20-foot embankment. The driver, who was out of his vehicle, told them the trailer, which had overturned in a small stream, contained 106 newborn calves, Shamokin Dam Fire Chief John Shirk said. He has been responding to alarms since 1980, and, for him, this was his first of this type, he said. Hummels Wharf Fire Chief Jack Eppley consoles a calf after it was removed from a trailer that overturned into a stream in Snyder County. Shamokin Dam Fire Department He estimates between 60 and 80 calves, which were headed to Maryland, were rescued. Others were killed in the crash, and a veterinarian put down some on the scene, he said. It was a challenge getting the calves back up the embankment, he said. Ropes and ladders were used with firefighters and volunteers assisting, he said. Initially, calves were removed one at a time to avoid further harm to them instead of trying to lift the trailer, he said. Eventually, it was necessary to lift the trailer onto the road to get the remaining ones out, the chief said. The company that employed the driver brought workers to assist in getting the calves into other trailers. Firefighters from the region were summoned for assistance. It took about 90 minutes to remove all the animals, Shirk said. One of the two southbound lanes of Route 15 was closed for an extended period. A firefighter has a calf over his shoulder, helping it be lifted with the aid of a rope up an embankment and into a replacement trailer. Shamokin Dam Fire Department State police identified the driver as Glen M. Weaver, 56, of Shippensburg. Before his truck went over an embankment, it struck the guiderail and a group of mailboxes before traveling outside the guiderail and hitting it two more times, they said. Weaver suffered only minor injuries, the fire chief said. The pickup and trailer were destroyed, he added. Weaver was not wearing a seatbelt. Hes facing a Vehicle Code violation, troopers said. They also confirmed what he had told firefighters, that he had fallen asleep. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New York, the United States, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has provided guidance for reforming and improving global governance, and China is ready to work with Austria to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination and work together to improve global governance, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday. Li, who is in New York for the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks when meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. As the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals since the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Li said, the relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape and grown steadily on the whole. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the two sides have enriched the dimensions of their relations and upgraded their relationship to a friendly strategic partnership, Li said, adding that bilateral cooperation has been progressing in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to both sides. China is ready to take the 55th anniversary of bilateral ties next year as an opportunity to step up high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to push for more pragmatic results, said the Chinese premier. Li also expressed the hope that Austria will abide by the one-China principle and make efforts to build a solid political foundation for bilateral ties. The Chinese and Austrian economies enjoy strong complementarity and numerous converging interests, offering vast space and potential for deepening cooperation, Li said. China is ready to continue leveraging bilateral exchange mechanisms such as the joint commissions on economy and trade, as well as on scientific and technological cooperation with Austria, so as to promote the continuous expansion and upgrade of bilateral trade, he said. Li called on both sides to strengthen cooperation in areas such as green transition and digital economy and push for innovation, sustainability and high-quality growth in industrial development. And China encourages more established Chinese enterprises to invest in Austria, he said. The two sides should also expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, and foster new highlights in culture and tourism cooperation, Li said. Li called on Austria, a key member of the European Union (EU), to prompt the EU to view China-EU relations from a strategically autonomous and long-term perspective, adopt a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and work with China to safeguard multilateralism and free trade so as to deliver more benefits to China and the EU, as well as the rest of the world. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in New York, the United States, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) A western Pa. school board member's gardening post was mistakenly taken as celebrating the death of far-right activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk. Michael S. Schwartz/Getty Images A western Pennsylvania school board member is under fire, and faced death threats after an innocuous Facebook post was mistakenly taken as celebrating the assassination of far-right activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk. According to the Indiana Gazette in Indiana County, Homer City school board member Misty Hunt has been the target of complaints and threats after she posted, One down, hundreds to go, on Sept. 10, the same day Kirk was shot and killed in Utah. Hunt, though, said the post was supposed to be accompanied by a video, which failed to load, highlighting her distribution of milkweed seeds to promote monarch butterfly habitats, reported the Gazette. The newspaper reported that Hunt said she was unaware of Kirks murder because she was visiting family and had bad cell service then went home to get ready for work. Hunt said she did not learn of Kirks murder until around 8:30 p.m. that night. Unfortunately for Hunt, by that time her post had been repeatedly shared on Facebook with many people assuming it celebrated Kirks murder. My heart broke when I realized how the message was being interpreted, Hunt said during the school boards meeting last Thursday. I attempted to explain the error, she said. I then realized it had been shared and attempted to clarify in each post what had happened, but it seemed many folks were understandably emotional. Amid calls for her resignation from the board and demands to her employer to fire her there were also death threats against Hunt and her family. Around 60 people packed the school boards meeting and attendees were met with a strong police presence and a metal detector borrowed from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Gazette reported. Hunt apologized for the situation and is distancing herself from school board activities through the November election where she is still running. If the community chooses me again, then I feel confident I will continue my good work, she said, according to the Gazette. Obviously, Im very sorry for what happened, and I understand the misunderstanding, she continued. Absolutely, I know why people felt the way they did, and I just aim to do better in the future and continue to serve my community as best I can. School board member Alan Shank said he was disheartened at the reason why so many people attended the meeting. It frustrated me that all of our meetings are public, but the public only shows up when its a negative event, he said. Were talking about the futures of our sons and daughters, and, instead, our community showed up to vilify another human being, right or wrong. Thats whats disheartening. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. NEW YORK (AP) Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension and, in an emotional monologue where he appeared close to tears, said that he wasnt trying to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. I have no illusions about changing anyones mind, but I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, Kimmel said. I dont think theres anything funny about it. He added that he wasnt trying to blame any specific group for the actions of what ... was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. He said he understood his remarks last week to some felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. But he made no apologies. And he criticized the ABC affiliates who took his show off the air. Two stations groups that represent about a quarter of ABC stations, Sinclair and Nexstar, ordered their outlets not to show Kimmel on Tuesday. Thats not legal, Kimmel said. Thats not American. Its un-American. Nexstar, which owns Harrisburgs ABC27, said it will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live until ABC, its parent company Disney, and Kimmel show theyre committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve. Sinclair Broadcast Group has similarly refused to reinstate Kimmel on its 39 ABC affiliates. Sinclair said last week it was demanding Kimmel personally apologize to the Kirk family and that he make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA. Kimmel praises supporters and Kirks widow The incident triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trumps ability to police the words of journalists, commentators and even comics. ABC suspended Kimmels show last Wednesday following criticism of his remarks about the aftermath of Kirks killing. But the network brought him back following a backlash against parent company Disney. Kimmel thanked many supporters, including fellow late-night hosts past and present and even a former boss at a radio station in Seattle who checked in with him last week. He also singled out people he knows arent fans of his comedy but stood up for his right to speak, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration, he said. They did and they deserve credit for it. Kimmel nearly broke down again in praising Kirks widow, Erika, who publicly forgave her husbands killer. That is an example we should follow, he said. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was ... a selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. And I hope it touches many. And if theres anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that. And not this. Kimmel admitted that he was mad when ABC suspended him, but praised his bosses for putting him back on the air. Unjustly, this puts them at risk. He mocked Trump for criticizing him for bad ratings. He tried his best to cancel me, and instead he forced millions of people to watch this show, Kimmel said. The decisions by Sinclair and Nexstar left ABC stations in Washington, D.C.; St. Louis; Nashville, Tennessee, and Richmond, Virginia among the cities airing something else. WJLA-TV, the Sinclair-owned station in Washington, instead aired a newscast and an episode of the chains show, The National Desk. Kimmels suspension came after an angry reaction to comments he made in monologues early last week. A relentless Trump critic in his comedy, Kimmel suggested that many Trump supporters were trying to capitalize on Kirks death and were desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them. Central Pennsylvania residents can expect a muggy start to astronomical fall with periods of beneficial rainfall through Thursday, helping to alleviate recent dry conditions across the region. The National Weather Service forecasts multiple rounds of showers and potential thunderstorms, with temperatures holding in the 70s and overnight lows remaining unusually warm for late September, ranging from 55 to 65 degrees. Areas northwest of Interstate 81 might see scattered showers the remainder of this evening, while the lower Susquehanna Valley could experience stronger storm potential, particularly in Lancaster County. We certainly need the rain, but too much rain in urban areas can create problems no matter how dry it has been. Multiple roadways were flooded earlier this evening in and around Lancaster City thanks to 2-3+ inches of rain in a short time.#PAwx pic.twitter.com/fSni4sWWVs NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) September 24, 2025 The incoming weather system will bring much-needed precipitation to areas experiencing abnormal dryness, with forecasters noting potential for locally heavy downpours that could lead to minor urban flooding. Residents should be prepared for intermittent rainfall and possible thunderstorm activity through Thursday night, with precipitation expected to move from southwest to northeast across the region. Looking ahead, the weekend forecast appears less certain, with meteorologists leaning toward a drier pattern. By early next week, a return to lower humidity and warmer-than-average temperatures is anticipated, with daytime highs potentially climbing above seasonal norms. Long-term projections suggest a dry pattern could persist into early October, potentially continuing the recent trend of below-normal precipitation. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts for updates and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff. JAKARTA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for international solidarity and stressed the importance of a strong United Nations (UN) in addressing increasingly complex global challenges, according to a statement released by the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday. Prabowo made his statement on Tuesday during his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. "The UN was created to ensure peace, security, justice, and freedom for all. We remain committed to internationalism, multilateralism, and every effort to strengthen this great institution," said Prabowo. The Indonesian head of state stressed that a just world order should not be the privilege of a small group of nations, but rather the rights of all humanity. Therefore, the United Nations must be strengthened to address increasingly complex global challenges, including conflict, humanitarian crises, and social and economic injustices, Prabowo said. He also said that Indonesia has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and will continue to strengthen this role in the future. He believed that global security and peace cannot be supported by mere words but must be realized through concrete actions. "No country can feel safe. We need the UN, and Indonesia will continue to support the UN. Even though we are still struggling, we know the world needs a strong UN," he said. Sascha Wilhelm Captures Second WSOP Bracelet in 1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha Tim Baker Live Reporter Copy link The first Pot-Limit Omaha bracelet of the 2025 World Series of Poker Europe has been awarded, and it is Germanys Sascha Wilhelm who captured the title in Event #3: 1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Max at Kings Resort, Rozvadov. Wilhelm secured his second career WSOP bracelet and the 148,600 top prize after overcoming a field of 811 entries. The tournament generated a prize pool of 850,000 across four opening flights, with 123 players making it through to Day 2 and just 16 advancing to the final day. All eyes were on the title, and it was Wilhelm who emerged victorious after defeating Denmarks Daniel Bang-Ortmann heads-up in less than an hour of play. Wilhelm began the final day second in chips and navigated a challenging final table that included bracelet winners Rifat Palevic, and Tobias Peters. Italys Filippo Ragone, who finished third for 68,100, also made an appearance along with long-time Pot-Limit Omaha specialist Salih Atac. Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Sascha Wilhelm Germany 148,600 2 Daniel Bang-Ortmann Denmark 99,000 3 Filippo Ragone Italy 68,100 4 Vitaliy Kryza Ukraine 47,700 5 Tobias Peters Netherlands 34,050 6 Rifat Palevic Sweden 24,750 7 Javier Francort Netherlands 18,350 8 Salih Atac Switzerland 13,850 9 Pablo Heredia Austria 10,700 Winner's Reaction For Wilhelm, capturing his second WSOP bracelet was another special milestone in his career. It feels great, obviously. Always a good feeling to win, especially after so long, he said after the victory. It is a lot less money than last time, but it still feels good to get another one. A key moment came in a massive cooler against Javier Francort, where Wilhelms quads beat Francort's kings full. Yeah completely, he admitted when asked if he felt the tournament was his to lose after that hand. From that point, I thought it was mine. Sascha Wilhelm Even when momentum shifted heads up, Wilhelm kept his composure. It did not feel good losing some big pots, but I stayed calm and just tried to focus on the next hand. As for what comes next, Wilhelm suggested he may not play out the full series. I was planning to stay the whole time but now maybe I will leave. Lets see. When it came to celebrations, he kept it simple. Maybe a few drinks with some friends here. There are not too many places to go around, but we will see. Wilhelm's Final Day When cards hit the felt, Wilhelm was seated directly to the left of chip leader Atac. He immediately put that positional advantage to work, collecting a few small pots to close the gap on his neighbor. Not long into the first level, Wilhelm secured his first knockout of the day when he rivered a set of kings to eliminate Georgios Koliofotis in 15th place. Within two hours, the field had been trimmed to the final nine, with Alexander Hepting being branded as the final table bubble boy when he failed to connect on the river against Ragones turned straight. Wilhelm entered the final table with a commanding chip lead, holding nearly double the stack of his nearest rival. Alexander Hepting The finale began with an early setback for Wilhelm when he doubled up Peters, who flopped a flush. It took some time before the first elimination came, with Pablo Heredia departing in ninth after his short stack was picked off by Francort, who flopped the nut straight. Francort's momentum continued to build as he dispatched Atac in eighth. However, his run came to an abrupt, unexpected halt. With Wilhelm and Francort occupying the top spots in the chip counts, Francort defended his big blind and check-called Wilhelm over two streets. Francort led out on the river, then snap-called when Wilhelm moved all in. Francort showed kings full of sevens, but was beaten by the flopped quads of Wilhelm. Francort was out in seventh, while Wilhelm had half the chips in play. Javier Francort From there, Wilhelm cracked the aces of Rifat Palevic in a blind-on-blind clash to send the Swede out in sixth. An orbit later, he rivered a straight to beat Peters aces and extend his advantage to more than three times that of his closest competitor. After the second break, Wilhelms sunrun slowed. Bang-Ortmann doubled through him with pocket aces, and he also lost chips to Vitaliy Kryza, who had been nursing a short stack throughout the final table. Ragone then joined in on the action, outflopping Wilhelms double-suited aces with a straight and improving to a flush on the river to stay alive. Despite the losses, Wilhelm remained composed, applying pressure to pick up several uncontested pots. Bang-Ortmann, however, found another huge double when he turned a higher two pair, leaving both himself and Wilhelm on around ten million in chips, five times more than Kryza and Ragone. Filippo Ragone Kryza was the next to go, falling just short of the podium when Bang-Ortmann turned the nut straight. Ragone followed in third place soon after, eliminated by Wilhelm, who rivered a superior flush. Heads-up play began with Wilhelm holding a slight advantage of just eight big blinds. The Heads-Up Battle Wilhelms aggressive approach served him well early in heads-up play, as he extended his lead to 2:1 without going to showdown. Bang-Ortmann battled back, though, regaining the chip lead by winning a series of pots, including two where he rivered full houses and was paid off by Wilhelm. For the first time in hours, Wilhelms stack dipped below eight figures. That changed quickly when he won the biggest pot of the tournament, check-calling on a low flop before jamming over Bang-Ortmanns turn barrel on a jack. Bang-Ortmann eventually called, only to see that Wilhelm had improved to a better two pair. A blank river gave Wilhelm a commanding lead and left his opponent on the ropes. Sascha Wilhelm & Daniel Bang-Ortmann Bang-Ortmann doubled twice to keep his hopes alive, but the third time was the charm for Wilhelm. His set of queens held against Bang-Ortmanns straight draw to seal the victory, secure his second WSOP bracelet, and earn the 148,600 top prize. Share this article Michigan Supreme Court Denies Appeal of Man Who Killed Poker Player Susie Zhao Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Warning: The following article discusses murder and sexual assault. The man convicted in 2022 for the gruesome murder of poker player and commentator Susie Zhao was denied an appeal by the Michigan Supreme Court. The move from Michigan's highest court, first reported by poker journalist Haley Hintze, puts an end to the legal recourse available to Jeffery Bernard Morris, who was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder in October 2022 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. No Appeal for Poker Player's Killer In July 2020, Morris brutally murdered 33-year-old Zhao, a regular in the Los Angeles poker scene who had moved to Michigan to live with family during the pandemic. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2022 after what Michigan Judge Martha Anderson called an "agonizing" trial. After his conviction, Morris filed a post-conviction motion, arguing a speedy-trial issue, and also filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. In his appeal, Morris argued that "his right to a speedy trial was violated" and that "his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to identification testimony, opinion testimony about shoplifting tactics, and speedy-trial issues." Jeffery Morris appears in court on Oct. 7, 2022 Morris further argued that "he is entitled to a new trial on the basis of the cumulative effect of the preceding errors." The Michigan Court of Appeals disagreed with Morris and affirmed his conviction in a March decision. "Morris has failed to establish that any errors of consequence occurred. Therefore, reversal of his conviction due to cumulative error is not warranted," the appeals court wrote. In a final appeal effort, Morris asked the Michigan Supreme Court to take up the case, which they declined to do on Aug. 29 "because we are not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this Court." Zhao was a regular on cash game streams like "Live at the Bike" and had $224,671 in Hendon Mob earnings, including several deep runs in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Morris' 2022 trial revealed disturbing details about the murder and sexual assault case and offered insight into Zhao's struggle with mental illness, including being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Share this article KABUL, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Police have discovered and destroyed two drug processing labs in southern Afghanistan's Uruzgan province, said a statement of the provincial police office on Wednesday. Acting on a tip-off, the counter-narcotics police raided specific places in Charchino and Chori districts on Monday and destroyed two drug processing labs, the statement said. Police also discovered and set on fire more than 3 tons of different kinds of illegal objects used in manufacturing heroin, the statement said. Police also took into custody three individuals on charges of involvement in the drug business and, after preliminary investigations, handed them over to the judiciary, the statement added. Earlier in the drive against illegal drugs, police discovered 210 kg of opium poppy in the northern Baghlan and eastern Ghazni provinces and arrested four alleged drug smugglers over the weekend. Valerie Nava is part of the Post and Courier's Education Lab in Charleston. She holds an M.A. from the University of Missouri. Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star reporter Bianca Moorman is a reporter for the Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star with a focus on community focused stories, arts, businesses, non-profits, events and any story with a human element. The Roanoke, Virginia native has journalism degrees from James Madison and Syracuse universities. She has written for papers in Georgia, Mississippi, Upstate New York and Virginia. Follow her on X at @biancarmoorman. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that Japan will take a hard look at its responsibility for the war crimes and draw lessons from history, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday. Guo made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's address at the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in which he shared his view on historical issues. Noting that Prime Minister Ishiba in his speech said that "No country can forge a path to a bright future unless it squarely faces history, and we must not again repeat the devastation of war," and that "The people of Asia showed a spirit of tolerance in accepting Japan after the war," Guo said the speech did not mention "aggression" or "apology" and evaded Japan's responsibility as perpetrator of war. Prime Minister Ishiba previously stated that Japan upholds the spirit of facing history squarely and looking to the future and keeps pursuing a path of peaceful development, and that Japan should reflect on history and remember the lessons so that Japan would not repeat past mistakes of war, Guo said. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Guo said. China maintains that to view and treat history correctly and to take concrete action of reflecting on and apologizing for the history of aggression is an important prerequisite for Japan's post-war return to the international community, he said, adding that it also matters to the political foundation of China-Japan relations, Japan's ties with neighboring countries, and Japan's global image. In the China-Japan Joint Statement, it is clearly written that "The Japanese side is keenly conscious of the responsibility for the serious damage that Japan caused in the past to the Chinese people through war, and deeply reproaches itself," Guo noted. He said Japan needs to make a clean break with any move that seeks to whitewash or cover the history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the world through Japan's actions. "This is the responsible thing to do for history, people and the future," the spokesperson added. 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. You are the owner of this article. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people while attending a gala marking the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Sept. 24, 2025. Xi joined people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to watch the gala entitled "Beautiful Xinjiang." (Xinhua/Shen Hong) URUMQI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a gala marking the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Wednesday evening. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to watch the gala entitled "Beautiful Xinjiang." The gala is structured in three parts. The first part presents the vibrant efforts in Xinjiang's socialist construction. The second part showcases the dynamism brought by reform and opening up to the region while the final part depicts the beautiful vision of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang working together to pursue their dreams in the new era. Senior leaders, including Wang Huning and Cai Qi, also watched the gala. Xi, leading a central delegation, arrived in Urumqi on Tuesday to attend anniversary celebration activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people while attending a gala marking the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Sept. 24, 2025. Xi joined people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to watch the gala entitled "Beautiful Xinjiang." (Xinhua/Ding Lin) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to people while attending a gala marking the 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Sept. 24, 2025. Xi joined people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to watch the gala entitled "Beautiful Xinjiang." (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 15:30:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 411 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Acquisition Strengthens ALKEME's Presence in the Salt Lake City MarketLADERA RANCH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / ALKEME Insurance, a Top 25 Insurance Brokerage, announced the acquisition of Jordan River Insurance, a full-service independent insurance agency based in the greater Salt Lake City area of Utah. ALKEME Insurance Acquires Jordan River Insurance ALKEME Insurance Expands Utah Footprint With Acquisition of Jordan River Insurance: Acquisition Strengthens ALKEMEs Presence in the Salt Lake City MarketFounded on a commitment to client service and strong community relationships, Jordan River Insurance has built a solid reputation for delivering customized insurance solutions to individuals and businesses across the Salt Lake City region. The addition of Jordan River Insurance further expands ALKEME's growing presence in Utah and reinforces its strategy of partnering with agencies that share its dedication to long-term client success."We are excited to welcome Jordan River Insurance to the ALKEME family," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME. "Their deep roots in the Salt Lake City community and strong customer-first approach make them an excellent addition as we continue to strengthen our presence in Utah and across the Western U.S.""We are thrilled to join ALKEME and take this next step in our journey," said Dan Smith, owner of Jordan River Insurance. "Partnering with ALKEME allows us to continue building on the personal service and local relationships we've been known for, while gaining access to a wider range of resources, expertise, and opportunities to better serve our clients." The acquisition of Jordan River Insurance represents another significant step in ALKEME's expansion strategy, supporting its mission to deliver broad insurance expertise and resources while maintaining the local relationships that clients value most.ABOUT ALKEMEALKEME is a full-service insurance agency providing businesses and individuals with an extensive array of commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, retirement and wealth management services. Since its founding in 2020, ALKEME has completed over 70 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 60 locations in 29 states. ALKEME is ranked by Insurance Journal one of the top 25 largest agencies in the United States and by Business Insurance as the #3 fastest-growing broker in its Top 100. Founded by owner/operators with a unique vision, ALKEME is fueled by its proven operating methodologies providing its partner agencies with the autonomy, resources and support to grow and thrive in an ever-changing insurance landscape. Visit https://alkemeins.com for more information.Contact InformationJosh BenvenisteMarketingjbenveniste@ alkemeins.com SOURCE: ALKEME Insurance PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 04:40:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 481 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 28, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW), if they purchased the Company's securities between January 30, 2025 and July 23, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Dow and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-dow/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 28, 2025 .About the LawsuitDow and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 24, 2025, the Company disclosed a 2Q 2025 non-GAAP loss per share of $0.42, much larger than the approximate $0.17 to $0.18 per share loss expected by analysts, and net sales of $10.1 billion, representing a 7.3% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $130 million, "reflecting declines in all operating segments" due in part to "the lower-for-longer earnings environment that our industry is facing, amplified by recent trade and tariff uncertainties." Further, the Company disclosed that it was cutting its dividend in half, from $0.70 per share to only $0.35 per share, citing the need for "financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment." On this news, the price of Dow's shares fell $5.30 per share, or 17.45%, to close at $25.07 per share on July 24, 2025.The case is Sarti v. Dow Inc., No. 25-cv-12744.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 12:00:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 960 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 /EON Resources Inc. (NYSE American:EONR) ("EON" or the "Company") is an independent upstream energy company with 20,000 leasehold acres in the Permian Basin. The fields have a total of 750 producing and injection wells producing over 1,000 barrels of oil per day. The Company announced today that it will hold a special conference call to update and educate investors regarding the recent funding and horizontal drilling farmout agreement ("Farmout").On September 9, 2025, EON closed on $45.5 million of funding with the simultaneous settlement of Seller obligations and retirement of senior debt, and the Farmout of San Andres rights for a horizontal drilling program. For additional information, the related press releases are available on the EON press releases page of our website.Dante Caravaggio, President and CEO of EON, will chair the call. Mitchell B. Trotter, CFO, and Jesse Allen, Vice President of Operations, will also speak and answer questions.To listen to a live broadcast: An audio Webcast of the conference call can be accessed at https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2999/52978 which will be available within two (2) hours of the call on September 30, 2025. To listen to a live broadcast, visit the website at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start to register, download and install any necessary software.Call deck: The call deck will be posted to the Company's website prior to the special conference call.Special Conference Call Webpage (information, webcast, telephone access, and replay): https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2999/52978 Webcast URL: (replay expires Wednesday, September 30, 2026) https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2999/52978 Telephone access:Toll Free: 888-506-0062International: 973-528-0011Participant Access Code: 149193Teleconference Replay Number:Toll Free: 877-481-4010International: 919-882-2331Replay Passcode: 52978Expires Tuesday, October 14, 2025About EON Resources Inc. EON is an independent upstream energy company focused on maximizing total returns to its shareholders through the development of onshore oil and natural gas properties in a diversified portfolio of long-life producing oil and natural gas properties and other energy holdings. EON's approach is to build an energy company through acquisition and through selective development of its properties. Class A Common Stock of EON trades on the NYSE American Stock Exchange under the symbol of " EONR" and the Company's public warrants trade under the symbol of " EONRWS". For more information on the Company, please visit the EON website.About the Grayburg-Jackson Field Property Our Grayburg-Jackson Field ("GJF") is primarily a waterflood property located on the Northwest Shelf of the Permian Basin in Eddy County, New Mexico. The GJF comprises of 13,700 contiguous leasehold acres with 342 producing wells, 207 injection wells and 1 water source well for a total of 550 wells. Leasehold rights include the Seven Rivers, Queen, Grayburg and San Andres intervals that range from as shallow as 1,500 feet to 4,000 feet in depth. The December 2024 reserve report from our third-party engineer, Haas and Cobb Petroleum Consultants, LLC, estimates proven reserves of approximately 14.0 million barrels of oil and 2.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The mapped original-oil-in-place ("OOIP") is approximately 956 million barrels of oil. Primary production is currently from the Seven Rivers formation. In addition to proven reserves, the Company believes it may access an additional 34 million barrels of oil by adding perforations in the Grayburg and San Andres formations, plus another 40 million barrels from a horizontal drilling program in the San Andres. More information on the property can be located on the Grayburg-Jackson Field page of our website.About the South Justis Field Property The South Justis Field ("SJF") is a carbonate reservoir similar to the rest of the Permian, and is located in Lea County, New Mexico approximately 100 miles from the GJF. The SJF is comprised of 5,360 contiguous acres containing 208 total producing and injection wells with well spacing of 50 acres. The producing formations include the Glorietta, Blinebry, Tubb, Drinkard and Fusselman intervals that range from 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet in depth. The original-oil-in-place ("OOIP") is approximately 207 million barrels of oil. More information on the property can be located on the South Justis Field page of our website.Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "should" and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future results, based on currently available information and reflect the Company's management's current beliefs. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts and the risks relating to our business - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on EDGAR (see www.edgar-online.com) and with the Securities and Exchange Commission (see www.sec.gov) . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Investor Relations Michael J. Porter, PresidentPORTER, LEVAY & ROSE, INC. mike@ plrinvest.com SOURCE: EON Resources Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 20:55:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 540 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SEATTLE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Auburn-based and family-owned Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation is proud to announce its recognition as a Gold Award Winner for Gutters in the 2025 Best in the PNW, as conducted by The Seattle Times. This award underscores the company's continued commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and community trust across the Pacific Northwest."We are deeply honored to be selected by our community in the Best in the PNW," said Mat Rzucidlo, President of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation. "This win is a tribute to our team's dedication and the loyal support of our customers. We strive every day to deliver best-in-class service, and this recognition motivates us to push even harder." The Gold Award for Gutters comes at a pivotal moment for Guardian, following its strategic expansion into K-Guard gutters, a seamless, clog-free system designed to combine superior functionality with curb appeal. The decision to add K-Guard to Guardian's service portfolio was intentional-part of a long-term strategy to elevate the company's offerings and meet the growing needs of homeowners seeking reliable, maintenance-free gutter solutions. By integrating K-Guard, Guardian not only expanded its services but also positioned itself as a market leader in the gutter industry, demonstrating foresight and innovation in a highly competitive home services market.Best in the PNW, now in its third year, celebrates what makes the Pacific Northwest unique and exceptional. More than 10,000 businesses, organizations, and individuals competed across nearly 300 categories in 2025, with over 944,000 votes cast and more than 359,000 ballots submitted by over 216,000 people. The program highlights the businesses and people locals love and trust.For Guardian, this recognition reflects far more than just a vote of confidence; it validates a clear and intentional path of growth. With the addition of K-Guard gutters, Guardian has expanded its reputation beyond roofing into a full-service provider for roofing, gutters, attic insulation, and more. This evolution shows that Guardian didn't just stumble into becoming "the best"-the company set out to raise the bar in gutter services and achieved it through innovation, craftsmanship, and customer-first service.As Guardian grows, it remains committed to the values that have defined the company since its founding: investing in its workforce, prioritizing community involvement, and delivering the highest quality solutions to homeowners across Washington and Oregon.About Guardian Roofing, Gutters & InsulationFounded in 2005, Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Portland and Seattle markets serving Washington state counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clark, and Thurston; and now Oregon counties of Marion, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill, as well.Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry, and skylight needs. In 2024, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, an A+-rated company by the Better Business Bureau, was named as a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. The family-owned company was also recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com . Licenses: WA UBI 604-059-205 | FEIN #81-4469822Media Contact:Dana CobbThe Barber Shop Marketing dana@ thebarbershopmarketing.com 972.955.9747SOURCE: Guardian Roofing PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 08:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 616 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Further to the approval of the Investment Agreement dated 18 July 2025 by shareholders at a General Meeting held on 6 August 2025, the Company has received conversion notices totalling 1,650,000 from the Investors.Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, the conversion price has been calculated at 0.235p and this represents a discount of approximately 21.7% to the closing mid-price of the Company's existing Ordinary Shares on 18 September 2025 (the day prior to the conversion notice being received). This will result in the allotment of 702,127,658 new Ordinary Shares.Admission and Total Voting RightsApplications have been made for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Admission"). Admission is expected to become effective on 25 September 2025.Upon Admission, the Company's issued ordinary share capital will consist of 7,716,654,294 Ordinary Shares with one voting right each. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. Therefore, from Admission the total number of Ordinary Shares and voting rights in the Company will be 7,716,654,294. With effect from Admission, this figure may be used by Shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.Helium One Global Ltd+44 20 7920 3150Lorna Blaisse, CEOGraham Jacobs, Finance and Commercial DirectorPanmure LiberumLimited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) Scott MathiesonGaya Bhat+44 20 3100 2000Zeus Capital Limited (Joint Broker) Simon JohnsonLouisa Waddell+44 20 3829 5000Tavistock(Financial PR) Nick Elwes+44 20 7920 3150Notes to EditorsHelium One Global, the primary helium explorer in Tanzania with a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA. The Company holds helium licenses within two distinct helium project areas, across two continents. With an expanding global footprint, the company has the potential to become a strategic player in resolving a supply-constrained helium market.The Company's flagship southern Rukwa Project is located within the southern Rukwa Rift Basin in south-west Tanzania. This project is entering a full appraisal and development stage following the success of the 2023/24 exploration drilling campaign, which proved a helium discovery at Itumbula West-1 and, following an extended well test ("EWT"), successfully flowed 5.5% helium continually to surface in Q3 2024.Following the success of the EWT, the Company filed a Mining Licence ("ML") application with the Tanzania Mining Commission in September 2024 and the 480km2 ML was formally awarded to the Company in July 2025.The Company also owns a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Las Animas County, Colorado, USA. This project is operated by Blue Star Helium Ltd (ASX: BNL) and has successfully completed a six well development drilling campaign in H1 2025. The completion of the development programme is a key component of the broader Galactica-Pegasus development strategy; aimed at progressing the helium and CO2 discoveries to near-term commercial production.This programme has seen a systematic approach to developing the extensive Lyons Formation reservoir. The programme has delivered encouraging results, in line with expectations, consistently encountering good helium (up to 3.3% He) and CO2 concentrations in the target formation and demonstrating promising flow potential. The next steps will see the Galactica wells tied into initial production in Q4 2025.Helium One is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of HE1.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Helium One Global Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 19:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 335 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Jury Orders Exxon to Pay $32 Million for Workplace InjuryCHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / In a landmark victory for injured workers, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has secured a record $32 million verdict against ExxonMobil Oil Corporation in a workplace slip-and-fall case. The verdict is the largest in Illinois history for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a devastating chronic pain condition with no cure.The case was brought on behalf of Stephanie Johnson, a truck driver who slipped on oil at one of ExxonMobil's facilities due to the company's failure to properly maintain safe working conditions. Johnson fell onto her left hand, developing CRPS - leaving her with lifelong, debilitating pain."This verdict sends a powerful message: no corporation is above accountability when it puts workers at risk," said lead attorney Clifford Horwitz. "ExxonMobil failed to maintain a safe workplace, and a jury has now made clear that workers will not pay the price for corporate negligence." Johnson expressed relief at the outcome: "I'm grateful that justice has been done. This verdict isn't just for me - it's for every worker who has been harmed by corporate carelessness." The trial team was led by Clifford Horwitz, with co-counsel David Starshak, Gabriel Drury, and Elise Blandin. After a hard-fought courtroom battle, the jury found ExxonMobil 100% responsible and awarded damages that reflect both the severity of Johnson's condition and the scope of ExxonMobil's negligence."This is more than just a legal victory," Horwitz added. "It's a reminder that the courtroom is one of the few places where everyday Americans can stand toe-to-toe with the most powerful corporations in the world - and win." About Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates: Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is one of Chicago's premier personal injury firms, known for taking on the toughest cases against the nation's largest corporations. The firm is committed to protecting the rights of injured workers and ensuring that corporate misconduct never goes unchecked.Contact InformationDave KallenBuisness Developmentdavekallen@ horwitzlaw.com 312 564 7474SOURCE: Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates GLOBALink | Chinese, foreign scholars discuss future of engineering education in Tianjin Pub Date:25-09-24 09:32 Source:Xinhua Nearly 1,000 scholars, experts and business leaders from various countries exchanged experiences and discussed future development trends in engineering education at a conference in north China's Tianjin. Editor:Qin Shuying Related News 24 Solar Terms: Autumn Equinox Chinese music, dance light up Bern's old c... Chinese artist wins lifetime achievement a... EnchantingGuangxi | Street food Luosifen p... UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The global commitment to shared development has been buttressed at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, as a high-level meeting brought decision-makers together to foster greater consensus and synergy for development. On Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned of rising unilateralism and protectionism, strained international cooperation on development, and weaker drivers for global economic growth at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative (GDI) held by China. "To solve the many problems we now face, we must remain committed to development, dedicate all our efforts to it and work together to make the pie bigger," he said. To reinvigorate global development and advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a faster pace, the Chinese premier raised a four-pronged proposal, as well as concrete and proactive actions to increase input in global development and empower the cause through green transition and technological cooperation. Notably, in trade, an area that plays a decisive role in promoting shared development, there is insufficient support for developing countries' greater integration into the global trading system. Li pledged that China will continue to provide funds to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to help least developed countries integrate into the global trading system. Meanwhile, he announced that China will not seek new special and differential treatment available to developing countries in current and future negotiations at the WTO, a positive move widely seen as facilitating in-depth WTO reform to effectively address the challenges facing global trade. Expressing her appreciation for Li's announcement, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said on social media platform X: "This is a culmination of many years of hard work and I want to applaud China's leadership on this issue!" This highlight was also referred to in Li's talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in two bilateral meetings on Tuesday. In the separate meetings, Li stressed promoting free trade, supporting WTO reform and development, and building an open world economy. The Chinese premier is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly from Sept. 22 to 26. At the high-level meeting, Li depicted the Global Development Initiative (GDI), put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the UN General Assembly in 2021, as a widely popular global public good. To date, over 130 countries and international organizations have taken part in the implementation of the GDI, Li said, adding that the initiative has mobilized over 23 billion U.S. dollars to support the development and invigoration of the Global South in the past four years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the meeting that the GDI "can be an important mechanism to help accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda around the world." "Its alignment with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) -- especially poverty eradication, food security, climate action, and inclusive, equitable growth -- addresses the development challenges of our time," Guterres said. "As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that it remains indispensable as the anchor of global cooperation for peace and sustainable development," UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua told Xinhua. The GDI "offers opportunities for developing countries, and contributes towards UN-led efforts to foster greener, fairer, and more resilient development pathways," the under-secretary-general said. The premier also announced China's plan to implement another 2,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects in developing countries in the next five years, and put forward a new AI+ International Cooperation Initiative, among others. The AI+ International Cooperation Initiative urges promotional efforts to deeply integrate Artificial Intelligence into the economic and social development to benefit all countries, including the Global South. Attendees of the meeting spoke highly of the fruitful outcomes of cooperation under the GDI, and expressed support for the four major global initiatives and the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Xi. "China has leveraged its strengths in resources, infrastructure and technology to support modernization and reduce global inequalities," Somadoda Fikeni, an international relations expert and chairperson of South Africa's Public Service Commission, recently told Xinhua. The GDI, together with the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, "demonstrate leadership, foresight, and a willingness to take responsibility for shaping a multipolar world," Fikeni said. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 04:30:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 460 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilNovember 18, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between May 6, 2025 and June 19, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of KBR and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-kbr/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byNovember 18, 2025 .About the LawsuitKBR and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On June 19, 2025, HomeSafe Alliance ("HomeSafe"), a KBR joint venture in which KBR has a 72% economic interest, disclosed that it received "a notice from the U.S. Department of Defense's Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) terminating the Global Household Goods Contract, which HomeSafe won in 2021 to transform the military move system for the benefit of service members and their families." On this news, the price of KBR's shares fell $3.85 per share, or 7.29%, to close at $48.93 on June 20, 2025. On June 23, 2025, the next trading day, KBR stock fell a further $1.30, or 2.65%, to close at $47.63 on June 23, 2025.The case is Norrman v. KBR, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-04464.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 05:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 13, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE:KLC), if they purchased the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's October 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of KinderCare as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit http://ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-klc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 13, 2025 .About the LawsuitKinderCare and certain of its executives and others are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents"), violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) the Company did not provide the "highest quality care possible" at its facilities, and, indeed, in numerous instances had failed to provide even basic care, meet minimum standards in the child care industry, or comply with the laws and regulations governing the care of children; and (iii) as a result, the Company was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss.The case is Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 20:12:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 627 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., September 24, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) between May 7, 2025 and July 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 30, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Novo Nordisk 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 Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 30, 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 Novo Nordisk's growth potential. Notably, Novo Nordisk's asserted potential to capitalize on the compounded market greatly understated the potential impact of the personalization exception to the compounded GLP-1 exclusion and overstated the likelihood that such patients would switch to Novo Nordisk's branded alternatives. Further, defendants greatly overstated the potential GLP-1 market or otherwise, Novo's capability to penetrate said markets to achieve continued growth. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.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: 2025-09-24 13:30:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 449 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Opti Digital unveils new market research on the perception of digital ads by US audiences.BARCELONA, ES / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 /Opti Digital , a leading AdTech company, has released new research examining how US audiences perceive digital advertising across apps, websites, and social media. The study highlights mobile consumption habits, ad fatigue, targeting challenges, and limited willingness to pay for content, offering publishers actionable insights to optimize engagement and revenue.Reports Opti Digital Preview of the report on ad experiencesA strong majority of US users (73.74%) consume editorial content on mobile, and most of them (86.30%) use apps either exclusively or alongside browsers. Yet only 8.08% see apps as the platform where ads are best integrated. By contrast, 39.73% consider social media the place where ads fit most naturally, a figure that rises to 51% among 18-34-year-olds. Notably, 40% of users said social media ads reflect their interests and blend seamlessly with content, a result of platforms' ability to leverage user history and interaction data, such as likes or direct feedback on the ads they see.While social media ads are generally perceived more positively, users view ads on websites and apps less favorably. Over a third of US users (37.04%) want ads that better match their interests, and nearly half (46%) would prefer fewer, more easily skippable formats. Ad overload remains a major concern, with 69.36% of respondents reporting they leave sites cluttered with ads. This issue is particularly pressing in the era of AI-driven search, where users increasingly receive answers directly from search engines and chatbots, reducing traffic to publisher sites and highlighting the need for optimized ad experiences.Despite widespread ad fatigue, willingness to pay for ad-free content remains very low. Only 3.7% of US users are willing to subscribe to avoid ads, compared with 12.63% in the UK. This creates a dual challenge for publishers: paywalls alone are unlikely to solve ad fatigue, and strategies to monetize content must account for differences in audience behavior across regions."While paywalls may seem like an attractive option for publishers, only 3 to 12% of users are willing to pay, which is far from sufficient to rely on as a primary revenue source in today's challenging landscape," said Magali Quentel-Reme, CEO of Opti Digital. "The key is to strike the right balance by implementing a mix of monetization strategies, such as direct deals, rewarded ads, hybrid pay models, and high-impact, minimally disruptive formats, while continuously monitoring results and keeping only what proves effective. At Opti Digital, we empower publishers with the nimbleness to iteratively enhance their user experience while optimizing monetization." Access the Opti Digital US Report on Ad ExperiencesContact InformationMaeva CaratisPR & Events Manager at Opti Digitalmaeva@ optidigital.com +1 (646) 328-9697SOURCE: Opti Digital PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 19:00:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1012 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 /PPX Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "PPX"; TSX.V:PPX; BVL:PPX) is pleased to announce that construction of the 350 tpd CIL and Flotation plant at its Igor Project in Peru to process gold and silver (dore and precious metal concentrate) continues at an accelerated pace, developing in parallel several activities such as: the installation of leach tanks, assembly of the crushing line, completion of final civil works, last weeks of earthworks in tailings and start of construction of auxiliary works, reaching an advance of the total plant to 55%.The Company's EPC contractor began the assembly of the mechanical equipment in the milling area, while working on the unfinished civil works. Likewise, JPC Ingenieros began the installation of the leach tanks. In addition, JM&L continues with the preparation of the tailing management area to receive Geotubes. In addition, minor contractors continue with auxiliary components.The photograph below shows a panoramic view of the construction of the plant as of September 20, 2025:InstallationThe EPC contractor has installed the two 7'x12' ball mills and jaw crusher. The mill motors and reduction gearboxes are also in place and the ring gears installed. Several metal structures such as the cyclone tower, fines hopper, coarse ore hopper, and conveyor belt support structures are also being assembled.The following photograph, shows the mills:Cyclone Support tower in the foreground with ball mills:Leach TanksThe company JPC Ingenieros, a leader in the manufacture of leach tanks in Peru, has begun their assembly at site and it can be seen that the lower sections of four tanks are in place, the supports for the agitators (painted blue) are also in place for two of the tanks to the left of the following photograph. These sections will be raised on jacks and a further 3 sections welded in, to give a height of 23 feet (7 meters).See next photograph show the leach tanks:Tailings Management AreaThe earthworks of the tailings management area are in the final stages (sufficient for the first year of operation) and the drainage channels and collection ponds are being finished. An impermeable membrane will be installed on the surface, together with a drain system using perforated plastic tubes covered with crushed stone. Geotubes will be paced on this surface and filled with tailings slurry, with process water being recovered by the drainage system and recycled to the process.Geomembrane and geotextile materials purchased from China are scheduled to arrive in early October. The total progress to date is 65% of this first stage.See next photograph shows the tailings management area:Civil WorksThe EPC contractor continues with the last part of the civil works, with the construction of the retaining wall to allow trucks to tip ore into the coarse ore hopper and the circular pedestals for the water tanks and thickener, in addition to the bases of the desorption plant (rectangular), among others.See photographs below - two circular water pedestals and circular thickener base:Retaining wall under construction using mechanically reinforced earth construction:John Thomas, CEO of PPX Mining Corp., commented: "Construction is progressing well, and commissioning should start at year end".About PPX Mining Corp: PPX Mining Corp. ( TSX.V:PPX.V)(SSE:PPX)(BVL:PPX) is a Canadian exploration and development company with assets in northern Peru. The Company's 100% owned Igor gold and silver project is located in the prolific northern Peruvian gold belt in the department of La Libertad. PPX is pursuing a two-pronged strategy to further develop and explore Project Igor. The Callanquitas structure is open along strike and at depth. Parallel structures have not yet been explored. The new discoveries in Portachuelos in 2018, as well as the exploration targets in Domo and Tesoros, show that the Igor Project is becoming a district-scale project with multiple deposits and mineralized zones. Evaluating mineral development alternatives in parallel with exploration drilling will provide dual catalysts for growth and increased shareholder value.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsJohn Thomas Chief Executive Officer82 Richmond Street EastToronto, Ontario M5C 1P1Canada416-361-0737Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary StatementThis press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") as such terms are defined by applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to statements regarding test results, future plans or management estimates. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," and "intend,", statements that an action or event "may," "might," "could," "should," or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company's control, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to many various factors. Such uncertainties and risks include, among others, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals in connection with this transaction. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. The timing of events and circumstances and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, one should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of today's date, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.SOURCE: PPX Mining Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 04:45:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 442 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / September 23, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 20, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 29, 2025 to August 5, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Snap and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-snap/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 20, 2025 .About the LawsuitSnap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 5, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a deceleration in advertising revenue growth due to "an issue related to our ad platform, the timing of Ramadan and the effects of the de minimis changes." On this news, the price of Snap's shares fell from a closing price of $9.39 per share on August 5, 2025 to $7.78 per share on August 6, 2025, a decline of about 17.15% in the span of just a single day.The case is Abdul-Hameed v. Snap, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07844.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 18:30:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 502 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCID:TGCB), a cybersecurity company focused on AI-driven threat intelligence and managed security solutions, announces it will be presenting in the upcoming MicroCap Rodeo Conference to be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in New York City.Tego Cyber's Chief Executive Officer Robert Mikkelsen will be participating in a fireside chat at 1:30pm ET which will be webcast live. Interested parties may register to watch the presentation at: www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/3142/53028 More information and registration for the conference can be found at www.microcaprodeo.com About the MicroCap Rodeo Conference The MicroCap Rodeo Conferences are unique, as they are run by money managers and investors, for money managers and investors. On September 25, 2025, the executive management teams of approximately 15 microcap companies across a wide swath of industries will participate. Investors will have the opportunity to discover unique, high-quality stock ideas for their portfolios through group presentations and one-on-one meetings. The conference will also feature industry guest speakers and ample networking opportunities throughout the event. For more information, please contact: info@ microcaprodeo.com About Tego Cyber Inc. Tego Cyber Inc. (OTCID:TGCB) delivers Ai-driven threat intelligence and managed security solutions that help security teams detect, understand, and respond to threats faster. Its proprietary Threat Intelligence Feed enriches raw indicators with context, while its correlation engine integrates directly with leading SIEM and data lake platforms to proactively identify threats and reduce time to detection and remediation.Building on this foundation, Tego has launched VigilAigent - a next-generation MSSP operating at the intersection of human vigilance and Agentic Ai. Currently in stealth mode, VigilAigent represents the future of managed detection and response: scalable, intelligent, and always evolving.For more information, visit www.tegocyber.com and register for updates at www.vigilaigent.com Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this press release, those which are not purely historical or which depend upon future events, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements regarding the Company's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future constitute forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements because of various factors. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Prospective investors should also consult the risks factors described from time to time in the Company's Reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Annual Reports to Shareholders.Contact Tego Cyber Inc.8565 S Eastern Avenue, Suite 150Las Vegas, Nevada 89123USA Tel: 855-939-0100 (North America)Tel: +1 725-726-7840 (International)Email: info@ tegocyber.com Web: tegocyber.com Facebook: facebook.com/tegocyber LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tegocyber X/Twitter: twitter.com/tegocyber SOURCE: Tego Cyber Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 16:45:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 465 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New government solution helps agencies and partners track mission-critical programs and work processes with greater efficiency, visibility, and compliance.DENVER, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 /TrackVia, the leading low-code work management platform for streamlining sophisticated field and operational processes, today introduced TrackVia Government, a specialized offering for U.S. agencies and prime contractor partners.Designed to meet the rigorous and dynamic compliance standards of government-funded work, TrackVia's secure, drag-and-drop platform enables government teams and their industry partners to configure tailored applications quickly - without writing code or requiring heavy IT investment.Common use cases include managing federal contracts and subcontracts, tracking project milestones and staffing, overseeing field operations, streamlining program delivery, and automating audits."TrackVia Government is key to unlocking greater efficiency and transparency across government-funded programs," said Nate Allen, CEO of TrackVia. "A low-code solution like TrackVia Government is exceptionally powerful in the public sector where mission and operational needs are often highly unique and dynamic. Off-the-shelf software is too rigid and custom solutions take too long or cost too much." With built-in mobile, automation, and real-time reporting capabilities, TrackVia Government represents a major opportunity toward infusing modern-day technology into the public sector where operational efficiency and oversight are more critical than ever.Strategic Partnership with Second FrontTrackVia Government is deployed in partnership with Second Front, a public-benefit software company that enables faster, more secure development and deployment of software across government and regulated networks."Partnering with TrackVia to deliver their low-code platform into the FedRAMP ecosystem shows the power of collaboration to drive innovation," said Mamie Cruse, EVP of Mission Success at Second Front. "By leveraging our accredited DevSecOps platform, Second Front Game Warden, alongside TrackVia's flexibility and controls, we're enabling government teams and contractors to accelerate delivery, adapt to mission needs, and scale their work with speed, security, and confidence." TrackVia Government is built on Second Front's Game Warden, which provides a secure enclave with IL2-IL6 hosting options and FedRAMP High Authority to Operate (ATO). TrackVia is pursuing FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency via assessment by Schellman, a leading FedRAMP-accredited Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), targeted for early 2026.About TrackViaTrackVia is a leading low-code workflow platform that empowers organizations to rapidly configure, customize, and deploy highly configurable and customizable field service and operations solutions without the need for complex coding or extensive IT support. Trusted by sophisticated organizations across industries - from construction and manufacturing to field services and federal agencies - TrackVia helps organizations streamline processes, gain real-time reporting visibility, and improve operational efficiency. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, TrackVia is committed to delivering secure, scalable solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of modern organizations.For more information, visit www.trackvia.com/government/ Media Contact:Charles VarCROcharles.var@trackvia.com(800) 673-3302SOURCE: TrackVia PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-24 19:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1002 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 "The Critical Minerals and ZEO Company"~ Antimony, Cobalt, Tungsten, and Zeolite ~DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / September 24, 2025 / United States Antimony Corporation ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," or the "Company") (NYSE American:UAMY)(NYSE Texas:UAMY), operating the only two antimony smelters in North America, announced that it will host Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Director of Commerce, Marta Bertoglio, along with other state officials, at the Company's Thompson Falls, Montana antimony processing facility. The groundbreaking ceremony to be held tomorrow, September 25, 2025, is to kick off its expansion project which is already underway.The groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow is also the site of USAC's Stibnite Hill Antimony Mine. USAC recently revived the development of this mine, which it has held and maintained the significant mineral rights to for many years. While this event is a groundbreaking by name, the project expansion has been underway with engineering completed and building construction underway for a number of months. USAC is scheduled for the project to be in production by the beginning of 2026.The event is not only to commemorate the expansion of USAC's Thompson Falls, Montana operating facility, which will increase current processing capacity by over 400% and includes the capability of processing MIL SPEC antimony trisulfide production, but will also celebrate USAC's nearly 57 years in business. Governor Gianforte will address attendees on the significance of USAC's presence as a long-standing Montana corporation, the importance of strengthening both state and federal support of U.S. companies and their critical role in a strong and stable domestic supply chain that ensures U.S. defense, energy, and technology that originates from within USA."Hosting Montana's Governor and other state officials at the groundbreaking of our expansion project is another exciting culmination of several aligned forces and key decision-making in a series of critical moments," said Gary C. Evans, Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation. "This significant expansion, along with new innovations being implemented, underscores USAC's ability to move swiftly in an effort to respond to shifts and demands for not only our industrial customers, but now our U.S. Military (see Press Release dated September 23, 2025).Jeff Fink, Project Manager and Vice President at USAC, further commented on the expansion, "When the decision was made by management and our board to significantly expand our processing capability here at Thompson Falls, I was asked to spearhead this effort. We engaged a well-established engineering firm to lead us through the necessary permitting and design of the project, knowing we had a limited footprint and a tight time frame for completion. At the same time, we did not want to disrupt our existing smeltering activity in any way. Thus far, we continue on our planned schedule with approximately 40% of the project now completed." About USAC:United States Antimony Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada ("USAC," "U.S. Antimony," the "Company," "Our," "Us," or "We") sell antimony, zeolite, and precious metals primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company processes third party ore primarily into antimony oxide, antimony metal, antimony trisulfide, and precious metals at its facilities located in Montana and Mexico. Antimony oxide is used to form a flame-retardant system for plastics, rubber, fiberglass, textile goods, paints, coatings, and paper, as a color fastener in paint, and as a phosphorescent agent in fluorescent light bulbs. Antimony metal is used in bearings, storage batteries, and ordnance. Antimony trisulfide is used as a primer in ammunition. The Company also recovers precious metals, primarily gold and silver, at its Montana facility from third party ore. At its Bear River Zeolite ("BRZ") facility located in Idaho, the Company mines and processes zeolite, a group of industrial minerals used in water filtration, sewage treatment, nuclear waste and other environmental cleanup, odor control, gas separation, animal nutrition, soil amendment and fertilizer, and other miscellaneous applications. During 2024 and 2025, the Company began acquiring mining claims and leases located in Montana, Alaska and Ontario, Canada in an effort to expand its operations as well as its product offerings.Forward-Looking Statements:This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future operations, production levels, financial performance, business strategy, market conditions, demand for antimony, zeolite, other critical minerals, and precious metals, expected costs, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which the Company operates, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in the market prices and demand for antimony and zeolite; changes in domestic and global economic conditions; operational risks inherent in mining and mineral processing; geological or metallurgical conditions; availability and cost of energy, equipment, transportation, and labor; the Company's ability to maintain or obtain permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals; changes in environmental and mining laws or regulations; competitive factors; the impact of geopolitical developments; and the effects of weather, natural disasters, or health pandemics on operations and supply chains. Additional information regarding risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as re A Nigerian-born Scientist, Adedoyin Adeleke, and thirteen others, have been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to prepare the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR). The announcement was made in New York on 19 September, during a UN event on sustainable development. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed a new group of independent scientists to draft the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR), a statement published on the UN website said. The GSDR is a United Nations publication aiming to strengthen the science-policy interface at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. HLPF is the main United Nations platform providing political leadership and guidance on sustainable development issues at the international level, and the GSDR is one of the only two mandated reports to inform the decision-making process at the HLPF. The newly appointed scientists have been tasked to develop and launch the 2027 GSDR in September of 2027 ahead of the High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the UN General Assembly (SDG Summit). This, the UN said, will provide scientific guidance on the state of global sustainable development, addressing emerging challenges, and offering actionable recommendations for governments and other stakeholders. Nigerian Appointee Mr Adelekes appointment reflects the recognition of Nigerias growing voice in sustainability leadership globally. As a co-chair, he is expected to bring perspectives from Africa and the Global South into international debates on climate change, inequality, and sustainable growth. I am honoured to be the first African Co-Chair and the first Nigerian ever appointed to this distinguished group of 15 eminent scientists from across the world. Together, we will deliver evidence-based insights to inform the 2027 SDG Summit and accelerate transformative action for people and the planet, Mr Adeleke wrote in a post on LinkedIn. According to the statement, Mr Adeleke, who is the Executive Director of the Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network, will co-lead the panel alongside Phoebe Koundouri, a professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business in Greece. The list also includes Marianne Beisheim, a Senior Researcher at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Germany; Vanesa Castan Broto, Professor of Climate Urbanism at the University of Sheffield in Spain; Yensi Flores-Bueso, a Postdoctoral Researcher at University College Cork in Honduras; and Sarah Cook, Professor at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Additional individuals comprise Hussam Hussein, a Research Associate at the University of Oxford in Jordan; Mmaki Jantjies, Group Executive of Innovation and Transformation at Telkom South Africa; Sherif Kamel, Dean of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at the American University in Cairo; Milica V. Matijevic, a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Comparative Law in Serbia; Others are Steven Ratuva, Director of the Macmillan Brown Center for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury; Fabio Veras Soares, a Researcher at the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Development in Brazil; Eliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), and Director General of ICRAF; and Taidong Zhou, Vice President of the Center for International Knowledge on Development in China. The Scientists will work closely with a UN task team led by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in collaboration with UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, and the World Bank. They are also expected to engage academia, civil society, and the private sector in the drafting process. Legacy, Mandate The Global Sustainable Development Report is published every four years to strengthen the link between science, policy, and society. The 2019 edition, titled The Future is Now, and the 2023 report Times of Crisis, Times of Change, both played a crucial role in the advancement of international discussions on poverty eradication, inequality, and environmental protection. The 2027 report will be the third in the series, and will be officially launched during the UN General Assembly high-level events in September 2027. According to the UN, the report will serve as an evidence-based tool to support decision-makers in accelerating action toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Wu Cunrong, former chairman of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been indicted for suspected bribery, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Wednesday. Wu is accused of taking advantage of the various posts he formerly held in the provinces of Anhui and Shanxi, as well as Chongqing Municipality, to seek benefits for others, while illegally accepting an "extremely huge" amounts of money and valuables in return. Upon the SPP's designation, a procuratorate in Beijing filed the prosecution after investigations by the National Commission of Supervision. The case has been filed at the Beijing second intermediate people's court. Nigerian fashion veteran Balogun Olamilekan has called on the Federal Government (FG) to provide greater support for the fashion industry through financing, policy reforms, and other enabling measures. The Crownlek Afrik creative director appealed in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Olamilekan argued that, despite their resilience and creativity, Nigerian designers continue to operate well below their potential compared to global counterparts. He cautioned that despite its rapid growth and increasing international recognition, the industry risks falling behind without timely government intervention. The industry is growing well in Nigeria, although we are not where we should be. When you look at fashion industries outside Nigeria, like in Europe, you see billions of dollars being invested. That is how its supposed to be here, he said. Loan scheme Mr Olamilekan urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to replicate initiatives such as former President Goodluck Jonathans loan scheme for Nollywood, which enabled film producers to expand their work. He noted that events like the Ojude Oba Festival and the Calabar Carnival had already demonstrated the sectors capacity to boost the economy, injecting billions into host states. He also recalled losing an entire consignment of imported fabrics to government seizures during the period of a ban on textile importation. Despite the sectors steady growth, he lamented that the absence of structured government support remains its most significant challenge. Mr Olamilekan added, Ive never benefited from anything from the government since Ive been in business. Every year, we hear announcements of funds being given to creative industries, but who are the beneficiaries? Im still looking for them. Any government that can support the creative industry in Nigeria would be the best. Without the government, we have achieved this much. Now imagine we have government supportsee where we will be. Solution He added that if it received the proper support, Nigerias fashion industry could rival oil and agriculture as a significant source of foreign exchange. He stressed that the solution lay in practical and transparent backing through loans, grants, and incentives for local textile production and training centres. According to him, governments in other parts of the world provide such funding, and Nigeria should not be an exception. He questioned why the country, despite its abundant creativity, had not extended similar loans to strengthen the sector. Mr Olamilekan remained optimistic about the future of Nigerian fashion but maintained that its next breakthrough would depend on genuine government partnership. Encouragement is okay, but what we need now is genuine support. That is the only way to move from survival to global dominance. The US President Donald Trump has reversed his position on one of the key foreign policy issues of his administration, now indicating that Ukraine has a chance to win in its ongoing war with Russia. The president, on Tuesday, said winning back its original Borders from where this War started is a very viable option for Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump stated that Russia is experiencing an economic crisis while Ukraine now has the capacity to take back parts of the country under Russian control. This statement follows his meeting with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, which was held after Mr Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in New York. Previously, Mr Trump had taken a controversial stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, repeatedly expressing his desire to bring the war to an end. He had warned that the process would require Ukraine giving up some territory an outcome Mr Zelensky has consistently rejected. In the past, the US president had shown lukewarm support for Mr Zelensky and admiration for Russias Vladimir Putin. A televised meeting between the Ukrainian president at the Oval Office in February had ended in a hostile clash, with Mr Trump and his Vice, JD Vance, accusing Mr Zelensky of being disrespectful and ungrateful. You dont have the cards to achieve a good outcome from Russia, Mr Trump had told Mr Zelensky. This was unlike his meeting with Mr Putin in August, where both leaders lavished praise on one another, with Russia endorsing Mr Trumps view that the war would never have started if Mr Trump had won the 2020 election. It is, however, unclear exactly why Mr Trump has now made a sudden shift in his stance and disposition toward Ukraine. In his social media post, Mr Trump said, Ukraine could win the war with time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO. He also stated that, Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years, a war that should have taken a real military power less than a week to win. Mr Trump did not provide any reason for the change in his stance on the war. However, The New York Times reported that several European officials suspect the president is distancing himself from the war. READ ALSO: Trump claims paracetamol use in pregnancy raises autism risk in children Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump told NATO countries to shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace. He said this in reference to a series of recent incursions by Russian drones in countries like Poland and Estonia. When asked about Mr Trumps statement, Mr Zelensky said the switch in positioning surprised him. He added that he took this as a positive signal that Trump and the US will be with us to the end of the war. I think the fact that Putin was lying to President Trump so many times also made a difference between us, he told Fox News. The US government has barred Iranian officials attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly from shopping in New York. The restrictions on the Iranian officials were described by the State Department as maximum pressure on the Middle Eastern country. The Guardian reports that, with the restrictions, the visiting officials are unable to buy anything valued at above $1,000. The restriction affects a range of items including electronics, fountain pens, watches, and bulk household goods. Vehicles worth more than $60,000 were also listed as luxury groups barred from purchase by the officials. We will not allow the Iranian regime to allow its clerical elites to have a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and dire shortages of water and electricity, Thomas Pigott, the State Department spokesperson, said. The US also barred Iranian diplomats and other officials from visiting popular retail stores in the city, including Costco, Sams Club, and BJs Wholesale Club. Officials who need to make such purchases would now have to seek permission from the State Department to buy what it classifies as luxury goods. In an effort to cripple Irans nuclear programme, the US has hit the country with sanctions, some of which affect good imports and oil exports. In July, it also dropped a 30,000-pound bomb on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in support of Israels attack on the countrys state capital, Tehran, in July. The war between Israel and Tehran lasted 12 days and led to the death of over 600 people in Iran. It was 1:05 p.m. on a hot Sunday in Benisheik, a small community in the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. As a wind swept across the dusty road that divides the town, two women stood in conversation under a tree. I will not go back to any hospital again, said one of them, Yagana Ismail*, 25, her anger unmistakable as she spoke. Benisheik is a community steeped in tradition, and Mrs Ismails story reflects a common theme in the community. A mother of five children within seven years, she described her silent battles with reproductive health. I got pregnant with my third child just four months after my second, she recalled. At some point, I felt ashamed. People mocked me for always being pregnant. I isolated myself. After her fifth child, Mrs Ismail and her husband decided to seek family planning. But four visits to the local facility ended in disappointment: the methods she needed were unavailable. I went to the facility four times after giving birth to my fifth daughter, but I couldnt get the family planning method, she said. Her experience mirrors that of another Benisheik resident, Hamsatu Adamu, 45, who fought bitterly with her husband over childcare after her ninth child. She noted how they repeatedly fight because she cannot handle the house, the children, and her husbands expectations. I went to the facility several times to get family planning, but I couldnt find any method, she said. Ibrahim Babagana, 29, also shared his experience. My wife wanted pills after our second child. She went four or five times, and each time they said it was not available. I am not happy about that. We want all methods to be accessible. Global Problem, Local Struggle The struggles of women in Kaga reflect a much larger crisis. A 2022 report by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that nearly 121 million pregnancies worldwide each year are unintended. The UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem, said the staggering number of unintended pregnancies represents a global failure to uphold women and girls basic human rights. Nigeria mirrors this reality. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018, only about 17 per cent of married women in the country use any family planning method. The survey also puts the unmet need for family planning among married women at 19 per cent. In states like Borno, where insecurity and poverty prevail and access to family planning is severely limited, the figures are more alarming. In 2023, the Borno State Commissioner for Health, Baba Gana, said only 6.7 per cent of married women in the state were using modern contraceptive methods. Also, the Deputy Director of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mala Abdulwahab, said only 269 out of the 436 health facilities in the state offer family planning services. Despite existing policies such as the Nigerian National Health Act 2014, which affirms the right to healthcare services, including reproductive health, and shows commitment to issues around sexual and reproductive health rights, women still suffer from a lack of access, especially in rural communities. National budget cuts deepen the crisis But just as demand for family planning grows, support for it is shrinking. In the 2025 budget, the Nigerian government slashed allocations for family planning by 97 per cent from the N2.2 billion allocated in 2024 to N66.39 million. The budget cut comes as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) froze funding support for key health initiatives in developing countries, including family planning programmes in Nigeria. For a country with one of the highest maternal death rates in the world, with many of the deaths preventable with timely access to contraception and quality care, experts say this drop in funding could reverse the progress made over the years. The United Nations recently warned that global reductions in health aid could reverse decades of progress in tackling maternal mortality. Data from the WHO estimates Nigerias maternal mortality ratio (MMR) at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, making it the country with the third-highest maternal mortality rate globally. The turn to herbs and the risks Out of desperation, many women in Kaga now resort to traditional herbs for family planning and even abortion. Mrs Ismail recounted using some herbs that failed her. I bought Gurun tazara (a herb wrapped in animal skin) from a herbalist for 2,500. A lot of women used to tie it on their waist for child distancing, but unfortunately, it didnt work for me; I got pregnant 38 days after giving birth. After confirming her pregnancy at the hospital, she went back to the herbalist, who offered a bitter herb for aborting the pregnancy. Mrs Ismail consulted her husband, and he agreed. We paid him 4,000 for that abortion, she recalled. The bitter herb worked, but Mrs Ismail bled for two days until her husband took her to the Benisheik PHC, where she was eventually referred to a general hospital. I stayed at General Hospital Damaturu for 13 days; I nearly died, she said. For Aisha Modu, 27, visits to her local clinic often ended in frustration. They kept telling me to come back when the medicines were available, she said. A mother of six who had already gone through two unintended abortions, Mrs Modu was desperate to avoid another pregnancy. Short of options, she too turned to gurun tazara. I bought it for 1,500. When I tied it around my waist, I started bleeding nonstop. My period usually lasts five days, but this one went on for 14, she recalled. The heavy bleeding continued for two months, until a neighbour, who had suffered a similar experience, advised her to seek medical help at the hospital. Months later, still determined to prevent pregnancy, Mrs Modu tried another herb sold by a local vendor. The seller told me that if I drank it three times, I would not conceive again for three years. But that was a lie. I got pregnant six months after taking it, she lamented. In Kaga LGA, Mrs Ismail and Mrs Modu are among the many women who dont have access to essential family planning commodities. At Ngamdu, about 40 kilometres from Benisheik, Hajara Bukar, 26, from Lawanti district, recounted how she, too, resorted to traditional methods after being turned away repeatedly at the health facility in 2020, shortly after the birth of her sixth child. A friend in Maiduguri introduced me to a medicine that looked like beans. Each one was 1,000. I bought two, but they didnt work. In the end, I had to buy pills from a medicine store for 1,700, she said. Lack of access to quality information A report by the WHO reveals that a lack of access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sexual health increases the vulnerability of women toward diseases and other consequences, such as cancer, infertility, unsafe abortion, and maternal and infant mortality. Abdullahi Usman, a senior registrar and obstetrician at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, explained that the use of traditional herbs for abortion and contraception is a long-standing practice in rural communities. Mr Usman said cultural beliefs often drive such practices, though limited access to healthcare facilities and available services also contribute. He warned that the side effects of these herbs are severe. Some commonly reported complications include gastrointestinal disturbances, liver and kidney damage, and neurological issues. In cases of abortion, it often results in incomplete abortion, where parts of the fetal tissue or placenta remain in the uterus, leading to persistent bleeding, he explained. He added that because these methods lack standardised dosages and quality control, women face heightened risks of health complications while remaining vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. Healthcare providers lament situation A Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) who has served in the Benisheik Primary Health Centres maternity unit for over 25 years described her frustrations. The health worker, who declined to be named, said women are discouraged when they cannot access the specific family planning services they preferespecially short-acting methods. As a trusted health worker, it is embarrassing when I go around the community giving health talks, only for women to finally agree to try family planning and then discover we dont have the commodities. It damages our credibility, she explained. She also highlighted the absence of essential medicines for post-abortion care at the facility until an intervention by the IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation in December 2024. Drugs such as misoprostol, which is critical for managing incomplete abortions and postpartum bleeding, and ulipristal, an emergency contraceptive used in rape cases, were never available here throughout my career until IPAS supplied them. Unfortunately, the stock has already run out, she lamented in an interview in June. At the Ngamdu Primary Health Centre, Facility Manager Yagana Babagana, who has worked there in various roles since 2001, described the crisis as worsening since early 2025. Mrs Babagana said there are never enough commodities, and demand is increasing daily as people become more informed. According to her, most women resist referrals to bigger hospitals: Whenever we refer them, they refuse to go, some because they cannot afford the cost, others because they fear people will find out they are using family planning. These gaps contradict international and national commitments. Section 3 of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) emphasises womens right to sexual and reproductive health, including the freedom to make informed decisions without coercion, discrimination, or violence. Similarly, Nigerias National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Health (2018) defines comprehensive care as ensuring access to information, services, and treatmentwith a strong focus on women and girls. Persisting negative perceptions In Kaga, the barriers to family planning go beyond the shortage of essential services. Deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and misinformation continue to discourage women from seeking reproductive healthcare. Also, discussions on sexual and reproductive health are often considered taboo, reinforcing silence and fear around womens specific health needs. Marka Mohammed, 32, a mother of eight, admitted she wants to try family planning but is held back by fear. I want to try the family planning methods, but I am afraid, especially of the implant and injectables, because I have heard that they may even go missing in ones body, and I am scared not to have a child again, she said. Resistance is not only from women. Mustapha Ibrahim, 29, a resident of Benisheik, insisted that his wife will never use any method. The idea of using any method is something I will not even consider. This thing can stop a woman from having a child completely. My wife will never try it, he said. More money for health For years, Borno States budgets have reflected a commitment to strengthening access to essential healthcare through primary health centres (PHCs). In December 2023, Governor Babagana Zulum presented a 340 billion budget for 2024. The health sector received the single largest allocation of 52 billion, followed by education and works. The budget was passed by the state legislature, and the governor signed it into law in January 2024. The 2024 allocation was more than double the N20 billion health allocation for 2023. Yet, despite these allocations, challenges persist regarding essential drugs and family planning commodities. A PREMIUM TIMES investigation in 2024 noted visible infrastructural upgrades across PHCs in Borno, but revealed that poor staffing and drug shortages were hampering service delivery, particularly in rural communities. READ ALSO: Expert calls for African health sovereignty as global aid declines Efforts made in Borno Mohammed Dauda, the chair of the SRH Working Group at the Borno State Ministry of Health and Coordinator of Emergency Medical and Ambulatory Services, said that the state adopted a revised Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) policy in early 2025, developed with the ministry and UNFPA. According to him, Borno currently has family planning and SRH commodities in stock, overseen by two regulatory bodies: Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (BOSCHMA) and State Primary Healthcare Development Board (SPHCDB). These agencies are responsible for managing and distributing drugs at primary facilities, while BOSCHMA is partially involved with secondary facilities. Commodities are supplied based on requests from facilities, he said. Mr Dauda admitted, however, that access gaps remain. There is sometimes a lack of accountability at the facility level, not always, but occasionally, commodities are diverted or sold. Another challenge is poor management; some facilities fail to request new supplies before stocks are exhausted, he explained. He recommended stronger accountability frameworks and continuous training for facility managers to close these gaps. On her part, Jalo Ahmed, the states Adolescent, Sexual and Reproductive Health Focal Person and Coordinator of the Community Health Influencers Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme, reiterated the governments commitment. If there is anything like women not having access to family planning services, then maybe it is a matter of awareness. These commodities are free, but many people dont know; others still hold negative beliefs about them. However, despite evidence to the contrary, Ms Ahmed said the availability of family planning drugs is not a problem in Borno State. As far as availability is concerned, we have all the drugs, she said. +++Names with asterisks are changed to protect sources. This reporting was completed with the support of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) says it will vaccinate at least 2.3 million children under five years in Katsina State under an integrated polio and measles-rubella campaign beginning in October. The campaign, which will run nationwide in two phases from 6 October to 13 February 2026, is part of renewed efforts to halt the circulation of the poliovirus in Nigeria and reduce child vulnerability to other preventable diseases. Rahama Farah, Chief of UNICEFs Kano Field Office, disclosed this on Tuesday at a media dialogue in Katsina organised in partnership with the Katsina State Government. Katsina will implement the campaign from 6 to 13 October, Mr Farah said, warning that while the state had made progress, it was yet to interrupt transmission of the virus. The state recorded two cases of the circulating variant poliovirus in Danmusa Local Government Area in 2025, compared to 17 cases across eight LGAs last year, UNICEF said. Twenty of Katsina States 34 LGAs remain affected by insecurity, posing challenges for health workers. Mr Farah called on the state government and local authorities to strengthen coordination, ensure that task force committees on immunisation meet regularly, and that LGA chairpersons personally oversee campaign activities. According to UNICEF, 3.7 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) have been provided for Katsina, targeting 2.3 million children under five years through Directly Observed Oral Polio Vaccination (DOOPV). In addition, 4.8 million children aged nine months to 14 years will receive measles-rubella vaccines. To deliver the intervention, the state will deploy 2,253 vaccination teams to fixed and temporary posts, alongside 5,584 teams conducting routine immunisation services through house-to-house, transit, and outreach strategies. UNICEF has also trained 3,300 health workers and 600 Non-Compliance Resolution Teams (NCRTs) to engage households that resist vaccination. Two hundred NCRTs, each comprising community leaders, traditional leaders, and vaccinators, will operate in real time to resolve non-compliance cases during the campaign. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, executive secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Management Agency, said the campaign was also critical in tackling rubella, which he described as underreported but prevalent in the state. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to protect our children not just from polio but also from measles and rubella, he said. With UNICEFs support, the state has also deployed six state facilitators, 21 LGA facilitators, 462 ward supervisors, and 4,647 community mobilisers. Local government chairpersons and traditional leaders across the 34 LGAs have also signed a declaration supporting immunisation. Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020 but continues to report variant cases linked to gaps in routine immunisation. Health experts say the fresh campaign aims to close those gaps while strengthening surveillance in high-risk states like Katsina. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Sokoto State Government to provide free healthcare and nutrition support for 15,400 vulnerable residents, in a move aimed at strengthening access to medical services and tackling malnutrition. The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health and the states contributory healthcare scheme, will extend coverage to disadvantaged households currently excluded from the states social register, officials said. About 3,000 families are expected to be newly enrolled to benefit from healthcare and welfare interventions. To strengthen the scheme, UNICEF has donated equipment, including laptop computers, 200 tablets and 200 power banks, which officials said would improve data management and the administration of healthcare services. The organisations new country representative, Wafa Saied, announced that UNICEF would commit 500m to scale up nutrition programmes in the state. The pledge matches a similar sum already set aside by the Sokoto government to tackle malnutrition among children and mothers. We are impressed with the priority given to healthcare and nutrition in Sokotos budgetary allocation, Saied said. UNICEF will continue to stand with Sokoto State to ensure vulnerable families have access to quality health services. The state deputy governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, who represented the administration at the launch, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a life-saving intervention. He added that health spending had been given the largest allocation in Sokotos 2024 and 2025 budgets. Observers said the programme reflects one of the most significant collaborations between UNICEF and Sokoto in recent years, signalling renewed efforts to build a more inclusive healthcare system in the state. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said there is no scientific proof that taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism in children. The clarification comes after United States President Donald Trump, in a recent video, claimed that pregnant women who take the painkiller, known by the brand name Tylenol, face a significantly increased risk of giving birth to children with autism. The footage, published by Australian outlet news.com.au, also showed Mr Trump suggesting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was issuing new guidance on paracetamol use in pregnancy. In response, in a statement released on Wednesday, the WHO stressed that no such link has been established. Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established, the statement read. WHO advised pregnant women to seek the guidance of their doctors or health workers before taking any medication, adding that drugs should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months. Autism and its causes WHO estimates that nearly 62 million people worldwide, about one in every 127 people, live with autism spectrum disorder. The condition affecting brain development has become better recognised in recent years as awareness and diagnosis have improved. However, the exact causes of autism remain unknown and are thought to involve multiple factors, according to the agency. WHO further disclosed that autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions are on the agenda at the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health, which is held on Thursday, 25 September. It added that it remains committed to working with autistic-led groups and organisations representing persons with lived experience to reduce stigma and ensure evidence-based support for people living with autism. Life-saving immunisation WHO also addressed the lingering misinformation about childhood vaccines. It reiterated that immunisation does not cause autism and emphasised that original studies suggesting otherwise were flawed and have since been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines, including those with thiomersal or aluminium, do not cause autism or other developmental disorders, it noted. The health agency explained that national childhood immunisation schedules, developed with expert and country input, have saved at least 154 million lives over the past five decades. These schedules, which are regularly updated with new scientific evidence, currently protect people against 30 infectious diseases. When immunisation schedules are delayed, disrupted, or altered without evidence review, the risk of infection rises sharply, not only for the child but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk. Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigerias national statement on Wednesday at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He will speak on behalf of President Bola Tinubu between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is expected to unveil its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement during the address. Earlier, the vice president participated in the opening session of the Assembly, where US President Donald Trump delivered a keynote address, welcoming global leaders to the event. Speaking to NAN about the significance of Nigerias statement, Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice-President), said the countrys message is expected to resonate globally. According to Mr Nkwocha, Mr Tinubu has redefined modern leadership in Nigeria since assuming office. Whether in educational diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, sports, security, or economic diplomacy, President Tinubu has transformed how Nigeria engages with the international community. He has overhauled the tone and content of our foreign policy. If you want to measure the strength of Nigerias voice on the global stage, just recall his 2024 address at UNGA. It was a powerful statement that called for reforms, including more seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, Mr Nkwocha said. (NAN) Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has sought the support of traditional institutions, religious bodies and community leaders in the fight to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Mr Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Chinedu Onah, made the call in Abakaliki during a one-day conference on ending FGM. The governor said the call became necessary because of the significant influence these leaders have in community-led campaigns against harmful traditional practices. The conference was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Better Health For Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation, founded by the governors wife. Mr Nwifuru urged the traditional and religious rulers to work with security agencies and the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) task force to tackle the menace. He said the state government is ready to implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law as amended. Let the clergymen take the warning to worship centres. The traditional rulers should also let their subjects know that the government has come with force to correct the primitive act of FGM, Mr Nwifuru said. In her remarks, the governors wife, Mary-Maudline, said that traditional rulers and local institutions were critical in mobilising communities and facilitating sensitisation forums to educate people on the dangers of FGM. She said the summit would address a practice that has robbed women, daughters of their dignity, health and future. UNFPA has played a crucial role in ensuring that FGM is eradicated in the state. It requires community ownership, demand that everyone here take the message back to your people and enforce it with conviction. It is time we replace the narrative of silence with the language of protection, compassion and progress. A girl-child should be celebrated, educated and empowered, not mutilated, she said. Andrew Kirima, the programme coordinator and Head of the UNFPA office, called for urgent and coordinated action to address FGM. Mr Kirima commended the state government, through Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation, for paying the counterpart fund. With the contributions from government, we are able to scale up and reach more people within communities in areas of rolling back GBV, restoring the dignity of survivors, repairing fistula patients, and empowering young girls to live a quality life. He said that UNFPA remained committed to supporting the state in achieving the three transformative results, including zero preventable maternal deaths, for child spacing and zero GBV and harmful practices like FGM. Goodness Mbaja, the state public relations officer for the GBV Task Force, said the VAPP law and implementation plan would guide the teams work effectively. (NAN) An organisation, Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG), has faulted a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, for claiming that President Bola Tinubu is planning to extend his tenure beyond his constitutional limit of eight years. Mr El-Rufai had recently, alleged that President Tinubu was showing signs of wanting to become a life president. He made the comment when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid him a solidarity visit following an attack on some African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including himself, during a meeting in Kaduna. President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, and he is currently in his first term of four years. The Nigerian Constitution allows a president to spend two terms in office. in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the NNMG asked Mr El-Rufai to retract his comment and apologise for allegedly attempting to poison the nations political space. We therefore declare as follows; That Nasir El-Rufai should retract his lies and tender an apology to Nigerians for deliberately trying to poison the political atmosphere, the statement signed by the groups Convener, Jacob Edi, said. The group urged Nigetians to treat the former governors words with contempt, recognising them as nothing more than the wailings of a rejected politician. This is not the first time Mr El-Rufai would criticise the President Tinubu. Since falling out with President Tinubu after the 2023 general elections, reportedly for not being given a role in the administration despite supporting his campaign, the former governor has become one of the presidents fiercest critics. Although he was nominated as a minister by the president, Mr El-Rufais nomination was rejected by the Senate, which cited security reasons. Following the fallout, the former Kaduna governor left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before loining the ADC, which has positioned itself as the coalition party to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election. Mr El-Rufai, now a prominent leader of the ADC, has vowed to do everything possible to ensure President Tinubu is defeated in the election. Read the full statement Press Statement by the Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) Abuja NORTHERN MINORITIES TO ELFUFAI: SHUT UP. The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) condemns in the strongest possible terms the reckless allegation by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intends to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally guaranteed eight years. It is our well considered view that the former governor, now effectively one of Nigerias content creators, is talking simply out of malice, pure bitterness, recklessness, frustration and an affront to democracy. A critical analysis of the former governors political trajectory shows a character trait of a man at war with himself. El-Rufais Real Problem is Bitterness, Not Principle We ask a simple question: if El-Rufai had been appointed into President Tinubus ministerial team, would he still be making these wild allegations? Everyone knows the answer. His rant is nothing more than sour grapes from a man who feels sidelined and irrelevant. A Pattern of Treachery From his days in government to his endless political scheming, El-Rufai has shown himself as a man addicted to betrayal and blackmail. He thrives on heating up the polity with lies when his personal ambitions are not served. Constitution Cannot Be Blackmailed Nigerias 1999 Constitution is crystal clear on the tenure of a President. No amount of El-Rufais propaganda can alter that reality. His attempt to drag the country into a needless fear-mongering is both treacherous and dangerous. Enemy of Stability At a time when Nigeria needs unity, focus, and healing, El-Rufai has once again positioned himself as a destabilizing agent. His words are not those of a statesman but of a bitter man desperate to remain in the headlines. We therefore declare as follows; 1. That Nasir El-Rufai should retract his lies and tender an apology to Nigerians for deliberately trying to poison the political atmosphere. 2. That, Nigerians must treat his words with contempt, recognizing them as nothing more than the wailings of a rejected politician. 3. That, Security agencies should place individuals like El-Rufai under strict watch, as their reckless statements are capable of sparking unnecessary tension. The minorities of Northern Nigeria will resist any attempt, whether by tenure elongation or by bitter politicians sowing confusion, to derail our democracy. Nigerias future is too important to be held hostage by one mans bitterness or a conspiracy of political elite group of profiteers. Chief Jacob Edi Kakaki Bassa-Nge Convener Northern Nigeria Minorities Group Representatives shake hands after signing several China-Bulgaria city-to-city agreements in Sofia, Bulgaria, Sept. 24, 2025. China and Bulgaria on Wednesday held a conference on urban and regional cooperation in Sofia, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of a cooperation document on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between the two countries. (Xinhua/Lin Hao) SOFIA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Bulgaria on Wednesday held a conference on urban and regional cooperation in Sofia, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of a cooperation document on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) between the two countries. Co-organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgaria National Association for the Belt and Road, and the Bulgarian Cities and Regions Association, the conference attracted more than 130 attendees, including leaders from 12 provinces and cities in China and more than 40 cities in Bulgaria. Themed "Urban and Regional Cooperation Promotes Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind," the conference also featured a city salon, where representatives from both sides shared experiences and explored cooperation on topics such as infrastructure, water treatment, smart cities, wellness tourism, green transformation, and humanities education. During the conference, several China-Bulgaria city-to-city agreements were signed, and bilateral talks were held. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has pledged that the legislature will ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight in implementing the Federal Governments Naira-for-Crude Oil Policy. Mr Tajudeen, represented by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda at the inauguration of the Ad-hoc Committee on the implementation and oversight of the policy, said the initiative was a pivotal step toward strengthening accountability and efficiency in one of Nigerias most strategic energy reforms. He explained that the committee has been tasked with monitoring implementation, promoting inter-agency coordination, and evaluating the policys impact. Its work is critical to making sure the objectives of the policy are met, and that any gaps in execution are promptly addressed. The House expects nothing less than a thorough, impartial, and well-documented process that contributes to the stability of our economy, the speaker said. Mr Tajudeen stressed that the policy has broad implications for exchange rate stability, revenue generation, and long-term energy security. He said a comprehensive review would help determine whether the initiative is meeting its objectives and guide the legislature in making adjustments where necessary. He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th House to supporting President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in tackling economic challenges. The speaker said, Our resolve is to ensure the legislature remains a true partner in progress by aligning its priorities with the aspirations of the people and the policy direction of government. We are committed to working across party lines and with all stakeholders to promote sustainable growth, enhance citizens welfare, and safeguard national resources for present and future generations. According to Mr Tajudeen, stakeholder engagement will be central to the committees assignment, stressing that collaboration with government agencies, industry operators, civil society groups, and other actors would enrich the process and strengthen public confidence. Also, the committees Chairman, Boniface Emerengwa, said Nigeria must capture greater value from its oil resources. He explained that the Naira-for-Crude Policy is designed to shift more crude oil transactions into Naira rather than dollars, thereby boosting confidence in the local currency, reducing pressure on foreign reserves, stimulating domestic economic activity, and reinforcing Nigerias sovereignty over its resources. He further noted that the committees mandate is to critically examine the feasibility and sustainability of the policy, engage stakeholders across government and industry, and make evidence-based recommendations to guide the House. The policy seeks to create a framework where crude oil transactions are increasingly denominated in Naira rather than foreign currencies. If well-structured, it will boost confidence in the Naira, reduce pressure on our reserves, stimulate domestic economic activities, and reinforce Nigerias sovereignty over its resources, he explained. Background and developments The Naira-for-Crude Policy was introduced to reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand, encourage local refining, and stabilise the Naira by ensuring that crude oil sold to domestic refineries is paid in local currency. In April 2025, the Federal Executive Council officially directed the full implementation of the suspended Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners, affirming that it was not a short-term measure but a long-term intervention in Nigerias energy sector. A technical subcommittee on Domestic Crude Sales in Naira, chaired by Zacch Adedeji, has since been working with regulators and operators to manage implementation. Reports indicate that more than 48 million barrels of crude have already been supplied to local refineries and paid for in Naira. The Dangote Refinery, the countrys largest, has been a major beneficiary, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) slated to supply it about 385,000 barrels per day of crude under the arrangement. In exchange, the refinery is to supply petrol and diesel of equivalent value in Naira. The government has also set up a one-stop shop to coordinate approvals among agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority and NIMASA, while ensuring that all related fees are paid in Naira. Benefits and challenges The Dangote group recently disclosed that the policy boosts confidence in the local currency, reduces dollar demand, and strengthens Nigerias sovereignty over its resources. It said participation in the programme has helped reduce petrol prices for Nigerians. However, challenges persist. In March, Dangote temporarily suspended fuel sales in Naira, citing a mismatch between the crude volumes delivered and the value of refined products already supplied under the policy. Nigerias refineries are projected to need about 770,500 barrels per day under the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation, roughly 37 per cent of expected national output, but meeting that requirement has proven difficult. Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, has called on the media to play a vital role in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Reforms at the National Assembly. Mr Arogundade made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the Consultative Roundtable with media stakeholders on the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reform. The event was convened by the IPC in partnership with Yiaga Africa and the European Union. It comes under the auspices of Component 4 of the Support to the Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two (EU-SDGNII) programme. Mr Arogundade said that as the National Assembly prepared to resume from its two-month recess, it had become pertinent to review the proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. The federal legislature was scheduled to reconvene plenary until Tuesday, but it shifted the resumption to 7 October. Distinguished colleagues, notwithstanding the considerable efforts invested in advancing the citizens memo, we have now reached a pivotal juncture where media support is both essential and highly valued. As the National Assembly reconvenes, it will be reviewing several proposals for electoral reforms to determine their feasibility for enactment within the statutory period required for amendments to take effect before the 2027 general elections. Historical precedent, such as the 12-year campaign for Nigerias Freedom of Information Act, demonstrates that meaningful reform is often achieved when the media actively champions the cause. Throughout this advocacy effort, the media played a significant role by serialising the bills content, publishing editorials, columns, news reports, features, analytical pieces, vox pops, and conducting interviews. Additionally, media organisations and professional bodies contributed to public hearings through formal presentations. The significant influence exerted by the media contributed to the passage and enactment of the FOI bill under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. Additionally, it should be noted that the electoral reforms previously mentioned were also achieved with media support, reflecting a pattern observed in other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, and several Eastern European nations, where the media serve as key catalysts for legislative and policy advancements, he said. The executive director explained that the IPC and its partners convened the consultative forum to enhance a shared understanding of the issues with the media to enable it (media) to play a critical role. He listed some of them as: to establish a shared agenda regarding the proposed reforms through targeted editorialisation of the issues; engage key electoral stakeholders and political actors and encourage them to consider supporting the reforms; and invite media organisations, associations, and professional bodies to actively participate in advocacy efforts. Others are to enhance public understanding and effectively address any misconceptions regarding the reforms, and encourage members of the National Assembly, as elected representatives, to consider passing the proposed reforms. He said the time had come to increase advocacy as the National Assembly would be concluding the constitution amendment process soon. Mr Arogundade, a former chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), noted that the focus is on the efforts to enhance electoral processes and institutions, essential for organising credible and acceptable elections. According to him, a deep analysis of elections in Nigeria, including the numerous disputes that arise during election cycles, shows that these issues often result from weaknesses in electoral structures and processes, as well as instances where some political actors do not adhere to established rules. Recent improvements in Nigerias election managementlike using technology for accreditation and voting with BVAS, and empowering officials to refuse to sign results under duressare outcomes of reforms championed by civil society organisations and non-state actors. The EU-SDGN cohort played a leading role in advocating for these significant changes during the first phase of the programme. The situation described above relates to the current initiative, which aims, through the citizens memo, to support the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria by maintaining previous progress and inclusively promoting electoral reforms. Speaking on the content of the citizens memorandum submitted to the National Assembly, Mr Arogundade said it includes enhancing the operational independence and impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); facilitating early voting and diaspora participation to promote greater inclusivity; advancing party democracy and limiting moneys role in politics; improving the transparency of election result collation and transmission; and enhancing the legal framework to facilitate the prompt prosecution of electoral offences. The IPC director stated that they were products of engagements with Nigerians, which were facilitated by the EU-SDGN programme, aimed at promoting a pluralistic, participatory, and representative democracy in Nigeria through five components that provide support to INEC, the National Assembly and the Judiciary, political parties, civil society, the media, as well as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. On her part, the Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, said about two million people could not vote in the 2023 general elections because of the nature of their work. She listed some of them as journalists, election observers, security personnel, INEC staff, and others. She said it was necessary to amend the Electoral Act to incorporate early voting to enable the eligible voters among them to exercise their franchise in future polls. Ms Mbamablu said some of the eligible voters on essential duties have not voted for a long time, noting the trend is noticeable across the world. In his presentation, Tony Onyima, a senior lecturer at Paul University, Akwa, Anambra State, urged journalists to deepen their reporting on democracy, elections, and the National Assembly. Mr Onyima, a former managing director of The SUN newspaper, asked Nigerians to see the Electoral Act as a very important ingredient for democracy to survive. A member of PREMIUM TIMES Investigations and Data Desk, Yakubu Mohammed, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award. For the highly coveted award, Mr Mohammed is shortlisted alongside another Nigerian, Abdulrasheed Hammad, a freelance journalist, as well as ten others across the world. The award is an annual competition organised in partnership with the UKs Foreign Press Association (FPA) to celebrate outstanding young journalists globally. Mr Mohammed was shortlisted for his investigative report, which uncovered the extent of Nigerias illicit lithium trade on social media platforms. The other Nigerian, Mr Hammad, was shortlisted for his story about malnourished children in Sokoto State. Nominees The Thomson Foundation said only 12 journalists made it to the shortlist of the 681 stories submitted by 227 journalists from 60 countries around the world. The shortlisted journalists include Mohamoud Shire of Radio Ergo in Somalia, Jorge Navarrate from Ecuador, Yaqut Ali of The Wire in India, Godwin Asediba of TV3 Ghana, Julius Mbewe of the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) Malawi, and Tracy Onchoke from Africa Uncensored in Kenya. Others are: Sanket Jain for Chemical and Engineering News, Wangu Kanuri of Daily Nation Kenya, and Hazaran Rahim Dad from PrismDAWN.com in Pakistan. According to the Director of Training and Communications at Thomson Foundation, Deborah Kelly, this years entries illustrate that young journalists are uncovering injustice and tackling the issues facing the planet. Through their tenacity and courage, they are telling the stories from their communities that matter, ensuring their voices are heard, Ms Kelly said. As it is the practice of the organisers, the 12-person list will be pruned down to the top three finalists who will be invited for the announcement of the winner at the Foreign Press Association Awards in London, UK, in November. About Mr Mohammed Mr Mohammed specialises in conflict and accountability reporting, covering issues around banditry, terrorism, environment and corruption in the public sectors. Before joining PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Mohammed had worked with WikkiTimes as a news editor. He started his career with The Guardian newspaper in Lagos, before joining the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), from where he moved to WikkiTimes. With more than six years of experience, Mr Mohammed has authored several investigations that sparked public discourse and had an impact on local communities. Since joining PREMIUM TIMES, he has produced consequential reports on humanitarian crisis, terrorism financing, cross-border terrorism, illegal mining and accountability reporting that have held government parastatals, including security agencies, accountable. READ ALSO: Premium Times Journalist selected for Africa Health Communications Fellowship He has visited hard-to-reach areas, combining field reporting skills and open-source intelligence tools (OSINT) to tell stories around banditry, terrorism, illegal mining, climate threats and other environmental issues intersecting with security. The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to provide immediate protection for Katsina-based entrepreneur and whistleblower, Mubarak Bello, who was recently arrested by the state police command. Mr Bello, who until recently ran a business centre inside the Katsina police headquarters, was arrested on 13 September after a night patrol intercepted his Toyota Corolla. Police in Katsina State alleged that they found a locally made rifle, live cartridges and a fake police identity card in his possession. He is currently facing accusations of impersonation, unlawful possession of firearms and holding a forged police ID. However, CWPPF, a coalition of more than 30 media and civil society organisations, insists Mr Bellos arrest is linked to his role in exposing a ghost workers scheme within the Katsina police command. According to the coalition, Mr Bello had raised alarms about a payroll racket dating back to 2017, when he alleged that officers attempted to co-opt him and an associate into the scheme. In 2021, Mr Bello reportedly petitioned several anti-corruption bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Police Service Commission (PSC), providing documents he claimed revealed widespread fraud. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) recently reported that Mr Bellos arrest came in retaliation for his whistleblowing activities. CWPPF echoed this concern in its petition dated 18 September, warning that Mr Bellos life and that of his family are under serious and imminent threat. The Nigerian Police Force should conduct a prompt, thorough and diligent investigation into the alleged payroll fraud scheme, as well as the allegations against him, the coalition wrote in a petition submitted to IGP Egbetokun, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, and his counterpart in Katsina State. The petition, signed by the Deputy Director, Journalism Programme at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Busola Ajibola, on behalf of the coalition, was also submitted to the National Human Rights Commission and ICPC. The acknowledgement copies were received, the coalition told PREMIUM TIMES, explaining that the copy meant for the Committee on Public Petitions is pending because the National Assembly is on recess. The coalition further demanded protection for Mr Bello and his family until the matter is resolved. Nigerias Ministry of Education says its website was hacked to upload statements branding a controversial Russian recruitment programme, Alabuga Start Programme, as a credible scholarship opportunity for young Nigerians. The ministrys Federal Scholarship Board director, Ndajiwo Asta, said statements uploaded to the website in 2022 and 2023 were posted by fraudsters who sought to use the ministrys name to legitimise the controversial programme. We didnt place it. Someone once showed me the letter on the website, which was posted in 2022. Since 2022, why has it not expired? This is the AI age; anybody can just draft a letter and upload it online. That is the case here. You should know this, she told PREMIUM TIMES. Every year, we receive an inquiry about the authenticity of a scholarship opportunity on the website, and I have to clarify that this is fake news, she said. This has been happening since the administration of Adamu Adamu, the former Minister of Education. The Alabuga Start Programme is a Russian state-backed initiative that offers young women fully funded scholarship opportunities for a period of two years. Launched in 2022, the programme is run by the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, an industrial institution located in Tatarstan, Russia, and typically targets young women aged 18-22 from developing countries. However, there have been reports that some of the young women recruited for the programme go on to manufacture drones in a military-industrial compound located approximately 1,000 km east of Moscow, known as Alabuga. A six-month investigation by a ZAM team in seven African countries, including PREMIUM TIMES in Nigeria, has revealed that the recruitment is done in a shady manner, based on false information and fake promises. The recruits, promised good salaries and skills training, often find themselves trapped upon arrival. PREMIUM TIMES investigation showed a shoddy and illegal channel used to recruit young women from Nigeria, many of whom are eager to be selected due to promises sold to them. Through email exchanges, interactions with the assigned HR specialist, conversations with Nigerian applicants, and other sources, PREMIUM TIMES found several questionable practices and those that violate the countrys laws on recruitment by foreign companies. Ministry not involved Alabuga Start is presented as both an employment opportunity and a fully funded scholarship. It covers the total travel expenses, accommodation, and feeding for the duration of the programme. The programme simultaneously offers vocational training and jobs in logistics, production operations, catering and food service, hospitality and service roles, driving, as well as installation and tiling work, specifically to girls with no prior work experience. It offers a salary ranging from $500 to $700 per month. According to Ms Asta, Nigeria has established bilateral relations with Russia, as outlined in the Russia-Nigeria Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), which has enabled thousands of Nigerians to study in Russia in various fields of specialisation over the years. The approved programme is administered by the Russian Ministry of Education and its Nigerian counterpart, through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). Each year, the Russian government grants scholarships to about 100 Nigerian students. The Nigerian embassy in Russia stated that there are more than 2,500 Nigerian students currently enrolled in universities across Russia, particularly in cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Belgorod, Rostov, Voronezh, Kursk, and Samara. However, Alabuga is not one of the institutions covered by the bilateral ties. When asked about this, Ms Asta stated that neither the FBS nor the Ministry of Education could have endorsed the Alabuga Start programme, as it was not on the list of universities covered by the BEA. Even if we posted it a year or two ago, should it not have closed by now. Where have you seen an opportunity without a deadline? It doesnt close. That alone should be a red flag, she said, referring to the programmes rolling application. Alabuga Start has no application window. PREMIUM TIMES reported that in some cases, ongoing applications can last up to a year. We dont have any Nigerian who has travelled to Russia through the BEA for vocational training. We dont have vocational training. Any Nigerians who are a part of the programme went on their own, the Nigerian official added. Why education ministry should take down post Despite describing the programme as fraudulent, Ms Asta did not seem convinced there was a need for the ministry and the board to denounce the programme publicly. The advertisement was still on the ministrys website as of Monday. Asked if the board would be actively taking any step to stop the use of the ministrys site to authenticate the programme, the board director said, What else is there to do. We have nothing to do with it, like I told you. We didnt place it there. But why are you focusing on an old issue? Ms Asta said to our reporter. We are in 2025, and you want to be dragging us back to 3-4 years ago. The world is evolving. We should look forward to what is happening. Let us join the world in focusing on AI. Not going back to look for old stories. It was in 2022. Does it not expire? Lets look forward, please, she said. However, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a body focused on regulating Nigerias digital ecosystem, declared that the ministry is obligated to take down information about Alabuga Start from its website. They should bring down the post already. What are they doing? They should bring it down. It is their responsibility, Hadeeza Umar, the agencys spokesperson, told PREMIUM TIMES during a phone interview. Ms Umar identified that the ministry is also obligated to maintain and protect its websites from any foreign encroachment. This is what they are supposed to do, she said. They created their website. They developed it, and so, they have to secure it. An education analyst, Oriyomi Ogunwale, identified that the recent findings have shown that information provided on the website of the ministry and scholarship board cannot be trusted. Mr Ogunwale, co-founder of an education-focused civic technology organisation, EduPlana, said, One way to get or verify information about the ministry is by checking the website. When information is shared on the site, students or even anyone would assume it is credible. But this is turning out to be untrue. Mr Oriyomi further noted that the vulnerability of the websites to fraudulent schemes, as claimed by the FBS director, was the result of the inistrys neglect of its ICT unit. This is a pattern, and I believe this challenge is more structural, Mr Oriyomi said. One thing highlighted by this story is the lack of attention to the ICT itself. Similarly, Yomi Fawehinmi, an education and Human Resources specialist, said that such publications also authenticate questionable opportunities, misleading Nigerians, many of whom are already induced to travel abroad. Unlicensed recruitment agencies PREMIUM TIMES findings also showed that the recruitment process is carried out primarily on Telegram, through an HR specialist from Alabuga in Russia. However, we also gathered that Alabuga Start has accredited unlicensed recruitment agencies in Nigeria to recruit young women. Some of them, with substantial social media followings, use frequent social media posts to increase the reach and demand for the programme. Our reporter spoke to some of the recruitment agencies, who confirmed that Alabuga contracted them to recruit women from Nigeria. One of the recruiters, Adeleke Olowatobi, disclosed that the programme has a network of agencies accredited to recruit on its behalf. Mr Adeleke works for Alabuga through his travel agency, Mercy of Success Konsultancy. Another recruiter, Cynthia Orah, also told PREMIUM TIME that her agency, Topklass Erasco Travels and Tours, was accredited to recruit young women on behalf of Alabuga. In conversations with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Adeleke identified that accredited agencies are made to sign a memorandum of understanding with the programme. He also shared with PREMIUM TIMES a video recording of the MOU he signed with Alabuga. The 3-page document, titled Memorandum of Understanding between the Special Economic Zone of an Industrial and Production Type Alabuga and MOS Konsultant. The document stated that the agreement was drafted to develop and strengthen cooperation between parties in the field of employment in Nigeria under the programme Alabuga Start. Another part of the document indicated that the recruiter is obligated to assist with the arrival of applicants to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia from Nigeria. It identified that the recruiter is mandated to disseminate information about the AS programme to potential participants. They also provide support in establishing contacts with other structures or organisations that may be interested in helping to disseminate information about the AS programme. Another part of the document indicated that the agency is expected to send participants of the Alabuga Start programme to medical centers approved by the Embassy of the Russian Federation to undergo medical examination and obtain confirmation that the applicants do not have any chronic disease. Although accredited by the institution, neither Topklass nor Mercy of Success Consultancy is licensed by the Nigerian government to recruit from Nigeria for foreign entities. According to the Nigerian Labour Act, an agency must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment before it can legally operate as a recruitment or placement firm for foreign entities. Section 25 of the act states that the labour minister licences fit and proper persons to recruit citizens in Nigeria for the purpose of employment as workers outside Nigeria; or employment as workers in Nigeria. Provided that any person who has been granted a licence to recruit citizens for employment outside Nigeria may also be granted a licence to recruit citizens for employment inside Nigeria. No government agency could provide the number of Nigerians who have been part of the Alabuga process. When PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to ask if it has a record of Nigerians participating in the programme, we were directed to reach out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The spokesperson of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, however, did not respond to the inquiry when contacted. PREMIUM TIMES also reached out to the Russian Embassy in Nigeria for records of Nigerians in the programme, and details of their welfare. During our meeting with the ambassador, Andrey Podelyshev, he stated that he could not comment on the welfare of participants in the programme because the embassy does not have this information. According to him, the embassy does not have any relationship with Alabuga and knows little about the programme. He, however, said that participants were not recruited to assemble military drones as the countrys legislation prohibited this. No foreigners can work in a military plant. Russian legislation prohibits this. For anyone to work in the plant, they must obtain clearance from the security agency. When asked about the number of Nigerians currently enrolled in the programme, the Russian ambassador said he did not know. The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have extended the strike ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government over unmet demands. In a letter to its members on Tuesday, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU said the decision to extend the ultimatum by two weeks followed a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, on Friday, 19 September. The letter, co-signed by SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, said the government, after receiving its seven-day ultimatum last week, constituted a joint consultative committee to look into their demands. It noted that the committee met on Friday and deliberated on the unions demands, but concrete resolutions of our requests have not been met, necessitating the continuation of discussions. Therefore, the unions resolved to extend the ultimatum by an additional two weeks, effective from Tuesday, 23 September. It noted that the extension provides the government with an opportunity to initiate the requisite processes to address their demands. If the government fails to do the needful within this extended period, the JAC will summarily proceed with a series of legitimate industrial actions upon expiration of the extension, the letter said. JAC listed attendees of Fridays meeting to include Mr Enitan, the Permanent Secretary; the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abdullahi Ribadu, a professor; the Director, Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Joel Ojo; and the Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Amos Falonipe. Initial ultimatum JAC had, in a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, issued the government a seven-day ultimatum effective 15 September, threatening to embark on a series of industrial actions, including a strike, should the government fail to address the demands. In the letter, JAC said the government has consistently failed to address their demands, despite several meetings and reminders. Despite our repeated efforts to draw your attention to address concerns affecting our members in the universities and Inter-university centres, there appears to be nothing positive forthcoming from your office, JAC had said. Demands In the letter, both unions listed three demands: unjust disbursement of N50 billion earned allowances; outstanding withheld Salaries and 25/35 per cent Salary Increments; and the renegotiation of 2009 agreements with the federal government. JAC had said the N50 billion earned allowances released by the government for university staff were shared disproportionately, with 70 per cent going to the academic staff while the remaining 30 per cent went to all non-teaching staff unions, including SSANU, NASU and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The unions also said it has only had one meeting with the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, inaugurated in October last year, to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with the university-based unions. It expressed concern that the same committee has gone ahead to conclude the renegotiation with the academic staff while neglecting them. Failed efforts JAC said these concerns were presented to the minister via a letter on 18 June and at a meeting with him on 4 July. The letter noted that the 4 July resolution stated that a tripartite committee comprising representatives from the education ministry, NUC and JAC of NASU and SSANU would be constituted to resolve the skewed distribution of the earned allowances. It added that the minister, at the meeting, also pledged to set machinery in motion to resolve the payment of arrears of 25/35 per cent salary increments owed to the non-teaching university staff members. After months of silence, JAC said a letter of reminder was sent to the minister on 18 August, reminding him of the resolutions at the 4 July meeting. Regrettably, we are yet to see progress, it said. The Kaduna State government and the Gates Foundation have signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) to strengthen accountability in development. The agreement was signed on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. According to a joint statement signed by Fatima Abubakar-Alkali, senior communications officer at the Gates Foundation, and Ibraheem Musa, chief press secretary to Kaduna State Governor, the Framework establishes a non-binding strategic platform for dialogue and accountability. In the statement, both parties explained that the Framework is not legally enforceable and does not impose financial commitments on either side. Instead, it is intended to serve as a guide for collaboration and to align the development priorities of both partners for greater impact. Kaduna State commitment Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State, described the Framework as crucial in turning policy promises into tangible results. Mr Sani noted that the state government is working towards building a bright future for the state. The KaMAF represents a bold shift from promises to delivery. By ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with the priorities of our citizens, Kaduna is working toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future, he said. We are proud to partner with the Gates Foundation to drive real, measurable change that improves lives across our state. Gates Foundations role Uche Amaonwu, the Foundations country director for Nigeria, said the partnership is anchored on a shared vision for inclusive, accountable, and data-driven development. Mr Amaonwu added that the investment would focus on people and communities, ensuring development efforts translate into lasting change. Our work in Kaduna is grounded in a shared vision for inclusive, accountable, and data-driven development, he said. We are not just investing in systems; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the institutions that support sustainable change. Mr Amaonwu added that the Foundation is committed to helping Kaduna strengthen primary health care, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that every naira spent delivers real impact. Next steps The statement indicates that KaMAF builds on the earlier Kaduna State International Development Cooperation Framework (20172020), which coordinated donor support for the state. The new arrangement introduces mechanisms for strategic dialogue, measurable commitments, and citizen-centred monitoring. Its focus areas include health, agriculture, data management, realistic budgeting, and economic empowerment. The statement noted that the framework will operate over an initial two-year period (20252026). It also noted that the Joint Steering Committee and regular strategic dialogues will be used to track progress, address bottlenecks, and ensure sustainability. By giving AI a Nigerian accent, the country has asserted that its languages and people deserve recognition in the digital age. Whether this becomes a catalyst for a broader transformation depends on how well Nigeria nurtures, scales, and integrates the model into daily life One thing, however, is clear: the world is now listening, and for once, it is Nigeria speaking on its own terms. For millions of Nigerians, digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google remain outsiders to daily life. They stumble over names, flatten accents, and mispronounce places with comic clumsiness Enugu becomes En-you-goo and Ibadan mutates into Eye-bay-dawn. Beneath the humour lies a deeper frustration: global technologies still struggle to understand African voices. That may be about to change. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria unveiled N-ATLAS, the countrys first AI model trained specifically to understand local languages, accents, and contexts. More than just a tool, N-ATLAS promises to give 200 million people a digital assistant that finally speaks home. Behind this milestone are years of planning and collaboration. The project emerged from Nigerias Language-AI Initiative, spearheaded by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAR) in partnership with Awarri Technologies, private contributors, and academics. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, explained that starting with Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English was only the beginning. The model places Africas voices and diversity at the foundation of AI, Tijani declared on X. By unveiling it at the UNGA, Nigeria signaled not only its readiness to participate in the global AI conversation but also its determination to shape it. N-ATLAS-LLM is based on the LLaMA architecture, fine-tuned on over 400 million tokens of multilingual instruction data. It combines speech recognition, transcription, and natural language understanding to deliver fluent responses in Nigerian languages and accents. But its real breakthrough lies not in code alone, but in cultural sensitivity. Training the model meant overcoming a huge obstacle: data scarcity. While English and French have endless digitised resources, Nigerian languages have comparatively few. Engineers and linguists had to gather radio broadcasts, Nollywood scripts, interviews, and crowdsourced voice recordings. Each sample was meticulously annotated to capture pronunciation, tone, and context. In Yoruba, for example, the same word can carry entirely different meanings depending on pitch. The AI had to learn to listen as carefully as a human ear. Cultural experts also ensured the model could handle slang, proverbs, and colloquial expressions features of Nigerian speech that often baffle foreign-trained systems. This blending of technical precision and cultural authenticity makes N-ATLAS stand apart from conventional AI. N-ATLAS is not just a technological feat; it is a statement about identity and representation. For decades, AI systems trained on Western voices have misrepresented or excluded African languages. By prioritising Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English, Nigeria has pushed back against this digital colonialism. The models ability to transcribe radio shows, interviews, and casual conversations helps preserve Nigerias linguistic diversity in digital form. It also democratises access: government portals, call centres, and educational platforms can now operate in local languages, making services more inclusive. For rural communities, students, and people with disabilities, this leap could be transformative. Already, N-ATLAS is being applied in practical ways: Government services can deploy chatbots to answer queries in local languages. Media outlets can transcribe and caption content automatically. Schools can deliver learning resources in mother tongues, boosting literacy. Accessibility tools can help people with disabilities use voice-to-text functions. But challenges remain. Nigeria has over 500 languages and countless dialects. Expanding coverage will demand massive data collection and continuous refinement. Long-term sustainability requires funding, adoption, and trust from citizens and businesses. Global tech giants are also racing to integrate African languages, making it crucial for Nigeria to move fast and build relevance. Beyond Nigeria, N-ATLAS could seed a continental AI ecosystem. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa could adapt it to their own languages, creating a network of African AI systems that reflect regional identities while sharing resources and expertise. This collective approach could challenge the dominance of Western-trained models and ensure Africa is a contributor not just a consumer in the AI revolution. The success of N-ATLAS ultimately hinges on Nigerias ability to sustain it. Investment in research, infrastructure, and AI education is critical. More than a technological showcase, N-ATLAS signals an ambition: for Africa to speak, innovate, and lead in its own voice. By giving AI a Nigerian accent, the country has asserted that its languages and people deserve recognition in the digital age. Whether this becomes a catalyst for a broader transformation depends on how well Nigeria nurtures, scales, and integrates the model into daily life. One thing, however, is clear: the world is now listening, and for once, it is Nigeria speaking on its own terms. Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist based in Kano. A serious farmer does not just plant seeds and walk away. He waters daily, weeds constantly, and watches over his crops until harvest. This age-old wisdom accurately captures the leadership style of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda as Katsina State celebrates 38 years of existence. Like that dedicated farmer, Radda has shown that when he says he means business, he backs his words with daily action, constant attention, and dedication to results. Since September 23, 1987, when Katsina State was carved out of the old Kaduna State, we have witnessed the leadership of different administrators who have contributed their quota to the development of our dear state. From the military era through successive civilian governments, each administration has planted seeds of progress in their own way. The military administrators laid the foundation stones. They established the basic structures that gave our state its identity and initial direction. However, return to democracy brought leaders who expanded on these foundations. Each adding their unique contributions to the Katsina story. We must acknowledge their efforts and commend every government that has served the people with sincerity and patriotism. Be that as it may, when Governor Radda assumed office, he found a state that needed urgent surgery. Like a seasoned doctor examining a patient, he quickly diagnosed what Katsina needed to move to the next level. His prescription was simple but detailed: Building Your Future an agenda that speaks directly to every citizens aspiration for better tomorrow. The question many people asked was simple: Does this new governor really mean business, or is this another round of political promises? Today, as we celebrate our 38th anniversary, the answer is written across our state in concrete and steel, in improved lives and renewed hope. When Mr Radda talks about infrastructure development, he equally builds on it. The 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass stands as testimony to a leader who means business. The Kofar Soro-Kofar Guga road project speaks volumes about his commitment to improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens. But Raddas business mind goes beyond roads. He initiated multibillion naira urban renewal projects across all three senatorial districts. This is strategic thinking at its best ensuring that no part of Katsina State is left behind in the march toward development. Walk through modern-day Katsina at night, and you will see the Light Up Katsina Project illuminating our streets. Do you observe the business sense in this area? When businesses can operate longer hours safely, when people feel secure walking home after dark, when properties are protected by good lighting, that is economic development at work. Security has always been a major challenge for our state. But Governor Radda chose to face this monster head-on. His investment in both military action and peaceful dialogue is yielding positive results. Alhamdulillah, we can see the difference. Communities that once lived in fear are beginning to sleep peacefully. Farmers who abandoned their fields are returning to work. This is what happens when a leader means business about protecting his people. Education and healthcare access have received unprecedented attention under this administration. When a governor establishes new schools, renovates old ones, provides scholarships to students, and ensures that primary healthcare reaches every ward, he is investing in the future. This is the kind of business that pays dividends for generations. The support for farmers, women, and youth through various empowerment programs shows a leader who understands that development is not limited to big projects. Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from helping a widow start a small business, supporting a young graduate with capital, or providing a farmer with modern equipment. Governor Raddas approach to governance reminds us that a leader who means business will make a positive difference in the peoples life. The leader makes life a little better for people every single day. As we celebrate 38 years of statehood, we can proudly say that our current governor has brought a business mindset to governance. He sets targets, measures results, and adjusts strategies when necessary. He understands that every naira spent must produce value for the people who elected him. The transformation we see across Katsina State today did not happen by accident. It is the product of careful planning, dedicated execution, and consistent follow-through. This is what separates leaders who mean business from those who merely mean well. On this 38th anniversary, we wish our dear state continued progress and prosperity. We call on every son and daughter of Katsina to support this governor who has proven beyond doubt that he truly means business. The journey continues, and with leaders like Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the helm, the future of Katsina State looks brighter than ever. Long live Katsina State! * Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State Arla Nigeria, makers of Dano milk announced the celebration of its 10th anniversary on the 23rdof September, marking ten years of providing high-quality nourishing dairy products to Nigerian families, while investing in the future of the countrys dairy sector. From ambitious beginnings, Arla Nigeria has grown into a trusted partner to consumers and communities, bringing well-loved brands such as DANO and Lurpak, and more into households across the country. Since establishing operations in 2015 in Nigeria, Arla has remained committed to its dual role as both a provider of nutritious dairy products and a driver of local development. Beyond expanding its brand portfolio, the company has invested in projects that build a stronger and more sustainable local dairy value chain. A key example of this is the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, Kaduna, a state-of-the-art facility that not only produces high-quality milk locally but also serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing with smallholder farmers, students and industry stakeholders. Through such initiatives, Arla is providing hundreds of jobs and supporting thousands of farmers to improve productivity and livelihoods, while helping Nigeria advance towards dairy self-sufficiency. This anniversary also coincides with a global milestone: Arla Foods, the farmer-owned cooperative is celebrating 25 years since its formation in 2000. Together, both milestones underscore the cooperatives heritage and enduring commitment to creating long-term value for consumers, farmers, and society. Speaking on the milestone, Peder Pedersen, Managing Director of Arla Foods Nigeria, said: Marking 10 years in Nigeria is both humbling and inspiring for us at Arla as we reflect on our journey and achievements, despite many challenges. From our very first day, we set out to not only bring trusted brands like DANO, Lurpak and more to Nigerian households, but also to play an active role in building the local dairy industry. Addressing the companys broader commitment, he added: Over the past decade, we have partnered with government, supported farmers, created jobs, and invested in backward integration projects such as the Arla-Dano Dairy Farm. As we celebrate our tenth year in Nigeria alongside Arla Foods 25th anniversary globally, we look to the future with confidence, strengthening our impact locally, supporting dairy farmers, and continuing to deliver tasty and nutritious dairy products today and for generations to come. Arlas presence in Nigeria is anchored by a dedicated team of Nigerian professionals and international experts working together with values of collaboration, transparency, and sustainability. Through active engagement with the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and now the Ministry of Livestock Development, Arla plays a keyrole in shaping Nigerias dairy sector. As Arla Nigeria marks its 10-year milestone, it recommits to its mission: nourishing Nigerians with tasty wholesome products, building a sustainable, self-reliant Nigerian dairy sector powered by local production, innovation, and partnerships. The ambitious targets set like annual milk output and expanded training reflect a future-oriented strategy grounded in impact. Here are some key milestones over the past decade: 2015 Set up Dano Factory as a joint venture with Tolaram Group at Lagos free zone 2019: Backward Integration Commencement and Farmer Engagement Arla began training and supporting up to 1,000 local dairy farmers in northern Nigeria to improve yield, quality, animal welfare, and farm profitability. 20202022: Establishment of the Arla-Dano Farm Plans for a state-of-the-art 300-hectare commercial dairy farm in Damau Kaduna were set in motion and construction started. 2023: Damau State-of-the-Art Dairy Farm Launch Arrival of 215 Holsten Heifers from Denmark and inauguration of Nigerias most advanced dairy farm, with capacity for 1,000 cows. 2024: First Farm Open Day and commencement of knowledge sharing to stakeholders, becoming a centre of dairy excellence in Nigeria 2025: Yoghurt Factory construction in Damau soon to go live with products made from fresh milk only. SUVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's current sewerage system is operating beyond capacity and cannot support major economic growth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad said on Wednesday. Prasad said Fiji's wastewater infrastructure is under severe strain and struggling to cope with demand, posing a major threat to the environment, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. In addition, Fiji also faces human resource shortages in the water and wastewater sector, the deputy prime minister added, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term capacity building. According to Prasad, to address the issue, the government has signed a 385-million-Fijian-dollar (around 170 million U.S. dollars) support agreement under the Healthy Oceans and Water Supply Improvement Project. He also confirmed that while the investment is significant, it remains within the country's fiscal targets. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has attributed the growing number of out-of-school children and the rising tide of social vices in Northern Nigeria to parental neglect and the failure of families to uphold core household responsibilities. The governor made this known Tuesday during an interactive session with the leadership of the Council of Ulamas and executives of the Zakkat and Waqf Board, held at the Councils Secretariat in Katsina. Governor Radda emphasised that a strong and effective legal framework is crucial to building stable marriages, defining parental responsibilities, and fostering family stability. He urged the Ulamas to embark on wider consultations by engaging Islamic clerics across the state to provide inputs for the proposed family law reforms. Mr Radda further advised parents to remain vigilant by carefully investigating the character and background of prospective suitors before marrying off their daughters. In his speech at the meeting, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahya Daura, assured that the Assembly is ready to enact laws that would secure lasting peace and strengthen family life in the state. He noted that institutions such as the Zakkat and Waqf Board and the Hisbah Board are already addressing some of the states moral and social challenges. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Ishaq Shehu Dabai, highlighted the need for thorough investigation in resolving family conflicts, especially those that often lead to divorce. He stressed that preventive measures and fair dispute resolution are vital to protecting family life. The Executive Chairman of the Zakkat and Waqf Board, Dr Ahmed Abdullahi Filin Samji, called for a new law mandating genotype and HIV tests before marriage. He also recommended that the reforms should encourage exclusive breastfeeding to reduce malnutrition and other child health challenges. Other participants among Ulamasincluding Alkali Muhammad Yusuf, Mallam Musa Abubakar Kankia, Aliyu Harazumi Danja, and Mallam Aminu Abdullahi Yammawaspoke on the harmful effects of family separation on children and society. They advised the Council of Ulamas to reach out to respected scholars across Nigeria for further guidance on the proposed reforms. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen family structures, enhance parental responsibility, and tackle the root causes of social vices and the out-of-school children crisis in Katsina State. Five communities have been submerged by floods in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State as water levels in the Rivers Niger and Benue continue to rise. The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mouktar Atima, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the state health commissioner in Lokoja on Tuesday. Mr Atima said 258 communities in eight local government areas have been identified as flood-prone. The state government has opened 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and an emergency operations centre to manage the expected displacement. Already, five communities in Ibaji Local Government Area have been completely submerged. These include Ota, Ofogbo, Itima and Owara, he said. The SEMA boss warned that the state was entering a difficult period in the coming days following water releases from dams into the Rivers Niger and Benue. He called on residents along the river banks to relocate immediately to safer areas. Health risks Mr Atima said the health ministry was critical to the states disaster response and commended the commissioner for measures taken to prevent loss of lives. He recalled that no casualty was officially recorded during last years flood in Kogi. Responding, the commissioner of health, Adams Abdullazeez, said the ministry had started fumigating all 42 IDP camps and deployed personnel and materials ahead of possible outbreaks of waterborne diseases. We are aware that there may be an outbreak of diseases or an epidemic in the camps and we are fully prepared, Mr Abdullazeez said. He also credited Governor Usman Ododo for prompt intervention in flood management, noting that while other states recorded deaths last year, Kogi reported none. Recurring flood in Kogi Flooding has become a recurring challenge in Kogi, which lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. In 2022, Nigeria recorded its worst floods in a decade, according to the National Emergency Management Agency, killing over 600 people nationwide and displacing more than a million. Environmental experts have repeatedly faulted federal and state authorities for what they describe as reactive rather than preventive strategies in tackling floods, including poor dam management and weak enforcement of urban planning regulations. With the rainy season intensifying, it remains unclear how effectively state and federal agencies will protect vulnerable communities across Kogi and other high-risk states. Governor Umo Enos aides involvement in the recent airport reception for his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, at Akwa Ibom State has continued to stir controversy. Mr Emmanuel was in the state in early September for his cousins burial. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, 23 September, Otobasi Udo, the APC spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, said the APC members who took part in the airport reception were inconsequential. Akwa Ibom celebrated the 38th anniversary of the states creation on Tuesday. In a statewide broadcast to mark the anniversary, Governor Eno paid tribute to the states founding fathers and his predecessors, including Mr Emmanuel. Let me end this broadcast by again appealing to you, my dear people, to remain united, peaceful, and hopeful. As the political season unfolds, I urge us not to allow the flaming passion of politics to divide us. Elections will come and go, but the Akwa Ibom spirit of love and brotherhood will remain. We are running Akwa Ibom United across party lines, Mr Eno said. In the broadcast, the governor reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubus bid for re-election in 2027. Mr Eno, who contested and won the 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship election under the PDP, defected to Mr Tinubus party, the APC, in June 2025. He cited his desire to support the presidents re-election bid and connect Akwa Ibom to the centre as the reason for his defection. Until Mr Enos defection, the PDP had governed the oil-rich state for 26 years, since the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999. The defection is causing confusion and suspicion as his predecessor, Mr Emmanuel, and some other politicians in the state have refused to defect to the APC. Political blackmail now thrives in Akwa Ibom, with politicians accusing one another of not being fully loyal to Governor Eno. Cautious celebration On the Akwa Ibom anniversary day, the APC spokesperson in the state, Mr Udo, a lawyer, published a statement on a WhatsApp platform, celebrating successive leaders of the state, including Mr Emmanuel, for their contribution to the states development. The Chairperson of the APC in the state, Stephen Ntukekpo, was more generous in his praise for the former governor, Mr Emmanuel, who he said steered the state with prudent industrialisation and economic diversification. His efforts in attracting industries, expanding aviation with Ibom Air, and consolidating peace and security marked a new era of progress for Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ntukekpo said. PREMIUM TIMES pointed to the APC spokesperson, Mr Udo, that the partys statement on the state anniversary praised Mr Emmanuel, while some aides of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, vilified Governor Enos aides who received the former governor at the Uyo airport. I am not going to choose today to say this one is bad or this one is good; everyone who had the opportunity to rule this state, we (as a people and a state) were moved forward to where we are today through their contributions, Mr Udo responded, cautiously. Our reporter asked him where the APC places Mr Emmanuel in the context of Akwa Ibom United across party lines as advocated by Governor Eno. He (Emmanuel) is not a member of our party; our party places him as a former governor of the state, he responded. Our reporter asked him if it was okay for APC members to receive Mr Emmanuel at the airport. Was Governor Umo Eno or the APC chairman in the state there? These are the principal members of the party in the state. I want to believe that those who were there, as far as the party is concerned, were inconsequential, he responded. Attacks on Gov Enos aides Ata Ikiddeh, a close ally of Mr Akpabio, has twice attacked Mr Enos aides who received Mr Emmanuel at the airport, questioning their loyalty to the governor. Earlier this month, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ikiddeh and Anietie Ekong, a media aide to Mr Akpabio, called for sanctions against the officials who publicly welcomed Mr Emmanuel. What I found most disturbing and concerning are the appointees of Governor Eno who trooped out to welcome their former boss and rubbed it in our faces where their allegiance and loyalty stand. They stumbled over themselves to take selfies with the former governor and, without qualms, splashed (the photographs) in our faces on social media; their bodies may be with Governor Eno, but their hearts are with Mr Emmanuel, Mr Ekong wrote on Facebook about Mr Emmanuels visit, calling out the appointees of Governor Eno to state whom they shall serve: their present boss or the former boss. Governor Eno confirmed to an online newspaper, Policy and Politics, that he had read the piece by Mr Akpabios aide, but said he would not fight his predecessor. For me, those to watch out for are not those who pay respect to our leaders in the open. It is those who sneak surreptitiously to tell lies and plant evil seeds and yet come to smile with you, the newspaper quoted Mr Eno as saying. Meanwhile, none of the former civilian governors of Akwa IbomMessrs Akpabio, Emmanuel, and Victor Attahattended the traditional inter-denominational church service and the banquet organised by Mr Enos administration to mark the states 38th anniversary. It is unclear why all the former governors stayed away from the events. Stylish insults PREMIUM TIMES spoke last week with an aide to Mr Eno, who requested that his name not be disclosed in the report because he was not authorised to speak on the fallout of the former governors visit to Akwa Ibom. The aide said the calls for Mr Eno to sack them for receiving Mr Emmanuel at the airport are stylish insults to the governor, especially since the governor has dismissed the reported rift with his predecessor. We are beginning to question the devotion, loyalty, and allegiance of elements like Anietie Ekong and Ata Ikiddeh to the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno, who is the sole leader of our Party the APC in the entire Akwa Ibom State. As the leader of the APC, Governor Umo Eno wields enormous powers and is deserving of all amounts of loyalty from aborigines and even new members of our party. The stylish insults must end forthwith! he said. The aide said he was speaking the minds of other aides, including commissioners, who he said are not happy with the torrential attacks from Mr Akpabios aide and allies. He said the attacks on them are a sign of desperation from people with wanton thirst for appointment and scheming for dislodgment of others. We must remind them that our boss, the governor, is a tested clergy who believes that those who worked in the farm when others like Anietie Ekong and Ata Ikiddeh fought to stop the planting season must eat the fruits from the farm to their fill. We strongly warn the duo against further insults on us and the indiscriminate effort to paint all appointees of Governor Eno as disloyal people. The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has approved a new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mass Communication, as a department, was already in existence in the institution, while six others Journalism, Broadcasting, Advertising, Strategic Communication, Development Communication and Public Relations were added. Speaking on Tuesday in Calabar, Lawrence Ekwok, the head of the Department of Mass Communication, attributed the success to the Vice-Chancellor, Florence Obis purposeful leadership, and the Senates support. He said that while they were grateful to the vice-chancellor for her leadership, the faculty would set new standards in media education, research, and professional practice. With this approval, UniCal joins the Nigerian universities offering specialised programmes in Communication and Media Studies while reinforcing its status as a centre of academic excellence. The unbundling is aimed at meeting current demands in university education in line with global development and best practices, he said. As part of its reforms, the National Universities Commission had unbundled the Mass Communication programme into several separate programmes. The new departments in the faculty will undergo resource verification on Monday, 29 September. A former senator from Akwa Ibom State, Nelson Effiong, has been appointed the village head of Eyo Usotai in Oron Local Government Area of the state. He was among the new traditional rulers in the state who received their certificate of recognition from the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Tuesday, 23 September, in Uyo, as part of the events to mark the 38th anniversary of the states creation. At the event, Mr Eno swore in the Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area, Saviour Udofia, as the new Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council. The governor used the event to express his administrations commitment to traditional rulers welfare. We have provided official vehicles to our royal fathers. Some (of the vehicles) that were over five years old were replaced with new ones. We are intervening in their healthcare needs, outside of the quarterly healthcare package we have been providing, the governor said. He announced an upward review of the monthly remuneration for the states traditional rulers and the appointment of a personal assistant for each paramount ruler. Governor Eno said the state government treasures the roles the traditional rulers play in the states governance, especially at the grassroots. He said the administration wanted to demonstrate how much it cares about them and to encourage them in their good deeds. He appealed for continued support from the traditional rulers for his administration. Ex-senator explains why he accepted to be a village head PREMIUM TIMES, on Wednesday, asked Mr Effiong why he accepted becoming a village head. I have finished the political journey; I am now on the traditional journey. There comes a time you have to give way for the younger ones to take over in politics. I will be 73 years old next April. If I were in the civil service, I would have retired long ago, the former senator told our reporter. He said his focus as a village head would be on building and sustaining peace among his people and drawing the governments attention to their development needs. Even though we did our best in politics, you know the influence the village head, clan head and the paramount ruler have, he said. Mr Effiong, elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, represented Akwa Ibom South District in the Senate from 2015 to 2019. He defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress in 2017. The party is in tatters, Mr Effiong said when he defected from the PDP. No reasonable politician can keep wasting his time (in the PDP). He was the speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly before he became a senator. The former senator was abducted by gunmen in 2021 and was later released after spending over 50 days in captivity. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered Andy Uba, a former senator, to appear on 28 October for a N400 million fraud case filed against him or face an order of arrest. Judge Mohammed Umar gave the warning following an application by the prosecution lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi. Mr Uba has been absent from court since the case was initiated in 2024, but his co-defendant, Benjamin Etu, has always attended proceedings. The police filed the fraud charges against them in October 2024, following a petition by businessman George Uboh, accusing them of defrauding him of N400 million. The prosecution accused him of conspiring with Mr Etu and others to obtain the N400 million from Mr Uboh under the pretext of helping him to secure an appointment as managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Mr Uba, who wielded considerable influence during former President Olusegun Obasanjos administration, served as governor of Anambra State for only 16 days in 2007. His tenure abruptly ended when the Supreme Court nullified it. Four years later, in April 2011, he won a senatorial election to represent the Anambra South Senatorial district for one term in the Nigerian Senate. On Wednesday, the prosecutor, Mr Abdullahi, urged the court to issue a warrant for the arrest of Mr Uba, citing his repeated absence from court. He urged the court to invoke its power under Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. But Mr Ubas lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, opposed the application. He pleaded for more time for his client, who he said was undergoing medical treatment in a United States hospital, to appear. Reacting, Mr Abdullahi said the defence had given the same excuse during the July sitting. He described Mr Ubas absence since the charges were filed in 2024 as disrespectful to the court and a deliberate attempt to stall the trial. We will be applying for a bench warrant under Section 394 of ACJA, 2015, against the first defendant, he said. The defence lawyer urged the court to disregard the application. He said he had shown the prosecution lawyer documents proving Mr Ubas state of ill health just before proceedings started. He said the prosecution could verify the documents. Unimpressed with the defences submission, the judge asked rhetorically: So what you are saying is that we are going to remain this way even if it will take 10 years? He then warned the defendant to appear in court on 28 October or risk arrest. Mr Ubas lawyer first raised the issue of his clients overseas medical trip during the previous 7 July proceedings attended by the co-defendant, Mr Etu. The prosecution expressed displeasure about the former senators absence from court. The judge adjourned the matter until 24 September (today), hoping that Mr Uba would be present. Earlier in May, the Director of Public Prosecutions, M.B. Abubakar, wrote to the police confirming sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Uba and others, while formally clearing his wife, Crystal Uba, of any wrongdoing. Renowned historian, Toyin Falola, a professor, said on Wednesday that the reign of Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, would pave the way for modernisation of Ibadanland. Mr Falola said this when he delivered the First Olubadan Coronation Lecture organised in honour of Oba Ladoja, which had as its topic: Ibadan History: Issues in Tradition and Modernity. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Ladoja would be installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday. Mr Falola said that the personality of Oba Ladoja as a former politician, statesman and successful businessman would no doubt bring development and improve the economic condition of the state as a whole. Though he is not the governor, the expectations of the people of Ibadan and the state are high because he has the power to influence things to be achievable, he said. Mr Falola called on the people of Ibadan to embrace modernisation by improving on proper waste disposal and environmental hygiene. He also recommended the promotion of the cultural heritage of the forebears of Ibadanland, adding that the city was connected to modernity and had produced successful businessmen, women, politicians among others. Earlier, the Chairman, Coronation Lecture Committee, Amidu Sani, professor, said the lecture aimed to showcase the intellectual profile of Ibadanland and also focused on correcting the wrong perception about indigenes of Ibadanland Also speaking, the Chairman, Coronation Committee, Bayo Oyero, said the lecture wasnt an academic exercise but a critical dialogue, moment for introspection and source of guidance for the new Olubadan. We hope that the lecture would not only enlighten but also help to shape the strategic direction of Ibadanland under the leadership of Oba Rashidi Ladoja, he said . NAN reports that those who were present at the occasion included the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, a professor; and Vice Chancellor, Lead City University, Kamorudeen Adeyemi, also a professor. Also there were traditional title holders in attendance. (NAN) MANILA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos is moving to tighten the country's rice import policy by extending the current two-month import suspension and raising tariffs on foreign rice, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Marcos has directed the DA to prepare the necessary orders to extend the import freeze. "The duration of the import freeze and the possible increase in taxes on imported rice will be determined once we have more accurate data on supply and prices of palay, or unhusked rice, at the farm gate," Tiu Laurel said after conferring with Marcos. The import suspension, which began on Sept. 1 and is set to end on Nov. 2, was initially imposed to help farmers recover from falling palay prices triggered by a surge in cheaper imported rice. Challenge to take place across L.A. in anticipation of International Vodka Day The playful initiative driven by Smirnoff and global pop sensation Troye Sivan has been created to inspire people to connect and celebrate their ultimate IRL hangs with friends. This moment marks the next installment of the Chief Vibes OFFicer (CVO) story picking up with Troye, who was appointed CVO in last November, to take viewers behind the scenes with a 'Day in the life' at Vibes HQ Legally we have to say that 'Chief Vibes OFFicer' is not a real title, and Vibes HQ is not a real place of work both are used solely for promotional purposes (please do not tell Troye...) HERO YouTube link HERE and all assets HERE LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smirnoff, the world's no.1 vodka brand[1], is today launching a playful briefcase drop in partnership with global pop sensation Troye Sivan, bringing people together for the ultimate IRL hang with their friends this International Vodka Day (October 4th). The announcement comes as Troye Sivan gives fans a glimpse into a day in the life of a Chief Vibes OFFicer at Smirnoff with a tongue-in-cheek tour of Smirnoff Vibes HQ. Global pop sensation, Troye Sivan, gives fans a tour of Smirnoff Vibes HQ From URL to IRL, the briefcase drop will take place in Los Angeles, Troye's hometown when in the US, on Oct 2nd, encouraging everyone to take their plans out of the group chat to meet IRL for the ultimate group hang (21+). Dropped in iconic spots across LA, fans (21+) will piece together clues shared from Troye and Smirnoff to find the briefcases and, in the spirit of bringing people together, to find them they'll need a clue and to claim the prize they'll need their crew.** Inside, the potential winners will find a personalized video from Troye and can claim their prize including a CVO-mandated weekend in Palm Springs think sunshine, lo-fi chill and the highest of vibes. Troye was appointed as Smirnoff's Chief Vibes OFFicer (CVO) in November 2024, kicking off an exciting multi-year partnership with one clear aim to get people out, get people together and Go OFF. With an annual performance review on the horizon, it feels safe to say that Troye has delivered some 10/10 results as CVO a headline tour across Australia with Smirnoff Club Rush afterparties in Melbourne and Sydney, shareable Out Of Office content ahead of the festive holidays, a Vibe Check with fans ahead of his headline slot at World Pride Music Festival in D.C in June and some iconic Friday work memos for those wanting to emulate his CVO energy over the last few weeks. The next installment of the CVO story introduces viewers to Vibes HQ, an idyllic coastal compound in the sun, the perfect setting for the meticulous monitoring of vibes, mood measurement and other very important research. Equipped with a temp-controlled Smirnoff ICE room, a dimly lit break-out room and open-air team briefings we pick up with Troye as he is busy 'working', before he's called to check on the Smirnoff ICE in storage (fear not... it's chill) and kick off a very professional productivity check-in with his office sirens. Stephanie Jacoby, SVP Global Vodkas, said: "Troye has done a fantastic job as our CVO over the past year and is really ramping up his action plan as we get closer to his annual performance review. We're thrilled to be joining forces with him this International Vodka Day to bring the vibes from Vibes HQ straight to L.A. for this playful briefcase hunt that we hope will bring people together and get the plans out of the group chat and into real life something we all crave." Troye Sivan, Chief Vibes OFFicer of Smirnoff, added: "When I joined forces with Smirnoff last year it was to create special moments by getting people together. We've had such a fun (almost) year of doing just that, all around the world. This briefcase drop is a great opportunity for us to invite people in and connect with their friends, bringing them into this tongue-in-cheek world that we've created together I'm excited for what's to come!" The briefcase drop will kick off on October 2nd with cryptic clues and hints dropped from Troye, his crew and from the @Smirnoff Instagram handle. The Vibes HQ 'Day in the life' video is now live and will continue to show up alongside recipe content, photography and behind the scenes clips across digital, social and OOH over the coming months in key markets such as the USA, UK, Brazil and Australia watch this space for more updates from the Smirnoff Chief Vibes OFFicer, Troye Sivan. More details on the briefcase drop coming soon via @smirnoff on Instagram BRIEFCASE DROP T&CS **Crew comprised of 3 persons, all of whom must be 21+. An Instagram account is required in order to see clues. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Offered in Los Angeles area only. Must be 21+. Crew members should register here prior to participating. CREW MEMBERS MUST COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF 3RD PARTIES IN PARTICIPATING IN CONTEST. CREW MEMBERS ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISK OF LIABILITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH PARTICIPATION. AFTER FINDING BRIEFCASE, CREW MUST CLAIM PRIZE AT DESIGNATED LOCATION by 8:59 p.m. PT on 10/02/2025 or arrange with Administrator to complete prize claim process via e-mail. A total of (3) briefcases are hidden. If a briefcase is unclaimed, corresponding prize will not be awarded. Prize consists of a prize pack plus trip for Crew members to Palm Springs event (SMIRNOFF "Vibes HQ" Weekend), 11/15-16/2025. If any Crew member is unavailable for Palm Springs event, no alternate prize/compensation awarded to such Crew member and Crew member will only receive prize pack (to be shared with the other [2] Crew members) Troye Sivan will NOT attend Palm Springs event. ALCOHOL NOT PART OF PRIZE. Incidental expenses are winning Crew member's sole responsibility. Subject to Official Rules at URL. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., New York, NY. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. [1] Spirits Business, Brand Champions Report 2024 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2778005/Smirnoff_Vodka.jpg EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of this year's Innovative Housing Showcase hosted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this month, 84 Lumber partnered once again with the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) to bring componentized construction front and center on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The project, a 3,000-square-foot, two-story duplex, was built entirely with prefabricated components, demonstrating the real-world benefits of building faster, more affordably, and more sustainably. "This project is a powerful demonstration of whats possible when smart design, pre-manufactured components, and skilled labor come together." - Ken Kucera, VP of Installed Sales & Manufacturing, 84 Lumber 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase at the National Mall. Constructed over the course of four days and fully framed in less than 12 hours by an eight-man crew, the duplex served as a showcase for the power of off-site manufacturing. Using open-web floor cassettes, wall panels, and roof cassettes produced by 84 Lumber's Winchester, Virginia component plant, the structure rose quickly and efficiently in the heart of Washington D.C. All windows, doors, and loose building materials were provided by 84 Lumber's Brunswick, MD store, reinforcing the company's vertically integrated supply chain. In total, 84 Lumber provided all the labor and a substantial portion of the materials, with key products and financial contributions from several trusted industry partners. Because no traditional concrete foundation could be poured on the Mall, the team used LVL beams and lolly columns to establish a sturdy elevated base. Once the foundation was complete, the crew rapidly assembled the entire framing system, demonstrating not only the speed of component-based construction but also its labor efficiency and potential to reduce material waste. "This project is a powerful demonstration of what's possible when smart design, pre-manufactured components, and skilled labor come together," said 84 Lumber's VP of Installed Sales & Manufacturing, Ken Kucera. "We're proud to be part of a national conversation about how the building industry can deliver high-quality, affordable housing at scale." United Window & Door donated all windows and exterior doors used in the structure, while Huber Engineered Woods contributed decking materials, and both MiTek and Simpson Strong-Tie provided $10,000 each in financial support to help bring the project to life. A video capturing the full build, from first truck delivery to punch work completion, is available here. Following its successful display, the home was deconstructed and transported to Staunton, Virginia, where it was donated to Habitat for Humanity. 84 Lumber will again provide the labor to reinstall and frame the home. One of the duplex units will serve as a basement house for a family of seven, while the other will soon be matched with another family in need. This build marks another milestone in 84 Lumber's ongoing commitment to innovation, housing affordability, and community impact, proving that the future of housing isn't just about building faster but building smarter. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. About 84 Lumber Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities, which include stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers in 34 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall. 84 Lumber, a certified women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy, has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. Named one of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America for both 2024 and 2025, 84 Lumber was also honored as one of USA Today's Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has been honored as one of America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has also earned a spot on the list of America's Top Private Companies from 2019 to 2024. In 2023, the company was also honored with a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. SOURCE 84 Lumber NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - A coalition of survivors released a series of letters (AprilSeptember 2025). The Orthodox Survivors and Advocates Coalition calls on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to champion public safeguards, independent reporting channels, and external investigations across Orthodoxy regarding clergy-perpetrated abuse. Authority The coalition emphasizes the Patriarch's limited authority over Orthodox jurisdictions. He is a respected moral figure and religious leader. He has convened global interfaith action. He could catalyze discussion and practical reforms. The Patriarch's selection as 2025 Templeton Prize laureate for environmental leadership underscores convening influence. Environmental matters are a global concern. Transparency and accountability on clergy-related abuse are a global Orthodox Christian concern. Letter signatories emphasize environmental concerns matter little if clergy-perpetrated abuse remains unaddressed. Gaps The coalition notes persistent gaps in public information. Prosopon Healing maintains an open-access compilation of publicly reported abuse cases in Orthodox contexts. According to the group, available data remain incomplete. Most Orthodox jurisdictions do not publish consolidated lists on clergy abuse. Prize organizers highlighted the Patriarch's collaborations with global religious leaders. Other communions issued public statements regarding abuse. Still others took action responding to abuse scandals. For example, following an independent review into abuse by John Smyth, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced resignation in 2024 then completed official duties on 6 January 2025. Requests Public address: A clear statement acknowledging clergy-perpetrated abuse including adult victims, and urging transparent safeguarding culture. A clear statement acknowledging clergy-perpetrated abuse including adult victims, and urging transparent safeguarding culture. Independent reporting: Support for a safe, independent venue for reporting, with external review. Support for a safe, independent venue for reporting, with external review. Accountability mechanisms: Promotion of public, regularized reporting and independent investigations across Orthodoxy. The coalition references For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church (2020). It condemns sexual abuse of children and does not address clergy-perpetrated abuse or adult victims. They urge fuller articulation. Ed.: References to organizations rely on available information. Appeals sent by John Metsopoulos, Kevin Hunt (spouse of Dr. Nedelescu), and Bojan Jovanovic did not receive responses as of 22 September 2025. SOURCE Orthodox Survivors and Advocates Coalition New transparency for key fertilizers used in growing market LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched a suite of fertilizer price assessments, with supporting data and analysis, offering market participants new insights into fertilizer supply chains in Africa. In a market first for Africa, Argus assesses the cost of shipping fertilizers and sulphur along key trade corridors, providing a new tool for market participants and governments to track and optimise shipments over time. The new weekly Argus Africa Fertilizer service sheds light on an historically opaque market by providing a broad package of prices, supported by data tracking supply and demand in the region. The service covers the full range of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphate, potash and compound NPKs with price assessments for truckloads from key inland hubs as well as for seaborne cargoes. It also covers sulphur and will help the mining industry and its suppliers develop efficiencies in shipping sulphur to the Copper Belt of southern Africa. Sulphur is a critical raw material in mining and processing of metals such as copper and cobalt as well as a key part of the fertilizer complex. Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said: "Africa has historically been regarded as a supplier of fertilizer thanks to its large resources of natural gas and phosphate rock with significant exports of nitrogen and phosphates from the north and west, but also has the potential to become one of the world's largest fertilizer markets as its population and agricultural economy grow. Our Africa fertilizer service brings much-needed transparency that will help participants make efficient investment decisions and support the development of this important sector in the region." Argus Africa Fertilizer complements similar regional services that cover Brazil, North America and Europe, as well as a full suite of global fertilizer publications, many of whose prices are used in physical and derivatives contracts internationally. Argus contact information London: Seana Lanigan +44 20 7780 4200 Email Seana Houston: Matt Oatway +1 713 968 0000 Email Matt Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto +65 6496 9960 Email Tomoko About Argus Media Argus is the leading independent provider of market intelligence to the global energy and commodity markets. We offer essential price assessments, news, analytics, consulting services, data science tools and industry conferences to illuminate complex and opaque commodity markets. Headquartered in London with nearly 1,500 staff, Argus is an independent media organisation with 30 offices in the world's principal commodity trading hubs. Companies, trading firms and governments in 160 countries around the world trust Argus data to make decisions, analyse situations, manage risk, facilitate trading and for long-term planning. Argus prices are used as trusted benchmarks around the world for pricing transportation, commodities and energy. Founded in 1970, Argus remains a privately held UK-registered company owned by employee shareholders and global growth equity firm General Atlantic. Trademark notices ARGUS, the ARGUS logo, ARGUS MEDIA, ARGUS DIRECT, ARGUS OPEN MARKETS, AOM, FMB, DEWITT, JIM JORDAN & ASSOCIATES, JJ&A, FUNDALYTICS, METAL-PAGES, METALPRICES.COM, INTEGER, Argus publication titles and Argus index names are trademarks of Argus Media Limited. SOURCE Argus Media BETHLEHEM, Pa., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- B. Braun Medical Inc. (B. Braun), a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, proudly announces that its entire IV Solutions portfolio not made with DEHP or PVC, Plastic Irrigation Containers, and Piperacillin and Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) in DUPLEX Drug Delivery System have received the prestigious Nurse Approved Certification. B. Braun Sharing Expertise (PRNewsfoto/B. Braun Medical Inc.) This certification, awarded through the rigorous Nurse Quality Standards Index process, recognizes B. Braun's commitment to excellence in usability, workflow integration and alignment with nursing practice needs. The Nurse Approved seal affirms the products' design, dependability and value as trusted solutions for nursing professionals. "As a bedside nurse, I am always looking for ways to be more efficient. Saving time and reducing medication errors are two incredibly important benefits from this product," shared one reviewer about Pip-Taz in DUPLEX in the final Nurse Approved report. "This milestone reflects B. Braun's continued investment in innovation and quality, ensuring healthcare providers have access to safe, efficient and nurse-endorsed solutions." said Stephanie Pitts, Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, B. Braun. "For too long, healthcare companies overlooked how poorly designed tools and technologies contribute to nurse burnout, job dissatisfaction and rising turnover," said Rebecca Love, MSN, RN, FIEL, Founder of Nurse Approved. "Often, products intended to support nurses failed them, creating additional burdens instead adding work rather than reducing it, disrupting workflows and ultimately taking time and focus away from patient care." "We founded Nurse Approved on the belief that engaging nurses in product development leads to better tools and technologies that truly support nursing workloads and workflows. Today, B. Braun is elevating the industry standard by earning the Nurse Approved Seal of Approval," concluded Love. The DUPLEX Drug Delivery System, now FDA-approved for Pip-Taz, offers a ready-to-activate, two-compartment container that simplifies bedside administration. By eliminating the need for syringes and vials, DUPLEX Delivery System reduces the amount of process touch points and chance of medication errors, while saving nearly four minutes per dose compared to traditional compounding methods. B. Braun's full line of IV containers are not made with DEHP, PVC or natural rubber latex, reinforcing the company's commitment to patient safety and environmental responsibility. About B. Braun B. Braun Medical Inc., a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, develops, manufactures, and markets medical products and services to the healthcare industry. Other key product areas include nutrition, pharmacy admixture and dialysis. The company is committed to eliminating preventable treatment errors and enhancing patient, clinician and environmental safety. B. Braun Medical is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is part of the B. Braun Group of Companies in the U.S., which includes B. Braun Interventional Systems, Aesculap and CAPS. Globally, the B. Braun Group of Companies employs more than 64,000 employees in 64 countries. Guided by its Sharing Expertise philosophy, B. Braun continuously exchanges knowledge with customers, partners and clinicians to address the critical issues of improving care and lowering costs. To learn more about B. Braun Medical, explore our website. About Nurse Approved Nurse Approved provides independent, third-party certification of healthcare innovations through a rigorous evaluation framework led by experienced nurses. Using the Nurse Quality Standards Index, our certification confirms that products are Tested and Trusted by Nurses to be Nurse Approved. Backed by a nationwide network of clinical experts, we recognize solutions that demonstrate excellence in usability, workflow integration, and alignment with nursing practice. Owned and led by nurse thought leaders, Nurse Approved delivers credible validation that strengthens healthcare solutions and advances nursing-driven innovation. To learn more about Nurse Approved, please visit our website. SOURCE B. Braun Medical Inc. BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For some 2,000 years, Xinjiang was known as the Western Regions, administered by different dynasties as a remote frontier far from China's heartland. It was not until 1884 that it became a regular province. However, the tradition of governing the region with respect to the customs of local ethnic groups has continued. In 1955, six years after the People's Republic of China was founded, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established, as part of the country's efforts to promote equality, unity and mutual assistance among the country's 56 ethnic groups. Villagers wash grapes in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 8 (LU YAN) Regional ethnic autonomy is a policy enshrined in China's Constitution. In accordance with this policy, all areas inhabited by ethnic minorities shall practice regional autonomy, establish autonomous organs and exercise the power to self-govern. The Han people make up some 91 percent of China's population; the 55 other ethnic groups are collectively known as the ethnic minorities. In ethnic autonomous areas, the local people's congresses are the state organs through which they exercise self-governance. These local legislatures have the power to formulate autonomous regulations and local-specific regulations. They are also empowered to alter or shelve policies issued by higher authorities that they find do not conform to the local context, upon the latter's approval. Notably, the head of an ethnic autonomous region, prefecture or county is elected by its people's congress from the ethnic group exercising regional autonomy there. In other words, the chairperson of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Government must be a Uygur. Of the 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China, five are ethnic autonomous regions. Within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there are five autonomous prefectures and six autonomous counties. According to the latest national population census, Xinjiang's population exceeded 25.8 million as of November 2020, with the Uygurs totaling 11.6 million and the Han 10.9 million. The Kazak and the Hui are the other two large ethnic groups in the region, with a population of more than 1 million each. Over the past 70 years since Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established, this vast, ethnically diverse region has undergone a transformation that few could have imagined. In the 1950s, the first major thrust of change came through the exploration of energy resources. With the development of the Karamay oilfield, the first large oilfield discovered after the founding of the People's Republic, Xinjiang began supplying crude oil to the nation. Coalmines, natural gas deposits and, more recently, massive wind and solar farms have turned the region into an energy powerhouse. Other economic pillars such as agriculture have also been revolutionized. While traditional oasis farming once depended on manual and animal labor, modern systems make use of drip irrigation, mechanized planting and harvesting, and high-yield seed varieties. Xinjiang today produces more than 90 percent of China's cotton, standing as the country's largest cotton producer for 30 years in a row. Social progress has kept pace with economic growth. In the early 2010s, together with other parts of China, Xinjiang launched a targeted poverty alleviation campaign focusing on rural households living under the poverty line. Through developing industries specific to local conditions, strengthening vocational training, incentivizing people to participate in ecological conservation and offering relocation assistance, some 3 million came out of poverty with the help of the government. In November 2020, Xinjiang announced that it had eliminated absolute poverty. Literacy rates have climbed, and school enrollment has reached near universal levels at both primary and secondary stages. Increased investment in healthcare services, especially at the community level, has made basic care accessible to all villages, be they mountain settlements or desert hamlets, reducing child and maternal mortality rates and improving life expectancy. Xinjiang's journey since 1955 illustrates how coordinated efforts to promote ethnic solidarity, energize the economy and upgrade social welfare can transform an underdeveloped hinterland into a burgeoning hub of development. Today's Xinjiang stands better equipped than ever to sustain its upward trajectory and play a greater part in China's national rejuvenation. SOURCE Beijing Review NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Italian Amaro, the bittersweet herbal liqueur traditionally enjoyed as a digestif, is experiencing a renaissance in the United States. It's now a staple in trendy bars and home collections alike, served as an aperitif, digestif or mixed in beloved cocktails. Google searches for Amaro have surged 143% over the past five years Imports of brands such as Campari, Aperol, and Dr Zero Zero have grown by double digits. American-made Amari, including Forthave Spirits, Faccia Brutto, The Pathfinder, and St. Agrestis, have been expanding rapidly Non-Alcoholic Italian Amaro from Dr Zero Zero available in cocktail bars, restaurants, specialty retailers nationwide and on Amazon.com The Non-Alcoholic Boom: "Sober October "is here. Running parallel is a dramatic surge in non-alcoholic "adult" beverage consumption. "Sober October" and "Dry January" celebrations highlight this trend. While nonalcoholic wine and beer represent the larger share of the total market, the non-alcoholic spirits category, which includes the Amari, is showing the faster growth rate. The U.S. non-alcoholic spirits market was valued at $385.4 million in 2023, is expected to reach $681.5 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.7% Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge. "Over 60% of Gen Z prefers non-alcoholic drinks in social settings, making them the most sober-curious generation." Where Bitter Meets Balance: Dr Zero Zero Leads the Way The Italian non-alcoholic Amaro from Trieste, Dr Zero Zero AmarNo has emerged as a frontrunner at the intersection of these trends, recently winning a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 International Non-Alcoholic Competition and simultaneously being selected as the Best Italian Amaro 2025 by trade experts from over 200 INAC entries. Crafted in Italy with the same botanical complexity as traditional Amari, Dr Zero Zero's AmarNo delivers a bold, bitter profile without alcohol, offering mindful drinkers an uncompromising flavor experience. AmarNo has achieved triple-digit growth in North American sales since its launch, now being available in over 200 retailers, bars and restaurants and on Amazon.com. Praised for its authentic herbal depth and elegant finish, AmarNo is recognized by both wellness advocates and cocktail connoisseurs. It has quickly become a favorite among mixologists. "AmarNo is our answer to the modern drinker's desire for complexity, ritual, and authenticitywithout the alcohol," says Giovanni Cozzi, founder of Dr Zero Zero. "It's not a compromise. It's a new standard." www.drzerozero.com [email protected] SOURCE Dr Zero Zero Public voting determined the grantees in the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge. BROOKFIELD, Wis., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization, announced the recipients of the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge, awarding $200,000 to six Wisconsin nonprofits making a meaningful impact on their communities. Green Bay-based Innovative Care Services received the most entries during the public voting period and will apply its $50,000 CareSource Foundation Grant toward its mission of caring for people with disabilities and helping them lead fulfilling lives with maximum independence. In addition to Innovative Care Services, the top five CareSource Foundation grantees include: "These organizations are doing incredible work to expand access to health care and address critical needs in their communities," said Cathy Mahaffey, CEO of Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative and CareSource Market President. "Through the Grant Challenge, CareSource is proud to support solutions that improve whole-person health and demonstrate the power of community-driven innovation." Each nonprofit will receive a grant to expand existing programs or launch new initiatives, focusing on mental health services, care for individuals with special needs and support of free health clinics. "Receiving this grant from the CareSource Foundation affirms our mission and will allow us to strengthen our services for families who rely on us for compassionate, innovative care," said Michael Schwartz, CEO, Innovative Care Services. The CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge demonstrates the organization's ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes for Wisconsin residents. "We are proud to honor the recipients of the CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge," said Ellen Miller, vice president of community engagement and foundation at CareSource. "These organizations advance community health through mental health programs, accessible recreation and expanded free clinic services, making a lasting impact across Wisconsin." Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has awarded more than $35.5 million to nonprofits working to eliminate poverty, provide much-needed services to lowand moderate-income families, encourage healthy communities, develop innovative approaches to addressing critical health issues, and enhance the lives of a diverse array of children, adults and families. About CareSource CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over two million members. CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. The organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social determinants of health, prevention and access to care. For more information, visit us at www.caresource.com, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. |Hannah Krafka [email protected] (937)751-4862 SOURCE CareSource OSLO, Norway, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cavendish Hydrogen ASA (Cavendish) (Oslo Brs ticker: CAVEN) is pleased to announce a new contract award with PAK-PCE Stacje H2 (PAK-PCE H2 Stations), a company that is part of the Polsat Plus capital group, for an upgrade of the Rybnik station in the south of Poland. The contract value is around EUR 1.3 million and will be executed by the end of Q1 2026. Cavendish will provide equipment and related installation and commissioning services. The station has been in operation since Q3 2023 and delivered strong performance, fueled more than 7 500 vehicles, and dispensed more than 100 000 kg of hydrogen. Now, the station will be upgraded to accommodate a fleet of more than 30 buses owned and operated by the city of Rybnik. PAK-PCE H2 has added 11 Neso buses to the local bus fleet, hence the capacity of the station needs expansion. After the upgrade project, which has added a new station module and dispenser, the station will be one of the biggest hydrogen fueling stations in Europe. "At Cavendish, we are pleased to continue building on the already strong partnership with PAK-PCE H2 Stations. Furthermore, we are looking forward to expanding the cooperation on the existing fueling stations. To Cavendish, our cooperation serves as a testimony to having not only the market-leading product quality, but also delivering excellence in the operational period based on responsiveness and competence. Cavendish remains committed to establishing a leading position in the Polish market," says Cavendish CEO, Robert Borin. "Cavendish has supported PAK-PCE H2 Stations from the very beginning in building our hydrogen refueling station network in Poland, which now includes six locations. We are pleased that this collaboration continues. We believe that, thanks to our shared experience, the enhanced and innovation-driven infrastructure in Rybnik will contribute to the development of the hydrogen market and urban transport based on our Neso buses," says CTO of PAK-PCE H2 Stations, Pawe Bujak. For additional information, please contact: Mirza Koristovic, Head of Investor Relations [email protected] +47 938 70 525 This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation article 7 and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to MAR article 17 and Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Mirza Koristovic, Head of IR, Cavendish Hydrogen ASA, on September 24, 2025, 13:20 CET. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/cavendish-hydrogen-asa/r/cavendish-hydrogen-contract-award-with-pak-pce-stacje-h2-sp--z-o-o--in-poland,c4239286 SOURCE Cavendish Hydrogen ASA NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has provided guidance for reforming and improving global governance, and China is ready to work with Austria to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination and work together to improve global governance, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday. Li, who is in New York for the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks when meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. As the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals since the establishment of their diplomatic relations, Li said, the relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape and grown steadily on the whole. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the two sides have enriched the dimensions of their relations and upgraded their relationship to a friendly strategic partnership, Li said, adding that bilateral cooperation has been progressing in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to both sides. China is ready to take the 55th anniversary of bilateral ties next year as an opportunity to step up high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to push for more pragmatic results, said the Chinese premier. Li also expressed the hope that Austria will abide by the one-China principle and make efforts to build a solid political foundation for bilateral ties. The Chinese and Austrian economies enjoy strong complementarity and numerous converging interests, offering vast space and potential for deepening cooperation, Li said. China is ready to continue leveraging bilateral exchange mechanisms such as the joint commissions on economy and trade, as well as on scientific and technological cooperation with Austria, so as to promote the continuous expansion and upgrade of bilateral trade, he said. Li called on both sides to strengthen cooperation in areas such as green transition and digital economy and push for innovation, sustainability and high-quality growth in industrial development. And China encourages more established Chinese enterprises to invest in Austria, he said. The two sides should also expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, and foster new highlights in culture and tourism cooperation, Li said. Li called on Austria, a key member of the European Union (EU), to prompt the EU to view China-EU relations from a strategically autonomous and long-term perspective, adopt a positive and pragmatic policy towards China, and work with China to safeguard multilateralism and free trade so as to deliver more benefits to China and the EU, as well as the rest of the world. For his part, Stocker noted that China is one of Austria's most important trading partners, and bilateral economic and trade relations have witnessed strong development. He said that the Austrian government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign country or conduct official exchanges with Taiwan. As next year will mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Stocker said the Austrian side is ready to enhance high-level exchanges with China and consolidate the long-term friendship. He also called on both sides to tap cooperation potential, and expand cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, tourism and culture to push for greater development of the Austria-China friendly strategic partnership, adding that Austria looks forward to welcoming more Chinese tourists. Austria, he said, looks forward to strengthening collaboration with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and promoting the reform and improvement of the global governance system. The Austrian side also stands ready to play an active role in promoting the development of EU-China relations, he added. Unique LEO Satellite Network is Key for Resilient Connectivity and Business Growth Unique global data constellation using satellite-to-satellite laser links Ultra-secure and low latency network Combining the speed of fibre with the reach of satellite Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets MUNICH and LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercis, a leading communication and technology company, is partnering with Rivada Space Networks to provide a unique next generation connectivity network with the necessary security and performance to drive digital innovation and transformation. Rivada has now lined up over $US18 billion of business globally for its unique LEO network. Rivada's Outernet, the first unified global communications network. (PRNewsfoto/Rivada Space Networks) Commercis delivers cutting-edge connectivity, communication and technology solutions that empower enterprise customers, government agencies and diplomatic missions worldwide. As the demand for secure, rapid data transfer continues to grow, placing unprecedented pressure on existing digital infrastructures, organizations in oil & gas, banking, security, defense, and telecommunications seek innovative, future-focused networking and cybersecurity technologies. At Commercis, we prioritize security, speed, and resilience, providing integrated solutions that protect critical data, enhance operational agility, and ensure seamless, reliable performance in an increasingly digital and threat-prone landscape. Rivada's global low-latency point-to-point connectivity network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the "Outernet," is a unique next-generation architecture combing inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to "orbital networking," in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defence for any organisation that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites. Commercis will harness Rivada's Outernet to provide resiliency for high quality voice, video and data solutions and a new level of cybersecurity to the enterprise and government sectors that require secure infrastructure. The Outernet's fast, seamless and secure connectivity will ramp up network performance and enable true digital transformation and new business opportunities through multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach. Alan Afrasiab, CEO at Commercis said, "We are truly excited about this partnership, which advances our commitment to delivering agile, secure, and high-performance solutions. Our goal is to create new opportunities for organizations seeking innovative, scalable, flexible, and resilient connectivity to support their expanding networks. Rivada's Outernet introduces a groundbreaking digital architecture that seamlessly integrates innovation with resilience, providing engineering certainty in an unpredictable world. This collaboration ensures a more secure and reliable future for our customers and the critical infrastructure they depend on, reinforcing our dedication to advancing communications technology with embedded cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape. It also complements well our established terrestrial, geostationary satellite, gateway earth station and data centre facilities." Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: "We are delighted to be working with a trusted network provider such as Commercis to develop space-based solutions to power digital transformation." Ganley added: "In the digital economy, the security and resilience of communications is becoming hugely important. Global subsea cables, which carry much of the world's data traffic, are increasingly becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with frequent cable cuts resulting in severe outages. The Outernet is key to enhancing the telecommunications infrastructure in terms of data sovereignty and security, supporting AI digital strategies, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and expanding the reach of international networks." Commercis will join Rivada's Customer Advisory Board and conduct a series of technical workshops to structure the collaboration and exchange information on the Outernet's capabilities. About Rivada Space Networks Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true "Outernet": a global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellation, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc. For more information, please visit www.rivadaspace.com Follow Rivada Space Networks on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/ Twitter: @rivadaspace Media Contacts Melanie Dickie, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer Rivada Space Networks GmbH Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62 Email: [email protected]m Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications Rivada Networks, Inc Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386 Email: [email protected] About Commercis Commercis is a leading provider of innovative connectivity, communication, and cybersecurity solutions. With a global presence and a focus on cutting-edge technology, we empower organizations across industriesincluding government, telecommunications, and enterpriseto achieve secure, reliable, and scalable digital operations. Commercis is committed to delivering future-proof solutions that address the evolving needs of a rapidly changing digital landscape, ensuring our clients stay connected, protected, and agile in the digital age. For more information, please visit www.commercis.com Press Contact: Agata Marshall, VP of Marketing Commercis Plc Tel: +44 (0)20 3318 1500 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Rivada Space Networks City approval clears the way for a 248 home, amenity focused neighborhood in Clanton with convenient access to Birmingham and Montgomery. CLANTON, Ala., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DDB Capital Fund, LLC ("DDB Capital"), a Southeast based real estate investment fund, announced today that it has secured rezoning for approximately 150 acres in Clanton, Alabama, a centrally located growth market on the I-65 corridor between Birmingham and Montgomery. While recent headlines have centered on Huntsville and U.S. Space Command, Alabama's momentum is broader and includes communities like Clanton that are benefiting from statewide job growth, infrastructure investment, and attainable home demand. Planning for approximately 248 homes, the community is designed to make active living easy. Residents will enjoy morning pickleball, afternoon swims, and evening walks on connected paths that tie the neighborhood together. With both Birmingham and Montgomery within practical reach, weekdays stay efficient, and weekends stay flexible. "This rezoning reflects strong partnership with local leadership and our commitment to delivering high quality places to live," said Derek Distenfield, Managing Director at DDB Capital. "Alabama's growth story is not limited to Huntsville or Space Command. Clanton's central location, workforce access, and small-town character create a rare combination that appeals to families, builders, and long-term investors. We are excited to deliver an elevated community experience to future residents of Clanton." Mayor Jeff Mims welcomed the progress. "Clanton continues to attract thoughtful investment that fits our vision for balanced growth," said Mayor Mims of the City of Clanton. "DDB Capital has engaged with our team in a collaborative way, and we look forward to the benefits this project will bring for residents and local businesses." Community Highlights Approximately 150 acres zoned for residential development Target of about 248 homes in a connected, amenity-driven plan Convenient access to Birmingham and Montgomery that supports both commuting and weekend leisure and that supports both commuting and weekend leisure Split residential zoning that includes R-1 and R-3 to enable a range of home types and thoughtful neighborhood design Interested residents can join the VIP list for early updates at: thegroveatnewharmony.carrd.co About DDB Capital Fund LLC DDB Capital Fund LLC is a premier real estate investment fund focused on innovative and transformative developments across the Southeast. With a commitment to excellence, community enrichment, and sustainable growth, DDB Capital delivers exceptional projects that provide lasting value for investors and residents. For more information, visit www.ddbcapital.com. Disclaimer: This communication is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities, investment products, or services. Any offering will be made only through official offering documents to qualified investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Please consult your legal, tax, or financial advisor before making any investment decision. SOURCE DDB Capital Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company's procedures and policies regarding tooling and equipment maintenance in its Tyman Mexico facility were significantly "underinvested"; (2) as a result, the Company's tooling and equipment conditions had significantly degraded to near "catastrophic" levels; (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company was likely to incur significant costs, "pushing out the timing" of expected benefits from the Tyman integration; (4) that Quanex had previously identified the foregoing issues; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On September 4, 2025, after the market closed, Quanex announced financial results for the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. Among other things, the Company disclosed "operational issues related to the legacy Tyman window and door hardware business in Mexico that are ongoing" which "impacted results more than expected during the third quarter of 2025." Specifically, the Company reported a diluted EPS of ($6.04), compared to $0.77 in the prior year period and an adjusted EBIDTA of $70.30. The Company further disclosed that it was "adjusting for lower expected volumes and pushing out the timing of when [it] expect[s] to realize procurement savings" from the integration of the Tyman business. Then, on September 5, 2025, the Company held an earnings call pursuant to the Company's third quarter 2025 financial results. During the earnings call, Chief Executive Officer, George Wilson ("Wilson") explained "operational challenges" in the Tyman facility in Mexico "negatively impacted EBITDA in the Hardware Solutions segment by almost $5 million in the third quarter alone." Wilson further explained that the issue was previously "identified midyear" as it got "deeper into the integration" with Tyman, and described how the systems used to "anticipate and plan for tooling repairs" were significantly deficient, indicating it was near "nonexistent." Wilson stated because Quanex was "underinvested" in "the tooling condition and the equipment condition" it "had to make some changes and fix some things before it was catastrophic." On this news, Quanex's stock price fell $2.73, or 13.1%, to close at $18.18 per share on September 5, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The stock price continued to decline on the subsequent trading day, falling $1.98 or 10.9%, to close at $16.20 per share on September 8, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. 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 Quanex's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Quanex Building Products class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/NX 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. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP MUNICH, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 10, Desay SV announced during the International Motor Show Germany (IAA Mobility 2025) that it is expanding its intelligent driving solutions to overseas markets. Specifically, Desay SV will now make its IPU14 domain controller introduced late last year and built on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor available to the worldwide automotive industry. NVIDIA & Desay SV Signing Ceremony This latest news was celebrated at a signing ceremony during IAA, and attended by senior leaders from both companies, including Desay SV CEO Jian Xu, Executive Vice President Lele Li, and Rishi Dhall, VP of Automotive Business, Tong Liu, VP, GM of China Automotive Business from NVIDIA. Desay SV has been collaborating with NVIDIA in the field of automotive intelligence since 2020. In 2020, Desay SV achieved mass production of its first intelligent driving domain controllerIPU03, based on the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier deployed on the XPeng P7. It marked the industry's first commercialization of intelligent driving technology and provided a pioneering "intelligent brain" for emerging electric vehicle brands. Building on this milestone, the companies introduced the IPU04 domain controller in 2022, built on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, which has since entered mass production and been adopted by more than 20 automakers, including Li Auto, XPeng, GAC, GWM, and Nissan. Last year, Desay SV announced it would launch new high-performance assisted driving domain controller accelerated by NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor to support L3 conditional automation and L4 driving capabilities in certain scenarios. Running the safety-certified DriveOS automotive operating system, DRIVE AGX Thor is optimized for transformer, LLM, VLM and generative AI workloads for the automotive market. Today's announcement signals Desay SV's move beyond China to make this available on a global scale. Through the implementation of numerous key projects, Desay SV has effectively utilized its strengths in technology adaptation, mass production, and quality management to successfully integrate NVIDIA accelerated compute stable, reliable, and scalable automotive-grade products. Expanding this integration into global markets will serve as a significant driver for Desay SV's international strategy. Smart vehicles are not only changing the way people travel and the in-car experience but are increasingly becoming super mobile terminals driving toward the future. This shift brings forth a series of challenges in implementing new artificial intelligence technologies and functions. Desay SV is creating sustainable value for the global smart mobility industry, envisioning a future landscape of intelligent transportation. Through ongoing collaboration, both companies will explore other synergistic opportunities beyond intelligent driving, including robotics, embodied AI, and other fields across the broader realm of smart living. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780955/image.jpg First edition of the d3 Awards honouring emerging talent in the MENA region will focus on architecture Winner of inaugural award will receive a financial prize of AED 100,000 Architects and designers, including those specialising in interiors, landscapes, and spatial design, are invited Winner will be unveiled at Dubai Design Week, 4-9 November 2025 in Dubai Design District DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dubai Design District (d3), the global creative ecosystem that is part of TECOM Group PJSC, has launched an open call for its new regional awards, as part of its Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations. The awards aim to champion emerging talent from the MENA region. Dubai Design District starts open call for new d3 Awards Honouring excellence and innovation, the d3 Awards will celebrate the region's evolving, vibrant and diverse design landscape while also encouraging even more inspiring new perspectives. It will recognise contributions in material exploration, human-centred design and forward-thinking design solutions. The inaugural edition will invite design proposals centred on architecture including interior and exterior spaces and the immersive built environment. The winner will receive a financial prize of AED 100,000. "The d3 Awards marks a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent and showcasing the industry's brightest minds," said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. "Through platforms such as Dubai Design Week, our ecosystem is promoting talent from the region and encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through design expertise. The inaugural d3 Awards strengthens our contribution towards Dubai Creative Economy Strategy and Design Sector Strategy 2033, further cementing Dubai's position as a global hub for design excellence. We invite the region's brightest design talent to showcase their creativity through the d3 Awards." The winner will be announced during Dubai Design Week the region's leading design festival held in strategic partnership with d3. Taking place from 4-9 November 2025, this 11th edition will welcome architects, designers and creative practitioners from around the world for a programme including installations, special commissions, exhibitions, activations, talks and workshops. Applications for this year's d3 Awards are welcome from designers and architects, including those specialising in interiors, landscapes, and spatial design within architectural practice. The applicant must be a graduating design student in their final year of study, or designer within five years of practice, who is either a resident or citizen of the MENA region. Individuals, duos and collectives (with a maximum of four members) are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to submit their conceptual entries by Friday, 17 October 2025. For more information or to apply for the award, please go to www.d3awards.com. Shortlisted applicants will showcase their proposals alongside the d3 Architecture Exhibition, which is organised by Dubai Design District in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects alongside Dubai Design Week's 2025 programme. Proposals will be assessed based on originality, design practicality, accessibility, aesthetics and environmental impact. The d3 Awards will be a platform that evolves with each edition to represent the wide scope of the design sector. Future editions may spotlight other design disciplines such as product design, fashion, digital design or design for social impact. d3 today is home to more than 1,100 creative businesses and 20,000 creative professionals. The community includes students, start-ups, SMEs, homegrown and regional talents, and international brands. Nurturing young emerging design talent is at the heart of d3, especially with it being home to three design institutions Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), FAD and L'ECOLE School of Jewelry Arts. d3 is part of TECOM Group's portfolio of business districts, which also includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Science Park. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780879/Visitors_at_Dubai_Design_Week.jpg SOURCE Dubai Design District (d3) Echo opened its newest office within Mexico to support its cross-border solutions CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Echo Global Logistics, Inc. ("Echo"), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, has announced the grand opening of its newest cross-border office in Monterrey, Mexico. Echo has been expanding its existing cross-border services since last year in an effort to provide enhanced support to its clients and carriers in Mexico. "We're looking forward to continuing to expand our cross-border solutions with our newest office in Monterrey," said Doug Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer at Echo. "Through our advanced technology suite, offering greater visibility and control, Echo is equipped to leverage essential services for our cross-border clients and carriers." After managing cross-border transportation solutions for nearly a decade, Echo expanded its operations with facilities within Mexico after recognizing a growing need for shippers and carriers to access a range of cross-border services. In March, Echo opened its Mexico division headquarters in Mexico City, and currently operates facilities in Guadalajara and across the border in Laredo, Texas. "Continuing to establish operations within Mexico adds additional support that our cross-border clients and carriers need in today's transportation market," said Dave Menzel, President and Chief Operating Officer at Echo. "By applying our customizable solutions to fit these needs, Echo's cross-border capabilities make customs brokerage, transloading, warehousing and more, that much easier." With options for Dry Van, Temperature-Controlled shipping, Flatbed, LTL, Intermodal, and Managed Transportation, Echo's Mexico solutions encompass a variety of essential modes. Additionally, with integrated cross-border transportation technology and a team of bilingual experts, Echo provides a seamless experience for navigating trade and customs regulations. Learn more about shipping south of the border with Echo: Mexico Cross-Border Shipping Solutions | Echo Global Logistics. "By expanding our presence in Mexico, our cross-border team is better equipped to keep the supply chain moving," said Troy Ryley, President of Echo Mexico. "As one of the few companies to earn a 3PL certification in the CTPAT program for cross-border transportation, Echo is well-equipped to keep freight safe and secure. Additionally, with integrated technology at your fingertips and cross-border experts by your side, shipping into, out of, and across Mexico is much simpler." About Echo Global Logistics Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Headquartered in Chicago with more than 60 locations across North America, Echo offers freight brokerage and Managed Transportation Solutions for all major modes, including Truckload, Partial Truckload, LTL, Intermodal, Cross-Border, Temperature-Controlled shipping and warehousing, and Warehouse Services. Named one of Newsweek's Most Trusted Companies in America, Echo leverages its advanced, web-based and mobile app technology, analyzing data from its network of more than 50,000 transportation providers to help its 35,000 clients simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management. For more information on Echo Global Logistics, visit: www.echo.com. ECHO: Corporate MEDIA CONTACT: Christopher Clemmensen EVP of Marketing Echo Global Logistics 312-784-2132 SOURCE Echo Global Logistics Starting with differentiated analysis in the Vaca Muerta AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, today announced the launch of its Global Research offering. The product serves as a cornerstone of an expanded portfolio of global oil and gas intelligence solutions, which also features comprehensive datasets covering global oil wells, production volumes, exploration blocks and more all hosted on Enverus PRISM, the company's hallmark AI-powered analytics platform. Together, the products enable clients to transform rich data into actionable insights. In the product's inaugural report about Argentina's Vaca Muerta, Enverus details how despite the shale play's world-class productivity and economics, M&A buyers are acquiring assets at significantly discounted valuations relative to comparable North American shale assets. Specifically, the company's estimated deals imply Vaca Muerta buyers are paying on average $1 million per undeveloped well location versus $4 million for U.S. locations of similar quality. Enverus analysts expect the recent low entry costs to attract an increasing number of inventory-hungry shale operators in North America. "We expect to revolutionize decision-making for global oil and gas stakeholders similarly to how we have done so in the North American market." - Andy McConn, director of Enverus Intelligence Research Post this The report also leverages Enverus PRISM to demonstrate how liquids-weighted Vaca Muerta well productivity has declined by 24% since 2021. Minimal attention has been paid to the trend, which clouds the fast-growing play's otherwise-sunny outlook. Enverus is optimistic about the play's prospects to grow, fill new infrastructure capacity, and deliver strong medium-term returns for operators. Beyond M&A analysis and productivity trends, the report also quantifies the play's remaining undrilled inventory, identifies significant valuation disparities across equity and M&A markets, and highlights development areas experiencing a wide variance in results. "We are eager to expand our successful, research-led playbook from North America into the wider global oil and gas market," said Andy McConn, director of Enverus Intelligence Research. "By transcribing our robust global datasets into PRISM, leveraging our large team of global analysts, and investing in new coverage areas, we expect to revolutionize decision-making for global oil and gas stakeholders similarly to how we have done so in the North American market." Enverus' new Global Research product will cover both conventional and unconventional assets across the globe, featuring valuation models, activity forecasts and deep research for energy investors and strategic planners across the value chain. Enverus products are designed to pair with its AI for Energy approach, which allows customers to supercharge their productivity, eliminate uncertainty and act with confidence. Powered by 25+ years of proprietary energy data, analytics and research, Enverus AI is built for energy, by energy professionals, trained on the most complete intelligence in the industry, and designed to work alongside your teams in the workflows they use every day. Additional Global Research Resources: Learn more about Global Energy Solutions About Enverus Enverus is the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company, with a platform built to maximize value from generative AI, offering anytime, anywhere access to analytics and insights. These include benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from more than 95% of U.S. energy producers and more than 40,000 suppliers. Our platform, with intelligent connections, drives more efficient production and distribution, capital allocation, renewable energy development, investment and sourcing. Our experienced industry experts support our customers through thought leadership, consulting and technology innovations. We provide intelligence across the energy ecosystem: renewables, oil and gas, financial institutions, and power and utilities, with more than 8,000 customers in 50 countries. Learn more at Enverus.com. SOURCE Enverus WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of the Congo, The National Council of Churches in Christ, Trinity United Church of Christ, The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Living Water AME Church, Redeemers Church of Christ, The United Methodist Church - General Board of Church and Society, and a collective of other faith institutions will kick off their Congo Global Prayer Campaign on Sunday, October 19. This yearlong worldwide, interfaith initiative calls for people across the globe to stand in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through united, intentional prayers for peace, justice, and healing. The Friends of the Congo Global Prayer Campaign hopes to bring an end to the world's longest-running humanitarian crisis that has been marked by decades of armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Millions of Congolese people, especially the children, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The DRC is home to the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II, where at least six million Congolese have perished largely as a result of a scramble for its precious and strategic minerals. Hundreds of thousands of women have been systematically raped as a weapon of war. Approximately seven million Congolese are internally displaced, and more than 25 million need emergency relief. "Do not forget the suffering of the people. Amplify their voices and tell the truth about what is happening in the Congo," beseeched one frontline organizer trapped in the midst of the conflict. The goal of the campaign is to mobilize interfaith leaders and their followers to spearhead a worldwide moral appeal for peace, justice, and dignity for the Congolese people. Global Effect of the Congo Crisis The Congolese people have been blessed with spectacular wealth of diamonds, gold, coltan, copper, cobalt, and a plethora of other minerals that economists say are valued at $24 trillion. Despite its tremendous wealth, 70 percent of Congolese live on less than $2.15 a day. The entire world benefits from Congo's resources. The natural minerals in the Congo are vital to the functioning of smartphones, computers, video games, automobiles, airplanes, solar panels, and a range of other electronic and technology devices. "What does it mean when mining brings increased poverty where the minerals are mined? The tragedy that is happening in the Congo is a shame for humanity," says Congolese Indigenous leader Samuel Yagase. "The big challenge is how can we as a global community ensure that the critical minerals that are needed for the entire world brings prosperity for everyone, starting with the people living where the mining is done." The DRC's minerals are crucial for the global energy transition. Its rainforest is indispensable to combating the climate emergency. That's why it is incumbent upon everyone to support the Congolese on the frontlines who are responsible for protecting and preserving the Congo basin rainforest for the benefit of the entire planet. Unifying in Faith and Prayer Faith leaders will launch the Congo Global Prayer Campaign on Sunday, October 19, as part of Friends of the Congo's Breaking the Silence: Congo Week, which runs from October 19 to 25. Organized annually since 2008, Congo Week is a global awareness raising undertaking in which communities throughout the globe host teach-ins, film screenings, fundraisers, cultural events, and much more to educate people about the Congo and mobilize support for frontline communities. The public is invited to participate in the launch of Congo Global Day of Prayer on October 19 by joining a prayer network, hosting a prayer gathering, committing to daily prayer, sending letters of support to U.S. lawmakers, sharing and amplifying stories on social media, and donating to humanitarian relief efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit www.friendsofthecongo.org for more information about the Prayer Campaign and Congo Week events. SOURCE Friends of the Congo Prescription-strength folinic acid shows potential to improve communication, behavior, and development in children with autism. IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U. S. Food and Drug Administration announcement initiating the approval of leucovorin calcium for patients with cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) brings hope to families of children diagnosed with autism. Individuals with CFD often present with developmental delays and challenges that overlap with autism symptoms. Research has shown that nearly two out of three children with autism test positive for autoantibodies that block folate from entering the brain. In many of these children, treatment with leucovorin has demonstrated meaningful improvements in verbal and nonverbal communication, socialization, and behavior. The Autism Community in Action (TACA) has long championed access to emerging treatments that can improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. TACA Physician Advisory Board members, Dr. Dan Rossignol, MD, and Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PHD have been at the forefront of leucovorin research and continue to use the drug in their practices to support children with autism. "I am grateful that science is leading the way to treatment. When we know better, we can do better. Parents should have so much hope that we have a drug for autism that is safe and has minimal side effects that can greatly benefit their child," said Lisa Ackerman, The Autism Community in Action (TACA), Executive Director. As a trusted national nonprofit serving more than 61,000 parents and caregivers, TACA is committed to helping parents and physicians understand the implications of the FDA's action. At the upcoming TACA National Autism Conference held in Costa Mesa, California, October 10 12, two featured sessions will focus on leucovorin. Leucovorin for Autism with Nicole Rincon , MS, PA-C, and Desiree Mills , R,MSN, FNP-C Gain an understanding of what Leucovorin is how it works in the body, and the research exploring its impact on autism-related symptoms. with , MS, PA-C, and , R,MSN, FNP-C Gain an understanding of what Leucovorin is how it works in the body, and the research exploring its impact on autism-related symptoms. What's After Leucovorin? The Complete Plan for More Language. with Jared Skowron , ND Explore next steps beyond Leucovorin, including integrative strategies that may help foster continued language and developmental progress. About The Autism Community in Action (TACA) The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, support, and hope to families living with autism. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Irvine, California, TACA empowers families across the country through free educational meetings, parent mentorship, an online Hope and Help support group, and the annual National Autism Conference. With a vibrant community of more than 61,000 active members and a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, TACA is a trusted resource for families at every stage of the autism journey. To learn more, visit tacanow.org . SOURCE The Autism Community in Action (TACA) PRAGUE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Firehawk Aerospace ("Firehawk"), a defense technology leader specializing in advanced energetics and propulsion, has secured investment from Presto Tech Horizons (PTH), a unique defense and resilience tech fund, created through a partnership between European venture capital firm Presto Ventures and global industrial and technology firm CSG (Czechoslovak Group). The oversubscribed $60M investment round was led by 1789 Capital, helmed by partners including Donald Trump Jr. Firehawk is pioneering the world's first scalable use of 3D printing for propellant and solid rocket motors, enabling faster, safer, and more flexible production of advanced energetics. The same breakthroughs in propellant design and manufacturing that make rocket motors more efficient can also be applied to artillery charges unlocking rapid, reliable, and scalable ammunition production. Rocket engine propellant used for missiles and space rockets alike is currently produced by casting it into large molds and curing. This slow, hazardous, and inflexible process can take up to two months and limits both performance and production speed. Firehawk replaces this decades-old method with additive manufacturing, using 3D printing to build propellant grains with complex geometries previously thought impossible. By using relatively inexpensive commercial-off-the-shelf equipment and novel additive manufacturing processes, the company can reduce per-unit production times by over 99% compared to traditional methods. This innovation makes motors safer to produce, quicker to scale, and adaptable across weapon systems, fundamentally transforming the energetics supply chain. Focus on Europe The purpose of the investment in Firehawk is to strengthen Europe's ability to locally source critical elements of the munitions supply chain boosting resilience and ensuring sustained defense readiness for NATO and allied forces. The fund behind the investment, built on a rare alliance between a venture capital firm and a defense prime, creates a bridge between innovation and industry. This partnership accelerates the adoption of technologies like Firehawk's and serves as a new model to deliver novel defense technologies at scale for rapid deployment across allied defense industrial bases. "The conflict in Ukraine proves that while drones give warfighters a decisive edge, munitions like missiles and rockets are the core of combat power," says Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk. "A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and propellant and energetics production are the biggest constraint on missile, rocket, and artillery manufacturing. Enabling the European defense industry to also produce these weapons quickly and at scale is the core of Firehawk's mission. We're proud to partner with Presto Tech Horizons and CSG to help bolster the European energetics supply chain and ensure our allies can fuel the production of key defense equipment." "The current geopolitical situation underscores the need to invest in innovative defense technologies," says Michal Strnad, Chairman of the Board and owner of CSG. "Firehawk can play a crucial role in the future of not only rocket propulsion, but also ammunition production. This innovative project can strengthen cooperation between leaders of the American and European defense industries." The parties are already exploring opportunities for industrial application of Firehawk's technologies. "Since the early 2010s, scientists and engineers have explored 3D printing as a way to unlock faster, safer, and more flexible solid propellant production. Firehawk is the first to truly deliver on that promise. They combine rapid manufacturing with complex grain designs that were once impossible, improving performance while enabling distributed production at scale. Firehawk's technology doesn't just speed up how propellants are made it fundamentally reshapes the supply chain for missiles and rockets. That's why this partnership is so important for Europe's defense resilience," adds Matej Luhovy, newly appointed Partner at Presto Tech Horizons. Presto Tech Horizons has joined Firehawk's oversubscribed $60M Series C funding, which concluded this September, as a strategic partner. While the exact amount is undisclosed, the investment represents a significant commitment to Firehawk's mission. The round was led by 1789 Capital, helmed by partners including Donald Trump Jr. marking the firm's entry into defense technology and supporting Firehawk's transition from R&D and prototyping to production at scale. Other participants include Draper Associates, Decisive Point, Stellar Ventures, and other leading VCs. As the only European investor in the round, Presto Tech Horizons helps bring Firehawk's breakthrough energetics technology closer to allied defense users across Europe. Press release visual assets incl. photos and videos are available here . About Firehawk Aerospace Firehawk is an end-to-end energetics company, revolutionizing the supply chain to fuel the future of defense to deter and win tomorrow's wars. We build rocket motors powered by our 3D printed propellant faster and more cost effectively with the ability to manufacture and distribute almost anywhere in the world. Firehawk designs its products at its Dallas headquarters, is building a 340-acre production facility in Lawton, Oklahoma, and performs static fire and flight tests at two facilities in West Texas, including a 30-square-mile launch range. For more information, visit www.firehawkaerospace.com . About Presto Tech Horizons Built on a unique strategic alliance between venture capital firm Presto Ventures and industrial and technology group CSG (Czechoslovak Group), Presto Tech Horizons backs the most promising resilience tech projects from NATO countries and allied nations. The fund focuses on companies developing advanced technologies to create a safer, more resilient future from defense tech to deeptech and dual-use innovation. Learn more at prestotech.com . About CSG (Czechoslovak Group) CSG is a global industrial and technology group owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, with key production facilities in Europe, India, and the U.S. Its portfolio includes Tatra Trucks, radar maker Eldis, and ammunition producers Fiocchi and The Kinetic Group a recent acquisition that made CSG a major U.S. manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition. Through subsidiaries like MSM North America, CSG also delivers strategic infrastructure projects for the U.S. Army, including the new Future Artillery Complex. With 10,000+ employees and 2024 revenues exceeding 4 billion, CSG is committed to strengthening the transatlantic bond and ensuring allied defense supply chain resilience. Learn more at czechoslovakgroup.com . Media Inquiries Firehawk Aerospace Sandra Perez [email protected] Presto Tech Horizons Veronika Kaiser [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2698295/Firehawk_Logo.jpg SEOUL, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's births grew for the 13th straight month amid higher marriages, statistical office data showed Wednesday. The number of newborn babies rose 5.9 percent from a year earlier to 21,803 in July, continuing to go up since July last year, according to Statistics Korea. The total fertility rate, or the number of children a woman is expected to bear during life, added 0.04 to 0.80 in the cited month, but it stayed far below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman to maintain a stable population. The number of marriages expanded 8.4 percent to 20,394 in July on a yearly basis, but the number of divorces fell 1.4 percent to 7,826. Concerns remained about the younger generation who delayed or gave up on having children owing to economic difficulties such as high housing prices and stubborn unemployment. The still low birth rate fueled worry about a demographic cliff, which refers to a sharp fall in the heads of households eventually leading to a consumption cliff. The number of deaths slipped 0.7 percent to 27,979 in July compared to the same month of last year. Affected by the high deaths and the relatively low births, the natural population decline reached 6,175 in the cited month. This remarkable eight-year streak cements Fishman PR's reputation as the undisputed leader in franchise PR and marketing, a role the agency has proudly upheld for more than three decades. Since its founding in 1991, Fishman PR has been at the forefront of helping franchisors share their stories, sell franchises, and attract customers. Today, the top franchise public relations firm continues to set the standard for the industry, delivering bold, integrated campaigns that combine: Franchise PR and consumer brand awareness through strategic media outreach and storytelling through strategic media outreach and storytelling Content marketing and SEO that fuel franchise development lead generation that fuel franchise development lead generation Digital marketing, paid media, and influencer strategies to reach modern audiences to reach modern audiences Crisis communications and local PR campaigns that protect and strengthen brands at every stage "Being recognized as the top franchise PR agency for eight years in a row is both humbling and exhilarating," said Sherri Fishman, founder and Chief Visionary Officer. "This honor is a testament to our incredible team from our junior staff to our senior leaders who bring their creativity, expertise, and dedication to our clients every single day. And we are equally grateful to the franchisors who continue to place their trust in us. Great PR and content marketing results are always the product of true partnership, and we are fortunate to collaborate with clients who engage with us, support the process, and believe in the power of storytelling." About the Ranking Each year, Entrepreneur releases its list of Top Franchise Suppliers, recognizing the most trusted and effective service providers across the franchising sector. The ranking is based on feedback from hundreds of franchisors, who are asked to rate their satisfaction with the suppliers they rely on to grow their systems. This year, more than 1,100 franchise brands participated, telling Entrepreneur which suppliers they and their franchisees work with, and rating their satisfaction with those suppliers' services in the areas of quality, cost, and value. Each supplier received a score based on the survey results, and the top-scoring suppliers are ranked within their respective categories. Categories span a wide range of services from legal and marketing to technology and real estate. Fishman PR has consistently secured the top position in the franchise PR category, reinforcing its standing as the agency franchisors turn to most when seeking to expand their brand awareness, attract new franchise owners, and drive customer traffic. "Behind every great franchise system is a network of exceptional suppliers who make success possible," says Entrepreneur's editor-in-chief, Jason Feifer. "This list, based on direct feedback from franchisors themselves, identifies the partners who consistently deliver the expertise and support that separate thriving franchise systems from struggling ones." To view Fishman PR in the Top Franchise Suppliers list, pick up the September/October issue of Entrepreneur magazine, on newsstands September 23rd, or visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/top-franchise-suppliers . An extension of a franchisor's team "Eight consecutive wins is extraordinary, but what matters most to us is the trust our clients place in us to be an extension of their teams," added Debra Vilchis, President of Fishman PR. "That trust is earned by our people, and we pour significant resources into their ongoing development from guest speakers and workshops to our own internal certification program that designates them as Certified Service Strategists. This ensures our team members are not only skilled in PR and content marketing, but also deeply understand franchising and business so they can act as true consultants to our clients. We are honored to walk alongside franchisors at every stage of their journey, helping them attract new franchisees and build customer loyalty through authentic, impactful storytelling. Our success is only possible because of the strong relationships we've built over the years." Carrying forward the agency's legacy into its next era, Zack Fishman, Chief Growth Officer, shared: "Our continued recognition by Entrepreneur reflects not only our rich history but also our commitment to the future. We're evolving constantly to provide fresh, relevant services that meet the changing needs of franchisors from digital-first campaigns to influencer strategies while honoring the foundation my parents, Sherri and Brad Fishman, established 34 years ago. Just as importantly, we're always looking around the corner to stay ahead of industry trends whether it's harnessing new technology or guiding brands through the evolving impact of AI and local search on consumer behavior. Our growth is not only about innovation, but about staying true to our roots." About Fishman Public Relations Founded in 1991, Fishman Public Relations is the premier Chicago franchise PR agency and leading national firm offering best-in-class franchise PR, content marketing, digital marketing, SEO, influencer relations, local PR campaigns, paid media, and franchise crisis communications. For 34 years, the specialty agency has helped hundreds of brands grow through smart and powerful franchise lead generation and brand awareness campaigns. Fishman PR is proud to be the only franchising-focused partner of Worldcom Public Relations Group, an exclusive group of global PR firms consisting of 115 international agency partners operating in over 105 cities on 6 continents. This latest recognition from Entrepreneur reinforces Fishman PR's long-standing position as the best franchise public relations firm, trusted by franchisors nationwide to drive growth through powerful storytelling and strategic innovation. To learn more about franchise PR agency services, please visit www.fishmanpr.com. Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont | Fishman PR | (414) 366-3317 | [email protected] SOURCE Fishman Public Relations, Inc. MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluent Cargo has today announced the launch of Ask Fluent, an AI-powered search capability that enables natural language queries against live logistics and transport data. Ask Fluent connects users to real-time shipping schedules, routing intelligence, market index pricing, disruptions, certified emissions and cargo tracking through conversational interface. Fluent Cargo's Ask Fluent Fluent Cargo Fluent Cargo Unlike traditional chatbots that rely on static, outdated information, Ask Fluent provides real-time access to all the curated data from its platform including shipping schedules, routing options, container tracking, and market intelligence through a conversational interface, thereby increasing data driven access and decision making for its customers. While logistics professionals increasingly expect AI-powered tools, existing solutions are often built on static data that's out of date and lacks the real-time context essential for cargo operations, whereas Fluent Cargo's Ask Fluent feature provides users with live, real-time information that dynamically adapts as the supply chain landscape changes. Ask Fluent leverages Fluent Cargo's five years of data standardisation, data cleansing and routing methodology improvements enabling users to ask complex logistics questions in easy conversation. Customers can query "What's the best way to get two shipping containers from Japan to the West Coast of the United States?" and receive specific routing recommendations, such as the most efficient route through Yokohama to the Port of Los Angeles, followed by schedule availability and departure times. Direct and indirect shipment schedules are provided. Ask Fluent even considers recent port calls to provide insight if the vessels are running as per their schedules. "We're solving a fundamental problem in logistics technology the gap between what professionals need and what current AI tools actually deliver," said Andy Greig, CTO of Fluent Cargo. "Ask Fluent transforms how our customers access critical shipping intelligence by putting real-time, contextual data at their fingertips through simple conversation." Ask Fluent's capabilities are built on years of foundational data work. By standardising and cleaning up data over the past five years, Fluent Cargo has been able to provide practical ways to use the data, like finding schedules for shipments that need to arrive by specific dates. This strong data foundation made the transition to AI-powered capabilities straightforward, with the real power lying in the "unique data sets" they've been able to generate, collect, cleanse and extrapolate. "Ask Fluent is not just chatbot technology we're providing timely information with context, which is fundamentally different from what currently exists in the market," said Greig. "Instead of jumping between 10 different systems, users just need to know how to use a keyboard. Ask Fluent becomes the engine sitting in the middle of everything, with a powerful but simple interface that makes sense to everyone." "Whether I'm tracking a container, PO, Workorder, product type or BOL, I just want to simply ask the question and get an accurate answer. We've worked very hard on making our User Interface easily accessible but with the depth of the platform, users want faster access," said Archival Garcia, CEO of Fluent Cargo. "Data is king so the past years of sourcing, collating and sanitising good data will provide us with a great basis for the start of our AI journey. Our customers will want to interface their own data sets and workflows so we're super excited about enabling that for them. This is the future of cargo logistics. Most people use ChatGPT as Google so we're ahead of the curve to be able to provide this right now." Logistics professionals are forced to use multiple systems daily. Ask Fluent consolidates access to routing, scheduling, tracking, emissions monitoring, disruptions, and market pricing through a single interface, with plans to integrate third-party logistics platforms. The goal for Fluent Cargo is for Ask Fluent to be a centralised solution that can bring together data and workflows from various systems and applications that customers are already using, allowing them to drive their operations more efficiently through a single, simple interface. Ask Fluent is now available for existing Fluent Cargo customers, with different access levels based on account capabilities. About Fluent Cargo Fluent Cargo is an independent, mission-driven organisation dedicated to empowering clients with instant access to essential shipping information. By consolidating schedules, port and carrier details, pricing, tracking, and emissions monitoring, the platform offers a centralised source of truth that enables customers to plan and manage shipments more efficiently and effectively across air, ocean, rail, and road transport modes. U.S. Contact: Dyana Flanigan Flanigan Communications, Inc. [email protected] T: +1 (312) 213-6233 SOURCE Fluent Cargo SAUSALITO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UpTerra, a fast-growing ag-tech company delivering dynamic water-enhancing technology to farmers, today announced the appointment of Debra Baker as Chief Financial Officer. Based in Sausalito California, Baker will oversee UpTerra's finance, accounting and control operations and assist in building the company's team and infrastructure to support overall scalability during a period of rapid growth. She will report directly to Steve Birch, UpTerra's CEO. "I'm excited to join UpTerra when the company's growth is accelerating so rapidly as it delivers its unique service to farmers, generating strong economic results while making our crops more nutrient dense and improving the resilience of our food system," said Baker. "I'm passionate about operational efficiency, and I'm looking forward to helping UpTerra scale its unique service." Baker brings more than 25 years of operational, accounting and leadership experience, including senior roles at The Walt Disney Company and as Principal at Deloitte where she led various projects throughout the United States and India. In these positions, she led teams of more than 70 employees. She is highly regarded as a team builder and for driving operational and financial efficiency at scale. "Debra brings the skillset, operational excellence, and enthusiasm we need to expand and maximize our benefit to farmers," said Steve Birch, CEO of UpTerra. "Her ability to design and implement processes, optimize performance and build teams aligns with our commitment to operational excellence as we scale our revolutionary service with farmers." Debra is a graduate of the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. About UpTerra UpTerra's proprietary technology-based services structures irrigation water at the molecular level to instantly reduce surface tension and increase permeability. Proprietary biofrequencies are imprinted into the water and transmitted to the soil and crop. As a result, water permeates soil rapidly, expanding root zone and mass, increasing nutrient uptake, improving soil structure and microbiology, resulting in more resilient and nutrient-rich crops. The UpTerra system reduces input costs, improves soil health, and maximizes yield and nutritional quality for conventional, organic and regenerative farms, ultimately improving farm profitability and the quality and resilience of our food supply. Nothing has a greater impact on human health and the health of the planet than how our food is grown. To learn more, visit www.upterra.co . SOURCE UpTerra MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - gbi, a Quebec consulting engineering firm, is proud to announce that it has won first prize in the Large Projects category at the gala of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), held in Cape Town, South Africa. This prestigious recognition was awarded for the design and implementation of a dual energy transfer loop in the Royalmount commercial building, a project located in the heart of the Island of Montreal. Serge Beaudoin and Pierre-Samuel Beaudoin receiving the FIDIC award in Cape Town. (CNW Group/gbi) As lead engineer, gbi proposed a solution based on two interconnected energy transfer loops that optimize energy sharing between buildings, according to the specific needs of each space. With 150 geothermal wells reaching depths of 600 feet, renewable energy sources, geothermal and hydroelectricity, supply 86 % of the project's energy needs in a highly densified urban environment. "This international award recognizes our ability to design concrete and innovative energy solutions tailored to the challenges of modernity. My greatest pride is that, as a team, we achieved all the objectives while showcasing the expertise of Quebec engineering. Since this concept can be replicated for both buildings and entire districts, we are optimistic about adapting it to other projects on a global scale." Serge Beaudoin, P.Eng., president and principal designer of the energy transfer loop "The Royalmount energy project embodies a vision that goes far beyond the simple construction of a shopping center, inspiring a paradigm shift toward carbon-neutral, efficient infrastructure focused on community needs." Pierre-Samuel Beaudoin, P.Eng., vice president, Strategic Advisory Services This international recognition adds to another distinction received on September 22, 2025, highlighting the excellence and diversity of gbi's projects. The firm was also honored at the Quebec Consulting Engineering Awards Gala, hosted by the Association of Consulting Engineering Firms of Quebec, winning an Award of Excellence in the Building Structure category for the Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw School project. About gbi gbi is a multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm that supports a diverse clientele, both public and private, in the realization of sustainable and innovative projects. Each mandate is an opportunity to build strong partnerships based on trust, collaboration, and technical excellence. www.gbi.ca SOURCE gbi NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hernandez for NYC campaign has formally requested that Joseph Hernandeza certified, ballot-qualified candidate for Mayor of New York Citybe included in the two official general election debates this fall. Hernandez submitted nearly 15,000 valid petition signatures, almost four times the legal requirement, and has been approved by the New York City Board of Elections to appear on the November ballot under the Quality of Life Party line. Despite this, debate organizers have moved to exclude him from the stage. The campaign has sent letters to debate organizers, broadcast sponsors, media partners, and New York City institutional partners requesting his inclusion and urging fairness in the debate process. The New York City Campaign Finance Board has scheduled two official debates: General Election Debate: Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on NBC 4 New York, in partnership with Telemundo 47 and POLITICO. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at on NBC 4 New York, in partnership with Telemundo 47 and POLITICO. Leading Contender Debate: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 , at 7:00 p.m. on NY1, in partnership with WNYC/Gothamist, THE CITY, New York Law School, the Museum of the City of New York , CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice . The Hernandez campaign argues his exclusion: Undermines democracy by silencing a certified candidate. by silencing a certified candidate. Disenfranchises Hispanic voters nearly 30% of New Yorkers are Hispanic, and Hernandez is the only Hispanic candidate in the race. nearly 30% of New Yorkers are Hispanic, and Hernandez is the only Hispanic candidate in the race. Raises fairness concerns, including equal access to coverage and debate participation. The campaign has also sent letters to major television and radio outlets requesting equal coverage under FCC regulations, including but not limited to: ABC 7, CBS New York, FOX 5, NBC 4 New York, PIX11, NY1, Telemundo 47, Univision 41, 1010 WINS, WOR 710, 77 WABC, WNYC, WBLS 107.5, Power 105.1, and Hot 97. "Debates are not the property of political insiders or media gatekeepers. They are a public trust. Every qualified voice deserves to be heard. New Yorkers deserve the full debate, not a filtered one," said Hernandez. About Joseph Hernandez: Joseph Hernandez is a Hispanic-American biotech entrepreneur and independent candidate for Mayor of New York City. A refugee and the son of a political prisoner, he immigrated to the U.S. at age seven and built a nationally recognized career founding healthcare companies and advancing public health innovation. He is running to restore safety, affordability, and accountability to New York City leadership. For more information, visit hernandezfornyc.com . SOURCE Hernandez For NYC Hyundai Receives 19th Engine & Propulsion System Award by Wards FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai's newest electric vehicle, the IONIQ 9, has been named one of Wards' 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2025. This prestigious recognition marks Hyundai's 19th powertrain honor from Wards since the awards program began in 1995. Among this year's winners, four electric vehicles were selected, with the IONIQ 9 earning its place among the top ten for its innovation and performance. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is photographed in California City, Calif. on Nov. 20, 2024. "The propulsion system in the IONIQ 9 gives the SUV some pop off the line even in Normal drive mode. The Sport gear just takes it up another notch," says Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsions Systems' Judge Dave Zoia. "And it's not just the off-the-line power that impresses; it also has plenty of punch left when accelerating at speeds beyond 85 mph. It also boasts a range that's among the best, and it ran true in our testing." The focus of the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems competition is to identify those products that standout with improved performance in range, fuel economy and advanced technologies with compelling powertrain advancements that are all-new or significantly improved. "Hyundai remains dedicated to advancing electrification, as demonstrated by our acclaimed EV portfolio, which includes the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 models," stated Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform utilized in our electric vehicles supports ultra-fast 800V charging capabilities, addressing the demands of today's consumers. Furthermore, the IONIQ 9 achieves an EPA-estimated range exceeding 300 miles,1 with the IONIQ 9 RWD S trim reaching up to 335 miles per charge. The IONIQ 9 is also manufactured domestically at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia." Evaluations of nominated vehicles for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems took place during the summer 2025, with judges experiencing vehicles during their daily driving. Judges rate new or heavily refreshed engines or propulsion systems in vehicles on horsepower, torque, NVH management, observed efficiency and new technology onboard. There is no price cap, but overall value is a consideration. This marks the 31st year for Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement and highlight the teams that create them. This year, 28 nominees competed for the prestigious awards. All-new or significantly updated propulsion systems qualify for consideration, along with winners from the 2024 class. The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards ceremony will be held on October 23, 2025, at Lovett Hall in Dearborn, MI. About WardsAuto WardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive editorial, insights, and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for more than 90 years. A Southfield, MI-based Informa TechTarget business, WardsAuto provides a forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom. As a part of our parent organization, Informa TechTarget, our mission is to bring together the entire ecosystem of those in technology and automotive to accelerate the future of our industries. Subscribe to WardsAuto by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com . Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok 1 EPA-estimated 335-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 9 RWD S trim; EPA-estimated 320-mile driving range for IONIQ 9 AWD SE and AWD SEL trims; EPA-estimated 311-mile driving range for IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Limited and AWD Performance Calligraphy Design trims. Figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature. SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Nurses Gather Community Support Ahead of Election to Become Teamsters DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, September 24, in support of nurses at UnityPoint Health, representatives from the Iowa community will demonstrate outside the employer's corporate office in West Des Moines as nurses vote to join Teamsters Local 90 from October 5-7. The Iowa community is outraged by an aggressive union-busting campaign waged by UnityPoint and spearheaded by CEO Scott Kizer and Nursing Director Sarah Brown. Rather than investing in patient care and nurse safety, the multibillion-dollar health care giant has spent between $3.7 million and $6.1 million to try to stop workers from becoming Teamsters. Representatives from the Iowa community will be joined by labor, clergy, and other supporters. They will call on UnityPoint to adhere to its core values and be a responsible employer by ceasing its egregious anti-union campaign. WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 1-2 p.m. CT WHO: UnityPoint nurses Members and leaders of Teamsters Local 90 Jennifer Konfrst, Iowa State Representative Nancy Huisinga, RN, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Zach Wahls, Iowa State Senator Rev. Lindsey Braun, Senior Pastor Urbandale United Church of Christ WHERE: UnityPoint Health Corporate Office 1776 W Lakes Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50266 Media Contact: Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279 [email protected] On-site Contact: Andrea Staples, (510) 735-1996 SOURCE Teamsters Local 90 NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "Quantum Computer Markets: Who Leads?" report provides 12 strategic profiles of distinguished firms working to provide the quantum market with full-stack quantum computers and advanced QPUs. We compare these companies according to a new rating framework IQT has constructed. The top four firms in quantum computing according to our analysis are IBM, Quantinuum, IonQ and Rigetti. Top Six Quantum Computing Leaders (Source: IQT Research) IQT's assessment scheme is unique in that it takes into consideration more than just the usual technical benchmarking and appraises the companies on additional factors that we believe are as important for long term business success. The areas in which we have appraised the companies considered include: (1) reputation including how the firms are viewed by the competition, (2) marketing (2) software, (3) user communities and marketing efforts, (4) technology (types of qubits) and (5) form factors, (6) focus on networking and distributed quantum computing and other considerations. This report does a lot more. The 12 profiles of top-names quantum computer firms are highly granular accounts of the companies' backgrounds, their hardware and software products, as well as alliances and customer base. The companies profiled comprise Fujitsu, Google, IBM, IonQ, IQM, Microsoft, Pasqal, PsiQuantum, Quantinuum, Quera, Rigetti and Xanadu. Each profile also includes a section in which we provide IQT's opinion on the advantages and chalenges that the companies that we are analyzing face. As a bonus we include in this report a thorough analysis of the quantum cloud sector as well as pricing of both quantum cloud services and (as far as possible) the machines themselves. We also consider the different trends in quantum computing such as HPC integration and those companies that are aimed at small quantum computers. This report will be highly valuable to quantum hardware and software makers, the investment community, journalists and quantum users themselves. For a sample of this report, click on "Request Excerpt" For a quote, click on "Request a Quote" About IQT Research: IQT Research is a division of 3DR Holdings, and the first industry analyst firm dedicated to meeting the strategic information and analysis needs of the emerging quantum technology sector. In addition to publishing reports on critical business opportunities in the quantum technology sector, IQT produces a daily news website on business-related happenings in the quantum technology field. IQT also organizes international events. The next conference Q+AI will be uncovering the coming wave of Quantum+AI and will be held October 19-21, 2025, in New York City simultaneously with Q+Crypto. Next year's IQT Nordics event will be held in Oslo, Norway. Complete information on our events calendar can be found at www.iqtevent.com. Inquiries: Missy Wade [email protected] Telephone: 888-384-7144 SOURCE IQT Research By starting with SMS, Kolo AI distinguishes itself on the market as the first AI company to make AI assistance available to anyone with a smartphone and a messaging planthe most universal, frictionless way to access AI. From there, conversations seamlessly sync across app and web, ensuring continuity wherever users choose to engage. Whether summarizing texts, contributing insights in group chats, or handling reminders, Kolo delivers everyday AI that feels natural, accessible, and always within reach. The company's simplified approach allows users to incorporate the full value and potential of different large language models (LLMs) into their daily interactions - making AI a catalyst for everyday consumer ease. "AI has incredible potential to empower users with new insights, information, and task assistance that can simplify their daily lives. Unfortunately, the prompt complexity demands of today's AI end up taking away time from users, rather than giving them back time better spent," said Harry Tsao, CEO of Kolo AI. "Our AI changes that with better information harmony. Kolo plugs into the lives of consumers organically and begins to optimize interactions based on the daily priorities of each user. Because Kolo isn't restricted to a one-dimensional back and forth, our AI is better positioned to filter content based on what the user cares about, in addition to results based on information quality and the utilitarian intent of the consumers' prompt. Just like a friend, family member or subject matter expert you might turn to for advice, Kolo gives perspective based on a more well-rounded and historically consistent viewpoint that factors in the users' identity. Kolo delivers on the AI helping hand users are actually after, not the additional work." Key Features Kolo AI is now available widely for consumer use across SMS ( download the contact card ), mobile app ( Apple App Store and Google Play ) and the web ( https://www.kolo.ai/chat/ . Cross-Platform Conversations & Seamless Syncing. Kolo AI synchronizes conversations across SMS, app, and web in real time, ensuring users can pick up where they left off on any device without friction. Kolo AI synchronizes conversations across SMS, app, and web in real time, ensuring users can pick up where they left off on any device without friction. Multi-User SMS and Smart Presence. Drop Kolo into group conversations or one-on-one chats. Kolo can be summoned explicitly or auto-invoke itself when it perceives it can add value, offering suggestions, insights, or answers without interrupting the flow unnecessarily. Drop Kolo into group conversations or one-on-one chats. Kolo can be summoned explicitly or auto-invoke itself when it perceives it can add value, offering suggestions, insights, or answers without interrupting the flow unnecessarily. Proprietary Orchestrator and Auto-Model Selection. Behind the scenes, Kolo's priority orchestrator analyzes incoming queries and determines which underlying LLMs (OpenAI, Gemini, Grok etc.),is best suited, balancing speed, accuracy, specialization, latency, and cost for the task at hand. Behind the scenes, Kolo's priority orchestrator analyzes incoming queries and determines which underlying LLMs (OpenAI, Gemini, Grok etc.),is best suited, balancing speed, accuracy, specialization, latency, and cost for the task at hand. Self-Tuning & Personalization. Kolo not only remembers user contextpreferences, details, and past interactionsbut also distinguishes between facts and inferences to deliver more accurate, personalized responses. Users have full control with the ability to add, edit, delete, or keep memories private. Its adaptive engine continually refines answers, becoming more attuned with every exchange. Kolo not only remembers user contextpreferences, details, and past interactionsbut also distinguishes between facts and inferences to deliver more accurate, personalized responses. Users have full control with the ability to add, edit, delete, or keep memories private. Its adaptive engine continually refines answers, becoming more attuned with every exchange. Everyday AI, Zero Learning Curve. Kolo's mission: make AI so natural and easy to use that users get outstanding results without needing to master prompting. The focus is on delivering highly personalized, relevant output with minimal friction. Leadership Team Kolo AI is led by a team of business, technology, and consumer experts with decades of successful ventures and leadership roles across all industries. About Kolo AI Kolo AI is an artificial intelligence company focused on building the everyday AI assistant: one that works across platforms, feels personalized, and doesn't require users to learn jargon or complex prompting. Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs and technologists, Kolo is reimagining how AI fits into users' lives; not as a tool, but as a companion and collaborator. Media Contact Diane Zuniga for Kolo AI DEW COMMS (281) 891-0882 [email protected] SOURCE Kolo AI The brokerage team behind the wholly unique master planned community chose Land id to help communicate the horizon-spanning possibilities of this inprogress lifestyle destination BOZEMAN, Mont., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Property information and mapping software company Land id has been hired by Anthology, a real estate company out of Boise, ID to assist in the marketing of one of the West's most compelling new lifestyle communities, Triple Creek Reserve. Property information and mapping software company Land id has been hired by Anthology, a real estate company out of Boise, ID to assist in the marketing of one of the Wests most compelling new lifestyle communities, Triple Creek Reserve. The sheer geographic scope and depth of opportunities for homeowners within the boundaries of Triple Creek Reserve makes communicating its many benefits challenging for common real estate marketing tactics. Land id's rich graphical mapping experiences, newly launched 3D Tour function and custom data overlays of critical property characteristics serve to add unmistakable clarity for every parcel, forested slope and winding creek that will help buyers and builders with purchase and design decisions. Land id's video production arm worked with Anthology, a real estate company based in Boise, ID, to assemble 11 in-depth minutes of community insights, combining in-person interviews, select parcel discussions and possibilities, drone flyovers and animated map navigation direct from the Land id mobile and web solution. The end-result is an entertaining and informative presentation any prospective buyer can use to make an investment decision. Lance Hancock, broker with Anthology said that his Land id production experience was "outstanding." "They combined professionalism with creativity, making the process both productive and enjoyable. Their ability to help us tell the story of Triple Creek Reserve was exceptional. The same intentional design behind the Land id app carried through into our collaboration video, and we couldn't be more pleased with the result. We've already seen a strong return on investment from using the app, and we're excited to see the response to the video." Land id is called upon to showcase how real estate professionals can best utilize interactive maps when listing some of the most geographically distinct properties found in America, those that typically demand attention from a very exclusive buyer demographic. Those projects include Cromwell Island in Montana, a Flathead Lake island complex listed for $72,000,000 as well as America's largest contiguous ranch property, Wyoming's 916,000-acre Pathfinder Ranch. The Rhode Island-sized empire is listed for $80,000,000 and stretches between the Ferris, Pedro, and Green Mountain ranges, encompassing a namesake reservoir and 20 miles of the Sweetwater River, including a vast expanse of high plains, foothills and river valleys. "Touring Triple Creek Reserve was an incredible experience. It was inspiring to see how Anthology is using Land id to map existing lots , promote available properties and plan future subdivisions," said Taylor Willard of Land id. "The diverse terrain offers stunning views, and Anthology has done an excellent job designing different sections to fit a wide range of lifestyles. From 23 acre lots to ranches of 100+ acres, Triple Creek Reserve truly has something for everyone seeking their perfect property." View the Triple Creek Reserve video here . ABOUT LAND ID Built by real estate mapping professionals, designed for everyone, Land id offers anyone who interacts with properties a new way to understand it. Our web and mobile applications enable real estate pros, agriculture, appraisers, builders, landowners, and anyone curious about land to discover extensive private parcel data and use it to power shareable, interactive maps and unique listing marketing assets . To date, more than 30,000 users have created more than 2 million maps and more than 1.2 million maps are viewed each month. Land id's mission is to make high-quality mapping and in-depth property information analysis tools accessible to everyone. Land id's headquarters are in Bozeman, MT and Austin, TX. Learn more about Land id at https://id.land/about SOURCE Land id, Inc. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- China proposed the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative held here on Tuesday. In line with the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the initiative urges promotional efforts to deeply integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the economic and social development to benefit all countries, including the Global South. AI represents not only a technological upgrade, but also a systematic and comprehensive transformation with profound implications. According to the initiative, it also plays a vital role in advancing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative calls on all countries to proactively carry out AI+ campaigns in public well-being, technological advancement, industrial application, cultural prosperity and talent cultivation according to each country's conditions, enhance policy exchange and practical cooperation, and share best practices and solutions on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. Among the five campaigns, the "AI+ public well-being" calls for harnessing AI to enhance public services and provide solutions to issues concerning people's livelihood; the "AI+ industrial application," among others, urges cooperation to keep the industrial and supply chains stable, foster a steady stream of innovations, and release more AI-enabled dividends; and the "AI+ cultural prosperity" supports the use of AI to maintain and promote the traditional cultures of all countries. The Chinese premier landed in New York on Monday. During his stay till Friday, Li will attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and events held by China, as well as several bilateral meetings, including with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Revolutionary Optics Company Recognized Among Top Companies from Thousands of Applicants LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumenuity , the innovative optics company whose technology can substantially boost optics performance for phones, drones, and augmented reality today announced it has been selected for Pepperdine's Most Fundable Companies Winners' Circle for 2025. This recognition, presented by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, honors the most innovative and investment-worthy companies in the United States. The competition's finalists and winners together represent the top 1% of the estimated 2,300 early-stage companies that participated in the competition, and Lumenuity was among those awarded this honor after going through a rigorous evaluation process that focuses on investor due diligence criteria, including financial viability, market opportunity, intellectual property strength, and business model innovation. The announcement was made today at the annual gala showcase event in Malibu, California, attended by over 200 investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. "We are deeply honored to be recognized by Pepperdine as one of the Most Fundable Companies of 2025," said Dr. Benjamin Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of Lumenuity. "This award is a testament to our team's dedication to transforming mobile optics through our groundbreaking Light Unfolding technology. We're grateful to the distinguished judges for their time and thorough evaluation, and we're humbled to be selected from such an exceptional pool of innovative companies. This recognition validates our vision of bringing DSLR-quality imaging to pocket-sized devices and opens new opportunities to accelerate our mission." The recognition comes as Lumenuity continues to gain momentum in the competitive mobile optics market. The past year has been one of remarkable success and momentum for Lumenuity. The company successfully completed a prestigious DARPA project, demonstrating the versatility and advanced capabilities of their optical technology for government applications. This achievement is anticipated to lead to additional company development in the AR (augmented reality) space. Additionally, Lumenuity has continued deep technical discussions with multiple tier-one smartphone manufacturers, positioning the company for potential partnerships that could bring their revolutionary technology to consumers worldwide. As part of that momentum, Major General Stephen T. Sargeant, USAF (Ret.) has recently become an advisor to Lumenuity. Sargeant has 30 years of senior leadership experience in aerospace and defense operations, strategic planning and other areas of business. He is currently the CEO of a test and measurement company that supports military, aerospace and manufacturing organizations. Sargeant added, "Lumenuity's technology could double the effective range and resolution of current optical sensor systems on both UAS and satellites, delivering superior performance in a more compact and lightweight form factor than competing solutions. This breakthrough enables enhanced imaging capabilities while reducing the size, weight, and cost constraints that have traditionally limited sensor deployment on space-constrained platforms." Beyond smartphones, Lumenuity's technology offers widespread applications in drones, augmented reality systems, and other compact optical devices. About Lumenuity: Lumenuity is a cutting-edge optics company delivering groundbreaking technology for enhanced optical performance in compact systems. Co-founded by Dr. Benjamin Shapiro and Dr. Edo Waks, experts in optics, electrical engineering, and quantum technologies, the company's Light Unfolding technology unlocks new imaging possibilities across multiple applications. Lumenuity provides custom solutions tailored to partners' needs and is backed by a prestigious advisory board with decades of leadership experience at top-tier smartphone and AR companies. Learn more at www.LumenuityInc.com . About Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies The Most Fundable Companies List is an annual program hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School aimed to promote startup business development by providing pathways for startup funding and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit across the nation. An estimated 2,300 companies across all 50 states applied for the 2025 program. The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School's Most Fundable Companies Showcase presented by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship took place on September 24, 2025 at Pepperdine University's Villa Graziadio Executive Center. SOURCE Lumenuity, Inc. FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maen Hussein, MD, medical oncologist/hematologist and director of value-based care for Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS), joined with members of the Jordanian American Physicians Association (JAPA) in a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, held prior to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Dr. Hussein serves as JAPA president. This marked the second meeting held with his majesty aiming to strengthen ties with Jordanian medical professionals working in the U.S. Maen Hussein, MD Meets With King Abdullah II According to Dr. Hussein, "Our dialogue reaffirmed the association's mission, which is to foster collaboration between Jordanian medical professionals in the U.S. and their counterparts in Jordan, supporting the development of healthcare and mentoring the next generation of doctors." HM King Abdullah II praised the achievements of Jordanian doctors in the U.S., noting their role in enhancing Jordan's standing in the medical field and in serving communities both at home and abroad. He highlighted the importance of maintaining cooperation and sharing expertise to support Jordan's healthcare sector and advance its modernization agenda. Discussions also covered challenges facing Jordanian physicians overseas, alongside opportunities for future collaboration to further develop Jordan's healthcare system. "Our JAPA members expressed appreciation for the King's continued support and his interest in the Jordanian diaspora," noted Dr. Hussein. "Together we affirmed our commitment to contributing to Jordan's health sector through training initiatives, professional mentorship, and volunteer work." Dr. Hussein has been involved with the association since it began in 2014 as an online group of physicians seeking to connect and support medical students and healthcare needs in their home country. The non-profit has marked a number of achievements that include: Delivering $250,000 worth of protective gear and high-flow oxygen devices to Ministry of Health and university hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. worth of protective gear and high-flow oxygen devices to Ministry of Health and university hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering hundreds of interest-free student loans and arranging clinical training placements for Jordanian students in the U.S. through sustainable projects worth several hundred thousand dinars. Coordinating medical missions to Gaza in a number of rare specialties despite difficult circumstances. in a number of rare specialties despite difficult circumstances. Raising more than $600,000 for the King Hussein Cancer Foundation to support treatment for children with cancer from Gaza . for the King Hussein Cancer Foundation to support treatment for children with cancer from . Organizing annual conferences and workshops in Jordan and the U.S. to promote medical education and international collaboration. and the U.S. to promote medical education and international collaboration. Establishing endowment funds to support patients and building a global membership network for physicians and students. Lucio N. Gordan, MD, FCS president and managing physician, said, "Dr. Hussein's clinical expertise and visionary leadership extend far beyond our borders. He sets the standard for inspiring innovation and fostering collaboration to impact communities around the world." Dr. Hussein is grateful for the support he and his colleagues receive from the statewide practice to extend their reach. "The fact that I am part of FCS gives me the time and the opportunity to do more so that cancer patients everywhere have better care," he said. In his leadership role for the FCS statewide practice. Dr. Hussein oversees the ongoing development of value-based care initiatives to continuously improve patient outcomes while managing costs effectively. Dr. Hussein joined FCS in 2011 and provides oncology care to patients at the FCS Villages Cancer Center and FCS Brownwood location. An active cancer researcher and advocate for the vital importance of clinical trials, Dr. Hussein has served as principal investigator on numerous clinical trials with a focus on lung cancer. His work has been published and presented in prestigious industry publications and symposiums. Dr. Hussein also serves as president of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) board of directors. Additionally, he is member of the board of directors and immediate past chair of the FCS Foundation. About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com) For more than 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has embraced innovation to deliver world-class care and drive the dramatic transformation of oncology care through its robust clinical research program. FCS provides patients with access to a wide range of clinical trials, positioning it as a leader in research among private oncology practices in Florida and across the country. In fact, before receiving FDA approval, the majority of new cancer drugs in the U.S. were first made available to patients through participation in clinical trials at FCS. Our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians is committed to delivering tailored treatment plans that make the best use of cutting-edge precision oncology advancements to enhance patient outcomes. SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Historic gathering reveals how open collaborative development practices enable teams to harness AI technologies and drive enterprise-wide innovation at scale NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The InnerSource Commons Foundation is celebrating their tenth annual InnerSource Summit on Thursday, November 13, 2025, marking a historic milestone as the first summit to span three continents simultaneously. The landmark event will be hosted at three prestigious venues: IBM's One Madison office in New York City, SAP's campus in Berlin, Germany, and Mitsubishi Electric's Serendie Street Yokohama, Japan, with virtual participation available globally. The anniversary summit represents the culmination of a decade of growth for the InnerSource Commons Foundation, which has evolved from a small community of practitioners in 2015 to now supporting and connecting over 3,000 individuals from more than 800 companies, academic institutions, and government agencies worldwide. The InnerSource Summit goes global November 13, 202524 hours, three continents, one unprecedented event. Post this "This 24-hour global celebration embodies the very principles we championopen collaboration transcending boundaries," said Daniel Izquierdo, Chairman of the Board. "We are celebrating by focusing on bringing diverse perspectives and practices to light across the globe. Having three industry leadersIBM, SAP, and Mitsubishi Electrichost our venues demonstrates the enterprise commitment to InnerSource as a transformational approach to software development." The InnerSource approach has gained significant recognition from industry analysts, with Gartner identifying InnerSource as a top strategic technology trend in software engineering. Research indicates that organizations implementing InnerSource practices experience substantial improvements in software quality and development efficiency, with teams that apply these methodologies positioned to significantly reduce time to market. The 2025 summit will run for 24 hours to accommodate global time zones, featuring presentations, case studies, and collaboration sessions focused on real-world InnerSource implementations. The event will showcase how organizations are successfully applying open source principles and practices to internal software development, breaking down silos, accelerating innovation, and fostering knowledge sharing across teams. The summit will feature keynote presentations from industry leaders including Katsura Ito, the Commissioner of the Japan National Personnel Authority, Peter Giese, Director of the Open Source Program Office at SAP, and Olivia Buzek, STSM AI for Developers at IBM. The full line-up is expected in the next month as a record number of proposals were received for this milestone event. This unprecedented global gathering represents the evolution of InnerSource from emerging practice to essential enterprise capability, cementing the foundation's role as the definitive source for collaborative development expertise. Registration information for the InnerSource Summit 2025 is available at https://innersourcecommons.org/events/isc-2025/. About InnerSource Commons Foundation The InnerSource Commons Foundation empowers developers and organizations to apply open collaboration principles in their daily work. As the neutral hub and central collaboration space for InnerSource knowledge, the foundation maintains its independence and operates on a lean budget. The foundation builds a strong, inclusive community and industry partnerships while applying open collaboration principles to drive the conversation about InnerSource and steward the InnerSource body of knowledge. Founded in 2015 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public charity in 2020, the InnerSource Commons Foundation is the world's largest community of InnerSource practitioners, supporting over 3,000 individuals from more than 800 companies, academic institutions, and government agencies. For more information, visit innersourcecommons.org. SOURCE InnerSource Commons Foundation Market-leading REVEAL by Tactacam's cellular cameras paired with Microshare's powerful AI-driven platform create the pest control industry's most efficient remote monitoring system PHILADELPHIA and DECORAH, Iowa, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Microshare, a global leader in remote pest monitoring software, and Tactacam, a leader in connected cellular technology, today announced a partnership that combines Microshare's powerful pest monitoring platform with Tactacam's cutting-edge camera technology. Together, the companies will deliver a first-of-its-kind solution for both professional pest control providers and individual customers. EverSmart Pest is the worlds first comprehensive remote monitoring solution for a range of pests, all based on the AI-driven algorithm of the Microshare Platform. With EverSmart Pest remote monitoring capabilities being deployed by the thousands in food production, warehousing, hotels, factories and residential sites across Europe and North America, the need to provide visual evidence to customers and pest control technicians has driven demand for seamless integration of Tactacam's cellular technology with the Microshare Platform's simple-to-deploy, AI-driven monitoring tools. "This partnership transforms how pest control professionals serve their customers with faster, smarter and more efficient tools," said Benjamin Thorud, Tactacam Co-Founder. "By connecting Tactacam's proven cameras with Microshare's advanced software platform, we're enabling real-time pest monitoring that gives operators instant visibility, better data and the ability to act quickly." "There's nothing I like better than an integration that meets an urgent demand being expressed by the market," said Microshare CEO and Co-Founder, Ron Rock. "We see this as an obvious next step as we refine our Alert Engine's unmatched ability to filter out false positives, and bundle sensor data into incidents, rather than the incessant noise that the unfiltered sensors used by our rivals creates." Tactacam's pioneering line of cellular cameras, trusted by outdoor enthusiasts, security professionals and residential customers concerned about wildlife control, are becoming an essential tool for pest control operators. By delivering unmatched visibility into rodent, nuisance wildlife and avian wildlife control, cellular cameras help operators solve problems faster and create stronger compliance materials for customers. Tactacam's existing SIM-card connectivity is now integrated with EverSmart Pest's "right message to the right person at the right time" alert system, a sophisticated AI-driven algorithm that provides a 24/7 sentry capability for customer sites. This provides Tactacam cellular cameras with "enterprise-ready" options, complete with user management, assignable alerts, a scan-and-deploy QR code system of mapping camera locations, as well as Microshare's React-M process management app to ensure actionable events are dealt with in a timely, professional manner. "We would like to see current Tactacam customers pair their cameras with EverSmart Pest to protect their businesses and reputations from those risks," added Rock. "And, we know for sure that our current pest control customers are eager to integrate cellular cameras into their existing deployments. A win-win for all involved." About Tactacam Since 2013, Tactacam has been pioneering outdoor and remote monitoring with its advanced cellular camera technology. The company's flagship brands include REVEAL, a top-rated line of cellular trail cameras; Defend, a cellular security camera designed for remote surveillance; and FeatherSnap, an AI-powered bird feeder revolutionizing backyard birdwatching. With a commitment to simplicity, reliability and cutting-edge performance, Tactacam is setting the standard for innovative outdoor technology. For more information, visit www.tactacam.com. About Microshare and EverSmart Pest Microshare is digitizing the real world with its EverSmart data solutions, helping transform basic industries and infrastructure with targeted alerts filtered by our AI-powered Alert Engine. EverSmart Pest is the world's first comprehensive remote monitoring solution for a range of pests, from rodents, flying insects, crawling insects to bedbugs, all based on the AI-driven algorithm of the Microshare Platform. To learn more about EverSmart Pest and Microshare's widely-adopted EverSmart digital cleaning, washroom maintenance, leak detection and other solutions, visit us at www.microshare.io, follow us on LinkedIn or email us: [email protected] SOURCE Tactacam LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RAAPID, an M12 (Microsoft Venture Fund) backed company and leading AI-powered risk adjustment solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Kim Swafford , Industry Executive at Microsoft Healthcare, to its advisory board. Kim Swafford Joins RAAPID Advisory Board Swafford brings over 20 years of healthcare digital transformation expertise. Currently serving as Industry Executive, Americas at Microsoft, she drives digital innovation across the healthcare sector. Her distinguished career includes leadership roles at Providence, where she served as Group Vice President of Telehealth and Health Technology Strategy, and as Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Program Services. At Providence, Swafford led initiatives that improved patient access, quality outcomes, and operational efficiencyachievements that directly align with RAAPID's mission to help healthcare organizations capture accurate member risk while ensuring compliant reimbursements. "Kim's proven expertise in healthcare operations and her track record of driving digital transformation at enterprise scale make her an invaluable addition to our advisory board," said Chetan Parikh, CEO and Founder of RAAPID. "As health plans face unprecedented RADV audit challenges with extrapolation risks threatening millions in revenue, Kim's strategic insights will be instrumental in helping our clients achieve defensible accuracy and operational excellence." "I'm thrilled to join RAAPID's advisory board at such a pivotal time for the industry," said Swafford. "RAAPID's Neuro-Symbolic AI technology addresses the critical need for explainable, defensible risk adjustment solutions. Their platform's ability to provide transparent audit trails while dramatically improving operational efficiency represents exactly the kind of innovation healthcare organizations need to succeed in value-based care." About RAAPID RAAPID develops AI-powered risk adjustment solutions for healthcare payers, providers, and supporting organizations. The company's HITRUST-certified platform uses Neuro-Symbolic AI to identify chronic conditions, determine HCC codes, and provide explainable documentation for complete audit defense. Backed by M12 (Microsoft's venture fund), RAAPID serves organizations participating in Medicare Advantage, ACA, Medicare ACO, and Medicaid programs with both retrospective and prospective risk capture capabilities. Founded by healthcare technology veterans with over 20 years of experience, RAAPID is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more at www.raapidinc.com . Contact: Mayur Vyas Director - Marketing (502) 699-3044 [email protected] SOURCE RAAPID Inc NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Napoli Shkolnik has filed a federal lawsuit (1:25-cv-05257) against Uber and its subsidiaries on behalf of a New York woman kidnapped and sexually assaulted by her Uber driver. The lawsuit alleges that Uber failed to properly screen drivers, ignored prior complaints and concerns, as well as failed to implement basic safety measures, including for users overseas where the dangers can be ever greater. The complaint alleges that Uber continued to put profits over passenger safety. The suit alleges that the Plaintiff, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was attending an event in Colombia. She booked an Uber to take her back to her hotel. After confirming she was in the correct vehicle, she soon realized the driver was taking her in the incorrect direction. Despite her pleas to stop, she was taken to an isolated area far from her hotel. She was then forcefully restrained by the driver and brutally assaulted. Joseph L. Ciaccio, one of the attorneys representing the woman, emphasized the critical need for accountability: "When a passenger enters an Uber, they are required to trust that the driver is someone that Uber has done their due diligence on to ensure their safety. For a young woman, traveling overseas, being kidnapped against her will and sexually assaulted is the worst violation of that trust imaginable." This case is similar to a broader wave of litigation against Uber, including the federal multidistrict litigation ( MDL No. 3084 ) consolidated in the Northern District of California, which addresses allegations of sexual assault by Uber drivers. The complaint continues Napoli Shkolnik's work on behalf of victims in some of the most high-profile and consequential litigation nationwide, where the firm has consistently challenged corporate negligence and systemic misconduct. About Napoli Shkolnik Napoli Shkolnik is a national law firm providing representation in complex civil litigation, including cases involving sexual assaults and significant personal injuries. With a dedicated team of attorneys and a proven track record of success, Napoli Shkolnik provides exceptional legal representation and fights for justice on behalf of those affected by wrongdoing. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Napoli Shkolnik Transaction supports Newfold Digital's focus on core global brands, Bluehost and Network Solutions JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newfold Digital, a leading web and commerce technology company serving nearly seven million customers globally, backed by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (together with affiliates, "Clearlake") and Siris Capital Group (together with affiliates, "Siris"), today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell Markmonitor to Com Laude, a global corporate registrar owned by PX3 Partners, the London-headquartered private equity firm. The sale is part of Newfold Digital's strategy to simplify its portfolio and double down on the areas where it can deliver the greatest value to customers its core brands, Bluehost and Network Solutions. These businesses provide web presence, hosting, and retail registrar services that are central to Newfold Digital's long-term vision. Bluehost, trusted by over five million WordPress users, and Network Solutions, a long-time leader in domains and SMB online presence supporting millions of web properties, are both advancing their platforms with AI-driven website creation and innovative capabilities to help customers launch, grow, and stand out online. "This step strengthens our focus on Bluehost and Network Solutions, positioning us to accelerate growth and deliver even greater value to customers," said Sharon Rowlands, CEO of Newfold Digital. "We appreciate the contributions of the Markmonitor team and are confident Com Laude is the right partner to advance Markmonitor's next phase of growth." The terms of the transaction are subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. RBC Capital Markets is serving as exclusive financial advisor, KPMG is serving as accounting and tax advisor, and Sidley Austin is serving as legal advisor to Newfold. About Newfold Digital Newfold Digital is a leading web and commerce technology company serving nearly seven million customers globally. Our portfolio of brands includes: Network Solutions, Bluehost, Crazy Domains, HostGator, Yoast and many others. We help customers of all sizes build a digital presence that delivers results. With our extensive product offerings and personalized support, we take pride in collaborating with our customers to serve their online presence needs. Learn more about Newfold Digital at Newfold.com. About Clearlake Clearlake Capital Group is a global investment firm managing integrated platforms spanning private equity, liquid and private credit, and other related strategies. Founded in 2006, the firm has more than $90 billion of assets under management and has led or co-led over 400 investments globally. With deep knowledge and operational expertise across the technology, industrials, and consumer sectors, Clearlake seeks to partner with experienced management teams, providing patient, long-term capital and aiming to drive value through its active hands-on operating approach, O.P.S. (Operations, People, Strategy). Headquartered in Santa Monica, Clearlake maintains a global footprint with offices in Dallas, New York, London, Dublin, Luxembourg, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. For more information, please visit clearlake.com or follow us on LinkedIn . About Siris Siris is a leading private equity firm that targets control investments in North American, middle-market technology and technology-enabled services companies. Siris leverages its Executive Partner network to deliver on strategic and operational portfolio company value creation objectives. Siris is based in New York and West Palm Beach and has invested ~$9 billion since inception as of December 31, 2024. www.siris.com. Newfold Digital Media Contact: Nicole Cassis [email protected] 904-629-4388 Clearlake Media Contact: Tasha Pelio [email protected] 917-880-7675 Siris Media Contact: Dana Gorman / Mallory Griffin [email protected] / [email protected] 212-371-5999 SOURCE Newfold Digital Integrating Century Health's novel large language model (LLM) with electronic health records (EHRs) rapidly delivered 130k+ clinical variables to advance research into MS treatment and care SALT LAKE CITY and NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nira Medical and the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Clinic (RMMSC) today announced the presentation of a joint research poster at the 2025 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) Congress (September 24-26), unveiling a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) approach to building a real-world MS disease registry to advance treatments and access to effective MS care. Nira Medical and Century Health The poster [#P365 430-630], titled "A Novel Large Language Model Approach for Building a Real-World Multiple Sclerosis Disease Registry," demonstrates how advanced AI can transform fragmented electronic health record (EHR) data into a comprehensive, scalable registry to accelerate MS research and care. The presentation will take place in the Exhibit hall today, September 24 between 16:30 and 18:30 CEST. There's a growing need for real-world data (RWD) in MS research and drug development to shine a light on how current therapies perform across populations, especially long-term effectiveness, safety, and treatment patterns. This data is crucial in advancing patient care and outcomes. Today, most MS registries are built through slow, expensive manual chart reviews, limiting sample sizes, diversity, and real-world applicability. Now, AI has the potential to unlock the full potential of these insights by structuring and abstracting data at scale. In collaboration with Century Health, this research applies the Century Health Abstraction and Retrieval Model (CHARM), a large language model (LLM) fine-tuned for MS-specific clinical data, to a cohort of more than 4,200 RMMSC patients. CHARM enabled highly accurate abstraction of critical clinical variables from unstructured EHR data, including EDSS scores, disease-modifying therapy timelines, MRI findings, and relapse events. "We believe being able to unlock EHR data is a turning point in how we approach real-world evidence in neurology," said Dr. John Foley, Neurologist and Founder of Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, a Nira Medical practice. "By structuring raw data at scale, we're laying the groundwork for a more complete and representative understanding of MS. This is critical for advancing therapies, supporting clinical decision-making, and improving outcomes across diverse patient populations." "Our goal was to harness the power of AI to overcome long-standing barriers in real-world MS research," said Rebekah Foster, Head of Data at Nira Medical. "This approach gives us access to deeply meaningful clinical datasuch as EDSS, relapses, and treatment outcomesat an unprecedented scale and level of accuracy." Key Findings: EDSS successfully abstracted in over 97% of visits using CHARM 4,241-patient cohort with rich longitudinal data 79.5% of patients experienced at least one relapse; 84% received B-cell therapy High-fidelity insights into MS subtype, treatment history, and imaging patterns "This work demonstrates the power of applying advanced AI in close collaboration with leading clinicians and researchers. By transforming unstructured data into meaningful insights, we're building a shared foundation that accelerates research and discovery," said Vish Srivastava, Co-Founder & CEO of Century Health. This AI-powered method reduces months of manual data work to a fraction of the time, enabling larger, more representative MS registries that can accelerate drug development, improve clinical trial design, and inform better patient care. About Nira Medical Nira Medical is the nation's largest and fastest-growing independent neurology platform, built by and for clinicians. Nira empowers neurologists with streamlined workflows and expanded resources to deliver exceptional care. Through community-rooted specialty clinics, the platform expands access to expert care, infusion services, and clinical research in underserved regionsintroducing advanced treatments and enabling life-changing care where it's needed most. With a focus on multiple sclerosis, neuroimmunology, and complex neurological conditions, Nira is redefining what's possible in patient-centered neurology. About Rocky Mountain MS Clinic Rocky Mountain MS Clinic (RMMSC) is a nationally recognized leader in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of Multiple Sclerosis and related neurological conditions. Recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National MS Society, RMMSC combines more than 35 years of experience with cutting-edge therapies and clinical research. From its flagship clinic in Salt Lake City to its expansion in Lehi, RMMSC remains committed to serving patients across the Intermountain West with excellence, empathy, and innovation. About Century Health Century Health is a health technology company transforming how real-world evidence is generated from clinical data. With its AI-powered platform, Century Health unlocks rich, high-quality datasets from fragmented and siloed clinical information to fuel groundbreaking research and industry collaborations. By automating data curation and enrichment, the platform eliminates the burden of manual data entry while upholding the highest standards of patient privacy. Partnering with leading academic institutions, healthcare providers, and life sciences organizations, Century Health accelerates access to breakthrough treatments with the power of AI. For more information, visit www.century.health. Media Contact Rob Mazzini Mazzini Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Century Health PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Equity Partners, a community-driven real estate partnership, has officially launched to help families impacted by the January fires rebuild their homes without taking on new debt or selling their property. Phoenix introduces a no-cash-upfront joint venture model designed to remove the impossible choice many homeowners face: walk away by selling their land at a steep discount, or take on burdensome loans to rebuild alone. Instead of selling their lot at a loss, or taking on expensive construction loans, homeowners are connected by Phoenix to local builders who already have vast economies of scale and the means to finance the build. Upon completion, homeowners can either: Move back in by refinancing the partnership at a fair price, or Sell the property and share in the profits This flexible structure gives families control and long-term value while eliminating the stress and financial risk of managing the rebuild process alone. "Our goal is to give familieswho have already been through so muchan additional path forward during a very difficult financial time," said Founder Helen Kaye. "With Phoenix, homeowners keep ownership of their land, benefit from experienced developers, and the entire community gains from a faster rebuild." Phoenix has already secured partnerships with multiple local luxury builders and is actively working with its first group of homeowners. Early community response has been strong. "We've spoken with dozens of families, and the relief is palpable," said Co-Founder Veronica Descotte. "People want to rebuildbut they need better options. Phoenix gives them exactly that." Phoenix recently welcomed Steve Mikhalevich as Partner, a seasoned real estate executive with decades of development and operations experience, who will lead execution across the firm's project pipeline. The company is advised by Dag Wilkinson, Corporate Counsel to the Building Industry Association of Southern California, and several prominent members of the Palisades community. With a foundation of transparency, aligned incentives, and community partnership, Phoenix is poised to accelerate the Palisades rebuild while delivering lasting impact for homeowners. Media & Homeowner Inquiries: www.phoenixequityco.com [email protected] For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation, visit www.phoenixequityco.com or email [email protected] SOURCE Phoenix Equity Partners Over 26,000 Cosmetics Serious Adverse Events Reported to FDA in 2024 HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Registrar Corp, the global leader in compliance and regulations, and Denver Health today announced the launch of the Adverse Events Protection Program, a fully integrated solution to help cosmetics brands around the globe track and investigate adverse events related to the use of their products. According to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard, cosmetics companies filed 26,262 Serious Adverse Event reports in 2024, a five-fold increase over 2023. The FDA now requires cosmetics brands to investigate and report serious incidents resulting in severe health outcomes like death, life-threatening experiences, or significant disfigurement to the FDA within 15-days. Cosmetics brands struggle to intake, track, investigate, and report on Adverse Events due to the extensive amount of information, including personal identifiable and medical information, needed from affected consumers. Registrar Corp's new Adverse Event Protection Program provides both the technology and medical expertise to protect cosmetics companies and their consumers. The Adverse Event Protection Program includes: Registrar Corp's Adverse Event Management software for consumer intake via mobile devices, investigation tracking, FDA reporting, digital recordkeeping, and audit-readiness Denver Health's in-house clinical team of physicians to review and determine the severity of the Adverse Event and delivering a complete reporting package within five business days "We are thrilled to partner with Denver Health to provide cosmetics brands with a seamless Adverse Events compliance solution from consumer intake to FDA reporting," said Raj Shah, CEO of Registrar Corp. Cosmetics companies rarely have in-house medical expertise as certain credentials, licensing, and a deep understanding of recent codes is needed to conduct Adverse Event investigations. The new Adverse Event Protection Program allows companies to have the expert resources and systems in place when an Adverse Event occurs. Denver Health, founded in 1856, has a long-standing reputation for medical excellence and public health innovation. As part of this system, Denver Health's Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS) has provided research services to consumer products companies and governments for over 65 years. "Combined with Registrar Corp's AEM software, cosmetics brands now have a complete Adverse Events program from consumer intake to FDA submission," said Dr. Kevin Nork, Associate Director of Pharmacovigilance. To learn more, visit Adverse Events Protection Program at RegistrarCorp.com. About Registrar Corp Registrar Corp's mission is to keep consumers safe and healthy by helping food, beverage, cosmetics, medical devices, and drug companies meet compliance requirements. We are the world's largest compliance company with over 30,000 clients in more than 180 countries. Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, our dedicated team in 20 offices worldwide makes compliance quick and easy. To learn more, visit www.registrarcorp.com. About Denver Health Denver Health is a non-profit healthcare provider founded in 1856 and based in Colorado, USA. Denver Health's Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS) unit provides clinical case review, toxicology expertise, and medical guidance for cosmetics and drug products. Media Contact: Yasmine Esparza Pitch PR 480-622-6554 [email protected] SOURCE Registrar Corp BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday made public a plan for the steady growth of its building materials industry during the 2025-2026 period, setting a goal for the green building materials sector to exceed a revenue of 300 billion yuan (about 42.2 billion U.S. dollars) by 2026. The plan was released by six government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and outlines goals to consolidate recovery, improve profitability and strengthen technological innovation. It includes the further expansion of the scale of the green building materials and advanced inorganic non-metallic materials industries. It also includes plans for deepened industrial cooperation with Belt and Road countries, the cultivation of high-level international cooperation, and encouragement for building materials products, technologies and standards to go global. China will enhance its price monitoring of key building materials, release its industry prosperity index regularly, and guide expectations to ensure the stable, orderly development of the sector. Campus features integrated therapies, small group instruction, and Safety-Care training to support students across the autism spectrum. PHOENIX, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED), Arizona's leading autism-only K-12+ academy, celebrates the opening of its new North Phoenix campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event welcomes local families, community leaders, and supporters. With the opening of this new campus, AAED officially expands its fully accredited K-12+ autism-only education programs and integrated therapies into North Phoenix, meeting a growing need for specialized learning environments in the region. Academy Founder and Director, Laura Newcomb, will thank Arizona attorney and Attorney General candidate, Rodney Glassman, for his support and community leadership. Members of the Phoenix Mayor's Office and more will be in attendance to commemorate the new educational addition. The new North Phoenix campus has a multitude of features specifically focused on children with autism: purpose-built classrooms designed for multi-sensory learning small group instruction low student to teacher ratios individualized education plans integrated in-house therapies like speech therapy and occupational therapy with Board-Certified Behavior Analyst oversight, promoting measurable growth in academics, behavior, and socialization. Beyond academics, the facility includes quiet sensory rooms, outdoor learning spaces, and collaborative areas where students can build communication, decision-making and life skills in a supportive community environment. "Bringing our proven, individualized approach to autism education to North Phoenix allows us to reach more families and students who deserve access to specialized services close to home," said Laura Newcomb, Founder of AAED. "We designed this campus to foster independence, social growth and academic achievement in every student." Families interested in touring the new North Phoenix campus or enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to schedule a private visit by calling (480) 240-9255 or visiting AAED.ORG. The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) is the first fully accredited K-12+ autism-only private day school in Arizona, founded in 2013. Since its founding in 2013, AAED has grown to six in-person campuses across Phoenix and Tucson areas - plus a virtual academy - serving all levels of the autism spectrum with tailored educational and therapeutic services. AAED is committed to nurturing academic success, social growth, and lifelong skills for every student it serves. SOURCE Autism Academy for Education & Development FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reworld celebrated World Cleanup Day this September by partnering with local organizations, municipalities, and volunteers to host a series of cleanup events across the country. These initiatives showcased the company's ongoing focus on environmental stewardship and community impact, uniting employees, neighbors, and partners in the shared goal of building a cleaner, more sustainable future. Reworld volunteers and community members gathered for World Cleanup Day, working together to remove litter and promote environmental stewardship. Reworld volunteers and community members gathered for World Cleanup Day, working together to remove litter and promote environmental stewardship. Reworld volunteers and community members gathered for World Cleanup Day, working together to remove litter and promote environmental stewardship. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/reworld-holding-co/9322553-en-reworld-honors-world-cleanup-day-community-engagements Events Nationwide Across the country, Reworld facilities joined forces with community groups to remove litter, beautify neighborhoods, and support environmental education. Highlights included: Honolulu, HI Reworld employees participated in the HPOWER Cleanup, supporting community efforts to maintain one of the region's critical energy and environmental resources. Reworld employees participated in the HPOWER Cleanup, supporting community efforts to maintain one of the region's critical energy and environmental resources. Montgomery County, MD Reworld supported local residents at Montgomery County's World Cleanup Day initiative along Martinsburg Drive. Reworld supported local residents at World Cleanup Day initiative along Martinsburg Drive. Camden, NJ The Camden Strong Cleanup mobilized Reworld employees and community members in the Mt. Ephraim /Ferry corridor. Reworld volunteers also participated in a two-hour hike and cleanup on Petty's Island alongside Camden's Center for Aquatic Sciences. The Camden Strong Cleanup mobilized Reworld employees and community members in the /Ferry corridor. Reworld volunteers also participated in a two-hour hike and cleanup on Petty's Island alongside Center for Aquatic Sciences. Niagara Falls, NY Volunteers took part in a Reworld World Cleanup Day event on 56th Street, removing neighborhood litter. Volunteers took part in a Reworld World Cleanup Day event on 56th Street, removing neighborhood litter. Long Island , NY Teams are participating in four community cleanups: a roadside cleanup at Connetquot State Park (MacArthur), a marine cleanup at Elda Pond ( Babylon ), a cleanup of Merchants Concourse ( Hempstead ), and a collaboration with the Town of Smithtown at Gibbs Pond ( Huntington ). Teams are participating in four community cleanups: a roadside cleanup at Connetquot State Park (MacArthur), a marine cleanup at Elda Pond ( ), a cleanup of Merchants Concourse ( ), and a collaboration with the at Gibbs Pond ( ). Essex County, NJ Reworld partnered with the Newark Green Team and Keep America Beautiful for cleanups at Weequahic Park and Boylan Rec Center. Reworld partnered with the Newark Green Team and Keep America Beautiful for cleanups at Weequahic Park and Boylan Rec Center. Delaware Valley, PA Reworld volunteers gathered at Barry Bridge Park, behind Subaru Stadium, to celebrate World Cleanup Day with the local community. Reworld volunteers gathered at Barry Bridge Park, behind Subaru Stadium, to celebrate World Cleanup Day with the local community. Fairless Hills , PA The Reworld team will host a cleanup event on Mill Creek Parkway in Levittown . The Reworld team will host a cleanup event on Mill Creek Parkway in . Alexandria, VA The Reworld team joined seniors and local groups at the Alexandria National Cemetery for a World Cleanup Day event with intergenerational participation. The Reworld team joined seniors and local groups at the Alexandria National Cemetery for a World Cleanup Day event with intergenerational participation. Fairfax County, VA Volunteers joined Reworld for a World Cleanup Day roadside cleanup in partnership with the county, focused on maintaining safe and clean public spaces. A Unified Effort "World Cleanup Day is a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can make when we act together," said Tequila Smith, Chief Sustainability Officer, Reworld. "From Hawaii to New Jersey, our teams were proud to roll up their sleeves, stand alongside our community partners, and demonstrate that local action creates global impact." Continuing the Mission Reworld World Cleanup Day activities demonstrate the company's broader mission to lead in sustainable waste solutions. Through its five service lines ReDirect360, ReKiln Fuels, ReDrop, ReMove, and ReCredit Reworld helps communities and industries transition toward a more circular, decarbonized economy. For more information about Reworld environmental initiatives and community programs, visit www.reworldwaste.com. About Reworld Reworld is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing innovative and environmentally responsible services to a global community. Reworld is committed to advancing zero waste initiatives and supporting sustainability goals through state-of-the-art technologies that reimagine, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and renew. For more information, visit www.reworldwaste.com. Media Contacts Linda Ribakusky [email protected] Coyne PR [email protected] SOURCE Reworld Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) Jasper lacked the controls and procedures necessary to ensure that the third-party manufacturers on which it relied were manufacturing products in full accordance with cGMP regulations and otherwise suitable for use in clinical trials; (ii) the foregoing failure increased the risk that results of ongoing studies would be confounded, thereby negatively impacting the regulatory and commercial prospects of the Company's products, including briquilimab; (iii) the foregoing increased the likelihood of disruptive cost-reduction measures; (iv) accordingly, the Company's business and/or financial prospects, as well as briquilimab's clinical and/or commercial prospects, were overstated; and (v) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On July 7, 2025, Jasper issued a press release reporting updated data from the BEACON Study. The press release stated that "[r]esults from the 240mg Q8W and the 240mg followed by 180mg Q8W dose cohorts appear to be confounded by an issue with one drug product lot used in those cohorts, with 10 of the 13 patients dosed with drug from the lot in question," that "[t]he Company is investigating the drug product lot in question and expects to have the results of that investigation in the coming weeks," and that Jasper was "taking steps to ensure that drug product from the lot in question is returned to the Company and that sites have drug product from other lots to continue dosing." Further, the press release revealed that the Company "has also determined that the drug product lot in question was used to treat participants enrolled in the ETESIAN [Study]. As a result, and in order to focus resources on advancing briquilimab in CSU, the Company is halting the study and pausing development in asthma." Finally, the press release stated that "the Company is halting development in SCID" and, contrary to its prior representation of having a strong balance sheet and a cash runway extending "through the third quarter of 2025," that Jasper "will be implementing a number of other cost cutting measures including a potential restructuring, to extend runway and reduce expenses." On this news, Jasper's stock price fell $3.73 per share, or 55.1%, to close at $3.04 per share on July 7, 2025. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Jasper's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/JSPR 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. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Toxic Exposure Results in Potentially Fatal Overdose MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets often have a favorite spot in the house. Whenever the Clark family is looking for their dog Ruby, they know exactly where to check. "Ruby loves to go into my daughter Madilyn's room," Meg Clark explained. "We put up a temporary gate to keep her from going in, but she's very persistent. My daughter has psoriasis, and she keeps her medicated cream in her room. One day we had left the gate open, and my daughter found that Ruby had eaten almost an entire container of the cream, tube and all. Ruby then pushed the chewed-up tube under a nightstand." "I thought she might have had a stroke, but then my daughter reminded me that Ruby had gotten into her medication." Post this Ruby, a Labrador Retriever from Phoenix, loves spending time with Madilyn Clark in her room, but one unknown visit resulted in an emergency trip to the hospital. Initially Clark "wasn't too concerned" since Ruby had previously ingested other items including mascara and lip gloss. It wasn't until that night she noticed the start of some serious symptoms. "A few hours later her eyes were really droopy," Clark said. "I was cooking dinner, and she was just staring up at me with these droopy lids. At first, I thought she might have had a stroke, but then my daughter reminded me that Ruby had gotten into her medication. At that point, I called our veterinarian, who advised us to take her to an emergency clinic. I also called Pet Poison Helpline." Ruby was taken to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Phoenix. There, the medical team worked with the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline to develop a treatment plan. "We get thousands of calls each year regarding pets ingesting human and animal medications that weren't prescribed to them," said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. "The main ingredient in the psoriasis and eczema medication Ruby ingested is ruxolitinib, which is in a class of medication called JAK inhibitors." There is limited information available regarding animal poisonings from JAK inhibitors. As leaders in veterinary toxicology, Pet Poison Helpline has published the first retrospective paper in the Journal of Medical Toxicology on overdose concerns with a similar medication after a thorough review of information on patients assisted by Pet Poison Helpline. "There are similar medications approved for use in dogs with allergies and are generally safe when used as directed," Dr. Schmid added. "They can result in life-threatening complications, however, when a large overdose is ingested or the drug is given to pets who weren't prescribed the medication." When Ruby arrived at the veterinary hospital, she was lethargic, had been experiencing loose stools and drooping eyes, and had severe tachycardia (elevated heart rate). The toxicology team at Pet Poison Helpline and the hospital veterinarian discussed additional reactions that may occur due to the amount of medication Ruby ingested. This included liver and kidney damage, a decrease in tear production, as well as possible white blood cell changes. To help with cardiovascular support, Ruby was placed on IV fluids and given medication to help lower her heart rate. She was also given an anti-emetic for possible stomach upset. The medical team at BluePearl provided aggressive care for Ruby that not only prevented worsening of her symptoms but minimized her risk of negative effects from the symptoms she had developed. "In addition to her droopy eyes and diarrhea, the big worry was her heartrate was too high," Clark added. "They had her connected to an EKG machine to monitor her, and they also kept checking her liver and kidney numbers." Once Ruby was released from the hospital, the Clarks administered liver-protectant medication for a month, and they had to return to the hospital several times for additional tests to ensure no liver, kidney, or white blood cell damage had occurred. "Fortunately, Ruby is out of the worry time now," Clark shared. "We're very grateful to the team at Pet Poison Helpline for helping save her life. This wasn't our first time calling them, as our previous dog Lola had gotten into our son's medication. Knowing they're there gives us great peace of mind, but we've also installed a permanent gate so hopefully we don't have to call them again." "Ruby's experience is a great reminder for all pet lovers," Dr. Schmid added. "Keep all medications, supplements and anything else potentially toxic safely stored away from your pets and small children. Medications may be safe when used in the amount and manner they are approved for, but life-threatening concerns can occur when different species are exposed, or different amounts are ingested. While we're here to help 24/7, stopping an exposure before it happens is always the best outcome." About Pet Poison Helpline Pet Poison Helpline, your trusted source for toxicology and pet health advice in times of potential emergency, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Per incident and subscription service options are available. We are an independent, nationally recognized animal poison control center triple licensed by the Boards of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Pharmacy providing unmatched professional leadership and expertise. Our veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists provide treatment advice for all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $89 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the case. The company also offers pethelpline(SM) and pethelplinePRO(SM) subscription services directly to pet lovers. Based in Minneapolis, Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Contact: Curtis Steinhoff Pet Poison Helpline (602) 300-8466 [email protected] SOURCE Pet Poison Helpline New capital will accelerate the rollout of QCAD, Canada's fully-reserved, audit-ready stablecoin, to meet growing demand for compliant, 24/7 cross-border payments and digital capital markets. TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Stablecorp, a leading Canadian financial technology company building bank-grade digital asset infrastructure, today announced the successful closing of ~$5 million CAD in a strategic financing round. Stablecorp, who earlier this year, announced its previous round led by Coinbase Ventures, is dedicating this follow-on investment to accelerating the mainstream adoption of QCAD, and scaling its associated digital money infrastructure. The round, led by FTP Ventures, was comprised of both existing shareholders as well as new investors. "This financing is a powerful validation of our vision to build the foundational rails for the future of finance in Canada," said Fred Pye, Founder of FTP Ventures. "We think that digital dollars represent the most efficient payment rail ever devised, and this investment will accelerate our efforts to ensure Canadians and Canadian businesses can fully benefit from the speed, efficiency, and global access of a modern, digital economy." Stablecorp's flagship product, QCAD, is a digital currency fully backed 1:1 by Canadian dollar reserves. These reserves are held in an arms-length trust with an independent trustee and are subject to daily transparency reports and monthly third-party attestations. This structure is designed to provide the highest standard of security and transparency, facilitating mission-critical applications such as on-chain foreign exchange, instant global payments, and innovative capital market solutions. "This is another important step in scaling QCAD for the benefit of all Canadians" said Stablecorp CEO, Kesem Frank. "It is imperative that Canada takes its place as a significant and strategic market for the growth of the digital asset economy, and our development of a trusted and compliant Canadian dollar stablecoin is a critical piece of that puzzle. Our backing by industry majors signals a shared vision for a multi-currency, easy to access, and regulated digital financial system." About Stablecorp Stablecorp is a Canadian financial technology company dedicated to building bank-grade blockchain infrastructure. Its mission is to bridge the best of regulated finance with the innovation of next-generation financial technologies. The company's flagship product, QCAD, is engineered to bring the benefits of digital currency such as speed, efficiency, and ease of usage, to the mass market with the highest standards of security, transparency, and compliance. For more information, visit stablecorp.ca SOURCE Canada Stablecorp Inc. The September 25 Event Will Reveal a Graphic Deepfake AI Video Threat and Expose the Protection Gap Facing America's State Judges LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Speak Up for Justice , a grassroots nonpartisan movement, will host a virtual national forum on Thursday, September 25, where, for the first time, sitting state judges will share firsthand accounts of death threats, swatting incidents, and violent harassment campaigns aimed at silencing them and endangering their families. Titled "Unprotected and Under Fire: State Judges at Risk as Congress Weighs Action," the forum will spotlight the widening security gap that leaves the nation's 30,000 state judges vulnerable. The forum will reveal a computer-generated "deepfake" video threat, created with artificial intelligence, that depicts Florida Judge Jennifer Johnson's murder by hatchet and shotgun. While entirely fabricated, the AI video is a chilling example of how extremists are weaponizing technology to terrorize judges and undermine confidence in the courts. Unlike their federal counterparts, state judges handle 95% of the nation's cases but receive no federal security protections. As threats spike nationwide, they are warning that the rule of law itself is at stake. The forum will take place virtually on Thursday, September 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT. Registration is open at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law . "The rising violence against state judges is not just a security crisis, it's a constitutional crisis," said Paul Kiesel , attorney and founder of Speak Up for Justice. "Without action, intimidation will erode judicial independence and with it, the strength of our democracy." Forum Speakers: Judge Jennifer J. Johnson ( Florida ) Judge Johnson was targeted for years, culminating in a 2023 deepfake AI video depicting her violent murder with a hatchet and shotgun. Despite repeated warnings, law enforcement took five months to act; her stalker was arrested in 2024 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Johnson was targeted for years, culminating in a 2023 deepfake AI video depicting her violent murder with a hatchet and shotgun. Despite repeated warnings, law enforcement took five months to act; her stalker was arrested in 2024 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Judge Carroll J. Kelly ( Florida ) After multiple case rulings, Judge Kelly has faced direct threats, cyberattacks, and stalking. Law enforcement was forced to guard her home 24/7, while she was advised to carry a firearm for her own protection. After multiple case rulings, Judge Kelly has faced direct threats, cyberattacks, and stalking. Law enforcement was forced to guard her home 24/7, while she was advised to carry a firearm for her own protection. Chief Justice Monica M . Marquez ( Colorado ) After a 43 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court in December 2023 that former President Trump was disqualified under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment from Colorado's presidential primary ballot, all seven Chief Justices received threats. Chief Justice Marquez and her family endured spoofing, swatting, doxxing, and relentless intimidation. "It came at a real cost," she has said, describing how even her out-of-state in-laws were targeted. After a 43 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court in that former President Trump was disqualified under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment from presidential primary ballot, all seven Chief Justices received threats. Chief Justice Marquez and her family endured spoofing, swatting, doxxing, and relentless intimidation. "It came at a real cost," she has said, describing how even her out-of-state in-laws were targeted. U.S. Senator Chris Coons ( Delaware ) Senator Coons co-sponsored the bipartisan Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act , which would create a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to monitor threats, provide training, and strengthen security for state judges nationwide. What Speakers Will Discuss: The surge in threats, swatting, and cyber-harassment against state judges The profound toll on judges' families, colleagues, neighbors, and communities How violent intimidation campaigns undermine judicial independence and democracy The bipartisan legislative solution that is now before Congress As the U.S. Marshals Service reports , there have been 513 threats against judges this year, already surpassing 2024's total of 509. The September 25 Speak Up for Justice forum offers an urgent and rare opportunity to hear directly from state judges under attack. Legal professionals, media, and concerned citizens are urged to attend and join the movement to protect judicial independence. Register at www.SpeakUpForJustice.law . About Speak Up for Justice Founded by attorney Paul Kiesel, Speak Up for Justice is a nonpartisan movement of legal professionals, judges, and advocates dedicated to defending the independence of the judiciary, promoting accountability, and protecting democracy from political interference in the courts. Media Contacts: Kathy Fowler Email: [email protected] Phone: 410-963-2345 Marc Silverstein Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-716-9123 SOURCE Kiesel Law TAIPEI, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwantrade.com, Taiwan's official B2B portal, has launched 6 brand-new Sector Online Showcases: Auto Parts (auto.taiwantrade.com), Hardware (fastener.taiwantrade.com), Hand Tools (handtools.taiwantrade.com), Plumbing (plumbing.taiwantrade.com), Machinery (machinery.taiwantrade.com), and Machine Tools (machinetools.taiwantrade.com). These six sectors are where Taiwan shines. From cutting-edge CNC machine tools to precision hardware, Taiwanese manufacturers offer world-class quality, competitive pricing, and decades of experience tailored to European standards. Each showcase presents a wide selection of Taiwanese suppliers and product catalogs, making it easier for buyers to explore, compare, and contact manufacturers and trading companies directly. Browse, inquire, and connectTaiwan's top manufacturers are just a click away. Don't miss this chance to power up your supply chain with Taiwan's best. These new zones reinforce Taiwan's role as a trusted sourcing partner for European industries seeking reliability and innovation. About Taiwantrade Taiwantrade.com is organized by the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (TITA) and operated by the Taiwan Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the country's largest nonprofit trade promotion organization. Founded in 2002, Taiwantrade.com is Taiwan's largest B2B sourcing platform, offering free access to over 660,000 products from more than 72,000 verified Taiwanese suppliers. The platform connects global buyers with trustworthy manufacturers. To help buyers connect with suppliers, Taiwantrade.com offers a range of customized sourcing services, including the "Meet Supplier Online" program. (Ad by TITA) As Strike Approaches Four Months, Unions Turn Up Pressure on Fire Truck Manufacturer DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) are calling on local governments and fire divisions across the United States and Canada to boycott the Dublin, Ohio-based Sutphen Corporation for refusing to offer workers a fair contract. Production workers represented by Teamsters Local 284 have been on an unfair labor practice strike since May 28 due to the company's refusal to bargain in good faith over a new contract for those who manufacture fire trucks and fire safety equipment. "After it hired union busters to negotiate a new labor contract, Sutphen Corporation became a repeat offender of our nation's labor laws," said Mark Vandak, President of Local 284. "It is shocking that a successful family-owned business has let these dirty union busters drag its good name through the mud. Just last week, Region 9 of the National Labor Relations Board found merit in our ULP charges against Sutphen for bad faith bargaining and we have no doubt that customers will see what the company is doing and support workers by honoring a boycott." In response to Sutphen's repeated disrespect of workers, Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien and IAFF General President Ed Kelly have pledged their full support for the boycott. The City of Columbus, Ohio has cancelled its contract with Sutphen because of the ongoing strike and the Teamsters have contacted the company's current customers encouraging them to do the same and cancel all existing orders. Teamsters Local 284 represents working people in Central Ohio and surrounding communities in various industries, including transportation, warehouse, aviation, and government service. Contact: Mark Vandak, (614) 719-9658 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 284 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, has recently advanced the Menstrual Equity Project in 2025 in The Bahamas. Jointly launched by KuCoin, the Global CSR Foundation, and the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), this initiative addresses menstrual health challenges in underserved communities. Conceptualized in 2023 by Dr. Padmini Murthy, AMWA's Global Health Lead and NGO Representative to the United Nations, and Ms. Jing Cesarone, Founder and CEO of the Global CSR Foundation, the project focuses on providing essential support. H.E. First Lady of The Bahamas, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, personally spearheaded the distribution, delivering menstrual hygiene products donated by these global partners to local schools and communities. "There are girls stay home from school while menstruating, as they cannot afford to buy their napkins," said Mrs. Davis at the distribution event. "I couldn't believe the great need for this product here in the Bahamas in underserved communities. I'm extremely grateful to my Global Partner, for her much-needed donation of sanitary pads." This effort is part of KuCoin's broader commitment to social responsibility, made during the KuCoin Green Future Reception at COP28 in 2023. Since then, KuCoin has actively carried out various welfare initiatives. One of the flagship programs, the Menstrual Equity Project, launched its first distribution in March 2024, providing menstrual kitsincluding sanitary pads and menstrual cupsto beneficiaries in the Republic of Suriname, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and domestic violence shelters in New York. Following these initial efforts, the project extended its reach to The Bahamas. With support from the Office of The Spouse of The Prime Minister, KuCoin's donations to The Bahamas mainly include disposable sanitary pads. KuCoin's approach also considers local limitations in water resources and the high cost of cleaning reusable products. It also ensures women are better equipped during natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms. The objectives of KuCoin's Menstrual Equity Project align closely with those of the Distribution of Feminine Pads Initiative led by the First Lady's Office. Together, they aim to reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls caused by period poverty, while also fostering greater awareness and acceptance of menstrual health issues within the community. "Your donation has made a tangible impact on the lives of those we support. The pads were distributed to Parliamentarians for inner city areas, NGOs, the girls penitentiary centre for girls, and many caretakers of young girls and battered women. The recipients were overjoyed and expressed the great need for these supplies, which are expensive. The distribution was great. These pads were significant in enabling the recipients to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity." Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Spouse of The Prime Minister of The Bahamas, wrote a personal letter of thanks, "We are deeply thankful for your compassion and commitment to improving the lives of others. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. We look forward to continuing our work together to empower and support our communities." KuCoin's efforts in corporate social responsibility have been widely recognized in recent years. In March 2025, KuCoin was honored with the "2025 Corporate Social Responsibility Award" from the World Women Organization. "The Menstrual Equity Project is not only about health and dignityit's about equity," said Nancy Cheung, Chief Sustainability Officer at KuCoin. "We are committed to expanding this project globally, collaborating with more organizations to improve the living conditions of women and contribute to the well-being of women and children around the world." As KuCoin embarks on a new chapter of global compliance and sustained growth in 2025, initiatives like the Menstrual Equity Project are becoming vital pillars of its long-term sustainability strategyfortifying the platform's social value moat and setting a new benchmark for responsible innovation in the crypto industry. About KuCoin Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust, serving over 41 million users across 200+ countries and regions. With established recognition for its reliability, the platform leverages cutting-edge blockchain technology, robust liquidity solutions, and advanced user account protections to deliver a secure trading environment. KuCoin offers access to 1,000+ digital assets and solutions including Web3 wallet, Spot and Futures trading, institutional services, and payments. Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges" and a "Top 50 Global Unicorn" by Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications and is committed to security, compliance, and innovation under the leadership of CEO BC Wong. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/ SOURCE KuCoin With 16 new entries, the extended list sets the stage for the live announcement of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, taking place on 8 October in Hong Kong LONDON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With just two weeks remaining until the unveiling of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, the bars ranked from No.51 to No.100 have been revealed for the ninth consecutive year. The annual list is created from the votes of a panel of more than 800 independent experts, including acclaimed bartenders, educators, cocktail authorities and award-winning drinks writers. The 51-100 List in Numbers The World's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, announces the extended 51-100 list for 2025, which includes 16 new entries. The full ranking will be unveiled at a live awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 8 October. The 51-100 list includes bars spanning 34 different cities across the world There are 16 new entries on the list including from Bangkok , Barcelona , Buenos Aires , Florence, London , Medellin and New Delhi on the list including from , , , Florence, , Medellin and Bars from the USA lead the extended list once again with eight bars from across five cities: Chicago , Los Angeles , Miami , New York and San Francisco lead the extended list once again with eight bars from across five cities: , , , and Europe leads the way with 15 bars on the list, including four from Spain and four from Italy leads the way with 15 bars on the list, including four from and four from The 51-100 list includes 12 bars in Asia , three of which are in Hong Kong , three of which are in Mamba Negra and Bar Carmen from Medellin and Vender from Taichung mark the first ever entries from these cities For the full 51-100 list, please refer to the accompanying graphic or scroll to the bottom of this release. Returning to Asia for its 17th annual edition, The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 will gather the global drinks industry in Hong Kong in celebration of the finest cocktail experiences worldwide. Honouring the creativity, dedication and achievements of exceptional teams and individuals across the drinks world, 50 Best continues to shine a light on an even wider array of remarkable bars and cocktail destinations with the release of the 51-100 list, amplifying its recognition of excellence on a global scale. Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, says: "The extended 51-100 list is another opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity and world-class hospitality that define the very best in the business and this ninth edition does not disappoint. From brand new destinations and emerging markets to beloved favourites, the extended ranking shines a light on even more of the world's finest bars. Today, we raise a glass to those venues that go above and beyond, offer congratulations to the incredible teams whose hard work has earned their bar a spot on this prestigious list and hope it encourages more people to discover their next drinking destination." For the third consecutive year, bars in the USA top the 51-100 list Of the 20 bars from the Americas, establishments from the USA lead the 51-100 list once again with a total of eight bars. New York is home to four of these, including new entry Schmuck at No.59; Attaboy rises 12 places to No.72; Martiny's is at No.75 and Employees Only is at No.95. Elsewhere, new entries True Laurel in San Francisco and Mirate in Los Angeles are No.64 and No.93 respectively, with a triumphant return for Kumiko in Chicago at No.97. Cafe La Trova in Miami is at No.82. Mexico follows closely behind with five bars: Mexico City's Licoreria Limantour at No.52, new entry Bar Mauro at No.54 and Baltra Bar at No.78. Guadalajara's El Gallo Altanero is at No.71 alongside Tulum's Arca at No.77. In Canada, Toronto's Bar Pompette has risen 15 places to No.55. New entry Eximia in Sao Paulo leads in Latin America at No.61. For the first time ever, bars from Medellin feature on the list with two new entries in Mamba Negra (No.81) and Bar Carmen (No.100). Bogota's La Sala de Laura is at No.68. In Buenos Aires, new entry Victor Audio Bar is at No.87 and Floreria Atlantico is at No.90. Spain and Italy shine brightly, as Europe leads with the most bars Of a total 15 entries for Europe, Spain and Italy are each represented by four bars on the list. Madrid's Angelita is at No.51 with Barcelona's Dr. Stravinsky (No.83) and Boadas (No.85) returning to the list alongside new entry Foco (No.89). Rome's Freni e Frizioni (No.58) and Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (No.98) are joined by L'Antiquario (No.63) in Naples and Gucci Giardino (No.99), a new entry from Florence. The UK follows with three entries for London, including A Bar with Shapes For a Name at No.73, Kwant Mayfair at No.79 and new entry Three Sheets Soho at No.80. Elsewhere on the continent, Berlin's Wax On is at No.57, Athens' Barro Negro is at No.62, Copenhagen's Bird is at No.66 and Stockholm's Tjoget re-enters the list at No.76. In Asia, bars in Hong Kong lead for the first time since 2019; a bar from Taichung appears for the first time Taking the crown from Singapore for the first time in five years, bars in Hong Kong now lead in Asia with three on the 51-100 list; Argo at No.56, new entry Gokan at No.70 and The Savory Project at No.86. Japan and Thailand follow with two bars each: The SG Club (No.65) and re-entry Bar Trench (No.94) in Tokyo and two new entries for Bangkok with Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (No.88) and Opium (No.92). Elsewhere in Asia, Seoul's Bar Cham is at No.53 and Smoke & Bitters in Hiriketiya, which was the first entry for Sri Lanka in 2024, rises 19 places to No.67. Vender in Taichung becomes the first bar from the city to make the list at No.74 and is joined by another newcomer, Lair in New Delhi, at No.96. Native in Singapore is No.84. Nairobi and Dubai continue their ascent Hero Bar in Nairobi lands at No.69, while LPM Dubai, a new entry in 2024, has risen 16 places to No.60. In Australia, Melbourne's Byrdi is at No.91. The countdown of the list of The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience on 8 October 2025. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best TV channel on YouTube . EDITOR'S NOTES: 51-100 List: Position Establishment Location 51 Angelita Madrid 52 Licoreria Limantour Mexico City 53 Bar Cham Seoul 54 Bar Mauro Mexico City 55 Bar Pompette Toronto 56 Argo Hong Kong 57 Wax On Berlin 58 Freni e Frizioni Rome 59 Schmuck New York 60 LPM Dubai Dubai 61 Eximia Sao Paulo 62 Barro Negro Athens 63 L'Antiquario Naples 64 True Laurel San Francisco 65 The SG Club Tokyo 66 Bird Copenhagen 67 Smoke & Bitters Hiriketiya 68 La Sala de Laura Bogota 69 Hero Bar Nairobi 70 Gokan Hong Kong 71 El Gallo Altanero Guadalajara 72 Attaboy New York 73 A Bar with Shapes For a Name London 74 Vender Taichung 75 Martiny's New York 76 Tjoget Stockholm 77 Arca Tulum 78 Baltra Bar Mexico City 79 Kwant Mayfair London 80 Three Sheets Soho London 81 Mamba Negra Medellin 82 Cafe La Trova Miami 83 Dr. Stravinsky Barcelona 84 Native Singapore 85 Boadas Barcelona 86 The Savory Project Hong Kong 87 Victor Audio Bar Buenos Aires 88 Dry Wave Cocktail Studio Bangkok 89 Foco Barcelona 90 Floreria Atlantico Buenos Aires 91 Byrdi Melbourne 92 Opium Bangkok 93 Mirate Los Angeles 94 Bar Trench Tokyo 95 Employees Only New York 96 Lair New Delhi 97 Kumiko Chicago 98 Jerry Thomas Speakeasy Rome 99 Gucci Giardino Florence 100 Bar Carmen Medellin For media centre access, please visit: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com Follow 50 Best About The World's 50 Best Bars The World's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, provides a definitive list of the world's best drinking venues, voted for by an Academy of more than 800 experts worldwide. The World's 50 Best Bars list has been published annually since 2009 and has become the most anticipated ranking for drinks professionals and cocktail aficionados across the world, with the awards the highlight of the bar industry calendar. The list of Asia's 50 Best Bars has been published since 2016, while the list of North America's 50 Best Bars was launched in 2022. William Reed, which owns the 50 Best brand, is entirely responsible for the organisation of the awards, the voting system and the respective lists. How the voting works The list is compiled by votes from The World's 50 Best Bars Academy, which comprises more than 800 drinks experts with gender balance, including renowned bartenders and consultants, drinks writers and cocktail specialists from around the world. The Academy of voters is spread across 29 global geographic regions, each headed by an Academy Chair who selects their region's voters, with the distribution of voters designed to reflect the relative development and sophistication of the drinks sector, and the concentration of quality bars, in each region. Each voter casts 8 votes based on their best bar experiences of the previous 18 months. Voters are required to remain anonymous and voting is confidential, secure and independently adjudicated by Deloitte. About the main sponsor: Perrier For more than a century, Perrier has collaborated with some of the world's most influential major artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Bernard Villemot, and Jean-Gabriel Domergue, each of whom in their own way have demonstrated a certain artistic irreverence. With a history that began in 1863 in Vergeze, in the Gard region of France, the Perrier brand is now recognized worldwide thanks to its iconic green bottle. Appreciated in more than 140 countries, the brand is acclaimed for its natural mineral water combined with the power of its bubbles. About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with maximizing the contribution of tourism to Hong Kong's economy and upholding Hong Kong as a world-class travel destination. The HKTB works in partnership with relevant government departments and organizations, the travel-related sectors, and other entities related to tourism, to market and promote Hong Kong worldwide, while enhancing visitors' experiences through providing diverse and high-quality tourism products and services. The HKTB has a worldwide network of 15 offices and has representatives in seven different markets. Our partners: Hong Kong Tourism Board Official Host Destination Partner Perrier Official Water Partner; sponsor of The World's Best Bar Award Michter's Official American Whiskey Partner; sponsor of Michter's Art of Hospitality Award Nikka Whisky Official Whisky of the World Partner; sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award Ketel One Official Vodka Partner; sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award Three Cents Official Mixers Partner; sponsor of Three Cents Best New Opening Award Official Mixers Partner; sponsor of Best New Opening Award Siete Misterios Official Mezcal Partner; sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award NOAM Official Beer Partner Disaronno Official Italian Liqueur Partner; sponsor of Disaronno Highest New Entry Award Roku Gin Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award Langjiu Official Baijiu Partner Altos Tequila Official Tequila Partner; sponsor of Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award Monkey Shoulder Official Scotch Whisky Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Cointreau Official Orange Liqueur Partner; sponsor of the ceremonial scarves Remy Martin Official Cognac Partner; sponsor of Remy Martin Legend of the List Award Campari Official Bitters Partner; sponsor of Campari One To Watch Award Torres Brandy Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur Official French Liqueur Partner Tia Maria Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award Almave Official Non Alcoholic Partner Polot 1882 Official Syrup Partner Les Vergers Boiron Official Fruit Puree Partner Mancino Vermouth Official Vermouth Partner; sponsor of the ceremonial shakers Amaro Lucano Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award and the ceremonial shakers Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of a Best in Destination Award and the ceremonial shakers Scrappy's Bitters Official Cocktail Bitters Partner Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong Official Venue and Hotel Partner The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong Official Venue and Hotel Partner Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774051/TW50BB2025_results_Infographic.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774050/50_Best_Bars_2025_Logo.jpg SOURCE 50 Best Malawi's incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera casts his vote at a polling station in Lilongwe, Malawi, Sept. 16, 2025. Chakwera on Wednesday conceded defeat in the Sept. 16 presidential election in which former president Peter Mutharika is leading by over one million votes. (Photo by Kondwani Magombo/Xinhua) LILONGWE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday conceded defeat in the Sept. 16 presidential election in which former president Peter Mutharika is leading by over one million votes. Speaking in a televised address less than two hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)'s scheduled announcement of final results for the election, Chakwera thanked all Malawians for their support over the past five years. In the last update on the official presidential results Monday, Mutharika had over two million votes against Chakwera's over 700,000 votes. "It's well clear that my main rival, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party, had already secured an insurmountable lead and is the presumptive winner of the presidential election," said Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party. "For this reason, a moment ago I called Professor Mutharika directly to congratulate him on his historic victory and to wish him well in his upcoming tenure as the seventh President of the Republic of Malawi," he said. He thanked his supporters, saying he would "forever be grateful for your trust in me and for your support of my candidacy," and urged all Malawians to support Mutharika's drive for national prosperity. Chakwera also hailed the MEC for what he described as a commendable job in presiding over the general elections. Malawi's incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera casts his vote at a polling station in Lilongwe, Malawi, Sept. 16, 2025. Chakwera on Wednesday conceded defeat in the Sept. 16 presidential election in which former president Peter Mutharika is leading by over one million votes. (Photo by Kondwani Magombo/Xinhua) Organic advocacy, soil stewardship, and sold-out Haymaker mark a milestone sponsorship DENVER, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tractor Beverage Company, the farmer-founded and employee-owned maker of certified organic craft beverages, proudly celebrated its second year as a sponsor of Farm Aid during the festival's 40th anniversary weekend in Minneapolis. "As Farm Aid marks forty years of standing with family farmers, Tractor is honored to join in that legacy," said Kevin Sherman, CEO of Tractor Beverage Company. "For us, this work is bigger than beveragesit's about protecting soil, supporting farmers, and shaping a food system that can thrive for generations to come." Beyond beverages, Tractor invited festival-goers to take part in its "We The Soil" advocacy initiative, writing postcards to Congress in support of organic farming provisions in the upcoming Farm Bill. The campaign represented a collaboration between Tractor, The Cornucopia Institute, and the Farmhand Foundation. Join We the Soil by visiting: https://drinktractor.com/wethesoil/ The weekend began with Tractor's Farm Bill to Table Breakfast at the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium, a roundtable conversation that brought together farmers and advocates to explore how the Farm Bill shapes the future of food. Leaders from the Cornucopia Institute and the Organic Trade Association joined faculty and students from the University of Minnesota Student Organic Farm, as well as Minnesota regenerative farmer Luke Peterson. "Policy matters deeply in how farmers can succeed, and it's encouraging to see a brand like Tractor create space for authentic dialogue," said Tom Chapman, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. For Minnesota farmer Luke Peterson, the gathering was especially powerful. "Too often farmers' voices get left out of the Farm Bill conversation," he shared. "Sitting at the table with advocates reminded me that change begins when we're truly heard." On the festival grounds, Tractor introduced fans to its newest innovation: Haymaker, a certified organic apple cider vinegar-based sparkling farmer's tonic. A refreshing take on the traditional farmer's switchel, Tractor's Haymaker resonated with music lovers and farmers alikeselling out completely before the festival concluded. Beyond beverages, Tractor invited festival-goers to take part in its "We The Soil" advocacy initiative, writing postcards to Congress in support of organic farming provisions in the upcoming Farm Bill. The campaign represented a collaboration between Tractor, The Cornucopia Institute, and the Farmhand Foundation. Attendees joined in, amplifying the call to protect soil, water, and community, and Tractor's playful Soil Mate t-shirts, a nod to standing in solidarity with the land, even caught the attention of CNN in its national coverage of the festival. Melody Morrell, Executive Director of The Cornucopia Institute, noted that Tractor's approach reflects their investment in the broader movement: "Farmers are the caretakers of our soil, our food, and our future. Tractor's commitment to supporting organic farmers through We the Soil, Farm Aid, and the Farmhand Foundation is one example of the impacts that purpose-driven companies can have in the marketplace." From policy conversations and farmer voices to sold-out Haymakers and national media moments, Tractor's sponsorship of Farm Aid 40 underscored its mission to champion family farmers and cultivate a future rooted in soil, soul, and solidarity. About Tractor Beverage Company Farmer-founded and employee-owned, Tractor is built on the belief that a better food system starts with the landand the people who care for it. Every beverage is crafted with USDA Organic certified ingredients and a commitment to supporting soil health. Tractor is the first and only Certified Organic, Non-GMO full-line beverage solution poured exclusively at Chipotle and other leading restaurants nationwide. Through its Organic Impact Tracker, Tractor transparently measures the ecological impact of every ingredient sourced. Tractor is also the founding force behind the Farmhand Foundation, dedicated to supporting farmers transitioning to organic practices. About the Cornucopia Institute The Cornucopia Institute is a national nonprofit watchdog that advocates for community-scale organic farming and safeguards the integrity of the organic label. For over 20 years, Cornucopia has conducted research, education, and investigations to uncover the truth behind organic food. Their consumer tools empower organic eaters and strengthen the voice of authentic organic farmers. Media Contact: Drake Baglietto [email protected] 310-924-0245 SOURCE Tractor Beverage Company Clinical study shows OCEANIUM's OCEAN ACTIVES H+ delivers meaningful gut health benefits at a 95% lower dose than traditional prebiotics OBAN, Scotland, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- European Marine Science Park -- UK biotech company OCEANIUM has clinically proven that gut health need not require large doses or lead to uncomfortable side effects. Their new seaweed-derived ingredient, OCEAN ACTIVES H+, delivers the same microbiome benefits as traditional bulky prebiotics with only 250 mg per day about the size of a vitamin C tablet. The breakthrough addresses a major consumer pain point: conventional prebiotics like inulin, GOS, and FOS require 5-10 grams daily and often cause gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort that drives people to quit taking them. "Consumers kept telling us that although their prebiotics work, they couldn't handle the side effects,'" said Neil Waslidge, R&D Manager, OCEANIUM. "Our seaweed extract changes that as one tiny dose gives you powerful gut health benefits with 87% less gas production." Clinical Results Speak for Themselves A 12-week, double-blind study published in the peer-reviewed journal Microorganisms tracked 40 healthy adults taking either OCEAN ACTIVES H+ or a placebo. The results were dramatic: 29% reduction in harmful bacteria linked to bloating and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth linked to bloating and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth Nearly 9x improvement in the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria in the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria 20% increase in butyrate production , a key compound that strengthens gut lining and reduces inflammation , a key compound that strengthens gut lining and reduces inflammation 33% stronger anti-inflammatory response reducing risk of gut flare-ups and discomfort after eating reducing risk of gut flare-ups and discomfort after eating Significant growth in beneficial bacteria strains that support immune function and cholesterol management Importantly, participants reported minimal digestive side effects a stark contrast to high-dose fiber supplements that commonly cause gas and bloating. Beyond Gut Health: Emerging Systemic Benefits While the published study focused on digestive health, OCEANIUM's other research suggests OCEAN ACTIVES H+ may influence multiple body systems with evidence pointing to potential benefits for: Immune function through increased beneficial bacteria diversity through increased beneficial bacteria diversity Skin health via reduced inflammation and improved nutrient absorption via reduced inflammation and improved nutrient absorption Blood sugar regulation through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism through enhanced carbohydrate metabolism Mental clarity and mood through gut-brain axis modulation Sustainable Innovation Meets Market Demand OCEAN ACTIVES H+ is extracted from Saccharina Latissima, a type of sustainably farmed kelp. As this seaweed grows, it improves ocean health by absorbing carbon and excess nutrients. "Consumers increasingly want products that benefit both personal and planetary health," said Karen Scofield Seal, CEO and co-founder, OCEANIUM. "Our seaweed farming partners are essentially carbon-negative food producers, which aligns perfectly with sustainability-focused brands." OCEAN ACTIVES H+ dissolves easily in water, making it suitable for everything from capsules and gummies to beverages and functional foods. With self-affirmed GRAS status in the US, it is ready for immediate commercial use. The company is currently conducting additional studies to further validate the systemic health benefits and expects to announce partnerships with major supplement and functional food brands in the coming months. OCEANIUM: Strong Science and Market Ready OCEANIUM has positioned itself at the intersection of human health and ocean regeneration. The company's proprietary green extraction technology maximizes bioactive compounds from sustainably sourced seaweed to produce high-purity bioactives for health and skincare (OCEAN ACTIVES C+), and superfood ingredients for humans and pets. OCEANIUM's business-to-business (B2B) model supplies sustainably sourced, traceable ingredients to help companies meet UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets and consumer demand. By driving demand for seaweed a low-resource crop requiring no land, freshwater, or fertilizers - OCEANIUM supports regenerative aquaculture and contributes to six UN SDGs. For samples, technical specifications, or partnership discussions: SOURCE OCEANIUM LTD The five-year initiative will train nearly one million health workers and deliver climate-responsive nutrition to millions of the most nutritionally vulnerable populations, women and children. NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitamin Angels today launched a new five-year initiative to build more climate-resilient health systems and improve maternal and child nutrition across Indonesia. Funded by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda"), the Climate-Inspired Nutrition Through Action ("CINTA") program Cinta means "love" in Bahasa, Indonesia's national language was announced on September 23 during a United Nations General Assembly side event in New York City. "Women and children should not pay the price of climate change with their health," said Dr. Ana Cespedes, CEO of Vitamin Angels. "Together with Takeda, we are determined to change that by empowering health workers, building stronger health systems, and ensuring millions of mothers, infants, and children in Indonesia have access to the proven nutrition solutions they need to thrive, today and for generations to come." Climate change is an escalating threat to global public health and nutrition, disproportionately affecting pregnant women, infants, and young children. In Indonesia, where more than 30% of children under five are stunted and nearly one-third of women of reproductive age are anemic , climate shocks exacerbate already critical nutrition challenges. The country ranks 46 out of 163 on UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index , meaning millions of children are highly vulnerable to climate-related health risks, extreme weather, and environmental stresses. "Climate change is one of the greatest health challenges facing vulnerable communities today," said Toshie Ando, Head of Global CSR & Partnership Strategy, Global Corporate Affairs at Takeda. "Through our Global CSR Program, Takeda is committed to investing in long-term, climate-resilient solutions that strengthen health systems for the future. We're proud to partner with Vitamin Angels to create lasting improvements to maternal and child health in Indonesia, helping women and children thrive for generations to come." In partnership with Takeda, Vitamin Angels will deliver an integrated package of proven nutrition solutions to millions of pregnant women, infants, and young children in Indonesia, including multiple micronutrient supplementation, vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatment, support for breastfeeding, and nutrition education. The CINTA program will also train nearly one million health workers to address climate-related health risks and strengthen supply chains to support sustainable and more resilient local production of vital nutrition supplies. "Thanks to Takeda's support, we'll be able to expand our impact across Indonesia by working closely with our partners network and leveraging our technical capacity to ensure that nutrition services are delivered effectively to people in climate-stressed communities," said Otte Santika, Director of Programs, Indonesia, at Vitamin Angels. "In collaboration with the Government of Indonesia, we will support the development of climate-resilient national health policies addressing nutrition challenges and strengthening the health system to sustainably serve women and children." ABOUT VITAMIN ANGELS Founded in 1994, Vitamin Angels is a public health nonprofit working to improve maternal and child nutrition in underserved communities worldwide. We reach more than 74 million women and children in over 65 countries annually through an extensive network of partner organizations, including governments. By strengthening, extending, and amplifying our partners' impact, we help ensure the most nutritionally vulnerable groups pregnant women, infants, and young children receive the essential nutrition they need to support a healthy future. We deliver proven nutrition interventions, provide technical assistance, and test effective strategies to create an enabling environment for optimal health outcomes. Both Charity Navigator and GuideStar give Vitamin Angels their highest marks for financial transparency. To learn more, visit vitaminangels.org. SOURCE Vitamin Angels BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Slovak National Day took place at the World Expo in Japan on 10th September attended by the President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini. This event marked the culmination of a six-month-long presentation of Slovakia at this prestigious international exhibition. "EXPO is about shaping the future, and Slovakia has entered it as a confident partner. The six-month presentation in Osaka proved that our country has much to offer from cultural values to innovative solutions for a sustainable society," said Matej Fekete, Director General of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL. The head of the national tourism promotion organisation also emphasized that Slovakia's presentation proved that our country can capture the world's attention with its culture, innovations and approach to sustainability. "Our exhibition attracted millions of visitors and became proof that we are a modern country with rich traditions and a vision for the future," stated Matej Fekete. During Slovakia's National Day, President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini and Japan's Minister in charge of the World Expo, Ito Yoshitaka, attended the event. Both delivered speeches during the official program, highlighting the importance of countries participating in such prestigious international events. Peter Pellegrini afterwards visited the Slovak exhibition and viewed several foreign pavilions and country presentations. "We have something to be proud of and I believe that we will present the beauties of our country in Belgrade in two years. It often happens to me that we see how in Slovakia we discover top technologies, exceptional people, and little is said about them. I will be happy if in the future we will present unique people and products from Slovakia at prestigious international events of this kind at the world forum," said President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini. The President also thanked all those involved in preparing Slovakia's presentation. "I would also like to thank the entire team from Slovakia who organized and prepared the Slovak exhibition at the World Expo," he concluded. The Slovak exhibition will remain active until the final day of the EXPO on 13th October 2025. SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is the national organization for the promotion of tourism in Slovakia. Its main task is the development of tourism in both domestic and foreign markets. BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a grand gathering on Thursday in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in celebration of the region's 70th founding anniversary. The event to be attended by Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and will be broadcast live by China Media Group and on Xinhuanet. Students attend a history class at a bilingual high school in Buea, Southwest Region of Cameroon, on Sept. 17, 2025. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua) by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze YAOUNDE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The morning sun rises over Buea, the chief town of Cameroon's Southwest region. But instead of the usual chatter of pupils, silence cloaks shuttered classrooms. Teachers and students remain indoors, forced by separatist fighters enforcing a month-long lockdown aimed at disrupting the new school term and the presidential election scheduled for October. Among those who once helped impose such disruptions is Okha Clovis Naseri, a former separatist fighter now determined to rewrite his story. "One of the hardest things to accept as a fighter was the kidnapping and shooting of schoolchildren and teachers," he recalled. His breaking point came the day he refused an order to attack a government school. "If we attacked children instead of protecting them, then we had failed in our mission of fighting for independence," he said. Naseri joined the separatist armed group at 17. After nearly two years in combat, he surrendered to Cameroonian authorities, disillusioned by what he called "persistent deception from separatist leaders and deviation from the original mission." He spent 18 months in a state-run rehabilitation center, reflecting on his past and what his future could look like. "Then I went to the university, studied logistics and transport management, and graduated with an upper grade," said the now 25-year-old. "I think I will continue my studies and see what I can do for children's education." For years, students and teachers have borne the brunt of Cameroon's separatist conflict, which pits the country's largely French-speaking government against fighters demanding independence for the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions. In June, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that the school boycott had gravely disrupted learning: 41 percent of schools were non-functional, leaving nearly 224,000 children out of class. Another ex-fighter, Ateasong Beltus Tajoah, has also rebuilt his life around education. He now teaches logic and philosophy at a secondary school in Dschang, a town in Cameroon's West region. Yet his childhood dream of becoming a teacher was almost derailed in 2017, when, at just 22, he joined a separatist militia. "We attacked schools, teachers, and students. We used classrooms as our camps. We turned schools into weapons of war, imposing boycotts to hurt the government," he said. After laying down arms, Tajoah returned to his studies, pursued philosophy, and eventually earned a master's degree. Now 31, he shares his past with his students as a warning. "The students I teach today can never fall into the same trap I fell into because I tell them my story. Despite once fighting, I now encourage the same children to go to school. I don't just preach it -- I practice it," he said. Both Naseri and Tajoah are now outspoken advocates for education. "We use social media to sensitize the population and preach peace and unity," said Naseri. Their journeys reflect a wider shift. According to Cameroonian authorities, more than 2,000 separatist fighters have surrendered since the conflict began in 2017. Over half have either resumed school or taken up vocational training -- progress officials view as a milestone in restoring peace and safeguarding the right to education. Teachers believe the rebels' strategy of targeting schools has ultimately backfired. "Education is a fundamental tool for children's progress and future. To use it as a political weapon was a mistake on the part of the separatists," said Richard Ndifor, an educator. "It is encouraging to see former fighters returning to school. This sends a strong message: those who attack education are not fighting the regime, they are fighting the future of young Cameroonians." Today, Naseri and Tajoah stand as examples of redemption. Once armed with rifles, they now wield pens and lesson plans, urging young people to claim their future through education. "The people I used to fight alongside are still enforcing lockdowns," said Tajoah. "We must not disturb children's education. It is their basic right." Ateasong Beltus Tajoah gives a philosophy lesson in a classroom in Dschang, West Region of Cameroon, on Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Kepseu) This photo taken on Sept. 24, 2025 shows an empty classroom in a secondary school in Buea, Southwest Region of Cameroon. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 24, 2025 shows an empty playground at a nursery and primary school in Buea, Southwest Region of Cameroon. (Photo by Muleng Timngum/Xinhua) If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan are currying favor with the United States at the expense of the well-being of the people of Taiwan and the island's economic prospects -- a choice that will only consume Taiwan completely in the end. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks regarding Taiwan's intention to purchase over 10 billion U.S. dollars worth of farm produce from the U.S. within a period of four years. He noted that as the facts continue to come out, they have led the people of Taiwan to realize that the U.S. always puts its own interests first. In the face of the United States' economic bullying, the DPP authorities have chosen to compromise and pander to the U.S., allowing Washington to call the shots, Chen said. It is widely understood that large-scale purchases of U.S. agricultural products will inevitably impact Taiwan's own market, driving down prices and sales while hurting the incomes of locals engaged in farming and fishing, he said. By "selling out Taiwan to the U.S.," the DPP authorities are turning Taiwan into a "dumping ground" for U.S. farm produce, dealing a heavy blow to the island's agricultural and fishery sectors, he added. BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The suburban Pinggu District in eastern Beijing is renowned for its premium peaches, but what consumers who are impressed by the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit cultivated in the district's Xiying Village may not realize is that each bite carries the mark of a quiet technological revolution. At the modern Xiying Future Orchard, small weather stations monitor environmental changes with precision. Major steps in the production process are mechanized, from furrowing to harvesting. Robots and drones are deployed on regular schedules to water the trees, apply fertilizers and spray foliar nutrients. Pinggu's peach industry accounts for nearly half of Beijing's total fruit output value. However, Yu Yongqiang, director of the district's fruit services center, admits that the industry faces challenges in its sustainable development, including bottlenecks in large-scale cultivation and a labor shortage caused by an aging current workforce. "The large-scale adoption of smart agricultural equipment, as seen in the Xiying Future Orchard, isn't optional anymore -- it's the future," Yu said. That future is already unfolding across China. From the rice paddies of Heilongjiang to the tea plantations of Zhejiang, smart technology is reshaping how crops are grown, marking a decisive shift from the labor-intensive methods that long defined Chinese agriculture. In Baise of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Huang Xianjun owns a 1,300-mu (86.67-hectare) mango orchard, where he has introduced smart farming equipment such as agricultural drones for crop protection. "The numbers speak for themselves," he said. "Our overall costs are down 30 percent, and we're getting more consistent yields." The transformation is being driven by companies like XAG, a Guangzhou-based agritech firm that has emerged as a leader in China's smart machinery sector. Justin Gong, co-founder of XAG, has pointed to a striking shift in who is buying the technology. "In 2021, about half our customers were professional operators, half were farmers," he said. "By 2025, 79 percent are growers themselves. They're using the equipment on their own land and selling services to others, creating a new kind of agricultural entrepreneur." The Chinese government has also been stepping up its efforts to modernize agriculture. Earlier this year, the 2025 "No. 1 central document" -- China's key annual policy blueprint for agriculture, rural areas and farmers -- called for the development of "new quality productive forces" in agriculture, using a term that emphasizes technological innovation. The document specifically mandates the accelerated development of domestic smart machinery and the expanded use of artificial intelligence, data analytics and low-altitude technologies in agriculture. Local governments, including Heilongjiang, Zhejiang and Sichuan, have also rolled out supportive policies for the development of smart agricultural machinery. "New energy plus intelligence is a crucial path for the development of agricultural equipment," Gong noted. In his view, the realization of agricultural intelligence requires solid data infrastructure, precise smart agricultural equipment and intelligent agricultural production models. As a key component of data infrastructure, China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) has greatly facilitated the operation of smart agricultural machinery. By the end of 2023, the number of agricultural machines equipped with BDS terminals across the country totaled 2.2 million. China's agricultural machinery industry has also been expanding steadily. Industrial data shows that the number of agricultural machinery enterprises in China with an annual main business revenue exceeding 20 million yuan (about 2.81 million U.S. dollars) had reached 2,271 by 2024. The country's booming smart agriculture sector is helping farmers worldwide. China's exports of agricultural machinery and parts totaled 9.305 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 26.5 percent. XAG, in one example of related success, has exported its smart products and services to 70 countries and regions around the world. According to Gong, the Agritechnica, a trade fair for agricultural machinery held in Hanover, Germany, is an important barometer to gauge the international competitiveness of Chinese players. XAG has participated in multiple Agritechnica sessions, and its booth area has expanded each time. This year, the company also plans to showcase new products in Hanover. "It is evident that the number of Chinese enterprises participating in the exhibition is constantly increasing," Gong said. This growth reflects more than just manufacturing prowess, Gong emphasized. "Our R&D has caught up fast," he said. "China is poised to become a global hub for the R&D, manufacturing and application of smart agriculture." GAZA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 55 Palestinians were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday due to Israeli attacks, according to official and local Palestinian sources. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense, told Xinhua that 22 people, including children and women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting warehouses belonging to the Gaza Municipality, which housed dozens of displaced families in eastern Gaza City. Basal added that Civil Defense teams are still working to recover victims from under the rubble. "A massive explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning, killing and wounding a large number of people instantly. Several bodies remain under the rubble," said local eyewitness Anwar Ershi. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the airstrike. Meanwhile, Basal said 15 more people were killed in separate airstrikes on the Al-Sahaba and Shuja'iyya neighborhoods and the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, and six others died in an airstrike on the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip. He added that 12 people were killed in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, including eight who were shot by Israeli forces while trying to obtain food outside an aid distribution center south of the city. The casualties come amid ongoing Israeli ground operations, with Israeli tanks advancing into the Al-Sabra and Tal al-Hawa neighborhoods in southern Gaza City, as well as the Al-Nasr and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods in the north, amid artillery shelling and gunfire, according to local sources and eyewitnesses. Local witnesses reported that the Israeli army has been detonating explosive-laden military vehicles, causing widespread destruction to residential buildings. Israeli public radio Kan said the army has expanded its military operations in northern Gaza City over the past two days. The report added that these moves could split the northern Gaza Strip into two parts, creating a fourth axis dividing the enclave. On Wednesday, Hamas called on countries worldwide to impose a comprehensive boycott of Israel and isolate it legally, politically, and economically, a day after Spain approved a full arms embargo on Israel in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned recent remarks made by Lai Ching-te, the leader of the Taiwan region, saying Lai's remarks once again demonstrated his attempt to hinder exchange and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Chen Binhua, the spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that since Lai took office, he has stubbornly maintained a separatist "Taiwan independence" stance and pushed for an economic decoupling between the mainland and Taiwan. "His words and actions have seriously damaged the interests of both enterprises and people on the island. If he does not repent, he will only bring more harm to the island," Chen said. The spokesperson warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that no matter how they attempt to collude with external forces to instigate separatism, they cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China. A host of documents with international legal effect, including the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation and the 1945 Japanese Instrument of Surrender, collectively reaffirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan, Chen said. He noted that the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, is the political foundation for cross-Strait dialogue and consultation. "The DPP authorities, while claiming willingness to engage in dialogue and exchange, are vigorously spreading 'Taiwan independence' separatist sentiment," he said. Such contradictory behavior indicates that the DPP authorities have no sincerity at all in restoring dialogue and consultation with the mainland, the spokesperson said. MADRID, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government on Tuesday approved a decree-law to legally consolidate a total arms embargo on Israel and ban the use of Spanish ports and airspace for the transit of fuel that could be used for military purposes. The measure is among nine initiatives announced earlier this month by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. "We are consolidating the total arms embargo on Israel and the import ban on products from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine," said Economy, Trade and Business Minister Carlos Cuerpo at a press conference following the cabinet meeting, which was broadcast on Spanish public television TVE. Under the decree-law, Spain will prohibit the sale of defense equipment and dual-use products to Israel, as well as the import and advertising of goods or services originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Spanish ports and airports will also be closed to shipments of fuel that could be used by the Israeli military. Cuerpo said the government will present quarterly reports to ensure compliance with the measures. The decree-law takes effect immediately but must be ratified by Congress within 30 days to remain valid. Sanchez, currently in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, reiterated Spain's call for international recognition of the State of Palestine as part of a two-state solution. A visitor (2nd R) learns about a humanoid robot displayed at the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A visitor (1st R) learns about a self-driving vehicle equipped with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) during the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A visitor takes photos of a small artificial satellite displayed at the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A drone photo shows a view of the venue for the 4th International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A staff member (3rd L) introduces an Earth observation satellite during the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A staff member (R) introduces a monitoring device equipped with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) during the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A visitor learns about an urban safety risk comprehensive monitoring and early warning platform equipped with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) during the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) An aerial drone photo shows the outdoor exhibition area of the 4th International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) People visit the 4th International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) Visitors view shared bicycles equipped with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) during the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A visitor looks at a humanoid robot displayed at the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) A staff member (1st R) introduces domestic EMU trains during the 4th International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. The 4th International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off here on Wednesday. In addition to the opening ceremony, there are also a high-end keynote speech, thematic forums, academic exchanges and a demonstration exhibition, among other activities, to showcase the deep integration of the large-scale application of BDS with the economy and society. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan) TAIPEI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A barrier lake overflow triggered by heavy rain from Typhoon Ragasa had left 17 dead, 32 injured, and 17 missing in Taiwan as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, according to local authorities. The barrier lake burst on Tuesday afternoon in the island's eastern Hualien County. The floods triggered by the burst have now receded. Most of the victims were found in Guangfu Township in Hualien, mainly elderly residents. The fatalities were initially believed to be due to delayed evacuation. As of Wednesday noon, more than 5,000 people had been evacuated from Guangfu Township, Wanrong Township, Fenglin Township and other areas of Hualien. About 20 shelters had been set up, currently housing over 700 people. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday mourned the victims killed by the barrier lake burst and sent condolences to their families and the injured. JERUSALEM, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Wednesday that its soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man in the northern West Bank. According to the statement, the incident occurred during an IDF operation near the village of Anza, south of Jenin, when the man allegedly hurled an explosive device at the soldiers. It added that the soldiers responded with fire and killed the man, with no casualties among the Israeli forces. Palestinian official news agency WAFA identified the victim as 19-year-old Ahmed Jihad Barahmeh. According to the report, he was shot in the back and succumbed to his wounds after being transferred to a nearby hospital. WAFA added that the incident took place in the morning during an Israeli military raid on the village, as students were on their way to school. The raid disrupted classes and led to confrontations between residents and the Israeli soldiers. It noted that the Israeli soldiers took over a home in the village center, turning it into a military outpost from which they fired live ammunition in multiple directions, with one of the bullets hitting Barahmeh. SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Freyya Inc., a trailblazer in women's pelvic health technology, has achieved a major milestone, finishing its landmark "ERICA" clinical trial. The study, conducted at the University of Utah, evaluates Freyya's pelvic floor monitoring device a discreet, sensor-embedded wearable about the size of a large tampondesigned for at-home and on-the-go pelvic floor therapy monitoring. The Freyya device is the first wearable to capture real-time intra-abdominal pressure and pelvic floor muscle force during everyday activities like walking, squatting, jumping, etc., as well as targeted pelvic muscle exercises. All 25 study participants completed hands-on testing with two ergonomic device shapes and engaged in standardized physical tasks. Results highlight high user comfort, a secure and reliable fit, and strong sensor measurement repeatability both within a day and across sessions. Notably, most participants favored the version with an adjustable ring, offering a personalized anatomical fit. "We designed this technology to put women's needs for comfort and confidence first", said Dr. Gabriele Niederauer, CEO and Co-Founder of Freyya. "In this clinical study, our system demonstrated outstanding comfort, retention, and precision biomechanical insights during diverse activities." Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) affect at least one in four women in the U.S.incurring over $20 billion in annual healthcare costs. Yet, many women face barriers to effective pelvic therapy due to limited access and a shortage of specialists. Freyya's product aims to close this gap, empowering women with personalized therapy and enabling clinicians to remotely monitor progress via telehealth. "Women struggling with pelvic floor issues urgently need accessible, reliable tools. Freyya's device could reshape care, improving quality of life and giving patients real-time, at-home support," said Dr. Jolyn Hill, urogynological clinical principal investigator at the University of Utah. "I'm particularly enthusiastic about the telehealth and remote monitoring features, which mean I can closely track my patients' progress from anywhere." Freyya will showcase detailed study findings at upcoming conferences and intends to publish results in a peer-reviewed journal. About Freyya Inc. Freyya is redefining pelvic floor care through ergonomic, data-driven solutions that integrate advanced biosensors and digital health technology. The company's mission: empower women with clinically proven therapieseasily accessible, anytime, anywhere. The Freyya product is not cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or CE Marked for any specific use; and, therefore is currently not available for commercial distribution in the United States or Europe. For more information, visit www.freyya.com. Media Contact: Gabriele G. Niederauer, PhD CEO and Co-Founder, Freyya Inc. (210) 325-5195 [email protected] This work is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under award No. (NSF 2304490). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NSF. Media Contact Gabriele G. Niederauer, Freyya, Inc., 1 2103255195, [email protected], https://freyya.com/ SOURCE Freyya, Inc. Susan Verde is the author of I Am Yoga and other picture books in the I Am... series, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. She also teaches yoga and mindfulness. Steph Littlebird is an Indigenous artist, writer, curator, and a member of Oregons Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. She is the illustrator of the picture book My Powerful Hair, written by Carole Lindstrom, and the chapter book The Summer of the Bone Horses, written by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve. We asked Verde and Littlebird to discuss their new picture book, Body Beautiful, a celebration of the human body in all its diverse forms. Steph Littlebird: Hi, Susan! I was just thinking about how we met on that TLA panel You Do You, Boo: Helping Kids Embrace Their Authentic Selves in 2023, on the exact topic our book is about! Susan Verde: That was very special. We just decided we were going to do this together. We didnt know what it was going to be yet, but something was pulling us together to do some important work. Littlebird: I remember you knew my work from Instagram about body image and body positivity as it relates to adults. I hadnt translated that idea to kids yet. I was so excited to chat with someone who understood how important this message is, not only for adults, but young people. Theres just so much unrealistic expectation in society, and I hope we can remove some of that pressure through this book. Susan Verde Verde: The women you draw on social media are so rich and abundant. Their energy was so powerful. I just knew we had to get that kind of feeling into a kids book. You and I have talked about this, but I struggledand still strugglewith body image, and that has been passed down from generation to generation. Littlebird: I identify with the idea of intergenerational body image issues. I come from women who didnt believe they were good enough in their bodies. Unfortunately, their feelings about themselves were passed down to me through mirroring. Its something that I have struggled with my entire life. Every day I get up and commit to the idea of loving myself, even when its very difficult. Thats why I started making the work that you saw. I received so much positive feedback from women and men who said, Yes, lets see more of this because we need more of this. And that let me know the work I was doing was not only going to heal myself, but also help others feel affirmed and feel beautiful. There is something magical in that. When you create work about topics that are hard to talk about, it can help others see themselves through a different medium. Verde: As I write books for other people, Im still talking to myself. I think your art gave me permission to have a different conversation with myself. When I had kids, it became very important to try and break the generational cycle. Thankfully, as theyve gotten older, we have these conversations and they can intellectualize it all. I feel like the cycle was cracked, but not broken. Thats why I found this connection with your work and felt this is a vital message for everyone, but for kids especially. Littlebird: Statistically speaking, that bears out in all the studies about young people and their exposure to social media. Young girls who are exposed to social media earlier are immediately internalizing negative views about their bodies just by being on the internet. Verde: Now theres this realization that something needs to be taught to cultivate a healthy body image. You cant just energetically pass it on. There are tools that can help kids love themselves and boost self-esteem. They dont have the ability yet to discern whats a filter, whats real, and whats not. Theres just so much unrealistic expectation in society and I hope we can remove some of that pressure through this book. Littlebird: The body positive movement has been going on for so long, but it really has been centered on adults trying to undo this negative programming. We need to start much earlier because of how much media kids are exposed to. These values are being passed down in a way that is invisible. You cant even discern whats real anymore. Then you see that negative mentality crop up at school, like bullying. Outside of the U.S., schools focus on emotional intelligence and developing the skillset to be a kind and productive community member. Verde: Also, the body autonomy piece of our book is important. Not only is your body beautiful and amazingno matter your ability, color, shape, sizebut also, its yours! You get to decide whats comfortable and whats not. Littlebird: Yes! Kids are one of the last unprotected classes of citizens. They should have a say in what happens to their bodies. We should be teaching kids that they can say no, and teach them to trust their instincts. Verde: I am so proud about this book and to work with you. Your art put all of that energetic, abundant beauty on every page. So, thank you for that. Littlebird: Thank you for inviting me to be part of this collaboration. Body Beautiful is so timely and revolutionary in the face of whats happening in this world. I really hope we can impact kids perspectives on themselves in a positive way. Verde: Im honored to have your art in Body Beautiful as your first non-Indigenous book. Even with our different backgrounds as Native and non-Native, we felt a genuine love and connection and a shared sensibility. Littlebird: Yes! We dont need to have the same cultural backgrounds to share this important value. Body Beautiful by Susan Verde, illus. by Steph Littlebird. Abrams, $19.99 Sept. 23 ISBN 978-1-4197-7746-2 Education and library spending cuts and increased consolidation are among the challenges facing independent houses. But for a range of indie publishers, nimble is the watchword and the common denominator that helps them navigate the ups and downs of the kids publishing cycle. When there are internal and external changes happening every day, we can be less rigid and move faster, says Shimul Tolia, CEO of Little Bee Books. We dont have a lot of red tape, so we can make harder decisions faster and be experimental. That sentiment is echoed by Angus Yuen-Killick, who launched Brooklyn-based Red Comet Press after many years at large houses including Macmillan, Disney, Penguin, and DK. When everything aligns, we can bring a book to market quite quickly, he says. Flexibility is one of the advantages of being a small, independent publisher. Small size also means that each book is equally important. When you publish a limited number of books each season, you have no midlist booksevery book gets an equal amount of attention from our team, says Anita Eerdmans, president of the Michigan-based independent publisher Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Many indies are willing toand indeed driven topublish stories with more specialized appeal. We can publish books that the multinationals might deem too difficult, or too quiet, or too niche, says Karen Li, publisher of Groundwood Books, a division of Torontos House of Anansi Press, citing books such as the imprints social emotional titles, including Laurel Crozas Rock, illustrated by Matt James, and Shy Me by Sandra V. Feder, illustrated by Ashley Barron. We try not to pay attention to trends, for better or for worse. And I think its proven out that if we publish these books wellwith high quality and authenticityreaders will specifically seek us out to see who and what were publishing next. That has been the case for Concord, Mass.-based Barefoot Books, says co-founder and CEO Nancy Traversy. Having a particular point of view has actually been an advantage. We can call our own shots. We make the product we want to make, and we havent been beholden to the market. Unconventional Approaches For British Columbia-based Orca Books, independence allows for a more intuitive approach that lets the company intentionally cross the education-trade divide, according to publisher Andrew Wooldridge. Rather than stay in one lane, the company has introduced structured literacy to their offerings in the trade market and offering hi-low books as a brand, not as a category. The company created a multi-reader app for classroom while also offering front-list worthy trade books, Wooldridge says. A number of indie publishers count offering a global perspective as one of their key distinctions and cite international and intercultural connections as a growth area. The fact that half of us speak Spanish gives us the ability to ensure the highest quality Spanish translationsoften published simultaneously with our English bookswhich has brought us audiences not only in North America but all over Latin America and Spain, says Arthur A. Levine, publisher at Levine Querido, which he founded in 2019 after more than 20 years with his own imprint at Scholastic. Wooldridge describes Orca as having a long-term commitment to Indigenous languages and creators. On the other side of the equation, Brooklyn-based Enchanted Lion, headed by Claudia Zoe Bedrick, has centered its publishing on highly visual books in translation that introduce English-speaking children to not only global creators, but different cultural perspectives on common themes such as social justice and the natural world. A Foot in the Door Small size requires creative thinking about distribution. Getting a foot in the door has always been a challenge for small independents like us, says Anita Eerdmans, president of the Michigan-based independent publisher Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. We work with a number of regional rep groups. They have close and productive relationships with the key educational wholesalers and do a good job keeping our titles in front of companies that we would have difficulty calling on individually. British Columbia-based Orca Books started its own distribution company in the U.S. and Canada to distribute not only its own books, but those of 20 other North American publishers. They recently added Quebec-based French language publishers, adding to its language-spanning reach. This model gives us greater control over how our books are positioned and sold, while fostering a strong community of independent publishers, says Orca publisher Andrew Wooldridge. It also allows us to build and maintain long-term relationships with retailers, wholesalers, schools and libraries in a responsive and collaborative way. This is especially important now because small publishers tend to disproportionately feel the impact as the wholesale market consolidates, he adds. Mutual Support Traversy cites Barefoots relationships with a number of literacy foundations and nonprofits including Books for Africa, Books4School, Read Out and Read, and the UKs BookTrust as a way the brand expands its reach. Working with independent booksellers who market Barefoot Books in their own communities through a variety of platforms and methods gives the company a direct relationship with customers, she adds. Likewise, Levine Querido looks for partners who share our fierce desire to throw open the gates of creativity to all authors and artists and throw a reading party to which all children are invited, Levine says. We train our eyes and ears to find and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit organizations such as First Book, An Open Book Foundation, Kweli, and SCBWI. In the Market Approaching the challenge of marketing as a small press is, in part, a matter of picking your battles, says Jason Low, publisher at Lee & Low Books. If we need to pull funds away from sponsoring author events and instead redirect them toward Google Adwords and conversion tracking, the deciding factor is that actual sales take precedence over potential sales. Leaner organizations can be more responsive, according to Levine. Our smaller structure allows us to pivot and bypass outdated systems more easily, he says, describing the social first approach of his team. We are also more willing to take calculated risks, such as operating our own Meta store and TikTok shop. Bedrick has entered into collaborations with several indie bookstores to present shelves of picture books for adults, featuring both her titles and those of other publishers who publish books that have crossover appeal for adults both because of their sophisticated subject matter and their strong artistic appeal. We are super excited about these partnerships, some developed at Children's Institute, and are very much hoping that the idea will catch on with many more indie bookstores, she says. Seemingly no independent publisher has been immune to the effects of book bans and education budget cuts in recent years, especially since so many are mission-driven publishers committed to inclusivity in childrens literature. But while small size means theres less of a buffer for withstanding these pressures, indies have demonstrated their resilience. Traversy is clear. I would never want to work for a big publisher, she says, because you cant control your own destiny. On Monday, Bluestockings Bookstore Cooperative on the Lower East Side in New York City abruptly announced on its website and social media that it would be shuttering after 26 years in business. The closure soon drew controversy, with two of the stores worker-stewards, Jay Gandhi and Dheivanai Moorthy, alleging on social media that the decision to shut down the business was made without any advance notice or input from them by the store's two co-owners, Merlin Sabal and Raquel Espasande. Meanwhile, Espasande says that previous attempts to meet with the worker-stewards were rebuffed. Bluestockings is a legal c-corp, wrote Gandhi on Instagram, and has two owners who have not been part of it for about a year. The process to add folx (sic) on the legal papers is involved and takes money so we just operated as a worker/cooperative in good faith, not thinking this would happen. In a telephone interview, Gandhi told PW that they and Moorthy received written notification Monday morning that the store was closed permanently, and their access to their work emails and stores social media accounts, as well as its website, were revoked. They also said that they are locked out of the physical space on Suffolk Street. Espasande acknowledged in an interview that the worker-stewards were not informed beforehand of the decision to close the store, but explained that "finances were really bad and the people who were making the decisions in the bookstore were not taking it seriously." For instance, they said, members of the store's book subscription service, "which brings in $10,000 each month and is a key part of keeping the store going," have not received their books for the past two months. "Even though they took on that responsibility, they did not fulfill it," Espasande said. The two co-owners offered to meet with the worker-stewards to discuss how to pay rent and make payroll, but were rebuffed, according to Espasande. The situation had become "so dire," with the prospect of defaulting on next month's rent and having to scrape together the funds to make payroll, that the two co-owners decided that they had to close the store. "It's true, they were not part of that final decision, which is not in keeping with the values of the worker cooperative," Espasande acknowledged, "but it was, like we said in the post on the website, the absolute last resort." Sabal stopped working at Bluestockings a year ago due to disability, and Espasande stopped working shifts in December due to stress, Espasande told PW, but both remained deeply involved in the store's operations. According to the store's bylaws, worker-stewards "have to become owners" after three months (which could be extended to six months) but Espasande said that the bylaws often were not followed, and worker-stewards were allowed to "extend and delay and not take ownership because they didn't want to take legal or financial liability." Sabal and Espasande are currently the only two worker-owners, as their names are on the lease and other legal documents. The current worker-stewards were offered full ownership this past summer, Espasande said, but were unable to find a financial guarantor to release Sabal and Epasande from liability. "They are just not privy to all the work that we've been doing, Gandhi told PW, including a GoFundMe campaign launched in January, to raise $150,000; $100,000 of that sum is earmarked to pay publishers and distributors. As of Tuesday morning, $65,000 had been raised. Activist and author Mariame Kaba also partnered with the store this past summer, collecting books that Bluestockings could then display and sell, as publishers and distributors have stopped shipping books to the store. We were able to pull on our community resources, because this space means so much to everyone, Gandhi said, people were falling over themselves to do whatever they can to keep it going. We were able to still stock our shelves without buying any books. We were able to sell books. We were able put down the debt. All this happened, and then we found out about the business closure the same time the world did. Gandhi noted that multiple attempts to contact Sabal and Espasande have been so far unsuccessful, and Gandhi and Moorthy are now investigating what rights they have as employees working for a legal cooperative in the State of New York. Gandhi asked, What are our rights? Can they really just do this, close a business thats a cooperative, but the workers had no say in any of this? Gandhi and Moorthy want to have an immediate conversation with Sabal and Espasande to discuss moving forward in a way that will respect everyone's wishes. I want them to come to the table and talk to us, Gandhi said, Why arent they talking to these three people who want to keep the store open? Because there are people who do believe it can. As for Espasande, they say that neither they nor Sabal have any intention "at the moment" to meet with Gandhi and Moorthy. "I don't believe they're serious about taking on financial responsibilities, and I'm not interested in dragging it out," they said, adding, "Every month that goes by, we incur a lot of debt." Raquel Espasande's surname was misspelled in an earlier version of this story and has been corrected. This summer, China unveiled its plan for accomplishing an audacious goal the country had set for itself eight years prior: to become the dominant force in artificial intelligence by 2030. The sweeping blueprint calls for embedding AI into 90 percent of the Chinese economy, from scientific research and development to government decision-making. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is poised to weaponize AI as a tool for centralized control and solidify its grip over every aspect of peoples lives. By 2030, the world will be transformed if China is successful in achieving its aims of defeating the United States and winning the AI race. America cannot afford to fall behind. Thankfully, we have a playbook that works. Thirty years ago, leaders of both parties in Washington had the wisdom to adopt a light-touch approach to regulating the internet. Policy makers consciously chose to preempt state-level taxation, to reject undue restrictions on the nascent digital economy, and to allow Americans to experiment with this new technology. The result? Decades of American-led technological dominance and a rapid acceleration in living standards. The Trump administration recently took a major step in the right direction by releasing Americas AI Action Plan. The Presidents strategy embraces the idea that the government should enable, not inhibit, AI development. It calls for removing outdated federal regulations and denying taxpayer money to states that are unduly restrictive of these innovative tools. But executive orders can only go so far. Lawmakers must work alongside the President and pass legislation to promote long-term AI growth and global adoption of American AI technology. Towards that end, I have developed a policy framework for American AI leadership, which starts with the Strengthening Artificial intelligence Normalization and Diffusion by Oversight and eXperimentation, or SANDBOX Act, a bill that simplifies federal regulation for AI use. A regulatory sandbox a concept recommended by the Trump AI Action Plan is an alternative to the inflexible and often ineffective way the government traditionally oversees private industry. Rather than forcing AI developers to design inferior products in order to comply with outdated federal rules, my legislation gives entrepreneurs the room to breathe, build, and compete within a defined space bounded by guardrails for safety and accountability. The benefits of this strategy are real. In the U.K., where regulatory sandboxes are used in the financial and health care sectors among others, AI-driven stroke diagnostics helped to triple the percentage of patients regaining functional independence. Here at home, however, AI developers have been hamstrung by rigid regulations surrounding electronic medical records, preventing researchers from developing or deploying AI tools that could save and transform lives. Under the SANDBOX Act, an AI user or developer would identify obstructive regulations and request a waiver or modification, which the government may grant for two years through a written agreement. Participants would still have to mitigate health, consumer, or other risks and regularly disclose benefits or unanticipated incidents to the agency. Of course, a regulatory sandbox does not allow a company to avoid enforcement of the law more generally, and the current AI litigation docket is a testament to our legal systems ability to adapt to technological change. Existing criminal, tort, contract, child safety, and consumer protection laws already govern AI, making state efforts to impose AI-specific regulations such as those in Colorado, California, or in more than a thousand other state-level bills needlessly duplicative and punitive. Instead of excessively regulating a new product based on fear, my bill would help our country regulate AI based on evidence. Congress would receive detailed periodic reports on which outdated rules were waived or modified most frequently so lawmakers could decide whether to make such regulatory changes permanent. The stakes are high for how America approaches AI. If we fail to beat China in the AI race, we risk a global order where freedom is eclipsed by state-run surveillance and coercion. But if we win, worldwide adoption of AI will be anchored by the American values of liberty, human dignity, and the rule of law. Congress is now facing a fork in the road. One path leads toward a complicated patchwork of heavy-handed government regulation that only Big Tech, with its armies of lawyers and lobbyists, can navigate. The other path, as reflected in the SANDBOX Act, embraces small-business innovation and entrepreneurial freedoma proven approach that with the Internet has already revolutionized our economy, improved our quality of life, and made America the global leader in the digital age. For our future and our prosperity, I suggest we put our trust in the ingenuity of the American people rather than power-hungry bureaucrats or Chinese communist tyrants. Sen. Ted Cruz is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce In recent weeks, the United States has witnessed a disturbing rise in political tensions, including an assassination shaped by extreme ideological divides. This should give us pause, not only because of the act itself, but because of what fuels the atmosphere that allows such acts to fester. Social media companies, driven by the logic of engagement and profit, have normalized polarization, amplified disinformation, and monetized hostility. We tend to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the ideal positive relationship between a business and society. CSR is about businesses giving back, doing good, and recognizing their obligations to the communities in which they serve and operate. However, what we rarely discuss is the inverse: corporate social irresponsibility, where companies knowingly exploit society for economic gain, leaving long-term harm in their wake. Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. In the 1960s, tobacco companies targeted children in their advertisements while hiding the truth about cancer and addiction. For decades, oil companies denied or downplayed the role of fossil fuels in accelerating climate change, even as their own scientists raised alarms. Both industries maximized profit with the long-term price being paid in human suffering and environmental degradation. What is new is the global reach and speed of todays social irresponsibility. Social media corporations are not just selling cigarettes or gasoline; they are selling outrage, division, and mistrust at a planetary scale. Their products, driven by algorithms optimized for engagement, erode democratic institutions and weaken societal trust everywhere from the United States to Brazil to Myanmar. The fact that political polarization is now both a domestic crisis and an international export tells us something about the globalized nature of social irresponsibility. Consider the youth who are the biggest users of these online platforms. Mental health research continues to reveal how endless scrolling, online harassment, and curated unreality contribute to anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Yet these online platforms double down, incentivizing clicks over the mental health of our youth. Much like the cigarette ads of the past, the goal is not to inform or uplift society; it is to addict them for a consistent flow of profit. Another example of corporate social irresponsibility is the exploitation of labor and the environment. Fast fashion brands exploit labor in one country, pollute rivers in another, and flood landfills in yet another. The profits are concentrated at the corporate level, but the irresponsibility is globalized. Consumers in wealthy nations may see only low prices, while workers in the Global South see only hazardous conditions. This is the paradox of globalization: there are benefits of interconnection, but so are the harms. When companies globalize irresponsibilitywhether through misinformation, exploitative supply chains, or environmental neglectthe damage is more complicated to trace, easier to dismiss, and far more difficult to hold accountable. Some might argue that consumers hold the power to demand better from these companies. To an extent, thats true. Campaigns against plastic straws, child labor, and tobacco advertising did make a difference. However, consumer choice alone is no match for trillion-dollar corporations with lobbying arms that are larger than some governments. Social irresponsibility persists precisely because responsibility has been outsourced to consumers, activists, and underfunded regulators. What is needed is a reframing. Suppose we hold up corporate social responsibility as the gold standard in business. In that case, we must also be willing to call out its opposite, not as isolated scandals but as part of a systemic pattern. Naming it global social irresponsibility helps us see that it is not just a local problem, not just bad apples, but a structural issue in the global economy. This reframing does not absolve governments or individuals from responsibility. Political leaders must resist the temptation to exploit disinformation for short-term gains. Consumers must remain vigilant about where they place their trust and money. However, the real accountability lies with corporations themselves, whose decisions have a ripple effect far beyond national borders. History shows that companies often fail to regulate themselves. Tobacco only changed when lawsuits, regulations, and social pressure converged. Oil companies are only now facing meaningful accountability because of international climate agreements, activism, and litigation. Social media, fast fashion, and other industries driving irresponsibility today will likewise require external pressure through legislation, global cooperation, and civic demand for transparency. The danger of inaction is clear. If we allow corporations to continue profiting from division, disinformation, and exploitation, we normalize irresponsibility as the global standard. If this becomes the norm worldwide, the next generation will not inherit a world of shared prosperity, but one of shared instability. The question we must ask ourselves is simple: If corporations can be rewarded for responsibility, with bonuses and tax breaks, why are they not equally punished for irresponsibility? Until we answer that, the cycle of profit over people will continue. The stakes are high in todays interconnected world. The world cannot afford more decades of denial, delay, and damage. Recognizing and resisting global social irresponsibility is not just a moral duty; it is a long-term strategy to ensure future generations do not have to deal with the consequences. Assad Raza is an assistant professor in global leadership and U.S. Army veteran with multiple deployments across the Middle East. Follow him on X @AssadRaza12 and on LinkedIn. GENEVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese delegate to the World Trade Organization (WTO) said on Wednesday that China's decision not to seek new special and differential treatment (SDT) in current and future negotiations at the WTO demonstrates the commitment of a major developing country. Li Yihong, charge d'affaires of the Permanent Mission of China to the WTO, made the remarks at a press briefing. During a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative on the sidelines of the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that as a responsible major developing country, China will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future WTO negotiations. Briefing the press, the Chinese envoy to WTO said this announcement from the Chinese side against the backdrop of the current challenging global situation underscores China's firm stance in supporting the multilateral trading system through concrete actions. "It will inject positive energy into advancing WTO current discussions, especially the reform of the global economic governance system," she said. At the same time, Li emphasized that this does not involve any change to China's status as a developing country, whether within the WTO framework or in any other context. "China has always been a member of the Global South and will always be a part of the developing world," Li said. Li pointed out that the announcement has no implication for and does not prejudice China's rights in other international fora. The senior delegate said it pertains only to China not seeking new SDT provisions in current and future WTO negotiations, and does not affect China's rights under the SDT provisions of existing WTO agreements. It is a decision made by China with respect to itself, Li said. "With respect to other developing countries, China will continue to stand with and speak for them, and firmly uphold their legitimate rights and interests, including their rights to ask for SDT," she added. The WTO agreements contain SDT provisions that give developing countries special rights and allow other members to treat them more favorably. These provisions include longer time periods for implementing agreements and commitments, as well as measures to increase trading opportunities for these countries, among others. Also on Wednesday, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed China's announcement, calling it "a pivotal moment for the WTO." "China's decision reflects a commitment to a more balanced and equitable global trading system," said Okonjo-Iweala, adding that it sends a strong signal of support for WTO reform. "This move will undoubtedly energize discussions and help us work toward a more agile and effective organization for the 21st century," Okonjo-Iweala said. Disney/Pamela Littky By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/24/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. New star Taylor Frankie Paul has addressed criticism of her casting on the ABC reality series' upcoming season.Taylor, a 31-year-old divorced mother of three kids and the creator of #MomTok in her Mormon community, will be handing out roses on 's 22nd season when it premieres in 2026.Taylor's casting has proven to be a polarizing choice on ABC's part. While Taylor has a huge number of supporters, many people are furious at ABC for choosing a woman who has "two baby daddies" and admitted to soft-swinging in her marriage.The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star opened up to Bachelor Nation about her casting -- and the backlash -- in an Instagram video she posted this past weekend."I can't even process what is going on. I am the Bachelorette guys, that's wild! I don't want to get emotional, because I'm always emotional, but these are good emotions," Taylor said."When they flew to town to ask me [to be the Bachelorette], my first thoughts were, 'Why me?' It goes without saying that I come with a lot and I was just like, 'Who is going to want me?!'"Taylor, however, said she couldn't reveal any additional details about the casting process."To those of you asking that question [of why me?] trust me, I was right along there with you," Taylor admitted."All I can say is that I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. I think everything happens for a reason. I am someone who can handle criticism and backlash, trust me. If anyone can handle it, I'm one of them."Taylor said, based on the comments she's been reading online, she feels for people who are in similar situations."Past single parents who are reading, you know, those things, like, 'Is that how people view us as single parents or someone with not a pretty past?' It made me feel for them," Taylor explained."And I'm here to say that we are human, we make mistakes, and how we move forward is what really matters. And there is no timeline on that either, like, have I made lots of mistakes since? Yes. Am I going to make future mistakes? Yes."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star suggested that nobody is perfect."You learn from it and try to be better. You get up again. If you've messed up in life and you feel like some type of failure, just know that you're not," Taylor insisted."The only person that's going to stop me is myself, and that is it! With all that being said, I am beyond grateful. Me being even an option, a choice, and the decision."Taylor teased how viewers are "in for a treat" when returns next year."Or am I in for a treat?" she quipped. "None of us know, I don't even know. That's the fun part."The bubbly influencer went on to say, "We're doing the damn thing and we're going to make it work . We'll get on the same team."Taylor also confirmed that she's "able to do both" in terms of starring on and being a mother."Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do think I'm the first Bachelorette to have three children," Taylor said."Thank you all for the overwhelming support. I see you; I hear you. And thank you to the haters as well. You guys are honestly the biggest supporters," she concluded.Taylor was married to Tate Paul from 2016 to 2022. When they were together, they welcomed two children: daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5.Taylor previously admitted to violating the rules of the couple's soft-swinging arrangement by becoming more intimate with another man in their friend group, which led to their separation and eventual May 2022 divorce.The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in 2023 on Hulu, featured the cheating scandal.The show has also documented Taylor's first post-divorce relationship with Dakota Mortensen.Taylor and Dakota made their romance public in July 2022, and then they welcomed a son together, Ever True, in March 2024.While won't be returning until next year, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is set to release new episodes on November 13 on Hulu.Two other stars from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, are currently competing on Dancing with the Stars' 34th season on ABC and Disney+.When Dancing with the Stars premiered its new season on September 16, Taylor was in the audience supporting her friends and co-stars.'s official premiere date and cast of bachelors for Season 22 will be announced at a later date.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group If youve been paying attention to the gun industry in the past few years, its impossible to have missed the surge in Turkish firearms. Except this isnt like the generations of Turkish guns that have hit our shores before. Instead, these actually work. Not only do they work, but they run like sewing machines. Arguably, these are some of the best examples of bang-for-your-buck on the market. The MAC 1014 is exactly one of those guns. In fact, its good enough that Agency Arms started using the MAC 1014 as the base model for their upgrade package. Hearing that at SHOT 2025, it was clear it had to be put to the test. Tradesman 1014 SPECS Action Type: Semi-Auto Operation: Gas Regulated Piston Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4 3 Frame/Receiver Slide Finish: Anodized Sights: Adjustable Rear Ghost Ring White Blade Front Optics Ready/Cut: Picatinny Rail Capacity (w/Included Mags): 5 + 1 Barrel Length: 18.5 Threaded: Benelli/Mobil Barrel Finish: Chromate OAL: 39.8 Height: 8.3 Width: 2.6 Weight (Unloaded): 8.3 lbs. PROS Upgrades out of the box High-quality shotgun, budget price Agency Arms stamp of approval CONS Social stigma UPGRADES The Tradesman has some awesome upgrades from Agency Arms, including the AA bolt, oversized charging handle, oversized bolt release, new lifter, enhanced loading port and a ported factory barrel. Best of all, the upgrades include a new handguard complete with M-LOK. This upgrade package from Agency Arms typically costs $1,700, and you must provide the shotgun. While the base Tradesman is a nice step up from the standard MAC 1014, I added two more upgrades on top of it to really optimize my scatter gun. First was a Shell Tactical +2 tube to replace the factory faux tube. More ammo is more better, so its generally advisable to ditch limited factory tubes ASAP. Shell Tactical +2 is a fairly cheap and an important upgrade. Second, Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip Stock with limb saver and cheek riser. While not entirely required, the Mesa Tactical stock is flat-out better than OEM Benelli or MAC stock. Slightly shorter LOP and a limb saver make long days of sending lead downrange a lot more enjoyable. ON THE RANGE One range session was spent with the OEM MAC stock just to see how it felt. Its fine. Its a clone of the Benelli M4 stock, and that stock really isnt anything to write home about. Once I felt I had done my journalistic duty by giving it a try, I ditched it like a bad date and installed the Mesa Tactical Urbino. This is an instant upgrade well worth the money and effort to install. Quite simply, it was a major improvement. Reliability has been exactly what I expected, but not perfect. The MAC 1014 doesnt like cheap birdshot, but thats not unexpected since the Benelli M4 doesnt really like cheap birdshot either. Because of the gas system, you need a minimum amount of power to make things work. Cheapo birdshot isnt it. My chrono doesnt work great with birdshot, so its hard to give solid numbers. But going off the box velocity just about anything 7-1/2 birdshot at ~1,150 FPS didnt cycle well in the MAC. Short stroke or failure to feed about every 3 or 4 rounds. However, 7-1/2 birdshot over ~1,250 FPS on the box ran perfectly. Every flavor of buckshot ran without issue. No. 4, 00, 000, defensive, cheapzero malfs of any type across several hundred rounds. MAC quotes a 100-round break-in period, but this didnt seem to make a huge difference for me. The slower birdshot might work slightly better, but its still not reliable. If I dont want to run malf clearing drills, Im sticking to birdshot over 1,250 FPS. THE $1,000 QUESTION The first reaction most people have to seeing this gun and learning about it is, why pay around $1,000 for something that's normally a ~$350 shotgun. Upgrades, thats why. Agency Arms has long offered this upgrade package for Benelli shotguns. You provide the Benelli M4 and send Agency Arms $1,700, and theyll pimp your shoty. Getting literally the same upgrade package for less than $700 is an absolute steal. Do you need it? Thats harder to answer. A good buddy of mine reviewed the MAC 1014, and its been chugging along ever since with zero issues. Its run so long and so well that the gun has been rewarded by being SBSd and a suppressor added for quiet fun times. While the Agency Arms upgrades are nice, none of them really affect the durability or reliability of the MAC 1014. Functional upgrades like M-LOK and being easier to load, especially if you want to quad-load, and a ported barrel are major improvements but they dont add durability or reliability. If you want a cheap shotgun that runs well, the base MAC 1014 might be a better buy. If you want a cheap shotgun you can upgrade, I would say the Tradesman does 95 percent of the upgrades out of the box for less than youll spend buying parts yourself. Plus, the ported barrel is a huge plus. Me not being a real shotgun guy, this was one of the rare times that I didnt want a project gun. Having almost all of the work done for me, and it still being an affordable firearm, was perfect. LOOSE ROUNDS There are probably minor points to the MAC Tradesmen that surpass my palate. But in my admittedly less educated opinion, this shotgun covers everything I wanted right out of the box. The Mesa stock is a nice improvement, and Im glad for it, but even the OEM stock wasnt bad. The downside? This gun definitely suffers socially from the poor examples that have come before it. Im no stranger to hitting the range with guns and gear that are budget-priced and not the highest quality, but its rare that anyone around me actually notices or cares. But once word gets around that its a Turkish shotgun, the pitchforks come out. While there is a long list of good shotguns made in Turkey, the firearm community only remembers the no-name fly-by-night brands that list M4 clones or bullpups for $100 on Gunbroker. Because of the reputation those shotguns have gained among the community, its hard to convince people that not all Turkish shotguns are the same. The Tradesman has a hill to climb to prove to people that this isnt like the other Turkish clones that have come before it. But if any shotty can dispel a decades-long stigma, the Tradesman can. Electric two-wheeler (e2W) companies are upset with some of their suppliers of heavy rare-earth magnetpowered electric motors, who have objected to their proposal under consideration by the government that would allow e2W original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) an exemption from localisation norms on electric motors, thereby enabling them to continue receiving the 5,000-per-vehicle subsidy. Photograph: Aditi Shah/Reuters A senior executive at an e2W manufacturer said, We are being deprived of the subsidy because of opposition from automotive (auto) component players. "All were doing is sending sub-assemblies to China, where they are fitted with rare earth magnets and then shipped back until rare earth imports from China resume. "The entire process is handled by suppliers, not by us directly. Auto component makers, however, see it differently. A senior industry executive argued, We have invested heavily in building capacity to manufacture electric motors, based on commitments from OEMs. "That capacity could remain idle if OEMs continue importing motors. If subsidies are extended despite OEMs not meeting localisation norms, we stand to incur huge losses. Since April, the Chinese government, through an export control order, has restricted the export of rare earths to India. After the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, relations eased, and China agreed to partially lift the ban that had completely squeezed rare earth magnet shipments to India from April 4. Yet, OEMs say none of their pending import requests, routed through auto component makers, have been cleared by Beijing. As a result, many OEMs have been sending motor sub-assemblies to China to be fitted with rare earth magnets before being returned. They stress that this workaround is only a temporary measure in response to the rare earth shortage. Some OEMs have even given undertakings that they will withhold subsidy claims if they fail to meet the 50 per cent localisation norm, while others have told the government they will not seek subsidies at all. A senior e2W executive added, Weve asked for temporary relief, say 90 days, until the rare earth magnet issue is resolved, not indefinitely. "This way, we dont have to shut down production. Why should our factories sit idle? Meanwhile, OEMs have been scrambling for alternatives. Ola Electric has experimented with ferrite motors, which do not require rare earths, while Ather Energy and Bajaj Auto are exploring motors powered by light rare earth magnets. Indian-American executive Srini Gopalan has been appointed chief executive officer of telecom operator T-Mobile, amid ongoing debates over H-1B visa policies. Photograph: Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters Gopalan's appointment, effective from November 1, 2025, comes as US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a staggering $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, triggering widespread panic, concern and fear among Indian professionals on work visa. Gopalan, currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of T-Mobile, will succeed Mike Sievert, who has led the telecom operator since 2020. Born in Delhi, Gopalan attended Delhi Public School and St. Stephen's College before earning an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad in 1992. He has held leadership roles at Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, Capital One, and Accenture, including CEO of Deutsche Telekom's German operations. He joined T-Mobile in early 2025 as the COO. Industry analysts say Gopalan's appointment reflects T-Mobile's multi-year succession planning and underscores the significant contributions of Indian-origin executives in the US corporate landscape. Last Friday, Trump signed the proclamation 'restriction on entry of certain nonimmigrant workers', saying the abuse of the H-1B visa programme is a "national security threat", a decision that came as a rude shock to Indian and American technology companies and also caused uncertainty to foreign professionals, especially in the Information Technology (IT) sector. Indians make up an estimated 71 per cent of all approved H-1B applications in recent years, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). China is the next biggest group. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. You have to grow, and grow fast thats the DNA of the JSW group, chairman Sajjan Jindal said as JSW Cement made its debut on the stock market mid-August. IMAGE: Sajjan Jindal, managing director of JSW Steel. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters The remark captured not just the moment but also the momentum of JSWs growth story. JSW Steel the flagship of the conglomerate has transformed from a two-million-tonne (mt) plant in the early 2000s to Indias largest steel producer. Along the way, the group has morphed into a $23-billion force, stretching from energy and cement to ports and paints, all while steel remains its bread and butter. Now, it is gearing up for the future with another audacious bet: Electric vehicles (EV). Anchored in steel was the starting point for the group going back to 1982 when a cold rolling unit was set up at Vasind near Mumbai. The turning point, however, came in 1993 when Jindal laid out a detailed plan for the 2 mt plant before then ICICI chairman, Narayanan Vaghul. That paved the way for Vijayanagar Works (Karnataka) and set the stage for everything that followed. The journey from 1.6 mt of steel capacity in 2002 to 35.7 mt (including 1.5 mt in the US) has been driven by a mix of acquisitions and organic growth. Alongside, the group has branched into businesses that supported the core. These businesses now stand as independent verticals, each chasing its own growth ambitions. On JSW Infrastructure, analysts at Motilal Oswal said that by consciously reducing dependence on captive JSW group cargo and expanding into containerised, liquid, and other diversified categories, the company is mitigating concentration risks while opening new revenue pools. That philosophy of de-risking and diversifying the customer base runs through its other businesses as well. Over the last two decades, about Rs 2 trillion has been put in across sectors. JSW group chief financial officer Seshagiri Rao said steel has anchored every venture the group has built to achieve the benefits of integration in the value chain, either as customer or vendor/supplier be it energy, infrastructure, cement, or paints. This has immensely benefitted [us], and made JSW steel one of the best conversion cost steel producers in the world, while simultaneously supporting the other verticals to expand their businesses independent of the steel business, he added. It is a win-win. The logic extends to automobiles as well. Making of a conglomerate Steel needs power. It produces slag that feeds cement, and moving material at scale requires ports. Thats how the energy, cement and infrastructure businesses were born. And then as the market moved to colour-coated steel some years back, it also paved the way for JSW Paints. Today, after a string of acquisitions and expansion, JSW Energy has 12.8 gigawatt (Gw) of installed generation capacity; JSW Cement has a capacity of 20.6 mt; JSW Infrastructure is the second-largest port operator in India; and JSW Paints is poised to become the fourth-largest paintmaker with the acquisition of AkzoNobel India. Cement and paints are being steered by Jindals son, Parth, as managing director. But its the capital-intensive steel that accounts for the lions share of revenues among the listed group entities about 88 per cent of revenues and half the profit. In auto, JSW Steel is a significant supplier to the industry. This has largely been possible due to the technology collaboration with Japans JFE. In 2010, the Japanese steelmaker had made a strategic investment in JSW Steel by picking up a 15 per cent stake. JSW Steels share in auto-grade steel at that point was about 2 per cent. Fifteen years on, it stands at 32 per cent. That has given JSW the confidence to enter the auto sector an ambition set to grow bigger. Heavy investments, mega ambitions Traditionally, the groups focus has been on manufacturing. In each vertical, there are big plans to grow. "The total capital expenditure over the next five years will be in the range of Rs 3.25 trillion, Rao said. Steel, for which the target is 51.5 mt in capacity by FY31, will account for a major part; auto will also be a reasonable contributor, he said. In November 2023, the JSW group and Chinas SAIC Motor announced a strategic joint venture (JV) as part of which the Indian conglomerate acquired a 35 per cent stake in JSW MG Motor India. While that JV is charting its growth map, JSW is also preparing its solo act in the sector. In addition to our venture with MG, we will be setting up a factory for EV buses and trucks in Maharashtra, said Rao. The company, he added, is also committing capital to set up an independent car factory, 100 per cent owned by the group; the car will be branded JSW and is likely to be rolled out in three years. For technology, JSW intends to tap third parties. Besides this, the group is exploring the possibility of developing facilities to localise the EV ecosystem. It is reported to have had discussions with Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean companies for sourcing technology for its lithium-ion battery project for EVs. Wherever possible, we want to localise and help build the ecosystem in India, Rao said. But that doesnt mean well participate in the entire value chain. Funding the big leap EV, the new kid on the JSW block, might be grabbing headlines, but there are big plans for the other five verticals as well. In the earnings call for the first quarter (Q1), Nilesh Narwekar, whole-time director and CEO, JSW Cement, said the company aimed to increase its grinding capacity to 41.85 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from the current 20.60 mtpa; and its clinker capacity to 13.04 mtpa from 6.44 mtpa (as of Q1FY26). Rinkesh Roy, joint managing director and CEO, JSW Infrastructure, spoke of the ambition of scaling up the cargo handling capacity from 177 mtpa (as of Q1FY26) to 400 mtpa by FY30 or earlier. JSW Energy, meanwhile, is aiming for 30 Gw of power generation and 40 gigawatt hour (Gwh) of energy storage capacity by FY30. JSW Paints is targeting 800,000 kilo litres per annum (klpa) of capacity by FY30, while JSW Steel intends to grow to 51.5 mtpa by FY31. Funding for all of this will largely come from internal accruals and some equity raising, if required, Rao said. Across group companies, annualised Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) is about Rs 50,000 crore. "The debt requirement is not large; it could be about 25 per cent. The groups debt is at about Rs 1.3 trillion. Given the size of our group, this is not high, Rao said, adding that they are growing across businesses. You have to look at the trajectory the potential in each vertical and the improvement in profitability. Getting to this scale has meant navigating challenges the most recent one being Bhushan Power & Steel (BPSL). Of setbacks and comebacks In May 2025, the Supreme Court rejected JSW Steels resolution plan for BPSL and ordered its liquidation four years after the company was acquired under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. All stakeholders JSW Steel, the committee of creditors, and the resolution professional filed review petitions before the apex court. The hearings concluded in August, and the judgment is awaited. The group is no stranger to setbacks. In the late 1990s, for instance, Jindal Vijayanagar Steel (JVSL) was under corporate debt restructuring (as were other steel majors Essar Steel, Lloyds Steel Industries, and Ispat Industries). JVSL was eventually merged with Jindal Iron and Steel Company, and renamed JSW Steel in 2005. Prone to price swings, steel isnt an easy business. If anyone knows that, its Jindal. He told an audience in Kolkata a few years ago: Steel is a volatile industry. Anyone entering it must have nerves of steel. For the conglomerate, steel remains the foundation on which it is building a multi-storey business that spans energy, cement, ports, paints, and automobiles. It could well be an empire in the making. 'Stage five of this catastrophe has begun: Starvation.' IMAGE: Palestinian children sit next to the rubble of a house destroyed in an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, Gaza. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters "Indians have always been generous and humane to help us, but for anything to put in place, we need the war to stop immediately," Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M Abu Shawesh tells Rediff Senior Contributor Neeta Kolhatkar about Israel's genocide in Gaza in the concluding segment of a two-part interview. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Israel Has Been Targeting Journalists' Israel and its supporting countries have called this a religious war. Is it a religious war? Those fighting for the cause of Gaza are not only Muslims, but also Christians and Jews. Just like in India, it is a society of mixed ethnicity. Since 1948, when the first cleansing began, it was not a war between Christians or Jews against Muslims. It has been the patriots against the occupiers. It is a fight for independence like your country launched in 1857, against the British who colonised. It was not just the Hindus against the British occupiers, it was your entire countrymen. My boss was Ilan Halevi, a Jew. He served in the ministry of foreign affairs for the Palestinian government and the Palestine Liberation Organization as well as a member of the Fatah Revolutionary Council. Archbishop Hilarion Capucci, who was accused of smuggling arms to (the late Palestinian leader Yasser) Arafat, George Habash, a Christian politician and physician who was the founder and first general secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, they all put up a tough resistance against the Israeli military occupation. There was also Fatima Bernawi, the first woman to be imprisoned by Israel, who died a few years ago. When it came to the question of Palestine, let me assure you it has touched the conscience of many people across our society. It is the American and Zionist Israeli government who are controlling the narrative giving it a religious tone. IMAGE: Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters As an economist, can you tell what will be the impact of rebuilding and rehousing your people? Also, with so many maimed and handicapped people, would your economy have the sustaining power to rebuild? First and foremost, there has to be an end to this war and there needs to be a lot of pressure put on Israel and America to put an end to it. The killing of our people has to stop. We need humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza. Stage five of this catastrophe has begun: Starvation. Again, I draw parallels to your country, which faced starvation, the Bengal famine, during the independence war. The policies of the British occupiers of destruction of food is exactly what we are seeing happening in Gaza. The next obvious step is to allow aid into Gaza. As an economist we need to calculate what has happened. How many have been killed, how many amputations, how many have disappeared, all these events need to translate into accurate numbers so that we are able to estimate and plan for action. So first stop the war, second, make sure the people are no longer made to suffer, calculate the amount of destruction and then calculate the tonnes of rubble we have in Gaza. We will need a plan in place to remove this rubble. How many trucks we will need, the amount of water that will be required. There are also thousands of tonnes of material hidden under the rubble. 10 to 12 percent of explosive material that is hidden and not yet detonated needs to be removed. This will require a lot of resources and work. Then we need to assess how many schools, colleges, universities we will need. Along with this, how many hospitals we will need, also research work that will be needed to put in place. The thing we need to do immediately after the hunger is addressed is to send our children to school immediately. Then we can look at sustainable development. We need all the humanitarian aid and help from governments, but more so from people. Indians have shown interest, the people and organisations who want to help. Indians have always been generous and humane to help us, but for anything to put in place, we need the war to stop immediately. Like you said, with so many handicapped and injured, we still don't know the exact number, we need you all to go there as independent journalists to see what has happened till now and report from there. We want a collective effort. The Indian government has told us from day one, they are willing to train and help our people for this particular problem. Those with prosthetic limbs and handicapped, those people can be given occupational training. This is necessary, but not sufficient because the capacity is larger. IMAGE: Ambassador Abdullah M Abu Shawesh. Photograph: Neeta Kolhatkar US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of 80 Palestinian Authority officials including Mahmoud Abbas, the president of Palestine, just before the UN General Assembly session. This is not the first time they have done it. In 1988, the US did not allow Yasser Arafat to attend the UN session. The General Assembly session was then shifted to Geneva as the international community had the will to counter and resist American pressure, so that Arafat and the rest of the Palestinian delegation could attend. It is unfair that they have again revoked the visas of President Abbas and 80 members of our delegation. We are once again looking to the international community to raise their voice against this move and call for shifting the venue for the General Assembly meeting out of America. America has violated the host country agreement yet again. It is now time for a collective action by the international community to demand shifting all offices of the United Nations out of America. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff '...are young Indians with aspiration to go to the US.' 'The dream has to be more about working in India...' Kindly note this illustration was generated using ChatGPT and is intended solely for representational purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Imposing a $100,000 fee for an H1B visa by Trump sent panic across the IT industry. But further clarification by the White House that it was a one-time fee for new visas, seemed to have calmed the nerves. Still, the debate on how Trump's visa policy would affect India, a country that gets 71% of the H1B visas issued every year and the young engineers in India, continues. Dr Ganesh Natarajan, who joined NASSCOM in the 1990s when he was the CEO of APTECH, went on to become the chairman of NASSCOM and the NASSCOM Foundation. He has also mentored many young entrepreneurs, invested in five accelerator and venture funds and enabled more than 80 start-ups and high growth companies in the IT industry for more than three decades. "Young people in India who are just graduating or just joined big companies with the hope that the company would file an H1B for them, will be disappointed," Dr Natarajan tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier. Now that you are visiting New York, you must have had discussions on Trump's new H1B visa policy with your old classmates and colleagues running businesses in the US. What is the mood among the Indians settled in the US? As there was no clarity on H1B visa on Friday, there was a perception that H1B had to be renewed and every time, it had to be renewed, you had to pay a $100,000 fee. There was panic everywhere, and companies asked those who were travelling to come back immediately. And there are 300,000 people on H1B visa in the US. Fortunately, by the weekend, the White House clarified that it was only a one-time fee. Today, the process is fairly simple. There will be a $100,000 fee for those who are applying for the visa from October 1, 2025. It means the change in the fee will not affect anybody who is in the US. So, it will not have any impact on those who are already in the US. But yes, it is a problem for those young Indians who want to come and work in the US. When I finished my engineering in industrial engineering in 1981, 41 out of 49 students from my class took H1B and came to the US. You posted on X a couple of days ago about the American Dream all of you had at that time... Yes, we had that dream. But the young Indians of today who have that dream will have a problem. Let's see how it turns out. It has not yet been implemented. Yes, if the fee for H1B is going to be $100,000, a lot of young Indians will not be able to go to the US. But it will not affect anybody who is in the US. What about companies that bring in employees from India on an H1B visa? Getting people from India to the US is going to come down. They may have to hire locally. But then there is a large talent pool of people, both Indians and Americans here in the US. That way, a mature company in the US that does not rely too much on H1B will not have any problem at all. But it will be a problem for those companies that rely a lot on H1B. Do you see a lot more offshoring happening hereafter though there is talk that Trump may tax that too? If you look at the models that were followed, in the 1980s and 1990s, we saw companies taking people from India to America to do work. In the last 30 years, you can say, from 1991 onwards, it was much more of offshore work. And wherever required, either they hire locally in the US or bring people from India. But today, 80% of the work is done offshore. And it will not be impacted right now. But if the US Hire Act, as they call it, get implemented, it will be a problem. That's a long way to go as the Bill has to go to Congress, the Senate, etc. That will take a long time. Right now, the model that is followed is that of more and more offshore work and less on-site work. Only if necessary, somebody is sent from India. If you look at last year's data, 60,000 new H1B visas were issued, out of which only 10,000 were taken up by India-centric companies or Indian-own companies. 50,000 visas were taken up by foreign companies like Google, Microsoft, etc to take Indians from India. From that point of view, the impact on the Indian IT industry will be much less, less than what one would have feared. It is said that Indians are taken from here to the US because of dearth of local talent. Is it true? Today, the scenario has changed. There are more community colleges that produce a lot of bright talent. So, it is not true that local talent is not available. Indian companies themselves have set up multiple centres in the US, Mexico and Canada to hire and train local people. There are a lot more local people, both of Indian origin and local Americans and Mexicans are available today. So, companies have the option of recruiting people locally. I wouldn't worry too much about the visa fee. You mean only those young Indians with American dream will be affected? Yes, young people in India who are just graduating or just joined big companies with the hope that the company would file an H1B for them, will be disappointed. The dream has to be more about working in India, I guess! Reports say that India is the biggest beneficiary of the H1B visa as 71% of the visas were issued to Indians. Does that mean American companies did not benefit from these Indians working there? Of course, everybody benefitted. Corporate America, almost 90% of large American companies, have got some work done by Indian companies. In fact, the model of many Indian IT companies was built on working both in India as well as in America. The competitiveness of America has substantially improved because of the work done by Indian technology companies. Yes, you are absolutely right. There was benefit for Indian persons, benefit for Indian companies, benefit for the stock market, and benefit for American companies also. There is a beneficial impact across all bandwidths. IMAGE: Dr Ganesh Natarajan. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dr Ganesh Natarajan IMAGE: Dr Ganesh Natarajan. By stopping talent from other countries to go there, won't America and American companies be affected? I don't think an American company would worry that much because there are enough people available locally. There are 300,000 people on H1B visas and the same number of people with a green card. So, there is enough Indian talent in America. Plus, there is local talent. On top of that, there are these GCCs -- Global Capability Centres -- that have pools of talent working out of India, Mexico and Canada. And the GCC model now works very well. And this model is not going to be disrupted by the H1B fees. The only people who will be affected are the young Indians with aspiration to go to the US. There is a clear move in America that they don't want too much immigration. They want more jobs to the Americans, and it is completely fair to do so. Every country would want jobs to be given to their own people first. So, there is a need for all parties to come to a sensible point of view in this matter. But then what is sensible for me and what is sensible for somebody sitting in Washington may not be the same. We will have different perceptions! Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff HEFEI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Intelligent and high-end manufacturing is taking the spotlight in China, with innovations ranging from new energy vehicles and smart robots to advanced photovoltaics and energy storage equipment. The 2025 World Manufacturing Convention, which is being held from Saturday to Tuesday in Hefei of east China's Anhui Province, is bringing these frontier achievements together for global participants. "Anhui is focusing on a broad swathe of cutting-edge and emerging industries, including smart manufacturing, biomedicine, electric vehicles and renewable energy, which are areas of collaboration that the American business community can be a part of," said Noah Fraser, senior vice president of China operations at the US-China Business Council (USCBC), at a sideline event of the convention. USCBC member companies, Fraser added, are energized by the dynamism of local firms, which are not only strong competitors driving innovation and inspiring greater R&D, but also valuable partners in their global strategies. Representatives of 79 companies and institutions from 20 countries and regions also voiced robust expectations for cooperation with Anhui. Carlo D'Andrea, national vice president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China and chairman of the board of its Shanghai Chapter, said that he looks forward to working with Anhui on joint R&D, technology transfer and academic exchange. Multinational companies are already expanding their footprint in the province. Stefano Petrilli, global head of operations at Marelli Propulsion, visited Anhui recently. The century-old automotive parts manufacturer is installing new production lines and launching new products in China to boost capacity. "China's transformation from the 'world's factory' to an 'innovation hub' has created unprecedented opportunities for foreign companies like Marelli," Petrilli said. He noted that China has the world's most dynamic and fast-changing mobility ecosystem, with shorter product cycles, higher customer expectations and constant innovation than other countries. Marelli now runs eight R&D centers and 17 factories in China, employing about 5,000 people. In January, a Chuzhou-based subsidiary of BSH Home Appliances Group in Anhui was included on China's first list of excellence-level smart factories for its "lean collaborative smart factory for the entire value stream of high-end home appliances." Established in 1995, the subsidiary has been steadily expanding, and its Chuzhou site has become one of the group's largest production bases worldwide. Matthias Metz, CEO of BSH Home Appliances Group, said that BSH China's R&D center has enhanced its capabilities further, helping China to become the group's global innovation engine and talent hub, and that the group's goal is to build BSH China into its global innovation engine. Anhui's trajectory reflects a broader shift in China's manufacturing sector, which is moving beyond its established role as the "world's factory" to become a global innovation hub for advanced technologies. Across the country, foreign companies are stepping up their investment. In Shanghai, Tesla has begun production at its first energy storage Gigafactory outside the United States, with the commercial batteries it produces set to be supplied globally. In Jiangsu, BMW announced it will establish its first information technology R&D center in China in east China's Nanjing, which will develop intelligent driving assistance systems, smart cockpits and intelligent interaction technologies. From January to July 2025, 36,133 foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, up 14.1 percent year on year. Actual foreign investment in high-tech industries totaled 137.36 billion yuan (about 19.32 billion U.S. dollars), according to official data. China's ongoing opening-up measures are also providing stronger guarantees for international cooperation on innovation. "You can see the ability of both local and provincial governments to attract new investment and promote innovation. Of course, innovation is one of the main reasons why European companies are working in China," D'Andrea said. TIANJIN, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ice Cream China 2025 kicked off in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Wednesday, showcasing new products and technologies in the ice cream industry. The three-day expo has attracted over 500 domestic and international companies, and features activities such as new product launches, professional seminars and business matchmaking events. Over 2,000 overseas clients from more than 90 countries and regions are also attending the expo, doubling last year's number of foreign clients. With an exhibition area of over 50,000 square meters, the event is showcasing ice creams, ice cream ingredients and refrigeration facilities. Zhang Xiaohong, head of the organizing committee of Ice Cream China, said that despite the challenges of rising costs, heightened competition, supply chain shifts and weak consumption, the ice cream industry is forging ahead to pursue growth by innovating its products and exploring new markets. Chinese brands are increasingly seeking overseas expansion. One Chinese manufacturer, Shenyang Deshi Cold Drink Food Co., Ltd., has reported interest from U.S. buyers in its ice creams that feature designs inspired by the Shenyang Palace Museum. In a tragic incident, senior stage artist Amrish Kumar passed away while performing a Ramleela scene in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba. IMAGE: Artist enact a scene during Ramleela in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo The celebration turned into mourning after the artist died due to a heart attack. Kumar was playing the role of Dashrath, father of Lord Ram. As he began to deliver his lines, he stumbled suddenly and fell to the ground. Within moments, chaos erupted on the stage, and the organisers immediately pulled down the curtain, postponing the performance. Amrish was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Kumar, a native of Chamba district, had been playing the roles of Dasharatha and Ravana on the Ramleela stage for the past 50 years. His performances generated immense enthusiasm among audiences, and large numbers gathered to witness his performances every year. Expressing deep condolences, Ramleela Club member Sudesh Mahajan said, "This is a very sad and irreparable loss for us. Amrish ji was not just an artist, but the soul of Ramleela. May God give peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this huge loss." His death has sent shockwaves through the entire district. The Ramleela Club has decided to postpone all events for the next few days. Chief of defence staff Gen Anil Chauhan's tenure has been extended up to May next year, the government said on Wednesday. IMAGE: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan addresses the two-day military conclave at the Army War College, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, August 26, 2025. Photograph: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI Photo Gen Chauhan, 64, has been serving as the chief of defence staff as well as secretary helming the department of military affairs since September 30, 2022. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday approved the extension of service of Gen Chauhan as chief of defence staff who shall also function as secretary in the department of military affairs, up to May 30, 2026, or until further orders, the ministry said. While the age-limit for the three service chiefs is 62 years or three years of service, whichever is earlier, the age limit for the CDS is 65 years with no fixed tenure defined. As per existing norms, the government may extend the services of the Chief of Defence Staff for a maximum of 65 years. Gen Chauhan's current stint as the top military officer was scheduled to end on September 30. He played a key role in ensuring tri-services synergy during Operation Sindoor. Since becoming the CDS, he has also been focusing on enhancing jointness among the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. Gen Chauhan assumed charge of the CDS, more than nine months after the post fell vacant following the death of Gen Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash. He had retired from service in May 2021 in the rank of Lt General, but assumed the rank of the four-star General after taking charge as India's second Chief of Defence Staff. Gen Chauhan was the Director General of Military Operations when Indian fighter jets pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan's Balakot in February 2019. He was known to have provided key inputs for the operation. Born on May 18, 1961, Gen Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. In his distinguished career, Gen Chauhan held several command, staff and instrumental appointments and had extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East India. The officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. In the rank of Maj General, the officer had commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramulla sector in the Northern Command. Later, he commanded a corps in the North-East and subsequently went to become the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. Gen Chauhan was awarded with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary services to the Indian Army. The Delhi high court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions for removing the graves of terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhatt from Tihar Jail premises here to "prevent glorification". Photograph: Rediff.com Archives IMAGE: Terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru (above) and Mohammad Maqbool Bhatt were sentenced to death and executed in Tihar Jail. The two terrorists were sentenced to death and executed in Tihar Jail. "No law or rule prohibits cremation or burial inside the jail premises,"a bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said and ordered that the PIL is dismissed as withdrawn. Sensing the high court's indication, the petitioners' counsel had urged the court to allow him to withdraw the petition and re-file it with certain data. For approaching the court for a relief in a PIL, you have to show us any violation of constitutional rights, fundamental rights or statutory rights. No law or rule prohibits cremation or burial inside the jail premises, the bench said. The court said it cannot entertain the petition to remove the graves as it was a decision taken by the government keeping in mind the law and order situation. The PIL also sought directions to the authorities concerned to relocate the mortal remains, if necessary, to a secret location to prevent glorification of terrorism and misuse of jail premises. The court agreed with the submission of petitioners' counsel that graves cannot become a pilgrimage or a site for glorification but made it clear that there has to be some data on record to show that the site was being glorified. As the counsel said it was available in the public domain and there were media reports on the issue, the bench said a PIL cannot be based on newspaper reports. The plea filed by Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and one Jitendra Singh claimed the construction and continued existence of these graves inside a state-controlled prison was illegal, unconstitutional, and against public interest. Advocate Varun Kumar Sinha, representing the petitioners, claimed that the presence of these graves has turned the central jail, Tihar, into a site of radical pilgrimage where extremist elements gather to venerate convicted terrorists. This not only undermines national security and public order, but also sanctifies terrorism in direct contravention of the principles of secularism and rule of law under the Constitution of India, he argued. To this, the bench asked for the data on the basis of which it can be said that people are going inside to pay homage at the graves of Guru and Bhatt. On the submission that prison rules require that graves have to be transported outside, the court said it does not say that each and every body has to be necessarily taken out of prison premises. "The emphasis is that if the body has to be taken out, it has to be done with all solemnity, just to pay respect to the dead. No law or rule prohibits cremation or burial inside the jail premises," the bench said. On the argument that the existence of the two graves is causing nuisance for other inmates in jail, the bench questioned how it could be a nuisance and whether any complaint has been received from any inmate in this regard. It said that "prima facie graves do not cause nuisance". "There are reports that to pay homage to them, people from that community are committing crimes and going inside. This is in public domain and this is creating a nuisance for the inmates of the jail," Sinha claimed. The court disagreed with the submission that the graves were causing health hazards. "This provision has been made... say there is a dead animal on the street or someone's premises, then only that nuisance has to be removed. It is not for the removal of graves if the grave has been put in with the consent of the authorities who own that land. Jail is not a public place. It is a place owned by the State established for the specific purpose of incarceration of accused or those who are convicted," the bench said. It also asked why the petitioners are raising the issue after nearly 12 years. "Somebody's last rites are to be respected. At the same time, we need to ensure that no law and order issue arises. The government decided to have the burial in jail keeping these issues in mind. Can you challenge it 12 years later?" the court asked. The plea claimed that the existence of these graves inside the jail "violates the express provisions of the Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018", which mandate disposal of bodies of executed prisoners in a manner that prevents glorification, ensures prison discipline, and maintains public order. The petitioners therefore seek the urgent intervention of this court to direct the respondents to remove the said graves from Tihar Jail and ensure their relocation in a secure, undisclosed manner, in line with established state practice in the cases of executed terrorists such as Ajmal Kasab and Yakub Memon, where every precaution was taken to prevent glorification," it said. The plea said both Bhatt and Guru, acting under the influence of extremist Jihadi ideology, orchestrated and executed acts of terrorism that gravely threatened the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India. While Bhatt was hanged in 1984 over the abduction and killing of an Indian diplomat in the UK, Guru was executed in February 2013 after his conviction in the 2001 Parliament attack case. India is a very close partner of the United States, but President Donald Trump has imposed additional tariffs on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil as part of actions taken against President Vladimir Putin for the Ukraine war, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2025. He made the remarks in an interview with Good Morning America while responding to a question that Trump has "repeatedly threatened" to take action against Putin but backed off those threats, and how much more time is Trump going to give the Russian leader, who has intensified his attacks on Ukraine. "Well, I think he has taken action. So, for example, we've imposed additional tariffs on India -- and they're a very close partner of ours -- and we had meetings with them again yesterday, and it has to do with their purchase of Russian oil," Rubio said. When it was pointed out that Trump has not taken any direct action on Russia, Rubio referred to the bill by US Senator Lindsey Graham, which "was about tariffs on India and China for the purchase of oil and gas from Russia". "I think the President has also called on Europe to step up to the plate. There are countries in Europe that are still buying massive amounts of natural gas and oil from Russia, in essence, directly fueling the war effort. The President has also instructed us, and we've made a lot of progress working on security guarantees," the Secretary of State said. He added that shortly after the Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, European leaders had come to Washington. "We agreed to work on security guarantees for the future of Ukraine after the end of this conflict. We've made a tremendous amount of progress in creating the outlines for that, and that's going to be essential in any negotiated end to the war," Rubio said. Rubio had met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Monday morning on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week. In a post on X, Jaishankar had said it was "good to meet" Rubio in New York. "Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch," Jaishankar had said. After the meeting, the US said that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States and voiced "appreciation" for the Indian government's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy. Rubio, reiterating that "India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the Indian government's continued engagement on a number of issues, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship, a readout of the meeting provided by the State Department had said. Rubio and Jaishankar agreed that the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad, the statement added. The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was the first in-person meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar amid tensions between the two countries over the last few months on trade, tariffs and Delhi's purchases of Russian energy. The Trump administration imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Delhi as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the US to 50 per cent, among the highest in the world. Just days before the meeting, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a staggering USD 100,000 fee on new H1B visas. The announcement caused widespread concern and panic among Indian professionals, including those from the IT and medical fields, who are the largest beneficiaries of the H1B skilled-worker program. Rubio and Jaishankar had last held bilateral discussions in July in Washington DC on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In a separate interview with Fox and Friends, Rubio said Trump has put more time and energy into peace proposals and peace initiatives than anybody else in the world, and he has had the most success of anybody else in the world. "He doesn't get a lot of credit, but let's not forget the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda had a war going on; it's the President that brokered that. Azerbaijan and Armenia, it's the President who brought that about. "Thailand and Cambodia -- it's the President that brought the end to that about. India and Pakistan. That's just four right off the top of my head in the last few months. And the President is the one who did that, not any other leader in the world and not the UN," Rubio said. From the podium of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump declared again that he stopped the conflict between India and Pakistan, as he lashed out at the world organisation for its failure to "even try to help" in ending the conflict. "Likewise, in a period of just seven months, I have ended seven unendable wars. They said they were 'unendable, you are never going to get them solved'," Trump said in his address at the General Debate of the high-level 80th session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. Trump said some of the wars he helped end were going on for decades. "I ended seven wars, and in all cases they were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. This includes Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda -- a vicious, violent war that was, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia and Armenia and Azerbaijan," the US president said. "It included all of them. No president or prime minister, and for that matter, no other country has ever done anything close to that. And I did it in just seven months. It's never happened before. There's never been anything like that. Very honoured to have done it, Trump added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said India is mostly with us and expressed hope that New Delhi will change its attitude to the Russian energy sector with US President Donald Trump's intervention. IMAGE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: @PMOIndia/X Zelenskyy was answering a question during an interview with Fox News about China and India contributing to Russia's war against Ukraine. The US has often blamed India and China for purchasing Russian, which President Trump has claimed funds Moscow's war against Ukraine. I think India mostly with us. Yes, we have these questions with energy, but I think that President Trump can manage it with Europeans, make more close and strong relations with India, Zelenskyy said. And I think, we have to do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will change their attitude to the Russian energy sector, the Ukrainian president said. He was answering a specific question by a Fox News interviewer: China, India, they're all contributing here; European nations, the President said, need to get off oil, but need to do it with the US. Do you think that that is going to happen? I'm sure with China, its more difficult because it's not for today. It's not in the interest to not support Russia, Zelenskyy said. He also said, I think Iran will never be on our side, because we'll never be on the side of the United States. Zelensky, in his address at the UN Security Council, said: China is here -- a powerful nation on which Russia now depends completely. If China truly wanted this war to stop, it could compel Moscow to end the invasion. Without China, Putin's Russia is nothing. Yet too often, China stays silent and distant, instead of active for peace, Zelenskyy said. India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday blamed "vested interests" for the violence that led to the death of four people in the Union Territory, as he announced a curfew to prevent more bloodshed and vowed action against the guilty. IMAGE: Policemen trying to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh, September 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab "A curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure. People have lost their lives here and I express my condolences to their families. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent more casualties," Gupta said addressing the people of Ladakh. Four people were killed and more than 45 others, including 22 policemen, were injured in daylong clashes during a shutdown sponsored by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which is sponsoring an agitation for the past five years for statehood for Ladakh. A BJP office, a police vehicle, and several other cars were set ablaze by the protesters. Gupta termed that day's events heart-wrenching. He said what happened today was not spontaneous and was the result of a conspiracy. "We will not spare those people who have spoiled the atmosphere here." "For the past few days, a hunger strike has been going on in Ladakh. And we know that the hunger strike is a part of a democratic system. But, for the past couple of days, the way people were being incited by comparing the situation with that of Nepal and Bangladesh (uprising). Some people said they will set everything on fire and kill people this is against democratic system," he said referring to the protest led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Lt Governor said the central government had already invited the Ladakh representatives for talks on October 6, and the members of these very groups were involved in the clashes. "A group of protesters after attending the discussions went around and indulged in arson and stone-pelting which is not the tradition of Ladakh. I have complete faith that the people who are behind this will be identified. They have come to spoil the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh and they are directly responsible for all that has happened," he said. Gupta said a deployment of the CRPF and policemen was made in the morning to maintain law and order. "All our policemen were given sticks in their hands. But an attempt was made to burn the CRPF personnel sitting inside their vehicle. What kind of justice is this? Will we let our soldiers die like this?" he said, adding, some people also threw stones at the vehicle of the Director General Police. "Are there no conspirators behind this? I want to say this to the peaceful people of Ladakh. Please understand this. Some people are trying to spoil the security system of Ladakh for their petty interests," he said. Asserting that he stood with the people of Ladakh, especially the youth, the Lt Governor said he had never refused anyone coming to meet him. "The way we are thinking about their future, whether through tourism, education, or health or notifying new jobs is before everyone. Some people are trying to spoil the future of youth by ensuring registration of cases against them. We need to understand this," he said. The Lt Governor appealed to the people of Ladakh, and its political and religious bodies, to cooperate with the administration and identify the culprits of Wednesday's violence. "Let us all come together and establish a peaceful Ladakh," he said. Sleuths from the Customs Preventive carried out raids at multiple locations across Kerala to track down, identify and seize high-end luxury vehicles brought illegally to India from Bhutan with forged documents that have seals of the Army and the US embassy. IMAGE: A Customs Preventive team conducts raids in Kochi, September 23, 2025. Photograph: Screen grab/ANI Video/X Searches were carried out at around 30 locations on Tuesday, including at the residences of movie stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salman and Amit Chakkalackal, across the state and 36 high-end luxury cars were seized, Commissioner of the Customs Preventive Commissionerate in Kochi, T Tiju, told a press conference in Kochi. Giving details of raids -- codenamed "Operation Numkhor" -- he said that many of these vehicles, brought illegally to India and sold in the country, were also used to smuggle gold and drugs and cases have been lodged in connection with that. "If they can smuggle cars, gold and narcotics like this, then they can bring anything else. Therefore, it is a major threat to national and economic security of the country," he emphasised. The customs preventive commissioner also said that their initial probe revealed various other illegalities like income tax and GST evasion as well as money laundering in connection with the smuggled vehicles. Besides that, it was also looking into whether the funds from such illegalities were used for terrorist activities, he added. In the Bhutanese language, 'Numkhor' means 'vehicle' and the raids were carried out simultaneously at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, among others during the day, the commissioner said. Outlining the modus operandi of the gang behind the illegal import of high-end vehicles to India via Bhutan, the official said that "the cars were brought into India either in completely knocked-down condition or inside containers or driven into the country in the guise of tourist vehicles." "After the vehicles are brought to India, they are registered in different parts of the country using carefully forged documents. Significantly, the Indian Army's and foreign embassies, including the US embassy's, name, seal and their insignia are forged to register these vehicles," Tiju said. He said that in this manner, these institutions are being misused to mislead the buyers that the vehicles belonged to the Army or the embassies. Additionally, manipulations have also been carried out, either by hacking or using moles, on the Parivahan website to show these vehicles belonged to the Army or the embassies or that they have been in use for a long time, the official said. Giving an example, he said that a vehicle manufactured in 2014 was shown on the Parivahan website as being registered and in use since 2005. Tiju further said that many of these vehicles were later bought or sold through illegal transactions regarding which there are no documents or money trail. These vehicles were also brought to India with forged documents from which it cannot be ascertained who was the original owner, he said. The official said that around 30 locations were raided during the day with the assistance of the Transport Commissionerate of Kerala, ATS and the state police, he added. The raids were based on specific intelligence that 'high value second-hand cars' are being smuggled into India through the Indo-Bhutan border, he added. He further said that the agency's initial probe has revealed that most of the vehicles are owned by high networth individuals, like Prithviraj and Dulquer, who "knowingly or unknowingly" had purchased such vehicles. "No vehicle of Prithviraj was seized, but two of Dulquer Salmaan have been identified," the official said. He said that statements of such individuals will be recorded and documents of their vehicles will be examined to ascertain whether they were aware of the illegalities. "Summons will be issued to them to appear before us for recording their statements," Tiju said. He said that if it is found that the vehicles were brought to India illegally, whether their current owners were aware of it or not, they would be seized. If the owners were aware of the illegalities, then they would also face action, he added. He said that there were around 150-200 such vehicles in Kerala alone, of which 36 were seized during the day's operations and the raids will continue till the remaining ones are also taken into custody. He said that these vehicles are not registered in Kerala and run in the state in the names of unknown persons who are difficult to trace. "Therefore, such vehicles are a threat to us," he added. The official said that such vehicles are there in other states as well and therefore, there was a scope for an all-India operation. Actor Amit Chakkalackal, whose residence was raided by the customs department on Tuesday in connection with the alleged smuggling of high-end luxury vehicles, on Wednesday said that only one of his cars was seized and the rest being attributed to him belonged to others. The actor told reporters that his over 20-year-old second-hand Land Cruiser, which he had been using for the last five years, was the only vehicle that belonged to him. "The rest of the high-end cars seized from my residence and my workshop belonged to others who had brought them to me for renovation or repairs. So, of the total seven vehicles seized from my premises, only one was mine," he clarified. He also said that the customs department in November last year had issued summons to him in respect of these vehicles and he had provided all the related documents back then and thereafter, no other steps were taken by the agency. "Then, yesterday they came for the search and I again provided them with all the documents. Now, they have to verify the genuineness of the documents," he said. The Centre on Wednesday denied any discrimination in granting permanent commission to Short Service Commission women Army officers when compared with their male counterparts while assuring the Supreme Court that all parameters were being duly followed. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre and the Army. She informed that the policy decision was being followed in grant of permanent commission. Countering the arguments of the women officers, who moved court, Bhati said the annual confidential reports of those officers were actually gender neutral without an element of discrimination. She said the methodology adopted is uniformly applicable to all officers. "The aim of a confidential report is to have an objective assessment of an officer's competence, employability and potential as observed during the period covered by the report, primarily for organisational requirements," she said. The bench told Bhati that women officers should not be made to think that they will not be considered for the permanent commission. Bhati said it was an impression sought to be created but statistics since 1991 showed women officers were not discriminated against their male counterparts. "In the Army, we have been following a very strict regime and there is no question of discrimination, as the selection board does not have the name of the officer before it. We are a professional army and do err sometime and AFT and courts have corrected us," she submitted. Dealing with the arguments of non-consideration of "criteria appointment" or difficult area posting in the ACR of women officers, Bhati said such appointments were inconsequential and the officers were marked in average in the annual confidential reports. Bhati said there are no marks or distinction of "criteria" or "non criteria" appointments for PC selection board and criteria appointments are specified for promotion to colonel, brigadier, major general and lieutenant general ranks. She said below seven years of service, all confidential reports (CR) are non criteria reports and there are inherent checks available within the system for internal assessment of CRs to guard against subjectivity and bias assessment. "There are several aspects in the ACR which are considered at the time of grant of permanent commission. Criteria appointment is not the sole criteria which is considered," Bhati said. The women officers have contended that despite being posted in difficult areas and having participated in operations like Galwan, Balakot and the most recent Operation Sindoor, they were not considered for the PC. A criteria appointment usually means an officer given command of a post in a difficult and hostile area or operation. Bhati said the ratio of regular officers to the corresponding support staff through SSC against the desired ratio of 1:1.1 was very skewed. "Over a period of time due to low subscription of Short Service Commission and low selection rates of in Service entries, the numbers in support cadre has decreased majorly and this deficiency had to be made up by recruiting more regular officers. However, organizational requirements and aspirations of officers dictate otherwise," the ASG submitted. She said there was a shortage of good officers and pointed to the cap of 250 officers, which are being considered for grant of permanent commission depending on the merit a SSC batch officer gets. "Ratio of 1:1.1 in officer cadre was mainly derived to lower the age profile of officers especially in the junior and middle leadership levels who are closely engaged in combat and operation in harsh/difficult operational environments, she said. Bhati pointed out total dearth in officers cadre stood at 8,443 (16.7 percent) with the majority of deficiency existing between Lt to Lt Col rank (9,607) and negligible deficiency existing in select ranks (77). "As part of Support Cadre, In-Service Entries i.e PC (Special List) is authorised 2650 officers and Special Commissioned Officers is authorised 6000 officers and their current held strength is 754 and 950 respectively which amounts to 6946 officers deficiency within support cadre," she said. The bench said the policy appeared to be flawed and pointed out a few SSC officers with 80 marks could be selected from a batch of "very bright" officers whereas from another batch, officers with a score of 65 could also be selected. Bhati submissions would continue on Thursday. On September 18, the SSC women Army officers informed the apex court that they were discriminated against in the grant of PC as compared to their male counterparts, despite having participated in crucial operations like in Galwan, Balakot and the recent Operation Sindoor. The bench was informed by serving and discharged women officers that the Centre had repeatedly violated the directions issued by the apex court in 2020 and in 2021. Some officers blamed the shortage of vacancies for the low intake of women officers for permanent commission while others pointed to discrimination in criteria appointments. Even as the outrage over the death of two newborn girls after a rat attack at a hospital in Indore has barely subsided, a passenger has claimed he was bitten by the rodent at the airport in Indore. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Officials on Wednesday said a man travelling from Indore to Bengaluru was allegedly bitten by a rat in the departure area of the Indore airport on Tuesday. After the incident, the passenger was administered an injection and given antibiotic tablets by the airport doctor, they said. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport director Vipinkant Seth told PTI that the passenger was possibly bitten by a rat and was immediately given proper treatment. "We have once again carried out pest control in the airport premises following this incident," he said. Two newborn girls, suffering from different congenital health issues, died after rats attacked them in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the city's government-run Maharaja Yashwantrao Chikitsalaya on the night of August 31 and September 1, according to officials. Faced with allegations of gross negligence, the MYH administration has claimed that the deaths were not related to rat bites and that the two newborns succumbed to pre-existing serious health problems due to different congenital health problems. 'The directives to enhance last-mile funding, consider revival funds, and systemic reforms across the sector are expected to revive stalled projects, improve accountability, and accelerate the delivery of affordable and mid-income housing.' IMAGE: A view of high rises in Mumbai. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff Developers and legal experts believe that the Supreme Court's recent ruling, in which it ordered a host of reforms in the real estate sector, while describing housing a fundamental right and terming speculative buyers as a 'slow poison', will usher in a new era and instil confidence among the genuine buyers. The apex court, while hearing a batch of petitions arising out of a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) decision on a housing project in Greater Noida, has termed housing as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Noting that housing is neither a luxury nor a speculative instrument, but a fundamental human need, a two-judge bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan issued a wide-ranging set of 12 binding directions, which included asking authorities to frame specific guidelines for insolvency proceedings in real estate, including timelines for project-wise CIRP and safeguards for allottees. Abhishek A Rastogi, founder, Rastogi Chambers, said that the judgment provides much needed doctrinal clarity by carving out the category of speculative investors from genuine homebuyers under the IBC framework. "The way forward now lies in a fact-sensitive application of this principle so that bona fide buyers, who often sign builder-dictated agreements, are not unfairly excluded," he added. The Supreme Court also directed the Centre to start filing of vacancies in NCLT/NCLAT and state Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) bodies on a war footing, along with constitution of dedicated IBC benches with additional strength. Sujay Kalele, founder-MD at TRU Realty, said the court's directions to fill vacancies in Rera and NCLT on a war footing will cut down delays and systemic bottlenecks that have long penalised honest developers. "With over 4.12 lakh new housing units launched across the top seven Indian cities in 2024, buyers' demand remains robust, but regulatory gaps and stalled projects continue to pose challenges, making these reforms both urgent and necessary," he added. The Centre has also been told to file a compliance report on measures taken to upgrade NCLT/NCLAT infrastructure nationwide, within three months. While developers have welcomed the move, they also demanded that stakeholders be involved in all steps taken to improve real estate sector policies. Tarun Bhatia, vice chairman, NAR India said that any improvements to the Rera Act or related real estate policies must be done in active partnership with the industry, bringing together developers, realtors, homebuyer associations, financial institutions, legal experts, and government regulators. "Such collaborations will be key to ensuring that reforms are both practical and future ready, striking the right balance between consumer protection and ease of doing business," he added. To this end, the Centre has been tasked with creating a committee within three months to suggest commercially viable systemic reforms for cleansing and infusing credibility into the sector. The committee, chaired by a retired high court judge, will include representation from the law and housing ministries, domain experts in real estate, finance and IBC as well as two eminent industry representatives. Experts add that the implications of this ruling are twofold: It safeguards the integrity of the IBC as a collective resolution mechanism while reaffirming housing as a Constitutional right under Article 21. Kushagr Ansal, director at Ansal Housing, said that safeguarding homebuyers' interests, ensuring timely project completion and strengthening Rera will restore trust and confidence in housing as a fundamental right. Salil Kumar, director for marketing and business management at the CRC Group, added that these measures will "improve transparency, accelerate delivery, and strengthen buyer confidence, setting the foundation for sustainable growth in the sector." Rastogi, however, added that a consistent application by NCLTs and coordination with Rera will be critical to ensure that the balance struck by the apex court translates into real protection for stakeholders in the real estate sector. Calling the ruling a significant step forward for India's housing market, G Hari Babu, national president of Naredco -- an industry association for real estate -- said that project-wise insolvency proceedings and escrow accounts for early-stage projects will safeguard the investments of genuine homebuyers while curbing speculative practices that have delayed many developments. "Technology-led practices such as digital escrow tracking, online project monitoring, and transparent disclosure systems will play a vital role in implementing the court's vision. It will also boost global investor confidence," Kalele added. Industry players also welcomed the court's decision to consider establishing a revival fund under the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited or expanding the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing fund to provide bridge financing for stressed projects undergoing insolvency. "The directives to enhance last-mile funding, consider revival funds, and systemic reforms across the sector are expected to revive stalled projects, improve accountability, and accelerate the delivery of affordable and mid-income housing," Babu said. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Tuesday that it is imperative to resolve the Palestinian question, which lies at the heart of turmoil in the Middle East. The Palestinian issue remains central to the Middle East, bearing on the region's peace and stability, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. For over seven decades, the Palestinian-Israeli situation has repeatedly fallen into turmoil and war, shaping the international landscape, he told a high-level meeting of the Security Council. Since the outbreak of the current Gaza war, the Palestinian people have been deeply mired in suffering, he said, adding that Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran have witnessed escalating tensions, and even Qatar has come under attack. The mounting conflicts and volatility in the Middle East have worsened the global security environment, dampened the economic outlook for the world, and run counter to the common interests of the international community, he said. "It is therefore imperative to accord this issue the utmost importance and accelerate its resolution." The tragedy in Gaza must come to an end without delay, said Geng, noting that the conflict has left Gaza devastated and scarred. Yet Israel continues to escalate its military offensive, causing even greater civilian casualties and displacement. "We urge Israel to cease all military actions in Gaza without delay, fulfill its obligations as the occupying power under international humanitarian law, and fully restore humanitarian access," he said. Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, forcibly demolishing Palestinian structures while conducting frequent raids, arrests and attacks, and condoning settler violence, he said. Noting Israel has recently approved and advanced the E1 settlement plan, Geng said this dangerous action constitutes a grave violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, undermines the territorial contiguity of Palestine and erodes the foundation for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. China calls on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities, curb settler violence, and remove restrictions on Palestinian economic activities, he said. The two-state solution is the only viable way to solve the Palestinian question, he noted, adding that several Western countries have recently recognized Palestinian statehood. The international community should sustain the current momentum, strive to revitalize the prospect for the two-state solution, and support the early establishment of an independent Palestinian state and its admission as a full member of the United Nations, said Geng. From the onset of the current Gaza conflict, there have been military adventurism and frequent abuses of force, triggering profound changes in the regional landscape, Geng said. China calls on all parties to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East and for Israel to earnestly respect the rights to survival and development of the people in the region. China asks that all countries in the region uphold a vision of common security and come together to shape a regional order based on equity and justice in order to jointly build a future of peace and development, he said. China has always upheld fairness and justice regarding Palestine and has always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people, Geng stressed. China remains committed to working with the international community to promote a ceasefire, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, he said. Social media feeds and immigration forums lit up with questions from workers and families who feared they might be stranded abroad, unable to return to their jobs or reunite with loved ones. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: @WhiteHouse/X When the Trump administration issued a proclamation restricting H-1B visas effective September 21 at 12 am EST, the ripple effect was immediate and chaotic. For the Indian community, the largest beneficiaries of the H1B visa program -- accounting for nearly 71% of approved petitions -- the announcement triggered confusion, anxiety, and urgent calls for clarity. The South Asian Bar Association (SABA) of North America swiftly convened an emergency webinar to assess the impact and discuss how the community might respond. Social media feeds and immigration forums lit up with questions from workers and families who feared they might be stranded abroad, unable to return to their jobs or reunite with loved ones. Within 24 hours, the White House issued clarifications intended to calm the storm. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the much-feared $100,000 fee was not an annual levy but a one-time charge, applicable only to new petitions. Current visa holders, including those outside the United States, would not be required to pay this fee to re-enter. Nor would the proclamation affect renewals or extensions. That it would first apply in the next lottery cycle for new applicants. The clarification brought some relief, but unease lingers. Many Indian professionals, whose families and careers depend on stable immigration policy, remain wary. As attorney Kavitha Ramasami specializing in immigration law advised in a widely shared post: 'H-1B Community - Please don't panic! My top recommendation right now is to refrain from international travel until the situation stabilizes and/or until we get more clarity. Whoever is outside on H-1B (unless you have a National Interest Exemption), come back. If not, please wait for more clarity before you travel. This doesn't affect people who are already in the United States!' Ramasami emphasized that her message is not a substitute for legal counsel but urged caution until the administration issues more comprehensive guidance. Despite the White House statement, key implementation details remain murky. Murthy Law Firm, one of the nation's most respected immigration practices, noted that questions abound: How will the $100,000 fee be collected or enforced? Which agency will oversee implementation -- the USCIS, the Department of State, or both? How will waivers for 'national interest' cases be applied in practice? The firm added that the proclamation allows for waivers at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, but no framework exists yet for how such waivers might be evaluated or granted. The policy has already sparked concern abroad, particularly in India. Government officials fear that the steep fee could undermine the mobility of skilled workers, disrupt families, and strain US-India ties in sectors such as technology and research, where H1B professionals play a pivotal role. For now, the message from legal experts is consistent: Remain cautious and prepare for uncertainty. As Murthy Law Firm summarized in its client update: 'While the White House has stated that the $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions, the language of the proclamation and the absence of implementing guidance leave significant uncertainties. Employers and workers should remain cautious and watch for formal guidance from USCIS, the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security.' IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, September 22, 2025. Photograph: @DrSJaishankarX/ANI Photo The meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22 showed promise of hope. After the meeting, Rubio, reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the Indian government's continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship. Until more clarity emerges, Indian H1B professionals -- who already face the challenges of long green card backlogs and restrictive policies -- are left in limbo. While the White House clarification calmed initial fears, the uncertainties surrounding implementation have left the community anxious about what lies ahead. For now, the only certainty is that the H1B community, particularly its Indian beneficiaries, will need to brace for continued unpredictability. WATCH: Dr Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, On the H1B Visa Fee Hike Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the First Lady wasn't in great shape, she would have fallen, but she's in great shape. We're both in good shape. We both stood' IMAGE: United States President Donald Trump addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly, at UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025. Photograph: @SecRubio/X An escalator at the United Nations headquarters that abruptly halted just as United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it was stalled after a videographer accompanying them likely triggered a safety mechanism inadvertently while trying to capture their arrival, a UN spokesperson has said. The incident occurred Tuesday morning as Trump and the First Lady were making their way to the General Assembly hall for the US President's address to world leaders at the high-level 80th session of the UN General Assembly. In scenes that were broadcast live and widely viewed across the globe, the escalator near the delegate's entrance suddenly stopped soon after Trump and Melania stepped onto it. The abrupt halt briefly jolted the couple, who waited momentarily at the escalator and forced the First Lady to walk up the stalled escalator, with the President following closely behind. Responding to questions on the incident, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the President, First Lady, and their delegation had entered through the delegate's entrance and passed through the security gates before approaching the escalator. In an effort to document their arrival, a videographer from the US delegation stepped onto the escalator ahead of the President and First Lady, he said. The videographer, who was walking backwards to capture footage of the couple, reached the top just as the First Lady and President Trump stepped on at the bottom. At that moment (9:50 am), the escalator came to a sudden stop, the Spokesperson said. "Our technician, who was present at the location, reset the escalator as soon as the delegation had climbed up to the second floor, Dujarric said, adding that a subsequent investigation, including a readout of the machine's central processing unit, indicated that a built-in safety mechanism on the comb step was triggered at the top of the escalator. "The safety mechanism is designed to prevent people or objects from accidentally being caught and stuck in or pulled into the gearing. The videographer may have inadvertently triggered the safety function described above, he said. As Trump reached the top of the escalator, he was greeted by UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed. The escalator just broke, Trump remarked, to which Mohammed responded, Oh my goodness. The incident was followed by another unexpected technical glitch -- a malfunctioning teleprompter in the General Assembly hall. Beginning his speech, the US President joked, "I don't mind making this speech without a teleprompter because the teleprompter is not working. The comment drew laughter from world leaders gathered in the hall. I feel very happy to be up here with you, nevertheless, and that way you speak more from the heart, Trump said, adding, I can only say that whoever is operating this teleprompter is in big trouble, prompting further laughter from the audience. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that, on the way up, stopped right in the middle. If the First Lady wasn't in great shape, she would have fallen, but she's in great shape. We're both in good shape. We both stood, Trump said, continuing to reference the incident humorously. "And then a teleprompter that didn't work. These are the two things I got from the United Nations -- a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much, he said. This was Trump's first address to the UN General Assembly in his second term as President. The US leader also mentioned the teleprompter and escalator incidents during a bilateral meeting with Guterres later in the day. Thank you very much. It's always an honour to be here. We've done this before, and this was a little more exciting because of the escalator and the teleprompter. These things happen, Trump said in his bilateral meeting with the UN chief. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a social media post, reacted strongly to the incident. "If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately, she said. Leavitt also posted a screenshot of an article from The Times that said: To mark Trump's arrival, UN staff members have joked that they may turn off the escalators and elevators and simply tell him they ran out of money, so he has to walk up the stairs. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday expressed sadness over the incidents of violence in Leh and blamed the frustration building among the "Gen Z" for the violence in which four youths were killed. IMAGE: Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk speaks on the violent protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh, September 24, 2025. Photograph: Sonam Wangchuk X/ANI Video Grab Authorities on Wednesday promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Leh district of Ladakh, banning assembly of five or more persons following a movement demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which took a violent turn. Protesters set the BJP office and several vehicles on fire. The climate activist, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh over the twin demands, called off the hunger strike after a large number of youths took to the streets. Addressing an online press conference, Wangchuk said two of the protesters, a 72-year-old man and a woman (62), were taken to a hospital on Tuesday, and claimed that it was most likely the immediate trigger for the violent protest. Wangchuk said frustration had been building among the youths as the peaceful protests were not yielding any results. He also said there are reports that three to five youths were killed. Giving the sequence of events, he said a large number of 'Gen Z' youths came to the protest site on Wednesday, where prayers were being held. He said 2,000-5,000 youth then took to the streets. "Two people were taken to the hospital yesterday. That appears to be the immediate trigger... It moved the younger generation. Youths of Ladakh together gave a call for Ladakh bandh, and all the people gathered at the site where we were sitting on a fast. "As the programme was progressing with prayer and speeches, a group of young people went out raising slogans. Later, we heard they went on a rampage, burnt police vehicles and the BJP office in Leh," Wangchuk said. "What happened today is very sad. It is being said that three to four youths have been killed," he said. The activist stressed that the indirect reason for the violence was the frustration building among the youths as their peaceful protests over the last five years had not yielded any results. The October 6 date given by the home ministry for holding a meeting with the groups from Ladakh also created dissatisfaction among the people, he said. "No one knew something like this would happen. Thousands came out and this situation was created," he said. Asked about the possibility of the role of any political parties in the incidents, Wangchuk said, "Political parties in Ladakh are not competent enough to organise thousands of youth... There is frustration in their hearts." "The Gen Z, who took to the streets, we had not even seen them at the protest. This was a general complaint here that the youths are not participating in the protest," he added. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan referred to the Kashmir issue in the UN General Assembly and said his nation was "pleased" with the "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan after a period of conflict earlier this year. IMAGE: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly, at UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025. Photograph: @RTErdogan/X He said it is important to see cooperation between India and Pakistan on counter-terrorism. "The issue of Kashmir should be resolved on the basis of resolutions of the UN for the best for our brothers and sisters in Kashmir, through dialogue, we hope," he said. "In South Asia, we consider the preservation of peace and stability to be of utmost importance. We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, the tension which had escalated into a conflict," Erdogan said in his address at the General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. In recent years, the Turkish leader has referred to the issue of Kashmir in his address to world leaders at the high-level UN General Assembly session. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10. Bhikaji Cama, a hero of India's freedom struggle, was the first to unfurl the tricolour on foreign soil. IMAGE: Bhikaji Cama, a fearless revolutionary inspired generations with her fight for India's freedom. Photograph: Kind courtesy INCIndia/X Bhikaji Cama Place, Madam Cama Road -- some of India's best well-known landmarks are named after a Parsi lady who was the first to hoist an early version of the Indian flag on foreign soil in 1907. Bhikaji Cama, born into an affluent family in Bombay on September 24, 1861 [165 years ago] was a relentless advocate for India's independence. At 35, she joined teams of nurses tending to plague patients when the epidemic swept through Bombay Presidency in 1896. Thousands died and half the city's population fled to nearly villages. Her selfless care-giving led her to contracting the dreaded disease, but fortunately she was among the survivors. An important aside: One of the results of the epidemic was the setting up of the Haffkine Institute for plague research by microbiologist Russian-Jewish Dr Waldemar Haffkine who developed the vaccine for cholera and plague. The institute is today a teaching institution in the field of biomedical sciences affiliated to the University of Mumbai. Severly weakened by the disease, Madam Cama went to England in 1901 for medical treatment and recuperation. In better health by 1904, she planned her voyage back to India, but changed her plan after meeting Indian revolutionary Shyamji Verma, the Oxford graduate famous for scathing anti-British speeches in Hyde Park. Through him she met Dadabhai Naoroji, president of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress. She worked as his secretary and co-founded the Indian Home Rule Society. She later moved to Paris and co-founded the Paris Indian Society which was a hub of revolutionary activities and refuge to Indian revolutionaries on foreign soil. She would then spend the next 34 years abroad -- mostly in exile because by then the British were well aware of her anti-British activities and a return to India risked arrest. Photograph: Kind courtesy MyGovIndia/X She continued to relentlessly promote the cause of India's freedom in various countries -- the USA, England, France, Germany and worked with Indian revolutionaries in exile. She was in contact with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Bipin Chander Pal, Senapati Bapat and Lala Hardyal. It was because of her efforts that Savarkar's banned book was smuggled back into India. She wrote and translated scores of revolutionary literature highlighting British oppression, and edited Bande Mataram, a newspaper that called for Indian independence. A tireless fighter, she co-designed the tricolour with Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma, and unfurled it at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907. That tricolour was the precursor to the Indian national flag. She then delivered a fiery speech: IMAGE: A bust of Bhikhaji Cama with the flag of Indian independence at Kranti Van in Vadodara. Photograph: Kind courtesy Snehrashmi/Wikimedia Commons 'This flag is of Indian Independence! Behold, it is born! It has been made sacred by the blood of young Indians who sacrificed their lives.' The flag had three horizontal stripes in red, yellow and green and is now preserved in the Maratha and Kesari Library in Pune. An ardent supporter of female rights, at an event in Cairo, she looked at the gathering and said, 'I see here the representatives of only half the population of Egypt. May I ask where is the other half? Sons of Egypt, where are the daughters of Egypt? Where are your mothers and sisters? Your wives and daughters?' In the last years of her life, she suffered a stroke and took seriously ill. She was then allowed by the British to return to India and arrived in Bombay in November 1935. She died nine months later at 74. Madam Cama bequeathed her wealth to the Avabai Petit Orphanage which later would become the Avabai Petit School in Mumbai. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New York, the United States, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday said China is willing to make more active and practical efforts with Canada to promote further improvement of bilateral relations. Li, who is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made the remarks in his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He also called on both sides to steadily steer their ties onto a track of healthy, stable and sustainable development. Li said that recently, China and Canada have been promoting the improvement and development of their bilateral relations in a practical and constructive manner, which has been widely welcomed by all sectors in both countries. Taking the opportunities of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of their strategic partnership this year, China is willing to work together with Canada in a spirit of responsibility toward our two peoples and the bilateral relationship, Li noted. China hopes the Canadian side can adopt a correct perception of China, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns to cement the political foundation for the development of bilateral cooperation and ties, said the Chinese premier. China supports closer exchanges between the two countries' governments, political parties, legislatures and local authorities, as well as people-to-people and youth communication, so as to enhance understanding and increase mutual trust through dialogue and exchanges, he said. China has long been Canada's second-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade has seen rapid growth since the beginning of this year, noted Li, stressing that China is ready to work with Canada to maintain and develop the positive momentum, while addressing each other's economic and trade concerns through dialogue and consultation. Li called on the two sides to deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, green development, tourism and other fields, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples. He also expressed the hope that Canada will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies in Canada. With a host of new developments in the current international landscape, notably the rise of unilateralism and protectionism and the proliferation of trade restrictions, Li said, the international community should enhance solidarity and join hands in responding to risks and challenges. He voiced China's readiness to enhance communication and coordination with Canada to jointly promote economic globalization and free trade, support the reform and development of the World Trade Organization, and work toward building an open world economy to better safeguard the common interests of the international community. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New York, the United States, Sept. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BRATTLEBORO Children were praised for being so well behaved as they waited for the new playground at St. Michael School to officially open. Tim Stevenson is a community organizer with Post Oil Solutions from Athens (bereal@vermontel.net), and is the author of Resilience and Resistance: Building Sustainable Communities for a Post Oil Age and Transformative Activism: A Values Revolution in Everyday Life in a Time of Societal Collapse," and is currently at work on a book about mutual care associations. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the opening ceremony of the 4th International Summit on the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) CHANGSHA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for enhanced global application level of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) to benefit the people around the world. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at Wednesday's opening ceremony of the 4th International Summit on BDS Applications in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province. He noted that China's BDS, following 31 years of development, has entered a new phase of global application since the commissioning of the BDS-3 in 2020. With fully upgraded service performance and significantly expanded applications, it has become a vital new infrastructure for users worldwide. China strives to develop the BDS that will feature more advanced technologies, more powerful functions and better services in the future, in order to better meet the needs of economic and social development and the people's aspiration for a better life, Ding said. To continuously raise the BDS global application level, he proposed intensifying bilateral and multilateral cooperation, improving collaborative mechanisms, promoting extensive academic exchanges, and jointly fostering talent in satellite navigation. The vice premier also called for efforts to facilitate the overseas application of BDS services, establish BDS application cooperation centers, and advance demonstration projects in fields such as disaster prevention and mitigation, precision agriculture and public safety. Ding also stressed the need to accelerate compatibility and interoperability among global satellite navigation systems and to improve global governance in this field. Artificial intelligences (AI) potential to boost business performance and create high-value jobs is being hailed as a digital revolution by the Aotearoa New Zealand government, but it also needs to be backed by trust, sustainable infrastructure and funding. It wants to empower more New Zealanders to adopt and leverage AI as a catalyst for sustainable growth, national competitiveness, and long-term prosperity. AI is a digital evolution and an important element of this governments wider Going for Growth approach to turbo-charge the New Zealand economy, said Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Sahne Reti at the AI Forums Executive Council Summit. The theme for this years Summit, Putting Intelligence in Our Hands, reflects our deepening understanding of how AI as a technology can spark innovation, drive productivity, and unlock new opportunities across all sectors of our economy, he said. This theme is fully aligned with the governments priorities and reflects the intent behind New Zealands inaugural AI Strategy, which I launched in July. AI is a digital evolution and an important element of this governments wider Going for Growth approach to turbo-charge the New Zealand economy. As the economy evolves, the government recognises that future value creation will be driven by knowledge-intensive industries, and that technology and innovation will play a crucial role in building a more prosperous nation. This is why we made innovation, technology, and science one of the pillars of Going for Growth, with a raft of initiatives under it to support our researchers, innovators, and businesses to produce real value for New Zealanders, he said. Technology-driven innovation enhances efficiency, lowers costs, and unlocks new avenues for sustainable growth. As global markets shift and competition intensifies, our ability to lift productivity, grow exports, and achieve long-term economic sustainability depends on accelerating the adoption and effective use of advanced technologies particularly AI. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. US President Donald Trump has once more called for Afghanistan's Bagram air base to be given back to the United States, warning that "bad things" would happen if it wasn't returned. Afghanistan's Taliban leadership has rejected the idea. European leaders said Iran has not done enough yet to fend off so-called snapback sanctions related to Tehran's nuclear program as a deadline looms, although the sides agreed to continue talking while the clock ticks down. On September 24, French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting with Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, told Tehran there was still time to reach an agreement despite the tight timeframe. "An agreement remains possible. Only a few hours are left. It's up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have raised," Macron wrote on X. Among the demands of the West, Marcon said, are full access of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors in Iran; transparency regarding enriched material stockpiles; and immediate resumption of negotiations. For his part, Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly that Iran will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. A day earlier, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after meeting with Iran's foreign minister that "diplomacy has a chance. The deadlines are running, and let's see. We need to see some real action also on the Iranian side." A day before Macron's meeting with Pezeshkian, the foreign ministers of France, Britain, and Germany -- known as the European 3 (E3) -- along with Kallas held talks with their Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that "it must be clear to everyone that, after all of Iran's delaying tactics, the possibilities and chances of reaching a diplomatic solution before sanctions are triggered are extremely slim." After the September 23 session, a French diplomatic source told Reuters that talks will continue to "explore all possibilities to the fullest" to avoid the reimposition of UN sanctions. Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "In light of the unjustified and illegal move to begin reinstating the UN Security Councils sanctions, some ideas and proposals for continuing diplomacy were raised during the meeting, and it was agreed that consultations will continue." The E3 on August 28 initiated a 30-day process to reimpose the sanctions, a period that would end on September 27. The European nations accuse Iran of failing to abide by a landmark 2015 deal the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon in return for an easing of sanctions. Iran started to roll back its commitments after President Donald Trump, in his first term, withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions against Tehran. Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in July in response to the US and Israeli bombing of its key nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. One of the conditions that the E3 had set to delay the process was for Tehran to resume full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog before the end of August. The sanctions related to the nuclear deal and other issues have severely damaged the Iranian economy and often led to street unrest amid rising prices and shortages of crucial goods and energy supplies. They have also stymied Iranian industry as important sectors have been cut off from replacement parts and other resources. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told Reuters there were "intense" conversations between him, Iran, European powers, and the United States in an effort to reach a settlement. Tehran has remained defiant in the face of Western pressure concerning its nuclear program and uranium enrichment procedures. Steve Witkoff, Trump's special roving envoy who had previously negotiated with Tehran, on September 24 said he was still in touch with Iran, signaling a possible easing of tensions. "I think that we have no desire to hurt [the Iranians]. We have a desire, however, to either realize a permanent solution and negotiate around snapbacks...[or] then snapbacks will be what they are. They're the right medicine," Witkoff said. "We're talking to them. And why wouldn't we? We talk to everybody. As well we should. That's the job. Our job is to solve things, he told a conference in New York. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected possible negotiations with Washington on the issue while being threatened by the West. "Under the current circumstances, negotiations with the US government are of no benefit to our national interest," the cleric said in a speech broadcast by Iranian state TV on September 23. Khamenei accused Trump of not wanting to hold genuine talks, pointing to the US demand that Tehran completely cease uranium enrichment or limit the range of its missiles. "This is not a negotiation, this is a dictate," Khamenei said. However, Reuters quoted an unidentified "Iranian insider" as saying that "several messages have been conveyed to Washington for resumption of talks via mediators in the past weeks, but Americans have not responded." Pezeshkian -- considered to be a moderate by many observers but with limited powers -- on September 23 said he favors dialogue in international relations. "But you cannot negotiate with someone who wants to demonstrate power, tyrannize, destroy, and cause harm," he added, without mentioning names. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, AFP, and dpa In a sudden shift, US President Donald Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its Russian-occupied territory with the help of its European backers. His remarks in a social media post on September 23, after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, quickly made waves: In the past, Trump and other US officials have strongly suggested Ukraine would have to cede some land to Russia in any peace deal. In a tense meeting at the White House in February, Trump told Zelenskyy that Ukraine doesnt have the cards to win the war. But the post raised crucial questions that it didnt answer. Will Trump walk away from his efforts to end the war? Are new US sanctions against Russia still on the table? Could the rhetorical shift change the Kremlins calculus when it comes to the war in Ukraine? Heres what to watch. Are Sanctions Still On The Table? Putin and Russia are in BIG economic trouble, Trump wrote in his Truth Social post, suggesting that the countrys money problems were one of the main reasons for his newly voiced confidence that Ukraine could restore control over its borders with time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO. While he has threatened repeatedly to impose new sanctions on Russia and countries that help fuel its invasion of Ukraine, in order to further undermine Moscows capacity to fight, he made no mention of punitive measures in the post. Some observers read his remarks as a sign that no new US sanctions are in the offing. In his address to the General Assembly hours earlier, however, Trump said the United States was fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs" if Russia isnt ready to make a deal to end the war. " But he repeated his recent condition that Europe take similar action, saying that for those tariffs to be effective, European nationswould have to join us in adopting the exact same measures." Easing Pressure On Ukraine? For Ukraine, a big concern has been that Trump, who made ending the war a priority when he started his second presidential term in January of this year, might pressure Kyiv to accept a peace agreement that would leave Russia in control of sizable pieces of its territory. Russia now occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine, and baselessly claims the parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions that it does not control. Trumps new remarks suggest that Washington is not about to push Ukraine to make territorial concessions. Trump hasnt said anything like this before, Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at Kings College London, told RFE/RL. And if it does indeed suggest that hes willing to countenance an end to this war that does not involve Ukraine making compromises on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, thats significant. Will Trump Walk Away? On the other hand, Trumps post was hardly a promise of robust US backing for any bid by Kyiv to recapture Russian-occupied territory. He put the onus on Ukraine and Europe, specifically mentioning the United States only to vow that it will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them an apparent reference to an existing arrangement for NATO members to buy US weapons and deliver them to Ukraine. One can certainly interpret that to mean that the US is comfortable with those allies providing more weapons to Ukraine, which isn't really a change, Olga Oliker, program director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Crisis Group, told RFE/RL in an e-mailed comment. A change would be a commitment to get more Patriotsto the Ukrainians and for the US to provide more weaponsto Kyiv. The accent on Europe and Ukraine, and the emphasis on what would amount to a potential military solution to the war, led some observers to conclude that the United States may be walking away from its efforts to broker a peace deal. Parts of Trumps social media post seemed valedictory: He wrote, In any event, I wish both Countries well, and ended by wishing Good luck to all! Separately, he told reporters he had thought the war would be easy to end because of my relationship with Putin, but unfortunately that relationship didnt mean anything. And, in other comments on September 23, he said NATO nations should shoot down Russian warplanes that violate their airspace. But he did not say he was abandoning his efforts to end the war. Ill let you know in about a month from now, he said when asked if he still trusted Putin, suggesting he hasnt given up his push for peace. Trump is clearly not saying the US is prepared to wash its hands of this situation completely and wouldnt be happy to see the Ukrainians win, Greene said. Will Russia Budge? Predictably, Russia made a show of shrugging off Trumps comments and suggested they would not lead to a change in its strategy or tactics. Analysts say Putin seems determined to subjugate Ukraine and has shown no interest in a negotiated end to the war on anything other than Russias terms. Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, sought to dismiss Trumps suggestion that Ukraine could regain territory Russia has occupied, saying the battlefield dynamics show that for those who are unwilling to negotiate now, the position will be much worse tomorrow and the day after. Trump has been inconsistent on which side is to blame, who has the upper hand, and what the US might to do to end the war, so Russia will likely be watching what Washington does more closely that what it says, said Nigel Gould-Davies, senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. European leaders, meanwhile, may welcome Trumps comments as a signal that if they were to continue to find the fiscal means to support the Ukrainians, the US would allow American arms to be purchased by Europe and provided to the Ukrainians, and that the US would not impede Europe in trying to provide that kind of support to Ukraine, Greene said. But I think that Europe will worry, as will the Ukrainians, thatthings could pivot again. Overnight Russian air strikes burned out apartments and hit civilian buildings in three Ukrainian regions on September 24. Firefighters rushed to put out blazes in a high-rise building in Kramatorsk while emergency services responded elsewhere. Ukrainian officials, in turn, said they hit Russian oil processing facilities in Salavat -- part of a growing campaign to attack distant petrochemical infrastructure, a key war revenue source for the Kremlin -- and the city of Novorossiisk. Ukraine said it pounded several Russian refining operations as Kyiv intensifies its attacks on the country's energy infrastructure, which appear to be causing fuel shortages and price increases. The Salavat petrochemical complex, one of Russia's largest and located in the Bashkortostan region, was attacked by Ukrainian drones early on September 24, as well as strikes on Russian oil distribution facilities in the Bryansk and Samara regions. Regional Governor Radiy Khabirov said Ukrainian drones targeted Salavat, controlled by Russian energy giant Gazprom. A source from Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) confirmed to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that its drones carried out the attack. User-generated photos and videos circulating on Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels showed a huge column of black smoke rising from the facility. "All emergency services are on site. We are taking measures to extinguish the fire," Khabirov wrote in a Telegram post early on September 24. Salavat, located about 1,500 kilometers from the front lines in Ukraine, produces 150 types of products, including automotive gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, bitumen, and polyethylene. Amid the wave of attacks by Ukraine, Russia has seen growing shortages of some fuel grades due to reduced refining capacity. US President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly on September 22 that he believed Russia's economy was stalling because of the war. The Kremlin denied the claim on September 24, though it admitted that "yes, Russia is experiencing certain tensions and problem areas in various sectors of the economy." RFE/RL's Crimea.Realities, however, reported that gas stations in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, were almost completely out of fuel supplies. "What Crimeans feared has come to pass. Gas stations are out of gas, and many are closing altogether to avoid needlessly paying employees' salaries," one person told RFE/RL. In addition to the refinery attacks, the southern Russian port city of Novorossiisk on the Black Sea was also hit by air and maritime drones, according to local Telegram channels, which published videos showing a damaged hotel and burning cars in its parking lot. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev claimed two people were killed and three others injured in the attack, adding that residential buildings and a hotel were damaged. Ukrainian military forces had no immediate comment on the claim. Local officials in Russia's Volgograd region also reported a "massive" drone attack on fuel and energy infrastructure, saying Russian air defenses repelled it. Meanwhile, Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine continued, with Ukrainian officials reporting damage to energy and civilian infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, and Donetsk regions. Ihor Terekhov, mayor of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, said more than a dozen Russian kamikaze drones hit the city's energy facility. The attacked caused a blackout in the Kholodnohirskiy district. "Approximately 80,000 residential and commercial customers were temporarily left without power," the local energy provider said in a statement. It added that about 30,000 residents still remain without electricity. Terekhov also reported damage to residential buildings, a shop, and several cars. No casualties were reported. "The enemy is trying to break us with the strikes, but Kharkiv is holding strong. And it will stand," Terekhov added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of seeking to expand the Kremlin's war beyond Ukraine and called on the international community to stop the conflict to avoid a destructive arms race. Speaking to the UN General Assembly on September 24, Zelenskyy, whose country has been fighting to repel a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022, warned that the use of drones and technology has brought a new dimension to the battlefield. "The facts are simple: stopping this war now and with it the global arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later," he told the 193-member assembly at its annual meeting. "Stopping Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect every port and every ship from terrorists with sea drones. Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to build a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead. So we must use everything we have to force the aggressor to stop." The rise in the use of drones in the war has given the fighting in Ukraine a complexion like no other. Both sides have come to depend on launching sometimes hundreds of drones in waves that experts say now account for about two-thirds of battlefield deaths. In recent weeks, fears of a potential widening of the conflict have risen with a series of recent incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones into NATO airspace in countries including Poland and Estonia. The Kremlin has denied the accusations. Zelenskyy warned that "weapons are evolving faster than our ability to defend ourselves," adding to the immediacy for halting the war. "Now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already spreading across countries...Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it, and no one can feel safe right now." Zelenskyy's speech came a day after US President Donald Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia with the help of its European allies. Trump was sharply critical of Russia's army, saying it had been fighting "aimlessly for three-and-a-half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win." On September 24, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for an end to the war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov,the State Department said. "The secretary reiterated President Trumps call for the killing to stop and the need for Moscow to take meaningful steps toward a durable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war," a statement said. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting and said the two "exchanged views on the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis." MELBOURNE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Jacinta Allan, premier of Australia's state of Victoria, stressed on Tuesday the importance of personal connections in Australia-China understanding and trust. Delivering a speech at the reception to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, she shared her recent visit to China. "When I was in China, I saw a highly-educated society that treasured and valued its history," Allan said, adding that she also saw a successful and innovative society that was relentlessly focused on the future. Noting language is how to build understanding and trust, Allan said, "What really drives our relationship with China is people -- our personal connections, our shared understanding, and our ways of communicating." She told Xinhua that one thing that got her attention was the particular focus that China has placed on driving more renewable energy into its community and economy. "There's a hundred solar panels being installed every second in China. That demonstrates a commitment to making that transition to renewable energy." Fang Xinwen, Chinese consul-general in Melbourne, said that this year marks the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia and the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. "China stands ready to work with Australia to build a more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership in the years to come which will better benefit our two peoples," he said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York, the United States, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) NEW YORK, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China hopes the European Union (EU) will work with the country to take concrete actions to advance the steady deepening of bilateral cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said when meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York on Wednesday. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, said Li, adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Beijing in July, providing strategic guidance for and reaching important consensus on further developing China-EU relations. The Chinese premier mentioned the 25th China-EU Summit co-chaired by him, Costa and von der Leyen, saying the event has yielded positive outcomes. Li expressed China's willingness to work with the EU to implement the consensus reached by both sides, stay true to the original aspiration when diplomatic relations were established, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. Over the past 50 years, Li said, China-EU relations have braved the shifting international tides and maintained sound and steady growth in general. A key reason is that the two sides have always kept sound communication, and actively sought ways to resolve differences on the basis of understanding and trust, Li said. China hopes that the two sides will enhance mutual trust, treat each other with sincerity, honor commitments, and uphold the principle of seeking common ground while shelving differences, he added. Li also called on China and the EU to identify the broadest possible convergence of interests and steadily deepen bilateral cooperation to better benefit the peoples of both sides. China, Li said, hopes the EU will honor its commitment to keeping trade and investment markets open, adhere to fair competition and WTO rules, and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues or overstretching the concept of security. The international situation is undergoing new and complex changes, with instability and uncertainties on the rise, Li said, calling on China and the EU, as two major forces in the world, to demonstrate responsibility, uphold strategic autonomy, fairness and justice, and play a more constructive role in global affairs. He called on both sides to better safeguard the common interests of China, the EU, and the wider international community, and contribute to the stability and certainty of the world. For her part, von der Leyen said as the world's two major economies, strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding and deepening mutual trust between the EU and China are of great significance for both sides and global development. The EU is willing to actively implement the consensus reached during this year's China-EU leaders' meeting, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and achieve new cooperation outcomes in areas such as trade and investment, environmental protection and development aid, she added. The EU highly appreciates China's exemplary role in addressing climate change and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in this area, promote respective green transitions, and jointly promote global sustainable development, von der Leyen said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York, the United States, Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) High Court Rejects Pregnancy Termination Plea of 14-Year-Old Rape Victim, Citing Medical Reasons It further instructed that all the facilities from treatment to consultations and other services be provided free of cost, Punjab and Haryana High Court Rejects Pregnancy Termination Plea of 14-Year-Old Latest News: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday turned down a petition filed by the father of a 14-year-old rape survivor, seeking medical termination of her pregnancy. The court cited her medical condition and the advanced stage of pregnancy for the non-acceptance of the prayer of the petitioner, according to an Indian Express report. A single bench of Justice Suvir Sehgal pronounced the judgment, stating, This Court is not inclined to accept the prayer of the petitioner. A detailed evaluation of the patient has been conducted by experts The Board has found that the fetus is about 29 weeks and 6 days, but the petitioner has an abnormal pulse rate and blood pressure. Advertisement The Board has categorically opined that she is medically unfit for termination of pregnancy and has not recommended it, Justice Suvir Sehgal is further quoted as saying in the report. The Indian Express report says that in August, after the doctors in Hisar confirmed that the minor was over 28 weeks pregnant, an FIR under POCSO and BNS provisions was lodged, and following an earlier court order, the victim was evaluated by PGIMERs Permanent Medical Board. The medical board stated the girl had an abnormal pulse rate and blood pressure, and that she was medically unfit for MTP. She is medically unfit for MTP. Keeping in view her current medical condition and advanced stage of pregnancy, termination of pregnancy is NOT recommended, the board decided, adding, If the family desires, the victim may be admitted to PGIMER and provided further medical support till delivery. Advertisement Justice Sehgal observed that while courts have in the past allowed termination beyond statutory limits, in this case, the medical condition of the girl left little room to do so. This Court is not inclined to exercise its discretionary power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and rejects the prayer for the termination of pregnancy, the order stated, according to the report. To support the victim, the court has directed that the girl be admitted to PGIMER, Chandigarh, whenever required, and be provided full medical assistance and support until delivery. Her father, who was also present during the hearing, consented to the arrangement, the report added. The court has further directed PGIMER to ensure specialist evaluation by both a cardiologist and a psychologist, and to extend post-delivery care if needed. It further instructed that all the facilities from treatment to consultations and other services be provided free of cost, with the PGIMER authorities ensuring a congenial environment for the girl. Advertisement The court has ordered PGIMER to preserve the DNA sample of the child after birth and to hand it over to the investigating officer in the ongoing criminal investigation in the rape case. Regarding the adoption of the child, the court observed that if the girl and her parents give up the child, the Haryana government must take responsibility for rehabilitation, including foster care or adoption, through due legal process, the report said, adding that the decision would depend entirely on the familys wishes at the appropriate stage. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Haryana State Legal Services Authority to release an interim compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the girl, which the report said was in line with the states 2020 compensation scheme for women victims of sexual assault. The amount would be subject to final adjudication under law, it added. Advertisement To safeguard privacy, it said, the court has prohibited disclosure of the petitioners identity or that of her parents at any stage of proceedings by the court, police, or any other authority. Further, the court has instructed the registry to remove the name of the girls father from the case title and status on the courts website, as well as from all orders. The petition was concluded with these directions. The police investigation under POCSO and BNS provisions continues. (For more news apart from 'On Our Way to Start the Best Chapter': Katrina Kaif & Vicky Kaushal to Welcome Baby Soon, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab News: 22-Year-Old Found Dead in Dirba, Sangrur Case Registered Against Two The family has demanded justice and strict punishment for the alleged culprits. Punjab News: 22-Year-Old Found Dead in Khanal village in Dirba, Sangrur Latest News: A 22-year-old man was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a deserted area of Khanal village in Dirba, prompting locals to inform the police. The deceased has been identified as Jashanpreet Singh. Police took custody of the body, and based on statements from the deceased's family, a case has been registered against two youths in connection with the death. Advertisement The last rites were performed in the presence of the deceaseds family members. The family has demanded justice and strict punishment for the alleged culprits. Dirba SHO Kamaldeep Singh confirmed that a case under Section 302 of the IPC has been registered against two individuals from Khanal Khurd village. He assured that both accused will be arrested within 12 hours and presented before the Honorable Court. Advertisement (For more news apart from Punjab News: 22-Year-Old Found Dead in Dirba, Sangrur Case Registered Against Two, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Romania without Violence The Romanian Parliament sets up special commission to draft tougher legislation in the area of domestic violence. Credit: Annie Spratt / unsplash.com Roxana Vasile, 24.09.2025, 14:11 Recently, the Romanian Parliament has for the first time established a special commission entitled Romania without violence, amid a large number of cases of violence in general and domestic violence, in particular. The initiative was supported by all parliamentary groups. In fact, the commission includes 25 representatives of all the parties represented in Parliament. For one year, with the possibility of extension, they will analyse the legislation in the field, approve the initiatives under debate and propose improvements to the laws in force, including the establishment of tougher penalties. Representatives of public authorities, the judicial system, academia, non-governmental and international organisations with experience in preventing and combating domestic violence, as well as victims of domestic violence, will be invited to express their views on the subject. But lets let the initiator of the project, Social Democratic MP Silvia Mihalcea, explain what the commission will do: This special commission will be the laboratory through which the Parliament will analyse and improve existing legislation, will collaborate with non-governmental organizations, state institutions and experts and will bring good European practice to public debate. Concrete solutions for the protection of victims will be proposed. The project on the criminalisation of femicide will also be debated here, an extremely important step for recognising and penalising this serious form of violence. The urgency of establishing this commission said MP Alina Gorghiu, who will chair it is confirmed by the over 70 thousand reported cases of violence in the first eight months of this year, the over 30 cases of femicide since the beginning of 2025 and an increase of over 110% in the number of cases of non-compliance with protection orders in the last four years. Eurostat data show that over 25% of women in Romania, more than double the average in the European Union, which is almost 11%, have been subjected to physical violence by their partners, and almost 49% of Romanian women who have ever had a partner have suffered at least once in their lives some type of violence verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, economic, social, emotional or online. Alina Gorghiu: From now on, I can assure you that we will no longer hide violence under the rug, that Parliament, through this committee, will be the voice of victims, it will be the voice of civil society, it will be the voice of women and children abused by their families, their partners, their spouses, their loved ones, by the people they care about the most. The Romania without violence caravan is also dedicated to combating domestic violence and supporting victims. Its first event brought together, on September 11, in Snagov, near Bucharest, politicians, representatives of civil society and victims. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Catalin Predoiu, said that the fight to eradicate domestic violence must be a national priority, highlighting several of the directions in which action has been taken to prepare police officers for such cases. However, he stressed that: I dont think the technical issue is the problem. This is the job of the institutions, the Parliament, the governments and so on. I think what we should aim for us, here, together, the people interested in this phenomenon, this social plague, a plague on the soul, if you will, of the nation, namely the violence against mothers, women, children, the elderly is to remain united, to continue the dialogue and cooperation between public state institutions and private companies, governmental associations, influencers, psychologists, specialists, mothers and wives, women and as many men as possible in order to raise this issue in a structured way, in a persevering way and to put together all the resources we have, each in our own way, recognising that it is a national problem. And to aim for something that I dont think is unattainable to eliminate this problem at least in the coming years. The Romania without Violence caravan will stop in all counties around Romania and in the capital Bucharest, because domestic violence is not just a family issue, but one of public safety and respect for human dignity, therefore a problem of the state, which must ensure the protection of victims at European standards. The establishment of the special parliamentary commission Romania without Violence means a common commitment that the country must become a safer place for women, children and families, said Social Democratic MP Silvia Mihalcea. According to the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police, the number of criminal acts registered in the field of domestic violence at national level decreased by 19% in the first seven months of 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year. Hitting or other form of violence is the most common crime, accounting for over a quarter of the total. But, although on the decrease, the number of cases of domestic violence that represent criminal offences remains high. To these add countless cases that are considered crimes pushing, insults, verbal violence which shows that there is a lot of work to be done in Romania. September 24, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news September 24, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 24.09.2025, 20:00 PARLIAMENT A simple motion against the minister of the environment, Diana Buzoianu, tabled by AUR party and entitled Weakening Romanias energy security through environmental policies that obstruct the commissioning of the hydropower plants started before 1989, was dismissed by 200 votes, with 87 votes in favour of the motion and 15 abstentions. In the first half of 2025, Romania reported a 54% increase in electricity imports compared to the corresponding period in 2024, and the electricity trade balance became negative, turning the country into a net importer, the authors of the motion said. According to them, instead of a coherent policy to finalise the hydropower units that have been started, we see the government blocking strategic projects, coupled with public messages that explicitly discourage key components of the national energy mix. During Mondays debates, the minister of the environment said the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) would like to return to the era when hydropower plants were built with bulldozers, without respect for laws and people. She also explained that there are lawsuits pending in court against the environmental permits issued for the hydropower plants listed in the text of the motion. COURT The Constitutional Court of Romania has pushed to October 8 a ruling on the reform of the retirement system for magistrates, for which the Government has taken responsibility before Parliament. The Court is to decide on whether the reform complies with the Constitution. The current regulations allow magistrates to retire much earlier than other professionals, but the government seeks to change this status. The Liberal PM Ilie Bolojan, as well as the leaders of Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, in the ruling coalition, said that should the Court rule against the reform bill, the governments legitimacy would be affected. DEFICIT Romania is expected to have a budget deficit of 8.4% of GDP this year, as agreed with European Commission officials, PM Ilie Bolojan said in Bucharest on Wednesday. He mentioned that on Monday, in Brussels, he had three important meetings: with the European commissioner for economy and productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, with the European commissioner for defence and space Andrius Kubilius, and with the vice-president of the European Commission Roxana Minzatu. The PM added that, provided that Romania meets the 8.4% deficit target this year, next year it could get close to a target of just over 6% of GDP. Ilie Bolojan also said that, in this way, Romania would enter a normal trend, in which primary expenditure would decrease constantly. We will carry on with determination the reforms aimed at cutting expenses and bulding a more efficient state, the PM pointed out. EXPO 2025 Princess Takamado visited the Romanian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, welcomed by Commissioner General Ferdinand Nagy, along with the Pavilion team, who gave her a complete tour of the exhibition Romania, Land of Tomorrow, the Romanian foreign ministry announced on Wednesday. During the visit, Her Imperial Highness was presented with the stamp series issued by the Romfilatelia National Company on the occasion of the Osaka 2025 World Expo. The issue marks the 55th anniversary of the first Romanian stamp dedicated to Japan. Princess Takamados visit highlights the role of cultural diplomacy in consolidating the excellent bilateral relations between Romania and Japan, as well as promoting the shared values that bring the two nations closer, the foreign ministry added. DIPLOMACY The Romanian foreign minister Oana Toiu took part on Wednesday in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, in the informal 4-party meeting of the foreign ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece. The main topics on the agenda were connectivity and the EUs enlargement policy. Opportunities for cooperation in this format were also assessed, especially in terms of connectivity in the fields of transport and energy. Minister Oana Toiu emphasised the importance of the EUs strategic approach to the Black Sea and the connectivity opportunities arising from the implementation of EU priority projects. She also voiced support for the projects under the Three Seas Initiative, which prioritises energy security, rail connectivity and the integration of multimodal transport systems. VISIT The Romanian defence minister Ionut Mosteanu made an official visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on Wednesday, where he met with his counterpart, Yuriko Backes. The meeting gave the two officials an opportunity to mark the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Romania and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, while emphasising that maintaining and consolidating the privileged relations between the two countries is becoming increasingly relevant. The agenda of the meeting also included topics related to the in-depth collaboration between the two armies, the participation of Luxembourg troops in multinational actions and exercises organised in Romania, the development of modern and sustainable capabilities, as well as political and military coordination within both NATO and the European Union. (AMP) NATO rejects any Russian threat NATO warns Russia that it will use all means to defend itself, amid repeated breaches of its airspace. Secretarul general al NATO, Mark Rutte / Sursa foto: nato.int Sorin Iordan, 24.09.2025, 13:50 NATO has warned Russia that it will employ all available military and non-military tools to defend against what it called Russias increasingly irresponsible behavior. The warning came on Tuesday from the North Atlantic Council, with the representatives of the 32 Alliance members meeting after Estonia called for consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Treaty after three Russian planes breached that countrys airspace. NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said Russias recent actions are either intentional or incompetence, but that this behaviour must stop because it threatens human lives, adding that either way, if necessary, the allies will do what is needed. The Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth told Estonias defence minister Hanno Pevkur that Washington stands by all its allies and that any incursion into NATO airspace is unacceptable. A week before the incident in Estonia, around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, causing the NATO aircraft to shoot down some of them and with the Alliance strengthening Europes eastern flank. After this incident, Warsaw warned Moscow that Poland will shoot down the next Russian device that will violate its airspace. The Kremlin rejected the threat. The spokesman for the Russian president, Dmitri Peskov, said the accusations that Russia breached the airspace of other countries were not supported by viable data or convincing arguments. In this context, the NATO ambassadors emphasised the importance of the Eastern Sentry, a military operation aimed at defending the airspace of the allies on the eastern flank, including Romania. Colonel Martin ODonnell, a spokesman for NATOs Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said additional military hardware may be deployed as part of this activity to counter threats on the skies of Romania or any other allied state, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. In Bucharest, Romanian president Nicusor Dan, called the Countrys Supreme Defence Council for Thursday to establish the protection measures against Russian drones entering the countrys airspace, as was the case a week ago, when a Russian drone orbited for around 50 minutes in an area in south-eastern Romania, and to work out the procedures establishing the chain of command in these situations. NATO is increasingly vexed with Russias provocations on the eastern flank in the context of the war this country has been waging in Ukraine. In an address to the UN General Assembly in New York, US president Donald Trump stood in favour of a firm response from the Alliance to any future incursions into its airspace. Trump also said that, amid the major economic problems faced by Russia, Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in the position to fight and regain the land lost to Russia. According to the DEA website, one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill half a million people. By DANIEL ZUNIGAObserver correspondent Many families brought signs and t-shirts to honor loved ones. Cars would honk their horns as they passed in solidarity. By DANIEL ZUNIGAObserver correspondent Many participated in the Walk for Lives event in Bernalillo Sept. 20 which was organized by Kelly Opp who lost her son, William Austin Burnett to fentanyl. By DANIEL ZUNIGAObserver correspondent BERNALILLO Loretta Park in Bernalillo was filled with many families who participated in the Walk for Lives event Sept. 20, which united the community in the fight against fentanyl. Im honoring my son because his life mattered, said Ranada DuPonte, who lost her son Charles Charlie Swindle in February 2025 to fentanyl poisoning. The Walk for Lives event aimed to bring awareness, honor lost lives and hope to prevent further tragedies. I want other families to know that we do need to stop the stigma. There is help available, to speak up, DuPonte said. We didnt talk about Charlies addiction openly ... he didnt want people to know. There is help and support available. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States. Its unbelievable. Jelly Roll did a hearing in front of Congress. The stats read that an airliner full of people, like 275 passengers, thats how many people are dying of fentanyl everyday, said Gary Gamboa said, co-owner of Desert Mountain Healing. For whatever reason, the word is just not getting out. This is just part of that, trying to get the word out. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration website, one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill half a million people. The walk began at Loretta Park and took the crowd all the way to Rotary Park before heading back. Fentanyl is sometimes a faceless crime, and we hear about the deaths. Walking here with these families, Ive talked to three or four different families who have felt this ... and they are trying to get through a tragic time, said Sandoval County Commission Chairman Michael Meek, who was there to support a friend. Meek also wanted the public to know that vending machines with Narcan are available at the Sandoval County Health Commons thanks to Women in Leadership New Mexico. Narcan is a type of Naloxone which reverses an opioid overdose and is a lifesaving medicine according tp the CDC. Ad Families and friends had T-shirts and signs honoring those that had died due to fentanyl. Cars passing by the crowd honked their horns in solidarity. The event was organized by Kelly Opp, the mother of William Austin Burnett, who lost his life to fentanyl. We walk for those weve lost and those we refuse to lose, Opp said in a press release. My sons story is one of far too many. This walk is about raising awareness, supporting prevention, and building a stronger, safer community together. Loren Hatch, legal counsel for Rio Rancho Public Schools, urged the school districts board of education to initiate a search for a new superintendent and ask the district to find a consultant to aid the process. Kevin Opsahl Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Sue Cleveland applauds the Rio Rancho High School jazz band during a performance at a Sept. 22 Board of Education meeting. Kevin Opsahl RIO RANCHO The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved opening a national search for a new superintendent and directed the district to hire a consultant to assist with the process Sept. 22. The decision came during the first school board meeting since Dr. Sue Cleveland announced Sept. 17 that she is retiring, holding the distinction as the districts founding superintendent and the longest-serving in New Mexicos history. RRPSs chief legal counsel, Loren Hatch, who presented during the meeting, told the board that it is with some reservation that I am here tonight to talk about the search for Clevelands successor. Its appropriate, at this time, for the board to take a historic action to initiate a search to find her replacement, Hatch said. He added that the school district has actually been laying some groundwork to find a consultant. Board President Amanda Galbraith responded that she wasnt sure how much detail about the search process could be shared publicly. She, however, expressed the need for transparency. As we move forward, we, right now, dont know exactly how that is going to look until we are able to have our firm in place, Galbraith said. She noted she had received emails from community members expressing interest in being part of the search process. Galbraith opened up discussion about the search to other board members. District 5 board member Jessica Tyler said she wants to make sure the search process is transparent and inclusive of the community. Ad Making sure we afford some opportunities for some community involvement is instrumental, Tyler said. This will be, obviously, a big job for the board, and I think were confident we can do this. District 1 board member Gary Tripp expressed gratitude for the leadership of Cleveland, adding that the outgoing superintendent and board are going to ensure total transparency in the search process. There are a few people Ive talked to that said, Who would want that job? I dont want that job, Tripp said. But anyway, it will be a great (search) process. Galbraith said she has been a little bit in denial over Clevelands decision and the fact that a search is beginning. The sentiment, though, did not stop her from sharing the qualities she would like to see in the next superintendent. We would like to be able to keep someone in the district, Galbraith said. I dont know if they will stay for 30 years that would be wonderful but someone we can have for a long time. We want to continue (Clevelands legacy). District 4 board member Beth Miller chose to speak about her relationship with Cleveland even before she was elected to the board and praise her contributions. We wish you the very best. You have set quite a legacy in this district, Miller said. Board Vice President Jeffrey Morgan was excused from Mondays board meeting due to travel for a work commitment, Galbraith said. Cleveland spoke during the meeting, stating her tenure dating back to February 1994 was all a team effort. I really want to emphasize that, she said. Thats all Id like to say right now. Mondays meeting included one public comment about the search process, coming from Patricia Camp, a former New Jersey public schools superintendent who recently retired in Rio Rancho. She noted that the primary role of school boards in setting policy and hiring a superintendent led to her questions for the Rio Rancho school board. Will there be a dedicated webpage? Is there going to be a timeline? Advanced notice of stakeholder meetings? Camp said. I also want to congratulate everybody on a fabulous school district. Its part of the reason we moved here. Galbraith thanked Camp but noted the board cannot respond to public comments during the meeting. Camp said after the meeting that she felt some of her questions were addressed during the boards discussion. I understand its really early in the process, so they really cant do much until they select a consulting firm. Its critical to select a quality firm, Camp said. Eli Lilly And Co. (LLY) announced on Tuesday that it will spend $6.5 billion to construct a manufacturing plant in Houston, Texas, with the goal of increasing production of its pipeline of small molecule medications, which includes the much-discussed experimental obesity medication orforglipron. In addition to the $23 billion invested since 2020, the project is a part of a larger $27 billion plan to add four new plants in the United States. Lilly plans to reveal the remaining two sites later this year, and all four sites should start producing medications within five years. In order to boost production of its pipeline of small molecule drugs, which includes the highly debated experimental obesity drug orforglipron, Eli Lilly said Tuesday that it would invest $6.5 billion to build a manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. The project is a component of a larger $27 billion plan to add four new plants in the United States, on top of the $23 billion invested since 2020. All four locations should begin manufacturing drugs within five years, and Lilly intends to unveil the other two later this year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF,SLF.TO) Wednesday announced the appointment of Sujoy Ghosh as Chief Executive Officer of High Net Worth or HNW from November 4. He will lead the global operations of the business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bermuda. The new HNW unit head will report to Manjit Singh, President, Sun Life Asia, and be based in Singapore. Ghosh, with over 27 years of total experience in insurance and banking, most recently served as the Head of Global Insurance & Asia Head Business Development at Citi Wealth. Prior to Citi, he had held Regional Head of Bancassurance for Allianz in Asia Pacific, handling commercial and strategic partnerships across Life and General Insurance. Manjit Singh, President, Sun Life Asia believes that Ghosh will accelerate growth by combining their global scale to focus mainly on the evolving needs of HNW clients. In the after-hours trading on the NYSE, the shares were losing 2.38%, and reached $58.28. The shares had closed Tuesday's regular trading at $59.70, down 3.7%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video speech to the United Nations Climate Summit 2025 held in New York on Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered video remarks to the United Nations Climate Summit held in New York on Wednesday local time. Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a pivotal year for countries to submit their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and global climate governance is entering a key stage, he made the following three proposals. First, Xi said it is important to firm up confidence. "Green and low-carbon transition is the trend of the time. While some country is acting against it, the international community should stay focused on the right direction, remain unwavering in confidence, unremitting in actions and unrelenting in intensity, and push for formulation and delivery on NDCs, with a view to providing more positive energy to the cooperation on global climate governance," he said. Second, Xi called for living up to responsibilities. "Fairness and equity should be upheld and the right to development of developing countries fully respected," he said. The global green transition should serve to narrow rather than widen the North-South gap. Countries need to honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, whereby developed countries should take the lead in fulfilling emission reduction obligations and provide more financial and technological support to developing countries, he added. Third, Xi stressed the importance of deepening cooperation, adding that international coordination in green technologies and industries should be strengthened to address the shortfall in green production capacity and ensure free flow of quality green products globally, so that the benefits of green development can reach all corners of the world. Xi announced China's new NDCs as follows: China will, by 2035, reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent to 10 percent from peak levels, striving to do better; increase the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30 percent; expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power to over six times the 2020 levels, striving to bring the total to 3,600 gigawatts; scale up the total forest stock volume to over 24 billion cubic meters; make new energy vehicles the mainstream in the sales of new vehicles; expand the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market to cover major high-emission sectors; and basically establish a climate adaptive society. He stressed that these targets represent China's best efforts based on the requirements of the Paris Agreement, and meeting these targets requires both painstaking efforts by China itself and a supportive and open international environment, and China has the resolve and confidence to deliver on its commitments. Climate response is an urgent yet long-term task, Xi said, calling on all parties to step up actions to realize the beautiful vision of harmony between man and nature, and preserve planet Earth, the place called home. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a video speech to the United Nations Climate Summit 2025 held in New York on Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has told the UN General Assembly that permanent members' use of veto power is preventing Security Council from fulfilling its role. "We must ask whether the current United Nations is really fulfilling the role it was originally expected to play," Ishiba said at the General Debate of the General Assembly's 80th Session Tuesday. He pointed out that responsibility for the UN's most important function the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the Security Council. However, he observed that "in many critical cases, the Council was unable to take the necessary decisions due to the veto power granted to the permanent members". "Russia's aggression against Ukraine is the most obvious example," he pointed out, stating that this situation "shakes the very foundation of the international order" as Moscow's aggression against Kyiv continues. He added, "The veto was an unavoidable safety valve designed to prevent direct conflict between the major Powers; however, the inherent limitations of the UN are clear." In this context, he underscored the need to decisively implement Council reform, making the organ more representative without losing its effectiveness. Turning to the issue of nuclear weapons, with a permanent member of the Security Council "openly making nuclear threats", he voiced concern that the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons may be lowered. "The nuclear catastrophe our nation has experienced must never be repeated." "It is North Korea that is now challenging these efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons head-on," the Prime Minister said. He called for full implementation of the numerous Council resolutions aimed at the complete denuclearization of the country. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News German stocks are down in negative territory on Wednesday, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's comments that equity prices are fairly highly valued by many measures. Defense stocks are finding some support after U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine could retake all its land occupied by Russia and that Kyiv should act now. The benchmark DAX, which climbed to 23,634.32 earlier in the session, was down 46.14 points or 0.2% at 23,584.46 a little while ago. Continental and Brenntag are down more than 2%. Daimler Truck Holding, Mercedes-Benz, Merck, Deutsche Bank, Volkswagen, Siemens Healthineers, BASF, Infineon Technologies and BMW are down 1 to 1.5%. Fresenius, Bayer, Qiagen, Beiersdorf, Deutsche Boerse, Allianz and Porsche Automobil Holding are also notably lower. Rheinmetall, Zalando, Siemens Energy, RWE, MTU Aero Engines, Deutsche Telekom, Fresenius Medical Care and Deutsche Post are gaining 0.5 to 1.7%. Shares of wind turbine maker Nordex are up 1.2% after the company said it has secured an order for 50MW from Spanish company Abei Energy. On the economic front, the Ifo Institute showed that its Climate Index for Germany fell 1.2 points to 87.7 in September, down from a revised 88.9 in August. The reading marked the lowest since May and the sharpest monthly drop in over a year. The Expectations Index dropped to 89.7 from 91.4, and the current conditions index declined to 85.7 from 86.4), suggesting uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy has weighed on sentiment, clouding the outlook for Europe's largest . For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (CBAT), a Nevada corporation, announced Wednesday that it has entered into a merger agreement with its wholly owned subsidiary, CBAK Energy Technology Limited, incorporated in the Cayman Islands (CBAT Cayman). Under the agreement, CBAK Energy will merge into CBAT Cayman, which will remain as the surviving entity following the redomicile merger. After the merger, CBAT Cayman and its subsidiaries will continue to operate the largely as it is conducted today. Upon completion of the merger, each CBAK Energy share will be exchanged for one share of CBAT Cayman. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Ever since the new Duster has been out, it has become one of the hottest vehicles in global markets and one of the most highly anticipated SUV launches in India. Testing has commenced and this platform will spawn a Nissan version too, which has been spied testing in India as well. Both these SUVs might be offered in a larger 7-seater format too. That said, Dacia and Renault are showcasing that there is more to the Duster platform than what meets the eye. Duster has spawned a new van version in UK called Duster Cargo and a new pickup truck version in Romania called Duster Pick-Up. Lets take a closer look. Duster Pickup Truck Version This is not the first time Duster has had a pickup truck version. There was Duster Oroch (previous generation), which was a factory-built extended wheelbase proper pickup truck based on the Duster. The new pickup version showcased by Dacia in Romania is not the Oroch version. Instead, it is a smaller and less practical pickup truck than Oroch. New 3rd Gen Duster Pick-Up launched in Romanian market under Dacia brand is not a factory built model. Instead, it is converted by a Romanian company named Romturingia, which had also converted the 2nd Gen Duster into a single-cab Pick-Up. The new Duster Pick-Up based on 3rd Gen Duster is on sale for a price of EUR 26,000 (approx Rs 27.21 lakh) with VAT. When compared to standard Duster, everything is the same from the front till D Pillars on Duster Pick-Up. Even the doors, window area and lighting elements are shared between both versions. With Duster Pick-Up, the roof above boot area is cut off to create an open load bed with a sturdy bed liner that can accommodate up to 430 kg of cargo. The tailgate is bottom-hinged, like any other pickup truck. Cargo area measures 1,050 mm long and 1,000 mm wide. Overall length of Duster is retained, which is 4,345 mm. Powering Duster Pick-Up is either a 1.8L Hybrid engine or a 1.2L Petrol with 4WD setup. It sort of reminds us of Hyundai Santa Cruz and the recently unveiled Mahindra Vision SXT. Duster Cargo (Van) Unlike Duster Pick-Up sold in Romania, Duster Cargo sold in UK, is a factory-built unit and is on sale for a starting price of GBP 28,700 (approx Rs 34.38 lakh), with VAT. Duster Cargo is basically a stripped down version of Duster SUV with all seats removed and converted into a 1,149L of cargo area accepting up to 430 kg of payload. To separate rear cargo area and 1st row cabin, theres a mesh bulk head installed, opaque window film to protect cargo from prying eyes and a security alarm. Duster Cargo is powered by either Hybrid 130 with 4WD or Hybrid 155 engine options. A farmer harvests blueberries in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) HARARE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Inside a greenhouse located in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland West Province, workers carefully hand-pick fresh blueberries from lush green shrubs, ensuring only the best fruit makes it to the baskets. In recent years, Zimbabwe's blueberry industry has grown rapidly, bringing local farmers higher incomes. This year, producers are setting their sights on exporting blueberries to China, one of the world's largest and most lucrative markets. Earlier this month, Zimbabwe signed a trade agreement allowing fresh blueberry exports to China, a move farmers say will spur production to meet the surge in demand. "It is a huge market. They are the biggest exporters of blueberries, among the biggest growers of blueberries, and also one of the biggest importers of blueberries. So, it really has taken off there," said Alistair Campbell, a blueberry farmer from the province. Supported by favorable climate conditions, increased agricultural investment, and rising demand for this healthy food, Zimbabwe's blueberry industry is expanding. According to the country's Horticultural Development Council (HDC), production is expected to rise from 8,000 metric tons in 2024 to 12,000 metric tons in 2025. Farmers believe that Zimbabwe's strategic geographic location -- allowing early access to global markets -- gives the country a competitive edge. "Our product is well received. We get big, nice-tasting berries. And it's well-received in the market thus far. We just need more scale, more blueberries," Campbell said, adding that the opportunity to export to China positions Zimbabwe as a significant player in blueberry production. "We really need to get things moving pretty quickly. We hope to have some really good engagements with government to see what we can get done there, and also with funders to make sure that we get enough plants in the ground to satisfy at least a part of that Chinese market," he added. In a statement following the signing of the blueberry export agreement, the HDC called for policies to increase investment, expand production to required volumes, and ensure that Zimbabwe's blueberries consistently meet China's quality and phytosanitary standards. Joseph Kakoto, president of the Zimbabwe Young Farmers Association for Sustainable Development, a youth-led organization, expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the Chinese export market, saying the protocol would attract new investment in plantations, packhouses, and cold chain infrastructure, creating jobs along the value chain. "This protocol is a win-win. Zimbabwe gains access to a lucrative market, while China secures reliable food imports," Kakoto told Xinhua. The deal, he said, signals Zimbabwe's entry into high-value horticultural exports such as blueberries, opening the door to greater foreign currency earnings and investment. "I am very confident about the Chinese market because it is huge and steadily growing with a rising middle class that demands healthy premium foods such as blueberries. Zimbabwe's climate and soil are highly suitable for premium berries, giving us a competitive edge," he said. A farmer harvests blueberries in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) A farmer shows freshly harvested blueberries in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) More information about the election, and how to register to vote, is available at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office website at santafecountynm.gov/clerk/elections/rle2025 . Nov. 4: Election Day; polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 21: Last day to request an absentee ballot. Oct. 7: Early voting begins at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office; last day to register to vote online. Candidate forums Thursday: The Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Library, 150 Washington Ave. Monday: Earth Care, the Human Rights Alliance, Fathers New Mexico, the DSA and Somos un Pueblo Unido will host a virtual mayoral candidate forum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. focused on issues that affect marginalized people. It will be in both English and Spanish and simulcast on Zoom. Visit bit.ly/46knxCS to join. Sept. 30: The League of Women Voters will host a City Council candidate forum at 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Santa Fe, 107 W. Barcelona Road. Oct. 1: Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce will host a mayoral candidate forum at 5 p.m. at Sky Cinemas, 1606 Alcaldesa St. Event is $15 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers; tickets can be purchased at santafechamber.com/atlas/events/4892/details. Oct. 10: AIA Santa Fe will host a mayoral candidate forum and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at La Posada in the Montana Ballroom. Oct. 14: NAMI Santa Fe hosts a mayoral candidate forum on behavioral health at 5:30 p.m. at United Church Santa Fe, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso Road. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube at youtube.com/@namisantafe9188. KHARTOUM, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 civilians were killed and 12 others injured on Tuesday in a drone strike launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that targeted a local market in the city of El Fasher, western Sudan, according to a medical source and a volunteer group. "The Saudi Hospital in El Fasher received multiple casualties. Based on our count, 15 people were killed and 12 others were injured," a medical source at the city's main hospital told Xinhua on Wednesday. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, added, "Most of the injured are in critical condition and require surgical intervention. The situation is dire due to a severe shortage of medical supplies and specialized staff." Meanwhile, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a volunteer group, reported a drone strike by the RSF targeted a busy local market in the city on Tuesday, leaving more than 27 people dead or injured. Since May 10, 2024, violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their allies on one side, and the RSF on the other, with the fighting intensifying in recent days. Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. LILONGWE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's incumbent president Lazarus Chakwera has conceded defeat in the Sept. 16 presidential election in which former president Peter Mutharika is leading by over one million votes. Speaking in a televised address less than two hours before the Malawi Electoral Commission's scheduled announcement of final results for the election, Chakwera thanked all Malawians for their support over the past five years. In the last update on the official presidential results Monday, Mutharika had over two million votes against Chakwera's over 700,000 votes. URUMQI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Over the past seven decades, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China has undergone profound economic and social transformation. While external narratives often resort to politicized rhetoric, tangible progress demonstrates that modernization is both inevitable and irreversible in Xinjiang. As it prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous region, Xinjiang is experiencing its most prosperous era. Undoubtedly, social stability has been the cornerstone of its economic and social achievements. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), robust foundations for stability, peace and security have been established, leading to a historic shift from chaos to order and effectively countering destabilization attempts. Ethnic unity is the lifeline of all ethnic groups in China, and Xinjiang is no exception. All ethnic groups in the region are inseparable members of the great family of the Chinese nation. Fostering a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation lays the foundation for long-term work in Xinjiang. With determination and hard work, Xinjiang is advancing modernization in step with the rest of the country. Economic development speaks for itself. From just 1.23 billion yuan (173.1 million U.S. dollars) in 1955, Xinjiang's GDP reached over 2 trillion yuan by 2024. Notably, from 2012 to 2024, Xinjiang's GDP grew at an annual rate of 7 percent at constant prices -- significantly outpacing the national average. The social and ecological changes in Xinjiang are profound. For millennia, the Taklimakan Desert -- spanning an area roughly the size of Germany -- exerted unrelenting pressure on the fragile oasis ecosystems of southern Xinjiang. Sandstorms disrupted connectivity and impeded socioeconomic development in surrounding regions. Today, Xinjiang has transformed this developmental bottleneck into a connectivity corridor. Four cross-desert highways have reduced north-south transit distances by 300-500 kilometers, while the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway's completion forged the world's first circular desert rail network, bringing tangible benefits to local communities. Green belts along the Taklimakan Desert's periphery have been expanded. The region's ecological governance success was marked by the completion of a 3,046-kilometer ecological barrier in 2024, effectively curbing desertification. Leveraging its natural resources and industrial capabilities, Xinjiang has accelerated efforts to develop a modern industrial system. The region has remained China's top cotton producer for 32 consecutive years, with its mechanization rate in plowing, planting and harvesting reaching 97 percent. This progress extends to people's living standards. By 2020, 3.06 million residents were lifted out of poverty as China eradicated absolute poverty across the country. In 2024, per capita disposable income in Xinjiang reached 42,820 yuan for urban residents and 19,427 yuan for rural residents annually. Today, every village in Xinjiang has access to licensed medical professionals, and the region's life expectancy has reached 77 years, compared with a mere 30 years before 1949 due to rampant infectious diseases and medical resource shortages. Moreover, authorities have addressed challenges in areas such as elderly care, education, employment and public housing, ensuring development achievements benefit all ethnic groups. Openness is another defining feature of Xinjiang. The region's total foreign trade reached 435.11 billion yuan in 2024, achieving 21.8 percent year-on-year growth. Its China-Europe freight trains now operate 23 routes, connecting 26 cities across 19 countries with remarkable efficiency. It's no surprise Xinjiang ranks among the world's most popular travel destinations. The region welcomed 302 million tourist arrivals in 2024, with its public security satisfaction rate remaining exceptionally high at 99.42 percent, a testament to its secure and stable environment. Xinjiang's progress has enhanced the people's sense of gain, fulfillment and security. Under the CPC's guidelines on governing Xinjiang in the new era, and with institutional support from the entire nation, development and modernization in Xinjiang have become an unstoppable reality. KIGALI, Sep. 24 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Wednesday received 314 people who were voluntarily repatriated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan Ministry in charge of Emergency Management said in a statement that the returnees, comprising 101 families, will be temporarily sheltered at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in the western district of Rusizi for registration and repatriation procedures, including arrangements to ensure a safe and dignified return. It said the government has established comprehensive reintegration programs to support the sustainable settlement of returnees, including access to education for children, healthcare coverage, and other services that foster social cohesion with other communities. The ministry reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the reintegration of returnees, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Prosper Mulindwa, mayor of Rubavu District, urged the returnees to participate in development projects in their communities aimed at fighting poverty, adding that after years outside the country, everyone's contribution is needed for nation-building. More than 4,000 Rwandans have returned from the DRC since January, according to the ministry. In July, Rwanda, the DRC, and the UNHCR signed an agreement to respect the right of refugees to return to their countries of origin voluntarily. HANOI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has asked local authorities to accelerate the establishment of low-emission zones in major cities, Vietnam News Agency reported Wednesday. The measure is part of efforts to prevent and curb air pollution, with a focus on controlling emission sources, the report said. All Vietnamese localities have been told to carry out unannounced inspections and strictly handle facilities with large emissions, such as cement, thermal power and steel plants. Once the Air Quality Index exceeds 300, a hazardous level, emergency measures should be implemented immediately to reduce pollution, the ministry said. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which record the highest and most frequent levels of air pollution, have been asked to clean up inner-city rivers, canals and streams, and to relocate polluting production facilities out of residential areas and urban centers. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and new cabinet ministers take an oath in front of King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 24, 2025. Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. (Bureau of the Royal Household/Handout via Xinhua) BANGKOK, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. Anutin and six deputy prime ministers attended the ceremony, along with other cabinet ministers and their deputies, representing factions of the ruling bloc, which also comprises the Kla Tham, Palang Pracharath, and Ruam Thai Sang Chart parties. The prime minister later chaired a special cabinet meeting at the government house in the evening and is set to present his policy statement to parliament next week, the final step before the new administration can officially assume office. Anutin, 59-year-old Bhumjaithai Party leader, was elected the Southeast Asian country's 32nd prime minister after winning a parliamentary vote earlier this month. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and new cabinet ministers take an oath in front of King Maha Vajiralongkorn at Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 24, 2025. Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. (Bureau of the Royal Household/Handout via Xinhua) Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and new cabinet ministers meet the press at the Government House in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Sept. 24, 2025. Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (C, front) and new cabinet ministers pose for a group photo at the Government House in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Sept. 24, 2025. Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and new cabinet ministers pose for a group photo at the Government House in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, Sept. 24, 2025. Thailand's new coalition government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his cabinet ministers was sworn into office on Wednesday, following the royal endorsement of the new portfolios last week. The 36-member cabinet under the Bhumjaithai Party-led coalition recited the oath of allegiance before an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a traditional ceremony held at Dusit Palace in the capital, Bangkok. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) KABUL, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Local authorities started construction of two water supply networks in the drought-hit Khalm district of northern Afghanistan's Samangan province on Wednesday, the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) reported. Allocated 8 million afghani (around 115,000 U.S. dollars) for the construction of the essential project, the water networks would provide potable water to 350 families, the official media outlet added. The project, after completion, would also facilitate farmers to irrigate more farmlands, the report said. Afghanistan has been facing water shortage due to successive years of drought, as people in big cities, including the national capital Kabul, have little access to clean water. By launching projects to manage water resources, the Afghan government aims to address water scarcity while also creating job opportunities for its people. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were injured when an explosion derailed a passenger train in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Tuesday, officials said. The blast struck near Dasht area in Mastung district, derailing three compartments of Jaffar Express, an official from the media cell of Pakistan Railways told Xinhua. The train was bound for Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. "A bomb was fixed near the track and it went off as soon as the train passed by it," the official said. The Medical Emergency Response Centers 1122 Control Room in Quetta said its teams treated 12 injured passengers, including women, on the spot, while one was shifted to the Combined Military Hospital Quetta. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Saga said on Wednesday that full-year underlying pre-tax profit was set to be in line with market expectations after a better-than-expected first half, driven by continued strength in the travel segment. In the six months to the end of July, the company swung to a pre-tax profit of 3.7m from a loss of 116.9m in the same period a year earlier. Saga said this reflects both its positive trading performance and the end of Insurance Broking goodwill impairments that have impacted previous years' profits. Underlying pre-tax profits dipped 5% to 23.5m, reflecting increased financing costs following the refinancing of its corporate debt facilities, offset by strong growth in trading profits. Underlying revenue grew 7% to 320.5m. Saga said the travel business had an "excellent" start to the year, with underlying pre-tax profit up 33% at 41.6m and underlying revenue 9% higher at 246.7m. In Insurance Broking, reported underlying pre-tax profit fell to 9.1m from 11.7m, but this was ahead of expectations. Chief executive Mike Hazell said: "Our Travel business has performed particularly strongly. Demand for our exceptional Ocean and River Cruise holidays continued to grow and we have seen a material increase in the number of customers enjoying our hotel and touring holidays. "In July, we launched our newest River Cruise ship, Spirit of the Moselle, which is already trading well and proving to be very popular with our customers - a clear demonstration of the growth opportunities we have in river cruising. "Trading in our Insurance business was ahead of expectations and we made good progress with our strategy to reengineer our insurance operations. The sale of our Insurance Underwriting business to Ageas completed on 1 July 2025, as expected, and our transformational 20-year Insurance Broking partnership remains on track to go live later this year." At 0950 BST, the shares were 2% higher at 221.31p. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "Saga sailed higher as it returned to profit and trimmed its borrowings. The over-50s lifestyle group always seemed to have a solid proposition given it targets a growing demographic which often has a decent amount of spending power but has singularly failed to take advantage of this opportunity since listing in 2014. "A strategy more focused on the travel division is showing signs of promise." Most new recruits to white-collar jobs are required to spend at least two or three days a week in the office, while roles requiring just one office day are dying out, according to an analysis of job postings. Hybrid work where staff split their time between the office and another location, such as their home has cemented itself as the new normal for millions of workers since the Covid-19 pandemic. Guardian The son of former Conservative Party deputy chairman and billionaire donor Michael Ashcroft has bought a 3.4% stake in Tottenham in the latest change at the north London club. A public filing posted by the London Stock Exchange yesterday shows that Andrew Ashcroft, a hotelier and businessman, purchased 8,023,942 Tottenham shares last Friday. The price is not disclosed, but based on recent valuations of Tottenham the shares are likely to have cost around 100m. Guardian Drivers should be taxed for every mile they travel to help Rachel Reeves fix a hole in Britains public finances, a leading think tank has urged. The Resolution Foundation, which has considerable influence in Labour circles, said vehicle taxes should be overhauled to replace lost fuel duty as more drivers switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles (EVs). Telegraph Car workers facing redundancy after the crippling cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) should sign on for unemployment benefits, the Business Secretary has suggested. On Tuesday, Peter Kyle refused to commit to a taxpayer bailout for hundreds of companies in JLRs supply chain who have been affected by the carmakers production shutdown. Some JLR suppliers have started to lay off staff after work dried up. Telegraph Revolut, the fast-growing UK-headquartered digital bank, has pledged to invest 3 billion in Britain over five years, creating 1,000 new jobs. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who today opened Revoluts new global HQ in Londons Canary Wharf, hailed the plan as a vote of confidence in the UK. The Times A millionaire banker is being sued over claims that he plotted to move his team to a rival and awarded them a 6.3 million bonus prior to defecting. Adam Wheeler was earning more than 4 million annually in his role as co-head of Barings global private finance group when he is alleged to have orchestrated an egregious move for him and his team to a competitor. The Times ALMATY, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Wednesday that if the leaders of Russia and Ukraine wish to meet in Kazakhstan, the country will provide all necessary services to ensure smooth negotiations. In an interview with Kazakhstan's Tengrinews, Tokayev said that Kazakhstan supports the launch of high-level direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. While Kazakhstan is not a mediator in the conflict, it is ready, if needed, to serve as a venue for negotiations and meetings of various levels between the two countries and to provide "friendly services" for this purpose. Local media reported that Tokayev held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky as saying that he was willing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at any location except Moscow, including Kazakhstan. Swiggy exits Rapido, Bajaj Electricals buys Morphy Richards, Torrent Pharma gets South Africas nod for JB Chemicals. Indian Hotels signs Taj in Vizag, Dilip Buildcon wins Rs 1,115 crore Kerala project, Mazagon Dock plans new shipyard. Tatas JLR extends shutdown, Yes Bank stake rises with SMBC, HCL Tech extends AI partnership. Indian equity markets are likely to see action in several counters today as corporate announcements and business updates keep investor sentiment buzzing. Heres a quick look at the stocks that may remain in focus during todays trade. Swiggy: The food delivery platform has approved the divestment of its stake in bike-taxi operator Rapido. The sale, spread across two separate deals, is valued at Rs 2,399 crore. Tata Motors: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by Tata Motors , has extended its production shutdown until October 1, 2025. The halt follows a cybersecurity incident on September 2 that disrupted operations. Indian Hotels: The Tata Groups hospitality arm, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), has signed an agreement to open a 310-room Taj hotel in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, further expanding its luxury portfolio. Bajaj Electricals: The company will acquire the Morphy Richards brand along with its intellectual property rights from Ireland-based Glen Electric for Rs 146 crore. Yes Bank: Japans Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) has increased its holding in Yes Bank by another 4.22%, reflecting growing foreign interest in the lender. Torrent Power: The company has acquired shares of Newzone India Pvt Ltd and Newzone Power Projects Pvt Ltd for a combined value of Rs 211 crore. HCL Technologies: The IT services giant has extended its long-term partnership with a Sweden-based commercial vehicle maker, focusing on AI-driven digital transformation services. Torrent Pharma: The Competition Commission of South Africa has cleared Torrent Pharmas majority acquisition of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals from private equity firm KKR. Mazagon Dock: The shipbuilder has signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu to explore building a greenfield shipyard along Indias eastern coast. Dilip Buildcon: The infrastructure company has emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 1,115 crore industrial corridor project in Kerala. Spirit Airlines will furlough around 1,800 flight attendants, according to several reports. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Spirit Airlines will furlough nearly a third of its flight attendants this year, according to multiple reports. Around 1,800 of the over 5,000 flight attendants employed by the low-cost carrier will be affected, according to a report from USA Today. The move could affect holiday travel as the furloughs are expected to take effect beginning on Dec. 1, according to Business Insider. The decision comes as Spirit Airlines navigates a recent bankruptcy filing. As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking steps to align staffing with our fleet size and expected flight volume, the airline told CBS News in a statement. Spirit has faced several financial challenges in recent months. Beginning on Oct. 2, Spirit Airlines will also cut flights to 11 U.S. cities, primarily in the Southern and Western portions of the country. Spirit Airlines also previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024. The airline, which has struggled financially since 2019, made headlines in January after a federal judge blocked a planned merger with JetBlue Airways. At the time, The New York Times reported that the airline admitted in court filings that it had a total of $9 billion in debt. The company said in a press release that its shares would soon be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Founded under a different name as a trucking company in 1964, the company later morphed into a tour operator before offering its first flights in 1990 and taking on the name Spirit Airlines in 1992. The airline began focusing on low-cost sales in 2006. Nearly 200 residents participated in a shredding event held at Parking Lot 6 on Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Nearly 200 residents lugged out bulky bundles of personal papers to safely dispose of during the latest free shredding event sponsored by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, the Staten Island Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the New York City Department of Sanitation last week. The event was held Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Parking Lot 6 on Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze. While scheming scammers continue to adopt new tactics meant to swindle our neighbors and loved ones each and every day, hundreds of our fellow Staten Islanders joined us on Wednesday to take a proactive step to ensure their public safety, disposing of their sensitive and personal paperwork and documents, McMahon said. Nearly 200 residents participated in a shredding event held at Parking Lot 6 on Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office) McMahon explained that shredding sensitive documents is essential to safeguarding personal information and preventing identity theft, before thanking Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the NYC Department of Sanitation for their ongoing collaboration and dedication to keeping Staten Island safe. Im proud to partner with District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, the New York City Department of Sanitation and the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, to host another successful safe shredding event, said Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore of Staten Island and a part of South Brooklyn. This event provided a valuable service to the community and gave them the confidence in their ability to prevent fraud and protect themselves from identity theft, she added. Dragon China restaurant in Nedrow, just outside of Syracuse, closed last week after its owner was detained at his regular ICE check-in. It is the second Syracuse-area Chinese restaurant owner to be detained at a check-in in two weeks. Marnie Eisenstadt Syracuse, N.Y. Lixing Chen went to his immigration appointment Sept. 15 just as he had the three times before, said his son, Andy Chen. Andy drove. When Chen went into the building for his appointment, Andy waited in the car, he said. He watched the glass door of the ICE building in a suburban office park for two hours. Andys dad did not come out. Finally, Andy said, a federal agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement came out to the car and told him his father had been detained. That was the second time in less than two weeks that ICE had detained a Syracuse-area Chinese restaurant owner at their regularly scheduled ICE check-in, relatives and a community advocate told syracuse.com. On Sept. 2, Dan Chen (no relation) was detained when she went to her regular ICE check-in, according to Tai Shaw, a businessman and advocate in Syracuses immigrant community who knows the family. The Manlius mother co-owns a Chinese restaurant on Syracuses North Side, Shaw said. Both restaurant owners had been cooperating with ICE for years, their family and Shaw said. Andy Chen said his father had been checking in with ICE over the phone consistently, but the check-ins recently switched to in-person. This summer, owners of two other Upstate New York Chinese restaurants were detained by ICE. Like Chen, they have been participating in the immigration system, not hiding. Chen had been going to his appointments and calling in as required for years, his son said. Andy Chen said his father, who is 52, had no idea he would be detained and taken to jail when they went to the appointment. He had all of his paperwork with him, but nothing else. He had no opportunity to prepare his family to handle the business, his son said. In Syracuse and across the nation, reports show that ICE is increasingly detaining people for deportation when they appear at their scheduled check-ins. Theres also been a marked increase in detention of people who have been in the U.S. for decades. The mass detentions began in July after ICE issued a memo requiring the detention of people who entered the U.S. illegally, regardless of how long they had been in the U.S. or their participation in the immigration system, according to a copy of the memo obtained by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The people impacted by this policy include those who have lived in the United States for years, are employed, and have family and other community ties, the association wrote in a brief on the memo. This describes the Syracuse-area Chinese restaurant owners detained this month. Both have been participating in the immigration system, trying to fix their status, family members and advocates said. They werent hiding; they were working part of their communities for more than two decades, records show. Lixing Chen and his wife own their own home where they raised two U.S. citizen children. Dan Chens life is much the same: She and her husband are raising three U.S. citizen children in a home they bought in the suburbs of Syracuse. Both families have children in college. Last week, after that ICE agent came to Andy Chens car window, the college student had to call his mother and tell her Chen, who had been in the U.S. for more than 30 years, was not coming home Marie L. Ferguson, a spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Chen was detained because ICE had ordered him removed in 1994 and he had exhausted his appeals in 2012. Ferguson said Chen was in Broome County Jail in Binghamton and that he soon would be deported. But Chens son said a paperwork error is keeping his father locked up. He said his dad had a deportation order from 1994, but that an immigration judge decided Chen could stay. The record from that judge, though, is filed under a different spelling of his name than his deportation order, his son said. So the ICE agents who picked up his father didnt have the record that said his father was allowed to stay, the son said. Ferguson, the ICE spokeswoman, did not respond to questions about the potential paperwork mixup. Two weeks before Li Chen was taken from his ICE appointment, the same thing happened to Dan Chen. She and her husband run the China House restaurant in Shop City on Syracuses North Side. Dan Chen, 45, has been in the U.S. for 25 years, Shaw said. She is raising three children in the home she and her husband own. On Sept. 2, Dan Chen went to her regular ICE appointment to check in. But she was detained and eventually sent to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, Shaw said. Shaw, a Syracuse-area businessman and immigration advocate who is on the states Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission, wrote a letter to the immigration court judge and officers on Dan Chens behalf: Mrs. Chen is not a person who has ever or will ever be a danger to another person in our community, Shaw wrote. To the contrary, she has contributed to the local economy through a business she owns with her husband and she has paid taxes. She has also embedded herself in our community as a neighbor, friend and parent who cares about her children, school and community, as we all do. Shaw said the family is hoping that a judge lets Dan Chen out on bond while her case is decided. Her husband is running the familys restaurant while they wait. Dragon China, though, could not survive while Lixing Chen is locked up. His son said the family closed the restaurant last week. The Open sign that was lit seven days a week is now dark. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Sheila Cooney Swigert, 88, of St. George, a retired teacher whose passions were reading, traveling, and animals, died peacefully at her home. She joined the Womens Army Corps (WAC) in 1955, and after leaving in 1957, went on to teach history at Millburn High School in New Jersey for over 20 years. In 1979, she joined the Naval Reserve until 1997. She is survived by her niece, nephews, and her two cats. A memorial service is planned for Oct. 11, 2025, at Christ Church New Brighton on Staten Island. Read the full obituary on SILive. Ursla Van Orden (nee Yard), of Great Kills, passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, she dedicated 38 years to a successful career in the banking industry, retiring from Citibank. She was a devout Catholic, active in her parish, Holy Child R.C. Church. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl, and is survived by many loving family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at Holy Child Church. Read the full obituary on SILive. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff. Health officials recommend getting the flu shot in early fall, ideally by the end of October before flu season peaks. (Stuart Ramson/AP) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. With flu season approaching, health officials say its almost time to roll up your sleeve for the annual vaccine. It is unknown how severe the 20252026 flu season will be. Last year, however, the United States experienced what health officials described as the most severe flu season in more than a decade, with between 47 million and 82 million influenza cases estimated, according to data. While this years season is expected to be milder, officials stated that everyone eligible should get vaccinated especially older adults, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Who should get vaccinated? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu shot for nearly everyone 6 months old and older, with few exceptions, including infants under 6 months and people with life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients. CDC officials said that certain groups are at higher risk for flu complications and should prioritize vaccination, including: Adults 65 and older Children under 2 People with chronic conditions such as asthma or blood disorders Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher People with weakened immune systems Most insurance plans cover the cost of a flu vaccine, and for those paying out of pocket, prices typically range from $20 to $100. Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, doctors offices, and other medical facilities. When to get a flu shot In the United States, flu season usually runs from October through March, with cases peaking between December and February. CDC officials recommend getting vaccinated in early fall, ideally before the end of October. However, its never too late to get a flu shot, even if you miss the late-October window. After vaccination, it typically takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies. While the flu shot does not guarantee complete protection, it reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization or death by 40% to 60%, according to the CDC. The side effects of the flu shot are usually mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or fever. Symptoms of the flu and prevention The flu can cause a range of symptoms, including: Coughing Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Sore throat Fever Headache Fatigue Chills Body aches In addition to vaccinations, experts stated there are ways to lower your risk of contracting and spreading the flu, such as: Hugely influential podcaster Joe Rogan is hitting out at MAGA types who cheered when Jimmy Kimmels talk show was temporarily removed from the airwaves, Newsweek reported. Speaking with guest Andrew Santino on Tuesdays episode of his Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan said: I definitely dont think that the government should be involved ever in dictating what a comedian can and cannot say in a monologue. Thats f*****g crazy. Rogan, who supported President Donald Trump in last years White House race, said that people on the right were crazy for celebrating when big companies like ABC are being pressured by the government. Kimmels late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was placed on temporary hiatus after Kimmel made what some said were objectionable comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month. Rogan, whose podcast boasts more than 20 million subscribers on YouTube, said that if Kimmel could be cancelled over a free speech controversy, so could right-wing figures. Said Rogan, Youre crazy for supporting this because this will be used on you. You dont think that that the f*****g globalist lizard people who run the world are sitting here going: Great. What do we got? Three years. Well wait this out. Well wait this out. Yeah, let em say the government should be involved in censoring peoples speech. While some on the right cheered when Kimmel was sidelined, other conservatives and Trump supporters said that the administration was going too far in attempting to police free speech. On his Truth Social site, Trump lashed out at Kimmels return to the airwaves. Trump wrote, I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99 percent positive Democrat GARBAGE. Secretary of State Marco Rubio jumped on the defense after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threw shade at President Donald Trump. During a sit-down interview with Fox News, Erdogan was asked by host Bret Baier about how the war in Gaza, which has stretched for just under two years, could ultimately come to an end. I could only say this Mr. Trump, you might remember, he used a term, when he said I will finish the Russia-Ukraine war. Did it end? It still goes on. Similarly, he said I will finish the war in Gaza. Did it end? No," Erdogan said on Special Report on Monday. That means, once we start analyzing the issue, there are prices to pay, and when we look at the hostage exchange, that was done. It goes on, he added. In April, Trump told Time magazine that he was joking when he pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war in the first 24 hours of his second term. He also vowed to quickly find lasting peace between Israel and Hamas. I said that figuratively, and I said that as an exaggeration, because to make a point, and you know, it gets, of course, by the fake news ... Obviously, people know that when I said that, it was said in jest, but it was also said that it will be ended, Trump said when asked about the war in Ukraine by Time, calling it Bidens war. In the same interview, Trump also said that Oct. 6 would have never happened. Oct. 7 would have never happened. Would have never happened. Rubio was confronted with the comments made by the NATO ally on Fox & Friends early Tuesday. Look, I didnt hear the entirety of the interview. I could only tell you that on both of those issues, on the case of Russia-Ukraine, the only leader in the world that has any chance of bringing it to an end is President Trump, which is why he has put more time and energy into it than anybody else, Rubio said. All these other countries, including Turkiye by the way, are begging us to be involved. They want us to be involved. Look, these people go out and say what they want to say, but at the end of the day, when they want something done, they want to come to the White House, he continued. Erdogans comments come as he is slated to visit the White House on Thursday to discuss trade and military agreements. We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively, Trump previously wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump is also set to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, with Erdogan also expected to speak. The U.S. Secret Service said earlier that it dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed 13 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Dera Ismail Khan district of the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, said the military. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement that the security forces conducted the operation following reports of terrorist presence, adding they targeted a hideout and led to an intense exchange of fire. According to the military, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including suicide bombings, abductions, and target killings of government officials and civilians. "Clearance operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area," said the ISPR, reiterating that Pakistan's security forces remain determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country. TALLINN, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Estonian government approved Wednesday the 2026 state budget with a deficit of 4.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). In 2026, budget revenues are projected at 18.6 billion euros (21.8 billion U.S. dollars), expenditures at 19.5 billion euros, and investments at 1.3 billion euros. The largest driver of spending growth is the increase in defense expenditures to 5 percent of GDP, which will require an additional 844.5 million euros. According to the Fiscal Council, which operates under the Bank of Estonia and evaluates the budget, Estonia's public finances have worsened due to government policy. The council warned that such policies will lead to higher borrowing costs for both the public and private sectors. The council's analysis further noted that the outlook for Estonia's public finances, as outlined in the 2026-2029 state budget strategy, has deteriorated following the budget discussions, Estonian Public Broadcasting reported. The government is expected to submit the draft budget to Parliament by Sept. 30. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar) As befitting a producer who has made it big in Hollywood, Bruna Papandrea knows how to cut a deal. The collaborator with Nicole Kidman has a string of hits to her name, including Big Little Lies, The Dry and Gone Girl. Producer Bruna Papandrea and Nicole Kidman presenting at the 2021 GDay USA AAA arts gala. An impressive CV, to be sure. But Sydney being Sydney, an individuals true worth is measured in quite another form of dealmaking whether they can make a killing in the property market. Happily, the answer to that is yes and yes. A Sphinx-style golden bronze bust of a proud black woman has been unveiled on Sydney harbour, the first in a series of three public outdoor sculptures funded from a $3 million philanthropic gift which has been earmarked for the lawn of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Monumental in scale and shimmering like precious gold, Ancient Feelings is the work of British sculptor Thomas J. Price, renowned for a practice that challenges the idea that only historic or wealthy individuals or those of high station ought to be commemorated in public squares. Ancient Feelings by British sculptor Thomas J. Price is unveiled at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Credit: Janie Barrett Ancient Feelings raises questions about who gets to be seen and who gets to be valued, Price said. Its all about offering people an alternative representation of humanity. Prices three-metre tall bust of a nameless every woman has been shrouded in secrecy since it was commissioned a year ago, and hidden inside a tent since it was moved into place last week in the dead of night. American talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, suspended a week ago for controversial remarks following the death of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, walked back into his television studio today, greeted by a standing ovation and chants of Jimmy! Jimmy! Despite fears that the three-way clash between President Donald Trumps White House, conservative owned-TV stations that had threatened to boycott Kimmels show and his employer, Disney, would take months to repair, Kimmels suspension was relatively brief at just under a week. I am happy to be here with you tonight, Kimmel told his audience. I am not sure who had a weirder 48 hours, me or the CEO of Tylenol, referring to news coverage of Trumps comments that paracetamol, an over-the-counter pain medication, is responsible for autism. Kimmels return to the studio floor was emotional at times and far more candid than many had anticipated. This was no brief statement and lets get on with the show. Kimmels response to Disney, to Trump, to his critics and to his supporters dominated three-quarters of the program. To Dr Shannon Foster, its known as the mangrove cathedral. Hidden in plain sight at Sydney Olympic Park, the space under the tree canopy is more than a place of beauty; its a natural sanctuary offering a chance to re-centre, reflect and connect with Country. Mangroves have these tall overarching branches that weave into each other and create a big canopy that creates what I can only describe as the perfect human habitat, Foster says. It doesnt matter what is going on outside it can be windy, hot, dry, humid or whatever, and this makes its own little microclimate. It is cool, it is calm, it is peaceful. Dr Shannon Foster says the mangrove cathedral at Sydney Olympic Park is more than an oasis of calm, its a place to re-centre and reflect. Credit: Louie Douvis In the troubled times we live in, the search for places where peace resides has gained greater importance. While No religion was the second most common response after Christianity in the 2021 census, for many the desire remains to connect with something greater, whether thats identified as god, the universe or some unnamed energy source. And that is often best facilitated in environments, natural and human-made, that promote opportunities for reflection. More than somewhere to switch off from the world and restore balance, these places provide an opportunity to connect with something deeper, in a spiritual sense. The ABC has been ordered to pay a penalty of $150,000 to Antoinette Lattouf for unlawfully terminating her Sydney radio contract after a judge found it let down the Australian public badly by capitulating to pro-Israel campaigners. The sum is in addition to $70,000 in compensation that Federal Court Justice Darryl Rangiah ordered the national broadcaster to pay Lattouf after delivering his principal decision on June 25. Antoinette Lattouf and one of her barristers, Philip Boncardo, outside the Federal Court in Sydney earlier this month. Credit: Sam Mooy Rangiah said in his penalty decision, delivered in Brisbane on Wednesday, that the ABC had chosen to surrender to the lobbyists political campaign by sacrificing Lattouf. He ordered the ABC to make the payment to Lattouf within 28 days. The ABC is seen as an important public institution at a time when trustworthy sources of news and information are increasingly hard to find, Rangiah said. For 50 years, Westfield Parramatta has given the people of western Sydney a convenient retail, dining and entertainment precinct. But plans to expand the shopping centre with a multi-storey tower in Sydneys second city remain uncertain. Shoppers watch as Marie Thomas and Antonio Ashby get married at Westfield Parramatta in 1976. Credit: Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media In 1975 it was unlike anything Parramatta had ever seen: a vibrant retail and lifestyle destination spread over multiple floors. Over the next five decades, the shopping centre would host weddings, concerts and a number of meet-and-greets with celebrities, including Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa and, in 2014, Kim Kardashian. While Parramatta city has experienced significant change in recent years, the shopping centre has remained a community staple. Well, thats a relief: Australia may not be a high priority for Donald Trump, but neither are we in the diplomatic deep freezer. Just as Anthony Albaneses failure to secure his first meeting with Trump was beginning to become politically damaging, the prime minister has locked in a White House visit next month. This is a victory for Albanese, even if it means he will have to schlep back to the United States for the third time this year. The fact the meeting was being organised behind the scenes helps explain why the prime minister has appeared so laid-back in New York this week, despite mounting criticism about his failure to score any face time with Trump eight months into the US leaders second presidency. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the presidents welcome reception. Credit: Instagram Albanese certainly looks happy in the selfie he posted to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon (AEST), which showed him beaming next to Trump after a brief conversation at the presidents welcome reception of world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly. Outspoken federal opposition frontbencher Andrew Hastie claims Australians feel like strangers in our own home, saying the post-pandemic influx of migrants was creating a housing crisis that could keep the Liberals in exile for years if the party did not tackle it. Most housing experts contend high house prices have been driven mostly by a failure to build enough homes, but Hastie put a spotlight on migrant-driven demand in an Instagram post on Wednesday, making it the latest policy issue on which he has put forward populist talking points that differ from those of Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Leys leadership is not under immediate threat of being challenged, according to several party MPs. However, a group of right-wing Liberals are privately building up Hastie as the conservative alternative to Ley while he lays out a social media-driven crusade on nativist policies on local manufacturing, family values, migration and energy. Were starting to feel like strangers in our own home, Hastie wrote in the post. The appointment of Mal Lanyon as the states 24th police commissioner shows the boys club is alive and well in Sydney. Ordinarily, playing by the rules of the boys club would require the Herald to welcome Lanyons appointment, or else we may be offside with the new commissioner, the premier and police minister who appointed him, and the cabal of media, business and union figures who worked hard behind the scenes to make sure their man got the job. Incoming NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Credit: Kate Geraghty Lanyon had the support of the powerful NSW Police Association, as well as the NSW MP who is most vocal on police matters former detective and upper house member Rod Roberts. The feckless opposition has waved through the appointment. Conservative media figures also backed Lanyon, as have factions within the NSW Police Force who worked hard to bring down the outgoing commissioner Karen Webb. Forgive us for having a very different view of Lanyons ascension. This is, without question, one of the most flawed decisions made by the NSW government since it came to power in March 2023. Participants attend a Potential Joint-Funding Application Workshop at the Fifth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Interdisciplinary Conference in Lancaster, Britain, on Sept. 23, 2025. Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage for the first time at the Fifth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Interdisciplinary Conference, hosted Tuesday and Wednesday by the Lancaster University Confucius Institute in northwest England. (Xinhua) by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng LONDON, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage for the first time at the Fifth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Interdisciplinary Conference, hosted Tuesday and Wednesday by the Lancaster University Confucius Institute in northwest England. "I find the topic of this year's conference really fascinating as it explores the Silk Road through the lens of AI," said Edward Simpson, dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University, noting that the BRI framework is increasingly opening new ground. According to organizer Amily Guenier, the two-day event attracted about 60 scholars from countries including Britain, China, Canada, the United States, Ireland and Bulgaria. She said the BRI has grown into a hallmark of China's international cooperation, and as China advances, the conference themes have expanded into cutting-edge fields such as AI. Throughout the sessions, participants discussed both opportunities and challenges posed by AI for academic research. In a keynote speech, Wang Binhua, professor of interpreting and translation studies at the University of Leeds, illustrated how AI tools can assist translation. But he emphasized that translation in cross-cultural communication is more than literal rendering, and it requires creativity and judgment. "The real purpose of translation is to convey meaning to the target audience," he said. "That is precisely where AI currently falls short. True international communication ultimately relies on translators with agency, creativity and accountability." A similar message was echoed by Xu Qihe, director of the King's Centre for Integrative Chinese Medicine at King's College London. Xu noted that AI and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) and broader healthcare, presenting "significant opportunities but also challenges." He stressed that responsible AI use must combine general best practice with TCIM-specific guidance to ensure robust outcomes. The organizers also hosted practical sessions, including a Potential Joint-Funding Application Workshop to identify areas for collaboration and develop concrete research projects, as well as an AI-based Interdisciplinary Matchmaking Forum to connect scholars across disciplines and institutions. Chinese scholar Gai Shuhua from Beijing Foreign Studies University presented her project on the effects of nursery rhymes on English learning among young learners. She said the sessions helped broaden her research vision and offered valuable opportunities for international collaboration. "I also want to explore AI methods more in the future," she added. Healthcare was another highlight of the event. "As China develops, its international cooperation is no longer just about making money, and it's also about making a better life and making the world a better place," Guenier said. Delivering a keynote, Ma Yuling, a professor from Harvard University, outlined the enduring value of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). "The pharmacological study of TCM opens a new era of human medicine," she said. The multifactorial nature of diseases and the rise of systems biology, she explained, highlight the need for multi-targeting drugs, such as multicomponent medicine or polypills. "TCM, with thousands of years of development and comprehensive theory, emphasizes holistic regulation to keep the yin and yang of the body in balance. Herbal formulas can be effective without adverse reactions, since detoxifying elements are included," she noted. Other scholars from China, Britain and beyond discussed themes such as shared decision-making between families and clinicians, healthcare communication, and the ethics of AI in healthcare. He Qingnan, professor of pediatrics and Party secretary of Xiangya Third Hospital of Central South University in central China, one of the conference's institutional partners, told Xinhua that attending such events helps Chinese scholars learn about international research methods and trends while seeking collaboration opportunities. "As China's capabilities grow, dialogue is becoming more fluent and mutually beneficial," he said. "This gives us hope for even greater results in the future." A participant speaks at the Fifth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Interdisciplinary Conference in Lancaster, Britain, on Sept. 24, 2025. Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage for the first time at the Fifth Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Interdisciplinary Conference, hosted Tuesday and Wednesday by the Lancaster University Confucius Institute in northwest England. (Xinhua) They said it was part of a bigger membership drive that had the support of the MRC committee. Any memberships purchased by chairman John Kanga or his family were legitimate, consistent with the rules, and for family and friends wishing to support the club, the MRC said. Payments made on behalf of family or friends are not unusual and do not breach the rules. An aerial view of the parcel of land at Caulfield Racecourse on which Mount Scopus Memorial College has an option to purchase from Melbourne Racing Club for $195 million. There is nothing in the MRC or Racing Victoria constitutions that states it is against the rules to buy multiple memberships for other people. The MRC, which owns the Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington racing clubs, is one of the richest sporting clubs in the country. It owns 112 hectares of land at Sandown Racecourse in Springvale worth more than $600 million and owns 15 poker machine venues that make almost $50 million profit a year. Loading Almost 12 months after seizing control of the board of the influential club, Kanga and MRC leadership have separately been accused of several governance breaches in complaints lodged with Racing Victorias integrity department and the Racing Integrity Commissioner. The unproven allegations relate to adherence to club rules, privacy breaches and failure to declare conflicts of interest. A Racing Victoria spokesperson said the sports governing body does not make comment on whether we have or havent received complaints. A spokesperson for Racing Integrity Commissioner Terrie Benfield said it does not have the power to investigate complaints against club processes. In response to questions from The Age, a Victorian government spokesperson said: Our expectation is that every member of Victorias racing community conducts themselves with integrity and adheres to the rules around privacy and conflicts of interest. Kanga told this masthead the allegations put to RV were ridiculous and without foundation. He said they came from a small group of bitter former committee members and associates who were rejected by the membership after wasting $160 million of the clubs money and putting its future at risk. Integrity, transparency and strict adherence to the clubs rules are central to how we govern and operate. John Kanga with patrons spruiking the cheaper food options during a meeting at Sandown Racecourse in January. Credit: Getty Images Kanga was elected chairman on October 3 last year, two weeks before the clubs premier Caulfield Cup race day, triggering the resignation of four other members of the 10-person MRC board between October 3 and November 15 last year. The Age has seen documents that show concerns were raised with club leadership about whether proper processes were followed in appointing three of the replacements. After assuming the chair, which is an honorary position, Kanga became an instant hit with members. He abolished the Caulfield Masterplan, saved Sandown Racecourse, returned the mounting yard to its original position and scrapped a proposed $230 million grandstand. He introduced cheap drinks, a discounted end-of-year membership and shouted the racecourse free beer and wine after cult hero Pride Of Jenni won her comeback race. He won over trainers by opening up Caulfields new inner track for much-needed trials, and was popular among jockeys for handing out free race-day skivvies that advertised his finance company, Metropolitan Capital. He is often seen walking the track and mingling with Caulfield members on race days, buying groups of people drinks and willingly handing out his phone number. He is also constantly engaged with the racing public on social media. Kanga led the clubs push for new members. The MRC said this was openly discussed and supported at committee meetings dating back to October 2023. From the time I joined the board more than two years ago, I have been on the record stating that I wanted to personally recruit at least 1000 new members to the club, with a particular focus on introducing more young people to racing, Kanga said. We continue to be successful in attracting new members. Loading The clubs recruiting drive appeared to have been particularly successful at Mornington Racing Club, where more than 300 people joined between August 2023 and August 2024, lifting the clubs membership by about a third in a single year. A geographical map of Morningtons membership across the 2023-24 financial year, prepared for the board, showed clusters of members living in Melbournes northern suburbs, Geelong and country Victoria, many of whom did not attend race meetings. In response to questions from The Age about the elections, the MRC issued a statement saying: Last years elections delivered overwhelming support for Cameron Fisher and Sheamus Mills, who were elected on a clear platform to save Sandown, restore the Caulfield mounting yard, and avoid $240 million in unnecessary spending on an unwanted grandstand. All elections are conducted in accordance with the clubs rules and independent governance processes, which apply equally to every candidate and are overseen by an independent outside company, CorpVote, acting as the Returning Officer. Former vice-chairman Nick Hassett is one of seven MRC directors who left the club since Kanga began his leadership tilt. Credit: Getty Images Only 20 per cent of MRC members 3229 people cast votes at last years election, marking their two preferred names from six candidates on the ballot paper. Mills and Fisher finished on 1651 and 1592 votes, 600 ahead of their nearest rival on 971. Seven MRC directors have left the club since Kanga began his leadership tilt: former chairman Matt Cain, former vice-chairman Nick Hassett, former treasurer Jill Monk, Mark Pratt, Brooke Dawson, Scott Davidson and Barbara Saunders. The executive team was also stripped bare. MRC chief executive Josh Blanksby resigned in August last year when it became clear the make-up of the board would change. He was followed out the door by six other executives and, later, the new CEO Tom Reilly, who was sacked on the Kings Birthday weekend in June this year. Loading The board was thrown into turmoil in June this year when Barbara Saunders resigned in support of Reilly, citing concerns about the clubs governance. The MRC lost $17.3 million over the past financial year, despite its 15 poker machine venues returning a $46 million profit, and its debt blew out by $24 million to $178 million. The club expects to clear its debt if Mount Scopus College exercises an option to buy 7.5 hectares of land beside Caulfield Racecourse for $195 million. Singapore: It must be daunting to follow Donald Trump at a podium, especially when the US president has so chilled the room by dumping the proverbial over almost everything the host values. Such was the lot of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Prabowo looked like a statesman following on from Donald Trump at the UN on Tuesday. Credit: AP For maximum attention, and perhaps foreshadowing the inevitable Trump-induced hubbub, Prabowos team pre-hyped the bosss biggest moment on the world stage since coming to power a year ago as a defining speech on Indonesias global role. Alas, Trump stole the headlines with another extraordinary plunge through old and new grievances that rolled on almost four times longer than the 15 minutes allotted to speakers. There was a surge in US funding in the final months of last year, says the Kiel Institute in its regular monitor, and then a little in January. Then there was nothing. It is true that weapons are still being shipped from US companies, but they are now funded by Europe. Under Trump, support from the US has shrunk. Loading A second fact is that Europe has done more of the heavy lifting in helping Ukraine and this is entirely logical since Europe has more at stake. The same dataset from the Kiel Institute shows that Europe has delivered or pledged 257 billion ($458 billion) from February 2022 to June 2025. The US has delivered 115 billion, with a small additional amount pledged and yet to be delivered. While Trump talks about Ukraine winning with European support, he does nothing to make this happen. When he says NATO should shoot down Russian jets, for instance, he only offers a vague indication of American support. It depends on the circumstances, he says. NATO is weakened by constant uncertainty about American support. The options for the US and Europe are dangerous because the best way to neutralise Russian attacks is to send NATO forces to shoot down missiles and drones a direct intervention the allies have avoided. The more likely alternative is that Europe will have to fund Ukraine in a long war of attrition in the hope that Russia halts under economic and military pressure. A third fact is that Trump has talked about peace deals without a measurable outcome. His new assessment continues this pattern, rather than embarking on a new approach. He likes to set deadlines and offer his opinion about the war, but the timetables slip. Asked this week if he could trust Putin, he said: Ill let you know in about a month from now, OK? Events prove that Trump almost always chooses delay over decision. A fourth key fact suggests that, so far at least, Trumps words do not have the effect he imagines. The numbers show that Putin has intensified his missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, regardless of the words from the White House. The tally from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies reveals the surge in missile and drone strikes this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on Tuesday. Credit: AP For deterrence to work, leaders must show they intend to use serious power to enforce their pronouncements. The facts show that Putin is undeterred. The fifth fact is that Trump has delayed bringing any new pressure to bear to change this dynamic. He has avoided new economic sanctions on Russia. He has punished India for buying Russian oil, but appears unwilling to do anything about China for its oil purchases and financial support for the war. Instead, he is busy negotiating a business transaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the future of TikTok. This tells Putin and Xi about Trumps priorities. Zelensky has welcomed Trumps new rhetoric, while the Kremlin has complained about it. Perhaps this week will be remembered for a dramatic shift in US strategy. Loading But here is another fact. Russia has made substantial gains in the war on the ground. The Institute for the Study of War estimates Russian forces control 70 per cent of Donetsk. It controls large parts of eastern Ukraine as well as Crimea. History documents the challenge in turning the tide against Russia, a nation with an immense land mass and more than 140 million people. Despite this history, Trump claimed Ukraine could not only win back its territory but could maybe even go further than that to gain ground. He seemed to support Ukraine, but it was mainly for show. And he exaggerated. This can only deepen the doubts about his judgement. Is Trump really suggesting that Ukraine tries to gain Russian territory? That would only bring more death to both sides and make a peace deal with Putin more difficult. A settlement worth the name has to be achievable and durable. Dallas: A shooter with a rifle opened fire from a nearby roof onto a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement location in Dallas on Wednesday, killing a detainee and critically wounding two others before taking his own life, authorities said. The suspect has been identified by a law enforcement official as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn. The official could not publicly disclose details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Investigators on the roof of a building near the scene of a shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday. Credit: AP The exact motivation for the attack was not immediately known. The head of the FBI, Kash Patel, released a photo on social media that shows an unused bullet found at the scene containing the words ANTI-ICE written in what appears to be marker. After two deaths were initially reported, Homeland Security later revised the death toll, saying one detainee had been killed and two wounded. The detainees who survived are in critical condition at a hospital, DHS said. No ICE agents were injured. The Heads of Government of the participating Citizenship Investment Programmes of the Eastern Caribbean States today announced the signing of an agreement to further strengthen the integrity, transparency, and sustainability of the Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP) offered by the five Member States through the establishment of a regional regulatory authority. These reforms were developed through extensive regional and international consultations with CBI industry stakeholders and international partners such as the United States, United Kingdom and the European Commission. Over the past two years, the OECS Member States of Antigua & Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia have engaged in intensive dialogue with global partners and have agreed to the adoption of region-wide principles that reaffirm the legitimacy and necessity of CIP revenues to small island economies. Key Provisions Establishment of a Regional Regulator The OECS Member States will enact the enabling legislation to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA)by October 2025. This body will oversee all CBI/CIP activities, ensuring uniform standards, rigorous oversight, and compliance across participating States. 2. Enhanced Security and Due Diligence Mandatory biometric data collection from all new applicants at the time of interview. from all new applicants at the time of interview. Biometric data collection for previously approved applicants at the time of passport renewal. Stronger residency and genuine link requirements for approved applicants. for approved applicants. Comprehensive vetting supported by the CARICOM IMPACS Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC), with expanded personnel and technology capacity funded by CBI/CIP revenues. 3. Transparency and Accountability Binding standards for all national CBI/CIP Units and licensed agents. Annual public reports on compliance and enforcement actions. Regional registers of applicants, licensees, and developers to prevent abuse of the system. 4. Compliance and Enforcement Administrative Fines and Penalties on CBI/CIP Units and licensees Revocation for non-compliance and non-performance of contractual obligations 5. Economic Sustainability and Resilience A region-wide minimum investment threshold of US$200,000 has been adopted, ensuring the programmes remain credible while continuing to fund critical infrastructure, climate resilience, and social development initiatives. Engagement with Global Partners These reforms are the result of continuous and constructive dialogue: US-Caribbean Roundtables in 2023 and 2024. EC engagement in Dominica (January 2024) UK, US, and EC consultations in Grenada (August 2024) and London (January 2025). Stakeholder consultations with industry professionals, Attorneys General, Financial Secretaries and civil society (MarchAugust 2025). International partners have recognised that dismantling CIP programmes would devastate the economies of small island developing states, which depend on these revenues for fiscal stability, resilience against climate shocks, and post-pandemic recovery. The governments are united in ensuring that their Citizenship by Investment Programmes meet the highest standards of international transparency and accountability. These reforms demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding global security while preserving a legitimate development tool that is indispensable to the survival and prosperity of their nations. PHILIPSBURG: --- A recently surfaced legal opinion, crafted for Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, presents a masterclass in political maneuvering disguised as legal counsel. The advice, which greenlights the nomination of attorney Jairo Bloem to the chairmanship of the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), is not just a legal interpretation; it is a thinly veiled roadmap for a political takeover of a critical financial institution. The document, penned by a law firm with notable ties to the current governing coalition, conveniently justifies a controversial nomination by exploiting years of institutional dysfunction. The core of this seven-page legal opinion is a masterwork of selective emphasis. It champions the Minister's authority to act unilaterally, citing the prolonged paralysis of the Central Bank's Supervisory Board. For years, the board has been incomplete and has operated with "temporary" members well beyond their statutory terms. This dysfunction, the advice argues, gives the Minister the rightindeed, the dutyto intervene. However, it conveniently glosses over the fundamental principles of good governance and the spirit of the law, which were designed to prevent exactly this kind of political interference. One of the most glaring issues is how the advice dismisses the statutory requirement for a five-sixths majority recommendation from the Supervisory Board for a new chairperson. The opinion correctly notes that the board, with only five members, cannot possibly achieve this majority. Instead of identifying this as a critical governance failure that must be rectified through proper process, the advice uses it as a justification for the Minister to bypass the board entirely. It frames a procedural impossibility as a green light for executive overreach, effectively arguing that because the rules can't be followed, they can be ignored. The source of this advice raises significant red flags. When legal counsel that so perfectly aligns with a government's political objectives comes from a firm known for its close association with the ruling coalition, it is difficult to view the opinion as impartial. It appears more like a pre-written script to legitimize a desired outcome than independent legal advice. This raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and whether the advice was sought for genuine guidance or for political cover. Furthermore, the opinion weaponizes the board's long-standing dysfunction. It meticulously documents how Sint Maarten's representatives have been in a "temporary" state for over four years, a clear violation of the Central Bank's statutes. But rather than advocating for a transparent process to restore stability, the advice makes a startling recommendation: remove the current Sint Maarten board members and initiate a process to nominate three new ones, in addition to installing Mr. Bloem as chair. This isn't a solution; it's a purge. This move would allow the current administration to stack the board with its own appointees, consolidating political control over an institution that must remain independent to be effective. It is a blatant power grab masquerading as a cleanup of past administrative failures. The advice provided to Minister Gumbs is a dangerous document. It twists legal interpretation to serve a political agenda, undermines the credibility of the Central Bank, and sets a precedent for sidestepping established governance for political convenience. This is not about restoring order to the Central Bank; it is about seizing control of it. The public should be deeply concerned by this attempt to compromise the independence of one of our most vital financial institutions under the guise of "decisive action." Click here to read the legal advice. PHILIPSBURG: --- Stark warnings about the grim state of Simpson Bays immigration detention facility have reemerged following a recent court decision. While the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten denied the detainee's request for release, the ruling forcefully spotlighted the deplorable, unsafe, and dilapidated conditions at the centerconditions described as urgent and demanding immediate government action. A Guyanese national detained on August 9, 2025, challenged his detention because the environment inside the Simpson Bay facility was so poor that it violated the prohibition on inhuman or degrading treatment enshrined in Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). His lawyer painted a picture of a detention center plagued by structural neglect and unsafe living conditions, echoing years of complaints from advocates and former detainees. In rejecting the release and compensation, the judge nonetheless did not ignore his claims about the facility. The courts verdict made clear that, while the legal process for the detainee's detention was properly followed based on immigration history and flight risk, the physical and humanitarian situation at Simpson Bay is untenable. The judge cited previous reports by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the Law Enforcement Council, whichas far back as 2022 and 2024had already flagged significant problems with the center. Despite some official reports rating conditions as generally acceptable, the court noted these findings were at best marginal, and improvement was long overdue. Most notably, the judge included a blunt warning in the decision: The foregoing does not alter the fact that the government should work on improving the facility. The reports from the CPT and the Law Enforcement Council are clear about this, and the problems are urgent. This unequivocal statement marks a rare judicial acknowledgment that the Simpson Bay facilitys substandard and potentially hazardous state threatens the well-being of its detainees. Issues range from basic maintenance failures and overcrowding, to inadequate sanitation and lack of humane living conditionsdeficiencies that collectively raise serious human rights concerns. Yet, when questioned about the verdict and these warnings at the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling claimed to be unaware of the courts ruling or the renewed criticism. This admission further highlights the disconnect between the governments official oversight and the reality faced by detainees inside Simpson Bay. The troubling state of the Simpson Bay detention center has repeatedly drawn the attention of international watchdogs and local human rights groups. The continued lack of meaningful reformsdespite court rulings and external inspectionspoints to systemic neglect that cannot be ignored any longer. As the government is officially reminded of its responsibility to ensure safe and humane conditions for all detainees, the courts latest verdict should serve as a wake-up call. It is no longer a question of whether urgent action is required, but rather how long authorities will allow these unsafe and degrading conditions to persist before meaningful steps are finally taken. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has expressed serious concerns about St. Maartens ability to function effectively on its current budget of 530 million guilders. Responding to questions about the return on investment (ROI) of study financing, the Minister highlighted the broader financial challenges facing the country and the need for significant budgetary reform. Lets be honest530 million guilders is not enough to run this country, Heyliger-Marten stated. When we talk about study financing or any other investment in our people, we have to look at the bigger picture. How can we expect meaningful returns when the entire system is underfunded? We need at least 200 to 250 million guilders more annually just to meet basic obligations, pay competitive salaries, and ensure our ministries can function properly. The Minister pointed out that key sectors like Education, Justice, and Public Health (VSA) are already struggling with insufficient funding. Education receives 120 million guilders, Justice gets 107 million, and VSA operates on 97 million. These are the largest portions of the budget, yet theyre still not enough. What does that say about our priorities? she asked. Heyliger-Marten also shed light on the financial constraints within her own ministry. TEATT, which plays a critical role in driving the economy, receives just 22 million guilders, with only 4 million allocated for marketing the country. We are the backbone of St. Maartens economy, yet were expected to deliver results with a fraction of the resources we need. How can we talk about ROI on study financing or any other initiative when the foundation is so weak? The Minister emphasized that these challenges are not new and predate the current administration. Weve inherited a budget that doesnt reflect our vision. Budget 2024 was already in place when we took office, and Budget 2025 had already been submitted. Were trying to align our ideas with a framework that doesnt support them, and thats a difficult exercise, she explained. To address these issues, Heyliger-Marten called for a comprehensive approach to increasing revenue and plugging financial gaps. She cited Barbados as an example of a country implementing innovative measures, such as a Tourist Accommodation Bill, to improve compliance, boost tax revenue, and create fairer competition in the tourism sector. TEATT is actively researching how to adapt these kinds of measures to St. Maartens needs, she said. Were analyzing where were losing money, learning from regional best practices, and aligning ourselves with professionals who can help us bridge the gaps. The goal is to yield meaningful financial income for the country. Heyliger-Marten also highlighted ongoing discussions with regional counterparts, including Barbadoss former Minister of Economic Affairs, Chad Blackman, as part of efforts to explore proven strategies. These are the kinds of conversations were having, she noted. Were paying attention to what works elsewhere and figuring out how to do it better here. In conclusion, the Minister stressed that without a significant cash injection, St. Maarten will remain stuck in a cycle of underperformance. We need to find the money to do right by the people. Whether its study financing or any other investment, we cant expect meaningful returns if we dont have the resources to support them. 530 million guilders is simply not enough. PHILIPSBURG:--- From Friday, September 26 to Monday, September 29, 2025, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten will be meeting in The Hague for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO). The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation is a key event held twice a year, bringing together parliamentary representatives from the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Hosted alternately in The Hague and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, this multi-day meeting fosters dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. The four parliamentary delegations will be discussing several topics that include discussions and presentations. The program includes a visit to The Hague University of Applied Sciences for an explanation of the Kingdom Affairs course and a conversation with Caribbean students. It also includes discussions on geopolitical developments, vocational education, the advice of the Council of State on 70 years of the Charter for the Kingdom; and a presentation by former Chairman of the State Commissions on Demographic Developments (2050) concerning the ageing populations and its social consequences in the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Interparliamentary Consultations will conclude on Monday, September 29, 2025, with the signing of the agreement list and a joint press conference of the four delegations. One day prior to the start of the Interparliamentary Consultations (IPKO) on September 25, 2025, the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues affecting these countries, such as the dispute regulation, intensification of regional cooperation, cooperation at the committee level, and geopolitical developments in the region. Preparations will also be made for the upcoming IPKO. The Sint Maarten delegation participating in the IPKO and Tripartite meetings consists of the following members: Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, Delegation leader; - Mr. Franklin A. Meyers, Vice Chairman of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations; - Mr. Egbert J. Doran; - Mrs. Veronica C. Jansen-Webster; - Ms. Lyndon C.J. Lewis; - Mr. Viren V. Kotai; - Mr. Omar E.C. Ottley; - Mr. Raeyhon A. Peterson; and - Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, LL.M, ML , Secretary General MOSCOW, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin accused certain political forces in the European Union (EU) of attempting to derail dialogue between Moscow and Washington by leveling unfounded accusations against Russia, local media reported Wednesday. In an interview with Russia's Izvestia newspaper, Galuzin said that what he described as a "war party" in the EU was seeking to undermine positive steps in U.S.-Russia contacts, including the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, which focused on a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis. "These forces ... are trying to disrupt this process and pull the United States to their side," Galuzin said. "They are resorting to unscrupulous methods such as baseless accusations against Russia of violating NATO countries' airspace or sending drones into their territory." Galuzin stated that allegations of Russian airspace violations lack credible evidence. His remarks followed recent statements by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, who said Tallinn had requested consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after claiming that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace last Friday. Russia's Defense Ministry denied the allegations, saying that the aircraft had conducted a planned flight from Karelia to the Kaliningrad region in full compliance with international airspace regulations. The ministry underlined that the jets did not deviate from their approved route and did not cross Estonia's borders, a fact confirmed by objective monitoring data. In just one year, Google turns AI setbacks into dominance New York, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Caught off guard by ChatGPT and mocked for early blunders with its own generative artificial intelligence efforts, Google has pulled off a dramatic turnaround in just one year, becoming a major player in consumer-facing AI. "The market had written off Alphabet in the AI race," Matt Britzman, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of Google's parent company. "That was short-sighted." In March 2023, Google hastily launched its version of ChatGPT, called Bard, four months after the original shook the world. During its launch event, Bard made an error answering a question about the James Webb telescope, drawing ridicule from viewers tuning in from around the world. Several analysts subsequently downgraded their recommendations of Alphabet, worried that ChatGPT would eat into the Google search engine's generation-long dominance of the internet. A year later, in May 2024, the Mountain View, California giant unveiled AI Overviews, a feature integrated into Google Search that again caused online ridicule after recommending a glue pizza recipe and eating a rock a day in answers to queries. Despite massive investments in AI technology for over a decade -- acquiring the DeepMind lab in 2014 and producing high-level research publications that inspired the ChatGPT phenomenon -- Google kept stumbling. Much of Google's AI development "focused on powering its platforms rather than delivering services directly to consumers," said Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight. Ted Mortonson, an analyst at financial services firm Baird, said Google leadership was caught "flat-footed" and had grown "too complacent" about their AI advantage. - Turnaround trajectory - Amid the crisis, change was afoot. Google co-founder Sergey Brin was seen back at the Googleplex, and the company undertook a drastic internal reorganization. In spring 2024, AI developers were consolidated under a single Google DeepMind banner with Nobel Prize winner Demis Hassabis put in charge. "It took us time to bring these teams together," CEO Sundar Pichai explained on the "Lex Fridman Podcast" in early June. Google also needed time to deploy its new in-house AI chips, the TPUs (Tensor processing units), essential to the company's ambitions. But "I could see, internally, the trajectory we were on," he said. Despite the "glue pizza" missteps, or hallucinations in AI parlance, Overviews marked the first step in Google's turnaround. Next came the commercial launch of NotebookLM -- a digital document tool that can synthesize uploaded content into easy-to-understand writing or even a chatty podcast. At Google's developer conference in May 2025, the company unveiled video generation tool Veo 3, whose precision and consistency made a big splash, along with AI Mode, a feature that completed the transformation of search engine into ChatGPT-style chatbot. August brought a new version of the Pixel smartphone, whose AI enables 100x zoom and real-time translation. Mid-September saw the launch of video generation on YouTube. "Today's tools, especially from Google, can be used in the real world, as opposed to just being developer conference demos," emphasized Avi Greengart of Techsponential. With Pixel, "Google is in pole position in AI equipment," said Wood. Google drove the point home with its image editing program integrated into Gemini, informally called Nano Banana, which became such a sensation that Gemini topped ChatGPT in iPhone downloads for the first time earlier this month. The outlook brightened further for Google when it avoided having to sell its Chrome browser -- a government demand in its search monopoly trial that was rejected by a federal judge in early September. Signaling the shift, Apple is reportedly considering using Gemini for its overhaul of AI voice assistant Siri, according to Bloomberg. A partnership with the iPhone giant would hand Google a new revenue stream, though monetizing its AI "is still somewhat of a question mark," said Greengart. "Google is playing the long game," said Wood. "It knows that right now, it needs to offer free services to get consumers engaged with Gemini. However, in the longer term, it's hoping this can be turned into a substantial revenue stream." To facilitate the implementation of the outcomes of the inaugural "Rixin: Jianghuai Science and Technology Innovation Salon," a scientist-entrepreneur symposium was held in Anhui. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on accelerating the deep integration of scientific innovation and industrial innovation in deep space exploration. Anhui Province is holistically enhancing its support systems across planning, project development, scientific research, outcomes transformation, and talent recruitment and cultivation, striving to build a more competitive and attractive innovation ecosystem. Source: anhuinews.com ANKARA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities have dismantled an organized criminal ring accused of conducting fraudulent real estate sales to enable foreigners to obtain Turkish citizenship, Turkiye's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Wednesday. A total of 106 suspects were detained in simultaneous operations carried out across 19 provinces, with Istanbul at the center of the investigation, said Yerlikaya on the social media platform X, without specifying the timeframe of the operations. The suspects face charges including forming and joining a criminal organization, migrant smuggling, laundering of illicit assets, qualified fraud, and forging official documents, he said. The Turkish minister emphasized that the crackdown targeted networks engaged in "collusive property sales" designed to help foreign nationals obtain Turkish citizenship unlawfully. The suspected ringleader, identified as M.A., and his network allegedly organized fraudulent real estate transactions that enabled 451 foreigners and their families to acquire Turkish citizenship unlawfully, he explained, adding that the authorities have already initiated procedures to revoke these citizenships. Assets belonging to the suspects were also seized, including a holding group, five joint-stock companies, 1,240 apartments, 47 cars, 65 land plots, and multiple bank accounts, he noted. Under Turkish law, foreign nationals are eligible to apply for citizenship if they purchase real estate worth at least 400,000 U.S. dollars and hold the property for a minimum of three years. The scheme has attracted thousands of applicants in recent years, particularly from the Middle East, Asia, and Russia. Press Release from Business Wire: Hanshow (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 PARIS, Sept 24, 2025 (BSW) - Hanshow, a global leader in digital retail solutions, is deepening its global ecosystem through strategic collaborations that connect local market expertise with advanced retail technology. The latest partnerships bring together Glintt-a technology and distribution powerhouse in the Iberian pharmacy sector-and shopreme, a leading provider of self-checkout and smart-cart solutions. Rather than parallel initiatives, these relationships plug into one architecture that links digital pricing, in-store media, checkout innovation, and sector-specific workflows to accelerate smart retail digitalization at scale. Through its companies Pulso and Consoft, responsible for the pharmacy management software Nixfarma and Farmatic, Glintt Life connects more than 12,000 pharmacies across Spain with platforms that support prescriptions, logistics, and services. This solid footprint, combined with Glintt Life's track record in healthcare digitalization, positions the brand as a trusted partner to bring Hanshow's retail innovations into the pharmacy channel. "Our partnership with Hanshow enables us to bring intelligent retail tools into pharmacies, transforming how healthcare providers serve patients with efficiency and personalization," said Luis Esgueva, Executive at Glintt Global and responsible for the Glintt Life pharmacy business in Spain. shopreme's unified self-checkout ecosystem, deployed in over 2,000 stores worldwide, complements Hanshow's smart cart tablets and in-store media with its snap cart software. For retailers, the result is retrofit-ready, scalable, and GDPR-compliant-reducing shrinkage, enhancing the shopping journey, and opening new retail-media monetization opportunities. "By joining forces with Hanshow, we're creating a future-ready checkout model that blends customer convenience with operational efficiency and new in-store media capabilities," said Nico Muller, CCO at shopreme. Hanshow's ecosystem approach extends across regions and categories through long-standing relationships with local leaders and specialized innovators. In Southern Europe, ICS Karafyllis S.A. supports fiscal solutions and POS services across Greece and Cyprus; throughout Europe, Shop&Roll contributes shopping-transport, visual-merchandising, and POS equipment with award-winning sustainable designs; in the Middle East, Arab Mechanical Engineers enables retailers to adopt and scale digital in-store technologies. Together with Glintt and shopreme, these partners operate as connected nodes in a single network-localizing quickly, compounding value, and shortening time-to-impact for retailers worldwide. "We are excited to advance this ecosystem alongside partners such as Glintt and shopreme in Europe, ICS Karafyllis S.A. in Greece and Cyprus, Shop&Roll across European markets, Arab Mechanical Engineers in the Middle East, and other regional innovators," said Liangyan Li, Senior Vice President at Hanshow. "By uniting local reach with Hanshow's digital capabilities-from ESL and in-store media to seamless checkout-we're helping retailers lower costs, enhance efficiency, and accelerate sustainable, customer-focused transformation across the global marketplace." About Glintt Glintt is a leading Iberian technology and services group, with a strong presence in the healthcare and pharmaceutical retail sector. In Spain, Glintt operates through Nixfarma, connecting hundreds of pharmacies and supporting the industry with digital tools, distribution, and operational excellence. For more information, please click here. About shopreme shopreme is a leading provider of self-checkout solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative technologies to enhance the retail shopping experience. With solutions such as Scan & Go, SCO, AI-based Loss Prevention, and Smart Cart, shopreme is revolutionizing the way customers shop and pay in brick-and-mortar stores - in more than 2,000 stores worldwide. For more information, please click here. About Hanshow Hanshow is a global leader in developing and manufacturing electronic shelf labels and digital store solutions. The company offers customers a series of customized IoT touchpoints and digital store solutions that deliver customer-centric insights. Hanshow's solutions have provided services to a vast number of stores in over 70 countries and regions, helping them streamline operations, optimize pricing strategies, and offer customers a more personalized experience. Learn more : www.hanshow.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250923729516/en/ Contact [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Network X (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 PARIS, Sept 24, 2025 (BSW) - When the global telecom industry gathers in Paris for Network X 2025(October 14 - 16), attendees can expect more than keynote speeches and panel debates. This year's edition unites the sector's most influential players under one roof with an interactive expo floor and new event features. From AI-powered broadband networks and 5G monetisation to sustainable infrastructure and satellite connectivity, leading technology sponsors, live demonstrations and dynamic stage presentations will showcase the innovations shaping Europe's digital future. The show floor is designed to immerse attendees in the latest telecom technologies transforming society. Industry giants and innovators, including Nokia, Huawei, Adtran, Intel, Qualcomm, ZTE and Ciena, alongside dozens of startups, will offer hands-on demos bringing fresh ideas and practical solutions to the ecosystem. Special event features curated for the Network X 2025 agenda include: -- Wireless Global Congress EMEA by WBA (October 13-16): The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) co-locates for the third consecutive year, bringing the Wireless Global Congress EMEA, the home of the largest Wi-Fi technology event. -- UBBF 2025 (October 13-14): As the world's premier ultra-broadband industry, Huawei proudly presents the 11th Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF 2025). -- BDC by WBBA (October 14): The annual Broadband Development Congress by the World Broadband Association (BDC by WBBA) explores how telcos can lead the development of sovereign, future-ready infrastructure that enables AI-driven services, attracts strategic investment, and supports sustainable economic development. -- Data Center World at Network X (October 14-16): A three-day programme focused on data centre investments in IT and digital infrastructure to support the burgeoning capacity demands. -- Network X Awards (October 14): Now in its third year, the Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across Europe's telecom industry. In addition to the co-located events, Network X also offers experiences for professionals at every stage of their careers - from those entering the field to established thought leaders. The Emerging Telecom Leaders Programme fosters the next generation of talent by providing a platform for invited telecom speakers and VIPs to nominate an employee, under 30 years of age, to attend this important industry event. Further networking opportunities include the Network X Party, a 5km Run through Paris, and a breakfast briefing with Omdia. Network X will take place October 14-16 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and presented in thanks to sponsors, including Qualcomm, Orange, Bitdefender, CIG, Huawei, Nokia, Taara, 1finity, Adtran, Adeptic Reply, Applogic Networks, Aprecomm, Cujo AI, Ericsson, Fibocom, Heights, Intel, Ciena, Ekinops, Ribbon Communications, and Tejas Networks. For further information and to register for the event, visit www.networkxevent.com/. About Network XNetwork X returns to Paris on October 14-16, 2025, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles as the only global event that unites the fixed and mobile telecom markets. Bringing together over 5,500 senior network infrastructure and service professionals, including 1,500+ operators from telco operators, Network X serves as a hub for industry leaders, technology vendors, policymakers, analysts, and media. The 2025 event will explore five key themes shaping the future of connectivity: Fibre, Wi-Fi Networks and Services, Optical Transport, Mobile Networks, Mobile Services and Data Centres. With a focus on monetising next-generation fixed, mobile, satellite and transport networks through AI and cloud, Network X provides a comprehensive platform for professionals to learn, engage, and network with experts, technology providers, and peers across the telecommunications landscape. www.networkx.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250923812117/en/ Contact Media Contact:Suzanne [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: OPEX Corporation (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 MOORESTOWN, Sept 24, 2025 (BSW) - OPEX(R) Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation providing innovative solutions for document and mail automation, has entered into a partnership agreement with DATAWIN GmbH, a leading manufacturer of premium document scanners, enabling OPEX to offer DATAWIN's InoTec document scanners at the global level. For DATAWIN, based in Ergolding near Landshut, Germany, this alliance opens new international markets, as it represents the company's first global distribution partnership. DATAWIN's existing country- and region-specific distribution agreements will remain in place. For OPEX, the collaboration further expands its portfolio with the addition of desktop document scanners to its current scope of offerings. "We are delighted to partner with OPEX," said Johannes Boerboom, CEO and Partner, DATAWIN GmbH. "Through its global distribution network, OPEX opens access to markets that were previously beyond our reach. At the same time, OPEX's tightly woven, in-house service network ensures world-class support for InoTec installations worldwide. This makes the partnership with OPEX a cornerstone of our internationalization strategy. We firmly believe we build the world's best desktop document scanners-and we want them to be deployed globally. OPEX's automation solutions provide an excellent environment for exactly that." OPEX Corporation's state-of-the-art document and mail automation solutions serve a wide range of industries, including service bureaus, banking and finance, insurance, law, government, nonprofit, and more. The company's document imaging and scanning portfolio includes its flagship Gemini(R) and Falcon+(R) series, featuring revolutionary One Touch document scanning, flexible imaging, and unmatched efficiency. "At OPEX, our mission has always been to engineer unique automated solutions that help our clients solve even the most complex business challenges," said David Stevens, President and CEO, OPEX. "In partnering with DATAWIN, we've found a company that shares our core values. Like OPEX, DATAWIN is privately held, deeply committed to long-term customer relationships, and designs and builds its own scanners to ensure the highest levels of quality and reliability. By offering InoTec desktop scanners alongside our proven Gemini and Falcon scanners, we can deliver the most flexible and reliable portfolio of scanning solutions on the market." About OPEX OPEX(R) Corporation is a global leader in Next Generation Automation, providing innovative, unique solutions for warehouse, document and mail automation. With headquarters in Moorestown, NJ-and facilities in Pennsauken, NJ; Plano, TX; France; Germany; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and Australia-OPEX has nearly 1,600 employees who are continuously reimagining and delivering customized, scalable technology solutions that solve the business challenges of today and in the future. The year 2025 marks the company's 50th anniversary under the multigenerational ownership and leadership of the Stevens family. About DATAWIN DATAWIN GmbH, headquartered in Ergolding near Landshut, Germany, brings together three independent scanner and imaging brands: DATAWIN, InoTec SCAMAX(R), and BAPIS. The DATAWIN brand develops, designs, and manufactures custom high-volume OMR scanners and related components. The InoTec SCAMAX(R) brand, based in Wolfersheim, Hesse, optimizes capture processes for clients worldwide with its highly reliable InoTec SCAMAX(R) document scanners and sorters-empowering them to achieve outstanding Intelligent Document Processing (IDP). The BAPIS brand offers industry and research clients application-optimized solutions and consulting in imaging and digital control. This includes the development, design, production, and refinement of hardware, software, and firmware. DATAWIN GmbH's products are used across industries and around the world-wherever large volumes of paper-based information need to be digitized, processed, and sorted quickly and reliably. Typical applications include document archiving, inbound mail and receipt capture, elections, and documentation workflows. DATAWIN GmbH is certified under the European ISO 9001:2015 quality standard and is part of the extended corporate group of DATAGROUP, one of Germany's leading IT service providers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924616392/en/ Contact For OPEX CorporationLaura [email protected] +1.856.727.1100 x 5012 For DATAWIN GmbHMartin [email protected] +49 172 8502464 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: ROYC (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 STOCKHOLM, Sept 24, 2025 (BSW) - ROYC, the leading global Platform-as-a-Service provider for alternative investments, today announced a strategic partnership with I Squared Capital, a leading independent global infrastructure investment manager. ROYC will serve as I Squared's technology partner in Europe to support I Squared's expansion into the private wealth channel. This collaboration reflects both firms' shared commitment to using best-in-class technology to expand access to private markets for all investors and improve the investor experience. "Our mission is to remove the operational friction that has historically slowed strategies targeting the broader Private Wealth segment. By combining ROYC's deep structuring expertise with our cloud-native operating system, we enable asset managers to scale efficiently and deliver seamless investor journeys," said Octavian Popescu, CEO of ROYC. "ROYC has been an important partner in developing our new wealth platform, which increases our access to capital. Infrastructure is at the heart of global growth. With aging assets and rising government deficits worldwide, the demand for private capital to finance high-quality infrastructure has never been greater. We see this as a compelling and expanding asset class," said Gautam Bhandari, Global Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, I Squared. About ROYC ROYC is the leading European B2B financial technology company that provides a complete private markets operating system, empowering private equity firms, banks, wealth managers, and multi-family offices to seamlessly access, distribute, and manage private investments at scale. As private markets expand, financial institutions require scalable, technology-driven solutions to manage complexity, optimising fund operations, and delivering exceptional client experiences. ROYC combines state-of-the-art private markets technology with tailored fund structuring and investment solutions. Its intuitive, scalable platform replaces manual processes with automation and real-time data access, transforming how private market investments are managed across the entire fund lifecycle. About I Squared Capital I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $50 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at www.isquaredcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250924062763/en/ Contact For additional information or interview [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. EU chief backs calls to keep children off social media United Nations, United States, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday threw her support behind growing calls to ban social media use for children, promising to weigh action at the European level in coming months. "Many member states believe the time has come for a 'digital majority age' for access to social media," the European Commission head told an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. "I must tell you as a mother of seven children, and grandmother of five, I share their view," she told the gathering in New York. Von der Leyen was speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose country is at the forefront of global efforts to curb internet harms -- with its social media ban on under-16s a world-first. "We all agree that young people should reach a certain age before they smoke, drink, or have access to adult content," she said. "The same can be said for social media." Von der Leyen said she would establish a panel of experts and talk to parents, teachers and young people "to assess what steps make sense" at the EU level. The 27-nation bloc has some of the world's strictest rules to fight harmful content online, with several investigations looking into how the biggest social media platforms protect children -- or not. France, Greece and Spain are among several EU states pushing for restrictions on minors' access to online platforms. They proposed earlier this year setting an age of digital adulthood across the bloc, but Brussels initially appeared lukewarm. Von der Leyen's commission said at the time such a move would be for each member state to decide, rather than be imposed by the union's executive arm. Social media companies including Facebook and Instagram owner Meta have expressed concerns about Australia's law. - French pressure - Denmark, which holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, has made the issue a priority and vowed to push the bloc to do more. France has also driven the issue to the top of the agenda, having already passed a 2023 law requiring parental consent for social media users under the age of 15, higher than the 13=year-old limit set by the platforms themselves. French lawmakers have gone further in calling for a "digital curfew" for older minors, for example, between 10 pm and 8 am for 15 to 18-year-olds. They have focused particularly on concerns about TikTok -- owned by China-based ByteDance -- including content encouraging self harm. France is also one of five EU countries testing an app aimed at preventing children from accessing harmful content online by checking users' ages. Denmark, France, Greece, Italy and Spain will customise a prototype of an age-verification app to launch national versions within several months. raz/ec/gv Wiretapping scandal goes to court in Greece Athens, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 A trial linked to the illegal wiretapping of politicians and journalists using the spy software Predator opened on Wednesday in Greece, three years after a scandal that rocked the country. Four people -- two Israelis and two Greeks -- are being tried at the Athens Criminal Court for the "violation of telephone communication secrecy" and face a maximum five-year prison sentence. Their trial, initially scheduled for March, was postponed by six months. Wednesday's hearing was adjourned until October 22, a court official said. Three of the defendants are former executives of the Greek company Intellexa, which marketed the Predator spyware in Greece. Predator allows hackers to access messages, photos and even remotely activate the microphone or camera of the infected device. In 2023, Intellexa was added to a list of companies banned in the United States as a threat to national security, alongside Cytrox, which developed Predator in North Macedonia. - 'Violation' - One of the main victims of the scandal, Greek financial journalist Thanassis Koukakis, told AFP it was "a true violation of the rule of law". The case, uncovered by Koukakis in early 2022, rattled the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leading to resignations by the head of Greece's EYP National Intelligence Service as well as the prime minister's top aide and nephew. Koukakis has filed a civil lawsuit in the trial after being placed under surveillance by EYP with the spyware. "My surveillance began with the secret services in 2020, before my phone was infected in 2021 by eight text messages coming from Predator," he said. "The government tried to downplay the case at the start despite media revelations to shield the real political culprits." The scandal made headlines in July 2022 when Nikos Androulakis, leader of opposition party Pasok-Kinal and then a member of the European Parliament, revealed that his phone had been the target of "an infection attempt" by the spyware. "It was at that moment that a significant surveillance network was revealed, accelerating the judicial investigation," said Koukakis, who was then a journalist at CNN Greece and a contributor to several foreign media outlets. The prime minister, who faced a motion of no confidence in parliament over the case, insisted that the surveillance was legal, but parliament has since voted to ban the use of spyware. Lists of people spied on, including ministers, senior military officials, journalists and business executives, were later released in the press. - 'New blow' - Koukakis, who had been investigating corruption in Greece at the time of the wiretaps, blames the government for what he called a "political scandal". Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a press watchdog, said the case represented "a new blow to media freedom" in the country. Some of the dozens of people targeted by Predator, together with the Authority for the Protection of Communications Secrecy (ADAE), brought the case before the European Parliament in 2023. They denounced "the delay in the investigation" and "the government's intervention in the ADAE". "This scandal constitutes an institutional violation due to the executive's interference in independent authorities and the judiciary. It's a real violation of the rule of law," Koukakis said. Last year, members of the European Parliament called for strict rules to prevent the use of spyware, singling out Hungary. Poland, Greece, Spain and Cyprus on suspicion of using it. Koukakis's lawyer, Zacharias Kesses, condemned the alleged involvement of EYP and the government, and the fact that no politicians have been prosecuted to date. However, Greece's top prosecutor said last year there was no evidence of "national intelligence service involvement". The case has since been reduced to a single offence. But "there is sufficient evidence proving at least two serious crimes," Kesses told AFP. "The first is the violation of personal data... and the second, the violation of state secrets, stemming from the documented wiretapping of the armed forces leadership and half the cabinet ministers." Around 10 people, including Androulakis, have filed civil suits but Koukasis said "there are many more victims of Predator". "The case file contains thousands of pages of documents, and the proceedings will last several months," Kesses added. Microsoft offers no-cost Windows 10 lifeline Washington, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Microsoft on Wednesday announced new options for US and European customers to safely extend the life of the Windows 10 operating system free of charge just days before a key deadline to upgrade to Windows 11. The US tech giant plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, a move that has drawn criticism from consumer advocacy groups and sparked concerns among users who fear they'll need to purchase new computers to stay protected from cyber threats. Users who are unable to upgrade or choose to forgo the extended security updates will face increased vulnerability to cyberattacks. In response to these concerns, Microsoft informed European users that essential security updates will be extended for one year at no additional cost, provided they log in with a Microsoft account. Previously, the company had offered a one-year extension of Windows 10 security updates for $30 to users whose hardware is incompatible with Windows 11. In the US, a similar free option will allow users to upload their Windows 10 profiles to Microsoft's backup service and receive security updates for up to one year. Alternatively, US customers can opt to pay $30 for the extension or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points -- earned through activity on the company's platforms -- to access the updates. In Europe, advocacy groups have pushed for concessions. French organization Halte a l'Obsolescence Programmee (HOP) launched a petition demanding free updates through 2030. Meanwhile, Germany's Verbraucherzentrale consumer federation warned in May that Microsoft's decision "worries consumers and limits their ability to make free purchasing choices." According to US-based Consumer Reports, an estimated 650 million people worldwide were still using Windows 10 as of August. mng/arp/ksb This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the exterior view of the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the exterior view of the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a sculpture titled "Let Us Beat Swords Into Ploughshares" at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the exterior view of the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows the exterior view of the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People walk past a sculpture titled "Non-Violence" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 18, 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) A woman walks past a photo of original manuscript of the Preamble to the United Nations Charter exhibited during an exhibition themed "Reviving the Spirit of San Francisco" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 18, 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a sculpture titled "Non-Violence" at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People walk past an exhibition themed "Reviving the Spirit of San Francisco" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 18, 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) People walk past a sculpture titled "Non-Violence" at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 18, 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a sculpture titled "Non-Violence" at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Picture taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a photo of the UN Charter exhibited during an exhibition themed "Reviving the Spirit of San Francisco" at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) This photo taken on Sept. 18, 2025 shows a sculpture titled "Let Us Beat Swords Into Ploughshares" at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. (Xinhua/Li Rui) Trump says Ukraine can win back all territory, in sudden shift United Nations, United States, Sept 23 (AFP) Sep 23, 2025 US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia, in an astonishing turnaround on the war after meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump's suggestion that Kyiv could win, with financial support from EU and NATO, marks an extraordinary shift after months of saying Ukraine would likely have to cede land to its larger neighbor. Zelensky hailed Trump's comments as a "big shift." In a further jibe at Moscow, he also called for NATO countries to shoot down any Russian fighter jets violating their airspace, following a series of incidents that have rattled US allies in Eastern Europe. "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump said in a Truth Social Post after meeting Zelensky at the United Nations. Trump added that on top of being able to take back the country in its original form, Kyiv could "maybe even go further than that!" -- although he did not elaborate on what he meant. - 'BIG economic trouble' - The US leader's comments mark the latest in a series of reversals on Ukraine, including a sudden pivot to peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin early this year that stunned allies. Trump had also shown lukewarm support for Ukraine, telling Zelensky during a televised Oval Office bust-up in February that "you don't have the cards" to beat Russia. But his new shift reflected his growing frustration with Putin since a summit in Alaska on August 15 failed to produce a breakthrough, and was instead followed by increased Russian attacks. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that he had counted on a bond with Putin to bring an end to the three-and-a-half-year-old war -- but "unfortunately, that relationship didn't mean anything." In his post, Trump said he had changed his view on the war "after getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia." "Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act," Trump said. He added that Russia was "fighting aimlessly" after more than three years of war and was now a "paper tiger" instead of a serious nuclear force. - 'Good luck to all!' - Amid astonishment in Europe about Trump's sudden shift, there were concerns in some capitals that the US president's message may not have been quite what it seemed. The references to EU and NATO, combined with his closing comment "Good luck to all!", led to fears that he may be trying to wash his hands of a conflict that he blames on his predecessor Joe Biden. Trump, who has repeatedly pushed NATO to take more of the burden for supporting Ukraine, insisted Washington would continue to give NATO weapons "to do what they want with them." Trump's announcement came shortly after Zelensky briefed him on what he said were Ukraine's recent military successes against Russia, despite Moscow's grinding advances in the east of the country. "This post of Trump is a big shift," Zelensky said in a press conference. Zelensky meanwhile, raised the alarm over Russia's recent drone intrusions into NATO nations, saying Putin was probing the "weak places" in the alliance's defenses. Trump said NATO forces would be within their rights to act. "Yes I do," Trump said when a reporter asked if NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace. Recent incidents include NATO scrambling jets after three Russian fighters on Friday breached Estonian airspace, and Poland saying earlier this month that Russian drones had repeatedly crossed into its territory during an attack on Ukraine. Iran meets Europeans but no breakthrough as Tehran pushes back United Nations, United States, Sept 23 (AFP) Sep 23, 2025 European powers seeking to soon reimpose tough sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program met Tuesday with Tehran's top diplomat, but there were no signs of compromise. There was however an agreement to continue talks as the clock ticks on the reimposition of deep sanctions on Iran's economy, even as Iran's supreme leader resisted European pressure. "Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters before the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. But he added: "The chances of reaching a diplomatic solution before the sanctions go into effect are slim." French President Emmanuel Macron said he would meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Wednesday to pursue a deal, but warned that "either Iran makes a gesture and goes back to the path of peace and accountability... or sanctions will have to be imposed." Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said the Islamic republic would not give in to pressure to abandon its enrichment of uranium. "We did not surrender and we will not. We did not and will not yield to pressure in this matter or any other matter," he said. Iran's foreign ministry said "it was agreed that consultations with all parties involved would continue." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has until the end of Saturday to reach a deal with his British, French, German and EU counterparts to avoid the reinstatement of UN sanctions, which had been suspended under a deal signed in 2015. - 'The most dangerous weapon' - Araghchi met in New York with his counterparts from the three European powers as well as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Iran and the Europeans blame one another for the failure of diplomatic efforts to reach a new agreement on Tehran's nuclear program, long a rancorous sticking point between the two sides. European countries and the United States suspect the Iranian government of seeking to acquire an atomic bomb. Tehran has vigorously denied that, insisting it has a right to civilian nuclear energy. Israel in June carried out a major military campaign against Iranian nuclear sites, with President Donald Trump joining by ordering US warplanes to drop bombs on key targets. The Trump administration, which had long pushed for the reimposition of sanctions, has voiced a willingness to hold talks with Iran, which doubts Washington's sincerity. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told AFP on Monday that US envoy Steve Witkoff was exploring different ways of communicating with Iran, without specifying further details. The United States has not commented on any contact with Iran in New York. But Khamenei said "one cannot negotiate with such a party. In my view, negotiations with the United States on the nuclear issue, and perhaps on other issues as well, are a complete dead end." Trump, addressing the UN General Assembly, contended that US warplanes succeeded in "totally obliterating" Iranian nuclear sites. "My position, it's very simple. The world's number-one sponsor of terror can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon," Trump said. The European side has set three conditions to extend the sanction relief period to allow more time for negotiations on a comprehensive treaty. They include the resumption of direct negotiations without preconditions, full access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to Iranian nuclear sites, and accurate information on the location of enriched materials. The European side believes that none of the conditions have been met. Tehran accuses the European powers of exerting political pressure that undermines negotiations and claims to have produced a "balanced" proposal, the details of which have not been disclosed. Italy deploys frigate after drone 'attack' on Gaza aid flotilla Rome, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto sent a navy frigate Wednesday to assist a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, after organisers said several of their boats had been targeted by drones off Greece. The Global Sumud Flotilla said more than a dozen explosions were heard around the flotilla late Tuesday, with damage caused by "unidentified objects" dropped on deck. Crosetto said he "authorised the immediate intervention of the Italian Navy's multi-purpose frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete as part of Operation Safe Sea". "The vessel is already en route to the area for possible rescue operations", he said in a statement posted on X. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) set sail from Barcelona this month with the aim of breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid. Israel, which blocked two previous attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea in June and July, has said it will not allow the flotilla to reach the embattled Palestinian territory. "Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade," foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein told AFP. "If their intentions are sincere, they should transfer any such aid to the nearby Ashkelon Marina so it can be forwarded promptly to the Gaza Strip in a non-violent manner," he said. - 'Strongest condemnation' - Several of the boats reported explosions Tuesday and unidentified objects being dropped on and near boats, causing damage and widespread obstruction in communications, GSF said. It accused Israel of "endangering the 500+ unarmed civilians aboard the flotilla" that is carrying activists from 45 countries, including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg. "The drones that have been following us for days have detonated an explosive device, knocking off the boat's jib, and we're at risk of the mast falling," said Stefano Bertoldi, an Italian activist with the climate group "Ultima Generazione" (Last Generation) that is sailing in the flotilla. Bertoldi issued several maydays as the explosions rang out, Last Generation said in a statement. Crosetto expressed "the strongest condemnation" of the "attack" by "currently unidentified perpetrators". Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he had asked Israel to ensure the safety of "Italian citizens, along with members of parliament and MEPs". He has already informed Israel that "any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution," the ministry said in a statement. Tajani has also asked the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to "reiterate its previous request to the Israeli government to guarantee the absolute protection of the personnel on board," it said. The Global Sumud Flotilla currently numbers 51 vessels, most of which are off the Greek island of Crete. Vessels waiting to join the flotilla had already been targeted in two suspected drone attacks in Tunisia. - Maritime escort - The Greek coastguard told AFP that a patrol boat from the EU borders agency Frontex had approached one vessel and saw no evidence of damage. Contacted at its Warsaw headquarters, Frontex could not immediately confirm or deny the incident. Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement, which has a senator on one of the boats, called on the EU "to intervene immediately to defend the vessels flying the flags of member states" by providing "protection and maritime escort through the deployment of Frontex vessels". The pro-Palestinian Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. Sumud is Arabic word for "resilience". Israel has launched a major air and ground offensive on Gaza City in a bid to root out Hamas after nearly two years of war. During that time, Israeli military operations have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, figures the UN considers reliable. Hamas's attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Russia blamed for GPS attack on Spanish defence minister's plane Madrid, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 A plane carrying Spain's defence minister suffered an attack on its GPS navigation while flying near Russia's exclave of Kaliningrad on Wednesday, a ministry source said, the latest such incident blamed on Moscow. "There was an attempt to scramble the GPS signal" of the plane transporting Margarita Robles to Lithuania, the defence ministry source said, adding that the flight had an encrypted navigation system and was not "affected". "It seems to be normal on this trip, including for commercial flights" that pass close to the small territory wedged between EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania, the source said. Robles appeared to blame Russia during a news conference with her Lithuanian counterpart Dovile Sakaliene at Lithuania's Siauliai air base. "We all have the right to fly and travel across all European territory without, as we experienced this morning, interference by everyone knows who," Robles said. Sakaliene called the incident "another illustration that Russia is a neighbour that does not follow any rules and does not care about the damage it may cause". Earlier this month, the European Commission said Russia was suspected of jamming the GPS of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's plane as it prepared to land in Bulgaria. But Bulgaria's prime minister said there was "nothing unusual" about the GPS jamming, saying it was "one of the consequences" of Russia's three-year-old war in Ukraine and ruling out an investigation. Sweden's Transport Agency has reported that interference incidents with global navigation satellite systems in Swedish airspace spiked from 55 to 733 between 2023 and August 18, 2025, blaming Russia. The incidents have spread in scope, occurring over Swedish land and sea as well as international waters, the agency said. In early June, Sweden and five other Baltic Sea countries -- Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland -- raised the issue with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which Russia is a member state. The ICAO Council "expressed grave concern over the situation" and demanded that Russia end the interference, but incidents in the Baltic Sea region have increased, the agency said. France doubles down on threat to build future fighter jet alone Paris, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 France is in a position to develop a next-generation combat aircraft alone should negotiations with Germany and Spain fail, a government official said Wednesday. The statement comes a day after the head of French defence company Dassault said his firm could build the future European fighter jet by itself, as tensions persist with Germany over the multi-billion-euro project. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme was launched in 2017 to replace France's Rafale jet and the Eurofighter planes used by Germany and Spain. But the scheme, jointly developed by the three countries, has stalled as disagreements grow between Dassault and Airbus, which represents German and Spanish interests. The partners have sparred over questions of project leadership and how to divide up production. "Should we indeed not succeed in finding agreement on the programme's reorganisation, France will be able to build a fighter aircraft on its own," said the official, who asked not to be identified. This did not mean, the official added, that such a project would be "entirely French". Analysts estimate it will cost 100 billion euros ($118 billion) to develop the new jet and its cutting-edge technologies, scheduled to be operational in 2040. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took power in May, have been at pains to boost the political partnership at the heart of the European Union, at a time when US President Donald Trump has rocked transatlantic ties. Both European leaders have expressed support for the fighter jet project, but tensions between the two aerospace contractors have marred cooperation. In late August, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius urged France to break the impasse over the jet programme, saying "the project cannot tolerate any more delay." mra/jh/sjw/gv Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, president tells UN United Nations, United States, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Iran's president repeated Wednesday that his country is not seeking nuclear weapons, after military strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this year, and impending sanctions triggered by European powers. "I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb," President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly. "The one disturbing peace and stability in the region is Israel, but Iran is the one that gets punished," he said. Iran has long contended that it is not seeking nuclear weapons, pointing to an edict by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US intelligence has not concluded that the country has decided to build a nuclear weapon. But Israel, the United States and European countries have long been skeptical due to the country's advanced nuclear work, believing it could quickly pursue a bomb if it so decided. Britain, France and Germany have moved to reimpose UN sanctions that had been suspended under a 2015 nuclear deal that was negotiated by the United States and then torn up by US President Donald Trump. The sanctions are set to go into effect on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Tuesday with his European counterparts, leading to no clear headway other than an agreement to keep talking. Pezeshkian accused the Europeans of bad faith, saying that Iran's lack of cooperation was in response to Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Iran's sincere efforts as insufficient," Pezeshkian said. "All of this was in pursuit of nothing less than the destruction of the very JCPOA which they themselves had once held as a foremost achievement." Standing at the General Assembly rostrum, Pezeshkian showed pictures of people killed in the Israeli military campaign against Iran, which Tehran says killed more than 1,000 people. "Aerial assaults of the Zionist regime and the United States of America against Iran's cities, homes and infrastructure at the very time we were treading the path of diplomatic negotiations constituted a grave betrayal of diplomacy," he said. Uranium enrichment: Why Iran refuses to step back Tehran, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected any compromise over his country's nuclear programme this week, vowing not to yield to pressure to give up uranium enrichment. The issue has long been at the centre of disputes with Western powers, especially the United States, which accuse Tehran of seeking a nuclear weapon -- a claim Khamenei again denied. Below are key questions: - Why insist on enrichment? - Iran's nuclear sector employs more than 17,000 people, according to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi. He says nuclear energy is used for electricity as well as health, agriculture and advanced technologies. Khamenei said enriched materials support sectors including Iran's strained power grid during rare summer heatwaves. Civilian nuclear plants use uranium enriched to between three and five percent, while Tehran's research reactor requires up to 20 percent, according to Iranian media. Enrichment rose to 60 percent after Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran during his first term as US president in 2018. Iran insists the enrichment programme has no military ambitions, though 60 percent is just short of the 90 percent weapons threshold. The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to such levels. Tehran says it has paid a high price for its enrichment activities including assassinations of scientists and sabotage of facilities in attacks mostly blamed on Israel. In June, Israel attacked Iran, and was later joined by the United States in strikes on nuclear sites. - Why is it non-negotiable? - Washington now demands Tehran renounce enrichment -- a US red line. The 2015 accord capped Iran's enrichment at 3.67 percent in exchange for sanctions relief over a 10-year period ending in October. Khamenei said Iran had "carried out all the obligations we were supposed to do" but "none of the promises they made were fulfilled". He argues giving up enrichment would put the Islamic republic in an even weaker position than under the 2015 deal, which already faced opposition from hardliners. Tehran also considers civilian nuclear energy -- including uranium enrichment -- a right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of which it is a member. - When did it start? - Iran's nuclear programme dates back to the 1950s under the US-backed shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who signed a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Washington in 1957. Tehran ratified the NPT in 1970, placing nuclear material under IAEA oversight. In 1974, the shah launched an ambitious plan to build at least 20 power plants to meet rising domestic energy needs and offset finite oil reserves. Construction began in Bushehr with German firm Siemens but was halted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. - Why suspicion? - In 2002, satellite images aired by US broadcasters revealed two undeclared sites near Arak and Natanz. The following year, the United Nations found traces of enriched uranium at Natanz, one of Iran's main facilities targeted by the United States when it joined Israel in attacking Iran this year. Western powers, led by the United States and joined by Israel, accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge it denies, sparking a prolonged standoff. Iran began enrichment to 3.5 percent in 2006, later raising it to 4.8 percent. The United Nations imposed its first sanctions that December. By 2009, enrichment reached 20 percent. Tensions eased in 2015 with a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and major powers. But with the United States' withdrawal, renewed sanctions and Iran's move to enrich uranium to 60 percent, the dispute is back at the forefront of international attention, with potential sanctions looming. sbr-pdm/rkh/dv Algeria says army raid kills six militants Algiers, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Algerian military forces have killed six militants in an operation targeting "terrorists" in the country's east, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. Authorities regularly report "terrorist" killings, often referring to armed Islamist groups that have remained active in the North African country years after the end of its civil war in 2002. The defence ministry's statement said that "as part of the fight against terrorism, an army detachment... eliminated six terrorists and recovered six Kalashnikov machine guns with significant ammunition". It added that Algeria's army chief Said Chengriha visited the raided site in Tebessa province, near the Tunisian border. The statement did not identify the slain people, and there were no reports of casualties among the troops. In the first half of 2025, counterterrorism operations across Algeria killed at least 35 people, the defence ministry has said. Despite a 2005 amnesty law following the end of the civil war, Islamist groups continue to carry out sporadic operations, often in mountainous and sparsely populated areas. The civil war broke out in 1992 after the army cancelled Algeria's first democratic elections when the winning Islamic Salvation Front vowed to establish an Islamic state. Also called the Black Decade, the war left some 200,000 people dead, according to official figures. Yemen drone attack wounds 22 in Israeli resort town: army, rescuers Jerusalem, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Israel's military said a drone launched from Yemen struck the southern resort town of Eilat on Wednesday, with rescuers reporting nearly two dozen wounded. A military statement said the drone "fell in the area of Eilat" on the Red Sea coast after air defences had failed to intercept it, in the second such incident within days. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said its teams had treated 22 casualties, including two men, aged 26 and 60, who were in serious condition with shrapnel wounds. One person was moderately injured with a shrapnel wound to the back, and 19 others were in light condition suffering "from shrapnel and other injuries", the medical service said. Police said the drone fell in Eilat's city centre, causing damage in the area frequented by tourists. Footage shared on social media, which AFP could not independently verify, showed a drone flying above the resort town before crashing with smoke rising from the impact area. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which occurred on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have claimed similar attacks throughout the Gaza war since late 2023. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12, Eilat mayor Eli Lankri called on the government to "strike the Huthis hard" in retaliation for the drone attack. Lankri added that repeated Huthi attacks have disrupted operations at the Eilat port. The army earlier said air raid sirens rang throughout Eilat, a popular resort town at Israel's southern tip near the Egyptian and Jordanian borders where Israeli authorities had reported a drone strike on Thursday. Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened retaliation, saying that the Huthis "will learn the hard way" not to attack his country. Israel has already carried out multiple air raids on rebel-held areas of Yemen, and last month assassinated the head of the Huthi government together with 11 other senior officials. Yemen's Huthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drone at Israel since the start of the war in Gaza, with the rebel group saying it was acting in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas whose October 2023 attack sparked the war. Iran says it has documents linked to Israel nuclear programme Tehran, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Iranian state television on Wednesday broadcast images of documents and footage it said relate to Israel's nuclear activities -- which Israel, Tehran's sworn enemy, has never officially confirmed nor denied. The documentary showed copies of passports said to identify Israeli scientists, along with information on the location of military sites. It also aired footage said to have been filmed inside the Dimona reactor in southern Israel, which is widely believed to possess the Middle East's sole, if undeclared, nuclear arsenal. AFP was unable to verify the claims. In the documentary, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib said Iran had used information obtained in June to hit sensitive sites inside Israel that month. Iranian officials previously said before the war, they had acquired thousands of classified Israeli documents, including details on nuclear and military sites. The documentary also included photos of International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi described as personal, with one showing him kissing a person in a Minnie Mouse costume. It claimed the photos had been obtained by Israel, accusing it of spying on Grossi. Since Israel's surprise attack on Iran in June which triggered 12 days of war, Iran's political leadership has openly targeted the IAEA and its director, accusing them of partial complicity. Tehran slammed the agency for failing to condemn strikes by Israel -- and later the United States -- on its nuclear facilities. The airing of the documentary comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and Western states over the Islamic republic's nuclear activities. The West, led by the United States and backed by Israel, accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons -- allegations Tehran vehemently denies, insisting its atomic programme is purely civilian. Israel sees Iran's nuclear programme as an existential threat. Iran and Israel have waged a shadow war for years, marked by Tehran's arrests of alleged spies and accusations that Israel was behind targeted killings and sabotage linked to Iran's nuclear programme. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk on the South Lawn upon arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Sept. 23, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said on social media that he believes Ukraine, with support from Europe and NATO, "is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said on social media that he believes Ukraine, with support from Europe and NATO, "is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." The remarks signaled a sharp shift in the White House's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Trump has for months pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions to reach a ceasefire deal with Russia, claiming Kiev "doesn't have the cards" in the negotiations. "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option," Trump said. "We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them," said the president. When meeting with Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City earlier on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets that violate their airspace. In a letter dated Saturday and addressed to the president of the UN Security Council, Estonia claimed that three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered up to 10 km inside Estonia's airspace and stayed for 12 minutes on Friday. Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, denied that Russian jets had violated Estonian airspace and accused European states of Russophobia. Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said Monday that China urges the parties concerned to remain calm and exercise restraint, clarify facts and dispel doubts through dialogue and communication, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, and prevent the situation from expanding or escalating. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Marine One upon arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Sept. 23, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said on social media that he believes Ukraine, with support from Europe and NATO, "is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) France, US tell Iran still chance to avoid nuclear sanctions United Nations, United States, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 French President Emmanuel Macron and a US envoy said Wednesday that Iran still had a last chance to avoid deep UN sanctions if it addresses concerns on its nuclear program. France, Britain and Germany have set the clock through the UN Security Council to reimpose sweeping sanctions at the end of Saturday on Iran, which they say has not cooperated on the long-running nuclear row. Macron met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and urged him to reverse a series of steps taken by Tehran following an Israeli and US attack in June. Iran must allow full access to UN nuclear inspectors, immediately resume nuclear negotiations and offer transparency on highly enriched uranium whose whereabouts have been the subject of speculation, Macron said. "An agreement remains possible. Only a few hours are left. It's up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have raised," Macron wrote on X after meeting Pezeshkian. Steve Witkoff, Trump's real-estate friend and roving envoy who had been negotiating with Iran until Israel attacked, said without further elaboration that he was still in touch with Iran. Witkoff said that Iran was in a "tough position" ahead of the return of the so-called snapback sanctions. "I think that we have no desire to hurt them. We have a desire, however, to either realize a permanent solution and negotiate around snapbacks," Witkoff told the Concordia summit on the sidelines of the General Assembly. "If we can't, then snapbacks will be what they are. They're the right medicine," Witkoff said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Tuesday with his European counterparts, leading to no clear progress other than an agreement to keep talking. - Iran denies bomb pursuit - Ahead of meeting Macron, Pezeshkian insisted before the annual UN gathering that Iran was not at fault. "I hereby declare once more before this assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb," he said. "The one disturbing peace and stability in the region is Israel, but Iran is the one that gets punished," he said. Iran has long contended that it is not seeking nuclear weapons, pointing to an edict by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US intelligence has not concluded that the country has decided to build a nuclear weapon. But Israel, the United States and European countries have long been skeptical due to the country's advanced nuclear work, believing it could quickly pursue a bomb if it so decided. The snapback sanctions would restore wide-ranging UN economic measures that had been suspended under a 2015 nuclear deal that was negotiated by former US president Barack Obama. Trump withdrew from the deal in his first term and imposed major unilateral US sanctions. Pezeshkian accused the Europeans of bad faith, saying that Iran's lack of cooperation was in response to Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "They falsely presented themselves as parties of good standing to the agreement, and they disparaged Iran's sincere efforts as insufficient," Pezeshkian said. "All of this was in pursuit of nothing less than the destruction of the very JCPOA which they themselves had once held as a foremost achievement." Standing at the General Assembly rostrum, Pezeshkian showed pictures of people killed in the 12-day Israeli military campaign against Iran in June, which Tehran says killed more than 1,000 people. The United States joined in the campaign on June 22, striking several of Iran's nuclear facilities. "Aerial assaults of the Zionist regime and the United States of America against Iran's cities, homes and infrastructure at the very time we were treading the path of diplomatic negotiations constituted a grave betrayal of diplomacy," he said. Almost all of these scams start from social media platforms so wed advise only paying for a service if you can verify it first, and stick to official routes when booking your exam. Dont let a fraudster put the brakes on learning to drive. "Were you in or around the area on Saturday, 2 September? Did you see anything out of the ordinary? Do you remember seeing any individual who looks similar to the e-fit? " " It was way, way, way bigger than this. Joel Everard / Shutterstock In the adrenaline-fueled world of big wave surfing, riding a monster wave isnt just about guts. Its about timing, physics and a whole lot of energy from the ocean. Few moments in surf history carry as much weight as the one that put the biggest wave ever surfed in the record books. Advertisement Surfers from Hawaii to Portugal chase these giants, each hoping to catch the ride that will rewrite the limits of the sport. And the big wave community is always watching, measuring, and debating what counts. With one in six young Londoners unemployed, The Standard has joined forces with The Kings Trust to support unemployed young people into work or business. So far, 700,000 has been raised, with 450,000 going to Kings Trust programmes in London and 250,000 to four grassroots youth charities across the capital. We are calling on corporations, foundations, philanthropists and our readers to donate. All funds raised will go to Kings Trust programmes in London. Omar lived in unbridled luxury and gave his children plum roles in his government. Until 2009, his daughter Pascaline was director of the presidential cabinet, while Ali was minister of defence. Omars rule was often described as dynastic and kleptocratic: state coffers were plundered and elections were marked by consistent irregularities. Yet Noureddin brushes over the criticisms of his grandfather. It always seemed to me that people thought he was doing a great job, he says. A lot of people told me how he was a man of peace. While civil wars raged in neighbouring countries, Gabon remained conflict-free. Part of the reason for this, Rich explains, is that Omar preferred to deal with his opponents through bribery over bloodshed. He said: We talk about the coalition of the willing. Well, if theyre really willing, I can tell you, Ive just been to Ukraine, like many of you why dont we send [British troops] there now to the many safe parts of Ukraine to make the point that it is Ukrainians who decide which foreign troops come on to their soil? Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made a speech to mark the war museums opening. Mr Johnson urged the UK government to finally put a stop to the war, telling the audience that the UK and its allies lacked the will and the leadership and the sense of urgency to put a stop to the war. He also suggested the UK should send troops to Ukraine now rather than later. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue Look at their string of criminal convictions, sex offences, and such like, if those are the people that councillors in the group opposite see fit to quote in this chamber, see fit to laud in this chamber and to see fit to use as part of normative political discourse something is very wrong. But anyone who wants to make a meaningful difference in our city will always be more welcome than those who wish to spread hate and cause division, they do not represent the Newcastle we all know and love, and they are not welcome here. Kadir and his wife had two children when they arrived in the UK from Iraq nine years ago and have had a third since. The family occupies two hotel rooms - one for the couple and their baby while the other is for daughter, 12, and son,14. Last week, prosecution barrister Louis Mably KC argued that statements given by soldiers G and H to the Royal Military Police (RMP) on the night of the shootings, and to the Widgery Tribunal in 1972, are the only evidence capable of proving Soldier F fired his rifle at civilians in Glenfada Park North. Williams may have stunned the paddock with Carlos Sainzs remarkable qualifying performance in Baku, but team boss James Vowles has issued a downbeat forecast ahead of next weeks Singapore Grand Prix. The shift from Azerbaijans high-speed streets to the tight, twisty Marina Bay circuit has the Grove-based outfits team principal bracing for a far tougher outing. However, Vowles remains optimistic about the teams prospects for the races that follow. Sainzs second-place qualifying in Azerbaijan marked a high point for Williams, showcasing significant progress in addressing their long-standing tyre preparation issues. We had a menu of about 10 items just to get the tyres in a better window and I think it worked, he told the official Formula 1 channel. If we go back to qualifying, Carlos lap wasnt magic to me it was a good lap, but we were able to get the tyre finally into a good position. That breakthrough helped deliver a shock front-row start for Sainz, proving the FW47 can be competitive when the conditions align. Reality Check Expected for Singapore But Vowles was quick to temper expectations, warning that Singapore is unlikely to suit the teams package. We were quick in Baku and weve been quick in Baku in the past, he admitted. Singapores going to be a tough matter, I think thats just the reality behind it. My prediction, and this could be entirely wrong, is were going to struggle in Singapore, Vowles continued. I think when we go to the max wing, we know thats not what this cars optimised for at all. For clarity, the wing that were running is a year-old wing. We didnt invest in that downforce level. So thats why Im, unfortunately, fairly confident [that] its not going to be last [place], but it would not be in the position we are here. Encouragement From Development Gains Despite the looming difficulties in Singapore, Vowles highlighted encouraging signs from recent upgrades and hinted that better days lie ahead. There was a little update that we sort of snuck in, he revealed. There was a mixture of developments which helped us in around Spa-time. We still had the focus on 26, we did it in a slightly different way and Im very proud of how the team went around that. The results have been tangible: Williams now sits 29 points clear of Racing Bulls in the battle for fifth in the Constructors standings. At the beginning of the year we knew itd be very tight in the midfield, but to still be here now and actually pulling a little bit of I wouldnt say quite comfortable yet but a little breathing room to the others is a great reward for a team thats really pushing on. Eyes on Future Tracks While Vowles accepts Singapore may be a low point, he expects the FW47 to come alive again at several other venues. Going forward from there though, theres some great tracks for us. Abu Dhabi I think would be very good, Vegas would be good for us, I think Brazil and Mexico would be very good for us as well. So I think theres a few on the calendar still where well have a good opportunity. I might regret these words but what weve said already is this car, if you look all season long, apart from where we havent had reliability [and] we havent finished races, Alex and Carlos had the opportunity to score points at most events, Vowles added. Thats a difference to a year ago so I think theres more good than bad following and weve just got to make sure we keep scoring when the points are available. Vowles cautious optimism reflects a team on the rise, navigating a delicate balance between immediate challenges and long-term ambitions. While Singapore may test their resolve, Williams recent strides suggest theyre ready to capitalize on opportunities in the races ahead. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," Carr said in relation to removing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a podcast hosted by Benny Johnson. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or there's going to be additional work for the FCC ahead." Shown is an entrance to the Stargate AI data center complex in Abilene. Matt OBrien/AP ABILENE The afternoon sun was so hot that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman traded his usual crew neck sweater for a T-shirt on the last legs of a visit to the massive Stargate artificial intelligence data center complex that will power the future of ChatGPT. OpenAI announced Tuesday that its flagship AI data center in Texas will be joined by five others around the U.S. as the ChatGPT maker aims to make good on the $500 billion infrastructure investment promoted by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stargate, a joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle and Softbank, said it is building two more data center complexes in Texas, one in New Mexico, one in Ohio and another in a Midwest location it hasnt yet disclosed. The project in Abilene, promised to be the biggest of them all, is transforming what the citys mayor called an old railroad town. AI supercluster in Abilene Oracle executives visiting the eight-building complex said it is already on track to be the worlds largest AI supercluster once fully built, a reference to its network of hundreds of thousands of AI computer chips that will be running in its H-shaped buildings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, shows off the Stargate AI data center project in Abilene on Tuesday. Matt OBrien/AP Altman said, When you hit that button on ChatGPT, you really dont I dont, at least think about what happens inside the data halls used to build and operate the chatbot. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source He and Oracles new co-CEO Clay Magouyrk also sought to emphasize the steps theyve taken to reduce the energy-hungry complexs environmental effects on a drought-prone region of West Texas, where temperatures hit 97 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were burning gas to run this data center, said Altman, but added that in the long trajectory of Stargate, the hope is to rely on many other power sources. The complex will require about 900 megawatts of electricity to power the eight buildings. One is already operating, and a second that Altman and Magouyrk visited Tuesday is nearly complete. Each server rack in those buildings holds 72 of Nvidias GB200 chips, which are specially designed for the most intensive AI workloads. Each building is expected to have about 60,000 of them. More than 6,000 workers now commute to the massive construction project each day, in what Mayor Weldon Hurt described as a significant boost to the local economy. The campus and nearby expansion will provide nearly 1,700 jobs on-site when fully operational, Oracle said, with thousands more indirect jobs predicted to be created. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Handmade signs lining the roads to the facility advertise move-in-ready homes for workers. AI WORKERS? HUGE DISCOUNTS says one promising homes with one to six bedrooms. A sign advertises housing for workers is set up along the road to the Stargate AI data center complex. Matt O'Brien/AP Water issues But Hurt also acknowledged that residents have mixed feelings about the project due to its water and energy needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The citys chronically stressed reservoirs were at roughly half-capacity this week. Residents must follow a two-day-a-week outdoor watering schedule, trading off based on whether their address numbers are odd or even. One million gallons of water from the citys municipal water systems provides an initial fill for a closed-loop system that cools the data centers computers and keeps the water from evaporating. After that initial fill, Oracle expects each of the eight buildings to need another 12,000 gallons per year, which it describes as a remarkably low figure for a facility of this scale. These data centers are designed to not use water, Magouyrk said. All of the data centers that were building (in) this part of Stargate are designed to not use water. The reason we do that is because it turns out thats harmful for the environment and this is a better solution. The closed-loop system shows that the developer is taking its impact on local public water supplies seriously, but the overall environmental effect is more nuanced because such systems require more electricity, which also means higher indirect water usage through power generation, said Shaolei Ren, a professor at the University of California, Riverside, who has studied AIs environmental toll. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Indeed, the data center complex includes a new natural gas-fired power plant, using turbines similar to those that power warships. The companies say the plant is meant to provide backup power for the data halls and is a better option than traditional diesel generators. Most of the power comes from the local grid, sourced from a mix of natural gas with the sprawling wind and solar farms that dot the windy and sunny region. Ren said that even with emission-reduction measures, the health impacts of essentially turning the data center site into a power plant deserve further study for nearby communities. Residents caught off-guard Arlene Mendler, a Stargate neighbor, said she wished she had more say in the project that eliminated a vast tract of mesquite shrubland, home to coyotes and roadrunners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Arlene Mendler moved to a rural area north of Abilene more than 30 years ago for the natural setting. But the Stargate project going up across the street has completely changed the way we were living, she says. Matt O'Brien/AP It has completely changed the way we were living, said Mendler, who lives across the street. We moved up here 33 years ago for the peace, quiet, tranquility. After we got home from work, we could ride horses down the road. It was that type of a place. Now, she doesnt know what to do about the constant cacophony of construction sounds or the bright lights that have altered her nighttime views. The project was essentially a done deal once she found out about it. They took 1,200 acres and just scraped it to bare dirt, said her husband, Fred Mendler. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first time most residents heard of Stargate at least by that name was when Trump announced the project shortly after returning to the White House in January. Originally planned as a facility to mine cryptocurrency, developers had pivoted and expanded their designs to tailor the project to the AI boom sparked by ChatGPT. The partnership said at that time it was investing $100 billion and eventually up to $500 billion to build large-scale data centers and the energy generation needed to further AI development. More recently, OpenAI signed a $300 billion deal to buy computing capacity from Oracle. Its a huge bet for the San Francisco-based AI startup, which was founded as a nonprofit. Texas is ground zero OpenAI and Oracle invited media and politicians, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, to tour the site for the first time Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cruz called Texas ground zero for AI because if youre building a data center, what do you want? No. 1, you want abundant, low-cost energy. From left, Rep. Jodey Arrington, Sen. Ted Cruz, Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman answer questions during a Tuesday news conference in Abilene. Matt OBrien/AP Of the other five Stargate data center projects announced Tuesday, Oracle is working with OpenAI to build one just northeast of Abilene, in Shackelford County, and another in New Mexicos Dona Ana County. It also said it is working to build one in the Midwest. Softbank said it has broken ground on the other Texas project, in Milam County, and also on one in Lordstown, Ohio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The projects offer OpenAI a way to break out from its longtime partnership with Microsoft, which until recently was the startups exclusive computing partner. Altman said his company has been severely limited for the value we can offer to people. ChatGPT is slow. Its not as smart as wed like to be. Many users cant use it as much as they would like, Altman said. We have many other ideas and products we want to build. SWIFT, the Space Workforce Incubator for Texas, is opening its inaugural rocket lab at Hays Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing's East Austin facility. The partnership will train students to design and manufacture rockets and work with carbon composites. Provided by SWIFT. With the Texas space industry continuing to expand, two organizations are partnering to open a new rocket lab in Austin. The Space Workforce Incubator for Texas or SWIFT and the Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing said they are launching their inaugural lab this fall at a 50,000-square-foot training and events facility in East Austin. Its pairing advanced manufacturing with the space industry's needs, making the case that the two are inseparable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Space exploration cannot advance without advanced manufacturing, and the space, the companies said in a joint statement about the partnership. The program, still in development, will provide hands-on training to students from Austin Community College and other institutions. Participants will design, build and manufacture rockets and prototype aerospace components. This is about creating a launchpad for the next generation of Texas industry, Innovation Center executive director Marcus Metzger said in a statement. Rockets represent the pinnacle of advanced manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of whats possible in materials, design and automation. By launching the SWIFT Rocket Lab at our facility, we are not just building hardware; we are building a direct pipeline from the classroom to the cosmos, and cementing Texass role as a leader in both space and manufacturing. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Innovation Center, an economic and workforce development nonprofit, began work on its East Austin facility at at 6210 Quinn Luke Trail last year. The center serves as a co-working space for startups focused on areas like robotics and artificial intelligence. It also houses classrooms to support instruction and training in advanced manufacturing. Additionally, the facility is home to the headquarters of the SH 130 Municipal Management District, which was created by the state Legislature in 2015. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new rocket lab is launching with the global space industry projected to grow into a $1.8 trillion market by 2035. The space and defense technology sector has become increasingly commercialized and buzzworthy, fueled in part by billionaire-led companies such as Elon Musks SpaceX and Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin, as well as the successes of commercial space companies like Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace. SWIFT, a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit, was formed last year in response to the rapidly evolving space industry and aims to support Texas aerospace companies through workforce training. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rocket lab plans to collaborate with aerospace and advanced manufacturing companies in Texas to secure equipment and create training projects. It will also pursue funding and grant opportunities from entities such as the Texas Space Commission, which has allocated $126 million toward 22 projects, and federal agencies like NASA. JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Tuesday, September 23 included Glen Powell ("Chad Powers"), and musical guest Sarah McLachlan. (Disney/Randy Holmes)A JIMMY KIMMEL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returned to his show Tuesday night after being suspended last week. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Walt Disney-owned network announced it had indefinitely removed the latenight program after Kimmels Sept. 15 monologue about the fatal shooting of the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kimmel's cold open showed a montage of cable news pundits discussing his return to the ABC show. It then showed a cutaway of him and his long-time comedic sidekick, Guillermo Rodrigue,z watching the news while dressed in mascot outfits. Kimmel then opened his show with a 17-minute monologue. Here is what the Late-Night host had to say about his return. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jimmy Kimmel's monologue: 'It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man' Kimmel gave an emotional monologue, at times shedding tears during his speech. For the first time, the host publicly addressed the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" after staying silent through days of backlash aimed at ABC and its parent company, Disney. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Emmy-winning comedian recalled the outpouring of support from friends and fans, underscoring the importance of free speech. Kimmel even thanked Sen. Ted Cruz during his monologue after Cruz condemned the suspension of Kimmel. Both men have been critical of each other in the past. Kimmels suspension drew sharp criticism from prominent figures, including David Letterman and former President Barack Obama, while frustrated viewers launched boycotts of Disney+ and Hulu. On Monday, Sept. 22, the Walt Disney Company announced that following thoughtful conversations with Kimmel, the show would return to the air the very next day, Tuesday, Sept. 23. Kimmel, holding back tears, stressed that he had never meant to trivialize Kirks assassination. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind, but I do want to make something clear, because it's important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," Kimmel said. "I dont think theres anything funny about it." You can watch the full monologue below. Who was Jimmy Kimmel's guest? Actor Glen Powell made an appearance on Kimmel's show. Powell shared that he moved back to his hometown of Austin while promoting his new show, "Chad Powers." Advertisement Article continues below this ad When introducing Powell, Kimmel apologized for dragging him into the middle of all this. Im honored. Im just so glad youre back, Powell replied. The actor went on to reminisce about his early days in Los Angeles, back in 2008, when he was still trying to break into Hollywood. He recalled how Kimmel and producer Diane Kelson would let him hang out in the shows green room. When you cant afford snacks or drinks, I could always come to Jimmy Kimmel Live! and have my feast, Powell joked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Given the plausibility of the plan to rekindle long-term growth, it's surprising that GIS shares can be bought for less than 14 times this year's expected earnings. Better still, you're plugging into a stock with a forward-looking dividend yield of 4.9%. And that's based on a well-protected dividend , by the way, that's been paid like clockwork for over a century -- one of the upshots of selling goods that consumers always need. The company's finally got a compelling comprehensive turnaround plan, though, that includes a rethinking of its packaging, pricing, and promotion. Notably, while rivals may be defensively scaling back their advertising budgets, General Mills is planning to spend more on marketing in the foreseeable future, capitalizing on the unique economic situation in place right now that's made most consumers more value-conscious. That's not to suggest the company behind brands like Pillsbury, Green Giant, Progresso, and Lucky Charms is thriving. Organic revenue for the fiscal first quarter ending in August was down 3% year over year, while operating profits fell 18%, starting a fiscal year that isn't expected to look much better; General Mills' guidance for the full year is for flat sales and a 10% to 15% decline in operating profits. These are all reasons General Mills (NYSE: GIS) shares are down 44% from their 2023 peak, dragged lower by the curbing of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent fallout of several decisions made during the coronavirus contagion. Sales as well as profits have been dwindling. The food business isn't just boring. It's also a slow-growing, low-margin industry, not to mention vulnerable to even merely modest inflation. Never even the massive amount of competition in this space. Not every ticker sports a sky-high valuation right now, however. Some stocks worth owning are still surprisingly cheap. Here's a look at three of these names that just might make sense for your long-term portfolio. The overall market remains quite expensive, with the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) priced at more than 25 times its trailing 12-month profits, and nearly 22 times its forward-looking earnings. Both are multi-year highs, intimidating many would-be buyers. Berkshire Hathaway is more than a collection of Buffetts individual stock picks. In fact, its stock holdings are a minority of the conglomerates current value. Chinas online shopping giant Alibaba has turned the corner, but not because of rekindled growth of its e-commerce business. After a rough three years, theres a light at the end of the tunnel for General Mills, as well as for its shareholders. (The dividend yield newcomers will be plugging into is just a nice bonus.) Story Continues 2. Alibaba It's been a great year for Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) shareholders. While the stock went nowhere for nearly three years in the wake of Beijing's 2022 regulatory crackdown on many of China's biggest technology companies, something clearly sparked some serious bullish interest this year. Shares are up an incredible 93% since the end of 2024, and seemingly still going strong. That something was mostly the company's move into the artificial intelligence (AI) space, of course. Although e-commerce is still Alibaba's single-biggest business as measured by revenue and profits, the organization's cloud intelligence arm that developed a conversational AI platform called Qwen produced company-leading year-over-year revenue growth of 26% for the three-month stretch ending in June. This is still just the beginning, though. See, there's something of an artificial intelligence arms race between China and the United States. The U.S. is arguably leading it, but China's certainly no slouch. Indeed, now that its technology companies are achieving a great deal of successful AI development without relying on American suppliers, analysts with Morgan Stanley have used the term "a sleeping giant awakens" to describe China's artificial intelligence revolution that's expected to produce a 52% return on their collective investments in AI by 2030. Alibaba will feature prominently in that growth, particularly now that it's building its own high-performance AI processor chips. The irony? China's adoption of its own home-grown AI solutions could spur economic growth that boosts the country's domestic consumer-spending Alibaba's e-commerce business needs more of. Goldman Sachs analysts believe AI will add 8% to China's GDP growth over the course of the coming 10 years. That's not a big number, but it's a lot when you're talking about any nation's GDP growth. It's admittedly a lot of dots to connect, which is why most investors aren't connecting them. Neither are most analysts, for that matter. Regardless, given the potential explosion of revenue and earnings here, Alibaba stock's a bargain at less than 20 times its trailing-12-month per-share earnings. 3. Berkshire Hathaway Finally, its individual stock holdings are so frequently discussed that it's easy to forget Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) is a publicly traded entity itself. But it is, and a compelling one right now, while valued at about 20 times its trailing and projected profits. This is an approximate number that requires an explanation. Yes, Berkshire holds a bunch of stocks that individual investors frequently use as ideas for their own portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway isn't just a de facto mutual fund, though. In fact, its current holdings in publicly traded companies only account for about one-third of Berkshire's total value right now. Another one-third is its sizable cash hoard, while yet-another one-third of its $1.0 trillion market cap reflects the value of all of Berkshire's privately owned businesses like Duracell batteries, Geico insurance, railroad BNSF, Fruit of the Loom, Pilot Travel Centers, and more. All of these cash cow companies contribute to what the conglomerate regularly reports as operating earnings, usually in the ballpark of $40 billion to $50 billion per year (while any investment gains or losses on its stock holdings are reported completely separately). Based on nothing other than these recurring operating earnings, Berkshire Hathaway shares are valued somewhere around 20 times this year's likely actual operating earnings without factoring in any gains on its stock picks. Now, take this number with a big grain of salt. Like any other business or group of businesses, this conglomerate's bottom line can be impacted by unforeseen economic turbulence. All I can say with any real certainty is that Berkshire booked about $17 billion worth of net operating income through the first half of 2025. It's still a pretty typical number, making Berkshire an attractive long-term value holding at this time. Making it even more attractive is the fact that one-third of your investment is effectively held safely as cash, which means the remaining third is reflective of all the stocks currently held by Berkshire Hathaway. Even in the unlikely event of all of these stocks suddenly crashing, the value of Berkshire's cash-generating businesses as well as its large cash position would still protect much of the conglomerate's per-share value. Of course, Buffett's stock picks tend to not only hold up, but reliably thrive in the long run. In other words, Berkshire Hathaway's relatively low valuation still overstates the actual risk investors are taking by owning a stake in the conglomerate. Should you buy stock in General Mills right now? Before you buy stock in General Mills, 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 General Mills 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 $661,694!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,082,963!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,067% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 190% 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 September 22, 2025 James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway and Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool recommends Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Have $1,000? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now was originally published by The Motley Fool Today's horoscope. Cat Syman/Times Union While the Moon travels through SCORPIO, stirring strong emotions and heightened sensitivity, Mars clashes with Pluto in AQUARIUS. (Yikes!) On top of this, the Moon also squares Pluto, doubling the emphasis on power struggles, resistance and the possibility of clashes over authority. This atmosphere carries a charge that can easily push minor disagreements into nasty confrontations. This same intensity, however, can be used for transformation and clarity if approached with discipline. (One hopes.) Act or Wait? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wait. Today's cosmic climate leans toward conflict and entanglements that drain more than they build. Arguments that are irresistible could leave scars. The wiser use of this energy is to pause, reflect and channel determination into private efforts or constructive reform. When tempers cool, stronger choices will emerge. Moon alert: After 5:30 a.m. EDT today (2:30 a.m. PDT) there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The Moon is in SCORPIO. Todays birthdays Happy Birthday for Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025: You're sensual and pleasure-loving. You're also humanitarian, considerate and curious. This is a year of service, probably to family. Take care of yourself so you can be a resource for others who might turn to you for guidance, comfort, solace and courage. Personalize your home to make it cozy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Born today: Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896), chess player Alexandra Botez (1995), actor Kevin Sorbo (1958) The stars show the kind of day youll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult Aries (March 21-April 19) Every warrior knows when to fight and when to wait for another day. You choose your battles. Disagreements about shared property, inheritances and anything that you own jointly with others are just not worth it today. Postpone these talks for another time. Be smart. Tonight: Check your finances. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Taurus (April 20-May 20) Be patient with partners, spouses and friends today to avoid conflicts. There's a lot of energy flying around. And it can either be used for good -- i.e., you can get things done and make improvements -- or you can waste this energy arguing with someone. Tonight: Cooperate. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Many people are irritable today. However, you are in the position of being able to use this energy to make improvements to where you work. You might introduce reforms or better ways of doing things. Don't get sucked into an argument. Tonight: Get organized. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cancer (June 21-July 22) Parents must be patient with their kids today. Knowing this ahead of time (hopefully), you can cut others some slack and not make a big deal about anything. This is not the day to throw down the gauntlet. Be patient and understanding. Tonight: Socialize! Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Do what you can to keep the peace at home, because domestic conflicts might arise today. Perhaps this is due to visiting company, renovations or some other cause that's creating some chaos where you live. It's never easy dealing with stress. Tonight: Cocoon at home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Fortunately, fair Venus is in your sign, which will help you to be diplomatic and charming (even though you might be doing a slow burn about something). Resist the urge to criticize someone or make a fast retort that will spark arguments. These conversations aren't worth having. Stay chill. Tonight: Conversations. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) More than any other sign, you like a harmonious environment, to the point that you appreciate color schemes, fragrances and the juxtaposition of line to shape so that your surroundings look pleasing. With this in mind, don't take the bait and fall into a financial argument with your kids or a romantic partner. Stay mellow. Tonight: Check your money. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today the choice is yours: You can use the energy that exists today to creatively transform the world around you, or you can engage in power struggles and disagreements with others. What's it going to be? Either way your energy is high -- and you can use it to get a lot of work done. Think about it. Tonight: You win! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) This is a popular time for you, and you make a charming, pleasant impression on others (especially bosses and VIPs). Therefore, resist the urge to fire a shot across someone's bow. Avoid arguments, even if you feel some quiet resentment. What's the upside of fighting? Tonight: Enjoy solitude. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Power struggles with friends and groups might take place today about ideologies, political ideas or what the mandate of a group should be. A discussion is one thing. An argument, on the other hand, is counterproductive. (But you know this.) Tonight: Be friendly. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Avoid power struggles, especially with the police, bosses, parents, teachers and anyone in a position of authority, because you're high-viz today. Others can see you. Fortunately, your skill in relating to friends and groups will carry you through this day. Tonight: You're admired. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) If you're smart, you'll avoid intense discussions about politics, religion or racial issues, because they will morph into nasty power struggles. Someone might be intent on convincing you to agree with their views. Or perhaps you are doing this. Stay frosty. Tonight: Explore and learn! * * * Find more Georgia Nicols horoscopes at georgianicols.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an aerial view, an inmate walks through the courtyard at the Bluebonnet Detention Center on May 13 in Anson, Texas. ICE has begun transferring illegal immigrant detainees to the Bluebonnet Detention Center after U.S. District Judge Wesley Hendrix readily offered the facility to the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act. Brandon Bell/Getty Images A shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas early Wednesday left two dead and two critically injured. The suspected shooter is among the deceased, officials said. In a morning news conference, Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas FBI field office, did not say whether the victims were detainees, but confirmed no law enforcement personnel were injured. The Associated Press later reported that the victims were detainees, according to Homeland Security. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rothrock said the bureau is investigating the attack as an act of targeted violence at the same facility that officials said previously received a bomb threat. Early evidence that weve seen from rounds that were found near the suspected shooter contain messages that are anti-ICE in nature, Rothrock said. This is just the most recent example of this type of attack. This will be a whole of government response. At the same news conference, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said, divisive rhetoric tragically has real consequences. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source This needs to stop, Cruz said. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres how other state and national leaders are responding. Texas Gov. Abbott, Dallas mayor respond Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took to social media Wednesday to condemn the attack, reinforcing his support for ICEs operations. This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants, Abbott said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No law enforcement officers were injured and victims were identified as detainees. Texas fully supports ICE Both the Texas Dept. of Public Safety & Texas National Guard work closely with ICE. This assassination will NOT slow our arrest, detention, & deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE & the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 24, 2025 Abbott also released an official statement emphasizing the same message and said the cowardly attack will not impede ICE operations. In other parts of the world, political violence grips countries after every change in leadership, strangling their nation, and putting lives at risk every day, the statement said. America cannot and will not become a country prone to such violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During this mornings press conference, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson asked for prayers for those killed and injured, as well as for the families of those involved. Im going to ask you all to join me also in praying for this city, that we can come together in a time like this and that we can be there for one another the way we always have, Johnson said. JD Vance: 'Praying for everyone' Vice President JD Vance also condemned the attack on social media platform X and said he is praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. I'm praying for everyone hurt in this attack and for their families. https://t.co/wEN3sqyGyQ JD Vance (@JDVance) September 24, 2025 Secretary of State Kristi Noem said ICE officers are facing unprecedented violence and called for the attacks to stop. There was a shooting this morning at the Dallas @ICEgov Field Office. Details are still emerging but we can confirm there were multiple injuries and fatalities. The shooter is deceased by a self-inflicted gun shot wound. While we dont know motive yet, we know that our ICE Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) September 24, 2025 Other attacks on ICE in Texas This isnt the first attack on an ICE facility in Texas this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Holy Bible in a drawer of a hotel room in Washington D.C. Some Christians say the Rapture will happen this week. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Despite an explosion of social media posts and unusual behavior, there have been no reports of missing people that indicate the Rapture. Here's what to know Wednesday morning. Why is everyone talking about the Rapture? A South African pastor has gone viral and sparked a flurry of social media posts after predicting the Rapture, a Christian belief relating to the end times, will happen this week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Earlier this month, Joshua Mhlakela said in an interview that the Rapture a precursor for Christ's Second Coming will occur on Sept. 23 and 24. "The Rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or you are not ready," Mhlakela told Centtwinz TV. The revelation came to Mhlakela in a dream, the pastor said, adding, "He told me I will come to take my church." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Christian Rapture rumors trending on social media Mhlakela's prediction has prompted an influx of social media posts about the Rapture both serious and sarcastic. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Several individuals who believe in the approaching Rapture are in the process of preparing for the phenomenon. There have been reports of people quitting their jobs, selling their homes and vehicles. Some social media users, like @sonj779 on TikTok, have shared "Rapture trip tips" for fellow believers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "When you finally start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don't hold on to anything," TikTok user @sonj779 said in one such video. "I definitely don't recommend looking down. I think we learned that lesson from Lot's wife. Just keep calm, take a deep breath, slowly release it and keep your face looking upwards." Meanwhile, other social media users seem to mock those making such preparations. Many have suggested those who believe they will be removed from Earth should hand over their money, since they will no longer need material possessions. "I will take your items," TikTok user @jamynon said. "I will take your car, I will take all your money. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make." Advertisement Article continues below this ad JTNDZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5nb29nbGUuY29tJTJGcHJlZmVyZW5jZXMlMkZzb3VyY2UlM0ZxJTNEc3RhdGVzbWFuLmNvbSUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQ2ltZyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcy5oZG51eC5jb20lMkZwaG90b3MlMkYwMSUyRjU0JTJGMzUlMkYzNiUyRjI4NDMyMzA3JTJGMyUyRnJhd0ltYWdlLmpwZyUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U= What does the Rapture mean? The Rapture is one of two phases of a belief held by some Christians that Jesus Christ will return to Earth a second time. In the first phase, called the Rapture, it is said Christ will come for believers, both living and dead. It's speculated that Christians will rise into the air to meet Christ, a phenomenon which will go unnoticed by nonbelievers. Those "left behind" will realize people have gone missing and will be subjected to seven years of tribulation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The second phase will follow this period of intense affliction, in which Christ will appear on Earth with his raptured church. This is referred to as the Second Advent, or Christ's Second Coming. Believers say Christ will defeat his enemies and rule over Earth for 1,000 years. After the millennium has passed, nonbelievers alive and dead, will be judged and condemned. Those saved by Christ will then live eternity with Christ in a renewed creation, absent of death, sorrow and pain. What does the Bible say about the Rapture? While the term "Rapture" does not appear in English translations of the Bible, some believe the phenomenon is described in several books. The most-cited scripture passage used as evidence is 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NIV): According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. However, some have pointed to another Bible verse to dispute an approaching Rapture: Matthew 24:36 reads, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (NIV). Those citing the verse argue that the Rapture cannot happen Sept. 23 or 24, because the event is said to occur when no one suspects it. 10 previous Rapture theories that never happened This is far from the first time a Rapture rumor has sent people into a panic and then offered no evidence of the event coming to pass. As recent as 2021 and spanning as far back as 1844, here are 10 Rapture speculations in reverse chronological order originally reported by Newsweek: Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2020-2021 : Some claimed COVID-19 was the final sign before the Rapture. : Some claimed COVID-19 was the final sign before the Rapture. Sept. 23, 2017 : Some claimed that the star alignment signaled the return of Christ, as referenced in Revelations 12:1-2. : Some claimed that the star alignment signaled the return of Christ, as referenced in Revelations 12:1-2. 2014-2015 : Preacher John Hagee claimed four consecutive total lunar eclipses, also called a Blood Moon Tetrad, indicated the Rapture. : Preacher John Hagee claimed four consecutive total lunar eclipses, also called a Blood Moon Tetrad, indicated the Rapture. May 21/Oct. 21, 2011: Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping introduced the May date, then changed to the October date. Believers used earthquakes in Japan, Haiti, the Philippines and Costa Rica; the increased legalization of same-sex marriage in states; and conflict in the Middle East to back up the theory. Participants in a movement that is proselytizing that the world would end and Judgment Day would come walk through the streets on May 13, 2011 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Rep Mike Olcott (R-Fort With) looks at a redrawn congressional district map as its proposal is debated in the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas officials acknowledged in a new court filing that the Justice Department's rationale this summer for pushing them to redraw the state's congressional maps was flawed, but insisted that they were still well within their rights to push ahead with the plan. "Its ham-fisted legal conclusions notwithstanding, the DOJ Letter apparently sought to provide political cover for Texas to engage in partisan redistricting," the Texas Attorney General's Office said in a 41-page document filed late Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: An interactive guide to how redistricting affects Texas voters The filing comes as Republican state leaders are hoping to protect the new map from a legal challenge ahead of next year's midterms. Since launching the redistricting push at the behest of President Donald Trump, they have leaned heavily into the fact that the new maps are intended to help the party win seats next November. "The rationale behind the Presidents request is simple," the filing says. "Republicans currently have a razor-thin majority in the United States House of Representatives; if Democrats flip four seats in the upcoming midterm elections, they would take control of the House." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source That's a different explanation than the Trump administration seemed to give this summer when officials at the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division alleged in a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott that four Democratic districts had been illegally drawn to lump voters based on race. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They argued at the time that two blue districts in Houston one represented by U.S. Rep. Al Green and another left vacant by the deaths of Sheila Jackson Lee and, later, Sylvester Turner sort voters along strict racial lines, while another district, represented by U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, is majority Hispanic. And they said U.S. Rep. Marc Veaseys Fort Worth district was similarly race-based. The Attorney General's Office downplayed that rationale in the new filling and instead leaned into the political motivations behind the push, pointing out that other states like California and Massachusetts have taken similar steps. "California, Massachusetts, and other Democrat-majority states have been maximizing the Democratic seats in their congressional delegations for decades," the filing states. "Texas is entitled to exercise the same freedom to choose the partisan makeup of its congressional representation. With its new congressional map, Texas has done just that." The new map is designed to give Republicans five more winnable districts in the state, adding to the 25 they currently control. It was passed along party lines in a special session last month after House Democrats staged a two-week walkout. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The redistricting lawsuit now in play was originally filed years ago to challenge the legality of the map enacted in 2021. The scope has expanded to include challenges to the new boundaries. No timetable has been announced on when a ruling might be handed down. In court documents and during the heated debate last month on the House floor, Democrats and their allies have accused Republicans of seeking to silence the voices of Black and Hispanic Texans through the redistricting process. Here we are with a map that eliminates the progress that was made, the marginal progress that was made in a state that has more African-Americans than any other state in the country, Democratic state Rep. Ron Reynolds of Houston said before the House vote to adopt the new map. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The attorney general's office urged the court to reject such assertions. Legislative map drawers have said in floor debates and in court testimony the districts were drawn "blind" race. Texas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Andrew White answers questions from the media before a debate with Texas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez on Friday May 11, 2018 at St. James Episcopal Church in Austin. Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News Andrew White, a Houston businessman and son of the late Gov. Mark White, officially jumped into the race to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday, branding himself an independent Democrat who will stay above the political fray. White, whose father spent four years in the Governors Mansion in the 1980s, is arguably the biggest name to enter a so-far sleepy Democratic primary to challenge Abbott, who is seeking a record fourth term. Advertisement Article continues below this ad White told Hearst Newspapers he believes Abbott is driven by politics and failing to deliver on key issues like health care. He pointed to the Texas Republicans longstanding opposition to Medicaid expansion, leaving billions in federal funding on the table. Texans want a leader who rises above the culture wars, White said in an interview. What really matters are schools, hospitals and infrastructure. You know, good old, traditional issues that affect every Texan. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source White joins Bobby Cole, a rancher and retired firefighter, and Bay City Councilman Benjamin Flores in the Democratic primary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During his last gubernatorial bid, White came up 6 percentage points short of Lupe Valdez, a former Dallas County sheriff, in a runoff. Valdez later lost to Abbott by more than 13 percentage points. White argued Democratic voters at the time werent ready for him, saying the party was playing a lot of identity politics and focused on movements like Black Lives Matter and MeToo. I think they're ready for me now. They're ready for a candidate that looks and speaks and acts and with the background that I have, he said. I'm a balanced candidate. I'm a candidate, as an independent Democrat, that's willing to work with both sides. I'll work with reasonable Republicans and Democrats to get stuff done. Legislators in Washington are trying hard to pressure the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to open up the $12.5 trillion 401(k) retirement market to crypto and other alternative assets. In accordance with US President Donald Trumps recent executive order, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters pressed SEC Chair Paul Atkins to expedite the rules revision in line with the directive. In a letter penned to Atkins on 22 September 2025, Hill and Waters called on the SEC to recognise FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)certified professionals as accredited investors and expand retirement access across alternative assets. EXPLORE: Next 1000X Crypto Heres 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x This Year Trumps Executive Order Paves Way for 401(k) Crypto Access Trumps executive order, signed on 7 August 2025, has put the spotlight on the SEC in potentially reshaping how 90 million Americans invest through their 401(k)s. The order directs the Department of Labour to revisit its ERISA ( Employee Retirement Income Security Act) guidelines, aiming to make it easier for retirement savers to invest in alternative assets like private equity, real estate and crypto. To make this happen, the Labour Secretary is teaming up with the Treasury, SEC and other regulators to pave the way forward. If successful, this move could open up a slice of the $43.4 trillion US retirement market to investments that have been off limits. Meanwhile, lawmakers have backed this motion. They argue that limited access to alternatives hinders returns and prevents retirement strategies from innovating. By allowing controlled exposure to these assets, the lawmakers believe portfolios could become resilient and aligned to modern markets. The SECs role is key here. Especially in redefining who qualifies as an accredited investor. Furthermore, several bipartisan bills are already in play that aim to expand the definition to potentially include individuals with certain licenses, degrees, or those who pass SEC-approved exams. This isnt a brand-new idea either. Similar reforms were floated during Trumps earlier term, but were later shelved under President Biden. Industry groups have forever pushed for this reform, arguing that retirement plans focused only on stocks and bonds dont reflect how capital markets have evolved. Meanwhile, the order has clarified fiduciary responsibilities for plan administrators, laying out how they can offer alternative assets while protecting investors. By Krystal Hu (Reuters) -AI startup Modular said on Wednesday it raised $250 million in a funding round valuing it at $1.6 billion, as it aims to challenge Nvidia's software stranglehold on the AI computing market. The funding, which nearly tripled the company's valuation from two years ago, was led by U.S. Innovative Technology fund. DFJ Growth and all existing investors, including GV, General Catalyst and Greylock also joined the round. Founded in 2022 by veteran engineers at Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOG), Modular's platform is designed to allow developers to run their AI applications across a variety of computer chips without having to rewrite code for each one. It now serves cloud providers such as Oracle and Amazon, as well as chipmakers Nvidia and AMD. Nvidia (NVDA) controls over 80% of the high-end AI chip market, partly thanks to its proprietary CUDA software, which locks over 4 million global developers into its ecosystem. Modular says it has adopted what it calls a "Switzerland" strategy to be a neutral software layer. Chris Lattner, co-founder and CEO of Modular, said the goal is not to defeat the market leader. "What we're focused on is not like pushing down Nvidia or crushing them. It's more about enabling a level playing field so that other people can compete," he said. It plans to sell the software directly to enterprises on a consumption basis and through revenue-sharing partnerships with cloud providers. The company's strategy has attracted investors betting on a multi-vendor future for AI hardware. Sam Fort, partner at DFJ Growth, compared Modular to "VMware for the AI era", which supported companies to work across CPUs. "Modular is trying to create the AI hypervisor that will allow you to port workloads across different vendors," Fort said. The company, with about 130 employees, plans to use the new capital to expand its engineering and go-to-market team. The funds will also help the company expand from its current focus on AI inference into the AI training market. (Reporting by Krystal Hu in San Francisco; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) 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KEY TAKEAWAYS Alibaba is reportedly planning to spend even more on AI in the next three years than the $53 billion it said previously, marking the latest announcement by a large tech firm to spend big on the technology. The Chinese tech firm's CEO announced the AI spending plan, according to reports, just days after Nvidia said it would invest $100 billion in OpenAI. Chinas top tech firm is spending even more than it originally planned on AI, turning up the heat on U.S. chip giants like Nvidia (NVDA) in the race to dominate the technology. Alibaba Group Holdings (BABA) CEO Eddie Wu reportedly said Wednesday that the Chinese company has raised its AI budget to more than the $53 billion three-year outlay it announced in February. The spending plan marks the latest push by a tech firm to invest big in AI, the technology that has fueled U.S. stock markets to hit record highs. Nvidia said earlier this week it plans to invest up to $100 billion in ChatGPT owner OpenAI. We are vigorously advancing a three-year, 380 billion [yuan] AI infrastructure initiative with plans to sustain and further increase our investment according to our strategic vision in anticipation of the [artificial superintelligence] era, Wu said at Alibaba Clouds annual flagship technology conference, according to CNBC. Why This Matters to You The boom in AI spending by tech firms has helped propel the U.S. stock market to record highs this year. American tech firms are a big reason for this, but increasing spending on AI in Chinaby Alibaba and rivals like Baiduis also behind this spending, and comments today from Alibaba's CEO indicate that it could continue. Wu has said he sees companies globally spending around $4 trillion globally on AI over the next five years, and Alibaba needs to keep up, Bloomberg said. Alibaba shares have more than doubled so far this year, as co-founder Jack Ma returned to Beijing's fold and the ecommerce giant doubled down on its "AI first strategy." On Wednesday, they rose 9% in intraday trading. Adding to the investor optimism, Cathie Wood's funds bought Alibaba shares, according to a daily trading report from her Ark Investment Management. Bloomberg noted it was the star fund manager's first purchase in the Chinese company in four years. Alibaba didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. UPDATEThis article has been updated with the latest share price information. Read the original article on Investopedia Alibaba (BABA) stock soared to its highest level in almost four years after the e-commerce and cloud giant said it will boost AI spending beyond its original commitment of more than $50 billion, joining the ranks of US Big Tech players' escalating bets on artificial intelligence. US-listed American Depository Shares (ADRs) jumped 8% after CEO Eddie Wu said during a conference in China that a worldwide investment in artificial intelligence is estimated to reach $4 trillion over the next five years, and Alibaba must keep pace. Wu said the company will expand on its February plan to devote over $53 billion toward building AI models and infrastructure over three years, though he did not specify how much higher the investment would go. The company also unveiled Qwen3-Omni, an open-source model that can handle text, images, audio, and video as it pushes into generative AI. Alibaba also announced a software deal with Nvidia (NVDA) to integrate the chip giant's AI development tools used for training for robotics and self-driving cars. The financials of the deal were not released. The agreement marks a collaboration between the two companies at a time when US-Beijing trade relations remain fragile. Alibaba and other Chinese tech companies have been working on developing AI chips to fill the void left by regulatory challenges concerning Nvidia's role in China as Beijing has made moves to wean itself off of its reliance on US chips. During his talk at the conference in Hangzhou, China, Wu underscored the company's cloud ambition to establish itself as a top "full-stack" artificial intelligence provider, which includes its AI chip technology. Alibaba's cloud unit, which services clients abroad including the US and Australia, will expand data center openings into Brazil, France, and the Netherlands. The company's lean into AI comes as Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta (META) are set to invest a cumulative $364 billion in the technology in their respective 2025 fiscal years, up from their prior estimates of around $325 billion. Alibaba stock surged to its highest level in nearly four years as the company said it would spend more on AI than it previously anticipated. STAR MAX File Photo: An Alibaba Logo shot off an iphone. STRF/STAR MAX/IPx While Alibaba is often compared to Amazon for its outsized e-commerce business, its cloud computing business has been rapidly growing, helping send the stock up more than 110% year to date. Cloud revenue grew 26% year over year during its April to June quarter, with Wu saying AI and cloud are Alibaba's engines of growth alongside e-commerce. Ark Invest's Cathie Wood bought more than $16 billion in Alibaba stock for the first time since 2021 on Monday, with about half going into the Ark Fintech Innovation ETF (ARK-F) and the other half into ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARK-W). The seven breached planetary boundaries are: Climate Change, Biosphere Integrity, Land System Change, Freshwater Use, Biogeochemical Flows, Novel Entities, and Ocean Acidification (new in 2025). All of these seven boundaries show worsening trends. Only Ozone Depletion and Aerosol Loading remain in the safe zone. We are witnessing widespread decline in the health of our planet. But this is not an inevitable outcome. The drop in aerosol pollution and healing of the ozone layer, shows that it is possible to turn the direction of global development. Even if the diagnosis is dire, the window of cure is still open. Failure is not inevitable; failure is a choice. A choice that must and can be avoided, said Johan Rockstrom, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. Ocean Acidification entering the danger zone The 2025 Planetary Health Check reveals a stark new development: the Ocean Acidification boundary has now been assessed as breached for the first time. Since the start of the industrial era, the oceans surface pH has fallen by around 0.1 units, a 30-40% increase in acidity, pushing marine ecosystems beyond safe limits and degrading the oceans ability to act as Earths stabiliser. Marine ecosystems are already feeling the effects. Cold-water corals, tropical coral reefs, and Arctic marine life are especially at risk as acidification continues to spread and intensify. Tiny sea snails known as pteropods, an important food source for many species, are showing signs of shell damage. This intensifying acidification stems primarily from fossil fuel emissions, and together with ocean warming and deoxygenation affects everything from coastal fisheries to the open ocean. The consequences ripple outward impacting biodiversity, food security, global climate stability, and human wellbeing, commented Albert Norstrom, co-author of the report. Airmen prepare to fire at targets inside the new Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 18, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Airmen at this western Tokyo airlift hub can now store, clean and qualify on their M4 carbines in the new Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility. The $21.6 million range was completed Aug. 25, and firearm classes began there this month. This facility is crucial to keep the warfighter mission going strong, as it is one of the only operable small arms ranges in the Kanto region at the moment, Justin Sakamoto, a project engineer for the Japan Engineer District, said in a Sept. 9 Army Corps of Engineers press release. One of the best things about the new range is that airmen may operate the target retrieval system and manage their firing lanes, to a degree, said Staff Sgt. Tyler Rouillard, a combat arms instructor with the 374th Security Forces Squadron. It shows them that they can do stuff on their own and further their expertise, he told Stars and Stripes at the new facility on Sept. 18. An instructor gives directions during training at the new Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 18, 2025. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) Airmen prepare their firing positions inside the new Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 18, 2025. It replaces a facility built in 1975. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) Construction on the 20,600-square-foot indoor range began shortly after the Corps of Engineers awarded the building contract in November 2022 to the Obayashi Corp., according to SAM.gov, which tracks government contracts. The new facility replaces one built in 1975, and the security squadron is in the final stages of transferring weapons and equipment. The firing range expands the bases training capabilities, making it possible to train more airmen in a variety of simulated conditions. The new range has 14 firing lanes four more than the old facility. Along with the additional four firing points, it has a built-in camera system so you can see your target when its down range, Rouillard told Stars and Stripes at the new range on Sept. 18. Additional upgrades include a target-retrieval system; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; lead dust filtration; a training simulator; classrooms; office space; and dedicated areas for training and maintenance, the Army said. The control room also has increased control over lighting and can effectively simulate low-visibility conditions, an important capability the old range lacked, Rouillard said. Construction went relatively smoothly, Rouillard added. They were very accommodating to us. They built everything we needed as instructors in the facility itself, he said. No new classes have been held in the old, 50-year-old facility since late August, as the squadron migrates to the new building next door. The only other range Ive used that was similar would be at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, Rouillard said. Whitemans training facility was upgraded in 2012. Yokotas old range is scheduled for demolition later this year, the Army said. A total of eleven UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, on Oct. 26, 2024. (Jeff Harris/U.S. Army) (Tribune News Service) A recent memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proposes a sweeping reorganization of defense acquisition work that would establish a new four-star general overseeing that work while moving new acquisition teams to the Pentagon. Its unclear what implications such a reorganization would have for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which has long been the home of Air Force acquisition missions and a vital economic engine for Ohio and the Dayton area. The memo proposes the nomination of an O-10 or flag officer equivalent to a four-star general in the Air Force to oversee the delivery of critical weapons, with authority over the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the AFLCMC Development Office and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. AFLCMC is headquartered at Wright-Patterson, with about 9,940 employees at the base, including the 88th Air Base Wing. Some 40% of the Air Force budget flows through Wright-Patterson. Hegseths memo, dated Aug. 6, does not mention Wright-Patterson. But its unclear what such a reorganization might mean for AFLCMCs presence or employment at Wright-Patterson. The memo proposes putting the new officer overseeing weapons in the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. The memo also directs the new officer to identify and maintain secure offices within the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and facilities in other locations as necessary (to include staff parking). Reduction of duplication A Pentagon official granted anonymity to discuss unclassified but sensitive information said: The department is still working through details and the implementation of the new office, but the plan is for the workforce to remain where it is. This official noted that the memo calls for administrative management for major weapons systems to remain with AFLCMC, the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, the Army Corps of Engineers and similarly situated commands. While AFLCMC will still provide administrative management, program executive officers will report to the newly nominated O-10 instead of the service acquisition executive, this official said. A number of critical program offices overseeing critical weapons are located at Wright-Patterson or have teams there, including the Bombers Directorate and the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate. Jeremiah Gertler, senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies Aerospace Security Project, sees the overarching goal as dealing with duplication among the services in what weapons they develop. When each service is in charge of its own plans, its possible for them to deliberately or accidentally go down some of the same roads, Gertler told the Dayton Daily News. By having a centralized view of what is going on across the services, duplication can be minimized and (at least the thought is) itll be easier to share lessons learned and knowledge gained. That could result in fewer workers, not just at Wright-Patterson, but in other services research and development missions as well, he acknowledged. But its not really possible to tell the effects until we see what it is they are really trying to do and how they are trying to do it, he said. Which is a discussion not just for DOD, but the Congress as well. U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said he was looking into what the memo means for Wright-Patterson. I have been made aware of this memo and am working to determine what the implications are specifically for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, said Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. I remain focused on the missions and advocating for our strong workforce, the men and women who perform the important work of protecting our national security. A national-level effort The memo, which the Dayton Daily News obtained, says the general overseeing the acquisition of weapons will have direct hire authority to establish and sustain high-performance teams for the weapons programs. Executing this authority will require full support from all DOD (Department of Defense) components, with administrative support from the (Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment), the Air Force Materiel Command and the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. Air Force Materiel Command is also headquartered at Wright-Patterson. When Gen. Duke Richardson retired as AFMC commander this summer, he was not replaced with another four-star general. There have been local and state concerns about where that leaves AFMC. The O-10 would be aided by a hand-selected staff and administratively supported by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. This alignment ensures the appropriate consideration of existing and cutting-edge capabilities to the CMWS (critical major weapons systems) programs, the memo says. The general would be expected to immediately establish an agile and highly specialized team with funding support from the CMWS programs, it adds. The O-10 called the DRPM-CMWS for Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager-Critical Major Weapon Systems would possess major decision authority, and could, if authorized, act as the senior procurement executive overseeing weapons systems. The CMWS are a national-level effort whose success depends on the whole of DOD coming together as an integrated team, the memo adds. I ask that all DOD components, staffs, and military services lean forward and provide all required support, facilities and resources as directed or requested to the DRPM-CMWS to ensure success of these critically important programs in defense of the nation. Michael Gessel, vice president of federal government programs for the Dayton Development Coalition, said he could not answer questions. We cant comment on the memo, which has not been formally made public, a spokeswoman for the coalition said. Wright-Patterson is home not only to AFMC and AFLCMC, but is the headquarters of Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, the National Space Intelligence Center and other missions. Before the reduction of federal workforces this year, Wright-Patterson had about 38,000 military and civilian employees, making it the largest center of employment in one location in the state of Ohio. 2025 Springfield News-Sun, Ohio. Visit www.springfieldnewssun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The name Fort Cavazos existed for only two years at the Armys massive central Texas base, but a shuttle bus, the Cavazos Connector, looping daily around the base. (Darren Cinatl/U.S. Army) The name Fort Cavazos existed for only two years at the Armys massive central Texas base. But the Cavazos Connector, a shuttle bus looping daily around the recently redesignated Fort Hood, stands as a reminder of what was. Fort Braggs short-lived name, Fort Liberty, lives on in the Sunset Liberty March conducted each evening on the North Carolina post to honor all service members of the past. At Fort Rucker in Alabama, the reminder is at the restaurant Big Mikes, which was rebranded when the bases name temporarily honored Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Novosel. CW4 Mike Novosels legacy continues to inspire generations of aviators and soldiers, and his name will remain a guiding symbol of courage, commitment and excellence, the base said in a statement. Each of nine installations affected by the whiplash name changes reflected similar sentiments as officials named and renamed installations to meet Defense Department policy while respecting the legacy and service of each namesake. The renaming began under President Joe Biden with a congressional mandate to separate military assets from Confederate-rooted names. It followed a national reckoning with race that sprang from 2020 protests after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white police officer in Minnesota. New names were selected by a committee that listened to public comments and researched the history and missions of each of the nine Army bases and their surrounding communities to find appropriate people or ideas to recognize. When President Donald Trump took office this year, he vowed to return to the old names despite the new law barring recognition of people who fought against the United States in the Civil War. To circumvent the law, the Pentagon identified veterans with the same last names as those with Confederate ties. Contractors begin reinstalling the Fort Hood lettering at the Frank W. Mayborn Gate welcome sign June 24, 2025, as part of preparations for the installations redesignation back to Fort Hood. (Eric Franklin/U.S. Army) The name Fort Hood originated to honor Confederate general John Bell Hood. It returned this summer in honor of Col. Robert B. Hood, who earned the Distinguished Service Cross in World War I. In between, the base honored Gen. Richard Cavazos, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War who was born in Texas and commanded Fort Hood in the 1980s. Aside from the shuttle bus, Fort Hood retained Cavazos name at the posts mission training complex, which occurred in 2019. The Cavazos name on two on-post entities is a testament to the impact Gen. Richard E. Cavazos had on the Army and on Fort Hood itself, Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, commander of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, said in a statement. Among the other installations, Fort Pickett and Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Bragg said there are no current buildings or streets that retained their former names of Barfoot, Walker, Moore and Liberty, respectively. However, Lt. Gen. Harold Hal and Julia Moore continue to be remembered at Fort Benning through an award at Officer Candidate School that began in 2023. The Exchange building features the couple in an informational art piece, and their portrait hangs prominently in the post headquarters building, Fort Benning said in a statement. Fort Pickett said final decisions are still underway on how to preserve and memorialize Col. Van T. Barfoots legacy and contributions at the base. Fort A.P. Hill will soon dedicate its visitor center to honor the bases former namesake, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, an Army contract surgeon during the Civil War and the only woman ever awarded the Medal of Honor, according to the base. Fort Polk dedicates its Exchange to Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient of World War I. A plaque at the buildings entrance describes his service and that the entire base was renamed in his honor in 2023. (Fort Polk/Facebook) Fort Polk dedicates its Exchange to Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient of World War I. A plaque at the buildings entrance describes his service and that the entire base was renamed in his honor in 2023. (Fort Polk/Facebook) Fort Polk renamed its Exchange store to honor Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient of World War I. A plaque at the buildings entrance describes his service and that the entire base was renamed in his honor in 2023. The Exchange is the heart of our installation a place where soldiers, families, retirees and veterans gather, Fort Polk officials wrote on social media announcing the change. It now stands as a daily reminder of Sgt. Johnsons legacy: service before self and unwavering commitment to those beside you. Fort Gordon in Georgia retained the name of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on its hospital while Fort Lee in Virginia kept the names of Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams at the Gregg-Adams Club, on avenues and their associated gates, and in a conference room in the Combined Arms Support Command Headquarters. Their stories will remain vital parts of this installation and our museum collections, said Maj. Gen. Michelle Donahue, commander of the Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, said during the redesignation ceremony this summer. We are committed to ensuring their legacies are preserved and honored as they helped shape this post into the center of excellence it is today. Each time the Army posts have changed names, it costs millions in new signage and manpower to locate and correct all instances where the names appear online or in written communication. Congress may once again intervene, as an amendment attached to a pending defense policy bill in the House would block the reversal of the recommendations of the committee Congress created to remove Confederate-linked names in the first place. It has several hurdles to clear before it could reach final passage. Command Sgt. Maj. Jon A. Ring stands with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp during a Soldiers Medal ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 22, 2025. (Elizabeth Pena/U.S. Army National Guard) The Soldiers Medal has been awarded to a Georgia Army National Guard soldier for the first time. Command Sgt. Maj. Jon A. Ring, the senior enlisted leader of 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, was honored for saving a life from a burning vehicle during a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, according to a service news release. This is really a big deal, said Maj. Gen. Richard Wilson, Georgias adjutant general. Command Sgt. Maj. Ring is one of our very best, a phenomenal NCO who represents the finest traditions of service. Ring was at the end of a 10-mile run in Peachtree City on March 20 when he heard a vehicle crash and saw smoke rising above the trees. He crawled through a shattered rear hatch window to reach the injured driver and applied first aid, controlled the mans bleeding and monitored his breathing until emergency services arrived. In that moment I was pulling from every role I had ever served in, Ring said. From the technical medical skills I learned as a young infantryman to leading a group of people who wanted to help but didnt know how, every experience prepared me for that day. Rings service includes five overseas deployments with the 75th Ranger Regiment, and a recent deployment as the command sergeant major for the Crisis Response Task Force in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, according to the release. You may never know when your training or your values will make the difference for someone else, Ring said. But if you can help, you should. The cleaned footprint of the North Hangar in July 2025 at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in California. The historic blimp hangar was destroyed by fire in late 2023. (U.S. Navy) The Navy has spent $129.8 million on the cleanup of the former World War II blimp hangar at the shuttered Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, destroyed almost two years ago by fire, the Pentagon said this week. Workers for the Navy have hauled away more than 549 tons of twisted and charred metal from the wreckage, along with just under 77 tons of toxic waste, from the site in Southern California. Another 3,214 tons of nontoxic debris was removed from the charred wreck of the North Hangar, according to a tally by the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command. Scott Anderson, environmental coordinator for the Base Realignment and Closure Program Management Office West in San Diego, said that 22 months after the fire, the Navy is crossing the finish line. We have completed all the required work, and we are now in the report preparation phase, Anderson said. The destroyed in hangar soon after the fire was finally extinguished in December 2023. (U.S. Navy) The cavernous interior of the South Hangar, the twin of the North Hangar destroyed in a fire, during a 2015 Marine Corps event in the by-then decommissioned MCAS Tustin. (U.S. Marine Corps) All that remains of what was once one of the largest wooden structures in the world are four remaining concrete hangar towers. Poised nearby, like a before-and-after portrait, is the intact South Hangar. Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard had criticized the speed of the initial phases of the cleanup in late 2023 and early 2024. But he said Tuesday that the Navy has performed well during the long process. We commend the Navy for its diligent response and steadfast efforts throughout the Navy North Hangar Fire incident, Lumbard said. The Navys professionalism and commitment to making the community whole have been critical in assuring Tustins recovery. Built with 2 million board feet of Oregon Douglas Fir, the hangars were erected in 1942 to shelter anti-submarine blimps that patrolled the California coast in the months after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The blimp hangars were a community landmark as Orange County transitioned from farms to suburbs, with a population of almost 3.2 million by the 2020s. After World War II, the hangars became the centerpiece of the 1,600-acre Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, home to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing helicopters. Fighter jets and transports flew from the nearby Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. At its peak around the time of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, MCAS Tustin was home to 4,500 Marines and sailors and about 5,000 family members and dependents on the base. Tustin and El Toro were shuttered by the Pentagon in 1999 as part of the Base Closure and Realignment effort to reduce U.S. bases following the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The Marines took over Naval Air Station Miramar and sent units to Camp Pendleton and San Diego. The Navy gave most of the land to local authorities for development. The Navy retained 225 acres, centered on the blimp hangars, which are listed as National Historic Sites. The North Hangar had been shut for all uses when its roof was damaged in a 2003 storm. The hangar on fire on Nov. 7, 2023. (Orange County Fire Agency) Fire broke out on Nov. 7, 2023, at the North Hangar. It smoldered, and repeatedly flared, until it was officially declared extinguished 24 days later. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Local and state officials raised concerns about toxic exposure, but testing showed no significant danger. Health officials plan long-term health monitoring. The Navy discontinued air monitoring for asbestos around the North Hangar on June 24, 2025. The City of Tustin is seeking community input on plans for the future of the hangar site. The South Hangar would cost between $10 million and $100 million to maintain, according to a city report. Retaining the iconic building or demolishing it for open space are among the range of options under discussion. The Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian undergoes its maiden sea trial on May 8, 2024. (China's Ministry of National Defense) China reached a milestone when its newest aircraft carrier successfully launched and recovered fifth-generation fighter jets with an electromagnetic catapult, possibly a global first, two defense experts say. The 3-year-old Fujian, Chinas third carrier, launched J-15T and J-35 fighters and a KongJing-600 early warning aircraft from its flight deck during recent training, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Monday. China Central Television on Monday also released footage of Fujian deck operations and the launch and recoveries of the three aircraft. The J-35 launch marks the first publicly announced use of an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or EMALS, with a fifth-generation fighter on an aircraft carrier, said Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Program at the Australian think tank Lowy Institute. The J-35 is Chinas response to the American F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. Clearly, China has won the race in terms of getting a fifth-generation [stealth fighter] to launch from an EMALS, Roggeveen told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. An F-35C test aircraft made an EMALS launch in 2011 from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., but the Navy has not publicly disclosed a successful launch from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the only other carrier equipped with EMALS. A spokesperson for the Department of the Chief of Naval Information did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation after hours on Tuesday. The launch represents a significant set of developments in the evolution of Chinas navy, said Lyle Goldstein, Asia program director for the Defense Priorities think tank in Washington, D.C. Goldstein could not verify that China is the first to launch fifth-generation fighters by EMALS but said if true, it would be somewhat remarkable and may genuinely reflect Chinas impressive advance in carrier aviation, he said by email Tuesday. Electromagnetic catapults offer significant advantages over traditional steam-powered catapult systems such as those found on the Navys Nimitz-class carriers. They are more reliable, reset faster and provide more powerful launches, according to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command website. The Fujians system means its carrier group can field a wider variety of aircraft with heavier loads of fuel and weapons, which dramatically increases their combat abilities, Goldstein said. EMALS is also a significant technological leap from Chinas two previous carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, which employ ski-jump decks. However, both Goldstein and Roggeveen said the advances should be considered through the lens of military experience and technological worth. China simply doesnt have the experience of operating and integrating an aircraft carrier with a broader military effort that crosses all the various services, Roggeveen said. But they also have the advantage of being able to learn very quickly from the mistakes of others, particularly the United States. While carriers carry high symbolic and diplomatic value, their military worth remains open to question in modern naval warfare due to their likely vulnerability to threats like submarines, missiles, and drones, Goldstein said. The Chinese submarine force and the many potent anti-ship missiles that China is fielding, pose a greater threat to the U.S. Navy, he wrote. Police in Bavaria were told by a 19-year-old German soldier that he was assaulted Sept. 23, 2025, by two Russian-speaking men in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. The crime occurred as the uniformed soldier was getting into his car in the town, which is less than 10 miles from the U.S. Army base in Vilseck. (U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden) A German soldier told authorities that two Russian-speaking men assaulted him as he got into his car in Sulzbach-Rosenberg earlier this week, according to an Oberpfalz police statement Wednesday. The 19-year-old soldier was in uniform and about to head to work on Tuesday morning when one of the men opened the door and attacked him, the statement said. The second man joined in and kicked the soldier in the chest, police said. After the soldier locked himself inside his car, the men fled, the statement said, adding that he was not injured in the assault. Authorities are seeking witnesses to the crime, which occurred at about 6 a.m. on Franz-Fischer-Strasse. Sulzbach-Rosenberg is about eight miles from the U.S. Army base in Vilseck. The U.S. has tens of thousands of soldiers stationed throughout Bavaria, which also hosts the services largest training center in Europe. Based on the soldiers statement that the attackers spoke Russian, the investigation is being handled by Germanys Special Police for State Security, Oberpfalz police spokeswoman Melanie Baumler said Wednesday in response to questions. However, the soldier told authorities he doesnt know Russian and couldnt be sure thats the language the two men were speaking, Baumler added. The men were described as being about 30 years old and 6 feet tall with short dark hair. One of them had an older womans bike with a luggage rack, police said. One theory that investigators could look into is that the crime is related to the Russia-Ukraine war, Baumler said. NATO countries, including the United States and Germany, have been providing various forms of military support to Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Ukrainian forces have also been trained by U.S. personnel in Germany. Western countries staunch backing of Ukraine has led to sabotage and espionage attempts throughout Europe that allies accuse Russia of sponsoring. In an ongoing criminal trial in Munich, three German-Russian nationals are accused of plotting attacks on U.S. troops in Bavaria. The men were arrested in April 2024 by German special police in Bayreuth and are accused of working for a foreign intelligence agency. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this story. Dale Grogan Sr., 59, seen here in a police photo. Grogan is a former soldier who was stationed in Germany in 1992, when his wife, Tina, and their two young sons disappeared from the familys military housing unit in Wurzburg. (Nassau County Sheriffs Office) Florida police say a former soldier whose wife and two young sons disappeared from military housing in Germany more than three decades ago admitted during a hospital stay that he had killed them. Dale Grogan was receiving medical care while awaiting trial on a charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. He confessed shortly after his January arrest in a child sex sting, Nassau County Sheriffs Office spokesman Robert Grant said in an email. Grogan did admit to killing his wife and sons while he was at the hospital with our corrections officers after an incident at the jail, Grant said. He did not make the statement to investigators. Grogans attorney in Florida, Sabra Barnett, declined to comment on the purported confession or the sex trafficking charge. The recent developments have given relatives of Grogans wife, Tina, reason to shift their outlook from despair to cautious optimism. Tina Grogan, 26, and the couples two sons, 4-year-old Stephon and 6-year-old Dale Jr., vanished from the former Leighton Barracks in Wurzburg in 1992. The Army previously declined to prosecute Grogan, 59, for lack of evidence but has since reopened the case and is offering a $15,000 reward, according to a May statement from the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Law enforcement agents suspected foul play, according to reports at the time, but lacked forensic evidence. Grogan, who left Germany in 1994, never reported his family missing. Tinas family is starting to believe that the clock has run out on what they call his 33-year evasion of justice. Im hopeful, said Tina Grogans niece Arielle Garcia, a former Air Force captain. In my heart of hearts, I think that this is it for him. Its unclear where the Army investigation of Grogan, a former specialist who was assigned to the 417th Base Support Battalion, is headed. The Army Criminal Investigation Division has declined further comment. We failed Tina, 26, and the couples two sons, 4-year-old Stephon and 6-year-old Dale Jr., were last heard from at around 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 28, 1992, at the Skyline Housing Area next to Leighton Barracks, according to the CID statement announcing the reward. Former next-door neighbors John and Darla Tucker told Stars and Stripes that they had heard Tina Grogan screaming and one of the boys shouting, Dont hurt my mama or Dont hit my mama. Dale Grogan Jr., left, 6, and Stephon Grogan, 4, disappeared along with their mother Tine from their home on base in Wurzburg, Germany, in November 1992. Their father, Dale Grogan Sr., then an Army specialist, was suspected of murder but the Army declined to prosecute due to a lack of evidence. (Project Cold Case, Inc.) John Tucker got dressed and rushed outside, where he met a staff sergeant from a floor above. Before we even started knocking on the door, it went quiet, he said. Dale Grogan answered, said everything was fine and they were seeking professional help, according to a German summary of the Army investigation that Tina Grogans family obtained from German prosecutors. Tucker asked to speak with Tina but Dale said she did not want to be seen, he recalled. We failed, he said. We should have called the (military police), but a lot of people get in fights in housing. Tucker recalled seeing Dale Grogan carry large boxes to his car in the days following the argument. The Tuckers assumed he was moving out. Weeks passed and Tinas mother, Cheryl Williams, grew worried. She tried to reach her daughter and son-in-law but was unsuccessful, according to letters she wrote to former President Bill Clinton in 1997. Williams, who died in 2021, enlisted the Red Cross to pass along messages to Dale Grogan several times before finally compelling a response in January through his command. My son-in-law then called me only to say that my daughter had packed her and the kids clothes and left, she wrote. I did not believe him so I went to my congressman. The Army launched an investigation in 1993 after receiving an inquiry from U.S. Rep. Austin Murphy of Pennsylvania. Murphy died last year. Disappearances of dependents in Army communities are investigated by an installations emergency services directorate, which includes military police, immediately after a report is filed, Army spokeswoman Heather Hagan said. The criminal division gets involved if the circumstances surrounding the disappearance are unusual, suspicious, or suggest foul play. Its unclear whether that occurred in the Grogan case. The Army used cadaver dogs to search the area around the barracks and Giebelstadt Army Airfield, but Tina and her children were never found, Stars and Stripes reported at the time. A Red Cross worker reported seeing Dale Grogan buying 10 cans of Drano after the disappearance, but investigators questioned the accounts veracity, German prosecutors said in a 1994 document citing Army reports. In December 1993, a female torso was found in the Main River near Frankfurt, but investigators could not match the remains to Tina Grogan, Wurzburg police wrote to a family friend in 2001. Tina Grogans sister, Shannon Ballenger, said no DNA testing on the remains was ever performed because investigators didnt obtain samples from the family for reference. Lower Franconia police declined to comment and referred Stars and Stripes to CID. Leighton Barracks was returned to German authority in 2009 as part of post-Cold War force restructuring. Leaving Germany behind During the Army investigation, the family was told of allegations of physical abuse, Ballenger said. Tina Grogan had been seen with black eyes and wore sunglasses to hide them. Tina had met Dale through a mutual friend when she was 17, and her family initially was happy about the match. He was the boy next door at first, Ballenger said. We loved Dale. He turned into a monster. Tina Grogan, shown in this undated photo, disappeared along with her two young sons from the family's home at Leighton Barracks in Wurzburg, Germany, on Nov. 28, 1992. She was married to former soldier Dale Grogan Sr., who was investigated by the Army but never faced charges. (Project Cold Case, Inc.) Tina Grogan, seen here in this undated photo, was 26 when she and her two young sons vanished from their home on base in Wurzburg, Germany, in November 1992. Her husband, Dale Grogan Sr., then a 28-year-old Army specialist, was the subject of a 1994 hearing to weigh murder charges, but the Army declined to prosecute him due to a lack of evidence. The case was reopened earlier this year. (Project Cold Case, Inc.) Tina had confided about marital discord but hid the abuse from other relatives, Ballenger said. Because she had grown up in a single-parent home, she was determined to make the marriage work. In 1994, an Article 32 hearing was held to determine whether Dale Grogan should be charged with three counts of murder. The Army ruled there wasnt enough evidence to prosecute, Stars and Stripes reported at the time, and Grogan was honorably discharged that month. Ballenger said she absolutely 100% thinks the Army botched the case. Facebook has a number of accounts with Dale Grogans name and image, none of them public. Ballenger said Grogan had remarried at some point. His second wife could not be reached for comment. In 2000, he moved to Florida and eventually became a mail handler at the U.S. Postal Service processing and distribution center in Jacksonville. He had no prior criminal record. The case lay dormant until Jan. 18, when Dale Grogan showed up in his postal uniform with condoms in his pocket to meet who he thought was a 14-year-old girl for a sexual encounter, the police report alleges. The person he had spoken to online was an undercover detective, the report states. Days later, Grogan tried to stab his eyes while inside his cell, said Grant, the Nassau County Sheriffs Office spokesman. While being evaluated at a hospital, Grogan confessed to killing his wife and children, Grant said. Grant referred further questions to Army investigators. The case was handed to CID following the purported admission. The trial on the attempted child sex trafficking charge is slated for November. Tina Grogans family members say they are encouraged by the developments. Everyone just loved her, Ballenger said of her sister. She loved those boys. I just want justice. Anyone with information can contact the CIDs cold case unit at (520) 706-8685 or usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.cold-case-unit@army.mil, or submit an anonymous tip online at www.cid.army.mil/tips. Sgt. Greville Clarke enters the Lawrence H. Williams Judicial Center at then-Fort Cavazos, Texas, on Dec. 10, 2024, for a hearing. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes) A soldier sentenced to life in prison for attacking women in their rooms at Fort Hood was found dead in his cell last week at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., the Army said. Sgt. Greville Clarke, 32, is the first inmate to die at the militarys only maximum security prison since 2019, said Maj. Travis Shaw, an Army spokesman. He was found unresponsive in his cell Friday. Fort Leavenworth Fire and EMS were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced deceased, Shaw said. An investigation into Clarkes death is ongoing with the Army Criminal Investigation Division, which investigates all soldier deaths. The Army did not provide a preliminary cause of death. Clarke was convicted in April of more than two dozen crimes including attempted premeditated murder, rape and kidnapping for his attacks on women in the barracks that stretched over 18 months between 2021 and October 2022. He did not attend his own court-martial and spent that time under constant surveillance by Bell County Jail staff out of concern he would try to harm himself, according to information presented in court. Allica Bank has reported a sharp rise in asset finance broker confidence for the months ahead, according to its latest survey of more than 200 UK-based brokers. While just over 18% expressed concern about the next six months, over half (51.2%) now say they have a positive outlook, more than double the 24% recorded in the final quarter of last year. A further 30% remain neutral. This renewed optimism comes despite mixed trading conditions. Some 42.5% of brokers cited a fall in asset finance applications so far this year, reflecting what Allica described as the cautious approach some businesses have taken. However, 28% of brokers reported an increase in applications, broadly in line with Q4, and 30% said volumes were largely unchanged. Allica pointed to the figures as evidence of the sectors resilience despite a challenging backdrop. The bank has previously highlighted the 65 billion lending gap created as high street banks pull back from SME finance, leaving the UK with the lowest business investment rate in the G7. Sectors driving the strongest activity remain unchanged from previous quarters, with transport and logistics, construction and manufacturing still leading the way, the bank said. Brandon Hall, Head of Broker Sales Asset Finance at Allica Bank, said it was great to see broker confidence on the rise, especially when the media outlook hasnt been so positive lately. He added: The broker survey shows a sector thats determined to grow despite tough lending conditions, and Allica is keen to help these businesses succeed. Hall pointed to the banks recent launch of its lowest asset finance rate in three years for hard assets, saying this would give brokers and their clients the boost they need to keep thriving. Henry Hemsley, founder of EFT Finance, said his firm was seeing a renewed excitement in the conversations with clients. Even though businesses are still cautious, theres a lot more focus on the future and how to prepare for it, he said, adding that working with a challenger bank that listens and can act quickly helps brokers secure opportunities vital to their clients growth. "Allica survey finds UK broker confidence is surging" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman says he understands concerns about the speed of the companys expansion but insists its building program is necessary to meet demand for artificial intelligence. People are worried. I totally get that. I think thats a very natural thing, Altman told CNBC. We are growing faster than any business Ive ever heard of before. The company has announced plans in recent days to build a network of massive data centers with Oracle, Nvidia and SoftBank. Together, the sites would require 17 gigawatts of electricity, enough power for more than 13 million U.S. homes. But Altman said the breakneck expansion is designed to meet rising demand for OpenAIs products, pointing to a tenfold increase in ChatGPT use in 18 months. This is what it takes to deliver AI, he said. Unlike previous technological revolutions or previous versions of the internet, theres so much infrastructure thats required, and this is a small sample of it. Each site is expected to cost around $50 billion, with overall spending projected at $850 billion. HSBC analysts on Monday estimated that global investment in AI infrastructure could reach $2 trillion. The CEOs comments come amid increasing concerns that the AI industry is a bubble. Yesterday, Bain & Co. warned that companies developing AI are committing vast sums to new data centers but are not on course to generate the income to pay for them. In its annual Global Technology Report, Bain said AI firms will need roughly $2 trillion in yearly revenue by 2030 to cover the computing power needed to meet demand, but will miss that by $800 billion as services such as ChatGPT bring in less money than the infrastructure costs required to support them. OpenAI is losing billions of dollars a year as it focuses on expansion, though the company has said it expects to turn cash-flow positive by 2029. Altman admitted that electricity is the biggest challenge facing the industry, but added that cycles of overbuilding and retrenchment are part of every major technological shift. People will get burned on overinvesting and people also get burned on underinvesting and not having enough capacity, Altman said Tuesday. Smart people will get overexcited, and people will lose a lot of money. People will make a lot of money. But I am confident that long term, the value of this technology is going to be gigantic to society. Yellow Corp. and its largest shareholder failed to convince an appeals court to overturn a bankruptcy courts ruling that the insolvent less-than-truckload (LTL) firm was liable for billions in debt claims by its pension funds. After Yellow Corp. shuttered operations and filed for bankruptcy in summer 2023, it withdrew from several pension plans that secured retirement benefits for the former trucking firms union workforce. During the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, those funds came looking for what they believed they were owed, filing claims against the estate for Yellows withdrawal liabilitythe amount it must pay to the plans for its early exit. More from Sourcing Journal Eleven multi-employer pension plans filed 174 proofs of claim in the bankruptcy, seeking a combined $6.5 billion in withdrawal liability. Approximately $4.8 billion of the claims were held by Central States Pension Fund. The trucking firm, alongside hedge fund MFN Partners, had issue with two Covid-era pension bailout regulations, claiming they inflated the amount of money Yellow owed upon withdrawing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Congress granted $41.1 billion in cash to struggling pension plans through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). But the money came with a catchCongress charged a federal agency, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), with regulating how the pension plans would account for and use that money. Yellow had argued the regulations prevented the pension plans from immediately including the pandemic relief funds in their asset calculations, making the pensions appear to be in poorer financial shape than they actually were. The rules the PBGC passed supported Congress intent to use the relief funds only to pay retirees or the costs of administering a pension plan, the court ruled. The funds were clearly meant to benefit retirees and not to subsidize the liability of employers, according to the decision. A three-judge panel of the Philadelphia-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the Delaware bankruptcy courts order and ruled Yellow must honor a prior agreement to pay the higher withdrawal liability claims contracted for with the New York and Western Pennsylvania Teamsters Funds, Judge Thomas Ambro wrote in the opinion. Lawyers for the pension groups contended that Yellow breached a deal made with both Teamsters funds in 2013. Under that collective bargaining agreement, the trucking company would lower its contributions to 25 percent of its old contribution rate in exchange for conditions that protected the funds. However, as part of that deal, Yellow would pay 100 percent if the company withdrew from the plans. This is not the first controversy that the Spanish priest Carlos Loriente Garcia, arrested in the early hours of Monday morning in Torremolinos with a dozen designer drug tablets, has been involved in. A couple of years ago, in the middle of the paedophile trial against the clergyman Pedro Rodriguez Ramos, the canon from Toledo circulated a message to the clergy via WhatsApp in which he questioned the complaint filed by a former seminarian trainee priest who claimed to have been a victim of abuse. In the message he shared with his fellow religious colleagues, the priest said he was convinced of the innocence of Rodriguez Ramos, with whom he shared a friendship, and blamed the press, as reported by El Pais, which has had access to a letter sent by the victim to the Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for the Clergy denouncing Loriente. However, the newspaper reported that the ex-seminarian never received a response to his complaint, nor did the church take any action against Loriente. The Archbishopric of Toledo, for its part, has avoided commenting on this episode after being asked by this newspaper. It should be remembered that although Pedro Rodriguez was sentenced in the first instance to seven years in prison, the High Court of Justice of Castilla y Leon acquitted him due to judicial errors in the investigation which, according to the judgement, violated his right to defence. The case is now awaiting the ruling of the Supreme Court. Yesterday, however, after the arrest of the Toledo priest was reported in several media, the Archbishop issued a statement confirming his arrest and regretting "deeply the facts that have caused the arrest". The church also expressed its condemnation of any criminal behaviour that the priest may have committed and expressed "their full confidence in justice". Although the church considers that the responsibility for the facts lies within the personal sphere of the detainee, it expressed their willingness to cooperate with the police and assured that an investigation has been opened and he has been provisionally suspended from his ministry and office, although he had not been performing his duties for some time. According to archbishopric sources, the canon declined to renew his position and left the vicarage a couple of weeks ago, citing "health reasons". "He said that he was undergoing tests to rule out certain conditions". Carlos Loriente Garcia - the 45-year-old priest from Toledo who was arrested for allegedly carrying ten doses of designer drugs in Torremolinos on 22 September - has exercised his right not to testify before the court. As a result, he has been provisionally released, but the investigation into a potential crime against public health is still ongoing. The priest was intercepted in the early hours of Monday with a number of various narcotic substances that exceeded what could be interpreted as an amount for personal consumption. The clergyman was visiting the Costa del Sol as he had apparently rented a holiday flat in Torremolinos, which he shared with several young people. According to sources, they had been consuming narcotic substances on the premises. Late at night, one of the young men started to demonstrate dangerous behaviour on the balcony, even threatening to throw himself off. Upon their arrival at the scene, National Police officers calmed the individual and searched his companions, finding among the priest's belongings up to ten doses of psychotropic substances that could be MDMA and mephedrone. The exact nature of the substances is yet to be confirmed. The priest ageed to let the police search the flat, where the police found traces of drug use, a precision scale and a single-dose sachet of drugs. Loriente Garcia was arrested and placed at the disposal of the Torremolinos court. The Archbishopric of Toledo has issued a statement confirming the arrest of the priest and expressing "deep concern over the events that led to his arrest". The church also expressed their condemnation of any criminal conduct that the priest may have committed and expressed "their full confidence in justice". Although it consider that the responsibility lies in the detainee, the church has expressed their willingness to collaborate with the police. For the moment, the priest is provisionally removed from the exercise of his ministry and his office. "The Archbishopric apologises to the people of God for the moral damage that may have been caused by the alleged crimes of a priest of the archdiocese," the statement ended. Jose Carlos Garcia Benalmadena Wednesday, 24 September 2025 | Updated 26/09/2025 12:28h. Share An illegally built hotel in Benalmadena, now named the Vive Costa, Azul remains open, with its 61 flats, 46 parking spaces, an outdoor heated swimming pool and communal areas, despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering its demolition. Formerly known as Vista del Rey, the establishment was built in 2001 with the authorisation of then mayor Enrique Bolin. Since April 2021, the hotel has been subjected to a Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the final judgement of the High Court of Justice of Andalucia (TSJA), ordering the town hall to proceed with its demolition. However, the judicial proceedings date back all the way to July 2011. Inversiones y Promociones R.B., SL is the company behind the hotel's construction. The property was initially built as a timeshare. According to the TSJA proceedings, up to ten individuals and five companies, including a bank, are involved as interested parties. They are at least some of the owners of the land on which the Vista del Rey was built thanks to a building permit which was declared illegal. The court warned the urban planning councillor of personal fines of up to 1,200 euros every 20 days if he does not carry out the demolition The ruling granted the town hall a period of three months for the demolition. If the town hall failed to enforce it, the responsibility would go to the regional government of Andalucia. A third measure warned the councillor for urban planning of fines of between 300 and 1,200 euros, which would be charged to his personal assets every 20 days were he to fail to execute the court ruling. Despite all this, the establishment operates normally and remains registered in the Andalusian tourism register under the name of Vista del Rey and with 122 beds. Demolition, yes, unless an appeal is lodged On 22 April, the town hall authorised the contracting of the demolition work. Later, at the beginning of June, it approved a budget amendment via a credit supplement that contemplated, among other things, dedicating 30,000 euros for this purpose. Today, according to the town hall, the project "is currently in the tender phase". Once it has been awarded, the town hall promises to proceed with the demolition, unless there is "any kind of opposition", in which cases judicial authorisation will be sought before the execution of the sentence. April 2026 is the legal deadline for the judgement to be enforced The town hall has not announced what it will do in the event of an appeal against the demolition. According to the ruling, the hotel must be demolished before May 2026. The TSJA has stated that "the demolition of what has been built under the protection of a licence declared illegal is a natural consequence of the nullity of that licence". In other words, "any annulment of a licence entails the demolition of the building it covers". Rossel Aparicio Malaga Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 09:41 Share The first rains of autumn have arrived in the south of Spain. In fact, many people have already encountered the first drops in the early hours of the morning. According to the forecast of the state meteorological agency (Aemet) for today, very cloudy skies accompanied by occasional showers are expected "during the first half of the day" in Malaga province. In the afternoon, intervals of high clouds are forecast. Also announcing rain this week in his SUR blog 'Tormentas y rayos' the local meteorologist Jose Luis Escudero said: "There is a probability of some weak and occasional rainfall due to the easterly wind and a bit of cold air at altitude. It will be in mountainous areas near the coast where the probability is greater; not all areas will be wet". According to the Aemet forecast, in Malaga - the capital of the Costa del Sol - rain has already made an appearance in some areas and the probability remains at 70% until 2pm. The same possibility is highlighted for Torremolinos, while in Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona the percentage rises to 80-85%. In the eastern area of the province, the skies will be overcast but the probability of rain is only 15% in Velez-Malaga until 2pm, while in Nerja the sky is also expected to be overcast. In the interior of the province of Malaga the probability reaches 95% in Alora also until 2pm. In Ronda the forecast rises to 85% while in Antequera high clouds without rain are expected. Zoom Wet ground in Malaga, early this Wednesday morning. E. Requena Rising minimums As for temperatures, Amet forecasts minimum temperatures to rise and maximum temperatures to fall. In Velez-Malaga, the maximum temperature is expected to be 27C and the minimum 18 degrees. In Antequera the maximum will be 25C and the minimum 14 degrees. Meanwhile, in Malaga city and Ronda the mercury will reach 24C, while the minimum will be 18 and 15 degrees respectively, and in Marbella the thermometer will reach 22C maximum and 20 degrees minimum. Finally, Aemet also expects light to moderate winds from the southeast, easing in the afternoon. For its part, the forecast for the Andalucia region includes "low clouds on the Mediterranean slope during the first half of the day, accompanied by light rainfall on the coast and in the mountains". The forecast also highlights "slightly lower or unchanged minimum temperatures in the eastern half of the community and rising in the rest, more pronounced in the province of Cadiz; maximum temperatures in decline in the western part of the Mediterranean slope, with little change in the rest. On the Spanish mainland, the forecast for this Wednesday is "likely to be showers and locally heavy storms in the early hours of the morning on the coasts of Barcelona and Girona. Locally heavy rainfall is likely during the early morning in the north of the Balearic Islands and at the end of the day on the northern coasts of Catalonia". Jose Antonio Sau Malaga Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 12:36 Share Researchers at Malaga's biomedical research institute and nanomedicine platform (Ibima-Plataforma Bionand) are working on the development of a non-invasive blood test that can predict which cancer patients will respond best to immunotherapy, targeted radiation therapy or a combination of both, thereby identifying immunological and tumour patterns. This breakthrough, according to the Ibima research unit, will represent a decisive step toward personalised cancer treatment, as it will make it possible to avoid ineffective therapies, extend the clinical benefits of immunotherapy and reduce side effects, while increasing the chances of success in complex situations such as those faced by metastatic cancer. As Dr Isabel Barragan Mallofret, co-principal researcher with the Ibima institute's cancer immunotherapy and epigenetics group, pointed out, the aim "is to offer each person the most appropriate therapeutic option from the outset, saving time, costs and, above all, suffering. This tool could mark a turning point in the personalisation of cancer treatment." Zoom Researcher Isabel Barragan. SUR The project also involves the medical oncologist and principal researcher with the same group, Antonio Rueda, who works at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga. The project was selected in the 2025 call for research proposals from the CaixaImpulse Innovation programme, making this the only Andalusian study to receive funding in this round. La Caixa Foundation has allocated 3.8 million euros to 31 research projects across Spain and Portugal, selected from among 428 international applications, in one of the most competitive calls in this field. Specifically, this Malaga team of researchers were awarded 145,200 euros. The challenge of immunotherapy Immunotherapy has revolutionised oncology by stimulating the body's defences against cancer, but the reality is that most patients do not respond to this type of drug treatment. In some cases, combining it with radiotherapy can increase the efficacy of immunotherapy and extend its clinical benefit without adding significant adverse effects, although it remains difficult to predict in advance which patients will truly benefit. This, in turn, hinders wider adoption of this innovative, therapeutic approach. The blood test developed in Malaga is emerging as a simple, non-invasive tool with broad clinical applicability, which could accelerate the delivery of the most appropriate treatment for each cancer patient and therefore improve both their survival chances and quality of life. "Blood testing can be a key tool" Among the projects selected by CaixaImpulse in 2025 are innovations in early diagnosis of lung cancer, new cellular immunotherapies for childhood tumours and advanced RNA-based therapies for genetic diseases. In this context, the project led by Isabel Barragan is among the proposals with the greatest international reach to directly impact clinical oncology. The scientific director of Ibima-Plataforma Bionand, Francisco J. Tinahones, stressed the following: "This project exemplifies the capacity of our research to make the leap from the laboratory to clinical practice. The blood test led by Dr Barragan can become a key tool for selecting the most effective treatment for each cancer patient, avoiding unnecessary therapies and increasing the chances of success. This is precisely the point of translational research: to improve people's lives through biomedical innovation." Cristina Candido Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 10:01 Share The housing problem across Spain is one of the central government's major topics of 'unfinished business' in this term of office and the lack of new housing construction is one of the tests it must overcome. Proof of this is that 723,000 house sales were completed in Spain in the last year, of which only 63,000 were for new homes. In other words, less than 9% of house sales were for brand new builds, according to figures from Spain's general council of notaries. The numbers were broken down by the council's president, Concepcion Pilar Barrio del Olmo, at the housing and urban agenda committee meeting on Tuesday in Congress. The lack of new-build properties, according to this body of notaries, contrasts sharply with the figures from the Spanish government. Building permits for new construction totalled 127,721 units in 2024, an increase of almost 17% compared to 2023, according to data published in February by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. During her appearance before the committee, Barrio del Olmo stressed that the housing shortage is more prevalent in certain areas, with price differences of up to 31% in Madrid and 50% in Barcelona between homes in the provincial capital and those in the rest of the same province. Regarding rentals, she expressed her disappointment that, in Spain, it is not customary to formalise rental agreements by public deed, which would make it possible to have data on rentals in an exercise of "transparency and information" and would provide greater "legal security". The intervention of a notary would guarantee, as in any other operation involving notaries, "the capacity of the parties, their identity and the legal checks that the renter is truly the owner and can rent", she argued. This public deed system would also serve to control seasonal and short-term rental contracts, with the aim of verifying whether or not they are fraudulent. It would further serve to check whether they are using this renting option to evade the Spain's LAU law on urban leases). Shares of Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test (OSAT) provider Amkor Technology (AMKR) shot up when iPhone-maker Apple's (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook mentioned the company in a recent interview with CNBC's Mad Money. Highlighting Amkor's importance as a packaging partner of the company, Cook stated, And then, you know, it goes to GlobalWafers, a company thats in Texas, and they will serve companies like TSMC (TSM), which will do that, provide the fab for the product, for the chips, and then Amkor, another company thats located in Arizona, will do packaging. About Amkor Tracing its roots to Korea, Amkor was founded as the sales and marketing arm of ANAM Industrial in 1968. By being one of the leading OSAT providers, Amkor handles the backend of semiconductor manufacturing: packaging integrated circuits (ICs), testing them, and often providing advanced packaging and system-in-package (SiP) solutions. Its customers are chip foundries, electronics OEMs, etc. More News from Barchart Valued at a market cap of about $7 billion, the AMKR stock is up 16% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis but down 4% in the past year. The stock offers a dividend yield of 2.6%, which is much higher than the sector median of 0.572%. Moreover, the payout ratio of just 26.57% implies that the scope for further growth in dividends remains. Thus, after muted returns, has the moment finally arrived for Amkor when its shares will finally embark on a sustained upward trajectory, or will investors be deceived again? Let's find out. www.barchart.com Financials Evoke Curiosity Amkor's financial picture is a disparate one. On the one hand, while its sales and earnings have grown at steady compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 7.23% and 12.06%, respectively, on the other hand, Amkor's earnings have reported year-over-year (YoY) declines in seven out of the past nine quarters. Then, staying true to its bipolar nature, the company's earnings have missed estimates just once in that period. However, in the most recent quarter, Amkor's earnings and revenue both exceeded Street expectations. Total net sales of $1.51 billion represented an annual growth of 3.4%. Net sales of advanced products, which made up more than 81% of the overall revenues, grew by 4.1% from the previous year to $1.23 billion. However, earnings of $0.22 per share reflected a decline of 18.5% from the corresponding period a year ago, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of YoY earnings fall, despite coming in higher than the consensus estimate of an EPS of $0.16. Rafael Ibarra Madrid Wednesday, 24 September 2025 | Updated 25/09/2025 19:21h. Share The summer of 2024 was the warmest on record in Europe, with a serious impact on health. A study published in Nature Medicine, led by the Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), estimated that more than 62,700 people died on the continent due to extreme heat between 1 June and 30 September. According to the report, the number of heat-related deaths in Spain last year was 6,743, making it the country with the second highest heat-related mortality, behind only Italy (19,038). Despite the magnitude of the data, mortality was almost 50% lower than in 2022 (12,135 deaths), which was a hotter summer for Spain. The analysis covered 654 regions in 32 European countries. After Spain, the countries with the most heat-related deaths were Germany (6,282), Greece (5,980) and Romania (4,943). In total, the study estimates more than 181,000 deaths in Europe in the summers of 2022, 2023 and 2024, two thirds of them concentrated in the south of the continent. Mortality was unevenly impacted by age and sex: in 2024, there were 46.7% more deaths among women than among men, while mortality among those over-75s was more than three times higher than in the rest of the population. The summer of 2024 in Spain was less extreme than those of 2022 and 2023, which explains the reduction in mortality attributed to heat. Even so, the figures still place Spain among the most affected countries in Europe, given its geographical position and the vulnerability of the Mediterranean Sea in the face of the climate crisis. "Europe is the fastest warming continent, at twice the global average. Within Europe, the Mediterranean has established itself as a climate change hotspot, with an increasing impact on health," said Tomas Janos, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. Heat-related mortality In addition to quantifying the impact of heatwaves, the study evaluated the Forecaster.health tool - a forecasting system that converts weather data into region- and population-specific health alerts. According to the authors of the study, this platform makes it possible to anticipate extreme heat-related mortality risks up to a week in advance. "The magnitude of these figures shows us that it is necessary to boost adaptation strategies, including a new generation of life-saving health warning systems for the most vulnerable populations," says Joan Ballester Claramunt, principal investigator of the European EARLY-ADAPT project and senior author of the study. Epidemiologist Usama Bilal from Drexel University (USA) believes that the work "allows the creation of more precise alerts that take into account the context of each area - 35C in Asturias is not the same as 35C in Seville". Actuary and PhD in Public Health Jesus Adrian Alvarez says that "these studies are a reminder of the true human cost of climate change " and that the key is "how health systems manage to adapt to prevent avoidable deaths in future heatwaves". Europa Press Madrid Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 14:10 Share The Spanish medicines agency Aemps has reported that there is no evidence that causally links the use of paracetamol during pregnancy with autism in children. It pointed out that pregnant women can continue taking this medicine when necessary, "always following the recommendation to use the lowest possible dose that reduces pain or fever and to use it for the shortest possible time". On 22 September 2025, the US food and drug administration (FDA) issued a press release announcing that it will add the possible link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and subsequent diagnoses of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring in the medicine's leaflet. However, the FDA's statement stressed that a causal relationship has not been established and reminds that treatment of fever during pregnancy may be necessary in certain cases. What the Aemps recommends when it comes to administering paracetamol for pregnant women suffering from pain or fever is to manage each case with caution and attention to each woman's individual circumstances. The agency stated that "untreated fever and intense pain also carry risks". Aemps has reminded the public that, in 2019, the pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed a safety warning regarding the possible impact of paracetamol use during pregnancy on neurodevelopment in children. The PRAC pointed out that the evidence available in the scientific literature on neurodevelopmental disorders, including non-clinical and epidemiological studies, was inconclusive. As a consequence, the information on medicines containing paracetamol was updated to reflect the outcome of this review, including the following warning: "Epidemiological studies on neurodevelopment in children exposed to paracetamol in the uterus show inconclusive results." In addition, according to the information currently authorised in the EU, a large amount of data from pregnant women who used paracetamol during pregnancy indicates that there is no risk of malformations in the developing foetus or in newborns. On this point, Aemps indicated that, as with all medicinal products, the EMA and the EU national competent authorities (including Aemps) continuously monitor the safety of paracetamol-containing medicinal products. Should new information be identified that would modify the risk-benefit balance or the conditions of use, the Aemps will communicate this through its usual channels. Therefore, the agency insists that paracetamol can be used during pregnancy according to the leaflet instructions. The lowest possible dose that reduces pain or fever should be taken at all times, for the shortest possible period of time. If in doubt about how to treat fever or pain during pregnancy, if these symptoms do not decrease or if you need to take the medicine more frequently, you should always consult a healthcare professional. Nuria Nuno Vitoria Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 15:28 Share A one-year-old child died on Saturday, 20 September, after falling from the first floor of a property in Vitoria - a city in Spain's Basque Country. The incident happened on Calle Aguirreland, in the Lakua-Arriaga neighbourhood, shortly before 6pm. Emergency services were immediately mobilised to the scene. The child was rushed to Txagorritxu hospital, but the doctors could only certify the infant's death. It is not known whether the child died during the transfer or shortly after being admitted to hospital. The Local Police were the first to intervene at the scene, but the Basque Country's regional force - the Ertzaintza - is currently in charge of the investigation. In principle, there is "no evidence of criminality", which rules out the responsibility of third parties. Consequently, the main hypothesis is that it was a fatal "accident". Other cases that have shaken Vitoria Such tragic events are not frequent in Vitoria, but they are not rare either. Newspaper archives show several not so distant precedents. This tragic event has brought back to mind a number of similar cases. In March 2024, a baby fell from the fifth floor of a block of flats on Avenida 8 de Marzo. Due to the extent of his injuries, a medicalised ambulance rushed him to HUA Txagorritxu, where he was admitted in a "critical" condition. He was then taken to the paediatric ICU at Cruces. Despite the fall, the little boy survived. One of the cruelest incidents in Vitoria's living memory is the murder of 17-month-old Alicia, who was thrown from a first floor on Calle Libertad. The murder was executed by the mother's boyfriend - Daniel Montano - on 25 January 2016. The criminal, who also tried to kill his partner, is in prison. In the summer of 2015, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy died after falling from a sixth floor in the Zaramaga neighbourhood. The little boy fell after climbing up a cupboard on the balcony. On 19 November 2013, another case shocked the city. A four-year-old girl fell from an eighth-floor flat in Portal de Foronda. In July 2008, one-and-a-half-year-old Eric died from a similar fall on Calle Valentin de Foronda. On 8 October 2001, a 12-year-old boy lost his life after falling from his home in Plaza Pepe Ubis. Inaki Juez Wednesday, 24 September 2025, 13:17 Share A Spanish citizen died in a Russian drone attack in Ukraine on 20 September. Juan Luis Amador Matias, who was originally from Villapalacios (Albacete), was contracted by the Ukrainian army to participate in work related to the recovery of wounded people from the frontlines. According to his brother, Juan Luis died on the first day after returning to Ukraine following the signing of his second contract with the army. Juan Luis was a drone expert. Earlier this year, taking advantage of the end of his first contract with the Ukrainian army, he spent a few days with his family in Albacete, where his parents, sister and 14-year-old daughter live. Mayor of Villapalacios Jose Angel Rodriguez told Radio Castilla-La Mancha that the victim "had been shot and his comrades had tried to hide him under a tree, but a Russian drone ended up killing" him. The tragic event occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning. One of Juan Luis' comrades delivered the news to the soldier's mother. The leader of the PP party in Castilla-La Mancha - Paco Nunez - also confirmed the tragic news on his social media profile. He expressed his condolences to the family of Juan Luis, who died "while rescuing wounded people in Ukraine". "Thank you for your dedication and exemplary work as a soldier, always at the service of others," Nunez wrote. The Spanish embassy in Kyiv is in contact with the Ukrainian authorities to gather all the information and, if necessary, provide assistance to the relatives. "We are working as hard as we can to get Juan Luis back with us and with his loved ones," said deputy mayor of the municipality Jose Luis Garcia. He stated that the tragic news has shocked the town's community. Villapalacios is preparing several tributes in memory of Juan Luis, whose work of solidarity is remembered by family and friends. According to El diario digital de Albacete, his close ones describe him as a "committed and brave man". They also highlight his strong sense of duty, recalling that "he always said that it was cowardly to resign and that he would never do so". His brother Miguel Angel said that Juan Luis travelled to Ukraine in October last year to "defend" Europe from the Russian threat. However, the soldier's family was unaware that he had returned to the front mid-September and only found out about his decision when he was already back in Ukraine after signing a second contract with the army. Portland, N.Y. A man wanted for murder in Vermont was arrested early Wednesday morning after New York State Police stopped him for speeding on the Thruway in Chautauqua County, police said. Around 2:35 a.m., troopers pulled over a Nissan Versa traveling west on I-90 in the town of Portland, according to Trooper James OCallaghan, a spokesperson for State Police. The driver, Terrene L. Biggs, 25, of Warren, Michigan, had active arrest warrants, troopers said. One was issued by the Rutland City Police Department in Vermont for second-degree murder, and another was out of Florida for assault, troopers said. The Rutland Herald reported that on the morning of Jan. 7, Austin Rodrigues, 26, was fatally shot on Summer Street and pronounced dead at the scene. Police had a warrant out for Biggs in connection to the homicide. Biggs was taken into custody at the scene. During the arrest, troopers said they also found him in possession of suboxone, leading to an additional charge of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Biggs was processed and taken to Chautauqua County Jail, where he is being held pending extradition to Vermont, troopers said. Update: Two Syracuse University students charged with hate crimes after attack on fraternity, police say Original article Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse University is investigating a report of an antisemitic incident during a Rosh Hashanah celebration at a fraternity, according to university officials. Around 6 p.m. Tuesday, members of the Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) fraternity gathered to mark the Jewish New Year when a student entered the house and threw meat on the floor, SU Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves said in a statement Tuesday night. The meat is believed to have been pork, he said. The student, who did not belong to the fraternity, fled in a vehicle driven by a second student, Groves said in a statement to the SU community. Both students were apprehended by the universitys Department of Public Safety and taken into custody by the Syracuse Police Department, Groves said. Their identities have not yet been released. Groves said police are expected to determine in the coming days what criminal charges, if any, will be filed including whether the incident will be classified as an antisemitic hate crime. ZBT is historically a Jewish fraternity. The students involved have been referred to the universitys Office of Community Standards for potential disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code, he said. Groves condemned the act, calling it abhorrent and shocking to the conscience. He said such behavior violates the universitys core values. It will not be tolerated at Syracuse University, he said. Groves said university will continue to work with law enforcement and campus officials during the investigation. The students involved may face disciplinary action following the outcome of the investigation, Groves said. Rosh Hashanah is High Holy Day in Judaism, marking the beginning of the new year in the Hebrew calendar. In the Torah, pigs are listed among several animals that God forbids for human consumption. Syracuse University officials are encouraging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Editors note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported the incident happened on Monday night at the start of Rosh Hashanah. The incident happened on Tuesday night. Looking for a new way to explore the outdoors? Rail biking in Upstate New York lets you pedal along historic railroad tracks while soaking in some of the states most scenic landscapes. Over the past few years, rail bike tours have surged in popularity, turning abandoned rail lines into outdoor adventures. Riders coast on two- or four-person pedal-powered (and sometimes motor-assisted) bikes through forests, farmland, and river valleys. Along the way, you may spot wildlife, colorful wildflowers, and postcard-worthy views. Rail biking is accessible to almost everyone: families with kids, couples on a date, or solo adventurers. Some companies even allow pets to tag along. Just remember to pack water, a snack, and dress for changing weather. Whether you want a workout with a view, a romantic adventure, or a quirky family outing, rail biking is one of Upstate New Yorks most unique ways to explore the outdoors. Heres a look at where you can try rail biking across Upstate New York: Adirondack RailBike Adventures are a unique way to see fall foliage with their manually powered machines. Sept. 30, 2023. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@syracuse.com Adirondack Rail Bike Adventures With rail bikes built in Central New York, Adirondack Rail Bike Adventures runs Adirondack tours from Old Forge and Tupper Lake. Old Forge : Choose the six-mile River Run along the Moose River or the seven-mile Timber Ridge route. Tupper Lake : The Raquette Rambler winds through forest trails to views of the Raquette River. Each round trip lasts about two hours. Bikes require at least two riders, though three or four make the pedaling easier. These rides are manual only no motor assist. Seasonal events include the popular Haunted Railbike Ride which will benefit Adirondack Central School Class of 2026 & 2028. Prices range from $35-$140 depending on whether you are purchasing one seat or a whole bike. The Haunted Railbike Ride is $25 per person. For more information, visit adirondackscenicrailbikes.com The rail bike purveyor is based in the Adirondacks. Revolution Rail Revolution Rail With hubs in Warren County, Revolution Rail offers some of the most varied experiences. North Creek Station (30 minutes from (30 minutes from Lake George ): Five journeys, including the adventurous 20-mile Boreas River Valley Run, Pumpkin Patch Pedals, and the summer combo trip that pairs biking with tubing down the Hudson River. Thurman Station (15 minutes from Lake George): Themed rides such as the Red Dog Run, which stops for happy hour at Red Dog Saloon. Hadley Run: Not for the faint of heart this route crosses a 500-foot-long, 90-foot-high bridge over the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers. Rail bikes come in double and quad sizes and are manually operated. Prices range from $100-$200 depending on size of bike and run chosen. More information can be found at www.revrail.com. Cooperstown, N.Y. has been named a "Perfect Small-Town Getaway" by Travel + Leisure. The magazine dubbed Rail Explorers "an unforgettable way to see the region by rail." Photo courtesy of Rail Explorers Photo courtesy of Rail Explorers Rail Explorers USA This company outfits its bikes with electric motors, making pedaling almost effortless. Rail Explorers USA has two New York bases: Rail Explorers Cooperstown : The 12-mile Milford Track follows the Susquehanna River through farmland and forests, while the 8-mile Charlotte Valley Express passes over the 200-foot long Portlandville Trestle. The 12-mile Milford Track follows the Susquehanna River through farmland and forests, while the 8-mile Charlotte Valley Express passes over the 200-foot long Portlandville Trestle. Rail Explorers Catskills: Ride 8 miles along the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad, with views of Esopus Creek and Catskill woodlands. Ride 8 miles along the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad, with views of Esopus Creek and Catskill woodlands. Options include tandem (2 seats) and quad (4 seats) bikes. Special events range from golden hour rides to lantern-lit night tours and ghost story trips. Pets are welcome in carriers. Prices range from $75-$175 depending on bike size, location and tour chosen. For more information and to book your ride, visit www.railexplorers.net. Ride through Finger Lakes wine country in Upstate New York with the Finger Lakes Rail Riders, which offers historical rail bike tours. Provided photo | Finger Lakes Rail Riders Provided photo | Finger Lakes Rail Riders Finger Lakes Rail Riders For a mix of fall foliage and local history, head to Penn Yan in Finger Lakes wine country. Finger Lakes Rail Riders will have visitors traveling in pairs on a mostly flat, five-mile route while a guide narrates Yates County history via two-way radio think Disneys Jungle Cruise, Upstate style. Youll pass working farms, relics of old railroads, and even a Mennonite schoolhouse. Rides last about two hours. Open FridaySaturday and SundayTuesday through Oct. 29. Cost: $97 per two-seater bike. There is no age limit to how young or how old a rider has to be. One person can pedal for two, as long as their fitness level allows it. FLRR answers more questions about their rides on their website FAQ page. British actress Jessie Cave recently revealed she was barred from a Harry Potter convention due to her OnlyFans account. However, plot twist: She only shares content on the 18+ website related to her long, blonde hair. Cave, who played Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter movies, detailed what happened in a Substack post this month. I found out that I didnt get booked for a Harry Potter convention recently, as Im now doing OnlyFans. They explained it was because its a family show and OnlyFans is affiliated with porn, she wrote on her Substack, according to Collider and The Hollywood Reporter. Cave expressed her confusion over the decision, noting that many actors who attend conventions have performed sex scenes or nudity in their work." Im just playing with my hair!, she explained. In the post, Cave explained that she wasnt going to let being barred from the convention bring her down and wont be dwelling upon it further. Theres going to be a new cast now and its a different time. Plus, I have done conventions for over 15 years and have enough photos and wizard memorabilia. On Sept. 12, Cave marked six months on OnlyFans and celebrated the milestone on Instagram. Happy 6 months to me on only fanz. the most empowering thing Ive done in my life. Im grateful, she wrote, alongside multiple photos of her money-making mane. Cave also has a separate Instagram account exclusively for hair content under the handle @rapunzalcave. In addition to appearing in the Harry Potter films, Cave has also appeared in Black Mirror, Industry and the British sitcoms Buffering and Trollied. But despite her resume, she revealed that she launched her OnlyFans account earlier this year for financial reasons. Ive got nothing to show for 18 years of work in the arts industry. Ive rented for 18 years and drained all my money on that and self-funding my YouTube videos or Edinburgh shows, she wrote in an April Substack post via Us Weekly. A second jury was unable to decide this week whether Doris Aleman-Bonilla should be convicted of an immigration-related felony brought by the U.S. government in a Syracuse court. Border Patrol agents arrested Aleman-Bonilla, of Honduras, in April after an Oswego County sheriffs deputy pulled over her car near Fulton. She was driving four other people to work at an apple-packing plant. A Border Patrol agent was in the sheriffs car. Aleman-Bonilla, 30, is charged with illegal re-entry, a felony. A jury in July also ended in deadlock and U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Coombe declared a mistrial. It was the first illegal re-entry case to go to trial in the Northern District of New York during President Donald Trumps second term. The jury of seven men and five women from Cortland, Oswego and Onondaga counties deliberated for nine hours over two days before Wednesdays decision. They were nearly all white. The mistrial means that Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone is 0-for-2 in the Justice Departments attempts to put Trumps immigration crackdown to a jury in Central New York. The judge gave Sarcones office until 3 p.m. Thursday to say whether it intends to try a third prosecution of Aleman-Bonilla. In both trials, Coombe blocked attempts by Aleman-Bonillas lawyers to allow her to tell the full story of her journey from Honduras to Mexico and eventually to Fulton. The judge instructed the lawyers to avoid talking about death threats, drug cartels, kidnapping or rape. They must stick to the relevant facts in the case that she was in the country without permission and had been deported once before. The judge said the relevance of Aleman-Bonillas shocking life story did not outweigh the risk of unfairly creating sympathy, prejudice and confusion among jurors. There is one more requirement to prove an illegal re-entry charge, however, and that provided an opportunity for the defense to cast doubt on the federal governments charge. The government must prove that Aleman-Bonilla was in the country voluntarily when she was arrested. In both trials, Aleman-Bonilla dropped enough hints for jurors to know she did not come to the U.S. voluntarily. Aleman-Bonilla told her story in court documents filed before the trial. Aleman-Bonilla said she came to the U.S. at gunpoint, and she believes she will be killed if she is sent back to Honduras. At 18 years old, Aleman-Bonilla fled from Honduras to Mexico after she said a man threatened her life. Later, she said, she was kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel and forced to cross the border while swimming across the Rio Grande with a heavy backpack. During one of these journeys, she fled and eventually made her way to Fulton, where others from Honduras have found work. During the three-day trial, Aleman-Bonillas public defender asked if work was the main reason she came to the U.S. Aleman-Bonilla responded that she did not come to the U.S. to find work. Then, she blurted out a few more words in Spanish. The phrase included the word vida or life. Spanish-speaking activists in the courtroom thought Aleman-Bonilla said she came here to save her life. But before the words could be translated to English, assistant U.S. attorney Matt McCrobie objected, and the judge declined to have the words read to the jury. The jury was left hanging at the end of this sentence: I came here to the United States . The judge called lawyers to talk privately, then called a recess. Aleman-Bonilla bent over the defendants table and wept. Courtenay McKeon, an assistant federal public defender, sat silently with her hand on Aleman-Bonillas back. After hours of deliberation, jurors asked to hear Aleman-Bonillas testimony again. About two hours later, they sent a note to the judge that said they were undecided. Coombe sent them back to continue arguing. After two more hours, they said they were still deadlocked. Activists from the Syracuse Immigrant Refugee Defense Network sat through much of the three-day trial. They wore powder-blue shirts to honor the Honduran flag. Aleman-Bonillas husband and two children did not attend either trial, in the federal courthouse in downtown Syracuse. The judge will also discuss Thursday whether Aleman-Bonilla should be released while she awaits a third trial. She has been in jail since April 1. Whether she wins or loses in federal court, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will immediately send her to a federal immigration detention center. There, she will start a longshot administrative immigration court process to try to stay. Good morning, everyone, its finance editor Jeff John Roberts pinch-hitting for Allie. In my day job, I talk to a lot of folks in the fintech and crypto space who are actively disrupting the legacy financial stack. So when MoneyGram reached out to tell me how they are staying competitive in this fast-evolving market, I was skeptical, to say the least. But after speaking with new CEO Anthony Soohoowho cut his teeth at Apple and led digital transformation initiatives at Walmart and CBSI came away with a different impression. MoneyGram, if youre unfamiliar, is a textbook case of the innovators dilemma. The company started out in 1940 as Travelers Express, which specialized in money orders, and was acquired by Greyhound to be part of the bus companys suite of services. In 1988, that firm bought a smaller slinger of paper-based money services called MoneyGram, and a few years later adopted its name. You can probably guess how MoneyGram, with a distribution model that relied heavily on bus stations and other walk-in locations, fared when the era of Venmo and blockchain came along. By 2023, it looked like the end of the road as the company was drowning in debt and limping along with its share price in single digits. That year, though, it got a lifeline when PE firm Madison Dearborn Partners took MoneyGram private and appointed Soohoo as CEO last fall. Since his appointment, Soohoo has wasted little time accelerating MoneyGrams transition into a competitive force. Over lunch, the new CEO told me that digital transactions accounted for only about 20% of total transactions in 2019, but had climbed to 50% when he took over. During his tenure, he has already boosted that to 70% and, in another impressive feat, integrated a stablecoin tool into MoneyGrams app. The company rolled out the stablecoin offering last week in Colombia, which Soohoo says is an ideal test market given that the country has a large remittance economy and MoneyGram has over 6,000 retail locations there. MoneyGram doesnt share its financials, but a spokesperson described it as consistently profitable with positive and growing free cash flow. I asked Soohoo how he went about the daunting task of retooling a legacy company to compete in the ferociously competitive fintech sector. He says the job has been a three-part challenge, the first of which has been transforming the organizational culture by putting in place the right teams and leaders. That has included hiring a former Klarna VP, Luke Tuttle, to serve as MoneyGrams Chief Technology Officer. Every community has its chronicler, someone who makes it their lifes mission to weave together the forgotten history of a place into a coherent story. For Oneida Lake, that person is Jack Henke. Over the past 50 years, Henke has squinted at miles of microfilm, sorted through countless documents both paper and digital, and spoken to thousands of residents about Oneida Lakes rich history. Henke, 75, has written five books on the subject. His latest, Oneida Lake History, Facts, Fables, and Photographs, was published in June. In addition to writing books, Henke taught history at Brookfield Central School in Madison County for 37 years before retiring in 2011. Hes a reference librarian at the New Hartford Public Library. We recently sat down with Henke at the Oneida Lake Marina to talk about his new book. But before we could ask a single question, Henke dived into the history of every structure within his line of sight, beginning with the marina, noting that it was built over an old canal lock from 1878. He cited names, dates, even the acreage of long-gone 19th century farms, with astonishing ease. The conversation that followed revealed Henkes deep connection to the lakes history and the passion that drives his work. Oneida Lake fishermen display their catch of many walleyes at William Lindley's boat livery, Sylvan Beach, in the 1890s. Courtesy Jack Henke How do you remember all these names and dates? Trust me, I wasnt born to be a physician or an auto mechanic because Im not mechanical. Thats the nature of the ball game. As I used to tell my students when I was teaching, we all have specialized intelligence and be proud of what you have. When did you start writing about Oneida Lake? I started researching it in 1972. I was a senior at Hamilton College. History majors were actually required to develop some kind of independent study. I approached my advisor with the idea of going to Sylvan Beach and spending a month writing about it. I rented a room in a boarding house: $12 a week with a light bulb coming out of the ceiling and a shared bathroom. On January 1, 1972, my cousin dropped me off. On January 2, I started knocking on doors saying, Hi, Im Jack Henke from Hamilton. Feel like talking about history? Howd that go? It went wonderful! Fortunately, there was a diner called the Pancake House. Its still there. It was run by Moe LaBella back then and it was the only show in town in the winter. I introduced myself, sat down, had about four cups of coffee in the course of three, four hours, and I met people. And one thing snowballed to another. What did you dig up about Oneida Lakes history for this new book? Oh, its fun. Readers are going to find interesting analysis of the fish pirate situation, for example. It was a wild shoot em up time. Horses tails were cut off, hotels were burned down, people were shot at. The oarsmen chapter about Oneida Lakes guides. Theres a chapter on ice boats. A brief chapter about the naming of Sylvan Beach, and the history of the Sylvan Beach pier. Theres a lot of fresh material. Town of Cicero resident Fred Woznica mans his motorized ice boat on Lower South Bay, around 1942. Courtesy Jack Henke Where do you find interesting stuff to write about? Before the web, most research was linear. You look through indexes of books, maybe talk to a person or two. With the web, as youre searching to find out one thing, sometimes a battery of articles comes up thats interesting, too. One of the greatest resources I found is FultonHistory.com. Its absolutely wondrous. 57 million pages of newspapers there. I can unearth more relevant articles, if I have the right keywords, in one hour than I could in one year on a microfilm machine. Where do you find historical documents that arent online? The greatest archives are in Brewerton at the Blockhouse Museum, and at the Brewerton Free Library. Both have papers that belonged to J. Elet Milton, for example, who spent much of his life recording Oneida Lake history. He had an incredibly good memory. He made notes of almost everything. Amazingly picky notes at times. These articles and these notes are in many cases written on scraps of paper. Sometimes the edge of newspapers, and theyre saved. I mined that for a ton of material. Your books are chock full of many wonderful old pictures, where do you find them? In the old days, to get pictures, it was knock on doors. Hey, got any pictures? But Ive gotten so much stuff from eBay, its ridiculous. Theres a lot out there simply because the lake was so important. When you look at accounts from the 1880s through the 1920s, youll read of excursion after excursion, picnic after picnic, outing after outing, of all these groups coming to the communities around the lake. They took pictures. Do readers also send you photos? I was lucky with this book. I met a lady named Mary Ruth Senechal, whose aunt, Ada Bellinger, was the head nurse at the Cavana Sanitarium. Thats the chapter, A Place for Healing. And she had about 40 photos of nurses doing their thing, standing on snowbanks, holding babies. I was able to pick and choose from those. That was just a find to get that. The aftermath of Easter Sunday "Ice Flood" at Sylvan Beach, on April 12, 1914, pushed ashore huge piles of ice more than 20 feet tall. Courtesy Jack Henke Digging into archives is a big part of what you do, but you also spend a lot of time just talking to people. Its a skill that I taught my students at Brookfield. From 1990 till I retired in 2011, we published 20 small booklets that documented the oral history of the town of Brookfield. In 1997, we interviewed ten World War II veterans about their experiences; 1999, ten Vietnam veterans; 2010, ten veterans of the war on terror. Unfortunately, the number of people I talk to is going down. But we think of the history as happening back then. Well, within our own lifetimes, theres a lot of important things that people have experienced that should be recorded. Like what? Memories of a person thats worked for a long time at the Constantia Hatchery, for example. Memories of a person who was a teenager in the 1960s and hung out at the rock and roll joints of Sylvan Beach. Assuming they can remember them. Sylvan Beach had a rock and roll scene? Oh god, yes. The Forest Hotel became, well, the Forest Hotel, but with rock bands. No rooms being rented upstairs. The Lakeshore Hotel became a rock joint. Grants Hotel burned down and the DiCastro family from Rome bought it and built DiCastros nightclub, which later became Brunos, and then became Pfohls, and then was purchased by the Oneida Nation, and is now the casino. There were quite a few. You know a lot about Oneida Lake. Do you ever get stumped by questions at your public talks? My first talk was at the Oneida County Historical Society in 1975. I would get difficult, challenging questions. And many of those questions led to further explorations. As time has passed, I seldom get a difficult question. I got one this summer. A guy asked me: In view of the fact that railroad connections first went into Verona Beach, and 10 years later into Sylvan Beach, why didnt Verona beach develop? So I got a map that was done of the lake between 1892 and 1903. And it shows a little bit of topography. Sylvan Beach had a huge chunk of land above the swamps from the canal up to 17th, 18th, 19th Avenue, and thats where the development occurred. Verona Beach was much smaller. Sylvan Beach had more good development land, thats the answer. Fishermen try for walleyes on the Sylvan Beach Pier, around 1920. The pier still exists today but is broken apart and unsafe to stand on. Courtesy Jack Henke Oneida Lakes fishery annually generates an estimated $50 million for the region. Was fishing and recreation always important historically? Yes. In the 19th century, the fish, the ice they sold, the smoked eels, that was all a great sustaining resource. But tourism grew exponentially in the 20th century because as people became more mobile, they could get here in 45 minutes from the urban centers as opposed to two or three hours. More and more people built camps and cottages in the 1920s. Pop brought the family. Mom didnt want to go fishing. Mom wanted to go boating. Maybe you could get a little sailboat. The kids would rather go to the beach, hang out, and do some fun things in the midway. The lake generates an amazing amount of tax dollars. And that has grown exponentially. In the 1970s, when I first came up here, you could buy a so-so camp at Sylvan Beach, a little fixer upper, for $10,000 to $15,000 with no problem whatsoever. Today, $300,000 for the same shack. But that generates tax dollars. What do you see in Oneida Lakes future? Thats something you shouldnt ask a historian. There are many ways you could answer this: climate, population, economy. Where were sitting, right here, is exactly 25 minutes from where Microns going. I think that answers the question. Theres a lot of vacant, developable lands along Route 31. Not a lot of lakefront lands, but close to the lake, close to marinas. You see the phenomenon in Cicero. The town of Cicero is the fastest growing town in Onondaga County. You go down to Lower South Bay and its development after development. You put 9,000 jobs 25 minutes from right here, thats a lot of families. And we have a housing crunch to begin with. Its coming, it really is coming. Will the Micron boom be a good thing for Oneida Lake? A lot of it, yes. As long as its done wisely. Development is the major concern. Ed Mills [former director of Cornell Biological Field Station at Shackleton Point] said one thing that every development has got to watch out for is the way that the paving is done. Because if its done wrong, all the [runoff] goes right down into the lake. But you can put in green belts and things to stop it, absorb it. Youre an avid angler. Do you think climate change will impact Oneida Lakes fishery? Its tough to say what climate change will do. I know what it has done. The ciscoes [a small whitefish] are gone. I talk about the burbot in the book. Theyre stressed. They used to be very, very common, but winters are warmer. Some of the winters are downright tropical. In the last 10 years, three of those years Ive caught walleyes right here off the shore in mid-January. Oneida Lake fishermen display their catch of many walleyes at William Lindley's boat livery, Sylvan Beach, in the 1890s. Courtesy Jack Henke According to Cornells data, Oneida Lake might be ice free by mid-century. I think they might be right. I dont know how that could possibly be reversed. I think the walleyes will be able to stand the change. I dont know if their numbers will stand up to it though. Their numbers have been increasing tremendously. Tell me about your work as a reference librarian. Some of the things that I dig out are just absolutely fascinating. About two years ago, a gentleman from a local church came in and sat down at my desk, reached in his pocket, and put a wedding band on my desk. He said they were remodeling their parish hall. They took the ceiling down, and down falls this wedding band. How did it get there? Theres initials inside the band accompanied by a date. Hoping that whoever put it there was from Utica, I went to the Utica Public Library. The library has microfilm files of the Utica newspapers. Growing up in Utica, I remember that the Sunday paper had a bride section. So I started looking. I had the date; I had the initials. Like, the second Sunday I looked at, there were the initials, there was the date. And then I had to find out who owned this. Are these people still around? It was the guys ring. He had passed. The marriage had dissolved after four or five years, but I located his family and gave them the ring back. They mustve been stunned. Yeah, they were. He worked for a company that installed floors and ceilings. He may have just taken the ring off. Or he may have said, The heck with it! The marriage didnt work, and he put it there knowing no one would ever find it. Why should we care about history? Do you care about your parents? Do you care about your grandparents? History is them. The history of Oneida Lake is our history, our past. Naturally, we can look at the good parts of the past. We can look at the bad parts. We can learn a lot about it. But its ingrained in us. It is a part of us. And as Socrates said, and its also the motto of Hamilton College: Know thyself. Know thy history. Thats why. Plus, for me, its great fun. Its what I was born to do. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has once again taken to social media to make a plea for President Donald Trump to pardon former New York congressman George Santos, saying that his imprisonment is torture. Greene, who made a similar plea in August when Santos was just two weeks into his seven-year prison sentence, posted to the social media site X on Monday that Santos is being held in solitary confinement. Im told he is in his cell 24 hours per day and he is only allowed to get a shower 3 times a week, Greene wrote. He does not get any sunlight. Hes only allowed to buy stamps from the commissary and is drinking water from the sink. He is in the cell on the right marked after and there are no windows. This is torture. While Greene wrote that Santos was being held in solitary confinement for his safety due to threats, several people on X pointed out that before going to prison, Santos publicly requested that he be in solitary. No matter how long I go away I want and demand I be kept in solitary confinement for the entire duration, Santos posted to X in April. I refuse to lose my dignity in any way shape or form. Last month, Greene wrote a letter to Edward R. Martin Jr. in the Office of the Pardon Attorney, part of the Department of Justice, asking for Santos sentence to be commuted by Trump. On Monday, Greene said that she would update that letter to request a pardon of Santos. While Santos is in solitary, he is still writing a column for the South Shore Press, based in Long Island, and made his own plea to Trump in a recent column. I renew my plea to President Trump: intervene. Help me escape this daily torment and let me return to my family, Santos wrote. Santos was elected to Congress in 2022 from a district spanning parts of Queens and Long Island, but faced controversy before even taking office when accusations surfaced that he had lied about his heritage, his education and his professional resume. He was in Congress less than a year before being expelled from the lawmaking body after a House Ethics Committee report found overwhelming evidence of lawbreaking. In August of 2024, Santos pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, and was sentenced to 87 months in prison. He admitted to deceiving donors and stealing peoples identities to help fund his campaign. He began serving his sentence July 25. An employee in the Naples Central School District has resigned over social media posts related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The district had previously placed the employee on leave and started an investigation after receiving complaints about the posts, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The staff member has not been publicly identified by the district. Naples is located southeast of Rochester in Ontario County. The posts, which circulated online, used profanity against Trump supporters and Kirks fans, showed a T-shirt that read Is He Dead Yet? and referred to Kirk as a Nazi, according to WROC in Rochester. This has been a difficult time for NCSD, and I hope we can now return our focus to all that is positive within our district, Naples Superintendent Kevin Swartz wrote in a statement, according to WROC. NCSD stands with the community in upholding the values of kindness, empathy, compassion, and civility. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support of our students and school district. Swartz said the district now considers the matter resolved, according to WHAM in Rochester. There will always be moments where our emotions run high as events unfold locally, regionally, or nationally. In those times, I encourage us all to pause before reacting and instead embrace reflection, respectful dialogue, and activities that bring us peace, Swartz wrote in his statement, according to WHAM. This is what we teach and expect of our students, and Im optimistic we can model it ourselves. Our school, community, and country will be better for it. Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed while speaking at a college in Utah earlier in September. A suspect has been charged. School employees in multiple Upstate New York districts have been placed on leave over comments related to Kirks death. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. If current events have taught us anything, its that Jimmy Kimmel and President Donald Trump are not the best of pals. The longtime late-night host has repeatedly made pointed remarks at the 47th president for years, and Trump is by no means amused. In fact, Trump appeared furious after Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to air on Sept. 23 after Kimmel was suspended for his controversial remarks about the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump took to social media on Tuesday, lambasting Kimmel and the network. "I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled," he wrote, adding "Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, whos not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE?" he asked. But it was during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension that folks on Reddit unearthed an Inside Edition clip that revisited a 2007 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live where Kimmel was seen going to great lengths to protect Trumps eldest daughter, Ivanka, from being groped by disgraced comedian Andy Dick. In the footage that was reposted on Reddit on Sept. 19, Ivanka and Dick were both guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. But unfortunately, Dick was having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He began to touch Ivankas leg, who was seated next to him in a skirt. Kimmel first verbally reprimanded Dick to stop touching Ivanka before getting out of his seat and trying to gently move him away. When Dick didnt listen, Kimmel dragged him off the set with the help of the shows security. Kimmel then apologized to Ivanka for the disturbance. Reddit users made light of how Kimmel protected Ivanka, only to have her father be one of his biggest opponents 18 years later. "As a father, I would never forget the time Kimmel saved my daughter from being groped on national television," commented one user. Another wrote: "I think were missing the point that Kimmel here, tried to protect trumps daughter, threw her sexual harasser off the show, apologized to her and 20 years later Trump had him fired." A third said: Its almost like Kimmel is a decent person or something! Seriously though, I hadnt seen this. So many in his position would have yukked it up, made light of it, or awkwardly fumbled with it. Kimmel handled it decisively and matter-of-fact while still trying to entertain. Kudos. During Kimmels suspension from Sept. 17 to Sept. 23, Trump seemed pleased that the Brooklyn native was facing repercussions for his remarks. He also appeared to believe that Kimmels show was cancelled for good, despite ABC only suspending the show indefinitely. Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED,wrote Trump on Truth Social on Sept. 17. When Kimmel returned to air six days later, he made light of how Trump reacted to his suspension and fueled the false narrative that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was never coming back. Kimmel showed a clip of Trump telling a reporter that he was fired because he has no talent and no ratings. In response to Trumps no ratings remark, Kimmel fired back: Well, I do tonight. Kimmel added, You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. Later in the show, Kimmel thanked ABC for reviving the show, while again reflecting on how Trump wasnt pleased with the networks decision. The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke, Kimmel said. In Trumps social media response to Kimmels return to air, he noted he wanted to test ABC over its decision. [Kimmel] is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution, Trump argued. The president continued: I think were going to test ABC out on this. Lets see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings. Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York state has issued drought warnings for a dozen counties in the Adirondacks and western Southern Tier. A warning is the second of four levels of state drought alerts issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation. A warning calls upon public water supplies to implement drought contingency plans and local agencies to prepare for a water shortage emergency. Six counties were also added to the drought watch list, a lesser category. The only areas of the state not under some kind of drought alert are New York City and Westchester County. While rain finally did fall this week, it barely wet the soil in many parts of the state. Most of Western New York has seen a tenth of an inch or less this week. Parts of the North County and Catskills saw an inch, better than the rest of the state but nowhere near enough to put a dent in the drought. Syracuses rainfall is 4.34 inches below normal since July 1, according to National Weather Service data. Rochesters deficit is 5.52 inches. More rain is expected Thursday, ranging from about three-quarters of an inch in Western New York to up to 2 inches in the Adirondacks and Catskills. After that, though, another long dry spell is expected. Upstate New York is forecast to be drier than normal through at least the first week of October, according to the National Weather Service. Spanish bank BBVA has revised its acquisition offer for local peer Banco Sabadell, proposing a 10% increase from its previous offer. The updated offer translates to one new BBVA share for every 4.8376 Banco Sabadell shares. This new all-share offer is designed to be tax neutral for shareholders, provided that more than 50% of Banco Sabadell's voting rights are accepted. In a statement, BBVA said that the new offer values Banco Sabadell shares at 3.39 per share, the highest valuation in over a decade. The current value of the offer has also increased by 60% since April 2024, the day before the merger talks were announced, rising from the original 12.2bn to 19.5bn. BBVA CEO Onur Genc said: Banco Sabadell shareholders who accept the offer will be part of a bank with a much higher potential of growth and value creation, with an ability to achieve 41% higher earnings per share than they would obtain otherwise. We invite them to join us in building a project that will bring significant benefits to customers, employees and shareholders of both entities and to society as a whole. Banco Sabadell shareholders are poised to gain a 15.3% stake in the merged entity, under the new offer. Spanish securities commission CNMV's approval of the improved offer is pending, after which the take-up period will recommence. BBVA Chair Carlos Torres Vila stated: With this improved offer, we are putting an extraordinary proposal in the hands of Banco Sabadell shareholders one that combines a historic valuation and price with the opportunity to participate in the substantial value generated by the integration. All of this will result in a significant increase in the expected earnings per share in the future, if they tender their shares." Earlier in the month, Banco Sabadell's board advised its shareholders to reject BBVA's initial share exchange offer, citing an undervaluation of the bank and its prospects. In June, the Spanish government stipulated a minimum three-year waiting period before the two banks can consolidate their operations if the acquisition proceeds. "BBVA raises takeover bid for Banco Sabadell " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Samsung has started to bring back a removed feature for the One UI 8.5 update. Some Galaxy users complain that the apps on the Android 15 update are unstable, and there's no way they can use the rest of them. Among the most hyped-up deletions was pollen tracking from Samsung's Weather application, an option highly prized by allergy patients. The concern came quickly, with grievances appearing on Reddit, Samsung communities, and technology forums everywhere online. Pollen Tracking To Come Back in One UI 8.5 Samsung apparently heard you. Per a leaked One UI 8.5 build, the pollen monitoring feature returns. The returned pollen card within the Weather app again shows comprehensive information about tree, grass, and ragweed pollen. All three are represented with severity ratings: "None," "Low," and "Moderate," so users can more easily follow conditions at a glance. According to Android Authority, this is a refreshing shift from One UI 7, in which users needed to scroll down the app and tap on a Weather Channel link to get pollen data outside of the app. The new method restores the ease of viewing the data right within the app itself. Why Samsung Removed the Feature in the First Place Samsung has not formally addressed the reason pollen tracking went away in the first place. It could have been a technical consideration related to the update deployment, or merely an effort to simplify app functionality. Whatever the case, the removal definitely hit a nerve with users who depend on reliable pollen information for everyday health and planning purposes. Android Police reports that the early rollout of the pollen card in One UI 8.5 suggests that Samsung is on the case. By bringing back the feature, the company is demonstrating a desire to adjust according to customer complaints. This is a significant action in restoring confidence with its loyal Galaxy user base. More Than Just a Fix: What Else to Expect Although the comeback of pollen tracking is a highlight, One UI 8.5 will bring much more than one feature update. Samsung usually employs these small updates to streamline system stability, smooth the interface, and add lesser but significant improvements in apps and settings. Based on Samsung's history, camera enhancements, performance smoothness updates, and a more advanced integration of Android 15 features are expected as part of the overall update. More details will come forward nearer to its release. Samsung's One UI 7 update took away some fan favorites, but the One UI 8.5 update coming up appears to fix one of those mistakes. The return of pollen tracking in the Weather app is not merely about ease of use. This is all about listening to the users' demands. YouTube is set to undo one of its most contentious policies by offering previously suspended accounts an opportunity to apply for reinstatement. The initiative marks a dramatic policy change for the Google-owned site, which had considered breaches related to COVID-19 and election disinformation permanent. Alphabet attorney Daniel Donovan revealed the change in a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), noting that YouTube's updated Community Guidelines now allow a broader range of content on COVID-19 and election integrity. This will render the old permanent-ban policy outdated. Political Pressure and Free Speech Debate Previously, channels flagged for spreading vaccine or election misinformation faced lifetime removal. Under the new pilot program, eligible creators whose accounts were terminated under those outdated rules can now apply for reinstatement. The policy change comes as part of increasing Republican backlash against the tech industry for supposedly imposing Biden-era content moderation standards too zealously. Rep. Jordan subpoenaed Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai in March, alleging YouTube had been a "direct participant in the federal government's censorship regime." Donovan's letter further observed that throughout the pandemic, senior Biden officials pushed YouTube to remove videos that didn't technically break its rules, something that YouTube now describes as "unacceptable and wrong." High-Profile Banned Channels A few of the most prominent bans under the old YouTube policy included channels associated with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Though YouTube has not indicated that these particular accounts will be reinstated, their instances demonstrate the effect the new program may have. YouTube said that the reinstatement process will be selective in nature and will cover only those creators impacted by now-ended policies. The company states it won't be dependent upon third-party fact-checkers to moderate content but will keep using context panels and information labels to give viewers more background information. End of Stand-Alone COVID Rules According to CNBC, YouTube formally discontinued its special COVID-19 misinformation policies in December 2024. The platform now handles pandemic-specific claims under its more comprehensive health misinformation policies instead. Donovan reiterated that YouTube aims to balance free expression and user safety, keeping information panels and referring to third-party sources while not directly engaging in fact-checking itself. As for some Redditors, what YouTube did was unacceptable. "Is YouTube losing viewers? All their recent actions (including going to force AI into every corner of it), tell me they're seeing a drop and are scared about shares," a Reddit user said. "I don't know for certain, but anecdotally, I'm hearing some content creators reporting smaller checks and a drop in viewer numbers. I have no clue how it works, though," another Redditor wrote. "Woohoo! Let the propaganda flow!! These gates are gonna swing wide!" another user replied. Press Release from Business Wire: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (AFP) Sep 23, 2025 OSAKA, Sept 23, 2025 (BSW) - Takeda (TOKYO:4502/NYSE: TAK)today committed JPY 4.6 billion (approx. USD 32.1 million) to four new Global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners as part of the company's ongoing commitment to building climate-resilient health systems in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Amid rising temperatures and extreme weather events, Takeda recognizes an urgent need to ensure that healthcare remains resilient and accessible, particularly in regions most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Climate action is critically underfunded, receiving less than 2% of philanthropic funding.*1 Through its FY2025 collaborations, Takeda is deepening its focus on supporting the world's most vulnerable communities, addressing the greatest threats to health systems worldwide. This renewed focus reflects Takeda's mission to continue to improve health outcomes and enhance the climate resilience of health systems as the global aid landscape keeps evolving. Since its launch in 2016, Takeda's Global CSR Program has reached more than 21.1 million direct beneficiaries across 93 countries. This includes improving healthcare service delivery for 15.3 million people, empowering 5.5 million community members through health education, and providing capacity-building support to over 129,000 health workforce members, while enhancing support across the key building blocks of health system strengthening. By 2030, the four new collaborations are anticipated to extend Takeda's impact to 53.7 million people across 94 countries, raising the total contributions from Takeda's Global CSR Program to over JPY 33.4 billion (approx. USD 238.7 million) across 38 significant collaborations. These new partners were selected by more than 20,000 Takeda employees across 80 countries and regions through a company-wide vote, highlighting the company's commitment to a collaborative and inclusive approach to its global corporate giving initiative. "I'm incredibly proud that over 20,000 Takeda colleagues shaped this year's Global CSR efforts, demonstrating our shared values and commitment to making a difference. This employee-driven program reflects who we are and ensures our corporate giving aligns with what matters to our people," said Takako Ohyabu, Chief Global Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Takeda. "This year, we focus on building climate-resilient health systems by partnering with organizations rooted in local communities. Together, we'll address climate-related health risks, scale innovative solutions, and strengthen long-term resilience. These efforts will not only improve health outcomes but also inspire broader change in regions most vulnerable to climate impacts." Takeda's commitments to these new awardees in FY2025 include: -- JPY 906 million (approx. USD 6.3 million) to International Medical Corps (IMC) Enhancing health and delivering better outcomes for 5.6 million people by improving access to medicine through climate-resilient supply chain innovation in Kenya and Somalia. -- JPY 1,500 million (approx. USD 10.4 million) to the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Protecting the lives of 396,000 patients by ensuring uninterrupted access to lifesaving healthcare services through climate-resilient energy innovation at core hospitals in The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone -- JPY 1,024 million (approx. USD 7.1 million) to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh Safeguarding over 7.3 million frontline health workers and patients from serious infection risks due to hazardous waste exposure by establishing climate-resilient waste systems in Bangladesh -- JPY 1,212 million (approx. USD 8.4 million) to Vitamin Angels Preventing child deaths and improving health outcomes for 12.1 million people by scaling evidence-based nutrition interventions nationwide in Indonesia The new awardees shared: -- "Thanks to Takeda's extremely generous support, we will be able to help Kenya's and Somalia's healthcare systems overcome significant supply-chain challenges," said Nancy Aossey, President and CEO of IMC. "This award will enable us to deploy the Pharmaceutical Information Management System (PIMS) across 1,200 healthcare facilities and provide millions of mothers and children with lifesaving care. We also will be able to train thousands of healthcare workers, ensuring long-term impact." -- "Reliable energy is crucial for healthcare," said Jose L. Pascual, President of SCCM. "By providing renewable, resilient, and sustainable energy infrastructure to hospitals in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, SCCM is not just powering hospitals, but saving lives, empowering healthcare workers, and building a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come." -- "Our partnership with Takeda is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we join forces to tackle complex challenges." said Sanjay Mathur, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Region at UNOPS. "Together, we're helping build safer, more climate-resilient healthcare systems in Bangladesh addressing medical waste head-on while strengthening local capacity. We're proud to continue our collaboration with Takeda across the region, showing how private sector partnerships can drive real, lasting impact in public health." -- "Climate shocks have grave consequences on the health and well-being of the most nutritionally vulnerable groups in Indonesia, pregnant women, infants, and young children." said Ana Cespedes, CEO, Vitamin Angels "With the generous support of Takeda, Vitamin Angels will train 1.2 million healthcare workers and deliver effective nutrition solutions to 12.1 million pregnant mothers and children. These efforts will have a profound impact and lead to a stronger and more climate-responsive health system in Indonesia." Takeda's contributions to global health through its Global CSR Program have centered around the following areas, informed by WHO's Health System Strengthening Building Blocks: -- Accelerating Service Delivery and Access to Essential Medicines: Improved accessibility, coverage and quality of service delivery (e.g., screening, referrals and follow ups) for more than 15.3 million people; empowered more than 5.5 million community members with targeted health education on topics such as nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health; and refurbished or built over 2,700 health facilities. -- Empowering the Health Workforce: Enhanced the knowledge, skills, motivation and deployment of the health workforce and stakeholders by providing training to over 129,000 individuals, including qualified health professionals, community health workers, government officials, health supply chain managers, and health information system administrators. -- Advancing Health Information Systems: Developed, enhanced, or implemented 274 digital solutions, platforms, or tools to support data-informed health planning and health decision-making. Specific results at the intersection of health and climate across these focus areas include: -- 4.3 million people reached through healthcare services addressing climate-related health risks. -- 1.6 million community members educated on climate mitigation and adaptation. -- 194 health facilities refurbished or built to support climate-resilient infrastructure. -- 22,899 health workforce members trained in climate-resilient healthcare services. -- 25 digital solutions, platforms, or tools developed, enhanced, or implemented to support climate-resilient healthcare services. About Takeda Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com. Important Notice For the purposes of this notice, "press release" means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, "Takeda" is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takeda's future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as "targets", "plans", "believes", "hopes", "continues", "expects", "aims", "intends", "ensures", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "forecasts", "outlook" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takeda's global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States and with respect to international trade relations; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax, tariff and other trade-related rules; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic; the success of our environmental sustainability efforts, in enabling us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions or meet our other environmental goals; the extent to which our efforts to increase efficiency, productivity or cost-savings, such as the integration of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, in our business or other initiatives to restructure our operations will lead to the expected benefits; and other factors identified in Takeda's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takeda's other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takeda's website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings-and-security-reports/ or at https://www.sec.gov/. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takeda's future results. Exchange Rates In this press release, certain amounts presented in Japanese yen have been translated to U.S. dollars solely for the convenience of the reader. Except where otherwise noted, these convenience translations have been made at an exchange rate of 1USD = 144.17 JPY, the Noon Buying Rate certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on June 30, 2025. The rate and methodologies used for these convenience translations differ from the currency exchange rates and translation methodologies under IFRS used for the preparation of Takeda's consolidated financial statements. These translations should not be construed as a representation that the Japanese yen amounts could be converted into U.S. dollars at this or any other rate. *1:climatework GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE, November 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250923514174/en/ Contact Media Contacts:[email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. NASA launches mission to study space weather Washington, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 The United States launched three spacecraft on Wednesday in an effort to better monitor space weather such as solar storms, which can interfere with technology and power systems on Earth. The three probes blasted off from Florida's Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, built by the private company SpaceX. Once in space, the probes will begin a long journey to reach the Lagrange 1 point -- a spot approximately 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from the Sun that offers a stable vantage point for observation. The "Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe" (IMAP) will use its instruments to study the Sun's high-energy particles and the protective magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system known as the heliosphere, data that can offer insight into space weather and cosmic radiation. Solar storms are high-radiation events caused by flares on the Sun's surface, and are very difficult to predict. They can impact activities on Earth, including aviation, mobile communications and power grids -- and potentially endanger astronauts and satellites in space. The Space Weather Follow-on (SWFO-L1) spacecraft, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aims to detect the weather patterns in advance. "It can't stop an incoming threat, but it can give us time to prepare," said Irene Parker of NOAA. With notice, authorities could shelter astronauts, warn aircraft pilots of forthcoming disruptions of GPS systems and adapt power grids in anticipation. And the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, the third passenger on the rocket, will study the Earth's exosphere in a bid to better understand how space weather affects it. Planetary health check warns risk of 'destabilising' Earth systems Paris, Sept 24 (AFP) Sep 24, 2025 Humans are gambling the very stability of Earth's life support systems, scientists said Wednesday, warning that ocean acidity was yet another key planetary threshold to be breached. A team of global scientists assessed that seven of nine so-called "planetary boundaries" -- processes that regulate Earth's stability, resilience and ability to sustain life -- had now been crossed. Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, freshwater depletion, overuse of agricultural fertilisers, and the release of artificial chemicals and plastics into the environment were all already deep in the red. In their new report, the scientists said all seven were "showing trends of increasing pressure -- suggesting further deterioration and destabilisation of planetary health in the near future". Destructive and polluting activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are driving these further into risky territory and increasingly interacting with each other. "We are putting the stability of the entire life support system on Earth at risk," said Johan Rockstrom, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in a press conference to launch the research. The concept of planetary boundaries was first coined in 2009 when only global warming, extinction rates, and nitrogen levels had transgressed their limits. "We are moving even further away from the safe operating space, risking destabilising our Earth and with an increasing risk growing year by year," said Levke Caesar, co-lead of Planetary Boundaries Science at PIK. Many of the causes of deterioration are interlinked, showing both the wide-ranging impact of human activities, but also avenues for action. The use of fossil fuels is a key example, driving climate change, as well as fuelling plastic pollution and the rise in ocean acidification. - Safety net 'unravelling' - The world's seas are estimated to have absorbed roughly 30 percent of the excess carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from the burning of oil, gas and coal. This alters the pH of the ocean, affecting the ability of organisms like corals, shellfish and some forms of plankton to form shells and skeletons. Increased ocean acidification since last year's report was partly due to better data and revised calculations. Scientists said there was already evidence of shell damage, particularly for marine animals in polar and coastal regions. "What we see in the data is no longer abstract. It is showing up in the world around us right now," said Caesar. One positive in this year's report is an improvement in global air quality as aerosol emissions fall across the world, despite the continued scourge of severe particulate pollution in some regions. The final boundary -- ozone depletion -- remains comfortably within safe bounds, which scientists said shows the success of global cooperation to restrict ozone-depleting pollutants. Researchers have quantified safe boundaries for these interlocking facets of the Earth system, which feed off and amplify each other. For climate change, for example, the threshold is linked to the concentration of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. This hovered close to 280 parts per million (ppm) for at least 10,000 years prior to the industrial revolution and researchers suggest the boundary is 350 ppm. Concentrations in 2025 are 423 ppm. The assessment of the world's biodiversity and ecosystems is even more perilous. "Nature's safety net is unravelling: Extinctions and loss of natural productivity are far above safe levels, and there is no sign of improvement," the report said. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The shortlist for the Booker Prize 2025 has been announced, with the selected novels promising to push the boundaries of narrative form through classical storytelling. This years selection spotlights works by writers deep into their literary careers, who have spent decades honing their craft and have published several novels prior to their shortlisted title. Previous Booker Prize-winner Kiran Desai, who was awarded the accolade for The Inheritance of Loss in 2006, makes her return with the family saga The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. Also making a second appearance on the list are Andrew Miller, who was shortlisted in 2001 for Oxygen, and David Szalay, who was shortlisted in 2016 for All That Man Is, with The Land in Winter and Flesh, respectively. Meanwhile, American writers Susan Choi (generational saga Flashlight), Katie Kitamura (actors tale Audition), and Ben Markovits (midlife road trip The Rest of Our Lives) make their debut. Roddy Doyle, chair of the 2025 Booker Prize judges, said the six chosen novels have two things in common: Their authors are in total command of their own store of English, their own rhythm, their own expertise; they have each crafted a novel that no one else could have written. And all of the books, in six different and very fresh ways, find their stories in the examination of the individual trying to live with to love, to seek attention from, to cope with, to understand, to keep at bay, to tolerate, to escape from other people. Doyle added: In other words, they are all brilliantly written and they are all brilliantly human. open image in gallery Samantha Harvey poses with the trophy and her book Orbital after winning the 2024 Booker Prize. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) ( AP ) The winning book will be announced at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London on Monday, 10 November 2025. It will also be streamed on the Booker Prize social media channels. Each of the six shortlisted authors have received 2,500 and a specially bound edition of their book. The winning writer will receive an additional 50,000. See the full list of finalists below: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran Desai Desai returns to the shortlist with The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, her third book and her first since 2006s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Inheritance of Loss. She spent almost 20 years writing it and at nearly 700 pages, it is the longest book on this years list though an earlier draft clocked in at 5,000 pages. Should she win this year, Desai would become the fifth double winner in the prizes 56-year history, joining Margaret Atwood, Peter Carey, JM Coetzee, and Hilary Mantel. Speaking on the novels themes, she said: I wanted to write a story about love and loneliness in the modern world, a present-day romance with old-fashioned beauty. As I wrote across geographies and generations, I realised that I could widen the scope of my novel, to write about loneliness in a much broader sense. Not just romantic loneliness, but the huge divides of class and race, the distrust between nations, the swift vanishing of a past world all of which can be seen as forms of loneliness. The Land in Winter, Andrew Miller A feted author, Miller was shortlisted for the prize in 2001 for Oxygen. He won the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction in 1997 for Ingenious Pain, the Costa Book Award in 2011 for Pure, and in 2012 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. The Land in Winter, his 10th novel, won the 2025 Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction. Miller said: The Land in Winter is inspired by an anecdote of my mothers that rattled around in my head for many years. Also, a wish to reach back to a period that was right at the furthest stretch of what I could in any way claim to remember. And to try to make a certain kind of novel lots of flow and momentum, and full of narrative pleasures. open image in gallery Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai and The Land in Winter by Andrewe Miller ( Hamish Hamilton / Sceptre ) Flesh, David Szalay Szalay was previously shortlisted in 2016 for All That Man Is, which was awarded the Gordon Burn Prize and George Plimpton Prize for Fiction. Szalay won the Betty Trask and Geoffrey Faber Memorial prizes in 2008 for his first novel London and the South-East. In 2019 he won the Edge Hill Prize for his short story collection Turbulence. Flesh, his sixth work of fiction, has topped numerous best books to read in 2025 and has garnered rave reviews from critics. The Hungarian-British author said: I knew I wanted to write a book with a Hungarian end and an English end, since I was living very much between the two countries at the time. It would be, to some extent, a novel about contemporary Europe, and about the cultural and economic divides that characterise it. I also wanted to write about life as a physical experience, about what its like to be a living body in the world whatever divides us, we all share that. Flashlight, Susan Choi Chois second novel, American Woman, was a finalist for the 2004 Pulitzer Prize, while her fifth novel, Trust Exercise, won the 2019 National Book Award for Fiction and was a bestseller in the US. Chois shortlisted novel Flashlight is her sixth book, and began life as a short story published in The New Yorker. At just under 450 pages, the novel moves between the post-war Korean immigrant community in Japan, to suburban America, and the North Korean regime. She said: The inspiration for Flashlight was a combination of being haunted by childhood memories of a trip to Japan that was not catastrophic but was still very disruptive and by stories about the unexplained disappearances, in the late 1970s, of ordinary Japanese people, including a schoolgirl not much older than me. open image in gallery 'Flesh' by David Szalay and 'Flashlight' by Susan Choi ( Jonathan Cape ) Audition, Katie Kitamura Kitamura is a recipient of the Rome Prize in Literature and the author of five books, including Audition, which is set to be made into a feature film starring Lucy Liu, Charles Melton, and Lulu Wang. Her previous novel, Intimacies, won France's Prix Litteraire Lucien Barriere in 2023 and was one of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2021. It was also listed as one of Barack Obamas favourite books of 2021. The starting point for Audition was a desire to write about the long process through which children must necessarily grow up to become strangers to their own parents, she said. Reading the book requires holding two separate versions of events in your head at the same time. Its either/or, and also and. As a culture, were becoming quite bad at holding a contradiction in our heads. And yet we live in a time of profound and increasing cognitive dissonance. open image in gallery 'Audition' by Katie Kitamura and 'The Rest of Our Lives' by Ben Markovits ( Fern Press / Faber ) The Rest of Our Lives, Ben Markovits Markovits, who grew up in Texas, the UK and Germany, is a former professional basketball player. He was selected as one of Grantas Best of Young British Novelists in 2013 and won the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction in 2016 for You Don't Have to Live Like This. His shortlisted title,The Rest of Our Lives, is his 11th novel for adults and was lauded by multiple publications as the best book of the summer. He said: My kids were getting older and I wanted to write something about a certain period of family life coming to an end. When I started working on the novel I had symptoms nobody could diagnose and put that in the book, too it seemed like a useful symbol of what happens to you in middle age, the gradual decline that you cant quite understand. 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 Back in June, Russell Crowe told a US podcast that he felt slightly uncomfortable with the idea of a sequel to Gladiator in which he doesnt feature. A couple of things that Ive heard, Im like, No, no, no, thats not in the moral journey of that particular character, he explained. You can understand the apprehension. Just think of how imperious Crowe was in Ridley Scotts swords-and-sandals classic, all grizzled, gravel-voiced machismo as the soldier who becomes a slave who becomes the saviour of Rome. It was a triumphant performance in a film that had everything. Betrayal! Beheadings! The Colosseum! A monologue I can definitely not recite word for word! And of course the whole thing was carried off with such chutzpah that you could let slide some of its more portentous posturing. My word were we entertained. If only one could say the same for the sequel. For a film that took what seems like centuries to get made, Scotts Gladiator II feels weirdly rushed, a gallimaufry of half-baked ideas and lazy throwbacks to the Crowe original from 2000. And yet critics, by and large, have loved it. The Guardian called it gobsmacking. Relentlessly entertaining, wrote The Daily Telegraph, while The Independents Clarisse Loughrey said: Gladiator II shows us how to make cinema with a capital C. Far be it from me to disregard their opinions, but I couldnt help feeling disappointed. Terribly vexed, even. For a start, David Scarpas screenplay tramples all over the earlier films legacy like a heavy-footed Roman legion, as Crowe feared it would. Take its hero, Lucius (Paul Mescal), the nephew of the originals creepy Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and grandson of the idealistic Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Now we know that Crowes Maximus was an uxorious man; the memory of his murdered wife and son is what sustained him. But this new film does the dirty on the former general, revealing that Lucius is his illegitimate son, the result of his love affair with Connie Nielsens Lucilla. Maximus, you rogue. The story itself is not so much a march onwards as a retracing of steps. In many respects, its a remake. Just as Maximus sought vengeance for his family, so Lucius wants revenge on Rome, the city that sent him into exile in north Africa as a child, before killing his wife, making him a slave and forcing him to compete in a gladiatorial festival in the Colosseum. Sound familiar? Only this time our hero has a knack for quoting Virgil. Even the set pieces echo those of the original: the film opens with a big battle scene, then transplants the action to an amphitheatre on the outskirts of Rome before a gauntlet of showdowns at the Colosseum. Of these, the most offensive is also the most historically dubious, as the arena is filled with water and a hungry shiver of shonky CGI sharks join the fray, straight from the animated soup of Deep Blue Sea. Of course a sense of deja vu does not necessarily a bad film make. After all, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was very similar to A New Hope yet was still thrilling. But here, hobbled by a script that expects him to lend weighty heft to lines that only sound plausible when growled by Crowe, such as Strength and honour, the normally brilliant Mescal is reduced to a dull cipher. His impassioned monologue towards the end is painfully reminiscent of Orlando Blooms in Scotts 2005 Crusader epic, Kingdom of Heaven. Spare a thought, too, for Derek Jacobi, back as Senator Gracchus. Having imbued the first film with some I, Claudius-style gravitas, here he is brought back purely to remind everyone of the solemnity of having Marcus Aureliuss trust, before being unceremoniously sidelined and then discarded. open image in gallery Rotten Roman: Paul Mescal in Ridley Scotts Gladiator II ( Cuba Scott ) As for the villains: I couldnt stand Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechingers deranged co-emperors Geta and Caracalla, with their ticks and Sunday-comedown jitteriness, but Denzel Washington, as a slave-owner with soaring ambitions, is deliciously sly, stealing every scene and generally putting all the actors to shame. Hes the films only real winner, apart perhaps from Caracallas pet monkey, who lights up the screen. Indeed, where Gladiator felt epic in scope, its characters carefully formed, this sequel wryly gallops towards its finale, playing fast and loose with a script that cares not about concealing glaring plot holes. Speaking in Los Angeles recently, Nielsen discussed the haste with which the film was made: This time around, what would have taken three hours to set up 25 years ago now takes 20 minutes, she said. We could not believe how fast we were moving. It shows. Scene by scene, Gladiator II just feels... undercooked. Theres no panache, no bombast, no indelible lines. Its as if Scott blearily knocked it out and never looked back, content to rest on his laurels. Not that the 86-year-olds recent output has been that different. Look at the much-ridiculed House of Gucci (2021), for instance. In terms of its camerawork, it was staid and unflashy, which, for a film that seemed dazzling and flamboyant on the page, was bewildering. Maybe the fact that Scott speed-filmed an entire performance by Christopher Plummer into All the Money in the World (2017) after Kevin Spacey was cut from it has made him think its possible to hurry entire productions. open image in gallery Bit much: Joseph Quinn in Gladiator II ( Cuba Scott ) Yet that doesnt explain Gladiator IIs tone. Yes, the swords-and-scandals genre is ripe for campy parody a wink here, a nudge there but following up a film that was so sombre with one that feels so am-dram absurdist just jars. Critics have argued that this camp skew is typical of Scott for the past decade and a half, pointing to opinion-splintering historical dramas such as Napoleon (2023), which my colleague Louis Chilton wrote was often, and very deliberately, hilarious, in a staunch defence of the films hokey, over-the-top screenplay. But be that as it may, I just cant understand why a script this inert has been roundly praised for not taking itself seriously. When Gladiator premiered in May 2000, it successfully revived an ailing, outdated genre, one that had been brutally spoofed in Airplane! and Monty Python. This sequel feels like a backwards step; I bet Crowe is fuming. As Maximus famously said: What we do in life echoes in eternity. He surely wasnt expecting accompanying laughter. Gladiator II is in cinemas Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Claudia Cardinale, the Sixties screen icon who appeared in such classic films as 81/2 and Once Upon a Time in the West, has died. She was 87. A major star of Italian cinema, she was also known for her appearance opposite Peter Sellers in The Pink Panther (1963). Her agent, Laurent Savry, told AFP that she died in Nemours near Paris, with her children present. She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste, added Savry in a statement. Cardinale was born in the Tunisian capital Tunis on 15 April 1938. Her film career began shortly after she won a beauty contest in 1957 and was named the Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia. She made her film debut with a small role opposite Omar Sharif in 1958s Goha, and came to greater prominence with her performance in Luchino Viscontis Rocco and His Brothers in 1960. By the early Sixties, she was one of the best-known stars in Italy thanks to films such as Girl with a Suitcase (1961) and Cartouche (1962). open image in gallery Cardinale with Alain Delon in 1963s The Leopard ( Getty ) In 1963, she reunited with Visconti for the Sicilian epic The Leopard, starring alongside Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon. That same year, Federico Fellini cast her as an actor, also named Claudia, whom film director Guido Anselmi considers his Ideal Woman in the meta classic 81/2. Also in 1963, Cardinale made the transition to Hollywood when she landed the role of Princess Dahla in The Pink Panther. She continued to work regularly in the United States, appearing in such films as The Professionals (1966), Don't Make Waves (1967) and The Hell with Heroes (1968). She starred with Charles Bronson and Henry Fonda in Sergio Leones Western Once Upon a Time in the West, which was also released in 1968. In 1974, Cardinale met director Pasquale Squitieri, and they became a couple until his death on 18 February 2017, at the age of 78. They frequently collaborated, working together on films such as Blood Brothers (1974), Father of the Godfathers (1978), and Claretta (1984). open image in gallery Claudia Cardinale photographed in London in 1962, around the time of her film Cartouche ( Getty ) In 1982, she played the love interest of Klaus Kinski in Fitzcarraldo, Werner Herzog's troubled film about a man who transports a steamship over the Andes mountains in Peru. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, just as The Leopard had done almost two decades earlier. In 2007, The Independents Jonathan Romney wrote of Cardinale: Her apotheosis came in 1963, in Visconti's masterpiece The Leopard, which provided a classic Cannes photo opportunity, posing on the beach with Burt Lancaster and a leopard. She was back in 1982, teamed with wild man Klaus Kinski in Fitzcarraldo. She may have felt safer with the leopard. She is survived by her children, Claudia Squitieri and Patrick Cristaldi. 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 Emma Watson has opened up about her difficult rift with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling over their differing viewpoints on transgender issues. The 35-year-old British star, best known for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the eight-film adaptation of Rowlings wizarding books, has been an outspoken advocate for trans rights, as have many of her co-stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint. Rowling, meanwhile, has drawn controversy for remarks that have been criticized as transphobic. Recently, she lashed out at the actors, suggesting that she would never forgive them for their views, and that they now ruin the movies for her. Sitting down for her first podcast interview with Jay Shetty, Watson was asked about the authors hurtful comments. I think the thing Im most upset about is that a conversation was never made possible, she said, adding that she will always believe in having an open dialogue. open image in gallery Emma Watson said she still 'treasures' J.K. Rowling and the experiences they shared, despite their difference in opinions ( Getty ) I really dont believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I cant and dont treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with, Watson said. I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I dont get to keep and cherish, to come back to our earlier thing. I just dont think these things are either or. I think its my deepest wish that I hope people who dont agree with my opinion will love me and I hope I can keep loving people who I dont necessarily share the same opinion with. In an earlier interview with Hollywood Authentic, the star of The Perks of Being a Wallflower addressed her years-long acting hiatus. open image in gallery Emma Watson sat down with Jay Shetty for her first podcast interview ( Jay Shetty Podcast/YouTube ) Admitting that shes maybe the happiest and healthiest [shes] ever been since stepping away from the spotlight, Watson explained: The bigger component than the actual job itself is the promotion and selling of that piece of work, this piece of art. The balance of that can get quite thrown off. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. I think Ill be honest and straightforward, and say: I do not miss selling things. I found that to be quite soul-destroying. But I do very much miss using my skill set, and I very much miss the art. I just found I got to do so little of the bit that I actually enjoyed. The actor, whose most recent film was Greta Gerwigs Little Women adaptation in 2019, continued: I dont miss the pressure. I forget it was a lot of pressure. I did a small thing for a play, just with my friends. I was like, Bloody hell, this is stressful! And that wasnt even for a real public audience or anything. I dont miss that. 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 Leonardo DiCaprio says that when he finally landed an agent as a young actor, he was told hed need a new name The Titanic actor, 50, and Benicio del Toro were guests on Wednesdays episode of the New Heights podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce. The pair are currently promoting their new film, One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. At one point during the episode, the actors were asked to talk about the holy s*** moments in their illustrious careers. DiCaprio recalled trying to get an agent as a child actor, saying agencies would line people up like cattle, going down the line saying yes or no. I remember saying to my dad, This is horrible, he said. But I went back and they did it again. However, when DiCaprio finally got an agent when he was around 12 or 13, |They said, Your name is too ethnic, he recalled. I go, What do mean? Its Leonardo DiCaprio. They go, No, too ethnic. Theyre never gonna hire you. Your new name is Lenny Williams. Your new name is Lenny Williams, DiCaprio recalled an agent telling him ( Getty Images ) The new name was supposed to be both a nickname for Leonardo and a version of DiCaprios middle name, which is Wilhelm. However, his father did not appreciate the change after seeing his sons headshot with the name Lenny Williams printed on it. My dad saw this photo, ripped it up, and he said, Over my dead body. The Oscar winner went on to admit that he struggled to land roles as a child actor. I was a break dancer. I'd break dance for, like, money on the streets sometimes. Oh, yeah. I had the step haircut, he said. I remember saying to my dad, This is horrible. I went back, and they did it again. Yes. Yes. No. No. I just remember, my dad sings, you know, Someday you're gonna have your time, son. Just keep at it. Keep at it. DiCaprio has gone on to receive five Oscar nominations in his career, including one win for his role in The Revenant in 2016. One Battle After Another follows a former member of a resistance group who seeks help from other revolutionaries to find his missing daughter. The film is loosely based on Thomas Pynchons 1990 novel Vineland and marks the first-ever collaboration between Anderson and DiCaprio. In a five-star review for The Independent, film critic Clarisse Loughrey called it a ferocious American masterpiece. DiCaprio is playing a brand of character hes finessed beautifully of late, the buffoon with a broken heart, who totters around One Battle After Anothers midsection in a bathrobe and a tiny hair bun, wielding a phone charger in search of an outlet and throwing a toddlers tantrum when he realises hes forgotten the secret revolutionary passcode, she wrote. The actors an accomplished clown when its required of him, but Anderson can easily break away from him, for a moment, to watch a planted agitator roll up to a protest and give the cops an excuse for violent suppression, and let the audience feel that chill of malevolent power crawl up their limbs. One Battle After Another is in theaters from September 26. The biggest rail union is backing an historic proposal to create the first transcontinental railroad after receiving guarantees it wont suffer any job losses in the merger. Join the leaders shaping freights future at F3: Future of Freight Festival, Oct 21-22. Network with the industrys best and discover whats next. Register now! SMART-TD (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation WorkersTransportation Division), which has 5,900 members working trains and yards at Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP), on Monday said it would support UPs acquisition of eastern carrier Norfolk Southern after receiving written guarantees it would suffer no job losses as a result of the merger. SMART-TD has125,000 active and retired members across all Class I railroads, although the number at NS (NYSE: NSC) has not been publicly disclosed. The union said that the agreement guarantees that SMART-TD members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers following the transaction, and wont face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger. This is a proud day for our members, said SMART-TD President Jeremy R. Ferguson, in a statement. For generations, railroaders have worried about what mergers might mean for their jobs and whether or not they would be given the opportunity to reach retirement on the rail. Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground. We are protecting jobs, protecting families, and protecting the future of the U.S. supply chain. The union had initially opposed the deal when it was announced in late July, in part over concerns about possible job losses. In a statement, Union Pacific Chief Executive Jim Vena said, When we announced our intent to create the first transcontinental railroad in America, I made a promise to protect the jobs of all unionized employees. Those who have a job when the merger is approved will continue to have one. I am confident we will unlock new sources of growth for the country and our industry. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) still opposes the merger, due to concerns about job cuts, safety, and the creation of a coast-to-coast railroad it says potentially catastrophic for workers and public safety. The TWU represents some Norfolk Southern workers. President Donald Trump backed the merger in a recent Oval Office meeting with Vena. The railroads expect to file their formal merger application with the Surface Transportation Board by late October or January 2026. 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 Artificial intelligence was reportedly used to turn a mans face into a womans to show a gay couple in Together as heterosexual before the horror film was shown in China. The movie, directed by Michael Shanks, follows Dave Franco and Alison Brie as they move to the countryside and encounter some mysterious force that triggers horrific changes in their bodies. In one scene of the film shown in China, a male characters face is replaced with that of a woman using AI, changing the homosexual relationship on screen into a heterosexual one, Bloomberg reported. Most viewers only noticed the alteration after side-by-side comparisons circulated on social media. A report in China Digital Times said some sex scenes were also removed from the final version in theatres. The Independent has reached out to representatives for Shanks for comment. On Douban, the Chinese equivalent of IMDb, viewers said they were alarmed at the digital alterations. The evolution to using AI to directly swap faces is truly terrifying. In the future, we won't even know we're watching the original film, one person said. Thats great! another wrote. We can re-release Brokeback Mountain, God's Own Country, Lan Yu, and Happy Together, and use AI to remake them into heterosexual romances with just one click. Thats faster and better than taking Chinese medicine! We're so beautiful here! We have hope! In a four-star review of Together, The Independents Clarisse Loughrey writes that while Shankss ideas are smart, and his direction of the digital and practical effects suitably crunchy and nasty, its the casting that makes all the difference. Brie and Franco are married in real life, and that lends an easy, lived-in quality to their characters on screen, she says. But the genius lies in the fact that neither of them are traditional horror stars theyre comedy people, used to bending their bodies and faces in odd ways in order to get a very different kind of reaction from audiences. Dave Franco and Alison Brie in Together ( Together ) This isnt the first time LGBTQ+ content has been edited or removed from movies for the Chinese market. In 2018, Bohemian Rhapsody had references to Freddie Mercurys sexuality removed. Warner Bros did away with lines of dialogue where characters Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald referenced their previous romantic relationship in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, while streaming platforms edited out lesbian characters or references in shows like Friends. Homosexuality is decriminalised in China but same-sex relationships are not legally recognised and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and content continue to face restrictions. In 2018, Chinese broadcaster Mango TV was barred from airing the Eurovision Song Contest after the channel censored LGBT+ content during the semi-final. China tightly controls content in both traditional and online media and holds internet platforms accountable if they fail to police content. In 2021, the National Radio and Television Administration issued a directive banning the appearance of effeminate men on screen and urging broadcasters to resolutely put an end to abnormal aesthetics and promote revolutionary culture. Earlier this year, several young authors who wrote gay erotic fiction, called danmei, were detained and accused of producing and disseminating obscene materials for profit. 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 Violet Affleck, the daughter of actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, continued her calls for mask mandates Tuesday, delivering a speech at the United Nations at an event titled Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action. The 19-year-old, who says she contracted a post-viral condition in 2019, has been an outspoken advocate for stronger public health protections. Appearing before the U.N. wearing a mask and goggles, Violet said her address: We are told by leaders across the board that we are the future. But when it comes to the ongoing pandemic, our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes. She went on to criticize adults who played to the relentless beat of back to normal, ignoring downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of long COVID. Violet, who is currently studying at Yale University, continued: Young people lacked both real choice in the matter and information about what was being chosen for us. open image in gallery Violet Affleck spoke at the Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action event at the U.N. on Tuesday ( UN Web TV ) As Dr. Akiko Iwasaki says, at this point, the whole population is the control group, and after only five years, long COVID has surpassed asthma as the most common chronic illness in children in five years and under. She added that she was terrified for children who will not know a world without debilitating pain and exhaustion, who cannot trust their bodies to play, explore, and imagine after being infected by COVID-19. I am furious on their behalf, she said. It is a neglect of the highest order to look children in the eyes and say, We knew how to protect you and we didn't do it. We have access to a technology to prevent airborne disease, something that millions of our ancestors and millions of people around the world today would kill for, and we refuse to use it. She concluded by declaring that filtered air is a human right and should be available as freely as filtered water. We can create clean air infrastructure that is so ubiquitous and so obviously necessary, tomorrows children dont even know why we need it, she said. open image in gallery Violet has appeared alongside her mother at public events in the past ( AFP/Getty ) Last year, Violet stood before the LA County Board of Supervisors to ask them to confront the long COVID crisis by increasing coronavirus safety measures in hospitals, jails and detention centres. You must expand the availability of high-quality free tests and treatment, and most importantly the county must oppose mask bans for any reason. They do not keep us safer, she told the governing body. Garner and Affleck, who were married from 2005 to 2018, share three children: Violet, 16-year-old Seraphina and Samuel, 13. 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 Dua Lipa has hit back at what she called a deliberately inflammatory and completely false report that she fired one of her agents after he tried to stop the Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap from performing at Glastonbury. David Levy was allegedly among the music industry figures who signed a leaked letter urging Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis to drop the pro-Palestine group from the bill of this years festival. Mail Online claimed that Lipa parted ways with Levy after learning about the letter. However, the British-Albanian pop stars agency WME has called the story categorically false and clarified that Levy stopped working with Lipa in 2019. open image in gallery Mail Online claimed that Dua Lipa parted ways with Daniel Levy after learning about a letter he signed urging Glastonbury to drop Kneecap ( Getty ) In her own statement, shared on Instagram stories on Tuesday, Lipa wrote: I do not condone the actions of David Levy or other music executives toward an artist speaking their truth. I also cannot ignore how this has been handled in the press. Not only was the story completely false but the language used by the Daily Mail has been deliberately inflammatory, crafted purely for clickbait, clearly designed to fuel online division. She added: It is always Free Palestine but exploiting a global tragedy in order to sell newspapers is something I find deeply troubling. WME said in a statement: Reports suggesting that Dua Lipa or her management dismissed one of our agents because of his political views are categorically false. open image in gallery Dua Lipa shared a statement to her Instagram stories ( Instagram/Dua Lipa ) Acknowledging that Levy played a role in Lipas early career, the company said he had shifted to an advisory role in 2019 until earlier this year when he moved on to other projects. Kneecaps Glastonbury performance ultimately went ahead, with the group leading their audience in chants of F*** Keir Starmer after the prime minister stated that he did not think it was appropriate for them to play the festival. The letter to Eavis, which was originally brought to public attention by former BBC Radio DJ Toddla T who produced Kneecaps 2024 album Fine Art came after band member Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a 2024 gig. open image in gallery Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh speaks to supporters as he leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London ( PA ) He denies the charge and has said in interviews that the flag was thrown onstage and he picked it up without realising. He is due back in court on Friday 26 September to learn whether the charges will proceed to a trial. Mail Online has since updated its story to reflect the statements from Lipa and WME. Lipa has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemned the UK for selling arms to Israel. In May, she condemned Israeli airstrikes on displacement camps in southern Gaza: Burning children alive can never be justified, she wrote on Instagram. The whole world is mobilising to stop the Israeli genocide. Please show your solidarity with Gaza. Israel has repeatedly denied that it is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. A UN commission of inquiry said last week that Israel had committed genocide. Kneecap were banned from entering Canada this week for allegedly glorifying terrorist organisations. The band announced in response that they will take legal action against the wholly untrue and deeply malicious accusations. 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 Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the two men who have accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse, are demanding a settlement worth $400 million. The figure was revealed by John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the late King of Pops estate, as part of ongoing court proceedings brought by Jacksons daughter Paris regarding legal fees. Us Magazine reports that Branca and McClain defended the fees they have agreed to pay lawyers on the basis that the estate requires substantial legal assistance on a number of matters, including fighting Robson and Safechucks lawsuit. In court documents filed on September 15, Branca and McClain write that failure to pay all legal fees would have profoundly destabilizing consequences for the estate. They continue: The Estate would likely have to default in [Robson and Safechucks lawsuit], where numerous depositions, discovery matters, and other matters are scheduled to take place over the next several months, and where [Robson and Safechuck] are seeking $400 million. The amount Robson and Safechuck were seeking had not previously been revealed. Michael Jackson acknowledging his fans as he arrived at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on March 17, 2005 ( Associated Press ) Branca and McClain add: It would be disastrous for the Estate to default in this case. Robson and Safechucks accusations formed the basis of the Leaving Neverland documentary in 2019. Earlier this year, Paris Jackson raised concerns about payments being made from her fathers estate. The 27-year-old is one of the King of Pops three children. After he died in 2009, she became one of the beneficiaries of his estate along with her brothers Prince and Bigi. Her grandmother Katherine was also provided for in Jacksons will. According to court documents filed in July, Paris objected to a request for legal fees from Branca and McClain. The fees in question relate to work done in 2018, and the length of time it has taken for the estates executors to respond to the courts questions about the payments is part of Jacksons complaint. In the filing, she also expresses concern about the practice of executors granting so-called premium payments for unrecorded attorney time. Her lawyer writes: During this one six-month period alone in 2018, Executors request that the Court approve $625,000 in payments to three law firms for what they say is uncaptured time, without explanation as to why counsel was incapable of recording unbilled time, or why such a failure should not preclude payment. The lawyer continued: Even worse, these payments appear, at least in part, to consist of lavish gratuities bestowed upon already well-compensated counsel. Jacksons legal team argues that the payments reflect poorly on the executors of the estate, writing: These irregular payments raise serious and substantial questions about Executors ability to effectively supervise counsel and refraining from wasteful, six-figure gift-giving to themselves and their colleagues. The court proceedings are ongoing. 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 Disney has announced that the cost of some of its various streaming service bundles will be increasing, as controversy around the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, Live! continues. The company revealed that from October 21, the price of various packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be going up. According to the Disney+ website, the price of standalone Disney+ with ads service is rising from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the Disney+ Premium without ads is rising from $15.99 to $18.99 per month. The Hulu standalone plan with ads is increasing from $9.99 to $11.99/month as of the same date; the premium version of Hulu with no ads will remain at $18.99 per month. open image in gallery Disney has revealed that from October 21, various packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be going up ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) A Disney+, Hulu Bundle, which includes both services with ads will go up from $10.99 to $12.99, while the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Select Bundle, will soon be $19.99, up from $16.99. The premium versions of those two bundles all services without ads will be $19.99 and $29.99 respectively, as of October 21. Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle plans are also set to increase, with the regular package which includes all three services increasing to $19.99 per month, and the premium package up to $32.99. The Independent has reached out to Disney for comment about the price hikes. A spokesperson declined to comment when reached by Variety. The price increase to the U.S. streaming services is the third time in three years, following hikes in October 2024 and 2023, and comes amid the fallout from suspension of Jimmy Kimmels late night show by Disney and ABC. open image in gallery The price increase to the U.S. streaming services is the third time in three years, following hikes in October 2024 and 2023, and comes amid the fallout from suspension of Jimmy Kimmels late night show by Disney and ABC ( AP ) open image in gallery Kimmels brief suspension caused outrage, with many people threatening to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions over the furore. Protests also took place outside the studio where Kimmels show is filmed on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles ( Getty Images ) Kimmels show was pulled off air indefinitely following comments he made about the shooting death of MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk, which resulted in outrage from those on the right as well as the chair of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr. ABC announced Monday that Kimmel would return to air Tuesday night. His brief suspension caused outrage with many customers threatening to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions over the furore. Multiple celebrities spoke out in support of Kimmel including Ben Stiller, Jean Smart, and Marvel actress Tatiana Maslany, who urged people online to cancel their subscriptions. open image in gallery ABC announced Monday that Kimmel would return to air Tuesday night ( Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP ) Fellow late-night talk show hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver have also expressed solidarity with Kimmel. On Sundays episode of Olivers Last Week Tonight, he encouraged viewers to exert pressure on Disney by canceling their subscriptions for the companys apparent refusal to protect freedom of speech. Protests against the suspension have also taken place outside the studio where Kimmels show is filmed on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. 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 Soaps longest-standing actor William Roache has revealed he had a two-year rivalry with a Coronation Street co-star. The 93-year-old actor, who has played Ken Barlow on the ITV soap since its 1960 debut, said that he clashed with Pat Phoenix, who played legendary character Elsie Tanner. Phoenix was also an original cast member, appearing from 1960 to 1973 before returning for an eight-year stint in 1976 but for two of those years, she didnt see eye to eye with Roache. Roache said hostilities started over a scene in which Barlow told Tanner off for saying something unkind to his wife, Valerie Tatlock (played by Anne Reid). The actor claimed that Phoenix disagreed with how the scene played out, telling the director: I dont think shed take this from this young man. Roache said he found this unprofessional. She said she wanted to do something in the end, and the director said, Yes, Pat, anything you want, Roache said on a panel with several co-stars, including Jane Danson (who plays Leanne Battersby), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) and Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan). open image in gallery Coronation Street actor William Roache has played Ken Barlow since 1960 ( ITV ) Pat asked me to pause and [suggested her character should] throw an ashtray at me. I said, No, Pat, you know what youve done here, and as far as Im concerned, its unprofessional. We didnt talk for two years. They shared many scenes together, but did not talk when the cameras stopped rolling, until she invited him to her birthday party out of the blue. Two years later, were standing together waiting to film a scene, still not talking, and it was her birthday coming up. She said, Oh I suppose youd better come to my party then, and we became good friends after that. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Phoenixs role as reckless divorcee Elsie led to her being considered one of TVs first sex symbols. Her character left the cobbles for Portugal in 1983 and it was revealed Elsie had died in an offscreen car crash in 2004. Away from Corrie, Phoenix starred in British film The L-Shaped Room (1962) and one-act TV play Hidden Talents in 1986 the same year she died of lung cancer, aged 62. Phoenix kept her diagnosis secret from her acting boyfriend Anthony Booth Tony Blairs future father-in-law but when she was given just weeks to live, Phoenix told Booth and they married eight days before her death. Coronation Street celebrates its 65th anniversary on 9 December, which also marks Roaches 65th year on the soap. He has appeared on the series continuously without taking any breaks, making him the longest-serving actor in soap history. He said he wants to keep playing Barlow until he is 100. open image in gallery Pat Phoenix as legendary Corrie character Elsie Tanner ( IYTV ) Roache reportedly earns more than 250,000 per year for his role, which would make him one of the highest-paid cast members. However, in 2024, he filed for bankruptcy after having a petition filed against him by HMRC. A spokesperson for Coronation Street told The Independent: Were really sorry to hear of Bills financial situation. Bill has an ongoing contract with Coronation Street and remains a much-loved member of the cast. The actor received an OBE from King Charles in 2022 for services to drama and charity. At the time, he said: Im delighted to be receiving an OBE as its such a wonderful honour. I cant tell you how proud I am. Coronation Street has given me so much in life and I absolutely love the programme and everyone who works on the show. 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 Natalie Cassidy, known for her role as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, says it was freeing to leave the soap earlier this year. Cassidy, who departed the long-running BBC series after playing the character on and off for more than 30 years, told Prima magazine she particularly enjoyed working alongside the older cast members during her tenure, naming her late co-stars Barbara Windsor and June Brown as influences. I always connected with Wendy Richards and Barbara Windsor, and I would say that June Brown was my dearest, oldest friend, she said. Windsor played matriarch Peggy Mitchell in the soap and died in 2020. Brown was also a long-term cast member, playing Dot Cotton into her 90s. She died in 2022. Richards, who played Pauline Fowler for many years, died in 2009. open image in gallery Cassidy left the long-running BBC series earlier this year ( Prima UK/Nicky Johnston ) Cassidy, who said she would not be averse to returning for guest appearances in the soap, said she had enjoyed reinventing herself. Sonia isnt the most glamorous of characters, bless her, but I wanted to stay true to her character, so I never got extensions put in, or dyed my hair, she told the magazine. She was just a worker who didnt have a lot of money and worked for the NHS. But coming away, and breaking free, I just thought, I want to be glam. I want to wear coloured nails. And just feel like me. I do feel like my face has changed a little since leaving EastEnders, because I was quite sad and depressed when I was playing Sonia, or angry all the time. So I feel like my frown lines have sort of faded away, which is quite nice. open image in gallery Cassidy made her first appearance in the soap in 1993 ( Prima UK/Nicky Johnston ) Cassidy made her first appearance in the soap in 1993, leaving in 2007, before returning to Walford briefly between 2010 and 2011, and again in 2014. She said she decided to leave EastEnders after turning 40. I know its a bit of a cliche, but I think turning 40 is a milestone, she said. I think you know who you are, you know who your friends are, and where you are in life. And for me, having been in this business for such a long time, I just needed to be free and be open to everything else. EastEnders is a brilliant job, but when youre there, youre chained. You know where you are and what youre doing. But you havent got any time to plan anything else, so it does take over your whole life. Cassidy, who appears on the front cover of Primas November issue, said it had been freeing leaving EastEnders, but Albert Square will always hold a place in my heart. The November 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale. 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 Gordon Ramsay is the latest celebrity to fall victim to a swatting prank after a hoax caller told police the chef had been shot. Ramsay, 58, was reportedly not at his home in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles or even in the United States at the time of the call. According to NBC Los Angeles, LAPD responded to a call at around 8 pm on Monday from a person claiming to have shot Ramsay. A staff member at the property told them it was a hoax, and the incident was recorded as a swatting prank. The Independent has approached LAPD for further comment. The incident follows a string of similar pranks across the city, often targeting the rich and famous. Last September, police descended on Jennifer Anistons home after a wellness check was requested. Gordon Ramsay attending the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone in July 2025 ( Getty Images ) The Friends star was reportedly at home at the time of the incident and soon assured officers she wasnt in danger. TMZ reported that an unidentified male caller rang a 911 dispatcher and said he was worried about a friends well-being without mentioning The Morning Show actor by name. The caller said the friend wasnt doing well, gave Anistons address and failed to identify themselves. When LAPD arrived at the home shortly after midnight, they were met by surprised security staff. The officers were only then informed that they were at Anistons residence and spoke to the star, who confirmed that she had no intention of self-harm. In a statement to The Independent, LAPD confirmed that officers responded to a welfare check and that they then determined the radio call was a swatting incident. A swatting incident is when a prank call is made to the emergency services to set up a response to a specific location, such as the home of a politician or other public figure, with the aim of getting the authorities, possibly a SWAT team, to appear at the address. Other celebrities such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj have been targeted in similar incidents, with police or SWAT teams called to their homes unnecessarily. It is not only celebrities who have been targeted by such pranks. In January last year, emergency service workers rushed to the White House in response to reports of a fire that was later determined to be a likely swatting incident. In April, a British video gamer was spared jail after a hoax call to US police led to the shooting of an innocent man. 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 Jimmy Kimmel Live! received a huge boost in viewership when the late-night show returned to ABC Tuesday night. The show was allowed back on the air after parent company Disney said it had thoughtful conversations with the host over his ill-timed comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. According to Variety, Kimmels return was watched by 6.3 million viewers on Tuesday night more than tripling its normal TV viewership. That figure is particularly impressive given that an estimated 23 percent of households in the US were unable to tune in due to an ongoing boycott by local station owners Nexstar and Sinclair. Before being taken off the air, Kimmels show was averaging about 1.77 million viewers during the second quarter of this year. Kimmels comeback monologue also went viral online, accumulating more than 14 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million views on Instagram as of Wednesday afternoon. The clip is now Kimmels most-watched upload in more than a year, Rolling Stone reports. Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC last night with a vastly increased audience ( Disney ) Kimmels show was suspended by ABC after he sparked outrage by accusing MAGA Republicans of using Kirks killing to score political points. Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, and police have since charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the murder. We had some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it, Kimmel said on September 15. FCC Chair Brendan Carr called Kimmels comments truly sick and suggested ABCs license could be at risk over it. Shortly afterward, ABC moved to suspend Kimmels show. While ABC reversed its decision on Monday, Nexstar and Sinclair have since said their networks will not air the talk show. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Before Kimmel returned, big names in Hollywood and politics like former President Barack Obama quickly condemned his shows suspension and raised questions about free speech. More than 400 celebrities signed an open letter against his suspension over the weekend, while protests erupted outside of Kimmels Hollywood studio last week. President Donald Trump also weighed in. He initially celebrated ABCs decision to preempt Kimmels show last week, but went on to criticize the network when they announced it would resume airing. I cant believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his talent was never there. In his much-watched monologue, Kimmel was choked up and visibly emotional as he explained his intentions in last weeks episode. I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, Kimmel said. I dont think theres anything funny about it. Kimmel went on to tell his audience he had since sent love to Kirks family and asked for compassion. I meant it and I still do, nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual, Kimmel said. The host also praised a beautiful moment that had taken place at Kirks public memorial in Arizona over the weekend. On Sunday, Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him, Kimmel said, as he choked up again. That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, there it was. Thats it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply. 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 Strictly Come Dancing professional Nancy Xu has said she is upset not to be paired with a celebrity this series. Xu, who joined the series in 2019, told fans she felt left out after the launch show revealed she would not be competing. The Chinese dancer said she was left disappointed after the BBC told her the news earlier this year. As you all know by now, I dont have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, Xu told her Instagram followers. In the very beginning, when I received the message, it did upset me and I do feel disappointed. Xu praised Strictly for giving her the opportunity to showcase her dance skills after she moved to the UK from China. Im good because Im still part of the Strictly family, she assured fans, adding that they will hear her voice more than ever this year as she will give all her energy to cheering on her fellow stars. Thank you all for all your love, kind and supportive messages in the past few days it has meant the world, she captioned the video. open image in gallery Nanxy Xu said she was disappointed not to compete on this years Strictly ( Instagram ) Xu has been previously partnered with Rhys Stephenson, Will Mellor, Les Dennis and Shayne Ward. Her highest placement was fourth, with TV presenter Stephenson in 2021. Strictly professionals Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Neil Jones have also been left without celebrity partners. Nikita Kuzmin will no longer participate after a fractured ankle forced his partner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, to quit the show ahead of this weekends live episode. Meanwhile, Gorka Marquez will be missing for at least four weeks of the series while judging the Spanish equivalent of the show, Bailando con las Estrellas. This year saw two new additions to the list of Strictly pros, with American dancer Alexis Warr and Australian Julian Caillon joining the series. open image in gallery Nancy Xu competing on Strictly with Shayne Ward in 2024 ( BBC/Strictly Come Dancing ) They were given spaces in the shows main cast after being partnered with YouTuber George Clarke and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal. Strictly viewers were left frustrated when controversial Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was partnered with Amy Dowden, who was unable to participate in the last two series due to illness and injury. Some highlighted how the spotlight on Skinner may impact Dowdens longevity on the competition. However, Dowden spoke out amid the fan outcry, praising her celebrity partner. Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens this Saturday (27 September) with the first live show of the year. OpenAIs arrangement with Microsoft was so successful that its become a common practice for AI services to sign on with a particular cloud provider. Anthropic has received $8 billion in investment from Amazon, while making kernel-level modifications on the companys hardware to make it better suited for AI training. Google Cloud has also signed on smaller AI companies like Lovable and Windsurf as primary computing partners, although those deals did not involve any investment. And even OpenAI has gone back to the well, receiving a $100 billion investment from Nvidia in September , giving it capacity to buy even more of the companys GPUs. The partnership between the two companies has unwound more recently. In January, OpenAI announced it would no longer be using Microsofts cloud exclusively , instead giving the company a right of first refusal on future infrastructure demands but pursuing others if Azure couldnt meet their needs. More recently, Microsoft began exploring other foundation models to power its AI products, establishing even more independence from the AI giant. It was a great deal for both sides: Microsoft was able to claim more Azure sales, and OpenAI got more money for its biggest single expense. In the years that followed, Microsoft would build its investment up to nearly $14 billion a move that is set to pay off enormously when OpenAI converts into a for-profit company. This is arguably the deal that kicked off the whole contemporary AI boom: In 2019 , Microsoft made a $1 billion investment in a buzzy non-profit called OpenAI, known mostly for its association with Elon Musk. Crucially, the deal made Microsoft the exclusive cloud provider for OpenAI and as the demands of model training became more intense, more of Microsofts investment started to come in the form of Azure cloud credit rather than cash. Below, weve laid out everything we know about the biggest AI infrastructure projects, including major spending from Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. Well keep it updated as the boom continues and the numbers climb even higher. It takes a lot of computing power to run an AI product and as the tech industry races to tap the power of AI models, theres a parallel race underway to build the infrastructure that will power them. On a recent earnings call, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang estimated that between $3 trillion and $4 trillion will be spent on AI infrastructure by the end of the decade with much of that money coming from AI companies. Along the way, theyre placing immense strain on power grids and pushing the industrys building capacity to its limit. Story Continues The rise of Oracle On June 30, 2025, Oracle revealed in an SEC filing that it had signed a $30 billion cloud services deal with an unnamed partner; this is more than the companys cloud revenues for all of the previous fiscal year. OpenAI was eventually revealed as the partner, securing Oracle a spot alongside Google as one of OpenAIs string of post-Microsoft hosting partners. Unsurprisingly, the companys stock went shooting up. A few months later, it happened again. On September 10, Oracle revealed a five-year, $300 billion deal for compute power, set to begin in 2027. Oracles stock climbed even higher, briefly making founder Larry Ellison the richest man in the world. The sheer scale of the deal is stunning: OpenAI does not have $300 billion to spend, so the figure presumes immense growth for both companies, and more than a little faith. But before a single dollar is spent, the deal has already cemented Oracle as one of the leading AI infrastructure providers and a financial force to be reckoned with. Nvidias investment spree As AI labs scramble to build infrastructure, theyre mostly all buying GPUs from one company: Nvidia. That trade has made Nvidia flush with cash and its been investing that cash back into the industry in increasingly unconventional ways. In September 2025, the company bought a 4% stake in rival Intel for $5 billion but even more surprising has been the deals with its own customers. One week after the Intel deal was revealed, the company announced a $100 billion investment in OpenAI, paid for with GPUs that would be used in OpenAIs ongoing data center projects. Nvidia has since announced a similar deal with Elon Musks xAI, and OpenAI launched a separate GPU-for-stock arrangement with AMD. If that seems circular, it should. Nvidias GPUs are valuable because theyre so scarce and by trading them directly into an ever-inflating data center scheme, Nvidia is making sure they stay that way. You could say the same thing about OpenAIs privately held stock, which is all the more valuable because it cant be obtained through public markets. For now, OpenAI and Nvidia are riding high and nobody seems too worried but if the momentum starts to flag, this sort of arrangement will get a lot more scrutiny. Building tomorrows hyperscale data centers For companies like Meta that already have significant legacy infrastructure, the story is more complicated although equally expensive. Mark Zuckerberg has said that Meta plans to spend $600 billion on U.S. infrastructure through the end of 2028. In just the first half of 2025, the company spent $30 billion more than the previous year, driven largely by the companys growing AI ambitions. Some of that spending goes toward big ticket cloud contracts, like a recent $10 billion deal with Google Cloud, but even more resources are being poured into two massive new data centers. A new 2,250-acre site in Louisiana, dubbed Hyperion, will cost an estimated $10 billion to build out and provide an estimated 5 gigawatts of compute power. Notably, the site includes an arrangement with a local nuclear power plant to handle the increased energy load. A smaller site in Ohio, called Prometheus, is expected to come online in 2026, powered by natural gas. That kind of buildout comes with real environmental costs. Elon Musks xAI built its own hybrid data center and power-generation plant in South Memphis, Tennessee. The plant has quickly become one of the countys largest emitters of smog-producing chemicals, thanks to a string of natural gas turbines that experts say violate the Clean Air Act. The Stargate moonshot Just two days after his second inauguration, President Trump announced a joint venture between SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle, meant to spend $500 billion building AI infrastructure in the United States. Named Stargate after the 1994 film, the project arrived with incredible amounts of hype, with Trump calling it the largest AI infrastructure project in history. Sam Altman seemed to agree, saying, I think this will be the most important project of this era. In broad strokes, the plan was for SoftBank to provide the funding, with Oracle handling the buildout with input from OpenAI. Overseeing it all was Trump, who promised to clear away any regulatory hurdles that might slow down the build. But there were doubts from the beginning, including from Elon Musk, Altmans business rival, who claimed the project did not have the available funds. As the hype has died down, the project has lost some momentum. In August, Bloomberg reported that the partners were failing to reach consensus. Nonetheless, the project has moved forward with the construction of eight data centers in Abilene, Texas, with construction on the final building set to be finished by the end of 2026. This article was first published on September 22. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lisa Marie Presley had two engagement rings to Nicolas Cage after one of them was thrown into the ocean. In her new memoir, Softly As I Leave You: Life After Elvis, Lisa Maries mother, Priscilla Presley, writes about her late daughters relationship with Cage during the couples relationship in the early 2000s. The book claimed the Ghost Rider actor proposed with a $65,000, six-carat ring, but it didnt last long. One afternoon, they went sailing off the coast of Catalina Island on Nicks yacht, the Weston. Something set off another of their epic fights, and Lisa pulled off her engagement ring and threw it at Nick, she wrote. Furious, Nick threw the ring overboard. Cage had quickly expressed regret for what he had done and went on to hire divers to look for the ring in the ocean, but they were not successful. Cage hired divers to try and locate the ring he threw into the ocean ( Getty Images ) As far as I know, the ring is still there, Priscillas book read. So what did Nicolas do? she continued. Two days later, he bought Lisa an even bigger diamond (ten carats), and they got engaged all over again. Priscilla noted that despite the couples love for each other, their tempers often got the best of them and they would constantly argue, making the relationship difficult to keep up with. They screamed and yelled, they threw things and sometimes they broke things. They broke up. And the next day, or pretty close to it, they made up, she wrote. Lisa and Nic broke up and made up so many times, it was dizzying. When it was good, it was very, very good. And when it was bad, it was horrid, Priscillas memoir continued. In 2002, Lisa Marie and Cage tied the knot in Hawaii, but Priscilla admitted she had little hope for the longevity of the marriage. Three months later, Cage filed for divorce and he went on to marry actor Alice Kim from 2004 to 2016 before marrying his current wife, Riko Shibata, in 2021. Following her divorce from the Face/Off actor, Lisa Marie was married to guitarist Michael Lockwood from 2006 to 2021. She died in 2023 when she was 54 years old of natural causes, although a medical examiner determined a small bowel obstruction caused her cardiac arrest. Speaking to People last week ahead of her memoirs publication, Priscilla spoke about her daughters untimely death. It was the second saddest day of my life, other than losing Elvis, she told the publication. It took a long time to come to terms with the fact that Lisa was gone. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An assistant teacher has been arrested after he allegedly used a foul-smelling spray throughout the school in South Carolina. Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis, 32, had purchased the pungent liquid, which is designed to smell like fecal matter, online, according to local authorities. Students at West Florence High School, around 80 miles east of the state capital, Columbia, had been complaining about a bizarre odor since August 25, with many reporting that it was making them feel unwell. The school launched an urgent investigation into the smell, spending $55,000 on inspections and air conditioning repairs. Even the high school's gas lines, propane systems, and air quality had been inspected. However, the source of the odor remained a mystery. Eventually, students began experiencing nausea, dizziness, and migraines with some seeking medical attention for respiratory issues connected to the smell. open image in gallery Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis was arrested after being accused of spraying a foul-smelling liquid around a school ( Florence County Sheriffs Office ) Personally, as a student, every time I go to my second block class, I walk up the stairwell and immediately, teachers are covering their noses and their mouths, coughing because of the smell." "I got physically sick the other day because of the smell. I feel like I'm going to pass out because I get so lightheaded and so dizzy, said one student to ABC News. Parents had become increasingly worried about the health impact that the smell could have on their children as it continued to appear around the school. "My [son's] asthma has been triggered multiple times because of this, and I had to take him to the doctor three times," one parent said, asking to remain anonymous. Eventually, Lewis was arrested in connection with the smell by the Florence County Sheriffs Office on September 19. The FCSO has charged him with malicious injury to property and with disturbing schools (non-student). open image in gallery The smell had caused some students at West Florence High School to seek medical attention ( Google ) Now, parents have been left confused as authorities continue to investigate. Its frustrating this gentleman was responsible for our kids, and I would love to have him say why he did it, why he thought it was funny, what he hoped to gain from it, and why did he continue to do it after he learned kids were getting sick, one parent said. According to the sheriffs office, the assistant teacher was seen spraying an unidentified liquid around the school on surveillance footage obtained by the authorities. Lewis has claimed that the spray contained a lemon-flavoured hand sanitizer. The FCSO has confirmed that Lewis was held at Florence County Corrections Facility before being released on Saturday. He is now scheduled to appear at Florence Magistrates Court for the school disruption charge and at a general sessions court for the malicious injury charge. His bond was reportedly set at over $9,000, with $8,000 being tied to the malicious injury charge and the remaining $1,090 being tied to interfering with schools. 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 Joshua Jahn has been identified as the suspected sniper in the shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement center that killed one ICE detainee and critically wounded two others. The suspect, 29, who died at the scene, has been named in media reports but has not been identified by officials. In an earlier statement, the Department of Homeland Security said two detainees were killed. Anti-ICE messaging was found on the shell casings at the scene after the suspect indiscriminately fired at the holding center and a van in northwest Dallas Wednesday morning, the FBI said. In total, four people were shot in the violence that unfolded Wednesday morning, including the suspect who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Dallas police said. No ICE agents were injured in the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said. The names of the victims have not been released. Heres everything we know about the shooting. open image in gallery The suspected sniper who killed one Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee and wounded two others in a shooting at a facility in Dallas was found with anti-ICE messaging, per the FBI ( X/@FBIDirectorKash ) open image in gallery The latest statement from the Department of Homeland Security said a deranged gunman launched an attack on the ICE facility and fired indiscriminately at the building and a van from a nearby rooftop ( X/@TriciaOhio ) Suspected sniper died from self-inflicted gunshot wound Joshua Jahn, 29, has been reported by several media outlets as the suspected shooter, though officials have not formally announced his identity. Jahns family has struggled to process the news, with his distraught mother, Sharon Jahn, telling The Independent, Im sorry, I cant talk to you right now. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the attack was motivated by hatred for ICE. She has ordered increased security at ICE facilities across the country following Wednesdays shooting. The suspects brother, Noah Jahn, told NBC News that Joshua Jahn didnt have strong feelings about ICE as far as [he] knew and said he wasnt interested in politics on either side. A motive for the shooting has yet to be made public. open image in gallery FBI agents inspect the roof of an apartment building near the scene of the shooting ( AP ) open image in gallery FBI agents on the roof of an immigration lawyer's office building across the street from the ICE field office ( REUTERS ) Noah Jahn added that his brother knew how to use a rifle but was not a marksman, thats for sure. He last saw the suspect at his parents house two weeks ago, the news outlet reported. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found on the roof of a nearby immigration attorney's office. When reached by The Independent, Noah seemed as distressed as his mother. Im still trying to Noah Jahn said haltingly. I'm back and forth with the police, I'm just He then hung up. Deranged gunman fired indiscriminately at ICE building The Homeland Security Department said a deranged gunman launched an attack on the ICE facility and fired indiscriminately at the building and a van from a nearby rooftop. The victims were inside the van when they were hit, the department said. The department earlier said two ICE detainees were killed, but later revised the number to one ICE detainee. The shooter fired indiscriminately at the ICE building, as well as at a van in the sallyport where the victims were shot, the statement said. The gunman was found with a self-inflicted gun wound. We can confirm, the shell casings were found with anti-ICE messages on them. This was an attack on ICE law enforcement. Mexicos foreign affairs ministry identified one of the injured victims as a Mexican national. open image in gallery Tricia McLaughlin, the departments spokeswoman, shared photos on social media of the bullet holes from inside the ICE facility ( X/@TriciaOhio ) Tricia McLaughlin, the departments spokeswoman, shared photos on social media of the bullet holes from inside the ICE facility. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women must stop, she said in a post on X, referring to ICE law enforcement officers. Local, state and federal officials gave a brief press conference Wednesday morning near the scene of the shooting. Acting director of the Dallas ICE office, Joshua Johnson, also called for an end to stop acts of violence against ICE employees. Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemned politically motivated violence. To every politician who is demonizing ICE, who is demonizing CBP: stop, he told the press conference. This has very real consequences. open image in gallery In total, four people were shot in the violence that unfolded Wednesday morning, including the suspect who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Dallas police said ( AP ) He referred to the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk two weeks ago. We should not be putting language out there that inspires mad men to commit evil crimes, Cruz added. Officials only took a few questions before closing down the press conference, refusing to answer questions about the victims in the shooting being ICE detainees. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson called for patience while authorities work to establish the facts. It's a scary time, Johnson said. I would ask all of you, all the city of Dallas residents who can hear me right now, let's be patient, let's be calm." open image in gallery Texas Senator Ted Cruz condemned politically motivated violence ( Reuters ) What the Trump administration has said about the shooting President Donald Trump called the shooting despicable. The Brave Men and Women of ICE are just trying to do their jobs, and remove the WORST of the WORST Criminals out of our Country, but they are facing an unprecedented increase in threats, violence, and attacks by Deranged Radical Leftists, Trump wrote on Truth Social late Wednesday afternoon. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the shooting was a definite attack on law enforcement, despite no officers being injured. The Trump administration has been quick to tie the shooting to critics of ICE and Trumps sweeping anti-immigration operation. Vice President JD Vance blamed violent left-wing extremism in remarks Wednesday afternoon from Concord, North Carolina, despite the live investigation being in the early stages. I said Charlie Kirks assassination was the most political and disgusting violence that weve had in this country in the last couple of weeks. And that was true maybe until this morning, the vice president said, referring to the Dallas shooting. The Dallas facility was opened fire upon by a violent left-wing extremist, a person who wrote anti-ICE messaging on their bullets, and theres some evidence that we have thats not yet public, but we know this person was politically motivated, Vance continued. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance blamed violent left-wing extremism in remarks from Concord, North Carolina ( Getty Images ) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed the finger at the Democrats for demonizing ICE law enforcement officials. Democrats must stop demonizing the heroic men and women of ICE who are just doing their jobs to keep Americans safe, Leavitt said in a post on X. FBI Director Kash Patel shared an image of the casings in a post on X. While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical [sic] motive behind this attack (see photo below), Patel said. One of the unspent shell casings recovered was engraved with the phrase ANTI ICE. We are only miles from Prarieland, Texas where just two months ago an individual ambushed a separate ICE facility targeting their officers, Patel added. It has to end and the FBI and our partners will lead these investigative efforts to see to it that those who target our law enforcement are pursued and brought to the fullest extent of justice. open image in gallery Karoline Leavitt pointed the finger at the Democrats for demonizing ICE law enforcement officials ( @PressSec/X ) Noem said the incident must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences. When confronted by CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday evening about claims from the Trump administration that the left was to blame for the shooting, Noem seemed to beat around the bush. I can't speak to what the president and vice president were briefed on, but people don't write anti-ICE on ammunition and then fire into a building that support the work that our law enforcement are doing, she said. Democrats condemned the Trump administration for attributing blame to a political party. I reject the inclination that many people feel to attribute this to the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, Democratic Texas State Sen. Nathan Johnson told NBC. We dont know who this shooter was, who he thought he was affiliated with. Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin condemned the cowardly attack and called for unity in a statement. Let me be clear: It will take all of us not just one side of the aisle or the other to quell this epidemic of violence, which has no place in our democracy, Martin said. Democrats remain committed to resolving differences through debate and elections, not with weapons. We also remain committed to enacting commonsense solutions to curb gun violence all across our country. Kelly Rissman and Rachel Dobkin contributed reporting. 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 former fraternity pledge claims that he was so severely beaten during Omega Psi Phis Hell Night that he had to relearn how to walk. Rafeal Joseph is now suing the fraternity, the University of Southern Mississippi, multiple other people and organizations. According to the federal lawsuit, Joseph and other pledges were struck repeatedly with a wooden paddle made from a two-by-four plank during the hazing event on April 16, 2023. Afterward, he had emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, the lawsuit said. He was treated for bruised ribs, a hematoma, posterior compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle injury. The lawsuit alleges that Joseph suffered severe emotional distress and could not walk for months. He ultimately dropped out of the university. The fraternity declined to comment on the lawsuit, while the university was not immediately available for comment. We see violent incidents like these time and again across the nation but, instead of taking action, fraternity leaders and university officials alike sweep it under the rug and write it off as boys will be boys, Civil Rights Attorney Bakari Sellers, who is representing Joseph, said in a press release. Its criminal violence and abuse and it needs to end. The lawsuit alleges fraternity members began hazing Joseph in December 2022 by stealing his food and money, preventing him from sleeping and threatening him. It also lays out a second case of alleged abuse, claiming Nu Eta hazing left another student with a torn ACL in the fall of 2022. According to the lawsuit, the university did not investigate the incident or take action against the fraternity. In March, authorities announced a possible act of fraternity hazing was being investigated following the death of a 20-year-old Southern University student. Caleb Wilson, who died on February 27, was a mechanical engineering junior at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A university spokesperson confirmed that an alleged fraternity ritual, involving Omega Psi Phi, was being investigated. 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 federal judge in New York warned officials in the Department of Justice, on Wednesday, that continuing to comment on Luigi Mangiones case publicly could result in sanctions against the prosecution or relief for Mangione such as losing the death penalty. District Judge Margaret Garnett reprimanded officials in her order, demanding to know how two senior DOJ officials posted on X, appearing to endorse President Donald Trumps claim that Mangione is guilty of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson before a trial has occurred. The now-deleted posts appear to be in direct violation of a court rule that prohibits lawyers and non-lawyer employees of a lawyers office from releasing opinions about an ongoing case if it could interfere with a fair trial, the judge said. Lawyers for Mangione have asked the judge to preclude the government from pursuing the death penalty against Mangione, arguing that statements from DOJ employees on X and senior Trump administration officials on Fox News are prejudicial. Although Garnett has yet to rule whether or not the death penalty should be permitted, she indicated in Wednesdays order that officials continuing to make comments about Mangione could lead to sanctions that include relief specific to the prosecution of this matter. open image in gallery Lawyers for Luigi Mangione want the judge to preclude the government from pursuing the death penalty ( AP ) Garnett said she would consider the statements that DOJ employees made last week while weighing Mangiones request to take the death penalty off the table. The DOJ has until October 3 to respond with a sworn declaration explaining how the violations occurred and what they will do to ensure they stop, relaying the message to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and advising Blanche of potential future sanctions. The Justice Department declined to comment for this story. Since arresting and charging Mangione, 27, with the murder of Thompson last year, the president and other senior members of the administration have made statements claiming Mangione committed the crime. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the federal and state charges against him New York criminal code prohibits lawyers and staff tied to ongoing litigation from voicing opinions outside of the courtroom about the case that could compromise the integrity of the trial. Earlier this month, Trump went on Fox News and declared Mangione "shot someone in the back as clear as you're looking at me." open image in gallery Law enforcement officials in New York drew public attention to Mangiones arrest in the state with a perp walk, lawyers for Mangione claim ( Getty ) The clip, which a White House-affiliated account posted on X, was re-posted by Chad Gilmartin, a spokesperson for the Justice Department, who said POTUS is absolutely right. Another Justice Department employee, Brian Nieves, the associate deputy attorney general, re-posted Gilmartins post. Gilmartins post was later deleted. Mangiones lawyers pointed to the recent example as just one of several instances where officials have commented on their client, hurting Mangiones chances of a fair trial. They also pointed to statements made by Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing she would seek the death penalty in Mangiones case and a Trump administration official going on Fox News to compare Mangiones trial to a recent, tragic, high-profile murder. 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 South Carolina man has been arrested after police say he held four vulnerable adults captive in his basement including one for at least 10 years and stole their debit cards to make purchases for himself. Donnie Birchfield Jr., 36, is accused of keeping a vulnerable married couple and two women with whom he was involved romantically locked in the basement of his home in Lancaster, a city about 50 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, WBTV reported. Birchfield was arrested July 25 after police responded to a call that a woman had died in the home. Authorities discovered that the woman, who had died alone a day before, had been neglected and abused. During their investigation, deputies also discovered that the deceased woman, along with three other victims, had been locked inside Birchfields basement. One of them had been held captive for at least 10 years, police said. Each of the victims was held against their will and denied access to food, water, medication and the outside world. Birchfield even controlled when the victims ate and used the bathroom, according to the report. open image in gallery Donnie Birchfield Jr. accused of keeping four vulnerable adults locked in the basement of his home with no access to food, water and medication ( Lancaster County Detention Center ) Birchfield was the sole caregiver of the man and woman, according to warrants obtained by WBTV. He allegedly had romantic/intimate relationships with the two other women, one for a year and the other for nearly 10 years, according to authorities. Birchfield allegedly routinely assaulted the victims, controlled what they did and kept them from leaving the basement. The victims also said that Birchfield controlled their phones, according to police. Records, obtained by WBTV, showed that one woman said Birchfield told her he was going to kill her... and that he knows how to get rid of a body from past experience. Over the course of three years, beginning in September 2022, Birchfield made dozens of purchases for himself using the debit cards and bank account numbers associated with the victims even paying off his own credit card debt with their money, police said. M. Ryan Payne, a lawyer for Birchfield, told WBTV his office is investigating the matter. My client maintains his innocence in the case and it is important to remember that he is presumed innocent of these allegations. We look forward to litigating this case in teh court system where facts, evidence, and the rule of law matter. We will have no further comment at this time, Payne said. Birchfield was arrested on August 2 and faces a slew of charges. They include: Four counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult Four counts of false imprisonment Two counts of domestic violence high and aggravated nature Two counts of abuse of a vulnerable adult Two counts of financial transaction card theft One count of transaction card fraud One count of financial identity fraud Birchfield was placed under a $150,000 bond, and police said more charges were possible as the case remains under investigation. 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 Tennessee man was arrested on Monday for making threats of mass violence after posting a meme in a Facebook group where people were organizing a vigil for Charlie Kirk. Larry Bushart Jr., 61, a former police officer, posted a meme of President Donald Trump in the Perry County community group page as members of the page were organizing a vigil to honor Kirk. In response, Bushart posted a meme of Trump that featured a photo of the president with a quote he gave just one day after a 2024 mass shooting at Perry High School in Iowa We have to get over it. Donald Trump, on the Perry High School mass shooting one day after, the text on the meme read. However, members of the group interpreted Busharts post as a threat against their local high school, which is also called Perry County High School. open image in gallery Larry Bushart Jr was arrested and charged with making threats of mass violence against a school after posting a meme in a Facebook group that was organizing a vigil for Charlie Kirk ( Perry County Sheriff's Office ) Investigators believe Bushart was fully aware of the fear his post would cause and intentionally sought to create hysteria within the community, Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems told The Tennessean. As a result, Bushart was arrested early Monday morning and charged with making threats of mass violence on school property and activities. He is currently being held on bond in the Perry County Sheriffs Office in Lexington. The Perry County Sheriffs Office and the Perry County School System take all threats of school violence seriously. Every threat is investigated thoroughly, and charges are pursued when evidence supports them, the Perry County Sheriffs Office told WSMV. Creating mass hysteria in our community will not be tolerated, Weems told The Tennessean. We will continue to act quickly and decisively to protect our students and our citizens. open image in gallery Kirks death has rattled the conservative community who looked to him to help grow the next generation of conservative voters ( Getty ) The meme Bushart posted is a commonly cited quote utilized by anti-Trump advertisements or gun violence prevention activists. Its been posted across various social media platforms, dating back to January 2024 when Trump initially gave the quote. Weems told The Tennessean that Bushart also allegedly posted multiple hate memes referencing Kirks assassination, but said they were not against the law because they are considered free speech. Busharts arrest is just the latest to occur in connection with the fallout from Kirks death. Multiple people across several states have faced repercussions for celebrating Kirks assassination with disrespectful remarks or actions. Members of the Trump administration have said they will go after those who incite violence in response to Kirks death. A pair of sisters in Arkansas was arrested and charged after vandalizing a Kirk memorial. A man in Arizona was arrested for wielding a firearm outside of the arena where the memorial was being held. Others have lost their jobs for making posts on social media condemning Kirk or being unsympathetic toward his death. Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on a college campus while speaking to students about conservative ideology. The person suspected of killing Kirk is currently in custody and charged with several crimes, including aggravated murder. 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 teenagers are facing criminal charges after taking part in a TikTok surfing challenge, which left one person dead and another with life-altering injuries, according to cops. Both accidents occurred separately in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania, 73 miles north of Philadelphia. The social media challenge sees participants tying objects or themselves to cars and driving at high speeds. The first incident took place on March 18, when Eniya Serina Alvarado, 19, was driving at 35mph with her friend standing on the trunk and rear windshield of her car. However, Alvarados friend, 20, allegedly fell from the car and hit her head on the pavement. open image in gallery Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta says that one of the victims injuries will have life altering effects ( WPVI/ABC ) She was moved to the back of the car, where she was found by investigators, according to court records. The victim was rushed to St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson in Bethlehem, where she was listed as being in critical condition. She was later transferred to a rehabilitation center. Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta delivered a press briefing on Tuesday, where he revealed to reporters that the 20-year-olds catastrophic head injuries will have permanent effects. Now, the DA says that Alvarado faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault by vehicle, careless driving, and persons hanging on a car. Baratta also spoke about a second incident that took place on June 1. According to Baratta, the crash occurred while a 17-year-old boy was being pulled along by a vehicle while sitting on top of an upside-down table. "Unfortunately, the juvenile driver recklessly operated the vehicle at a significant speed such that it whipped the rider sitting on the table into another parked vehicle, resulting in the death of the 17-year-old," Baratta said. open image in gallery The second accident resulted in a 17-year-old boy losing his life ( Google ) The driver, also 17, faces charges in juvenile court, including involuntary manslaughter. "It's important for the public to understand that these challenges can have severe, real-world consequences, creating significant risk to participants and sometimes the bystanders as well, the DA warned. He added that the parents of the teens want to prevent other families from going through the same horror and pain that they have experienced. Buratta expects both cases to be resolved without going to trial and says the teens could try to have their criminal charges expunged, since they are first-time offenders. The DA hopes that the accidents highlight the moral obligation that social media companies have to stop the glorification of dangerous stunts. Photo by BeInCrypto Despite a recent price downturn for Bitcoin, a few of its largest treasury firms announced major purchases. Strive and Semler Scientific are merging, inaugurating the partnership with a $675 million acquisition. A few other major players made similar commitments. Michael Saylor announced a $99 million buy from Strategy, while Metaplanet allotted $632 million to the token. Bitcoin Treasuries Stay the Course Bitcoin treasury firms have faced a few setbacks in recent months, with demand rising for altcoins like Ethereum and analysts predicting a broader market risk. In the last few hours, BTC itself took an unexpected tumble, causing another setback for these firms: Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: CoinGecko Despite these setbacks, a few Bitcoin treasury firms are doing more than staying the course: they're actually doubling down. Several prominent companies have announced major commitments since this dip took place. Strategy, the most prominent Bitcoin treasury, announced a $99.7 million acquisition. Although the firm faces stock dilution concerns and was recently snubbed by the S&P 500, it's still determined to make steady growth. Metaplanet, a Japanese BTC holder, made a much more substantial contribution: $632 million. Astronomically larger than its previous acquisition, this purchase brings Metaplanet's total treasury to 25,555 bitcoins. Indeed, despite this price dip, the company conducted its largest buy ever. Strive's Power Play The largest move, however, was conducted by Strive. This Bitcoin treasury has worked to build its holdings for several months, and it just announced a merger with Semler Scientific, another prominent BTC hoarder. According to the firm's press release, Strive conducted an all-stock merger with Semler Scientific, acquiring the company outright. It paid a 210% premium on Semler's stock, intending to monetize the firm's "historically profitable diagnostics business" and add Eric Semler to its Board of Directors. However, the new company will mostly become a formidable Bitcoin treasury. Strive inaugurated this merger with a $675 million BTC purchase and estimates that the new entity will hold over 10,900 bitcoins post-merger. That translates to about $1.2 billion at today's prices, even including the recent dip. In other words, these companies aren't the least bit deterred. As long as major treasuries keep showing strong confidence in Bitcoin, this will likely encourage crypto markets. In effect, these whales may be able to stop further drops or even boost price recovery. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Boeing has offered remedies in a bid to secure EU approval to buy back Spirit AeroSystems, the world's largest standalone aerostructures company, according to an update on the European Commission website. Boeing announced the $4.7 billion acquisition in July last year in a deal that would also see Airbus take on the supplier's loss-making Europe-focused activities. The Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer, did not provide details on the remedies in line with its policy and extended its decision deadline for the deal to October 14. Airbus will take on Spirit's Europe-focused activities concurrently with the closing of Boeing's deal with Spirit, the U.S. planemaker said last year when it announced the deal. Spirit will also sell operations in Prestwick, Scotland, and in Subang, Malaysia, that support Airbus programmes and those in Belfast that do not support Airbus programmes. The Commission is expected to seek market feedback before deciding whether to accept Boeing's remedies or open a full-scale four-month-long investigation if it has serious concerns. The UK antitrust authority cleared the deal unconditionally last month. (Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Ros Russell and Mark Potter) The NSW government is proposing to dramatically slash the times when water can be taken from 11 inland rivers on environmental grounds, in what would be the biggest change to river management in a generation. The move to radically rewrite four water-sharing plans in the Murray-Darling basin comes after the three-yearly State of the Environment report released in June painted a devastating picture of inland river health, as well as repeated blue-green algae blooms and mass fish kill events such as at Menindee in 2019 and 2023. Millions of fish died near Menindee in outback NSW in March 2023. Credit: Graeme McCrabb The proposed rules would protect wildlife including fish, frogs, turtles and platypuses by requiring water licence holders to cease to pump when there is not enough water in the river. The previous rules emphasised the volume of water entitlement based on a long-term average river level. Professor Richard Kingsford, a river ecologist and conservation biologist at the University of NSW, said it was a significant change to deal with the problem of rivers drying out, especially as the climate became hotter and drier. Advertisement Eating outHot & new The citys new 400-seat Chinese restaurant boasts BYO, karaoke, Lune-inspired yum cha The sprawling Shunde Cuisine celebrates its namesake. Plus two more regional Chinese venues to try, including a CBD breakfast spot and a Windsor bistro championing the flavours of Yunnan. Quincy Malesovas September 25, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the October 2025 hit list. See all stories . Cantonese and Sichuan staples have long been part of the Australian dining landscape, but these three new venues are showcasing the foods of other regions a win for Chinese diners seeking familiarity, and anyone eager to expand their understanding of Chinese food. 1 / 8 Shunde Cuisine restaurant includes a mezzanine level. Wayne Taylor 2 / 8 With a menu that celebrates its namesake. Wayne Taylor 3 / 8 Crispy fried pork ribs with garlic. Wayne Taylor 4 / 8 Foie gras on toast with black truffle paste. Wayne Taylor 5 / 8 The sprawling restaurant has room for 400 diners. Wayne Taylor 6 / 8 Avocado pork buns and durian puffs wrapped in spiral pastry. Wayne Taylor 7 / 8 Oyster omelette. Wayne Taylor 8 / 8 Shunde Cuisine. Wayne Taylor Previous Slide Next Slide Shunde Cuisine This sprawling Chinatown eatery is the latest project from Billy Fong and Lana Tan, the duo behind a string of suburban venues Hakka Cuisine in Camberwell, Jade Village in Mitcham and the now-closed Shun De House, also in Camberwell. Shunde Cuisine brings those strands together. The menu highlights food from Shunde a district in Guangdong province often described as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, but with a distinct culinary identity alongside Hakka and Teochew specialities showcased at their earlier venues. Advertisement Cantonese food is so widespread, says Tan. We thought maybe we should do something different. Avocado pork buns and durian puffs wrapped in spiral pastry inspired by Lune Croissanterie. Wayne Taylor Yum cha is a fixture, spanning classics and more inventive dishes such as avocado pork buns with a crackled green crust, and durian puffs wrapped in spiral pastry inspired by a Lune croissant. The rest of the menu draws from across the region: oyster omelettes from Teochew; Hakka-style pork-stuffed tofu; and foie gras, a Shunde specialty, served here on toast with black truffle paste. The ingredients in Australia are different, so we cant copy and paste 100 per cent, but we are trying to make it as close to Shunde as possible, Tan says. Advertisement With BYO wine, karaoke rooms and space for up to 400 people, the sprawling restaurant is just as big a drawcard as the food itself. Shop 201, floor 2, Midcity Centre, 200 Bourke Street, instagram.com/shunde.cuisine.au Related Article 14.5 / 20 Review Eating this extra-special tofu dish is like being softly covered by a blanket Breakfast Hola serves brekkie dishes into the evening. Quincy Malesovas Breakfast Hola Advertisement Robinson Zhang opened this spot to give international students the taste of home he knew they were missing. If they want to eat breakfast, theyre going get a bagel or go to Maccas and get a McMuffin, he says. Theres no traditional Chinese food for them. So he launched Breakfast Hola, the smaller sibling of his Box Hill eatery Buywell Restaurant. Breakfast in China varies by region, but the menu here nods to Zhangs hometown of Lianyungang, north of Shanghai. Clockwise from top left: Douhua tofu pudding, chive dumplings, tea egg, and pork and spring onion steamed buns. Quincy Malesovas House-made steamed buns are a staple filled with spiced pork and slightly smaller than the ones found in China. Millet porridge, silken tofu pudding douhua and lamb noodle soup are other morning favourites, with add-ons such as tea eggs and youtiao, Chinese doughnuts. Advertisement Another specialty is guotie, a potsticker dumpling filled with chives or tofu and dried prawns. From my understanding, its only really popular in my hometown. I havent really seen it anywhere else, Zhang says. And because brunch culture in China often stretches breakfast foods well into the afternoon, Breakfast Hola stays open until early evening. 370 Queen Street, Melbourne, no website Yunnan restaurant Na He Bistro. Na He Bistro Advertisement Windsors Na He Bistro shines a light on Yunnan, one of Chinas most culturally and culinarily rich provinces. Of the countrys 55 recognised ethnic minorities, 25 live there, contributing to its mix of ingredients and traditions. Owner Aria He says geography plays a big part. We are bordering Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos to the south and Tibet to the north, so our cuisines share similarities, she says. We also have complex geographical features in Yunnan. There are alpine zones and tropical zones, so thats why our food is very diverse. The menu follows a Western-style format appetisers through to dessert but all dishes centre on Yunnan ingredients. To start, theres a salad with apple, Yunnan-style cheese and rose jam. Dai lemon chicken, named after the Dai ethnic minority, is another favourite, made with slow-cooked poultry dressed in coriander, Vietnamese mint and Thai basil. Passionfruit beef hot pot. Passionfruit, a regional staple, appears in tiger prawns, beef hotpot and panna cotta with passionfruit ice-cream. Yunnans status as a wine-producing region is also on show with bottles from the province alongside pours from Ningxia in northern China. For something zero-proof, pu-er tea, among Yunnans best-known exports, is served with milk and butter in a traditional Tibetan style. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Exclusive Eating outComing soon Maybe Sammy team to open new bar, leading new wave of venues in the city Itll have water views and be inspired by Mexicos Riviera. Other venues pivot to attract more people, with one operator saying that its easier to make money with bars. Scott Bolles September 25, 2025 Save 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 When the cocktail crew at Maybe Sammy opens a new bar at the current site of Hacienda Sydney in late spring, itll join a flood of Circular Quay bar openings, reboots and pivots. So whats driving the trend? The Maybe Sammy team believes Sydney is experiencing a Cheers moment. Its a cultural moment, like when people realised the coffee here is the best in the world, says Maybe Sammy co-owner Stefano Catino. Maybe Sammy in The Rocks is known for its theatrical cocktail making. When Maybe Sammy first made the list of The Worlds 50 Best Bars in 2019, Catino says you couldnt walk into a Sydney pub like you can today, confident the bartender would know how to make a negroni. The new, yet-to-be-named bar will occupy waterfront space at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, in a site above chef Giovanni Pilus incoming Flaminia restaurant, which will also open in November. Advertisement [The bar] wont be Italian, we want to offer a different experience, itll be more Mexican Riviera, Catino says. While Maybe Sammy and Pilu are part of a new Accor-driven hospitality group, Table For, which aims to up the standard of venues in hotels, elsewhere in the Circular Quay precinct operators are driving change for different reasons. An unskilled 18-year-old can make 20 vodka lime and sodas in the same time it takes a qualified chef to make a batch of hot chips. Justin Newton, restaurateur A few months ago, rooftop venue Martinez ditched its upmarket restaurant, recalibrating as a venue co-owner Justin Newton describes as between a bar and an upmarket pub. Our pitch wasnt right, so we flipped, Newton says. Clientele has doubled since the switch. City workers dont always want to commit to sitting down for a meal, and are happy to order food on the hop with a QR code, as venues blur lines between bar and restaurant. Advertisement We see the same thing at our cocktail bar, Apollonia people now expect to be able to have dinner there, Newton says. 100 per cent its easier to make money with bars, Newton says. The example I always use is that an unskilled 18-year-old can make 20 vodka lime and sodas in the same time it takes a qualified chef to make a batch of hot chips. Martinez has flipped from a restaurant to a more casual venue. Jennifer Soo Its the same story at Bar Patron, which followed the restaurant-to-bar switch in August. Given our spot on the harbour, we felt Bar Patron should be a place to swing by for a margarita and a view, not just a sit-down lunch or dinner, says Frank Tucker, chief executive at Bar Patron owner Hunter St. Hospitality. While it is still early days, Tucker has already noticed an uptick in customers who now drop in for a cocktail before a show at the Sydney Opera House. Advertisement The roots of that hybrid approach can be traced back to Opera Bar, which, until this week, had been trading for 24 years on the eastern edge of Circular Quay under the watch of chef Matt Moran and hospitality group Solotel. Weve just got the keys, says Ben Carroll, from incoming operator Applejack. Opera Bar will reopen on Thursday, September 25, under Applejacks management. While a renovation is planned for 2026, Carroll says its business as usual until then, with Sydneysiders able to grab a drink and a plate of food. The competition will heat up at Circular Quay again in a few months time, when the Maybe Sammy bar and Pilus Flaminia open in the Toaster building on Macquarie Street. Ben Creek, who heads Table For, says more projects will follow, with Maybe Sammy co-owner Catino and Vince Lombardo already working on new venues in other Accor properties. Related Article Exclusive Pilu chef Giovanni Pilu to open spin-off Italian restaurant at iconic Toaster building Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up We were walking in the rainforests of New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago. Our porters were locals, men of the inland villages. They were happy men who talked and laughed freely. Smaller than us and stronger, they carried our many contrivances easily on their backs, but must have been secretly piqued when the gradients became steep because they had no kit of their own and ours surely seemed increasingly frivolous as the mountains rose. At night by the campfire, cloaked in smoke to ward off anopheles, they told us what they knew of Australia. They told us Australia was a utopian miracle, though they did not use those words. They told us that we Australians were each rich to a head-shaking degree and that they had heard every child, on their 14th birthday, received a new Toyota car. Credit: Robin Cowcher Not wanting to fracture their romanticism or their hope for better worlds, and strangely proud to be a native of this imaginary country, I told them they were well-informed and what they said was true. Our teens drove themselves to school in shiny new LandCruisers. They told me there were no poor people in Australia. And I agreed the wealthy were commonplace and our system and our sentiments were such that we couldnt abide the poor and therefore did away with them by making them rich. And no crime, they marvelled. No robbery or violence. Safe streets and easy sleep. Yes, I lied, we have no need of locks, the darkest night is as safe as the brightest day in Australia, and cops as obsolescent as wheelwrights. Aldi has beaten out Coles and Woolworths in a comparison for having the cheapest home-brand staples, according to testing from consumer group Choice. As part of its ongoing quarterly surveys of nationwide supermarket prices, Choices latest comparison exercise tracked the cost of a basket comprising home-brand versions of cream cheese, thickened cream, puff pastry, frozen mixed berries, tomato paste, spaghetti, tomato sauce and soy milk. Aldi has beaten out Coles and Woolworths in a comparison for having the cheapest home-brand staples, according to testing from consumer group Choice. Credit: Oscar Colman, Louie Douvis The total cost of the basket was cheapest at Aldi stores, at $20.08, followed by Coles at $21.30, Woolworths at $21.40, and IGA at $23.89, according to the survey that was conducted across 104 individual supermarkets in 27 locations across Australia in June. Choice also studied the freshness of strawberries from the four supermarkets, with surveyors assessing the state of the berries on day one and again on day five while storing them in their original punnets in a fridges crisper drawer. Coles strawberries were deemed the freshest, with 100 per cent of punnets showing no signs of decay on day one and 58 per cent showing no signs of decay by day five. In contrast, 50 per cent of punnets purchased from IGA showed no signs of decay after one day, while just 25 per cent showed no signs of decay after five days. The states teaching authority hopes to ease a classroom workforce shortage by cutting red tape for overseas teachers wanting to work in Victorian schools. The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) says offshore applications for teaching credentials have increased by more than 500 per cent between 2021 and 2024. However, at the same time as increasing the number of overseas teachers, the authority also plans to close a loophole that allows underqualified educators from Western Australia to teach in Victoria. Victorian Institute of Teaching CEO Martin Fletcher. Credit: Wayne Taylor The institute prepared two reports, both seen by The Age, at the direction of Education Minister Ben Carroll, outlining its plans to overhaul the process for granting teaching qualifications to overseas applicants. Billionaire businessman Adrian Portelli is swooping in with a possible lifeline for the struggling Derrimut 24:7 Gym empire, which is facing liquidation and spiralling debts to the Tax Office, staff and suppliers. Portelli, who is famously nicknamed Lambo Guy and is a prolific buyer on The Block, confirmed to this masthead that he is in negotiations to own part of Derrimut. Solomos (left) with Adrian Portelli during an auction on The Block. Credit: Nine It comes after he posted a cryptic video on Instagram on Wednesday about having his first day at work at the company. Were currently in negotiations to purchase a stake in the business, which will include assisting in paying off the debts and keeping doors open for the 800 employed staff and the hundreds of thousands of members, Portelli said. This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Bojangles largest franchisee, BOJ of WNC, has sold its portfolio of 120-plus locations to Eyas Capital, a hospitality management and investment firm, the chicken chain wrote in an email Monday. Jeff Rigsby owns BOJ of WNC, which operates in six states. Eyas Capital plans to also develop 40 units within the existing territories covered by BOJ of WNC and Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, two emerging markets for Bojangles. The majority of Eyas Capitals newly acquired portfolio is located Western North Carolina, according to the press release. The BOJ of WNC rapidly expanded its Bojangles footprint beginning in 2021, when it agreed to open 45 new locations over seven years. At the time, the franchisee operated 92 units. Dive Insight: Bojangles expansion in Ohio is a major opportunity for Eyas Capital, the press release said. Rigsby opened his first Bojangles restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 2023. He has been a Bojangles franchisee since 2001, when he bought six locations in Asheville, North Carolina. Were adding an iconic brand to our portfolio with a passionate following in Western North Carolina, said Timothy Foley, founder, CEO and managing partner of Eyas Capital. Were confident our fans will grow to love Bojangles even more as we evolve with the brand. And, the expansion into Central and Southwestern Ohio comes with a huge runway for us to create an entirely new group of fans and immerse them in the dynamic Bojangles legacy. Foley will work with John Kaufman, Eyas Capital partner, president and COO to integrate the Bojangles into the firms portfolio. Kaufman has several decades of operational expertise and leadership in multi-unit franchising across several brands, per the press release. Eyas Capital invests in tier-one limited and quick-service restaurants, according to its website, but doesnt list the brands it has within its portfolio. Bojangles has over 800 systemwide restaurants spread across 21 states and has been building up its portfolio over the last few years with large franchisee deals, including a 20-unit deal to return to New York City. The chain grew from 773 units at the start of 2022 to 825 units by the end of 2024, a net gain of 52 units, according to its franchise disclosure document. The chain said it expects to open 48 franchised units and 24 company-owned units this year, per its FDD. New York: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged world leaders to join Australias crackdown on childrens access to social media after meeting US President Donald Trump for the first time and locking in a prized White House visit next month. Albanese will travel to Washington, DC, for a formal meeting on October 20, an encounter he will use to press Australias case on issues including AUKUS and trade, and address increasing criticism over his failure this year to secure face time with the president. Prime Minister Antony Albaneses selfie with US President Donald Trump at US welcome reception. Credit: @albomp Albanese and Trump spoke in person for the first time in a friendly exchange at a cocktail party in New York on Wednesday, Australian time, and said they looked forward to their upcoming bilateral meeting. The prime minister on Wednesday afternoon uploaded a selfie he took with Trump at the welcome dinner, with the caption: Good to chat with President Donald Trump at US welcome reception for world leaders attending United Nations General Assembly hosted by @potus and @flotus. European leaders have hailed Australias world-first move to limit young peoples access to social media, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will consider ways that Australia could contribute to an international peacekeeping mission in postwar Gaza. On the last day of his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Albanese hosted an event at UN headquarters to promote Australias ban on children aged under 16 from operating social media accounts and to discuss other ways to prevent young people from being harmed by online bullying and radicalisation. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she was inspired by Australias move to limit social media access for children under 16. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen praised Australia for the bold decision to seek to regulate childrens access to social media, hailing it as an example of what determined countries can do. Since the announcement of Australias landmark minimum age law, Ive been watching very closely, and Ive been inspired by Australias example, the European Unions top official told the event as she credited Albanese for staring down opposition from tech giants such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. A second desalination plant could be built west of Melbourne and the current facility at Wonthaggi upgraded as Victoria considers ways to shore up the states water supply. Permanent water saving rules, which currently regulate the use of hoses, garden watering systems and fountains, would also be reviewed by a water security taskforce discussing options to protect drinking water supplies amid surging population growth and increased pressure on reserves from climate change. Inside the Wonthaggi desalination plant. Credit: Tim Young The contentious proposal to build another desalination plant, at an undecided location, is based on government modelling that estimates that Melbourne, Geelong and towns connected to the south-central water grid will need an extra 95 gigalitres (95 billion litres) of water annually by 2030. Many states across Australia are investing in secondary desalination plants, the report says. Advertisement InspirationEurope Its one of Europes greatest sites and everyone does it wrong Brian Johnston September 25, 2025 5:00am Save 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 33 View all comments I must admit I hesitated myself. Paying 19 ($34) seems steep for what might appear to be just another castle visit in Europe. If you go in the off-season, it will still cost you 13. Im not the only one put off. Carcassonnes streets swarm with visitors but only a fraction enter the castle or clamber around the rampart walk. Big mistake, as it turns out. Carcassonne: Youll be missing out if you dont walk the walls. iStock If youve come all this way and spent thousands on travel, spend another 19 on the full rampart walk, only opened in late 2024 after several years of repair works. Youll be gobsmacked by what you see, and what you see is what Carcassonne is all about. Carcassonne is in south-west France halfway between Toulouse and Montpellier, both worthy destinations too. Its one of the top 10 most-visited sights outside Paris, yet few people see it the right way. Advertisement For most, a visit means shuffling through the walled citys dozen streets which, lined by ice-cream and souvenir shops, arent much different from those in any other European old town. Everyone seems happy to spend 19 on a mediocre tourist meal, a fridge magnet or a plastic replica sword. But look up: the best thing about Carcassonne is its intact double layer of concentric fortifications topped by 52 towers. The full rampart walk opened in late 2024 after several years of repair works. iStock Its Europes largest best-preserved medieval fortified town, and if you experience the fortifications up close youll be mighty impressed. Access to the ramparts that take you right around and above the old town is only from the Chateau Comtal, which admittedly itself is nothing special, housing only a small museum of fusty provincial artefacts. Advertisement But the ramparts are to be slowly savoured. Theyre a pop-up textbook example of historical construction on a massive scale that first started with the Visigoths and continued for 2000 years, with famous architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc notably adding imaginative restorations in the 19th century. The walk is three kilometres around, clockwise only, with no escape route, up and down many flights of narrow steps that lead you through towers and along galleries and over gates below. Carcassonne is Europes largest, best-preserved medieval fortified town. iStock You get a soldiers eye view of medieval defences, which are well explained and illustrated by information boards in English. You can also follow an audio guide, which costs another 3. Take your time. Squint through arrow slits, peer down holes once used to shove stones and boiling water on invaders, and inspect the mountings where weapons were once used. Advertisement You get sweeping views down onto new Carcassonne and the surrounding countryside. You get views onto the medieval towns rooftops and into its streets. You get a wonderful elevated look at the side facade of the Gothic-era Saint-Nazaire Basilica, after which the ramparts just get ever more impressive. If you walk around the outside of the walls youll barely see another tourist and, better yet, its free. iStock The other thing that most people dont do is walk around the city walls from the outside, which is free. On that walk, youll barely encounter another person in this busiest of tourist old towns. Go anticlockwise from the Porte Narbonnaise or Narbonne Gate, particularly in the late afternoon when the light is wonderful. Youll see a dirt track worn through the long grass that dips and rolls. Youll have a bit of scrambling at one point as the path falls down the hillside near the Porte dAude, but then it joins a much more substantial path. You dont get the same excellent perspective as you do from the ramparts, but you still get a terrific up-close look at immense walls and towers that rise above you like skyscrapers. The views are marvellous. Advertisement In short, do Carcassonne from above and from the outside. Almost everybody else does it only from the inside, and misses out on a great treat. Related Article France The tiny French town that changed the course of history THE DETAILS Fly Toulouse airport is an hours drive from Carcassonne, which is also well connected by intercity and high-speed trains to other French cities. See sncf-connect.com Stay Mercure Carcassonne La Cite is a short walk outside the medieval town walls and has a restaurant, pleasant terrace and swimming pool. Rooms from 154 ($274) a night. See accor.com Advertisement More tourisme-carcassonne.fr The writer travelled at his own expense. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Europe France Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home. Traveller Guides Singapore/Bali: Lawyers for the family of a young Queensland man who died in Bali have criticised the police investigation and the responsiveness of the Australian consulate, saying there appeared to be more to the death than a straightforward case of antidepressants, too much booze and a plunge pool. Byron Haddows death at his holiday villa on May 26 was highly suspicious and required more in-depth analysis of prior events, particularly financial transactions, the lawyers said. Byron Haddow (right) was on holiday in Bali after a long stint of FIFO work. Credit: Nine News Haddow, a Noosa-based FIFO worker, had apparently been drinking with three other Australians, each of whom returned home without giving interviews to police. About four weeks after he died, the 23-year-olds body was repatriated to Australia without the heart, which, unknown to his devastated family members as they planned his funeral, remained in Bali for further pathological testing. The missing organ has compounded their grief. Coinbases CEO says the crypto exchange is no longer just a trading venue its building a fintech super app that can replace legacy banks. We do want to become a super app and provide all types of financial services, Brian Armstrong told Fox Business. We want to become peoples primary financial account. Armstrong also hit back against the banking lobby for throwing a wrench into things by responding to the challenge from crypto companies by warning that a new US stablecoin law, the Genius Act, risks draining some $6 trillion in deposits from banks. US President Donald Trump signed the Genius Act into law this summer. Im not too worried about it, Armstrong said. The senators we spoke to arent really going to entertain re-opening that issue. Armstrongs comments highlight the growing tension between legacy financial players and the new breed of crypto companies that aim to merge the worlds of traditional finance and digital assets. Trump administration They follow a flurry of pro-crypto moves from the Trump administration. In the first nine months of Trumps second term, he has fired off a barrage of pro-industry executive orders, held the White Houses first crypto summit, and appointed a smattering of crypto backers into key government positions. One of them is the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Paul Atkins. In July, Atkins unveiled Project Crypto, a deregulation blitz aimed to overhaul securities guidelines, encourage tokenisation, and enable financial firms to offer crypto and traditional assets under one roof. Thus, Project Crypto paves the way for so-called financial super apps. The term super app is often used by companies to encapsulate the idea that their platform offers a one-stop shop for all their users needs. In fintech circles, it usually signals that the platform offers everything from payments to banking accounts or thats their goal, at least. Robinhood and Revolut are two examples of fintech firms that have provided versions of these all-in-one super apps. In recent years, those companies have added crypto-trading as a key service, putting them on a collision course with crypto companies. Crypto firms have responded by rolling out services that would, traditionally, be found at fintech firms. Coinbase has, for instance, launched a debit card in collaboration with Visa, and has announced plans to become an everything exchange, as Armstrong called it in July. Armstrong plans to allow firms to offer trading in crypto securities, commodities, and traditional stocks under a single license. He also wants to streamline custody rules, enable tokenisation of equities, and create exemptions for projects to launch without burdensome registration. Brightstar Resources has secured approval from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) for its Lord Byron project, situated around 85km south-east of Laverton, Western Australia (WA). This approval marks the completion of the environmental approval process following the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (NVCP) granted in July 2025. With approvals now in place, the company plans to begin developing the Lord Byron open pit in the second half (H2) of calendar year 2026 (CY26), prior to commissioning the proposed new one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) carbon in leach processing plant in Laverton. According to the definitive feasibility study development schedule, Brightstar aims to begin construction of the Laverton processing plant in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline will allow mining operations at Lord Byron to start in H2 CY26, facilitating the stockpiling of mill feed prior to commissioning. Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira said: It is great to see full mining approvals received for the open-pit development of the Lord Byron mine, which is pivotal to accelerating gold production growth in our Laverton Hub. Importantly, the Lord Byron open pit is located less than 10km from our operational Fish underground mine, with surface infrastructure items already in place as a result of the construction of Fish resulting in streamlined, low capex development. This allows Brightstar to rapidly commence development of the Lord Byron open pit to coincide with our proposed mill construction, due to commence in H1 CY26. Recent exploration efforts at Lord Byron point to material upside to the current mineral resource and potential for additions to the current mine plan. Drill hole LBRC25001 returned a spectacular result of 32m @ 7.16g/t [gram per tonne] Au [gold], which was directly below the bottom of the proposed Lord Byron south open pit. The Lord Byron project has a history of mining activity, having been operated by Crescent Gold in 201112, before passing on to Focus Minerals in 2012. In 2019, Lord Byron Mining acquired the project and initiated a mining campaign in 2020. In 2023, Linden Gold Alliance purchased the Jasper Hills Gold Project, which includes the Lord Byron and Fish open-pit mines. Brightstar acquired Linden Gold in June 2024, fast-tracking approvals and permitting, leading to the commencement of the Fish underground mine in January 2025. Meanwhile, Brightstar continues its exploration efforts, with ongoing reverse circulation and diamond drilling at Sandstone supporting a pre-feasibility study as part of companys 100,000m exploration programme. Amit Shah inaugurates startup conclave in Guj Union Home Minister Amit Shah presents a cheque of Rs 10 crore to Skintouch Beauty Pvt Ltd during the inaugural ceremony of the Startup India Conclave 2025, in Gandhinagar on Tuesday. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is also present. (ANI) GANDHINAGAR : UNION Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the two-day Startup Conclave 2025 at Mahatma Mandir, bringing founders, investors and policymakers from across India together for a wide-ranging showcase and policy dialogue. Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Higher Education Minister Rushikesh Patel, HM Shah described the countrys youth as moving from job-seekers to job-creators and urged investors to back early-stage ventures. He said startups have provided employment to roughly 1.79 million people and noted that 48 per cent of new startups are founded by women -- statistics he cited to underline the sectors growing social and economic footprint. The Startup Conclave is a platform to convert Indias knowledge and innovation into jobs and businesses, HM Shah said, calling on investors to help new startups grow and predicting a future where startups will, in turn, make investors big. Organisers said more than 170 startups are exhibiting over the two days, presenting products and services across sectors including technology, healthcare, agritech, fintech and green energy. The event features an exhibition of prototypes and demonstrations, a round-table conference that brings founders into direct dialogue with industry experts, and seven themed sessions focused on scaling innovation, financing models and university-industry linkages. CM Bhupendra Patel welcomed the conclave as an opportunity to reinforce Gujarats position as an entrepreneurial hub, while Higher Education Minister Rushikesh Patel highlighted the role of universities and research institutions in mentoring early-stage companies and translating academic research into commercial ventures. Participants said the conclave offered much-needed visibility and networking opportunities, but flagged persistent challenges. Access to early-stage capital and pilot customers remains a bottleneck for many founders, one exhibitor said. Investors in attendance reiterated the need for clearer pathways for pilot procurement and sector-specific incubation, particularly for climate and health tech start-ups. A round-table discussion held on the sidelines examined practical steps to strengthen the ecosystem, including improvements to beneficiary registries, blended finance mechanisms for climate tech, and incentives to encourage institutional procurement from startups. Organisers said the conclave aims to generate actionable policy recommendations for both state and central governments and to launch a matchmaking platform to connect startups with investors and procurement opportunities. As the two-day programme continues, the conclaves impact will be measured by its ability to move beyond rhetoric to secure follow-through: concrete investor commitments, pilot projects with government partners, and policy changes that ease the route from prototype to scale. For many founders on the floor, the immediate hope is simple -- convert exposure into funding, customers and contracts that sustain young ventures beyond proof of concept. Azam Khan released fromjail after almost 2 years SITAPUR : SENIOR Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan was on Tuesday released on bail from the Sitapur jail here after nearly 2 years of incarceration. Dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama paired with a black waistcoat, Khan drove past the jail premises in a private vehicle, not interacting with reporters who tried to get his comment. Khans elder son, Adeeb, accompanied by hundreds of party workers, gathered outside the Sitapur district jail since morning to receive him. Several SP leaders were also present outside the jail to welcome Khan. Speaking to reporters earlier, Adeeb said, Azam Khan is the hero of the day. I am here with all his supporters to welcome him. I have nothing more to say. Whatever has to be said, my father will say after coming out of jail. SP leader Ruchi Vira said the party would celebrate this day as the day of victory of justice. We had faith in the judiciary and will continue to have it. No other politician has been harassed as much as he (Azam Khan) has been, she said. The district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Sitapur to prevent any untoward incident, officials said, even as a large number of supporters managed to reach near the jail with their vehicles, causing traffic congestion. There was chaos and rush despite Section 163 being in force. Vehicles were not allowed to come close to the jail, but they somehow managed to reach there. Action had to be taken to avoid further complications, City Circle Officer Vinayak Bhosle said earlier in the day. All false cases against Azam Khan will be withdrawn once SP comes to power in UP: Akhilesh: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday welcomed veteran leader Azam Khans release from jail, and announced that all false cases against him will be withdrawn once the party comes to power in UP. Azam Khan is not only a founder member of the Samajwadi Party but has also played a key role in Samajwadi (socialist) movement. Today is a moment of great joy... He has finally got justice, Yadav told reporters here. The ex CM said that once the SP forms its Govt in UP, all false cases registered against Khan would be withdrawn. Without taking any names, Yadav alleged that the chief minister (Yogi Adityanath) withdrew all cases registered against himself, his deputy chief minister and other BJP leaders after the saffron party formed its Government in the State. Just like the BJP Government has withdrawn cases against its own leaders, under a Samajwadi Party Government, false cases against Azam Khan and others will be withdrawn. Even journalists who have been targeted with fabricated cases will get relief, Yadav asserted. BJP MP Sudhakars wife loses Rs 14 lakh via digital arrest, money recovered BENGALURU : IN A swift operation, the Bengaluru police have recovered Rs 14 lakh which BJP Chikkaballapura MP K Sudhakars wife Preeti had lost in a cyber fraud through digital arrest. According to police, the incident took place on August 26. Digital arrest is a cyber scam in which fraudsters impersonate police or enforcement agency officials and threaten victims through WhatsApp video calls, claiming they are booked in criminal cases. Preeti (44), resident of Basaveshwaranagar, Bengaluru, received a WhatsApp call from cyber fraudsters posing as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Police. The fraudsters told her that there had been an illegal transfer of money from her bank account. They would send her money to the RBI for verification and would transfer it back to her account within 45 minutes. The scamsters also said that if she failed to transfer the money to the account they had specified, she would be arrested. By threatening, they got a total of Rs 14 lakh transferred from the complainants HDFC Bank account to an unknown YES Bank account and committed fraud, the police said. Later, the same evening, Preeti lodged a complaint with the police. The complainant also made a call to the National Cyber Helpline (NCRP) number 1930 within the Golden Hour and lodged a complaint, police said. Accordingly, a case was registered and an investigation was taken up. As a result, the money transferred to the accuseds account was frozen. On September 3, the 47th ACJM Court issued an order directing YES Bank authorities to return the frozen amount to the complainants account. Acting on the order, the entire lost amount of Rs 14 lakh was returned. to the complainant, a press note said. Deputy Commissioner of Police of West Division, Girish S, told reporters that efforts are on to trace the accused. He also appealed to people not to panic if they fall victim to such scams. If a complaint is immediately lodged (within Golden Hour) with the National Cyber Helpline (NCRP) number 1930, and a case is registered at the nearest police station without delay, prompt action can be taken to prevent losses, he said. Recognise Pakistan as terror state: BNM Baloch National Movement condemns Pak Air Forces airstrike in Tirah valley TIRAH VALLEY : THE Baloch National Movement (BNM) has strongly condemned a reported airstrike by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the Tirah valley of Khyber District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which it claims killed more than 30 civilians, including children. The Baloch National Movement also called on civilised nations and the international community to recognise Pakistan as a terror state. We call on civilised nations and the international community to recognise Pakistan as a state that wields its power against its own people -- a terror state that crushes peaceful political movements through brute force, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. When citizens, in response to such oppression, exercise their right to defend themselves, the state retaliates with collective punishment and ruthless violence, Baloch National Movement wrote in an X post. In a statement released via social media platform X, the BNM called the attack part of a recurring pattern of state violence against its own citizens. A video widely circulated online reportedly shows graphic scenes of the aftermath, with children among the casualties. This is not the first such atrocity-the Pakistan Army has repeatedly used its air power against citizens, the BNM said in its statement. Citing a recent incident in Balochistan, the organisation alleged that earlier this month a Pakistan Army drone strike in Zehri Tehsil, Khuzdar District, near the Tarasani Causeway, killed four members of a single family, including two women and a man, and injured five others. The BNM accused the state of systematically targeting civilian populations under the guise of security operations, stating that there is documented evidence of repeated air bombardments and resulting civilian deaths. Baloch reported 98 enforced disappearances in August QUETTA, Sept 23 (IANS) A HUMAN rights organisation on Tuesday revealed that 98 cases of enforced disappearances were documented across Pakistan in August. In its August 2025 report, Paank, Baloch National Movements Human Rights Department, mentioned that the cases were reported across 13 districts, including Karachi and Multan, with most of them being reported in Quetta (21), Kech (19) and Dera Bugti (14). In a post shared on X, Paank mentioned that 32 victims were released, many bearing signs of torture. Balochistan has been reeling under the endless atrocities at the hands of Pakistani authorities. On Monday, Paank reported that Pakistani security forces forcibly took Hilal Murad, a resident of the Baloch ward area in Gwadar city, from his home. Separately, the human rights body also stated that Akhtaj Shoukat, a resident of Kech district, was forcibly taken from his home by Pak security forces. Pak politician Maulana Fazl-Ur-Rehman alleged recently that the countrys authorities are involved in kidnapping and enforced disappearances across Balochistan. Sept sees biggest drug seizures 611 gm MD, 3.155 kg ganja worth Rs 60 lakh confiscated Staff Reporter : Under Operation Thunder, Nagpur Police have carried out their biggest festive-season crackdown in September and seized 611 grams of Mephedrone (MD) and 3.155 kilograms of ganja, together valued at more than Rs 60 lakh. This action marks a sharp rise compared to earlier months and highlights how traffickers try to exploit the festive season. Police have responded with strict and coordinated enforcement to ensure the joy of Garba, Navratri and other festivals remains drug-free. Between January and August 2025, Nagpur Police had seized 2.660 kilograms of MD worth Rs 1.67 crore and 334 kilograms of ganja. In comparison, September alone recorded a large quantity of narcotics seized which shows the increased scale of operations. So far, 11 accused have been arrested, while six more are absconding. Raids were carried out in areas including Kotwali, Kalamna, Wathoda, Yashodhara Nagar, Sitabuldi and Sakkardara. During the raids, the police directly targeted street-peddlers, hidden suppliers and financiers linked to the drug chain. Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal said, Festivals symbolise purity, unity, and family bonding. Drugs destroy all three. We are determined to protect our youth from this silent poison. In addition to raids, police have intensified searches in slum clusters, pubs, hookah parlours and electronic markets to disrupt distribution hubs. Alongside enforcement, awareness campaigns with messages like Celebrate Lights, Not Highs are being run across colleges and on social media platforms, said CP Dr Singal. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Rahul Maknikar confirmed that further operations are planned through October to sustain the momentum. Social activists and community leaders have praised this dual approach of strict enforcement along with public awareness, calling it a model for urban policing. State to provide over Rs 5 lakh for treatment of 9 serious diseases Staff Reporter : Reserve fund received from claims of Jan Arogya Yojana to be utilised by Health Guarantee Society The amount received from claims of patients under the extended Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be utilised for the reserve fund of the State Health Guarantee Society and for the empowerment of Government hospitals. The expenditure on 9 types of rare diseases costing more than Rs 5 lakh for needy patients will be met from the reserve fund. The proposal in this regard has been approved in the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, funds are provided to Government hospitals and health institutions by the State Health Guarantee Society. Guidelines were issued on January 11, 2019 regarding the use of this fund. It has now been amended, in which 20 percent of the funds received from the society will go to the reserve fund. While the remaining 80 per cent will be given to the hospitals concerned. Out of this 80 per cent fund, 19% will be used for setting up infrastructure facilities in hospitals, 40% for hospital consumables and medicines, 20% for incentive allowances to officers and employees and 1% for programme support information and publicity. The limit of health coverage in the expanded scheme is Rs 5 lakh per family per person. However, under this scheme, health coverage is not available for treatment of rare diseases like liver, bone marrow, heart, lung etc. transplants that costs more than Rs 5 lakh. Therefore, poor and needy patients undergoing treatment for these diseases could not benefit from this scheme. However, expenditure will be made from the reserve fund created with the State Health Guarantee Society for 9 such diseases. This includes Rs 15 lakh for heart transplant, Rs 20 lakh for lung transplant, Rs 20 lakh for heart and lung transplant, Rs 22 lakh for liver transplant, Rs 9.5 lakh for bone marrow transplant (allogeneic), Rs 17 lakh for bone marrow transplant (unrelated), Rs 17 lakh for bone marrow transplant (haplo), Rs 10 lakh for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and Rs 10 lakh for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TMVR).Under this scheme, the incentive allowance of doctors and employees of Government health institutions of the Public Health Department, Medical Education and Pharmaceuticals Department and Urban Development Department participating in the treatment process will be revised. For this, the Cabinet has also approved the relaxation of the condition of the allowance limit in the Government decision dated January 11, 2019 regarding incentive allowance. The cabinet meeting also approved the formation of a Special Treatment Assistance and Empowerment Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Public Health Department to determine the procedures for the surgeries, treatments and changes in their rates under this scheme, and the utilisation of Government funds received as well as reserve funds. AMC to get land for building city bus stand, vegetable market The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved the allocation of land for building a commercial complex, city bus stand and vegetable market to Akola Municipal Corporation (AMC). Akola Municipal Corporation had demanded plots 80/1 and 80/10 in Mouje Akola for building a commercial complex, city bus stand and vegetable market. The projects to be built on this land are in the interest of the citizens. Therefore, it was requested to give both these plots keeping in mind the financial condition of the Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Corporation has earlier deposited Rs 26.21 crore with the Government. Now, the Government has approved the transfer of possession of this land to Akola Municipal Corporation by fixing the same occupancy value. Twenty-five per cent of the net income from the commercial use of this land will have to be deposited with the Government. This land cannot be used for any other purpose. The municipal corporation has also been required to start such use within three years of acquiring possession of the land. Mah to release Rs 491.50 cr for Itwari-Nagbhid rail project The much delayed gauge conversion of Itwari-Nagbhid got a major boost after Maharashtra Government authorised release of Rs 491.05 crore towards its contribution for the joint venture project. The Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday sanctioned the States share in the 50:50 joint venture with Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) for the 116.15 km rail route. The new route is cutting through one of the backward areas of Vidarbha and BG route is expected to ushers in new development avenues. Although the track till Umrer is completed, yet the Non-Interlocking work at Itwari and Umrer station remains incomplete. Hence, the route is yet to be commissioned. On top of that, the delay in securing forest clearance on Umrer-Nagbhid section further escalated the project cost. Now the cost is pegged at Rs 2,383-crore and Indian Railways and Maharashtra Contd on page 2 VTA urges appropriate amendments in Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 Business Reporter : The Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister and others for amendment in Juvenile Justice Act. Indias Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 was enacted with the noble objective of safeguarding minors and giving them an opportunity for rehabilitation. However, the reality today is different. Many juveniles are neither ignorant nor naive; with smartphones and social media, they are well aware that the law shields them from the full weight of justice. This loophole has emboldened some to commit heinous crimes with the confidence that punishment will be lenient and their identity protected. When a crime is premeditated and executed deliberately, it ceases to be a mistake of childhood. It reflects criminal maturity, and justice demands accountability. At the same time, families of victims who suffer irreparable loss deserve more than a token punishment for offenders. In this context, the Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) has submitted a memorandum to Dr Vipin Itankar Collector Nagpur and dispatched memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chairman of the Law Commission of India Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari, urging for appropriate amendments in the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. VTA strongly recommended that any person below 18 committing a heinous, planned crime should be tried as an adult. Shrawan Kumar Malu President of the association, Hemant Trivedi Vice President and Tejinder Singh Renu Secretary, were part of the delegation. US breakfast and brunch franchise Broken Yolk Cafe is set to open four new locations in Dallas-Fort Worth in the US state of Texas. The development follows the brands recent multi-unit agreement with business partners JP Wu and John Zhang, which involved the acquisition of the franchise's existing restaurant located in McKinney, Texas. Both Wu and Zhang have extensive experience in military service, Wall Street and global supply chain operations. Wu stated: "Broken Yolk Cafe caught our attention when we visited their store in McKinney, Texas. A closer look at the concept showcased its commitment to quality and an exceptional franchise culture. "We met BYC's founder, John Gelastopoulos, who is an inspiration and a great source of information and expertise on how to run a successful restaurant chain. What stood out above all else is how Broken Yolk's franchise model is entirely geared toward helping its franchisees succeed." The franchise footprint of Broken Yolk Cafe now includes locations in Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and Texas, taking the systemwide total to 41 sites. Zhang stated: "The coming locations will continue to target suburban cities in North DFW, given the tremendous population growth and business expansion the area has seen in recent years. "With more and more families calling those neighbourhoods home, JP and I are eager to make Broken Yolk Cafe their go-to spot for the best breakfast and brunch around." In July 2025, Broken Yolk Cafe unveiled its plan to develop four new cafes in southeast Los Angeles County, California. The first of those, at 8224 Firestone Blvd in Downey, is set to launch in the first quarter of 2026. "Broken Yolk Cafe to open four locations in Dallas-Fort Worth" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Europe is buying Chinese hybrid vehicles by the shipload - imports are up more than 400 per cent this year - while Germany's car exports to China have slumped, leaving gold as its biggest single shipment going the other way. These are just two findings from new statistics that show how quickly the old trade model has shifted gears, while offering a stunning snapshot of the contrasting industrial fortunes of the European Union and China. Germany - the bloc's biggest economy and its manufacturing powerhouse - saw its trade deficit with China shoot up 142.8 per cent to US$17.4 billion in the first eight months of 2025, compared to US$7.2 billion a year earlier. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The findings, part of detailed Chinese customs data released on Saturday, will send alarm bells ringing in Berlin. Long seen by Chinese buyers and suppliers as a symbol of Germany's manufacturing prowess, cars remain its biggest industrial export to China, but no longer form the largest single line in the customs data. In the period to August, saloon car shipments were overtaken by those of unwrought gold - at a time when Germany has no active mines - and medicines, an ironic development which will fuel debate that China is no longer the gold mine it once was for German carmakers. Alongside plunging combustion-engine passenger car exports which were down 43.9 per cent, from US$7 billion to just US$4 billion over the first nine months, German shipments of automatic gear shifts fell 12.9 per cent, with other car parts down 32.3 per cent. In addition, industrial machine exports tumbled 16.2 per cent while control instruments were down 25.5 per cent, according to the South China Morning Post's calculations based on the official data. A glance at the numbers going the other way shows the depth of the issue for Germany and other European auto manufacturing hubs: as China loses its taste for Western car brands, Europe's addiction to China's electric vehicles and batteries is deepening. Over the first nine months of 2025, China's shipments of plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) soared 439.4 per cent in value terms, from US$524 million to US$2.8 billion, as exporters looked to avoid anti-subsidy duties that only apply to pure electric models. Over the same period, China's shipments of lithium-ion batteries to the EU's 27 member states rose 36.6 per cent, as the bloc faced up to the reality of using Chinese motors to power its own electric revolution. Caregility has secured $25.1m in additional funding through Series A-2 and Series C rounds to accelerate growth in virtual care technology. The funding round was led by Star Mountain Capital with participation from management, initial founders and healthcare-focused investors, as well as Caregility board member Dr York Wang. This latest investment brings total external funding in Caregility to $92m. The company plans to use the capital on AI solutions, computer vision, ambient listening and sensor-based technologies that enhance clinical workflows while reducing staff burden and supporting patient care. Caregility independent board member Dr David Shulkin said: "Caregility is setting the standard for innovation in hospital-based virtual care, with groundbreaking capabilities such as edge-based Computer Vision AI and audio sensing room duress detection. "Caregility has expanded these advancements globally, and its platform is uniquely positioned to redefine how hospitals deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality care." The companys enterprise telehealth platform supports more than 30,000 connected devices and conducts over six million virtual sessions a year. Its deployments span 1,500 hospitals and 75 health systems across multiple continents. Caregility's modular platform encompasses speciality consults, operating room telehealth services, e-sitting, virtual nursing, and hospital-at-home programmes. Caregility chief financial officer Tod Nestor said: "This strategic investment strengthens our ability to accelerate innovation and scale more aggressively in the marketplace. "With this capital, we can advance AI-driven solutions that meaningfully reduce clinician burden, improve patient outcomes, and deliver measurable and tangible value of the connected care programmes deployed by our hospital partners." The company serves customers across Asia-Pacific, the Gulf Region, the Middle East, Canada and the US. Caregility chief executive officer Ron Gaboury said: "Caregility is at a pivotal moment in its growth. We've built a trusted foundation with many of the world's leading hospitals and health systems, and this funding empowers us to accelerate the next wave of innovation that will shape the future of smart hospitals and connected care." Earlier this year, Caregility expanded its international footprint by partnering with Media Plus and Yahman in Japan. "Caregility secures funding to advance virtual care technology" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. Bluestockings Bookstore, the collectively-run activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that has been based on the Lower East Side for over two decades, announced they have officially closed their storefront on Suffolk Street and will be ending all online services by the end of the year. In a note on Bluestockings website and social media platforms, they addressed their community: After 26+ years of serving marginalized communities as an independent feminist bookstore, event hub, and all-around radical community space, the daily operations are unfortunately no longer sustainable on multiple fronts. And noted, This decision comes after the shared failures of multiple cohorts to come to consensus around the guiding principles and practices Bluestockings should embody to move forward as a worker-owned cooperative that serves as a radical bookstore, cafe, and community event space. Weve made a lot of mistakes, but the lack of political and business-operations alignment on upholding the responsibilities of our space has directly led to many of the setbacks weve faced the last two years. Of course, $12,000 a month in rent, thousands in utilities, and racist, classist violence from neighbors certainly didnt make our work any easier. The collective started in a space on Allen Street and moved to Suffolk Street in 2021. Over the years the activist center adapted with the times and evolved from a feminist bookstore into what they framed as New Yorks only queer, trans AND sex worker run bookstore. Co-owner Raquel Espasande told Gothamist in a text message The bookstore has been fighting a losing battle against debt for over two years now Unfortunately, we frankly hit the wall. Gothamist also noted, The closure comes after years of financial strain and mounting public controversy. In late 2023, the stores landlord issued warnings citing what it described as unauthorized medical activity and unsafe conditions, and by January of this year, Bluestockings workers said the cooperative was nearly $100,000 in debt to publishers and book distributors. By Ryan Patrick Jones TORONTO (Reuters) -Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that trade negotiations with the U.S. were ongoing, and a lot of the remaining issues would move to a forthcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). Speaking at a press conference in New York after attending the United Nations General Assembly, Carney said while Canada currently had the best trade deal with the U.S. of any country due to USMCA-compliant goods being exempt from U.S. tariffs, it could be better. "President Trump and I agree on that. We have a number of discussions, our officials have a number of discussions on how that can be potentially structured. A lot of that will roll into this process of the review of what we call CUSMA," Carney said, using the acronym Canadians use for the trade agreement. Canada has been holding talks for months with Washington on a new economic and security relationship, with the aim of removing all U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, but those talks have stalled. The USMCA, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020 and was negotiated during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, requires the three countries to hold a joint review after six years. The U.S., Canada and Mexico each kicked off last week separate public consultations on the review, which is set for next year. "With respect to the negotiations with the Americans, they're ongoing," Carney said. "We start from a strong position and from a position where we can make it better, and when the right deal is there for Canada, we will sign." (Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto; Editing by Jamie Freed) Alibaba has enough spare money to return money to its shareholders. Its cash-rich balance sheet affords it the flexibility to pay a small dividend, but it has also pulled off share buybacks in each of the past four quarters. With the shares trading for a reasonable 16 times next fiscal year's projected earnings, this good story can get even better if some of its side bets start to pay off. You read that right. The profitability of its domestic e-commerce business, cranking out an adjusted EBITDA margin of 44% in its latest quarter, is enough to finance the losses for the other 55% of its business. Whether it's the AliExpress segment that sells Chinese-sourced goods all over the world or a percolating cloud business, Alibaba is making well-placed bets on future workhorses. Alibaba's model works. It has two e-commerce workhorses in China. Taobao is the country's leading consumer-to-consumer marketplace. Tmall is Alibaba's business-to-consumer play. These are cash cows, generating 45% of Alibaba's consolidated revenue but also 113% of its consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA ). Alibaba isn't posting stellar growth. Revenue is rising at a single-digit clip for the fourth year in a row. The bottom-line story isn't necessarily any better, with Alibaba falling short of Wall Street profit targets in back-to-back quarters this year. However, with Chinese stocks depressed heading into this year on trade war concerns, Alibaba was trading at a forward earnings multiple in the single digits at the start of this year. China's e-commerce pioneer is rolling in 2025. The stock has nearly doubled, surging 95% this year. But if you're expecting a textbook case of a market beater, you'll probably walk away disappointed. Wood added to her existing positions in Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), Pony AI (NASDAQ: PONY), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) on Monday. All three companies are trying to carve out a role in the world's second largest economy. Let's take a closer look at the Wood's three fresh purchases that are hoping to score big in China. The rallying market has iconic growth investor Cathie Wood in a buying mood. The Ark Invest founder, CEO, and ace stock picker was making moves on the first trading day of the week. She bought only five different stocks on Monday, but one thing that three of them had in common is that they're Chinese companies. Pony AI isn't cheap given its lack of profitability and its early stage of revenue growth, but it has some unique advantages in autonomous driving. Story Continues 2. Pony AI It's been just 10 months since Pony AI went public at $13 a share. It's a successful offering -- now. The provider of autonomous driving tech that leans on artificial intelligence (AI) has been a wild ride for investors. Pony AI saw its shares top $23 in February, before plunging as low as $4.11 just two months later. It has since nearly made all of that back with a better-than-fivefold jump. The stock is now beating the market with a 58% gain since its IPO as of Monday's close. Pony AI has been faring well in the commercialization of robotaxis in China, standing out in a sea of self-driving-car stocks. It's the only participant at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Shanghai to offer fully driverless and on-demand ride-hailing services. It's also the only participant that's able to operate in extreme weather conditions. Revenue rose 76% in its latest quarter to the U.S. equivalent of $21.5 million, fueled by the more than doubling of robotaxi revenue. Its robotaxi fare-charging revenue more than quadrupled, admittedly off a small base a year ago. Pony AI expects to hit 1,000 vehicles in its fleet by the end of this year. It's making inroads outside China. Earlier this month it announced plans to offer its services in Qatar. The profitless Pony AI will have to grow into its beefy $7.3 billion market cap, but it's certainly steering -- not necessarily autonomously -- in the right direction. 3. Baidu Finally we have Baidu. It's been a late bloomer in this potent year for Chinese growth stocks. Three months ago it was trading roughly where it was when 2025 started, but it has gone on to soar more than 60% since then. The growing pains for China's leading search engine operator have been even worse than Alibaba. Revenue has declined in two of the past three years, and Baidu's top line has inched lower through the first half of 2025. The catalyst for Baidu's emergence this summer has come from its fledgling AI chips business. Trading restrictions with China find the country turning to homegrown players, and Baidu happens to finally be in the right place at the right time. Despite the recent rally, Baidu is trading for just 12 times trailing earnings. Analysts see a return to revenue and adjusted earnings growth next year. This is a good price for a company that has been great before, and it might be close to getting there again. Should you invest $1,000 in Alibaba Group right now? Before you buy stock in Alibaba Group, 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 Alibaba Group 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 $661,694!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,082,963!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,067% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 190% 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 September 22, 2025 Rick Munarriz has positions in Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Baidu. The Motley Fool recommends Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Cathie Wood Goes Bargain Hunting in China: 3 Stocks She Just Bought was originally published by The Motley Fool This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based CNX Resources promoted its president and CFO Alan K. Shepard to replace the natural gas companys current CEO, Nick Deiuliis, after he retires at the end of the year, effective Jan. 1, according to a Monday press release. The company did not name a new CFO but said it expects to do so by the end of the year. The natural gas drillers board moved quickly, appointing Shepard, 44, to the role on Sept. 17, the same day DeIuliis told the company of his plans, according to a securities filing. Deiuliis, who has served the company for 35 years and will remain on the board of directors, will step down from the CEO role on Dec. 31 and retire as an employee of the company on Feb. 2. "It has been an honor to work alongside such a talented team here at CNX. Alan has earned the trust and confidence of our Board, employees, and shareholders, Deiuliis said in a statement in the release. I am excited to watch him lead CNX to great things in the years ahead, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the team as a director. Dive Insight: Shepard is joining a relatively small but growing cohort of former CFOs who have jumped to the CEO position. In the first half of 2025 there has been an uptick in finance leaders following the CFO-turned-CEO career path, according to a recent report from executive search firm Crist Kolder Associates. About 7.5% of the sitting CEOs at Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies came directly from a CFO chair, up from 7.1% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2015, according to the report. In contrast, nearly half of sitting CEOs came directly from COO or president positions, the report found. Shepard rejoined CNX in 2020 and has served as CFO since June of 2022, the company said in the release. He has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, including in such senior finance roles as CFO, finance director, controller and treasurer at EdgeMarc Energy Holdings, according to his LinkedIn profile. Early in his career, he also worked for PwC and holds a bachelors degree in accounting and administration from Thiel College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon Universitys Tepper School of Business. Shepard will step into the shoes of a high profile CEO. In a report on his retirement, The Pittsburgh Post dubbed Deiuliis a firebrand and described him as a fierce defender of fossil fields and a critic of renewable energy. Deiuliis, an engineer and author of "Precipice: The Lefts Campaign to Destroy America, also hosts The Far Middle podcast, according to his website. Corn futures are joining in on the selling at Mondays midday, with contracts down 4 to 5 cents in most nearbys. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price is down 4 cents at $3.75 1/4. USDA reported a private export sale of 320,068 MT of corn to Mexico this morning all for 2025/26. More News from Barchart USDA tallied corn export shipments at 1.329 MMT (52.32 mbu) during the week ending on September 18. That was 15.54% above the same week last year but a drop of 12.16% from last week. Mexico was the top destination of 473,034 MT, with 331,588 MT headed to Japan, and 187,756 MT to Colombia. Marketing year exports for 2025/26 are now 3.492 MMT (137.47 mbu), which is now 58.63% above the same period last year. The Friday afternoon CFTC Commitment of Traders release showed a total of 19,878 contracts cut from the spec fund net short position as of September 16th to 80,051 contracts. Commercials did see an increase to their net short position by 15,920 contracts, to 108,290 contracts by Tuesday. Brazils first corn crop is 25% planted as of last Thursday in the Center-South region according to AgRural. Dec 25 Corn is at $4.19 1/4, down 4 3/4 cents, Nearby Cash is at $3.75 1/4, down 4 1/4 cents, Mar 26 Corn is at $4.36 1/4, down 5 cents, May 26 Corn is at $4.46, down 5 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com The last time Archetype raised a venture fund, Sam Bankman-Fried stood atop the crypto industry amid a boom time that quickly evaporated. Now, just over three years later and amid a roaring bull market, the New York-based firm is back with a new fund: a $100 million vehicle that will once again focus on backing early-stage seed rounds of blockchain companies. In an interview with Fortune, Archetype founder and general partner Ash Egan argued that blockchain technology is on the verge of its mainstream breakthrough, likening the current moment as post-AOL, pre-Uber in comparison to the history of the internet. Our belief is that crypto rails underpin all global commerce, if you take a decade or multi-decade point of view, Egan said. Its a familiar claim in the rollercoaster sector, whose proponents have long claimed that it is poised to disrupt any number of industries, from payments to IPOs to real estate transactions. But with a friendly regulatory atmosphere and widespread institutional interest from Wall Street, crypto may finally have its breakthrough momentand Egans firm has new capital to deploy. Timing the market Archetype raised its first $55 million fund in 2021, followed by its second $155 million fund in 2022, at the height of the last crypto bull run. Though Archetypes third fund clocks in at a smaller $100 million, Egan said that it was a deliberate decision to take the right backers, or limited partners, with only one new LP coming onboard. Archetypes investors are a combination of pensions, endowments, sovereign wealth, and other institutional investors, including the funds of funds Accolade Partners and TrueBridge Capital, as well as the blue-chip venture firm Sapphire Ventures. Archetype has already had major wins out of its portfolio, including the wallet provider Privy, which was acquired by the payment giant Stripe earlier this year, as well as US Bitcoin Corp, which did a reverse merger with Hut 8, now the partner for Eric Trumps American Bitcoin. Archetype also holds liquid investments, including more than $10 million in Solana and $40 million in Ethereum. It has around $350 million of assets under management. According to Egan, Archetype has already distributed around $10 million of its first fund back to investors, though he said the firm takes a long-term approach. If things are going to run and we have winners, we dont want to sell too early, he said. A veteran in the space, Egan has the track record to gauge where the sector is headed. He was first drawn to crypto by the rise of Ethereum and smart contracts in 2015. At the time, Egan was working at a small venture outfit in Boston called Converge, where he made his first crypto investment into the blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis. Upsolve reports that some major employers across a range of industries, from retail to tech to finance, offer a fairly generous student loan repayment stipend. Here are some examples: [3] The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans reports that such benefits are on the rise with 14% of employers offering such a student-debt repayment program in 2024, more than triple the number that offered one in 2019. [2] Johns wife is not the only one receiving student-loan repayment support from her employer. "We're not keeping this thing around like it's a pet," said Ramsey. Ramsey explained that if she continues paying off the student loan just one month at a time, it will take 10 years to be rid of it. Co-host Jade Warshaw added that interest will accrue on that debt, wiping out the free money aspect. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead So why not pay off the student loan? John's wife wants to continue carrying it because her employer gives her a $50 monthly stipend to assist with student loan repayment. She considers that free money, so she won't budge. For the most part, John and his wife have been aggressively shedding debt. They've paid off $100,000 already, leaving just two debts: a 401(k) loan worth $40,000 and the $6,500 student loan. "This is stupid," Ramsey said. "She needs to get her head wrapped around the mathematics of how dumb her not budging is." Johns wife doesnt want to pay off her relatively small student debt of $6,500 even though she and John have a combined income of $300,000 a year and could easily do so. When Dave Ramsey found out why, he was flabbergasted. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Most people would love to be rid of their student loans, but one man in New Jersey called into The Ramsey Show for help with the opposite problem. The scale of student debt in the U.S. today is jaw-dropping. Americans collectively owe $1.814 trillion in student loans, with an average balance of $42,673. [1] Story Continues Aetna - $2,000 per year, lifetime max of $10,000 Ally Financial - $1,200 per year, lifetime max of $10,000 LiveNation - $1,200 per year, lifetime max of $6,000 New York Life - $2,040 per year, lifetime max of $10,200 PWC - $1,200 per year, lifetime max of $10,000 Staples - $1,200 per year, lifetime max of $3,600 SoFi - $5,250 per year, lifetime max of $25,000 By law, the most a company can contribute toward employee student loans is $5,250 per year, according to the IRS. It is a valuable benefit. Such assistance can not only help workers make their monthly loan payments on time and in full but may even help them pay off their student debt sooner. On the flipside, it might tempt some like Johns wife to fall into the trap of carrying student loans longer than necessary to continue getting that benefit. If you have student debt and your employer offers a student-loan repayment program, do the math to see if it makes sense to get that benefit or whether youll save more money in interest paying off your student debt sooner. For example, an extra month of repaying your loans might cost you $60 in interest but come with $100 toward your balance. A financial advisor can help you run the numbers if youre not sure how to yourself. Setting debt payoff priorities If you have a few different debts, you may not be sure which to tackle first. Ramsey recommends the Snowball method, where you pay off debts in order of smallest balance to largest. But in some cases, it can make sense to prioritize debt payoff based on other factors, including: Interest rate Risk Amount of stress For a 401(k) loan, the interest rate is typically the prime rate or higher. [4] The current prime rate is 7.5%. Federal student loan interest rates currently range from 6.39% to 8.94%, depending on the loan type. Private lenders can set their own rates, but the Education Data Initiative puts the typical range for private student loans at 3.19% to 17.95%. If youre paying a higher interest on a student loan than a 401(k) loan, thats a good reason to tackle it first. [5] That said, 401(k) loans can be more risky in that if you leave your job (voluntarily or otherwise), your repayment window might shrink to just a few months. In some cases, you may have to repay that loan immediately. [6] If you dont, it can be treated as a 401(k) withdrawal. And if youre not yet 59, that means a 10% early-withdrawal penalty. So that actually makes the argument to repay a 401(k) loan first. Finally, think about which type of debt is messing the most with your mental health. In a 2023 Employee Benefit Research Institute Workplace Wellness survey, 13% of workers said student-loan repayment was the financial issue causing them the most stress. So if you have two types of debt with similar interest rates and one is causing you to lose more sleep, that may be the one worth prioritizing. Article sources At Moneywise, we consider it our responsibility to produce accurate and trustworthy content people can rely on to inform their financial decisions. We rely on vetted sources such as government data, financial records and expert interviews and highlight credible third-party reporting when appropriate. We are committed to transparency and accountability, correcting errors openly and adhering to the best practices of the journalism industry. For more details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. [1]. Education Data Initiative Student loan debt statistics [2]. [The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans](https://blog.ifebp.org/student-loan-repayment-benefits-on-the-rise/] Student Loan Repayment Benefits on the Rise [3]. Upsolve 25 companies that will help you pay your student loans [4]. John Hancock What you need to know about 401(k) loans [5]. Education Data Initiative Average Student Loan Interest Rate [6]. Empower 401(k) loans: What they are & how they work What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. By Bart H. Meijer, Andres Gonzalez and Christoph Steitz THE HAGUE/LONDON/FRANKFURT (Reuters) -The Dutch government is selling 46% of power grid operator TenneT's German unit to an investor consortium for up to 9.5 billion euros ($11.3 billion), it said, kicking off the separation from a business it has long been trying to divest. The sale to a consortium of Dutch pension fund manager APG, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), operator of the world's No. 1 sovereign wealth fund, comes as funding needs for power lines soar across the continent, forcing owners to seek new capital. Under the agreement, the consortium will take a stake of 46% in TenneT Germany via a private placement of new shares by the Dutch government, in what marks Europe's third-largest deal this year according to LSEG data. The deal follows an unsuccessful attempt to sell TenneT Germany to the German government last year. With more than 14,000 kilometres (8,699 miles) of power lines, TenneT Germany is the country's biggest operator of high-voltage transmission grids. Parent TenneT is also the sole grid operator in the Netherlands. APG'S STAKE IN TENNET GERMANY TO BE 11% The consortium's investment will provide TenneT Germany with 8.5 billion euros it needs to sustain its credit rating and an extra buffer to limit risks for the Dutch state, the Dutch finance ministry said. APG said it would acquire about an 11% stake in TenneT Germany, while NBIM said it has a 21.8% stake, which would leave GIC with the balance of 46%. APG CEO Ronald Wuijster told Reuters it had been working on the deal for more than a year and many investments were needed in European infrastructure. "We need to work very hard to make our infrastructure better and energy transition is a very important element of that," he said. "This asset offers us a relatively secure, stable cash flow that is also of great interest for the members of the pension fund," he said, adding that APG sees Germany as a stable and reliable country. Wuijster said the fund was looking to get a board position. GERMANY EXPECTED TO BUY MINORITY STAKE Germany continues to consider a minority stake in TenneT Germany, Dutch finance minister Eelco Heinen said, after such plans fell apart last year under the previous government. A spokesperson for Germany's economy ministry confirmed this. TenneT said it intended to enter talks with German state-owned lender KfW over the matter, with more clarity on possible German investments expected before the end of the year. This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. A U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission employee who alleged the agency discriminated against her based on her race, sex and national origin has received the green light to take her case to trial, court documents show (Kandan v. Lucas and EEOC). The worker, an Indian-born U.S. citizen who works as an enforcement manager for the agencys New Orleans field office, alleged she was passed over for a promotion to field director in favor of a Black male candidate who was groomed for the position by the district director, also a Black male employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In considering the EEOCs Sept. 20 motion for summary judgment, Judge Eva Dossier at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana found the plaintiff presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude her nonpromotion was discriminatory. While the plaintiff had more years at the agency than the employee who was ultimately selected, the latters equally extensive military background did not make for an apples-to-apples comparison, Dossier wrote, noting his selection itself was not sufficient evidence. Dossier noted the high bar courts need to clear for selection decisions themselves to be evidence, citing 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals opinions from 2005 and 1988 laying out that employment discrimination laws are not intended to be a vehicle for judicial second-guessing of business decisions, nor ... to transform the courts into personnel managers. Rather, Dossier pointed to comments the hiring manager made about the enforcement managers accent suggesting he was unable to understand her, and, while making the comments, an accompanying head bobble he made that is understood to reference her national origin and race. He also allegedly criticized her use of leave to visit India, particularly the travel distance and duration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dossier also found the hiring process raised questions, noting that while the candidate who was eventually selected was originally found not to be qualified, the hiring manager spoke to the HR employee in charge of the process and asked that he be considered. Additionally, interviews were scheduled while the enforcement manager was on leave in India, which may have negatively affected different elements of the interview, the judge said. In its August filing requesting summary judgment, EEOC said the enforcement manager ranked the lowest of the three interviewed candidates and that the employee offered the job received the highest scores from each interviewer on the panel. It said the selecting official followed the scoring consistent with his typical practice. A spokesperson for the EEOC said the commission does not comment on personnel matters. EEOC has faced several lawsuits in recent months. In late July, for example, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization sued EEOC for allegedly refusing to enforce federal workforce protections for transgender workers. And in August, a New Mexico school district asked a court to block a discrimination charge from the agency that it deemed a fishing expedition. Both cases are still working their way through the courts. Recommended Reading MGBSM website launched | IMPHAL, Sep 23 : The official website of Manipur Global Buyer Seller Summit (MGBSM) was formally launched today by Y Robita, IAS, Director of Trade, Commerce & Industry. The website (www.mgbsm.info or http://www.mgbsm.info) was launched in the presence of Ng Roman Singh, Managing Director, MANIDCO; Anil Hoarokcham, Secretary, MCCI; Th Buddhabir, vice president, MCCI and L Monoranjan Singh, Treasurer, MCCI at the office chamber of the Director. Notably, the Manipur Global Buyer Seller Summit 2025 is scheduled to be held on October 10 and 11 at City Convention Centre, Imphal. The summit aims to bring together global buyers, sellers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, creating a vibrant platform to explore opportunities, collaborations, and market linkages. The newly launched website will serve as the official digital hub of the event, providing comprehensive details about the summit and buyer-seller meets, online registration facilities for delegates, stall owners, and participants and event schedules, updates, and guidelines. The summit is being jointly organized by the Department of Trade, Commerce & Industry along with MANIDCO and Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. For registration and more details, interested individuals can visit the aforementioned website. Eli Lilly has revealed it is to build an active pharmaceutical product (API) facility in Texas, US, a week after revealing Virginia as the first site in its $27bn US manufacturing drive. The $6.5bn manufacturing facility will produce Eli Lillys array of small molecule therapeutics chief among which will be orforglipron, the drugmakers oral glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) hopeful in obesity treatment. Lillys CEO David Ricks said: "Our new Houston site will enhance Lilly's ability to manufacture orforglipron at scale and, if approved, help fulfil the medicine's potential as a metabolic health treatment for tens of millions of people worldwide who prefer the ease of a pill that can be taken without food and water restrictions." Eli Lilly plans to file for US approval of orforglipron in obesity before the end of 2025, with a type 2 diabetes filing expected in 2026. Analysis by GlobalData forecasts global sales of over $14bn by 2031 for the pill. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology. "This significant US investment and onshoring of our API production capabilities will ensure faster, more secure access to orforglipron and to other life-changing medicines of the future," Ricks added. Other small molecule drugs across cardiometabolic health, oncology, immunology and neuroscience will be manufactured at the site in the Lake Houston area, north-east of Austin, Texas capital city. The facility, which will create 615 engineering, scientific, and operational jobs, will begin producing medicines within five years. The facility will incorporate a swathe of digital technology, including machine learning (ML), AI, and data analytics. Digital automation will also be placed throughout the site to streamline operations and create a robust supply chain. Lilly plans to collaborate with local universities and invest in educational initiatives across Texas as part of the technology drive. Last week, Lilly revealed plans to build a $5bn manufacturing facility in Goochland County, Virginia. This site will be an integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product facility for the companys bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody (mAb) portfolio. The facility aims to boost domestic production of the promising cancer treatment modality, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Both the Texas and Virginia sites are part of the companys wider strategy to bolster domestic production of pharmaceutical products amid pressure on the industry to onshore production from President Donald Trumps administration. In February 2025, Lilly outlaid $27bn for the creation of four new drug manufacturing facilities, bringing the total US capital expansion commitments to more than $50bn since 2020. The company added that it plans to announce the remaining two locations later this year. With a market cap of $31.2 billion, EQT Corporation (EQT) is the largest producer of natural gas in the United States, with operations primarily focused on the Appalachian Basin. The company engages in natural gas exploration, production, gathering, transmission, and marketing, with a strong presence in the Marcellus shale play across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered large-cap stocks, and EQT fits this criterion perfectly. Leveraging its vast reserves and drilling inventory, EQT is strategically positioned to drive production growth while maintaining investment-grade status. More News from Barchart Shares of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company have fallen 18.1% from its 52-week high of $61.02. EQT stock has decreased 17.3% over the past three months, lagging behind the broader iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF's (IEO) 3.2% decline over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Longer term, EQT stock is up 8.4% on a YTD basis, surpassing IEO's marginal gain. Moreover, shares of the company have surged 43.5% over the past 52 weeks, compared to IEO's 3.8% drop over the same time frame. However, EQT stock has fallen below its 50-day moving average since late July. www.barchart.com Despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.45 on Jul. 22, EQT shares fell 4.4% the next day as adjusted operating revenues of $1.6 billion missed the forecast. Investors were also concerned about rising operating expenses, which climbed to $1.42 billion from $949.5 million a year ago. Additionally, natural gas and liquid sales volumes of 568 Bcfe and 5,631 MBbls, respectively, came in below estimates. Nevertheless, rival Expand Energy Corporation (EXE) has lagged behind EQT stock. EXE stock has dipped 1.3% on a YTD basis and returned 25.2% over the past 52 weeks. Due to the stocks strong performance over the past year, analysts remain bullish on EQT. It has a consensus rating of Strong Buy from the 25 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $64 is a premium of 28.1% to current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com By Julia Payne and Divya Rajagopal BRUSSELS/TORONTO (Reuters) -Group of Seven (G7) members and the European Union are considering price floors to promote rare earth production, as well as taxes on some Chinese exports to incentivise investment, four sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. Rare earths are difficult-to-extract metallic elements critical to the manufacture of products including cell phones, cars and high-tech weapons. China, the world's leading producer of rare earths, surprised buyers in April when it introduced export controls on the materials and on related magnets, in retaliation for tariffs imposed by the United States. After European automakers faced shutdowns, China agreed to fast-track licenses for European companies in May and "upgraded" its export mechanism to the EU in July. However, two months later European companies say rising license bottlenecks risk new losses and shutdowns. PUSH TO SECURE CRITICAL MINERALS G7 countries, with the exception of Japan, are heavily or exclusively reliant on China for a raft of materials from rare earth magnets to battery metals. To address the security risk, G7 leaders launched a Critical Minerals Action Plan in June. Technical teams met in Chicago earlier this month. "The heart of the conversation was whether to raise the bar on regulation of foreign investment in critical materials in order to avoid companies going to China," one of the sources said about the Chicago meeting, adding that there was uncertainty on whether to confront Beijing. Australia also attended the meeting. "The other option would be geographical restrictions but G7 countries were divided," the source added. These restrictions could include local content rules or limits on sourcing from select countries like China in public procurement tenders. Two other sources said the group discussed a type of carbon tax or tariff on Chinese exports of rare earths and small-volume metals based on the percentage of non-renewable energy used in their production. A Trump administration official told Reuters on Wednesday that the U.S. is in talks with G7 and EU leaders about broader trade measures to prevent rare earth price dumping that include tariffs, price floors, or other measures. The sources said officials were considering price floors backed by government subsidies, which the U.S. recently introduced to encourage domestic production. Australia is separately considering setting a price floor to support critical minerals projects, including rare earths. By Johann M Cherian and Kanchana Chakravarty (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new fees on H-1B visas on Friday as part of his wide-ranging crackdown on immigration. Trump's executive order, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Sunday (0401 GMT), hikes the fee for H-1B visa applicants to $100,000. It is a one-time fee applied only to new applicants and not holders of existing visas or those seeking renewals. WHAT IS THE H-1B VISA PROGRAM? Established under the Immigration Act of 1990, the H-1B program enables U.S. employers to temporarily hire highly skilled foreign professionals in specialized occupations, primarily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. It requires a bachelor's degree or higher in the specialty, or its equivalent, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A prospective employer has to submit a petition to USCIS on behalf of the beneficiary. This program caps new visas at 65,000 every fiscal year, excluding 20,000 petitions from those who have earned a master's or higher degree in the U.S., or those employed at an American institution of higher education or some non-profit organizations. India was the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas last year, accounting for 71% of the approved beneficiaries, while China was a distant second at 11.7%, according to government data. WHY IS IT SO POPULAR AMONG U.S. COMPANIES? The visa, which is used by big and small tech companies in the United States, is initially issued for a period of three years, after which it can be renewed for another three. The program opened the way for American firms to hire millions of highly skilled workers essential to filling talent gaps and keeping them competitive. The program's supporters include Elon Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa, who has himself held an H-1B visa. Critics of the H-1B program, including many U.S. technology workers, argue that it allows firms to suppress wages and sideline Americans who could do the jobs. An H-1B beneficiary has to be paid at least $60,000 annually to be considered "exempt" from certain wage rules, a rule that allows smaller employers and startups to hire on this visa. Big Tech pays much higher wages to their H-1B employees. WHICH ARE THE STATES WITH THE MOST H-1B BENEFICIARIES? California has consistently ranked first in the country since 2018 in the number of visa applications received annually, according to data from the USCIS. The state - home to Silicon Valley and multiple tech giants, including Nvidia and Apple - has received about 62,864 applications so far this year. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. By Florence Tan and Anmol Choubey (Reuters) -Exxon Mobil Corp has started production at new facilities at its Singapore oil refinery complex to produce base stocks from residue fuel, it said on Tuesday, boosting the plant's intake of high-sulphur crude. The technology combines processes to convert fuel oil and other bottom-of-the-barrel crude products into higher-value lube base stocks and distillates, Exxon said in a statement. The new facilities expand its Group-II base stocks production capacity by 20,000 barrels per day, Exxon added. Crude imports at Exxon's Singapore refinery hit an all-time high of 541,000 barrels per day in August, according to data from analytics firm Kpler since 2016, driving high-sulphur crude demand in the region. The refinery has halted low-sulphur U.S. crude imports since April, switching to buying only high-sulphur oil, the data showed. In August, the United Arab Emirates was the top supplier with Murban and Upper Zakum crude while Qatar was second, with al-Shaheen oil, according to the data. The refinery also imported in August Arab Light crude from Saudi Arabia for the first time since November 2023, according to the data. Other suppliers include Oman and Iraq. Exxon's Jurong Island crude processing capacity is 592,000 barrels per day. The base stocks, designed for commercial vehicles and industrial applications, are used in engine oils, gear oils, marine oils, and greases. (Reporting by Anmol Choubey in Bengaluru and Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Clarence Fernandez) It's been more than six decades since the Chinese attacked India. The unexpected attack took the country by surprise, and an ill-equipped Army was no match. Things could have perhaps been different had the warnings of one man been heeded too; that man was the late Lieutenant General SPP Thorat. Three years before the war, he had warned that China would attack India and had even drawn up a plan on how the Indian Army could respond to it. However, dubbed as a warmonger, his warnings were never heeded to; then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru-led government and defence minister V.K. Krishna Menon focused on the forward policy (strategic initiative to establish advanced military outposts in disputed border areas). Ultimately, India paid the price at the time. How things unfolded at the time form one of the chapters of General Thorat's autobiography - 'From Reveille to Retreat'. The book first published in 1985 has been reprinted once again and was released on Wednesday with Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command; Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command; several other senior officers in attendance along with Lt Gen Thorat's son Yashwant (retired as the chairman of NABARD) and daughter-in-law Usha (former RBI deputy governor). The Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, couldn't make it, but sent a video message, praising Lt Gen Thorat as one of India's most remarkable soldiers and leaders. "Lt Gen Thorat's book is a wholesome account of a soldier's career, capturing both the routine and the extraordinary," he noted. The book's many chapters throw light on Lt Gen Thorat's early years, getting trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in the UK, his various postings under British Generals pre-independence, his heroics thwarting the Japanese attack in the Battle of Kangaw in Burma in 1945, that won him the Distinguished Service Order and the Ashok Chakra (now called Kirti Chakra), in Korea, where he headed the Indian Custodian Force and single-handedly resolved a strike by the Prisoners of War. "His journey from Reveille to Retreat is a reminder that the life of a soldier is not measured only in man's thought, but in the wisdom he leaves behind for future generations," noted Chauhan. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Seth noted that Thorat's life teaches us the importance of "foresight and fortitude", not only in moments of crisis, but in the decisions that shape the destiny of the organisation. "We are not only celebrating the life of one man, but honouring the legacy that continues to speak to us with relevance through his memoirs that articulate a clear philosophy of leadership based on enduring principles," he said. The Centre has extended the tenure of General Anil Chauhan as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces till May 30, 2026, according to the Ministry of Defence. General Anil Chauhan, who was commissioned in 1981, has been serving as CDS since September 30, 2022. With a distinguished carrer with key command and staff appointments, he was received several medals, including Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Senal Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). Government has approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (#CDS) & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, upto 30th May 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Commissioned in 1981, Gen Chauhan has had a distinguished Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 24, 2025 Recently, General Chauhan said Operation Sindoor heralded a "new kind of warfare", ensuring that India beat Pakistan decisively in every escalation. "Till now, we have assumed victory in terms of capture of territory, the number of equipment destroyed, or the number of prisoners of war you have captured or soldiers you have killed...These were associated with traditional ways of fighting warfare," he said. "Operation Sindoor strike conducted at 1 am on May 7 to avoid civilian casualties. Ideally we would have wanted to do it at 5-5.30 am." - CDS Gen Anil Chauhanpic.twitter.com/PldyrXjexf IndiaWarMonitor (@IndiaWarMonitor) September 18, 2025 The CDS pointed out that warfare is now driven more by technology than territorial occupation or the number. "Modern warfare demands that we fight today's conflicts with tomorrow's technology. The battlespace is no longer limited to traditional domains of land, air, and sea and has expanded to include space, cyber, the electromagnetic spectrum, and even the cognitive domain. In recent operations, this shift was evident," he explained. General Chauhan said that the military is the only place where there is no nepotism. "Merit is rewarded, and there is recognition of work. You (children) should aspire to join the armed forces if you want to serve the nation, and explore the country and the world," the CDS said. Aryan Khan's 7-episode debut project, 'The Bads of Bollywood', grabbed headlines barely a week from its release for its maverick plot and bold, self-aware satire that surprised many. However, social media reactions to the show initially went from praise for Aryan's experimental debut to doubt about whether a ghost director (a secret, uncredited director) was used instead. ALSO READ | 'The Bads of Bollywood' review: A tired tale dressed in new clothes, redeemed only by its stellar protagonist "Unsure whether its Aryan Khan or Ghost director," a user wrote on X, amid praise for the series. Binge watched a series after a long time!#TheBadsOfBollywoodOnNetflix is a complete entertainer with good writing and direction which reveals the BTS of Bollywood, Ragav stole the show for me! Surprisingly music is also too good Unsure whether its Aryan Khan or Ghost director baddhakist_thelazygenius (@BaddhakistT) September 21, 2025 "To really think that this was done by one person alone is naive. For a project like this he must have a ghost-writing team or story consultants at his disposal to fine tune the script," a Redditor weighed in, casting doubt about whether Aryan khan had even written the series. Comment byu/Affectionate-Map9362 from discussion inBollyBlindsNGossip "There is no way he is the sole writer and director of this in the traditional Bollywood sense," another Redditor declared. Comment byu/Affectionate-Map9362 from discussion inBollyBlindsNGossip However, 'Bads of Bollywood' actress Anya Singh quashed netizens' doubts, saying that people just wanted "an opportunity to bring another person down". "He knew there'd be conversations and chatter, but he did not question his vision at any point. I have a lot of respect for how he has stood by his own thoughts," she told Hindustan Times. ALSO READ | Aryan Khan's 'Bads of Bollywood': Why Sameer Wankhede 'cameo' has netizens laughing | WATCH Written and directed by Aryan Khan, 'The Bads of Bollywood' is currently battling online outrage over a scene with Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette (vape)which is banned in Indiawithout an appropriate disclaimer. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Commissioner of Mumbai Police, urging that an FIR be filed against Kapoor, the show's producers, and Netflix. With actor-politician Vijay gaining strength through his people outreach programme on Saturdays, seems to have shaken the political equations in the state. While the ruling DMK has decided to not to reply to Vijay, even when he is pitching himself as the primary opponent, the BJP which is on a shaky alliance with the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has devised a seven-phase roadmap, ahead of the 2026 general elections to strengthen the party and the NDA. The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP has called for a multiphase political strategy with an aim to strengthen the party at the grassroots and also consolidate the NDA. The seven-phase road map is a combination of several people outreach programmes by way of protests and rallies, strengthening the booth-level party and also bringing in more parties into the NDA fold. VIDEO | Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai says, "Met AMMK leader TTV Dinakaran, asked him to reconsider his decision on quitting NDA, he will be taking decision in November." (Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/XO05Oale6O Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 23, 2025 The BJP will soon launch a new campaign titled, Makkaludan BJP meaning BJP with the people. The BJP is also planning to organise a series of protests for 55 days from October 5 to November 30. The protests will focus on local issues in each constituency from bad roads to illegal mining and civic problems. The first phase of the strategy is however to strengthen the party at the booth level by establishing a strong infrastructure. The second phase will be a statewide rally undertaken by Nagenthran and the fourth phase will be mass rallies across Tamil Nadu with senior leaders from Delhi, including Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah addressing it. And after this in the fifth phase will be consolidating the NDA, while sixth phase will be seat-sharing talks and the seventh will be candidate selection in the run up to the election. Annamalai meets Dhinakaran While Nagenthran went all the way to Delhi to call on party president J.P. Nadda and discuss the strategies, on the ground his predecessor Annamalai took efforts to reunite the NDA in Tamil Nadu. The NDA, which had the PMK, Dhinakarans AMMK, Dr. Krishnasamis Puthiya Thamilagam, saw the exit of all the parties after AIADMK entered the alliance in April. While the PMK is fractured, the others have either quit the NDA or stayed silent. Annamalai on September 21 called on Dhinakaran at his residence at Besant Nagar in Chennai. The meeting comes days after Annamalai said that he would urge T.T.V. Dhinakaran to reconsider his exit from the NDA. In fact, Dhinakaran once said that he shared a friendly rapport with Annamalai and that he was not comfortable with the present BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran. He even cited the attitude of Nagenthran as one of the reasons for quitting the NDA. He had said that he would reconsider getting back into the NDA fold if someone other than Edappadi K. Palaniswami was fielded as the chief minister candidate. Apparently, Annamalai is the first leader from the BJP to have reached out to Dhinakaran after he walked out of the alliance. My meeting with Dhinakaran has been transparent. I had already said that I would follow up on my phone calls by meeting him in person. Accordingly, I met him at his residence and urged him to reconsider his decision and rejoin the NDA, Annamalai said. Dhinakaran and Annamalai, during the 45-minute meeting, discussed the current political situation while Annamalai heard Dhinakarans views. It is said that Annamalai also insisted on BJPs aim to dethrone the DMK in the 2026 election. We have been maintaining friendly ties. I am hopeful that he will come back. He has agreed to decide. Cordiality increases only when we meet frequently. There are no permanent friends or foes in politics. Alliances will change, and so too will leaders, Annamalai said on Monday while speaking to the media. He is also likely to meet O. Panneerselvam in the coming days to bring him back into the NDA. OPS had walked out of the NDA citing discomfort with Nagenthran and also because he did not get an audience with the PM Modi when the latter visited the Tiruchirapalli airport to go to Gangaikonda Cholapuram. While OPS had already sent feelers to join the TVK, Dhinakaran had also sent signals that he wasnt averse to join with the TVK in an alliance. There are many political parties, many smaller parties, are in talks with us. Some of the rebel leaders have also reached out to us. Wait and watch close to the election. TVK is not an alternate force. We are the main force, says one of the senior leaders in TVK. In fact, the TVK wants to float an alliance which will have fragments of the AIADMK and also some of DMKs alliance partners. BJPs outreach programmes and the seven-phase plans can bring in fortunes only if the NDA gets consolidated in Tamil Nadu. The Leh region witnessed violence on Wednesday after the Ladakh statehood protest turned violent. Agitators clashed with police and torched the BJP office and a police station as the week-long protest led by Leh Apex Body (LAB) turned violent. The youth wing of the LAB has been supporting the protest by activist Sonam Wangchuk demanding talks with the Centre on the extension of the Sixth Schedule as well as statehood to Ladakh. The incident came as a fresh round of talks is scheduled between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, comprising members of LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), on October 6. #WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: BJP Office in Leh set on fire during a massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehoothe d and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with Police. https://t.co/yQTyrMUK7q pic.twitter.com/x4VqkV8tdd ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The protesters had been observing a shutdown on Wednesday, and a march was taken out in this regard. However, it turned violent after they began pelting stones at the BJP office. Police intervened, resorting to tear-gas shelling and lathi-charging to disperse the violent crowds. Additional forces have been deployed to restore order. A crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) began in Patna on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including the partys agitation against the alleged vote theft in several states. The meeting comes just a few months ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar where the party, in alliance with the RJD, hopes to wrest power from the NDA. The Extended Congress Working Committee meets in Patna at 10AM today. It was at its Ramgarh session held in mid-March 1940 that the CWC passed its landmark resolution that, for the first time, formally committed the Indian National Congress to the creation of a Constituent pic.twitter.com/f1dFVXqBD1 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 24, 2025 Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the state capital in the morning. Gandhi has been leading the partys offensive against the Narendra Modi government and the Election Commission over what he termed as a systematic vote theft in different states. VIDEO | On CWC meeting being held in Patna ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, Congress leader Pawan Khera says, Its a historic moment and it will give a historic result. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/xPvwAOhWyd Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025 In his latest tirade last week, Gandhi alleged that a centralised software was used to delete thousands of names from the voters list in Karnatakas Aland constituency ahead of the 2023 assembly elections. The CWC is also likely to discuss the trade war with the US after President Donald Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing Indias purchase of cheap Russian oil. The Trump administrations decision to impose a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visasa move that could affect thousands of Indian job aspirantsis also likely to come up for discussion. Congress has been targeting the prime minister for the failure of Indias foreign policy after Trump repeatedly took credit for bringing the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. "At CWC meetings, we pass resolutions after holding deliberations on issues of state, national and international levels. Tomorrow, we will be doing the same. The topics of discussion would include 'vote chori' and hefty tariffs imposed on India by Trump," Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar told reporters on Tuesday. VIDEO | Patna: Posters and cut outs of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge put up at Bihar Congress headquarters Sadaqat Ashram, ahead of today's CWC meeting. As it gets battle-ready for the Bihar polls, the Congress will hold a meeting of its pic.twitter.com/gkUGUGiefP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025 Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel claimed that the meeting will take up the issues of alleged vote theft and the caste census for discussion. "Rahul Gandhi made two important remarks last month: caste census and vote theft. The atomic bomb has been detonated. Now we are waiting for the hydrogen bomb," Baghel said. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal, meanwhile, said the meeting is not related to the Bihar elections, though he admitted that the polls will be a topic of discussion. "The meeting is not related to elections... we are doing this very frequently. There are many issues to be discussed... there's a national agitation against vote theft. A signature campaign is also underway across the country... therefore, we have to also discuss this apart from many other political issues. Of course, the Bihar elections will be a topic of discussion," Venugopal told ANI news agency. Congress president Mallikarjun Khare claimed on Wednesday that the internal strife in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is out in the open and the BJP considers Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a burden. Speaking at the Congress Working Committee meeting in Patna, Kharge asserted that the upcoming assembly elections would mark the beginning of the end of Modis corrupt rule. The 2025 Assembly elections will prove to be a milestone not only for Bihar but for the entire country. This will mark the beginning of the countdown and the end of the corrupt rule of the Modi government, he said. Bihar goes to the polls later this year with the Congress, in alliance with the RJD, hoping to wrest power from the BJP-JDU combine. #WATCH | Bihar: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge unfurls the Congress flag at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party present. pic.twitter.com/UW2OCFhGRB ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 In his address, the Congress chief also launched a blistering attack on the central government, accusing it of orchestrating vote theft and communal polarisation. Our problems at the international level are the result of the diplomatic failure of Narendra Modi and his government. The very friends whom the prime minister boasts about as my friends are today putting India in numerous troubles, Kharge said in an apparent reference to US President Donald Trumps recent moves against India. The Congress has been targeting the Centre over Trumps imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods and his repeated claims of ending the India-Pakistan conflict. The opposition has also blamed Modis failed foreign policy for the USs recent action on H-1B visas. #WATCH | Bihar: Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting begins at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the party are present in the meeting. pic.twitter.com/IDKz3EP5pj ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The CWC meeting takes place amid Congress's nationwide agitation against the alleged 'vote theft' in several states. Raking up this issue, Kharge said serious questions are being raised today about the fairness and transparency of the Election Commission itself. Instead of answering questions on revelations from various states, EC is demanding affidavits from us, said the Congress chief. The opposition has been critical of the Special Intensive Rivision (SIR) carried out by the poll panel in Bihar, alleging that several genuine voters have been removed from the list. Kharge said a conspiracy is now being hatched across the country to remove the votes of millions of people. Vote theft means theft of rations, pensions, medicine, children's scholarships, and exam fees belonging to Dalits, tribals, backward classes, extremely backward classes, minorities, the weak, and the poor, he said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a case against US-based Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly instigating Sikh soldiers to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from hoisting the national flag at Red Fort on August 15. Pannun, who is the general counsel for the banned 'Sikhs For Justice' (SFJ) outfit, has been charged with offences under Section 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal conspiracy) and Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. The case was registered following a directive from the Union Home Ministry. The investigating agency has found that Pannun hosted a meet the press at Lahore Press Club in Pakistan on August 10 and addressed journalists online from Washington. In his address, Pannun rejected Indias sovereignty over Punjab and promoted the cause of Khalistan. He offered a reward of Rs 11 lakh to those who would prevent Modi from hoisting the tricolour and also unveiled the new "Delhi Banayga Khalistan" referendum map with Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh shown as its parts. The NIA said Pannun had indulged in activities for disrupting sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India and spread disaffection among Sikhs against India. The home ministry had earlier noted that an NIA probe was required in the matter, given the gravity of the offence and its national and international ramifications. The NIA had earlier filed a case against Pannun for issuing video messages threatening Air India passengers. He had asked Sikhs not to travel on Air India planes, claiming that there was a threat to their lives if they opted for the airline. Pannun has been under the NIA's lens since 2019, when the anti-terror agency registered its first case against him. He was declared a "Proclaimed Offender" on November 29, 2022. After a gap of four years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced the schedule for elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The ECI will issue the notification for the four Rajya Sabha seats on October 6. According to the notification, the last date for filing nominations is October 13. The scrutiny will be carried out the next day, and voting will take place on October 24 between 9 am and 4 pm, followed by counting on the same day. The ECI has issued a notification for the conduct of three separate elections to fill four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. According to the schedule, the first two seats will be decided through individual elections, while the remaining two will be decided in a combined poll. The four Rajya Sabha seats have remained vacant in Jammu and Kashmir since 2021. These seats were held by PDPs Mir Mohammad Fayaz and Nazir Ahmed Laway, Shamsher Singh of BJP, and Ghulam Nabi Azad, then a Congress leader. Due to the delay in holding elections to the Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, only six Lok Sabha members could take part in the election of the Vice-President of India. Regional parties and Congress have been pressing for the ECI to hold elections for the Rajya Sabha vacancies in Jammu and Kashmir, since assembly elections were held in the Union territory. Based on the power equation in the Assembly, the NC-led alliance with 53 seats in the 90-member Housecurrently 88, due to the death of a BJP MLA and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacating the Budgam assembly seat, the second seat he won apart from Ganderbalis expected to bag at least three seats, with the BJP likely to secure one. However, the fourth seat is tipped to go to the BJP. The elections could still spring surprises, as seven independent MLAs are not bound to display their marked ballots, leaving scope for cross-voting. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik, who remains in detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA), is still entitled to vote. Under Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, only those in prison or police custody are barred from voting, not individuals under preventive detention. Renowned Kannada writer and Padma Bhushan awardee Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa (94) passed away at a Bengaluru hospital on Wednesday, following a cardiac arrest. Widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in modern Kannada literature and the highest-selling Kannada novelist for the last 25 years, Bhyrappa has authored 24 novels, including Vamshavriskha, Parva, Saartha and Aavarana, several of which have been translated into several Indian languages and English. He has authored four volumes of literary criticism and books on aesthetics, social issues and culture. With his profound knowledge of Indian philosophy and cultural traditions, he combined philosophical depth, historical re-examination, fundamental human emotions and contemporary social themes in his novels and cultivated a readership that cut across generations and regions. Born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshivara village in Hassan district, Bhyrappa overcame early poverty and completed MA in Philosophy (1958) and PhD in Aesthetics (1963) and served as a professor of philosophy in various universities and the NCERT before devoting himself entirely to writing. His rise coincided with the mass expansion of Kannada publishing. Titles such as Aavarana (2007) and Yaana (2014) sold tens of thousands of copies within weeks of release, giving him the rare distinction of being a regional-language author whose books repeatedly went into large reprints and strong sales in Hindi and Marathi translation as well. Bhyrappas bibliography spans early novels like Bheemakaaya (1958), socially engaged works like Matadana and Naayi Neralu, historical re-examinations such as Parva and Saartha, philosophical sagas like Mandra and Yaana, and the controversial Aavarana, which generated intense public debate. His themes ranged from caste and social change to art, politics, faith and ethics. His last novel was Uttarakaanda (2017), based on the epic Ramayana. Bhyrappas narratives inspired filmmakers and theatre practitioners to adapt his works. Vamshavriksha (1965) became the award-winning film Vamsha Vriksha (1971), directed by B.V. Karanth and Girish Karnad, starring late Vishnuvardhan. Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane (novel) was adapted into the parallel-cinema classic of the same name in 1977 (Hindi version Godhuli), co-directed by Karnad and Karanth and featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Matadana (novel, 1965) inspired the 2001 political drama film by T.N. Seetharam starring Anant Nag. Naayi Neralu (novel, 1968) became Girish Kasaravallis acclaimed 2006 film of the same name starring Pavitra Lokesh. Daatu later inspired a Hindi television series. On stage, Bhyrappas epic Parva (1979), his re-interpretation of the Mahabharata, has seen large-scale Kannada and English productions. Director Prakash Belawadis 2023 English-language adaptation of Parva in Bengaluru continues to run full house. Bhyrappa received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Daatu (Crossing Over), the Saraswati Samman for Mandra (2010), Nadoja award (201) and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2015) and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for his contribution to literature and education. He was also appointed National Research Professor and received numerous state honours, including the Nrupatunga Award and several honorary doctorates. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his X, post expressed his condolence saying, "In passing of Shri SL Bhyrappa ji, we have lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India. A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works. His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society." In the passing of Shri S.L. Bhyrappa Ji, we have lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India. A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works. His writings inspired pic.twitter.com/ZhXwLcCGP3 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the literary world has been left poorer with the demise of Bhyrappa, who had earned a huge readership due to his unique writing style. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remembered the writer as the "greatest novelist in Kannada" and as the one who brought the first Saraswathi Samman award to the Kannada literary world. Bhyrappa leaves behind his wife and two sons. Tamil Nadu police have intensified the probe to identify the gang behind the abduction of a four-year-old child from his residence in Vellore's Gudiyatham on Wednesday. Six special teams were formed to find the whereabouts of the kid soon after the kidnap, however, the child was rescued from the highway after the abductors allegedly abandoned the kid. On Wednesday morning, unidentified miscreants barged into the house of Velu, a software engineer in Bengaluru, in Vellore's Gudiyatham, and kidnapped his four-year-old child. The kidnappers threw red chilli powder over Velu before kidnapping the child. Though Velu tried to hang onto the kidnapper's car and rescue the child, the miscreants managed to get rid of Velu. According to police, the kidnappers used a car with a Karnataka registration number for the crime, which they suspect could be fake. Six special teams were formed to identify the kidnappers, and checks were intensified in the district's borders to nab the kidnappers. However, a couple of hours later, police managed to rescue the kid in an abandoned state in the outskirts of Vellore. According to police, the child was found abandoned on the highway in Madhanur, about 30 kilometres away from Gudiyatham. A police patrol team immediately rushed to the spot and saved the child. The child has been reunited with their family. Police suspect professional rivalry could be behind the probe. However, cops have intensified the probe to nab the abductors. At least four people were killed and over 50 injured in Leh on Wednesday in a protest called by the Youth Wing of the Ladakh Apex Body (LAB) over demand for Statehood and the Sixth Schedule for the region. Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir after the BJP made the Article 370 move, splitting Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Ever since, the people of Ladakh, comprising the districts of Buddhist-majority Leh and Kargil, predominantly Muslim, have been demanding Statehood and the Sixth Schedule for the region to protect its unique identity. VIDEO | Leh, Ladakh: Police fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge after a group of youths allegedly turned violent and pelted stones amid a massive protest and shutdown. The protest was held in support of the demand to advance the proposed talks with the Centre on pic.twitter.com/ebFGf8AeBO Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 24, 2025 A High-Powered Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, has held several rounds of talks with the Ladakh leaders represented by LAB and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) since 2023. The LAB and KDA represent the political and religious bodies of Leh and Kargil. Ladakh statehood demand The Centre has accepted most of the demands of Ladakh leaders covering domicile, jobs, land and culture. However, the issue of Statehood and Sixth Schedule has proved intractable so far. The Centre has expressed willingness to grant provisions of the Sixth Schedule that apply to Ladakh, but bringing Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule has been ruled out, along with Statehood. Violence erupted after two people who were part of a 35-day hunger strike started by Sonam Wangchuk, noted climate activist and educator, on 10 September, were hospitalised due to deteriorating health. Irate mobs ran amok, setting fire to a police van and a local BJP office. #WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: BJP Office in Leh set on fire during a massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehoothe d and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with Police. https://t.co/yQTyrMUK7q pic.twitter.com/x4VqkV8tdd ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The police tried to disperse the mob with tear-smoke shells and baton charges. As the violent protests continued, paramilitary troops were called in to restore order. Wangchuk had cautioned the Centre to hold talks immediately in view of the ongoing hunger strike, saying a 16-day gap was too long for them to wait. He had warned that the youth were getting impatient with the Centres approach and hoped that nothing untoward happened that would become a cause of embarrassment for India. Soon after the death of protesters and unrest in Leh, Wangchuk called off his hunger strike and appealed for calm. He stressed that no hunger strike succeeds if lives are lost in violence. 'Gen Z, who are restless and disillusioned' At a press conference on Wednesday, he said he condemned the violence, describing the agitators as Gen Z, who are restless and disillusioned. He said the governments invitation for talks on 6 October had angered the youth: Last time, when the Centre wanted to hold talks with Ladakh leaders, a special plane was sent to Leh to carry them to Delhi immediately. This time, a 16-day delay, in the middle of a hunger strike, was too long a time for those on hunger strike. He said that the government has not contacted them since the deaths of the protesters: After this tragedy, there has been no communication from the government. This silence is deeply disappointing. Responding to allegations that a Congress leader had provoked the protests, Wangchuk said that the two youth whose health deteriorated during the hunger strike belonged to that leaders constituency. He also voiced concern about the wider crisis facing young people in Ladakh since its Union Territory status: Since Ladakh became a UT, our youth are suffering from a lack of jobs and opportunities. Ladakh under curfew To maintain calm, the Union administration in Leh, Ladakh imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, immediately banning protests and gatherings in Leh. An assembly of five or more people was banned, with no procession, rally or march to be carried out without prior written approval in Leh, an official order said. The KDA has called for a strike in Kargil tomorrow over the killings in Leh.Whatever is happening in Leh is unfortunate. Ladakh, once peaceful, is now gripped by frustration and insecurity due to the governments failed UT experiment. The onus lies with the government resume dialogue, act sensibly and fulfil Ladakhs demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status without delay, said Sajad Kargili, a leader of KDA. The unsettling situation has cast a shadow on the upcoming Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections in Leh in October. Navi Mumbai Police have reportedly issued a look out circular against the parents of sacked IAS officer Puja Khedkar for evading arrest in a road rage and abduction case. The police are also checking all exit routes to prevent the accused from fleeing the country. Earlier, cops struggled to trace Puja in her #IASFraud scandal. Now, her parents have been 10+ days on the run, fled during a raid, SUV hidden. Finally, a Lookout Circular (#LOC) is out against Puja Khedkars parents, Manorama & Dilip, for the shocking kidnapping after a road pic.twitter.com/Wyw1UwH2Yn Vijay Kumbhar (@VijayKumbhar62) September 24, 2025 The case pertains to the abduction of a truck driver, Prahlad Kumar Chouhan, who went missing after an accident in Navi Mumbai on September 13 and was later traced to Pujas family bungalow in Pune. According to police, the mixer truck brushed against the SUV of Pujas father, Dilip Khedkar, near the Airoli signal. The incident triggered an altercation, following which Dilip, with the help of his bodyguard Praful Salunkhe, allegedly bundled Prahlad in his SUV, took him to Pune and confined him at their bungalow. According to police, Dilips wife, Manorama, obstructed the cops from entering their residence. However, the team managed to rescue Prahlad and brought him back to Navi Mumbai, Manorama is also accused of intentionally destroying the CCTV footage at the bungalow. Assistant Commissioner of Police Rahul Dhas said Prahlad was confined in a watchmans room and threatened with severe consequences if he did not pay compensation for the damage to his car. Last week, police arrested Praful, but both Dilip and Manorama are still absconding. The incident came as yet another setback to Puja, who had been discharged from service by the central government in September 2024 under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954. The 2023-batch officer is accused of misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities category to qualify for the exam and later abusing her position. She also allegedly submitted a fake Other Backwards Class (OBC) certificate. The UPSC has cancelled the provisional candidature of Khedkar and also debarred her from all future examinations or selections. The Delhi Police have filed an FIR against Puja and are investigating the case. Police are searching for Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, alias Parth Sarathy, of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, after over a dozen students accused him of sexual harassment. The institution is affiliated with a well-known ashram located in Delhis Vasant Kunj area. Police filed a case against Swami Chaitanyananda for allegedly harassing students pursuing management diploma courses with a scholarship in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. #WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from outside Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj area. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati @ Parth Sarthy, of the institute, has been accused of allegedly molesting girl students pursuing PGDM courses here under EWS scholarship. pic.twitter.com/UIDlSlXpBx ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The complaint was filed by PA Murli, the administrator of Sri Sringeri Math, on 4 August 2025, following the the incidents. Statements of about 32 students were recorded by the police. Out of that 17 students alleged that Swami Chaitanyananda used abusive language, sent lewd text messages, and forced physical contact. The victims also said that female faculty and administrative staff pressured them to comply with the demands of the accused. The students said that the warden working at the ashram introduced them to the accused. Their statements were also recorded in court. The accused has been absconding since the case was registered. According to a report on NDTV, the accused also had molestation cases registered against him in 2006 and 2016. Police registered a case against the accused under several sections of the BNS. They also recovered a luxury Volvo car on which the accused had installed a fake UN Embassy number plate. Investigations revealed that such a number was not issued to the accused. Several locations have been raided by officers during their search. #WATCH | Delhi | One Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati @ Parth Sarthy, manager of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, has been accused of allegedly molesting girl students pursuing PGDM courses under EWS scholarship at the institute. Statements of 32 girl students were https://t.co/GJxGqadBj0 pic.twitter.com/hJx50GPqao ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The ashram also issued a statement saying, "Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati was involved in illegal activities. The Peetham has also filed a complaint against him." The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met in Patna on Wednesdayits first meeting in the city since independenceas ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav released a video praising Tejashwi Yadav as the leader who could restore Bihar to glory. The video was widely interpreted as a pitch for Tejashwi to be projected as the opposition alliances chief ministerial face. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar | Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting | Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "This is an important meeting in an important state. I believe the people of Bihar yearn for change. I'm absolutely confident that the party's meeting today will pave the way for pic.twitter.com/JgzIJX74cU ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The Congress, however, has stopped short of making any such announcement. The lack of endorsement has caused unease within sections of the grand alliance and invited barbs from the BJP, which circulated a spoof video depicting Tejashwi waiting endlessly for Congress approval. Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, briefing the media after the CWC meeting, avoided commenting directly. He said the discussions were focused on the organisational matters of the Congress and that the chief ministerial question would be addressed during alliance talks. Earlier, party spokesperson Alka Lamba had struck a similar note. In the 2020 assembly elections, Tejashwi was projected as the alliances leader, while Congress contested 70 seats but secured only 19, hampering the RJDs prospects of forming the government. This time, the Congress is emphasising rebuilding its grassroots presence in Bihar, which was once its stronghold before Mandal politics reshaped the states political landscape. Emulating Telangana model? The choice of Patna as the CWC venue mirrors the strategy adopted in Telangana, where a similar session in Hyderabad preceded the partys return to power in the state. Rahul Gandhis recent Vote Adhikar Yatra, held in protest against revisions to the electoral rolls, has energised party workers. With support from the RJD and leaders from other INDIA bloc parties, the campaign broadened beyond the grand alliance to acquire a national character. Congress leaders have indicated that the issue of the chief ministerial face will only be taken up after seat-sharing negotiations. The RJD, however, is pressing for an early endorsement, arguing that delays undermine Tejashwis position. Responding to queries on the hesitation, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, We are contesting on issues. Faces are in front of you. All is known to everyone. You are asking a question, to which the answer is already known. Asked why the party, which had supported Tejashwi in 2020, was holding back this time, he added: When the Sun is shining bright in the sky, you do not need to declare it. Khera also rejected suggestions by NDA leaders such as Union Minister Chirag Paswan that the Patna meeting was a show of strength aimed at alliance partners. There is no show of strength among brothers, he said. Wooing the EBCs By evening, Tejashwi Yadav attended a convention organised for the extremely backward classes (EBCs) by the Congress. The event underscored the alliances attempt to woo a constituency that has previously backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar | Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "Even today in this country, there are Extremely Backward Classes, Backward Classes, Dalits, tribals, and minorities, all of whom don't receive the participation they deserve. The entire country recognises this truth. We pic.twitter.com/vCNuPfVTOg ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025 The opposition bloc laid out a series of promises for EBCs, including a separate law to prevent atrocities, increasing reservation in panchayats and urban bodies from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, moving laws that breach the 50 per cent quota cap into the Ninth Schedule, providing land to all landless EBC, SC, ST and OBC families, reserving 50 per cent of government contracts worth up to Rs 25 crore for these communities, and setting up a Reservation Regulatory Authority to oversee caste quotas, with changes subject only to legislative approval. While the NDA alliance is wooing the voters with sops and freebies, the grand alliance is making promises to specific groups eyeing an opportunity to enrope more caste groups into its kitty. The Bihar elections are expected to be a significant test of opposition unity, with the outcome likely to carry implications for national politics. Highlights of the CWC in Patna * The extended CWC was held at Sadaqat Ashram, a historic Congress office linked to the freedom struggle. Presided over by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, it was attended by Rahul Gandhi, CWC members and PCC presidents. Two resolutions were adopted. * The party reviewed progress on the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan for organisational strengthening. Leaders said 144 District Congress Committee presidents have been appointed, with PCC presidents and general secretaries deployed as district observers. Appointments at block, mandal and booth levels will follow. * Building on the Vote Adhikar Yatra, Congress announced three new programmes: night marches at district headquarters; state-level rallies; and a month-long signature campaign targeting 50 million signatories on questions to the Election Commission. Even as Israel becomes increasingly diplomatically isolated, with many of its traditional allies openly endorsing the idea of Palestinian statehood, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that no Palestinian state will ever be created west of the Jordan River, a statement that directly rejects the international consensus on a two-state solution. It also reflects the longstanding position of the Israeli far right that Jordan is Palestine. A week ago, while approving an expansion plan for the Maale Adumim settlement near Jerusalem, Netanyahu made it clear that the entire West Bank belonged to Israel and that Palestinian statehood was out of the question. Apart from the shrill rhetoric, the Netanyahu administration is also taking concrete steps on the ground to further diminish the viability of a future Palestinian state, egged on by its far-right coalition partners, which are closely aligned with the settler movement. These groups openly advocate full annexation of the West Bank, a step that would shut down the prospects of an independent Palestinian state completely. Following the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western governments, senior Israeli ministers have warned of drastic action. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to dismantle the Palestinian Authority altogether, while pledging to press for the application of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. They are putting pressure on Netanyahu to go ahead with some form of annexation, whether partial or complete. The political momentum behind annexation is closely tied to the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The number of Jewish settlers living there has already reached around half a million, compared with an estimated three million Palestinians. New Jewish housing projects are coming up, which further erode the possibility of territorial contiguity for a Palestinian state. In the past year alone, Israel put in place plans for more than 20,000 new settlement housing units in the West Bank, which is almost twice the annual peak recorded in recent years. Settler leaders have openly declared that the purpose of the expansion is to rule out the possibility of a Palestinian state. BREAKING: Israeli PM Netanyahu: "A Palestinian state will not be established. The response to the recent attempt to impose a terror state in the heart of our land will be given after my return from the US" "I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian pic.twitter.com/NFnih2pEwq Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws1) September 21, 2025 One of the most controversial projects in this regard is the proposed E1 settlement plan, which would connect existing settlements with other Israeli-controlled zones and cut across the West Bank, separating it from East Jerusalem. That would divide the West Bank into two separate northern and southern entities, leaving any future Palestinian state territorially fragmented and politically unviable. Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has been blunt in his assessment, saying that he hoped that the E1 project would bury the very idea of Palestinian statehood. Apart from settlement expansion, Israel maintains a tight system of control that restricts Palestinian mobility and accessibility. Nearly 60 per cent of the West Bank is designated as Area C (under the Oslo accords), where Israel retains full military and administrative authority. Palestinians are often denied even basic building permits in these areas. The diplomatic recognition of the Palestinian state by several Western governments should be looked at against the backdrop of these developments, and of course, the ongoing Gaza war. France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have all recently extended formal recognition, joining more than 150 other United Nations member states. Pro-Palestine voices say that recognition helps to preserve the two-state framework and may revive momentum for peace talks. Yet for many Palestinians, such steps feel symbolic, given that the territorial and political conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate. The future trajectory of this conflict will also be determined by the positions adopted by the United States and the Arab states. Arab governments are lobbying Washington intensively, urging it to reject any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over West Bank settlements. They warn that such a step would destroy the already fragile two-state framework. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the wider process of normalisation with Israel, has warned that annexation of the West Bank represents a red line. It would pose a major challenge for the United States, which remains Israels most important strategic ally. The growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood shows the persistence of global support for a negotiated settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution. Yet the realities on the ground tell a different story. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a soldier died on Tuesday -- the first casualty since its fresh ground operation against Hamas started in Gaza. The slain soldier was identified as Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, a company commander in the 7th Armored Brigades 77th Battalion. The 27-year-old was a native of the Northern District's Migdal Haemek, IDF said. Major Bozaglo died while undergoing treatment after his tank was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) by Hamas, Israeli media reports said. We mourn the loss of Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, 27, a company commander in the Armored Corps 77th Battalion, who fell during combat in northern Gaza. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/wFmFU2JuIH Israel (@Israel) September 23, 2025 Major Bozaglo's tank column came under fire on Monday while the 77th Battalions tanks were on the offensive. He was the only officer injured in the incident and was quickly rushed to a hospital. However, his condition deteriorated while undergoing treatment and breathed his last early on Tuesday, Times of Israel (TOI) quoted an IDF probe report as saying. A recipient of the award of excellence from the commander of the Armored Corps, he was elevated to the role of company commander at the beginning of the month. While remembering their fallen officer, IDF claimed Major Shahar Netanel Bozaglo had told his men during a briefing that "Well look for the enemy and find them." "Operational discipline and push each other all the time." he was heard telling his troops in a video before entering Gaza City last week for the operation. The footage was reportedly published by the IDF in his honour after his passing. Over 400 Israeli soldiers are said to have died fighting Hamas since the invasion of Gaza began. A report from January published by FDD's Long War Journal had claimed that a total of 891 IDF personnel had fallen since October 7, 2023, with 390 of those killed since the ground invasion started. Last week, the UN warned that the new humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, marked by acute food supply difficulties, has resulted in the nation's worst food security concern since 2022. Amid the ongoing humanitarian problem in Yemen, women and children are facing enormous difficulties in both the public and private spheres. They have been disproportionately affected by the prolonged civil war and subsequent refugee and displacement crisis in the country. The ongoing war has not only deepened the existing gender inequalities but also created new challenges, including sexual violence, exploitation, child marriages, poor healthcare, and so on. However, the displacement, the rise of gender-based violence, and the collapse of socio-economic structures developed a dire set of unique problems for women. In 2014, after the Houthis captured Sanaa by overthrowing the government, tension ensued and ended up in a civil war. The civil war shattered the existing infrastructure and economy, killing thousands and displacing millions. According to the UNHCR, this decades-long conflict triggered one of the world's largest displacement crises, estimated at up to 4.5 million internally displaced people. Of these total displacements, 80 percent are women and children. Even so, these forceful migrations increase the vulnerability of the women from the moment they leave their homes. These displaced women and girls continually lose their conventional support networks and are forced to stay in overcrowded shelters or camps with minimal to zero security. These issues make them the primary targets for a wide range of abuses. Funding cuts are cuts to womens: survival dignity rights Women in #Yemen are paying the price. They need funding to be restored.#InvestInHumanity pic.twitter.com/gkFlM4YwcR UNFPA (@UNFPA) September 8, 2025 Women also face serious risks of sexual violence, exploitation, and domestic abuse due to the breakdown of law and order and limitations in humanitarian services. In some cases, the struggle for survival pushes many to take desperate actions, where to secure food, water, or shelter for their families, they engage in transactional sex or exploitative labour. The lack of privacy and proper sanitation at shelters also makes them vulnerable to personal attacks and harassment. Furthermore, a considerable number of displaced households are now female-headed, due to multiple reasons, which include the death, disappearance, or incapacitation of immediate male relatives. This puts the burden of providing for the entire family onto women, with the lack of resources, legal rights, and social mobility to do so effectively. The ongoing conflict has seriously eroded womens rights due to the rise of more conservative and restrictive ideologies in many areas, particularly in Houthi-controlled regions. An example of one such instance is the enforcement of the mahram system, whereby women cannot travel without their male guardian's permission or accompaniment. These restrictions have had catastrophic consequences for womens autonomy and their ability to access essential services and opportunities. Nirmalshankar M. Consequently, the restrictions imposed by the state have hindered them from seeking humanitarian aid, accessing healthcare, and pursuing livelihoods. Single-woman households are often barred from traveling, even to aid distribution centres, making it hard for them to access food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The restriction restrains them from accessing local clinics and hospitals, which is especially detrimental for pregnant women and others needing immediate medical attention. According to the New York-based Human Rights Watch, Yemen has one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world. In recent years, the rate of child and forced marriages has spiked. Due to the prolonged economic conditions, families mostly marry off the female (below 18) to reduce the burden. The conflict has also decimated Yemens healthcare system, education, and economic infrastructure, where women were the primary victims. Firstly, half of Yemens healthcare infrastructure is either non-functional or partially functional, creating a wide gap in maternal care, leading to deaths during childbirth from preventable causes every two hours. Cholera is prominent in the Yemeni streets, with a lack of clean water and poor sanitation disproportionately affecting women and children. Malnutrition is another commonly seen factor among breastfeeding women and newborn children due to starvation, because many households cannot afford simple meals. According to UNICEF, one in two children under age five is severely malnourished. Secondly, the economic collapse resulted in widespread unemployment and soaring food prices. While this affects the entire population, many women who have started leading the household or become the sole family breadwinners after the conflict are particularly vulnerable. Many pre-war self-employed women have lost their livelihood without a secure source of income. Many adopted harmful coping mechanisms, including forced marriages and begging. Despite difficulties, Yemeni women emerged as incredible agents of resilience and resistance by taking new roles as community leaders, humanitarian workers, and peacebuilders to support their families. They also formed local initiatives to supply food and water, organised support groups for other displaced women, and advocated for their rights at regional and international levels. Meanwhile, the international humanitarian response failed to adequately recognise and support the dual role of the Yemeni women many times. For instance, aid programs are sometimes designated without considering the specific needs and mobility restrictions of women, which adds to their challenges. The suffering of Yemeni women in the ongoing crisis is exceptional. It is not merely a consequence of a war but a result of how the conflict has intersected with deeply entrenched gender inequalities. The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. US President Donald Trump said he thought the Ukraine-Russia conflict would be the easiest to resolve, but blamed countries like India, China and some European nations for continuing trade with Moscow for the prolonged war. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, the US president said he has been working "relentlessly" to stop the "killing in Ukraine". "Among the wars that I had stopped, I thought this (Ukraine-Russia conflict) would be easiest because of my relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin," he said. "In war, you never know what is going to happen, there are always surprises...", the US president added. "China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil," charged Trump. He added that even NATO countries are "inexcusably" continuing energy trade with Russia. "They are funding the war against themselves," he said. Trump imposed an additional penalty tariff of 25 per cent on Indian imports over its trade ties with Russia. The US administration wants India to end defence and energy purchases from Russia. However, India called the tariffs "unjustifiable" and said India's energy purchases were guided by national interests. "Everyone thought Russia would win the war in three days," Trump said, adding, "It was supposed to be a quick little skirmish; this is making Russia look bad." Saying Russia has been fighting Ukraine for over three years, Trump claimed the war "never would have started" if he was the president of the US. Saying the US is ready to impose another round of "powerful" tariffs on Russia if it fails to agree to a peace deal, Trump said European nations should adopt similar measures for the tariffs to be effective. "European nations must cease all energy purchases from Russia, otherwise, we are all wasting time." Amid speculations that the forgiveness of Erika nee Frantzve alias Erika Kirk could help Tyler Robinson, the killer of her husband Charlie Kirk, avoid death penalty, a senior legal expert dismissed the claims, saying the accused will get the "ultimate punishment". ALSO READ: 'Serious daddy issues': Expert says Tyler Robinson wasn't afraid of killing Charlie Kirk, but what scared him was his father's reaction Cully Stimson, who is a former prosecutor and defence attorney, told Fox News that the case will definitely go to trial and the defence would mount a case, pointing to Erika Kirk's comment. At her husband's funeral, Erika said, "That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because its what Christ did. And its what Charlie would do." UPDATE: JD Vance has now demanded cameras be placed inside the courtroom of Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson. I 100% agree with this. pic.twitter.com/bo6Is3io6s Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 18, 2025 "Look, even the decedent's wife has forgiven our client, and therefore, theres really no reason whatsoever to move forward with the death penalty," Stimson envisioned what the potential defence argument would look like. 'The case is not Erika Kirk v Tyler Robinson' However, he said the case is not Kirk v. Robinson, but the State of Utah v. Robinson, adding that as a proxy, the state has more leverage to sent the suspect to death row, despite how defence showcases Erika's remarks. ALSO READ: Truth about Tyler Robinson's father Matt Robinson donating $1.15 million reward money to Charlie Kirk's wife Erika nee Frantzve Stimson, who is the deputy director of the Heritage Foundations Edwin Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, was a former George W. Bush administration Pentagon official and a retired Navy JAG. "In general, state victims' rights statutes require the government here, the prosecutor, to take into consideration the views of the victims or the victims' family members. That doesn't mean they have to follow them," he said. ALSO READ: Why is Mauser 98 rifle used by Tyler Robinson is untraceable? Charlie Kirk killer knew it was impossible to track Stimson said Erika had the "strength of character and willingness" to forgive but that does not mean the state would not mete out the "ultimate punishment". Utah is one of the few states in the US that allows firing squad as an execution method. But Utah has given capital punishment to only seven people since 1977. What are the charges against Tyler Robinson? Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges, including aggravated murder, which could lead to death penalty if convicted. He was also slapped with two counts of obstruction of justice for concealing the rifle used in shooting Charlie Kirk and for changing the clothes he wore during the crime. He is also facing two counts of witness tampering as he asked his roommate to delete the "incriminating" text messages and asking the person to stay silent in case of police questioning. Other charges include one count of felony discharge of a firearm and one count commission of a violent offence in the presence of a child. Tyler Robinson is due for next hearing on September 29. He is being held at a special housing unit in Washington County Jail without possibility of bail. US President Donald Trump has said that he believes Ukraine can win back all territory lost to Russia with the support of NATOa remark that hints at a major shift from his earlier stand that Kyiv would have to make concessions to end the prolonged war. Trump's post on Truth Social came soon after he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," he wrote. "With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original borders from where this war started, is very much an option." Earlier, while expressing his desire to end the war, Trump had repeatedly maintained that Ukraine would never be able to reclaim all the territory that Russia has occupied since seizing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Zelenskyy, however, had rejected those proposals. The Ukrainian president hailed the big shift in Trump's position and said he understood the US was willing to give Ukraine security guarantees "after the war is finished". "Now, Trump's view of the battlefield coincides more with Ukraine's, Zelenskyy said. Trump, in his post, claimed Russia and its President Vladimir Putin were in "big economic trouble", and said this is the time for Ukraine to act. He also labelled Russia as a "paper tiger". Trump was scathing in his criticism of Moscow during his UNGA address where he termed both India and China as the primary funders of the ongoing war. #WATCH | At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), US President Donald Trump says, "...China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. But inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian pic.twitter.com/Cy2cDhwfg6 ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025 He hardened his stand on Moscow after his much hyped Alaska summit with Putin last month failed to yield any results. Lance Twiggs, the transgender roommate of Tyler Robinsonaccused of shooting conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirkhas reportedly gone missing, again fuelling speculations about her possible involvement in the murder. This comes amid an FBI probe into the assassination, which continues even after Charlie's widow Erika publicly announced at a memorial service that she had forgiven Robinson. ALSO READ | Was Tyler Robinson's transgender roommate Lance Twiggs anti-conservative? Relative says THIS about alleged partner of Charlie Kirk shooter The 22-year-old gamer and part-time plumber was last seen when she was taken away by the police for questioning, in connection with the assassination and her role in it. Although she has not been charged with any crime, as the FBI had earlier said that she was cooperating perfectly in the probe efforts, Twiggs has still not returned to the Utah townhouse where she reportedly lived with Robinson. "Good riddance. I never want to see either of them again," a neighbour told The Daily Mail, not clarifying further. The report also noted that upstairs lights had been left on for more than a week. Notes and Amazon packages were also piling up in front of the house. "If he ever comes back, it will be in a body bag ... That's not a threatI'm just saying that there are so many people who want a piece of him he'd be mad to show his face in public again. This was a generational event," another neighbour mused. Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby has previously said that Twiggs was in a safe space very far away from St. George, and needed to lay low for a long time". ALSO READ | 'Serious daddy issues': Expert says Tyler Robinson wasn't afraid of killing Charlie Kirk, but what scared him was his father's reaction In that regard, Lance Twiggs could likely enter a federal witness protection scheme as she is a significant part of the high-profile FBI investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination. However, it is not yet known if she has accepted law enforcement protection. Amid Kirk's memorial service on Sunday, FBI Chief Kash Patel, who missed the event, wrote on X that the agency was currently exploring the "possibility of accomplices", among other things. As the Director of the FBI, I am committed to ensuring the investigation into Charlie Kirks assassination is thorough and exhaustive, pursuing every lead to its conclusion. The full weight of Americas law enforcement agencies are actively following the evidence that has FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 21, 2025 "Regarding specific details, such as questions about the plane that allegedly turned off its transponder after departing from an airport near the assassination site, we can share updates when answers are confirmed," he added. China has evacuated about 2 million people from its southern province of Guangdong as typhoon Ragasa is expected to make landfall today. The typhoon is categorised as the most powerful tropical cyclone and storm this year. At least 14 people were killed when a decades-old lake barrier burst in Taiwan, a government official said Wednesday, after Super Typhoon Ragasa pounded the island with torrential rainshttps://t.co/GDxlN5aUGD CCTV footage of flooded bridge in Taiwan's Hualien after lake pic.twitter.com/VtVwwpmlV2 AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 24, 2025 The storms have already resulted in the deaths of 14 in Taiwan as a lake burst and caused severe flooding in the east. 124 people are still missing in the region. The storm had been brewing over the South China Sea for days and brought winds and heavy rains to the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southern China, Reuters reported. This happened at the Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park in Hong Kong a couple hours ago. I have never seen anything like this before. I was up at 4 am taping my windows because water was just pouring in Ragasa is indeed a super Typhoon pic.twitter.com/O59FJbGLsE Eric Yeung (@KingKong9888) September 24, 2025 Ragasa means scramble in Tagalog. In the Philippines, the storm killed at least 3 people and left 5 missing and displaced around 17,500 people after destroying homes and farmland. Chinese weather experts called Ragasa, the king of storms, as it is expected to bring a month's worth of rain in just a few hours. Emergency management in China also dispatched tens of thousands of folding beds, emergency lighting equipment, and other rescue supplies on Tuesday, Reuters reported. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, the largest cities in the storms path, are home to around 50 million people. Chinas marine authority warned of a high risk of flooding in Shenzhen city till Thursday. Typhoon Ragasa floods waterfront restaurants in the Tseung Kwan O neighbourhood of Hong Kong, while toppling trees and damaging a slope on the main island pic.twitter.com/NQRdcs9scg AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 24, 2025 In Hong Kong, the storm has toppled 400 trees and damaged slopes. All airline landings and departures have been called at Hong Kong's airport for about 36 hours. Waterfront restaurants in some areas have been flooded, and according to broadcaster RTHK, 62 people have been injured. Path of the storm Typhoon Ragasa is expected to keep moving northwest of the South China Sea at about 22kmph. Typhoon Ragasa path Forecasts from meteorological agencies and independent trackers show compact but intense cyclones with a well-defined eye. The Hong Kong Observatory reported winds going up to 112-153 km/h and gusts exceeding 184 km/h on Wednesday morning. The forecast from the National Weather agency says that the typhoon would make landfall in China between Taishan and Zhanjiang in Guangdong province on Wednesday afternoon or evening. Typhoon Ragasa made landfall in southern China on Wednesday as it headed north-west after battering Taiwan and Hong Kong. The national weather agency had forecasted that the tropical storm, considered one of the strongest in years, would make landfall between Yangjiang and Zhanjiang in Chinas southern province of Guangdong. Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest in years, whipped waves taller than lampposts onto Hong Kong promenades and halted life on the southern Chinese coast early Wednesday after leaving deadly destruction in Taiwan and the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/Vl00czLG4t The Associated Press (@AP) September 24, 2025 The heavy rains and winds flooded the shores of Hong Kong early on Wednesday. China had already evacuated about 2 million people from Guangdong earlier. officials issued a red alert for high tides and coastal surges. Storm surges from Super Typhoon Ragasa caused flooding, yet a man stood in the stormy waves, seemingly unfazed, risking his safety. pic.twitter.com/6eglLylA4a Moments that Matter (@_fluxfeeds) September 24, 2025 In Taiwan, 17 people died and more than a hundred people are missing after the storm resulted in a lake burst, the Guardian reported. Rescue teams were dispatched to Hualien, a popular tourist hub, which was most affected. The storm formed over the western Pacific last week, fuelled by warm seas and atmospheric conditions. The tropical cyclone intensified into a category 5 super typhoon on Monday with winds exceeding 260 kph. The storm passed around 100 kilometres south of Hong Kong and made landfall on the Chinese coast, Reuters reported. The China Meteorological Administration announced on Wednesday afternoon that Ragasa had weakened to about 180km/h (112mph) by Wednesday afternoon from 200km/h earlier in the day turning into a category 3 typhoon. A category 3 is still capable of bringing down trees and damaging buildings. A tech industry worker who spoke to SCMP said, I was woken up by the sound of the wind at around 3am on Wednesday it felt like it was roaring. Videos on social media show water rushing into buildings. Chinas emergency management ministry dispatched tens of thousands of tents and folding beds, emergency lights, and other rescue supplies to Guangdong on Tuesday, according to Chinese media reports. 38,000 firefighters and 400 emergency teams were readied as the province braced for the storm. In Shenzhen, residents rushed to stockpile food and water, creating a rush in supermarkets. Government workers also trimmed trees to prevent them from falling. China's marine authority warned of a high risk of flooding in Shenzhen, especially in the low-lying areas. The storm alert may remain in effect till Thursday. In Hong Kong, where the storm brought heavy rain earlier in the day, the typhoon signal was reduced from 10 to 8 as winds speeds went down. About 50 people were reported injured. I am disabled following a traffic accident in 2023 and am in dispute with Arnold Clark Automobiles regarding 3,007 VAT unfairly charged on a car I bought from one of its dealerships in October 2024. I believe I should have been told I was eligible for a VAT exemption. Please help. W. R., Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. Sally Hamilton replies: You explained to me the tragic background to your disability, caused when a speeding driver knocked you down in December 2023, leaving you with life-changing injuries. You are now an above-knee amputee after undergoing gruelling treatment as well as rehab over nine months, before finally being able to return home in September 2024. Now 68, you told me it was your ambition during rehab to be able to drive again and regain your independence. Exemption: A reader was charged 3,007 VAT on a modified car they bought from Arnold Clark Automobiles despite them having been left disabled following a traffic accident Soon after you got home, you and your wife started shopping for a vehicle at Arnold Clarks Shiremoor dealership in Newcastle and eventually opted for an 18,000 MG3 hybrid. Having visited the showroom twice in your wheelchair and minus your right leg, it was clear for anyone to see that you were disabled. But you say at no point did anyone explain that you could qualify for a VAT exemption on a car that is modified for your disabilities. Staff did direct you to recommended firms that could carry out such modifications, though, so they knew this was your intention. You asked one of these firms, Bewick Mobility, to conduct the work and they rightly explained these would be VAT-exempt. You only became aware that the VAT rule could have applied to a full car purchase in February 2025 during a chance conversation with a patient at your rehabilitation clinic. You swiftly requested a refund of VAT from Arnold Clark, but it refused and simply told you to ask HM Revenue & Customs. Scam Watch Mums and dads are being warned about a scam app impersonating ParentPay, a service used by schools to collect payments for trips and lunch money. Which? warns that the app claims to offer financial advice, with reviewers reporting that they were directed to a website that targets them with a 40-a-month subscription scam. The genuine ParentPay app cannot be downloaded from an app store and should only be installed via its official website. Report suspicious apps in the Apple App Store on its Report a Problem page. But it didnt play ball, either. I checked the rules with HMRC. It confirmed disabled drivers cannot reclaim VAT from them but must instead seek a refund from the dealer, which assesses eligibility. HMRC added that to qualify, cars must have been designed for a wheelchair user or be substantially and permanently adapted to allow them to travel. My worry was that your motor was adapted after you purchased it. Despite this, I thought the lack of guidance in the showroom would give Arnold Clark pause for thought and encourage it to offer a goodwill gesture to cover your VAT bill. After all, had you known the facts, you might have made different decisions or even shopped elsewhere. I asked Arnold Clark why you hadnt been steered in the right direction by staff and whether it would consider refunding the VAT. I was disappointed by its response. It confirmed that staff are trained to advise on entitlements for Motability customers (those on certain mobility benefits who want to use these payments to lease a new car under the Motability Scheme for disabled drivers), whereas cash buyers dont get similar help. It suggested you should have carried out your own research on entitlements in advance of shopping with them. A spokesperson for Arnold Clark adds: We cannot advise on specific funding options or support available outside of the [Motability] scheme. We recommend that the customer seeks independent guidance from relevant organisations or local authorities to explore what financial assistance or grants may be available to them. I asked Motability Operations the firm that delivers the Motability Scheme on behalf of the Motability Foundation charity for tips on when a disabled driver obtains a new car. A spokesperson says: Dealers are trained to support people who want to lease a Motability Scheme vehicle and can provide advice to those who wish to lease a car. Any training or guidance about how to apply HMRC VAT rules for car purchases would be a matter for the dealership. So, alas, I have hit a roadblock with your complaint. On my suggestion, you are now taking your case to the Motor Ombudsman in the hope it takes a different view. British Gas refund was made out to my late sister I am executor for the estate of my sister, who passed away in June 2024. Utilities and house insurance bills were paid and mail redirected to me until her house was sold in July this year. All meter readings were taken and sent to the relevant utilities. On July 7, 2025, a cheque arrived from British Gas refunding a credit of 246.70, but it was made out to my dead sister. I needed to add this sum to her estate so the solicitor could complete her affairs. I have contacted British Gas several times to get this matter resolved to no avail. Please help. M. F., Hertfordshire. Sally Hamilton replies: Sorting out the financial affairs of a dead relative can be extremely stressful, but to see the whole process held up by one relatively small cheque from British Gas was upsetting and driving you to distraction. You were told on several occasions that a replacement cheque made out to you was on its way... but nothing arrived. By early September you had run out of energy pursuing the company, which is when I stepped in. Within a few days British Gas finally arranged for 246.70 to be sent to you by bank transfer instead, along with the promise of the same amount to you personally as a goodwill gesture to make up for the poor experience. It admitted your request in June to update the account into the name of the estate wasnt actioned correctly, which led to the refund cheque being issued in your sisters name. I hope the staff involved get a refresher course on how to properly close a late customers account when in credit. You told me how grateful you were for my intervention and were relieved the process of winding up and distributing your sisters estate can be completed. Straight to the point I have a savings account with Ford Money containing 9,000. However, it has now refused access to my account. It wont tell me why, but has asked me for the source account for the money, which I have disclosed. Over the past month it has requested more information, including private and personal details of my financial transactions, in a form I cannot provide as I do not do online banking. Why is it taking so long to resolve? C. C., via email. Ford Money is closing your account and returning your money to your source account. *** Five years ago, I changed my broadband from Virgin Media to Sky and returned the router and TV box at the time. But I am now being threatened with a debt collector by Virgin Media to pay 90 because it claims I didnt return the box. It was five years ago, so I dont have proof I sent it back. D. M., Grimsby. Virgin Media apologises and has removed this debt from your account. *** I am due a 16.90 refund from Admirals pet insurance arm, which I was told would be with me in ten working days. But that was more than a month ago and I still am no closer to getting the refund. Ive called many times only to be told it is being processed I am fed up with the delays. A. R., via email. Admiral apologises and says because of missed premium payments and cancellations outside the 14-day cooling-off period, no refund was due. However, it has refunded you the money along with a 100 goodwill gesture because of inconsistent information and delays you received from its customer service. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is among the 12 Best Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now. On September 18, the companys Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on common stock. GE Aerospace (GE) Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash The dividend will be paid on October 27, 2025, to all shareholders on record as of September 29, 2025, which will also be the ex-dividend date. In other news, on September 19, GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) reached a new five-year labor agreement with over 600 striking UAW workers at its Ohio and Kentucky distribution facilities. According to the tentative deal outlined by the union, workers will receive a 3-5% base wage increase through 2029 and approximately $3,500 in cash per employee to help offset soaring healthcare costs. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems company with an installed base of around 25,000 military and 45,000 commercial aircraft engines. While we acknowledge the potential of GE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 5 Years and 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now Disclosure: None. For the first time since the pandemic, as of this Summer, the majority of Fortune 100 companies have fully in-office policies for their employees. But Brian OKelley, the tech founder who sold AppNexus to AT&T for $1.6 billion in 2018, has a message for Jamie Dimon, Andy Jassy, and any CEO demanding a return to the office: Youre not serious about AI. The 48-year-old serial entrepreneur has worked in tech for the past two decades. Hes currently building his third startup, Scope3, a supply-chain emissions data company. And OKelley argues that return-to-office mandates mark the line between companies that are truly preparing for an AI-first futureand those stuck in the past. The best companies are going to actually dump their offices to learn to work with non-bodied employees, OKelley exclusively told Fortune. Anybody who has a back-to-office culture is actually hurting themselves. The remote-first AI advantage While many CEOs claim theyre calling workers back to their desks to increase productivity, OKelley argued that theyll never be as productive as remote-first firms, like his, that have the pick of top global talent and operate around the clock. My company works every hour of the day because I have folks in Australia, and folks in San Francisco, he explained. Being spread across time zones doesnt just make them more available to customersit forces teams to be efficient and lean on the latest tech in ways traditional office-based companies simply dont need to. Thats a world where everything is written down, because you have to transfer knowledge across these time zones, and we film videos for each other, he said, adding that itll make it easier to integrate with AI eventually too. Its why companies focusing on presence rather than actual productivity gains that could launch them into an AI-first future are at a real disadvantage The thing is, if you build a culture thats asynchronous and remote, it means youre building a culture for AI to thrive, OKelley added. If youre building an office culture, you are actually not building an AI-first ecosystem. Tech leaders all agree on one thing: Youll be replaced by someone who uses AI OKelley isnt the first tech leader to sound the alarm about the AI race. Numerous CEOs have warned their peersand employeesthat those who dont embrace AI will be the first to fall behind. Every job will be affected, and immediately. It is unquestionable, Nvidias CEO Jensen Huang stressed earlier this year. Youre not going to lose your job to an AI, but youre going to lose your job to someone who uses AI. Switzerland-based AI startup Giotto.ai is launching a funding round at a valuation exceeding $1bn, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company aims to establish itself as a leading European entity in the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Giotto.ai has engaged investment bank Lazard to assist in raising more than $200m (SFr158m), according to insiders who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. The Lausanne-based company intends to use the funds to advance AI research, developing initial commercial prototypes for enterprise and government clients. It also plans to open-source select core technologies. Both Giotto.ai and Lazard have opted not to comment on the fundraising process. This funding initiative will serve as a barometer for investor interest in new European entrants within the competitive AGI landscape, the Reuters report suggested. The sector is otherwise largely dominated by US firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic. Meanwhile, the European AI sector is gaining momentum as the region seeks to carve out its own leadership and promote digital independence from US and Chinese influence. Recently, French company Mistral AI completed a significant funding round, securing 1.7bn ($2bn) and achieving a valuation exceeding 14bn ($11.7bn), with substantial contributions from Dutch semiconductor major ASML. Founded in 2017 by CEO Aldo Podesta, Giotto.ai has accumulated $19m in funding to date. The company, which sold a medical device compliance product to RQM+ in 2022, is focused on core research in reasoning models. Giotto.ai claims its research proficiency is demonstrated by leading the constrained Kaggle ARC-AGI-2 leaderboard with a 25% score, indicating a reduced cost per task compared to larger labs. The ARC-AGI-2 framework assesses a models ability to infer rules from limited examples, a measure of initial general reasoning capabilities. Performance on this test is considered a proxy for progress towards developing more advanced AI systems. In competitive terms, Giotto participates in Kaggles fixed resource track, which includes constraints such as no internet connectivity, a standard hardware configuration, and a maximum time budget of 12 hours per run. This approach contrasts with the unconstrained ARC Prize platform used by major labs such as OpenAI and xAI, which allows for the use of larger models and extensive computational resources aimed at achieving peak accuracy. "Giotto.ai targets more than $1bn valuation in European funding" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. December corn (ZCZ25) futures prices lost 6 cents for the week last week. Fridays close near the weekly low in December corn futures sets the speculative bears up for some chart-based selling pressure early this week. Corn bulls got little traction Friday from the USDA reporting a daily U.S. corn sale of 206,460 MT to unknown destinations during the 2025-26 marketing year. www.barchart.com The U.S. corn harvest has seen an early start in many parts of the Corn Belt this year. The related commercial hedge selling pressure will ramp up in the coming weeks, which could limit rallies in corn futures prices. However, as seen by corn prices still in an uptrend on the daily chart after the mid-September USDA supply and demand report showing a big U.S. corn crop, it appears the big and price-bearish corn crop has already been factored into futures prices. More News from Barchart The USDA last week reported weekly U.S. corn export sales of 1.232 million MT for the week ended Sept. 11. Export demand for U.S. corn has been good recently, which is likely to keep a floor under futures prices. New U.S. trade deals in the coming months would likely produce even more global demand for U.S. corn. Recent trade talks between the U.S. and China have apparently been going well, giving grain market bulls hopes that better U.S. grain export sales to China will occur in the coming months. Soybeans Still Anchored by Lethargic Meal Market November soybean (ZSX25) futures last were down 20 3/4 cents for the week last week. December soybean meal (ZMZ25) for the week was down $4.60. The soy complex bulls laid an egg late last week after some promising price action early in the week. The technically bearish weekly low closes in November beans and December meal and bean oil (ZLZ25) set the table for follow-through chart-based selling pressure early this week. The soybean meal futures market bulls need to get in gear for soybean futures to make any decent price headway. www.barchart.com www.barchart.com President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday morning. While reports said the talks were positive and constructive, it appears U.S. soybean purchases were not a part of the discussion. That apparently deflated the soy complex bulls. Trump said the call was very productive and progress was made on many fronts. He also hinted at an in-person meeting with the Chinese president early next year, which would be beyond the main export window that China has historically booked most of its soybeans. Autumn is now in full swing and memories of the blistering hot heat waves Ireland experienced over the summer are quickly fading away. With that in mind, Irish households are starting to get the heating back on, but with energy prices on the rise, unfortunately many people will be extra conscious this winter before whacking up the temperatures. READ NEXT: 'Stop use immediately' - Penneys recalls over 1000 products amid fears of chemical choking For years, people have been debating whether it's more cost-effective to leave the heating on a lower temperature all day long versus just turning it on when needed. Luckily, a money expert has now weighed in on the argument and settled the debate once and for all. Speaking on UK show ITV's This Morning, money saving expert Martin Lewis said the age old practice of leaving the heating on low all day is just a myth. "The general advice from the energy saving trust is that you have your heating on when you need it, and you turn it off when you don't need it. The myth that it is cheaper to have it on all say is false. He did however, acknowledge a predicament that some householders find themselves dealing with; condensation. In which case the financial journalist said it's best to have a timer and a thermostat. He also warned people against a very common mistake, often done when homeowners come back in from the cold. "Don't turn it (thermostat) up to 22 just because it's not on right now. That's what a thermostat is for. It will give you the temperature that you've predefined it to be." READ NEXT: Dozens deported from Ireland as latest flight departs for Pakistan Having the heating can be quite costly however, so experts advise that investing in a good portable heater could be the answer to keeping cost down but also keeping your house nice and toasty. A study comparing portable heaters to central heating by Switcher.ie has shown infrared/halogen heaters came out on top for the cheapest to run, costing just 2.78 per day (or 35 cents per hour) when heating a single room. Oil-filled radiators were slightly more expensive, coming in at 4.87 per day, however the room retained more heat even after they were switched off. Fan heaters and freestanding convector heaters came out the most expensive with a daily running cost of 6.95. The study found that central heating was the most cost-effective which averaged 8 to 15 per day, while electric fans were in the region of 10 to 18 per day. Switcher energy expert Eoin Clarke said the for people working from home and only using a couple of rooms per day would be better to invest in an energy-efficient portable heater to keep the cold at bay. "Many householders don't have the cash up front to make energy upgrades; however, if you work from home or only use one or two rooms, investing in energy efficient room heater could be less costly than turning up the boiler. READ NEXT: 'Unbelievable BS': Former GP Ciara Kelly slams Trump's paracetamol link to autism claims "Before you buy, consider the size of your room, compare wattage and cost per hour and choose one with a thermostat so it stays at the right temperature. "Another way to cut costs is to switch your supplier. An average household could save up to 800 per year by making the switch. Every cent counts, so even simple fixes like insulating against drafts and turning off unused devices can help keep costs down." RTE Radio 1 have announced that broadcasters Aine Lawlor and Mary Wilson will sign off from their roles on Morning Ireland for the final time on Wednesday morning, September 24. The date will mark Mary Wilson's official retirement from RTE. Mary spent her entire career with Ireland's national broadcaster across a series of roles including reporter, correspondent, editor and presenter. Originally hailing from Drangan in Tipperary, she joined the RTE newsroom in 1990 before carving out a distinguished broadcasting career which saw her announced as the Millennium journalist of the year and inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame. The former drivetime presenter returned to Morning Ireland in 2020 where she originally started as a reporter after joining RTE. Speaking on her retirement after 36 years with RTE, Mary said: "I know I am fortunate to be able to retire and I am looking forward to becoming a radio listener as opposed to presenter, to taking my foot off the gas a bit and indulging my many hobbies. She also reflected on her time with the broadcaster saying: "It has been a privilege to present news programmes on RTE, to connect with listeners and to work with demanding, intelligent and dedicated colleagues who helped and challenged me every day to do better, to aim higher and to always put the listeners first". READ MORE: LIVE: Faithfuls claim victory as final Traitor caught in The Traitors Ireland Finale Wednesday morning will also mark the final outing for Aine Lawlor in the Morning Ireland presenter's chair. She will continue to present 'The Week in Politics' and will feature across RTE's coverage of the upcoming presidential election. Aine has been with RTE since 1984 and originally joined Morning Ireland in 1995 staying for 17 years. She then went on to present a series of shows for RTE across TV and Radio and was inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame in 2014. Aine has been the presenter of 'The Week in Politics' on RTE One television since 2013 and returned to Morning Ireland in October, 2020. Even though she is departing from Morning Ireland, she will continue to present the The Week in Politics and will feature across RTE's coverage of the upcoming presidential election. Speaking on her time with the radio show, Aine said: "Its been a privilege to be part of Morning Ireland for so many years, to be part of a programme which so many listeners turn to at the start of their day. I'll miss the programme but not the hours". She added: "I'll miss my great Morning Ireland colleagues, and most of all I'll miss Mary, she's a top-notch broadcaster and a fantastic woman. I'm looking forward to covering the presidential election on TWIP". RTE's Director of News and Current Affairs Deirdre McCarthy paid tribute to the two broadcasters. She said: "Mary and Aine are not just household names, they are household voices, deeply familiar not only from their recent years on Ireland's most-listened to radio show but hugely popular across their long as distinguished careers as reporters and presenters". She finished by saying: "At heart they have been and always will be journalists and it is to their incisive, knowledgeable and challenging journalism that we owe them both a great debt, and thanks". RTE have said that the new presenters for Morning Ireland will be announced over the coming weeks. Reality TV is built on conflict, but how that conflict is perceived often depends on whos doing the arguing. That was the key point made by The Traitors Ireland contestant Vanessa Ogbonna in a candid interview with Dermot Whelan, standing in for Oliver Callan on RTE Radio ones morning show. Reflecting on her time around the roundtable, Vanessa acknowledged that her onscreen clashes didnt always look flattering. But she stressed that her intentions were never malicious. It was highly stressful, but I was not disrespectful, she explained. Everything was gameplay, nothing was personal, nothing was about the people. It was about what we believed was said and trying to clear my own name in the process. Yet when Dermot replayed one of those fiery moments, both he and Vanessa pointed to something deeper at play, how conflict is perceived differently depending on gender. I think you touched on something important there, because its how we perceive arguments between men and women, Dermot observed. If it was three lads sitting around that table tearing lumps out of each other, people would say, oh yeah, look at them, alpha males sticking up for themselves. But if its three women, suddenly its, ah lads, why are ye being so catty? Read More: We Were Attacked from All Sides: Winning Traitors contestants speak out on online hate Vanessa agreed, adding that this wasnt a hypothetical example. It literally happened with Paudie, it happened with Eamon, it happened with Ben, it happened with Nick just episodes earlier. But the reaction wasnt the same. Her reflections underline a double standard familiar far beyond television one where Male contestants raising their voices can be framed as strong, assertive or tactical whereas women doing the same are often painted as catty, emotional or combative. A tighter fiscal stance in next months Budget is needed, according to an economic think tank. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) also called for targeted expenditure to address challenges in the delivery of housing and infrastructure. There is planned package of 9.4 billion euro for Budget 2026 including 7.9 billion in additional public spending and 1.5 billion in the tax package. The Budget will be delivered by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers on October 7. As part of its quarterly economic commentary, which was published on Thursday, the ESRI said the economy continues to perform robustly with continued growth in consumption, employment, and tax receipts. It also said an EU-US agreement on tariffs has removed much of the uncertainty that prevailed across the year. However, it said the new situation of a 15% tariff represents a clear deterioration in Irelands trading environment relative to previous policy regime. It said this will impact the firms and sectors whose exports are most exposed to the US, placing a renewed focus on policies around trade diversification and competitiveness. In an accompanying research note, Professor John Fitzgeralds analysis suggests that, at least in the short term, US tariffs will impact profits of pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland, rather than output or employment. Meanwhile, the ESRI has revised its annual forecast for housing completions up to 35,000 for 2025. However, it said a notable slowdown in commencements in 2025 has caused it to revise down its forecast for 2026 to 36,000 units. It said the outlook beyond the forecast horizon appears to be weakening, with falling planning permissions and low commencements. The ESRIs assessment suggests that the fiscal stance needs to be tightened in Budget 2026, in part to avoid overheating. Commenting on the report, ESRI researcher and Professor Alan Barrett stated: Recent months have been characterised by uncertainty and volatility in the international economic environment, casting a renewed light on domestic policy. In that context, we point to the clear need for a tighter fiscal stance in Budget 2026. Dr Conor OToole, Associate Research Professor at ESRI, said: Irelands economy has performed robustly in recent years despite uncertainties and is currently operating close to capacity. Addressing bottlenecks in housing and infrastructure is challenging at full employment and expenditure needs to be targeted and sequenced to address these constraints. Earlier in the month, the States economic watchdog also recommended a reduction in the planned Budget package amid high uncertainty. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council said the 9.4 billion euro package is not appropriate given the economy is still performing well. It said a more restrained approach which would help avoid overheating the economy and leave room to respond to future downturns. (Reuters) -Dutch brewer Heineken will buy the beverage and retail businesses of Costa Rica's Florida Ice and Farm Company for $3.2 billion in cash, it said late on Monday, boosting its presence across Central America. Heineken will gain ownership of Costa Rica's century-old Imperial beer brand through the deal, as well as a soft drink business with its own brands and a PepsiCo bottling licence. South and Central American regions have become increasingly attractive for leading brewers such as Heineken and Anheuser-Busch InBev in the face of slowing sales volumes in Europe and the United States. The deal will unlock growth opportunities and enable Heineken to enter "new profit pools" across Central America, said Chief Executive Dolf van den Brink. Heineken will buy the 75% of Distribuidora La Florida - FIFCO's beverage, food and retail division - that it does not already own, including more than 300 outlets in Costa Rica, as well as operations in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The deal also includes 75% of Nicaragua Brewing Holding, the 25% of Heineken Panama it did not already own plus full ownership of FIFCO's non-beer business in Mexico. The company began its partnership with FIFCO in 1986 and has held a 25% stake in Distribuidora La Florida since 2002. "This is a strategically sensible acquisition to us, though the price paid seems high," said RBC Capital analyst James Edwardes Jones. The transaction, which is expected to complete in the first half of 2026, will provide an immediate boost to Heineken's operating margin and earnings per share before exceptional items, the company said. Heineken expects its net debt to increase by 3.2 billion euros ($3.77 billion) after the deal. Net debt stood at almost 15.5 billion euros at the end of June. FIFCO, which makes beers, wines, non-alcoholic beverages and food, manages five production plants and 13 distribution centres across Central America, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the United States. It exports to more than 10 countries. ($1 = 0.8478 euros) (Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru and Emma Rumney in LondonEditing by Alan Barona and David Goodman) Lots to catch up on this morning and crime news is probably the best place to start . . . Right now we take a look at morning investigations, street life danger, police action, court cases and, as always, community outreach Check TKC news gathering . . . Hit-and-Run: Truck crashes into dentist office, flees scene No one is hurt after a truck crashed into a Kansas City dentist's office. Man driving drunk charged with killing pedestrian in east Kansas City, Missouri A man who admitted he drank six Fireball airplane shots before getting in his vehicle and driving is charged with killing a pedestrian he hit in Kansas City, Missouri, in June. Jackson County proposes Kansas City use its downtown jail Jackson County is looking to give Kansas City, Missouri the opportunity to use its downtown jail Pharmacy owner agrees to pay $200K to resolve allegations of violations of Controlled Substances Act Daniel Reif made the deal for his business, The Medicine Shoppe, a retail pharmacy store in Kansas City, Kansas. Suspect charged following deadly stabbing in Independence Officers with the Independence Police Department responded to a reported stabbing just after 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19 Blue Springs woman charged for allegedly setting fire in hotel room According to court documents, firefighters reported that a towel with visible burn marks and the presence of an accelerant of some kind were found on a shelf in the room. Kansas City man sentenced to 13 years for 2023 deadly shooting Arnette Taylor Jr. was sentenced to 13 years in prison for the death of Dennis Jones in a shooting that occurred in October of 2023. KCK woman sentenced to probation for deadly hit-and-run the killed elderly man Kelsi Ann Carmack pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years probation. Independence man charged in fatal stabbing, apparently over Chief's sweatshirt An Independence man is facing murder charges following a fatal stabbing in Independence Friday, allegedly over a sweatshirt. Grandview man faces 7 drug trafficking-related charges in Jackson County A Grandview man faces seven drug trafficking-related charges after he was busted through an investigation by the Jackson County Drug Task Force (JCDTF). How Missouri Has Let Police Officers Stay Licensed After Serious Misconduct Missouri's system often takes years to resolve a misconduct allegation, in some cases allowing officers to move on to a new department. Arizona man killed in Kansas City, Missouri, while searching for job Corey's Network contacted KSHB 41 about a family who wanted help spotlighting the unsolved death of a loved one. As a result, KSHB 41's Caitlin Knute reached out. Governor Kehoe awards Missouri Public Safety Medals to Kansas City civilian, local law enforcement "Thank you for defining what it means to be a Missourian and what it means to be a good neighbor," Kehoe told those in attendance Tuesday who went above and beyond. Independence names interim police chief after nationwide search The city of Independence announced Tuesday it selected Douglas Brinkley to serve as the city's interim police chief. Missouri Highway Patrol launches team for aggressive crime and hazardous driving enforcement The STORM team will focus on roadways with high crash rates, dangerous driving behaviors and criminal activity. Its first large-scale operation was in Jackson County. Film screening raises $13,000 for family of Irish chef shot dead in US More than $13,000 has been raised for the family of the Irish chef Shaun Brady who was shot and killed in the US last year. 'There's a bit of a humanitarian in all of us': Mother behind Blair's Law wins humanitarian award There's a special gift shop off Highway 291 in Harrisonville, Missouri. Its co-owner, Michele Shanahan DeMoss, says it has a little bit of everything. Fundraiser honors fallen Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming Family, friends and community members gathered Saturday night to honor fallen Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming with a fundraiser. Developing . . . The new boss actually has bipartisan support in Jeff City and this low-key move offers some hope of law enforcement collaboration rather than the political flexing that dominated the tenure of Andrew Bailey. Here's a preview . . . Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway attended the Kansas City Police Board of Police Commissioners meeting. Fighting crime is going to be my number one priority, Hanaway said. In terms of forming this partnership, I want to work closely with the elected prosecutor. I want to work closely with all of you to find out exactly what you need and how we can be helpful. Hanaway said she is currently recruiting to expand her Kansas City office. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . More deets on this local moment of doubt . . . "According to the police report, Father Storey is accused of committing a crime against an adult victim from March 12, 2022, through Nov. 10, 2022. "The victim reported the crime to the police department on Sept. 4, 2025, according to the report." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Archbishop offers support after priest resigns from Leawood church amid investigation The Archbishop of the Kansas City in Kansas Archdiocese offers support to members of a Leawood Catholic Church. Police report reveals new details about accusations against Johnson County priest The new details include the dates at which the alleged crime occurred, as well as the date that it was reported to police. Developing . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Cooperation in the field of culture has been discussed between Azerbaijan and Hungary, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture said in a statement, Trend reports. The discussion was held during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, and the Hungarian Minister of Culture and Innovation Balazs Hanko, who is visiting Azerbaijan. In a cordial reception, Karimli extolled the robust framework of cultural collaboration that exists between the two nations. The meeting acknowledged that the intercultural dynamics between Azerbaijan and Hungary, both in a bilateral context and under the auspices of collaborative entities within the Turkic sphere, are intensifying annually. Hanko expressed his gratitude to his Azerbaijani counterpart for the cordial reception extended during their engagement. He pointed out that the cultural relations of the two countries have broad prospects. During the talks, views were exchanged on cooperation in the field of libraries, protection and promotion of cultural heritage, as well as cinema. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Panel discussions on various topics, seminar, and exhibition will be organized within the framework of the AZHAB FORUM. On October 78, Baku will host another prestigious event the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum. This year, the Forum will be held for the second time with the support of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dedicated to the theme Halal Industry as a Source of Resilience in the Rapidly Changing World. The two-day Forum aims to contribute to establishing new partnerships in the fields of investment and trade, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences, and promoting the attraction of foreign investments to Azerbaijan. The Forum will bring together representatives of relevant institutions from both domestic and foreign countries, industry experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and representatives of international organizations. The AZHAB Forum 2025 will consist of two components: a conference and an exhibition. Within the framework of the conference, traditional sectors of the halal industry, including finance and tourism, as well as halal business management, the green transition, the role of women in business, and other emerging directions, will be discussed. Additionally, the first session of the Forum will be dedicated to the official founding ceremony of the OIC-SME Network, which serves to strengthen the cooperation of institutions supporting SMEs within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In the exhibition part of the Forum, products and services produced by companies from Azerbaijan and abroad will be showcased. At last years Forum, nearly 30 local and foreign companies presented their products and services in the exhibition. This years exhibition is expected to be held on a larger scale with the participation of more countries. Currently, registration for local and foreign companies to take part in the exhibition is ongoing. The exhibition will provide local and international companies with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to a wide audience, establish new partnerships, find sector-specific collaborators, engage directly with potential clients, expand export opportunities, exchange experiences and technologies, and become acquainted with innovations, trends, and standards in the halal industry. Within the framework of AZHAB Forum 2025, a two-day seminar titled Think Halal: What Every Business Should Know will also be organized by the Islamic Chamber Halal Services. During the seminar, business representatives from various sectors will receive information on the halal business model, existing standards in the field, and the access of products to international markets. In the Expert Corner, participants will be offered individual consulting services on halal certification. This years Forum will be organized in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the Islamic Chamber Halal Services, and Caspian Event Organisers LLC, with sponsorship provided by ATENA LLC. It should be noted that the first AZHAB Forum was held in October 2024, with approximately 350 guests in total, including nearly 100 participants from various regions of the world, such as Australia, the United States, Eurasia, and Africa. The first AZHAB Forum was supported by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC through the relevant resolution. For more information about the AZHAB Forum, visit: https://azhabforum.az/en/main BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 6th Caspian Business Forum: Connectivity, Finance, and Energy along the Middle Corridor, Trend reports. "Dear event participants! I warmly welcome you to the 6th Caspian Business Forum, held under the theme Connectivity, Finance, and Energy along the Middle Corridor, organized by the Caspian Policy Center. The Middle Corridor is a strategic project spanning a vast geography. It provides a reliable and secure route connecting Europe and Asia through the Caspian Sea, serving as the shortest and most efficient pathway for cargo transportation from Asia to Europe and back. Azerbaijans favorable geographic location - right at the crossroads of two continents - enables our country to play a pivotal role in connectivity issues. Today, we can proudly say that, thanks to Azerbaijans long-term vision and tireless efforts, a major project like the Middle Corridor, which provides better synergy between Asia and Europe, has become a reality. Full commissioning of the Middle Corridor has been made possible not only by Azerbaijans economic potential but also by the political stability and security factor that prevail in our country. We have made significant investments in transport infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, particularly in seaport, shipyard, railways, and other logistics infrastructure. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Caspian cargo fleet all form essential transport infrastructure that ensures the smooth functioning of the Middle Corridor. In the Azerbaijani segment of the Middle Corridor, work is underway to upgrade, digitize, and modernize infrastructure, as well as to expand its transit capacity. Over the past three years, cargo shipments along the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan have grown by approximately 90 percent, while transit times have been significantly shortened. Projections indicate that by 2030, the freight capacity of the Middle Corridor will triple compared to 2021, with transit times expected to be cut in half. On August 8 of this year, a Joint Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, witnessed by U.S. President Mr. Donald Trump, established the foundation for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), which will ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the main territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. I am sure that TRIPP, to become the next crucial segment of the Middle Corridor, will serve as a key transport link connecting Asia and Europe, expanding the transit capacity for international cargo shipments, and contributing to the prosperity of regional countries as well as their integration into global supply chains. TRIPP also offers significant potential for the future transportation of energy resources, the export of electricity - particularly renewable energy - and the installation of fiber-optic lines, thereby helping transform the region into an international hub for trade and digital communications. Azerbaijan has mobilized all its efforts to ensure the prompt realization of this route. We view the Middle Corridor as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth and integration, recognizing it as a key driver that promotes the development of infrastructure, industry, and business, while fostering stability and prosperity across the region. I am confident that todays event will cultivate a fruitful exchange of ideas and the advancement of new initiatives centered on the Middle Corridor and the opportunities it presents, supporting deeper regional and global integration. I extend my best wishes and wish this conference every success," the address reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov addressed a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. In his speech, the minister emphasized that the long-standing friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China have recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's support for China's Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the recently announced Global Climate Initiative. The minister noted that these initiatives serve to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity worldwide. Emphasizing that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in regional cooperation, Jeyhun Bayramov noted our country's contribution to peace, strengthening ties and sustainable development through transformational projects such as the East-West and North-South transport corridors, especially the Middle Corridor connecting China and Central Asia with Europe. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 3rd International Statistical Forum on the "Prospects for the Development of Statistics: The Role of International Projects", Trend reports. "Dear participants of the Forum! I am sending my greetings to you on the occasion of the opening of the International Statistical Forum on Prospects for the Development of Statistics: The Role of International Projects underway in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and conveying my best wishes to all of you. I would like to note with pleasure that this prestigious event is of particular importance in terms of the development of national statistical systems, integration into global statistical initiatives and the deepening of international cooperation. I believe that the gathering of representatives of statistical agencies, international organizations and academic circles from various countries within the framework of the Forum will create a favorable environment for the sharing of advanced knowledge and experience in the field of statistics, as well as the promotion of joint projects. Statistics have become one of the most important tools for assessing the progress of society, the effectiveness of state policy and the ability to respond to global challenges in the present-day world. Reliable statistical data play a major role in ensuring sustainable development, making informed decisions and establishing transparent governance. For this reason, the International Statistical Forum serves as a universal platform for introducing methodological innovations and expanding multilateral cooperation opportunities. Today, the national statistical system in Azerbaijan is consistently developing, and the production of official statistical data in accordance with international standards and on the basis of innovative approaches is constantly in the spotlight. In addition, contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence necessitate the development of new methodologies, tools and approaches in the field of statistics, and require a correct definition of future goals. Effective international cooperation and the correct assessment of its capabilities are essential for the realization of these goals. We attach special importance to reforms based on cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the field of official statistics. Our country strives to contribute to the global development agenda by actively collaborating with leading states and international organizations in this direction. As you may know, by the decision of the UN Statistical Commission, World Statistics Day will be celebrated on October 20 this year under the slogan Quality statistics and data for everyone. I am confident that the Forum taking place in the run-up to that significant date will be remembered for its fruitful discussions where the statistical community will come together to put forward important initiatives for the future and exchange mutual knowledge and experience. I congratulate each of you on the upcoming World Statistics Day and wish the forum every success," the address reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Today, the national statistical system in Azerbaijan is consistently developing, and the production of official statistical data in accordance with international standards and on the basis of innovative approaches is constantly in the spotlight, said President Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the 3rd International Statistical Forum on the "Prospects for the Development of Statistics: The Role of International Projects", Trend reports. "In addition, contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence necessitate the development of new methodologies, tools and approaches in the field of statistics, and require a correct definition of future goals. Effective international cooperation and the correct assessment of its capabilities are essential for the realization of these goals. We attach special importance to reforms based on cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the field of official statistics. Our country strives to contribute to the global development agenda by actively collaborating with leading states and international organizations in this direction," said President Ilham Aliyev. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. We attach special importance to reforms based on cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the field of official statistics, said President Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the 3rd International Statistical Forum on the "Prospects for the Development of Statistics: The Role of International Projects", Trend reports. "Today, the national statistical system in Azerbaijan is consistently developing, and the production of official statistical data in accordance with international standards and on the basis of innovative approaches is constantly in the spotlight. In addition, contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence necessitate the development of new methodologies, tools and approaches in the field of statistics, and require a correct definition of future goals. Effective international cooperation and the correct assessment of its capabilities are essential for the realization of these goals. We attach special importance to reforms based on cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the field of official statistics. Our country strives to contribute to the global development agenda by actively collaborating with leading states and international organizations in this direction. As you may know, by the decision of the UN Statistical Commission, World Statistics Day will be celebrated on October 20 this year under the slogan Quality statistics and data for everyone. I am confident that the Forum taking place in the run-up to that significant date will be remembered for its fruitful discussions where the statistical community will come together to put forward important initiatives for the future and exchange mutual knowledge and experience," said President Ilham Aliyev. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Hightower Advisors, the Chicago-based mega-RIA with $326 billion in client assets, has hired a former BlackRock executive as head of operations and services amid a push to boost connectivity between advisors and the home office. Patrick Dunne has joined Hightower as a managing director and head of operations and service. According to his LinkedIn, Dunnes most recent role has been as founder and lead of BlueGranite, an investor working to scale fintech and investment firms. Earlier in his career, he held various leadership roles at BlackRock, including head of iShares global markets and investments. We are pleased to welcome Patrick Dunne to Hightower, a spokesperson said via email. His experience scaling complex organizations will help accelerate our ongoing investment in operational excellencemaking it easier for advisors to serve clients. According to filings, Dunne will join with an equity stake in Hightower, which is majority owned by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners. In separate news, Charis Jones, Hightower's executive director of compliance, has left the firm for a new position that, according to a LinkedIn post, she will announce soon. Hightower did not respond to a request for comment on whether they are replacing the role. Changes at the mega-RIA come as new CEO Larry Restieri begins to make his mark on the firm. The former CEO of Goldman Sachs Ayco business was named the new head in February to take over from Bob Oros, who remains on the firms board. His official start was in June. Restieri hired State Street alum Randy Bullard in one of his early moves to lead a new centralized investment management platform. The platform is designed to provide Hightowers roughly 660 advisors with institutional research and investment counsel from the recent Hightower acquisition of NEPC, an institutional consulting firm and outsourced chief investment officer. We expect our advisors will choose to adopt the centralized investments platform because of its compelling features, products, and the improved client experience that it will offer our practices; importantly, though, it will be the advisors choice to adopt the central platform, not a requirement, a spokesperson said. Its just one of the ways Larry envisions delivering enhancements for advisors. The RIA has more advancements for advisors in the coming months, the spokesperson said. In the meantime, Restieri is working to create more collaboration between advisors and the home office. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The purpose of my visit is to expand political, economic, and interparliamentary cooperation, the Serbian National Assembly Speaker Ana said, at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, Trend reports. I would like to express my gratitude to Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova for the series of meetings I had in Azerbaijan, she said. The speaker added that it is no coincidence that we hold meetings at least once a year: "The last time we met was in Geneva. During the COP29 summit, a delegation led by President Aleksandar Vucic visited Azerbaijan." Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. A delegation led by Ana Brnabic, Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, visiting Azerbaijan on an official trip, paid respects at Bakus Alley of Honor and Martyrs Lane on September 24, Trend reports. The delegation honored the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader and architect of modern independent Azerbaijan, laying a wreath and fresh flowers at his grave. The delegation also visited the grave of prominent ophthalmologist and scholar Zarifa Aliyeva, placing fresh flowers in tribute. They then proceeded to Martyrs Lane to commemorate the nations heroes who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans freedom and sovereignty, placing fresh flowers on graves and a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. During the visit, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the history of Martyrs Lane and ongoing urban development projects in Baku. The delegation was accompanied by Ziyafat Asgarov, Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, and other officials. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijans Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, spoke at the annual ambassadors meeting of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Paris on September 23, 2025, Trend reports. Representing Azerbaijan during its 20252026 presidency of the forum, Abdullayeva focused on the countrys priorities as president, emphasizing regional and international transport improvements. She highlighted Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen international transport links through strategic corridor integration, particularly the development of the Middle Corridor, which connects East and West as a reliable multi-modal route. Abdullayeva stressed that fully utilizing the corridors potential will not only enhance global transport but also facilitate trade between countries. She also cited the Zangazur Corridor, also known as the International Road for Peace and Progress, as a key route for boosting trade between China and Europe. During her address, Abdullayeva outlined Azerbaijans ITF presidency priorities, including expanding the forums geographic scope, encouraging new member participation, and promoting smart mobility policies in cities with inclusive public transport. She referenced successful initiatives in the liberated Karabakh region as an example of these policies in action. Azerbaijans presidency will conclude with the ministers meeting scheduled for May 2026, during which documents on digital connectivity and urban transport development are expected to be adopted. Participants and the counterparts of Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport were also presented with a letter from Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport, titled Azerbaijans First 100 Days of ITF Presidency. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijan and Serbia are set to sign an Action Plan on cultural cooperation covering the 2025-2029 period, said Ana Brnabic, Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Trend reports. Speaking at a joint press conference with her Azerbaijani counterpart, Sahiba Gafarova, Brnabic noted that the two countries have significant potential for collaboration across various sectors. The Serbian Speaker highlighted infrastructure cooperation, pointing out that Azerbaijans Azlift company participates in major infrastructure projects. For the first time, students from Azerbaijan are studying in Serbia on our scholarships, and Serbian students are also studying in Azerbaijan with scholarships, Brnabic added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. On September 23, an official reception was held in New York on behalf of President of the United States Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in connection with the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event. Speaking at the reception, U.S. President Donald Trump said: Armenia and Azerbaijan. I want to thank you, my friend. Twenty-two years you said you were there, right? Twenty-two years. And for twenty-two years you were at war. President Ilham Aliyev: Even more. President Donald Trump: More than that? President Ilham Aliyev: Over 30 years. You did a miracle, Mr. President. Thank you. President Donald Trump: And I made some friends. Thank you. It was great. We had a great meeting today with the leaders of countries right in that area. They're Middle Eastern. They're great people. They're friends of mine. And we've got to get them back, and we've got to get that war over fast. We want to do it fast. And we've come with, I think, a really good plan. And I think it can be implemented fast. I don't know if we can implement it as fast as your plan. All those years, it took courage to achieve this. And it's really because of you and your new friend. Really good. How's it working out? Good? No shooting? No nothing? President Ilham Aliyev: No, no. Everything is finished on August 8. President Donald Trump: I'm very proud of you. Good. Great job. So I met some of you in the room and I know so many of you. You're amazing people. You're leaders at the highest level. What you're doing is amazing. Think of it all those millions of people in your countries, and you're leading your country and you're leading the world. That's why you're here. And I just want to let you know it's an honor to be with you. I look forward to shaking your hand. And we're going to have a lot of fun together. We're going to live in a peaceful world. First Lady Melania Trump: I had a great initiative that I just hosted this afternoon Fostering the Future Together. I hope all of the first ladies and spouses will join me next year in the White House, in the first quarter, and we will have success for the children around the world. Thank you. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova has held an expanded meeting with Chairperson of Serbian National Assembly Ana Brnabic, leading the Serbian delegation within the framework of the visit to the parliament, a source in the parliament told Trend. After visiting the parliament's plenary hall, the guests visited the Heydar Aliyev Museum in the parliament, where Brnabic signed the Memorial Book. During the meeting, Gafarova, welcoming the guests, noted the important role of mutual visits at the highest levels between Azerbaijan and Serbia as friendly and strategic partners. In this context, the speaker spotlighted the importance of mutual visits, meetings, and documents signed during these visits by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic. She highly appreciated the successful development of relations and said that mutual support and solidarity are being demonstrated between our countries within the framework of international organizations. The speaker also pointed out the positive impact of mutual visits on the development of relations in the context of interparliamentary relations. Gafarova emphasized the role of mutual friendship groups in the development of interparliamentary relations, expressed her satisfaction with cooperation within international parliamentary organizations, and spoke about the opportunities for establishing cooperation between parliamentary committees. Brnabic conveyed her congratulations on the development and achievements witnessed in Azerbaijan. She noted that Azerbaijan is a friendly and allied country for Serbia and expressed pride for supporting each other. Furthermore, she expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Azerbaijan on the issue of territorial integrity. Brnabic emphasized that Azerbaijan is a country that protects its national interests and values, and Serbia highly appreciates this. The Serbian official highlighted the importance of the existing economic relations between the two countries, including cooperation in the energy sector. She underlined that energy security is an integral part of the national security of every country and expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's support in this direction. During the conversation, Brnabic noted that as the assembly's chairperson, she will work for the further development of relations between the parliaments of the two countries. The conversation also included an exchange of views on the exchange of mutual experience between the parliaments and other issues of interest. Following the meeting, the guests got acquainted with the "Victory Corner" created in the lobby of the Azerbaijani Parliament and dedicated to the Second Karabakh War. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijan will provide support to African countries in the field of climate diplomacy, Trend reports. This issue was discussed at a high-level event held within the framework of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. For this purpose, on the first day of the high-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Joint Working Groups were established between the Baku Climate and Peace Action Center of COP29 and Chad and Guinea-Bissau. The high-level event on the theme "Baku Center Partnership: Innovative Solutions for Conflict-Affected and Vulnerable Countries", held at the UN Headquarters on the initiative of the COP29 Presidency and the International Organization for Migration, brought together more than 100 government members and officials, heads of UN agencies, and representatives of international organizations. Speaking at the opening of the event, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Executive Director of the Italian International Development Agency Marco Rusconi, UN Secretary-General's Representative for Africa Parfait Onyanga, and Deputy Executive Director of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels noted that the Baku Center, established at the initiative of Azerbaijan, is already opening a new direction in global climate diplomacy. The center has become a unique platform for the implementation of projects that will bring real results in sensitive regions by combining the issues of climate change, peace-building, and climate migration regulation into a single agenda. Addressing the event, the ministers of Environment of Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia, and Uganda noted the partnership established by the Baku Center for the implementation of urgent projects in their countries, and expressed their gratitude to Azerbaijan for the experience it has shared in the field of climate diplomacy. Speaking about the next plans of the Baku Center, Ambassador-at-Large of the Foreign Ministry Elshad Iskandarov said that the center is beginning the practical stage of implementing projects in the mentioned countries. To this end, the event approved a memorandum on the establishment of joint working groups between Chad and Guinea-Bissau and the Baku Center. Several more countries also announced their intention to join the Baku Center partnership at the event. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Within the 2025 bilateral military cooperation plan between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a computer-assisted joint command-staff exercise Maharat-2025 (Mastery), is being held in Tashkent, the Ministry of Defense told Trend. The exercise on the topic "Search, localization and neutralization of illegal armed detachments" held at the Modeling and Simulation Research Educational Center of the Armed Forces consists of two stages. At the first stage, the participants will perform operation planning, while at the second stage, they will carry out relevant activities using modeling and simulation software. The objective of the Maharat-2025 exercise is to expand bilateral cooperation, improve interoperability between servicemen, and exchange acquired experience. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran supports the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, said President Masoud Pezeshkian as he addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. "Iran welcomes peace and stability and believes that the future of our region and of the world must be built upon cooperation, trust, and shared development. Iran supports the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and hopes that its outcome shall be enduring and serve as a foundation for improved relations between these two neighboring states," he said. On August 8, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a Joint Declaration following the Washington meeting between the Azerbaijani President and the Armenian PM. During the same meeting, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and signed a joint letter to the current OSCE Chairperson regarding the closure of the OSCE Minsk process, the OSCE Chairpersons personal representative for the conflict discussed at the Minsk Conference, and the High-Level Planning Group. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. I would like to express my special gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for achieving historic peace with Armenia, said Albanian President Bajram Begaj during his speech at a side event titled Multilateralism on a Crossroads: Challenges and Pathways to Peace, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center as part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. This demonstrates that even the deepest conflicts can be resolved through dialogue, determination, and the support of partners like the United States, who believe in reconciliation and lasting peace, President Begaj emphasized. Theres recently been a little bit of breathing room in the U.S. housing market as mortgage rates have slightly declined and home price increases have started to steady. But both buyers and sellers are still cautious. Fewer homeowners are putting their homes on the market: Active listings fell 1.4% in August, which represents the biggest monthly decline since 2023, according to a Monday report from Redfin. High housing costs and economic jitters have rattled buyers, and that unease has spilled over to sellers, Chen Zhao, Redfins head of economics research, wrote in the report. We currently expect existing-home sales to end the year at around 4.05 million, or roughly flat compared to 2024, which was the worst year for sales since 1995. The housing market is stuck in an unending circle of gridlock: Buyers arent inclined to purchase a home because mortgage rates and home prices are too high (theyre up 1.7% year over year at $440,004, according to Redfin). And homeowners dont want to sell their homes to trade for a higher mortgage rate and out of fear they wont get what they think their home is worth. That gridlock has forced some sellers to slash asking prices or pull their listings off the market altogether. Delistingsor taking a home off the marketjumped 47% nationally in June from a year ago, according to Realtor.com, and are up 34% year to date. What were seeing nationally is a market thats gradually rebalancing, with buyers gaining leverage and sellers facing a tradeoff: Adjust to the market and sell for less, or hold out and risk sitting indefinitely, Realtor.com Senior Economist Jake Krimmel previously told Fortune. Many sellers still arent pricing to sell. Redfin data shows sellers have been pulling back because homebuyer demand is sluggish. In fact, sales are still far lower than even pre-pandemic levels, and the slight drop in mortgage rates hasnt proven to be effective yet. But that may change if rates continue declining; if we get a stronger-than-expected fall housing market, existing-home sales could end this year a little higher than last year, Chen wrote. Redfins figures show mortgage rates fell to 6.59% in August, the lowest monthly average in 10 months. According to Mortgage News Daily, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage as of Monday is 6.35%, down from 7% in May. There is debate about the magic number it would take for buyers to be inclined to take out a mortgage. While Beth Behling, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Chicago, said in a statement she thinks the magic number is 6%, others have said closer to 5% would make more of a meaningful difference. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Ana Brnabic, Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, on September 24, Trend reports. The leaders highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia, noting the establishment of a robust political dialogue and consistent mutual support in international organizations, particularly regarding issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also acknowledged the importance of parliamentary collaboration in advancing bilateral relations and stressed the effectiveness of cooperation both directly and within international parliamentary forums. Discussions subsequently zeroed in on amplifying synergies in commerce, capital influx, energy sectors, sustainable technologies, logistics, humanitarian endeavors, and additional domains of reciprocal significance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov had a meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khalil on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, focusing on further expanding bilateral cooperation, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry says, Trend reports. Special attention was given to growing high-level contacts, political consultations, cooperation in multiple areas, especially in tourism. The Ministers underlined that the launch of direct flights between our countries last year significantly expanded travel opportunities for citizens and contributed to people-to-people contacts. Ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on mutual exemption of the visa requirement for holders of ordinary passports. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. On September 24, a special session titled Global Movement to Improve Survival and Reduce Suffering for Children with Cancer and Other Catastrophic Diseases was held in New York as part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Trend reports. The event, organized by the Republic of Uzbekistan and the World Health Organization, was attended by Azerbaijans First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, along with her daughters Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva. A group photo was taken. Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva, First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan and one of the events organizers, along with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, spoke about the global relevance of the topic addressed at the special session. Turkiyes First Lady Emine Erdogan and other speakers also shared their views on the issue. The primary purpose of the session was to draw the attention of the global community to this pressing issue and to highlight its severity. The problems urgency is increasing year by year. According to statistics, approximately 200,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, and half of them pass away. The event continued with panel discussions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. The Heydar Aliyev Center hosted the grand opening of the Nasimi Festival of Poetry, Spirituality and Art, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan in partnership with the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The opening of the festival featured an international forum on the theme In Search of Eternal Truth, which brought together about 70 researchers and scholars from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Canada, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Tajikistan, and other countries. Among the attendees, Iranian sociologist and professor at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Seyed Javad Miri, presented a lecture on The Revelation of Nasimis Mystical World. For me, it is a great honor to speak here in Baku, a city I have visited five times. Yet this visit offered a unique opportunity to participate in the Nasimi International Festival for the first time, a truly high-level event. Imadeddin Nasimi is a figure whose relevance transcends time and space. His legacy speaks directly to the human soul and the inner world of every individual, Miri told Trend. He emphasized that one of the central themes of Nasimis work is love for humanity. Nasimi explains that this love arises from sincere engagement with the world, nature, life, and all living beings. Without love, existence itself unravels, severing the connection between past, present, and future generations. Love is the thread that binds cultures, civilizations, and generations together, the professor added. Speaking about the Nasimi Festival, Miri described the festival as more than a cultural event. It is a chance to remind the world of the value of inner light, the power of words, and the enduring truths conveyed through great poetry. May the Nasimi Festival continue to inspire, unite, and remind us that at the center of it all is humanity, as the source of love, meaning, and spirit, he stated. Since its launch in 2018, the festival has become both a tradition and a vital cultural platform, created to connect generations and cultures, foster dialogue, and shed light on the profound legacy of the great thinker and poet Imadaddin Nasimi through the lens of contemporary art. This year, from September 23 through 25, Baku and Shamakhi will serve as the centers of an extensive program devoted to exploring the poets philosophical and literary heritage, alongside a broad spectrum of events in literature, theater, and music. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. A total of 19 countries are participating in the Third International Statistical Forum, the Chairman of the CIS Interstate Statistical Committee, Konstantin Laykam, Trend reports. He noted that the first forum will be held in St. Petersburg, the second in Tashkent, and the third in Baku. A number of issues will be discussed here. Among them is artificial intelligence. Statistics should be explained in a clear and understandable way, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The number of students in Azerbaijani universities has more than doubled over the last decade, the Minister of Education of Azerbaijan, Emin Amrullayev said at the Eurasian University Summit in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, over this period, the number of students entering the country's universities has grown from 27,000 to 60,000 per year. "Every person should have the opportunity to continue their education. It shouldn't be the privilege of the elite. However, with the growth in the number of students, we should find a balance between quality and equality," the minister emphasized. Speaking about the economic aspect, Amrullayev noted that universities are not only educational institutions, but also drivers of growth. "Cooperation in the field of research and innovation is extremely important, especially considering the diversity of our economies and systems. Such partnerships should bring public benefit and improve people's lives, fully meeting the goals of sustainable development," he explained. According to the minister, Azerbaijan considers regional and global cooperation in the field of higher education as a necessary condition for strengthening stability, supporting innovations, and ensuring that educational systems directly contribute to long-term economic development. Amrullayev pointed out the importance of international student mobility, emphasizing the need for cooperation in the field of higher education to be mutually beneficial. The minister added that cooperation in the field of research and innovation should bring public benefit and contribute to improving the quality of life, meeting the goals of sustainable development. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan has been developed in accordance with new requirements, the committee's chairman, Tahir Budagov, said at the 3rd International Statistical Forum held in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, 16 countries joined in person, three countries joined online, and the current forum, which is also attended by 10 international organizations. The chairman noted that in recent years, against the backdrop of global, political, and social processes, making quick decisions and organizing reliable statistics pose new and more complex tasks for us today. "The Azerbaijan Statistical Committee has strived for serious progress in recent years and has been developed in accordance with new requirements through serious reforms," he explained. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LACHIN, Azerbaijan, September 24. The Interdepartmental Center under the Coordination Headquarters, established to manage post-liberation issues in Azerbaijans territories, held its latest meeting of the Environmental Working Group, Trend reports. Representatives from relevant state bodies, as well as officials from the Presidential Special Representative Offices and the Restoration, Construction, and Management Services from Lachin, Kalbajar, Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Zangilan, Aghdara, Khojaly, Khojavend districts, and the city of Khankendi, attended the session. During the meeting, members of the Working Group and invited agencies presented updates on environmental compliance in ongoing infrastructure projects, challenges in land use regulation, and efforts to manage solid waste safely. They also discussed initiatives to establish new protected areas and restore existing conservation sites in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions to safeguard biodiversity. Officials from participating agencies addressed environmental permitting issues and emphasized the need to strengthen inter-agency communication and coordination, reporting on the implementation of tasks issued by the Coordination Headquarters to ensure effective environmental oversight. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LACHIN, Azerbaijan, September 24. This autumn, Azerbaijan plans to carry out planting and sowing activities on 240 hectares of forest fund land, said Vugar Karimov, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Trends Karabakh bureau reports. Speaking at the latest meeting of the Working Group on Environmental Issues, Karimov articulated that pursuant to the spatial development frameworks for the liberated territories, an aggregate of 132 hectares of novel green zones have been successfully instituted across the Zangilan, Jabrayil, Aghdam, and Fuzuli districts in Azerbaijan. "Considering the plans for clearing forest fund lands of mines and unexploded ordnance, planting and sowing activities have been carried out on a total of 286 hectares across Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Fuzuli districts. Currently, soil preparation work is ongoing in these areas," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LACHIN, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijan has prepared a preliminary map for a proposed national park that would span the districts of Kalbajar, Lachin, Aghdara, and Khojaly, said Vugar Karimov, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Trends Karabakh bureau reports. Speaking at a meeting of the Working Group on Environmental Issues, Karimov noted that the initiative has been coordinated with the relevant special representatives of the Azerbaijani President. "Necessary documentation work is currently ongoing in this direction. Several points on the map have already been agreed upon with the Presidents special representatives," he said. Huawei Technologies founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei this week met Yang Qing, chairman of state-owned Dongfeng Motor, in Shenzhen with the goal of deepening collaboration in China's electric vehicle (EV) sector. The meeting on Monday between Ren, 80, and Yang involved an exchange of "views on industry competition dynamics and corporate mechanism innovation", according to a statement released on Tuesday by Dongfeng - founded in 1969 and based in Wuhan, the capital of central Hubei province. During their discussion, Ren said the fundamental principle of the automotive industry was to build quality vehicles, with safety as the paramount priority. Huawei deputy chairman Eric Xu Zhijun, who serves as the privately held company's rotating chairman from April to September, also attended the meeting. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The conversation between Xu and Yang, meanwhile, focused on "advancing comprehensive strategic cooperation, corporate management and talent development". The meeting reflected the two companies' decision in May to elevate their partnership into a strategic collaboration. Dongfeng Motor chairman Yang Qing. Photo: Handout alt=Dongfeng Motor chairman Yang Qing. Photo: Handout> "Moving forward, Dongfeng Motor and Huawei will collaborate in product definition, intelligent technologies and marketing, actively exploring new approaches to market-oriented operations for state-owned enterprises", the carmaker said in the statement. Huawei and Dongfeng recently unveiled a joint lab to "drive breakthroughs and practical applications in intelligent vehicle technology and deliver superior smart mobility experiences for users", Dongfeng research institute vice-director Zhang Heng said last week. Before that initiative, some models of Dongfeng's EV brand Voyah were equipped with Huawei's driver-assistance and intelligent cockpit systems. All Voyah EVs this year are expected to be installed with the Huawei-developed systems. The latest discussions between the senior leadership of Huawei and Dongfeng come more than a month after Changan Automobile chairman Zhu Huarong held discussions with Ren about the state of development and competition in China's EV market. People visit Dongfeng Motor's booth during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on July 16, 2025. Photo: VCG via Getty Images alt=People visit Dongfeng Motor's booth during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on July 16, 2025. Photo: VCG via Getty Images> LACHIN, Azerbaijan, September 24. Regulatory bodies have delineated strategic frameworks for the optimization of waste management protocols in the recently liberated jurisdictions of Azerbaijan, said Sabit Zeyniyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Tamiz Shahar (Clean City) OJSC and member of the Working Group on Environmental Issues, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. Speaking at a meeting of the Working Group on Ecological Issues, Zeyniyev pointed out that the ball is rolling on the design of waste disposal sites, or landfills, and the work is in full swing. "Project estimates for the Gubadli, Jabrayil, Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Zangilan districts have been prepared and submitted to the State Expertise. Positive assessments have been issued by the State Agency for Control of Safety in Construction under the Ministry of Emergency Situations for these landfills. The landfill site for Lachin will be selected and submitted later. In Kalbajar, a new area has been chosen, and design work for this district, together with Khojaly, Khojavend, and Aghdara, will be carried out following the anti-terror operations," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The next session of the Statistical Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be held in Ankara on October 1-3, the representative of the Center for Statistics, Economic and Social Studies, and Personnel Training, Abdulhamid Ozturk said at the 3rd International Statistical Forum in Baku, Trend reports. He noted that the Statistical Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is a high-level commission, meetings of which are held annually with the participation of the heads of national statistical services. "Next week, we'll hold the 14th session of the OIC Statistical Commission. We'll discuss the action program for 2026-2030, modernization of national statistical services through digitalization, and other issues," Ozturk added. LACHIN, Azerbaijan, September 24. The Interdepartmental Center under the Coordination Headquarters, established to manage post-liberation issues in Azerbaijans territories, held its latest meeting of the Environmental Working Group, Trend reports. Representatives from relevant state bodies, as well as officials from the Presidential Special Representative Offices and the Restoration, Construction, and Management Services from Lachin, Kalbajar, Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, Zangilan, Aghdara, Khojaly, Khojavend districts, and the city of Khankendi, attended the session. During the meeting, members of the Working Group and invited agencies presented updates on environmental compliance in ongoing infrastructure projects, challenges in land use regulation, and efforts to manage solid waste safely. They also discussed initiatives to establish new protected areas and restore existing conservation sites in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions to safeguard biodiversity. Officials from participating agencies addressed environmental permitting issues and emphasized the need to strengthen inter-agency communication and coordination, reporting on the implementation of tasks issued by the Coordination Headquarters to ensure effective environmental oversight. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Jabrayil hosted a meeting of the Working Group on Demining and Unexploded Ordnance under the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters, established to manage issues in Azerbaijans territories liberated from occupation, Trend reports via ANAMA. The session focused on the progress of humanitarian demining activities, upcoming objectives, and current challenges. Members of the group first visited ongoing demining operations in Fuzuli district's Horadiz village and Jabrayil district's Horovlu village, observing the neutralization process of mines and unexploded ordnance. During the meeting, ANAMA Chairman and Working Group Head Vugar Suleymanov provided an update on demining projects in liberated territories. He noted that a total of 228,690 hectares of land in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, including 84,147 hectares in specific areas, have been cleared of mines and other explosive remnants of war, with 210,655 explosive devices detected and neutralized. Vahid Hajiyev, the Presidential Special Representative for Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan, highlighted that rapid restoration works in the liberated areas aim to ensure safe and sustainable resettlement of former internally displaced persons. He stressed that clearing lands of mines and unexploded ordnance remains one of the most critical tasks to achieve these goals. Other members of the Working Group shared updates on demining activities carried out by their respective agencies, with all reports discussed during the session. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Serbias Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko uric met today in New York, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, with Georgias Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Bochorishvili, Trend reports. The parties discussed issues important for enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Minister uric recalled that Serbia and Georgia this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and emphasized that he is proud of the fact that the relations between the two countries are based on friendship, as well as on the cultural, religious, and historical closeness of the two peoples. He stressed that there is significant room for strengthening economic cooperation, to which, according to him, the recently established direct air route BelgradeTbilisi will greatly contribute. Minister uric welcomed Georgias decision to participate in the Specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade and expressed confidence that this event will further strengthen ties between the two countries. The meeting was also attended by the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Cadez. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Over the past six years, more than 167 million has been invested in implementing the first Smart Specialization Strategy (S3 20192024), and the development of the second strategy is now underway, aiming to continue strengthening innovation and research activities in Montenegro, Trend reports. This was announced today at the official launch of the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), which is one of the key stages in drafting the new strategy. The Smart Specialization Strategy is the overarching strategic document that identifies areas with the highest potential for investment in research and innovation. The second such strategy is now being developed, and the preliminary key areas identified include: energy and sustainable environment; innovative and sustainable tourism; sustainable agriculture and food value chains; information and communication technologies; and construction. These areas will be further refined in the upcoming consultation phasethe Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP). Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated: There are many examples proving that Montenegro has the knowledge, talent, and courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with much larger economies. The Smart Specialization Strategy has allowed us to launch the Innovation Fund. We have also strengthened infrastructure: the Science and Technology Park in Podgorica and Tehnopolis in Niksic today bring together more than 150 companies and teams. Through tax incentives, over four years, the state has provided 7 million in support to investors, and this alone in 2024 resulted in 1 million of direct foreign investment in innovative companies in Montenegro. Ekaterina Paniklova, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro, said the strategy is a particularly important document. What makes this process unique is how it connects the government, the private sector, the academic community, and civil society in a single, inclusive dialogue, ensuring that the strategys priorities reflect Montenegros real potential and deliver tangible results. At the heart of the process is entrepreneurial discoverya space where ideas become opportunities for investment and partnerships. UNDP, together with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), is proud to support this process through the Innovations for Development and Economic Advancement in Montenegro (IDEA-ME) project, funded by the European Union through the Accelerated Development Fund, strengthening capacities for developing an innovation system in line with European standards and global sustainable development goals. Minister Anela JaksicStojanovic stated in a video message: Montenegro is entering a new development cycle, in which we want to recognize our greatest potentials and transform them into clear directions for future growth. That is why we are launching the consultation process of Entrepreneurial Discovery, which will allow us to identify key areas for development over the next six years. Based on previous analyses, five key areas have been identified: energy and sustainable environment; innovative and sustainable tourism; sustainable agriculture and food value chains; information and communication technologies; and construction. Final priority areas will be determined after the upcoming EDP consultation process. Miguel Landabaso Alvarez, representative of the European Commissions Joint Research Centre, emphasized that the EDP process is a fundamental part of a high-quality Smart Specialization Strategy for Montenegro and expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with Montenegro during the strategys development. He noted that this process is important for Montenegros European Union accession. The EDP process essentially concerns what the public sector can generate from ideas and how to invest in collaboration with the private sector, universities, and others to accelerate modernization and economic diversification. Ivana Jankovic-Mijanovic, Acting Director of the Directorate at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation and National S3 Coordinator, explained the methodology for developing the new strategy and the EDP process. She added: Multi-million investments in the first Smart Specialization Strategy and efforts in preparing the second strategy clearly demonstrate our commitment to this important process. Smart specialization means investing in what makes us competitive and recognizable. It is the path to a modern Montenegro, and we are fully committed to following it. During the event, it was also highlighted that Montenegro has been recognized since 2019 as a pioneer in the Western Balkans and beyond, being the first country outside the European Union to adopt its first Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) for the period 20192024. By adopting the second strategy, now in development, Montenegro continues to confirm its innovation potential and close cooperation with the EU. The Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), launched today as part of the development of the new S3 strategy for 20262031, is the central methodological backbone of the strategy. Its goal is to identify S3 priority areas based on participatory and dynamic dialogue between the government, the private sector, the academic community, and civil society. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The seventh edition of the international flight exercise European Spartan Exercise 2025 (ESE 2025) was officially opened at the 22nd Air Base in Bezmer, Bulgaria, Trend reports. Crews from the air forces of Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Lithuania will participate. The international flight exercise is conducted under the program agreement between operators of C-27J aircraft from EU member states and will continue until October 3, 2025. For the first time, countries operating Casa C-295 aircraft will also participate. European Spartan Exercise has proven over the years its practical and effective contribution to the exchange of international experience through the execution of a wide range of special tasks and missions by transport aviation crews, said Colonel Lazarin Lazarov, commander of the 16th Aviation Air Base in Sofia and head of ESE 2025, in his address to participants. He emphasized that all stages of preparation, joint planning, and the conduct of the exercise provide a unique opportunity for allies to improve their organizational experience and tactical skills while contributing to strengthening trust and capabilities among coalition partners for participation in joint operations. Deputy Head of ESE 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Denis Innocenti, highlighted the ambition for the current exercise to become an even more dynamic training environment for flight and technical personnel, with the inclusion of Casa C-295 transport aircraft. BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. As many as 49 heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Latvia are taking part in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' annual regional tour, focusing on the Zemgale region, in southern Latvia, Trend reports. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties by showcasing the regions investment potential, economic development, tourism prospects, and rich cultural heritage. The tour began this morning in Bauska, where the diplomats were welcomed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andzejs Vilumsons, at the historic Bauska Castle. There, they met with the Chair of the Bauska Municipal Council, Aivars Maceks, and Deputy Chair, Linda Abu Meri, for a roundtable discussion on regional cooperation, business opportunities, and current and future infrastructure projects. As part of the program, ambassadors are visiting local enterprises, including the Bauskas Alus brewery, known for its traditional Latvian beer, and the Rundale Water Mill, an example of restored industrial heritage. The delegation is also stopping by the Mikelis guesthouse and recreation complex, where they are being introduced to the authentic Zemgale farmstead lifestyle and offered tastings of locally produced food. The day continues with guided tours of Rundale Castle, one of Latvias most iconic baroque landmarks, and Abgunste Manor, a revitalized estate now serving as a cultural and arts venue. This is the latest in a series of annual regional trips organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the diplomatic corps. The tradition began over a decade ago to give foreign representatives a closer look at Latvia beyond the capital. In recent years, the ambassadors have visited Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Latgale, and Selija, with Zemgale now returning to the spotlight. Currently, Latvia hosts diplomatic missions from 136 countries, along with 14 international organizations. Todays tour is a key opportunity to promote regional development, attract foreign investment, and deepen international engagement with Latvias dynamic and diverse communities. The regional trip will continue with visits to Rundale Castle and Abgunste Manor. For more than ten years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been arranging a trip for the heads of foreign diplomatic missions to a particular Latvian region. Last year, ambassadors visited Kurzeme, and before that, the regions of Vidzeme, Selija, Zemgale, and Latgale. Diplomatic missions of 136 countries and representations of 14 international organisations have been accredited to Latvia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Latvian State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andzejs Vilumsons held talks in Riga with Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, who arrived for a working visit, Trend reports. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Latvia and the Netherlands, challenges to European security, and continued support for Ukraine. The two officials also addressed the situation in the Middle East and Latvias preparations for its upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 20262027. State Secretary Vilumsons expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its ongoing contribution to the security of the Baltic region. The officials further exchanged views on the implications of increased national defense spending for both countries, particularly in the context of budget consolidation. They also highlighted the importance of innovation in the work of diplomatic services to adapt to changing global challenges. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. During his visit to New York, Lithuanias Minister-designate of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, took part in the LithuanianU.S. defense industry business forum, Trend reports. U.S. capital and research potential, Lithuanias readiness to quickly provide production opportunities, and Ukraines ability to respond rapidly to needs on the battlefield form a triangle of opportunity that opens up vast business prospects, Budrys said. He emphasized that the defense industry needs to roll with the punches and embrace new ideas, citing recent drone incidents as proof that NATOs current frontline capabilities are falling short of the mark. He added that close cooperation with Ukraine and drawing from its experience is essential for strengthening security. Forum participants emphasized the value of the transatlantic bond, which is reinforced through expanding cooperation in the defense sector. U.S. defense industry representatives highlighted Lithuanias willingness to think outside the box, its nimble approach, and its ability to roll with the punches in decision-making. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda also attended the forum, where three LithuanianU.S. cooperation documents were signed: an agreement between Lithuanias Innovation Agency and the Pennsylvania National Guard on innovation cooperation; a cooperation deal between the Pennsylvania Drone Association and the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industry Association; and a contract between Lithuanian company KOVO Armor and U.S. firm Safariland Group. The event was organized by the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York, together with the Baltic American Chamber of Commerce and the American-Lithuanian Business Council. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The EU and Indonesia have concluded talks on a free-trade deal that includes zero tariffs on palm oil exports from the South East Asian country. The draft agreement, described by EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic as a game-changer for both our economies, removes Indonesias duties on certain EU agri-food products. EU farming lobby groups Copa and Cogeca welcomed the deal, which will head to the European Council and European Parliament for approval. However, the zero-tariff rate on Indonesian palm oil has attracted criticism in campaign circles. Under the agreement, palm oil from Indonesia will face zero tariffs within a defined quota. EU tariffs on all palm oil imports range up to 12.8%. Much of Indonesias palm oil shipments to the EU already face a 0% tariff, Just Food understands. The EU said the so-called Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, announced yesterday (23 September), includes a protocol on palm oil, geared towards maximising the potential of CEPA to support trade in sustainable palm oil. In a statement, the EU said: It does so by establishing a platform for dialogue, including on regulatory developments of relevance for the palm oil sector, and creating a framework to work more closely together in areas of specific importance for the sustainability of palm oil production. Reacting to the news of the agreement, Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said the deal was good news but he expressed concern about the EUs planned deforestation regulations, or EUDR. The IEU-CEPA is good news but if the EUDR cannot be fulfilled, then zero tariffs are useless. Our exports will still be hampered, Martono said in a statement. In a separate announcement yesterday, the European Commission, the EUs executive arm, said it would propose another delay to EUDR coming into force. The regulations were set be implemented in December after already being pushed back. Under EUDR, companies marketing products including cocoa, coffee and palm oil, as well as foods that contain the ingredients, in the EU will have to demonstrate their supply chains are free from deforestation-related impacts. EUDR, first announced in 2021, was originally due to be enforced on 30 December this year but the Commission faced pressure from parts of the food industry to extend the deadline. Brussels agreed to a one-year delay last December. IT problems have now led the Commission to put forward plans for another postponement of one year. Fern, an NGO working to protect forests and the rights of forest peoples, hit out at the deal between the EU and Indonesia and the prospect of another delay to EUDR. Irans non-oil exports to Tajikistan hit snag in 5M2025 Irans non-oil exports to Tajikistan rose sharply during the first five months of the Iranian year, reaching around $150 million and 250,000 tons, driven by petrochemicals, steel, and agricultural products. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 24. During his visit to the United States, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, Trend reports. The two leaders reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, highlighting opportunities to deepen cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian fields. They noted that Turkmenistan and Kuwait successfully collaborate both bilaterally and within the framework of the United Nations. Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khalid congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the successful hosting of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Awaza and conveyed greetings to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. In response, the Turkmen leader expressed his gratitude for the support and extended his best wishes. Energy, transport, communications, and the development of international transit corridors, including the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, were identified among the key areas for future cooperation. The leaders also discussed increasing bilateral trade, organizing joint consultations, and holding exhibitions to expand economic ties. President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural, educational, sports, and tourism exchanges. He invited the Crown Prince to take part in the International Forum in Ashgabat on December 12, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing partnership across a wide range of areas. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 24. During his visit to the United States, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with King Mswati III of Eswatini, during which the sides discussed prospects for developing bilateral relations, Trend reports. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan, guided by its status of neutrality, is strengthening friendly ties with all countries, placing particular importance on cooperation with African nations. Moreover, special attention was given to the signing of the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Turkmenistan and Eswatini. This document opens up opportunities for cooperation in trade and economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. The sides expressed confidence that the establishment of diplomatic relations would lay the foundation for a long-term partnership and enhanced stability. At the end of the meeting, both parties exchanged well-wishes Uzbekistan faces ongoing dip in natural gas output Uzbekistans natural gas output continued to decline in 2025, totaling 28.9 billion cubic meters over the first eight months of the year down from both 2024 and 2023 levels. Despite the slowdown in gas production, the countrys industrial structure remains dominated by manufacturing, which accounted for 85 percent of total output. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Kazakhstan and China's Henan Group set to cultivate success in agri ventures Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstans Vice Minister of Agriculture, Yermek Kenzhehanuly, met with representatives of Henan Agriculture Investment Group to discuss joint investment projects in Kazakhstans agro-industrial sector. Key plans include building a grain processing plant, launching a sugar factory, and opening a poultry farm. The ministry pledged full support to these initiatives to strengthen Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in agriculture. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened the first Task Force Meeting on the establishment of the ECO Regional Electricity Market (ECO-REM) in virtual format on September 23, 2025, Trend reports. The meeting brought together more than twenty technical experts in power system connectivity from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. Representatives of the ECO Secretariat and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), a core partner of the project, also participated. Discussions focused on the recommendations outlined in the Regional Roadmap of Power System Connectivity ECO Regional Electricity Market: Promoting Cross-Border Electricity Connectivity for Sustainable Development, developed by UNESCAP. Participants reviewed ways to advance the project and align member states efforts toward regional electricity integration. The meeting concluded with an agreement to finalize consideration of the Roadmap at the next Task Force gathering, expected to provide further momentum for the ECO-REM initiative. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Six state programs dedicated to the development of statistics in Azerbaijan have been adopted in accordance with the presidential instructions in recent years, Ali Asadov, the country's prime minister, said at the 3rd International Statistical Forum held in Baku, Trend reports. He noted that statistics is the main methodological tool of the state. "In accordance with the instructions of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani government attaches great importance to the development of statistics. In recent years, the Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan has developed considerably. This development has occurred both from a methodological and organizational perspective," the official added. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. On the sidelines of the 6th Meeting of the Attorneys/Prosecutors General of the ECO Member States, ECO Secretary General Asad M. Khan held a bilateral meeting with Qudratov Obidjon Nematovich, First Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection & Climate Change of Uzbekistan, to discuss regional cooperation in environmental protection and climate change initiatives, Trend reports. The Deputy Minister highlighted Uzbekistans readiness to work closely with ECO in the environmental sector, noting that the country has implemented numerous initiatives in recent years. He also expressed Uzbekistans interest in hosting the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Environment. Appreciating Uzbekistans active role in fostering regional collaboration, particularly through the Transboundary Green Initiative proposed by the Honorable President of Uzbekistan during the 17th ECO Summit, Secretary General Khan emphasized that ECO Member States are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. He underscored the importance of intensifying efforts and referenced the new ECO vision currently being finalized. The parties stressed that environmental issues should have a central place in the next ECO vision and agreed to work closely on related initiatives, including cooperation on finalizing the agenda for the 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Environment. Uzbekistans economic role in ECO is really on the rise, making waves and turning heads. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population exceeding 37 million and a GDP of over $115 billion. By the end of 2024, trade volume with ECO countries reached around $12 billion. Key partners include Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, with growing ties to Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. As part of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, Alisher Shaykhov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, met with Afet Ahmadova, Director of Brightman BMC LLC, to discuss expanding cooperation in entrepreneurship, investment, and trade, Trend reports. Afet Ahmadova noted that, drawing on the companys successful experience in Europe, Japan, and the United States, Brightman BMC LLC is ready to establish cooperation in Uzbekistan on a franchise basis. The initiative is expected to introduce modern business practices, create new jobsespecially for women in rural areasand integrate local entrepreneurs into international value chains. In turn, Alisher Shaykhov emphasized that the Chamber places special importance on expanding international cooperation and supporting innovative business models that contribute to the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing long-term cooperation, noting that the agreements reached will provide a solid foundation for effective collaboration in the future. Brightman BMC LLC, established in 2013, specializes in the production and export of processed food products under the Zira Natural & Gourmet brand. Since 2017, the companys products have been successfully delivered to markets in Europe, the United States, and Japan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The activation of the 'snapback' mechanism, which envisages the restoration of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran, will not create a serious problematic restriction on Iran's oil sales, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad told the media on the sidelines of a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, over the past years, Iran has faced sanctions and serious restrictions imposed by the US, and therefore, the current process won't significantly increase these restrictions. "Of course, if there is a need to take measures related to the sale of crude oil, the necessary work will be done," he noted. Currently, Iran has 74 active oil fields and 22 gas fields. Of these, 37 are operated by the National Iranian South Oil Company, 14 by the Iranian Central Oil Fields Company, five by the Arvandan Oil and Gas Production Company, and 18 by the Iranian Offshore Oil Company. As for gas, five fields are located in the territory of the National Iranian South Oil Company, 13 in the Iranian Central Oil Fields Company, one in the Pars Oil and Gas Company, and three in the Iranian Offshore Oil Company. Irans total hydrocarbon reserves are estimated at 1.2 trillion barrels. With existing equipment and technology, about 340 billion barrels can be extracted, meaning that only around 30 percent of reserves are recoverable, while the remaining 70 percent remains untapped underground. The UN Security Council has voted to restore sanctions that had been suspended following the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The decision has been backed by the US, the UK, France, and Germany. If Iran and European leaders fail to reach a new agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated on September 26. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel -The Australian Securities and Investments Commission on Tuesday initiated Federal Court proceedings against RACQ Insurance, a unit of Insurance Australia Group, alleging the insurer misled thousands of customers with false premium comparison pricing in renewal documents over a five-year period. Between September 2019 and December 2024, Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Insurance sent over 570,000 renewal notices containing a "last period premium", an amount that ASIC claims was often inflated compared to the actual amount customers paid. In some cases, this distortion led to a significant misrepresentation of premium increases, ASIC alleges. Insurance Australia Group, the country's biggest general insurer, had completed its acquisition of a 90% stake in RACQ Insurance earlier this month, in a deal that also includes a 25-year distribution agreement. "During a cost-of-living crisis, we believe RACQ misled thousands of customers by including false comparison pricing in their renewal documents," ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said, emphasizing that customers may have been left paying more as a result. The regulator's complaint highlights that RACQ's practices may have hindered customers from accurately assessing and comparing premiums across insurers, potentially depriving them of cost-saving opportunities. It also alleges that RACQ was aware of the misleading nature of its renewal notices shortly after implementing the practice, receiving customer complaints within days but failing to take corrective action for years. RACQ's alleged misrepresentation covered multiple insurance types, including home and contents, car, caravan, boat and pet insurance, according to the regulator's statement. ASIC intends to seek civil penalties, declarations and publicity orders from the Court, it said. Later on Tuesday, RACQ acknowledged ASIC's proceedings. It said in a statement that it had self-reported the issue regarding annual comparison price on renewal notices for its insurance policies following a media enquiry in 2024. RACQ said that it has since been cooperating with the regulator while also conducting its own internal review, and will be working through this process with ASIC to finalise the matter. (Reporting by Adwitiya Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Hungary is preparing to transform its statistical sector by utilizing a wide range of modern data sources and advanced analytical methods, the Chairman of the Hungarian Statistical Committee, Aron Kincses said, at the 3rd International Statistical Forum in Baku, Trend reports. "Statistics is at a crossroads. We have an abundance of data sources: national, administrative, census, big data, satellite, and even smart data. Our task is to create a diversified and compatible data portfolio by integrating modern methods, including artificial intelligence," Kincses noted. He explained that the use of diverse sources will improve the quality of statistics and reduce the time needed to prepare data. The strategy pays particular attention to the practical application of data. Thanks to the new project, we have updated the retail data collection system using online cash registers that provide real-time information. This allows us to obtain more accurate and timely data, especially during periods of crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic, the committee chairman emphasized. According to Kincses, Hungary is expanding its monitoring of migration and population density. We have detailed information about the population, including migration flows and population density per square kilometer, especially in the capital, which helps us better understand socio-economic processes and make informed decisions, Kincses added. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 24. The Mazhilis of Kazakhstan (the lower house of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan) has ratified the Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Morocco on extradition, signed on December 12, 2024, in the city of Rabat, according to which the parties agree to hand over to each other individuals located in their territories for the purpose of bringing them to justice or carrying out court sentences, Trend reports citing the press service of Kazakhstans Mazhilis. As it was agreed, only persons who have committed a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of at least one year or a more severe penalty under the laws of the parties shall be subject to extradition. At the same time, extradition for the purpose of enforcing a sentence is allowed provided that at the time of the request the unserved term of the sentence is at least six months, the statement says. The document also defines grounds for refusal of extradition. These include cases where the person is a citizen of the requested party, the offense is of a political nature, the request is related to prosecution or punishment based on race, religion, or nationality, a military offense was committed, or the person has been granted asylum by the requested party. The competent authorities for implementing the agreement are designated as the General Prosecutors Office of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of Morocco. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. On the sidelines of the 6th Meeting of the Attorneys/Prosecutors General of the ECO Member States, ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad Khan held a bilateral meeting with Rahmatullayev Ayubxon, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, to discuss regional security, public safety, and law enforcement cooperation, Trend reports. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan continues to strengthen public safety and uphold the rule of law through a comprehensive program of reforms and proactive policing. Appreciating Uzbekistans significant efforts in fostering the rule of law and the importance of sharing these experiences with other ECO Member States, the Secretary General highlighted the need to deepen cooperation across all areas through experience sharing. He also noted that ECO is finalizing its next vision document, Strategic Goals of Economic Cooperation 2035, a title proposed by the Honorable President of Uzbekistan, which will also address issues under the purview of interior ministries across the ECO region. Both sides underlined the significance of the upcoming 4th ECO Interior Ministers Meeting, themed Regional Stability, Security, and Sustainable Development, scheduled for October in Tehran. The meeting is expected to serve as a key multilateral forum for addressing critical security challenges that affect regional stability and socioeconomic progress. Uzbekistans economic role in the ECO is steadily rising. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population exceeding 37 million and a GDP of over $115 billion. By the end of 2024, trade volume with ECO countries reached around $12 billion. Key partners include Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, with growing trade and economic ties to Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Irans non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan drop in 5M2025 Irans non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan fell to about $38 million, totaling nearly 24,000 tons, driven mainly by petrochemical, agricultural, and industrial products. Overall, Irans non-oil exports reached roughly $21 billion, showing a slight decline in value but a small increase in volume compared with last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Under the agreement, the company will receive long-term financing without a sovereign guarantee. The funds will be allocated to modernize international airports using advanced specialized equipment. This is not only a significant step for our company but also a recognition of Uzbekistans growing credibility on the international stage. The trust placed in us by one of Europes leading banks reflects the effectiveness of the reforms underway in the country. This financing will accelerate the modernization of airports, introduce cutting-edge technologies, and create world-class conditions for passengers and partners. We are confident that this agreement will give a new impetus to the development of aviation infrastructure and strengthen Uzbekistans role as a key transport hub in the region, the Uzbekistan Airports press service commented. The signing of the agreement is the result of transformative processes, as well as management and financial reforms implemented at Uzbekistan Airports in recent years. The companys reliability in international markets is further supported by the BB rating, awarded for the first time by Fitch Ratings. The signing ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airports and the leadership of Helaba Bank. Helaba Group employs more than 6,600 people across 18 locations in Germany and worldwide. The bank supports its customers in achieving their goals both nationally and globally, serving as a reliable commercial bank, a central bank partner, a collaborator for the German Sparkassen, and a committed regional development bank. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. Within the framework of the ongoing ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025 in Tashkent, the State Unitary Enterprise Republican Center for Management of Telecommunication Networks (OzTTBRM) and Tajikistans NET Solutions LLC signed a memorandum of cooperation, Trend reports. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in modernizing telecommunication network management systems and deploying advanced banking anti-fraud solutions. Participants highlighted the importance of closer collaboration amid the rapid growth of digital technologies, stressing that such joint efforts will strengthen cybersecurity, increase the reliability of telecommunication services, and provide stronger protection for users against fraud and illicit operations. The memorandum sets out a framework for cooperation that includes knowledge sharing, joint project development, and coordinated measures to combat banking fraud. Tajikistan has emerged as one of Uzbekistans key regional partners, ranking among the top 20 trade allies. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached $702.7 million, marking a substantial increase and underscoring the growing momentum of economic and cross-border cooperation between the countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The sea route through the Anzali-Aktau ports could turn the Gilan Province in northern Iran into a trade hub between Iran and Central Asian countries, Hadi Hagshenas, the governor of Gilan Province, said during a meeting with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Ontalap Onalbayev, Trend reports. According to him, Iran and Kazakhstan have positive relations. Efforts have been increased to further improve relations between the Caspian region of Gilan and Kazakhstan. Hagshenas also said that Gilan province has great potential in the transit sector. The Anzali-Aktau sea route, as well as the railway and highway corridor, creates export and import opportunities, creates the opportunity to transport products more quickly. The governor mentioned that the Caspian littoral countries have great potential in various fields. Kazakhstan is one of the largest producers in the field of grain, oilseeds, and metals. In this regard, the cost of importing products through Gilan can be reduced, and the transportation time can be shortened. At the same time, the province has the opportunity to export tea, rice, almonds, greens, and agricultural products of the food industry to Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, it is possible to transport cargo from Turkiye to Central Asian countries through the province's Anzali port using sea and railway facilities in Gilan Province. Hagshenas said that trade cooperation and the creation of border markets between Iran and Kazakhstan can contribute to the growth of Iran's non-oil exports. Kazakhstan, possessing rich energy resources, can be an important partner in the field of energy supply and investment in Iran, especially in Gilan Province. Technical, engineering, and infrastructure services can also be provided to the Kazakh side by Iran. At the meeting, Onalbayev also said that considering the strategic opportunities of Gilan province, located on the Caspian Sea coast, especially the ports of Anzali, Amirabad, and Caspian, these ports of Iran can become a transit gate between Iran's Central Asian and European countries. The ambassador added that Kazakhstan is trying to scale up the transit opportunities of Gilan Province and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Kazakhstan and Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijan and Serbia have evaluated opportunities to enhance the efficiency of their economic cooperation, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. We met with Ana Brnabic, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. During the meeting, we emphasized the importance of joint initiatives and explored opportunities to further enhance the effectiveness of economic cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, business, and energy, the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhromjon Aloyev, held a meeting with Ambassador of Germany, Manfred Huterer, during which they discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports. In particular, the parties concentrated on fostering political discourse, enhancing trade and economic synergies, exploring investment avenues, and facilitating cultural and humanitarian interactions. They also addressed further strengthening of bilateral and multilateral relations and discussed plans for joint events in 2025. Focused efforts were directed towards engaging premier German enterprises and cutting-edge technologies to execute investment initiatives centered on the advanced processing of raw materials and fostering sustainable employment opportunities throughout Uzbekistan's diverse regions. In the interim, the bilateral trade volume between Uzbekistan and Germany reached an impressive $854.4 million during the January-August 2025 timeframe, showcasing a robust 25 percent escalation relative to the $682.0 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. MILAN After gaining the support of the family of Moncler chairman and chief executive officer Remo Ruffini, hotel supplies firm La Bottega is ready to expand on a global level. On Monday, the Italy-based firm unveiled its new rebranded image, La Bottega Collective, which is now operating as an umbrella company over which it controls its founding firm La Bottega; Beltrami, a luxury textile company based in Bergamo; Vanity Group, an Australian-born leader in the beauty essentials sector; Palatino Hospitality, a Hong Kong and Paris-based leader in the production and distribution of luxury hospitality accessories, and the recently launched White Prive, a textiles brand dedicated to creating bath-to-table collections for hotels. More from WWD Now a so-called platform, the firm still has a variety of artisanal and luxury partners under its umbrella and is focused even more on creating exclusive and bespoke products and services for luxury hotels like the Four Seasons, The Mandarin Oriental, Aman hotels, the Ritz-Carlton, Rocco Forte and Bulgari. On Monday, La Bottega Collective also inaugurated its new La Bottega Collective showroom on Via della Spiga 46, in the heart of Milans Quadrilatero shopping district. The aim of the new showroom is to interface with existing and new clients, inviting them to immerse themselves in a space that calls to mind the atmosphere of a luxurious hotel. Following the global launch in Milan, the firm said it will open two showrooms in New York and Dubai, where events are already planned for November. These two cities are already home to offices overseeing business in the Americas and the Middle East. In 2026, a series of initiatives is planned in major locales where La Bottega Collective is present, including London, Paris, Barcelona, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney. On Friday, it was revealed that the Ruffini family holding company Ou(r) Group took a minority stake of 14.7 percent in La Bottega FounderCo, the Italian company that owns La Bottega. Since its inception in 1981, La Bottega has been billed as a hospitality curator, enriching the hospitality industry with fragrances and toiletry products from Italian brands like Culti and Ortigia, as well as Etro and Diptyque. In addition to cosmetic brands, it also provides bespoke products, dry amenities like combs and vanity kits and slippers to hotels around the world. Today it is able to offer more services and items, all in one place. We are what didnt exist before: a unique place where everything you need can be found. A player that designs hospitality experiences around peoples desires. The ideal partner for those seeking the very best in products, design, services and innovation, chief executive officer Tommaso Pacini said. La Bottega FounderCo is the holding company of the Pacini family that has a 50.4 percent stake, while private equity firm Three Hills Capital Partners owns the remaining 49.6 percent. Three Hills other investments include Aquafil and historic Milanese cafe and pastry shop and restaurant group Sant Ambroeus. Ou(r) Group is one of the two holding companies of the Ruffini family. The other family holding company is Ruffini Partecipazioni Holding, which controls a 15.8 percent stake in Moncler, through Double R. In 2018 Archive Srl, an independent investment company controlled by Ruffini Partecipazioni Holding, acquired a 49 percent stake of Italian fashion label The Attico. Ou(r) Group CEO Pietro Ruffini, who is the son of Remo Ruffini, said La Bottega Collective is unlike any other platform in the luxury hospitality sector. La Bottega Collective represents a truly unique reality, a platform that stands out in the luxury hospitality landscape as a leading force in creating exclusive and authentic experiences. We believe in the companys innovative vision and growth strategy, and we are ready to support its strategic consolidation and its leadership within the sector, he said. La Bottega Collective said the firm reached 200 million euros in revenues in 2024. The company has over 900 employees working from offices across five continents, and boasts around 15,000 clients worldwide. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. A delegation from the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) visited the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) for an experience-sharing mission, Trend reports via the CBA. The visit aimed to expand professional dialogue between the regulatory institutions of both countries within the framework of bilateral technical cooperation. During the meetings, the NBG delegation shared its experience on the registration and issuance of bonds by international financial organizations, as well as on securities trading, depository operations, post-trade systems, and other key topics. The sides also discussed the potential significance of bonds issued by international organizations in local currency for domestic financial markets. The visit was organized under the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year between the CBA and the NBG. The memorandum focuses on expanding cooperation in monetary policy, financial stability, banking supervision, payment systems, and financial technologies, and includes provisions for experience and information exchange, joint trainings and seminars, technical consultations, and research-oriented visits. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy discussed potential collaboration with the Chinese BYD company, focusing on business partnership opportunities and knowledge exchange, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. "During our meeting with Tian Chunlong, General Director of the Commercial Vehicles Department at BYD, we explored new opportunities for partnership with Azerbaijan, focusing on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. We underscored the importance of investing in new production areas to strengthen the value-added chain, and reviewed the progress of the electric bus localization project in the Sumgait Industrial Park, along with the objectives set for the coming period," the post reads. BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese multinational manufacturing firm established in 1995, originally as a rechargeable battery manufacturer, which subsequently diversified into electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and rail transit systems. The company, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is vertically integrated and concentrates on the development and application of innovative energy technologies to deliver zero-emission solutions. BYD provides an extensive array of products, encompassing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, buses, batteries, and electronic components. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. An exchange of views was held on the strides made in projects under the umbrella of collaboration between Azerbaijan and the World Bank in the energy sector, as well as the potential for future partnerships on the horizon, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy. Thus, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov met with a delegation led by the World Bank's Regional Director for the South Caucasus Rolande Pryce. The assembly conducted a comprehensive analysis of conventional and alternative energy paradigms, scrutinized power infrastructure frameworks, evaluated energy efficiency metrics, and explored green energy corridors pioneered by Azerbaijan, alongside other prospective initiatives. The ongoing engagement and prospective opportunities for synergistic funding initiatives alongside other global financial entities were deliberated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Remittances from Kazakhstan contribute to steady inflow into Azerbaijan in 6M2025 Photo: Artificial intelligence Remittances from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan increased to roughly $12 million in the first half of the year, up slightly from last year, while transfers from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan fell to about $3 million. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 25. KTZ Express, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), organized the first experimental export container shipment of wheat flour from Kazakhstan to the United States, the KTZ press service said in a statement, Trend reports. It is reported that 50 tons of domestically produced flour (Salamat Company LLP) under the Eurasian Legacy brand was delivered from Kostanay to New York. It is noted that a significant increase in supply volumes on a monthly basis is planned in the future. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 24. Kyrgyzstans Interbank Processing Center (IPC), operator of the national payment system Elkart, and global cross-border mobile payment platform Alipay+ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Shanghai, China, Trend reports via IPC. The agreement aligns with the priorities set by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan to advance digital payments, cross-border settlements, and international cooperation. The parties confirmed their readiness to launch a large-scale project enabling mutual acceptance of QR payments. The initiative will establish a digital bridge between Kyrgyzstan and China, as well as other countries where Alipay+ operates. Currently, QR-code payment options for foreign tourists in Kyrgyzstan are limited, but the project will pave the way for their full integration. Through the ELQR network (Electronic QR Payment System) and Alipay+ partner apps, users will be able to shop and pay for services as conveniently as in their home countries. The MoU also provides for the joint development of payment and acquiring infrastructure and the introduction of cross-border QR payment acceptance via ELQR and Alipay+ partner apps. This will create new opportunities for businesses and consumers in both countries to conduct convenient and secure transactions. Future cooperation will include joint projects and pilot initiatives, with a focus on reliability, regulatory compliance, and data protection. This agreement builds a digital bridge between Kyrgyzstan and China and expands our integration into the international financial ecosystem. It will allow tourists to pay through familiar Alipay+ apps, while local entrepreneurs gain access to millions of users worldwide, said Altymysh Turatbekov, Chairman of IPC. Alipay+, developed by Chinas Ant International, is a global digital payment platform that unites leading e-wallets and payment apps worldwide. It enables users to make purchases abroad through familiar applications and allows businesses to accept payments from millions of customers. Alipay+ is currently present in 57 countries and regions, connecting tens of millions of merchants and numerous payment partners. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 24. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Meder Abakirov, and the UK Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Nicholas Bowler, discussed priority areas of Kyrgyz-UK cooperation in the economic, trade and investment, banking, and mining sectors, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Special attention was given to the progress of a project with Concrete Canvas on building a plant, cooperation with the UK Export Finance (UKEF), and collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on developing Kyrgyzstans Critical Minerals Sector Strategy. The parties also expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to continue working on high-level visits and negotiations to maintain political dialogue. UK Export Finance provides support to companies seeking to enter global markets by offering financing and risk management tools in partnership with private financial institutions. Public and private buyers worldwide can access UKEFs mechanisms, provided that at least 20 percent of the project value consists of UK goods or services. Earlier, UKEF signaled readiness to provide Kyrgyzstan with up to 1.8 billion pounds (about $2.3 billion). Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov noted that Kyrgyzstan annually exports around $1 billion worth of gold to the UK. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 24. Starting from October 1, customs clearance of imported and exported goods, as well as vehicles, in Tajikistan will be carried out through the ASYCUDA information system of the countrys Customs Service, Trend reports via the Customs Service of Tajikistan. The move is part of government programs and strategies aimed at digitalizing sectors of the national economy and aligning customs procedures with international standards. To simplify customs control and speed up clearance at border crossing points, importers will be required to submit advance electronic information about goods and vehicles at least two hours before their arrival at the border. The transition to ASYCUDA, which operates largely in automated mode with elements of artificial intelligence, will cover customs clearance for all procedures and regimes. The system is expected to simplify and make operations more transparent, strengthen customs control, and improve the level and quality of customs revenue collection for the state budget. According to the Customs Service, this step marks an important stage in the digitalization of customs processes and the expansion of cashless payment practices in Tajikistan. ASYCUDA is an automated customs management system that covers the majority of foreign trade procedures. It processes manifests and customs declarations, manages accounting, transit, and suspense operations, and generates trade data that can be used for economic and statistical analysis. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 24. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the advancement of joint initiatives, including issues related to water and climate, Trend reports, citing the Presidential Administration of Tajikistan. The discussions centered on amplifying bilateral synergies and fortifying collaborative frameworks within multilateral entities to advance collective endeavors. The two leaders engaged in a dialogue, articulating perspectives on a spectrum of additional subjects of reciprocal significance. President Rahmon is currently in New York, where he addressed the general debates of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. In 2024, Rahmon proposed a new initiative to proclaim the Decade of Peacebuilding for the Sake of Future Generations under the auspices of the UN General Assembly. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Giuseppe Fonte ROME (Reuters) -The Rome government will set conditions on a possible tie-up between Banco BPM and the Italian unit of France's Credit Agricole, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Wednesday. Banco BPM is looking for a merger partner after escaping a takeover attempt by rival UniCredit, and CEO Giuseppe Castagna has listed Credit Agricole Italia and state-backed Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) as the two main options. With MPS involved in implementing the takeover of Mediobanca, a deal with Credit Agricole Italia is seen as easier to pursue. Asked about political objections to a BPM deal with the French lender, Giorgetti told reporters that he would apply the legislation aimed at protecting key assets -- the so-called golden powers -- to such a merger should it materialise. "I have no political objections, I have a law that I must enforce as I have done in the recent past. As I have enforced it for others I will enforce it for them, there is a law and it applies to everyone," Giorgetti said on the sidelines of parliamentary work in the upper house, the Senate. Castagna travelled to Rome this week to discuss merger options for the Milan-based bank with leading government officials, people close to the matter said. Banco BPM owns 9% of MPS while Credit Agricole is the biggest investor in BPM, which is Italy's third-largest bank and plays an important role in financing small firms. Italy is Credit Agricole's biggest foreign market, key also for its asset manager Amundi, which partners with UniCredit under a contract expiring in 2027. With some 3 trillion euros ($3.5 trillion) each in public debt, Italy and France both have large refinancing needs and Meloni has said Italian savings should be invested domestically. Italy had long sought to build a third large player to rival Intesa and UniCredit by encouraging a merger between BPM and MPS, which it has been successfully reprivatising after a 2017 bailout. UniCredit's swoop on BPM in November initially derailed that plan before that planned deal fell through. ($1 = 0.8516 euros) (Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte, editing by Giulia Segreti and Keith Weir) ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 24. Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held talks with UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, and discussed peace initiatives, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as fostering mutual understanding and trust in the international arena. Meredov reaffirmed Turkmenistans commitment to using the UNGA platform to advance the global agenda of peace, trust, and dialogue. Among Ashgabats proposals were convening an international forum titled Central Asia: Space for Building a Peaceful Life and holding a Global Summit on a Culture of Peace, Trust, and Mutual Respect under the auspices of UNESCO and the Alliance of Civilizations. Both sides expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in these areas and work together in the interest of global peace. Earlier, on September 22, Meredov also met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA session. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly's anniversary session, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Trend reports. The two discussed the practical implementation of the agreements reached during his high-level visit to Uzbekistan in August of this year. Particular attention was paid to the adoption of coordinated measures to accelerate the implementation of priority investment projects involving leading companies from Uzbekistan and Jordan. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 24. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly, Chairman of the House of Representatives' Uzbekistan Caucus, and Major General Bobby Ginn, Commander of the Mississippi National Guard, as part of his participation in the UN General Assembly's anniversary session, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan reports, Trend reports. According to the information, issues of further expansion of Uzbek-American strategic partnership relations, including strengthening interparliamentary dialogue, were discussed and the dynamic development of interparliamentary contacts and exchanges was also noted during the meeting. "Trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties with the US state of Mississippi were highly praised. The importance of Congressional support for the further expansion of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States and the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest level was emphasized, the report says. It is noted that following the conversation, it was agreed to organize visits to Uzbekistan in the near future by a congressional delegation and a business mission from the state of Mississippi. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. French President Emmanuel Macron met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Trend reports. Macron called for the immediate release of Cecile Kohler, Jacques Paris, and Lennart Monterlos, whom he described as state hostages arbitrarily detained in Iran under inhumane conditions. He stressed that France never abandons its children. Turning to Irans nuclear program, the French president reaffirmed Frances uncompromising stance that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons. In light of Irans failure to comply with its nuclear obligations, together with Germany and the United Kingdom, we have decided to trigger the Snapback mechanism, allowing sanctions to be reimposed on Iran, Macron wrote on his page on X. During the meeting, Macron outlined three non-negotiable demands: full access for IAEA inspectors in Iran, transparency regarding enriched material stockpiles, and the immediate resumption of negotiations. While underscoring the urgency of the moment, Macron said an agreement remains possible, but only if Iran acts swiftly: Only a few hours are left. It is up to Iran to respond to the legitimate conditions we have set for the security of the region and the stability of the world. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. It's important for all parties to use diplomatic opportunities to reduce tensions over Iran's nuclear program and related issues, Trend reports. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre in New York. Besides, the meeting discussed prospects for bilateral relations between Iran and Norway. Regional and international issues were also in the spotlight at the meeting. Araghchi is on a visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session. The UN Security Council has voted to restore sanctions that had been suspended following the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The decision has been backed by the US, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. If Iran and European leaders fail to reach a new agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated on September 26. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The activation of the 'snapback' mechanism, which envisages the restoration of UN Security Council sanctions against Iran, won't isolate the Iranian economy from the global one, Iranian MP Mojtaba Zonnuri told local media, Trend reports. According to him, the activation doesn't meet the interest of any party, and if economic relations with the world are possible under normal circumstances, this is more suitable for Iran. The 'snapback' mechanism will also have certain problems and create obstacles for Iran; however, these won't be unilateral steps, he explained. Zonnuri said that Iran was ready to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency even after the bombing of nuclear facilities, and if the 'snapback' mechanism is activated, the minimum that Iran will do is to suspend cooperation with the agency. The MP added that if the 'snapback' mechanism is activated, Iran should further strengthen its relations with regional and eastern countries. The UN Security Council has voted to restore sanctions that had been suspended following the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The decision has been backed by the US, the UK, France, and Germany. If Iran and European leaders fail to reach a new agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated on September 26. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran categorically rejects the development of nuclear weapons, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in his address at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, Trend reports. According to Pezeshkian, under the decision of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the country will never pursue the creation of nuclear weapons, as they are unlawful and constitute weapons of mass destruction. He noted that, despite this position, countries with the worlds largest nuclear arsenals, while violating the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), have used unfounded accusations to pressure Iran. The US and the European trio have sought to reimpose UN Security Council sanctions against Iran that were previously lifted, Pezeshkian said. The president added that the same governments had themselves dismantled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal they once hailed as a diplomatic success. He stressed that such moves lack international support. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran considers this group a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation and solidarity among countries in the direction of development as a member of the International Development Initiative Group of Friends, the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the International Development Initiative meeting on the theme "Unity for a Bright Future in International Development, Renewed Commitment to Real Actions" in New York. According to him, it's necessary for developing countries to continue to face deep inequalities in economic, financial, and international trade structures. Araghchi also said that Iran is currently concerned about deep gaps in digital development, especially in the field of new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Accordingly, it's important to take transparent and fair steps in digital technologies with the effective and full cooperation of developing countries. The minister noted that it's necessary to carry out structural changes with the full, equal, and effective cooperation of developing countries in making international decisions. Meanwhile, Araghchi is on a visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran is ready to strengthen bilateral relations with the Netherlands, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said during his meeting with Dutch counterpart David van Weel in New York, Trend reports. According to the Iranian minister, the development of relations between the two countries can have a positive impact on many areas. At the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the importance of the constructive role of the European parties participating in the process of discussions related to this program. Meanwhile, Araghchi is on a visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran and Japan attach great importance to strengthening relations in all areas of mutual interest, Trend reports. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya. The meeting exchanged views on the ancient and friendly relations between the two countries. Regional and international processes were also discussed. The meeting pointed out the importance of all countries involved in issues related to Iran's nuclear program, using diplomacy to prevent any unnecessary crisis. To note, Araghchi is on a visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session. The UN Security Council has voted to restore sanctions that had been suspended following the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The decision has been backed by the US, the UK, France, and Germany. If Iran and European leaders fail to reach a new agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated on September 26. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TruBridge has expanded its partnership with Java Medical Group to provide technology and services at Russellville Hospital in Alabama, US. The agreement forms part of Java Medical Group's broader effort to standardise its managed hospitals using TruBridge's nTrust offering, which includes financial health software, electronic health record (EHR), and business office outsourcing. Java Medical Group founder and CEO Bappa Mukherji said: "TruBridge is more than a partner; they're an extension of our shared passion for strengthening rural hospitals. "They understand the issues these communities navigate and are actively engaged in crafting sustainable, community-focused healthcare solutions." The partnership enables TruBridge to work across the Java Medical Group system to improve outcomes and workflow through a comprehensive EHR optimisation initiative. Similar work was recently concluded at Unity Medical Center in Tennessee. TruBridge president and CEO Chris Fowler said: Working with Java Medical Group to support community hospitals creates both excitement and pride. Their unwavering dedication to bolstering community healthcare by unifying EHRs with financial objectives deeply resonates with and propels our efforts at TruBridge. TruBridge provides support to community and rural healthcare providers, drawing on over 45 years of experience in the sector and serving more than 1,500 clients across the country. The company offers a range of services, strategic expertise, and technology solutions, including analytics, revenue cycle management, and EHR systems tailored to the unique challenges of rural healthcare. Java Medical Group collaborates with rural hospitals in New Mexico, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee to enhance financial performance and guarantee high-quality patient care. "Java Medical Group expands TruBridge services at Russellville Hospital" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran never accepts the claims and charges made against any of its structures, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said during a meeting with Australian counterpart Penny Wong in New York, Trend reports. According to him, Iran expects states to take responsible steps regarding their claims and decisions regarding other countries. Noting that the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries are based on mutual interest, Araghchi regretted the decline in the level of relations with Iran and the inappropriate behavior of the Iranian ambassador by the Australian government. He also said that Australian officials have so far repeated only accusations against Iran; however, they haven't presented the slightest fact about this, violating the principle of goodwill in global relations. On August 26, the Australian government expelled Iran's ambassador to Australia and suspended the activities of its embassy in Tehran, citing Tehran's role in attacks on Jewish communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. The sanctions imposed by the US against Iran over the past years are more severe than international sanctions, Iranian MP Mojtaba Zonnuri told local media, Trend reports. According to him, if the current US sanctions against Iran had not been imposed and the UN Security Council sanctions had been reinstated, problems could have arisen. However, Iran is currently facing tougher sanctions. Zonnuri said that the UN Security Council sanctions will create certain problems for Iran; however, they won't be more severe than the so-called 'paralyzing sanctions' imposed by the US. The UN Security Council has voted to restore sanctions that had been suspended following the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The decision has been backed by the US, the UK, France, and Germany. If Iran and European leaders fail to reach a new agreement, the sanctions will be reinstated on September 26. The nuclear deal was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. This resolution resulted in the lifting of six previous resolutions against Iran and extensive sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program. The snapback mechanism is based on Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to these provisions, if one party complains that another has violated the agreement and resolution efforts fail, the issue can be brought before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). If the UNSC accepts the complaint, international sanctions against Iran can be reinstated, and the Security Council members may authorize military operations against Iran. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. Iran has welcomed the defense agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in his address at the session dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trend reports. Pezeshkian stated that the agreement could mark the beginning of a regional security framework built on cooperation among West Asian countries. He emphasized that real security cannot be achieved through force, but through mutual respect, trust-building, and solidarity at both the regional and multilateral levels. The Iranian president added that international institutions must work to improve their image and mechanisms, while also supporting efforts to establish a cooperative security structure in West Asia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. On September 23, 2025, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili held a meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, Trend reports. The ministers discussed key issues of bilateral relations, underscoring the close cooperation between the two countries, which they described as a strategic partnership. Talks also focused on Georgias relations with the European Union and the countrys ongoing process of European integration. Minister Bochorishvili expressed gratitude to her Hungarian counterpart for Budapests consistent support of Georgias European aspirations, both politically and through expert-level cooperation. The two sides confirmed their intention to continue joint efforts in this direction. The importance of maintaining active high-level visits and further expanding sectoral cooperation was also emphasized during the meeting. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 24. During the UN General Assembly, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili held a meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Georgiev to discuss key aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Trend reports. The ministers focused on the strategic role of the Black Sea, highlighting its importance not only for regional security but also for transport, communications, and energy cooperation. They also addressed evolving regional security challenges and broader international issues. Talks included Georgias European Union integration process, the associated challenges, and the importance of partner support for Georgias foreign policy priorities. Minister Bochorishvili expressed gratitude to Minister Georgiev for his significant contribution to the EU Observer Mission and emphasized the importance of its work on the ground. KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR) said Wednesday its board approved a plan to spin off its Mission Technology Solutions business, creating two independent public companies. The transaction, expected to be tax-free, is targeted for completion by mid-to-late 2026. The move will divide the Houston-based company into New KBR, which will concentrate on sustainable technology, and SpinCo, which will focus on government services tied to national security and space. New KBR will house the Sustainable Technology Solutions segment, offering more than 85 process technologies across energy transition, chemicals, refining and circular economy markets. The unit expects to generate growth through low-capital operations and strong cash conversion. Also Read: Whats Driving the Market Sentiment Around Verisk Analytics? SpinCo will serve global government customers in defense and space, benefiting from long-term contracts and a history of acquisitions that have expanded its capabilities. KBR said the units capital-light model and predictable revenue will help drive growth in areas backed by rising budgets. Current Chair and CEO Stuart Bradi will remain at New KBR. Mark Sopp, the companys finance chief, will oversee the spin-off process before transitioning to a new role. Shad Evans will succeed Sopp as chief financial officer in January 2026 and continue in that position post-separation. A search is underway for SpinCos leadership team. The restructuring comes as KBR faces a securities class action lawsuit tied to the termination of a Transcom contract. Investors allege potential violations of securities law. KBR reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook and said it will hold investor days ahead of the separation. Price Action: KBR shares were trading higher by 8.70% to $52.00 premarket at last check Wednesday. Read Next: Image via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article KBR Just Approved A Major Breakup Plan originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). A Week on from Donald Trumps historic second visit to the UK, and with a new 150Bn deal on the cards, Keir Starmer might be emerging as the UK crypto industrys most unlikely ally. Keir Starmer did not run on a crypto platform. Yet a week of transatlantic policymaking has positioned the British prime minister as an unexpected accelerant for the industrys next expansion, aligned, paradoxically, with the impulses of Elon Musks America-first, innovation-at-speed crypto zeitgeist. If the British government moves quickly, the UK can convert regulatory ambiguity into a competitive moat and capture flows now ricocheting between New York, Dubai, and Singapore. The catalyst is structural, not rhetorical. London and Washington have formed the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, co-chaired by the US Treasury and HM Treasury, to deliver short-to-medium term recommendations on digital assets, stablecoins, and wholesale market digitization within 180 days. The Splinternet is Emerging: Two Financial Superpowers Set For Crypto Tag-Team? It is the first serious attempt by the two financial superpowers to align crypto rulemaking and reduce friction for cross-border listings, custody, and capital raising. For issuers and market-makers, this signals a path to dual-jurisdiction clarity on tokenized securities, ETF plumbing, and stablecoin reserves, areas where fragmentation has suppressed institutional participation. Starmers room to maneuver widened further when the UK and US signed a broader technology memorandum covering AI and advanced energy worth 150Bn. The political optics are banal; the market signal is not. Joint tech industrial policy lowers the temperature around cryptos culture-war baggage. It reframes digital assets as infrastructure, rails for settlement, collateral, and programmability that sit alongside AI in national competitiveness strategies. In parallel, US policy has pivoted toward accommodation: a stablecoin statute is now law; the SEC has eased the path for digital-asset ETFs; and the White House is using executive authority to expand regulatory sandboxes. That creates a synchronizing window London can exploit. EXPLORE: Best Meme Coin ICOs to Invest in September Is Kier Starmer Set To Chart New Course For UK Crypto Policy? Domestically, the pieces are moving. The Financial Conduct Authority has cut average crypto registration timelines by roughly two-thirds since the woes of 2024, even as approvals remain selective and many firms pause applications ahead of a fuller legislative regime. Tweet tweet button for twitter Published September 23, 2025 CAPTION: Representatives from the ULM School of Education traveled to Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2025, to receive the recognition from CAEP. Pictured L-R: Yuhang Rong, Chair of CAEP Board of Directors; Jayme Stokes, Certification Coordinator, ULM School of Education; Dr. Shalanda Stanley, Accreditation Coordinator, ULM School of Education; Dr. Myra Lovett, Director, ULM School of Education; Christopher Koch, CAEP President MONROE, LA The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Education has received the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The ULM School of Education is one of only 22 programs in the nation to receive the recognition. Representatives from the school accepted the recognition in Washington, D.C. on September 18, 2025. We are honored to be recognized for excellence and innovation at a national level, said Dr. Myra Lovett, Director of the ULM School of Education. Earning this award could only be possible with the dedication of all of our stakeholders, both internal and external to ULM. Our K-12 school district partners, faculty, staff, and teacher candidates continuously collaborate to build and improve our practices to support K-12 learners. United and led by our accreditation coordinator, Dr. Shalanda Stanley, every stakeholder contributed a valuable piece of the puzzle. Receiving this award shines a light on the ULM School of Education's dedication and hard work in always pursuing continuous improvement, added Lovett. This recognition from CAEP is a testament to the School of Educations continued commitment to excellence. I am incredibly proud of our faculty and administrators who have earned this recognition with their dedication to providing the highest caliber of preparation to our future educators, said ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille. The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement is awarded to 22 educator preparation providers (EPPs) that achieved accreditation with no stipulations or areas for improvement by demonstrating strong evidence and data trends. Named after the founding President of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), the award celebrates Murrays legacy as a champion for rigorous educator preparation standards and his role in uniting the profession through the creation of CAEP. These providers are committed to preparing their candidates to make a positive difference in the lives of all K-12 students as soon as they enter the classroom, said Yuhang Rong, Chair of the CAEP Board of Directors. The Murray Leadership Recognition highlights their dedication to continuous improvement, accountability, and quality through purposeful use of evidence. The announcement of this recognition comes after the ULM School of Education was awarded a renewal of its accreditation from CAEP in spring 2025, which guarantees its accreditation status through spring 2032. The School of Education met all CAEP standards at both the initial-licensure and advanced levels. This recognition is further evidence of the incredible job that our faculty, staff, and students are doing in the School of Education, said Dr. John Pratte, Dean of the ULM College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. Besides bucking the national trend by continuing to increase the number of students in our education programs, our faculty and K-12 partners are providing the highest quality learning experiences that lead to our alumni consistently winning Teacher of the Year honors. This national recognition of the excellent job being done at ULM cements the School of Educations reputation as a leader in providing K-12 schools with the quality teachers that are driving the increased rankings of Louisiana in K-12 education, he continued. CAEP is the only national accreditor for education preparation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation is a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. Learn more at caepnet.org. To learn more about the ULM School of Education, please visit ulm.edu/education. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Israel is Enemy to its Neighbors: Qatar Emir's Counter at UN In a strong rebuttal to repeated Israeli assertions that it is a democratic country surrounded by enemies, Qatar Emir addressing the UN General Assembly Tuesday said it is actually the opposite Wednesday September 24, 2025 2:27 PM , ummid.com News Network United Nations: In a strong rebuttal to repeated Israeli assertions that it is a democratic country surrounded by enemies, Qatar Emir addressing the UN General Assembly Tuesday said it is actually the opposite. Israel isnt a democratic country surrounded by enemies, but an enemy to its surrounding neighbors, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in his address to the UN General Assembly. Qatar Emir was addressing the annual gathering of the UN member states after an Israeli airstrikes in Doha earlier this month that killed six people, including a Qatari national. Israel is surrounded by the states who have either signed a peace agreement or who are committed to the Arab Peace Initiative But, Israel doesnt make do with truces and settlements. It desires to impose its will on its surrounding Arab neighbors, and everyone who opposes its will is either anti-semitic or a terrorist, Sheikh Tamim said. Even Israels allies realize this fact and reject it, he added. Israel is engaged in Genocide in Gaza, and its leader is proud of preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, and he promises that such a state will never be established, the Qatar Emir said. Qatar Emirs counter to Israel came a day after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said statehood is a right and not a reward, blowing into air another Israeli assertion that recognizing a Palestine State is rewarding Hamas. Political Assassinations He said the Doha attack was an attempt by Israel to derail Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Unlike the claim of the Prime Minister of Israel, this attack isnt a legitimate right to follow perpetrators of terrorism. Its an act of a diplomacy thats dedicated to political assassinations, and it undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza, he added. Its also an attempt to kill politicians who are members of the delegation that engages in negotiations with Israel while they were studying an American proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to continue the war so as to make Gaza unlivable, Sheikh Tamim said. The Israeli leader wants to continue war. He believes in what is called Greater Israel. He believes that war is an opportunity to expand settlements and to change the status quo in the holy sites (of Jerusalem), Sheikh Tamim said. Trump meets Arab, Muslim leaders In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly met a select lot of Arab and Muslim leaders to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza and peace in the Middle East. We want to end the war in Gaza. Were going to end it. Maybe we can end it right now, he told the leaders and the media but did not explain how. It is widely accused that Netanyahu led Zionist regime in Israel has been able to carry on the Genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians just because of the support by the U.S. administration. Political analysts, including those in Israel, are of the view that it is easier for Trump to end the Gaza war than the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump has been actively engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to end the Ukraine war going on since 2022. During Trumps meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said,The only reason youre here is to stop the war and bring the hostages back. And we count on you and your leadership as well to end this war and to help the people of Gaza. The situation is very, very, very bad there, he added. Responding to this Trump said he would see the people in Israel, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and were going to get something done because its gone on too long, and we want it to end. Trumps meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders was attended by the presidents and foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia. After holding talks with Arab and Muslim leaders, Trump will be meeting Israeli Prime Minister, who faces arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) today in New York. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Ladakh statehood protests turn violent, BJP office torched At least four people have been killed and scores others injured in Leh where protesters demanding full statehood to Ladakh ran amok Wednesday September 24, 2025 Thursday September 25, 2025 1:08 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Leh (Ladakh): At least four people have been killed and scores others injured in Leh where protesters demanding full statehood to Ladakh ran amok Wednesday September 24, 2025. Following the violence, the angry mob torched a number of vehicles and the BJP headquarter in Leh. Clashes erupted between the protesters and security forces Thursday when a shutdown and bandh calls were given. The Thursdays shutdown call was given after two weeks of hunger strike by Sonum Wangchuk and others. Wangchuk called off his hunger strike following the violence. This is not my way of showing dissent and I do not support this, Wangchuk said in a video message released today. Violence will not lead to anything but spoil my hard work of five years to demand justice to the people of Ladakah, he said. Wangchuk and others are protesting to demand full statehood with Adivasi status to Ladakh, reservation in government jobs and two Lok Sabha seats - Leh and Kargil. Ladakah was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and converted into a Union Territory (UT) after Article 370 was scrapped in August 2019 . Govt blames Wangchuk The Narendra Modi government has accused Sonum Wangchuk of inciting violence. "On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh", the Ministry of Home said in a statement. "They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured. "The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported", the Home Ministry said. The Home Ministry also slammed Wangchuk for referring to Arab spring and Gen Z protests. "The demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in High Powered Committee (HPC). In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued and misled the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal", the Home Ministry said. The next meeting of the High Powered Committee (HPC) has been scheduled on October 6, 2025 while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September with the leaders from Ladakh, the Home Ministry said. The government said the situation in Leh is brought under control by 04:00 PM, requesting that people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and social media. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Outrage as Global Sumud Flotilla on way to Gaza attacked again Italy, Malaysia, and a host of organizations and activists have condemned the bombing of vessels part of Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza to break Israeli blockade Thursday September 25, 2025 1:12 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Mediterranean Sea: Italy, Malaysia, and a host of organizations and activists have condemned the bombing of vessels part of Global Sumud Flotilla sailing towards Gaza to break Israeli blockade. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) , in the final days before reaching Gaza, is experiencing an alarmingly dangerous escalation, with multiple boats reporting targeted explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on and near the boats, causing significant damage and widespread obstruction in communications, the organisers said Wednesday September 23, 2025. This comes on top of a sustained campaign of intimidation and disinformation by Israel, aimed at discrediting and endangering the 500+ unarmed civilians aboard the flotilla who are attempting to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza to help end Israels illegal blockade, the organisers said. Italy, Spain send naval ships to protect Sumud Flotilla Italys Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the overnight drone attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla. In a statement on Wednesday, Crosetto said he redirected an Italian navy ship towards the flotilla to offer it possible assistance. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said there are Italian citizens along with members of parliament and MEPs among the pro-Palestinian activists in the flotilla, which reported hearing more than a dozen nearby blasts as it sailed off Greece late Tuesday. To ensure their safety, the foreign ministry had already notified Israeli authorities that any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution, it said in the statement. Minister Tajani has asked the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and to reiterate its previous request to the Israeli government to guarantee the absolute protection of the personnel on board, it added. After Italy, Spain also announced it will send a military ship to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla A Peaceful Humanitarian Mission Malaysia also condemned the threats to the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla. Kuala Lumpur unequivocally condemns the latest actions that threatened the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla on Sept. 23, 2025, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Malaysia calls for such threat of violence to cease immediately, and for safe and unhindered passage of the Flotilla participants and their vessels guaranteed," it said. The ministry also reaffirmed that the Flotilla is "a peaceful humanitarian mission to deliver urgently needed aid into Gaza, is lawful, morally indispensable given the ongoing genocide and starvation in the Palestinian Territory." "Malaysia stands in solidarity with Palestine, and reiterates its call for an immediate end to the genocide as well as the illegal blockade of Gaza," it said. [Latest location of Global Sumud Flotilla (Screenshot of Global Sumud Flotilla tracker at Thursday September 25, 2025)] Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he has written to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper demanding urgent action to ensure the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla. "52 boats carrying aid and peace activists to Gaza. The UK must act to assure their safety. Israel is committing a genocide", he said. We are still sailing. 37 boats are currently heading to Gaza, soon to be joined by six more from Greece. Organisers currently believe only one boat was too badly damaged by the explosions last night to continue. Night will come in the next few hours and, with it, the pic.twitter.com/83LKWVef7D Kieran Andrieu (@kieran_andrieu) September 24, 2025 Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, Simon Harris said he is "extremely concerned by the developments overnight with the Global Sumud Flotilla." "The welfare and safety of people aboard has to be a priority of the international community. I will raise this directly at the UN during Global Alliance on the Two-State Solution meeting", he said. The Sumud Flotilla is coordinated by grassroots organizers, seafarers, doctors, artists, and solidarity activists from over 45 countries, and is a nonviolent humanitarian mission responding to the ongoing genocide and siege against the Palestinian people. Israeli demand to dock and transfer aid rejected Meanwhile the organisers have said Israels demand to dock and transfer aid is part of its ongoing blockade of Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministrys recent call for flotilla vessels to dock and transfer humanitarian aid through Ashkelon Port in Israel cannot be understood as a neutral logistical request, the flotilla organisers said. It is part of a long standing pattern: Israels deliberate obstruction of aid to Gaza and its attempts to delegitimize those who challenge its unlawful blockade, the organisers said. Israels record of intercepting vessels, blocking convoys, and restricting routes shows that its intent is not to facilitate relief but to control, delay and deny it. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned these practices as violations of international law and dangerous obstructions of impartial humanitarian assistance. Israels rhetoric against the Global Sumud Flotilla sets the stage for further escalation. Painting a peaceful humanitarian mission as a breach of the law is a pretext for violence against civilians acting lawfully to deliver aid. Amnesty has already warned that such threats flout international law and place lives at risk, the Sumud Flotilla oraginsers said. "We are clear... The international community must not treat these demands as benign operational instructions. They are the continuation of a blockade that independent UN investigators have called a form of collective punishment and part of the ongoing genocide in Gaza", the organisers said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Canada-based senior gold mining company Kinross Gold Corporation has sold a total of 36,927,650 common shares of Asante Gold Corporation. This sale represents approximately 5.2% of Asante's outstanding shares and accounts for 100% of the common shares previously held by Kinross. The shares were sold on a private placement basis and fetched C$73.11m. Each share was priced at C$1.98, excluding commission. Before the sale, Kinross owned around 5.2% of the outstanding shares and up to 13.2% on a partially diluted basis, factoring in the conversion of all convertible instruments held by it. Following the sale, Kinross stated that it continues to be a supportive investor in Asante, holding convertible instruments that account for approximately 8.4% of the outstanding shares on a partially diluted basis. Kinross has operations in the US, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada. The companys shares are traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. Asante Gold, a Canadian and Ghanaian-listed company, is engaged in gold exploration and development in Ghana. The company operates the Bibiani and Chirano gold mines and is advancing technical studies at the Kubi Gold Project. Asante's mining and exploration projects are located along the Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Earlier this month, Kinross Gold completed the sale of 29,850,984 common shares of Asante Gold, amounting to roughly 4.2% of Asantes outstanding shares and around 44.7% of Kinrosss holdings in Asante. The shares were sold at C$1.55 each, excluding commission, culminating in an aggregate sale price of C$46.2m. Prior to this sale, Kinross stake in Asante Gold was approximately 9.4% of the outstanding shares. "Kinross sells common shares in Asante Gold for $53m " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Sabrina Valle (Reuters) -The largest U.S. railroad union said Monday it will support Union Pacific's $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, helping to advance a deal that surprised competitors and had been expected to face resistance from labor and regulators. The endorsement marks a shift from the initial opposition by SMART-TD, the transportation division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. When the merger was announced in July, the union said it would oppose the deal on concerns about job security, competition and infrastructure access. SMART-TD said its members working in train and yardmaster services will have job protection for the length of their careers following the transaction. "For generations, railroaders have worried about what mergers might mean for their jobs. Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground," SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said in a press release. SMART represents roughly 230,000 workers across transportation, construction and manufacturing. President Donald Trump also voiced support for the merger when he met with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena in the Oval Office earlier this month, signaling regulatory openness to a deal by his administration. Such a merger would likely have faced tougher scrutiny under President Biden, whose administration had raised antitrust concerns about consolidation in the rail industry. "We need better infrastructure, and rail is a big part of that," Trump said. The merger, if approved in what is likely to be a lengthy regulatory review, would create the first coast-to-coast freight rail network in the United States and would be the largest railroad acquisition in U.S. history. It also puts pressure on rivals and particularly CSX Corp, which was caught off-guard and has been underperforming - and now finds itself in a vulnerable position to compete against a giant. The combined Union PacificNorfolk Southern network could offer shippers broader reach and pricing leverage across key domestic corridors. Executives at CSX and BNSF, the two other major U.S. freight operators, had not been expecting the deal to gain traction so quickly, according to people familiar with the matter. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A merger could prompt a strategic reassessment from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, which owns western freight carrier BNSF, according to sources familiar with the matter. Buffett has publicly stated he is not interested in acquiring another railroad and prefers operational partnerships over consolidation. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) is among the 12 Best Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now. On September 16, the company announced that it was awarded a contract to implement software upgrades for South Koreas F-16 Block 52 flight simulators. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Awarded Contract to Implement Software Upgrade for F-16 Flight Training in South Korea The upgrades will advance mission capabilities of the countrys F-16V aircraft, by providing high-fidelity simulated environments for pilots to train. This will be a six-year contract, under which Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) will modernize nine F-16 flight simulators to the F-16V configuration. The company will also provide continued support for contractor logistics services. Todd Morar, VP of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) stated the following on the contract: Maximum accuracy and realism in ground-based flight training is foundational to pilot safety and mission readiness. As the manufacturer of all F-16 variants, Lockheed Martin uses the design and software data of the actual aircraft to deliver ground-based training experiences that are nearly identical to those in flight, while maintaining concurrency with the aircraft as technology evolves. The F-16V configuration offers advanced avionics, a modernized cockpit, advanced weapons, and an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, among other advancements, making them similar to the new F-16 Block 70 aircraft. Since 2001, 16 allied nations aviators have trained with LMTs F-16 training systems. While we acknowledge the potential of LMT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 5 Years and 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now Disclosure: None. A version of this story appeared in The Guidancenewsletter on September 22. Sign up here. Hey all, Liam here! Sanctions on crypto protocols work. Really well, in fact. Thats the conclusion from new research led by Professor John M. Griffin at the University of Texas at Austin. His 85-page report, shared exclusively with DL News, examined the impact of sanctions and anti-money laundering policies on the Tornado Cash crypto mixer. The findings are startling. Following the Office of Foreign Assets Controls 2022 sanctioning of the privacy-preserving protocol for facilitating over $7 billion in illicit funds, monthly volumes on Tornado Cash decreased by 60%. Likewise, exchanges reacted quickly too, and thwarted interactions with addresses associated with the tumbler. Our findings indicate that crypto asset freezes and anti-money laundering enforcement have been costly to criminals, conclude Griffing and his colleagues. But those sanctions on the protocol were lifted in March. Meanwhile, new clauses in the Senate Banking Committees market structure bill suggest that similar protocols would be excluded from traditional anti-money laundering and bank secrecy regulations. A developer who deploys a smart contract and has no unilateral control or ability to change the contract after its deployment would not be treated as a money transmitter, meaning they would fall outside AML and BSA requirements, according to the bill. Any centralised front-end or relayers or any business built on top of the protocol would, however, fall within scope. Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, was found guilty of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business in August. The founders of a similar service, Samourai, pleaded guilty to the same crime in August. If the proposed rules had been introduced earlier, then its less likely that they wouldve faced the same allegations. The new rules are worming their way through Capitol Hill too late for the Tornado Cash and Samourai developers to benefit, but experts are optimistic that these key clauses will prevent other builders from facing serious charges. Conversely, some critics, such as Lee Reiners, a lecturer at Duke University and a financial regulation expert, argue that such a clause will create an illicit finance superhighway. Thats because whats stopping a developer from simply redeploying another multi-billion-dollar crypto mixing service and throwing away the admin keys? Theres nothing to stop it, Reiners told DL News. And the draft bills have no plan for it either. Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing a national payments ecosystem in Syria. This strategic alliance aims to advance the country's digital payments capabilities and expand access to essential financial services for millions of people. The partnership will explore integration opportunities between banks and financial institutions in Syria, aligning with global best practices. It will also ensure knowledge transfer through dedicated training and technical exchanges, building local expertise in digital payments and financial technology. Governor of the Central Bank of Syria Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh said: With its global network, customized technology solutions, and in-depth knowledge of the payments landscape, Mastercard is one of our most important strategic partners in building a robust financial system in Syria. The formal signing of this MoU establishes a collaborative framework for sharing and exchanging expertise to strengthen our countrys payments infrastructure and advance our financial inclusion agenda. Undoubtedly, our alliance will make great strides in the economic empowerment of our people and businesses. Mastercard West Arabia division president Adam Jones said: This MoU is a testament to our shared belief that inclusive financial ecosystems are built through partnership, innovation and local engagement. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Central Bank of Syria and the Government of Syria to explore opportunities to create a payments system that works for both local citizens and international travelers in this high-potential market. We look forward to opening doors to the world of global payments for the people of Syria, bringing best-in-class payments innovation to the country and offering local ecosystem support. The MoU outlines an initial framework for cooperation, focusing on exchanging expertise and exploring global best practices in digital payments. Follow-up steps will include studying future collaboration opportunities, such as training programmes, technical workshops, and joint initiatives to promote financial inclusion. Earlier this month, Mastercard partnered with HyperPay, a payment gateway provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to launch commercial card products in Saudi Arabia. "Mastercard and Central Bank of Syria sign MoU for digital payments" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. Cardinale worked with some of Italy's greatest directors in a movie career that spanned six decades. Claudia Cardinale, the legendary Italian actress who starred in 1960s film classics Il Gattopardo and Pink Panther, died on Tuesday aged 87 in Nemours, France. Cardinale achieved international fame in the 1960s and 1970s when she established herself as a style icon and one of the most beautiful and celebrated actresses in the world, with an impact on pop culture comparable only to that of her peers Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. She collaborated with some of the most important directors of the time, including Luchino Visconti, Sergio Leone, Mario Monicelli and Federico Fellini. Born in Tunisia on 15 April 1938, Cardinale grew up speaking French and the Sicilian dialect of her parents. She did not learn Italian until she began her film career. Cardinale's path to acting began when she won the 'Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia' contest in 1957, having been entered in the competition without her knowledge by a teacher at her school. The prize was a trip to the Venice Film Festival, which led her to pursue a career in cinema, despite her initial plans to become a teacher. She made her screen debut in 1958 alongside Omar Sharif in Goha and later that year in Mario Monicelli's Soliti Ignoti (Big Deal on Madonna Street), alongside Vittorio Gassman, Marcello Mastroianni and Toto. At the age of 19 Cardinale was raped and became pregnant, giving birth in secret in London to a boy she named Patrick. To protect her career, she was advised to pretend the baby was her little brother, telling Le Monde in 2017: "I did it for him, for Patrick, the child I wanted to keep despite the circumstances and the enormous scandal". Claudia Cardinale alongside Alain Delon in Il Gattopardo The 1960s were considered her golden era, particularly 1963 when she found herself acting simultaneously in two major films by two rival Italian directors: Visconti's Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) and Fellini's 8. In spite of the difficulties of juggling two different sets, things worked out very well: Il Gattopardo won the Palme d'Or at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, while 8 scooped the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1964. 8 also marked the first film in which Cardinale was not dubbed - on the insistence of Fellini - allowing her to fully express her unmistakable husky voice. She also gained international recognition for her roles in Hollywood films including Blake Edwards' The Pink Panther (1963) and Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and appearing with actors including Charles Bronson and Henry Fonda. After separating from film producer Franco Cristaldi in the early 1970s, she began a life-long relationship with Neapolitan director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had a daughter named Claudia. From the 1980s onwards, Cardinale diversified her career, choosing roles in smaller, less commercial film projects. Cardinale appeared in more than 150 films during her six-decade career, the last of which was Forgiveness Island (2022) by Tunisian director Ridha Behi. She won five David di Donatello Awards as well as receiving lifetime achievement awards including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1993 and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002. Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli on Tuesday paid tribute to Cardinale as "one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time" who embodied "an all-Italian grace and a unique beauty". Image: Claudia Cardinale at Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Photo credit: taniavolobueva / Shutterstock.com. Strike action on Friday could lead to disruption in Italy's airports. Passengers flying to, from or in Italy face potential travel disruption on Friday 26 September due to a 24-hour strike affecting the air transport sector. The nationwide protest, called by the CUB Trasporti and USB trade unions in protest against contractual and working conditions, is set to involve airline and airport staff. Baggage handlers employed by Assohandlers are to stage a four-hour walkout across Italy from 10.00 to 14.00. Also on Friday, pilots and cabin crews employed by low-cost carriers Volotea and Wizz Air Malta will go on strike for 24 hours in protest over pay and workers' rights. Italy' civil aviation authority ENAC reminds air travellers that during strikes in Italy flights scheduled between 07.00-10.00 and 18.00-21.00 are guaranteed. Full details of guaranteed flights on 26 September are published on the ENAC website. Passengers flying in Italy on Friday are urged to contact their airline, tour operator or travel agent. We update our news of public transport strikes in Italy regularly. For official information see the transport ministry website. Photo credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com. Crosetto harshly condemns attack on flotilla. Italy's defence minister on Wednesday deployed a navy ship to offer assistance to Italian citizens on board a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid following an overnight drone attack. Minister Guido Crosetto harshly condemned the attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which occurred in international waters off Greece and is the third such incident this month, adding that the perpetrators were yet to be unidentified. Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats - the GSF said in a statement - We are witnessing these psychological operations first-hand, right now, but we will not be intimidated. Crosetto said he had authorised the immediate intervention of the navy's Fasan frigate for "possible rescue activities" and to provide assistance to Italian citizens travelling as part of the flotilla. The minister, who reportedly evaluated the decision with premier Giorgia Meloni, added that he had informed the Israeli military attache in Italy, the Italian ambassador and military attache in Tel Aviv, and the Italian foreign ministry crisis unit. Crosetto said he would report to parliament on Thursday, stating: "In a democracy, even demonstrations and protests must be protected when they are conducted in compliance with international law and without resorting to violence." The Italian boats travelling with the flotilla, the largest independent initiative to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, departed from the Sicilian port of Augusta on 13 September. Four Italian centre-left opposition politicians were on board: MEP Benedetta Scuderi of the Green-Left Alliance, MP Arturo Scotto and MEP Annalisa Corrado of the Partito Democratico (PD) and senator Marco Croatti of the Movimento 5 Stelle. On Monday, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Rome and cities across Italy amid a general strike to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Photo credit: photostock360 / Shutterstock.com. Rome mayor urges smokers to avail of the new service but suggests it would be even better if they gave up smoking altogether. Rome has launched a project to retrofit 18,000 bins with ashtrays in a bid to reduce the number of cigarette butts dumped by smokers on streets around the capital. When they were introduced around Rome last year, residents were quick to note that the new recycled plastic bins were missing ashtrays which were found in the old cast-iron cestoni, prompting smokers to either throw their butts on the pavement or stub out their cigarettes on top of the bins. Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the new initiative on Tuesday, describing it as a "novelty" for the bins whose Cesto name is a play on the Italian word "cesto" for bin and "Ce sto!", meaning "I'm in" in Roman dialect. Una novita per #CeSto! Stiamo procedendo con linstallazione dei nuovi posacenere in tutti e 18 mila CeSto. Sono perfettamente integrati e presto saranno installati in tutta #Roma. Un ulteriore passo avanti per garantire il decoro urbano, soprattutto nei punti piu frequentati da pic.twitter.com/hnSlYSPgf2 Roberto Gualtieri (@gualtierieurope) September 23, 2025 "We are proceeding with the installation of the new ashtrays in all 18,000 CeSto" - Gualtieri said in a video post on X - "They are perfectly integrated and will soon be installed throughout Rome." Gualtieri described the move as a further step forward to ensure urban decorum, especially in areas most frequented by citizens and tourists, stating that the goal is to reduce the abandonment cigarette butts on streets and sidewalks, noting that it takes the filters up to 10 years to disintegrate. "We are proceeding with 200 installations per day, so in five-six months we will have installed ashtrays in all 18,000 Cesto bins", Gualtieri said. The mayor urging smokers to avail of the new service, for the benefit of Rome and the environment, adding: "If you then quit smoking it's even better". Photo Wanted in Rome By David Young and Jonathan McCambridge, PA Investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre has criticised a covert police operation that examined his social media accounts when he was investigating the death of schoolboy Noah Donohoe. MacIntyre described the processes that saw him subjected to a directed surveillance authorisation (DSA) as lackadaisical and lamentable. The author and presenter has been investigating the circumstances around the disappearance of 14-year-old Noah in 2020. Noah Donohoe was found dead in 2020 (PSNI/PA). The schoolboy was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020 six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends. An independent review of covert surveillance of journalists and lawyers by police in Northern Ireland has confirmed that MacIntyre was targeted. The review by barrister Angus McCullough KC found that MacIntyre had been the subject of a DSA. The authorisation related to public posts on two X accounts and the review found no indication private communication between the journalist and Noahs mother Fiona had been accessed by police. Mr McCullough said the material was captured in 2023 by officers who were examining the posts to establish whether they created a risk of prejudicing ongoing inquest proceedings into Noahs death. The barrister said there had been confusion as to whether the police sent the material captured in 70 posts from the social media accounts onto Northern Irelands Attorney General for consideration. He found that the material was ultimately not sent to the Attorney General. Mr McCullough said the case was relevant to several of his overall recommendations, including the need for adequate legal advice where covert measures are proposed for journalists and reliable recording of authorisations relating to sensitive professions. My case represents only a small part of a 200-page report, but it starkly demonstrates that the PSNI has been bungling, trigger-happy, disorderly, and dishonest in its handling of some of the most powerful tools a police force can wield in a democracy Donal MacIntyre MacIntyre said it was a relief that the private communication between himself and Ms Donohoe were not accessed. The reporter said the basis for the covert operation against him had proved completely unfounded. The authorisation for covert surveillance of my accounts was withdrawn after just four months, in November 2023, on the grounds that it was neither justified nor proportionate, he said. Indeed, my investigative team has since been thanked by the coroner and his staff for our assistance, and only last week I met them in Belfast to discuss how we might continue to support the inquest, which is due to commence in November this year. These findings expose profound institutional failings in the PSNIs approach to covert surveillance and raise grave concerns not only about the intrusion into my work but also about the wider and potentially unchecked use of these powers in Northern Ireland. My case represents only a small part of a 200-page report, but it starkly demonstrates that the PSNI has been bungling, trigger-happy, disorderly, and dishonest in its handling of some of the most powerful tools a police force can wield in a democracy. Angus McCullough KC has delivered a tour de force. Without resort to dramatic headlines or knockout blows, he has meticulously exposed the forces shockingly reckless practices in relation to surveillance one word, one paragraph, one page at a time. This review has delivered on its promise, and I hope it proves to be a watershed moment in policing in Northern Ireland. Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley (MS) is moving deeper into digital assets, announcing a partnership with crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash to allow E*Trade clients to trade bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and solana (SOL) starting in the first half of 2026, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. Jed Finn, Morgan Stanleys head of wealth management, told Bloomberg that the initiative is the first phase of a broader crypto strategy that will eventually include a full wallet solution. The underlying technology has been proven and blockchain-based infrastructure is obviously here to stay, Finn said in the interview, adding that clients should have access to both traditional and digital assets in a single ecosystem. The move underscores Wall Streets growing embrace of crypto since a regulatory shift under President Donald Trump earlier this year. Morgan Stanley is also preparing an asset-allocation framework for clients that will include crypto exposure ranging from zero to a few percentage points, depending on investor goals. The bank is exploring tokenization for back-office efficiencies such as settlement and clearing, the article said. E*Trade is is an online brokerage and banking platform owned by Morgan Stanley. It allows customers to trade stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and options. Read more: Morgan Stanley Eyes Launching Crypto Trading Through E*Trade: Bloomberg In Waterford City, residents living in the Newtown area are struggling to go about their daily lives amidst the ongoing traffic-management trials. At the September meeting of the Waterford Metropolitan District, councillors criticised the road safety conditions in the Newtown area. Councillor Davy Daniels (Independent) spoke at the start of the meeting about the current situation, calling Council's conduct "unacceptable". Immediate suspension "Nearly one-hundred formal objections were submitted in regards to the one-way system and the management board did not accept this information," he said. Cllr Daniels continued: "The trial has raised significant issues for schools in the area as well as for the residents." He referred to "increased stress" on traffic-flow and how the stress is putting schoolchildren and residents at "greater risk". He pointed to "near-misses" at Christchurch National School and school buses getting stuck on the Lower Newtown/ Passage Road. He stated: "I have also received reports from residents about damaged cars on St Alphonsus Road and Lower Newtown." Cllr Daniels called for an immediate suspension of the trial and a "comprehensive and transparent" engagement process with local residents, students and schools. Councillor Mary Roche (Social Democrats) spoke about the knock-on effects of the trials: "I know that the assessment that we're doing would take cognisance of the knock-on effects that are happening on the Lower Newtown, Wilkin Street and St Alphonsus Road. "There is no doubt that people living there[...] it is having a knock-on effect and it needs to be dealt with." A member of the Waterford Executive management team addressed Metropolitan Mayor Adam Wyse: "I don't agree that the trial [...] is unsuccessful. It has been closely monitored on a number of different parameters. As I said, it's a trial, it's scheduled to run for three months and it will be reexamined after three months and that's where we are now. "I think it's unfair to say that it's unsuccessful. I think it's unfair to say that there hasn't been consultation on the scheme." Concerned residents In August, residents protested at City Hall over the proposed trial, expressing concerns that the measures would gravely impact life in the area. One resident told Waterford News and Star: "The Council have brought these traffic problems onto themselves by granting the extensions to the schools. What is needed and requested previously is a comprehensive plan for the entire area to facilitate the traffic management problem created by the schools." The work of Waterford Councils outdoor staff was praised by local councillors this week, after a busy summer of maintenance and repairs. Cllr Liam Brazil said: Id like to thank the outdoor staff for all the work being done during the summer. It's very important they get recognition for all the work they do." Cllr Catherine Burke added: Id like to compliment the roads department. Ive been working with them closely over the summer and theyve been absolutely wonderful." Cllr Declan Clune commended the outdoor team for how quickly they have responded to issues over the summer. They are undervalued in many ways," he said. Advertisement MoneyInvestingGold Opinion The boring thing Gen Z investors cant get enough of Justin Lin September 24, 2025 3:01am Save 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 The demand for gold and silver is surging to record levels, a familiar pattern when markets grow volatile. What feels new, however, is who is buying. For years, precious metals were the preserve of older investors a way to hedge portfolios built on shares, bonds and property. Today, it is younger investors who are driving momentum, pushing gold towards $US4000 ($6000). Once the preserve of older, conservative investors, gold is gaining ground with younger buyers. Trevor Collens Consider the numbers: according to surveys by the World Gold Council, US Millennials invested more in gold than older generations in 2024. More than 60 per cent of US Millennials included gold in their portfolios, compared with 35 per cent of Gen X and 20 per cent of Boomers. Another report indicated that Millennial and Gen Z investors now comprise 34 per cent of global gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) buyers, up from 12 per cent in 2020. Asian demand, too, is being underpinned by the emergence of younger investors. Advertisement Young Indian investors are being encouraged to invest in gold through the governments push towards digital gold and sovereign gold bonds. In China, with property markets collapsing and equity markets underperforming, younger savers are turning to gold as an alternative store of wealth. But why the shift? Why are young investors taking so much interest in this boring, traditional asset? Gold has emerged not as a relic, but as a familiar, resilient constant. Heres a thought. The youths of today are a cohort raised in financial and geopolitical crisis. Millennials saw the 2008 global financial crisis wipe out jobs, savings, and trust in banks just as many were starting their careers. Gen Z came of age through COVID-19, Russias invasion of Ukraine and ongoing Middle East conflicts periods where markets swung wildly, institutions stumbled and safe assets such as cash and bonds looked anything but safe. Advertisement Editor's pick Analysis Investing A major market crash could be coming. Heres how to prepare yourself Against that backdrop, gold has emerged not as a relic, but as a familiar, resilient constant. Instead of viewing it as an obsolete asset reserved for safe-haven buying, young investors increasingly see gold as a compelling alternative to shares, bonds or cash. A strong social media presence no doubt also amplified the momentum, with gold-focused content generating more than 2 billion views on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube in 2024. Indeed, the arrival of a new investor base is visible in ETF flows. Australian investors have channelled $720 million into physical gold ETFs listed on the ASX in the year to September 12. At the current pace, inflows could surpass the record set in 2020, when $982 million was added to these funds. But it is not only retail investors shaping the market. Central banks have been stockpiling more than 1000 tonnes of gold annually recently, a clear sign that concerns about the global financial system extend well beyond young traders on Robinhood. Together, these forces have helped lift gold above $US3650, with expectations building for a move past $US4000 by year-end. Advertisement It is not just gold catching the eye of younger investors. Silver has been enjoying its own surge. Physical silver ETFs in Australia are on track for a record year, attracting about $180 million in flows. Some of this interest reflects silvers close tie to gold, but many will also recall that younger investors have tangled with the metal before. Back in 2021, retail traders on Reddits WallStreetBets forum attempted a silver squeeze, hoping to replicate the short-squeeze magic of GameStop in the commodities market. The effort fizzled, but it planted a seed of recognition. A new generation suddenly realised silver was more than just the other precious metal. Fast-forward to today, and what began as speculation is turning into a more fundamental case. Instead of chasing a meme-fuelled rally, younger investors are tuning into silvers real-world drivers. They see a metal with dual appeal: a safe-haven asset like gold, but also a key input for the economy of the future. Silver is critical to the energy transition, from solar panels to EVs to 5G networks, making it both a defensive holding and a growth story. Which will do better from here, gold or silver, is difficult to call. Gold has risen 39 per cent this year, while silver has gained 42 per cent. The key variable is whether global growth stabilises. Advertisement Silver tends to outpace gold in a falling rate environment if industrial demand holds up. Either way, conditions remain supportive for both. Global X has a year-end price target of $US4000 for gold and $US45 for silver. For new investors, ETFs offer the simplest way to access precious metals. They provide daily liquidity and remove the need to worry about storage or insurance. Australia is home to the first gold exchange traded product in the world, with Global X launching the Global X Physical Gold Structure Product (ASX: GOLD) in 2003. Justin Lin is an investment strategist at ETF provider Global X. Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Disgraced doctor Munjed Al Muderis has been reinstated as a member of the peak body for orthopaedic surgeons after mounting a legal challenge to overturn the boards historic decision to expel him. The Supreme Court of NSW on Thursday released orders stating the lawsuit brought by Al Muderis against the Australian Orthopaedic Association had been settled. Munjed Al Muderis has been reinstated as a member of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, after he sued it. Dion Georgopoulos Under the terms, the parties agreed the expulsion was invalid and of no legal force or effect and Al Muderis membership was reinstated with all the rights and privileges. The association was ordered to pay Al Muderis costs. Al Muderis was represented by defamation solicitor Rebekah Giles in his lawsuit against the association after the board stripped the surgeon of his membership last month. At first, Al Muderis sought to appeal against his expulsion by requesting a meeting where members could vote on his future, but then subsequently withdrew this request and sued the organisation. The doctors lawyers had previously said the association had acted contrary to its constitution in its actions that required several steps to be held before an expulsion was enforced. The associations extraordinary move to revoke Al Muderis membership came after it received complaints from both patients and surgeons about the quality of his care and risk to the integrity of the profession. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. We couldnt walk past this standard, one surgeon, who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters, said after the expulsion was announced. Read the full story here. Advertisement NationalCourts Judge reveals ABCs penalty in Antoinette Lattouf unlawful sacking case Michaela Whitbourn Updated September 24, 2025 10:08am ,first published September 24, 2025 8:23am Save 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 The ABC has been ordered to pay a penalty of $150,000 to Antoinette Lattouf for unlawfully terminating her Sydney radio contract after a judge found it let down the Australian public badly by capitulating to pro-Israel campaigners. The sum is in addition to $70,000 in compensation that Federal Court Justice Darryl Rangiah ordered the national broadcaster to pay Lattouf after delivering his principal decision on June 25. Antoinette Lattouf and one of her barristers, Philip Boncardo, outside the Federal Court in Sydney earlier this month. Sam Mooy Rangiah said in his penalty decision, delivered in Brisbane on Wednesday, that the ABC had chosen to surrender to the lobbyists political campaign by sacrificing Lattouf. He ordered the ABC to make the payment to Lattouf within 28 days. The ABC is seen as an important public institution at a time when trustworthy sources of news and information are increasingly hard to find, Rangiah said. Advertisement In the course of this proceeding, the ABC made much of its boards statutory duty to ensure impartiality. Related Article Courts Lattouf seeks up to $350,000 as penalty from ABC after court win However, the ABCs conduct in surrendering to the demands of the pro-Israel lobbyists ignored the equally important statutory obligation of maintaining its independence and integrity. The ABC let down the Australian public badly when it abjectly surrendered the rights of its employee to appease a lobby group. In a statement ahead of the decision, Lattouf said the ABC had spent well over $2 million of taxpayer money fighting me. Whatever the penalty, for me this was never about money its always been about accountability and the integrity of the information our public broadcaster gives us. Advertisement ABC managing director Hugh Marks said the matter was not handled in line with our values and expectations, and Ms Lattouf, our staff and the public were let down. We take the matter seriously and have reflected on the lessons learnt and their implications. We must be better. I would like to reiterate the ABCs sincere apology to Ms Lattouf and wish her all the best in the future. Lattoufs legal team had argued for a penalty of up to $350,000. The ABC submitted a penalty of up to $56,340 would be just and appropriate, based on its view that the maximum penalty available was $187,800. Rangiah said in his decision on Wednesday that the ABC was exposed to a theoretical maximum of $375,600. Advertisement He said the ABC had demonstrated limited contrition for the broader effects of its unlawful actions on Ms Lattouf, and noted it had failed to investigate the source of a leak to The Australian about her removal from radio. The ABCs capitulation in the face of political pressure means that a penalty of sufficient weight must be imposed to deter the ABC when it is confronted with similar pressures in the future, the judge said. Lattouf was removed as a fill-in host of ABC Radio Sydneys Mornings program in December 2023 after sharing a post critical of Israel from non-governmental organisation Human Rights Watch on social media with the caption: HRW reporting starvation as a tool of war. In his decision in June, Rangiah found the ABC sacked Lattouf to appease pro-Israel lobbyists because she held political opinions opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. He made a declaration that the broadcaster breached the Fair Work Act by sacking Lattouf for reasons including her political opinion and by contravening its enterprise agreement in failing to give her an opportunity to respond to allegations against her. Advertisement Rangiah found Lattouf was merely provided with advice that it would be best not to post anything controversial about the war, rather than being directed not to post on social media. He said on Wednesday that the ABC was caught between the campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists, its statutory obligation of impartiality, including the appearance of impartiality, and Ms Lattouf pouring fuel on the fire by making a social media post that was obviously going to be controversial. The ABCs response was to surrender to the lobbyists political campaign by sacrificing Ms Lattouf, he said. It did so for spurious reasons and without giving Ms Lattouf the opportunity to defend herself. The broadcaster had received complaints about Lattoufs appointment before that social media post because of her views about the war, which were not expressed on radio. Lattouf was sacked about 48 hours after the complaints started, three days into a planned five-day hosting stint. Advertisement At 8.39pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, the ABCs then-chair, Ita Buttrose, had emailed the then-managing director, David Anderson: Has Antoinette been replaced. I am over getting emails about her. Lattouf was removed from the air the next day by Chris Oliver-Taylor, the ABCs then-chief content officer. Rangiah said the pressure applied to Oliver-Taylor by Buttrose and Anderson contributed to his panicked decision to sack Lattouf. However, the judge said he did not think the pair could ultimately be held responsible for that decision. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalNSWUniversity Could not compose an email: This is what academics say about cheating students Christopher Harris September 24, 2025 5:30pm Save 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 Academics have warned that some university students lack the level of English language proficiency required to succeed in tertiary study and the workforce, such as the ability to compose an email, which is ultimately driving them to cheat on assignments. A University of Sydney study canvassed the views of 20 sessional academics working at unnamed higher education providers across the city, noting that some students are hesitant to perform basic tasks without the help of artificial intelligence out of fear they will make mistakes. Perfectionism and language barriers are driving students to cheat at university, academics say. Sam Mooy A growing concern in higher education is that many students graduate with critical skill gaps, the paper by the University of Sydneys Dr Lova Andriamora said. In addition to students fear of failure, the academics said that contextual pressures, institutional shortcomings, language barriers and perfectionism all contributed to the prevalence of cheating. Advertisement I had a student who told me straight out, Im scared to write it myself because I might get it wrong and fail. In another case, an academic said a masters degree graduate got a job as an HR manager but could not compose a professional email without assistance. Within a week, they were fired, the study said. One participant in this study stated, Some people got a masters degree but dont even know that when writing their name, it should start with a capital letter. Advertisement When it came to contract cheating, a term coined in 2006 to describe the commercial practice of students paying others to complete entire assignments, it said a 2000-word essay could be outsourced for as little as $25. A primary factor cited by 12 participants was the challenge of studying in a non-native language. For many international students, language barriers create academic disadvantages and increase their reliance on external help, the paper said. Another academic said: Its not that they want to cheat some of them just dont have the language or writing skills to complete assessments the way we expect. Advertisement The academics said they believed contract cheating was declining, replaced by generative artificial intelligence, with 17 of the 20 academics describing its use as widespread. Related Article University The university college in Sydney where one in 12 students cheated last year Group of Eight chief executive Vicki Thomson said the research-intensive institutions that her organisation represents, which typically have a higher proportion of international students, had high English language requirements. The suggestion that international students are being set up to fail does not reflect the reality at our universities this report, which is narrow in scope, is not relevant nor reflective of the high-quality students or reputable universities like the [Group of Eight], she said. Thomson said the institutions she represents were committed to ensuring students are well prepared for the demands of academic study. Advertisement The use of digital tools, including translation aids and generative AI, is evolving rapidly, and we are actively engaging with students and staff to ensure these technologies are used ethically and effectively. Earlier this month, the University of NSWs cheating report said reported cases of less serious plagiarism doubled last year which was attributed to the increase in artificial intelligence and better detection. The highest concentration of substantiated cases of plagiarism and academic misconduct in 2024 was at UNSW College, which offers pathway programs for international and domestic students. Western Sydney University academic integrity expert Professor Cath Ellis said official data relating to cheating was only a reflection of the number of cases an institution had been able to detect. I think theres a lot of guesswork, she said. Ellis said it was impossible to know the true scale of cheating because universities had data only on cases that had been detected. Similarly, she said it was also impossible to know if the use of contract cheaters was also being replaced with AI. Advertisement Her previous 2018 research found that students with lower English language ability were more likely to cheat on assignments, noting that for those on a student visa, the stakes of not passing an assignment were much higher. Editor's pick University Students were asked to rate their lecturers. This is what they said Because of their visa status, if they fail a certain number of subjects, they can have visas revoked the outcomes of failing to progress are materially different for an international student versus a domestic student. Earlier this year, the University of Sydney warned that contract cheating companies were becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to attract new students as customers, with companies in some cases assisting students to find accommodation and wellbeing support before quietly trying to tempt them with their cheating services. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Following on from the governments half-billion dollar injection into the health system, which we reported on earlier, the money has been met with praise from the Australian Medical Association WA. AMAWA President Dr Kyle Hoath said he welcomed clarification from Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey that the now $3.7 billion in infrastructure funding would result in 900 new hospital beds, which was about half of what the system actually needed. Dr Kyle Hoath. AMA He said it had been a tough winter in WA hospitals and morale was still low. I think our hospital staff have been through so much. Our frontline workers are under the pump. I think it will take some time for them to build that trust that the government is listening and is addressing the problem here, but this is a fantastic start today, he said. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the announcement was a big win for patients and frontline health workers sick of being ignored and let down by the government. Make no mistake, this government has been dragged kicking and screaming to acknowledge their failings in health, Zempilas said. There is no new hospital infrastructure announced today. This is a $500m top-up for existing hospital projects, which have not been prioritised. This is an admission from the government they have underfunded health for the past nine years. Remember, Labor has not built one new hospital in those nine years. And if they want some more money to help our ailing health system, I have a suggestion: axe the [Burswood race]track. Theres another $217 million. Advertisement PoliticsFederalGST Worst public policy of the century faces probe Shane Wright Updated September 24, 2025 4:19pm ,first published September 24, 2025 1:53pm Save 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 100 View all comments A deal to placate angry West Australians that is on track to cost taxpayers more than $60 billion will be examined by the Productivity Commission, which will be able to assess whether the arrangement is good value for the nation. Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced on Wednesday that the commission would start the year-long investigation into the GST deal put in place by the Morrison government, which has become one of the biggest drains on the federal budget. Anthony Albanese in the West Australian electoral division of Tangney during this years federal election. Getty Images While the terms of reference require the commission to consider the governments ongoing commitment to the original Morrison deal, it also enables it to come up with alternatives that may ease the pain to the nations finances. Chalmers said the commission inquiry would ensure the GST was allocated to deliver the best value for states, territories and taxpayers. Advertisement This work will ensure we have the best possible system to pay for the schools, hospitals and essential services Australians need and deserve, he said. Related Article Exclusive GST How do they sleep at night? Allan and Minns governments, experts demand Albanese fix GST The inquiry will look at ways in which the federal financial relations system can best promote fiscal sustainability across the states and territories and the Commonwealth. As treasurer, Scott Morrison ignored a Productivity Commission report into the annual carve-up of the GST that had left Western Australia, which was enduring a state recession, with mounting budget deficits and debt. He came up with his own plan, supported by Labor, to ensure WA received billions of dollars in extra assistance. Advertisement Under Morrisons policy, originally forecast to cost $2.3 billion over four years, no states GST share could fall below 75 for every dollar of the tax, with the federal government topping up the national GST pool. At the time, WAs share had fallen below 30 of every dollar estimated to be raised within the state. It was estimated to cost federal taxpayers about $2.3 billion over four years. Instead, it is on track to cost more than $60 billion by 2029. Under the terms of reference, the commission needs to determine if the arrangement is fiscally sustainable for the federal and state governments, whether the system is acting as an incentive for the states to pursue reforms in areas such as tax and service delivery, and if it is providing certainty to states for their budget planning. They also require the commission to assess the feasibility and risks of any changes while accounting for the federal governments promises during the last election to honour the original Morrison deal. The GST deal has grown faster than any other federal program including the NDIS. But it is also a huge political issue for the government and the Coalition. Advertisement The deal was put in place largely due to explicit political pressure across WA where, in 2018, the Coalition was defending 11 of the states 16 seats. At the 2025 election, Labor won 11 seats with the Liberal Party holding just four. Economist Saul Eslake has described the GST deal as the worst public policy decision of the 21st century so far. Alex Ellinghausen Apart from the pressure on the budget, other states are agitating for change to both the deal and the way the GST is allocated. Independent economist and long-term critic of the Morrison deal, Saul Eslake, said the inquiry would be a test for the Albanese government and whether it would continue to gift the nations richest state with $7 billion a year more than it needed to provide services to its residents. He said the commission would have to find the deal was not working as intended, given the huge blowout in costs. Advertisement Any rational person would also draw from that fact alone that the current arrangements are not fiscally sustainable for the Commonwealth, he told this masthead. Related Article Editorial Federal budget Western Australias political ransom over GST rort must end The Age's View Editorial Hopefully, the treasurer has today opened the door to reversing the worst public policy decision of the 21st century thus far. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the country would be better off if the busted GST allocation system was fixed. Advertisement Doing nothing means Australia will be stuck with a weird system that no one can understand, let alone explain, much less support, he said. The nation would be better off if we shift to distribute the GST on a per-capita basis, and use the balance of the federal grants system to help the smaller states. WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said she was confident the review would not impact the current deal, which she described as the bare minimum for the state. Its about making sure that states are not penalised for success, that states are given the ability to drive national economic outcomes, she said. The key reason for the blowout in the GST deal has been the ongoing strength in iron ore prices which had been assumed to fall to their long-term average. Instead, they have consistently outperformed expectations. Advertisement In the March budget, the spot price of iron ore was assumed to fall to $US60 a tonne by March next year. So far this year, it has averaged more than $US100 a tonne. If that continues, it means the cost of the GST deal will again blow out. Initial submissions will close on February 27 with an interim report due by August 28. A final report must be delivered to Chalmers by the end of next year. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaIBAC Opinion Four years too late, Andrews secret week in the witness box may finally come to light Chip Le Grand State political editor September 24, 2025 5:35pm September 24, 2025 5:35pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share In December 2021, as Victoria was emerging from its long COVID winter, Daniel Andrews was secretly questioned by the states peak anti-corruption body, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission. The then premier wasnt merely a witness in one investigation, but four operations Watts, Sandon, Daintree and Richmond all launched three years earlier. Daniel Andrews on the day of his resignation as premier in September 2023. Joe Armao It was Andrews choice, for reasons of convenience, to be examined all at once in this way. With the judiciary and public service still largely working from home, he took the questions from his desk at Treasury Place, via video link, over the space of a week. The topics across the four investigations ranged from Labor Party branch stacking to accepting donations from property developers and his governments dealings with union leaders. Advertisement When the most powerful political figure in the state is questioned at length on issues that go to his integrity and that of his government, it is difficult to imagine a stronger public interest imperative for transparency. If Victoria had a properly empowered anti-corruption agency, the hearings would have been held in public. Instead, that week in the witness box was the best insight we were never given into who our longest serving Labor premier really was. Related Article IBAC Daintree exposes fundamental weakness in how Victoria is governed If you can recall the evidence Andrews provided to the COVID inquiry after the virus checked out of hotel quarantine, one of his great talents is leaving the impression of an eagerness to help while giving very little. As Seinfelds George Costanza famously declared, its not a lie if you believe it, and Andrews was not caught out in one. IBAC has published its findings into Watts, Sandon and Daintree, which respectively deal with Adem Somyureks industrial-scale branch stacking exposed by this masthead; the murky nexus between Spring Street, the City of Casey and property developer John Woodman; and the $3.4 million in government grants used to butter up former Health Workers Union boss Diana Asmar. None of the reports, which were published between 2022 and 2024, contained adverse findings against Andrews. The most serious matter for the former premier is Operation Richmond an investigation which dates back to 2016, when Andrews was still new in the job and, to the dismay of the then emergency services minister, Jane Garrett, personally intervened in enterprise bargaining negotiations with United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall. Advertisement The terms of the resultant agreement were so generous to the union and the stench of a political quid pro quo so thick that in November 2018, IBAC decided to take a look. This week, Operation Richmond belatedly reached what IBAC refers to as the natural justice phase of its investigation the provision of draft findings to witnesses and other people subject to adverse findings or comments before the publication of a final report. Andrews and United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall. Marija Ercegovac If the allegations at the centre of the investigation werent so serious that a premier improperly sidelined his minister and misapplied a taxpayer-funded oilcan to grease the squeakiest of union wheels the delay in getting to this point might have rendered the whole episode a grubby but largely forgotten footnote in Victorias industrial history. But given Garrett died waiting for someone to properly examine a chain of events which culminated in her quitting cabinet in protest, and given another 20 to 30 aggrieved people have been waiting nine years to have this matter publicly ventilated, the Richmond findings deserve to be closely read. Advertisement The report, assuming it sees the light of day, will provide fresh insight into how Daniel Andrews governed and his willingness to use public resources to further political ends. The story of Andrews secret testimony and the protracted timeline of Operation Richmond should also serve as exhibits A and B in the case for IBAC reform. In NSW, the power of public hearings to elicit uncomfortable truths is best demonstrated by the resignations of two Liberal premiers, Gladys Berejiklian and Barry OFarrell. Editor's pick Exclusive China relations Mr China: Who would hire Andrews now? Berejiklian, who failed to disclose her close personal relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire despite the conflict of interest it created and her growing suspicion that her secret lover was a crook, resigned as premier in 2021 once she learnt she was under investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (NSWs equivalent of IBAC) and would be subject to public examination. ICAC in 2023 found that Berejiklian and Maguire had engaged in serious corrupt conduct. OFarrell quit in 2014, after he inadvertently misled an ICAC public hearing about a $3000 bottle of Grange donated by a corporate lobbyist. Advertisement Former IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich, the Centre for Public Integrity, the Accountability Round Table and the Law Institute of Victoria have all told a current parliamentary inquiry into IBACs legislative framework that the exceptional circumstances limitation on public hearings in Victoria should be abolished. Redlich also told the inquiry that the current natural justice requirements, under which the subjects of anti-corruption reports must be given a right of reply to any adverse findings against them, are out of step with how royal commissions and boards of inquiry do their work, and invite legal action which delays IBACs work. One of the reasons we are still waiting for the findings of Operation Richmond to be made public is protracted litigation by the United Firefighters Union and one of its office holders against a related investigation. The union took its case all the way to the High Court and lost at every stage. In the process, IBAC lost the best part of two years. Victorians who want better government lost far more. Chip Le Grand is state political editor. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement PoliticsWAGST WA rallies support and readies east coast ad blitz as battle lines drawn in GST fight Hamish Hastie September 25, 2025 3:00am Save 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 5 View all comments With the battle lines drawn in a looming GST fight, Western Australias Treasurer Rita Saffioti is confident its 75 cent floor is safe but shes rallying the troops anyway. On Wednesday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the terms of reference for the Productivity Commissions review of the 75 cent GST floor and no-worse-off guarantee implemented by the Morrison government in 2018 after WAs share of the tax crashed below 30 cents in the dollar. WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti. Richard Wainwright/AAP The deal has retained bipartisan support since, despite pressure mounting on the Commonwealth from economists and other states due to the no-worse-off guarantee ballooning to $60 billion one of the fastest-rising drains on federal coffers. Saffioti said she was confident the review would not impact the current deal, which she said was the bare minimum for WA. Advertisement Im pretty Im very confident that the Albanese government understands WA and backs WA, but were going to make sure that that pressure thats coming from the other states is diminished, she said on Wednesday. Related Article GST Worst public policy of the century faces probe However, that has not stopped Saffioti and the government from throwing all the state has to offer at any attempt to redraw the deal. She has assembled a GST fairness fighter team led by former under treasurer Michael Barnes to develop WAs submission to the review. WA will also launch an advertising blitz in east coast newspapers, presenting WAs case outside the state. Advertisement The group of four businessmen who helped WAs case for a GST floor back in 2018 developer Nigel Satterley, Fortescue boss Andrew Forrest, former Wesfarmers chair Michael Chaney and prominent Perth businessman John Poynton have also reassembled to fight for the deal to remain. At the crux of Saffiotis argument is that WAs economic success is a shared national success, and it can only deliver that success if it has adequate Commonwealth support to deliver services in WA to keep the domestic economy ticking. Saffioti said she didnt want to see changes in the GST formula that would disincentivise WA from seeking revenue sources by developing its natural resources. Its about making sure that states are not penalised for success, that states are given the ability to drive national economic outcomes, she said. States need to have some incentive to continue to drive economic growth. Currently, youre penalised for driving economic growth, and thats what we dont want. Advertisement Saffioti said the government would argue for retention of the floor but also changes to the GST formula which she said did not reflect WAs service delivery issues in remote areas. We will point out some of the very absurd outcomes in the current Commonwealth Grants Commission formula in relation to remoteness that a town 300 kilometres away from Hobart can be treated with the same level of remoteness or determined to be as remote as an Aboriginal community in the middle of the Kimberley is absurd, she said. Theres a number of those types of inconsistencies. Asked why national economic growth played a factor in this review, given the GST was above levelling up service delivery capacity across the states, Saffioti said broader context was important. If you look at WA, if you look at what our states doing in relation to the national economic agenda and the national finances, our analysis shows that in 2023-24 financial year, $39 billion more was sent to Canberra than we received, she said. Advertisement We really have to look at the entire context of this discussion, and look at the fact that the company tax that these big projects pay doesnt come to WA. It comes to the nation. Related Article Analysis Federal budget The budget reveals $17.1 billion in new road and rail funding. Only a fraction of that is heading west In relation to the no-worse-off guarantee, the money that WA sends over in particular, company tax outweighs any of those costs. Despite the strident defence of the 75 cent GST floor, one think tank says WA is actually still being shortchanged. Independent economist and long-term critic of the Morrison deal, Saul Eslake, said the inquiry would be a test for the Albanese government and whether it would continue to gift the nations richest state with $7 billion a year more than it needed to provide services to its residents. Advertisement He said the commission would have to find the deal was not working as intended, given the huge blowout in costs. Any rational person would also draw from that fact alone that the current arrangements are not fiscally sustainable for the Commonwealth, he told this masthead. Hopefully, the treasurer has today opened the door to reversing the worst public policy decision of the 21st century thus far. with Shane Wright Westlake, Ohio-based Nordson Corporation (NDSN) manufactures and markets products and systems to dispense, apply, and control adhesives, coatings, polymers, and other fluids worldwide. With a market cap of $12.7 billion, Nordson operates through Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions segments. Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as "large-cap stocks." Nordson fits right into that category, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its notable size and influence in the specialty industrial machinery industry. More News from Barchart The stock touched its 52-week high of $266.86 on Nov. 25, 2024, and is currently trading 15.6% below that peak. Meanwhile, the stock has gained 7.5% over the past three months, mostly matching the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLI) 7.5% uptick during the same time frame. www.barchart.com Over the longer term, NDSNs performance has remained grim. The stock has gained 7.7% in 2025 and plunged 11.8% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming XLIs 16.1% surge in 2025 and 14.9% gains over the past year. NDSN stock has remained mostly below its 200-day moving average over the past year, until August, and traded mostly above its 50-day moving average since early May with some fluctuations, underscoring its previous downturn and recent uptrend. www.barchart.com Nordsons stock prices gained 3% in the trading session following the release of its Q3 results on Aug. 20. The company observed solid organic growth during the quarter, especially in its advanced technology solutions segment, delivering a 15% organic sales growth compared to the year-ago quarter. Overall, the companys sales came in at $741.5 million, up 12.1% year-over-year, beating the Streets expectations by 2.8%. Further, Nordsons adjusted EPS grew by an impressive 13.3% year-over-year to $2.73, beating the consensus estimates by 3.8%. Moreover, when compared to its peer, Nordson has notably outperformed Ingersoll Rand Inc.s (IR) 9.6% decline in 2025 and 15.5% plunge over the past 52 weeks. Among the 11 analysts covering the NDSN stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Its mean price target of $256.44 suggests a 13.8% upside potential. On the date of publication, Aditya Sarawgi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaForeign relations Albanese and Trump to meet at the White House next month Matthew Knott and Michael Koziol Updated September 24, 2025 3:24am ,first published September 24, 2025 2:17am Save 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 259 View all comments New York: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on October 20, ending long-running speculation about when the two men would hold their first face-to-face meeting. A White House official confirmed the meeting would take place on that date, but provided no other details. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House next month. Dominic Lorrimer, AP Albanese is currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to see the president at a reception with more than 100 other world leaders on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST). The prime minister had earlier said he would have the opportunity to meet Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN or APEC summits in Malaysia and South Korea at the end of October. Advertisement Speaking at a Macquarie Bank event in New York, Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd said he was utterly optimistic about how we navigate the future of the Australia-US relationship. And thats why we were delighted to have the White House confirm this morning that the PM will be back in the United States on the 20th of October to meet with the President of the United States in Washington, DC, he said. This relationship will go from strength to strength, Rudd said, adding that Australia was one of Americas few continuing, robust, reliable allies. The announcement will please supporters of the US-Australia alliance, who were growing alarmed by the length of time between Trumps inauguration and a meeting with Albanese. Justin Bassi, the executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told this masthead: Im usually sceptical about focusing too much on any individual meeting but eight months into the second Trump administration, we really do want our leaders to be meeting face to face and talking about how we take the alliance forward. Advertisement Related Article Trump diplomacy Your countries are going to hell: Trump stuns UN with tirade on immigration, climate con job The worlds in a difficult place with authoritarian regimes working more closely together and seeking to undermine our societies, so a critical relationship like ours should be prioritised by both sides because thats the best way to deter aggression. The pair have spoken four times by phone since Trump was elected last year but have not met in person. The absence of a sit-down encounter, until now, had been painted as a failure by the Coalition. Expectations of Trump and Albaneses first meeting heightened when the pair spoke on the phone earlier this month, and when Trump lashed out at veteran Australian journalist John Lyons last week. Accusing Lyons of undermining Australian diplomacy by asking questions about his family business dealings, Trump said: You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. Im going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Advertisement Analysis WorldNorth AmericaWorld politics Mad in the morning, loyal in the afternoon: Trumps day of mixed messages Michael Koziol September 24, 2025 1:30pm Save 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 101 View all comments New York: In just a few chaotic hours, Donald Trump gave the international community the one-finger salute, and then embraced it with a dramatic shift on the war in Ukraine and a commitment to backing Europe against Vladimir Putins Russia. It is another reminder that Trumps exotic and outrageous statements always have to be measured against his actual decisions, and those of his vast administration. The day began with a full-throated rejection of globalism as the worlds most powerful leader railed against immigration, climate change and multilateral co-operation, instead emphasising the value of sovereignty and self-determination. I look at London where you have a terrible mayor Advertisement Indeed, Trumps address to the United Nations was heavily sceptical of multiculturalism. What made the world beautiful, he said, was that each country is unique. Explicit in his message: dont dilute your population with immigrants who have different customs, religions different everything. It was no surprise the city he chose to make an example of was London, with its highly visible Muslim population and Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan. Its been so changed, he said. Now they want to go to sharia law. But youre in a different country, you cant do that. As political columnist Ed Kilgore put it in The Intelligencer, the speech was blood-and-soil nationalism. Though it will appeal to some Australians, it is the antithesis of what the Australian project has tried to realise: a home for the worlds cultures, united by shared values. Advertisement Its the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world Then, Trump tried to shatter the global consensus on climate change. It was a con job, he said, and a hoax. Not only were the people in the room wrong, Trump said, they were stupid. In the same sentence, he said he did not mean to brag, but he was right about everything. Your countries are going to hell More than anything else, Trump condescended to the worlds leaders, telling them he alone knew the truth and the secrets to success and if they did not follow in his footsteps, they were doomed to failure. Advertisement Im really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell, Trump bragged before touting what he described as his administrations bold action on uncontrolled migration. Once we started detaining and deporting everyone who crossed the border and removing illegal aliens from the United States, they simply stopped coming. Theyre not coming any more. Were getting a lot of credit, but theyre not coming any more. This was a humanitarian act for all involved because on the trips up, thousands of people a week were dying. This was a president emboldened: more righteous than ever and happy to do his friends a favour by telling them where they were going wrong. Im the president of the United States, but I worry about Europe, he said. Yet hours later, Trump re-entered the international community or at least, the European one in spectacular and frankly bizarre fashion. Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump meet on the sidelines of the UN on Tuesday. AP Having met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN, Trump posted to Truth Social that after getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine-Russia military and economic situation, as well as Russias economic woes, he believed Ukraine was in a position to fight and win back all its land from Putin. It was not completely clear whether he included Crimea, taken without a fight in 2014, in this calculation. But he did say all of Ukraine, back in its original form and who knows, maybe even go further than that! We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them, Trump added, just as the European bloc faces drone incursions from an increasingly aggressive Russia. View post on X Advertisement This is an astounding change of tune from a US president who has for the past eight months insisted Ukraine doesnt have the cards, is weak on the battlefield and would have to cede territory to Putin and his bigger, more powerful army. On one hand, its more evidence that Trump is especially susceptible to the whims of whoever was last in his ear. And its not clear why he suddenly thinks Ukraine has an advantage when, if anything, Russia has been on the advance after a long stalemate. Indeed, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio undercut Trumps sudden bullishness at a UN ministerial meeting about Ukraine, saying it was a war that cannot end militarily it will end at a negotiating table. No one can possibly know how seriously to take Trumps latest pronouncement. Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia, posted on X: When Trump imposes a new sanction on Russia and asks Congress for new funds for military assistance to Ukraine (and not just selling US weapons to European countries), then we will know that hes ready to back up his words with actions. Advertisement But it also shows that Trump, for all his anti-globalist rhetoric, is not cleaving himself and the US from the community of nations. He went from castigating Europe as a collection of failing states in the morning to promising to aid them in the fight for Ukraine in the afternoon. Of course, those things are not mutually exclusive. But it goes to show his administration is not withdrawing from the world, whatever disdain he might have for it. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrump diplomacy Your countries are going to hell: Trump stuns UN with tirade on immigration, climate con job Michael Koziol September 24, 2025 2:00am Save 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 972 View all comments New York: US President Donald Trump has used the global stage of the United Nations to lecture the world on the disaster of unchecked immigration and the con job of climate change in a defiant and at-times threatening address that asserted American dominance and put other leaders on notice. Trump urged the nations present, particularly those in Europe, to control their borders and preserve their sovereignty, and argued that what made the world beautiful was not a mix of peoples and cultures but that each country is unique. Your countries are going to hell: US President Donald Trump pulled no punches with other world leaders. AP Illegal aliens are pouring into Europe. Its not sustainable. And because they choose to be politically correct, theyre doing absolutely nothing about it, he said. Proud nations must be allowed to protect their communities and prevent their societies being overwhelmed by people they have never seen before with different customs, religions with different everything. Advertisement Both the immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe if something is not done immediately. Trump spoke of his success in shutting down the United States southern border, and implored Europe to follow his lead. Im really good at this stuff, he said. Your countries are going to hell. Loading He made an example of multicultural London, again condemning its Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan. Now they want to go to Sharia law, Trump falsely claimed. But youre in a different country, you cant do that. In an equally savage diatribe on what he incorrectly called the hoax of climate change, Trump railed against renewable energy, windmills and solar panels. Advertisement They said global warming will kill the world, but then it started getting cooler. So now they just call it climate change, he said. If it goes higher, lower, whatever the hell happens, theres climate change. Its the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion. Trump said the dire predictions about global warmings impact on the Earth were made by stupid people who had cost their countries a fortune in economic growth. Trumps remarks were occasionally met with murmurs from the audience, who appeared to grow restless as the speech went on. Bloomberg Im really good at predicting things, he said, citing a popular MAGA hat and T-shirt slogan that says: Trump Was Right About Everything. I dont say that in a braggadocios way, but its true Ive been right about everything. And Im telling you that if you dont get away from the green energy scam, your country is going to fail. Advertisement The carbon footprint is a hoax made up by people with evil intentions, and theyre heading down a path of total destruction. In the hall of the UN General Assembly, some of Trumps remarks were met with murmurs. As his speech continued past the 40-minute mark, a handful of delegates left the room, appearing to grow restless. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong attend the United Nations General Assembly. Dominic Lorrimer Trump pointed out the sacrifices Europe made to reduce carbon emissions had been wiped out by increases in China and other developing nations. There was therefore no point having clean air, he asserted. The problem is that other countries, like China, which has air thats a little bit rough it blows, Trump said, gesturing to indicate the winds movement. Advertisement And no matter what youre doing down there, the air up here tends to get very dirty because it comes in from other countries. And the environmentalists refuse to acknowledge that. The US president also delivered his strongest remarks to date on Russias war on Ukraine, saying that while he was prepared to unleash a round of powerful tariffs against nations that buy Russian oil, the US could not do it alone. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the floor of the UN General Assembly. Dominic Lorrimer He shamed Europe for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, and funding the war against themselves although the European Commission says import bans currently cover 90 per cent of Russian oil. Europe has to step it up. They cant be doing what theyre doing. Theyre buying oil and gas from Russia while theyre fighting Russia. Its embarrassing to them, Trump said. Advertisement They have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia. Otherwise, were all wasting a lot of time Im sure theyre thrilled to hear me speak about it, but thats the way it is, I like to speak my mind. On the situation in the Middle East, Trump criticised the decisions of Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and other nations to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. US First lady Melania Trump watches as her husband addresses the UN. Dominic Lorrimer Without naming any country, he said the decision encouraged continued conflict and rewarded the terrorist group, Hamas, for its atrocities, including the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel in which militants killed about 1200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Instead of giving in to Hamas ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now, Trump said to applause from some delegates. Advertisement As the White House flagged, Trump repeatedly attacked the UN itself, and condemned globalism. He accused the UN of foisting open borders, climate change policies and multilateral agreements on developed nations, and said he had proudly withdrawn the US from the fake Paris Climate Accord. Related Article Analysis Israeli-Palestinian conflict Albaneses moment of magical thinking wont change the grim reality The entire globalist concept of asking successful industrialised nations to inflict pain on themselves and radically disrupt their entire societies must be rejected completely and totally, and it must be immediate. After Trumps 55-minute address, most of the delegates clapped politely, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Trumps UN visit was also marked by logistical hiccups, which he made light of in his address. An escalator stopped working the moment Trump and first lady Melania stepped onto it, while the teleprompter failed as he began his speech. Advertisement I ended seven wars and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help, he said. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle ... and then a teleprompter that didnt work. These are the two things I got from the United Nations: a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter. Thank you very much. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. For OpenAI, the appeal is simple. GPUs are scarce, expensive, and often monopolized by the worlds biggest cloud providers. A $100 billion backstop all but guarantees supply at the scale needed to keep training frontier models. OpenAI, by putting Nvidia in its capital stack, is effectively buying certainty at a moment when delays could derail its model pipeline. NVIDIA and OpenAI have pushed each other for a decade, from the first DGX supercomputer to the breakthrough of ChatGPT, Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of Nvidia, said in a press release. This investment and infrastructure partnership mark the next leap forward deploying 10 gigawatts to power the next era of intelligence. But this deal takes things further: Nvidia isnt just selling the chips, its helping pay for the factories that use them. The company becomes OpenAIs preferred strategic compute and networking partner, aligning hardware and software roadmaps so that model releases and silicon arrive in lockstep. That means Nvidias hardware and software evolve alongside OpenAIs models, each feeding the others performance. This isnt a one-time wire; its a letter-of-intent to invest progressively in cash and equity as each gigawatt is deployed money that shows up when concrete, power, racks, and GPUs do. And the partnership formalizes a relationship thats been implicit for years. OpenAI runs on Nvidias silicon, and Nvidias stock has rocketed thanks to AI labs such as OpenAI driving insatiable demand. The deal is part supplier agreement, part financing package and has a moat big enough to make rivals sweat. Nvidia will pour in money gigawatt by gigawatt as OpenAI builds data centers stocked with millions of its chips. The first of those, running on Nvidias coming Vera Rubin platform, is slated to switch on in the second half of 2026. By the time the build-out hits 10 gigawatts about the output of several nuclear reactors OpenAI will be operating the kind of compute grid that is usually reserved for national utilities. The details of this new phase of strategic partnership will be finalized in the coming weeks, the two companies said in the press release. Nvidias stock was up around 3.5% on the news. On Monday, Nvidia and OpenAI announced that the chipmaker plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI through a staged partnership that doesnt just guarantee the startup first dibs on the worlds most coveted GPUs it effectively makes Nvidia a co-builder of the infrastructure that will power the next wave of artificial intelligence. Nvidia just put real money behind its favorite metaphor. After two years of calling modern data centers AI factories, the chipmaker is going all-in with chips and cash to help build them. Story Continues OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in the press release that everything starts with compute. He added, Compute infrastructure will be the basis for the economy of the future, and we will utilize what were building with NVIDIA to both create new AI breakthroughs and empower people and businesses with them at scale. For Nvidia, the benefits are equally obvious. Instead of waiting for purchase orders, it now has visibility into years of demand millions of chips, bundled networking gear, and software licenses that will keep its order book fat through multiple product generations. Nvidias proposed commitment is almost twice its entire fiscal 2024 revenue of about $61 billion, and even with a market cap north of $4 trillion, the company usually spends only tens of billions a year on new factories and equipment (its most recent capital expenditures guidance was of $66$72 billion). That means that the OpenAI deal is bigger than a year of Nvidias sales and on par with its entire annual investment budget a sign of just how central Nvidia sees OpenAI to its future. The move also changes the competitive board. Microsoft remains OpenAIs largest investor and its primary cloud host, even though the two companies recently redefined their cloud ties . And other partners are in the mix. The two companies said in the press release that this partnership complements the deep work OpenAI and NVIDIA are already doing with a broad network of collaborators, including Microsoft, Oracle, SoftBank and Stargate partners, focused on building the worlds most advanced AI infrastructure. Oracle stock was up about 5% on Monday around 1 p.m. ET, as investors digested the ripple effect of what will be massive new data-center demand. The partnership might leave rivals such as Amazon and Google who also depend heavily on Nvidia chips for their own AI clouds wondering whether OpenAI has just leapfrogged them in the allocation line. AMD and Intel, meanwhile, face the prospect of being further marginalized if OpenAIs next-generation compute is effectively pre-committed to Rubin-era GPUs. Questions about the partnership remain But Nvidias deal creates a lane: The supplier is now also the financier, and thats an arrangement that could draw scrutiny from regulators. Governments in the U.S. and Europe are increasingly wary of concentration in AI, and a $100 billion deal between the sectors most influential startup and its most indispensable supplier is bound to attract scrutiny. So questions about preferential access and antitrust might not be far behind. Nvidia and OpenAI can argue that the staged, milestone-based structure keeps the relationship transactional rather than controlling. But rivals likely wont miss the chance to suggest the deck is being stacked if OpenAI gets first crack at Rubin-era parts while other companies wait their turn. Meanwhile, actually turning on 10 gigawatts of compute requires solving the dull but brutal bottlenecks of grid interconnection and energy sourcing challenges that could slow the rollout no matter how much money is on the table. OpenAIs scale was used as evidence in the press release that it can make use of the investment, citing over 700 million weekly active users and strong adoption across global enterprises, small businesses, and developers. For enterprises that increasingly rely on OpenAIs APIs, the promise of more predictable compute capacity means fewer bottlenecks. For consumers, it suggests the cadence of ChatGPT upgrades could speed up. This partnership will help OpenAI advance its mission to build artificial general intelligence that benefits all of humanity, the companies wrote. The bet is clear. The scarcest commodity in AI today isnt clever code or new architectures its compute. By investing up to $100 billion, Nvidia is locking in its place at the center of that scarcity. OpenAI gets the money it needs to scale. Nvidia gets the certainty it craves. And the rest of the industry gets the message: The next phase of AI isnt about demos; its about who can light up the most gigawatts. Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), conducted a Rules of Origin workshop from 8 to 10 September 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, for Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) Freight Forwarders. This workshop is the first step of a comprehensive and sustainable rules of origin capacity building intervention to ultimately enhance intra-African trade, trade between Africa and Europe, and trade between Africa and the rest of the world. In attendance were the President of Federation of Clearing & Forwarding Associations of Sovereign Africa, Freight Forwarding officials of national associations from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as SADC Secretariat and Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat representatives. This regional capacity building intervention for the SADC Freight Forwarders is timely considering their vital role in international trade supply chain which includes advisory services to importers/ exporters, transportation and warehousing logistics, Customs brokerage, liaison between importers/exporters and Border Agencies, among others. Regarding implementation of the AfCFTA, Freight forwarders play an indispensable role of advising traders on whether goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment or not, ensuring compliance to administrative requirements such as those that concern consignment criteria and proof of origin, and facilitating the efficient movement of goods. Considering the sectors unique training needs in the area of rules of origin, the training was custom-made to enable learners to acquire the knowledge and skills required to determine whether goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment by accurately applying originating products conditions, territorial requirements and proof of origin procedures. Highly engaging learning sessions were facilitated by use of exercises, case studies, illustrations, plenary discussions, among other learning activities. The closing ceremony was graced by European Unions delegation representative for the SADC region, Mr. Catalin Gherman, who reiterated that Freight Forwarders are the implementers of cross-border trade policies and laws as well as key contributors to the regional integration agenda in Africa, and so they are instrumental in enhancing preferential trade in Africa. He further recognized the tangible opportunities availed by the AfCFTA and also the benefits realized from the Rules of Origin Workshop, including fruitful dialogue between the Secretariats and the Freight Forwarders. Lastly, he encouraged the learners to take the lessons learnt back to their countries. The EU-WCO Origin for Africa Programme celebrates the long standing and mutually beneficial partnership with the GIZ, the SADC Secretariat and the AfCFTA Secretariat, which has created invaluable synergies for capacity building for Customs, Other Government Agencies and the Private Sector in the SADC region. For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org By Deepa Seetharaman and Akash Sriram (Reuters) -Nvidia will invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply it with data center chips, the companies said on Monday, marking a tie-up between two of the highest-profile players in the global artificial intelligence race. The move underscores the increasingly overlapping interests of the various tech giants developing advanced AI systems. The deal gives chipmaker Nvidia a financial stake in the world's most prominent AI company, which is already an important customer. At the same time, the investment gives OpenAI the cash and access it needs to buy advanced chips that are key to maintaining its dominance in an increasingly competitive landscape. Rivals of both companies may be concerned the partnership will undermine competition. The deal will involve two separate but intertwined transactions, according to a person close to OpenAI. Nvidia will start investing in OpenAI for non-voting shares once the deal is finalized, then OpenAI can use the cash to buy Nvidias chips, the person said. "Everything starts with compute," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in a statement. "Compute infrastructure will be the basis for the economy of the future, and we will utilize what we're building with Nvidia to both create new AI breakthroughs and empower people and businesses with them at scale." The two companies signed a letter of intent to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems for OpenAI and said they aim to finalize partnership details in the coming weeks. The power for those chips is equivalent to the needs of more than 8 million U.S. households. Nvidia shares rose as much as 4.4% after the announcement to a record intraday high, while data center builder Oracle gained about 6%. Oracle is working with OpenAI, SoftBank and Microsoft on a $500 billion project called Stargate, a plan to build massive AI data centers around the world. Under the new deal, once the two sides reach a definitive agreement for OpenAI to purchase Nvidia systems, Nvidia will invest an initial $10 billion, the person familiar with the matter said. OpenAI was most recently valued at $500 billion. Nvidia will start delivering hardware as soon as late 2026, with the first gigawatt of computing power to be deployed in the second half of that year on its upcoming platform, named Vera Rubin. Analysts said the deal was positive for Nvidia but also voiced concerns about whether some of Nvidia's investment dollars might be coming back to it in the form of chip purchases. "On the one hand this helps OpenAI deliver on what are some very aspirational goals for compute infrastructure, and helps Nvidia ensure that that stuff gets built. On the other hand the 'circular' concerns have been raised in the past, and this will fuel them further," said Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon. FILE -- This undated image shows Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey, who was named the 2025 Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriffs' Association. (WDRB/archive) Redacted: Navigating the Complexities of Censorship Event Cancellation Dear Unity Conference Community, We are writing to share the difficult news that we have made the decision to cancel the Unity Conference 2025, Redacted: Navigating the Complexities of Censorship, which was scheduled for Oct. 2 and 3 at Weber State University. This was not a decision we made lightly. After careful consideration of concerns raised by conference planners and participants, we have determined we cannot in good conscience deliver the high-quality, meaningful experience that our community expects and deserves. That said, in keeping with the spirit of the conference theme, we remain committed to navigating these complexities and hope to continue the conference in the future in a way that fully reflects our mission and values. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, especially for those who have already made travel plans, submitted proposals, or dedicated time to prepare. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support for the conference and its important theme. We look forward to finding new ways to gather, learn, and grow together in the spirit of unity. If you have questions, please contact weberstateuniversity@weber.edu. Nvidia announced Monday it plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI as part of a deal to build out massive data centers for training and running AI models. The companies say they signed a letter of intent to deploy 10 gigawatts enough to power millions of homes worth of Nvidia systems to power OpenAIs next generation of AI infrastructure. The deal may help OpenAI as it reduces its reliance on Microsoft, its largest investor and supplier of cloud computing resources. In January, Microsoft announced changes to its partnership with OpenAI, allowing the ChatGPT maker to build additional AI infrastructure with other partners. Since then, OpenAI has teamed up with various partners on AI data center projects, such as Stargate. Nvidia says the deal will complement existing partnerships OpenAI has, including agreements with Microsoft, Oracle, and SoftBank. OpenAI says it will work with Nvidia as a preferred strategic compute and networking partner for its AI factory growth. Its unclear whether Nvidias investment will be paid out in chips, cloud credits, cash, or otherwise. Leesville, LA (71446) Today Areas of patchy fog early. A mix of clouds and sun. High 73F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. Low 56F. Winds light and variable. North Mayo is proudly represented among the finalists for the 2025 Family Business Awards, celebrating the vital role family-run enterprises play in communities across Ireland. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, starting at 12:30pm. Local businesses have been acknowledged for their dedication, innovation, and contribution to the regional economy. Bar Square in Ballina has received multiple nominations, including Best Small Family Business of the Year Connacht, Fastest Growing Family Business, Hospitality Business of the Year, and the Rising Star Award for Michael Carr. The team has also been nominated for the Peoples Choice Award Best in Connacht, reflecting their strong connection with the local community. Mocha Beans Ballina has reached the finals for the Connacht Small Family Business of the Year award, while Moy Hotel in Foxford is also a finalist for Best Small Family Business of the Year Connacht. Other nominees from the wider Mayo area include Croagh Patrick Seafood, Mayo Leisure Point, Kirrane Auctioneering, An Even Better Place to Work Ltd, Cong Holiday Group, and McGraths Cong Group. Commenting on the nominations, Mairead Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, said: "Family businesses are the heartbeat of Mayo. They bring together tradition, hard work, and community spirit, and it is wonderful to see their contribution recognised on a national stage. Beyond providing essential services, these businesses play a vital role in welcoming visitors and showcasing the warmth and character of our region. Their success is a success for tourism and for the communities they serve." The 2025 Family Business Awards celebrate excellence, resilience, and innovation in family-run enterprises across Ireland. North Mayos finalists are a testament to the dedication and creativity that make the region a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Tickets for the awards ceremony are now available, and the event promises to be a memorable celebration of Irelands most outstanding family businesses. Vote for your favourite family business here: Family Business Awards People's Choice Awards to help them take home the top prize to County Mayo. The hugely successful Mayo Mayhem Windsurfing event is scheduled for Friday, 26th to Sunday, 28th September. Mayo Mayhem, powered by RWE, is Irelands premier windsurfing event. The competition will take place either on the Belmullet Peninsula or Achill Island in County Mayo, depending on wind direction. Returning as a 3-star-ranked world tour event, Mayo Mayhem will attract top windsurfers from Ireland and overseas to compete along the Wild Atlantic Way. Expect a spectacular display of colour, skill, courage and adrenaline as riders battle the elements for the Mayo Mayhem 25 title. For more information, contact Malcolm at 087 637 6412 or email info@apt.ie or check out https://www.facebook.com/MayoMayhem2017target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> / https://www.instagram.com/mayo.mayhem/target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> / www.mayomayhem.ie. Nvidia is preparing one of the largest investments in the history of artificial intelligence, pledging up to $100 billion in funding for OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The deal comes hot on the heels of Nvidia pledging a $5 billion investment into Intel, its one-time rival and former American semiconductor champion. The companies jointly announced they had signed a letter of intent for a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of NVIDIA systems for OpenAIs next-generation AI infrastructure to train and run its next generation of models. Nvidias investment will go directly toward building data center and power capacity, the announcement said. Nvidias investment will be progressive and tied to OpenAIs deployment of each gigawatt of new AI infrastructure, with the first gigawatt scheduled to come online in the second half of 2026 using Nvidias Vera Rubin platform. This rollout aims to address the extraordinary computing demands of OpenAIs forthcoming models, which target advances toward artificial general intelligence. Weve been working closely with NVIDIA since the early days of OpenAI, said Greg Brockman, cofounder and president of OpenAI, nothing OpenAI had utilized its platform to create AI systems that hundreds of millions of people are now using on a daily basis as they interact with ChatGPT. Were excited to deploy 10 gigawatts of compute with NVIDIA to push back the frontier of intelligence and scale the benefits of this technology to everyone. Strategic aims and roadmap Under the agreement, OpenAI will designate Nvidia as its preferred strategic compute and networking partner for its AI factory expansion. Both companies have committed to co-optimizing hardware and software development roadmaps, aligning OpenAIs model and infrastructure software innovations directly with Nvidias next-generation GPU and networking products. The investment does not stand alone; it builds on a broader network of AI industry collaborations, including ongoing alliances with Microsoft, Oracle, SoftBank, and Stargate partners, all focused on constructing the worlds most advanced AI infrastructure. OpenAIs rapid growthnow more than 700 million weekly active users, according to the companyreflects surging demand not just from consumers but also enterprises and developers worldwide, for whom advanced computing resources are critical. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com BANGKOK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 17th, 2025, the "2025 Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition (Thailand)" hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce was officially kicked off at the prestigious IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand. At the official opening ceremony, guests of honor from Electrical and Electronics Industry Club, The Federation of Thai Industries and Ministry of Energy presided to witness this grand and momentous occasion and partook in a special VIP tour of the exhibition, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark event in international trade. The guests of honor highly complimented products of Zhejiang Province particularly the renowned homegrown brands and fully affirmed the exceptional brand image of "quality Zhejiang goods". Official Opening of the 2025 Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition (Thailand Zhejiang has successfully held the Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition (Thailand) in Bangkok, Thailand for three consecutive years. The exhibition highlights the competitive advantages of Zhejiang's lighting, smart city, smart living and related industries, and perfectly aligned to the theme of "Zhejiang Made All Need". It offers Thailand an excellent opportunity to connect with top-quality manufacturing enterprises championed from Zhejiang province. In particular, Zhejiang intelligent manufacturing brands represented by Hikvision, Tuya, Roleds, and Evermore, showcased cutting-edge innovative products in various application of smart cities, highlighting the achievement of Zhejiang's traditional industries in the field of technology breakthrough. In addition to the pioneering brands such as Hikvision and Dahua Technology which have already been rooted in Thailand market, in recent years, Tuya, as a unicorn enterprise in the Chinese industry, has joined hands with leading Thai companies such as SCG and T3 Technology to promote the development of smart homes in Thailand and become an ally in advancing Thailand's IoT ecosystem. Thailand is China's third largest trading partner in ASEAN, and China has also been Thailand's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. Since November 2022, China and Thailand have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to foster bilateral economic and trade cooperation. This year marks the auspicious 10th year anniversary of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, riding on the shared vision of deepening Sino-Thai cooperation in this new era. This milestone has accelerated economic exchange and trade development between Zhejiang and Thailand and unlocked new opportunities between both regions. By Georgina McCartney HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil and gas activity in the key producing states of Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico declined slightly in the third quarter, as executives there expressed an increasingly negative outlook for the industry, according to a survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas on Wednesday. The drop in activity and production comes amid growing uncertainty around oil prices and increased frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Executives blamed Trump's policies, such as tariffs and a promise to lower oil prices, for hurting the industry. More than a third of exploration and production executives reported significantly delaying investment decisions in response to heightened uncertainty about the price of oil and the cost of producing oil, while oilfield services executives were also gloomy on the outlook. "A vibrant oilfield services sector is critical if and when the U.S. needs to ramp up production. Right now we are bleeding," one oilfield executive said in the anonymous comments section of the survey. Many producers need prices around $65 a barrel to turn a profit. U.S. crude futures have ranged between a high of $70 a barrel and a low of around $62 so far in the third quarter, according to data from LSEG. "The uncertainty from the administrations policies has put a damper on all investment in the oilpatch. Those who can are running for the exits," another E&P executive said. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe have helped to support prices, while OPEC+ accelerating its output increases ahead of schedule, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, have weighed on prices. DRILLERS LOOK ABROAD As the best resources in the United States are drilled, more companies are examining opportunities abroad. More than three-quarters of executives said they expect shale oil drilling to become commercially viable in international locations outside the United States, Canada and Argentina in the next 10 years. Turkish national oil company TPAO signed a joint venture agreement with U.S. oil producer Continental Resources to develop shale fields in the countrys Diyarbakir Basin in March. And Houston-based shale company EOG Resources entered the upstream sector earlier this year in both Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. "We have begun the twilight of shale," an executive said, adding "the U.S. isn't running out of oil, but she sure is running out of $60 per barrel oil." Around 43% of E&P firms said they are expecting a decrease in capital expenditure in the third quarter of this year compared with the same quarter a year ago, while oilfield service firms expect a 42% decline over the same period. By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices climbed about 3% to a seven-week high on Wednesday as a surprise drop in U.S. weekly crude inventories added to a sense in the market of tightening supplies amid export issues in Iraq, Venezuela and Russia. Brent futures rose $1.68, or 2.5%, to settle at $69.31 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $1.58, or 2.5%, to settle at $64.99. That was the highest close for Brent since August 1 and WTI since September 2. U.S. crude inventories fell by a surprise 607,000 barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said. [EIA/S] [API/S] That compares with the 235,000-barrel build analysts forecast in a Reuters poll, but was smaller than the 3.8 million-barrel draw market sources said the American Petroleum Institute trade group cited in its figures on Tuesday. "The report is somewhat supportive given the draws across the board here," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital, referring to the crude, distillate and gasoline inventory draws in the EIA report. Oil prices also found support from news that Ukraine's military struck two oil pumping stations overnight in Russia's Volgograd region. A state of emergency was declared in the Russian city of Novorossiisk, which is Russia's major seaport on the Black Sea and contains major oil and grain export terminals. "The focus recently has shifted back to Eastern Europe and the possible introduction of fresh sanctions on Russia," said PVM Oil Associates analyst Tamas Varga. Russia is seeing shortages of certain fuel grades as Ukrainian drone attacks reduce refinery runs, according to traders and retailers, after Ukraine stepped up drone attacks on energy infrastructure to reduce Moscow's export revenues. Russia's finance ministry proposed raising the rate of value-added tax to 22% from 20% in 2026 to fund military spending and help curb a swelling budget deficit, in what would be the fifth year of the war in Ukraine. Russia was the second-biggest producer of crude in 2024 behind the U.S. and is a member of OPEC+, which includes OPEC and allies. U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine could retake all the territory captured by Russia, marking a sudden rhetorical shift in Ukraine's favour. The Trump administration earlier this month urged European Union countries to phase out Russian oil and gas more quickly. DECLINING U.S. ACTIVITY, IRAN SANCTIONS In the U.S., oil and gas production and activity in the key producing states of Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico declined slightly in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Dallas Fed on Wednesday. Oracle announced that longtime CEO Safra Catz will be replaced by two new internal hires: Clay Magouyrk, 39, and Mike Sicilia, 54. The outgoing CEO described the two as a match made in heaventwo technical executives who can further propel Oracle into the AI era. The move will marry veteran industry leadership from Sicilia with younger cloud-native expertise in Magouyrk. The latter is a founding member of the $920 billion tech firms cloud engineering team and Oracle named him president of cloud infrastructure in June 2025. Before joining Oracle in 2014, Magouyrk was a senior engineer at Amazon and Amazon Web Services. Sicilia joined Oracle after it acquired Primavera Systems in 2008, where Sicilia was chief technology officer. He later served as executive vice president in Oracles industries unit and in its global business units. In June, Oracle named him president in industries. Im really looking forward to this stage, said Catz during an investor call on Monday. But it is absolutely time. You want to make a transition like this when things are great and when Im handing it to two of the guysactually a whole teamthat brought Oracle here. This is ideal. In connection with their promotions, Oracle will give its Millennial and Gen X duo stock option grants valued at $250 million for Magouyrk and $100 million for the Sicilia. The leadership shakeup will also see Douglas Kehring promoted to principal financial officer at Oracle in the place of Catz. Oracle chief technology officer Larry Ellison will retain his CTO title and role as board chair. The company is being recognized as an innovator and leader in AI and our momentum has been nothing less than spectacularand its only the beginning, Catz told investors. With this success in mind, Larry and I thought timing was perfect to recognize and promote several executives who have not only been instrumental in helping pivot the company, but who will be critical to leading us as we move forward. With the massive stock option grants, Oracle is incentivizing Magouyrk and Sicilia to stay with Oracle until at least 2029, with 80% of each grant vesting over four years. The remaining 20% will vest over a three-year period but they must achieve specific revenue metrics for the performance options to vest, although Oracle did not comment on or disclose the specific metrics. The grants will only pay off if Oracles stock price rises. An Oracle spokesperson declined to comment on the disparity of the grants between Magouyrk and Sicilia. Oracle is entering the AI era. Ive never seen an opportunity on this scale before, Ellison told investors on Monday. The immense impact of AI across our economy is hard to grasp. The colossal size of the AI endeavor and the colossal size of the responsibility that goes along with it is difficult to imagine. Weather Alert ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM CST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, Southern Marinette County, and Southern Oconto County Counties. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM CST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && A side profile of Safra Catz speaking at an Oracle event by drserg via Shutterstock Oracle (ORCL) shares closed another more than 6% up on Sept. 22 after the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure firm named Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as its co-chief executives. Magouyrk and Sicilia will replace current CEO Safra Catz, who will now transition to the role of executive vice chair of the board, the companys press release confirmed on Monday. More News from Barchart Including todays gains, Oracle stock is up nearly 175% versus its year-to-date low in late April. www.barchart.com Are Magouyrk and Sicilia Good Fits for Oracle Stock? Magouyrk and Sicilias appointment bring complementary expertise to Oracles senior leadership roles. Magouyrk, who joined Oracle in 2014 from AWS, brings crucial cloud infrastructure expertise as former president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), while Sicilia contributes deep knowledge in vertical applications and applied AI from his role as president of Oracle Industries. The timing of this transition appears particularly strategic as ORCL continues to secure major deals and expand its presence in the AI and cloud computing sectors. Oracle recently signed a landmark $300 billion deal with OpenAI and is involved in securing TikToks U.S. operations as well. Note that the co-CEO model is not exactly new to Oracle, having been previously implemented successfully when Catz shared the role with Mark Hurd until 2019. Where Options Data Suggests ORCL Shares Are Headed Options data from Barchart paints a bullish-leaning picture for ORCL stock as investor interest in its AI infrastructure capabilities continues to build. For the December 19 expiration, the implied trading range spans from $265 to $383 suggesting a wide band of volatility but with meaningful upside potential. In the near term, the expected move through Sept. 26 is 4.35%, with a projected range between $310 and $338. Given Oracles recent executive reshuffle and its expanding role in powering AI workloads though, the upper end of these ranges look increasingly plausible. Meanwhile, momentum, institutional interest, and sector tailwinds all point toward continued strength in ORCL stock. How Wall Street Recommends Playing ORCL Stock Investors should also note that Wall Street analysts remain bullish as ever on Oracle shares as well. Oracle (ORCL) stock rose more than 6% Monday as the White House confirmed that the software giant is part of a consortium of investors that will control TikTok's US operations. The company also separately announced a CEO shake-up. A senior White House official on Monday morning confirmed the details of the TikTok deal, which will move the social media app's US operations into a new joint venture based in the United States and controlled by American investors, who will have a majority of the new company's ownership stake and of its board seats. Oracle and Venture Private Equity firm Silver Lake are set to lead the new venture, with China-based tech giant ByteDance holding a less than 20% equity stake. The venture will receive a copy of TikTok's valuable content recommendation algorithm, which will be "fully inspected" and "retrained" by Oracle the group's security provider on US user data. The algorithm will be regularly inspected by US government officials. "We feel [this] meets every security requirement that we need for the algorithm to make sure it's behaving appropriately," a senior White House official said. Trump is set to sign an executive order later this week declaring that the terms of the new TikTok agreement meet America's national security needs. The president has touted the deal repeatedly and said Sunday that the final list of investors would be "really great people, very prominent people." TikTok, the short-form video app owned by ByteDance, faced a US ban due to national security concerns unless it divested its ownership to a US- or US-allied country by Dec. 16. Congress passed a law effectively banning TikTok in 2024 under former President Joe Biden, and Trump promised to "save" the app on his campaign trail despite originally trying to ban TikTok in his first term. The US president extended the deadline for TikTok to divest its ownership multiple times as the app featured in high-stakes trade talks between the US and China. The White House official said the US government has no plans to take equity, a "golden share," or a board seat as it has with US Steel and Intel though it might charge a fee for facilitating the deal. Multiple outlets had reported previously that Oracle would be part of a consortium of investors that would control TikTok's US operations. Analysts have told Yahoo Finance that Oracle's involvement in such a deal is seen as a positive for the software company because it would expand its partnership with TikTok. Oracle has worked with TikTok to store the app's American user data since 2022, and that ongoing deal accounted for 5% of the revenue seen by its booming cloud business, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), in its 2025 fiscal year, Morningstar analyst Luke Yang estimated. Early September saw yet another blatant case of censorship linked to unjustified accusations of antisemitism. The young activist Judith Scheytt, who in January had received a prize for her posts and videos on Instagram and TikTok criticising media coverage of the genocide in Gaza by the Israeli armed forces, was forcedafter the intervention of the pro-Zionist Cologne Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperationto hand back the award and prize statue. Just before her graduation, the then high school student had been awarded the non-endowed special commendation of the Donnepp Award for Critical Media for her work on social media, especially her Instagram reels. Since November 2023, Scheytt had focused on the one-sided reporting of the German media on the Middle East conflict, and the human rights crimes of the Israeli army (IDF) in the Gaza Strip. The Donnepp Award is named after Bert Donnepp, founder of the Grimme Institute, a respected non-profit organisation covering media and communication, and annually awards prizes for outstanding achievements in radio and television. The Donnepp Award is presented together with two special commendations each year for outstanding critical media. According to the awards statutes, it honours competent journalistic engagement with questions of radio, television, the press and/or overarching media issues which contributes to recognising the specific achievements of these mass media, their content, their structures and/or their effects. The Donnepp Award, however, is not bestowed by the institute itself, but independently by the Friends of the Grimme Prize Association, which appoints a jury for this purpose. Of the six jury members who awarded Scheytt, three were also members of the associations board: journalist Jorg Schieb (also chairman of the Friends of Grimme Association), honorary chairman Ulrich Spies, and Grimme Prize director Lucia Eskes, alongside Steffen Grimberg (head of media services at the Catholic News Agency) and director Maik Groe Lochtmann. The jury chair was the previous years laureate, author and communications scholar Nadia Zaboura, who had proposed Scheytt. The jury unanimously endorsed the award. The main laureate in January was Annika Schneider of Ubermedien. The two special commendations went to cabaret artist Oliver Kalkofe and the then 17-year-old Judith Scheytt, who describes herself on Instagram as an activist for climate justice and human rights. The jury praised Scheytts wealth of knowledge and analytical brilliance, with which she exposed false information about the Gaza war in detail. Her pointed and challenging analyses had created open spaces for discussion, it said in January. Scheytt was producing a new and truly contemporary form of journalism with her critical media on Instagram, according to the validation published by the Grimme Institute. Scheytts Instagram channel supports her criticism with studies and sources, as noted in the commendation. She openly speaks of genocide, apartheid and war crimes, and accuses German media of marginalising Palestinian voices. For example, she drew on a study by Fabian Goldmann, which showed that of headlines analysed (Bild, Zeit, Spiegel, Tagesschau), 43.3 percent drew on Israeli sources, but only 5 percent on Palestinian ones. The jury praised her pointed and, in the best sense, challenging video analyses. She had engagingly and incisively exposed the grossest breaches of journalistic professionalism and integrity, dissecting double standards, framings, cliches and false information down to the smallest detail. Her focus was particularly on German reporting on the Middle East. In an Instagram video posted after graduating high school, Scheytt revealed that she had been stripped of the award as early as April. Jorg Schieb of the Friends of Grimme board had phoned her mother to say so. When she herself asked for the reasons, she was told her media criticism was structurally antisemitic. The first attack against the award was an article in the staunchly pro-Israel Die Welt, written by Mirna Funk. Great granddaughter of the East German writer Stephan Hermlin, Funk found her way into journalism in 2018 with a Vogue column and now writes an erotic column for Cosmopolitan. Since converting to Judaism, she has become a vehement defender of the Israeli government and contributes to right-wing outlets like Die Welt and Neue Zurcher Zeitung. But what proved decisive was an email from the Cologne Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation, which apparently threatened to launch a media campaign against the association and the Grimme Institute unless the award was rescinded. This society is a pro-Zionist propaganda organisation that backs the far-right Netanyahu government, supports genocide against Palestinians, and brands any criticism as antisemitic. Next month it is hosting Arye Sharuz Shalicar, Israeli army spokesman and right-wing Zionist, to present his war diary. On its website he promotes the event with the words: Why does the world show so little understanding for our struggle for survival? As spokesman of the IDF, I try to explain Israels new reality80 years after the end of the warto German political and media leaders. Under the threat of this Zionist organisation, which has close ties to the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state government, the board of the Friends of Grimme disgracefully caved in and rescinded its award for Judith Scheytts work. When she asked why she had to return the prize, Scheytt received a nearly 40-page document with absurd reasoning from chairman Jorg Schieb. Among other things, her videos were accused of omitting essential historical-political context and many security aspects of Israel. Her content was deemed purely activistsupposedly violating the awards statutes. In convoluted jargon, the document further accused her of selective contextualisation, terminological trivialisation and media de-realisation. Grimme Institute director Cigdem Uzunoglu also suddenly backed rescinding the award, allegedly to avoid antisemitism allegations against the organisation. Since 80 percent of its budget comes from the NRW state government, the institute has adapted itself to official policy and its weaponisation of antisemitism smears. The jury was not involved in the decision to rescind; several members, including chair Nadia Zaboura, expressly disagreed with it. Even Annika Schneider, the main prize-winner, returned her awardincluding the 5,000 prize moneyin protest. She said that while she did not agree with Scheytt on every point, the association had failed to provide proof of antisemitism: I cannot accept a prize for good journalism from an association that does not itself uphold its principles. She added, The withdrawal of the award was carried out in secret. The association issued no statement, it did not inform the other winners. It simply bypassed several jury members, not even telling them the award had been revoked. For that reason, I return my award. Scheytt herself is now aboard the flotilla currently heading to Gaza to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid. She expresses confidence the Global Sumud Flotilla mission will succeed, repeatedly declaring: In the long run, it is more dangerous to live in a world where states and other powers can commit war crimes and genocidewith no consequences. The revocation of Judith Scheytts award contains important lessons. The one-sided pro-Israel reporting on the genocide in Gaza and the Israeli armys horrendous war crimes, which she highlighted in her online work, is not merely unprofessional journalism but official state policy. The Israeli government could not sustain its terror against Palestinians without the active backing and military aid of Washington, Berlin and other NATO-member governments. Criticism of this support is not to be tolerated. The slanderous charge of antisemitism serves to intimidate. Under the Nazis, antisemitic agitation was used to direct the anger of ruined petty bourgeois layers against Jews. Socialists resolutely fought this poison. Now the false antisemitism campaign is being used to criminalise anyone who speaks out against oppression and militarism. The cowardly capitulation of the Grimme Institute to Zionist pressure differs in no way from the behaviour of all the establishment parties and state institutions. In other words: there is only one way to fight genocide and warmobilising the working class internationally on the basis of a socialist programme against capitalism and war. This is the struggle taken up by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), and we invite Judith Scheytt and all her followers to join the IYSSE. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) US President Donald Trump delivered a fascist rant Tuesday to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in which he proclaimed America First should be the worlds organizing principle, threatened war and aggression the world over, and lionized the criminal actions of his administration at home and abroad. He attacked both Americas ostensible allies and states long in Washingtons military-strategic crosshairs in a meandering speech that lasted almost triple his allotted time. Trump reveled in displaying his disdain and contempt for international law, making clear that Washington will accept no restraints on the ruthless assertion of its imperialist interests, whether through trade war, assassinations, regime-change operations or global war. He cited as models for the world key elements in his ongoing drive to establish a presidential dictatorship, such as the occupation of Washington by National Guard troops and the assault on immigrants. Trump blamed the UN and its globalist agenda for much, if not most, of humanitys problems. He charged that the UN, through its limited programs to aid the refugees created by imperialist wars and oppression, is funding an assault on Western countries, effectively expounding from the UN rostrum the white supremacist Great Replacement theory. The UN, he declared, is supposed to stop invasions, not create them and not finance them. He excoriated Americas traditional European allies for not being aggressive enough in restricting immigration and expelling immigrants, and for seeking to limit greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the greatest con job in history. Europe is in serious trouble. They have been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody has ever seen before. Both the immigration and suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe, said Trump. Trump blithely ignored the genocide of the Palestiniansappropriately enough given American imperialisms role in arming Israel to the teeth and his own incitement of the Netanyahu regime to pursue the complete ethnic cleansing of Gaza with his Riviera of the Middle East plan. Even as Israel starved and bombarded the people of Gaza and invaded Gaza City with the aim of leveling it, Trump railed about Hamas atrocities. He boasted of the illegal war the US and Israel waged on Iran last June, during which the US first drew Tehran into a trap by pretending it wanted to pursue peace talks, then amplified the initial Israeli attacks with a massive assault on Iranian civil nuclear facilities. Today, gloated Trump, most of Irans military commanders are no longer with us; they are dead. The US president also used his UN speech to continue Washingtons preparations to invade Venezuela, as part of its drive to push back against growing Chinese influence in South America. In recent weeks, US military forces have blown up three boats off the coast of Venezuela, killing at least 17 people, on the totally unsubstantiated claim they were trafficking drugs. But even if that were true, no government has the right to summarily execute people. Yet Trump, flaunting his governments recourse to criminal violence and pretending to be addressing anyone transporting drugs from Venezuela, declared before the General Assembly, We will blow you out of existence. Trump, in his remarks before the UN and social media posts after a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky, also escalated US threats against Russia. Not only did he blame Putin and Russia for the continuation of the US/NATO-instigated Ukraine war and threaten Moscow with far more aggressive economic sanctions, Trump declared, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. Media reports in the run-up to the UN General Assembly largely focused on the supposedly landmark recognition of a Palestinian state by a number of Western countries, including France, Britain, Canada and Australia. This maneuver, vociferously opposed by Trump, was born of fear of the radicalizing impact the ongoing genocide is having in the working class and youth of the imperialist centers and the Middle East, and constitutes a desperate attempt on the part of the likes of Frances Macron, Britains Starmer and Canadas Carney to cover up their deep and ongoing complicity. It is entirely consistent with the European powers simultaneous ratcheting up of bellicose threats against Russia. These include vows to shoot down Russian warplanes should they again stray into NATO airspace, a claim Moscow denies. During the first nine months of the second Trump presidency, two interlinked goals have driven establishment politics in Germany, France and Britain. First, disrupting Trumps efforts to reach an accommodation with Moscow to end the Ukraine war over their heads and at their expense; and second, massively increasing military spending, so they can secure the military power to pursue their imperialist interests independently of, and if need be, in opposition to the United States. Rearmament and war with Russia will require a massive assault on the working class, as presaged in the declaration last month by the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that The welfare state as we know it today is no longer economically sustainable. They will also necessarily entail a turn to authoritarian methods of rule and the bringing of the far right into the corridors of power, for precisely the same reasons the US oligarchy has turned to TrumpThe militarization of society and the elimination of what remains of the social rights of the working class to pay for war will encounter mass working class opposition. These processes are already far advanced, as exemplified by the ruling classs promotion of the noxious anti-immigrant propaganda on which the far right feeds, and the smearing and repression of anti-genocide protesters by many of the same governments now posing as concerned about the national rights of the Palestinians. Trumps fascist rant before the UN stunned the assembled government leaders and senior diplomats. Six years ago Trumps UN audience laughed, this year they were silent, announced a BBC headline. This is not because Trump is all-powerful. On the contrary, he personifies the decline and depravity of US imperialism, world capitalisms bulwark since World War II and still the center of world finance and the cockpit of global counterrevolution. The reality is the United Nations is collapsing as the League of Nations did in the run-up to World War II and for the same fundamental reasons. Faced with a systemic crisis, the rival imperialist powers are seeking to violently repartition the world so as to secure control over critical resources, markets, production networks and strategic territories. Led by US imperialism and the fascist gangster Trump, any pretense of legality is being dispensed with and the law of the junglemight makes rightviolently asserted. Trump himself mocked the UN for its impotence and irrelevance. Within the system of capitalist inter-state relations and establishment politics, there is no means of opposing war and the rapid descent into a global conflagration. Putin and Xi head capitalist restorationist regimes that ruthlessly exploit the workers of Russia and China, and oscillate between reaching an accommodation with the imperialist powers at the expense of the masses and reactionary military threats and adventures. As Leon Trotsky incisively explained, to oppose imperialist wars and capitalist barbarism, the working class must look not to the war map but to the map of the class struggle. The same processes that are driving the capitalist powers to war are fueling social revolution. The critical task is to infuse the growing struggles against war, austerity, dictatorship and fascism with a socialist perspective and arm them with a revolutionary leadership. That is the task to which the World Socialist Web Site and the International Committee of the Fourth International and its affiliated Socialist Equality Parties are dedicated. Robert Redford, actor, independent filmmaker and environmentalist, died a week ago at his home in Sundance, Utah, at the age of 89. As a performer in the theater, film and television, his credits extended from the late 1950s to the current decade. All the Presidents Men (1976) Redford knew immense film stardom from 1969 to the mid-1980s. It is generally recognized that he was the most popular movie actor in the US and in every part of the world where American films dominated, during the early and mid-1970s, due to the collective impact of films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Downhill Racer (1969), Jeremiah Johnson (1972), The Candidate (1972), The Way We Were (1973), The Sting (1973), The Great Gatsby (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975) and All the Presidents Men (1976). Movie exhibitors in the US voted Robert Redford as Hollywoods top box-office star in 1974, 1975 and 1976. In 1974, he became the first performer in nearly three decades to have three films among the years top 10 grossing titles. His popularity was not a fluke. Redford brought charm, calm intelligence, wry humor and sophistication to his best work. His was an appealing personality and presence, not simply based on his handsome face. Audiences at the time were aware of and appreciated his generally anti-establishment stance on the politics of the day, and this quality he also brought as well as he could to various film roles. Three Days of the Condor (1975) Redford directed 10 films or film segments. His most highly awarded effort was Ordinary People (1980), about an upper middle class family responding to the accidental death of one son and the suicide attempt of another. However, Redfords Quiz Show (1994), about the ruthless pursuit of success at any cost and American cultural deterioration in the 1950s, remains his most significant contribution. His last directing stint, interestingly enough, was a portion of Cathedrals of Culture (2014), in which he paid tribute to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, designed by architect Louis Kahn. Redford had contracted a mild case of polio as a child and understandably held Salk, who developed one of the first successful polio vaccines, in the highest possible regard. In 1980, dissatisfied with the Hollywood mainstream, Redford founded the Sundance Institute, and the first Sundance Film Festival, dedicated to independent filmmaking, was held in 1985. It continues annually to this day. Numerous well-known directors got their start or became known to the wider public through screenings there, beginning in particular with Steven Soderberghs Sex, Lies and Videotape in 1989. Redford had good looks, a winning smile and a patrician air, but his life, thinking and feelings were more complicated than one might suppose. He once commented, as cited by biographers Lawrence J. Quirk and William Schoell, All my life Ive been dogged with guilt because I feel there is this difference between the way I look and the way I feel inside. Inside Daisy Clover (1965) On numerous occasions over the decades, Redford made known his unhappiness with the American film industrys commercialism and banality. In a 1970 interview with the Guardians film critic Derek Malcolm, at the time of Downhill Racer, for example, the actor noted that I am not, he says determinedly, a Hollywood man. Do you remember that guy who walks in and out of William Saroyans The Time of Your Life, saying Theres no foundation, no foundationall down the line? Well, thats what I feel about Hollywood. You cant run an art form like a business any more, and theyre still trying to. Films to them are just like vacuum cleaners or refrigerators. The approach sickens me. In 2010, he remarked to a Euronews interviewer that he had been pretty independent my whole life and thats just the way it is. Look, independence is not going to be for everybody. Its a very difficult role to play in a world thats controlled by corporations. Corporations have a very strong formula for money in return on their investment and all that. So, sometimes experimentation or independence is seen in a negative way. Its seen as too risky, so therefore youre going to have a struggle. Redford told the Associated Press in 2018 that he had created the Sundance festival to support independent artists who werent given a chance to be heard. The industry was pretty well controlled by the mainstream, which I was a part of. But I saw other stories out there that werent having a chance to be told and I thought, Well, maybe I can commit my energies to giving those people a chance. As I look back on it, I feel very good about that. Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katharine Ross in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Intentions are one thing, of course, results are another. The social and cultural circumstances in postwar America in which Redford grew up and matured created limitations and threw up barriers that were difficult to overcome. What does genuine independence in or from the Hollywood film industry entail? Redford was born in August 1936 during the Depression, in Santa Monica, California, in humble conditions. His father was a milkman, working long hours, when Redford was born, although he later became an accountant for Standard Oil. Redfords father had come from New England; his mother from Texas. According to biographer Michael Feeney Callan, Redford was a first-generation Californian, born in Los Angeles as the citrus era ebbed and Hollywood hit flood tide. In the mid-1930s realities clashed as the Dust Bowl casualties came west, only to be stopped at the gates of the city by local police patrols while Angelenos hosted Greta Garbo and Gary Cooper. The Redfords were within the city limits, but poor; neighborhood friends hanged themselves in the Depression. Callan argues that The story that fed both branches of the family, the Redfords and the Harts [Redfords mothers family], was one of rebels and outcasts. The factions arrived in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and clung to the East Coast and the ideals of pluralism and liberal democracy that had been established there. Freedom was the quest of both families. There were hints of radicalism in the family. Support for Irish Republicanism in one quarter, and then a schoolteacher aunt with whom Redfords father lived when he first moved to California who embraced communism or, according to others, the anarchism of Emma Goldman. Redfords childhood seems to have been unsettled. I went through a difficult childhood and created trouble and was in trouble and so forth, and I was kicked out of school, and that was okay with me, because what I really wanted was to go another place. After high school and one year in university, Redford headed for Europe in 1956. He aspired to be a painter at the time. I wanted to go to a place that I felt had some history and had a sense of community with some artists, and that was France, Paris. (Euronews) And Expressionism was the big scene in the United States, but I preferred the Europeans like Utrillo, Modigliani, and especially Gauguin, and the postimpressionists, who were immensely exciting for me. (Callan) Callan adds that, while in Paris, brimming with energy, Redford joined with student radicals organizing street demonstrations against the [1956] Soviet suppression in Hungary. Curiosity put him in the middle of the action, though his political education was very much a work in progress. In a police baton charge in the university district, he was clubbed and injured. It would be interesting to know who these student radicals protesting Stalinist repression were. The Great Gatsby (1974) Back in the US, Redford began taking classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York in October 1957. He made his first appearance on the professional stage in 1959, at the age of 22. He began to work in television on popular series such as Maverick, Perry Mason, Naked City, Route 66, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the Twilight Zone in the early 1960s. Redford made his feature film debut in 1962 in War Hunt, about the Korean War. His first notable film appearance came in Inside Daisy Clover (Robert Mulligan), with his friend Natalie Wood, focused on the destructive power of show business, in 1965. Redford worked with a number of directors over the following decade and a half, some from Old Hollywood, some from the New and some who represented a compromise or a transition between the two generations. He performed in seven films directed by Sydney Pollack (This Property is Condemned, Jeremiah Johnson, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, The Electric Horseman, Out of Africa, Havana), three by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Great Waldo Pepper) and two by Michael Ritchie (Downhill Racer, The Candidate). He was also directed by Arthur Penn, Abe Polonsky, Peter Yates, Jack Clayton, Alan Pakula, Stuart Rosenberg and Barry Levinson. Quiz Show (1994) Again, an actor, even an enormously successful one, working in the American film industry is not free to do whatever he or she likes. There are external and internal constraints. His frequent collaboration with Pollack is worth noting. As we commented in an obituary of the latter, Pollack can be viewed as a multitalented figure whose career spannedand surviveda number of different stages in the history of the film industry Less charitably, one could argue that Pollack survived in a relatively bleak film and political landscape because his lack of a clearly defined artistic personality or social outlook kept him afloat while stronger and more committed personalities went under. His very ability to adjust successfully, as the radical 1970s gave way to the Carter, Reagan and Bush years, suggests a malleability that is not entirely to his credit. Redford was a critic of American society, of its domination by huge corporations, of its imperiling of the environment, of its treatment of Native Americans and Latinos (The Milagro Beanfield War). Specifically, as we noted, he deplored the often conformist and formulaic character of Hollywood moviemaking. At various times, he waxed enthusiastic about European and French New Wave cinema and the work of figures like Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. From the mid-1960s, as we wrote in the Pollack death notice, postwar stability had shown signs of extreme stress and strain: the Kennedy assassination; the exposure of deep and enduring poverty in Appalachia; the radicalization of the civil rights movement; the riots in Harlem and Watts; the murder of Malcolm X; the emergence of a student protest movement, especially in opposition to the US military intervention in Southeast Asia. In a film industry purged of left-wing elements, however, searching social criticism that could have helped make sense of these developments was in short supply. Various brands of Democratic Party liberalism were the best that was readily available to Pollack and others. This largely holds true for Redford. There is an anti-establishment streak in his film work, in Butch Cassidy, Tell Them Willie Boy is Here (from blacklist victim Polonsky), The Candidate, Jeremiah Johnson, Three Days of the Condor, All the Presidents Men and, more vaguely, in The Sting, The Great Gatsby, The Way We Were and others. Redford stands out most forcefully in All the Presidents Men, about the Nixon-Watergate scandal, and Three Days of the Condor, in which a rogue CIA operation to seize Middle Eastern oil fields plays a central role, as well as in his later direction of Quiz Show. Critic and historian Michael Allen asserts that Redford was a politically committed person in his private life, with focused interests in the environment, the history and current condition of Native Americans, and the moral and political integrity of America itself. A number of his films, Allen writes, were concerned with his reaction to specific political issues, most notably the corruption of the American government, culminating in the disgrace of Nixons fall due to the Watergate cover-up scandal. There is no reason to doubt Redfords sincerity or anger about facets of American life, but the reality is that his political outlook never extended beyond liberalism and support, even if critical and conditional, for the Democratic Party. In a criticism of his Lions for Lambs (2007), about the consequences of the war on terror and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the WSWS observed that the film adds up to liberal perplexity and a careful refusal to expose the real roots of the militarism of the Bush Administration. The film consists largely of dialogue concerning the US quagmire in the Middle East, yet the word oil is never mentioned. Greatness in art is not something that can be picked out of a hat, it depends on a host of social, artistic and intellectual factors. Within the limitations imposed by the era and the social milieu, Redfords contributions to American filmmaking were real, as a charismatic leading man, a director, a sponsor of independent filmmaking. When asked in 2010, do you see yourself now as an artist or a businessman?, Redford answered with alacrity and some apparent alarm, Not a businessman. Not a businessman. Its like the word brand. When someone says Boy, you have a great brand, it makes me nervous. It makes me uncomfortable, because for me the word brand was what you stamp on cattle, and I didnt respond to that word, you know, I didnt think of that. I understand it, but it felt strange to me to hear that word. Business has always been not the most comfortable for me because I think more as an artist. Workers, speak out against Trumps plan for dictatorship! Fill out the form below with your comments. All submissions will be kept anonymous. Stellantis workers leave Toledo Jeep plant on September 23, 2025 Workers across America are furious about Trumps ongoing bid to establish a dictatorship. Reporting teams from the World Socialist Web Site distributed copies of the Socialist Equality Partys statement, Trumps fascist conspiracy and how to fight it: A socialist strategy, which was received with great interest. Below is a selection of recent discussions which workers have had with the WSWS. To tell us your thoughts, fill out the form below. Stellantis Jeep, Toledo, Ohio: Trump is acting more like a dictator than president, one worker said. A younger Jeep worker added: A lot of the people who voted for Trump are turning against him. Others were angry at Trumps attempts to silence critics. It is not right, it is not fair. He has got to go one worker concluded. Hes trying intimidate anybody that doesnt agree with him because thats what dictators do, another worker said. A young autoworker told the WSWS: I think the American people need to wake up and stand their ground. Corporations have been running over us for far too long and the rich are just getting richer while we are maintaining the status quo of living paycheck to paycheck. Trump is trying to establish his control over the people by fear and by oppression and by getting those on his side to rally against us, he added. He claimed he was for the people. He fooled a lot of people. Im hoping they wake up and see that this is reality. This is not what we wanted. Its never what I wanted. And those he tricked and fooled should wake up and see that this isnt what theyre going to want either, when [he takes] over this country, isolate us from the rest of the world so he can do as he pleases. If we wake up and we stand against them, if we shut down the nation for a day, a week, they would lose billions and trillions of dollars. But, you know, it takes people to be on the same side and united. He concluded: Its showing that history is going to repeat itself if people dont stand up. And thats scary because I never thought Id see this day, but here we are. Striking Libbey Glass worker in Toledo: A striking worker at the Libbey Glass plant with more than two decades at the plant said, Here the company is just circumventing our contract language to have us work longer days and force you to work your days off as long as they say they need you, even if they dont need you. These things are happening everywhere. This isnt the only place. The real issues are those people, the corporate powers, the people who are making all the money off this. The ones who are forcing workers to put in these long hours for the low wages. Everyone thats working for these people that are treated bad should get together. Were all in the same boat. Now theyre trying to take Social Security, and that is something that weve all worked our entire lives for. So, its not an add-on, its something that we paid into and should be available for everybody. Asked what he thought about how Trump has used the killing of Charlie Kirk to attack all those opposed to his policies, the worker said, Its all played into it. Trump held a giant rally to promote his cause, to what hes doing and what he continues to do. If youve got something to say against those monied interests, theyre going to go after you. So, anything that would go against what theyre trying to do, theyre not going to allow you to keep saying that. And theyre twisting the Constitution and what were allowed to do. Asked what he thought workers should do to fight against dictatorship, he said, These people in power take and spend their time having people that have a little more than the others pitted against people those who dont have as much, or turning white people against people of color, or whatever. So, instead of pitting race against each other and how much money youre making against each other, we need to understand everyones in the same boat. He said building rank-and-file committee in every workplace to transfer power from the union officials to workers on the shopfloor, was a great idea. Asked what choice workers had, he said, Either we are going to end up in a total oligarchy or like the fall of Rome, or we take that next step. Right down the road from here years ago they had Pinkertons killing people for unionizing. There is a memorial for the Auto-Lite strike not far from here, he said, referring to the 1934 general strike in Toledo where workers, led by socialists and left-wing militants, battled the national guard and company thugs to organize the UAW. Now, Trump was denouncing socialism and Marxism. Yeah, hes just throwing out hot words that people dont know. He should throw the word fascist out there a little more often. A Dana Driveline worker in Toledo declared, I cant stand Trump. Asked what she thought of the working class launching a general strike to drive him out of office, she said, I agree with that. We should do something because he needs to be gone. Asked who Trump spoke for, she said, the rich, as he headed to work. A Michigan school bus driver: I am livid about people being cancelled by so-called free speech absolutists! Its absolutely unconstitutional! We feel like theyre pushing us to our absolute breaking pointand thats the purpose of it. To punish us all. She spoke on the chaos of Trumps policies on American agriculture. Meanwhile, the crops are coming in to harvest in a lot of these rural communities that supported Trump, but they have no adequate help to harvest [because of the deportation of immigrants], no place to sell to because of USAID closing and China not buying up any agriculture since May. Its going to drive their selling prices lower and their cost to operate higher. There is a promise from Japan to buy agriculture and subsidies coming to farmers but the earliest relief is in 2026 harvest time. Even then, its only about a quarter of what China was buying from American farmers in their peak in 2022. Charlie Kirk is a bigot and a racist I have never hated anyone, but Trump would be first on my list. Hes using all of this hell to his advantage. Its BS! It feels like the world is on fire. To vote for a Charlie Kirk day of remembrance is outrageous, she said referring to the Congressional Democrats. Its going to come down to us standing up for ourselves! Amazon Fulfillment Center, Dallas, Texas: Hes crazy, a dictator, one older worker said. People werent thinking when they were voting for him, and now they regret it. Hes really for the rich. One immigrant worker from South America said, Whats happening here is similar to my country, the way they attack news stations that they dont agree with. In Venezuela, the government shut down a TV station, RCTV, which was one of the biggest in the country. The cancellation of late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel for mild criticism of Trumps response to the Charlie Kirk assassination, she said, I never thought that could happen in this country. They want to keep people living in fear, watching their backs, so that they dont have time to think, because they are struggling day to day, she said. Everybodys scared. I have legal status but seeing [Kimmel being suspended] makes me nervous. If it happens here in America, where else will it happen? I have friends who have had problems getting drivers licenses, so they risk getting detained during a traffic stop. Why is Trump getting away with this? one young Amazon worker asked. In 2016, JD Vance called him the modern-day Hitler. Now hes Trumps vice president. Its all connected to inequality, the worker said. With the attack on immigrants, minorities and incitement against transpeople, they want to make us feel like each other are the enemy, when really its the billionaires versus the workers. The Democrats are equally corrupt. ICE is the new secret police, he added. Theyre attacking people on the basis of their skin color. Even Native Americans are being targeted because of that. And they have this prison in El Salvador where they are shipping people. I think the entire system needs to be burned down and rebuilt, he concluded. We need to get rid of the rich. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, flanked by Senators Dick Durbin D-Illinois, Cory Booker D-New Jersery, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota on Capitol Hill. [AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib] On Tuesday, President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled a White House meeting announced the previous day with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The meeting had been billed as an attempt to avert a government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins on Wednesday, October 1. In a fascistic rant, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: After reviewing the details of the unserious and ridiculous demands being made by the Minority Radical Left Democrats in return for their Votes to keep our thriving Country open, I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive. They are threatening to shut down the Government of the United States unless they can have over $1 Trillion Dollars in new spending to continue free healthcare for Illegal Aliens (A monumental cost!), force Taxpayers to fund Transgender surgery for minors, have dead people on the Medicaid roles, allow Illegal Alien Criminals to steal Billions of Dollars in American Taxpayer Benefits, try to force our Country to again open our Borders to Criminals and to the World, allow men to play in womens sports, and essentially create Transgender operations for everybody All Congressional Democrats want to do is enact Radical Left Policies that nobody voted for High Taxes, Open Borders, No Consequences for Violent Criminals Trump held open the possibility of a meeting if the Democrats capitulated in advance. He insisted that they support a Republican continuing resolution along the lines of that passed by the House last Friday to extend funding for the federal government through November 21. He wrote, Ill be happy to meet with them if they agree to the Principles in this Letter. Schumer made clear the supine posture of the Democrats. He criticized Trump for running away from the negotiating table before he even gets there, and added, Democrats are ready to work to avoid a shutdown The Democrats are desperate to maintain funding for a fascist administration that is waging war on democratic rights and on the social conditions and jobs of the working class. Schumers statement came just two days after Trump and his cabinet headlined a Christian fascist rally in Phoenix to honor far-right Republican operative Charlie Kirk, a racist, antisemite and supporter of authoritarian rule. At the rally, Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and others called for war against the left and all critics of the Trump administration. Trump reiterated his intention to send troops into Chicago and other US cities to crack down on social opposition and back up his campaign of mass raids and deportations against immigrants. The rally also followed the direct intervention of the Trump government to suspend the Jimmy Kimmel late night show and threats to rescind broadcast licenses for all media outlets that criticize Trump. The Democrats and aligned pseudo-left organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America have remained virtually silent on Sundays rally, the first time in US history such a gathering of fascists was organized by a sitting government. Last week the Senate voted unanimously for a resolution making October 14, Kirks birthday, a national day of remembrance. Not one senator, including Bernie Sanders, objected. In the House, 90 Democrats, including the partys leadership, voted with the Republicans to pass a resolution honoring the life and legacy of the fascist Kirk. The Democrats seek to chloroform the population about the seriousness of the assault on democratic rights and the erection of a presidential dictatorship. On Friday, the House passed its funding measure in a 217-212 vote, with two Republicans voting against and one Democrat voting in favor. Later that day in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to surmount the filibuster rule and pass legislation, the House measure was voted down 44 to 48, with two Republicans voting no and one Democrat, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voting in favor. A Democratic counter bill calling for the reversal of $800 billion in Medicaid cuts included in Trumps tax and spending bill enacted in July and an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, in return for extending federal funding through October 31, failed with 47 in favor and 45 opposed. Both the House and Senate are adjourned for the Jewish holidays, with the Senate slated to return on September 29. House Speaker Mike Johnson extended the House recess until after October 1 to place additional pressure on the Democrats to come to terms. The Democrats demand to reverse the Medicaid cuts is pure bluster. They have since signaled that they are more serious about extending the ACA subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year. They are pursuing this as a face-saving measure to provide cover for their capitulation and complicity with the Trump regime. Last March, when a funding deadline was at hand, Schumer reversed himself and threw his support behind a Republican continuing resolution to keep the Trump administration running. He brought behind him nine other Senate Democrats to pass the measure, underscoring the Democrats complicity in Trumps anti-democratic and anti-social rampage. The vote highlighted the fact that both parties represent the corporate-financial oligarchy that runs the country and determines government policy. Since the Democrats green light to Trump in March, the administration has escalated its rampage against democratic rights and the social conditions of the working class. It has deployed troops to Los Angeles, including active duty Marines, and militarily occupied Washington D.C. with National Guard troops, all in violation of the Posse Comitatus law. It has imposed tariffs, driving up consumer prices and wiping out thousands of jobs. It has fired regulatory agency officials in order to gut restrictions on corporate profit-making at the expense of the safety, health and very lives of workers. A federal shutdown would mean the suspension of many government operations deemed non-essential and furloughs for hundreds of thousands of government workers. Thousands of other federal workers would be required to work without pay until funding resumes. Essential services such as border protection, law enforcement, air traffic control and in-hospital medical care would continue. Social Security checks, Medicare and Medicaid would continue, but with limited support staff. Trump would gain temporary discretion over which functions persist during the shutdown, allowing him to restructure or eliminate agencies and programs. The Democrats are desperate to avoid a government shutdown, not out of concern for the social dislocation caused by worker furloughs and halted or reduced government services, but for fear that a shutdown, coming in the midst of rising public anger over government policies, will trigger mass social resistance from below. The Democratic Party does not call for impeachment and opposes a struggle to bring down the Trump regime. It fears the emergence of a revolutionary movement of workers against capitalism, not fascism and dictatorship. As the Socialist Equality Party explained in its statement posted last week on the World Socialist Web Site, Trumps fascist conspiracy and how to fight it: A socialist strategy: the correct identification of the source of Trumps war against the working class leads to critical political conclusions. The starting point for any serious struggle against dictatorship is a break with the Democratic Party. To rely on the Democratic Party to oppose Trump is to guarantee defeat. The statement called for the formation of rank-and-file committees in the factories, job sites and neighborhoods to break the grip of the trade union bureaucracies and coordinate an industrial and political struggle by the working class to defend democratic rights by bringing down the Trump government, expropriating the corporate oligarchy and implementing socialist policies. Mass protest in Sao Paulo against amnesty legislation [Photo: Paulo Pinto/Agencia Brasil] Brazil witnessed massive nationwide demonstrations on Sunday, September 21, opposing the efforts of the political establishment to politically rehabilitate and overturn the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his military and civilian co-conspirators in the January 8, 2023 fascist coup attempt. The protests were prompted by last weeks approval of two measures in the Brazilian House of Representatives demanded by the fascist political opposition associated with Bolsonaro as part of what they call a National Pacification Package. On Wednesday, by a vote of 311 to 163, the House approved the expedited voting procedure for a bill to amnesty those who are convicted and who are under investigation for the January 8 coup attempt. On the same day, it approved a constitutional amendment bill dubbed the PEC da Blindagem (Shielding Amendment), which prohibits the criminal prosecution of members of parliament and party presidents without congressional authorization. Mass opposition is being driven by the perception among broad sections of the Brazilian population that the corrupt bourgeois political system is striking a criminal compromise behind their backs to preserve the power of the forces exposed for conspiring to overthrow democracy and reimpose a military dictatorship. These sentiments were widely displayed in Sundays protests. In the demonstrations, which took place in virtually every major city in the country, demonstrators held signs calling the president of the House of Representatives, Hugo Motta, an enemy of the people and chanted: No amnesty and no forgiveness, I want to see Bolsonaro in prison. In Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where the largest demonstrations occurred, more than 40,000 people took to the streets. Renowned artists had a prominent role both in the promotion of the demonstrations and giving speeches and musical performances, which was also characteristic of the historic protests against the US-backed military dictatorship (1964-1985) in Brazil. The protest in Rio had the participation of legendary figures of Brazilian popular music, such as Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, all of them imprisoned and exiled under the dictatorship and now in their eighties. As demonstrators shouted, No Amnesty! and Long live democracy! they sang the song Calice (chalice, in Portuguese, which is pronounced the same as shut up), composed by Gil and Chico, an anthem of the struggle against the military dictatorship. The turnout at these demonstrations exceeded the expectations of the ruling Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), the pseudo-left Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) and the unions and social movements they control, which initially called for them. In what were considered the largest demonstrations of a left-wing character in recent years, they spontaneously attracted a crowd that far exceeded that of the September 7 Brazilian Independence Day demonstrations called by these same political forces. There, they sought to subordinate all political and social opposition to the defense of national sovereignty against Trumps tariffs and for the so-called popular agenda of the Lula administration oriented to reversing the decline in its approval rating. The agenda included an income tax exemption for those earning up to R$5,000 per month and a reduction of working hours. More importantly, the protests expressed widespread social, economic and political dissatisfaction, which has also fueled mass protests around the world. Recent years have also seen an increasing number of strikes, particularly by federal public workers against the Lula governments austerity policies. Faced with this social powder keg and unable to offer any real solutions to the problems faced by the Brazilian working class, the entire Brazilian ruling class viewed Sundays protests with concern. It fears that these protests will become the spark for a massive movement from below, outside the control of the nominal left and the unions it controls, that threatens the fragile bourgeois regime in Brazil, of which the PT is a fundamental pillar. Against this threat, the PT is doing everything it can to prevent the growing discontent of the Brazilian population and the consequent explosion of protests and strikes from getting out of control. It is seeking to divert this movement behind calls for pressuring Congress to put its popular agenda on the table and forming a new bourgeois broad front for next years general election. The palace negotiations within the discredited Congress last week also widely exposed the PT, which rushed to minimize the damage and prevent popular outrage from turning against the Lula government. On Thursday, the daily Estado de S. Paulo reported that Lula had advocated a light amnesty in a meeting with allied parties, which includes the possibility of reducing sentences for those convicted of the coup attempt in exchange for a better position to negotiate its agenda in Congress. Equally damning, 12 PT deputies (about 20 percent of the PTs total representation in the Chamber of Deputies) voted in favor of the Shielding Amendment on Wednesday. In various demonstrations across Brazil, they were denounced as alleged traitors to the PT. Explaining the spurious behind-the-scenes negotiations in the Chamber, Gleide Andrade, finance secretary of the PT, stated on Thursday: The first thing we have to do is be fair to history and to the people. The 12 who voted [in favor of the Shielding Amendment] voted because they followed instructions. And halfway through, some of them, when they saw the reaction on social media, changed their minds. Those 12 are being crucified. She continued: I followed everything closely, and the national president of the PT [Edinho Silva] said so. So, yes, there was an agreement. Because of the breach of this agreement, the Chamber voted for a broad and unrestricted amnesty. Despite this, the PT and the pseudo-left around it saw Sundays protests as a turning point for the Lula government, advancing a clear intention to channel them into bourgeois politics. The PT president himself welcomed Sundays protests on X, writing that I am on the side of the Brazilian people and that the National Congress must focus on measures that benefit the Brazilian people. Similarly, PSOL leader Guilherme Boulos said at the protest in Sao Paulo that today is a historic day because the Brazilian left has regained its leading role in the streets. He also demanded that the president of the Chamber put Lulas government bills on the agenda this week. Revealing where he wants to divert the protests, Boulos said that one of the results of the Brazilian people taking back the streets will be electing Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as president of Brazil next year. The other, according to him, is electing the largest left-wing bloc in the Brazilian Congress. Doing the whole job, electing Lula and winning in Congress. With Trumps tariffs against Brazil, the PT and PSOL are also trying to forge a bankrupt link between the popular agendas and the reactionary defense of nationalism. Boulos repeated that Sundays demonstrations were attended by those who truly defend Brazil. We are the true patriots. In Sao Paulo, the protest also featured a huge Brazilian flag, in contrast to the American flag present at the rally of Bolsonaro supporters on September 7. The defense of nationalism, however, has nothing to do with defending the interests of the Brazilian working class, which shares common economic and political interests with the international working class, including in the United States. With their defense of national sovereignty, the PT, PSOL and the unions they control are promoting the interests of Brazilian capitalism. Their response to the crisis is the promotion of national unity of the Brazilian bourgeoisie and a bankrupt multipolar solution to the crisis of imperialism. As the PT made clear in a document from late August: The fight against imperialism, allied with Bolsonaros extreme right, fascism, and neoliberalism, must take place on two complementary fronts: through popular mobilizations, in the streets and on social media, and through the construction of broad national and international alliances, also articulated at the institutional and diplomatic levels. Given this situation, it is imperative that we place at the center of our actions the construction of a broad alliance in defense of sovereignty and democracy, under the leadership of President Lula. In each state of Brazil, we will work to form powerful coalitions that strengthen President Lulas reelection campaign, guarantee a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and support the national development project that is already underway. The failure of this perspective could not be clearer. At the national level, this broad front includes, as PT President Edinho Silva has already made clear, the same parties that voted en masse in favor of the Shielding Amendment and the amnesty bill. Internationally, the PT wants to strengthen relations with imperialist governments in Europe and the Democratic Party in the US, whose policies of austerity, repression, and support for genocide in Gaza have paved the way for the far right around the world. As last Saturdays statement by the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in the US stressed, The working class cannot defend its jobs and interests by supporting economic nationalism, which is utterly reactionary in an era of global integration of production. The PTs promotion of reactionary nationalist illusions leads only to defeat. Throughout the world, the profound corruption of the capitalist political order, the deepening of austerity policies and the drive by the ruling class toward dictatorship and war are fundamental characteristics of a global capitalist system marked by growing crises. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Companies battling payments fraud need better information- and data-sharing, enhanced consumer education and help from telecommunications and social media companies, according to suggestions this month in response to a federal call for ideas to tackle the problem. Those were among the recommendations within dozens of comments filed by payments companies, banks, trade and consumer groups in response to a June request for information from the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. As payments fraud has become a growing industry concern, bank regulators requested input on ways to address the problem, with a particular focus on check fraud. The comment period, which closed Sept. 18, drew close to 200 comments. Trade group the Financial Technology Association called for a coordinated national fraud strategy that includes the formation of a federal and state task force and awareness campaigns. Zelle operator Early Warning Services, in its comment letter, offered a five-point plan that underscored its view that fraud is not the burden of financial institutions alone, and necessitates a collaborative, comprehensive approach. EWS, owned by a consortium of major U.S. banks, operates peer-to-peer payment network Zelle, which has been under fire from lawmakers and consumer advocates for allegedly allowing fraud to proliferate on its platform. Zelles payment volume last year exceeded $1 trillion for the first time. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company also suggested a task force be created that includes payments companies and banks, regulators, social media platforms and telecom companies to coordinate on fraud prevention; information sharing be standardized across stakeholders with speed in mind; enhanced law enforcement coordination; and investments to scale consumer education initiatives. A bipartisan group of senators proposed legislation in June that would create a task force to study payment scams and recommend ways for regulators and lawmakers to thwart them. EWS also called for bolstering sector-wide engagement and best practices across the scam lifecycle, because social media and telecom firms play critical roles in enabling and disrupting scams, according to the letter. The fight against payments fraud can't be won in silos, Ben Chance, head of identity and payments risk at Early Warning, said in a Friday news release. Bill Shorten, a former longtime trade union bureaucrat and Australian Labor Party leader, last week laid out a totally pro-business and militarist blueprint for universities. His speech made more explicit and blunt the content of the Albanese Labor governments assault on tertiary education, which is currently driving the destruction of nearly 4,000 jobs throughout the countrys 39 public universities. Bill Shorten addressing Australian parliament, August 22, 2024 [Photo: Facebook/BillShorten] In an address to the Australian Institute of International Affairs last Thursday, Shorten declared that universities had to help build a pillar of national security by serving the needs of industry and the military, particularly through the AUKUS pact, which is a preparation for war against China. Shorten, who quit parliament to be installed as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra earlier this year, and to continue cutting jobs there, called for a fundamental re-imagining of Australias universities as a core instrument of our national power under conditions of global instability and war. This was not just an educational reform but a national security and foreign policy imperative for national survival. In effect, Shorten spelt out the essential content of the Labor governments Universities Accord, which demands the wholesale restructuring of universities to satisfy the employment and research demands of the corporate elite and preparations for war. He hailed the governments decision, as outlined in the Accord, to tie university funding to mission compacts to deliver on government-designated national priorities. This was being ably led by Education Minister Jason Clare. Shorten placed Labors transformation of universities squarely in the context of war. For the better part of three decades, Australia has enjoyed a holiday from history, he said, but that holiday is now over. We find ourselves in a world of escalating strategic competition. At the centre of this restructuring, Shorten said, was a turn to short vocational courses and away from three-year degrees. He proposed dismantling the current analogue structure of university degrees. We must break the monopoly of the three-year degree as the primary unit of educational currency, he said. Shorten outlined a modular system of mini qualifications to produce the thousands of nuclear engineers, cyber specialists, and AI technicians that the AUKUS enterprise demands, at a pace that matches the urgency of our strategic environment. The primary example he offered was directly tied to the development of war industries, under the AUKUS Pillar II program, which goes far beyond the $368 billion acquisition of nuclear-powered long-range attack submarines for use against China. Imagine a Defence industry worker in Adelaide, Shorten said. They dont have three years to learn about quantum mechanics but they have a wealth of skills and experience and 4-6 weeks to complete a micro-credential co-designed with industry and Defence to fill identified gaps This is a system that builds skills at the speed of relevance, providing the workforce for AUKUS Pillar II not in a decade, but now. This was part of a wider vision of a war economy. The ramping up of defence manufacturing will call for skilled workers in professions including scientists, engineers, project managers, technicians, welders, construction workers, electricians and metal fitters, he declared. Shorten said the harmonisation of universities with the technical and further education (TAFE) system of vocational training was even more of an imperative against the backdrop of national security needs. That was because national security doesnt ask if you went to uni or TAFE or how long you studied. It just needs the right skills to uphold it. Chillingly, Shorten called for greater intervention by the government and its new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), to enforce the restructuring. He said previous attempts at imposing funding compacts on universities had failed due to complacency, myopia, competition or because selfishness took over and it was easier to retreat to the comfort zone. Further, Shorten called for the creation of specialist universities, such as a national University of Advanced Technologies focused, laser-like, on the engineering, computing, and physics skills required for our sovereign defence industry. He also insisted that universities had to overcome the gaping chasm between their research and our ability to apply and commercialise it. In other words, research, as well as teaching, had to be subordinated to the profit and strategic requirements of Australian capitalism. Shorten proposed a funding model by which companies would directly finance courses to deliver the credentials they need. This is already happening in various universities under the Labor governments microcredentials scheme, which is being exploited by McDonalds and other corporate employers. As part of this vision, An AI-driven diagnostic tool, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), could assess a persons existing competencies and build a bespoke degree focusing on their knowledge gaps. This re-imagining is already at the heart of the avalanche of job cuts and restructuring being inflicted on staff and students throughout the universities, with managements implementing pro-corporate reset plans, such as the Western Sydney Reset blueprint at Western Sydney University. At the University of Canberra, Shorten is leading such an offensive, presiding over the axing of 120 professional roles and 71 academic positions that commenced just before he took over as vice-chancellor, supposedly in order to make the university sustainable. The two main unions covering university workers, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), support Labors restructuring. The union officials are covering up Labors underlying agenda, and their complicity in it, by blaming mismanagement by individual vice-chancellors for the job cuts ravaging the entire sector. Above all, the union apparatuses are trying to stifle the outrage of staff and students, opposing calls by the WSU and Macquarie University Rank-and-File Committees for a unified fight across the sector. At the same time, the unions are assisting the very same university managements to implement the restructuring. They are helping push people out the door, either via so-called voluntary redundancies or the sham consultation processes in union enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) with managements, which offer little or no protection against retrenchments. University staff, along with students, must break out of this straitjacket. That means forming rank-and-file committees (RFCs), independent of the unions, at every university. RFCs can link up with workers everywhere, including in the US, where the Trump administration is demolishing public education, through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). To discuss these critical issues and how to form RFCs, contact the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the educators rank-and-file network. Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia On Monday September 8, a worker was killed on the job in Bassendean, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia (WA). The 45-year-old man, who was married and had a 10-year-old daughter, died at the Hofmann Engineering factory after being crushed by a falling steel object. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but were unable to save the man, who is the second worker killed at the plant in a little over six years. Despite his age, the man was working as an apprentice mechanical fitter, having reportedly changed careers to spend more time with his wife and child. Previously, he worked as a chef. Originally from South Korea, the man relocated to Australia a decade ago and became a permanent resident in 2023. Steve McCartney, state secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), told the West Australian, its clear this tragedy was preventable. McCartney said, This guy is a first year apprentice, it doesnt matter if youre 15 or 50. He shouldve had someone observing him and working with him. He was wrapping a six-metre forging ring on a sloping floor. McCartney explained that this big heavy piece of kit, weighing around 3 tonnes, swept off the trestles and crushed him. A spokesman for Hofmann Engineering denied McCartneys claim that the inexperienced worker was not under proper oversight. He said, all employees, including apprentices, are appropriately supervised. Earlier, the company had released a statement, declaring The safety and wellbeing of our employees is our highest priority. Hofmann Engineerings safety record, however, is not without blemish. Last November, the company was fined $567,000 and ordered to pay $28,685 in costs over the 2019 death of a worker at the same Bassendean factory. Hofmann Engineering pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace. In the 2019 incident, the deceased man was working underneath the boom of a 1,350 kilogram (3,000 pound) welding manipulator, when it suddenly fell, crushing him. An investigation by state safety regulator WorkSafe WA reported that the machinery involved in this incident had not been adequately maintained and had also been sitting unused in storage for several years, exposing it to foreign materials such as dust. Investigators also found that the threads on the nuts involved in holding up the boom were worn to such an extent that they were unable to maintain the load placed on them, and that grease on the leadscrew was contaminated with dust. Moreover, aside from cursory pre-start checks on the 40-year-old equipment, ensuring the machine went up and down and that it was not making any unusual noises, no inspections or scheduled maintenance by a qualified fitter had been carried out, and no logbook was kept. The Bessandean death is far from an isolated event. A day earlier, a worker in his 40s was killed after being struck by a vehicle while working for Qantas at the Sydney International Freight Terminal. On Monday, another worker was killed a short distance away at Menzies Aviation in Matraville. The 57-year-old truck driver suffered critical chest injuries after he was struck by a forklift and could not be saved by paramedics. Hofmann Engineering, founded in 1969, designs and produces components for the defence sector, as well as the mining, transport, energy, manufacturing and agriculture industries. While headquartered in Bassendean, the company also has facilities across Australia, in Melbourne, Bendigo, Newcastle and Rockhampton, as well as locations in Canada, Chile, Peru, India and China. On August 20, less than three weeks before the latest fatal incident, the WA and federal Labor governments jointly announced that Hofmann Engineering had been short-listed as a possible parts supplier for aircraft carriers being built for the US Navy. State and federal ministers emphasised the significance of this as a first step towards Australian involvement in the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. The $368 billion submarine deal is part of the AUKUS agreement, the central purpose of which is to more thoroughly integrate Australia into US preparations for war against China. At the press conference, Federal Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said, to see the first company being requested to quote for the US supply chain is a tangible example of AUKUS in action. This is part of the $260 million initial investment by the Australian government to get Australian companies qualified to win work in the United States. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles tours Hofmann Engineering [Photo: X/Richard Marles MP] Richard Marles, federal minister for defence, declared: We are acquiring the capability in this country right now to build, maintain and operate a nuclear-powered submarine, and this is a really important step along that path. Marles stated at the time that the highest standards of safety are expected across our workplaces and we work very closely with every company, including Hofmann, in relation to that. Following the Hofmann workers death, WA Premier Roger Cook said at a press conference, Its not the first time there has been an accident at this site, so thats concerning, but WorkSafe will investigate and Ill allow that investigation to take place. Asked by a reporter if he still had confidence in the company despite its safety record, Cooks response revealed his real concerns and priorities, and those of the state and federal Labor governments: Look, they have an exceptional record in terms of the work they are doing to integrate themselves into high value, advanced manufacturing supply chains. Cooks answer reflects the callous outlook of capitalist production. After the press conference is over and the crocodile tears have dried, the death of one, two, or more, workers is merely a cost of doing business, of no more significance to big business or the governments that represent it than the meagre fines imposed on multinational corporations for taking a workers life. WorkSafe WA is again investigating the latest fatality, a process that will likely be drawn out over many years. As the case of the 2019 death illustrates, its finding, even one that shows clear culpability on the part of the business, will likely result in nothing more than a token financial penalty, with no consequences for the companys ongoing operations and profits, or the safety of workers that remain. This is because WorkSafe WA, and its counterparts in every state are pro-business agencies. With the assistance of the union apparatus, they serve to hide the real root cause of unsafe working conditions and workplace fatalitiesthe capitalist profit system and the subordination of workers health and lives to the profit demands of big business. The cynical character of the AMWUs response is noteworthy. While McCartney has given numerous comments to the corporate press, the union has not said a word about the Bessandean workers death on its Facebook page. This is directed at concealing the tragedy from workers and suppressing the development of opposition to the grim and dangerous reality they confront under capitalism. Moreover, the AMWU and the other industrial unions are vocal supporters of the expansion of Australias war economy, most prominently through AUKUS. Despite what the bureaucrats claim, this is not because the unions support job creation, but because they are thoroughly nationalist organisations, whose role is to defend the profit interests of so-called Australian capitalism. To fight for workplace safety, workers need their own organisations, rank-and-file committees, led by workers themselves, not highly paid bureaucrats. Such committees could monitor and assess conditions within factories and other workplaces, formulate demands and enforce safety measures, including through strike action. Above all, what is posed is the need to fight for a workers government that would implement socialist policies, including placing essential industries, along with the banks and major corporations, under public ownership and democratic workers control. Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy resigned September 17 as it was becoming clear the Board of Governors was planning to remove her. Located in the center of Detroit, Wayne State is Michigan's third-largest university, with nearly 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students, including a large number of Arab and Middle Eastern descent. Espy in 2023 [Photo by Kimberly Andrews Espy / CC BY-SA 2.0 While Espy cited personal reasons for her resignation, there is little doubt that her ouster is related to a series of political convulsions on the campus involving students, faculty and administration, connected to the widespread protests over Israeli genocide in Gaza. Both Espy and the board were involved in repression of these protests. In November 2023, Espy called police to block students from entering a publicly accessible building, the Faculty/Administration Building, where her own offices are located, to stop them from protesting the genocide. Police blocking entry to the Faculty/Administration Building at WSU, November 2023 The group of several dozen students included members of the campus student organizations Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Jewish Voice for Peace, and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), along with members of the Student Senate. They held a public rally outside the building at which speakers denounced the Israeli mass murder in Gaza and the complicity of the US governmentthen headed by Democrat Joe Bidenand institutions like WSU that were supporting Israel. A speaker for the IYSSE denounced claims that opposition to the genocide in Gaza was antisemitic, declaring, There can be no greater slander against the Jewish people than to claim that the mass murder of women and children is in their interests. It is not the Jewish people who are responsible, but the despised Netanyahu regime and its backers in Washington, London, Berlin and Paris. The speaker called for students to turn to the working class to build a movement against imperialist war and genocide. In the spring of 2024, the campus was again the site of police action in violation of the free speech rights of students, faculty and campus workers. At the instruction of Espy, police raided a peaceful encampment of anti-genocide protesters who were advocating for divestment from Israel, arresting a dozen students. This prompted widespread opposition to Espy and the Board of Governors from both faculty and students. A group of 100 faculty issued a statement April 30 last year that denounced McCarthyite repression against students on campuses across the United States. The statement continued: We particularly condemn President Kimberly Espy and the Board of Governors, who looked on silently as a large group of ... students were assaulted and violated by campus police and security. June 4, 2024 rally at Wayne State University in Detroit opposes police attacks on a peaceful student encampment. A spokesman for the Wayne State IYSSE issued a statement condemning the attack on the encampment, while adding: We support the actions of protesters: no ones tuition should go to fund a genocide. But the goals of these protests do not go far enough. The police crackdown is a class issue. Behind the Wayne State Board of Governors lies Genocide Joe Biden and both Wall Street parties. This is an imperialist war The same profit motives driving war abroad are driving dictatorship at home. The Democrats and Republicans who are making an example of the students will use the same methods against the working class, which is pushing for strike action against poverty and exploitation. This is why the working class must come to the defense of students. We call on students to join our appeal to the working class. Come with us to the factories and other workplaces and make the case to workers yourselves for why they must join you. The working class are the ones with true power to change what is happening, and they are the only true revolutionary class. The Wayne Academic Union, the campus branch of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), also criticized the militarized response by institutional leaders and the politically motivated assault on higher education. It called the equation of protesters with terrorists an incitement to violence, and described recent events as an existential threat to democracy. In reaction to Espys resignation, Jennifer Sheridan Moss, president of the Wayne Academic Union, told WXYZ television, I dont think it came out of nowhere. I think there was a lot of dissatisfaction with the previous president. We thought she was turning the campus into a police state essentially after the Palestinian encampment, after that was broken up. WSU senior Nuzmeya Abdrabboh told the station, I think that it was a culmination of events that led up to this point: the ongoing lawsuit that Wayne State is experiencing against their students for violating their rights to free speech, taking down the encampment and arresting 12 students. The Wayne State Board of Governors presently has a 5-3 Democratic majority, and was 6-2 for Democrats during the period of the police attacks on anti-genocide protesters. It is chaired by Democrat Shirley Stancato, a longtime banking executive at Chase Bank who also has a seat on the board of Fifth Third Bank. Ford Motor executive Bryan C. Barnhill, another Democrat, is vice-chair. He previously worked for the real estate company controlled by Jared Kushner, Donald Trumps son-in-law. Espys resignation was accepted at a 10-minute board meeting, without any explanation of why she was leaving. Whatever its differences with Espy, the Board of Governors is not sending her away empty-handed. She receives $730,000 severance, more than her annual base salary of $690,000, although that rose to nearly $1 million with benefits, expenses and other perks. The board named Richard Bierschbach, dean of the Wayne State law school, as interim president, pending a search for a permanent replacement. Espys ouster may well be connected to a murky conflict within the Wayne State School of Medicine, one of the most prestigious facilities associated with the university. Last month, Espy placed the longtime dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Wael Sakr, on paid leave pending an investigation into unspecified allegations against him. The move sparked an outcry by medical school faculty, with 300 signing a statement calling for Dr. Sakrs reinstatement. The Student Senate also issued a statement supporting him. Sakr sent a statement to the School of Medicine faculty that said the allegations against him did not involve sexual harassment, financial mismanagement, or racial bias. However, Sakr, who is Syrian-American, is named in a pending federal civil rights lawsuit. The Detroit Free Press described the issues in the lawsuit by Dr. Stanley Berry, a black physician. In a civil rights lawsuit filed in US District Court, Berry alleges Wayne State and three individuals, including School of Medicine Dean Wael Sakr, unlawfully retaliated against him for engaging in protected activitythat is, voicing his concerns about racial bias in health care. The lawsuit claims Sakr passed over Berry for a leadership post in favor of a less-qualified white colleague. Join the fight to build a new movement of the working class! To learn more about rank-and-file committees, visit wsws.org/workers. Chicago Transit Authority Orange Line Train on The Loop [Photo: Wikimedia Commons] The Socialist Equality Party calls for expropriation of the corporate oligarchy to pay for the deepest funding crisis in the history of the Chicago Transit Authority. We call on workers to build a mass movement, independent of the two corporate parties and their lackeys in the union bureaucracy, for a massive redistribution of wealth and against corporate dictatorship. In contrast to the Democrats and Republicans, who say workers must accept massive cuts, we insist that workers have the inalienable social right to transportation, as well as education, healthcare and other public services needed to live decently in a modern society. The CTA is preparing what the agency itself is calling doomsday cuts that affect the trains, buses and paratransit services that millions in Chicago depend upon. The budget is to be slashed by 40 percent to close a funding shortfall between $700 million and $1 billion. The agency announced last week if funding gaps are not closed, the system could stop running at 9 p.m. nightly, impacting shift workers especially and crippling social life by making it harder to leave the neighborhood in the evenings. The impact of this manufactured crisis will be to deepen social inequality by slashing operating costs for the city as a whole, and further segregating urban life. Cuts have already been enacted affecting those who have the greatest needelderly and disabled riders. WGN News reports the available paratransit rides allowed per month has been cut back from 240 down to 30a reduction from four round trips per day, all the way down to one, singular ride. Particularly affected will be Chicago Public Schools students, who account for 13 percent of CTA riders. This figure itself is because CPS has slashed school bus services so deeply that not even students with disabilities are guaranteed a bus ride to school. In every city across America, basic public health and job safety protections are being clawed back. Long-term joblessness and hunger are increasing, driven in part by rising prices. School funding is being slashed to the bone, vital programs like Medicaid and food assistance are being dismantled and entire federal departments are being gutted or shut completely while greater sums than ever before flow to the military and to the superrich via tax cuts. Philadelphia : SEPTA has already axed 20 percent of its service with warnings of further cuts if no funding fix is passed. Other city agencies are reallocating capital funds to avert deeper, longer-term slashes. Pittsburgh : Pittsburgh Regional Transit plans 35 percent service cuts, eliminating 41 of 100 bus routes, longer wait times throughout, and entire suburbs losing transit access. Service would end earlier in the evening and frequency would drop sharply, increasing traffic and congestion throughout the city. San Francisco and the Bay Area : Deep service cuts are being discussed or phased in. BART may close stations and limit train service to once an hour. Muni faces 50 percent reduction in frequency on many lines. Dallas: Dallas Area Rapid Transit, which serves hundreds of thousands of riders each day in 2025, is considering the most drastic service cuts in its history without any additional federal or state funding. Crowning all of this is Donald Trumps plans to overthrow the US Constitution and establish a fascist dictatorship in America. Through Trump, the political structure of the country is being brought into alignment with the massive levels of inequality and exploitation in American society, which can no longer be reconciled with democracy. The Trump administration has sent hundreds of heavily armed ICE Gestapo into Chicago and other cities and continues to threaten a national guard incursion, having declared war on the city in a recent social media post. There is bipartisan consensus that the working class must pay for the crisis of American capitalism. This is why the Democratic Party, the other party of American big business, refuses to lift a finger against Trump. In US cities, it is Democrats who are organizing the slashing of schools, transit and other public services. Essential services slashed as Wall Street reaches record highs The claim that there is no money in Chicago or other cities to pay for transit is absurd. This broader Chicagoland region has 24 billionaires and over 120,000 millionaires, according to Henley & Partners. The structural deficits are a consequence of massive tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, and giveaways to big business. The state of Illinois is now home to some 30 billionaires, among them the members of the Walton (Walmart), Uihlein (Uihlein Corporation) and Pritzker (Hyatt Hotels) familiesthe latter dynasty providing the state governor, JB Pritzker. Close to to 17 percent, or $2.1 billion of the citys budget this year is devoted solely to servicing debt. This is money from working class taxpayers paid directly to the largest financial institutions in the world. Due to rising rents and food prices, 25 percent of people in the Chicago area face food insecurity. In the last five years, groceries prices rose 20 percent and rent has increased 27 percent, according to Greater Chicago Food Depository. They expect 400,000 families in the state to require food assistance. Chicago is a picture of America. In the last 10 months alone, the 10 wealthiest individuals in the US saw their combined wealth soar by $703 billion, or 41 percent, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The bottom half of the country takes in only 13 percent of the national income, while the top 1 percent takes over 20 percent. Independent organizations to defend social and democratic rights are essential The right to public transit is a class question. It requires a new, independent strategy to mobilize the working class independent of the Democratic Party, as well as the pro-corporate union bureaucracy, to challenge the unquestioned power of the American oligarchy. It must be connected with the broader fight against the Trump government and end the threat of fascism in America. The trade union apparatus is working feverishly to contain social anger and lower workers expectations. In Chicago, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and SMART-TD have worked to block independent worker action and channel opposition back into the dead end of appealing to the Democratic politicians orchestrating the cuts and collaborating with Trump at every opportunity. Rather than mobilize transit workers and the millions of riders who depend on them in a united struggle, the unions organized press conferences and lobbying trips to the state capital, begging lawmakers to do the right thing. This mirrors the betrayal of Chicago teachers last spring by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The CTU officials sold teachers a contract they claimed would Trump-proof the schools and protect immigrant families, only for Mayor Johnson to immediately announce a budget crisis that rendered the deal worthless. To prepare a fight, workers must have organizations which they genuinely, democratically control. This means building rank-and-file committees, excluding union officials. Power must be transferred from the well-appointed offices of the union tops to the workers on the floor and on job sites, who can make decisions on strategy, policy and actions. A similar change must take place in the whole society. Only through a fight by the working class to break the power of the rich is it possible to defend democratic and social rights. Workers taking this critical step will inspire and unify all the different forces of protest in a single massive social movement against the oligarchic government. We propose the following program for a Chicago Transit Workers Rank-and-Fie Committee: Fund the CTA, SEPTA, and transit agencies nationwide to world-class standards. The money exists; it must be taken from the bloated Pentagon budget and the trillions handed to Wall Street. No service cuts or fare hikes! Expand service, especially in underserved communities. No cuts to Chicago Public Schools! Restore school bus service! Rehire laid off teachers and paraprofessionals and restore crossing guards and school maintenance positions! Free transit for CPS students! No to privatization! Full public ownership and democratic control of transit. Massive public investment! End government repression! Disband ICE and boot federal agents out of our cities! If you agree with this, contact the SEP today to begin building it. The time to organize is now. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he departs the White House, in Washington en route to New York City Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana] On Monday, just one day after the Republican Party staged a Horst Wessel-style memorial for Charlie Kirk in Glendale, Arizona, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating antifa a domestic terrorist organization. The order claims that antifa is a militarist, anarchist enterprise that uses illegal means to organize and execute a campaign of violence and terrorism nationwide. Antifa, as even FBI Director Christopher Wray was forced to admit in a September 2020 congressional hearing, is not an organization but a broad current of opposition to fascism. Antifa is an ideology, not an organization, said Wray, who also testified that the bureau had no data showing any lethal violence committed by the organization. Since antifa as a formal organization does not exist, Trumps executive order amounts to a blanket authorization to brand political dissent and opposition to his fascist regime as terrorism. The order signed by Trump on Monday did not present any specific incidents or examples of alleged antifa terror. It claimed without evidence that antifa elements coordinated efforts to obstruct enforcement of Federal laws through armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, violent assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement officers, and routine doxing [sic] of and other threats against political figures and activists. The executive order directs all agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the activities of anyone alleged to act on behalf of antifascism or to provide material support. As of this writing, no evidence has been publicly presented that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old alleged to have shot and killed Kirk on September 10, was part of any organized left-wing or anarchist group, including antifa. In the last 30 years, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has documented only one killing committed by an alleged antifa supporter. On August 29, 2020, Michael Reinoehl shot and killed fascist Aaron Jay Danielson, a member of Patriot Prayer, during a protest in Portland, Oregon. On social media following the killing, Trump encouraged police forces to kill Reinoehl. Do your job, and do it fast. Everybody knows who this thug is, Trump said. Reinoehl was murdered by police and federal agents on September 3, 2020. While there have been virtually no documented killings committed by alleged antifa members, there have been hundreds of murders and tens of thousands of assaults committed by self-declared fascists, antisemites, far-right militia elements and white supremacists over the last 30 years. Some of these include: April 19, 1995: 168 people killed in the Oklahoma City bombing by far-right former US Army soldier Timothy McVeigh. June 17, 2015: nine black people were murdered in the Charleston church massacre by white supremacist Dylann Roof. August 12, 2017: Heather Heyer, an anti-racist activist, was killed by a neo-Nazi during the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. After Heyers death Trump praised the fine people on both sides. October 27, 2018: In the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history, 11 people were murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, by Robert Bowers, who was motivated by the antisemitic and anti-immigrant Great Replacement Theory, also promoted by Kirk. March 15, 2019: 51 people killed and 89 injured in the Christchurch mosque massacre in New Zealand; August 3, 2019: 23 people killed and 22 injured in El Paso, Texas Walmart shooting. In both cases the shooters left behind manifestos expressing anti-immigrant rhetoric and the need to stop the invasion of non-European people. January 6, 2021: Several people died during and in the immediate aftermath of Trumps failed coup, which was orchestrated from the White House but led on the ground by right-wing pro-Trump militia groups including the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. March 14, 2022: An 18-year-old white supremacist murdered 10 black shoppers and workers at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. The killer posted an online manifesto based on the anti-semitic Great Replacement Theory. June 14, 2025: Posing as a police officer, Vance Boelter, a right-wing evangelical minister murdered two people including Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (Democrat) and her husband Mark in their home. Boelter also shot and injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their residence. Inside his vehicle was a kill list of other Democratic Party officials and abortion-rights activists. The largest purveyor of political violence both domestically and internationally is the US government, under the leadership of its two right-wing capitalist parties. From the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan to the Global War on Terror and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, both parties are dripping in blood. The designation of antifa as a domestic terrorist group comes under conditions in which the Trump administration and the Republican Party at large, joined by the media, are waging a witch-hunt against workers, educators and students who have made critical comments about Kirk on social media. Far from opposing this campaign, the Democrats have joined in the historical falsification. On September 14, the Senate voted unanimously for a resolution glorifying Kirk. More than ninety House Democrats joined Republicans to pass the companion resolution in the House. As of this writing, neither Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders nor Democratic Socialists of America member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York) have released a statement in response to Trumps order. Democratic Party votes sanctifying Kirk, alongside their silence on Trumps order, give bipartisan legitimacy to the criminalization of dissent. Hundreds of workers and students across the country have been investigated, suspended or fired for social media posts and public statements expressing opposition to Kirks politics and indignation over efforts to glorify the Turning Point USA founder. In response to right-wing outrage over accurate comments Jimmy Kimmel made last week during his Monday monologue late-night, ABC/Disney suspended the television host last Wednesday. Less than a week after the suspension on Monday morning, no doubt in part due to global outrage over Disneys capitulation to the Trump regime, the corporation announced Kimmel would be returning from his suspension Tuesday evening. It is unclear as of this writing if Kimmel has been forced to accept further restrictions on his political speech, which never strayed far from the official Democratic Party line, in order to secure his return to television. Two major right-wing broadcasters, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast, which own approximately 20 percent local television stations in the United States, announced on Tuesday they would not carry Jimmy Kimmel Live! The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has sanctioned Marcum Asia CPAs, a firm headquartered in New York, US, for failing to comply with auditing standards and PCAOB rules. The disciplinary order relates to the firm's actions during its tenure as the auditor for Gridsum Holding, a Beijing-based company, and the subsequent transfer of workpapers to a successor auditor, Shandong Haoxin Certified Public Accountants in China. Marcum Asia CPAs, previously known as Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk, was engaged by Gridsum in June 2018 to audit the company's financial statements for fiscal years 2015 to 2017. Before the audits were finalised, Gridsum replaced Marcum Asia CPAs with Haoxin. During the transition, Marcum Asia CPAs transferred draft workpapers to Haoxin without establishing a clear understanding of their use, contravening PCAOB's AS 2610 standard on communications between predecessor and successor auditors. Haoxin's subsequent use of the draft workpapers in its audit and the issuance of an unqualified audit report for Gridsum's financial statements were addressed in a PCAOB enforcement settlement in November 2023. The PCAOB's sanctions against Marcum Asia CPAs include censure, a civil penalty of $100,000, and a mandate for the firm to undertake training focused on enhancing communications between predecessor and successor auditors. In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took action against Marcum, related to Marcum Asia CPAs, for systemic quality control failures and audit standard violations across hundreds of special purpose acquisition company clients, dating back to at least 2020. The SEC's order highlighted that these issues were part of a wider pattern of quality control failures within the firm. To resolve the charges, Marcum LLP agreed to pay a penalty of $10m. "PCAOB sanctions Marcum Asia for audit breaches " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Two Pennsylvania-based registered investment advisors are merging to create a $9 billion RIA combining an institutional-focused firm with a predominantly wealth management business. BilkeyKatz Investment Consultants, which works with institutional clients with assets ranging from $20 million to $1 billion, and Oakmont Capital Management, which has about $650 million in assets under management, will combine under the legal entity Oakmont Capital Management. According to Patrick Fisher, partner and head of consulting services, BilkeyKatz will continue to do business under that name, with no visible change for clients. Fisher said Pittsburgh-based BilkeyKatz, which advises on over $8 billion in institutional assets, also has a small family trust and family office business. Meanwhile, Oakmont, Penn.-based Oakmont is focused on wealth management, with some business with smaller institutions. The idea of merging the firms came up over lunch, during which Fisher discussed with former colleague and friend John Koteski how the rising costs of software and database use were cutting margins. That led to conversations between both firms, and ultimately led to us merging, Fisher said. Koteski left a job at Yanni Partners, where Fisher also worked, to launch Oakmont in 2002. The move shocked Fisher then. But Koteski eventually built Oakmont up to nine employees, some of whom joined from BilkeyKatz. He will be CEO of the newly combined RIA. The merger reflects a shared commitment to a fiduciary standard and objective investment advice, Koteski said in a statement. It further enhances our ability to design and implement what we believe to be tailored investment solutions for a client base that spans the country. Darrin Duda, who had also worked at Yanni Partners before joining BilkeyKatz, will be a partner and chief investment officer. Fisher said the new firm will continue to look for client growth among families and institutions, including foundations, endowments and corporate retirement plans. The merger will also allow BilkeyKatz to offer discretionary investment management and an OCIO model. It opens us up to some growth, Fisher said. The trend has been away from traditional nondiscretionary consulting and toward that OCIO-type model. Terry Bilkey and Jerry Katz founded BilkeyKatz in 2002. The firm is employee-owned, and Fisher said it expects to remain that way after the merger, which will be finalized Oct. 1. Our goal is to always be employee-owned, he said. We have no interest in getting outside investors, especially from private equity. We know that can really change the culture and change a lot from within the organization. Pinewood Technologies Group PLC (Pinewood.AI), the London-listed cloud software specialist for automotive retail, has reported a strong first half for the six months to 30 June 2025, with revenue up 21.7% to 19.6m compared with 16.1m a year earlier. The group said the uplift was driven by increased client spend and the successful integration of the Seez AI solution. Recurring revenue reached 16.8m, or 85.7% of total turnover, underscoring the shift towards subscription-led income. Gross profit rose 17.2% to 17.0m, maintaining a margin of 86.7%, while underlying EBITDA advanced 14.5% to 7.9m at a margin of 40.3%. Underlying profit before tax edged up 10% to 4.4m. Cash reserves more than doubled to 30.3m from 13.0m at July 2024, reflecting an oversubscribed equity placing, strong cash conversion and final settlement of tax balances from the sale of its motor group. Pinewood.AI said the modest dilution of margins followed the Seez acquisition and was in line with expectations. Net user churn, excluding Lithia, remained minimal at 0.3% in the period. Operationally, the company has pushed ahead with its international strategy. It completed the $42m purchase of 90.9% of Seez, strengthening its AI capabilities. In April it announced a five-year contract with Volkswagen Group Japan covering some 350 Volkswagen and Audi dealers. In May, the firm entered North America by extending its Porsche dealer network with a first Canadian installation, supported by new manufacturer interfaces. Pinewood.AI also agreed in June to buy out Lithias 51% stake in Pinewood North America LLC for $76.5m, a deal approved by shareholders on 30 June. A new five-year contract with Lithia will roll out the Pinewood.AI platform across its US stores, expected to generate about $60m a year by 2028. A pilot in two US stores is slated for Q4 FY25, with a wider rollout mid-FY26. The group opened a North American headquarters in Florida in June and has begun hiring. Post-period, the company acquired key customer contracts from its South African reseller for 2.5m, adding an estimated 0.5m0.7m of annual EBITDA. Implementation of its system across Lookers dealerships began in July and an agreement with Porsche Japan in September will bring the Pinewood platform to all Porsche Centres there. In the UK, Pinewood.AI remains focused on delivering its system implementations with Lookers and Marshall Motor Group, with Marshalls rollout shifted to Q1 2026 to align with other IT projects. Outside the UK, management highlighted continued priority geographies including North America, Central Europe, Japan, South-East Asia, South Africa and the Middle East, where Seezs regional presence is expected to drive growth. Fashion 4 Developments annual First Ladies Luncheon is a magnet for powerful women, and Tuesdays event at the Pierre Hotel was no exception, with Kosovos President Vjosa Osmani being an honoree. Before the event started, the president, who sported a long-sleeve red dress with a red floral motif, spoke about how fashion can be a tool for diplomacy. She also praised the pop star Dua Lipa (who has citizenship in Kosovo, Albania and the U.K) for supporting Kosovo. Sandwiched between Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, the landlocked Balkan country is home to nearly 1.6 million residents. Born to ethnic Albanian parents, Osmani was elected as Kosovos sixth president in April 2021. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Although it is difficult to quantify how the 30-year-old, three-time Grammy winner has raised awareness about Kosovo, Osmani described Dua Lipas contribution as immense and historic. She said, The world now knows about Kosovo, because of Dua Lipa. She has been raising her voice internationally. And in every interview and in every public appearance, she talks about her home and Kosovo, the place that she grew up [between the ages of 11 and 15] and how it is a place that continues to inspire her. In addition, the Future Nostalgia musician returns to Pristina, Kosovo, each year to headline and organize her Sunny Hill Festival. We are immensely grateful for how she has managed to promote Kosovo, the young people of Kosovo and the talent that our country embodies. Launched in 2018, the annual summer event can have crowds that swell to 100,000 and the multiday gathering has helped to uplift the nation not just financially but also optimistically. Forty-five percent of the tickets are reportedly purchased by international concertgoers. Needless to say, Osmani goes with her family every year, and her daughters Anda Elisa Sadriu and Dua Tiara Sadriu loved it, she said. Osmani also spoke enthusiastically about Kosovos fashion designers, and she said that she hopes that the global exposure about their talents will increase. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about an everyday sustainable practice that others could adopt, Osmani praised Kosovos efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Her tip is to be conscientious about how we use water so that everyone can have access to clean drinking water. Heavily investing in sustainable energy is another priority for her home country, which has depended on coal energy for decades, she said. Ironically, while the Kosovo president was attending F4Ds First Ladies Luncheon, her husband Prindon Sadriu was attending the other first ladys lunch that was being hosted by First Lady Melania Trump in honor of the UNs General Assembly. I am not the first lady but I have a first gentleman, she said. Asked by a reporter about women that she admires, Osmani said, There are a lot of women around the world who have inspired me with the work that I do every single day. But I would like to note the women of Kosovo as a collective the women who have led our peaceful resistance; women who have fought during our liberation struggle; women who have negotiated our peace that we enjoy today, and women who are leaving the country in liberation. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Adam Huber is married! The Dynasty star, 38, tied the knot with beauty influencer Rachel Rigler at Brown Beach House in Trogir, Croatia, on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The couple, who first connected on Instagram and got engaged in April 2024, tells PEOPLE that Croatia is a special place for Rigler, as she lived there when she was a child while her dad was working overseas for the State Department. "Since they moved away, her family has never been back," Huber says. "We also love vacationing in Italy, and Croatia is right next door with better food and wine, in our humble opinion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They invited just 30 loved ones, wanting their wedding to be small and intimate. The couple also saw their destination nuptials as an opportunity to treat their guests to an unforgettable Mediterranean experience filled with sightseeing and sampling local cuisine. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler "Since our family was having to travel so far, we wanted to give them a proper European vacation," Rigler says. "A boat day touring the Dalmatian islands, showing our family our favorite pizza spot in Split, a beautiful rehearsal dinner to celebrate our two families coming together, and a hungover day on the beach." She adds, "When will we ever have both of our families together in Europe again? We just wanted to make the most out of the time we were all there together." To help bring their dream wedding to life, the couple worked with local event planner Serendipity Weddings. They also hired a content creator, Reel Events Weddings, to capture the occasion because they wanted to have a phone-free day. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Inspired by their hotel venue, which has a striking black-and-white checkered pool deck, Huber and Rigler embraced an overall vibe of "black-tie elegance with modern minimalism." The decor was primarily black and white, with pops of green. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple opted for a traditional ceremony, officiated by the bride's uncle, Andrew Peck, and featuring music performed by a cellist and pianist. They exchanged handwritten vows that they each wrote into little books they purchased on Etsy. "Itll be a special keepsake for us to look back on and to show our kids one day," Rigler notes. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Rigler wore Valentini Spose's Catera gown, which she found on her very first visit to the Atlanta boutique Bridals By Lori (where Huber also got his custom suit). The one-shoulder design features a full skirt and an open back. "I broke down in tears when I tried the dress on, and just knew immediately that it was the one," she tells PEOPLE. "I have truly never felt more beautiful than when Im wearing that dress." For the couple's rehearsal dinner, Rigler made a sentimental choice, wearing a shortened version of the wedding dress her grandmother made by hand for her mother 30 years ago. The bride ended the night in a dress she ordered from Etsy to jump into the hotel pool with her new husband. Sazu Weddings Table settings at Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler's wedding Table settings at Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler's wedding Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests mingled during a cocktail hour before enjoying a three-course dinner. The menu included seafood soup and a choice of a fish or steak entree, with vanilla gelato drizzled in olive oil and topped with pistachios for dessert. Pizza also was served at the end of the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the dancing got underway, Huber and Rigler had a special surprise for their loved ones. They performed their first dance in rumba style choreographing the number over 10 private dance lessons to the song "Speechless" by Dan + Shay. The celebration also included a dazzling fireworks display, which the couple says was one of their wedding non-negotiables. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Huber and Rigler first connected on Instagram, and then the actor flew to Savannah, Ga., where Rigler was living at the time. "We had the most romantic, movie-like weekend," she recalls. 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. Adam popped the question outside the Colosseum in Rome on April 18, 2024. "Rome holds a special place in our heart, and weve been there together three separate times," Adam tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says he tried to keep it a surprise, but then a group of Dynasty fans spotted the couple and started flocking around them. One fan approached and asked for a picture. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber Adam Huber "I politely responded, 'Hey, Im trying to do something here, Adam who played Liam Ridley in the CW series remembers with a laugh. "I think Rachel knew what was about to happen. Shes impossible to surprise!" Reflecting on what they love most about each other, Rigler says Huber has "the best heart" of anyone she's ever met. "He is extremely loyal to everyone he loves. He always has a way of making me smile. He is my favorite person to travel with, and I enjoy every single spontaneous adventure with him," she tells PEOPLE, joking, "I love falling asleep with him and waking up to him and his mouth tape every morning." Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler As for Huber, he adores Rigler's "amazing heart," deep empathy and adventurous spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She took me skydiving in Hawaii for my first time her second and after we landed on the ground we looked at each other and said, 'Lets do it again!' and we went right back and jumped out of the airplane again," he recalls. Now that they are officially husband and wife, the couple tells PEOPLE they are looking forward to building a family and traveling the world with their kids. "We are both excited about watching each other step into the mom and dad role," Huber says. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler But first on the agenda is their honeymoon five nights in Istria, Croatia, known for its olive oil and wine. "It was highly recommended to us by Croatian locals and apparently has some of the best food in Croatia," Huber notes. "Were excited to stay at one of our dream hotels, Grand Park Rovinj, spending time with each other, eating amazing food, drinking amazing wine, and exploring the romantic city." Huber and Rigler also plan to focus on some projects in the new house they recently bought. Sazu Weddings Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler Adam Huber and Rachel Rigler "Our next chapter will have a lot of growth in all aspects of our life. But right now, were soaking in the remainder of this chapter as newlyweds," the actor tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adds Rigler, "We have always been a great team, and now we get to be a team for life. We are each others biggest cheerleaders and are super excited to watch and help each other accomplish our greatest goals as individuals and as partners." Additional Credits: Photographer: @sazuweddings Videographer: @desidero.weddings Flowers & decor: @floranita_wedding_design Hair: @hair_studio_ institut MUA: @estera_tolusic_makeupartist Stationery: @untamedadriatic Wedding DJ: @djmirodubrovnik Ceremony music: @kvartetfascination Ceremony shoes: @christianlouboutin Bridal MUA: Lex Smith @lunalex, Tarte Cosmetics Global Pro Arist Rings: @ringconcierge Read the original article on People Six decades after her tragically early death, Marilyn Monroe remains Americas undefeated bombshell and one of our most enduring enigmas. Was the celebrated starlet fragile and love-starved or tough and self-assured? In love with love or happy with her many lovers? Now, a new book filled with never-before-seen photos and letters seeks to answer some of the many unanswered questions about her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs was compiled from the archive of photographer Sam Shaw, who befriended her in the early 1950s, just as her star was rising the two shared a rare closeness that allowed him near-unfettered access to her famed life. Through Monroes ups and downs, their friendship endured, and the shutterbug became her close confidant. Thanks to his granddaughter, Melissa Shaw, the world finally has a chance to take a more intimate look at the way her grandfather saw Marilyn, through his eyes and lens. Monroe had many sides and Sam lets us see them all. Goofball Marilyn Shaw Family Archives Heres another chance to see what Melissa Shaw referred to as the joy of Marilyn captured at the Monroe-Miller home in Connecticuts Litchfield County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monroe goofed around with the photographer all day in the backyard, and the series of images from that shoot showcases the different aspects of her personality, from contemplative to sex kitten, in a simple blue dress, shot in color or B&W; Arthur Miller even makes a cameo or two. So much is made, said Melissa, of her search for herself, but there was also that natural, innate, born-with-it joy and interest in life. Iconic Marilyn Shaw Family Archives The idea of shooting Marilyn in the near-wardrobe malfunction made famous in The Seven Year Itch was Sams, Melissa told The Post. Sam had been hired by the producer to shoot what was known as key images stills and snapshots that would be used to hype the film. Earlier, Sam had captured a similar image at Coney Island, which had become a sellout cover on Friday magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested staging this scene the same way after reading a line in the film script Do you feel the breeze from the subway? Isnt it delicious? This image is of the original, New York shoot, but the crowd here caused too much hubbub to use that footage in the final movie, so the familiar scenes actually a reshoot on a closed soundstage in LA. Queen-of-the-world Marilyn Shaw Family Archives Riding high on her Seven Year Itch success, Monroe tore up her 20th Century Fox contract, turned her back on Hollywood for New York and started her own production company. At the height of her superstardom, she wanted more artistic control over the roles she was playing, said Melissa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People holding power at this time were quite universally men, and Sam describes her so many times as a tough street fighter with a will of iron. Nothing sums up Marilyns swagger better than this snap, taken at the home she was sharing with her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, in Roxbury, Connecticut beautiful, but unbowed. Method Marilyn Shaw Family Archives Marilyn was a method acting devotee, and wanted to shoot this bathtub scene from The Seven Year Itch that way: stark naked. Its what she called actors truth, playing the scene as authentically as possible regardless of what the script said, Melissa explained. The books photos show that she conceded to prudish norms, wearing nude panties and a top. Marilyn spent plenty of downtime in the bath, too, she added, a pioneering fan of the current celeb fad for cold plunges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She took baths filled with ice cubes because she thought it kept her body firm, she said. Candid Marilyn Shaw Family Archives Never seen before, this was shot on NYCs streets during the shoot for The Seven Year Itch.Melissa points out the difference in Monroes smile here. Not the big, wide, open-mouthed smile she perfected for the paparazzi, she said, Its more intimate, kind and sweet. We love this photo. The blurred background makes it seem even more ad hoc, more like an out-take moment where the actress can be herself before slipping back into bombshell character on set. BFF Marilyn Bruno Bernard Joshua John Miller This candid shot of Melissas grandfather in a loving clinch with Monroe epitomizes their bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see the affection and intimacy here he was a mentor-like figure to her, said Melissa. Its the best representation of their relationship. It was taken on the Seven Year Itch set, she believes, because Sam wanted to impress his kids. Its also one that Melissa cherishes for the sunniness that oozes from Monroe in the image. Instead of her being a victim, it highlights her joy, she said. Smartypants Marilyn Shaw Family Archives She makes him look good, doesnt she? Melissa laughed at this indelible image, which turns Arthur Miller into a gruff sex symbol in his own right. Sam spent a day prowling the streets of New York with the famed couple as part of the promo for The Prince and the Showgirl, the first film from Marilyns new production shingle, to appear in Life magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sams point of view repositions Marilyn to be her equal, Melissa said. Maybe she wasnt an intellectual in the way he was, but I dont know if she was trying to be. She was very well read. Later that same day, as the rain closed in while the couple walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, Miller called his friend, writer Norman Rosten, to give them shelter nearby creating an enduring friendship between Rosten and Monroe that lasted until her death. Behind-the-scenes Marilyn Shaw Family Archives This candid silhouette shot snaps Marilyn at a major moment working with Richard Avedon, fashions primo photographer. Sam was a fan of his former NYC high school classmate, calling him the greatest, said Melissa. This image comes from a session just one day before her iconic subway grate shoot took place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes doing the open-mouthed Marilyn look there, but she looks very young, sweet and much more innocent here, Melissa said. For Marilyn, the team up with Avedon would pay off tenfold hed help her land her dream gig, the cover of Harpers Bazaar, barely a year later. Marilyns man Shaw Family Archives Sam Shaw rarely stepped in front of the camera to pose, so this is a rare image. Its exactly what Sam looked like when he met Marilyn, with his old film camera and some kind of ID hanging off his trench coat, Melissa said. He was one of those people who became an artist because there was no other choice. Some people do, and Marilyn fit that as well, so when they found each other, they connected on that level. This letter that Sam Shaw wrote to his friend and film star Marilyn Monroe is among the many images being seen for the first time in the new book. Shaw Family Archives A new book, Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs, shows never-before-seen sides of the Hollywood icon. Shaw Family Archives Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs (ACC Art Books, $65) is out now. NEED TO KNOW Outer Banks actress Madelyn Cline was spotted with Greece's Prince Constantine-Alexios in New York City Cline has previously dated her Outer Banks costar Chase Stokes and Pete Davidson Neither Cline nor Constantine-Alexios has yet confirmed that they are in a relationship It looks like things are getting steamy between Madelyn Cline and a mysterious new royal suitor. In photos obtained by DeuxMoi, the Outer Banks star, 27, was spotted cozying up with and kissing! Prince Constantine-Alexios of Greece inside a New York City restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the photos, Cline and Constantine-Alexios, 26, are seen standing close to one another while surrounded by restaurant guests. In another, Constantine-Alexios is leaning in for a kiss as he embraces Cline. The photos were taken inside The Lions Bar. In another video posted by DeuxMoi, Cline and Constantine-Alexios can be seen walking down a bustling New York City street, holding hands as they make their way through the crowd. Neither Cline nor Constantine-Alexios has publicly commented on the romance rumors sparked by the photos. PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for Cline for comment. Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Madelyn Cline Madelyn Cline Cline is no stranger to high-profile relationships. In 2019, she met and began dating her Outer Banks costar Chase Stokes. The two were together for nearly two years before they split in 2022, which Cline attributed in part to having their relationship in the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think at the time I didnt realize what the repercussions [were] of inviting so many people into something, lets be honest, something thats intimate, Cline said on Jake Shane's Therapuss podcast in March. Following the split, Cline was linked to Pete Davidson in September 2023. The two dated for only a few months before splitting sometime in 2024. Cline has mostly kept quiet about the short-lived romance, but offered a tiny bit of commentary on the fling in a July interview with Allure. "The jokes, they write themselves. And I said it before, and I'll say it again, that is my only comment," Cline said of her relationship with Davidson. "He has a really cute dog and some really great girlfriends now." Much less is known about the love life of Constantine-Alexios, who is the grandson of King Constantine II, the last monarch before Greece abolished the institution in 1973. Constantine-Alexios and his family still represent the country as royalty and engage in philanthropy. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! He is the son of Crown Prince Pavlos and American heiress Marie-Chantal Miller, and one of the family's five children, alongside siblings Maria-Olympia, Achileas-Andreas, Odysseas-Kimon and Aristides-Stavros. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in New York City, Constantine-Alexios attended secondary school in England starting in 2017, and later enrolled at Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Details about his personal and professional life are scarce, but he does boast more than 157,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares photography work. Read the original article on People Meghan Markle reportedly made a rare phone call to her father-in-law, King Charles, and showed her interest in repairing relationships with the members of the palace. This new development has led a source to claim that the short phone call was more symbolic than substantial. The news comes after the recent reunion between the monarch and his youngest son, Prince Harry, following his trip to the United Kingdom. Meghan Markles phone call to King Charles was more symbolic than substantial, source claims Meghan Markle allegedly had a brief conversation with King Charles over a rare phone call amid the reconciliation between the monarch and Prince Harry in London. A source told RadarOnline that during their long-awaited reunion, the Duke of Sussex apologized to his father in an emotional manner. The individual noted that this was the first occasion in a long time that Harry actually offered an apology. Moreover, the 41-year-old prince acknowledged that some of his and Meghans public remarks had been hurtful. However, it is unclear if Charles accepted the apology, but the exchange was certainly emotional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, another insider talked about how Markle made the first phone call to Charles after a long time. According to the source, The call was brief, but it carried weight. They continued, Meghan told the King she wanted to see relationships repaired. The insider further claimed that Harry was eager to show them both that the family bond is still there. The duke reportedly believes that they can rebuild it, particularly for the childrens sake. The source even added that the prince is determined to make it feel like one united family again. Meanwhile, another insider told the news outlet that Markles call was more symbolic than substantial. No one believes a brief greeting can undo years of tension, the individual noted. Charles might be inclined to forgive, but its William Harry has to win over, and he isnt shifting. The post Meghan Markle Offered To Repair Relationships in Rare Phone Call With King Charles, Source Claims appeared first on Reality Tea. The Gist Sophia Loren welcomed two sons with her late husband Carlo Ponti. Carlo Ponti Jr. was born on December 29, 1968, while Edoardo Ponti was born on January 6, 1973. She has four grandchildren, Lucia, Vittorio, Leonardo, and Beatrice. Sophia Loren is "surrounded by great love everyday" thanks to her sons, Carlo and Edoardo, and her four grandchildren. The Italian actress welcomed her kids with her late husband Carlo Ponti, who passed away in January 2007. "I live for my family," Loren told the hosts of Today in 2016. "I have the most beautiful grandchildren that I've ever seen in my life." Loren is one of Old Hollywood's most recognizable stars. Her career on the silver screen began in 1950 with Hearts at Sea and The Vow; she won the Oscar for Best Actress 10 years later for her role in Two Women. Her sons, meanwhile, have also had successful careers in the arts. Carlo is a conductor while Edoardo is a director. Loren worked on 2020's The Life Ahead with her youngest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knows me so well," she said of Edoardo, per Variety. "He knows every inch of my face, my heart, my soul. He will only move on to the next shot when I hit my deepest truth." Ahead, everything you should know about Loren's sons, Carlo and Edoardo, and their kids Lucia, Vittorio, Leonardo, and Beatrice. Getty Images Sophia Loren with her son Edoardo Ponti, his wife Sasha Alexander, and their daughter Lucia in 2014. Sophia Loren with her son Edoardo Ponti, his wife Sasha Alexander, and their daughter Lucia in 2014. Carlo Ponti Jr. Getty Images Sophia Loren with her son Carlo Ponti Jr. at the Russian National Orchestra's 15th Anniversary Gala in 2006. Sophia Loren with her son Carlo Ponti Jr. at the Russian National Orchestra's 15th Anniversary Gala in 2006. Loren and Ponti's eldest son Carlo Jr. was born on December 29, 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. The couple introduced their baby to the press with a photoshoot in January 1969. "I think this was about a week after Carlo Jr. was born," Loren later told People of the now-famous images taken of the press photographing the family of three. "There were so many photographers that we could not give it exclusive to one...So the doctor said, 'We have a room where we operate, and there's a balcony all around. You can come in with the child and they can take pictures,'" she recalled. Getty Images Sophia Loren and her husband Carlo Ponti being photographed by the press with their newborn baby in 1969. Sophia Loren and her husband Carlo Ponti being photographed by the press with their newborn baby in 1969. The Italian grew up to become an orchestral conductor who "does very well," according to Loren. From 2000-2018, he was associate conductor of the Russian National Orchestra; from 2001-2013, Carlo was music director and principal conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony. In 2013, he founded the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, where he still works today. Getty Images Carlo Ponti Jr. conducting a concert at the Vatican in 2010. Carlo Ponti Jr. conducting a concert at the Vatican in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for who Carlo takes after? Loren has described her firstborn son as "a little bit like me," adding that he is "shy, keeps things inside, laughs, is funny." In 2021, Carlo explained that as a child, he had only a shallow understanding of just how iconic his mother was. "I don't really remember when I realized my mother was a legendary film icon," the conductor said in an interview with Turner Classic Movies. "I think I might've gradually realized it as I grew older because we did have some famous actor guests come in the house" (such as Sylvester Stallone). Getty Images Sophia Loren with her sons Carlo Ponti Jr. (L) and Edoardo Ponti (R) in 1988. Sophia Loren with her sons Carlo Ponti Jr. (L) and Edoardo Ponti (R) in 1988. On September 18, 2004, Carlo married violinist Andrea Meszaros; the couple later welcomed a son named Vittorio in 2007 and a daughter named Beatrice in 2012. The marriage ended in divorce in 2022, after which Carlo found love again with Mariam Sharmanashvili. They tied the knot on July 26, 2025. "Carlo impressed me with his humility and kindness," Sharmanashvili told Nargis Magazine, a Georgia-based publication. "Even though he is successful, comes from a famous family, and is a strong person, he never acts proud or better than others." Edoardo Ponti Getty Images Edoardo Ponti and Sophia Loren at Tribeca Film Festival in 2014. Edoardo Ponti and Sophia Loren at Tribeca Film Festival in 2014. Loren and Ponti welcomed Edoardo on January 6, 1973, in Geneva, Switzerland. The Sunflower actress later described her second son as "outgoing" and a "perfectionist." She told People that Edoardo wanted to be a director when he grew up, which is exactly what he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edoardo began his career in film with Between Strangers, an award-winning 2002 drama that he wrote and directed. Loren starred in the movie as Olivia. He has also produced and directed stage plays, and written and directed operas. In 2020, he and Loren teamed up once again for The Life Ahead, a drama based on the 1975 novel The Life Before Us. Getty Images Edoardo Ponti and Sophia Loren at Moscow Film Festival in 1991. Edoardo Ponti and Sophia Loren at Moscow Film Festival in 1991. At 84 she wants to put it all on the line to make a movie that is so deep, so challenging, both emotionally and physically, Edoardo told Variety of his mother. The energy and passion with which she approaches every scene is a marvel to watch. Off screen, Edoardo married actress Sasha Alexander on August 12, 2007. The couple have welcomed two children together, Lucia and Leonardo, in 2006 and 2010, respectively. Lucia Sofia Ponti Instagram/Sasha Alexander Sasha Alexander with her daughter Lucia. Sasha Alexander with her daughter Lucia. Loren's first grandchild (and namesake) was born on May 12, 2006 to her son Edoardo and his wife Sasha. She grew up away from the spotlight and only recently made her debut alongside Apple Martin at the 2024 Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris, France. For the special occasion, she wore a gown by Giorgio Armani Prive, per Vogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I tend to go for dresses or clothes that make me feel confident but also are comfortable to wear, Lucia told Hello! at the time. I had looked through other dresses that were featured in Le Bal in previous years, and they all individually represented the girls so beautifully. I just hoped to find a dress that would do the same for me. The young debutante also noted the influence of Loren's sartorial wisdom. "My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self," she said. Vittorio Leone Ponti Instagram/Carlo Ponti Sophia Loren with her son Carlo Ponti and her grandchildren Vittorio and Beatrice. Sophia Loren with her son Carlo Ponti and her grandchildren Vittorio and Beatrice. One year Lucia's arrival, Loren's eldest son Carlo and his then-wife Andrea welcomed their first child on April 2, 2007. As a young boy, Vittorio followed in his parents' musical footsteps by learning piano at just six years old. Since then, he has won several awards for his talents, including first prize at the 2019 Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works Audition Competition. In 2024, Vittorio made his orchestral debut as a piano soloist at the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra. Leonardo Fortunato Ponti Instagram/Sasha Alexander Edoardo Ponti with his kids Lucia and Leonardo. Edoardo Ponti with his kids Lucia and Leonardo. Lucia's little brother Leonardo arrived on December 20, 2010. We are so thrilled to welcome our little Leonardo," parents Edoardo and Sasha told People at the time. "Hes a wonderful gift and we are all in loveespecially the grandmas! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sasha later opened up about the pair's sibling dynamic in an interview with People. Lucia can be very nurturing to him, shes a very loving and kind little girl," the mom-of-two said. "She can also know how to prod him exactly the way that would make him cry the whole ride home." Like his sister, Leonardo has grown up away from the public eye. Every now and then, however, he makes an appearance on his mom's Instagram. In 2025, Sasha called both her kids her "loves" in a heartfelt post. "Happy Mothers Day to all that mother," she wrote. "There would be no world without us." Beatrice Lara Ponti @maestrocarloponti Sophia Loren, her granddaughter Beatrice, her son Carlo, and her grandson Vittorio at the opening of the Sophia Loren restaurant in 2022 Sophia Loren, her granddaughter Beatrice, her son Carlo, and her grandson Vittorio at the opening of the Sophia Loren restaurant in 2022 Carlo and Andrea's daughter Beatrice was born on March 15, 2012. Like her cousins, she has largely avoided the spotlightexcept, of course, for her show-stopping appearance at a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show with Loren back in 2016. She also joined her grandmother for the opening of Milan's Sophia Loren Restaurant in 2022. "Still under the spell of the symphony of amazing Italian flavors at the opening of the @sophialorenrestaurant in Milan, Italy!!! ," Carlo wrote at the time on Instagram. Read the original article on InStyle Love Newport at Christmas time? The Hallmark Channel agrees. On Nov. 2, 2025, as part of the channel's "Countdown to Christmas," Hallmark will air a brand new holiday movie set in Newport. Named "A Newport Christmas," the new movie will showcase Newport's history and beauty in a holiday time travel romance, marking the very first Hallmark holiday film to be set in the seaside Rhode Island town. In fact, "A Newport Christmas" is the first time a Hallmark holiday movie has been set in Rhode Island since "A Season for Miracles" in 1999. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about "A Newport Christmas," as well as how to watch the new Rhode Island-based holiday film this year. About 'A Newport Christmas' The library at Marble House in Newport is decorated for Christmas in 2017. According to the description of "A Newport Christmas" on the Hallmark website, the new movie will follow Ella, "a charitable and spirited Newport socialite in 1905 who dreams of using her wealth to start a foundation to help others in town." One night, after learning of her father's plans for her to get engaged to a stranger at the upcoming Christmas Eve ball, Ella goes for a nighttime sail to clear her head and wishes for a different life as a comet passes through the sky. Ella wakes up in 2025, where she meets sailor and local Newport historian Nick. "As she spends time there and gets a glimpse at what her future in 1905 appears to be, she becomes reluctant to return, especially since she and Nick have grown close and she now knows how true love feels," the movie description reads. "But the legacy Ella built in her time and the course of Newport's history risks being erased the longer she stays in the present, so the two plot a course for her trip back through time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Written by Joie Botkin, the movie will star Wes Brown as Nick and Ginna Claire Mason as Ella. Andrew Gernhard, who produced "Mystic Christmas" nearby in 2023, will serve as executive producer. More: The 12 best Christmas movie soundtracks Where in Newport did 'A Newport Christmas' film? On April 7, 2025, film crews for "A Newport Christmas" were seen at Bowen's Wharf. Pictures posted to social media show the set on the wharf decorated with a Christmas tree and festive lights, as well as cast members bundled up in winter coats. Before coming to Rhode Island, the movie also filmed in Buffalo, New York. According to an Instagram post from Bowen's Wharf, the wharf is the only Newport location used in the film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christmas in RI: Christmases past in Providence How to watch 'A Newport Christmas' To watch the first ever Hallmark Christmas movie filmed or set in Newport, tune into the Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How to watch Hallmark's new RI movie, 'A Newport Christmas' Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Classic rock band Pink Floyd has a catalog filled with legendary songs from "Another Brick in the Wall" to "Comfortably Numb" but only one track ever earned the iconic rock band a Grammy. And it happens to be the same song they almost never played live. That instrumental, Marooned, from the 1994 album The Division Bell, was honored with the Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 37th annual Grammy Awards. Despite the acclaim, it became a near-myth in the bands live history, performed only twice by the full lineup and those rare moments are still being talked about three decades later. The Oslo Performance in 1994 Fans quickly answered Pink Floyds Facebook teaser this week: the only full-band live rendition of Marooned took place on August 29 and 30, 1994, at Valle Hovin Stadium in Oslo, Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One fan who was there recalled, It was the first encore and a little hard to identify at first. A jam version loosely based on the studio version followed by a powerful Run Like Hell to close the night. Another added that the band played an extended soundcheck of the track on August 29 that could be heard clearly outside the venue. RELATED: Pink Floyd Admits to Being Completely Stoned During Famous Concert And the performances werent just about music. As several fans remembered, the Oslo renditions doubled as a political statement: anti-whaling footage reportedly played on a screen during the song, in protest of Norways whaling policy. The Strat Pack in 2004 The only other time Marooned surfaced onstage came 21 years ago today September 24, 2004 when Pink Floyd and guitarist David Gilmour performed it at The Strat Pack, a star-studded concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster. The event showcased guitar legends from across genres, but for Floyd fans, it was another chance to hear the elusive track live. RELATED: An 80s Classic Is Suddenly One of the Worlds Most-Streamed Songs: Staggering Other guitarists featured that night included the Eagles' Joe Walsh, Thin Lizzy's Gary Moore, Queen's Brian May, The Shadows' Hank Marvin, and Genesis' Mike Rutherford. Why It Still Matters Even in Pink Floyds massive body of work, Marooned stands apart: its their lone Grammy win, a soaring instrumental with a cult legacy amplified by its near-total absence from the stage. That scarcity has only added to the songs mystique and made every anniversary worth revisiting. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC on Tuesday night, less than a week after Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly suspended over on-air comments he made about the political response to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel addressed the backlash to his remarks at the top of his opening monologue. "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I dont think theres anything funny about it, Kimmel said, his voice breaking with emotion. I understand that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset. If the situation was reversed, theres a good chance Id have felt the same way." After thanking his fellow late-night hosts for rallying around him, Kimmel said he felt even more grateful for "the people who dont support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People I never would have imagined, like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul even my old pal Ted Cruz," Kimmel said. It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration. They did and they deserve credit for it. Ultimately, Kimmel continued, "this show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this. To that end, Kimmel criticized President Trump and his administration for threatening to "silence a comedian the government doesnt like," calling such actions "anti-American." "Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television," Kimmel said. "The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he cant take a joke." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Posting to his Truth Social network shortly before Kimmel's return, Trump called ABC "a true bunch of losers" for reviving Jimmy Kimmel Live! then threatened to "test ABC out on this" with another lawsuit. (Trump previously sued ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation over an inaccurate comment a suit that ABC settled in December). "[Kimmel] is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution," Trump wrote, without providing any evidence. "Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative." ABC announced last Wednesday that its popular late-night show would be suspended indefinitely in response to Kimmels remarks. Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country, the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, said in a statement on Monday. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Tuesday night, Kimmel did not comment publicly on the controversy. His on-air sidekick, Guillermo Rodriguez, posted a celebratory message on Instagram after the show's return was announced. "We are back full of love," he wrote. During his monologue on Sept. 15, Kimmel said that Trumps supporters were trying to score political points by portraying Kirks accused killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, as a left-wing radical while "desperately trying to characterize [Robinson] as anything other than one of them." His comments prompted Nexstar, which owns hundreds of TV stations across the country, to say it would preempt Kimmels show on all of its affiliates. Disney responded by pausing production on the show. The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, had threatened to take action against Kimmel for his comments earlier that day. Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said during a conversation with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 400 Hollywood stars signed a letter published Monday that condemned the threats to our freedom of speech they believe Kimmels suspension represents. Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country, the letter said. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. Demonstrators outside of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., on Sept. 18. (Jae C. Hong/AP) Other late-night hosts also stood behind Kimmel. This is a big moment in our democracy, and we must all stand up for the principles of free expression, Seth Meyers, host of NBCs Late Night, said last week. Theres a reason free speech is in the very first amendment. It stands above all others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some of Trumps most dedicated political allies expressed concerns about the implications of pulling someone off the air over their political comments. I think it is unbelievably dangerous for government to put itself in the position of saying were going to decide what speech we like and what we dont, and were going to threaten to take you off air if we dont like what youre saying, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said on his podcast on Friday. The Trump administration has pushed back on the implication that Kimmels suspension represents government censorship. This is about Nexstar and Sinclair vs. Disney, and thats ultimately a business decision, Carr told conservative radio host Dana Loesch last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who praised ABC for its courage when news of the suspension broke, argued that the decision had to do with Kimmels talent and popularity, not the governments intervention. He had very bad ratings and they should have fired him a long time ago, Trump said, referring to the suspension, during a trip to the United Kingdom last week. So, you know, you can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent. ABCs decision to end Kimmels suspension does not necessarily mean the show will be available in all markets. Sinclair Inc., the largest owner of ABC affiliates in the country, announced on Monday that it will not be airing the show on any of its 185 stations. "Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the shows potential return," the company said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nexstar said on Tuesday morning it would also preempt Kimmel's show. Disney and ABC caving and allowing [Kimmel] back on the air is not surprising, but its their mistake to make, Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Turning Point USA, wrote on social media. [Nexstar] and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice. In a statement, Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat in the FCCs leadership, made the case that the battle over freedom of expression isnt over, regardless of what happens with Kimmels show. It will continue to be up to us as citizens to push back against this Administrations growing campaign of censorship and control, she wrote. You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Chicago-based fast-casual concept Portillos has announced the resignation of president and CEO Michael Osanloo, who has departed the company, effective immediately. The company has appointed board chair Michael A. Miles Jr. as interim CEO while the Portillos board searches for the next chief executive of the company. Osanloo served as president and CEO of Portillos since October 2018, overseeing the company through an IPO launch in 2021 and expansion to 96 locations. "Leading Portillo's has been one of the great honors of my career, he said in a statement. I am so thankful to my leadership team and all our team members whose hard work and heart make this brand iconic. Together, we achieved so much, and I will always carry immense pride in having been part of the Portillo's family." Osanloo will stay on as a special advisor to the company over the next 90 days in support of the leadership transition. Miles has been a chairman of the board of directors of Portillos for the past 11 years, and he also served as advisory director for Berkshire Partners and Western Union. Before that, he was president and COO of Staples, and also served as COO of Pizza Hut. On behalf of the full board, I want to thank Michael for his leadership over the last seven years and the role he played in guiding the company through its IPO and expansion to new markets, Miles said in a statement. The Portillos brand resonates deeply with our guests, but our recent performance has not measured up to expectations. After careful consideration, the board believes, and Michael agrees, that now is the right time for a leadership transition. Earlier this month, Portillos announced that the company had lowered its full-year sales expectations as the company shifts to a more measured pace of new restaurant growth. The company also reported a decline in transactions for the second quarter, as reported last month. Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com On The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Heather Gay explained that Utah "doesn't really have socialites," but if it did, Amy Steele would "definitely" be one of them. "She lives in this huge house; she throws fabulous parties," Heather said in a confessional on Season 6, Episode 2. "She's kind of the who's who of Salt Lake City." Later on the same episode, Heather and all of her castmates including Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Angie Katsanevas, Meredith Marks, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, as well as friend Britani Bateman along with partners John Barlow, Shawn Trujillo, Seth Marks, and Justin Rose, got dressed up for a "Saturday social" at Amy and husband Jim Steele's Utah ranch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The red-carpet soiree, which "all the Park City OGs" (as one guest put it) also attended, culminated with explosive confrontations between Lisa and both Angie and Bronwyn, on the heels of rumors related to her alleged legal issues. RELATED: Watch Bronwyn Newport Unleash on Lisa Barlow and "All of Her Lawsuits" (VIDEO) Since viewers didn't hear much from the party host herself amid those blowups, here's everything to know about "Utah socialite" Amy. Amy Steele posing with two guests on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 Episode 2. What does socialite Amy Steele do for a living? Amy is the owner and founder of The Steele Vault, a luxury medical spa in Utah where she also serves as a master esthetician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She began her career in the tech industry and previously worked for Intel, IBM, Salesforce, Cisco, and Deloitte, according to her company's website, which also notes that she holds a patent with Intel. However, Amy's "true passion has always been skincare," and so she made a career pivot after earning her Master Esthetician degree from the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology. The Steele Vault celebrated its five-year anniversary in September 2025. Outside of her medspa, Amy also runs The Camelot Kingdom, a boutique animal sanctuary that specializes in breeding dogs, sheep, and alpacas. RELATED: Whitney Rose Comes Clean About Her and Justin's "Failed" Business: "Now We Have Nothing" Inside Amy Steele's husband and family life Amy lives on a ranch near Park City, Utah, with her husband, Jim Steele, and their children, James, 16, and Sienna. (Jim also has a 36-year-old daughter named Hayley who lives in San Francisco). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim is a business executive who currently serves as President, Global Strategic Customers, Alliances & Channels at Salesforce, according to his LinkedIn profile. He began his career at IBM where he spent over 22 years in executive leadership and senior sales roles and, for a time, was based in Tokyo, Japan. Amy launched her Instagram account in March 2025, captioning her first post, "Finally joining the social media world to keep up with friends and family! Going to be showing a little bit of daily life here at the Steele residence and wherever else life takes us! Life is always an adventure!" Get more with Bravo Insider Sign up for Bravo Insider and read behind-the-scenes features including: Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Receipts, Proof, Timeline, Screenshots: A Complete Guide According to Bravolebs Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired" Angela Oakley on the RHOA Beef She Squashed "Too Soon" & What You Didnt See at the Reunion Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets Since then, Amy only shared a handful of posts to her grid, all in the month of March, including photos from her and Jim's joint birthday party at their home, as seen on RHOSLC Season 6. She wrote that she had "such a fabulous time celebrating with friends" under one post, while spotlighting some of her "favorite people," in another. Take a sneak peek at what else to expect from the RHOSLC cast on Season 6. Sometimes, its nice to know theres still plenty of goodness in the world. Thats something The Young and the Restless Kate Linder (Esther) proves time and again when she hosts fundraising fan events with her Genoa City pals. Her teas bring the stars and the viewers together to raise money for charities. And while they often stick to the West Coast and Canada, this time around, Linders bringing her pals out east for their first ever charity tea in South Florida to raise money for Camp Dream! Linder, of course, will be co-hosting the event with Christian Jules LeBlanc (Michael), and theyre bringing along Bryton James (Devon), Camryn Grimes (Mariah) and Hayley Erin (Claire). And its not just an afternoon of tea and tasty bites, as the actors will also host a silent auction, a cast Q&A and a live auction of Young & Restless memorabilia, which includes a tour of the shows sets, guided by Linder herself! Plus, youll have plenty of opportunities to get autographs, photos and official Young & Restless merch! More from Soaps.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And with everyone involved volunteering their time, youre truly supporting a great cause. The money raised is going straight to Camp Dream, which provides a traditional summer camp experience for children and young adults with special needs and moderate to severe disabilities. No child has ever been turned away because of the severity of their condition or their financial situation. Whether you live in and around Florida or want to take a little vacation to check it out, its all going down on Sunday, December 7 in Benvenuto, Florida. And who couldnt use a little winter warming with a trip to Florida in December? You can pick up tickets for the Charity Tea at Camp Dreams event page here! Text reads, Subscribe to Soaps' Young & Restless Newsletter. Get breaking news alerts, daily recaps, exclusive interviews and spoilers sent straight to your inbox https://cloud.email.soaps.com/signup/ Not only could you meet some Young & Restless greats, there couldnt be a better cause to support than the Canada Cares program. And is there anything better than helping out folks living with disabilities and their families and caregivers? We didnt think so. While youre here, take a look at our photo gallery of Young & Restless through the years below. The next General Hospital spoilers video for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, shows Portia reconsidering her choices while Brook Lynn confides in Ned, and Nina faces Nathans shocking return. Coming up in Port Charles James (Gary James Fuller) tells Cody (Josh Kelly), Sometimes I really wish you were my dad. The poor kid has no idea that his dad is likely recovering in the hospital. Hopefully, no one tells him until they can have a proper reunion. Meanwhile, Jordan (Tanisha Harper) advises Trina (Tabyana Ali) that Nothing is exactly what you need to do. Trina may be asking Jordan for advice on how to help her parents, especially since Curtis alibi for the time frame when Drew (Cameron Mathison) was shot is nonexistent. Jordans advice is the official motto of every college student during finals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, Marshall (Robert Gossett) speculates to Curtis (Donnell Turner), You think Portia could be guilty. At this point, Curtis doesnt know what to believe, and Portia (Brook Kerr) is increasingly becoming unhinged, so anythings possible. Speaking of which, Portia tells someone, I want you to know I reconsidered. The teasers show that Portia seeks out Isaiah, so shes probably reconsidering her decision that they shouldnt be intimate anymore since she feels Curtis and Jordan are hooking up. That flawed thinking will only push the two together. Somebody get Portia a Magic 8-Ball, because her decision-making skills are shaky at best. On the Quartermaine jet, Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) tells someone, Now that Im braced, spit it out. The teasers also show Ned and Brook Lynn having a heart-to-heart, so theyre probably talking on the way to find Tracy (Jane Elliot). Her most likely destination is Amsterdam. A shocked, teary-eyed Nina (Cynthia Watros) asks Nathan (Ryan Paevey), How are you here? Just based on the look on his face when he woke up, he seems a little out of it. He may not remember anything, including who Nina is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ THIS: What could BLQ and Ned be discussing? READ NEXT: Did Portia trade in Curtis for Isaiah? WATCH THIS: SoapHub Says dishes out the latest soap drama! This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on September 24, 2025. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Walking Dead is over but, as we know, the end of the flagship series thats been in fans hearts for over a decade doesnt mean this world is done. The show already has six spinoff series: Fear the Walking Dead, Tales of the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, The Walking Dead: Dead City, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Most of them are completed; however, theres a couple that are continuing this franchise with more seasons. Jump To: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 4 // The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 // TWD Crossover Event The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season Four Will Be the Final Round Season three of Daryl Dixons series currently has the crossbow carrier and his pal Carol in Spain as they attempt to get back to America. He supposedly misses his friends and wants to reunite with Laurent, but Daryl just cant stop getting into mess. It is his overall apocalypse vibe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Norman Reedus spoke out of turn during a RadioTimes interview about a not-yet-announced season four of Daryl Dixon. Were about to start seasons 3 and possibly 4 in Spain, he said. I think Im allowed to say that. I dont know. I just said it. But I think were going to Spain, to Madrid, for that. Well, now we know that this series will have a fourth and final season. And, the series is actively filming as of September 24, which is interesting considering that Dead City is also filming as well. But the end of Daryl Dixons show doesnt mean his story is over. RELATED ARTICLE THE WALKING DEAD: DARYL DIXON Renewed for Fourth and Final Season Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daryl Dixon has been an incredible journey, Reedus said in a statement. I thank each and every fan who has joined us on this ride. Its been a privilege to build this story for these characters, and we have so much gratitude for how its been embraced. Your love and support have made every moment worth it. This finale isnt just an ending; its a celebration of what weve all shared together. Keep carrying that love forward Daryls journey is far from over. The Walking Dead: Dead City Season Three Starts Filming The Walking Dead: Dead City season two ended in a strange space. Maggie and Negan finally seem to have a legit truce and Herschel betrayed his own mother to be with Dama. New Babylon won the war and is taking over NYC and all of its resources. This sets things up for an interesting season three, which just started filming in the Boston area. We dont know much about whats next, but theres already casting news. Deadline reports that Jimmi Simpson will be a series regular in Dead City season three in an undisclosed role. The only thing we know is his characters name is Dillard. The Walking Deads Potential Spinoff Crossover Event and The Ones Who Lives Future As fans know, Rick Grimes was supposed to get three movies, but now it is the limited series alongside Michonne. The Ones Who Live is meant to wrap up their storylines; however, Gimple says there might be more story to tell. Anything is possible, he said to Deadline. Were focused on this one right now. But this one came together in a really amazing way, where there were all sorts of plans. And then the world changed and we altered those plans. AMC Networks We obviously know now (and honestly always knew) that Rick did not die in his spinoff. He got to reunite with Judith and meet Rick, Jr., but there are so many reunions that need to happen. Morgan is out there looking for Rick, Daryl will eventually return to the US, and theres the rest of his found family back home along with Laurent in the Commonwealth. All signs seem to be pointing to a crossover event, which Gimple wants to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do have dreams of merging this all together, and I have laid little breadcrumbs toward that, but you never know exactly when and how [it will come together], because of a variety of reasons, he told TVLine. As long as The Walking Dead franchise is getting money and attention from fans, it will surely keep making more spinoff content. Thats fine with us but please, please dont follow the comics and kill Rick Grimes if you bring him back in the future. With Norman Reedus wanting to play Daryl Dixon for several more years, it wouldnt be shocking if he crossed into some future spinoff series. I wouldnt mind a Daryl and Connie miniseries. Perhaps he will somehow come across Maggie and/or Negan in their show. Or, maybe he will be the gateway to introduce us to a new character to follow. A crossover event would likely put him front and center as one of this universes leading men. Even Andrew Lincoln slyly said in a recent interview that there are conversations about a Rick Grimes return. For now, hes living peacefully and whatever happens, it better remain that way. A lot is happening in The Walking Dead universe and there will surely be more details about other spinoffs if they happen. Theres plenty left to explore in the land of the dead, so lets keep walking right towards these spinoffs. Jump To: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 4 // The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 // TWD Crossover Event Originally published on April 7, 2022. NEED TO KNOW Jimmy Kimmel returned to hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! nearly one week its suspension Disney's ABC had pulled the longtime program "indefinitely" on Sept. 17 Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel broke his silence after ABC reversed its decision to "indefinitely" pull his late-night show. ABC announced on Monday, Sept. 22, that it would return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air on Tuesday, Sept. 23 just shy of a week after it had put the show on an indefinite hiatus on Wednesday, Sept. 17, following the host's recent remarks about the late Charlie Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country," The Walt Disney Company said Monday in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday." The episode opened with a montage of news clips, featuring journalists and commentators discussing Kimmel's suspension and subsequent return. The clip then cut to showing Kimmel and his sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez dressed in silly costumes, acknowledging that they needed to change for the big show. ABC Jimmy Kimmel Jimmy Kimmel Kimmel took the stage to a packed studio audience, who erupted into cheers as they gave him a standing ovation. The comedian then thanked fans before jokingly acknowledging the suspension, "Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted." "If you're just joining us, we are preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report. I'm happy to be here tonight with you," he said. He continued, "I'm not sure who had a weirder 48 hours, me or the CEO of Tylenol. It's been overwhelming. I've heard from a lot of people over the last six days. I've heard from all the people in the world over the last six days. Anyone I've ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times. Weird characters from my past, or the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle, not airing tonight by the way. Sorry Seattle, his name is Larry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then thanked everyone who checked on him, including his "fellow late-night talk show hosts, including Stephen Colbert, who "found himself in this predicament," and "My friend Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan O'Brien, James Corden, Arsenio, Kathy, Wanda, Chelsea, and even Jay [Leno] reached out." He also thanked those who "supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine will be heard. I will never forget it." His appreciation went on the other side of the aisle too. "And maybe weirdly, maybe maybe most of all, I want to thank the people who don't support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway. People who I never would have imagined like Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, Mitch McConnell, Ryan Paul, even my old pal Ted Cruz, who believe it or not said something very beautiful on my behalf." He then got serious. "I've been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight. And the truth is, I don't think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me. If you don't, you don't. I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged his previous comments that led to the suspension, getting choked up over the matter. "I do wanna make something clear, because it's important to me as a human, and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," referencing Kirk's assassination. "I don't, I don't think there's anything funny about it." He continued, "I posted a message on Instagram on the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger. I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way." And, on a timely front, Kimmel addressed the importance of free speech. "If we don't have free speech, then we just don't have a free country. It's as simple as that." Randy Holmes / ABC via Getty Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Jimmy Kimmel on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' He played a clip of President Donald Trump sharing his remarks following the news the show was pulled. Kimmel also explained that the Pentagon is having journalists sign a pledge that they won't report on information they hasn't been authorized by the entity itself. "I know it's not as interesting as muzzling a comedian but it's so important to have a free press and it's nuts that we aren't paying more attention to it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, "Walter Cronkite must be spinning in his grave. He's dead right?" "I never imagined I'd be in a situation like this I barely paid attention in school. But one thing I did learn from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin and Howard Stern is a government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn't like is anti-American." The network's decision to pull Kimmel's show came after broadcast companies Nexstar and Sinclair said they would preempt airings of Jimmy Kimmel Live! from ABC affiliates across the country due to the host's remarks about Kirk's murder, which they condemned. Kirk, a conservative commentator, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 at the age of 31. A memorial was held for Kirk on Sunday, Sept. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kimmel's comments that have come under fire pertained to Kirk and his accused killer, Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death. "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," he said during the Monday, Sept. 15, episode during his opening monologue. "In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving." Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10, 2025 Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10, 2025 Kimmel then showed clips of President Donald Trump being asked about Kirk's death, with one reporter offering him their condolences and asking how he's holding up. The president responded by saying "I think very good," before changing the subject to the construction of the new ballroom at the White House. As the camera cut back to Kimmel, he said, "Yes, he's at the fourth stage of grief: construction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend," Kimmel added. "This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay? Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has praised both Nexstar, the largest local broadcast and digital media company in the U.S., and Sinclair, which makes up the nation's largest ABC affiliate group, for their decision to pull Kimmel's show in posts he shared to X. Nexstar recently announced plans to acquire Tegna, a rival broadcast company, for more than $6 billion, a massive deal that would further consolidate the local television landscape and put Nexstar in 80% of America's TV-owning households despite current law permitting no more than 39% according to a press release. The acquisition requires final approval from the Trump-controlled and Carr-run FCC. Sinclair laid out a list of demands for Kimmel to meet before it would return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the air, including him issuing "a direct apology to the Kirk family" and making a "meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA," Kirk's nonprofit that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Disney's decision to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air, Sinclair and Nexstar both revealed they would continue preempting the show in their local markets. Again, Carr praised the broadcast companies for standing up to their network counterpart. ABC/Getty Jimmy Kimmel hosting the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 12, 2023 Jimmy Kimmel hosting the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood on March 12, 2023 Directly after Kirk's death, Kimmel took to social media to decry the "horrible and monstrous" killing. "Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?" he wrote at the time. "On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Jimmy Kimmel hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Jimmy Kimmel hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Kimmel, who has hosted his late-night show on ABC since 2003, has been an outspoken critic of Trump since he first ran for president in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has been at war with late-night hosts in recent months, celebrated Kimmel being taken off the air and said he was "fired for lack of talent." Trump had previously predicted Kimmel would be the next late-night casualty following the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at CBS in July. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Following ABC's move against Kimmel, he has received support from Hollywood pals, industry unions and his fellow late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Stewart and Colbert. Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. Read the original article on People Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night post Tuesday night after a six-day suspension for comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel, whose initial suspension from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" by Disney came after a pressure campaign by federal officials, clarified his Kirk comments, saying "it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man." At the same time, Kimmel delivered an impassioned and occasionally emotional monologue defending the importance of a free press against government threats, and directly called out President Donald Trump, who had applauded Kimmel's suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The President of the United States made it very clear, he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke," Kimmel said. "A government threat to silence a comedian the President doesn't like is anti-American." But on WTNH, Connecticut's ABC affiliate that covers the Hartford-New Haven media market, and in dozens of other markets across the country ranging from Portland, Ore., to Charleston, S.C., Kimmel's show was preempted with other programming, a fact the comedian referenced in his monologue. That's because two of the largest broadcasters of ABC affiliates - Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group - have announced they will not be airing Kimmel's show, regardless of Disney's actions, because of his comments on Kirk's killing. "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" returned to the air Tuesday night, though the broadcast was blocked in many television markets. (Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) "(They tried) to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air," Kimmel told a rapt studio audience. "That's not legal. That's not American. That's un-American." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another public figure who criticized Nexstar's decision was Gov. Ned Lamont, who told reporters Wednesday he thought Kimmel should be put back on air. "Jimmy Kimmel was back on the air almost all around the country, except for Connecticut. And I think if you're a champion of free speech, you want to make sure government does not get in the way, corporations can't tell us what's appropriate political satire or not," Lamont said. "I want WTNH to get them back on the air. I think that's good in the interest of free speech in Connecticut." Both Nexstar, which owns WTNH, and Sinclair initially announced they would be preempting Kimmel's show last Wednesday, hours before Disney temporarily pulled the comedian off the air. Both companies reiterated their plans to block Kimmel's show when Disney announced on Monday that it was lifting the suspension Gregg Donovan displays a "Welcome Back Jimmy" sign outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood where the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show was recorded on the first night of the show's return to the ABC lineup on September 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) "We made a decision last week to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel's "ill-timed and insensitive" comments at a critical time in our national discourse," Nexstar said in a statement released Tuesday. "We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming, the broadcaster said in a statement posted on X Monday. "Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return." According to data compiled by CT Insider, Nexstar owns ABC affiliates in 32 media markets nationwide, and Sinclair owns affiliates in 29 other markets. Among the affiliates are stations in major cities, including Sinclair's WJLA in Washington, D.C. and KOMO in Seattle, and Nexstar's WKRN in Nashville and WGNO in New Orleans. Jimmy Kimmel was back on the airwaves Tuesday, Sept. 23, for the first time in nearly a week after his late-night show on ABC was suspended over comments he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk. ABC's parent company, Disney, announced earlier in the week that Kimmel's show would be returning. However, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, owners of roughly 70 TV stations affiliated with ABC across the country, stated that they would still not air Kimmel's show on their ABC affiliates. Nexstar station KCAU-TV in Sioux City is an ABC affiliate and did not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! when it returned on Tuesday. Here are some of the big moments during Kimmel's return for those who had the show blacked out. What Jimmy Kimmel said in his first monologue since his suspension During his nearly 18-minute opening monologue, the Emmy-winning comedian teared up while recounting the support he received and echoing sentiments about the necessity for free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This show is not important," Kimmel said at one point. "What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this." Visibly emotional, Kimmel also addressed the comments about Kirk, the conservative podcaster's politics and the Republican Party that prompted outrage. "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said, teary-eyed. "Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual." "I have many friends and family members on the other side who I love and remain close to, even though we don't agree on politics at all," he said. "I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night show. One Iowa TV station won't air it. Kimmel went on to thank Disney, which owns ABC, for bringing his show back, and criticized President Donald Trump for pushing for his own firing. "The President of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs," he said. "Now he's openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows, who don't make millions of dollars. And I hope that if that happens or if there's even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week." The rest of the episode featured a special cameo by actor Robert De Niro, one of more than 400 celebrities who endorsed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union in support of Kimmel after his suspension from ABC. The special guest was "Twisters" star Glen Powell with a live music performance by Sarah McLachlan. What did Trump say about the return of Jimmy Kimmel The initial suspension of Kimmel's late-night show was applauded by Trump, who called it "Great News for America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Truth Social post uploaded shortly before Kimmel's return on Tuesday, Trump said he "can't believe" the comedian is getting his job back and threatened to sue ABC. "I think we're going to test ABC out on this," Trump wrote. "Let's see how we do." "The White House was told by ABC that his show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his 'talent' was never there," Trump wrote. USA TODAY reporters Brendan Morrow and Anthony Robledo contributed to this report. Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: One Iowa TV station didn't air Kimmel's return. Here's what he said. Fans of One Piece must be eagerly waiting for the arrival of Chapter 1162. With every new release, Eiichiro Odas iconic series elevates the tension, captivating readers globally and generating excitement for the twists. The details regarding the release date and time of One Piece Chapter 1162, as well as the official platforms where the manga can be accessed online, are mentioned below. When is the One Piece Chapter 1162 release date and time? One Piece Chapter 1162 is set to be released on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 10 AM ET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, readers can anticipate a seamless flow of the storyline as there will be no break between chapters. For the last two months, there have been multiple delays in chapter releases due to creator Odas involvement in other projects. But no break is scheduled for Chapter 1162. This news is likely to spark enthusiasm among dedicated fans. Below are the release times according to various international time zones: 7 AM PT 9 AM CT 10 AM ET In Japan, readers can look forward to Chapter 1160 becoming available on Monday, October 6, 2025, at midnight 12 AM JST. Where to read the One Piece manga with Chapter 1162? To access and read One Piece Chapter 1162 online, fans can check out MANGA Plus by Shueisha, Shonen Jump+, and Viz Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MANGA Plus is a great resource for fans around the globe, as it releases new chapters at the same time as their launch in Japan. Shonen Jump+ is tailored specifically for readers in Japan, granting them immediate access to the full One Piece library. For fans located outside Japan, Viz Media offers a dependable option. It enables you to read the latest three chapters at no cost, while an affordable subscription provides access to the entire catalog. NEED TO KNOW Survivor's crew now includes many children of longtime production members Jeff Probst's niece Abby joined the crew, and he tells PEOPLE, "She kicks ass" Key grip Calum Anderson works alongside his daughter, Morag, and says bringing on family helps "keep each other accountable because we can't let each other down" It's been years since Survivor had a "Blood vs. Water"-themed season pitting loved ones against each other, but the family ties are also going strong when it comes to the crew. The groundbreaking reality show has created quite a community among its employees, fostered by living together in exotic locations for months at a time while filming over the series' 25-year (and counting) run. Despite the challenges including dealing with the elements and spending long stretches away from home many crew members have been with Survivor since its early seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many children of longtime crew members grew up visiting their parents on location around the world, and some of them have now become part of the production's team. One way into Survivor's behind-the-scenes squad is via the Dream Team, crew members who do everything from testing the challenges to assisting across departments. One 2025 Dream Teamer was Abby Probst, whose uncle is host, executive producer and showrunner Jeff Probst. Courtesy of the Probst family Jeff Probst with his niece, Abby Probst, on set of 'Survivor' Jeff Probst with his niece, Abby Probst, on set of 'Survivor' "She kicks ass," the Emmy-winning face of Survivor tells PEOPLE on location in Fiji during the filming of season 50. "She came in with a last name that put a little bit of a spotlight on her, but she got the job on her own. She got asked back on her own." "We're very clear here everybody runs their department. And I know it's a little weird because the last name is Probst, but had she not earned it, she wouldn't be back," he adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probst, 63, says his niece is shadowing the assistant directors and learning more about television production. But the host is also having "proud parent moments on behalf of others as he sees the next generation of crew members hone their skills. He recalls when Kenny Hoffmann the son of camera operator Matthias Hoffman, who has been with Survivor since season 3 was tapped to do the camerawork for an intricate scene that would open up a season finale episode ... despite being an assistant at the time. Courtesy of the Hoffman family Kenny and Matthias Hoffman on the set of 'Survivor' Kenny and Matthias Hoffman on the set of 'Survivor' Probst remembers, "I turn around, and I see Kenny with the gear on and I realize, 'Oh my God, Kenny is shooting one of the biggest shots we do each season.' And I don't want to put the spotlight on him, but immediately, I started going, 'Oh, you cannot mess up. You've gotta be perfect.' " Probst says after doing an "elaborate walk and talk" where he discussed the final five competitors to introduce the episode, moving through the fire-filled tribal council set, a producer confirmed they got the right shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then Kenny goes, F--- yeah!' " Probst says with a laugh. "We just had this moment of, you were a kid! You just shot that! And I texted his dad that night, and I said, Matthias, I just witnessed one of the most proud parent moments for you, on your behalf.' " Kenny tells PEOPLE, "Even more incredible yet is just at the time I didn't know he was excited, but seeing him afterwards and how excited he was for me and just the show in general, to see people come up from the place I came from, it's really special. It's not often you get to have a little bit of a personal relationship with such an important figure on a show. It's just something special about this place." Matthias adds, "There's more of a family atmosphere than any other show I've been part of, and it makes your work better and your life better, and I think it makes the show better ultimately because people love to come here. They love spending time on that set and being part of something that's really special. Courtesy of the Hoffman family Kenny Hoffmann working on 'Survivor' Kenny Hoffmann working on 'Survivor' Like Kenny and Matthias, some of the parent-child crew member pairs work in the same department. When key grip Calum Anderson had an opening in the team for a grip assist, he looked no further than his daughter, Morag. However, the role wasn't taken lightly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morag tells PEOPLE, "He said, 'You're going to have to work really, really hard. You can't let me down, and you've got to promise that you're going to do it for me because it's my job on the line.'" Courtesy of Russ Fill Morag Anderson and Calum Anderson working on 'Survivor' Morag Anderson and Calum Anderson working on 'Survivor' Cal adds, "We all keep each other accountable because we can't let each other down." Keep reading to learn more about some of Survivor's families working behind the camera. Peter and Pedro Wery Courtesy of Chris Elisson Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery After working on Survivor and The Amazing Race for many years, it was hard to rattle director of photography Peter Wery until his son Pedro joined Survivor's production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The first time that I brought Pedro as a Dream Teamer, I was nervous as hell," says Peter, 67. "It's ridiculous, but it's dad instincts." Pedro grew up in his dad's native Brazil but would sometimes visit Peter on location for Survivor, where they would have fun by filming snakes, scorpions and other wildlife. After starting on the Dream Team, Pedro is now working as a camera assistant but his father is still protective. Courtesy of Chris Barker Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery Pedro says that he recently went diving with sharks to get some B-roll footage, and Peter kept texting to see if they were out of the water yet. Peter says, "It's funny because I do the same things I dive with sharks, I work with poisonous snakes. But when your son, your blood, is doing it, you get much more nervous. I don't tell his mom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedro adds that Peter is in dad mode even when they're working together: "I'm building his camera and getting his setup ready, and he's asking me if I brought my rain jacket, if I called my mom." Courtesy of the Wery family Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery Survivor crew Peter Wery and Pedro Wery Pedro admits that he wasn't a great student growing up, preferring spending time outdoors, climbing mountains and looking for animals, over studying to achieve good grades. So, joining the Dream Team was right up his alley. "When he came here, he killed it. Even Jeff Probst said we've never seen a Dream Teamer as fast as him, Peter says, adding that his son is continuing to find success as a camera assistant and has also worked on other productions, including Big Brother Brazil. Pedro tells PEOPLE, "It worked out perfectly. Matthias and Kenny Hoffman Courtesy of the Hoffman family Survivor crew member Matthias Hoffmann Survivor crew member Matthias Hoffmann Austria native Matthias Hoffman, 57, first joined Survivor in season 3, when they lived in tents while filming in Kenya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was an everyday safari. It was beautiful, he recalls. "I fell in love with the show; I didn't want to leave. So I did everything in my power to be a camera operator, which then happened a couple seasons later. Never left since then." His son Kenny, now 30, later fell in love with Survivor at age 15 while visiting the set of the "Heroes vs. Villains" season in Samoa, officially joining the crew via Dream Team in 2016 for "Millennials vs. Gen X. At first, Kenny wasn't interested in working in the camera department, wanting to keep his family life and work life separate but eventually, that's where he found himself. "I thought maybe it could get overwhelming, but it's turned out to be the complete opposite," Kenny says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthias adds, "He's doing really well. I heard from way up there that he's doing really well. That makes me proud. It's an amazing feeling when you have your son working on the same show. To be honest, he had to do it himself. There was no pushing from my side. I said, 'If you want to do this, you have to work at it.' And he did. It's the best thing that could ever happen." Kenny says that working together turned their already strong relationship into "this ultimate father-son bromance. "I have a relationship with this guy that I don't think many people get to have with their parents," he says. "It's deep and thoughtful, and we get to really pick each other's brains on stuff. It's really cool." In another family tie, Matthias met his wife of 20 years while she was also working on the show, and their son Lucas, Kenny's half-brother, is one of the first "Survivor babies, the group of 67 children whose parents met as Survivor crew members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenny jokes, "We're rebuilding the crew, that's the plan." Calum and Morag Anderson Courtesy of the Anderson family Survivor crew members Calum Anderson and Morag Anderson Survivor crew members Calum Anderson and Morag Anderson When Survivor shot their second season in Australia, Calum Anderson came on as local labor just a few months before his daughter Morag was born. Now, the father-daughter pair work together on the show as grips, the department responsible for camera support, rigging and more. Morag, 24, visited her father, 57, when the show filmed in Samoa and Cambodia as a child, and she couldn't wait to someday apply for the Dream Team. However, her entry into Survivor's crew didn't come as expected. When the age of Dream Teamers was raised from 18 to 21, she thought she'd have to wait longer for her chance to join the crew until her father said his team was in need of a grip assistant in 2019. Morag recalls that her dad said, "You're going to have to work really, really hard. You can't let me down, and you've got to promise that you're going to do it for me because it's my job on the line." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morag adds that she's one of only a handful of women who have worked in grips, adding to the pressure. "Being a girl on grips and the boss's daughter and not really knowing what I was doing, I had to really put that work in," she says. Her father adds that he's very proud of Morag: "She's stepped it up and grown into it, better every year." While Morag thought coming in that working on Survivor would be a fun gap year experience before going to university, she's stayed and now has worked on 11 seasons. Despite working very closely together, Calum and Morag say they usually get along well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think the only time that we clash, we haven't spent enough time together as father and daughter. Let's just speak as Cal and Mo. But it happens infrequently," Morag says. "Cal's the best boss. He's just fair. He is hard on me, but he's hard on everyone." Family connections are common among the Survivor crew, but Calum says that keeps everybody accountable. "When you've got people coming in that everyone knows, they want to work harder for each other. Never want to let anyone down," he says. Morag agrees, saying that a big part of the reason that many crew members have stayed on the show for so long is due to the strong community they've built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a dream job," she says. "Nothing like it." Vincent, Aline and Patrick Costello Fiji native Vincent Costello became the locations manager for Survivor when the show came to the country 10 years ago, and three of his children have also worked on the crew at points something Vincent believes is a record for a nuclear family working on the show. Daughter Aline Costello, 28, started on the Dream Team before working with her dad, 61, full-time as the locations assistant. She says that although she had some hesitations, they "work really well together." "We're a very tight family, so I feel like if anyone could do it, it would be us. It's been good," she says, with Vincent quipping, "No fights in public." On the other hand, Patrick Costello, 21, doesn't have to worry about that element as he hardly sees his father and sister while he works as a camera operator. Patrick recalls "running around base camp as a kid before convincing his father to let him work on the production too. "Dad wanted me to go to university," says Patrick, who worked in post-production for two years before joining the camera team. "So I kind of had to make a deal with him and just say, 'Can I not do that? Can I just come learn here?'" Vincent, who has worked on about 50 different productions, says he had no idea when he first joined Survivor that it was "going to change my life and my family's lives." "Fiji is very much into culture and into respect, and it's been great working for Survivor in that respect," he says. "From every single Fijian citizen on this job and for all the citizens of our little country, we've been very grateful." Paul and Aaron Messer Courtesy of the Messer family Survivor crew Paul Messer and Aaron Messer Survivor crew Paul Messer and Aaron Messer Unit manager Paul Messer has been with the show since its second season, and his son, Aaron, is the first "Survivor baby to work on the show something he says is both "pretty cool and "very weird. "I never thought my son would be here," Paul, 65, tells PEOPLE. "It's unbelievable, it really is." Aaron, 20, started on the Dream Team for season 50 a big change after a year from "staying in a room all day" at university and hopes to get involved with camera work. "His mother's very jealous, Paul jokes about them being together on set in Fiji. Courtesy of the Messer family Survivor crew Paul Messer and Aaron Messer Survivor crew Paul Messer and Aaron Messer Even before his son joined, Paul says it was the crew that made Survivor something that he keeps coming back to. "I think you can ask anyone who has been on the show for a long time, it's the people on the show that bring us back, for sure," he says. "And it's a great show. It's a great environment to work in." Aaron visited his dad on location in the Philippines, Cambodia and Fiji growing up, but Paul says it's "fantastic" that Survivor now accommodates families to bring their young children to Fiji for the full duration of filming. "As a crew, we really love that. It brings a different dynamic to the whole feel," he says. "It just doesn't feel like a workplace. It makes for a happier crew to have all the family here." Luke Cormack and Kai Keys-Cormack Courtesy of the Cormack family Survivor crew members Luke Cormack and Kai Keys-Cormack Survivor crew members Luke Cormack and Kai Keys-Cormack South African camera operator Luke Cormack started on Survivor in season 8 and just "keeps coming back" capturing memorable moments like when the contestants saw a wild elephant in Gabon or underwater shots when season 50 returnee Ozzy Lusth would go spearfishing. And while he always returned to his son Kai Keys-Cormack with such stories, "It's so difficult to describe this place and this experience and this family. You have to experience it yourself." Now, Kai is part of the Dream Team and gets to do just that. "Every time we hang out, we're just like, I can't believe we're both here at the same time," Kai says. Courtesy of the Cormack family Survivor crew members Luke Cormack and his son, Kai Keys-Cormack Survivor crew members Luke Cormack and his son, Kai Keys-Cormack Luke, 49, got to watch Kai, 22, run a challenge and win. While it was a huge moment for Kai, who comes from a family of Survivor "super fans," Luke was a proud dad. "My heart wanted to explode," Luke says, adding that he loves that Kai is being immersed in the community. "There's all this culture. There are so many people from different countries, and they're all at the top of their game. You can talk to them, and they can share wisdom with you and you can grow and evolve constantly. It's like the best university in the world." Kai produces music back home in Los Angeles, so he's been shadowing the audio team to learn "everything possible." Of course, Luke is constantly checking in with Kai's mom via voice notes and texts. He says, "I'm like, 'I can't believe this is happening; we've done so well!' " Rob and Jaimee Hunt Courtesy of the Hunt family Survivor crew members Rob Hunt and Jaimee Hunt Survivor crew members Rob Hunt and Jaimee Hunt Rob Hunt, the communications manager, has been working on Survivor for 16 years, and his two children first visited the show when they were shooting in Samoa. Jaimee, who was 13 at the time, recalls getting to be a "guest Dream Team member, running the show's challenges during rehearsals. "They always tried hard because they always wanted to win, Rob, 66, recalls. After finishing her university degree, Jaimee, now 27, officially joined the Dream Team and was able to shadow the assistant directors, eventually being offered a role on that team. Both say they had no hesitation about working together. Rob explains, "The downside [of the job] is it takes you away for so long, so it's nice to have family here. Sometimes I don't see Jaimee for a week or so, and other times I see her every day. We live in different circles, so depending on the shoot schedule, we don't always catch up." Courtesy of the Hunt family Survivor crew members Jaimee Hunt and Rob Hunt Survivor crew members Jaimee Hunt and Rob Hunt The Australians now live in New Zealand when they're not filming, but Jaimee says the show has set her up with a network of people from around the world. During the off-season for the past two years, she's been traveling around to different countries to visit other crew members, including Thailand and the Philippines. Rob calls the Survivor community a "big family," and Jaimee says she was looking at some of the old photos from her visits to the set when she was a teenager. "So many of the Dream Teamers in the photos are still working here now, so it was cool to see that," she says. 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. Survivor season 49 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Read the original article on People We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More O'Connor kneels behind a waterbuck. This story, The .270 in Africa, was originally published in the March 1967 issue of Outdoor Life. Bechuanaland is now Botswana. My wife and I did a 30-day hunt in Bechuanaland in the summer of 1966. We shipped plenty of rifles and ammunition, but somewhere along the way the aluminum gun cases in which I had shipped our things had been looted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the ammunition in sight was stolen along with my cleaning rod but not the tips, patches, or solvent. Also missing were a steel tape, leather belt boxes holding 20 rounds each of .30/06, 7 mm Magnum, and .375 Magnum. Before leaving home I had worked up a handload for the 7mm Remington Magnum that would shoot a gnats eye out at 300 yards. All of these lovely cartridges were gone with the wind. Perhaps I had some vague premonition. At any rate, before I took off on the trip I put in my suitcase a box of .270 handloads, a box of .30/06 factory loads, and 10 .270 cartridges in two clips used for .30/06 ammunition with the old 1903 Springfield. In addition we had one box of .270 ammunition and two boxes of .30/06 ammunition the looters had not seen, as I had put them under the neoprene pads on which the rifles rested. This is the ammunition my wife and I used, except for some .375 Magnum cartridges I got from John Kingsley Heath, my white hunter and outfitter. This I used on one buffalo. Everything else I shot with the .270. My wife took all her trophies with the same .30/06 she used to kill two tigers in 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have read many times that the .270 is almost as worthless on African game as a fly-swatter. In fact, I have read that the .270 has no place in an African battery. I have also read that all African game was so fearfully tough (even the smaller antelope) that nothing less potent than the .375 Magnum should be used on them. I have been assured, particularly by African white hunters who have never shot a single head of North American game, that African game is far, far tougher and more difficult to kill than North American game of the same size. Relatively few paying customers have ever taken a .270 on safari, as most have been brainwashed in favor of heavy bullets. Relatively few paying customers have ever taken a .270 on safari, as most have been brainwashed in favor of heavy bullets. In fact not one of the many Americans who had gone out with John Kingsley-Heath or his partner Frank Miller (who on this safari guided our friend Richard Harris) had ever taken a .270. Our gunbearers Kiebe and Edward had never seen a .270 rifle or a .270 cartridge and were always getting .270 ammunition and that for my wifes .30/06 mixed up. However, some dude hunters have used .270s. Bob Lee, a New Yorker who has spent many months on safari and who has hunted over most of Africa, is a gun nut of the most desperate kind. He has always had a special weakness for the .270 and has shot a lot of African game with .270 rifles. His favorite load is the 150-gr. Nosler bullet in front of 58.5 gr. of No. 4831. Among other feats he once bushwhacked two big Angola lions and killed them both with two shots. He has shot two other lions with the .270, and none required a second shot. Outdoor Life Prince Abdorreza Pahlavi of Iran is another rifle enthusiast with wide African experience. In 1965 he hunted the great central-Asian wild sheep in the the Altai and Tien Shan mountains along the Russian-Mongolian border. He used a restocked Model 70 .270 (which I had borrowed from him to knock off three mountain sheep and an ibex in 1959) and he killed all his rams with one shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1966 he took the same rifle to Ethiopia and shot with it two of the rarest and most highly regarded of all African trophies the best walia ibex taken in years and an excellent mountain nyala. Both animals, he wrote me, were shot at about 300 yd. and knocked off with one shot. He also shot less rare animals with the same rifle. I had used a .270 on Sahara game in what is now called the Chad Republic in 1958 on white oryx, addax, dama and dorcas gazelles, and Barbary sheep. I had shot a zebra, a waterbuck, and a couple of Thomsons gazelles with a .270 in 1953. I had also used the cartridge on jungle and plains game in India in 1955 and on red sheep, urial, wild boar, and ibex in the mountains of Iran that same year. But only on the hunt in the Sahara desert had I used a .270 as my only light rifle for African antelope big and small. In other years I had taken a .30/06, a 7mm. Remington Magnum, or a .300 Weatherby. The first head of game I shot with the .270 on my Bechuanaland trip was an impala, a handsome and rather frail looking antelope that is about the size of an American pronghorn and would probably field dress at no more than 100 to 115 lb. The buck impala ran across the road and stopped, but before I could get out of the hunting car it had disappeared in the brush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I followed and saw it standing about 150 yd. away. The 130-gr. bullet struck it squarely through the lungs just behind the shoulder. The buck took a convulsive jump that carried him about 30 ft. and piled up. I shot three springbok with the .270 and 130-gr. bullets. The first was killed stone dead with a lung shot at 245 paces over flat country. The second was hit at 338 paces in the rump. He needed a second shot but did not move out of his tracks. This was the best buck we had seen. He simply would not turn broadside and was walking away when I shot. The gunbearers got a big kick out of the fact that I had to shoot the springbok twice, as a few minutes later my wife used a little Arkansas elevation with her .30/06 to kill another springbok dead in its tracks at about 350 yd. They immediately named her Mamma Kali, which in Swahili means The Dangerous Woman. My best shot on a springbok was at 280 paces. He was broadside, and since I had a good rest I decided to see if I could break his neck at that distance. I was lucky. It could not have been done more neatly if the little buck had been 28 instead of 280 paces away. The springbok is a small animal that would dress out at about 60 to 70 lb. The .270 I used is a remarkable rifle. Its a standard grade pre-1962 Model 70 Winchester featherweight which I purchased at an Idaho hardware store. The serial number is 523509. I sent to P. 0. Ackley for a piece of French walnut and Al Biesen used this to stock it. He put on a Leupold 4X Mountaineer scope with the old Tilden top mount, substituted a steel Model 70 trigger guard and floorplate for the aluminum one, put the release button in the trigger guard, and checkered the bolt knob. Otherwise the metal was untouched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rifle weighs 8 lb. with scope, and with good bullets it will average five-shot groups of about a minute of angle. When I shipped the rifle it was sighted in to put 3 in. high at 100 yd. the 130-gr. bullet in front of 62 gr. of No. 4831, a load which averages 3,150 f.p.s. in the 22-in. barrel of this particular rifle. A handload of a 150-gr. bullet with 58.5 gr. of No. 4831 or the Winchester or Remington factory loads in this rifle sighted as I have described land right on at about 240 yd. instead of at around 280 yd. in the case of the 130 gr. For most hunting the two bullet weights shoot close enough together to be interchangeable. On the Bechuanaland hunt I took pains to see what bullet weight I had in the magazine only when I had an extra long shot. Then I made certain I was using the 130 gr., as it shoots a little flatter and I was familiar with the trajectory of that bullet. A full-grown zebra weighs from 550 to 700 lb. and has a reputation for being hard to kill with one shot with any rifle. The .270 knocked off three, all with one shot. All were broadside shots-one standing at about 135 yd., another running at not over 75, and another (my wife was shooting) running at about 100. In each case the 150-gr. Speer and Nosler bullets went clear through the zebras from side to side, and no zebra went farther than 50 ft. after it was hit. The author took this zebra with one shot from his .270 Winchester. Outdoor Life The longest shots made with the .270 were on red lechwe, a swamp-dwelling antelope about as heavy as a run-of-the-mine mule deer. One big lechwe ram had been wounded with a .30/06 by my wife (a difficult running shot at about 225 yd.). The ram went clear across a shallow lake. We went around and finally located it quite sick but still on its feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deciding that it was between 350 and 400 yd. away, I took a good rest on a termite hill, held just so I could see light between the bottom of the horizontal crosswire and the top of the rams shoulder. I heard the bullet strike and saw the ram fall, but my shot had been low and another shot was required when John and the gunbearers got to it. John told us about a very large lechwe which a previous client had shot at and possibly wounded some time before. After a great deal of glassing he located it over 300 yd. away out in the water near an island formed by an ancient and large termite hill. As I got into position, the old ram decided I was up to no good and took off. I got a firm rest, squeezed off the shot but had a misfire, possibly because inadvertently I had got oil on a primer. The lechwe was on the move, but I hit him with the bullet from the next cartridge. The soggy thump when it struck told me the shot was too far back. I held too high and led too much on the next shot and missed. I then decided to wait until the lechwe stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he did so, he was a long way off. I held what looked like 18 in. to 2 ft. above the top of his shoulder, squeezed off, and saw him go down. He was hit through the lungs and stone dead. This was a 29-in. lechwe, the biggest head to be taken out of that section of the Okavango swamps, according to John. He had been hit a month or so before, but he had only been clipped across the paunch and the wound was healed. A shot I particularly enjoyed with the .270 was on a good reedbuck, an animal about the size of the average whitetail. He was looking at me over a little mound and was between 175 and 200 yd. away. I could see only his head and neck. I sat down, slipped my left arm into a tight sling, and delivered a bullet that landed about 3 in. below his chin. Incidentally, that reedbuck was one of the finest pieces of meat I have ever eaten in Africa or anywhere else. The day after I shot the buck we went on a spike camp to try to locate and stalk a lion by its roaring. Our personal boy (who was also the No. 2 cook) roasted a reedbuck ham on a spit and basted it with a sauce made of white wine, butter, and Tabasco sauce. It was a rare treat. A vintage OL shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kalahari gemsbok or giant oryx is a big tough antelope about the size of a spike bull elk and with long, straight, very sharp horns. All the members of the oryx family-the fringe-ear of Kenya and Tanzania; the Beisa of Kenya north of the Tana River, Somaliland, and Ethiopia; the white or scimitar-horned oryx of the Sahara desert-are traditionally tough and hard to kill. The gemsbok is the largest member of the family. On a safari in Kenya, shooting through brush and not shooting very well either, I once had to hit a Beisa five times with a powerful .300 belted super magnum before it went down. My wife got the first oryx, a fine 40-in. bull. Using my .270 with the 150-gr. Speer bullet, she overshot the first time she cut loose offhand as the bull quartered away at about 175 yd. going flat out. Her second shot broke the right hip. The bull slewed around broadside, and a shot through the lungs put it down. I got a 41-in. bull a couple of days later with the same rifle. He was running flat out at about 150 yd. when I started shooting. I thought my first two shots were misses, but it turned out that if I had been lucky either would have dumped him as both had just missed his spine just back of the shoulder hump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He started to turn away slightly for the last shot. The 150-gr. bullet hit him high through the back ribs on the right side, went through to smash up both lungs and break his left shoulder blade. This big animal running all out at about 40 m.p.h. collapsed in mid-jump and slid over 30 ft. in a cloud of dust. A greater kudu is another elk-size African antelope. Unlike the gemsbok, who likes open or thinly brushed desert, the kudu feels most at home in the brush and is generally found there. These big, spiral-horned antelope are very smart and wary. They are spectacular trophies, and hunting them is exciting. The kudu is my favorite African antelope. I have hunted kudu in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Mozambique, and Angola. The bull I shot in Bechuanaland was standing under a tree with two other bulls. I shot him offhand at about 125 to 150 yd. and hit him too high. The bullet paralyzed him and he did not move, but I had to shoot him again. I was not surprised at the results I had with the .270. I have been using the caliber ever since it came out in 1925 and have shot North American game from jackrabbits to moose with it, and that includes several black bears and a couple of grizzlies. I have also used the cartridge in India on black buck (a handsome little antelope about the size of the Bechuanaland springbok), wild boar, and jungle deer, as well as in Iran. All that amounts to some pretty fair testing. Outdoor Life Another reason that I was not surprised was that I have seen my steady-nerved, cool-headed wife use the little 7 x 57 Mauser in Tanganyika, Mozambique, and Angola and kill roan, kudu, sable, waterbuck, and eland with one shot. All of these are large antelope. In Angola and Mozambique in 1962, she used a 7 x 57 while I was using a 7 mm. Remington Magnum on the same game and our companion Fred Huntington was using a .280 Remington. If the .280 or the 7mm Magnum killed one bit better than the 757, I couldnt see it. Actually, I think my wife got more game with fewer cartridges expended than either Fred or I did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was not surprised that the 150-gr. Nosler and Speer bullets went right through the rib-cages of large animals like gemsbok, zebra, and kudu from port to starboard and vice versa, bllt I was astonished to see that the 130-gr. Nosier did the same thing. I could see no difference in results when either the 130 or 150-gr. bullet was used. Theoretically, the 150-gr. bullet with its greater sectional density and its somewhat lower velocity should give deeper penetration, and the 130 gr. with its higher velocity should expand more violently. Actually, there was no ascertainable difference in their effect on game. The 130-gr. bullet shot flatter than the 150-gr. .270 bullet over practical game ranges and of course a good deal flatter than the 180-gr. .30/06 bullets used by my wife. As far as actual killing power went, I could see no difference between the effect of a 180-gr. .30/06 Remington Core-Lokt, a 180-gr. .30 caliber Speer, a 130-gr. or 150-gr. Nosler .270 bullet, or a 150-gr. Speer .270 bullet. Any of them in the right place meant a quick kill. I have no doubt that if these bullets were shot under controlled conditions an autopsy might show that one gave on the average a little deeper penetration and another made a wider wound channel. But for practical purposes, one was as effective as the other. Something many people forget is that light recoil is as great an asset for a cartridge to have as high velocity, heavy bullets, and staggering amounts of muzzle energy. Light recoil is particularly desirable in an antelope rifle for African use-a rifle that may be shot every day for 40 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Harris, who went along with us, had a beautiful new .375 Magnum. At first he shot very well with it. He picked small antelope off at long range, made a long series of one-shot kills. Then his shooting fell off. Continual beating by the 45 ft.-lb. of recoil from the .375 had his shoulder black and blue and so tender that he was yanking the trigger. He shifted to the milder 7 mm. Remington Magnum, and as a result of the switch he quickly got over his problem with the flinches. Hunting conditions in various parts of Africa vary as much as they do in the United States. Animals of the same species are often found under widely varying conditions. The elksize greater kudu is generally shot in brush at close range, but a fine one I knocked off in Angola was on a hillside about 300 yd. away. Bill Ruger, the arms manufacturer, made a long shot at a kudu in northern Kenya on a mountain that was bare enough for sheep. This, I know, is going to drive the lovers of the big bores mad. The thought of anyones knocking off a large animal, particularly an African animal, with a fairly light bullet is almost more than they can bear. On such long shots the important thing is precision-a combination of man, cartridge, rifle, and scope that will put all the bullets into a hat at 300 yd. or more. What caliber the hunter chooses makes little difference if the hunter can shoot it well day in and day out. If a hunter likes a .300 Weatherby Magnum or a .300 Winchester Magnum, doesnt mind the rather sturdy recoil, and can shoot rifles of those calibers accurately, that is what he should take. But if at home he uses a .30/06 or something of the sort and goes to a harder-kicking rifle just because he is going to hunt antelope in Africa instead of mule deer or elk in Idaho or Wyoming, he is kidding himself. He doesnt need it. A .30/06 is adequate for 90 percent of all African hunting. So are any of the 7 mm. Magnums, the .280 Remington, the .270 Winchester, the .284 Winchester, or even the little 7 x 57. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This, I know, is going to drive the lovers of the big bores mad. The thought of anyones knocking off a large animal, particularly an African animal, with a fairly light bullet is almost more than they can bear. For many years some of them have sniped at the .270 because it is the most popular of the small-bore precision cartridges. Read Next: The Coolest Old Jack OConnor Photos from the Outdoor Life Archives Bob Lee tells a good story. He was on safari in Kenya when his camp was visited by a well-known big-bore advocate, who was also on safari. He was looking over Bobs battery when he spied a fine custom-made .270. Holding it at arms length with one hand as if it were an over-ripe fish and his nose with the thumb and forefinger with the other, he asked: Bob, what in the hell are you going to do with this damned thing? Im going to shoot a lot of game with it, he told him. PARIS As in-person attendance continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels, Premiere Vision is evolving beyond its traditional role as a textiles trade fair, expanding into a more experiential format and developed panel program as it seeks to remain relevant in the shifting industry landscape. With the tagline unpredictability is the new normal, the show introduced a dedicated start-up zone for the first time, invited white-label beauty developers and immersive artists, and deepened its focus on technology to appeal to a wider range of industry professionals. More from WWD For example, it was the first time the fair had a section dedicated to start-ups in the fashion space, with five companies present focused on material digitization, traceability and environmental impact measurement. While a small selection for the first outing, Premiere Vision chief executive officer Florence Rousson said that it was a significant development for the fair. Its important that these kinds of companies have events to get more visibility and to meet their customers, she said. The new area targeted not only designers but also R&D teams, engineers and production heads, which Rousson said demonstrated the current complexity of modern sourcing. Premiere Vision has also extended its global footprint with events in New York, Montreal, Tokyo and Shenzhen, which Rousson said demonstrated the strength of PV and has not reduced the effectiveness of the original Paris fair. To have this global offer is important also for us, because when we are connected with each territory, it gives us the possibility also to understand better how the market is moving, how the world is moving, she said. The regional editions also allow for ease of travel; for example, the Montreal edition coming up in April can be an alternative for those who want access to the North American market without having to travel to the United States. In terms of territories, it gives us a global portfolio and ability to offer them the possibility to choose the event that will be the best for them, she said. There will be significant development for the Montreal and Shenzen fairs in the coming editions, she added. Beauty Biz and a Bartender The Prospective Trend Area took on a more sensorial, experiential tone this season with a larger space and immersive experiences. Premiere Vision invited white-label beauty developers, including nail color manufacturer Fiabilai, which offers texture-matched finishes like cotton, velvet and vinyl in any color. They offered up a nail bar, which had lines snaking around the area throughout the fair. Its just the beginning, said Rousson of the new strategy. Our idea is not to become a cosmetic show. Our idea is just to offer the possibility of this new partnership and this new kind of collaboration. Also taking part was Emanuele Balestra, former head bartender of the Majestic Barriere in Cannes, who officially stepped away from his role there just two weeks ago to start a new project. For Premiere Vision, he collaborated on a fragrance, candle wax and cocktail experience, codeveloped with perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur, using the fairs color of the year as a starting point. Were not here to sell. We are just giving an emotional experience, Balestra said. Premiere Vision director of fashion Desolina Suter said these immersive additions are a response to broader industry fatigue. There is a call for a more emotional and sensorial approach, because we are arriving at a stage of uniformization and globalization, she said. Suter added that the new installations mirror how designers actually work, drawing inspiration from various disciplines and creating mood boards. This is sensory-ology, smell experiences, sound experiences, tactile experiences to build more bridges in aesthetics, bridges between different fields. The center of the venue was reimagined as a gallery-style exhibit, drawing crowds of attendees who took selfies in front of digital art installations and walls of rich textiles. An experience when you are in the fair could add a desire to be here and participate in the event. Its a question of creating pleasure, added fashion department project manager Carine Montarras. On the fashion front, Suter said the PV trend team received over 30,000 product submissions this season. Notably, the offer was split, with one direction centering on soft tailoring, with modal and other fluid fabrics shown for blazers and trousers. The other side leaned into traditional wools, tweeds and blanket-like materials for outerwear and shirting. Traditional checks are moving to more casual wear, streetwear and sportswear approaches here. Its quite new to see and an interesting mix this season, said Suter. She noted the density of the fabrics points to a coming focus on volume and really well-designed garments being delivered in the coming months. This edition also saw an expansion of PVs hosted designer program, with 45 buyers brought in from priority brands, many in North America. Among the attendees were U.S. mass brands like Gap-owned Banana Republic and Athleta, American Eagle, and Urban Outfitters. H&Ms &Other Stories was also an invitee, along with British brands Boden and Phoebe Philo, and Chinese label Icicle. Sustainability Star Power Sustainability was still top of mind for PV organizers, who created an extensive program of talks. They brought in model and climate activist Arizona Muse for a little star power, as she made her second appearance at the fair to urge fashion brands to eliminate plastics from their supply chains. Muse spent her morning visiting booths and talking to suppliers. Seven years ago, it wasnt easy. [Now] the innovation is there. Its a little bit more expensive, not a lot. So yes, you can wind that into your margins. Yes, you can make the right decisions, she said. The brands cannot hide behind the excuse anymore of waiting for the supply chain. No, its there, and youve decided to not use it. Brands emphasized the point throughout the halls, with several posting their eco-credentials such as recyclability, or how much energy they generate with solar panels as the doorways to their booths. Muse, who also founded the climate nonprofit Dirt, said she is developing a 10-part environmental labeling system with Demeter. The first standard, focused on dyes, is live, with cotton and wool certifications coming soon. Netherlands-based brand Loads Collection is the first to pilot the system. Were really going for luxury first, Muse said. Fast fashion is super difficultconvincing them to spend even 1 percent extra is almost impossible. She also noted that the global political backlash against ESG has hurt nonprofit funding. We have really struggled this year financially because of impacts from the U.S., Muse said, with donors facing budget cuts. One plastic-free product on offer belonged to French faux fur manufacturer Ecopel, with its new potato-based bio-fur, which was first unveiled at Milan Unica. Unlike conventional faux fur, it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and petrochemical-free. Promoting the new material is a delicate balance for PR-sensitive brands. [Brands] dont want, for instance, to take food from humans or from animals. It has to be a waste byproduct, said Ecopel sustainability manager Arnaud Brunois-Gavard of their sourcing, which is from waste. They dont want to replace an issue with another issue. Despite broader fashion industry headwinds, Brunois-Gavard said interest in the new fiber was strong at PV, especially from luxury brands. We see so many brands closing their doors, even the luxury market is slowing down a lot, but it is still very good for us, he said between excited requests to see the potato fur at the buzzy booth. High Stakes on the High Street Among the most discussed topics was French high street brand Promods turnaround strategy. CEO Julien Pollet shared how the company pivoted from a mass model to a precision model to address overproduction and profitability. Promod, a privately held brand founded 50 years ago by Pollets father, operated 1,000 stores in 55 countries at its peak in 2015. Between 2017 and 2020, Promod closed 600 stores in 50 countries, consolidating operations to 400 stores in just five European markets. The company reduced its stock keeping units by 20 percent and accepted that potential stock shortages would be part of the deal, which in turn created urgency among customers and cut reliance on discounting and end of season sales. We reduced the stock, then we worked a lot on the brand, on the communication, to work on the desirability of the brand, said Pollet. Pollet also emphasized investments in product quality. Coats that were once 100 percent polyester now include wool, raising the average price from 100 euros to between 130 and 150 euros. Lowering the discount rate gives you more margin. So with less product and a little bit higher in price, we could raise our profitability, he said. Promod saw a 10 percent turnover increase in 2024 with just a 2 percent volume increase. The discount rate dropped 5 percent, he said, and end-of-year stock was down by 2.5 percent. These changes pushed Promod to its first profitable year in a decade. Promod also prioritized nearshoring, shifting 35 to 40 percent of production back to Mediterranean countries, with a goal of 50 percent within five years. They also start with small production runs and only increase production if an item is selling well. However, he noted that a previous experiment with production-on-demand did not work as customers were not willing to wait a few weeks to receive their garment. Promods transformation stood in stark contrast to fellow high street retailer Pimkie, which revealed it partnered with Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant Shein. It shows divergent paths between the two French brands. The Pimkie-Shein deal was the talk of PV when 22 textile and fashion organizations gathered to sign a declaration urging the European Union to curb Sheins growth in the bloc. They proposed scrapping the 150-euro exemption on small parcels and adding a tax of 20 to 25 euros similar to removing the de minimis rule in the U.S. to fund customs enforcement. By inviting the organizations to sign the document at Premiere Vision, Rousson said that it helps establish the fairs authority and leadership on textile issues. It makes sense also for us, she said. Its important to protect the different industries that are represented here. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday linked autism to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and childhood, backing a long-standing claim for which researchers have not found any conclusive evidence. The president said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will start telling physicians that taking acetaminophen, the popular painkiller's active ingredient, can be "associated with a very increased risk" of the disorder. "I want to say it like it is, don't take Tylenol. Don't take it," Trump said during an official appearance in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. "Fight like hell not to take it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement came at the end of an event during which Trump took the highly unusual step as president by offering direct medical advice to Americans who are pregnant or those caring for young children, without presenting new evidence. In addition to the claim about Tylenol, he also called for a re-examination of a widely debunked connection between childhood vaccines and autism. The president was backed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine critic who has argued that no vaccine is safe. Kennedy had promised earlier this year to determine the cause of autism before end of September, baffling experts who have said there is no single cause of autism and add that the rhetoric appears to ignore decades of science into the genetic and environmental factors that can play a role. Trump during the announcement Monday. Also pictured are Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz, U.S. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Last week, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) reaffirmed "acetaminophen remains a safe and appropriate first-line option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy when medically needed, at recommended doses and for the shortest duration necessary." The SOGC's position is based on its review, finding no causal evidence linking prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors, scientists and leading advocacy groups have long debunked any concern that vaccines, including the measles vaccine, could be linked to autism. Physicians dispute president's claim Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong developmental condition that presents with a range of symptoms that can include delays in language, learning and differences in social or emotional skills. Individuals with autism can also have a wide range of support needs. The prevalence is about two per cent in Canadian children and youth, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. WATCH | Family doctor says Tylenol still the best option during pregnancy: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autism is mostly rooted in genetics, with several hundred inherited genes thought to play a role, even if the parent shows no signs of autism. Mutations can occur as the brain is developing and cells rapidly divide. Different combinations of genes and other factors can all affect how a fetal brain develops. Tylenol's label advises women to ask their doctor about use in pregnancy. Both the SOGC and its American counterpart, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), say the medication is an appropriate option in moderation to treat fever and pain during pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tylenol should only be used for fever and significant pain at the lower dose and shortest time. That's always been the advice and guidance from best medical practice," Dr. Sura Alwan, a clinical teratologist at the University of British Columbia. "My concern, though, is when the message is tied to claims of autism risk because extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a statement about the FDA's shift noting the president's announcement is not supported by science. "Given the conflicting literature and lack of clear causal evidence, HHS wants to encourage clinicians to exercise their best judgment in use of acetaminophen for fevers and pain in pregnancy by prescribing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration when treatment is required," it read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH | Clinical teratologist comments on Trump's announcement: The FDA also "recognizes that acetaminophen is often the only tool for fevers and pain in pregnancy, as other alternatives have well-documented adverse effects." Advil, or ibuprofen, for example, is generally not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy, due to the potential for rare but serious complications in babies like heart problems or kidney issues. Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, said it "strongly" disagreed with the Trump's suggestion its medication is connected to autism. Risk of untreated fever Last year, a well-designedpopulation-based study of more than two million children in Sweden focused on siblings whose mothers took acetaminophen in one of their pregnancies, compared with no use of acetaminophen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In these sorts of sibling analyses, any association just completely went away, which implies that a mother's factors, like genetics, are actually responsible for the statistical association," said Brian K. Lee, a corresponding author of the Swedish study and a professor of epidemiology at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Such studies only point to associations or two things that happen to occur at the same time, and not whether taking the pain- and fever-relief drug caused a child's disorder. Ian Douglas, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, called the data in the Swedish study extremely high quality and unlikely to be improved on elsewhere. The SOGC and SMFM, have warned untreated fevers in pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and other problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Older studies and reviews faced difficulties teasing apart many possible associations, like whether the reason a person took acetaminophen during pregnancy, such as for chronic pain, was what was actually behind the link, rather than the drug itself. Beyond genetics, the age of a child's father, preterm birth and whether the mother had certain health problems during pregnancy such as fevers, infections or diabetes can also play a role. Autism rates have been going up for decades for two main reasons. First, the definition of autism broadened as scientists expanded their understanding of its wide range of traits and symptoms. That led to changes in the criteria doctors use to diagnose autism and improvements in screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, parents increasingly sought a diagnosis as autism became better known and schools began offering educational services they hoped could help their kids. There is no single test for autism, which is diagnosed mostly through developmental and behavioural assessments, making it hard to tell if there may be additional factors behind the increase. A missing 18-year-old woman was found killed two years after she vanished in Alaska, troopers said. Ataja Banks body was discovered Sept. 4 in the area of Moose Meadows Road in Wasilla, Alaska State Troopers said in a Sept. 23 release. Her remains were identified, and authorities said they believe she was killed. The Anchorage woman was last in contact with her family mid-September in 2023, the Anchorage Police Department said in a 2024 Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was then reported missing in October 2023. At the time, it wasnt known where she was staying, but she was last known to be in Mat-Su Valley, police and troopers said. Troopers said the Alaska Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation into Atajas murder. Wasilla is in Mat-Su Valley, about a 45-mile drive northeast from Anchorage. Human remains in backyard lead to confession and arrest 3 years later, SC cops say Mom, 1-year-old son found killed week after husband is fatally shot, PA cops say Man threatened mass murder after Charlie Kirk killing, feds say, & more cases [Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.] CLEVELAND (WJW) A 20-year-old man who reportedly admitted to drinking before causing a crash that killed a 51-year-old bicyclist earlier this month is now under indictment. A Cuyahoga County grand jury this week handed up an four-count indictment charging Kamarion T. Jordan, 20, of Cleveland, with two felony counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and misdemeanor counts of operating a vehicle after underage alcohol consumption and operating a vehicle while under the influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened just after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the intersection of East 128th Street and Kinsman Road, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team. Residents frustrated after numerous vehicles broken into in Gordon Square Kamarion T. Jordan (Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Office) County prosecutors on Tuesday said Jordan was driving recklessly west on Kinsman Road, doing 90 mph in what is a 35-mph zone. He struck 51-year-old Yvonne Kemp as she was turning onto Kinsman Road from the southbound lane of East 128th Street, according to prosecutors. His vehicle then went off the road and hit a utility pole near East 126th Street. FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo Kemp was pronounced dead at the scene. Jordan was later arrested by Cleveland police, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleveland double homicide suspect in custody, Kemper Road reopened after local police shutdown Jordan showed signs of impairment during a field sobriety test and admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash, according to the affidavit. His blood alcohol content was tested at 0.074%. Thats more than three times the legal limit for a person younger than 21 in Ohio, which is 0.02%. The legal limit for adults 21 and older is 0.08%. His reckless stupidity cost Yvonne Kemp her life and has devastated her family, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley wrote in a statement. A Cleveland Municipal Court judge on Sept. 17 set Jordans bond at $25,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No future court dates have been set in the county court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Editor's note: The content of this story may be disturbing to some readers. A Pennsylvania woman was jailed without bond on Tuesday, Sept. 23, after state police discovered the decomposing bodies of four infant children hidden throughout a home from which she was recently been evicted. Authorities say Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39, birthed the children alive in her home over a six-year period, then allegedly killed them immediately after they were born, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Armstrong County obtained by USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discovery took place when Mauthe's former landlord found the body of an infant in a closet while cleaning the home this month, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The rental home is located in Cadogan Township, just over 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. According to the complaint, Mauthe's landlord told troopers he evicted Mauthe from the home on Aug. 14 and changed the locks on Aug. 30. A Pennsylvania State Police vehicle is seen. Every state has one: Things you didn't know about Safe Haven laws A foul odor and something wrapped in towels decomposing About a week later, on Sept. 13, the landlord was cleaning out a closet when he found a trash bag with a foul odor, along with something wrapped in towels that was decomposing, according to the arrest affidavit. He then contacted the authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers arrived and discovered the body of an infant wrapped in towels. Soon after, they found the bodies of three other infants in tote bags, also wrapped in towels and placed inside plastic bags in the attic. Troopers reported Mauthe placed the baby inside several plastic bags, and put them in a bedroom closet upstairs. 'Sick to my stomach': Baby found dead at Safe Haven box at Idaho hospital 3 more dead newborns found in the same Pennsylvania home Mauthe also told troopers that six years ago, she gave birth to another child in the same bathroom. After she gave birth, she passed out on the floor, the affidavit continues. When she regained consciousness, the baby was beneath her and was not breathing. She then hid the newborn's body in a tote in the attic, according to the report from the troopers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit did not detail the death of the fourth killing, but an autopsy completed by the Indiana County Coroner's Office showed there were four dead infants found in the home. Mother charged with homicide Troopers arrested Mauthe on charges including criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter, concealing the death of a child, and abuse of a corpse. According to police, Mauthe failed to disclose the infants' deaths, concealed their bodies by wrapping them in towels, placed them in plastic bags and totes, and hid them throughout the home. Jail records show Mauthe was booked into the Armstrong County Jail on Sept. 18. She remained jailed without bond on Tuesday, Sept. 23, awaiting a court hearing set for next week, a magistrate clerk told USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY left a message with the Armstrong Public Defender's Office, listed in online records as representing Mauthe. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mother arrested after infants remains found in Pennsylvania home Four people were wounded in a shooting near El Paso police headquarters in the Five Points area, police said. The shooting, which did not involve El Paso police officers, occurred about 1:21 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in the 1000 block of Raynor Street by Montana Avenue, police spokesman Officer Adrian Cisneros said. Two men and two women were wounded in a shooting that involved two vehicles, Cisneros said. There have been no arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun violence: 5 teens wounded in shooting in East El Paso apartment complex The wounded were taken to a hospital and were believed to be in critical condition, but investigators were waiting on confirmation from the hospital, Cisneros said. A motive for the shooting is currently unknown, Cisneros said. "This is very early in the investigation and we don't know as to why the shooting occurred," he said. El Paso police block off Raynor Street and Montana Avenue near the Five Points area in El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2025, after four people were shot. A pair of brown cowboy boots could be seen in the middle of Raynor Street in the crime scene, along with an SUV with bullet holes in the windows. El Paso shooting blocks streets in Five Points area The shooting occurred in the Five Points neighborhood, which includes El Paso police headquarters and various restaurants, bars and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red crime-scene tape and police activity, including detectives and uniformed officers, appeared to be centered in the area of Raynor Street between Montana Avenue and Pershing Drive. Montana Avenue between Piedras and Estrella streets remains closed to traffic. Raynor Street from Pershing Drive to Tularosa Avenue also remains closed to traffic. No time was given for when the roads will reopen. El Paso police headquarters is located at 911 Raynor St. next to Montana. Crime: El Paso church arson suspect left Charlie Kirk threat and her business card Further details on the shooting were not immediately available as an investigation continued in an area larger than a city block. Crime-scene tape crosses Raynor Street in front of El Paso police headquarters after a shooting wounded four people on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. The case was the second major shooting in El Paso this week after five teenagers were wounded in a shooting on Monday night at the Commissioner's Corner apartment complex, 10700 Montana Ave. near Yarbrough Drive. An investigation into that case continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the Five Points shooting may call the police nonemergency number at 915-832-4400 or may anonymously call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS) or leave a tip online at cselpaso.org. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X at @AMartinezEPT. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 4 wounded in shooting near El Paso police headquarters SEYMOUR, Ind. Investigators in Seymour are offering a $5,000 reward for information about a recent arson case. Around 4:10 a.m. on Sept. 18, the Seymour Fire Department was dispatched to a home on West Oak Street. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire upon arrival. While they initially heard people may have been inside the structure, a search found the home was empty. Image via Seymour Fire Department Image via Seymour Fire Department Image via Seymour Fire Department Image via Seymour Fire Department Further investigation in conjunction with the Indiana State Fire Marshals Office determined the fire was incendiary in nature. Investigators classified it as arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire department is asking anyone with information about the fire or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628. Tipsters can also call the Seymour Fire Department at (812) 522-2598. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 59. A bus rider dressed in black holds a candle and a sign reading Our buses are under attack during a vigil at Kennedy Plaza on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) As buses hummed and beeped around Rhode Islands central bus hub in Providence Tuesday evening, dozens wearing black and holding candles gathered to mourn an impending loss. The crowd was not mourning a person, but the states bus network. Sweeping cuts to its service set to take effect Saturday will radically transform the states public transit offerings, advocates say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dearly beloveds, we are gathered here today to say RIP to RIPTA as we know it, Liza Burkin, board president of the Providence Streets Coalition, told over three dozen people assembled at Kennedy Plaza. Starting Sept. 27, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will reduce service by cutting some buses, reducing schedule spans, decreasing frequency, and getting rid of segments on 46 of its 67 lines primarily impacting weekend and off-peak hours. Three routes will be eliminated on Saturdays, while another three will no longer run on Sundays or holidays. Four additional routes are being cut from weekends altogether, including the 68 line that links Newports North End with the citys beaches a service that is fare-free through the end of October. This is the Ocean State, and were cutting off access to the ocean for our working class on their days off, Burkin said. Shame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the agencys top-performing route will not be spared. The R-Line the states only rapid bus line which connects Cranston, Providence and Pawtucket will now run buses every 20 minutes on weekends instead of every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. The upcoming service changes resulted from an earlier, more extensive plan that had 58 routes facing cuts or reductions to try and stave off a $10 million budget deficit for the agency. That included the complete elimination of 11 routes and zones where riders book trips in advance. The agencys board was scheduled to approve those deeper cuts Aug. 7, but postponed the decision after Gov. Dan McKee sent a last-minute letter asking the board to draft a less severe plan. The result was a budget framework announced by McKee ahead of the RIPTA board of directors Aug. 28 meeting, where he offered $3 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds the agency would later have to pay back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKees office stands by this latest service adjustment, saying that reductions were based on demand data and post-pandemic ridership patterns. The governors agreement with RIPTA leadership puts the authority on a strong financial footing as we invest in projects like the new multimodal transit center to boost ridership and strengthen the agency all while protecting taxpayers, spokesperson Andrea Palagi said in an emailed statement. Dylan Giles, operations manager for the Providence Streets Coalition, lights candles at Kennedy Plaza ahead of a vigil to mourn bus network reductions on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) While less drastic, advocates argue the upcoming changes will only harm RIPTA and the state in the long run. And if service gets worse, advocates will place blame squarely on McKee. Gov. McKee wants us to be grateful for the short-term and insufficient Band-Aids given to RIPTA because it could have been worse than his original proposal as though he is not the person responsible for putting us in this position in the first place, Bove said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deficit was originally $32.6 million when McKee unveiled his recommended fiscal 2026 budget in January a budget Bove called callous and cruel. Lawmakers eventually propped up RIPTA with nearly $15 million in annual revenue from an additional 2-cent increase on the states gas tax and by upping the agencys share of the states Highway Maintenance Account, much to the dismay of McKee. How did the governor respond to that you might ask? Bove posed to the crowd. By throwing a temper tantrum and refusing to sign the budget like a middle-schooler not getting their way on the student council. That drew a laugh from McKees 2026 Democratic primary challenger, former CVS executive Helena Bounano Foulkes, who stood among the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is his budget and budgets are choices they represent our values, Foulkes told Rhode Island Current after the rally. But for now, riders must contend with reduced service, though advocates remain hopeful the cuts can be reversed when lawmakers reconvene in January. So many of you have fought alongside us for so long and we have a lot more left in the tank, Burkin said. Christopher Bove, who is legally blind and has relied on paratransit since he was a teenager, speaks out against upcoming Rhode Island Public Transit Authority service reductions set to take effect Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX QCi's secret sauce is its proprietary photonics technology. Photonics is the science of using light particles -- photons -- to transmit information. Photonic devices offer technical advantages in advanced computing and data-processing applications. While traditional quantum processors require temperatures near absolute zero to operate, QCi says its machines can function at room temperature. This removes the need for complicated and costly cooling systems, which could make quantum computers more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective. Quantum Computing builds advanced computing hardware that harnesses quantum mechanical principles and the unique properties of light to solve real-world problems. Some examples of those real-world applications include energy management, biomedical imaging, supply chain optimization, cybersecurity, autonomous driving, fraud detection, and molecular modeling. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that quantum computing stocks are hot right now. But being a rocket scientist might come in handy if you're trying to understand QCi's business model. The company describes itself as the "only pure-play nonlinear quantum optics and integrated photonics public company." Let's try to break that down into more human-like language. Over the past 12 months, Quantum Computing stock has exploded 3,150% higher, as of Sept. 19. But up until last week's rally, the share price had been drifting in and out of negative territory for the year. Has anything fundamentally changed for Quantum Computing (commonly known as QCi) over the past week? Let's take a closer look. They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and the news seemed to rejuvenate investor enthusiasm in the entire quantum computing sector. Quantum Computing (NASDAQ: QUBT) ripped 37% higher last week, without any press releases from the company. However, the stock appeared to get an extra boost from a perfectly timed analyst note. On Sept. 18, Max Michaelis of Lake Street Capital Markets initiated coverage of Quantum Computing with a buy rating and $24 price target. Quantum computing stocks rocketed higher last week, fueled by a flurry of positive news. On Sept. 17, the Department of Energy named IonQ a partner in its Quantum-in-Space collaboration. The next day, Rigetti Computing announced that the Air Force Research Laboratory awarded the company a $5.8 million contract to help connect superconducting quantum computers to fiber optic networks. Story Continues That has yet to translate into meaningful revenue growth. QCi generated just $373,000 in full-year 2024 revenue, which was a 4% increase over the previous year. The company's net loss ballooned 154% to $68.5 million. In QCi's annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company acknowledged that customers are "proceeding cautiously with small, exploratory contracts" to get a better understanding of quantum computing's value. Since big-ticket contracts have been slow to materialize, QCi has been focusing on providing professional services, R&D offerings, and customer education. Are sales about to make a quantum leap? Through the first six months of 2025, QCi generated just $100,000 in revenue, down from $210,000 in the year-ago period. But management sees business accelerating in 2026 and beyond, for several reasons. Some recent contract wins show QCi is making inroads with government and commercial customers. In April, NASA awarded QCi a subcontract worth up to $406,000 to develop quantum computing techniques that can remove sunlight interference in space lidar data. More recently, QCi secured a $332,000 purchase order from a major U.S. bank for its quantum cybersecurity system. The company expects its new photonic chip foundry in Tempe, Arizona, to start generating meaningful revenue in the next 12 to 18 months. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global photonic integrated circuit market is expected to grow from $17.4 billion in 2025 to $66 billion by 2032. The research firm sees the broader photonics market hitting $1.6 trillion in value by 2032. About the valuation. The price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is a useful metric for evaluating unprofitable companies, as it's based solely on revenue. On a forward basis, QCi has a P/S ratio of 9,074, which is in its own stratosphere compared to its peers. Considering how hyped-up this entire cohort is, the sky-high P/S ratio suggests QCi is extremely overvalued. If you're looking for a no-holds-barred explanation of what can go wrong for a company like QCi, just read its SEC filings. In QCI's 2024 annual report, the company acknowledges that "our business model is unproven and may never allow us to cover our costs." Producing quantum computing systems is a "difficult undertaking," and QCi has no experience in large-scale production of these systems. Share dilution is an ongoing risk. Bigger picture, it could take years or even decades for quantum computers to surpass traditional computers in speed and computational power -- if it happens at all. These are worst-case scenarios cranked out by lawyers to meet an SEC filing requirement, so take it with a grain of salt. Still, when you're looking at a development-stage company like Quantum Computing, it's best to proceed with caution. Should you invest $1,000 in Quantum Computing right now? Before you buy stock in Quantum Computing, 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 Quantum Computing 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 $657,110!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,093,751!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,064% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 190% 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 September 22, 2025 Josh Cable has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Quantum Computing a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool (NewsNation) Bullets fired from a gun used in a fatal shooting at the Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office contained anti-ICE language, the FBI announced on Wednesday. Investigators have identified Joshua Jahn, 29, of Collin County, Texas, as the shooter. FBI officials said the shooter died by suicide. Department of Homeland Security officials said three detainees at the facility were shot, one fatally. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the shooter fired indiscriminately at the facility from a nearby rooftop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI Director Kash Patel included a photo of the bullet casings found at the scene, one of which had anti-ICE written on it in blue ink. Newsom justifies No Secret Police bill prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off, Patel wrote on X. We are only miles from Prarieland Texas, where just two months ago an individual ambushed a separate ICE facility targeting their officers. It has to end and the FBI and our partners will lead the these investigative efforts to see to it that those who target our law enforcement are pursued and brought to the fullest extent of justice. Bullets found at the scene of the fatal shooting at the Dallas ICE field office included the words Anti-ICE. Police block off the street close to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office after a reported shooting, in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas talks about the shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas during a news conference on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Law enforcement gather at a staging area close to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office after a reported shooting, in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Dallas field office, said his agency is investigating the shooting as an act of targeted violence. No members of law enforcement were injured, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Nexstar Washington Correspondent Reshad Hudson, called Wednesdays shooting a motivated left-wing, political attack. That I think goes to show that we have way too much of this in our country, especially in the last couple of weeks, Vance said. I think Id encourage everybody to really tone down the rhetoric when it comes particularly to our law enforcement and our ICE agents. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, said at the news conference that the shooting was the third in Texas directed at an ICE officer or Customs and Border Protection agent. Dems launch probes into Trumps border czar amid bribe allegations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, in America, we disagree. Thats fine, thats the Democratic process. But your political opponents are not Nazis. We need to learn to work together without demonizing each other, without attacking each other, Cruz said. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., called the shooting an unacceptable act of violence in a social media post. My heart is with the victims and their loved ones, Booker wrote. While we dont know all of the details yet, what we can, and all should, agree on is that the vilification of any group of people endangers them. It makes them targets. And it must stop. We are at an inflection point in our history where we must put in the work to break down our divisions and see our shared humanity. We cannot choose the path of hatred and division. NewsNations Ali Bradley contributed reporting to this story Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. WASHINGTON House Republican leaders are poised to face their biggest challenges yet after a Democrat won the special election for Arizonas 7th Congressional District, further narrowing the GOPs slim majority and likely forcing action on the Epstein files. Adelita Grijalva daughter of the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, who previously held the seat was declared the winner of a special election on Tuesday, bringing the House makeup to 219 Republicans and 214 Democrats. It doesnt alter Republicans two-seat majority just yet, but it will offer Democrats rare opportunities to push Republicans into a corner on hot-button issues. Top of the list: A bipartisan effort to release the Jeffrey Epstein files in full. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are hearing from voters that they believe the survivors deserve justice, and Congress must fulfill its duty to check the executive branch and hold Trump accountable, Grijalva told the Arizona Daily Star about signing the petition before the election results were called. The House isnt scheduled to return until Oct. 7, making that the earliest day Grijalva can be sworn in as a member. After that, she is expected to sign on to an existing discharge petition compelling the Justice Department to publish all its investigative materials related to the convicted sex offender, making her the 218th and final signature needed to schedule a vote. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., filed the discharge petition earlier this month, which allows lawmakers to bring legislation to the House floor even without leaderships approval so long as they get a majority of House members to sign on. Grijalva would join all House Democrats who have already signed on as well as four Republicans, including Massie and Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Lauren Boebert, R-Colo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP leadership has been wary to force a vote on the matter due to opposition from President Donald Trump, with a White House official even telling the Deseret News in early September that a signature on the petition would be viewed as a very hostile act to the administration. Instead, Republicans passed a resolution to encourage the House Oversight Committee to continue its current investigation into Epstein an inquiry that has already resulted in the Justice Department handing over thousands of pages to lawmakers last month. But Massie has argued that resolution only requires the Oversight Committee to publish the documents that are handed over by the DOJ whereas he wants the DOJ itself to release all documents in its possession. Its not yet clear when a vote on the Epstein files could be scheduled. Once the 218 signatures are secured, the petition is frozen and printed into the congressional record, according to House rules. The petition must then sit for seven legislative days before a signatory of the petition can request a floor vote. After that, leaders would only have two days to schedule the vote. That means the earliest a vote could occur is mid-October. Republicans feel the squeeze on government funding The Democrat addition to House ranks also hints toward future challenges House GOP leaders could face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are already working with a historically slim margin that makes passing legislation a difficult task. Thats only expected to get harder. Government spending is set to lapse at the end of this month, and Republicans are pushing to punt the shutdown deadline until Nov. 21. That spending extension narrowly passed in the House with minimal Democratic support, and took a heavy lift from GOP leaders to get a majority of their rank-and-file members on board. That spending extension has not yet been passed by the Senate. But if it does, things could only get trickier for Republicans if they want to pass a funding bill that continues to cut government spending. By then, House Democrats will likely have another member sworn in to replace former Rep. Sylvester Turner in Texas who died earlier this year. That district is a D+21 seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thatll set up the winner to be sworn in sometime during the first week of November, bringing the House makeup to 215-219 meaning Republicans can only lose one party member on any given vote if all Democrats vote against. Thatll put pressure on Republican leaders to keep their party in line on major agenda items for the rest of the congressional session, assuming no other Democrat steps down from office. That could be easier said than done as there have been multiple pieces of legislation including Trumps signature Big Beautiful Bill Act that saw more than one Republican break party lines to oppose. Democratic leaders were quick to celebrate Grijalvas win for that very reason, praising her as someone who can help thwart Trumps agenda. Rep.-elect Grijalva won a hard-fought race. Now, Arizonans will have a fighter in their corner who will stand up to Trump on behalf of families who want to see real leadership in Washington, Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement. I know she will never back down from doing whats right for her community lowering prices, lowering health care costs, and protecting Social Security. As the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress, Grijalva is a trailblazer who will work on behalf of her constituents, not bend the knee to billionaires. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The Springfield Police Department (SPD) has estimated the number of people who attended Mondays vigil for Charlie Kirk at Missouri State University, held by Turning Point USAs MSU branch. Springfield Police were out patrolling the event, alongside MSU security and security from a local church. According to an SPD spokesperson, around 1,500 to 2,000 attendees showed up to the vigil to show support following the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning Point USA Chapter President Megan Hartman had told Ozarks First at the event she had no idea how many people to expect, and that it was really awesome to see the turnout. Our coverage of the vigil can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. A 32-year-old South Carolina assistant teacher has been arrested on charges he surreptitiously sprayed his school with a substance that smells like poop, sickening students and causing more than $55,000 in damages, authorities said. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis allegedly dispensed the substance at West Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina, over a nearly monthlong span, leaving school officials mystified as to the origin of the foul odor, the Florence County Sheriff's office said in a statement. Lewis allegedly obtained the spray -- designed to imitate fecal odor -- from an online distributor, according to the sheriff's office. Florence County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Booking photo of Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, arrested for allegedly using "poop" spray at his South Carolina school. "Investigators allege that Lewis used the spray on multiple occasions and over time resulting in a disruption of the school, children requiring medical attention for respiratory issues and requiring the school to incur an expenditure of over $55,000 for inspection and damage to the school air conditioning system," according to the sheriff's office statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A motive for the alleged act remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's office. "He's not interested in making any comment at this time," a man who said he was Lewis' brother told ABC News on Tuesday when reached by phone. Lewis was arrested on Friday on charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property with a value of over $10,000, the sheriff's office said. He was booked at the Florence County Jail, where he is being held on $9,090 bond. It was not immediately clear if Lewis has obtained a lawyer. MORE: 'Cruel prank' at high school causes mass panic and culprits should be expelled, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional charges are possible," the sheriff's office said. Lewis is alleged to have spayed the stinky substance at the school between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, according to the sheriff's office. During that time span, students complained of experiencing nausea, dizziness and headaches from the gas-like odor, parents and students told ABC affiliate station WPDE in Florence. MORE: 3 people face deadly conduct charges after coach found shot when gunfire erupted during Texas youth baseball game "Personally, as a student, every time I go to my second block class, I walk up the stairwell and immediately, teachers are covering their noses and their mouths, coughing because of the smell," a student told WPDE. "I got physically sick the other day because of the smell. I feel like I'm going to pass out because I get so lightheaded and so dizzy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not the first time a poop-smelling spray dispensed at a school has led to criminal charges. In 2023, two students at Carney Creek High School in Conroe, Texas, were arrested on third-degree felony charges for allegedly possessing what authorities deemed a prohibited weapon -- cans labeled "fart spray," reported ABC station KTRK in Houston. The students allegedly sprayed the substance at their school on two occasions in May 2023 as a prank, prompting the school to be evacuated and causing six students to be taken to the hospital to be treated for headaches and nausea, according to KTRK. The Trump administrations mass deportation plan continues to cause anxiety throughout Atlantas Black immigrant community even among those who have legal status. The fear is real, said Nnamdi Ihenacho, founder of the Atlanta-based nonprofit African Immigrant Collective. Even people who have their papers are still worried about, can my citizenship be revoked? Can my green card be revoked? While the fear of being held at one of the many Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers under inhumane conditions still looms large, unlawful deportation is another possibility. In those cases, local immigrants could be sent thousands of miles away from their families, oftentimes to countries where they have no connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, five men three from Nigeria and two from the Gambia were deported to their home countries despite a federal judge having granted them either a withholding of removal order under the Immigration and Nationality Act or a deferral of removal under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Since Sept. 5, they have been held at a Ghanaian detention camp where they were sent after being held in different ICE detention facilities across the country. Last week, the Atlanta chapter of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ); the ACLU Immigrants Rights Project; and the law firm Grossman, Young, and Hammond filed a lawsuit on the mens behalf to prevent them from being repatriated due to the significant risk of harm they face in their home countries. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan declined to intervene on behalf of the men because they had been transferred to the custody of the Ghanaian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The court] is alarmed and dismayed by the circumstances under which these removals are being carried out, especially in light of the governments cavalier acceptance of Plaintiffs ultimate transfer to countries where they face torture and persecution. But its hands are tied, she wrote in her ruling denying a temporary restraining order or temporary relief. The men, who are only named in the lawsuit under their first and last initials to protect their identities, were being held under armed guard at Dema Camp in a remote part of Ghana with six other West African men before they were sent back to their home countries. After the lawsuit was filed last week, Ghanas Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu told the Associated Press that the men had already been repatriated to their home countries, but AAAJ disputed that claim. The fight to bring the men back to the United States is still ongoing, according to Samantha Hamilton, an Atlanta-based attorney with AAAJ who is part of the team litigating this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe the judge can order the U.S. government to facilitate their return to the U.S., as other judges presiding over third-country removal cases have done, Hamilton told Capital B Atlanta. One plaintiff, who was named in the lawsuit as D.A., had been granted relief based on his membership in a political party that is in opposition to the current government. His immigration paperwork included a very detailed declaration describing his torture by the police and military while he was still living in Nigeria, Hamilton said. Another plaintiff, named in the lawsuit as K.S., is openly bisexual and was granted deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture because in his home country, the Gambia, same-sex activity is criminalized and carries a penalty of life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton said AAAJ hopes that whatever relief they are able to get for the men named in the lawsuit will also eventually be extended to the six other men who were also sent to their countries of origin over the weekend. One of the things weve always loved about America is its a nation of laws and due process, Ihenacho said. Its a place where even the little guy gets his day in court. And if were not protected under that system, thats about as un-American as it gets. The post Atlanta Lawyers Work to Get Unlawfully Deported Black Immigrants Returned to the US appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. BOSTON (WWLP) The Red Cross held a State House event on Wednesday, assessing the Bay States readiness for increasingly common natural disasters. Applegreen ends talks with state over service plaza contract Climate change is making natural disasters like hurricanes and ice storms more frequent and more devastating. While climate disasters in the Bay State are not new, experts say the state needs to increase local level emergency preparedness staff and significantly increase funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on the whole, Massachusetts emergency preparedness chief officer says the state has among the best planning in the country. Im very confident in Massachusetts preparedness on the state and local level, said director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Dawn Brantley. The results of these climate disasters, which scientists say are certain to increase, vary, but often include hundreds of thousands of miles of downed wires, billions of downed trees, and road and bridge flooding. Experts say the state response includes hazard mitigation like strengthening bridges and building sea walls and expanding training and education about emergency management. Meanwhile, the Red Cross is looking for more Bay State volunteers. Weve got good representation across the state; we would like great representation across the state. Its neighbors helping neighbors, said Ryan Avery, Red Cross of Massachusetts Disaster Officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In western Massachusetts, the most immediate climate concern is river flooding. As the climate continues to heat up, these climate disasters will only get worse. For more information on how to prepare yourself and your home for poor weather, visit the states emergency preparedness guidelines. 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. Carmen Simone, right, speaks with State Board of Higher Education Chair Kevin Black after the board approved her to be the president of Lake Region State College at a meeting in Minot, North Dakota, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) MINOT, N.D. Carmen Simone will continue to serve as president of Lake Region State College in Devils Lake after a vote Tuesday by the State Board of Higher Education. The board chose not to remove the interim title from Dan Leingang, Bismarck State Colleges temporary president since April. Instead, the board will conduct a national search for a new president. Dan Leingang, interim Bismarck State College president, vice president of academic affairs. (Photo provided by North Dakota University System) The board discussed its options on the two president openings during a closed executive session Tuesday when it met on the Minot State University campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simone, previously CEO and dean at Dakota College at Bottineau, was appointed as interim president in May. She took over for longtime Lake Region President Doug Darling, who retired June 30. Board Chair Kevin Black said the difference in the two openings was that Simone had already gone through a rigorous vetting process when she was a finalist for the Dickinson State University presidents post. That position went to Scott Molander. Simone has also held other top leadership positions at other campuses. Black encouraged Leingang to apply for the Bismarck State presidency. The position opened when Doug Jensen left abruptly in January. The board also is wrestling with updating its policies on when a search is required for leadership posts. It chose to not conduct a search before naming Brent Sanford as the University Systems commissioner Tuesday. It also did not conduct a search for the Lake Region presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board without discussion advanced a first reading of a policy change that removes a requirement for the board to conduct a presidential search. A committee will work on refining the policy before it comes back to the board for further consideration. Lisa Montplaisir, faculty representative to the board, said the search policies and practices have been a hot topic with faculty this year. Our hope is that we have the opportunity to provide input, Montplaisir, who teaches at North Dakota State University, said after the meeting. University of North Dakota President Andy Armacost said in an interview that a national search is the norm at the college for positions such as vice president and dean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UND is searching for a dean of its law school and its College of Business and Public Administration. There might be times when we go away from that (national search) standard, Armacost said. Simone will be paid $244,421 annually, according to a three-year contract signed Wednesday. This story was updated to add President Carmen Simones salary. North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has said that Bulgaria will terminate its contract for the transit of Russian gas in 2026. Source: Zhelyazkov, speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, as cited by BNR (Bulgarian National Radio) and reported by European Pravda "As part of the European Union, Bulgaria will join the EUs decision to terminate in the short term in 2026 contracts for the use or transit of Russian natural gas," BNR reports the Bulgarian prime minister as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Commenting on US President Donald Trumps call for Europe to stop purchasing Russian energy, Zhelyazkov added that in the long term, by 2028, Bulgaria aims to completely exclude Russian gas from its energy market. Background: Trump has threatened to impose high tariffs on India and China for buying Russian energy. He has also stated that before the US introduces measures against Russia, European countries must stop buying Russian energy resources, because they are "funding the war against themselves". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A Christian summer camp where 27 children died in a flash flood will reopen, to the outrage of the victims families. The owners of Camp Mystic in Texas announced reconstruction plans on Monday in a series of emails that were sent to the victims families and former campers. Camp Mystics bosses looked forward to rebuilding cabins and trails that were swept away by the floods, the emails said, according to the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not only rebuilding cabins and trails, but also a place where laughter, friendship and spiritual growth will continue to flourish, an email to past campers read. We look forward to welcoming you back inside the green gates. The new facility will open at the camps second site close to the Guadalupe River, which burst its banks on July 4, killing a total of 135 people at the girls-only summer camp in Kerrville. b' ' The river is a well-studied, high-risk flood zone, according to mapped data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema). The disaster was one of the most lethal floods in US history, with a death toll of at least 120 people including 36 children. Three people are still missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities faced questions about a series of apparent safety failings in the aftermath of the flood, including the location of some of the cabins and an insufficient flood warning system. The rebuilt cabins will not be in the same location, it is understood. b' ' The camps reopening has been met with fury from victims families, especially as one child, Cile Steward, eight, remains missing. Her mother, Cici, released a statement on Tuesday condemning plans to reopen the camp. She said: The truth is, Camp Mystic failed our daughters. Recovery teams are still out there, scouring the river, risking and sacrificing so much to find her so we can finally lay her to rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For their efforts, we are eternally grateful. Camp Mystic, however, has only added to our grief, she wrote. She accused the camp of engaging in a brief pause before business as usual. She added: Camp Mystic is pressing ahead with reopening, even if it means inviting girls to swim in the same river that may potentially still hold my daughters body. Cile Steward, eight, remains missing Camp Mystic also plans to build a memorial on the camp dedicated to those who were killed in the floods earlier this summer. Blake Bonner, the father of Lila, nine, who died in the flood, said the families who lost loved ones in July were not consulted and did not approve this memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emails that were sent out on Monday were signed by members of the Eastland family, who have owned the camp for nearly a century. Richard Dick Eastland, who was the camps director at the time of the flooding, died trying to save girls from the flooding. He was accused of failing to evacuate campers until an hour after the first official alert warning of oncoming catastrophic Texas floods. According to the Washington Post, he had notified some staff about the flood alert, which did not have an evacuation notice, and told them to monitor the situation. Richard Eastland died in the flooding A statement released by the Eastland family on Tuesday said they had received no negative comments from any of the bereaved families regarding plans to build a memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Bonner believes the camps resources should remain focused on finding Ciles body. The search for her body has become a rallying point for the families of the deceased, forming what they call Heavens 27. The group is calling for legislation in Texas to implement camp safety reforms, including by building new cabins and moving existing ones away from floodplains. b' ' 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. Less than a month after right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Utah college campus during his "American Comeback Tour," his organization announced it will continue the campus tour with a final stop at UC Berkeley. The conservative, nonprofit student group Turning Point USA was founded by Kirk, who was shot dead on Sept. 10 during the first stop of the current tour. A 22-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson, was arrested in connection with the shooting on Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tour resumed Monday at the University of Minnesota and is set for its next stop at Virginia Tech on Wednesday, according to its website. Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for UC Berkeley, confirmed to SFGATE that the organization's event is set for Nov. 10 and will occur on campus. Mogulof said the university does not have any details about the exact venue yet. According to the student organization's Bay Area social media page, the event is reportedly going to be held at Zellerbach Hall. The UC Berkeley event is slated to have two main speakers: Actor Rob Schneider and Christian author Frank Turek. The organization did not respond to SFGATE's questions about resuming the tour and decision to include a UC Berkeley stop. Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, is the newly appointed CEO of the organization and said in a public address that she planned to continue the campus tours and his podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campus events come as several professors, educators and staff members across California campuses are being put on leave for comments about Kirk's killing. More News - 'Unprecedented': Trump order stuns pilot at SFO - Man slides 2,000 feet to his death on Mount Shasta - Teen arrested on suspicion of Vegas Strip attack that cost $100M - Deadly fungus found at two national parks in Pacific Northwest Sign up for daily SFGATE breaking news alerts here. Google now allows you to add preferred news sources. Set SFGATE as one of yours to see more of us when you search. INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 27, the Indianapolis Zoo will celebrate the work of 2025 Indianapolis Prize Winner Dr. Lily-Arison Rene de Roland at a gala in downtown Indianapolis. The world's leading award for animal conservation, the Indianapolis Prize is awarded by the Indianapolis Zoo every two years. Dr. Rene de Roland is being recognized for his groundbreaking work in his native Madagascar where his discoveries have revolutionized biodiversity efforts and have created a new model for community-led species protection in one of Earth's most threatened ecosystems. Renowned Madagascar conservationist Lily-Arison Rene de Roland, Ph.D., is the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Winner. Photo by Matt Mays. This year's celebration also marks 20 years of the Indianapolis Prize. A global conservation initiative of the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indianapolis Prize has awarded more than $7.5 million to conservationists across the globe to support the protection of wildlife. "Dr. Rene de Roland exemplifies what we've learned after two decades of the Indianapolis Prize, that lasting conservation comes from local leadership and community partnership. We are proud to honor his significant achievements," said Dr. Rob Shumaker, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo. In 2006, Dr. Rene de Roland's team rediscovered the Madagascar pochard, a duck species thought to be extinct for 40 years, during an expedition to the remote wetlands of northern Madagascar. The find proved some of Madagascar's "lost" species could still be saved. As National Director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program, Dr. Rene de Roland leads a team of Malagasy conservationists and has established five national protected areas encompassing more than 1,500 square miles of critical habitat. He also has mentored hundreds of Malagasy conservationists, who have earned 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees. "My work is inspired by my pride for my country's biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people," Dr. Rene de Roland said. "I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated Malagasy people who care deeply about protecting our home." Dr. Rene de Roland was selected from six DeHaan Finalists representing conservation efforts across four continents: Alberto Alves Campos (Aquasis); Lisa Dabek, Ph.D. (Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program); Julie E. Packard (Monterey Bay Aquarium); Lee James Taylor White, Ph.D. (Research Institute for Tropical Ecology); and Birute Mary Galdikas, Ph.D. (Orangutan Foundation International). The winner of the Indianapolis Prize receives $250,000 and each DeHaan Finalist receives $50,000. US President Donald Trump all but nominated himself for the Nobel Peace Prize on Tuesday, claiming in his address to the United Nations that he has ended seven un-endable wars, which were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. I ended seven wars, and in all cases, they were raging, with countless thousands of people being killed. This includes Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda a vicious, violent war that was Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, Trump said in his remarks. The two conflicts that Trump has so far put the most efforts into ending Israels war in Gaza and Russias war on Ukraine continue to rage with no signs of easing, despite the myriads of deadlines, threats and promises he has made to get ceasefire agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the failure to get a deal in the Middle East and Ukraine has not stopped Trump from boasting about the conflicts he said he ended. Trump has repeated this claim since earlier this summer, and the White House provided a list of the seven claimed bilateral agreements last month. While he certainly contributed to brokering a couple of agreements between long-standing foes, his role in securing ceasefires in some of the other conflicts he has boasted about ending has been disputed by some of the countries involved. And then of course there are the wars that were not happening when he claims to have ended them. Trump (C), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (L), and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (R) hold up an agreement signed at the White House on August 8, 2025. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Armenia and Azerbaijan Trump certainly deserves credit for hosting the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House in August, where they finalized a peace agreement, which they first announced some five months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two former Soviet republics had been locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for almost four decades. The breakaway region in the Caucasus Mountains was home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians and while it is internationally considered as part of Azerbaijan, it was controlled by Armenian separatists since the fall of the Soviet Union. That changed in 2023, when a lightning 24-hour assault saw Azerbaijan regain total control of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting the regions ethnic Armenian population to flee to Armenia within a week. Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev both praised Trump for his role in getting the deal signed even if he later, while talking about it, confused Armenia for Albania and called Azerbaijan Aberbaijan. While undoubtedly a step forward, the agreement has not been ratified by either country. Several issues remain to be resolved most notably, Azerbaijan is demanding that Armenia changes its constitution a move that would likely be rejected by Armenian voters in a referendum. Cambodian and Thai soldiers stand guard near a destroyed building during the ASEAN Interim Observer Team visit to the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani. - Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Cambodia and Thailand The 508-mile (817-kilometer) border between Thailand and Cambodia has been prone to flareups of violence for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia has previously sought a ruling from the UNs International Court of Justice over disputed areas, but Thailand said it does not recognize the courts jurisdiction and claims that some areas along the border were never fully demarcated. The most recent round of violence erupted in July when at least 38 people, mostly civilians, were killed and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes. Trump held separate phone calls with the leaders of the two countries, threatening to stop trade negotiations if they didnt agree to a ceasefire. The two sides met in Malaysia within days and agreed to a ceasefire. However, the conflict over the contested border remains unresolved even though Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet said that he nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize. Emergency personnel work at a sire of an Iranian missile attack in Be'er Sheva, Israel, on June 24, 2025. - Yonatan Honig/Reuters Israel and Iran When the US president announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting in June, it looked a bit premature as both countries continued with their final attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the two countries did later endorse the ceasefire. The direct confrontation between the long-times foes started when Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities that killed prominent politicians, military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli cities and military sites. While Trump made it clear he was initially against Israel attacking Iran directly, the US joined and bombed Irans main nuclear facilities with its uniquely powerful bunker busting bombs. Like with many of the other conflicts he claims to have ended, Trumps role in bringing the violence to an end is unclear. No peace agreement or a firm deal on the future of Irans nuclear program has been reached and both Iran and Israel have threatened each other since then. An Indian Border Security Force personnel guard the Wagah border post, about 35kms from Amritsar on May 6, 2025. - Narinder Nanu/AFP/Getty Images India and Pakistan India and Pakistan got embroiled in their most intense conflict in decades in May, after India fired missiles across nine sites in Pakistan in response to a massacre of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict was raging for several days when, out of the blue, Trump announced on social media that the US had brokered an end to the fighting. There are conflicting accounts of how the ceasefire was negotiated. Islamabad praised US involvement and nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for what it said was decisive diplomatic intervention. India downplayed Trumps involvement, saying instead the ceasefire was agreed directly between the two countries. India has fiercely resisted any foreign intervention on the issue of Kashmir, the disputed region over which India and Pakistan fought several wars, insisting its not up to other countries to get involved. A Rwandan border officer stands guard as displaced people wait at the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on May 19, 2025. - Jospin Mwisha/AFP/Getty Images Rwanda and the DRC When the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed a peace agreement brokered by the US in June, it was hailed by Trump as a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there is little to suggest that the conflict one of the most protracted and complex conflicts in the world is easing in any way. Scores of militia groups that have fought for three decades are still engaging in deadly fighting, CNN visited the rebel-held city of Goma, home to more than 2 million people, earlier this month. Local people, aid workers and rebel leaders told CNN the fighting and the hardships caused by it continue. The same week, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) released a fact-finding report on the escalation of hostilities between January and July 2025 in North and South Kivu, the provinces in eastern DR Congos where two of its largest cities Goma and Bukavu are located. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed delivers his remarks during the official inauguration ceremony of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on September 9, 2025. - Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images Egypt and Ethiopia It is unclear how exactly Trump ended this conflict, since Egypt and Ethiopia were not, and are not, actually at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the two are locked in a bitter dispute over a massive hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia officially opened earlier this month and there are worried that this rift could escalate. Sitting on a tributary of the Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, took some 15 years to built and the Ethiopians see it as a key to their future economic prosperity. Egypt and Sudan have long opposed the dam, arguing that it would negatively impact the availability of water downstream. Egypt has argued that under a colonial-era treaty signed with Britain, it has the rights to veto any projects on the Nile. Serbia and Kosovo Another puzzling item on Trumps list of conflicts he has solved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO launched a bombing campaign against Serbian forces responsible for a brutal crackdown against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Serbia and Kosovo signed an economic normalization agreement during Trumps first term in 2020, but Serbia continues to view Kosovo as a breakaway state and does not recognize its independence. Tensions between the two continue to flare up every few months, with the European Union which both countries wish to join playing a key role in mediation. CNNs Rhea Mogul, Helen Regan, Sophia Saifi, Esha Mitra, Aditi Sangal, Nic Robertson, Alayne Treene, Sophia Saifi, Alex Stambaugh, Adam Cancryn, Alejandra Jaramillo, Caitlin Danaher, Gul Tuysuz, Nimi Princewill, Brad Lendon, Lauren Kent, Sarah Dean, Larry Madowo, Kocha Olarn and Kathleen Magramo contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHEYENNE Six years after allegedly killing, sexually assaulting and disposing of the body of a Cheyenne woman, Joseph Underwood submitted an Alford guilty plea to lesser charges related to the same incident in Park County. On Sept. 5, Underwood entered an Alford guilty plea in the Park County District Court to charges of concealing Angela Elizondos dead body, being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and leading law enforcement on a high-speed car chase on Nov. 2, 2019. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 years and six months of jail time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Alford guilty plea means that the defendant admits the court has enough evidence to convict. It does not, however, mean that the defendant has admitted guilt. Underwoods sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6, following the court granting Senior Assistant Public Defender Timothy Blatts request for a continuance. Original case Before charges were refiled in Park County, Underwood was originally charged in Laramie County with felony first-degree murder, first-degree sexual assault, two counts of felony strangulation and misdemeanor stalking. The sex assault charge was later dismissed. Laramie County court documents alleged that Underwood had killed Elizondo in Cheyenne and then taken her body to Cody, in Park County, and dumped her body in a creek bed south of town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April of 2022, the Laramie County court received a report from the Wyoming State Hospital saying Underwood was not mentally competent to go to trial on the murder charges. In June of that same year, Laramie County District Judge Peter Froelicher signed an order finding that there was not a substantial probability that Mr. Underwood will become fit to proceed within the foreseeable future. Froelicher also found Underwood not fit to proceed in December 2020 and September 2021, which had delayed trial proceedings. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled, and Underwood was released from Laramie Countys custody. Park County refiled charges against Underwood in July of 2022, pursuing the lesser charges of concealing a dead body, being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and leading law enforcement on a high-speed car chase on Nov. 2, 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claims of mental incompetence Underwood continued to claim mental incompetence in Park County, filing multiple letters requesting that the judge provide him with mental evaluations and the same lawyer he had in Laramie County. Underwood suffered a brain injury after a motorcycle accident in his late teens and added to that injury by shooting himself in the side of the head in 2014. Ultimately, Park County Circuit Judge Joseph Darrah ruled that the court could make special concessions to accommodate Underwoods mental deficiencies. Park County District Judge Bill Simpson upheld Judge Darrahs findings, allowing the case to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blacking out On the evening of Nov. 1, 2019, Underwood picked up Elizondo and brought her back to his residence in Cheyenne, according to court documents. Elizondo and Underwood were dating at the time. After some discussion about their relationship, Elizondo went into the bathroom and Underwood followed. In interviews with law enforcement, Underwood claimed he had blacked out, and the next thing he knew, he was sitting on Elizondos chest. He believed he had strangled her, but wasnt sure, according to court documents. After realizing Elizondo was dead, he removed her pants and had intercourse with her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disposing of the body After assaulting Elizondos dead body, Underwood said he went to a local Walmart to purchase a rope and a hand cart, which were used to move Elizondo. Walmart security camera footage confirmed this, according to court documents. Underwood then drove to Highway 120 South between Cody and Meeteetse, and then drove west off the highway onto a two-track road near a private ranch for a mile and a half, according to the affidavit. Underwood then allegedly left Elizondos body in a creek bed, tied to the small handcart, where the body was later discovered and identified. In interviews with law enforcement, Underwood claimed that Elizondo was stalking him. He had reported the stalking to law enforcement and told an officer he had better do something with her or she will end up dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underwood also told officers that they would find both of their cellphones, a 9mm handgun and a fetus that he was the father of in a butter container in his truck, according to court documents. Underwood said Elizondo had miscarried a month or so prior, according to court documents. If anything ever happens Agents also interviewed Elizondos mother, who said that in one instance, Underwood had followed Elizondo while she was in a car with a male friend, and attempted to run her and the friend off the road. Her mother was on the phone with her throughout the incident and advised her to drive to a gas station with cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizondo later told her mother that if anything ever happened to her, her body would be found in the mountains near Cody, Wyoming, according to court documents. This statement was consistent with what she told the Cheyenne Police officer while reporting that Underwood was stalking her. Elizondo had also previously called police, identifying Underwood as someone who was constantly harassing her. Elizondos autopsy confirmed that she was wrapped in a blue fitted bedsheet, feet bound together and tied to a red hand cart. Preliminary results of the autopsy indicate that she died as a result of blunt force trauma to her head, with manual and ligature strangulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents were also able to obtain access to phone records that established contact between the two the night of the incident. Agents located four prior incidents between Sept. 4, 2019, and Oct. 5, 2019, that involved both Elizondo and Underwood. It appeared that both reported the other for engaging in unwanted contact, according to court documents. Neighbors and co-workers of Elizondo were also able to confirm that Underwood made repeated contact with Elizondo, including sitting parked in front of her home for long periods of time at all hours of the night, despite being asked by police to leave her alone. HONG KONG (AP) Southern Chinese cities scaled back many aspects of daily life Tuesday with school and business closures and flight cancellations as they braced for one of the strongest typhoons in years that has already killed three people and displaced thousands in the Philippines. Residents living in flood-prone areas put sandbags and barriers at their doors, while others taped windows and glass doors to brace for strong winds. Many people stockpiled food and other supplies, and some market vendors reported their goods were selling out fast. Some Hong Kongers gathered on a promenade to watch waves as high as 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 9.8 feet) splash onto the pedestrian area before the weather worsens. Authorities rescued three people, including a child, from the sea and police said they were watching the waves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong' s observatory said Super Typhoon Ragasa, which was packing maximum sustained winds near the center of about 195 kph (120 mph), is expected to move west-northwest at about 22 kph (13.7 mph) across the northern part of the South China Sea and edge closer to the coast of Guangdong province, the southern Chinese economic powerhouse. Over 1 million people were relocated in the province, according to the Department of Emergency Management of Guangdong province. Chinas National Meteorological Center forecast the typhoon would make landfall in the coastal area between Taishan and Zhanjiang cities in Guangdong between midday and evening Wednesday. Heavy rainfalls are tagging along in the majority of Guangdong and nearby Fujian province. Schools, transport, factories halted The observatory in Hong Kong issued storm warning signal No. 8, the third-highest in the citys weather alert system. The city categorizes tropical cyclones with maximum sustained winds near the center of 185 kph or above as super typhoons to make residents extra vigilant about the approach of more intense storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water level was forecast to rise about 2 meters over coastal areas in the Asian financial hub on Wednesday morning, and the maximum level in some areas could hit 4 to 5 meters above the typical lowest sea level. The government said the water levels could be similar to those recorded during Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 estimated to have caused the city direct economic losses worth over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars ($154 million) and 4.6 billion Hong Kong dollars, respectively. Schools were closed in Hong Kong and the neighboring casino city of Macao. Hundreds of residents sought refuge at temporary shelters in the financial hub and three injured people were treated at hospitals. Other cities such as the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Foshan in Guangdong province and Haikou in Hainan province ordered class cancellations and a gradual suspension of other businesses, production and transportation. Hundreds of flights were canceled in Hong Kong. Shenzhen airport will halt all flights from Tuesday night. The Macao government was evacuating residents and tourists and ordered bridges to close in the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail of destruction in Philippines, Taiwan Heavy rain caused a barrier lake in Taiwan's eastern Hualien County to overflow and torrents of water rushed downstream and swept away a bridge, the Taiwan's Central News Agency reported. Local authorities said two people died and 30 others were missing. One of the fatalities appeared to be from natural causes and the cause for the other death was unclear, they said. Another 28 were injured across the island and over 7,000 people were evacuated, authorities said. Roads in Guangfu township in Hualien turned into churning rivers that carried away vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the northern Philippines, Ragasa left at least three people dead, five others missing and displaced more than 17,500 in flooding and landslides, officials said. The dead included a 74-year-old man, who was pinned in one of four vehicles that were partly buried by mud, rocks and trees that cascaded down a mountainside onto a narrow road on Monday in the mountain town of Tuba in Benguet province, officials said. Two other villagers died in the storm, including a resident in Calayan town, a cluster of islands off northern Cagayan province where the super typhoon made landfall on Monday. Ragasa, which means scramble in Tagalog, prompted the Philippine government on Monday to close schools and government offices in the densely populated capital region and 29 northern provinces. Fishing boats and ferries were prohibited from venturing into very rough seas and domestic flights were canceled. ____ Associated Press journalists Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, Fu Ting in Washington contributed to this report. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. China spent around 23 times more on its military than Taiwan in 2021. | Credit: Illustrated / Getty Images Taiwans president has announced a $40 billion security package to strengthen the islands defences against a possible invasion by China. Warning that Beijings threats are intensifying and its preparations to invade are speeding up, Lai Ching-te said: This is not an ideological struggle, nor a unification vs independence debate, but a struggle to defend democratic Taiwan and refuse to submit to being Chinas Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement The new eight-year plan includes the development of a T-dome air defence system, modelled on Israels Iron Dome, accompanied by a focus on the use of artificial intelligence, drones and other high-tech defence methodologies to boost Taiwans asymmetric response to a Chinese attack, said The Times. Beijing views Taiwan as a rogue breakaway territory that needs to be brought back under control, by force if necessary. This makes it arguably the most dangerous place on Earth, said The Economist . How likely is an invasion? US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth warned in May that Chinas attempt to conquer Taiwan by force could be imminent. Yet experts disagree about the likelihood and timing of a Chinese invasion, said the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) think tank. Advertisement Advertisement China has been engaging in unprecedented aggression and military modernisation, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, told the US Congressional Armed Services Committee earlier this year. Underscoring the seriousness of this escalation, he said Chinas drills around Taiwan are not just exercises they are rehearsals. While alarming, said the Atlantic Council , this unfortunately reflects a broader, consistent trend of escalating activities by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), including persistent crossings of the Taiwan Straits median line. Data from Taiwans Ministry of National Defence found that sorties across the Taiwanese-declared dividing line between Taiwan and China have increased from 953 incidents in 2021 to 3,070 in 2024. There are other indications that Beijing is preparing to move on Taiwan. China has been stockpiling record amounts of gold, which could be part of a strategy to defend itself from Western sanctions in the event of an attack on Taiwan. It has also been building a solid legal ground for a potential invasion, aiming to frame the attack as a legitimate internal matter. Advertisement Advertisement This will help the country to delay a collective security and economic response from the West, said The Sun . When could an invasion happen? Paparo told members of Congress that the PLA are stretching their legs to meet President Xi Jinpings military readiness goal of being capable of taking Taiwan by force by 2027. That year is seen as magical because it marks the centenary of what was to become the PLA, said Robert Fox in Londons The Standard . Despite living under the constant shadow of Chinese invasion, most people in Taiwan 65%, according to a survey released in May by the military-affiliated Institute for National Defense and Strategic Research believe it is unlikely that China will attack in the next five years. Lai and his government have adopted a mantra: by preparing for war, we are avoiding war. They have initiated major military reforms, expanded the mandatory conscription programme, increased pay and benefits for the military, and introduced more rigorous training, said the BBC. The extra $40 billion announced this week is part of a long-term plan to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, a response to demands from the Trump administration not to rely solely on the United States coming to its aid, said The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Others believe 2049 is a critical date, said the CFR, as Xi Jinping has emphasised that unification with Taiwan is essential to achieving what he calls the Chinese Dream, which sees China's great-power status restored by 2049. How could an invasion start? There are three possible avenues that could lead to conflict, said Joel Wuthnow in Foreign Affairs. A so-called war of choice would see Beijing try to capture Taiwan by force after careful consideration of the economic, military, and political risks. Alternatively, a war of necessity might be launched if it felt Taiwan had crossed a political red line that permanently threatened Chinas control of the island; for example, with a formal declaration of independence. The third possibility, that has received much less attention yet may be even more likely, is a war resulting from an accident or miscalculation that spirals out of control. Given recent events it is easy to see how such a miscalculation could spiral into full-blown conflict. Chinese military drills last year surrounded Taiwans main island with joint exercises by all branches of the PLA and, unusually, an increasingly militarised coast guard. Then, in January, Naval News first reported the construction of new amphibious barges at Guangzhou Shipyard, in southern China. Advertisement Advertisement These new barge-like Shuiqiao ships are potentially a game-changer for Beijing and provide insight into China's integration of its military, paramilitary and civilian operations and its plans for a potential invasion, said The Guardian . The barges feature bridges that could be used to transport tanks and supplies over previously uncrossable land, said The Telegraph , giving them multiple fronts for an invasion and thinning out Taiwans line of defence. The likely strategy is to overwhelm Taiwan with a massive attack with little warning . That would mean in the early hours of a Chinese invasion, the narrow strait separating the island from the mainland would likely be transformed into a ferocious battlefield, said Business Insider . Aside from deploying more traditional weapons such as missiles or warships, vast fleets of unmanned aerial and naval drones will likely darken the skies and hide beneath waves, bringing with them a deadly threat that Taiwan and its allies are ill-prepared to counter. During Joe Bidens presidency, the US strategy to counter this dubbed Hellscape hinged on deploying thousands of new drones that would swarm the Taiwan Strait and keep China's military busy until more help could arrive. How would it play out? Chinese action against Taiwan would be an act of war that sparks a global crisis, said The Wall Street Journal . It would provoke a military response by Taiwan, force President Trump to decide whether the US military should help defend the island, disrupt global trade and impel European nations to impose punishing sanctions on Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement China has warned it will crush any foreign attempts to interfere on behalf of Taiwan, after Japan announced plans to deploy missiles near the independent island. It comes less than a week after Japans new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said her country would regard an attack on Taiwan as an existential threat to security in the region and would likely intervene. If a conflict were to break out it would be a catastrophe, said The Economist. This is first because of the bloodshed in Taiwan, but also because of the risk of escalation between two nuclear powers , namely the US and China. Beijing massively outguns Taiwan, with estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute showing that China spent about 23 times more on its military in 2021. The PLA also boasts more than two million active soldiers. The US is bound by the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character and discourage China from using force or coercion to achieve its goals regarding the island. This could see Washington drawn into any conflict although there is growing scepticism in Taipei that Trump would intervene militarily in the event of a full-blown Chinese attack. With China's economic clout still its "strongest card" in Southeast Asia, Beijing is continuing to gain prominence in all corners of the region as its leading external partner, according to a study released on Wednesday. According to the Lowy Institute's Southeast Asia Influence Index, China has an overall score of 65 out of 100, a one-point lead over its nearest rival, the United States, making it the "most influential power" in six of the region's 11 countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The whole region is diversifying to avoid dependence on any one power and reduce spillover risks from an intense rivalry between the US and China, the Australian think tank said, but several countries are "highly exposed" to China in specific sectors such as tourism, investment and trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. "China is the region's leading export market - taking around 20 per cent of all exports, compared to 16 per cent going to the United States - and is responsible for around 26 per cent of the region's imports," said report authors Susannah Patton, Jack Sato and Rahman Yaacob. "[China] is also an increasingly important source of private investment for the region, accounting for 21 per cent of new project investment in Southeast Asia over the past 10 years (2015-2024) compared to just 13 per cent over the 10-year period to 2017, when Japan was the largest foreign investor in the region." The index, which takes stock of activities capable of generating influence between external partners and the region's 11 nations, comprises five areas of measurement: namely, economic relationships, defence networks, diplomatic influence, cultural influence and regional engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a group of 10 member states from the region, is China's largest trading partner. Last week, Vice-President Han Zheng urged China and Southeast Asia to further deepen their strategic alignment in his opening address at the China-Asean Expo in the southwestern Chinese city of Nanning. However, the Lowy Institute pointed out in its report that China's presence does not "dominate" Southeast Asia, which means it is not the primary partner for the region across all domains of influence. For instance, it still does not have well-developed defence networks with most countries in the region. "China is the leading partner for people flows, reflecting its position as the top source of both foreign tourists and students studying in Southeast Asia," the report's authors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However, its information projection through TV, radio, newspapers and news agencies remains weak, ranking just sixth on this sub-measure." The United States is the second most influential partner for the region with the "deepest defence networks", according to the index, but its influence in the region is likely to be eroded by the Trump administration's policies on tariffs and aid cuts. "On one end, the United States is seen as a distant and peripheral power, while at the other, Washington is the trusted and preferred partner, an essential balance against China," the report's authors added. For the Philippines and Singapore, the index showed that the United States remains the leading power by a considerable margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But in many countries, especially Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar, the United States is not an effective competitor to China," the report said. Beyond the United States and China, the index noted that four Indo-Pacific powers - Australia, India, Japan and South Korea - also exercise influence in Southeast Asia, but only Japan has a "multidimensional presence" across the entire region as it is "active" across all domains of influence. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a Genesee County doe. The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed the finding, which makes Genesee the 16th county in the state to have a deer population test positive for CWD since data tracking began. The DNR reports that CWD is a deadly neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk, and moose. To date, the disease has also been detected in the following Michigan counties: Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw, and Washtenaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CWD is a chronic, slow-developing disease. It can be present in new areas at very low levels, making it difficult to detect. CWD symptoms include weight loss, decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of humans. Infected deer may also exhibit increased water consumption, increased urination, and excessive salivation, according to the United States Geological Survey. The DNR reports that it will continue to test deer that appear sick in Genesee County when possible. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the public as they continue to report sick deer so our team can follow up with the necessary testing for confirmation, Brent Rudolph, DNR management specialist, said in a news release sent to 6 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though many reported deer turn out not to be infected, the care thats demonstrated when people take the time to share their observations is a critical contribution to our disease-testing efforts. There have been no reported cases of CWD in humans. However, as a precaution, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends that infected meat not be consumed by humans or domestic animals. Hunters should use caution when field-dressing or processing a deer. Wear rubber gloves, minimize contact with the deers brain and spinal tissue, and wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling any parts of the carcass. Deer carcasses and parts should be taken directly to a landfill or disposed of through regular bagged trash pickup. Deer harvested from known CWD areas should be removed from the landscape to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. UHRICHSVILLE Lucabella LaEace, a 21-year-old nursing student from Cincinnati, was named Miss Clayland 2026. LaEace, who attends Thomas More University, performed a jazz dance to Big Time during the talent competition. Her community service initiative is Ending the Silence Surrounding Suicide. She received a $4,000 scholarship, a $500 in-kind scholarship to Kent State University-Tuscarawas, a $250 scholarship for the Community Service Award and a $250 scholarship for the Ray King Talent Award. As Miss Clayland, she will compete for the title of Miss Ohio 2026 in June. Lucabella LaEace was named Miss Clayland 2026 and will now compete for the title of Miss Ohio in June. I am incredibly excited to serve and grateful for the Clayland community for their support, LaEace said in the announcement. This is a life-changing opportunity, and I look forward to spending as much time as possible in Tuscarawas County sharing my story as a suicide loss survivor to help others. Thank you to the generous donors and volunteers for empowering young women to change the world. Other scholarship recipients Julia DePenti, a 24-year-old from Parma, was named first runner-up and received a Ray King Talent Award for a total of $700 in scholarship awards. She performed a jazz dance to Covergirl and is a graduate student at Bowling Green State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Miss Clayland 2026: Meet the 7 Ohio women who will compete for the crown on Sept. 20 Piper Lambert from East Palestine was awarded a $600 Random Act of Kindness Award given in memory of Debbie Gordon by the Gordon Family. She also received a $150 non-finalist scholarship. Reagan Truitt of Chillicothe , Aliah Williamson of Coshocton, Abby Lipinski of Waynesfield and Morgan Hunter of Rockford received $150 non-finalist scholarships. Judges for the competition were Nichole Zesiger Merkl of New Philadelphia, Gina Space Tompkins and Col. Richard Ray of Dover, Dawn Abrams of Port Washington and Sarah Clapper Shobe of Marysville. We are so incredibly humbled by the donation of businesses, individuals and organizations throughout the county that help to make this program such a success Martha Campbell, executive director of the Miss Clayland Scholarship Program, said in the announcement. Our volunteers are second to none, always going above and beyond to make the program memorable for each contestant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miss Clayland Scholarship Program is a preliminary to the Miss Ohio and Miss America programs. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/. This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Miss Clayland 2026 winner to compete for Miss Ohio title BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday called for a criminal investigation against U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials involved in this months deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean that the White House has said were transporting drugs. Petro repudiated the three attacks in his speech at the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly during which he also accused Trump of criminalizing poverty and migration. Criminal proceedings must be opened against those officials, who are from the U.S., even if it includes the highest-ranking official who gave the order: President Trump, Petro said of the strikes, adding that boat passengers were not members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang as claimed by the Trump administration after the first attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the boats were carrying drugs as alleged by the U.S. government, Petro said, their passengers were not drug traffickers; they were simply poor young people from Latin America who had no other option. Petros comments came shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced that his government is preparing a series of constitutional decrees to defend the countrys sovereignty in the event of an attack from U.S. forces. Few details are known about the deadly strikes, the first of which took place Sept. 2 and killed 11 people, according to the Trump administration. U.S. officials have said that boat and another vessel targeted Sept. 16 had set out to sea from Venezuela. Three people died in the second attack. The U.S. military struck a third boat Friday, killing three people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has justified the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. It has yet to explain how the military assessed the boats cargo and determined the alleged gang affiliation of passengers. U.S. national security officials told members of Congress that the first boat taken out was fired on multiple times after it had changed course and appeared headed back to shore. They said that the missiles in the Caribbean were used to stop drug trafficking. That is a lie stated here in this very rostrum, Petro said Tuesday in what appeared to be a direct reference to Trump, who spoke hours earlier. Was it really necessary to bomb unarmed, poor young people in the Caribbean? Maduro has accused the Trump administration of using drug trafficking accusations as an excuse for a military operation whose intentions are to oust his government. Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, restarted his country's diplomatic relations with Venezuela after taking office in 2022. Oklahoma Catholics are sharing memories of a leader who shepherded the faithful through the tragedy of the Oklahoma City bombing, helped prepare the church to welcome rising numbers of Hispanics, and who began the cause for canonization for an Okarche priest who was martyred for his faith while serving in Guatemala. The ministry of the Most Rev. Eusebius J. Beltran, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, was recently discussed by those who knew him as they shared memories and considered aspects of his legacy. Beltran died on Sept. 12, at age 91. The Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, current archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, said Beltran was a good shepherd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served as a bishop in Oklahoma for many years, both as bishop in the Diocese of Tulsa and here in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City." Beltran was born on Aug. 31, 1934, in Ashley, Pennsylvania. He was one of eight children and one of four to chose the religious life. He and one of his brothers became priests, while two of his sisters became religious women, according to his obituary. More: Priest in Oklahoma City archdiocese remembered as 'beautiful example of faith' Beltran's family moved to Georgia in the 1950s. He was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1960. He was appointed bishop in February 1978 by Saint Paul VI and was ordained and installed as the second bishop of Tulsa in April 1978 at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served as bishop of Tulsa for 15 years before being appointed archbishop of Oklahoma City in 1992. The archdiocese encompasses two thirds of Oklahoma. Beltran was installed as Oklahoma City archbishop in January 1993 at the Civic Center in downtown Oklahoma City. He served in that role for 18 years, submitting his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI in August 2009 once he reached the age of 75, as required by Roman Catholic Church law. His retirement became effective in December 2010, when he assumed the title of apostolic administrator until 2011, when he became archbishop emeritus. The Rev. Don Wolf said perhaps the most significant aspect of Beltran's legacy is his commitment to pursuing the cause for canonization for the Rev. Stanley Rother, an Archdiocese of Oklahoma City priest who was murdered by unknown assailants in 1981 while serving the church in Guatemala. Wolf, who is a cousin of Rother's, currently serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Church at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine. "The earliest he could, he did and he did it in a big way," Wolf said of Beltran decision to take the initative regarding Rother's cause. "I think it's probably going to be the largest and longest lasting of all the initiatives he undertook here in the archdiocese. He was very intent on that." Beltran began the cause for canonization for Rother in 2007, which included three years of research and interviews, and thousands of documents were sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of us will not see this to its successful completion," he told The Oklahoman at the time. "The church is slow in these matters because it is thorough and we are dealing here with the spiritual realm, which is timeless. However, if we did not take the initiative to proceed now, the cause might never go forward." Ten years later, Pope Francis declared Rother the first U.S. martyr, which lead to his beatification at a ceremony in 2017 in downtown Oklahoma City. Beltran served as principal concelebrant at the ceremony where Rother became the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified. Rother is currently on the path to Roman Catholic sainthood. More: Oklahoma priest dies after falling through church ceiling, community mourns 'kind, holy man' Wolf said Beltran also welcomed priests from India to serve in the Oklahoma City Archdiocese and over the years, he also welcomed priests from Africa and Spanish-speaking countries, as well. Wolf said Beltran also began encouraging priests to learn Spanish as he realized that Oklahoma was becoming home to more and more Hispanics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monsignor Rick Stansberry, pastor of Our Lady's Cathedral, said Beltran would also be remembered for his involvement with the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Stansberry said Beltran participated in civil rights marches in Georgia, and also took part in the well-known marches in Selma, Alabama, participating in the marches organized by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his delegates. "The tension in the country was just tremendous at the that time," Beltran told The Oklahoman in 2005. The archbishop recalled getting off a bus in the Deep South and seeing "colored" entrances at restaurents, gasoline stations and other places. "When I first witnessed that, I was horrified," he said. Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB, with St. Gregory's Abbey, said Beltran always struck him as "quietly strong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To me, Archbishop Beltran was a consummate pastoral leader," Stasyszen said. "His role and his use of authority was always looking toward the good of the other." Stasyszen said Beltran was noted for shephereding the Catholic faithful through the tragedy of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The abbot said it was Beltran who commissioned the art piece called Jesus Wept that is located on the grounds of St. Joseph Old Cathedral, across from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Mass of Christian burial for Beltran is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, 700 SE 89. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Funeral Mass set for OKC archbishop The Most Rev. Eusebius J. Beltran Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday the country was a target of a "serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure" after reports of multiple large drones shut down Copenhagen airport for several hours the evening before. Frederiksen said authorities were still investigating the cause of the incident, but that she could not rule out Russia being to blame. "Weve seen drones over Poland that shouldnt have been there. Weve seen activity in Romania, violations of Estonian airspace," Frederiksen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So I can only say that, in my view, this is a serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said it was too early to say whether Russia was involved and whether there was a connection between the incident and Russian drone incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace earlier this month. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the allegations. The drones flew around the airport for four hours before they disappeared, according to reports. Thousands of passengers were left stranded after at least 35 flights bound for Copenhagen Airport were diverted to other airports. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen holds a doorstep and comments on drone activity Monday evening at Copenhagen Airport, in Copenhagen, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. - AP Photo Airports in Malmo, Billund, Aarhus and Gothenburg received the most flights, according to the post. Oslo airport in nearby Norway was also forced to close for four hours after two drones were spotted in the skies above it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both airports were reopened early Tuesday, though flight delays and cancellations continued through the morning. 'Intention to show off' The unknown perpetrator was a capable drone pilot with the ability to fly them many kilometres to reach the airport, Jens Jespersen of the Copenhagen Police said during a news conference Tuesday morning. There was nothing to indicate the pilot intended to cause any harm, Jespersen said. "The way they flew yesterday indicates that what they actually intended was to show off," he added. Police chose not to shoot down the drones because the risk was too great, given the airport's full passenger capacity, the planes on the runways, and nearby fuel depots, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are examining how the drones reached the airport whether it was by land or possibly on boats travelling through the strategic straits into the Baltic Sea. Danish police and Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) are present at DSB on Kystvejen by Copenhagen Airport, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 - AP Photo Security concerns in northern Europe are heightened following an increase in Russian sabotage activities and multiple drone and fighter jet incursions into NATO airspace in recent weeks. In 2023, Londons Gatwick Airport closed its runway for almost an hour after a drone was reported nearby. In December 2018, more than 140,000 travellers were stranded or delayed during the Christmas season after dozens of drone sightings shut down Gatwick for parts of three consecutive days. Rachel Reeves with Revolut chief executive Nik Storonsky at the opening of the companys new headquarters at the YY building in Canary Wharf, east London - Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images Revolut has pledged to invest 3bn in Britain and create 1,000 jobs as it steps up efforts to gain a full banking licence. Nik Storonsky, the financial technology start-ups billionaire chief executive, said Revolut would invest the sum over the next five years. He was speaking on Tuesday as he opened the companys new headquarters in Canary Wharf. It is understood a significant part of the funding is tied up in efforts to fully capitalise its UK bank as it seeks to secure a full banking licence. Revolut was granted a banking licence last year after a three-year wait. But the permit remains provisional, limiting the business from offering key lending products such as mortgages and from holding larger customer deposits. The status of the London-based businesss banking licence has become highly political, amid claims that Rachel Reeves has sought to intervene in the process on the companys behalf. In July, Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, blocked an attempt by Ms Reeves to set up a meeting between Britains most valuable fintech company and City regulators in an effort to speed up approval. The Chancellor tried to arrange the meeting as part of her attempts to persuade the $75bn (55bn) UK-based company to list in London instead of New York. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Storonsky said Revolut was focused on establishing its UK bank: We have 11 million customers in the UK, it is our number one market. So our number one priority is to roll them into the UK bank. Ms Reeves attended the opening of Revoluts new headquarters at the YY building in the heart of Londons financial district. Ms Reeves said Revolut could really help our country step up its productivity. She said: For too long, Britain has been the laggard of productivity performance. Ever since the financial crisis, our productivity has lagged behind our competitors, and Im committed to changing that, and I know that Revolut is as well. The Chancellor added that the investment pledge showed the UK is well and truly open for business under this Government. The commitment to the UK comes on the back of a series of pledges by financial services giants to invest in Britain in the wake of Donald Trumps state visit last week. The Government says it has secured more than 110bn in investment from financial giants, including billions of pounds from investment giants Blackstone and BlackRock. Revolut has been waiting for more than a year for a full banking licence. Mr Storonsky has previously criticised the UKs banking regulator, accusing the City watchdog of being extremely bureaucratic and extra cautious. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Several unidentified drones shut down airspace over Copenhagen Airport on Monday night, prompting concerns that Russia could be behind the flyover above Scandinavias largest airport. There was no indication that the operators of two to three drones intended to cause harm to anyone, police said, and the drones disappeared after several hours. The incident caused a major disruption to air traffic in and out of the airport. While it wasnt immediately clear who was behind the flyover, Denmarks prime minister and NATOs secretary-general said that Russian involvement couldnt be ruled out. And now Denmark already on edge because of its proximity to Russia will join a group of front-line countries Friday to discuss the European Unions plans for a drone wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it "the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that it was too early to say whether Russia was involved, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected suggestions that Moscow could be involved. Every time we hear unfounded accusations, he said in a call Tuesday with reporters, adding that a party that takes a serious and responsible position mustnt make such unfounded accusations again and again. A capable actor Officials chose not to shoot down the drones because the risk was too great because of the airport being full of passengers, the planes on the runways and nearby fuel depots, Jes Jespersen, senior police inspector of the Copenhagen Police, said during a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jespersen called the operators a capable actor and said they seemed intent on showing off their skills and possibly practicing their techniques. The drones' lights reportedly turned on and off and appeared to engage in different flight patterns. It all indicates that you are not out to attack anyone, but you are out to show off and maybe to practice, he said of the operators. The two to three drones appeared to have flown many kilometers (miles) to reach the airport. Investigators are looking at how the drones reached the airport whether it was by land or possibly by boat. Flights at the airport resumed early Tuesday, though delays and cancellations continued throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A drone in Norway A drone incident the same evening at the airport in Oslo, Norway, forced all traffic to move to one runway, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Traffic later returned to normal and its unclear who was responsible. Jespersen said nothing immediately linked the Oslo and Copenhagen incidents, but officials would look into any potential ties. In 2023, Londons Gatwick Airport closed its runway for almost an hour after a drone was reported nearby. In December 2018, more than 140,000 travelers were stranded or delayed during the Christmas season after dozens of drone sightings shut down Gatwick for parts of three consecutive days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heightened security concerns Security concerns in northern Europe are heightened following growing Russian aggression. On Tuesday, NATO warned Russia that it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing earlier this month of Russian drones over Poland and Estonias report of an intrusion of Russian fighter jets last week. And here we see a clear pattern: Russia is testing the European borders, also probing our resolve and undermining our security throughout, Anitta Hipper, European Commission spokesperson, said Tuesday. The Sept. 10 incident in Poland was the first direct encounter between NATO and Moscow since Russia launched a full-scale war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. It jolted leaders across Europe, raising questions about how prepared the alliance is against Russia. Sept. 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1789, the Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. The number of justices became nine in 1869. In 1929, aviator James Doolittle demonstrated the first "blind" takeoff and landing, using only instruments to guide his aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1942, as World War II raged, popular bandleader Glenn Miller ended his long-running radio show and announced he was going into the U.S. Army. He was succeeded on radio by Harry James. In 1957, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Ark., to enforce the Supreme Court's desegregation decision. President Donald Trump gives his address at the 74th General Debate at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2019. This same day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an impeachment inquiry into Trump. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI UPI File Photo In 1959, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev met at Camp David, Md. Demonstrators and police during the 1968 Democratic Convention on in Grant Park. On September 24, 1969, the Chicago 8 trial began for eight men accused of taking part in anti-Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. UPI File Photo In 1964, Chief Justice Earl Warren hand-delivered to President Lyndon B. Johnson the Warren Commission report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy a year prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1969, the so-called Chicago 8 -- later to be known as the Chicago 7 -- trial began for eight men accused of taking part in anti-Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Some of the accused were convicted, but all were overturned. On September 24, 1929, aviator James Doolittle demonstrated the first "blind" takeoff and landing, using only instruments to guide his aircraft. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force In 1998, Iran's foreign minister announced the country had dropped its 1989 call for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, which many Muslims found blasphemous. In 2005, the eye of Hurricane Rita made landfall at the Texas-Louisiana border. The Category 3 storm was responsible for more than 100 deaths and more than $18.5 million in damage, bringing a devastating storm surge that only worsened the effects of Hurricane Katrina weeks before. Members of the Warren Commission present their report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 24, 1964. From L-R: John McCloy, J. Lee Rankin (general counsel), Sen. Richard Russell, Rep. Gerald Ford, Chief Justice Earl Warren, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Allen Dulles, Sen. John Sherman Cooper and Rep. Hale Boggs. File Photo courtesy of the LBJ Library In 2007, about 73,000 members of the United Auto Workers went on strike against General Motors after contract negotiations bogged down over wages and benefits. The walkout ended within two days. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI On September 24, 1789, the Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. The number of justices became nine in 1869. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2009, the discovery of a treasure trove of more than 1,500 finely crafted gold, silver and copper artifacts, found with a metal detector and believed buried by seventh-century Anglo-Saxon rulers, was termed one of most important in British archaeological history. In 2013, authorities in southwest Pakistan said a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Balochistan province killed at least 500 people and destroyed hundreds of houses throughout the region. Salman Rushdie arrives for the Metropolitan Opera's Premiere of Jules Massemet's "Manon" at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York on March 26, 2012. On September 24, 1998, Iran's foreign minister announced the country had dropped its 1989 call for the death of = Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," which many Muslims found blasphemous. File Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI In 2019, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced an official impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump over allegations he pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announced an investigation into Joe Biden and threatened to withhold military aid. The House voted to impeach Trump in December 2019, but the Senate acquitted him three months later. In 2023, NASA recovered a 250-gram dust sample from the Bennu asteroid, marking the first sample return of its kind in the United States. The sample was collected by spacecraft OSIRIS-REx. In 2024, Thai King Maha Vajiralonghorn signed a new law legalizing same-sex marriage in the country. It was the first Southeast Asian country to do so. Denmark has officially apologized to hundreds of Greenlandic women who, especially during 1960s and 1970s, were given invasive contraceptive without their consent by Danish health authorities. At a public ceremony in the centre of the Greenlandic capital Nuuk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asked those affected for forgiveness on behalf of the government. "Today is a special day. We are naming a failure that has had serious consequences for Greenlandic girls and women," said Frederiksen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if an apology cannot change the past or ease the pain experienced, she said it is a recognition of the wrong that occurred. For too long people turned a blind eye, but no longer, she added. "On behalf of Denmark, I apologize." The IUD scandal According to a government investigation, at least 4,070 Greenlandic girls and women had intrauterine devices (IUDs) inserted by Danish doctors by 1970 without their consent - some as young as 12 and without their parents' knowledge. Researchers believe the policy aimed to curb population growth in Greenland, where Denmark controlled healthcare until 1992. The scandal is one of several grievances Greenlanders have long raised against Danish authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danish broadcaster DR reported some girls and women were unaware that the contraceptive had been inserted, in some cases during a routine gynaecological examination. Others were not yet sexually active and have described the procedure as painful and "hell." According to the Danish Institute for Human Rights, contraceptive procedures are still being performed in Greenland without the consent of girls and women today. Reconciliation and compensation In 1953, Greenland, which had been a Danish colony for more than 200 years, formally became part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The world's largest island only gained more autonomy over its internal affairs in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the ceremony, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also apologized for cases of IUD insertions and other medical procedures performed without consent since Greenland assumed responsibility for its healthcare system. In 2024, 143 affected women filed lawsuits against the Danish state for human rights violations, each seeking compensation of 300,000 kroner (around $46,760). Before her visit to Nuuk, Frederiksen announced plans for a reconciliation fund to compensate both the women involved and other Greenlanders wronged because of their origin. Arkansas legislators listen to a presentation on farming economics from the University of Arkansas' Cooperative Extension Service in Stuttgart on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) STUTTGART Arkansas agriculture industry leaders warned again Tuesday of a need for aid to mitigate a crisis that has reached a breaking point for family farmers. If something is not done very quickly and substantially, Im afraid people are going to go ahead and make decisions that they cant change back, Kirk Vansandt, the chief agriculture lending officer for Farmers and Merchants Bank, told a legislative panel in Stuttgart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays hearing before the House Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources subcommittee was the latest in a string of high-profile public meetings where members of the states agriculture community have exhorted Arkansas congressional delegation and President Donald Trump to come to the aid of commodity crop farmers, who are facing one of their worst periods in decades as a result of skyrocketing production costs and stagnant demand. Without aid, many in the industry believe 25-40% of farmers will decide to bow out after this season, Vansandt told the panel. Arkansas led Southern states in the number of Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies in 2024, according to a presentation shown to the subcommittee and its already far surpassed its 2024 Chapter 12 totals in 2025. Personally, I think its one out of three people if nothing happens. Its that dire, Vansandt said. Vansandt said his impression after a recent trip to the nations capital was that aid will come but he worries it might not be soon enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A provision of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act that passed earlier this year provided some assistance for farmers, but that aid isnt set to hit bank accounts until fall of next year. Those addressing the subcommittee almost universally said that wouldnt be soon enough to avert mass closures of farms. Were in such a dire strait with our export markets, Vansandt said. Its going to take a bridge to get us all from right now to the fall of 26. The industry representatives stressed that it wouldnt only be farmers who suffered if farms began to close en masse so would the small rural communities they support, many of which have already lost large numbers of their populations in recent years. The businesses that support farms, like agricultural aviators, farm banks and parts stores, would also take a hit, they said. Rep. Stephen Meeks, R-Greenbriar, asked what, if anything, the industry spokespersons wanted to see the state do to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My concern is, if its just a money issue, for every dollar that we give yall to help you weather the storm, thats $1 were taking from another Arkansas family thats also struggling to put food on the table, Meeks said. We cant print money like the federal government. Ross Wood, the retail operations manager for Stratton Seed, said help with taxes on capital expenditures or fuel would help. Taxes on parts and maintenance that kills us, Wood said. Any help would help. Numerous people said they didnt want handouts, but that they had become necessary in the face of a market that was not profitable. Vansandt put it bluntly: Thats just not the world were living in right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subsidies are going to be the only thing that can make up the difference, he said. The toll is not just financial. One farmer who was asked to speak, Sydney Robinett, said the stress of managing the downturn is the kind that doesnt go away at the end of the work day. It gets in bed with you, he said. Sometimes its better to be awake than it is to sleep at night, because when Im awake, I can think of whats going on today. The bad dreams happen at night. The bad dreams are going out of business. The bad dreams are the uncertainty. Subcommittee Co-Chair Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, became emotional as she concluded the meeting. Noting her own job as a farmer, she said her heart broke for those struggling in the current commodity market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been saying for several weeks: February next year is way too late for us to forecast what this is going to do for our state, Vaught said. [By] November, we will have farms that have already made the decision to shut down, and they will never be able to go back into production again. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Europe cannot afford to let Moldova fall to Russia, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in a speech at the United Nations on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president said at the UN General Assembly that Moldova, a former Soviet republic, was following a similar path to Georgia and Belarus, two countries with governments allied to Vladimir Putin. Russias trying to do to Moldova what Iran once did to Lebanon and the global response again, not enough. We have already lost Georgia in Europe ... and for many, many years, Belarus has also been moving toward dependence on Russia, Mr Zelensky told world leaders in New York. Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moldova, which borders Ukraine, has been hit with a barrage of deepfake videos and other disinformation linked to Russia ahead of its parliamentary election this weekend. On Tuesday, authorities arrested 74 suspected saboteurs, who were allegedly trained by Russia to incite riots before Sundays election. Maia Sandu, the pro-EU president, accused Moscow of spending hundreds of millions of euros to buy hundreds of thousands of votes. Moldova has been hit with a barrage of deepfake videos and other disinformation linked to Russia ahead of Sundays election - Vadim Ghirda/AP The tactics mirror those used in last years elections in Georgia, where the pro-Kremlin Georgian Dream party was able to secure a majority after a mass interference campaign by Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a wide-ranging speech, Mr Zelensky also took aim at the UN, which he claimed had done nothing to help countries at war. What can Sudan, Somalia, Palestine or any other people living through war expect from the UN, or the global system? For decades, just statements and statements, the Ukrainian president said. He said the future of warfare was unpredictable, warning that it was feasible that drones could carry nuclear warheads. Mr Zelensky added: Stopping Russia now is cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead. So we must do everything we have together to force the aggressor to stop. Only then, do we have a real chance that this arms race will not end in catastrophe for all of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also cast doubt on Natos ability to guarantee Ukraines security after a series of incursions by Russian drones and fighter jets into Poland and Estonia. But he was full of praise for Donald Trump, who unexpectedly declared on Tuesday that Nato jets should shoot down Russian jets and said that Ukraine could regain all of its territory from Russia and go even further than that. Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace - Forsvarsmakten We had a good meeting with President Trump, and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot, Mr Zelensky said. We are doing everything to make sure Europe truly helps and, of course, we count on the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the Kremlin flatly rejected Mr Trumps reading of the war, claiming he had been influenced by Mr Zelensky. As far as we understand, President Trumps statements were made after communicating with Zelensky and, apparently, under the influence of a vision set out by Zelensky. This vision contrasts sharply with our understanding of the current state of affairs, Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, told reporters. The fact that Ukraine is being encouraged in every possible way to continue hostilities and the argument that Ukraine can win something back is, in our view, a mistaken argument... The dynamics on the front lines speak for themselves, he added. Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, has dismissed Donald Trumps claim that Ukraine could win back land it has lost to Russia - Maxim Shemetov/EPA/Shutterstock Russia has failed to make any meaningful progress on the battlefield for some time. In the summer, a surprise breakthrough in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, was swiftly suppressed by Ukraines elite special forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Peskov was also forced to defend the Russian economy after Mr Trump suggested it was in big trouble. Data released by the Russian economy ministry on Wednesday showed that the GDP growth forecast for this year had been cut from 2.5 per cent to 1 per cent, with tax increases probably on the way. In an effort to disrupt the Russian economy, Ukraine has been engaged in a steady bombing campaign of Moscows oil refineries and military facilities. On Wednesday, Ukrainian drones attacked one of Russias largest petrochemical complexes, Salavat in the southern Bashkortostan region, for the second time in less than a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has attacked more than 10 refiners and export terminals over the past two months, some as far as 621 miles away from the Ukrainian border. 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. Donald Trump has targeted Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his bad leadership and appeared to reverse his stance on Ukraine retaking territory occupied by the Kremlins forces. During a nearly hour-long speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, the US president said Russias war in Ukraine was making [Putin] look bad because it was supposed to be a little skirmish, and issued a fresh threat of powerful tariffs on Moscow. It shows you what leadership is, what bad leadership can do to a country. The only question now is how many lives will be needlessly lost on both sides, he added, claiming that the war has led to the deaths of between 5,000 and 7,000 young soldiers on both sides every single week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president has grown increasingly disillusioned with the Russian leader, particularly following Russias repeated incursions into Nato airspace in recent weeks, including in Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on 23 September (AFP/Getty) Shortly after his speech and a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the US president wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social that he believes Ukraine can win back all of the territory Russia has taken since its invasion, although he gave no indication of how that would affect US policy. He had previously said that both Kyiv and Moscow would have to cede land to end the war. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, Nato, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option, Mr Trump said in his post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky has been pushing Mr Trump to show more support for Kyivs war effort, including by imposing tough new sanctions on Russia. Many Ukrainians were shocked when Mr Trump gave Mr Putin the red carpet treatment at a mid-August summit in Alaska, and believe Moscow will not stop its war unless it faces heavy external pressure. In his post, Mr Trump criticised Russia, saying it had been fighting aimlessly in a war that a real military power would have won in less than a week. But he has not imposed tougher sanctions, and he and aides have seemed to indicate that Kyiv must cede both Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine to Russia in order to end the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years. In his post on Tuesday, however, Mr Trump hinted at stronger action. Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act, the post said. Mr Trump said the US will continue to supply weapons to allies for Nato to do what they want with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier that day, the Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said she cannot rule out Russian involvement in the shutdown of Copenhagen airport due to drone activity this week. Police officers stand guard after all traffic was closed at the Copenhagen airport due to drone reports (Ritzau Scanpix) Airports in Copenhagen and Oslo, Norway, shut down for four hours on Monday evening, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded after drones were spotted circling in the restricted zones. We have seen drones over Poland that should not have been there. We have seen activity in Romania. We have seen violations of Estonian airspace, Ms Frederiksen told reporters. This is a serious attack on critical Danish infrastructure, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what some fear is the latest and by far the deepest incursion into Nato territory, Copenhagen airport announced it was closed for take-offs and landings after two to three larger drones were seen flying in the area at around 8.46pm local time (7.46pm UK time). A spokesperson afterwards said all air traffic at the airport had been suspended, without giving further details. According to FlightRadar, at least 15 flights were diverted to other airports, The Kyiv Independent reported. At 9.10pm (8.10pm UK time), Oslo police announced that two foreign nationals had been arrested for flying drones within the prohibited zone near Oslo airport. Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen gives a press statement to comment on drone activity at Copenhagen airport (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty) Copenhagen airport resumed operations shortly after midnight local time, with flights resuming in Oslo after around four hours of restricted airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday morning, Danish police warned that a capable operator was behind the drone flights. Its an actor who has the capabilities, the will and the tools to show off in this way, chief superintendent Jens Jespersen said. Police initially refused to comment on an X (Twitter) post by Mr Zelensky, which claimed Russia was behind the airspace violation without providing evidence. Mr Zelensky appears to have taken the post down. The Ukrainian president is engaged in an intense round of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly in New York, where he is set to meet Mr Trump. He will continue his relentless push for Washington to issue stronger sanctions against Mr Putin, with Mr Trump sounding increasingly likely to comply. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky listens as Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (AP) The US president told delegates in New York that the White House was prepared to issue a strong round of powerful tariffs on Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the event that Russia isnt ready to make a deal, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a strong round of powerful tariffs which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly, he said. But for these to be effective, European countries would have to follow suit, he added, as he slammed the continued importing of Russian oil by several Nato member states as embarrassing. Nato, meanwhile, continues to rally against the Russian incursions, with the North Atlantic Council hitting out at Moscows increasingly irresponsible behaviour. The alliance demanded that the Russian incursions stop, and said Moscow bore full responsibility for its recent actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation and endanger lives. UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK is "ready to act" and criticised Moscow for its "provocative and reckless" violations of Nato airspace. The News DR Congos minister of communications said you cannot look at Africa with American eyes, during an interview at Semafors The Next 3 Billion summit, when questioned about how perceptions of conflict in the mineral-rich countrys east were impacting investment. Thats why Western countries are losing space. China is getting more space. Not because we dont want to work on democracy, on all those things, but those cannot be the first condition, Patrick Muyaya said. His comments came as the US attempts to broker peace between DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda. The two African countries signed an agreement in June, but it has failed to stop fighting in eastern DR Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are fighting Kinshasas forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Semafors summit, Muyaya blamed Rwanda for failing to hold up its end of the deal and for denying its links to M23, calling for the US administration to pile more pressure on Kigali. We are very close to peace, and we are very close to the war at the same time, he said, touting the involvement of the US administration as a positive. One thing is what they [Rwanda] can say diplomatically, but the situation on the ground requires, I think, more pressure from the American administration. Know More Muyaya also spoke about the US-backed multibillion-dollar Lobito Corridor project which includes building and revamping railways from Angolas western Lobito port through to critical mineral hubs in neighboring Zambia and DR Congo. He called the project, which will provide the US with access to strategic minerals, a gamechanger. The EU in June also announced an investment of almost $1 billion in the project. DR Congo is the worlds largest producer of minerals including cobalt and coltan key components of a wide range of products such as electric vehicle batteries, mobile phones, and laptops. RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) Eligible Virginia taxpayers could receive up to $400 in rebates, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday. Eligible taxpayers are those who had tax liability in 2024 and filed their taxes by Nov. 3, with individual filers eligible for a $200 rebate and joint filers eligible for a $400 rebate. Taxpayers can check their eligibility status beginning Thursday at tax.virginia.gov/rebate. Taxpayers who are eligible and filed state taxes before July 1 will be sent rebates by Oct. 15, which are expected to arrive by the end of October, the governor said. Those who received a state tax refund by direct deposit this year should get their rebate by direct deposit to the same bank account. All other eligible taxpayers will get their rebate by paper check in the mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who owes money to Virginia Tax or another state or local agency will have their rebate used to satisfy that debt before the taxpayer gets the remainder of the rebate, along with the contact information for the agency owed. If a taxpayer owes more than the amount of the rebate, Virginia Tax will send a letter explaining how the rebate was used toward the debt, as well as the contact information for the agency. Virginias strong job growth, bolstered by business investment commitments of $140 billion has driven a total of $10 billion in surplus revenue and enabled a record $9 billion in tax relief, said Governor Glenn Youngkin. This falls tax rebate reflects a simple truth: its your money, not the governments. We have made record investments supporting teachers and students, law enforcement, and Virginians facing behavioral health crises, while also lowering costs for individuals, families, veterans and small businesses. Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin Said Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings: As a result of strong fiscal management, Virginia has seen over $10 billion in surplus revenues in the past four years, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that the vast majority of these funds are returned to Virginians while providing record funding or key priorities. Thats exactly what were doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans for the tax rebates go back to February, when budget amendments to the two-year state budget were released by both the Democratic-controlled House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. Virginians also received a similar tax rebate in 2023. Some Virginians may be eligible for tax rebates Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An employee error led to the wastewater leak at the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility in Oak Creek earlier this month. The treatment facility overflow resulted in 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater being released into Lake Michigan. At 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, 2025, an employee with Veolia Water Milwaukee, a contractor of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, observed wastewater overtopping the emergency overflow structure at the South Shore facility, according to a summary report submitted by the sewerage district to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on Sept. 23. The sewerage district is required to submit a report to the DNR within five days of an overflow. The treatment facility overflow occurred during staff shift change, "which likely contributed to the error," the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overflow lasted approximately 30 minutes. While the sewerage district's original estimate suggested about 20,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed, half of that was recovered and treated. There is a potential for human exposure through recreational use of the waterway, the report says. According to the report, too much water came though a gate when it shouldn't have, and untreated wastewater overtopped an emergency barrier. Corrective actions were taken right away to stop the overflow, the report says. Employees adjusted the gates and valves, wastewater was pumped out and treated, and the system was cleaned to remove any remaining sewage. These actions are expected to be completed by Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not something that we are taking lightly," Paul Keppler, vice president and general manager at Veolia, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Keppler said the employee that allowed the overflow to occur faced disciplinary action, and Veolia is in the process of implementing a more robust turnover process so this does not happen in the future. This is second release caused by human error this year This is the second untreated wastewater spill caused by Veolia this year. In March, nearly 10,000 gallons of wastewater was mistakenly leaked into Lincoln Creek and the Milwaukee River when workers from Veolia released the wastewater into a storm sewer rather than a sanitary sewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the March spill, Veolia Water Milwaukee told the Journal Sentinel that there were numerous pipelines and manholes in close proximity at the location, and the workers picked the wrong one. Veolia also said in March that the situation was unusual, and adjustments were made to protocols to ensure the mistake would not happen again. Veolia also scheduled refresher training for its field crews on proper discharge procedures. There was also an incident in April when about 1,000 gallons of wastewater leaked into Lake Michigan from the sewerage district's South Shore facility, but that was due to a broken pipe. More: With days as a target long past, MMSD's Kevin Shafer focuses on a cleaner, greener Milwaukee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Naturalized streams, rivers may have prevented worse flooding. MMSD spent $580 million. Caitlin Looby covers the Great Lakes and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach her at clooby@gannett.com , and follow her on X @caitlooby. Caitlin's work is supported by the Brico Fund, Fund for Lake Michigan, Barbara K. Frank, and individual contributions. Grants and donations help make this reporting possible. The Journal Sentinel maintains full editorial control. To learn more about our community-funded journalism initiatives, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://givebutter.com/milwaukee-journal-sentinel . Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with JS Environment in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Human error caused wastewater overflow into Lake Michigan Students walk through the University of North Dakota campus in Grand Forks on March 1, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) Fall enrollment at North Dakota University System campuses is up nearly 4%, the highest enrollment recorded since 2014. The 11 public colleges and universities have 47,522 students, according to figures released Wednesday. The systems record enrollment was in 2011 at 48,883. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williston State College saw the highest percentage growth in headcount with 11%, while North Dakota State College of Science reported a 9% enrollment jump, Bismarck State College reported an 8% increase and Mayville State University reported 7% growth. The University of North Dakota, which leads the state in enrollment, saw a 5% increase and is at an all-time high with 15,844 students. UND President Andy Armacost said the university has seen strong growth in new students the past two years. Were grateful to be able to impact a large number of students with the great programs at UND, Armacost said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bismarck State Colleges enrollment of 4,549 students also was a record. Seven straight semesters of growth show that our polytechnic mission is not only resonating but making a real difference for students and the industries we serve, Interim President Dan Leingang said in a statement. North Dakota State University has recorded the exact same fall headcount for the past three years at 11,952 students. NDSU showed a 3% increase in first-year students, alongside a significant rise in new international undergraduate students, according to a news release from the university. NDSU has 95% of students enrolled in in-person programs, the highest number across the entire North Dakota University System, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NSDU President David Cook, who is in his third year on the job, appeared remotely before a North Dakota legislative committee Wednesday. We have stabilized enrollment at NDSU, and I think were creating the right foundation for where we want to be, Cook said. Minot State University President Steve Shirley, in a Tuesday presentation to the State Board of Higher Education, said that while headcount at the school is flat, there is a 3% increase in full-time equivalent students that he said reflects a nice little bump in freshman enrollment about a 15% increase. Were excited about that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dickinson State University was the only school to show an enrollment decline, down 3%. Dakota College at Bottineau had 3% enrollment growth. Lake Region State College and Valley City State University each reported 1% increases. Enrollment trends are expected to be discussed Wednesday during a legislative committee meeting. This story was updated to add comments from Bismarck State College and North Dakota State University leaders. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) is among the 12 Best Defense Stocks to Buy Right Now. On September 16, the company announced that its Collins Aerospace business was awarded a NATO contract for its Electronic Warfare Planning and Battle Management (EWPBM). RTX Corporation (RTX) Wins NATO Contract for Electromagnetic Warfare Command and Control System BPTU/Shutterstock.com The integrated software tool is designed to deliver a Recognized Electromagnetic Picture by combining data from operations, intelligence systems, an Electronic Order of Battle, and other sources, and detailing the function and location of the electronic devices. This comprehensive overview allows for planning, coordinating, and synchronizing electromagnetic warfare activities. Ryan Bunge, VP and GM for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence & Autonomy at RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)s Collins Aerospace, stated the following on the contract award: Were equipping commanders with a critical tool to visualize electronic warfare threats and automate the use of jammers and sensors. This system will enhance joint operations effectiveness, interoperability, scalability, and resilience. The EWPBM enhances battle management by incorporating situational awareness of the electromagnetic environment, which will aid commanders in challenging multi-domain warfare. Moreover, RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) stated that Collins Aerospace will collaborate with NATO on the systems testing and integration, which will further strengthen the military alliances electromagnetic warfare capabilities. While we acknowledge the potential of RTX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Stocks ChatGPT Predicts Could Make You Wealthy in 5 Years and 11 Best Performing Defense Stocks to Buy Now Disclosure: None. WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) One month after filing a civil lawsuit through the Franklin County court system, the estate of a pregnant woman who was fatally shot by a Blendon Township police officer has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the township itself and its police chief. According to documents within United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, the estate of TaKiya Young is suing Blendon Township and Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford. The suit alleges that the department displayed a consistent and systemic failure to properly train and supervise its officers on the proper use of force, as well as a failure to properly discipline officers engaged in excessive force and other misconduct. Columbus community reeling after 3-year-old fatally shoots himself Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young, 21, was shot and killed by Officer Connor Grubb on Aug. 24, 2023, in a Kroger parking lot on South Sunbury Road after Young, who was pregnant, was suspected of shoplifting. After Grubb and another officer approached her vehicle, Grubb stood in front of the car and shot Young as the car moved forward. Grubb has been charged with killing Young and her unborn child and was indicted in August 2024. He is currently out on bond and is scheduled to begin his trial in November. He was placed on paid administrative leave last September. TaKiya Young. (Courtesy Photo/Sean Walton) The lawsuit argues that the township and Belford deprived Young and her unborn child of their civil rights, that a department cultures alleged excessive force is tolerated, and that it has a history of complaints against officer Grubb. Additionally, it accuses the Blendon Township Police Department of having a well-known community reputation of aggressive and racially tinged policing practices resulting in unjustified excessive use or force in violation of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit sites previous incidents involving Grubb, including a June 2023 complaint involving the alleged harassment of a minor, intimidation of a woman, failed court appearances leading to dismissed prosecutions and policy violations after the alleged officer-involved shooting. Ohio launches first-in-nation AI chatbot that allows users to report suspicious activity A spokesperson for Blendon Township said in a statement issued to NBC4 that, TaKiya Youngs death was a terrible tragedy. As weve said previously, Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford correctly asked the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to conduct an independent investigation, and we still dont have access to any of the evidence from that investigation. We publicly released the body worn camera video quickly to be as transparent with the public as we could. Our attorneys will defend the township in court as the legal process continues. The family of Young also filed a civil suit in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in August against Grubb, alleging wrongful death, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to the counsel representing the family. The complaint also said that the family is suing Kroger and an unnamed employee, claiming the employee that made police aware of Young violated policy. 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. Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 24, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to step up support for Moldova amid growing Russian interference in its domestic politics. Moldova is preparing for parliamentary elections, where pro-Russian parties are expected to challenge the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). Zelensky compared Moldova to countries like Georgia and Belarus, which he said fell under Russian influence due to a lack of sustained international attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the leadership of the ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, Tbilisi has moved closer to Russia and stalled its accession to the EU. Meanwhile, Belarus has been ruled by pro-Kremlin leader Alexander Lukashenko for more than three decades. "Georgia is dependent on Russia, and for many, many years, Belarus has been moving toward dependence on Russia," Zelensky said. "Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too." Zelensky added that supporting Moldova would require minimal investment from the European Union but warned that the cost of inaction could be far greater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Moldova is defending itself against Russian interference," Zelensky said. "The EU needs to help Moldova now with funding and energy support, not only with words or political gestures." According to Zelensky, bolstering support for Moldova is a crucial step toward safeguarding Europes overall stability. Recent years saw Moldova's pro-EU leadership increasingly warn against Russia's attempts to destabilize the country's political situation and its path toward European integration. As parliamentary elections approach, Moldovas pro-European President Maia Sandu warned on Sept. 22 that Russias attempts to interfere threaten the countrys sovereignty, independence, and European future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliamentary elections in Moldova will take place on Sept. 28. Read also: Media reveal alleged Russian plot to influence Moldovan parliamentary elections Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. If youre traveling to Croatia soon and youre a U.S. citizen, you might notice that things will be different when you enter the country. Starting on Oct. 12, 2025, Croatia will be the first European Union country to implement the Entry/Exit System, or EES, in the European Union, according to TravelOffPath. According to the European Unions official Entry/Exit System (EES) website, the system will be enacted in all EU countries by April 10, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how the new system will affect you if you plan to travel to Croatia. Why does the EES border system require your fingerprints? The EES border system is designed to replace a traditional passport stamp. When you first enter a country using the EES system, you will scan your passport at a self-service kiosk and provide biometric data, such as your fingerprints and a scan of your face, according to the EES website. The information is kept for three years, during which you can pass through borders with a simple face scan. How is this different from the ETIAS? The ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is an entirely separate border security process from the EES that is not expected to go into place until the last quarter of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the ETIAS website, this process to enter the EU requires paying $7.50 for an authorization that will allow for entry into 30 European countries, including France, Germany and Italy. Croatia had 260,000 visitors from America in the first half of 2025, and it was a 16% increase in visitors up from 2024, according to Croatia Week. The State Department issued its lowest travel advisory for Croatia at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Travel Advisories & News Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier announced on 24 September in Brussels that Slovakia and eight other EU member states will participate in a meeting on the creation of a drone wall on the EU's eastern border. The meeting will be held on Friday, 26 September, by European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius. Hungary will not be represented. Source: European Pravda Quote from Regnier: "I can confirm that Slovakia has now been added to the list of the Member States [that will participate in Friday's meeting ed.] I have previously given to you, including on top of the seven front-line member states, Denmark and Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: He said that at this stage he cannot share the exact agenda. "What can be expected from that meeting and what we definitely expect from member states, it's not just a meeting to look nice on paper. It's a meeting with strong commitment and with concrete deliverables," the European Commission spokesman stressed. Regnier confirmed that in connection with the drone wall, there will also "definitely be also discussions with our NATO partners." Background: The defence ministers of the EU border states were invited to the meeting with European Commissioner Kubilius on the drone wall: Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark and Ukraine. However, Hungary and Slovakia were not initially invited. Denmark is participating in the meeting on the creation of a drone wall after unknown drones were spotted in the vicinity of Copenhagen Airport. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The News Former Colombian President Ivan Duque on Wednesday said that US President Donald Trumps climate change denial was an absurd ideological debate. Climate change is undeniable, Duque told PBS anchor and Semafor contributor Amna Nawaz at Semafors The Next 3 Billion summit. You cannot deny that climate change exists and the effects it produces, Duque said when asked for his reaction to Trumps longstanding claim that global warming is a hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duques remarks came just a day after Trump said during his address to the United Nations General Assembly that climate change is the greatest con job, despite overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real, getting worse, and largely driven by human activity. Evidence shows that we have to act, said Duque. He pointed to Colombia as being responsible for just 0.6% of the worlds greenhouse gasses emissions, but in the top 20 countries worst affected by climate change. Duque also flagged that despite Colombias polarized political landscape, there was unanimous support in the countrys Congress for a Climate Action Bill, which laid out steps including expanding protected areas and developing new energy sources. Know More Duque also spoke about the opportunities for Latin America as a potential hub for energy-hungry artificial intelligence data centers, largely because of the continents commitment to developing renewable energy. Latin America can become a promised land for sustainable data centers in the AI revolution. That I think is an opportunity for the Global South, he said. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Yukiko Toyoda WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) -U.S. and Japanese officials are making arrangements for a trip by President Donald Trump to Japan next month, according to two government officials and another person briefed on the matter. A visit to Tokyo, Washington's closest ally in East Asia and a major partner on trade and security issues, would come as the two countries continue to hash out how to implement their deal over tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also mark the Republican president's first opportunity to meet the successor to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is stepping down. The officials cautioned that no White House trip is official until announced, and plans could change. The White House and Japan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump is already set to travel to Asia, where he is expected to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting that will be held October 31-November 1 in Gyeongju, South Korea. While there, Trump said last week, he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for their first face-to-face talks since Trump returned to office in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possible trip to Japan would be expected to take place prior to the South Korea visit, the officials said. Trump's focus on what he sees as trade imbalances with Asian countries has rocked the region, especially export-oriented nations like Japan. Ishiba negotiated a framework trade deal with Trump to avoid a hike in tariffs on its U.S.-bound exports, but many issues are yet to be ironed out. Those include the promised Japanese investments in U.S. industry and further action threatened by Trump on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports worldwide. Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim has said Trump is also expected to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26-28. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Yukiko Toyoda; Additional reporting by John Geddie; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Daniel Wallis) Dr. Mark A. Turco, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Life Science Hub, and Gov. Dan McKee switch off at the podium during an announcement of the inaugural Ocean State Labs cohort at 150 Richmond St., Providence, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Frank Menniti shares lab space for his work as chief science officer for a company developing a new drug for Alzheimers disease. But soon Menniti will have his own pad: The company MindImmune Therapeutics will have new office and research space at Ocean State Labs in Providence, as one of five life science companies selected for the facilities inaugural cohort. A roster of state leaders convened Wednesday morning at the labs on Richmond Street in Providence to announce and celebrate the five companies expected to begin using the sparkly new lab spaces early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menniti went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. And while people say Cambridge is the place to be for cutting-edge scientific research, the city is not all its cracked up to be, Menniti told reporters. This seems like a much better place to be able to thrive, Menniti said of Providence, citing its central location and closeness to other research centers. Its simpler to get around. The quality of the science, the quality of the academics, is every bit as good as it is in Boston, and I went to MIT, so I kind of know. So to us this is like the perfect place to be. The Ocean State Labs comprises 30,000 square feet of wet lab and office space. Its one initiative of the quasi-public Rhode Island Life Science Hub, which was authorized by a $45 million, three-year infusion from state lawmakers in 2023. The hub spent a chunk of 2024 shaping its board and leadership, and the Rhode Island Senate finally named Dr. Mark A. Turco as its CEO and president in . With our five anchor member companies and a healthy pipeline of potential new member companies and the scientific and technology development being done in our region, we are primed for success, Turco told the crowd of a few dozen people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turco said the plan is to have 60 to 80% of the available lab spaces filled within one year of the labs scheduled opening in January. The space can accommodate up to 20 or 30 companies. In addition to MindImmune, the initial cohort includes: Pax Therapeutics , which had its start in Rhode Island Hospital labs, and is working on gene-delivery technology to aid ligament and tendon healing to improve mobility. XM Therapeutics , a Providence-based biotech firm focused on creating therapies that can repair dysfunctions in the extracellular matrix, involved in conditions that affect organs like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and more. P53 Therapeutics , a company developing antitumor drugs that target p53, a gene whose mutations are implicated in some cancers. OncoLux, which is working on optical imaging and AI tools that can guide cancer surgery. Also in attendance at Wednesdays event was Gov. Dan McKee, who posed the labs as a crown jewel in his efforts to develop the states economy and workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-six thousand new private sector jobs have been added in the last four years, and this project is right at the center of what were doing, McKee said. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi also attended, as did Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat who stood in for Senate President Valarie Lawson, who was unable to attend. A laboratory technician bathes prepared slides of monoclonal antibodies in a solution an example of the kind of lab work that will take place at Ocean State Labs when it opens early next year. (Photo by Linda Bartlett/National Cancer Institute) Expanding life sciences capacity The 150 Richmond Street building will share tenancy with the Rhode Island State Health Laboratory and spaces rented by Brown University. The Life Science Labs will be managed by Portal Innovations, a venture capital firm that runs similar spaces in Chicago, South Boston, Houston, and Atlanta. John Flavin, the CEO of Portal Innovations, said Big Pharma looks to his company to try to identify up-and-coming ecosystems that dont have boots on the ground yet, but are promising in terms of the science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That outside interest is already here, Turco said, noting that a firm from Perth, Australia, visited the state this week to explore a possible presence here. Turco added later that the labs will hopefully form part of a longer pipeline that will keep university and local in-state. A lot of the companies that will be coming out of our academic institutions and health systems, hopefully will now be able to be housed here in Rhode Island, Turco said, adding that companies which translate out of our academic institutions will be in the incubator for around 18 to 24 months. And then what we want to do is have space for those companies once they have scale to continue to scale, right here in Rhode Island, as opposed to going to other states in the country, Turco said. The team at MindImmune certainly wants to stay in the state. Theyre working on a biologic drug that seeks to target and slow the progression of Alzheimers and other dementias. Recent research has implicated immune system disorder and the resulting inflammation as drivers in dementias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Nelson, the companys vice president, said the drug is based on research that suggests immune cells implicated in Alzheimers actually come in from the blood into the brain, and we found a way to keep them out of the brain. The idea, very simply, is, if we can stop that inflammatory response in the brain by keeping the cells from going there in the first place, well have individuals who may still have a head full of plaques, but they are still cognitive, Nelson said. Menniti said that MindImmunes drug, currently known by the codename MITI-101, is a humanized antibody a drug made from living cells, and the basis of all biologic therapies, which require special handling and storage and work differently from so-called small molecule drugs often taken orally. Biologic drugs have multiplied in the past two decades, firming up clinical options for treating cancers and chronic illnesses which involve the immune system, such as psoriasis, Crohns disease, and lupus. A 2023 chart from The Antibody Society shows that antibody-based drugs have received increasingly more approvals by federal regulators since 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menniti said the company is developing its cell line that will make the antibodies, after which the drug can undergo toxicity studies. He expects that, if all goes according to plan, the company will be able to apply for Investigational New Drug status late next year the first step in getting a drug to undergo the clinical trials that precede possible federal approval and marketing. Menniti is not sure yet if the company will relinquish its current lab space at the University of Rhode Island (URI). What does MindImmune intend to do at the Providence labs anyway? The same thing it does at URI, Menniti said: Take slices of brain, expose them to antibodies and dyes, then generate and evaluate pictures for an antibodys possible usefulness. The process involves a lot of microscope slides, Menniti said so many, in fact, that he told reporters his title is usually Chief Slide Officer. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Is there any evidence that Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk's "Romanian Angels" or "Everyday Heroes like You" ministries were accused of "snatching children only to send them straight into sex and organ trafficking networks in the United Kingdom and Israel? No, that's not true: A review of Romanian court records and media reports by Lead Stories' Romanian staff found only positive mentions of the charities' work. The charity promoted a campaign for Americans to "adopt" an orphan by sending them Christmas gifts to be delivered by U.S. military personnel stationed in Romania. It was not involved in international adoptions. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) shared on X on September 23, 2025, that read in part: Romanian Angels -- Erika was a model and 'casting director' in the early 2000's. Later, Erika ran an evangelical Ministry in Romania that contracted with US military and fostered children for adoption. This organization was based in the same area in Romania where trafficking is rampant. Users on social media only saw this title, description and thumbnail: ???????????????????????????????????? on Twitter Erika Kirk Everyday Heroes Like You Romanian Angels -- Erika was a model and 'casting director' in the early 2000's. Later, Erika ran an evangelical Ministry in Romania that contracted with US military and fostered children for adoption. This organization was based in https://t.co/qLQnRilrzV Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories The post continued: I'm very proud that we have been able to go international in the past few years. I absolutely love working with the military so I feel blessed that we can do that on a continual basis through Antonio Placement Center in Constanta, Romania. - EK '14 This organization was one of many evangelical organizations that were accused by outraged locals of snatching children only to send them straight into Sex and organ Trafficking Networks in the UK & Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "evidence" that purportedly supported the claim was a blurry snippet of an online article titled "Romanian authorities are looking into possible links between Israeli adoption agencies and an illegal global conspiracy to sell organs for transplants." Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories A reverse image search found this Haaretz newspaper article (archived here) published on December 12, 2001: Source: screenshot of Haaretz.com by Lead Stories The article makes no mention of "Romanian Angels," or "Everyday Heroes like You," Kirk's two organizations that were not founded until a decade later. Kirk, whose maiden name is Frantzve, would have only been about 12 years old at the time. Lead Stories' Romanian team found no relevant cases in a search of Romania's national justice portal for Antonio Placement Center (archived here) and Erika Kirk's maiden name (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romanian media reported Erika Kirk's "Everyday Heroes like You" made donations in the form of gifts to Antonio Placement Center in Constanta, as well as to the local hospital, between 2011 and 2015. Kirk's Instagram account documents the project including this 2013 post (archived here). An article (archived here) published by a Constanta newspaper in 2015 portrayed the charities in a positive light, with no mention of suspicions of child trafficking. The false claim that Kirk's groups were involved in international adoptions appears to be based on a holiday gift campaign in which Americans were urged to "adopt" a Romanian orphan by donating money to buy Christmas presents that would be delivered by American soldiers stationed at a NATO base in Constanta. This Instagram post (archived here) is from that campaign in 2014. There is no evidence that the ministries were involved in actual international adoptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local newspaper article (archived here) documented the gift donations to the orphans. Source: screenshot of ziuaconstanta.ro by Lead Stories The holiday "adoption" project was conducted along with the ongoing charity United Hands Romania. There have been no Romanian media reports in the wake of the death of her husband that included anything negative about Erika Kirk. You can see positive articles here, here, and here. Erika and Charlie Kirk began dating in 2019 and were married in May 2021. Claim: Following its recognition as a state by the United Kingdom on Sept. 21, 2025, Palestine is seeking 2 trillion pounds in reparations from the U.K. government. Rating: Rating: False Context: The Palestinian Authority, which the British government said should lead a Palestinian state, did not make mention of reparations in its response to the U.K.'s September 2025 decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Previously, in 2023, the Palestinian Authority's president said in a speech to the United Nations that he'd continue to call for reparations from Britain, the United States and "everyone who had a role in the catastrophe and tragedy" of the Palestinian people but did not request any specific monetary amount. The 2 trillion pound figure came from Daily Mail references to what the British government "could" owe, according to legal experts the publication did not name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 21, 2025, the government of the United Kingdom recognized Palestine as a sovereign and independent state. The U.K. was one of a handful of countries to do so over several days as international frustration mounted with the civilian toll of Israel's war in Gaza, which had leveled much of the territory and caused a humanitarian crisis of mass starvation. Following the announcement, social media posts, including X posts with millions (archived) of views (archived) apiece, claimed Palestine was demanding 2 trillion pounds about $2.7 trillion in reparations from the U.K. following its recognition. This claim spread to other social media sites, including Instagram (archived). BREAKING: Palestine Seeks 2 Trillion in Reparations from UK Following its recognition as a state, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas demands reparations from the UK for its 1917-1948 rule, citing international law. This is an absolute disaster. pic.twitter.com/kJKwuI4HUg The British Patriot (@TheBritLad) September 22, 2025 The claim was false. While Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas did call for reparations from Britain, the United States and "everyone who had a role in the catastrophe and tragedy" of the Palestinian people in a September 2023 speech to the United Nations, he never attached a number to that call. As of this writing, Abbas had made no new reparation demands following the U.K.'s 2025 recognition of a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its announcement recognizing a Palestinian state, the British government wrote that the state should be led by a "reformed Palestinian Authority." Abbas, the Palestinian Authority's president, made an official statement in response to the U.K.'s decision to recognize a Palestinian state. That statement made no mention of reparations. The claim appeared to stem from a news story and opinion piece that the Daily Mail, a British tabloid, published hours apart on Sept. 20, 2025. The headlines of both pieces claimed that the British government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state "could" lead to the U.K. paying 2 trillion pounds in reparations. The text of both stories cited unnamed "legal experts." "Some international law experts have described 2 trillion, roughly the size of Britain's total economy, as a 'good place to start,'" wrote Gabriel Millard-Clothier, the Daily Mail reporter who wrote the news story. Based on the reference to a "good place to start," the figure appeared to be pulled from an October 2024 blog post written by Juan Cole, a professor of history at the University of Michigan, arguing for reparations from the British government to the Palestinian people. Cole wrote that the total value of Israeli real estate today was roughly $2.5 trillion. Because "the Palestinians owned virtually all the land" in the territory at the time the British government began administering the Mandate of Palestine in 1920, according to Cole, he said that "$2.5 trillion is a good place to start for British reparations to the Palestinians." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of late September 2025, $2.5 trillion was equivalent to around 1.85 trillion pounds, according to the currency converter Oanda. Cole later wrote about the British government's decision to recognize a Palestinian state and did not make mention of reparations in that blog post. Abbas has made mention of reparations before, but without attaching a price tag to those calls. He made a single reference to reparations in a September 2023 speech to the United Nations. That mention came in the following paragraph: For our part, we will persist with our pursuit of accountability and justice at the relevant international bodies against Israel because of the continued Israeli occupation of our land, and the crimes that have been committed and are still being committed against us, as well as against both Britain and America for their roles in the fateful Balfour Declaration, and against everyone who had a role in the catastrophe and tragedy of our people, calling for acknowledgment, apology, reparations and compensation in accordance with international law. There are groups in both Palestine and the U.K. who have called upon the British government to give reparations to the Palestinian people, although without attaching a price tag, let alone demanding the government pay 2 trillion pounds. Reparations do not necessarily have to include direct financial compensation, according to Human Rights Watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September 2023, Al-Haq, an independent Palestinian human-rights-focused nongovernmental organization, published a position paper calling for reparations from the British government to the Palestinian people. The paper did not make any demands as to what those reparations should be. In September 2025, Britain Owes Palestine, a petition campaign based in London, demanded "an apology for Britain's wrongdoing and the start of a process of accountability and reparation." The full petition said reparations "include restitution, compensation and satisfaction, either singly, or in combination" and that "it remains possible to consider 'any financially assessable damage.'" On its website, Britain Owes Palestine said it requests that the British government "Investigate in good faith what forms of accountability, reparation, satisfaction and investment in the Palestinian people and State of Palestine are appropriate in light of the wrongful acts and Britain's acknowledged responsibility." The basis of demands for reparations to the Palestinian people was Britain's administration of the Mandate for Palestine, which from 1922 to 1948 was the direct predecessor to the modern day state of Israel and Palestinian territories. The U.K. committed "multiple breaches of international law" and "reneged on its promises to support Arab independence" while administering Mandatory Palestine, according to Britain Owes Palestine. Sources: Abbas, Mahmoud. Statement by H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas. United Nations General Assembly 78th Assembly. In-person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Britain Owes Palestine." Britain Owes Palestine , Sept. 2025, www.britainowespalestine.org/the-legal-petition. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. Cole, Juan. "Does Britain Owe Reparations to the Palestinians for Engineering Their Loss of Their Country?" Informed Comment, 27 Oct. 2024, www.juancole.com/2024/10/reparations-palestinians-engineering.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. Cooper, Yvette. "UK Formally Recognises Palestinian State." GOV.UK, 20 Sept. 2025, www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-formally-recognises-palestinian-state. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. Glover, Stephen. "STEPHEN GLOVER: Starmer's Chagos Deal Was Bad Enough, but Recognising Palestine Could See Britain Facing 2trillion in Reparations." Mail Online, Daily Mail, 22 Sept. 2025, www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-15120065/STEPHEN-GLOVER-Starmer-Chagos-deal-recognising-Palestine-Britain-2-trillion-reparations.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millard-Clothier, Gabriel. "PM's Decision to Recognise a State of Palestine Could Lead to UK Paying 2trillion in Reparations." Mail Online, Daily Mail, 20 Sept. 2025, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15118203/PMs-decision-recognise-state-Palestine-UK-2trillion-reparations.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. "On Centenary of Palestine Mandate, Al-Haq Calls for British Reparations Owed to the Palestinian People in New Position Paper." Al-Haq, 30 Sept. 2023, www.alhaq.org/publications/21783.html. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. "President Abbas Welcomes Britian's Recognition of Palestine." President Mahmoud Abbas, State of Palestine, 21 Sept. 2025, www.president.ps/Eng/NewsPage/492301. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. "Q&A: Reparations for Historical and Ongoing Colonial Atrocities." Human Rights Watch, 4 Sept. 2025, www.hrw.org/news/2025/09/04/qa-reparations-for-historical-and-ongoing-colonial-atrocities. Accessed 23 Sept. 2025. In his speech before the U.N. General Assembly, President Donald Trump promoted a second-term talking point about his efforts to settle multiple conflicts around the world. In a period of just seven months, I have ended seven unendable wars. They said they were unendable. he said Tuesday, repeating a claim he frequently makes. Donald Trump has helped with mediations but experts say his impact is not as clear-cut as he portrays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a closer look: Israel and Iran Trump is credited with ending the 12-day war. In June, Israel launched attacks on the heart of Irans nuclear program and military leadership, saying it wanted to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. Iran has denied it was trying to do that. Trump negotiated a ceasefire after directing American warplanes to strike Irans Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites. Evelyn Farkas, executive director of Arizona State Universitys McCain Institute, said Trump should get credit for ending the war. Theres always a chance it could flare up again if Iran restarts its nuclear weapons program, but nonetheless, they were engaged in a hot war with one another, she said. And it didnt have any real end in sight before President Trump got involved and gave them an ultimatum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence Haas, a senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the American Foreign Policy Council who is an expert on Israel-Iran tensions, agreed the U.S. was instrumental in securing the ceasefire. But he characterized it as a temporary respite from the ongoing day-to-day cold war between the two countries that often involves flare-ups. Egypt and Ethiopia This could be described as tensions at best, and peace efforts, which do not directly involve the United States, have stalled. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River has caused friction among Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan since the power-generating project was announced more than a decade ago. In July, Ethiopia declared the project complete. It was inaugurated this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egypt and Sudan oppose the dam. Although the vast majority of the water that flows down the Nile originates in Ethiopia, Egyptian agriculture relies on the river almost entirely. Sudan fears flooding and wants to protect its own power-generating dams. During his first term, Trump tried to broker a deal between Ethiopia and Egypt. He could not get the countries to agree and suspended aid to Ethiopia over the dispute. In July, he posted on Truth Social that he helped the fight over the massive dam (and) there is peace at least for now. But the disagreement persists, and negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have stalled. It would be a gross overstatement to say that these countries are at war, Haas said. I mean, theyre just not. India and Pakistan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The April killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir pushed India and Pakistan closer to war than they had been in years, but a ceasefire was reached. Trump has claimed that the U.S. brokered the ceasefire, which he said came about in part because he offered trade concessions. Pakistan thanked Trump, recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize. India has denied Trumps claims, saying there was no conversation between the U.S. and India on trade in regards to the ceasefire. Although India played down the Trump administrations role in the ceasefire, Haas and Farkas believe the U.S. deserves some credit for helping stop the fighting. I think that President Trump played a constructive role from all accounts, but it may not have been decisive. And again, Im not sure whether you would define that as a full-blown war, Farkas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbia and Kosovo The White House lists the conflict between these countries as one Trump resolved. But there has been no threat of a war between the two neighbors during Trumps second term or any significant contribution from the Republican president this year to improve their relations. Kosovo is a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Tensions have persisted since, but never to the point of war, mostly because NATO-led peacekeepers have been deployed in Kosovo, which has been recognized by more than 100 countries. During his first term, Trump negotiated a wide-ranging deal between Serbia and Kosovo, but much of what was agreed on was never carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Trump has played a key role in peace efforts between the African neighbors, but he is hardly alone and the conflict is far from over. Eastern Congo, rich in minerals, has been battered by fighting with more than 100 armed groups. The most potent is the M23 rebel group. It is backed by neighboring Rwanda, which claims it is protecting its territorial interests and that some of those who participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide fled to Congo and are working with the Congolese army. The Trump administrations efforts paid off in June, when the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers signed a peace deal at the White House. The M23, however, was not directly involved in the U.S.-facilitated negotiations and said it could not abide by the terms of an agreement that did not involve it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final step to peace was meant to be a separate Qatar-facilitated deal between Congo and M23 that would bring about a permanent ceasefire. There have been no public signs of major talks between Congo and M23 on the final terms. Armenia and Azerbaijan In August, Trump hosted the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House, where they signed a deal aimed at ending a decades-long conflict. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the signed document a significant milestone. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hailed Trump for performing a miracle. The agreements were intended to reopen key transportation routes and reaffirm Armenias and Azerbaijans commitment to signing a peace treaty. The treatys text was initialed by the countries foreign ministers at that meeting, which indicated preliminary approval. But the two countries have yet to sign and ratify the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in a bitter conflict over territory since the early 1990s, when ethnic Armenian forces took control of the Karabakh province, known internationally as Nagorno-Karabakh, and nearby territories. In 2020, Azerbaijans military recaptured broad swaths of territory. Russia brokered a truce and deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to the region. In September 2023, Azerbaijani forces launched a lightning blitz to retake remaining portions. The two countries have worked toward normalizing ties and signing a peace treaty ever since. Cambodia and Thailand Officials from Thailand and Cambodia credit Trump with pushing the Asian neighbors to agree to a ceasefire in this summers brief border conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodia and Thailand clashed in the past over their shared border. The latest fighting began in July after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thai politics. Both countries agreed in late July to an unconditional ceasefire during a meeting in Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pressed for the pact, but there was little headway until Trump intervened. Trump said on social media that he warned the Thai and Cambodian leaders that the U.S. would not move forward with trade agreements if the hostilities continued. Both countries faced economic difficulties and neither had reached tariff deals with the U.S., though most of their Southeast Asian neighbors had. According to Ken Lohatepanont, a political analyst and University of Michigan doctoral candidate, President Trumps decision to condition a successful conclusion to these talks on a ceasefire likely played a significant role in ensuring that both sides came to the negotiating table when they did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press reporters Melissa Goldin, Jon Gambrell, Grant Peck, Dasha Litvinova, Fay Abuelgasim, Rajesh Roy, and Dusan Stojanovic contributed to this report. ___ Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck. Fred Alger Management, an investment management company, released its Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Initial volatility in April stemmed from increased trade policy uncertainty following President Trump's tariffs on April 2, which affected import-dependent companies. Stability returned on April 9 after a 90-day pause on new duties. Market sentiment improved in May following the White Houses suspension of reciprocal tariff hikes on China on May 12. In June, trade talksfeaturing faster rare-earth shipments and delayed tariffshelped the S&P 500 reach a record high, ending Q2 with a 10.94% gain. Class A shares of the fund outperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index during the second quarter of 2025. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund highlighted stocks such as RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO). RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) is a truck brokerage company. The one-month return of RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) was -0.49%, and its shares lost 42.07% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On September 23, 2025, RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) stock closed at $16.15 per share, with a market capitalization of $2.648 billion. Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund stated the following regarding RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) provides transportation services primarily by connecting customers with carriers, without owning many trucks itself. It operates mainly as a broker for two types of shipping: truckload (TL), where one customer's shipment fills an entire truck, and less than-truckload (LTL), which combines smaller shipments from multiple customers into a single truck. The company also offers managed transportation services, freight forwarding, and last-mile delivery solutions. During the quarter, shares detracted from performance after the company reported weaker-than-expected revenues and earnings compared to analyst estimates. While its LTL segment performed well, the TL business experienced lower shipping volumes, despite higher revenue per shipment. While management indicated a weak April, they also highlighted encouraging progress in improving efficiency. In our view, these productivity improvements position RXO well to outperform the broader industry when market conditions improve." RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 31 hedge fund portfolios held RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) at the end of the second quarter, up from 16 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of RXO, Inc. (NYSE:RXO) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. CAIRO (AP) The downtown Cairo apartment of Alaa Abd el-Fattah was filled with laughter and joy Tuesday as family and friends gathered to absorb the long-awaited news: the pro-democracy Egyptian-British activist had finally walked free. Abd el-Fattah was pardoned by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and released Monday after spending almost all the past 12 years in prison. He and five other prisoners had been pardoned after the National Council for Human Rights acted on behalf of their families, urging the president to consider their situations on humanitarian grounds. I felt a wave of sudden relief as if my body had been clenched tight for years and was finally loosening and just now releasing a weight that I have been carrying, Abd el-Fattahs sister, Sanaa Seif, told The Associated Press at the family apartment. She is one of the family members who waged an international campaign for his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was walking her dog when the news broke that her brother had been pardoned. As her phone rang nonstop with calls and notifications, she and her family drove to Wadi Natroun prison, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) outside Cairo, to pick him up, only to get a call from a neighbors phone: it was Abd el-Fattah himself, telling them he had already arrived at the familys house. Wrapped by a layer of sadness Abd el-Fattah was first sent to prison in 2014 for participating in an unauthorized protest and allegedly assaulting a police officer, before being released in early 2019. He was arrested again in September 2019 during a security crackdown that followed rare anti-government protests in Egypt, and after more than two years in pretrial detention, an emergency security court sentenced him to five years for spreading false news. When his release date came up in September 2024, authorities refused to count his time in pretrial detention and ordered him held until Jan. 3, 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Egypt didnt release Abd el-Fattah last September, his mother, Laila Soueif, began her own hunger strike in Britain, but became seriously ill and ended the strike in July. Soueif, a mathematics professor at Cairo University who was born in London, helped her son get British citizenship in 2021, hoping it would lead to his release. Due to her deteriorating health from the hunger strike, Soueif frequently received treatment at St. Thomass Hospital in London. She ended the strike in July after multiple appeals from family and friends. Seif said on Tuesday that her mother, Soueif, is miraculously doing better despite some lingering health issues. Abd el-Fattahs family is still adjusting to his freedom. His sister said she is slowly getting used to hearing her brothers voice in the background again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our happiness, no matter how huge, is wrapped by a layer of sadness because the situation (in Egypt) is bad," Soueif said. Real happiness will not be complete unless those unjustly detained are released. A family looks to the future With Abd el-Fattah now free, his family is looking to the future. Soueif said her son will likely settle a few matters in the U.K. for the sake of his son Khaled, and that she will return to teaching at the university next week. Im going back to my regular life as a faculty teaching member living in Egypt and expressing opposition against the government when I see something wrong," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abd el-Fattah previously took part in the 2011 uprising that toppled autocratic former President Hosni Mubarak, and later was active in protests against human rights abuses and military trials of civilians. An influential blogger, Abd el-Fattah hails from a family of political activists, lawyers and writers. His late father was one of Egypts most tireless rights lawyers, his sisters British citizens as well are also political activists, and his aunt is the award-winning novelist Ahdaf Soueif. Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, in a statement Tuesday praised Egypts decision to release Abd el-Fattah and called on Egypt to ensure the release of all those arbitrarily detained. CHICAGO (WGN) On the heels of an operation to crack down on violent crime, federal and local law enforcement agencies are working to track down a few fugitives still on the run. The seven men on the FBI Chicagos recently launched Chicago Most Wanted list are accused of a slew of crimes ranging from weapons charges to carjacking, attempted first-degree murder, and murder. The list stemmed from Operation Summer Heat, where the FBI Chicago, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriffs Office, United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and other agencies teamed up to target the most dangerous suspects wanted for violent crimes in their jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of four days from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15, the FBI Chicago said 25 people were taken into custody, without incident, across the region. The partnerships between our agencies enabled us to get some of the most violent offenders those charged with homicide and habitual gun offenses off the streets, making our communities safer, wrote ISP Director Brendan Kelly. The operation was a massive undertaking that required extensive planning and an immense number of resources. As a follow onto that, the idea was that we still had seven violent fugitives that were still on the loose, so the thought is that we could put them together, focus our efforts, kind of focus the publics efforts and resources as well on trying to apprehend these seven individuals, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jeremy Resar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, there were eight, according to the FBI. Weeks after the conclusion of Operation Summer Heat, and before the launch of the new fugitive list to call attention to wanted suspects, many of whom have an extensive criminal history, the agency was able to strike one name off the list. Calvin Hutchinson, 23, wanted for first-degree murder in a case out of south suburban Riverdale, was captured by police in Menasha, Wisconsin, more than three hours away. Calvin Hutchinson The FBI Chicago said investigators with their agency, working with local police, were able to identify a home in Menasha, about 45 minutes outside of Green Bay, where Hutchinson was reportedly staying. We did this in conjunction with the Appleton Police Department because we werent sure where he was, so the tip came to both of us, but it turns out the suspect was in Menasha so our officers were able to find out where he was, identify him, confirm, and then they made the plan to take the open air takedown approach to get him into custody, said Matthew Roe, community liaison officer for the City of Menasha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As authorities prepared a plan to safely apprehend Hutchinson, including possible scenarios that could occur and other measures to keep the public and officers safe, he allegedly went for a walk in the middle of the night to a convenience store. We were able to come up with a plan of whats called an open-air takedown, where officers basically converged on him from all sides, said Roe. Resar said it isnt uncommon for fugitives to flee the area where the crime occurs, frequently crossing state and international borders, and emphasized this case highlights a perfect example of how agencies all over are working together to make the streets safer. Roe echoed the same point. Its a team effort. This is not just one department that can do this, said Roe. This is just a great case of showing that interagency cooperation is crucial to capturing some fugitives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Hutchinson was extradited back to Cook County to face a murder charge, the FBI Chicago hopes its most wanted list continues to get smaller, for the sake of public safety and accountability. Everyone on Chicago Most Wanted is wanted for a dangerous offense and they should be considered dangerous to the public, and the sooner we can work to get them off the streets and into custody, the safer that our neighborhoods will be, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Michael Goldberg. The list of fugitives on Chicago Most Wanted includes Aron Barcenas, Julio Caeser Bernal, Nesta Gray, Gary Luellen, Joseph Matos, Giovanni Portillo, and Antonio Stigler. Julio Bernal Aron Barcenas According to authorities, two of the seven men are wanted in connection with the same crime. Barcenas and Bernal are charged with first-degree murder, accused in the drive-by shooting death of 14-year-old Erick Alfaro in May 2022 in unincorporated Elk Grove Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cook County Sheriffs Office, which is investigating the case, said Alfaro was walking in the Blackhawk Estates modular home community, located in the 400 block of West Touhy, when suspects opened fire from a dark-colored SUV, killing the teen. Nesta Gray Nesta Gray is wanted in the murder of 16-year-old Jaiden Howard, who was found in the 14000 block of South Thornton Road in the Kickapoo Meadows Forest Preserve on Nov. 1, 2022. Howard was found with a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. Authorities also charged Jahqwan Castillo, 17, of Robbins with first-degree murder. He was brought into custody by the Sheriffs Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in 2023, while Gray remained on the run. Gary Luellen Gary Luellen is wanted in connection with a violent carjacking that took place in the 12600 block of South Halsted on April 23, 2023. Luellen and co-conspirators carjacked a victim at gunpoint by force, violence, and intimidation, according to the FBI. A reward of up to $10,000 was previously announced, leading to the arrest of Luellen and his co-alleged accomplice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Trouble Matos, 42, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Illinois National Guardsman Chrys Carvajal on July 3, 2021. In 2024, the FBI announced a reward of up to $10,000 leading to the arrest and conviction of Matos. Carvajal, just days away from his 20th birthday, was reportedly walking to his car after a July 4th weekend party when shots were fired from a passing vehicle. He was found on a sidewalk near North Lockwood Avenue and West Palmer Street in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. According to an indictment charging Gary Gotti Roberson, already in custody, and Matos with federal racketeering crimes, the pair is believed to have killed Carvajal to maintain and increase their positions in the Milwaukee Kings street gang, which operates on Chicagos north side. The FBI has described Matos as a white Hispanic man who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs approximately 220 pounds. He has several tattoos: M-Town Kings on the right side of his neck; 1300 on the left side of his neck; Move in Silence on his right hand; Trust no one on his left hand; Most Wanted on his belly; Heavensent, Hellbound on his forearms; and Jesus Christopher Matos on his chest. Antonio Stigler Also being sought among the Chicago Most Wanted is Antonio Stigler, who is accused of murdering a pregnant woman on Oct. 25, 2024, in the 400 block of West Pacesetter Parkway in Riverdale. Giovanni Portillo Giovanni Portillo rounds out the list of suspects the FBI is still seeking as part of its continued effort connected to Operation Summer Heat. He was charged in DuPage County in 2021, accused of shooting a man outside a Naperville restaurant that May in what is believed to have been a gang-related incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Portillo fired at least 10 shots from a 9 mm gun, hitting the victim several times in the hand and lower torso. Portillo, a convicted felon, was taken into custody on two Class X felonies of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm, and in July 2021, someone posted the $1.5 million bond on his behalf. According to court records, Portillo managed to slip his ankle monitor and hasnt been seen since. He was indicted on a violation of bail bond in Oct. 2021, according to court records. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office, Douglas DePodesta, said the FBI and its local, state, and federal partners are utilizing every tool in the arsenal to hold people accountable and to track down those still at large. Together, we are signaling to criminals that there will be no refuge or safe haven from law enforcements reach, DePodesta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other agencies involved in the joint efforts weighed in. Partnership is the cornerstone of holding violent offenders accountable as we work to make our neighborhoods safer, wrote CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling. As we work with fellow law enforcement on these criminal investigations, we are asking the public to come forward with any information they have to assist in the apprehension of these suspects. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, whose department is involved in several of the cases involving fugitives on the list, shared this statement: Joint operations that leverage the resources of law enforcement agencies at all levels help ensure safer neighborhoods for the people of Cook County especially when those who wreak violence and chaos on our streets are brought to justiceWe look forward to continued partnerships with the FBI and our colleagues in state and local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The agency said tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. Even if this person is a family member, a friend, we do have the ability to make this apprehension as safe as possible. It is so much safer than if this individual is apprehended on the highway, with a single officer, in the middle of the night, said Resar. I know its hard to see for people in that position, but I think in the long run its beneficial for all of us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. FBI agents executing a search warrant at former national security adviser John Boltons downtown Washington office last month turned up documents marked as classified, according to a court filing released Tuesday. A description of the documents gathered in the Aug. 22 search suggested they included materials that referenced weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. mission to the United Nations and records related to the U.S. governments strategic communications. The inventory by an FBI agent doesnt specify the number of suspected classified documents. But it lists several collections or folders that were labeled confidential and some pages marked secret. The heading on at least one set marked confidential was redacted from the inventory, filed earlier this month in federal court in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI agents also carried out a search warrant the same morning at Boltons Bethesda, Maryland, home. The inventory from that search contained no outward indication that classified information was located. However, in both instances, agents reported seizing computers and other electronic devices whose contents were not detailed. Both search warrant applications indicated FBI agents were seeking evidence related to three felony offenses, including gathering, transmitting or losing national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act and retaining classified information without permission. In Trumps first term, Bolton faced a lawsuit claiming he included classified information in a book he wrote after leaving the administration. A federal judge warned publicly that the former White House officials actions might have been criminal. However, a Justice Department probe did not lead to charges and was eventually dropped under the Biden administration in 2021. Its not known when the investigation restarted. Court filings indicate that investigators determined that Boltons AOL email account was hacked by a foreign entity, although details of the alleged hack and how the U.S. became aware of it remain unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Redacted court filings related to the Washington search were released by Justice Department lawyers after several news organizations, including POLITICO, filed a formal motion asking for disclosure of the records. DOJ attorneys agreed to make public redacted versions of the inventory, search warrant and accompanying affidavit, but resisted blanket release of the information, citing a need to protect a national security investigation. Categories of potentially classified records that the FBI reported finding at Boltons office included: travel memo documents with a secret label; confidential documents from the U.S. mission to the U.N.; confidential documents related to strategic communications; and classified documents related to weapons of mass destruction. Secret is the middle of three major tiers of U.S. national security classification, intended to cover information expected to cause serious damage if disclosed. Confidential is the lowest tier, covering information that could cause some damage to national security if released. Confidential is often used for routine diplomatic communications. The material gathered in the search underscores the potential criminal exposure for Bolton. The federal government has brought prosecutions in the past for those who knowingly retain classified information outside of secure or approved channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for Bolton, Abbe Lowell, said the records were cleared for Bolton's use years ago and many of them were more than two decades old. "These materials, many of which are documents that had been previously approved as part of a pre-publication review for Amb. Boltons book, were reviewed and closed years ago," Lowell said in a statement. "These are the kinds of ordinary records, many of which are 20 years old or more, that would be kept by a 40-year career official who served at the State Department, as an Assistant Attorney General, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and the National Security Advisor. Specifically, the documents with classification markings from the period 1998-2006 date back to Amb. Boltons time in the George W. Bush Administration," Lowell added. "An objective and thorough review will show nothing inappropriate was stored or kept by Amb. Bolton." Lowell did not address whether the documents had been marked as declassified, as is typical practice. The FBI's inventory doesn't include such details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya approved the search warrant for Boltons office. She is the same magistrate judge who received a grand jurys indictment of Donald Trump in 2023 for election interference and presided over his arraignment. Special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump for hoarding classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office in 2021 a case considered to be the gravest threat to Trump until his victory in the 2024 election. Trump faced 32 counts of one of the offenses under investigation in the Bolton probe: unauthorized retention of classified information in violation of the Espionage Act. A federal judge in Florida eventually dismissed the case, citing legal flaws in Smiths appointment. Joe Biden also faced a criminal inquiry for his own collection of classified documents at his Delaware home, only for special counsel Robert Hur to conclude a jury would be unlikely to convict him for the offense. Trump has long derided Bolton after a stint as his handpicked adviser for being a warmonger. Boltons defenders have worried that the FBI searches of his home and office were part of Trumps public calls for retribution against his adversaries. Matt Peyerl, associate director for tax administration with the North Dakota Tax Department, speaks to the Legislatures interim Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) The North Dakota Tax Department estimates the states income tax collections will take a sizable hit as a result of federal tax legislation, though the impact will be smaller than in many other states. Matt Peyerl, associate director of tax administration for the department, told lawmakers on Tuesday to expect an estimated $129 million reduction in individual and corporate tax income collections during the 2025-27 budget cycle due to the 10-year budget reconciliation law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That equates to approximately 9% of the states individual and business income taxes and 2.5% of the states total tax and fee revenues collected in the 2023-25 biennium. The reduction in income tax collection is expected to decrease to $93 million in the 2027-29 biennium, according to the tax departments estimates, before falling off to $26 million in the 2029-31 biennium when many of the changes expire. A lot of the individual changes fall off after four years, Peyerl said. That leaves a lot of uncertainty when trying to project farther than four years out because Congress could choose to extend the changes. Even estimates for the next few years are dependent on a lot of variables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now theyre the best I have, Peyerl told members of the Legislatures interim Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee. He said there will be some clarity on the impact to state revenues in summer 2026 once the majority of this years tax returns are filed. Peyerl noted the impact on North Dakota is anticipated to be less than more populous states with higher tax rates and a lower percentage of the population falling into a zero bracket, where they pay no income tax. In North Dakota, residents dont pay state income tax if they make less than $48,475 for single filers, or $80,975 for married couples. Some states will see impacts from the federal legislation in the hundreds of millions or nearly $1 billion, Peyerl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For North Dakota, the largest impacts to individual income tax will come from the exemption for overtime pay, the increased standard deduction that applies to all filers, an additional $6,000 tax deduction for some senior citizens, and the deduction for auto loan interest payments up to $10,000. Business tax revenues will be reduced by restoring corporations pre-2023 ability to expense bonus depreciation, as well as research and development costs. While these changes were made at the federal level, and not by the North Dakota Legislature, it will nonetheless affect the states tax collections. North Dakota is entirely coupled, for better or for worse, Peyerl said, with the federal governments system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means North Dakota conforms to the federal Internal Revenue Code, including any changes made by the U.S. Congress, unless the states lawmakers pass a law stating otherwise. Most of the states are in similar positions where to one extent or another theyre tied to the federal system, Peyerl said. Some are more completely tied. Some are tied in between. Not all federal tax legislation affects North Dakotas tax collections. Changes to tax credits, for example, dont have an effect on how much revenue North Dakota receives. North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge can be reached at jorledge@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) Lebanon police now have a tool that allows them to better prepare for a mental health call. The Lebanon Police Department rolled out a new program that helps officers respond to the most vulnerable people including those with Alzheimers disease, dementia and children with autism. News 2 spoke to the Lebanon police C.A.R.E. coordinator, who said this program is near and dear to her heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, as a mother, you want to protect your child; you want to do the best you can where you create an environment for them that they are safe, Lebanon Police Department Communications and C.A.R.E. coordinator Cecilia Jennings said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Jennings has worked in dispatch for the Lebanon Police Department for the last five years. And now she is the coordinator for the C.A.R.E. program. The new program, called C.A.R.E., allows loved ones to add their family members who may have a medical condition such as dementia or autism to a registry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, if police respond to their residence, officers are alerted to their needs. And automatically our units would be aware to take a look and see who that individual is and treat it on an individual basis, and they would know their name already, their preferred name as well as their tendencies, Jennings said. For Cecilia, this program means a lot to her after her son was diagnosed with autism in 2023. I was like, Yes, finally I can add my child to this registry. So God forbid if anything happens, I know that everyone who is responding is equipped and knows what he needs, what will keep him safe and what will bring him home, Jennings said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And now she wants to help other families in case of an emergency. As a parent, as a loved one, you are already protective of your vulnerable family member, so I think the key is to communicate that we are trustworthy and we are sensitive to this information and what it means to you, Jennings said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Thats the message she hopes to send as she works with the community to sign up folks who could benefit from the program, just like her 5-year-old son. If you had told me August of 2023 when I received my sons diagnosis that I was going to be a voice for the community, I would have never thought of that, but hes inspiring me, Jennings said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can sign a loved one up for the C.A.R.E. registry online. You can also sign up at the police department or by calling the non-emergency number. All information is confidential and voluntary. The program serves all ages. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ahmed al-Sharaa became the first Syrian president in almost 60 years to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. "Syria has transformed from an exporter of crises into an opportunity for peace," he said in New York. After years of civil war under former ruler Bashar al-Assad, al-Sharaa's transitional government is striving for diplomacy, stability, security and economic development, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, Syria is returning to its rightful place among the countries of the world." The last speech by a Syrian head of state to the UN plenary was delivered by then-Syrian president Nureddin al-Atassi in 1967. Last December, al-Sharaa led a militia alliance to overthrow al-Assad and was appointed interim president of the country. His appearance in New York marks his country's official return to the international community, wrote the Washington Institute think tank. In his speech, al-Sharaa was critical of neighbouring Israel, which has attacked targets in Syria hundreds of times since al-Assad's overthrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israel's attacks against my country continue," al-Sharaa said. He added that Syria, however, remains committed to the 1974 ceasefire agreement, which Israel effectively declared over after al-Assad's overthrow. Talks on a new security agreement between the two countries have been under way for months under US mediation. Al-Sharaa, outlining the Syrian government's agenda, said Syria has adopted a policy built on three pillars: balanced diplomacy, security stability and economic development. He noted that his administration has filled the power vacuum, launched a national dialogue, formed a government of technocrats and established transitional justice and missing persons commissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the administration has also restructured civilian and military institutions under the principle of keeping all arms under state control. Syria was long isolated and subject to sanctions during the civil war under al-Assad. In Iraq, al-Sharaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, had once joined the terrorist network al-Qaeda and spent several years held captive by the US military there. While he later renounced al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, there are still some doubts as to whether he has completely abandoned his extremist ideology. The Arab Reform Initiative think tank commented that this was the first time that a sitting head of state subject to UN sanctions had personally appeared at its most important forum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since al-Sharaa's appointment, observers have wondered whether he will establish a government for all Syrians, including minorities, as announced, or whether he could become a new authoritarian ruler. Thousands of people have been killed in sectarian violence in Syria in recent months. There have also been accusations against the government security forces. A Florida retiree will remain in Saudi Arabia until next year after being convicted of cyber crimes over posts criticizing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the mans son. Saad Almadi, 75, won't be allowed to leave Saudi Arabia after he was convicted for distributing online content that undermines public order, according to a September ruling provided by to the Associated Press by Ibrahim Almadi, Saags son. His conviction carries a three-year sentence, but he reportedly won't be sent to prison as he has already spent more than a year incarcerated following his 2021 arrest, the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saag Almadi is prohibited from leaving Saudi Arabia until March 2026 as part of the latest ruling, however. The Saudi government did not respond to a request for comment when approached by AP. Almadi immigrated to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia in the 1970's. In 2021, he returned for what was supposed to be a short trip to visit with his family. Instead, he was arrested and confronted with tweets he made over a span of several years that were critical of the Saudi crown prince. A picture of Saad Almadi, a U.S. citizen who is banned from leaving Saudi Arabia until next year. (AP) One of the tweets reportedly referenced Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who was brutally murdered in 2018 at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul. Like Almadi, Khashoggi was critical of the crown prince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another post, Almadi reportedly criticized what he saw as bin Salman's consolidation of power. Shortly after his arrest, he was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges stemming from his social media posts. Saudi officials eventually dropped the charges after Almadi spent more than a year locked up. However, he was prevented from returning to him home in Boca Raton, Florida. According to previous reporting by AP, Saudi officials have also reportedly been trying to convince Almadi to renounce his U.S. citizenship. Ibrahim Almadi holds a photo of his father Saad Almadi, who was convicted of cyber crimes after allegedly making critical posts about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, (AP) President Donald Trump said he wasnt aware of Saad AlmadiS case when a reporter asked him about it in May. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) President Donald Trump who in a May visit to Riyadh in May called the crown prince an incredible man has remained largely quiet on Almadi's detainment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked in May, Trump said he didn't know about Almadis case, but promised he'd look into the situation. A few weeks later, one of his national security aides, Sebastian Gorka, met with Ibrahim Almadi at the White House. The Independent has approached the White House for comment. Advocates fear that Saag Almadi isn't the only American who has been banned from leaving Saudi Arabia. According to Abdullah Alaoudh, a senior director at the Middle East Democracy Center in Washington, D.C., there are at least four other people one American citizen, two U.S.-Saudi dual citizens, and a U.S. green card holder who are in similar situations. Credit: ITV News Foreign criminals are being offered up to 2,000 to agree to be deported back to their home countries. Nearly 50 foreign national offenders were filmed by ITV News being taken from immigration removal centres on Tuesday to be flown back to Romania, where they were each given bank cards pre-loaded with up to 2,000. As many as six staff accompanied every passenger up the stairs to the plane to prevent them from attempting to flee, while other criminals had to be put in restraints to stop them from lashing out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time journalists had been allowed onboard a deportation flight for foreign criminals. The facilitated return scheme was designed to encourage offenders to agree to their early removal from the UK before completing their prison sentences, saving up to 54,000 a year that would otherwise be spent on housing them in jail. Foreign criminals can also be removed after serving as little as 30 per cent of the custodial part of their sentence, rather than 50 per cent, under changes to the law made by Shabana Mahmood that came into force on Tuesday. The Home Secretarys move could pave the way for a sex offender, who was being housed as an asylum seeker in Epping, to be returned to Ethiopia within weeks if ministers can overcome diplomatic hurdles. Nearly 50 foreign offenders were given up to 2,000 while on board a deportation flight to Romania - ITV New legislation currently before Parliament will also give ministers powers to deport many foreign offenders as soon as they are sentenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are nearly 11,000 foreign offenders in jails in England and Wales, more than one eight of the total and costing the taxpayer nearly 600m a year. Ms Mahmood, who introduced the changes on early prison removal during her time as the justice secretary, said of the payments that out of context, its not great, it doesnt look good. But she added: A voluntary removal is actually cheaper for the British taxpayer. It has long been the case that we do offer financial packages as an incentive to people to drop their claims and drop the attempts they make to stay in our country, and to board a flight and leave. The ITV film began in a deportation centre near Heathrow, where a journalist began questioning some of the migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asked one: Do you want to go home? No, the migrant replied. Ive been living here 10 years. The journalist asked a second man what crime he had committed, but he refused to say. Several deportation flights leave Britain every week heading to a variety of countries, with 5,000 foreign offenders sent home last year. Each foreign criminal is entitled to up to 2,000 under the Facilitated Return Scheme, encouraging and aiding their resettlement in their home countries. They are told to withdraw the cash on landing. Under the scheme, foreign criminals are offered 1,500 if they apply to be deported while in jail. Qualifying family members would also be offered 1,500. Those who apply after completing their prison term or have non-custodial convictions can get 750. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a discretionary extra 500 offered for those with vulnerabilities, which include mental disorders, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, age, destitution, homelessness or serious illness. Official guidance states: This list is not exhaustive, and the merits of each application will be judged on a case-by-case basis. The number of deportations will act as a deterrent to other illegal migrants, Shabana Mahmood has said - ITV Certain types of offenders can be excluded from the offers if it could undermine public confidence and bring the scheme into disrepute, says the Home Office guidance. These include offenders involved in a high-profile or notorious crime and those who have committed a crime of particular concern to the public such as murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual offences against children under 16, terrorism or human trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign criminals in the ITV News report had all initially arrived in the UK legally but then committed crimes and served custodial prison sentences meaning they breached their visa conditions and would be deported. Their crimes included theft, sexual offences and murder. Some 100 security escorts and seven buses were required to transport them from the removal centre to get them on the flight to Romania. For every two foreign criminals, there were three private contractor escorts. The more disruptive required half a dozen staff and were placed in individual vans for transport to the airport. While on board the flight, the foreign criminals were handed cash cards, containing up to 2,000. Passengers from the flight board a bus after landing in Romania. Those on board the plane were paid to leave Britain - ITV Referring to deportations under the one-in, one-out scheme, Ms Mahmood said: I will be ramping up the numbers and I hope to say more about that in the weeks to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: You start with a small first step and then you ramp up, which is exactly what were going to be doing. We have a clear agreement with the French, we will want to see those numbers increase ... Im not going to get ahead of operational decisions. I want us to get to a point where the numbers that are being removed are acting as a deterrent and stop people getting on the boats in the first place. We have proved it can work, weve got flights off the ground, more are going this week, and we will be looking to ramp up the numbers. She added secure borders would improve race relations in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: If we have got control of our borders I think that creates the space for fundamental, decent, British people to be welcoming of those who come to our country and to contribute. I think that having a secure border is necessary for maintaining what is actually very positive race relations in our country. I am also worried about the rise of the far-Right, Im very worried about some of the rhetoric, I think it is getting out of control and I worry about where that may lead. As politicians we should hold the line on what is patriotism and what is nationalism, there is a line there I know where it is. Around 34,000 people were returned from the UK in 2024 the most since 2017, and 25 per cent more than in 2023. A Home Office spokesman said: We understand that the public does not want to see financial handouts to individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK. However, the reality is that offering incentives for voluntary departure is significantly more cost-effective than detaining individuals or them remaining in the UK while they pursue lengthy legal challenges against removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach has been in place in the UK since 2006, and it is one adopted by governments around the world due to its practicality and efficiency. 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. France and Belgium have joined the UK, Portugal, Canada and Australia in formally recognising a Palestinian state, the leaders of the two countries announced on Monday. True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine, French President Emmanuel Macron announced while addressing the United Nations in New York, to loud applause from those in attendance. Before making the announcement, Macron told the UN that the world was on the brink of losing its chance to achieve peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can no longer wait," the French leader said, as he condemned the 7 October attacks and called for a two-state solution. "Nothing justifies the ongoing war", he said, adding that "everything compels us" to bring it to a definitive end. French President Emmanuel Macron, arrives inside the United Nations General Assembly Hall, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at UN headquarters. - AP Photo "Belgium is sending a strong political and diplomatic signal to the world today by joining the group of countries announcing the recognition of the State of Palestine," Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said. De Wever also stated that the two-state solution was as far away as ever due to the "military operation aimed at the complete occupation of Gaza," the settler expansion in the West Bank and the "unspeakable humanitarian crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgium has pledged 600 million in support and over 190 million in humanitarian aid to address the crisis in the Strip, De Wever stated. France and Belgium are the latest countries to announce their recognition of a Palestinian state after the UK, Portugal, Canada and Australia did so on Sunday. Around three-fourths of the 193-member United Nations recognise Palestine, but the majority of major Western nations had until recently declined to do so. The creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem territories seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War is widely seen internationally as the main way to resolve the ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas' 7 October attack ignited the war in Gaza nearly two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians have welcomed the moves toward recognition, hoping they might someday lead to independence. 'Will not happen' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on Macron's declaration but said in a video posted before Portugal made the move that a Palestinian state "will not happen. "A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River," he said, adding that Israel has doubled Jewish settlements in the West Bank and "will continue on this path." Netanyahu said he would respond to the "latest attempt to impose a terrorist state" on Israel following the conclusion of Monday's UN General Assembly meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has opposed Palestinian statehood before the war, and now argues that recognising Palestine would reward Hamas. The Israeli leader is under pressure from parts of his coalition government to move ahead with annexing parts of the West Bank, which would complicate Palestinian efforts. Israel says that the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority, led by Hamas' political rivals Fatah, is not fully committed to peace and accuses it of incitement to militancy. Hamas has repeatedly stated it might accept a state on the 1967 lines. The group is formally committed to the idea of a Palestinian state in all of the territory between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, including land that is now part of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said he would decide on Israel's response to the Palestinian statehood push after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House next week, their fourth meeting since Trump returned to office. The Trump administration is also opposed to growing recognition of a Palestinian state and blames it for the derailment of ceasefire talks with Hamas. Scotch whisky producer Ardgowan Distillery Company has secured distribution agreements for its product portfolio in five new global markets. The company has signed contracts with distributors in Germany, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, and Malaysia to sell its Cyldebuilt single malt whisky and eventually its Ardgowan Single Malt once it has matured. Clydebuilt was previously available as a blended malt. As of June this year, the company now also sells a single malt, sourcing the liquid from a third party and maturing the product at Ardgowans distillery in Inverclyde. In Germany, German spirits importer Kammer-Kirsch will have distribution rights for the Ardgowan product portfolio in the country. The company said it saw Germany as a key market and that it believed "a closeknit collaboration will lead to Germany becoming a top three market for Clydebuilt and eventually Ardgowan Single Malt. Its other distribution partnerships are with Roy + Co for Canada, Galatea in Sweden, and Single Malt Sdn Bhd, covering Singapore and Malaysia. When asked about the company's rationale for entering in these markets, Ardgowan said: "Germany is key market and Kammer Kirsch have a proven track record in building brands, the Canadian Liquor Boards are amongst the largest buyers in the world so to get market presence and start building awareness of the Ardgowan story is important. Singapore and Malaysia is our first formal arrangement in Asia which we will build on." Set up in 2016, Ardgowan's largest markets are the UK and Austria. Roland Grain is the majority shareholder and CEO of the business. Commenting on the new distribution agreements, Ardgowan sales and marketing director David Keir said: These new partnerships mark a significant step in Ardgowans journey as we bring our boutique Clydebuilt brand and future Ardgowan Single Malt to discerning whisky drinkers in these important markets. "Consumers in these countries hold a strong appreciation for Scotch whisky, and by working closely with our new partners, we can share our enthusiasm for quality, innovation and craftsmanship on a much wider scale" The group began producing its own spirit, Ardgowan Single Malt, in June at the Inverclyde distillery. The business told Just Drinks the first Ardgowan Single Malt could spend between six to 12 years in maturation before heading to market. "Scotch maker Ardgowan secures distribution deals" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. Paul Watsons bid for asylum in France has been turned down, leaving the veteran anti-whaling campaigner in legal limbo. France has declined to grant political asylum to anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, dismissing his plea that he would face persecution if returned to Canada or the United States. Ofpra, the French body charged with asylum decisions, judged his fears unfounded, noting that both countries are democracies governed by the rule of law". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watson, the founder of the Sea Shepherd conservation group, aged 74, holds dual US and Canadian citizenship. He was held in Greenland for five months in 2024 before Denmark declined to extradite him to Japan, which accuses him of involvement in damage and injury aboard a Japanese whaling vessel in 2010. He arrived in France late last year and filed his asylum claim in February. Paul Watson: unshaken by prison and still fighting for whales Furthering the campaign Speaking to RFI in February, Watson remained unbowed by his ordeal. He described his jail time as an opportunity to further the campaign against illegal whaling, adding that he was overwhelmed by the international response to his detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he believed Denmark was surprised at the attention his case drew. He remarked: International waters are like the wild west, where rules exist but are not respected, often for economic or political motives. Watson emphasised that in his decades of activism he has never hurt anyone and has always operated within the framework of the law". He pointed out that, over the years, his crews had intervened to rescue an estimated 6,000 whales. When pressed on his motivation, he recalled a harrowing experience in 1975 in which a whale threatened to crush his ship. He said: I looked directly in its eye I could tell it knew what we were doing. He could have killed us, but he chose not to. I owe my life to this whale. Thats when it hit me we [humans] are insane. And I said to myself that I would do whatever it takes to protect these animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sea Sheperd's Paul Watson vows to keep fighting for oceans from Marseille 'Disappointed' but hopeful Watson, who is still based in France, recently told RFI he tries not to dwell on uncertainty. You have no control over the future, but you have absolute control over the present. What you do today will define your future. For him, that means continuing to use every platform available from international summits to grassroots campaigns to highlight threats to the ocean and rally support for whales. Watson told reporters he is disappointed" by the rejection of his asylum claim, but remains hopeful that he might ultimately obtain French citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyer, Emmanuel Ludot, has urged France to reconsider. He said: France is not honouring itself by refusing political asylum to Paul Watson. Japan maintains its international arrest warrant, so he is still in danger, wherever he may travel." (with AFP) Joe Solomon (left) and Sarah Stone, Kanawha County coordinators for Save a Life Day, show some of the yellow naloxone wall boxes that will be distributed during the event. (Photo by Lori Kersey/West Virginia Watch) As volunteers around the country prepared last week for Save a Life Day, an annual naloxone giveaway event, Kanawha County saw a stark reminder of the need for the opioid overdose reversal drug. Within 24 hours, 35 people in Charleston overdosed on what police believed to have been fentanyl laced with xylazine, a powerful tranquilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each overdose, naloxone was reportedly used to revive the person. No deaths were reported. For Joe Solomon, a Charleston City councilman and a co-founder of Save A Life Day, it was also a reminder that more could be done for drug users in the city. I wish every day were Save a Life Day, Solomon said. The only way to do that is if we had an accessible, needs-based harm reduction program that would make every day Save A Life Day. Because you can meet hundreds of people every day where they are with what they need, and get your arms around them naloxone, test strips, drug testing, and if they want more services like counseling and primary care and infectious disease treatment, that too. During this years Save a Life Day on Thursday, volunteers from every state and even one from the nation of Colombia will distribute the opioid overdose antidote drug at more than 900 sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solomon and fellow co-founder Sarah Stone, both of the overdose prevention organization SOAR, helped start Save a Life Day in Kanawha and Putnam counties in 2020, as the number of fatal overdoses rose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the event was held in 32 states, including every state east of the Mississippi. Sarah Stone stands in front of a wall of boxes filled with naloxone. The naloxone will be distributed this week during Save a Life Day. (Photo by Lori Kersey/West Virginia Watch) More than 30,000 doses of the opioid overdose antidote were distributed by volunteers in West Virginia during the 2024 event. Solomon said the milestone of being in every state is undercut by the citys passage of legislation in 2021 that restricted harm reduction programs that may have had a bigger impact on helping people struggling with drug addiction. Im torn, right? Because, its like you send out this real signal of hope from this place of hurt. That feels like something to be really proud about, Solomon said. And were still a place that criminalized harm reduction. And so much of our story hasnt, I think, found the level of atonement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone said she didnt expect the event to cause miracles, just a slow move toward lessening the stigma that has been associated with naloxone. I think [going from] two counties to over 900 sites in five years is pretty good, she said. Stone and Solomon are also the coordinators of Kanawha Countys Save A Life Day distribution. West Virginia has long had the highest drug overdose rates in the country, but the state has celebrated some victories recently. In July, West Virginia marked the largest reduction in fatal overdoses across the nation over a 12 month period. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia saw two months of declines in the annual rate of fatal overdoses, representing a 41% decrease compared to deaths reported in both preceding 12 month periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone said events like Save a Life Day have the potential to make big changes by encouraging people to talk to one another. Even in the midst of an overdose spike, Charleston is more prepared to handle the crisis today than it was five years ago, she said. People will always use drugs, she said. But not talking about it, or being in denial about that or the layers and layers of shame are weird, she said. I like to think were encouraging people to have conversations about what the reality of their life and their family and their communities are so they can make it better. Access to naloxone is the baseline, and we still have lots of places that dont have access, she said. Were learning a lot. We always learn a lot each year talking to people in other places about what works for them and what they do. The state of West Virginia is contributing 16,712 naloxone kits for Save a Life Day, which is 2,084 more kits than it did in 2024, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services told West Virginia Watch in an email. Each kit contains two doses of the drug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caroline Wilson, who coordinates the national event, said the most exciting aspect of the event is the unity of volunteers from all the states coming together. Were trying to help each other. Were trying to bring the numbers down. Yes, theyve been dropping, but [its] still too many, Wilson said. And so its just amazing to see how many people are really passionate about this and want to work together and solve the overdose crisis. Joe Solomon holds some of the postcards that will be distributed during Save a Life Day. The cards are meant for volunteers to send to their elected leaders to encourage them to spend opioid settlement funds on harm reduction programs. (Photo by Lori Kersey/West Virginia Watch) This year, the Matthew Perry Foundation and Healing Appalachia partnered to sponsor Save a Life Day, Wilson said. The Friends star died in October 2023 of a ketamine overdose. CareSource is providing funding to supply at least one newspaper-style distribution box for each state, she said. The boxes can be filled and refilled with naloxone so that people can have access to the drug as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years event will also add an advocacy component. Volunteers can get post cards to send to their local officials with messages encouraging them to use their opioid settlement funds to support harm reduction programs. While naloxone has been available over the counter since 2023, Wilson said Save a Life Day still has an important role. It allows volunteers to meet people they normally wouldnt encounter. Many people have stories about the people who in their lives who have struggled with drug use or died of an overdose. The event also helps to decrease stigma, she said. Its really cool to me, how they come up and they feel comfortable [telling their stories] just because of what were out there doing. They havent really met people like us before that they can just openly say these things too. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WETHERSFIELD - The mother held in Connecticut for extradition in connection with her 2-year-old daughter's death in North Carolina last year had been given custody of the girl by a county social service department after a child abuse case, according to a report issued by a medical examiner in that state. Rajasaffiyya Drain, 28, was taken into custody by Wethersfield police Monday night after she was accused of committing a second domestic violence assault on the same man, court documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assault at a hotel in Wethersfield came hours after a Bertie County grand jury in North Carolina issued an indictment for Drain, known as "Raja," in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Jamie, who authorities said was killed by blunt force trauma to the head on Dec, 2, 2024. The older Drain was taken into custody Monday in Wethersfield where police said they responded to a domestic-related incident at a local motel around 6:20 p.m. Drain was arrested on domestic violence charges and then an hour later held as a fugitive from justice in her daughter's death. Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said Tuesday that Raja Drain has family in Wethersfield and was likely staying with them before she was taken into custody. Connecticut court records show that she was arrested in July on a second-degree breach of peace charge involving the same man and there was a protective order against her. Drain was arraigned Tuesday in state Superior Court in New Britain where a judge doubled her bond to $2 million for the fugitive from justice charge. She waived extradition during the proceeding and is waiting for authorities in North Carolina to take her back to Bertie County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, violation of a protective order, disorderly conduct, interfering with police and third-degree assault in connection with the Wethersfield arrest. In that case, she is accused of smashing the man's speaker against his car and then hitting him in the face with a hair brush during an argument after he picked her up from work Monday, an arrest report said. During the July incident, the 28-year-old is accused of punching the man in the face while they were drinking and arguing at a gas station in Hartford, according to a police report. Raja Drain told police that she hit the man because he pulled her hair, the report said. The man told police that "she had no hair to pull" and that he didn't pull her hair, according to the report. He had visible injuries and was later charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, the report said. Raja Drain was released after posting $1,000 bond. A judge issued a protective order barring her from assaulting or harassing the man but she was still allowed to maintain contact with him as that case was pending, reports said. Her address on the July report was listed as Hamden. Her address on the Wethersfield report was listed as Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was about to be released after being processed on the domestic violence charges when Wethersfield police were notified that she was wanted for murder in North Carolina, documents said. Her daughter's homicide occurred on Dec. 2, 2024 when Ruffin said first responders were called to a residence on Jack Branch Road in Windsor, N.C., for reports of an unresponsive young child. Ruffin said the child was pronounced dead at a hospital. Raja Drain was the only adult at the residence when the incident occurred and reported her daughter had fallen and began shaking before she was found on the floor unresponsive, Ruffin said. The 28-year-old claimed she was cooking at the time of the incident, Ruffin said, and gave Jamie water, but the girl would not respond. Ruffin said Raja Drain also claimed Jamie had fallen down the stairs several days before she died. Ruffin said the evidence shows the 2-year-old died of blunt-force trauma and injuries to her head. He said medical experts notified authorities the injuries the child sustained had to have been inflicted by an adult. A report by a North Carolina medical examiner said that the child had injuries that were in various states of healing and her medical history included injuries consistent with child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child had been to the emergency department twice in the previous year, once for unexplained bruises reported by a daycare and a second time for a broken clavicle, an autopsy report said. A North Carolina medical examiner ruled the child's death a homicide in August, the autopsy report said. The case prompted the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to take over the Bertie County Department of Social Services since Jamie Drain died after being involved with the county agency. Organizers of the pro-Palestinian flotilla hoping to carry aid to Gaza said that Israel attacked them with "flash bombs, explosive flares, and suspected chemicals" as it approached the war-torn Palestinian territory. "The Israeli occupation forces have launched at least 11 attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla as it is 600 nautical miles [1,100 kilometres] from Gaza," the CODEPINK organization said in a social media post early on Wednesday. "Israel is threatening and terrorizing humanitarians carrying aid in international waters. Demand safe passage for the flotilla. Break the siege on Gaza now," the group said, in comments also shared by the flotilla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global Sumud Flotilla published a video on its social media channels early on Wednesday showing what it said were "flashbangs... a non-lethal explosive device used mainly by police or military forces. It is designed to incapacitate people temporarily without causing permanent injury, making it useful in crowd control or hostage rescue operations." The activists said that "explosive flares" and "suspected chemicals" were deployed against the boats as well as "unidentified drones and communications jamming." "We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated," the flotilla said in a Telegram post. Earlier, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, reposted one of the flotilla's videos on her X page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "9th attack reported on humanitarian boats in int'l waters (southwest of Crete) - in the middle of the night! Et voila: genocidaire on land, maritime outlaw at sea," she wrote in the social media thread. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set off from Barcelona in late August with hundreds of activists on board, is aiming to breach the Israeli sea blockade of the Gaza coast to deliver humanitarian aid to the population of the war-torn territory. "Sumud" means steadfastness in Arabic. Israel has in the past thwarted a number of attempts to breach its sea blockade. Most recently, activists said two Global Sumud Flotilla vessels were attacked while in Tunisian waters over about 24 hours earlier in September. BERLIN German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius said calls to shoot down Russian jets that have entered NATO airspace are counterproductive, advocating instead for a policy of restraint following several incursions by Moscows warplanes. He characterized the violations as dangerous and highlighted the risk of an accident or misunderstanding, but said that in the recent events, there had been no reckless behavior by Russian pilots. So far, there has been no recognizable aggressiveness in these incidents. But that is a prerequisite for kinetic, physical intervention, the German defense minister said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pistorius, speaking at a press conference after a meeting with his Swedish counterpart, Pal Jonson, said that frivolous demands to bring something down from the sky would be unhelpful, adding that NATO should not fall into Russian President Vladimir Putins escalation trap. Prudence is not cowardice, but rather responsibility toward your own country and toward peace in Europe, Pistorius said. Calls to shoot down Russian military aircraft entering NATO airspace have popped up in the public discourse since around 20 drones overflew Poland earlier in September. Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO general, argued that downing Russian planes should be an option for the alliance, saying that after Turkey shot down a Russian aircraft in 2015, Russian provocations ceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO and many of its member states have separately issued statements reiterating that they are ready to defend their airspace, by force if necessary. The German defense chief described how German and Swedish alert squadrons coordinated to handle a Russian reconnaissance aircraft conducting dangerous low-altitude flights over the Baltic Sea over the weekend, ensuring it quickly left NATO airspace. Sweden is the NATO alliances newest member, joining in 2024 after abandoning a longstanding neutrality stance. Besides jointly intercepting Russian planes, the two ministers touted their countries deepening relationship, including the area of defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the upcoming joint procurement projects, Sweden and Germany will buy IRIS-T SLM air defense missiles under the European Sky Shield Initiative umbrella, Pistorius said, as well as snow-going vehicles manufactured in Sweden. Swedish defense manufacturers may also be in for a boon with the looming retirement of NATOs E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft based in Germany. This would leave Berlin with a significant capability gap in national airborne early warning and control. Pistorius said on Tuesday that the Swedish Saab GlobalEye was in pole position to close this capacity gap, though he cautioned that a decision had not yet been made. German lawmaker Hanna Steinmuller is pushing for more visibility of children in everyday life, after she became the first member of parliament ever to address the lower house while holding a baby. Steinmuller, from the Green Party, was carrying her baby son strapped to her body when she held a speech in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house, during budget week on Tuesday. "That wasn't planned," Steinmuller told Berlin's Tagesspiegel newspaper on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I only brought my son because he was sleeping. I thought, if I pass him to a colleague now, I will wake him up." Steinmuller, 32, praised Bundestag President Julia Klockner for allowing lawmakers to bring their children into the chamber when they are still being breastfed. However, Tuesday marked the first time that a lawmaker addressed the plenary while holding a baby. Steinmuller told Tagesspiegel that it was important to her to show that children are part of everyday life. She said the common expectation remains that childcare can be organized for the entire day. "But many people are unable do that, especially single parents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe the government should talk more about the millions of people who have to juggle work and childcare every day," the Greens, who are in opposition, posted on social media following the speech. They noted the importance of having political leaders who know what it means to care for a child. A 33-year-old Glenville woman is now facing vehicular manslaughter charges after the man she allegedly struck and pinned under her car in a drunken driving incident died from his injuries. Morgan Lange was arraigned on felony second-degree vehicular manslaughter Wednesday in Malta Town Court, court officials and State Police confirmed. She is still facing a litany of other charges related to the Sept. 8 crash outside Bentley's Tavern - including second-degree vehicular assault and tampering with physical evidence, both felonies, and misdemeanor DWI charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Ballston Spa man struck in alleged drunken driving crash declared brain-dead Related: Glenville woman sued for crash outside Bentley's Tavern in Malta More: Man struck in alleged drunken driving crash in Malta dies State Police said Lange allegedly pinned 29-year-old Joshua Soden under her Hyundai Sonata as she tried to leave the tavern on Hemphill Place in Malta. He was put in a medically induced coma and died more than a week later. Troopers said Lange had a blood-alcohol level of 0.12, removed an open can of White Claw hard seltzer from her car and had asked another person to get rid of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lange pleaded not guilty and is due back in court Oct. 9, court officials said. Her attorney, Jonathan Cohen, could not be reached for comment. A lawsuit against Lange on Soden's behalf has since been discontinued following his death, attorney Ryan Finn said. However, he said a wrongful death lawsuit will likely be filed by an administrator of his estate. "We are 100% certain of a lawsuit against Bentley's and 100% we will bring a lawsuit against Morgan Lange," he said. He said his office was still investigating whether other establishments that allegedly sold Lange alcohol on Sept. 8 - and the bartenders that served her - could be culpable. Lange and Soden both worked at Bentley's Tavern but were off that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soden lived in Ballston Spa all his life. He loved sports, video games and his Great Dane, Willow, and worked as a bartender at the tavern, according to his obituary. "Josh loved his customers and coworkers," the obituary said. "He enjoyed being around others to provide a listening ear or bringing comfort with food and drinks." His family gathered Friday at Albany Medical Center for an "Honor Walk" commemorating his organ donor status, according to a GoFundMe page created to raise funds for his medical care and other expenses. Germany is under increasing threat from wildfires, heatwaves and floods as a result of global warming, climate experts warned on Wednesday. "The acceleration of global warming is so rapid that we are flying off the climate curve," said Frank Bottcher, chairman of the German Meteorological Society and organizer of the 15th edition of the extreme weather conference in the northern city of Hamburg. "We urgently need to put on the brakes, but we continue to emit far too much CO2 [carbon dioxide]. We must now think and plan for a world in which we will exceed the 3-degree [Celsius] limit by 2050," said the meteorologist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German Weather Service (DWD) also presented its assessment of rising temperatures in recent years. "We are observing an unprecedented accumulation of record heat years over the past decade," said Tobias Fuchs, member of the DWD's executive board. "Climate change is accelerating - and with it, weather extremes such as heatwaves and dry spells are increasing noticeably." Urban residents are at particular risk, Fuchs said. "That's why we need decisive action: Climate protection to slow down global warming and, at the same time, adaptation to better cope with the consequences," said the expert. You know it's event season at the Delaware beaches when you feel fall creeping in. September and October are jam packed with festivals, live music, races, contests and more in and around the Delaware beach towns. The News Journal/Delaware Online lays them all out for you to plan what sort of fun you'll be having each weekend. Here's what's happening this weekend, Sept. 27 and 28. Apple Cider Festival This is the third annual Apple Cider Festival, hosted by Saltwater Roots and benefiting the Lewes Fire Department. The event will be held at Lewes Fire Department Station 2, on Janice Road in Nassau, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. It's free to attend and will feature apple cider and apple treats, over 75 vendors, a petting zoo and more. More information on the festival's Facebook event page. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton. 86 Hook & Ladder BrewFest Featuring 15 craft beers from Delaware-area breweries, food, vendors and music, this event will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 27. BrewFest benefits the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company. Tickets are $45 for drinkers and $5 for non-drinkers and can be purchased at 86brewfest.com. Dogfish Dash Dogfish's "6K-ish" race and 3K walk start at 9 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Milton brewery. It's $50 and $40 to enter, respectively, and that includes swag and a couple free post-race beers. Dogs are encouraged to participate in the 3K. Proceeds benefit the Sussex County Land Trust. Get tickets and more info at dogfish.com/dash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving in Lewes?: Find out where speed enforcement camera will be placed Coastal Delaware Artisan Market This event, featuring 25 local artists and crafters, will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach. Admission is free. Visit the Facebook event page for more information. Family Promise Fall Festival This festival benefits Family Promise of Southern Delaware, a nonprofit that works to prevent family homelessness. It will take place at American Legion Post 28 in Long Neck from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 28. Live bands include Lower Case Blues, Soul Chase, Steve Kuhn's NOLA Band and Grey Fox. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at familypromisesouthernde.org. O.A.R. performs on the final day of the Ocean's Calling Festival Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Ocean City, Maryland. Foodees Food and Culture Festival Over 40 food trucks, as well as vendors, will converge on Tanger Outlets Seaside in Rehoboth Beach Sept. 26 to 28. It's free to attend. Hours are 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 28. Learn more at foodeesfest.com. Dewey's Golden Jubilee Wherever you go at the Delaware beaches this weekend, you'll likely be treated to golden retrievers. The fluffy pups meet up in Dewey and Rehoboth Sept. 27 and 28. You can learn more on the event's Facebook page. Oceans Calling Festival Oceans Calling is a three-day music festival (Sept. 26 to 28) held at the inlet parking lot in neighboring Ocean City, Maryland. Headliners this year include Green Day, Noah Kahan, Fall Out Boy and Weezer. One-day general admission tickets start at $185 and can be purchased at oceanscallingfestival.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimate guide: OCMD's 2025 Oceans Calling Festival, performance schedule, traffic, more POTUS: or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach will present this farcical Selina Fillinger play at various times on various dates Sept. 18 to 28. Tickets start at $25.50 and some dates are already sold out. Visit clearspacetheatre.org to purchase. Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Food truck fest and other events at the Delaware beaches this weekend President Trump and GOP lawmakers are itching to make a potential government shutdown as painful as possible for Democrats as negotiations show few signs of progress with less than a week to go before the deadline. Republicans and Democrats have talked past each other for weeks, with each side refusing to pivot from their calls for a seven-week clean stopgap package and for protecting Affordable Care Act subsidies, respectively. But with the high-stakes deadline approaching, Republicans are warning members of the minority party that if a shutdown comes to pass, Trump will make life incredibly difficult for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id be much more worried if I were a blue state. The president has a lot of discretionary power on what he declares is essential, said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) when asked about a shutdowns impact on his state. We do not want a shutdown. For the first time in a while, Republicans believe they have the wind at their sails heading into a shutdown fight. The party has been largely united behind the seven-week continuing resolution (CR) push, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) heading the efforts. They also have additional tools in their toolkit they appear ready and willing to wield if the governments lights go dark some of which have been used against them in the past. A number of Republicans have cited the impact of the 2013 shutdown, which then-President Obama and then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) used to pillory the GOP when conservatives were attempting to defund ObamaCare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats at the time went so far as to close off popular attractions, such as the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums. A photo of a young child dressed as a monkey at the closed-off National Zoo gates went viral, underscoring the shutdowns impact. There are more acute levers that Trump can pull too, including being able to force government workers to continue showing up for work without potential scheduled pay and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to shutter parts of the government. This could leave the phones unmonitored at key departments and agencies, including Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and the IRS. Once you enter a shutdown, the A-block is, more times than not, the effect of the shutdown rather than what the party is trying to get out of it, one Senate GOP aide said. There are also actions GOP leaders on Capitol Hill can take. Thune is expected to bring the clean CR up for a vote when senators return early next week. He could hold repeated votes on that measure, along with others aimed at targeted reopenings and paying the military, to name a few. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have remained largely united, but there are questions as to whether that can keep up, especially if there remains no resolution closer to the deadline or past it. Some in the party are also wary of crossing the shutdown Rubicon and believe Democrats are not in a strong enough position going into next week. I dont believe Democrats are truly prepared for what theyre walking into, because theres no exit strategy. When youre the party who believes in government and, more specifically, the good that government can do through funding, youre already at a disadvantage, a former senior Democratic aide said, adding that they wouldnt be surprised if Trump were to cut off major services and blame Democrats for what happens. His microphone is a lot bigger than Democrats right now. That is my concern, the aide said. This is a high-stakes game of poker, and Trump would go in with like a 2-7, but it just so happens that I think he has a stronger hand. I feel as though Democrats have walked into this without looking at their cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right on cue, Trump tossed fresh uncertainty on the spending process Tuesday by canceling a planned meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The move came after a call Monday night where Johnson and Thune talked to Trump about the clean CR through late November after news of the planned meeting emerged and laid out what Democrats were proposing. Johnson questioned Monday morning whether the meeting was even necessary, with other Republicans warning Democrats that even if they got a presidential sit-down, it may not go as they hoped. I think they better be careful what they wish for, Marshall said. On more than one occasion, Ive seen someone go into the White House [and] the Oval Office, think theyre really going to tell the president how the hog eats the cabbage, and they leave without one of their organs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, on his way to give remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, canceled the meeting after he had reviewed the demands of Democrats to prevent a government shutdown. The Democratic stopgap measure includes a permanent extension of the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, overturning the GOPs Medicaid cuts via the big, beautiful bill and a restoration of rescissions cuts. I have decided that no meeting with their Congressional Leaders could possibly be productive, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that Democrats are threatening to shut down the Government of the United States over free healthcare for migrants, transgender surgery for minors, allowing Medicaid for dead people, and open borders, among other issues. The president quipped that there are consequences to losing Elections but, based on their letter to me, the Democrats havent figured that out yet. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on if Trump will speak to lawmakers before the shutdown deadline. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested Monday that Trump had spoken to Democrats about government funding, telling reporters, Discussions are ongoing with both Republican and Democratic members of Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries, meanwhile, attempted to place the blame on the GOP for a potential shutdown in a Dear Colleague letter to Democrats. Donald Trump has now chickened out and cancelled the meeting. Clearly, GOP extremists want to shut down the government because they are unwilling to address the Republican healthcare crisis that is devastating America, he wrote. Equally revealing, House Republicans have made the stunning decision to cancel votes on Monday and Tuesday of next week, notwithstanding the fact that funding to keep the government open expires at midnight on September 30. This is the height of irresponsibility and further evidence that Republicans are determined to shut the government down, he added. The White House, meanwhile, had pushed the messaging that Democrats would be at fault in the event of a shutdown earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want a clean funding extension to keep the government open. Thats all were advocating for, Leavitt said. If the government is shut down, its only going to be it would be the fault of the Democrats and it will only hurt the most vulnerable in our country, our seniors, our veterans, our military families and increasing security for members of Congress, which is something this White House and the administration supports. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SEC-Registered Crypto Platforms. Photo by BeInCrypto SEC Chairman Paul Atkins said the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to introduce a new innovation exemption by December, allowing crypto firms to launch products faster. He explained that the change would let companies deploy services first and move into compliance later, giving the market what he called a more stable platform for innovation. SEC Recasts Oversight Amid Policy Shift Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the SEC has dropped multiple enforcement cases and set up a crypto task force. The regulator is also drafting new rules that could define how tokens and trading platforms fit under securities law. The administration is also driving legislative action. Patrick Witt, executive director of the White House Council of Advisors on Digital Assets, said at Korea Blockchain Week that a comprehensive market structure bill should arrive by year-end. Crypto Retirement Access Sparks Fierce Debate Trump signed an executive order in August that directs regulators to revise retirement plan rules. The measure would let employer-sponsored 401(k) accounts include alternative assets, such as private equity, real estate, commodities, infrastructure, and Bitcoin. House Republicans, including Financial Services Chair French Hill, pressed the SEC to act quickly. They argued that offering new options to about 90 million Americans could broaden diversification and cut reliance on traditional assets. Supporters highlight Bitcoins potential as a hedge. Rep. Warren Davidson said adding Bitcoin to retirement accounts could surpass exchange-traded funds in long-term flows, since contributions are automatically allocated. Research from Deutsche Bank concluded that Bitcoin and gold may coexist as reserve assets by 2030, with volatility falling as institutional demand grows. Critics warn that the risks are serious. Analysts have cautioned that fees, liquidity mismatches, and volatility could expose fiduciaries to lawsuits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Consumer advocates have argued that most savers lack the tools to evaluate complex digital assets, raising investor protection concerns. Gov. Kim Reynolds has set a special election for Tuesday, Dec. 9, to fill the seat Mike Sexton vacated to accept a U.S. Department of Agriculture role appointed by President Donald Trump. Sexton, a Republican from Rockwell City, resigned Sept. 19 from the Iowa House to serve as the state director for USDA Rural Development, which provides financial resources and support for rural communities. He represented Iowa House District 7, which covers Calhoun, Pocahontas and Sac counties and part of Webster County in northwest Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sexton was first elected in 2014 and served as chair for the House Agriculture Committee since 2022. The person elected to fill his seat will serve the remainder of his two-year term, which ends in January 2027. State Rep. Mike Sexton works to feed his sheep Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, near Rockwell City. With Sexton's seat vacant, Iowa House Republicans maintain a 66-33 supermajority. Iowa has already seen four special elections this year to fill vacancies in the Iowa Legislature. In January, Democrat Mike Zimmer pulled off a surprise victory over Republican Kate Whittington in an eastern Iowa Senate seat that Chris Cournoyer vacated when she became lieutenant governor. Republicans narrowly held a House seat that became vacant after former Rep. Martin Graber died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Republican Blaine Watkins defeated Democrat Nannette Griffin in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in April, Democrat Angelina Ramirez won a special election to the Iowa House to replace Sami Scheetz, who resigned after being appointed to fill a vacancy on the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Ramirez defeated Republican Bernie Hayes. Democrat Catelin Drey in August won a special election for the Iowa Senate seat previously held by Rocky De Witt, who died of pancreatic cancer. She defeated Republican Christopher Prosch, breaking Senate Republicans' supermajority in the 50-member chamber. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kim Reynolds calls special election to fill Mike Sexton's House seat South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) says he would like to see President Trump run for a third term in 2028, even though the 22nd Amendment limits a president to serving two terms. Trump 2028. I hope this never ends, Graham told Fox News host Sean Hannity late Tuesday. Graham made the comment in response to Hannitys questions about Trumps handling of the war in Ukraine and recent Russian incursions into the airspace of NATO allies, including Estonia and Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina senator said Trump doesnt want to provoke a war with Moscow but is doing everything he can to deter Russian aggression in Europe. He tried to go out of his way to get Putin to the table. We dont want to humiliate Russia, we just want to end the war, and to our friends in Russia, heres what Trump did today. He told NATO, Ill sell you all the weapons you want to, you can provide them to Ukraine, and as to Ukraine, you can use them anyway you want, Graham said. Trump earlier this year did not rule out running for a third term, telling NBC News: A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, its very early in the administration, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if he would want to serve a third term, Trump said, I like working. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Thousands of Rhode Island workers, including those who work for healthcare companies, universities and hospitals, use a special visa allowing specially skilled foreign workers into the U.S. that's now facing a $100,000 fee by President Donald Trump. On Sept. 19, Trump declared that the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program has been deliberately exploited to replace American workers with lower paid and less-skilled labor. To address the claim, Trump said hes introducing a $100,000 application fee for companies applying for a H-1B visa, with discretion from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt workers. Research shows visa workers complement American workers due to different skillsets. While Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said all of the big companies are on board, H-1Bs are vital to the nations tech industry, and Trump's fee will likely face legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data from June 30, 2025, in fiscal year 2025 100 Rhode Island employers submitted petitions to obtain H-1B visas for workers. The department approved 1,552 among 1,571 applications. Employers in California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois and Massachusetts apply for and receive the highest amount of these visas in the U.S. California had over 61,000 approved applications in fiscal year 2025, the most out of any state. Heres what to know about the H-1B visa. Which Rhode Island companies sought the most H-1B applications? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services listed the H-1B visas numbers approved for Rhode Island companies for fiscal year 2025. Here are the top recipients: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caremark, 274 Aetna Resources, 236 CVS Pharmacy, 234 CVS Shared Services Resources, 200 Citizens Financial Group, 131 CVS RX Services, 74 Brown University, 63 Medidata Solutions, 47 Factory Mutual Insurance, 31 Lifespan Physician Group, 25 How do people qualify for H-1Bs? The visa category lets employers seek workers who are highly educated at least a bachelors degree to perform in specialty occupations, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Before employers can file their USCIS petition, they have to show foreign workers dont harm American workers, the American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration advocacy group, said in a 2024 fact sheet. This includes employers attesting, via the Department of Labor, that a prospective H-1B worker wont affect wages and labor conditions of similar American workers, USCIS said. Existing workers also have to be notified of a companys plan to hire a visa worker. President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House on September 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump signed two executive orders, establishing the "Trump Gold Card" and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. How long is the visa? USCIS said workers are usually admitted for up to three years, but can be extended to six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are additional ways to extend the visa, such as getting an approved immigrant visa petition under employment-based categories for individuals with extraordinary abilities. How many H-1Bs are awarded each year? The federal government caps new H-1B visas to 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 visas for people who have earned a masters degree or higher from an American higher education institution. The majority of H-1B approvals come from renewal applications, Pew Research Center said. Out of about 400,000 approvals in the 2024 fiscal year, nearly two-thirds are renewals. The USCIS website notes that it has already received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap, and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the masters cap, for fiscal year 2026. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump listen during a dinner with tech and business leaders at the State Dining Room of the White House on September 4, 2025, in Washington, DC. What kind of work do H-1B workers do? Jobs tend to be concentrated in STEM fields, according to the American Immigration Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS data showed Amazon had the most H-1B visas approved this year, with more than 10,000. Microsoft, Meta and Indian IT company Tata each had more than 5,000 visas approved, followed by Apple and Google each with more than 4,000 visas. Scientific researchers and medical professionals are also often H-1B visa holders. The American Immigration Council notes that eight U.S. companies that would help develop COVID-19 vaccines Gilead Sciences, Moderna Therapeutics, GlaxoSmithKline, Inovio, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Regeneron, Vir Therapeutics, and Sanofi received H-1B approval for 3,310 biochemists, biophysicists, chemists, and other scientists between 2010 and 2019. In 2017, H-1B visa applicants accounted for 1.4% of all practicing physicians, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In Rhode Island, healthcare companies lead the way with CVS companies making up four out of the top five companies with the most H-1B visas. A few universities, including Brown and the University of Rhode Island, and hospitals also made the top 20. Where do people come from? Nearly three-in-four H-1B workers come from India, according to Pew. On Sept. 20, Indias external affairs ministry said in a statement that new American fees could have humanitarian consequences by disrupting families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China sends the next highest number of H-1B workers, at around 12%. The rest of the world makes up about 16% of H-1B workers. In a Sept. 20 statement, Nasscom, a trade association for Indias tech industry, said Trump's changes can have ripple effects on American innovation and the wider job economy. Can workers bring their families? Workers' spouses and unmarried children under 21 may seek admission in the H-4 nonimmigrant classification. Contributing: Dan Basso This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Trump seeks $100,000 fees on H-1B visas. How many are issued in RI Changes are coming to a special visa that allows skilled foreign workers into the U.S., as a $100,000 fee introduced by President Donald Trump is being implemented. On Sept. 19, Trump stated that the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program has been "deliberately exploited" to replace American workers with lower-paid and less-skilled labor. To address this issue, he announced that he will introduce a $100,000 application fee for companies applying for an H-1B visa. Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will have the discretion to exempt certain workers from this fee. While Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said all of the big companies are on board, H-1Bs are vital to the nations tech industry, and Trump's fee will likely face legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data from June 30, 2025, in fiscal 2025, 456 Tennessee employers submitted petitions for H-1B visas for workers. The department approved 3,149 of 3,186 applications. Here's what to know about H-1B visas and how they are used in Tennessee. Which Tennessee companies sought the most H-1B applications? In fiscal 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services listed the H-1B visa numbers approved for Tennessee companies. Here are the top recipients: Federal Express Corporation: 291 UBS Business Solutions US LLC: 253 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 221 Cummins Inc.: 179 UT-Battelle LLC ORNL: 164 UT Health Science Center: 107 Asurion LLC: 81 HCA Management Services LP: 76 Newquest LLC: 72 Autozone Inc.: 52 UBS Securities LLC: 52 Vanderbilt University: 52 DaVita Inc: 46 FedEx Dataworks Inc: 46 Tractor Supply Company: 43 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: 35 Smith and Nephew Inc: 35 Vanderbilt University Medical Center: 34 Geodis Logistics LLC: 31 AllianceBernstein LP: 30 How do people qualify for H-1Bs? Workers who have a bachelor's degree or higher may be eligible for visas to engage in jobs that require both theoretical knowledge and practical application of highly specialized skills. The specific responsibilities of these positions must be so complex or unique that the expertise needed to perform them is typically associated with earning a U.S. bachelor's degree or a higher degree in a related field, or its equivalent, as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before employers can submit their USCIS petition, they must demonstrate that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact American workers. According to a 2024 fact sheet from the American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration advocacy group, employers are required to attest through the Department of Labor that a prospective H-1B worker will not affect the wages or working conditions of similar American employees. Additionally, existing workers must be informed of the company's plan to hire a visa worker. How long is the visa? According to USCIS, individuals are typically admitted for a period of up to three years, with the possibility of extending this duration to six years. There are additional options for extending the visa, such as obtaining an approved immigrant visa petition under employment-based categories for individuals with extraordinary abilities. How many H-1Bs are awarded each year? The federal government issues 65,000 new H-1B visas each year. Additionally, there are 20,000 extra visas for individuals with a masters degree or higher from an American college or university. The majority of H-1B approvals come from renewal applications, Pew Research Center said. Out of around 400,000 approvals in the 2024 fiscal year, nearly two-thirds are renewals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USCIS website notes that it has already received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap, and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the masters cap, for fiscal year 2026. What kind of work are H-1B visas for? Jobs tend to be concentrated in STEM fields, according to the American Immigration Council. USCIS data shows that Amazon had the most H-1B visas approved this year, with over 10,000. Microsoft, Meta, and the Indian IT company Tata each received more than 5,000 visas. Apple and Google followed, with each getting more than 4,000 approved visas. Many scientific researchers and medical professionals hold H-1B visas. The American Immigration Council notes that between 2010 and 2019, eight U.S. companies developing COVID-19 vaccinessuch as Moderna and Johnson & Johnsonreceived H-1B approval for 3,310 scientists. Additionally, a 2017 study found that H-1B visa holders comprised 1.4% of all practicing physicians, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Where do H-1B visa holders come from? Nearly 75% of H-1B workers come from India, according to Pew. On Sept.20, Indias external affairs ministry said that new fees in the U.S. could disrupt families and lead to "humanitarian consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China sends the next highest number of H-1B workers, at around 12%. The rest of the world makes up about 16% of H-1B workers. In a Sept. 20 statement, Nasscom, a trade association for Indias tech industry, said Trump's changes can have ripple effects on American innovation and the wider job economy. Can workers bring their families? Workers' spouses and unmarried children under 21 may seek admission in the H-4 nonimmigrant classification. Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: How many H-1B visas are issued in TN? What to know amid Trump fee NEW HAVEN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Authorities said Tuesday that one man was in custody after a domestic fight. According to Vermont State Police, Vincente Delacruz Rodriguez, 28, of New Haven, was arrested without incident Tuesday after police were dispatched at about 10:00 a.m. He is now being held without bail at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility. Delacruz Rodriguez is charged with first-degree aggravated domestic assault as well as second-degree attempted murder. The attempted murder charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison in Vermont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelburne warns about charger safety after lithium-ion battery explosion Delacruz Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned in Addison County on Wednesday. VSP do not release the names of victims of domestic or sexual violence, so no further 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 ABC22 & FOX44. The process to begin filling a vacancy left on the Park Ridge Board of Education will begin in mid-October. Former school board member Robert Fisher resigned on Sept. 19 after a state appellate court declined to block an effort by borough voters to put a recall question on the November ballot. The board will will formally accept Fishers resignation at its Oct. 14 meeting, according to its president, David Bradler. Board members will then announce a 10-day period during which candidates can submit letters and resumes for consideration for the position, Bradler said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that period is over, the board will hold a special meeting to interview candidates and vote on the replacement. Once Fisher's successor is appointed, they will serve for a year and have the opportunity to be on the 2026 November ballot, where voters will choose a more long-term replacement. The exterior of Park Ridge High School in Park Ridge on Thursday April 11, 2019. The K-12 district serves about 1,200 students at two elementary schools and a high school. Once the 10-day period for submitting resumes is open, candidates can send them to board Secretary Bob Wright at RobertWright@PARKRIDGE.k12.nj.us, said Bradler. Park Ridge recall: How we got here Fisher, a Park Ridge High School graduate, became one of New Jersey's youngest ever school board members when he was elected at 18 years old in 2023. But he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend Vanderbilt University and, critics said, stopped regularly attending board meetings or serving on board committees, prompting the recall effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher argued that he'd spent "thousands of dollars" on travel to come back to Park Ridge regularly and planned to return to town after graduation. He lost two legal challenges last week, setting the stage for his resignation. On Sept. 15, state Superior Court Judge Peter Geiger ruled in favor of the Committee to Recall Robert Fisher, a group of borough residents who had challenged Bergen County Clerk John Hogans decision to disqualify their recall petition. Former Park Ridge School Board member Robert Fisher resigned on Sept. 19, 2025, amid a campaign to recall him. Critics said Fisher, who attends Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, wasn't able to fulfill his duties from afar. The petition included more than 2,000 signatures in favor of putting a recall vote on the November ballot, but the Clerk's Office, which oversees elections, initially ruled the document wasn't properly notarized. Geiger overruled that decision, prompting Fisher to file for an emergency review by the state Appellate Division. The appeals court denied that in a late afternoon order on Sept. 18, sending the case back to Geiger. Fisher resigned before Geiger could schedule another hearing. More: What's next for Route 17 Costco project? Hearing will focus on traffic impact in Paramus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the media Friday, Fisher thanked the taxpayers of Park Ridge, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces for securing his "right to vote and serve at just 18 years old" and the "hardworking families who entrusted me with the oversight of the schools that their children attend." "Without their labor, thrift, and entrepreneurial spirit, not a single pupil could be enriched by our school district," he wrote. "Within this group of exceptional people, I recognize my supporters, those who remained firmly by my side through a grueling two years." This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Park Ridge BOE to replace school trustee who resigned under fire By Lisa Barrington (Reuters) -As Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful tropical cyclone this year, approached Hong Kong this week, mass flight cancellations and lost revenue were not the only headache for airlines based at one of the world's busiest airports. Ahead of the arrival of hurricane-force winds and torrential rain on Wednesday, about 80% of the aircraft belonging to the four main airlines based in the city had been relocated to or grounded at airports in Japan, China, Cambodia, Europe, Australia and other locations, Flightradar24 tracking data showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of Hong Kong's business jet fleet also moved out of the territory ahead of the storm, the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre said. All landings and departures at Hong Kong, the world's busiest cargo airport and the ninth busiest for international passenger traffic, were cancelled for 36 hours starting on Tuesday evening. Hong Kong's largest airline, Cathay Pacific Airways, said on Monday the typhoon was going to have "a significant impact" on its operations and it would cancel more than 500 long-haul and regional flights. "We are positioning some of our aircraft away from Hong Kong and expect a staggered and gradual resumption to our schedule throughout Thursday into Friday," said the airline, which has a fleet of 179 passenger and freighter planes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong issued typhoon signal 10, its highest warning, early on Wednesday, which urges businesses and transport services to shut down. It is standard industry practice for airlines to move aircraft abroad during major weather events or as conflict risk rises to avoid potential damage, often to comply with insurance obligations. At least 14 Cathay Pacific jets flew from Hong Kong to Cambodia's Phnom Penh Techo airport on Tuesday to wait out the storm, according to tracking data and Techo airport. Airlines can also preemptively send aircraft away from their main base so they are ready to operate return flights when a storm subsides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In high winds, airlines can store aircraft in hangars, or add extra fuel to weigh them down. Smaller aircraft can be tied down. Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines, a small carrier with seven aircraft, said it had parked all its planes away from Hong Kong as a safety precaution. Its Boeing 737s flew to airports in Japan and China on Tuesday, tracking data shows. Hong Kong Airlines similarly appeared to have kept all but one of its 28 aircraft out of Hong Kong. Cathay and its low-cost subsidiary HK Express kept more of their planes in Hong Kong, tracking data showed. Cathay and HK Express did not respond to requests for comment about how they were storing their planes. In a 2017 internal publication, Cathay said it had stored some of its planes in hangars at Hong Kong airport during past cyclones, while others had been sent to other destinations. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington in Seoul; Editing by Jamie Freed) Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Kaal Dhairya, the lead developer of the Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) ecosystem, labeled the recent hack incident as serious on Sunday, but indicated that the team was able to contain the immediate damage. Damage Could Have Been Worse, Says Dhairya In a blog post, Dhairya provided updates about the security breach on Shiba Inus Layer 2 network, Shibarium, which resulted in the loss of $4 million in cryptocurrencies. This is a serious incident. We've contained the immediate damage (it could have been worse) and are working with independent specialists and authorities, Dhairya said. Trending: The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market and you can too at just $2.90/share. Dhairya stated that bridge operations on Shibarium remain restricted, and additional security safeguards have been added to processes, including deposits, withdrawals, claims, and rewards. Additionally, the Bone ShibaSwap (CRYPTO: BONE) tokens, which were used to validator voting power, have been recovered and secured. Evidence indicates key compromise across those validators. We agree that this exposes decentralization shortcomings, Dhairya acknowledged. Decentralization has always been the plan, but it was deprioritized while we focused on other roadmap items They refused to share a timeline for bridge resumption, adding that safety is the priority right now. A Rift Brewing? Curiously, Dhairya said they arent the lead of Shiba Inu, adding, I am done trying to keep it all together, especially when the so-called leaders who benefited from all this get to walk away, or walk away in the name of earning from other places to fix things.' See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? What Happened On Shibarium? The hack resulted in the loss of 17 different coins, including $1 million in Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), $1.3 million in SHIB, and smaller amounts of USDC (CRYPTO: USDC), Tether (CRYPTO: USDT) and Shiba Inu Treat (TREAT). The attacker temporarily gained validator voting power, i.e, a 2/3 majority, to push malicious software on Shibarium. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he believes Americans would blame Democrats for a government shutdown and again praised the life and legacy of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Johnson returned to Louisiana for events in his 4th Congressional District Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 from Shreveport-Bossier to Minden to Alexandria to Lake Charles. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson during the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Public Policy series luncheon with partners at the Greater Shreveport Chamber on Wednesday afternoon, September 24, 2025, at the Horseshoe Casino. Potential government shutdown The government will shutdown at midnight Sept. 30 unless Congress passes a short-term funding bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson, a Republican from Shreveport, and the House have sent a continuing funding resolution bill to the Senate, where a similar measure is meeting resistance from Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Johnson said Schumer should "come to his senses" to prevent a shutdown. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, but need 60 votes to clear the bill. Democrats are pressing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and threatening a shutdown if the Obamacare credits aren't included. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson during the Bossier Chamber of Commerce Public Policy series luncheon with partners at the Greater Shreveport Chamber on Wednesday afternoon, September 24, 2025, at the Horseshoe Casino. "(Schumer) is playing partisan politics and I think it will backfire," Johnson said during a speech at an event at the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City coordinated by the Bossier and Greater Shreveport chambers of commerce. "But if it does close, I don't think it will be for long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson. who represents two major military bases - Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk - said the Democratic demands would add $1.46 trillion in spending. "We can't do that," he said. Johnson described the House-passed bill as "clean - no partisan measures at all." He said he talked to President Trump Sept. 24 who "is insistent that the government not shut down." Charlie Kirk legacy Johnson said Charlie Kirk's Sept. 10 murder on a Utah college campus "really shook everyone." "It's been a rough two weeks," Johnson said. "He was a good friend of mine. He represented the best of America. We saw things very much the same." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said Kirk "was motivated by his fellow man." The speaker said he has spoken with scores of college students who were members of Kirk's Turning Point campus chapters. "What I've tried to emphasize to all of them are two key points," Johnson said. "If you want to honor Charlie's life and legacy advance his principles and adopt his approach. "He was trying to win souls, not just debates." More: Louisiana's Mike Johnson, Steve Scalise honor memory of slain Charlie Kirk in Capitol Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Speaker Mike Johnson hopes Senator Chuck Schumer will 'come to his senses' Gabrielle became the first active Atlantic tropical storm in 20 days, since Fernand was designated a post-tropical cyclone on August 28. Then, it also became the second hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Gabrielle was a long-duration system with its ties starting as a tropical wave from the coast of Africa in mid-September before strengthening near Bermuda, then returning to Europe and Africa two weeks later as a post-tropical system. Storm recap After a long battle with stronger wind shear and dry air as it crossed the Main Development Region of the tropical Atlantic, the storm moved into favorable conditions. In only 24 hours, the storm nearly doubled in strength from winds of 75 mph (Category 1 hurricane intensity) to a Category 4 storm with winds of 140 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabrielle attempted to follow in Hurricane Erin's footsteps from earlier this summer, making the jump from tropical storm to Category 3 hurricane in 24 hours and from tropical storm to Category 4 in under 30 hours. The two storms both underwent massive rapid intensification, but they have been the only hurricanes so far for the 2025 Hurricane Season as of late September. Fortunately, Gabrielle took a sharp dog-leg turn to the east, carrying it safely away from Bermuda and the U.S. Gabrielle then raced eastward across the Atlantic toward the Azores and Europe as a potent hurricane-strength storm. Here are some of the stronger winds in the Azores: Peak sustained wind: 78 mph in Pico Santos de Cima, a mountain location on Sao Miguel Island Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peak gust: 115 mph on Serra St. Barbera, a mountain location on Terceira Island Damage in the Azores and in Portugal was minor. Just gusty winds were reported in parts of southern Portugal. Gabrielle was the first of several storms to form in the Atlantic after a slow start to September. A family has accused federal immigration agents of seizing their 5-year-old daughter in front of their home in an effort to force her father to surrender to the agents. Edward Hip, a Guatemalan man who has lived in the U.S. for 22 years, was driving home in Leominster, Massachusetts with his daughter when he got the sense he was being followed, his wife told Telemundo. Hip managed to run from the car into his home, but the agents grabbed the girl. The agents then challenged Hip to come back out and get his daughter, who was born in the U.S., NBC Boston reported. ICE agents wearing street clothes have been conducting immigration raids in neighborhoods nationwide. / Caitlin O'Hara / Reuters Her mother filmed the encounter, which the family says took place last week. The video shows a girl in pink pants sitting on a stool drinking from a bottle of water while at least three agents and a local police officer stand around her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They take my daughter, a woman says at one point on the recording. She is 5 years old. She has autism spectrum. We didnt take your daughter, your husbands says a man in plainclothes wearing a vest that says Police. OK, give me my daughter back, the woman replies. Later in the video, a different agent can be heard saying, Is that your daughter? Come here so I can see those IDs. President Trumps deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has demanded that immigration agents arrest 3,000 people per day. / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters I can give it through the door, a man says in response. You can do it right here, the agent says, pointing to the ground in front of himself. Hip and his wife have an active asylum claim and have two children who were born in the U.S., NBC reported. The agents warned that if they didnt open the door within 15 minutes, they would enter the house, the wife told Telemundo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leominster police were called the scene and recovered the child, who was returned to her family. Two days later, on his wifes birthday, agents returned to their house, pulled Hip from his car and arrested him. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined ICE agents for a raid in Los Angeles last summer. / Homeland Security/Handout/Getty Images The girl is in good condition, according to the family, while her father is being held at an ICE detention center in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Daily Beast has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. The incident comes as ICE agents have gotten increasingly aggressive in their detention tactics, targeting parents walking their children to school, immigrants attending church, and other groups that were previously considered off-limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new policy reportedly comes from President Donald Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, who has demanded that immigration agents make 3,000 arrests per day. U.S. citizens have also been swept up in the raids. A Guatemalan family says immigration enforcement agents held their autistic 5-year-old daughter outside their home in Leominster, Massachusetts, last week in order to induce her father to surrender to them. As Telemundo reported Monday, the fathera man named Edward Hip, who has lived in the country for more than two decades and has an active asylum applicationwas reportedly driving with his daughter when he called his wife at home and said someone seemed to be following them. When they got home, Hip managed to run back into the parking lot of my house, his wife said, but agents got hold of the child. Video footage obtained by Telemundo shows the father and mother pleading with several men, apparently federal agents, surrounding the girl in a driveway. They took my daughter, shes 5 years old. She has autism spectrum, the woman can be heard shouting in the recording. A small child with her face blurred out drinks milk out of a bottle while standing next to a car. Two other agents can be seen the video. We didnt take your daughter, one of the agents said, to which the mother replied, OK, give me my daughter back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another portion of the video, agents can be seen gesturing for the parents to come over. Is that your daughter? Come here so I can see those IDs, one asked. Hip responds that he can give it through the door, but the agent, pointing in front of him, says, You can do it right here. The local police department apparently intervened, rescuing the girl from the federal agents. Arriving at the scene, NBC Boston reports, Leominster police recovered the child and returned her to the family. Two days later, though, federal agents returned, arresting Hip out of his car. Department of Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin called the story a disgusting smear, on X, alleging that Hip had prior arrests, ignored law enforcement emergency lights to pull over, and abandoned his daughter in the car as he fled inside. Officers helped rescue the child and called local police to report the abandonment, McLaughlin wrote. (The Center Square) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers continue to arrest and deport war criminals. The latest is a female Liberian war lord and child soldier recruiter. After she moved to the U.S., she married a U.S. citizen, which did not protect her from deportation. Another Liberian who obtained lawful permanent resident status was indicted in Philadelphia for allegedly committing war crimes during the Liberian Civil War, ICE said. Liberian citizen Mayama Sesay, 43, was successfully removed to Liberia, ICE said. Sesay, infamously known as the rebel commander Black Diamond, played a prominent role in recruiting and leading child soldiers during Liberias civil wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this, she was granted entry into the U.S. in 2014 on a visitors visa. It would take 11 years for federal officials to investigate and remove her from the country. Sesay commanded an all-female group of fighters known as the Womens Artillery Commandos, part of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy [(LURD)], a rebel group formed to oppose former Liberian president Charles Taylor, ICE said. LURD fought for several years until Taylor resigned and went into exile in 2003, ending the Second Liberian Civil War. When Sesay was 22 years old, she recruited and trained child soldiers to fight against Taylors forces, ICE said. During the Liberias second civil war, Sesay gained notoriety for her brutal tactics, including restraining and beating captured soldiers, and deploying mortar bombs to terrorize and kill military personnel and civilians, ICE said. Liberia has designated Sesay as a war criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sesay entered the U.S. on a visitors visa in 2014, married a U.S. citizen, and not soon after applied for permanent residency. During her immigration interview, she denied she was Black Diamond or had any affiliation with LURD, ICE said. However, an investigation by the Department of Homeland Securitys Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center found her claims to be false. An immigration judge determined she lacked credibility and had used and recruited child soldiers and ICE put her in removal proceedings. The judge ordered her removal to Liberia in 2022, which she appealed and lost. Three years later this spring, ICE Atlanta officers took her into custody to process her removal and remove her from the U.S. In another case in Philadelphia, a former Liberian rebel general was sentenced to more than four years in prison for concealing serious human rights violations to fraudulently obtain immigration status in the United States, ICE announced. Laye Sekou Camara, 47, who was living in Mays Landing, New Jersey, entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa after lying on his application by failing to admit he was involved in Liberias civil war, ICE said. He later applied to and obtained lawful permanent resident status in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did so by falsely stating on immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings or other acts of violence; had never been involved with a paramilitary unit, rebel group, or guerilla group; and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers, ICE said. As a leader in Liberias civil war, Mr. Camara facilitated atrocities against civilians in his own country including the use of child soldiers, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens said. By concealing his crimes in Liberia, Camara was able to obtain immigration benefits and use those documents to seek employment and a new life in the United States. HSI will not allow the U.S. to become a refuge for human rights violators or for individuals who secure lawful status through deception. DHS HRVWC Center staff work to identify, locate and prosecute human rights abusers in the U.S., including those involved in war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation and using and/or recruiting child soldiers. The Liberian government and rebel groups fighting against it, including LURD, all used child soldiers, the Council on Foreign Relations notes. Taylor recruited children to join his rebel army to overthrow the previous government in the late 1980s, forming a special brigade called the Small Boys Unit, the council notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human Rights Watch estimated 5,000 to 15,000 children were used as child soldiers during the Liberian conflict; the International Rescue Commission estimated that child soldiers comprised between 25% to 75% of total fighting forces in Liberia at the time. Since its inception in 2003, DHS HRVWC center has issued more than 79,000 lookouts for suspected human rights violators and prevented nearly 400 people from entering the U.S. Members of the public are encouraged to report potential human rights violators living in the U.S. by contacting ICE at 866-DHS-2-ICE, online or through email, HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov. Gerardo Francisco Torres-Rodriguez killed his wife in September 2023 and didnt just end one life, but shattered many others, his daughter said. As Ariana Torres stood before the judge presiding over her fathers criminal case, she said losing her mother, Reyna Quintero, in such a violent way two years ago left a permanent wound in her. What makes this even more devastating is that the person responsible for her death is my own father, Torres, now 18, said in court. That betrayal has created a conflict within me that I wrestle with constantly: I am grieving a loss of one parent while trying to comprehend the actions of the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quintero was in the middle of painting her toes when Torres-Rodriguez shot and killed her in their daughters bedroom, Canyon County Deputy Prosecutor Stephanie Morse said. He then placed the gun in Quinteros right hand and called their daughter, telling her there was an accident at the house, and she needed to get home, Morse said. There, Torres found her mother lying under the vanity in her bedroom, choking on blood, with a gun in hand. Torres told police she knew it couldnt have been a suicide, and detectives called to the house werent convinced either. Months later, the Canyon County Coroners Office couldnt rule the 34-year-olds death a suicide, leaving the manner of death undetermined. During law enforcements yearlong investigation, police discovered that Torres-Rodriguez had an affair with a 17-year-old in Mexico, and Quintero had been planning to divorce him, according to court filings. Quinteros partly painted toenails also led investigators to believe that she was interrupted, and that the crime scene was altered to look like a suicide before police arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torres-Rodriguez was arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of his wife in June 2024, 10 months after the homicide. And in May, he was convicted by a 12-person jury and scheduled to face sentencing. Quinteros mother, Ana Madriz, said the loss of her daughter is a deep, constant pain that will stay with her forever. Quinteros younger sister said she lost her best friend. Id give anything to sit with her again, eating her favorite spicy aguachiles where shed sweat profusely and not give up eating them playing dominoes, going clearance shopping, and picking up our favorite Starbucks, her sister, Dulce Madera-Madriz, said at Torres-Rodriguezs sentencing. But I cant, because you took that from me. Quinteros daughter described her mother as the heart of our home, and as a gentle, loving and strong woman whose loss rocked the foundation of her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law cannot bring Reyna back, Morse said at Torres-Rodriguezs sentencing. It cannot erase the nights her children cry for her, or the birthdays and holidays that will pass in aching silence. But it can say that the harm done to her and those who loved her demands the strongest response our system allows. She argued that Torres-Rodriguez earned a life sentence for taking away something he can never restore. He executed his wife in cold blood and then staged a suicide for his daughter to find, Morse said. If he could do that to his own wife and his own daughter, what prevents him from doing that to someone else in the future? Torres-Rodriguez argued at his sentencing that his wife had a history of depression and wanted to kill herself in the past. He apologized in Spanish to his family for any disrespect or offense he might have caused but maintained his innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never murdered my wife, he said. His defense attorney, Jeb Bond, said in court he needed to set aside his clients innocence and accept the jurys verdict to argue for a lesser sentence. Bond asked for the minimum punishment of 10 years and a chance of parole. Its unlikely Torres-Rodriguez, now 41, would have been released from prison because of the parole boards reluctance to release those convicted of murder, Bond said. But without a potential parole date, the state could classify Torres-Rodriguez as a higher-security prisoner and more likely send him to the states maximum security prison, where he would have been placed in more restrictive housing. Third Judicial District Judge Gene Petty sentenced Torres-Rodriguez to a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 35 years. Torres-Rodriguez will also have to pay $15,000 in fines, part of which will go to his two children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is very clear to me that you killed Reyna, but you failed up until even today to take accountability and responsibility for killing her, Petty said. Torres-Rodriguez appealed his sentence to the Idaho Supreme Court, online court records showed. Itzel Chavez, 28, dedicates a lot of her energy toward making Idaho better. Burley, born and raised! she said enthusiastically during a phone interview. The Meridian woman helped found Pace for Peace in Boise in 2024. The group puts on biannual 5K races to raise money for charities in foreign countries and other causes. In fall 2024, 200 people took part and raised $7,000 for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the spring, 300 runners raised $12,000 for local refugees. On Sept. 27, a race at Boises Veterans Memorial Park will raise money for the Qamar Foundation, which provides humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Itzel Chavez, an Idaho native, poses in downtown Boise. Chavez is organizing an event to raise money for the Qamar Foundation in Afghanistan. She also works on the finances for BNDRY, a creative agency and social club dedicated to helping people such as local artists who make Boise special, and to connecting Boiseans offline. That typically entails working on the accounting and finding sponsors for events, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marketing is a great way to build hype, and the group wanted to provide storytelling and events. Plus, she started her own coffee cart, Cafe Mi Casita, which serves a traditional Mexican coffee drink, among other beverages. Its a passion project for her. Im here and I really dont want to be complacent, Chavez said. I really want to grow. Chavez draws inspiration from her family. Her mother is from Jalisco, a western Mexican state, and her father is from Michoacan, which is just south of that. Her father has been resourceful, she said, starting his own auto-painting business in Burley to help support the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like Ive been able to also take that on and just be like, alright, what are my resources? Lets get creative. Lets just move, lets just do something, because why not? she said. Present activism, rooted in the past Shes organizing this years Pace for Peace on Saturday Sept. 27, at Veterans Memorial Park. Shes part of a group that is running each Wednesday at the park until the day of the race to train. Afghanistan suffered a devastating earthquake on Aug. 31 that left over 2,000 people dead, though they chose it before the disaster. At BNDRY, shes also involved in events planning and operations. The group aims to showcase what defines Boise and provide marketing and connections for local artists. Its easy to feel alone in a digital world, Chavez said. But theres so many people doing awesome things We try to curate events that we know the vibes are going to be good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, BNDRY has hosted a movie series where it brings in local artists whose work relates to the theme of the movie, she said. Growing up in Burley, Chavez said, she dealt with racism and xenophobia at school. Some students parents wouldnt let friends go to her side of the train tracks. Chavez would go home to her parents and tell them, only to be met with What are you going to do about that? Their response frustrated her at the time. Why should I have to change somebody else? Why do I have to do something different because somebody else is messed up? Chavez recalled. I still think that way, I dont think that we should blame victims. But we should also think about how much power we have as an individual to change our circumstances. Her parents have instilled in her a philosophy of lets put our heads together, when it comes to community building. She said she also got her entrepreneurial spirit from them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, she started her coffee cart, showing up at the Nampa farmers market. She makes cafe de olla, a traditional drink made from brewing coffee with piloncillo (a type of sugar), cinnamon and other spices like anise and cloves together. It takes an hour to make, she said, so people dont typically make it at home. The catering options start at $1.35 per person with a minimum 20 person order. She was blown away by the support at markets, but now focuses the coffee cart on catering rather than attending in-person events. I wanted it to be specifically Mexican, Chavez said. Its family. Its just really important to me. This is the second in a series of stories related to Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department investigated an Idaho school district. Then this happened This part of Idaho is changing. Meet the woman asked to lead the charge This center had gone through a lot of changes. Then the director died. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Some employees who worked for Insight Health System have received letters asking if theyre interested in returning to work. The letters state Insight is preparing for the potential reopening of not only Insight Hospital and Medical Center Trumbull in Warren, but also Hillside Rehabilitation in Howland. Officials with the Ohio Department of Health visited the hospital on Tuesday to make sure the health facility can provide safe patient care. If the hospital is found to meet the requirements, it will be allowed to reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters ask if the employees would be interested in returning to their current positions or any available position, or if theyve already accepted work elsewhere. The employees were asked to respond by Tuesday or as soon as possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A new interim dean for the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center was announced Monday. Caprice Roberts, the schools associate dean of faculty development and research, will be taking on the role. She has over two decades of legal experience, including federal judicial clerkships and government litigation. She serves as deputy executive director of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools (SEALS). Our greatest strength is the communitys collective commitment to the success of LSU Law and all its students, Roberts said. I am grateful and honored to serve during this important time for the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts joined the law schools faculty in the fall of 2022. LSU Law offers free legal services for small businesses and entrepreneurs 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. JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH (Reuters) -Israel will indefinitely close the only crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan from Wednesday, days after reopening it following a shooting that killed two Israeli soldiers. A spokesperson for the Israeli authority overseeing the Allenby crossing said that it would be closed from Wednesday morning "at the direction of the political leadership." The statement did not provide any further reason for the closure. Palestinian and Jordanian authorities had said earlier on Tuesday that Israel would close the border the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crossing serves as the main gateway for many Palestinians in the West Bank to travel abroad and is used to transport commercial goods between Jordan and the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment during a public holiday in Israel. The military referred questions to the prime minister's office. The move comes after Netanyahu said on Sunday the government would give its "response" to other countries recognising a Palestinian state once he returns from a visit to the United States. France, Britain, Canada and Australia are among several countries who have or will recognise Palestine this week, in what they hope will revive momentum for the two-state solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition allies have said that the government should annex the West Bank in response. Israel fully reopened the Allenby Crossing on Monday, four days after a Jordanian truck driver shot dead two Israeli soldiers. The crossing was closed following the shooting. (Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alex Richardson and Ros Russell) Silicon Valley executives spent the weekend trying to determine if tens of thousands of their staff would be impacted by the White Houses sudden decision to levy a $100,000 fee on skilled foreign worker visas, which previously cost $2,000 to $5,000. Such was the confusion that several H-1B holders got off an India-bound Emirates flight from San Francisco before takeoff on Friday. On Monday, it was the tech industry across the Pacific, in the country where that plane was headed, that had the most pressure to contend with. READ ALSO: ChatGPT Chases Retail Revenue with One-Stop Shopping and McDonalds Plans to Do It All for You (Again) With Massive Restaurant Expansion The Cost of Doing Hiring While the White House announced its plan for the $100,000 fee on Friday with a hasty Sunday implementation, it didnt clarify until Saturday that the new fee wont apply to existing visas. By that point, firms including Amazon, Google and Microsoft had advised foreign national employees to remain in the US or return immediately. Ultimately, the new fee will apply to H-1Bs when they are first granted, and not to existing visas or any future renewals. H-1B visas let companies sponsor skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations that require educational or professional experience, making them particularly popular in tech: Some 60% of H-1B workers since 2012 were sponsored for computer-related work, according to Pew. With 10,000 approved beneficiaries in the 2025 fiscal year, e-commerce giant Amazon is the number one H-1B employer, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Under the new fee regime, bringing in that many employees for the first time would cost $1 billion. Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, JPMorgan Chase, Walmart and Deloitte also feature in the top 10 H-1B sponsors, now incentivized to reconsider the heftier upfront costs of hiring abroad. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings tweeted it is a great solution that will ensure the program is used just for very high-value jobs, alluding to critics who say the program is frequently used to bring in cheaper foreign labor. While that long-term consideration will play out stateside in the years to come, another country is facing more immediate consequences: The Israel Defense Forces is continuing its operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip, despite international outcry over the deteriorated humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. Meanwhile, in protest of Israel's continuation of its military operations in Gaza, several nations including France, the U.K. and Canada recognized Palestinian statehood as leaders prepared to gather in New York this week for meetings at the United Nations General Assembly. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "There will be no Palestinian state." Latest Developments Sep 23, 3:08 PM Emir of Qatar slams Israel as a 'rogue' government in UNGA address Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani took aim at Israel during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, calling it a rogue government. The Qatari leader began by referencing Israels airstrike on Hamas leadership in Doha earlier this month, calling it a treacherous attack. The whole world was shocked because of the circumstances of this heinous act, which we have classified as state terrorism, he said, alleging it was an attempt to conduct political assassinations that undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza. Jeenah Moon/Reuters - PHOTO: Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani speaks during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, Sept. 23, 2025. "They visit our country and plot to attack it. They negotiate with delegations and plot to assassinate the members of the negotiation teams. It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation. It is impossible. Is this not the definition of a rouge government?" he said. The emir also alleged Israel was not interested in securing the release of hostages, but that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was instead seeking to continue the war as long as possible. Israel is not a democratic country surrounded by enemies, but in fact, it is an enemy to its surrounding neighbors, and it's engaged in a genocide. And its leader is proud of preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, and he promises that such a state will never be established, he said. Nevertheless, the Qatari leader said his country would continue its attempts to mediate peace along with Egypt and the U.S. -ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston Sep 23, 3:18 PM Hamas must be excluded, hostages released to recognize Palestine, Italy says After protests erupted in Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that recognizing the state of Palestine is subject to two conditions: the release of the hostages and the "exclusion of Hamas from any role in governance within Palestine." Alexander Drago/Reuters - PHOTO: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacts while listening to U.S. President Donald Trump's speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, Sept. 23, 2025. "I continue to believe that recognizing Palestine, in the absence of a state that meets the requirements of sovereignty does not solve the problem, it does not produce tangible, concrete results for the Palestinians," Meloni said at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 23, 10:43 AM Recognizing state of Palestine is 'reward' to Hamas, Trump says President Donald Trump criticized the move by several nations -- including France, Canada and the U.K. -- to recognize the state of Palestine, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. "As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities," Trump said. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, Sept. 23, 2025. Trump also called for the immediate release of the hostages still held by Hamas, including the bodies of dead hostages. "I've also been deeply engaged in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza. Have to get that done. We have to get it done. Unfortunately, Hamas has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace," Trump said. Sep 23, 6:59 AM 38 killed in Gaza in past 24 hours, health ministry says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli forces killed 38 people and wounded 190 others in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health said on Tuesday afternoon. Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters - PHOTO: Relatives carry the covered bodies of Palestinian children who were killed by Israeli fire in the yard of Al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City, on Sept. 23, 2025. The killings bring the death toll in Gaza since the ongoing war began to 65,382, according to the health ministry. Among those killed over the past day were three people trying to collect humanitarian aid, while another 15 were injured, the health ministry said. -ABC News' Morgan Winsor Sep 23, 5:12 AM Remaining Gaza hospitals 'a few days' from shutdown, officials warn The remaining hospitals still operating in the war-torn Gaza Strip "are only a few days away fromshutdown due to fuel shortages," Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health warned on Tuesday. Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters - PHOTO: A Palestinian man looks on as he inspects the site of Israeli strikes on houses at Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, on Sept. 23, 2025. "A few days could bring scenes of vital departments shutting down, exacerbating the health crisis and exposing the lives of patients and the wounded to certain death," the health ministry said. "Technical and engineering procedures for scheduling operating periods have become ineffective with the cessation of fuel supplies," it added. -ABC News' Diaa Ostaz and Morgan Winsor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 23, 3:09 AM IDF names soldier killed in northern Gaza The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday named a soldier killed in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip as Maj. Shahar Netanel Bozaglo, 27. Maya Levin/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An Israeli army tank moves inside the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel, on Sept. 22, 2025. Bozaglo "fell in battle," the IDF said. The major was a company commander in the 7th Armored Brigade. Bozaglo is the first soldier to be killed in the IDFs new offensive against Hamas in Gaza City, launched last week. Sep 22, 5:38 PM Palestinian president addresses UN General Assembly virtually Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke before the United Nations General Assembly via video on Monday, after the Trump administration revoked his U.S. visa last month to attend the conference in person in New York City. He began his remarks by thanking France and Saudi Arabia for hosting the statehood conference before launching into his prepared remarks in Arabic. Yuki Iwamura/AP - PHOTO: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks virtually during a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanizing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sept. 22, 2025, at UN headquarters. Abbas called on Hamas to surrender their weapons, expressed readiness to work with President Donald Trump to implement a peace plan and condemned the killings on Oct. 7, 2023. At one point, he spoke directly to the people of Israel, urging for peace and wishing them a happy Rosh Hashanah. "We call for a permanent ceasefire. We need to ensure humanitarian access through the United Nations and UNRWA. We need to guarantee the release of hostages, all hostages and prisoners with the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza," Abbas said. The camera would often pan to where the U.S. and Israel delegations would normally be sitting. The seats were empty for the entirety of the conference -- beginning with French President Emmanuel Macron's speech, during which he recognized Palestinian statehood -- in protest of Monday's planned action. -ABC News' Mariam Khan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 22, 4:13 PM France recognizes Palestinian statehood French President Emmanuel Macron officially called for Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly opening session Monday afternoon, joining several other countries this week in calling for statehood, despite condemnations from the United States and the Israeli government. "The time has come. This is why true to the historic, historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. This is why I declare that today France recognizes the state of Palestine," Macron said in the Assembly Hall of the U.N. headquarters. Spencer Platt/Getty Images - PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron addresses delegates during a high-level meeting of heads of state on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians at United Nations headquarters in New York City, September 22, 2025. Several delegates from Palestine -- and many others in the room -- jumped to their feet and applauded Macron for an extended time. "We've gathered here because the time has come," Macron said. "The time has come to free the 48 hostages detained by Hamas. The time has come to stop war, the bombing in Gaza, the massacres and the fleeing people. The time has come because there's a pressing urgency everywhere. The time for peace has come because we're just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace. This is why we have gathered here today. Some might say it's too late. Others might say it's too early. But one thing is certain: We can no longer wait." Eduardo Munoz/Reuters - PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron addresses delegates during a high-level meeting of heads of state on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians at United Nations headquarters in New York City, September 22, 2025. His proclamation came a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal also released statements declaring their support for a Palestinian state. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas -- who joined the meeting virtually because the U.S. did not grant him a visa -- was seen applauding throughout the speech. -ABC News' Mariam Khan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sep 22, 5:28 AM IDF claims to have killed 15 fighters in Gaza City The Israel Defense Forces on Monday said that its troops killed "approximately 15" fighters in Gaza City amid Israels operation to take control of the Gaza Strips largest urban area. Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters - PHOTO: Smoke rises following an Israeli strike as seen from the central Gaza Strip on Sept. 21, 2025. The IDF operation in Gaza City was launched last week, with two divisions -- the 162nd and 98th divisions -- pressing into the "heart" of the city, according to the IDF. A third division, the 36th, was deployed to join the operation over the weekend. The IDF said artillery units attacked a structure from which Hamas fighters launched two rockets towards Israel on Sunday. The IDF also said that its warplanes operating over Gaza City struck what it said was a factory producing military equipment and a group of fighters nearby. The IDF added that additional strikes took place in Khan Younis and Rafah in the southern part of the strip. Sep 21, 12:38 PM 'There will be no Palestinian state,' Netanyahu says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unequivocal in his rejection of the U.K., Canada and Australia recognizing a Palestinian state, saying in a statement Sunday "there will be no Palestinian state." "It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River," the statement repeated. Nathan Howard/Pool via AP - PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, Sept. 15, 2025. Netanyahu also emphasized his government's expansion of West Bank settlements and says "we will continue on this path." In a separate statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the recognition "will push the desired peace further away," and that "if the countries that signed this declaration truly wish to stabilize the region, they should focus on pressuring Hamas to release the hostages and to disarm immediately." A statement from the Hostage Families Forum said it "condemns" the announcements, saying the recognition "[turns] a blind eye to the fact that 48 hostages remain in Hamas captivity." "We call on all nations to act responsibly and ensure that any 'day after' discussions occur only after our loved ones are brought home," the statement said, in part. -ABC News' Jordana Miller Click here to read the rest of the blog. Israels sudden decision to indefinitely close the sole land crossing giving more than 3 million Palestinians in the occupied West Bank access to international travel has intensified fears of more restrictions amid Israels threats of retaliation against Western recognition of a Palestinian state. The closure of the crossing has stranded Palestinians abroad, while patients receiving medical treatment in Jordan were forced to extend their stays on limited budgets. Families have been separated by Israels abrupt decision, and thousands remain uncertain about when the border will reopen. Thursday afternoon, Israel announced it would reopen the border crossing to foot traffic only on Friday morning. The crossing will remain closed to humanitarian aid from Jordan for the time being. The sudden statement about the reopening was just as surprising as the earlier closure announcement, leaving Palestinians fearful about what other changes might be coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ismail Tamimi, a father in Jordan, said on Wednesday that the closure of the border has separated him from his young daughters, who were visiting family in the city of Hebron in the West Bank. One of my daughters is diabetic. She missed her checkup today in Jordan, and I cannot bring her to come here because the border is shut, he said, adding that schools are also starting, so my children will miss the start. Another Palestinian man from Hebron, Rami Al Quwasmi, said he had to rent a house in Jordan as he awaits the reopening of the border. I dont know where to go, there are thousands of others like me, he said. More than half of Jordans population of 10 million is of Palestinian descent, and the country is home to more than 2 million registered Palestinian refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli government, which controls the border crossing, has yet to say why the border was shut. The Israel Airports Authority, which administers the crossing, says the decisions to close and reopen it were made by the political echelon. It comes several days after a Jordanian truck driver transporting humanitarian aid intended for Gaza opened fire at the crossing, killing two Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military said they would investigate the incident. Palestinians say they feel the closure is retaliatory and designed to punish them for a decision taken by several Western countries this week to recognize Palestine as an independent country. Its revenge against the people, and it closely resembles the checkpoints spread throughout the West Bank. This makes us feel like we are living in a large prison, a Palestinian journalist living in the West Bank, Tharwat Shaqra, told CNN. Britain, France, Canada, Australia and several other Western nations formally declared their recognition of a Palestinian state on Monday, a move furiously condemned by Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the decision will give a massive prize to terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, Palestinians have relied on the Allenby Crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge or Al-Karama Crossing, as the main route to exit the West Bank without having to enter Israel. Travelers from the West Bank typically use the crossing to access international airports in neighboring Jordan, visit family residing in the country or receive medical treatment. The bridge was named after British General Edmund Allenby, who led Allied forces to capture Palestine from the Ottoman Empire more than a century ago. It was destroyed multiple times throughout its history, including by a 1927 earthquake, a 1946 attack by Jewish paramilitaries and during the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and Arab states. Israel has controlled the bridge since that war and shuts it on religious holidays, or because of security concerns. Last week, the crossing was closed following the death of the two Israeli soldiers before it was reopened a few days later. A similar attack last year also led to the crossings closure. But Israels latest decision to shut the crossing, described as an indefinite closure, sparked concern among Palestinians, who say it appears to be part of a pattern of measures taken recently to confine Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students cannot go to their universities, and those studying abroad cannot return. Families have been torn apart, a prominent Palestinian politician, Mustafa Barghouti, told CNN before adding that patients who need treatment in Jordan are now banned from travel. The Israeli government has discussed the possibility of annexing all or part of the West Bank, and far-right ministers have pushed for a complete annexation. It has built more roadblocks and installed dozens of iron gates across the occupied territory, making movement difficult inside. This is making all the small towns and villages into smaller prisons and ghettos as part of Israels plan to divide the land and pressure the people to eventually leave Palestine, Barghouti said. The bridge gives Palestinian territories an economic lifeline, delivering critical goods to the struggling region. More recently, it has allowed trucks to transport critical humanitarian aid from Jordan to Gaza, the Palestinian enclave devastated by Israels military campaign, which was launched in retaliation for Hamas deadly attack on Israeli cities on October 7, 2023. The Palestinian militant group killed 1,200 people and took 251 people hostage in that attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The borders closure is collective punishment and it is a disoriented measure by Netanyahu who has led Israel to international isolation, Ahmad Tibi, an Arab Knesset member, told CNN. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Joshua Zarka, Israel's ambassador to France, was RFI's guest on Monday, 22 September the day that France officially recognised the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, which Zarka called a 'historic mistake'. France's President Emmanuel Macron officially recognised a Palestinian state at the United Nations on Monday, following Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Portugal on Sunday. Monaco, Belgium, Andorra, Malta and Luxembourg followed suit from the General Assembly podium, bringing the total number of recognitions to three-quarters of UN membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spain, Ireland and Norway had already recognised Palestine as a state in May, and Sweden did so in 2014. Germany, Italy and Japan, while critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, are among the countries that have declined to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced the push for recognition as "absurd", claiming it would endanger Israel's existence. He has vowed not to allow a Palestinian state and far-right members of his cabinet have threatened to annex the West Bank to make statehood impossible. Macron says embassy in Palestine will open only after release of hostages Zarka, Israel's ambassador to France since last year, told RFI on Monday that these recognitions were "empty words, words that lead nowhere". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On a personal level, it's a feeling of not having succeeded in convincing the French authorities of the extent to which this decision and this statement not only harmed the security of my country, but endangered it," he said. "What's more, instead of helping to create an environment of peace, it did exactly the opposite." 'We must first change the atmosphere' RFI: Don't you think that the recognition of a state of Palestine, and therefore the existence of two states, is a solution? Zarka: "What I'm saying very clearly is that in order to create an environment of peace, we must first fundamentally change the atmosphere that exists between us and the Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As you know, Israel proposed the creation of a Palestinian state on four different occasions after the Oslo agreements. On all four occasions, the Palestinians rejected these agreements. It was not us who rejected these agreements." Franco-Israelis hit out at Macron's recognition of Palestinian state You talk about changing the atmosphere. You have read the letter that Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, sent to President Macron. First of all, he made a commitment, condemning the attacks of 7 October, committing himself to new governance of the Palestinian Authority and also assuring him that Hamas would no longer have a political role. Zarka: "It's words that [are not worth] the paper they were written on. You know, the President of the Palestinian Authority was last elected in 2006. Since then, he has not agreed to hold elections. And today he has the support of not even 15 percent of his population. So it's clear that he represents nothing." 'No pressure on Hamas' Turning to the issue of the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas, Zarka said: "Our hostages are still in the hands of Hamas. Yesterday and the day before, Hamas presented photos of the 48 hostages and said 'we still have these human shields, we are using them as shields until the last moment'. It's an inhuman organisation that still has our hostages and continues to use the Palestinian population." Recognising a Palestinian state does not mean recognising a Hamas state. These countries are saying that they condemn the attacks of 7 October, that Hamas must not be part of the political authorities. If we are to believe no one's words, how are we to move forward? Zarka: "The first thing to do is to dismantle Hamas. Because it's not by asking Hamas nicely, please, that they'll do it." Do you think the international pressure on Hamas is too weak? Zarka: "There is no international pressure on Hamas. The international pressure today is on Israel and that's all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zarka added that Israel feels "isolated' and blamed this on "the fact that the images we see coming from the Middle East interfere with bourgeois parties in Parisian salons". "Sixty thousand people killed in Gaza can't just be a nuisance at parties?" Zarka: "Half of them were armed terrorists." "You think that public opinion and governments have somehow been taken hostage in this spiral of emotion?" Zarka: "Manipulated by Hamas and manipulated by those who have financed them, such as Qatar and the Iranians." "And the Israeli government bears no responsibility for this headlong rush to war?" Zarka: "We have done and will do everything in our power to free our hostages. And if that means continuing the war, we'll continue the war. You know, these are people who have been kidnapped from their homes. They were asleep. These are people who were taken from their beds. This could end immediately if Hamas releases our hostages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defiant French mayors keep Palestinian flags flying despite court rulings 'French people are great friends of Israel' "What does the Israeli government intend to do in response to this wave of recognition of Palestine?" Zarka: "This is a big question. It is a question that will be decided by the Israeli government and by the prime minister. Yesterday, the prime minister announced to his ministers that this kind of decision would only be taken after his visit to Washington and that he would coordinate this with the president of the United States." Does this mean that he needs the green light from the Americans to do anything, or that it's the American president who decides? Zarka: "No, no, it means that he wants to coordinate this kind of thing with our friend and ally, the United States." Your last ally? Citing a recent IFOP poll commissioned by the Council Representing Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), in which 71 percent of respondents said any recognition of the Palestinian state should not take place before the release of the Israeli hostages, Zarka said: "He's not our last friend, nor our last ally, not at all. You know, 70 percent of French people are opposed to the decision taken by the government. The French people are great friends of Israel. I have no doubt about that." Is a total annexation of the West Bank envisaged or not? Zarka: "I'd be surprised if that's the decision that's ultimately taken by the Israeli government. But, again, it's a decision that will be taken at the highest level." You have no information on this subject? You cannot tell us this morning that the West Bank will not be annexed? Zarka: "We can't say that it will be annexed. I can't say that it won't be annexed. I can say that it is one of the requests that has been made by part of the coalition. I can say that personally, it [would] surprise me." But you can say what the Israeli prime minister means when he says there will never be a Palestinian state? Zarka: "It means that it is the position of the prime minister who says very clearly that his government will never accept the creation of a Palestinian state." So there is no two-state solution with this government? Zarka: "I choose my words very clearly and I am very careful about what I choose. I said the government, Mr Netanyahu, has made it very clear that his government will never accept the creation of a Palestinian state." There is also talk of reprisals for countries that recognise [Palestine], but what are the consequences? Zarka: "I don't know. Once again, these are things that will be decided. These are decisions that will be taken by the Israeli government, by the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Zarka, "the weapon of recognition is something you only use once, and that's it. After that, there's no leverage". This interview has been edited for clarity. Listen to the original interview in French here. Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday condemned a deadly Israeli strike on Doha earlier this month targeting Hamas leadership. The emir, addressing the UN Security Council, described the attack as a "treacherous assault" and "a blatant act of state terrorism." He said the bombing was not only an attack on a sovereign, peacemaking state but also a calculated attempt to derail negotiations to end the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No party seeks to assassinate a negotiating delegation except with the aim of thwarting the negotiations," he told the Council. Israeli warplanes attacked a residential area in the Qatari capital on September 9, hitting the residence of Hamas leaders and their families and killing six people, including a Qatari security officer. The dead included the son of Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas' most influential figure abroad, and his chief of staff. Tamim underlined that Qatar has been leading mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States for nearly two years to bring an end to the Gaza war, resulting in the release of 148 hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Israel's actions show that the country prefers to continue the conflict. The emir accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exploiting the war to expand Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, alter the status quo in Jerusalem and pursue a vision of turning the Arab region into an Israeli sphere of influence. Despite the strike on Doha, Sheikh Tamim vowed that Qatar will continue its mediation work in Gaza and other regions. "Qatar will remain an active partner in the international community, committed to resolving conflicts through peaceful means," he said. He praised countries that have recognized Palestine as a state, saying this demonstrates that "violence does not resolve an issue like the Palestinian issue". SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) USD professor Michael Hook is returning to the classroom after a federal judge granted his request for a temporary restraining order. Hook is suing representatives from the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) and University of South Dakota after he was put on administrative leave for a social media post regarding Charlie Kirk. Lawmakers discuss how no changed to yes on new prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier granted the request for Hook to return to the classroom until the preliminary injunction hearing set for October 8. The court concludes that defendants took an adverse employment action against Hook and that Hooks speech was the substantial or motivating factor in defendants decision to place Hook on administrative leave and notify him of their intention to fire him, Schreier said in her opinion. During the hearing, Schreier asked Hooks lawyer Jim Leach why the lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order was brought forward now, instead of waiting until after Hook is officially fired. Leach says Hooks loss of his First Amendment rights causes irreparable harm and that the university intends on firing Hook anyway. He argues the speed in which Hook was put on leave which he says was sparked by lawmakers requesting he be fired indicates it was not able to prove a disruption to the school and that retaliation was taken against Hook because it disagreed or was offended with the contents of the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schrier questioned the defendants attorney Justin Bell on whether Hook was put on leave solely because of the Facebook post. Bell argued that hundreds of calls and messages were made to the BOR and USD regarding Hooks post. During the hearing, Bell said Hooks message did disrupt the schools operations both internally and externally. Bell said reinstating Hook would cause further disruption. In her opinion, Schreier said that at this stage, defendants failed to put on evidence that Hooks speech had an adverse impact on the efficiency of the [Universitys] operations' and allegations that the speech disrupted the workplace are not enough evidence. Defendants have not demonstrated that there was any disruption to on-campus activities, Hooks teaching lessons, or the University operations, Schreiers opinion said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are there so many ladybugs right now? Leach is asking for Hook to be reinstated until the BOR and USD provide the court with more evidence that Hooks post caused disruption to the university and that it was not a violation of his First Amendment rights. As of Wednesday afternoon, a personal conference is still set for Sept. 29 between Hook and the university where he may plead his case and avoid getting fired. The defendants may still find evidence to support their claim that Hooks post caused disruption to the university during the preliminary injunction hearing set for October 8. If substantial evidence is found, Hook may be placed back on leave at that time until the case is close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, Hook is requesting a temporary restraining order as well as injunctions to prevent the university from keeping him on administrative leave or retaliating against him further. Hooks now-deleted post is printed in full below: Okay. I dont give a flying f about this Kirk person. Apparently he was a hate spreading Nazi. I wasnt paying close enough attention to the idiotic right fringe to even know who he was. Im sorry for his family that he was a hate spreading Nazi and got killed. Im sure they deserved better. Maybe good people could now enter their lives. But geez, where was all this concern when the politicians in Minnesota were shot? I have no thoughts or prayers for this hate spreading Nazi. A shrug, maybe. The lawsuit says Hooks initial post was only up for three hours before it was deleted and he issued an apology. His Facebook account has also been deleted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Kansas Republican leaders spoke publicly about plans to redistrict Kansas on Sept. 24, after Democrats called for public hearings ahead of any potential redistricting of Kansas's Congressional Districts. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, who's currently running for governor, said the details aren't worked out yet but that he will be pursuing redistricting. "We're obviously talking about it," Masterson said. "We're in good faith discussing it, and I think it's just working out the details." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masterson said he's aiming to have something done on it by early November, but wouldn't say whether they have enough signatures collected from state lawmakers to call a special session. Special sessions can be convened at the request of the governor, or via a petition signed by two-thirds Kansas's senators and representatives. "I'm not the speaker of the House," Masterson said. "I think they have it, too. I guess I don't know where they're at. I agree with the governor, it's a higher risk to do nothing. She's on record calling on blue states to do it, and I agree with her the risk to do nothing is high." Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly urged Democratic governors to redistrict shortly after Texas proposed new congressional lines that would create five Republican-friendly House districts ahead of next year's midterms. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, left, and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, right, shared an update on redistricting in the state after Democratic leaders called for public hearings and criticized the departure from precedent. Texas started the process of redistricting at the urging of President Donald Trump, and since then Democratic states have sought to redistrict their states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not a big believer in unilateral disarmament," Kelly said, according to Politico. Masterson disagreed with Kelly's call for public hearings, calling it "disingenuous at best." He declined to say whether there have been discussions with the White House but did convey that it seems to be a priority for the Trump administration. "I don't think there's any doubt that they want it all over the nation," Masterson said. "I think everybody understands that this is a partisan battle and that both sides are looking to participate." House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said the House is considering sending a petition but has not started any action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't have anything on that yet. We're not there," Hawkins said. He said he doesn't have a timeframe for making any decisions and doesn't know if it will happen. When asked if it's something he wants to happen, he said it's about what the people want. "It's not a matter of what I want," Hawkins said. "It's a matter of what the people want." More: 'Likely at some point this fall': Redistricting rumors getting louder in Kansas This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Senate president expects November decision on redistricting Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said that his country is ready to provide a venue for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia if both sides request it. Source: Tengrinews.kz, a news website in Kazakhstan, citing Tokayev; TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency Quote: "If the leaders of Russia and Ukraine wish to come to Kazakhstan, we will provide all the necessary services to ensure the success of the talks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Tokayev noted, however, that Kazakhstan does not see itself as a mediator in Russias war against Ukraine. The situation is too complex to be simplified, he said, pointing to historical, national, linguistic and political disputes that come on top of territorial issues. Tokayev added that diplomats and other officials carefully prepare high-level meetings and that expecting tangible results without a truce is unrealistic He stressed that Kazakhstan supports the start of direct talks but said preliminary work is needed to achieve mutual understanding. Quote: "While not acting as a mediator, Kazakhstan is nevertheless ready, if required, to offer its good offices as a venue for negotiations and meetings at all levels." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Tokayev and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy met earlier that day at the UN General Assembly. Zelenskyy thanked Kazakhstan for supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and discussed trade and economic cooperation as well as the involvement of Kazakh companies in Ukraines reconstruction. Their conversation took place in English. Putin has made it clear that he does not intend to travel anywhere to hold talks with Zelenskyy, but is open to meeting in Moscow. Zelenskyy has confirmed that he is willing to attend a summit or meeting with US President Donald Trump and Putin anywhere except Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key Points The drug industry is facing scrutiny from investors because of changes in Washington and among consumers. Drug companies are also facing the issue of patent cliffs, even though this is a normal part of the business. One of the drug makers below has a long history of supporting its dividend through hard times. 10 stocks we like better than Merck The winds of political change have hit the healthcare industry, with drug makers seemingly taking the brunt of the gale. Industry-leading companies like Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Merck (NYSE: MRK), and Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) have seen their stocks fall and their yields rise. The pharmaceutical niche is an attractive place for contrarian investors to start looking for stocks to buy. If you have $1,000, here's one pharma stock that seems to stand out from the pack. Image source: Getty Images. What do drug makers do? From a big picture perspective, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb all do very similar things. They conduct research to find potential drugs, they develop those drugs, they get those drugs approved for human use, and then they sell those drugs to consumers. This is a vast simplification of a very complicated, time-consuming, and expensive process. Because of the difficulty of finding new drugs and the importance of new drug development in the healthcare industry, pharma companies are given a short exclusive right to sell newly developed drugs. That said, when the patent for a drug ends, competition can come in and make generic versions of the drug. This normally results in a material drop in sales for the company that developed the drug, which is called a patent cliff. Dealing with patent cliffs is normal for drug makers. Dealing with the government is also normal, though right now the mood in Washington D.C. is a bit more negative on the drug sector. That's particularly true of vaccine makers. The negative mood has spilled over to consumers, as well. Although this is a bit of an unusual pressure in some regard, it is one that most pharma companies are dealing with so it is not a particularly unique headwind to any one company. PFE data by YCharts What's attractive about Pfizer, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb? Pfizer, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb are some of the oldest and best known drug makers in the world. They are used to dealing with patent cliffs, the government, and the heavy and uncertain lift of research and development. It is highly likely that all three muddle through the current industry downturn. All three have fallen dramatically from their recent highs, however, with Pfizer off 60% and Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb off roughly 40% each. That's pushed their dividend yields up to attractive levels. By Andrew Hay TAOS, New Mexico (Reuters) -A rash of suicides at New Mexico's Rio Grande Gorge Bridge forced authorities to close the span to pedestrians on Monday, as officials look for a way to install fencing or nets to stop people from taking their own lives at the landmark. Three people have jumped off the span to their deaths in the past three weeks, authorities said, contributing to a record number of deaths at the bridge so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taos County Sheriff's Office announced the indefinite closure after deputies descended into the 600-foot-deep (183-meter) gorge on Sunday to recover the remains of a local 15-year-old boy, the sixth person to die by suicide at the bridge in 2025. On September 5, a 60-year-old U.S. Army veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder drove 15 hours from San Antonio, Texas, to take his life at the bridge, the sheriff's office reported. Three days earlier, sheriff's deputies closed the bridge to recover the remains of a man from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 1,280-foot (390-meter) steel-arch bridge five miles northwest of Taos has featured in movies and ads since its construction 50 years ago. It not only attracts tourists from across the world but has become a destination for people who wish to end their lives. The 600-foot fall is not survivable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The closure of the bridge to pedestrian traffic is a start," Sheriff Steve Miera said in a text message, adding that bridge suicides this year were at a record level. He said the bridge would reopen to pedestrians once the state can install effective barriers to prevent suicides. TOO EASY FOR PEOPLE TO KILL THEMSELVES Suicide prevention campaigner Ashley Roessler said safety barriers had to go up to replace an existing railing that is four feet (1.2 m) high and simple to climb over. "We're making it too damn easy for people to kill themselves," said Roessler, founder of the New Mexico Fight for Life Foundation. "If you can just jolt someone, or make it harder, maybe that kid wouldn't have killed himself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other bridges and buildings in the United States where suicides are common have put up nets or barriers. A net along both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco reduced suicides by 73% in 2024 during its first year, cutting the number of deaths to eight from an average 30 a year, according to authorities. Suicides at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Florida, have dropped to an average of three per year from 12 to 15 after an 11-foot-tall vertical net was installed in 2021. Crisis call boxes have been installed along the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, and they were upgraded earlier this year, the New Mexico Department of Transportation said in its statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2018 study of the bridge determined the structure would have to be reinforced to support the weight of nets and fencing, according to press reports. New Mexico Transportation Secretary Rick Serna said he was working with the consultant on the 2018 study to get an updated evaluation. Until then, the number of security guards at the bridge has been increased to three from two, his department said in a statement. (Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; Editing by Frank McGurty and Bill Berkrot) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Democratic Nevada state senator accused of DUI was above the legal limit several hours after his arrest in Nevada, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Tuesday. Metro police arrested State Sen. Edgar Flores, 39, on Friday, Sept. 12, near the intersection of Lamb and Lake Mead boulevards on suspicion of DUI, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Flores told police he drank a 24-ounce beer earlier that night, documents said. The legal limit in Nevada is 0.08. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested Flores around 3:30 a.m. The first blood sample, obtained four hours later at 7:35 a.m., showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.082 above the legal limit, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained through a records request. A second sample taken an hour later resulted in a 0.062. Metro police arrested State Sen. Edgar Flores, 39, on Friday,, Sept. 12, around 3 a.m. near the intersection of Lamb and Lake Mead boulevards on suspicion of DUI. Flores told police he drank a 24-ounce beer earlier that night, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. (LVMPD) The department later released videos of the arrest following a records request from the 8 News Now Investigators. In the video, a police officer attempts to wake Flores, who later steps out of his vehicle and undergoes field sobriety tests. Nevadas DUI laws require prosecutors to prove an alleged impaired driver was above the legal limit within two hours of their arrest. The delay in blood testing will likely not impact prosecutors case because a persons blood-alcohol level decreases over time. Senator Flores and his legal team have not received any information or documentation from Metro, a spokesperson for Flores re-election campaign said Tuesday. They remain confident that his name will be fully cleared and reaffirm his commitment to working with both the community and law enforcement to ensure transparency and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores released a statement following the 8 News Now Investigators initial reporting, saying he was tired and citing a long day of work, community events, evening exercise, and a late dinner. Voters first elected Flores to the Nevada Assembly in 2014. Voters later elected him as a state senator in 2022. Flores planned to run for re-election in 2026, he said. Flores, who represents northeastern Clark County, is an attorney. He is involved in a federal lawsuit against Metro, which was scheduled to go to trial in October. The senator acknowledges he was tired, a campaign spokesperson said after the 8 News Now Investigators reported Flores arrest. While he and his team respect the officers diligence in ensuring public safety, our campaign is also reviewing whether his rights and privacy were properly respected. Senator Flores remains fully focused on serving the community, as he has for more than 10 years as an assemblyman, state senator and immigration attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores faces a misdemeanor DUI charge and was not officially charged as of Tuesday. This is common practice with DUI cases as prosecutors await blood results to file paperwork. Documents indicate Flores test results were rushed. A status check in the case was scheduled for Jan. 12. Voters first elected State Sen. Edgar Flores to the Nevada Assembly in 2014. He was elected to the Nevada Senate in 2022. (Nevada Legislature) The penalties for a persons first misdemeanor DUI in Nevada are minimal and rarely involve jail time. The charge carries a potential jail sentence of 2-180 days, though the law is written to say the time can be served through community service. Judges can also revoke a persons license, issue a fine and order them to attend a class. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The distribution of new property tax bills in New Castle County is at least likely to be delayed through the end of October pending the resolution of a lawsuit challenging lawmakers' efforts to blunt increases to residential tax bills. The delay and an expedited Chancery Court trial in October over the constitutionality of the new tax bills is another complication in New Castle County's effort to issue bills for local school and municipal taxes following the first reassessment of property values in decades. Following a special session of the General Assembly in August, county officials have been working to reissue residential and business tax bills with new, separate school tax rates for residential and commercial properties. The ability to tax at separate rates for businesses and residents was a solution from lawmakers responding to outcry from residents shocked by their first tax bill earlier this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't miss a thing: Sign up for our Daily Briefing to get top news delivered to your inbox But those separate rates are now the subject of litigation. A coalition of business groups representing landlords, hotels, trailer-park owners and other lodging businesses have argued taxing residents and businesses at different rates violates provisions of the state's constitution and law. Their lawsuit asked the court to issue a restraining order barring the new, split-rate tax bills. Attorneys representing that coalition, as well as the state, county and school district defendants, discussed tax bills' and the litigation's path forward in a Sept. 23 hearing with Chancery Court Vice Chancellor Lori Will. A property tax bill drop box stands outside Town Hall in Middletown, Delaware, on Sept. 9, 2025. The group outlined a potential agreement to delay the issuance of new tax bills until October 31. In the interim, they will hold a one-day trial over the legal legitimacy of the split rates, and Will said she could commit to issuing a ruling by the end of October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background on lawsuit: Delaware landlord groups sue to stop lawmakers' property tax reassessment relief measure This will give the county time to issue the new bills or, if Will rules in the plaintiffs' favor, tell residents they need to pay the previously issued bill by the Nov. 30 deadline. Will asked the parties to confer with their clients about a status quo order that would solidify that plan and report back to the court on Wednesday, Sept. 24. One-day trial ahead? The center of the conflict is the legality and constitutionality of school districts applying different tax rates for residential versus commercial property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs claim the split rates violate rules in the Delaware Constitution that generally require uniformity in taxation, is unconstitutional as a retroactive tax increase, and circumvents the statutory requirement that tax rate increases be approved by a referendum of voters. They say these rates will cause property tax bills on their housing complexes to go up unjustly, triggering loan defaults, as well as missed business opportunities, and ultimately will fall on their income-limited tenants. Supporters in the Delaware General Assembly have said splitting rates is a way of getting closer to the pre-reassessment tax share between residential and commercial properties and would give relief to residential taxpayers. About reassessment: We asked, they answered: Tyler Technologies explains process on this year's tax assessment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many homeowners, reassessment sent property values and school bills up. Meanwhile, nonresidential assessments tended to increase at a much lower rate. That meant many though not all businesses saw a tax break and their share of the overall tax base shrank. Moving forward County officials have said the new tax bills with split rates would be in the mail by mid-October. This litigation appears set to delay, if not torpedo, that. "Frankly, that date is slipping everyday," said Nicholas Brannick, an attorney representing the county. He added that the issue over the split rates needs to be decided before more bills are issued to avoid adding to the "extraordinary amount of confusion among taxpayers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The cleanest way to do this is to try to tee this up quickly," Will said. If this is the path the litigation takes, it will see a one-day trial regarding the rates, the parties seemed to agree. Will told the parties Oct. 20 was available on her calendar. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: New Castle County tax bills may see delays from property tax lawsuit Iran has executed at least 1,000 people so far in 2025, an NGO said on Tuesday, denouncing a "mass killing campaign" in prisons in the Islamic republic. At least 64 executions took place in the past week alone, an average of more than nine hangings per day, said the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group, which counts and verifies executions in Iran on a daily basis. With more than three months of 2025 still to go, the figure is already the highest since IHR began keeping records in 2008, topping the 975 executions recorded last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In recent months the Islamic republic has begun a mass killing campaign in Iran's prisons, the dimensions of which - in the absence of serious international reactions - are expanding every day," IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said. Iran carried out a spate of executions in the 1980s and early 1990s in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war. But activists say the country is using capital punishment more intensely than at any time in the past three decades after the clerical leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was challenged by 2022-2023 protests and the 12-day war against Israel in June. According to the IHR data, 50 percent of all executions were for drug-related offences and 43 percent for murder. The remainder were for the security-related charges of baghy (armed rebellion), efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) and moharebeh (enmity against god), rape, and espionage for Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran says Europeans have no right to reimpose sanctions for nuclear programme Disagreements over nuclear programme When the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrives in New York for the UN General Assembly, Iran's nuclear programme is likely dominate the agenda after the UN Security Council voted to reimpose sanctions. "Given the scale, systematic nature and political function of the executions to intimidate and create societal fear, the organisation calls on the UN Human Rights Council's fact-finding mission to investigate them as crimes against humanity," said Amiry-Moghaddam. "Any dialogue between countries committed to the foundations of human rights and the Islamic republic that does not include the execution crisis in Iran is unacceptable," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IHR emphasised that its figures for executions are "an absolute minimum", with the real number likely higher "due to the lack of transparency and restrictions on reporting". According to IHR data, 50 percent of all executions were for drug-related offences and 43 percent for murder. The remainder were for the security-related charges of baghy (armed rebellion), efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) and moharebeh (enmity against god), rape and espionage for Israel. Executions in Iran are carried out exclusively by hanging with most taking place in prison, although there are occasional public hangings. According to human rights groups including Amnesty International, Iran is the world's second most prolific executioner after China, which is believed to execute thousands each year although no precise figures are available. (with newswires) A shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning killed one detainee and critically injured two, officials said. The shooter, who fired from a rooftop, is also dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dallas police officers responded to the shooting at the ICE Field Office, located at 8101 N. Stemmons Freeway near I-35E, about 6:30 a.m. ICE officials released a statement saying that a sniper began firing indiscriminately at the building, including at a transport van in the sallyport. The victims were inside the van. An ICE official said earlier in the day that two of the victims had died, but in a corrected statement Wednesday afternoon the Department of Homeland Security said one detainee is dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting. Officials identified the shooter as Joshua Jahn, 29, from the Collin County city of Fairview, outlets including NBC and FOX News reported. Jahn recently had been living in Durant, Oklahoma, authorities said. FBI agents were seen at the North Texas home of Jahns parents on Wednesday afternoon, and Fairview police were blocking the street. Officials identified the Dallas ICE facility sniper as Joshua Jahn, 29, from the Collin County, Texas, city of Fairview. He is pictured in a previous mugshot. FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Joe Rothrock and other officials speaking at a news conference late Wednesday morning would not reveal any details about the victims, but they confirmed no officers were hurt. One injured victim is a Mexican citizen The names of the victims have not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mexican Consulate General in Dallas contacted Mexican authorities, who confirmed that one of the seriously injured victims is a Mexican national, according to a news release. That victim is currently hospitalized and receiving medical care. Consular officials have contacted the victims family to provide support and legal assistance, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The consulate is in ongoing communication with the authorities in charge of the investigation and is waiting for authorization to visit the hospitalized Mexican citizen. The North America Unit Chief has conveyed concern through diplomatic channels and requested a full investigation into the event and unrestricted access to the injured Mexican citizen. Feds say anti-ICE message found, shooting motivated by hatred Rothrock said that investigators found messages on at least one bullet casing near the shooters body that were anti-ICE in nature. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a post on X, While the investigation is ongoing, an initial review of the evidence shows an ideological motive behind this attack. ... One of the unspent shell casings recovered was engraved with the phrase ANTI ICE. FBI Director Kash Patel said that one of the unspent shell casings recovered at the scene of the Dallas ICE facility shooting had the phrase ANTI ICE written on it. At the press conference, Rothrock said the FBI, Dallas police and ICE are investigating the shooting as an act of targeted violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called the shooting a vile attack and said it was motivated by hatred for ICE. Our prayers are with the families of those killed and our ICE law enforcement. Noem said in the DHS news release. ... For months, weve been warning politicians and the media to tone down their rhetoric about ICE law enforcement before someone was killed. This shooting must serve as a wake-up call to the far-left that their rhetoric about ICE has consequences. Joshua Jahns older brother, Noah Jahn, told NBC News that Joshua wasnt particularly interested in politics and he didnt have strong feelings about ICE as far as I knew. What we know about Joshua Jahn Public records show Joshua Jahn was registered in Oklahoma to vote as an independent, and he was charged in Texas in 2016 with delivering an amount of marijuana that was more than ounce but less than 5 pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua knew how to use a rifle, but hes not a marksman, thats for sure, Noah told NBC before authorities publicly identified his brother as the shooter. He would not be able to make any shots like that. FBI agents were seen outside the home of Dallas ICE shooting suspect Joshua Jahns family in Fairview, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, and police were blocking the street. The brothers grew up in Allen, Texas. Joshua used to do coding work but recently has been unemployed, Noah told NBC. Two friends of Jahns told ABC News that his interests in high school were mainly internet culture and video games. When people would start talking about politics, he was the first one to say, Guys, shut up, can we just play Halo or something? one friend said. The sniper was found dead on the roof of a nearby immigration attorneys office. About 12:40 p.m., Star-Telegram journalists saw two medical examiners office transport workers rolling a stretcher with the shooters body in a black bag from the office building into a van. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law office building on which the shooter was perched is three stories. Crime scene officers were there Wednesday afternoon examining the scene and taking photographs. Law enforcement investigate the scene where a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility occurred in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. The shots were fired outside the building while the detainees were inside the unmarked van. One victim died at the scene, and two were taken to a hospital, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported. Texas and national leaders denounce political violence Speakers at Wednesdays press conference in Dallas referenced previous acts of violence against ICE facilities, including a shooting that wounded an Alvarado police officer outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Johnson County on July 4. Seventeen defendants charged in that case, which authorities have called an ambush on ICE and law enforcement, were arraigned in federal court in Fort Worth this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time Ive had to stand before you and talk about a shooter at one of my facilities, ICE Dallas acting Field Office Director Joshua Johnson said at the press conference in Dallas. The Department of Homeland Security said there also was a bomb threat against the Dallas ICE Field Office last month. Bratton Dean Wilkinson, 36, arrived at the facilitys reporting entrance on the evening of Aug. 25 and falsely claimed to have a bomb in his backpack, authorities said. Wilkinson showed the security officer what he said was a detonator on his wrist, according to a news release. The officer called 911 and Dallas police responded with a bomb squad. Wilkinson was arrested and charged with making terroristic threats. Noem said in the statement, Comparing ICE day-in and day-out to the Nazi Gestapo, the Secret Police, and slave patrols has consequences. The men and women of ICE are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. They get up every morning to try and make our communities safer. Like everyone else, we just want to go home to our families at night. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women who are simply enforcing the law must stop. We are praying for the victims and their families. FBI officers investigate the roof of a building near the scene where a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility occurred in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. One victim was killed and two were critically injured, officials said. The victims were ICE detainees. The shooter is dead. What is the Dallas ICE facility that was targeted? The Dallas ICE Field Office along I-35E, near Dallas Love Field airport, is for agents who cover North Texas and Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the New York Times, the facility is used to process detainees after they have been arrested and before they are transported to a long-term detention facility. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, over 8,400 people have passed through the facility. A Dallas police officer in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, where a shooting killed at least one detainee and injured two. Weekly morning prayer vigils are a common occurrence at the facility, which also has been the site of protests. A woman who was dropping off her mother for an immigration appointment Wednesday morning, Denisis Robleto, shared a video with WFAA-TV in which several gunshots can be heard as she and her mom hide in their car in the ICE facilitys parking lot. Fernando Dubove, a Dallas-based immigration attorney, told NBC 5 that people who are picked up by ICE and who have asylum deportation orders to Mexico leave from the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detainees being sent to Mexico are placed on a bus that leaves from the facility to Laredo every morning. This is something Dubove suspects the gunmen knew and would have had a clear shot for when the transfer occurred from facility to bus, according to NBC 5. Law enforcement investigate the scene where a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility occurred in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Despicable, politically motivated attacks In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote, These despicable, politically motivated attacks against law enforcement are not a one-off. We are only miles from Prarieland, Texas, where just two months ago an individual ambushed a separate ICE facility targeting their officers. It has to end and the FBI and our partners will lead these investigative efforts to see to it that those who target our law enforcement are pursued and brought to the fullest extent of justice. Thankfully, no law enforcement personnel were injured. Please pray for the injured and deceased. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said this is the third shooting in Texas directed at ICE or Customs and Border Protection agents. Cruz denounced politically motivated violence and called on politicians using rhetoric demonizing ICE or CBP to stop. FBI agents investigate the scene where a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility occurred in Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson also spoke at the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, he said, Violence like this mornings shooting at the Dallas ICE facility should never happen. This is not just an attack on law enforcement and the victims, but like other similar attacks it is an attack on our community and on our nations heritage of civil and democratic discourse. This should not be a partisan issue, Johnson said. We should all condemn violence intended to serve a political agenda and work together to end it. And during these times of great division, we must work that much harder, speak that much clearer, and listen that much more earnestly. Our communities, our city, and our country are built on shared values. Now, more than ever, we must remember those shared values and the fact that we have more in common than what divides us. A shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Stemmons Freeway, near I-35E, in Dallas on Wednesday morning killed one victim and critically injured two, officials said. The shooter is also dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Noem first posted about the shooting on X shortly after 7:45 a.m. and requested prayer for the victims and their families. Police initially described it as an active shooter situation involving a sniper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we dont know motive yet, we know that our ICE law enforcement is facing unprecedented violence against them, Noem said in her initial post Wednesday morning. It must stop. There was a shooting this morning at the Dallas @ICEgov Field Office. Details are still emerging but we can confirm there were multiple injuries and fatalities. The shooter is deceased by a self-inflicted gun shot wound. While we dont know motive yet, we know that our ICE Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) September 24, 2025 There was a heavy police presence at the shooting scene, and parts of Interstate 35E were closed Wednesday morning as law enforcement responded, the Texas Department of Transportation said. More top stories from our newsroom: ICE detainee killed in Dallas shooting; dead sniper identified Mom says school failed family after teacher choked 2 kids Husband fatally stabs wife while out on bond, Arlington cops say [Get our breaking news alerts.] Germany faces "one of the most challenging phases" in its recent history amid global turmoil, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday, as he defended his government's proposed budget for 2026 in a major parliamentary debate. Merz has controversially chosen to remain in Berlin to focus on domestic affairs this week as global leaders convene in New York at the UN General Assembly. The tense international situation was a key theme of his speech to lawmakers in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house, with Merz arguing that "the entire Western community of values is facing perhaps its greatest test" amid ongoing conflicts and trade disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insecurity has direct consequences for the German economy, which is geared towards global markets and depends on a rules-based world order, the chancellor argued. "Only a growth-oriented economy will generate the resources we need to finance infrastructure, practise solidarity and guarantee social security in the long term," Merz said, warning that trade unions and employers are deeply concerned about job losses. "That's why we have to act, we have to do it quickly and we have to do it soon," he added. However, he flatly rejected criticism from opposition parties that the government intends to slash the country's welfare system. "The aim of the reforms we are launching is not to dismantle the welfare state, but to maintain the welfare state as we really need it," he insisted. The Oklahoma State Department of Health conducts licensing and inspection of food establishments. Below are the results of the August and September inspections in Bartlesville, based on results reported in the department's online database. Bartlesville restaurants and establishments with food inspection violations in August and September The following restaurants reportedly had violations in the last series of inspections. Bartlesville Elks Lodge #1060 (Inspected 9/10/2025): Four violations were found concerning toxic substance storage, cleaning of non-food contact surfaces, general facility cleanliness and maintenance of the physical structure. Bartlesville High School (Inspected 9/8/2025): Two violations were found concerning toxic substance storage and food contact surface cleanliness. Boulevard Diner (Inspected 8/26/2025): Two violations were found concerning handwashing facilities and food contact surface cleanliness. Burger King #3115 (Inspected 9/18/2025): One violation was found concerning the cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. Caseys General Store #3732, 5353 Nowata Rd (Inspected 8/26/2025): One violation was found concerning plumbing system maintenance. Central Middle School (Inspected 9/8/2025): Four violations were found concerning handwashing facilities, non-food surface cleaning, general facility cleanliness and physical maintenance. Dinks Pit Bar B Q (Inspected 9/15/2025): Four violations were found concerning food contact surface cleanliness, employee hygiene, surface cleanability and general facility cleanliness. Eggberts (Inspected 8/25/2025): Seven violations were found concerning handwashing facilities, food separation, cold holding temperatures, food contact surfaces, employee hygiene, cleaning of non-food surfaces and maintenance of employee areas. El Maguey Mexican Grill and Cantina (Inspected 9/18/2025): Three violations were found concerning food separation procedures, cleanliness of food contact surfaces and employee hygiene. Hideaway Pizza (Inspected 9/15/2025): Two violations were found concerning food contact surface cleanliness and cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. Hoover Elementary (Inspected 9/5/2025): One violation was found concerning surface cleanability. Jimmy's Eggs Bartlesville (Inspected 9/18/2025): Three violations were found concerning toxic substance storage, food contact surfaces and cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. Jude's Health & Java House (Inspected 9/18/2025): Two violations were found concerning warewashing sanitation and cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. McAlisters Deli #716 (Inspected 9/18/2025): Three violations were found concerning cleanliness of food contact surfaces, non-food surface cleaning and overall facility cleanliness. Midway Cafe (Inspected 8/25/2025): Four violations were found concerning date marking, employee hygiene, utensil and linen storage, and cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. Oncue Express #40 (Inspected 9/8/2025): One violation was found concerning handwashing facilities. Price's Old Fashioned Meat Market (Inspected 9/5/2025): Three violations were found concerning toxic substance storage, food contact surface cleanliness and contamination prevention during food prep. Taco Mayo (Inspected 8/27/2025): Five violations were found concerning utensil and linen storage, surface cleanability, cleaning of non-food contact surfaces, employee area maintenance, and facility maintenance. Wayside Elementary (Inspected 8/18/2025): One violation was found concerning non-food surface cleaning. Woodrow Wilson Elementary (Inspected 8/26/2025): One unspecified violation was noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following food service locations were operating without a valid up-to-date permit or license in August and September, according to the state Department of Health database. Star Nutrition (Inspected 8/26/2025) More: Bartlesville restaurants cited for food safety violations in August and September inspections Food establishments with no violations in August and September The following Bartlesville food service locations were inspected in August and September, and no violations were found, according to the state Department of Health database. Agape Mission (Inspected 9/9/2025) ASAP General Store #310, 609 NE Washington Blvd (Inspected 8/27/2025) Kentucky Fried Chicken (Inspected 8/26/2025) Lot A Burger #11, 1520 SW Frank Phillips Blvd (Inspected 8/15/2025) Madison Middle School (Inspected 9/5/2025) McDonalds, 2441 SE Washington Blvd (Inspected 8/29/2025) McDonalds, 606 SE Washington Blvd (Inspected 8/29/2025) Montereys Little Mexico (Inspected 9/18/2025) Paths to Independence Inc (Inspected 8/26/2025) Quik Trip #32, 102 SE Washington Blvd (Inspected 9/17/2025) Ranch Heights Elementary (Inspected 9/5/2025) Tallgrass Estates (Inspected 9/2/2025) Three Sisters Nutrition (Inspected 8/26/2025) This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: August and September food inspection results for Bartlesville Growing up in the city of Kolkata in India, a young Chet Kapoor, now the CEO of data and AI company DataStax, would often turn to the pages of A Little Kingdom, a book about the meteoric rise of Steve Jobs and his enterprise Apple, and dream big. I was fascinated. I wanted to work for Steve Jobs, Kapoor tells Fortuneand thats exactly what he did. His first order of business was moving from India to the States in 1983 before taking on a bunch of computer classes to prime himself for any role in the vicinity of the late Apple founder. Kapoor accomplished that dream just a few years later when he bagged an internship at NeXT Computeralthough he admits he was essentially the intern to the intern. I was the guy that got coffee for the guy that made coffee, he laughs. It didnt matter what I did. Janitorial services, dishesI was 20 yards away from Steve Jobs. Pay to work with your hero Even if Jobs didnt know who Kapoor was, by his own account, he still thinks that working in the shadows of an esteemed entrepreneur was a formative experienceone he even advises graduates to pay for. What I tell college graduates is to find a set of people you want to really work with, convince them that they need you, and then pay them to let you work for them, he says, insisting the first four years of your career shapes your personality and professional trajectory. The experience you will get from working with really smart people will pay you dividends that you cannot imagine, he says. Its not the company you work for, it is the individuals you work with that define you. If youre thinking the advice sounds unaffordable during a cost-of-living crisis (as well as elitist), he argues its better value for those who are already spending thousands of dollars on a degree. Think about it, right? College graduates have just paid $200,000 in tuition. And Im talking to them at the end of the senior year saying, thats actually not a great use of money, he explains. Let me tell you how you could have used it: Focus on the people that you work with, because thatll change your career. That being said, Kapoor did go to college himself. Start your entrepreneurial journey as soon as possible While others were at frat parties, Kapoor was juggling his education with running his own consulting firm, working in fast food chains, and interning at Jobs NeXT. A skill Kapoor was quick to learn at just 22 years old was how to balance profit and loss. It was not a nice to have for me, it was important that I made money because thats how I paid for tuition, he explains. So if I didnt make money, I couldnt go to school. (WFRV) Officials in Wisconsin say that an investigation into an organized retail theft ring has resulted in the arrest of multiple high-ranking cartel members, with several members deported. According to the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office, detectives were contacted in March 2025 by the Oak Brook Police in Illinois regarding an investigation with Homeland Security and ICE about an organized retail theft ring directly tied to a Mexican cartel. Officials in Appleton urge safety amidst I-41 expansion as Wisconsin work zone crashes exceed 2,100 in 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group was observed committing thefts on April 6 in Pleasant Prairie, and on April 10, several members were detained during a Kenosha County traffic stop. The detainees were reportedly in possession of over $21,000 in stolen items from a Madison retailer. On May 6, detectives conducted a search warrant at an apartment, leading officials to a Kenosha storage unit and another warrant was served on the same day. Four members were taken into custody, and the other four werent at the residence at the time, but officials learned their locations and Illinois State Police troopers and the Cook County Sheriffs Office helped take them into custody with ICE, Kenosha County detectives and Homeland Security. Man in Wisconsin arrested as DNA reference finds match 12 years after alleged sexual assault Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individuals who were arrested are as follows, with multiple having been deported (in italics) after posting $25,000 in cash bonds, with extraditable warrants out for their arrest: Javier Gonzalez-Medrano Fausto of Kenosha Jose Antonio Baez-Fuerte of Kenosha Jorge Alberto Villeda-Sevilla of Kenosha Sharon Jazmin Villeda-Sevilla of Kenosha Ana Paola Villeda-Sevilla of Kenosha Manuel Perez-Sanchez of Zion, Illinois Danna Paola Gomez of Chicago Yareli E Salas-Ramirez of Zion, Illinois The other individuals are in custody at the Kenosha County Jail. Officials say they recovered over $120,000 in stolen property, with officials stating that at least $53,000 of the stolen items still had a price tag. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Alaska Republican U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (Alaska Beacon file photos) Alaska Republican U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan signed on to a letter with 10 other U.S. senators, calling on the U.S. Department of Education to reverse the decision to cut millions in congressionally approved grant funding for Native American-serving colleges and universities nationwide. The letter, addressed to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, argues that an estimated $36.1 million in grant funding already allocated under the Higher Education Act should be distributed to colleges and universities serving Native students nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators wrote the funds are already authorized and appropriated by Congress and should go toward its intended colleges and universities nationwide, including dollars that are part of ongoing grants projects, programs, and services that are already in motion and that are serving currently enrolled students, they said. These institutions are statutorily authorized to receive federal support from the Department to strengthen their capacity to serve American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students, and rely on this federal support to adequately serve enrolled students, they said. The Departments decision to reprogram this critical source of funding for these colleges jeopardizes not just their continued existence, but also undermines the federal governments trust and treaty obligations to provide Native students an education, they wrote. Earlier this month, Sec. McMahon announced that $350 million in congressionally approved funding for minority-serving institutions, a federal grant category that includes funding for Black, Hispanic, Asian-American and Native American students, would be reallocated. McMahon cited racial quotas as discriminatory and unconstitutional. To further our commitment to ending discrimination in all forms across federally supported programs, the Department will no longer award Minority-Serving Institution grants that discriminate by restricting eligibility to institutions that meet government-mandated racial quotas, McMahon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of three Republican and nine Democratic senators rejected the claims, saying to be clear, these grants do not impose racial quotas or restrict admissions based on race, but support institutions that deliver on the federal trust responsibility to provide an education for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians because of their unique legal status and political relationship with the United States. In Alaska, University of Alaska officials say they are still reviewing the extent of the funding freeze, but University of Alaska Fairbanks officials report the grant elimination totals at least $8.8 million across campuses. Senators argued that the funding cut contradicts the Trump administrations expressed focus on career and technical education, and said the funds boost capacity for institutions serving not only Native students, but wider student populations. As such, we again urge you to reverse the decision, the senators wrote, to release these funds, as appropriated by Congress, so that the work these schools do to support the trust responsibility, as well as the next generation of leaders as part of our nations bright future, can continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter was signed by Murkowski, as the chair of the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and committee co-chair U.S. Sen. Brian Shatz, D-Hawaii; along with Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska; Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii; Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina; Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico; Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona; John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado; Michael Bennett, D-Colorado; Mark Kelly, D-Arizona; Tina Smith, D-Minnesota; and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota. A spokesperson for Murkowski said as of Wednesday they have not had a response from the department. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A massive statue depicting Donald Trump and late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has appeared on the National Mall as the months-long Epstein Files saga continues to haunt the administration. The 12-foot statue a combination of foam, resin, wood and wire shows Trump and Epstein standing on pedestals, holding hands and smiling at one another as they appear about to frolic through the park toward the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Below the statue, there are three plaques, two of which contain excerpts from the bawdy birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote Epstein for his 50th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of the letter, featuring a hand-drawn figure of a naked woman along with the presidents reported signature, was made public this month by the House Oversight Committee. Trump has denied any involvement with the letter, even suing the Wall Street Journal, which first published a report about it for $10 billion, claiming that no authentic letter or drawing exists. The statue appeared early Tuesday morning in honor of Friendship Month. It will remain there until Saturday, a spokesperson for The Secret Handshake, an anonymous group of fewer than five individuals who put up the statue, told The Independent. The statue is about celebrating the friendship of these real men. A White House spokesperson denounced the National Malls new addition, telling The Independent in a statement: Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit but its not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep. Democrats, the media, and the organization thats wasting their money on this statue knew about Epstein and his victims for years and did nothing to help them while President Trump was calling for transparency, and is now delivering on it with thousands of pages of documents. New statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands crops up on the National Mall during Friendship Month (The Secret Handshake) Theres very few people who have gone on the record and called Trump one of his good friends, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The friendship between the two men is well-documented. The pair were photographed together at parties in the 1990s and early 2000s, including at Trumps 1993 wedding to Marla Maples at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. A plaque below the statue includes an excerpt from the alleged bawdy birthday card from Trump to Epstein for his 50th birthday, which the president has denied writing (The Secret Handshake) Trump called Epstein a terrific guy" in a 2002 New York Magazine article, while recordings of Epstein, obtained by the Daily Beast last year, captured the convicted sex offender describing himself as Trumps closest friend. Their friendship dissolved around the mid-2000s. After Epstein's arrest on sex trafficking charges in 2019, the president told reporters he hadn't spoken to him in 15 years; in July, Trump revealed that he had ended his friendship with Epstein after he stole young female employees from his private club. The president has repeatedly called the late financier a creep in recent months. Another plaque states the statue is meant to 'celebrate the long-lasting bond' between Trump and Epstein (The Secret Handshake) While the president has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, Trumps friendship with Epstein has been under the microscope since July, when the DOJ released a memo putting an end to years-long conspiracy theories around Epsteins sudden 2019 death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died by suicide behind bars while awaiting his sex trafficking trial and there is no evidence to support the existence of a so-called client list of wealthy, famous figures involved in his alleged sex trafficking, the FBI concluded. The DOJ also stated that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted related to the case, mere months after it released Phase 1 of the Epstein files. Trump and Epstein appear to be happily frolicking toward the Washington Monument in a new statue put there by The Secret Handshake, a small anonymous group (The Secret Handshake) Survivors of Epsteins abuse, members of Congress, and even some of his MAGA following have grown incensed over the Trump administrations handling of the case, calling for increased transparency around the Epstein Files. Earlier this month, the DOJ released tens of thousands of Epstein files, most of which were already publicly available, according to lawmakers. Some survivors have said they are creating a database of people involved, creating their own client list. A large statue depicting President Donald Trump and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has been removed from the National Mall in Washington D.C. after only one day on display. The 12-foot statue appeared on Tuesday, and was placed on the National Mall legally. The group behind the artwork requested and were granted a permit from the National Parks Service, which manages many of the federal spaces in the capital. The statue included three plaques, two of which contain excerpts from the bawdy birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote Epstein for his 50th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of the letter, featuring a hand-drawn figure of a naked woman along with the presidents reported signature, was made public this month by the House Oversight Committee. Trump has denied any involvement with the letter, even suing the Wall Street Journal, which first published a report about it for $10 billion, claiming that no authentic letter or drawing exists. Despite having proper permits which granted it the space until 8pm on Sunday, September 28 the statue was removed from its spot on the National Mall on Wednesday morning. National Park Police told WUSA9 that it was in violation of its permit, but did not explain the nature of the violation. A statue depicting President Donald Trump and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was removed from the National Mall one day after it was legally erected at the site (Getty) According to the outlet, the permit includes a clause noting that the statue could be removed at any time, so long as the permit holders were notified of the reason for its removal 24 hours in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secret Handshake, the tiny anonymous group who claim to be behind the statue, told The Independent their creation was destroyed at 5.30 a.m. Wednesday morning. We found out at the end of the day that some people within the parks department aka most likely the Trump administration were trying to find ways to say we were not in compliance, they said. We were then told everything is okay and that if the administration decided to remove it we would have 24 hours notice to take it down ourselves. Instead, they showed up in the middle of the night without notice and physically toppled the statue, broke it, and took it away. The group added: This is a literal example of the Trump administration toppling free speech when it has been legally permitted and approved because they are scared about whatever Trump is hiding in the Epstein files. I personally think the timing of this less than 24 hours after Jimmy Kimmel is interesting." A plaque states a statue depicting President Donald Trump and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is meant to 'celebrate the long-lasting bond' between the men (The Secret Handshake) The statue was erected at a time when Trump is trying to distance himself from Epstein. He has been plagued with questions about his association with Epstein for years, but those questions came to a head earlier this year after Attorney General Pam Bondi said there was no "client list" among the Department of Justice's Epstein investigation documents, having previously suggest such a list was "sitting on my desk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As calls for the Epstein files to be fully released to the public intensified, Trump began lashing out at his own base. Their new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this bull****, hook, line, and sinker, he wrote on Truth Social. President Donald Trumps signature on a letter included in a birthday book for child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein (House Oversight Committee) The White House denounced the statue in a statement to The Independent. Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit but its not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep," the spokesperson said. "Democrats, the media, and the organization thats wasting their money on this statue knew about Epstein and his victims for years and did nothing to help them while President Trump was calling for transparency, and is now delivering on it with thousands of pages of documents. Experts and lawmakers who reviewed the "thousands of pages" that were released earlier this year found that 97 percent of the files made public had already been in the public record prior to the White House disclosure. On September 10, Law and Order Committee Chair Eugenia Charles-Newton met with senior leadership from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including Mark Cruz, Senior Counselor to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to discuss critical issues affecting tribal communities during a government-to-government consultation. Chair Charles-Newton raised longstanding challenges facing tribal nations, including systemic healthcare barriers, vaccine equity, limited access to federal funding, and the urgent need for meaningful tribal consultation in agency reform processes. She voiced concerns over declining COVID-19 vaccine allocations to Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities across the Navajo Nation. Despite an increase in infections, some hospitals are reportedly receiving fewer doses than in previous years. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our communities are still battling the impacts of COVID-19, and we cant afford to be left behind again, said Delegate Charles-Newton. Decisions are being made to limit vaccine access based on age or national supply models, without considering the health realities in Indian Country. She also reminded HHS officials of Secretary Kennedys recent visit to the Navajo Nation, during which he acknowledged the role of past federal food policies in contributing to chronic health conditionssuch as diabetes and heart diseasethat heighten COVID-19 risks in Native populations. In response, Cruz pledged to raise the issue with the Deputy Secretarys Office and committed to following up on both vaccine distribution protocols and supply inconsistencies. During the consultation, Cruz outlined upcoming HHS initiatives addressing tribal priorities. He announced an upcoming funding opportunity through the Rural Health Transformation Program, set to open applications in the coming weeks. He urged tribes to collaborate with state partners and design proposals focused on innovative health models rather than general operations. Cruz also expressed interest in organizing a tribal-state summit to foster strategic planning and coordination. Regarding Indian Health Service reform, Cruz said two initiatives are currently in progress: a regional realignment to improve direct services and a broader departmental reorganization aimed at enhancing accountability and tribal engagement. He noted that expanding tribal representation at federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is under consideration, contingent on tribal feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal leaders from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Walker River Paiute Tribe, Blackfeet Nation, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, and Oglala Sioux Tribe also participated in the consultation. They echoed similar concerns, highlighting mental health crises, Medicaid access disparities, and the importance of culturally appropriate nutrition programs. Specific recommendations included incorporating traditional Indigenous foods like bison and salmon into USDA food distribution efforts. Cruz agreed to explore improved coordination between HHS and USDA to support these proposals. Chair Charles-Newton concluded by reaffirming that the Navajo Nation and the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT) will continue to advocate for greater equity in federal programs and policies affecting large land-based tribal nations, emphasizing the importance of continued direct engagement with agencies like HHS. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Looking to spruce up your yard with some greenery? New Castle County is giving away free trees to Delawareans. Heres how you can get yours. Tree For Every Delawarean Initiative Magnolia trees bloom across a stream running through Valley Garden Park in Greenville. New Castle County is partnering with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Agricultures Forest Service to support the Tree for Every Delaware Initiative. The initiative aims to address critical climate change needs by giving away free native trees to residents to help existing ecosystems thrive and bolster tree canopy across the state. Advertisement Advertisement TEDI is part of Delawares comprehensive Climate Action Plan to respond to climate change, which includes strategies to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, which drive the climate change we see today, and maximize resilience to climate change impacts. Trees preserve soil, improve air and water quality, support wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff and provide shade, which can lower energy costs and make neighborhoods more comfortable in the summer. They also play a critical role in helping to fight climate change. How to get your free tree Brandywine Creek flows through Brandywine Park in Wilmington, DE, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 This is the third year the New Castle County Department of Public Works has partnered with DNREC and Delaware Forest Service. So far, the county has helped distribute more than 850 trees. This years goal is to distribute 200 trees across two events, which chips away at TEDIs goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030. Storm news: Hurricane Gabrielle becomes Category 3 storm. How it impacts Delaware, spaghetti models Delaware residents can pick up a tree at Glasgow Park on Sept. 26 or at Rockwood Park on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Tree varieties to choose from are: Sweetbay magnolia Southern magnolia Red maple White oak Persimmon River birch Red cedar White dogwood Eastern redbud Trees are first come, first served, but registration for the events is strongly encouraged. To register, visit www.bit.ly/TEDIDAY. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Why NCC is giving away free trees to Delawareans, when you can get one NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU) One person was injured in a Norfolk crash, the Madison County Sheriffs Office reported on Wednesday. Madison County deputies were called to a two-vehicle crash near the 1600 block of West Eisenhower Avenue in Norfolk on Wednesday. They believe Julie Sauser, of Plainview, Nebraska, was in an SUV that was stopped in a marked construction zone when it was struck from behind. They stated Jayden Grove, 23, of Sioux City, was in the other involved vehicle, which was a single, rear-axle box truck. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison County officials claimed Groves vehicle failed to brake, causing the crash. Both vehicles required towing after the crash while Sauser was taken to a local hospital by Norfolk Fire and Rescue. Madison County Sheriffs Office is investigating the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two major U.S. broadcast station owners said they will not resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday on their ABC affiliates and will instead run other programming, after ABC parent Walt Disney said on Monday that it will resume broadcasting the late-night talk show. Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcasting said they will not resume screening the show on their 70 owned and partner ABC stations, which are more than 25% of the roughly 250 ABC affiliates nationwide. The two companies reach about 23% of U.S. households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how long the local broadcasters will shun the program. "Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the shows potential return," Sinclair said. ABC suspended Kimmel's show on September 17 over comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Hours before the suspension, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr warned that local broadcasters who aired Kimmel could face fines or loss of licenses and said "it's time for them to step up." Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren blasted the decision and noted the FCC's role in approving transactions involving both companies. "This censorship of Kimmel reeks of corruption," Warren said. Carr has praised Nexstar and Sinclair for deciding to stop airing the show. He has faced sharp criticism from Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress. Republican Senator Ted Cruz called Carr's comments "dangerous as hell." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nexstar owns 23 ABC affiliates and has nine partner ABC affiliates and needs FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna. Disney did not immediately comment. Nexstar said it stands by its decision to pre-empt Kimmel and that it will continue to pre-empt the show indefinitely. It said it will "monitor the show as it returns to ABC." It operates ABC stations in Salt Lake City, Utah; Nashville and New Orleans, among other markets. Nexstar said the show will be available nationwide on multiple Disney-owned streaming products. Sinclair Broadcasting said on Monday it does not plan to resume airing Kimmel's show on its 38 ABC affiliates and will instead air news programming, including on stations in Washington, D.C., Seattle and Portland, Oregon. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Daniel Wallis and Matthew Lewis) FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) is one of the Best Undervalued Stocks to Invest in According to Reddit. On September 19, TD Cowen lifted the price target on the companys stock to $271 from $269, while keeping a Buy rating, as reported by The Fly. As per the firm, the company beat expectations in Q1 2026 despite trade policy headwinds and the Freight miss. Notably, FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX)s Q1 2026 earnings growth underscores the success of its strategic initiatives, as it flexes its network and reduces its cost-to-serve, while further enhancing the value proposition and customer experience. TD Cowen Lifts PT on FedEx (FDX) Stock FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX)s consolidated operating results witnessed improvement, demonstrating strength in US domestic package revenue and continued structural cost reduction. Furthermore, the planned spin-off of FedEx Freight into the new publicly traded company has been advancing and is expected to be executed by June 2026. Effective January 5, 2026, FedEx parcel and FedEx Freight LTL shipping rates will be increased by an average of 5.9%. For FY 2026, FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) forecasts 4% 6% revenue growth rate YoY. Longleaf Partners, managed by Southeastern Asset Management, released its Q2 2025 investor letter. Here is what the fund said: FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) Global logistics company FedEx was a detractor for the quarter. Despite macro headwinds like continued tariff threats and weak demand for higher value shipping, the company demonstrated resilience. The impending Express and Freight separation is expected to unlock value by providing greater flexibility and accountability, addressing the markets undervaluation of Freight vs. peers and increasing capital discipline at Express. We were deeply saddened by the passing of Founder and Chairman Fred Smith. A legendary figure, he built FedEx into an industry giant through visionary leadership and brilliant strategic decisions. Beyond his immense business success, his quiet generosity and kindness, both globally and in our Memphis community, truly set him apart. While we acknowledge the potential of FDX 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: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. James Howard started his World War II combat career before the United States ever entered the war. He would end the war with a Medal of Honor and the nickname: the One Man Air Force. He was a naval aviator who flew with the Flying Tigers, then joined the Army Air Forces, where he became an ace in two different aircraft in two different theaters. He would eventually retire as a Brigadier Generalquite an impressive bucket list. Also Read: A pilot survived a Mach 3 ejection from the edge of space by not ejecting at all But the story of how James Howard became the One Man Air Force starts far from American shores. He was born in Canton, China, where his American father, an ophthalmologist, taught eye surgery. When the family returned to the United States in 1927, Howard set out on his own medical trackuntil the romance of flight got to him. In 1937, he joined the Navy, earned his wings at Naval Air Station Pensacola, and flew from the deck of the USS Enterprise as a commissioned Navy naval aviator. Meanwhile, trouble was brewing abroad, especially in China, where he spent much of his youth. In mid-1941, Howard resigned his Navy commission to join Claire Chennaults American Volunteer Group (AVG), more popularly known as the Flying Tigers, in the far east. Maj. James Howard in his P-51B Ding Hao! which was a greeting used by Flying Tiger pilots, translated as Excellent or Thumbs Up! Howard was assigned to the AVGs 2nd Pursuit Squadron, the Panda Bears, operating from Burma and Thailand in Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks. In early January 1942, during a strike near Raheng, Thailand, he got his first aerial victories, destroying three Japanese Ki-27s on the ground while his wingman, Tex Hill, kept his tail clear and claimed another in the air. Howard added more victories that month and scored his final AVG kill on July 4, 1942the same day the Flying Tigers were disbanded. By then, hed flown 56 combat missions in the theater and was credited with six victories in the P-40. After the AVG, Howard returned stateside and entered the U.S. Army Air Forces. Promoted to major in 1943, he took command of the 356th Fighter Squadron in the 354th Fighter Group. It was the first to take the Merlin-powered P-51B into combat. They moved to RAF Boxted in the fall of 1943, just weeks after Black Thursday, the bloody second Schweinfurt raid, and began pushing deep into German airspace. Since they were the first pilots to fly the new fighter in combat, and so deep inside Germany, they started calling themselves the Pioneer Mustang Group. The new Mustang carried four .50-caliber machine guns and, with external tanks, could range farther than earlier escorts; its top speed was more than 425 mph, depending on altitude and engine settings. It wasnt magiccombat radius was still finite and weather could undo the best plansbut it finally gave Eighth Air Force bombers a fighter that could fight deep and fight well. Gallantry Over Oschersleben The One Man Air Force, Lt. Col. James H. Howard with his P-51B Mustang Ding Hao!, at RAF Boxted, 1944. At the time of this photo, the Mustang had been modified with a sliding, blown-Plexiglas Malcom Hood canopy. (U.S. Air Force) On January 11, 1944, the Mighty Eighth launched a large strike package against multiple targets, including the AGO factory at Oschersleben, a key producer of the Fw 190weather scattered parts of the force and escorts; some formations pressed on into a hornets nest. Howard led elements of the 354th into the fight in his personal P-51B, Ding Hao!, coded AJ-A. It would be the biggest operation since the Schweinfurt raid three months earlier and the first mission under their new commander, Gen. Jimmy Doolittle. The Luftwaffe was savaging the bombers as the Pioneer Mustangs reached the target, and the P-47s were heading back to base because they were low on fuel. Groups of four, twelve, and thirty Fw 190s were wreaking havoc. When the bombers came into view, Howard cut straight into the swarm. He pounced on a twin-engine Me 110 lining up a B-17, hammered it until it broke away and went down, then raked a Bf 109 that trailed smoke into a descent. A moment later, an Fw 190 flashed across his nose; Howard hauled his Mustang into a climbing, turning chandelle and closed so aggressively the German pilot bailed out rather than risk the collision and the guns. Howard stayed at it for roughly half an hour, repeatedly breaking up attacks, and when his ammunition finally ran dry, he kept making threatening passes to scatter the next wave. Bomber crews watched the show in disbelief. One formation leader, Maj. Allison Brooks, later said that for sheer nerve and persistence, hed never seen anything like itone fighter pilot ranging across the front of the formation, spoiling attack after attack as if the whole job were his alone. The day was costly. Losses among the bombers were heavy at Oschersleben and across the broader mission, and the Luftwaffe paid dearly as well. When the tallies were sorted and the gun-camera film reviewed, Howard was officially credited with destroying three enemy aircraft on January 11. He had already scored one victory in Europe in December and would become an ace in the European theater on January 30, while he was already an AVG ace from the earlier campaign in Asia. The tale of an unknown Mustang pilot guarding the bombers raced through the press, but it didnt stay unknown for long. Headquarters identified Major James H. Howard, commander of the 356th, as the man in AJ-A, Ding Hao! While Howards rampage was ongoing, the bomber crews looked on. For sheer determination and guts, it was the greatest exhibition Ive ever seen, Brooks said. It was a case of one lone American against what seemed to be the entire Luftwaffe. He was all over the wing, across it, and around it. They cant give that boy a big enough reward. When the battle was over, the U.S. lost 37 heavy bombers and five fighters, while the Luftwaffe suffered 15 losses, eight probable losses, and 16 damaged aircraft. By morning, Howards story had reached headquarters, and Gen. Doolittle wanted to know the name of the pilot who had placed himself between the bombers and a force of more than thirty enemy aircraft. An investigation was launched to find the pilot of the plane, coded only as AJ-X, until James Howard was found. The U.S. needed some positive publicity after the disastrous Schweinfurt raid. In June 1944, in London, Lt. Gen. Carl Spaatz presented Howard with the Medal of Honor for his actions that day. He remains the only Eighth Air Force fighter pilot to receive the nations highest award. It was the punctuation mark on a career that bridged two services, two theaters, and two legendary fighters. Brig. Gen. James Howard, U.S. Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the war, Howard was promoted to full colonel on Nov. 25, 1945, and soon after left active duty, remaining in the newly formed U.S. Air Force Reserve. He served as base commander at Pinellas Army Air Fieldtodays St. PetersburgClearwater International Airportand was promoted to brigadier general on March 22, 1948. He retired from the Air Force on Oct. 1, 1966. General James H. Howard died on March 18, 1995, a time when the story of the One Man Air Force still echoed among surviving World War II bomber crews. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Dont Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty russian superweapons putin Weapons Rattling the worlds dumbest nuclear sabers By Logan Nye Veteran Salutes the US Flag Sponsored Content Uniting for Veterans wants to end veteran hunger and homelessness By Shannon Corbeil The Seattle Seahawks proudly nominate fullback Brady Russell as the team's 2025 Salute to Service Award nominee. Brady has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring, empowering, and connecting with the military community. Since joining the Seahawks, he has actively participated in more than 13 military-focused events and engagements, positively impacting over 500 service members and their families. Brady's connection to the military is both personal and enduring. Born on Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, where his father Randy was stationed, Brady was raised within a military environment. His brother, Captain Tyler "Friction" Russell, is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and currently serves as a Marine Corps Osprey pilot. Sports The NFL and USAA announce the 32 nominees for the 2025 Salute to Service Award By Jos Joseph 100 year old marine reunited with iwo jima tank marine corps Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement World War II 100-year-old Marine reunited with tank he drove on Iwo Jima By Miguel Ortiz Max McGee Making Winning Touchdown (Original Caption) 1/15/1967- Green Bay Packers, Max McGee, snags the star pass in the end zone to win the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Sports A hungover Air Force veteran scored the first Super Bowl touchdown ever By Blake Stilwell Only 1.2 percent of Africans currently have access to 5G networks compared with a global average of more than 20 percent, a sign that the continent remains at an early stage in accessing next-generation mobile technology, according to a new report from the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The State of Broadband in Africa 2025 report says that while Africa has made strong progress in mobile connectivity, the newest wireless technology remains largely out of reach for the continents 1.24 billion inhabitants. However, industry projections suggest this could change dramatically over the next decade, with 5G expected to reach 17 percent penetration by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The slow 5G rollout contrasts sharply with Africas mobile success story in previous generations of wireless technology. Currently, 3G networks reach 77 percent of the continents population, while 4G coverage extends to 44.3 percent of people. The mobile sector has proved especially successful, with strong growth in mobile broadband and the development of large mobile operators, the report states, citing companies like MTN and Vodacom as key drivers of expansion. However, there is still a significant usage gap, with 710 million Africans not using the internet despite living in an area served by mobile broadband infrastructure, it adds. Key barriers, it says, remain affordability of handsets and lack of digital skills. Chinese companies like Huawei, with more competitively priced products, have been able to establish a strong presence as a result across Africa. The technology mix across sub-Saharan Africa shows 3G connections still dominating at roughly 50 percent of all mobile connections, while 4G accounts for 33 percent. Legacy 2G networks maintain 10 percent of connections, with 5G making up the remaining fraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some countries, such as Somalia, have seen mobile connectivity flourish, not despite a lack of central authority but largely because of it, as large telecom companies have established large networks that cover urban areas well but also remote parts of the country, leading one British researcher to unfavourably compare Manchester with Mogadishu. Mobile operators have invested heavily in infrastructure development, spending $28bn over the past five years across sub-Saharan Africa. Looking ahead, the industry plans to invest an additional $62bn between 2023 and 2030, much of which will focus on 5G network rollout and expansion. (Al Jazeera) The mobile ecosystem already contributes significantly to African economies, generating 7.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) worth $140bn in economic value and supporting 3.7 million jobs across the region in 2023. Regional disparities within Africa reveal stark contrasts in connectivity progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Internet usage in Africa rose from 25 percent to 38 percent between 2019 and 2024, but remains well below the 68 percent global average. Sub-Saharan Africa lags furthest behind at 38 percent connectivity, with regional variations from 35 percent in Eastern and Southern Africa to 39 percent in Western and Central Africa. Africa had a stark rural-to-urban divide in internet connectivity globally too. Only 57 percent of people in Africa were using the internet in urban areas compared with an 83 percent global average, and only 23 percent in rural areas. Interactive_Mobile5G_Internet_September23_2025-01-1758628180 Rwanda emerges as a particular success story, with telecommunications transformation following market liberalisation in 2006. The country developed a wholesale open-access 4G LTE network through a public-private partnership with Korea Telecom, ranking ninth among 38 African countries for mobile broadband affordability in 2017. Satellite connectivity is expanding rapidly, with Starlink already operating in 14 African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, though South Africa notably lacks a confirmed launch date. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia became the latest African countries to gain access to Starlink this year. Recent reports that the Trump administration is withholding roughly $400 million of military assistance to Taiwan are deeply disturbing. Although the White House maintains no final decisions have been made, the pause is eerily similar to Trumps summer 2019 withholding of security assistance to Ukraine, for reasons entirely unrelated to Kyivs defense needs. Chinas threat to Taiwan is beyond dispute. Congressional support for aiding Taiwan militarily, and thereby hopefully deterring Beijings aggressive intentions, remains firm and fully bipartisan highly compelling in an otherwise highly partisan, politicized Washington. If anything, the principal criticism of Taipeis national security efforts since the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 is that they have been insufficient, although those criticisms are now badly outdated. Unfortunately, the case for Americas interest in Taiwans self-defense and de facto independence has long been less than clearly stated. Since 1949, the United States has been vitally interested in preventing Taiwan from being swallowed by the mainland Peoples Republic of China. Taiwans critical geographic location in the first island chain between China and the open Pacific, an island once prompted Douglas MacArthur to call it an unsinkable aircraft carrier. Taiwans economic importance and its vibrant, constitutional, representative government also underline its centrality to U.S. national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why the reported halt in military assistance is so troubling. The apparent reason for the arms cutoff is Trumps obsession with a trade deal with China and his palpable hunger for a summit with Xi Jinping. In his first term, Trump spoke repeatedly of making the biggest trade deal in history with China, which he failed to do. Today, reaching a China deal is significantly harder because of the incoherent, worldwide reciprocal tariffs he promulgated this spring, which deny Washington numerous potential allies in blocking Chinas deeply invidious trade policies. On Sept. 19, Xi and Trump spoke to discuss several issues, including the status of Tik Tok. As with his overall kid-glove treatment of Beijing, Trump has defied clear statutory deadlines to shut Tik Tok down or else sell it to new owners with assurances that it will no longer vacuum up American users information. Trumps initial opposition to Tik Toks espionage threat disappeared when he concluded that it boosted his re-election campaign, and the ownership interests of several key supporters. Taiwan has long feared Trump might trade away its interests in pursuing mega-trade arrangements with the Chinese communists. There is already ample evidence, beyond arms-supply issues, that he is going out of his way to placate Beijing. Since Russias aggression against Ukraine, China has been, by a considerable margin, the largest international purchaser of its oil and gas. Nonetheless, despite threating rhetoric, Trump has imposed no additional tariffs or secondary sanctions on China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast India, a clear strategic priority for Washington to constrain Beijings hegemonic ambitions has been hit with 25 percent U.S. tariffs on top of 25 percent economic tariffs. This burdens Indian exports to the U.S. by 50 percent, a level far higher than other trading partners. And despite Russias s clear disdain for his proposals to stop the Ukraine war, Trump has rejected new sanctions on Russia. He has, in fact, conditioned such action on European nations hitting India and China with significant tariff increases. Whatever Trumps motives, the net effect is to spare both Moscow and Beijing. Taiwan is Americas seventh-largest trading partner and the worlds key manufacturer of sophisticated computer chips, which underlines the enormous risk of mainland Chinese hegemony over the island. But what troubles Taiwan most deeply is the risk of political concessions. If, for example, Trump agreed to revise the Shanghai Communique (or even reinterpret it unilaterally) to concede communist Chinas sovereignty over Taiwan, it would gravely compromise Taiwans political viability. Asian governments especially would see such a concession (or lesser versions of it) as Washington effectively abandoning Taipei to Beijings tender mercies. A radical restatement of the U.S. position on Taiwan could well violate the commitments to support Taipeis defense that were legislated in the Taiwan Relations Act and undoubtedly cause a political firestorm in Congress. Of course, as the Tik Tok case demonstrates, Trump ignores statutes he dislikes, and Congress remains quiescent. Violating the Taiwan Relations Act might seem easy for an emboldened Oval Office occupant. It would unquestionably incentivize Xi to increase his squeeze on Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is no time for Taiwans supporters to be passive. Taiwan could be cast adrift at a moments notice. In Trumpworld, posts on social media, government by whim, are the preferred medium of communications, all too often without considered analysis by the National Security Council, let alone close consultations with allied governments. Whether Trump can negotiate the biggest trade deal in history is problematic. Even more problematic is whether China would deign to adhere to any commitments it might make. The U.S. should urgently restore the suspended military assistance and make clear that Beijing will not rule Taiwan any time soon. John Bolton was national security adviser to President Trump from 2018 to 2019 and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006. He held senior State Department posts at times between1981 and 2005. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Instead of a traditional public address from a world leader, U.S. President Donald Trump tilted back his badly-dyed hair-sprayed coif and howled at the moon for the better part of an hour during his speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday morning. Well, not the better part. Definitely not the better part. To describe the speech as insane, while accurate, would distract from just how extraordinarily packed with lies it was. How profoundly ignorant it was. How much damage it did to the United States standing in the worldit clearly marked a low point in Americas relationship with the United Nations and the international order we helped create in the wake of World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From a purely U.S. political perspective, emphasizing how haggard and low-energy our rapidly declining president was is key. He made a point to note that an apparent mechanical issue with a UN escalator was an insurmountable problem, for examplemost of the rest of us who are in fairly reasonable shape might have noted a stalled escalator is actually just a stairway that we could have walked right up. Speaking at the United Nations, President Trump noted his wife, who accompanied him and somehow managed to project boredom while also glowering whenever a camera was focused on her, would have been gravely injured by that damn escalator were she not in great shape. / Kylie Cooper / REUTERS But it would nonetheless, be a mistake, to ignore just how crazed the speech was. It was apparent from Trumps opening moments when he railed about the UNs broken teleprompter to the point later when he brought it up again in his broader condemnation of the UN as also broken, highlighting what he saw as its uselessness in not coming to his assistance in solving the famous seven global conflicts that we all know he did not solve. It was apparent in the fact that he argued that he deserves the Nobel Peace prize while noting he also takes great pride in discussing the attack he authorized on Iran, and those he has ordered against boats he claims without evidence were trafficking in drugs on the high seas. The speech contained the most extensive condemnation of green energy and what Trump considers the climate change hoax that we have ever heard from a public official since possibly the invention of the steam engine. Science be damned. Oligarchs love fossil fuels or what Trump noted that he demands White House staffers refer to as beautiful, clean coal. Windmills, windmills on the other hand, are the pinwheels of Satan. (Someday we will get to the bottom of Trumps anemomenophobia. Clearly, he had a bad experience with something that blew him the wrong way as a child. Or more recently.) He defended his irrational, lose-lose global trading system destroying tariffs which in and of itself will soon be listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an extreme symptom of economic psychosis. He downplayed civilian casualties in Ukraine and explained this war wouldnt have happened if there had been good leadership in the countryin front of President Volodymyr Zelensky, no less. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025. / Alexander Drago / REUTERS He continued to argue that he could have solved the conflict were it not that Vladimir Putin had, inexplicably, let him downso now its the Europeans who should take the lead in stopping the Russians, or else the US would have to take strong actionsometimein the near futureor maybe neverwho knows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (It should be noted that, underscoring the degree to which Trump was making up foreign policy on the fly, later on Tuesday he posted on social media a statement seeming to reverse his prior positions: I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form, it read. He also said NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft approaching their airspace. All of which sounds good. And if that is his new position, well done.) One of his most detailed perorations was devoted to the perils of immigration. Trump told his audience that immigration was destroying their countries. Its time to end the failed experiment of open borders. You have to end it now, he asserted. He exclaimed, in an epic soundbite that will be replayed around the world tonight in its embodiment of the entire speech, Trumps narcissism, delusions of competence and contempt for his audience, that Im really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell. Trump underscored his high regard for himself in his speech to the UN, noting that, Im really good at predicting things. During the campaign they had a hata best-selling hatTrump was right about everything. And I dont say that in a braggadocious way, but its true. Ive been right about everything. / Mike Segar / REUTERS Name an area and Trump lied about it. Name a global issue and he laid out a US position that was at odds with reason and most of the world. (With the exception to his welcome if totally out-of-character call for an end to the development of biological weapons. He also appeared to call for ending work on new nuclear weapons but that riff is almost certain to be walked back soon given Trumps regular calls for modernizing our nuclear arsenal.) He personally attacked the mayor of London, asserting erroneously that he wanted to impose sharia law in the English capital. He attacked the green movement in Europe even as one of its leaders was presiding over the meeting. He attacked Joe Biden. Did I mention the aside about how once upon a time when Trump was, in his own words, a very successful real estate developer in New York, he offered to remodel the UN? He did not get the gig and, as a result, the UN now has terrazzo floors instead of the marble ones he would have installed. Yuge scandal! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, I am a man more sinned against than sinning likening the UN to a great stage of fools. He warned that people should fear his wrath saying, And thou, all-shaking thunder, Smite flat the thick rotundity o the world! Oh, wait. That was King Lear. But face it, listening to Trump today, the one clear message was that Shakespeare got it exactly right when it comes to the lunacy of aging rulers. Of course, King Lear was fiction. But sadly, todays performance by Trump out on the heath of the international community was not. Instead, it was a low point for American diplomacy, a moment at which the world realized the nation that had been a cornerstone of its stability for eighty years has slipped its moorings. You could see the shock of those in the great plenary hall as they took it in. And we all had to worry when we saw them from time to time nervously applaud Trump remarks. Would any among them be strong enough to offset the reality of an America gone rogue, led by a man like Trump? As Shakespeare also wrote in Lear, Tis the times plague, when madmen lead the blind. Several liberal democracies this week recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly. A trend that began in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks is picking up steam, with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and France joining in. This is despite the fact that there is no Palestinian state to recognize and that there is every indication that if it did exist, it would be a corrupt dictatorship at best, aligned with the ChinaRussiaIran axis of tyranny and a threat to international peace. Unlike this imagined Palestinian state, there is a real country, a vibrant liberal democracy aligned with the free world, which most of the world refuses to recognize: Taiwan. The comparison between the two cases exposes the moral unseriousness and domestic fan-serving on the part of these democracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twentieth-century social scientist Max Weber famously defined a state as a compulsory political organization with continuous operations and a [successful] claim to the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force in the enforcement of its order. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority administers petty governmental affairs, but it fails to meet the bar for monopoly of violence. In Gaza, it administers nothing at all. No Palestinian entity meets the widely recognized international legal definition for statehood as laid down by the Montevideo Convention. That definition includes four qualifications: (1) a permanent population, (2) a defined territory, (3) a government, and (4) a capacity to enter into relations with other states. The United Nations undermines Palestinian claims to a permanent population by classifying more than half of the combined populations of the West Bank and Gaza as refugees. Palestine, of course, has neither a defined territory nor a government worthy of the name. The Oslo Accords, which did not define the map of Palestine in particular, leaving negotiations over eastern Jerusalem for an unspecified later date granted the Palestinian Authority limited self-government in small parts of the West Bank and in Gaza. In the West Bank, Israel provides the largest share of security, collects taxes on the Palestinian Authoritys behalf, and manages immigration enforcement through checkpoints. The Palestinian Authoritys only experience in sovereign government, in Gaza, is a cautionary tale. After just months in charge, the Palestinian Authority lost control after Hamas ousted and expelled the Palestinian Authority from Gaza in a brief civil war. Palestinian territories have never been under unified control, and diplomatic attacks on Israel for occupying the West Bank disprove the notion that the Palestinian Authority controls those territories. Recognizing a Palestinian state will not change any of these basic facts. Indeed, doing so may serve to belie the Palestinian Authoritys capacity to enter into relations with foreign states. Foreign diplomats, after all, can only operate in Ramallah with the tacit permission of Israel, which controls all border crossings, including the areas only airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Taiwan meets both the Weber and international legal criteria. The Republic of China, despite its current lack of international recognition, has existed continuously since 1912. It has operated under the same constitution since 1947, and its government has had an unchallenged monopoly on violence over that time. Although originally founded in China, the ROC now has a defined territory on Taiwan and some outlying islands, with a permanent population. During the years of one-party rule under Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo, the republic laid claim to the whole of China, but that has not been the case since the early 1990s, when Taiwan undertook a peaceful transition to liberal democracy. It also possesses the capacity to establish relations with other states, although most states lack the capacity to reciprocate. The fact of Taiwans democratic transition undermines the moralistic rhetoric of the pro-Palestinian democrats. Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, completed the 20th year of his four-year term in January. He succeeded Yasser Arafat in 2005, who himself ruled the Palestinian Authority for 10 years. The Palestinian Authority engages in and rewards terrorism. Hamas, which nominally rules Gaza, attempted a genocide just two years ago. Their closest international backers are Iran, Turkey and Qatar, all of which are challengers to the Eurasian order. Abbas is personally close to Vladimir Putin, whom he has called one of his peoples dearest friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwans case is the opposite. It is a vibrant liberal democracy. Since its democratic transition, its human rights record has been unimpeachable. It was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, has ambitious green energy plans, and has prioritized overseas democracy promotion. Taiwan is unequivocally both a member and defender of the free world, exemplified by its material and diplomatic support for Ukraine and the way it closely guards its civil rights despite Chinas threat to its independence. That Taiwan has not become a garrison state is a credit to its peoples commitment to the values that the UK, Canada, Australia and France purport to embrace. Heres what Palestine has that Taiwan lacks: constituencies advocating for it in overseas democracies. China, meanwhile, uses its diplomatic heft and economic leverage to discourage countries from engaging with Taiwan. Leaders of some democracies are eager to meet with corrupt and autocratic Palestinian leaders and recognize an imaginary state, but they continue to isolate a fellow liberal country in deference to totalitarian China. But there is a connective tissue: coercion. The recognition of a Palestinian state is a reward for the October 7 attacks, and isolating Taiwan is in fear of Chinese retaliation. In both cases, democracies are advertising their lack of fortitude, unfortunately providing further evidence for Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Ali Khameneis thesis that democracies are too cowardly to defend themselves and each other. The simple fact is that no Palestinian entity qualifies for any definition of statehood, and no definition of good applies to any Palestinian government. Meanwhile, Taiwan is a free country. This does not necessarily mean that affording diplomatic recognition to Taiwan independence is a good idea under the current circumstances. It simply suggests that democratic heads of government should muster the courage to meet with their Taiwanese counterpart before pursuing their inflated ambition to bring peace to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Mazza is a senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (formerly the Project 2049 Institute). Shay Khatiri is vice president of development and senior fellow at the Yorktown Institute. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PRINCETON More money was added Tuesday to an opioid settlement fund when the Mercer County Commission was presented over $341,000 out of lawsuit settlements from drug manufacturers that created opioid pain medications fueling addiction epidemics across West Virginia. Attorney H.Truman Chafin of The Chafin Law Firm, which has represented southern West Virginia counties in the opioid lawsuits, started off the county commissions meeting by presenting a check totaling $341,446.50. In December 2023, Chafin came to the Mercer County Airport and presented a check for nearly $2 million to the county commission and last January, he stopped again at the airport to present another settlement check, that time for $678,148. Mercer County currently has around $2.6 million in opioid funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More money from legal action against opioid manufacturers could be coming to West Virginias counties, Chafin said at Tuesdays meeting. There have been two settlements that could benefit Mercer County, the Purdue settlement and the Secondary Manufacturers settlement, he said. West Virginias shares will be distributed to the states local governments through the memorandum of understand with the West Virginia Attorney Generals Office. Mercer County is a plaintiff in the Pharmacy Benefits Managers case pending in the U.S. District Court Northern District of West Virginia, Chafin said. This case just involves West Virginia local governments and is set for trial at the end of 2026. The county will continue to receive checks from the opioid case settlements, but the amounts will keep getting smaller, he said. There have been two more recent settlements that will also be paid to Mercer County, but it is difficult to predict how much more money this will bring in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after Chafin departed, the commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an expenditure from the countys opioid settlement fund. This $44,602 grant will let Mercer County 911 expand paging services to the countys volunteer fire departments. I know that our volunteer fire departments are going to be extremely excited about this as well, Lockhart said. The countys only firefighters paging system is on East River Mountains tower, but the opioid money will expand that service to towers at Windmill Gap and Flat Top Mountain. Due to the countys rural terrain, pager signals dont always reach volunteer firefighters. The expanded system will provide more coverage and increase response times when 911 gets calls about overdoses and other emergencies, Lockhart said. The current plan is to have the three towers equipped with new paging equipment by the spring of 2026, Lockhart said earlier. Local fire departments are equipped with Narcan, a medication which for treating opioid overdoses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an exceptional way to spend some of the opioid funds, said Commissioner Greg Puckett. Theyve got to get there quickly and time is everything when you have an overdose. County Commission President Bill Archer said that the county has to meet exacting state requirements when allocates opioid settlement money. He thanked Lockhart for her patience while the commission drafted a resolution to make sure these requirements were met. I agree with Greg that its a great asset for Mercer County and the 911 system, he said about the pager grant. Commissioner Brian Blankenship, a former firefighter with the Green Valley-Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department, told Lockhart that he could remember times when there was no paging system and getting radio signals was difficult. Having a better paging system makes first responders and Mercer Countys citizens safer, he said. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com The number of executions has reportedly reached a three-decade peak, with 64 executions over the past week alone. Iran has executed at least 1,000 people over the past nine months, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization (IHR). The number ofexecutions has reportedly reached a three-decade peak, with 64 executions over the past week alone. The executions, mostly hangings, toppled the previous figure of 975 state murders in 2024 and the record in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TheIslamic Republic has begun a mass killing campaign in Irans prisons, the dimensions of which, in the absence of serious international reactions, are expanding every day, IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam told The Telegraph. People walk past a billboard with a caricature of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on a street in Tehran, Iran, August 10, 2025. (credit: Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency/Reuters) The 12-Day War The dramatic rise in executions has been connected to the 12-Day War with Israel by activists, as Tehran accused waves of individuals of working with the Jewish state. We will definitely deal decisively and legally with spies, but it should be noted that identifying them is not easy and requires intelligence techniques, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said. Experts have warned that the war in the Middle East has been used by the Islamic regime as a war to covertly intensify repression and instill fear against rebellion. Amnesty International and other humanitarian organizations have warned that Iran is the country carrying out the second largest number of executions, following behind China. Recognition, sanctions, two-state solution: In recent weeks, and in particular at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, countries have made their positions clear on Israel and the Palestinians. When it comes to the European Union, Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said earlier this week that a majority of EU member states now recognize a Palestinian state. There is only one way forward the two-state solution. A secure and recognized State of Israel. An independent, democratic, viable State of Palestine. Living side by side, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU is, however, divided. France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and Malta recently joined the list of EU countries that have recognized the state of Palestine. Sixteen of the 27 EU member states have now adopted this position, in several waves: Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus did so in the 1980s. As did Czechoslovakia todays Czech Republic and Slovakia but post-Soviet Czech governments have not recognized a Palestinian state. Sweden did so in 2014, and Slovenia, Spain and Ireland in 2024. Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada also recognized a Palestinian state at the UN this week, piling pressure on Israel and its main backer, the United States as it intensifies its war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it, Frances President Emmanuel Macron told the General Assembly. For its part, Portugals recognition followed weeks of consultation between the government, the political parties with representation in parliament, and also the president. Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said: It is time, more than time, to make the necessary steps towards peace. Poland has maintained a consistent position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the Palestinians right to statehood. Warsaw recognized Palestine in the late 1980s and has consistently advocated a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has repeatedly stressed that nothing should happen without the participation of the Palestinians themselves, arguing that regional stability requires their full involvement in the political process. Post-Soviet special cases: Its complicated Some Central and Eastern European countries that recognized the Palestinian state back in the 1980s because they were part of the Soviet bloc are today closer to the positions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, such as Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The then-Czechoslovakia had recognized Palestine during Soviet times, but todays Czech government sees things differently. It supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, this can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the two sides, which will not be possible as long as the Gaza Strip is controlled by the Hamas Islamist group, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said. The Czech Republic has not recognized the Palestinian state and is not planning to do so now, it said. Some EU members remain firmly on the fence. The Bulgarian government for example has not yet issued an official statement on the issue. Who's not on board Eleven EU member states remain reluctant, maintaining that it is necessary to reach an agreement on the two-state-solution before a recognition of a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany and Italy are among the biggest holdouts in Europe. The government in Berlin does not plan to follow suit on recognition at this point, despite being a strong supporter of the two-state solution. For Germany, recognition should occur at the end of a process towards a solution, Foreign Minister Johannes Wadephul told journalists in New York. But this process has to start now, he demanded. He strongly criticized Israels actions in Gaza, but stressed that this decades-old conflict cannot be solved by terror, destruction and death. Italys Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani maintains Italys stance that Rome is not ready to recognize the state of Palestine. Recognizing a state without first creating the conditions for its birth would not produce any effect, except to push peace away, he told parliament earlier this month. Croatia is another one of the holdouts. There is a disagreement on this issue between the president and the government, who co-decide on foreign policy issues. According to his office, President Zoran Milanovic said in New York on Monday that Croatia should recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that this is not a reward for Palestinians, but a right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recognition for a Palestinian state from more countries is in any case unlikely to change facts on the ground. Unless backed up by concrete measures, recognizing Palestine as a state risks becoming a distraction from the reality, which is an accelerating erasure of Palestinian life in their homeland, said the International Crisis Groups Israel-Palestine project director, Max Rodenbeck. Romain Le Boeuf, a professor in international law at the University of Aix-Marseille in southern France, said: Recognition does not mean that a state has been created, no more than the lack of recognition prevents the state from existing. While recognition carries largely symbolic and political weight, three-quarters of countries say that Palestine meets all the necessary conditions to be a state," he said. Standing in the way also is the Israeli government. Netanyahu has vowed not to allow a Palestinian state and far-right members of his cabinet have threatened to annex the West Bank, perhaps making true statehood all but impossible. The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, BTA, CTK, dpa, EFE, HINA, LUSA, PAP, STA, and TT as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project. French President Emmanuel Macron gives a thumbs up during the conference on the two-state solution in the Middle East ahead of the UN General Assembly's general debate. A number of countries are expected to recognize Palestine as a state on the eve of the UN General Assembly's general debate. Kay Nietfeld/dpa The Palmyra Public Safety Department in rural Jefferson County wants to be the first police department in Wisconsin to allow its officers to interrogate people about their immigration status during routine police activity and make federal immigration arrests. The Palmyra police department's application to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is pending, according to online records from the federal agency. ICE would train and deputize Palmyra's local officers to work as immigration agents in the field. The expanded duties are part of what's called the "task force model," a type of agreement revived by President Donald Trump's administration that's growing in popularity nationwide as local agencies agree to take part in his immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It goes beyond other local law enforcement agencies' cooperation agreements with ICE, which deal with people already in jail. The other models generally allow jails to hold inmates for 72 hours beyond the time state law would require them to be released to give ICE time to pick them up. Fourteen Wisconsin county sheriff's offices have a version of those jail agreements in place. The task force model was previously in place but came under fire for racial profiling concerns and civil rights violations. In 2012, the Obama administration suspended the task force model after, among other incidents, an investigation found that Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies in Arizona were four to nine times more likely to pull over Latino drivers than non-Latino drivers. The police department of Palmyra is seeking to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to question and arrest immigrants on the federal agency's behalf. Palmyra is located in Jefferson County, whose administrative buildings are pictured in the city of Jefferson in January. Paul Blount, the director of public safety for the village of Palmyra, said in an email that the application will undergo local and federal review. He did not immediately offer a timeline for when the policy could be implemented. "This is a tool, not a blanket immigration enforcement program. Our focus is on criminals who threaten public safety not law-abiding residents," Blount said in a statement. "The core mission of our department remains unchanged: responding to emergencies, enforcing traffic safety, and preventing crime in our community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmyra is a village of 1,700 people about 45 miles southwest of Milwaukee. It was not immediately clear how many officers were on staff. Ahead of an April 1 public safety referendum that failed, the department listed six employees three full-time and three part-time. However, since then Chief of Police Scott Pavlock resigned. "If approved, this program would allow our trained officers to work in closer partnership with federal authorities, gaining access to databases and resources that enhance investigations and help us combat serious crimes such as narcotics trafficking and human trafficking," Blount said in a statement. Blount declined a phone interview but said he may share more information publicly after the application is reviewed by at the local and federal level. More: We surveyed all 72 Wisconsin sheriffs about their stance on immigration enforcement. Here's what they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin criticized the pending agreement Sept. 23 and said the Palmyra police department was "instituting the most aggressive 287(g) model." The task force "gives officers the green light to stop people they think might be immigrants on the street, question them about their citizenship status, and even take them into custody," it said. Instead of protecting our communities, the Palmyra Police Department is partnering hand in glove with ICE to carry out this regimes plan to deport our immigrant neighbors and loved ones." The ACLU of Wisconsin on Sept. 19 sued sheriffs of five other counties and asked the state Supreme Court to rule illegal the requests from ICE to hold inmates in local jails on their behalf. The request in Palmyra, located in Jefferson County, is notable because the Jefferson County sheriff previously said he would not seek to get involved in ICE operations outside the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Travis Maze told the Journal Sentinel in January that his department is short-staffed by 30% as it is. Maze was also concerned about federal civil rights pitfalls that can come with doing immigration work, such as potential racial-profiling lawsuits. He said he did not want to spend the time putting his staff through that training when they're already busy. Maze did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the pending Palmyra application. Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ICE could allow Palmyra police to arrest, question immigrants in field Pete Buttigieg has never been shy about confronting absurd attacks on his identity. But when the former transportation secretary sat down with journalist Kara Swisher for a live recording of On with Kara Swisher at the University of Michigan, he faced one of the strangest yet: Tucker Carlsons claim that Buttigieg is a fake gay. Related: Tucker Carlson says Pete Buttigieg is 'fake gay,' should answer questions about gay sex Swisher, leaning into the controversy with her trademark wit, teased Buttigieg in the episode released Tuesday by saying she was starting to agree with Tucker Carlson on this fake gay thing, when he didnt know the significance of a meme Swisher said was popular among gay men. Buttigieg, unflappable, laughed and replied: Chasten, my husband, has threatened to have my gay card revoked so many times. This is just going to be the latest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Watch Ryan Walters literally flee Oklahoma news anchors questions after telling Fox News hes resigning Later, Swisher, a lesbian, pressed Buttigieg on Carlsons suggestion that he should be forced to answer very specific questions about gay sex. Buttigieg responded by pointing out the high level of cringeworthiness. First of all, I do not think I want to discuss anything with Tucker Carlson, Buttigieg said. I cannot think of a topic I would like to discuss less. He stopped himself after starting to say, "Even though I will admit some level of morbid curiosity on what in the hell he thinks. Actually, no." The audience laughed. Then, Buttigieg added, I suppose its a sign of progress that their idea of a conspiracy is that Im actually secretly straight. Related: Kamala Harris reveals why she didn't pick Pete Buttigieg as her running mate in 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and Chasten Glezman Buttigieg, 36, were married in June 2018, when Pete, 43, was the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before launching his presidential campaign. In 2021, the couple announced the birth of their twins, Penelope Rose and Joseph Gus August, via adoption. The husbands are raising their 4-year-old children in Michigan. Chasten and Pete Buttigieg with their children Penelope and Gus Easter Egg Roll White House Then U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (R) and husband Chasten Buttigieg with their children Penelope and Gus during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images The conversation included more substantive topics. Buttigieg reiterated his condemnation of the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah, insisting that the only sane place to begin is acknowledging the tragedy of a family losing a father. Yet he warned that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have exploited the killing to stoke anger and justify repression. Part of what makes political violence a crime, not just against the target but against the country, is that it deprives our whole country of the freedom to have open, honest, safe political debate, Buttigieg said. He cautioned that labeling opponents as terrorists echoes authoritarian tactics in places like Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buttigieg framed the moment as a fork in the road: either Americans resist the escalation of violence and rhetoric, or they risk sliding further into an illiberal age. Swisher also pressed Buttigieg on his earlier view that former President Joe Biden should not have run for reelection, a position echoed by former Vice President Kamala Harris, who admitted in her new memoir, 107 Days, that Buttigieg was her first choice as a running mate but that she didn't select him over fears that the country wasn't ready to support a ticket with a Black woman and a gay man. Buttigieg explained that while he respected Bidens decision at the time, the truth was that we had a choice between two candidates, two presidents. It was not close who should be president between those two. Still, he conceded that Harris might have benefited from a short primary after Bidens withdrawal. With the benefit of hindsight, if wed invested those 30 days, then had she been the nominee, she wouldve done so after consolidating the party in a competition, he said. Related: Pete Buttigieg weighs in on fairness of transgender kids playing girls sports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The podcast also highlighted Buttigiegs evolving position on Gaza, an issue that has divided Democrats and alienated younger voters. He said he supports recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution, but only through a negotiated agreement that ensures Israels security. watermarked footage still Pete Buttigieg on Kara Swisher podcast Pete Buttigieg on Kara Swisher's show At the same time, he did not mince words about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus conduct. The Netanyahu government is perpetrating atrocities in Gaza, Buttigieg said, insisting that U.S. support cannot be a blank check. Though Buttigieg stopped short of announcing a 2028 run, the possibility hung over the interview. Asked directly if he would run, he dodged: I dont know. Really. Its 2025. Have you lived through the last nine months? Thats long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, his answers suggested that he views himself as part of a generational shift. He praised younger Democratic lawmakers such as New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and urged the party to adapt to new realities in communication and coalition-building. We have an opportunity to invent some things from first principles, he said. It is a bad thing that we are here but if we do have to start over, it should be to build a different way of doing things socially, economically, politically, that actually supports your ability to live a life of your choosing and to have a good life. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Pete Buttigieg responds to Tucker Carlsons very specific questions about gay sex on Kara Swishers podcast RELATED A Russian military aircraft has flown over a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday. "The incursion of Russian drones and warplanes deep in Polish and Estonian airspace and the overflight of a German frigate in the Baltic Sea within a few days make it clear that Russia is literally testing borders, including of NATO states, with increasing frequency and intensity," Pistorius said. Overflights of ships are considered an unnecessary provocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments came as Pistorius called on lawmakers in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, to approve the Defence Ministry's budget for 2026. The minister said Russian President Vladimir Putin "wants to provoke NATO member states and wants to identify, expose and exploit supposed weakness in the NATO alliance." But he is making a mistake, Pistorius argued. "The alliance has reacted to the Russian provocations with clear unity and determination, but at the same time with the necessary level-headedness that is particularly important these days." The German government's proposals for the 2026 budget include 82.69 billion ($97.07 billion) from core spending, with an additional 25.51 billion from a special military fund that was passed in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The figure compares to 62.43 billion in regular spending and 24.06 from the fund in 2025. PITTSTON TWP. A collaboration between a local drone company and Lithuanian leaders will seek to identify and implement common projects for the future. The Pennsylvania Drone Association, headquartered in Pittston Twp., hosted a delegation of more than 25 drone entrepreneurs from Lithuania on Monday and Tuesday. Through the discussion, the NEPA-Lithuanian Collaborative was formed, said John G. Duesler Jr., Ph.D., president of the PA Drone Association and owner of Pilot Mind Drone Academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a 12-month plan, officials will work together to advance drone technologies both in northeastern Pennsylvania and northeastern Europe. A formal trade agreement between Lithuania and the PA Drone Association was signed on Monday in New York City. Our Lithuanian partners are the most entrepreneurial of all of Europe, Duesler said. Theyre making amazing discoveries and innovations that would benefit both them and us in Pennsylvania. The first part will be comparing our delegations determining what our strengths are and how we can complement each other. Once we identify that, well establish our priorities. In drones, we cover a lot of air so were going to choose one of two priorities and form groups. The third phase is activating the priorities into actual products, services and strategies we can use together to not just protect our friends in the Baltic states but also use in Pennsylvania to advance things like agriculture, construction and public safety. The NEPA-Lithuanian Collaborative will begin identifying, analyzing, and activating this partnership to determine where it can achieve the greatest impact, both militarily and in the civilian sector, officials said. In addition to an event at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport on Monday night, Lithuanian officials toured the Production Systems Automation facility in Duryea on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loreta Maskalioviene, vice minister of national defense for Lithuania, believes the collaboration could have wide-ranging advantages. When you put together these companies, this could be a huge boom in the global world with very good common benefits, she said. Vincas Jurgutis, chief adviser of the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industries Association, also feels the discussions should lead to fruitful results. We have a rather young, but growing and vibrant defense industry ecosystem, he said. Our companies are looking for expertise and partners in different areas. Were here to look into potential partners to find mutual corporation benefits. Many Lithuanian companies are working closely with Ukrainians producing different drones and were getting feedback from the battlefields very quickly. The aim is to enable Ukrainians to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Loreta Moskalioviene, of the Lithuania Ministry of National Defense, middle, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Pennsylvania Drone Association in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Dr. John G. Duesler. Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Vincas Jurgutis, of the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industry Association, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Pennsylvania Drone Association in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Dr. John G. Duesler. Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Loreta Moskalioviene, of the Lithuania Ministry of National Defense, middle, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Pennsylvania Drone Association in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 5 Loreta Moskalioviene, of the Lithuania Ministry of National Defense, middle, speaks during a press conference regarding a partnership with the Pennsylvania Drone Association in Pittston on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand Duesler was thrilled to welcome the Lithuanian delegates to Northeast Pennsylvania this week to showcase the regions thriving industry sectors. I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to meet and really introduce the Lithuanians to our manufacturing capabilities, our educational system, and the innovation happening that not a lot of people know about, he said. Poland will reopen all border crossings with Belarus at midnight on Sept. 24, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced at the start of a government meeting, Polsat News reported on Sept. 23. The decision comes nearly two weeks after Warsaw shut road and rail crossings on Sept. 12, ahead of the Russian-Belarusian military exercises Zapad-2025. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski confirmed that he had signed the regulation restoring border traffic. "Taking into account also the economic interests of Polish carriers as well as PKP Cargo (Poland's largest rail freight operator), we decided that this preventive measure fulfilled its task," Tusk said, adding that the move was "the most sensible" course of action for the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister said Poland held simultaneous military drills during Zapad-2025, which he described as successful. "The situation is not joyful, but I think we have reason to be satisfied, how the effectiveness, scope and nature of the exercises carried out in Poland are evaluated," Tusk said. Tusk emphasized that the option to close the crossings again remains on the table. "If the tension or aggressive behavior of our neighbors increases, we will not hesitate and we will again decide to close the crossings," he said. Poland closed the border overnight on Sept. 12, suspending traffic in both directions, including freight trains, citing security risks linked to the Zapad drills. The maneuvers, staged every four years, began on Sept. 12 in Belarus and western Russia and have raised concerns among NATO's eastern members. Warsaw has deployed 40,000 troops along its borders with Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave during the exercises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polish officials have also pointed to the Sept. 10 Russian drone incursion, when 19 drones crossed into Polish airspace, as evidence of growing threats. Poland's Air Force shot down several of the drones, marking the first time it had taken such action since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Read also: NATO was ready to use force against Russia, Estonia says after airspace incursion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Poland will reopen its border with Belarus at midnight on Thursday morning, ending a nearly two-week closure, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The Polish government closed all its border crossings with Belarus on 12 September in response to the large-scale military exercises conducted by the Belarusian and Russian forces, known as Zapad 2025. The war games followed an unprecedented incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace, putting NATO allies on high alert that Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine could spill over into other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The conclusion of these exercises reduces although I can't say eliminates various threats, and taking into account the economic interests of Polish carriers and railways, we concluded that this measure has served its purpose," Tusk told the government on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin inspects weapons and equipment during his visit to the Zapad 2024 military drills in Nizhny Novgorod, 16 September, 2025 - AP Photo However, if tensions increase, he said "we will not hesitate and we will make appropriate decisions." Poland's PM said the interior minister would issue a regulation to reopen road and rail crossings with Belarus. Last week, the European Commission said it was monitoring the possible economic impact caused by the border closure, which has effectively shut down a railway trade route between the bloc and China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The railway closure reportedly affects an annual 25 billion in goods between the EU and China. Related The figure represents a tiny fraction of the 732 billion in goods exchanged between the two sides in 2024, mostly by sea. Poland has massively restricted road traffic with Belarus since the summer of 2021, having accused Minsk of pushing migrants over its border. That has prompted Warsaw to install high-tech steel fences, deploy the army and create a no-go buffer zone. Coahuila officials have released their findings in the death of a contract worker in H-E-B Mexico, a subsidiary of the H-E-B grocery chain. The General Prosecutor's Office of Coahuila found no evidence of malice against Carlos Gurrola Arguijo, according to local media reports. Known as "Papayita," Arguijo worked at the H-E-B store in Torreon, Coahuila, as a contractor with the cleaning services company Multiservicios Rocasa, according to a statement from H-E-B Mexico. Arguijo's family had claimed his coworkers allegedly spiked his drink with a toxic substance as a "prank," according to El Sol de la Laguna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Carlos Rangel, the head of the Laguna I Delegation of the Attorney General's Office of the State of Coahuila, told local media on Monday, September 22, that they have reviewed the videos of the case and have found no evidence of malice in the events, according to La Region Voz de la Provincia. Rangel said the reviews of the recorded material, along with testimonies, do not align with the reports on social media. His sister Alejandra Gurrola Arguijo told El Sol de la Laguna that doctors confirmed her brother suffered severe damage to his trachea and lungs due to a substance he had ingested. She claimed her brother's coworkers bullied him and spiked his drink at work. While no evidence of malice was found, Rangel said the homicide investigation remains open due to the harmful substance appearing in official records. He said data points to it being a homicide, but said there was probably no ill intention. Arguijo's family and friends have been vocal about his death, talking to local media and starting a "Justicia Para Carlos Gurrola Arguijo" Facebook page with more than 7,600 followers. Arguijo's death caused outrage within the community as a protest took place in front of the store over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Carlos' death came after his family filed a formal complaint with the General Prosecutor's Office of Coahuila on September 3. Rangel said they have met with Arguijo's family legal representatives and have provided access to the details of the investigation into his death. After the meeting, the "Justicia Para Carlos Gurrola Arguijo" Facebook page wrote in Spanish, "With direct or indirect responsibility, the fact is undeniable: CARLOS LOST HIS LIFE. We demand a serious, immediate and transparent investigation from the authorities. We don't accept excuses or simulations: we want accountable and justice applied to all the weight of the law." Vacation season might sadly be over, but that doesn't mean traveling to new and exciting countries throughout the fall doesn't have to end. Sadly, as people look into their prospective vacation plans for the autumn and winter, they might need to reconsider their itineraries given the U.S. State Department's new travel warning against Sierra Leone. A popular up-and-coming travel destination the world over, Sierra Leone has recently seen its travel advisory level rise from level 1 ("exercise normal precautions") to level 2 ("exercise increased caution") earlier this month, as seen on the agency's webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent update is made to reflect the changing situation in Sierra Leone, with the State Department specifically citing crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure as the primary reason for the change. "Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown," the agency wrote. "Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources." As a result of the recent surge in crime rates, the U.S. advised citizens traveling in Sierra Leone to take increased precautions, especially when it comes to traveling in certain regions of the country at night. "Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall," the State Department warned. "There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department also cited the recent unrest inside the country as a primary factor in determining travel safety. Above all else, the State Department warned citizens to avoid protests and public demonstrations. "Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and occasionally result in violence," the agency said. "Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues, large events or holidays." This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The federal courthouse in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) SIOUX FALLS A federal judge on Wednesday granted a University of South Dakota professors request for a temporary restraining order, which means the university has to reinstate him for the time being and pause its effort to fire him for his social media post about the killing of Charlie Kirk. More than 40 people showed up at a federal courthouse for a hearing on the professors motion. Speaking with that crowd surrounding him, and with U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier in front of him, Phillip Michael Hooks lawyer said Hook ought to be immediately reinstated as an art professor at the university, and that the Board of Regents which oversees the states public universities should not be allowed to proceed with a Monday disciplinary hearing that could end with his termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some in the audience walked into the courthouse with Hook, with whom theyd been speaking outside the courthouse in downtown Sioux Falls shortly before the hearing. Rick Weiland, a Sioux Falls activist known for his campaigns for progressive ballot measures, was among those in attendance. A public sector employee doesnt forfeit the right to free speech because they happen to be a public employee, Rapid City lawyer Jim Leach said. Rapid City lawyer Jim Leach speaks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Sioux Falls after a hearing on Sept. 24, 2025, where he represented a University of South Dakota art professor suspended over a social media post about the killing of Charlie Kirk. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Kirk, a conservative political activist and commentator, was killed Sept. 10. That same day, Hook wrote a Facebook post that used a derogatory term to describe Kirk and questioned the veracity of his supporters concerns about political violence. The Facebook page was his personal account, but noted his status as a USD professor. He deleted the post within three hours, Leach said. South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen called for Hooks dismissal, as did the Legislatures Freedom Caucus. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden said he was shaking mad about Hooks post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hook was suspended on Sept. 12 and served a notice of his pending termination. He was suspended because he angered powerful people in South Dakota with commentary on a matter of public concern, Leach said. Yet here, we have the government, at the highest level, punishing Professor Hook for his political speech, he added, arguing that Speaker Hansens communications with USD President Sheila Gestring appeared to be all it took to set the wheels of termination in motion. Court precedent says a public employee can be fired for speech, Leach said, but there must be evidence that the speech was disruptive to the employer. In Hooks case, Leach said, theres no evidence in the record including in the termination notice that it was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he argued, the termination notice was an unconstitutional violation of Hooks First Amendment rights and grounds for an immediate court order that would reinstate him and block the University of South Dakota from proceeding with its disciplinary action and barring retaliatory action. Justin Bell, representing the Board of Regents, admitted theres no evidence in the disciplinary or court record that Hooks post was disruptive to the workplace. But Bell told Schreier thats because the court record is barely more than 24 hours old. Hook filed his case on Tuesday. Instead of immediately shutting down the Board of Regents, Bell argued, the judge should allow the case to proceed. The post, Bell argued, generated hundreds of calls and emails to the school, and may have created disruption for students and faculty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With comments as insidious as Professor Hooks, made in a capacity that mentions his status at the university, its reasonable to conclude that theres going to be disruption for his employer, Bell said. To say Hook was fired because Speaker Hansen reached out to the schools president, Bell said, downplays the impact the post had for the university in potentially alienating a yet-untallied number of students, alumni and faculty. All we know is that Speaker Hansen is one of the people who reached out, Bell said. The First Amendment, Bell argued, does not protect speech of this nature. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the hearing, Judge Schreier filed a written order requiring the university and Board of Regents to temporarily set aside their decision to place Hook on administrative leave, and requiring them to reinstate him to his position at least until another court hearing on Oct. 8. Schreier wrote that Hook qualified for a temporary restraining order because he had spoken as a citizen on a matter of public concern, which is a form of constitutionally protected speech. She also said the defendants had so far failed to produce evidence that Hooks speech had an adverse impact on the efficiency of university operations. Furthermore, Schreier wrote, Hook has a fair chance of prevailing in his lawsuit by showing that the actions taken against him were a form of retaliation that could chill protected speech. At the Oct. 8 hearing, the judge will consider a longer-lasting order known as a preliminary injunction, which would keep Hook in his position at least for the duration of his lawsuit. Ultimately, Hook wants the judge to issue a permanent order that would bar the university from firing him for his social media post. The Federal Emergency Management Agency building in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom) States dont have to help enforce the Trump administrations immigration policies to get disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a federal judge in Providence ruled Wednesday. Senior U.S. District Judge William E. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a motion for a permanent injunction against the Department of Homeland Security, calling a federal directive issued in April coercive, ambiguous, unrelated to the purpose of the federal grants, and undermine[s] the system of federalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The directive made enforcing the administrations immigration detention policy agenda a condition for receiving federal disaster relief aid. States rely on these grants for billions of dollars annually in disaster relief, wrote Smith, a George W. Bush appointee. Denying such funding if states refuse to comply with vague immigration requirements leaves them with no meaningful choice, particularly where state budgets are already committed. A group of 20 Democratic states attorneys general filed suit against the Department of Homeland Security in May, claiming the agency lacked the legal authority to require states to abide by immigration policy in order to receive funding. They argued in their initial lawsuit that not only was the policy unconstitutional, but violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like all Democratic lawsuits, the AGs called the decision arbitrary and capricious. The Department of Homeland Security disagreed, arguing that conditions align with its core mission of enforcing federal immigration law. But that was not enough of a justification for Smith. Such platitudes cannot substitute for an actual explanation of why it is necessary to attach sweeping immigration conditions to all the grants at issue here, he wrote. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha called Smiths ruling a win for the rule of law and reaffirmed that President Donald Trump cannot pick and choose what federal laws to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays permanent injunction by Judge Smith says, in no uncertain terms, that this Administration may not illegally impose immigration conditions on congressionally allocated federal funding for emergency services like disaster relief and flood mitigation, Neronha said in a statement. Case closed. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to request for comment. Besides Rhode Island and the District of Columbia, other states that were part of the lawsuit were California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Vermont. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. has built its leadership in technology and innovation by making itself the destination of choice for the worlds top talent, said Xiao Wang, founder and CEO of Boundless. Policies like this, alongside growing scrutiny of student visa applications, make it harder for bright, ambitious people to come here and put the United States standing as a global leader in innovation at risk. Boundary questions whether such a steep fee could effectively turn the H-1B into a luxury work permit accessible only to the wealthiest corporations and workers. Increased scrutiny: The administration states these measures are intended to protect U.S. workers and crack down on perceived misuse of the H-1B lottery system. New $100,000 fee: Employers must pay this one-time fee for each H-1B petition. Its not yet clear if this will replace or be added to existing fees, which already include $215 for the H-1B lottery registration and $780 for the petition filing, along with other charges. The proclamation outlines several sweeping changes, with these additions at the top of the list, according to a new summary provided to Quartz by Boundless, a Seattle-based immigration firm. Most H-1B visa workers are gobbled up by the technology sector, giving some credence to the theory that the industry will feel the full force of Uncle Sams new visa policy. It's a fair question, given the stature of the technology sector as Wall Streets leading light. The benchmark S&P 500 Information Technology Index is up 19.75% so far in 2026. Thats well ahead of the broader S&P 500 Index, which sports a 13.7% year-to-date return. Larger technology businesses have historically relied on less expensive, yet highly talented, labor from India and China (which comprise 71% and 12% of approved foreign workers in 2024, respectively) to drive their operations, especially in tech development. At $100,000 per foreign employee, the new rule will undoubtedly have some impact on Mag 7 companies' operations, finances, and stock prices. The real questions for investors are how big an impact the new H-1B employee rules will have on the tech industry and on sector stocks. With President Donald Trump issuing a new $100,000 H-1B visa cost mandate, stock market mavens may wonder what impact the new visa rule will have on big tech companies and, in particular, on the Magnificent 7 stocks . Story Continues Measuring the impact on big technology stocks Given its deep pockets, the technology sector is well positioned to meet the higher $100,000 cost up from around $ 1,700-$ 4,500 per H-1B foreign worker, depending on expediting timelines. The U.S. has vacuumed up the best global talent; immigrants flowed straight into Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google, among others, said Rich Pleeth, CEO and co-founder of Finmile, an AI logistics SaaS company. If you wanted to build a world-class HQ, you did it in San Francisco, Austin, or New York, because talent was there and visas were relatively easy. Of course, companies will pay for certain top executives, and the U.S. remains a hugely attractive place to live and work, but this move makes it hard. One glance at some of the pedigreed H-1B visa standouts bears that sentiment out. As Pleeth noted, Sundar Pichai came to the US on a student visa, then got his H-1B at McKinsey before joining Google, where hes now CEO. Additionally, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even gave up his Green Card to expedite an H-1B visa so his wife could join him in the U.S. That pipeline built Big Tech, Pleeth stated. As the US slams the door with a $100,000 paywall, the U.K. becomes incredibly attractive. London, Manchester, Cambridge, Edinburgh, these cities could start winning the battle for brains. Stock-wise, the $100,000 H-1 B visa fee may not directly impact U.S. tech giants initially. Still, as usual with Wall Street, where the long game is prioritized among professional traders, that scenario could change as the new fee policy unfolds over time. In the short term, I wouldnt anticipate a huge direct stock price shock. But at the same time, the Street doesnt think about unexpected events; it likes certainty, said Michael Kelly, partner and chief investment officer at Reach Strategic Wealth, in Madison, Conn. Kelly said the rollout of such a drastic change could cause some short-term volatility as institutional investors determine the real probability of the downstream impacts. Longer term, if talent shortages cause product delays or margin pressures, it could weigh on earnings multiples. Investors will be watching hiring disclosures closely, he said. Which tech giants should investors lock in on going forward? These companies are worth tracking, based on already-approved visas ranked by Quartz . Amazon (AMZN). Est. number of H-1B workers: 12,391 Microsoft (MSFT). Est. number of H-1B workers: 5,189 Meta (META). Est. number of H-1B workers: 5,123 Apple (AAPL). Est. number of H-1B workers: 4,202 Alphabet/Google (GOOG). Est. number of H-1B workers: 4,181 Oracle (ORCL). Est. number of H-1B workers: 2,092 As of late September, over 600,000 H-1B visa holders work in the U.S., with a considerable concentration within the tech sector. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are consistently among the top H-1B sponsors, Kelly said. These firms will feel the biggest initial pinch, but again, the indirect impacts will be felt across the industry. On the horizon, savvy investors may also want to keep an eye on technology startups, which are also likely to be negatively impacted by the new $100,000 visa. "Among high-growth, VC-backed tech startups in the U.S., somewhere between 40-70% have at least one foreign-born founder, especially in AI and deep tech, which are popular verticals today, said venture financing attorney Lindsey Mignano at SSM Legal in San Francisco, Cal. Many foreign founders incorporate their startup companies and use them as the visa vehicle for their H-1B application. After a venture financing event, many venture capital firms require, or at least prefer, that a foreign founder reside in the United States to assist with building partnerships locally, Mignano noted. Mignano also pointed out that because $100,000 is a significant fixed cost for many early-stage startups to pay to allow a founder to live and work in the U.S. after a venture financing event, the early-stage implications for forming and financing foreign-founded early-stage companies may shift significantly. It could be that foreign founders are less likely to build and scale companies here in the U.S., and/or that early stage venture capital firms are more inclined to invest in American-founded early stage startups to avoid the spend, if all things are equal, she said. These countries should gain from the new U.S. H-1B policies Sector-wise, investors seeking an edge in global visa transformations should look to the Far East. Lets be honest, the biggest winners here are China and India, said Josh Pantony, CEO at Toronto-based Boostd.ai. Brain drain from those countries to the U.S. has been hugely to the U.S.s advantage, and this will directly reverse that trend. Pantony also believes that, despite rhetoric to the contrary, the U.S. has classically been the world leader at integrating top talent from other countries into its economy. I dont see any individual country, including in Europe, as being nearly as good at it, he noted. Hence, I see this as a headwind for Western companies as a whole. CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Thousands of veterans take their lives each year, and organizers say the goal of that display is to give people a visual reminder of the startling statistics. Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss for many, but for veterans, 28/22 News spoke with, having those difficult discussions could very well mean the difference between life and death. If youve driven down Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township, you may have noticed an array of American flags in front of American Legion Post 927. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 572 flags line the lawn, each one representing a veteran who has died by suicide in just 26 days. Its a sobering figure, and members of the legion say thats the point. As a veteran suicide survivor myself, the 22 a day has been socially acceptable, if you will, for the last 15 to 20 years, is beyond unacceptable, American Legion Post 927 Vice Commander and Riders Director Zacheriah Taylor told 28/22 News. Anything that we can do to raise awareness, raise peoples ability to speak out, and reach out to someone and pull, American Legion Post 927 Member Michael McMurtry said. PSP offers free car seat checks in Wilkes-Barre Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The display leads up to the posts Be The One Community Event on September 27. 22 more flags will be laid there, totaling 594. Taylor, an army veteran and suicide survivor who served in Iraq, says its not uncommon for vets to deal with mental health issues after returning home. We all come home with demons that, unfortunately, at times dictate how we think, and overcoming that is the biggest challenge I have found since coming home from Iraq. Unfortunately, the stigma that surrounds asking for help makes us seem weak to our fellow veterans, but in all reality, thats what brings us the strength to heal and to help others heal, Taylor explained. While finding that strength may be easier said than done, both men agree that, veteran or not, you are never alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre struggling out there, please reach out. If you know someone whos struggling, please reach out to them and ask them how you can help, what you can do, McMurtry added. It takes more strength to say you know what, I have a problem, I need help and to reach out for the help. So do it, and again, its okay to not be okay, Taylor stated. The post will be holding its event this Saturday at Post 927 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Everyone from the community is welcome to attend, and all proceeds will go towards veteran suicide prevention. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Faisals view Many may belittle or criticize the historic events that unfolded at the United Nations on Monday. The recognition of Palestine by France, the UK, and other Western powers, and the renewed global momentum behind a two-state solution, were met with skepticism in some quarters, cynicism in others. Yet what happened in New York was not just symbolic diplomacy: It was a seismic shift in the global consensus that could redefine the trajectory of one of the worlds longest and most painful conflicts. Predictably, many rushed to label recognition as a reward for Hamas, parroting Israeli government talking points. The atrocities of Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel are used as proof that the Palestinian cause has been hijacked by terror. But the emerging global consensus is that recognizing Palestinian statehood is the antidote to Hamas existence. It rejects the groups ideology and tactics, and strips away its raison detre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recognition of Palestine inherently affirms recognition of Israel. Even countries like Iran, which have long used the Palestinian cause as a pretext for hostility, would now face a diplomatic reckoning. The logic is simple: If Palestine exists as a sovereign state, then hostility toward Israel loses its ideological justification. Hardliners on all sides in Israel, Iran, and Hamas itself are deeply unsettled by this shift. They have long worked to undermine the Palestinian Authority, the only legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Their shared interest in perpetuating instability is no coincidence. Extremism thrives in the absence of hope. Hamas attack on Oct. 7 was not only terrorism it was sabotage, aimed at derailing Saudi and regional efforts to link recognition of Palestine with normalization with Israel. This was not the first time Hamas played the spoiler. In 2003, it torpedoed the Roadmap to Peace with a series of bus bombings. In 2007, it undermined the Annapolis Conference. And in 2020, it rejected the Trump peace plan outright. Hamas has consistently chosen violence over diplomacy, not because it seeks justice, but because it fears irrelevance. Yet, in a twist of irony, recognizing Palestine may serve an unlikely beneficiary: Israel itself. The Jewish state now finds itself in a corner. If the two-state solution is abandoned and a one-state reality emerges, Israel risks becoming an apartheid regime. It will continue to face isolation, sanctions, and moral condemnation. Alternatively, if it embraces equal rights for all, it may cease to be a Jewish-majority state. Neither option is sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Palestinian state will give Israel a partner responsible for its own territory, its own governance, and its own security. This means that any terrorist activity originating from Palestinian soil becomes the responsibility of the new government, which will be held accountable under international law. For Palestinians, it would finally give them the protections and rights enshrined by UN membership. For the region, it would be a rebirth. A new reality where Palestinians live in peace, and Israel enjoys security and normalized ties with its neighbors. This vision is not utopian. It is achievable. It is logical. And it is long overdue. The pressure is now on the Trump administration. With little prospects of progress under Israels current leadership, Washington carries the burden. The potential prize for the US president is not a medal in Stockholm, but a place in history as the person who brokered the end of one of the worlds most intractable conflicts. What happened on Sept. 22, 2025, in New York wasnt a reward for Hamas. It was a rejection of extremism, a rebuke of occupation, and a reaffirmation of diplomacy. Above all, it was a reward for peace and for those willing to pursue it. Room for Disagreement One person who believes that the recognition of a Palestinian state rewards Hamas is US President Donald Trump. He told French President Emmanuel Macron: You cant do that, as they discussed the UN General Assembly vote to recognize the state. I think it honors Hamas, and you cant do that because of October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Israel, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz argued that an overwhelming majority of Israelis oppose recognition because the Palestinian Authority has failed to effectively govern. The path toward statehood, he said, must first incorporate a proven long-term track record of accountable governance, comprehensive de-radicalization reforms and a successful crackdown on terror elements targeting Israelis. Notable EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) U.S. Sen. Jack Reed held a news conference with local doctors Wednesday morning to stress the importance of vaccines and their effectiveness in saving lives, while also pushing back on calls by the Trump administration to change the vaccine schedule. The Trump administrations irresponsible undermining of childhood vaccinations could lead to more infections, more hospitalizations and more preventable deaths, Reed said. I encourage people to listen to their doctors who are very clear and unequivocal: vaccines work. Reeds remarks come just days after President Donald Trump implied acetaminophen, commonly known by its brand name Tylenol, shouldnt be used during a pregnancy and could be contributing to rising autism rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump makes claims about Tylenol, repeats discredited link between vaccines and autism Dr. Elizabeth Lange, one of two local pediatricians who joined Reed, said Trumps remarks from Monday were very false and very damning. Autism is complex, its multifactorial, and when we focus on one bulletwhich is not even a correctly scientific onethen were losing access to the thought that there could be other things in our environment, in our family histories, in our genes, Lange explained. There are so many things that cause autism and those studies have been ongoing. Lange also stressed the need to not go back to a time when the infectious diseases were scary when speaking on the strength of vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lange revealed that during her time in medical school, she had the sad privilege of caring for one of the last children who died of polio in the United States. With all of these stories and statistics, knowing that we have vaccines to prevent all of this illness, why would we knowingly go back? Lange asked. Reed emphasized the need for people to instead listen to their own physicians. I think the bottom line here is dont listen to those who praise ignorance. Listen to professionals. Listen to your doctor, Reed said. ALSO READ: Brown University dean reacts to Trump administrations Tylenol announcement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Dr. Patricia Flanagan also pointed to Rhode Islands high vaccination rates. Rhode Island has always had among the highest vaccination rates in the nation, Flanagan explained. And we also know that our communities are healthier when everyone is immunized. Local residents told 12 News they share a similar view on Wednesday. I think its important to talk to your doctor and follow what they think, said Jennifer Fiske of East Providence. I think vaccines are an important step in keeping kids healthy. Another resident, Delia Aguilar, said she always goes by what the CDC, science and doctors recommend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lange noted its estimated that 154 million deaths have been prevented around the world over the last 50 years due to vaccines. NEXT: BU researcher: Brain damage can show up years before signs of CTE 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 free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A NPS ranger monitors a packed parking lot at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. (Image via NPS) During the past two years, nonresident tourists visiting Montana spent an estimated $5.28 billion in the Treasure State annually, a roughly 9% decrease from the previous two years but one of the highest estimates on record. Thats according to a new report by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) at the University of Montana, which examined nonresident spending during 2023 and 2024. Compared to the last two-year study, covering 2022 and 2023, average annual nonresident spending at gas stations, local restaurants, hotels and other tourism-oriented businesses decreased by roughly $540 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest data release tracks with an earlier report this year that showed Montana welcomed an all-time record number of tourists in 2024 by a million but saw a roughly 10% decrease in how much money those tourists spent in state. Among the states five designated tourism regions, Glacier Country, comprising the western portion of Montana, saw a two-year average of $1.8 billion in annual nonresident spending, accounting for a third of all traveler expenditures, holding its position at the top. Yellowstone Country, which includes Bozeman, Big Sky, and Red Lodge was next with $1.3 billion in average annual spending. The institute has collected nonresident spending data since 2009, giving researchers a long dataset to observe trends in spending habits. Its a consistent method weve been using for a very long time, Kara Grau, the reports author, said. I feel good about the history of this data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data is collected through in-person interviews with travelers, as well as data from secondary sources. Grau notes that while there is high confidence in the state-wide estimates, the modeling estimates for the region and county-level data is drawing from increasingly smaller pools of data, so there is more variation year-to-year. In the 2022-2023 report, Glacier Country and Yellowstone Country accounted for 33.6% and 23.4% of the states nonresident spending respectively. In the latest report, those proportions held steady, with 33% and 25% respectively, while the southwest region ticked up from 15% to 17%. Among counties, Gallatin County saw the highest annual average of $887.3 million in spending, while Flathead County was close behind with $850.3 million, down 8% and 15% respectively. They seem to just jockey for first and second position each year, Grau said. Theyre relatively close in spending. They both have the big national parks right in their vicinity. I think the visitation to those parks is a big contributor to which county jumps into the first or second place spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Yellowstone National Parks northern entrance and the Livingston area saw catastrophic floods which closed portions of the road for months, leading to a drastic drop in visitation that year. Grau said some of the increased visitation to Gallatin County and the Yellowstone Country region in the latest report can be attributed to Yellowstone being reopened for the full season. Twenty-seven Montana counties drew at least $20 million in out-of-state tourism-related spending. Estimates of nonresident traveler spending by county. (Graphic by ITRR) Gas, guides and gambling Gas and diesel was the top spending category statewide as well as in four travel regions in Montana Glacier and Yellowstones travel regions saw spending in restaurants and bars take the number-one spot. The two categories combined for 40% of traveler spending, followed by lodging at 22%. Retail sales, a $413 million category for visitors in 2023 and 2024, showed a decrease in the latest report, as did some categories that capture snapshots of discretionary or high-budget expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ITRR, roughly 5% of out-of-state visitors hire outfitters and guides, which accounted for $412 million in visitor expenditures, while tourists spending money in casinos accounted for $27 million, both declines from the previous year. I do think in 2024 we saw a little less spending on the more flexible kinds of spending that travelers do, in terms of Ill spend more on groceries and less on going out to eat. Grau said, also highlighting the declines in retail and guiding services. One spending category that bucked the trend was money spent on Made in Montana products, a separate category from regular retail expenses for products carrying a Department of Commerce designation as locally sourced. The ITRR questionnaire didnt ask about locally-sourced products in its first few iterations, but as the state has emphasized products made or grown in the state it has emerged as a profitable economic sector that keeps growing. Visitors spent an average of $184 million on Made in Montana products in 2023 and 2024, up more than $20 million from the previous years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ITRR analysis of nonresident economic contribution examines visitor spending by Montanas travel regions and counties. Check out the ITRRs new interactive dashboard to explore more specific region and county spending data. Heres a breakdown of the reports estimate of 2023/2024 visitor spending and the economic ripple effects across the state. Average Annual nonresident spending by travel region: A breakdown of average annual nonresident spending in Montana in 2023-2024. (Graphic by ITRR) Central Montana $370 million Glacier Country $1.76 billion Missouri River Country $252 million Southeast Montana $713 million Southwest Montana $882 million Yellowstone Country $1.30 billion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $5.28 billion Average overall nonresident traveler spending in Montana during 2023 and 2024 $1.206 billion Spending on gas and diesel across the state 20 Counties saw more than $50 million in average annual spending $887,280 Money spent in Gallatin County averaged between 2023/2024, the highest in the state $640.1 million Spending in Gallatin County that had a direct economic impact, such as purchases of goods and services $197.6 million Spending in Gallatin County that had an indirect impact on the economy, such as purchases made by travel-related businesses or purchases by those employed in travel-related occupation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $992.6 million Total economic impact of nonresident spending in Flathead County to the regional economy, including direct and indirect categories $184.1 million Amount spent by visitors on Made in Montana branded retail goods $42.3 million Amount spent by visitors statewide on vehicle repairs $33.6 million Amount spent at local farmers markets throughout the state U.S. President Donald Trump's Sept. 23 comment that NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace drew positive reactions from Estonia and Poland. The endorsements come amid rising tension in NATO's eastern flank following a series of airspace breaches, which have challenged alliance protocols on intercepts, escalation, and collective defense. "Roger that," said Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, signaling his country's support for Trump's position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on social media, "we got it," echoing a brisk acceptance in Tallinn. Estonia's foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, earlier told the Kyiv Independent that the Baltic state and its allies must be prepared to both intercept and, if necessary, down aircraft that violate its sovereign airspace. "The message must be unequivocal: future violations will meet a response including, if necessary, the interception and downing of intruding aircraft," Tsahkna said on Sept. 23. "This is not only about defending Estonia's borders it's about defending NATO's borders." The reactions follow several recent incidents that raised alarm among NATO members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace on Sept. 19 over the Gulf of Finland for roughly 12 minutes before departing, prompting Tallinn to request consultations under NATO's Article 4. Days earlier, Poland shot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a mass attack on Ukraine, the first direct engagement of Russian military assets over NATO territory since the war began. NATO scrambled two Eurofighter jets over the Baltic Sea on Sept. 21 after an Il-20M reconnaissance plane was detected flying without a filed flight plan. The alliance also launched the Eastern Sentry mission to reinforce air defenses along its eastern flank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sept. 20 that NATO needs to stay united and respond decisively to Russian provocations, including by a potential military action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News that NATO had not discussed shooting down Russian jets unless they were attacking and that standard practice remains interception. Read also: Is NATO already at war with Russia? It depends who you ask Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Vladimir Putins top allies are calling Donald Trumps bluff after his unexpected show of support for Ukraine. Trump sent shockwaves through the U.N. after twisting away with his long-held sympathy for Russia to declare that Kyiv, with the support of the EU, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form, adding that they could even go further than that! But the Russian dictators supporters predicted TACO Trump would change his mind again the moment it became politically convenient. Trump dramatically declared his full support for Ukraine in a Truthy Social post on Tuesday. / Truth Social Pledging to supply even more weapons to NATO, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years. This does not distinguish Russia; in fact, it very much makes them look like a paper tiger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement caught world leaders meeting at the United Nations completely off guard. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was a little bit surprised by the move, but welcomed the presidents change of rhetoric and pledged to work with Trump to turn the tide of the war and force Russia out of Ukraine. Over in Moscow, however, news of Trumps latest TACOthe Trump Always Chickens Out nickname based on his record of U-turnswas met mainly with bemusement. Dmitry Peskov, Putins personal spokesman, accused Trump of acting purely in line with his business interests rather than any genuine affinity for Ukraine, The Kyiv Independent reports. Russian lawmaker Oleg Matveychev referred to the president as a random phrase generator whose words are inherently meaningless and full of contradictions. Volodymyr Zelensky said he was Its a random number generator, a random phrase generator. And theres been a saying that Trump says exactly what the last person in his office told him to say, Matveychev told Russian state media. Do you really think hell say something momentous? Or will his words change anything? Nothing depends on them, nothing will change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The harshest critique of all, though, came from Dmitry Medevev, the former Russian president and head of Moscows Security Council. Writing on Telegram, the former president accused Trump of slipping into an alternate reality and predicted he would change his mind and return to Putins side in a matter of weeks. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev predicted Trump will The U.S. president issued a series of political incantations on the theme of How weak Russia is, said Medvedev on Tuesday. After meeting with the clowns in Kiev and Paris, he published a colorful post. It mentions Kievs final victory, a return to the former borders, Russias failed military economy, queues for gasoline, and a paper tiger. He suggested that Trump will return. He always returns, adding that in a couple of days, hell probably propose that the green pianist [a derogatory Russian nickname for Zelensky] sign a capitulation. Or maybe fly to Mars with his pardoned Musk. Or come up with something else historic to claim a Nobel Prize. The key, after all, is to keep drastically changing your position on every major issue. Thats what makes for successful governance through social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outburst is not the first time Medvedev has taken shots at Trump - Back in July, the former Russian president likened the POTUS to his predecessor by referring to him as Sleepy Joe, which enraged Trump so much that he ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed near Moscow. Despite Trumps change in tone, Kyiv has conceded that it is nearly impossible for Ukraine to regain all of its captured territory through purely military means and has shifted its rhetoric towards obtaining the territory through diplomatic means. Saudi Arabias grand mufti the kingdoms top religious authority, who once held wide sway in the country died on Tuesday at the age of 82. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Asheikh was the third cleric to hold the position since the countrys founding, serving three kings during an era of major cultural and political transformation in Saudi Arabia and the region. A leading scholar of one of the most conservative interpretations of Islam, Sheikh Abdulaziz opposed women driving and gender mixing, and described chess as the work of Satan, according to The New York Times. With the ascent of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a decade ago and the implementation of reforms that have transformed Saudi society and culture, the muftis power waned. He did not oppose the rulers decisions, nor did he speak out against the crackdown on clerics who resisted the changes. In 2015, he denounced ISIS and other Islamist militants many of whom followed a similar strain of Islam to its most extreme conclusions as criminals who aimed to make Islam a religion of bloodshed. Funeral prayers were held across the kingdom, with the crown prince himself leading prayers in Riyadh. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The South Dakota Highway Patrol cant find enough people to hire as troopers. Thats the message the Legislatures Government Operations and Audit Committee heard on Wednesday. 5 Smoke shop owners indicted for illegal substances The Highway Patrol is an arm of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. State Public Safety Secretary Bob Perry said the patrol is down 25 troopers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats 12% of the patrols 210 positions. Republican Sen. Chris Karr of Sioux Falls asked, Is this a big deal that we need to be concerned about? In general, yes, Perry answered. He said many of the vacancies are in western South Dakota. It means a little less in Sioux Falls, maybe, Perry explained. Thats because the patrol doesnt really have trouble filling the Sioux Falls positions. I think its more of a factor that we cant fill rural positions, Perry said. Karr asked how the patrol deals with an extended gap. Were taking the next place with better staffing and theyre having to travel, Perry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karr asked whether the recent Prairie Thunder operation in Sioux Falls took troopers from other areas. Perry said the patrol has a division that specializes in drug interdiction and five of that divisions troopers were used for Prairie Thunder. The drug-interdiction troopers arent assigned to specific squads. Generally we are not using troopers that are assigned to squads, Perry said. Karr asked whether troopers from the drug group could be assigned to cover vacant areas. Perry said their daily job is drug interdiction and they arent used unless theres a dire need. If we took that focus away, we wouldnt be doing what we promised them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Rep. Julie Auch of Yankton asked why the patrol hasnt been drawing applicants? She wondered whether pay was a reason in comparison to other states. Perry said that within the state the patrol offers competitive pay but has been losing ground. A current help-wanted ad showed a starting hourly wage of $30.46 per hour, plus additional $2.00 per hour night shift differential and $2.00 per hour weekend differential. To be honest, one of our biggest struggles is were picky, Perry said. There were 165 applications for the current group of 15 cadets enrolled in the state law enforcement academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry also noted that troopers were on scene at six different shootings this year but he didnt think that affected hiring. I appreciate you being picky, Republican Sen. Taffy Howard of Rapid City said. Republican Rep. Marty Overweg of New Holland asked about the Prairie Thunder arrest statistics that were initially reported and later changed. Has there been fudging of numbers? Perry said the patrol has been reporting the number of criminal charges because that was more accurate. He said the public perception was that an arrest referred to a person, rather than to an individual charge, and the same person can be arrested on more than charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry said the patrol may still use the arrests data internally. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Twenty-eight Afghan nationals arrived in Germany from Pakistan on Wednesday as part of a resettlement scheme for those deemed to be particularly at risk of persecution under the Taliban. It was only the second time that Afghan nationals were allowed to enter Germany under the programme since the centre-right administration of Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May, putting a halt to the admissions' scheme. The group that touched down in Germany on Wednesday includes five individuals on the programme who, after spending months in Pakistan waiting for visas, were granted permission to enter the country after filing a complaint with a German administrative court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were allowed to bring their relatives, 16 of whom are minors, according to the Interior Ministry. According to a dpa journalist at Islamabad airport, the group travelled to Germany on a commercial flight with a stopover in Istanbul and arrived in the northern city of Hanover in the afternoon. Thousands waiting for visas Following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the German government at the time made efforts to resettle former employees of German institutions and their relatives. Berlin also signalled it would be willing to take in other Afghans at risk of persecution due to their careers as lawyers, journalists or human rights defenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Afghan families have been waiting in Islamabad for months or years to secure passage to Germany after being notified of their potential eligibility. But, seeking to reduce migration levels, Merz's administration has paused programmes to resettle hundreds of Afghans who were included in the German admission programme. The issue has taken on added urgency after Pakistani authorities began deporting those hoping to enter Germany back to Afghanistan earlier this year. Earlier this month, 47 Afghan nationals arrived in Germany for the first time since the new government took office after winning court cases to secure their entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, more than 2,000 Afghans are waiting in Pakistan for resettlement to Germany. Another 250 eligible for the German scheme have since been deported back to Afghanistan. The German Foreign Office has said it is working on facilitating their return to Pakistan to be able to continue visa proceedings. People from Afghanistan leave a plane after landing at Hanover-Langenhagen Airport. After months of waiting, several families have arrived in Germany with the promise of admission. Michael Matthey/dpa You're reading an excerpt from Tomlinson's Take, a weekly newsletter from columnist Chris Tomlinson. Sign up to get the full version of next week's newsletter in your inbox. The soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division were excited to return to Fort Stewart after capturing Baghdad in 2003. They planned to hug their families and friends, mourn their lost comrades, replace broken equipment and repair their battered armored vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then came a surprise. Instead of going home, 3rd ID was going to Fallujah. The lightly-equipped 101st Airborne Division had shot up the town, and commanders had decided to send the rolling thunder of Bradley fighting vehicles and Abrams tanks. But the division wasn't ready. They'd waited weeks for spare parts that never came. They were not combat-ready. I'd been embedded with the 3rd ID since they'd crossed over from Kuwait two months earlier. Sergeant majors and staff officers knew me and trusted me to report what was going on. They asked for confidentiality and then explained their plight. My story for the Associated Press about the broken supply chain and lack of readiness hit like a 120 mm armor-piercing tank round. Families at Fort Stewart sounded the alarm, and politicians called the Pentagon. Some officers were angry I'd exposed the division's weakness to the enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brigade commander, a colonel, called me for a chat. He asked how I knew about the problems, and I explained I was embedded with frontline troops. I could see it, and my job was to share their experiences, not provide propaganda. He explained that he'd gotten quite the ass-chewing over my story. He then thanked me, off-the-record, because the Pentagon was airlifting all the parts and equipment needed to Baghdad before the 3rd ID's move to Fallujah. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now wants to make sure no reporter ever tells that kind of truth again. On Friday, his team announced Pentagon credentials will only go to journalists who parrot official statements. Reporters using anonymous sources - or publishing anything embarrassing -will be banned. Journalism is not stenography. Our duty is not to echo authority but to serve readers, helping them see what's really happening. What Hegseth proposes is what George Orwell called the Ministry of Truth, where propaganda is the only source of information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combine Hegseth's new policy with Trump's broader crackdown on dissent, and the result is clear: an Orwellian America where propaganda replaces truth. The Takeaway: The eyes of Trump are upon you. Speaking of Iraq and Orwell: during the invasion, soldiers amused themselves by shooting at the mosaic portraits of Saddam Hussein that plastered every town. His smiling face, beret cocked, was inescapable. When soldiers searched private homes in Iraq, the prominent display of Saddam's photo was evidence that the occupants were members of his Ba'ath party. In the dozen or so dictatorships I've visited, the mandatory display of the dear leader's portrait was a universal feature. Many dictators borrowed from British colonialism, where monarchs' portraits filled offices, stamps bore their faces, and royal cyphers adorned nearly everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps this Anglo tradition is why federal buildings in Washington are displaying massive banners with President Donald Trump's mug. The French call it the latest example of the Trump administration's "dictator chic." Trump's scowl is undoubtedly reminiscent of the film 1984, based on George Orwell's novel. We're only nine months into his second presidency. Imagine what else his team has in store for us. Award-winning opinion writer Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about money, politics and life in Texas. Sign up for his "Tomlinson's Take" newsletter at houstonchronicle.com/tomlinsonnewsletter or expressnews.com/tomlinsonnewsletter. The Trump administration is looking to take some equity ownership of another large publicly traded company. The decision comes after the administration began re-evaluating a $2.3 billion loan approved by President Biden for the development of a Nevada lithium deposit. As Bloomberg reports, the record-high loan to Lithium Americas Corp., finalized in 2024, would have provided most of the capital for the construction of a processing plant adjacent to the companys Thacker Pass mine, on one of countrys largest lithium deposits. However, the Energy Departments review of the financing comes after Greg Beard, a senior advisor in the Loan Programs Office, warned that the project could fail to draw customers amid competition from cheaper Chinese lithium, the Washington Free Beacon reported. Now, Reuters is reporting that, according to two people familiar with the discussions, the Trump administration is seeking an equity stake of as much as 10% as part of the loan negotiation. LAC is trading up 60% in the after-market... President Trump supports project and wants it to succeed and also be fair to taxpayers but theres no such thing as free money, a White House official tells Reuters. Free money for some of these guys though, maybe... The US government is about to become the top shareholder in a company that has the Swiss National Bank as its 29th largest investor. Following the Intel deal, this morning's US Antimony deal, and now the Lithium Americas deal, the industrial-government complex is doing very well. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com Gov. Larry Rhoden, surrounded by legislators and other officeholders and staff, signs an executive order creating a rehabilitation task force on Sept. 23, 2025, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. Moments earlier, Rhoden signed a bill authorizing the construction of a $650 million men's prison in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE After 144 years, South Dakota lawmakers decided Tuesday its time for the Hill to retire. The required two-thirds of each legislative chamber voted to endorse a 1,500-bed, $650 million replacement for the state penitentiary building that opened its doors when South Dakota was still Dakota Territory. The new mens prison will be the most expensive capital project ever funded by the states taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers convened at 9 a.m., and a joint committee of House and Senate members spent part of the morning and afternoon hearing testimony and discussing the prison legislation. There were several hours of afternoon and evening debate in the two chambers. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed the bill into law at about 8 p.m. Tuesday, about an hour and a half after the House of Representatives voted 51-18 to pass it. That was four more votes than the required two-thirds majority mandated for spending bills by the state constitution. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to Rep. Kathy Rice, R-Black Hawk, in advance of a vote on a bill for a new prison on Sept. 23, 2025 at the Capitol in Pierre. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) One House member, Rep. Jeff Bathke, R-Mitchell, was excused while on a military deployment but said last week he supports the project. The Senate approved the plan earlier in the afternoon, with a vote of 24-11 exactly the two-thirds majority needed. Rhoden said Tuesday evening it was a great day, and that hed sleep well. But he also said the outcome of the vote was not assured Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the day, Rhoden was spotted speaking with lawmakers in the Capitols hallways, and on the floor of the House of Representatives. As we started counting noses, it was closer than I really thought it would be, Rhoden said. So we got busy, and we didnt leave any stone unturned. Immediately after signing the bill that authorized the prisons construction, the governor made good on his promise to sign an executive order creating a Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force. Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen will lead the group, which will also include six members of the House of Representatives, five senators, one judge, two representatives from law enforcement, an Indigenous representative, a health care or behavioral health representative and any other interested representative deemed necessary by the governor. The task force will study treatment options, Native American programming needs, faith-based correctional interventions and inmates re-entry into society. Lawmakers back task force plan The prison will be built in northeast Sioux Falls, on an undeveloped patch of industrial land near the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. The location is about 3 miles northeast of the penitentiary, which is nicknamed the Hill for its perch overlooking the Big Sioux River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The votes came during a one-day special session at the Capitol called by Rhoden after a prison construction task force he created via executive order had recommended the prison plan. Benson Road Site is the future location of a mens prison in Sioux Falls. (Courtesy of Governors Office) A previous mens prison proposal, with a higher price and a controversial location in rural Lincoln County, was presented in February during the regular legislative session and failed to earn two-thirds support. Several of the House lawmakers who said no to the Lincoln County prison said they switched their votes this time because the process addressed questions that had gone unanswered in the run-up to the February vote on what would have been an $825 million prison. House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, was among those lawmakers. He served on the task force, and said each of his concerns price, location, size, guaranteed pricing and space for rehabilitation programming were addressed along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the still-skeptical members, Odenbach said, Friends, if you didnt like the old prison plan, basically you got everything you wanted. And I would say take the win. More questions expected in January Tuesdays vote answers the most pressing and expensive question posed during a four-year saga on the future of South Dakotas prison facilities, but leaves open several others on how the new facility will play into future prison policy. In 2021, then-Gov. Kristi Noem commissioned a study of Department of Corrections properties that concluded the state needed a new womens prison which is now under construction in Rapid City at a cost of $87 million and that the oldest parts of the penitentiary had too many inmates and was unsafe for them and the staff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple lawmakers called the penitentiary inhumane, worn out and unsuitable for rehabilitation programming on Tuesday. House Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems, R-Canton, voted against the prison during the special session. She said the state would be putting the cart before the horse by building a facility before addressing recidivism and rehabilitation and before hiring a replacement for Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko, who is resigning effective next month. Were going forward without a completed plan, and without somebody in place at the Department of Corrections that has a great resume, that has a history of knowing how to reduce recidivism and put some of these policies in place, Lems said after the vote. Payment plan both a selling point and sticking point The state plans to pay for the new prison with cash. In 2022, lawmakers voted to begin putting millions in excess revenues, which ballooned thanks in part to federal cash infusions during the COVID-19 pandemic, into an incarceration construction fund that has since grown with further deposits and interest earnings. The next year, they approved the construction of the womens prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Liz May, R-Kyle, also switched her vote to a yes on the mens prison after voting against the Lincoln County plan in February. May said the House deserves credit for its willingness to take a fiscally conservative stance by saving money for a large project in advance. From left, Vance McMillan, head of the Justice Group at contractor JE Dunn; Dave Derry, CEO of Henry Carlson Construction; and Alex Jensen, vice president of Henry Carlson, listen to a speech from South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden on Sept. 23, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. Rhoden was proposing a prison construction project with JE Dunn and Henry Carlson as joint project leaders. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Concerns about rehabilitation programming and policy changes are fair, May said, but none of them absolve the state of its responsibility to house inmates. I expect everybody in here to do their job, to watch the money, May said. Bring your policy bills next year. Youll have support. The bill passed Tuesday transfers $78.7 million from the states budget reserves to the prison construction fund and authorizes the Department of Corrections to spend up to $650 million to build the new facility. Most of the money is already in the fund, but about $42 million of the required funding is expected to come from future interest earnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was an issue for Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont. He said he doesnt necessarily trust that the interest income will materialize, and said supporters counting future interest earnings were overselling the amount of money in the incarceration construction fund. I get very concerned hearing that we have the cash on hand, Carley said. We dont. Between 2024 and Tuesdays vote, the state put $52 million into a plan to build a 1,500-bed mens prison at a price of $825 million, in that case in southern Lincoln County. Lawmakers rejected that prison pitch in February, an act that spurred the creation of Rhodens Project Prison Reset task force. Last week, Rhodens office said much of that investment was recaptured by reusing designs on the $650 million version that did earn approval, but $21 million of the money spent on the Lincoln County site is unrecoverable. The approved prison legislation includes the purchase of the Sioux Falls land and an exchange of the Lincoln County land to the owner of the Sioux Falls site. In that $17 million deal, which is included in the overall $650 million project cost, about $12.5 million will go to the landowner, along with the Lincoln County land, which the state valued at $4.5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state shaved $175 million off the cost of the Sioux Falls prison plan by shrinking common areas within the facility and designing 300 of the beds as a barracks. Rhoden said the new plan does not reduce rehabilitation or vocational programming space. Friends, if you didnt like the old prison plan, basically you got everything you wanted. And I would say take the win. House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish Questions on how to pay for the ongoing operations of the new prison will greet lawmakers when they return in January for their regular session. Secretary Wasko, who tendered an Oct. 20 resignation in a letter to Rhoden earlier this month in the face of criticism, told lawmakers earlier this year that it could cost the state up to $20 million more per year to run the new prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Venhuizen said the figure is closer to $17 million, and that the state will save money by improving rehabilitation programs and keeping people out of prison in the process. If that is successful, we will save money. Every person whos not in that prison saves us $40,000 a year, Venhuizen said. Two newer units on the grounds of the penitentiary in Sioux Falls will remain in service when the new mens prison opens. Thats expected to happen in 2029. A plane carrying Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles to Lithuania experienced a GPS malfunction while flying over Russias Kaliningrad. Source: Spanish newspaper El Mundo, as reported by European Pravda Details: The A330 aircraft, which belongs to the Spanish Air and Space Force, is reported to have been "subjected to an attempt to throw it off course using GPS" over Kaliningrad as Robles was travelling to the Siauliai air base in Lithuania on 24 September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot in command of the aircraft said that incidents such as this, involving attempts to disorient pilots, are quite common during both commercial and military flights over Kaliningrad. In the case of the military aircraft carrying Robles, the attempt failed because the plane was receiving instructions from a military satellite. Robles is scheduled to meet with Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene on 24 September. Background: Recently, 13 EU countries called on the European Commission to take measures in response to disruptions of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) across the EU. A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reportedly had to rely on paper maps during a flight to Bulgaria due to GPS failures believed to be caused by Russian interference. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? Tips@idahostatesman.com. Public school advocates suing over a new Idaho law to direct public money to private education included a broad range of plaintiffs, from a Republican state lawmaker to the Mormon Women for Ethical Government. But notably, the lawsuit named only one school district: Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school district joined public school advocates, led by nonprofits the Idaho Education Association and the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution, in suing the state and its Tax Commission in the Idaho Supreme Court over the tax credits established by House Bill 93. The law, passed in the state Legislature this year, allows families to apply for subsidies to attend private school, allocating up to $50 million a year for those tax credits. Alexis Morgan is an Eagle mother of four whose daughter was rejected from a private school. Shes one plaintiff in the lawsuit against the state to challenge House Bill 93, which created tax credits for private school tuition. The school district joined the legal challenge against House Bill 93 after the lawsuits organizers had asked them to join, Ken Faunce, who chairs the board of trustees, told the Idaho Statesman. The school board held a special meeting the evening before organizers would announce the lawsuit, and the trustees voted on the decision. They were in favor 4-1 though they anticipated legislators may retaliate against them for the decision. Maybe they will end up dismantling the public schools anyway, but Im not going to sit by the sidelines and let them do it, Faunce said at the school board meeting. I cant do a whole lot. But Im going to do what little I can to try to stop it. You gotta take a stand, I feel, and this is a stand we can take. The districts trustees agreed that the new law violated the states constitution, which requires the state to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public free common schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All board members took an oath to uphold the Idaho Constitution, and we feel thats what were doing, Faunce told the Statesman. Faunce said the money used for the tax credits is money that could have been used for public schools. And they said they feared the new law would be a slippery slope, with more funds diverted each year to private education. We need new school buildings, desperately, Faunce told the Statesman. Our youngest school building is 67 years old. That is a problem. Now, before the law takes effect in January, was the time to put its implementation on ice, Moscows school board members argued. Students documented problems in their schools using a camera from the Idaho Statesman and ProPublica. They photographed old boilers, stained ceilings, broken tiles, decaying lockers, exposed wires and cracks in their buildings. Public school advocates at the news conference last week referred to the program implemented by the law as vouchers, and have said it will exacerbate shortages in the states already-underfunded public schools, which are held accountable through state and federal standards, unlike private schools. Supporters of the law argue that it gives families options by helping to subsidize the cost of private school, including for kids with learning disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dulce Kersting, a Moscow School District trustee, during the meeting last week expressed anxiety over attaching the district to the lawsuit, given the possibility of retribution in a tense political climate. She said she worried about the futility of trying to take on the Legislature, which has pushed similar bills year after year. The people who are out for the dismemberment of public schools would use this as one reason to come down on us and would find another reason if they need to, Kersting said at the meeting. I just dont honestly believe that a successful lawsuit is going to change the course right now, in the cultural atmosphere we are in. But she also said she agreed that they should publicly speak out at every opportunity against the practice of putting public dollars into private schools. Ultimately, she still voted to join the lawsuit. Kersting declined to comment and directed the Statesman to Faunce. A conservative Idaho-based think tank was quick to criticize the districts decision to join the lawsuit. An hour after the news conference announcing the lawsuit, the Mountain States Policy Center sent out a news release that said the school district used taxpayer money to sue taxpayers. Faunce and Idaho Education Association, a nonprofit, both told the Statesman that theres no cost to the district, which is the only public agency listed on the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faunce told the Statesman he was hoping other school districts would join the lawsuit, but understood why they wouldnt. Smaller, more rural school districts in particular fear retaliation, he said. Boise School District spokesperson Ryan Hill declined to answer a question about whether the district was asked to join, saying only that it has had a lot of conversations about ways to slow efforts to privatize education. The West Ada School District did not respond to the Statesmans inquiry. I feel like this is an important point to put our foot down and say that this is not what the Constitution says, said trustee Dawn Fazio. Nows the time to say something and do something. Editor Hayat Norimine contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho groups sue to stop taxpayer money from going to private schools Lawsuit planned over Idaho tax credits for private schools, former AG says After years of rejection, school voucher bill clears Idaho Legislature, goes to governor WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) Wethersfield police have arrested a suspect wanted for the murder of her toddler in North Carolina just before Christmas. In Connecticut, 28-year-old Rajasaffiyya Drain was charged with being a fugitive from justice and held on a $1 million bond. Wethersfield approves $239M for elementary school renovations She will be extradited back to North Carolina to face charges of murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drain was apprehended Monday evening, when Wethersfield officers responded to a domestic-related incident. During the investigation, police said they discovered Drain had a warrant out of the Bertie County Sheriffs Office with full extradition. During a press conference Tuesday, Bertie County Sheriffs Office officials confirmed Drains arrest was in connection to 2-year-old Jamie Drains death. Man charged with manslaughter in Naugatuck They said it was Dec. 22, 2024 when first responders were dispatched for report of an unresponsive child. They said the child was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said Drain told them she was cooking when the child began foaming at the mouth and shaking. Later, an autopsy revealed the child actually died of blunt force trauma and injuries to the head. Law enforcement said Drain was believed to have been staying with family in Connecticut. Drain was scheduled to appear in New Britain court on Sept. 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. By Simon Johnson and Tom Little TOFTA, Gotland, SWEDEN (Reuters) -The Swedish island of Gotland holds the key to control of the Baltic Sea, according to Swedish and Polish officers taking part in military exercises this week aimed at deterring a possible Russian attack amid escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow. "It's basically like a huge aircraft carrier in the middle of the Baltic," Quartermaster Oscar Hannus of the Swedish Navy said, framed by one of Sweden's RBS-15 missile systems that would be used against any seaborne threat to the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannus' unit, along with paratroopers and coastal missile forces from Poland, is one of several taking part in Operation Gotland Sentry, testing Sweden's and NATO's plans to deploy land, sea, and air forces in any rapid defence of Gotland. "We're here on Gotland with our Polish allies ... in order to deter potential enemies from the East in case they want to subject us to any kind of threat here on Gotland or in the Baltic Sea," said Hannus. Gotland, popular with Swedish tourists for its sandy beaches, has acquired a growing strategic significance as tensions with Russia have ratcheted up since President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. DETERRENCE POWER Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 300 km (186 miles) from the home of Russia's Baltic Fleet in the exclave of Kaliningrad, Gotland dominates vital sea lanes and the island would be crucial if NATO had to send troops and supplies to reinforce the nearby Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, most likely from Sweden. "From the island, various long-range missile systems can be used to defend allies while simultaneously deterring Russia," said Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations in Sweden's navy at the military's Tofta shooting range on Gotland. "The island also plays a crucial role in maintaining free supply routes for NATO forces as well as sustaining civilian maritime traffic, which is vital for the supply of several countries in the region." Demilitarized after the Cold War, Sweden has been rebuilding its strength on the island, which is a 170 km (105 mile)-long rocky outcrop to the south of the capital Stockholm, in the face of an increasingly assertive Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018 Sweden reactivated the army's Gotland Regiment and has placed ground-to-air missile batteries on the island as well as beefing up other military infrastructure. After decades of commitment to non-aligned status, Sweden joined NATO in March 2024, meaning it can now count on members of the alliance to come to its defence - and that of Gotland. "When you put a missile unit on Gotland... you can secure almost the whole Baltic," said Vice Admiral Krzysztof Jaworski of the Polish Navy. "I would say it's important for every country in the Baltic Sea." (Reporting by Simon JohnsonEditing by Gareth Jones) Israel is close to striking a de-escalation agreement with Syria, after the latters president signalled that his country was scared of the formers relentless attacks since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assads rule last year. United States Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said on Tuesday that the agreement would see Israel stopping its attacks on its neighbour, while Syria will agree not to move any machinery or heavy equipment near the Israeli border. Barrack said that both sides were negotiating in good faith on the agreement, which had been slated for completion this week, but had been slowed down by the Rosh Hashanah holiday the Jewish New Year this week. The agreement would serve as a first step towards an eventual security deal, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking shortly before Barrack, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose forces toppled longtime autocrat ruler al-Assad back in December, voiced hope for a security deal, pointing out that his country had not created problems with Israel. We are scared of Israel, not the other way around, he told an event of the Middle East Institute in New York. There are multiple risks with Israel stalling on the negotiations and insisting on violating our airspace and incursions into our territory, he said. Jordan is under pressure, and any talk of partitioning Syria will hurt Iraq, will hurt Turkiye. That will take us all back to square one, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Sharaa will become the first Syria leader to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in six decades, on Wednesday. Risks of fragmentation Israel and Syria have been Middle East adversaries for decades, the enmity between the pair heightening during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and Israels occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights. Since al-Assads ouster, Israel has hobbled Syrias attempts to get back on a stable footing, trashing a 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two states, striking Syrian military assets and sending troops to within 20km (12 miles) of Damascus. Al-Sharaa said last week that Israel had carried out more than 1,000 strikes on Syria and conducted at least 400 ground incursions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has alternately claimed that its strikes on Syria are aimed at preventing terrorism or protecting the countrys Druze minority, notably in the southern area of Suwayda where sectarian violence erupted in June. But Israel has brazenly bombed central Damascus as well. Critics charge that Israel is seeking to fragment the country in a bid to keep it weak and exert its own dominance over the region. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, al-Sharaa renewed his call to the US to formally lift sanctions imposed on his country to enable it to rebuild, and held talks this week with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Israel has been lobbying US lawmakers and policymakers at the State Department for months to keep sanctions in place. In a historical twist of fate, al-Sharaa sat down for interview this week, while in New York for the UNGA, with former US General David Petraeus, who once arrested the then-rebel fighter and led American forces during the invasion of Iraq, later becoming the director of the CIA. President Donald Trump has branded Russia a paper tiger and declared that Ukraine was doing such a good job on the battlefield it could defeat Moscow with the help of the West. In a stunning reversal of his push for Ukraine to make concessions in order to end the war that Russian President Vladimir Putin started, the U.S. president now says that Ukraine is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) speaks during a bilateral meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the 80th session of the UNs General Assembly (UNGA). / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years, a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win, Trump wrote in a Truth Social Post after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger, he said an unflattering reference to something that purports to be strong but is actually ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge. Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act, Trump continued, noting that economic sanctions were hurting Moscow and putting Ukrainians in a position to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! In any event, I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all! Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin last month. / Contributor / Getty Images The surprising post was viewed by some observers as a sign that Trump may be moving on from the conflict after failing to deliver a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came moments after Trump spoke to Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he acknowledged to reporters that the war was not going to end for a long time. The comment was a tacit admission that attempts to broker a ceasefire between the two countries had barely moved the needle, even after Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska last month. Asked if he could still trust Putin, he told reporters: Ill let you know in about a month, OK? Q: Any updates on whether you still trust Putin? President Trump: I'll let you know in about a month, OK? https://t.co/aBV2pYP6HB pic.twitter.com/NaYytjfSb6 Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) September 23, 2025 The issue is a sensitive one for the President, who has long thought his relationship with the Russian dictator would give him leverage to fulfill his campaign promise to end the war on Day One. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since the Alaska summit, reality has intervened, with Putin refusing to negotiate in good faith, continuing to bomb Ukraine territory, and even entering the airspace of NATO nations such as Poland and Estonia. The latest suspected Russian incursion took place in Denmark, where mysterious drones forced the closure of Copenhagen airport on Monday night. I cannot rule out that it is Russia, Mette Frederiksen, the Danish leader, told reporters. Asked if he believed the NATO members countries should shoot down Russian drones that violate their airspace, Trump replied: Yes I do. But he stopped short of saying the U.S. would join the effort, simply saying it depends on the circumstance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in New York, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also pressed about Trumps inability to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. Appearing on the Today show to talk up Trumps UN speech, anchor Craig Melvin told Rubio that, nearly 250 days into Trumps second term, his promise remains unfulfilled. Yeah, but thats not up to us to end the war, Rubio fired back. The Russians have to stop the war, and the Ukrainians have to agree to a peace deal. Melvin pressed further: Yeah but repeatedly on the campaign trail, he said he would end it on day one; were 246 days into the administration. Which is an indication that he repeatedly said that he would make it a priority, Rubio replied. He certainly has done more than Biden ever did to end the war. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) Investigators with the Florence County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) arrested a man alleged to have been responsible for creating a foul odor at a Florence High School. A Facebook post from the law enforcement agency said that between August 25th and September 19th, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, a teaching assistant to West Florence High School, sprayed an internet acquired spray designed to imitate fecal odor at the school. Investigators said that Lewis used the spray on multiple occasions and over time resulting in a disruption of the school, children requiring medical attention for respiratory issues and incur a bill of over $55,000 for inspection and damage to the schools air conditioning system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 32-year-old was arrested September 19th and charged with Disturbing Schools and Malicious Injury to Property FCSO said the investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional charges are possible. Lewis is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Globe Telecom, one of the Philippines' biggest telecommunications companies, is transitioning more than 3,000 of its cell towers and other facilities to renewable energy, thanks to the country's Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), Clean Technica reported. RAP in the Philippines is a forward-thinking energy policy that allows low-energy-demand customers to pool their energy needs to be able to choose their own energy supplier. Through the retail competition and open access program, energy customers can shop for their preferred energy supplier, rather than being bound by the default local energy company. The catch, however, is that customers must meet the monthly energy threshold to qualify for this program, which currently stands at 500 kilowatts per month. This threshold may soon drop as the Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed lowering the minimum threshold to 100 kilowatts per month, according to PhilStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Globe Telecom, whose many cell towers and other sites fall under the minimum threshold, this energy policy will change the course of the company's operations. Leveraging RAP to transition the company's operations to clean energy at scale will help significantly lower the country's carbon impact. According to Clean Technica, Globe's conversion to clean energy sources will save over 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon pollution from 1,283 gas-powered cars per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Globe customers can expect relatively less volatile and perhaps, cheaper, per the International Energy Agency energy prices with the company's switch to clean, renewable energy. As more of the country joins in on the renewable energy movement and invests in clean energy infrastructure, clean energy will become even cheaper for consumers, while providing the country with greater energy independence. Homeowners can also achieve energy independence by going solar and taking advantage of the abundant energy from the sun. Solar can significantly reduce your home's energy costs one homeowner reported savings of about 60% on their energy bills. EnergySage estimates that the average U.S. homeowner can save approximately $50,000 in energy costs over the lifetime of their home solar system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EnergySage's free tools allow homeowners to find and compare quotes from vetted local solar installers, which has helped everyday homeowners save up to $10,000 on new solar projects. A future powered by clean, renewable energy is near, and Globe Telecom is working hard to spearhead the movement. "By expanding our sourcing of renewable energy to thousands of additional sites, we are taking deliberate steps toward our Net Zero goals and proving that clean energy is not only viable but necessary across all operational levels," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe's chief sustainability and corporate communications officer, per Clean Technica. 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. UK-listed B HODL Plc has purchased 100 Bitcoin worth $11.3 million as part of its newly launched corporate treasury plan, joining the ranks of the top 100 public companies globally holding the cryptocurrency. The Bitcoin acquisition comes just a day after B HODLs debut on Londons Aquis Stock Exchange under the ticker HODL, where it raised 15.3 million ($20.7 million) to fund its long-term digital asset strategy. News of the acquisition sent shares of B HODL surging to 22.09 ($29.77), up 38% from their listing price. The firm now ranks 98th on Bitcoin Treasuries list of public companies with Bitcoin holdings. Management said the strategy centers on disciplined accumulation of Bitcoin and using the reserve to support Lightning Network operations, which allow faster, lower-cost Bitcoin transactions. By operating nodes on the network, B HODL seeks to generate additional revenue from routing fees while reinforcing its position in the digital asset ecosystem. UK Bitcoin Treasuries: Smarter Web Tops With $286M While this acquisition marks B HODLs entry into the market, it remains behind other UK-based treasury firms with larger Bitcoin reserves. Smarter Web Company leads the pack with 2,525 Bitcoin worth $286 million, placing it 29th worldwide. Smarter Web issued its first Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond worth $21M from TOBAM last month, achieving a 49,198% BTC yield amid corporate treasury evolution. Notably, the company, earlier this month, considered acquiring distressed rivals for discounted BTC acquisitions, founder Andrew Webley told the FT, as the firm pivots from web design to crypto under its 10 Year Plan. After Smarter Web, Satsuma follows with 1,149 Bitcoin, most of which was raised from investors. Phoenix Digital Assets ranked third among UK companies with 247 Bitcoin, while V HODL joins Vaultz Capital to make the top 5. Globally, U.S.-based Strategy dominates corporate Bitcoin holdings. The business intelligence firm, led by Michael Saylor, recently added 850 Bitcoin, bringing its total to 639,835 Bitcoin worth an estimated $72 billion. Strategy began its accumulation strategy in 2020 and remains far ahead of competitors. In a contrasting development, research by K33 shows that enthusiasm for Bitcoin treasury strategies has cooled. One in four public companies that hold Bitcoin now trade below the value of their reserves, making it harder to raise capital through share sales. Companies trading under their net asset value include Tether-backed Twenty One, Semler Scientific, and The Smarter Web Company. NEED TO KNOW On Wednesday, Sept. 25, federal prosecutors filed a motion with federal court stating that the U.S. Marshals Service advised them that Travis Decker is deceased The motion would dismiss the complaint and quash arrest the warrant filed against Decker But the Chelan County Sheriff's office said they have not gotten DNA confirmation that the remains found last week amid the search for Decker are indeed his Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to dismiss the complaint and arrest warrant against Travis Decker because, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, Decker is deceased. However, the Washington sheriff's office investigating the case says it's still not confirmed that remains found last week that are believed to be Decker's are his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Sept. 25, a federal prosecutor filed a motion to dismiss complaint and quash arrest warrant after being advised by the U.S. Marshals Service that Decker is deceased. The motion obtained by PEOPLE was filed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. But in a statement to PEOPLE, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office said, "We have not received DNA confirmation on the remains found last week." Sheriff Mike Morrison told ABC News on Wednesday that the charges remain against Decker until there's confirmation that remains found are Decker's. Decker, 32, was the focus of a manhunt since June 2 after the bodies of his three daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5 were found in a remote campground on June 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decker had failed to bring back his daughters to his ex-wife, Whitney Decker, in Wenatchee, Wash., after taking them for a court-ordered visit on May 30. Gofundme Olivia, Paityn, and Evelyn Decker Olivia, Paityn, and Evelyn Decker Last week, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office announced that they believed remains found in a wooded area south of Leavenworth, Wash. were Deckers. A drone spotted a T-shirt that led them to the human remains believed to be those of Decker. Wenatchee Police Department via AP Travis Decker Travis Decker Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison previously told PEOPLE that the the drone spotted an anomaly around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. "They shared the image with me because it was a live feed and I saw it and I was like, that's a pretty good clue," he said, noting that the neon green shirt had matched the same kind of shirt they had seen Decker wear before. 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 remains, said Morrison, were well decomposed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remains were found 0.74 miles from where the original crime scene was at to get to the location where we found the remains would take about three hours, Morrison said. It was in the middle of our wilderness area in a very steep, rocky wooded terrain. Heavily brushed. Morrison said the campsite where Decker's daughters were discovered was at an elevation of around 2,800 feet and the human remains were above 4,000 feet. The months-long search manhunt for Decker included searches in the Blewett Pass area in the Wenatchee Mountains. Read the original article on People Travis Decker, a 32-year-old man from Pewaukee accused of killing his three daughters in Washington, has been declared dead by the U.S. Marshals Service in court papers written to a federal judge, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY. Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY on Sept. 24 that he had read the court affidavit filed to the prosecutor's office, but said his office was still awaiting DNA results to confirm the identity. "I will confirm he is deceased when they say his clothing and remains match DNA found at the scene," Morrison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 19, the sheriff's office said human remains were found that are believed to be Decker in a remote wooded area south of Leavenworth, Washington. Preliminary findings suggested they belong to Decker, the sheriff's office said, and a DNA analysis was to be conducted. Decker had been sought by law enforcement for more than three months, after his three daughters 9-year-old Paityn Decker, 8-year-old Evelyn Decker and 5-year-old Olivia Decker were found dead June 2. Their bodies were located at the Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, about 40 miles west of Wenatchee, in the vicinity of Decker's truck. The girls likely died of asphyxiation, USA TODAY reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities began searching for the girls after their mother reported that Decker didn't return them home May 30, per a custody arrangement. Decker grew up in Pewaukee and graduated from Pewaukee High School. He had been living in Washington, authorities said. At the time of the girls' disappearance, Decker was living primarily out of his pickup truck, and occasionally at motels and campgrounds, according to police. Authorities said Decker had military training and went to mountain survival school. When a warrant for his arrest was issued June 3 and a manhunt started, police warned people that it was unknown if he'd be armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late July, law enforcement in Washington announced they were scaling back the manhunt, after they received a decrease in leads and had conducted thorough searches of the wilderness area surrounding the crime scene. Then, in late August, the FBI announced a two-day grid search operation found "several items" that would be examined to determine if they were tied to Decker or the girls' deaths. The search covered more than one million square meters, or 247 acres, and was the first time a search of that magnitude had been completed in that area for the case, according to the FBI's Seattle field office. Natalie Neysa Alund of USA TODAY contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Travis Decker declared dead by US Marshals; DNA analysis isn't done RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) While Hurricane Gabrielle moves away from the United States, two more waves developing behind it have high odds for development within the next week. As of Wednesday morning, Invest 93L, near the Leeward Islands, has odds for development up to 90% within the next seven days, and 80% within the next 48 hours. Invest 94L, in the northeastern Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico, has odds for development up to 80% within the next week, but only 30% within the next 48 hours. Invest 94L While 94L isnt looking great now, but is expected to move into an environment conducive for tropical development. Its the one that could move close to North Carolina early next week, around Monday and Tuesday. Rough weather will impact Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic on Wednesday as the tropical wave moves west-northwestward. Once it gets into the southwestern Atlantic near the Bahamas, Invest 94L could develop into a tropical depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this, theres a bit of uncertainty about where it goes. Most computer models are in decent agreement that it will move to the northwest, before turning to the northeast, but its when the turn to the northeast occurs that could matter for impacts to North Carolina. The wave should move around an area of high pressure in the Atlantic, but if a cold front that is set to move through central North Carolina late this week stalls off our coast, that front can act as a pseudo barrier and turn the system away to the northeast. If the front slows down or the wave speeds up, it could end up tracking closer to the coast. Models right now have the front off the coast, guiding the storm away, but with a spread in model solutions, the forecast will need to be fine-tuned over the next few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it does move close to North Carolina, that would occur between Monday and Wednesday of next week. Invest 93L The tropical wave known as 93L will likely become a tropical depression or storm within the next few days. 93L could take a similar path to Gabrielle, curving around Atlantic high pressure and staying out in the open Atlantic. Depending on how close these two systems (93L and 94L) get to each other they could do a dance with each other called the Fujiwhara Effect. The Fujiwhara Effect is when two low pressures (in this case, two tropical systems) are spinning and moving in the same general direction dance around each other around a center point. A weaker system can be absorbed by the stronger one, while systems that are more similar in strength can dance around each other before going off on their own paths, or even merge. This does not mean two systems can make one larger system, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its too early to determine if that will happen with these two tropical waves once they strengthen, but its a factor to watch through the end of the week, as it can make forecasting their paths a bit more complicated. Next names for 2025 Atlantic season The next names on the list are Humberto and Imelda. Weve only had seven named storms this year in the Atlantic, with two of them becoming hurricanes. It is important to note that both of those hurricanes were Category 4 or stronger. On average, our seventh named storm has formed by September 3 and our second major hurricane has formed by September 19, according to the National Hurricane Center. The forecast will develop over the next few days, so keep updated with the CBS17 Storm Team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. President Donald Trump delivered a critical address to the United Nations General Assembly, charging the institution with failing to act to solve spiraling conflicts and immigration woes and deriding its "empty words" that dont solve war. All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter," he said, touting his own peacemaking efforts at a moment of heightened strain with U.S. allies over Palestinian statehood, trade and other flash points. Trump also called climate change concerns a con job, saying international agreements to reduce global warming were destroying much of the free world with demands that industrialized nations disrupt their societies even as the developing ones continue to defy the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he urged the nations before him to forge a new path in partnership with Washington, saying he believed the organization "has tremendous potential" while he touted his own successes and sharply criticizing many of theirs. Im really good at this stuff, he said. "Your countries are going to hell." President Donald Trump addresses the U.N. General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Inside the room, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other leaders listened to Trump speak. Since his last address to the assembly six years ago, the guns of war have shattered the peace I forged on two continents, he said, before he touted his own efforts to bring an end to seven wars and conflicts in seven months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help in finalizing the deal. All I got from the United Nations was an escalator that on the way up stopped right in the middle ... and then a teleprompter that didnt work," Trump said, alluding to technical issues at the beginning of his remarks Tuesday. After his speech, Trump is scheduled to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as well as leaders from Ukraine, Argentina and the European Union, where, he said, many countries stand "on the brink of destruction" because of their green energy projects. He will also take part in a multilateral meeting with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday. Trump said he would soon sit down with Lula, praising their "excellent chemistry." When Trump addressed the U.N. during his first term, he promised to "reject the ideology of globalism" and urged other countries to join him in a patriotic national embrace. Those remarks drew derisive snickers from the world leaders and dignitaries in the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Trump said he was eager to offer "the hand of American leadership and friendship" to any members of the assembly "willing to join us in forging a safer, more prosperous world." He urged its support in bringing an end to wars, including in Gaza and Ukraine, but said that to do so, "we must work together. While his relationships with many foreign leaders have improved this time around, Trump has not shied from envisioning an expansionary image of American strength while imposing punishing tariffs on friends and foes alike. Some of those tariffs, Trump said, were a retaliatory effort. "We are hitting them back," he said of Brazil, before he suggested the bilateral relationship could forge a new path out of economic struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They can only do well when they're working with us; without us, they will fail just as others have failed," he said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva listens to Trump. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) At the same time, the administration has accelerated its pullback from the U.N., slashing its contributions to the organization and, until last week, leaving its ambassadorship vacant. On Friday, a State Department spokesperson called for the U.N. to get back to basics, reorienting the organization to its origins as an effective tool for advancing peace, sovereignty, and liberty. The retreat was on display Sunday and Monday, after France, the U.K., Canada and Australia formally recognized a Palestinian state with more countries likely to follow this week breaking with leadership in Washington. Trump has been very clear he disagrees with this decision, Leavitt told reporters Monday in a preview of his address. Trump said in his remarks Tuesday that recognizing Palestinian statehood would amount to "a reward" for Hamas and called for the release of Israeli hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on NBC News TODAY show that none of the countries that have recognized Palestinian statehood "will play much of a role in bringing about the end of this conflict in Gaza." "Everybody continues to come to us to make a difference," he said. "Any future resolution of this matter with Israel is going to have to be negotiated. Isnt going to be up to France or the U.K. or any other country." Trump has urged European leaders to impose huge tariffs on India and China over their oil purchases to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, calling the failure to do so inexcusable" and "embarrassing." "They're buying oil and gas from Russia while they're fighting Russia," he said. "They have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia; otherwise, we're all wasting a lot of time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the United States has imposed its own punishing trade tariffs on India and a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. Other leaders have been locked in negotiations with the administration over the tariff regime. Grappling with unresolved wars in Gaza and Ukraine, which he has pledged to end, Trump has acknowledged his frustrations as the two tasks remain vexingly out of reach, saying recently that Putin really let me down about a month after they met in Alaska for talks aimed at progress. The war, ongoing for more than three years, is "making them look bad," he said Tuesday. Trump departs U.N. headquarters after his speech. (Angela Weiss / AFP - Getty Images) Rubio said Trump has "repeatedly expressed his deep disappointment at the direction that Putin is taking this, even after Alaska, and at some point he may have to decide to impose new sanctions." But he warned that "the minute we go heavy on the sanctions and everything else, our ability to act as a broker to bring about peace is diminished." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Donald Trump delivered a combative speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday morning, lambasting the international body while touting the work of his administration. Trump spared no criticism in the hourlong address, beginning with his predecessor former President Joe Biden before taking aim at world leaders on everything from migration to the Russia-Ukraine war. "One year ago, our country was in deep trouble. But today, just eight months into my administration, we're the hottest country anywhere in the world, and there is no other country even close," he said at the top of his remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 'Sick to my stomach': Trump distorts facts on autism, Tylenol and vaccines, scientists say Trump touted the U.S. as having the "strongest" borders, military and relationships around the world. The president then turned his attention the United Nations, accusing it of not living up to its promise and even accused it of bringing on more problems. "What is the purpose of the United Nations?" Trump asked. "It has such tremendous, tremendous potential. But it's not even coming close to living up to that potential. For the most part, at least for now, all they seem to do is write a really strongly-worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It's empty words and empty words don't solve war. The only thing that solves war and wars is action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump accused the organization of ignoring conflicts around the world that he claims he solved, casting himself as a peacemaker. "Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize for each one of these achievements," Trump said. "But for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who lived to grow up with their mothers and fathers because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless and inglorious wars." Richard Drew/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, Sept. 23, 2025. Trump threatens Russia sanctions, but says Europe must do more Trump said the United States is prepared to enforce a "very strong round of powerful tariffs" on Russia should Moscow not be ready to make a peace deal. But he said other countries need to pull back on buying Russian oil and energy products "otherwise we're all wasting a lot of time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump admin live updates: Rubio defends US cuts to foreign aid "Europe has to step it up. They can't be doing what they're doing. They're buying oil and gas from Russia while they're fighting Russia. It's embarrassing to them," Trump said. Trump also took a moment to criticize China and India, calling them the main sponsors of the war in Ukraine because of their purchases of Russian oil. The president has threatened for months to impose harsher economic penalties on Russia but has yet to do so. He didn't say on Tuesday what it would take for him to determine Russia doesn't want peace, though he said the war is "not making Russia look good, it's making them look bad." Jeenah Moon/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, Sept. 23, 2025. Trump bashes world leaders on migration, green energy Trump said other countries should be modeling the U.S. on the issue of immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not only is the U.N. not solving the problems it should, too often it's actually creating new problems for us to solve," Trump said. "The best example is the No. 1 political issue of our time, the crisis of uncontrolled migration. It's uncontrolled. Your countries are being ruined." To leaders gathered in the conference hall, Trump said: "Your countries are going to hell." He also encouraged leaders to reject policies geared toward fighting climate change and global warming, falsely calling climate change "the greatest con job ever" and touting his administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. "If you don't get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail," Trump said. Shannon Stapleton/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, September 23, 2025. Trump demands Hamas release hostages, disagrees on Palestinian statehood On Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, Trump said the world has to "come together" to "end the war in Gaza." He reiterated that he wanted to see the hostages released immediately, but offered no clear path forward on progressing negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump continued to express his disagreement with countries moving to recognize Palestinian statehood. Several key U.S. allies, most recently France, have announced they are recognizing a Palestinian state. MORE: France, UK and others recognize Palestinian statehood as UN General Assembly convenes. What does it mean? "Now, as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities," Trump said. Trump instead called for a united message from the body for Hamas to release hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages now. Just release the hostages now. Thank you," Trump said. Trump warns drug smugglers, 'We will blow you out of existence' The president highlighted his administration's recent strikes against alleged narcoterrorists from Venezuela, an unprecedented use of of lethal military force against a criminal enterprise that has raised legal questions. "We've recently begun using the supreme power of the United States military to destroy Venezuela terrorists and trafficking networks led by Nicolas Maduro to every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America," Trump said in his speech. "To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America. Please be warned that we will blow you out of existence. That's what we're doing," Trump added. UNITED NATIONS President Donald Trump is not happy with some top U.S. allies decision to recognize a Palestinian state at this weeks U.N. General Assembly, and rebuked them in New York for what he described as a reward for acts of terrorism by Hamas. But the administration is not yet matching that rhetoric with action, seemingly freeing allies to deliver a symbolic rebuke of Israel without risk of punishment from the United States. Top officials in both the United Kingdom and Canada told POLITICO there was scant private pushback from the Trump administration on those countries for embracing Palestinian statehood. In Britain, Trumps restrained public comments over the summer on the prospect of diplomatic recognition even helped solidify Prime Minister Keir Starmers plans to move ahead, according to one senior U.K. official. (I dont mind him taking a position, Trump said of Starmer in July.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump officials have responded to the coordinated recognition of Palestine by Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Australia by belittling it as a performance (in the words of U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz) and a vanity project (according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.) They have chosen to treat recognition as an activist show, rather than a menace that must be thwarted by expending diplomatic and political capital. The Israeli government has denounced the move to recognize Palestine in forceful terms. Yet in the absence of sterner admonitions from Washington and from Trump himself U.S. allies have interpreted American derision as a kind of free pass to act. A senior Canadian government official, who briefed journalists in advance of announcing that Canada would recognize Palestine, said Trump had not raised the issue recently with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Our policies, our direction, are well understood by our U.S. colleagues and counterparts. They understand the rationale that is behind it, said the Canadian official, who like others in this story was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior U.K. official described Trumps seeming ambivalence about Palestinian statehood as an encouraging dynamic for Starmer. This official recalled Trumps visit to Scotland in July, when he was asked about Starmers intention to recognize a Palestinian state. Trumps shrugging response to the question gave the British government some impetus to move ahead, this official said, since the U.S. president did not seem inclined to retaliate. The remark was "a big moment" for the Starmer teams thinking, this official said, and came at a time when the prime minister was facing an outcry within his own party about the war in Gaza. In his speech to world leaders at the U.N. on Tuesday, Trump accused those recognizing Palestinian statehood of offering Hamas a reward for acts including the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, and said they were not prioritizing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas custody. But he stopped short of threatening any consequences for the move. Where Trump has been indifferent, top administration officials have generally reacted with dismissiveness. Rubio said in a Tuesday interview with CBS that the efforts are almost a vanity project for a couple of these world leaders who want to be relevant, but it really makes no difference. At a hearing of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Waltz derided the performance and criticized the U.N. for convening a meeting about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington and Israel had vowed to respond forcefully to the move, which was expected as the gathering in New York approached. Last week, Republican lawmakers wrote to the leaders of Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, warning them that the recognition of a Palestinian state may invite punitive measures as a response. Israel has also warned the countries that recognized a Palestinian state that they risked alienating domestic Jewish constituencies. Some of those threats came from Trump himself. In July, shortly after Carney announced Canadas intention to recognize the Palestinian state, Trump said the issue might make it difficult for Canada and the U.S. to strike a deal. But thereve been no suggestions of concrete actions the administration might take. And multiple allies have implied that the U.S. didnt try to convince them to change their plans. French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview Sunday with CBS that we had many exchange with people close to the president, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner, about recognizing a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, Israel has vowed to pursue tougher measures against Palestinians as a response to the recognition. The Israeli government threatened to annex more territory in the West Bank in retaliation against the move at the United Nations. The United States also revoked the visas of top Palestinian officials, arguing Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization members failed to comply with U.S. law by allegedly maintaining ties to terrorist groups. Yet, people familiar with the thinking within the Israeli and American governments acknowledged that recognition doesnt meaningfully change the state of the fight against Hamas. Recognition has not changed the reality on the ground. It has not brought us closer to the establishment of a Palestinian state, said a person familiar with the Israeli governments thinking, who went on to reiterate Israels position that recognition would embolden Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countries are unlikely to walk back their positions absent real pressure. Carney on Tuesday said he wasnt worried about any blowback from the White House, arguing we have the best trade deal of any country in the world. He also reiterated at an event in New York that we have an independent foreign policy. We make decisions that are consistent with our values. Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also downplayed any impact the recognitions may have on their relations with the United States in interviews this week. An official from one of the countries that recognized a Palestinian state this week acknowledged that when it comes to U.S. retaliation, nothing can be ruled out, but argued that punitive measures would make little sense. More than 140 countries already recognize Palestine, the official said. Would all these countries be punished? Mike Blanchfield, Nicholas Vinocur and Daniella Cheslow contributed to this report. Estonia is confident that Donald Trump will come to its defence in the event of war with Russia. Kristen Michal, the prime minister, insisted in an interview with the Telegraph that the US president had made his position clear following the entry of Russian jets into Estonian airspace last week. On Tuesday, Nato issued a joint declaration warning Russia that it was prepared to shoot down invasive aircraft, an event that could trigger war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump later encouraged Nato nations to blast Moscows jets out of the sky at the UN General Assembly in New York. I would say Donald Trump made it quite clear yesterday and the day before, when he was on the news everywhere, saying he will protect Poland and the Baltics, Mr Michal said. We have been in contact on a governmental level with Washington, the prime minister added, noting that the US message to Russia was also quite clear at the UN General Assembly. Under the terms of Natos Article 5, the US is bound to respond to any attack on Estonia, which shares a 183-mile border with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by reporters on the White House lawn if he would defend Poland and the Baltics from Russian aggression, Mr Trump on Sunday replied: I would. We dont like it, he added, referring to the Russian drones that hit Poland this month and the entry of its MiG-31 fighter jets into Estonian airspace. The roof of a house was destroyed after Russian drones violated Polish airspace earlier this month - Czarek Sokolowski/AP But earlier this summer, Mr Trump cast doubt on whether he would commit Americas full might to any confrontation with Moscow, saying there were numerous definitions of Article 5 and he was committed only to being their friend. Estonian diplomats fear that the president might not prove a reliable ally if the country is attacked by Russian tanks, jets or troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns were heightened after reports this month that the US will phase out two security packages that have built up the armies of the European nations bordering Russia. A group of Estonian MPs wrote to Congress pleading for the continuation of the Baltic Security Initiative, which has distributed $1.6bn to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the last five years. Having been absorbed into the Soviet empire in 1941, Estonia has invested heavily in its defence following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Its leaders have been outspoken about the existential threat Russia poses to European security, forming part of the north-eastern group of nations which have given the most support to Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about recent reports that the White House had become frustrated with Tallinns fiercely anti-Russian stance, Mr Michal said the problem lay with Moscow. Estonians are very calm people, he said. But Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Finns, Swedes everybody knows Russia, and the UK [does too]. So the problem is Russia, not our willingness to protect ourselves. Donald Trump with Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN General Assembly in New York, where the US president encouraged Nato nations to blast Moscows jets out of the sky - Alexander Drago/Reuters Tallinn is set to boost its defence spending to 5.4 per cent of GDP by 2029, a figure that would make it the top spender in Nato in proportional terms. It has recently taken delivery of long-range, US-made Himars rockets, while investing heavily in ammunition and air defence systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his remarks to The Telegraph, Mr Michal was cautious not to suggest that Estonia would take unilateral action that could start a war with Russia. Tallinn does not possess fighter jets but is set to acquire advanced Iris-T air defence systems by the end of the year. We feel that everything is working well on the Nato level, Mr Michal said, hailing the Italian F-35 jets that scrambled to intercept the Russian MiG-31s last Friday. If needed, Nato can take actions, but it depends on Natos parameters, the prime minister added, stressing that those limits were under discussion in the North Atlantic Council, Natos decision-making body, on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nato aircraft including British F-35s rotate through Estonia under the Baltic Air Policing Mission. The alliance has also committed to strengthening its eastern flank under Operation Eastern Sentry, launched after the drone incursions into Poland. A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet flying above the Baltic Sea after violating Estonian airspace - AFP via Getty Images Mr Michal praised very good partners in the UK and said that Nato could commit to stepping up the capabilities of the forces it deploys to Estonia. That can mean planes, that can mean different kinds of capabilities on land, he said. On Tuesday, the alliances joint declaration suggested that Russian jets risked being shot down if they crossed its borders, without explicitly saying so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia should be in no doubt, the statement said. Nato and Allies will employ all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad, it added. Speaking in New York alongside Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, Mr Trump encouraged straight shoot-downs. Yes, I do, he said when asked if he thought Nato nations should blow up Russian aircraft that crossed their borders. Whether America would help the Baltics depends on the circumstances, Mr Trump added, but were very strong toward Nato. Natos rules of engagement are not public, but the ultimate decision to use lethal force is a political one unless the lives of the pilots are threatened. As it was Italian jets that launched out of Estonias Amari air base on Friday, that means Rome had the final say on whether to pull the trigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Michal would not be drawn on whether Nato needed to update its procedures in light of Russias recent aggression. Who will do what at a certain moment is for Saceur [Natos Supreme Allied Commander Europe] and the North Atlantic Council to talk about, Mr Michal said. I have utmost confidence in Nato and all the Nato allies. The current Saceur is Gen Alexus G Grynkewich of the US Air Force. Since Natos formation in 1951, the role has always been held by an American officer. Before Gen Grynkewichs appointment in July this year, there had been concerns that Mr Trump would decline to nominate an American to the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is reorienting US defence to prioritise the homeland over any threats from Beijing or Moscow, following Mr Trumps America first principles. In earlier remarks to a group of journalists on Tuesday, Mr Michal stressed there were trade-offs required for Tallinn to hit its ambitious defence spending goals. While the investment would hopefully boost the economy, the prime minister said we dont want to be in this position, we dont want to be spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence. You can imagine what that will mean to society, you will have to push everything else smaller. 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. WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Twelve-foot statues of President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein holding hands and frolicking appeared on the National Mall early Tuesday morning. They were erected, according to a plaque, by an anonymous group called The Secret Handshake. Placed just across the street from Union Square Park, the statues honor, perhaps sarcastically, the friendship of Trump and Epstein during Friendship Month, which was created by Oddfellows, an international fraternal order established in England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his 'closest friend,' Jeffrey Epstein," the middle plaque reads, along with "There must be more to life than having everything." Epstein died by suicide in jail on Aug. 10, 2019, while awaiting federal charges of sex trafficking. He had been convicted on state charges of soliciting prostitution in Florida in 2008. Residents and tourists stop Tuesday at the statues of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein erected at the National Mall in Washington. Photo by Bridget Erin Craig/UPI "This is a hoot," said District of Columbia resident Lelaina Brandet said. "It seems there's other daily distractions, whether calling a marginalized group a terrorist organization or attacking some random vote to distract from what pretty much everybody from both sides wants -- which is to see the release of the Epstein files." On the left of the installation, Trump is displayed with another plaque quoting the infamous birthday card to Epstein, which reads in part, "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret." This is the middle plaque of the statues of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein at the National Mall in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bridget Erin Craig/UPI Epstein's plaque reads "Nor will I, since I also know what it is. Yes, we do come to think of it. As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statues have drawn attention of tourists, stopping out of curiosity of what a crowd was there for and lining up to take pictures. People stood reading the plaques and took it all in, calling the paper mache-and-paint sculpture impressively done. Some were lured there after seeing it on social media.. This is the the plaque underneath Jeffrey Epstein's statue at the National Mall in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bridget Erin Craig/UPI "I think it's a really good reminder about how artists are the ones that always push back on fascists first, on fascist governments," D.C. resident Matt Gordon said. The location of the statues caught the attention of government workers on their lunch break, given the proximity to many government buildings. They described it as "hilarious" and a means of "accountability." This is the plaque underneath President Donald Trump, which contains part of Trumps birthday card to Epstein. Photo by Bridget Erin Craig/UPI Nadine Seiler, a Maryland resident who stopped at the statues in between protests, said "Everything counts, because a lot of people in this country are just going about their lives without even paying attention to what's happening." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump-Epstein statue appeared just a week after a 12-foot golden Trump statue whose faceplate called him the "Bitcoin president." It was displayed anonymously at the same location for about a day before being taken down. Protesters advocating for the release of the Epstein files stop at the President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein friendship statues at the National Mall in Washington on Tuesday. Photo by Bridget Erin Craig/UPI "It is great to have these artists that keep pushing the focus of 'Hey, let's not forget this is what America wants right now.' We love it. It's fantastic," resident Brandet said. Robin Galbraith and Donna Powell, two D.C. residents who also stopped in between protests like Seiler, felt the commitment to statement art like the statues helps bring justice to those affected by the Epstein files and accountability. It raises awareness in a way that caters to people's imagination using art. It has always been used for resistance, raise awareness, and those women [Epstein's victims] deserve justice." B HODL Plc., a UK-listed Bitcoin treasury company, has announced its purchase of 100 BTC. The purchase marks the start of the companys Bitcoin treasury strategy, totaling $11.3 million with each BTC acquired at an average price of $113,227. B HODL Joins Smarter Web and Satsuma With 100 BTC On September 24, B HODL kicked off its Bitcoin treasury strategy by acquiring 100 BTC at an average purchase price of 83,872, equivalent to $113,227. Altogether, the entire holdings were valued at 8.4 million or $11.3 million. This acquisition is no small feat, as B HODL now has a position among the top 100 public Bitcoin treasury companies. According to data from Bitcoin Treasuries, the company ranks 98 out of 100. This is a lofty achievement for a company that is just starting out in its Bitcoin acquisition journey. Top UK-based firms like Smarter Web and Satsuma already have significantly larger Bitcoin holdings. For example, Smarter Web holds as much as 2,525 BTC, worth $284.4 million, and ranks 29th globally but first in the UK. It is followed by Satsuma, which held up to 1,125.85 BTC as of August 6. The London-based AI infrastructure company had accepted 1,097.29 BTC from investors as part of funding. At the time, Phoenix Digital Assets held down the third position with 247 BTC. Judging by these numbers, B HODL still has a long way to go if it plans to compete with its counterparts. Most of these companies are copying Michael Saylors Strategy Bitcoin playbook. The company remains focused on the disciplined acquisition of bitcoin to build a long-term strategic reserve that also powers B HODLs Lightning Network operations, B HODL stated. Strategy Dominates as Largest Corporate Bitcoin Holder Strategy is a long way from any of its competitors in terms of Bitcoin holdings. The business intelligence and software firm, which kick-started its Bitcoin acquisition and accumulation journey back in August 2020, holds the largest corporate Bitcoin stash. It recently purchased 850 BTC, taking its entire holdings to 639,835 BTC. These total holdings are currently worth approximately $72 billion. Bitcoin is currently trading at $112,730.03, with a 0.24% dip within the last 24 hours, a major shift that show injected capital is helping to hold the coin. Read original story UKs First Bitcoin Treasury Company B HODL Buys 100 BTC by Godfrey Benjamin at Coinspeaker.com A new federal policy regarding visas for skilled international workers could have significant consequences for Connecticut businesses and universities, officials said this week. On Friday, President Donald Trump's administration announced a $100,000 fee for all new recipients of H-1B visas, a type of nonimmigrant visa designed to help U.S. companies find employees with technical skills not common in the U.S. The fee, Trump argued, will encourage companies to hire American workers, instead of foreign ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new policy leaves businesses in Connecticut and elsewhere who'd normally hire through the H-1B program facing a choice between paying the $100,000 fee, hiring an American employee in place of a foreign one or not hiring at all. According to the Hartford-based CBIA Foundation, Connecticut typically welcomes about 1,100 new H-1B visa holders a year, most of whom work in research and development, bioscience, finance and engineering. "You're talking about one-of-a-kind individuals in a lot of cases, where you can't necessarily replace them, so there will almost certainly be some people who are willing to pay that fee," said Dustin Nord, director of the CBIA Foundation. "But a lot of other people will look elsewhere." The Trump administration rolled out the new policy through a proclamation Friday night that briefly left businesses unclear on whether the fee applied to existing H-1B visa holders or only prospective ones. Tariq Islam, vice president of the Middletown-based engineering firm AI Engineers, said he was at a wedding Friday night when he learned of the policy and soon found himself fielding calls from employees concerned they wouldn't be permitted to remain in the country. Of about 150 Connecticut-based employees at AI Engineers, at least 20 are in the country on H-1B visas, Islam said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islam said AI Engineers initially began urging employees to return to the U.S. from trips abroad, for fear they wouldn't be allowed back once the policy took effect. "I dealt with so much chaos, with so many panicked employees," he said. "It was madness and chaos this past weekend." Even after the administration clarified Saturday that the new fee applies only to new H-1B visa applicants, some employers in Connecticut and elsewhere have cautioned those in the program to avoid international travel, just in case. Yale University, for example, issued guidance to H-1B visa holders this weekend informing them of the latest developments and warning them to think carefully before leaving the country. "We still advise caution to those H-1B visa holders currently in the U.S. regarding international travel, as this situation is rapidly evolving," the university said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has argued restricting H-1B visas will benefit American workers, who will be hired for jobs that otherwise would have gone toward those from other countries. In some cases, the administration alleges, companies hire foreign employees not because they can't find comparable talent in the U.S. but because it's cheaper to do so. In a proclamation issued Friday, Trump argued that the H-1B visa program "has been deliberately exploited to replace, rather than supplement, American workers with lower-paid, lower-skilled labor." "The large-scale replacement of American workers through systemic abuse of the program has undermined both our economic and national security," he said. The fee will be in place for one year, the Trump administration says, but may be extended further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have objected to the new fees as anti-immigrant, anti-business or both. In a statement Tuesday, top Democrats in the Connecticut state Senate called the policy "a punitive measure that will harm Connecticut businesses and hurt higher education by limiting access to skilled faculty and researchers," as well as "a direct attack on immigrants." "This outrageous fee is another shortsighted move by Trump that will provoke long-term damage to our economy, universities, and our country's reputation," Sens. Martin Looney, Bob Duff and Joan Hartley said in a statement. Nord said the new policy has quickly caused consternation within Connecticut's business community. "The initial reaction is definitely one of concern," he said. "It's a potentially pretty significant impediment towards recruiting what is for many companies essential talent for what they're working on." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI Engineers is unlikely to pay the $100,000 fee, which Islam called "financially unfeasible." Instead, Islam said, companies like his are instead likely to outsource more work overseas. Kris Klein Hernandez, a history professor at Connecticut College who studies immigration, said the new H-1B visa policy fits with the Trump administration's broader efforts to restrict migration to the U.S. Like other presidents before him, Klein Hernandez said, Trump is appealing to Americans' "fear and anxieties around job security." "Historically, communities and populations have been scapegoated for various reasons throughout our past," Klein Hernandez said. "So what I see this administration doing is doing exactly what previous administrations in the past have done, which is align themselves with fear and anxiety about our borders." Information from the Associated Press is included in this report. President Donald Trump and RFK Jr. urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol in a Sept. 22 news conference, but why Tylenol and why do they want women to avoid it? Trump and his Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol and other drugs with high amounts of its active ingredient, acetaminophen, claiming it was linked to a rise in autism in children, USA Today previously reported. "Fight like hell not to take it," Trump said during the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump said the Food and Drug Administration would start advising physicians of the risk to pregnant women and children. What is acetaminophen? Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in pain relief medicine like Tylenol. The name brand is not the only over-the-counter drug that uses the ingredient. Other cold and flu relief drugs such as Nyquil, DayQuil, Robitussin and Vick's use acetaminophen as an ingredient. Does acetaminophen cause autism? Despite Trump and RFK Jr.'s insistence of the link to autism, experts from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorsed the use of the drug while pregnant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy and Trump have both previously come under fire for their reluctance to condemn misinformation linking vaccines to autism Experts say multiple factors contribute to autism and there is no definitive link between Tylenol and autism despite Kennedy claiming the FDA's recommendation is based on clinical and laboratory studies. Kennedy said the FDAs recommendation is based on clinical and laboratory studies. Yet health agencies across the world and other medical experts have not found a definitive link between Tylenol and autism. In addition, Trump said the FDA is approving the medication leucovorin for the treatment of autistic children upon prescription. The president also urged parents to ignore vaccine schedules for their children, USA Today reported. What are California's regulations on acetaminophen? The California Department of Health had previously considered labeling acetaminophen as a carcinogen, or a substance with high cancer risk, according to USA Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the designation would not have been as such a heavy blow to the drug as being labeled as an autism risk by the president, California's Proposition 65 would have required the drug to be labeled as a cancer risk. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Tylenol consumption by pregnant women blamed for autism A lengthy address by Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly stunned world leaders, not just by its near-record-breaking duration, but also with his sustained verbal attacks on countries traditionally allied with U.S. interests. Overrunning his 15 minute time slot in a turbulent speech lasting over 56 minutes, the US President railed at immigration in the EU, claimed the UN is funding an assault on Western countries, called Londons Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan terrible, described climate change as the greatest con job ever, claimed himself to have stopped multiple "un-endable wars, and suggested he deserved the Nobel Peace prize. There were minor criticisms of Russia, China, and Iran, with Trump instead lashing out at the EU, the countries within it, and other nations on which the U.S. has focused its foreign policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what Trump said about particular countries: The United Kingdom Speaking about Londons Labour Party Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, who was re-elected for a historic third term and was this year knighted by The King, Trump claimed the leader wants to impose Sharia law on the city. The president said: I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it's been changed, its been so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law. But you are in a different country, you cant do that. President Donald Trump speaks to the 80th session of the UNs General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters on September 23, 2025, in New York City (Getty) Both the immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe if something isnt done immediately. This cannot be sustained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Khan said, We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and were delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here. Germany In an assault on renewable energy, Trump incorrectly claimed Germany has had to abandon breakthrough renewable technology. Energy is another area where the United States is now thriving like never before, he said. Were getting rid of the falsely-named renewables. By the way, theyre a joke. They dont work. Theyre too expensive. I give a lot of credit to Germany. Germany was being led down a very sick path, both on immigration and on energy. They were going green, and they were going bankrupt, and the new leadership came in and they went back to where they were, with fossil fuel and with nuclear They went back to where they were and theyre doing well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said, This is a disaster, whats happening? All green is bankrupt. First Lady Melania Trump listens as her husband U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (Getty) Anticipating criticism of his stance, he added: Im here to tell the truth, I dont care. It doesnt matter to me. German officials have repeatedly disavowed similar claims by Trump, with Fortune noting that more than half of the countrys power generation now comes from renewables, and the last coal-fired electricity is due off the grid by 2038 at the latest. Brazil Brazil has unfairly tariffed our nation, Mr Trump told world leaders. But we hit them back, and were now hitting them back very hard. Brazil now faces major tariffs in response to its unprecedented efforts to interfere in the rights and freedoms of our American citizens and others, with censorship, repression, weaponization, judicial corruption, and targeting of political critics in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Im very sorry to say this Brazil is doing poorly and will continue to do poorly. They can only do well when theyre working with us. Without us, they will fail just as others have failed. Trump also told the audience he had shared a brief embrace with Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and insisted he had no hard feelings and that the two of them would talk. At least for 39 seconds, we had excellent chemistry, Trump said of his interaction with Lula. Its a good sign. Ukraine In another section of the speech, Trump claimed Russias invasion of Ukraine was only meant to be a quick little skirmish. It has now taken three years and counting, with Trump suggesting the drawn-out process is making Russia look bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he thought it would be the easiest global conflict to solve because his relationship with Vladimir Putin has always been a good one. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in New York (AP) He threatened to hit Russia with "a very strong round of powerful tariffs," which he claimed would "stop the bloodshed ... very quickly," but he also suggested fighting would not end as long as China and European nations continue buying Russian energy. "They're funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one?" Trump said. Gaza Of the war in Gaza, Trump said: I have also been deeply engaged in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza. Have to get that done. Have to get it done. Unfortunately, Hamas has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referencing the move by several nations this week, recognizing the state of Palestine, Trump added: As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7, even while they refuse to release the hostages or accept a ceasefire, instead of giving to Hamas and giving so much because they've taken so much, they have taken so much. This could have been solved so long ago. But instead of giving in to Hamas' ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: release the hostages. Now. Just release the hostages. UNITED NATIONS President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from the U.S. leaders repeated calls for Kyiv to make concessions to end the war. Trump posted on social media soon after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly gathering of world leaders. I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form, Trump wrote. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strengthened support from Trump, if it sticks, is a huge win for Zelenskyy, who has urged the American president to keep up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his war. It was a departure from Trumps previous suggestions that Ukraine would never be able to reclaim all the territory that Russia has occupied since seizing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. That had disheartened Zelenskyy, Europeans and Ukrainians and called into question the U.S. commitment to U.N. principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. But now, Trumps view of the battlefield coincides more with Ukraines, Zelenskyy said. Trump is a game changer by himself, Zelenskyy told reporters after their meeting. Trump needles Russia about war in Ukraine Trump, going back to his 2024 campaign, insisted he would quickly end the war, but his peace efforts appear to have stalled following a diplomatic blitz last month, when he held a summit with Putin and a White House meeting with Zelenskyy and European allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has acknowledged, including in his U.N. speech to world leaders, that he thought a resolution to this conflict would be the easiest because he has had a good relationship with Putin. Trump said he is open to imposing more sanctions on Russia and urged Europe to join in. Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win, Trump wrote on social media. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger. In his speech to the General Assembly, Trump said the war in Ukraine was making Russia look bad because it was supposed to be a quick little skirmish. It shows you what leadership is, what bad leadership can do to a country, he said. The only question now is how many lives will be needlessly lost on both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump said the biggest progress toward ending the conflict is that the Russian economy is terrible right now. Zelenskyy said he agreed with Trumps call for European nations to further halt imports of Russian oil and natural gas. We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up, Trump told Zelenskyy, who replied that he had good news from the battlefield. In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Service, the fire following a Russian missile attack is seen in Tatarbunary, Odesa region, Ukraine, on Tuesday. (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP) How Trumps stance has shifted on Ukraine Before his Alaska summit with Putin last month, Trump repeated that any resolution to the war would require some land swapping. In talks with Zelenskyy and Europeans just afterward, Trump said Putin reiterated that he wants the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas, according to European officials. Days later, Zelenskyy and prominent European leaders came to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following those meetings, Trump announced he was arranging for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. But Putin hasnt shown any interest in meeting with Zelenskyy and Moscow has only intensified its bombardment of Ukraine. European leaders as well as American lawmakers, including some Republican allies of Trump, have urged the president to dial up stronger sanctions on Russia. In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs, which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly, Trump told the General Assembly. However, he repeated his calls for Europe to step it up and stop buying Russian oil, the engine feeding Putins war machine. Push for sanctions and cutting off Russian oil European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said before meeting with Trump that Europe would be imposing more sanctions and tariffs on Russia and that the bloc would be further reducing its imports of Russian energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy, speaking at a special U.N. Security Council session on Ukraine, also appealed for stronger U.S. pressure on Russia. Moscow fears America and always pays attention to it, said Zelenskyy, who has had strained ties with Trump in previous sitdowns and has previously faced White House accusations that he was partly to blame for Russias invasion in 2022. Russia denigrated the Security Council meeting as just the New York stop in the world tour of a former actor, a reference to Zelenskyy. There is no added value for the establishment of peace in Ukraine generated from todays meeting, said Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russias deputy ambassador to the U.N. This will merely become yet another shameful episode in the market of hypocrisy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders have supported Zelenskyys diplomatic efforts, with some alarmed by the possibility that the war could spread beyond Ukraine as they are facing what they have called Russian provocations. I welcome the fact that the president of the United States believes in Ukraines ability not only to hold the course but to prevail, French President Emmanuel Macron said. NATO allies will hold formal consultations at Estonias request on Tuesday, after the Baltic country said three Russian fighter jets entered its airspace last week without authorization. Trump said he would back NATO countries that choose to shoot down intruding Russian planes, but said direct U.S. involvement would depend on the circumstances. New strikes in Ukraine as toll of war grows The full-scale war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, is taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians. Russia said it shot down three dozen Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow, while Ukraine said Russian missiles, drones and bombs killed at least two civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also said this month that Ukrainian civilian casualties increased by 40% in the first eight months of this year compared with 2024, as Russia escalated its long-range missile and localized drone strikes. A U.N. Human Rights Office report released Tuesday described the dire situation of thousands of civilians detained by Russia in areas of Ukraine it has captured. Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees in occupied territory to torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, in a widespread and systematic manner, the report said. Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. AP reporters Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations contributed to this report. By Richard Cowan and Nolan D. McCaskill WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped a meeting with top congressional Democratic leaders to discuss government funding, raising the risk of a partial government shutdown beginning next week. Democrats and the Republican president postured to try to pin blame on each other for a potential shutdown, which would interfere with a range of federal services and likely furlough hundreds of thousands of federal workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have decided that no meeting with their congressional leaders could possibly be productive," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social media site. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries earlier on Tuesday said Trump had agreed to meet this week at the White House, before government funding expires on September 30. Lawmakers are at odds over so-called discretionary funding, which accounts for about one-quarter of the roughly $7 trillion federal budget. "Democrats are ready to work to avoid a shutdown," Schumer said in a statement responding to Trump's message. "Trump and Republicans are holding America hostage." At issue is how to win enough votes in the deeply divided Congress to pass a stopgap funding bill to keep the government operating into the new fiscal year starting October 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer said it is also urgent for Congress to extend an enhanced tax credit for federally backed health insurance premiums, which is due to expire on December 31. Healthcare policy nonprofit KFF estimates out-of-pocket premium payments rising over 75% for the Affordable Care Act plan year beginning on October 1. "It's the difference between a family trying to make the mortgage payment and having healthcare," Schumer told reporters at a press conference in New York's Brooklyn borough. Republican leaders say they have not slammed the door on extending the tax credit, but have argued that a stopgap funding bill was not the place to accomplish that. The Republican-led House passed a bill last week to extend government funding through November 21, but it failed in the Senate where Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has said he does not intend to call House members back to Washington before October 1 - by which point the government will have shut down absent Senate action. Johnson says his chamber completed its work when it passed its stopgap funding bill on Friday, a move that also presents the Senate - where bills require bipartisan support to pass - no chance to modify the House bill. Jeffries told House Democrats to return to Washington from a week-long break on Monday. UNUSUAL POSITION FOR DEMOCRATS In a long posting on Truth Social, Trump attacked Democrats, but said he would meet with the parties' Leaders "if they get serious about the future of our Nation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without specifically laying out his conditions, Trump said, "All Congressional Democrats want to do is enact Radical Left Policies that nobody voted for High Taxes, Open Borders, No Consequences for Violent Criminals, Men in Womens Sports, Taxpayer funded 'TRANSGENDER' surgery, and much more." Democrats have largely embraced efforts to secure the U.S. border with Mexico, but have criticized Trump's unilateral tactics of targeting immigrants for deportation without due process. They also have criticized Trump's use of some states' National Guard troops in Democratic-controlled cities, ostensibly to reduce crime rates. Voting against bills to keep the government operating puts Democrats in an unusual position, as Schumer over the years has chastised Republicans for voting against the sort of funding extensions known as continuing resolutions that the House passed last week. The federal government has partially shut down 14 times since 1981, but it is unclear what operations would continue and what would close on October 1 if government funding runs out since the Office of Management and Budget has not made public agencies' contingency plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mandatory spending, such as on the Social Security and Medicare benefits would continue, as would interest payments on the federal government's $37.5 trillion in debt. (Reporting by Richard Cowan and Nolan D. McCaskill; additional reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein, Bhargav Acharya, Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu; editing by Scott Malone, Nick Zieminski and Stephen Coates) The News US President Donald Trumps overhaul of Washingtons tariff policy has been a wake-up call for South Africa, driving the country to strengthen trade relationships with the rest of the world, its leader said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his officials had been reaching out to trading partners in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America in order to deepen ties. But he acknowledged that the US, South Africas second-largest trading partner after China, remained crucial: We want to retain that [relationship], but we also want to diversify, because its dangerous to depend only on a few countries. Ramaphosa, who was speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, is facing not only 30% tariffs on his countrys exports to the US, but also next weeks likely expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade deal between the US and African nations. Ramaphosa again voiced his support for AGOA to continue and said his countrys trade representatives had been in talks with US officials. Know More Under AGOA, qualifying African products had duty-free access to US markets, a major boon for South Africas agricultural, automotive, and manufacturing exports. But as of August, many South African goods now face 30% tariffs from Washington a rate among the highest applied to any sub-Saharan AGOA beneficiary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economists warn the new US tariffs risk undermining the South African economy, particularly in key exposed sectors like wine, citrus, and metals, and could lead to job losses estimated in the tens of thousands. A chart showing African nations trade with China and the US In response to fraying ties with Washington, South Africa has turned to Beijing, with Chinese firms this week announcing hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in industries including mining and manufacturing in Africas biggest economy. Beijing also recently extended tariff-free trade to South Africa and 52 other nations on the continent. Donald Trump has urged Volodymyr Zelensky to take back all of Ukraines territory won by Russia and go even further than that. The policy reversal was posted on Truth Social after his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. He said in his post: I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dismissing Russia as a paper tiger in economic peril, Mr Trump added that Ukraine could take back their country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that!. The president wrote: After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia military and economic situation and, after seeing the economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, Nato, the original borders from where this war started, is very much an option. Why not? Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, seen at the UN, said Donald Trumps post was a big shift - Alexander Drago/Reuters The comments come just a month after the US president welcomed Vladimir Putin on the red carpet in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But speaking with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, on Tuesday evening, Mr Trump admitted: That relationship didnt mean anything. Mr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, admitted he was surprised by Mr Trumps comments. He told Fox News on Tuesday night: I am sure in my people, in my army, and I am sure in strengthening support of the United States. But President Trump was more positive in it and he showed that he wants to support Ukraine to the very end, so we understand now that we are ready to finish this war as quick as possible. The US president has previously refused to fully back Mr Zelensky, pushing instead for an immediate end to the war rather than support Ukraines efforts to repel the invading forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair even had a televised bust-up in February where Mr Trump told his counterpart: You dont have the cards to win. But now Mr Trump appears to have changed his tune, accusing Russia of fighting aimlessly in his Truth Social post. In response to the U-turn, Mr Zelensky said the post was a big shift, adding: He is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees after this war will finish. He said: Trump is a game-changer by himself if he will be sure [of] Ukraine [winning]. He is... closer now to this situation. The Ukrainian president said Putin had shared fairytales with Mr Trump about Russias ability on the field, while he and the US president had held a good, constructive meeting together earlier in the day. Earlier, Mr Trump said Nato countries should shoot down Russian fighter jets that violate their airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking alongside the Ukrainian president, after the pair held a meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly, the US president also refused to rule out the possibility of America joining military action to shoot down Russian jets. He said it would depend on the circumstance were very strong toward Nato. Nato has stepped up. Mr Trump was asked by a reporter if Nato countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate Nato airspace. He responded plainly: Yes, I do. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, said the UK was ready to act after Mr Trumps comments. Ms Cooper criticised Moscow for its provocative and reckless violations of Nato airspace in recent weeks during a speech to the United Nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines security is our security, and all of us depend on upholding the UN Charter, she told the United Nations Security Council meeting on Tuesday. Russias actions seek to undermine democracy, secure conflict and spread instability far beyond Europes borders, she said. In recent weeks, weve seen provocative and reckless violations of Nato airspace in Estonia, Poland and Romania, against which Nato stands firm, and we will be ready to act. One of the armed MiG-31 jets Moscow sent into Estonian airspace. Now Mr Trump has said Nato should act against Russian incursions - Forsvarsmakten/AFP She was speaking after a series of airspace violations by Russia, which sent three military jets into Estonian airspace for 12 minutes on Sept 19. Earlier at the UN summit, the US president again praised the Ukrainian army and criticised Putins failed invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not a good thing for Russia, it was supposed to be quick, he said, referring to Putins initial plan to take Ukraine in three days. Russia doesnt look very distinguished having taken three-and-a-half years of very hard fighting. It looks like its not going to end for a long time. Mr Trump said were very strong toward Nato. Nato has stepped up - Alexander Drago/Reuters He added: We have great respect for the fight Ukraine is putting up, its pretty amazing actually. He said the biggest progress was that Russias economy was terrible its crashing, adding: Frankly, Ukraine is doing a very good job at stopping this very large army. Russias recent incursion into Estonia came just days after Moscow sent drones into Poland and Romania, sparking concern in Nato. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith Kellogg, Mr Trumps envoy for Ukraine, also appeared to back Nato shooting down Russian fighter jets that violate the airspace of alliance members. I thought what [Radosaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister] said yesterday was really good, Gen Kellogg was heard telling Alexander Stubb, the Finnish president, at the UN. The MiG-31s entered via the Gulf of Finland without permission and circled for 12 minutes - Forsvarsmakten/AFP Mr Sikorski, speaking after the Russian fighter jets in Estonia were repelled by Italian F-35s, said on Monday: I have only one request to the Russian government: if another missile or aircraft enters our space without permission, deliberately or by mistake, and gets shot down and the wreckage falls on Nato territory, please dont come here to whine about it. You have been warned. Last week, Mr Zelensky said Nato should have shot down a drone that flew over Romania en route to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president initially responded to the first incursion by suggesting that Russias violation of Polish airspace may have been a mistake. But he was contradicted by Gen Kellogg, who responded to the incursion by saying it may have been a test of Western resolve. If it had all happened at once, maybe you could call it an accident. But six hours of drones? Thats a test a way to see what the West would do. And we have to respond like its a test, the envoy said earlier this week. b' ' Nato released an official statement on Tuesday condemning Russias incursion into Estonia. It warned Moscow that the alliance was ready to use all necessary and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to respond in the manner, timing, and domain of our choosing. Our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad, the statement read. Gen Kellogg, who has been one of Ukraines most vocal backers since Mr Trump returned to the White House in January, met with Mr Zelensky ahead of the General Assembly. The envoy also held a meeting with Rustem Umerov, Ukraines defence minister, about how to improve Kyivs air defences. But the generals role has been brought into question several times after he appeared to be frozen out of US-mediated Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is also considered to be more of a hawk in an administration that is largely sceptical of continuing support for Ukraine. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump reiterated his call for European countries to stop buying Russian oil. The president said it was embarrassing that European countries were funding the war against themselves. He said later that he would call his friend Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, to urge him to stop purchasing Russian oil. Hes a friend of mine. I have not spoken to him, but I have a feeling if I did, he might stop, and I think Ill be doing that, Mr Trump said. 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. To help justify a sweeping deportation campaign, an extraordinary U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and unprecedented strikes on boats allegedly trafficking drugs, President Trump has repeated a mantra: Tren de Aragua. He insists that the street gang, which was founded about a decade ago in Venezuela, is attempting an "invasion" of the United States and threatens "the stability of the international order in the Western Hemisphere." Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump described the group as "an enemy of all humanity" and an arm of Venezuela's authoritarian government. According to experts who study the gang and Trump's own intelligence officials, none of that is true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Tren de Aragua has been linked to cases of human trafficking, extortion and kidnapping and has expanded its footprint as Venezuela's diaspora has spread throughout the Americas, there is little evidence that it poses a threat to the U.S. "Tren de Aragua does not have the capacity to invade any country, especially the most powerful nation on Earth," said Ronna Risquez, a Venezuelan journalist who wrote a book about the gang. The group's prowess, she said, had been vastly exaggerated by the Trump administration in order to rationalize the deportation of migrants, the militarization of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, and perhaps even an effort to drive Venezuela's president from power. "It is being instrumentalized to justify political actions," she said of the gang. "In no way does it endanger the national security of the United States." Before last year, few Americans had heard of Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group formed inside a prison in Venezuela's Aragua state then spread as nearly 8 million Venezuelans fled poverty and political repression under the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Gang members were accused of sex trafficking, drug sales, homicides and other crimes in countries including Chile, Brazil and Colombia. Read more: Trump calls climate change 'the greatest con job ever' in combative U.N. speech As large numbers of Venezuelan migrants began entering the United States after requesting political asylum at the southern border, authorities in a handful of states tied crimes to members of the gang. It was Trump who put the group on the map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While campaigning for reelection last year, he appeared at an event in Aurora, Colo., where law enforcement blamed members of Tren de Aragua for several crimes, including murder. Trump stood next to large posters featuring mugshots of Venezuelan immigrants. Occupied America. TDA Gang Members," they read. Banners said: "Deport Illegals Now. Shortly after he took office, Trump declared an "invasion" by Tren de Aragua and invoked the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used 18th century law that allows the president to deport immigrants during wartime. His administration flew 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, where they were housed in a notorious prison, even though few of the men had documented links to Tren de Aragua and most had no criminal records in the United States. Read more: 'I thought I was going to die there': Voices of migrants deported to a Salvadoran prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, Trump has again evoked the threat of Tren de Aragua to explain the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops and a small armada of ships and warplanes to the Caribbean. In July, his administration declared that Tren de Aragua was a terrorist group led by Maduro. That same month, he ordered the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American cartels that his government has labeled terrorists. Three times in recent weeks, U.S. troops have struck boats off the coast of Venezuela that it said carried Tren de Aragua members who were trafficking drugs. The administration offered no proof of those claims. Fourteen people have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has warned that more strikes are to come. "To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence," he said in his address to the United Nations. While he insists the strikes are aimed at disrupting the drug trade claiming without evidence that each boat was carrying enough drugs to kill 25,000 Americans analysts say there is little evidence that Tren de Aragua is engaged in high-level drug trafficking, and no evidence that it is involved in the movement of fentanyl, which is produced in Mexico by chemicals imported from China. The DEA estimates that just 8% of cocaine that is trafficked into the U.S. passes through Venezuelan territory. That has fueled speculation about whether the real goal may be regime change. "Everybody is wondering about Trump's end game," said Irene Mia, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think tank focused on global security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that while there are officials within the White House who appear eager to work with Venezuela, others, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are open about their desire to topple Maduro and other leftist strongmen in the region. Were not going to have a cartel operating or masquerading as a government operating in our own hemisphere, Rubio told Fox News this month. Read more: The Tren de Aragua gang started in a Venezuelan prison. It's now deep in U.S. politics Top U.S. intelligence officials have said they don't believe Maduro has links to Tren de Aragua. A declassified memo produced by the Office of Director of National Intelligence found no evidence of widespread cooperation between his regime and the gang. It also said Tren de Aragua does not pose a threat to the U.S.: "The small size of TDA's cells, its focus on low-skill criminal activities and its decentralized structure make it highly unlikely that TDA coordinates large volumes of human trafficking or migrant smuggling." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Paarlberg, a political scientist who studies Latin America at Virginia Commonwealth University, said he believes Trump is using the gang to achieve political goals and distract from domestic controversies such as his decision to close the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Tren de Aragua, he said, is much less powerful than other gangs in Latin America. "But it has been a convenient boogeyman for the Trump administration." 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. With significant hedge fund interest, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) secures a spot on our list of the 15 Best Stocks to Invest in for Financial Stability. Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) CEO, Jim Vena, Holds Meeting with President Donald Trump to Discuss Norfolk Southern Acquisition On September 12, 2025, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) announced that its CEO, Jim Vena, held a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office to discuss its proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The merger, which was announced in July, is expected to create the first coast-to-coast U.S. rail network, promising efficiencies but raising concerns among rivals and shippers over reduced competition. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) considers the deal a win-win for consumers and unionized workers. With Trumps support, the company looks at the deal as potentially pivotal in expediting regulatory approval. Previously, at a Morgan Stanley conference, Vena stated that senior administration officials also understood the value of the proposal. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) serves key industries and enables nationwide freight connectivity through Union Pacific Railroad, which transports agricultural, industrial, energy, and consumer products across the U.S. It is one of the Best Stocks To Buy. While we acknowledge the potential of UNP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Stocks That Will Benefit From AI and 14 Best IT Stocks to Buy for the Long Term. Disclosure: None. Trump met with leaders from United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan A meeting between US President Donald Trump and leaders of Muslim countries focused on ending the ongoing war in Gaza and reaching a permanent ceasefire, the Emirati state news agency WAM said on Wednesday. The news agency said releasing all hostages and taking steps towards addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in the war-torn enclave were also discussed as priorities at the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and included leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan, WAM added. This is a developing story. Former Fox News host and prominent conservative commentator Tucker Carlson is coming to Indiana University in October as part of Turning Point USAs recently-resumed American Comeback Tour. TPUSAs tour across college campuses came to a screeching halt earlier this month when its co-founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University. In the wake of Kirks assassination, TPUSA has seen a surge in interest, and Kirks memorial service was watched by over 20 million people over the weekend. President of Hillsdale College Larry P. Arnn speaks next to a portrait of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during his memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.,on Sept. 21, 2025. Each stop is a chance to honor Charlies mission and keep the fight alive. We know he wouldnt want us to surrender or be coerced into silence. Free speech is only free if we use our voices, a statement on TPUSAs website reads. Why is Tucker Carlson taking Kirks place on the Turning Point tour? Carlson is just one of several conservative commentators and activists who are taking the place of Kirk for this falls American Comeback Tour. Other speakers include Kirks widow and new TPUSA CEO, Erika Kirk, former Fox News and NBC News commentator Megyn Kelly, Daily Wire podcaster Michael Knowles, and a slate of Republican governors and congressmen. Erika Kirk appears onstage during the memorial service for her husband, Charlie Kirk, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 21, 2025. When is Tucker Carlson speaking at Indiana University? Carlson will speak at IU at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. TPUSAs website does not specify a location for the event. IUs TPUSA chapter president did not return a request for comment. Tucker Carlson speaks during a memorial service honoring Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 21, 2025. Who can attend the Tucker Carlson event at Indiana University? The event is free for IU students and other enrolled college students, though members of the general public can enter a waitlist to attend. As of the time of publication, the waitlist for the IU event is sold out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Register or join the waitlist for the event at https://theturningpointtour.com/. Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Tucker Carlson coming to Indiana University for Turning Point USA tour Two boatloads of Haitian migrants have washed up ashore in different areas of the Caribbean in back-to-back landings this week.. Jamaican authorities said about 40 Haitians traveling in an 18-foot canoe washed up on a beach in the Kensington district of Portland Parish around 1 p.m. Monday, local media reported. The Haitians had escaped into the community after arriving, but 21 of them were captured by authorities. The search for the rest continues. The landing in Jamaica, located 100 miles west of Haitis southwestern coast, is the latest in a growing number of Haitians who have been trying to seek refuge in the English-speaking country as they find themselves struggling against escalating armed violence by criminal gangs, growing hunger and displacement from their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United Nationss World Food Program, nearly half of Haitis 12 million people are facing acute hunger, while more than 1.3 million have been displaced from their homes by armed gangs. The day before the Haitians arrival in Portland, a boatload with more than a hundred passengers was intercepted in the waters of the Turks and Caicos, located about 136 miles off Haitis northern coast. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the boat was carrying 103 migrants, including four children, and was first intercepted by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, which reported a suspicious vessel heading toward Providenciales. The police marine branch, the TCI Regiment and the TCI Border Force were notified and deployed. After the boat was turned over to Turks and Caicos officials, the migrant vessel was towed to South Dock Marina in Providenciales. There, the migrants were turned over to TCI Border Force for processing and their eventual return to Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To date, there have 18 interceptions in the British Overseas Territory, resulting in the detention of 1,510 undocumented migrants, the police said. Those attempting these journeys face perilous conditions at sea, the police said. Failure to adhere to our laws will not be tolerated. The uptick in migration comes as Haitians find traditional routes increasingly closed to them. According to the U.N.s International Organization for Migration, more than 189,750 Haitians have been returned to Haiti this year, with the Dominican Republic accounting for 98% of returnees, followed by the Turks and Caicos, the U.S., The Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico. Earlier this year, the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, stepped up immigration enforcement, deploying police officers to dozens of maternity wards in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, many of the more than 170,000 Haitians who have been forcefully returned are pregnant or lactating women, as well as children and newborns. A U.S. Coast Guard cutter earlier this month returned 191 migrants to Haiti after they were interdicted 40 miles north of Cap-Haitien. Two weeks ago, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flight also returned 132 deportees to the Cap-Haitien. International airport without properly notifying Haitian authorities, sources told the Miami Herald. Asked about the deportations by the Miami Herald, ICE did not respond. On Tuesday, Canadas foreign minister, Anita Anand, during a high-level ministerial meeting at the United Nations in New York said with Haitians facing daily gang violence, the people of Haiti deserve our unwavering support because regional security is at stake, we must act. Anand announced that the Canadian government, recognizing the challenges facing Haiti, will provide an additional $14.4 million in assistance to help improve maritime security in the Caribbean. Ottawa, she said, will work in close coordination with the 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc known as CARICOM, as well as the United Nations and G7 countries. The initiative will help to curb the flow of narcotics and arms in and through Haiti, while enhancing maritime security across the wider region, Anand said during the Economic and Social Council, ECOSOC, meeting at the U.N. co-presided by Haiti. On Thursday, Dec. 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) continued issuing winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories across the U.S., so if you think your round of cold and snow is over, take another look at what's ahead. As for Thursday morning, the NWS announced fresh winter storm ... President Donald Trump urged pregnant women not to take Tylenol during a Sept. 22 press conference, claiming the painkiller is linked to a rise in autism in children. The president said the Food and Drug Administration will soon notify physicians that the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is associated with such a risk. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the FDAs recommendation is based on clinical and laboratory studies. But what do local and national health experts say about the safety of using the painkiller during pregnancy? Here's what we know. What do healthcare providers in Illinois say? Northwestern Medicine lists acetaminophen as a safe medication to use for fevers during pregnancy, instructing users to follow the directions on the drug's packaging for directed dosage. Northwestern also recommends consumers to contact their healthcare provider if the medication does not work for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences says on its website that acetaminophen is safe to use for headaches or fevers during pregnancy, as well as Tylenol PM (containing Benadryl and acetaminophen) for difficulty sleeping. UI Health recommends only taking up to two normal or extra-strength tablets every 4-6 hours, with no more than eight pills every 24 hours. Chicago Women's Health Group, which is made up of OB-GYNs, nurse practitioners and physician assistants across the city, also says Tylenol and Tylenol Cold are safe to use during pregnancy. The Illinois Department of Public Health said in a statement, "IDPH is deeply concerned by the federal government issuing medical recommendations that are not backed by the full weight of scientific evidence. IDPH strongly agrees with the views expressed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists." The department then referenced a press release by ACOG, in which the group said, "Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Ashish Premkumar said in a statement that the University of Chicago Medicine also supports the guidelines published by ACOG, adding, "Use of acetaminophen in pregnancy has demonstrated to be safe with no reliable evidence, or credible evidence, that there is an association with neurodevelopmental disorders or autism spectrum disorders." Premkumar said though Trump and his administration recommend only taking the lowest dose of Tylenol if needed, physicians already prescribe the painkiller in this way if patients are having pain, a fever or other similar conditions. He similarly warned that leaving fevers or infections untreated during pregnancy can lead to issues like birth defects. A 2024 study from researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that increasing acetaminophen use during pregnancy was associated with language delays in children. More specifically, acetaminophen use in the second and third trimesters was linked to modest but significant delays in early language development. The study provided the following disclaimer, though: "The findings need to be tested in larger studies, the researchers said. Until then, people should not be afraid to take acetaminophen for fever or serious pain and discomfort during pregnancy. Conditions like a very high fever can be dangerous and using a drug like acetaminophen will likely help." National guidelines on Tylenol use during pregnancy Soon after the Trump administration's declaration, ACOG shared a Facebook post explicitly saying, "There is no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism in children." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college said in the post that two decades of research have found no causal link between use of the medication and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability in children. "Acetaminophen continues to be an important and safe option for managing pain and fever in pregnancy conditions that can pose serious risks to pregnant patients and their fetuses if left untreated," the post says. In comparison, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a more mixed picture on its website. "Some studies of acetaminophen during pregnancy have shown an association with neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD, particularly when taken chronically throughout pregnancy," the CDC says. "Although a direct causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD has not been established, pregnant women should consider avoiding acetaminophen use during pregnancy as a precaution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC adds that though high fevers have been linked with birth defects, low grade fevers "generally do not require any medication." The center says women in doubt should ultimately consult with their physician about treatment options. This article was updated to include the statement from Dr. Ashish Premkumar. Bart Jansen, Zac Anderson, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Ken Alltucker, Adrianna Rodriguez, Joey Garrison and Sarah D. Wire contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Trump links Tylenol use to autism. See what Illinois health agencies recommend BWINDI, Uganda (AP) News of a sick or injured mountain gorilla can worry local residents in this mountainous area thats home to the endangered species. Thats partly because most of the gorillas have been given names, allowing rangers and others to humanize the animal's suffering. But widespread interest in protecting mountain gorillas also comes from the economic benefits of tourism that have turned poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into eloquent spokespeople for the great apes. If we know there is a gorilla that is sick, you see everyone is concerned. Why? Why is the gorilla sick? Its suffering from what? said Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide in Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even the community people. Everyone is touched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tugume said poaching in the park is increasingly rare since we are actually all working together to make sure conservation goes well, because we are all benefitting. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a remote part of southwestern Uganda, is home to many groups of habituated gorillas that have become comfortable in the presence of humans. Vibrant tourist economy Tourists pay a considerable sum $800 in permit fees per foreign non-resident for the right to see gorillas in their natural habitat. An official revenue-sharing policy channels $10 from each permit back to the local community via their elected leaders, who can invest in projects ranging from water provision to health care. Local communities are also entitled to 20% of all park entry fees generated annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many locals, including reformed poachers living near the park, told The Associated Press that the money generated has ensured the recovery of the species, with habitat encroachment and poaching in decline as wildlife authorities seek to collaborate more with nearby communities. Philemon Mujuni, a poacher until five years ago, said he once thought of the gorilla as a hostile animal to be killed before it killed him if he ever encountered one. As a boy, he used to follow his father, whom he described as a senior poacher, into the forest to help carry the antelopes they pulled from traps. But in 2020, when poachers killed a beloved gorilla named Rafiki, Mujuni and others formed an organization of former poachers who now say the primates are more important than any other animal. They serve as community watchdogs, looking out for people who might venture into the forest to set duiker traps that sometimes ensnare gorillas. Their surveillance efforts help support the work of armed rangers who also regularly patrol the park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When community conservation rangers sensitized us, we said, Let us reform and stop poaching in the national park of Bwindi, Mujuni said. I cant go there. Because, through the conservation team from (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), we get some money from these gorillas we could kill. Reformed poachers Peter Tumwesigye, one of 128 members of the group of reformed poachers, said gorillas are so important that people whose actions lead to a gorilla's death should be jailed. So that others can learn and never do it again, he said. Many of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, a mountainous area encompassing parts of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlook for mountain gorillas has been positive since 2018, when a survey showed that the population exceeded 1,000. It's a remarkable comeback for a species that faced extinction in the last century. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which maintains a list of threatened species, cites the mountain gorilla as endangered, an improvement from its earlier designation as critically endangered. About half of the gorillas live in Uganda. Besides Bwindi, the only other Ugandan park where gorillas can be tracked in the wild is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. But that protected area has just one family of gorillas, while Bwindi has 27 groups that can be seen up close by visitors. The primates are tracked daily. Tugume, the ranger-guide, said she works even on Christmas Day. One recent morning she led a small group of tourists into the forest, swinging a sickle to clear the way and speaking of the tenderness she sees in gorillas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to fight to take over, she said, talking about a young male in a family of gorillas that one day could challenge the leader known as a silverback for its distinguishing coat for mating rights. When you are the leader, you have all the rights to mate with the females. But when you are not the leader, you dont need to mate but you can mate secretly. And if the silverback comes to know, then it will be a tug of war, she said. At the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Buhoma, a town outside the park, a group of ranger-guides and porters gathers each morning for the opportunity to earn generous tips from helping tourists navigate the forest. Groups of trackers are allocated porters, who can even help carry an unfit tourist up the hills and through the undergrowth for around $300. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The value of the gorilla money is very critical, said Gessa Simplicious, a conservationist with the Uganda Tourism Board. It helps with building trust, but it also helps in the awareness of the need to conserve. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Donald Trump has made a unique and sudden intellectual contribution to the future of Ukraine and European defence, shifting the debate away from an assumption that Kyiv must negotiate or die, to a belief that it could destroy the Kremlins army. This remarkable volte-face is being seized upon in Europe with as much vigour as was evident in the effort to look away when Trump backed Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, or when he threatened to invade Denmark and Canada. Trump says all kinds of stuff. Much of it, like his attacks on the UK after he was feted by its king, are politely ignored by a government keen to keep him onside or at least not drive him further towards the dark side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, he posted on his social media: ... after seeing the Economic trouble [the war] is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. ... Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky poses for a photo with Ukrainian soldiers on a frontline position at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service) He made no commitment to help Ukraine do that. But his statement shifted the entire debate among Ukraines allies, away from despondency towards the notion of outright victory. No other Western leader has spelt out more starkly the desire to see Russia defeated in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past six months, the focus has been on how to get Ukraine to agree a ceasefire that allows for the loss of about a fifth of its territory in return for peace underwritten by (pretty feeble) Western military assurances. Europe moved fast to cement Trumps off-the-cuff response into a wider policy. We can achieve much more; not all European states have done what they promised Ukraine for a long time. We need to look at what other financial and military options we have, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul told radio station Deutschlandfunk. Russia was rattled. The Kremlin issued a statement hitting back at Trumps suggestion that Ukraine could win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as we understand, President Trumps statements were made after communicating with Zelensky and, apparently, under the influence of a vision set out by Zelensky, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This vision contrasts sharply with our understanding of the current state of affairs. The fact that Ukraine is being encouraged in every possible way to continue hostilities and the argument that Ukraine can win something back is, in our view, a mistaken argument. The dynamics on the front lines speak for themselves. A local resident looks at destroyed Russian military vehicles displayed at St Michaels Square in Kyiv earlier this year (AFP/Getty) Ukraine is not winning. Neither is Russia. The war is at a bloody stalemate. Trench warfare has given way to drone conflict, while tiny groups of infantry scrabble in ruined landscapes for survival and are hunted by unmanned aircraft the size of birds. This, said Zelensky bleakly, is the most destructive arms race in human history, because soon, once drone technology is combined with artificial intelligence, dead zones of the kind found on the Ukrainian front line will spread around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten years ago, war looked different, and no one imagined that cheap drones could create dead zones, areas stretching for dozens of kilometres where nothing moves, no vehicles, no life. People used to imagine that only after a nuclear strike. Now its drone reality. He called for international controls on AI and drones, but in the meantime he has a war to fight one that the US president now says Kyiv can actually win. Ukraine showed in its 2022 summer and autumn offensives that, using fast-moving manoeuvre tactics, it can scramble Russias command structures and implode its lines. Since then it has expanded its operations into Russia itself, targeting the Kremlins fuel systems especially. Russias refining capacity has been cut by around 17 per cent, and more than a dozen significant fuel processing plants have been hit, causing the loss of around 1.1 million barrels of production a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russias piecemeal advances on the eastern front have been achieved at a staggering human cost. British intelligence estimates that Putin has lost 236,000, killed or injured, this year and more than a million since 2022. In June, the UK said that Russia had lost 32,000 from the battlefields alone. These are informed guesses. But on the ground, Ukrainian soldiers have often spoken of the mass casualties inflicted on advancing Russians, and the enormous loss of life they endure to capture tiny pieces of land. In this photo provided by Ukraines 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanised Brigade press service, a soldier fires a mortar towards the positions of Russian troops near Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, in August this year (93rd Mechanised Brigade) Ukraine, meanwhile, now leads the world in drone production, making its own highly effective long-range cruise missiles. It has won the battle for the Black Sea, forcing Russian ships to hide in their harbours. Kyivs losses have also been high. Draft-dodging is an increasing problem. On the front lines, many soldiers have talked of the inevitability of a peace deal with Russia in which the Kremlin retains control over much of the east of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps recent statement will be a morale booster for Ukrainians. Kyiv and its European allies, including the UK, will try to turn Trumps new view of the conflict into concrete military aid on the scale at which it was provided by the US until shortly after the current president stopped it shortly after taking over from Joe Biden. Europe is Ukraines main military supporter. Nato members buy weapons from America for Kyiv, but that could, conceivably, change. If the US returned to its former position, supplying military aid directly, especially long-range missiles and armour capable of withstanding drone attacks, Ukraine could return to the offensive. Russias military is demoralised. It has improved its command structure and is keeping pace with many of the advances in drone technology that the war has driven. But its trench lines are manned by starving troops with little training, led by officers at the rear who will shoot their own men if they fall back. It would be relatively easy to break the spine of the Russian military in Ukraine, and rout its forces just as Ukraine did in late 2022. He may not have meant to, but Trump has set Ukraine on the path to victory just by suggesting that its possible. As Russia continues escalating its hybrid warfare tactics in Europe, the latest drone incursions into Poland and Estonia represent another bold move that has ratcheted up the temperature. For Ukrainians living through the bloodiest land war in Europe since World War II, the message they hope Europe hears is that other countries are under threat, too and that closer cooperation with Ukraine can protect them. In addition to the recent flights of Russian drones over NATO territory, Russia is also suspected of being behind arson attacks in Poland and Lithuania, as well as sabotage of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and disinformation campaigns across Europe to sow division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From a legal standpoint under international law, this is not yet a formal state of war between NATO countries and Russia. But it is already a state of hybrid war," said Oleksandr Merezhko, Ukrainian lawmaker and chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee. Ukraine must say that Russia is waging a hybrid war against Europe." The war has already sparked recognition that Ukraines battlefield knowledge can be used to protect other countries. Foreign investment in Ukrainian defense technology has surged since the full-scale war broke out. The latest incursions into Poland sent European countries scrambling to get their hands on Ukraines interceptor drones, a far cheaper technology to counter drones than the missiles Poland used earlier this month. "NATO states are now under threat." Ukrainians hope that even more cooperation will follow the latest threats to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We (Ukraine) have more experience, and we can genuinely help (Poland), especially when it comes to drones that intercept Russian drones," Merezhko added. "The key point is that we can assist: let them close the sky, and well work together to shoot down Russian drones, before they even have a chance to cross into the airspace of NATO member states." President Volodymyr Zelensky raised this topic during his speech to the U.N. Security Council on Sept. 23, calling on European allies to assist Ukraine in shooting down Russian missiles and drones fired over Ukrainian airspace. Ukrainian servicemen of the 59th brigade mobile air defence unit fire toward a Russian drone from a sunflower field during an air attack near Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 19, 2025. (Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images) "If there is no war in the sky, Russia can't keep fighting on the ground," Zelensky said, adding that he discussed the topic with U.S. President Donald Trump and other European leaders. Even before the U.N. summit, the idea of NATO and Ukraine partnering to close the airspace over western Ukraine has been increasingly taken seriously in discussions with allies, said Bohdan Popov, head of analytics for the Ukrainian defense advisory firm Triada Trade Partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its become more and more relevant for both sides, because NATO states are now under threat," he said. The idea, Popov explained, is to fully integrate the aviation and air defense systems of NATO with Ukrainian defenses. NATO air defense systems like Patriots would be stationed in NATO countries near Ukraines border, and NATO fighter jets would be deployed during mass air strikes. "All the drones, all the missiles that are flying in the NATO direction, would be intercepted over Ukraine and will not damage anything on the territory of NATO states," Popov said. Ukraine hopes to sell this as a win-win situation for all parties with NATO countries neutralizing threats before they reach NATO territory, and with Ukraine gaining additional protection over western regions, allowing it to shift some resources to eastern regions and the front line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the message Ukraine is trying to stress, Popov said, is that Russia will not stop in Ukraine, and that Russias goal is to eventually expand the battlefield to NATO territories. Growing consensus in Europe on threat, but not on response The message that Russias aggression was a threat to NATO countries didnt stick in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, said Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow for European security within the International Security department at RUSI. At the time, Europe didnt see the annexation and the war in the Donbas as a direct challenge to NATO and Europes security apparatus. "That all went out the window in 2022," Arnold said. "Its still taken from then, until now, to get unification in terms of: yes, this is actually a direct threat. We need to do something about it. Europe, I think, has been very, very slow." But the events of the war have caused a "sea change" within Europe, said Arnold. "Russia being enemy number one isnt contested." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, for example, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced the hybrid operations and sabotage attacks across Europe, stating, "We are already in conflict with Russia." But even with a greater consensus about the threat, European governments still face a difficult balancing act in how to respond, said Alex Kokcharov, Bloombergs geoeconomics Analyst for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. NATO military forces at the Exercise Steadfast Dart 2025 at the Smardan Training Area in Smardan, southeastern Romania, on Feb. 19, 2025. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images) European countries face budgetary constraints, and also have to weigh support for Ukraine against improving their own defense and military capabilities. "We see that different European governments are approaching it differently," Kokcharov said, noting that Nordic and Baltic states are more receptive to the idea that arming Ukraine now will make Russian forces less capable in the future. "Some larger economies, such as France and Italy, are obviously not on the same page." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Kokcharov said, Ukraine needs to keep emphasizing that Russia is still advancing. "Russians are still taking territory, and they are conducting strikes deep into Ukrainian territory, causing damage to infrastructure and, crucially, the loss of life," said Kokcharov. "Nothing in Russias action in Ukraine demonstrates that Russia is genuinely interested in peace." Read also: Is NATO already at war with Russia? It depends who you ask Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Trump has shown tremendous weakness in dealing with Putin. | Credit: Win McNamee / Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin is testing the West, said Fred Kaplan in Slate, and once again, President Trump is flunking. When Trump literally rolled out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska last month and showered him with subservient flattery, Putin saw it as a signal of weaknessand a green light to expand his drone and missile attacks on Ukraine and to extend his belligerence beyond Ukraines borders. This month, 19 unarmed Russian drones flew deep into Polish territory; Polish and European officials widely believe the brazen provocation was an intentional probe to test NATOs air defenses and its willingness to respond should a member state be attacked. Afterward, the Kremlin ratcheted up its provocative rhetoric, with a spokesperson proclaiming that NATO is at war with Russia. Trump, meanwhile, responded to the drone incident with a disturbing display of nonchalance, said Marc Champion in Bloomberg. Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? he pondered on social media before suggesting it may have been an accident. But last week, Trump provided a tiny sliver of hope by finally calling Russia the aggressor and laying out a plan for pressuring Moscow to the negotiating table. He said hes ready to impose major sanctions on Russia, so long as the other 31 NATO member states do the same while banning all Russian oil imports. Given Beijings influence over Moscow, Trump also called on the alliance to collectively place 50% to 100% tariffs on China until the war in Ukraine ends. Trump has shown tremendous weakness in dealing with Putin, said The Washington Post in an editorial, but he has a point. Europeans greatly reduced their use of Russian oil and gas, but need to fully wean themselves off those purchases, which help fund Putins war effort. Since when did Trump become a multilateralist? asked Jim Geraghty in National Review. His insistence on NATO consensus looks like just another tactic to buy time for Putin. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who have a much warmer and fuzzier view of Putin and Russia than the rest of NATO, will either delay or reject Trumps plan to boycott all Russian oil and slap huge tariffs on China, and Trump knows it. Putin is flying drones into NATO airspace and killing Ukrainian civilians by the hundreds, but for Trump, theres always some excuse, theres always some delay, theres always some reason to wait another two weeks. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Portland man was sentenced to nearly 44 years in prison on Friday for sexually abusing two young girls over several years. A Multnomah County Circuit judge sentenced Rafael Gonzalez-Rodriguez Jr. to 43 years and 9 months in prison on Sept. 19. As KOIN 6 News previously reported, a Multnomah County jury found Gonzalez-Rodriguez guilty on 58 counts of sex abuse involving two young girls in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was convicted on many charges, including six counts of first-degree rape and 21 counts of first-degree sex abuse. What happened to these victims at the hands of the defendant was unimaginable, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Rachna Hajari said in a statement released in April. Investigators began looking into Gonzalez-Rodriguez in September 2023. The victims began sharing what had happened with close friends and neighbors, who immediately contacted the child abuse hotline, according to a release. Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Protective Services and law enforcement responded. The victims disclosed that the abuse began when they were between the ages of 5 and 6, and was perpetrated by their mothers former boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the trauma of the sexual abuse will be a part of their lives forever, I hope these convictions and the jury believing the victims will bring them some comfort on their journey of healing and recovery, Hajari 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 KOIN.com. The United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) has been awarded a contract worth up to $245m by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply antimony metal ingots for the national defence stockpile over the next five years. This indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement follows extensive negotiations concluded this year. Antimony, a critical component in military applications such as munitions and batteries has been identified as a strategic vulnerability in the US industrial base. The USAC operates the only two antimony smelters in North America, which have been processing the metal for decades. The contract renews its collaboration with the Department of Defense and the DLA. According to the USAC, this partnership has strengthened significantly since late 2024. USAC chairman and CEO Gary Evans said: It is incredibly meaningful for all our employees to play such a strategic role in strengthening our nation's defence readiness and having the knowledge, expertise and history that USAC can and will deliver under our contractual obligations. This is the kind of knowledge that is only gained through decades of execution and know-how. USAC has some of the most experienced antimony chemists/metallurgists and other professionals on its team in the global landscape. To put this in proper context, we have successfully won a sole-sourced long-term contract from the US Government for approximately $245m, while our total reported revenues for 2024 were $14.9m. The USAC is expected to deliver the initial orders under the contract this week. The company said that its smelting facilities are equipped to meet the government's specifications for antimony metal ingots. It is also increasing its supply of antimony ore from global sources and developing its mineral acreage in Alaska and Montana. Its recent mining operations in Alaska have revealed high-grade antimony deposits, which are anticipated to enhance domestic production and supply chain efficiency. However, the USAC expressed doubt about the quality of antimony ores controlled by other sources, noting that these alternatives may not meet US military standards. The new contract aligns with broader efforts by the US Government to strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic materials and reduce reliance on foreign sources, notably China, reported Reuters. In May this year, the USAC executed a definitive agreement with WSP USA to provide engineering and construction services to enhance smelting operations at Thompson Falls, Montana. "USAC secures $245m US defence contract for antimony supply " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Once again, all eyes are on school rankings. U.S. News & World Report published its 2026 rankings on Sept. 23, which marked the for-profit magazine's 40th edition of its rankings since 1983, surveying more than 1,700 four-year colleges and universities nationwide. Among public universities, University of Delaware was No. 43, while it ranked No. 88 among all national universities. Over on a list for Historically Black Colleges and Universities in particular, Delaware State University was No. 4 among public institutions and No. 10 overall, among just over 100 schools. Both schools had individual programs ranked as well. Wilmington University was ranked No. 395-434 among national universities and No. 186 in nursing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These annual ranks have not been strangers to backlash. Critics say the rankings are biased toward selective private universities, as reported across USA TODAY Network, are too easily manipulated by the schools themselves and fail to capture the breadth of offerings. Several universities have publicly stepped away altogether, including Columbia University last summer. The University of Delaware campus in Newark is shown Aug. 26, 2025. This year, U.S. News & World Report has made some changes. Six-year bachelors graduation rates of first-generation students were removed as a ranking factor across national universities, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch, replaced by up-weighting indicators of Pell Grant student graduation. First-generation-student graduation rate data were also removed from HBCU rankings and the social mobility rankings. Even with minor tweaks and a new algorithm, criticism remains. So too does parent and students' reliance on such a list to help make decisions on the right college journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although regularly critiqued, the U.S. News & World Report rankings are generally considered the gold standard among higher education observers," Delaware State wrote in a press release following the drop. The mainstay doesn't seem to be going anywhere. And once again, the top brass is familiar. Princeton University yet again claimed the No. 1 spot among national universities, with M.I.T in second and Harvard coming in third. Delaware's largest universities told their own stories. USA TODAY Network: U.S. News college rankings are out. Why critics say they shouldn't be trusted Where did UD rank in US News & World Report list? The University of Delaware hosts its 170th commencement ceremonies for approximately 6,200 graduates at Delaware Stadium in 2019. UD's No. 88 ranking among national universities somehow locked in a nine-way tie with American, Howard, Baylor, South Florida, Marquette, Southern Methodist universities, Rochester Institute of Technology and University of California, Santa Cruz comes alongside other nods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, Delaware's largest university fell among 207 national universities recognized as "Best Value" schools, as UD touted Tuesday. It was also ranked No. 55 for colleges serving veterans. And for the second year in a row, the Newark institution jumped in rankings for best undergraduate nursing program this week, from No. 74 to No. 40. UDs chemical engineering undergraduate program also remained No. 4 in the country among schools whose highest degree is a doctorate. Not all programs are ranked every year, but some other highlights this time were: Engineering program whose highest degree is a doctorate: No. 50 out of 211 Undergraduate psychology programs: No. 72 out of 682 Computer science programs: No. 78 out of 601 Business programs: No. 88 out of 533 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone can explore more of UD's rankings online. Delaware State clutches claim in top-10 HBCUs in the county Jania King, left, and Raphael Jason-Morgan enter the ceremony as Delaware State University graduates 750 students in its 134th commencement at Alumni Stadium in Dover in 2019. With Delaware State's rankings at No. 4 among public HBCUS and No. 10 overall, per DSU, the Dover insitution remains high above some 101 other historically Black-serving institutions. It does appear that the school slipped by one spot in each category, however, as last year and the year before saw Delaware State at No. 3 public and No. 9 among all schools ranked. In 2026 rolls, Spelman College and Howard University are once again the topped-ranked HBCUs, with Morehouse College and Tuskegee University following in lock-step. DSU was also No. 121 among "regional universities" in the northeast, which offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs. Here, Goldey-Beacom College also ranked No. 128. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within these rankings there's another category to watch: "Social Mobility." "Economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for their achievement in high school," U.S. News writes atop its list. "But some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants." In providing social mobility, Delaware's sole HBCU ranked No. 57 across the northern regional universities, as defined as much of the Northeast and all of New England by U.S. News. It was not ranked across national universities on this metric, where UD ranked No. 368 on a national list. Coming off the heels of an "Agilent Hub for Agriculture, Innovation and Extension" grand opening, a $20 million public-private partnership with Agilent Technologies, USDA and Delaware Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources and more President Tony Allen was feeling pretty good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We care about finding the right mix of students from all backgrounds and ability who we know want to do two things: 1.) change the economic trajectory of the lives for their families and communities; and 2.) find their place of usefulness and honor in the world," he said in a statement. "These rankings are not a destination for us, but they are an important marker." Columbus Dispatch reporting contributed to this report. Got a tip? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where did UD and Delaware State rank in US News rankings? NEW YORK (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump has presented leaders from several Muslim-majority countries with a 21-point plan peace plan for the Middle East and Gaza, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday, adding that he is confident of "some sort of breakthrough" in the coming days. Trump on Tuesday met leaders and officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan to discuss the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. The meeting was held at the U.N. on the sidelines of the annual General Assembly. "We had a very productive session. We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast and Gaza. I think it addresses Israeli concerns and, as well, the concerns of all the neighbors in the region," Witkoff told the Concordia summit in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're hopeful, and I might say, even confident that in the coming days we'll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough," he said. Trump is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday. An October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel triggered the war in Gaza. Hamas killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and about 251 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 65,000 people, also mostly civilians, since have been killed during the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Don Durfee; editing by Diane Craft) PROVIDENCE A move to put President Donald Trump's name on new workforce provisions in the "Pell Grant" program named for Rhode Island's longest-serving U.S. senator, Claiborne Pell is facing sharp pushback. And, no surprise, the strongest pushback is coming from U.S. Reps. Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island. In a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee, the two Democrats wrote: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preserving Senator Pells name on the program is not just about honoring the past, it is about protecting a future where every student, regardless of background, has the chance to dream big and achieve more," the statement says. "To attempt to erase Senator Pells name from a program that has uplifted generations and replace it with a President whose record on education is defined by cuts and dismantlement is a profound insult to that legacy," the statement continues. In stark contrast to Senator Pells steadfast commitment to education, President Donald Trumps record includes efforts to bypass Congress to unlawfully dismantle the Department of Education, freeze federal education and research funding at institutions, pressure schools to roll back key initiatives, including those focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion," they wrote. U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, D-Rhode Island, gave students from low- and middle-income families the opportunity to attend college through his Pell Grant legislation, passed in 1972. What are Pell Grants? Pell Grants began in 1972 when Pell led the charge to reform the Higher Education Act of 1965 and create Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, which were renamed in Pells honor in 1980. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pell Grant is need-based federal aid that does not typically have to be repaid. The majority of the approximately 7 million annual Pell Grant recipients have family incomes of under $40,000, according to the National College Attainment Network. Why rename the Pell Grants after Trump? The attempted renaming relates to the new "Workforce Pell Grants" included in the funding bill that Trump and his allies dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The new law did not include the major Pell cuts originally proposed by the House, and it expands Pell eligibility, starting July 1, 2026, to eight- to 15-week job training programs. Legislation approved by the House Appropriations Committee earlier in September would rename "Workforce Pell Grants as Trump Grants to reflect the Presidents commitment to growing the American workforce and expanding opportunities for American workers," according to a committee summary. Why are the RI congressmen against renaming Pell Grants? In their letter, the two Rhode Island congressmen compare Pell's legacy with Trump's forays into the education arena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trumps own venture into education, Trump University, was a failure. It was not a university, it was not accredited, and it ultimately resulted in a $25 million settlement to resolve fraud claims brought by thousands of students who were misled by President Trump," they wrote. These actions by Trump "raise questions about the appropriateness of associating the Trump name with a federal grant program designed to help working-class Americans achieve their higher education dreams," they wrote. "These grants should remain rooted in the legacy of Senator Pell, whose name symbolizes opportunity, integrity and the belief that education is the cornerstone of a strong democracy." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pell Grants, named after RI US Sen. Claiborne Pell, could become Trump Grants DENVER (KDVR) For some high school seniors, its almost time to make the big decision on what university to attend after graduation. While this can mean moving out of homes and even across the country, for Coloradans, students might not have to go as far to get one of the top educations in the country. U.S. News & World Report released its annual rankings of the 2026 best national universities, which included top colleges like Princeton University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with several Colorado schools. These Colorado universities rank as some of the best in the world Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, which has been released for more than four decades, uses several factors to rank the best colleges in the country. The study uses categories like student outcomes, which include graduation rates and first-year retention, along with faculty resources and research, financial resources and standardized tests to determine the best schools. Among well-known schools and Ivy League institutions, nine Colorado schools made the list of the best universities in the country, with two schools listed in the top 100 universities. No. 80 Colorado School of Mines Colorado School of Mines is considered the top university in Colorado and among the top in the nation. The school was listed as having the No. 42 best undergraduate engineering programs in the country, with the No. 4 best petroleum degree. The school also ranked high in the best undergraduate teaching, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, the school also topped the list in Colorado, ranking No. 76 in the country. However, it isnt considered the best Colorado school in every report. In the reports list of best global universities, the school ranked No. 755 in the world, behind several schools including the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University and University of Colorado Denver. No. 97 University of Colorado Boulder CU Boulder was another university among the top 100 in the nation. The university is considered to have the No. 28 best undergraduate engineering programs in the country, with the No. 10 best aerospace, aeronomical and astronomical degrees. The school also ranked high in economics, best colleges for veterans and best undergraduate teaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How much will TABOR refunds be in 2026? The university moved up a spot from 2025, when it ranked at No. 98 in the country. In the reports list of best global universities, CU Boulder was considered the best school in Colorado, ranking at No. 107 in the world. 2025 Best Colleges in Colorado Heres the full list of Colorado schools: Rank School No. 80 Colorado School of Mines No. 97 University of Colorado Boulder No. 117 University of Denver No. 151 Colorado State University No. 232 University of Colorado Denver No. 273 Regis University No. 343 University of Northern Colorado No. 395-434 Colorado Technical University No. 395-434 University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Comparing all the Colorado universities against each other, the University of Denver has the highest tuition at $63,246, while the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs has the lowest in-state tuition at under $10,000. Colorado School of Mines has the highest first-year retention rate at 93%, while Colorado Technical University has the lowest at 45%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full list of schools can be found on U.S. News & World Reports website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Dr. Imelda Muller, a 2017 graduate of the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine, has been selected as one of NASA's 10 new astronaut candidates. Muller, 34, was chosen from nearly 8,000 applicants, according to an announcement. She is part of NASA's 24th group of astronaut candidates since the first group was selected in 1959. Muller, who grew up in Copake Falls, New York, earned a bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience from Northeastern University before attending UVM. She is a former lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served as an undersea medical officer after training at the Naval Undersea Medical Institute. She later provided medical support for Navy operational diving training at NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Dr. Imelda Muller, M.D., NASA astronaut candidate After receiving her medical degree from UVM, Muller completed a transitional year at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and later entered a residency in anesthesia and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She has also been associated with the Human Spaceflight Lab at Johns Hopkins. Training to begin soon Muller and her fellow astronaut candidates will begin a two-year training regimen that will include courses in geology, training in land and water survival and simulations of spacewalks in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With upcoming exploration missions, we are pushing the boundaries of human performance and the lessons that we learn, the knowledge that we gain, all of these things are going to help us to excel not just in space but in areas of human health here on earth," Muller said. "The future of space medicine is now, and I'm incredibly honored to be here with this team." Muller reflected on her work as an undersea medical officer with the Navy and its applicability to her future work. "That experience gave me the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams in experimental and saturation diving, and I developed a passion for learning about the way the body adapts in extreme environments," she said. "This led me to pursue medical residency training in anesthesia, where I deepened that understanding of how our body responds when it's under stress." UVM maintains close ties with NASA UVM maintains a close research connection with NASA, the most prominent being the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, part of a national network of colleges and universities connecting NASA with educational and research institutions. The Space Grant is a NASA helps connect Vermonters interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with opportunities to work on NASA projects or alongside NASA professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, a number of fourth-year Larner students have taken part in NASA's four-week Aerospace Medicine Clerkship at the Johnson Space Center. The clerkship involves formal lectures on space medicine topics and issues, along with familiarization with the medical aspects of the International Space Station and deep space exploration. "The UVM community is thrilled to see Dr. Imelda Muller joining NASA's newest cadre of astronaut candidates," UVM President Marlene Tromp said. "UVM's Larner College of Medicine has always produced physicians who make a positive and profound impact on Vermont and the wider world. It's wonderful to think that Dr. Muller has already extended that mission to the depths of the seas, in her work for Naval Sea Systems, and now into the stars." This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: NASA selects UVM-trained physician Imelda Muller as astronaut candidate (WJET/WFXP) A Michigan man accused of homicide in the state of Vermont was arrested overnight Tuesday during what police said was a routine traffic stop. According to New York State Police, troopers saw 25-year-old Terrene Biggs of Warren, Michigan, speeding along Interstate 90 near the Town of Portland when they made the stop. Chautuqua woman arrested for shooting Monday morning Police said after investigating, they learned Biggs had a warrant for second-degree murder out of the City of Rutland, Vermont, and another for assault out of Florida for assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being taken into custody, police said Biggs was also in possession of suboxone and was charged with seventh-degree possession of a controlled substance, along with fugitive from justice. Hes being held in the Chautauqua County Jail pending extradition to Vermont. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) In 2017, a small group of South Dakotans, immigrants, refugees, longtime residents, and allies came together to create an organization that would amplify the voices of the marginalized and build bridges of understanding across South Dakota. South Dakota Voices for Peace was born. So this organic group got together and now 8 years later, you know we are a full-fledged non-profit with an operating budget and 12 employees, and each one of our team members has an equal amount of passion for their jobs and their roles here, said Taneeza Islam. Lawmakers pass $650M prison bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning, its mission was clear: to educate, advocate, and empower. Taneeza Islam is the CEO; shes a lawyer and a former candidate for Mayor of Sioux Falls. We have five main programming areas, and what we are known for most is our immigration work. Im an immigration lawyer; we have an immigration legal team. We provide free immigration legal services to unaccompanied children, so these are children who have come to the southern border without parents or guardians, said Islam. Voices for Peace also focuses on training and education, often working with companies and organizations. Thats where Chief Operations Officer Jen Dreiski comes in. Everything is changing very fast, and there is so much misinformation coming at us, heightened with deliberate untruths and lies, and we need to be able to empower people, said Dreiski Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dreisky often speaks at churches, organizations, schools, and companies. Their flagship program educates people to go from being a bystander to an upstander. So an example could be being at Walmart shopping, and there is an immigrant woman minding her own business, and maybe somebody comes up and says You need to go back to your own country, you dont need to be here, get out of here. And as an upstander, my job is to disrupt that, said Dreiski. Not engage with him because I dont want nor have the ability to change his beliefs, its changing the action disrupting action my job is to focus my energy on the victim and it could be as simple as throwing my keys and making a disruption and then getting between the two of them and saying oh sorry I didnt mean to drop my keys Im so darn clumsy. And then looking at her and saying Im so sorry, this is inappropriate. The organization also lobbies during the legislative session, giving lawmakers accurate information and another perspective. Voices for Peace also has a multilingual outreach team focusing on health issues. Erica Aguilar, one of the community health workers, is based in Yankton. She is also known as Promotora de Salud, or someone who promotes health and well-being. I help connect people with resources, it can be from heath care, immigration services which is a huge part of what South Dakota voices for Peace is so a community health workers is a trusted individual that can be either a navigators and educator or it can be a voice for those do not know yet how to contact or communicate with other agencies, said Aguilar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Voices for Peace continues to grow as a grassroots force, nurturing a vision of a state where diversity is celebrated. So we are here, weve been here for 8 years, which, back in 2017, I wasnt sure how long we could go in South Dakota with the work that we are doing, specifically. Its because of the support of our local community that we have come this far, said Islam. https://sdvfpeace.org South Dakota Voices for Peace is a registered non-profit funded by grants and donors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Dozens of Western nations called on Monday for the reopening of the medical corridor between Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, offering to provide financial aid and medical staff or equipment to treat Gaza's patients in the West Bank. "We strongly appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so medical evacuations from Gaza can be resumed and patients can get the treatment that they so urgently need on Palestinian territory," the countries said in a joint statement released by Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the European Union and Poland were among the two dozen signatories of the statement. The United States was not listed as a signatory. "We furthermore urge Israel to lift restrictions on deliveries of medicine and medical equipment to Gaza," the statement said. There was no immediate reaction from Israel. In the past, Israel has rebuffed calls to allow Gazans to receive medical care in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, most recently during a meeting this month between Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Danish counterpart, when Saar cited "security concerns". Israel has allowed some Gazans to be evacuated to Arab and European countries for treatment. Palestinians say this is no substitute for wider access to hospitals in other Palestinian territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aid agencies said in late August that only a trickle of the aid that was needed, including medicine, had been reaching people in Gaza since Israel lifted a blockade on aid in May. The World Health Organization said in May that Gaza's health system is at a breaking point. Israel controls all access to Gaza and says it allows enough food aid and supplies into the enclave. Images of starving Palestinians, including children, have sparked global outrage against Israel's assault on Gaza, which has since October 2023 killed tens of thousands of people, internally displaced nearly Gaza's entire population, and set off a starvation crisis. Multiple rights experts, scholars and a U.N. inquiry say it amounts to genocide. Israel calls its actions self-defense after an October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and in which more than 250 were taken hostage. Some key U.S. allies, most notably Britain and France, have rallied behind Palestinian statehood at the United Nations as a path to a two-state solution, despite Washington's disapproval. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv; Editing by Jamie Freed, Michael Perry, Peter Graff) Buc-ees is a gas station and convenience store chain that originated in Texas and is widely known for its Beaver mascot and various food items. In 2023, the stores company purchased two plots of land in Louisiana, one in Ruston and the other in Lafayette. The Ruston location is expected to open some time in 2027, while the Lafayette location will likely open in 2028. Buc-ee's job openings in Ruston and Lafayette While the two Buc-ee's locations in Louisiana are not yet open, and job listings have not yet been officially posted, the company will likely begin the hiring process for a number of roles around two to three months before the stores' openings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, management positions for new stores are typically posted eight months before a store opens, and frontline positions for new stores are usually posted 90 days, or three months, prior to opening, according to Buc-ee's. What jobs are available at Buc-ee's? Career opportunities here Buc-ee's career path opportunities, and their salaries, include: Associates: $18-$21 an hour Team Lead: $21-$24 an hour Dept. Manager: $31-$33 an hour Asst. General Manager: $125K+ a year General Manager: $175-$250k+ a year An entrance to the Buc-ee's convenience store on June 12, 2024, in Luling, Texas. Associate positions are available in several departments at Buc-ee's, with various roles in retail, food preparation and service, as well as maintenance and installation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for team lead positions at Buc-ee's, they include Cashier Team Lead, Deli/Food Service Team Lead, Grocery Team Lead and Warehouse Team Lead. There are also department manager roles across various areas at Buc-ee's, such as those within food service, merchandise and general retail, operations and facility management, as well as corporate roles. Assistant manager roles at Buc-ee's include Assistant General Manager, as well as specialty positions like Assistant Deli/Food Service Manager and Assistant Gift/Merchandise Manager. Along with General Manager positions, Buc-ee's also has other management roles, including Operations Manager, District Manager, Category Manager, Warehouse Manager and Facilities Manager. What are the highest paying positions at Buc-ee's? General Manager positions at Buc-ee's are top-paid store employees, with six-figure annual salaries, and employees in this role oversee daily operations and staff. The second-highest paying role at Buc-ee's is the Assistant General Manager, which also pays six figures annually, with employees in this position supporting General Managers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Buc-ee's benefits include paid time off, a 401K, as well as medical, dental and vision insurance, according to Buc-ee's. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is Buc-ee's hiring yet in Louisiana? When will jobs be posted? Swedens Volvo Cars (VOLCAR-B.ST) is expanding production at its US plant in a move to localize production, deflect tariffs, and build more cars that appeal to buyers in one of its biggest markets. Volvo, wholly owned by Chinas Geely, announced on Tuesday that it would bring a fourth vehicle to its production facility located in Ridgeville, S.C. a next-generation hybrid model designed to meet the specific demands of the US market. Volvo offered no details of the new vehicle, but others have surmised it will be a large crossover SUV of some sort. Volvo stock trading in Sweden jumped over 3%. This summer, Volvo announced that it would bring its bestselling XC60 midsize SUV to the South Carolina production line starting in late 2026. The company currently builds the XC60 at its plant in Gothenburg, Sweden. The XC60 is an important car for Volvo stateside. The company has sold over 27,000 XC60s in the US in the first eight months of 2025, an increase of almost 20% year over year. It currently produces the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV, as well as its sister car, the Polestar 3, at the South Carolina plant, which has installed production capacity of 150,000 cars per year. Volvo's Ridgeville, SC plant outside of Charleston. Volvo Altogether, Volvos investment at its US plant stands at $1.3 billion. "Our investment plans once again reinforce our long-term commitment to the US market and our manufacturing operations in South Carolina, said Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson in a statement. Samuelsson, who led Volvo from 2012 to 2022, replaced prior CEO Jim Rowan in March of this year. In addition to Gothenburg and Ridgeville, Volvo's has auto production plants in Chengdu, Daqing, and Taizhou in China, as well as in Ghent, Belgium. Volvo said its regionalization efforts allow the company to better meet the needs of its customers. But the imposition of President Trumps tariffs on global imports is the real story, and building in the US is paramount. Volvo Cars' CEO Hakan Samuelsson portrayed at the Volvo Showroom, as Volvo Cars was listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, in Stockholm, Sweden, October 29, 2021. Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN. via REUTERS / Reuters The tariffs have accelerated this process, it would be fair to admit that, Samuelsson said in an interview with the New York Times regarding expanding its US manufacturing footprint. Thats because cars imported from Sweden and the EU will eventually face 15% tariffs, an improvement from the current 27.5% rate, but the deal is currently tentative. Importing vehicles from its China plants, where the entry-level EX30 EV is produced, is a non-starter with 100% tariffs for Chinese autos in place. Volvo moved production of its EX30 from China to Ghent in response. Polestar stopped selling its China-made Polestar 2 sedan in the US earlier this year. A British woman has been deported from Morocco after Ryanair staff prevented her from retrieving her passport from a plane seat. Rebecca McCurry, 22, had arrived in Marrakech with three friends and disembarked the plane when she realised that she had left the travel document behind. Ryanair staff reportedly told her that after sweeping the plane, they could see no sign of the passport, but passengers on the return flight later found the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms McCurry, a nanny from Lochgilphead in Scotland, was deported to Manchester airport after 11 hours and questioning by border guards. The tourist claims it took another month of chasing after the incident in July to retrieve her passport. Ms McCurry works as a nanny in Scotland - Kennedy News and Media Ryanair admitted that the passenger misplaced her passport onboard and was correctly denied entry to the country. Ms McCurry said: Keeping my passport on me is my responsibility, obviously. But I was away from it for five minutes before I realised. I told a member of airport staff and they said it wasnt a problem, and theyd let the people from Ryanair know. I said I was happy to get it myself, but they wouldnt let me back on the plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As time went on, I started to get a bit panicky. Then a staff member for Ryanair came back and said they searched the whole plane but it wasnt there. I just knew that was impossible. Ms McCurry was relieved to return to the UK following the ordeal of her questioning by Moroccan authorities - Kennedy News and Media I did not feel like a person at all Ms McCurry said she was taken in for questioning by border guards, adding: Honestly, it was terrifying. I did not feel like a person at all. It was just insane. She claimed that after three hours of questioning, she decided to tell them she had spoken to an immigration lawyer. I lied. I dont have an immigration lawyer. But after I told them that, they put me on the plane immediately, she said, adding: They deported me to Manchester and my dad drove six hours to come and get me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms McCurry happened to know a person who was on the return flight to Edinburgh and was able to retrieve her passport from the plane. She said: My friends family were on the plane going back and they found it. It was exactly where I left it. I told them to just keep a hold of it. But Ryanair staff took it off them. Then I spent over a month trying to get in touch with [Ryanair]. In the end, I had to go to the airport myself and pay 30 to get my passport back. Ms McCurry pictured with her friend after being reunited with the passport - Kennedy News and Media A spokesman for Ryanair said: This passenger misplaced their passport onboard their flight from Edinburgh to Marrakech on 31 July and subsequently was denied entry into Marrakech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As requested by Marrakech authorities, Ryanair reaccommodated this passenger onto the next available flight to the UK later that day. They added: In this case, the passenger was required to present a passport upon arrival at Marrakech airport, which they failed to do, and they were correctly denied entry to the country. Ryanair hands over all lost property to the lost and found office at each airport. Once the crew located this passengers passport, this passengers passport was handed over to lost property at Edinburgh airport. The Office National des Aeroports in Morocco 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. CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) If you are looking for a new job, you may want to attend this workforce career fair. Latest data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce reveals there are roughly 9,556 people in Charleston County without a job, resulting in an unemployment rate of 4.0%. To help find new opportunities, SC Works Trident and Charleston County will hold a workforce career fair on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fair is part of South Carolina Workforce Development Month and will feature more than 30 employers and partners in one space. Attendees can expect on-site interviews, so bring an updated copy of your resume. For those who need assistance, there will be people available to help with updating or creating your resume. The fair will be held at ECPI University (3800 Paramount Drive) in North Charleston. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. News of a sick or injured mountain gorilla can worry local residents in this mountainous area thats home to the endangered species. Thats partly because most of the gorillas have been given names, allowing rangers and others to humanize the animal's suffering. But widespread interest in protecting mountain gorillas also comes from the economic benefits of tourism that have turned poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into eloquent spokespeople for the great apes. If we know there is a gorilla that is sick, you see everyone is concerned. Why? Why is the gorilla sick? Its suffering from what? said Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide in Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Even the community people. Everyone is touched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tugume said poaching in the park is increasingly rare since we are actually all working together to make sure conservation goes well, because we are all benefitting. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a remote part of southwestern Uganda, is home to many groups of habituated gorillas that have become comfortable in the presence of humans. Vibrant tourist economy Tourists pay a considerable sum $800 in permit fees per foreign non-resident for the right to see gorillas in their natural habitat. An official revenue-sharing policy channels $10 from each permit back to the local community via their elected leaders, who can invest in projects ranging from water provision to health care. Local communities are also entitled to 20% of all park entry fees generated annually. Many locals, including reformed poachers living near the park, told The Associated Press that the money generated has ensured the recovery of the species, with habitat encroachment and poaching in decline as wildlife authorities seek to collaborate more with nearby communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philemon Mujuni, a poacher until five years ago, said he once thought of the gorilla as a hostile animal to be killed before it killed him if he ever encountered one. As a boy, he used to follow his father, whom he described as a senior poacher, into the forest to help carry the antelopes they pulled from traps. But in 2020, when poachers killed a beloved gorilla named Rafiki, Mujuni and others formed an organization of former poachers who now say the primates are more important than any other animal. They serve as community watchdogs, looking out for people who might venture into the forest to set duiker traps that sometimes ensnare gorillas. Their surveillance efforts help support the work of armed rangers who also regularly patrol the park. When community conservation rangers sensitized us, we said, Let us reform and stop poaching in the national park of Bwindi, Mujuni said. I cant go there. Because, through the conservation team from (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), we get some money from these gorillas we could kill. Reformed poachers Peter Tumwesigye, one of 128 members of the group of reformed poachers, said gorillas are so important that people whose actions lead to a gorilla's death should be jailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So that others can learn and never do it again, he said. Many of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, a mountainous area encompassing parts of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. The outlook for mountain gorillas has been positive since 2018, when a survey showed that the population exceeded 1,000. It's a remarkable comeback for a species that faced extinction in the last century. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which maintains a list of threatened species, cites the mountain gorilla as endangered, an improvement from its earlier designation as critically endangered. About half of the gorillas live in Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides Bwindi, the only other Ugandan park where gorillas can be tracked in the wild is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. But that protected area has just one family of gorillas, while Bwindi has 27 groups that can be seen up close by visitors. The primates are tracked daily. Tugume, the ranger-guide, said she works even on Christmas Day. One recent morning she led a small group of tourists into the forest, swinging a sickle to clear the way and speaking of the tenderness she sees in gorillas. You have to fight to take over, she said, talking about a young male in a family of gorillas that one day could challenge the leader known as a silverback for its distinguishing coat for mating rights. When you are the leader, you have all the rights to mate with the females. But when you are not the leader, you dont need to mate but you can mate secretly. And if the silverback comes to know, then it will be a tug of war, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Buhoma, a town outside the park, a group of ranger-guides and porters gathers each morning for the opportunity to earn generous tips from helping tourists navigate the forest. Groups of trackers are allocated porters, who can even help carry an unfit tourist up the hills and through the undergrowth for around $300. The value of the gorilla money is very critical, said Gessa Simplicious, a conservationist with the Uganda Tourism Board. It helps with building trust, but it also helps in the awareness of the need to conserve. A 2-year-old wolf that was beloved by wildlife aficionados and tracked by researchers in Yellowstone National Park has been killed by a Montana hunter. Wolf 1479F, part of the Junction Butte Pack, was shot outside the park in Wolf Management Unit 316 on Sept. 17, two days after the general hunting season opened in Montana. Park spokeswoman Linda Veress confirmed the news to FTW Outdoors, explaining that the National Park Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks "worked together to verify 1479F's mortality from the radio collar when the wolf was checked in by MFWP staff per [hunting] regulations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this is unwelcome news for Yellowstone tourists, its not surprising given that hunting seasons in Montana often claim wolves that spend most but not all of their lives inside the park, where they're protected. This includes collared research wolves, such as Wolf 1479F, and pups. Wolf 1479F was captured and collared as a pup in February 2024. Yellowstone Wolf 1479F Montana's wolf quota for Wolf Management Unit 316 this season is three. The same quota exists for Wolf Management Unit 313. Both are just beyond Yellowstones northern boundary. As of Wednesday morning, only one wolf kill had been logged in both units. That was Wolf 1479F. ALSO: Massive tigers' awesome ferocity on display during release back into the wild Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wyoming Untrapped, a group that advocates for trapping reform in Wyoming (in which most of Yellowstone is located), stated Tuesday on Facebook: Her death reminds us of the cruel truth: imaginary lines determine the fate of our wildlife. Inside Yellowstone, wolves are protected, admired, and valued. But the moment 1479F stepped across the parks invisible boundary, she lost all protection. Taylor Rabe, a wildlife technician based in Gardiner, Montana, published an Instagram tribute regarding Wolf 1479F on Tuesday. Her description reads, in part: Whats the worst part of spending thousands of hours watching wolves? Losing one that youve come to know and love. Sometimes it seems overly dramatic to feel such a monumental loss when a wild animal dies, but I often have to remind myself that I am allowed to have a heavy heart, and mourn the loss of an animal that brought me so much joy over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolf quotas are established by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. The state allows limited hunting in various regions and in WMU 316 and WMU 313 as a means of managing and reducing wolf populations. The statewide quota is 452. As of Wednesday morning, 10 wolves had been harvested. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Popular Yellowstone wolf killed by Montana hunter Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned the United Nations of further Russian aggression and said that President Vladimir Putin will keep expanding the war in Ukraine "wider and deeper" unless he is stopped. During his speech at the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Zelensky cited Moldova as an example. The country is currently defending itself against Russian interference ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections on Sunday, he said. However, the international community's response to this has been insufficient, Zelensky added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too," the Ukrainian president continued. The European Union must help Moldova with financial resources and support in the energy sector and ensure human rights there. "For Europe, supporting Moldova's stability is not costly, but failing to do so will come at a much higher price," he said. Recent Russian incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace show how urgent support is, according to Zelensky. On Tuesday, Moldova's pro-European president, Maia Sandu, warned of Russian interference in her country ahead of the upcoming elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that 74 people had also been arrested in nationwide raids on Monday. They are accused of preparing mass unrest in the country. "The Kremlin is spending hundreds of millions of US dollars to buy hundreds of thousands of votes on both sides of the Dniester [River] and abroad," Sandu said in a video address. Zelensky warns of 'most destructive arms race' due to AI In his speech, Zelensky also warned of the "most destructive arms race in human history," highlighting the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems. "Ten years ago, war looked different, and no one imagined that ship drones could create dead zones, areas stretching for dozens of kilometres where nothing moves, no vehicles, no life," he said. Previously, this would only have been conceivable through a nuclear strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also called for international rules on the use of AI in weapons systems. "This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons," he said. He also defended Ukraine's use of drones, saying it is necessary to ensure the country's survival. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that he is ready to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin anywhere, but not in Russia. If Europe or Saudi Arabia are not suitable, the meeting could take place in another country, such as Kazakhstan. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Fox News Quote: "I didnt invite him to Kyiv. I said, look, if he doesnt want to meet with me, of course, he will invite me to Moscow. Its just to postpone the meeting. Thats it. This is the same if I invite him to Kyiv." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that Putin has many options, as numerous countries have offered their territories as venues for peace talks. "He has a choice. Trumps team, my team, Europeans, including Macron and other leaders, and the Turkish president all of us, all our teams proposed a meeting in Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, in neutral Europe like Austria, Switzerland And even if you want somewhere else, like Kazakhstan I mean, we are ready," Zelenskyy added. For reference: Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin has visited Kazakhstans capital four times (October 2022, November 2023, July 2024 and November 2024). Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Putins proposal to meet Zelenskyy in Moscow "unacceptable". Zelenskyy later stated that such an invitation was meant to delay the meeting. "Our American partners have informed us that Putin has invited me to Moscow. I believe that if you want to prevent the meeting from taking place, you should invite me to Moscow," the Ukrainian leader said. Putin subsequently indicated that he does not intend to travel anywhere to hold talks with Zelenskyy, but is open to meeting in Moscow. Zelenskyy confirmed he is ready for a summit or meeting with US President Donald Trump and Putin anywhere, except in Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Europe to increase its support for Moldova amid attempts by Russia to draw it into its sphere of influence. Source: Zelenskyy speaking at the UN General Assemblys high-level week in New York on Wednesday 24 September, as reported by European Pravda Details: In his speech, the president noted that Moldova is once again defending itself against interference from Russia, which is "trying to do to Moldova what Iran once did to Lebanon". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said he believes the worlds response to the Kremlins actions is "again not enough". Quote: "We have already lost Georgia in Europe. Human rights and the European nature of the state system are only shrinking there. Georgia is dependent on Russia. And for many, many years Belarus has also been moving towards dependence on Russia. Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too." Details: Zelenskyy said that the world "ignored the need to help Georgia" after Russias attack in 2008 and "missed the moment" when Belarus fell under Russian influence. Quote: "For Europe, support in Moldovas stability is not costly, but failing to do so would come at a much higher price. Thats why the EU needs to help Moldova now with funding and energy support, not just words or political gestures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Parliamentary elections in Moldova are scheduled for 28 September. Chisinau is anticipating unprecedented election interference in an attempt to bring pro-Russian forces to power. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Officials have revealed new details in the investigation into Wednesdays shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas, which left one detainee dead and two others wounded. The shooter was identified by federal law enforcement as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn of Fairview, Texas. The shooting occurred at about 6:40 a.m. local time, according to police. Jahn, who opened fire from the roof of an adjacent building, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference on Thursday, Nancy E. Larson, the acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said officials believe that Jahn "likely" acted alone. Before the attack, the shooter was seen on surveillance video driving with a ladder on his vehicle, Larson said. Authorities believe he used it to access the roof. In a search of his residence, Larson said that investigators found a collection of notes in which Jahn stated that he intended to inflict "maximum lethality against ICE personnel." In one note, she said, he expressed hope that the shooting would "give ICE agents real terror." He hoped to minimize collateral damage against detainees and other innocent people," she said. "It seems that he did not intend to kill detainees or harm them." "It's clear from these notes that he was targeting ICE agents and ICE personnel," Larson added. "The tragic irony for his evil plot here was that it was a detainee who was killed and two other detainees that were injured." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities of the victims have not been released. No federal law enforcement officers were injured in the shooting. Joseph Rothrock, the FBI special agent in charge in Dallas, said the bureau is treating the shooting as an act of targeted violence. FBI Director Kash Patel posted a photo to social media showing one of the casings with the phrase "ANTI-ICE" written on it. President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other high-ranking members of his administration have blamed the attack on anti-police rhetoric from the left. "If your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell," Vance said. Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey, who represents parts of Dallas in the U.S. House of Representatives, pushed back against those claims in an X post, accusing Republicans of exploiting the tragedy to stoke fear, division, and anger. As we mourn, we must also lower the temperature of our politics, Veasey wrote. Reach Donald W. Meyers at dmeyers@yakimaherald.com or 509-577-7748. He can also be reached securely at donaldwmeyers.93 on Signal or at donaldwmeyers@protonmail.com. Wabtec Corp. which operates its largest factory in Lawrence Park, has signed the largest locomotive agreement in the company's history a $4.2 billion deal for 300 locomotives. It's not immediately clear, however, whether the agreement will lead to more jobs for Erie County. Wabtec, which purchased GE Transportation in 2019, reached what the company called a landmark agreement with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway of Kazakhstan. Wabtec has agreed to deliver 300 Evolution series locomotives and service them for 15 years. The east entrance to the Wabtec Corp. locomotive-manufacturing facility in Lawrence Park Township is shown in January of 2023. The company ranks as Erie County's third-largest employer. On the surface, that sounds like good news for the local plant, which in recent years has built many of the locomotives purchased by foreign customers. The company's Fort Worth, Texas, plant, meanwhile has been designated as the primary build site for domestic locomotives. However, the agreement calls for the locomotives to be assembled in Kazakhstan using kits of key components sent from the United States. According to the company, the order will provide work for employees in Lawrence Park and at the company's engine plant in Grove City. "The order secures jobs in the U.S. as the kits for the locomotives will continue to be produced and shipped from these facilities," the company said. Wabtec has longstanding relationship with Kazakhstan Wabtec's business relationship with Kazakhstan isn't a new thing. In 2018, GE Transportation, Wabtec's corporate predecessor, signed a $900 million agreement to deliver 300 shunter locomotives, small locomotives typically used in rail yards, to Kazakhstans state-run railroad. A rail yard full of locomotives is shown at Wabtec Corp. in Lawrence Park Township in this 2019 file photo. But the agreement called for all 300 to be built at the GE Transportation facility in Astana, Kazakhstan, which was established in 2006. Local union hopes to see benefits Scott Slawson, president of Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America at the local plant, would like to see the new contract add to the union workforce. But he's not confident that it will. "I'm not sure what it means for us, if anything," he said. "But if there is development work to be done, more than likely that will be done in Erie." He's also hopeful that the engines will be built at the company's engine plant in Grove City, as opposed to Kazakhstan. Although the Grove City plant is a nonunion facility, "It's a sister shop," Slawson said. "You want the work to be done in the U.S. as much as possible." From 2023: Wabtec picks up steam as focus moves to new lines of work Wabtec CEO Rafael Santana touted the global importance of the contract in a statement. "For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has been critical in transforming Kazakhstans rail industry, he said. This historic agreement embodies KTZs visionary approach for the countrys rail network as the primary link between Europe and Asia." NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich speaks during a press conference on the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Sept. 12. Wellesley Asset Management has purchased Halbert Wealth, an SECregistered investment adviser based in the greater Austin, Texas region, US. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed by both the companies. Halbert Wealth co-founder Debi Halbert added: Our clients will continue working with the same trusted advisors they know, now with access to Wellesley's expanded products, resources, and capabilities. The transaction extends Wellesleys geographic reach into the Austin market and adds to its range of services and investment capabilities. Wellesley said the firms share similar approaches to client service and investment management. Halbert Wealth clients will move onto Wellesleys technology and operational platforms and will be able to use a wider set of investment options while continuing to work with their current advisors. Wellesley characterised the acquisition as part of its ongoing expansion and as consistent with its independent operating model. Wellesley Aset Management CEO Michael Miller said: We are thrilled to welcome Halbert Wealth into the Wellesley family. Halbert Wealth's dedication to personalized wealth management and investment guidance aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional value and innovative investment solutions to our clients." In December 2023, Wellesley Asset Management opened a new office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, US. The Portsmouth office supports all aspects of Wellesley's growing investment advisory business and serve as Wellesley's principal office headquartering the firm's executive, portfolio management and trading teams. The company noted that its client service, relationship management, and operations teams will continue their presence in Massachusetts. "Wellesley Asset Management acquires Halbert Wealth in US" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. A looming oversupply of crude oil is going to cause prices to take a dive as the world moves on to alternatives to hydrocarbons and economic growth remains weak. This has been the message from virtually every price forecaster for months. Yet benchmark oil prices have remained remarkably stable. Some call it a mystery. Yet there is nothing mysterious about it. Forecasts do not reflect real-life supply and demand. There is a bit of a mystery, Vikas Dwivedi, global energy strategist at Macquarie, told the Financial Times this month. The whole marketplace is looking for enormous surpluses and yet the price isnt buckling. Instead of $67 a barrel, why are we not looking at $47 a barrel? There are two likely reasons why we are not looking at $47 a barrel. One of these reasons is the EUs and the United States continued efforts to decimate Russias energy export income via additional sanctions. Since Russia is the second-largest oil producer in the world, right before Saudi Arabia, disruption in its oil flows will affect the global balance of supply and demandand analysts know it. So do forecasters. However, they are downplaying such geopolitical risks in favor of the argument that the electrification of transport and weak economic growth in many key markets are undermining oil demand. Supply, meanwhile, is growing, according to the forecasters, and apparently this supply growth is completely disconnected from priceswhich it obviously is not. Related: Turkey Silent After Tripartite Deal That Could Get Kurdish Flowing This Week The second reason why prices are not down all the way to $47 a barrel is China. Millions of words have been spent on media reports suggesting Chinas oil demand is close to peaking, and afterwards it will drop off a cliff. China, meanwhile, has been stocking up on crude, even with weakening demand growth, which is a fact, after over two decades of leaps and bounds. Indeed, Reuters Clyde Russell noted in a recent column that Chinas crude oil imports have been on the rise since March this year, even if some of the crude goes into storage rather than refineries. Indeed, per Russell, from March onwards China has been importing crude at a far higher rate than it needs to meet its domestic fuel requirements. This has, in turn, been keeping international oil prices stable and higher than many would like to see them, including President Donald Trump, who had cheap gas on his agenda when he took office. On the other hand, Trump strongly believes that hurting Russias oil export revenues would speed up the end of hostilities in Ukraine. That, however, would push prices higher, which may be why he has been in no rush to impose additional sanctions on Russias energy industryunlike the EU, which just did, facing an even higher energy bill as it voluntarily gives up Russian oil. World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the decentralized finance (DeFi) project from the Trump family, announced its plans to bring a debit card with retail application. This project will help them facilitate seamless transactions for their native USD1 stablecoin, which will integrate with Apple Pay. Zak Folkman, the co-founder of World Liberty Financial, made the announcement while speaking at the Korea Blockchain Week 2025, in Seoul, on Sept. 23. Folkman said: allows users to be able to attach their USD1 and their World Liberty Financial app right into their Apple Pay. Not today, but its coming very soon. The debit card from World Liberty Financial will complement the projects upcoming retail application, which will launch in the near future. According to Folkman, the app will function as a blend of Venmo meets Robinhood, integrating Web2-style peer-to-peer payments with trading features similar to Robinhood. Additionally, Zak Folkman ruled out any possible plans to launch a proprietary blockchain, stressing the companys commitment to remaining chain-agnostic. We will never put out a World Liberty Financial chain, Folkman said, adding that the firms focus is on building a stablecoin independent of specific chains, exchanges, or platforms. Its literally the opposite of our entire mentality. We believe our job is not to roll out chains or exchanges, but to be completely agnostic when it comes to chains, technology, and distribution platforms. World Liberty Financial (WLFI) Token on Investors Radar WLFI, the native cryptocurrency of World Liberty Financial, has recently been under selling pressure, and has been flirting with $0.20. Since its launch on September 1, the token has been trading 35% down, as investors await a potential catalyst for a further rally. Popular analyst CryptoBusy stated that World Liberty Financials token WLFI slipped below its ascending trendline, signaling weakening momentum. This is despite the massive 47 million WLFI token burn earlier this month. Key price levels identified by market watchers include potential accumulation zones at $0.2088, $0.1973, and $0.1855. On the upside, a breakout above $0.2399 with strong volume is seen as the bullish trigger that could flip WLFIs market structure back to the upside. Folkman acknowledged that WLFI will remain subject to market volatility. However, he expressed confidence that the tokens value will increase over the long term as the project continues to expand its product suite. Furthermore, World Liberty Financial has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bithumb to collaborate on future business opportunities. Read original story World Liberty Financial Plans Debit Card with Seamless USD1 Stablecoin Transactions by Bhushan Akolkar at Coinspeaker.com Laszlo Varju, MP of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK), said in parliament on Tuesday that "a well-organised and politically connected paedophile network supported by state officials has embedded itself in the central child protection system." Varju insisted that his claim was already proven by the "presidential pardon scandal" early last year, when the then president granted a pardon to an accomplice of a convicted paedophile "with the consent of the government". While "some thought that was an isolated case, by now it has become clear that [ruling] Fidesz operates a paedophile network catering girls and boys from children's homes for state leaders," Varju said. "They prostitute children in state care while making the beneficiaries untouchable and rich," he added. Varju demanded stricter rules for child abuse offenders as well as extending the legal obligation to report sexual offences against minors to clerics. Bence Retvari, parliamentary state secretary of the interior ministry, said that the accusations concerning a young offender institution in Budapest's Szolo Street were no more than "baseless accusations and slander". He said it was "unacceptable" that deputies were "trampling on the reputation of others without any factual evidence". Retvari insisted that the previous governments had prosecuted and imprisoned 81 paedophiles, while currently there were over 700 behind bars. "The difference is hundreds of paedophiles that were allowed free rampage," he said. Orban: Szolo Street case 'had to be faced' (Part 1) Deputy PM Zsolt Semjen "was right when he faced the Szolo Street case", Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday, adding that the case was an attack aimed to paralyse the government, a "well-constructed attempt to topple the government, with an aspect involving foreign secret services." Speaking on the Fight Hour podcast, Orban insisted that "it was not an attack against just Semjen or any other government member ... it was a blood libel ... against which half the country could rise." But, he said, the government had "launched a counter-offensive." He said he usually ignored accusations based on false information, but now he saw eye to eye with Semjen to face the challenge. The prime minister said he approved of Semjen's position because "if government members are accused of the gravest possible crime" and proven guilty, "the government has to go". "Semjen is correct to call it a blood libel, which must not be ignored, he said. He added that in this case "not only the reputation of the government and the state had to be protected but their operability, too". Two government members have been accused "of the gravest crime under common law, he said, adding that the accusations were false and "serious legal ramifications" could be expected with "no mercy". According to Orban, it is obvious "who started the accusations and how the next and the third and the fourth medium took the reports over, and then finally how they named people and how the opposition leaders - from Peter Magyar to Klara Dobrev - got involved". "They still uphold those accusations, these people commit criminal offences each day ... it does not appear as if this were not orchestrated," Orban said. "Those that have participated in spreading the rumours were aware that they were committing a crime which would have legal consequences," Orban said. Answering a remark by a viewer, Orban said "the moment child abuse is reported, the authorities will act", adding that Hungary's child protection system was efficient and employed thousands of "serious and committed" people. "Now and then there is a rotten apple in the basket, but it will be thrown out without delay," Orban said. Meanwhile, the prime minister called independent MP Akos Hadhazy a "pathetic half-wit", whom he did not consider a politician. "Entertainment and politics are intertwined; from one direction there come actors playing politicians and lunatic politicians from the other direction. They meet in the middle, that is now Hungary's opposition camp," Orban said. The police need help by making legislation clearer in certain sensitive cases that are difficult to assess from a legal perspective, Orban said. He said that in certain areas, police officers must sometimes "spend more time pondering about the law than taking action". He added that he believed this was not good. The interior minister's response to this situation had been that the laws were not clear enough, Orban said, adding that "he may be right in that". "So let's make them clear," Orban said. Concerning opposition Tisza leader Peter Magyar, Orban said that he was "preferred in Brussels" and said "people acting here on foreign instructions are mostly crazy ... Mihaly Karolyi, who was also a dimwit, had been delegated by the French; later on Szalasi was helped to power by the Germans, and Rakosi, who was also mad, the Soviets." "They can all appear serious, but will then create huge trouble for the country," he added. Prosecutor's office takes over investigation into Szolo Street young offender institution The chief prosecutor's office has taken over an ongoing investigation into "human trafficking, forced labour and other crimes" concerning a young offender institution in Budapest's Szolo Street, the office announced. According to the office's statement, a separate unit within the Chief Central Prosecutor's Office of Investigations will be set up to look into all aspects of the alleged crimes in an expedited procedure. So far, two suspects in detention have been questioned, the statement said. Orban: 'Fake news scandal' connected to Szolo Street in focus 'A fake news scandal is in focus', which is linked to "a prison, a correctional facility, a young offenders' institution" in Budapest's Szolo Street, whose leader used to prostitute women, "but that has nothing to do with the juvenile male inmates", the prime minister said. "All government members are innocent; the integrity of none of the ministers can be questioned," Viktor Orban said in an interview with public broadcaster Kossuth Radio. Members of the government "cannot be linked to such criminal activities", he said, adding that "anyone that should still do so will ... face serious legal consequences." "A yet to be investigated system, which probably has foreign aspects, has started spreading rumours of a paedophile crime with connections to the government," Orban said. "This is extremely serious because paedophilia is the most serious crime in this civilisation ... paedophiles must be imprisoned. There is no capital punishment and they cannot be quartered but that would probably be the optimum solution," he said. But "accusing another person of paedophile acts with no reason is an equally serious crime ... serious if levelled at a private individual but twice as serious if a public official ... is targeted," Orban said. "If accusations of paedophilia are made to destroy the position of a person, ruin the reputation of the police or that of public administration, or to topple a minister or the government, that crime is three times as serious," the prime minister said. "Hearsay in this case is no minor offence; one may gossip, but accusing people of the most serious crime is not okay," Orban said. "In this case the perpetrators -- including opposition politicians -- were aware that if they were accusing another person of committing a paedophile crime, they would face punishment," he added. "They will get what they could expect." Meanwhile, Orban advocated "decent behaviour" and said it could "help a lot in politics, too ... you don't need to harm others, be aggressive, and count to ten before saying something when you are upset." "Politics is for those that can handle their own temper even in a heated debate," Orban added. He also said such situations may occur "when there are problems within a civilisation, when people and their leaders feel that they are not in control of a situation." "Western Europe is now in a situation like that ... migration has overturned everything. Life is getting worse in Europe and all that surrounds us will increase arrogance, and that will surface in politics, too ... but politicians have a responsibility to restrain that irritated, aggressive, violent medium from entering the public discourse ... think ten times before you say something," Orban said. Meanwhile, Orban said the government on Wednesday decided on designating antifa as a terrorist organisation. The government will compile a national list of terrorist organisations and take the strictest possible action against them, he said. The government must be a leader in ensuring that actions and any "announced criminal intentions" do not go unpunished, he added. Asked if Hungary could have an alternative to Russian energy, Orban said a suspension of purchases of Russian gas and oil would cut the country's GDP by 4 percent, "ruining hundreds of thousands of families". Such a suspension, he said, would raise households' energy bills on a scale of hundreds of thousands of forints, while cutting supply. He added that landlocked Hungary relied on pipelines, one built during the communist era and one that allowed deliveries from the south, for its crude and gas, and nobody had offered viable alternatives. Orban said he had told US President Donald Trump about an International Monetary Fund (IMF) analysis that showed a cutoff of Russian gas and crude would result in an output loss of more than 4 percent of GDP for Hungary. "That would be a catastrophe, bringing the Hungarian economy to its knees," he added. Asked about the US president's response, Orban said the US was a big country and Hungary a small one, but both were sovereign states. "There is no need for either of us to accept the other's arguments. America has its arguments and its interests, and so does Hungary. We must do one thing: clearly express and advocate those arguments and interests. And if we're on good terms, if we are friends, then we'll listen. Afterward, everybody can do what they want," he added. "The more money that is left with families, the better," he added. Orban said the opposition parties were in favour of taking money away from people and businesses and redistributing it "to make the world fairer". "But I learned that this leads to bankruptcy, and in the end, everyone is worse off," he said. "Our philosophy is that we must ensure the operation of certain public services, but preferably also leave as much money with families and businesses because they know better what they need than if someone were to tell them in a centralised way and transfer money to them," Orban said. Similarly, the prime minister said, the opposition had always said the government was spending too much on culture and sports. "But while its important for us to be well off, we should also have nice things," he said, adding that it was culture and sports that guaranteed that. Supporting sports was also important for discipline and "a way of helping parents raise their children to be good people", he said. Orban said he had been shocked to hear that the opposition Tisza Party was planning to scrap the "TAO" corporate culture and sports subsidies, adding that this would affect hundreds of thousands of children, rather than professional athletes. The Hungarian state supports investments, Orban said, noting a 280 billion forint Singaporean investment in Bekescsaba, in south-eastern Hungary, that will directly create 2,500 jobs and thousands more indirectly. This was supported by a 40 billion forint government grant, he said. But if the government had followed the logic of Tiszas economic expert and former state secretary Andras Karman, this grant would not have been given to the Singaporean company, and there would not have been 2,500 new jobs created in Bekescsaba, he added. Orban said he understood "what is right or wrong according to textbooks", but "these economists have never come out of their banks and have no idea about the lives of people who can only feed their families if they have jobs locally". Those who oppose supporting businesses and investment "are actually taking food away from Hungarians", he said. He said he had warned Karman when he was state secretary "not to say things like this because its against the interests of Hungarians", adding that this was also why Karman had left the government and joined Tisza. Meanwhile, Orban said it was not only the leaders of Tisza but also a majority of its voters who were in favour of raising taxes and introducing progressive taxation in place of a flat-rate tax regime. The prime minister cited a survey in which "80-90 percent of them said progressive taxation was preferable". He said Tisza also wanted to change the family support system and introduce an asset tax. If such a tax were to be introduced, Orban said, "everybody will have to submit asset declarations and once again the state will have control over people's assets." Based on those declarations a national register would be compiled with "asset probes" to follow, the prime minister warned. "Thousands of people in Buda[pest] will be imposed very high taxes on their properties," he added. "Hungary has already seen such a regime," he said, and proposed that "taxation should be simple and taxes small". "If possible, let us not bother people; let us not enter their homes, demand tax declarations, let us not ask them where they spend their holidays, or what car they drive but let them work," Orban said. As regards a European Parliamentary committee proposal to uphold the immunity of Hungary's opposition MEP Peter Magyar, Orban said a politician who could be blackmailed was "jackpot for Brussels". Orban noted that he refused to meet "some Brussels demands" such as "allowing illegal migrants in, lifting the special tax on banks and international companies or scrapping the household utility caps scheme". The Hungarian government also refuses to change its family support system and "send the funds thus saved to Ukraine" or "to get involved in the war in Ukraine", Orban said. "I say no to all these things and I won't be blackmailed," the prime minister added. "Brussels needs a leader that they can hold to ransom, who will allow migrants in, take Hungary to war, side with Ukraine and destroy the utility caps ... they want a leader in Hungary that can be joysticked," Orban said. "Magyar is subject to blackmail; he will not be prosecuted in Hungary for theft because those in Brussels are protecting him through his immunity ... they want to make him prime minister and then squeeze decisions out of him that could be lethal to Hungary," Orban said. "As long as there is a patriotic government in Hungary, such decisions will not be made," he added. Govt MPs reject accusations concerning young offender facility Representatives of Fidesz and the junior co-ruling Christian Democrats on Monday rejected an opposition party's accusations that government members have been involved in alleged sexual abuse at a young offender institution in Budapest's Szolo Street. Laszlo Sebian-Petrovszki of the opposition Democratic Coalition asked if a recent investigation had managed to identify "the actual perpetrators" of child abuse as well as "those who allowed this to happen". He demanded that "the two people involved" in what he said was "Fidesz's pedophile scandal" be named. Bence Retvari, the (Fidesz) state secretary of the interior ministry, forcefully rejected the opposition MP's "sneaky" remarks and insisted that the remarks did not contain "a single concrete fact or evidence", adding that Sebian-Petrovszki had "trampled on the reputation of others without any factual evidence." Christian Democrat MP Istvan Hollik said the accusations were "disgusting" and the opposition was "accusing people without any foundation". He called on the opposition deputies "not to make hints but put forward if they know something". Youth facility director's case used in 'organised, coordinated attack against govt' - ministry The criminal proceedings against the head of a youth offender institution in Szolo Street in Budapest are being used in a "planned, coordinated campaign against the government which lacks any foundation in facts and aims to hobble the government's ability to take action", the justice minister said on Facebook on Wednesday, presenting a report by the ministry. Bence Tuzson said on Facebook that the director of the facility is suspected of employing women in their 20's at the facility who then engaged in prostitution, with his knowledge and help. The director drew financial benefits from the women's prostitution, the report said. No politician or child has so far been implicated, neither as a witness nor as perpetrator, the report said. The youth correctional facility is holding 12-18-year old boys who had been accused of crimes. Further, the report said that "the order of the allegations published and the persons making the statements leads to the suspicion that a coordinated, premeditated campaign is under way without any factual background, with the aim of hobbling the government's ability to take action." The first claims implicating government members came from former institute director Gabor Kuslits in an interview with Valasz Online on Sept 8. Then, Facebook posts by opposition politicians Andras Jambor, Klara Dobrev, geopolitical expert Csaba Kancz and actor Aron Molnar and others kept the matter in the limelight, it said. When heard as a witness, Kuslits told the police that he had not named the politicians since then mired in the matter. "He said he based his statements on hearsay," the report added. Meanwhile, Kancz told the police he had no concrete evidence and refused to divulge the name of his source, saying he was a journalist at an outlet called Privatbankar. "At the same time, he clearly wrote the Facebook post as a private individual, not as a journalist," the report said. The ruling parties and government members implicated in the case will file police reports against everyone "involved in libel", it said. The government has declared zero tolerance against crimes against children, and has given the National Protection Services the right to scrutinise the lifestyle of every employee in the child protection system, the report said. The crimes in the original procedure were uncovered thanks to such a review, it said. MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, is meeting his Iranian counterpart in New York on Tuesday to discuss ways to revive an earlier nuclear agreement. According to a ministry statement, Szijjarto is also scheduled to have bilateral talks with Western European counterparts on the same issue. "Hungary has a clear stance on the matter. We don't want the number of countries with nuclear weapons to grow. We think the International Atomic Energy Agency should supervise Iran's so-called nuclear programme, according to the previous agreement," he said. "We are advocating for restoring the situation before the acts of war, and give the IAEA full access to informations on the Iranian nuclear programme so it can exercise full control. We continue to stand for diplomatic solutions... That would greatly contribute to world security," Szijjarto said. Meanwhile, Szijjarto said his meeting with his Argentinian counterpart "will be interesting because the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur states has been dragging on for long now." The agreement has been drafted but several countries, including Hungary and France, have criticised it, he said. Szijjarto said Hungary wanted the agreement to be signed only if it provided guarantees protecting Hungarian farmers, agriculture and the food industry, he said. Further, Szijjarto will also meet his Serbian counterpart. He said the meeting was especially important in view of "attempts in Europe to eliminate patriotic leaders by political, legal and even physical means -- and it's happening especially harshly" in Serbia, he added. "The leader of the Czech patriotic party, a favourite to win the elections, was beaten at a rally. Slovakia's patriotic prime minister was nearly killed. In Hungary, the Brussels bureaucracy is doing everything in its power to replace us with a puppet government. Austria's patriotic party, after winning the election, was denied the opportunity to take up governance, and there are clearly foreign-directed violent demonstrations in Serbia to remove the patriotic president who enjoys the trust of the people," he said. "It does not paint a pretty picture of European democracy that the extreme liberal mainstream is trying to eliminate patriotic politicians enjoying the people's trust." Szijjarto is also scheduled to meet the foreign ministers of Guinea Bissau, Sudan and the Vatican. FM Szijjarto also said Gov't to continue protecting Hungary from migration 'in the face of Brussels' Hungary's government will continue to go against the pro-migration policy of the European Union and protect Hungary from illegal migration, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in New York. According to a ministry statement, Szijjarto attended a meeting on combatting terrorism held within the framework of the United Nations General Assembly. Szijjarto said after the meeting that the world was riddled with security challenges including wars, armed conflicts and "extremely grave terror threat". "There were 3,495 acts of terrorism committed last year alone. People are living in extreme threat in certain points of Africa, the Middle East and the Far East," he added. Those events amount to challenges for Europe too, he said, adding that terrorism was in direct connection with illegal migration. In a vicious circle, terrorism prompted many people to leave their countries, allowing terrorists "to hide among migrants and move across continents practically unchallenged, to spread extreme ideologies and commit terrorist attacks," he said. Hungary had managed to ward off that threat by "taking decisive action and rejecting to allow migrants into the country", he said. The fence on the Hungary-Serbia border and border protection had stopped one million migrants from entering the country so far, Szijjarto insisted. He said the difference between the security situation of Hungary and Western Europe was palpable. "There are no illegal migrants in Hungary, and we have to pay a daily fine of one million euros to Brussels for that, which is outrageous -- but I'd say it's the best investment into our security," he said. "I think it is better to maintain the [border] fence and strict border controls and go against Brussels to protect Hungary from illegal migrants." Szijjarto said Western Europe was plagued by "parallel societies, terror threat, no-go zones, and in many places, a loud minority ruins the lives of communities that have been there for centuries. We don't want that to happen in Hungary. We will continue to oppose Brussels, protect Hungary from illegal migration and maintain that illegal migrants are not allowed to enter Hungary," he said. FM Szijjarto Claims EP Siding with 'Anti-Fascist Terrorist' The European Parliament has once again revealed itself by refusing to suspend the immunity of "antifa terrorist" Ilaria Salis, as well as opposition Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar who has also been implicated in criminal activity, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. The EP had helped those people avoid accountability, Szijjarto said according to a ministry statement. Szijjarto said that last week he had approached Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with a proposal to follow the example of the United States and classify the antifa movement as a terrorist organization. "Because Antifa is a terrorist organization. Antifa spreads an extreme ideology, and within the framework of this extreme ideology, they practically encourage violent action against anyone who disagrees with their violent ideology," he said. "So what did they do in Hungary? What did they do in Budapest? What did this woman named Ilaria Salis do in Budapest? As members of a gang, they publicly hunted down people in the streets in Hungary and beat them to death just because they thought they had followed some kind of different ideology," he added. "This is terrorism, there is no other way to describe it, this is public manhunt in the street. Now the European Parliament has sided with an antifa terrorist who participated in public street manhunt and is defending her," he added. Szijjarto said that the EP had once again revealed itself by "defending and hiding Peter Magyar and Ilaria Sari from the Hungarian authorities." "I believe that those who have committed crimes should not hide behind their immunity, yet this is what is happening in both cases, and the European Parliament is clearly helping these people to evade responsibility," he said. "I continue to take the position that Antifa should indeed be declared a terrorist organization, because that is what it is, and in this case, the European Parliament is defending a terrorist organization, which is simply unacceptable and outrageous," he concluded. FM adds Hungary refuses to change its migration policy 'no matter the pressure' The Hungarian government refuses to change its migration policy under any pressure, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in New York on Tuesday, adding that the measures were effective "and keeping illegal immigrants out is the right course of action". The ministry said in a statement that Szijjarto participated in a meeting on the fight against terrorism, where he emphasized that the international situation was the most dangerous since the end of the Cold War, as there were numerous wars taking place around the world and the threat of terrorism was very high. He added that there had been 3,495 terrorist attacks worldwide last year and, and referring to Hungary's special geographical location, he said that there was a link between illegal migration and the growing threat of terrorism, with the two forming a vicious circle. He said Hungary lied on the busiest land migration route to the European Union, and that ten years ago, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants had flooded into the country and refused to cooperate with the authorities. "We made a very good decision when we did not allow illegal migrants to enter Hungarian territory, thereby reducing the growth of the terrorist threat. We built a fence on our borders and have spent nearly two billion euros on border protection costs so far," he said. "And this is something that I believe we should not have to experience in 21st-century Europe. Based on Hungary's experience, I can say that if we cannot stop the waves of illegal migration, the threat of terrorism will continue to grow. Pro-migration policies go hand in hand with an increased threat of terrorism," he said. "We will resolutely defend our borders. We will not allow illegal migrants to enter the country (...) We believe that this is the best way to protect ourselves and the entire European continent," he said, and expressed his support for the UN's counterterrorism efforts. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The European Union should not give a single penny to Hungary or Viktor Orban's government until the Orban government releases the domestic and EU funds owed to Hodmezovasarhely, said Peter Marki-Zay, mayor of Hodmezovasarhely, in Brussels. Speaking to Hungarian journalists, Marki-Zay said that political discrimination was taking place against the city of Hodmezovasarhely, in southeast Hungary. He claimed that "unlawful, unconstitutional political discrimination" was afoot against the 43,000 Hodmezovasarhely citizens, "including Fidesz voters". "We are fighting with complaints, constitutional complaints and, last but not least, by lobbying the government in Hungary and here at the European Commission, the European Parliament, its bodies and even the Council of Europe, so that they too will stand up for the rule of law and local government in Hungary. We are doing everything we can to prevent Hodmezovasarhely from being dispossessed and our money from being stolen from us," he said. According to the mayor, Hodmezovasarhely should have received 500 million forints in funding within the government-subsidised Competitive Districts Programme. "Regional Development Minister Tibor Navracsics didn't give the city a penny, despite the fact that 82 percent of the district's citizens live in Hodmezovasarhely," he said. He said the discrimination was running afoul of all constitutional and EU principles. In the past days, he had met EU institutions' representatives and the leaders of the largest party families of the European Parliament, he said, highlighting "that stealing or withholding resources from the opposition is a ubiquitous problem in Hungary." Marki-Zay said it was in all Hungarians' interests to "earn financial support from the EU" by running the country fairly and free from corruption and by upholding EU principles. Otherwise, Hungary will be unable to maintain growth, the quality of life and public services, he said. "We are asking that you fully withhold funding, to make sure Orban stops building a one-party state and stops stealing..." he said. Meanwhile: Hadhazy Says Orban 'following in Putin's footsteps' "Hybrid regimes don't stop until they are stopped," independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy told a demonstration in downtown Budapest on Tuesday. "It is clear that Prime Minister Viktor Orban is following in Putin's footsteps," he said. Hadhazy told the demonstration demanding the withdrawal of amendments to the assembly law and the draft law on the transparency of public life that "the end of the road [of hybrid regimes] is full dictatorship." And yet, "there are only a few hundred people here week after week, demonstrating against the Chinese-type face recognition system, we shrug our shoulders about the transparency law ... we do nothing except complain," he said. While demonstrating is uncomfortable and risky, "if we are late with mobilising people and the dictatorship is already here, then we can fear for our livelihood and our physical existence." Commenting on Orban calling him "a fool", Hadhazy said: "They are out of arguments. I would rather be a fool than methodically ransack the country for 15 years, to pocket thousands of billions of taxpayer money, and to use hundreds of billions to rile up people and to lie month after month, all day long." Meanwhile, Hadhazy said some in opposition circles had also called him a fool for "protesting for unattainable things". "We demand the withdrawal of the techno-fascist law and the draft transparency law, even though we know it is unlikely we should achieve it in the coming months." At the same time, protests may "light a fire under those on power and achieve that they lose confidence," he added. University teacher Gabor Polyak said that propaganda was harming everyone by strangling democracy. He called on the crowd not to "yield the whole digital space to populists, call a lie a lie, take care of those working against the disappearance of sensible speech, and stand up for the people targeted by propaganda." After the demonstration, the crowd walked to the spontaneous memorial of Russian opposition politician Alexandr Navalny near the Russian embassy. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Home sales rose 20pc in the first three weeks after the launch of the Home Start subsidised credit scheme for first-time home buyers, an analysis by listings site ingatlan.com shows. Home sales stood at 26,451 in the first three weeks of September, suggesting full-year sales could climb to 160,000, a threshold reached only twice in the past ten years, ingatlan.com said. The Home Start Programme offers first-time home buyers loans up to HUF 50m at a fixed 3pc. 8.2% Plan to Apply for Hungarys Home Start Loan Scheme A new survey by the economic research institute GKI shows that 8.2% of Hungarian adults are considering joining the governments Home Start subsidised loan scheme for first-time homebuyers, which will run from September until next February. According to the poll, 3.7% of respondents said they were very likely to apply, 4.4% said they were somewhat likely, while 91.8% either had no plans or remained undecided. GKI noted that if only those who described themselves as very likely to participate followed through, the scheme could draw around 152,000 applicants. This figure is significant, given that a total of 127,000 housing transactions were completed across Hungary in 2024. Interest in the programme is higher in the capital, with around 12% of Budapest residents saying they plan to apply, compared with 68% in other parts of the country. The survey also highlighted differences by profession: 19% of business owners expressed an intention to make use of the scheme, in contrast to just 6% of manual workers. More about Home Start Programme: The Hungarian government has released a draft decree outlining the Home Start Programme, a subsidised loan scheme designed to support first-time property buyers. According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office, the initiative is aimed primarily at young Hungarians, with the potential to enable tens of thousands of people to purchase their first homes in the coming years. From September 1, a fixed-rate loan of 3% will be offered up to a maximum of HUF 50 million, open to all first-time home buyers regardless of age or family circumstances. The programme is accessible to applicants who have not owned residential property within the past ten years, to those holding real estate worth less than HUF 15 million, and to individuals with a maximum ownership share of 50% in a home. Eligibility also covers those whose property is earmarked for demolition or, in certain cases, is burdened by usufruct rights. For couples, whether married or in registered partnerships, only one partner is required to fulfil the property ownership criteria. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate that their social security contributions have been paid for no less than two years. They must also provide proof of having no outstanding tax liabilities, no criminal record, and must satisfy lenders requirements for creditworthiness. Under the programme, the maximum purchase price of eligible homes is capped at HUF 100 million for apartments in multi-unit buildings and HUF 150 million for standalone houses, with a per-square-metre ceiling set at HUF 1.5 million. The required down payment for loans within the scheme is 10%. The draft decree specifies that applications for the Home Start Programme opened on September 1. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. XRP is once again at the center of a heated market debate, with some analysts forecasting the token could reach $5 by the end of this month. However, as of writing, the token has seen over $1.3 million in liquidation in the last four hours, according to the data. CryptoBull, a crypto influencer and market commentator, shared a chart indicating that XRP has formed a breakout structure with potential for explosive upside to $5 over the next few weeks. Davie Satoshi mentioned a possible cup-and-handle pattern on XRP's weekly chart, too, which is a classic bullish continuation pattern. The analysis suggests a decisive breakout over the $3.20 - $3.30 handle resistance could follow, with it higher, with targets of $30 in the long run during an altcoin bull cycle. More news: Not everyone feels this optimism. Some traders contend that although on-chain utility continues to get stronger, XRP's price action will continue to be subject to market-wide influences, such as Bitcoin's seasonal downturn in September and global macroeconomic uncertainties. Ripple steps into the policy arena Even as debates around price forecasts rage on, Ripple has continued to strengthen its political and institutional presence. Cassie Craddock, Ripple's UK managing director, confirmed on social media that she attended a high-profile roundtable at Downing Street during President Trump's state visit to the UK. The roundtable included UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and representatives from some of the largest firms in both the UK and the US. Craddock pointed out that Ripple is "well-placed" to help foster transatlantic collaboration on digital assets, adding that Ripple will be helping to influence global norms for the adoption of blockchain. This engagement emphasizes Ripple's dual track of positioning XRP as both a financial instrument and a technology solution that aligns with policy. mXRP launch strengthens the XRP ledger Today, Ripple's ecosystem got even stronger when Midas and Axelar launched mXRP, the first yield-bearing liquid staked token on the XRP Ledger. mXRP was shown off at the XRPL Seoul conference. It lets holders earn 68% APY through lending and liquidity strategies while keeping their assets liquid for DeFi apps. This added to the momentum. But, XRP Bollinger bands signal caution XRP has been trading around $2.85$2.97 range on the technical side and is in a narrowing squeeze on the Bollinger Bands. Bollinger bands of XRP. Source: TheStreetRoundtable on TradingView This is usually indicative of a period of consolidation before there is a significant movement. With trading volume spiking over 200% in the past 24 hours, a breakout above $3.17 could bring additional upside potential. However, a price break below $2.77 could result in more losses. Related: Why is everyone hyping Tuesday as Bitcoins big political day? This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. For the fifteenth time, SAP has awarded companies in the Central and Eastern European region that are leading the way in change and setting good examples of successful implementation. This time, the company announced three categories on the topics of business transformation, rapid value creation, and sustainability. Within the business category, the Functional Transformation Award was won by the Hungarian B+N Referencia Zrt. in 2024. The SAP Quality Awards Business Transformation: Functional Transformation category highlights projects that successfully rationalize a key business process. These include, for example, comprehensive changes implemented in the areas of marketing, HR, purchasing, or finance using the latest innovations from SAP. In this category, the transformation of B+Ns enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with the introduction of the new generation SAP S/4HANA was found to be the most convincing and successful. It is always a great pleasure when a Hungarian project wins the award for the best, congratulations! In addition, this award is also excellent feedback for us, as the SAP Hungary consulting team implemented the system, and we accompanied the process all the way to the go-live. This project implemented exactly what we recommend to other clients in the case of SAP S/4HANA transitions: it was not just an ERP system replacement, but a complex BPR project, where we also rethought the companys business and operational processes together with the client, adapting them to SAP best practice solutions, emphasized Szabolcs Pinter, Managing Director of SAP Hungary. "Now, B+Ns successful implementation experience can help other clients throughout the region to decide on and confidently implement their future developments. Hungarian-owned B+N Referencia Zrt. provides full-range facility management (FM) services to its clients in Hungary and eight other countries. It has been present on the market for over thirty years, during which time it has become the leading FM company in Hungary and then in the region. Its clients include large domestic and international corporations and state institutions. More: B+N ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Dragon Boats Surge, Fire Dragons SoarBaiyun Shimen in Guangzhou Celebrates the Double Festival with a Cultural Extravaganza On October 2 and 6, Shimen Street in Baiyun District, Guangzhou will grandly host the National Day Dragon Boat Super Invitational and the 7th Yagang Dragon Boat Carnival. 2025-09-24 21:50:30 The army in Pakistan says that there was a failure of the government in the 1971 war. On the other hand, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto is saying that it was a failure of the army. Now the question is arising that why there was a rift between the government and the army regarding the 1971 war in Pakistan? Today in the Constitution, see the 'post-mortem' of Pakistan's 'aukat'! The bench upheld an appeal by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, describing a re-examination as impractical and likely to trigger excessive litigation. This ruling effectively overturns the High Courts directive to disqualify candidates who did not meet the amended eligibility criteria, scroll down for more details. The Centre had launched PM Svanidhi scheme on June 1, 2020, to help poor street vendors, impacted by COVID-19 to resume their livelihood activities. Reportedly around 4.5 lakh street vendors were registered in Madhya Pradesh, of which, acceptance has been granted to over 1.4 lakh street vendors of amount worth Rs 140 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister praised the efforts of the street vendors to bounce back and appreciated their self-confidence, perseverance and hard work. He appreciated the efforts of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, for identifying more than 4.5 lakh street vendors and completing the process to give loans to over a 1 lakh vendors within 2 months, notwithstanding the effect of the pandemic. The Prime Minister said any calamity first affects the poor impacting their jobs, food and savings. He referred to the tough times when most of the poor migrants had to return to the villages. A viral video of a luxury Rolls-Royce stranded in Kolkata's severe floods has ignited a massive social media debate over the city's poor infrastructure and a growing concern about urban flooding. Donald Trump claims Ukraine can achieve victory, but experts question if Kyiv has the power, weapons and strategy to reclaim Crimea, Donbas and other Russian-occupied territories. When it comes to savings and wealth, digging into national data is one way to put your own finances into perspective. Looking at how Americans are saving, investing, and building financial security can help you see whether youre on track, spot areas where you might improve, and set realistic goals for the future. Whether youre curious about how much others keep in savings accounts, what typical retirement balances look like, or how wealth is distributed across the country, these figures tell a story about financial health in 2025 and where you fit into it. This embedded content is not available in your region. Average deposit account rates Deposit account rates vary widely across products and banking institutions. Here are some of the national average rates for deposit accounts, according to the FDIC: Deposit account ownership and access According to the FDIC, 95.8% of U.S. households were banked as of 2023 (the latest data available), meaning they held bank accounts such as checking or savings accounts with traditional financial institutions. The average transaction account balance (which includes checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, call accounts, and prepaid debit cards) is $62,410, according to the Federal Reserves latest Survey of Consumer Finances. The median transaction account balance is $8,000. In 2023, 4.2% of U.S. households (or about 5.6 million) were unbanked. The most commonly cited reasons for not having a bank account included not having enough money to meet minimum balance requirements, distrust of banks, and too many fees. The American Bankers Association found that just 8% of people prefer to handle their bank transactions in person via traditional banking. By contrast, 77% prefer online alternatives. Over half of banked households (55%) use mobile banking as their primary method of account access. Saving trends The personal saving rate (personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income) is 4.4% as of July 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average savings vary by generation, with millennials saving the most money in 2024 and baby boomers saving the least. The median retirement account balance in the U.S. is $87,000. When comparing the average retirement savings by age, those aged 65-74 have the most savings, and those aged 35 and under have the least. The median emergency savings for Americans is $600, according to a 2025 survey by Empower. Nearly two in five (37%) Americans say they couldnt afford an emergency expense over $400, while 21% have no emergency savings at all. Income and net worth Real median household income was $80,610 in 2023 (the latest data available), representing a 4% increase from 2022, according to the U.S. Census. The average American familys net worth was $1,059,470 in 2022, according to the most recent Survey of Consumer Finances. The median net worth was $192,700 for the same year. When we break down net worth by age, Americans in their 60s have the highest median net worth ($439,154), and those in their 20s have the lowest ($7,638). When examining net worth by state, Hawaii's residents have the highest median net worth ($472,600), and Louisiana's residents have the lowest ($71,900). Savings goals and challenges The News in Brief Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Carrying the slogan "Until the end! To save Georgia!" protesters marched on September 23 from the 300 Aragvians Memorial to Rustaveli Avenue, marking the 300th consecutive day of demonstrations in Tbilisi.The rally began symbolically at the monument dedicated to the 300 Aragvians, with participants saying their prolonged protest is aimed at forcing the government to "return to the constitutional framework and stop the terror carried out against citizens."Protesters argued that state institutions have turned against the public and accused the authorities of escalating the crisis rather than seeking compromise. "For 300 days, Georgian citizens have been asking their own government to return to the constitutional framework and stop the terror directed against citizens. We have turned into a terrorist state, where state institutions are directed against the people," one demonstrator said.They reiterated two central demands: restoration of constitutional governance and the announcement of new parliamentary elections. "After so many days of protest, the government should have called new elections if it really wanted to resolve the problem in the country. Instead, we get escalating steps. Not a single constructive move, not a single compromising step has been taken. The situation is only escalating; they have shifted to a regime of terror," the participant continued.The demonstrators said the protest would not stop without government concessions. "We cannot decide to accept all this and disperse to our homes. Of course, the protest will continue; it did not arise without reason - the author of the protest is the government itself. How the protest will be resolved and in what form it will continue depends on the government," the speaker said.Sokhumi is exploring the possibility of launching direct maritime connections with Syrian ports, according to Teimuraz Mikvabia, the de facto economy minister of Russian-occupied Abkhazia.In an interview with the Kremlin-controlled TASS news agency, Mikvabia said that Abkhazia and Syria have already formalized cooperation on several levels. "We've already signed a number of agreements with the Syrian Arab Republic at both the governmental and agency levels, and we are working with our colleagues on transport and logistics links," he stated on September 23.Mikvabia suggested that sea trade could be advantageous for both sides, pointing to Syria's agricultural output. He also indicated that air travel might be discussed later. "In the future, we will certainly raise the issue of air connections, since an airport operates in Damascus," he said.The economy official noted that an Abkhaz delegation recently attended the 62nd Damascus International Fair, where discussions with Syrian authorities were held on potential cooperation.Syria recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent entities in 2018. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024, Georgian leaders from across the political spectrum, along with U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, urged Syria's interim authorities to reverse that recognition. Three of Indonesia's largest telecoms providers have announced a partnership to develop standardisation of an API protocol for telecommunications in Indonesia. Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), and XLSMART have launched Telco API Alliance, a joint initiative to accelerate the standardisation of the Telco API protocol in Indonesia. The three operators agreed to standardise the use of the Telco API protocol based on international standards CAMARA, so that the integration of the ecosystem of each operator with various applications becomes easier, safer and more inclusive for the entire Indonesian digital ecosystem. Under the joint initiative, Telco API Alliance will gradually present six solutions, most of which focus on increasing customer security from account hacking or fraud. The six solutions are: Telco API Active Inactive: Check the activeness status of customer numbers and registrations. Telco API MNV: Validate devices through number and network verification. Telco API SIM Swap: Detect suspicious activity on the SIM card to prevent number hijacking and account takeover. Telco API Device Location: Check the location of the device within a certain geographic distance. Telco API Recycle Number: Verify when there is a change in number ownership so that used numbers are not misused. Telco API Scam Signal: Analyze data networks directly real-time to detect potential fraudulent transfers of funds in business transactions. This collaboration is realized in the spirit of mutual progress in building an empowered and sustainable national digital ecosystem," Telkomsel Planning and Transformation Director, Wong Soon Nam said. "Via Telco API Alliance, Telkomsel emphasises its consistency in utilising the latest technology to provide useful solutions for Indonesian society, especially in terms of protection from digital crime. "This effort also reflects Telkomsel's commitment to opening up more opportunities for society to become more competitive in the digital era. Director and Chief Enterprise Strategic Relationship Officer of XLSMART, Andrijanto Muljono, said joining the Telco API Alliance is an important step for XLSMART. "We believe this collaboration will open up opportunities for the birth of various useful new solutions, as well as strengthen the competitiveness of the Indonesian telecommunications industry in the digital era," Muljono said. "We hope that the Telco API Alliance will be a catalyst to give birth to strategic collaboration in presenting the latest digital services and encouraging the birth of new breakthroughs. Director and Chief Business Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, M Danny Buldansyah, said the collaboration is a clear example of the commitment of telecommunications operators in Indonesia to strengthen economic growth in the nation. "This is part of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison's endless journey of delivering world-class digital experiences, connecting and empowering Indonesian people, Buldansyah said. UK mobile operator VodafoneThree has appointed equipment vendors Ericsson and Nokia as strategic build partners to support the delivery of mobile network infrastructure projects, with contracts worth more than 2 billion. VodafoneThree, the UK's largest mobile provider, promises that in year one, nearly three-quarters of the UK population will have access to VodafoneThrees fastest 5G speeds, increasing to 90% of the population with access to 5G SA in year three. The deal will span an eight year period and aims to make sure that VodafoneThrees network will deliver world-leading 5G technology over the course of the decade. According to VodafoneThree, its network build will bring jobs to every region of the UK, creating as many as 13,000 jobs in the engineering, construction and maintenance of telecom towers, fibre optics and base stations over the entire eight year build period. "The majority (74%) of roles created will be outside of London and the South East, bringing employment opportunities to people in towns and communities across the four nations," VodafoneThree says. "The network build will transform connectivity across the country, bringing 5G Standalone (5G SA) to 99.95% population by 2034." Max Taylor, CEO, VodafoneThree, said that the two major telecoms equipment vendors chosen for the network infrastructure projects had the necessary scale and expertise to deliver. We said we would deliver at pace and, just a few months in, we are delighted to announce our strategic partners, Ericsson and Nokia, that will work with us to deliver our ambition of building the UKs best network," Taylor said. "They bring the scale and expertise needed to accelerate the delivery of a resilient, secure, world-class and future-ready network, and together, we are laying the foundations for the UKs digital future. As part of the agreement, Ericsson will deploy its next generation, high-performing RAN and core network solutions across the UK over 10,000 sites in the UK. Nokia will supply equipment from its RAN portfolio to approximately 7,000 sites across the UK and will also modernise part of VodafoneThrees voice core. The two Scandinavian equipment vendors make up the majority, but not the entirety, of VodafoneThrees network build. Four UK-based site-build partners Beacon Communication Services, Circet Wireless, M Group, and WHP Telecoms Limited will support Ericsson and Nokia in delivering the build across the UK. Equinix, the worlds digital infrastructure company, is accelerating Indias digital evolution and expanding its AI ecosystem with the opening of its first International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre in Chennai, CN1. Located in Siruseri on a nearly six-acre plot of land, this new facility will be interconnected with Equinixs Mumbai campus, which consists of three IBX data centres, to support business digitisation and resilience, as well as AI development in India. With an initial investment of $69 million to provide 800 cabinets of capacity, this state-of-the-art facility will eventually support 4,250 cabinets. The data centre is engineered for a high reliability of 99.999% uptime and features a full suite of Equinix interconnection services, including Equinix Fabric, which enables enterprises to leverage the full benefits of hybrid multicloud services. Its advanced design also enables support for liquid cooling technology, which is essential for handling the high-density, compute-intensive workloads that are driving AI and other transformative technologies. As Tamil Nadu strengthens its position as a key hub for innovation, research and AI investment, Chennai is emerging as the countrys focal point for this technological evolution, paving the way for India to increase its global competitiveness in digital services and AI development. India is leveraging technology to drive innovation and economic growth, with a strong focus on becoming a global leader in AI. As part of this vision, the nation is investing heavily in emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing, blockchain and edge computing. These advancements demand substantial computing power and data processing resources, urging India to expand its data centre capacity. The launch of CN1 in Chennai marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening the digital backbone required to support these technologies. Equinix currently hosts more than 300 companies in India, including network service providers and five internet exchanges. Its Mumbai campus consists of three high-performance data centres and hosts a robust cloud ecosystem for customers in India, including native on-ramps to key cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud. With the launch of CN1, customers in Chennai can gain low-latency access to this key digital ecosystem, enabling seamless and secure connectivity with their business partners, customers and providers. Manoj Paul, Managing Director, India, Equinix, said, We are delighted to announce the launch of our state-of-the-art IBX data centre, CN1, in Chennai, marking Equinixs expansion in India and a pivotal step in advancing the nations digitalisation journey. Our success in building the most interconnected ecosystem for cloud, carrier, content and enterprises in Mumbai will now be extended to customers in Tamil Nadu. Similarly, global enterprises planning to come closer to their customers in southern India now can leverage Equinixs IBX facility in Chennai. This milestone highlights our commitment to empowering Indias position as a global technology hub while ensuring sustainability and innovation remain at the core of our operations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Tamil Nadu Government in general and Industries Department, Guidance and SIPCOT for their unwavering support throughout our planning and construction period, making this vision a reality. With CN1s cutting-edge capabilities, we look forward to enabling businesses in Chennai and across India to leverage future-ready, scalable and digital infrastructure that supports sustainability to expand their business in Tamil Nadu and globally. Equinix reinforces its commitment to sustainability and technological innovation with the launch of CN1 in Chennai, designed to meet Indias growing computational and AI demands. The facility incorporates several advanced features to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, including: Fault-tolerant design offering 99.999% uptime Liquid cooling readiness to support AI deployment Multiple diverse fibre paths Long-term commitment to renewables investing in both solar and wind energy Equinix interconnection services Equinix Fabric and Fabric Cloud Router Globally, Equinix operates more than 270 data centres across 77 markets in 36 countries, serving over 10,000 leading businesses and enabling their digital transformation. In the Asia-Pacific region, Equinixs portfolio includes more than 60 data centres across key metros in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, providing interconnection and digital infrastructure solutions to support the regions dynamic economies. Highlights/Key Facts: By Akbar Novruz Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Farzana Sadeq, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, visited Tabriz and Julfa to review ongoing works on the Araz Corridor, Azernews reports via the Cabinet of Ministers. During the visit, Mustafayev met with Bahram Sarmats, governor of East Azerbaijan Province, where the provinces important role in Azerbaijani-Iranian relations was highlighted. The parties emphasized the need to further expand economic and trade cooperation between Azerbaijan and the region. The officials inspected the Agband-Kalala Bridge and the Julfa-Kalala Road, reviewing the status of construction and road expansion projects. Discussions also included the planned Ordubad-Siyahrud Bridge, with the location and implementation opportunities examined. The visit underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthen regional connectivity and joint infrastructure projects along the Araz Corridor. Its no secret how todays business world is getting faster and faster with each day, which is why business security has been revolutionized in recent years to stretch far beyond simply locking up properties at night. Today in 2025, companies of all sizes are embracing commercial CCTV installations to monitor operations, safeguard assets and protect employes; however, the entire future of CCTV is now being transformed by recent tech advancements. We recently got in touch with the commercial cctv installation experts in Dayton OH at Garber Electric to learn more about the future of business security, and business owners of all types are going to want to listen up about what we learned from the pros So, check out the below sections to see how AI, integration technologies and video analytics are evolving commercial surveillance systems to provide more proactive, smarter solutions! AI-Powered Commercial CCTV Surveillance Theres no denying how AI in security cameras is changing how people operate their CCTV systems these days, because these new tech-savvy cameras now go beyond passive recording to detect unusual activity, recognize behavioral patterns, and send instant alerts when things seem awry. Some common examples of this would be when AI algorithms detect abandoned packages, identify loitering and spot unauthorized access. Businesses of all sizes are now benefitting from this type of proactive security approach, because theyre now preventing incidents well before they escalate! Advanced Video Analytics Commercial CCTV installations are also now including advanced video analytics and video security systems technology as more of a standard feature than in the past. And beyond improving a commercial propertys security strategies, these analytics give business teams very valuable insights into how their spaces are essentially being utilized. A common example of this would be for retailers to track customer movement patterns in order to improve their stores layout, or warehouses monitoring foot traffic to optimize efficiency and safety. Incredible features like people counting, heat mapping and license plate recognition are now extending the long-term value of CCTV systems far beyond traditional surveillance. This gives businesses of all sizes the type of data-driven intelligence to support all sorts of operational decisions! Cloud-Based Commercial CCTV Solutions The vast majority of conventional CCTV systems from the past relied heavily on onsite services for monitoring and storage, but these systems are now quickly becoming outdated due to the emergence of Cloud-based CCTV systems. Cloud storage gives businesses the ability to access their surveillance footage from anywhere, while also eliminating data loss risks and guaranteeing secure backup systems in case of hardware failures. And for businesses with multiple locations, Cloud-based commercial CCTV solutions provide an easy-to-use, centralized control dashboard that doesnt require heavy infrastructure investments. IoT Integration With Access Control Systems Another huge trend in the CCTV world is the integration between alarms, access control systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Whats truly incredible is that businesses can benefit from a far more comprehensive security ecosystem when all of these systems are interconnected together. For example, nearby cameras can focus on entry points and flag certain events when an access control system detects an unauthorized swipe or entry attempt. This essentially means that this level of security integration gives companies 360-degree, real-time results! Mobile Accessibility & Remote Monitoring Todays business managers and owners require a tremendous amount of flexibility, and this is particularly the case regarding surveillance and security strategies. The latest CCTV systems are now capable of providing mobile-friendly dashboards and platforms that make remote monitoring easier than ever. Whether youre working from home or traveling, youll easily be able to view live feeds, receive real-time alerts, or potentially even control cameras remotely when necessary. This trend also stretches far beyond general convenience, because it also gives businesses far faster response times to potential security risks and threats! Data Protection & Cybersecurity As CCTV systems become more connected and smarter, theyll also unfortunately be more vulnerable to all sorts of cyber threats. This is why todays businesses are future-proofing their CCTV installations with all sorts of invaluable features like secure login protocols, encrypted data transmission and routine software updates. Businesses of all sizes must consider their CCTV solutions as one part of their overall IT infrastructure, because guaranteeing your companys digital security will subsequently go a long way to maintain strong physical security as well. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Another emerging trend thats growing in importance this year is sustainable commercial surveillance. This includes solar-powered cameras, energy-efficient cameras, eco-friendly surveillance infrastructure, and a lot more thats currently shaping how companies of all sizes approach their security measures. Its no secret how a lot of businesses want to reduce their carbon footprints, and luckily these teams will find that the latest CCTV systems also align with green initiativeswhile not sacrificing performance! Looking Ahead Toward The Future Of Commercial CCTV Installations Its safe to say that the future of commercial CCTV systems will entail a lot more than simply viewing footage, because todays intelligent technology is enhancing efficiency, decision-making and overall business safety. With Cloud integration, advanced analytics and AI technology leading the way, countless businesses can begin expecting their surveillance strategies to be more connected, smarter, and far more valuable than ever before! COMPANY NEWS: Microlise APAC has obtained type-approval from Transport Certification Australia (TCA) for its flagship telematics device, SmartGateway 14, joining an exclusive group of only 15 approved telematics suppliers across Australia and New Zealand. TCA, the government-appointed body responsible for administering the National Telematics Framework, independently assesses the functional and technical performance of telematics hardware and systems. These systems are evaluated against performance specifications that reflect the needs of governments, regulators, industry stakeholders, and end-users. This ensures hardware meets strict functional and technical specifications, giving transport operators confidence in the reliability, accuracy, integrity and security of approved telematics technology. Type-approval is only granted to providers who submit their hardware and satisfy the performance requirements sought by TCA through a comprehensive, independent assessment process. Transport organisations are increasingly reliant on telematics to meet business, safety, compliance and management outcomes. TCA type-approval helps operators identify providers that have been independently verified, streamlining procurement and strengthening trust in their technology choices. Microlise is actively pursuing TCA certification so that its type-approved telematics devices can be used for productivity and safety schemes offered through the RIM (Road Infrastructure Management) and TMA (Telematics Monitoring Application), and with Smart OBM (On-Board Mass systems). Obtaining type-approval is a critical step towards becoming certified, which aligns with Microlises ambition to strengthen its data integrity and service reliability, while supporting a broader range of telematics applications and government schemes. During Microlises executive roadshow series The Road Ahead, Gavin Hill, General Manager of Strategic Engagement and Performance at Austroads, formally presented Microlise with its TCA type-approval. Gavin addressed attendees, noting that obtaining type-approval is a major achievement, which demonstrates Microlises ongoing commitment to delivering quality data that underpins safe and efficient transport operations. Only 14 other providers have met the rigorous standards required for TCA to grant type-approval. Type-approval signals Microlise is serious about supporting operators with technology they can trust. Luke Olsen, Managing Director at Microlise APAC, said the type-approval gives transport operators confidence that Microlises telematics hardware has been independently validated to the highest standards of accuracy, security and reliability. Were incredibly proud to achieve TCA type-approval. With more than 100 providers of telematics being offered in the crowded Australian and New Zealand market, this recognition helps transport operators make informed choices and reinforces our commitment to supporting safer and more efficient transport across Australia and New Zealand. To learn more about Microlises telematics solutions, visit https://www.microlise.com/au/. Macquarie Telecom, part of Macquarie Technology Group (ASX: MAQ), has announced the appointment of Mike King as National Director of Sales. King returns to leading managed services provider as large telcos fail to deliver on service capabilities and retreat back to core offerings, Macquarie stated. Macquarie says that in the role, King will drive business, sales, and marketing, while nurturing Macquaries growth and strengthening its position as Australias most trusted MSP in connectivity, cloud, and cyber, supported by an expanding base of Australian businesses. King brings more than 20 years experience managing sales in the Australian telecoms and cloud market. He most recently was Head of Enterprise and Government Sales with TPG Telecom since 2021 and Director Northern Region Sales for NTT Communications ICT Solutions from 2015-2018. His prior roles at Macquarie include State Sales Manager NSW from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2018-2021. He also spent his first 10 years in the industry as Sales Manager at Optus, notes Macquarie Telecom. King says larger telcos are continuing to fall short of customers expectations, and retreating back from services customers have become reliant on, while Macquarie has doubled down our efforts and invested in these areas. Many large telcos continue to overcharge and underdeliver. This will only worsen as the big players favour their core offerings while abandoning the products and services customers have long relied on, he said. Macquarie is stepping up as a challenger to set the market straight and doubling down on SD-WAN, SASE, cyber security, and cloud to deliver real customer value. Macquarie has always solved complex customer challenges. Were set apart by the strength and capability of our people and comprehensive managed technology solutions from security to cloud, to telco, all under one roof which present distinct advantages to the market. The role will focus on telecoms, cloud services, cyber security, and data centre services, with King working closely with the other branches of Macquarie Technology to drive growth right across the business. Macquarie Technology Group is a very stable and secure business allowing us to make intelligent decisions in a planned and disciplined manner. Invest for growth, in cloud computing, cyber, and data centres. Those business units are driving the market and transforming the industry as we know it. King is bringing back shared learnings and lived experiences from his time with other companies in the telecoms and managed services space. Businesses move at lightning speed, managing constant waves of change. As a managed service provider learning how to lead the market and operate at speed and scale is critical in delivering exceptional customer outcomes. People join organisations because they feel it's a vehicle that can enable their careers and deliver customer value. I think the opportunities to learn and grow with Macquarie is exciting for anyone in the industry. King will work closely with Macquarie Telecom head and group executive, Luke Clifton, who said his return comes at an important time for the business. Mikes track record speaks volumes, and he truly embodies the qualities Macquarie is renowned for. He knows the business inside out, and the business knows him, making this a natural fit, Clifton said. Mike brings the depth of experience needed to help guide Macquarie into its next chapter of growth and bring great new talent into the company. Were eager to see the impact Mike will make, combining passion with creative, outside-the-box thinking. His positive and supportive approach will undoubtedly be felt in every interaction he has with employees, customers, and partners. We have an incredible team and innovative offerings to take to market, and I cant wait to see Mike inspire customers to make the bold move they know they deserve and will transform their business. COMPANY NEWS: Ping Identity , a leader in securing digital identities for the worlds largest enterprises, has named Daniel Gardner as Sales Director for Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, Daniel has more than 15 years experience in IT sales, with over 10 years in Identity, and will be responsible for further building momentum and accelerating market momentum for the Ping Identity Platform among both public and private sector organisations in the region. Daniel rejoins Ping Identity having previously worked with the company for four years, during which time he was an Account Executive helping organisations to provide secure and seamless digital experiences for their workforce and customers. He was most recently Regional Sales Manager Major Accounts with CrowdStrike based in Sydney where he managed some of CrowdStrikes largest accounts in the region. Earlier on in his career, Daniel worked for Telstra for five years in several sales roles, including for Telstra Purple where he supported financial services and public sector agencies using Telstras consulting and professional services capabilities in the networking and security domains. Daniel also previously worked for RSA Security for six years as an Account Manager where he was based in both Sydney and Perth and worked across a variety of sectors including financial services, public Sector and resources. Ashley Diffey, Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Ping Identity, said, We are incredibly excited to welcome Daniel back to Ping Identity. Daniels extensive network, infectious energy and his experience accelerating growth in security sales makes him a perfect fit for Ping Identity and in supporting our customers in their identity transformation. Daniel Gardner added, "I'm excited to be back at Ping Identity. I've been genuinely impressed with the recent innovations and the future roadmap. The ANZ team, in particular, has so much runway for growth, and I can't wait to play my part in helping our customers, both new and existing, create incredible identity experiences for their customers and employees." Equinix, the worlds digital infrastructure company, today announced it has been selected by SUBCO for the landing of its new SMAP subsea cable system directly into its International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres in Perth and Sydney as well as SMAPs Points of Presence (PoP) in Adelaide and Melbourne. This partnership will provide enhanced high-speed network connections between Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, along with onward routes to Asia and Europe via inter-regional subsea cables such as Indigo West and the Oman Australia Cable (OAC), both hosted at Equinix campus in Perth. Enhanced connectivity with low-latency, high-speed networks and robust infrastructure will attract investment into metros like Perth. While Sydney has long been a key connectivity hub in Australia, Perth has emerged as a vital digital gateway linking Australia to international markets. In 2025, year-to-date as at the end of August, Equinix Internet Exchange traffic nationwide continues to accelerate, growing by 51% compared to the same period in 2024. This significant surge is driven by the increasing adoption of cloud services and AI, along with the Governments initiatives to promote digitisation, 5G adoption and smart city development. Bevan Slattery, Founder of SUBCO, said: "Partnering with Equinix to connect SMAP in its ecosystem-dense data centres enables us to more seamlessly interconnect the many network providers within Equinix facilities as well as our other subsea cable assets in Perth and Sydney. This is especially important due to Perths strategic position as Australias new secure gateway to Asia and Europe. The SMAP cable sets a new benchmark for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, empowering businesses in our increasingly interconnected world." The SMAP cable will enhance Perths global connectivity by providing a direct, high-capacity route through Australia, connecting Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney for the first time via a subsea cable. Landing SMAP in Equinix will enable fast, low-latency data transfers with unparalleled reliability for organisations co-locating in Equinix facilities. By providing redundant routes, SMAP will be able to mitigate congestion and network outages, ensuring seamless global connectivity. Additionally, Equinixs vendor-neutral, multi-tenant design allows SMAP customers to access enterprises, cloud on-ramps, and service providers within the same IBX, leveraging interconnection opportunities to enhance network performance and reduce connectivity costs. This architecture ensures faster data traffic delivery and an optimal user experience. Guy Danskine, Managing Director of Equinix Australia, said: The SMAP cable will further enhance Australias digital infrastructure, helping businesses scale and thrive in our growing digital economy. This direct link between Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth provides a critical alternate and redundant path, enhancing resilience to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and further establishing Australia as a global connectivity hub. With IBX data centres in 77 metros, many of which host key subsea cable landing sites, Equinix remains a trusted partner for turning bandwidth into collaboration and innovation opportunities. By deploying the SMAP cable, Equinix continues to empower enterprises with robust, scalable and sustainable connectivity solutions. Key SMAP Facts: By Akbar Novruz Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Guinea-Bissau counterpart Carlos Pinto Pereira on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Sharing the update on his X account, Bayramov noted that the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding political dialogue, and enhancing ties in multilateral frameworks. During the meeting, the sides signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Exemption of Diplomatic, Service, and Special Passport Holders from Visa Requirements. It should be noted that Azerbaijan recently signed a similar visa exemption agreement with Djibouti for diplomatic and service passport holders. Azerbaijan and China are expanding cooperation in the field of renewable energy. China has vast experience and advanced green technologies, while Azerbaijan has significant potential for the development of renewable energy and clearly defined tasks in this area. The Agency for the Development of Economic Zones under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan (IZIA) and the Chinese company China Datang Overseas Investment Co. A memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the Green Energy Industrial Park in Azerbaijan was signed on Monday. The document was signed within the framework of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku. It should be noted that China Datang Corporation Limited is a state-owned energy company, one of the "big five" electric generating companies in China and one of the largest companies in the country. China Datang Corporation's energy and coal assets are located in 31 regions of China, as well as abroad in countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and Uzbekistan. In June of this year, during his visit to China, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met with Liu Jun, Chairman of China Datang Corporation. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the development of a green energy corridor was signed between the State Agency for Renewable Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and China Datang Overseas Investment Co. Ltd. The memorandum provides for cooperation in order to ensure safe connection of renewable energy capacities to the electric grid and reliable and stable transmission of this energy. Cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) has become one of the main items on the agenda between Azerbaijan and China. During the April state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Beijing, a number of documents in this area were signed. In a joint statement by the leaders of the two states, it was noted that the parties express their readiness to actively develop cooperation in the field of renewable energy, contributing to the energy transition, sustainable socio-economic development of the two countries, and are ready to jointly promote the formation of a global partnership in the field of clean energy. At the same time, the following investment agreements were signed: an investment agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Universal Solar Azerbaijan LLC on the Gobustan solar Power plant project with a capacity of 100 MW; an Executive Agreement between the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan and China Energy Overseas Investment Co. Ltd. on the evaluation, development and implementation of an offshore wind energy project; an Executive agreement between the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, companies China Datang Overseas Investment Co. Ltd. and SOCAR Green LLC on the evaluation, development and implementation of the 100 MW floating solar power plant and 30 MW battery energy storage system on Lake Boyukshor; Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, SOCAR Green LLC, and China Datang Overseas Investment Co. Ltd and PowerChina Resources Limited on the development of a 2 GW offshore wind energy project in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. Etc. Contacts in the field of renewable energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and China began even before the COP29 climate conference. The Chinese side expressed interest in expanding investments in wind and solar energy projects in Azerbaijan. Chinese companies have shown interest in producing wind turbines and solar panels in our country, and have also expressed their willingness to invest in the transit of electricity from Asia to Europe. These intentions began to take shape in specific arrangements within the framework of COP29. Azerbaijan has signed several agreements with Chinese companies aimed at developing renewable energy in the country. This is an agreement between the Chinese company China Energy Overseas Investment Co. Ltd. and SOCAR Green on a 160 MW solar power plant (SES) construction project in the Fizuli region, as well as memoranda of cooperation in the field of renewable energy with China Energy Overseas Investment Co. Ltd. and China Datang Co. Ltd. The signed documents provide for investments in renewable energy projects, as well as the establishment of a Center for research and development in this field in Azerbaijan. During the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev to Chengdu, China, on September 10, an investment agreement was signed in China between the Alat Free Economic Zone and the Chinese company Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology. The Chinese will build an enterprise for the production of solar panels in the free economic zone of Alat. Solar panels with an annual production capacity of 3 GW will be produced at three production facilities that will be created by the Chinese company. In addition, there are also silicon crystals and components. The solar panels produced in Alaska will be used in the construction of a solar power plant, which Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology plans to build in Alaska. The enterprises' products will be exported. "Our immediate goal is to generate 2 GW of solar and wind energy by 2027, and to increase this volume to 6 GW by 2030, which will be a kind of revolution in Azerbaijan's energy portfolio. I would like to add that investors, including foreign and local ones from Azerbaijan, who invest in these projects, use Chinese technologies. For example, solar panels are manufactured in China. Our team is currently working on storage capacity, and we have discovered that the best batteries are made in China. So I can only congratulate the Chinese manufacturers on this amazing success, because it's both quality and price. And no one can compete," the Azerbaijani President said in an interview with the Chinese CGTN TV channel during the World Forum in Davos in January this year. China has become a leader in renewable energy technologies. As the head of the State Administration for Energy (NEA) told reporters at the end of August Wang Hongzhi, the country already accounts for more than 40 percent of the total number of global patents in this field. Over the past five years, China has set a number of world records, from photovoltaic conversion to offshore wind power, and has also come out on top in terms of new energy storage systems. The country has also created the largest network of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles: there are two chargers for every five cars. The share of renewable energy has also increased, from 40 to 60 percent. China is currently an exporter of technologies for the production of solar and wind energy, related installations and components. According to the National Energy Administration of China (NEA), as of June 2025, for the first time in the history of renewable energy use, wind and solar energy combined exceeded coal in installed capacity. According to Rystad Energy forecasts, by 2026, solar energy will surpass coal as the main source of energy in China. And in 2024, China set a record by generating 293 GW of wind and solar energy. Azerbaijan has big plans for offshore wind energy and considers China as its main partner. Chinese corporations can also make a significant contribution to the development of energy corridors. In short, Azerbaijan was not mistaken in choosing China as a partner. The challenge to the Gun Free School Zone (GFSZ) case from Billings Montana, involving Gabriel Metcalf, has an interesting twist in 2025. The judges in the case asked the attorneys on both sides to present briefs addressing the impact on the case of Rehaif v. United States, 2019. Rehaif established a precedent that, in order to be found guilty, the defendant had to know he belonged to a category which was barred from possessing a firearm, as that was one of the elements of the crime. As mentioned in previous articles, Gabriel Metcalf was repeatedly told he was not violating the law by local officials. He believed the GFSZ statute was unconstitutional. The day before Gabriel was arrested, Billings Police Department Lt. Matt Lennick indicated the local police did not have any authority to arrest Gabriel, so they had contacted federal authorities to see what they could do. From the bozemandailychronicle.com: While the man was not breaking any state laws in doing so, Lennick said, BPD increased their patrols in the area surrounding the school. Police also contacted federal agencies for assistance with the situation. The briefs on the applicability of Rehaif were filed with the Court on June 30, 2025. The Federal Defender, argues, it is only simple justice for the appellate court to consider Gabriel Metcalf believed he was not breaking the law. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that his country would reopen border crossings with Belarus on Thursday, September 25. "We have decided to reopen border crossings, rail, and road, those that were closed due to the Zapad [military] exercises and, understandably, the increased threat and political and de facto instability at our borders and in our region," Tusk stated at a press conference. Poland closed its border with Belarus earlier this month, amid heightened tensions with the latter country and Russia. The large-scale military drills had ended on September 16. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Urologist Fara Bellows discusses her article When recurrent UTIs might actually be bladder cancer. Fara shares the story of a 91-year-old patient whose recurrent urinary infections masked an underlying bladder cancer diagnosis, illustrating how easily symptoms can be misattributed. She explains risk factors such as smoking, prior radiation, and occupational exposures, and highlights the alarming statistics that nearly 20,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2025, with close to 5,000 deaths. Fara emphasizes the dangers of delayed diagnosis in women due to symptom overlap with common conditions, and she outlines the three key diagnostic toolsurine cytology, imaging, and cystoscopythat can save lives when used early. Listeners will learn why vigilance in primary care, proactive referrals, and patient advocacy are crucial to ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Fara Bellows. She is a urologist, and todays KevinMD article is When recurrent UTIs might actually be bladder cancer. Fara, welcome to the show. Fara Bellows: Thank you so much for having me today, Kevin. I really appreciate it. Kevin Pho: All right, so let us briefly share your story and then we will jump right into the article that you wrote for us today. ADVERTISEMENT Fara Bellows: Great. So I am a general urologist. I am just past my ten-year work anniversary as an attending urologist. I practiced in Columbus, Ohio for many years, and now I am practicing back on the East Coast where I am from. Kevin Pho: All right, excellent. And you start your KevinMD article with a case. So tell us about that case and what did it lead to? Fara Bellows: Yeah, so the case of this lovely woman is an unfortunate situation that I have seen before, and I really wanted to make sure that the public, and especially our medical community, is aware of this as a potential situation. So this lovely woman, who had had pelvic radiation before and had risk factors for bladder cancer, had been treated for urinary tract infections for years by her primary care doctor. She had never seen a urologist before. When I sat down with her, heard her story, and looked at her imaging, I knew exactly what it was. I knew this was bladder cancer and that this had been going on for years, most likely. In fact, the pathology is a very aggressive pathology. I did eventually biopsy her, and it is a cautionary tale for primary care providers, for general practitioners, for other urologists, and anyone who is seeing patients who may report urinary symptoms to keep this diagnosis in the back of their mind. Kevin Pho: So when you said that you reviewed this case and you knew almost immediately it was bladder cancer, what about that case led you to that conclusion? Fara Bellows: That is a great question. The most important thing for this woman was that she had been experiencing visible blood in her urine recurrently and ongoing for many years, despite multiple courses of antibiotics. It is a misconception that this is a UTI, which is a very common diagnosis, but we cannot forget about our differential diagnosis, which also includes bladder cancer, bladder stones, kidney stones, and overactive bladder. The list goes on and on. Unfortunately, in this situation, it turned out to be bladder cancer, but this is a life-threatening situation, and so it is important to pass that on to other doctors. Kevin Pho: So, as you know, I am a primary care doctor and in that primary care setting, we know that visible blood in the urine can sometimes be explained by a UTI, especially in the younger population if it just happens once. You mentioned some words that would make you suspect more, like recurrent episodes or if the hematuria, the visible blood, does not go away. So how can we discern whether that blood is due to a UTI or whether we need to investigate further and refer to a urologist like yourself for bladder cancer? Fara Bellows: Right. That is a really good question. So getting cultures on file is one important step because visible blood in the urine with a negative urine culture is a really big red flag. If you do not find bacteria in the urine and someone has blood in their urine, they need to see a urologist right away. Another thing to keep in mind is the persistency. This woman had been seeing her primary care provider for three years. I would argue that she would have benefited from an earlier evaluation by a urologist. And another thing to keep in mind is the history. So this woman, she was older, already well into her nineties, and she had pelvic radiation before. The risk factors, smoking history, chemical exposure, and chemotherapy exposure are the things that you want to keep in the back of your mind when you are seeing your patients for blood in their urine. Kevin Pho: And can you make the distinction between gross hematuria, the visible blood, versus microscopic hematuria and the concerns and approach that we should have for each? Fara Bellows: Absolutely. So the biggest thing to keep in mind is that while microscopic hematuria, which is just blood on a dipstick or blood on a microscopic urinalysis, does also warrant a workup by a urologist, there is a much higher likelihood of malignancy when it is gross hematuria. If there is visible blood in the urine, it is about a 25 percent chance of finding a pathology versus a 2 percent chance with microscopic hematuria. Kevin Pho: So when you talk about bladder cancer, specifically in women, it tends to be overlooked as compared to bladder cancer in men. Why is that? Fara Bellows: A lot of really important reasons for that. Number one, women tend to have situations where they might see more blood down there. We have menstruation, we have postmenopausal bleeding. We tend to have more urinary symptoms in general, such as overactive bladder, frequency, urgency, and burning with urination. So a lot of the symptoms of bladder cancer can be overlooked in women by being confused with other pathologies. Whereas in men, they tend to have maybe some BPH, so they have a weaker stream or they may have to push to urinate, but they do not have the same overactive bladder or dysuria symptoms that women can tend to get. And they certainly do not bleed throughout their lifespan like women do. Kevin Pho: Are there any studies that we can order in a primary care setting before sending these suspected cases off to a urologist? Fara Bellows: Absolutely. So one very simple way to check for concern for malignancy is a urine cytology. You send a urine off to the pathologist, they look under the microscope, and they can tell us if there are any abnormal cells that they see. A CT urogram, which is a CAT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast, is the gold standard for anyone who sees blood in their urine. For younger patients, you may want to consider a simple ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, but that CT urogram, as long as their renal function is acceptable and they are not allergic to IV contrast, is the gold standard for blood in the urine. Kevin Pho: And when we send patients to you, just tell us your workflow, your diagnostic approach when you first see these patients that we refer to you. Fara Bellows: Sure. So, we have the patients come in. Pretty much everyone provides a urine sample. We check it here in the office. If they have urinary issues like frequency, urgency, or they feel like they are not emptying well, we will do a simple bladder scan to check a residual. We get a full history and do an exam. For men, I certainly make sure that there is a PSA on file if they are of appropriate screening age. And then it is a very simple set of tests. For microscopic hematuria, as long as they are under the age of 60, I will order a renal bladder ultrasound and bring them back for a cystoscopy. If they are over 60 and they meet the criteria, I will get a CT urogram and bring them back for a cystoscopy. Kevin Pho: And tell us more about a cystoscopy, because when I was in medical school and residency I was taught that was the gold standard in terms of evaluating for hematuria. So tell us where the cystoscopy is in that diagnostic approach. Fara Bellows: So we do the cystoscopies here in the office, and I have a very low threshold to perform a cystoscopy because our scopes have evolved to become very small, very flexible, and very simple to do in the office. Everyone gets a Uro-Jet, which is a lidocaine jelly, in their urethra, and they get prepped in a sterile fashion, and we do it right here in the office while they are awake. So it is almost like part of our physical exam now as urologists to perform an office cystoscopy to rule out any bladder pathology or any urethral pathology. And I will usually do a GU exam at that time as well. Kevin Pho: So if you see a suspicious lesion in the bladder from a cystoscopy or the other tests that we talked about, what is the next step? Fara Bellows: So if we do not already have a cytology on file, I do like to have that because a positive cytology is a worse prognostic sign than a negative cytology. That being said, you can have a negative cytology and bladder cancer, maybe if it is a low-grade tumor. But if I see something that I think is concerning, I will either do an office biopsy if it is very small, or I will bring them to the operating room to resect that tissue and send it off to the lab for a pathologic diagnosis. It is a procedure called a transurethral resection of a bladder tumor, and there are no incisions required. We use a scope that goes into the bladder through the urethra, and we basically scrape that tissue out, send it off to the lab, and we make a tissue diagnosis. Kevin Pho: And in general, what are some of the outcomes for a diagnosis of bladder cancer? Fara Bellows: That is a great question. So there is a large paradigm shift between a non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor and a muscle-invasive bladder tumor. Non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors tend to be a little less aggressive and less concerning. They do not generally require aggressive or significantly invasive treatment, whereas muscle-invasive bladder cancer has a far worse prognosis. We tend to treat that with things such as chemoradiation, or even a complete removal of the bladder. Kevin Pho: You mentioned earlier some risk factors like prior radiation to that area, age, and smoking, but you also mentioned in your article things like workplace exposures and herbal supplements. So talk about how those are underappreciated risk factors. Fara Bellows: Right. So those are more of the zebras. It depends on the population you work in, but there are aniline dyes in particular, and pesticides, which can be workplace exposures for patients and can put them at risk for bladder cancer. And then there is a traditional Chinese supplement called aristolochic acid, which can also put you at risk for bladder cancer. So those are less commonly seen than things like smoking, but they are certainly still within the risk factor list. Kevin Pho: And just to reiterate, in the primary care setting, what kind of questions should I be asking that would make me suspect that the hematuria is not run-of-the-mill hematuria that is due to a UTI? What are some red flags that I really need to look out for that would make me send patients to a urologist like yourself? Fara Bellows: That is a great question. So I think the most important thing to consider is that this tends to be painless hematuria, meaning that the patients have no other symptoms besides literally seeing blood in their urine. And they might see clots too. With UTIs, they may experience burning or pain in their pelvis or in their lower back. This is painless hematuria. That is the red flag. Kevin Pho: And then from a patient standpoint, if families are listening, are there any practical steps that they can take if they are worried that their UTIs may be something more serious? Fara Bellows: My best advice is to simply schedule an evaluation with a urologist. It is very easy to rule out bladder cancer. The scope takes about forty-five minutes total. The actual procedure itself only takes about sixty seconds to look around the bladder if you are well versed in how the bladder is expected to look and you have done a lot of cystoscopies, like someone like myself. Schedule an evaluation with a urologist. It is a very low-risk, low-maintenance intervention for a potentially high reward. Kevin Pho: All right, so taking a step back, just what do we have to look forward to in terms of the diagnosis and treatments of bladder cancer going forward in the foreseeable future? Fara Bellows: That is a great question. So, bladder cancer in particular has exploded recently with the development of more preventive methods to keep recurrence rates low. In particular for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, there is up to a 70 percent recurrence rate, so the surveillance schedule after bladder tumor removal is very intense. Now if you do have a recurrence when you have non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, it is recommended to have what we call intravesical therapies. The gold standard there has been BCG (attenuated live tuberculosis vaccine) for decades, but that field has exploded recently in terms of the upcoming intravesical therapies. Another big paradigm shift that we have seen is more bladder-sparing therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. So chemoradiation is being employed more, especially for older, sicker patients who might not tolerate a big operation like a radical cystectomy. We have basically expanded the treatment options for patients with bladder cancer in the last ten years. It is almost hard to keep up with how many therapies are coming on the market, and there is always new literature talking about some new agent. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Fara Bellows. She is a urologist, and todays KevinMD article is When recurrent UTIs might actually be bladder cancer. Fara, let us end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Fara Bellows: Yeah, so I think the most important thing to consider is, I know everyone takes really good care of their patients, but just do not forget those little things, those little possibilities in terms of possible diagnoses. If a woman is seeing blood in her urine, she certainly warrants a further evaluation. We know that women tend to be diagnosed with bladder cancer at more aggressive stages and later, and they have higher mortality rates. It may be because it is simply overlooked or thought of as a different type of pathology, but just having a really low threshold to have your patients see a urologist and get evaluated properly, I think is really important. Kevin Pho: Fara, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show. Fara Bellows: Thanks so much for having me. I really appreciate it. By Qabil Ashirov Raising the social welfare of citizens remains at the heart of Azerbaijans strong social state model implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports, citing Labor and Social Protection Minister Anar Aliyev. Speaking at the preparatory meeting of senior officials for the 2nd Session of the OIC Labor Center General Assembly, the minister stressed that this approach underpins the countrys main laws, programs, and political decisions in the fields of labor, employment, and social protection. Aliyev recalled that five major social reform packages have been implemented in recent years, covering some 4 million citizens. As a result, the minimum wage has increased by 3.1 times, the minimum pension by 2.9 times. Average pensions rose by 2.6 times, while average wages doubled. Funding for social benefits and pensions has expanded fivefold, he said. He added that the latest reform package, launched earlier this year, has already reached 3 million people. An additional 1.4 billion manats annually has been allocated for higher wages, pensions, benefits, and stipends. Aliyev also highlighted the digital transformation of services within the ministry, noting that over 140 of the 159 services offered are now fully digital, including 60 proactive services. The level of digitalization at the ministry is now above 90 percent. The DOST Centers, created to ensure transparent and efficient delivery of social services, have become a new national brand. Through a single platform, 161 services are provided to citizens, with a satisfaction rate of 98.4 percent, the minister underlined. H&S Group, through its Dislog Europe vertical, announces the signing of an agreement to acquire 60% of ABM Cosmetics UP, a company specialized in the distribution of cosmetics and personal care brands. This transaction is part of Dislog Groups strategy to build a solid cosmetics vertical in Europe, continuing the model successfully deployed in Morocco. With this majority stake, Dislog Europe aims to accelerate its presence in a growing market and structure a reference platform to serve beauty and care brands. ABM Cosmetics UP, a recognized partner of international brands such as Genomma Lab and Vivienne Sabo, has proven expertise and a distribution network covering more than 2,500 points of sale in Spain and Portugal, complemented by e-commerce channels. We are pleased to welcome ABM Cosmetics UP to Dislog Europe. This operation enables us to lay the foundation of a pan-European beauty platform, capable of supporting our partners across the entire value chain: regulation, marketing, commercial execution, and logistics. Mehdi Bouamrani, CEO Dislog Europe We are delighted to join the Dislog family and to accelerate our companys international growth within such a dynamic group. By joining forces, we will strengthen the presence of our partner brands and expand our portfolio in Europe. Mauricio Da Costa, CEO and co-founder of ABM Cosmetics UP A national digital ambition: launch of Beautyforyou in Morocco In parallel, H&S Group, through its H&S Retail vertical, announces the official launch of its national e-commerce platform dedicated to beauty: Beautyforyou . This new online site will go live on November 28, 2025, on the occasion of Black Friday, and will offer Moroccan consumers a wide selection of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. Beautyforyou aims to establish itself as the reference digital beauty platform in Morocco. Relying on the groups commercial and logistics expertise, it will support the growth and visibility of numerous national and international brands, both in Morocco and in Europe. Among them: La Roche-Posay, Garnier, CeraVe, Dercos, Avene Eau Thermale, ISDIN, Argapur, Kaline, Avon, P&G, LOccitane, Vichy, Ultrasun, Beiersdorf, Filorga, Noreva, Bioderma, Ducray, Maybelline, Eucerin, and Uriage. We are delighted to announce the launch of our e-commerce platform dedicated to the beauty world. Our offer will cover a wide range of categories from dermo-cosmetics to make-up, hygiene, and haircare, with customer experience at the heart of our strategy. We will offer thousands of products at the best prices, across the entire Moroccan territory, with delivery times ranging from 24 to 48 hours. Hicham Kitane, CEO H&S Retail Governance and timeline The founders of ABM Cosmetics UP will retain a 40% stake and will continue to oversee the companys operations. The transaction will be finalized once customary closing conditions have been met. About Dislog Group Founded in 2005, Dislog Group is a diversified and integrated Moroccan industrial group. A leader in the FMCG sector in Morocco, and more recently in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the group operates in three fast-growing sectors: hygiene, food, and health. Its industrial units in Morocco and Europe produce and market the following: Hygiene sector: liquid detergents, multipurpose and specialized cleaning products, bleach, paper hygiene products, baby diapers. Health sector: pharmaceutical products in multiple forms (capsules, tablets, syrups), dermo-cosmetics (creams and body cosmetics), and medical devices. Food sector: chocolates, biscuits, confectionery, and organic food products (soups, sauces, and juices). With 150 brands, both owned and partnered, Dislog Group contributes to improving consumers daily lives in Morocco and Europe. The group manages an annual total of 276,000 inbound pallets (factories and imports) and an equal volume outbound (to agencies and end customers), each representing 220,000 tons per year. This brings the annual logistics volume handled to 552,000 pallets, equivalent to 440,000 tons per year. The group employs 3,400 people and develops a portfolio of hundreds of brands that enhance the lives of households and consumers in Morocco and Europe. In just 15 years, the group has become the market leader thanks to its brand-developer vision within the life economy, and its positioning as a Full Service Provider, integrating the entire value chainfrom production to consumers shopping basketsthrough its various subsidiaries. About ABM Cosmetics UP ABM Cosmetics UP is a distributor of cosmetics and personal care brands operating in Spain and Portugal, with a network of over 2,500 points of sale and omnichannel digital operations. The company supports its partners in regulation, marketing, and commercial execution. > < 23:53 Russian deputy PM Patrushev calls on Modi Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fertilisers, food processing and other areas of mutual interest. Patrushev is currently on a visit to India as part of preparations... Read more > 23:08 Akhilesh to visit Azam Khan on Oct 8; UP minister says .... Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav will visit Rampur on October 8 to meet party founder member Azam Khan, who was recently released from jail after approximately two years. We have finalised the visit, and I will be going to meet him, Yadav stated when asked about his plans to visit... Read more > 22:49 Container with oil-like substance found floating in sea off Maha coast File image A container carrying an oil-like substance was found drifting in the sea in Maharashtra's Palghar district, prompting the authorities to bring it to the coast, an official said on Thursday. The container was spotted near Mahim Tembhi village, under the jurisdiction of Satpati police station,... Read more > 22:06 Indian team back from US after holding trade talks The Indian team has returned from the US after holding trade talks with their American counterparts in New York, an official said on Thursday. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who led the team, will be back on Friday. The team had arrived in New York on Monday to hold talks... Read more > 21:54 HC seeks reports over rain-related deaths in Kolkata The Calcutta high court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and private power utility CESC to file separate reports over the death of 11 persons in the city due to torrential rains, of whom nine died of electrocution.A petition was moved before a... Read more > 21:32 Jaipur: Cop's remark on Meena community draws flak File image A police constable's remark about the Meena community during an awareness programme at a coaching institute in Jaipur courted controversy, following which she said her intention was not to hurt anyone. The row erupted after a video of the awareness programme circulated on social... Read more > 21:11 T'gana to buy L&T's Hyderabad Metro stake for Rs 2K cr File image Telangana government has agreed to take over Phase-I of Hyderabad Metro Rail project from L&T Group by paying Rs 2,000 crore for the equity in the concessionaire L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd, official sources said on Thursday. It was agreed that the state government would also take... Read more > 20:41 Police baton charge protestors outside residence of Zubeen's manager File image A group of people, which had gathered outside the residence of singer Zubeen Garg's manager, hurled stones at police vehicles following which the security personnel baton-charged them on Thursday, officials said.The police personnel were escorting an SIT team to the manager Siddhartha Sharma's... Read more > 20:24 Pune court grants bail to Eknath Khadse's son-in-law in drug party case A court in Pune on Thursday granted bail to Dr Pranjal Khewalkar, son-in-law of former Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse, in an alleged drug party case. Additional sessions judge JG Dorle also granted bail to co-accused Prachi Gupta and Sripad Yadav, defence lawyer Pushkar Surve... Read more > 20:11 Indian-origin man charged with murder of sex offender in California An Indian-origin man has been charged with the murder of a 71-year-old sex offender in Fremont, California, US media reported.Varun Suresh, 29, is suspected of chasing and stabbing the victim last week in the 600 block of Upper Vintners Circle, CBS News reported on Tuesday. ... Read more > 19:57 India-Pak still playing cricket: Diljit Dosanjh on 'Sardaar Ji 3' row Tagged anti-national by some for acting in a film with a Pakistani artiste, Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh has said Sardaar Ji 3 was shot before the Pahalgam terror attack and pointed out that India and Pakistan continue to play cricket even now. The film, which did not get an India... Read more > 19:49 Govt cancels FCRA licence of Sonam Wangchuk's NGO The Union Home Ministry on Thursday cancelled the FCRA licence of Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect, a government order said. The action of the ministry was based on several alleged... Read more > 19:45 Doctors remove 2 pens, 19 toothbrushes, 29 spoons from drug addict's stomach In a bizarre medical case, doctors at a private hospital in Hapur removed two pens, 19 toothbrushes and 29 spoons from the stomach of a man undergoing treatment for drug addiction, officials said on Thursday. According to doctors at the Devanandani Hospital, Sachin, a resident of... Read more > 19:44 Teenager hit by 3 unidentified persons at 'garba' event in Goregaon Representative image A 19-year-old man was attacked by three unidentified persons at a 'garba' event in Goregaon East, a police official said on Thursday. The incident took place at NESCO Compound on Wednesday night, the Vanrai police station official said, adding a video had gone viral on social media... Read more > 19:33 73-yr-old woman deported to India after 33 yrs in US A 73-year old undocumented Sikh woman, who lived in the United States for more than 30 years, was detained and deported to India by immigration authorities in California earlier this week without being given the chance to even say goodbye to her relatives, her advocate said. In an Instagram... Read more > 19:09 Modi to transfer Rs 10k each to 75 lakh women in Bihar Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana on Friday and transfer Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state, totalling Rs 7,500 crore. Officials said the scheme is aimed at making women aatmanirbhar (self-dependent)... Read more > 18:53 SIT raids Zubeen Garg's event organiser, manager Assam Police's Special Investigating Team (SIT), probing the death of singer Zubeen Garg, conducted separate raids at the residences of Northeast India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and his manager Siddhartha Sharma on Thursday, officials said.An SIT team visited the Geetanagar residence... Read more > 18:50 Modi likely to inaugurate Delhi BJP's new office: Sources The much-awaited inauguration of the Delhi BJP's new office building on DDU Marg is likely to be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party's national president JP Nadda on September 29, sources said on Thursday. Preparations for the inaugural function are... Read more > 18:38 Azim Premji refuses to give Wipro campus land to ease Bengaluru traffic Wipro founder chairman Azim Premji has declined Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's request to allow limited vehicular movement through the company's campus in Bengaluru, saying that it is an exclusive private property owned by a listed company, not meant for public thoroughfare.He also said that... Read more > 18:06 CCTVs, industrial visits: Chilling details about Delhi baba A self-styled godman and former chairman of a private management institute in southwest Delhi, who has been booked for sexually harassing 17 students, allegedly tracked women through hostel CCTV feeds, including cameras installed outside washrooms and those across the campus, directly on his... Read more > 17:37 My imprisonment could cause more problems: Sonam Wangchuk Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday called the home ministry's charge that he instigated the recent violent protests in Ladakh a scapegoat tactic intended to avoid dealing with the Himalayan region's core problems. Reacting to the MHA's statement, which had blamed him for provoking... Read more > 17:33 DKS blames previous BJP govt for potholes in B'luru Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday blamed the previous BJP government's misrule for potholes in Bengaluru.He said Rs 750 crore has been granted to fill potholes in the city.Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said, We are committed to fixing the pothole issue in... Read more > 17:10 I-T dept extends deadline for tax audit report submission to Oct 31 Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com The Income Tax department on Thursday extended the deadline for submission of audit reports for the 2024-25 fiscal year by one month till October 31. In a statement, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the income tax return filing portal is working smoothly and more than... Read more > 17:08 Stock markets fall for 5th day; Sensex dives 556 points Stock markets closed with losses for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday, with the Sensex tumbling 555.95 points due to relentless foreign fund outflows and concerns over the US H-1B visa fee, making investors jittery. The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 555.95 points or 0.68 per cent to settle at... Read more > 17:03 Former France prez Sarkozy sentenced to 5 years jail Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in jail after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy in a case related to millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi.The Paris criminal court acquitted him of all other charges,... Read more > 16:48 India vs SL: Last chance for India to check out Jitesh Sharma Sanju Samson being an apparent middle-order misfit will certainly worry head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management might be tempted to check out Jitesh Sharma during their inconsequential final Super 4 encounter against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup in Dubai on Friday.Once India won... Read more > 16:45 Is Modi baiting Trump? PM underlines India-Russia ties again Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored India's time-tested partnership with Russia, highlighting long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries -- a remark that comes amid ongoing US concerns over India's continued oil trade with Moscow. The Prime Minister -- who... Read more > 16:27 Govt wants to throw me in jail for 2 years: Wangchuk Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday said that his imprisonment could create more problems for the government than his freedom and called the home ministry's act of blaming him for recent violent protests in Ladakh a scapegoat tactic. Reacting to the MHA's statement, which had blamed... Read more > 16:01 Sameer Wankhede moves HC against Netflix, Red Chillies Former Mumbai zonal director at Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit before the Delhi High Court against Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd., the production house owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his wife,... Read more > 15:59 Pakistan-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka strengthen ties at UNGA Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif with Anura Dissanayake Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus and Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed bilateral ties, it was announced Thursday. The meetings were held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General... Read more > 15:45 Rat gets into passenger's pants, bites him at Indore airport The Indore airport authorities on Thursday decided to shunt out a doctor for his alleged insensitive behaviour towards a passenger bitten by a rat and imposed a fine on the pest control agency, officials said. A man travelling from Indore to Bengaluru was bitten by a rat on Tuesday in the... Read more > 15:22 All 'Flying Coffins' MiG-21s to finally retire tomorrow Six decades after they were inducted into the force, Indian Air Force's workhorse, the legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 fighter jets, will finally retire from the IAF at a mega event to be held in Chandigarh on Friday. A farewell will be bid to the fighter jets, which have been part of the... Read more > 15:09 2020 riots: Delhi HC denies bail to Tahir Hussain in IB staffer murder case The Delhi High Court on Thursday denied bail to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in the murder case of Intelligence Bureau (IB) staffer Ankit Sharma during the February 2020 riots. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, while pronouncing the order, said the application is dismissed. The police... Read more > 15:03 India's space station to look like 6BHK flat: Shubhanshu Building on India's remarkable journey into space, the first module of the country's first facility in space, the Bharatiya Antriksh Station, will be launched soon, according to astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Shukla, who piloted the... Read more > 14:51 Rs 62k-cr deal with HAL will make Tejas 64% made in India Defence Ministry inks Rs 62,370 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to procure 97 Tejas jets for Indian Air Force. Deliveries of jets will start in 2027-28, says the Centre after inking a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for procurement. Tejas jets to be procured under new contract... Read more > 14:25 Iconic Russian AK-203 rifles to be made soon in UP: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the Indian Armed Forces aspire to achieve self-reliance and aim to reduce external dependence, and the government is committed to developing a robust defence infrastructure in line with this vision. The Prime Minister, who inaugurated the... Read more > 14:07 Acid attack on nurse: Main accused arrested after encounter The main accused in the case linked to acid attack on a 38-year-old nurse was arrested after an encounter in Meerut, police said on Thursday.On September 23, a minor attacked Ruksana with acid under Lohia Nagar police station limits, Circle Officer Antariksh Jain said.Our investigation revealed... Read more > 13:32 Delhi godman accused of molestation invoked Obama Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the Delhi-based self-styled godman accused of molesting at least 19 students, projects himself as a highly qualified management guru and a celebrated author, reports NDTV.On the run after his perversion came to the fore, the spotlight is now on his public image and... Read more > 13:10 Leh violence dangerous, China may...: Farooq Sonam Wangchuk called of the stir yesterday On the violence in Leh, JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah says, The reason behind the violence was that he (Sonam Wangchuk) was on a hunger strike for 14 days... For five years, he has been silently protesting over there that they should be listed in the sixth schedule and also be granted... Read more > 13:09 Delhi court grants bail to Lalit Modi's cousin accused of rape A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to Samir Modi -- a relative of fugitive businessman Lalit Modi -- who was arrested in a rape case. Additional sessions judge Vipin Kharb granted him bail on a bond of Rs 5 lakh and other conditions during the in-camera proceedings, a source said. A... Read more > 12:59 Shops damaged, stones pelted in Guj after post on 'I love Muhammad' Representational image A group of minority community members damaged several shops and vehicles and hurled stones at a village in Gandhinagar district following an objectionable social media post, police said on Thursday. Police have detained around 60 persons from Bahiyal village under Dehgam taluka for the clash... Read more > 12:46 'I Would Like To Die On The Cricket Field' 'We all make mistakes, but what is important is that you've got to get that out of your mind before the next ball commences.' KR Nayar recalls his many encounters with Dickie Bird, the legendary cricket umpire who passed into the ages this week. Read the column here. Read more > 12:39 India, Asia's Quiet Corner: HSBC HSBC analysts have upgraded Indian stock markets to 'overweight' from the 'neutral' rating earlier, calling the country 'Asia's quiet corner' compared to crowded trades elsewhere.They have kept the Sensex target unchanged at 85,130 levels for 2025-end, but see the Sensex at 94,000 levels by... Read more > 12:32 Not Pakistan, now Rahul urged to 'stay in Nepal' Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday took a swipe at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the latter's appeal to Gen Z to stop the allegedly ongoing vote theft in the country, saying that the appeal won't work. Speaking at the India Today Conclave,... Read more > 12:10 Festivals, GST Cuts To Drive Credit Card Spends Credit card spends increased by 13.7 per cent year-on-year in August to 1.91 trillion. Industry experts believe the festival season and GST rate cuts will lift credit card spends further in the months to come. While spends saw a robust increase on a Y-o-Y basis, there was a slight moderation... Read more > 12:07 Parliamentary Panel Seeks MCA Report On CCI Role The parliamentary panel on finance has sought an action taken report from the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) on the suggestions it made on the evolving role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in the digital landscape, according to official sources. Chaired by Lok Sabha MP... Read more > 12:04 We have differences with India but working through it: US official US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a very, very positive relationship and will meet, a senior State Department official has said, while underlining that planning is underway for the next Quad Summit, expected either later this year or in early 2026.India is slated to... Read more > 11:31 Salman reveals he has 'suicidal disease' Bollywood actor Salman Khan offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, speaking about his health scare on the premiere episode of 'Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle' on Amazon Prime. Salman arrived on the show for the very first episode alongside former co-star and close friend Aamir Khan,... Read more > 10:54 50 detained, heavy security in violence-hit Leh At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly implemented curfew on Thursday in the violence-hit Leh, where four people were killed and over 80 others were injured when widespread clashes broke out a day before. A shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) -- to... Read more > 10:45 'If India agreed to play Pak, we should have shaken hands' Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Indian cricketers refusing to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers during Asia Cup and on-field gestures by the Pakistani Cricketers : I personally feel that once the decision had been made to play, if we feel so strongly about Pakistan, we should not have... Read more > 10:37 Rane's warning to 'gol topis': Don't disrespect our gods Amid the ongoing Navratri festival, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the state. During a visit to a Durga pandal, organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj, in Mumbai's Mankhurd area on Wednesday, Rane also said no one will be allowed to disrespect... Read more > 10:24 Rihanna welcomes third child, a daughter with A$AP Rocky Singer Rihanna has welcomed her third child, a baby girl with her longtime partner A$AP Rocky. The 'Diamonds' singer took to her Instagram handle and announced that her daughter was born on September 13, 2025, further revealing the little one's name. In what appeared to be an adorable nod... Read more > 10:10 Car catches fire on Coastal Road in Mumbai; traffic halted A car caught fire on the Coastal Road in Mumbai on Thursday morning, prompting authorities to stop traffic movement on the route, officials said. The incident took place around 9.30 am inside the south-bound tunnel of the Coastal Road, they said. Traffic movement is stopped at Coastal Road... Read more > 10:08 Trump's closed-door meeting with Pak PM today US President Donald Trump is set to engage in high-stakes bilateral meetings on Thursday, including a closed-door session with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Oval Office, according to Trump's public schedule released by the White House. Sharif will arrive in Washington after... Read more > 09:57 When Tharoor met his younger self! Shashi Tharoor shares this picture on X, writing: Some fans sent me this AI edit, putting me face to face with my 22-year-old self. That's a generated likeness of me in my first months at the @UN, based on a couple of pix taken during my work for @Refugees. I find myself torn between envy at... Read more > 09:52 Severe waterlogging in parts of Kolkata again! The situation on Tuesday in Kolkata. Severe waterlogging was witnessed in parts of Kolkata amid heavy rainfall across the city. The downpour disrupted traffic movement in multiple areas and caused inconvenience to the citizens as well.This morning, visuals from Kolkata's Bhawanipore area showed people walking through waterlogged... Read more > 09:32 Indian among 7 Buddhist monks killed in Sri Lanka cable cart accident Representational image Seven Buddhist monks, including an Indian national, were killed and six others were injured after a cable-operated rail cart overturned at a forest monastery in northwestern Sri Lanka, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at the Na Uyana Aranya Senasanaya, a... Read more > 09:30 10,000 Medical Seats To Be Added By... The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two schemes to add around 10,000 undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical seats in the next four years. The first approval is for the extension of the central scheme for upgradation of existing government medical colleges to increase 5,023 MBBS... Read more > 09:28 India test-fires Agni-Prime missile with 2,000 km range India has successfully carried out test firing of Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. This next generation missile is designed to cover a range of up to 2,000 kilometres and is equipped with various advanced features.... Read more > 09:21 Buy oil from any nation, just not Russia: US to India Secretary for the US Department of Energy, Chris Wright United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright called on India to reconsider its oil imports from Russia, emphasising that the US does not intend to punish India, but aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Addressing a press conference at the New York Foreign Press Centre, Wright... Read more > 08:49 'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt The Karnataka high court on Wednesday dismissed the plea of social-media platform X against the Centre's Sahyog Portal, and said the portal was essential for the government to maintain law and order.'The Sahyog Portal stands as a beacon of cooperation between the citizen and the intermediary, a... Read more > 08:40 Expect to increase energy trade with US: Goyal India has assured the United States that Washington remains a key partner in New Delhis energy security strategy, though it made no mention of its heavy oil imports from Russia.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government aims to expand trade in energy products with the US over... Read more > 08:25 Miffed Trump wants 'triple sabotage' at UN probed United States President Donald Trump has demanded an investigation into three 'sinister events' at the United Nations headquarters, including an escalator breaking down while he and First Lady Melania Trump were on it, describing them as 'triple sabotage'.In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday,... Read more > 00:38 One killed, another injured in coal mine explosion in Jharkhand's Hazaribag File image A 55-year-old employee of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) died while another was injured in an explosion while handling explosives in a drilled hole for coal excavation at an open-cast mine in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district on Wednesday evening, a police officer said.Sub-divisional police... Read more > 00:12 Kerala seer booked over remarks on Lord Ayyappa's Muslim companion A Hindu monk was booked for his alleged objectionable remarks against Vavar, the Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa as per legends, during the recent Sangh Parivar-organised Sabarimala Protection Summit at Pandalam in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.The case was registered against Saanthananda Maharshi of... Read more > Exactly thirty hours after the hoisting of Typhoon Signal No.8, which initiated the state of immediate prevention, such an alert state has ended with the downgrading of the former Super Typhoon Ragasa to Signal No.3 of warning at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. During the 30 hours between 5 p.m. on Tuesday and 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Ragasa caused significant disruption and brought Macau to an almost complete shutdown, which is rarely seen, even during other storms of similar intensity. The population followed the warnings of the Civil Protection Operation Center (COPC). A few hundred had to leave their homes for some 36 hours and find shelter in one of the emergency shelters created for the purpose. Besides the wind speed nearing 200 km/h, the major concern from the local authorities, the Storm surge level, was, in the end, overestimated, with the maximum flood level seen to edge the 1.5 meters top ceiling from Orange level rather than the 2.5 meters (or more) that was aired as a serious possibility during a long period. Contrary to Taiwan, where the Super Typhoon had earlier killed at least 15 people and caused severe damage to property and infrastructure, in Macau, the damage was far less severe, and no lives were claimed nor serious injuries caused. Put to the real test for the first time after the passing of devastating Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018), the COPC structure responded well and quickly to all the solicitations and has received praise from the population. Preparedness seemed to be the best word to explain this outcome, which also included communication with the utilities companies, namely the electricity company (CEM), which promptly organized preventive outages in areas of severe flooding to avoid more significant damage to the infrastructure, as well as potential fires caused by short-circuiting. In the final report, 259 incidents were noted, of which the large majority (153) involved removing fallen objects such as signage, billboards, lamp posts, trees, scaffolding, and other construction-related equipment. Eleven people got trapped inside lifts, and floodwater caused 23 cases of fire related to minor short-circuits. In total, the authorities have recorded eight cases of injuries. With the lowering of Signal No.8, the city resumed its regular life. Public transportation re-entered operation, and vehicles circulated on the four sea bridges between the Peninsula and Taipa Island. The reactivation also included the resumption of activities in the local casinos, which were suspended during the 30 hours. According to information from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the casinos were authorized to resume their activities at 2 a.m. tomorrow (Sept. 25). The circulation of buses on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge was also reactivated, in this case to restart at 12 a.m. on Sept. 25. The ferry operators were also authorized by the Marine and Water Bureau to resume sailings, although in this case, the authorities left it to the operator to describe when to restart sailings, namely between Macau and the neighboring region of Hong Kong. Due to the late hour, likely, sailing will only resume on the morning of Sept. 25. At the Macau International Airport, flights also started to operate with the airport company to coordinate with airlines to open more check-in counters to facilitate the passenger flow. The Civil Aviation Authority also urged passengers to confirm their flights with the airlines before heading to the airport to avoid an unnecessary agglomeration. According to the Education and Youth Development Bureau, classes from the tertiary and secondary education levels will resume tomorrow morning, while the restart of the primary, kindergarten, and special education levels will be subject to the typhoon situation. That is, they will only resume tomorrow morning if Signal No. 3 is lowered before 6:30 a.m. Typhoon of Records According to the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG), Ragasa broke several records when passing through Macau. The first is the first time that a Typhoon warning Signal No.10 is hoisted twice in the same year. Second, it was the most extended period of Signal No.10 since there are records, lasting 10 hours and 30 minutes. The SMG also noted that the maximum wind sustained for a period of 10 minutes in all districts of Macau was Force 12, with gusts reaching Force 14. Additionally, for 15 hours, the wind intensity reached or surpassed Signal No.8. Like this: Like Loading... A Red Storm surge warning is active as severe flooding has inundated Macau, resulting in the evacuation of 15 residents by authorities. The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) reported that at 1 p.m., Super Typhoon Ragasa was located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Macau, moving west-northwest at around 20 kilometers per hour. The typhoon is gradually distancing itself from Macau, generally heading toward the western coast of Guangdong Province. The No. 10 typhoon signal will remain in effect for some time. The bureau warned that, due to Ragasas core circulation, Macau would face violent winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, with winds already reaching Force 12 hurricane force and expected to continue for several hours. The weather station reports a low likelihood of upgrading to a black storm surge warning. However, during the red storm surge warning period, elevated astronomical tides and storm surge have caused flooding in the Inner Harbour area to exceed 1.5 meters. Additionally, the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Station in Coloane recorded approximately 1 meter of flooding. It is expected that flooding will continue for some time, with water levels projected to range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. At 12:02 p.m., six monitoring stationsincluding the Macau Peninsula of Inner Harbour, Hong Kung Miu Temple and Ponte e Horta areas, as well as Coloanes St. Francis Xavier Church recorded water levels exceeding one meter, with Inner Harbour briefly reaching 1.5 meters. Around this time, 13 residents were reported trapped in the flooded area between Rua de Cinco de Outubro and Rua do Tarrafeiro. Police, firefighters, and customs officers deployed rescue boats and water scooters to assist in their evacuation, which lasted approximately one hour. Additionally, two other individuals required assistance from customs officers to be transported to safety via rubber boats and water motorcycles near the Hong Kung Miu Temple. Meanwhile, due to the flooding, a ground-floor shop near Ponte 16 on Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos was suspected of having a smoke-emitting electrical box. The power supply to 16,000 households in low-lying areas has been temporarily suspended. CEM has stated that power restoration will be prioritised as soon as Typhoon Signal No. 8 is lifted and floodwaters recede, emphasising that no additional power suspensions will be implemented. The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) reported that by 1 p.m., 608 individuals had utilised the citys 17 emergency shelters, bringing the cumulative number of users since their opening to 664. Like this: Like Loading... At 3 p.m. this afternoon, the Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) downgraded the red storm surge warning to blue as water levels receded. Businesses in the Inner Harbor area evaluated the governments response to Super Typhoon Ragasa positively, highlighting that timely alerts helped minimize property damage. Current real-time data from the SMG shows that all monitoring stations in the Inner Harbour are recording water levels at zero, confirming that the affected areas have fully drained. The Civil Protection Operations Center announced that road sections previously closed due to flooding have been reopened to regular pedestrian and vehicle circulation. As floodwaters began to recede in the Inner Harbour area, many shop owners returned to their stores to clean up and organize their merchandise. Interviewed by the Times, a local eatery owner noted that they have faced multiple flooding incidents due to super typhoons, including Typhoon Beiji in 1993, Hagupit in 2008, Hato in 2017, and Mangkhut in 2018. The Lei couple considered the governments timely appeal to have helped minimize property damage, noting, This time the damage wasnt too severewe were fortunate. However, some shops in the market continue to face challenges. When asked if they evacuated in time, Lei remarked, The flooding here was extremely severe, explaining that they had moved all goods to higher ground in advance to prevent further damage. As cleanup efforts began after the typhoon, they emphasized the importance of cleanliness. The wife stated, If we dont clean properly today, well have to clean again tomorrow, highlighting that maintaining environmental hygiene is crucial for food safety. We know food must be cleanthats the most important thing, she added, noting that there was still time for remediation during the cleanup process. Like this: Like Loading... The demonstrations and strike on 22 September marked a decisive turning point for the Palestine movement in Italy. All the anger and disgust accumulated in the face of the increasingly ferocious actions of the state of Israel, all the indignation at the complicity and revolting hypocrisy of the Italian and western governments, finally poured out in demonstrations that spread throughout the country. [Originally published in Italian at rivoluzione.red] At least half a million people took to the streets in the dozens and dozens of demonstrations, large and small, that were held across Italy. 100,000 in Rome, 40,000 in Bologna, 40,000 in Milan in the pouring rain, 15,000 in Naples. Many smaller towns in the provinces also saw mobilisations. The breakthrough is not only marked by their numbers, which overshadow the demonstrations held over the past two years. What is decisive is the leap forward in mass consciousness: the transition from isolation, frustration, and anger that found no outlet, to the determination to do something, to act collectively. Shut down for Gaza The prelude to this day was seen in the gigantic demonstration in Genoa on 30 August that accompanied the departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla. On that occasion, the appeal by the dockworkers' collective if they touch the Flotilla, we will block everything, not even a single shipment will pass through had the great merit of putting one decisive question at the centre. Namely: the struggle can and must be based on the strength of the working class, on the ability of the labour movement to block transport, to hit the profits of companies complicit in genocide, to really put the Meloni government in crisis. This is an advanced starting point, which goes beyond simple solidarity, however necessary, and goes straight to the heart of the problem. The government's foreign policy is not only disgraceful, but is closely linked to its economic and social policies directed against workers, young people and women, as well as to its policies of rearmament, cuts in social spending, and repressive laws. Fighting for Gaza also means fighting for ourselves. Netanyahu's government has acted with impunity for two years, bombing and invading Gaza, continuing to annex the West Bank, unleashing the racist ferocity of the settlers, and bombing one country after another at will without anyone lifting a finger. The hypocritical talk about Israel's right to defend itself or the need for a proportionate response, has generated a deep hatred towards the state of Israel. A question has been asked, increasingly in anger rather than in anguish: how is it possible that all this can happen without anyone reacting? In the end, the reaction to the genocide manifested itself in this great day of protest. Determination, the will to fight, healthy anger, and the desire for redemption were the dominant notes in all the demonstrations. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Italy in a day in which a general strike had been called by the USB union against the genocide in Gaza and in defence of the Freedom Flotilla - here are some observations: https://t.co/wCeOao5zag pic.twitter.com/FF3FZySHTh Jorge Martin (@marxistJorge) September 22, 2025 Movement in spite of union passivity 22 September was also a liberating break from the paralysis and timidity of both the centre-left parliamentary opposition and the leaders of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) trade union. This movement cannot be understood without looking at the past decades. In particular, the last 15 years have seen the collapse of wages, the deterioration of living conditions; attacks on public education, healthcare, pensions and services; bigoted and freedom-destroying laws and authoritarianism. This has all been conducted amid the passivity of a trade union bureaucracy that has literally shut itself away in its offices, in its own world, abysmally disconnected from the working class it claims to represent. The question of striking i.e. using the classic method of struggle of the labour movement had already been clearly put on the table by the dockworkers of Genoa. A political strike against the genocide and against the complicit government: this is the idea that began to gain ground. The attack on the Flotilla in the port of Tunis and, above all, the new invasion of Gaza City by Israel precipitated the situation. In haste, without preparation, without clear guidelines, without a shred of perspective, the CGIL secretariat launched a strike for Friday 19 September. Looking to wash their hands of the situation like Pontius Pilate, they called a two-hour strike leaving it up to local organisations or sections of workers to extend its duration which excluded transport, schools, and the public sector due to anti-strike laws. Ritualistic, routine pickets were called for the afternoon. It was clearly an initiative called for the sole purpose of saving face and distancing the CGIL from the grassroots unions' call for a strike on 22 September, which had been planned for some time. However, the date of 19 September, which in the bureaucratic logic of the CGIL secretariat was supposed to close the case, had an unexpected consequence: in the increasingly heated climate that was developing, it contributed to the widespread circulation of the idea that there were strikes for Gaza. Whats more, a critical opinion clearly emerged among many shop stewards and members of the CGIL itself, who in the days leading up to it had tried to press the apparatus by asking why there was no strike on the 22nd. In short, a deliberately aborted strike paradoxically gave a boost to the idea: it is possible to strike. And the incipient movement used the date of the 22nd as a means to open a gap that the union bureaucracy wanted to keep closed. Particularly in schools, and to some extent also in healthcare and other public sectors, there was therefore conscious, political participation and a break between large sections of workers and their passive unions. We received dozens of reports from our activists in these workplaces and, to a lesser extent, also in factories and companies in the private sector, of how more or less large groups and circles of workers approached shop stewards to ask what should be done on the 22nd, asking for instructions on how to participate. This presence was evident in the streets: there were no banners from the RSU or company-level trade unions, but there were countless banners and placards produced by groups of workers, signalling their presence. It was a slap in the face and a well-deserved lesson for the CGIL leadership, which, in its self-absorption, did not even realise that it had set the stage for a strike that it intended to oppose. Let's be clear: 22 September was not a general strike. With the exception of schools, where many institutions remained closed or opened with very few classes, there was no work stoppage in other sectors. The private sector did not strike, although groups of workers and shop stewards were present in the demonstrations, many of them also CGIL members. However, the political significance of the day went far beyond the numbers in the streets. And the question of a general strike is now being posed in a concrete and unavoidable way: a large, unified general strike that unites all workers who want to oppose the government, that overcomes the divisions created by trade union bureaucracies and anti-strike laws, and harnesses the potential we saw on the 22nd. Youth in revolt The other sector that played a decisive role in the demonstrations was high school students. A little more than a week after the reopening of schools, without there having been time for real organisation, with almost no assemblies, leafleting or propaganda other than on social media, the students came out in large numbers, giving substance to the demonstrations and decisively shaping their character. The political significance of the day went far beyond the numbers in the streets / Image: Ukrain4Pal, Wikimedia Commons This is the arrival on the scene of a generation born and raised entirely in years of crisis of the system. It cannot even be said that their illusions in the system have been shattered: for those under 20 today, illusions never existed in the first place. The background that has shaped the consciousness of students is years of economic crisis, the closure of all prospects for life, wars, and the blatant discrediting of everything that represents official power: politicians, the mass media, etc. None of them are believed anymore, and rightly so! Indeed, the instinctive reaction is that anything said from above, by those in power, is automatically false and must be overturned. This awareness has been present for several years, but has often followed more subterranean, often individual, and sometimes tortuous paths. Today, it is coming to the surface and transforming itself into collective action, full of anger and hope. It was therefore a decisive turning point. But the potential of this movement goes far beyond that. For every protester who took to the streets, there are two, five, or ten others who may join the movement tomorrow, galvanised and motivated by these demonstrations. Just look at the enormous solidarity gathered by the demonstrations, with passers-by applauding, waving, and some being moved to tears. The first task is precisely to expand and organise this movement, to move towards new large-scale mobilisations. But it is also to discuss extensively, to raise political awareness and understanding, and to set goals for moving forward. The dam has burst Our enemies are weakened and afraid. The hysterical reaction of the government and almost all the media is no coincidence. They are tearing their hair out over the (entirely marginal) clashes that took place in Milan in an attempt to hide the reality of a movement that is taking the field and challenging them. They are also weak because the right wing has been in power for three years now, and all the promises it made have turned out to be pure demagogy. They can only bark and threaten, trying to rally their loyalists. But neither one nor ten security decrees are enough to stop a mass movement. We are only at the beginning, but one thing is clear: a crack has opened in the dam of passivity that is impossible to close, and from this gap the movement can spread. The spontaneity that has marked these demonstrations can and must find an organised expression. Let's make every school a centre for discussion and action! Let's unite them in coordination committees, assemblies where we can discuss and decide how to carry on this struggle. Let's increase the pressure in factories and workplaces! Let's press the trade unions, forcing them to break with their routine approach and take a clear stand. Let us unite the struggle against genocide in Gaza with the struggle to overthrow this complicit government, against rearmament policies, against the austerity policies demanded by the bourgeoisie and, ultimately, against the capitalist system, which condemns us to a future of war, poverty, and oppression! Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have jointly announced on September 22 evening their immediate withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Hague-based Tribunal of serving as an instrument of neo-colonialist repression. In a statement, the three Sahel states said they would no longer recognize the authority of the UN-backed court, which was established in 2002 to prosecute genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. They argued that the ICC had failed to address proven atrocities globally while disproportionately targeting African nations, echoing long-standing criticisms of bias previously voiced by Rwandas President Paul Kagame. All three governments said they would instead develop indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice. Their exit follows earlier coordinated moves to withdraw from the West African bloc Ecowas. Under ICC rules, formal withdrawal takes effect one year after the UN is notified. Out of the 33 cases launched by the court since inception, all but one have involved African countries. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New machine learning models developed by University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers could help clinicians identify when patients can successfully stop long-term antidepressant use. Using artificial intelligence (AI) to track dispensing data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), UniSA researchers identified the most successful cases of deprescription among 100,000 patients prescribed antidepressants over a 10-year period. The study, "Predicting Antidepressant Deprescription with Machine Learning Using Administrative Data," was presented at MedInfo 2025, an international conference on digital health and informatics. The findings are also published in Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. With antidepressant use soaring worldwideAustralia, Iceland, Portugal, Canada and the UK top the consumption levels globallythe AI breakthrough could help general practitioners safely deprescribe medication that is no longer clinically recommended. While these drugs can be life-changing, prolonged use is linked to a range of side effects, including weight gain, sexual dysfunction and cardiac issues. However, 50% of patients also experience withdrawal effects when they cease taking them, so it's a delicate balancing act to manage therapeutic benefits and risks, according to Dr. Lasantha Ranwala, a medical practitioner, AI researcher and UniSA Ph.D. candidate. "Health care providers are often reluctant to cease antidepressant prescriptions due to their concerns about withdrawal effects, making it difficult for doctors to know who can safely discontinue treatment," Dr. Ranwala says. "By applying AI to the PBS database, we have identified patterns linked to successful withdrawal, forecasting which patients are most likely to succeed when taking them off antidepressants." Successful deprescription was defined as the absence of any antidepressant medication for at least one year following previous long-term use (more than 12 months). If medicine strength increased within six months following a reduction attempt, it was labeled a failure. Researchers say the findings could give clinicians a powerful decision-support tool, helping them initiate deprescription with greater confidence. Two machine learning algorithms were trained and tested. One assessed final prescription records (achieving 81% accuracy) and the other tracked patients from their first prescription, monitoring dose reductions and outcomes (achieving 90% accuracy). "These results show real promise," says UniSA co-author Associate Professor Andre Andrade. "The most accurate model was the one that offered a more nuanced picture of deprescription attempts, better reflecting patient experiences," Assoc Prof Andrade says. The findings suggest that administrative health care data could help predict clinical outcomes and improve medical decision making. "This data is passively collected, underused by medical professionals and a good candidate for AI use." Building on their AI tool for predicting safe antidepressant withdrawal, the researchers will now focus on making the technology more accurate and easier to use. They aim to test its effectiveness in clinics and explore how similar approaches could help patients improve their use of medicines. More information R A D L M K Ranwala et al, Predicting Antidepressant Deprescription with Machine Learning Using Administrative Data, Studies in Health Technology and Informatics (2025). DOI: 10.3233/shti250959 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: Astrocytes are found throughout the brain. Each astrocyte is in contact with several neurons and more than 100,000 synapses. A new study shows that at the microscopic level, dozens of synapses from distinct neural circuits gather around a single specialized astrocyte structure called a leaflet, which is capable of detecting and integrating the activities of multiple synapses. Right panel: 3D rendering of a real dataset by the 3D artist Remi Greco. Credit: Lucas Benoit and Remi Greco | GIN A collaborative FrenchSwiss study reveals a previously unknown role for astrocytes in the brain's information processing. Published in the journal Cell, the research shows that these glial cells are capable of integrating signals from several neurons at oncea conceptual shift in our understanding of the brain. The brain does not function via neurons alone. In fact, nearly half of the cells that make up the brain are glial cells, and among them, astrocytes occupy a special place. Their name comes from their star-shaped skeleton, but their external appearance is more reminiscent of certain nebular stars, with an irregular, filamentary contour that allows them to insert themselves into the smallest gaps between neurons, blood vessels, and other cells. They are thus in close contact with synapses, the communication hubs between neurons. Since the 1990s, neuroscientists have therefore suspected that astrocytes actively participate in the transmission of information by using calcium as a messenger molecule. This small chemical component can trigger a cascade of reactions in the cell, including the release of molecular transmitters that can modulate synaptic activity. For these signals to occur, an internal structure called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is essential: It stores calcium and releases it under certain conditions. Despite numerous hypotheses, the exact roles of these calcium signals have remained unclear, particularly in the minutest areas of astrocytes in direct contact with synapses, because they are particularly difficult to observe due to their tiny size. A research team bringing together the universities of Lausanne (Unil) and Geneva (UNIGE), Inserm and Grenoble Alpes University (Grenoble Institute of Neuroscience, GIN), and the Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering has just filled this gap. Beyond the simple synapse Until now, astrocytes were perceived as acting on the margins of neuronal synapses. The so-called "tripartite synapse model" attributed an auxiliary role to them: modulating activity between two neurons. But the current study reveals a much more central role: Astrocytes do not simply interact with a single synapsethey simultaneously coordinate several synaptic inputs from different neurons, achieving a new level of spatial and temporal integration of the information. The study reveals that specific extensions of the astrocyte membrane, dubbed leaflets, envelop the synapses, contain ERs, and are interconnected through tunnels called gap junctions to form a single functional domain. In each of these domains, a small amount of calcium is released each time a neighboring synapse is active. Thus, one single leaflet can integrate the signals from different neurons about them. The domains then release larger amounts of calcium, mirroring the integration of the various neuronal signals received. This calcium in turn promotes the release of factors that can regulate communication between the synapses enclosed within the leaflet. Far from being simple relays, the scientists thus consider astrocytes as active computational elements of the brain. "We have demonstrated for the first time that astrocytes are not limited to responding to a single synapse, but can integrate signals from entire neural circuits. This opens the door to new cognitive functions carried out by these glial cells," explains Andrea Volterra of Unil's Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, honorary professor at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine and study co-director. Exploring every corner of the brain To observe these unprecedented interactions, the team combined two cutting-edge techniques: nanoscopic resolution volumetric electron microscopy (for comparison, one meter contains one billion nanometers, which corresponds to the size ratio of a hair to the Eiffel Tower) and an optical microscopy technique. "We developed it specifically for this study so that we could visualize calcium changes in very small volumes," says Nicolas Liaudet, an engineer at UNIGE and co-author of the study. This approach made it possible to visualize the leaflets in their exact environment and to evaluate simultaneously their composition, connectivity, and dynamic role. "Our methodological synergy was key to achieve this new level of understanding," says Karin Pernet-Gallay, research engineer, director of the Electron Microscopy Platform at the Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences and co-director of the study. The leaflets, less than 250 nanometers in size, originate from the cell body of the astrocyte or from its main extensions, do not contain mitochondria, but possess fragments of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the molecular machinery capable of generating calcium signals. They are close enough to synapses to respond to their signals, and interconnected among each other to coordinate broader responses. By genetically removing part of the molecular machinery that enables calcium signaling in astrocytes, the researchers were able to demonstrate that tiny calcium signals originate in the leaflets themselves as a result of synaptic activity. Volterra explains that the leaflets are, in a way, "biochemical control towers, independent from the rest of the astrocytes. They seem to be there to survey and coordinate the information traveling in each synaptic trajectory according to a higher-level plan." Cognitive and clinical functions to be explored The study's results show that astrocyte activity is correlated with neuronal signals in the synapses, but also that it is amplified when several neurons are active at the same time. This capacity for integration potentially makes astrocytes large-scale controllers of brain activity, rather than simple local regulators at the level of an individual synapse. These discoveries offer new avenues for understanding higher brain functions such as memory, emotions, consciousness and decision-making. They could also explain certain dysfunctions observed in brain pathologies. "It is likely that astrocytes play a protective or aggravating role depending on the pathological context. We will now study their involvement in memory and neurocognitive degeneration such as Alzheimer's disease," concludes Volterra. More information Astrocytes functionally integrate multiple synapses via specialized leaflet domains, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.08.036 Journal information: Cell This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Recent restrictions on public policies and health care for transgender people in several countries, including Brazil, threaten to dismantle existing care structures for this population and could lead to setbacks. This warning is contained in an article published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine by a group of Brazilian researchers. The text discusses the new resolution (No. 2,427), issued by the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) in April. The resolution bans the use of hormone blockers for minors under 18 in Brazil, increases the minimum age for cross-sex hormone therapy from 16 to 18, and permits gender transition surgeries only for individuals over 21. In addition to prohibiting the clinical use of blockers in transgender youth, the Brazilian resolution also prevents research in this area. Hormone therapy involves administering sex hormones to promote physical changes compatible with gender identity. These procedures had been adopted based on the CFM's previous resolution (No. 2,265) published in 2020. According to the authors, these rules not only have an intimidating effect among health professionals but also hinder the provision of adequate care. This can increase the risk of depression, social isolation, and even suicide among transgender youththose who do not identify with their birth sex. The group also believes that science is being stifled by limits or prohibitions on research and treatments aimed specifically at this group. The article also calls on professional entities and the academic communityincluding institutions, funding agencies, scientific journals, and researchersto reaffirm their support for evidence-based care for transgender individuals. "Public policies and health legislation need to be based on evidence and ethical principles, not ideology. Everyone, including transgender youth and their families, health professionals, and researchers, needs to participate, be heard, and understand what's happening," Alexandre Saadeh, a psychiatrist and one of the authors of the article, who has been working in the field for over 35 years, told Agencia FAPESP. Saadeh is the coordinator of the Transdisciplinary Outpatient Clinic for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation (AMTIGOS), located at the Institute of Psychiatry of the Hospital das Clinicas, the hospital complex administered by the University of Sao Paulo. AMTIGOS is a pioneer in welcoming transgender youth in Brazil and is recognized for its care protocols for children and adolescents. Over the past ten years, approximately 120 children and over 350 adolescents have received treatment there, out of a total of 1,300 individuals who underwent screening. When contacted by Agencia FAPESP, the CFM cited Sweden, Norway, Finland, and England, as well as the United States, as "countries that have revised their guidelines in recent years and restricted the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors, reflecting the need for more research and a more cautious approach to prescribing these drugs." In a statement, the council said, "The Federal Council of Medicine respects opposing opinions and reiterates that one of the objectives of the changes proposed in the resolution, based on more than 100 scientific studies published in recent years, is to protect children and adolescents from procedures that are often completely irreversible and can cause lifelong problems and sequelae." The council added that the standard was approved in a plenary session composed of 28 federal council members from all states "of different ideological hues." Principle of progressive autonomy In Saadeh's assessment, gender identity has always existed. "It isn't a disease, it isn't a disorder, it's a variation that occurs in human beings in all cultures and in all countries. We have to look at these people, listen to them, and not try to prevent them from being who they are. It isn't by restricting rights that we'll protect children and adolescents," the psychiatrist argues. The Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) ensures that young people can participate in decisions about their health through the principle of progressive autonomy. Bruno Gualano, professor and president of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine at USP and co-author of the article, believes that the new CFM standard hinders scientific production. "The resolution removes the possibility for doctors to prescribefor examplehormone blockers, as was done under the council's previous standard, which had specific rules. On the other hand, it demands more scientific evidence on the effects of this procedure on young people. But if it's prohibited, how are we going to produce evidence?" he asks. The researchers point out that the previous CFM resolution guided the care provided to 79 transgender adolescents with puberty blockers at AMTIGOS. "Adverse effects were rare, with few discontinuing the blockers and only one expressing a desire to detransition after hormone therapy, and this occurred without regret. These results are in line with international standards, showing detransition rates below 2% when appropriate assessment protocols are followed," the group writes in Nature Medicine. Gualano is currently the lead researcher on the project "Eating Behaviors, Symptoms of Eating Disorders, and Obesity in Transgender Youth: A Proposal for Assessment and Intervention," developed by nutritionist Bruna Caruso Mazzolani, who is also a co-author of the text. The study aims to assess behaviors and possible eating disorders and to develop and implement a specific lifestyle intervention for this population. Preliminary data obtained by Gualano's team suggest that AMTIGOS patients and their guardians strongly oppose the major changes introduced by the new CFM resolution. "Naturally, any proposal to change the care of transgender people should take into account what they think," the researcher argues, hoping that the new data will shed light on the discussion. Brazil lacks official statistics on the transgender population and has few studies and research involving these individuals, especially young people. In 2021, a survey by the Botucatu School of Medicine at Sao Paulo State University (FMB-UNESP), published in Scientific Reports, showed that the country has 3 million people identified as transgender or non-binary, corresponding to approximately 2% of the adult population. The 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (PNDS), conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, included the collection of data on the sexual orientation and gender identity of Brazilians aged 18 and over for the first time. However, the results have not yet been released. Other cases In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) has restricted access to puberty blockers to research settings only. Following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump's administration (published in January this year) prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors under the age of 19, only 14 of the 50 states decided to maintain health care services for transgender people in the United States. The restriction was approved despite opposition from medical bodies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, which support care for this population based on evidence-based protocols. The new policies have serious ethical implications for researchers, compromising everything from the right to health"when appropriate medical care is denied for political reasons"to the possibility of transgender people seeking care from professionals who do not recognize their gender identity. "In Brazil, the CFM resolution may lead these young people to seek out untrained doctors or even self-medicate, jeopardizing their health. In addition, these policies have a greater impact on low-income families, threatening important achievements in rights and health," Saadeh says. Care at AMTIGOS The clinic receives individuals who seek health services on their own. They fill out a registration form and then undergo screening. Upon admission, the children and young people have access to follow-up care, including psychiatric evaluations and multidisciplinary teams specializing in speech therapy, social work, psychology, psychiatry, pediatrics, nutrition, physical education, and more. Families participate in the process and guidance. The clinic serves adolescents until they reach adulthood. "This is a moment that tests medicine's commitment to evidence over ideology. From AIDS to reproductive rights, the scientific community has defended equity in health and integrity. (...) Medical care is necessary, ethically grounded, and widely supported by evidence. Its rollback is unjustifiable," the researchers conclude. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Scientists at Universite de Montreal's affiliated hospital research center (CRCHUM) are testing out a mobile application to help young adults who have a first episode of psychosis to support safer cannabis consumption. The nationwide clinical trial, a first in Canada, is led by Universite de Montreal psychiatry and addictology professor Didier Jutras-Aswad, a researcher at CRCHUM. Called CHAMPS (Cannabis Harm-reducing App to Manage Practices Safely), the pilot study is described in an article published in the August issue of Psychiatry Research. "Built in collaboration with young adults, clinicians and a number of experts, our app includes interactive modules and personalized support to reduce risks associated with cannabis consumption," said Jutras-Aswad, head of the CHUM's Department of Psychiatry. "Our pilot study confirmed its acceptability among youth having experienced a first psychotic episode," he said. "The funding from the CIHR will allow us to further document the app's uses in diverse clinical contexts." A multidisciplinary team The pilot study was conducted with the support of a multidisciplinary team that included Stephanie Coronado-Montoya, the study's first author and former Ph.D. student of Jutras-Aswad's, and Dr. Amal Abdel-Baki, a psychiatrist at CHUM, among others. In all, 101 young adults, ranging from 18 to 35 years old, were monitored in six specialized early-intervention clinics for psychosis in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The goal of the project is to provide an alternative to traditional care centered on abstinence and which is often inadequate for young adults who have experienced a first episode of psychosis and who do not plan to stop their cannabis consumption. "When comparing standard care to an approach that includes CHAMPS, we can see that the app is well regarded and that it can be integrated into real clinical environments," said Jutras-Aswad. "Even if we cannot currently draw any conclusions about CHAMPS's efficacy, we have seen an encouraging signal in terms of a decrease in cannabis-related problems," he said. Now he and his researcher team aim to expand their work to include 250 young adults and six clinics throughout Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Recruitment will take place over a three-year period. Could support clinicians, too CHAMPS is more than a phone app, its proponents say, it could easily be included in existing clinical care, without increasing workloads for medical personnel. In fact, the researchers add, it exemplifies a new approach to mental health care, one that is specifically designed to meet the actual needs of an often neglected young adult population. "Many people don't seek to, at least for a certain period of time, reduce or cease their cannabis use," said Jutras-Aswad. "But these young people are open to changing their consumption to reduce the risks to their health. This is what CHAMPS is for." Designed in Montreal, the app could be adopted in countries where cannabis consumption is still illegal, he added. CHAMPS joins a larger movement that is working toward humanizing, personalizing and destigmatizing cannabis use in mental health care, he said. "It's very important that we change perceptions, practices and philosophies in order to more broadly adopt harm reduction in mental health care," he emphasized. To that end, in July, he and his team published several Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Cannabis Use-Related Adverse Psychosis Outcomes, actively promoting their approach via an international group. More information Stephanie Coronado-Montoya et al, A pilot randomized controlled trial of a digital cannabis harm reduction intervention for young adults with first-episode psychosis who use cannabis, Psychiatry Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116553 Journal information: Psychiatry Research Provided by University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain At an explosive news conference on the causes of autism, President Donald Trump espoused decades-old, long-debunked theories linking autism to the childhood vaccine schedule. Public health experts immediately pushed back, decrying Trump's comments as false and dangerous. And despite heightened anti-vaccine rhetoric from the administration, surveys show that most Americans support vaccine mandates for children. Overall support has declined slightly, from 77% who would support a policy requiring parents to vaccinate their children from preventable diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, in 2019 to 73% in 2025, according to a January 2025 survey by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center. Researchers said the percentage change was not "significantly different." They attributed the decline in part to changing attitudes among Republicans, who are more likely to support an option for parents to opt out of vaccinating children for medical, religious, personal or philosophical reasons. A later survey, taken in April 2025, showed heightened support for mandating among public schoolchildren a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. While support for those mandates has dropped among Republicans, support among Democrats and independents has risen. The findings are among the most recent data from a series of surveys on vaccine mandates that Annenberg has been conducting for years. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said he's encouraged to see strong public support for vaccines. Offit is a longtime critic of anti-vaccine activists, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "RFK Jr. doesn't represent most parents. He represents a small slice. There is a general public acceptance of vaccines," said Offit, who was not involved in the Annenberg research. Spotlight on MMR vaccine An April 2025 survey by Annenberg that focused specifically on measles, mumps and rubella vaccine mandates found that 70% of the public supported MMR mandates in public schoolsa significant increase from August 2023, when just 63% of the public said they supported them. Most Americans at all education levels and across political parties said they supported MMR vaccine mandates. The higher a person's education level, the more likely they were to support a mandate. Just under 90% of people who identified as Democrats said they supported a mandate, compared to 61% of Republicans and 69% of independents. Annenberg director Kathleen Hall Jamieson said she was surprised to see increases in support for MMR mandates, given the position of some federal officials. For example, Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said this spring, amid a measles outbreak in Texas, that people should get the measles vaccine but that the government should not mandate it. And Florida's surgeon general announced last month that he wants to remove all vaccine mandates in the state. Meanwhile, some states have taken the opposite approach. After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signaled major shifts in how it approaches immunization, Pennsylvania said it would allow pharmacists to dispense vaccines based on the recommendations of professional medical societies, not just government advice. The state has also joined a public health coalition with seven other Northeastern states to ensure vaccine access. Vaccines in the news Jamieson remembers the era before mass vaccination for deadly diseases like polio and measles. "I had measles and my children didn't, because they were vaccinated. Children of my generation had polio. I've lived through a process of watching the benefits of vaccines in the lives of people I care about," she said. Amid a flurry of news stories this year about Trump's approach to vaccines, it's possible people have learned more about vaccine mandates and are now more likely to support them, Jamieson said. "When you have a topic that becomes more salient because it's in the news, and the topic is one that potentially directly affects you and your family, like exposure to measlesI think it's plausible to believe we've increased the public understanding of the vulnerability of those who are unvaccinated," Jamieson said. Testing that hypothesis is a goal of future Annenberg surveys on vaccines, she said. The effect of anti-vaccine rhetoric Offit said spreading vaccine misinformation from a large platform, as Trump did at Monday's news conference, is dangerous. Trump said that children get too many vaccinesfalsely claiming that children get 80 vaccines instead of the approximately 30 doses they are recommended to receive before the age of 18. Trump also suggested that parents space out vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, a debunked idea from a decades-old retracted study that falsely linked autism to the MMR vaccine and goes against long-established health recommendations. He also claimed, without scientific proof, that autism is caused by acetaminophen use during pregnancy. "That was the single most dangerously irresponsible news conference a president has given regarding health," Offit said. Offit said it's crucial for health experts to continue to spread the correct information about vaccines. But he worries about the damage done by Trump's rhetoric. "We have to just try and provide good information and do it again and again. But (Trump and RFK Jr.) have a huge podium," he said. "All you're going to see now is an increase in numbers of vaccine-preventable diseases, and no impact on autism. None." Key medical concepts Acetaminophen 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain California's far northern region is a collection of sparsely populated counties stretching from just north of Sacramento all the way up to Oregon and from the Pacific coast to the Nevada border. The shortage of doctors is so pervasive that support for one of the costliest solutionsa proposed $200 million health care training campustranscends partisanship. "We need help up here, and cutting funding is not going to help us," said Debra Lupeika, associate dean for rural and community-based education at the University of California-Davis School of Medicine and a family physician at the tribal Rolling Hills Clinic in Red Bluff, about 40 miles northwest of Chico. "We are in dire straits. We need doctors." "It's about what the priorities are, right? And health care certainly is a priorityshould be a priority," said California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher, who represents Chico and the surrounding area. "I think it's been pretty bipartisan, this kind of stuff." Republicans in Congress, including the nine GOP lawmakers in California's delegation, voted in July to cut nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. Area Rep. Doug LaMalfa said the bill ensures "those eligible for benefits continue to receive them." Meanwhile, the Democratic-controlled California legislature has scaled back its health care coverage for immigrants who lack legal status. California's health care shortage is driven by the struggles of rural hospitals; an aging physician workforce; the inherent appeal to up-and-coming doctors of more urban areas; and the financial pressures of doing business in a region with a high proportion of low-paying government insurance, especially Medi-Cal, the state's version of the Medicaid program, for people with low incomes and disabilities. Almost everyone who lives up here is affected by the shortages, ranging from people with complex medical needs to those with simple, straightforward ones. When Lupeika's 24-year-old daughter, Ashley, injured her shoulder this summer, she couldn't get an MRI for nearly a month, despite her severe pain. Ginger Alonso, an assistant professor of political science and public administration at Chico State, said she drives 70 miles to Redding for OB-GYN care. The long waits or distances people must travel often lead them to delay or forgo care. As a result, they show up at emergency rooms, urgent care, or community clinics with illnesses that are more severe than they would have been had they received medical attention sooner. "We see sicker patients, bottom line," said Tanya Layne, a primary care physician in Chico who recently closed her private practice for financial reasons and works at an urgent care clinic in town, owned by Enloe Health, which also runs the sole hospital in town. Patients walk through the door with undiagnosed cancers, uncontrolled asthma, raging diabetes, and severely high blood pressure, Layne said. In many northern counties, specialists in acutely short supply include neurologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists, endocrinologists, OB-GYNs, oncologists, and urologists. "We have whole areas with no specialists at all, or where specialists are so overworked that the waits are really long, and people are forgoing care," said Doug Matthews, a Chico-based colorectal surgeon and regional medical director of Partnership HealthPlan, which provides Medi-Cal coverage in 24 northern counties. The health care shortage in the region grew more acute after the catastrophic 2018 Camp Fire devastated the town of Paradise, 15 miles east of Chico, shuttering the local hospital and sending dozens of doctors out of the region. In response, local leaders created Healthy Rural California, which launched a four-year residency in psychiatry last year, followed by the family medicine program this year. The group also runs a program to expose high school students to potential careers in health care, and it is behind early plans for a $200 million "interprofessional" health care campus that would train future doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and others. The startup cost would likely need to come from California's state legislature, but lawmakers are limited by severe budget pressures. Nevertheless, James Schlund, a radiologist and board member of the organization, is discussing it with officials from UC Davis and Touro University. "We are building the coalition," Schlund said, "to go to the legislature with an empty bucket and ask them to fill it with money at the hardest of possible times." Meanwhile, medical and political leaders in Chico and Redding, the two largest cities in California's far north, are each exploring building a medical school, possibly in collaboration and under the auspices of UC Davis, which considers rural medicine integral to its mission. A medical school, paired with more residency slots, would keep graduating students in the area long enough for them to establish roots, buy homes, and start families, boosting the supply of local physicians, said Paul Dhanuka, a gastroenterologist and member of the Redding City Council. But some say the region's small population makes it a challenge to train more residents. "The number of residents you can accommodate is limited by the ability to get the right kinds of patients with the right kind of cases that give the residents the training they need," said Duane Bland, a physician who runs the family practice residency program at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Dhanuka said that in sparsely populated areas, a low number of childbirths limits how many residents can be trained in family medicine. But that is not the case with other specialties such as surgery, psychiatry, cardiology, and gastroenterology. And, he said, across the whole northern region, "there are multiple hospitals as well as clinics which are absolutely looking for more residency participation." Residency programs are largely funded with federal dollars through Medicare, and that funding is not at imminent riskthough the number of residency slots paid for by Washington has not significantly increased in about 30 years. However, some graduate medical education is state-funded, and in California many of those slots rely on revenue generated from a tax on Medi-Cal health plans, which California voters earmarked for that and other purposes last fall by passing Proposition 35. That revenue is projected to plummet by billions of dollars under changes in the budget law and a similar rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "We could lose that Prop. 35 funding," said Mark Servis, vice dean for medical education at the UC Davis School of Medicine. "And we have been planning on it for over a year as a way to build out graduate medical education." Servis and other medical educators also worry about new caps on federal student loans, which could deter lower-income students, including those in rural areas, from medical school. Altogether, the financial constraints will only make the health care shortage worsein large part because of its impact on the region's smaller, weaker hospitals and the burden on those that remain. It's already begun: Glenn Medical Center in Willows, about 30 miles from Chico, announced last month it would shut down its ER and hospital services in October after losing its federal designation as a "critical access" hospital, which afforded it higher payments and more regulatory flexibility. A $50 billion rural health care fund in the budget law will offset a little more than a third of the money that rural areas are expected to lose because of the Medicaid cuts, according to research from KFF. And it's not clear how, or to which states, that money will be distributed. Civic and medical industry leaders in Chico and Redding say the message needs to get out that a robust health care system will serve the interests of everyone, across political lines. "Health care is such a human need, because we all hurt the same, regardless of race or color," Dhanuka said. "We can address this. And we don't need to take sides on this." 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Hospitals with the widest difference between the cost of their services and what they charge patients and their insurance carriers are mostly for-profit, investor-owned and located in large metropolitan areas. They also have significantly worse patient outcomes compared with lower-cost hospitals, new UCLA research finds. These "high-markup hospitals" (HMH), which comprised about 10% of the total the researchers examined, charged up to 17 times the true cost of care. By contrast, markups at other hospitals were an average of three times the cost of care. The findings are published in JAMA Surgery. "Hospital prices affect everyone: patients, families, employers, taxpayers, and government programs, and when hospitals charge excessively, these costs ripple across the health system," said study lead Dr. Sara Sakowitz, a surgery resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "Patients may be stuck with high out-of-pocket bills, sometimes leading to financial toxicity or even medical bankruptcy. For those with insurance, inflated prices translate into higher monthly premiums and deductibles, which affect families, employers, and taxpayers alike." Higher prices do not translate to higher quality or better care, she said. "In fact, patients at the highest markup hospitals faced greater complications and readmission rates. This raises concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability in the health care system, particularly in the current era of value-based care." The researchers examined data from the 2022 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) for hospital expenditures at nearly 2000 US hospitals that performed four major elective surgeries: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, colectomy, coronary artery bypass grafting, and hip replacement. Of those hospitals, 196 were high-markup facilities. About 362,400 patients were treated at the hospitals, with 42,600 (12%) of them at high-markup centers. They found that the high-markup patients had about 45% greater odds of developing cardiac, respiratory, infectious, or kidney complications. They also faced a 33% greater risk of being readmitted for a non-elective reason within 30 days of their initial treatment. Of particular significance, the study links pricing data to patient outcomes, Sakowitz said. "Patients treated at these high-markup hospitals didn't experience better outcomes; in fact, they often did worse," she said. "In other words: the most expensive hospitals were frequently the lowest-value hospitals." The study does have some limitations that could affect the results. The NRD is a nationally representative dataset, but the researchers could not access hospitals' comprehensive pricing list for supplies and services they provide, and as a result did not have information about negotiated agreements or discounts between hospitals and insurance providers. While the researchers did not have details to examine the geographical variation of high-markup hospitals, previous investigations have found that the 50 hospitals with the highest markup ratios were located in 13 states, 76% of which were in the South. The research team also did not have data on hospitals' fixed, variable or outpatient costs. There is a need for more research into why patient outcomes are worse at high-markup hospitals, Sakowitz said. In addition, policies need to be developed to address price transparency and regulation. Currently, only Maryland and West Virginia regulate hospital pricing. "Patients rarely know what a surgery will cost ahead of time, nor do they have the tools to compare hospitals on both price and quality," she said. "And in urgent situations, they often don't have a choice of hospital at all. That means it's not realistic or fair to expect patients to 'shop smart' for surgery in a system that lacks transparency. "Requiring public, standardized reporting of hospital markups and linking those reports to outcomes would be a first step. Ultimately, this is about building a health care system that is fairer, safer, and more accountable to the people it serves." More information Hospital Price Markup and Outcomes of Major Elective Operations, JAMA Surgery (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2025.3647 Journal information: JAMA Surgery Key medical concepts Postoperative Complications 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: World map demonstrating where studies analyzed were conducted. Credit: eClinicalMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103384 With an estimated 1.14 million deaths worldwide annually caused by bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, a University of Leicester-led study shows that in hospital settings antimicrobial resistance is common and independently associated with a higher risk of death. The results were published in September 2025 in eClinicalMedicine. Dr. Daniel Pan, infectious diseases clinician, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, said. "Hospitals are high-risk environments for acquiring drug-resistant infections because many patients receive antibiotics and have invasive procedures. "Even in settings where effective antibiotics should be available, resistant infections still carry an independent increase in the risk of dying. AMR doesn't just threaten public health systems; it directly harms the individuals who acquire these infections." Drawing on 34 hospital-based studies covering 20,658 patients across 18 countries, Dr. Pan and the team found that over one-third of hospital-acquired infections involved drug-resistant bacteria (pooled prevalence 36.5%). Patients with resistant infections had a 58% higher adjusted risk of death than those with susceptible infections, with the greatest risk seen for deaths during the same admission and for bloodstream infections. Senior author, Professor Manish Pareek, Chair in Infectious Diseases and Director of the Development Center for Population Health at the University of Leicester, said, "Our analysis also highlights major evidence gaps: many under-represented regions, including parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, had few or no eligible hospital-based studies linking AMR to mortality. If countries are to meet emerging UN goals on antibiotic access and reducing AMR, we urgently need better surveillance and studies from these regions." More information Nisha A. George et al, The prevalence and risk of mortality associated with antimicrobial resistance within nosocomial settingsa global systematic review and meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients, eClinicalMedicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103384 Journal information: EClinicalMedicine 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: Folashade Agusto employed computer modeling and large datasets to better understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa during the worldwide pandemic. Credit: Wikimedia Commons University of Kansas researcher Folashade Agusto trained as an applied mathematician, though today she's an associate professor of ecology & evolutionary biology. She uses that mathematical training and computers to model infectious diseases. Her goal is "to identify ways in which we can mitigate the risk they pose to humans," she said. "But I also do models involving animals as neededand in recent times, I've started looking at plants as well." Recently, Agusto led research appearing in the journal PLOS One that employs computer modeling and large datasets to better understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa during the course of the worldwide pandemic. She wanted to understand how lockdowns, restrictions and human behavior affected the course of the disease. "With COVID, we were interested in looking at how policies and human behavior affect transmission," she said. "The community we focused on in South Africa is Gauteng." The KU researcher based her computer model on South African census data on population density and household sizes from the Gauteng province, epidemiological data from COVID studies and timelines of government policies in the city intended to curb the spread of the disease. "This was from March 2020, when governments around the world announced sweeping lockdowns at different points in March, as they did here in the United States," Agusto said. "Globally, there were lockdowns, but they varied by policy. We wanted to see what the levels of household infection and outside infection were during those periods, given the different policies being implemented." Rather than modeling each individualbecause of computing power and time constraintsthe KU researcher and her colleagues divided the population into four density groups. "We had access to both population and household size data for the four groups," Agusto said. "P1 represented low density, then P2, P3 and P4, with P4 being the most densely populated areas. We also looked at household sizes: one-person households, 23 people, 45 people and six or more. The dataset also included a zero-household category, which we assumed represented people experiencing homelessness. From this, we could analyze how density and household size affected COVID transmission patterns." Moreover, Agusto employed "agent-based" computer modeling, an alternate approach to COVID computer models that use differential equations to examine populations as a whole, then segment people according to the stages of infection. "By contrast, the agent-based model is computer-based and focuses on individuals," Agusto said. "It uses 'if-then-else' rules to simulate how a person goes about their daily life and makes decisions. These rules are also tied to probability. If someone does a certain action, what happens next? It's a more natural way to encode human behavior compared with differential equations. Traditional models use equations; agent-based models simulate behavior through computer rules." Some key findings of the study: In households in areas with higher population density, the odds of someone from the household would bring COVID home and spread it within the household were higher. In lower-density areas, the virus wasn't as likely to enter the home, but once it did, it was even more likely to spread. Regardless of the setting, human behaviorlike compliance with mask mandates and quarantineshad the biggest impact on transmission patterns. The dynamics of infection waves differed according to population density. Agusto said her investigation originated in collaborations with scientists at the Auburn University-based SAMSA-Masamu Program, which aims to enhance research ties between the U.S and Southern Africa in mathematical sciences and related areas. "At Auburn University, Overtoun Jenda and his colleagues, including Suzanne Lenhartwho is a co-author on the paper with mehad a vision to create a collaboration between Africans and Americans. They would take Americans to Africa to collaborate with them on different topics," Agusto said. "I was part of that group during COVID, working with Suzanne, who was my postdoc adviser. Well, we did not go physically. We were in 'Zoom land' during COVID, working virtually. Subsequently, I have gone with them as a U.S. scientisteven though I am originally Nigerianto Mozambique and then South Africa." Agusto's co-authors were Inger Fabris-Rotelli of the University of Pretoria in South Africa, Christina Edholm of Scripps College in California, Innocent Maposa of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Faraimunashe Chirove of the University of Johannesburg, Chidozie Chukwu of Georgia Southern University, David Goldsman of the Georgia Institute of Technology and Suzanne Lenhart of the University of Tennessee. More information Folashade B. Agusto et al, An agent-based model for household COVID-19 transmission in Gauteng, South Africa, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325619 Journal information: PLoS ONE This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Three distinct snapshots obtained with cryo-electron microscopy illustrate the arrangement of two of the four symmetrical subunits that make a functional NMDA receptor. During activation, as the receptor transitions from Closed, to Primed, to Open, subtle rearrangements occur in the transmembrane helix that lines the ion-permeable pore (highlighted in color). Credit: G. Popescu and J. Abbott When it comes to brain proteins, small changes can make a dramatic difference. Researchers studying NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, which are essential for learning, memory and moment-by-moment consciousness, know that even slight changes in their activity level can mean the difference between normal function and serious neurological disorders. Now, University at Buffalo researchers, in a long-term collaboration with scientists at the Vollum Institute, have captured for the first time and in exquisite detail pictures of receptors in a fully open conformation. The paper also describes for the first time the sequence of structural changes that transform receptors from being silent to being fully active. Published in Science Advances, the team's work expands the understanding of how NMDA receptors function and how their malfunction contributes to disease. Gabriela Popescu, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, is a corresponding author on the paper with Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., and Farzad Jalali-Yazdi, scientists at the Vollum Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. Lead authors are Jamie A. Abbott, Ph.D., research scientist in the Department of Biochemistry at UB, and Junhoe Kim, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow at the Vollum Institute. Beiying Liu, Ph.D., is a co-author in the UB Department of Biochemistry. Popescu has spent her career studying the biophysical properties of NMDA receptors, which generate electrical current in response to binding glutamate and help neurons communicate. Why neurodegeneration happens "NMDA receptors are key to ongoing brain activity," she says, "but when they are inappropriately active, they kill neurons, such as, for example, after a traumatic brain injury, after a stroke, or during progressive neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease." For that reason, Popescu and her colleagues have been focused on trying to understand and track the sequence of events that transform resting, inactive receptors into active, electricity-generating receptors. A key part of assembling this sequence requires obtaining pictures of receptors in different functional states to identify which parts change position during activation, enabling the transition. While previous research has reported atomic-resolution structures for receptors in the resting state, Popescu says that structures for active, pore-open receptors have remained elusive. Kinks in the helices The researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which involves flash-freezing samples of the receptors, then probing them with an electron beam to get a 3D view. The result is the first-ever, high-resolution image of a stable, open NMDA receptor. Unlike closed-pore receptors, in which the pore's four spiral structures, or helices, are straight, the researchers found that when the pore opens, the helices are bent or kinked. It wasn't what they expected. "We thought that the channel would open simply by prying apart the four helical rods that prevent ion flow to widen the mouth of the pore," says Popescu. "Instead, we saw that all four rods are kinked outward and stabilized in this splayed conformation by new contacts with distant parts of the molecule." Each kink, she explains, represents a region of interest in the receptor. "The identity of the amino acid at that position is essential as it must allow the kinking," she says. "Without the image, without knowing that the helix must bend, we would not understand why this particular residue is important." The new observations will help researchers figure out the step-by-step process by which the receptor pore opens; they also provide insight into which other parts of the receptor may also play a role. There are many patients, Popescu notes, with single-point mutations in the DNA coding for this receptor. A point mutation is a change in a single amino acid in the receptor's structure. "The new information helps us better understand what these amino acid residues do, why they are important and what goes wrong when they are altered," she adds. Structure-function findings The researchers also reveal the first mechanism of NMDA receptor activation integrating functional evidence obtained in Popescu's lab from single-molecule electrophysiology recordings with structural evidence from single-particle cryo-EM obtained in the lab of co-senior author Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., senior scientist at the Vollum Institute. "Before this study, we knew that the receptor must change its structure several times to transition from resting to primed to open," says Popescu. "Separately, structural studies produced pictures of receptors that looked a little different, but because we didn't know how the final open state looked, we couldn't arrange the pictures in the correct sequence." Popescu is now able to connect the new images of the receptor with her previous findings on the rate at which receptors change conformation to complete the activation cycle. Knowing how the receptor looks at each point in the sequence helps isolate which regions play key roles in the transition and why and how drugs bind to these regions, as well as why mutations in these regions cause disease. "The work that my lab has done over the past 20 years can tell us how drugs or mutations change the current that glutamate elicits when it binds to the NMDA receptor," she says. "Ultimately, the intensity, duration and frequency of this currentthe tiny electrical signals that these receptors producedetermine how neurons communicate and whether our thoughts, feelings and emotions reflect reality in a way that helps us survive in a complex world. "The new results show us why drugs and mutations change the current and can point us to ways to restore normal function." More information Jamie Abbott et al, Cryo-EM snapshots of NMDA receptor activation illuminate sequential rearrangements, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx4647. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx4647 Journal information: Science Advances This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain BMJ Group has retracted research suggesting that small daily quantities of apple cider vinegar might help people who are overweight or obese to lose weight. The small clinical trial was published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in March 2024. The study findings generated widespread international attention at the time, and continue to be frequently referred to in media coverage. The retraction was prompted by concerns raised about the quality of the work, including the approach to statistical analysis of the data; implausible statistical values; the reliability of the raw data; inadequate reporting of methods; and lack of prospective trial registration, which breaches BMJ Group's editorial policy. Initially, concerns were raised in critiques of the study, some of which were published as letters in the journal. But after review by BMJ Group's content integrity team, the study was referred to statistical experts to evaluate its reliability. This included attempts to replicate the results and examine the authenticity of the underlying data supplied by the authors. It wasn't possible for the statisticians to replicate the results and multiple analytical errors were identified. There were also irregularities in the data set, and their report, which is appended to the retraction notice, concluded that the data collected from each participant would require further independent scrutiny. The authors said that the identified errors were honest mistakes, but they agree with the decision to retract the study. Dr. Helen Macdonald, Publication Ethics and Content Integrity Editor at BMJ Group, said, "Tempting though it is to alert readers to an ostensibly simple and apparently helpful weight loss aid, at present the results of the study are unreliable, and journalists and others should no longer reference or use the results of this study in any future reporting." She added, "This retraction reflects our strategic and proactive approach to investigating concerns raised about the content we publish. We act where necessary in the interests of openness and the importance of correcting the scientific record. "While we deal with allegations as swiftly as possible, it's very important that due process is followed. Investigations are often complex. This one involved detailed scrutiny of data and correspondence with researchers, institutions, and other experts, for example. Reaching a sound and fair and final decision can therefore take several months." Commenting on the decision to publish the study despite the lack of trial registration, Professor Martin Kohlmeier, editor in chief of BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, explained, "In hindsight, this was the wrong decision to make. But the authors come from a scientific environment that is underrepresented in nutritional research and the journal aims to prioritize high quality evidence, which usually comes from clinical trials. "These are relatively unusual in nutritional research as they can be challenging to undertake because of the numbers of participants and time needed to obtain meaningful results." More information Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823ret Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) 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 vascular structure of the umbilical cord. Credit: Journal of The Royal Society Interface (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2025.0148 The coiled structure of the umbilical cordthe vital link between a baby and its mother during pregnancyplays an important role in helping to keep babies healthy in the womb, according to new research led by The University of Manchester. Working with colleagues at Manchester St Mary's Hospital and the University of Malaysia, the researchers used mathematical modeling to understand how the cord's unique twisted shape affects the way oxygen, nutrients and heat are exchanged before birth. The study, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, found that the spiral design of the blood vessels in the cord appears to affect the exchange of oxygen and heat, minimizing the risk of heat and oxygen being lost, helping to keep babies' temperature and oxygen levels stable before birth. Although the umbilical cord is essential to life, scientists still know little about how its complex coiled structure contributes to its function. These new findings shed light on an overlooked but vital process. "The human umbilical cord is a vital spiral. However, its spiraled nature remains an unresolved puzzle. Our work has shown the power of mathematics in untangling the intricate geometry of the cord and its role in healthy pregnancy. Still, many unanswered questions remain about abnormal human cords and the cords in other mammals, which show a remarkable diversity of shapes," says Dr. Igor Chernyavsky, lead author of the study from The University of Manchester. Complications linked to the placenta and umbilical cord, such as fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia, affect around 10% of pregnancies in the U.K., yet remain poorly understood. The researchers hope their work will pave the way for further studies on abnormal cord structures, such as cords that are too loosely or tightly coiled, which are known to be associated with complications during pregnancy. More information Tianran Wan et al, A functional shunt in the umbilical cord: the role of coiling in solute and heat transfer, Journal of The Royal Society Interface (2025). DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2025.0148 Journal information: Journal of the Royal Society Interface Key medical concepts Fetal Growth Retardation Preeclampsia This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain President Donald Trump's announcement advising Americans against taking acetaminophen during pregnancy to avoid the chance of autism was met with pushback from some lawmakers, including a key GOP health figure. During a news briefing on Sept. 22, Trump's message to those who are pregnant was clear: "Don't take Tylenol." But Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, in an appearance on the podcast "Mornings with Brian Haldane," advised patients to discuss the matter with their OB-GYN, saying they should do that with all medications taken during pregnancy. "I was talking to a woman. She goes, 'Oh, this is great. Two men telling me not to take the only thing I can take when my back's hurting and I'm pregnant, right?'" Cassidy said. "She was just expressing her frustration." Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, as well as other federal health officials, were united on the issue alongside Trump. But Cassidy, a gastroenterologist by training who is facing a high-stakes reelection in 2026, questioned Trump's assertions. He emphasized that studies that the administration has cited show only an association between the medication and autism rather than causality. Cassidy pointed to a study carried out in Sweden that examined 2 million people, comparing those who were exposed to acetaminophen in utero with their siblings who were not. "That's the highest quality that's out there, and that found no association whatsoever," Cassidy said of the research, published in 2024. The administration cites a study authored by Andrea Baccarelli, dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which found an association between acetaminophen and the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders that was strongest when it was taken for four weeks or longer. In a statement, Baccarelli said that based on the available research, it makes sense to use caution when deciding whether to take acetaminophen during pregnancy, especially for heavy or prolonged use. "At the same time, as the only approved medication for pain and fever reduction during pregnancy, acetaminophen remains an important tool for pregnant patients and their physicians," he said. "High fever can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus, including neural tube defects and preterm birth." "Ask your doctor!" Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., an OB-GYN by training who also serves on the HELP Committee, welcomed Trump's announcement, including the administration's plans to fund more studies on the topic through the National Institutes of Health. But his advice was not as definitive as Trump's. "Some research links CHRONIC acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to increased autism risk," Marshall wrote on X. "While evidence is inconclusive, for all medications, use the shortest duration and minimal dose necessary. Ask your doctor!" Other GOP health care workers in Congress praised the decision. "For years, autism rates climbed while Washington stayed silent," Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., a pharmacist by training, said on X. "Now, President Trump (@POTUS) and @SecKennedy are stepping in and expanding support, funding research, and putting families first. Real action is finally here for those who truly need it." "The Trump Administration is boldly tackling our nation's rising autism rates," Georgia GOP Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, also a pharmacist, wrote on X. "Transparency and empowering patients with more information about their health are how we Make America Healthy Again." Some Democrats, meanwhile, worry that medical advice based on inconclusive evidence will shame women who have taken acetaminophen during pregnancy or deter them from using it even in cases where it would be necessary. "Firing scientists and researchers and then telling pregnant women to 'tough it out' during dangerous health conditions because of unproven theories is not how we will find the cause of autism," Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., wrote on X. "The Administration should be doubling down on the progress we have made researching the complicated causes of autisminstead, they continue to ask questions and then refuse to listen to the answers while also spreading unproven theories." Even some of the administration's own messaging has caveats. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary issued a statement that the agency will change the label for acetaminophen to note an increased chance of autism. The statement concluded on a cautionary note. "It is important to note that while an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions has been described in many studies, a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature," it said. "It is also noted that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy, and high fevers in pregnant women can pose a risk to their children. Additionally, aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the fetus." 2025 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Workers assemble molds at a mold company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker operates a 3D printing machine at a casting company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker checks product quality at a casting company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Technicians check product quality at a mold company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker operates numerical control machine tool at a mold company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Workers are seen at a mold company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker checks product information at a casting company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker is seen at a company producing explosion-preventive tools in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 24, 2025 shows staff members checking photovoltaic power equipment at a casting company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker operates numerical control machine tool at a casting company in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Workers are seen at a company producing explosion-preventive tools in Botou, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 24, 2025. In recent years, as one of the old industry bases in Hebei, Botou has witnessed its manufacturing processes converted to green and environmental friendly ones. At present, the city is home to over 300 casting companies, boasting an annual output of 26 billion yuan (about 3.65 billion U.S. dollars) by clustered players here. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) New details have emerged that shed light on how Rajendra Lodhas two-decade-long run at Lodha Developers Ltd culminated in his arrest by the Mumbai Police last week. A relative of the promoters of Lodha Group led by state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the 59-year-old was responsible for land acquisition for real estate projects. The Crime Branchs Property Cell arrested him on September 17 following a first information report filed by the company, alleging forgery, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy, among other charges. The FIR, filed on September 15, named nine other individuals, including Lodhas son Sahil. The Esplanade Court extended Lodhas police custody to September 29 on Tuesday. Lodha is accused of defrauding Lodha Developers of around Rs 100 crore in a case that has sent ripples through Mumbais business and political circles. The 59-year-olds downfall began with a seemingly half-hearted declaration of his business interests on July 23. On that day, Lodha submitted a mandatory disclosure of his interests outside the company to Lodha Developers company secretary. But the disclosure was incomplete. A quick check by the companys internal team against publicly available data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other sources revealed that Lodha had omitted names of various entities in which he and his relatives were deeply involved. This was a serious breach of his fiduciary responsibilities. When Lodha Developers demanded a complete list of his assets on July 31, Lodha flatly refused, stating he would rather resign. He did, in fact, resign shortly thereafter, citing health reasons. The company, however, was not convinced. It immediately sought his resignation from the board of directors and ordered the Ethics Committee to initiate a preliminary inquiry. Within days, this internal probe uncovered several instances of serious fraud, leading to the FIR and subsequent arrest. Now the police claim to have unravelled a sophisticated web of deceit, involving an elaborate trail of cash and benami transactions. An alleged case of cheating involved a flat in the prestigious Lodha New Cuffe Parade project. Nilesh Agarwal wanted to purchase a flat for Rs 3.10 crore but lacked white money. He was allegedly introduced to Shital Palande, who offered a black money deal. Palande, in turn, worked with Harshad Patil, a close associate of Lodha. Lodha reportedly approached his company, claiming that Agarwal had possession rights to a land parcel in Nitalas Village in Panvel and that the company owed him (Agarwal) Rs 3.03 crore for it. He then approved adjusting this fake debt against Agarwals flat payment. In reality, the land belonged to someone else entirely, a man named Yasin Mahamudmiya Patel. Agarwal paid the Rs 3.03 crore to Palande in cash, which was then collected by Patil. The police believe that Lodha pocketed this cash while the flat was registered in Agarwals name for a mere Rs 7 lakh, which was the initial advance. Officials said they have also been able to secure statements from 32 witnesses, with seven already recorded before a magistrate. Among them is Lodhas own driver, who told the police that he handed over massive cash sums to another accused, Nitin Vador. The driver also confessed to collecting Rs 1 crore from Fort and Borivali and delivering it to Lodha. Even Lodhas income tax handler has come forward, claiming to have seen large cash inflows at Lodhas office, which would then be deposited into his accounts. One of the most brazen frauds involved a 3,700 square metre land parcel in Sarang Village near Dapoli. The land was originally acquired by a Lodha Developers subsidiary, Ashtavinayak Real Estate, in 2010 for just Rs 44.7 lakh. Lodha allegedly sold it to one Sujeet Kumar Singh in July 2017 for Rs 1.29 crore. Just 11 months later, in June 2018, the same land was bought back by Lodha Developers. This time, Lodha Developers paid Singh 13,875 square feet of saleable area in a project, valued at Rs 9.01 crore. The net loss to the company: Rs 7.7 crore. According to officials, Singh, who is named in the FIR, is also linked to another company in which Lodha deposited huge sums for land acquisition. The police have also seized key documents from Lodhas computers and phone, revealing large cash transactions. CCTV footage has further provided evidence showing Lodhas brother, Deepak Lodha, taking three bags from the accuseds home. The police later recovered these bags from Deepak Lodhas house and found they contained more details of cash transactions and company information. The investigation has also shed light on the high-flying lifestyle allegedly funded by these activities. The accused is said to have used several luxury vehicles, including a Lexus, a BMW and a Mercedes. The money trail Lodha, currently in police custody, faces charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and other offences. His son, Sahil Lodha, also an accused in the case, has fled and a lookout notice has been issued against him. The investigators are now focused on tracing the money trail, identifying benami companies, finding gold bars Lodha allegedly received from one Hemant Bafna, and most importantly, locating the Rs 49.22 crore that Lodha reportedly gave to Sahil. CANBERRA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said Wednesday he was worried that U.S. claims about the safety of paracetamol and the measles vaccine could cause uncertainty among pregnant women. Butler responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's claims about paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine by assuring Australians that both are classified as safe by local health authorities. "I don't want pregnant women right now to feel unsure about what to do. I don't want women who were pregnant in the past to feel unsure or even guilty about the fact that they took a treatment that was advised to them as being safe," he told Australia's Nine Network television. Trump on Monday advised pregnant women to limit their use of paracetamol, claiming that it increases the risk of their unborn children developing autism, and said that the MMR vaccine should be administered separately rather than as a combined shot. Butler said he was "really worried" that Trump's comments would cause Australian women who are currently pregnant to be unsure or afraid about what to do if they became ill and asked Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to review the U.S. administration's claims. He said the advice from the TGA is that paracetamol is safe to use for pregnant women, particularly to treat fever, and that the MMR vaccine provides "really strong protection" against potentially serious diseases. The MMR vaccine is free for all Australian children to receive at 12 months under the National Immunization Program. Leonardo DiCaprio was once warned that his name was "too ethnic" for Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio has enjoyed huge success in Hollywood The 50-year-old actor is one of the world's highest-paid movie stars - but he was told by his first agent that he'd need to change his name in order to thrive in the film business. During an appearance on the New Heights podcast, DiCaprio recalled: "I go, What do you mean, its Leonardo DiCaprio? They go, No, too ethnic. Theyre never going to hire you.'" The award-winning actor was actually given a new name to use by his former agent. He was told: "Your new name is Lenny Williams'. I said, What is Lenny? We took your middle name [Wilhelm] and we made it your [last name]. Now youre Lenny.'" However, DiCaprio's dad, George DiCaprio, was quick to rubbish the idea. The actor explained: "My dad saw his photo, ripped it up, and he said, Over my dead body.'" DiCaprio turned 50 in November 2024, and he previously revealed that he wanted to be "more honest" after celebrating his landmark birthday. Speaking to Esquire UK, the movie star explained: "It [turning 50] creates a feeling like you have a desire to just be more honest and not waste your time. "I can only imagine how the next few decades are going to progress. I look at my mother, for example, and she just says exactly what she thinks and wastes no time. She spends no time trying to fake it." DiCaprio is determined to not waste any time moving forwards. Despite this, the actor acknowledges that he risks "having things fall apart" because of his honest approach. The acclaimed film star said: "Being more upfront and risking having things fall apart or risking the disagreements or risking going your separate ways from any type of relationship in life the personal, the professional its that you dont want to waste your time any more. You have to just be much more upfront. Its almost a responsibility, because much more of your life is behind you than it is ahead of you." Matthew J. Brown, director of the Center for Dewey Studies reads Experience and Nature, which is the focus of an upcoming interdisciplinary, international conference. Deweys 1925 book is included in The Later Works of John Dewey, Volume 1, 1925-1953, published by SIU Press. (Photo by Russell Bailey) SIU to host international gathering on philosopher John Deweys orienting text by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. An interdisciplinary, international conference next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will examine one of American philosopher and educator John Deweys most important works. Experience and Nature is Deweys big philosophical statement of his world view in his later works, said Matthew J. Brown, SIUs Center for Dewey Studies director and a professor of philosophy. It also represents his attempt to bring together his thinking on philosophy, experience, values as well as science and nature and the human mind into one statement on what philosophy is about. Philosophers have found that of enduring significance this is kind of an orienting text. John Deweys Experience and Nature: A Centennial Celebration will feature more than 40 presentations, including panel discussions from some of the foremost Dewey scholars. Initiated by SIUs Center for Dewey Studies and sponsored by American Philosophical Association and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the conference is set for Oct. 16-18 in the SIU Student Center, with online registration due Oct. 9. Registration for the conference is open to the general public, and SIU Carbondale faculty, staff and students can register for free. The keynote addresses on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, and Saturday afternoon are free and open to the public, as is the Thursday evening reception and poster session. Dewey is perhaps more well known for his work on education, democracy, science, inquiry and art, but in Experience and Nature, he ties everything together in a comprehensive account of existence and human nature. Media Advisory Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover John Deweys :Experience and Nature: A Centennial Celebration on Oct. 16-18. For more information, call 618-453-4347 or email deweycenter@siu.edu. Two of the three keynote presenters have SIU Carbondale connections. Steven Fesmire, chair of Radford Universitys Department of Philosophy and Religion, earned his doctorate from SIU and presented a lecture on campus in April 2025 on moral fundamentalism and stupid decisions. Mark Johnson, a cognitive linguist, philosopher and ethics expert, is the Philip H. Knight Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences, emeritus at the University of Oregon and taught in SIU Carbondales philosophy department from 1977 until 1994. The third keynote speaker, Roberta Dreon, an expert on Deweys account of art and experience, is a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage at Ca Foscari University of Venice in Italy. Another presenter, Robin Zebrowski, professor and chair of cognitive science at Beloit College, is an expert on artificial intelligence and robotics in relation to cognitive science, and her work is very much inspired by Deweys views on the relationship between biology and the mind, Brown said. Im excited that we are going to be bringing together such a large group of scholars from around the world who are interested in these topics and Deweys thought, Brown said. I think its going to be a very dynamic set of conversations, and I expect not just the formal presentations, but a lot of informal conversations, generating new ideas and collaborations. Deweys theories absolutely are relevant Brown believes the conference will bring a better understanding of Deweys ideas, which absolutely are relevant today, even though he lived from 1859 to 1952. I think we are still struggling with issues that Dewey was facing 100 years ago understanding the significance of science for our picture of the meaning of our existence and our place in nature; dealing with threats to democracy, Brown said. One hundred years ago, Dewey was looking at the rise of fascism around the world. Today, we are also looking at a lot of skepticism and challenges to democracy and democratic governance. Dewey was trying to lay out a philosophical foundation for democracy and science. Leading center for everything Dewey The Center for Dewey Studies, located in the basement in Morris Library, is the main institution in the world for the study of John Deweys works, life and legacy. Initially established as the Cooperative Research on Dewey Publications in 1961, the center has published the definitive critical edition of Dewey's writings as The Collected Works of John Dewey, The Correspondence of John Dewey and The Class Lectures of John Dewey. SIU is the home of Deweys archival papers, manuscripts, and correspondence, which are housed in the Morris Librarys Special Collections Research Center, along with Deweys personal and professional library. John Boyega would have made the Star Wars sequels he appeared in differently if he produced them. Star Wars star John Boyega The 33-year-old actor played Finn in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, and he has not held back in sharing the three main things he would have changed to the films' plot if the star were in charge of making the movies - beginning with not killing off Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in The Force Awakens or Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in The Last Jedi. Appearing at Florida Supercon 2025, Boyega said - as quoted by Popverse.com: "If I was a producer on Star Wars from the beginning, you would have had a whole completely different thing. It would be mad. "First of all, were not getting rid of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, all these people. We're not doing that. "The first thing we're going to do is fulfil their story, fulfil their legacy. We're going to make a good moment of handing on the baton. Boyega said the new characters - including Finn - in his version of the films would face more challenges. And he also touched upon how the new characters were "overpowered", such as when he and Daisy Ridley's alter ego Rey could create a lightsaber against Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). He added: "Our new characters will not be OP'd [overpowered] in these movies. They won't just grab stuff and know what to do with it. No. "You've got to struggle like every other character in this franchise. I'd do that." Boyega would have looked at the stories from Star Wars' online video games, The Old Republic and Force Unleashed, to expand the film franchise's universe. He said: "I'd look to the Old Republic stories. "And see what we can add to the continuation of that. I would definitely want to see Force Unleashed stories in there. "I would try to expand the Star Wars universe as much as possible while respecting the lore. "If we're expanding the lore, we have to do it in within the respective boundaries that stay true." But ultimately, the star said he would not kill off Luke Skywalker. Boyega concluded: "But Luke Skywalker wouldn't be disappearing on a rock. "Hell no. Standing there, and he's, like, a projector? I would want to give those characters way more way more." BusinessWire India Boston (Massachusetts) [US]/ Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 24: L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in AI, Digital & ER&D Consulting Services, today announced the launch of the fourth annual Digital Engineering Awards presented in partnership with Information Services Group (ISG), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm, and CNBC-TV18, India's premier business news channel. The Digital Engineering Awards have earned their place as the most distinguished global recognition of excellence in the field of digital engineering. The winners of this fourth annual awards will be announced on March 12, 2026, during a gala event in Boston, Massachusetts. Finalists will also have an exclusive opportunity to visit the world-renowned MIT Media Lab for an in-depth glimpse into innovations shaping the future. Nominations are open from September 23, 2025, through December 20, 2025. Enterprises and service providers worldwide are invited to submit their entries HERE. This year, recognizing the growing significance of AI across industries, the Digital Engineering Awards have introduced a new AI-focused category under the Engineering The Change segment - the Physical AI Impact of the Year Award. This is in addition to two other AI-focused categories - AI Impact of the Year (Engineering The Change) & AI Trailblazer of the Year (Engineer At Heart). These additions underscore the program's commitment to honoring excellence in the rapidly evolving AI space. The Digital Engineering Awards offer a global platform to celebrate visionaries driving innovation at the intersection of AI, technology, sustainability, and transformation. Over the past three years, the Awards have celebrated leaders from renowned organizations, including Airbus, GE Healthcare, Qualcomm Technologies, Intel Corporation, Philips, BMW Group, Eaton, AT&T, Chevron, T-Mobile, and others. To view the detailed list of winners from the past three editions, click here: 2024, 2023, 2022. A distinguished global jury, including expert representatives from ISG, will evaluate submissions across 12 categories under the following key segments: Engineering The Change (Team Awards) Recognizing excellence in initiatives such as Digital Transformation of the Year, Digital Engineering Project/Program of the Year, Engineering Product of the Year, AI Impact of the Year, Top Sustainability Initiative, Excellence in Value Realization, and the newly introduced Physical AI Impact of the Year. Engineer At Heart (Individual Awards) Honoring changemakers, including The Distinguished Digital Engineering Leader, The Digital Engineer of the Year, The Woman Engineer of the Year, The Innovator of the Year, AI Trailblazer of the Year. The awards spotlight individuals and organizations that are redefining industries, paving the way for sustainable growth and shaping a smarter, more innovative future through groundbreaking digital advancements. Submit your nominations now at https://www.digitalengineeringawards.com/. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) South Korea's Celltrion Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Eli Lilly and Company's U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, eliminating its tariff-related risks in the U.S. market. The purchase price was USD 330 million, as per a report by Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business Newspaper Korea. The acquisition price is around 460 billion won (USD 330 million), with total investment, including planned expansion, expected to reach 1.4 trillion won (USD 1.008 billion). The report stated that Celltrion, on Tuesday, announced its U.S. subsidiary signed a contract on Saturday to acquire 100 per cent of the Branchburg, New Jersey biopharmaceutical production facility owned by Imclone Systems Holdings, a subsidiary of Eli Lilly. Additionally, an initial investment of approximately 700 billion won (approximately USD 504 million), including operating costs, will be injected into Celltrion USA through a paid-in capital increase. This final contract came just two months after Celltrion was selected as the preferred bidder in late July. "The 1.4 trillion won total investment (including expansion) is far more cost-efficient than building a new plant in Korea," the report quoted Celltrion Group Chairman Seo Jung-jin, during an online press briefing. "We expect to save around 1.5 trillion won (USD 1.08 billion) through tariff risk elimination, secured facilities, workforce availability, and reduced logistics costs, not to mention saving over six years of construction time." The Branchburg facility spans 148,760 square meters and houses production facilities, warehouses and technical support buildings. An additional 36,363 square meters of unused land offers room for expansion, which would lift capacity to 1.5 times that of Celltrion's plant in Songdo. "The deal also includes a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) agreement with Eli Lilly. Roughly half of the facility will continue producing Lilly's products, securing immediate revenue streams and enabling faster recovery of the investment. Starting late next year, the plant will produce both Celltrion's own drugs and Lilly's products under CMO contracts," the report said. Celltrion projected an EBITDA of 1.7 trillion won (USD 1.224 billion) this year and over 3 trillion won (USD 2.16 billion) in 2026, providing ample funding for growth. Seo Jung-jin noted that in 2026, roughly one-third of EBITDA will be returned to shareholders, one-third will go to research and development, and the rest will be held as reserves or used for facility investments. (ANI) States mobilised Rs 25,000 crore through the auction of State Government Securities (SGS) held on September 23, with cut-off yields largely in the range of 7.26-7.45 per cent, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal were among the participating states. The notified total amount for the auction stood at Rs 27,000 crore, while the total allotment amounted to Rs 25,000 crore. Telangana was a large borrower, raising a total of Rs 5,000 crore through four tranches of 22 to 26 years maturity, all at a uniform cut-off yield of 7.44 per cent. Bihar comes second, raising Rs 4,000 crore through two issuances, 20-year and 25-year maturities at a cut-off yield of 7.45 per cent. Chhattisgarh garnered Rs 500 crore via the re-issue of its 7.0 per cent SGS 2029 at a lower yield of 6.67 per cent. Gujarat mobilised Rs 1,500 crore for its 2032 bond at a yield of 7.07 per cent. Kerala tapped the market with a 25-year security, raising Rs 1,000 crore at 7.44 per cent. Madhya Pradesh came in with two tranches, one of 18 years and another of 21 years, collectively raising Rs 3,000 crore at yields of 7.43 to 7.44 per cent. Maharashtra issued an 11-year SGS 2036, raising Rs 1,000 crore at 7.27 per cent. However, the state declined to accept any bids for its proposed re-issues of the 7.14 per cent SGS 2045 and 7.15 per cent SGS 2046, originally issued earlier this year. Punjab raised Rs 1,000 crore by re-issuing its 6.98 per cent 2033 security, with the weighted average yield settling at 7.36 per cent. Rajasthan mobilised Rs 1,500 crore via a 10-year bond at 7.29 per cent. Tamil Nadu tapped the market with four separate issuances, each of Rs 1,000 crore, maturing in 2031, 2032, 2033 and 2035. The yields ranged between 7.02 per cent and 7.26 per cent, with weighted averages between 7.00 and 7.23 per cent. West Bengal raised Rs 2,500 crore, split between an 11-year security at 7.42 per cent and a re-issue of its 7.47 per cent 2044 paper, which garnered Rs 1,500 crore at 7.45 per cent. Across states, the weighted average yield largely hovered near the 7.4 per cent mark. (ANI) Large drones that flew over Copenhagen airport for hours and caused it to shut down constituted the "most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure" to date, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Tuesday. Airports in Copenhagen and Oslo reopened early Tuesday, hours after unidentified drones in their airspace caused dozens of flights to be diverted or cancelled, disrupting thousands of passengers. "This is part of the development we have recently observed with other drone attacks, airspace violations, and cyberattacks targeting European airports," Frederiksen said in a statement provided to AFP. She referred to similar drone incidents in Poland and Romania and the violation by Russian fighter jets of Estonia's airspace. The governments of Poland, Estonia and Romania have pointed the finger at Moscow, which has brushed off the allegations. Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster DR she could "not rule out" that Russia was behind the drone activity. Moscow denied involvement, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticising her remarks as "unfounded accusations". On X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced what he said was a Russian violation of Denmark's airspace. Danish police meanwhile said they had been unable to identify the drone operator. "The number, size, flight patterns, time over the airport. All this together ... indicates that it is a capable actor. Which capable actor, I do not know," Copenhagen police inspector Jens Jespersen told reporters. "It was an actor that had the capacity, the will and the tools to make their presence known," he said. Danish intelligence said the Scandinavian country was facing a "high threat of sabotage". "Someone may not necessarily want to attack us, but rather stress us out and see how we react," Flemming Drejer, director of operations at Denmark's intelligence service PET, said. Jespersen said "several large drones" flew over the Copenhagen airport for more than three hours on Monday evening. A heavy police presence was dispatched, and the devices could be seen coming and going for several hours before flying away on their own, police said. Police were cooperating with the Danish military and intelligence service in their investigation, Jespersen said. Police decided not to shoot down the drones for safety reasons. "You have to think very carefully before starting to try to take down such big drones," Jespersen said. If they were to fall to the ground, "there are planes with people, fuel, and also housing on several sides of the airport." Jespersen said it was not known where the drones were being controlled from, but that it could have been from many kilometres away. The drones were flying from several directions, he said. "It could very well be something initiated from a ship," he told DR. The Copenhagen airport is located on the coast of the Oresund Strait, between Sweden and Denmark. Airport officials said air traffic had resumed early Tuesday but 20,000 passengers were affected by 31 flight diversions and more than 100 cancellations. Heavy delays and disruptions were expected throughout Tuesday as many planes were not at their planned airports. Long queues of passengers stood at counters at Copenhagen airport trying to rebook their flights. "I'm not afraid ... but I am aware that Russia's hybrid war is expanding steadily," German traveller Eckart Nikolai Bierduempel told AFP. Copenhagen police said they were cooperating with colleagues in Oslo after drone sightings also caused the airport in the Norwegian capital to close for several hours. "We had two different drone sightings," Oslo airport spokeswoman Monica Fasting told AFP. "We reopened the airport around 3:15 am (0115 GMT)," she said. A total of 14 flights were diverted from Oslo airport, she said. Norway's government on Tuesday said Russia had violated its airspace three times this year, in April, July and August. Police have yet to comment on the incident, but the country's intelligence service PST confirmed its involvement in the investigation. Separately, a Singaporean couple in their 50s and 60s was arrested late Monday suspected of illegally flying a drone in central Oslo. "The case is at an early stage, but at this point, we have no reason to suspect that this incident is connected to the drone sightings at Oslo or Copenhagen airports," prosecutor Andre Kvistad Alme said. PNN Dubai [UAE], September 24: AsiaOne Media Group successfully hosted the 26th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum on the 19th of September, 2025 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai. With the unifying theme "Celebrating the Spirit of Asia," this Indo-UAE Summit spotlighted the strengthening of bilateral trade, investment, and innovation between India, the UAE, and the wider GCC region, while also fostering strategic partnerships across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The event was supported by key global partners including DRC Ventures, The ROOT Brands, FORE School of Management, Brindavan Group of Institutions, and HOSAF Group Bangladesh, whose contributions were instrumental in making the Forum a resounding success. The Forum brought together business and social leaders and diplomats from the participating countries and beyond to foster cross-border collaboration, exchange transformative ideas, and recognize excellence in leadership and social impact across continents. It emphasised the importance of unified action among business, social, and political leaders, and encouraged deeper global collaboration -- especially between established economies and emerging markets around the world. A key highlight of the event was the focus on how nations are actively promoting trade, tourism, and investment as catalysts for shared growth. Business and social leaders from India, the UAE, and other participating regions shared their forward-looking visions for advancing global enterprise and socio-economic development. They emphasized the urgent need to reshape the global business landscape through cross-border collaborations, joint ventures, and strategic economic partnerships. The event stood out as a congregation of distinguished entrepreneurs and investors, who explored exciting opportunities in the UAE, particularly in sectors such as finance, education, Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory, Healthcare, Technology, Sustainable Infrastructure. The event also highlighted the UAE's emergence as a sustainable nation, an appealing tourist destination, and a highly investor-friendly economy. The glittering event saw the presence of some of the world's most influential figures including His Highness Sheikh Al Nuaimi from the Royal family of Ajman, diplomats from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, celebrities from the Emirati cinema, social media influencers along with esteemed business leaders, investors, and professionals from Asia, the Gulf, Africa, and beyond. The evening was made even more memorable with the announcement of the third edition of the Dr. J. C. Chaudhry Excellence Award, presented personally by the legendary Dr. Chaudhry. His continued support for AsiaOne's mission to spotlight excellence and innovation remains invaluable. The Forum extended a warm welcome to esteemed ambassadors and dignitaries from around the globe, including diplomatic representatives from Maldives, Zimbabwe, Guatemala, Kenya, and Indonesia. Their presence reinforced the truly international nature of the summit. Mr. Rajat Raj Shukal, Global Head & Principal Partner of AsiaOne Media Group, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed diplomats, government dignitaries, and prominent business and social leaders in attendance. He praised Dubai as a global epicenter where talent and ambition from all corners of the world come together. He commended the participating business leaders for their contributions in catapulting Dubai to new heights on the world stage. The Forum also featured a special address by Dr. Christina Rahm, a globally renowned scientist, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of DRC Ventures and The ROOT Brands. With academic credentials from Cornell and Harvard, Dr. Rahm's speech emphasized the intersection of science, wellness, and environmental sustainability. Her call to action for global conservation and access to healthcare solutions resonated strongly with the event's broader goals of shared prosperity and sustainable development. Some of the winning brands and leaders at the summit were: Dr. JC Chaudhry, Founder, Chaudhry Nummero, Dr. Christina Rahm, Founder, DRC Ventures & The Root Brands, Mr. Moazzam Hossain, Chairman, Hosaf Group, Prof. Subir Verma, Director, FORE School of Management, Mr. Maran Nagarajan, CEO & Founder, Kaar Technologies, Mr. Clayton Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO, The Root Brands, Mr. Piyush Jha, Group VP & MD - Asia Pacific Region, GlobalLogic, Dr. Vishal G. Warke, Director - R&D (Cell Biology & Hydroponics), HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Shruti Sharma, CEO, Brindavan Group of Institutions, Mr. Anish Singh Thakur, CEO, Booming Bulls Academy, Mrs. Saroj G. Warke, Co-founder and IT Director, HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mr. R. K. Goyal, Managing Director, Kalyani Steels Limited, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Managing Director, Apex Buildsys Limited, Mr. Sukant Mishra, Managing Director, Octagon International FZCO (UAE), Mr. Bal Krishen, Chairman & CEO, Century Financial, Mr. Devesh Mamtani, Chief Market Strategist, Century Financial, Dr. Navneet Vats, CEO, Livexpo Ventures, Mr. Jai Krishan Jajoo, Founder and Chairman, J K Jajoo Ventures , Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, Chairman, Tembo Steels (U) Ltd., Mr. Lion V.V. Krishna Reddy, Chairman & Director, Dr. S R Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing / VARS Group, Dr. Sandeep Bakshi, Chancellor Jaipur National University, Mr. Nirav Shah, Founder and Managing Director, FAME Advisory DMCC, ArMee Infotech, Kumar Sunil & Associates, Roswalt Realty, Ms. Anisha Chandy Eckardt, Managing Director, HOSMAT Hospitals, Ms. Vidya Mamallan, Promoter, Co-founder & President - HR, Electronic Payment and Services Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Sumitra Khanda, Managing Director, S K Overseas HR Consultancy, Ms. Aparna Kaushik, Founding Principal Architect, Aparna Kaushik Design Group, Mr. Shitij Kapoor, CEO and Founder, Luxury Concierge Real Estate, Mr. Ashish Monpara, Chairman, Modern Group of Industries, Mr. Dushyant Savadia, Founder & CEO, Amber Group, Mr. Dinesh Musalekar, Group CEO & Executive Director, Rishabh Group of Companies, Mr. Swetang Sinha, CEO & Founder, Trayak Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Satya Vadlamani, Chairperson & MD, Murli Krishna Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Crider Cook, Dr. Rami M Boulad, EVP & Chief Business Development Officer, Abdul Samad Al'Qurashi Group, Vertex Group, Mr. Bakir Gandhi, Chairman & Managing Director, Crystal Group, Mr. Sudeep Saha, Chairman & Founder, Avant Group, AL Kamdhenu Gold Mr. Divyesh Savaliya, Founder & Chairman, Onix Renewable Ltd., Techurate Systems Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Syed Aijazuddin, CEO, Acess Meditech Private Limited (AMTPL), Vasal Education, Priyadarshani Group of Schools / Bramapriya World School, Billabong High International School, Mrs. Mehtaj Hossain, Director, Hosaf Group, Mr. Mabroor Hossain, Director, Hosaf Group, Global Vision Consultancy, Mr. Nitin Shah, CMD, Allied Digital Services Limited, Mr. Swapnil Agarwal, CEO, Nitya Capital, Matx Structures, Alpha Global Enterprise, Mr. Nitin Kapoor, Managing Partner, RANK Accounting and Consultancy, Mr. Sumit Jain, CEO and Executive Director, Valency International Pte. Ltd., , Dr. Amrita Vohra, Director Principal, Elpro International School, Mr. Manohar Kesireddy, Founder and CEO, MRoads, Mr. Divya Prakash Choraria, Co-Founder & CEO, WattPower, Mr. Vikrant Goyal, Director, Goyal Books Overseas, Mr. Manish Goyal, Chairman & Managing Director, FINKEDA LTD., Mr. Bala V Sathyanarayanan, EVP & CHRO, Grief Inc., Mr. Md. Ramzanul Haque Nihad, Managing Director, Amin Mohammad Group, Dr. Swetapadma Dash, CEO, SUM Ultimate Medicare, Dr. Rajendra Singh, Managing Trustee, Priyadarshani Group of Schools, Mr. Atul Sinha Co-Founder and CEO, Align Staffing Solutions, Mr. Anu Sharma, President CEO Rashmi Group/ 1st Glove, Mr. Sankha Biswas, CEO, Nutridor Dairy Manufacturing, Mr. Navneet Mandhani, Founder & CEO, Karma Realty, Mr. Gaganjit Singh, Co-Founder & CEO of Translab Technologies, Dr. Mohammed Chand, CEO, Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories (DML), BCD Global, Dr. Mohammad Salem Omaid, Founder & CEO, iBnk (Finmall), Mr. Sukh Sandhu, CEO, Career Calling International and CAQA, Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services, Alvo Connexions Pte. Ltd., etc. To learn more about the event, research and the greatest brands and leaders, visit www.theworldsgreatestbrands.com, www.theasiasgreatestbrands.com, www.theindiasgreatestbrands.com, www.asiaone.co.in , and www.asiaone.me or call us at +91-011-43281161-66 or write to us at global@asiaone.co.in, dubai@asiaone.co.in,and singapore@asiaone.co.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL New Delhi [India], September 24: The UK government recently introduced new immigration rules through the whitepaper titled "Restoring control over the immigration system", seeking to reduce net migration in the country. Consequently, one major area under the spotlight of this UK immigration policy update is family migration. As an Indian citizen, if you intend to join your partner in the United Kingdom, it is crucial to understand the UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025. The changes in the UK immigration rules are likely to increase the difficulty of obtaining a UK Spouse Visa for many Indian couples. In this article, we examine the Spouse Visa changes in 2025, their impact on Indian citizens, and how to navigate the stricter immigration requirements. What Is a UK Spouse Visa? The UK Spouse Visa, commonly referred to as a Marriage Visa, enables Indian citizens and other non-UK nationals to join their British or settled spouse in the UK. You can reunite with your spouse and stay and work in the country full-time with this visa. The UK Spouse Visa is valid for 33 months for Indian nationals who intend to join their spouse, who is already living in the UK. It may, however, be valid for 30 months if you're switching from another visa to this one within the UK. If you continue meeting the UK Spouse Visa requirements, you can apply to extend it for an additional 30 months before it expires. Through this visa, you can obtain permanent residency in the UK. You might be eligible to apply for British citizenship after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status and fulfilling the residency conditions. What Indian Citizens Should Know about UK Spouse Visa Changes in 2025 The primary reason the UK government introduced new immigration rules on 12 May 2025, is to reduce net migration in the UK. The recently updated UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025 have tightened the route, making qualification more difficult for foreign nationals, including Indian citizens seeking to reunite with their UK-based partner (sponsor). Beyond fulfilling the regular UK Spouse Visa criteria, Indian citizens seeking to reunite with their UK-based partner must be aware of the following UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025 changes: Financial Requirements With the current UK Spouse Visa financial requirement standing at 29,000, the plan to raise the minimum salary threshold to 34,500, and then to 38,700 has not been implemented. Indian applicants can meet this minimum income requirement from various sources like employment income, self-employment, pensions, a combined savings of up to 88,500, or investments. Certain individuals do not necessarily need to meet the 29,000 minimum threshold to sponsor their spouse through the UK Spouse Visa. For instance, if your sponsor receives specific state benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment, they may not be required to attain the 29,000 requirement. Rather, they must demonstrate their ability to support and care for you, guaranteeing sufficient income after paying for necessities like rent and council tax. English Language Requirements Indian citizens looking to join their UK-based spouses must henceforth meet a stricter English language requirement by demonstrating their proficiency to the CEFR level A1 (beginner) or higher for speaking and listening skills. This is also the level you must attain if you're switching to the Spouse Visa within the UK. The English language requirement even gets higher when applying to extend it, as you're required to upgrade to the CEFR level A2 (elementary). Finally, to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) via the UK Spouse Visa after living in the UK for 5 years, you must fulfil yet again an English proficiency requirement to the CEFR level B1 (intermediate). You should contact an immigration lawyer to ensure you take the English language proficiency test at a Home Office-approved provider to avoid delays. Individuals who may be exempt from meeting the English proficiency requirement include: * You're 65 years or older. * You hold a doctoral, master's, or bachelor's degree taught in English. ECCTIS must verify your degree if you did not earn it in the UK. * You are unable to take the test due to physical or mental disabilities. * You're from an English-speaking country is the primary language, such as the Bahamas, Canada, Australia, or the United States. Impact of the UK's Tightening Immigration Rules on Spouse Visa for Indian ImmigrantsIndia has long been one of the most popular countries known for family-based immigration to the UK. Indian immigration through the UK Spouse Visa is currently being scrutinised more, nevertheless. The changes in the UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025, especially the minimum financial requirement for sponsors, currently at 29,000, with expectations to increase to 38,500, would pose a significant challenge for applicants. Meeting this new income threshold may be challenging for many Indian-British couples, especially those who are just starting their careers or have part-time jobs. As a result of this, many couples would be forced to live apart, leading to difficulties in maintaining healthy family relationships, marital breakdown, and mental health issues for children. UK Spouse Visa for Indians: Navigating Stricter Immigration RequirementsMany families continue to apply for the UK Spouse Visa for Indians, despite the challenges, because they believe that with sufficient planning, they can succeed. A proactive strategy is essential; at this time, it's crucial to have early legal consultations, comprehensive financial preparation, and truthful relationship documentation. Immigration solicitors are usually well-informed about the latest immigration rules. They can help you prepare a comprehensive visa application while ensuring that you fulfil all the UK Spouse Visa requirements 2025. Conclusion The UK immigration policy update requires all applicants, including Indian citizens seeking a UK Spouse Visa, to adjust their applications to the requirements specified in the policy update. As such, while preparing to reunite with your UK-based partner, you must prepare a comprehensive application to encompass all the UK Spouse Visa changes. If you understand and comply with these changes when applying, your application may be more likely to be successful. Moreover, seeking legal support from an experienced immigration lawyer can alleviate stress and anxiety and increase your chances of success. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PNN New Delhi [India], September 24: The recent announcement of a $100,000 H-1B fee sparked widespread confusion, leaving many professionals wondering if they would be impacted. To separate fact from fiction, we consulted with immigration strategist Sahil Nyati, Founder of Meritmap.ai and Jinee Green Card, and other experts in the field. The H-1B visa program has long been a vital pathway for foreign workers to contribute their skills and expertise to the US workforce. However, the program has faced numerous challenges and changes in recent years, leaving many professionals and employers uncertain about its future. Current H-1B Holders Are Safe According to Sahil Nyati, the proclamation only applies to new petitions filed after September 21, 2025. This means: -If you already hold an H-1B visa, you are not impacted. -If you already have an approved petition, you are not impacted. -If you are renewing, you are not impacted. -If you are traveling with a valid H-1B, you are not impacted. This clarification is critical, especially given the initial confusion and concern surrounding the announcement. Current H-1B holders can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their existing status is not affected by the new fee. Where the Fee Actually Applies The new $100,000 fee is: -A one-time filing fee, not an annual tax. -Applicable to new petitions filed after September 21, 2025. -Likely to affect cap-exempt employers and future lottery recipients (2026 cycle). It's essential to note that the fee only applies to new petitions, not to existing H-1B holders or those renewing their visas. Travel Considerations For current visa holders: -If you already have a valid H-1B stamp, you should be able to re-enter the US without issue. -Authorities like AILA and CBP have confirmed this. -However, Sahil Nyati advises caution on travel until DHS issues formal written guidance. Why This Matters The uncertainty surrounding the H-1B program is a bigger concern than the fee itself. Constant changes discourage employers from sponsoring workers and leave families stuck in limbo. Experts like Sahil Nyati recommend exploring alternative visa options, such as O-1 visas, EB-1 green cards, or NIW pathways, for more stability. Final Thoughts While the H-1B program may remain vulnerable to changes, professionals can take proactive steps to secure their future in the US. As Sahil Nyati emphasizes, preparation, documentation, and exploring alternative pathways are key to protecting your long-term future. By understanding the implications of the new fee and exploring alternative visa options, professionals can take control of their future and continue to contribute their skills and expertise to the US workforce. Staying informed and proactive is crucial in the ever-changing world of US immigration. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 24: Boss Wallah, the #1 platform for entrepreneurs, has reported a fivefold surge in video views on Facebook within just six months, scaling from 30 million in March to 150 million in August 2025. This explosive growth underscores the platform's ability to engage a wide and ambitious audience across India, where aspirations for business, financial literacy, and self-employment are rising faster than ever. "What has surprised us most is who is driving this growth. On YouTube, we tend to see younger viewers. But on Facebook, it's people in their 30s, 40s and beyond, who are deeply engaged with our content. They're actively seeking advice on starting businesses, managing money, and building financial independence," said Sashi Reddi, Founder and CEO, Boss Wallah. "This shows that entrepreneurial and financial learning is no longer just a youth phenomenon--it is cutting across generations and cities." This discovery aligns with India's broader consumption trends. According to the Nielsen Bharat Consumption Report 2024, non-metro cities are witnessing demand growth 2.5 times faster than metros. With increasing purchasing power and a hunger for financial and entrepreneurial knowledge, these regions are shaping a new wave of digital content consumption that brands cannot ignore anymore. Boss Wallah Media's mix of business, finance, and farming insights is meeting this demand head-on, creating what it believes to be one of the most engaged entrepreneurial communities online. "For us, this 5X growth is not just a number, it is proof of a larger opportunity. India's next growth story is being written by ambitious people across the country, and they are hungry for knowledge that helps them act, invest, and grow," Sashi added. With Facebook's scale in India and this rising demand, Boss Wallah's media business is doubling down on producing and distributing content across the country, reaching audiences not just in metros but also in fast-growing cities and towns, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the tools, insights, and encouragement they need to succeed--while brands are able to reach a highly motivated audience: Win-win for everyone. About Boss Wallah Media: Boss Wallah Media is India's leading social media and production platform, reaching 18M+ followers and 330M+ monthly viewers across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. With six studios and a creative team delivering 200+ multilingual videos a week, Boss Wallah Media drives high-ROI campaigns for national and international brands alike. From social media boosts to influencer-style branded content, Boss Wallah Media is the go-to partner for brands seeking scale and impact, especially in India's southern markets. Media Contact:Nikesh KumarHead - Brand Content & RelationsNikesh@bosswallah.com+91-8971515970 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780820/BossWallah_Viewership_Rise.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], September 24: As India stands at the threshold of transformative growth, a new generation of leaders is shaping its journey toward progress and innovation. The Impactful Leaders of 2025 are not just driving businesses forward but are also redefining the values of leadership with vision, resilience, and responsibility. From fostering sustainable enterprises to embracing technology and inclusivity, these leaders are building the next India--one that thrives on purpose, impact, and collective advancement. Dr. Arti Khosla: Founder & CEO of COAE International Dr. Arti Khosla is an influential thought leader in education and a recognized voice of India on the global stage. Recipient of the "Best Woman Entrepreneur in Conformity Assessments in Education" award, she drives national and international conversations on how standards, innovation, and technology can transform learning. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she challenges institutions to move beyond rankings and ratings, seeing quality systems as engines of process excellence, innovation, and growth. As an entrepreneur, author, and mentor, she also guides many women-led start-ups to align their processes and systems with their vision, passion, and purpose from the very beginning. Her ability to simplify complex management challenges has earned her respect from policymakers and hundreds of education leaders she has trained across nearly 40 countries. Her drive for innovation is reflected in COAE's flagship AAAS framework- an AI-enabled, digital-first academic audit tool. The framework supported by a senior team of experts across India, has guided a country-wide initiative redefining academic excellence for thousands of educators, demonstrating measurable improvements for quality education. Visionary, pragmatic, and globally connected, Dr. Khosla stands among the world's foremost leaders advancing education through the power of quality and standards. Aditya Aggarwal: Founder & CEO of Spaceman Spirits Lab Pvt. Ltd. Aditya Aggarwal is reimagining India's craft spirits landscape with bold vision and global ambition. As Founder and CEO of Spaceman Spirits Lab (SSL), he has built one of India's fastest-growing independent alcobev houses, home to award-winning premium brands like SAMSARA Gin, SITARA Rum, and AMARA Vodka. A UCLA graduate in Business Economics & Entrepreneurship, Aditya began his career in management consulting with PwC Los Angeles, advising marquee clients like Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Snapchat. In 2020, he returned to India to pursue his entrepreneurial calling--channeling his fascination with food, bars, and storytelling into spirits that celebrate Indian craftsmanship while meeting global luxury standards. Under his leadership, SSL has expanded across 12 states and into markets like the UAE, Canada, UK, Germany, and Poland, with listings in Waitrose. Now a 65 crore GMV business selling 360,000 bottles annually, SSL reflects Aditya's belief that his brands are cultural statements blending heritage, design, and innovation. Anooja Bashir: A Journey of Resilience, Vision, and Entrepreneurial Transformation Every entrepreneur's journey is marked by turning points, and for Ms. Bashir, the first came long before she became a renowned ecosystem enabler. With a degree in Civil Engineering from Mahatma Gandhi University, she began her career in Dubai's real estate sector, only to discover her true calling in sales and marketing while teaching as an Associate Professor. What started as an accidental leap into entrepreneurship soon became a life's mission. Early ventures brought failures that tested her resilience, yet each challenge refined her strategic thinking and fueled her determination. Harnessing her engineering discipline, branding expertise from IIM Bangalore, and strategic marketing training from Wharton, Anooja blended structure with creativity to build ventures that stand apart. Through Ourea, she has shaped 1,000+ brands, redefining business growth. She is also the Co-Founder of FlexiCloud, a startup recognized among Forbes Top 200 Startups, which is a PaaS platform transforming cloud management. Today, as entrepreneur, author, mentor, and investor, she continues to enable ecosystems and guide startups. Asma Kahali: Owner of Rimbaa Oak Global Pte Ltd. Rimbaa Oak Global Pte Ltd, co-founded by Asma Kahali, has quickly earned its place as a name synonymous with trust, innovation, and global reach. Guided by Asma's foresight and resilience, the company has expanded into trading gold, arms, and ammunition while upholding values of quality and sustainability. Beyond her entrepreneurial role, Asma also serves as a Convenor at BRICS CCI Women Empowerment, where she champions collaboration and opportunities for women leaders worldwide. Her journey reflects courage, adaptability, and purpose, positioning Rimbaa Oak Global as more than a business--it is a testament to bold leadership and impact-driven vision. Chandan Sharma: Director of Ultra Flex Pvt Ltd Chandan Sharma, Director of Ultra Flex Pvt Ltd, carries forward a 40 year legacy with the vision of shaping a more responsible tomorrow. As the third-generation leader of one of India's most trusted packaging manufacturers, Chandan stands rooted in ethics and guided by a belief that true progress must honor both people and planet. A pioneer in sustainable solutions, he is among the few in the country to launch biodegradable VCI films, proving that innovation can coexist with responsibility. Today his focus is clear- sustainability as the foundation of growth. With exports expanding across borders, he now prepares to enter the food segment, introducing nutrition-driven, value-added products that give back to society in the most fundamental way- by nurturing health. For him leadership is not just about building business, but about building balance between legacy and innovation, growth and responsibility, humanity and Mother Earth. Gunjan Ruparelia: Co-founder & CEO of AutoDukan, Driving the Future of India's Automobile Aftermarket Gunjan Ruparelia, Co-founder and CEO of AutoDukan, is redefining India's automobile aftermarket. With a clear vision and deep industry insight, he has transformed one of the country's most fragmented sectors into a seamless, intelligent, and reliable ecosystem. AutoDukan now serves insurers, workshops, and fleets with speed, transparency, and efficiency, becoming a trusted platform in mobility services. Beyond building a fast-growing company, Gunjan represents the new generation of Indian leaders using technology to solve real, large-scale challenges. His work showcases how homegrown innovation can modernize traditional industries and influence the future of mobility not only in India but across Asia, setting new benchmarks for impact and scale. Hemant Rohera: CEO of Rohera Inc A Visionary Innovator Shaping the Future of Energy and Healthcare Hemant Rohera is an innovator whose work bridges human needs with sustainable progress. With multiple patents to his name, he has pioneered solutions that are redefining industries and improving lives. His Hybrid Power Pack enhances storage performance while eliminating thermal runaway risks, offering multi-platform energy applications across mobility and renewable sectors. His patented Smart Vehicle Console improves efficiency by drawing energy from multiple sources, accelerating the transition to cleaner and smarter transportation. Perhaps most impactful is eMedica, a patented medical device delivering Voltage, Current, and Frequency (VCF) Therapy to boost immunity, improve medicine absorption, and aid recovery in critical health conditions--already recognised in scientific journals. Beyond these landmark innovations, Hemant continues to develop projects in energy, healthcare, and sustainable living, driven by the belief that technology must enhance everyday life. His journey inspires the next generation to think beyond boundaries, proving that innovation can be both futuristic and deeply humane. Mahindra Kumar Desai: Founder & CMD of JMC Hotels & Resorts Group JMC Hotels & Resorts Expanding Across India - A Vision Towards 2030 JMC Hotels & Resorts Group, under the visionary leadership of Mahindra Kumar Desai (Founder & CMD), is making bold strides in transforming India's hospitality landscape. With 30+ properties across 3 states and over 30 years of industry expertise, the group is now aiming for 100+ hotels by 2030, creating opportunities for over 10,000 families through jobs and partnerships. Expanding further, JMC proudly introduces two new brands: Deotel Hotels & Resorts - Affordable excellence for smart travelers Mint Tree Hotels - Premium stays with refined luxury JMC invites hotel/resort owners (25-150 rooms) for management contracts or revenue-sharing partnerships. www.deotels.com, www.jmchotels.com Grow with JMC - Where Hospitality Meets Excellence. Dr. Ravi Gaur MD Pathology, Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Oncquest Laboratories Ltd, Founder of DRG Path Labs My healthcare journey began over four decades ago--an era with no internet, no digital tools, only the wisdom of professors, books, and lessons learned from being with patients. Having worked in the remotest parts of India, from snow-covered posts in the north to the farthest east, I have witnessed healthcare in its most basic form, driven by human grit and resilience. Today, we stand at a powerful intersection: automation, compassion, technology, advancement, affordability, and quality. What once evolved over fifty years is now being reshaped every five. The coming two decades will transform healthcare faster than the last five combined. Yet one truth must never be forgotten: healthcare is about humans. And humans are not machines; they are hearts, emotions, feelings, and ever-changing dynamics. Every step forward must be adaptable, acceptable, durable, and heartfelt. AI and tools may aid us, but only clinical excellence wrapped in compassion can truly heal. Rekha Atri: Founder of iKargos.com Rekha is shaping the Next India by transforming how MSMEs engage in global trade. Her company empowers small and medium businesses to realise their dream of smooth imports and exports by using technology and intelligence to simplify complex logistics and decode evolving geopolitical challenges. iKargos is designed as a women-centric logistics company, championing diversity and giving women a strong voice in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Under Rekha's leadership, iKargos is also creating employment opportunities in India's tier-2 cities, ensuring that progress is not limited to metros but reaches deeper into the nation. By building an ecosystem that blends innovation with inclusivity, she is not only driving efficiency and transparency in supply chains but also enabling equitable growth. Through her vision, iKargos is redefining logistics as a catalyst for empowerment, resilience, and India's global competitiveness. Shaju Thomas: Founder & CMD of Popees Baby Care Every great journey begins with tiny steps. From Thiruvali, Kerala, Shaju Thomas took those small steps with a dream that would grow into Popees Baby Care, a brand trusted by families worldwide. Guided by vision and fueled by dedication since 2003, the company has grown through B2B channels, e-commerce platforms, to over 100 retail stores, including flagship outlets in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, carrying the essence of Indian baby care products to homes across the globe. Every Popees product undergoes more than 30 export quality checkpoints and follows strict GOTS-certified standards, ensuring safety, comfort, and innovation for babies. With bamboo-based organic cotton, Popees is cherished by 100 million happy babies, with 2,000+ hands weaving care and love into every product. Recognised in Forbes Magazine and honored with numerous business awards, this journey proves that even the smallest steps, taken with passion, can leave a global (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India's rice industry is set to further strengthen its global leadership following a record harvest this year, despite challenges posed by recent heavy rains in parts of key rice growing areas, Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) and Chairman of Shri Lal Mahal Group noted. While northern regions, particularly Punjab, experienced excess rainfall, updated assessments confirm that only 3-4 per cent of the rice crop has been affected, Garg has asserted. This expected drop in rice output is unlikely to cause any significant disruption to overall output, Garg added. "India's rice sector stands strong despite recent weather challenges, and this year's bumper crop will further solidify our global leadership. However, with surplus production comes greater responsibility," Garg said, ahead of the Bharat International Rice Conference. "There is a flood situation in few places and few areas in Punjab. Because of that, farmers are affected about 5 to 7 percent. A lot of help is being provided by the government. And because of that, they are not going to suffer (that much)," Garg told ANI. He said there are lots of opportunities for Indian basmati rice in overseas markets. Bharat International Rice Conference-BIRC 2025 will be held in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam on 30th and 31st October. It is set to be the world's largest rice event with farmers, global buyers and stakeholders. "The Bharat International Rice Conference will ensure that our farmers benefit, our exporters find new markets, and India continues to set benchmarks in the global rice trade," said Prem Garg. India is projected to produce a record surplus of more than 145 million metric tons of rice this year, a figure that highlights the resilience of Indian farmers while also presenting the challenge of ensuring timely disposal and fair returns. "This challenge is amplified by growing competition in global markets, as Pakistan is expected to increase its rice exportable surplus to 8 million metric tons, up from 6 million metric tons in the previous year," the rice exporters federation said. To counter this and maintain India's leadership, strategic measures are already being implemented. A major step in this direction is the Government of India's announcement of the Bharat International Rice Conference, which is set to be the largest-ever event in the global rice industry. With participation from over 1,000 buyers representing more than 80 countries, the conference is expected to generate substantial business opportunities and help India raise its rice exports from the current 22 million metric tons to an ambitious 30 million metric tons. "This milestone event not only underscores India's role as the world's largest rice exporter but also reaffirms the industry's commitment to enhancing farmer prosperity and strengthening India's position in global agricultural trade," IREF said. (ANI) The line-up includes global innovators from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, Argentina and South Africa. Standing tall among them is Paytm, the only Indian company to make the list. According to the report, Paytm has "embedded AI across every product from onboarding and fraud detection to churn prediction and personalised cross-sell." "The company's machine-first systems, supervised by humans, are accelerating product development, enhancing risk management, and elevating customer experience," the report stated. Paytm has been categorised as having moderate AI exposure with high pricing power, a combination Morgan Stanley identifies as crucial for long-term monetisation. The report also stresses that AI adopters with strong pricing power have consistently outperformed, while those without pricing strength have lagged. This positions Paytm among the best placed to generate value as AI adoption scales across industries. Performance data also underscores Paytm's momentum. The Morgan Stanley list of AI Adoption Leaders has delivered 44 percent returns year-to-date compared with 18 percent for the MSCI Asia Pacific Index. Paytm itself has returned 136 percent in the past 12 months, among the strongest gains across the group. The brokerage highlights that the AI leadership cycle is shifting from semiconductors and infrastructure players to adopters who embed AI at scale. Paytm is recognised in this transition as a financial services innovator building its ecosystem on advanced technology. This recognition comes as Paytm continues to launch AI-driven, consumer-first innovations including reminders for recurring bills, monthly spend summaries, personalised UPI IDs, downloadable UPI statements in Excel and PDF, and home screen widgets for instant money transfers. Each of these offerings is supported by the company's machine-first AI systems that simplify money management for millions. Morgan Stanley also notes that India has seen an increase in companies identified as AI adopters, but Paytm is the only one shortlisted into the monetisation leaders list, underlining its pioneering role in the country's technology landscape. By being featured alongside global names such as Fast Retailing and Recruit Holdings from Japan, Kakao from Korea, Grab and ST Engineering from Singapore, REA Group from Australia, MercadoLibre from Argentina, and Discovery Limited from South Africa, Paytm is firmly positioned as a home-grown innovator driving India's leadership in financial technology. (ANI) Jimmy Kimmel returned to social media for the first time since his late-night show's hiatus, and the ABC late-night host posted a photo on Tuesday with late Norman Lear, who former President Richard Nixon once singled out as one of his "enemies," as reported by Fox News. He captioned the image, "Missing this guy today." https://www.instagram.com/p/DO88ZNDiWAg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== He has been at the centre of a national political firestorm about free speech and the differences between "cancel culture" and "consequence culture". It marked his first public comments since he was taken off the air last week and came just hours before his return on Tuesday night, according to the outlet. The post came hours before Kimmel's return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the controversy over remarks about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel faced backlash for suggesting the suspect was a MAGA supporter, leading to a veiled FCC warning and two major ABC affiliate owners temporarily pulling his show. The Walt Disney Company confirmed Monday that after "thoughtful conversations" with Kimmel, the program would resume, although Sinclair and Nexstar affiliates will continue to preempt it. Lear was a legendary screenwriter and producer who died in 2023 at the age of 101. His sitcoms were quite popular in their day and addressed social issues, including racism, homosexuality, and war. Some of his hit shows he created and produced include "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons" and "Good Times," as per Fox News. Lear was known to be on the "enemies list" of President Richard Nixon, who was in the White House from 1969 to 1974, according to People. In a 2016 interview with Democracy Now!, Lear talked about being on the "enemies list" of President Richard Nixon. "I think I just got lucky," Lear said of his spot on Nixon's enemies list. "Well, he's on tape, you know, I think we used the tape in the American Masters documentary, where he is talking about it with [H.R.] Halderman in his office, he's talking about 'that show that makes fun of a good man.' Those were his words. And he was talking about Archie Bunker [from All in the Family] ... And he was talking about -- that we were lauding homosexuality and homosexuality brought down the Greek empire... It was Nixon at his Trump-ish," as per the outlet. (ANI) Actor Jeremy Renner expressed his happiness about doing season two of the 2021 miniseries, 'Hawkeye', created by Jonathan Igla, as reported by People. Renner said he is "happy to do season two" of 'Hawkeye', the series in which he plays the titular Marvel character. "I love that character," he said of archer Clint Barton or Hawkeye. "I think there's so much for us to do." "I'll always dance with Marvel. I'll always dance with them for sure when appropriate, when it's rocking," the Avengers star said, as quoted by People. Renner last played Clint in the first season of 'Hawkeye', which ran six episodes. The 2021 Disney+ series costarred Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. In his interview earlier, he revealed that he had been offered "half" of his salary from the first season to make a second, as reported by People. "I'm like, 'It's going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money, and eight months of my time, essentially, to do it for half the amount,' " he said. Renner also said that it was his near-fatal snowmobile accident on New Year's Day 2023 that led to Disney's "penny pinchers" to offer less, "'Did you think I'm only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?' " Jeremy suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopaedic injuries after he was crushed by a snowplow in January 2023 incident, which took place in a driveway near Renner's Lake Tahoe home. He sustained extensive injuries, including more than 35 bones, which required multiple titanium implants and a gruelling rehabilitation journey, reported People. The Hawkeye series enabled him to "dive more into the character a bit, in a world that's more grounded," he said. "I always wanted to do more of that stuff, and there's the incident that happened, and I have to get my body in shape to be able to sling arrows again and dive around and do all that stuff, but I'll get there. I'm doing good." Renner's upcoming projects are Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (in theatres November 26 and on Netflix December 12). His Paramount+ drama, Mayor of Kingstown, will launch its fourth season on October 26, reported People. (ANI) The event drew academics, students, and literature-lovers eager to revisit the enduring legacy of one of the history's greatest centres of learning. Abhay K., known for his poetry and diplomacy, takes readers on a journey from Nalanda's rise as a 5th-century Buddhist Mahavihara to its catastrophic destruction in the 12th century. Yet the book looks far beyond ruins and relics. It asks a pointed contemporary question: What would it mean to revive the spirit of Nalanda today? Abhay K highlights six core principles that made Nalanda exceptional: a world-class knowledge infrastructure and immersive residential learning; a cosmopolitan student body drawn from China, Korea, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Persia; merit-based access regardless of wealth or caste; robust patronage from emperors and local communities; and a vision of education aimed at human flourishing, not just employability. These pillars, the author argues, resonate strongly with the goals of India's National Education Policy 2020: critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and global academic collaboration. Academics attending the launch praised the book for bridging historical scholarship with present-day challenges. The evening concluded with a call to action, to see education not just as a path to jobs, but as a public good and a moral endeavour. As the audience left clutching signed copies, the message was clear: Nalanda's legacy is not locked in the past. (ANI) "We the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech. Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, teachers, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country," starts a letter published by the ACLU signed by 400 superstars, including some of the biggest Latinos in Hollywood, including Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez and Pedro Pascal, as well as Mexican actors Demian Bichir and Diego Luna, and many more. Hollywood heavy hitters like Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Harvey Keitel, Joaquin Phoenix, Jane Fonda, and Robert De Niro are also part of the list, which is a who's who of the most successful and better-known stars in the world reacting to the suspension of the ABC show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which has been reported as a consequence of pressures from the FCC. The ABC TV network is part of Disney. Other famous names include some of Disney's biggest stars like Martin Short, who with Gomez stars in Hulu's (Disney) show "Only Murders in the Building," "Moana" leading actress Auli'i Cravalho, and Pop Star Olivia Rodrigo whose breakout role was "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series." Marvel and Star Wars leads like Mark Ruffalo and Florence Pugh ("Avengers") and Rosario Dawson ("The Mandalorian" and "Asoka") also signed the ACLU letter. However, celebrities with big projects in other companies have also added their names to the message. Among them are Adam Scott, the lead of Appletv+ "Severance," Parker Posey from HBO's "The White Lotus," and Noah Wyle from "The Pitt." "We the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech. Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country. Last week, Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air after the government threatened a private company with retaliation, marking a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation. In an attempt to silence its critics, our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives, and entertainers across the board. This runs counter to the values our nation was built upon, and our Constitution guarantees. We know this moment is bigger than us and our industry. Teachers, government employees, law firms, researchers, universities, students and so many more are also facing direct attacks on their freedom of expression. Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. This is the moment to defend free speech across our nation. We encourage all Americans to join us, along with the ACLU, in the fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights. In solidarity," This is the list of the Latinos who signed the letter. All the names can be found here. America Ferrera Ariana DeBose Benito Skinner Daphne Rubin-Vega Demian Bichir Diego Luna Eden Espinosa Gabriel Luna Jay Gonzalez Jon Huertas Jose Llana Lin-Manuel Miranda Lisa Guerrero Lilah Richcreek Estrada Luis & Luz Miranda Melissa Fumero Melissa Villasenor Pedro Pascal Rafael Casal Rosario Dawson Sarah Ramos Selena Gomez Tessa Thompson Wilson Cruz Originally published on Latin Times Actress-politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her happiness for South superstar Mohanlal, who was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Droupadi Murmu at the 71st National Award ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday. While expressing her delight, actress Kangana Ranaut praised the 'Drishyam' actor's iconic legacy in the cinema industry. "Mohanlal ji is such a renowned actor. He is a superstar. Mohanlal getting this award on a national level, such encouragement and recognition of his work, any artist would feel great. We too feel good to see our seniors being awarded," said Kangana Ranaut while talking to ANI. After working for over four decades in the cinema industry, the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Committee chose Mohanlal as the recipient of the award for his contribution to Indian cinema. Mohanlal was elated to recieve the award from President Murmu on Tuesday. The actor received a standing ovation from the attendees at the Vigyan Bhawan as he accepted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Mohanlal's wife, Suchitra Mohanlal, was also present at the ceremony. She appeared to be emotional after the actor was called on stage to collect the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The actor donned an all-white outfit, including a kurta, for the event. He complemented his outfit with a white scroll. The actor from Kerala, speaking at the ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, thanked the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity and dedicated the award to them, which he termed as a collective tribute to the "legacy", "creativity" and "resilience" of the film industry. "This moment is not mine alone; this belongs to the whole Malayalam industry. I never dreamed of this day coming true, and I accept this award on behalf of the forerunners of our industry and our fans," Mohanlal said. He also thanked the members of the jury and the Government of India. Mohanlal, 65, is the youngest recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the second artist from the Malayalam film industry, after Adoor Gopalakrishnan, to win the award. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday provided a detailed update on the ongoing flood situation in the state, stating that nearly 17 divisions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively involved in rescue operations across affected regions. Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting, Fadnavis confirmed the large-scale deployment of rescue teams and assured immediate compensation for farmers affected by the floods. "Almost 17 divisions of the NDRF and the SDRF are working on the rescue operations. We have decided to provide immediate compensation to the farmers...This money will be transferred to the farmers' accounts within the next 10 days..." the Chief Minister said. He highlighted that Maharashtra has recorded 975 mm of rainfall so far this season, which is 102 per cent of the average expected. "Especially in districts like Dharashiv, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Solapur, Beed, and Parbhani, heavy rains have been witnessed over the last few days," he added. Fadnavis further detailed that in Dharashiv district, helicopter evacuations were carried out with NDRF's assistance. "In Dharashiv, people have been evacuated from helicopters with the help of NDRF. Many people have been provided food and shelter in different places by the government," said Fadnavis. While discussing the ongoing status of rescue operations, the state government said it has issued orders worth Rs. 2,215 crores for farmers. Additionally, Rs. 1,829 crores have been distributed to farmers. "We have also decided to provide immediate compensation to the farmers. We are releasing the money as per our standing orders. So far, the state government has issued orders of Rs. 2,215 crores, which will benefit 31,64,000 farmers. Rs. 1,829 crores have been distributed. The remaining amount will also be distributed in a couple of days. In the next 10 days, this money will go to the farmers' accounts. The work has not stopped," said Fadnavis. Fadnavis also announced that all state ministers will visit flood-affected areas tomorrow to oversee relief measures. "All our ministers will go back to the flood-affected areas tomorrow. I am also going there. We are trying to help as much as possible,'' said Fadnavis. Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall in several districts has triggered flood-like situations, compelling extensive rescue and relief operations. The NDRF has been actively engaged in Beed, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts since Monday night. Officials reported that in Beed district, NDRF teams conducted overnight rescue efforts in the Sadas Chinchole area of Majalgaon tehsil, evacuating 39 people so far. In Dharashiv's Kapilapuri village, 182 residents were rescued overnight. In Solapur, where conditions turned critical, 82 people were evacuated, along with the relocation of domestic animals to safer places. Additionally, in Ahilyanagar district's Karjat tehsil, 17 people were safely evacuated during evening operations. The government continues to closely monitor the situation as rescue and relief efforts remain in full swing. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is duty-bound to respond to allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft) made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. While talking to ANI, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Even if an ordinary person levels any allegation based on facts, as a constitutional body, the Election Commission is duty-bound to respond. If even a labourer asks a question under RTI, whether it is the Prime Minister's Office or the office of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, it is the law of this country to provide an answer." He further added, "The way RTI is being twisted and manipulated, people of the country are realising that somewhere vote theft has happened on a large scale, which the Election Commission is trying to cover up." Earlier, reacting to Rahul Gandhi's fresh allegations of vote theft, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya also urged the Election Commission to address the claims transparently without political bias. Speaking to ANI, the BJD leader stated that it is the duty and responsibility of the Election Commission to clarify the issue; otherwise, the entire country will be in doubt and suspicion. Acharya said, "Rahul Gandhi is raising very serious issues that cannot be overlooked. It is a serious allegation against the Election Commission. The EC should reply to this allegation. Otherwise, the entire country will be in doubt and suspicion. The EC, without retaliating in a political manner, should give a proper answer to the allegations..." "We have also filed a petition because we have doubts about the free and fair conduct of the election and the preparation of the voter list. It is the duty and responsibility of the EC to clarify it to the utmost satisfaction of the voters of this country. Without doing that, if the Election Commission behaves and answers like a political party, then that is unfortunate..." he added. Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut reiterated Rahul Gandhi's "vote theft" allegations, claiming that nearly 90 per cent of the Mahayuti MLAs in Maharashtra have won due to "vote chori." Raut's comments followed Rahul Gandhi's recent claims of "vote theft" involving approximately 6,000 votes in Karnataka's Aland Assembly constituency. Rahul Gandhi had earlier held a press conference in New Delhi on September 18, accusing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of "protecting vote chors." Gandhi alleged that the CEC is fully aware of fraudulent activities involving the deletion and addition of fake voters in the electoral rolls. He claimed to possess "10 per cent proof" of the Chief Election Commissioner's complicity in shielding "vote chors" (vote thieves). (ANI) Ahead of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi's visit to Bihar, Union Minister Giriraj Singh alleged that he is coming to protect the infiltrators. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Giriraj Singh claimed that after Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Owaisi's four-day visit is aimed at saving Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants. He said, "A few days ago, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav had undertaken a journey regarding SIR, meaning to protect the infiltrators. Now Owaisi is coming... These people are coming to save all the Bangladeshis and Rohingyas." Further, Singh noted that the NDA government in Bihar has worked for the Muslim community by erecting fences around graveyards and providing financial assistance. "As far as Muslims are concerned, what Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi have done for Muslims has never happened in the country till today. Apart from Nitish Kumar, did Lalu ji do the fencing for graveyards? Gave a stipend to Muslim girls and boys? What justice will they offer? They are coming to instigate," he said. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi is set to sound the poll bugle with his visit to Kishanganj and stay in Seemanchal, Bihar, from September 24 to 27, where he will meet his supporters ahead of the Assembly elections. Owaisi urged the people to join the political caravan and said previous governments have ignored the region socially and economically. In a post on X, Asaduddin Owaisi wrote, "I will reach Kishanganj tomorrow and will stay in Seemanchal, Bihar until September 27, Inshallah. I will meet many companions, and Inshallah, many new friendships will also be formed." "Every previous government has ignored the people of Seemanchal socially and economically. There is only one solution to this: an independent political voice. I respectfully appeal to you to join our political caravan," the post read. Bihar is set to undergo Legislative Assembly polls later this year; however, the Election Commission has not yet announced the date. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will visit the flood-hit areas in Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said that the Chief Minister will visit Solapur, while he will be on a visit to Dharashiv in Marathwada. Eknath Shinde said, "Farmers in Maharashtra are facing a huge crisis. This issue was discussed in the Cabinet (meeting). Our Chief Minister will also go into the field. He will go to Solapur; I will go to Dharashiv. Ajit Dada (Ajit Pawar) will also be on a visit." The Deputy CM assured farmers of the government's support. "The government is standing with farmers with full strength. Earlier too, the Mahayuti government has assisted farmers and will continue this in future," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, Eknath Shinde assured possible relief and assistance to people affected by floods in Marathwada. He said state ministers and officials are in constant coordination with district authorities and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to manage the situation. "Regarding the flood situation in Marathwada, I am in contact with all district officials and the NDRF rescue team. Farmers have suffered significant losses. Currently, helping farmers is the responsibility of our government. Our Chief Minister and all ministers are going to personally assess the situation. People should receive immediate assistance. Whenever farmers have faced crises, the government has always stood by them. Efforts will be made to compensate for the losses before Diwali," he said. The Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 1,339 crore assistance package for farmers whose crops were damaged due to heavy rains between June 2025 and August 2025, according to government sources. The panchnamas of crops damaged due to heavy rain between June and August have already been filed, for which people are getting assistance, while the Panchnamas of crops damaged by the rains currently falling in Marathwada have not yet been filed. According to the order issued by the Maharashtra government, the funds will be distributed to the farmers through Direct Benefit transfers to their bank accounts. (ANI) Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister while claiming that India's foreign policy has failed. "India was looked up to by every nation, and whenever a problem arose anywhere in the world, Nehru used to take the lead. That is how Nehru was respected. Now, nobody respects our Prime Minister. It's most unfortunate. Our foreign policy failed on every front," Moily told ANI. Referring to the "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the Congress leader said that India's "reputation has come down". "The other day, Saudi Arabia entered into an agreement with Pakistan. So where are we now? Our reputation has come down with the combination of Amit Shah and Modi," Moily added. He further stated that the problem of unemployment and corruption was destroying the country. "Stealing the vote is a corrupt practice. So that is why we are waging a war against unemployment, corruption, and all these things which are destroying the country," Moily said. Last week, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both. The agreement was inked during a state visit by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Moily's remarks came after his arrival in Patna the previous night for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, scheduled to be held today. It is expected that many top leaders from the Opposition party will also participate in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which is being held ahead of the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Senior Congress leaders have started arriving in Bihar's Patna to attend the CWC meeting. Rahul Gandhi has also left for Patna to attend the meeting. The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place by the end of 2025. The CWC meeting will take place at Sadaqat Ashram, Patna, Congress' headquarters in Bihar. The meeting is expected to be attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, among others. (ANI) Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, who chaired the high-level meeting at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Tuesday, said that Telangana is emerging as a preferred destination for global investors due to its proactive industrial policies and sector-specific incentives. "Multinational companies are flocking to the state to invest on a large scale, creating employment for youth and giving incentives to farmers cultivating various fruits," said the Deputy CM. The committee gave the green light to three significant projects: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd will establish a large-scale plant in Siddipet district with an investment of 2,398 crore, creating 600 jobs. The plant is expected to significantly boost the demand for mangoes and oranges, bringing direct benefits to local fruit farmers. JSW UAV Limited will set up a new drone manufacturing facility at Maheshwaram with an investment of 785 crore, generating 364 jobs. Toshiba Transmission and Distribution Systems will launch a new plant for Gas Insulated Switchgear and Bushings with a capital of 562 crore, creating 554 employment opportunities. Officials informed the committee that Coca-Cola's entry will stimulate the horticulture sector by ensuring large-scale procurement of fruits from Telangana's farmers, thus offering a stable and profitable market for their produce. Deputy CM Bhatti emphasised the dual benefit of these investments--employment for the state's youth and market linkage for fruit farmers, especially those cultivating mangoes and oranges. This aligns with the state's broader vision of inclusive industrial development, he said. The move is expected to bring significant revenue to rural communities and deepen the integration between agriculture and industry. Cabinet Sub-Committee members, including Ministers Duddilla Sridhar Babu and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, also reviewed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with global firms at the recent Davos Economic Forum. Several international companies have reportedly expressed keen interest in investing in Telangana's diverse sectors. The meeting saw participation from senior officials, including Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Special Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Energy Secretary Naveen Mittal, and Industries Director Nikhil Chakravarthy, among others. With these developments, Telangana continues to cement its position as a national leader in attracting FDI and agro-industrial investments, promising a brighter future for both its farmers and workforce. (ANI) The director of a branch of a well-known institution based in Delhi's Vasant Kunj has been booked on charges of alleged molestation after more than 15 girl students came forward with complaints, police said on Tuesday. "The Manager of an institution, has been accused of allegedly molesting about 15 girls of the institution in the Vasant Kunj area. A case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North PS, based on the statements of the girls. The accused has a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing the UN's number. The vehicle has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued. The Police are tracing the accused's location," officials informed on Wednesday. Statements of around 15 students have been recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before a magistrate. DCP (South West) Amit Goel said, "The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon." During the investigation, police also recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused. The vehicle was found with a fake United Nations (39 UN 1) number plate. Police confirmed that the number was not issued by the UN and was fabricated by the accused himself. Officials added that the accused had earlier applied for anticipatory bail but later withdrew the plea. Sources stated that the institution management has removed the accused from their position and is cooperating with the police investigation. Earlier in another operation, Delhi Police has solved a blind hit-and-run case within eight days by apprehending the accused and recovering the offending vehicle in the South West district, informed the police. According to police, on September 15, around 1 pm, a PCR call was received at Vasant Vihar police station, reporting that car belonging to Mayank Jain had been hit by a another car between 2 am and 3 am at the Munirka flyover. When Jain stepped out of his vehicle, the driver allegedly hit him deliberately and fled from the spot. Jain, who sustained injuries, was admitted to RR Hospital, Dhaula Kuan, for treatment. Based on the complaint, a case under FIR No. 221/25 was registered at Vasant Vihar police station. Police stated that more than 200 CCTV cameras installed along the Ring Road and its adjoining areas were scanned during the investigation. A suspected car with a broken front glass was identified. On verification, it was found that the registered owner of the vehicle had passed away two years ago, and the car was being used by his family members. During analysis of call records and route mapping through CCTV footage, it was established that Gaurav Bhardwaj, a resident of Greater Kailash Enclave-I, had taken the car to Dwarka on the night of the incident. Police later found that the accused had replaced the damaged front glass at a mechanic shop in GK-I the next day. The broken glass was also recovered on September 20.On September 22, Bhardwaj was apprehended and, during interrogation, confessed to the crime. The car was also recovered at his instance, police added. (ANI) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday said that historic decisions will be made in the party's working committee (CWC) meeting to "safeguard democracy". "This is a historic CWC (Congress Working Committee) meeting in a historic state, and historic decisions will be made," Khera said while speaking to reporters. Referring to the Sadaqat Ashram, Khera told ANI, "This is a historic place that has witnessed the independence movement. The message that will be delivered from here will be historic. It will be for the democracy to safeguard the democracy. Every citizen is threatened by thieves." Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday asserted that Bihar needs change, suggesting a change in the government post the upcoming assembly elections in the state. "The CWC meeting is happening after years in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and others have worked diligently to bring about change. Bihar needs change. It is very clear," Khurshid told reporters. Congress leader M Veerappa Moily stated that anti-incumbency against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the 'double-engine' government was "riding high," and people would go against them in the upcoming assembly polls. "We will be fighting against the BJP and their combinations. The last 20 years, the same Chief Minister, the same combination. People understand poverty in the country. They understand their suffering. This will go against them, and anti-incumbency is riding high against Nitish Kumar and his government," Moily told ANI. Amid mounting chaos over allegations of vote theft, Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took a swipe at the centre and said that all were waiting for Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to drop the "hydrogen bomb". "Rahul Gandhi made two important remarks in the past months: caste census and vote theft. The atomic bomb has been detonated. Now we are waiting for the hydrogen bomb," Baghel told ANI. Baghel arrived in Patna yesterday for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which is scheduled to take place this morning. It is expected that many top leaders from the Opposition party will also participate in the CWC meeting, which is being held ahead of the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Congress leaders have started arriving in Bihar's Patna to attend the CWC meeting. Rahul Gandhi also left for Patna to attend the meeting. The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place by the end of 2025. The CWC meeting will take place at Sadaqat Ashram, Patna, Congress' headquarters in Bihar. The meeting is expected to be attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, among others. (ANI) Navaratri festival began at Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli with Goddess Ranganayaki being taken in a grand procession from her sanctum, adorned in special decorations, and seated in a silver palanquin. The deity was carried around the temple prakaram and later reached the Kolumandapam, where special pujas and the traditional Mangala Aarthi were performed. At the front mandapam of Goddess Ranganayaki's shrine, the temple elephants Andal and Lakshmi performed a unique form of worship. The Festival of Nine Nights, known as Navarathiri, is one of the most well-known and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. According to the Central Government's Ministry of Tourism, Navarathiri is celebrated for nine days in the Tamil month of Purattasi (between September and October). The festival commemorates Goddess Durga's (Parashakthi) triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. The day that marks triumph over the King is celebrated as Vijaya Dhasami, with great religious fervour on the tenth day to honour the victory of good over evil. On the occasion of Navarathiri, the devotees arrange "Golu" - a thematic display of dolls depicting a story or scene from the Hindu mythology. The figurines are arranged on a stepped Dias covered in silk robes. The devotees invite their neighbourhood to visit their Golu and perform "Bhajanai" -chanting slogans while singing devotional songs to commemorate the triumph of righteousness over evil. After the bhajanai, the guests are provided with refreshments and gifts. The refreshments mostly consist of boiled pulses, and the return gifts include coconuts, betel leaves, fresh flowers, and turmeric-kumkum, along with glass bangles and jewellery. The ninth day of the Navarathiri festival is celebrated as "Saraswathi Pooja" in Tamil Nadu. During this celebration, objects like musical instruments, books, machines, etc., are "worshipped." The Navarathiri celebration is also celebrated with great zeal and zest in well-known Amman temples of the state, including the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple (Kanchipuram), the Meenakshi Amman Temple(Madurai), the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple(Trichy), and many other temples. Meanwhile, the festive season is being celebrated with devotion at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, as devotees continue to visit the cave shrine on the third day of Navratri despite the long queues. The Shrine Board and local administration have made special arrangements to manage the increasing footfall, ensuring smooth darshan and facilities for the yatris during the nine-day-long Shardiya Navratri celebrations. (ANI) A battle over New York City's future is being waged not only at the ballot box but in boardrooms and donor circles. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who has surged to the front of the mayoral race on promises to freeze rents and tax millionaires, is facing a coordinated pushback from some of the city's wealthiest power brokers. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and other billionaires have pledged 'hundreds of millions of dollars' to back rival Andrew Cuomo, but despite the money flowing into the race, polls show Mamdani still holding a strong lead. Billionaires Mobilise Against Mamdani As per the New York Times, some of the city's wealthiest gathered to confer with Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani's opposing candidate. The group gathered to discuss how he can win, with the city's most prominent developer pleading for a united front. Among people who attended was billionaire Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager with a net worth of $10bn. He called for Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor, to drop out of the race to clear Cuomo's path to victory. Ackman, along with New York's one-percenters, claimed that Mamdani's tax proposal would cause the rich to flee the city. Ackman promises to invest huge amounts in blocking Mamdani from power. I awoke this morning gravely concerned about New York City. I thought What has NYC become that an avowed socialist who has supported defunding the police, whose solution to lowering food prices is city-owned supermarkets, who doesnt understand that freezing rents will only Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) June 26, 2025 'There are hundreds of millions of dollars of capital available to back a competitor to Mamdani that can be put together overnight,' he said in June via X. How Much Support is Cuomo Getting From the Rich? An analysis revealed that real estate donors have spent $6m trying to get Cuomo to come out ahead. Meanwhile, The New York Times said that $250,000 came solely from a Boston-based construction company aiming to expand into New York. There's also Michael Bloomberg, who spent $8.3 million to support Cuomo over the summer. In addition, Ron Lauder donated $750,000 to back Cuomo just this month. In August, John B. Hess, who heads the Hess corporation, gave his second $500,000 donation to Cuomo's run. The reports of the donations were all gathered into an analysis on Zohran's opposition by The Guardian. How is Mamdani Still Leading? Despite high-profile individuals backing Cuomo's efforts, Mamdani still holds a commanding lead. A Marist poll found him winning 45% of the vote, with Cuomo at 24%, while others had the remaining ballots. This explains why Cuomo's supporters are reeling and are asking for the other two candidates to drop out of the race. They're aiming to consolidate the different donors and voters, with US President Trump reportedly weighing in as well. Trump's advisors have enticed Adams with a job offer should he step down from the election. Given the circumstances, Sumathy Kumar, NYS Tenant Bloc managing director, has weighed in. Kumar said that 'it's just not working' because tenants want a rent freeze and the ability to stay in New York City. In addition, Ana Maria Archila, co-state director for the New York Working Families Party, said that Zohran 'tapped into a broadly shared sentiment that something has to change'. She said that his proposal of concrete solutions is why people are supporting his campaign. As such, 'power brokers and billionaires are frustrated, and scared, because their demands are not the centre piece of Zohran's agenda'. Originally published on IBTimes UK Locals and traders from Kashmir have expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the recent GST reforms, calling them a major relief for businesses and the local economy. Traders said the simplified tax structure and faster refund process will boost trade and encourage entrepreneurship in the region. Locals expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the GST reforms and said this initiative will greatly benefit ordinary citizens. Speaking to ANI, a local, Mohammad Soliha, said, "This brings great relief to common people, especially those from lower-income groups. It is very helpful for buying groceries, for which we earn money. People are very happy. Even middle-class families, who used to rely on government offers or free rations, are now feeling relieved thanks to the GST reforms." Local shopkeepers and business associations praised the government for addressing long-pending concerns, stating that such initiatives will strengthen economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to overall development in Jammu and Kashmir. A shopkeeper, Sajjad Ahmad, said, "This is a very good move. First of all, the prices of medicines have become much more affordable, which is a big relief. In my opinion, it is an excellent initiative and very beneficial for common people." General Secretary of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Bashir Kongposh, said, "This is a happy and very beneficial time for common people, who often struggled with their budgets. I am very grateful to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who carefully planned and discussed this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister. This is truly a historic decision." The reform in the Goods and Services Tax structure, which was approved during the 56th meeting of the GST Council earlier this month, comes into effect from Monday. The earlier four-rate system is replaced with a streamlined two-slab regime of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. A separate 40 per cent slab has been retained for luxury and sin goods. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna will give a big boost to the Opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar, which goes to the Assembly poll later this year. "It is a good thing that the CWC meeting is taking place in Bihar. It will give a big boost to the INDIA alliance. We will discuss several issues," Shivakumar told reporters as he arrived in Patna to attend the highest executive committee of the Congress. Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Wednesday asserted that Bihar needs change, suggesting a change in the government post the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. "The CWC meeting is happening after years in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and others have worked diligently to bring about change. Bihar needs change. It is very clear," Khurshid told reporters. Congress leader M Veerappa Moily stated that anti-incumbency against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the 'double-engine' government was "riding high," and people would go against them in the upcoming Assembly polls. "We will be fighting against the BJP and their combinations: the last 20 years, the same Chief Minister, the same combination. People understand poverty in the country. They understand their suffering. This will go against them, and anti-incumbency is riding high against Nitish Kumar and his government," Moily told ANI. "Rahul Gandhi made two important remarks in the past months: caste census and vote theft. The atomic bomb has been detonated. Now we are waiting for the hydrogen bomb," Baghel told ANI. After arriving in Patna, Congress leader and NSUI in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar took a dig at the double-engine government in Bihar, asserting that fighting against "vote theft" means saving democracy. The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place by the end of 2025. (ANI) The Congress Working Committee on Wednesday began its meeting in Bihar''s Patna ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections later this year. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag at Sadaqat Ashram, Congress'' headquarters in Bihar, ahead of the meeting. Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, the party''s Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, among others, reached the Sadaqat Ashram for the meeting. Earlier today, Congress leader Pawan Khera said that historic decisions will be made in the party''s working committee meeting to "safeguard democracy". "This is a historic CWC (Congress Working Committee) meeting in a historic state, and historic decisions will be made," Khera said while speaking to reporters. Referring to the Sadaqat Ashram, Khera told ANI, "This is a historic place that has witnessed the independence movement. The message that will be delivered from here will be historic. It will be for the democracy to safeguard the democracy. Every citizen is threatened by thieves." The meeting comes in the backdrop of the "vote theft" allegations levelled by Rahul Gandhi. Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir criticised the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. He told reporters, "There are elections here. But the names of 65 lakh voters have been deleted from the voter list here. So, there is a debate in India as well as outside...If a voter cannot exercise their franchise, where is democracy then? So, our leader, Rahul Gandhi, has presented the complete research of ''vote chori'' before the people. People of Bihar are politically intelligent. Bihar is considered a model state, politically. So, we have to make every voter aware." Calling it a historic day, "This is a historic day. Perhaps this is the first expanded CWC in Patna, post-independence. Right now, Bihar is the focal point of the entire country." The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place in October-November 2025. (ANI) The consortium will participate in the Expression of Interest notice issued by the Central Government's Aeronautical Development Agency by submitting a response in the coming weeks. According to the press release by L&T, the partnership will leverage the firm's expertise in developing strategic defence and aerospace platforms, along with BEL's experience in defence electronics and systems, to jointly contribute to India's 5th-generation fighter aircraft. The collaboration aims at advancing India's defence capabilities in line with the government's vision for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). In the past, L&T and BEL have played a pivotal role in India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme by supplying major aero-structure modules and developing mission-critical avionics and electronic systems, the press release stated. Building on this legacy, the consortium will bring proven expertise and commitment to the timely delivery of world-class defence and aerospace platforms for the Indian Air Force. Commenting on the development, SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of L&T, said, "The collaboration with BEL marks a significant leap in our commitment to the modernisation of India's defence capabilities. We are honoured to be working with BEL to deliver next-generation technologies for the Indian Air Force. Both the organisations are leaders in our respective domains, and our combined efforts will play a crucial role in bolstering national security and advancing self-reliance in defence technologies". Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited, said: "The AMCA project represents India's growing capabilities in defence technology. Our collaboration with L&T is a crucial step in realising this vision. With L&T's engineering and systems integration capabilities and BEL's expertise in defence electronics, we are confident of delivering a world-class solution that will serve the Indian Air Force for decades to come". (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday blamed the previous BJP government in the State for the potholes on roads. His remarks came amid mounting criticism from opposition parties and members of civil society for the alleged lack of road maintenance in Bengaluru, resulting in potholes. "The BJP will never be happy. All these potholes have come under the BJP regime. They are responsible for the bad administration of the roads in Karnataka," Shivakumar told reporters in Patna. The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister is in Patna to attend the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting. On Tuesday, he said that even the road leading up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi has potholes, and the issue in his State is being blown out of proportion. He said that every day, nearly 1,000 potholes are being filled across Bengaluru through coordinated efforts. His remarks came after some of the industrialists expressed concerns over the potholes in the city. Recently, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy called Bengaluru "the city of potholes." "Listening with Purpose. Acting with Impact. Every day, nearly 1,000 potholes are being filled across Bengaluru through coordinated efforts. Our workers and engineers are on the ground in all zones, ensuring both speed and quality in the repairs. This massive drive shows our government's commitment to solving long-pending civic issues," Shivakumar said in a post on X. "I travelled around Delhi just a day ago. The media must review and report how many potholes are on Delhi's roads, including the road to the PM's residence. Potholes are a problem across the country. Only Karnataka's issues are being blown out of proportion," Shivakumar said while talking to reporters. Raising the pothole issue, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy had said that Bengaluru has suffered a severe blow to its reputation. "It is tragic that Bengaluru is now gaining infamy as the 'City of Potholes.' The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are responsible for this disgrace. Today, Bengaluru and Karnataka are trapped in the hands of the incompetent and the corrupt," Kumaraswamy said in a post on X. Reacting to this, Shivakumar said, "What is Kumaraswamy's contribution to Bengaluru as a Union minister? The UPA government had given a lot of funds to Bengaluru under the Jawaharlal urban renewal mission. He is the right-hand man of the PM. Why can't he get Rs 10000 crores for Bengaluru city? He had said that he would get approvals for the Mekedatu project in 5 minutes. What happened to it?" (ANI) Discussions focused on synergising capabilities to build a robust defence technology ecosystem, fostering innovation for enhancing operational preparedness. The Army Chief also witnessed exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations and insights from Forward Area Tours, highlighting the collaborative efforts of industry and academia. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1970699530891903176 In a post on X, Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) shared, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS attended the Tri-Service Academia Tech Symposium (T-SATS) at Manekshaw Centre, where he interacted with delegates from academia, R&D Institutes, industry bodies and key stakeholders. Discussions focused on synergising capabilities to build a robust defence technology ecosystem, fostering innovation for enhancing operational preparedness." The symposium reflected India's strides towards self-reliance and Aatmanirbharta in defence technology "The COAS also witnessed exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge innovations and insights from Forward Area Tours, highlighting the collaborative efforts of industry and academia. The symposium reflected India's strides towards self-reliance and Atmanirbharta in defence technology," the post read. The maiden Tri Services Academia Tech Symposium (T-SATS), a landmark two-day initiative aimed at synergising the Services-Academia R&D ecosystem, concluded on September 23 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said in a release. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presided over the closing ceremony, which was attended by Minister of State (MoS) Defence Sanjay Seth and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Pradhan, the Chief Guest on the second day, appreciated the R&D Exhibition showcasing the high potential of academia in defence-related innovations. He felicitated select project proposals and exhibits and also announced ten promising project proposals which will be taken up for R&D. (ANI) Asserting that a revolution is waiting to happen in Bihar, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Wednesday said that the issue of "vote theft" raised by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was raging across the country. Speaking to ANI, Warring accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "murdering democracy" and said that it was now up to the people of Bihar to judge. "Guru Gobind Singh Ji's birthplace is here. I visited Patna Sahib and arrived at this historic CWC with blessings and renewed energy. The entire CWC, the entire Congress party, is here today to deliberate and also to plan to create a new history. The issue of vote theft is raging across the country. Rahul Gandhi has brought this issue to the public with proof. The BJP government have murdered democracy. Now, it is for people of Bihar to see," Warring said. "The atmosphere in Bihar is such that there is a revolution waiting to happen. The people of Bihar are our brothers. We can't survive without them. They leave their homes and go there. If Nitish Kumar had done development here, everyone would have felt that they wouldn't have to leave their homes," he added. His remarks come as the CWC meeting commences at Sadaqat Ashram today, ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, among others, in attendance. Congress leader Pawan Khera today said that historic decisions will be made in the party's working committee (CWC) meeting to "safeguard democracy". "This is a historic CWC (Congress Working Committee) meeting in a historic state, and historic decisions will be made," Khera said while speaking to reporters. Referring to the Sadaqat Ashram, Khera told ANI, "This is a historic place that has witnessed the independence movement. The message that will be delivered from here will be historic. It will be for the democracy to safeguard the democracy. Every citizen is threatened by thieves." Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid asserted that Bihar needs change, suggesting a change in the government post the upcoming assembly elections in the state."The CWC meeting is happening after years in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and others have worked diligently to bring about change. Bihar needs change. It is very clear," Khurshid told reporters. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the "vote theft" allegations levelled by Rahul Gandhi. The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place in October-November 2025. (ANI) Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran on Wednesday criticised Chief Minister MK Stalin over the GST reforms, stating that he never appreciated schemes of the Central government and that GST decisions are made with the consent of all states. Nagendran said that they are wrongly labelling the Central government schemes as "anti-people," and stated that while the state receives 50 per cent of the GST revenue, the Centre funds road works, ration supplies, and other welfare schemes at no cost to the state. Speaking to the reporters, Nainar Nagendran asked, "Has our Chief Minister ever spoken with pride about any scheme introduced by the Central Government? All the items given in the ration shops are provided by the Central government. In the GST Council, Finance Ministers of all the states are present. It is they who bring about all the changes." "It is true, as the Chief Minister says, that 50 per cent of the share goes to the state government. But with the remaining 50 per cent, it is the Central government that provides for road works, ration supplies, and all such schemes, which the state government receives free of cost. Yet, schemes that the Central government provide free of cost are being labelled as 'anti-people schemes'," Nagendran said. On BJP leader Karate Thyagarajan's complaint to the Greater Chennai Corporation regarding the voters list, he said, "Fake voters have been added in several constituencies, including Kolathur." Nagendran stated that BJP National President JP Nadda will visit Chennai on October 6 to participate in the convocation ceremony at MGR University. "Yes our leader JP Nadda to come to Chennai on October 6 to attend MGR University convocation event," Nagendran said. On Annamalai meeting, TTV Dhinakaran, Nagendran said that Annamalai said that it was a friendly meeting. In a friendly meeting, many topics are naturally discussed." Nagendran also condoled the death of veteran actor MR Radha's wife, recalling the actor's unique contribution to the film industry and extending his sympathies to the bereaved family. "No matter how many people are in the film industry, actor MR Radha had made a unique mark for himself. I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of his wife," Nagendran said (ANI) The Delhi High Court has underscored that the testimony of a child victim of sexual assault, if consistent and natural, requires no mechanical corroboration and can form the sole basis for conviction. Justice Sanjeev Narula observed that "minor inconsistencies in the narration of a child cannot dilute the essence of her account," particularly when scientific evidence such as DNA profiling corroborates her version. The Court was hearing an appeal against conviction under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 376(2) IPC. The trial court had sentenced a person to ten years' rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl, his neighbour. Rejecting the appellant's argument that contradictions existed in the victim's statements, the Court held that any variations between her initial complaint, medical history, and later testimony were "nuances of expression, not contradictions." The judge noted that the girl had consistently described being gagged, undressed, and subjected to anal penetration, followed by immediate disclosure to her mother. Crucially, DNA analysis detected semen on the child's clothes that matched the appellant's profile. "The presence of the Appellant's semen on the garments of the Prosecutrix is difficult to reconcile with innocence," the Court remarked, affirming the evidentiary weight of forensic corroboration. The Court dismissed the defence claims of false implication due to prior animosity, calling them speculative and unsupported by evidence. It further ruled that investigative lapses such as the absence of independent witnesses or site plans did not vitiate the case in light of consistent victim testimony and scientific proof. Emphasising the protective framework of the POCSO Act, Justice Narula said offences of this nature "strike at the very core of a child's dignity and security" and must be met with stern consequences. Upholding the trial court's conviction and sentence, the Court also directed that compensation under the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme be ensured for the survivor's rehabilitation. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked citizens to take part in an auction of gifts he had received. The proceeds from the auction will go towards the Namami Gange project, PM Modi said. Sharing an X post, the Prime Minister said, "Over the past few days, the online auction for the various gifts I have received during my different programmes has been underway. The auction includes very interesting works which illustrate the culture and creativity of India. The proceeds from the auction will go towards Namami Gange. Do take part in the auction." The e-auction for the mementos received by the Prime Minister began on September 17 at 10 am, marking PM Modi's birthday, and will close on October 2 at 5 pm. As per the PM Memetos' website, the model of Ram Mandir in silver, Kamdhenu with calf, model of a cane ship, wooden charkha, and other items are part of the live auction. The items for auction also include paintings such as the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, a G20 poster, and a framed Lord Buddha from Bihar, among others. A user can visit pmmementos.gov.in, register an account and bid for the gifts in the auction. PM Mementos is an Open Auction portal of the Government of India, which enables buyers to participate in the online auction for the items on display after due registration, the website stated. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation mission approved by the Central Government in June 2014 as a 'flagship programme' to achieve the twin objectives of pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the national river Ganga with a budget outlay of Rs 20,000 crore. Its implementation is divided into entry-level activities, for immediate visible impact; medium-term activities, to be implemented within a 5-year timeframe; and long-term activities, to be implemented within a 10-year timeframe. (ANI) The Caribbean's original Citizenship-By-Investment (CBI) pioneer, St Kitts and Nevis, is exploring the development of a sustainable economic zone as it looks to ensure its future economic success. The twin-island federation recently passed a bill authorising the exploration of a 'Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ)' which emphasises sustainable development, environmental safeguards, and job creation. Nevis is set to house the first of such zones following an official government announcement in late August. Premier Mark Brantley, in an address to the nation, highlighted that the scale of the proposed project is a 'game changer' and a crucial turning point for the island. Unlike traditional economic zones seen in the likes of Dubai and even elsewhere in the Caribbean, Nevis' zone will do things in a uniquely Nevisian way, putting both locals and the environment first. Under the bill, developers must, among other things, commit to more than just profits, ensuring the long-term safeguarding of the local community and environment. This zone has manifested largely as a result of reduced CBI revenue, a key source of government income, driven in part by turbulent economic conditions. Per IMF recommendations and as with other Caribbean nations, St Kitts and Nevis must explore new options for growth, reducing reliance on CBI revenue while enhancing FDI attractiveness. The proposed SSZ, therefore, comes at a crucial next step for St Kitts and Nevis, which is looking to secure its future. The SSZ plans to utilise isolated, undeveloped lands on the island's South coast, transforming an area of unused land into a multi-use social project attracting international developers, including leading hotel chains. Crucially, the project will generate thousands of new jobs across a variety of sectors; creating opportunities for local suppliers, service providers, and entrepreneurs; and supporting environmentally sustainable infrastructure such as renewable energy, green buildings, and improved utilities. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have long been a tried and proven method to enhance socioeconomic development. Reviews from the World Bank and UN show that well-governed SEZs attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI), stimulate exports, and generate employment. Yet, the strongest examples also show benefits flowing beyond investors and governments, reaching ordinary households through jobs, training, and improved services. There is already a precedent for having such zones in the Caribbean, as seen with Jamaica. The country's Special Economic Zones Authority (JSEZA) has rapidly expanded the SEZ ecosystem in the country, contributing to over USD $750 million in investment and the creation of over 43,000 jobs in sectors like global digital services, agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics. These zones have opened doors to stable employment, reducing reliance on just tourism while also stimulating demand for local suppliers, keeping money circulating in communities. A similar story can be seen in the Cayman Islands, where Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), a special economic zone (SEZ), in 2024 contributed roughly USD $136 million to local economic activity, bringing the total impact since its inception to over USD $1bn. About 77 percent of Caymanian-held jobs in zone companies are in sectors with high social returns and global demand, offering salaries well above the island's average. The zone has directly led to new opportunities to launch businesses, gain work experience, and improve the local quality of life. Across the globe, well-designed SEZs demonstrate that economic growth and community benefit can go hand in hand. By linking investment to local opportunities, skill-building, and sustainable practices, these zones offer a pathway for development that nurtures local enterprise and raises living standards. Nevis' offering appears to go beyond traditional SEZs, with a major emphasis placed on the environment and local community. Before any development commences, significant preconditions must be met, including an independent economic analysis of the zone's benefits for the local community and a commitment to generate water and renewable electricity to meet its energy needs, aligning with the wider federation's climate goals. As plans become clearer in the coming months, excitement builds for further details to be officially announced. Former AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal has moved to the Delhi High Court challenging his conviction in a case of abetting a doctor to commit suicide. The trial court had convicted Jarwal and Two others in this case in February 2024. An FIR was lodged at the Neb Sarai police Station in 2020 for abetting Dr. Rajendra Singh. This petition came for a hearing before Justice Ravinder Dudeja (Special MP/MLA Court). Justice Dudeja, at the request of Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, transferred the petition to another bench that was hearing a petition in the same case. Senior Advocate N Hariharan appeared for Prakash Jarwal and submitted that another petition is already pending before the bench of Justice Amit Mahajan. He requested that the court transfer the petition to the bench of Justice Mahajan. This matter is pending for arguements on sentence before the Rouse Avenue court. In this matter, the petition of Kapil Nagar is pending before the bench of Justice Mahajan. The court had also asked the trial court not to hear the arguements on sentence. The High Court has already quashed the case and conviction against Harish Jarwal. The Rouse Avenue court on February 28, 2024, convicted then AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal and his associate Kapil Nagar for abetting a doctor to commit suicide. They have also been held guilty of the offence of criminal conspiracy for extortion and threat to the deceased Rajender Singh. The deceased was a doctor and was involved in providing water through tankers. Special judge M K Nagpal held Prakash Jarwal and Kapil Nagar guilty of the offences of abetment to suicide, extortion, attempt to extortion, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy for extortion. They were held guilty under section 506 (Criminal Intimidation to kill), Part 2, under which the maximum punishment is upto seven years. The third accused, Harish Jarwal, was convicted of the offence of criminal intimidation. The court stated that the prosecution had successfully proven the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. On November 11, 2021, the court framed charges against Prakash Jarwal, Kapil Nagar and Harish in different sections of the IPC. The court had said that the offences under Sections 120 B IPC read with Sections 386 (punishment for Extortion), 384 (extortion) and 506 (Criminal intimidation) and offences under Section 384 read with Section 120 B (Criminal Conspiracy) IPC, Section 386 read with Section 120 B IPC and Section 506 read with Section 120 B IPC and also under 306/34 IPC are prima facie made out against the accused Prakash Jarwal and Kapil Nagar. The accused Harish was discharged for the offence under Sections 306 and 386 IPC, but he was charged for the offence under Section 506 IPC by the court. An FIR was registered based on the complaint filed by Hemant Singh on 18.04.2020, wherein he stated that his father, the late Rajender Singh, had been supplying water through tankers since 2005. The Delhi Jal Board had never harassed his father. However, since the accused, Prakash Jarwal, had won and become an MLA of the Aam Aadmi Party, he and one Kapil Nagar, who worked with him and others, started harassing his father for money regularly, he alleged. It was alleged that the accused, Kapil Nagar, at the instance of the accused, Prakash Jarwal, used to receive a monthly amount and give it to Prakash Jarwal. The accused Prakash Jarwal was a member of the Delhi Jal Board, and without taking the monthly amount, he did not allow the plying of their tankers with the Jal Board. Complainant had stated that if his father did not pay the monthly amount to the accused Prakash Jarwal, he used to threaten his father and also threatenedto destroy him. His father used to regularly give lakhs of rupees to the accused Prakash Jarwal, who was harassing his father forcibly and mentally. His father had written about the same in a diary. When his father opposed the giving of a monthly amount, his tankers were removed from the Delhi Jal Board, about which his father made a complaint to the Executive Engineer, Delhi Jal Board, GK-I on 09.04.2020. It was also stated that the father of the complainant had pleaded with the accused Prakash Jarwal several times not to harass him as he was a heart patient, but the accused Prakash Jarwal did not listen and kept harassing his father continuously, for which they also had a phone recording. It was further stated that the accused Prakash Jarwal, used his power to get the payment of the deceased stopped. The father of the complainant had written about the mental harassment in his diary, and he had also mentioned the amount given to the accused Prakash Jarwal in the diary, which was taken forcibly. It was alleged that due to the exploitation and pressure, the deceased used to remain troubled and used to write about the instances in his diary. It was also alleged that the father of the complainant had sold his ancestral land and taken a loan on the jewellery of his wife, for which they also had a receipt, and at the instance of the accused Prakash Jarwal, had given the money to Kapil Nagar. (ANI) BJP MP and Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on One Nation One Election on Wednesday said that holding elections simultaneously could help achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047, ahead of the targeted time. He emphasised that the committee is working constructively in the national interest. Ahead of the JPC meeting on One Nation One Election, Chaudhary said, "If elections happen simultaneously, it is possible that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is achieved before the targeted time... This is not a political matter but about the country... All the members of the committee have a positive and constructive approach and in alignment with the national interest..." Chaudhary said the One Nation One Election committee will consult economists and will review the Ram Nath Kovind committee report, which states that simultaneous elections could boost GDP by 1.6 per cent, benefiting the country by around Rs 7 lakh crore. "This has a huge role in the economy, therefore we have called in economists of national and international levels... It will be discussed what impact the simultaneous elections will have on the economy... Ram Nath Kovind committee report has mentioned that this will increase GDP by 1.6% which means that cumulatively, the country will benefit by Rs 7 lakh crore," Chaudhary said. He added that the discussions will also examine election-related administrative challenges and the benefits and drawbacks of holding elections together or separately. "Our committee members will be seeking clarification on the expenditure... After the Model Code of Conduct is imposed, everyone goes into election mode, including sub-divisional officers, which results in a lack of awareness of the issues that common people raise. This also results in a loss to the tourism industry... It will be discussed what the benefits and losses of simultaneous as well as separate elections will be," Chaudhary said. Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Arvind Panagariya, and Economist Surjit Bhalla also arrived for the meeting of the JPC on One Nation, One Election. While speaking to the reporters before the meeting, Chaudhary said, "The meeting's agenda focuses on the economic aspects of implementing 'One Nation, One Election,' specifically examining its impact on the GDP. Noted economists Arvind Panagariya, Surjit S. Bhalla, and Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who are recognised both nationally and internationally, will participate. The discussion will clarify the claim that simultaneous elections could benefit the economy by 1.6% of GDP, equating to approximately seven lakh crores in savings. The committee has held around 12-13 meetings and visited five states and one union territory to assess progress. Further plans are set for 2026." The 'One Nation, One Election' bill was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in December 2024. The Lok Sabha on August 12 accepted a motion to extend the tenure for the Joint Parliamentary Committee's report on the 'One Nation, One Election Bill'. The extension will allow the committee to submit its findings by the first day of the last week of the winter session in 2025. The motion was moved by PP Chaudhary, Chairman of the One Nation, One Election Panel. He requested the House to allow the JPC more time to present the report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. "That this House do extend time for the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment ) Bill, 2024, upto the first day of the last week of the Winter Session, 2025." The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024. The bills were sent to the Joint Committee of both houses for further examination. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the delay in the restoration of statehood, saying that it was "unfair" to the people. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah accused the BJP of delaying and opposing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir since it lost the elections. "People participated in the election process. It is the BJP's bad luck that they couldn't win. However, people here can't be punished for that. It seems like statehood is not being provided to the people since the BJP didn't form the government. It is unfair to people. It was not stated that statehood will be restored only when the results favour the BJP. The opposition to statehood is coming from the BJP," CM Abdullah said. Flagging a delay in the restoration of statehood as the "biggest challenge", the Jammu and Kashmir CM informed that the statehood has not been restored despite the centre telling the Supreme Court about its three-step process of delimitation, elections and statehood. "The biggest challenge is that we are not a state anymore. We were hoping for the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court was informed that a three-step process would be implemented: delimitation, followed by elections and statehood. Delimitation and elections happened," Abdullah said. "We were hoping that tourism in Kashmir would start again. We were hoping for a tourist influx during and after the Pooja season from states like West Bengal. But that is not happening," he added. When asked about the arrests in connection with the 'I Love Muhammad' slogan row, the Chief Minister said that "someone" had to be "mentally ill" to make a case over this issue. "Why would anyone object to it? I don't understand how writing these three words leads to people getting arrested? This means that someone is genuinely mentally ill for making a case on this. I would like the courts to fix it (intervene). How is it illegal to write 'I Love Muhammad'? Don't people from other religions write about their gods? They do. If that is not illegal, how is this labelled as being illegal?" Abdullah said. The regional parties, along with people in Kashmir, have been constantly demanding the restoration of statehood ever since the abrogation of Article 370. On 5 August 2019, the centre scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature). The Supreme Court of India, on August 14 this year, heard a plea seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court noted that the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be ignored while granting statehood and said that the events in Pahalgam cannot be overlooked. (ANI) The troops noticed movement of three individuals in the general area who were suspiciously searching the area. The individuals were apprehended while attempting to retrieve a concealed package. A thorough search led to the recovery of 1.377 kilograms of Heroin No. 4, valued at approximately 11.40 crores. The three individuals were, namely, Zarzosanga, Joseph Lalmuansanga and Malsawmkimi. The recovered narcotics, along with the apprehended individuals, have been handed over to the Customs and Narcotics Department, Champhai, for further legal action. Earlier this month, Assam Rifles has seized methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 7.11 crore during an anti-narcotics operation in Zokhawthar, Mizoram. According to a release from Headquarters of the Inspector General Assam Rifle (HQ IGAR), based on specific intelligence about trafficking of narcotics, Assam Rifles conducted an operation on September 12 2025 in the area of World Bank Road-Vawkte Kai at Zokhawthar, Mizoram. While moving down from the road towards the river, the team noticed a suspect carrying a bag. On fearing arrest, the individual fled while dropping the bag. The recovered bag was inspected in the presence of Zokhawthar Police and contained 2.372 kg (Approx. 20,200 tablets) of Methamphetamine Tablets, valued at 7.11 Crores. As per the release, the seized contraband was handed over to Zokhawthar Police for further investigation. The operation underscores the Assam Rifles' resolve to combat drug trafficking and safeguard the youth. (ANI) Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-West Delhi, Aishwarya Singh, on Wednesday said that the Delhi Police is making every effort to nab Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who was accused of allegedly molesting girl students at Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj, where he was a director. The DCP said that the investigation in the case is still ongoing and the statements from the alleged victims are still being recorded. "The investigation has been registered under the appropriate sections. Separate sections for forgery have been filed, and a separate section for sexual harassment has been filed. The complaint was received in August. An FIR was filed. The legal investigation into this matter is still ongoing," Aishwarya Singh told reporters. "As you've been told, statements are being recorded. He used to see the management work there (Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management). So far, statements have been taken from the female students... Delhi Police is making every effort, and the Southwest District is making every effort to apprehend the accused as soon as possible, and I am sure it will be successful. A complaint of sexual harassment has come, and it would be inappropriate to disclose the exact details right now; the investigation is ongoing," she added. The Police had said that during the enquiry, statements of 32 female students were recorded, out of which 17 alleged abusive language, obscene WhatsApp/SMS messages and unwanted physical contact by the accused. Victims further alleged that the ladies, who were serving as faculty/administrators, abetted and pressurised them to comply with the accused's demands. Accordingly, a case under sections 75(2)/79/351(2) BNS was registered at PS Vasant Kunj North, and an investigation was taken up. CCTV footage were analyzed, and several raids were conducted at the place of incident as well as at the addresses of the alleged person. However, the accused is evading. NVRs/ hard disks collected from SRISIIM Institute sent to FSL. Statements under sections 83 BNSS of 16 victims have been recorded before a Judicial Magistrate at the Patiala House Courts. During the investigation, a Volvo car was found parked in the basement of the institution. On verification, it was found that the car with forged diplomatic number plate 39 UN 1 was allegedly used by Chaitanyanand Saraswati . Accordingly, a case FIR No. 385/2025, dated August 25, under sections 345(3)/318(4)/336(3)/340(2) BNS was registered at Vasant Kunj North Police statio,n and the car was seized, said the Delhi Police. The main accused has been evading investigation despite repeated efforts and is absconding. The accused has since been removed from the insitution. Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri issued a statement saying, "Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Dr. Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him. The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Chaitanyananda Saraswati." (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday visited Darfal village in Solapur district to assess the flood situation here. Continuous heavy rainfall in several districts has triggered flood-like situations, compelling extensive rescue and relief operations. The NDRF has been actively engaged in Beed, Dharashiv, and Solapur districts since Monday night. Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited flood-affected areas in Solapur, inspected the damaged crops, and interacted with the farmers. He directed local authorities to ensure quick relief and support for those impacted by the heavy rains. In a post on X, Ajit Pawar wrote, "Today, the inspection tour of the flood situation in Solapur was started from Korti in Karmala taluka. Due to continuous heavy rainfall, there has been significant damage to crops. In this context, I went directly to the fields to inspect the crops. I directly interacted with the farmers to understand their problems and gathered information about the damage that had occurred." "I gave clear instructions that the administration should make meticulous planning and promptly implement the necessary measures to ensure immediate assistance reaches the farmers in the flood-affected areas. Our government stands firmly behind our farmer brothers," the post read. A day earlier, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assured that possible relief and assistance would be provided to people affected by the floods in Marathwada. He said state ministers and officials are in constant coordination with district authorities and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to manage the situation. "Regarding the flood situation in Marathwada, I am in contact with all district officials and the NDRF rescue team. Farmers have suffered significant losses. Currently, helping farmers is the responsibility of our government. Our Chief Minister and all ministers are going to personally assess the situation. People should receive immediate assistance. Whenever farmers have faced crises, the government has always stood by them. Efforts will be made to compensate for the losses before Diwali," he said. The Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 1,339 crore assistance package for farmers whose crops were damaged due to heavy rains between June 2025 and August 2025, according to government sources. (ANI) Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday expressed confidence over the opposition Mahagathbhandhan forming the government in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. "We are very confident that Mahagathbandhan, the INDIA alliance, will form the next government," Tagore told reporters here. He said that the CWC meeting in Patna today will further the agenda set by Congress during the Belgaum and Ahmedabad AICC sessions. The Congress had marked 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi's historic Belgaum session in December last year. "This CWC will take forward the direction in which the Belgaum CWC happened and the Ahmedabad AICC Sessions happened. The Congress party's highest body coming to Patna is a significant development, and Kharge and Rahul will provide guidance to the country. They have always been steering the unity of the INDIA alliance," Tagore added. At the CWC meeting, which began today in Patna, several issues related to national, international, and political situations were expected to be discussed. His remarks come as the CWC meeting commenced at Sadaqat Ashram today, ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, among others, in attendance. Congress leader Pawan Khera today said that historic decisions will be made in the party's working committee (CWC) meeting to "safeguard democracy". "This is a historic CWC (Congress Working Committee) meeting in a historic state, and historic decisions will be made," Khera said while speaking to reporters. Referring to the Sadaqat Ashram, Khera told ANI, "This is a historic place that has witnessed the independence movement. The message that will be delivered from here will be historic. It will be for the democracy to safeguard the democracy. Every citizen is threatened by thieves." Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid asserted that Bihar needs change, suggesting a change in the government post the upcoming assembly elections in the state."The CWC meeting is happening after years in Bihar. Rahul Gandhi and others have worked diligently to bring about change. Bihar needs change. It is very clear," Khurshid told reporters. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the "vote theft" allegations levelled by Rahul Gandhi. The timing and location of the meeting are considered crucial, as the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place in October-November 2025. (ANI) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday said that Akhtarul Iman wrote a letter to Bihar's LoP Tejashwi Yadav proposing an alliance for the upcoming polls. Owaisi added that AIMIM is ready to contest six seats. Speaking to reporters in Kishanganj, Asaduddin Owaisi said, "Akhtarul Iman has written a letter to the LoP here (Tejashwi Yadav) and we have said through media that AIMIM is ready for alliance. Akhtarul Iman has also written that they can give us six seats. It is not up to them to decide. If they do not do this, people of Bihar would see who wants to make the BJP succeed and who wants to stop them. So, the decision is up to the people of Bihar. We have shouldered our responsibility." Bihar is set to witness an electoral battle between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar in the state, while the INDIA bloc, including Congress and RJD, are looking to unseat Kumar. Regarding the 'I Love Muhammad' row, Owaisi said that the ADGP barred new posters, but he stressed that Article 25 of the Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion, and such rights cannot be taken away. "This started in Kanpur. Perhaps the ADGP said that no new poster can be pasted. We then said on social media that we love Muhammad, every Muslim loves Muhammad. If we are Muslims and know Muhammad, He has taught that only Allah is to be offered 'ibadat' [worship] and loved. So, this is a part of our faith. Article 25 speaks of Right to Freedom of Religion. Constitution provides us fundamental rights. How can you snatch it away? It is wrong," Owaisi said. The controversy reportedly started on September 4 in Rawatpur, Kanpur, during the Barawafat (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi) procession, when a group displayed a banner reading 'I Love Muhammad' along the procession route, led to the objection from Hindu group. (ANI) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday took a dig at the Congress over holding the party's Working Committee (CWC) at Sadaqat Ashram in Bihar's Patna. While usually, the CWC meeting is held in Delhi, the BJP MP said Congress thought about Patna and Bihar after 85 years. He alleged that Patna was chosen for the CWC meeting only for the party's political benefits. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, he said, "Congress Working Committee meeting took place in Patna today. Congress thought about Patna and Bihar after 85 years? Today, if you (Congress) are concerned about Bihar, I tried to find out why you have suddenly taken such an interest in Bihar...Their CWC in Patna is only for their own political benefits." Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that Congress gave a small house to India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, after his term. "The Congress Party's office in Patna, Sadaqat Ashram, was a centre of India's freedom movement. Dr Rajendra Prasad was the country's first President, and he lived at Sadaqat Ashram. When I became an MP and visited there, I had tears in my eyes. There were just two rooms, a small courtyard and a single toilet," he said. The BJP MP added, "Prime Minister Nehru did not want him to become the first President. Prime Minister Nehru did not want to give him a second term as President. Jayaprakash Narayan was arrested, but did you (Congress) care about Bihar then? They did not allow Jagjivan Ram to become India's Prime Minister." Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee held its meeting at Sadaqat Ashram, the party's headquarters in Bihar, ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections later this year. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) president Rajesh Ram, the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru, and Congress Legislature Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan, among others, reached the Sadaqat Ashram for the meeting. Kharge lashed out at the Election Commission, alleging that a conspiracy is now being hatched across the country to cut the votes of millions of people. While delivering his opening remarks at the meeting of the Extended Congress Working Committee, he questioned the Election Commission's impartiality and transparency. "The foundation of democracy is fair and transparent elections. However, serious questions are being raised today about the impartiality and transparency of the Election Commission itself. Revelations have surfaced in various states, and instead of answering those questions, the EC is demanding affidavits from us," the Congress President said. (ANI) DUSU President Aryan Mann, Secretary Kunal Chaudhary, and Joint Secretary Deepika Jha met CM Gupta at the Jan Seva Sadan in the national capital. "In the Delhi University Students Union elections 2025, the newly elected President of DUSU, Aryan Maan, who hoisted the flag of ABVP, along with Secretary Kunal Chaudhary, Joint Secretary Deepika Jha, and the energetic comrades of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, paid an affectionate visit today at the Chief Minister Jan Seva Sadan," Gupta posted on X. She said that the victory of ABVP candidates in the DUSU polls represented a symbol of "tradition and struggle." "This victory is a living symbol of that tradition and struggle, which the ABVP had established decades ago with the mantra of 'knowledge, character, and unity'," Gupta said, adding, "This moment is extremely personal for me. The presidency of DUSU has been such a chapter in my journey that has defined the direction of service and dedication. Today, in these young people, I see the same energy and the same dedication that continues to be my constant inspiration for public service." The ABVP secured a decisive victory in the 2025 DUSU elections, winning three key posts: President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary, while the Congress-backed National Students' Union of India (NSUI) won the Vice President position. According to the final results, ABVP's Aryan Maan clinched the post of President with 28,821 votes, defeating NSUI's Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, who managed 12,645 votes. The Left-backed AISA-SFI candidate Anjali stood third with 5,385 votes. In the Vice President's contest, NSUI's Rahul Jhansla secured a major win with 29,339 votes, defeating ABVP's Govind Tanwa, who polled 20,547. AISA-SFI's Sohan garnered 4,163 votes. ABVP's Kunal Chaudhary won the post of Secretary with 23,779 votes, leaving behind AISA-SFI's Abhinandana with 9,535 votes and NSUI's Kabir with 9,525 votes. For the Joint Secretary position, ABVP's Deepika Jha secured victory with 21,825 votes, surpassing NSUI's Lav Kush Badhana, who got 17,380 votes, while AISA-SFI's Abhishek received 8,425 votes. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, has noted increasing global conflict warning that the rhetoric of war is gaining ground, and we are seeing the return of old demons Patiala House Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi police to produce the CCTV footage and other evidence related to the BMW accident at Dhaula Kuan to support their case. The court has also requested that the defence counsel and public prosecutor submit written arguments. The court is hearing the bail plea of the accused driver, Gaganpreet Kaur. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Ankit Garg, after hearing submissions by the counsel for the accused, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for Delhi, and the counsel for the complainant, directed the Delhi police to produce the CCTV footage and other relevant evidence and listed the matter for hearing on Thursday at 2 PM. At the outset, Advocate Pradeep Rana, Counsel for the accused Gaganpreet Kaur, submitted that there is no wrong intention on the part of the accused Gaganpreet Kaur. She called the Venkateshwara Hospital, but the call went unanswered. She also made a call to PCR. The counsel submitted that Gaganpreet Kaur took the injured to Nulife Hospital and called her father to arrange all the necessary items for the treatment of the wounded Navjot Singh and his wife. "The FIR was lodged after a 10-hour delay. Why did the police take this much time to file an FIR? The counsel for the accused questioned. It was also submitted that a PCR was made at 1.38-1.39 on the day of the incident, the counsel. The alleged intention of the accused is misconceived. She is not a doctor and did not have the knowledge of how much time the patient may have to live, the counsellor said. It is not a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, advocate Pradeep Rana argued. "She is not seeking anticipatory bail; she has been in custody for 10 days since her arrest," the counsel added. "She is not a flight risk; she cooperated in the investigation. Her mobile and drive were handed over to the police when asked, the counsel submitted." The counsel said that the entire family is a victim, and all the evidence is with the police. She may be granted bail. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Atul Shrivastava, along with Additional Public Prosecutor Dishank Dhawan, opposed the bail plea, submitting that the AIIMS hospital is closer to the accused's residence compared to Nulife hospital. There is the 'golden hour' principle to reach a hospital and provide early medical treatment, the SPP argued. He opposed the bail plea by arguing that the papers prepared by the hospital did not mention a specific time, the SPP stated. The Delhi police SPP submitted that the accused's intention was not to inform the police about the incident. The caller from the hospital told the police that one patient is dead and one is injured. Help is needed. The SPP further argued that the accused lived in South Delhi for 6 years and was well aware of the area and the hospitals there. The intention of the accused was not to save the injured, but rather to save the accused from legal proceedings, the SPP Argued. It was also argued by the SPP that she took the injured to a hospital owned by her relatives. It is also argued that the evidence has already been tampered with. It is not a case of granting bail to the accused, the SPP argued. SPP Shrivastava also mentioned that the witness, Gulfam, stated that the accused asked him to take them towards the Azadpur side. In response to a court query, the investigation officer informed the court that a notice had been issued to BMW, requesting a crash report to determine the speed of the car. The court has asked the counsel for the accused and the Police to file a written document and CCTV footage, etc, tomorrow. Advocate Atul Kumar, counsel for the complainant, argued that the injured were kept on a stretcher in the lobby of the hospital for hours. On the other hand, the accused was admitted to the ICU, he added. There is an army base hospital at a distance of 2 minutes from the site of the accident, the counsel submitted. The legal requirement is to take the injured to the nearest hospital, the counsel for the complainant submitted. He further submitted that the victim stated that she was taken to a faraway hospital. Despite this, she requested that she be taken to the nearest hospital. (ANI) The Principal Media Advisor to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhanon, on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to reduce GST slabs but accused the Modi government of exploiting people for eight years under what he termed as a "Jaziya tax." Addressing the media in Shimla and later speaking to ANI, Chauhan said they have already welcomed the GST reforms, but asked why it took the Centre so long to start this since 2017. "We welcome the decision to cut GST slabs, but let the BJP government explain why, since 2017, it looted the people by imposing this very GST as a form of Jaziya tax. In eight years, they squeezed the public and collected 55 lakh crore. What explanation does Prime Minister Modi have for this?" He questioned. Chauhan further alleged that despite international crude oil prices remaining low for years, the benefit was never passed on to the common people. "The profit from cheaper crude was handed over to big industrialists. Why was the public deprived of that relief?" he asked. Crediting Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue early "It was Rahul Gandhi who, from the very beginning, said the GST slabs should be reduced. The Congress had described it as a Gabbar Singh Tax. The Modi government should not mislead the public today but admit that it has only corrected its mistake. "Chauhan Said. Chauhan also pointed out that, "Even after the Prime Minister's announcement, there has been no reduction in prices of goods in the market." Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Lok Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that the ECI took a corrective measure for voter deletion only after he alleged "vote theft" in Aland. Sharing a media report, Rahul Gandhi asked the Election Commission to submit the evidence to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). "Gyanesh ji, we caught the theft and only then did you remember to put a lock - now we'll catch the thieves too. So tell us, when are you going to give the evidence to CID?" the Congress MP wrote on X.T his comes amid Rahul Gandhi's allegations of an attempt to delete over 6000 votes in Karnataka's Aland. While the Election Commission has refuted the allegations and has maintained that "no deletion of votes can be done online by any member of the public", this has sparked a fresh political row where the Opposition is pushing the allegations, while the ruling parties have accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehood. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue court will pronounce the order on the charge on October 13 in the IRCTC hotel corruption case. The court has directed all the accused persons, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav and others, to appear in Person on the next date. This case pertains to allegations of corruption in the allotment of maintenance work of IRCTC hotel tenders during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav. Special judge Vishal Gogne said that the order on charge is in completion and will pronounce the same on October 13. All the accused persons are directed to appear in Person on the next date. The matter has been listed on October 13 for the order on framing of charge. Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members and others are accused in this case. This case is related to alleged corruption in the tender for IRCTC hotels. The Court had reserved the order on May 29 after hearing submissions by the counsel for the Investigation Agency and for the accused persons on a day-to-day basis. On March 1, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded its arguments on charges against former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejaswi Yadav, former Minister Prem Chand Gupta, and other accused persons. There are 14 accused in this case. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for CBI had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy on the part of the accused persons in the allotment of two IRCTC hotel maintenance contracts. SPP D P Singh, alongwith with Advocate Manu Mishra, had argued that there was Corruption and conspiracy in the allotment of maintenance contracts for two hotels of IRCTC to a private company. There is sufficient material to frame a charge against all accused persons, the CBI said. This case is connected with a period when Lalu Prasad Yadav was Railway Minister during 2004-2009. It is alleged that the maintenance contract of two IRCTC hotels, namely BNR Ranchi and BNR Puri, was transferred to Sujata Hotel, a private firm owned by Vijay and Vinay Kochar. The CBI has alleged that in return for this deal, Lalu Prasad Yadav got three acres of prime land through a benami company. On July 7, 2017, the CBI filed an FIR against Lalu. The agency also raided 12 locations linked to Lalu and his family members in Patna, New Delhi, Ranchi and Gurgaon. On the other hand, it was submitted on behalf of Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav that there is no material to frame charges against him in the IRCTC corruption case, and he deserves discharge in this case. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, counsel for Lalu Prasad Yadav, argued that there are no irregularities on the part of Lalu Prasad Yadav. The tenders were awarded in a fair manner. There is insufficient material to frame charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav. He deserved to be discharged of the charges. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has created history by becoming the first Chief Minister in the country to address the House of Lords, London. He delivered his keynote address on Tuesday evening at a summit hosted by the Indo-European Business Forum, according to an official statement. In his address, the Chief Minister invited global investors to explore opportunities in clean energy, responsible tourism, horticulture, IT, and wellness sectors in Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted the state's 100 per cent literacy rate, along with its strong foundation of trust and resilience, which make it an attractive destination for investment. According to the release, the Chief Minister emphasised that Himachal Pradesh is not just a year-round tourist destination but has also emerged as a hub of opportunities for global business. He reiterated that the State Government is committed to building a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh through "Vyavastha Parivartan se Aatmanirbhar Himachal" (Self-Reliant through Systemic Reforms)". The CM said that this was not merely a slogan, but a vision shared with the people of Himachal Pradesh, one that guides every initiative of his government. He said that the State Government has introduced forward-looking policies that are driving Himachal Pradesh towards clean and green energy, responsible tourism, horticulture, information technology, data storage, and food processing. He highlighted that the State has already taken a leadership role in hydropower and renewable energy, where European expertise and Indian aspirations can create strong synergies. The Chief Minister further noted that Himachal apples have earned global recognition as a trusted brand, and the state is now also involved in organic vegetables, floriculture, and other high-value crops poised for international markets. He added that the government's focus on natural farming and dairy-based initiatives has opened new avenues for innovation and collaboration. Urging European investors to explore opportunities in wellness, organic products, and sustainable lifestyles, Sukhu emphasised that Himachal Pradesh has consistently ranked among the best-performing states of India, particularly in the social sectors, the release said. Sukhu extended an invitation to European investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to visit Himachal Pradesh, assuring them that they would not only discover business opportunities but also build partnerships founded on trust, stability, and shared values. On the occasion, the Chief Minister was conferred with the Leadership and Governance Award in recognition of his visionary and transformative governance in Himachal Pradesh. IEBF Founder Vijay Goel, Lord David Evans, Minister Kanishka Narayan, Minister Seema Malhotra, Virender Sharma, His Excellency Samuel Mahama from Ghana, Dr. Rohitga Sri Lanka's former Foreign Minister and High Commissioner, Dr. Neerja Birla, Niharika Handa, Tejesh Kumar Kodali, Subodh Kumar Gupta, and Sandip Sali were also present on the occasion. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition that sought a ban on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. The petition, filed by one Upendra Nath Dalai, had urged the High Court to direct that elections be conducted only through ballot papers. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that the issue has already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court. The Bench noted that the apex court had previously dismissed similar challenges, and a coordinate bench of the Delhi High Court had also declined to interfere in the matter. "The writ petition challenging the use of EVMs in elections was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Relying on that judgment, another Letters Patent Appeal was also dismissed by a coordinate bench of this Court. In view of the aforesaid, we dismiss the writ petition," the Bench ordered. In his plea, Dalai had sought wide-ranging directions, including a ban on EVMs with VVPAT, conducting elections exclusively through ballot papers, invalidating amendments to the Election Rules, 1961, and quashing the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He alleged that the use of EVMs, coupled with recent amendments to election rules, compromised free and fair elections, violated the fundamental rights of citizens under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, and threatened the basic structure of the Constitution as laid down in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala. The petition further claimed that misuse of EVMs, "booth rigging," and biased actions of the Election Commission assured the victory of the ruling party, thereby undermining the equality of votes and choices guaranteed to citizens. Dalai also invoked alleged violations of the Right to Information Act, 2005, arguing that the matter was filed purely in public interest without any personal stake. (ANI) The bench of Justice Nagaprasanna pronounced a verdict on X's plea seeking a declaration that Section 79(3)(b) IT Act does not confer power on the Centre to issue information blocking orders. "Social media must be regulated," Justice Nagaprasanna said. The court noted that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution is not absolute and is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). Stressing that "unregulated speech under the guise of liberty results in lawlessness," the bench said social media platforms cannot claim an "anarchic freedom" in the Indian digital space. "The petitioner who seeks sanctuary must be a citizen of the nation. Sahyog portal stands as a beacon of cooperation between citizens and intermediaries. Hence, the challenge is without merit," the court remarked. Rejecting X's contention of free speech, the High Court underlined that American jurisprudence cannot be transplanted into Indian constitutional thought, adding that judicial thinking on the regulation of speech has evolved in keeping with technological developments. "No social media platform can treat the Indian marketplace as a mere playground. Every sovereign nation regulates social media, and so must India," the court observed. The bench further noted that X complies with similar regulatory regimes in the United States but has opposed India's framework. "We are a society governed by laws. Order is the architecture of democracy. The petitioner's platform is subject to a regulatory regime in the USA; the same petitioner refuses to follow similar laws in India. The petition stands rejected. Application for intervenor stands rejected," the order stated. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said that no one guilty will be spared in the alleged paper leak of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam question paper. His remarks came after Uttarakhand Police arrested Khalid Malik, the main accused in the alleged paper leak of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam question paper. CM Dhami further said that the state government has a policy of zero-tolerance towards such matters and will not let anybody play with the future of youth. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said, "The future of youth will not be allowed to be played with. Action will be taken against whoever is found to be guilty. We have a zero-tolerance policy...More than 100 cheating mafia members are already behind bars...One accused has been arrested here. All agencies are investigating it. All decisions will be taken that are right and in the interest of students." On Tuesday, Uttarakhand Police arrested Khalid Malik, the main accused in the alleged paper leak of Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam question paper. Prior to this, the police had also arrested his sister. Speaking to reporters, SSP Dehradun Ajay Singh said a statement on this matter would be provided only after a detailed interrogation. The official stated that an investigation is underway to determine the reasons and process of the alleged paper leak. He said, "...The initial investigation suggests a conspiracy angle, so a statement on this matter would be appropriate only after a detailed interrogation. However, as of now, he has been taken into custody, as he is wanted in this case. Furthermore, the most important thing was to determine whether there was a well-planned conspiracy. The second question was whether there was an organised gang involved in the paper leak." "I would like to clarify that there was no organised gang involved, and I believe this was done by an individual or a group of individuals. We are investigating it from both angles. One is from the conspiracy angle, and the second is how he leaked the twelve questions of the paper. The investigation is still on, the interrogation is still going on, so we will be able to give detailed information about it later...His sister has also been sent to judicial custody...The investigation is ongoing..." the official added. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed his disappointment over the unfulfilled promise of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came after massive protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Reacting to the violent protests in Ladakh, Chief Minister Abdullah stated that the people of Ladakh weren't even promised statehood, and they celebrated the status of Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, yet they feel "betrayed and angry" today. CM Abdullah emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding statehood democratically, peacefully, and responsibly, yet the promise remains unfulfilled, leaving its people feeling equally "betrayed and disappointed." In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Ladakh wasn't even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly." A massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with police in Leh on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh was also targeted as protesters clashed with the police. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, issued a video and expressed sorrow for the violence in Leh, and called for peace to prevail. He said, "I am sad to inform you that there was vandalism in Leh during a protest. Many offices and police vehicles were vandalised and burned. A bandh was announced in Leh, but the youth came in large numbers...This was youth's anger, a Gen-Z revolution..." Sharing the video on X, Wangchuk said, "Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause." National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq said, "It is very unfortunate that everything has been mishandled. The way J&K is being mishandled, Ladakh is also being mishandled in a similar way. While this is true, we condemn violence and hope that the central government sitting in Delhi will sit down and talk with the people of Ladakh..." The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Article 244(2) and 275(1), which reads, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." There has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI) The Kerala education department has released a textbook for class 10 social studies, which discusses the Governor's constitutional powers and Centre-state relations. This is the second part of the 10th-grade social studies textbook. The chapter says that the Governor is not an elected post. When different parties are ruling the state and centre, the role of the Governor has created controversies. The governor is only a nominal head of state. The Governor can function only on the advice of the cabinet. It also says that, as the constitution provides a parliamentary system, the executive power of the state is vested in the CM of the state. It also says about the powers of the governor under various heads. Earlier, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty had said that the powers and responsibilities of the governor should be brought into the syllabus. Earlier, the Kerala Education Department had announced that students will not be required to wear uniforms in schools on festival days. According to the new order, festivals such as Onam, Christmas, and Ramadan will now be exempted from the mandatory uniform rule, allowing students to attend school in traditional or festive attire. The order will help foster a festive spirit and respect for cultural diversity among children. Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on August 10 announced the launch of 'Surakshamitram', a new initiative aimed at strengthening child safety across schools in the state. In a post on X, the minister said the programme, introduced by the General Education Department, will enable students to submit complaints anonymously through specially installed help-boxes in their schools. "'Surakshamitram' is a new initiative launched by Kerala's General Edu Dept to ensure children's safety in the state. It allows students to submit complaints anonymously via a help-box installed in their schools. The govt is committed to acting against atrocities against children," read the post. (ANI) A massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with police in Leh on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh was also targeted as protesters clashed with the police. Activist Sonam Wangchuk who has been on a hunger strike, issued a video and expressed sorrow for the violence in Leh, and called for peace to prevail. He said, "I am sad to inform you that there was vandalism in Leh during a protest. Many offices and police vehicles were vandalised and burned. A bandh was announced in Leh, but the youth came in large numbers...This was youth''s anger, a Gen-Z revolution..." Sharing the video on X, Wangchuk wrote, "Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause." National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq said, "It is very unfortunate that everything has been mishandled. The way J&K is being mishandled, Ladakh is also being mishandled in a similar way. While this is true, we condemn violence and hope that the central government sitting in Delhi will sit down and talk with the people of Ladakh..." The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Article 244(2) and 275(1), which reads, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." Meanwhile, there has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the delay in the restoration of statehood to JK, saying that it was "unfair" to the people. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah accused the BJP of delaying and opposing the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir since it lost the elections. "People participated in the election process. It is the BJP''s bad luck that they couldn''t win. However, people here can''t be punished for that. It seems like statehood is not being provided to the people since the BJP didn''t form the government. It is unfair to people. It was not stated that statehood will be restored only when the results favour the BJP. The opposition to statehood is coming from the BJP," CM Abdullah said. (ANI) Washington, DC, US (PANA) - An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Haimanot Teferra, mission chief for Kenya, will visit Nairobi from 25 September to 9 October to initiate discussions with the authorities on a possible IMF-supported programme Assam government will provide a financial grant of Rs 10,000 each to 7,817 Durga Puja Committees across the state to enable the festival to be celebrated in a befitting manner, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. In a social media post on X, Chief Minister Sarma conveyed that the funds have already been disbursed to the respective District Commissioners for onward distribution. "Like last year, the Government of Assam is extending a financial grant of 10,000 each to 7,817 Durga Puja Committees to enable the festival to be celebrated in a befitting manner. The funds have already been disbursed to the respective District Commissioners for onward distribution. In keeping with its tradition of supporting our rich cultural heritage, the State Government also provides financial assistance every year for the celebration of Bihu and Bhaona across the State, " the CM said in the post. https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1970778262889709757 In 2024 also, the Assam government had provided assistance for Durga Puja celebrations across the state. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed to Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Navratri. Sharing a video, the Prime Minister posted on X, "The third day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Chandraghanta, the symbol of peace, courage, and fearlessness." "May the blessings of Devi Ma infuse positivity into everyone's life. May her grace bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to my family members across the country--this is my prayer," the PM added. The 9-day festival is being celebrated with devotion across the country. At the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, devotees continue to visit the cave shrine on the third day of Navratri despite the long queues. The atmosphere remains spiritual, with devotees chanting bhajans. In Gujarat, large community gatherings and cultural performances are central to the observance, attracting thousands of devotees and performers. The festive fervour in Kolkata is also marked by the creativity and thematic depth of its iconic Durga Puja pandals. This year, several pandals across the city are exploring themes rooted in artificial intelligence, environmental concerns, and evolving family dynamics, sparking reflection alongside celebration. Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is a vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festival observed across India. The nine-night festival, held during the lunar month of Ashwin, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, each symbolising distinct qualities such as power, wisdom, and compassion. The celebrations are marked by daily prayers, fasting, devotional songs, and energetic traditional dance forms such as Garba and Dandiya Raas. (ANI) After massive protests in Ladakh over statehood demand, J-K Education Minister Sakina Itoo highlighted the challenges of working in the Union Territory on Wednesday, stressing that Jammu and Kashmir was powerful when it was a state. "... Those who turned us into a Union Territory from a state should know how difficult it is for us to work. When Jammu and Kashmir was a state, it was a powerful state. Today, it is a UT. We face a lot of difficulties in working, there is no doubt about it...," Itoo told reporters here. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disappointment on Wednesday over the unfulfilled promise of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came after massive protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Reacting to the violent protests in Ladakh, Chief Minister Abdullah stated that the people of Ladakh weren't even promised statehood, and they celebrated the status of Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, yet they feel "betrayed and angry" today. CM Abdullah emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding statehood democratically, peacefully, and responsibly, yet the promise remains unfulfilled, leaving its people feeling equally "betrayed and disappointed." In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Ladakh wasn't even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly." A massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with police in Leh on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh was also targeted as protesters clashed with the police. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, issued a video and expressed sorrow for the violence in Leh, and called for peace to prevail. He said, "I am sad to inform you that there was vandalism in Leh during a protest. Many offices and police vehicles were vandalised and burned. A bandh was announced in Leh, but the youth came in large numbers...This was youth's anger, a Gen-Z revolution..." Sharing the video on X, Wangchuk said, "Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause." National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq said, "It is very unfortunate that everything has been mishandled. The way J&K is being mishandled, Ladakh is also being mishandled in a similar way. While this is true, we condemn violence and hope that the central government sitting in Delhi will sit down and talk with the people of Ladakh..." There has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded the Union Cabinet's approval of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) scheme on 'Capacity Building and Human Resource Development'. In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister mentioned that the step will add "vigour" to India's Research and Development ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence. "The Union Cabinet's approval for the DSIR Scheme "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development" will add vigour to India's R&D ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence," Prime Minister Modi wrote on 'X'. The Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR/CSIR) Scheme on "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development" with a total outlay of Rs 2277.397 crore for the period of the Fifteenth Finance Commission Cycle 2021-22 to 2025-26, an official press release. The scheme is implemented by the CSIR and will cover all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and Universities across the country. The initiative provides a wide platform for young, enthusiastic researchers aspiring to build careers in universities, industry, national R&D laboratories, and academic institutions. Guided by eminent scientists and professors, the scheme will foster growth in Science, Technology & Engineering, Medicine, and Mathematics (STEMM). The Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme plays an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the S&T sector in India by increasing the researchers per million population. The Scheme has demonstrated its relevance by building capacity and expanding the pool of high-quality human resources in the S&T sector. Concerted efforts put in Research and Development (R&D) in Science and Technology (S&T) by the Government of India during last decade, India has improved its position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th rank in 2024 as per the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranking which will further improve in near future under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister of India. As a result of government support for R&D, India is now among the top three countries in terms of scientific paper publications, according to NSF data from the USA. DSIR's scheme is supporting thousands of research scholars and scientists whose outputs have contributed significantly to India's S&T achievements. This approval marks a historic milestone for the CSIR, celebrating 84 years of service to Indian scientific and industrial research through the implementation of the umbrella scheme, which accelerates the country's R&D progress for present and future generations. CSIR umbrella scheme "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) which has four sub-schemes such as (i) Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships (ii) the Extramural Research Scheme, the Emeritus Scientist Scheme, and the Bhatnagar Fellowship programme; (iii) Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through the Award Scheme; and (iv) Promoting knowledge sharing through the Travel and Symposia Grant Scheme. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to building a robust, R&D-driven innovation ecosystem and preparing Indian science for global leadership in the 21st century. (ANI) Bihar Labour Department Secretary Deepak Anand told ANI that the Bihar Labour Department, under the Bihar Skill Development Mission and under the guidance of CM Nitish Kumar, organised a one-day workshop in Patna titled "Bihar Food Sector Industry Meet." Anand added that the event aims to invite major food sector industries from across India to "provide skill training" to Bihar's youth in food processing and sector-specific areas, "ultimately connecting them with employment opportunities". "The workshop is expected to significantly contribute to the state government's goal of creating one crore jobs. It also focuses on promoting local products like makhana...," he said. He added that representatives from the agriculture, industry, cooperative, and animal husbandry departments, along with industrialists and prosperous farmers, "will participate to discuss the sector's potential and how to enhance youth skill training in the food sector" Earlier, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that the state government has set an ambitious target to provide government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years. To achieve the target, the state is creating numerous opportunities in both the government and private sectors, making educated youth self-reliant, skilled, and employment-oriented, thereby contributing significantly to Bihar's and India's growth. The Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced an official date. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates.(ANI). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised major decisions taken by the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by him in the national capital. After the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the addition of Post Graduate and Under Graduate medical seats under the Phase-III stage of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Prime Minister mentioned that it will improve India's "healthcare system and enhance medical education infrastructure." "Approval of Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme will add significant PG and UG medical seats. This will improve our healthcare system and enhance medical education infrastructure. It will ensure that every part of India has availability of skilled doctors," the Prime Minister wrote on 'X'. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Phase-Ill of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for strengthening and upgradation of existing State Government/ Central Government Medical Colleges/ Standalone PG Institutes/ Government Hospitals for increasing 5,000 PG seats and extension of the CSS for upgradation of existing government medical colleges for increasing 5,023 MBBS seats with an enhanced cost ceiling of Rs. 1.50 crore per seat, an official release said. This initiative will significantly augment the undergraduate medical capacity; increase the availability of specialist doctors by creating additional postgraduate seats; and enable the introduction of new specialities across Government medical institutions. This will strengthen the overall availability of doctors in the country. PM Modi also hailed the economic package approved by the Union Cabinet to rejuvenate India's shipbuilding and maritime sector considering it a push for maritime self-reliance. "In a transformative push for maritime self-reliance, the Cabinet approved a package to rejuvenate India's shipbuilding and maritime sector. This historic move will unlock 4.5 million Gross Tonnage capacity, generate jobs, and attract investments," the 'X' post said. Recognising the strategic and economic importance of the maritime sector, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a comprehensive package of Rs . 69,725 crore to revitalise India's shipbuilding and maritime ecosystem. The package introduces a four-pillar approach designed to strengthen domestic capacity, improve long-term financing, promote greenfield and brownfield shipyard development, enhance technical capabilities and skilling, and implement legal, taxation, and policy reforms to create a robust maritime infrastructure, an official press release said. Under this package, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) will be extended until 31 March 2036 with a total corpus of Rs 24,736 crore. The scheme aims to incentivise shipbuilding in India and includes a Shipbreaking Credit Note with an allocation of Rs 4,001 crore. A National Shipbuilding Mission will also be established to oversee the implementation of all initiatives. The cabinet also gave a green light to enhance the rail connectivity in Bihar by approving the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway line section. PM Modi said that the move will benefit the local people and pilgrims travelling on the route. "We are committed to enhancing rail connectivity in Bihar. In this direction, today our government has approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway line section. This will benefit the people of the entire region as well as pilgrims and tourists," the 'X' post said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur - Rajgir - Tilaiya single railway line section (104 km) in Bihar with a total approximate cost of Rs. 2,192 crore, according to the Ministry of Railways. The project, covering four districts in the state of Bihar, will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by approximately 104 km. The project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations, such as Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, and Pawapuri, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country. The Union Cabinet also gave approval to 4-lane Sahibganj-Areraj-Bettiah for the all-round development of Bihar and rapid expansion of road connectivity. The Prime Minister stresse that the step create new opportunities for employment and business in the state, but will also provide new strength to the agriculture sector. "For the all-round development of Bihar, we are also engaged here in rapidly expanding road connectivity. In the same vein, today approval has been given for the 4-lane Sahibganj-Areraj-Bettiah. This will not only create new opportunities for employment and business in the state, but will also provide new strength to the agriculture sector," tjhe 'X' post said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Construction of the 4-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of the NH-139W in Bihar on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) with a total project length of 78.942 km and a total capital cost of Rs 3,822.31 crore, a press release from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said. The proposed four-lane greenfield project aims to improve connectivity between Bihar's capital, Patna, and Bettiah, connecting the northern districts of the state, including Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran, up to the areas along the Indo-Nepal border. He also praised the Union Cabinet's approval of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) scheme on 'Capacity Building and Human Resource Development'. In an 'X' post, the Prime Minister mentioned that the step will add "vigour" to India's Research and Development ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence. "The Union Cabinet's approval for the DSIR Scheme "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development" will add vigour to India's R&D ecosystem, with a focus on a culture of innovation as well as excellence," Prime Minister Modi wrote on 'X'. The Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR/CSIR) Scheme on "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development" with a total outlay of Rs 2277.397 crore for the period of the Fifteenth Finance Commission Cycle 2021-22 to 2025-26, an official press release. The scheme is implemented by the CSIR and will cover all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and Universities across the country. (ANI) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Wednesday said that the DMK is gaining significant public support despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s efforts in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan emphasised, "Despite the BJP's efforts in Tamil Nadu, the DMK is gaining significant public support, as evidenced by the warm receptions Chief Minister Stalin receives wherever he goes." "This popularity irritates the RSS, prompting them to attempt to create trouble and tarnish the DMK's reputation, though these efforts are expected to fail," Elangovan added. His comments came in response to remarks made by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin the previous day during an event, where he accused the BJP of deliberately creating issues to undermine the state government. "BJP is trying to cause a lot of issues, deception and conspiracy, but the DMK government is still performing well, causing trouble for Sanghis and their supporters. That is why they are raising new issues by touching on the rights to funds, language rights and states' rights," Udhayanidhi said. Meanwhile, hitting out at the Union Government over the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, Elangovan alleged on Tuesday that they are looting the state government's resources. He mentioned that the Centre is taking the financial resources, which are the right of state governments, in the form of GST. Slamming the Centre, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said that had GST reforms been implemented eight years ago, families across the country would have already saved many lakh crores. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms came into effect on Monday, covering a wide range of services, including daily consumer items. The GST council, headed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, had announced the reform of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on September 4. In a post shared on X, Tamil Nadu CM said, "Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi now says Indians will save Rs. 2.5 lakh crore through #GST reform and #IncomeTax relief. But this is exactly what the Opposition has been demanding from the very beginning. If these measures had been taken eight years ago, families across the country would already have saved many lakh crores more. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre why death-row prisoner Balwant Singh Rajoana has not been hanged, who was held guilty for the assassination of the then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995, till now. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria remarked after the Centre said it was a "serious offence". The bench asked Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Centre, "Why did you not hang him till now? Who is to blame for that? At least, we have not stayed the execution." The apex court was hearing the plea of Rajoana seeking commutation on the grounds of delay in considering the mercy petition pending before the President of India since 2012. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Rajoana, argued that there has been no decision on his client's mercy plea. He said the apex court had earlier said the mercy petition should be decided in time. "This man has been on death row for 15 years. He is sometimes in solitary confinement. I don't know if he is in his senses or not. One does not know what is going on," Rohatgi added. Senior counsel further said that earlier, the top court had observed Rajoana did not file the mercy petition himself. He added that but the petition was filed by a Gurdwara committee. Nataraj said he would take instructions and apprise the court about the status. The apex court then posted the plea for hearing on October 15 and stated that the matter would not be adjourned at the Centre's instance. On January 20, the top court had asked the Centre to take a decision on his mercy petition by March 18 after the Centre sought more time to decide the mercy petition. The apex court had said that it would grant more time to the Centre; however, on the next hearing, if the government has not decided the case, the court will hear the matter on merits. The Centre had maintained that the matter is "sensitive" as it's related to the murder of a sitting Chief Minister and sought time to decide the mercy petition, saying the government is considering it. Rajoana, a sympathiser of the Babbar Khalsa militant group, sought the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment in connection with his role in the assassination of Beant Singh. Rajoana sought commutation of the death sentence on the grounds of 'extraordinary' and 'inordinate delay' in deciding his mercy petition, which remains pending before the President of India. The petition sought consequential release because he has undergone a total sentence of almost 29 years, of which 17 years have been served as a death row convict in an 8" x 10" capital punishment cell, including 2.5 years in solitary confinement. The convict, Rajoana, was sentenced to death for the murder of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, who died in a bomb explosion in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995. The Centre had decided on September 27, 2019, to commute the death penalty of Rajoana to a life sentence on the special occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. However, the decision is yet to be implemented. In 2020, Rajoana filed a petition seeking the commutation of the death penalty. The apex court had then asked the Central government to take a call with respect to the mercy petition. In May 2024, the top court declined to commute the death penalty but directed that the mercy petition be decided by a competent authority in due course of time. It noted that the stand of the MHA to defer the decision on Rajoana's mercy petition on the grounds of national security and law and order situation. A Chandigarh court had, on July 27, 2007, awarded a death sentence to Rajoana, which the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld on October 12, 2010. Rajoana has not filed an appeal against the High Court's decision. Rajoana was scheduled to be hanged on March 31, 2012; however, the execution was stayed on March 28, 2012, by the then Central government after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) -- a Sikh religious body, filed a mercy petition with the President. (ANI) People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hit out at Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of oversimplifying the struggles of J-K by framing them solely as a demand for statehood. In a post on X, Mufti argued that the core concerns of people in both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh revolve around dignity, rights, and protection of land, jobs, and resources--including the demand for special status--and warned that narrowing the discourse only serves to strengthen the BJP's narrative. "While violence of any kind is absolutely condemnable, let us be clear. To reduce the struggles of Jammu and Kashmir to the issue of statehood alone, as @OmarAbdullah does, is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to diminish a much deeper and more complex reality," Mufti said. https://x.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1970852735512879431 "The core concerns whether in Jammu and Kashmir or in Ladakh have always centered around dignity, rights, and the protection of land, jobs, and resources, including the demand for special status. Even in Ladakh today, people are openly expressing their discontent, driven by a fear of losing control over their land, livelihoods, and identity," the PDP chief added. Further, Mehbooba Mufti said that by framing this "struggle solely as a question of statehood", Omar Abdullah not only ignores these broader aspirations but also "ends up reinforcing the BJP's narrative." Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed his disappointment over the unfulfilled promise of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came after massive protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Reacting to the violent protests in Ladakh, Chief Minister Abdullah stated that the people of Ladakh weren't even promised statehood, and they celebrated the status of Union Territory in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, yet they feel "betrayed and angry" today. CM Abdullah emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir has been demanding statehood democratically, peacefully, and responsibly, yet the promise remains unfulfilled, leaving its people feeling equally "betrayed and disappointed." In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Ladakh wasn't even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly." A massive protest by the people of Ladakh demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule turned into clashes with police in Leh on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Leh was also targeted as protesters clashed with the police. (ANI) Women are excelling in education, sports, and industry, and the number of women entrepreneurs is increasing across the globe, with Gujarat showcasing its own inspiring examples. One such example is Shilpa Malik, a woman entrepreneur from Gujarat, who leads the startup BioScan Research. Under her leadership, the startup has become a thriving venture, creating medical devices that facilitate the early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases, saving countless lives, according to a release. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritised women's economic empowerment. During his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister, he introduced initiatives like Mission Mangalam Yojana, Women Special Economic Zone, Special Women Industrial Park (Women Entrepreneurship Park), and the Women's Economic Development Corporation to support women entrepreneurs. Today, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel continues this vision, advancing women-led development through these schemes and initiatives, the release stated. BioScan Research Private Limited was established in September 2017 in Ahmedabad by co-founders Shilpa Malik and Anupam Lavania. Shilpa Malik is also the Chief Technology Officer of BioScan Research. A successful technopreneur, she brings over a decade of experience in hardware innovation. She has previously worked as a scientist in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), contributing to the design and management of military sensor systems, the release said. Under Shilpa Malik's leadership, BioScan Research develops, tests, manufactures, and markets medical devices that enable non-invasive, early diagnosis of life-threatening conditions such as traumatic brain injury. The company leverages advanced technologies in optics, electronics, mechanics, and software to create portable, onsite detection tools for intracranial haemorrhage. These innovations allow for timely diagnosis, helping to save lives, the release added. BioScan Research has received financial support from the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology (i-Create), an autonomous organisation under the Government of Gujarat that supports tech-based start-ups. Additionally, the company has received backing from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Department of Health Research (DHR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Reflecting on the journey of BioScan Research Private Limited, Shilpa Malik says, "A member of our family experienced a traumatic brain injury, and during his treatment, we realised that the real challenge was not the injury itself, but the lack of early detection. Many patients suffer further complications because their conditions are not diagnosed promptly. This experience became our motivation. Drawing on our technical expertise, we decided to establish a start-up dedicated to developing medical devices for early diagnosis. We received full support from i-Create, an organisation under the Government of Gujarat that provides financial assistance to tech-based start-ups. After investing four to five years in research, we established BioScan Research in September 2017." After developing a medical device for brain injury, they received support from the Gujarat government to file its patent. They then dedicated three years to clinical research, during which the device was tested on patients. Following the trials in Gujarat, it was further tested in hospitals across India, involving neurosurgeons from leading institutions such as NIMHANS, Bangalore, and AIIMS, Bhopal. Over two years of clinical research, tests were conducted on 1,500 patients, and more than 11,000 brain scans were performed. After these successful trials, the device was officially launched for commercial use. 70 Units Sold Across India, Predominantly to Government Health & Community Centres Shilpa Malik said that around 70 units of the device have been sold across India so far. The medical device demonstrates a performance accuracy of 95% and a sensitivity of 97%. The device has received an excellent response from government departments, with most sales going to primary health centres, community health centres, and trauma centres. Its high accuracy has also earned the trust of doctors. BioScan Research has received more than 50 prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Best Extramural Research Award (2024) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Winner of the India-Israel Innovation Challenge, the release added. (ANI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the protest in Leh "smells of conspiracy" due to "attempts to incite people" and its comparison to protests in Bangladesh and Nepal. Speaking with ANI, Gupta condemned the protest, suggesting that it should be held in a peaceful manner. "In a democratic system, protesting is a right. However, it must be done in a peaceful manner. For the past two days, attempts have been made to incite people, and the protest held here was compared to those held in Bangladesh and Nepal. This smells of a conspiracy behind the protest," he said. Kavinder Gupta highlighted the implications of the protest if the authorities hadn't taken action to stop the protest. "When police were deployed to control the law and order situation, a CRPF vehicle was torched. During the protest, DG's vehicle was attacked with stones. If this protest had not been stopped, then these people (protestors) would have ruined the entire city of Leh," he said. The Ladakh LG further informed that a probe will be held regarding the involvement of people in the protest. "A probe will be conducted to determine the involvement of individuals from outside Ladakh in the protest. Who is responsible for the people who have died today? It is those people who incited the protest. Such things cannot be tolerated...I want to ensure peace is maintained in Ladakh," he said. This comes after a massive protest by the people of Ladakh turned violent as the demonstrators targeted government buildings and the BJP office in Leh. People of Ladakh have been demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Article 244(2) and 275(1), which reads, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." Meanwhile, there has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - Kenyan President William Ruto is calling for reforms of the United Nations Organisation saying the world body must renew or decay Violence erupted during protests in Ladakh "didn't spiral on its own, it was engineered deliberately," government sources said on Wednesday evening. The youth of the region are paying the heavy price for the "narrow political games being played, particularly by activist Sonam Wangchuk," the sources further said. The sources said, "The situation didn't spiral on its own--it was engineered deliberately. Ladakh and its youth are paying huge price for the narrow politics played by certain individuals and personal ambitions by Sonam Wangchuk." This comes after a massive protest by the people of Ladakh turned violent as the demonstrators targeted government buildings and the BJP office in Leh. The sources added that the Centre was always open to dialogue, pointing out that a meeting with the High Powered Committee (HPC) was already scheduled for October 6 to address the concerns raised by the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). "The Centre had already fixed October 6 for the meeting of the High Powered Committee to discuss all issues posed by ABL and KDA. The Center also agreed on the new members for HPC as proposed by ABL. Upon receiving a request for preponement, some meetings were being considered on Sept 25-26. In fact, the Center has been always ready for the talks and on earlier occasions also talks were also proposed on 25th July which did not receive positive response," the government sources stated. It added, "But even with talks are lined up with open mind, violence was provoked. Why? Sonam Wangchuck has long hinted at wanting an Arab Spring-style protest in Ladakh. His references to Gen Z protests in Nepal now seem like a blueprint. Has he used the platform for his personal issues to hide certain irregularities which are coming in light now?" Sources also alleged involvement of Congress leaders in the violence that erupted during the protests, saying that the entire episode "smacks of conspiracy motivated by politics and personal gains." They further said that the youth of Ladakh were "misled, caught up in a sinister plot for political and personal gain" and Centre stands committed for the welfare and empowerment of Ladakhi people and stands with the youth. "Congress leaders made statements that almost sounded like instructions--talk of pelting stones, bandhs, arson. Why were they so ready? The entire episode smacks conspiracy motivated by politics and personal gains. The youth are not to be blamed. They were misled, caught up in a sinister plot for political and personal gain. The Centre stands committed for the welfare and empowerment of Ladakhi people and stands with the youth," the sources added. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also said that the protest in Leh "smells of conspiracy" due to "attempts to incite people" and its comparison to protests in Bangladesh and Nepal. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike after clashes erupted in Leh over the demands of statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. In a press conference, Songam Wangchuk announced the decision as a precautionary measure to bring stability in the region. He believed that his protest could further spark violence in Leh and decided to call it off. Wangchuk condemned the protest and appealed for peace in the region. He said that no party was involved in the protest, as he believes that no party is strong enough to mobilise youth there. "This incident has disrupted our peaceful protest, which was going on for the last 5 years. We were getting indications from the youth that they thought the path of peace was not working. Today's incident was the precipitation of such things... No party is so strong in Leh that it can mobilise youth in large numbers. This was protest by the youth was only due to larger issues of umemployment and others...We saw Gen-Z's frenzy today...I understand their frustration over the last five years, but I condemn their way of protest," he said. Earlier, Wangchuck, who has been at the forefront of the movement, appealed for peace, asking youth to "stop this nonsense" as the violence only "damages their cause." Sharing a video on X, Wangchuk said, "Very sad by the events in Leh. My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause. In the video, Wangchuk appealed to the youth not to take the path of violence, adding that this nullifies his efforts for the rights of Ladakh. He said that the incident of two people being admitted to hospital sparked the widespread anger. People of Ladakh have been demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Article 244(2) and 275(1), which reads, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." There has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on Thursday. Ahead of his visit, PM Modi said the tomorrow programme will give a new momentum to the government's resolve of 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local.' PM Modi will inaugurate Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 at Greater Noida, and thereafter, he will visit Rajasthan to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth Rs 1,22,000 crore at Banswara. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Tomorrow, on 25 September, our resolve for a developed India along with 'Make in India' and 'Vocal for Local' is set to gain new momentum. Around 9:30 in the morning." Speaking about UPITS, PM Modi said that the trade show will highlight India's strength from the IT sector to the textile sector and open new doors of opportunities for exporters. "I will be part of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida. Through this event, the world will witness India's strength from the IT sector to the textile sector. This will open new doors of opportunities for exporters as well as small businesses and everyone else," he said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1970864245429481709 Speaking about his Rajasthan visit, PM Modi said, "The development program to be held in Rajasthan tomorrow will provide new strength to the energy security of not only the state but also the country. In the afternoon around 1:45 PM in Banswara, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth more than 1 lakh 22 thousand crore rupees. These include not only atomic power projects but also schemes related to health, infrastructure, and water conservation. In addition to handing over appointment letters to more than 15,000 youths here, there will also be an opportunity to interact with the beneficiaries of the PM-KUSUM scheme." In line with his commitment to Make in India, Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 (UPITS-2025) at Greater Noida in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The trade show, under the theme "Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here", will be held from 25th to 29th September. It will have three core objectives- innovation, integration, and internationalization. A three-pronged buyer strategy will target international buyers, domestic Business-to-business (B2B) buyers, and domestic Business-to-Consumer (B2C) buyers, providing opportunities for exporters, small businesses, and consumers alike, according to a release from PMO. UPITS-2025 will highlight the state's diverse craft traditions, modern industries, robust MSMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs on a single platform. Key sectors that will be represented include handicrafts, textiles, leather, agriculture, food processing, IT, electronics, AYUSH, among others. It will also feature Uttar Pradesh's rich art, culture, and cuisine under one roof. Russia will participate as a partner country, adding strategic significance and opening avenues for bilateral trade, technology exchange, and long-term cooperation. Over 2,400 exhibitors; 1,25,000 B2B visitors; and 4,50,000 B2C visitors will participate in the trade show. In Rajasthan, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects of the central and state government worth over Rs 1,22,100 crore at Banswara. In line with his commitment to transform India's power sector to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable power supply for all, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd's (ASHVINI) Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (4X700 MW) worth around Rs 42,000 crore. It will be one of the largest nuclear plants in the country, supplying reliable base load energy, and will strengthen India's position in environmental stewardship and the evolving nuclear energy landscape. Furthering the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project comprises four indigenous 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors with advanced safety features, designed and developed by NPCIL. It is part of India's broader "fleet mode" initiative, where ten identical 700 MW reactors are being built across India under uniform design and procurement plans. The project will bring in cost efficiencies, faster deployment, and consolidated operational expertise. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of green energy projects worth around Rs 19,210 crore in Rajasthan. He will inaugurate solar projects at Phalodi, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sikar, among others. He will also lay the foundation stone of the solar project at Bikaner. Additionally, he will also lay the foundation stone of a Solar Park at Ramagiri in Andhra Pradesh. The projects will significantly contribute to India's clean energy capacity, generating substantial amounts of green power while preventing millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of three power transmission projects worth over Rs 13,180 crore under the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) initiative of the Government of India, which aims to develop 181.5 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 across eight states. To ensure efficient dispersal of this renewable power towards load centers and to enhance grid stability, PowerGrid is implementing key transmission systems for Rajasthan REZ. It includes 765 KV transmission lines from Beawar in Rajasthan to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh and extension of associated substations; from Sirohi in Rajasthan to Mandsaur and to Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, along with augmentation of transformation capacity at Sirohi Substation and extension at Mandsaur & Khandwa Substations; and 765 KV & 400 KV transmission lines from Bikaner in Rajasthan to Siwani and Fatehabad in Haryana and further to Patran in Punjab along with establishment of substations at Bikaner and extension of Siwani Substation. Cumulatively, these projects will facilitate the seamless transfer of 15.5 GW of green energy from generation hubs in Rajasthan to demand centres in beneficiary states across India. PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of three Grid Substations (GSS), which include 220 KV and associated lines at Jaisalmer and Bikaner. He will also inaugurate a 220 KV GSS at Shiv in Barmer district. These projects, worth over Rs 490 crore, will significantly contribute to ensuring energy security in the region. In line with his commitment to empower farmers, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Feeder Level Solarisation projects of 3517 MW, worth over Rs 16,050 crore, in the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka under PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme (Component C). The agricultural feeders are being solarised to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable irrigation power, benefiting lakhs of farmers by lowering electricity costs, cutting irrigation expenses, and promoting rural energy self-reliance, the release added. In a major boost to the Ramjal Setu Link Project and furthering his vision of water security, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple water resources projects in Rajasthan worth over Rs 20,830 crore. He will lay the foundation stone for the construction of various feeders from Isarda, the construction of Mor Sagar artificial reservoir in Ajmer district and its feeder from Chittorgarh. Other works include the intake pump house at Bisalpur Dam, the rejuvenation of the Khari feeder and various other feeder canal works. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Isarda Dam, Dholpur Lift Project, and Takli Project, among others. In line with his commitment to safe and clean drinking water for all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for major drinking water supply projects, worth over Rs 5,880 crore, in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Churu, Ajmer, Bhilwara districts, among others, under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. In a major boost to road infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the construction of flyovers at Bharatpur city, a bridge over the Banas River, and 116 Atal Pragati Path projects. He will also inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple road projects related to National and State Highways in Barmer, Ajmer, and Dungarpur districts, among others. These projects, worth over Rs 2,630 crore, will improve regional road connectivity, ensure smoother traffic and enhance road safety. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate a 250-bed RBM Hospital in Bharatpur, an IT Development and E-Governance Centre in Jaipur, a sewerage system including treatment plants and pumping stations in Makrana city, and a sewerage and water supply project in Mandawa and Jhunjhunu district. In a major boost to rail connectivity, the Prime Minister will flag off three trains, Vande Bharat Express Train between Bikaner & Delhi Cantt, Vande Bharat Express Train between Jodhpur & Delhi Cantt and Udaipur City - Chandigarh Express. These trains will significantly improve connectivity between Rajasthan and other northern states. Furthering his vision of employment for all, he will distribute more than 15,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in Government departments and organisations in Rajasthan. These include over 5770 animal attendants, 4190 junior assistants, 1800 junior instructors, 1460 junior engineers, 1200 third-grade level-2 teachers, among others, the release added (ANI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a high-level review meeting via video conference to assess the law and order situation across the state ahead of the upcoming festive season. Senior officers of the Punjab Police attended the meeting. IGP Punjab (Headquarters) Sukhchain Singh Gill said in a video shared by Punjab Police that officers have been directed to ensure robust arrangements for maintaining law & order, safeguarding public safety, and the smooth conduct of events during the upcoming festive season. "Today, a high-level review meeting was held via video conference with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, DGP Punjab Police, senior Punjab Police officers and all Range IGs/DIGs/CP/SSPs, to assess the law & order situation across the State," Punjab Police said in a post on X. https://x.com/PunjabPoliceInd/status/1970826729099862084 "Officers have been instructed to implement robust security measures to protect citizens and ensure the smooth operation of events. Clear instructions were also issued to act with determination under the state's zero-tolerance policy against miscreants and criminals. Punjab Police remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen," it added. Meanwhile, acting on a backward linkage, the Punjab Police has busted a significant hawala network, recovering Rs 2.05 crore, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. The operation was led by the Kapurthala Police, which arrested an associate involved in funding operations linked to the Ludhiana-based hawala operator. "Acting swiftly on backward linkages, Kapurthala Police busts a major Hawala network, recovering Rs 2.05 crore of Hawala money. The police team zeroed in on one #Ludhiana-based hawala operator, and arrested one associate who was involved in funding operations through Hawala," the DGP said. Last week, Kapurthala Police unearthed a large-scale online cyber-fraud scam in Phagwara. A case was registered at PS Cyber Crime, Kapurthala, resulting in the arrest of 38 accused along with the seizure of 40 laptops, 67 mobile phones and 10 lakh of suspected Hawala money linked to the scam." The police said that further investigation is underway to expose and neutralise the entire nexus and they remain resolute in dismantling organised financial crime networks, curbing cyber fraud and safeguarding citizens' hard-earned money. (ANI) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday termed the meeting of the Congress Working Committee held in Patna as "historic". Khera told ANI, "This was a historic CWC, and the message that has gone from here will be a huge contribution towards saving democracy." Further on, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, he said, "This campaign will be run across the country. Signatures of five crore people are being collected from across the country..." The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Wednesday targeted the BJP-led government during the meeting in Patna, accusing it of "systematically dismantling democratic institutions and constitutional values." The CWC alleged that the Centre has weakened the Election Commission and other institutions, and investigative agencies such as the CBI and ED are being used to pursue personal vendettas. "The Congress Working Committee observes that the BJP-RSS's relentless attacks on the Constitution and the Republic have continued unabated. The Parliament has been undermined, and even Constitutional offices have not been spared. The Election Commission of India, long the cornerstone of our vibrant democracy, has been turned into a servile mouthpiece for the government," the CWC said in its resolution. "The CBI and ED have been reduced to blunt instruments of political vendetta, deployed against anyone who challenges Modi's rule. Every institution of democracy and justice has been diminished, with the state becoming subservient to the interests of the ruling party and its RSS allies," it added. The CWC also raised the issue of alleged widespread electoral irregularities in Bihar, which have undermined democracy. It also accused the BJP of depriving the backward classes, minorities, and the poor, hailing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', which serves the purpose of "defending constitutional rights". "The revelation of large-scale Vote Chori and irregularities in our electoral rolls has shaken public belief in the very foundations of our democracy. The CWC resolved to salute Rahul Gandhi for boldly exposing the shameless Vote Chori and bravely fighting these brazen attempts to subvert democracy. This exposes the systematic and deliberate conspiracy used to manufacture an elected majority for the BJP. A government built on stolen mandates and rigged voter lists has no moral or political legitimacy. It is not based on public trust but on deceit. The "Voter Adhikar Yatra" led by the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, is a firm pledge that the Congress Party will never give up the fight for those who have been inhumanely treated, exploited, oppressed and marginalised by the BJP," the resolution added. "The CWC reiterates its dire apprehension regarding the "Special Intensive Revision" in Bihar as yet another dirty trick from the BJP's toolkit to manipulate electoral rolls and cling to power. Their aim is clear: to disenfranchise the poor, workers, backward classes and minorities - the very people who are determined to oust the NDA from Bihar. Once their votes are taken away, they will also be deprived of their other rights - ration, housing, water, pension, healthcare facilities and even dignity," it added. Further, the CWC expressed grief over the loss of lives due to flooding, cloudbursts and torrential rains in several states. "The CWC expresses profound grief at the loss of lives in the unprecedented rains, cloudbursts, and floods that have ravaged Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and several other parts of the country. These disasters are a grim reminder of the ecological crisis unfolding before us and must serve as a wake-up call that compels us to move towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible models of development. The scale of destruction caused by these floods has been staggering. Thousands of crores worth of infrastructure, livestock, and agricultural and horticultural produce have been wiped out, plunging already vulnerable communities into even greater distress. At such a moment of crisis, the Modi government has denied these states the legitimate assistance they desperately need," it said. Accusing the ruling government of "communal polarisation", the CWC alleged that the BJP is deliberately creating "hateful campaign material and engaging in the worst kind of rumour-mongering to demonise minorities." "Dalits and Adivasis continue to face rampant and escalating violence and systemic discrimination. Shameful attempts have been made at the highest levels of government to mainstream the RSS, an organisation which has consistently proved its lack of allegiance to the Indian Constitution. After presiding over the collapse of state and society in Manipur for over two and a half years, the Prime Minister finally visited the state - but again failed to summon the moral courage to meaningfully engage with the people, giving them no more than five hours of his time. The Union Government's silence, inaction, and complicity have created a climate where perpetrators of hate and violence are emboldened," the party adopted in its resolution. The CWC also expressed sorrow over the untimely and tragic demise of Assam's singing sensation, Zubeen Garg, and extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to his grieving family and devoted audience. Further, targeting the BJP government over the "collapse of India's foreign policy", the CWC highlighted US President Trump's continued claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan with the help of trade. It also mentioned the recent action of the US government on the H1B visa policy, after which, there will now be a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a sharp increase from the previous level of about USD 1,500. "The CWC is profoundly worried by the collapse of India's foreign policy. Successive governments since independence have closely guarded our country's strategic autonomy, which is now being squandered as the government mindlessly oscillates between appeasing the US and tilting towards China. President Trump continues to claim that he used trade with the US as a bargaining chip to coerce India into abruptly halting Operation Sindoor in May 2025 - a claim that the Modi Government has refused to address with honesty. Despite the bargain, however, President Trump announced steep tariffs on Indian exports to the US-wreaking havoc on key industries that employ million of our worker. The Government allowed the humiliation of hundreds of Indians as they were handcuffed, put on military aircraft and deported back to India by the USA. Shortly after, President Trump urged American technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple to stop hiring Indians. And now, lakhs of Indian citizens find their future in the US at risk because of the Trump administration's hostile changes to the H1B visa policy," the CWC said in its meeting. "The recent unrest in Nepal, the ongoing state of turbulence in our neighbourhood and the strategic alignment of our traditional allies like Maldives, Myanmar, Srilanka, and Bangladesh towards China also spell disaster for our national interests. Prime Minister Modi's "huglomacy" has backfired: far from boosting India's standing, it has left India diplomatically isolated and unable to secure its national interests," the CWC said. Raising concerns over the Gaza situation, the CWC expressed "profound distress" over the ongoing "genocide" of innocent civilians. "India has always been a beacon of moral conscience and the champion of the postcolonial world - it has now shamefully been reduced to a silent spectator. Our foreign policy has now acquired a moral taint," it said. (ANI) Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday expressed his opposition to Edappadi K Palaniswami being projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming state assembly elections. Speaking to mediapersons, the Former Chief Minister said, "We cannot accept Edappadi Palaniswami as the CM candidate of the NDA. I echo what TTV Dhinakaran has said. What he said is right." Earlier in the day, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran said there is no possibility of an alliance with AIADMK as long as Edappadi Palaniswami remains the party's CM candidate. Dhinakaran also added that Annamalai's recent visit to him was only a courtesy call. Speaking to ANI, TTV Dhinakaran said, "Yes, Annamalai met me. It was just a courtesy visit. It was Annamalai who brought our AMMK into the NDA before, and he called me when we decided to come out of it. The decision to announce Edappadi Palaniswami as the CM candidate by the NDA cannot be reversed. As long as he remains the deciding authority of the AIADMK, there is no chance of an alliance. I want to tell those well-meaning and experienced individuals that there is no possibility of an alliance as long as Edappadi is the CM candidate." Dhinakaran said Annamalai asked him to reconsider leaving NDA, but he refused, citing past betrayals by Edappadi Palaniswami and the party. He added that attempts were made to compromise him in Delhi, which prompted AMMK's exit. "Annamalai came and asked me to reconsider our decision to leave the NDA alliance. Palani Sami will hesitate to meet me or form an alliance with us (AMMK). There were attempts to take me to Delhi and compromise, and sensing this, I announced beforehand that AMMK is coming out. There is no permanent enemy in politics, but betrayal is different. Those who came to power and became CM (Edappadi Palaniswami) betrayed us and pushed us out, and that cannot be forgiven," Dhinakaran said. Dhinakaran said that his party acted against the betrayal by Edappadi Palaniswami and cannot form an alliance with those who tried to undermine them. "We never thought to tell the government, but we just spoke and acted against the betrayal by Palani Sami. We, who saved the government, were not even given permission to conduct May Day meetings. Those who wanted to destroy us, how can we have an alliance with them? There are 90 per cent of them (AIADMK) who want to join again. Amit Saha never stated that Edappadi K Palaniswami is the NDA's CM candidate. In the 2007 RK Nagar by-election, we opposed Edappadi K Palaniswami's candidacy. What the AIADMK is now is not the same as it was before; it is just an Edappadi K Palaniswami party," Dhinakaran further added. "Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that it was not the right time to press the Union Government to award Bharat Ratna to Pasumpon Muthuramuthu Devar, and now, for the first time, Madurai Airport is being named after Pasumpon Devar. After the 2026 election, following the old laws initiated by our leaders, MGR and Jayalalithaa, AMMK will work for that. There were chances for an alliance which could not be predicted. Time will tell whether AMMK will have an alliance with DMK. Good things will happen," Dhinakaran further added. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday attended the Uttarakhand CSR Dialogue program at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun. On this occasion, he also virtually inaugurated a digital classroom at the primary school of Mukhyamantri Adarsh Gram Sarkot. During the event, MoUs were signed with Axis Bank Group for the digitalisation of 24 schools in the state, and with Toyota for CSR initiatives in the areas of environmental protection, education, healthcare, and community empowerment. The Chief Minister said that today, leading corporate houses of the country are contributing significantly to Uttarakhand through their Social Responsibility Initiatives, focusing on quality education, healthcare, sanitation, and environmental conservation. Several organisations, such as IIFCL, Mankind, Avana Foundation, Toyota, Nestle, THDC, IRCTC, HDFC, and Britannia, are running various social programs in the state. Highlighting the government's efforts to promote investment, CM Dhami recalled the Global Investors Summit 2023, where the state received investment proposals worth over Rs 3.56 lakh crore. Of this, projects worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore have already been grounded. "To create a better industrial ecosystem, the state has implemented over 30 policies, including industrial, logistics, startup, and MSME policies. Additionally, incubation centers have been set up to encourage startups, along with a venture fund of Rs 200 crore to provide financial support," he said, as per a release. The Chief Minister said that the state government is consistently working to bring qualitative improvement in the education system. "Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the National Education Policy 2020. To ensure quality education, NCERT textbooks have been made mandatory in all government schools. For the first time, job fairs were organized for Class 12 vocational students, resulting in the selection of 146 students by reputed companies. Uttarakhand has also become the first state in the country to prepare a State Curriculum Framework for basic education," he said. He further said that the state has implemented the country's strictest anti-cheating law to curb exam malpractices. As a result, over 25,000 youth have successfully secured government jobs in the past four and a half years. Since the law came into effect, more than 100 exam mafia members have been sent behind bars. The Chief Minister added that some people are displeased that today the youth are getting fair opportunities in government jobs, and therefore, they are hatching conspiracies to leak exam papers and push students' futures into darkness. Recently, an attempt was made to leak an exam paper, and efforts were made to spread unrest in its name. He asserted that the government will not rest until exam mafias are completely eradicated from the state. (ANI) Raising concern over the plight of cotton farmers in Punjab, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Wednesday urged the Centre to immediately direct the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to commence procurement of cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 7,710 per quintal, as announced by the Union Government. Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, the Minister highlighted that despite the arrival of "white gold" in state mandis, the absence of CCI has left farmers vulnerable, forcing them to sell their produce to private traders below the MSP. He said this has created deep disappointment among farmers who had relied on the Centre's promise of procurement. Khudian pointed out that, owing to the state government's initiatives for crop diversification, the cotton cultivation area in Punjab has increased by nearly 20 per cent--from around 99,000 hectares in 2024 to 1.19 lakh hectares this year. The state government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been providing a 33 per cent subsidy on hybrid cotton seeds along with other farmer-centric measures. He said farmers chose to cultivate cotton with the assurance of MSP, but in the absence of procurement, they are compelled to sell their crop at distress prices to meet their financial needs. Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the Centre's "hollow promises," the Agriculture Minister stressed that while Punjab's farmers and government have fulfilled their responsibilities with sincerity, the Union Government must now act swiftly. He demanded that CCI immediately begin procurement in Punjab's mandis without any further delay, adding that even a small fraction of cotton being sold below MSP shakes the faith of farmers in the system, and the present crisis must be resolved at once. (ANI) In a proud moment for Tripura University and the scientific community of Northeast India, three distinguished faculty members have been named in Stanford University's globally acclaimed "Top 2% Scientists" list for 2025. The honorees include: Professor Binod Chandra Tripathy, Department of Mathematics, Dr Arabinda Ghosh, Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics and Dr Ratan Das, Department of Physics, a release said. Prof. Tripathy, a renowned professor of Mathematics, has made significant contributions in areas such as classes of sequences (crisp and fuzzy), characterisation of matrix classes, duals of sequence spaces, spectra of matrix operators, convergence acceleration, and series analysis. Dr Arabinda Ghosh, an Assistant Professor in Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, specialises in computational systems biology, recombinant DNA technology, enzymology, and computer-aided drug design. De Ratan Das, an Assistant Professor of Physics, focuses his research on material science and condensed matter physics. This recognition places them among the world's most influential researchers, based on standardised citation metrics developed by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier and Scopus. The Stanford/Elsevier list is one of the most respected global databases, ranking the top 2% of scientists across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields. The evaluation includes composite citation scores, h-index, co-authorship adjustments, authorship positions, career-long and single-year impact, as well as adjustments for self-citations and retracted papers. The inclusion of Prof. Tripathy, Dr. Ghosh, and Dr. Das highlights Tripura University's growing research strength in mathematics, molecular biology, and physics. Their high-impact publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and global contributions underscore the university's rising stature in the world of research and education. In 2025, over 5,300 Indian scientists earned a place on Stanford's prestigious list, showcasing India's expanding role in global scientific scholarship. For Tripura University, this milestone marks a significant step in strengthening Northeast India's footprint in international research. Speaking to ANI, Prof BC Tripathy, Department of Mathematics, said, "This system was introduced in 2020, and I feel very good about it because the name of our university is rising higher. People are getting inspired when they see me." "My research subject is General Mathematics. In the beginning, our ranking was 318. There are four members in our team. In 2020, my name appeared on the list along with another professor from the Chemistry department. That made us very happy," he added. "The struggle was huge, because we used to reach the university by 10 a.m. or even earlier and worked until around 7:30 or 8 p.m. We never took any holidays--whether it was Sunday or any other public holiday, we always came and worked," he further said. Arabinda Ghosh, Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biology, told ANI, "It feels really good when a scientist or researcher receives such an award. For many people, this kind of recognition is like a dream." "In 2015, when I completed my Ph.D., I thought about how to move my research career forward. I joined Gauhati University as an Assistant Professor and started my research work there. As time went on, we continued working steadily. For research, students are very important because they are our pillars," he added. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh hailed the cabinet's decision to approve Rs 1,865.68 crore productivity-linked bonus (PLB) for over 10.91 lakh railway employees, calling it "highly commendable." Uttarakhand CM said it would provide a major boost to the morale of railway staff across the country. In a post on X, CM Dhami said, "The decision by the Union Cabinet, under the visionary leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, to grant 1865.68 crore to 10,91,146 railway employees as a 78-day Productivity Bonus (PLB) is highly commendable. This decision taken by the central leadership will certainly provide encouragement to the railway employees." "Heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble Prime Minister ji for this important decision taken in the interest of the employees! #CabinetDecisions," Dhami further said. https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1970848174752292956 Earlier today, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of 78 days for Rs 1865.68 crore to 10,91,146 railway employees, in recognition of the excellent performance by the railway staff. Payment of PLB to eligible railway employees is made each year before the Durga Puja / Dussehra holidays. This year also, PLB amount equivalent to 78 days' wages is being paid to about 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway employees. The payment of PLB acts as an incentive to motivate the railway employees for working towards improvement in the performance of the Railways. The maximum payable amount of PLB equivalent to 78 days' wages for each eligible railway employee is Rs.17,951.The above amount will be paid to various categories, of railway staff like Track maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers (Guard), Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Technician Helpers, Pointsman, Ministerial Staff and other Group 'C' staff. The performance of Railways in the year 2024-25 was very good. Railways loaded a record cargo of 1614.90 Million Tonnes and carried nearly 7.3 billion passengers. The Cabinet also approved doubling of Bakhtiyarpur - Rajgir - Tilaiya single railway line section (104 Km) in Bihar with total cost of Rs. 2,192 crore The project covering four Districts in the state of Bihar will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 104 Kms. The Project section also provides rail connectivity to prominent destinations such as Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, Pawapuri etc. attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country. Multi-tracking projects will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,434 villages and about 13.46 lakh population and two Aspirational Districts (Gaya and Nawada). The Cabinet also approved, construction of 4-lane Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of the NH-139W in Bihar on Hybrid Annuity Mode with a total project length of 78.942 km worth Rs. 3,822.31 crore. A Rs 69,725 crores package to revitalise India's shipbuilding & maritime sector with a comprehensive 4-pillar approach focused on shipbuilding, maritime financing & boosting domestic capacity has also been green flagged. (ANI) Delhi's Tis Hazari Court on Wednesday directed police to provide, within 24 hours, a copy of the FIR to Rajesh Bhai Khimji, the main accused in the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attack case. However, the court has directed the accused not to circulate or share the content of the FIR. Although the Delhi Police opposed the application seeking the supply of the FIR to the accused, terming it a sensitive case, the court passed the direction in the light of the law laid down by the Supreme Court. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Gaurav Goyal directed the Delhi police to supply a copy of the FIR to the accused, Rajesh Bhai Khimji. JMFC Goyal opined, " In view of the above discussion and law laid by the Honourable Supreme Court of India, this Court is of the opinion that the copy of FIR should be supplied to the applicant /accused." " In view thereof, the instant application is allowed and the IO concerned is directed to supply a copy of FIR within 24 hours against due acknowledgement. Application stands disposed off," JMFC Gaurav Goyal ordered. However, the court directed the accused not to publish, circulate or disseminate the contents of the FIR in the public domain or to any third party without the permission of the court. Advocate Pradeep Khatri appeared for Rajesh Khimji and argued that an FIR has been registered against Khimji in Police Station Civil Lines on August 20. It was further submitted that the copy of the FIR has not yet been supplied to the applicant/accused. Delhi Police opposed the said application. Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Pradeep Rana, along with Advocate Gagan Bhatnagar, appeared for the Delhi police and stated that the FIR is declared sensitive by order of DCP, North District. It was prayed that the present application, being premature, is not maintainable. Earlier, on September 22, the court extended the judicial custody of Rajesh Khimji and his friend, Tehseen Syed, until October 6. The accused were produced before the court through video conferencing. They have been arrested in the CM attack case. Rajesh Khimji was arrested by the Delhi Police after he allegedly attacked the Delhi CM during a Jan Sunvai at her official residence at Civil Lines on August 20. Rajesh Khimji is originally from Rajkot, Gujarat. During the investigation, his friend Tehseen Syed was also arrested. Both were remanded to judicial custody after police interrogation. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - Liberia's President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has highlighted his country's upcoming Security Council term saying "while the nameplate during this two-year term will read Liberia, the seat, however, belongs to Africa Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday strongly condemned the incident in Leh town that led to the loss of lives and injuries to several civilians and security personnel. In a handout issued here on Wednesday, the Lt Governor expressed deep grief over the tragic deaths and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. Taking serious note of the stone-pelting and arson incidents, which created a law-and-order situation and resulted in damage to the democratic institutions and public infrastructure, Kavinder directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict measures for the restoration of normalcy and the safety of the public. He emphasised that violence in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Lt Governor said that those found involved in this heart-wrenching incident will be brought to justice and dealt with sternly as per the law. He further directed the police and district administration to identify and take strict action against all elements responsible for disturbing peace and causing damage, the handout stated. The Lt Governor appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and to refrain from being misled by elements attempting to disrupt the social fabric and public order. He said, "Our strength lies in unity and dialogue, not in violence. I urge everyone to extend full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace and stability in the region." Reiterating the Government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Ladakh, Kavinder assured that all genuine demands of the citizens will be addressed in a just and timely manner. He reaffirmed that the Administration stands dedicated to preserving the interests of Ladakh while ensuring development, progress, and security for all. This comes after a massive protest by the people of Ladakh turned violent as the demonstrators targeted government buildings and the BJP office in Leh. People of Ladakh have been demanding the inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution contains Article 244(2) and 275(1), which reads, "Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram." There has been a demand for statehood for Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Union Cabinet approved the Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme. In a post shared on X, Uttarakhand CM said, "Under the visionary leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the Union Cabinet has approved the "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme." "This scheme, with a budget exceeding 2277 crore, will benefit research institutions, universities, and young researchers across the country. This decision brings to life the Hon'ble Prime Minister ji's vision of a self-reliant India based on science and research. Heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble Prime Minister ji for this visionary step!" Dhami said. Earlier today, the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR/CSIR) Scheme on "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development" with a total outlay of Rs 2277.397 crore for the period of the 15th Finance Commission Cycle 2021-22 to 2025-26. According to an official release, the scheme is implemented by the CSIR and will cover all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and Universities across the country. The initiative provides a wide platform for young, enthusiastic researchers aspiring to build careers in universities, industry, national R&D laboratories, and academic institutions. Guided by eminent scientists and professors, the scheme will foster growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM). The Capacity Building and Human Resource Development Scheme plays an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the S&T sector in India by increasing the researchers per million populations. The Scheme has demonstrated its relevance by building capacity and expanding the pool of high-quality human resources in the S&T sector. Concerted efforts put in Research and Development (R&D) in Science and Technology (S&T) by the Central Government during last decade, India has improved its position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) to 39th rank in 2024 as per the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) ranking which will further improve in near future under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister of India. As a result of support to R&D by the Government, India is now among the top three in terms of scientific paper publications as per NSF, USA data. DSIR's scheme is supporting thousands of research scholars and scientists whose outputs have contributed significantly to India's S&T achievements. This approval creates a historical milestone in CSIR on its 84 years of service to Indian scientific and industrial research, through the umbrella scheme implementation, which accelerates the country's R&D progress in the present and future generations. CSIR umbrella scheme "Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) which has four sub-schemes such as (i) Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships (ii) the Extramural Research Scheme, the Emeritus Scientist Scheme, and the Bhatnagar Fellowship programme; (iii) Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through the Award Scheme; and (iv) Promoting knowledge sharing through the Travel and Symposia Grant Scheme. This initiative reflects the Centre's commitment towards building a robust R&D driven innovation ecosystem and preparing Indian science for global leadership in the 21st century. (ANI) A hunger strike initiated by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10, demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh, turned violent, leading to clashes with police and damage to public property. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike on September 10, demanding the 6th Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues. A series of meetings was held with them through the formal channels of the High-Powered Committee, as well as the Sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings with leaders. The process of dialogue through this mechanism has yielded phenomenal results by increasing reservations for the Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45% to 84%, providing 1/3 women's reservations in the councils and declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages. With this process, the recruitment of 1800 posts was also commenced. However, certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress made under HPC and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process. The next meeting of High-Powered Committee has been scheduled on 6th October while meetings are also planned on 25th and 26th September with the leaders from Ladakh. The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal. On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as the Government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. According to the release, the unruly mob attacked the police personnel, injuring more than 30 police/CRPF personnel. The mob continued to destroy public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported. Barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation is brought under control by 4PM. It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation. The Government stands committed to the aspiration of the people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards, a release said. It is also requested that people should not circulate the old and provocative videos in the media and on social media. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday reaffirmed his government's zero-tolerance policy on cow slaughter, asserting that anyone involved in harming "Gaumata" will have "no place" in society under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Addressing a public rally in Balaghat, Chief Minister Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, drawing attention to a historical incident from 1965. He recalled that lakhs of sadhus, saints and mahamandaleshwars had marched to Delhi under the leadership of Karpatri Maharaj, demanding a ban on cow slaughter. He accused the then Congress government of opening fire on the unarmed sadhus and saints. Chief Minister Yadav said that the public would never forgive them for committing such a sin. The Chief Minister said, "We have already said that if anyone troubles Gaumata, if anyone does anything wrong to Gaumata, then there is no place for them to live in this society in our government. Their place is in jail. Our government has made the law. Ask Congress about their stand. Around 1965, lakhs of sadhus, saints, mahamandaleshwars all came to Delhi along with our Karpatri Maharaj. They asked the Congress government to stop cow slaughter and take everyone along, but the Congress people committed the sin of killing the unarmed sadhus and saints by firing on them." Accusing the Congress of historical insensitivity towards religious sentiments, he said the public would never forgive the party for such acts. "The country will never forgive Congress for this sin. Karpaatri Maharaja died while being on anasana. The public will never forgive this sin of Congress. During Mahatma Gandhi's time, Congress kept the cow and calf as its election symbol. They hated the cow and child so much that they changed their election symbol," he added. Continuing his attack, the Chief Minister alleged that Congress leaders have started spreading misinformation regarding beef in the state. "Earlier, Congress was abusing the gods; now it has started a new story. They said that beef has been made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh. Someone asks these fools what they did when they were in power for the first time in 2004... But now cow slaughter is not possible here. Our government has banned cow slaughter. We cannot even contemplate such a thing towards the mother cow. There is no need to slaughter any cow; if anyone objects, our government puts them in jail. We have made a law... Congress has nothing to do with the gaumata..." he said. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of senior IAS officer and former Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Dr Beela Rajesh, who passed away at the age of 56 in Chennai after a prolonged illness. In a condolence message, Chief Minister Stalin said, "I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of the Secretary of the Energy Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dr Beela Venkatesan, IAS." Highlighting her professional journey, the Chief Minister said, "Dr. Beela Venkatesan, who was a doctor by profession, later entered the Indian Administrative Service and served with vast experience in several important departments as Secretary. She played a crucial role as the Health Secretary during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic and had the opportunity to serve in several other significant responsibilities. His untimely demise is indeed a great loss." He further extended his condolences to the bereaved family members, saying, "I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to his bereaved family members and to the senior officials of the government who are grieving his loss." Dr Beela Rajesh, a 1997-batch IAS officer, was widely known for her service as Tamil Nadu's Health Secretary during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during that critical time brought her into the public spotlight and earned appreciation for her calm and composed communication style during daily media briefings. She passed away on Wednesday in Chennai due to a prolonged illness. Her mortal remains have been placed for public homage at her residence in Kottivakkam, ECR, Chennai. Dr Beela Rajesh was the daughter of former Director General of Police (DGP) L.N. Venkatesan and former MLA Rani Venkatesan. A medical doctor by qualification, she completed her MBBS from Madras Medical College before joining the civil services. Throughout her administrative career, she held several key positions in the Tamil Nadu government and was known for her efficiency and dedication in public service. (ANI) An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday heard the case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) on May 9, 2023. The attack followed his arrest, which had triggered violent protests across the country, resulting in the torching and vandalism of state buildings and military installations. According to Dawn, Imran Khan attended the hearing through a WhatsApp video call after the court dismissed his request for a physical appearance last week. However, the hearing was marred by technical difficulties. Imran's lawyers, Salman Akram Raja and Faisal Malik, sought permission from Judge Amjad Ali Shah to communicate directly with the former premier during the call. Yet, due to disruptions in Imran's voice and a blurred video feed, his lawyers decided to boycott the proceedings, deeming the trial "unfair." Despite the interruptions, the court proceeded to record the statements of eight witnesses, including officials from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, and the Pakistan Information Department, Dawan reported. In response, PTI's legal team rejected the recording of witness statements under these conditions. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing and summoned additional witnesses for September 27. Imran Khan was indicted in the case on December 5, 2023. The PTI founder, who has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail since August 2023, was arrested in January 2024 by Rawalpindi police for his involvement in the May 9 protests. Speaking to the media after the boycott, lawyer Salman Akram Raja raised serious concerns over the fairness of the trial. "A mobile phone was placed before Khan sahib in jail, on which a video call was made. On this side, the judge received the call on a phone he had," he said. Raja added that during the call, Imran could not hear what was being said in court, and those present in the courtroom could not hear him. "Then obviously, Khan sahib is unaware of the testimonies being recorded," he said. Raja further shared that they had requested the judge to allow them to speak with Imran, but the judge cited a weak connection. "The judge said that [we] were unable to talk [to Imran] because the link was very weak." He also highlighted that they had the right to talk to Imran alone. "But this right, too, was denied," he added. Dawn further reported that Raja had prepared an application, which lawyer Faisal Malik would submit to the court. "And we have conveyed to the court that it is not possible for us to remain a part of this process. There should be an open trial and the accused should be given the chance to talk to his lawyers," he asserted. In addition, they had also filed a plea against the proceedings with the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi bench, Dawn reported. (ANI) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and French President Emmanuel Macron were among the key dignitaries who arrived at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday (local time) for the high-level debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The 80th UNGA session began on September 9 in New York, drawing global leaders to discuss pressing international challenges. The high-level general debate started on September 23, with more than 150 Heads of State and Government expected to deliver speeches by the conclusion of the debate on September 29. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was seen arriving at the UN headquarters for the session. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron were also present. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was spotted leaving the UN headquarters after attending the session. This year's theme is "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights," reflecting a focus on global cooperation to address contemporary issues. On Tuesday, notable leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also arrived to participate in the Assembly. On the sidelines of the Assembly, several European nations announced their recognition of a Palestinian state. France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg and Malta confirmed recognition on Monday, following similar moves by Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal a day earlier. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her support for a two-state solution in her address to the UNGA. "We will set up a Palestine Donor Group. Because any future Palestinian State must be viable also from an economic point of view. And we Europeans will set up a dedicated instrument for Gaza's reconstruction. Gaza must be rebuilt," she said. She added, "When the night is darkest, we must hold fast to our compass, and our compass is the two-state solution. Since the beginning of this war, Europe has been the lifeline of the Palestinian Authority. But we must all do more, and this is why we will set up a Palestine donor group." Von der Leyen further stressed that the only viable peace plan must guarantee "a secure Israel, a viable Palestinian state, and the scourge of Hamas removed." (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that a high-level meeting concerning the situation in Gaza was "very successful," despite ongoing disagreements over the recognition of a Palestinian state. Speaking to reporters after departing the United Nations headquarters in New York during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Trump said, "We had a very good meeting concerning Gaza. It was a very successful meeting with all the big players, except for Israel. But that's going to be next." During his address at the 80th session of the UNGA, President Trump reiterated his opposition to unilateral moves by some countries to recognise a Palestinian state, calling such efforts a "reward" for Hamas. He also reiterated his call for a ceasefire and an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. "As if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities," Trump told world leaders at the UN. His remarks came in response to several European nations announcing their decision to recognise a Palestinian state during a summit at the UNGA on Monday. Though largely symbolic, the move further strained Israel's diplomatic standing. The United States, however, has not supported such a step. "Recognising a Palestinian state would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7, even while they refuse to release the hostages or accept a ceasefire," he said and suggested a different course of action, stating, "Instead of giving in to Hamas' ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now, just release the hostages." Trump emphasised the urgency of halting the war in Gaza, adding, "We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to stop it. ... We have to negotiate immediately. Have to negotiate peace. We got to get the hostages back." Adding weight to Europe's stance, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas issued a stern warning to Hamas and its factions, urging them to surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority. He asserted that the state of Palestine is the sole entity eligible to govern and ensure security in Gaza. Speaking via a video link during a special session on the two-state solution at the UNGA, Abbas outlined a vision for a unified Palestinian state governed by one law and a single legitimate security force. "The state of Palestine is the only entity eligible to assume full responsibility for governance and security in Gaza. This comes through an interim administrative committee affiliated with the Palestinian government in the West Bank and Arab and international support and participation," Abbas stated. He emphasised that "Hamas will have no role in governing" and urged, "Hamas and other factions must surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority. What we want is one unified state without weapons, a state with one law and one legitimate security force." Linking this vision to recent diplomatic moves, Abbas expressed gratitude for the New York Declaration adopted by the UNGA in July, which he described as marking "the beginning of an irreversible path" toward ending the humanitarian crisis and Israeli occupation, in line with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. The declaration, he noted, envisions an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace alongside Israel. Calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, Abbas stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access through the UN, the release of all hostages and prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. He also advocated for the urgent reconstruction of Gaza and the West Bank through the Cairo International Conference. "The declaration stressed that the war against our people must come to an immediate and durable end. It noted that the crimes emanating from the siege, the starvation and destruction cannot be a means of achieving security. Therefore, we call for a permanent ceasefire," he said. "We need to ensure humanitarian access through the United Nations... We need to guarantee the release of all hostages and prisoners, with the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza. We need a start without delay of Gaza and the West Bank reconstruction through the Cairo International Conference," the president added. Condemning both Hamas's October 7 attacks and Israeli actions, Abbas said, "We stress our condemnation of the occupation's crimes. We also condemn the killing and detention of civilians, including Hamas's actions on October the 7th, 2023." He further criticised Israel's settlement expansion, annexation policies, settler violence, and attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, warning that "the Israeli narrative on greater Israel... represents a direct threat to Arab national security and international peace." According to Israel, 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, while more than 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza in Israel's counter-military strikes. (ANI) The talks covered bilateral relations between the UAE and Solomon Islands, with emphasis on deepening cooperation in areas that support shared interests and long-term growth. Abdullah and Maenele also discussed several topics on the agenda of the 80th session of the General Assembly Abdullah underlined the UAE's keenness to deepen ties with Solomon Islands and and to seize available opportunities that promote further progress in bilateral cooperation serving the development goals of both countries. The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State. (ANI/WAM) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, focusing on enhancing collaboration, solidarity, and multilateral engagement among developing nations. The meeting centred around key global issues, including climate justice, digital technology, and the urgent need for multilateral reforms. The initiative comes amid growing consensus among developing nations on the importance of shaping global discourse to better reflect their priorities. In a post on X, Jaishankar emphasised the need for multilateralism to tackle global concerns and risks facing developing nations. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970624071281885370 "Delighted to host the High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries in New York today on the sidelines of UNGA80. In the face of the proliferation of concerns and the multiplicity of risks, it is natural that the Global South turn to multilateralism for solutions," EAM said. Highlighting India's proposals for strengthening South-South cooperation, Jaishankar added, "Made the following proposals for the Global South to approach world affairs: Utilise existing forums to strengthen consultations among the Global South with a view to enhancing solidarity and encouraging collaboration. Bring to the table specific strengths, experiences, and achievements we may have developed that can benefit fellow nations in the Global South. Vaccines, digital capabilities, education capacities, agro-practices and SME culture are good examples." Jaishankar called for initiatives that prioritise the Global South over the Global North in addressing climate change. "In areas like climate action and climate justice, come up with initiatives that serve the Global South rather than justify the global North. Discuss the promise of technologies on the horizon, especially AI, and reform the UN and multilateralism as a whole." In a series of posts, the External Affairs Minister also shared updates on his productive diplomatic engagements with key foreign ministers during the UNGA. He held a conversation with Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, terming it a "quick chat" on the sidelines of the high-level meeting. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970624785991582183 "Quick chat with my friend FM @VivianBala of Singapore on the sidelines of the High-Level Meeting of Like Minded Global South Countries in New York today," EAM Jaishankar wrote. Jaishankar also met with St. Lucia's Foreign Minister Alva Baptiste. "A great conversation with FM Alva Baptiste of St. Lucia today. Always enjoy his company," he posted. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970625404672393651 Jaishankar met FM Ritish Ramful of Mauritius to discuss follow-up on PM Jugnauth's visit. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970629121257460009 "Pleased to meet FM @RitishRamful of Mauritius today in New York. Discussed following up on the recent successful State Visit of PM @Ramgoolam_Dr to India," the post added on X. EAM Jaishankar also met with David van Weel of the Netherlands in New York. In a post on X, EAM wrote, "Appreciated the meeting with FM David van Weel of the Netherlands this evening in New York. An insightful conversation on European strategic positioning and India's approach. (ANI) New York, US (PANA) - Senior oficials of 10 countries and the United Nations have met on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week to discuss building economic foundations for unity and security in Libya Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected a Chinese military vessel around its territorial waters as of 6 am on Wednesday (local time). In a departure from the usual, the MND did not detect any PLA aircraft. In a post on X, the MND said, "1 PLAN vessel operating around #Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1970654416450789402 Earlier on Tuesday, Taiwan detected 15 sorties of PLA aircraft and 1 naval vessel operating around itself. Of the 15, 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "15 sorties of PLA aircraft and 1 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1970292030091022652 The frequent incursions and maritime operations reflect rising tensions between Taiwan and China, a relationship long fraught with geopolitical strain. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself independently with its own distinct political and economic systems. However, China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle, insisting there is only one China with its capital in Beijing. The dispute's roots trace back to the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, when the ROC government fled to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has maintained its goal of reunification, using military, diplomatic, and economic means to apply pressure on Taiwan and diminish its international space. Despite these efforts, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence, backed by strong public support, and continues to assert its sovereignty amid ongoing external pressures. The MND regularly monitors and publicly reports such military movements to ensure transparency and national security awareness. (ANI) While attending the UN General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself in an unexpected situation as he was stuck in traffic and had to dial in the US President. Macron, who was en route from the UN headquarters to a meeting at the French Embassy, was halted by NY police because the street had been closed off for the motorcade of US President Donald Trump, France 24 reported. Macron, visibly surprised by the situation at hand, pulled out his phone and called Trump directly. "I'm waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you," Macron said in fluent English, according to a video shared by BFMTV, France24 reported. Despite the call, the road remained blocked, and Macron ended up walking to his meeting at the French Embassy, where he was scheduled to have dinner with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to France24, the unexpected walk gave Macron the chance to continue his conversation with Trump, using the opportunity to raise issues such as the situation in Gaza, particularly in coordination with Qatar. A French official, speaking anonymously, described the phone call as "warm and friendly", saying it served as an opportunity to touch base on various global matters. "The president took the opportunity to call Donald Trump on the phone, while walking, for a very warm and friendly call, which allowed for an update on several international issues," the official said, as quoted by France24. Although Trump has criticised Macron's move to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, the two leaders are believed to maintain a cordial personal relationship. Both leaders also met during a "pull-aside" on the sidelines of the UNGA. During the meeting with Macron, Trump made candid remarks about global conflicts and his diplomatic efforts, notably highlighting Macron's role in aiding peace negotiations. "Emmanuel has actually helped me with a couple of the wars. We settled seven wars," Trump said. However, Trump expressed disappointment over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting it has been more difficult to resolve than anticipated. "The biggest disappointment, but I think that'll happen eventually, is the Ukraine and Russia situation. I thought that would be the easiest one because of my relationship with Putin. But unfortunately, that relationship didn't mean anything," Trump admitted. Macron also called for support for Ukraine, noting that there was a possibility of a "good future" given Russia's economic struggle. "If we back Ukraine concretely in this situation, given that the Russian economy is suffering. I mean, there is this opportunity of a good future," he stated. Although Trump has criticised Macron's move to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, the two leaders are believed to maintain a cordial personal relationship. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism in India's support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that India is "mostly" aligned with Kyiv's position, while acknowledging New Delhi's position on energy-related complexities. During an interview with Fox News, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday (local time), Zelenskyy highlighted the need to strengthen ties with India while addressing challenges related to Russian energy dependencies. "I think India is mostly with us. We have these questions with energy, but I think President Trump can manage it. With the Europeans make closer and stronger relations with India," Zelenskyy said. He emphasised the importance of ensuring India does not drift away from supporting Ukraine, adding, "I think we must do everything not to withdraw Indians and they will eventually change their attitude toward the Russian energy sector." He noted, however, that engaging China on this issue is "more difficult" due to Beijing's historic alignment with Russian interests. "With China, it's more difficult because, for now, it's not in their interest to stop supporting Russia," the Ukrainian president said. Zelenskyy also praised US President Donald Trump for his commitment to supporting Ukraine until the conflict's resolution, underscoring a shared desire for peace. "He [Trump] showed that he wants to support Ukraine till the very end. So now we understand that we're ready to end this war as quickly as possible. He wants that, I want that, and our people want that, but he understands that Putin doesn't want," he said. "What surprised me, in a very positive way, is the clear message from Trump and America that they will stand with us until the war is over," Zelenskyy added. He also contrasted this with Russian President Vladimir Putin's narrative, stating, "Putin knows he is not winning but still says to everyone that he is winning." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, describing it as a profound loss to the Kingdom and the Islamic world. In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his thoughts and prayers for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people. "Deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom and its people in this moment of grief," the Prime Minister said. The announcement of the Grand Mufti's passing was made by the Saudi Royal Court on Tuesday, mourning the loss of the esteemed religious leader who also served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. "The Royal Court announced today the passing of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh," a statement from the Royal Court said. It further stated that the funeral prayers would be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer on Tuesday. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and all mosques across the Kingdom. "Funeral prayer will be held for him at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer today. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered that funeral prayers in absentia also be performed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and in all mosques across the Kingdom," the statement read. The Royal Court highlighted Sheikh Al Al-Sheikh's significant contributions to Islam and Muslims, stating, "With his passing, the Kingdom and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar." Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their condolences to his family, the Saudi people, and the global Muslim community. (ANI) Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, Dhruva Jaishankar, on Tuesday (local time) said that both Indian and US-based companies have expressed concern over the sufficient availability of skilled talent for their jobs in the wake of recent hikes in H-1B visa fees by the Trump administration. Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by evolving US immigration policies while emphasising India's respect for sovereign decisions. "India is conscious of the fact that for any country, the immigration regime tends to be a sovereign matter, including India's. In that sense, it's really up to every government to design its visa policies," Jaishankar said. He noted that "industry has raised some concerns about whether it is able to get sufficient talent for jobs, including India-based MNCs, but also US-based companies as well." Jaishankar cautioned against potential long-term restrictions, referencing a dip in US favourability in India following Operation Sindoor, and urged consideration of these dynamics beyond immediate political priorities. "Before Operation Sindoor, the negative opinion of the US in India was actually quite low. Now it is unclear whether, in the long term, more and more conditions and restrictions will be placed. That's obviously not something weighing on the Trump administration's mind, but it is something to consider," the ORF America Executive Director said. Last week, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that will cause a major overhaul of H-1B visa petitions. According to the proclamation, there will now be a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a sharp increase from the previous level of about USD 1,500. The US State Department also clarified that the new fee requirement applies only to individuals or companies filing fresh H-1B petitions or entering the lottery system after September 21. Current visa holders and petitions submitted before that date remain unaffected. Under the proclamation, a USD 100,000 payment must accompany every new H-1B visa petition filed after the deadline, including entries in the 2026 lottery. Addressing the 50 per cent US tariffs on India, Jaishankar described the measure as "unusually high", particularly the additional 25 per cent tariff linked to New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil. "From India's point of view, there is a very clear understanding that the 50 per cent tariff is unusually high and that, particularly, the 25 per cent extra tariff that the Trump administration has imposed for the purchase of Russian oil needs to be brought down and that it is having consequences for bilateral trade and also for the broader environment," he explained. He welcomed ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, noting a shift from "about two months of a frigid relationship at the top levels between the US and India" to a more positive trajectory. New Delhi is currently facing global uncertainties due to heightened economic tensions following the US imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, which was supplemented by an additional 25 per cent due to New Delhi's purchase of Russian crude oil. On Trump's UNGA address, where he claimed credit for de-escalating conflicts, including between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar clarified India's position. "In passing, he mentioned taking credit for ending a lot of conflicts, including a reference to India and Pakistan. India has been very clear on that front and said that the cessation of hostilities that occurred on May 10th was a consequence of India's own military actions. My understanding is that Prime Minister Modi has made that quite clear to President Trump," he stated. (ANI) At the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Shah Faisal Mohammad, a representative of ECO-FAWN society, while addressing the Council, raised alarm over what he described as a "gruesome terror attack" and a "blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law," referring to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 sponsored by Pakistani terrorist organisations. Shah stated that civilians had been targeted merely for exercising their fundamental freedoms, the right to travel, freedom of movement, and freedom of religion. "Human rights cannot exist side by side with organised terror," Shah stated, warning that such attacks were part of a deliberate pattern of violence aimed at destabilising peace, dividing communities, and suppressing freedoms in the region. India urged the Council to confront the global infrastructure that supports terrorism. This includes cross-border financing, training camps abroad, ideological networks, and the safe sanctuaries that allow extremist groups to operate with impunity. "The network must be dismantled completely. No terror group should have safe havens, media platforms or political coverage," Shah stated. Shah further called on all member states to investigate, expose, and sanction both attackers and their supporters. Any silence or indifference, India warned, would only embolden violent actors. Highlighting the long-standing pluralistic character of Jammu and Kashmir, India said the recent violence was intended to "break the spirit of a secular, inclusive society" at a time when the region was moving forward on a path of transformation. The appeal highlighted the right of Indian citizens to live in peace, dignity, and security, free from the threat of extremist violence. "The people of India deserve to live without fear," Shah stated, urging the Council to stand firm against forces that undermine stability and human rights. (ANI) US President Donald Trump expressed strong optimism about Ukraine reclaiming its pre-war borders from Russia with robust support from the European Union and NATO, following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. In a detailed post on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), Trump described Russia as a "paper tiger" claiming to be bogged down by economic woes after three and a half years of conflict, urging Ukraine to seize the moment to "fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form." "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote, emphasising the potential for restoring "the original Borders from where this War started." He attributed Russia's prolonged struggle to its inefficiencies, calling the prolonged conflict a strategic failure. "Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like 'a paper tiger'," the post read. Trump highlighted the mounting economic pressures on Russia, including gasoline shortages and a war economy draining resources. "When the people living in Moscow, and all of the Great Cities, Towns, and Districts all throughout Russia, find out what is really going on with this War... Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act," he added, praising Ukraine's "Great Spirit" and resilience. The US President affirmed continued American support through weapons supplies to NATO, noting, "We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them." The remarks come shortly after Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UNGA. According to Al Jazeera, Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, around 114,500 square kilometres. The active combat front extends approximately 1,000 kilometres through the regions of Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson. Within Zaporizhia and Kherson, Russia controls about 75 per cent of the territory. In addition, Russian forces hold small portions of the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In the Sumy and Kharkiv areas, about 400 square kilometres remain under Russian control, while in Dnipropetrovsk, a small section near the border is occupied, Al Jazeera reported. In the Donbas region, composed of Luhansk and Donetsk, Russia controls around 46,570 square kilometres or approximately 88 per cent. This includes nearly all of Luhansk and about three-quarters of Donetsk. Ukraine still retains control over around 6,600 square kilometres of Donbas. However, Russian forces have intensified operations in Donetsk, targeting the last major Ukrainian-held cities as part of their push to secure what is often referred to as the "fortress belt". (ANI) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an accelerated timeline to completely phase out Russian oil and gas imports to the European Union by the end of 2025, emphasising the urgency to cut off funding for Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Speaking during a pull-aside meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the EU's progress in reducing its dependency on Russian energy and its commitment to imposing further sanctions. "President Trump is absolutely right. We're on it. We have already massively reduced the gas supply from Russia. Completely got out of Russian coal and massively also reduced the oil supply, but there's still some coming to the European continent," von der Leyen said. "We put sanctions out to those ports where, for example, LNG is coming from Russia. We want to put tariffs on oil supplies that are still coming to the European Union. After the last bits of oil and gas come from Russia to the European Union, we want to get rid of it," she added. Addressing questions about the previously set timeline of 2027, von der Leyen affirmed a faster approach. "We want to be out earlier. Absolutely. Till the end of the year, we have the phasing out. We have now the sanctions on the table proposed. Member states have to agree. But we have to be faster because every payment is filling Putin's watches. This cannot be," she stressed. Meanwhile, Trump, during the meeting, criticised the UN's effectiveness in resolving global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war. "We shouldn't have any wars if the UN's really doing its job... The UN has fantastic potential... You can have a wonderful concept, but if you don't have the (right) people... We (solved) all these wars, and we weren't helped by the UN... They didn't do anything, and they're supposed to be solving these problems," Trump stated. He had also called out the UN's effectiveness during his address at the UNGA's high-level debate. He further accused the UN of not being able to solve global issues but causing "new problems". "Not only is the UN not solving the problems it should--too often, it is actually creating new problems... The United Nations is FUNDING an assault on Western countries and their borders... The UN is supposed to STOP invasions--not CREATE them and not FINANCE them," Trump said during his address. Trump also warned that he was prepared to impose heavy tariffs on Russia if it refused to end the war in Ukraine, adding that Russia's war in Ukraine is "not making Russia look good". "In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs," Trump said. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday announced the appointment of Gloria Gangte, from the Indian Foreign Service Batch of 2000, as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway. According to the statement by the MEA, Gangte, who is currently serving as India's High Commissioner to Malta, is expected to take up her new assignment shortly. "Ms. Gloria Gangte (IFS: 2000), presently our High Commissioner to Malta, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway. She is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the MEA release read. A career diplomat who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2000, Gangte brings with her over two decades of rich experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy across the globe. Before her current posting in Malta, she served as Joint Secretary in the Latin American and Caribbean Division at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, where she managed relations with more than 33 countries. Gangte's previous overseas assignments include serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Rome, Italy, where she was also the Deputy Permanent Representative to Rome-based international agencies such as UNIDROIT, FAO, IFAD, and WFP (2017-19). She has also held the position of Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Muscat, Oman (2015-16). In addition, Gangte was Counsellor (Political) at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Offices in Geneva (2011-14) and was a key Indian delegate to the UN Human Rights Council. Her diplomatic career also includes significant roles at the Indian Embassies in Buenos Aires, Argentina (2005-08), and Madrid, Spain (2002-05), where she handled political, commercial, cultural, and consular affairs. At the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters, she has served as Deputy Secretary in the Latin America and Caribbean Division and as Attache in the East Asia Division, with a focus on China and Japan. According to the MEA, India and Norway established bilateral relations in February 1947. Both countries have been enjoying a cordial and friendly relationship since then. The two countries respect each other for their shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. (ANI) At the 80th session of UNGA, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raked up the Kashmir issue, saying that Turkey was 'pleased' with the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May. He said, "We are pleased with the ceasefire achieved following the tensions last April between Pakistan and India, which had escalated into a conflict... The issue of Kashmir should be resolved on the basis of the resolutions of the UN, for the best of our sisters and brothers in Kashmir, through dialogue, we hope." Erdogan had supported Pakistan on Kashmir earlier as well and called for UN dialogue to address the issue during his visit to Islamabad, The Express Tribune reported. This had drawn criticism from the Ministry of External Affairs which had in May said that it has lodged a strong protest with the Turkish ambassador. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We reject such objectionable comments on matters that are internal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish ambassador. Such unwarranted statements on India's territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable." Jaiswal asserted that J-K is an integral part of India and mentioned that Pakistan's cross border terrorism policy against India remains the biggest threat to the people of UT. "Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India. It would have been better if Pakistan's policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, has been called out," Jaiswal said. Turkey had also supported Pakistan during India's Anti Terror operation Sindoor. Pakistani forces had used Turkish made drones to target Indian installations after Op Sindoor had decimated terror operations in Pakistan. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to deepening India-US ties and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region through the Quad during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Week in New York. The discussions that took place on Monday (local time) underscored the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and the shared vision for regional stability. Rubio also conveyed his gratitude to India for its ongoing involvement in a variety of matters, such as trade, energy and critical minerals. (ANI) ST, PETERSBURG, Fla, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybersecurity and compliance firm 360 Advanced is proud to announce the successful acquisition of Security Compliance Associates (SCA). This strategic move strengthens 360 Advanced's position as a trusted leader in cybersecurity and compliance and expands its ability to deliver extensive advisory, audit, and certification services across a broader client base. 360 Advanced & SCA Founded 18 years ago, SCA has built a reputation as a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex compliance requirements. Their experienced team of professionals brings deep expertise that complements 360 Advanced's existing service portfolio. Together, clients are provided with enhanced resources, broader service offerings, and stronger protection against evolving digital threats. "We've had a long-standing relationship with Security Compliance Associates, and I'm thrilled to officially welcome their talented team to 360 Advanced," said Dan Collins, CEO of 360 Advanced. "With their client-centric approach and experienced professionals, this integration will be seamless and mutually beneficial. By combining our capabilities, we are positioned to provide clients with even greater value, while helping them tackle the ever-changing cybersecurity and compliance landscape." "Joining forces with 360 Advanced is a natural next step for Security Compliance Associates," said Jim Brahm, Managing Director & CEO. "Our shared mission of guiding clients through regulatory challenges and safeguarding their businesses is strengthened through this transaction. Together, we are better equipped to expand our impact and deliver broader solutions for our clients' growing needs, all while supporting 360 Advanced's commitment to Building Better Businesses." Together, 360 Advanced and Security Compliance Associates reaffirm their dedication to helping organizations address complex regulatory requirements and strengthen their security and compliance programs. This marks the third acquisition completed by 360 Advanced in the past 18 months, underscoring the firm's commitment to strategic growth and expanding capabilities. The acquisition reflects a shared vision of delivering impactful solutions to clients and supporting the long-term goal of Building Better Businesses in an increasingly challenging digital landscape. Media Contact: Keith Frechette Director of Marketing [email protected] About 360 Advanced, Inc. 360 Advanced is Making Better Businesses through their client-centric cybersecurity and compliance offerings. For nearly 20 years, 360 Advanced has delivered integrated compliance solutions to a global base of clients in a wide range of industries, from tech startups to the Fortune 500. With deep expertise across multiple frameworks including SOC, HIPAA, PCI, HITRUST, ISO, and FedRAMP, as well as services such as Penetration Testing, Risk Assessments, and more, 360 Advanced equips clients with the confidence to safeguard their digital environments while enabling growth. To learn more about their services, visit 360 Advanced. For more information on cybersecurity or compliance solutions, please contact Matt McNulty at: [email protected]. 360 Advanced operates under an alternative practice structure in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and codes of conduct of the AICPA. Read full disclaimer here. About Security Compliance Associates Founded in 2007, Security Compliance Associates (SCA) provides cybersecurity and compliance advisory services to organizations across regulated industries. SCA delivers risk assessments, compliance audits, and security program development designed to help clients navigate evolving regulatory requirements and strengthen their overall security posture. With nearly two decades of experience, SCA has built trusted relationships by combining deep industry knowledge with a client-first approach. For more information on cybersecurity or compliance solutions, please contact Jim Brahm at: [email protected]. SOURCE 360 Advanced Morocco's Secretary of State to the Ministry of Industry, Omar Hejira, emphasised the importance of strengthening India-Morocco relations during his visit to Delhi, underscoring Morocco's strategic position and potential for deeper economic ties. "My visit to India is important to improve the relation between India and Morocco," Hejira said while speaking to ANI, highlighting the growing scope for bilateral cooperation. Explaining Morocco's relevance for India, he added, "Why Morocco is important for India is because it is strategically located and has links with African and European countries and also has a free trade agreement with the US and African as well as Arab countries." Hejira noted that he was accompanied by a strong delegation, underlining the seriousness of the outreach. Extending an invitation for further engagement, he remarked, "Any delegation from India is welcome to come to Morocco and explore it." Building on Hejira's outreach, Morocco's Ambassador to India, Mohamed Maliki, stated on Wednesday that Morocco is actively working to balance its trade with India and is also looking at expanding cooperation across several key sectors. Speaking to ANI at the sidelines of the Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture Conference, Maliki said, "We are working on the trade deficit. Of course, it's in the best interests of Morocco, but I'm quite sure that there are many ways of balancing this trade. It will just take place very soon, I'm sure." The Ambassador underlined Morocco's role in India's food security through the supply of fertilisers. "We are a very large contributor to the security of India, and that's through the fertilisers. It's quite important for India for security," he said. He further noted that both countries share a similar outlook on keeping their economies open. "I think both Morocco and India are very open countries, very open economies, and then protectionism is not a very long solution because it all depends on the dynamics of the markets," he explained. He added that meeting needs, attracting investments and creating opportunities require open economies. Linking this momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Voice of the South" initiative, the Ambassador said, "If you remember that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was holding the Voice of the South, explains and then speaks about the opportunities that should be explored between developing countries. So I think we should see it as an opportunity as well for us." Highlighting the Arab region's importance, he continued, "The main objective is to develop more trade and exchange and business opportunities between the Arab world and India. India is a significant partner, a reliable one, and also boasts a robust economy. And then the Arab world is growing, there are great necessities, and lots of very good opportunities for investments." He further said the delegation is being led by the Secretary of State, a member of the King's cabinet, reflecting the importance of its ties with New Delhi. On the strategic front, Maliki highlighted defence cooperation, citing a recent achievement. He noted that India's Ministry of Defence had just been in Morocco, where they inaugurated the country's first defence facility outside India. This milestone, he said, signifies a high level of strategic partnership and trust between the two nations, particularly in the defence industry sector. Looking ahead, he emphasised that many opportunities remain untapped. "There are so many opportunities that have not been exploited that we will need to exploit and then meeting people all together, helping to do all these things," he added. (ANI) In a post on X, Yadav said, "Today, at Bhopal Residence, the Consul General of Singapore Mr Cheong Ming Foong, paid a courtesy visit. On this occasion, a detailed discussion took place regarding investment promotion in the state." https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1970734099355828430 Singapore's Embassy also said in a post on X, "Called on Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav this morning. We discussed ways to further strengthen our partnership, building on our existing collaborations in skills dev & renewable energy, and exploring exciting new opportunities." https://x.com/SGinIndia/status/1970743013707223208 India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore in September 2024. With shared history, long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas, India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years, a statement by the MEA said. Prime Minister visited Singapore on 4-5 September 2024. Prime Minister had meetings with Prime Minister Wong, Senior Minister (and former Prime Minister) Lee and Emeritus Senior Minister (and former Prime Minister) Goh. Prime Minister called on President Tharman, as per MEA. Prime Minister also interacted with Singapore business leaders and visited AEM, a Singapore company in semiconductor sector. Prime Minister Wong accompanied Prime Minister for the visit to AEM. During this visit, bilateral relations were elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, MoUs on cooperation in the areas of Semiconductor Ecosystem, Digital Technologies, Healthcare and Skill Development were exchanged and a Joint Statement was issued. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam paid a State Visit to India from 14-18 January 2025. He was accompanied by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann. Apart from meetings with President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, several cabinet ministers also called on President Tharman. After Delhi, President Tharman visited Odisha, where several MoUs between Odisha government entities and Singaporean companies, in areas of fintech, skills, green energy and industrial parks, were signed. (ANI) German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann welcomed Indian workers in Germany on Wednesday, highlighting the country's stable migration policies. Ackermann said that Germany stands out with its stable migration policies and offers great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science, and technology. https://x.com/AmbAckermann/status/1970450472642482473 "This is a good moment to talk about Indians working in Germany. Indians are among the top earners in Germany. The average Indian working in Germany earns more than the average German. And that's pretty good news. Because a high salary means that Indians are contributing big time to our society and our welfare," he said. He highlighted that German immigration policies are not haphazard, taking a dig at the US, which made the visa process more complex. "We believe in hard work and we believe in giving the best jobs to the best people. Our migration policy works a bit like a German car. It's reliable, it is modern, it is predictable. It will go in a straight line with no zigzags. And you don't have to fear a full break at a top speed. We do not change our rules fundamentally over time. Highly skilled Indians are welcome in Germany. If you want to find out what Germany has to offer, click on the link tree below. I'm sure you'll find surprising opportunities," he said. The latest move by US President Donald Trump to revise the H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000 has expanded protectionist barriers against India, according to a report by Systematix Research. The report said Trump's decision extends his anti-India trade offensives beyond the merchandise trade deficit and poses a fresh threat to India's USD 190 billion services export industry. It stated, "Trump's H-1B Firewall Expands US Protectionism Against India... escalate US protectionism, targeting India's IT sector and threatening its USD 190 billion services export industry." The White House has defended the move, arguing that the H-1B visa program has led to wage suppression and job displacement for American workers. It cited data showing that the number of foreign STEM workers in the US more than doubled from 1.2 million in 2000 to nearly 2.5 million in 2019, while overall STEM employment grew only 44.5 per cent in the same period. (ANI) Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday issued an ordinance to amend the Voter Roll Act, 2016, paving the way for Gen-Z voters to be enrolled on the electoral list. According to the President's Secretariat, the ordinance was issued under Article 114(1) of the Constitution, based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. It amends Section 4(2)(2) of the Voter List Act, which had barred registration after the announcement of an election date. The newly formed interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called for elections on March 5 next year. According to the previous provision, "Once the date of election is announced, no voter registration shall be made for that election." This legal hurdle had prevented eligible citizens, particularly youth who recently reached voting age, from being listed in the voter roll. Many young people who played a role in the political change had not yet been registered as voters despite being eligible. The ordinance was brought to address this gap and ensure broader participation in the election. After a violent protest on September 8 and 9, then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had to step down from the post, which claimed the lives of 74 people. Following the change in regime, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel, on the recommendation of youth representatives, appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Prime Minister of an interim government. Karki, who took charge as the interim PM, also recommended dissolving the House of Representatives, one of the key demands of the agitators, giving Karki six months to conduct parliamentary elections. Former CJ and first Nepali female interim Prime Minister Karki was appointed to the post on September 12. The protest movement led by Gen-Z's leadership argued that tens of thousands of youths could be prevented from exercising their right to vote under the existing law. Section 4, subsection 2(2) of the Voter Registration Act, 2073, stipulates, "No person shall be registered in the voters' list for the purpose of an election after the date of that election has been declared." If the current law remains in effect, only those registered in the voter lists by September 12 will be eligible to vote in the House of Representatives elections. According to the Election Commission's report, as of the end of Chaitra (mid-April), a total of 18,148,654 voters have been listed for voting, marking the end of the previous Nepali year 2081. As many as 17,988,570 voters, 9,140,806 men, 8,847,579 women and 185 from other categories, were eligible to cast their votes in the previous elections held in November 2022. By April 2025, in two and a half years, the number increased by 160,054 to 18,148,654. (ANI) A new lyrical and singable English translation of Goswami Tulsidas' Sri Hanuman Chalisa by poet-diplomat Abhay K. was unveiled on Tuesday at the IILM campus in New Delhi. The event featured an engaging dialogue between Ambassador Abhay K. and Prof. Rajendra Srivastava, former Dean of the Indian School of Business, who led the discussion. While speaking at the launch event, Ambassador Abhay K. recalled his early introduction to the Hanuman Chalisa through his parents, a practice he has continued since childhood. He explained that his motivation for creating this work arose after meeting members of the Indian diaspora who wished to sing the Chalisa but were unable to read the original in Devanagari. "My rendition is multilayered and deep. It can be read at different levels. It is essential reading not only for devotees but also for politicians, diplomats and management gurus. At the heart of the Hanuman Chalisa lies Hanuman's humility. Despite his power, he remains a servant of Shri Ram, a skilled alliance maker, and a loyal friend and troubleshooter," he added. Meanwhile, Prof. Srivastava emphasized that the management community too has valuable lessons to learn from Hanuman's leadership style, describing him as an exemplar of "leading from the back." The gathering drew a distinguished audience, including Ambassador Sang Woo Lim, Deputy Chief of Mission of South Korea in India; nine-time European Parliamentarian Herve Juvin; IILM Board Chairman Anil Rai; senior faculty; and leaders from diverse walks of life. Attendees shared their favorite chaupais from the Chalisa and reflected on its timeless relevance. Abhay K.'s bilingual translation enables non-Hindi speakers to connect with the hymn's core values of humility and devotion. In a symbolic gesture, Pravaig Dynamics and Kutniti co-founder Ram Divedi read from his father's French rendition of the Chalisa and presented a copy to the author. Published by Bloomsbury India, the book seeks to carry the 16th-century devotional classic into the global mainstream, making its spiritual and philosophical essence accessible to readers across cultures and generations. (ANI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the country was steadily meeting its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme commitments but urged the lender to account for the impact of recent floods in its upcoming review, Dawn reported. He made these remarks during a meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to Dawn, Pakistan is on track to meet all seven Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPC) ahead of the September 25 review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), approved in May this year. A statement from the Press Information Department (PID) following the meeting noted: "While emphasising that Pakistan was making steady progress towards meeting the various targets and commitments under the IMF programme, the prime minister said that the impact of the recent floods on Pakistan's economy must be factored into the IMF's review." Dawn highlighted that the government had earlier projected 4.2 per cent growth in 2026, driven by a recovery in farming and manufacturing under the IMF bailout. However, record monsoon rains since June have inundated large parts of Punjab and Sindh, causing extensive losses to agriculture and industry. The newspaper cited estimates from GEOGLAM, a global agricultural monitoring body, which reported at least 220,000 hectares of rice fields submerged between August 1 and September 16. Punjab's disaster management authority also confirmed that 1.8 million acres of farmland had been inundated. According to the PID statement, Georgieva expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster. "She noted the importance of the damage assessment to underpin recovery priorities," the statement said, adding that she praised PM Shehbaz's "commitment to pursuing sound macro-economic policies" and reiterated IMF's support for Pakistan's reform programme. During the meeting, Shehbaz also acknowledged the IMF's continued partnership. He appreciated its assistance through the $3 billion Stand By Arrangement in FY 2024, the $7 billion EFF, and the $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). "Today, with the institution of deep-rooted structural reforms, Pakistan's economy [is] showing positive signs of stabilisation and is now moving towards recovery," he was quoted as saying by Dawn. Separately, the prime minister met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and lauded the bank's support for Pakistan, according to another PID statement. While appreciating Banga's leadership, he briefed him on the government's "comprehensive reform agenda, encompassing resource mobilisation, energy sector reforms, privatisation and measures to build resilience against climate change." "He reiterated that the reform agenda had steered Pakistan towards macroeconomic stabilisation, restored investor confidence and promoted sustainable and inclusive economic growth," the statement added. Shehbaz also welcomed the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF), providing $40 billion for Pakistan, and pledged effective implementation in close coordination with provincial governments. The WB president, according to the release, "emphasised the bank's readiness to extend continued support for advancing economic reforms and undertaking long-term initiatives on climate resilience under the new CPF." Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation under the CPF to advance Pakistan's development priorities, Dawn reported. (ANI) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are increasingly viewing Israel as a more immediate strategic threat compared to Iran, according to Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute and a leading expert on US-Iranian relations and Middle East geopolitics. In an interview with ANI, Parsi explained that recent events, including Israel's strikes on Doha (Qatar), have accelerated this shift in perception as well as security dynamics among Gulf states. He noted that while tensions with Iran remain, many Arab states are beginning to reassess their priorities following recent escalations and Israeli operations, particularly the strikes on Doha. Israel had drawn severe condemnation for its September 9 strike on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha. "It was only a question of time before the GCC states would start to recognise that Israel is a far greater and more likely threat to them than Iran is. Not in the sense that Iran may not be a threat, not that Iran doesn't have the capability, not that they are falling in love with Iran in any way, shape or form. They still have deep suspicions. There are still tensions in many different ways. But it is about what is actually the real immediate threat on the horizon. Whereas that clearly was Iran four years ago. At this point, I think it's clearly Israel," Parsi stated. Parsi pointed to the recent Doha strikes as a pivotal moment that has exposed vulnerabilities in the US security umbrella provided to Gulf states. He noted that the Israeli strikes have sent shockwaves through the region, raising questions about the US's role, which provides air defence and military support to several GCC countries. Parsi argued that such a strike could not have occurred without at least some level of US awareness or involvement, given Washington's control over regional air defence systems. "It would be very difficult to conceive that the Israelis could have done this without some degree of collaboration with the US. The US provides the air defence systems and the protection for these (Gulf) states. We've seen that the air defence systems are not sufficient to be able to protect against Iran, which was the main reason for all of these countries investing so much in the American security umbrella but now you have a scenario in which either the provider of the security umbrella was incapable of preventing an Israeli attack or, even worse, may have had a finger in the attack or may have actually conspired to attack the country it is supposedly providing a security umbrella for so I think this sends shockwaves through the region," he stated. Although Qatar has refrained from directly blaming the US, Parsi suggested this is a strategic decision to avoid damaging its vital security relationship with Washington. Despite the outward appearance of business as usual, Parsi believes many GCC nations will now begin to diversify their defence partnerships, potentially turning to other powers, including China, for arms and security cooperation. "On the surface, you are not seeing the Qataris blame the US. In fact, they're trying to exonerate the US. This is a calculated move because their concern is that part of the objective of the Israelis was to really destroy the Qatari-American relationship and by getting the Qataris to lash out at the US for a potential role or, at a minimum, that remarkable failure to activate the air defence systems would only play into the hands of the Israelis by making that break more likely. What we are going to see is that on the surface, there's going to be a bit of a pretence that everything is as usual, business as usual. Underneath the surface, you're going to see these countries starting to diversify their security baskets, which could potentially include arms purchases from China," the expert added. Parsi was referring to a series of airstrikes carried out by Israel targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, marking an unprecedented military action inside the territory of a key US ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. According to CNN, Israel immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it part of an operation codenamed "Summit of Fire". According to Hamas, six individuals were killed in the strike, including five of its members. However, the group confirmed that its negotiating delegation survived. Among those killed were the son of Hamas' chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya and the director of his office. Following the strike, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly" and "criminal assault" that violated international laws and norms. Parsi also stood by his recent prediction in Foreign Policy magazine that a second war between Israel and Iran could erupt by the end of 2025. He also said that while Israel's recent actions may have backfired diplomatically, the underlying tensions remain unresolved, noting that Iran's regional posture and Israel's increasing assertiveness could easily lead to renewed hostilities in the coming months. "I have not seen any signs that would reassess my view of where we are likely to go. One factor that potentially will complicate this is the fact that the Israelis overreached with their attack on Doha. This has backfired. It does not mean that they will not attack. But the fundamental reasons as to why the Israelis are looking for a second round here are still valid," he further stated. (ANI) Protesters opposing Iran's government gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, ahead of President Masoud Pezeshkian's address at the General Assembly. The demonstrations came a day after the General Assembly session opened on Tuesday, as world leaders convened at the UN Headquarters in New York. Protesters staged anti-Iran rallies, voicing dissent against the government. President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to join the debate as Tehran declared it would halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council. The move followed Pezeshkian's approval of a law on July 2 to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, Press TV reported. He had officially communicated the law mandating the government to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, after it was approved during a public session of Iran's Parliament on June 25. According to Press TV, the resolution cited violations of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the United States regarding the country's peaceful nuclear facilities. On that basis, the Iranian government had been obligated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the IAEA. As per the resolution, IAEA inspectors had not been allowed to enter Iran until the security of its nuclear facilities was ensured and the peaceful nuclear activities were guaranteed, subject to the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, had criticised the IAEA for failing to condemn US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran had also contemplated imposing a ban on the entry of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who faced criticism for facilitating the actions of Israel and the US against Iran, according to Press TV. Based on Grossi's reports, the IAEA Board of Governors had passed an anti-Iran resolution days before Israel's strikes in Iran. That resolution, proposed by the UK, France, and Germany and backed by the US, had prompted strong condemnations from Tehran. In response, Iran announced the construction of a new nuclear facility and the upgrading of centrifuges to an advanced level at the Fordow enrichment plant, Press TV reported. The tensions escalated further when, on June 22, the US carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities -- Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. According to the report, Grossi had not condemned the US action and faced criticism from Iranian officials. (ANI) World leaders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday as the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) moved into its second day. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finland's President Alexander Stubb were among those who arrived at the UN for the high-level debate. Wednesday's lineup of speakers includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The war in Gaza dominated discussions on the opening day, with several leaders urging an immediate halt to Israeli strikes and demanding the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. On Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging address in which he denounced immigration, climate change, and the UN itself. However, he later expressed support for Ukraine reclaiming control of its territory from Russia. Speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, Trump expanded on his remarks, warning that he was prepared to impose heavy tariffs on Russia if it refused to end the war in Ukraine. He added that Russia's war in Ukraine is "not making Russia look good." "In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs," Trump said. He explained that he had initially believed it would be easier to end the war, pointing out that his relationship with Putin "had always been a good one." Trump went on to criticise Moscow's campaign in Ukraine, again stressing that Russia's war is "not making Russia look good." Trump's stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukraine war has undergone a significant shift. Initially, Trump praised Putin as a "tough leader" and "brilliant guy," even vowing to end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of taking office. However, as the war persists, Trump's tone has changed, reflecting growing frustration with Putin's actions. He has since publicly criticised Putin, calling him "crazy" and expressing disappointment with his handling of the Ukraine war. Trump issued ultimatums to Putin, demanding an end to the war within specific timeframes (50 days, previously 24 hours and 100 days), threatening sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine. Trump's administration has also resumed arms transfers to Ukraine, explored aggressive economic sanctions, and pressured European allies to stop buying Russian oil. (ANI) Trita Parsi, author and scholar on Middle East Affairs, and Executive VP of Quincy Institute, has said that the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia military defence pact will further cement India-Israel defence ties. Parsi, during a conversation with ANI, however, cautioned that being close to a country that is being cornered on the global stage is not "a very clever gamble for India." "From India's point of view, will this (Saudi-Pak defence pact) mean that now possibly our ties with Israel will get closer and deeper, especially the defence aspect of it? That is certainly one direction that the Indian government may go and may feel inclined to go," he said. He further said that India is playing a gamble by being close to Israel, which is close to pariahhood. "I do not know enough about India's calculations and its foreign policy to be able to give you an informed answer. S He further cautioned that India is of high importance in the Global South, and the closeness towards Israel might be "very, very costly for India." "India is still a country that is very important in the Global South context. It's at this point, obviously a major power, but its Global South roots are not inconsequential. And I think a movement in this direction under these circumstances will be very, very costly for India and probably not worth whatever gains may be coming from Israel's military assistance," he said. Parsi said that the Saudi-Pakistan deal is a result of the Qatari bombing by the Israelis. He said that this partnership doesn't clear the air on who will come to defence in case of any aggression, or casts doubt on Pakistan's ability to shelter Saudi. "I think that is quite clear, that it (Saudi-Pakistan deal) is the result of this (Qatari bombing). The question that is not as clear to me is, is this really a security pact? I mean, are the Saudis going to come to the defence of Pakistan in a future India-Pakistan conflict? Hopefully, it won't happen, but would they come to their defence? And how capable is Pakistan of actually providing a nuclear umbrella for the Saudis? That is, I think, the part that is more unclear," he said. "The Doha strike exposed a crisis of confidence in the US security umbrella across the Gulf," Parsi stressed, adding the agreement is also a signal to the US that Saudi Arabia is now inching closer to "Chinese security defences." "The one element of it, though, that seems to at least have been the intent of the Saudis is to send a signal to the United States that they took one step closer, not to Pakistan, but to Chinese security defences, given the fact that the Pakistanis are using Chinese security defences," he said. Parsi added that Saudi Arabia, instead of going directly towards China, hinted at their "ability or intent or potential intent of going that direction" by going to Pakistan. "So instead of going the full distance, which obviously would be quite provocative from Washington's perspective, they (Saudi) hinted at their ability or intent or potential intent of going that direction by going to Pakistan, which essentially becomes a proxy for China in all of this. And given much of the concerns that exist in Washington about China, you can just imagine how that signal was read over here," he said. "By moving closer to Pakistan, the Saudis are really signalling to Washington that they can lean on Chinese security systems -- with Pakistan serving as a proxy for Beijing in this equation," he stressed. The Saudi-Pakistan agreement was inked last week during a state visit by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. According to a joint statement issued following the visit, "This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both." (ANI) Attributes Deepening Economic Disparities to Democratic Control Sites Decades-Long Cycle of Empty Promises and Failure to Address Educational Opportunity, Economic Opportunity and Poor Access to Health Care as Blatant Betrayal and Neglect NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacob Walthour, Jr., a lifelong democrat and one of New Jersey's most prominent and well-respected black business owners, today issued the following statement endorsing Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey. As a lifelong Democrat who has faithfully supported the party for decades, I never imagined I'd endorse a Republican. But this year, I am proudly endorsing Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey. Jacob Walthour, Jr., with Jack Ciattarelli, Republican Nominee for Governor of New Jersey It is time to end the abusive relationship that people of color in New Jersey have had with the New Jersey Democratic Party. In my 27 years living and working in this state, I have witnessed firsthand a pattern of promises that are repeatedly broken. The Democratic candidates have a history of saying "the right things" when elections approach only to forget about us once power is secured. The way communities of color have been treated in New Jersey is nothing short of betrayal and neglect. Now the Democratic party has hit an all-time low in New Jersey. They have no message for the people they have consistently let down and are using race baiting and fear mongering to secure votes from their disenfranchised party members. The party failed to back its most qualified candidate, Ras Baraka, the charismatic and unapologetically Black Mayor of Newark. In doing so, they sent a clear message about the voices they would like to silence and the person they want to sideline. In an apparent attempt to regain public trust, the party selected Dale Caldwell, a Black man with a deeply concerning track record on diversity and inclusion during his tenure as President of Centenary University. According to data from CollegeFactual.com, the university reports 0% Latino faculty and just 5% Black facultyan alarmingly low representation for an institution committed to higher education. Even more troubling, the dropout rate for Black and Latino students at Centenary exceeds 50%, reflecting systemic failures in support and retention. Rather than signaling meaningful change, Mr. Caldwell's addition to the ticket appears to be a symbolic gesture that underestimates the intelligence of the very communities he's meant to appeal to. In the current election, Democrats have offered no specifics. And, they have no explanations for the abundant failures that have occurred while the Governor, Lt Governor, Attorney General, Assembly Speaker and Senate President were all Democrats. The Murphy Administration approved one charter school in eight years. Minority businesses received 1% of state contracts. To win, Democrats need to take responsibility for their actions (or lack thereof), stop allowing political bosses to fix primaries and come up with meaningful solutions. Their failure to take accountability and constantly blame Donald Trump is simply narcissistic. It's like crashing your car and then blaming the song that was on the radio. My entire life, I believed the Democratic Party stood for justice, equity, and progressespecially for marginalized communities like mine. We showed up for them in every election, believing the promises that better schools, safer neighborhoods, adequate health care, economic opportunities, and affordable housing were just around the corner. Yet year after year, we've been left hanging. Meanwhile, disparities in wealth, income, employment and home ownership just continue to widen to levels seen in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. The truth is that marginalized communities have become political talking points to New Jersey Democrats, not priorities. We deserve more than symbolism. We deserve real, measurable change. Jack Ciattarelli may not be from my party, but he's offering what Democrats haven't: a clear plan, honest leadership, and a willingness to reach across the aisle to get things done. He's listening to voices in communities that have long been ignored. He's not making empty promises, he's offering solutions. I'm still a Democrat. But I'm tired of politics, as usual. I'm tired of being taken for granted and I want an end to this cycle. I am confident that Jack Ciattarelli will bring much-needed change to New Jersey. This November, I'm voting for someone who's ready to lead. I encourage fellow Democrats, independents, and anyone tired of the status quo to do the same. Jacob Walthour, Jr. Chief Executive Officer, Blueprint Capital Advisors About Blueprint Capital Advisors LLC Blueprint Capital Advisors LLC is an independent, privately held alternative investment firm focused sourcing and managing fund and direct investments in private credit, private equity and other alternative investment strategies. The firm is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission and advises on $1.7 billion of assets on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. For more information, please visit: https://blueprintllc.com/ SOURCE Jacob Walthour, Jr. The 80th United Nations General Assembly's General Debate entered its second day on Wednesday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy using his opening remarks to question the relevance of the UN in addressing global crises. Zelenskyy asked, "What can anyone living through war really expect from the UN or the global system for decades? Just statements and statements." He pointed to Gaza, Syria, and the Russia-Ukraine conflicts, where the international community had failed to provide adequate support. The Ukrainian leader underscored that the decisive factor in the war with Russia would be weapons rather than legal frameworks. "If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It's sick, but that's the reality," he said. "Not international law, not cooperation. Weapons decide who survives." His comments come as Ukraine continues to face obstacles in securing approved military assistance from the United States. Zelenskyy also expressed visible frustration with the structure of the UN Security Council, where Russia holds permanent membership and veto power. "International law doesn't work fully, unless you have powerful friends who are truly willing to stand up for it," he added. Russia holds veto authority in the United Nations Security Council as one of its five permanent members, a privilege created under the UN Charter in the aftermath of World War II. As one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P5), Russia holds the right to veto. This authority enables any of the P5--China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia--to single-handedly block substantive resolutions, even those addressing global peace and security. Russia has exercised this power frequently, using it to halt resolutions on its war in Ukraine as well as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Historically, Moscow and its predecessor, the Soviet Union, have resorted to the veto more often than any other permanent member. (ANI) The United Nations General Assembly's annual General Debate continued into its second day on Wednesday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy closing his brief remarks with a sharp appeal to the UN for action. Pointing out that many nations in the hall are "at war or just came out of war, or are trying to stop one or openly getting ready for one war," Zelenskyy said it rests with those before him to decide whether Russia's aggression in Ukraine will be brought to an end. "Yesterday, we had a good meeting with President Trump, and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot.... I appreciate the support we are receiving," he said. He stressed that while the G7 and G20 play important roles, responsibility ultimately lies with the entire UN membership. "Yes, much depends on the G7 and G20 but, but in the end, this depends on all of us, on the United Nations. So don't stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on. Please speak out and condemn it. Please join us in defending life and international law and order. People are waiting for action," he said. Earlier in his address, Zelenskyy used his opening remarks to question the relevance of the UN in addressing global crises. He asked, "What can anyone living through war really expect from the UN or the global system for decades? Just statements and statements." He pointed to Gaza, Syria, and the Russia-Ukraine conflicts, where the international community had failed to provide adequate support. The Ukrainian leader underscored that the decisive factor in the war with Russia would be weapons rather than legal frameworks. "If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It's sick, but that's the reality," he said. "Not international law, not cooperation. Weapons decide who survives." His comments came as Ukraine continued to face obstacles in securing approved military assistance from the United States. Zelenskyy also expressed visible frustration with the structure of the UN Security Council, where Russia holds permanent membership and veto power. "International law doesn't work fully, unless you have powerful friends who are truly willing to stand up for it," he added. Russia has frequently exercised this veto authority to block resolutions on its war in Ukraine as well as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Historically, Moscow and its predecessor, the Soviet Union, have resorted to the veto more often than any other permanent member. (ANI) Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that the world is entering a new era of warfare shaped by cheap drones and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). "We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons, and this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of real weapons. We need to restore international cooperation, real working cooperation for peace and for security," he said. Reflecting on the evolution of warfare, Zelenskyy added, "Ten years ago, war looked different, and no one imagined that cheap drones could create dead zones, areas stretching for dozens of kilometres where nothing moves, no vehicles, no life." He stressed that such drones can be built with limited resources, noting that Ukraine itself has made extensive use of them in its fight against Russia's invasion. Moscow, he said, has also relied increasingly on drones in operations not only within Ukraine but against other European countries as well. The Ukrainian leader further questioned, "Who will be the force to create a simple drone carrying a nuclear warhead?" Warning of the broader implications, Zelenskyy said the world is now "living through the most destructive arms race in human history." Emphasising the risks posed by AI in weaponry, he stated that without "real security guarantees" and a credible framework for global security, there would be no "place left on Earth that's still safe." "We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons and this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons," he repeated, urging nations to revive meaningful international cooperation. "A few years from now might already be too late," he added, before broadening his address into a sharp critique of global institutions. Zelenskyy faulted them for inadequate and delayed responses not only to the war in Ukraine but also to conflicts in Syria, Gaza, and Sudan. (ANI) Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has once again ruled out the possibility of engaging in negotiations with the United States over the country's nuclear programme, accusing Washington of consistently violating its commitments. "The side we're facing [the US] breaks their promises in every matter. They lie, issue military threats, assassinate people, and bomb nuclear facilities. We cannot negotiate and make agreements with such a party," said Khamenei. Earlier on Tuesday, Tehran reaffirmed that it will not directly negotiate with the United States over its nuclear programme, with Khamenei describing talks with the US as "a sheer dead end," even as diplomatic discussions continue on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Al Jazeera reported. The Supreme Leader's remarks, broadcast on Iranian state television, followed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's meeting with diplomats from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, known as the E3, as well as European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The talks focused on the reimposition of sanctions, scheduled to take effect in the coming days. Resuming negotiations with the US remains a key sticking point. During his UNGA speech, US President Donald Trump had declared that Iran would "never possess a nuclear weapon," describing Tehran as the "world's number one sponsor of terror." "The US has announced the result of the talks in advance," Khamenei said in his address. "The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition." The statement comes shortly after the UN Security Council rejected a resolution to extend sanctions relief for Iran. The E3 have accused Tehran of breaching its nuclear commitments, including amassing a uranium stockpile more than 40 times the level allowed under the 2015 nuclear deal--the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)--from which Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018, as per Al Jazeera. The JCPOA, originally signed between Iran and world powers including the US, lifted sanctions in exchange for limitations on Iran's nuclear programme. However, Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" policy reimposed sanctions in 2018, a stance largely continued by the Biden administration despite initial opposition. European nations have indicated they may extend the sanctions deadline if Iran resumes direct talks with the US, allows UN nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites, and accounts for more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium monitored by the UN's nuclear watchdog. Tuesday's UNGA-side meeting, however, yielded little progress, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noting it "didn't go particularly well." (ANI) KYOTO, Sep 24 (News On Japan) - An international conference in Kyoto has brought together experts and industry leaders to debate the values that will shape society in the age of artificial intelligence. The inaugural Kyoto Conference, organized by the Kyoto Institute of Philosophy with participation from major corporations and universities in Japan and abroad, opened at the Kyoto International Conference Center. Around 300 philosophers, scholars, and business executives from some 20 countries joined the two-day event. While rapid advances in science and technology, including AI, have already sparked diverse discussions on social challenges, this conference is turning attention to valuesa theme less often addressed directly. In the morning session, Osaka University professor of robotics Hiroshi Ishiguro led a discussion under the theme AI and the Reconsideration of Humanity. The conference will continue in Kyoto over two days. Meanwhile in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, visitors to Kinosaki Marine World are taking part in an event that lets them step into the role of dolphin trainers. Families and other participants observed the animals closely and gave signals by blowing whistles or swaying their bodies on the very stage used for regular shows. One participant said, It made me happy to see the dolphins respond just as I signaled. Another added, They are so cute, and it was fun to meet their eyes. The dolphin trainer experience is offered by reservation through April 5th next year. In Tokushima, residents marked the equinoctial holiday with the traditional ritual of suna-kyu, in which footprints left in sand are treated with moxibustion to pray for health and well-being. The practice, said to date back about 250 years when farmers learned it from a traveling monk, is performed at both spring and autumn equinoxes. Visitors pressed their footprints into sand in a wooden box before receiving the ritual treatment. Some brought socks from family members unable to attend, believing that even imprints left in socks carry benefits. One participant commented, It gives me a refreshing feeling. Im glad I came with my whole family. Source: ABCTVnews BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China Daily: "My China Surprise" themed cultural exchange series - Changchun was held on Friday and Saturday, attracting five overseas students from Kazakhstan, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Spain, along with 10 students from Jilin International Studies University, embarked on an in-depth cultural immersion journey in Changchun, Jilin province. On Friday morning, the youths experienced Chinese oil painting and the elegant qipao culture - a traditional style of Chinese dress - in an atmosphere brimming with artistic flair. Wearing traditional Chinese attire, they wielded Chinese calligraphy brush pens, appreciating the unique charm of Eastern aesthetics. In the afternoon, they visited the FAW Hongqi Museum, where they gained a profound understanding of the brand's story and craftsmanship within the context of the development of China's automotive industry. On Saturday, they explored the Global Village and library of Jilin International Studies University, experiencing the multicultural integration within an international teaching environment and exchanging educational ideas in a scholarly atmosphere. In the afternoon, the cultural exchange event combined with the 30th-anniversary celebration of the university, was successfully held, attracting nearly 300 Chinese and international faculty and students. After the two-day itinerary, the students expressed that the cultural exploration was not only a visual and sensory feast but also a dialogue of understanding and resonance. They were deeply moved by the profound heritage and modern vitality of Chinese culture, and were captivated by the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Changchun. SOURCE China Daily Kenyas President William Ruto has called for stronger international backing for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, as the United States pushes to expand the operation into a more robust Gang Suppression Force under new United Nations frameworks. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Ruto revealed that the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission launched to counter violent gangs in Haiti is only operating at 40% of its planned 2,500 personnel due to limited global contributions. I must commend the United States. They did make available logistics and vehicles, Ruto said, adding that second-hand vehicles provided by the U.S. frequently broke down in hostile areas, endangering Kenyan personnel. We didnt, however, get any useful support from any other quarter, Ruto stressed. The MSS mission, which Kenya leads with support from Jamaica and Belize, is set to expire on 2 October unless renewed by the UN Security Council. The U.S. and Panama have proposed a resolution to transition the MSS into a larger, internationally governed force supported by a UN field office. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized the urgency, calling Haitis escalating gang violence a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over a million people. Ruto also used the platform to demand Africas permanent representation on the UN Security Council, calling its current exclusion unacceptable and indefensible. As Haiti teeters on the brink and Kenya leads the charge, Ruto warned: If we dont correct the mistakes of the past, we will, most unlikely succeed. Morocco has reiterated its firm support for the two-state solution as the only viable path for resolving the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict and establishing a lasting peace in the Middle East. The supportive stand was expressed in Moroccos address made Tuesday by Head of Govt. Aziz Akhannouch at UN General Assembly convening in New York. Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, chairman of Al-Qods Committee, remains convinced that the two-state solution is the only way to a lasting peace in the Middle East, said Akhannouch. This solution should not be deferred or marginalized, he added, stressing the need to open up prospects for a credible political solution with a precise timetable guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed in this regard Moroccos attachment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 1967, with Al-Qods-Est as its capital and Gaza as an integral part of the Palestinian state. He also called for supporting the Palestinian Authority to strengthen its institutions and meet the expectations of the Palestinian people in security, dignity and development. Akhannouch urged the international community to mobilize and join efforts to end the war, calling for an immediate ceasefire, return to the negotiating table, unfettered and safe access of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and implementing the reconstruction roadmap adopted by the Extraordinary Arab Summit. The Head of Govt. has also reaffirmed Moroccos steadfast commitment to protecting Holy places, in particular the Al-Aqsa Mosque, citing in this regards the efforts made by Bayt Mal Al-Qods Agency to preserve Al Quds citys cultural and religious identity and strengthen its legal status. The Prime minister availed the opportunity of the UN General Assembly to express Moroccos solidarity with Qatar, Syria and Lebanon hit by Israeli airstrikes. He also called for peaceful solutions in Libya, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia, insisting on the respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries and opposing foreign interference. U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson has denounced again the Algeria-backed Polisario armed militia as a terrorist organization posing serious threats to regional peace and stability. The influential republican politician made the remarks Tuesday in New York following his talks with Moroccan Foreign minister Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th UN General Assembly. In a press statement, Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, cited the bipartisan legislation introduced in June in the U.S. Congress to designate Polisario a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The congressman remarks come ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on the Sahara issue due in October. This meeting is expected to endorse the Autonomy Plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara under its sovereignty as the ONLY feasible solution to this decades-long regional conflict. Branding the Polisario as FTO will restrict its movements abroad, freeze the funds of separatists in international banks, confiscate their assets, and ban any activities or gatherings related to them. Any entity or country such as Algeria or South Africa associated with funding, supporting, or cooperating with the Polisario will face criminal charges and economic sanctions. The Autonomy Plan offered by Morocco for the Sahara under its sovereignty is the ONLY realistic and feasible solution to this regional dispute, said on Tuesday Head of Govt. Aziz Akhannouch in New York at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Akhannouch, who delivered Moroccos address, highlighted the international dynamic spurred by King Mohammed VI in support of Moroccos autonomy plan and sovereignty over its Sahara. The overwhelming majority of countries around the world laud the autonomy plan presented by Morocco as the only pragmatic and credible basis for reaching a definitive solution to this decades-long conflict. The growing international recognition of the Moroccan plan means that it is high time to turn the page on this artificial conflict with full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom, said the Prime Minister. He also highlighted the socio-economic progress the southern provinces are witnessing thanks to the new development model and the Royal Atlantic initiatives, noting that this region is now establishing itself as a strategic hub of peace, security and co-development. Akhannouch has also reaffirmed Moroccos full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his personal Envoy to find a definitive solution to the Sahara issue. Morocco possesses competitive renewable energy potential sufficient to provide 50% of European Union electricity consumption, Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour said in an interview with Italian La Verita publication. The kingdoms solar and wind energy capabilities, including onshore and offshore resources, can mobilize approximately 1,600-1,700 TWh from Europes total 3,000 TWh consumption at competitive prices, he explained. Mezzour highlighted Moroccos hydrogen development Morocco Offer initiative, which has received 40 global investment proposals. International investors are actively seeking optimal locations with maximum solar and wind resources for immediate reservation pending project implementation, demonstrating significant international confidence in Moroccos renewable energy sector. The minister emphasized that Moroccos qualified renewable energy projects enable the kingdom to address water challenges comprehensively. Current water system development encompasses storage, inter-basin transfer, production, drying, and water reuse technologies, targeting 100% permanent potable water supply and 80% agricultural water requirements by 2028-2030, independent of precipitation patterns. Moroccos industrial production advantages stem from renewable energy access cheaper than fossil fuels, despite lacking oil and gas resources. This positioning establishes Morocco among few countries globally benefiting from renewable energy cost advantages, enabling rapid industrial transition to renewable energy production systems. The minister promoted the Made in Morocco label within global economic frameworks, emphasizing economic openness and new market access importance for Moroccan producers reaching broader clientele. Competitive production foundations require proportional logistics capabilities, as logistics represent 20-25% of production costs, necessitating ultra-competitive internal and international connection systems. Moroccos renewable energy strategy positions the kingdom as a critical European energy partner while supporting domestic industrial transformation and water security initiatives through sustainable energy solutions. Moroccan foreign Nasser Bourita met on Tuesday in New York with Spanish peer Jose Manuel Albares on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The meeting, which focused on topics of common interests on the regional and international scene, confirms the strong cooperation ties and strategic partnership existing between the two countries, sharing a long history and complex geopolitical interests. The Moroccan-Spanish talks come ahead of the upcoming meeting of the UN Security Council expected to take pivotal decisions on the Sahara, based only on the Autonomy plan offered by Morocco for the territory under its sovereignty. On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Bourita met with several top diplomats who expressed support for Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory and lauded the serious, credible and realistic Autonomy plan offered by Rabat for the Sahara for a lasting and peaceful resolution of this decades-long conflict. On Monday, Bourita met with FM of Paraguay Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano who announced his countrys recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara and decision of opening a consulate in the Kingdoms southern Provinces. This announcement smacked the Algerian military regime and its Polisario puppet, suffering a growing international isolation and loss of credibility following the collapse of their destabilizing axis of evil. Morocco is making a major diplomatic breakthrough in Central America wherein Panamas FM Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez has reaffirmed his countrys strong support for Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara during a meeting held in NY with Bourita. The ministers of Foreign Affairs of Burundi and Palau have also expressed, during separate meetings with Moroccan FM, supportive stands backing the Kingdoms territorial Integrity and Sovereignty and Moroccan autonomy plan as the only realistic solution to the Sahara regional conflict. Bourita also held separate meetings with his peers of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Somalia Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Switzerland Ignazio Cassis, and the Netherlands David Van Weel. These meetings provided the opportunity to discuss several regional and international issues of common interest and to coordinate positions within international bodies. Talks also focused on means to reinforce Moroccos relations and cooperation with these countries. J. J. Keller Names 2025 Safety Professional of the Year Award Winners Three safety leaders honored for advancing workplace safety across small, medium and large organizations. J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., a provider of safety and regulatory compliance solutions, announced the winners of the 2025 J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Awards. The annual awards recognize safety professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation and measurable impact in improving workplace safety. The 2025 winners represent three company sizes: Small Business Category (<200 employees): OShane Lewis, Safety & Compliance Coordinator, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Medium Business Category (2005,000 employees): Nicholas Dufek, Director of Health Safety & Security, Neenah Foundry, Neenah, Wisconsin. Large Business Category (>5,000 employees): Patrick Flynn, Vice President of Operations Training and Development, Groundworks. These safety professionals exemplify what it means to build a culture of safety, where ensuring employees return home safely to their families at the end of the day or shift is of the utmost importance, said Rustin Keller, president and CEO of J. J. Keller. Their commitment to not only protecting people but inspiring others to do the same is what the safety profession is all about. We are so pleased to honor them. Each winner will receive a prize package valued at up to $47,200, including a donation to a nonprofit organization in their name, product and service subscriptions, and a commemorative award. APMIC reports 119% revenue growth in 2024 and surpasses 1,100 clients, continuing its expansion into international markets. TAIPEI, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- APMIC, a global pioneer in delivering enterprise-grade AI solutions, announced the launch of PrivStation, a cutting-edge on-premises AI solution designed for highly regulated sectors such as government, finance, and manufacturing. Built to safeguard data sovereignty and privacy, PrivStation empowers organizations to accelerate AI deployment, develop specialized models, and achieve faster time-to-value. Nearly 100 enterprise customers have already signed up for the first round of product testing. APMIC also reported a 119% year-over-year revenue increase in Taiwan this past year. With its U.S. office now operational and expansion underway in Japan and Southeast Asia, the company continues its mission to deliver secure, trustworthy on-premises AI solutions for enterprises worldwide. APMIC Co-founder & CEO Jerry Wu and Co-founder & COO Arthur Chang (Left to Right) APMIC Doubles Growth, Strengths Presence in Taiwan, and Expands Globally In 2024, APMIC's annual revenue more than doubled, surging 119% compared to 2023. The company's customer base has also steadily increased, surpassing 1,100 clients as of August 2025. This remarkable growth underscores the strong market demand for on-premises AI solutions and the strong trust in APMIC's enterprise customers. According to Verified Market Reports, the on-premises AI platform market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2024 to $4.7 billion by 2033, exhibiting a 15.5% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. North America alone is expected to capture 42.7% of the global market share by 2026. APMIC entered the U.S. market in 2024 and appointed Ian Chen as the General Manager of U.S. operations in August 2025. Ian will be responsible for spearheading growth and developing strategic partnerships in the North American market. Looking ahead, APMIC will continue to increase its global footprint, with plans to establish offices in Japan and Southeast Asia and grow its customer base by 160% by 2027. "As governments prioritize investments in sovereign AI, on-premises AI deployment has become an undeniable global trend. The foundations we've built in Taiwan, from both a technology and market perspectives, serve as a stepping stone to the international growth," says co-founder and CEO Jerry Wu. "With our initiatives now underway in the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia, we will continue to strengthen the strategic positioning of on-premises AIempowering enterprises and governments to securely harness this new technology even in highly sensitive, tightly regulated environments, and to transform it into a driving force for business innovation and industry advancement." PrivStation: A Trusted On-Premises AI Platform Combining Rapid Deployment and Specialized Model Development According to KPMG's AI Quarterly Pulse Survey: Q2 2025, concern over data privacy has surged from 43% to 69% within a single quarter, making it one of the most important factors for enterprises when selecting technology providers. APMIC's PrivStation is an on-premises AI platform designed for highly data-sensitive industries, such as manufacturing, government, finance, and B2C services, that also offers the flexibility to develop custom models on demand. Nearly 100 enterprise clients have already signed up for the first round of testing. For the financial sector, PrivStation can integrate internal knowledge bases and compliance protocols to deliver real-time, accurate product explanations, workflow guidance, and regulatory recommendations. PrivStation also powers Taipei City Government Department of Land Administration's "Hi Landy" Pre-Sale Home Contract Q&A chatbot, introducing AI-based recognition and regulatory interpretation features. Supporting both voice and photo queries, Hi Landy has already been used over 500 times in one month, demonstrating PrivStation's real-world impact. PrivStation comes with NVIDIA NIM optimized inference models, combining Visual Language Models (VLM) and Multi-Modal RAG technology. It can process Word, TXT, PDF, HTML, and various image formats, and offers enhanced handling for complex PDF tables to ensure the completeness of knowledge management and application. PrivStation is designed to address industry pain points with three core solutions: Transparency and Compliance Solves the AI "black box" problem by providing responses with original document references and annotations for full traceability. Low-Barrier Integration Combines the intuitive no-code platform CaiGunn with the PrivAI API toolkit, enabling deep integration and secondary development without steep technical requirements. Cost-Performance Balance Offers an all-in-one appliance with three-tier GPU options (NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000, H200, DGX B200/B300) to help enterprises optimize performance while managing costs. APMIC co-founder and COO Arthur Chang stated, "In response to the global wave of sovereign AI, governments and highly regulated industries worldwide are imposing increasingly strict requirements on data privacy and compliance. With PrivStation, sensitive data is truly retained on-premises, enabling enterprises not just to passively chase technology but to securely and controllably harness AI tuning it into a critical driver for business growth and industry transformation." About APMIC APMIC (Accelerate Private Machine Intelligence Company) is a leading provider of enterprise AI solutions, founded in Taiwan in 2017. Starting with natural language understanding (NLU) as its core technology, APMIC has developed the PrivModel fine-tuning and distillation service for enterprise-specific models, as well as PrivStation, an end-to-end on-premises AI platform. These solutions enable organizations to upload their data and build dedicated on-premises AI systems without writing a single line of code. APMIC's products have already been deployed across more than 1,100 enterprises and government agencies in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and retail. The company is committed to empowering every organization to build its own "AI brain", making AI adoption accessible and practical for all. For more information, please visit: https://apmic.ai/ SOURCE APMIC Iraq has two ingredients necessary for a thriving solar industry: expansive deserts on which to set up solar panels, and a high number of sunlight hours. But Iraq is also OPECs second-largest oil producer. Worldometer ranks the country sixth in the world, producing 4.443 million barrels of oil a day. In terms of oil reserves, Iraq is fifth globally, with 143.069 billion barrels, accounting for 8.67% of world supply. At current consumption levels, Iraq has enough oil to last the next 457 years. This hasnt stopped the country from installing the first phase Sunday, Sept. 21, of the 300-megawatt Karbala solar power plant. The solar park has reportedly started producing 22MW of electricity, to be increased to 75MW after two months. The park is the first to deliver solar power to the nations electrical grid. According to local media, the Karbala project features more than 39,000 solar panels in the first stage, spanning some 400 hectares in the al-Hur area of Karbala, located southwest of Baghdad. Once fully completed, it will expand to 525MW across Karbala and Babil, significantly enhancing grid stability while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Related: Dallas Fed Survey Shows Weakened Oil & Gas Activity Outlook Another project under construction in Babil province will have a capacity of 225 megawatts, and work will also begin soon on a 1,000-megawatt project in the southern province of Basra, Al Jazeera said. Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim said Iraq has solar projects with a combined capacity of 12,500 megawatts either being implemented, in the approval process, or under negotiation. Barring the semi-autonomous northern Kurdistan region of Iraq, the projects could potentially supply up to 20 percent of Iraqs total electricity demand, according to the official. If Iraq is such a powerhouse in oil and gas, why does it need solar? The country has long struggled with power shortages, including blackouts, rooted in war, corruption and mismanagement, meaning it relies heavily on fossil fuels, especially natural gas, for electricity generation. Nationwide electricity consumption peaked at about 55,000 megawatts this summer as scorching temperatures exceeded 50 degrees Celsius in some areas, Al Jazeera reported. Iraq now produces up to 28,000 megawatts of electricity, including about 8,000MW fueled by natural gas imported from Iran. However, these critical supplies from Iran have faced challenges over the years due to sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States over its nuclear program. In March, Al Jazeera said Washington announced it was ending a sanctions waiver that allowed Iraq to directly purchase electricity from Iran. The US, for no,w has left another waiver in place that lets Iraq buy Iranian natural gas to feed its power plants. The problem is that Iran is also facing energy shortages. In December 2024 Al Jazeera reported Tens of millions of people across Iran are facing major disruptions as authorities shut down services in the face of an exacerbating energy and currency crisis amid historic regional tensions. This week, government offices, schools, banks and businesses in major provinces and in the capital Tehran have been largely closed due to worsening fuel and power shortages as temperatures dropped to subzero levels. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said that 13 power plants are out of commission due to a lack of fuel. A background paper titled, Solar energy in Iraq: potential and new technologies says the solar energy density in Iraq is one of the highest in the world, as it is located near the equator. The country receives between 2,800 and 3,000 hours of sunlight per year. Also, Iraq has a huge amount of unused solar resources. The paper says the direct normal irradiation per day for Iraq is 5.25-7.85 kWh/m2. In some parts of the country, the irradiation level exceeds 1,900 kWh/m2. In the deserts of Iraq, the average solar density is 3,140-3,373 MJ/m2. Desert areas cover about 220,000 km2. Moreover, in Iraq, the lifetime cost of solar energy, even considering the cost of solar panels, is lower than fossil fuel power generation. By Andrew Topf of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iraq has long been the key instrument through which Iran has been able to generate economy-supporting revenue from oil exports around the world, despite intense sanctions against it doing so. Last week, the general manager of Iraqs State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), Ali Nazar al-Satari, said that the monopoly state oil marketer is in talks with Omans OQ Trading to build an oil pipeline between the two countries. This potentially opens another extremely valuable mechanism by which Iran can circumvent sanctions, so additionally keeping it away from the negotiating table that might circumvent its nuclear weapons ambitions. Iran has long taken enormous pride in its ability to side-step the sanctions against oil exports imposed by the West. As its then-Foreign Minister, Mohammad Zarif, stated in December 2018 at the Doha Forum: If there is an art that we have perfected in Iran, [that] we can teach to others for a price, it is the art of evading sanctions. It is Iraq that has been the pivotal enabler of this, from the beginning of the process to the end, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. At the start of the process, sanctioned Iranian oil is labelled as non-sanctioned Iraqi oil by dint of the fact that several of both neighbouring countries oil production comes from oil fields that sit atop the same oil reservoirs. These shared fields include Irans Azadegan (the same reservoir as Iraqs huge Majnoon site), Yadavaran (Iraqs Sinbad), Azar (Iraqs Badra), Naft Shahr (Iraqs Naft Khana), Dehloran (Iraqs Abu Ghurab), West Paydar (Iraqs Fakka), and Arvand (Iraqs South Abu Ghurab). From the point when it is re-branded to Iraqi oil, Iranian oil then needs to be shipped where it is required, which is still mainly China. Irans own former Petroleum Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, publicly highlighted how this is done in 2020. He said: What we export is not under Irans name -- the documents are changed over and over, as well as [the] specifications. A further layer of obfuscation is undertaken when the oil cargoes are at sea, such as tankers disabling of the automatic identification system on ships that carry Iranian oil rebranded as Iraqi -- this makes tracking such vessels extremely difficult. Compounding this particularly useful for oil being moved to China -- is the common practice of at-sea or just-outside-port transfers of Iranian oil onto tankers flying the flags of a local Asian country, with Malaysia and Indonesia having long been favoured by Iran and Iraq in this regard. Related: Norwegian Offshore Oil and Gas Production Surges Past Expectations Iraqs plan with Oman has further benefits for Iran. One of these is that it offers unfettered sea routes directly out from the Gulf of Oman and into the Arabian Sea from which it can head East to China, or West to Africa, and then North into Europe. This bypasses any potential trouble or scrutiny from the West associated with the Persian Gulf and the tangential Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, part of the Iraq-Oman deal being mooted is oil storage capacity in a country that remains unsanctioned by the U.S. or its allies, at a time when they are looking to ramp up sanctions on countries seen as complicit in enabling Iran to continue with its energy exports. Iraqs choice of Oman (in consultation, no doubt, with Iran, and probably China) also appears to signal the intention of making the Sultanate a major operating hub for Iran and China in a world in which the U.S,. especially, is looking to dramatically increase sanctions against Iran. This is because Iran and Oman have long had plans currently delayed due to sanctions pressures for a potentially game-changing 192-kilometre 36-inch gas pipeline running along the bed of the Oman Sea at depths of up to 1,340 metres from Kuhmobarak port in Iran to Sohar Port in Oman. In the early part of the planned project, this undersea gas pipeline would be the second part of a 200-kilometre 56-inch land pipeline running from Rudan to Mobarak Mount in Irans southern Hormozgan province. The aim of this part of the project up to Irans delivery of its gas to Oman would be for Tehran to utilise Muscats liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Qalhat. As the worlds second-largest gas reserves holder (after Russia), Iran has long seen monetising this in LNG form as key to its next phase of energy (and economic) expansion. That said, once the first phase is complete, the second phase was always intended to be the expansion of deliveries of Iranian gas to Oman, which would then move it on to wherever it could be sold. Irans LNG plan involving Oman was also part of the broader co-operation deal made between Tehran and Muscat in 2013, extended in scope in 2014, and fully ratified in August 2015, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. It was centred on the Sultanates importing at least 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year (bcm/y) from Iran for 25 years. The deal was to have begun in 2017, valued at roughly US$60 billion at that time. The target was then changed to 43 bcm/y to be imported for 15 years, and then finally altered to at least 28 bcm/y for a minimum period of 15 years. The timing of this Iraq deal with Oman also appears well judged by Tehran, as Washington has in recent weeks increased sanctions on Baghdad. A notable recent example came in April, with the No Iranian Energy Act introduced to U.S. lawmakers. As highlighted by the Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman August Pfluger, this legislation is part of President Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign against Irans leaders. [These] are the worlds most dangerous state sponsors of terrorism, [and] the Iranian regime is not just a threat, its leaders are a genocidal death cult, he said. The proposed Act will sanction the importation of Iranian natural gas to Iraq, which has for many years formed the foundation of the countrys domestic power sector. Indeed, gas and electricity imports from Iran has historically comprised around 40% of all Iraqs energy needs. An adjunct piece of legislation the Iran Waiver Rescissions Act -- would permanently freeze Iranian-sanctioned assets everywhere, including Iraq, and prohibit any standing or future U.S. President from using any waiver authority to lift the sanctions. This step-up in action also includes the key backer of Iran and Iraq China some of whose trading firms were included in the U.S. State Departments latest announcement on Iran-related sanctions. Specifically, it said that it would impose sanctions on 20 entities it believes are engaged in trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products, including Chinas Zhoushan Jinrun Petroleum Transfer Co., an oil terminal in the greater Zhoushan port area. In an extremely similar tone and wording to Brian E. Nelsons comments on sanctions imposed on Hong Kong entities in 2023, the Department said: The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East to fund its destabilizing activities, [and] Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism abroad, as well as to oppress its own people. Zhoushan Jinrun was highlighted by the State Department is for: knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The port is the fourth of Chinas to be sanctioned by Washington in recent weeks, following similar actions against Huaying Huizhou Daya Bay Petrochemical Terminal Storage in March, Guangsha Zhoushan in April, and Dongying Port in May. Following almost three years of strict sanctions on Russian energy by the United States and European Union, Russia continues to use shadow fleets to transport vast quantities of crude to countries looking to invest in its discounted energy products. While several countries have used shadow fleets to avoid sanctions in the past, Russia has invested heavily in this practice and now has hundreds of unmarked, aging ships on the water, transporting crude to anyone who will take it. Shadow fleets are dark fleets that use a range of practices to avoid detection when transporting illegal or sanctioned products. Many of the vessels used to circumvent sanctions are older, meaning they do not have the same detection technologies as newer tankers. Others have their automatic identification systems disabled to avoid tracking. Some of the vessels operate in a legal grey area, using tactics like spoofed GPS, false flags, and fake insurance documents. Many experts are concerned about the seaworthiness of these vessels. The shadow fleet accounts for roughly 17 percent of all in-service oil tankers in the ocean today, according to the research firm S&P Global Market Intelligence. The average age of the shadow vessels is around 20 years, compared with 13 years for the overall global oil fleet. The office director of Greenpeace Ukraine, Natalia Gozak, said that the Lack of insurance combined with the really old vessels increases the risk of environmental catastrophe. In December, 12 countries, including the U.K., Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, five Nordic nations, and the three Baltic states, agreed to disrupt and deter Russias shadow fleet following several unexplained cable cuts and undersea incidents around critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. In May, the U.K. introduced new sanctions against 100 oil tankers that were found to be part of a shadow fleet. Many of these ships are delivering discounted Russian crude to countries that continue to purchase Russian energy products, such as China, India, and Turkey. While some tankers lost coverage after suspected sanctions violations, many use alternative insurers to continue operations. Often, new ships will replace those that have been blacklisted, as Russias shadow fleet continues to grow. In addition, several new Russian insurers have emerged to offer alternative cover for Russian crude shipments. It is not certain how claims payouts would work in the case of a spill. In August, the Trump administration discussed the potential introduction of sanctions targeting Russias shadow fleet to restrict the countrys oil revenues, which provide financial support for its ongoing war against Ukraine. These sanctions add to other financial constraints placed on Moscow in recent years, such as price caps, restrictions on Western insurance and financing, and sanctions on specific shipping entities. However, there are questions over what stricter sanctions on the movement of Russian oil would do to global oil prices. Despite efforts to reduce the number of dark vessels moving through Europes waters in recent months, hundreds continue to traverse a narrow passage in the Baltic every day. Some of these ships are accompanied by Russian military vessels, while others have planes following their route to provide security. The Baltic authorities often try to communicate with people on board the shadow fleets to get a better picture of their movement, and many have been responsive. Although authorities have little ability to act outside of national waters. The Swedish coastguard Joakim Hakansson discussed the situation with the newspaper The Guardian on a recent expedition to better understand the extent of the shadow fleets operating in the region. Hakansson said, There are hundreds of [shadow] ships moving in the Baltic all the time. And its a lot for our little sea here. He added, We see ships that have never been seen in the Baltic before that we come across now. The coastguard must now understand how seaworthy the ships are, Hakansson said, because if there was an oil accident with these ships, there would be an oil catastrophe in the Baltic. Despite strict U.S. and EU sanctions on Russian energy, Moscow seems to be largely unaffected by these sanctions, thanks to its rapid move to use shadow fleets. Russia now uses a vast network of ageing ships to deliver its crude around the globe with few repercussions, ensuring it can still get vital energy revenues. The sanctions on Russian energy have, instead of restricting the purchase of Russian crude through legitimate channels, pushed Moscow to use illegal methods to transport oil, which increases the risk of environmental disaster. While the introduction of sanctions on Russian energy helped to reduce Moscows oil revenues by discouraging many world powers from purchasing Russian crude, it has not stopped the export of the oil entirely. Russia has instead invested heavily in using shadow fleets to ship its crude to the countries that are still willing to take it, which has spurred significant environmental concerns, as well as helped Russia sustain its oil revenues. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S. Administration is increasingly looking to have a direct equity involvement in Americas critical minerals supply chain, in the race to close the gap with the worlds dominant holder of supply of critical metals and rare earth elements, China. As the U.S. seeks to reduce dependence on China in the supply chain of key defense, military, and battery technologies, the Trump Administration is reportedly asking to have a 10% stake in a major lithium project in Humboldt County in northern Nevada. This would be another direct equity investment of the Trump Administration in a minerals project vital for building up Americas own critical minerals supply chain. The Administration is seeking an equity stake of 10% in Lithium Americas Corp., which is building the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing sources with knowledge of the discussions. The Trump Administration and Lithium Americas are renegotiating a $2.26-billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, which the company will use for the Thacker Pass project, according to Reuters sources. Lithium Americas targets late 2027 for the mechanical completion of the Thacker Pass project, in which GM last year bought a 38% interest for $625 million in total cash and letters of credit. Related: Iran Defies UN Sanctions, Vows Continued Oil Exports to China Thacker Pass is expected to help enable a U.S. domestic battery supply chain to enhance economic and national security, reduce the current global carbon footprint of lithium batteries, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Phase 1 of the project will have a design capacity of 40,000 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate. This would make it the biggest lithium supply project in the Western hemisphere. Thacker Pass alone is expected to raise nearly ten times the current U.S.-sourced lithium volumes. And the Trump Administration now wants to own an equity stake in this. The request emerged in recent talks about the DOE loans amortization schedule, one of Reuters sources said. President Trump supports this project. He wants it to succeed and also be fair to taxpayers, an official at the White House told Reuters when asked to comment on the report. But theres no such thing as free money, the official added. Following the report that the Trump Administration is seeking a stake, shares in Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC) soared by 80% after hours on Tuesday. A similar share price surge followed the July announcement by U.S. rare earths miner and magnet producer MP Materials Corp that it had entered into a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to accelerate the build-out of an end-to-end U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain and reduce foreign dependency. DoD will become MP Materials biggest shareholder with a 15% stake, and will provide a multibillion-dollar package of investments and long-term commitments. MP Materials will use these to build its second domestic magnet manufacturing facility, the 10X Facility, at a soon-to-be-chosen location to serve both defense and commercial customers. The direct involvement of the U.S. federal government underscores the importance the Administration places on securing domestically-sourced critical minerals and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, most notably China. Currently, China holds a dominant global position in the supply of critical minerals and rare earths, but its grip on the value chain minerals processing and magnet production is even tighter. The heavily concentrated supply of critical minerals in a handful of countries and Chinas export controls are raising the risk of painful disruptions in the market, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned in its annual 2025 report, Global Critical Minerals Outlook. Despite major deals and government support in the West for building domestic supply chains, China has raised its market share over the past few years, the IEAs report found. China currently dominates refining for 19 of the 20 minerals the agency has analyzed, holding an average market share of around 70%. Three-quarters of these minerals have shown greater price volatility than oil, and half have been more volatile than natural gas, the IEA said, noting that major risk areas include high supply chain concentration, price volatility, and by-product dependency. The market is well-supplied with critical minerals, whose prices have dropped off from the highs seen in 2021 and 2022. In this sector, the risk is not supply itself, but its concentration in a few producers, especially China, the IEA noted. With equity stakes and support for U.S.-based projects, the Trump Administration looks to break free from this dependence. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Kazakhstan secured a $4.2 billion deal for freight railroad equipment, including locomotives, and the Middle Corridor also received a 202.5-million-euro aid package from the European Union for Armenia, partly for the Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Uzbekistan agreed to an over $8 billion deal to buy almost two dozen Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a purchase Trump claimed would create over 35,000 jobs in the United States. Donald Trump praised Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomayev Tokayev for signing major contracts with US firms, which are expected to boost the Middle Corridor trade network. You can add Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Donald Trumps highly respected leader list. Trump in a couple of blasts from his Truth Social account singled out the Uzbek and Kazakh leaders for praise after their respective countries signed major contracts with US firms. The deals can provide a major boost for the Middle Corridor, an emerging trade network designed to strengthen connections between Central Asia and Western markets. Trump hailed Uzbekistan specifically for agreeing to buy almost two dozen Boeing 787 Dreamliners, a deal worth over $8 billion. The US president claimed purchase would create over 35,000 jobs in the United States. President Mirziyoyev is a man of his word, and we will continue to work together on many more items! Thank you for your attention to this matter, Trump clucked on Truth Social. Mirziyoyev, in New York on September 22 in connection with the UN General Assembly, was busy working on more deals, and also meeting with Trumps special representative Sergio Gor, who was born in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. An Uzbek presidential statement about the meeting hinted that the topic of a Trump visit to Central Asia was discussed. Plans for upcoming events were also considered, the statement concluded cryptically. Mirziyoyevs office disclosed a $1-billion geological exploration deal with the metals and minerals firm Traxys, which offers personalized services along the entire supply chain. The Traxys deal, according a presidential statement, creates a road map for the introduction of advanced technologies and knowledge in the field of extraction, processing and creation of sustainable supply chains of critical minerals. The Uzbek leader additionally announced an array of agreements with other US firms covering mining, banking, transport, energy and healthcare. Financial details of those agreements were not immediately disclosed. The biggest US deal with Kazakhstan concerns $4.2 billion worth of freight railroad equipment, including locomotives. Congratulations to President Tokayev on his great purchase, Trump stated in a separate Truth Social post. This Country, and the World, was built on reliable, beautiful Railroads. Now they will be coming back, FAST! Tokayev, also attending the UN General Assembly, held talks on September 22 with Gor and other US officials and corporate executives. Tokayev additionally had a phone conversation with Trump, according to a government statement. Kazakhstan highly appreciates President Trump's leadership in promoting pragmatic diplomacy, a statement quoted Tokayev as saying. Trump described the call as wonderful. Tokayev also held a brief meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Afterwards, Tokayev emphasized a need to continue diplomatic work in order to find ways to end the conflict. Elsewhere, the Middle Corridor appears to have received a boost from the European Union. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, back from a tour of the South Caucasus, announced a 202.5-million-euro aid package for Armenia. The funds are ostensibly earmarked to promote reforms and socio-economic resilience. However, local media reports indicate that a significant chunk of the funding will be devoted to developing the Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a key provision in the provisional peace deal signed in August by Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington. TRIPP, if completed according to its original vision, figures to become a key conduit for the Middle Corridor. Kos indicated that promoting peace in the Caucasus via expanded trade was an EU objective. The EU strongly supports the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process and stands ready to invest in regional connectivity, an EU statement quoted her as saying. By opening trade routes, linking infrastructure, and bringing people closer together, we can transform todays opportunity into lasting peace and shared prosperity. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The problem, however, is that China is the only major customer of Turkmenistans natural gas. Turkmenistan talks a big game about diversifying export markets for its natural gas, but China will be the only major customer for the foreseeable future. The scale of the quasi-monopsonistic reality that Ashgabat confronts was laid bare anew on June 18 in a speech President Serdar Berdymukhamedov gave in the Lebap province at the official opening of a gas storage facility built by the China National Petroleum Corporation, or CNPC. Berdymukhamedov talked fulsomely about the importance of the 1,830-kilometer Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline. Since [the pipeline] was commissioned at the end of 2009, more than 334 billion cubic meters of natural gas have been supplied by Turkmenistan to China, he said. There are plans to build a fourth branch [of this pipeline] so as to take annual capacity of deliveries of the fuel to 65 billion cubic meters. The newly opened gas-storage plant at the Gadyn field, part of the sprawling Bagtyyarlyk mega-field being developed under a production-sharing agreement with the CNPC, is just another addition to this infrastructure network. Berdymukhamedov is touting the facility, which will be used to intake 5.5 million cubic meters of China-destined gas daily, as a major success in his job-creation agenda. The 200 new jobs are obviously, though, fully attributable to Chinese investments and not related to Turkmen economic policies. On June 20, a few days after the Lebap ceremony, Berdymukhamedov met with CNPC president and executive director Hou Qijun. Official accounts of this meeting were confined strictly to uninformative boilerplate language about mutually beneficial cooperation. Hou was quoted as saying Chinese business circles are eager to expand their presence in the promising Turkmen market and actively participate in the implementation of large-scale reform programs and infrastructure projects, but no useful detail was offered. And again, that fourth strand of the Turkmenistan-to-China pipeline came up. Behind all the smiles, it is safe to assume that some horse-trading is going on. Ashgabat doesnt have great cards or ability to wrangle in the short term, which is very unfortunate given how international energy prices are so high at present. The aforementioned Central Asia-China route can carry 55 billion cubic meters annually, but the 34 billion cubic meters that Turkmenistan sold to Beijing in 2021 may represent the ceiling of how much it can cram in there. Kazakhstan has signaled it will reduce how much it sells to China, which may offer some more wiggle room, but for the time being, that is it. All hope is on the fourth line or Line D as it is also known. The former president, a.k.a. Berdymukhamedovs father, Gurbanguly, laid down a marker for dialogue on this matter when he met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in February. In the course of future cooperation on implementation of a fourth line construction project, it is necessary to start discussing gas prices, he was cited as saying by Turkmen state media. Turkmen and Chinese specialists will operate on the basis of global precedent in the field of pricing for commercial pipeline gas. But then again, who else is Turkmenistan going to sell to? Russia, currently the second-largest buyer of Turkmen gas, may well, as a result of its geopolitical imbroglios, find itself with more of the fuel than it knows what to do with. Then there is Iran. Berdymukhamedov traveled to his southern neighbor for a two-day visit on June 14 amid rapidly warming relations. His stay was garnished with the usual flurry of cooperation agreements. Nine were signed committing both countries to greater cooperation on economic, trade, cultural, environmental, scientific and transport issues. Perhaps the most interesting novelty to come out of this visit, however, was an apparent proposal from Turkmenistan to build on an existing trilateral gas swap arrangement with Azerbaijan. Under a deal reached in November 2021, anywhere between 1.5 and 2 billion cubic meters of gas is moved around annually as Turkmenistan supplies Iran with gas, and then Iran separately delivers an equivalent amount of gas to Azerbaijan. The sense of this arrangement for Iran is that its far-flung northeastern regions routinely suffer gas shortages. On June 14, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji said Turkmenistan had suggested ramping up the volumes. Related: John Kerry: Green Transition Will Be Bigger Than The Industrial Revolution In a meeting with Turkmenistans deputy cabinet chairman for oil and gas affairs, the Turkmen side asked us to increase gas swaps to Azerbaijan and other neighboring countries, and we announced our readiness," Owji was quoted as saying by state-controlled Mehr news agency. (One Iranian lawmaker, Shahriar Heydari, may have caused some heartburn back in Ashgabat, though, by describing this swap deal as a good way for Tehran to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions. Turkmenistan will not be enthused about being cast in the role of a sanctions regime-buster). This is all of a piece with Irans very energetic-looking Central Asia agenda. On June 19, only days after Berdymukhamedov came through, it was the turn of Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to receive a warm welcome in Tehran. Logistics were very much at the top of the agenda as Tokayev focused in particular, as his office put it, on prospects for the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway line. The route exists already, but it is clearly underused at present. This matter dovetails nicely with a perennial theme that is being discussed ever more intently of late: the logistical challenges faced by landlocked nations. So it was fitting that Finance and Economy Minister Mukhammetgeldy Serdarov used his slot at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 16 to invite guests from as many post-Soviet nations as possible to attend a UN-sponsored international conference devoted to the topic. The event will take place in Ashgabat on August 15-16. North-south transportation links will be helpfully bolstered once Ukrainian infrastructure builder Altcom completes a project to overhaul the road bridge running west of the Garabogaz gulf, the location of the westernmost point of the border between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Berdymukhamedov signed a decree bestowing the contract on Altcom on June 16. Construction work is due to start in July and be completed by June 2024. The deal marks a vindication of Altcom chairman Alexander Tislenkos recent visits to Turkmenistan the most recent was in April, when he traveled to Ashgabat to take part in Turkmen Horse holiday celebrations and meet with Berdymukhamedov. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In an abrupt change showing his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump said Ukraine could win back all of its territory from Russia with the help of its European allies. Trump has previously said both sides would have to cede land to end the war. Russia currently controls around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014. After a speech at the UN General Assembly where he called on European allies during his address to immediately stop buying oil from Russia, Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with Zelenskyy that NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the alliance's airspace. He followed that with comments in a social media post after the Zelenskyy meeting saying Russia has been fighting "aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win." "After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote. Zelenskyy noted the "big shift" in Trump's comments while speaking alone at a news conference, adding that the US leader's understanding of the situation on the ground in Ukraine is now much clearer. "Trump had a relationship with Putin and he trusted him. Putin was telling Trump fairytales," Zelenskyy said, referring to Trump as a "gamechanger." "I told Trump that Putin will not wait for the end of his war in Ukraine -- he will try to find a weak spot in NATO and this is already happening...Putin will want to 'exchange' one war for another." Zelenskyy entered the day looking for Trump to ratchet up pressure on Moscow to end its war -- the longest and deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II -- against Ukraine. It didn't take long as Trump said as the two headed into the meeting "Yes I do" when asked if he would support shooting down Russian aircraft if they were found inside NATO airspace. He said the involvement of the United States in such action would depend on the circumstances but did not elaborate. Trump's answer follows a series of recent incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones into alliance airspace in countries including Poland and Estonia. They also came after the US president called on European allies during his UN address to immediately stop buying oil from Russia and accused China and India of funding Moscow's war against Ukraine through their purchases. Trump said he could impose sanctions on Russia to stop the fighting but without similar actions from Europe, "we're all wasting a lot of time." Sanctions, along with security guarantees in the event of a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, are areas Zelenskyy is hoping to get White House support during their discussions. Trump said he plans to call Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of the US leader, to urge him to stop purchasing Russian oil. In response to Trump's social media remarks, Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told reporters: "Don't get so excited about every tweet." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she welcomed Trump's shift in his view on the war, saying, "we are very positive about this, because these are all the right things." "Yes, we should stop buying Russian energy. Yes, Ukraine should win the war and all these other statements that [Trump] made today regarding Ukraine and Russia," Kallas said. Zelenskyy, who is due to attend a UN Security Council session on the war in Ukraine on September 23 and will address the assembly on September 24, told reporters he saw movement from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on ending Russian oil purchases as well. Hungary and Slovakia, both landlocked countries that share a border with Ukraine, have resisted calls to end their reliance on Russian energy without promises of securing sufficient alternative supplies. Trump also appeared to give Ukraine a pledge of military support saying the US will continue to supply weapons to allies "for NATO to do what they want with them." Zelenskyy also noted that Trump was "ready" to give Ukraine security guarantees after the war is over. "We don't have details. We will work on what we need then and also what we need before that happens," he said. Talks on bringing the two sides to a peace agreement have stumbled for several months. Trump met with Putin in Alaska last month producing a glimmer of hope that movement toward peace might begin. But the Kremlin quickly threw cold water on the prospect of a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy in any location other than Moscow, which is unacceptable to Ukraine. The past few weeks have brought no discernible progress toward peace and plenty of belligerence from Russia, which has pressed forward on the front lines, hit civilians in Ukraine with massive bombardments, and challenged NATO with drone and warplane incursions. "Putin has shown no interest in a negotiated way out of the war, other than on his totally unrealistic terms," Lawrence Freedman, an analyst and emeritus professor of war studies at Kings College London, wrote in a blog post published on September 23. Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russia's recalcitrance and has repeatedly said he might hit Moscow with new sanctions, including secondary measures that target countries and companies buying Russian energy or delivering technology it can use in the war against Ukraine, and bipartisan groups of US lawmakers have proposed sanctions legislation in Congress. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Exxon has petitioned Brazils antitrust regulator to examine the proposed merger between Subsea7 and Saipem, saying it would reduce competition in the deepwater offshore drilling industry. Bloomberg reports, citing documents, that the supermajor partnered with Brazils Petrobras and oilfield service provider TechnipFMC on its petition to the competition authorities, arguing the merger between the Norwegian and the Italian companies would lead to higher prices. The petitioners specifically noted the segments of subsea umbilicals, risers, flowlines, and pipe-laying vessels, the report said. The transaction reduces choice for Exxon and other customers to a single relevant supplier in the deepwater pipeline installation market, the supermajor said in its petition. TechnipFMC said the merger would make it harder for other companies in the sector to compete with the merged company. Petrobras, for its part, said that close to 50% of the vessels it uses for offshore drilling activities are property of either Saipem or Subsea7, suggesting a merger would reduce its choice in oilfield service providers in the future. Saipem and its Norway-based rival Subsea7 announced earlier this year that they had decided to combine their operations in a tie-up worth over $4.6 billion. The new company, to be named Saipem7, will have revenues of some 21 billion euros, or $24.76 billion, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization of over 2 billion euros, or $2.4 billion, and a combined backlog of 43 billion euro, equal to some $50.7 billion, Saipem said in July when the two companies entered into a binding merger agreement. This week, the shareholders of Saipem and Subsea7 are expected to vote on the proposed merger at separate shareholders meetings on Thursday. The Italian government gave the green light to the merger earlier this week. The deal is expected to be finalized in the second half of next year. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iberdrola plans to invest as much as $68 billion over the next three years, with two-thirds of the investments in the UK and U.S. transmission and distribution networks, the Spanish utility giant said on Wednesday. Iberdrola, one of Europes top utilities, plans $68 billion (58 billion euros) in total investments until 2028, mostly to accelerate growth in its networks business in the U.S. and the UK, the companys executives said at its Capital Markets Day. The investment plan transforms Iberdrolas profile into a more regulated company, with a strategic focus on the United Kingdom and the United States, it said. A total of 65% of investments will be in regulated Networks, and 85% of investments are planned in A-rated countries with stable, predictable, and attractive regulatory frameworks, Iberdrola added. Of the power giants gross investments of $68 billion, 65% will go to the UK and the United States, compared to 40% of all investments in these two markets in the 2021-2024 period. The UK will be Iberdrolas top investment destination with $23.5 billion (20 billion euros), followed by the U.S. with $19 billion (16 billion euros), the Iberian markets with $10.6 billion (9 billion euros), Brazil with $8.2 billion (7 billion euros), and other EU and Australia investments of $5.9 billion (5 billion euros). Despite the Trump Administrations assault on renewable energy, the United States remains an attractive market for transmission and distribution amid soaring demand for electricity due to AI and manufacturing. The U.S. needs a lot of investments in electricity networks, which are regulated at state level, Iberdrolas executive chairman Ignacio Galan said at the Capital Markets Day. More than $700 billion of grid investment is expected in the U.S. through 2030, as the U.S. infrastructure needs to be updated to accommodate the unprecedented growth of electricity demand, Goldman Sachs said in a report earlier this year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The NASA and NOAA satellites will study and monitor space weather and its impact on Earth's exosphere BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 24, 2025 BAE Systems (LON: BA) is celebrating the successful launch of two spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, supporting vital NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) heliophysics missions. NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and NOAA's Space Weather Follow On L1 (SWFO-L1) launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on their way to Lagrange point 1, an orbit approximately 1 million miles from Earth. BAE Systems is celebrating the successful launch of two spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, supporting vital NASA and NOAA heliophysics missions. (Credit: BAE Systems) BAE Systems designed and built both spacecraft to provide scientists and forecasters with powerful new instruments. The Carruthers Geocorona Observatory will work to increase our understanding of the Sun's effects on the Earth's exosphere the outermost layer of the atmosphere while SWFO-L1 will observe space weather and its impacts. "Through the launch of both the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and SWFO-L1 we will enhance our understanding of the Sun, the Earth's exosphere and how space weather can impact our lives," said Bonnie Patterson, vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. "We are proud to support the missions of NASA and NOAA and the next generation science programs that these heliophysics observatories will enable." The Carruthers Geocorona Observatory is the first heliophysics mission to study the Sun's influence on the exosphere during both quiet solar periods and times of intense solar activity. It will help answer questions about our exosphere, such as its shape, size, density and how it responds to large energy spikes created during intense solar storms. The SWFO-L1 observatory will track coronal mass ejections and measure solar wind. Through the collection and delivery of continuous observations, this mission will provide early warnings of potentially disruptive space weather events to protect infrastructure on Earth and in space. Both the SWFO-L1 and Carruthers Geocorona Observatory were designed and built using BAE Systems' heritage Evolve spacecraft platform, which uses a common bus and standard payload interfaces to reduce cost and minimize delivery time. Each spacecraft successfully completed a thorough design, test, and build phase leveraging commercial best practices, leading to their successful delivery and launch. BAE Systems also trained both flight operations teams and will support mission operations. Carruthers Geocorona Observatory is a collaboration with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, with Dr. Lara Waldrop serving as the mission's principal investigator; the University of California, Berkeley; and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The SWFO-L1 mission is a collaboration with NOAA's National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Both spacecraft launched alongside NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. For more information, please contact: Brian Rantala, BAE Systems Mobile: 720-995-8253 [email protected] www.baesystems.com/en-us @BAESystemsInc SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc. Iran appears unfazed by the prospect of UN snapback sanctions coming into effect this weekend, saying that it will continue to sell its oil to its biggest and nearly only buyer, China. The biggest European powers which are party to the so-called Iranian nuclear agreement of 2015, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as it is officially known, launched in late August a 30-day process that would reinstate UN sanctions on Iran on September 27, if no deal is reached in the meantime. The 2015 JCPOA agreement contained a provisionknown as the snapback mechanismallowing any JCPOA participant to re-impose UN sanctions in the event of significant non-performance by Iran. The European powers France, Germany, and the UK want Iran to give UN inspectors access to its nuclear sites again, address concerns about its level of uranium enrichment, and engage in talks with the United States. The U.S., which pulled from the JCPOA during President Donald Trumps first term in office in 2018, has ramped up pressure and sanctions on Iran and its oil exports during the first months of the U.S. Presidents second term, under the so-called maximum pressure campaign to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Despite the U.S. sanctions, Iran has continued to export nearly all of its oil to China in recent years. Officially, Chinas customs data show there havent been any crude imports from Iran since 2022. Unofficially, China buys nearly 90% of all of Irans crude exports in multiple-stage journeys and transfers from one tanker to another, on shadow fleet vessels that are being blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury. In view of the prospect of UN sanctions adding to U.S. sanctions, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said, referring to Irans oil exports to China, They will continue, we have no problem. In the last years, we have faced such severe restrictions from the unjust and unilateral U.S. sanctions that, in practice, [U.N. sanctions] won't add much to this situation, the Iranian minister said, as carried by Reuters. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com One of Russias biggest energy companies and exporters, Novatek, has resumed gas condensate processing at its second unit at Ust-Luga, a major complex and export port on the Russian Baltic Sea, a month after it was damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, market sources told Reuters on Wednesday. Until the unit was fixed to become operational again, Novatek rerouted approximately 70,000 metric tons of gas condensate to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The Ust-Luga complex, operated by Novatek, was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike at the end of August. It was the second time Ukraine has attacked and damaged the Ust-Luga port this year. As a result of the late August strike, the three units at Novateks complex were damaged after a fire. Reports had it that all operations at the complex were shut in for several days, including loadings of fuel. One unit of the damaged complex was expected to resume operations within days of the drone hit, but a second unit was set to take several weeks to repair. Repairs at a separate unit that was most seriously damaged by the attack could take up to six months, according to market sources who spoke to Reuters at the time. Ust-Luga, one of the key export hubs for Russian crude oil and fuels, has three processing units and refines stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gasoil. The August attack on Ust-Luga was the second time this year that Ukraine has hit and damaged the Novatek complex at the port. In January, the Russian company was forced to suspend operations at the fuel export terminal at the Ust-Luga complex following a drone attack by Ukrainian forces, which caused a fire at one fuel storage tank. Meanwhile, Russia is considering extending its current ban on exports of gasoline and introducing a ban on diesel exports as fuel shortages have emerged amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and other energy infrastructure. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Crude oil prices extended their gains today, after the American Petroleum Institute reported an estimated inventory decline for the week to September 19. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $67.73 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate was trading at $63.47 per barrel, as the API estimated oil inventories had shed over 3.8 million barrels last week, following another weekly draw of 3.42 million barrels for the week before that. Earlier in the week, prices took a dip after news broke that Iraq, Turkey, and the Kurdistan regional government had finally reached a deal to restart exports from northern Iraq via the pipeline to Turkey. However, a follow-up revealed unresolved differences between two of the companies operating the fields in Kurdistan, which will delay the restart of exports. Per a Reuters report, Norwegian DNO and UK Genel have asked for guarantees that the debt accumulated by the Kurdistan regional government with oil producers in the region will be repaid. The regional government has piled up some $1 billion in arrears due to oil producers. DNO, which is the largest oil field operator in Kurdistan, is owed around $300 million. Prices are expected to remain supported but range-bound in the near term, LSEG analyst Emril Jamil told Reuters, noting that news about curbs in Russian fuel exports has contributed to the upward pressure on benchmarks. Energy Aspects has estimated that damages to Russian refineries from Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted some 1 million barrels daily in processing capacity. This disruption appears to be affecting diesel exports, with OilX and Vortexa both predicting that this months flows could drop to the lowest in five years, according to a Financial Times report. Russia has had a gasoline export ban for most of this year due to refinery disruption from the drone strikes, but also higher borrowing costs for fuel stations that discouraged stockpiling, Reuters reported earlier this week. Diesel exports have not been restricted deliberately yet. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Diesel bulls are leaning back into the market as fresh strikes on Russian refining tighten the near-term balance and spur a rush into distillate hedges. According to Bloomberg, funds now hold their strongest net-long in European diesel since early 2022, and diesel options activity on ICE has set monthly records, while front-month low-sulphur gasoil trades in the low $700s per metric ton. These moves follow renewed disruption at Gazproms Salavat petrochemical complex in Bashkortostan, its second hit in a week, adding to a rolling loss of Russian refining capacity. The supply picture has deteriorated across several Russian hubs since August amid repeated Ukrainian drone strikes. Markets are responding by marking down export availability of diesel and other middle distillates. European paper barrels have responded accordingly, reflecting tighter prompt supply heading into autumn refinery maintenance, according to the Financial Times. Offsetting supply is coming to the market, though. Indias refiners have lifted product exports to multi-year highs, including gasoil, feeding Europe and the Mediterranean and partially cushioning the loss of Russian volumes. But the scale and timing of these barrels remain unsteady due to disruptions in Russias internal logistics and refinery runs. At the same time, Moscow is weighing an extension of its gasoline export ban into October amid domestic tightness, with officials signaling that broader fuel-export restrictions remain on the table if needed. Any additional curbs, or operational adjustments by refiners reacting to them, would reverberate through regional product balances and freight, especially for ARA-linked diesel benchmarks. U.S. distillate inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels in the week to September 19, leaving stocks about 8% below the five-year average; total commercial petroleum inventories eased by 0.5 million barrels as refineries ran at 93% of capacity. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com TenneT, the Dutch state-owned grid operator, has agreed to divest 46% in its unit TenneT Germany to major institutional investors for up to $11.2 billion (9.5 billion euros), the company, whose sole shareholder is the Dutch state, said on Wednesday. With the deal, TenneT and the Dutch state secure the equity requirement for the expansion of TenneT Germanys high-voltage grid, the operator said. The three large institutional investors are APG, investing on behalf of Dutch pension fund ABP, Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC, and Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), the manager of Norways oil fund, which is the worlds largest sovereign wealth fund. TenneT Germany's transmission grid is essential for delivering renewable energy where it's needed in Europe's largest economy, said Harald von Heyden, Global Head of Energy & Infrastructure at NBIM. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearances, and is expected to take place in the first half of 2026. Additionally, the German state has expressed interest in a potential investment in TenneT Germany, and both TenneT and the Dutch state have indicated they are open to this, the Dutch grid operator said. Accordingly, TenneT intends to engage in discussions with Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW), acting on behalf of the German state, regarding a potential investment by KfW in TenneT Germany alongside TenneT and the institutional investors. Institutional infrastructure investors are considering Europes grids and power lines, thanks to the EUs push to net zero and increased solar and wind capacity that needs to connect to the grid infrastructure, analysts and investment managers have told Reuters Events recently. The EU has vowed to address deficiencies in the grid infrastructure, laid bare earlier this year by the worst blackout Europe has seen in modern times, when Spain and Portugal were left without electricity for hours in late April. The European Commission will address critical grid bottlenecks in European electricity infrastructure in a bid to avoid spiking power and energy costs, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last week. The European Commission has estimated that $2.36 trillion (2 trillion euros) to $2.7 trillion (2.3 trillion euros) is required to meet grid needs until 2050, a review of the EUs electricity grids by the European Court of Auditors showed earlier this year. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In a sudden public shift on his view about the war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he believes Ukraine can win back all its territory occupied by Russia. After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form, President Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social. The post, published hours after President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, appears to ditch the U.S. Presidents previous skepticism that Ukraine can hope for retaking land from Russia. Until now, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Ukraine will have to be ready to cede in peace talks some territory that Russia has occupied. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option, President Trump wrote. Why not? Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger, he added. Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any event, I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all! the U.S. President concluded. Ukraines Zelenskyy commented on the post that "Its a big shift. This post of Trump its a big shift. Very positive. At his UN speech earlier on Tuesday, President Trump singled out China and India as funding Russias war in Ukraine by buying oil, and blamed EU and NATO countries for not having cut off Russian energy purchases. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Turkeys state energy company, BOTAS, has signed a landmark 20-year U.S. LNG supply agreement with Mercuria, anchoring Ankaras strategy to reduce dependency on pipeline gas and reposition itself as a regional hub, according to the Daily Sabah. The deal, signed in New York during President Erdogans U.N. visit, will deliver around 4 billion cubic meters annually from 2026 onward, cumulatively totaling about 70 bcm. A separate preliminary nine-year LNG pact was also agreed with Australias Woodside, calling for roughly 5.8 bcm of supply beginning in 2030, primarily sourced from the companys Louisiana LNG project. The Mercuria contract is structured with flexibility in delivery, allowing cargoes to be shipped either at U.S. loading terminals or regasification points in Turkey, Europe, and North Africa, Turkish media noted, with Turkish officials describing the agreements as both insurance against future pipeline risk and an essential foundation for a gas trading hub that can serve Southeast Europe and the Balkans. Ankara has already invested heavily in floating storage regasification units at Dortyol and Saros and expanded underground storage at Silivri and Tuz Golu. These facilities give Turkey the capacity to absorb rising LNG inflows and to arbitrage flows between U.S., Australian, and Middle Eastern producers on one side and European buyers on the other. The shift is being closely watched in Moscow. For years, Russia relied on Turkey not only as a major customer but also as a transit state for flows through TurkStream into southern Europe. Long-term U.S. and Australian LNG contracts erode that role, raising the risk of lost market share for Gazprom and weakening Russian leverage at a time when European demand for pipeline gas is already shrinking. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA we have witnessed two phenomena that should henceforth be burned indelibly into our psyche. First, that disagreement can turn into blind hate with only the slightest of encouragement. And second that both sides of the political spectrum will, in turn, embrace suppression of free speech. The indicted killer of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, had undertaken an affair with another man who deemed himself a woman. Robinsons boyfriend had begun the process of conversion which entails the heavy use of both male hormone blockers and the introduction of female hormones and eventually the removal of the male genitalia. There is a substantial evidence that this combination of drug therapy can result in extreme emotional rage and physical violence. Now you might think that the person ingesting the drug therapy would be the one to engage in extreme emotional rage and physical violence but in this instance it was his partner Mr. Robinson. However, it would not be unusual for someone professing love for another to undertake the rage and violence on behalf of his partner. I dont know the technical term for such instances but the concept of transference comes to mind. It is not unlike the concept of Munchhausen-by-proxy syndrome where the psychologically disturbed person repeatedly injures another usually a loved one to garner the sympathy and attention they desire. It is a form of factitious disorder. It can occur when one party imposes his own psychological disorder on another or when a party embraces the psychological disorder of another and acts as the surrogate for the person with the actual disorder. In this instance it is quite possible that Mr. Reynolds embraced the psychological disorder of his boyfriend perhaps with intentional or unintentional encouragement from his boyfriend with the result that the initial empathy for his boyfriend became the burning rage that resulted in the assassination of Mr. Kirk. Mr. Kirk did not condemn transitioning in adults he simply said that as adults that they should be free to do as they wish but not to expect that he (Mr. Kirk) should be required to honor it or pay for it. In contrast, however, he objected to engaging in transitioning process on minors in the same way and for the same reason that most of us object to abortions, sterilizations, and other forms of mutilation on minors. While this psychological exploration* may or may not be applicable to Mr. Reynolds it does not immunize him from the consequences of his actions. Mr. Reynolds is an adult. His actions were not spontaneous. They appeared to have been planned, not only to the commit the crime but to escape detection and capture. In other words he appears to be a rational adult allegedly committing a heinous crime. . . . Mr. Kirks widow, Erika, showed unbelievable strength and a commitment to the teaching of Jesus Christ when she announced that she had forgiven Mr. Reynolds. She acknowledged that Mr. Reynolds remains subject to the laws of the State of Utah and the United States of America and that they will take their due course. I expect that also in due course Ms. Kirk will not encourage the use of the death penalty for Mr. Reynolds. We should all be of such moral and spiritual strength as Ms. Kirk. The most potent way of encouraging your faith is to practice it both publicly and privately no matter how hard it might be. In the aftermath of Mr. Kirks assassination, the purveyors of racial hatred in Congress more commonly known as The Squad went the full Monty. It is as if they saw what their encouragement of violence had wrought and were dismayed that the assassins bullet created a martyr for truth and civil discourse. There they all were Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib, and joined by Jasmine Crockett in high dudgeon running out their favorite tropes when there is neither fact nor logic that supports them. They called Mr. Kirk a racist and a fascist and he was neither. They demanded that the public trust them when the clear evidence before the Nation was quite to the contrary. And the more they were criticized for the coarseness of their rhetoric, the more insistent they became. And in response, Republicans of all stripes demanded that Democrats in general and the Squad and Ms. Crockett in particular be silenced canceled if you please. Apparently they forgot their own protests when Joe Biden and his allies in Congress attempted to suppress free speech and conflicting opinions on virtually everything. The Republicans have even used the same words the same rationale: Censorship must proceed in the name of eliminating hate speech meaning any speech if it conflicted with theirs. And here is where it become difficult for me. Any time I find my views and those of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) converging I have to stop and retest my views against fact and logic mostly because I suspect ulterior motives for all that he says and does. In this case, it is inescapable that we are in agreement. The New York Times noted: Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, on Friday harshly criticized Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing him of mafia-like tactics and saying his threat to retaliate against media companies for speech on their airwaves was dangerous as hell. Mr. Cruz was reacting to Mr. Carrs threat to revoke ABCs broadcast license because of remarks by the late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during a Monday night telecast about the assassination of the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The remarks from Cruz, who is closely aligned with the president and one of the most conservative members of the Senate, were the latest evidence that some on the right are deeply uncomfortable with their fellow Republicans efforts to clamp down on free speech by their political adversaries following Mr. Kirks death. Mr. Cruz said Mr. Kimmel had been lying in the monologue that prompted ABC to pull his show, in which the comedian said that conservatives had been trying to portray Mr. Kirks assassin as anything other than one of them. But the senator also took Mr. Carr to task for suggesting on a right-wing podcast that if media companies did not shut down such statements, the federal government would step in do so. The fact of the matter is that there is no absolute right to free speech. The United States Constitution in the First Amendment notes Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The prohibition refers to acts of the government not of individuals. Thus when ABC suspended the lying late night show host, Jimmy Kimmel, it was acting within in its rights. However, when Mr. Carr suggested that the Federal Communication Commission intervene and review ABCs license, that constituted the government interfering in the exercise of free speech. And ABC acted appropriately. It is unfortunate that it subsequently bowed to pressure from progressives and their allies in the Hollywood and the mainstream media. But the remedy initiated by ABC is still the appropriate remedy. ABC should be boycotted by advertisers and viewers alike. The media companies that initially refused to carry Mr. Kimmels diatribes against President Donald Trump and his supporters should make their protests permanent. As Hollywood and the mainstream media continue to lose revenue and audiences, the jackals of hate posing as comedians will whither and die a fitting end to their own excesses. The trouble with the government attempting to suppress hate speech is that hate speech cannot be defined and routinely simply morphs into that with which one side or the other disagree. Joe Biden tried it and Mr. Trump should not fall for it. ___________________________________________ *I am neither a qualified psychologist nor privy to the evidence garnered by law enforcement in pursuit of Mr. Kirks assassination. My speculation here is simply an example of how a disagreement can escalate to violence currently, a too often malady. "This initiative demonstrates the strength and alignment of our region in addressing vacancy at scale," said Mark Anthony Thomas, president of the GBC. "As a core economic development priority, the public dollars committed to this effort are designed to catalyze significant private-sector investment, grow our population, and strengthen neighborhoods. By bringing together civic leadership, private capital, and community partners, Baltimore is setting a new national benchmark for city revitalization." Unlike programs focused on single buildings, Baltimore's strategy addresses vacancy at the block levelrecognizing that housing stability, neighborhood vitality, and quality public spaces go hand in hand. In addition to revitalizing homes, the intention is to align investments in infrastructure, commercial corridors, parks, and community spaces, taking a holistic approach to neighborhood renewal. The work is being led by the GBC, the Mayor's Office, and BUILD Baltimore, and is being coordinated through Reinvest Baltimore, which Gov. Wes Moore established via executive order in October 2024. "Baltimore is proving what's possible when a city invests boldly in its future," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. "With over a billion dollars in public funding, strong private-sector partnerships, and deep community engagement, we're not just reducing the number of vacant homeswe're transforming entire neighborhoods and creating lasting economic opportunity for our residents." To date, the effort has secured: $300 million from the City of Baltimore , including a first-of-its-kind affordable housing tax increment financing (TIF) program. This tool uses future increases in property tax revenue from revitalized areas to fund improvements today, accelerating redevelopment. , including a first-of-its-kind affordable housing tax increment financing (TIF) program. This tool uses future increases in property tax revenue from revitalized areas to fund improvements today, accelerating redevelopment. $900 million from the State of Maryland , pledged over the coming years to support housing and neighborhood reinvestment. Together, these commitments mark essential steps toward reaching $3 billion in public funding over the next 15 years. "We're committed to transforming Baltimore's neighborhoods by addressing vacancy with urgency and precision," said Secretary Jake Day, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. "We're not just filling empty houseswe're building stronger, safer, and more connected communities through collaboration at both the local and statewide level." Public Financial Management Systems (PFM), a national consulting firm that advises governments on fiscal strategy, projects more than $7.3 billion in economic value from the program over the next 30 years, driven by increased tax revenue, job creation, and rising property values. The plan for private sector investment, developed by Forsyth Street Advisors, suggests multiple funding structures, including innovative tools like shared-appreciation mortgages and scattered-site rental loans for small developers. PNC, Bank of America, JPMorganChase, and T. Rowe Price are already engaged in the effort, and GBC is leading the development of a strategy to secure additional private-sector commitments through a new family of funds. This week, GBC issued a Request for Information (RFI) to find a partner to design a private capital strategy that directs funds to support this mission. GBC and its partners aim to mobilize capital through a structured set of investment vehicles that align with both market realities and public priorities. Baltimore's approach builds on the proven success of ReBUILD Metro in East Baltimore, which focused on whole-block revitalization. Over the last two decades, ReBUILD Metro has invested over $125 million in East Baltimore, remediating over 500 vacant properties and lots into new homes and assets reducing vacancy by over 90% in the first two focus areas and substantially increasing both neighborhood population and average home values, without displacing existing residents. Originally funded through philanthropic support, the program is now scaling with state funds, providing a tested model for this citywide effort. About the Greater Baltimore Committee The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading economic and civic organization for the Baltimore Region, providing insightful economic and civic leadership to drive collective impact. GBC is powered by more than 300 private sector partners, including large, mid-size, and small companies; nonprofits; foundations; and educational and healthcare institutions, the GBC is dedicated to fostering the prosperity of the Greater Baltimore region. Founded in 1955, the GBC merged in 2022 with the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimorean organization that marketed the region for business investmentsand hired its first new leader in more than two decades. In 2024, GBC launched the "Bold Moves" initiative, a new economic brand designed to showcase the region's ambition, innovation, and momentum in attracting business and talent to Greater Baltimore. SOURCE Greater Baltimore Committee 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: People visit the Mount Royal lookout in Montreal, July 14, 2025, as much of Central Canada and Manitoba were placed under special air quality statements or warnings, amid smoke from wildfires, and Environment Canada advised residents to limit time outdoors and watch for smoke exposure symptoms. Credit: Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP, File Soon people will be able to use satellite technology and artificial intelligence to track dangerous soot pollution in their neighborhoodsand where it comes fromin a way not so different from monitoring approaching storms under plans by a nonprofit coalition led by former Vice President Al Gore. Gore, who co-founded Climate TRACE, which uses satellites to monitor the location of heat-trapping methane sources, on Wednesday expanded his system to track the source and plume of pollution from tiny particles, often referred to as soot, on a neighborhood basis for 2,500 cities across the world. Particle pollution kills millions of people worldwide each yearand tens of thousands in the United Statesaccording to scientific studies and reports. Gore's coalition uses 300 satellites, 30,000 ground-tracking sensors and artificial intelligence to track 137,095 sources of particle pollution, with 3,937 of them categorized as "super emitters" for how much they spew. Users can look at long-term trends, but in about a year Gore hopes these can become available daily so they can be incorporated into weather apps, like allergy reports. It's not just seeing the pollutants. The website shows who is spewing them. "It's difficult, before AI, for people to really see precisely where this conventional air pollution is coming from," Gore said. "When it's over in their homes and in their neighborhoods and when people have a very clear idea of this, then I think they're empowered with the truth of their situation. My faith tradition has always taught me you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free." The city center of Essen is seen through the fog as German Federal Environment Agency warns about poor air quality in Germany due to fine dust pollution, Essen, Germany, Feb. 12, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File Unlike methane, soot pollution isn't technically a climate issue because it doesn't cause the world to warm, but it does come from the same process: fossil fuel combustion. "It's the same combustion process of the same fuels that produce both the greenhouse gas pollution and the particulate pollution that kills almost 9 million people every single year,'' Gore said in a video interview Monday. "I'll give you an example. I recently spent a week in Cancer Alley, the stretch between Baton Rouge and New Orleans where the U.S. petrochemical industry is based. That's a 65-mile (105-kilometer) stretch, you know, and on either side of the river we did an analysis with the Climate TRACE data. If Cancer Alley were a nation, its per capita global warming pollution emissions would rank fourth in the world, behind Turkmenistan." Gore's firm found Karachi, Pakistan, had the most people exposed to soot pollution, followed by Guangzhou, China, Seoul, South Korea, New York City and Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An international research team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute has revealed that modern barley has a "mosaic origin," meaning it stems from several wild populations found across the Fertile Crescent. Credit: IPK Leibniz Institute/ D. Hirsz Barley is one of the world's oldest cultivated plants, farmed for more than 10,000 years. Scientists have long believed it was domesticated in just one location. An international research team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute has revealed that modern barley has a "mosaic origin," meaning it stems from several wild populations across the Fertile Crescent. The paper is published in the journal Nature. The research team conducted an in-depth study of the evolution and domestication of barley (Hordeum vulgare). They focused on so-called haplotypessections of DNA that are inherited together and act like genetic "building blocks." To trace barley's history, the scientists analyzed the genetic material of 682 barley accessions from the IPK genebank and 23 archaeological barley finds, including ancient charred grains up to 6,000 years old. The team specifically studied 380 wild barley samples from regions across western and central Asia, and compared them with 302 samples of domesticated barley. Their goal was to determine where and when key haplotypes were introduced into barley's genome. "Barley does not come from a single origin, as long assumed," says Yu Guo, first author of the study. "Instead, its genome is a fascinating mosaic composed of contributions from five wild barley populations we studied in the Fertile Crescent and neighboring areas." The Fertile Crescent is considered the birthplace of agriculture, stretching from modern-day Iraq through Turkey to Israel. The cultivation of barley in this region began well before humans settled permanentlyaround 10,000 years ago, during the Neolithic Revolutionand continued for thousands of years. "Some of the haplotypes essential for domestication, like the one for the non-brittle ear (so the grain doesn't fall off the plant), appeared as early as 27,000 years ago, a long time before we see archaeological evidence of domesticated barley," Guo adds. Barley's spread beyond the Fertile Crescent was not straightforward. "This expansion was shaped by repeated gene flow between local wild populations and already domesticated barley varietiesas well as by human migration and trade. This greatly influenced today's genetic diversity," says Dr. Martin Mascher, Head of the Domestication Genomics research group at the IPK. All five wild barley populations examined contributed, though to different extents, to the gene pool of cultivated barley. As agriculture spread from the Fertile Crescent about 8,500 years ago, domesticated barley split into three main lineages: a western lineage (Middle East and Europe), an eastern lineage (Central and East Asia) and an Ethiopian lineage. Important genes associated with domestication traitssuch as the non-brittle ear, six-row barley, or naked barley (grain without a hull)originated at different times and in different regions. For instance, the mutation for naked barley arose approximately 16,000 years ago. Analysis of ancient DNA, especially from archaeological sites in Israel, added further insight. Barley grains from the Yoram Cave (6,000 years old), the Abi'or Cave (2,000 years old) and a copper mine near Timna (3,000 years old) showed that genetic diversity increased over time, likely due to gene flow from other regionsdriven by trade and human movement. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "These discoveries strengthen and add a genomic dimension to our findings of the 23,000-year-old cereal agriculture at the Ohalo site, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Together they show that this region was central to plants' domestication and underscore that our exceptionally well-preserved dry archaeological record is a rare botanical and genetic treasure trove that now opens the way to fresh lines of research and to questions that until recently were considered unsolvable," says Prof. Ehud Weiss, Head of the Archaeobotanical Lab. at Bar Ilan University. This new view of barley's past helps researchers understand how crops adapt to different environments. Traits such as grain retention or ear shape evolved multiple times independently. "Our study shows how closely human history is linked with the history of cultivated plants," says Dr. Mascher. "Reading the DNA of barley is like reading several thousand years of human civilization." More information: Martin Mascher, A haplotype-based evolutionary history of barley domestication, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09533-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09533-7 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Climate change is a major economic threat. With a new model, economist Andrea Titton shows how climate disasters can disrupt supply chains, how climate tipping points may cost trillions each year, and how international fairness is also at stake. But, he says, being better prepared now will actually prove cheaper than taking the gamble of hitting a climate tipping point. On Thursday, 2 October, Titton will defend his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Amsterdam. The growing number of climate disasters is reshaping the way economies function. Events that once seemed rare are becoming more frequent and widespread, while sudden and irreversible shifts in the climate are now a real possibility. "Whether willingly or unwillingly, societies will have to face the economic impact of climate change. And the later we act, the more expensive it becomes," says Titton. Climate science and economic analysis Unlike many economists, who study the impacts of catastrophes after they occur, Titton focuses on how economies behave in anticipation of climate change. "Most people think about the economy reacting once a catastrophe hits," he says. "But I wanted to understand how societies prepare, or fail to prepare, for risks they know are coming." For this purpose, Titton created mathematical models that integrate climate forecasts with economic dynamics. "Firms and policymakers still rely on economic models designed for a more stable world. But these tools are increasingly unfit to guide decisions in today's climate reality," he says. "I tried to bring a more realistic model to the table and developed new technical methods to create it." The economic consequences of climate catastrophes Using his models, Titton analyzed the economic consequences of climate catastrophes on three levels. Firms and supply chains: when climate disasters like hurricanes or droughts strike in several places at once, they can disrupt many suppliers at the same time increasing the risk of big economic losses. Titton finds that firms often under-diversify their supply chains, creating fragility and large welfare losses. "You would expect companies to protect themselves by spreading their risks, but when many suppliers face the same climate threats, that logic breaks down," says Titton. Climate tipping points: Abrupt climate shifts, such as rapid permafrost thaw releasing methane, could accelerate warming dramatically. Titton calculates that such tipping points could cost the world economy up to 2.4 trillion per year. "Acting cautiously and paying the costs of reducing emissions today is cheaper than taking the gamble of hitting a climate tipping point." International policy: Richer regions that face fewer risks from climate tipping points might use this to their advantage, shifting much of the burden of cutting emissions onto poorer regions, thus preventing them from fully realizing their growth potential. Overall, the findings show that while a warming climate demands cooperation and strong systems, it instead tends to divide economic actors and make economies more fragile. Precaution is cheaper than gambling "The evidence is clear: when in doubt, we should choose caution, because even small mistakes in dealing with climate change can become very costly," says Titton. Titton's models could provide tools for governments and policymakers to evaluate the costs of inaction versus timely climate investment. "If the Netherlands or the EU want to know how much to invest in green energy, these models would help them weigh the risks of delay," Titton says. More information: Andrea Titton, 2025, "Economic Consequences of Environmental Catastrophes." Supervisors are Prof. C.G.H. Diks and Dr. ir. F.O.O. Wagener. 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: First author Qiubo Zhang looks at a sample of high-entropy alloy in solution made using the team's new technique. Credit: Robinson Kuntz/Berkeley Lab Humans have been making metal alloys for thousands of years, and most of us can conjure a rough mental image of the processit involves red-hot molten metals being mixed, poured, and shaped in a sweltering workshop or factory. This approach still works perfectly well for the traditional metals we see every day, like steel. But advanced metals with special chemical and mechanical properties, ones that scientists are investigating to use in energy technologies like long-lasting batteries and extreme-temperature engines for aerospace vehicles, need a more refined approach. Researchers from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered a new way to produce these materials, called high-entropy alloys (HEAs), at near-room temperatures. Their technique, described in a paper published today in Nature, also gives users much more control of the alloy's crystal structure and overall morphology compared with existing methods, opening the door for a new paradigm of custom-made HEAs. First discovered about 20 years ago, these materials have generated a lot of excitement thanks to their record-breaking strength and toughness, giving them many potential applications in mechanical engineering. HEAs could also serve as potent catalysts, boosting the efficiency and durability of batteries and fuel cells and reducing our reliance on imported rare minerals. HEAs' unique properties stem from their balanced recipes of different elements. While typical metal alloys are composed of a high proportion of one element with lower amounts of additional elements mixed in (for example, steel is ~9799% iron with tiny amounts of carbon and other elements), HEAs are made of equal or nearly equal ratios of elements, creating an internal crystal structure with more entropymeaning it is more disorganized. Fundamental principles of isothermal solidification synthesis of HEAs at low temperatures. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09530-w And although this disorganization is key to their function, engineers still need to be able to tune the materials to certain specifications and form them into different shapes. The existing methods to make HEAs involve heating the elements to high temperatures so that the atoms have a lot of kinetic energy, mixing the different elements into one lump, then rapidly dropping the temperature by various methods. The drastic temperature change is thought to be necessary to lock in a state of internal disorganization from the energetic atoms. The Berkeley Lab team's approach achieves the same high-entropy result at much lower, constant temperatures (a breezy 2580 degrees Celsius, or 77186 F) by mixing the elements that will make up the HEA into the metal gallium when it is in liquid form. The elements are introduced in a water-based solution in their chloride forms. When the acidic liquid meets the liquid gallium at a pleasantly warm-to-hot temperature, the elements very quickly shed their chlorine atoms and mix together, then solidify into an HEA alloy. According to team leader Haimei Zheng, a senior scientist in the Materials Science Division and adjunct professor at UC Berkeley, the incredible speed of the reaction and mixing at the liquid-liquid interface is what traps the much-desired entropy. The new phenomenon was discovered by first author Qiubo Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher in Zheng's group, when he was conducting experiments with the team's liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) platform, a technology they have advanced which allows scientists to study electronic and chemical reactions occurring in liquid environments in real time, at the atomic level. While using a liquid cell TEM to observe liquid gallium, he noticed Cu ions from the CuCl2 aqueous solution were getting sucked into the gallium and forming alloys. Credit: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory "Because our new carbon film liquid cell has such high spatial and temporal resolution, we were able to observe the very quick transition at atomic level, just a tenth of a second, from a nanoscale amorphous liquid metal with the different elements to a small crystal," said Zhang. The finding inspired the team to try to create HEAs, which they were already interested in due to their work developing high-performance catalysts. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "It was a unique situation because other methods to make these alloys are hit and miss, and when it works, those scientists will come to researchers like us and use our TEM technology to understand the mechanism of how the alloy formed," said Zheng. "In this case, we discovered a mechanism with TEM first, then figured out how to use it for synthesis. We are very proud to have found another use for our technology." Zhang's initial efforts to make HEAs with the process yielded nanoparticle-sized amounts. He and his colleagues then worked to scale the approach to make several grams of HEAs at a time. Their current technology, now patented, can generate HEAs in practical shapes other than round particles and with different types of crystal structure. They can also make HEAs with different composite metals, including ones without gallium, though that element is still key to the process. Zheng's group is now collaborating with Kristin Persson, director of the multi-institutional Materials Project, Berkeley Lab faculty senior scientist, and Daniel M. Tellep, Distinguished Professor in Engineering at UC Berkeley, to accelerate the design of new HEAs using artificial intelligence. These breakthroughs will help move HEAs from promising experimental applications to real-world products. The team is additionally exploring how they could use the technique to recover valuable rare minerals from wastewater generated by mining and geothermal wells. There are currently no cost-effective methods to pull these elements out of the water, meaning that domestic sources of commercially important metals like cobalt are going to waste. But a larger-scale version of the gallium-driven process has potential to selectively isolate these elements from the water and concentrate them in an alloy that could be further processed by customers, such as battery manufacturers. More information: Qiubo Zhang et al, Isothermal solidification for high-entropy alloy synthesis, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09530-w Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artist's depiction of an exomoon orbiting a gas giant planet. Credit: NASA GSFC/Jay Friedlander and Britt Griswold Exoplanets aren't the only objects floating around other starsthey likely have comets and asteroids as well. Even some of the exoplanets themselves will have "exomoons," at least according to our current understanding of the physics of planetary formation. However, we have yet to find any of these other objects conclusively, though there has been some hint at the presence of exomoons in the last ten years. A new paper from astronomers at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), recently posted to the arXiv preprint server, suggests a way in which we might be able to finally detect the presence of an exomoonusing a technique that is also commonly used to find exoplanets themselves. That technique is astrometrymeasuring the "wobble" induced in an object when another object is orbiting it. When searching out exoplanets, that "wobble" is typically induced in a star, but in the case of exomoons, it would be induced in the planet itself. Unfortunately, detecting such a tiny signal on top of what was already another tiny signal is exceedingly difficult. Back in 2018, astronomers from Columbia, including David Kipping of Cool Worlds fame, noted some weirdness in another exoplanet signal (admittedly a transit) that they thought could be caused by an exomoon. But the finding was never confirmed, along with many others that have lacked confirmation over the years. That might begin to change though, as more and more powerful instruments come online. The paper focuses on a technology called optical interferometry, where several optical telescopes, spread over a slight distance, combine their signals to increase the resolution of the overall system. Arguably the most capable tool for this currently is GRAVITY, which, interestingly, is just the instrument's name and not an acronym. GRAVITY combines the signals from four different optical telescopes scattered around the Very Large Telescope Interferometer at the ESO's campus in Chile. By doing so, it enables detection of wobbles as small as 50 microarcsecondssmall enough to detect the induced wobble of relatively large moons (like the size of a gas giant) around an even larger planet that happens to be close by. In the near future, it will receive an upgrade known as PLANETES, which will enable 10 microarcsecond resolution, and thereby enabling the detection of smaller moons orbiting more distant worlds. Perhaps most interestingly, a future, as yet theoretical instrument, known as the Kilometer-Baseline Interferometer, could reach as low as one microarcsecond precision. That would enable astronomers to find Earth-mass moons around much larger planets. The trope for space writers at this point is to compare that to Endor in the Star Wars series, but the point is that some of those giant planets the moons are orbiting could be in their star's habitable zones, and while the stars themselves couldn't support life due to being too massive, their moons potentially could. One planet of particular interest is Pictoris b, an exoplanet located about 64 light years away that is about 9 times the size of Jupiter. It has an unusual orbital tilt that many astronomers think might be caused by an as-yet-unseen moon. Detecting a moon of that size would require between 10 and 15 microarcsecond precision according to the authorsright in the sweet spot for the PLANETES instrument when it comes online, likely sometime later this decade. That will be a good first test for the idea of using astrometry to detect a moon. But until then we can still search for some using GRAVITY. More information: T. O. Winterhalder et al, Astrometric exomoon detection by means of optical interferometry, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.15304 Journal information: arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Blue crab. Credit: Erin Voigt In a new study, researchers from North Carolina State University have compared numbers of juvenile blue crabs across three nursery habitats in Pamlico Sound, both pre- and post-fishery decline, and found that while adult populations declined and have remained low, juvenile populations remained the same during both periods. The work is published in the journal Fisheries Oceanography, and points to a potential population bottleneck for crabs post-nursery, but pre-maturity. The Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System (APES) supports the majority of North Carolina's blue crab population and provides key nursery habitat. Larval blue crabs are released by mature female crabs from narrow inlets along the Outer Banks during the late spring, progressing through several planktonic molts in the Atlantic Ocean before returning to the estuary in the fall through a combination of wind- and storm-driven transport. The newly arrived juvenile crabs settle in near-shore habitats, like seagrass beds and shallow marsh peat habitats, along the eastern and western shores. "These juveniles hang out in the nurseries until they're basically big enough to pick a fight and win, then they move into the rest of the estuary," says Erin Voigt, a Ph.D. candidate at NC State and first author of the study. The North Carolina blue crab fishery showed a decline in blue crab populations in the early 2000s, leading to protective measures and a 50% reduction in crab fishing. However, the adult crab population hasn't rebounded. "The normal explanation for situations like these is recruitment overfishing, which just means that adults have been overfished to the point that they cannot produce enough young to get back to pre-collapse numbers," Voigt says. "We wanted to determine if that was the case here." Voigt looked at the density of juvenile crabsdefined as having carapace widths between 2.2 and 20 millimetersin three nursery habitats in the APES: patchy and ephemeral seagrass beds on the western shore, western shallow detrital habitats composed of marsh peat mats, and the eastern seagrass beds. She compared the densities across two time periods, 19961999, pre-fisheries decline, and 20172019, post-fisheries decline. The comparison showed that the number of juveniles in the APES nursery habitats were the same both pre- and post-decline, although the western seagrass habitats had almost four times more crabs than the eastern one, which was traditionally considered the primary nursery habitat. "The main takeaway here is that the decline in adult populations isn't directly due to recruitment problems," Voigt says. "Even if some of these juveniles are coming down from the Chesapeake or up from the Gulf populations, the numbers indicate that there should be significantly more adult crabs in the area. "There is most likely a bottleneck we aren't aware of that's happening somewhere between their arrival in the habitats and reaching adulthood. If we can find that bottleneck, it may help the numbers improve." More information: Erin Voigt et al, LongTerm Trends in Juvenile Blue Crab Recruitment Patterns in a WindDriven Estuary, Fisheries Oceanography (2025). DOI: 10.1111/fog.70009 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Belfort, a KU Leuven spin-off building the future of encrypted compute, today announced the close of its $6 million seed round to bring encrypted data processing into practical, real-time use. The round was led by deep-tech specialist Vsquared Ventures, with participation from Anagram, Protocol VC, Inovia Capital, Syndicate One, Prototype, Credibly Neutral, and high-profile angel investors including Jeff Dean (Google's Chief Scientist) and Naval Ravikant. The funding will enable Belfort to double its team, advance product development, and support early enterprise pilots across its San Francisco and Leuven offices. The Belfort founding team: Laurens De Poorter (ex Kraken Ventures & Google[x]), Dr Furkan Turan (PhD KU Leuven, ex Intel), Michiel Van Beirendonck (PhD KU Leuven, ex Microsoft Research & Rambus) and Prof Ingrid Verbauwhede (Prof KU Leuven, Visiting Prof Stanford). Belfort makes encrypted compute, the ability to process data without ever decrypting it, fast and practical through custom silicon. In July, it was revealed that a UK Ministry of Defence breach had exposed nearly 19,000 Afghan nationals and intelligence personnel, triggering an emergency response estimated at 7 billion (nearly $10 billion). Such incidents highlight the need to protect data not just at rest, but also while it is being processed. Belfort's hardware accelerator, the first purpose-built for encrypted compute, makes it possible to process data directly in encrypted form, eliminating exposure to servers, cloud providers, or insiders with privileged access. By removing the long-standing performance barriers of encrypted computation, Belfort makes large-scale deployment practical. Already available on AWS Marketplace, its technology can be applied across blockchain, finance, healthcare, and government operations. "AI is transforming everything, but the infrastructure to keep sensitive data and models secure hasn't caught up," said Michiel Van Beirendonck, Co-Founder & CEO of Belfort. "Encrypted compute is the answer, but without hardware acceleration, it doesn't scale. The company that solves that could become the next billion-dollar player." Belfort's technology builds on years of research from KU Leuven's COSIC lab, from the group of Prof. Ingrid Verbauwhede, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist of Belfort and global authority in cryptographic hardware. Co-founders Michiel Van Beirendonck and Furkan Turan developed the underlying breakthroughs, and are joined by Laurens De Poorter, former crypto VC at Kraken Ventures and strategist at Google[x]. Their work has been supported by major European Research Council grants and by participating in a competitive U.S. government contract with DARPA. About Belfort: Belfort accelerates encrypted compute to make it practical at scale, ensuring data can be processed without ever being decrypted. A spin-off from KU Leuven's COSIC lab, Belfort has offices in San Francisco and Leuven. belfortlabs.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780696/Belfort.jpg SOURCE Belfort 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: Gisr el -Mudir Family Statue: Credit: Zahi Hawass Library A study appearing in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology by Dr. Zahi Hawass and Dr. Sarah Abdoh describes a unique Egyptian family statue. The statue, made of limestone, was recovered from Gisr el-Mudir in Saqqara, Egypt, in 2021. It features a nobleman standing tall with his left foot forwarda stance typical of the Old Kingdom that represents youth, vitality, and strength. He wears a short, locked wig as well as a half-goffered kilt. The sculptor gave great attention to the depiction of his upper body, especially his shoulders, clavicle area, pectoral muscles, and arms. To his side is a woman, much smaller than he is, kneeling down and holding onto his right leg. She wears a shoulder-length wig, a broad collar, and a simple sheath dress. The woman likely represented the wife of the man. Similar to other familial statues, she is depicted squatting beside her husband, her arms wrapped around his leg, and her face resting against it. A similar depiction of the wife can be seen in the royal statue of Djedefre, where the queen squats beside her husband, holding onto his leg. Bas-relief of daughter. Credit: Zahi Hawass Library The third figure in the Gisr el-Mudir statue is the most unique. Unlike other family statues from Egypt, the young girl, likely representing the nobleman's daughter, is carved in bas-relief as opposed to in the round. She stands in the space behind her father's left leg, her right arm extended outward to hold onto it. Meanwhile, in her right hand, she holds a goose, which may have served as provisions for the afterlife. "It was common during the Old Kingdom to depict this scene. Since there are no wall scenes preserved in this tomb that we could see, the statue of the daughter holding a goose may have served the same function, representing provisions for the afterlife, just as the scenes would have done," explains Dr. Hawass. The statue was found without context in the sands of Gisr el-Mudir, likely having been dropped or abandoned there by thieves looting the nearby tombs. However, this lack of context makes it difficult to ascertain when the statue was created. To determine the likely period of creation, the artistic style of the statue was analyzed and compared to other known family statues. It appeared that the statue was most similar to other family statues created during the 5th Dynasty. Most particularly, the statue of Irukaptah. Housed in the Brooklyn Museum, the limestone statue is of almost identical height and distinctive style. It was also excavated at Saqqara and dates to the 5th Dynasty. It depicts a nobleman, his left foot forward, wearing similar clothes and a wig to the nobleman from Gisr el-Mudir. On his left is his wife; she kneels beside him, similarly small, holding onto his leg. Meanwhile, a son is depicted naked with a finger to his mouth (sometimes seen in depictions of children). The statues are almost identical save for the position of the wives, which have been reversed, and the son is depicted in the round, while the Gisr el-Mudir daughter was depicted in bas-relief. The similarity in anatomical proportions, facial details, body positions, clothes, and wigs all suggest the two statues were created at the same time and likely came from the same "school" of art. If so, the unique Gisr el-Mudir statue likely dates to the 5th Dynasty and depicts a father, together with his wife and daughter. The reasons for the daughter's having been carved in bas-relief are uncertain, as no other family statue is known to have done this. This makes the Gisr el-Mudir family statue the first of its kind in the Old Kingdom to depict a family member in such a unique way. Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Zahi Hawass et al, Family Statue from Gisr el-Mudir (Saqqara), The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology (2025). DOI: 10.1177/03075133251329948 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain According to a new study, researchers with expertise on the Middle East and/or Israel/Palestine have been engaging in self-censorship in response to perceived and actual restrictions at German universities. The study titled "German Academia after October 7: Self-Censorship and Restrictions of Academic Freedom among MENA Scholars" is by Jannis Julien Grimm, Sven Chojnacki, Nina Moya Schreieder, Iman El Ghoubashy, and Thaddaa Sixta, and was published in German by the Center for Interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Research (INTERACT) at Freie Universitat Berlin on September 15, 2025,The English version of the study was published on September 22, 2025. The study, which constitutes the first systematic effort to investigate this phenomenon in the German context, draws on an online survey carried out among roughly 2,000 scholars who conduct research on subjects related to the Middle East and explores their perceptions of restrictions, practices of self-censorship, and institutional pressure across disciplines. The average overall response rate was around 22%. The results reveal a tension between respondents' normative ideal of open debate and their actual experience of narrowing discourse, contestation, and sanctioning. The data demonstrate that this experience of uncertainty and restraint is not just a marginal issue, but is in fact widespread among scholars addressing the topic of Israel/Palestine. Status groups who have precarious employment conditions and rely heavily on third-party funding are especially vulnerable. Respondents also reiterated their belief that a central task of academic institutions must be to protect plural expression. The results correspond to surveys conducted by the Middle East Scholar Barometer in the United States and, for the first time, provide systematic evidence for the German context. Results of the study Academic freedom under threat: Roughly 85% of respondents have observed an increased threat to academic freedom since October 7. At ninety point five percent, postdoctoral researchers reported feeling the most threatened. Self-censorship is a widespread practice: A total of 25.9% of respondents reported that they "often" feel unable to express their views freely, while 76% reported exercising some degree of restraint, especially when talking about Israel-related topics. Researchers experienced self-censorship most strongly at public events (81%), in media contributions (54%), but also within their own faculty or department (42%). Reasons for self-censorship: Respondents stated that they tended to refrain from addressing the topic of Israel/Palestine primarily because they feared being misunderstood, becoming the subject of public hostility, and suffering professional consequences. Institutional pressure: More than half of participants (50.7%) perceived a notable increase in pressure to avoid the topic of Israel/Palestine within their institution. By contrast, only 27.8% reported an increase in pressure to speak out. Harassment and threats: Only 47% of respondents indicated that they had not experienced any threats or restrictions since October 7, 2023. Others reported that they had been confronted with hate speech and threats online (19%), accusations of antisemitism (19%), defamation in the media (16%), cancellations of events (16%), and institutional exclusion (14%). Broad consensus on fundamental rights: Respondents expressed strong support for the right of students to protest on campus, regardless of political orientation, while they considered the protection of free speech as one of the most important tasks of universities. Differences among status groups and disciplines: The more precarious and dependent on third-party funding scholars were, the more they felt the need to censor themselves. Researchers from the fields of Arabic studies, Islamic studies, cultural studies, and the political and social sciences in particular reported higher rates of self-censorship. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Methodology in brief The study draws on a standardized online survey carried out in spring 2025 to appraise the situation of scholars who have demonstrable expertise on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and/or Israel/Palestine and are based in Germany. The sampling frame was constructed systematically from publicly accessible and verifiable sources and reviewed internally for consistency. Members of universities, research institutes, and academic think tanks were contacted to participate in the survey. The average overall response rate was around 22%. The researchers applied quantitative-statistical methods in conjunction with qualitative thematic analysis and contextual interpretation of the free-text responses in evaluating the data. The methodological limitations of the study concerned its cross-sectional design, which did not allow for causal inferences; potential biases in self-reporting; and the mechanisms by which the participants were selected, which could mean that people who feel strongly about the topic were overrepresented. Context and outlook The results of the study demonstrated parallels with the findings of the Middle East Scholar Barometer in the United States as well as other German studies on academic freedom and attacks on scholars who work on controversial topics. Specificities within the German context include the highly politicized and sensitive nature of Israel/Palestine as a topic in the public sphere and institutional reactions within universities. The study points to several courses of action, such as targeted measures to protect scholars at vulnerable stages of their careers, support for researchers facing threats, and a debate culture that acknowledges different forms of vulnerability without reproducing hierarchical solidarities among marginalized groups. More information: Jannis Julien Grimm et al, German Academia after October 7, (2025). DOI: 10.17169/refubium-49164 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: More than 3,000 high-resolution photos of the Monte Rosa East Face were taken from a helicopter. Using photogrammetric software, this data is being used to create a high-resolution 3D model of the terrain. Credit: Heidelberg University The highest rock wall in the Alpsthe Monte Rosa East Face on the border between Italy and Switzerlandhas for the first time been surveyed three-dimensionally with high precision. An international research team from the universities of Milan, Prague and Heidelberg has taken more than 3,000 high-resolution photos from a helicopter. Using a special method, a detailed 3D model is now emerging. With its assistance, the researchers want to understand changes of the Belvedere Glacier situated below the steep face and to investigate the impacts of climate change on the rock face and hanging glaciers. Starting with glacier studies, the range of topics extends from exploring landscape development to examining geomorphological forms to analyzing potential natural hazards. "Using GPS devices, along with images taken from satellites, planes and drones, we were able to survey and map the middle and lower part of the debris-covered Belvedere Glacier in the valley. But this had not yet been possible in the area of Monte Rosa's eastern face due to its extreme steepness," explains Prof. Dr. Marcus Nusser from the South Asia Institute (SAI) of Heidelberg University. That is why the researchers opted for the method of "structure from motion" photogrammetry. Overlapping photos are taken from differing perspectivesin multi-view stereo. A high-resolution 3D model of the terrain is emerging from this data with the aid of photogrammetry software. "Photos taken from a helicopter are particularly suited to that method because they enable us to document even largely inaccessible rock areas and hanging glaciers in detail," says the Heidelberg geographer. The scientists have been studying the Belvedere Glacier below the eastern face of the Monte Rosa massif for some years now. "Major and recurrent events such as rockfall, mudslides and flooding have recently shown how dynamic this high mountain region is. As the glaciers retreat and permafrost melts, the risks continue to increase in the course of climate change," Prof. Nusser explains. With the 3D terrain model, the glacier dynamics and impacts of climate change can now be mapped out with high precision. Using a professional camera system, Marcus Nusser took the helicopter photos with his SAI colleague Dr. Susanne Schmidt and Prof. Dr. Jan Kropacek from Charles University in Prague. In addition, Kushagra Metha, a master's student at the South Asia Institute, recorded the flight with a video camera. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain During the course of evolution, the mammalian cranio-mandibular secondary jointformed by the dentary condyle and the squamosal glenoid fossa, which replaced the reptilian articularquadrate jointrepresents an innovative structure in vertebrate evolution. By CT-scanning two classic fossils, Chinese researchers found previously unknown jaw joints and proposed a clear, four-step sequence showing how chewing and hearing functions were gradually split between jaw and ear. The research, led by Prof. Mao Fangyuan from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in Nature. As cynodonts evolved into mammals, various rudimentary secondary joints emerged, such as surangularsquamosal and dentarysquamosal contacts. These structures helped support the weakening primitive joint during chewing. Advanced stem mammaliaforms, like Dianoconodon, developed a dual-jaw joint, with the lateral dentary condylesquamosal fossa joint becoming the main load-bearing structure. However, the scarcity of fossils limited understanding of this process. To address this knowledge gap, the researchers re-examined two old fossil specimens using high-resolution CT scans. One specimen, Polistodon chuannanensisa Middle Jurassic tritylodontid from Zigong, Sichuanwas first described in 1984. The new study reveals it had a unique dentary condylejugal fossa secondary jaw joint, the first of its kind identified in tetrapods, challenging previous ideas about secondary joint morphology. The second specimen, from the Lower Jurassic of Lufeng, Yunnan, was a morganucodontan specimen identified as a new genus and species: Camurocondylus lufengensis. Its simple dentary condyle, formed by the upward bending of the posterior end of the dentary lateral ridge, provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that mammalian dentary condyles evolved from this ridge structure. These discoveries allowed the researchers to propose the first four-stage sequence for the evolution of the primitive and secondary joints: Stage one is the articularquadrate joint (reptiles) Stage two is the primitive joint dominant, with secondary contact points (advanced cynodonts) Stage three is the load-bearing secondary joint dominant, with primitive joint aiding sound transmission (stem mammaliaforms) Stage four is the fully developed dentarysquamosal joint, with the primitive joint transformed into a middle ear ossicle joint (mammals, docodonts, haramiyidans) The findings suggest multiple independent origins for jaw joint types. While the dentarysquamosal joint isn't unique to mammals, a load-bearing version is characteristic of mammaliaforms. The dentaryzygomatic (jugal) joint of Polistodon represents a unique adaptation to herbivorous, fossorial lifestyles, while Camurocondylus shows features consistent with gradual evolution leading to mammalian diversification. Furthermore, the researchers explored possible diverse evolutionary driving mechanisms. The currently prevalent "miniaturization drive hypothesis" applies to small insectivorous groups like Camurocondylus but seems less plausible for the larger-bodied Polistodon. The latter was herbivorous and showed adaptations to a specific ecological environment, which also aligns with the discovery of possible tritylodontid burrow systems at the Polistodon specimen locality. Based on these observations, the researchers propose that phenotypic plasticityenvironmentally induced variationmay have played a significant role in the diversification of secondary joints in late cynodonts. This study expands our understanding of mammalian evolution and provides a window into the complex interplay of developmental, functional, and environmental factors shaping vertebrate morphology. More information: Jin Meng, Convergent evolution of diverse jaw joints in mammaliamorphs, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09572-0. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09572-0 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: By examining the shape of two mammoth teeth and the DNA they contained, the team found evidence of Columbian and woolly mammoth hybridisation. Credit: Laura Termes North America's mammoth species were breeding together within the past 40,000 years. Fossil teeth found in Canada show that Columbian and wooly mammoths regularly had calves together where the different species mixed. North America's mammoth species weren't as separate as they first appear. Two different mammoths lived on the continent during the last Ice Agethe wooly mammoth in what is now Canada and the northern U.S., and the Columbian mammoth further south. Adapted to different climates and food sources, it was assumed that these species lived largely independent lives. Two mammoth molars found in western Canada, however, tell a different story. Genetic analysis of the fossilized teeth shows that they belonged to mammoths that were hybrids between the species. In fact, because the younger fossil has more Columbian mammoth DNA than the other, Columbian and wooly mammoths must have bred many times over thousands of years. Professor Adrian Lister, one of our scientists who co-authored the new research, says that it suggests that hybrids play a much bigger role in evolution than was previously thought. "Traditionally, we're taught that different species can't breed together," Lister says. "As our ability to investigate genetics has developed, however, we're finding that this has actually happened many times." "The approach we've taken to investigate these mammoths could potentially be applied to other extinct animals as well. By reconstructing their history, we'll be better able to see the role that hybridization has played in the evolution of the species we see today." The findings of the study are published in the journal Biology Letters. How did hybrid mammoths evolve? Part of the research team first uncovered evidence of mammoth hybrids back in 2021, when they extracted 1.2-million-year-old DNA from a steppe mammoth tooth found in Krestovka, Siberia. Historically, steppe mammoths were thought to have evolved into the wooly mammoth in Eurasia around 700,000 years ago, and the Columbian mammoth in central and southern North America around 300,000 years later. However, the Krestovka tooth showed that the story isn't quite that simple. The Krestovka lineage turned out to be a distinct group of steppe mammoths whose members bred with wooly mammoths. It's now thought that this hybridization event is what created the Columbian mammoth. This interbreeding likely happened in North America after the wooly and steppe mammoths crossed a now-submerged land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. As a result, as much as half of the DNA of Columbian mammoths was inherited from the wooly mammoths. But this new study shows that some wooly mammoths were also inheriting Columbian mammoth genetics. One of the newly unearthed wooly mammoth teeth, dating from about 36,000 years ago, shows that the animal it belonged to inherited over 21% of its genome from Columbian mammoths. In the younger tooth, from about 11,000 years later, Columbian mammoths are responsible for just under 35% of the mammoth's ancestry. The increased level of Columbian mammoth DNA suggests that interbreeding between wooly and Columbian mammoths continued for thousands of years. Analysis of the sex chromosomes suggests that these encounters were mostly male Columbian mammoths breeding with female wooly mammoths. The mixing of both species also made the North American wooly mammoths more genetically diverse than any other population known so far. Species with greater variety in their DNA are normally better able to adapt to changes, so it's possible that this could have helped these mammoths to survive. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Mammoths under pressure While these hybrid mammoths are genetically distinct from other members of their species, their teeth are surprisingly similar to other wooly mammoths. Lister explains that this is likely the result of natural selection. "We tend to think that hybrids average out, so if a long animal bred with a short animal they'd have a medium-length offspring," Lister says. "So, in these hybrids, we might expect their teeth to have elements from wooly and Columbian mammoths." "Instead, we found that their teeth are still very like those of wooly mammoths, which are well-adapted to eating grasses on cold, open plains. As the hybrids live in a similar environment, there's a pressure for them to keep their wooly mammoth-like teeth." It would have been similar for hybrid Columbian mammoths living further south. As they lived in a warmer environment with a wider range of foods, there was a pressure for these animals to keep their more generalist teeth despite having significant amounts of wooly mammoth DNA. Studying the impacts of mammoth hybridization further could also help protect living animals. Species such as the Scottish wildcat, for example, are in danger of going extinct because of breeding with closely related domestic cats. Having past examples for conservationists to draw on can help them to understand potential outcomes for at-risk species. The changing conditions of the Ice Age also help scientists to understand how modern elephants, and other animals, might adapt to modern climate change. "Understanding how species can mitigate environmental change is very important at the moment, and we can look to past climate change to help with that," Lister adds. "We know that mammoths ultimately didn't survive the end of the Ice Age, and delving into their adaptability could help us better understand why." This story is republished courtesy of Natural History Museum. Read the original story here. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Uttarakhand, referred to as the land of gods, is also known as the energy state of India. It is home to several fast-flowing rivers at high altitudes that serve as the perfect backdrop for harnessing energy from water to produce hydroelectric power. In this state, the Tehri dam, situated in Garhwal, is the highest dam in India. The amalgamation of rivers and high mountains in this area is ideally suited to producing electricity for rural and urban areas through hydropower and other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. In the neighboring state of Ladakh, the Zoji La is one of the highest mountain passes in the world. It's surrounded by the rugged terrain of Trans-Himalayas, with cold desert slopes, snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. This biodiverse region is home to snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, wolves, Pallas cats, yaks and lynx. Zoji La also serves as a gateway for the movement of Indian military troops, enabling a constant armed force presence at the Indo-Chinese border. The construction of the Zoji La tunnel, poised to become the longest tunnel in Asia, allows India to rapidly deploy troops near the border with China while claiming to promote economic development in rural areas. Existing roads remain blocked by snow for up to six months each year, so without the new tunnel, access is limited. Its construction, however, uses extensive blasting and carving of the mountain slopes using dynamite, which disrupts fragile geological structures of the already unstable terrain, generating severe noise and air pollution, thereby putting wildlife at risk. Hydropower harnesses the power of flowing water as it moves from higher to lower elevations. Through a series of turbines and generators, hydroelectric power plants convert the movement of water from rivers and waterfalls into electrical energy. This so-called "kinetic energy" contributes 14.3% of the global renewable energy mix. However, development of hydropower projects and rapid urbanization in the Indian Himalayas are actively degrading the environmental and ecological landscape, particularly in the ecologically sensitive, seismically active and fragile regions of Joshimath in Uttarakhand and Zoji La in Ladakh. The construction of hydropower plants, along with associated railways, all-weather highways and tunnels across the Himalayan mountains, is being undertaken without adequate urban planning, design or implementation. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. At an altitude of 1,800m in the Garhwal region, land is subsiding or sinking in the town of Joshimath where more than 850 homes have been deemed as inhabitable due to cracks. Subsidence occurs naturally as a result of flash flooding, for example, but is also being accelerated by human activities, such as the construction of hydropower projects in this fragile, soft-slope area. Satellite data shows that Joshimath sank by 5.4cm within 12 days between December 27 2022 and January 8 2023. Between April and November 2022, the town experienced a rapid subsidence of 9cm. One 2024 study analyzed land deformation in Joshimath using remote sensing data. The study found significant ground deformation during the year 202223, with the maximum subsidence in the north-western part of the town coinciding with the near completion of the Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower project in 2023. Another 2025 study highlights that hydropower projects, particularly the Tapovan Vishnugad plant near Joshimath, play a significant role in destabilizing the region. Dynamite and disaster risk As part of my Ph.D. research, I've been interviewing locals about how this is affecting them. "The subsidence in Joshimath is not solely the result of natural calamities," said apple farmer Rivya Dimri, who once lived in the town but relocated to Lansdowne due to the inhospitable conditions of her ancestral home. She believes that a significant part of the problem stems from dam construction, frequent tunneling and blasting, plus the widespread deforestation that has taken place to accommodate infrastructure development. Farmer Tanzong Le from Leh told me that "the government is prioritizing military agendas over the safety and security of local communities and the ecology of Ladakh." He believes that "the use of dynamite for blasting through mountains not only destabilizes the geological foundations of the Trans-Himalayan mountains but also endangers wildlife and the surrounding natural environment, exacerbating vulnerability in these already sensitive mountain regions." The twin challenges of haphazard and unplanned infrastructure development in Joshimath and Zoji La represent two sides of the same coin: poorly executed infrastructure projects that prioritize economic, energy, military and geopolitical ambitions over the safeguarding of nature and communities. Hydropower plants, tunnels and highways may bring economic benefits and geopolitical advantages, but without urgent safeguards, India risks undermining the very mountains that protect its people, wildlife, ecosystems and borders. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain An influential study claiming that drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar every day helps people lose weight was retracted on Wednesday after an investigation found it contained multiple errors. The small clinical trial, which was published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health last year, is currently cited in many online articles touting the much-hyped health benefits of apple cider vinegar. However, the study quickly attracted criticism from outside researchers, prompting the journal's publisher to launch an investigation. The investigators found statistical errors and could not replicate the study's results, leading to it being retracted, the BMJ Group said in a statement. The authors of the research, which was conducted in Lebanon, said in a statement the errors were "honest mistakes" but added that they agreed with the decision to retract. Rosemary Stanton, an Australian public health nutritionist who criticized the study when it was first published, told AFP she was glad it had finally been retracted. "We should have a healthy degree of skepticism to something that sounds too good to be true," she said. After Netflix released a series called "Apple Cider Vinegar" in January about Australian wellness influencers, the common pantry item has become emblematic of unverified health claims promoted on social media. Stanton added that some of apple cider vinegar's other supposed health benefits were also not supported by evidence. Claims that it is a good source of nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium are "false", she said. "Because apple cider vinegar damages tooth enamel, if you do use it, always rinse your mouth thoroughly with water." Stanton also lamented that many people no longer got nutrition advice from experts, but instead from unqualified influencers who often profit from promoting or selling products. More information: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823ret 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A woman struggles with her umbrella in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, as Super Typhoon Ragasa pounds the financial hub. Fierce winds, pounding rain and high seas battered Hong Kong on Wednesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa headed into southern China after causing a lake burst that killed at least 14 people in Taiwan. The Chinese finance hub saw scores of fallen trees and flooding in multiple neighborhoods, with the storm surge smashing the glass doors of an upscale hotel and flooding its lobby, according to footage circulated online. Ragasa is churning away from Hong Kong gradually around noon (0400 GMT) but the city will still be lashed by hurricane-force winds, according to the Hong Kong Observatory, which issued the highest level of typhoon warning overnight. Ragasa has brought "significant storm surge," with waters at coastal areas rising more than three meters above the reference level, the observatory added. The nearby casino hub of Macauwhich also saw widespread floodinghas suspended power supply to some low-lying areas, according to utility company CEM. In Taiwan, at least 14 people were killed and 18 injured when a decades-old lake barrier burst in the eastern Hualien county after Ragasa pounded the island, according to regional officials. The super typhoon killed at least two people while ripping through the northern Philippines. Infographic showing Super Typhoon Ragasa's approach to the heavily populated southern China region. China's Ministry of Emergency Management said the typhoon is expected to make landfall along Guangdong's coast between Zhuhai and Zhanjiang from midday to late Wednesday. Authorities across mainland China ordered businesses and schools to shut down in at least 10 cities across the nation's south, affecting tens of millions of people. Streets were mostly empty as wind picked up on Wednesday morning in Yangjiang, a city west of Hong Kong near where the typhoon is expected to make landfall. One local shopkeeper told AFP she was not sure if she would be able to open her convenience store today. "It will depend on the weather conditions," she said. The Yangjiang train stationnormally bustling with activity, locals saidstood empty, with rail travel suspended Wednesday across the province of Guangdong. Firemen prepare to remove a tree uprooted by Ragasa. Reports of flooding Multiple districts in Hong Kong saw instances of flooding, according to images circulated on social media and verified by AFP. At the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, next to a theme park, a man was seen losing his balance after storm surge shattered the glass front doors and swept into its lobby, one of the videos showed. "We are doing all we can to mitigate the impact brought about by the super typhoon," a spokesperson for the hotel told AFP. Floodwaters rushed into the seaside Heng Fa Chuen residential estate and covered its interior courtyards, another video clip showed. Strong winds ripped off the top of a pedestrian footbridge, while many of the city's tall buildings swayed and rattled in the harsh winds. An off-duty firefighter surnamed Tse told AFP he was "a bit worried" about the safety of nearby bamboo scaffoldings as he walked home after an 11-hour shift of "non-stop" work. Waves crashing into the Heng Fa Chuen residential district of Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Ragasa rages. "This one was forecast to be quite bad so we were expecting a bit of chaos... (but) everywhere seems to be functioning quite efficiently still," said 27-year-old chef Benjamin Phizacklea. Rail operator MTR said train services on open sections were suspended, with limited service available on the underground sections. Authorities said more than 760 people sought refuge at the 50 temporary shelters across Hong Kong. The city's airport operator said "only a limited number of cargo flights" were scheduled for Wednesday, with its website listing hundreds of canceled passenger flights. A five-year-old boy and his mother fell into the sea on Tuesday afternoon while they were watching the waves in the Chai Wan district, according to police. Both were in critical condition after they were rushed to hospital. The boy's 40-year-old father, who reportedly jumped into the water to save his family, was also hospitalized. 2025 AFP The famous "Pillars of Creation" as captured by Hubble. Credit: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) What is the meaning of life? Even the best of us couldn't hope to answer that question in a Universe Today article. But there are those who would try to "constrain" it, at least in terms of physics. A new paper from Pankaj Mehta of Boston University of Jane Kondev of Brandeis that was recently posted to the arXiv preprint server looks at how the fundamental constants of physics might be applied to life as we know itand even life as we don't know it yet. Their idea doesn't necessarily give the answer to the ultimate question, but it does tie two seemingly disparate fields nicely together. Their work was inspired by Victor Weisskopf, an Austrian-American physicist who famously derived many of the properties of matter by deriving them from the "first principles" of the physical constants that underpin our universe. His work in the 1970s also famously excluded the properties of one extremely important type of matterlife. That is where Drs. Mehta and Kondev stepped in. First, they had to define "life," which, if you ask anyone involved in biology, can be a tricky process in itself. Their definition, which for the purposes of explaining the idea we'll have to accept at face value, is that life is "a novel form of non-equilibrium self-organized matter whose defining feature is high-fidelity self-replication." In other words, the meaning of life is to perpetually separate itself from its environment (at least energetically) and to reproduce. To go along with that definition, they further define three fundamental properties of life that "characterize" it. First is the "growth yield," which defines how much additional biomass can be produced per unit of energy (typically a joule). Second is the minimum doubling timei.e., the fastest an organism can possibly double in number. Third is the "Minimum Power Consumption in Dormancy," which measures how much energy life needs to sustain its "separateness" from the environment and maintain its own integrity against the forces of chaosrepresented by entropy in the Second Law of Thermodynamics. According to the paper, each of those fundamental properties can be derived from the physical constants of the universespecifically the laws of quantum theory and thermodynamics. On a quantum scale, constants like Planck's constant, the mass of an electron, mass of a proton, and the speed of light, can define higher level constant values such as the Bohr radius (the size of an atom) and the Rydberg energy (energy of an electron). Thermal values are similarly defined by the Boltzmann constant and temperature, whereas the "Kinetic Time Scale" that can be used to define the time scales for biological replication is based on a combination of both quantum and thermal constant values. When defining the "growth yield," the authors calculate an idealized value based on the mass of a proton, mass of an electron, speed of light, and the fine structure constant, which defines the strength of electromagnetic interactions between fundamental particles like the proton and electron. They calculate the idealized growth yield to be somewhere around the 8x10-7 g / joule. However, for carbon-based life, like us, it wouldn't stick to the idealized number, and would grow to about 10-4 g/jouleabout in line with the observed value for carbon-based life on Earth. Minimum doubling time, on the other hand, could be limited in one of two ways. If there's plenty of energy to go around, the limiting factor is the speed of the biochemical reactions that allow for the increase in the number of cells. On the other hand, if there isn't abundant energy, the growth factor is limited by how quickly life can collect energy in order to reproduce. In both cases, the model defined in the paper that is based on the fundamental constants accurately predicts at least the scale of how these processes are observed in the field. With abundant energy, bacteria can double in size in a few hundred seconds, whereas with limited energy it might take them anywhere between tens of days to hundreds of years to double. Fighting entropy while dormant is hard work for a cell, as it continually loses ions that keep its "ion gradient" that differentiates it from its environment. These ions escape through "pores" in the cell that form due to changes in the cell's thermal environment. This mechanism is based on both the thermal and kinetic constants described above, and is calculated to be about 3 x 10-15 Watts/cell. Again, this aligns with experimental values of 10-16 W / cell. With all the model values aligning nicely with the measured experimental values of these biological markers, the authors point out that their fundamental premisethat the laws of physics impose constraints on cellular lifeseems to be valid. Mostly this model is useful as a framework for looking at how life exists in our universe under the same physical laws, and could be used to help the search for life distinct from our own. It does a great job of carrying on and expanding Weisskopf's vision of a complete framework from the bottom of describing all of the universe from first principleseven that temperamental process called life, which still lacks a universal "meaning" no matter how many constraints we put on it. More information: Pankaj Mehta et al, What do the fundamental constants of physics tell us about life? arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.09892 Journal information: arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Psilocybe cubensis grows worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, including Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The mushroom prefers moist, fertilizer-rich soils and contains the psychoactive substance psilocybin, which is currently being researched as an active compound for the treatment of therapy-resistant depression. Credit: Felix Blei, Leibniz-HKI A German-Austrian team led by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Leibniz-HKI has been able to biochemically demonstrate for the first time that different types of mushrooms produce the same mind-altering active substance, psilocybin, in different ways. Both Psilocybe mushrooms and fiber cap mushrooms of the genus Inocybe produce this substance, but use completely different enzymes and reaction sequences for this process. The results are published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition. "This concerns the biosynthesis of a molecule that has a very long history with humans," explains Prof. Dirk Hoffmeister, head of the research group Pharmaceutical Microbiology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI). "We are referring to psilocybin, a substance found in so-called 'magic mushrooms,' which our body converts into psilocina compound that can profoundly alter consciousness. However, psilocybin not only triggers psychedelic experiences, but is also considered a promising active compound in the treatment of therapy-resistant depression," says Hoffmeister. Two paths, one molecule The study, which was conducted within the Cluster of Excellence "Balance of the Microverse," shows for the first time that fungi have developed the ability to produce psilocybin at least twice independently of each other. While Psilocybe species use a known enzyme toolkit for this purpose, fiber cap mushrooms employ a completely different biochemical arsenaland yet arrive at the same molecule. This finding is considered an example of convergent evolution: Different species have independently developed a similar trait, but the magic mushrooms have gone their own way in doing so. Two paths lead to the same molecule: Independently of each other, different genera of "magic mushrooms" have developed two different enzyme pathways that produce the same psychoactive substance, psilocybina rare example of convergent evolution in natural product biosynthesis. Credit: Tim Schafer, Leibniz-HKI Searching for clues in fungal genomes Tim Schafer, lead author of the study and doctoral researcher in Hoffmeister's team, explains, "It was like looking at two different workshops, but both ultimately delivering the same product. In the fiber caps, we found a unique set of enzymes that have nothing to do with those found in Psilocybe mushrooms. Nevertheless, they all catalyze the steps necessary to form psilocybin." The researchers analyzed the enzymes in the laboratory. Protein models created by Innsbruck chemist Bernhard Rupp confirmed that the sequence of reactions differs significantly from that known in Psilocybe. "Here, nature has actually invented the same active compound twice," says Schafer. However, why two such different groups of fungi produce the same active compound remains unclear. "The real answer is that we don't know," emphasizes Hoffmeister. "Nature does nothing without reason. So there must be an advantage to both fiber cap mushrooms in the forest and Psilocybe species on manure or wood mulch producing this moleculewe just don't know what it is yet." "One possible reason could be that psilocybin is intended to deter predators. Even the smallest injuries cause Psilocybe mushrooms to turn blue through a chemical chain reaction, revealing the breakdown products of psilocybin. Perhaps the molecule is a type of chemical defense mechanism," says Hoffmeister. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. More tools for biotechnology Although it is still unclear why different fungi ultimately produce the same molecule, the discovery nevertheless has practical implications. "Now that we know about additional enzymes, we have more tools in our toolbox for the biotechnological production of psilocybin," explains Hoffmeister. Schafer is also looking ahead, stating, "We hope that our results will contribute to the future production of psilocybin for pharmaceuticals in bioreactors without the need for complex chemical syntheses." At the Leibniz-HKI in Jena, Hoffmeister's team is working closely with the Bio Pilot Plant, which is developing processes for producing natural products such as psilocybin on an industry-like scale. At the same time, the study provides exciting insights into the diversity of chemical strategies used by fungi and their interactions with their environment. More information: Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202512017 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition ZUG, Switzerland , Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss Fintech, Bivial AG , is announcing the launch of Physical Visa Cards. Building on its Apple Pay and Google Pay-enabled virtual Visa cards, Bivial customers can now order physical debit cards for convenient and secure global transactions. "Adding physical Visa cards to our portfolio is a key step in our mission to offer end-to-end financial services," said Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO of Bivial. "Our partners and users have asked for physical cards that match the reliability and reach of our digital services, and we're proud to deliver just thatpowered by the global Visa network." Key Features of the Bivial Visa Physical Card Offering: Global Acceptance: Use anywhere Visa is acceptedover 80 million locations worldwide. Use anywhere Visa is acceptedover 80 million locations worldwide. Integrated Account Management: All payment and transaction information is easily accessible through the Bivial Dashboard or can be integrated through Bivial's APIs. All payment and transaction information is easily accessible through the Bivial Dashboard or can be integrated through Bivial's APIs. Customisable Limits: Companies can manage each card separately by setting different limits and payment options for each user. Companies can manage each card separately by setting different limits and payment options for each user. Unlimited Card Issuance in Seconds : Issue as many cards as your business requires under a linked IBAN account in EUR. : Issue as many cards as your business requires under a linked IBAN account in EUR. Enhanced Security: EMV chip technology and real-time transaction controls offer peace of mind for users. The physical Visa cards complement Bivial's robust suite of finance solutions, including Business Accounts, global bank transfers, direct debit collections, virtual IBANs, virtual corporate cards, alternative payment methods/wallets, and API-first banking infrastructure. For more information about Bivial's Physical Cards, visit bivial.ch . About Bivial AG. Bivial AG is a deposit-taking financial institution authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the Swiss Federal Banking Act, Article 1b, offering modern Swiss accounts and cross-border payment solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Bivial specialises in offering online businesses access to IBAN accounts in multiple currencies, global payment acceptance, and digital disbursement solutions. As the first Swiss-licensed fintech company to work exclusively with e-commerce, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers, Bivial seeks to empower digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts and payment solutions. CONTACT: [email protected], +41 41 552 0093 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2659954/5257095/Bivial_AG_Logo.jpg This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Monash University In a major advance for infectious disease treatment, researchers from Monash University and The Alfred have developed a bespoke phage therapy product that uses bacterial viruses, known as "bacteriophages," to combat a highly problematic, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The treatment, named Entelli-02, is a five-phage cocktail designed specifically to target Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), a group of bacteria responsible for severe, often difficult-to-treat infections. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, was led by Professor Jeremy J. Barr from the Monash University School of Biological Sciences, with Professor Anton Peleg from the Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University as co-senior author, and represents a new approach for precision medicine in hospitals battling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). "This is the first time we've designed and developed a clinical-ready phage therapy product tailored to an AMR bacterial pathogen at a local hospital," said Professor Barr, senior author of the study. "Entelli-02 is not just a scientific achievement, it's a clinical tool built for frontline use against deadly, drug-resistant, bacterial pathogens." Enterobacter infections are notoriously difficult to treat and have been linked to more than 200,000 deaths globally in 2019. They have emerged in hospitals around the world and have the capacity to develop resistance to many of the last-line antibiotics. Using a decade's worth of bacterial isolates, lead author on the study Dr. Dinesh Subedi said the research team developed and produced Entelli-02 through a rigorous process of phage isolation, genetics and preclinical testing. "We initially began with three phages in our cocktail, but through iterative design, we improved the cocktail by genetically adapting the viruses to expand their host range, followed by selection of two additional phages with improved treatment outcomes," Dr. Subedi said. "The final product, Entelli-02, contains five phages that can kill a broad range of Enterobacter isolates and reduce bacterial loads in infected mice by over 99%." Entelli-02 was manufactured as a therapeutic-grade phage product at the Monash Phage Foundry, meeting sterility and safety standards for intravenous use under Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration Special Access Scheme. "This is a blueprint for how hospitals can respond to AMR outbreaks with precision therapies," Professor Barr said. "We're bridging the gap between broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments and personalized phage therapy to deliver a ready-to-use solution that's both targeted and scalable." Professor Peleg said, "We are now ready with an off-the-shelf product to promptly support the treatment of some of our most difficult infections." The research was a collaboration between Monash University's Center to Impact AMR, the Department of Infectious Diseases at The Alfred, and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. Lead contributors include Dr. Dinesh Subedi, Dr. Fernando Gordillo Altamirano and Professor Anton Peleg. Entelli-02 is now available for compassionate use and sets the stage for future clinical trials using phage products. The team hopes this hospital-specific phage cocktail model can be replicated in other hospitals facing similar AMR threats. "Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges in modern medicine," Professor Barr said. "With Entelli-02, we're showing that phage therapy can be precise, powerful, and ready for clinical deployment." More information: Dinesh Subedi et al, Rational design of a hospital-specific phage cocktail to treat Enterobacter cloacae complex infections, Nature Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-025-02130-4 Journal information: Nature Microbiology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr. Christophe Valahu in the Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney Nano Institute. Dr. Valahu is standing in front of the ion trap used in the experiment. Credit: Fiona Wolf/The University of Sydney Physicists in Australia and Britain have reshaped quantum uncertainty to sidestep the restriction imposed by the famous Heisenberg uncertainty principlea result that could underpin future ultra-precise sensor technology used in navigation, medicine and astronomy. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle, introduced in 1927, says that you can't know certain pairs of propertiessuch as a particle's position and momentumwith unlimited precision at the same time. In other words, there is always a trade-off in uncertainty: the more closely one property is pinned down, the less certainty there is about the other. In research published today in Science Advances, a team led by Dr. Tingrei Tan from the University of Sydney Nano Institute and School of Physics has shown how to engineer a different trade-off to precisely measure position and momentum at the same time. "Think of uncertainty like air in a balloon," said Dr. Tan, a Sydney Horizon Fellow in the Faculty of Science. "You can't remove it without popping the balloon, but you can squeeze it around to shift it. That's effectively what we've done. We push the unavoidable quantum uncertainty to places we don't care about (big, coarse jumps in position and momentum) so the fine details we do care about can be measured more precisely." The researchers also use the analogy of a clock to explain their findings. Think of a normal clock with two hands: the hour hand and the minute hand. Now imagine the clock only has one hand. If it's the hour hand, you can tell what hour it is and roughly what minute, but the minute reading will be very imprecise. If the clock only has the minute hand, you can read the minutes very precisely, but you lose track of the larger contextspecifically, which hour you're in. This 'modular' measurement sacrifices some global information in exchange for much finer detail. By sacrificing our knowledge about the 'coarse information' our quantum experiment can focus on the finer information, circumventing, but not breaching, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The researchers use the analogy of a clock. Think of a normal clock with two hands: the hour hand and the minute hand. Now imagine the clock only has one hand. If it's the hour hand, you can tell what hour it is and roughly what minute, but the minute reading will be very imprecise. If the clock only has the minute hand, you can read the minutes very precisely, but you lose track of the larger context specifically, which hour you're in. This 'modular' measurement sacrifices some global information in exchange for much finer detail. Credit: The University of Sydney "By applying this strategy in quantum systems, we can measure the changes in both position and momentum of a particle far more precisely," said first author Dr. Christophe Valahu from the Quantum Control Laboratory team at the University of Sydney. "We give up global information but gain the ability to detect tiny changes with unprecedented sensitivity." Quantum computing tools for a new sensing protocol This strategy was outlined theoretically in 2017. Here, Dr. Tan's team performed the first experimental demonstration by using a technological approach they had previously developed for error-corrected quantum computers, a result recently published in Nature Physics. "It's a neat crossover from quantum computing to sensing," said co-author Professor Nicolas Menicucci, a theorist from RMIT University. "Ideas first designed for robust quantum computers can be repurposed so that sensors pick up weaker signals without being drowned out by quantum noise. The Sydney team implemented the sensing protocol using the tiny vibrational motion of a trapped ionthe quantum equivalent of a pendulum. They prepared the ion in "grid states," a kind of quantum state originally developed for error-corrected quantum computing. With this, they showed that both position and momentum can be measured together with precision beyond the 'standard quantum limit'the best achievable using only classical sensors. "We haven't broken Heisenberg's principle. Our protocol works entirely within quantum mechanics," said Dr. Ben Baragiola, co-author from RMIT. "The scheme is optimized for small signals, where fine details matter more than coarse ones. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Why it matters The ability to detect extremely small changes is important across science and technology. Ultra-precise quantum sensors could sharpen navigation in environments where GPS doesn't work (such as submarines, underground or spaceflight); enhance biological and medical imaging; monitor materials and gravitational systems; or probe fundamental physics. While still at the laboratory stage, the experiment demonstrates a new framework for future sensing technologies targeted towards measuring tiny signals. Rather than replacing existing approaches, it adds a complementary tool to the quantum-sensing toolbox. "Just as atomic clocks transformed navigation and telecommunications, quantum-enhanced sensors with extreme sensitivity could enable whole new industries," said Dr. Valahu. This project united experimentalists at the University of Sydney with theorists at RMIT, the University of Melbourne, Macquarie University and the University of Bristol in Britain. It shows how collaboration across institutions and borders can accelerate progress and strengthen Australia's quantum research community. "This work highlights the power of collaboration and the international connections that drive discovery," Dr. Tan said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A field study observed higher levels of forever chemicals in sea foam than in water along part of North Carolina's coast. Credit: Emily Donovan, adapted from Environmental Science & Technology 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c03600 Sea foam is a common sight along the coastline as breaking waves churn up air and algae. Now, a study in Environmental Science & Technology reports that sea foam from several beaches along North Carolina's coast contains higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compared to the water below. Some foam samples had more PFAS than what is allowed in drinking water, highlighting the need to clean up and reduce environmental PFAS pollution. "Our research shows that sea foam along North Carolina's coast can concentrate PFAS to levels thousands of times higher than the surrounding seawater," says Jeffrey R. Enders, the study's corresponding author. "Monitoring these coastal environments is critical because contact with contaminated foam could pose unexpected risks to people and ecosystems." Depending on the day, ocean waves may release large bursts of sea spray or create a sudsy, floating foam. Past studies have shown that sea spray can carry PFAS into the air, if these forever chemicals are in the water, exposing people to contaminants that can lead to adverse health effects. But the transfer of forever chemicals into sea foam hasn't been widely studied. Therefore, a grassroots community group (Clean Cape Fear) in North Carolina collected sea foam from coastal beaches and performed preliminary testing. The initial work found that some foam samples contained PFAS at significantly higher concentrations than the current parts-per-trillion (ppt) drinking water limits regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This result prompted Enders and colleagues to expand the investigation to 13 places along the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the nearby Atlantic coastline. The researchers collected water and sea foam samples at each location, screened them for 49 common PFAS, and detected 35 individual PFAS across the samples. Each water sample exceeded 1 ppt total PFAS, with some reaching nearly a thousand times higher. Several foam samples had individual forever chemicals present at more than 1 million ppt, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)one of six PFAS explicitly regulated by the EPAwhich was present at 8 million ppt. Additionally, most PFAS were more concentrated in foam than in the water, reaching levels that were tens to thousands of times higher in many locations. The researchers also identified new PFAS in the samples, which they say likely came from nearby manufacturing facilities. These findings show that PFAS concentrations in sea foam are higher than in regular sea water, potentially impacting human and animal exposures. The researchers conclude that this work underscores the need to reduce regional PFAS pollution and expand coastal monitoring for contamination. More information: Jeffrey R. Enders et al, Detection and Quantitation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in North Carolina Sea Foam and the Corresponding Sea Water, Environmental Science & Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c03600 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology 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 seal layer, interpreted by looking at data on the supercritical fluid's movement, appears as a distinct region. It's disrupted where it meets a fault which makes it appear porous to the fluid, allowing it to migrate upwards, causing seismic vibrations. Credit: 2025 Tsuji et al. CC-BY Researchers have built on past studies and introduced new methods to explore the nature and role of subsurface fluids, including water, in the instances and behaviors of earthquakes and volcanoes. Their study suggests that water, even heavy rainfall, can play a role in or even trigger seismic events. This could potentially lead to better early warning systems. The study, appearing in Communications Earth & Environment, improves models of seismic activity and can even help identify optimal sites for drilling to tap sources of supercritical geothermal energy. As far as is currently known, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions cannot be predicted, certainly not on the timescales we expect from typical weather reports. But as physical theories improve, so does the accuracy of statistical models, which could be useful for planning, and potentially also early warning systems, which can save lives when disaster does strike. Another benefit of improving such models is that they could help locate areas suitable for tapping into geothermal energy. Geologists and other researchers strive for the improvement of theories based on good observations. A recent development in this field has added another factor into the mix, which may be more significant than previously expected. "Our latest paper using advanced seismic imaging shows for the first time, how deep volcanic fluids such as water, in their high-pressure supercritical state, can become trapped, migrate and undergo phase changes that influence earthquakes," said Professor Takeshi Tsuji from the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. "Applying machine learning to our seismometer data allowed us to map earthquake distribution and mechanism in detail, and to investigate the brittle-ductile transition zone, where rocks change from seismically active to largely inactive. This is a prime area for fluids to accumulate. Unlike earlier low-resolution electromagnetic surveys, our seismic approach revealed these systems in unprecedented three-dimensional detail." The data for this project were gathered in the region of Kuju in Kyushu, western Japan. The map shows sites of volcanoes and the seismometers recording seismic activity and two geothermal power plants, demonstrating there is already appetite for this energy source. Credit: 2025 Tsuji et al. CC-BY Supercritical fluids are the key here. They are special because they act like both a liquid and a gas. Due to high pressures and temperatures, they flow easily like gas, but with the ability to store and transfer huge amounts of heat like a liquid. This means that as they pass through different mediums or a medium with varying conditionsfor example, from a tightly sealed area to one that's fracturedsupercritical fluids can rapidly heat an area, changing how it and the magma beneath it behave. This supercritical fluid is not isolated from the world; it can even be affected by rain. "When heavy rain falls, the groundwater level rises, increasing pressure in cracks and faults deep below. If those faults are already close to breaking, this added pressure can trigger earthquakes," said Tsuji. "In volcanic areas, where the crust is weakened by high-pressure fluids, this effect can be especially strong. Our study clearly showed a correlation between rainfall and seismicity. By imaging magma and understanding how pressure builds up underground, we may improve how we look for early warning signs of eruptions." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Beyond predicting disasters, though, there is a potentially great benefit: the chance to tap into nearly limitless clean geothermal energy, something a country like Japan is ideally suited to do but has not yet begun. The project began as a means to find reliable drilling targets to more easily reach the supercritical water reserves necessary for realizing geothermal power use. With their new method, Tsuji and his team were able to identify fluid pathways, reservoirs beneath sealed layers, and the fractures that let fluids escape. "Underground supercritical water contains vast thermal energy, making it an incredibly promising renewable resource in the future. Importantly, because it is drawn from deep reservoirs, it does not interfere with surface hot spring systems, a major concern for geothermal power in Japan," said Tsuji. "The main obstacle to widespread use of supercritical geothermal energy is drilling. These fluids exist at great depths under extreme pressure and temperature, so both drilling technology and equipment must be adapted. Even though we can now locate supercritical fluids and their reservoirs, we still need to develop safe and efficient designs for wells to make this energy resource practical." More information: Supercritical fluid flow through permeable window and phase transitions at volcanic brittleductile transition zone, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02774-4 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A mountain gorilla eats leaves in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Onen Patrick News of a sick or injured mountain gorilla can worry local residents in this mountainous area that's home to the endangered species. That's partly because most of the gorillas have been given names, allowing rangers and others to humanize the animal's suffering. But widespread interest in protecting mountain gorillas also comes from the economic benefits of tourism that have turned poachers into conservationists, married women into porters and rangers into eloquent spokespeople for the great apes. "If we know there is a gorilla that is sick, you see everyone is concerned. 'Why? Why is the gorilla sick? It's suffering from what?'" said Joyleen Tugume, a ranger-guide in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. "Even the community people. Everyone is touched." Tugume said poaching in the park is increasingly rare since "we are actually all working together to make sure conservation goes well, because we are all benefitting." Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a remote part of southwestern Uganda, is home to many groups of habituated gorillas that have become comfortable in the presence of humans. Vibrant tourist economy Tourists pay a considerable sum$800 in permit fees per foreign non-residentfor the right to see gorillas in their natural habitat. An official revenue-sharing policy channels $10 from each permit back to the local community via their elected leaders, who can invest in projects ranging from water provision to health care. Local communities are also entitled to 20% of all park entry fees generated annually. Two mountain gorillas play together in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Onen Patrick Many locals, including reformed poachers living near the park, told The Associated Press that the money generated has ensured the recovery of the species, with habitat encroachment and poaching in decline as wildlife authorities seek to collaborate more with nearby communities. Philemon Mujuni, a poacher until five years ago, said he once thought of the gorilla as a hostile animal to be killed before it killed him if he ever encountered one. As a boy, he used to follow his father, whom he described as "a senior poacher," into the forest to help carry the antelopes they pulled from traps. But in 2020, when poachers killed a beloved gorilla named Rafiki, Mujuni and others formed an organization of former poachers who now say the primates are more important than any other animal. They serve as community watchdogs, looking out for people who might venture into the forest to set duiker traps that sometimes ensnare gorillas. Their surveillance efforts help support the work of armed rangers who also regularly patrol the park. "When community conservation rangers sensitized us, we said, 'Let us reform and stop poaching in the national park of Bwindi,'" Mujuni said. "I can't go there. Because, through the conservation team from (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), we get some money from these gorillas we could kill." A mountain gorilla eats leaves in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Onen Patrick Reformed poachers Peter Tumwesigye, one of 128 members of the group of reformed poachers, said gorillas are so important that people whose actions lead to a gorilla's death should be jailed. "So that others can learn and never do it again," he said. Many of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, a mountainous area encompassing parts of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. The outlook for mountain gorillas has been positive since 2018, when a survey showed that the population exceeded 1,000. It's a remarkable comeback for a species that faced extinction in the last century. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which maintains a list of threatened species, cites the mountain gorilla as endangered, an improvement from its earlier designation as critically endangered. About half of the gorillas live in Uganda. A mountain gorilla eats leaves in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Onen Patrick Besides Bwindi, the only other Ugandan park where gorillas can be tracked in the wild is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. But that protected area has just one family of gorillas, while Bwindi has 27 groups that can be seen up close by visitors. The primates are tracked daily. Tugume, the ranger-guide, said she works even on Christmas Day. One recent morning she led a small group of tourists into the forest, swinging a sickle to clear the way and speaking of the tenderness she sees in gorillas. "You have to fight to take over," she said, talking about a young male in a family of gorillas that one day could challenge the leaderknown as a silverback for its distinguishing coatfor mating rights. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "When you are the leader, you have all the rights to mate with the females. But when you are not the leader, you don't need to mate but you can mate secretly. And if the silverback comes to know, then it will be a tug of war," she said. At the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Buhoma, a town outside the park, a group of ranger-guides and porters gathers each morning for the opportunity to earn generous tips from helping tourists navigate the forest. Philemon Mujuni, a reformed poacher, walks up a hill to his home at the foothill of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Onen Patrick Groups of trackers are allocated porters, who can even help carry an unfit tourist up the hills and through the undergrowth for around $300. "The value of the gorilla money is very critical," said Gessa Simplicious, a conservationist with the Uganda Tourism Board. "It helps with building trust, but it also helps in the awareness of the need to conserve." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Global landscape of proximity of human settlements to coastlines. Credit: Nature Climate Change (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02435-6 Human settlements around the world are moving inland and relocating away from coastlines as sea levels rise and coastal hazards grow more severe, but a new international study shows the poorest regions are being forced to stay put or even move closer to danger. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, analyzed decades (19922019) of satellite nighttime light data across 1,071 coastal regions in 155 countries. It found that human settlements in 56% of the regions analyzed relocated further inland, 28% stayed put, and 16% moved closer to the coast. Low-income groups were more likely to move closer to the coast, driven largely by the growth of informal settlements and the search for better livelihoods. Human settlements shifted most towards coastlines in South America (up to 17.7% ) and Asia (17.4%), followed by Europe (14.8%), Oceania (13.8%), Africa (12.4%) and North America (8.8%). Lead author Xiaoming Wang, an adjunct professor based at the Monash Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said relocation was largely driven by vulnerability and the capacity to respond. "For the first time, we've mapped how human settlements are relocating from coasts around the world. It's clear that moving inland is happening, but only where people have the means to do so. "In poorer regions, people may have to be forced to stay exposed to climate risks, either for living or no capacity to move. These communities can face increasingly severe risk in a changing climate," said Wang. Oceania had some of the closest settlements to the coast globally, reflecting the region's reliance on coastal economies. Heterogeneity in movement patterns of coastal human settlements across different continents and income groups. Credit: Nature Climate Change (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02435-6 "In Oceania, we see a common reality where wealthier and poorer communities are both likely to relocate towards coastlines in addition to moving inland," adjunct professor Wang said. "On one hand, the movement closer to coastlines can expose vulnerable populations to the impacts of storms, erosion, and sea-level rise. On the other hand, it can expose those wealthy communities to the growing coastal hazards." The study also highlights concerns that overconfidence in protective infrastructure encouraged risky development close to the coast. "It is interesting to note that high-income groups also had a relatively higher likelihood to remain on coastlines, such as in Europe and North America. This can be due to their capacity and wealth accumulated in coastal areas," adjunct professor Wang said. The study warns that relocation inland may become unavoidable as sea levels rise and climate change intensifies. "Relocating away from the coast must be part of a long-term climate strategy, and the rationale for policy and planning to relocate people requires meticulous consideration of both economic and social implications across individuals, communities and regions," adjunct professor Wang said. "Alongside climate change mitigation, it needs to be combined with efforts to reduce coastal hazard exposure and vulnerability, improve informal settlements, balance coastal risks with livelihoods and maintain sustainable lifestyles in the long-term. Without this, coastal adaptation gaps will continue to be widened and leave the world's poorest behind." The study was an international collaboration on climate adaptation research between adjunct professor Wang, the Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction at Sichuan University, and researchers from Denmark and Indonesia. The collaboration aims to understand how communities cope with recurring coastal hazards and highlights gaps in adaptation that need urgent attention. More information: Lilai Xu et al, Global coastal human settlement retreat driven by vulnerability to coastal climate hazards, Nature Climate Change (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02435-6 Journal information: Nature Climate Change Women Around the World To Be Recognized at Event in New York NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- C8 Health , the first best practices implementation platform for clinical teams, announced today that Co-founder and CEO Galia Rosen-Schwarz has been named a finalist in the 22nd annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Rosen-Schwarz was named finalist for the Most Innovative Woman of the Year - Healthcare category in recognition of her exceptional work at C8 Health. Under her leadership, the company has achieved remarkable milestones: "This recognition validates the incredible work our team does every day," said Galia Rosen-Schwarz, CEO of C8 Health. Post this 100+ US hospitals served , including 30 of the nation's top academic centers Mount Sinai , UCSF Health, and Brigham & Women's , including 30 of the nation's top academic centers , UCSF Health, and Brigham & Women's Exclusive partnership with healthcare societies, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia & Perinatology (SOAP), placing vetted guidelines directly in 2,000+ anesthesiologists' hands including (ASA), and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia & Perinatology (SOAP), placing vetted guidelines directly in 2,000+ anesthesiologists' hands Strong traction and user engagement, with an average adoption of over 90% of the staff within 6 months from deployment with an average adoption of over 90% of the staff within 6 months from deployment Launch of Panda AI with 88% of clinicians reporting time savings and maintaining over 50% weekly active usage with 88% of clinicians reporting time savings and maintaining over 50% weekly active usage Expansion to multiple verticals including Anesthesia, Nursing, Surgery, Medicine, and Pediatrics "This recognition validates not just my journey, but the incredible work our entire team does every day to bridge the gap between evidence and practice in healthcare," said Galia Rosen-Schwarz, CEO and Co-founder of C8 Health. "When we make it easy for clinicians to access best practices at the point of care, we're not just solving a technology problemwe're reducing burnout, improving quality, and ultimately saving lives." The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the organizations they run, worldwide. More than 1,500 entries from organizations and individuals in 48 nations and territories were submitted this year for consideration. Finalists were determined based on the average scores of more than 190 business professionals worldwide, serving across seven judging committees. Their scores will also determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements. The awards will be presented at a gala event in New York City on Monday, November 10, where Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements from among the Finalists will be revealed. More than 400 women and their guests from around the world are expected to attend the presentations, which will be broadcast live. CONTACT: Ariella Shoham, CMO, [email protected] SOURCE C8 Health The Center for Responsible Food Business calls for new leadership at Ahold Delhaize USA amid animal welfare commitment delays, scandal mismanagement, and worker concerns. NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from the Center for Responsible Food Business details systemic concerns regarding Ahold Delhaize USA (AD USA), the parent company of Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop. Based on this analysis, the organization is calling for the termination of AD USA's CEO, JJ Fleeman. The Center began reviewing AD USA's policies, governance, and operations after the company announced it would not meet longstanding animal-welfare commitments, including a phase-out of inhumane battery cage eggs. CRFB urges new leadership at Ahold Delhaize USA amid animal welfare delays and whistleblower concerns. Post this Report: Inside Fleeman's Failures An analysis of the company's recent history, as well as findings from a 2024-2025 survey of AD USA employees, illustrate further systemic mismanagement and severe digressions from the standards upheld by AD USA's Netherlands-based parent company. Key findings: Greenwashing: AD USA has delayed key animal welfare policies by an additional seven years, following nearly a decade of inaction and mounting stakeholder concern. AD has delayed key animal welfare policies by an additional seven years, following nearly a decade of inaction and mounting stakeholder concern. Worker and store operations: Survey respondents reported serious concerns regarding pay and staffing levels, supervisory conduct, and store-level safety practices. Survey respondents reported serious concerns regarding pay and staffing levels, supervisory conduct, and store-level safety practices. Governance and reputation: CRFB finds that these problems, along with a clear pattern of poorly managed scandals labor issues, data breaches, and discrimination claims, among others present governance, compliance, and reputational risks for the U.S. business. In its European markets, Ahold Delhaize has implemented some of the most progressive social responsibility, sustainability, and animal welfare measures in global retail. By contrast, AD USA has made no such progress, and the company's recent history has been marked by major regressions on key ESG issues. "The company's U.S. leadership is out of step with the global standards Ahold Delhaize upholds elsewhere," said Taylor Warren, President of the Center for Responsible Food Business. "The board should install leadership that puts workers, customers, and sustainable and humane sourcing first." Methodology In Q1 and Q2 of 2025, the Center ran LinkedIn ads inviting employees of Ahold Delhaize USA and its banners to complete an optionally anonymous survey about workplace conditions. The Center aggregated themes and included anonymized testimonies. While efforts were made to ascertain the factual accuracy of employee statements, the testimony collected is based on personal experiences and recollections which may not be readily verifiable. No confidential or proprietary information was knowingly disclosed, and the report is for informational and advocacy purposes only. See the report for additional details. Read the full report View and download Inside Fleeman's Failures Media Contact James Grant: [email protected] About the Center for Responsible Food Business The Center for Responsible Food Business is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting corporate social responsibility to build a better food system. Through industry engagement, research, and consumer education efforts, the Center works to advance practices that benefit all stakeholders from the farm to the dinner table. SOURCE Center for Responsible Food Business Mexico does not understand or agree with U.S. decision to terminate Aeromexico-Delta Air Lines alliance Mexico City, Mexico Mexicos SICT says they do not understand or agree with the recent U.S. Department of Transportations decision to terminate Aeromexico-Delta Air Lines alliance. The termination is set to be effective at the start of the New Year. The decision ends an eight-year antitrust immunity deal that allowed the airlines to coordinate on flights between the U.S. and Mexico. Mexicos SICT (Ministry of Communications and Transportation) said regarding the U.S. Department of Transportations decision to terminate, effective January 1, 2026, the antitrust immunity granted to the strategic alliance between Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation reports: Within the framework of the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement and the laws of each country, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) made four observations, specifically those that occurred at Mexico City International Airport. The Mexican government, through the Secretaria de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), responded in full to these four observations. Therefore, it neither understands nor agrees with the decision of the United States Department of Transportation. Aeromexico lands at Tulum airport This measure does not affect passengers. Passengers holding a ticket with either airline will not see their routes or flight schedules affected. Frequent flyer programs continue to operate reciprocally, allowing for the accumulation and redemption of miles without changes. Codeshare agreements between the two airlines also remain in effect. Furthermore, this measure does not restrict traffic rights or bilateral aviation agreements, which remain fully in force. The national aviation sector will continue to guarantee connectivity between the two countries as the codeshare agreements between the two airlines remain in force. Airlines say passengers should not be affected by the January 1, 2026 alliance termination. In compliance with President Claudia Sheinbaums instructions, talks and working groups were held with all dedicated cargo airlines, which expressed their willingness to operate in the AIFA and recognized the flexible schedules, robust physical and technological infrastructure, and strategic geographic location. During 2024, a 6.5% increase in cargo from the Valley of Mexico was recorded. A meeting will be held with Aeromexico to review this situation and ensure Mexican pilots are not affected. Delta says they are disappointed by the U.S. decision. In a statement, Delta Airlines also commented on the September 15 announcement saying We are disappointed that the Department of Transportation has chosen to terminate its approval of the strategic and pro-competitive partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, a decision that will cause significant harm to U.S. jobs, communities and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico. We are reviewing the Departments order and considering next steps. All flights will continue to operate as normal, unless otherwise contacted by Delta. In July, DOT proposed ending the Aeromexico-Delta Air Lines alliance and dissolving the partnership over fairness concerns. Those concerns arose after former-president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador restructured cargo loads at the Mexico City Airport in 2023, moving companies to the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). The cargo move was made to comply with Mexico City airport safety concerns of oversaturation by the FAA. The move was made in response to overcapacity safety concerns by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the Mexico City International Airport in 2022. CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of Science Society is challenging Premier David Eby's claims of a clean energy economy, as he presented his case at Climate Week NYC. In a short video explainer titled, "Clean BC Runs on Oil." Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology - Sept. 25, 2025 in Calgary or via live-stream. Friends of Science Society points out that British Columbia (BC) runs on oil, natural gas, hydro and some bio-mass; electricity, generated some ~90% by hydro in BC, makes up only 18% of the total energy mix in the province. Premier Eby said BC has lots of clean hydro power, forgetting to mention that, as reported by the US EIA, the United States has been providing additional power to BC as drought has affected their own power generation. Meanwhile, in a speech at the UN General Assembly, President Trump called climate change 'the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world'. Trump offered mocking congratulations to the EU for reducing their carbon footprint 37%, pointing out that their economy is being decimated and world emissions have gone up 54%, making the EU sacrifice meaningless. Friends of Science Society issued a report in October 2024, titled, "Europe on the Brink: The Debate about Europe's Energy Future Lessons for Canada." Robert Lyman summarized key points from Prof. Samuel Furfari's critique of the Draghi report on EU Competitiveness published by CLINTEL. Their report and this short video shows that Canada is facing similar decline to that of the EU. Lyman offers suggestions to turn it around and #JumpStartCanada. The Epoch Times France on Sept. 23, 2025, carried an op-ed by Furfari with the translated title of "The European chemical industry, a thermometer of EU disease," wherein Furfari discusses the domino effect of major petro-chemical industries leaving the EU due to power and energy prices that are three and four times that of the US. A multitude of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) depend on these large companies; SME's cannot simply relocate. Furfari predicts this will lead to a social catastrophe. He writes: "'zero carbon' risks turning into "zero industry" and therefore zero economy." Undeterred by this evidence of the negative impacts of Net Zero ideology on the economy, Prime Minister Mark Carney is also in New York at the UN General Assembly and making the media interview circuit, still claiming that Canada's strategy is to be "climate competitive." However, the National Observer reported on Sept. 23, 2025, that climate groups feel cut out of climate policy planning by Carney. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) issued a climate and health report. As reported in Politico on Sept. 17, 2025, the NASEM report rejected the earlier US DOE report on climate science. The NASEM report concurred with the EPA 'endangerment finding' of 2009 which "formally declared greenhouse gases a threat to human health and welfare." Friends of Science Society points out that the claim of increased marine heat waves in the NASEM report (Figure 3.4 Change in Cumulative Intensity of Marine Heat Waves in the United States 1982-1983) due to greenhouse gas emissions does not make sense. A new post on Friends of Science Society's blog by Arthur Viterito demonstrates that the Kamchatka Peninsula's marine heat waves are directly affected by geothermal hotspots in the area; this evidence is ignored by climate alarmists. An earlier 2023 post explains more about subsea geothermal evidence affecting global warming/climate change, titled "The Geothermal Paradox: How the Earth's Second Largest Heat Source May Be Driving the Most Recent Warming." As Friends of Science Society pointed out in their recent Open Letter to the Office of the Supervisor for Financial Systems in Canada, the Network for Greening the Financial System has been using a flawed and conflicted model for their climate risk damage function. Climate change is a function of Mother Nature, not human industrial activity, as outlined in CLINTEL's World Climate Declaration, which states there is no climate emergency. Thus, no price on carbon nor a carbon tax is required. Join Friends of Science Society in-person in Calgary or via live stream for "Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology" on Thurs. Sept. 25, 2025 at 7 P.M. MT. Hear what scientist and rancher, Dr. Joseph Fournier, has to say about Net Zero ideology on farming About Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 23rd year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). Friends of Science Society PO Box 61172 RPO Kensington Calgary AB T2N 4S6 Canada Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597 Web: friendsofscience.org E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org Web: climatechange101.ca SOURCE Friends of Science Society Assyrian Diaspora Returns to Village in Turkey for Prayers, Remembrance Archbishop Sabri Anar and Assyrian community members pray during a memorial service at Kosreli village in Silopi, Turkey's Sirnak province, Sept. 23, 2025. ( AA) Assyrians who had migrated to France decades ago due to security concerns returned to their ancestral village of Kosreli in Silopi, a district of Sirnak province in southeastern Turkey. Around 150 community members gathered at the foothills of Mount Cudi to reconnect with their roots and hold a religious service in the village abandoned during times of unrest. Prayers and shared memories The visitors began their return by visiting cemeteries, where they sang hymns and prayed for their ancestors. Afterward, the group shared a communal meal, walked through the village, and recalled stories from their family histories. Archbishop Sabri Anar, who led the group from the Mar Petyun Chaldean Church in Diyarbakir, underlined that the visits, now organized for the third time, aim to demonstrate the safety of the region and encourage those who left to come back. He noted, "Every time we come here, we feel a sense of happiness. In everyone's eyes, there is longing for homeland, land, history, and the past." Voices from diaspora Some participants shared deeply personal reflections. Resit Duman, who left the village at the age of 15 and resettled with his family in France, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received, saying that despite living abroad, "this state has always been our state, and we always feel like its citizens." Metin Anar, returning for the first time in nearly half a century, described walking through the village as an emotional experience that reminded him of his childhood and even brought him to tears. Others, such as Hanne Duman, emphasized their desire to continue visiting and remembering their origins together. HOUSTON, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Core Laboratories (NYSE: "CLB") will host its third quarter 2025 conference call for investors and analysts at 7:30 a.m. CDT / 8:30 a.m. EST on October 23, 2025. Larry Bruno, Chairman and CEO, Chris Hill, CFO, and Gwen Gresham, SVP Corporate Development and Investor Relations, will discuss financial and operational results. An earnings press release will be issued after market close on October 22, 2025, and may be accessed through the Company's website at www.corelab.com. To log on to the listen-only webcast, visit www.corelab.com/investors at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call. For those not available to listen to the live webcast, a replay and transcript will be available on the Company's website shortly after the call. For conference call information, please contact [email protected] for the dial-in number. Core Laboratories Inc. (www.corelab.com) is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world. SOURCE Core Laboratories Inc Last night, nearly a week after it was unceremoniously suspended, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to television with what is undoubtedly the most significant episode of a talk show in recent history. If you somehow arent up on the details of this saga, shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made a shrugged-off monologue joke about how the MAGA gang was trying to score political points by painting the guilty party as anything other than one of them. The comment caught fire among the Trump regimes legion of influencers, and before long, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr was guesting on Benny Johnsons podcast, preening about the leverage he had to yank Kimmel off the air. (We can do this the easy way or the hard way, said Carr, with all the subtlety of a stickup.) Disney proved surprisingly pliable to those threats, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! was adjourned until further notice. After another wave of sustained outrage, this time emanating from liberalsmany of whom hadnt watched an episode of Kimmel in years but were nonetheless horrified by the censorious overreach of the stateDisney recanted again, announcing that the show would be coming back on Tuesday evening. Leading up to his grand return, after years trapped in the late-night TV malaise of stilted interviews and declining ratings, miles removed from the zeitgeist, Kimmel had become a genuine folk hero. How would he wield the spotlight? Would he gloat? Taunt his enemies? Run up the score? Take advantage of all the eyeballs on him to toast his triumph? Not really. Instead, the host made a plea for unity, after living through a news cycle that underscores just how impossible such a thing is to achieve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this is to say that halfway through the most important monologue of Kimmels career, he offered an apology of sorts. With tears pooling in his eyes, he announced that it had never been his intention to make light of the murder of a young man, and that he didnt find anything funny about the shooting that took Kirks life. He acknowledged that the shrugged-off comment that landed him in this mess was factually off base and, furthermore, that a sick person who believes violence is a solution shouldnt be representative of others. And while the Trump administration remained a target throughout the nightKimmel hammered the president for his two-facedness on free speech, and Robert De Niro dialed in to roast Carrs mafioso-like affectationhe made sure to praise the MAGA allies who had offered more-tempered takes on the shows suspension. Those included Ben Shapiro, Clay Travis, Candace Owens, and eternal Kimmel nemesis Ted Cruz. (It takes courage for them to speak out against this administration, and they did, and they deserve credit for it, Kimmel said.) The whole segment wrapped up with an appeal to God and a veneration of Erika Kirk, Charlies widow, who had a viral turn over the weekend at her husbands memorial, during which she offered grace to the man who killed him. Forgiveness from a grieving widowit touched me deeply, Kimmel said, choking up again. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, Kimmel, to his credit, did his job. The fires have been put out. He demonstrated enough contrition about a fairly innocuous comment to extinguish the tempest raging at Disney, and I imagine Jimmy Kimmel Live! will quickly return to its previous state: a dinosaur of a television product, at the terminus of the late-night era, rumbling toward extinction. I dont know what else he could have done, really. Kimmel needed to reassert the idea that his show welcomed all Americans to the table, and this necessitated the fiction that, in our current hyperpolarized moment, detente is achievable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The censorship campaign is still working as intendedwe just havent realized it yet. So it was telling that as Kimmel pleaded for the sanctity of the First Amendmenthow Donald Trumps blacklisting campaigns were un-American, and how we need good journalists now more than everhe ignored the elephant in the room. Is it ever OK to make a joke about the assassination of Charlie Kirk? Or the circumstances around it and the storm it has kicked up, as he did? One of the guiding inflections of the modern Republican Party has been that comedy has become far too precious, but MAGAdom, in its fevered hagiography of Kirk, has managed to make such territory totally verboten in the span of two weeks. Kimmel didnt go near this truth, and I doubt he ever will again. The censorship campaign is still working as intendedwe just havent realized it yet. That, I think, is as clear a crystallization of the political movements infusion into pop culture as you can get. Conservatives are now the ones setting the parameters of taste, and Kimmel, in his own way, has fallen into line, irrespective of the present triumph. Frankly, I think the most revealing moment from the shows monologue came near the end, when Kimmel said that he never expected to be in this position. He was referring to the unprecedented times were living in, wherein the presidents ire can directly displace broadcasting schedules. But I also took it to be a commentary on the state of late-night television as a whole. Trump has correctly identified that the fleet of talk shows left on airwith their cumbersome advertising deals, fraying affiliate relations, and moldering ratingsare easy pickings for his culture war. Kimmel needs to appease innumerable different masters, while Trump has only ever cared about himself. I did not for a second believe that the MAGA coalition would be moved by the hosts plea for consensus. Hours after the episode aired, Benny Johnson, who was instrumental in this debacle, called Kimmel a sick liar for not prostrating enough. The battle continues. In fact, its already clear whos winning. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. When Turning Point USAs college tour resumed on Monday night at the University of Minnesota, in its first event since its founders assassination, there was a big unspoken question: What would this movement be without Charlie Kirk? The organization has a lineup of speaker events for what was Charlie Kirks Comeback Tournow styled The Turning Point Tourthat includes sitting governors, U.S. senators, and famous media personalities. It promised to carry on Kirks legacy. But it remained to be seen if the substitutes, all prominent figures with their own personal ambitions, political incentives, and ideological subcultures, would appeal in the same way as Kirk, a man with more basic right-wing sensibilities who wanted to speak across different conservative factions. Monday nights event revealed much about whats to come: The events main speaker promised a unified attack on the left, from both the group and the broader conservative movement. That means a muscular, militant Christian nationalismthe likes of which weve already seen since Kirks murderwith major conservative voices and government officials invoking scripture to call for retribution. But in the longer term, its not clear that unity will hold: The sudden vacuum at the top of the largest conservative youth movement has set the entire right up for a power struggle, with different factions trying to claim Kirks mantle for their own. The first event, in Minneapolis, for example, started with a very particular character in Michael Knowles, a conservative radio and podcast host associated with the Daily Wire. Knowles, who exudes a kind of smug Ivy League energy, seemed a particularly odd person to inaugurate the post-Kirk era of Turning Points campus activities. He is a traditionalist Roman Catholic who crusades for the traditional Latin Mass and enjoys discussing medieval philosopher-theologians and ancient texts. He owns a cigar company and wears suits. His demeanor, in other words, was that of a slick cosmopolitan, far from Kirks enthusiasm. But the conservative college students, fired up by Kirks martyrdom, seemed enthusiastic to see him: The venue was sold out, according to Knowles, and some students reported lining up for it starting that morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took a while for Knowles to address the future of the post-Kirk movement. Perhaps because Kirk had already been eulogized in the massive political rally the previous evening, Knowles spent little time in his speech dwelling on Kirks legacy, other than to mourn the loss of a man who we knew would be president one day. Instead, Knowles urged the young people there to honor Kirk by attending church and living out their Christian faith. But when Knowles began speaking of his particular theological understanding of how conservatives are called to bring their Christianity into the public sphere, his speech turned darker. Christian forgiveness does not demand we allow the cruel to ravage the whole earth; it demands we love our enemies, he said. In politics, love usually means punishing the guilty, both for the protection of the innocent as well as for the good of the criminals. Advertisement It was a statement that would set the tone for the rest of his speech. In this moment, which many politicians and activists have described as a turning point for the conservative movement, Knowles wants the right to act decisively and drastically, to use the groundswell of public support to crack down hard on opponents. In particular, Knowles was concerned with the idea of free speechsomething that Kirk has been celebrated as a champion of, but something that has also divided the right in the aftermath of the killing, as the administration has moved to label those who criticized Kirk as supporting left-wing violence. Knowles, it seems, sides with the administration: Advertisement In the wake of Charlies assassination, many are inclined to redouble our devotion to the marketplace of ideas. This instinct, I think, misses a crucial step. We had a marketplace of ideas. The left shot it up. If we wish to restore the healthy exchange of ideas, we need to refortify the marketplace. Marketplaces of all kinds require rules, confidence, and common medium of exchange. They require, in other words, order. Advertisement Advertisement This speech, which somewhat ominously suggested that Kirks shooting marked the end of what we previously knew as the marketplace of ideas that underpinned our democracy, leaned heavily on authoritarian language: Liberty requires order; you cannot be undisciplined and free. That his end goal of these bolder actions was a kind of traditionalist Christian nation was undeniable. Our government was established by people who declared we are endowed by our creator with rights, he said. Seeing our national leaders proclaim the gospel should not be surprising. Womens Voting Rights Get a Chilly Reception When students lined up to ask Knowles questions, he began to more heavily emphasize the vision of a traditional society, taken to an extreme. The first student, who opened his question by urging Knowles to become the next vice president, grouched that every aspect of the American lifestyle had worsened since women secured the right to vote. What did Knowles think of repealing the 19th Amendment? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowles did not respond with any kind of alarm or consternation at the premise. Instead, he responded with joking faux magnanimity: I try not to blame women on their own, he said. Men need to lead women in their homes. He continued with jokes in an apparent attempt to deflect attention from the students misogyny. I have a solution, he said. To the people who want to repeal the 19th Amendment, we can take the vote away from the single women who vote for Democrats, and then we can give two votes to the married women who vote for Republicans. Is that a deal? When the student continued to insist that womens suffrage had ruined the country, Knowles didnt back down from his lighthearted compromise position, instead attempting to move the student along with the concession that his point was fair and an affectionate joke about how other progressive amendments, including Prohibition, were a problem. He was not, in the end, endorsing a radical anti-suffrage position, but he wasnt rejecting it either. Advertisement Advertisement These werent his only hints at extreme positions on gender roles. He told one student, when asked for his advice for young men, that men needed to be emotionally steady because I find few things as nauseating as an overly emotional man. He told one 18-year-old student who was set to marry her boyfriend on their first anniversary of dating that if my wife and I had one regret, it would be not getting married earlier and spitting out 150 kids. His top advice for their marriage: Throw out feminism. Various Factions Fighting for Power So this was one mans vision of what TPUSA could be after Kirks death: a vehicle for spreading reactionary Christian values within the youngest generations. But Knowles himself acknowledged the hurdles of trying to find focus within a fractured alliance. Charlie was the unifying figure for the movement, he said when one student asked him what was next for the conservative movement. He did more than President Donald Trump, he said. And when Trump can no longer lead the movement, there will be no clear unifying force. Advertisement Related From Slate If We Are Descending Into Fascism, This Little-Noticed Moment Will Prove Pivotal Read More The immediate future is going to be a unity for Charlie, he said. For Erika. To keep TPUSA going. To make sure this mission does not die. In the longer run, there will be various factions fighting for power. Knowles has reason to hope: Vice President J.D. Vance, another traditionalist Catholic with a similar kind of scholarly, post-liberal, nationalist mindset, looks to be the heir apparent of the movement. Vance, a former friend of Kirks who hosted Kirks podcast after his death, shares Knowles ambitions to use the assassination to make inroads with the youth and to punish the left. Knowles, in his particular traditionalist Catholic flavor of right-wing politics, may not represent the entire movement, but in his appearance as the first post-Kirk TPUSA college tour event, he did seem to point to an answer for the movements identity questions. It was going to take as much advantage of public anger as it possibly could to push societal and democratic norms. There must be consequences to heal this national trauma and to reestablish a healthy politics, Knowles said in his speech. Those consequences require clarity of vision, courage of our convictions, and an extraordinary amount of Gods grace. This piece was originally published on State Court Report , a hub for reporting, analysis, and commentary about state courts and constitutions. State Court Report is a project of the Brennan Center for Justice. Federal courts have repeatedly held that the smell of marijuana is evidence of criminal activity and justifies a search by law enforcement. But in response to the changing legal status of marijuana, some state courts are reconsidering whether, and under what circumstances, the smell of marijuana can justify government intrusion. Over the past two decades, half of the states have enacted laws making it legal for adults to buy and use marijuana for recreational purposes. And roughly 45 states and territories permit adults to use marijuana for medical purposes. The Michigan Supreme Court recently held in People v. Armstrong that the smell of marijuana alone does not justify the warrantless search of a car. In Armstrong, police surrounded a parked car based on one officers report that she smelled marijuana coming from the car. Jeffery Armstrong was in the passenger seat. The officers ordered him out of the car, searched underneath his seat, and found a gun. Armstrong was charged with unlawfully carrying the gun. In a pretrial motion to suppress the gun, he argued that it was the fruit of both an unconstitutional seizure and an unconstitutional search: The seizure was unlawful because the smell of marijuana did not establish reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, he said, and the search was unlawful because the only justification for searching the car was the smell of marijuana, which did not establish probable cause to believe that the car contained contraband or evidence of a crime. The government countered that the smell of marijuana provided reasonable suspicion to justify seizing the car and its occupants and probable cause to justify searching the car under the so-called automobile exception to the warrant requirement. The automobile exception allows law enforcement to search a car without a warrant if officers have probable cause to believe that it contains contraband or evidence of a crime. The Michigan Supreme Court rejected the governments argument and held that the officers claim that she had smelled marijuana coming from the parked car did not establish probable cause to justify a warrantless search under the automobile exception. The court did not reach the question of whether the smell provided the officers with reasonable suspicion to detain Armstrong. The courts decision turned on a 2018 voter-initiated law making it legal for adults age 21 and over to possess and transport marijuana on their persons and in their cars. In light of the voters intent to legalize marijuana usage and possession, the smell of marijuana, standing alone, no longer constitutes probable cause sufficient to support a search for contraband, the court wrote, holding that the 2018 law superseded the courts prior holding that the smell of marijuana alone may establish the requisite probable cause. The court emphasized that probable cause to search depends on the totality of the circumstances and whether law enforcement can demonstrate a reasonable likelihood the search will uncover contraband or evidence of a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Armstrong court explained that the smell of marijuana, in combination with a drivers appearing to be intoxicated, might establish probable cause to believe that the driver is operating under the influence of marijuana, in violation of state law. Similarly, the smell of marijuana, combined with the observation of smoke, might establish probable cause to believe that a person is smoking marijuana in public, an act that remains unlawful in Michigan. In both examples, police need something more than the smell of marijuana to establish probable cause of a crime. State courts in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania have taken a similar approach, acknowledging that the smell of marijuana can be onebut not the onlyfactor in determining whether the totality of the circumstances establishes probable cause to search. In Michigan, the concept that the smell of marijuana alone does not establish probable cause is not entirely new. Prior to legalizing recreational marijuana use in 2018, Michigan permitted citizens to possess and use marijuana for authorized medical purposes. During that era, the Michigan Court of Appeals grappled with a similar question: whether the smell of marijuana established probable cause to search the car of a driver who was permitted to lawfully possess marijuana under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. In a case in which the officer smelled marijuana and the driverwho had a permit for medical marijuanadenied having marijuana in his car, the court concluded that there was probable cause to search the vehicle. The court reasoned that it was not the smell of marijuana alone that established probable cause, because it was lawful for the driver to possess marijuana within the limits of the act. Rather, the court concluded, the drivers lie about having marijuana established probable cause to believe that he was carrying marijuana in a manner or in quantities that exceeded what was permitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In jurisdictions where marijuana possession is now legal for medical or recreational use, courts must reevaluate the relationship between the smell of marijuana and suspected illegal conduct. In states like Michigan, where citizens can lawfully possess and openly transport marijuana in their cars, the smell alone does not suggest any illegal conduct. By contrast, in states like Illinois, where marijuana inside a vehicle must be stored in sealed, odor-proof containers, the smell of marijuana suggests that it is not being stored as required by law. There, the smell alone might support probable cause. Courts must weigh various other questions when legislatures decriminalize or legalize marijuana. Many states have yet to determine whether the smell of marijuana provides reasonable suspicion for an investigative stop. Under Terry v. Ohio, police may briefly detain a citizen based on reasonable, particularized suspicion that the person is involved in criminal activity. In Armstrong, the Michigan Supreme Court considered this question but ultimately did not reach it because it was not necessary to resolve the case. The few states that have addressed this question have treated it much like the determination of probable cause, holding that the smell of marijuana can be one factor, among others, establishing reasonable suspicion. Several states, including Arizona and Maryland, have enacted legislation prohibiting Terry stops based solely on the smell of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate This Is the Most Withering Indictment of the Supreme Court Ever By a Sitting Judge Read More Some state courts have grappled with whether suspected marijuana-related civil infractions can serve as the basis for a Terry stop or search, given that the conduct is no longer defined as criminal activity. For example, the Massachusetts high court held that the smell of burnt marijuana cannot establish reasonable suspicion of criminal activity because marijuana is decriminalized in Massachusetts. The Michigan Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments next month about whether the automobile exception permitted a trooper to search a car after the trooper smelled marijuana and learned that the occupants of the car were under the age of 21, when it is a civil infraction to possess marijuana while under age 21. Advertisement The legalization of marijuana also raises questions regarding the use of drug-detection dogs. Historically, federal courts have not considered the use of drug-detection dogs to be a search. A search occurs when the government intrudes into an area in which an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Federal courts have explained that drug-detection dogs are trained to alert exclusively to illegal drugs, and people do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the scent of illegal drugs. But many of these dogs are trained to detect marijuana. When a state has legalized marijuana, does the use of these dogs constitute a search?* Advertisement In Colorado v. McKnight, the Colorado Supreme Court held that, in light of state law legalizing the possession and transportation of small quantities of marijuana, a drug-detection dog trained to alert upon smelling marijuana invades privacy rights. Therefore, drug-detection dogs may be used in Colorado only when law enforcement has probable cause to believe that an area contains illegal drugs. The Tennessee Supreme Court has decided a similar question: How does the legalization of hemp affect a probable cause analysis where law enforcement relies, in part, on a positive alert from a drug-detection dog incapable of differentiating between the smell of legal hemp and illegal marijuana?* Requiring probable cause for a vehicle search based on the positive alert, the court said that even though hemps legalization makes the probative value of the dog sniff for identifying illegal drugs more ambiguous, that sniff may still contribute to a probable cause finding. Advertisement Conditions of probation may also be ripe for litigation. Recently, the Michigan Supreme Court granted leave to consider whether a statute mandating that probationers follow all federal laws requires trial courts to bar probationers from engaging in marijuana use that is otherwise permitted under Michigan law. The court also asked the parties to address, in the alternative, whether and under what circumstances a trial court may prohibit marijuana use as a discretionary condition of probation. Search-and-seizure jurisprudence may be out of step with laws legalizing marijuana. Practitioners in those jurisdictions should consider challenging government searches, stops, and other actions relating to marijuana smell, possession, and usage. When criminal statutes change, so does the scope of unreasonable government intrusions. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On March 27, 2025, in an executive order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, President Donald Trump complained of a widespread effort to rewrite our Nations history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. He directed the interior secretary to determine if public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties of the government had been changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology. He demanded our national parks remove descriptions, depictions, or other content that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times), and instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people or, with respect to natural features, the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of the American landscape. Last week, Trump quietly followed through on this threat, ordering the secretary of the Department of the Interior to remove from national parks references to slavery, artifacts connected with slavery, and other aspects of American history that the president apparently does not like or understand. The Washington Post reported that Trumps order would change signage and information at the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, various Civil War battlefields, and other historic sites. As the Post reported, the offensive information at Harpers Ferry includes signs referring to racial discrimination and the hostility of White people to people who were formerly enslaved. At the national park at the site of the battlefield at Bull Run, in Manassas, Virginia, the administration wants to remove signs indicating that slavery was the central cause of the Civil War. Similarly, the president wants to remove a famous picture of an enslaved man named Peter (also sometimes called Gordon) that was taken in 1863 by a U.S. Army photographer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps March executive order launching this campaign complains that the National Park Service has attempted to rewrite our history by ignoring objective facts. In reality, the administration seems to be grossly bothered by objective facts. The picture of Peter is obviously an objective fact. It is not made up. It was taken in 1863 and reproduced across the North during the Civil War as an example of the barbarism of slavery. Similarly, virtually every historian of the Civil War knows that slavery was the moving force for secession which led to the Civil War. We dont have to listen to 21st-century scholars to know that. Lets look at what the South itself said as it left the Union. The South Carolina secession convention declared the state was leaving the Union because northerners have denounced as sinful the institution of slavery. South Carolina also complained that in the 1860 election, northerners elected a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery and who has publicly declared that Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free, and that the public mind must rest in the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction. This president was the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln. Not liking the outcome of the election, South Carolina left the Union. Advertisement Related From Slate This Is the Most Withering Indictment of the Supreme Court Ever By a Sitting Judge Read More Georgia proclaimed that the subordination and the political and social inequality of the African race was fully conceded by all at the American founding. But because all the northern states had ended slavery, and some allowed Black people to vote and hold public office, Georgia was leaving the Union. We can only wonder which historical account of the Civil War our current president wants to get rid ofthe statement that the founding was based on the subordination of Black people or that Georgia was seceding because a majority of the states no longer supported slavery. Advertisement Texas was blunt. The secessionists there declared that Texas entered the Union holding, maintaining and protecting the institution known as negro slaverythe servitude of the African to the white race within her limitsa relation that had existed from the first settlement of her wilderness by the white race, and which her people intended should exist in all future time. Advertisement In a speech just before the Civil War began, the vice president of the Confederacy, Alexander Stephens, declared: Our new government[s] foundations are laid, its corner-stone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth. In their own words, the moral basis of the Confederacy was slavery and racial subordination. Advertisement Advertisement Thus, we know, and everyone at the time knew, that slavery was the cause of secession. That is why a Confederate army began the war on April 12, 1861, attacking Fort Sumter, a U.S. Army installation built with money from taxpayers across the nation. Leading the soldiers inside that fort was Maj. Robert Anderson, son of a Revolutionary War officer, a cousin of Chief Justice John Marshall, and a West Point graduate from the loyal slave state of Kentucky. Advertisement What about Harpers Ferry? The landmark, in what is now West Virginia, was the site of an attempt by the abolitionist John Brown to seize weapons at the national armory there, move into the mountains, and help enslaved people escape to freedom. He failed miserably and was hanged for his efforts. But his willingness to die to end slavery led to the first marching song of the United States Army in the Civil War: John Browns Body. Hanged for attacking slavery, he became a martyr to freedom. We can only speculate as to which of these truths the current administration finds inconvenient. Advertisement These are the facts of American history. They are not distortions, nor is displaying this information at national parks ideologically motivated. These and similar facts explain much about our nation. If President Trump wants to highlight the greatness of America, he should be doing more to teach us about men like John Brown and Maj. Anderson. He should be praising the more than 200,000 Black soldiers and sailorsmany of whom were enslaved when the war beganwho fought to preserve the nation and end slavery. Advertisement Slavery was terrible. It was horrible. From 1775 until 1865, more than 10 million people were held as slaves in the United States. There were 4 million slaves when the Civil War began. Many, like Peter, were brutalized. Removing mentions of slavery is dishonest. Slavery ended at the cost of the lives of more than 650,000 Americans. Southerners seceded to protect slavery and fought to preserve it. Northerners initially fought to preserve the nation, but under the leadership of Abraham Lincolnour first Republican presidentthe North successfully fought to destroy slavery. A Republican president who praises freedom and a free market economy should enthusiastically condemn slavery, praise abolitionists like John Brown and Frederick Douglass, and honor the soldiers, sailors, and political leaders who ended slavery. There is no better place to do this than at our national parks and national museums, which can tell the story of ending human bondage and striving to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence, that we are all created equal. President Trump is right: We need objective facts to understand our history. The park service has demonstrated this in the past and should continue to do so. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. It turns out that #resistance can still have an impact in Trumps America. After a five-day spree of street protests, planned boycotts of theme parks and streaming services (chiefly, the Disney+/Hulu juggernaut), and rebukes from politicians as well as a former CEO, the Walt Disney Company announced in a Monday-afternoon statement that it was suspending its controversial suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! The beloved late-night talk show will quickly make it back to the ABC airwaves, just in time for tonights broadcast. The apparent effectiveness of the grassroots "cancel Disney+" campaign over Kimmel: The magnitude of the cancellations outstips the controversy created by Reed Hastings' political donation, or the boycott over Netflix's 'Cuties' -- Yipit Data (via @BenMullin) pic.twitter.com/oIfwmW5GsX Brooks Barnes (@brooksbarnesNYT) September 23, 2025 We made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country, read Disneys statement, referring to the namesake hosts comments on the right-wing discourse surrounding the identity of Charlie Kirks alleged killer. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday. Whatever your views on Kimmel himself, this is an unambiguous victory for Americas long-held free-speech principles. Nevertheless, it is also a limited one. Nexstar and Sinclair, the powerful local-TV-market gatekeepers that kicked off this mess last week by refusing to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliate channels, are sticking by their decisionmeaning that the live Kimmel broadcast will remain unavailable to masses of viewers in capital cities like Harrisburg, Columbus, D.C., and even beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the hundreds of ABC affiliates stationed across the United States, 66 are collectively franchised by Nexstar and Sinclair, with the latter alone accounting for over half of those channels. Both of these media groups had revolted against the Kirk monologue last week, with the long-conservative Sinclair further insisting that Kimmel donate to the late firebrands family and his liberal-hounding organization, Turning Point USA, as a precondition for reinstatement. Perhaps suitably, Sinclair was the first to come out this week with a declaration that it would replace Kimmels ABC-affiliate slot with generic news programming as it continues discussions with the national network. Nexstar followed on Tuesday, asking in a public statement for assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve. But the corporate duos paeans to the sanctity of Kirks memory feel rather limp, not least because Sinclair had backed off from its initial vow to saturate its channels with repeated airings of a televised Kirk tribute. Their respective decisions last week to pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! only came after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson that licensed broadcasters should take the initiative to push back against Disney, in protest of the Kirk monologue, for the sake of the public interest. Notably, as the two largest local-broadcast owners in the country, Nexstar and Sinclair have both made business arrangements to prep for future mergerswhich will require Carrs signoff. Advertisement Advertisement During his Monday address at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, Carr insisted that those words played no role in Kimmels suspension, instead blaming the shows preemption on its ratings. Sure, its been universally recognized that live, linear late-night TV is no longer as vital as it once was. But Carrs dismissal ignores the fact that notable clips from late-night showsincluding Jimmy Kimmel Live!still earn potent digital traction, through YouTube and TikTok as well as social media shares and news writeups. Plus, having greenlit the Paramount-Skydance merger only after subsidiary network CBS both 1) settled Trumps baseless lawsuit against 60 Minutes and 2) suddenly canceled Stephen Colberts highly rated show, Carr is not exactly a believable voice here. Look at his reactions to the Kimmel suspension: dispatching celebratory GIFs in a troll-ish manner and threatening to investigate ABCs The View while gabbing on yet another conservative podcast. (Doesnt this guy have a government job?) Advertisement Advertisement The clear lesson that American media has taken from Carrs approach to Paramount is that free speech rights are expendable when merger approvals are on the table. Nexstar wants to complete a $6.2 billion deal with rival station-owner Tegna that would add dozens of local stations to its already vast portfolio; Sinclair is still smarting from a planned acquisition that the first Trump administration rejected, and it doesnt want to risk another FCC denial on Carrs watch, especially if Sinclair can also persuade the agency to lift its cap on the number of stations any one broadcaster can own. (The company also employed the notoriously unreliable pollster Rasmussen to furnish a survey claiming that Americans approve of firing people who supposedly celebrate Charlie Kirks assassination, even though Kimmels monologue can hardly be characterized as a celebration.) Whatever their justifications, Nexstar, Sinclair, and Carr have shared goals: On Tuesday, Carr tweeted that it was a good thing for TV stations (which have public interest obligations) to counter Disney and ABCs amnesty to Kimmel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, if Disney hoped to temper bad press by restarting production on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (just in time to weather another round of objections to its planned price hikes on Hulu and Disney+), it may find that the liberal-boycott energy will soon turn to its local broadcasters. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whos been a spirited voice against the censorship of Kimmel, is now encouraging his constituents to boycott the Chicago markets Nexstar and Sinclair-owned stations. And Variety has noted that persistent hardball could win these companies FCC favorbut also inspire Disney to no longer offer ABC as an affiliate option when negotiations between networks and broadcasters come up next year. That would be a blow to name-brand viewership that no amount of station-hoarding could repair. Barbara Ellen Clements of Callaway, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born on March 26, 1939, in Evansville, Indiana, to William G. Waters and Martha E. Waters. She was the eldest of two children and adored her younger brother, Billy Wayne Waters. On June 9, 1957, Barbara married the love of her life, Albert F. Clements. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised seven childrenthree sons and four daughters. Early in their marriage, the family lived in Prince George's County, Maryland, where Barbara devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker. In 1971, they moved to St. Mary's County, Maryland, where their youngest child was born. Barbara and Albert were blessed to celebrate 65 wonderful years of marriage. Barbara was an active and caring member of her community. Shortly after settling in St. Mary's County, she became an Avon representative, visiting homes and forming lasting friendships with neighbors. Later, she worked at 1-Hour Martinizing Cleaners in Lexington Park, where she met many people, including members of the Blue Angels, who brought in their uniforms for cleaninga memory she cherished. Barbara eventually joined the staff at the St. Mary's College bookstore, working alongside her youngest daughter, and later served as secretary at Green Holly School with St. Mary's County Public Schools. She was respected and loved by her colleagues and retired after fifteen years of dedicated service. A devout Christian, Barbara had an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She loved reading the Bible and uplifting books, attending church, worshiping, and fellowshipping with her church family. Her greatest wish was for all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to know and love the Lord. Barbara was a deeply giving and creative person. She had a passion for crocheting and sewing, often making baby blankets for new families and clothing for her children when they were young. She also enjoyed shopping and was always up for a trip to the mall. Barbara is survived by her loving children: Karen Sariego, Stephen Clements (Karen), Susan Nice (Dan), Christine Reaves (Joe), Christopher Clements (Brandy), Ellen Silvati (Steve), and William Clements (Faith). She also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert; brother, Billy Wayne Waters; and her granddaughter, Kimberly Sariego. Barbara's legacy is one of faith, love, and generosity. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. There will be a funeral service held on October 4, 2025 at 2:00pm at Faith Bible Church, 26325 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Burial will be at a later date at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery Cheltenham. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Mary's County Hospice, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD, 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at bfh@brinsfieldsfuneral.com. Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Leonardtown, MD. MUNICH, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 10th September 2025, Desay SV announced a strategic collaboration with NTT DATA , a global leader in digital business and technology services. Together, the partners aim to reshape the world of software-defined vehicles through AI and complete networking of the digital ecosystem. Desay SV and NTT DATA's Strategic Collaboration Signing Ceremony The partnership aims to strengthen the automotive industry, particularly established OEMs. It combines the speed and innovation of Desay SV, a leading mobility technology provider from the world's most active market in China, with the strengths of NTT DATA. While Desay SV contributes advanced vehicle intelligent solutions, NTT DATA supplies the technological foundation, consisting of global data centers, infrastructure services, application development, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. By integrating their core competencies, both share a common ambition: to build a seamlessly connected ecosystem for vehicle manufacturers and end customers-spanning the entire digital landscape from the vehicle to the cloud to the mobile app. Vehicle manufacturers in particular will benefit from this: they can seamlessly offer digital services across all touchpoints and tap into new revenue streams through data-driven services. Since NTT DATA provides the IT infrastructure, vehicle manufacturers retain full control over customer data and reliably comply with regional regulations. Desay SV harnesses intelligent domain controller, AI-driven platforms to accelerate development cycles, empowering automotive manufacturers to introduce cutting-edge technologies to the market with greater speed and efficiency. AI drives the SDV revolution Artificial intelligence is a core element in revitalizing the automotive market. The partners will anchor it across the entire SDV (software-defined vehicle) stack: from edge intelligence in the vehicle to cloud-based analytics and predictive services. For end customers, this means a better user experience, as they can personalize their driving experience in real time and rely on the support of autonomous decisions made by their vehicle's AI. Voice command and multimodal interactions such as voice, touch displays, gestures, and eye tracking - will also be possible. Yang Yong, Executive Vice President at Desay SV, adds: "The partnership allows us to combine our innovative strength with NTT DATA's global infrastructure, cybersecurity and compliance expertise. Together, we will create a future-proof SDV platform that meets the requirements of both vehicle manufacturers and end customers. In this context, it is particularly important that NTT DATA enables the entire development and data processing to be in Europe, with Europe, for all." "Our collaboration with Desay SV is not limited to technology," explains Ralf Gebhart, Senior Vice President Automotive at NTT DATA. "It's about nothing less than creating a new digital foundation for the mobility of tomorrow. By combining AI-driven development with secure, localized solutions and the innovative power of the SDV market, we enable vehicle manufacturers to provide intelligent, personalized, and regulatory-compliant solutions at high speed." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2780798/7F1A7706_opq3957602555.jpg The Host Committee for the 2025 Atlantic Breeders Crown has announced the four Atlantic Canadian harness racing families who will be lauded for their achievements and contributions to the industry during the upcoming Atlantic Breeders Crown weekend at Red Shores Charlottetown on Oct. 11 & 12. The families, selected by the evaluation committees in each province, are: New Brunswick - The Sowers family Newfoundland and Labrador - The family of the late Charlie Hamlyn Nova Scotia - The Harold LeBlanc family of New Waterford Prince Edward Island - The Rennie family Presentations to each of the four families will take place at the Atlantic Breeders Crown banquet at the Top of the Park at Red Shores Charlottetown on Saturday, Oct. 11. Memorabilia from each of the four families will be on display in the Memory Lane room in the 1888 Lounge on the second level of the grandstand during the weekend. Special hotel rates are available at Rodd Charlottetown and Rodd Royalty for guests attending the Atlantic Breeders Crown. For rates and promo codes go to redshores.ca. (Red Shores) 170-year-old community bank strengthens client experience by expanding access to financial advisors and comprehensive wealth management services CLEVELAND, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dollar Bank today announced the expansion of its Dollar Investment Services* wealth management program across all 28 of its bank locations in Northeast Ohio. The initiative reflects the bank's commitment to delivering comprehensive, personalized financial guidance to customers in the communities it serves. The expansion builds on Dollar Bank's long history of relationship banking and ensures clients throughout Northeast Ohio have convenient access to experienced financial advisors. With this initiative, customers can expect enhanced support in pursuing their financial goals, whether planning for retirement, saving for education, or managing wealth across generations. As part of its strategic expansion into the Northeast Ohio market, Dollar Investment Services hired seasoned financial advisor George Giolekas. With over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry, Giolekas brings a wealth of expertise in advisory, portfolio management, and compliance. A lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, Giolekas has guided clients through multiple economic cycles, helping them make informed decisions and achieve long-term financial success. "For 170 years, Dollar Bank has been committed to making banking services accessible so that our customers can build meaningful futures for themselves and their families. The expansion of our investment services reflects that enduring commitment. By providing our customers with the tools, expertise and personalized service they deserve, we are ensuring they can plan confidently for tomorrow, while continuing to experience the community-focused banking and customer care that has long set Dollar Bank apart," shared Chief Banking Officer, Berry Grant III**. Echoing Grant's comments, Theresa Morrissey, Assistant Vice President, Wealth Management Director said, "Our mission has always been to serve the needs of our communities by putting people first. By expanding our wealth management and investment services throughout our Northeast Ohio locations, we're ensuring that clients can receive trusted, personalized advice where they bank every day. This expansion allows us to meet customers where they are and provide the full scope of solutions they need to achieve financial confidence." Dollar Bank's wealth management program integrates investment services, financial planning, and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate today's evolving financial landscape. The expansion is designed to bring these services closer to customers, reinforcing Dollar Bank's commitment to delivering long-term value and convenience. The program will continue to focus on strong client relationships and a holistic approach to financial planning. Dollar Bank customers in Northeast Ohio will now have more direct access to investment professionals who can help with portfolio strategies, retirement planning, insurance solutions, and wealth transfer strategies. "We congratulate Dollar Bank on their exciting expansion of Dollar Investment Services into the Northeast Ohio market," said LeAnn Rummel, president and CEO of Cetera Investment Services. "This milestone reflects Dollar Bank's commitment to delivering personalized financial guidance and comprehensive wealth management services to more communities. We are proud to support their growth with the tools, technology, and expertise that make Cetera a trusted partner for banks and credit unions nationwide." Cetera Financial Institutions is a community within Cetera Investment Services that supports the investment programs of over 450 banks and credit unions. Cetera Investment Services celebrated its 40-year anniversary in 2024, and with nearly 70 renewals signed through October 31, 2024, Cetera Financial Institutions' retention rate was 99% for all institutions in its network as of that date. About Dollar Bank As the nation's largest mutual bank, Dollar Bank has been empowering the communities and customers we serve for 170 years. Our more than 90 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia provide a comprehensive range of personal, small business and corporate banking solutions. We continue to invest in our customers and strengthen our communities through financial education programs and partnerships with organizations who share our dedication to building opportunities for all. As of July 2025, Dollar Bank reported total assets of $12 billion, total loans of $9.4 billion, and total deposits of $9.6 billion. For more information, visit Dollar Bank. About Cetera Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of June 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage more than $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score. Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X. Cetera refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, those that are members FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; and a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser: Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. *Dollar Investment Services is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity. **Berry Grant III is not affiliated or registered with Cetera. Any information provided by them is in no way related to Cetera or its registered representatives. Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured * May lose value * Not financial institution guaranteed * Not a deposit * Not insured by any federal government agency. SOURCE Cetera Financial Group; Dollar Bank This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Ruben Boekeloo from Pexels Alibaba announced on Wednesday a "milestone collaboration" in AI tech with US chip giant Nvidia that the Chinese company said will accelerate its development of humanoid robots. The news came as Alibaba's shares soared more than 9% in Hong Kong after chief executive Eddie Wu unveiled plans to further ramp up spending on artificial intelligence. China and the United States are locked in a fierce tech battle, with the California-based AI chip leader Nvidia wound up in their race for supremacy in advanced semiconductors. Washington restricts Nvidia from exporting its most advanced productsa crucial component in the generative AI revolutionto China. Alibaba, which runs some of China's biggest online shopping platforms, said it was teaming up with the firm in the field of physical AI. The Chinese company said its cloud division is integrating "the full suite of the Nvidia physical AI software stack, marking a milestone collaboration" in the domain. "The initiative provides developers with a comprehensive, cloud-native platform to accelerate advancements in humanoid robotics and physical AI solutions," a statement said. Alibaba made the announcement in Hangzhou at a subforum of its annual developers' conference, where panelists included executives from Nvidia and Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. Alibaba said in February it would spend at least 380 billion yuan ($53 billion) on artificial intelligence and cloud computing over the next three years. The company's share price soared Wednesday after comments made by CEO Wu at the event in Hangzhou. "We are actively proceeding with the 380 billion investment in AI infrastructure, and plan to add more," he said. Energy consumed by Alibaba Cloud's global data centers will increase by tenfold by 2032, compared with when generative AI chatbots arrived on the scene in 2022, Wu added. China announced plans in March for a trillion-yuan to support tech startups, including those in robotics and AI. The country is already the world's largest market for industrial robots, official statistics show. Beijing has expressed national security concerns about Nvidia chips, urging Chinese businesses to rely on local semiconductor suppliers instead. Last week, Nvidia's chief executive Jensen Huang said he was disappointed by a report that Beijing had barred major Chinese tech firms from buying his company's RTX Pro 6000D chipsstate-of-the-art processors made especially for the country. It came after the United States confirmed last month that Nvidia would pay Washington 15% of revenue from certain AI chip sales in China. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: French lawmakers have expressed particular concerns about harms posed by TikTok as they called for a 'digital curfew' for minors. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday threw her support behind growing calls to ban social media use for children, promising to weigh action at the European level in coming months. "Many member states believe the time has come for a 'digital majority age' for access to social media," the European Commission head told an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. "I must tell you as a mother of seven children, and grandmother of five, I share their view," she told the gathering in New York. Von der Leyen was speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose country is at the forefront of global efforts to curb internet harmswith its social media ban on under-16s a world-first. "We all agree that young people should reach a certain age before they smoke, drink, or have access to adult content," she said. "The same can be said for social media." Von der Leyen said she would establish a panel of experts and talk to parents, teachers and young people "to assess what steps make sense" at the EU level. The 27-nation bloc has some of the world's strictest rules to fight harmful content online, with several investigations looking into how the biggest social media platforms protect childrenor not. France, Greece and Spain are among several EU states pushing for restrictions on minors' access to online platforms. They proposed earlier this year setting an age of digital adulthood across the bloc, but Brussels initially appeared lukewarm. Von der Leyen's commission said at the time such a move would be for each member state to decide, rather than be imposed by the union's executive arm. Social media companies including Facebook and Instagram owner Meta have expressed concerns about Australia's law. French pressure Denmark, which holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, has made the issue a priority and vowed to push the bloc to do more. France has also driven the issue to the top of the agenda, having already passed a 2023 law requiring parental consent for social media users under the age of 15, higher than the 13-year-old limit set by the platforms themselves. French lawmakers have gone further in calling for a "digital curfew" for older minors, for example, between 10 pm and 8 am for 15 to 18-year-olds. They have focused particularly on concerns about TikTokowned by China-based ByteDanceincluding content encouraging self harm. France is also one of five EU countries testing an app aimed at preventing children from accessing harmful content online by checking users' ages. Denmark, France, Greece, Italy and Spain will customize a prototype of an age-verification app to launch national versions within several months. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain One of the major reasons why AI data centers are sucking up so much power is the need to cool processors that run very hot. But Microsoft Corp. is trying out a possible solution: sending fluid directly through tiny channels etched into the chips. The technology is called microfluidics, and it's being used in prototype systems in test conditions at the company, said Husam Alissa, who oversees Microsoft's systems technology. The technique has been applied to server chips used for Office cloud apps and the graphics processing units that handle artificial intelligence tasks, he said. Because the cooling fluid is applied directly to chips, it can be a relatively high temperatureas much as 70C (158F) in some caseswhile still being effective. The company demonstrated the technology under a microscope at its campus in Redmond, Washington, saying that testing so far has shown significant improvements over conventional approaches. Cooling in this way could also let Microsoft develop more powerful chips by stacking them on top of each other. News of the project weighed on shares of Vertiv Holdings Co., which makes cooling systems for data centers. The stock dropped as much as 8.4%, marking its worst intraday decline in more than two months. The technology is part of a broader effort to customize hardware in Microsoft's data centers, which are expanding rapidly. In the past year, the company has added more than 2 gigawatts' worth of capacity. "When you are operating at that scale, efficiency is very important," Rani Borkar, vice president for hardware systems and infrastructure at Microsoft's Azure data center arm, said in an interview. The new cooling technology can also let Microsoft deliberately overheat chips in order to get better performance. Called overclocking, this can be useful for handling brief surges in demand. For example, Microsoft's Teams conferencing software experiences spikes in use around the hour and half hour because that's when most meetings begin. Instead of using more chips, the company could just overclock ones for a few minutes, said Jim Kleewein, a Microsoft technical fellow who works with the hardware team on filling the needs of its Office software products. The company is also more widely deploying hollow-core fiber for networking to increase data transmission speeds. This approach uses air to deliver data rather than the traditional glass core. At the Microsoft lab, a piece of the material the size of a few inches can be stretched to connect several kilometers, said Jamie Gaudette, who works on cloud network engineering. The software giant has teamed up with Corning Inc. and Heraeus Covantics to boost production of the material. Microsoft is also aiming to develop hardware for memory chips, but hasn't yet unveiled any plans, Borkar said. "There are things happening on the memory side, but they are not to a point where we want to discuss it," she said. "Memory is something I can't ignore." A key industry focus is high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, a component used in artificial intelligence computing that's made by companies like Micron Technology Inc. Right now, Microsoft's Maia AI chipoverseen by Borkarrelies on commercially available HBM. It's a vital technology, she said. "Today, HBM is the end-all and be-all," Borkar said. "What's going to happen next? We are looking at all of that." 2025 Bloomberg News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain UNSW Sydney nano-tech startup Diraq has shown its quantum chips aren't just lab-perfect prototypesthey also hold up in real-world production, maintaining the 99% accuracy needed to make quantum computers viable. Diraq, a pioneer of silicon-based quantum computing, achieved this feat by teaming up with the European nanoelectronics institute Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (imec). Together they demonstrated the chips worked just as reliably coming off a semiconductor chip fabrication line as they do in the experimental conditions of a research lab at UNSW. UNSW Engineering Professor Andrew Dzurak, who is the founder and CEO of Diraq, said up until now it hadn't been proven that the processors' lab-based fidelitymeaning accuracy in the quantum computing worldcould be translated to a manufacturing setting. "Now it's clear that Diraq's chips are fully compatible with manufacturing processes that have been around for decades." In a paper published in Nature, the teams report that Diraq-designed, imec-fabricated devices achieved over 99% fidelity in operations involving two quantum bitsor "qubits." The result is a crucial step toward Diraq's quantum processors achieving utility scale, the point at which a quantum computer's commercial value exceeds its operational cost. This is the key metric set out in the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a program run by the United States' Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to gauge whether Diraq and 17 other companies can reach this goal. Utility-scale quantum computers are expected to be able to solve problems that are out of reach of the most advanced high-performance computers available today. But breaching the utility-scale threshold requires storing and manipulating quantum information in millions of qubits to overcome the errors associated with the fragile quantum state. "Achieving utility scale in quantum computing hinges on finding a commercially viable way to produce high-fidelity quantum bits at scale," said Prof. Dzurak. "Diraq's collaboration with imec makes it clear that silicon-based quantum computers can be built by leveraging the mature semiconductor industry, which opens a cost-effective pathway to chips containing millions of qubits while still maximizing fidelity." Silicon is emerging as the front-runner among materials being explored for quantum computersit can pack millions of qubits onto a single chip and works seamlessly with today's trillion-dollar microchip industry, making use of the methods that put billions of transistors onto modern computer chips. Diraq has previously shown that qubits fabricated in an academic laboratory can achieve high fidelity when performing two-qubit logic gates, the basic building block of future quantum computers. However, it was unclear whether this fidelity could be reproduced in qubits manufactured in a semiconductor foundry environment. "Our new findings demonstrate that Diraq's silicon qubits can be fabricated using processes that are widely used in semiconductor foundries, meeting the threshold for fault tolerance in a way that is cost-effective and industry-compatible," Prof. Dzurak said. Diraq and imec previously showed that qubits manufactured using CMOS processesthe same technology used to build everyday computer chipscould perform single-qubit operations with 99.9% accuracy. But more complex operations using two qubits that are critical to achieving utility scale had not yet been demonstrated. "This latest achievement clears the way for the development of a fully fault-tolerant, functional quantum computer that is more cost effective than any other qubit platform," Prof. Dzurak said. More information: Paul Steinacker, Industry-compatible silicon spin-qubit unit cells exceeding 99% fidelity, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09531-9. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09531-9 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The US has imposed a 50% tariff on most Indian exports, following through on its threat to raise them from 25%. Although they are formally applied to goods, there are fears that tariffs could also unleash a domino effect on IT services. As strange as it may sound, the tariff wars sparked by the US's "liberation day" levies could now filter through to things like apps and online shopping. India is home to software service providerscompanies that deliver and maintain apps for clients all over the world. Already, there have been reports that major Indian providers such as TCS and Wipro are seeing project delays as US clients adopt a "wait-and-watch" stance. The Trump administration's recent announcement that it will impose a US$100,000 (74,072) fee for new H-1B skilled worker visas, which is popular with Indian IT professionals, has added further uncertainty. While US tariffs don't hit software services directly, they can create what are known as "second-order effects." In other words, as companies in industries affected by tariffs (like retail and manufacturing) start to feel the extra costs, they slash discretionary IT spending. This leaves less in their budgets for outsourcing contracts. My research on other types of shock in countries that provide IT services has shown similar pressures arising. This all matters because consumersthe end-users of banking apps, hospital portals, online shopping platforms and delivery systemsrely on Indian software providers far more than they may realize. Nearly 60% of the world's leading companies outsource their IT projects to India, and the country maintains much of the digital infrastructure behind all these systems. An Indian team might be running the back-end of a US hospital's patient management system, for example. When tariffs raise hardware costs in the US, the hospital may delay adding new features like online appointment booking. The cost of tariffs in the US will inevitably squeeze budgets, potentially making organizations pause, downsize or cancel IT projects. For consumers, including those outside the US, this can translate into slower upgrades, glitches and longer waits for appointments that are managed on online platforms. If tariffs squeeze client budgets and delay IT contracts, shoppers in Europe or Asia could face glitches, slower updates or disrupted payments. A global outage in 2024 caused by a faulty update from US cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike grounded flights and disrupted retailers worldwide. It shows how quickly US digital shocks can cascade to consumers everywhere. And a study found that some US and UK client firms ended IT projects when political unrest in Pakistan made delivery less predictable. One US client, for example, froze software development, leaving the outsourced team half-way through a system upgrade. This meant end-users never saw the new feature arrive and Pakistani software firms lost their largest US-based client. Other research has found that a spike in terror attacks in Pakistan from 2008 to 2009 led to a delay in critical information reaching IT teams there who were working on software. This caused bugs to linger and left end-users stuck with faulty or outdated apps. Keeping services running When they're squeezed, outsourcing firms protect the software end-users by reshaping how projects are managed rather than relying on price-cutting or goodwill. My recent study, undertaken with colleagues, found that resilient firms adapt on the fly, shifting work to backup offices or networks when disruptions hit, so people can still access systems, even during blackouts. If US tariffs squeeze client budgets and similarly disrupt the pipeline of projects, outsourcing firms may respond in the same way. That could mean reallocating tasks, altering delivery timescales or opening offices locallyto shield end-users from service interruptions. Other research shows that suppliers change processes mid-project when rules or client needs suddenly shift. To handle complex tasks like an orthodontist's 3D app, for example, a firm might decide to split the work. This could mean sending small teams abroad or opening offices near US or UK clients for sensitive tasks, while keeping most coding offshore. We, as end-users of software apps, are not just passive recipients. Our research on software firms showed that when everyday users demanded apps that looked good and worked without glitches, companies passed that pressure straight to their outsourcing partners in countries like India and Pakistan. In effect, consumer expectations filtered upwards. In the end, tariffs are not just abstract trade measures. They work their way through client budgets and outsourcing contracts, potentially shaping how quickly apps are updated or how smoothly systems run. For end-users, that can translate into delays to new features, glitches or systems that freeze just when you need them most. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DossDocs, the only on-demand loan document platform built by the nation's leading mortgage law firm, Doss Law, announced its integration with Docusign, the global leader in e-signature technology. This partnership gives lenders a streamlined and reliable way to deliver time-sensitive early disclosure documents, with no added cost. With this new integration, early disclosure documents are sent through Docusign automatically as part of any doc order. Lenders simply enter their Docusign login once and can monitor every step of the signing process from their own existing dashboard. It's built directly into the DossDocs platform, there's no clunky setup, and it's included at no extra cost. For licensees of the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), the rules are clear. You must deliver an Early Disclosure Package, including a Mortgage Loan Disclosure Statement, within three business days of receiving a loan application. DossDocs now makes that process faster, easier, and more secure. With this new integration, early disclosure documents are sent through Docusign automatically as part of any doc order. Lenders simply enter their Docusign login once and can monitor every step of the signing process from their own existing dashboard. It's built directly into the DossDocs platform, there's no clunky setup, and it's included at no extra cost. Borrowers are far more likely to open and sign a Docusign envelope than deal with printouts, scans, or faxes. Docusign is the trusted standard for secure, legally recognized e-signatures. When legal timelines matter, trusted tools matter. "No other doc platform offers this," said Aletha Nelson, Vice President of DossDocs. "We've seen how painful this part of the process is for lenders, especially under DRE rules. This makes early disclosures easier for lenders to send and allows borrowers to respond quickly, so deadlines aren't missed." "This integration reflects DossDocs' continued focus on building the strongest tech stack in lending automation," said Dennis Doss, CEO and Founder of DossDocs. "We build what lenders actually need, because we know the law, we know the timelines, and we know how it should work." Lenders now have a built-in solution for one of the most time-sensitive parts of the loan process. Early disclosures go out quickly and securely, and lenders are in control. About DossDocs DossDocs is an innovative, cloud-based platform developed by seasoned mortgage law attorneys with deep expertise in the complexities of lending. Offering best-in-class, 50-state compliant loan documents, DossDocs simplifies the entire loan documentation process with on-demand automation. No contracts, subscriptions, or onboarding required. Unlike other platforms, DossDocs provides instant access to compliant loan documents with no set-up fees or upfront costs, allowing lenders to create their compliant loan documents fast and easy. For more information, visit www.dossdocs.com. Media Contact Virginia Bush Sr. VP of Marketing (949) 966-2050 [email protected] Website https://www.dossdocs.com/ Social Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dossdocs-com About Docusign Docusign brings agreements to life. More than 1.7 million customers and more than a billion people in over 180 countries use Docusign solutions to accelerate the process of doing business and simplify people's lives. For more information visit http://www.docusign.com. SOURCE DossDocs 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: Google CEO Sundar Pichai walks to lunch at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 9, 2025. Caught off guard by ChatGPT and mocked for early blunders with its own generative artificial intelligence efforts, Google has pulled off a dramatic turnaround in just one year, becoming a major player in consumer-facing AI. "The market had written off Alphabet in the AI race," Matt Britzman, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of Google's parent company. "That was short-sighted." In March 2023, Google hastily launched its version of ChatGPT, called Bard, four months after the original shook the world. During its launch event, Bard made an error answering a question about the James Webb telescope, drawing ridicule from viewers tuning in from around the world. Several analysts subsequently downgraded their recommendations of Alphabet, worried that ChatGPT would eat into the Google search engine's generation-long dominance of the internet. A year later, in May 2024, the Mountain View, California giant unveiled AI Overviews, a feature integrated into Google Search that again caused online ridicule after recommending a glue pizza recipe and eating a rock a day in answers to queries. Despite massive investments in AI technology for over a decade -- acquiring the DeepMind lab in 2014 and producing high-level research publications that inspired the ChatGPT phenomenon -- Google kept stumbling. Much of Google's AI development "focused on powering its platforms rather than delivering services directly to consumers," said Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight. Ted Mortonson, an analyst at financial services firm Baird, said Google leadership was caught "flat-footed" and had grown "too complacent" about their AI advantage. Turnaround trajectory Amid the crisis, change was afoot. Google co-founder Sergey Brin was seen back at the Googleplex, and the company undertook a drastic internal reorganization. In spring 2024, AI developers were consolidated under a single Google DeepMind banner with Nobel Prize winner Demis Hassabis put in charge. "It took us time to bring these teams together," CEO Sundar Pichai explained on the "Lex Fridman Podcast" in early June. Google also needed time to deploy its new in-house AI chips, the TPUs (Tensor processing units), essential to the company's ambitions. But "I could see, internally, the trajectory we were on," he said. Despite the "glue pizza" missteps, or hallucinations in AI parlance, Overviews marked the first step in Google's turnaround. Next came the commercial launch of NotebookLM -- a digital document tool that can synthesize uploaded content into easy-to-understand writing or even a chatty podcast. At Google's developer conference in May 2025, the company unveiled video generation tool Veo 3, whose precision and consistency made a big splash, along with AI Mode, a feature that completed the transformation of search engine into ChatGPT-style chatbot. August brought a new version of the Pixel smartphone, whose AI enables 100x zoom and real-time translation. Mid-September saw the launch of video generation on YouTube. "Today's tools, especially from Google, can be used in the real world, as opposed to just being developer conference demos," emphasized Avi Greengart of Techsponential. With Pixel, "Google is in pole position in AI equipment," said Wood. Google drove the point home with its image editing program integrated into Gemini, informally called Nano Banana, which became such a sensation that Gemini topped ChatGPT in iPhone downloads for the first time earlier this month. The outlook brightened further for Google when it avoided having to sell its Chrome browser -- a government demand in its search monopoly trial that was rejected by a federal judge in early September. Signaling the shift, Apple is reportedly considering using Gemini for its overhaul of AI voice assistant Siri, according to Bloomberg. A partnership with the iPhone giant would hand Google a new revenue stream, though monetizing its AI "is still somewhat of a question mark," said Greengart. "Google is playing the long game," said Wood. "It knows that right now, it needs to offer free services to get consumers engaged with Gemini. However, in the longer term, it's hoping this can be turned into a substantial revenue stream." 2025 AFP New data on Hotmart's operations with Pix Automatico were disclosed at the EBANX Payments Summit BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil and CURITIBA, Brazil, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotmart , a global technology company and leader in digital business in the Creator Economy, announced strong performance results following the adoption of Pix Automatico, Brazil's new recurring feature within the real-time payment system Pix. Integrated through EBANX , a global fintech specializing in payments for emerging markets, Pix Automatico has been live on the Hotmart platform since June 16, the first day of the feature's operations. Allana Braga, Head of Payments at Hotmart, at the EBANX Payments Summit The new data was presented at the EBANX Payments Summit , an annual event now in its 8th year, held in Mexico City last week. During the event, Hotmart revealed a 32 percentage point uplift in customer retention for recurring payments via Pix following the launch of Pix Automatico. In practice, this means that Hotmart is now converting more than four times the number of recurring payments that previously failed with Pix into continued subscriptions. "Pix Automatico removes the friction of manual monthly payments, providing a seamless experience for users and improving retention, cash flow predictability, and overall growth for creators," explained Allana Braga, Head of Payments at Hotmart and speaker at the EBANX Payments Summit. With EBANX, Hotmart operates across five Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Mexico, leveraging a mix of card payments and alternative methods. Pix Automatico has quickly become a standout success in Brazil. "Recurring payments aren't new, but one thing that has changed is the scale. They're now crucial for building audience loyalty and stabilizing income for creators, enabling them to plan, invest, and grow their businesses," said Braga. Melissa Johnson, VP of Commercial, Americas at EBANX, emphasized why Pix Automatico is driving such strong results for Hotmart: "Offering more recurring payment options leads to better customer experiences and, ultimately, a higher reach. With Pix Automatico, Hotmart is giving more people in Brazil the ability to subscribe, even without a credit card." Over 160 million adults in Brazil are already registered to use Pix, representing 93% of the country's adult population. Yet, according to Brazil's Central Bank, 60 million Brazilian adults still don't have a credit card. By bridging this gap, Pix Automatico is projected to unlock over USD 30 billion in online recurring payments within the next two years, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data featured in EBANX's study Beyond Borders 2025 . "Pix Automatico is expected to become a standard tool for recurring digital payments in Brazil, expanding financial inclusion and delivering more predictable revenue for businesses built on recurring models, such as creators, digital platforms, and SaaS providers," said Johnson. Prior to the Payments Summit in Mexico City, the first stop in 2025 took place in Macao at the end of August, with Hotmart also joining EBANX's event there. ABOUT HOTMART Hotmart offers solutions for those who want to create, sell, and scale their digital and physical businesses through content production. The company operates in the Creator Economy and has more than 250,000 active creators worldwide and 1,600 employees across seven countries, including its headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as well as offices in North America, South America, and Europe. To learn more, visit hotmart.com . ABOUT EBANX EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world's fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods and streamline cross-border payments across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike. For further information, please visit: Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx Media contact: Leonardo Stamillo [email protected] contentco.tech SOURCE EBANX Chief executive officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Vashti Guyadeen, right, presents the Accounting for Emissions handbook to Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Dr Kennedy Swaratsingh at the University of Trinidad and Tobagos San Fernando campus. This story is meant particularly for the people who know exactly what happened that afternoon 20 years ago, and why. Those with information are encouraged to make the call that may unravel the mystery of May 14, 2003. BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, reaffirmed its long-term dedication to Australia's renewable energy sector during the meeting with H.E. Mr. Scott Dewar, Australian Ambassador to China. The company expressed its intent to make strategic investments in Australia, underscoring its commitment to support Australia in building resilient, sustainable, and future-ready energy infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on renewable energy development, net zero industrial parks, green hydrogen and ammonia, and the localization of renewable energy supply chains, strengthening Australian domestic capability while advancing the nation's clean energy export ambitions. Envision Energy Reaffirmed Its Long-Term Commitment to Australia Envision Energy Signed Strategic Partnership with ANZ Envision Energy Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Australia The meeting was also attended by Daniel Boyer, Deputy CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and representatives from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ). Participants exchanged in-depth insights on key topics including energy ecosystem development, supply chain automation, and talent cultivation, reaching broad consensus that paves the way for Envision's long-term growth in Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. "Australia's abundant renewable resources, innovation potential, and leadership in climate policy make it a cornerstone market for Envision," said Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Lines at Envision Energy. He noted that Envision has established its Australian headquarters in Melbourne and, together with FERA Australia, is developing large-scale hybrid renewable projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM). "We have also signed a new strategic partnership with ANZ to build a green finance ecosystem, further deepening our long-term commitment to Australia. Leveraging our green technology leadership, we are confident in making a meaningful contribution to the country's net zero transition." Envision and ANZ Collaborate on Energy Transition The ANZ agreement signing was witnessed by Mr. John Williams, Australian Consul-General in Shanghai and signals the start of a long-term collaboration. Together, Envision and ANZ will leverage their respective strengths to deepen cooperation in financing the energy transition, sustainable finance, cross-border trade and investment, market insights, and policy engagement. With ANZ as its lead banking partner, Envision is set to expand its presence across Australia, New Zealand and other international markets, aiming to jointly drive the growth and transformation of Australia's renewable energy value chain. Paul Richards, Global Head of Resources, Energy & Infrastructure at ANZ, said: "As the largest Australian financial institution operating in China, ANZ has long supported Chinese enterprises investing in and providing technology solutions in Australia. Envision's leadership and ambitions in the global net zero space is exciting. We look forward to developing comprehensive financial solutions and insights to help empower Envision's growth in Australia and across the region." The strategic partnership with ANZ, alongside high-level engagement with the Australian government, is a significant milestone in Envision's global strategy and aims to set a new benchmark for China-Australia cooperation in green energy. SOURCE Envision Energy SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Extra Space Storage Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: EXR) announced today it will release financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, October 30, 2025, to discuss its financial results. Hosting the call will be Extra Space Storage's CEO, Joe Margolis. Joining him will be Jeff Norman, Executive Vice President and CFO. During the conference call, company officers will review operating performance, discuss recent events, and conduct a question-and-answer period. The question-and-answer period will be limited to registered financial analysts. All other participants will have listen-only capability. To Participate in the Conference Call: A live webcast of the conference call will be available online from the investor relations page of the Company's corporate website at www.extraspace.com. Telephone participants may avoid delays in joining the conference call by pre-registering for the call using the following link to receive a special dial-in number and PIN: https://pinconnect.conferenceconsole.com/PINConf?110eb349-2eed-4af8-a040-6fd113eaf595 The conference call will also be available on the Company's website under Investor Relations at www.extraspace.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Conference Call Playback: A replay of the webcast will be available on the Extra Space Storage Investor Relations website beginning October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET, and will remain available for one year after the call. Full Text of the Earnings Report and Supplemental Data The full text of the earnings report and supplemental data will be available at the Company's investor relations website immediately following the earnings release to the wire services after the market close on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. About Extra Space Storage Inc. Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, and a member of the S&P 500. As of June 30, 2025, the Company owned and/or operated 4,179 self-storage properties, which comprise approximately 2.9 million units and approximately 321.5 million square feet of rentable storage space operating under the Extra Space brand. The Company offers customers a wide selection of conveniently located and secure storage units across the country, including boat storage, RV storage and business storage. It is the largest operator of self-storage properties in the United States. For more information, please visit www.extraspace.com. SOURCE Extra Space Storage Inc. NEED TO KNOW A large sinkhole formed on a busy street in Bangkok, Thailand, on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 24 Part of Samsen Road in the Thai capital opened up into a 98 square foot hole, swallowing three vehicles, electricity poles, and damaging water pipes A nearby hospital was forced to evacuate, and local residents were also told to leave their homes, per local Thai news outlets A huge sinkhole measuring 98 square feet has opened up on a road in Bangkok, Thailand, disrupting traffic and prompting evacuations. Part of Samsen Road in the Thai capital which is in the midst of monsoon season collapsed in front of a school at around 7:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Sept 24, according to the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The hole is also very close to a hospital and a police station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vajira Hospital, Samsen Road, Dusit District, Bangkok, is a hole 30 x 30 meters wide [98 feet x 98 feet], 50 meters deep [160 feet], and has a tendency to collapse further. Later, at the scene, two electric poles fell and there was a station car, a release from the RTP read. Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg via Getty Engineers inspecting the site of a sinkhole in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 Engineers inspecting the site of a sinkhole in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025 The hole has reportedly resulted in damage to the nearby Samsen Metropolitan Police Station, with two of its electric poles and their tow truck falling in, per local newspaper The Nation. Two other vehicles also fell into the hole, according to The Sydney Morning Herald and the Associated Press. Footage posted online showed the event happening. It forced a hospital to evacuate, and nearby residents to leave their homes, The Nation reported. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that the hole was caused by construction work on a subway station, per the outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the hole continuing to grow amid poor weather conditions, The Nation reports that so far, there have been no injuries. PEOPLE has contacted the Metropolitan Police Bureau for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM/AFP via Getty Security officials looking at the sinkhole near a hospital in Bangkok on September 24, 2025 Security officials looking at the sinkhole near a hospital in Bangkok on September 24, 2025 Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The police shared photos of the large sinkhole, which was located just under the police station, while footage shared on social media by BNO News Live also captured the dramatic moment that the hole formed as cars reversed on the busy street. The hole exposed the city's underground structures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Police Commissioner has ordered the Metropolitan Police Bureau to coordinate with relevant agencies, such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to take action on road subsidence, damaged large water pipes, and to provide assistance to the public, the RTP also noted. Read the original article on People These are the four creme de la creme chefs left after seven weeks of heat in the MasterChef kitchen. This important milestone as the amateur series almost didnt air after both show presenters Gregg Wallace and John Torode were sacked from MasterChef. Filmed last year, the BBC finally decided to air the series after consulting the participants. Two contestants were edited out of the process. Wallace was sacked from MasterChef after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour on the set were upheld in a report by an independent law firm, which had been commissioned by the shows producers, Banijay. In the wake of the report, Wallace said: "None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torode was dismissed from MasterChef after an allegation that he used "extremely offensive" racist language was upheld; he denies the claim. He has since returned to TV on ITV. Here in finals week, the finalists jet off to Athens, Greece, having fought off stern competition. The heat is rising as the four finalists must battle it out for the winning title. Who are the finalists? Harry Harry is in the MasterChef finals. (BBC/Shine TV) Age: 31 Job: Fishmonger Lives: London Harry made the big decision to go on MasterChef after switching up his day job. He said: "I've recently changed careers to being a fishmonger after working in branding for five years, and I've rediscovered my love for home cooking. I wanted to prove to myself that Im a talented cook; I've been told for years by my friends and family that I should apply. Now that I'm a fishmonger I feel it's the perfect time to test my skills in the kitchen. "I'd really like to prove to myself that I'm capable of creating exciting and new dishes and not just following recipes. This life change and career as a fishmonger has brought me closer to food in my life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fishmonger, who lives with his partner Katie, shared how he wants cooking to fit into his future. He said, "I havent decided whether I want my own relaxed local restaurant or catering company. Ive got no desire to win any Michelin stars; I just want to be cooking every day. A cookbook might be a nice milestone as well!" Sam Sam is a finalist on MasterChef. (BBC/Shine TV) Age: 28 Job: Vocational Trainer Lives: Swindon Sam had fallen in love with MasterChef after moving to the UK from Thailand 10 years ago. It was his passion that sparked him to apply. He said: "Before I moved to the UK, I had never seen the show before, but now I absolutely love the show and have been hooked on it ever since I moved over here. Over the last five years, I kept saying to my boyfriend (Danny), I want to apply but never did. Ive never had much confidence in my ability to cook and really wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finalist, who lives with his boyfriend, has food in his future. He said, "I would love to have my own cookbook that celebrates Thailand and my style of cooking." Claire Claire has her place in the MasterChef finals week. (BBC/Shine TV) Age: 46 Job: Copywriter Lives: Newark-on-Trent Claire made the application thanks to her husband, Paul, with whom she shares two children. She said: "My husband really pushed me to apply for MasterChef so that I could celebrate how much cooking has meant to me in the last nine years during a tricky time in my life." The finalist set out her hopes for the cooking world in the future. She said: "I would love to write a book that compiles delicious family recipes with life and cooking tips that have saved me during a hard time. I think teaching people to cook on any budget is a very powerful tool, and a dream would be to push for a national cooking programme in conjunction with a budget supermarket. So much of our health and wealth starts at the dinner table." Sophie Sophie is competing on MasterChef to make her late father proud. (BBC/Shine TV) Age: 25 Job: Assistant colourist in post production Lives: London Sophie was spurred on to undertake the challenge by her late dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My late father was a huge inspiration for taking the plunge. He always believed in me, and its something I really wanted to do to make him proud. Like a lot of people my age, I grew up watching MasterChef," she said. "It was the one show I was allowed to stay up and watch with my parents after bedtime. I have such fond memories of watching it with my dad he was a huge inspiration for me entering the competition. "He used to say his dream was to open a family restaurant with me one day, and Id tease him with Well then, why dont you go on MasterChef? So this ones for you, Dad. "I entered MasterChef this year after one too many nights shouting at the TV with a glass of wine, thinking, 'I could do this!' So I decided to put my money where my mouth is and actually apply." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To work in the food circles would be a dream for Sophie. She said: "Cooking is so personal to me and I love feeding people and making them smile. Being able to make a living doing that would be a dream come true. "Id love to focus on recipe development creating vibrant, exciting vegetarian and plant-based dishes. Hosting supper clubs is high on the list too. I really want to show people just how fun and delicious plant-based food can be." MasterChef finals week airs at 8pm on BBC One on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. WILMINGTON, N.C., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 15 years, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has helped entrepreneurs nationwide grow their businesses by offering a free, practical business training program, access to capital, and personalized support services. Now, 10,000 Small Businesses is partnering with The North Carolina Community College System to bring this best-in-class training program to North Carolina small business owners. The inaugural cohort will be hosted at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington. Jerry Coleman, Director of the CFCC Small Business Center Through this free program, participants gain practical skills in areas including negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be implemented into their businesses. In addition, participating small business owners receive the tools and professional support necessary to develop a strategic and customized growth plan that will help take their business to the next level. "Goldman Sachs is incredibly proud to partner with The North Carolina Community College System to bring 10,000 Small Businesses directly to entrepreneurs across North Carolina, where small businesses drive innovation, create jobs and fuel the local economy," said Anne Wellde, National Director of 10,000 Small Business at Goldman Sachs. "For 15 years, 10,000 Small Businesses has provided small businesses nationwide with the critical education, access to capital and personalized support they need to thrive and we look forward to contributing to the bright future for North Carolina's entrepreneurs." "Cape Fear Community College is proud to host the inaugural North Carolina cohort of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program," said Jim Morton, President of Cape Fear Community College. "Small businesses are vital to our region, and this partnership reflects our commitment to providing entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and connections they need to grow and thrive. We are proud to help launch this initiative in North Carolina and support the leaders who strengthen our communities and economy." "North Carolina's small businesses are the backbone of our communities and providing them with resources to grow and thrive is at the heart of our mission," said Anne Shaw, State Director of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network. "Through this partnership with Goldman Sachs and the Community College System, entrepreneurs across the state will gain access to world-class training and support that can help them scale their businesses and create lasting impact in their communities." Across the United States, 10,000 Small Businesses graduates are increasing their revenues and creating new jobs in their communities. The most recent Impact Report notes: 66% of participants reported an increase in revenues six months after graduating 44% reported creating new jobs six months after graduating 85% of 10,000 Small Businesses alumni are doing business with each other Selected applicants will gain access to world-class business education and connections to a professional support network at no cost. Classes are delivered in-person and online, and all costs are fully covered by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. About 10,000 Small Businesses Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunity by providing a comprehensive business education program and access to capital and business support services. To date, 10,000 Small Businesses has served over 16,000 small businesses across the United States. The program has reached businesses from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.gs.com/10ksb. About Goldman Sachs The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. SOURCE North Carolina Community College System India's Concerns over US Military Presence in Bangladesh The US military arrived in Bangladesh for three joint military exercises with its counterpart, the Bangladesh Army Wednesday September 24, 2025 8:24 PM , Saleem Samad In 1996, Bangladesh agreed to the war on terror against the rogue regime in Afghanistan, officially the Global War on Terrorism, a global military campaign initiated by the United States following the 11 September attacks in 2001, and is one of the most recent global conflicts spanning multiple wars. The US military arrived for three joint military exercises with its counterpart, the Bangladesh military. The US officers checked into a Bangladesh Army-affiliated Radisson Blu Hotel in Chattogram (formerly Chittagong) on September 10 for an exercise in the coastal region of the south. For the fourth year in a row, the Bangladesh Army and US Army Pacific conducted Exercise Tiger Lightning for preparedness on counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuations, and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs), says the US Embassy in Dhaka on 20 July. Since 2009, the ongoing exercise will feature patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship, strengthening warfare diving and salvage, as well as the para-commandos ability to respond to crises. In the hallmarks of defense relationship between the two countries, the US built C-130 fleets that are critical in disaster response, airdrops, and air mobility operations. The exercise included Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aero-medical operations, further developing Bangladeshs ability to respond to humanitarian disasters. The United States, with Bangladeshs Army and Navy, develop an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability for Bangladesh, and operated the new RQ-21 Blackjack system. The effort enabled Bangladesh to monitor its maritime domain, secure its borders, and conduct peacekeeping missions. Whereas, hundreds of social media accounts loyal to the ousted regime of Sheikh Hasina burst into outrage, deep into conspiracy theories that the Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus Interim Government has opened the floodgate for clandestine operation to enable Bangladesh military forces to militarily strengthen the Myanmar rebels to oust the military junta in the capital Naypyidaw. The social media was abuzz that the US military officers had secretly arrived in Bangladesh and did not register their names at the hotel. The second conspiracy theory, which was widely floating in social media and many suggest that the US military presence was to determine a suitable base which would make their presence felt in South Asia and also monitor South-East Asia. Well, the Bangladesh authority did not bother to counter the conspiracy theories that attempted to undermine the joint military exercise. In August 2016, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during a meeting with former Secretary of State John Kerry in Dhaka, expressed a very clear desire to cooperate with the U.S. very, very closely on fighting terrorism. Kerry announced the two countries had agreed to additional steps by which our intelligence and law enforcement will work together to try to get ahead of this. Kerry said the US and the West are deeply worried after evidence of the presence of Islamic State jihadists operating in Iraq and Syria have sleeping cells in eight entities around the world, and one of them is in South Asia. He deliberately did not mention the name of Afghanistan. He, however, disclosed that Islamic State extremists are in contact with some operatives in Bangladesh, and there was no argument about it from the government officials he met with here, including the prime minister. Hasinas government was blamed by scores of terrorism analysts and security experts for having its head in the sand about such links, repeatedly terming the attacks as homegrown. Meanwhile, popular India Today media published a documentary titled: Strategic Drills In Indias Backyard: US Footprint In Bangladesh Rising. Another media News Arena India on 15 September wrote in an article that Indias intelligence circle, the US troops arrival has fueled speculation amid a noticeable uptick in American military activity in Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina regime. The same article was widely quoted on social media that the US military officers refrained from registering their names with the front desk and slipped into pre-booked rooms. The purpose of the exercise remains vague, with officials mentioning Coxs Bazar as a likely location. The Bangladesh Army has largely remained cagey about the presence of US forces, apart from acknowledging formal collaborations such as Operation Pacific Angel and Tiger Lightning-2025, wrote News Arena India without mentioning the source of information. The presence of C-130Js has reinforced speculation about the scope of US military activities in Bangladesh, etcetra, etcetra. In the mid-60s, the radical left students to imbibe dissent against the military dictator General Ayub Khan of Pakistan said that he had leased Saint Martins island in the southeast tip of the country to the United States to build a military base to counter India. The conspiracy theory of St. Martin given away to the Americans has cropped up several times since its independence in 1971. They were deliberately blamed for different regimes for facilitating inroads for America to counter the regional influence of India and China. Bangladeshs only coral island, Saint Martin, the Department of Environment (DoE) in 1999 declared the 8 sq km isles an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA). It warned that the geo-class of a tiny island cannot be changed without the permission of the DoE. A British team of surveyors in 1900 included Saint Martins island as part of the British Raj in India and named it after a Christian priest, Saint Martin. Green activists and environmentalists say the island is home to several globally endangered marine turtles and birds, including the rare Pacific reef-egret, red crab, dolphin, and vulnerable olive Ridley sea turtles, which are also on the verge of disappearance. Professor Kawser Ahmed, dean of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty of Dhaka University, in his article published in Ocean Science Journal in 2020, predicts that coral species will completely disappear by 2045. Earlier, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, environment adviser to the Interim Government, doubted whether an ecologically threatened island would be suitable for any military purpose. Political historian and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad, quoted in the largest circulated Bangla newspaper, Prothom Alo that he first heard in February 1971 about leasing Bholas Monpura island out to the USA. The rumor took wings after the then fiery opposition leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had parley with the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Joseph Simpson Farland, on 28 February 1971 a month before the genocidal campaign Operation Searchlight launched by the Pakistan military, which sparked the liberation war. Indian media quoting Hasina from a press conference in July 2023, asked, How did [opposition] BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) come to power in 2001? She continued that they came to power by pledging to sell [natural] gas [to India]. Now do they want to sell the country [to the United States] or come to power by pledging to sell Saint Martins island, she told loyalist journalists. Her words spread like wildfire and were injected into the minds and hearts of millions of supporters that Americans have an interest in the critically endangered tiny island. She blames BNP for negotiating with Washington, DC, to give away the critically endangered coral island to America for a military establishment to watch over a huge swatch of the Bay of Bengal, which merges with the Indian Ocean in the far south. BNP countered her statement and said, No country signs a deal with the opposition; it is signed with the government. On the other hand, the United States State Departments former spokesperson Matthew Miller scoffed at the rumor centering on the island and the USA. In a press briefing in Washington, DC, he confidently said, We have never engaged in any conversations about taking over Saint Martins island, he remarked. Despite the denial by the US official, the loyalist of Hasina still blows the horn that the American military presence is interpreted as the establishment of a strategic naval base in the ocean of Bangladesh. [The writer, Saleem Samad, is an Independent Journalist based in Bangladesh and a media rights defender with Reporters Without Borders. He is the recipient of the Ashoka Fellowship and the Hellman-Hammett Award. The above article is first published by the Stratheia Policy Journal, Islamabad, Pakistan, 24 September 2025.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic HA NOI State President Luong Cuong has asked the US business community to seize current opportunities in Viet Nam, expand their presence and invest more deeply and broadly in the country, thereby ushering in a new era of promising, sustainable cooperation together. The Vietnamese State leader made the call during a discussion with US businesses in New York on Tuesday (local time) as part of his US trip for the high-level General Debate of 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and bilateral activities. The event brought together senior executives and representatives of major US corporations including Vantive, Amazon, Apple, AES, Amway, Boeing, Excelerate Energy, Warburg Pincus, The Asia Group, Excel Services Corporation, Atlas Air, Meta and The Coca-Cola Company. President Cuong recalled that after nearly 40 years of oi moi (Renewal) policy, Viet Nam has transformed from an inefficient economy with per capita income under US$100 in 1986 into one of the worlds 32 biggest economies, with trade turnover ranking among the worlds top 20. It has signed 17 new-generation free trade agreements, creating a tightly connected network with more than 60 major economies worldwide, he noted. He stressed that the 30-year history of Viet Nam-US relations is a vivid testament to reconciliation and trust building, with economic, trade and investment cooperation serving as a central pillar. Bilateral trade reached nearly $140 billion last year, while the effective operations of leading US corporations in Viet Nam clearly demonstrate mutual trust and the potential for partnership. Outlining Viet Nams long-term vision of becoming a prosperous and happy nation, and a high-income developed country by 2045, the State President underlined that the country is pursuing bold institutional reforms, improving human resource quality and upgrading infrastructure as core drivers of growth. Among the key steps taken, Viet Nam has completed the building of a two-tier local government system nationwide to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, revised major laws such as the Law on Investment, the Law on Enterprises and the Land Law to create a more open and transparent business environment, and rolled out the National Digital Transformation Strategy, administrative reforms, e-government initiatives, and policies to promote innovation, the green economy and renewable energy, said the Vietnamese leader. Calling for more investment from US businesses, President Cuong reaffirmed that the Vietnamese State is committed to providing the most favourable conditions for US investors to confidently choose Viet Nam as a long-term destination to accompany the country in building a prosperous and sustainable future together. US companies reflected on their ongoing investment cooperation in Viet Nam, highlighted the countrys vast potential and opportunities for collaboration, and shared experience and recommendations to further strengthen their contribution to Viet Nams development. They expressed admiration for Viet Nams remarkable socio-economic progress, praised its forward-looking development strategy, and voiced confidence that with the directions already set, Viet Nam will become an attractive destination for international investors and achieve more successes in the future. Sharing common goals and priorities with Viet Nam, from driving digital transformation and boosting exports to ensuring equitable development, the US businesses agreed that Viet Nam has strong potential to become a top destination across multiple sectors, reaffirming their commitment to expanding investment and cooperation in the country. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday signed Directive 29/CT-TTg, setting out key tasks and solutions to promote exports and expand overseas markets. As of September 15 this year, Viet Nams total trade turnover reached US$637.2 billion, up 17.2 per cent year-on-year. Exports stood at $325.26 billion, an increase of 15.8 per cent, while imports reached nearly $312 billion, up 18.8 per cent. Trade surplus was valued at $13.3 billion. The PM said that while these results are encouraging, Viet Nams exports still face many challenges due to global uncertainties, conflicts, strategic competition and new trade policies from key partners like the US. Under the directive, ministries, agencies and localities are urged to act quickly and effectively to secure export growth of over 12 per cent through the end of the year, contributing to national economic growth of 8.3 to 8.5 per cent. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with making full use of existing free trade agreements, while also negotiating new deals with partners including Mercosur and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Talks on a reciprocal trade deal with the US must move forward under Government and Prime Ministerial direction. Large-scale trade promotion activities will be carried out in major markets such as the US, the EU, China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The Government also called for higher quality in agricultural exports, clear geographical indications and stronger branding for Vietnamese products. The directive emphasises the need for close coordination among ministries and local authorities to step up economic diplomacy and open new markets, while investment in transport and logistics infrastructure continues to reduce costs and support exporters. Provinces and cities should clear obstacles for businesses, attract selective foreign investment and share information on crops and exports to support farmers and companies. Border provinces must update market conditions regularly to avoid congestion, while cutting red tape for faster trade. Industry associations have been asked to keep members informed, promote quality and branding, and protect their interests. Exporters need to stay flexible, invest in greener, higher-value products and expand through official and niche markets to strengthen Viet Nams global trade. BIZHUB/VNS HCM CITY Consumers in Viet Nam will have a chance to buy pork imported from leading producers from UK in the near future. The United Kingdoms Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), in collaboration with the British Consulate-General and British Chambers of Commerce in Viet Nam, is leading a high-profile trade mission to Viet Nam from September 23 to 25 to promote high-quality British pork and foster long-term partnerships with Vietnamese importers. The delegation comprises some of the UKs largest and most reputable pork producers, including GPS Food Group Ltd, Norwest Foods International Ltd, and Dunbia. These companies are renowned for their commitment to quality, food safety, and animal welfare hallmarks of British agriculture. There has been an uptick in interest from UK exporters and Vietnamese importers keen to capitalise on this fresh access since negotiating an Export Health Certificate with Viet Nam for pork exports in November 2022, United Kingdoms Agriculture Attache to Viet Nam Matthew Albon-Crouch, who is based in the British Embassy in Ha Noi, said. British pork is world-class, and Im proud that the UK has some of the highest standards of production, food safety, and animal welfare in the world, which I know Vietnamese customers value, he said. The delegation is visiting Ha Noi to engage with the Department for Animal Health and Livestock Production, to learn more about pork production in the UK and Viet Nam. The delegation also travels to HCM City to hold a public seminar at the Caravelle Hotel to explain the unique selling points of British pork and the favourable trading arrangements the UK and Viet Nam enjoy. The programme includes keynote speeches on UK-Viet Nam free trade agreements, company presentations, business matching sessions, and networking sessions aimed at building sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships. Exporters in the UK are excited about Viet Nams dynamic food industry. With growing demand for high-quality meat products, British pork known for its traceability, flexible packaging solutions, and rigorous standards is well-positioned to meet the needs of discerning Vietnamese consumers. According to the Connecting the UK and Viet Nam in Agriculture, Food and Drink report 2024 by Edelman Public & Government Affairs (EGA), and sponsored by the British Embassy Ha Noi, UK food and drink exports to Viet Nam surged by 97 per cent from 2020 to 2023, reaching US$154 million. The UKs recent accession to CPTPP, in December 2024, is expected to create even more exciting opportunities for local businesses to bring the UK's rich portfolio of consumer products to Vietnamese consumers. New tariff reductions in Food & Drink, Cosmetics, and Consumer Goods, as well as improved customs guarantees, make it easier and more cost-effective to buy from the UK. Exports of UK goods to Viet Nam increased by 9.9 per cent in 2024 and that trend will hopefully continue in 2025, with CPTPP creating new opportunities for Vietnamese importers, retailers, and distributors to source more products from the UK. VNS HA NOI Techcombank (TCB) has announced plans to distribute cash dividends for fiscal year 2024 at a rate of 10 per cent of par value, equivalent to VN1,000 per share. With more than 7.08 billion shares in circulation, the total expected cash payout will exceed VN7.086 trillion. The cash dividend plan was approved at the banks 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM), along with the 2025 business plan and other key resolutions. The dividend will be paid from Techcombanks undistributed post-tax profits as of December 31, 2024, after setting aside all required reserves, based on its audited standalone and consolidated financial statements. The bank confirmed that the dividend payment will comply with all legal requirements and ensure proper fulfilment of tax and financial obligations. Techcombank also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong capital adequacy and liquidity positions following the dividend distribution, in line with regulatory standards set by the State Bank of Vietnam. In Q2 2025, Techcombank reported a pre-tax profit of VN7.9 trillion, reflecting solid performance amid ongoing market volatility. The banks total assets surpassed VN1 quadrillion for the first time, while maintaining the highest current account savings account (CASA) ratio in the sector. By the end of June 2025, the bank had served nearly 16.5 million customers, gaining approximately 1.2 million new customers in the first half of the year. Notably, 57.6 per cent of new customers were onboarded entirely through digital platforms, underscoring the banks digital transformation success. Digital transactions by individual customers reached nearly 1.9 billion in the first six months, up 28 per cent year-on-year, with total transaction value hitting VN6 quadrillion. According to data from NAPAS, Techcombank retained its leading market position in both card issuance (17.5 per cent market share) and card payments (16.1 per cent). In July, Techcombank was the only Vietnamese bank to simultaneously receive the 'Best Bank in Viet Nam' award from three prestigious international publications - Euromoney, Global Finance and FinanceAsia - for the second consecutive year (202425). Techcombank is one of Viet Nams largest joint stock commercial banks and a leading financial institution in Asia. Guided by the vision of 'Transforming the financial industry, elevating the value of life', Techcombank adopts a customer-centric strategy and provides a comprehensive range of financial services to nearly 16.5 million customers, including individuals and businesses, through a nationwide branch network and a market-leading digital banking platform. The banks ecosystem-driven approach and strategic partnerships across key economic sectors distinguish Techcombank as one of the fastest-growing banks in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Techcombank currently holds credit ratings of BB from S&P, BB- from Fitch and Ba3 from Moodys - placing it among the highest-rated joint stock commercial banks in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh have met with top UAE officials, including ADGM Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, to discuss strengthening bilateral investment ties and developing Viet Nams international financial centre (IFC). During his ongoing official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Binh had a meeting with UAE Minister of Investment and Managing Director & Group CEO of ADQ Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Binh praised the ministrys achievements, which, in just two years since its establishment, have helped position the UAE as a leading regional investment hub. He said Viet Nam wishes to futher enhance multifaceted cooperation with the UAE, its sole comprehensive partner in the Middle East. Minister Al Suwaidi expressed his hope that the UAEViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement would be signed soon, providing a legal framework to facilitate bilateral business. Both sides agreed to set a date for an investment promotion conference in Viet Nam to announce concrete cooperation outcomes. They also agreed to establish a Vietnamese Business Council in the UAE to create a direct channel between the two countries business communities, while emphasising collaboration in green energy, aligned with sustainable development goals. Binh requested UAE support in developing Viet Nams international financial centre, to which Minister Al Suwaidi affirmed full support and willingness to share expertise. Also the same day, Deputy PM Binh met with Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), one of the worlds most attractive financial centres. He congratulated the ADGM on its achievements since its inception in 2015 and sought guidance on building Viet Nams IFC. The ADGM Chairman highlighted three key success factors for an IFC, namely legal independence, stable and reliable policies, and efficient procedures supporting investors. He stressed the importance of attracting major partners, assessing investor needs, promoting Viet Nams IFC internationally, and focusing on human resource development. Binh requested the ADGM to elaborate on its unique advantages. Al Zaabi noted the UAEs strategic location, the development of two IFCs, and emphasised trust as the core value of a financial centre, highlighting key incentives for talent, businesses, investors, and international funds. The Deputy PM outlined Viet Nams investment needs in infrastructure, energy, digital economy, and green transformation, welcoming the ADGMs support in introducing international investors to Viet Nam and its IFC. Both sides agreed to hold an investment promotion event in the UAE in early 2026. He also stressed the Vietnamese Governments efforts to finalise the legal framework for its IFC, which is designed to operate independently of State agencies, and expressed the countrys desire to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with the ADGM. On this occasion, Binh witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding between the ADGM and the peoples committees of HCM City and a Nang on IFC development. He also met with Vietnamese Embassy staff in the UAE. The Vietnamese official is scheduled to have meeting on September 2425 with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also DIFC Chairman, and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, and leaders of several UAE corporations. VNA/VNS HA NOI Turkish trade turbulence is testing Vietnamese exporters as Ankara increasingly deploys trade defence measures, prompting businesses to strengthen readiness and reduce potential losses. This month, Turkey imposed anti-dumping duties on thick steel imports from South Korea after a year-long investigation covering January to December 2023. The measure aims to protect Turkeys domestic steel industry from unfair competition and demonstrates the countrys proactive market management. Recently, Turkey also applied safeguard measures on ethyl acetate imports, including those from Viet Nam, as trade volumes were considered significant. According to the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Turkey has applied 26 trade defence measures involving Vietnamese exports to date. These measures are legal and can be more severe than normal tariffs, with high rates, long durations, specific scope and flexible adjustments. Frequent investigations are not unusual in global trade but highlight the need for exporters to be well-prepared, TRA said. Despite these risks, Turkey remains an attractive market with nearly 84 million people, a dynamic economy and a strategic location connecting the Middle East and serving as a gateway to the European Union. Key Vietnamese exports, including rice, dairy products, pepper, wood, rubber, tea, textiles, garments, footwear and electronics, have strong growth potential. To navigate these challenges, TRA advises Vietnamese businesses to monitor early warnings, share information with industry associations and study local trade defence laws and practices. Companies should build export strategies for each stage, establish direct communication channels with importers and enhance product quality rather than compete only on price. Using domestic or non-restricted materials can also raise the added value of Vietnamese products and reduce the risk of investigations. According to TRA, before signing contracts, exporters should carefully assess potential risks and prepare unified response plans. Exporters should allocate sufficient resources, consider hiring legal advisors and coordinate closely with industry associations and government agencies. These steps can help minimise losses, protect legal rights and maintain a stable presence in the Turkish market. BIZHUB/VNS BEIJING A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy attended the first meeting of Viet NamChina Joint Railway Cooperation Committee in Beijing on September 2324. The meeting aimed to implement the common perceptions reached by the two countries high-ranking leaders on strengthening cooperation and expediting cross-border railway projects. It also sought to carry out the agreement signed on December 10, 2024, between the two governments on standard-gauge railway cooperation, as well as the memorandum of understanding signed on April 14, 2025, between Viet Nams Ministry of Construction and Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on the establishment of the joint committee. Speaking at the session, Huy emphasised the importance of railway cooperation within the Viet NamChina community with a shared future. He noted that with political and diplomatic ties at an unprecedented high, railway cooperation has been identified by both sides high-ranking leaders as a symbolic highlight of their practical and strategic partnership. Under the close guidance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Viet Nams Ministry of Construction and Chinas NDRC have actively played a role in coordinating bilateral railway cooperation activities. The Vietnamese official stressed that the establishment of the Joint Railway Cooperation Committee in April marked a milestone, reflecting the tireless efforts of the relevant agencies of both sides. The two countries have received unprecedented policy support from their Governments and fostered close technical exchanges among ministries and sectors, thereby creating strong momentum for enterprise-to-enterprise cooperation. To accelerate the implementation of cross-border railway projects, particularly the Lao CaiHa NoiHai Phong standard-gauge railway, the meeting focused on key issues such as the feasibility study report, technical design, and financial cooperation. The two sides also agreed to prepare planning for two additional standard-gauge lines, ong angHa Noi and Mong CaiHa LongHai Phong, alongside cooperation in railway personnel training and railway industry development. As part of the working trip, Viet Nams Ministry of Construction and Chinas Ministry of Commerce signed an agreement to implement a technical assistance project for the feasibility study for the Lao CaiHa NoiHai Phong railway. Earlier, Huy also worked with the Vietnamese embassy in Beijing to discuss coordination in promoting bilateral railway cooperation. VNA/VNS HA NOI A sparkling new collaboration takes centre stage as the German-Vietnamese co-production Ngoc Thu (The Gem) is set to debut at the Viet Nam Youth Theatre on September 26. The plays producers include playwright Thomas Kock, stage designer Lina Oanh Nguyen, and director ao Duy Anh. Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Binh spoke with director Anh about the production. How did you begin the theatre project between Viet Nam and Germany? For me, this is a valuable opportunity. Collaborating with artists and producers in Germany helps me gain new experiences in staging methods. By making good use of the opportunity, I approach modern European theatrical thinking while introducing Vietnamese culture to international friends. The important thing is that the project is not only a combination but also a bridge of cultural exchange where we learn from each other. Germans often have discipline and systematisation in staging, while Vietnamese artists bring more emotion, flexibility and closeness. When the two sides meet, I believe we can create a work that is both internationally aesthetic and retains the mark of national identity. As a director, I am both a learner and a connector. I hope this project will not only stop at a play but also open up a long-term relationship so that artists from both countries will have more opportunities to cooperate in the future. How could you stage the play to combine the creative strenths of German and Vietnamese artists? I think that any playwright leaves his mark on his thinking style, dramatic handling, philosophy of life and even recurring motifs in his works. Playwright Kock is from Europe, where theatre works often have a tight structure, philosophical theory and emphasise inner struggles or symbolism. If I keep the European characteristics, Vietnamese audiences may find it strange and not easy to sympathise with. If the translation is too much, the playwright's imprint will easily fade away. So, as a director, I need to keep the Vietnamese audience aware that this is their story while still retaining the playwright's personal creativity. Kock has proactively leaned towards a global story and opened up more widely, so editing and making it closer to young Vietnamese audiences is not too difficult. The problem that the play raises is the intersection between the universe and the specificity of modern people today. What challenges do you encounter in staging the play? Stage designer Nguyen is a Vietnamese diaspora artist. She has a profound understanding of European formal language but also has Vietnamese cultural roots. This helps the play to be both internationally modern and rooted in Viet Nam. Nguyen's aesthetic sense is minimalism and generalisation, while Vietnamese audiences prefer rich and specific details. This may create a distance from the theatre-going habits of Vietnamese audiences. The theatre artists have been engaging in international exchange experiments and are always ready to explore new staging styles. This is an opportunity for them to learn other forms of expression. Translated dialogue sometimes has difficulty retaining the original musicality and meaning. Metaphors familiar to European audiences can sometimes seem strange to Vietnamese audiences. In short, the advantage is a multicultural resonance, while the difficulty is the gap in perception and expression. I try to find the intersection point so that the play has both an international creation and touches the hearts of Vietnamese audiences. What do you think about German theatre? Germany is one of the countries with the most vibrant and diverse theatre in the world, with a system of theatres spread throughout the country. German audiences also consider going to the theatre as part of their daily culture. What impressed me is that they not only keep the classic values but also boldly experiment to create new trends in drama, opera, physical theatre and contemporary theatre. That's why, when I have the opportunity to collaborate with the author and the artists from Germany, I am both excited and aware that I will learn a lot. At the same time, I have to find a way to make that creativity not too unfamiliar to Vietnamese audiences. What do you think about theatre cooperation projects with foreign partners? In fact, each international cooperation project opens up a new horizon for Vietnamese artists. For example, with Belgium's Theatre des 4 Mains, I learned how they approach scripts for children. It is not simply storytelling for children, but a dialogue with the young audience. That made me rethink theatre work, which needs to respect the audience's sensitivities. Cooperation projects urge Vietnamese artists to become familiar with international standards from production processes and rehearsal to researching the social context of the work. More importantly, it helps us realise that creativity is only truly meaningful when it touches the universality of humanity while still retaining Vietnamese culture. I think it is that collision that makes the artistss thinking more open and daring to experiment further. VNS Grays Peak Capital ("GPC"), a New York-based global investment firm, announced the launch of its second fund, Grays Peak Private Credit II (GPPC GovCon), a private credit vehicle designed to provide strategic capital to the government and defense ecosystem in North America. NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grays Peak Capital ("GPC"), a New York-based global investment firm, announced the launch of its second fund, Grays Peak Private Credit II (GPPC GovCon), a private credit vehicle designed to provide strategic capital to the government and defense ecosystem in North America. The Fund has secured initial commitments from Fund I investors and multiple strategic asset managers groups and plans to deploy up to $500 million annually in government and military middle-market companies, joint ventures, and value-add opportunities. With a focus on current income, GPPC GovCon will target quarterly distributions and provide enhanced liquidity options for investors. GPPC Fund II will focus on short-duration, senior secured lending to government contractors and mission-critical counterparties, emphasizing strong collateral coverage, leveraging GPC's proprietary Data Science / AI-driven analytics and real-time monitoring platform to underwrite, structure, price, and manage risk across its portfolio. "Payment dynamics in government contracting can create predictable but uneven cash flows; our platform is built to bridge those timing gaps with secured structured capital," said Scott Stevens, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Grays Peak Capital. "Fund II combines government-linked collateral frameworks with rigorous, technology-enabled underwriting to deliver attractive risk-adjusted outcomes for our investors while solving urgent working-capital needs for high-quality counterparties." "Grays Peak Private Credit II aims to deliver portfolios that maximize current income and total return through direct-lending exposure to private fixed income investments. Investors remain under-allocated to alternatives, and the strong initial fundraise for GPPC demonstrates the pent-up demand for innovative private credit strategies. By leveraging our research capabilities, technology-enabled investment platform, and risk management framework, we will offer investors highly differentiated private credit solutions at a time of growing demand," said Grays Peak Founder & CEO Scott Stevens. Private Credit Overview: Private Credit: approximately 40 credit investments completed and over $250 million deployed within Government Programs & Contracts; the firm has returned over $50 million to investors over the last 12 months. Safe Harbor Statement Except for historical information contained herein, statements in this release may be forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Grays Peak Capital (the "Company") or its management, identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and probably will, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including those described above and those risks discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include such factors as (i) the development and protection of our brands and other intellectual property, (ii) the need to raise capital to meet business requirements, (iii) significant fluctuations in marketing expenses, (iv) the ability to achieve and expand significant levels of revenues, or recognize net income, from the sale of our products and services, (v) the Company's ability to conduct the business if there are changes in laws, regulations, or government policies, (vi) management's ability to attract and maintain qualified personnel necessary for the development and commercialization of its planned products, and (vii) other information that may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Grays Peak Capital Grays Peak Capital (https://grayspeakcapital.com/) is a global investment firm focused on venture capital, private equity and private credit. The firm provides strategic and structured capital solutions across the capital stack, leveraging technology, data science and AI to identify business trends and investment opportunities across a variety of industries. The firm has multiple strategic partnerships and investments and is actively pursuing additional partnerships and strategic growth opportunities. The Grays Peak team brings deep experience from leading Wall Street firms and government related institutions, with long-standing relationships across DoD, DoT, DoC, USDA, and other agencies. For more information, please contact us below. Email: [email protected] Press Contact: Scott Stevens 212-506-7050 https://grayspeakcapital.com/ SOURCE Grays Peak Capital HCM CITY The annual Vietnam Pho Festival, a global event promoting Vietnamese cuisine, will take place from October 18 to 19 at Our Tampines Hub in Singapore. The festival, themed Pho - Enjoying Together, Growing Together, is aimed to promote the culinary essence of Viet Nam, with a special focus on pho, the country's most iconic dish. It is jointly organised by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, and Saigontourist Group in coordination with the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, and the Liaison Committee of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore. A highlight of the festival will be the culinary space where visitors will have a chance to enjoy the rich flavours of pho and other traditional Vietnamese delicacies prepared by chefs from five-star hotels and restaurants, and other culinary experts. The event will also feature a variety of exciting activities such as exhibitions, cultural exchanges and art performances. Speaking at a press briefing held on Friday, Le The Chu, editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, said pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, has long been a culinary and cultural ambassador of Viet Nam. Following successful editions in Japan in 2023 and South Korea in 2024, this years event in Singapore continues to showcase the finest of Vietnamese cuisine as well as foster culture, tourism, trade and investment between Viet Nam and Singapore as the two countries recently elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, said Singapore is a dynamic and promising market, and the event is expected to create new opportunities for trade and investment for participating businesses. This year, food producers -- including rice and spice manufacturers -- are invited to participate in the event. Tran Phuoc Anh, Vietnamese ambassador to Singapore, who attended the press briefing online from Singapore, said that Singapore is not only a market of six million people but it welcomes 17 million international visitors a year, making it a major market and regional hub. The community of more than 33,000 Vietnamese in Singapore and international friends are looking forward to attending the festival, enjoying pho, and meeting business partners from Viet Nam, Anh said. The festival is expected to foster bilateral trade between the two countries with a goal of achieving US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2028, he said. In the framework of the event, the Viet Nam-Singapore Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Forum will be held, featuring the participation of 150 businesses from both countries. The forum will focus on key sectors, including food processing, green logistics, tourism, and e-commerce. VNS BUSAN Within the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in the Republic of Korea (RoK) from September 17 to 26, the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association (VFDA) has carried out a series of activities to promote and introduce Vietnamese cinema to international audiences. Although no Vietnamese films competed in the main categories, Vietnamese cinema still had a busy season with activities in film promotion, networking and cooperation. Viet Nam's representation at BIFF 2025 Two Vietnamese films were chosen for screening in key sections at BIFF this year, including Quan Ky Nam (Ky Nam Inn) by director Leon Le, which, after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, was featured in the 'A Window on Asian Cinema' section. Khe Uoc Ban Dau (The Marriage Deal), directed by Le Van Kiet and released nationwide on September 12, was included in the 'Midnight Passion' section for horror and thriller films, marking the first time a Vietnamese film has joined the lineup. In addition, the film project Bo Sua Bay (Flying Cows) by director Nguyen Pham Thanh at and producer Nguyen Huu Thi Tuong Vi was officially selected as one of 30 projects at the Asian Project Market of BIFF 2025. The project was the winner of the 'Best Genre Film Project' at Project Market 2025 within DANAFF Talents of the 3rd a Nang Asian Film Festival and recipient of a USD 5,000 prize from the Motion Picture Association (MPA). Promoting filming locations Within the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in BIFF 2025, VFDA, in collaboration with BH,D launched the Vietnamese Cinema Promotion Space, providing a panoramic view of Vietnamese cinemas dynamic transformation in the regional and global context. The space introduced the Production Attraction Index (PAI) - a pioneering tool measuring the attractiveness of Vietnamese locations for international film crews. It also showcased spectacular filming sites in a Nang, Ninh Binh and Quang Ninh, among others, which have increasing potential to become filming locations and international co-productions. The booth also presented information about the a Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) with key programmes such as competition sections and DANAFF Talents, allowing international professionals to learn more about a Viet Nam-hosted international film festival and its activities in talent nurturing and professional exchange. Looking ahead, VFDA announced its plan to expand submissions for the competition sections and Project Market at DANAFF IV (2026), reaffirming its long-term vision and commitment to supporting Viet Nams sustainable cinematic growth on the global film map. Alongside, the booth also highlighted upcoming Vietnamese projects such as Ho Linh Trang Si Bi An Mo Vua inh (The Spirit Warrior Mystery of King inhs Tomb) and Sai Gon Oppa, a Viet NamKorea co-production project. International cooperation VFDA also held a meeting with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and signed a Letter of Intent with the K-Culture Education Association for Young (KEY). In the meeting with KOFIC, the two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration through joint film productions, the creation of a Viet NamKorea film database, experts and artists exchanges, film production workshops in both countries and training young talent via DANAFF Talents and the Project Lab. This marked a concrete step in extending the successes of past Viet NamKorea collaborations while opening doors for emerging Vietnamese filmmakers to access international markets. Furthermore, VFDA and KEY signed a Letter of Intent on International Cultural Exchange, aiming to foster the growth of popular culture and cinema in both Viet Nam and Korea. Attending the event were Ambassador Vu Ho, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Republic of Korea, and Park Kwang-Su, Chairman of the BIFF. Their cooperation will cover five areas, film production and promotion, culturaleducational exchange, co-hosting events and forums, industry research and information sharing and global networking. Within this framework, KEY also supported the Viet Nam Night at BIFF 2025, marking the start of a vibrant series of cultural exchange activities throughout 20252026. VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong attended the opening of the high-level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on Tuesday (local time). Themed Better Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Development and Human Rights, the session drew nearly 150 heads of state, government leaders and senior representatives of UN member states, as well as leaders of international and regional organisations. Presenting his report on the global situation and the UNs work, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world is moving towards multipolarity and stressed the need for an effective multilateral system to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to the First World War. Guterres emphasised that the UN remains a moral compass - a force for peace, defender of international law, promoter of sustainable development, protector of human rights, and a body that turns global commitments into concrete actions. He highlighted five key choices for the international community today. First, peace must be grounded in international law. Second, human rights and dignity must be safeguarded by implementing international commitments, including mobilising resources and reforming the international financial system to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Third, climate justice and action must be accelerated through a just and sustainable energy transition, with resources mobilised for green finance via financial mechanisms and policies. Fourth, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence should be harnessed for global and human development. Fifth, a more inclusive, transparent and 21st-century-ready UN is needed, including through the UN80 Initiative and revisions to the 2026 budget to enhance accountability, improve delivery and cut costs. UNGA 80 President Annalena Baerbock commended the UNs achievements over the past 80 years in supporting the international community. Reaffirming the UNs central role in the multilateral system, she stressed that the strength of the UN Charter depends on members compliance. Highlighting gender equality, Baerbock also called for the appointment of the first female UN Secretary-General. Speaking immediately after the opening session, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged the international community to reset its priorities, including reducing military spending while boosting financial resources for sustainable development. For his part, US President Donald Trump described the UN as an organisation with great potential but also significant shortcomings. He said the US has achieved important domestic and foreign policy results, including helping to end seven conflicts worldwide, securing tariff-related agreements with several countries, including Viet Nam, and stressed the urgent need to end the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, many other world leaders underlined that the international community faces unprecedented challenges, voiced strong support for the UNs central role in the multilateral system, and called for respect for international law. They also urged UN reform to deal with these challenges, stronger international cooperation, greater financial mobilisation, particularly green finance, and joint efforts to advance scientific and technological progress. VNA/VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong received US lawmakers in New York on Tuesday (local time) as part of his ongoing US trip for the high-level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and bilateral activities. The US legislators included Senator Chris Coons, senior member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Congressman Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Congresswoman Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee. At the meetings, President Cuong expressed his delight at the strong progress in Viet Nam-US relations, particularly since the two countries established their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023. He welcomed the substantive outcomes achieved in implementing this framework and underlined Viet Nams commitment to building an independent, self-resilient and deeply integrated economy. Meeting with Congressman Brian Mast and Congresswoman Young Kim, the President reaffirmed that Viet Nam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification; and being a friend and a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. He emphasised that Viet Nam regards the US as a strategically important partner both in the region and globally. Sharing with Mast the achievements of bilateral relations over the past 30 years, President Cuong described Viet Nam - US ties as a model in international relations, noting that with determination, mutual trust and respect, and shared interests, nations can overcome a painful past to build a future of cooperation and friendship that benefits their people and contributes to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development regionally and worldwide. Highlighting the important role of the US Congress and lawmakers in reconciliation, trust building and laying the foundations for stronger bilateral cooperation, the Vietnamese President called on Congressman Mast and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to continue supporting and advancing the relationship in all fields. In particular, he encouraged closer parliamentary cooperation through exchanges of delegations, dialogue and sharing of legislative experience to promote development in areas of mutual interest and strengthen mutual trust. On war legacy issues, President Cuong highly valued the support of the US Government and Congress in tackling dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airbase, assisting Agent Orange/dioxin victims, clearing unexploded ordnance and supporting people with disabilities in Viet Nam. Mast affirmed that the US considers Viet Nam one of its key partners in Southeast Asia and supports the substantive implementation of bilateral relations, which he described as a model of reconciliation and healing. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he pledged to actively promote parliamentary exchanges, enhance dialogue among lawmakers of the two countries, and advance initiatives to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, particularly in areas of shared interest. He also affirmed his commitment to supporting and encouraging the US Congress to continue fulfilling its pledge to ensure adequate resources for humanitarian projects and war legacy remediation efforts in Viet Nam. For her part, Congresswoman Young Kim praised the bridging role of the Vietnamese-American community and welcomed further cooperation across all areas, especially in economy - trade, education - training, and people-to-people exchanges. At the meeting with Senator Chris Coons, President Cuong highly valued the role of the senator as well as generations of US lawmakers in healing the wounds of war and fostering bilateral relations, particularly in post-war recovery and humanitarian assistance. He proposed that the two sides continue to step up exchanges and delegation visits at all levels, boost trade and investment cooperation as one of the key pillars of the partnership, and engage in dialogue to address existing differences. Acknowledging Delawares strengths in biotechnology, hi-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals, the Vietnamese President suggested that Senator Coons promote cooperation between the two countries, as well as between Delaware and Vietnamese localities, in these fields. For his part, Senator Coons affirmed that Viet Nam is one of the USs leading partners in the region, congratulated the country on its remarkable socio-economic achievements, and expressed delight at the substantive progress in the Viet NamUS Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including enhanced exchanges between the two legislatures. He stressed that the US Senate strongly supports the promotion of cooperation across all channels and fields, particularly in trade - economy, war legacy remediation, and education - training. He vowed to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and carry forward the legacy of previous generations of senators, especially in fulfilling the commitment to supporting cooperation in addressing the consequences of war. Senator Coons also highlighted the important role of Fulbright University Viet Nam in advancing educational cooperation between the two countries, thereby helping Viet Nam develop high-quality human resources. During the meetings, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. President Cuong underscored the importance of the US continuing to value ASEANs central role and enhancing cooperation on global issues such as climate change, maritime security, and sustainable development. He proposed that the US further strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, support the blocs centrality, and coordinate more closely at multilateral forums to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. The US lawmakers also emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN to ensure regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. VNA/VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong had meetings with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in New York on Tuesday (local time) on the sidelines of the high-level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80). In their meeting, President Cuong and PM Zhelyazkov highly valued the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral cooperation in recent years. President Cuong stressed that Bulgaria is among the first nations in the world to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam and has consistently supported the Southeast Asian nation in its struggle for national reunification and subsequent development. He proposed that both sides work closely together to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 with symbolic activities, including exchanges of high-level delegations, and to expand cooperation in areas with untapped potential, thereby elevating the bilateral partnership to a new high. He also thanked the Bulgarian Government for facilitating the integration and livelihoods of the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria. PM Zhelyazkov affirmed that Bulgaria considers Viet Nam its top priority partner in Southeast Asia and wishes to strengthen cooperation in labour, agriculture and food processing, health care, and education - training. He further called for closer collaboration in cultural and people-to-people exchanges and stronger mutual support at multilateral forums, while praising the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria. Meeting with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President Cuong commended the positive progress in Viet NamPortugal relations. He suggested that the two countries make thorough preparations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year and step up cooperation, particularly in areas with potential such as economy, trade, investment, maritime transport and agriculture. The Portuguese President welcomed Viet Nams decision to open the embassy in Portugal and thanked the Vietnamese Government for facilitating Portugals plan to establish an embassy in Viet Nam soon. He said this will help strengthen connections between governments, localities, businesses and people of the two countries, and further promote bilateral cooperation in all fields. VNA/VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong delivered a keynote speech at the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on Tuesday (US time), highlighting a message of honouring the value of peace, driving bold transformation to shape a sustainable future. The Vietnamese leader affirmed that over the past 80 years, the UN has embodied mankinds shared aspiration for peace, cooperation, and development, based on universal values of human rights, national independence, equality, democracy, and social progress. However, he noted that the world today faces unprecedented challenges, including conflicts, localised wars, arms races, the use of force or threat of force, strategic competition among powers, unilateralism, and a sharp decline in political commitment and resources. President Cuong called on the international community to uphold multilateralism and the international legal-based system, with the UN playing a central role. Affirming that peace is both a goal and a prerequisite for building a stable, just, democratic, and prosperous future, he urged countries to adhere to international law and the UN Charter; respect independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; refrain from interfering in internal affairs; avoid the use of force or threat of force; and resolve disputes through peaceful measures. Emphasising a culture of peace through trust-building, international solidarity, dialogue, and respect for differences, he called for ceasefires, an end to violence, the protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access in conflict zones. He welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine by many countries, urged urgent humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, and proposed that the US lift its sanctions on Cuba and remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. President Cuong underscored the role of regional organisations, with ASEAN at the centre of the Asia-Pacific, in actively building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN Community; promoting the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand; implementing the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, and maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). To build a sustainable future, the Vietnamese President called for reforming multilateral institutions for global governance, especially the UN and international financial and monetary bodies, to enhance adaptability, ensure fairness and transparency, operate in a coordinated, effective, and efficient manner, and better meet the needs of countries and people worldwide. President Cuong stressed that to optimise sustainable development based on digital and green transformation, countries must formulate comprehensive strategies, invest strongly in research and development, train high-quality human resources, and develop green technology infrastructure. He underlined the need to enhance international cooperation in technology transfer and mobilisation of green finance, with developed nations sharing and transferring technology to developing and least-developed countries. People must remain at the centre of the social transformation process, he added. Sharing Viet Nams story of recovery from war devastation and economic hardship to becoming a developing country with middle-income status and deep international integration, he shared Viet Nams strategic goals of becoming a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, a high-income country by 2045, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Viet Nam spares no effort to join hands with all nations to shoulder common responsibilities, overcome challenges, and promote transformative changes for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and sustainable world. On this occasion, the Vietnamese state leader invited countries to Ha Noi for the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime on October 25. He noted that Viet Nam is actively preparing to assume the role of Chair of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He also called for support for Viet Nams candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council (20262028) and for a judge position at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (20262036). VNA/VNS NEW YORK Acting Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung had meetings with senior officials of Australia, Nicaragua and Georgia on the sidelines of the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on September 23 (local time). In their meeting, Trung and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted the fruitful development of the Viet NamAustralia strategic partnership, saying that it witnesses significant progress across areas, from politics, defence, security, economy, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Trung stressed that the recent state visit to Viet Nam by Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn marked an important milestone, contributing to further strengthening strategic trust and deepening bilateral relations. He suggested the two sides continue implementing existing agreements and commitments while exploring expanded cooperation in science - technology, innovation, and education - training. Wong affirmed that Viet Nam is one of Australias key partners in the region, expressing her hope that the two sides will continue close cooperation to effectively implement the new partnership, particularly in priority areas such as green economy, digital transformation, clean energy, and climate change response. She praised Viet Nams efforts in promoting the AustraliaASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed with Trungs proposal to strengthen cooperation within ASEAN, and the Mekong sub-region. The two sides also agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, while exchanging views on certain international and regional issues of common concern. Meeting with Minister Advisor to the President of Nicaragua for Policy and International Affairs Denis Moncada Colindres, Trung affirmed that Viet Nam always treasures its relationship with Nicaragua, and congratulated the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), the government, and the people of Nicaragua, under the leadership of President Daniel Ortega, on their achievements in recent times. He said the two countries should continue to build on the positive momentum in their bilateral cooperation, including through Party-to-Party diplomatic channels. Colindres expressed admiration for Viet Nams socio-economic development achievements, and thanked the Vietnamese government for facilitating the opening of Nicaraguas embassy in Viet Nam in June 2024. Agreeing with Trungs proposals, the Nicaraguan official hoped that the two countries to continue promoting cooperation in economics, trade, culture, and education. He announced that a high-level delegation of his country will attend the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi in October this year. The two sides spoke highly of the positive development of the traditional Viet NamNicaragua friendship across areas, with growing political trust. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the UN. In the meeting with Foreign Ministers of Georgia Maka Botchorishvili, Trung suggested the two sides strengthen exchanges at all levels, especially at the high level, effectively implement dialogue mechanisms, and consider negotiating and signing trade cooperation agreements to establish a solid legal framework for their businesses to access markets and invest in areas of mutual interest. Reviewing the development of Viet NamGeorgia relations over more than three decades (19922025), the officials agreed that untapped potential remains for the two countries to elevate their cooperation to a new level. For her part, Botchorishvili stated that Georgia regards Viet Nam as a potential trade partner in Southeast Asia. He emphasised the desire to strengthen cooperation in areas where Georgia has strengths, such as trade, agriculture, and tourism, noting that his country plans to open its embassy in Viet Nam in the near future. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the UN. VNA/VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered a key address at the high-level Global Development Initiative meeting in New York on September 23 (local time), urging stronger international cooperation and innovative strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The session, part of the High-Level General Debate of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, brought together world leaders to discuss ways to tackle global challenges and advance sustainable development. Son commended the role of the GDI in mobilising resources and enhancing international collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To meet these goals, he proposed three recommendations. First, he underlined the need to uphold multilateralism and the central role of the UN in addressing global challenges, saying regional mechanisms such as ASEAN, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation and the Greater Mekong Subregion should play a more proactive role in supporting South-South cooperation, thus amplifying the voice and standing of developing countries on the international stage. Second, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that green and digital transitions benefit all nations and people, calling on developed countries to support developing ones in improving digital technology capabilities, particularly in AI models, for environmental protection and early disaster warning systems. Third, Son pointed to the need to prioritise fostering comprehensive digital connectivity across land, air and sea transport to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. At the event, organised by China under the theme 'Recommit to our original aspirations, unite to build a brighter future of global development,' Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed that amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, weakening global economic growth and intensifying competition for resources, China is ready to cooperate with all parties to promote the GDI and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to generate new impetus for global development. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted that current economic instability, geopolitical tensions and escalating climate risks further underline the urgent need for effective international cooperation. He reiterated the 'Sevilla Commitment' (April 2025), which seeks to close the US$4 trillion financing gap for the SDGs, and called for reform of international financial institutions to increase participation from developing countries. Guterres suggested that the GDI could serve as a vital mechanism to advance the 2030 Agenda. Several other speakers praised the GDI for fostering global cooperation and partnerships, focusing on people-centred development, enhancing the role of developing countries and promoting South-South cooperation. On this occasion, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister held meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. At his meeting with Premier Li Qiang, Son conveyed regards from Party General Secretary To Lam and other leaders of Viet Nam to Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. He reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to continuing close coordination with China at multilateral forums, including the UN. In his discussion with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Son reiterated that Viet Nam values and wishes to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in economy and trade. On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister, alongside other world leaders, participated in a photo session at UN headquarters. The event, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron, marked the upcoming entry into force of the 'High Seas Biodiversity Treaty,' which will take effect on January 17, 2026. Viet Nam has actively participated in negotiating the agreement and was one of the first countries to sign and ratify it. Opened for signing on September 20, 2023, the treaty is considered the most important international legal instrument on oceans in the early 21st century. VNA/VNS NEW YORK - Acting Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung participated in a policy dialogue session organised by the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, as part of the Vietnamese delegations activities at the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on September 23 (local time). In his speech at the event, Trung shared assessments of Columbia Universitys professors on the global context, noting that all countries, including Viet Nam, face challenges in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development. Trung stated that to achieve its goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial base and high middle-income status by 2030, and a developed and high-income country by 2045, Viet Nam is committed to building an independent and self-reliant economy, actively implementing comprehensive strategic policies in science and technology, private economic development, education, and healthcare, while simultaneously reforming and streamlining its administrative apparatus, and promoting deep and comprehensive international integration. The Vietnamese official highly appreciated the recent cooperation between Columbia University, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, and relevant agencies of Viet Nam, and encouraged the parties to continue exchanges to foster cooperation, research, and knowledge-sharing, thus fully harnessing the opportunities of the science and technology revolution to contribute to Viet Nams development. Science, technology, and innovation will be key drivers of Viet Nams development in the coming time, he stated, noting that sustainable success requires close collaboration among the three pillars the State, businesses, and scientists to create an innovation ecosystem where each element complements the others, fostering comprehensive development. During the session, Trung met with Yoo Young Wook, Vice President of the SK Group of the Republic of Korea (RoK), during which the Vietnamese official highly valued the groups achievements in investing and operating in Viet Nam, especially in information technology, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Government remains committed to supporting and creating favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including Korean investors, to do sustainable and long-term investment in Viet Nam. Yoo expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for consistently supporting and addressing the demands of Korean businesses in Viet Nam, promptly issuing policies to improve the investment and business environment, removing bottlenecks, and assisting corporate activities. He affirmed the groups desire to further promote cooperation with Viet Nam in projects involving advanced technology, modern management, wide impact, and integration into global production and supply chains in the near future. Scholars noted that the world is entering a period of significant volatility, marked by profound shifts in the global economic structure and risks of supply chain disruptions. In this context, Viet Nams strengths in energy, electronics, and political stability make it one of attractive destination for international investment. Experts recommended creating a transparent legal framework to boost private sectors stronger participation, regulating digital data and AI use, and enhancing regular dialogue between authorities and businesses. These measures are expected to remove bottlenecks, ensure a stable and sustainable investment environment, thus positioning Viet Nam as a reliable player in global investment flows. VNA/VNS LONDON Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, led a delegation to Ireland and Scotland of the UK from September 18 to 21, aiming to promote cooperation in policy research, institutional and legal framework development, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development. In Ireland, Thang, who is also a Politburo member, met with John Lahart, Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a group of Irish parliamentarians; Colm OReardon, Secretary General of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS); Assistant Secretary William Beausang; and other DFHERIS officials. The Irish partners expressed deep admiration for Viet Nams achievements and aspirations, highly valuing the capacity of the Vietnamese people and voicing their hope to deepen substantive and comprehensive relations in all spheres, particularly science and high technology, artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and high-quality human resources training. They also emphasised the increasingly practical and fruitful cooperation between the two countries. Thang underlined the importance of implementing the high-level agreements and strategic policies of Viet Nam, including the resolutions on science and technology, education and training, and energy security. He also briefed Irish partners on Viet Nams socio-economic development, stressing the countrys growth target of over 8 per cent for 2025. During the visit, the delegation also had working sessions with Professor Martina Lawless and experts from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI); Professor Gerard McHugh, Vice President for Global Relations at Trinity Global, as well as academics and scientists at Trinity College Dublin. They toured Trinity Innovation, Irelands leading innovation hub that integrates research and development (R&D) with education and enterprises and collaborates with major global technology firms. In Edinburgh, Scotland, Thang exchanged views with Professor Chris Turney, Deputy Principal for Research and Impact at Heriot-Watt University; Professor Yvan Petillot, co-founder of the National Robotarium based at Heriot-Watt University; and Associate Professor Yen Tran from the Edinburgh Business School at the university, along with leading Scottish experts and scientists. Discussions focused on innovation, advanced technology, AI, energy transition and, especially, offshore wind power, including the application of AI to offshore wind power installation and operation. In Dublin and Edinburgh, Thang also met with Vietnamese intellectuals and experts living and working in Ireland and Scotland. The overseas Vietnamese community expressed their wish to contribute to Viet Nams development. They also proposed mechanisms and policies to strengthen their engagement in the homeland's innovation ecosystem, and foster stronger scientific and technological linkages between domestic and international experts. VNA/VNS JACKSONVILLE Fla., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Capital Group, Inc. (Heritage), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the US and worldwide, is pleased to announce that its client, Subaru of Jacksonville (SOJAX), has successfully been acquired by Shottenkirk Automotive Group (Shottenkirk). The acquisition marks Shottenkirk's entry into the Subaru brand and the Jacksonville market, staking a presence in Florida while preserving the Porter family's long-standing legacy and team at SOJAX. Subaru of Jacksonville has been acquired by Shottenkirk Automotive Group SOJAX is a family-owned and operated dealership opened in August 2000 by Phil Porter Sr. Under Phil's 25 years of leadership, SOJAX has established itself as a respected and high-performing dealership built on a customer-first philosophy. The dealership offers a full range of new and pre-owned Subaru vehicles, as well as comprehensive service, maintenance, and parts support. SOJAX has earned multiple industry and community recognitions for service excellence and operational integrity, including being rated #1 in Safety for five consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Dealership Service by J.D. Power, and #1 in Customer Loyalty by ACSI. Shottenkirk, founded more than 60 years ago in Illinois, began as a single dealership and has grown into a leading family-led automotive retailer. Building on the legacy of founder Bob Shottenkirk, the company expanded its operations under the leadership of Greg Shottenkirk, who continues to uphold a customer-first philosophy at the heart of the business. Today, Shottenkirk operates 29 locations across six states, offering a wide range of brands and services while maintaining its focus on quality, integrity, and community engagement. Heritage previously advised Phil Porter Sr. on the sale of Center Subaru to GMST, LLC in 2021. "It was a pleasure working with Heritage for a second time. They made the process seamless and straightforward," said Phil Porter Sr. "Mac Holley and his team understand the unique value of our business and guided us every step of the way, ensuring that our employees, customers, and community were all considered throughout the transaction." Heritage served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to SOJAX. The deal team was led by Mac Holley and included Fernando Acosta-Rua and Robert Cilek. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Heritage Capital Group provides objective advice to private companies in the areas of mergers, acquisitions, valuations, capital raises, restructurings, and strategic advisory. Heritage is a FINRA registered broker-dealer, and a member of Oaklins. Media Contact: Katie Quackenbush 9043549600 [email protected] SOURCE Heritage Capital Group HA NOI Through study in the United States, Vietnamese are equipping themselves with the leadership skills to return to Viet Nam and contribute to Viet Nams ambitious goals for economic growth, said US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper as he addressed the US Higher Education Fair in Ha Noi on Wednesday. The United States offers world-class education opportunities, and the increasing number of Vietnamese students attending US colleges and universities highlights the growing recognition of these opportunities and their commitment to academic excellence, said the diplomat. Held by the US Embassy in Ha Nois EducationUSA office, the event featured representatives from 60 accredited US universities and colleges, including top research universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. Viet Nam is the sixth-largest source of international students in the United States and the largest among ASEAN countries. With increased English language proficiency and enhanced K-12 education, Vietnamese students are increasingly competitive for entrance to US schools. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, in academic year 2023-2024, 22,066 Vietnamese students studied higher education in the United States, of which nearly half pursued STEM fields, advancing Viet Nams workforce development goals in high-tech industries. Top receiving states include California, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington and New York. International students from Viet Nam also help to build stronger cultural and educational ties between the two countries and bring tangible economic benefits to communities in the US. In academic year 2023-2024, Vietnamese students contributed over US$1 billion to the US economy. Since the upgrade of USViet Nam bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the US Mission has launched several key initiatives to strengthen educational cooperation. As part of this years International Academic Partnership Program and the celebration of 30 years of bilateral relations, the US Embassy hosted 40 senior academic leaders from 22 US institutions in Viet Nam for meetings with senior Vietnamese officials, universities, and private sector representatives in Ha Noi and HCMC between March and April. The US Embassy aims to increase internationalisation and partnerships between US and Vietnamese institutions and continues to build upon these partnerships by awarding seed grants for STEM-related projects that Vietnamese and US universities will carry out together. Several Vietnamese and US institutions have already launched new projects and students exchanges as a result of these programs. The US also remains committed to its Fulbright Program, which provides international educational exchange opportunities, enabling US citizens to study, teach, or conduct research abroad, and supporting Vietnamese scholars and professionals in pursuing these activities in the United States. In 2025, the Fulbright Program in Viet Nam has 47 Vietnamese fellows in the United States and 48 American fellows in Viet Nam. The US Higher Education Fair is also held in HCM City on September 26 and a Nang on September 27, offering information about hundreds of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields of study. VNS NEW YORK Vietnamese Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met the Republic of Korea (RoK)s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun on September 23 on the sidelines of the High-Level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York. Both officials affirmed that the Viet NamRoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is in a strong growth phase, with strides across politics, national defence-security, economy, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Trung thanked Cho and the RoKs foreign ministry for orchestrating the state visit to Seoul by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse in August, an important foundation for the two nations to make breakthroughs in the bilateral ties. He pressed for translating commitments from the visit into tangible outcomes, urging deeper collaboration in science, technology, innovation, and education. Cho, for his part, hailed Viet Nam as a key regional partner and expressed eagerness to effectively advance the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in trade, innovation and workforce training. He also stressed the need for close coordination to prepare for upcoming high-level exchanges. Both sides pledged to continue mutual support at multilateral forums and exchanged views on global and regional issues of shared concern. On the same day, Trung met with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, affirming that Viet Nam treasures its traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Ukraine. He recalled the solidarity and support Viet Nam received from the people of former Soviet Union, including Ukraine, during its fight for independence and subsequent development. Viet Nam remains a friend of both Russia and Ukraine, and maintains a balanced and objective stance on the Russia - Ukraine conflict, he said, adding that all disputes should be settled peacefully in line with basic principles of international law and the UN Charter. Trung said Viet Nam supports and stays ready to engage in international mediation efforts to foster dialogue and secure a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict with the involvement of all parties. Sybiha, for his part, said Ukraine attaches importance to its traditional friendship with Viet Nam and thanked Viet Nam for its objective and constructive position. Both sides shared the need to sustain and deepen coordination through all-level contacts and exchanges, while exploring ways to bolster economic and trade ties that serve the interests of both nations. VNA/VNS HA NOI Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federal Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin will lead a high-level delegation of Russia to pay an official visit to Viet Nam and co-chair the fourth meeting of the Viet NamRussia Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee from September 2829. The visit will be made at the invitation of Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. VNA/VNS HA NOI Rotten labels and risky residues are slipping onto plates across the country as counterfeit products, banned chemicals and goods of unclear origin continue to reach school canteens, markets and even supermarkets, experts warned. Speaking at a workshop on food safety in farm produce in Ha Noi yesterday, specialists highlighed major gaps in production, distribution and oversight. They cautioned that these violations not only threaten public health but also undermine consumer trust and put legitimate businesses at a disadvantage. According to Nguyen Quy Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Viet Nam has around 10 million farming households, cultivating 1.15 million hectares of vegetables and 1.3 million hectares of fruit. Yet the area meeting safe farming standards remains limited. Safe produce must start from production, Duong said. "Although policies to promote VietGAP have been in place since 2008, the certified area is still too small. "Vegetables, which are consumed daily, have the lowest compliance rate, while fruits are doing better but most are grown for export." A 2024 survey showed that less than 1 per cent of Viet Nams vegetable acreage had VietGAP certification. For fruit, 76,000 hectares were certified and for tea 5,200 hectares. Even when including GlobalGAP and other standards, the total area reached only 440,000 hectares, a modest figure compared with demand. Deputy Secretary General of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association Nguyen Van Muoi said VietGAP must be regarded as the minimum requirement for food safety. Yet only five to six per cent of vegetables meet this standard. When such a basic requirement is unmet, the market is left unregulated and consumers bear the consequences, he said. Muoi stressed the need for stricter pesticide controls, noting that pre-harvest intervals can last weeks or even months and that non-compliance poses serious risks to consumer health. Viet Nam has more than 8,200 markets, nearly 300 trade centres and about 1,300 supermarkets. Large suppliers to supermarkets usually meet food safety rules, but small traders at markets mostly rely on verbal commitments with limited traceability. Oversight is even weaker at scattered stalls and small shops. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a new circular, expected to take effect in May 2026. It will introduce a 'digital passport' for each product, designed to strengthen traceability, improve transparency and hold producers accountable. Experts agreed that restoring consumer trust requires coordinated action across the entire supply chain. They called for stricter chemical management, more centralised distribution and stronger consumer awareness. As Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper Le Minh Toan said, Vietnamese farm produce has earned recognition abroad, from dragon fruit and durian to shrimp and fish now sold in Europe, the US, Japan and China. He noted that despite success abroad, Viet Nams domestic market of over 100 million consumers still faces major challenges. VNS HA NOI Private healthcare providers are expected to see strong growth thanks to a new policy that aims for groundbreaking solutions to improve comprehensive healthcare for all Vietnamese citizens. Professor Nguyen Van e, an expert with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, has praised the introduction of Resolution 72-NQ/TW. e, who also serves as the chair of the Private Hospital Association, believes the document is a culmination of the Partys collective wisdom under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam, and reflects the determination of the government led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Alongside important strategies on innovation, global integration, private economy, law-making and enforcement, Resolution 72 emerges as a key direction in healthcare for the sustainable development of Viet Nam. The document provides an in-depth analysis of the national healthcare system, identifying not only the achievements but also the limitations that need to be addressed. Alongside strengthening disease prevention and control measures, as well as primary healthcare, Resolution 72 outlines a clear and feasible roadmap through 2030 with a vision to 2045, aiming to resolve longstanding challenges. Particularly, private healthcare is highlighted as a key factor in reducing the burden on public healthcare systems and improving the quality of care for citizens. Professor e believes that this presents a golden opportunity for the private healthcare providers to overcome barriers and achieve robust growth. One of the highlights of the resolution is the introduction of specific mechanisms and policies to address the most pressing challenges faced by the sector. This includes a priority to repurpose land resources from other projects for healthcare, which addresses the land-related issues that have long hindered private investment. In urban areas where land resources become increasingly valuable, this policy helps facilitate access for private health providers to build modern, large-scale facilities. It is also expected to allow for more specialised hospitals in response to growing healthcare demands of the public, while alleviating pressure on public hospitals. Encouraging the development of large-scale private hospitals, with advanced technical capabilities on a national and international level, is seen as a strategic direction that highlights the contributions of Viet Nams private healthcare sector. Resolution 72 also introduces a key mechanism for expedited land clearance, reducing delays and costs associated with private healthcare projects. In addition, it permits private health providers to lease state-owned facilities to optimise the use of existing infrastructure. This reduces their initial investment costs, particularly in remote areas with limited conditions. Meanwhile, nonprofit private healthcare facilities will benefit from exemptions or reductions in land-use fees and rent, which will significantly lower their operational costs. This enables them to provide affordable healthcare services, especially for low-income workers, aligning with the Partys goal of comprehensive healthcare. This type of medical provider is also exempt from corporate income tax, which encourages reinvestment in improving service quality, purchasing modern equipment, and training healthcare professionals. The resolution encourages investments from the private sector in the research and development (R&D) of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical equipment and testing facilities. This policy opens opportunities for private healthcare providers to play a larger role in meeting the growing demand in the health industry, reducing reliance on imports and creating high-quality job opportunities for the countrys workforce. Professor e noted that studies from developed countries such as the US, Germany and Japan show that private healthcare accounts for 50-60 per cent of total healthcare expenditure, significantly improving system efficiency. He believed that in Viet Nam, with its young population and strong economic growth, private healthcare can contribute significantly to achieving important national targets by 2030, including universal health insurance coverage, reduced mortality from non-communicable diseases, and increased life expectancy. For the private healthcare community, the directions outlined in Resolution 72 serve as a strong foundation that encourages them to join hands in Viet Nams aspiration for prosperity. Strong investments are expected in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development to ensure quality healthcare services at reasonable costs, prioritising the well-being of the people, said e. VNS HA NOI In response to Typhoon Ragasa the 9th entering the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) this year, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ninh Province has issued a notice temporarily suspending permits for vessels to operate in local waters, while Ninh Binh Province, located at the southernmost edge of the Red River Delta, has ordered a sea ban. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the typhoon will affect the Gulf of Tonkin from the September 24 afternoon. To ensure safety, Quang Ninhs suspension of vessel permits took effect from 10am on the date and will remain in force until the final bulletin on the storm is issued. Quang Ninh currently has 390 tourist and restaurant vessels. By the afternoon of Tuesday, 300 trips carrying 8,394 visitors had returned to shore. Another 60 overnight cruise vessels, with 1,594 passengers staying aboard in Ha Long Bay, are expected to dock by midday on Wednesday, or earlier if ordered. The provincial border guard force has been racing against time to implement coordinated response measures, determined to minimise damage from the storm while safeguarding lives and property. Warning flares have been fired, and vessels are being urged to seek safe shelters immediately. Meanwhile, Ninh Binh authorities have instructed urgent measures to cope with the approaching super typhoon, with a focus on ensuring the absolute safety of residents particularly the elderly, children, pupils, and other vulnerable groups. Strict safety protocols have also been applied to vessels at sea, coastal operations, and inland activities. Local units have been tasked with strengthening inspections of sea and river dykes, conducting round-the-clock patrols, and suspending all ferry services across rivers from 6pm on Wednesday until the storm subsides. Coastal communes, in coordination with the provincial border guard command, will enforce the sea ban from Wednesday noon. Fishing vessels must be secured at anchorage points, and relocation of residents to safe shelters is to be completed before 6pm the same day. VNA/VNS SINGAPORE The Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore is working closely with local authorities to gather information and clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old Vietnamese woman on Wednesday. The embassy is also taking necessary steps to provide consular assistance and citizen protection in line with regulations. According to the Singaporean police, the incident occurred at around 7.25am at Block 323 Yishun Central. At the scene, police found a woman and two men lying injured in a sixth-floor corridor. The suspect, a 67-year-old man, allegedly used a knife to attack the Vietnamese woman and her husband. The victim was rushed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in an unconscious state and later pronounced dead. Her husband and the suspect were also taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries. Police have arrested the suspect. Local residents said the couple and the suspect had long been embroiled in disputes over noise, with mediation attempts by local authorities failing. In July this year, the case had been brought before the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal for settlement. A resident at the block, who wanted to be known only as Koh, 69, said there was a dispute between a man and a couple who were his neighbours. He said: At around 7am, I heard screams and a commotion, so I went to level six to see what happened. I saw a woman lying unconscious near the lift. She had wounds all over her body and was completely drenched in blood. Koh, a business owner, added: Her husband was trying to fight off a man who was holding a knife. The husband was yelling, Anyone knows CPR? Please help my wife!. He added that as the husband scuffled with the alleged assailant near the lift, one of the neighbours quickly pulled the couples young sons into the neighbours flat and closed the door. He said: The husband tried to fight the man off. But the man grabbed the husband from the back and stabbed him in the chest area. Then another resident tried to split them up by taking the knife from the man and kicking it away. The husband was still conscious when the police came, but his wifes eyes were closed. A resident, who lives at Block 322 and who did not want to be identified, said a woman had rushed to his block to take the defibrillator placed there. She said someone needed help, he said. Photos of the incident showed several people tending to a woman along the corridor while a man covered in blood sat on the ground nearby. Another photo showed a police officer speaking to a bald man sitting farther away with blood smeared over his legs. The couples children are believed to be about two and five years old. A resident on the ninth floor of Block 323, who wanted to be known only as Ismail, 65, said: The dispute between the couple and the man had been going on for years now. The couple usually kept to themselves, but I think the man was not happy with their children playing and making noise. Ismail, who is retired and moved to Yishun two years ago, added: I often see the mother taking her children to childcare in the morning. This estate is usually quite peaceful, so its a shock to us that something like this happened. Residents said the couple have lived in the estate for around two years, while the alleged attacker has been there for longer. VNA/THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN DILI Timor-Leste is slated to become the 11th member of the ASEAN regional grouping next month, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday during a visit to the South-east Asian nation. The accession will be formalised at a gathering of world leaders in Kuala Lumpur, confirmed Datuk Seri Anwar, whose country currently chairs ASEAN. Timor-Leste is the youngest country in the region, having gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation. The accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN will be of immense benefit to us all, Mr Anwar told a press conference after a meeting with Timor-Lestes President Jose Ramos-Horta in the countrys capital, Dili. We will certainly have a big celebration for your accession to ASEAN in October, he said. Mr Anwar said the two leaders also discussed trade, investments, tourism, education and defence during the bilateral talks. He is also scheduled to meet Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during his visit. Mr Ramos-Horta has long campaigned for ASEAN membership, and an application was first submitted in 2011. He said: Our discussions have been a warm, constructive focus on the future as we prepare for our historic accession to ASEAN in October in Kuala Lumpur. We are committed to working closely with Malaysia and all ASEAN members to fulfil their remaining milestones on our path to full membership. ASEAN began as a five-member grouping in 1967 and has gradually expanded, with Cambodia as the most recent addition in 1999. US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in October. THE STRAITS TIMES/ANN Established in 2021, the company has expanded its industrial land portfolio to more than 300 hectares and successfully launched 10 ready-built factory and warehouse projects. Phase 2 of its development at DEEP C Industrial Zones in Tan Vu Industrial Park is now complete, further strengthening its capacity to meet rising investor demand. Speaking with VIR, Hardy Diec, COO of KCN Vietnam, emphasised that one of the key factors behind the companys appeal is their strategic location. "Our projects are situated in major economic hubs such as Haiphong, Bac Ninh, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City, where modern seaports and arterial transport networks provide optimal conditions for logistics and supply chain operations," said Diec. At the same time, KCN Vietnam has been accelerating the development of a comprehensive support ecosystem for investors. A prime example is the companys strategic cooperation agreement signed with VietinBank in mid-March, offering flexible financial solutions such as banking services, investment support, credit provision, and other tailored financial products for clients. According to Diec, the company supports the governments vision of raising Vietnams role in the global value chain by developing industrial infrastructure and services for high-tech sectors. These include advanced assembly and manufacturing, semiconductor and electronics production, precision engineering, mechanical fabrication, and environmentally sustainable industries. KCN Vietnams growth strategy is built on three pillars: expanding its ecosystem through strategic partnerships, increasing flexibility by diversifying its portfolio, and maintaining investment in sustainable development and green industry. The company views sustainability and design as the foundation for creating long-term value for both customers and the local communities hosting its projects. To achieve this, maintaining international construction quality standards and ensuring durability are top priorities. All warehouses and factories are designed for resource efficiency, adaptability, and compliance with global environmental, social, and governance benchmarks, while delivering long-term benefits for tenants. The KCN DEEP C (Phase 2) and KCN Nhon Trach 6D projects are being developed to LEED standards and are expected to achieve LEED Gold certification. The company also places strict requirements on construction materials, which must deliver both performance and durability while meeting efficiency and environmental criteria. KCN Nhon Trach 6D in Dong Nai, developed by KCN Vietnam, features high-quality and sustainable ready-built factories, utilising premium COLORBOND steel from BlueScope as the cladding material for the first phase of the project For coastal industrial parks such as KCN DEEP C in Haiphong, where facilities must withstand harsh weather conditions, KCN Vietnam selected BlueScopes cladding products for their outstanding sustainability and superior corrosion resistance. Beyond corrosion resistance, which extends the lifespan of facilities, the material also features a paint system that maintains colour durability, ensuring aesthetics with minimal maintenance. Its self-cleaning technology reduces maintenance costs while preserving surface quality for years. By investing in construction quality and design, KCN Vietnam upholds its building standards, enhances competitiveness, and ensures tenant satisfaction, while at the same time securing sustainable value for each project and contributing to Vietnams ambition of becoming a competitive and sustainable industrial hub in the region. KCN Vietnam named Best Industrial Developer KCN Vietnam Group on December 11 received the Best Industrial Developer title at the Vietnam Outstanding Property Awards, organised by Nhip Cau Dau Tu magazine. Multidimensional benefits created with KCN Vietnam KCN Vietnam Group, a developer in ready-built warehouses and factories for rent, is currently managing 10 high-quality industrial projects across Vietnam. Company COO Hardy Diec talked to VIRs Binh An about the factors for the group to achieve important achievements after four years of development. The congress, held at the Thai Nguyen Cultural Centre from September 2224, began with a preparatory session on the opening day. Delegates will meet over three days, with September 24 set aside as a reserve day. Framed under the motto 'Solidarity Democracy - Discipline - Innovation Development', the event will review achievements from the past five years, outline priorities for the new term, and contribute to the draft documents of the 14th National Party Congress. "This is not just a major political event for the Party Committee, authorities, and people of various ethnic groups in the province but also a milestone setting the direction for a new phase of development, opening up expectations for robust advancement," said Trinh Viet Hung, alternate member of the 13th Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee and Chairman of Thai Nguyen People's Committee. A notable highlight of the congress is the implementation of the 'Party Congress Solution Application' using facial recognition devices for delegate attendance tracking and providing all official documents through the application and QR codes. This enhances the efficiency of organisational work and demonstrates the province's commitment to realising Politburo Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. With the motto 'Unity - Democracy - Discipline - Creativity - Development', the Congress reviews the implementation of the Resolution of the Thai Nguyen Party Congress for the 2020-2025 term and determines the direction, goals, tasks, and solutions for the 2025-2030 term. During the 2020-2025 term, the Standing Committee, the Executive Committee of the Party Committees of the two localities, and the Party Committee of Thai Nguyen (post-merger) maintained unity, exerted great efforts, strictly adhered to the principle of democratic centralism, and comprehensively led and directed the work of Party building, political system development, and socioeconomic development, achieving positive results. The province has implemented the streamlining of organisational and administrative units, ensuring serious structures, efficiency, and exceeding progress in many areas. To date, the two-tier local government system has operated smoothly, cohesively, and stably. Trinh Viet Hung, alternate member of the 13th Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee and Chairman of Thai Nguyen People's Committee For the term of 2025-2030, the Draft Political Report identifies the general goal of building Thai Nguyen province into a modern industrial centre with high average income before 2030 with an average annual regional GDP growth rate of 10.5 per cent onwards. To realise this development aspiration, the province will focus on three key areas. Developing synchronous and modern infrastructure is the priority. Infrastructure is considered a key driving force, aiming to form a system of concentrated industrial zones and clusters; expanding strategic traffic routes connecting regions; developing trade, services, tourism and building smart cities. The three centres, namely Song Cong and Pho Yen, are targeted to become industrial and service growth poles, closely connected with Hanoi and the Northeastern provinces. The second priority focuses on strengthening education, training, science, and technology to build a high-quality workforce. Leveraging its reputation as a 'land of learning land' with numerous training institutions, the province aims to develop skilled workers for the high-tech sector and digital economy. Certification rates among trained workers will be further raised, while access to online public services will continue to expand. The province is currently in the top 10 nationwide in terms of local innovation index, leading the northern midland and mountainous region in digital transformation. Telecommunications infrastructure covers all industrial parks and universities with 5G, and fibre optic cables reach every village. The Big Data Centre at Yen Binh IT Park, developed in partnership with South Korean partners, will serve as a key pillar for the digital economy. Thai Nguyen has also secured 36 intellectual property protection certificates for speciality products, strengthening brand value. A third priority is fostering startups and expanding the private sector, recognised as a vital growth engine. By 2030, the province aims for private enterprises to contribute half of regional GDP and provide most employment, positioning the sector as a driver of sustainable development by 2045. The congress underscored the determination of Thai Nguyen Party Committee, authorities, and people of all ethnic groups to overcome challenges and deliver on the 20252030 goals, building Thai Nguyen into a dynamic centre for economics, education, training, and high-quality healthcare in the northern midlands and mountainous region. The first Congress of Thai Nguyen Party Committee, term 2025-2030, announced the Politburo's decision on appointing Thai Nguyen Party Committee members for the new term. Among them: - Trinh Viet Hung, Alternate Member of the Party Central Executive Committee, Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee - Nguyen Dang Binh, Standing Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee, Chairman of Thai Nguyen People's Council - Pham Hoang Son, Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee, Chairman of Thai Nguyen People's Committee - Dinh Quang Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of Thai Nguyen Party Committee, Chairman of Thai Nguyen Fatherland Front Committee Thai Nguyen accelerates industrial park expansion to boost investment Thai Nguyen is ramping up industrial infrastructure projects to lure foreign investment and drive growth, with major initiatives revealed ahead of National Day. Thai Nguyen aims for double-digit growth this year Thai Nguyen province is entering a phase of comprehensive breakthroughs, including infrastructure development and improvements to the investment environment, digital labor transformation, productivity, and support for local businesses. Thai Nguyen emerges as a catalyst for Vietnam's low-carbon future As the global economy accelerates its shift towards sustainability and carbon neutrality, Thai Nguyen province is positioning itself at the forefront of Vietnam's green transition. Thai Nguyen targets green and sustainable agricultural sector Thai Nguyen province is implementing comprehensive solutions to develop green, smart, and sustainable production zones, thereby enhancing the value of agricultural products and adapting to climate change.